Net House Research Articles

Influence of Training and Tomato Hybrids on Growth, and Quality of Tomato under Shade Net House

This study examines the influence of different training systems and tomato hybrids on the growth, yield, and quality of tomatoes (Solanum Lycopersicon L.) under shade net house conditions. It was conducted at the Hi-Tech Horticulture Unit, Centre of Excellence for Vegetables, Karnal, during the 2016-17 growing season. The experiment followed a Factorial arrangement of treatments in Randomized Complete Block Design (FRBD) with two training systems (one-stem and two-stem) and four hybrids (STH-39, STH-901, STH-801, and STH-701). Growth results indicated that the one-stem system significantly enhanced plant height (270.08 cm), leaf area (77.06 cm²), and stem girth (1.75 cm), while the two-stem system increased the number of leaves (82.80 per plant). Hybrid STH-801 exhibited superior vegetative performance, with the highest plant height (309.03 cm), maximum number of branches (8.17), and largest leaf area (79.22 cm²). In terms of quality parameters, the training systems had no significant effect on traits such as total soluble solids (TSS), pH, pericarp thickness, or shelf life. However, hybrid STH-801 recorded the highest TSS (5.47 °Brix) and longest shelf life (23 days). STH-39 produced the thickest pericarp (1.10 cm) and largest fruit volume (157 cc), contributing to better fruit quality. These findings highlight the importance of hybrid selection and training systems in improving both the growth and quality of tomatoes under protected cultivation.

Encapsulated Predatory Bacteria Efficiently Protect Potato Tubers from Soft Rot Disease.

Soft rot Pectobacteriaceae (SRP) are a group of destructive Gram-negative phytopathogens that can infect a wide range of plant hosts, including potatoes. There are no effective control agents available against SRP, making their management challenging. We have developed a novel approach to protect potato tubers against SRP. It makes use of encapsulated predatory Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus bacteria that, upon release from a polymeric carrier, prey upon SRP. We applied a carrageenan-trehalose-based formulation containing a B. bacteriovorus HD100 predator to prevent soft rot disease development in potato tubers, under various conditions. The dried formulation exhibited very high stability over an 18-month period at room temperature (∼25°C), in contrast to unencapsulated suspensions of the predator, in which viability decreased rapidly below detection level. The rehydrated formulation was as efficient as freshly grown unencapsulated predators and provided high protection in potted potato tubers, displaying an average of 50% reduction in disease parameters (e.g., tissue decay and disease index) under controlled conditions at 7 days postinoculation and planting. The protective effect provided by this formulation was maintained in longer-term trials (28 days) conducted in larger vessels within a net house under natural climate conditions, highlighting its potential for practical application in the field.

Effects of Protected Cultivation on Agronomic, Yield, and Quality Traits of Yard-Long Bean (Vigna unguiculata ssp. unguiculata cv.-gr. sesquipedalis)

Protected cultivation is the sustainable approach to horticultural crop production under adverse climates. In this study, the performance of yard-long beans under three protected cultivations, including single-span polyhouse (SSP), five-span polyhouse (FSP), and insect-proof net house (IPN), is examined and compared to open field cultivation. The above protected cultivation can extend the harvest period of pods by 6–10 days, improve their quality, and increase yield by 15.6% to 25.1%, reducing the incidence and severity of thrips and Cercospora leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. Among them, yard-long beans grown in SSP are longer and straighter in shape and have the lowest incidence and severity of pests and diseases and the highest levels of total polyphenols, total sugar, soluble protein, starch, and fiber. This indicates that protected cultivation has broad application in the production of yard-long beans. Through full subset regression analysis (FSRA), we report here that the yield and of yard-long bean occurrences of pests and diseases were highly impacted by climatic factors, especially UV radiation intensity and air temperature. These results have considerable implications for improving pod yield and quality and green prevention and control of pests and diseases through optimizing facility structure and fertilizer management.

