Harvest Stage Research Articles

Changing Scenario of Groundnut Stem and Collar Rot Diseases in Major Groundnut Growing Areas of Telangana

A roving survey was carried out in major groundnut-growing regions of Telangana state during kharif 2020 and kharif 2021 season aimed to assess the incidence of stem rot (Sclerotium rolfsii) and collar rot (Aspergillus niger) disease. The study revealed varying disease incidences at different stages and locations. The highest per cent disease incidence of stem rot from vegetative stage (22.05%) was recorded in Kalvapalle village of Mahabubabad district while maximum collar rot incidence (10.57%) was recorded in Choppadandi village of Karimnagar district. Lowest stem rot (7.81%) and collar rot (3.27%) incidence was recorded in Varkal village of Nalgonda district and Chakalpalle village of Wanaparthy district. Conversely at harvest stage maximum stem rot incidence (9.04%) was observed in Venkatapur village of Warangal district and maximum collar rot incidence (4.31%) was observed in Gundyala village of Mahabubnagar district. Lowest stem rot incidence (1.41%) was recorded in Gurthur village of Mahabubabad district while Collar rot incidence (1.69%) was recorded in Kondapur village of Nalgonda district.

Influence of Harvesting Stages on Phytonutrients and Antioxidant Properties of Leaves of Five Purple-Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Genotypes.

Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are highly profitable, contribute to food security, and their leaves rich in phytonutrients. This study examined the optimal leaf harvesting stage by harvesting newly formed leaves (leaves 1 to 5) to achieve the highest concentration of carotenoids, phenolic compounds, antioxidant properties and mineral content. Leaves of five purple-fleshed sweet potato genotypes '2019-11-2' and '2019-1-1', 'Purple-purple', and from the USA '08-21P' and '16-283P' were harvested based on tuber life cycle [vegetative 8 weeks after planting (VS-8WAP), tuber initiation (TIS-12WAP), and tuber maturation phases (TMS-16WAP)]. At the 8WAP stage, leaves of genotype '2019-11-2' had the highest concentrations of cyanidin-caffeoyl-sophoroside-glucoside (17.64 mg/kg), cyanidin-caffeoyl-feruloyl-sophoroside-glucoside (41.51 mg/kg), peonidin-caffeoyl-hydroxybenzoyl-sophoriside-glucoside (45.25 mg/kg), and peonidin caffeoyl-feruloyl-sophoriside-glucoside (24.47 mg/kg), as well as antioxidant scavenging activity. In contrast, 'Purple-purple' harvested at TIS-12WAP showed the highest concentration of caffeoylquinic acid derivatives. Zeaxanthin, lutein, all trans-β-carotene, and cis-β-carotene are the most abundant carotenoids in genotype '08-21P' at VS-8WAP. As a result, local genotypes '2019-11-2' harvested at 8WAP and 'Purple-purple' harvested at 12WAP are potential sources of anthocyanins and caffeoylquinic acid derivatives. Conversely, USA's genotype '08-21P' at the VS-8WAP stage is an excellent source of carotenoids. The leaves of USA's '08-21P' genotype and the local '2019-11-2' genotype at TMS-16WAP exhibited the highest content of Fe and Mn, respectively. The study identified the optimal leaf stage for consumption of leaves and for use as a functional ingredient.

Widely targeted metabolomics analysis of Sanghuangporus vaninii mycelia and fruiting bodies at different harvest stages

Sanghuangprous vaninii is a medicinal macrofungus cultivated extensively in China. Both the mycelia and fruiting bodies of S. vaninii have remarkable therapeutic properties, but it remains unclear whether the mycelia may serve as a substitute for the fruiting bodies. Furthermore, S. vaninii is a perennial fungus with therapeutic components that vary significantly depending on the growing year of the fruiting bodies. Hence, it is critical to select an appropriate harvest stage for S. vaninii fruiting bodies for a specific purpose. With the aid of Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), metabolomics based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QQQ-MS) was used to preliminarily determine 81 key active metabolites and 157 active pharmaceutical metabolites in S. vaninii responsible for resistance to the six major diseases. To evaluate the substitutability of the mycelia and fruiting bodies of S. vaninii and to select an appropriate harvest stage for the fruiting bodies of S. vaninii, we analyzed the metabolite differences, especially active metabolite differences, among the mycelia and fruiting bodies during three different harvest stages (1-year-old, 2-year-old, and 3-year-old). Moreover, we also determined the most prominent and crucial metabolites in each sample of S. vaninii. These results suggested that the mycelia show promise as a substitute for the fruiting bodies of S. vaninii and that extending the growth year does not necessarily lead to higher accumulation levels of active metabolites in the S. vaninii fruiting bodies. This study provided a theoretical basis for developing and using S. vaninii.

