Treatment T1 Research Articles

Process Optimization for Development of Edible Plates Using By-products of Rice and Dhal Processing Industries

Edible plates can be used as utensils to serve solids, semi-solids and highly viscous liquid food products whichare made out of food grains and are filled with various nutrients without any added preservatives.Edible plates from the rice bran flour (RBF), pigeonpeabrokens flour (PBF)and wheat flour (WF) were prepared by mixing in different proportions viz., 10, 15 and 20% of RBF, 20, 25 and 30% of PBF and the remaining proportion WF as the base material. Objective of this work is to evaluate the quality characteristics of developed edible plates. The optimized treatment was obtained with 20% of RBF, 30% of PBF and WF of 50%. The hardness and fracturability of the was found to be maximum (25.46 and 12.79 N) in T9. The tensile strength and elongation at break was also more in treatment T9 of 3.36 MPa and 2.13%. The tensile strength and elongation at break increased with the increase in supplementation level of by-products.

Effect of Feeding Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Powder on Body Weight of Konkan Kanyal Kids

An experimental trial was carried out to assess the impact of feeding ginger (Zingiber officinale) powder on the body weight of Konkan Kanyal kids. Twenty kids were selected and divided into five treatment groups using a Randomized Block Design (RBD), with each treatment further subdivided into four replications. All animals received a complete feed consisting of mulato grass, jowar kadabi, and a concentrate mixture. Treatment T1 served as the control with no ginger powder supplementation, while treatments T2, T3, T4, and T5 were supplemented with 3.0 g, 6.0 g, 9.0 g, and 12.0 g of ginger powder, respectively. The trial lasted for 90 days. There was significant (P<0.05) increase in body weight in treatment T5 which was supplemented with 12 g ginger powder than T4 T3, T2 and T1, after 90 days of ginger powder feeding. From present study it showed that feeding of ginger powder @ 12 gm improved about 18% body weight of Konkan Kanyal kids than control.

Effect of Application of Chitosan Soil Drenching on Growth and Vigour of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Grafts Cv. Alphonso

An experiment on effect of application of chitosan on growth and vigour of mango grafts cv. Alphonso was conducted at Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Dapoli, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli during the year 2023-24. Seven treatments and 4 replications in Randomized Block Design viz., Tl Control – Soil + FYM (3:1), T2 (Chitosan 0.5 %), T3 (Chitosan 1.0 %), T4 (Chitosan 1.5 %), T5 (Chitosan 2.0 %), T6 (Chitosan 2.5 %), T7 (Chitosan 3.0 %) with the aim to investigate effect of chitosan drenching on growth, vigour and survival of mango grafts cv. Alphonso. The highest survival percentage (99.13 %), height of the grafts (38.10 cm), number of shoots per graft (2.06 nos.), number of leaves per graft (32.13 nos.) leaf area (694.31 cm 2) were recorded in treatment T5 i.e. Chitosan 2.0 %. The maximum stem girth (10.24 mm) found in treatment T7 i.e Chitosan 3.0 %.

Effect of Feed Supplementation of Shatavari Root Powder (Asparagus racemosus) on Growth Performance of Broiler in Konkan Region

The present study aimed to highlights the effect of feed supplementation of Shatavari root powder (Asparagus racemosus) on growth performance of broiler in Konkan region. A substantial portion of the production expenses is attributed to the cost of feed and in a developing country like India, the supply of quality and affordable feed has been inconsistent. To enhance the overall productivity of poultry birds, it is imperative to maintain a reliable source of low-cost feed. The experimental trial of six weeks was undertaken for total 200-day old broiler chicks. They were randomly distributed into five experimental diets. Each treatment group was replicated into four with 10 birds per replicate. The control (T0) group was fed standard ration and T1, T2, T3, and T4 group were provided same standard ration supplemented with 5.00, 10.00 , 15.00 and 20.00 g /kg Shatavari root powder, respectively. Result of experiment showed that supplementation of Shatavari root powder was significantly highest live body weight in treatment T2 (1852.50 g/bird) as well as average live weight gain (264.64 g/bird). It is concluded that, 10.00 g of Shatavari root powder significantly improved growth performance than other treatments groups.

