Highest Benefit Cost Ratio Research Articles

Fabrication of a Portable Groundnut Decorticating Machine for Domestic Purpose

Groundnut is one of the important oil seed crops cultivated in India. India ranks first in groundnut area under cultivation and is the second largest producer in the world with 101 lakh tones with productivity of 1863 kg per hectare in 2021-22. Groundnut cultivation in India is done by small-scale farmersand is the predominant dryland crop. In the beginning, thepeanuts were separated from their shells by the workers and theoutput from this method was much less and could not satisfy themarket demand as it was a very time-consuming process. It is atime-consuming and tedious operation. Hence, a portablegroundnut decorticating machine is designed and fabricatedwhich is small in size, easy to carry anywhere, and very easy tooperate (at any time). This is more useful for domestic purposessuch as households, hotels, and restaurants. This paper describesabout the design and fabrication of various components of a hand-operated groundnut decorticator. Small farmers or businessmencan start businesses by investing less capital. The output is about40-42 kg/hour, shelling time taken 1.5 min/kg, and with a highcost-benefit ratio of 1:28.6. The machine is also lightweight andeasy to operate and maintain, the spare parts are also availablelocally. Maintenance is very easy, purchase cost is low, and highlyeconomical in use. No electric power or diesel or skill knowledge is required. The shelling operation can be done by women at any time by accommodating in the house itself. Small and marginalfarmers can use regular shelling for the sowing of groundnut. This is a convenient equipment and can be used at any time(during day time or night time) based on their convenience. Not much labor is required and one person can manage the decortication process it is cost effective also.

Detection of microplastics in fish using computed tomography and deep learning

Marine organisms have been observed ingesting microplastic particles, with field analyses indicating fibers and fragments as prevalent forms. Current microplastic detection methods are mainly time-consuming, susceptible to cross-contamination, and expensive. Furthermore, these techniques, being disruptive, do not allow for the exact localization of the microplastic in the sample. This study proposes a new approach using Computed Tomography (CT scan) and Artificial Intelligence for the automatic and non-destructive detection of microplastics in fishes and other species based on the combination of several factors, such as density and shape. The advantages of this methodology include accurate identification of plastic localization, a low risk of cross-contamination, rapid processing, automatic tomographic measurement, efficient data processing, cost-effectiveness, and a high cost-benefit ratio. The herein results highlight how artificial intelligence applied to conventional techniques can significantly improve precision and efficiency in microplastic research. Indeed, the semantic segmentation model clearly recognized the presence of 100 % of the plastic particles, both in their location and in their volume, accelerating the identification process and surpassing the limitations of traditional spectral analysis methodologies.

Comparison of the Therapeutic Efficacy and Autophagy-Mediated Mechanisms of Action of Urine-Derived and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Osteoarthritis

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and disabling disease that affects a significant proportion of the global population. Urine-derived stem cells (USCs) have shown great prospects in the treatment of OA, but there is no study that has compared them with traditional stem cells. Purpose: This study aimed to compare the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of USCs and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for OA treatment. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: We compared the biological properties of USCs and ADSCs using CCK-8, colony formation, EdU, adhesion, and apoptosis assays. We evaluated the protective effects of USCs and ADSCs on IL-1β–treated OA chondrocytes by chemical staining, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. We assessed the effects of USCs and ADSCs on chondrocyte autophagy by transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. We also compared the therapeutic efficacy of intra-articular injections of USCs and ADSCs by gross, histological, micro–computed tomography, and immunohistochemical analyses in an OA rat model induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection. Results: USCs showed higher proliferation, colony formation, DNA synthesis, adhesion, and anti-apoptotic abilities than ADSCs. Both USCs and ADSCs increased the expression of cartilage-specific proteins and decreased the expression of matrix degradation–related proteins and inflammatory factors in OA chondrocytes. USCs had a greater advantage in suppressing MMP-13 and inflammatory factors than ADSCs. Both USCs and ADSCs enhanced autophagy in OA chondrocytes, with USCs being more effective than ADSCs. The autophagy inhibitor 3-MA reduced the enhanced autophagy and protective effects of USCs and ADSCs on OA chondrocytes. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the efficacy of USCs in the treatment of knee OA and to compare them with ADSCs. Considering the superior properties of USCs in terms of noninvasive acquisition, a high cost-benefit ratio, and low ethical concerns, our study suggests that they may be a more promising therapeutic option than ADSCs for OA treatment under rigorous regulatory pathways. Clinical Relevance: USCs may be a superior cell source for stem cells to treat knee OA, and this study strengthens the evidence for the application of USCs.

