High Grain Research Articles

Variation in Grain Mineral Concentrations of 63 Common Bean Genotypes Planted at Malkerns, Eswatini, in Africa

ABSTRACTLow soil mineral concentrations are a major limitation to the nutritional quality of grain crops produced in Africa. As a result, 232 million people are suffering from microelement deficiency and 239 million from protein‐calorie malnutrition in Africa. This study evaluated the nutritional quality of common bean grain harvested from 63 genotypes planted at Malkerns in Eswatini. The results showed significantly marked differences in the concentrations of 10 dietarily important nutrient elements. Of the macronutrients, Na levels showed the highest variation (12.00–91.00 mg/g) among the 63 bean genotypes, followed by K (14.03–22.03 mg/g) and P (3.30–9.57 mg/g), with Mg (1.57–2.30 mg/g) and Ca (0.80–2.68 mg/g) concentrations exhibiting the least difference among the bean genotypes. Of the micronutrients, Fe levels revealed the highest variation (66.36–151.08 mg/kg), followed by Zn (23.57–70.72 mg/kg) and Mn (11.53–26.84 mg/kg), with B (10.06–17.65 mg/kg) and Cu (6.30–13.67 mg/kg) exhibiting relatively lower differences among the 63 common bean genotypes. However, genotype NUC 461 recorded the highest grain concentrations of P, K, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, and B, followed by DAB 155, which also revealed high levels of P, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, and Mn in its seeds. For improved human health and nutrition, the two bean genotypes would be the ideal candidates to recommend to commercial bean growers and resource‐poor farmers. However, the mechanisms underlying the greater accumulation of six to seven dietarily important nutrient elements by genotypes NUC 461 and DAB 155 remain to be determined.

Critical yield components for achieving high annual grain yield in ratoon rice.

Ratoon rice is considered an eco-friendly and resource-efficient method for rice cultivation, providing innovative strategies to mitigate the global food crisis. To clarify the critical yield components for achieving high annual grain yield in ratoon rice, data from 136 widely cultivated rice cultivars were collected through a six-year field experiment. The study analyzed the correlations between yield components and yields for both the main season and the ratoon season, indicating that main yields vary between 5.9 and 10.9 Mg ha-1, exhibiting a highly significant positive correlation with spikelets per panicle; ratoon yields range from 1.8 to 7.1 Mg ha-1, showing a highly significant positive correlation with panicles per m2, grain filling rate, and 1000-grain weight. Path analysis reveals that, in terms of contributing to ratoon yield, the grain filling rate is the most influential component, followed by panicles per m2, and 1000-grain weight. Therefore, by selecting large-panicle cultivars in the main season and enhancing panicles per m2, grain filling rate, and grain weight in the ratoon season, high annual yield in ratoon rice can be realized.

Exploring Novel Genomic Loci and Candidate Genes Associated with Plant Height in Bulgarian Bread Wheat via Multi-Model GWAS.

In the context of crop breeding, plant height (PH) plays a pivotal role in determining straw and grain yield. Although extensive research has explored the genetic control of PH in wheat, there remains an opportunity for further advancements by integrating genomics with growth-related phenomics. Our study utilizes the latest genome-wide association scan (GWAS) techniques to unravel the genetic basis of temporal variation in PH across 179 Bulgarian bread wheat accessions, including landraces, tall historical, and semi-dwarf modern varieties. A GWAS was performed with phenotypic data from three growing seasons, the calculated best linear unbiased estimators, and the leveraging genotypic information from the 25K Infinium iSelect array, using three statistical methods (MLM, FarmCPU, and BLINK). Twenty-five quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with PH were identified across fourteen chromosomes, encompassing 21 environmentally stable quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs), and four haplotype blocks. Certain loci (17) on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 1D, 2A, 2D, 3A, 3B, 4A, 5B, 5D, and 6A remain unlinked to any known Rht (Reduced height) genes, QTL, or GWAS loci associated with PH, and represent novel regions of potential breeding significance. Notably, these loci exhibit varying effects on PH, contribute significantly to natural variance, and are expressed during seedling to reproductive stages. The haplotype block on chromosome 6A contains five QTN loci associated with reduced height and two loci promoting height. This configuration suggests a substantial impact on natural variation and holds promise for accurate marker-assisted selection. The potentially novel genomic regions harbor putative candidate gene coding for glutamine synthetase, gibberellin 2-oxidase, auxin response factor, ethylene-responsive transcription factor, and nitric oxide synthase; cell cycle-related genes, encoding cyclin, regulator of chromosome condensation (RCC1) protein, katanin p60 ATPase-containing subunit, and expansins; genes implicated in stem mechanical strength and defense mechanisms, as well as gene regulators such as transcription factors and protein kinases. These findings enrich the pool of semi-dwarfing gene resources, providing the potential to further optimize PH, improve lodging resistance, and achieve higher grain yields in bread wheat.

