Yield Index Research Articles

Влияние абиотических факторов весенне-летнего периода на формирование хозяйственно ценных признаков у сортов черешни (Сerasus avium L.) в условиях юга России

Abstraсt. This paper shows a variation in the yield of 11 studied sweet cherry varieties from a minimum value of 5 kg/tree in 2020 (Dar izobilya variety) to a maximum of 65.0 kg per tree in 2021 (Kavkazskaya variety), which was more dependent on the weather conditions of the growing season. In this regard, the aim of the research is to study the biological features of the formation of indicators of yield and quality of fruits of Russian and introduced varieties of sweet cherries, and related weather and climatic factors. By means of statistical evaluation, the coefficient of variation was established, which was high for all varieties – from 63.1 % to 97.3 %, which indicates strong fluctuations in yield during the study period (2019-2023). The indicator "fruit weight" is a varietal feature, therefore it does not vary much by year of observation within each variety. Thus, the coefficient of variation in the studied varieties ranged from 2.7 % (Sashenka variety) to 15.8 % (Kavkazskaya variety). By varieties, this indicator varied quite strongly from the lowest value in 2022 of 4.3 g (Kavkazskaya variety) to the highest 10.3 g in 2022 (Krupnoplodnaya variety). According to the results of the study, the varieties that are least affected by climatic factors were identified, which had an average yield of 31.5-35.2 kg per tree over 5 years of study, subject to the almost complete absence of fruits in 2020 these include – Alaya, Volshebnitsa and Dar Isobiliay. A correlation has been established between the studied breeding-valuable indicators and various abiotic factors influencing their formation. The yield index had a high correlation with the average annual air temperature R2 = 0.60 and the amount of precipitation in April – R 2 = 0.60. The fruit weight indicator was most dependent on the average monthly temperature in June, in this case the correlation coefficient was – R 2 = 0.80, as well as the amount of precipitation for the year – R 2 = 0.54. Keywords: variety, sweet cherry, abiotic factors, yield, productivity, fruit weight. Financing source: The research was carried out within the State Task of Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation for the FSBSI NCFSCHVW.

Decomposition of production growth and identification of efficient cropping zones for major pulse crops in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand

The study’s goal is to decompose pulse production growth in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and identify efficient copping zones for both states. The total change in production was decomposed into three effects, i.e., the area effect (ΔA. Y0), the yield effect (ΔY. A0.), and the interaction effect (ΔA. ΔY). The relative spread index (RSI) and relative yield index (RYI) were computed to identify the potential cropping districts for different pulses grown in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. We classified districts into four zones: most efficient, efficient, not efficient, and highly inefficient. A higher RYI corresponds to higher yield districts, and a higher RSI indicates a more cultivated area. Districts with a high relative spread index and a low relative yield index indicate that a particular pulse is not suitable for that district. We suggest addressing production issues through research, marketing, and extension services to enhance the productivity level of pulse crops. The results from Uttar Pradesh are highly encouraging, indicating that the yield effect has primarily contributed to the growth in pulse production. The government’s policies, schemes, and initiatives to promote pulse production and decrease imports are moving in the right direction. According to the methodological analysis, 57 districts are among the most efficient cropping zones for all selected pulse crops in Uttar Pradesh. In the case of Uttarakhand, for all selected pulses, 20 percent of districts come under the most efficient cropping zone, and 20 percent of districts come under the most efficient cropping zone. The highest 40 percent of districts fell under highly inefficient cropping zones. Lack of high-quality inputs, technology adoption, and poor market and extension services may be the reasons for low productivity in these districts. An increase in productivity with low costs could help the country reduce imports of pulses and check the flow of foreign currency.

