Summer Rainy Season Research Articles

Hormonal efficiency and net return of BARI Tomato-4 enhanced under polytunnels during rainy summer season

An experiment was conducted at the department of Horticulture, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh to evaluate the benefit cost ratio of summer tomato variety BARI tomato 4. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with 18 treatments and three replications by maintaining a spacing of 60 cm x 40 cm. It comprised of two cultivation method as main plot viz. Open cultivation (P0) and Cultivation under poly tunnel (P1) and nine levels of growth regulators as sub-plot viz. T0 (Control), T1 (GA3@30 ppm), T2 (GA3@60 ppm), T3 (NAA @30 ppm), T4 (NAA @60 ppm), T5 (MH @30 ppm), T6 (MH @60 ppm), T7 (Tomatotone @30 ppm) and T8 (Tomatotone @60 ppm). Application of growth regulators was influenced in all studied parameters over control. Majority of the parameters responded better with the increased concentration of growth regulators. Tomatotone @ 60 ppm gave the highest yield per hectare (5.38 and 20.82 t) under open and poly tunnel condition, respectively. In open and poly tunnel condition, tomatotone @ 60 ppm showed the highest profitability and benefit cost ratio 1.16: 3.19, respectively. Despite of poly tunnel was being costly to establish (41% of total input cost), but it gave 3-4 times higher economic return. Higher values in respect of economy were obtained from the plants cultivated under poly tunnel with tomatotone @60 ppm. Therefore, tomatotone @ 60 ppm can be used as potential treatment for summer tomato cultivation under open and poly tunnel conditions to get highest profitability.

PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL SURVEY IN PASTURE AREAS IMPLANTED WITH GRASSES OF THE GENUS BRACHIARIA IN DIFFERENT RELIEFS

The agricultural sector is essential to the Brazilian economy, contributing 26% of gross revenue in 2021 and 24.8% in 2022. Brazil, the world's largest beef producer, depends on pastures as the main source of feed for its cattle, with Brachiaria grass playing a significant role. role. Inadequate management of these areas often leads to degradation, characterized by the proliferation of weeds, which require intervention. The study was carried out with the objective of carrying out a phytosociological survey in pasture areas at different altitudes to evaluate the floristic composition and identify the forage potential or harmful characteristics of the species present. Phytosociological surveys were carried out in pastures at IFES – Campus Santa Teresa, ES, in two areas with distinct topographic features (hills and plains). The species were identified and classified as palatable, toxic or unpalatable. Sampling occurred during the dry (winter) and rainy (summer) seasons, and species were quantified according to frequency, density and abundance. A total of 47 species distributed in 14 families were identified. The Fabaceae family was the most prevalent, followed by Amaranthaceae and Malvaceae. Alysicarpus vaginalis (IVI 49.06) was dominant in the hillside area (Area A), while Cyperus rotundus (IVI 115.25) stood out in the plain area (Area B). The similarity index between the areas was 26.42%. The study highlighted the diversity of species in Brachiaria pastures, emphasizing the need for targeted management to control unpalatable and toxic plants and, at the same time, optimize forage potential. The low similarity between the areas suggests distinct ecological dynamics.

Effects of long-term saline water irrigation on soil salinity and crop production of winter wheat-maize cropping system in the North China Plain: A case study

Fresh water shortage is a major problem for grain production in the low plain around Bohai Sea in the North China Plain. Relative abundance of shallow saline groundwater could serve as an alternative water resource for use during dry seasons. A continuous 8-year field study was conducted from 2015 to 2023 to assess the effects of salt content in irrigation water on soil salt accumulation and crop production. Fresh water (FW) with electrical conductivity (EC) at 1.6 dS/m and three levels of saline water (SW) with EC at 4.7 (SW1), 6.3 (SW2) and 7.8 dS/m (SW3) were used for irrigation. Results showed that a single irrigation event at the jointing stage of winter wheat increased grain production averagely by 18.6 %, 22.5 %, 12.9 % and 9.5 % compared with a rain-fed treatment (RF) under FW, SW1, SW2 and SW3, respectively. With an additional irrigation applied at flowering stage, both irrigations using FW increased the yield by 28.6 %, and both irrigations using SW2 increased the yield by 19.3 % compared with RF. Negative effects of salt on winter wheat overshadowed the positive effects of increased water supply under two irrigations both using SW. With an irrigation at maize sowing and the subsequent summer rainy season, the yield of maize following winter wheat was not affected by a one-time SW irrigation to the previous crop, but showed a 5.3 % yield reduction when two irrigations of SW were applied. There was no apparent salt accumulation in the top 1 m of the soil profile, but a slight increasing trend in the salt content in the 1–2 m layer of the soil profile under SW2 and SW3 irrigation. No apparent changes in soil physical properties were observed for continuous application of SW. It was suggested that SW with EC not exceeding 6.3 dS/m should be applied for a single irrigation during the winter wheat season. This practice could alleviate the fresh water shortage in this region and allow for the maintenance of a relatively stable yield of winter wheat and maize without the risk of salt accumulation in the soil.