Multifunctional 3D-printed composites based on biopolymeric matrices and tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum) waste for contextual fertilizer release and Cu(II) ions removal

The production of tomatoes faces significant challenges, including the high amount of waste generated during the harvest stage and copper-contaminated soil due to pesticide use. To address these issues and to promote a more sustainable agriculture, innovative biodegradable green composites for contextual controlled soil fertilization and Cu removal were produced by 3D-printing technology. These composites were made by incorporating NPK fertilizer flour and tomato plant waste particles (SLP) into three different biodegradable polymeric matrices: polylactic acid (PLA); a commercial blend of biodegradable co-polyesters (Mater-Bi®, MB) and their blend (MB/PLA, 50:50). Rheological characterization suggested the potential processability of all of the composites by FDM. Morphological analysis of printed samples confirmed the good dispersion of both filler and fertilizer, which also acted as reinforcement for MB and MB/PLA composites. SLP and NPK moduli were evaluated by powder nanoindentation and, for almost composites, the theoretical Halpin-Tsai model satisfactorily fitted the actual tensile moduli. The decrease in NPK fertilizer release rate and the increase in Cu(II) removal efficiency were achieved using whole 3D-printed composites. By selecting the appropriate matrix and incorporating SLP particles, it was possible to tune the NPK release rate and achieve copper absorption efficiency. Notably, MB samples containing SLP particles displayed the fastest release and the highest Cu(II) removal efficiency.Graphical abstract

Fresh-eating Lingzhi becomes possible: Comparative evaluation of nutritional and taste profile of Ganoderma tsugae at different fruiting body morphogenesis stages

Ganoderma tsugae is a significant mushroom with medicinal and dietary properties. However, it has not been used as dishes and fresh-eating food. In order to fully explore this rare mushroom resource, an in-depth investigation was conducted on the dynamic changes in various nutritional and taste indicators of G. tsugae for the first time. This study focused on an analysis of the nutritional components, mineral elements, non-volatile taste compounds, electronic tongue, and texture profile analysis of samples at six different morphogenesis stages (primordia stage, coloration stage, stipe differentiation stage, pileus differentiation stage, spore pre-ejection stage, late stage of spore ejection, respectively). The results indicated that the nutrient and mineral contents in primordia and coloration stage exhibited superior qualities compared to the other treatments. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed the differences and comprehensive evaluation in taste and nutritional value between different treatments. According to the analysis of the edibility and economic benefit of various samples, it has been determined that the optimal harvest stage for the fresh-eating G. tsugae is coloration stage. This finding serves as a fundamental basis for the development and utilization of fresh culinary lingzhi. It also provides essential data and a comprehensive reference for addressing the issue of raw materials in the production of Ganoderma products.

Quantitative Analysis of Fungal Contamination of Different Herbal Medicines in China.

Herbal medicines are widely used for clinical purposes worldwide. These herbs are susceptible to phytopathogenic fungal invasion during the culturing, harvesting, storage, and processing stages. The threat of fungal and mycotoxin contamination requires the evaluation of the health risks associated with these herbal medicines. In this study, we collected 138 samples of 23 commonly used herbs from 20 regions in China, from which we isolated a total of 200 phytopathogenic fungi. Through morphological observation and ITS sequencing, 173 fungal isolates were identified and classified into 24 genera, of which the predominant genera were Fusarium (27.74%) and Alternaria (20.81%), followed by Epicoccum (11.56%), Nigrospora (7.51%), and Trichocladium (6.84%). Quantitative analysis of the abundance of both Fusarium and Alternaria in herbal medicines via RT-qPCR revealed that the most abundant fungi were found on the herb Taraxacum mongolicum, reaching 300,000 copies/μL for Fusarium and 700 copies/μL for Alternaria. The in vitro mycotoxin productivities of the isolated Fusarium and Alternaria strains were evaluated by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and it was found that the Fusarium species mainly produced the acetyl forms of deoxynivalenol, while Alternaria species mainly produced altertoxins. These findings revealed widely distributed fungal contamination in herbal medicines and thus raise concerns for the sake of the quality and safety of herbal medicines.

