Agricultural Research Research Articles

Comparative Efficacy of Selected Chemicals and Bio-pesticides Against Gram Pod Borer [Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)] on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The experiment was conducted at Central Research Farm (CRF), Sam Higgin bottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Rabi season in 2023-24. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments viz., Neem oil 2% @ 2ml/lit, Beauveria bassiana 1×1010 conidia/ml @ 2gm/lit, Profenofos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% @ 3ml/lit, Bacillus thuringiensis @ 2gm/lit, Indoxacarb 14.5 SC @ 0.5ml/lit, Spinosad 45 SC @ 0.5ml/lit, Emamectin benzoate 5% SG @ 1gm/lit and untreated control, with three replications. The data recorded on larval population of pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) on third, seventh and fourteen days after two sprays revealed that Emamectin benzoate 5% SG was superior among all treatments with larval population of 2.12 and with highest cost benefit ratio and marketable yield of 1:3.65 and 29.16q/ha, followed by Spinosad 45 SC with a larval population of 2.42 and cost benefit ratio and yield 1:3.14 and 26.66 q/ha, Indoxacarb 14.5 SC with a larval population, cost benefit ratio and yield of 2.57, 1:3.12 and 25.83 q/ha, Profenofos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% EC with a larval population,cost benefit ratio and yield of 2.79, 1:2.81 and 22.5 q/ha, Bacillus thuringiensis @ 5mg/ml with larval population, cost benefit ratio and yield of 3.04, 1:2.79 and 21.25 q/ha, Beauveria bassiana @ 1×1010 conidia/ml with a larval population, cost benefit ratio and yield of 3.25, 1:2.26, 17.08 q/ha.

Effect of Tillage and Weed Management on Maize (Zea mays L.) Yield and Nutrient Uptake

The field experiment was carried out during two consecutive kharif seasons of 2018 and 2019 at Agricultural Research Station, Tandur, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Telangana. The study employed a strip-plot design, where tillage methods (conventional and reduced) were assigned to vertical plots and various weed management practices were allotted to horizontal plots, replicated thrice. N, P and K uptake by maize was highest in conventionally tilled plots than in reduced tillage plots with no significant difference between them. The removal of N, P and K by weeds was highest in the weedy check treatment. Hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS recorded higher N, P and K uptake which was on par with Atrazine 50% WP @ 0.5 kg a.i. ha-1 + Tembotrione 42% SC @ 120 g a.i. ha-1 (early PoE) fb HW at 40 DAS and Atrazine 50% WP @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 (PE) fb Tembotrione 42% SC @ 120 g a.i. ha-1 (PoE). Results revealed that there is no significant difference (p<0.05) between tillage practices with respect to the yield of maize. Higher grain yields of maize were obtained with two hand weedings which was on par with Atrazine 50% WP @ 0.5 kg a.i. ha-1 + Tembotrione 42% SC @ 120 g a.i. ha-1 (early PoE) fb HW at 40 DAS and Atrazine 50% WP @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 (PE) fb Tembotrione 42% SC @ 120 g a.i. ha-1 (PoE). The interaction effect of tillage and weed management practices was found to be non-significant. Conventional tillage along with hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS resulted in higher plant dry matter and consequently highest N, P and K nutrients uptake by the plants and lead to higher yield.

Integrating irrigation management and soil remediation practices for sustainable agricultural production: advances, challenges, and future directions

ABSTRACT Agriculture’s important role in human survival and its significant impact on the Earth’s ecosystem imply the need for sustainable practices. This study focuses on the critical components of irrigation management and soil remediation, essential for maintaining soil health and productivity. By integrating these components, the study assessed feasible soil remediation practices and explored various irrigation strategies in different contexts. It was observed that integrating soil remediation practices with suitable irrigation techniques and scheduling can improve crop yield, conserve water, and enhance the long-term health of marginal soils, addressing the challenges of climate change, hunger, and environmental sustainability. The study also advocates for incorporating indigenous knowledge with physical, chemical, and biological soil remediation techniques, integrated with irrigation practices. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, offering insights and paving the way for future research and development in sustainable agriculture. By making the link between irrigation management and soil remediation explicit, this study illustrates practical cases that address the complex challenges faced by marginal lands, global food security, and environmental sustainability.