Designing a productive, profitable integrated farming system model with low water footprints for small and marginal farmers of Telangana

In the years 2021–2022 and 2022–2023, an experiment was carried out at the IFS Unit, College of Agriculture, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar in order to determine the best one-acre integrated farming system model for Telangana's small and marginal farmers. Seven farm models among which six models were developed by combining the various components i.e., cropping systems, fruit cropfodder crops and livestock components, in different proportions, and compared with rice-groundnut system which is a major farming approach in Telangana using randomized block design. The seven models were as follows: M1: Rice–Groundnut; M2: Rice–Groundnut, Pigeonpea + Sweetcorn (1:3)—Bajra, Bt cotton + Greengram (1:2)—Maize; M3: Rice–Groundnut, Pigeonpea + Sweetcorn (1:3)—Bajra, Pigeonpea + Maize (1:3)—Sunhemp; Napier grass, Sheep (5 + 1); M4: Rice–Groundnut, Pigeonpea + Sweetcorn (1:3)—Bajra, Bt cotton + Greengram (1:2)—Maize, Pigeonpea + Maize (1:3)—Sunhemp, Poultry unit; M5: Guava, Hedge Lucerne, Napier grass, Bt cotton + Greengram (1:2)—Maize, Sheep (5 + 1); M6: Guava, Bt cotton + Greengram (1:2)—Maize, Rice–Groundnut, Poultry; M7: Rice–Groundnut, Pigeonpea + Sweetcorn (1:3)—Bajra, Pigeonpea + Maize (1:3)—Sunhemp; Napier grass, Hedge lucerne, Poultry (100), Sheep (5 + 1). Based on a 2-year average, the Model M7 system produced 9980 Rice Grain Equivalent Yield(RGEY)kg of output per acre, with gross and net returns of ₹210,439 and ₹124,953 respectively, and recovered a B:C ratio of 2.46. It has recorded highest sustainable yield index (SYI) of 0.673 and value index of 0.772 with the lowest water footprint of 259.0 L/kg. This study reveals that adopting an integrated farming system is the optimal approach for effectively combining productive, financially rewarding, and diversified enterprises within a single acre of land.d. This system should be recommended for maximum benefits to smallto small and marginal farmers in Telangana's southern hills and plateau.

Unveiling Genotypic Response of Chickpea to Moisture Stress Based on Morpho‐Physiological Parameters in the Eastern Indo‐Gangetic Plains

ABSTRACTIn the eastern Indo‐Gangetic plains, chickpea is grown postrice cultivation mostly under rainfed condition with residual soil moisture which adversely affects branching as well as pod and seed development, ultimately resulting in substantial yield losses. The current study analysed the moisture stress response of 12 chickpea genotypes with control for different morpho‐physiological traits in two sets of field experiments carried out during the year 2017–18 and 2018–19. The current study observed varying response of chickpea genotypes under moisture stress condition with average yield reduction from 11.79% to 24.77%. Mean yield of genotypes under stress condition showed a strong positive association with yield index (1.00**) and stress tolerance index (0.915**). The biplot principal component analysis revealed maximum potential of three chickpea genotypes (DBGC 1, Pusa 256 and DBGC 2) for grain yield and biological yield under moisture stress condition. The correlation analysis showed a significant association of yield with physiological parameters such as photosynthetic rate (0.363**), stomatal conductance (0.364**) and transpiration rate (0.292*). The three higher yielding genotypes relatively maintained biological yield, yield plant−1, 100 seed weight and photosynthesis rate and showed reduced rates of stomatal conductance and transpiration under moisture stress condition. The study found variable genotypic response to moisture stress and showed that yield index as well as stress tolerance index was more effective to identify superior genotypes for moisture stress condition. The superior genotypes identified in the present study may be considered for rainfed areas of eastern Indo‐Gangetic plains and can be used in future chickpea breeding programs for drought tolerance.

Five years of conservation tillage and weed management in a rice-chickpea rotation of northern Gangetic Plains of India: Weed growth, yield benefits and economic profitability

