Agricultural Research Institute Research Articles

Exploring the potential of Macaranga nicobarica: A sustainable alternative to plastic plates in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been actively seeking sustainable alternatives to plastic and recent research by the ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI) and the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) has identified Macaranga nicobarica, commonly known as the “Giant leaf” plant, as a promising substitute for plastic packaging. This study investigates the potential of M. nicobarica as an alternative source for plastic plates, focusing on its growth, development, and leaf characteristics. Germplasm of M. nicobarica was collected from three locations in the Nicobar Islands and conserved for further study. Morphological observations were made on leaf production patterns and various leaf characteristics, and statistical analyses were conducted to compare these traits among different accessions of M. nicobarica and other relevant species (M. tanarius and M. indica). Significant variations were observed in leaf characteristics among M. nicobarica accessions, with some displaying larger dimensions and higher leaf area compared to others. Furthermore, M. nicobarica exhibited distinct differences in leaf characteristics compared to other species of the Macaranga genus. A dendrogram analysis confirmed the clustering of all M. nicobarica accessions, distinct from other studied species. The findings suggest that M. nicobarica, particularly accession IC: 626370, holds significant potential as an alternative source for plastic plates, owing to the size and texture of its large leaves. This research contributes to the ongoing efforts to reduce plastic dependency in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, highlighting the importance of indigenous resources like M. nicobarica in fostering sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.

Perception of Librarians in Agricultural Research Institutes Towards the Use of Big Data for Library Operations and Services in Kwara State, Nigeria

This study examined the perception of use associated with big data in agricultural research institutes' libraries. A descriptive design was employed, and thematic analysis was done on the information obtained through key informant interviews. The population of this study consists of two librarians from each of the agricultural research institutes' libraries. In the study, four research questions were addressed. The results showed librarians believe big data assists them in providing clear and straightforward information that will quickly aid the demands of the researchers in the institutes. The study also revealed how big data helps librarians better understand how they can meet the information demands of researchers. The difficulties associated with the use of big data in agricultural research libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria, stem from the presence of incompetent personnel, insufficient funds, irregular electricity supply, sluggish internet connectivity, and the expense of training and retraining on big data. In conclusion, the perception of the use of big data in agricultural research libraries allows librarians to streamline operations and services to exactly what the researcher wants. Based on the findings, the study recommends ensuring the effectiveness of big data, agricultural research libraries should recruit more data analyst experts to manage big data in their libraries and ensure alternative power generation such as solar systems, inverters or standby generating machines are made available.

Nomenclatural standards of barley cultivars bred by the Ural Research Institute of Agriculture – Branch of the Ural Federal Agrarian Scientific Research Center, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences

As part of the present work, nomenclatural standards of spring barley cultivars ‘Krauf’ and ‘Pamyati Chepeleva’ were created by the Ural Research Institute of Agriculture.The plant material for these nomenclatural standards was collected at the Research and Production Base “Pushkin and Pavlovsk laboratories of VIR”.The article presents descriptions of morphological and biological and economic properties of the cultivars.The nomenclatural standard of cultivar ‘Krauf’ is represented by one herbarium sheet and has one duplicate sheet, while that of cultivar ‘Pamyati Chepeleva’ is represented by one herbarium sheet and two duplicates.Every sheet contains the entire plant at the milky ripeness stage collected at the Pushkin Laboratories of RPB “Pushkin and Pavlovsk Laboratories of VIR”, as well as mature spikes and grains samples collected at the Ural Research Institute of Agriculture. The plant material for the herbaria was taken from the offspring of one seed sample.The nomenclatural standard specimens were prepared in accordance with the recommendations of the International Code of Nomenclature of Cultivated Plants (ICNCP) and registered in the VIR Herbarium database. The herbarium specimens were deposited at the Herbarium of Cultivated Plants of the World, their Wild Relatives and Weeds (WIR) at the National Center for Plant Genetic Resources.