The addition of humic acid into soil contaminated with microplastics enhanced the growth of black gram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) and modified the rhizosphere microbial community.

Microplastics have polluted agricultural soils, posing a substantial risk to crop productivity. Moreover, the presence of microplastic pollution has caused a disturbance in the composition of the microbial community in the soil surrounding plant roots, therefore impacting the growth of beneficial bacteria. A study was conducted to examine if humic acid (HA) can counteract the harmful effects of microplastics (MPs) on the growth of black gram crops and the composition of the rhizosphere soil microbial community, to reduce the negative impacts of microplastics on these microorganisms and crops. The research was carried out using mud pots and the plastic utilized for the experiment consisted of 60% high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and 40% polypropylene (PP). The soil was enriched with lignite-based potassium humate, which had a pH range of 8.0-9.5 and with 65% humic acid. The experiment consisted of six treatments: T1, which served as the control without HA and MP; T2, which involved the use of HA at a concentration of 0.15% w/w; T3, which involved the use of MP at a concentration of 0.2% w/w; T4, which involved the use of MP at a concentration of 0.4% w/w; T5, which involved the combination of HA at a concentration of 0.15% w/w and MP at a concentration of 0.2% w/w; and T6, which involved the combination of HA at a concentration of 0.15% w/w and MP at a concentration of 0.4% w/w. The plant growth characteristics, including germination percentage, nodule number, and chlorophyll content, were measured. In addition, the DNA obtained from the rhizosphere soil was analyzed using metagenomics techniques to investigate the organization of the microbial population. Seedlings in soil polluted with MP exhibited delayed germination compared to seedlings in uncontaminated soil. Following 60days of growth, the soil samples treated with T5 (0.2% MP and 0.15% HA w/w) had the highest population of bacteria and rhizobium, with counts 5.58 ± 0.02 and 4.90 ± 0.02CFUg-1 soil. The plants cultivated in T5 had the most elevated chlorophyll-a concentration (1.340 ± 0.06mgg-1), and chlorophyll-b concentration (0.62 ± 0.02mgg-1) while those cultivated in T3 displayed the lowest concentration of chlorophyll-a (0.59 ± 0.02mgg-1) and chlorophyll-b (0.21 ± 0.04mgg-1). Within the phylum, Proteobacteria had the highest prevalence in all treatments. However, when the soil was polluted with MPs, its relative abundance was reduced by 8.4% compared to the control treatment (T1). Conversely, treatment T5 had a 3.76% rise in relative abundance when compared to treatment T3. The predominant taxa found in soil polluted with MP were Sphingomonas and Bacillus, accounting for 19.3% of the total. Sphingomonas was the predominant genus (21.2%) in soil polluted with MP and supplemented with humic acid. Humic acid can be used as a soil amendment to mitigate the negative effects of MPs and enhance their positive advantages. Research has demonstrated that incorporating humic acid into soil is a viable method for maintaining the long-term integrity of soil's physical, chemical, and biological characteristics.

Efficacy of postharvest treatments with sodium nitroprusside and gibberellic acid on physio-biochemical modifications and vase life of dahlia cut flower

The goal of the current study was to evaluate the impacts of both sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and gibberellic acid (GA3) separately and in combination on the longevity of Dahlia cut flowers. Additionally, the potential physiological and biochemical changes associated with these treatments are also examined. Cut flowers treated with nitric oxide donor SNP and GA3 significantly improved all postharvest characteristics of cut flowers, including vase life and other physiological characteristics, as compared to control. Flowers treated with T15 (SNP 20 mg L-l + GA3 20 mg L-l) resulted in maximum vase life, followed by treatment T3 (SNP 20 mg-l) and minimum vase life recorded in control. Treatment T15 (SNP 20 mg L-l + GA3 20 mg L-l) shows an improvement in all biochemical activities, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase activity, except malondialdehyde accumulation, as compared with untreated cut flowers. Thus, SNP alone or along with GA3 as a pulsing solution could be a promising approach to improving the postharvest quality of dahlia cut flowers by influencing physiological and biochemical modifications.