Determinants for Farmers’ Willingness to Pay for Positively Selected Local Chicks in Eastern and Central Uganda

Despite rising demand, the supply of local chickens is declining, with their market share dropping from 87.7% to 69.9%, while exotic chicken populations have quadrupled from 4.6 million in 2008 to 17.8 million by 2021. To address this, the National Agricultural Research Organization is improving the production and productivity of Local chickens through positive selection of local chickens. This study investigates farmers’ willingness to pay for Positively selected Local Chicks (PLC) in Central and Eastern Uganda. A study involving 305 randomly selected poultry farming households from Central and Eastern Uganda. The study applies a probit model, to analyze the determinants that influence the probability that poultry farmers are willing to pay the market price bid (2700 UGX) for day-old positively selected local chicks. The dependent variable was the probability that poultry farmers are willing to pay the prevailing average market price whereby, they were categorized as 1= willingness to pay 2700 UGX and 0=Not willing to pay. An ordered probit model was used to analyze factors that influence the choice of price to be paid for a day-old positively selected Local chick. The dependent variable was the range of prices poultry farmers are willing to pay for day-old positively selected local chicken. Prices ranged from 1890, 2160, 2430, 2565, 2700, 2835, 2970, 3240, and 3510. They were categorized into; <i>lower bid </i>(less than 2700) market price bid (2700) and high bid (more than 2700 UGX). The study further analyzed the factors that influenced the maximum price that farmers are willing to pay for day-old positively selected local chicken, multiple linear regression was used. The study revealed that 89.84% of farmers were willing to pay the lowest price (1890 UGX) for day-old positively selected local chicks, while only 25.57% were willing to pay the market price of 2700 UGX. Factors influencing willingness to pay include the age of the farmer, household size, total land owned, education level, access to credit, membership in a farmer’s group, phone ownership, distance to the nearest market, and radio ownership. These findings suggest that targeted interventions are needed to enhance the adoption of positively selected local chicks.

Reaction of Promising Illu-Ababor Coffee Selections Against Major Coffee Diseases

Coffee is prone to a number of diseases that attacks berries, leafs, root and stems reduce the yield and marketability. Among diseases Coffee Berry diseases (CBD), Coffee leaf rust (CLR), Coffee wilt diseases (CWD) are the major diseases in Ethiopia. The study was contained 13 coffee selections collected from different coffee producing areas of illu-ababor zones with four resistant checks (754, 7410, 744 & 7440). These selections were planted at Metu Agricultural Research Sub center (MARC) Gore and Chora trial sites in RCBD during 2010 cropping year. Significant difference among the genotypes for coffee berry diseases was observed specially at CBD prone site Chora. Severity values of selections ranged from 0.00 – 51.27% and among selections 229/71(3.00), p-23(8.55 showed below 5% severity at Chora and promoted to attached berry test. As the result in the (Table 1) indicates, the coffee accession 229/71(0.47)% showed highly resistant reaction to coffee berry disease and selected for further breeding purposes. While, 678 (51.27), revealed 50% susceptible reaction for both visually and by attached berry test to CBD. The selections were showed highly resistant reactions (744,754, P-23, P-30) 0.13, 0.16, 0.66 and 0.88 respectively and the remaining were showed moderately resistance reaction to coffee leaf rust at three locations. The seedling test result indicates that two coffee selections (P-30) and (P-23) 17.7% and 21% moderately resistant reaction and the rest coffee selections showed susceptible reaction to coffee wilt diseases.

Effect of Varying Irrigation Levels on Growth and Yield of Serengeti and Theresa French Bean Cultivars: A Case Study in Huye District, Rwanda