THE STATE OF POLISH ORGANIC AGRICULTURE COMPARED TO OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

The study aims to assess the situation of Polish organic farming compared to selected European countries. Due to the complexity of these issues, a holistic approach to the topic was used. The research methodology is based on data obtained from three main sources: Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Central Statistical Office and literature studies. The results of the presented research indicate the development of the organic production sector in Poland, which is a positive phenomenon in the context of ensuring food security and promoting the culture of healthy food. Nevertheless, the analyzes conducted showed that Poland, although it has a significant area of organic products, has a small share of the area of these products in the total area of agricultural land, i.e. at the level of 3.5%, which is over 10 times smaller than the leader in this respect (Liechtenstein). Therefore, this result places Poland only at 27th position in the ranking compared to other European countries. At the same time, it indicates the need to promote organic farming practices in order to increase its importance in agricultural production in Poland. The analyzes conducted allow us to draw conclusions about the growing importance of agriculture and the organic market in Poland. The increase of expenses on organic food, trade, and involvement of producers and consumers in the organic sector is a promising trend, suggesting increased interest in and trust in organic products.

Assessing efficiency in sustainable allocation of agricultural scientific and technological talent: a spatial-temporal analysis in China

Efficient allocation of agricultural scientific and technological talents (ASTTs) is crucial for agricultural innovation and economic development. This study aims to systematically evaluate ASTTs’ allocation efficiency in provincial agricultural research institutions in China, aiding decision-making for local governments and research bodies. Utilizing data from 2009 to 2019 across 31 provinces, an output-oriented data envelopment analysis model measures ASTTs’ allocation efficiency and analyzes its trends, regional differences, and spatial characteristics. Results show: (1) Provincial ASTTs’ mean comprehensive technical efficiency (CTE) in China was 0.786, with room for improvement. (2) Enhanced CTE was driven by scale efficiency improvements, while pure technical efficiency declined, indicating a need for better management systems and technology applications. (3) Disparities in ASTTs’ allocation efficiency among provinces decreased, with higher efficiencies in the East and Central-Southern China regions. At the provincial level, areas like Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan, and Sichuan demonstrated relatively high ASTTs allocation efficiencies. (4) Spatial agglomeration of ASTTs’ allocation efficiency was localized in a few major agricultural provinces without a significant overall effect. These findings advocate for further optimization of ASTTs’ regional layout and management mechanisms in China.

O uso da Malva no Brasil

The article delves into the historical trajectory of mallow (Urena lobata L.) utilization in Brazil, a plant indigenous to the national flora and a perfect analogue to jute (Corchorus olitorius L. and Corchorus capsularis L.), an exotic plant. The objective of the article is to generate insights into the process of mallow utilization aimed at fiber production for the crafting of sacks used in packaging agricultural products, as well as for other weaving purposes. To achieve this, we analyze the historical context in which the first attempts at mallow cultivation in Brazil occurred, spanning from the late 19th century to the early decades of the 20th century. Additionally, we examine the current cultivation context of this plant, particularly in the Amazon. In this region, there is primarily the collection and/or cultivation of mallow for seed production in the northeastern region of Pará, while in the neighboring state of Amazonas, cultivation is aimed at fiber production. The methodology employed was documentary research, conducted in the archives of significant agricultural research institutions in the country. The relevance of the topic lies in the fact that mallow has practically replaced jute in the Amazon, not due to disparities in the production process or the efficacy and quality of its fibers, but rather because of the abandonment of jute-related research in the region and the availability of seeds. This oversight has led to a scarcity in production and seed supply, causing riverside communities to now predominantly cultivate mallow.

Usando direitos para aprofundar a democracia

In this text we will describe the historical path of use, in Brazil, of mallow (Urena lobata L.), a plant found in the national flora that is the perfect counterpart to jute (Corchorus olitorius L. and Corchorus capsularis L.), an exotic plant. The objective of this article is to produce knowledge about the process of using mallow to produce fibers intended for making bags for packaging agricultural products, as well as for other uses in weaving. To do this, we analyzed the historical context in which the first attempts to cultivate mallow took place in Brazil, which took place between the end of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th century. We also analyze the current context of cultivation of this plant, carried out in the Amazon. In this region, there is, fundamentally, the collection and/or cultivation of mallow for seed production in the northeast of Pará and, in the neighboring state of Amazonas, cultivation takes place for the production of fibers. The methodology used was documentary research, carried out in the archives of important agricultural research institutions in the country. The relevance of the topic lies in the fact that mallow practically replaced jute in the Amazon, not because there were differences in the production process or in the efficiency and quality of its fibers, but rather because of the abandonment of research linked to jute in the region and seed availability. This omission led to a reduction in the production and supply of seeds, causing riverside dwellers to now almost exclusively cultivate mallow.