Nutrient and energy conservation through nano-fertilizers in maize

In the current scenario, achieving food security while conserving resources and energy is a significant challenge. Maize is a widely cultivated but nutrient-exhaustive crop. The adoption of nanotechnology-based nano-fertilizers offers a pathway to achieving sustainable yields while reducing fertilizer requirements and conserving energy. A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2021 to explore nutrient and energy conservation through nano-fertilizers in maize at the University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru. The experiment involved nine treatments comprising various combinations of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) with nano-urea and nano Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) under a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The results indicated that Treatment T5 - 75% of the Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN) + Nano-N—achieved a higher yield (10.20% higher than the conventional practice, T1-RDF + Farmyard Manure (FYM)) and improved nutrient uptake at harvest [299.22, 55.56, and 208.26 kg of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) per hectare, respectively]. This treatment also demonstrated greater physiological efficiency (36.11, 200.66, and 52.70 kg of maize per kg of N, P, and K, respectively), higher energy output (260,851 MJ ha?¹), improved energy use efficiency (16.93), enhanced energy productivity (0.627 kg MJ?¹), and better energy profitability (15.93). Using 75% of RDN + Nano-N increases yield while reducing fertilizer use and conserving energy.

Exploring the Freshwater Cladocera (Pleuroxus spp.) as New Potential Live Feed in Aquaculture

In freshwater lakes, cladocera play a crucial role in the food chain, as they are the primary source of nutrition for nearly all aquatic species. Pleuroxus spp. are very suitable for aquaculture due to their ease of handling, rapid growth, non-selective filter feeder, high nutritional value, and remarkable ability to adapt to many environmental conditions. Silver barbs are in high demand in the aquaculture business due to their excellent flavours and rapid development rate. In this study, Pleuroxus spp. was cultured in a control condition with water quality maintained at the room temperature of 26 ± 1 °C and pH of 7.0 ± 0.5. Five treatments of Pleuroxus spp. were prepared, which comprised of T1 (control) = unfed, T2 = coffee grounds, T3 = corn flour, T4 = wheat flour, and T5 = sugarcane waste. Pleuroxus spp. were fed with a selected diet solutions at a concentration of 0.5 g/L daily. The result shows that Pleuroxus spp. given T3 (24.88 ± 5.48 ind/mL) had a greater population density than T4 (22.13 ± 4.83 ind/mL), T2 (21.06 ± 5.27 ind/mL), and T5 (20.56 ± 4.92 ind/mL) dietary treatments. Pleuroxus spp. given T3 had the greatest survival rate (97.9 ± 9.8%) when compared to other diets, T4 (86.81 ± 19.07%), T2 (82.71 ± 16.56%), and T5 (75.00 ± 21.08%). Silver barb showed the highest amount of daily weight gain in treatment T3 (0.11 ± 0.001 mg/days; p < 0.05) compared with other dietary treatments. The maximum specific growth rate (SGR) (%) was achieved when fed with T3 (13.37 ± 0.02%; p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was shown to be significantly different (p < 0.05). The FCR of larvae fed with different nutritional treatments ranged from 1.22 to 4.12, depending on the treatment. In comparison to other diets, the T3 treatment (1.22 ± 0.03) achieved the highest FCR ratio. In short, pre-feeding of zooplankton with prospective diets has built a baseline of improved aquaculture feeding procedures that may be employed in the future aquaculture businesses.

Characterization of the Agronomic Properties of Different Vermicompost from the Co-composting of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches and Green Waste

The accumulation of palm oil industries waste is one of the causes of environmental pollution that is becoming an increasingly concern in Côte d'Ivoire. However, this waste, combined with other simple plant substrates, can be used in the vermicomposting process. That is the context in which this study is conducted, with the aim of determining the agronomic properties of different vermicompost made of oil palm empty fruit bunches combined with green waste (Chromolaena odorata leaves and grass clippings). For this purpose, plastic boxes of 1.5 L in volume were first filled with 800 g of soil. Then, 300 g of the different pre-composted substrates and 4 earthworms were added. In total, 4 treatments of 25 repetitions each were carried out. For all the treatments, treatments T3 (oil palm empty fruit bunches + Grass cutting + earthworms) and T4 (oil palm empty fruit bunches + Chromolaena odorata + Grass cutting + earthworms) presented the best values of the substrate decomposition capacity and physicochemical properties. The same is true for the mineral materials obtained. For these two treatments mentioned, the C/N ratio was around 15 and significantly higher than those of treatments T1 (oil palm empty fruit bunches + earthworms) and T2 (oil palm empty fruit bunches + Chromolaena odorata + earthworms), which were around 12. The pH values being variable at the beginning of vermicomposting were close to neutral at the end, thus indicating the maturity of the different vermicompost produced. Vermicompost resulting from co-composting of empty fruit bunches of oil palms and green waste appears to improve nutrient availability, structure and microbial activity of the vermicompost to promote good development of cultivated plants.

