Traditional Agronomic Practices Research Articles

RICE WHEAT CROPPING SYSTEMS-CONSTRAINTS AND STRATEGIES : A REVIEW

The rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) in the Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP) of South Asia with the help of Green Revolution in the early 1970’s greatly contributed to India's food self-sufficiency and livelihood of millions of peoplethus, became the country's primary source of food-grain production. However, deterioration of soil health and quality, ground water depletion, water stress, labour shortage, introduction of new weeds and pests particularly Phalaris minor, Scirpophaga incertulas and climate change have all contributed to a major production standstill and deterioration in recent years by which the sustainability of rice wheat cropping system is now at jeopardy. Traditional agronomic practices had various negative implications on the sustainability of rice wheat cropping system with the introduction of HYVs. So, a paradigm shift is required to achieve long-term productivity, sustainability and allow farmers to minimise inputs, optimise yields, enhance profitability, maintain the natural resource base and reduce risk owing to both environmental and economic issues through resource-conserving technologies (RCTs) including zero/minimaltillage, PUSA decomposer, bed planting, crop residue management, mechanical rice transplanter (MRT) and crop diversification. This article focuses some of the issues that need to be addressed in the RWCS in order to achieve the goal of increasing regional productivity and assuring food security while maximising the effective use of natural resources, enhancing rural livelihoods and aiding in poverty alleviation.

Effect of Cultivar Resistance and Soil Management on Spatial-Temporal Development of Verticillium Wilt of Olive: A Long-Term Study.

Verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium dahliae, challenges olive cultivation and an Integrated Disease Management (IDM) approach is the best-suited tool to combat it. Since 1998, an IDM strategy in an orchard (called Granon, Spain) of the susceptible cv. Picual was conducted by increasing planting density with moderately resistant cv. Frantoio, chemical weed control, and replanting of dead olives with cv. Frantoio following soil solarization. The Verticillium wilt epidemic in Granon orchard was compared to the epidemic in a non-IDM orchard (called Ancla, Spain) with plowed soil and dead Picual olives replanted with the same cultivar. Field evaluations (2012–2013) showed an incidence and severity of the disease as Picual–Ancla > Picual–Granon > Frantoio–Granon. The spatiotemporal dynamics of the Verticillium epidemics from 1998 to 2010 were monitored with digital images using SIG. The annual tree mortalities were 5.6% for Picual olives in Ancla orchard, and 3.1 and 0.7% for Picual and Frantoio olives in Granon orchard, respectively. There was a negative relationship between the mortality of olive trees (%) by the pathogen and the height (m) above sea level. The annual mortality of cv. Picual olives was positively correlated with spring rainfalls. The Index of Dispersion and beta-binomial distribution showed aggregation of Verticillium-dead olives. In conclusion, this IDM strategy considerably reduced the disease in comparison with traditional agronomic practices.

The Trilogy of Wild Crops, Traditional Agronomic Practices, and UN-Sustainable Development Goals

The world population is projected to become 10 billion by the end of this century. This growing population exerts tremendous pressure on our finite food resources. Unfortunately, the lion-share of the global calorie intake is reliant upon a handful of plant species like rice, wheat, maize, soybean and potato. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to expand our dietary reliance to nutritionally rich but neglected, underutilized and yet-to-be-used wild plants. Many wild plants are also having ethnomedicinal and biocultural significance. Owing to their ecosystem plasticity, they are adapted to diverse habitats including marginal, degraded and other disturbed soil systems. Due to these resilient attributes, they can be considered for large-scale cultivation. However, proper biotechnological interventions are important for (i) removing the negative traits (e.g., low yield, slow growth, antinutritional factors, etc.), (ii) improving the positive traits (e.g., nutritional quality, stress tolerance, etc.), as well as (iii) standardizing the mass multiplication and cultivation strategies of such species for various agro-climatic regions. Besides, learning the biocultural knowledge and traditional cultivation practices employed by the local people is also crucial for their exploitation. The Special Issue “Wild Crop Relatives and Associated Biocultural and Traditional Agronomic Practices for Food and Nutritional Security” was intended to showcase the potential wild crop varieties of nutritional significance and associated biocultural knowledge from the diverse agroecological regions of the world and also to formulate suitable policy frameworks for food and nutritional security. The novel recommendations brought by this Special Issue would serve as a stepping stone for utilizing wild and neglected crops as a supplemental food. Nevertheless, long-term cultivation trials under various agro-climatic conditions are utmost important for unlocking the real potential of these species.