Resistance of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties to Gram Pod Borer (Helicoverpa armigera) in a Controlled Environment

The research was conducted within the controlled environment of the net house at the Faculty of Agriculture Science and Technology, AKS University, Satna (M.P.), during the Rabi season of 2023-24. Eight diverse chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes, viz. JG-63, JG-130, L-2, JG-14, RAJ-128, Narendran-2, Annagiri and RVG-202, were systematically screened to evaluate their resistance to the gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) under protected conditions. The study was meticulously designed using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications to ensure robust statistical analysis. Throughout the critical vegetative, flowering and maturity stages, the larval population density of H. armigera was rigorously monitored across all genotypes at regular intervals. The comprehensive data analysis revealed that genotypes RAJ-128 and RVG-202 demonstrated superior resistance, exhibiting the lowest mean larval density of 0.25 and 0.29 larvae per 0.5 m², respectively, indicating their potential for integrated pest management in chickpea cultivation.

Development of agrivoltaic insect net house to enhance sustainable energy-food production: a techno-economic assessment

Agrivoltaics (AV) systems are the simultaneous land utilization for sustainable energy and food production. However, AV may not be suitable for some crops that require rigorous pest management. This study has applied an innovative approach, combining AV with an insect net house to cultivate capsicum. The 1.8 kW AV system has been installed at a 3-m elevation to facilitate unrestricted tractor manoeuvrability for various farming operations. The structure can withstand winds as high as 140.4 km/h. The system has a 3,612-kWh energy capacity and a 51.41 kg food production capacity. The system's energy and food conversion efficiency are 14.09% and 154.8%, respectively, compared to the traditional systems. Economic metrics like a 2.20 benefit-cost ratio and a 9.39-year payback period have been included in the findings. Further, the land equivalence ratio is 1.97, indicating a better system than traditional AV and agriculture approaches.

Combined Analysis over the Years on the Influence of Foliar Application of Kappaphycus Seaweed-based Biostimulant on the Yield of Two Different Varieties of Black Gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)

Experiments were conducted in a split-plot design with the different concentrations of Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed extract (KSWE; 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) along with recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) assigned to the main plots and varieties (TAU-1 and DBGV-5) assigned to the sub-plots at the net house facility of CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute during the Kharif season of 2019 and 2020, in order to investigate the influence of (KSWE on two black gram varieties, DBGV-5 and TAU-1, at a single location over two years. KSWE was foliar applied 3 times at 20, 40 and 60 DAS and various yield and yield attributes were measured. Combined analysis over the years revealed that the response of black gram varieties to KSWE varied between years, with significant improvements in yield and its attributes in 2020 as compared to 2019. KSWE concentration at 5% concentration was optimal, enhancing seed yield by 14.1% over the control and improving most yield parameters except pod length and seeds per pod. Yield attributes like pod numbers and total seeds per plant were enhanced by 9 and 10.7%, respectively, over control by this factor (KSWE concentration) at 5% level. No significant interaction was observed between KSWE concentration and variety, indicating consistent effectiveness across different black gram varieties.

Effect of Different Growing Media and Polybag Sizes on Seeds Germination & Root System of Rough Lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) in Nursery Condition

Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the different growing media & polybag size for seedling growth of rough lemon rootstock. Study Design: The experiment used a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: The study "Effect of Growing Media and Polybag Size on Rough Lemon Seedling Growth" took place in an insect-proof net house at CCS Haryana Agricultural University during the 2021-2022 academic year. Methodology: It comprising of 30 treatment combination i.e., ten different growing media: T1: garden soil; T2: soil: sand (1:1); T3: soil: sand: leafmold (1:1:1); T4: soil: cocopeat (1:1); T5: sand: cocopeat (1:1); T6: soil: sand: cocopeat (1:1:1); T7: soil: FYM (1:1); T8: sand: FYM (1:1); T9: soil: sand: FYM (1:1:1); T10: soil: sand: FYM: cocopeat (1:1:1:1), and the polybags S1: large (30 x 18 cm), S2: medium (21 x 18 cm) & S3: small size (17 x 16 cm) bags. Results: The study found that adding cocopeat to growing media (T4, T5, T6) resulted in earlier germination and higher rates (87-89%) Whereas, T4 to T10 media consists of either FYM, cocopeat for both resulted into more germination 87-89% as compared to controls (T1, T2, T3). The most of the root growth parameters i.e., diameter of tap root(2.45mm), fresh root weight (4.63g) & dry root weight (1.21g) & root: shoot ratio (0.61) improved with the media sand: FYM, soil: FYM, sand: soil: FYM, sand: soil: FYM: cocopeat in equal proportion. However, when media supplemented with cocopeat (T4, T5 & T6 ) also showed appreciable results as compared to soil, sand: soil & soil: sand: leafmold. However, sand: FYM, sand: cocopeat treatments were best in respect of number of primary roots (61.22), root volume (6.44ml). Whereas, sand: soil showed very poor results in all growth aspects. Among polybags sizes, large size (30 x 18cm) bags performed best in most of the germination & root growth parameters. Conclusion: Media enriched with organic matter outperformed sole media across all parameters, while larger polybags produced significantly better results than medium and small sizes.

