Hybrid Napier Research Articles

Green horizons: Using fodder crops to harness carbon and combat climate change

Climate change, influenced by both natural processes and human activities, has notably transformed Earth's atmospheric composition, primarily due to heightened energy use in industrial and agricultural sectors. To combat this, a study was conducted focusing on soil management strategies, particularly using cumbu napier hybrid grass, to mitigate climate change by enhancing carbon sequestration. The research evaluated the effects of different nutrient sources including inorganic fertilizers, farmyard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM) and biofertilizers like Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) and Azophos on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, soil carbon pools and soil organic carbon (SOC). The findings revealed that integrating organic manures with biofertilizers, particularly in the treatment involving PM at 75 % nitrogen equivalent combined with AM and Azophos (T10), significantly increased SOC levels (1.04 %) and lowered GHG emissions. This treatment also recorded the highest levels of soil inorganic carbon (0.131 %), passive carbon (7890 mg kg-1), permanent soil carbon stock (14.91 t ha-1 year-1), carbon pool index (1.37), carbon management index (201.1) and green fodder yield (370.2 t ha-1 year-1). On the other hand, the treatment with FYM alone at 100 % nitrogen equivalent (T7) resulted in the highest CO2 emissions (71.4 t ha-1 year-1), while the untreated control plot (T11) exhibited the highest global warming potential (GWP). This study underscores the effectiveness of strategic soil management in forage crop systems as a sustainable method to boost soil health, increase carbon sequestration and reduce GHG emissions, thus contributing to climate change mitigation.

Effects of BAP, NAA and AgNPs on in vitro regeneration of Bajra Napier hybrid grass through direct organogenesis

Effects of BAP, NAA and AgNPs on in vitro regeneration of Bajra Napier hybrid grass through direct organogenesis

Performance of bajra napier hybrid under varying levels and frequency of MgSO4 nutrition in humid tropics

A field experiment was conducted at AICRP on Forage Crops and Utilization, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, to assess the influence of varying levels and frequency of MgSO4 application on the performance of bajra napier hybrid during the period October 2020-September 2021. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with nine treatments and a control replicated thrice. The treatment combinations included three levels of magnesium [m1: 80 kg ha-1, m2: 100 kg ha-1 and m3: 120 kg ha-1] and three frequencies of application [f1: Split application once in 6 months, f2: Split application once in 4 months and f3: Split application once in 3 months] and a control treatment. Considering the performance of bajra napier hybrid, varying levels and frequencies of MgSO4 application had a significant influence on the growth, yield, biochemical and quality attributes as well as the soil nutrient status after the conduct of the experiment and economics of cultivation. Interaction effect of the treatment combinations revealed higher tiller count (27.07), leaf: stem ratio (1.99), green fodder yield (GFY) (1891.30 q ha-1), dry fodder yield (DFY) (473.00 q ha-1), crude protein content (10.06 %) and benefit-cost ratio (2.11) with split application of 100 kg ha-1 MgSO4 once in 6 months.

Effect of cropping systems, top feeds and planting geometry on growth, yield and economics of top feeds

The present study was conducted to find out the effect of cropping systems, top feeds and planting geometry on the growth, yield and economics of different top feeds. The experiment was laid out in a split-split plot design with 18 treatment combinations and three replications. The treatments consisted of two cropping systems (C1-sole crop of top feeds, C2-intercrop of bajra napier hybrid), three top feeds [(F1-agathi (Sesbania grandiflora), F2-erythrina (Erythrina indica), F3-drumstick (Moringa oleifera)] and three planting geometry (G1-2 m x 1 m, G2- 2 m x 0.5 m, G3-paired system). The data over three years revealed that intercropping top feeds with bajra napier hybrid at a paired system (C2F1G3) recorded the highest mean number of branches in all three years. However, intercropping agathi at 2 x 0.5 m (C2F1G2) recorded the highest mean leaf stem ratio (0.82). Pooled data over three years also revealed that intercropping agathi at 2 x 0.5 m geometry recorded the highest total green fodder yield (30.16 t ha-1), total dry fodder yield (7.55 t ha-1), gross return (Rs 201200 ha-1), net returns (Rs 139000 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.25). Hence, among different tree grass combinations, growing agathi with bajra napier hybrid at 2 x 0.5 m geometry was found as most promising system for meeting the fodder requirements of Kerala.

