School Of Agriculture Research Articles

Assessing the Effects of Integrated Nutrient Management on Groundnut Root Growth and Post-Harvest Soil Properties in Brown Forest Soil of South Odisha

The globe faces food security difficulties because of population increase and resource degradation, both worsened by climate change. Applying chemical fertilizer along with cereal-based cropping systems degrades soil health with respect to physical, chemical, and biological properties, which also results in low crop land productivity. However, adopting legume-based cropping systems with integrated nutrient management provides an appropriate way to reach Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hence, a field trial was conducted on groundnut in 2018 and 2019 at the Post Graduate Research Farm, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Paralakhemundi, Odisha, India. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with two factors as seed inoculation (solid carrier-based Rhizobium (SR) and liquid carrier-based Rhizobium (LR)) and nutrient management (N1: 100% N (fertilizer), N2: 75%N (fertilizer) + 25% N (FYM), N3: 50%N (fertilizer) + 50% N (FYM), N4: 25% N (fertilizer) + 75% N (FYM) and N5: 100% N (through farmyard manure, FYM) in ten treatment combinations and replicated thrice. The result revealed that seed inoculation with SR and LR showed an almost similar trend in root length, dry weight and nodule, post-harvest soil pH, organic carbon and Rhizobium population in the soil in both years, which remained statistically at par. However, SR showed the highest value for root growth. Among nutrient management, 100% N (through inorganic fertilizer) recorded the highest root length (11.72, 19.75 and 23.9 cm) and dry weight (0.394, 1.075 and 1.141 cm) at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS) respectively. Further, in the pooled data, the interaction effect of seed inoculation and nutrient management significantly impacted both root length and root dry weight. The nutrient management treatment and interaction effect of both factors, seed inoculation and nutrient management, significantly influenced soil organic carbon % and Rhizobium population. The highest and equal value of organic carbon in the soil (0.46%) was recorded from NM3, NM4 and NM5 and the highest Rhizobium population (64.5 x 106 CFU g-1 soil) from 100% N (FYM). The results concluded that integrated nutrient management positively impacted groundnut root growth and post-harvest soil properties. The results concluded that integrated nutrient management positively impacted groundnut root growth and post-harvest soil properties. Integration of Rhizobium as seed inoculation, fertilizer, and organic manure (FYM) influenced soil properties and root growth, enhancing crop productivity.

Composting and Agroecological Garden of UnAPI: An Alternative for Recycling Organic Waste at UFMS

The composting process is an alternative for recycling organic waste, facilitated by microorganisms that produce compost or organic fertilizer in the presence of oxygen. The resulting compost can be used as fertilizer, significantly improving soil structure. The “Composta UFMS” project aims to environmentally manage organic solid waste generated on the UFMS University City campus in Campo Grande. Currently, dry leaves, pruning and weeding residues, wood shaving from vivarium, and organic waste from the University Restaurant are being directed for composting. In addition to valuing organic waste generated on the UFMS campus and used in the production of organic compost for the extension activities of the UnAPI Agroecological Garden project, the Biovalorization of Organic Waste project also includes scientific initiation subprojects, such as the study of growth potential of fungi of the genus Pleurotus on substrates derived from different organic residues and their mixtures for mushroom production. In addition to Environmental Education actions in schools with the Composting and Urban Agriculture in Schools project using the composting method directly on the soil, eliminating the need for turning. These actions resulted in the year 2023, the diversion of 4 tons of wood shavings from the vivarium and 4.8 tons of organic waste from the University Restaurant for composting, the care of around 60 elderly people in the UnAPI Agroecological Garden project and 5 schools in the Compostagem and Urban Agriculture in Schools. The results of this study will serve as a basis for the management of organic waste on the UFMS Campo Grande campus, as well as for future research on composting, as well as new Environmental Education and Scientific Dissemination actions.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