Strategic management of nano-fertilizers for sustainable rice yield, grain quality, and soil health

Conventional fertilizers, although widely available, are relatively low in nutrient use efficiency and cause serious environmental concerns like eutrophication, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, nitrate poisoning, and soil pollution. With this in mind, a randomized block design (RBD) experiment was conducted in an experimental field taking 10 treatments and 3 replications to investigate the effects of integrated approaches of nano-formulated DAP fertilizer applications on rice growth, yield, and nutrient use efficiency over conventional approaches. The result revealed that plant height, panicle length, number of tillers hill−1, total number of grain panicle−1, and root length were maximum in T10 treatment (50% of the soil test recommended doses (STD) for N and P + seedling root dipping (SRD) with nano DAP at 5 mL L−1 + twice foliar sprays (FS) with nano DAP at 4 mL L−1 at 25 and 45 DAT (date after transplanting). The highest mean grain yields (4.12 and 4.05 Mg ha−1) and nutrient uptake were recorded in the T2 treatment (100% STD), but this was at par with T10 treatment. The highest benefit–cost ratio (2.26) was recorded in T10, which was 3.5% higher than T2. N and P agronomic use efficiency (AUE) ranged from 7.5% to 31.5% and 15% to 63%, and recovery efficiency (RE) ranged from 30% to 94.2% and 11.2% to 90.4%. The highest nutrient use efficiency was recorded with T10, followed by T9, and lowest in T4. Post-harvest soil pH and available N and P were significantly highest in T10. Soil MBC, MBN, MBP, urease, and phosphatase activity were found significantly higher in T2, followed by T10. The integrated application of 50% STD for N and P + SRD with nano DAP at 5 mL L-1 + twice FS with nano DAP at 4 mL L−1 at 25 and 45 DAT application can be a suitable substitute for conventional DAP and urea for rice in climate-smart agriculture as it possibly reduces environmental pollution while undisturbing crop yield over the 100% STD.

Towards sustainable fruit production: Identifying challenges and optimization strategies

CONTEXTThe transition to sustainable fruit production is vital for global sustainability and agricultural development. However, implementing these insights into practice faces significant challenges. OBJECTIVESPomelo (Citrus maxima), a prominent citrus species in tropical and subtropical regions, has been cultivated to enhance farmer profitability but increasing yields often comes at the cost of environmental degradation. This study uses pomelo as a case study to assess key factors influencing pomelo production and establish optimal practices that meet consumption-based food while co-benefits for environmental and economic sustainability. METHODSA comprehensive study was conducted by combining 1155 farm surveys (from 2010, 2018, and 2022) with 31 field experiments. Life cycle assessment (LCA), classification and regression tree (CART) analysis, and scenario analysis were employed to develop pathways for sustainable pomelo production in Pinghe County, Fujian Province, China. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSResults show no significant differences in pomelo yield across the three years; however, pomelo production in 2022 demonstrated a 60 %–67 % lower in environmental footprints and a 64 %–76 % higher benefit-cost ratio (BCR) compared to 2010 and 2018. Tree age was identified as a critical factor influencing pomelo yield, with optimal yields observed in trees older than 12.5 years. The rate of phosphorus fertilizer application was a key determinant of the phosphorus footprint (PF), which was positively correlated with phosphorus fertilizer rates. Similarly, nitrogen fertilizer application significantly impacted both carbon and nitrogen footprints (CF and NF) as well as the BCR. CF and NF increased with higher nitrogen fertilizer rates, while BCR exhibited a negative correlation with nitrogen fertilizer application. Implementing Science and Technology Backyards (STB) followed by farmer training of slightly more than pomelo nutrient requirements practice (SNRP) or coordinate management by farmers and researchers of matching pomelo nutrients requirement practice (MNRP) had 50 %–91 % lower environmental footprints per ton of pomelo produced and 15 %–44 % higher BCR compared to current farming practices (FP) via reducing 46 %–77 % N, 49 %–92 % P2O5, and 42 %–73 % K2O per hectare. Moreover, adopting 100 % MNRP in pomelo production, along with sustainable fertilizer practices and the implementation of innovative fertilizers, could reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (0.76 Tg), reactive nitrogen (Nr) emissions (8.76 Gg), phosphorus (P) losses (0.84 Gg), and augment net ecosystem economic benefits (NEEB) (0.94 billion CNY) at the county scale. SIGNIFICANCEOur study provides evidence-based strategies for achieving sustainable pomelo production through multi-stakeholder collaboration of STB, government, enterprises, and smallholders.