Effective irrigation management is essential for maximizing crop yield and quality while conserving water resources. This study evaluated the impact of varying irrigation levels on the growth and yield of two French bean cultivars, Serengeti and Theresa, conducted in 2024 at the Agricultural Research Center of Rwanda Polytechnic–Huye College. Key objectives included determining crop water requirements, establishing irrigation schedules based on daily soil water balance, and examining the effects of three irrigation regimes (Full irrigation (100% ETc), Deficit irrigation( 50% ETc), and Rainfed as Control on yield parameters across both cultivars. The experiment followed a split-plot design in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Soil moisture levels were monitored using PR2- Moisture Sensors. The results of conducted field experiments revealed that the seasonal irrigation water requirements for full irrigation, deficit irrigation, and rainfed treatments were 111.38 mm, 99.5 mm, and 24.5 mm, respectively. Seasonal evapotranspiration rates were measured at 160.4 mm for full irrigation, 143.9 mm for deficit, and 80.84 mm for rainfed. The fresh pod yield ranged between 5.9 – 11.7 tons ha⁻¹ for Serengeti and 5.3 – 20.3 tons ha⁻¹ for Theressa, while dry matter yields varied from 1.0 – 1.66 tons ha⁻¹ for Serengeti and 0.8 – 2.88 tons ha⁻¹ for Theressa. Plant height ranged from 22 cm to 40.1 cm, and pod lengths for Serengeti and Theressa were between 9.3 – 17.64 cm and 8.8 – 15.8 cm, respectively. The mean number of grains per pod was 7. Yield response factors (ky) for Serengeti and Theressa were 1.029 and 1.20, respectively. The highest crop evapotranspiration productivity (WPET) and water productivity (WP-irrigation) were recorded for Theressa at 127.2 kg ha⁻¹ mm⁻¹ and 135.6 kg ha⁻¹ mm⁻¹, respectively. Monitoring soil moisture balance highlights the economic advantages of efficient irrigation techniques tailored to local conditions.

Natural and Organic Input-Based Integrated Nutrient-Management Practices Enhance the Productivity and Soil Quality Index of Rice–Mustard–Green Gram Cropping System

The effects of integrated nutrient-management (INM) practices on soil quality are essential for sustaining agro-ecosystem productivity. The soil quality index (SQI) serves as a tool to assess the physical, chemical, and biological potential of soils as influenced by various edaphic and agronomic practices. A multiyear (2018–2021) field experiment was performed at the University Organic Research Farm, Narendrapur, West Bengal, India, to investigate the influence of integrated and sole applications of different conventional fertilizers, organic (e.g., vermicompost), and natural farming inputs (e.g., Dhrava Jeevamrit and Ghana Jeevamrit) on SQIs and crop productivity of rice–mustard–green gram-based cropping systems. A total of 12 parameters were selected for the assessment of SQI, amongst which only four, namely pH, organic carbon %, total actinomycetes, and bulk density, were retained for the minimum data set based on principal component analysis (PCA). In this study, the maximum SQI value (0.901) of the experimental soil was recorded in the INM practice of 25% organic and 25% inorganic nutrient inputs, and the rest with natural farming inputs, which augments the SQI by 24% compared to the 100% inorganic nutrient treatment. Amongst the different soil parameters, the highest contribution was from the pH (35.18%), followed by organic carbon % (26.77%), total actinomycetes (10.95%), and bulk density (6.98%). The yields in different cropping systems varied year-wise across treatments. Notably, the highest yield in rainy rice was estimated in the 100% organic treatment, followed by INM practices in the subsequent years, and finally, the combination of organic and natural inputs in the final year. In the case of mustard, the combination of organic and natural inputs resulted in the highest productivity in the initial and last years of study, while the 100% organic treatment resulted in higher productivity in subsequent years. Green gram showed a dynamic shift in yield between the 100% organic and integrated treatments over the years. Further, a strong correlation was also established between the soil physico-chemical parameters and the SQI. Overall, this study concludes that the natural and organic input-based INM practice enhances the soil quality and crop productivity of the rice–mustard–green gram cropping system under the coastal saline zone.

Recombinant Breeding in Barnyard Millet (Echinochloa frumentacea. L): Pioneering High-yield Varieties for Sustainable Agriculture

The development of new crop varieties, including barnyard millet, typically spans 6 to 9 years, a process that began with breeding efforts initiated in 2008. The breeding work involved initial crossings, followed by selection starting from the F2 generation, which achieved stabilization in the F5 generation with the identification of the best plants. The resulting high-yielding, medium-maturing barnyard millet variety, DHBM-93-3, was developed at the Agricultural Research Station in Hanumanamatti, under the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. This variety matures in 85 to 90 days, features an erect growth habit with a height ranging from 132 to 147.5 cm, and produces bold, oval-shaped grains of gray color. DHBM-93-3 has demonstrated an impressive grain yield of 23.20 q/ha and a fodder yield of 6.33 t/ha, along with remarkable tolerance to shoot fly infestation (0.0%). Notably, this variety outperformed national checks VL-172 and VL-207, with yield increases of 27.17% and 12.59%, respectively. In preliminary and station trials conducted between 2010 and 2013, DHBM-93-3 achieved an average seed yield of 39.24 q/ha, significantly exceeding RAU-11 and VL-207 by 42.17% and 16.82%. Over a three-year evaluation period, it consistently yielded 23.20 q/ha, surpassing VL-172 and VL-207 by 27.15% and 12.59%, respectively. The varieties exceptional adaptability was highlighted by significant yield increases across various states, particularly in Andhra Pradesh, where it exceeded VL-172 by 108.5%. DHBM-93-3 also exhibited superior disease resistance, with a mean grain smut incidence of 2.46%, compared to 10.06% for VL-172 and 15.93% for VL-207, as well as complete resistance to head smut. Furthermore, it showed outstanding resilience against shoot fly infestation, maintaining a consistent infestation rate of 0.0%. Nutritionally, DHBM-93-3 excelled in zinc (36.8 mg/kg), iron (12.5 mg/kg), and calcium (14 mg/kg) content, although its protein content was slightly lower than that of VL-172. DHBM-93-3 represents a highly productive and resilient variety, capable of enhancing food security and addressing micronutrient deficiencies, thus positioning it as an excellent choice for cultivation across diverse agro-climatic regions of India.