Efficiency of paclobutrazol and gibberellic acid in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under different doses of nitrogen fertilization

Application of growth regulators like paclobutrazol and gibberellic acid is a suitable way to prevent excessive nitrogen consumption. Therefore, this 2-year research was conducted in Karaj, Iran. This research was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications in a split-plot arrangement in 2019–2021. Treatments included nitrogen at three levels: (60, 105 and 150 kg ha−1) which were placed in the main plots. The second factor was the foliar application of growth regulators at three levels: [gibberellic acid (100 ppm), paclobutrazol (200 ppm) and control]. The results showed that application of paclobutrazol and gibberellic acid raised super wheat yield and quality compared to control. The highest biological yield (27.67 ton ha−1), was observed in the interaction of nitrogen 150 kg ha−1 + gibberellic acid in the second year, which was the same with nitrogen 150 kg ha−1 + gibberellic acid in the first year and also interaction of nitrogen 150 kg ha−1 + paclobutrazol in the second year. The highest grain protein (14.69%) was seen in nitrogen 150 kg ha−1 + gibberellic acid in the second year and nitrogen 150 kg ha−1 + gibberellic acid in the first year. Growth regulators usage and increasing the nitrogen content (150 kg ha−1), improved the yield and grain quality of wheat. Therefore, the interaction of nitrogen 150 kg ha−1 + gibberellic acid and nitrogen 150 kg ha−1 +paclobutrazol, were the best treatments of this study, due to the creation of suitable environmental conditions for wheat, and these treatments can be suggested to the farmers.

Effect of austenitizing temperature on variant selection of martensite transformation in a 2 GPa grade steel

The correlation of prior austenite grain (PAG) size, mechanical properties, and the variant selection in martensite transformation of a 2 GPa grade automobile steel has been systematically investigated by using a combination of scaning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and uniaxial tesile tests. As the austenitizing temperature decreases from 970 °C to 870 °C, the as-quenched microstructure of the studied steel is fully lath martensite. Meanwhile, the average size of PAG is refined from 7.2 ± 3.9 μm to 2.1 ± 1.2 μm, and the volume fraction of high angle grain boundaries (HAGB) is increased from 59.8% to 72.3%, accompanied with an increased number fraction of grains belonging to closely spaced planes (CP) group. With the refinement of the PAGs, the martensitic variant selectivity becomes strong, and the Bain group variant selection discretely transites to the CP group, resulting in a dominate CP group. Consequently, a tensile strength of 2014 ± 33 MPa, a tensile elongtation of 12.9 ± 0.5% and a maximum strength × ductility production of 26.0 ± 1.4 GPa·%, are obtained when the austenitization temperature is at 920 °C.