Enhancing Capsicum Cultivation under Polyhouse, Shadenet House and Open Field Conditions with Drip Fertigation

Capsicum cultivation is a highly challenging task in open field conditions because of the extreme climatic conditions and poor input delivery system. Hence, the protected cultivation of capsicum is catching up. The present study evaluates the comparative performance of polyhouse, shadenet house and opens field conditions on the biometric, yield, fruit quality and economics of capsicum using drip and fertigation system. The study also determines the optimum dose of irrigation water and fertilizer application using drip irrigation methods under different protected cultivation structures. The study was conducted at Precision Farming Development Centre, IIT Kharagpur, for two consecutive years during 2022 and 2023. The irrigation water requirement of capsicum under polyhouse, shadenet house and open field conditions was estimated using FAO-56 Penman Monteith approach. When compared to open field cultivation, drip irrigated capsicum requires approximately 35.2% less water under polyhouse conditions and 25.5% less under shade net houses. The study also found that biometric parameters, yield and quality of capsicum are superior under polyhouse in comparison to the capsicum grown under shadenet and in open field conditions. Polyhouse treatments, particularly 100% RDF with 80% WR, demonstrated superior biometric parameters, quality metrics, and water productivity compared to other treatments. Capsicum grown under shadenet house conditions with 120% RDF with 80% WR also showed enhanced yield and quality over open field conditions. Economic analysis revealed that polyhouse cultivation, despite higher initial costs, yielded the highest net profit and benefit-cost ratio, followed by shadenet house and open field conditions. These findings underscore the importance of controlled environments in improving capsicum production and economic returns, highlighting the potential of polyhouses and shadenet houses in optimizing crop performance and resource use efficiency.

First report of Eupterote sp. nr. gardneri Byrk, 1950 (Lepidoptera: Eupterotidae) as a defoliator pest of banana in Kerala, India with notes on its biology

In this study, Eupterote sp. nr. gardneri Byrk, 1950 (=Eupterote geminata (Walker) ssp. gardneri Byrk, 1950) is recorded for the first time as a pest of banana in India. The outbreaks and crop damage caused by the hairy caterpillars of this species are documented with illustrated images. The banana cultivars Palayamkodan, Nendran, and Ney Poovan in the field, as well as cv. Popoulu in insect net house studies, were identified as preferred host varieties. Detailed morphological characteristics of the final instar caterpillar and adults, along with photographic illustrations, are provided. The biology of the pest and additional host plant records from Kerala are also discussed. Key words: First report of Eupterote sp, Eupterotidae, pest, defoliator, banana, economic loss, biology, host plants, India.