Growth and Reproduction Performance of the Earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) Fed with Different Substrates Made of Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunches: A Case of Vermicompost Production, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

The objective of the present study is to analyze the growth capacity and activity of the worm species Eudrilus eugeniae in different substrates based on palm oil empty fruit bunches as part of the production of vermicompost. To this end, 4 treatments were carried out by adding to palm oil empty fruit bunches other substrates readily available in the environment, notably Chromolaena odorata leaves and grass clippings. 1.5 L plastic boxes were filled with 800 g of soil and 300 g of various precomposted substrates. In each box, 4 earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) were seeded. A total of 4 treatments were carried out: T1 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + earthworms), T2 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + Chromolaena odorata + earthworms), T3 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + grass clippings + earthworms) and T4 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + Chromolaena odorata + grass clippings + earthworms). For the different vermicomposts based on palm oil empty fruit bunches, growth parameters and Eudrilus eugeniae activity were better in treatments T3 and T4. These same treatments also showed significant variation in substrate quantity after vermicomposting. The combination of palm oil empty fruit bunches and green waste (Chromolaena odorata and grass clippings) would be ideal for the production of vermicompost with good agronomic potential to be applied as an organic amendment to cultivated plants.

Changes in self-reported sleep and awake bruxism in relation to the management of temporomandibular disorders ("care as usual") in a specialty clinic population.

The treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) often includes the management of sleep bruxism (SB) and awake bruxism (AB). However, few studies have investigated how SB and AB change after the initiation of the interventions aimed at reducing the activity of masticatory muscles in TMD patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in self-reported SB and/or AB with regard to baseline at 6 weeks after receiving TMD treatment, i.e., counseling alone or counseling combined with any other treatment, and to investigate the association between the type of TMD treatment and changes in self-reported SB and/or AB. A total of 68 TMD patients were included in this prospective study, and they all received counseling. Thirty-three of the 68 patients received additional treatment, e.g., physical therapy, psychological therapy and/or an oral appliance, beside counseling. The self-reported SB and AB frequency values were obtained from the Oral Behavior Checklist (OBC) questionnaire at baseline (t0) and at week 6 after receiving treatment (t1). The frequency of SB and AB was assessed as SB, AB-grinding, AB-clenching, AB-bracing, and AB-combined (i.e., the maximum frequency of all AB types combined). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the SB and AB frequency at t0 and t1 in patients who received counseling alone and those who received counseling combined with other treatment. The χ2 test was used to investigate the association between the type of TMD treatment and changes in SB and/or AB. The frequency of self-reported SB and all types of AB did not change in patients who received counseling only. In contrast, there was a significant increase in the frequency of AB-bracing and AB-combined between t0 and t1 in patients who received counseling combined with other treatment. No changes in the frequency of self-reported SB and all types of AB were found in patients who received counseling only. However, patients who received counseling combined with other treatment showed a significant increase in the frequency of AB-bracing and AB-combined as compared to baseline.

Effect of planting densities by the practice of twin rows on the agronomic and technological parameters of sugar cane in rainfed cultivation