Growth, yield and economics of fodder grasses at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

To study the growth, yield and economics of fodder grasses at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, experiment was established in July 2022 with three treatments and five replications. In this study planted three fodder grasses viz., Pennisetum purpurmum × Pennisetum typhoides (Hybrid napier), Brachiaria mutica (Para grass) and Stylosanthes hamata (Stylo). Results indicated that the maximum height was found in T1: Hybrid Napier 186.60 cm followed by T2: Para grass 132 cm and minimum in T3: Stylo 57 cm. The plant population was maximum found in T3: Stylo 16 followed by T1: Hybrid Napier and T2: Para grass 4 whereas number of tillers or branches per meter square found maximum in T3: Stylo 159.80 followed by T1: Hybrid Napier 158.60 and minimum in T2: Para grass 120. The green fodder yield and dry fodder yield was maximum found in T1: Hybrid Napier 860.16 and 266.65 qha-1 followed by T2: Para grass 438.77 and 122.86 qha-1 and minimum in T3: Stylo 194.65 and 36.98 qha-1 respectively. The maximum net return was found in T1: Hybrid Napier Rs. 75,660 followed by T3: Stylo Rs. 62.505 and minimum in T2: Para grass Rs. 61,605. The maximum B:C ratio was found in T1: Hybrid Napier 2.86 followed by T3: Stylo Rs. 2.61 and minimum in T2: Para grass Rs. 2.29.

Effect of salinity stress on morphological characters of Bajra napier hybrid grass [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]x [Pennisetum purpureum (K.) Schm] varieties

Salinity is a significant constraint in expressing thecrop’s full potential. Bajra Napier Hybrid grass is a highyielding,good-quality fodder grass with palatability grown across different climatic zones of India. A field experiment wasconducted at the Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Dharwad, during 2020-21 to evaluate the effect of salinitystress tolerance in seven established BN Hybrid genotypes,viz.,DHN 6, DHN 15, COBN 5, CO 6, BNH 10, IGFRI 7andPHULE YASHWANT at 0 and 12 ECe. The morphological characters like plant height, the number of tillers, the numberof green leaves per tiller, regeneration index, and total fresh weight were recorded in these seven genotypes under salinityand control conditions. The maximum height was observed in Phule Yashwant, whereas the minimum height was recordedin genotype DHN 6. BNH 10 recorded the highest regeneration index. The highest total fresh biomass was recorded in thePhule Yashwant genotype, irrespective of salinity levels. This study revealedthat Phule Yashwant displayed the highestfresh biomass among all the genotypes, and the biomass of BNH 10 was on par.Whereas CO 6 and DHN 6 were the poorperformers. Higher tiller number, regeneration index, and low leaf-to-stem ratio were the strategies adopted by the tolerantvarieties under higher salt levels.

Effect of micro irrigation and crop establishment methods on growth, physiological parameters, quality, and production of bajra napier hybrid grass CO (BN) 5 (Pennisetum glaucum L. × Pennisetum purpureum schumach)

Effect of micro irrigation and crop establishment methods on growth, physiological parameters, quality, and production of bajra napier hybrid grass CO (BN) 5 (Pennisetum glaucum L. × Pennisetum purpureum schumach)

Residual effect of organic nutrients on growth and yield of hybrid napier (Pennisetum perpureum X Pennisetum americarnum) VAR. CO-4

At present-day, wide requirement for environment friendly agriculture for the production of quality fodder to meet the nutrition demand of livestock. Efforts are ongoing for the sustainable way of fodder production with organic fertilizers from natural resources to enhance the production of important fodders. In this regard an experiment was conducted to define the effect of different organic manure on the growth yield and nutritive value of Hybrid napier (Pennisetum perpureum X Pennisetum americarnum) var. CO-4 . This experiment was designed in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Treatments were control (Farm Yard Manure(FYM)(25Kg/ha) (T 1), Goat manure (30 t ha -1)and Farm Yard Manure(25Kg/ha) (T 2), Poultry manure (30t ha -1) and Farm Yard Manure (25Kg/ha )(T 3), Cattle manure (30 t ha -1) and Farm Yard Manure(25Kg/ha )(T 4). These were applied as basal and topdressing application of manure in this experiment and their performance was recorded once in three weeks. Analysis of Variance was performed to define significant difference among treatments (p < 0.05). Results revealed that plants grown in Poultry manure (30 t ha -1) incoporated with Farm Yard Manure(25Kg/ha) (T3 ) showed significantly (p < 0.05) better performance in the measured growth parameters viz. plant height(145cm), leaf area(9000cm2), number of tillers (38), while the lowest performance was observed in control (T1) at 11 WAP( weeks after planting). Further the results of this study revealed that relatively higher total dry matter(189.61g/plant) and nutrition composition viz crude protein(18.49%), Ash content(16.78%),crude fiber(39.4%) ,Ether extract (7.75%) was obtained from the plants treated with poultry manure and FYM (T3) followed by T4,T2 whereas the lowest drymatter yield(52.7g/plant) and nutrition composition was observed in control(T1). Therefore, it could be concluded that the poultry manure combined with FYM can be used to enhance the growth and nutritive value of Hybrid napier (Pennisetum perpureum X Pennisetum americarnum) VAR. CO-4.