The present investigation was carried out at Agricultural Research Farm, School of Agriculture, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur (Rajasthan) to study the Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) during kharif season of the year 2023-24. The experiment was laid down in RBD which consisted 9 treatment combinations viz; T1-Control (100%) (125:100:50), T2-100% N through FYM (25t/ha), T3-100% N through vermicompost (5t/ha), T4-100% N through poultry manure (5t/ha), T5-100% N through neem cake (2t/ha), T6-50% NPK + 50% N through FYM, T7-50% NPK + 50% N through vermicompost, T8-50% NPK + 50% N through poultry manure, T9-50% NPK + 50% N through neem cake and treatments were replicated three times. The treatment (T7) significantly affected various vegetative growth, yield and quality parameters. Results further indicated that the highest (3.27) benefit: cost ratio was observed in treatment (T7). Whereas, the lowest benefit: cost ratio (1.51) was recorded under control.

ІСТОРИЧНА ГЕРБАРНА КОЛЕКЦІЯ ТРОПІЧНИХ І СУБТРОПІЧНИХ РОСЛИН ЗАКРИТОГО ҐРУНТУ У ФОНДАХ ГЕРБАРІЮ УМАНСЬКОГО НАЦІОНАЛЬНОГО УНІВЕРСИТЕТУ САДІВНИЦТВА (UM)

The article highlights the results of the analysis of the collection of tropical and subtropical indoor plants. The taxonomic affiliation according to the modern international databases Plants of the World Online (POWO) and The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) is presented. The unique historical collection of plants is a documentary material on the study of their introduction in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries at the Uman School of Horticulture and Agriculture (now Uman National University of Horticulture). For the purpose of registration in 2016 in Index Herbariorum (New York) with the acronym UM, an inventory of the herbarium collections of the University Herbarium (2013–2016) was made. The herbarium collection of garden and flower garden tropical and subtropical plants features 527 herbarium sheets (h.s.). They include exotic plants that were grown in indoor and outdoor conditions, on the basis of the school in the Sofiyivka arboretum and greenhouse complex, Nikitsky Botanical Garden (Crimea) and (Ex horto Petropolitano). The plants served as a living visual natural material for studying with their subsequent herbarization. The collectors were the students of the school who were studying botany, ornamental gardening and floriculture. The identification of the available taxa in the collection was based on handwritten labels and serial scientific publications "Price List of Plants and Seeds of the Sofiyivka Park 1887–1897". Among the identified herbarium specimens (g.s.), the world flora with their area of origin was noted: North, South, Central America, the Mediterranean, Africa, Australia, Indochina, Asia, Brazil, Mexico, including Madagascar, the Cape of Good Hope, and the New Hebrides. The personal collection of the school's student Josef Pachosky (Ex calolaris Umaniense) contains 86 g.a. of indoor introductions dated 1885-1886. The study collection also includes herbarium labels signed by other collectors, including Ovchynnikov (1860), Mieczysław Blonski, Luchynski, and Zapartowicz (1895–1896) and unknown (1912–1916) in the amount of 249 g.a. The analysis of the collection of tropical and subtropical plants is represented by the leading families in terms of species composition of the higher spore plants (Pteridophyta): Aspleniaceae Newman, Dennstaedtiaceae Pic.Serm., Osmundaceae Martinov, Polypodiaceae J.Presl & C.Presl, Pteridaceae E.D.M.Kirchn; and the tribes Monocots and Eudicots of the division of flowering plants (Angiosperms): Acanthaceae Juss., Aizoaceae Martinov, Apocynaceae Juss., Araceae Juss., Araliaceae Juss., Arecaceae Bercht. & J.Presl, Aristolochiaceae Juss., Asparagaceae Juss, Asteraceae Bercht. & J.Presl, Balsaminaceae A.Rich, Begoniaceae C.Agardh, Berberidaceae Juss., Bignoniaceae Juss., Buxaceae Dumort., Cactaceae Juss., Calceolariaceae (D.Don) Olmstead, Caprifoliaceae Juss., Cyclanthaceae Poit. ex A.Rich., Ericaceae Juss., Euphorbiaceae Juss, Fabaceae Lindl., Fagaceae Dumort., Gesneriaceae Rich. & Juss., Lamiaceae Martinov, Linderniaceae Borsch, Kai Müll. & Eb.Fisch., Malvaceae Juss., Marantaceae R.Br., Moraceae Gaudich., Myrtaceae Juss, Nepenthaceae Dumort, Oleaceae Hoffmanns. & Link, Onagraceae Juss., Orchidaceae Juss., Plantaginaceae Juss., Poaceae Barnhart, Rhamnaceae Juss., Rosaceae Juss., Rubiaceae Juss., Rutaceae Juss., Smilacaceae Vent., Solanaceae Juss., Thymelaeaceae Juss., Urticaceae Juss, Verbenaceae J.St.-Hil. Introductions represent a group of flowering and decorative foliage plants, by life form - herbaceous, woody, shrubby, semi-shrubby and vines. The historical collection of the herbarium (UM) became the basis for the serial publications of monographs of personalized collections – V. Havryliuk (in 2017) and J. Pachosky (2023). The publications will be useful for students studying professional disciplines such as botany, ornamental gardening, plant introduction, floriculture, interior phytodesign, and writing qualification papers. Today, the collection is a valuable historical asset of the university and deserves attention and publicity by the scientific community of Ukraine and abroad. Throughout the existence of the educational institution, the herbarium's funds have been carefully preserved and replenished with new plant specimens during the educational process, expeditionary trips, and gifts from other educational and scientific institutions.