Effect of Different Spacing Level and Growth Stages of Chekkurmanis (Sauropus androgynus L.) on Plant Growth

Background: Chekkurmanis, is a shrubby glabrous perennial green leafy vegetable, extensively grown in warm humid tropics. It is called as “Multivitamin / Multigreen” plant. Micronutrient deficiency has spread all over the world and it is termed as “Hidden Hunger”. In this regard, chekkurmanis is the chief source of many minerals and nutrients is help to eradicate these deficiencies. The yield enhancement and improvement on plant growth characters could be manipulated by adopting optimized cultural practices, especially plant spacing and stage of harvest. With the background, present study was taken up to examine the variations in morphologically; under different spacing’s in relation to different growth stages were assessed and discussed. Methods: The research study was carried during 2019-2020. The healthy rooted cuttings collected from Orchard, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The research trial consisted of two factors different spacing’s (Factor I) and specific days interval (Factor II). Result: Based on the results, it can be suggested that growth characters i.e. plant height, number of branches, number of leaves per plant and petiole length parameters were significantly higher under closer spacing at 180 days after planting (S1D3). While, Maximum leaf length, leaf breadth and plant spread were recorded under wider spacing at 180 days after planting (S5D3).

Forage yield, seed, and forage qualitative traits evaluation by determining the optimal forage harvesting stage in dual-purpose cultivation in safflower varieties (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

Abstract Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), adapted to arid and semiarid regions, is grown for seed and petal production, but the present study aimed to evaluate the possibility of simultaneous forage and seed production in the autumn and middle types of safflower varieties in dual-purpose cultivation in semiarid areas in the shortfall forage period. An experiment was done based on a randomized complete block design with nine treatments and three replications at the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran. The treatments included the cultivation of Parnian, Goldasht, and Golmehr varieties with the purpose of seed harvesting as control treatments; the same varieties (Parnian, Goldasht, and Golmehr), once with the aim of forage harvesting at 50% stem elongation stage and seed harvesting; and again with the aim of forage harvesting at 50% branching stage and seed harvesting. The results showed that forage harvesting at the 50% branching stage significantly increased the dry and fresh forage yield compared to the 50% stem elongation stage. The highest fresh and dry forage yields (DFY) (42,229 and 11,266 kg/ha) were related to the Golmehr variety at the 50% branching stage. Forage harvesting at the stem elongation stage decreased the crude protein, protein content, and digestibility compared to the branching stage in three safflower varieties. Parnian variety had the maximum seed yield (2,226 kg/ha) without forage harvesting. The highest seed yield in the second year (2018–2019) of the experiment belonged to the Golmehr variety (1,310 kg/ha) to harvest forage at 50% stem elongation (rapid stem growth) and seed harvest treatment, which compared to the first year (2017–2018), showed an increase of 25%. Finally, the forage harvested amount of all three varieties studied was higher in the branching stage than in the stem elongation stage. These results implied that the Golmehr variety (11,266 kg/ha DFY and 520 kg/ha seed yield) is for dual-purpose cultivation, and the Parnian variety (2,226 kg/ha seed yield) is suitable for only seed production for the semiarid region of Karaj in Iran and similar areas in terms of climate.