Response of Mustard Yield (cv. BARI Sarisha-14) to Different Fertilizer Management Under Subtropical Condition

The yield of mustard can be significantly enhanced by the appropriate application of fertilizers. Utilizing fertilizers effectively holds considerable promise for improving mustard yields. To evaluate the effect of fertilizers on mustard yield, a study was carried out at the Agronomy Field Laboratory (AFL), Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, between November 2022 and February 2023. This study involved seven different fertilizers treatments: control (no fertilizer) and incremental additions of nutrients starting from nitrogen (N) alone to a full combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, Sulphur, zinc, and boron (N-P-K-S-Zn-B). The BARI (Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute) sarisha-14 variety was used as the crop under study. The study was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The findings suggested that, fertilizers application had a significant impact on several growth parameters and yields. The most comprehensive fertilizers mix (N-P-K-S-Zn-B) resulted in the maximum observed values for plant height (PH) (83.63 cm), number of branches plant-1 (NBP) (4.74), number of siliquae plant-1 (NSP) (63.17), and seed yield (SY) (2.19 t ha-1) and stover yields (7.27 t ha-1). This treatment also resulted in the highest biological yield (BY) (4.51 t ha-1), indicating a robust growth response. In contrast, control (no fertilizers) produced the lowest SY (0.19 t ha-1) and stover yield (0.70 t ha-1). It can be concluded that BARI sarisha-14 produced the highest yield of mustard with the recommended rate of N-P-K-S-Zn-B and farmers can cultivate this mustard variety at large scale with mentioned recommended dose of fertilizer.

Morphological and yield trait-based evaluation and selection of chili (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes suitable for both summer and winter seasons

Abstract Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most important vegetable cum spice crops grown throughout the world. Evaluation of genotypes based on morphological and yield contributing traits provides the opportunity to assess variability and select superior genotypes. The present investigation was carried out from April 2018 to November 2018 in the summer season and from December 2018 to June 2019 in the winter season in a net house and field, respectively, in the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali, Bangladesh. A set of 30 qualitative and 13 quantitative characteristics developed by Biodiversity International were recorded to evaluate the genotypes for morphological and yield-contributing traits. The estimated Shannon–Weaver diversity for qualitative traits ranged from 0 to 1.334, where the maximum diversity was recorded for fruit color at an intermediate stage, stem color after transplanting, fruit surface, stigma position, calyx margin shape, and fruit set, while the minimum diversity (H′ = 0) was observed for the traits corolla shape and anthocyanin spots, indicating no diversity of these traits. Thirteen quantitative traits were also analyzed for the selection of the genotypes with the greatest yield. The quantitative traits also exhibited a wide range of variability according to descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. Moreover, the present study revealed a high heritability for almost all of the quantitative traits, which was confirmed by the values of genotypic coefficient of variation, phenotypic coefficient of variation, h 2 b, and GA for both the summer and winter seasons. This suggests that these traits are predominantly governed by additive genes, making them highly amenable to effective selection. The heatmap analysis based on the morphological quantitative traits revealed five clusters for both the summer and winter seasons for the studied chili genotypes, four distinct clusters in the summer season, and three distinct clusters in the winter season for the parameters studied. Using the multi-trait genotype–ideotype distance index based on multiple trait information, the genotypes R-06, R-07, C0525-2, BARI (Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute) Morich-2, Tengakhali, and Rcy 002 were selected as promising for both the summer and winter seasons. Hence, they are recommended for commercial cultivation or use as parent materials in future breeding for the development of new cultivars adaptable to climate change.

Assessment of the genetic diversity of the alleles of gliadin-coding loci in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) collections in Kazakhstan and Russia.