Flood Tolerance of Hybrid Napier (Pennisetum purpureum x Pennisetum glaucum) Cultivars

A pot culture study was conducted from February to May 2020 at the Agronomy Farm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala to study the effects of short-term flooding on the growth, physiology, and yield of four high-yielding cultivars of hybrid napier (Pennisetum purpureum x Pennisetum glaucum) cultivated in Kerala. The experiment followed a 4 x 2 factorial Completely Randomized Design with three replications. The treatments comprised two factors: varieties and flooding treatments. The four hybrid napier varieties used in the study were CO-3 (V1), CO-5 (V2), IGFRI -3 (V3), and Suguna (V4). The flooding treatments included no flooding (F0) as a control and short-term flooding stress treatment (F1) at three different growth stages: 30 days after planting (DAP), 60 DAP and just after the first harvest (75 DAP). Flooding stress was imposed for seven days by inundating water in the pots up to 3-4 cm above the soil level. Flooding at all three stages resulted in a significant reduction in plant height, tiller number, leaf number and above-ground biomass for all varieties. A severe reduction in growth and yield parameters was observed when flooding stress was imposed immediately after the first harvest. Among the varieties, CO-5 had the tallest plants, followed by Suguna, CO-3, and IGFRI-3. When exposed to flooding stress, variety CO-5 was also found to be significantly superior in terms of above-ground biomass production, followed by CO-3. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased in all varieties due to flooding stress, with a pronounced increase observed in Suguna. Variety CO-5, which exhibited greater plant height and above-ground biomass production, was found to be more tolerant to flooding stress, while variety IGFRI-3, with a dwarf plant stature and the lowest biomass yield, was identified as sensitive to short-term flooding stress.

Assessment of Moringa oleifera meal supplementation on the antioxidant status of crossbred heifer calves

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the anti-oxidant effect of Moringa oleifera meal-supplementation in the total mixed ration, replacing the compounded concentrate mixture for crossbred heifer calves. A total of twenty-one crossbred heifer calves were selected and grouped into three treatments based on body weight and age. The leaves (84%) and soft twigs (16%) of Moringa oleifera were mixed to prepare the Moringa oleifera meal. Compounded concentrate mixture, ground nut straw, hybrid napier grass, mineral mixture and common salt were used at 50, 23, 25, 1 and 1%, respectively to formulate the control total mixed ration (T1). The compounded concentrate mixture was replaced with the Moringa oleifera meal at 5.0 and 7.5 % to formulate total mixed rations T2 and T3. The whole blood was collected from each calves in the morning before feeding and watering at the beginning (0 day), middle (at 60 day) and end (at 126 day) of the experiment. The total leukocyte counts, total erythrocyte counts, haematocrit and platelet count of crossbred heifer calves differed non-significantly (P>0.05) between the treatment groups, and were within normal physiological range. The serum albumin, glucose, creatinine, urea, alkaline phosphatase, alanine amino transaminase, calcium and phosphorus differed non-significantly between the treatment groups. However, feeding with Moringa oleifera resulted in higher (P0.05) higher after feeding with the 5.0 and 7.5% Moringa oleifera meals. Feeding with 5.0 and 7.5% Moringa oleifera meal in the total mixed ration, replacing the high protein compounded concentrate mixture, to growing crossbred heifer calves had no adverse effect on haematological and biochemical constituents, and resulted in a non-significant (P>0.05) higher antioxidant capacity in the crossbred heifer calves.