Local Evapotranspiration Is the Only Relevant Source of Moisture at the Onset of the Rainy Season in South America

The South American Monsoon System, which transports moisture from Amazonia to Central-West Brazil, is an important moisture source for the summer rainy season in this region. While local evapotranspiration also contributes to the atmospheric moisture supply, the balance between local and remote sources during the onset of the rainy season remains uncertain. Our research aimed to quantify the role of local evapotranspiration in initiating the rainy season in Central-West Brazil. By utilizing data from various sources, such as remote sensing (MODIS), modern reanalysis (ECMWF’s ERA5), and composite products of rainfall (CHIRPS), and analyzing them in a comparative way, we conclusively found that local evapotranspiration is the only relevant source of moisture to the atmosphere during the dry-to-wet season transition, preceding the establishment of the monsoon system.

Effect of coating phosphorus with humic acids and micronutrients on yield of soybean and maize in succession

The increasing the efficiency of phosphate and micronutrient fertilization in tropical soils should be better studied to close crop yield gaps. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a soluble P source with or without humic acids (HA) and micronutrients (M) on P-availability and maize and soybean yield in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The crops were grown under a rainfed and no-till cropping system, with maize grown in the 2016/2017 rainy summer season, wheat grown as a cover crop in the 2017 winter season, and soybean grown in the 2017/2018 crop year. The field trial was organized in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement [4 sources of P in combination with 2 forms of M supply]. The coated monoammonium phosphate (MAP) P source was supplied in three ways: 1) MAP, 2) MAP + HA, and 3) MAP + HA + M (B, Cu, Mn, and Zn), plus a control for P (no P). The micronutrient supply was 1) Mn + Zn + Cu + B (MZCB) and 2) control for MZCB (no M supply). Coating MAP with HA increased soil P availability but did not increase P content within the soybean leaves. The multivariate approach also showed that soybean yield can increase in response to coating MAP with HA. The study showed that MAP + HA increased soil P content. However, this increase was diminished when micronutrients were included in the same granule (MAP + HA + M). However, P sources raised P in soybean leaves equally compared to control for P. Soybean yield was unaffected by the P source, likely due to adequate leaf P concentrations across all treatments. However, soybean yield generally increased with micronutrient supply. For maize, yields were unaffected by supplying micronutrients with the P source. Conversely, maize yields typically decreased with micronutrient supply, except when using the MAP + HA + M combination granule.

Seasonal variation in distribution and abundance of phytoplanktons in a fish pond of Madhepura District

Phytoplanktons are primary producers in an aquatic ecosystem. The distribution and abundance of phytoplanktons depends on physicochemical parameters of the water body and seasonal change. In the present study, distribution frequency and abundance of phytoplanktons were observed in summer season, rainy season and winter season. Physicochemical parameters of pond water was examined in each season (summer, rainy and winter). Temperature and pH were 32.60C and 8.1 respectively in summer season. The lowest value of temperature and pH was recorded in winter season (temperature- 17.30C and pH-6.9). E.C. was highest in summer (262.5?mhos/cm) and minimum in winter (160.3?mhos/cm). DO was highest in winter season (9.5mg/l) and lowest in rainy season (5.4mg/l). BOD was highest in rainy season (4.7mgl) and lowest in summer season (3.4mg/l). Phosphate was highest in summer season (1.93mg/l) and minimum in rainy season (1.83mg/l). Nitrate was highest in rainy season (1.25mg/l) and lowest in winter season (0.90mg/l). Seasonal variation in species of phytoplanktons were recorded which is mentioned in Table 02. Frequency of phytoplankton was examined. The highest frequency was recorded for Cladophoraglomerata (80%) in rainy season and winter season and 70% in summer season. Seasonal variation in abundance of phytoplanktons was studied. It was observed that the highest abundance occurred in rainy season (54600unit/ml) and lowest in winter season (33300unit/l).. KEYWORDS :Abundance, frequency, physicochemical parameters, phytoplanktons.