The study of genetic resources using prolamin polymorphism in wheat cultivars from countries with different climatic conditions makes it possible to identify and trace the preference for the selection of the alleles of gliadine-coding loci characteristic of specific conditions. The aim of the study was to determine the "gliadin profile" of the collection of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) from breeding centers in Russia and Kazakhstan by studying the genetic diversity of allelic variants of gliadin-coding loci. Intrapopulation (μ ± Sμ) and genetic (H) diversity, the proportion of rare alleles (h ± Sh), identity criterion (I) and genetic similarity (r) of common wheat from eight breeding centers in Russia and Kazakhstan have been calculated. It has been ascertained that the samples of common wheat bred in Kostanay region (Karabalyk Agricultural Experimental Station, Kazakhstan) and Chelyabinsk region (Chelyabinsk Research Institute of Agriculture, Russia) had the highest intrapopulation diversity of gliadin alleles. The proportion of rare alleles (h) at Gli-B1 and Gli-D1 loci was the highest in the wheat cultivars bred by the Federal Center of Agriculture Research of the South-East Region (Saratov region, Russia), which is explained by a high frequency of occurrence of Gli-B1e (86 %) and Gli-D1a (89.9 %) alleles. Based on identity criterion (I), the studied samples of common wheat from different regions of Kazakhstan and Russia have differences in gliadin-coding loci. The highest value of I = 619.0 was found when comparing wheat samples originated from Kostanay and Saratov regions, and the lowest I = 114.4, for wheat cultivars from Tyumen and Chelyabinsk regions. Some region-specific gliadin alleles in wheat samples have been identified. A combination of Gli-A1f, Gli-B1e and Gli-Da alleles has been identified in the majority of wheat samples from Kazakhstan and Russia. Alleles (Gli-A1f, Gli-A1i, Gli-A1m, Gli-A1o, Gli-B1e, Gli-D1a, Gli-D1f, Gli-A2q, Gli-B2o, and Gli-D2a) turned out to be characteristic and were found with varying frequency in wheat cultivars in eight regions of Russia and Kazakhstan. The highest intravarietal polymorphism (51.1 %) was observed in wheat cultivars bred in Omsk region (Russia) and the lowest (16.6 %), in Pavlodar region (Kazakhstan). On the basis of the allele frequencies, a "gliadin profile" of wheat from various regions and breeding institutions of Russia and Kazakhstan was compiled, which can be used for the selection of parent pairs in the breeding process, the control of cultivars during reproduction, as well as for assessing varietal purity.

Improvement of millet cultivation technology in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic

The article studies the effectiveness of using mineral fertilizers, growth stimulants and bacterial preparations in the cultivating millet technology. The research was carried out in 2021–2023 on the experimental field of the Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture, which located in the steppe zone of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. The object of study is the mid-late millet variety Kavkazskie Zori, bred by Kabardino-Balkarian Research Institute of Agriculture. Inoculation of seeds with Rizoagrin (Agrobacterium radiobacter) and Azophyte (Azotobacter vinelandii) was carried out on the day of sowing, exogenous spraying of plants with growth stimulants Mival Agro (10 g/ha), MS-extra (0.5 kg/ha) – in the three-leaf phase. Treatment of seeds with biological preparations Rizoagrin and Azofit increases field germination by 8.9 and 5.3%, respectively, relative to the control. They also have a positive effecton the preservation of plants for harvesting. The usage of biological products provides an increase in the yield of millet by 0.38–0.54 t/hacompared to the control, fertilizers – 0.64 t/ha, growth stimulants – 0.27–0.46 t/ha. Maximum productivity was achieved with the biological product Rizoagrin and the growth stimulator MS-extra against the background of N10P26K26 – 2.48 t/ha.

POT SIZE ON COLE CROPS PRODUCTIVITY IN ROOFTOP GARDENING

The experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2020–21 on rooftop of On-Farm Research Division (OFRD), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Bandarban station, to find out the influence of pot size for cultivating three popular cole crops in Bangladesh (broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage). Four pot sizes (8, 10, 12, and 14 inches) were used as treatments in this experiment, which followed a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The results showed a significant relationship between pot size and crop yield. Among all the pot sizes, the highest marketable yield of broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage was found from 14-inch pots (261.33 g, 925.33 g, and 1105 g), while 8-inch pots yielded the lowest for all three crops (74.67 g, 330.67 g, and 300 g) respectively. Interestingly, the cauliflower plants in the largest pots (14 inches) took the longest time to mature (61.33 days), while delayed curd formation in broccoli (54.67 days) and head formation in cabbage (66.33 days) was found in 8-inch pots. Overall, cole crops like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage yielded more in larger pots (14-inch) compared to smaller pots.