Performance of the Napier Hybrid Cultivars CO-5 (Pennisetum glaucum × P. Purpureum schumach) and Sampoorna (Pennisetum pedicillatum × P. americanum) Harvested at Five Intervals

Low pasture biomass production and fodder scarcity are among the major challenges affecting productivity of dairy cattle farms in Sri Lanka. As a potential solution to this, two Napier hybrid cultivars, CO-5 and Sampoorna, were recently introduced, and a field experiment was conducted to evaluate their growth, dry matter production, and nutritional composition from May to September 2020 to identify the optimum stage of harvest during the Yala season of the year. Plant measurements and samples were collected at five harvest intervals (4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks after planting, respectively), with the plant samples subjected to biomass and nutritional assessments. The number of tillers and leaf length significantly differed (p = 0.01) between the two cultivars at 4 weeks harvesting interval (HI), whilst the number of leaves differed at 12-week HI, respectively. Dry matter yield increased (p = 0.16) almost linearly, whilst crude protein declined exponentially with CO-5 greater than Sampoorna (p = 0.057; 9.3% vs. 8.7%), with increasing harvesting intervals, respectively. In vitro organic matter digestibility and in vitro metabolizable energy contents were similar across weeks 4, 6, and 8 but then decreased. This study demonstrates that higher dry matter yields (12.54 t/ha) can be obtained through harvesting both cultivars at 12 week HIs, but from a nutritional perspective, harvesting at 6 week HIs during Yala season of the year would be optimum for farmers.

Efficient nutrient recycling strategy through integrated nutrient management in hybrid napier within a coconut (Cocos nucifera)-based system

Efficient nutrient recycling strategy through integrated nutrient management in hybrid napier within a coconut (Cocos nucifera)-based system

Shade tolerance, yield and nutritive value of selected forage crops in typical homegarden of central Kerala

This study aimed to assess the forage yield, nutritive value and shade tolerance of three cereal fodders viz., maize, sorghum, and pearl millet in comparison to popularly grown fodder grass hybrid napier in partially shaded homegarden and under open conditions with full light, during the lean periods of rabi and summer season in randomized block design with three replications. Fodder crops in open areas exhibited higher yield than in homegarden. In open field, maize recorded significantly higher cumulative green fodder yield, while in homegarden the yield of maize (57.16 t ha-1and 73.50 t ha-1) and hybrid napier (60.42 t ha-1 in rabi and 73.51 t ha-1 in summer) was comparable. Pearl millet showed moderate performance under shade, whereas sorghum had very poor yields. The shade tolerance of fodder grasses in homegarden was in order of hybrid napier > maize > pearl millet > sorghum. Crops in homesteads exhibited higher crude protein and lower crude fibre content, whereas dry matter and ash content was higher in open field. Quality attributes and B:C ratio were better in maize than other crops. The study indicated that fodder maize, variety African tall could be successfully and cost effectively cultivated in partially shaded homegardens to enhance quality forage production. Maize also exhibited comparable yield and better quality than hybrid napier, the conventional grass grown in homegarden

A Study of the Feed Management Practices of Private Elephant Camps in Chiangmai Province

Captive elephant must be properly fed to meet their nutritional demands, supporting optimal growth and development to achieve their providing conservation through tourism. This study aimed to revision of the feed management practices of private elephant camps in Chiangmai province. An archival review and in depth interviews of key informants involving the elephant camps owners or managers located in Chiangmai were conducted. The interview showed that staple roughage of most camps was hybrid napier grass while once is sweet corn soilage. The majority of the large elephant camps with more than 30 elephants which were fed by the camp. Elephants' dietary requirements were addressed under the supervision of veterinarians. The delivery of roughage of large camps coincided with small camp size which the middle man played an important role for gathering, harvesting, transporting and feeding the roughage to the elephants raised in the camps. The diary was fed 10 percent of their weight or about 100-120 kg roughage per individual. Most of the camp, roughage was divided into four to five meals each day. The study's findings for the tiny elephant camps' food management revealed that including elephants in greeting activities for eco-tourists so that they can eat while traveling the hiking trails. The camp also bought bananas and sugar cane from local farmers to sell to visitors for the purpose of feeding the elephants. However, a COVID-19 outbreak that occurred during the research period prevented the elephant camp from earning money from the tourism sector, which reduced the amount of food available.