Effect of Organic Manure on Growth, Yield and Quality of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) under Prayagraj Climatic Condition in Shade Net House

The present study entitled “Effect of organic manure on growth, yield and quality of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) under prayagraj climatic condition in shade net house” was carried out at the experiment field of the department of horticulture, Allahabad school of agriculture, SHUATS, Prayagraj during the year 2023-2024. Organic manures treatments include T0 Control T1 FYM (12t/ha.) T2 Poultry Manure (8t/ha.) T3 Vermi-compost (10t/ha.) T4 Coco-peat (1t/ha.) T5 50% FYM +50% Poultry Manure (6t/ha+4t/ha) T6 50% FYM + 50% Vermi-compost (6t/ha + 5t/ha.) T7 50% Poultry Manure + Vermi-compost (4t/ha+5t/ha) T8 25% FYM+ 25% Poultry Manure + 25% Coco-peat+ 25% Vermi-compost (3t/ha. + 2t/ha. + 0.25t/ha+ 2.5t/ha.) The effect of Organic Manure on growth and yield of Strawberry recorded maximum plant height, plant spread and number of leaves in T8 18.89 DAT, 23.78 DAT, 18.12 DAT respectively. Floral characters significantly took minimum days. The maximum fruit weight 25.31gram were recorded in T8 with highest yield 331.32 g/plant. Quality parameters includes maximum T.S.S (8.16) 0Brix along with minimum acidity percentage (0.55%). On the basis of our experimental findings it was concluded that the treatment T8: 25% FYM + 25% Poultry Manure + 25% Coco-peat + 25% Vermi-compost (3t/ha. + 2t/ha. + 0.25t/ha. + 2.5t/ha.) was found to be best in the terms of vegetative parameters, phenological parameters, flowering and fruiting parameters, yield and quality parameters. The benefit cost ratio was highest in the same treatment with (3.50).

SEED POTATO PRODUCTIVITY AS INFLUENCED BY ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY OF THE NUTRIENT SOLUTION IN SOILLESS MEDIA DURING SPRING SEASON IN SUBTROPICAL REGIONS OF N- W INDIA

Soilless cultivation under controlled conditions is used for rapid multiplication of early generation virus-free potato seed using aeroponics and other mediums. The plant growth under these systems is affected by different factors like soilless media, nutrient solution concentration used, environment, genotype etc. Besides the composition of nutrient solution its electrical conductivity (EC) influences availability of nutrients and affects plant growth and yield. The two-factorial study on water source and EC was carried out on a cocopeat based medium for a nutrient efficient variety Kufri Gaurav. Well sprouted aeroponically produced minitubers of the variety were planted (at 30 x 15 cm planting density) in soilless medium filled troughs placed under net house. The water source Normal tap water was compared with RO (demineralized) water, while EC was considered at three levels 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0. The results indicated a proficient growth of the genotype at EC 2.0 (plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf length and number of stems). However, for the yield characters, EC 1.0 was found to produce both higher number of tubers, yield as well as harvest index per meter square. Based on the observations it can be inferred that at lower EC the partitioning of the photosynthates is towards the sink (tubers) as compared to the vegetative growth, which would be more desirable under the soilless systems, where limited/ managed canopy growth is more desirable, with higher productivity. The study also indicated virus free seed production in soilless medium during the spring season (seed plot period lasts up to December) in northwestern plains of India under net house, giving indication for successive/ multiple seed crops under soilless controlled conditions.

Impact of weed control methods and staking on the growth, yield, and weed response of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in Kano, Sudan Savanna, Nigeria

Cucumber growing is becoming increasingly popular in Nigeria's Sudan savanna region due to its health benefits and minimal impact on the soil. However, weed infestation is a major challenge that can significantly reduce yields, by up to 45-95%. In view of this, two trials were conducted at the Teaching and Research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture and the net house of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture of the Bayero University Kano to examine the effects of weed control and staking on cucumbers during the 2021 dry season. The trial consisted of eight weed control treatments and two staking methods which were arranged in a split plot design with three replicates, with staking assigned to the main plot while weed control was assigned to the sub plots. The study analyzed data on growth and yield, using Genstat (17th edition) and significantly different means were separated using the Student Newman-Keuls Test (SNK) at a 5% level of probability. Results showed a higher composition of grass and broadleaf weeds in open fields compared to controlled net house environments. Weed Control Efficiency (WCE) was greater in weed-free plots, but Butachlor and metolachlor significantly outperformed other treatments, providing higher WCE. The herbicidal treated plots significantly resulted in longer days to 50% emergence than other treatments, while it also resulted in a shorter number of days to 50% flowering and fruiting than weedy check. The vine length, number of leaves, leaf area, and chlorophyll content were highly significant (p<0.01) in weed free, butachlor at 1.5 + Imazethapyr 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 post emergence ( POE) and metolachlor at 1.5 + Imazethapyr 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 POE. Similarly, yield and yield attributes followed the same pattern as obtained in growth components. Staking of vines on the other hand significantly resulted in greater growth and yield of cucumber. Based on these findings, farmers in the study area are advised to grow cucumber staked with the application of Butachlor at 1.5 + Imazethapyr 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 POE and metolachlor at 1.5 + Imazethapyr 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 POE for sustainable weed management.