Changes in the corn yield structure depending on genetic characteristics, background mineral nutrition and sowing time in the Khabarovsk Krai

This study presents the results of a three-factor experiment on corn yield structure depending on the genetic characteristics and hybrids, mineral nutrition background and sowing dates. The experiment was carried out in Khabarovsk Krai in fourfold repetition on corn crops of local selection varieties Birsu, ALitet 2 and Guran 2 and hybrids of foreign selection Moldavsky 215 SV, P 7515, P 8521, P 7460; on three mineral nutrition backgrounds: № 1 (control) – N90P90K90, № 2 – N110P110K90, № 3 – N130P130K90; in 2 sowing dates with 5 days apart. The studies were carried out in 2021–2022 on the experimental field of the Far Eastern Agricultural Research Institute, the soil of the experimental section was meadow-brown, heavy loamy. The highest grain yield up to 125.3 c/ha was noted on the mineral nutrition background № 2 (N110P110K90) and № 3 (N130P130K90). Yield structure indicators depended more on varietal features of plants (46.0–73.4%) rather than on mineral nutrition background (6.2–17.8%) and sowing dates had sufficient influence (0.18–2.59%). However, the weight of 1000 grains was more influenced by additional application of nitrogen and phosphorus (40.67%) rather than varietal features (32.71%). In this study varieties of local breeding Alitet 2 and Guran 2 are recommended for cultivation in Khabarovsk Krai as they give a good grain yield, responsive to the additional application of nitrogen and phosphorus, correspond to the region conditions in terms of precocity, suitable both for harvesting silage and green fodder and for harvesting grain forage.

Exploring Resistant Sources of Chickpea against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris in Dryland Areas

Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that has a significant impact on chickpeas worldwide. This study examined the response of 58 chickpea genotypes to Fusarium wilt. The experiment was conducted over two growing seasons at the Sararoud and Maragheh research stations at the Drylands Agricultural Research Institute of Iran. Genotype resistance was screened through wilt incidence records and nonparametric stability statistic evaluation. The identified resistant genotypes were then evaluated in the greenhouse for their response to four isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (races 1/BC, 2, 4, and 6). Out of 58 genotypes, 32 exhibited moderate resistance, while 24 showed strong resistance abilities. Under warmer conditions, disease severity was higher, with scores at the Sararoud location being higher than those at the Maragheh location. Of the total genotypes across all locations and years, 41.4% were resistant, 55.17% were moderately resistant, 1.72% were susceptible, and 1.72% were highly susceptible. The nonparametric stability measures S(1), S(2), and S(3) identified FLIP 05-42C and FLIP 05-43C as stable and resistant genotypes. The study found that Azad/Hashem K3 was stable based on the non-parametric stability measure S(6). Other resistant genotypes were identified using stability parameters NP(1), NP(3), and NP(4), while FLIP 05-104C was identified by NP(2). The genotypes selected by nonparametric stability parameters showed resistance against at least two Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris races. The screening method and nonparametric stability statistics used in this study were effective in identifying sources of resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris.

Evaluation of the genotypes of the Kazakh-Siberian nursery (KASIB) in the conditions of the Novosibirsk region

The paper presents the results of evaluation of the KASIB-22 nursery soft wheat samples resistance to the main wheat pathogens. The research material was 44 wheat samples obtained from different regions of Russia and Kazakhstan within the framework of the KASIB shuttle breeding program (A.I. Barayev Research and Production Centre for Grain Farming, Omsk State Agrarian University, ICiG SB RAS, Karabalyk AES, Karaganda AES, North-Kazakhstan AES, FSBSI "Omsk ASC", HE SAU of the Northern Trans-Urals, Aktyubinsk AES, Kurgan Research Institute of Agriculture, Pavlodar AES, agrokomplex "Kurgansemena", Samara Research Institute of Agriculture, Chelyabinsk Research Institute of Agriculture). The following breeding lines were identified as highly productive and possessing high and medium resistance to brown rust, powdery mildew and loose smut: Line Pt-311 (Kurgan Research Institute of Agriculture), Lutescens 1462, Lutescens 1486, Line1616ae14 (Samara Research Institute of Agriculture), Lutescens 1356 (ICiG SB RAS). The yield of the selected samples averaged 42.1–51.2 c/ha. Genotypes Novosibirskaya 41, Line 435/12 and Lutescens 1364 are of interest for selection for quality. The gluten content of the nursery genotypes ranged from 24.1 (Line 23/07 in 2022) to 38.0% (variety Astana 2 in 2021), protein ranged from 13.4 (variety Tertia in 2022) to 19.5% (Lutescens 1364 in 2022). Each of the selected lines is of practical value for breeding, and the samples from the KASIB-22 nursery allow to expand the genetic diversity of spring soft wheat by selecting the most resistant forms to local populations of powdery mildew, leaf rust and loose smut pathogens.