Development of Faba Bean Genotypes for Broomrape Tolerant and Foliar Diseases Resistance in F\(_2\) Factorial Crosses

Two field experiments were conducted at Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt. The first experiment was in a naturally Orobanche- free field and the second one was in a naturally Orobanche-infested field. In each experiment sixteen F2 crosses and their parents were sown. The sixteen F2 crosses were produced by a 4 x 4 factorial mating design in F1 and selfed to give F2-crosses. The data were then analyzed using a line x tester design. The main objective of this study was to develop new promising faba bean genotypes that are able to produce high yield, resistance to foliar diseases and broomrape tolerance. Significant differences among all genotypes mean square were observed for all studied traits under both growth conditions. The parents, crosses and their interaction mean squares were detected for all traits in the two environments. The mean squares of lines were significant and/or highly significant for flowering date and 100-seed weight under both conditions, while number of pods per plant was significant under normal condition, in addition to the number of seeds per plant and broomrape dry weight per plant under infested broomrape condition were significant and highly significant, respectively. Mean squares of testers were significant for chocolate spot at the two conditions; rust disease, plant height, number of pods and seeds, seed yield per plant and 100-seed weight under normal condition. Lines x testers mean squares were significant for all traits in both conditions, except for number of branches and 100-seed weight. L1 and L4 and the parental testers T4 were considered more resistance parents to foliar diseases under both environments. The crosses; L2 x T3, L2 xT4, L3 x T2, L3 x T4 and L4 x T4 were considered resistant to foliar disease and had an earlier flowering date. The testers, T3 and T4 showed significantly the highest values of number of seeds per plant, seed yield per plant and 100-seed weight under both conditions, while the crosses; L3 x T4 and L4 x T4 had the highest values for seed yield per plant and 100-seed weight under both conditions. The parental L2 and T4 were considered good combiners for chocolate spot and rust diseases under both environmental conditions, while L1 and T4 performed as good combiner parents for number of seeds and seed yield per plant. The cross; L2x T3 performed as good specific combiner cross for foliar diseases under both conditions. The crosses; L2x T3, L3xT4, L3 x T1and L4 x T4 had highly significant (sij) values for the No. of seeds and seed yield per plant under infested soil condition. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) values ranged from 5.52% to 84.01% and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) values ranged from 3.18% to 79.21%. Broad-sense heritability (H) ranged from 72.98% to 99.29%, and narrow sense heritability (h2) ranged from 2.3% to 21.38%. Expected genetic advance (Ga) ranged from 0.03 to 0.71, and predicted genetic advance (Ga%) ranged from 8.21% to 10.86%.

High Yielding Pest and Disease Tolerance Variety (DHLM-14-1) in Little Millet (Panicum sumetrense. L) Developed through Recombinant Breeding Technology