The delayed senescence in harvested blueberry by hydrogen-based irrigation is functionally linked to metabolic reprogramming and antioxidant machinery

Molecular hydrogen is beneficial for fruits quality improvement. However, the mechanism involved, especially cellular metabolic responses, has not been well established. Here, the integrated widely targeted metabolomics analysis (UPLC-MS/MS) and biochemical evidence revealed that hydrogen-based irrigation could orchestrate, either directly or indirectly, an array of physiological responses in blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) during harvesting stage, especially for the delayed senescence in harvested stage (4 °C for 12 d). The hubs to these changes are wide-ranging metabolic reprogramming and antioxidant machinery. A total of 1208 distinct annotated metabolites were identified, and the characterization of differential accumulated metabolites (DAMs) revealed that the reprogramming, particularly, involves phenolic acids and flavonoids accumulation. These changes were positively matched with the transcriptional profiles of representative genes for their synthesis during the growth stage. Together, our findings open a new window for development of hydrogen-based agriculture that increases the shelf-life of fruits in a smart and sustainable manner.

The Effects of Harvesting Period and Inoculant on Second-Crop Maize Silage Fermentative Quality

Southern Europe’s mutating weather conditions and the European environmental agenda have suggested the cropping of maize (Zea mays L.) after winter cereal cultivation, even if shortening the growing period could result in an immature harvesting stage, limiting its silage quality. The experimental design investigated the effects of four harvesting dry matter (DM) classes (DMvl, 23.9%; DMl, 25.3%; DMm, 26.2%; DMh, 30.4%) in two inoculant types (heterofermentative (HE) vs. homofermentative (HOM) on fermentative quality, DM losses, and aerobic stability. The early harvested DMvl and DMl classes had the lowest silage density (<130 kg m−3) and resulted in an organic acids profile lowering the fermentative quality and increasing the DM losses, while no differences were detected following the use of the inoculants. The aerobic stability was more susceptible to further adverse fermentation via opportunistic microorganisms in the DMm and DMh classes, probably due to the lower moisture content, but the use of both HE and HOM lactic acid bacteria seemed to contain this silage surface damage. In summary, a shortening of the maize growing period might limit the achievement of the maturity stage ideal for high-quality silage, hampering the positive effects of both HOM and HE inoculants in the ensiling process of early harvested maize.

Influence of Different Substrates on Nutrient Composition of Vermicompost and Vermiwash

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different substrates on nutrient composition of vermicompost and vermiwash at Division of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Pune during 2022-23. High density polyethylene beds of 12 X 4 X 2 feet size were used for production of vermicompost. While 200 liter capacity plastic barrels were employed for vermiwash preparation. There were five treatments of substrate combination like 25% rain tree litter (RTL) + 75% paddy straw spent mushroom compost (PSSMC); 50%tree litter+50% paddy straw spent mushroom compost (PSSMC); 75% tree litter+25% paddy straw spent mushroom compost (PSSMC); 100% rain tree litter, 100% paddy straw spent mushroom compost (PSSMC) were used for the preparation of vermicompost with earthworm Eisenia fetida and replicated four times in completely randomized block design. There were ten plastic barrels of above capacity were used for by using vermicompost prepared from different substrate combinations. The sampling, harvesting and characterization of vermiwash was done in duplicate for first and second harvest after incubation period of 15 days. Results showed that pH, EC, organic matter, C: N ratio, total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper in vermicompost were significantly influenced by different proportions of rain tree litter and paddy straw spent mushroom compost. C: N ratio of vermicompost prepared by using rain tree litter and paddy straw spent mushroom compost was ranged between 9.71 and 16.19. Significantly higher total nitrogen (2.31%), phosphorus (1.185%), potassium (0.863%), iron (1072 mg kg-1), manganese (231.50 mg kg-1), zinc (254 mg kg-1) and copper (54.25 mg kg-1) were noted in vermicompost from 100% rain tree litter. Significantly high EC (total soluble salts) at first and second harvest of vermiwash was reported when 100% rain tree litter compost and vermicompost as substrate used. Further, vermiwash prepared by using vermicompost from rain tree litter reported significantly higher nitrogen (0.65 and 0.51%), phosphorus (0.33 and 0.27%) and potassium (0.27 and 0.23%) content at both harvest respectively but higher content was in first harvest. Vermiwash prepared from 100% raintree litter vermicompost reported significantly higher Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu content at both harvesting stage.