Detection of yellow mosaic virus resistance in Soybean (Glycine max L.) genotypes for yield and related traits

Background Twenty soybean genotypes were screened for Soybean yellow mosaic virus (YMV) identification which were collected from the Genetics and plant breeding farm laboratory. Methods To evaluate genetic studies of the chosen materials, the use of a net house assay upon sap inoculation made it easier to determine the trend of the Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) in a controlled environment. Younger leaves from these plants were gathered and used for molecular analysis. Results Six genotypes were identified with semi-resistant disease reactions. Yellow mosaic virus-resistant and susceptible soybean genotypes were distinguished using a soybean “Rsv1-h” gene-based primer pair. To discover the existence of the Rsv-1-h gene responsible for YMV resistance, a genetic diversity panel of 15 soybean genotypes was investigated with two simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The BARCSOYSSR_13_1115 and BARCSOYSSR_13_1173 primer sets were employed to validate the desired genes in these genotypes. Conclusion The genotypes HIHS-WIHS, MINA-HAI, Shohag, G-2120, BRAGG, and BS-3 presented the major gene Rsv1-h, which is said to be essential for yellow mosaic virus resistance and can provide better yield also than other genotypes. The six soybean genotypes with the Rsv1-h gene may be resistant to mosaic virus and could be exploited as a source of improved breeding material in the future.

Synergistic Antifungal Activity of Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Fungicide Against Rhizoctonia solani Causing Rice Sheath Blight Disease.

The biosynthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles using leaf extract of medicinal plants is a promising substitute for the traditional chemical method. This work aimed to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles using a green approach from local "Dholkolmi" (Ipomoea carnea) leaf extract which is a medicinal plant growing outside the roads of different regions of Bangladesh. The biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, particle size analyzer, zeta-potential, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results of UV-visible spectrophotometers observed an absorption peak at 373 nm wavelength, which confirmed the synthesis of ZnONPs in the solution. ZnONP sizes determined by XRD, DLS, and TEM are approximately ~37 nm, 105.61 nm, and 19.66 nm, respectively. ZnONPs were present because of the strong oxygen and zinc signals in the EDX profile. Additionally, this research assessed the antifungal activity of the biosynthesized ZnONPs and as well as folicur-incorporated ZnONPs against Rhizoctonia solani by the poison bait technique. According to the result of this study, ZnONPs synthesized from Ipomoea carnea leaf extract showed no promising result against Rhizoctonia solani mycelial growth reduction. But folicur-incorporated ZnONPs revealed a significant finding with a maximum 100% inhibition of mycelial growth at 1:1 and 3:1 ratio of ZnONPs with folicur fungicide under in vitro conditions. In the net house experiment, folicur-incorporated ZnONPs at a 1:1 ratio of ZnONPs with folicur showed considerable disease inhibition (26.96% RLH) as compared to disease control (52.83% RLH). In the case of rainfed transplanted Aus (March-June), the highest percentage of RLH was recorded in disease control (64.61%), and the lowest RLH was found in folicur (24.79%) followed by a 1:1 ratio of ZnONPs with folicur (32.10%) in field condition. On the other hand, the highest percentage of RLH was recorded in disease control (65.31%) and the lowest RLH was found in folicur (18.14%) followed by a 1:1 ratio of ZnONPs with folicur (21.39%) in rainfed transplanted Aman (July-November) season. The findings of the in vitro and in vivo studies provided evidence that ZnONPs and folicur had a strong synergistic antifungal impact and may be employed as a possible rice sheath blight disease management agent.