The little millet variety DHLM-14-1 developed at the Agricultural Research Station (ARS) Hanumanamatti under the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. With a maturation period of 85-90 days, this variety features an erect, tall plant stature ranging from 112 to 130 cm and produces bold, oval-shaped gray grains. DHLM-14-1 stands out for its notable tolerance to shoot fly, exhibiting only a 13.89% incidence compared to 19.15% in the national check JK-8. Its impressive yield performance is evident, yielding 18.42%, 30.58%, and 3.14% more than the national checks OLM-203, JK-8, and KOPLM-53, respectively, making it a beneficial option for millet producers looking for resilient, high-yielding crops. Across trials conducted from 2011 to 2014, DHLM-14-1 showcased exceptional agronomic performance, achieving a mean seed yield of 42.41q/ha, significantly outperforming local check TNAU-63 and national check OLM-203 by 26.63% and 23.75%, respectively. Its consistent yield superiority, with an average of 15.89 q/ha over three years, illustrates the cultivar's adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions, surpassing OLM-203 and JK-8 by 18.42% and 30.58%. Recognized during the 29th Annual Group Meeting of the ICAR All India Coordinated Research Project on small millets, DHLM-14-1 has shown strong disease resistance against grain smut, brown spot, and sheath blight, with disease incidences similar to OLM-203 and significantly lower than JK-8. Additionally, its effective resistance to shoot fly underscores its potential to reduce pest damage, reinforcing DHLM-14-1's value as a high-yielding, resilient cultivar that not only enhances sustainable millet production but also supports food security and improves farmer livelihoods across India.

Energy Budgeting of Different Cropping Sequences in the Indian Upper Gangetic Plains

Background: This study is meant to examine the energy requirement and energy input- output of different cropping sequences .The crucial objective to conduct experiment to understand energy efficiency using inputs and outputs which were disbursed in cropping sequences. Hence, it is need of the hour to identify the most remunerative and cost effective cropping sequence with high energy efficient for UGP of India. Methods: This study was carried out at the research farm of ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram, during 2017-2021.The divergent cropping sequences viz. sugarcane-ratoon-wheat (CS1); rice-wheat-dhaincha (CS2); pigeonpea +maize-chickpea-okra (CS3); maize-berseem-black gram (CS4); sorghum-mustard-green gram (CS5) and Napier+cowpea/berseem (CS6) were compared in reference to curtail higher energy inputs through selected alternate cropping sequences. The obtained energy values were calculated by multiplying the amount of inputs and outputs by using energy conversion factors. Result: Maximum inputs energy consumed by sugarcane crop alone (33.14´103 MJ ha-1). Results shown that irrigation, seed, fertilizers and diesel required higher energy for the completion of cultural operations. However, higher inputs energy was used in irrigation followed by seed and fertilizers, respectively. In regard to per cent energy intake through inputs, the highest energy spent was for irrigation (35.30 MJ ha-1) and fertilizer (23.80 MJ ha-1).The wheat equivalent yield was higher in sugarcane-ratoon-wheat (125.58 t ha-1). Maximum output energy was with above system (596.70×103 MJ ha-1). Highest net energy returns was counted with sugarcane-ratoon-wheat (549.37´103 MJ ha-1), energy ratio (12.60) and energy profitability (11.60). Indeed, energy efficiency was highest in same system (1657.50) followed by maize-berseem-black gram (1421.96).

Effect of Organic Manures and Biofertilizers on Crop Phenology, Growth Parameters and Yield of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata)

To assess the fertility level of organic nutrient management practices and biofertilizers on phenology studies, growth parameters and yields of mung bean the present study was carried out during summer season of 2024 at Research Farm, School of Agriculture, OM Sterling Global University, Hisar. Seven treatment combinations comprising organic manures and bio fertilizer were tested in randomized block design in three replications. The results revealed that the phenology studies viz., days taken to emergence (6.67), flowering (43.67), pod initiation (52.00) and maturity (65.67), growth parameters viz., plant height (21.07; 48.82; 58.67; 59.00 cm), dry matter accumulation (4.93; 13.83; 19.32; 21.41 g) root shoot ratio on the length (0.58; 0.65; 0.70; 0.75), root shoot ratio on the weight basis (0.29; 0.35; 0.35; 0.36) and number of branches per plant (3.67; 5.00; 5.67; 5.83) at 30, 45, 60 and at harvest stages, respectively and seed yield (1,197 kg ha-1) were significantly higher in the treatment of Jeevamrutha@ 3000 l ha-1 through three splits at sowing, 30 and 45 DAS + Rhizobium +PSB. Whereas, significantly minimum for all above parameters were recorded under control.