Grain boundary engineering for efficient and durable electrocatalysis

Grain boundaries in noble metal catalysts have been identified as critical sites for enhancing catalytic activity in electrochemical reactions such as the oxygen reduction reaction. However, conventional methods to modify grain boundary density often alter particle size, shape, and morphology, obscuring the specific role of grain boundaries in catalytic performance. This study addresses these challenges by employing gold nanoparticle assemblies to control grain boundary density through the manipulation of nanoparticle collision frequency during synthesis. We demonstrate a direct correlation between increased grain boundary density and enhanced two-electron oxygen reduction reaction activity, achieving a significant improvement in both specific and mass activity. Additionally, the gold nanoparticle assemblies with high grain boundary density exhibit remarkable electrochemical stability, attributed to boron segregation at the grain boundaries, which prevents structural degradation. This work provides a promising strategy for optimizing the activity, selectivity, and stability of noble metal catalysts through precise grain boundary engineering.

Effect of seed priming and seed rate on the performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum)

A field experiment was carried out to determine the impact of different seed rates and priming strategies on germination percentage, growth attributes and yield of wheat. The experiment comprised of twelve treatments i.e. dry seed surface seeding; 12 hour soaked seed surface seeding; seed priming with 1% KNO3 and seed priming with 1% CaCl2 at 100, 125 and 150 kg/ha seed rate. The results indicated that highest final germination percentage (84 %) at 10 DAS was found with seed priming with 1% CaCl2 at 100 kg/ha seed rate. The tallest plant was observed with seed priming with 1% CaCl2 at 150 kg/ha seed rate. However, number of tiller/m2 and dry matter accumulation was recorded maximum with seed priming with 1% CaCl2 at 150 kg/ha seed rate, which was 7.27% and 20% higher compared to number of tillers/m2 and dry matter accumulation under dry seed surface seeding with 100 kg/ha seed rate respectively. Among different treatments, highest grain yield (4662 kg/ha) and straw yield (5694 kg/ha) were found with seed priming with 1% CaCl2 at 150 kg/ha seed rate. Similarly, maximum gross (₹114851/ha) and net (₹76884/ha) returns were obtained in seed priming with 1% CaCl2 at 150 kg/ha seed rate but highest B: C ratio (3.09) obtained with seed priming with 1% CaCl2 at 125 kg/ha seed rate. Hence, adopting seed priming strategies at different seed rates can improve growth and yield of wheat.

Bio-efficacy of herbicides on weeds in direct-seeded rice in Konkan region of India

Rice cultivation by direct seeding is viewed as both cost and labor-saving practice and becoming popular alter- native to transplanting. Weeds are a more serious problem in DSR than in transplanted rice. The field experimen- tal is conducted to evaluate the bio -efficacy of pre and post – emergence herbicides, hand-weeding on weed con- trol, yield components, yield and their economic feasibility for cost effective weed control in direct seeded rice. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and seven treatments, viz. Pre-emer- gence oxadiargyl 80% WP @ 100 g/ha, Pre-emergence oxadiargyl 80% WP @ 100 g/ha fb HW at 30 DAS, oxadiargyl 80% WP (PE) @ 100 g/ha fb Post-emergence bispyribac- Na @ 25 g/ha at 25 DAS, Pre-emergence oxadiargyl 80% WP @ 100 g/ha fb Post-emergence metasulfuron- methyl + chlorimuron – ethyl @ 4 g/ha at 25 DAS, Pre-emergence oxadiargyl 80% WP @ 100 g/ha fb Post-emergence carfentrazone ethyl 40% @ 25 g/ha at 25 DAS. Weed density under weedy check (WC) situation showed that monocot weeds (grasses and sedges) were more pre-dominant wherein grasses and sedges constituted 74.80% and 11.48%, respectively, BLWs 14.20% of total weed density at 60 DAS of crop. Amongst the herbicide treatments, application of Oxadiargyl (PE) @ 100 g/ha fb HW at 30 DAS recorded significantly lowest number of weeds/m2, dry weight/m2. The highest grain yield (4.02 t/ha) and benefit cost (1.48) were recorded with the pre-emergence application of Oxadiargyl (PE) @ 100 g/ha fb HW at 30 DAS.