Studies on Crop Weather Calendar of Brinjal Crop in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

An investigation was carried out on studies of crop weather calendar on brinjal crop in Eastern Uttar Pradesh has been prepared with objectives to study climatic normal of past 21 years from 2000-21 at Department of Agricultural Meteorology, College of Agriculture, Acharya Narendra Dev University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Climatic data for brinjal crop in Kharif season has been taken from 27th to 48th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW). From the crop weather calendar of brinjal, it was revealed that low temperatures are lethal for brinjal seedlings, so temperature should not be less than 18 °C before the transplanting of the brinjal seedlings into the field. Rainfall during vegetative stage was 140-150 mm found congenial for the better yield of the plant. The growth of the crops is severely affected when temperature falls below 17 °C. It can be successfully grown as a rainy season and summer season crop. It was revealed that, Tmax 23.3-31.8 °C, Tmin 8.4-25.1 °C, rainfall of 0.5-10 mm during 31st to 45th SMW with RHm 90.9-95.6% and RHe 52.1-79.6 were found conducive conditions for the infestation of shoot/fruit borer. It was observed that Fusarium wilt of brinjal was significant during October (41st week) to December (52nd week), when Tmax 23.5- 33.0 °C, Tmin 12.1-26.7 °C, RHm 83.9-87.8%, RHe 48.1-71.5% and rainfall of 0-0.75 mm. It has been found that the severity of fusarium wilt increases with decrease in temperature and high relative humidity and very low rainfall.

Analysis of the indoor thermal environment of traditional residents in the South Sichuan China region in summer and plum rainy seasons—taking Baiyang village in Yibin city as an example

ABSTRACT In hot summer and cold winter areas, the humid and sultry summer and rainy season problems have long affected the health of residents. Through a questionnaire survey and site measurements, the indoor thermal environment of typical southern Sichuan village houses was investigated. The average indoor humidity of the old traditional dwelling (85–95%) in the rainy season was much greater than that of the new rural house (70–80%), both of which are outside the standard thermal comfort range of the human body. In summer, the situation is slightly better but still uncomfortable. The APMV evaluation results reveal that in the rainy season, the new residential house is more comfortable than the traditional residential house, while in summer, the opposite situation occurs. The measurements show that the thermal inertia index of the old stone masonry house is large, which indicates that the house has a strong ability to resist temperature fluctuations. Therefore, we discussed different performance improvement strategies for these two types of rural residences. This study is conducive to improving the thermal environment of local residential buildings and provides a reference for the future design of rural ecological residential buildings.

Survival dynamics of stick insect and the impact of environmental factors on natural fungal infection during the rainy season.

Phasmatodea, commonly known as stick insects, are recognized as noteworthy pests globally, impacting agriculture and forest ecosystems. Among them, the outbreak of Ramulus mikado has emerged as a notable concern in East Asian forests. Recently, Metarhizium phasmatodeae has been identified as utilizing stick insects as hosts. We have observed evidence of this entomopathogenic fungus infecting stick insects. Given the increase in these occurrences during the rainy period, this study investigated the relationship between the survival of R. mikado and the M. phasmatodeae infection during the rainy seasons of 2022 and 2023. We collected stick insects in two representative forests of the Republic of Korea and examined insect survival, fungal infection, and various environmental factors. No infections were detected in specimens collected in June before the rainy season, but from July onwards, both the mortality of R. mikado and the fungal infection substantially increased. By the last sampling date of each year, 75% (2022), 71.4% (2023) of the specimens were infected, and over 90% of the total individuals succumbed as a result. Fungi isolated from deceased R. mikado were successfully identified as M. phasmatodeae using morphological and taxonomic approaches. Various statistical analyses, including principal component analysis and modeling, revealed a robust association between fungal infection and the survival of stick insects. The results highlight the correlation between mass deaths of stick insects and fungal infection, particularly during the summer rainy season. These findings offer valuable insights for forecasting R. mikado population in the upcoming year and developing effective pest control strategies.

