Crop Stages Research Articles

Variation in Mustard Aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) Infestation and Resistance Levels Across Diverse Rapeseed-Mustard Genotypes

The present study evaluated 89 rapeseed-mustard genotypes for their resistance against mustard aphid during the Rabi season of 2023–24 at CCSHAU, Hisar, Haryana to understand the role of phenological and genotypic variations influencing aphid resistance. Screening targeted three key crop stages: aphid appearance, full flowering, and siliqua formation to measure aphid infestation levels using standardized indices. Aphid infestation was consistently higher in B. juncea (7.81 aphids/10 cm twig) compared to B. napus (1.88 aphids) during early stages of crop growth. At the aphid appearance stage, 60 genotypes were resistant (ARI = 1), 28 moderately resistant (ARI 1–2), and one tolerant. During the full flowering stage, resistant genotypes number declined slightly to 54 while, 32 remained moderately resistant. At full flowering, infestation in Brassica juncea (17.08 aphids/10 cm twig) remained higher than in B. napus (1.88 aphids/10 cm twig). The full siliqua formation stage saw higher aphid infestations, with four genotypes categorized as susceptible and eight as tolerant. However, by the full siliqua formation stage, the infestation levels between the B. juncea and B. napus (30.12 and 27.63 aphids) were nearly equal, indicating either a convergence in susceptibility at later crop stages or some sort of developmental asynchrony. The differential response of B. napus and B. juncea genotypes across crop growth stages, points to potential avenues for breeding programs to improve resistance in rapeseed-mustard crops.

Adaptive Month Matching: A Phenological Alignment Method for Transfer Learning in Cropland Segmentation

The increasing demand for food and rapid population growth have made advanced crop monitoring essential for sustainable agriculture. Deep learning models leveraging multispectral satellite imagery, like Sentinel-2, provide valuable solutions. However, transferring these models to diverse regions is challenging due to phenological differences in crop growth stages between training and target areas. This study proposes the Adaptive Month Matching (AMM) method to align the phenological stages of crops between training and target areas for enhanced transfer learning in cropland segmentation. In the AMM method, an optimal Sentinel-2 monthly time series is identified in the training area based on deep learning model performance for major crops common to both areas. A month-matching process then selects the optimal Sentinel-2 time series for the target area by aligning the phenological stages between the training and target areas. In this study, the training area covered part of the Mississippi River Delta, while the target areas included diverse regions across the US and Canada. The evaluation focused on major crops, including corn, soybeans, rice, and double-cropped winter wheat/soybeans. The trained deep learning model was transferred to the target areas, and accuracy metrics were compared across different time series chosen by various phenological alignment methods. The AMM method consistently demonstrated strong performance, particularly in transferring to rice-growing regions, achieving an overall accuracy of 98%. It often matched or exceeded other phenological matching techniques in corn segmentation, with an average overall accuracy across all target areas exceeding 79% for cropland segmentation.

Enhancing Paddy Yields with Advanced Nitrogen Fertilizers: A Study of Neem-coated Urea, Agrotain Urea and Nano Nitrogen