Genome-wide identification of the endonuclease family genes implicates potential roles of TaENDO23 in drought-stressed response and grain development in wheat

BackgroundEndonucleases play a crucial role in plant growth and stress response by breaking down nuclear DNA. However, the specific members and biological functions of the endonuclease encoding genes in wheat remain to be determined.ResultsIn this study, we identified a total of 26 TaENDO family genes at the wheat genome-wide level. These genes were located on chromosomes 2 A, 2B, 2D, 3 A, 3B, and 3D and classified into four groups, each sharing similar gene structures and conserved motifs. Furthermore, we identified diverse stress-response and growth-related cis-elements in the promoter of TaENDO genes, which were broadly expressed in different organs, and several TaENDO genes were significantly induced under drought and salt stresses. We further examined the biological function of TaENDO23 gene since it was rapidly induced under drought stress and exhibited high expression in spikes and grains. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that TaENDO23 was localized in the cytoplasm of wheat protoplasts. qRT-PCR results indicated that the expression of TaENDO23 increased under PEG6000 and abscisic acid treatments, but decreased under NaCl treatment. TaENDO23 mainly expressed in leaves and spikes. A kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) marker was developed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms in TaENDO23 gene in 256 wheat accessions. The alleles with TaENDO23-HapI haplotypes had higher grain weight and size compared to TaENDO23-HapII. The geographical and annual frequency distributions of the two TaENDO23 haplotypes revealed that the elite haplotype TaENDO23-HapI was positively selected in the wheat breeding process.ConclusionWe systematically analyzed the evolutionary relationships, gene structure characteristics, and expression patterns of TaENDO genes in wheat. The expression of TaENDO23, in particular, was induced under drought stress, mainly expressed in the leaves and grains. The KASP marker of TaENDO23 gene successfully distinguished between the wheat accessions, revealing TaENDO23-HapI as the elite haplotype associated with improved grain weight and size. These findings provide insights into the evolution and characteristics of TaENDO genes at the genome-wide level in wheat, laying the foundation for further biological analysis of TaENDO23 gene, especially in response to drought stress and grain development.

Evaluation of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Varieties for Yield and Chocolate Spot (Botrytis fabae) Disease in Western Tigray, Ethiopia

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) has an important pulse crop in Ethiopian. It is consumed in various forms and contributes to soil fertility improvement. However, its production and productivity are challenged by biotic and abiotic constraints. Chocolate spot is known as Botrytis fabae, is a significant biotic constraint that negatively impacts faba bean crops in highland areas of western Tigray. The aim of the study mentioned was to assess faba bean varieties for their grain yield and resistance to chocolate spot disease under field conditions. Field experiment was conducted at Welkayt and Tsegedie district during 2017 cropping season using five released faba bean varieties and one local check. Treatments were evaluated with RCBD and replicated three times. There was significant difference (p<0.01) among tested faba bean varieties and lactation, while, interaction effect of varieties and lactation were non-significant variation (p<0.05). In the analysis conducted on grain yield from different varieties, it was observed that the variety Hachalu achieved the highest grain yield at 632kg/ha, followed closely by Tumsa with a yield of 611.8kg/ha. While, minimum yield was obtained from variety Obse (384.3kg/ha) at Welkayt. Similarly, in Tsegedie maximum yield was calculated from variety Tumsa (339.8kg/ha) and Hachalu (334.4kg/ha), respectively. Minimum yield was obtained from variety Obse (238.8kg/ha). There was significant variation among faba bean varieties in terms of PSI at a significance level of P<0.05, while disease incidence did not show significant differences among the varieties tested. Lowest mean disease severity was recorded from varieties Hachalu (15%) followed by Tumsa (17.7%). However, Highest mean value was recorded from Obse variety (30.02%) at Welkayt. Similarly, in Tsegedie lowest disease severity was recorded from varieties Hachalu (28.7%) and Tumsa (28.8%). Highest mean value recorded from varieties Obse (susceptible) (50.13). There was positively and significant correlation among yield and Agronomic traits. However, there was negatively significant yield with PSI at both locations. Varieties with low disease severity are useful in breeding program aimed at developing with higher resistance of chocolate spot disease.