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.

Factors That Influence the Work Readiness of Agricultural Vocational High School Students to Work in the Agricultural Sector

Objective: This study aims to identify factors that influence the work readiness of Agricultural Vocational High School students to work in the agricultural sector. Theoretical Framework: This study explores the influence of variables of learning motivation, job information, career expectations, industrial world practices, family support, self-competence, and spiritual intelligence on the work readiness of students of Agricultural Vocational High Schools. Method: This study is a quantitative study using a questionnaire to collect data from 132 student tourists. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Results and Discussion: The results of the study showed that the variables of learning motivation, job information, career expectations, industrial world practices, family support, self-competence, and spiritual intelligence had a significant influence on the readiness of Agricultural Vocational School students to work in the agricultural sector both simultaneously and partially. Research Implications: The results of the study revealed the influence of 7 variables that together affect work readiness. By knowing the influence of these 7 variables, Agricultural Vocational High Schools can apply the seven variables to improve their students' work readiness. Originality/Value: This study includes the spiritual intelligence variable as one of the variables that influences the work readiness of students at Agricultural Vocational High Schools, where this spiritual intelligence variable has not been studied.

Effect of Organic Manures and Biofertilizers on Yield Attributes, Yield and Economics of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata)

Background: Pulses are significant in India's agricultural economy not only for their worth as human food, but also for animals because of their high protein content. Pulses have unique ability of maintaining and restoring soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation as well as addition of ample amount of residues to the soil. Mung bean, also known as green gram (Vigna radiata) is a small green, and cylindrical-shaped legume that is widely cultivated in various parts of the world, including India, China, and Southeast Asia. Methods: The present study was carried out during the summer season of 2024 at Research Farm, School of Agriculture, OM Sterling Global University, Hisar. Seven treatment combinations comprising organic manures and biofertilizers were tested in randomized block design in three replications. Result: The results revealed that the yield and yield attributes viz., number of pods per plant (15.90), length of pod per plant (10.76 cm), number of seed per pod (11.05), 1000 grain weight per plant (37.00 g) and seed yield (1197 kg ha-1); Economics viz., gross returns (128212 ₹ ha-1), cultivation (43823 ₹ ha-1), net returns (86189 ₹ ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (3.05) were maximum 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.