Aims: To evaluate and compare the performance of nano nitrogen, agrotain urea, and neem-coated urea in improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), crop yield, and sustainability in kharif (Vanakalam) and rabi (Yasangi) rice crops in the Southern Telangana Zone of India. Study Design: A field experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with 11 treatments and three replications to assess the effects of various nitrogen sources and application on rice productivity. Place and Duration of Study: The field study was planned from 2021 to 2023 at Institute of Soil Health Management, Agricultural Research Institute, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, from 2021 to 2023. Methodology: The experiment included treatments with varying nitrogen levels applied through nano nitrogen, agrotain urea, and neem-coated urea, including 100% Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN), STCR (Soil Test Crop Response) based nitrogen, and reduced nitrogen doses (50% and 33% RDN). Dry matter yield at tillering, panicle initiation and harvest stages, grain and straw yield were measured at key growth stages (tillering, panicle initiation, and harvest) of rice crop. Results: In the kharif season, the highest dry matter yield at panicle initiation was recorded with 100% RDN using STCR based neem coated urea (7007 kg ha⁻¹), followed by agrotain urea (6199 kg ha⁻¹) and Neem coated urea (6019 kg ha⁻¹). Nano-ntrogen sprays with reduced nitrogen doses (50% and 33% RDN) showed significantly lower yields, with 50% RDN-STCR-based NCU yielding 5826 kg ha⁻¹ and 33% RDN-STCR-based NCU yielding 4899 kg ha⁻¹. In the rabi season, grain yields were highest with 100% RDN from STCR based N-NCU (7382 kg ha⁻¹), Agrotain urea (6741 kg ha⁻¹) and NCU (6561 kg ha⁻¹), while reduced nitrogen doses resulted in lower yields, ranging from 5886 kg ha⁻¹ (50% RDN) to 5142 kg ha⁻¹ (33% RDN) with STCR based N-NCU. Straw yield during kharif was highest with 100% RDN treatments (6540–7422 kg ha⁻¹), with reduced nitrogen doses and Nano-N sprays resulting in lower yields. The system straw yield showed the highest values with 100% RDN-STCR-based NCU (16277 kg ha⁻¹), followed by agrotain urea (14888 kg ha⁻¹) and NCU (14284 kg ha⁻¹). Nano-N sprays alone produced a system straw yield of 8119 kg ha⁻¹, higher than the control (7732 kg ha⁻¹), but significantly lower than 100% nitrogen treatments. Conclusion: Full nitrogen applications (100% RDN) through innovative fertilizers like agrotain urea, and neem coated urea resulted in significantly higher crop yields and nutrient uptake compared to reduced nitrogen doses. The study highlights the critical role of adequate nitrogen in improving nitrogen use efficiency and sustaining rice production systems, with substantial yield gains observed at 100% RDN (up to 44% for grain yield and 37% for straw yield).

Optimization of Operational Parameters for Agricultural Drone Spraying in Maize Crops

This research on an agricultural drone sprayer for maize crops aimed to standardize various operational parameters—such as spraying height, discharge rate, and drone forward speed—based on metrics like effective swath width, droplet density, Volume Median Diameter (VMD), Number Median Diameter (NMD), Homogeneity Factor (HF), spray volume consumed, effective field capacity, field efficiency, and spray deposition at two crop stages (stage 1: 60 DAS and stage 2: 70 DAS). Field experiments indicated that droplet density decreased as spraying height, discharge rate, and forward speed increased. The maximum droplet densities were 12.39, 12.91, and 12.80 droplets/cm² at a spraying height of 2 m, a discharge rate of 100%, and a forward speed of 3 m/s, respectively, for crop stage 1. Average VMD and NMD ranged from 234 µm to 263 µm and 139 µm to 148 µm, respectively, across different parameter levels. An HF close to one was achieved, with values of 1.71, 1.59, and 1.70 at a spraying height of 2.5 m, a discharge rate of 80%, and a forward speed of 5 m/s, respectively, for both stages. Spray volume consumption per hectare decreased with increasing spraying height, decreasing discharge rate, and increasing forward speed. The maximum effective field capacity (EFC) was found as 2.84 ha/h with 80% field efficiency (FE) at a spraying height of 3 m, and 3.02 ha/h with a 73.08% FE for crop stage 1 and 2. Based on the study, the optimal operational parameters were standardized as a spraying height of 2.5 m, a discharge rate of 80%, and a forward speed of 5 m/s.The drone sprayer significantly reduced time, covering one hectare in only 0.32 hours compared to 11.62 hours with a battery-operated manual knapsack sprayer. This research provides valuable insights for optimizing agricultural drone spraying parameters, potentially improving the efficiency of drone sprayers in crop protection practices.

A proposal on bird focal species selection for higher tier risk assessments of plant protection products in the EU.