Effect of zinc management on yield, nutrient content, and acquisition of zero-tilled wheat (Triticum aestivum)

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season 2018–19 and 2019–20 at Khalsa College, Amritsar, Punjab to find out the effect of soil and foliar application of ZnSO4 .7H2 O on zero till wheat. The experi- ment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments were control (noZn), soil application of 12.5, 25, 37.5, 50 kg/ha zinc sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO4 .7H2 O), and foliar application of 0.5% Zn as one spray at heading initiation (5% ear emergence), one spray at 100% heading (complete ear emergence) and two sprays at heading initiation and 100% heading with a recommended dose of fertilizer. Results showed that the soil application of 50 kg Zn/ha with two foliar sprays of 0.5% zinc sulfate heptahydrate at heading initiation and 100% heading produced the highest yield attributes and grain yield of wheat. Application of 50 kg Zn/ ha with two foliar sprays of 0.5 % Zn at heading initiation and 100% heading registered ~25% higher grain yield over control. Grain Zn content (41.77ppm) percent increase was 33.9 with 50 kg Zn/ha with two foliar sprays of 0.5 % zinc at heading initiation and 100% heading over control (31.20 ppm).Likewise, application of 50 kg Zn/ha with two foliar sprays of 0.5 % Zn at heading initiation and 100% heading recorded the highest net returns among the Zn treatments. Overall, soil application of 50 kg Zn/ha with two foliar sprays of 0.5 % zinc at heading initiation and 100% heading improved the yield, uptake, and profitability of zero-tilled wheat in zinc-deficient soils.

Nitrogen use efficiency of open-pollinated maize cultivars and topcrosses under low nitrogen soil

The study was conducted to evaluate the nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) of open-pollinated maize cultivars under low nitrogen soil conditions. It took place at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority in Ilorin, Nigeria, during the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. The nitrogen treatments (0, 45, and 90 kg N ha⁻1) were assigned as the main plots, while the genotypes were designated as sub-plots in a split-plot design. The NUE of open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) and Topcrosses significantly increased with the application of 45 kg of nitrogen per hectare compared to 0 kg. Similarly, the maize grain yield for both OPVs and Topcrosses ranged from 1.40 to 3.57 t ha⁻1 and from 1.07 to 2.64 t ha⁻1 across the two years with the application of 45 kg of nitrogen per hectare compared to 0 kg. With the exception of days to 50 % silking, all other traits tested exhibited a significant correlation with grain yield. A gene pool for tolerance to low nitrogen may have been present in the cultivars Dmr-Esr Y Cif 2 and Acr 95 Tze Comp 4C3, which combined well with other cultivars to produce high grain yield and NUE. Topcrosses, including Ev Dt-Y 2000 Str C0 × Tze-W Dt Str C4, Dmr-Esr Y Cif 2 × Acr 95 Tze Comp 4C3, Ak 95 Dmr-Esrw × Tzb Rel D4 CO-W, Dmr-Esr Y Cif 2 × Tze-W Dt Str C4, and Br 9922 Dmr Sr × Ev Dt-Y 2000 Str C0, also demonstrated strong potential for maize grain yield and NUE. This suggests that these crosses could serve as promising candidates for developing low nitrogen tolerance in maize for low nitrogen soil environments. A positive relationship between fertilizer levels, NUE, and grain yield indicates that proper nitrogen fertilizer management can enhance both NUE and the grain yield of maize genotypes. Genetic analysis revealed that both phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and environmental variance (δ2p) were higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and genetic variance (δ2g), suggesting that environmental influences were more significant than genetic factors for the tested traits. Consequently, improving these traits may be achieved by manipulating environmental conditions.