With the aim of improving sugar cane productivity under rainfed conditions, a study of the effect of planting densities using paired rows on sugar cane yield parameters was carried out at the CNRA Ferkéssédougou station in northern Côte d'Ivoire. The experimental design used was a Fischer block, comprising three repetitions of six treatments, designated T1 to T6. The results revealed that treatments T1 and T2 improved cane yields, reaching 149±18.04 and 157±44.55 t/ha, respectively. Similarly, an increase in the number of usable stems per hectare of 207,726 ± 13144.44 and 216,468 ± 70412.15 was noted for treatments T1 and T2 respectively. Furthermore, the T6 treatment improved the technological parameters (Brix (22.4 ± 0.86 %); Fibre content (16.8 ± 0.11 %); Pol (19.4 ± 0.81 %) ; Purity of juice (86.7 ± 1.09 %) ; Saccharin content (14.9 ± 0.62 %); Extractable sugar (10.5 ± 0.52 %)). The study also identified three promising planting densities for village cane :1.1m and 1.3m row spacing at 0.4m and 1.3m row spacing at 0.5m. In conclusion, the cultural practice of density in twin rows in sugar cane plantations in rainfed conditions allows an increase in agronomic and technological parameters. This cultivation practice could contribute to an increase in yield or even a substantial increase in sugar production.

Dynamics of major plant nutrients and enzymatic activities in soil influenced by application of biochar and organic waste.

The concentration of salt ions influences the availability and plant nutrients dynamics in the soil. Proper management of these ions can enhance food grain production, helping to feed the growing population. In this experiment, nine fertility combinations were followed to enhance the soil organic carbon and reduce the salt toxicity and monitor the plant nutrient availability. An incubation experiment was conducted for the period of one year with different organic soil amendments in combinations including biochar (BC), pressmud (PM), and farm yard manure (FYM) as follow: T1-control, T2-RDF, T3-FYM (10 t/ha), T4-PM (10 t/ha), T5-BC (10 t/ha), T6-FYM (5 t/ha) + PM (5 t/ha), T7-FYM (5 t/ha) + BC (5 t/ha), T8-PM (5 t/ha) + BC (5 t/ha), T9-FYM (5 t/ha) + BC (2.5 t/ha) + PM (2.5 t/ha). Results showed that addition of organic substance (10 t/ha) significantly (p < 0.05) affected soil pH and electric conductivity. Plant nutrient availability (N, K, and S) was also influenced by application of organic substance (10 t/ha). Organic C and available N were recorded the highest in the treatment T7 (FYM-5 t/ha + BC -5 t/ha); whereas, the highest available K and S were observed in treatment T5 (BC-10 t/ha). The microbial soil fertility indicators (alkaline phosphatases, arylsulphatase, dehydrogenase activity and microbial biomass carbon) were measured the highest in FYM (5 t/ha) + BC (5 t/ha) applied treatment. In conclusion, application of organic substance 10 t/ha (biochar alone or with FYM) improved the plant nutrient availability and soil microbial activities in saline soil. It could be a suitable option for enhancing the soil fertility in saline soils.

Effect of Edible Coatings on Morphological Characters of Strawberry Fruits

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) a member of rosaceae family, is a monoecious, short day, succulent, thalamus, perennial herb and quick growing fruit plant. Strawberries are processed into various value-added products such as canned strawberry, jam, jelly, ice cream, wine and other soft drinks. Strawberry is a delicious but delicate fruit with 2-4 days shelf life on ambient condition. Fruit of strawberry are very delicate and highly perishable in nature which resulted very short life span and considerable postharvest loss. The use of edible coating improved the shelf life of strawberry in general compared to untreated control. Significant difference was observed for effect of edible coating on strawberry for all the quality parameter during storage. The fruit weight, width and length decreased in all edible coating treatment. The minimum decrease in fruit weight, Width and length was recorded in treatment T7 (EC + Aloe vera gel 20%) while, the minimum decrease in volume and specific gravity of fruit in the same edible coating.

RESPONSE OF LIQUID MANURES AS ALTERNATIVE NUTRIENT ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF TOMATO

An experiment was conducted on response of Liquid Manures as alternate nutrient on growth and yield of tomato at the Horticulture Farm, Department of Horticulture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from November 2023 to March 2024. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments were used in the study were T1; Control, T2; Vermi Tea, T3; SAU-MLM, T4; SAU-NLM, T5; SAU-PLM and T6; RFD (Recommended Fertilizer Dose). In this study, the treatments showed significant variation on growth and yield of tomato production. The tallest plant (109.63cm), highest number of leaves per plant (25.0), maximum fruit weight (127.2g), maximum fruit weight per plant (3.48kg), maximum yield per plot (20.8kg) and maximum yield per hector (56.5t/h) were recorded with treatment T6 (RFD) and it was statistically identical with treatment T5 (SAU-PLM). Whereas the minimum plant height (92.03 cm) and number of leaves per plant (17.0), lowest fruit weight (62.8g), lowest fruit weight per plant (1.53kg), lowest yield per plot (9.1kg) and lowest yield (22.9t/h) were recorded in T1 (Control). Furthermore, treatment 5 (SAU-PLM) produced highest brix (5.7), that is highest sweetness tomato were produced with T5 treatment. That’s why it can be said that different liquid manure has good impact on growth and yield of tomato with environment friendly impact.