Remote Midlatitude Control of Rainfall Onset at the Southern African Tropical Edge

Abstract Rainfall over the southern African tropical boundary is highly variable, particularly around the onset of the summer rains. However, understanding of the causes of variability in onset timing is poor. A lack of observational data in the region is compounded by the complexity of climate dynamics and variability at the interface of the tropics and the midlatitudes. The key to onset over the region is the Congo air boundary (CAB), a distinguishing circulation feature present in September and declining in frequency until November. The CAB is crucial to early season rainfall; precipitation is broadly inhibited when the CAB is present, while its breakdown allows large-scale rainfall and onset over central southern Africa. This work identifies a remote midlatitude influence on the timing of CAB breakdown using the high-resolution reanalysis dataset ERA5. Propagating and (upstream) breaking low-wavenumber Rossby waves in the Southern Hemisphere westerly jet are shown to be related to >70% of breakdown events. Breakdown is forced by 1) the replacement of subsidence over eastern southern Africa with synoptically forced ascent and 2) wind field modification that leads to positive 850-hPa continental convergence anomalies and enhanced moisture advection from the Congo basin and Indian Ocean. Upper-level anticyclonic vorticity tendency induced by enhanced convection slows Rossby wave propagation aloft, contributing to wave breaking and the persistence of conditions favorable to convection. The identification of this midlatitude influence on CAB breakdown reveals new potential sources of predictability for onset and demonstrates the significant equatorward extent of midlatitude influences to the tropical edge. Significance Statement This study aims to improve our understanding of the causes of variability in the start date of the summer rainy season in central southern Africa. The research reveals that certain upper-level waves in the Southern Hemisphere westerly jet are associated with patterns of weather that force a large-scale transition from dry pre-onset conditions to widespread rainfall in a time scale of 2–5 days, and that these waves account for a large proportion of such transitions. This finding is of interest to subseasonal weather forecasters and may help to improve the long-range forecasting of onset date.

Effects of Freshwater Inflow during the Rainy Season on the Benthic Polychaete Community in the Geum River Estuary, South Korea

In the estuaries of Korea, the freshwater inflow increases rapidly due to the Changma (Korean summer rainy season). To elucidate the effect of this massive freshwater inflow on the benthic polychaete community, a survey was conducted before, during, and after the rainy season. Comparing the environmental characteristics before and after the rainy season, the salinity and dissolved oxygen decreased, the sand content of sediment was significantly reduced, and silt increased. The number of species decreased sharply, and this change was more considerable at sites closer to the estuary. Loimia sp. and Pseudopotamilla sp., the dominant species before the rainy season, were not found after the rainy season. The massive freshwater inflow during the rainy season has been a tremendous stress on the benthic environment and significantly alters the species composition and distribution of benthic polychaetes.

Nutrition of Florida lawns when summer fertilizer blackout period is enforced

AbstractIn Florida, multiple counties restrict the application of N to turfgrass and landscapes during the summer rainy season. These summer fertilizer blackout periods could impact turfgrass quality and the functionality of warm‐season turfgrass species. A 2‐year study was conducted at the University of Florida's Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC) and West Florida Research and Education Center (WFREC) to assess turfgrass performance of ‘Floratam’ and ‘Classic’ St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walter) Kuntze] as well as ‘Empire’ and ‘Palisades’ zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.), respectively, receiving no N fertilization during summer blackout period using eight fertilization programs compared to an unfertilized control. Visual quality, normalized difference vegetation index, percentage green cover, and dark green color index were assessed biweekly. Roots were collected before and after the fertilizer blackout period to determine root dry weight. While no differences were detected in St. Augustinegrass at the FLREC and zoysiagrass at the WFREC, all fertilized treatments except urea reached and maintained an acceptable turfgrass quality (≥6) throughout the blackout period, suggesting that urea by itself was not sufficient to support an optimal turfgrass performance during a fertilizer blackout period. The addition of P to nutrition programs did not influence turfgrass quality. Results indicate that N source is the most important factor to sustain turfgrass quality year‐round in Florida.