PRODUCCIÓN Y RENTABILIDAD DE MAÍCES NATIVOS AZULES BAJO DIFERENTES DENSIDADES DE POBLACIÓN Y RÉGIMENES HÍDRICOS

<p><strong>Background:</strong> It is necessary to increase maize production due to the increase in global food demand. Producers in Mexico prefer to grow native varieties of maize, which have a wide genetic diversity that has not been fully studied. These native maize are being lost due in part to their low yields, as well as their low or no profitability. Despite this, in this germplasm it is possible the presence of genotypes that show high grain production and economic gains. Increasing plant density can be a viable strategy that contributes to improving the production systems of these native maize. <strong>Objective</strong>: To analyze the agronomic behavior and profitability of blue native maize genotypes in two population densities and two water regimes. <strong>Methodology</strong>: The study was carried out in the spring summer 2022 cycle in Nuevo León, Mexico (24°19'11.4"N, 99°56'34.8"W, 1980 m.a.s.l.). The treatments were the combination of four genotypes (Mimbres, Ascensión, Siberia and a Hybrid as a control), two water regimes (irrigated and rainfed) and two population densities (62,500 and 83,333 plants ha<sup>-1</sup>), which were distributed in a random complete block design with split-split plot design. Analysis of variance, Pearson correlation and principal components were carried out to understand the behavior and relationship between variables. <strong>Results</strong>: Grain yield was 38% higher in irrigation compared to rainfed. Increasing the density to 83,333 plants ha<sup>-1</sup> also contributed to increasing grain yield and economic profitability, only in native maize. The number of grains per m<sup>2</sup> and grain weight per ear were the components that were mostly associated with the benefit-cost ratio and grain yield. <strong>Implications</strong>: The native maize studied are important genetic resources with a favorable response to high plant density, therefore, increasing the density to 83,333 plants ha<sup>-1</sup> is a strategy that could be explored to increase grain production and profitability of native maize, in addition, this proposal could be more easily adopted by producers, since it would not significantly affect their production cost. <strong>Conclusions</strong>: It was feasible to cultivate native maize at a density of 83,333 plants ha<sup>-1</sup> both under irrigation and rainfed conditions, since only with this density and such maize genotypes was it possible to obtain the highest grain yield and economic gains.</p>

Tailoring BaCe0.7Zr0.1(Dy0.1|Yb0.1)0.2O3−δ electrolyte through strategic Cu doping for low temperature proton conducting fuel cells: Envisioned theoretically and experimentally

This study addresses the challenge of high sintering temperatures in proton-conducting fuel cells (PCFCs) with BaCeO3-doped electrolytes. We demonstrate that 1 mol% copper (Cu) doping at the B-site of BaCe0.7Zr0.1(Dy0.1|Yb0.1)0.2O3−δ (BCZDYb) improves sintering behavior, enabling densification at 1400 °C. However, Cu doping disrupts stoichiometry, creating barium vacancies and reducing proton-accepting cations, affecting overall conductivity. This mechanism is confirmed through density functional theory (DFT) calculations and various experimental techniques, including crystal structure analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and morphology and elemental analysis via field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Electrochemical measurements are performed using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The ionic conductivity of 1 mol% Cu-doped BCZDYb (BCZDYb-1) is 1.49×10−2 S cm−1 at 650 °C, which is 3.8 times higher than that of BCZDYb sintered at 1200 °C. The BCZDYb-1 exhibits ∼3.5 times higher conductivity when sintered at 1200 °C and ∼16 times higher grain boundary conductivity when sintered at 1400 °C, compared to undoped BCZDYb. The single cell employing BCZDYb-1 as the electrolyte achieved a power density of ∼606 mW cm−2 at 550 °C. These results indicate that a controlled amount of Cu doping can enhance densification while maintaining high ionic conductivity, making it suitable for practical applications in PCFCs operating at lower temperatures.