Application of RGB UAV images to identify spectral patterns and estimate rice production

Monitoring rice plant growth is crucial for evaluating rice field management and yield production. RGB images are generated from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) with RGB cameras. UAVs produce high spatial and temporal resolution, while RGB cameras are commonly used and cheap. The objectives of this study were to identify the spectral pattern of rice plant growth and to estimate yield production based on the spectral value of RGB images. The spectral pattern and yield estimation were analyzed using confidence interval (CI) and regression, respectively. Results show that spectral pattern during the vegetative until ripening stage forms a concave with minimum value in the generative stage and decreases towards the harvest stage. Based on the CI value, the high interval between upper and lower happened in the vegetative and ripening stages while the low interval happened in the generative stage. The high CI in the vegetative and ripening stages was due to the soil background and complexity of the rice plant canopy, respectively while the low CI in the generative stage was due to the homogeneous response of the leaf canopy. The best rice yield estimation based on the spectral value occurs in the ripening stage with an R2 of 0.84. Keywords: chlorophyll content, confidence interval, drone images, rice plant, regression

Integrated phenotypic, transcriptomics and metabolomics: growth status and metabolite accumulation pattern of medicinal materials at different harvest periods of Astragalus Membranaceus Mongholicus

BackgroundAstragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Astragalus), acknowledged as a pivotal “One Root of Medicine and Food”, boasts dual applications in both culinary and medicinal domains. The growth and metabolite accumulation of medicinal roots during the harvest period is intricately regulated by a transcriptional regulatory network. One key challenge is to accurately pinpoint the harvest date during the transition from conventional yield content of medicinal materials to high and to identify the core regulators governing such a critical transition. To solve this problem, we performed a correlation analysis of phenotypic, transcriptome, and metabolome dynamics during the harvesting of Astragalus roots.ResultsFirst, our analysis identified stage-specific expression patterns for a significant proportion of the Astragalus root genes and unraveled the chronology of events that happen at the early and later stages of root harvest. Then, the results showed that different root developmental stages can be depicted by co-expressed genes of Astragalus. Moreover, we identified the key components and transcriptional regulation processes that determine root development during harvest. Furthermore, through correlating phenotypes, transcriptomes, and metabolomes at different harvesting periods, period D (Nov.6) was identified as the critical period of yield and flavonoid content increase, which is consistent with morphological and metabolic changes. In particular, we identified a flavonoid biosynthesis metabolite, isoliquiritigenin, as a core regulator of the synthesis of associated secondary metabolites in Astragalus. Further analyses and experiments showed that HMGCR, 4CL, CHS, and SQLE, along with its associated differentially expressed genes, induced conversion of metabolism processes, including the biosynthesis of isoflavones and triterpenoid saponins substances, thus leading to the transition to higher medicinal materials yield and active ingredient content.ConclusionsThe findings of this work will clarify the differences in the biosynthetic mechanism of astragaloside IV and calycosin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside accumulation between the four harvesting periods, which will guide the harvesting and production of Astragalus.

Pre- and post-storage applications of rhamnolipids and cyprodinil + fludioxonil against Aspergillus section Nigri population and ochratoxin A contamination of grapes

Grapevines constitute a very important crop in Greece and ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination of grapes is one of the most serious problems. The main aim of this study was to investigate the fungicidal activity of the fungicide Switch 62.5WG (37.5% v/v cyprodinil + 25% v/v fludioxonil) and Rhapynal (80% rhamnolipids) to reduce the black Aspergillus spp. (section Nigri) population and OTA contamination of grapes grown in Greece. Applications with the above products were conducted both at the harvesting stage and after cold storage. The results showed that pre-harvest applications with Switch 62.5WG or Switch 62.5WG + Rhapynal generally reduced the black Aspergillus spp. population, but not the OTA contamination of grapes. However, a repeated application after cold storage further reduced the black Aspergillus spp. population and significantly reduced the OTA contamination of grapes. Generally, this study showed that it is possible to reduce the black Aspergillus spp. population, but not the ochratoxin A contamination of grapes by spray applications with the fungicide Switch 62.5WG. However, fungicide application to grapes immediately after cold storage (2 months) could reduce ochratoxin A contamination of grapes and further reduce the black Aspergillus spp. population.