Cropping system diversification of cereal-cereal systems with alternative systems preferably with pulses/legumes is demand of time across the globe for sustenance of natural resources and climate resilience. Rice-chickpea has been advocated as a futuristic cropping system in rice ecologies of South Asia for diversification of dominating rice-wheat system. However, the long-term sustainability of this system with respect to weed severity/growth, crop/system productivity, profitability, and yield stability under variable tillage, crop residues, and weed management practices has not been studied elaborately. Hence, present study was undertaken for five consecutive years in split-plot design with four tillage and residue management practices in main plot (conventional and zero tillage with and without residues), and three weed control practices (pre + post emergence herbicides and manual weeding) in sub-plot. Conservation tillage system comprising zero-tilled (ZT) direct seeded rice (ZTDSR) - ZT chickpea with rice residue retention (ZTDSR-ZTC+RR) led to the lower weed density in chickpea (by 10 %) and system (by 7 %) than conventional-tilled (CT) puddled transplanted rice - CT chickpea without residues (PTR-CTC-R; farmer practice). Among weed management practices, pendimethalin 1 kg a.i. ha−1 – metsulfuron-methyl + chlorimuron ethyl (ready-mix) 4 g a.i. ha−1 in rice and oxyfluorfen 150 g a.i. ha−1 – propaquizafop 100 g a.i. ha−1 in chickpea decreased the weed density in system by 14–22 % (p < 0.05) than pendimethalin + one hand weeding. The best weed management practice (pendimethalin – metsulfuron-methyl + chlorimuron ethyl) had significantly total weed density rice (by 7 %) and system (by 10 %) than current recommendation of the Indo-Gangetic Plains region (pendimethalin - bispyribac-sodium). It suggested that rotation of bispyribac-sodium with metsulfuron-methyl+chlorimuron ethyl (mixture herbicide) could reduce weed density and increase yield over time. Mean of five years indicated a non-significant yield difference among conservation and conventional tillage systems in rice. However, conservation tillage practice (ZTDSR-ZTC+RR) had 10 % higher chickpea yield and 4 % higher system yield (five years mean) over the PTR-CTC-R (p < 0.05). Further, conservation tillage comprising ZT in both crops in system with added residues (ZTDSR-ZTC+RR) resulted in an economic benefit of INR 22,000 than the conventional tillage in both crops without residues (PTR-CTC-R). Moreover, five years sustainable yield index was 16 % higher in ZTDSR-ZTC+RR system than conventional-tilled rice-chickpea system. Thus, conservation tillage with suitable pre- + post- emergence herbicides such as pendimethalin – metsulfuron-methyl + chlorimuron ethyl in rice and oxyfluorfen – propaquizafop in chickpea can reduce the weed density and enhance the crop and system productivity over time than conventional tillage. This system can also sustain the yields of component crops and system in long-run with higher yield stability over conventional tillage without residues. This system can be adopted in the cereal-cereal based cropping system of rice ecologies to diversify the system and to reverse the weed infestation and yield decline.

Long-term combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers increases crop yield sustainability by improving soil fertility in maize-wheat cropping systems1

Organic material combined with inorganic fertilizer has been shown to greatly improve g crop yield and maintain soil fertility globally. However, it remains unclear if crop yield and soil fertility can be sustained in the long term under the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers. Three long-term field trials were conducted to investigate the effects of organic amendments on the grain sustainable yield index (SYI), soil fertility index (SFI) and nutrient balance in maize-wheat cropping systems of central and southern China during 1991-2019. Five treatments were included in the trials: 1) no fertilization (control); 2) balanced mineral fertilization (NPK); 3) NPK plus manure (NPKM); 4) high dose of NPK plus manure (1.5NPKM); and 5) NPK plus crop straw (NPKS). Over time, the grain yields of wheat and maize showed an increasing trend in all four fertilization treatments at the Yangling (YL) and Zhengzhou (ZZ) locations, while they declined at Qiyang (QY). The grain yield in the NPKM and 1.5 NPKM treatments gradually exceeded that of the NPK and NPKS treatments at the QY site. The largest SYI was recorded in the NPKM treatment across the three sites, suggesting that inorganic fertilizer combined with manure can effectively improve crop yield sustainability. Higher SYI values were recorded at the YL and ZZ sites than at the QY site, possibly because the soil was more acid at QY. The key factors affecting grain yield were soil available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK) at the YL and ZZ sites, and pH and AP at the QY site. All fertilization treatments resulted in soil N and P surpluses at the three sites, but soil K surpluses were recorded only at the QY site. The SFI was greater in the 1.5NPKM, NPKM and NPKS treatments than in the NPK treatment by 13.3-40.0 and 16.4-63.6% at the YL and ZZ sites, respectively, and was significantly higher in the NPKM and 1.5NPKM treatments than in the NPK and NPKS treatments at the QY site. A significant, positive linear relationship was found between SFI and crop yield, and SYI and nutrient balance, indicating that grain yield and its sustainability significantly increased with increasing soil fertility. The apparent N, P and K balances positively affected SFI. This study suggests that the appropriate amount of manure mixed with mineral NPK fertilizer is beneficial to the development of sustainable agriculture, which effectively increases the crop yield and yield sustainability by improving soil fertility.