Influence of Different Planting Methods and High-Density Planting on Yield and Economic Parameters in Banana cv. Williams

High density planting is one of novel concepts and it’s effectively increase productivity of per unit area without affecting the fruit quality. Gross yield of banana per hectare mainly depends on yield of per plant and number of plants per hectare. The study was carried out at ICAR- All India Coordinated Research Project on Fruits, Kittur Rani Channamma College of Horticulture, Arabhavi in Belgavi district, Karnataka to study influence of different planting density on both yield and economic parameters of banana cv. Williams during 2021-22. It was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications and eight treatments. The results revealed that, the highest values for bunch parameters like bunch length (97.77 cm), bunch width (93.57 cm), number of hands per bunch (11.93), number of fingers in third hand (21.53) and weight of third hand (2.97 kg) was recorded in wider spacing treatment T4 (Single row - 2.4×1.8 m). Regarding to yield parameters like highest bunch weight per hill (36.09 kg) was recorded in T6 (3 plants per hill- 2.7×1.8×0.3 m). While, highest yield per hectare (108.75 t/ha) was found in treatment T8 (Paired row with zig-zag - 2.1×1.2×1.2 m). With respect to the highest gross returns (10,33, 125.00 Rs/ha), net returns (5, 53,725.00 Rs/ha) and highest benefit cost ratio (2.15) was observed in T8 (paired row system of with zig-zag planting).

Development and Evaluation of IPM modules against fruit borer (Helicoverpa Armigera) infesting tomato crop

Field studies on the “Development and evaluation of different management schedules against fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera infesting tomato crop" were carried at farmer’s field, village Surajgarh, Jhajjar, Haryana. The observations on infestation of fruit borer in tomato fruits at the time of each picking, %reduction of the fruit borer infestation, total marketable yield in different schedules over control and benefit cost ratio were calculated. The maximum larval reduction over control was observed in S6 i.e. spray of fenvalerate 20 EC @ 188 ml/ha (79.91%) followed by spray of nimbecidine 300 ppm @ 2.5 l/ha (79.04). On number basis, highest fruit damage reduction over control was observed in S6 (50.23%) followed by S5 (43.83%) and lowest (21.72%) in S4 i.e. African yellow marigold + yellow sticky trap + Trichogramma chilonis Ishi @ 50000 parasitised eggs/ha (2 releases at 4 days interval). On weight basis, %fruit damage reduction over control was maximum in S6 (57.47%) followed by S5 (53.10%) and minimum in S4 (25.06%). The highest benefit cost ratio (22.81) was recorded in S6 due to lowest cost of plant protection (Rs.3628.34/ha) and highest increased yield over control (72 q/ha). Although schedule S4 was next to S6 in term of total cost of plant protection but showed lowest benefit cost ratio (3.46) due to minimum increased yield over control (20 q/ha) among all the management schedules. Benefit cost ratio in remaining schedules were 8.97, 5.40, 3.71 and 3.58 in S5, S1, S2 and S3, respectively.

Management of Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee) Using Biopesticides and Botanicals

The field experiment was carried out during Kharif season of 2023 at the Organic Research Farm Karguaji, Department of Entomology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University Jhansi (U.P.). Nine treatments were tested: neem oil, garlic bulb extract, Bacillus thuringiensis, karanj oil, panchgavya, neem seed kernel extract (NSKE), Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and a control, under a randomized block design. Three sprays of treatments were applied. The results showed that neem oil at 2 ml/L resulted in the minimum shoot damage (7.82%), followed by Bacillus thuringiensis at 5 gm/L and NSKE at 5 ml/L. To manage fruit infestation caused by brinjal fruit and shoot borer, Bacillus thuringiensis and neem oil were themost effective treatments, followed by Beauvaria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae. The maximum yield and highest cost benefit ratio were found with Bacillus thuringiensis (1:3.15), followed by Metarhizium anisopliae (1:3.07) and Beauveria bassiana (1:3.04).