Fertigation-Driven Optimization of Growth Characters in Banana (Musa acuminate AAA) cv. Red Banana

The main aim of the study was to standardize the fertigation schedule and nutrient levels for growth enhancement in red banana. The study was conducted at the Department of Fruit Science College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during 2021-2023. The statistical design used was factorial Randomized Block Design replicated thrice with 12 plants per plot at a spacing of 2.1m x 2.1 m laid out with 12 treatment combinations of 4 different nutrient levels (60%, 80%, 100%and 120% RD of N and K) and 3 fertigation schedule (equal splits at weekly interval, at fortnightly interval, and according to the growth stage of the crop) and a control (KAU POP recommendation). Soil test based on fertilizer recommendation was derived based on KAU POP (200:200:400 g plant-1 year-1). Farm yard manure was applied as organic source at 10 kg plant-1) and P (200 g plant-1) to all treatments as basal. Water soluble fertilizers used included Urea as nitrogen source and Muriate of Potash as potassium source;. Data was collected from pseudo stem height, girth, number of leaves, leaf index, leaf area, days to shooting, time taken from shooting to harvest and crop duration. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance. The highest pseudostem height (310.53 cm) and girth (89.30 cm) was observed with the interactive effect of 120% of the recommended dose of N and K applied according to the crop growth stage) which was on par with F2S3(80% of the recommended dose of N and K applied according to the crop growth stage) at flowering stage. The total functional leaf area was maximum on F3S3 at the flowering (23.86 m2) and harvest stage (21.50 m2). Data on days to shooting (363 days), shoot to harvest (89 days) and total crop duration (452 days) in red banana showed that the interaction effect F2S3 has taken the least number of days. In conclusion the growth characters were observed to be better at 80% recommended dose of N and K with split application according to the growth stage of the crop .

Postharvest practices and loss determinants for interventions among smallholder potato farmers in Tiyo district, Arsi zone, Ethiopia

Postharvest loss reduction, which will contribute to several sustainable development goals (SDGs) including SDG 1, 2, 3, 9, 12 and 13, is an important strategy for food and nutrition security. It requires interventions designed based on timely and reliable statistical data. However, lack of produce-specific loss data and associated factors along the postharvest value chain stages remains a challenge to implement appropriate interventions. Therefore, a survey was conducted on socio-demographic characteristics, postharvest practices, extent and causes of losses, and factors influencing postharvest loss of potato crops in Tiyo district of Arsi Zone, Ethiopia in 2022. A multistage sampling method was used to select a total of 209 smallholder potato farming household heads through a combination of purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Quantitative data collection was carried out online using computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) by programming a semi-structured questionnaire in KoboCollect software for tablets. Descriptive statistics and ordinal probit regression model were used to analyze the collected data and determinant factors influencing postharvest loss of potatoes at various farm-level stages, respectively. An aggregate of 15-46% loss exists between harvesting and marketing. Losses during harvesting, sorting, cleaning, packaging, field-to-storage transport, storage, and storage-to-market transport were 58.9%, 6.2%, 2.9%, 2.4%, 3.8%, 20.1%, and 5.7%, respectively. Elevated loss during harvesting and storage in the area is likely to reflect poor handling and storage practices. The primary causes of losses were poor harvesting and handling techniques, poor storage facility, and insects and worms. Moreover, regression model estimations of categorical losses, as perceived by farmers, reveal that socio-demographic variables and postharvest factors influenced potato loss. During the harvest stage, working family members significantly (p<0.01) increased loss while years of schooling (p<0.05) significantly reduced loss. In addition, harvesting using leaf color change observation as a criterion had significantly (p<0.01) mitigated potato loss. In storage, female respondents (p<0.05), land size (p<0.05), and lack of training (p<0.1) had accentuated loss. During transport, the age of household reduced (p<0.1) loss whereas farming experience promoted (p<0.1) it. To reduce the existing losses, farmers’ awareness should be increased concerning each stage. The study recommends the need for stakeholders’ intervention focusing on postharvest knowledge and skill capacity building, demonstration of simple innovative ventilated storage construction using locally available materials, appropriate packaging (such as reusable plastic crates) and transport methods, and simple value addition methods (such as potato drying using indirect solar dryers and potato flour processing for fortifying local cereals). Key words: CAPI, Ethiopia, ordinal probit regression, postharvest practices, potato loss determinants