Optimizing nutrient sources for quality bulb and bulblet production in LA hybrid lilium: A study in the North Indian plains.

LA hybrid lilium cv. ‘Masai’ bulbs were grown over two consecutive growth seasons in a net house to enhance the yield of high-quality bulbs and bulblets, utilizing both organic and inorganic nutrients. The experiment tested five levels of organic manure (FYM) (0, 10, 15, 20, and 25 t ha-1) and inorganic fertilizers (0, 40+30+25, 80+60+50, 120+90+75, and 160+120+100 N+P2O5+K2O kg ha-1). It assessed both individual and combined effects of nutrient sources, concluding that their combined application was most beneficial. Treatment T24, comprising 25 t FYM with 160 kg N, 120 kg P2O5, and 100 kg K2O ha-1, proved to be the most effective. The study revealed that treatment T24 resulted in the largest bulb circumference, the highest number of bulblets per plant, the greatest bulblet circumference, and the highest fresh and dry weights of both bulbs and bulblets per plant. It also led to the best relative growth rate (RGR) of the bulb, as well as the most efficient partitioning rates at both the flowering and harvest stages. Treatment T23 notably influenced the fresh and dry weights of the bulblets. The data suggest that T24 produces bulbs and bulblets of superior quality compared to other treatments, making it a viable choice for the commercial cultivation of quality LA hybrid lilium bulbs and bulblets in the plains of India.

Antioxidant activities, dietary nutrients, and yield potential of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) lines in diverse growing environments.

The biotic and abiotic stresses cause a significant decline in the yield and fruit quality traits, including antioxidants and minerals, of bitter gourd when grown in open fields. Protected cultivation technology has emerged to minimize such stresses. We investigated the effect of diverse environments (hi-tech greenhouse, naturally ventilated polyhouse, insect-proof net-house, and open field) and breeding lines on earliness, yield potential, antioxidant activities, and dietary nutrients. In the GYT analysis, 12 treatment combinations involving four growing environments and three breeding lines of bitter gourd were examined. The 3-year study suggested that the cultivation of bitter gourd crops in an insect-proof net house (NH) showed superior performance in earliness, yield-attributing traits, antioxidant activities, and dietary nutrients, followed by a naturally ventilated polyhouse (NP). However, NH was on par with NP and significantly better than the open-field-grown crop. The GYT biplot analysis highlighted that the combinations of NH and Pusa Rasdar outperformed and were the most stable treatments for all the traits investigated, followed by NH in conjunction with S32 and S57 lines. This study suggests that growing bitter gourd in protected environments is the optimal strategy to achieve early market prices and improve the yield and nutritional quality of the fruits.

Effect of Boron, Zinc and Sulphur on Growth, Yield and Mineral Composition of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) in Alluvial Soil

The present study determining the effect of Boron, Zinc and Sulphur on Growth, Yield and Mineral Composition of Black gram (Vigna mungo L.) in alluvial soil. A pot experiment was conducted during kharif 2023 at Net House in Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, B.H.U, Varanasi, U.P. to study the effect of Boron, Zinc and Sulphur on growth, yield and quality of black gram (Vigna mungo L.). The experiment was laid-out in a Completely Randomized design (CRD) with eight treatments, each having three replications. Dry matter accumulation, Number of branches plant-1, test weight, grain yield kg ha-1, straw yield kg ha-1, harvest index significantly affected due to various treatments. T7 (B +Zn+ S) recorded most pronounced improvements.

Pathogenicity of Root-knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita on Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.)