Effect of Different Levels of Potash on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yields of Transplanted Kharif Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Southern Odisha

The occurrence of drought in the early monsoon period and the role of potassium in resisting water stress motivated me to imitate a field experiment which was conducted during Kharif, 2022-23 at the Post Graduate Research Farm (18.805378800N latitude, 84.1790850E longitude) of the M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Gajapati, Odisha, on a sandy clay loam soil. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications and eight treatments. The treatments were: K0 (control) 0 Kg K ha-1, K10 :10 Kg K ha-1, K20: 20 Kg K ha-1, K30 : 30 Kg K ha-1, K40 : 40 Kg K ha-1, K50 : 50 Kg K ha-1, K60: 60 Kg K ha-1, K70 : 70 Kg K ha-1. Rice variety Shatabdi was the test crop. The recommended N and P2O5 (80-40 kg ha-1) were applied to all treatments. The effect of Potassium levels significantly influenced the crop growth parameters like the number of tillers, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index, number of panicles per unit area, panicle length, number of spikelet’s per panicle, number of filled spikelet’s per panicle, percentage of filled spikelet’s and finally grain and straw yields, the treatments K70 recorded best results in terms of dry matter accumulation (775g m-2), leaf area index (3.3), number of tillers m-2 (350.6), number of panicles m-2 (351.6), panicle length (29.6cm), number of spikelet’s panicle-1 (183), number of filled spikelet’s panicle-1 (163), percentage of filled spikelet’s (89.4)and grain and straw yields (5138kgha-1 and 6836 kgha-1, respectively). A continuous increasing trend was recorded with an increase in potassium level from K0 to K70. The harvest index efficiency was maximum under K40. In the present study, all parameters showed a positive response to an increase in potassium levels.

The Relationship between Diet and Stress with Gastritis Symptoms in Adolescents at Integrated Agricultural Vocational Schools

Adolescence is a productive age that can experience lifestyle changes that don't pay attention to health, making them susceptible to gastritis symptoms. Common causes of gastritis include improper eating patterns, such as inappropriate frequency or timing of meals, eating excessively and quickly, or consuming foods that are stimulating (too spiced and spicy). Gastritis can easily attack individuals who have irregular eating patterns. Stress affects changes in physiological functions in the body's systems, one of which is the digestive system. Stress can cause decreased appetite, stomach emptying, increased stomach acid, resulting in pain in the stomach. This study aims to determine the relationship between diet and stress and symptoms of gastritis in adolescents. This research is a cross sectional study conducted on 271 teenagers at the Integrated Agricultural Vocational School, Riau Province. The data collection tool is a questionnaire that is valid and has high reliability. The results of the analysis carried out using the chi square test showed that there was a significant relationship between diet and stress and symptoms of gastritis in adolescents as evidenced by a correlation value of 0.000 α 0.05. After conducting research, the results showed that poor eating patterns and high levels of stress can result in symptoms of gastritis.

Restoring Degraded Lands in Maroua I Municipality, Cameroon: Application of Veazcomutech Techniques

This study was carried out in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon. It aims to contribute to the restoration of degraded land in the localities of Maroua I; to set up a sustainable soil restoration technique based on Vetiveria zizanioide- Azadirachta indica-eggshell and Musa paradisiaca peel; to evaluate the restoration of this land through the crop set up and to assess the state of the art of the "VEACOMUTECH" technique on an area of 103.5 m2. The method envisaged in this research is based on the new modern technique "VEAZCOMUTECH): Technique of V. zizanioide, A. indica, Musa paradisiaca and eggshell" with a view to restoring the fertility of the land and diversifying the population's sources of income by using this technique. The study was carried out in the Maroua I municipality on experimental plots at the Technical School of Agriculture. A control plot and a main plot treated with VEAZCOMUTECH were selected. The most vigorous species were chosen to measure growth and yield parameters over a three-week period. The results of this study show that the application of "VEAZCOMUTECH" on the site increases plant growth. In the first week, leaf length ranged from six (06) to fifteen (15) centimetres on average in the control plot. In the main plot where "VEAZCOMUTECH" was applied, leaf length ranged from ten (10) to thirty-two (32) centimetres during the same week. By the third week, leaf length had increased from 15 to 20 centimetres, while in the main plot, leaf length had increased from 32 to 80 centimetres. There was also a clear difference in the number of leaves at week three, with 20 and 87 leaves for the control and main plots respectively. The largest number of flower buds (23 flower buds) was observed on the plant in the main plot, compared with 2 flower buds in the control plot. These results could serve as a reference for the strategy of restoration and fertilization of degraded land in the Far North Region in particular and in the Sudano-Sahelian zone in general.