The revised EFSA 2023 Guidance on the risk assessment of plant protection products for birds and mammals emphasises vulnerability as a relevant criterion for focal species (FS) selection rather than prevalence. The EFSA 2023 Guidance suggests to rank FS candidates for each dietary group according to their expected exposure by estimating a species-specific daily dietary dose (DDD). Species experiencing higher exposure would be ranked as potentially more vulnerable and can be identified as FS candidates. The DDD is calculated using an estimated "proportion of diet an individual obtains from the (treated) crop" (PT). A PT is derived from a radio-tracking field study in the crop of interest, but such data are not available for all species. We introduce the frequency of occurrence in surveys (FOsurvey) in each study field from FS field studies as a proxy for PT in theoretical DDD calculations. The presence of a species during a high proportion of surveys, resulting in a high FOsurvey, could indicate a high proportion of foraging time spent in this crop. To evaluate whether FOsurvey is an appropriate proxy for PT, empirical PT values from radio-tracking studies for different bird species were correlated to respective FOsurvey values from FS studies in the same crop and growth stage. Based on 10 case examples covering different species and crops, a positive correlation was shown between PT and FOsurvey, supporting the suitability of the proposed approach. Based on a positive correlation between the species' prevalence and the new theoretical DDD, the list of the most relevant FS resulting from the new ranking approach is not expected to differ significantly from the FS selection, according to the methodology proposed in EFSA 2009. However, in a few cases, additional species were identified as potential FS, therefore requiring further consideration in the risk assessment.

Effect of Foliar Application of Growth Retardants on Reproductive Efficiency of Groundnut (ArachishypogaeaL.) Genotypes

A field experiment entitled “Study on foliar application of Plant growth regulators for improving reproductive efficiency and yield of Groundnut (ArachishypogaeaL.) genotypes” was carried out during Rabi, 2023-24 at wetland farm of S. V. Agricultural College, Tirupati campus of Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh. This experiment was laid out in randomized block design with factorial concept and replicated thrice, with four genotypes as factor-1 (G1-Nithyaharitha, G2-Dharani, G3-K-6, G4-Vishista) and four plant growth regulators applied on as Factor-2 (T1- Control + RDF of NPK, T2-Prohexadione calcium@105g a.i/ha,T3- Putrescine@100 ppm, T4- Paclobutrazol@ 100 ppm applied before and at peak flowering stage of crop). The reproductive efficiency attributes viz., number of flowers, pegs and pods per plant, flower to peg ratio, flower to pod ratio and length of peg were recorded and analysed to understand the influence of plant growth regulators on groundnut. G1 recorded highest number for pegs per plant (54.6), total pods per plant (36.8), mature pods per plant (28.5) and lowest flower to peg ratio (2.8), lowest length of peg (5.0cm). whereas G2 showed lowest flower to pod ratio (4.3). Treatment of T2 resulted in highest number of pegs per plant (51.8), total pods per plant (36.9), mature pods per plant (29.7), lowest flower to peg ratio (2.6), minimum length of peg (5.2 cm) lowest flower to pod ratio (3.6) and lowest number of flowers per plant (134.9) compared to the other treatments. Nityaharita and Prohexadione calcium@105g a.i/ha resulted in better reproductive efficiency in groundnut.

Effect of irrigation regime on yield component and water use efficiency of tomato at Ataye irrigation scheme, Ataye Ethiopia

The importance of an irrigation regime is that it enables the irrigator to apply the exact amount of water to achieve optimum production and minimize adverse environmental impact. In the study area, the amount of irrigation and the frequency of application are not well determined, and the farmers are unaware of how much water and when to apply for tomato crops. Therefore, the objective of this study is to quantify the effects of irrigation regimes on yield and yield components of tomatoes in lowland areas of Ethiopia. The treatments were factorial combinations of five irrigation depths (50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 % of ETc) and three irrigation intervals and laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The collected data were analyzed using R-software and significant treatment means separated using the least significant difference at 5 %. According to the findings, irrigation level and frequency had a significant (P< 0.05) effect on marketable fruit yield, water use efficiency, and plant height of tomatoes. The highest and lowest yields were 54.49 t/ha and 37.89 t/ha respectively. The optimum yield (48.5 t/ha) and water use efficiency (10.79kgm-3) were obtained from 75% ETc before the 3-day interval. Therefore, for the study area and similar agro-ecologies, tomatoes can be irrigated with 376.72 mm net irrigation depth with 33.64 mm and 5-day interval, 60.54 mm and 9-das interval, 94.18 mm and 14-day interval, 94.18 mm and 14-days interval, and 94.18 mm and 14-days irrigation interval at initial, development one, development two, mid and late stages of tomatoes crop respectively and saving 3127.33 m3 water to irrigate an additional 0.59 ha to achieve a yield of 29.00 t/ha for the user without a high yield penalty.