SONA SUPER BASMATI: A NEW EXTRA-LONG GRAIN HIGH YIELDING RICE VARIETY WITH EXCELLENT COOKING QUALITY

Abstract Rice crop feeds about half of the world’s population which is getting larger and hungrier with every tick of the clock. Basmati rice being a geographical speciality of Pakistan is widely proclaimed as one of the finest rice available throughout the world due to its unique aroma, taste, and texture. Changing consumer behavior and preferences for basmati rice i.e., extra-long grain length along with excellent cooking quality, reiterates the revitalization of rice breeding objectives to develop suitable basmati rice varieties. In this context, plant breeders at Rice Research Institute, Kala Shah Kaku identified a suitable transgressive segregant from F2 segregating population of a cross (PK 10436) between the famous basmati rice variety “Basmati 515” (female parent) and 99417 (male parent). The initial cross of PK 10436-4-2 was accomplished during Kharif, 2010 followed by its rigorous selection and purification in succeeding generations through the pedigree method till F4 generation in Kharif, 2014. After its development, PK 10436-4-2 was evaluated in Station Yield Trials (Kharif, 2016 - 2019) for various yields and its attributing traits in which it gave a cumulative 31.37 % yield advantage over the check variety (Super Basmati). Meanwhile, multi-locational yield evaluation was accomplished in Micro-plot Yield Trials and National Uniform Yield Trials for two consecutive years (Kharif, 2020 - 2021) at various locations across Pakistan; in which, PK 10436-4-2 out-yielded the check variety by 17.50 % and 19.75 % respectively. In addition to superior yield indices, PK 10436-4-2 showed excellent cooking quality i.e., extra-long grain length (AGL = 9.5 mm; CGL = 17.5 mm), with strong aroma. The aforementioned superior credentials of this candidate line led to its approval for general cultivation as “Sona Super Basmati” in the 56th meeting of the Punjab Seed Council, Punjab, Pakistan. In the future, prospects of cultivating Sona Super Basmati could create new vistas not only in local rice consumption but also in the basmati rice export of Pakistan.

Designing acceptance sampling plans for polynomial profiles using EWMA statistics based on process yield index

Inspection of raw materials, semi-finished products or final products is an important part of a quality assurance system. Acceptance sampling is a procedure used to decide either to accept or reject suppliers’ submitted lots in accordance with a specific standard. In this manuscript, designing acceptance sampling plans for lots with polynomial profile as quality characteristic is considered. To use previous lot information on deciding for accept or reject the available lot, exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) statistic based on process yield index (Spk ) of polynomial profiles with two-sided specification limits is applied. For this purpose, three acceptance sampling plans of repetitive group sampling (RGS), resubmitted and also combined RGS-resubmitted plans are developed in this paper. The Parameters of the proposed plans are determined using non-linear optimization model. Performance of the proposed acceptance sampling plans are compared using numerical methods and Monte-Carlo simulations. Simulation results emphasize that the proposed combined sampling plan mostly requires less average sampling number (ASN) and consequently leads to decreasing inspection time and costs. The application of the proposed combined plan is also demonstrated using a real case.