Spatial and agronomic stage distribution dynamics of maize stem borers (Lepidoptera) in the Agricultural development Zone B of Niger State, Nigeria

Maize farmers in Nigeria have been facing challenges as efforts towards the cultivation of maize is seriously hampered by insect pest infestation in maize fields, of which stem borers are a major culprit. The study was carried out to identify the species of stem borers present and their abundance in Agricultural development Zone B of Niger State. Farm sites located in Beji, Chanchaga, Paiko and Shanu, were selected and sampled for stem borers, during vegetative, reproductive and harvest stages of the field maize crops. Identification was done using standard taxonomic keys. The results indicated the presence of three species of stem borer belonging to three families. A species each from Noctuidae, Crambidae and Pyralidae consisting of Busseola fusca (n = 1639, 68.24%), Chilo partellus (n = 160, 6.66%) and Eldana saccharina (n = 603, 25.10%) respectively. Generally, all sites had two species of the stem borer (B. fusca and E. saccharina) present in all growth stages of the maize plant during the destructive sampling with the exception of Chilo partellus that was rarely found; occurring only in one site (Beji), all amounting to a total of 2402 stem borers collected during the study period. Among all the growth stages of the maize plants in all sampled sites the level of infestation varied significantly (p< 0.05), in an increasing order: vegetative stage < reproductive stage < harvest stage of the maize plants. The findings of this study suggest that there is a serious stem borer pest infestation in the maize farms of Agricultural development Zone B of Niger state that could pose threats to maize (Zea mays) production in the area; thus, requiring urgent interventions on the parts of all stakeholders.

Evaluating Little Millet (Panicum sumatrense L.) Based Intercropping System on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Status of Soil under Rainfed Condition

Aims: To determine the suitable component crop and its row pattern for enhancing growth and yield of little millet under intercropping system. Study Design: Randomized complete Block Design (RBD). Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was carried out during the rabi season from October 2023 – January 2024 at Instructional north farm in Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Methodology: This field experiment consists of 3 replications with eleven treatments viz., T1 – Little millet sole crop, T2 – Little millet + black gram (4:1), T3 – Little millet + black gram (6:1), T4 – Little millet + green gram (4:1), T5 – Little millet + green gram (6:1), T6 – Little millet + redgram (4:1), T7 – Little millet + redgram (6:1), T8 – Little millet + cowpea (4:1), T9 – Little millet + cowpea (6:1), T10 – Little millet + bengal gram (4:1), T11 – Little millet + bengal gram (6:1). Results: The results of the experiment showed that T2 little millet + black gram (4:1) recorded the higher growth parameters like plant height (127.6 and 133.6 cm at 60 DAS and at harvest stage) and LAI of 5.23 and 4.84 at 60 DAS and at harvest stage, respectively and also produced higher yield parameters like no.of tillers plant-1 (9) and no.of productive tillers (8) with higher grain and stover yield of 1326 and 4109 kg ha-1 and it is statistically parallel with T4 little millet + green gram (4:1). And also, nutrient uptake was highest (N – 40.8, P – 5.7 and K – 33.5 kg ha-1) in little millet + black gram (6:1). Regarding the post harvest soil fertility status, little millet + cowpea (4:1) registered the highest available NPK (339, 47.6 and 197 kg ha-1). Therefore, intercropping of black gram or green gram with little millet under rainfed condition would be the ideal recommendation.

Straw-derived biochar incorporation improves seedcotton yield and fiber quality by optimizing photosynthetic carbon and nutrients partitioning and boll formation patterns