Mitigating Drought by Exogenous Potassium-mediated Improvements in Water Relation, Antioxidant Defense, Morpho-physiological and Biochemical Attributes of Black Gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper

Background: Globally, drought stress (DS) incidence in early development and grain-filling stages of crops like black gram has posed a serious constraint to the growth and yield of legume crops. To ensure the food and nutritional security of the rising human population, requisites developing eco-friendly, pro-farmers and cost-effective DS mitigation strategies for imparting yield sustainability to black gram. Methods: In this trial, treatments included control group entailing control (normal watering), water spray (WA, positive control), control+50 mg L-1 K2SO4, control +100 mg L-1 K2SO4, control +150 mg L-1 K2SO4, while drought treatment included drought stress (plant exposed to 15-20% by suspending water supply), water spray (WA, positive control), drought +50 mg L-1 K2SO4, drought +100 mg L-1 K2SO4 and drought +150 mg L-1 K2SO4. Result: The results exhibited that the DS seriously declined plant growth, relative water content and water potential by 24.2% and 39.3%, respectively, inducing higher levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) content and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration that reduced cell membrane stability, stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate, than the control. However, the foliar applied K significantly improved plant growth, plant water status, gas exchange and photosynthetic performance, chlorophyll content and antioxidant enzyme activity. Exogenous application of K further reduced lipid peroxidation, cell membrane injury and hydrogen peroxide by 12.7, 17.6 and 8.70%, respectively.

Effect of Environmental Factors and Date of Sowing on Disease Development

Understanding the effect of environmental factors and sowing dates on disease development is crucial for optimizing crop health, improving yield, and devising effective, timely disease management strategies in agriculture. The current investigation, which was conducted During 2021 in the laboratory of the Department of Plant Pathology, Naini Agricultural Institute, and Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences. To investigate the impact of environment and date of sowing on development of disease Maydis leaf blight of maize. During Kharif 2021 and 2022, for all four sowing dates, the disease progression of maydis leaf blight on maize variety CML-186 was monitored at weekly intervals beginning at 45 DAS of crop. It can be concluded that the crop stage showed the highest disease incidence at 45, 80, and 87 DAS; consequently, this stage tends to exhibit the most susceptible reaction during Kharif 2021. The crop stage with the highest disease incidence during Kharif 2022 was at 45, 52, and 80 DAS; as a result, this stage typically exhibits the most susceptible response. During Kharif 2021 and 2022, for all four sowing dates, the AUDPC of maydis leaf blight on maize variety CML-186 was noted at weekly intervals beginning at 45 DAS of crop.

Nutrient Uptake of the Individual Crops in Maize and Groundnut Cropping System Grown under Different Irrigation Systems with Varied Irrigation and Nitrogen Levels

An experiment was conducted to assess the effects of irrigation systems, irrigation and N levels on nutrient uptake of rabi maize and summer groundnut during 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the College Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, PJTAU, Hyderabad. The experiment composed of 18 treatment combinations (3 irrigation systems as main plot, 3 irrigation levels as sub-plot and 2 nitrogen levels as sub-sub-plot) in a split plot design replicated thrice. The study revealed that irrigation systems, irrigation and N levels and the interaction of irrigation systems and irrigation levels influenced the nutrient uptake of maize and groundnut crops during both the years of experimentation. Significantly higher NPK uptake was observed with sub-surface drip irrigation (M2), irrigation level at 1.2 Epan;IW/CPE (S1) and N level at 100 per cent RDN (N1). The interaction of irrigation systems and irrigation levels (M x S) was significant while the interaction of N levels with irrigation systems (M x N) and irrigation levels (N x S) was not significant for both rabi maize and summer groundnut. The interaction of irrigation systems and irrigation levels revealed that in both maize and groundnut crops at earlier crop growth period the M3S1 (surface irrigation with 1.2 IW/CPE) resulted in significantly higher NPK uptake followed by M2S1 and M2S2 (sub-surface drip irrigation with 1.2 and 0.9 Epan). However at later crop growth stages due to prolonged fertigation schedules in micro irrigation systems, the higher NPK uptake was observed with M2S1 and M2S2 followed by surface drip irrigation system with 1.2 Epan (M1S1) and surface irrigation system with 1.2 IW/CPE (M3S1) while M3S3 resulted in lowest NPK uptake at all crop stages and in grains & stover/haulm during both the consecutive years (2021-22 and 2022-23).