Некоторые сравнительно-правовые аспекты обеспечения безопасности использования пестицидов в сельском хозяйстве России, США, Германии и Польши

The work is devoted to the disclosure of some comparative legal aspects of ensuring the safety of the use of pesticides in agriculture in Russia, the USA, Germany and Poland. The relevance of the research topic is substantiated. It is articulated: modern agriculture, associated with the use of chemicals, mechanization, genetically modified organisms, and now digitalization, that threaten all living things, must be entrusted to a qualitatively different trained agricultural specialist. Justified: individuals and legal entities declaring to engage in agricultural production are required to first obtain the appropriate qualifications, confirmed by a diploma, at the educational sites of regional information and consulting services, or agricultural research institutes, or agricultural universities.

Exploring the nutraceutical potential: Evaluating the nutritional and bioactive functions of five pomelo fruit varieties in Bangladesh

Pomelo (Citrus maxima), the largest citrus fruit, provides a variety of nutrients that have several health benefits, including antioxidant and antidiabetic functions. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reducing cellular damage. On the other hand, antidiabetic properties involve mechanisms such as enhancing insulin secretion, improving insulin sensitivity, inhibiting carbohydrate digestion and absorption, and regulating glucose metabolism. However, there is a lack of data on the comparative analysis of the physicochemical composition, bioactive properties, and antidiabetic effects of pomelo fruits grown in Bangladesh. To address this issue, the most common and popular high-yielding five cultivars of pomelo fruits grown in Bangladesh including LOCAL, BARI-2 (BARI: Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Batabi Lebu-2), BARI-3, BARI-4, and BARI-6 were evaluated concerning proximate, minerals, and physicochemical properties with their antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. Research has revealed that all pomelo varieties contained a significant amount of proximate compositions and major minerals (Ca, Mg, K, Na, and Fe). The highest juice yield (75.37 ± 0.33 %), vitamin C content (79.56 ± 2.26 mg/100 mL of fresh juice), and carotenoid content (919.33 ± 0.62 μM β-Carotene Equivalent/g DM) were found in BARI-3 pomelo fruit and adhered to the sequence (p < 0.05): BARI-3 > LOCAL > BARI-4 > BARI-6 > BARI-2; BARI-3 > LOCAL > BARI-2 > BARI-4 > BARI-6, and BARI-3 > BARI-2 > BARI-6 > LOCAL > BARI-4, respectively. The anthocyanin content and inhibitory activity of α-glucosidase were found to be at their peak in the BARI-2 pomelo variety and the values were 50.65 ± 2.27 μg cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalents/100 g DM and 85.57 ± 0.00 μM acarbose equivalents/g DM, respectively. BARI-3 pomelo variety showed highest DPPH antioxidant capacity (170.47 ± 0.01 μM Trolox equivalents/g DM), while the BARI-6 pomelo variety exhibited the highest total phenolic content (6712.30 ± 1.84 μg gallic acid equivalents/g DM), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power activity (183.16 ± 0.01 μM Fe(II) equivalents/g DM). Therefore, this study explores the nutritional value and bioactivity of five popular pomelo varieties in Bangladesh, offering valuable insights for utilizing high-value citrus resources and understanding their health-promoting functions.

Оценка эффективности фитодобавки из астрагала нутового в составе концентратной части рациона сельскохозяйственной птицы

The article presents the main results of feeding phytoadditive of Astragalus chickpea to egglaying poultry in order to improve metabolic processes and increase productivity. The research was carried out in 2022 at the Perm Research Institute of Agriculture, Perm Federal Research Center, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The fundamental task of agriculture in Russia is to increase the volumes of livestock production. The use of supplements consisting of local plant resources, such as Astragalus chickpea feed supplement, which has a high content of various biologically active substances, may be a good option for providing the necessary nutrients to poultry.The tested feed phytoadditive has a positive effect on indicators such as egg production, egg laying intensity, egg weight, amount of carotenoids and egg shell thickness. The study is aimed at the possibility of including a feed additive in the composition of poultry feed under conditions of intensified production. When introducing a phytonutrient feed additive into the main diet of laying hens, the following results were obtained: the ratio of protein mass to yolk mass in the second experimental group indicates an increase in the proportion of yolk in the egg composition by 1.25% compared to the control group, a higher content of carotene in the feed mixture, which affected its content in eggs (by 1.9% and 7.0%, respectively, compared to the control group). An increase in shell weight was noted due to an increase in its thickness by 0,34% in eggs from chickens of the second experimental group compared to the control group.