Assessment of Different Organic Manures on Yield of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica Plenck.) cv. KTS-1 under Bundelkhand Climatic Condition

Aims: The organic content in manure helps soil retain moisture, increases gas exchange, and introduces beneficial bacteria, loosens clayey soil, promoting root growth. Soil with a higher organic content is more resistant to erosion and produces superior crops. Using organic manure decreases farming's environmental impact. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, it recycles waste materials, nourishes the soil, and nurtures crops. Methods: This experiment was carried out during Rabi 2023-24 at the Organic Research farm Kargunwan ji, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh). Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italicaPlenck.) cv. KTS-1 was sown under randomized block design (RBD) with 11 treatment viz., Control, Vermicompost 100%, Cow litter 100%, Pressmud 100%, Vermicompost 75%, Cow litter 75%, Pressmud 75%, Vermicompost 50%+Cow litter 50%, Cow litter 50%+Press mud 50%, Pressmud 50%+Vermi 50%, Pressmud 33%+Cow litter 33%+Vermi 33% with 3 replication accommodating spacing (60 × 45) cm2,plot size (2.4 × 1.8) m = 4.32 m2 with total gross experimental area of (23.5 x 9.6) m = 225.06 m2. Results: Results shows thatat harvest, treatment T10 took to the minimum curd initiation at 53.10 days, compared to the control plot at 68.07 days. Similarly, days to 50% curd initiation and maturity were also shorter in T10, at 67.03 days and 80.13 days, respectively, while the control plot took (78.03 and 96.13) days. Ttreatment T10 produced the largest curd diameter (14.78 cm) and weight (321.03 g), significantly surpassing the control plot (6.37) cm diameter and (138.43) g weight. Overall, T10 yielded (321.03) q/ha, markedly higher than the control plot (138.43) q/ha, demonstrating significant improvements in broccoli yield and quality. Conclusion: The results clearly revealed that the application of organic treatments, particularly T10 (Pressmud 33% + Cow litter 3% + Vermi 33%), significantly enhanced the yield and quality of broccoli. This treatment resulted in faster curd initiation and maturity, larger curd diameter, and increased curd weight compared to the control plot. The findings indicate that the strategic use of organic manure can optimize broccoli production, suggesting a viable approach for improving crop outcomes in sustainable agriculture.

Sustainable Nitrogen Management in Rice Farming: Spatial Patterns of Nitrogen Availability and Implications for Community-Level Practices

Sustainable nitrogen management is crucial for long-term food security and environmental protection in rice farming systems. However, the spatial patterns of nitrogen availability at the community level remain poorly understood, hindering the development of effective sustainable management strategies. This study introduces a novel application of spatial autoregressive analysis to investigate available nitrogen distribution in paddy soils across a rice farming community in Kyoto, Japan. Soil samples from 61 plots, including organically farmed ones, were analyzed for available nitrogen and various physicochemical properties. Contrary to the hypothesis of high variability between adjacent plots, significant positive spatial autocorrelation in available nitrogen was observed, revealing previously unrecognized community-level patterns. The spatial Durbin model outperformed traditional regression approaches and revealed complex spatial interactions in soil properties. Water-soluble organic carbon and humus content showed strong but opposing effects, with a positive direct impact but negative spatial interaction, suggesting topography-driven accumulation processes. Water-soluble nitrogen exhibited reverse patterns with negative direct effects but positive spatial interaction, indicating potential nutrient transport through water movement. These findings highlight the importance of considering both direct and indirect spatial effects in understanding soil fertility patterns, challenging the conventional plot-by-plot management approach. This methodological advancement provides new perspectives for more effective, community-scale soil management strategies in rice farming systems. Moreover, it demonstrates an innovative approach to maximizing the value of outsourced soil analysis data, providing a model for more comprehensive utilization of such data in agricultural research. By enabling more targeted and efficient nitrogen management practices that consider both plot-level processes and landscape-scale interactions, this study potentially contributes to the development of more sustainable and resilient rice production systems.

“The Source of All My Joy and All My Stress”: Children and Childcare as Underappreciated Sources of Stress That Affect Farm Women

ABSTRACT Objective Women have always played a crucial role in agriculture through their work on the farm, caring for the family and the household, and off-farm employment. Yet, like their essential contributions to agriculture, their mental health and well-being have largely been invisible since much of the focus of the mental health in agriculture research has been on older, male farmers. This paper seeks to address this knowledge gap by focusing on the emotional consequences stemming from the expectations of juggling childcare responsibilities, farm work and managing the household whilst keeping children safe. Methods The data were collected via focus groups and photovoice activity with, respectively, 68 and 33 farm women from Ohio, Wisconsin, and Vermont. Results The content thematic analysis first indicates that the juggling of multiple roles along with limited support deeply impacted farm women’s wellbeing. Worries that the children could get hurt was a major source of stress. Stress and mental health issues connected to children do not lessen as they age but rather shift and become more complex. Conclusion This article highlights the implications of the lack of investment in farm women’s mental wellbeing and their lived realities of caring for children on the farm. Future research should address supply chain and affordability issues, particularly for rural childcare provision.