Population Dynamics, Incidence and Damage of Myzus persicae on Capsicum annuum under Polyhouse Conditions in Kashmir Valley

An experiment was conducted to assess the population dynamics, incidence, leaf damage and severity of green peach aphid (M. persicae) infesting on capsicum (Capsicum annum) under polyhouse condition in Kashmir valley. The present studies revealed that M. persicae was associated with the capsicum crop throughout the growing season with significant crop damage by the pest. Infestations including pest incidence, damage and severity of aphid forms commenced from early crop stage and thereafter, the population of aphid nymphs, apterous and alate forms gradually increased and peak in the 1st fortnight of August (32nd Standard Meteorological Week) and decline at the time of maturely of crop. Further correlation studies revealed that population of M. persicae exhibited statistically significant positive correlation with temperature and a non-significant negative correlation with Relative humidity.

Physiological impact of water deficit during growth stages of the wheat crop

Physiological impact of water deficit during growth stages of the wheat crop

Integrating spore trapping technology with loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for surveillance and sustainable management of rice false smut disease.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a vital crop feeding more than half of the world's population, with production occurring predominantly in Asian countries. However, rice cultivation faces challenges from various fronts, including biotic stresses intensified by climate change. False smut, caused by Ustilaginoidea virens, has emerged as a significant threat to rice production globally. The application of curative fungicides after symptom appearance has limited scope in managing this disease since the infection process usually starts during the early flowering stage of rice crops. This study investigates the utilization of spore-trapping technology coupled with Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assay for monitoring airborne U. virens inocula in rice fields. For early detection and quantification of U. virens, sampling rods coated with silicone grease were deployed to collect airborne spores, and DNA extraction was performed using a modified method. Both PCR and LAMP assays were employed for detection, with LAMP offering advantages of rapidity, sensitivity, and simplicity. The study demonstrated the superior sensitivity of LAMP compared to PCR, detecting U. virens DNA at concentrations as low as 100 femtograms. Continuous monitoring of U. virens inoculum using spore trapping revealed the spatio-temporal dynamics of U. virens dispersal, providing valuable insights for disease management. Implementing a fungicidal application schedule based on airborne inoculum detection led to significant reductions in both false smut incidence and severity and improved crop yield. The meteorological parameters including minimum temperature, relative humidity in the morning and evening, sunshine, and solar radiation were found to be correlated with disease incidence. Multi-operator validation confirmed the robustness and specificity of the LAMP assay. Overall, this integrated approach offers a proactive strategy for monitoring and managing false smut disease, enhancing sustainable rice production and food security.

Assessing the impact of salinity stress on some morpho-physiological traits of two chickpea genotypes under hydroponic conditions

Evaluating the performance of crop species to salinity stress is considered an intricate task due to differences in performance, response and susceptibility at different phenological stages of chickpea crop. Assessment of the performance of chickpea genotypes in response to NaCl-induced salinity stress at the initial vegetative phase is of great importance to have a crystal idea about the threshold level of tolerance. An experiment was carried out under hydroponic conditions to evaluate the performance of two chickpea genotypes (ELMO and ORION), in response to different salinity levels (0, 25, 50 and 75 mM NaCl) as factorial arrangement under completely randomized design with three replications. The average of shoot and root dry matter weight was significantly higher for the ELMO genotype at the control treatment (1.143, 0.4133 g respectively), while it was significantly lower in the two genotypes ORION and ELMO at the highest salinity level (0.267 and 0.2700; 0.0433 and 0.0533 g respectively). The root to shoot ratio was significantly higher in both genotypes in the control and the lowest salt level (25 mM NaCl), without significant differences among them (47.98, 43.30, 37.10 and 36.25% respectively). The relative water content and stomatal conductance were significantly higher in the ORION genotype (88.01%; 335.40 mmol m-2 s-1) compared to ELMO (84.09%; 299.10 mmol m-2 s-1), and increasing salinity level caused a proportional decline in both traits, where they were significantly lower at the highest salt level (75Mm) (77.45%; 87.50 mmol m-2 s-1). Results indicate genotypic variability in response to NaCl-induced salinity stress under hydroponic conditions and the physiological traits are more expressive and reliable as selection criteria than morphological ones.