Yield -based evaluation of low nitrogen tolerance indices for screening of [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] genotypes

Nitrogen stress is one of the key factors limiting sorghum crop productivity. To identify desirable sorghum genotypes best suited to nitrogen stress, the response of 300 sorghum landraces and two standard checks: KS78, and BCK60 were evaluated using yield-based indices. The experiment was conducted under nitrogen stress and ideal conditions for two years using a split-plot in RCBD design with two replications. Nitrogen treatments were assigned to the main plots, and sorghum genotypes were assigned to the subplots. Fourteen nitrogen stress screening indices, namely, the yield stability index (YSI), stress tolerance index (STI), modified stress tolerance index (KSTI), low nitrogen tolerance index (LNTI), relative decrease in yield (RDY), tolerance index (TOL), yield index (YI), stress susceptibility index (SSI), stress susceptibility percentage index (SSPI), and harmonic mean (HM), were computed using grain yield. The yield under optimal and stress conditions was significantly positively correlated with the HM, MP, GMP, STI, HM, YI, and modified STI. The results from the cluster analysis, PCA biplot, and 3D biplot classified the genotypes into three groups: nitrogen stress tolerant, nitrogen stress susceptible, and poor performers under both environments. Using STI, GMP, and MP, Genotypes (G80) ETSL101255, (G216) ETSL101006, (G35) ETSL101258, (G146) ETSL100813, and genotypes (G244) ETSL100292, (G161) ETSL100539, (G240) ETSL100890, (G93) ETSL101845, (G261) ETSL100625, (G248) ETSL100874, (G258) ETSL100752, (G142) ETSL100921, (G135) ETSL100307 were identified as top nitrogen stress tolerant, and susceptible genotypes respectively. We conclude that the indices MP, GMP, and STI can help in improving sorghum yield by selecting nitrogen efficient genotypes.

Limitations and solutions for developing a grain yield and protein content forecasting model based on vegetation indices in organic wheat production – on-farm experimentation

ABSTRACT Multispectral imaging has gained increased attention in recent years for monitoring and predicting crop-related characteristics. Vegetation indices can provide valuable insight into crop health and growth, especially in conventional agriculture and small-sized experimental plots. However, the effectiveness of such methods in non-conventional agricultural systems still needs to be clarified. This study was the first to test three vegetation indices (NDVI, GNDVI, NDRE) for grain yield and protein content prediction in organic farming under real-life farm management practices. Using two small-plot and one on-farm organic wheat variety trial sites, unmanned aerial vehicle-based remote sensing data was compared with physical sampling results in 2 years to assess the potential of agricultural remote sensing to predict yield and protein content on small- and medium-sized plots of organic winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The correlations between vegetation indices and crop traits were stronger in small- than in medium-sized plots (r max = 0.85 and 0.75, respectively, for grain yield), probably due to increased heterogeneity of the larger plots, due to differences in weed cover, soil nutrient supply, etc., and it was strongly affected by the time of measurement. Linear equation for yield and protein content prediction was not sufficiently precise; the machine learning algorithms improved the accuracy of yield estimation. Both methods considered NDRE with a higher weight than NDVI when modelling grain yield and protein content based on the vegetation index values, which suggested that NDRE was more suitable for prediction. Small-plot-based predictions over-estimated grain yield and under-estimated grain protein content in medium-sized plots.

Assessment of diversity, sustainable yield index, value index and system economic efficiency of organic and conventional farmers of Karnataka state, India

Assessment of diversity, sustainable yield index, value index and system economic efficiency of organic and conventional farmers of Karnataka state, India

GGE biplot analysis and selection indices for yield and stability assessment of maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes under drought and irrigated conditions

Maize is mainly a rainfed crop prone to drought stress, suffering yield losses. The present study evaluated eleven early and nine late maturity hybrids to identify widely adapted genotypes under drought stress and irrigated conditions at the flowering stage. Genotypes showed 25.2% yield reduction under drought over irrigated conditions. GGE biplot analysis demonstrated major effect of environment (72–85%) on grain yield followed by genotype × environment (8–18%), identifying two different mega-environments under drought stress. Suitable selection indices identified DRMH 1417, DKC 7074 in the early and CMH12-686 in late maturity group as high-yielding and drought-tolerant hybrids.

Comparative assessment of soil quality dynamics using SQI modelling approach: a study in rice bowl of West Bengal, India.