Stomatal Studies on Colchicine Treated Bajra Napier Hybrids (Pennisetum glaucum x P. purpureum)

Background: This experiment was done to analyze the colchiploids obtained in two bajra napier hybrid genotypes named CO6 and TNCN 1534. Stomatal size is considered as one of the main parameters in analysing the variants developed by colchicine application. Methods: Two methods were adopted for inducing polyploidy BN hybrids. In case of whole immersion method, budded setts were completely immersed in concentrations of 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20% and 0.25% for 3 and 6 hours duration. In case of the cotton swab method, the nodded setts were covered with a thin layer of cotton and same five concentrations were given continuously for a period of over two days. After transplanting them in the field for 30 days, evaluation of stomatal length and width was done. Result: The stomatal measurements changed with various range of concentrations and the method of application. In the case of whole immersion method, 0.20% and 0.25% concentration for 3 and 6 hours produced variants having largest width and length of stomata and also covered the largest range for mean values. In cotton swab treatment, highest range for stomatal measurements were seen at 0.20% and 0.25% concentrations. The whole immersion method was able to generate a wide range for stomatal length and width as compared to cotton swab method. Hence, it can be deciphered that whole immersion method was more effective than cotton swab method in this study. The highest concentration of 0.25% was the most effective in inducing changes in the treated plants in both the methods. Through this, we were able to identify some putative colchiploids in the study. These screened polyploids were forwarded for further analysis which were then used to identify genotypes having desirable forage and quality parameters.

Developing cropping sequence modules for round the year green fodder production under irrigated conditions in North-west Himalayan region

The objective of the experiment was to develop cropping sequence modules for round the year green fodder production for feeding 50 dairy cattle under irrigated conditions in North-West Himalayan region. Various modules were initiated at Research Farm of Instructional Livestock Farm Centre, R.S. Pura, FVSc. & A.H., SKUAST-Jammu during 2016 in an area of 2.5 ha. The experimental data was collected after fully establishing fodder unit during 2017-18 and 2018-19. Five fodder sequences modules viz. Module 1 – Maize+Cowpea-Berseem+Mustard; Module 2- Swankhi, Cowpea, Bajra-Berseem+Oats; Module 3 – Sorghum-oats; Module 4 – perennial module (two perennial grasses and two fodder trees) and Module 5 – azolla (supplemental module) were developed for ensuring supply of quality green fodder round the year to feed 50 dairy animals. The efficiency of modules was adjudged by taking system productivity and economic parameters of fodder and milk yield, and composition parameters for lactation study. Statistical analysis was done with one-way and two-way ANOVA. Among annual crop sequence modules, Module 1 showed highest system productivity, maximum net returns and B:C ratio while among perennial fodder grasses, hybrid napier produced significantly highest system productivity along with maximum net returns and B:C ratio. Among fodder trees, Bauhinia variegate had maximum productivity. Further, lactation studies revealed that highest total milk yield of 12 animals (10 cows and 2 buffaloes) and milk components (10 cows), viz. fat yield, protein yield, lactose yield, SNF yield, etc. were achieved when animals were fed with mixed fodder of maize+cowpea whereas, the highest milk energy was found from those sampled cows which were fed berseem+oats. Thus, under subtropical conditions of Jammu, Maize+Cowpea-Berseem+Mustard module was considered more remunerative based on system productivity and milk parameters followed by perennial fodder and Sorghum-oat module.

First report of Curvularia penniseti causing leaf blight of Bajra Napier hybrid grass in India.