Effect of Fertilizers and Humic Acids on Soil Micro Nutrients of Foxtail Millet Crop

Humic acids is an important soil component that can improve nutrient availability and impact on other important chemical, biological, and physical properties of soils. The ecological benefits of Humic acids are diverse and represent profitable and effective solutions for environmental problems and preservation of the environment. It can be integrated into the soils in the form of manure; it improves the physico chemical and biological properties of the soil. A field experiment was conducted at the College Farm, Agricultural College, Mahanandi, ANGRAU during kharif & rabi seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22. The experimental soil was sandy loam in texture with a pH of 7.52, an Electrical Conductivity (EC) of 0.42 dS/m, 0.32% Organic Carbon (OC), low available nitrogen (175 kg ha-1), medium phosphorus (P) at 18.48 kg ha-1, high potassium (K) at 580 kg ha-1, and sufficient zinc (Zn) status at 0.85 ppm. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications with four main plots and six sub plots total twenty four treatments. After critical observation of the study, available iron, Zinc, Copper and Manganese contents in soil revealed that there was significant difference between the subplots that received different levels of Humic acids but main plots that received different levels of inorganic fertilizers and their interaction was found to be non significant at panicle initiation and harvest stages of foxtail millet crop in two kharif seasons of 2020 and 2021. Similar results were recorded in soil Copper and Manganese contents during two kharif seasons of Foxtail millet crop. However, the similar trend was followed in succeeding bengalgram crop.

Evaluation of nutrient content of different harvest stages in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) cultivars.

Panicum virgatum L., also known as switchgrass, is a warm season short-day, C4-perennial crop gaining attention in feedstock production. The harvest stage of the forage crops and the cultivars used directly affect the feed quality as animal feed. In this study, differences were evaluated in various macro element contents of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) cultivars at different harvest stages. Eight different switchgrass cultivars (Alamo, BoMaster, Kanlow, Cave in Rock, Long Island, Shawnee, Shelter, and Trailblazer) were evaluated in the study. According to the results of the study, significant differences were found among the cultivars studied for phosphate (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). The Long Island cultivar had the highest mineral concentration (0.223% P, 1.049% K, 0.581% Ca, and 0.201% Mg). As harvest proceeded, the levels of P and K in the plants decreased while the levels of Ca and Mg increased. The highest P (0.223%) and K (1.030%) values were obtained from plants harvested at the pre-flowering stage, while the highest Ca (0.538%) and Mg (0.183%) values were obtained from plants harvested at the full flowering stage. Switchgrass cultivars were found to be insufficient to meet animal needs for P and Ca content throughout the plant's harvest stages. Mg was found to be sufficient in all harvest stages, while K was sufficient in the first two harvest stages, pre-flowering and 50% flowering, but insufficient in the full flowering stage. The dry matter's Ca/P ratio, regardless of cultivar or harvest stage, posed no risk to animal health. The K/(Ca+Mg) ratio varied between 0.807 and 1.235 depending on the cultivar and harvest stage. This ratio does not pose any risk to animal health. Based on these results, it would be appropriate to supplement feed rations with materials containing P and Ca or to use switchgrass in animal feeding together with feeds rich in these minerals when using dry matter obtained from switchgrass cultivars alone as roughage. In general, although Panicum virgatum has an important potential as a feed source in animal nutrition, it needs to be supplemented with nutrient-containing additives. It would also be appropriate to determine the nutrient content of these varieties under different ecological conditions.