The study attempted to evaluate the agricultural soil quality using the Soil Quality Index (SQI) model in two Community Development Blocks, Ausgram-II and Memari-II of Purba Bardhaman District. Total 104 soil samples were collected (0-20cm depth) from each Block to analyse 13 parameters (bulk density, soil porosity, soil aggregate stability, water holding capacity, infiltration rate, available nitrogen, available phosphorous, available potassium, soil pH, soil organic carbon, electrical conductivity, soil respiration and microbial biomass carbon) in this study. The Integrated Quality Index (IQI) was applied using the weighted additive approach and non-linear scoring technique to retain the Minimum Data Set (MDS). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified that SAS, BD, available K, pH, available N, and available P were the key contributing parameters to SQI in Ausgram-II. In contrast, WHC, SR, available N, pH, and SAS contributed the most to SQI in Memari-II. Results revealed that Ausgram-II (0.97) is notably higher SQI than Memari-II (0.69). In Ausgram-II, 99.72% of agricultural lands showed very high SQI (Grade I), whereas, in Memari-II, 49.95% of lands exhibited a moderate SQI (Grade III) and 49.90% showed a high SQI (Grade II). Sustainable Yield Index (SYI), Sensitivity Index (SI) and Efficiency Ratio (ER) were used to validate the SQIs. A positive correlation was observed between SQI and paddy ( R2 = 0.82 & 0.72) and potato yield (R2 = 0.71 & 0.78) in Ausgram-II and Memari-II Block, respectively. This study could evaluate the agricultural soil quality and provide insights for decision-making in fertiliser management practices to promote agricultural sustainability.

Impacts of Vermicompost and Farmyard Manure as Organic Fertilizer with Biochar Amendment on Soil Quality, Growth and Yield of Sunflower

Background: Sunflower is an economically important and the fourth most valuable oil seed crop. The study aimed to investigate organic fertilizers as an alternative method of enhancing soil quality and to determine the optimal combination of organic fertilizer treatments for sunflower growth performance and yield. Methods: The sunflower variety BARI Surjamukhi-2 was used in this study. The treatments were applied as T1= Control; T2= Farmyard Manure @ 2 t ha-1; T3= Vermicompost @2 t ha-1; T4= Biochar @2 t ha-1; T5= Farmyard Manure @1 t ha-1+Vermicompost @ 1 t ha-1; T6= Farmyard Manure @1 t ha-1+Biochar @1 t ha-1 and T7= Vermicompost @ 1 t ha-1+Biochar @1 t ha-1. Result: The data showed that application of different organic fertilizer treatments improves soil quality. Organic fertilizer addition had a positive effect on the growth traits like plant height, leaves number plant-1, stem diameter, chlorophyll content, head diameter, fresh and dry seed number head-1, 1,000-seed weight and seed yield. The correlation results strongly agreed that chlorophyll content, fresh seed number, head diameter plant-1 and 1,000-seed weight could be considered as selection indices for high yield of sunflower. This demonstrates the organic fertilizer’s capacity to improve sunflower growth and yield, as well as its significant potential to replace chemical fertilizers in the perspective of crop sustainability.

Effect of a Simultaneous Increase in Crude Protein and Total Digestible Nutrients Contents on Late Fattening Hanwoo Steers

Background: Shortening the fattening period can reduce production costs and inedible fat, but may simultaneously negatively affect productivity and profitability. We hypothesized that increasing the crude protein and total digestible nutrients (TDN) in the formula feed could address the issues associated with shortened fattening periods without adversely affecting rumen fermentation. This study investigated the effect of a simultaneous increase of crude protein and TDN contents compared to conventional formula feed on growth performance, blood metabolites, carcass characteristics and meat composition of late fattening Hanwoo steers. Methods: Thirty Hanwoo steers were randomly assigned to one of two dietary groups: control group (16.4% crude protein and 83.6% TDN based on dry matter) and treatment group (17.4% crude protein and 84.6% TDN based on dry matter). Result: The rumen parameters were similar between the control and treatment groups. Likewise, the effect of additional crude protein and TDN contents in the formula feed showed no significant impact on the growth performance or blood metabolites. The carcass weight and yield index were slightly higher in the treatment group compared to the control, yet these differences were not statistically significant. Furthermore, the dietary treatment did not affect marbling score, meat color, fat color, texture, maturity, pH, surface colors, drip loss, cooking loss, sensory characteristics, or fatty acid composition in the longissimus muscle.