The Physical and Physiological Quality of Informal Seeds of Rwanda: Case of Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.)

This study was carried out at the laboratories of the Department of Seed, Crop, and Horticultural Sciences; School of Agriculture and Biotechnology; University of Eldoret, Kenya, on common bean seed samples collected in major growing areas’ markets of the Southern Province of Rwanda, where informal seeds are predominant and with a varied physical and physiological seed quality. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the physical and physiological quality of seeds in Rwanda's informal system through laboratory tests. The GenStat computer package was used to run data. The markets of Kamonyi, Muhanga, and Nyanza are sources of market common bean informal seed in the southern province of Rwanda. The physiological qualities were more in the sample M1E from Muhanga market, locally known as Shyushya, because this local variety proved to be the best to have better seeds that develop into normal plants (96.5%) and vigorous plants through first count and speed of germination with 95.5% and 26.11, respectively. This was also observed on the sample M2C from Nyanza that shares the same local name. Nyanza market had more physiological qualities than the others; its seeds grew more into normal plants (72.2%) and vigorous plants via first count and speed of germination with 63.3% and 21.68, respectively, than the others. Muhanga market had more good physical characteristics of seeds, with the highest mean of thousand seed weight (340.9 grams) and seed length (1.31 cm). The sample M2B, locally known as Mutiki, is a variety with the highest mean of thousand seed weights (446.1 grams), and this is common with other samples (M2B and M3A) locally known as Mutiki from other markets. This study revealed that the inform variety known as Shyushya is to be considered for agronomical purposes, while the formal variety locally known as Mutiki could be considered for market purposes. Nyanza market to be considered as the source of seeds for the agronomical aspects, while Muhanga market could be the source of seed for the grains of market

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nitrogen on Growth, Yield, Quality and Soil Properties of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Background: The concept of combined use of both organic and inorganic fertilizer should be followed to prevent severe health hazards and to protect the environment. The combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers is an effective way to maintain nutrient supply, gives organic carbon to soil microbes and mobilizes soil-bound nutrients on decomposition through the release of organic acid. Combined use refers to combining all available nutrient sources, such as organic and inorganic sources with components in a prudent manner to create an environment that is both environmentally sound and economically ideal for farming. Methods: The experiment was conducted at the research farm of the School of Agriculture, Department of Agronomy, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara (Punjab) during rabi season in the year 2021-2022. The objective of the study was to evaluate the "Effect of organic and inorganic source of nitrogen on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)". Data recorded on different aspects of crop, viz., growth, yield attributes, yield, quality as well as soil chemical properties were recorded and subjected to statistical analysis. Result: Among various treatments 25% RDN with vermicompost + 75% RDN from inorganic fertilizers showed a significant impact on the growth and yield parameters of wheat crop. Significantly higher growth parameters viz., plant height, number of tillers m-2, dry matter and relative growth rate were observed in T12 (25% RDN with vermicompost + 75% RDN from inorganic fertilizers) of crop. It was also showed higher significant impact on yield attributes i.e., number of effective tillers-2, grain yield, straw yield, harvest index, quality parameters as well as soil parameter like available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in T12 (25% RDN with vermicompost + 75% RDN from inorganic fertilizers).