Persistence of mule deer pellet groups on Chihuhuan Desert

The persistence of fecal or pellet groups is indispensable when using the pellet group counting technique to estimate population densities and relative abundances of deer, as well as other herbivores. This technique is widely employed worldwide, and in México, the majority of deer abundance estimates have been made using this tool. However, for mule deer (Odocoileus hemonious) in México, there is no data on the persistence of pellet groups, and there is only one study on white-tailed deer. The pellet group counting technique has two main methods: a) "Fecal Standing Crop," where the accumulated pellet groups in plots are counted in a single visit, and b) "Fecal Accumulation Rate," which estimates density based on the accumulation of new fecal groups between two sampling periods, initially requiring the removal of all fecal groups from plots and counting again after some time. Both methods require knowing the pellet group disappearance rate during the pellet group accumulation period. This information is fundamental to understanding the ecology and making precise decisions in the management and conservation of mammals, such as mule deer, a species that is declining in some regions of México. Due to the lack of studies on the persistence of pellet group of mule deer in México, the aim of this study was to determine the persistence of mule deer fecal groups and their color changes over time, to establish pellet accumulation periods for estimating population abundances without biases when using this technique in arid habitats. We monitored 102 fecal groups for four years in the Chihuahuan Desert, finding that pellet groups are only lost during the summer rainy season. All pellet groups deposited between October and May were present, and all pellet groups turned white only after the first summer rainy season. The persistence of pellet groups was similar across seasons (fall, winter, spring) and deposition years (2004 to 2006). Some pellet groups persisted for over four years. The data suggest that the only source of degradation of pellet groups is summer rains, and no degradation by biological agents, such as fungi or insects, was observed. In summary, in arid areas, to estimate deer use or density throughout the entire dry season through pellet group counting, it is suggested that only two visits with either of the mentioned techniques are needed. If "Fecal Standing Crop" is used, there is now certainty that all non-white pellets are post the summer rainy season. If the "Fecal Accumulation Rate" technique is used, there is certainty that there will be no loss of pellets groups between the accumulation period of the entire dry season, approximately 7.5 months later. By reducing the number of visits, it allows us to cover more sampling sites, expand the study area, and obtain more precise estimates that will help understand ecological aspects and make management decisions.

Genetic variation and association among quantitative and qualitative traits to design breeding strategy in red ripe chili (Capsicum annuum L.) under North-Western Himalayas

An attempt was made to determine the degree of genetic variability, the association between different characters, direct and indirect effects of component traits on red ripe fruit yield of chili based on the evaluation of thirty-two genotypes during the summer-rainy season 2020. The analysis of variance revealed that the genotypes differed significantly among themselves for all the traits. Based on mean performance, nine genotypes significantly out yielded standard check ‘Him Palam Mirch-2’ for red ripe fruit yield while only three genotypes viz., ‘DPCH-32-11’ (96.16 g) followed by ‘DPCH-40-2’ (87.32 g) and ‘DPCH-38-121’ (75.75 g) recorded significantly highest dry fruit yield compared to ‘Him Palam Mirch-2’. High phenotypic, genotypic coefficient of variation, and high heritability coupled with high genetic advance were recorded for dry fruit yield per plant, marketable red ripe fruits per plant, and red ripe fruit yield per plant indicating that these traits have a strong potential for effective selection. Red ripe fruit yield per plant had a positive association with dry fruit yield per plant, percent marketable red fruits per plant, marketable red fruits per plant, total red fruits per plant, average red fruit weight, average dry fruit weight, number of seeds per fruit and fruit length, thereby emphasizing a special focus on these traits for the improvement of yield. Path analysis further confirmed to focus on these traits to achieve genetic gain and yield advantage in red ripe chili.

Seasonal Assessment of Biomass and Carbon Sequestration of Herbaceous Vegetation and Litter Layer in Homegarden Agroforestry System of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences Campus, Prayagraj, India