Acceleration of grain boundary diffusion during ultra-fast firing (UHS) of alumina powder compacts

The sintering rate of a ceramic at a given temperature and relative density is often higher if the heating to that sintering temperature is more rapid. This has previous been explained in terms of microstructural coarsening during slow heating, which degrades the sinterability of the body before it reaches the sintering temperature. In this work the sintering of pure alumina with conventional heating rates (CS, 100-900 °C/hour) was compared with ultra-fast firing, using the method known as ultrafast high-temperature sintering (UHS, 120-140 °C/s). Despite the wide difference in heating rate, the SEM microstructures for a given density were similar and a modified Master Sintering Curve analysis of the results showed that the small pore size reduction observed was not sufficient to account for the acceleration in sintering of UHS samples compared with CS. There remained an additional acceleration by a factor of up to ∼20 that was attributed to a higher grain boundary diffusion coefficient in UHS. It is suggested that this is the result of the boundaries forming between powder particles not having time to relax to their lowest energy, most compact structures during UHS, i.e. non-equilibrium grain boundaries. In support of this hypothesis, it is shown that powder compacts that were first partially pre-sintered with conventional heating rates and then subjected to UHS did not show the same acceleration of sintering displayed by UHS of green bodies. The implication is that the slow pre-sintering allowed relaxation of the grain boundaries to low energy structures with low diffusion coefficients.

Potential of cattle urine as an alternative fertilizer for maize (Zea mays L.) production in Ethiopia

Maize productivity has been increasing through the years due to increased use of inorganic fertilizers. However, the price and environmental impact has brought lack of interest among the farmers. Thus, this study was aimed at evaluating the growth, yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of maize varieties under cattle urine application. The field experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications. The experiment consisted of four treatments viz. control, 100 and 50 % cattle urine and recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer. The results demonstrated a comparable growth and grain yield increment due to 100 % cattle urine and recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer. The difference between the two varieties in growth, yield and related traits, and NUE indices due to fertilizer applications was insignificant. The leaf area of maize nourished with 100, 50 % cattle urine and recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer increased by 11.15, 9.73 and 9.78 folds, respectively, in two months period relative to the controls. Fertilized plants had significantly (p < 0.05) higher grain yield (GY). The use of 100, 50 % cattle urine and inorganic fertilizers resulted in 526.76, 326.12, 542.91 % and 47.83, 36.03, 49.78 % increment in average GY and aboveground biomass, respectively, compared to controls. Similarly, plants fertilized with 50 % cattle urine showed an average GY reduction of 39.87 and 38.10 % compared to the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer and 100 % cattle urine, respectively. The use of 50 % cattle urine produced significantly higher NUE, N agronomic efficiency (NAE), N recovery efficiency (NRE) and internal efficiency (IE). Higher GY kg-1 of N applied was obtained from cattle urine applications. In a nutshell, the results confirmed the potential of cattle urine as an alternative to inorganic fertilizers in maize production. However, further studies on optimization of the cattle urine rate and scale up works are recommended.

Relative Benefits of Aqueous Extract of Sorghum Residues with Herbicide on Weed Control and Yield of Wheat Varieties

Reducing herbicide use in agriculture is key for sustainability, addressing costs, environmental issues, and resistance problems. Using non-chemical methods like allelopathy in weed management offers a viable alternative. In this phenomenon, a field study was carried out at the Agronomy Field Laboratory (AFL) of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, from November 2021 to March 2022, to assess the phytotoxic effects of herbicides combined with aqueous extract of sorghum (AES) on weed management and yield of wheat. This study used three wheat varieties viz. BARI Gom (wheat)-32, BARI Gom-33, and BWMRI Gom-1 and six treatment levels such as, no weeding, recommended dose of herbicide (RDH), 90% RDH + AES (1:20 w/v), 80% RDH + AES (1:20), 70% RDH + AES (1:20), and 60% RDH + AES (1:20). The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The RDH with AES and wheat variety significantly influenced weed population (WP) and dry weight (DW) of weeds. BARI Gom-32 produced the highest grain yield (GY) and other yield-contributing characteristics. The best results, including the highest numbers of tillers (NET) hill-1 (6.47), spike length (SL) (15.10 cm), number of spikelet spike-1 (NSS) (19.38), 1000-grain weight (TGW) (57.67g), GY (5.10 t ha-1), and straw yield (SY) (7.07 t ha-1) and harvest index (HI) (41.95%) were observed in plots treated with the RDH and the BARI Gom-32 variety, followed closely by those receiving 90% RDH + AES (1:20). The results demonstrate that varying concentrations of AES crop residue can effectively suppress weed growth and enhance wheat yield, suggesting that sorghum residues might be utilized to manage weeds effectively and sustainably while boosting wheat production. The study supports the potential of AES crop residue as an effective means to control weeds and significantly improve wheat yields. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 22(3): 326-334, 2024