Digital rehabilitation care planning for people with chronic diseases (RehaPro-SERVE): study protocol for a German multicentre randomised controlled trial

BackgroundChronic diseases are a significant and growing problem of our time. They impair the ability to work and increase the risk of early retirement. To support the return to work, rehabilitation services can be applied for in Germany. Currently, the application system for rehabilitation allows only a limited degree of individualisation of the treatment and is associated with a lack of multidisciplinary communication. To facilitate rehabilitation care planning, we developed a complex intervention. A digital, platform-based case management approach (intervention) will ensure multidisciplinary communication and the tailored selection of medical treatments and/or non-medical support measures. The overall objective is to assess the effectiveness of the intervention compared to treatment as usual (control condition). The German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) funds the RehaPro-SERVE study (grant number: 661R0053K1).MethodsThis is the protocol for an investigator-initiated, pragmatic, multicentre, randomised and controlled two-arm parallel-group superiority trial with embedded qualitative process evaluation. The study will be conducted in Hesse state, Germany. N = 59 primary care physicians will be recruited and tasked with the recruitment of six eligible patients each. Eligibility criteria: age 40–60; minimum of 4-week work disability due to musculoskeletal, oncologic or psychological conditions or the post-COVID-19 syndrome within the last 6 months; at high risk for early retirement. In total, n = 352 patients will be randomised with a 1:1 allocation to intervention or control group and stratified by primary care practice using permuted blocks. The primary outcome is the number of days of sick leave during a 12-month period after the assumed completion of treatments (t1 to t2). Secondary outcomes include the number of days of sick leave (self-report), work ability, and health-related quality of life, as well as data from the qualitative process evaluation.DiscussionThe results of the study will inform the design of future care services and provide valuable information on multidisciplinary case management in the context of rehabilitation care planning. The results of the qualitative process evaluation will further contribute to the understanding of facilitating and hindering factors.Trial registrationDRKS-German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS0 00242 07. Registered on 22 March 2021.

EFFECTS OF USING VARIOUSLY PROCESSED CULBAN GRAINS AS A PARTIAL SUBSTITUTE FOR SOYBEAN MEAL ON GROWTH OF CYPRINUS CARPIO L.

The objective of this study is to improve the nutritional value of Culban Vicia peregrina using four different methods: soaking in water for 12 hours, cooking for 40 minutes, roasting for 15 minutes, and germination for 7 days to reduce the effects of anti-nutritional. For 56 days, soybean meal was utilized to replace the grains treated by the abovementioned procedures by 40% ( T3, T5 T7 and T9) and 20% (T4, T6 and T8) in the diets for common carp Cyprinus carpio L., as well as a control diet comprising 30% of soybean meal (T1). The results of the statistical analysis showed the superiority of the fed fish the T7 significantly (P≤ 0.05) in the criteria of TLW,TG and DWG. The fed fish outperformed the T4, T5 and T6 significantly in the criteria of RGR and SGR compared to the control diet(T1). The best FCR and FER were obtained in the T6 and T7, which differed significantly from the T1. With the exception of treatments T2, T7, and T9, the fed fish performed significantly better than all other treatments in the PPV criterion. It can be concluded in present study the substituting culban seeds heated or biologically(germination technique) processed could replace up to 40% of the soybean meal.