An increase in greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, such as CO2, is what drives global warming. Strong carbon management is the first step in helping to stop climate change, safeguard human health, and create profitable businesses. A key strategy for lowering greenhouse gases emissions is carbon capture and storage. The study aimed to investigate the carbon sequestration potential of the herbaceous vegetation and litter layer in home garden agroforestry systems during the rainy season, winter season, and summer seasons in the SHUATS (Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences) Campus, Prayagraj. The total dry weight of the herbaceous layer and litter layer was measured, and the corresponding carbon sequestration values were calculated. During the rainy season, the herbaceous layer exhibited a total dry weight ranging from 0.31 kg m-2 to 0.36 kg m-2, resulting in carbon sequestration values ranging from 1.83 Mg C ha-1 to 2.13 Mg C ha-1. The litter layer had a total dry weight ranging from 0.13 kg m-2 to 0.16 kg m-2, contributing to carbon sequestration values ranging from 0.76 Mg C ha-1 to 0.92 Mg C ha-1.In the winter season, the herbaceous layer demonstrated a total dry weight ranging from 0.22 kg m-2 to 0.28 kg m-2, resulting in carbon sequestration values ranging from 1.29 Mg C ha-1 to 1.65 Mg C ha-1. Similarly, the litter layer exhibited a total dry weight ranging from 0.18 kg m-2 to 0.216 kg m-2, contributing to carbon sequestration values ranging from 1.05 Mg C ha-1 to 1.25 Mg C ha-1.During the summer season, the herbaceous layer displayed a total dry weight ranging from 0.303 kg m-2 to 0.361 kg m-2, resulting in carbon sequestration values ranging from 1.76 Mg C ha-1 to 2.10 Mg C ha-1. The litter layer had a total dry weight ranging from 0.16 kg m-2 to 0.24 kg m-2, contributing to carbon sequestration values ranging from 1.00 Mg C ha-1 to 1.32 Mg C ha-1. The results indicate that the herbaceous layer and litter layer of home garden agroforestry systems in the SHUATS Campus, Prayagraj, have the potential to sequester significant amounts of carbon during different seasons. This highlights the importance of home gardens in mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable land management practices.

Easterly wave activity in the Intra Americas Seas region analyzed with vertically integrated moisture fluxes

Introduction: Easterly waves (EWs) are a dominant atmospheric phenomenon in the tropics. EWs in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean region produce intense precipitation and significantly contribute to the summer rainy season, but some climatologies indicate their activity is weak or even null over the Intra-Americas Seas (IAS). As it is shown in the present study, EW activity over the IAS is not negligible but its variability is less than that off the western coast of Africa.Method: Given the well-known coupling of wind and atmospheric moisture in EWs, their characteristics may be described using vertically integrated moisture fluxes (VIMF) and their divergence. By means of Hovmöller diagrams, lagged correlations and composite analyses, the propagation and the meteorological effects of these waves across the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, particularly on moisture and rains, are examined.Results: It is observed that as EWs propagate, the VIMF convergence increases the level of precipitable water which frequently results in intense precipitation events. High frequency variability of the meridional component of the VIMF is used to estimate EW activity. Over the Caribbean Sea, EWs are less energetic than in the eastern tropical Atlantic even while the number of waves over these regions is comparable.Discussion: When the Caribbean Low-Level Jet (CLLJ) is strong, EW activity tends to diminish due to a decrease in precipitable water (PW), sea surface temperature (SST) over the Caribbean, and possibly to an intensified vertical wind shear. Therefore, years of a stronger than normal CLLJ tend to result in summer precipitation below normal over most of the IAS and southern Mexico.

Remote dynamic and thermodynamic effects of typhoons on Meiyu–Baiu precipitation in Japan assessed with bogus typhoon experiments

To advance comprehensive knowledge of typhoon-induced remote precipitation and anomalous atmospheric circulations during the early summer rainy season (Meiyu-Baiu), we performed numerical simulations in which different bogus typhoons are imbedded in the July climatological mean field as ideal initial and lateral boundary conditions using a regional atmospheric model, and we compared experiments with and without the bogus typhoon. The dominance of an anomalous local high (ALH) remotely induced by a typhoon leads to a poleward shift of the primary Meiyu–Baiu frontal zone in the form of the enhancement of the North Pacific subtropical high (NPSH). Typhoon-induced negative potential vorticity advection plays a dominant role in forming the ALH around Japan. Despite the shift of the frontal zone, heavy precipitation in excess of 100 mm per day occurs along the Pacific coast of western Japan, which is triggered by two primary moisture inflows. One is the low-level moisture inflow along the moisture conveyor belt (MCB), which is an appreciable low-level moisture flux zone stretching from the Indian Ocean to a typhoon over the western North Pacific, due to the intensified horizontal pressure gradient between the typhoon and the NPSH. The MCB is more robust in the experiment in which the typhoon is close to the South China Sea where the monsoon westerlies prevail. The parcels along the MCB bring moisture into western Japan even though moisture losses due to condensation occur on the way, to some degree. The other is the moisture inflow through the atmospheric boundary layer along the southwestern periphery of the NPSH. The parcels along the NPSH periphery easily receive moisture from the underlying ocean as they approach western Japan. Both inflows are enhanced by the ALH formation over Japan. The combined effect of the typhoon and its induced ALH is responsible for the prominence of the two major moisture inflows into western Japan, leading to local heavy precipitation in that region.