Effect of mechanical vibration on microstructure and performance of Fe-based composite coatings fabricated by underwater laser deposition technology

To solve the problem of the uneven composition and poor performance caused by water environment during the underwater laser deposition process, the mechanical vibration assisted underwater laser deposition technology was innovatively proposed, and Fe-based composite layer was successfully prepared. The microstructure, grain type and properties of Fe-based composite layer with and without mechanical vibration were studied and compared. The results showed that the mechanical vibration broke the grain and promoted the formation of more nuclei, which reduced the average grain size by 13.48 %. The solute located in the grain gap was transferred to the liquid molten pool by mechanical vibration, which reduced the Ti content in the intergranular precipitated phase Fe2Ti and made the Fe2Ti from coarse continuous distribution to fine discontinuous distribution. Additionally, the mechanisms of mechanical vibration promoting the performance of the composite were analyzed comprehensively. Compared with the composite without mechanical vibration, the composite with mechanical vibration had good corrosion resistance after 30 days of immersion, and the tribo-corrosion resistance was also improved. With the aid of mechanical vibration, the ultimate tensile strength and elongation of the composite were increased by 11.30 % and 22.08 %, respectively, due to the formation of recrystallized grains, high density high-angle grain boundaries, and fine intergranular precipitate. This study was expected to provide a new way to regulate the microstructure and properties of the underwater laser deposition layer, and promote the application of underwater laser deposition technology in marine engineering equipment.

Achieving high energy storage density and charge-discharge performance via high-energy ball milling combined with two-step sintering

In this study, the microstructure, ferroelectricity, energy storage density, and charge-discharge characteristics of 0.95(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3-0.05Ba(Zn1/3Nb2/3) (0.95KNN-0.05BZN) ceramic, fabricated by combining two-step sintering with high-energy ball milling, were investigated. The two-step sintering technique enabled a wide sintering temperature range of 1020–1120 °C for the ceramic. Accordingly, under optimal sintering conditions, the ceramic exhibited high relative density (98.1 %) and nanoscale grain size (<90 nm). The samples also displayed excellent pulse power performance at room temperature with a high recoverable energy storage density (Wrec) of 3.1 J/cm3, along with the following charge-discharge parameters: current density (CD), power density (PD), and discharge time (t0.9) reached 1821.7 cm−3, 227.7 MW/cm3, and 36.8 ns, respectively. The ceramic also obtained robust frequency stability (10–1000 Hz), good temperature stability (30–130 °C), and outstanding fatigue resistance (105 cycles), indicating its potential application in improved pulse capacitor materials.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield and Economics of Rice

The present investigation was carried out during kharif season of 2022 and 2023 at Students' Instructional Farm of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur (U.P.). The experiment consisted of fourteen different treatments in randomized block design replicated thrice. Soil of the experimental field was sandy loam in texture and slightly alkaline in reaction. The results showed that, on a pooled data basis, the highest grain yield (42.45 q/ha) was achieved with treatment T8, which involved the application of 75 % NPK + FYM + Consortia + Nano Zinc. Similarly, higher straw yields of 69.23 q/ha and 67.00 q/ha were recorded during both years, with T8 also yielding the maximum straw on a pooled basis, followed closely by T14. Pooled data analysis revealed that T8 achieved the highest grain and straw yields, along with the maximum Benefit-Cost (B: C) ratio of 3.42. The control (T1) consistently recorded the lowest grain and straw yields across both years. The inclusion of FYM, Consortia, and Nano Zinc in INM treatments significantly improved yield performance and soil health, making T8 the most economically viable treatment.