Modern methods of teaching agricultural disciplines in vocational high schools of agriculture

The mission of the agricultural sciences has always been to seek how to grow crops and manage farm animals in order to produce high quality and quantity food and fiber to satisfy the needs of an ever-growing population. In the modern world, the quality training of agricultural specialists starts from the high school stage. Vocational agricultural education is one of the most effective and powerful tools in society which moves humanity forward and cares for the sustenance of all mankind. The present article examines the modern concepts of agricultural education and analyses the teaching methods in agricultural study program. It also describes in detail the modern teaching methods, their purpose, advantages and disadvantages. This article recommends the implementation of modern teaching methods, as it finds that they would ideally fit into the modern students’ idea of a learning process suitable for the new era of artificial intelligence (AI), technology and digitization.

History of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Guelph

A review of the 150 year history of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Guelph is presented. The department was formed at the creation of the Ontario School of Agriculture in 1874. It was a central figure in the growth of the school into the Ontario Agricultural College. With the creation of the University of Guelph in 1964, the department developed into a modern research chemistry department, tasked with the instruction of chemistry for science students at the university. It continues to this day to be a key source of chemical research and education.

Employment status of agricultural technical school diploma holders

Employment status of agricultural technical school diploma holders

Influence of Students’ Participation in Young Farmers’ Club on Performance in Agriculture in Secondary Schools in Suba Sub-County, Kenya

Agriculture is one of the most important sectors for economic growth in Kenya. Setting up of young farmers’ club (YFC) in secondary schools is one way of attracting young people in agriculture as well as developing their production skills. Inadequate participation in young farmers’ club may lead to poor performance in agriculture and negative attitude towards the subject by secondary school students.The aim of this study was to determine the influence of students’ participation in young farmers’ club on performance in agriculture subject in secondary schools in Suba Sub-County. A cross-sectional survey research design was employed in the study which targeted 628 Form Three agriculture students in public secondary schools in Suba Sub-County. Data was collected from an accessible population of 286 Form Three Young Farmers’ Club members in 37 public secondary schools in Suba Sub-County. Stratified random sampling was used to get the study sample of 126 respondents. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires. Experts from the field of Agricultural Education and Extension of Egerton University assessed the instrument to ensure validity. Reliability was estimated through a pilot testing of 30 agriculture students in five secondary schools in neighbouring Nyatike Sub-County. The reliability was estimated using Cronbach alpha co-efficient where a co-efficient of 0.817 was computed and taken as satisfactory. Data was arranged,coded and analyzed using SPSS version 25. The study findings revealed that students’ performance in agriculture subject is significantly enhanced by participation in Young Farmers’ Club. This study recommends that students’ participation in Young Farmers’ Club activities should be encouraged in all secondary schools as a way of augmenting the students’ performance in agriculture subject. This can be done by availing adequate time for YFC’s activities. In addition, students in YFCs should be accorded with the required facilities in order to make their participation worthwhile.

Exploring the Ecological Structure of Agricultural Industry School Partnership Systems in the Gippsland Region, Australia

This paper aims to explore the structure of agricultural industry school partnerships (ISPs) by applying Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory to partnerships delivered in Gippsland, Australia. Agricultural ISPs are one potential setting for industry-relevant learning and career education to occur. This may assist in alleviating agricultural workforce shortages and addressing educational issues related to student career outcomes. A mixed methods case study methodology was employed, with data analyzed through frequency counts and Braun and Clarke’s method of thematic analysis. Surveys (n = 111) and semi-structured interviews (n = 57 pre-participation, n = 68 post-participation) were used with educators (n = 56) and industry participants (n = 62) from ISPs delivered through CQUniversity Australia’s Raising Aspirations in Careers and Education—Gippsland project from 2021–2023. This research finds that the agricultural ISPs studied function as interdependent ecological systems. The facilitator played a crucial role in delivering the ISPs, including connecting educators and industry partners. The study is limited by the number of agricultural ISPs explored and by only collecting data from two stakeholders within the system. However, these findings contribute to a greater understanding of the complex structure of agricultural ISPs, which can help those creating ISPs to consider and understand all stakeholders’ needs. Exploring ISPs as ecological systems also provides a lens to approach research improving similar educational practices. Further research could deepen our understanding of these systems.