Influence of sowing dates and weed management practices on weed dynamics, productivity and profitability of direct seeded rice

This study evaluated the impact of differential sowing windows and improved weed management strategies on weed dynamics, productivity, and economic viability of direct drum seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the temperate agro-ecosystem of Kashmir. A two-year field experiment was conducted utilizing a split-plot design with two sowing dates (May 10 and June 3) as main plots and six weed management practices as sub-plots. The earlier sowing date (May 10) resulted in significantly enhanced leaf area index, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate, and grain and straw yields compared to the later sowing (June 3). Among weed management treatments, four mechanized conoweedings (equivalent to weed-free conditions) and sequential application of bensulfuron methyl + pretilachlor (60 and 600 g a.i. ha−1) as pre-emergence followed by 2,4-D (0.75 kg a.i. ha−1) as post-emergence demonstrated superior efficacy in weed suppression and augmentation of crop growth parameters and yield attributes. These treatments also exhibited the lowest weed index and highest benefit–cost ratio. The May 10 sowing, coupled with efficacious weed control measures, significantly reduced weed density and biomass while concomitantly improving nutrient uptake and economic returns. The results indicate that adopting a May 10 sowing date for direct seeded rice, in conjunction with either four conoweedings or the aforementioned sequential herbicide application, can optimize agronomic productivity and economic profitability under the temperate conditions of Kashmir. The study aided in choosing the best sowing window and efficient weed management strategy for attaining higher productivity and profitability of direct seeded rice in temperate conditions.

Harnessing rain hose technology for water-saving sustainable irrigation and enhancing blackgram productivity in garden land

Blackgram, a protein-rich pulse crop (24%), is crucial for combating food insecurity, particularly in malnourished and economically weak countries. Enhancing blackgram production requires improved, input-saving management practices. Given the challenges of climate change and population growth, efficient water management is vital for increasing pulse productivity and water use efficiency with minimal investment. This study aimed to identify cost-effective irrigation methods to optimise blackgram yields. Experiments were conducted at the National Pulses Research Centre in Vamban, Pudukkottai, and the Agricultural College and Research Institute in Kumulur, Tiruchirappalli, during the kharif season of 2021 and 2022. The study compared different treatments of irrigation methods, such as check basin, raised bed, drip, sprinkler and rain hose irrigation. Results showed that the rain hose system maintained the highest soil moisture (23.93% at 10 cm depth and 19.71% at 20 cm depth). Even though drip irrigation resulted in a higher seed yield (1363 kg ha−1), the rain hose system proved to be more cost-effective, saving 27.09% in costs and achieving a 15.23% higher benefit–cost ratio. These findings suggest that the rain hose method, combined with current agronomic practices, is a viable low-cost technique for sustainable blackgram cultivation, optimising water use and maximising profits. This research provides valuable insights into water-saving irrigation methods for pulse crops.

Performance of Row Cover with Mulch on Early Sowing of Watermelon in Semi-Arid Region

The experiment was conducted during the months of January to March in the year 2023 at Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh (Gujarat). A field experiment was conducted to assess the performance of mulch and row covers in early watermelon cultivation with the primary aim on strategically removing row covers days after sowing. Randomized Block Design was employed with featuring of three treatments (mulching without row cover, mulching with row cover for 30 days and mulching with row cover for 45 days). Various yield and yield attribute parameters were recorded and analysed. The research findings indicated that the removal of row covers 30 days after sowing significantly influenced main vine length (2.72 m), number of nodes per main vine (36.40), number of fruits plant-1 (2.53), yield plant-1 (4.21 kg) and yield ha-1 (62.32 t ha-1). Removal of row covers 30 days after sowing exhibited higher net returns (Rs. 4, 85, 419 ha-1) and higher benefit-cost ratio (4.52). Removal of row cover 45 days after sowing significantly reduced the watermelon yield. The results unveiled that mulching with a row cover aster 30 days of sowing is the optimal approach for increasing watermelon yield and net returns in early watermelon cultivation.