Synergistic improvement of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yield and quality is necessary to meet the demands of the textile industry. Straw or biochar addition has been shown to increase boll number and hence yield, while optimizing reproductive growth processes (e.g., accelerating boll formation during the effective boll-setting period) is essential for improving fiber quality. However, it remains unclear how straw and biochar affect boll formation dynamics and whether they can simultaneously improve cotton yield and fiber quality. In order to reveal the mechanism of simultaneous improvement of cotton yield and quality, this study investigated the responses of plant photosynthetic carbon allocation, bud and boll dynamics, seedcotton yield, and fiber quality to different straw returning modes. A 7- year field experiment was performed with four straw treatments: no straw or biochar addition (CK); straw-derived biochar incorporation (SBI); straw incorporation (SI); and straw mulching (SM). The results suggested that SBI, SI and SM remarkably increased the seedcotton yield (24.5–30.7 %, 12.6–20.4 % and 4.7 %-11.0 %), fiber length (3.6–6.7 %, 4.0–9.5 % and 2.4–7.1 %) and fiber strength (8.0–13.0 %, 6.2–10.7 % and 4.4–5.7 %) from 2019 to 2021, compared with CK. There was a strong consistency between seedcotton yield and fiber strength among straw returning modes, and were highest under SBI, followed by SI and SM. Compared with CK, SBI significantly increased nutrients and photosynthetic carbon accumulation in cotton plant, and enhanced their distribution proportion in reproductive organs. This increased the number of fruiting branches, number of fruiting sites and ratio of fruiting sites to fruiting branches, accelerated budding and reduced the shedding rate of buds and bolls. Finally, SBI obtained the highest boll forming rate during the boll formation stage, as well as the highest effective boll number at the harvest stage. Overall, returning straw-derived biochar into soils optimized the allocation of nutrients and photosynthetic carbon in cotton plant, and accelerated the formation of cotton bolls from peak flowering stage to peak boll setting stage, thereby improving seedcotton yield and fiber quality. This work provides practical guidance for improving seedcotton yield, fiber quality, and the utilization of straw resources.

EFFECT OF MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND HARVESTING STAGE ON BOTANICAL COMPOSITION, BIOMASS YIELD, AND NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF NATURAL PASTURE UNDER TRADITIONAL LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION SYSTEM IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF ETHIOPIA

<p><em><strong>Background: </strong></em>Natural pasture is an essential source of livestock feed worldwide, particularly in Ethiopia. Though pastureland coverage and management practices are changing over time, studies are limited in addressing the status under the dynamics of smallholder management conditions. <em><strong>Objective:</strong> To evaluate natural pasture botanical composition, biomass yield, and nutritional value under different management and stages of harvesting in the central highlands of Ethiopia. <strong>Methodology:</strong> The pasture was harvested at three stages (pre-flowering, mid-flowering, and after full flowering) under different management (extensive, semi-intensive where urea was used as a fertilizer, and seasonal grazing). Quadrats of 0.25 m<sup>2</sup> were used for herbaceous species identification, biomass yield estimation and nutritive value analysis. Chemical composition of the samples were analyzed using Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy</em>. <strong>Results:</strong> Thirty-one herbaceous species were identified (38.71% grasses, 19.35% legumes, 9.67% sedges, and 32.26% forbs), which belong to 11 families.<em> </em>The total biomass yield under semi-intensive management practice at full maturity stage was greater than seasonally grazed and extensively managed pasture. The species richness, species evenness Shannon-Wiener diversity (H’ max) and maximum possible diversity (H’max) were similar (P>0.05) under all management practices. <em>Natural pasture </em>condition score was fair under seasonal grazing, while the score was excellent under extensive and semi-intensive management. Metabolizable energy (ME), and <em>in vitro</em> organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) were higher (P<0.5) under extensive management compared to the semi-intensive management. The pasture harvested at the pre-flowering stage had higher (P<0.05) CP content, IVOMD, and ME, but low neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and acid detergent lignin values. <strong>Implications:</strong> The findings provide new insights into improving the biomass yield and quality of the pasture in semi-intensive pastureland management, and harvesting after the full flowering stage. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> <em>This study recommended</em> semi-intensive management and harvesting after the full flowering stage for higher pasture biomass yield, pasture condition, and nutritional value in the highlands of Ethiopia. Further study is required to investigate the combined effects of fertilizer (organic, inorganic) application and other management on biomass yield and quality of natural pasture in similar and other areas in the highlands of Ethiopia. </p><iframe class="ginger-extension-synonympopup" style="left: 134.956px; top: 88.8px; z-index: 56; padding: 0px; visibility: hidden; height: 152px;" src="chrome-extension://kdfieneakcjfaiglcfcgkidlkmlijjnh/ginger-popup/index.html"></iframe>