Agronomy biofortification of wheat grain in a saline and calcareous soil

Agronomy biofortification is an important crop management strategy to enhance concentrations of micronutrients in edible portions. The availability of micronutrients for plant uptake is reduced by the high salinity, pH, and lime of soils. Hence, this study aimed to determine the most appropriate time and the best ratio of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) consumption during the wheat growth stages in a saline and calcareous soil. The experiment consisted of two factors with four levels; 0, 30, 60, and 120 kg Zn ha−1 as Zn0, Zn1, Zn2, and Zn3 respectively, and 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 kg Fe ha−1 as Fe0, Fe1, Fe2, and Fe3 respectively, in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The results showed that the interaction effects of Fe and Zn fertilizers application were significant on the wheat yield indices and concentration of Fe and Zn in wheat shoots and grain. The simultaneous application of 120 kg Zn ha−1 and 5 kg Fe ha−1 caused significant improvement (p < 0.05) in thousand kernel weight (9.1%) and subsequently grain yield (23.4%) compared to the control treatment. The Zn concentration in the wheat shoot during tillering (37.0–58.2 mg Zn kg−1) was higher than the other two growth stages (elongation (29.2–40.8 mg Zn kg−1) and booting (20.0–31.0 mg Zn kg−1)). While the highest Fe concentration in wheat shoots was observed at the stem elongation stage (98.5–268.8 mg Fe kg−1), then the booting stage (91.0–150.8 mg Fe kg−1) and finally the least absorption was at the tillering (80.0–120.0 mg Fe kg−1). Because of the high calcium carbonate, salinity and Zn- deficient soil of the experimental site, the Zn concentration in wheat grain was obtained in a range of 3 to 19 mg kg−1. The results clarified that the fertilizer application of 30 kg Zn ha−1 and 2.5 kg Fe ha−1 can be proportionally and simultaneously increased the concentration of Fe and Zn in wheat grain by 100%. Therefore, the soil application of 30 kg Zn and 2.5 kg Fe per hectare proposed for improvement in quantitative (619 kg ha−1 increase in wheat grain yield) and qualities (100% increase in grain Zn and Fe concentration and 8% increase in thousand kernel weight) indices of wheat yield in calcareous and saline soils.

Indexing heat stress-induced changes in Indian mustard germplasm using biochemical traits, stress tolerance indices and seed morphological features

Heat stress in Brassica is a great threat to its productivity and it is a major abiotic challenge in the current scenario of changing global climatic conditions. Oil production from Brassica is the second largest production after soybean, globally. In this study, 32 Indian mustard accessions were evaluated (post-anthesis stage) under heat stress in field conditions during the rabi season of 2019-20, by being exposed to 3 different growing conditions i.e., early, optimum and late sowing. Biochemical assays were performed at the post-anthesis stage to analyze the best-performing accessions under heat stress during the rabi season of 2021-22. Seed morphological parameters and stress indices (MDA, proline content) were used to find high-performing accessions. The results showed a significant correlation between yield under stress and STI (stress tolerance index), YI (yield index), SSPI (stress susceptibility percent index) and MP (mean productivity), indicating the utility of these indices in the selection of heat-tolerant and high-yielding lines. Based on the morphological, seed yield and quality parameters, accessions IC280920, IC401575, IC426400, IC491509 and IC570301 were found tolerant to heat stress as compared to other accessions. Therefore, the selected accessions can be utilized to improve crop Brassica, especially under heat stress.