Effect of Different Sowing Dates and Establishment Methods on Growth, Yield and Economics of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Adaption of Furrow Irrigated Raised Bed System (FIRBS) and date of seeding are one of the important input for crop production particularly for rabi crop. Early planting through raised bed of mustard can compensate the late planting at least 10-15 days. Under this circumstance the use of raised bed planter along with timely sowing of mustard can produce higher yield. An adaptive research trail was conducted during the rabi season of 2020-21 and 2021-22 at farmer’s field in Jamui district to study the effect of different sowing dates and establishment methods of mustard crop. The trail was conducted in a factorial randomized block design with two method of sowing and three dates of sowing. The growth characters like plant height, leaf area index, no. of primary branches plant-1, no. of secondary branch plant-1, no. of silique plant-1, no. of seeds silique-1 were recorded. Test weight, grain and straw yield was influenced significantly due to different sowing dates and sowing methods. Higher plant height at harvest stage (160 cm), leaf area index at 60 DAS (3.3), no. of primary branches plant-1 (4.0), no. of secondary branch plant-1 (7.8), no. of silique plant-1 (292.4), no. of seeds silique-1 (9.7), test weight (3.8), grain (10.1 q ha-1) and straw yield (22.4 q ha-1) were recorded when the crop was sown on 05th November during both years. Whereas the mustard crop sown on FIRBS recorded highest growth attributes, yield components and seed yield (12.5 q ha-1) as compared to conventional method. Highest benefit cost ratio was calculated with (FIRBS) Furrow Irrigated Raised Bed system (2.0) as compared to all other treatments.

Effect of straw and plastic mulches on growth and yield of zero tillage potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in the Coastal Khulna Region of Bangladesh

A randomized complete block design experiment was undertaken at the field laboratory of the Agrotechnology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, from November 2021 to March 2022 to ascertain the impact of various mulch treatments on zero tillage potato cultivation. The experiment employed BARI Alu 78 as the planting material and utilized three replications with five distinct mulch treatments. These mulch treatments were identified as follows: Straw mulch (T1), Mulch film (T2), Black polythene (T3), White polythene (T4), and Blue polythene (T5). The metrics that were recorded included the number of sprouts, plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf width, leaf length, number of tubers, tuber length, tuber breadth, number of defective tubers, weight of defective tubers, and tuber weight. Different mulching techniques significantly influenced the overall crop yield and the underlying factors that influenced the results. The mulch film treatment resulted in the highest yield, with a production of 34.76 tons per hectare, followed by black polythene (28.11 tons per hectare), straw mulch (23.74 tons per hectare), white polythene (20.44 tons per hectare), and blue polythene (18.66 tons per hectare). The economic analysis revealed that mulch film had a high benefit cost ratio along with high input and output. Black polythene came in second place when the benefit cost ratio was compared to that of mulch film and the rest of the three treatments. Combining zero tillage with mulch film or black polythene demonstrates significant potential for becoming a cost-effective practice in the coastal region of Bangladesh.

Agrivoltaics system for sustainable agriculture and green energy in Bangladesh

Solar photovoltaic generation has become the dominant global method of producing renewable electricity around the globe. However, solar PV farms require a considerable amount of land. Agrivoltaics has been a promising field of interest recently as this system maximizes the land's utilization by producing crops beneath the photovoltaics panels. This paper proposes a new agrivoltaics system that simultaneously produces crops and electrical power by installing PV panels on agricultural land in such a way that the production of regular crops does not get curtailed and can still grow around and beneath the panels, avoiding any reduction in crop yield. The architectural design of the proposed mounting structure and the installation method are discussed, ensuring full utilization of the land area under the panel with no crop limitations. Bangladesh is considered a case study location as its economy is mostly dependent on agriculture. The country started allocating enormous amounts of farmland for solar photovoltaic farms to mitigate the energy crisis. After a preliminary survey, an agrivoltaics system was designed, developed and installed in the Chuadanga District of Bangladesh. Then a detailed techno-economic analysis was performed to evaluate the feasibility and economic viability of the implemented agrivoltaics project. A comparative analysis of seven different scenarios is demonstrated in terms of equity payback, internal rate of return, modified internal rate of return, net present value, annual life cycle savings, and benefit-cost ratio to determine the optimum agrivoltaics approach as well as to showcase the superiority of the proposed system. The results demonstrate that the proposed agrivoltaics system achieves full land utilization, by producing crops along with electricity generation with the lowest payback period, highest profit margin, and highest benefit-cost ratio over the project lifetime.