To Study the Physico Chemical Characteristics and Mineral Contant of Pomegranate Arils Juice

Background: Pomegranate arils juice is renowned for its nutritional qualities, which are influenced by various storage conditions and varietal characteristics. This study explores the physico-chemical properties and mineral content of three distinct pomegranate varieties—Ghandhri, Bedana, and Tarnab Gulabi—under different storage conditions. Objective: The primary goal of the research was to examine the impact of storage on the TSS, pH, acidity, and mineral content (iron, zinc, and calcium) of pomegranate arils juice from three regional varieties. Methods: The study was conducted at the Human Nutrition and Agriculture Chemistry laboratory at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, and the Food Science division of the Agriculture Research Institute Tarnab. Fresh and stored juices from the three varieties were analyzed to assess changes in physico-chemical properties and mineral content. Results: Storage led to an increase in the levels of zinc and iron, with recorded increases in zinc to 0.568±0.04 ppm in Ghandhri and iron peaking at 0.19±0.2 ppm in Tarnab Gulabi. However, calcium content decreased during storage, with a notable reduction to 3.13±2.93 ppm in stored juices. TSS was highest in Ghandhri and Tarnab Gulabi at 15.6±1.02, while acidity was highest in Ghandhri at 2.139±0.19. Conclusion: The study confirms that storage significantly alters the physico-chemical properties and mineral content of pomegranate arils juice, with detrimental effects on calcium levels but beneficial impacts on zinc and iron content. Notable varietal differences were observed, with Tarnab Gulabi displaying the highest phenolic content.

STUDY OF GENETIC VARIABILITY OF LENTIL (&lt;i&gt;Lens culinaris&lt;/i&gt; Medik) GERMPLASM FOR MORPHOLOGICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND YIELD TRAITS

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) is one of the oldest crops in the world, an autogamous, diploid species and one of the most common grain legume crops. Lentil is a significant member of the Fabaceae Family. The majority of its production occurs in marginal lands with rain-fed conditions. Lentils have a strong impact on genetics and alter yield percentages in loamy soil. Lentil production and acreage have declined badly during the last ten years. During 2022–2023, a field experiment was conducted at the Pulses Research Area of the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute in Faisalabad. Two hundred genotypes with four slandered checks were tested in this research i.e Masoor - 93, Pb M-2009, Markaz-2009, and Pb M-2019. Markaz-2009 was approved variety of NARC, and the other three checks were commercial varieties developed by PRI Faisalabad. Two hundred genotypes used in the experiment, were carried out in rows of four meters each, with a row-to-row spacing of 30 cm and a plant-to-plant 10cm spacing. The variability in yield, heritability, genetic development, and relationships among the 200 accession of lentil germplasm were determined. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to analyses the data. The significant outcomes and variations for all attributes among genotypes expressed by the principal component analysis were observed. Estimated heritability requirements ranged from 30 to 50% for plant height, pods per plant, plant biomass, days to 90% maturity, days to 50% flowering, and days to seed production. Plant height, number of branches per plant, and number of pods per plant all were significantly correlated positively with yield, whereas plant stand, days to 90% maturity and plant biomass significantly correlated negatively with yield per hectare. Days to 50% flowering and seed production have a strong positive relationship with days to 90% maturity. The results revealed significant yield variance and traits that affect yield for the genotypes studied, which will aid in the improvement of lentil genotypes in the area. From 200 accessions, the PLL-15501, ILL-1697-1939, PLL-15508, PLL-15504, and PLL-13515 lines displayed the highest plant height, whereas the AARIL-08515, AARIL-04533, PLL-10511, PLL-14518, and PLL-15501 lines displayed the highest number of branches per plant. Maximum pods per plant shown in entries like AARIL-98502, PLL-10507, PLL-13515, PLL-14522, PLL-15502, and PLL-19502. The data statistically analyzed to identify the best genotypes for the characters previously described.