Effect of Different Seed Treatment on Germination of Fishtail Palm (Caryota urens) under Naturally Ventilated Poly-house Conditions

An investigation was conducted to study the effect of different seed treatments comprising of mechanical scarification, chemical and plant growth regulator on germination of Fishtail palm (Caryota urens) seeds under naturally ventilated poly-house at sheth D. M. Polytechnic in Horticulture College, Anand Agricultural University, Vadodara during 2021 to 2023. There were total 12 treatments under study which was replicated trice and statistically analysed by completely randomized design at 90 days after sowing. The results revealed that treatment T12 i.e. seeds treated with GA3 1000 ppm for one day recorded significantly lesser days to initiation of germination (46.33 days) along with higher germination percentage (86.67 % and 85.00 %), germination rate index (5.90 %/day and 5.70 %/day) and germination index (255 and 243.67), coefficient of velocity of germination (6.18 and 6.02), timpson’s germination index (1275 and 1218), modified timpson germination index (42.50 and 40.61) and survival percentage (88.33 and 86.67) at 90 days after sowing during first and second year respectively. While, seed without any treatment kept in open condition treatment T1 showed poor performance in germination percentage as well as survival percentage. Thus, Fishtail palm (Caryota urens) seeds soaked in solution of 1000 ppm GA3 along with sowing them in polybags and kept under NVPH condition provides better germination and survival.

The Effect of Different Doses of Nitrogen and Seed Treatment with Biofertilizers on Growth, Yield and Seed Quality of Sunflower (Helianthus annus L.)

Aims: To study the effect of Different Doses of Nitrogen and Seed Treatment with Biofertilizers on Growth, Yield and Seed Quality of Sunflower. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with eleven treatments replicated thrice. Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-2023 in the Instructional Farm of Ramkrishna Ashram Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nimpith, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Methodology: The experiment was carried out in randomized block design with eleven treatments and replicated thrice. The treatments were Control, 50% N, 100% N (90 kg N/ha), Azospirillum (seed treatment), Azatobacter (seed treatment), Azospirillum +Azatobacter (seed treatment), 50% N + Azospirillum (seed treatment), 50% N + Azatobacter (seed treatment), 50% N +Azospirillum + Azatobacter (seed treatment), 75% N + Azospirillum + Azatobacter (seed treatment) and 100% N + Azospirillum + Azatobacter (seed treatment). A common dose of Nitrogen@ 90kg/ha, phosphorus @90kg/ha and potash @40kg/ha were applied. Results: Higher head diameter (13.82 cm), 1000 seed weight (65.50 g), seed yield (1830 kg/ha), oil yield (628.80 kg/ha), gross return (Rs.48581), net return (Rs.26368) and B:C (2.19) than all other treatment followed by T10 (75% N + Azospirillum + Azotobacter) and T3 (100% N) which were statistically at par with each other. Conclusion: On the basis of all parameter as well as economics it can be concluded that treatment T10 (75% N + Azospirillum + Azotobacter) can be recommended for better benefit and sustainable production of sunflower. The results of this experiment showed that use of chemical fertilizers can be reduced by using a combination of bio-fertilizers and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer.

The Response of Inorganic and Organic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cluster Bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] in the Village Chikkenahalli of Challakere Taluk, Chitraduraga District

Cluster bean is one of the significant yet underutilized leguminous vegetables belonging to family fabaceae. It is known by various names across the country such as gaur, chavli kaayi, gori kaayi, khutt, govar, and kothavare. A field experiment on cluster bean was carried out during the summer season of the year 2024 at the farm of P. L. Dodda Rangegowda in Chikkenahalli of Challakere taluk, Chitradurga district, Karnataka. The primary objectives of the study are to examine the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the productivity and growth characteristics of cluster bean; to identify the advantages and disadvantages of these fertilizers in relation to productivity, soil fertility, and environment and further to review the effects of mixed organic and inorganic fertilizers on yield and soil fertility. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with four replications and five treatments which comprised of 100 percent organic (FYM and chicken manure), 100 percent inorganic (NPK), 50 percent organic + 50 percent inorganic, 100 percent organic + jeevamruta and control. The results revealed that, treatment T3 outperformed the others, showing the highest values for plant height, number of branches per plant, days to first flowering, days to first vegetable harvest, pod length, pod width, yield per plant, yield per plot, and yield per hectare, while the control recorded the lowest values. Soil properties such as pH, EC, SOC and NPK levels improved when combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers were applied together. Based on these results, it can be concluded that, the application of organic manures, along with chemical fertilizers, positively enhanced the vegetative growth, reproductive growth, yield, quality of cluster bean and soil parameters.