Drip irrigation for sustaining high sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) yield in marginally to moderately waterlogged saline vertisols of Karnataka, India

AbstractIn the Tungabhadra project command, subsurface drainage is used to reclaim waterlogged saline areas, but its adoption is lower due to its high cost and highly skilled in nature. Irrigation water management could sustain high cane yields in mildly affected areas. A field experiment was conducted on waterlogged saline vertisols with sugarcane crops using surface drip, subsurface drip and furrow irrigation with water application amounts of 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 of evapotranspiration (ET). The subsurface drip at 1.2 ET resulted in more leaching of salts and a higher moisture content. Also it had the highest cane yield (131.0 t ha−1), water productivity (WP) (8.30 kg m−3) and sugar WP (1.72 kg m−3) among the different methods. Among the irrigation levels, the 1.2 ET level had the highest cane yield (124.7 t ha−1), lowest WP (6.89 kg m−3) and highest sugar WP (1.43 kg m−3). The highest benefit–cost ratio was recorded for the subsurface drip treatment. Depth to water table was greater for the subsurface drip treatment compared to the furrow treatment. Therefore, subsurface drip irrigation at 1.2 ET for sugarcane can act as a viable preventive measure for sustaining high cane yield in mildly waterlogged saline vertisols in the command.

Influence of N, P, K, Rhizobium and Vermicompost on Soil Health Parameters and Yield of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) var. Samrat

An experiment was conducted on “Influence of N, P, K, Rhizobium and Vermicompost on Soil Health Parameters and Yield of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) var. Samrat”. during zaid season 2023-2024 at the central research farm, department research farm of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, The design applied was 3x3 RBD having three levels each of vermicompost and N.P.K i.e., 0, 50, and 100% respectively and three levels of rhizobium treated seed @ 0, 50, 100%. The result obtained in treatment T9 (N25P50K25 kg ha-1 + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 and rhizobium @ 200g 10 kg-1) has showed a slight change in soil pH i.e., 6.79 and EC i.e., 0.208 dS m-1. The post-harvest soil samples have showed significant increase in pore space, water holding capacity and organic carbon i.e., about 49.20 %, 47.59 % and 0.49 % respectively. Whereas available N, P and K found to be 334.12 kg ha-1, 34.36 kg ha-1, and 204.28 kg ha-1 respectively. The increase in NPK (kg ha-1) was found to be significant among all treatments in green gram cultivation and soil quality improvement. The best results among all treatment combination with respect to plant height (65.76 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (44.34), number of branches plant-1 (14.58), number of grain pod-1 (14.28), number of pod plant-1 (42.11) and seed yield q ha-1 (16.67) were found in treatment combination T9 (N25P50K25 kg ha-1 + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 and Rhizobium @ 200g 10 kg-1. T9 gave the highest gross return with ₹ 1,49,030 and the benefit of ₹ 29,849.13 with highest cost benefit ratio i.e., 1:1.38. vermicompost along with other combinations has showed improvement in soil health as well as in crop development and yield. Study has also revealed that the application of N, P, and K with vermicompost was an excellent source for fertilization than sole fertilizers.

Field Efficacy of Selected Chemicals and Biopesticides against Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) on Brinjal (Solanum melongena) at Prayagraj

A field experiment was carried out at the Central research farm of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences, located in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, during the kharif 2023-24. The experiment was designed following a randomized block design with three replications. It encompassed eight treatments: T1 - Neem oil 3%@ 30ml/lit, T2 - Metarhizium anisopliae @ 2.5ml/lit,T3 - Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki @ 2gm/lit, T4 - Spinosad 45 SC @ 0.3 ml/lit, T5 - Emamectin benzoate @ 0.4 gm/lit, T6 - Chlorpyrifos 20 EC @ 2.5ml/lit, T7 - Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.4ml/lit and T8 - untreated control. The objective was to assess the field efficacy of selected chemicals and biopesticides against Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee) infestation on brinjal in Prayagraj. Two rounds of spraying was conducted at 15-days interval. Data on shoot and fruit infestation was recorded after each spraying and picking, including the percentage of shoot infestation. The results showed that the initial population of the pest before the spray exhibited a non-significant distribution. Following the spray, the findings demonstrated that T5 – Emamectin benzoate @ 0.4 gm/lit exhibited significant effectiveness against shoot and fruit borer, comparable to T7 – Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, at 3, 7, and 14 days post-spraying. Following closely in efficacy were Spinosad 45 SC and Chlorpyrifos 20 EC. The highest cost benefit ratio was recorded- T5-Emamectin benzoate, followed by T7-Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC. The highest cost-benefit ratio was recorded in T5– Emamectin benzoate @ 0.4gm/lit followed by T7- Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.4ml/lit and the lowest monetary return was observed with the control (T0).