Bajra Napier hybrid (Pennisetum glaucum x Pennisetum purpureum) is a perennial, high yielding grass and is widely grown for fodder in India. During August-2021, Bajra Napier hybrid germplasm line (NBN 15-2) showed severe leaf blight symptoms at ICAR-Indian Grassland and fodder research institute, Jhansi (25.527890 N, 78.5451400 E). Symptoms were initial irregular yellow spots on the leaf lamina, which later became brownish, coalesced and gave blighted appearance to the leaf surface. Disease severity recorded was 55 to 60 percent. To isolate the pathogen, 10 symptomatic leaf samples were cut into small pieces (~4 mm2), surface-sterilized with 70% ethanol for 30 seconds and rinsed with sterile water. Sterilized leaf pieces were transferred to potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 28°C for 7 days. Four similar fungal isolates (BNHCP-1 to BNHCP-4) were obtained from the affected portions. The colonies were grayish-brown with dark brown margins. Conidia were mostly clavate, elongated, straight or bent at the terminal cell, with 2-3 septa with dimensions of 17.5 to 30 μm × 10 to 12.5 μm (avg. 24 μm × 12 μm; n=40). The third cell from the base was broader and darker. These morphological characteristics were consistent with previous descriptions of Curvularia penniseti (Mitra) Boedijn (Ellis, 1971). To confirm the species, BNHCP-1 was chosen as representative isolate for further studies. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene of isolate BNHCP-1 was amplified with primers ITS1F/ITS4R (White et al. 1990) and GDF/GDR (Templeton et al. 1992), and sequenced. The sequences were deposited in GenBank (ITS: OM073980; GAPDH: OM103702.2). BLASTn analysis showed 99.6% and 98% similarity of ITS and GAPDH gene respectively with GenBank accession numbers MH859833.1 (548 bp/550 bp) and MN688838.1 (130 bp/133 bp) of C. penniseti. A maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis based on concatenated sequences of ITS and GAPDH gene using MEGA X placed the isolate BNHCP-1 within a clade comprising C. penniseti. Pure culture of BNHCP-1 was deposited in National Agriculturally Important Microbial Culture Collection (NAIMCC), Maunath Bhanjan (Uttar Pradesh) with accession number NAIMCC-F-04251. For pathogenicity, root slips of Bajra Napier hybrid germplasm line NBN 15-2 were transplanted in pots (6 pots; 2 root slips per pot) and kept for fresh growth in a growth chamber at 25 0C for 21 days. Bajra-Napier hybrid plants were sprayed until runoff with conidial suspension (5 × 105 conidia/ml) made from 2-week old fungal colony grown on PDA petri dish. The pots were covered with plastic bag for 48 h to maintain humidity. Inoculated plants displayed small, brown, oval-shaped lesions within seven days on the lamina and edges of the leaf which later enlarged and gave blighted appearance to the leaf. Control plants were asymptomatic. The pathogen was re-isolated from the inoculated leaves and confirmed morphologically, fulfilling Koch's postulates. C. penniseti has been reported earlier from Pennisetum americanum, P. clandestinum, Sorghum and Triticum sp. from different parts of the world (Sivanesan, 1987). However, there is no report of C. penniseti in Bajra Napier hybrid. Thus, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. penniseti from Bajra-Napier hybrid grass in India. Further studies on economic impact of this disease on Bajra-Napier hybrid production and its presence on commercial cultivars are needed.

ICP-MS Analysis of Elemental Composition in Soil and Forage Plant Irrigated with Sewage water and Bore Well Water

Ensuring sufficient nutrition for livestock is crucial for maximizing livestock productivity besides bridging the widening gaps between demand and supply of green fodder. The cumbu napier hybrid grass, known for its high biomass yield per unit area and wider adaptability has played a vital role in managing the green fodder requirement to a substantial extent is the focus of the current study. Present research aims to explore the impact of sewage wastewater on the growth of Cumbu Napier hybrid grass. The findings revealed that elevated levels of heavy metals viz., 37.77 ppm (parts per million) of lead and 10.46 ppm of tin accumulation in Cumbu Napier hybrid grass grown in soil irrigated with sewage water was recorded as compared to those irrigated with borewell water where 7.73 ppm of lead and 1.92 ppm of tin were registered. Hence, the results indicated that recycling the sewage water for high water demanding forage crops such as cumbu napier hybrid grass found to accumulate more heavy metals than bore well water. The order of mean concentrations of heavy metals in the soil obtained was Sn>Sb>As>Pb>Cd.

Effect of Feeding Probiotics and Synbiotics on Hematological and Serum Biochemical Parameters in Murrah Buffaloes

Background: The present study was carried to find the effect of probiotics and synbiotics supplementation on haematological and serum biochemical profile in Murrah buffaloes. Methods: Eighteen Murrah buffaloes in their early lactation were randomly assigned into three groups. The control group viz Group-I was fed with basal diet (Hybrid napier, paddy straw and concentrate). The Group-II was supplemented with 30 gms of probiotic and Group-III was supplemented with 20 gms of synbiotic respectively, along with the basal diet for three months. Result: No significant effect was found on haematological profile viz., Total leucocyte count, Total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin, Packed cell volume, Mean corpuscular volume, Mean corpuscular haemoglobin. Biochemical profiles viz. serum cholesterol levels, glucose levels, calcium levels, phosphorous levels were also not significantly different among the treatment and control groups.

Phytoextraction Potential of Chrysanthemum and Cumbu Napier Hybrid Grass to Remediate Chromium-Contaminated Soils Using Bioamendments

Phytoextraction Potential of Chrysanthemum and Cumbu Napier Hybrid Grass to Remediate Chromium-Contaminated Soils Using Bioamendments