Intercomparison of Different Agrochemicals (Herbicides) and Manual Methods of Weed Control on Weed Population and Weed Control Efficiency in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop in Himachal Pradesh Dist

Aims: A research study entitled Intercomparison of different Agrochemicals (Herbicides) and manual methods of weed control on weed population and weed control efficiency in wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L.) in Himachal Pradesh district Mandi. Study Design: The experiment was designed using a Randomized Block design method. Place and Duration of Study: Department of agronomy, School of Agriculture, Abhilashi university, Chail Chowk, Mandi, (H.P.) during the Rabi season of 2022-23. Methodology: The field trail was conducted with eight treatments and replicated thrice. The investigation included eight different weed control techniques i.e. T1 -weedy check, T2 - weed free, T3 - hand weeding at 30 DAS, T4 - 2, 4-D @ 0.5 kg a.i. ha-1 + Sulfosulfuron @ 0.02 kg a.i. ha-1 at 30 DAS,T5 - Pendimethalin @ 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1(P.E) + Quizalofop-ethyl @ 50 gm a.i ha-1 (PoE at 25 DAS) + one hand weeding, T6 - 2, 4-D @ 0.5 kg a.i. ha-1, T7 - 2, 4-D @ 0.5 kg a.i. ha-1 + one hand weeding at 30 DAS, T8 - 2, 4-D @ 0.5 kg a.i. ha-1 + two hand weeding at 30 and 45 DAS. Results: The investigation found that the most effective ways to control weeds are by keeping the area completely weed free by using pendimethalin @ 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1(P.E) + Quizalofop-ethyl @ 50 gm a.i ha-1(PoE at 25 DAS) + one Hand weeding (Treatment T2) was found the most successful in terms of achieving the lowest weed density and highest weed control efficiency. Application of pendimethalin @ 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1(P.E) + Quizalofop-ethyl @ 50 gm a.i ha-1 (PoE at 25 DAS) + one hand weeding was found to be better than using herbicides to reduce weed infestation in wheat crops. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that integrated weed management practices weed-free treatment was the most effective option for managing weeds in wheat.

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

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

Pests, Diseases, Growth and Yield of Tomato as Influenced by Variety and Cultivation Technology

Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> L.) is one of the most important vegetables in the world. However, dearth of knowledge exists on cultivation technology that contributes to increased production of the crop. Meanwhile, low yielding varieties, high pests and diseases attacks, climate variability and poor soil fertility are among key production constraints that limit the increased production and productivity of tomato in Sierra Leone. A two-year field experiment was conducted at the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences experimental site during 2022 and 2023 to evaluate the effects of variety and cultivation technology (CT) on pests, diseases, growth, yield and productivity of tomato. The experiment was laid in a 2 × 4 factorial (i.e. two varieties of tomato, and four treatments: CT 1, CT 2, CT 3 and CT 4 known as control) arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed that organic (CT 1 and CT 2) and inorganic (CT 3) treatments had a positive impact on growth parameters of tomato. The CT 1 (chicken dung, mulching, and neem extract biopesticide) was most effective in promoting vegetative growth and higher fruit yield, while CT 2 (NPK 15:15:15, urea, promethrin herbicide, and chlorpyrifos pesticide) exhibited highest potency in reducing population and damage caused by diseases and pests. Findings demonstrate that improved variety and cultivation technology boost tomato tolerance to pests and diseases, as well as its growth and yield performances that could be exploited for increased production and fruit quality of the crop. The CT1 was the most effective, followed by CT 2, while CT 4 or control plots had the lowest performance. The outperformance of the organic treatments relative to the inorganic and control is suggested to be attributable to its nitrogen-rich components. Weed control was also established to be effective in both inorganic and CT 2 treatments. The findings suggest that the CT 1 should be promoted for sustainable tomato cultivation, prioritizing environmentally friendly methods for long-term success.