Effect of Panchagavya on Growth, Yield and Quality of Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) under Protected Condition

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of Panchagavya on Growth, Yield and Quality of Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) in Protected Condition at Sam Higginbottom. University Of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during summer 2023.The Treatment Performed best in terms of Plant Height (19.83 cm) and Number of node (12.00) after Foliar spray of Panchagavya (6%) at 30 DAS. Days to emergence of 1st male flower/ plant (28.87) after drenching of Panchagavya (9%) at 30 DAS. Days to emergence of 1st female flower/plant (34.03) after drenching of Panchagavya (9%) at 15 DAS. Days to 50% female flower/plant (34.67) Foliar spray of Panchagavya (6%) at 30 DAS.Days to 1st fruit setting/plant (43.00) after foliar spray of Panchagavya(9%)at 15 DAS. The Number of fruits/plant (4.67) after Foliar spray of Panchagavya (6%) at 15 DAS and the average weight of fruit (197.50g) after Foliar spray of Panchagavya (3%) at 15 DAS. Fruit length and Girth (25.00 Cm) and (16.00mm) after Drenching of Panchagavya (9%) at 30 DAS. Fruit Yield/plant (1.113 kg) after Foliar spray of Panchagavya (3%) at 15 DAS and Fruit yield per 250 m² was (3.71q). Fruit quality TSS°brix (3.22) after Foliar spray of Panchagavya (9%) at 30 DAS. The highest benefit cost ratio was found after Foliar spray of Panchagavya (3%) at 15 DAS (2.42). Result indicates that after Foliar spray of Panchagavya (3%) at 15 DAS were recommended for plant.

Exploring Pod Seeded Groundnut and its Response to Spacing and Nutrient Levels

Groundnut is cultivated mainly by small and marginal farmers. Seed cost and sowing are stated to be the most expensive operations which combined are responsible for about 45% of the entire cost of groundnut cultivation. The seed cost is increased mainly by the operation of shelling, which raises it to 3 times. The objective of this research was to test the viability of sowing groundnut with pods after proper seed treatment to reduce the shelling cost. Treatments include four spacing and three nutrient levels. It was sown in the spacing of 30 cm × 10 cm, 20 cm × 20 cm, 25 cm × 15 cm, and 30 cm × 15 cm. The different nutrient levels followed were the soil-based recommendation approach, 100% Recommended dose of fertilizers (25: 50: 75 N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1) and, 125% Recommended dose of fertilizers (31.25: 62.5: 93.75 N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1). Groundnut response was evaluated based on dry matter production, number of pods per plant, hundred pod weight, pod yield, haulm yield, harvest index and B: C ratio. The combination of 30 cm × 15 cm spacing, and 125% recommended dose of fertilizers (S4N3) documented the highest double pods per plant, hundred pod weight, highest pod yield of 3791 kg ha-1 and benefit-cost ratio of 2.89. The higher yield as well as the higher benefit-cost ratio, indicates the practical feasibility and economic viability of adoption of pod-seeded groundnut.

Comparative Study of Synthetic Insecticides with Biopesticides against Spotted Stem Borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) on Maize (Zea mays L.)

Spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) regarded as one of the most significant and prevalent insect pests of maize and its mystic aspect of feeding makes it challenging to control. Hence current study aims to evaluate comparative study of synthetic insecticides with biopesticides against Chilo partellus. Eight treatments viz., azadirachtin 10,000ppm, neem oil 3%, karanj oil 3%, neem oil 3% + imidacloprid 17.5%SL, karanj oil 3% + imidacloprid 17.5%SL, imidacloprid 17.5%SL, spinosad 45%SC and untreated control were tested under field condition in randomized block design with three replications. Among the treatments, lowest larval population of Chilo partellus per plant were recorded in karanj oil 3% + imidacloprid 17.5%SL (1.99) followed by neem oil 3% + imidacloprid 17.5%SL (2.42), imidacloprid 17.5%SL (2.71), spinosad 45%SC (3.17), neem oil 3% (3.73), karanj oil 3% (3.95) and azadirachtin 10,000ppm (4.44) were found superior over the untreated control (7.24). The highest yield was recorded in karanj oil 3% + imidacloprid 17.5%SL with 39.20 q/hectare and most economic treatment was imidacloprid 17.5%SL with highest cost benefit ratio (1:2.2). The lowest cost benefit ratio was recorded in untreated control (1:1.4).