Sugarcane Pokkah Boeng Disease: Insights and Future Directions for Effective Management.

Pokkah Boeng disease has been observed in nearly all countries where sugarcane is commercially cultivated. The disease was considered a minor concern in earlier times, but due to climate change, it has now become a major issue. It is caused by fungi, specifically the Fusarium fungal complex. Fusarium fujikuroi, F. sacchari, F. oxysporum, F. verticillioides, F. proliferatum, and F. subglutinans are the major species causing the disease in sugarcane. The disease spreads rapidly, and unpredictable environmental conditions, along with the overlap of crop stages with biotic factors, contributed to its increased severity and varied symptom patterns. This disease is primarily airborne, spreading through air currents. Secondary transmission occurs via infected setts, irrigation water, splashed rain, and soil. It typically emerges during hot and humid conditions, particularly when the sugarcane is experiencing rapid growth. The most effective way to control Pokkah Boeng is by cultivating resistant varieties and removing canes exhibiting 'top rot' or 'knife cut' symptoms. Apply 0.1% carbendazim, 0.2% copper oxychloride, or 0.3% mancozeb for two to three sprayings at 15-day intervals. Using biological methods to control plant pathogens presents a promising alternative to the heavy reliance on chemical fungicides in modern agriculture, which can lead to environmental pollution and the development of resistant strains.

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.

Integration of Optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar Data with Different Synthetic Aperture Radar Image Processing Techniques and Development Stages to Improve Soybean Yield Prediction

Predicting crop yield throughout its development cycle is crucial for planning storage, processing, and distribution. Optical remote sensing has been used for yield prediction but has limitations, such as cloud interference and only capturing canopy-level data. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) complements optical data by capturing information even in cloudy conditions and providing additional plant insights. This study aimed to explore the correlation of SAR variables with soybean yield at different crop stages, testing if SAR data enhances predictions compared to optical data alone. Data from three growing seasons were collected from an area of 106 hectares, using eight SAR variables (Alpha, Entropy, DPSVI, RFDI, Pol, RVI, VH, and VV) and four speckle noise filters. The Random Forest algorithm was applied, combining SAR variables with the EVI optical index. Although none of the SAR variables showed strong correlations with yield (r < |0.35|), predictions improved when SAR data were included. The best performance was achieved using DPSVI with the Boxcar filter, combined with EVI during the maturation stage (with EVI:RMSE = 0.43, 0.49, and 0.60, respectively, for each season; while EVI + DPSVI:RMSE = 0.39, 0.49, and 0.42). Despite improving predictions, the computational demands of SAR processing must be considered, especially when optical data are limited due to cloud cover.

Impact of climate change on vegetation growth trends in a citrus farmland in the south-eastern Sicily

Abstract. The environmental repercussions of climate change triggered substantial alterations in existing ecosystem balances leading to a gradual reduction in biodiversity and the increasing degradation of soil and the built environment. This has a direct effect on agricultural production in particular, leading to increased crop water requirements, the spread of new pests and pathogens that are difficult to manage, and, thus, a general reduction in productivity. Through the analysis of multispectral data remotely sensed with latest generation of optical sensors (RGB, thermal, NIR and multi-spectral cameras), it is possible to recognize the health status and growth stages of crops. In fact, in relation to the amount of radiation reflected in the different bands it is possible to calculate spectral indices, or vegetation indices. The main vegetative indices are NDVI, SAVI, MSAVI2, GNDVI and NDRE, which are calculated by differentially combining the ultraviolet spectrum, the visible range, and the near and mid-infrared band.In this paper the outcomes of a multi-year monitoring of a citrus grove field near Rosolini (Syracuse), in south-eastern Sicily-Italy, are presented. This monitoring activity was conducted to highlight areas of productive greenery under stress, on which to act as a priority with specific agronomic interventions. In parallel with the direct monitoring phases of the citrus grove, the trend of average monthly and annual temperature and precipitation values over the past 24 years was also studied to more specifically contextualize the possible presence of significant variations in climatic trends and relate them to the results returned by the calculation of the indices.