Effect of tillage methods and nitrogen management practices on soil mineral nitrogen and grain protein, and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum)in rice (Oryza sativa)-wheat system

The field experiment was carried out during winter (rabi) season of 2020–21 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to study the effect of tillage methods and nitrogen management practices on soil mineral nitrogen and grain protein and yield of wheat in rice- wheat system. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design (SPD), where the main plots included 4 different crop establishment methods, and the sub-plots tested 4 nitrogen management strategies that were replicated thrice. The results showed that, residue retention in zero tillage recorded significantly (P<0.05) higher soil mineral nitrogen, protein content in grain (12.6%) and grain yield (4.99 t/ha) over other treatments. Similar results also recorded under different nitrogen management practices, where leaf colour chart (LCC)-guided N application has significantly (P<0.05) higher soil mineral nitrogen, grain protein content (12.9%) and grain yield (5.39 t/ha) over remaining treatments. The LCC-guided N application in residue retained (3 t/ha) ZT practices can be recommended in wheat under rice- wheat system for higher soil mineral nitrogen availability, improving grain protein content and productivity.

Effect of micronutrients on growth and bulb production of LA hybrid lilium (Lilium longiflorum) cv. pavia

The experiment was conducted during the 2021–22 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to determine the effect of micronutrients on the growth and bulb production of LA hybrid lilium cv. pavia. The experiment's findings showed that applying micronutrients topically in combination was more beneficial than doing so topically alone. In contrast, a combination of ZnSO4 + MnSO4 @6 g/litre each sprayed at 40 and 60 days after planting performed better in terms of growth attributes, such as net assimilation rate (4.07 g/m2 leaf area/day), relative growth rate (9.46 mg/g/day), and specific leaf area (46.68 m2/kg). Bulb attributes included number of bulblets/plant (4.60), bulb circumference (14.97 cm), bulblets circumference (3.77 cm), weight of bulb (30.44 g), and bulblets (2.64 g) in LA hybrid lilium cv. pavia, whereas the control group showed the lowest interaction effect levels. This demonstrates that the growth of bulbous ornamental crops such as lilium benefits more from the combined administration of micronutrients. It results from the application of the ideal concentration of micronutrients at regular intervals, which increases photosynthetic rate. These micronutrients help plants accumulate biosynthates through a variety of activities and control metabolic processes that occur in plants. Additionally, they activate enzymes that enhance development and better distribute carbohydrates to various regions of the plant, such as carbonic dehydrogenase, peroxidase, tryptophan synthase, and catalase. Micronutrients are essential for all cellular and metabolic processes, and their optimal utilization enhances the quality of the crop.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) response under soil moisture and crop water stress based irrigation scheduling at variable nitrogen regimes

The field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at research farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to examine the water productivity and crop response under soil moisture and crop water stress based irrigation scheduling at variable nitrogen regimes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Experiment was conducted in a split-plot design (SPD) design comprised of 3 irrigation regimes in main plots and 5 graded nitrogen (N) levels in sub-plots, replicated thrice. Irrigation scheduling regimes included I1 (50% available soil moisture depletion-ASMD); I2 (CWSI i.e. crop water stress index based); and I3 (Conventional crop growth stage based). The 5 graded N levels included 0 (N0); 50 (N1); 100 (N2); 150 (N3); and 200 (N4) kg N/ha. Results showed that 50% DASM based irrigation significantly increased grain yield (11.28 and 6.30%), straw yield (5.33 and 5.70%), dry matter accumulation (5.65 and 5.44%), water productivity (11.37 and 6.19%), root length (15.89 and 44.48%), root weight (11.63 and 12.77%) and grain N uptake (20.88 and 14.52%) compared to conventional crop stage based irrigation during 2021–22 and 2022–23, respectively. Among the graded N application, maximum grain yield (4.78 and 4.82 t/ha) and crop water productivity (13.91 and 15.09 kg/ha-mm) were recorded with treatment N4 (200 kg N/ha), but remained statistically at par with N3 (150 kg N/ha) due to the marginal increment beyond 150 kg N/ha. Overall, soil moisture based irrigation at 50% MAD with 150 kg/ha N application proved to be the most effective and economical approach to enhance dry-matter accumulation, yield and water productivity with saving from harmful environmental effects ascending from excessive nitrogen use.