Effects of Long-Term Fertilizer Application on Crop Yield Stability and Water Use Efficiency in Diversified Planting Systems

Exploring crop yield stability and the relationship between the water–fertilizer effect and annual precipitation type in a broomcorn millet–potato–spring corn rotation system under long-term fertilization on chestnut cinnamon soil in loess tableland can provide a scientific basis for rational fertilization in the northwest Shanxi region in years with different precipitation. This study was based on a 33-year long-term fertilizer experiment, using four fertilizer treatments: no fertilizer as control (CT), single fertilizer nitrogen (N), single organic fertilizer (M), and nitrogen fertilizer with organic fertilizer (NM). The results showed that broomcorn millet and maize had the highest yield in wet years, while potatoes had the highest yield in normal years and the yield under NM treatment was the highest. The sustainable yield index (SYI) values for potato and maize were higher than the SYI for the broomcorn millet during years with different precipitation and the SYI for the NM treatment was the highest. The water use efficiency of NM treatment was the highest. The yield of broomcorn millet and maize was affected by nitrogen fertilizer, organic fertilizer, and precipitation during the growth period, while the potato yield was mainly affected by nitrogen fertilizer and organic fertilizer. Therefore, the rotation of potato–maize and the rational allocation of organic and inorganic fertilizer (NM) is the best planting system in this region.

Hydroponic Screening at Early Seedling Stage Identified Sources of Salinity Tolerance in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop

Wheat is a vital crop globally, essential for agriculture, economics, and food security. However, in arid and semi-arid conditions, wheat production faces significant challenges due to low water availability, uneven rainfall distribution, and high soil salinity. The germination and early seedling stages are particularly vulnerable to these stresses. Therefore, this study assessed 15 wheat genotypes for their tolerance to salinity stress during early growth stages, using a hydroponic system with four salt stress levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl). Significant differences were observed for genotype and salinity main effects and their interaction on all investigated traits, indicating considerable variability in the response to salt stress among the investigated wheat cultivars. High NaCl concentrations led to substantial reductions in measured parameters across genotypes, with some showing resilience while others exhibited heightened sensitivity. Stress tolerance indices, such as mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP), harmonic mean (HM), stress tolerance index (STI) and yield index (YI), were identified as reliable indicators for selecting salt-tolerant wheat cultivars. Consequently, Sidi Okba (G11), Ziad (G12), Tamezghida (G13) and Zidane (G14) emerged as the most promising, displaying acceptable performance under both non-stress and salt-stress conditions. These genotypes could serve as valuable genetic resources for breeding programs aimed at enhancing wheat’s salinity tolerance, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.

Cluster frontline demonstration on soybean (Glycine max): Learning on sustainability indicators

Enhancing production sustainably in oilseeds has been a challenge for the technologists and policy planners. This study focuses on the efforts made through various technological interventions on farmers’ field under Cluster Frontline Demonstration (CFLD) in increasing production of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] crop. A total of 27,069 CFLDs on soybean crop were conducted (2018–22) across the country using improved crop varieties (47) and recommended practices (RP). This study aimed to compare the performance of enhanced soybean varieties over farmers' practices (FP). Most of these CFLDs were carried out using variety KDS-726. Four of these 47 varieties (KDS-726, JS 20-34, JS 20-69, and KDS-753) accounted for approximately 49.5% of the demonstrations. Under RP, the cultivars PS-1225 and PS-1235's showed highest and lowest yielding capacities, respectively. Under RP, the extent of difference in yield between the highest and lowest was 213.4%. All the soybean cultivars grown under RP could result in increasing the yield above FP ranging from 1.65 (PS-1225) to 136.8% (VL Soya-77). Under RP and FP, the cost of cultivation for the various soybean cultivars ranged from ₹30,665 to ₹27,074/ha, respectively. Sikkim Pahenlo Bhatmas-1 (₹79,850/ha) and JS 95-60 (₹58,756/ha) showed the highest net returns while MACS-1407 (₹18,250/ha) and PS-1024 (₹6,630/ha) recorded lowest net returns for RP and FP, respectively. Under RP, SYI (sustainable yield index) ranged from 0.61 (MAUS-158) to 0.99 (MAUS-612) while under FP, it ranged from 0.27 (RVS 2001-4) to 0.99 (JS 97-52). Varieties under RP consistently displayed greater SVI (sustainable value index) values than FP in terms of net returns. The key insight suggested that improved soybean varieties have been instrumental in increasing yield and bridging the yield gap.