A pot experiment was carried out in the net house of Department of Nematology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, to study the pathogenicity of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, on tuberose. The study found that as the inoculum level of M. incognita increased from 10 to 10,000 second-stage juveniles (J2) per pot (containing 1 kg of sterilized soil), all plant growth parameters of tuberose decreased progressively. At the highest inoculum level, the plants became severely stunted, chlorotic, and produced very few bulblets. It was noted that at the highest inoculum level, the root systems were significantly reduced, with larger and mostly coalescent galls. The treatments with no nematode (check and associated check) were free from galls and eggmasses. An initial inoculum level of 100 J2 of M.incognita per kg of soil caused significant reduction in all growth parameters and proved to be pathogenic to the tuberose plants. The number of galls and eggmasses increased gradually in the plants with an initial inoculum level of 10 to 1000 J2 of M.incognita per kg of soil, but it declined at highest inoculum level of 10,000 J2 per kg of soil. The experiment also recorded the variation in nematode population in the soil as well as their reproductive rates. These findings can be used to develop effective, targeted methods for minimizing the damage caused by root-knot nematode in tuberose crops.

Development of bacteria-based bioorganic phosphate fertilizer enriched with rock phosphate for sustainable wheat production.

Phosphorous (P) is a limiting macronutrient for crop growth. Its deficiency prevents plant development leading to an extensive use of phosphatic fertilizers globally. Bio-organic phosphate (BOP) fertilizer provides a sustainable approach to optimize nutrient availability, enhance crop yield, and mitigate the negative impacts of chemical fertilizers on the environment. Therefore, the present study integrates the application of heat-tolerant phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, rock phosphate, and organic materials for the development of BOP. For this purpose, potential heat-tolerant phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) were isolated from major wheat-growing areas of southern Punjab. Five isolates were the efficient phosphate solubilizers based on in vitro phosphate-solubilizing activity (291-454 μg ml-1 and 278-421 μg ml-1) with a concomitant decrease in pH (up to 4.5) at 45°C and 50°C, respectively. These PSB were used for the development of potential consortia that are compatible and showed high P solubilization. In planta evaluation of these PSB consortia in a pot experiment under net house conditions showed that consortium-2 had a favorable impact on growth parameter with enhanced grain yield (9.63 g plant-1) and soil available P (10 μg g-1) as compared with 80% uninoculated control. The microcosm study was conducted to evaluate PSB consortium-2 integrated with carrier material (plant material and filter mud) and rock phosphate as BOP increased total phosphorous (14%) as compared with uninoculated controls. Plant-based BOP showed higher viable count (3.5 × 108°CFU) as compared with filter mud-based BOP. Furthermore, the effect of BOP on wheat growth parameters revealed that BOP showed a promising influence on grain yield (4.5 g plant-1) and soil available P (10.7 μg g-1) as compared with uninoculated 80 and 100% controls. Principle component analysis (PCA) further validates a positive correlation between BOP with grain weight and plant height and soil available P as compared with both 80 and 100% controls. For the first time, this study reports the combined application of bio-organic phosphate fertilizer and heat-tolerant PSB, which offers an eco-friendly option to harvest better wheat yield with low fertilizer input.

Optimization of fertilizer use efficiency, soil quality and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) growth with biochar under drip irrigation conditions irrigation conditions

Biochar (BC) is an eco-friendly product characterized with high content of carbon and usually obtained by heating biomass without oxygen. Utilizing BC as organic material to amend the problematic soils and improve plant growth and yield has been proved previously. This study investigated the effect of vetiver grass biochar (VGB) on fertilizer use efficiency, soil quality, and oil palm growth performance. A net house experiment was conducted at the Farm Unit, UiTM Sarawak Branch, between August 2022 and March 2023. A factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five treatments and four replications was devised. Treatments applied were: T0) absolute control; T1) 100% NPK fertilizer; T2) 100% vetiver grass biochar; T3) 50% vetiver grass biochar + 50% NPK fertilizer; and T4) 25% vetiver grass biochar + 75% NPK fertilizer. The BC application significantly improved the fertilizer use efficiency through reducing the rate of fertilizer applied. It also significantly enhanced most soil-measured chemical properties and soil nutrients. The growth performance of oil palm plant was significantly enhanced by BC application in terms of plant height, hump diameter, leaf number, chlorophyll content, and plant biomass. The BC application demonstrated its usefulness in managing soil and cultivating oil palm plant sustainably by reducing the rate of fertilizer applied and improve the fertilizer use efficiency. Based on the output, we suggest that treatment T3 (50% vetiver grass biochar + 50% NPK) can be used to improve the growth performance of oil palm.