Drone-assisted herbicide optimization for energy efficiency, weed control and economics in transplanted rice (Oryza sativa)

The experiment was conducted during summer and rainy (kharif) seasons of 2021 and 2022 at Agricultural Research Station (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu), Bhavanisagar, Tamil Nadu to evaluate the efficiency, economics and energetics of drone-based herbicide spray (fluid) application in transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.). During the experiment the application of pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides was done using drone and knapsack sprayer to assess the weed control efficiency (WCE). Treatments included 3 herbicide combinations, viz. pyrazosulfuron ethyl as pre-emergence (PE); pyrazosulfuron ethyl as pre-emergence (PE) fb bispyribac sodium as PoE; and pyrazosulfuron ethyl as PE fb metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron ethyl as PoE; and 4 spray fluids applied using drone and knapsack sprayer (25, 37.5, 75 and 500 litre/ha). Weed free and unweeded check plot were used as reference for calculating WCE. Application of pyrazosulfuron ethyl fb bispyribac sodium using knapsack sprayer reduced weed density from 77.74–86.45% and weed dry weight from 89.60–91.40% over unweeded plot. Moreover, it was found on par with drone application of 37.5 litre/ha using herbicides during both the seasons. Interaction effect between herbicides and drone spray fluids was found to be non-significant. Pyrazosulfuron ethyl fb bispyribac sodium application through knapsack sprayer (500 litre/ha) and drone (37.5 litre/ha) produced higher grain yield and straw yield. Higher net return, benefit: cost ratio (2.49 and 2.40), energy-use efficiency (13.44 and 13.40 MJ) and energy productivity (0.414 and 0.416 kg/MJ) were noticed with drone application of pyrazosulfuron ethyl fb bispyribac sodium using 37.5 litre/ha spray fluid in both the seasons. From the experiment, drone application of pyrazosulfuron ethyl fb bispyribac sodium with spray volume of 37.5 litre/ha was found as an effective strategy to manage weeds in transplanted rice and more advantageous in terms of energy-use efficiency and profitability.

Breeding for Pest and Disease Tolerance High Yielding Variety (DHLM-36-3-1) in Little Millet (Panicum sumetrense. L)

Developed from 2008 to 2013 and evaluated between 2010 and 2014, the high-yielding medium-maturing little millet variety DHLM-36-3-1 was officially released and notified in 2018, showing its potential as an excellent variety. This cultivar, developed at the Agricultural Research Station in Hanumanamatti, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, is well-suited to the state of Karnataka. It matures in 85 to 90 days and features an erect growth habit, reaching heights of 112 to 130 cm, with bold, oval-shaped grains of light black color. DHLM-36-3-1 demonstrated a grain yield of 14.29 q/ha and a fodder yield of 5.6 t/ha, showing good tolerance to shoot fly infestation (15.50%) compared with the national check JK-8, which recorded a 20.34% infestation rate. Furthermore, DHLM-36-3-1 outperformed both national checks OLM-203 and JK-8 by 9.59% and 11.21%, respectively, in terms of grain yield. Similarly, the newly developed variety DHLM-14-1 has yielded promising results across various trials conducted throughout India, demonstrating its potential as a high-yielding and nutritionally rich option for farmers. Over three growing seasons, DHLM-14-1 achieved an impressive average seed yield of 35.12 q/ha, exceeding the local check TNAU-63 by 18.56% and the national check OLM-203 by 12.06%. It has consistently performed well in All India Coordinated Trials, showing adaptability across diverse agro-climatic conditions, with notable yield improvements in states such as Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Tamil Nadu. Nutritional assessments highlight DHLM-14-1's superior mineral profile, boasting higher levels of zinc (4.06 mg/100 g) and calcium (3.45 mg/100 g) compared to national checks, while its iron content (16.2 mg/100 g) significantly surpasses that of OLM-203. Additionally, disease resistance evaluations revealed that DHLM-14-1 maintained lower incidence rates for grain smut and brown spots, with competitive resistance to shoot fly. Collectively, these findings emphasize DHLM-14-1's vital role in promoting sustainable millet production, enhancing food security and farmer livelihoods, supporting integrated pest management strategies, and improving the nutritional quality of staple diets in areas with micronutrient deficiencies.