Seasonal Effect of THI on HSP70 Gene Expression Pattern in Deccani Sheep

The region of Satara district experiences summer from March to May, with maximum temperature ranging from 35°C to 43°C and the warmest month is May (43°C) whereas, the monsoon lasts from June to September with moderate to high precipitation during which temperature ranges from 28°C to 32°C along with 80% to 90% relative humidity. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of THI on the HSP70 gene expression pattern during summer and rainy seasons in Deccani sheep at LFC, KNP College of Veterinary Science, Shirwal, Dist. Satara (Maharashtra). The meteorological variables like temperature and relative humidity were recorded for calculating THI and whole blood samples (06 ml each) of eight non-pregnant, non-lactating and apparently healthy Deccani sheep were collected for HSP70 gene expression pattern during peak summer (month of May) and peak rainy (month of August) seasons in the year 2019. The significantly (P less than 0.01) higher THI was recorded during summer than rainy season. The relative mRNA expression of the HSP70 gene during the peak summer season was found 1.79 folds more as compared to peak rainy season during the present study.

Relative Abundance, Emergence Profile and Parasitization of Lac Insect (<i>Kerria lacca</i>) Associated Fauna in Rangeeni Crops

Relative abundance, emergence profile and parasitization of parasitoids and predators associated with lac insect were recorded during rangeeni summer season (baisakhi) and rainy season (katki) lac crops on ber and palas under two different conditions viz., spray of fipronil + chlorothalonil and only chlorothalonil. It revealed that three parasitoids (Aprostocetus purpureus, Tachardiaephagus tachardiae, Tyndarichus clavicornis) and one predator Eublemma amabilis were abundant in both lac crops. Lac associated fauna were recorded more on lac crop sprayed with chlorothalonil only compared to fipronil + chlorothalonil on both crops on both lac hosts. Among the lac associated fauna, A. purpureus was recorded in more numbers in both crops and spray conditions. Maximum level of parasitization was recorded at the time of sexual maturity period (19 to 22 Weeks After Inoculation (WAI)) during baisakhi whereas in katki, at crop maturity period (16 to 19 WAI) on ber and palas.

Genotype by Environment Interaction in Grain Iron and Zinc Concentration and Yield of Maize Hybrids under Low Nitrogen and Optimal Conditions.

Maize is the staple food crop for millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa. Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiency is a significant health risk that mainly affects low-income populations who rely solely on maize-based diets. This problem can be alleviated by developing micronutrient-rich maize grain. The aim of this study was to determine the adaptation and performance of hybrids for Fe and Zn concentration and grain yield under low soil nitrogen (N) and optimal conditions. Eighteen hybrids derived from lines and testers with low, medium, and high Fe and Zn concentration were grown during the summer rainy seasons of 2017 and 2018 at three locations under low and optimal N conditions. There were significant genotype and environment effects for grain yield, and Fe and Zn concentration, but the genotype by environment interaction effects were the largest, accounting for between 36% and 56% of variation under low N conditions. Low N levels significantly reduced grain yield, and Fe and Zn concentration. Hybrids G1, G2, G4, G7, G10, G11, and G16 were relatively stable, with relatively high mean Fe and Zn concentrations, and low additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) stability values and iron stability index (FSI) and zinc stability index (ZSI) under low N conditions. These genotypes can be considered for production under low N stress conditions. Two environments (E4 and E3) were identified for good discriminatory power for genotype performance in terms of Fe and Zn content, respectively. Stable and high-yielding genotypes with high Fe and Zn concentration can be used as biofortified hybrids, which can contribute to a sustainable solution to malnutrition in the region, especially under low N conditions.