Nationally Released Tef Variety Adaptation Trial in North Western Tigray, North Ethiopia, 2018

Nowadays tef is becoming the most preferred crop both for consumption and market value. However, its production and productivity is still very low due to traditional agronomic practices, nutrient deficiencies, and lack of improved varities and susceptibility of the crop to lodging. So, the current trial was carried out during 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons in Medebay zana district at onstation with twenty eight nationally released tef varieties including standard and local check were evaluated with the objective of selecting adaptable and best performing tef variety/ies. Alpha lattice experimental design with three replications was used on plot size of 2mx2m [1]. The data recorded were days to 50% heading and 75% physiological maturity plant height, panicle length, grain yield, biomass yield and harvest index. The data was analyzed using Genestat software and means were separated using Duncan mulple range test (DMRT). The combined two years data analysis showed that varieties varied significantly for most studied traits at (P<0.01 and (P<0.05). Based on the obtained result, two improved tef varieties namely; Niguse shown to be high yielder variety followed by the varieties Tesfa and Guduru with the values of 1880.0, 1769.0 and 1692.0 kg ha-1, respectively, greater than 20% yield increment than local variety . The varieties Guduru, Wollenkomi and Magna were found to be having high biomass with the values of 9599.0, 9166.0 and 9139.0 kg ha-1, respectively. So, Niguse was superior in almost all the agronomic traits evaluated while the local variety of Abat tef and was out performed by most of the improved varieties of teff tested. Therefore, based on objectively measured traits, the variety Niguse was found most promising having the potential to increase the average yield of tef in Medebay zana district and is therefore recommended for general cultivation through demonstration and pre extension popularization activity as alternative tef variety for production at the testing and similar sites.

Influence of Seed Rate and Row Spacing on Growth and Yield of Bread Wheat in Chelia District of West Showa Zone, Ethiopia

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most staple food crops for most of population in Ethiopia. Currently, a number of improved wheat varieties have been released by breeders in Agricultural Research Institutions. The farmers have been produced wheat with traditional agronomic practices which do not improve the wheat yield in country. This experiment was conducted for three cropping season to determine the influence of seed rate and row spacing on growth and yield of bread wheat in Cheliya district on Nitisols of west Shewa Zone. Improved wheat variety (Denda’a) was used and planted with seed rate of 125,150 and 175 kg ha -1 and in row spacing of 15, 20 and 25cm. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design in factorial arrangement with three replications. Main effects seed rate and row spacing were significantly affected mean grain yield and yield components of wheat in the area. Wheat planting with 20cm row spacing was significantly produced higher mean grain (5092 kg ha -1 ), dry biomass (12142 kg ha -1 ), harvest index (42.93), plant height (99.48 cm) and thousands grain weight (52.04 g) in three consecutive years. Significantly higher mean tillers number plant -1 was recorded from wider row spacing (25cm). Seeding rates of wheat was significantly affected mean grain yield, biomass, harvest index, plant height, tiller number per plant and thousand grain of wheat. Significant higher mean grain yields of 4814 kg ha −1 was obtained from 150 kg ha −1 seed rate of wheat. Use of 150 kg ha -1 gave yield advantage of 34.37 and 15.13 % over 125 and 175 kg ha −1 seed rate of wheat planted with seed rate of 150 kg ha -1 and 20cm row spacing gave higher net benefit of (33,620 and 37,200 EB) for wheat producer in the area. Therefore, seed rate of 150 kg ha -1 and 20cm row spacing was recommended for sustainable wheat production in Chelia district and similar agro ecologies. Keywords: wheat, Nitisols seeding rates, row spacing, grain yield DOI : 10.7176/JNSR/9-5-09 Publication date :March 31 st 2019

Challenges and Responses to Ongoing and Projected Climate Change for Dryland Cereal Production Systems throughout the World

Since the introduction of mechanized production in both developed and developing countries, crops and their management have undergone significant adaptation resulting in increased productivity. Historical yield increases in wheat have occurred across most regions of the world (20–88 kg ha−1 year−1), but climate trends threaten to dampen or reverse these gains such that yields are expected to decrease by 5–6% despite rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Current and projected climatic factors are temporally and spatially variable in dryland cereal production systems throughout the world. Productivity gains in wheat in some locations have been achieved from traditional agronomic practices and breeding. Continued improvement in all cereal production regions and locations of the world requires technical advances, including closer monitoring of soils, water conservation strategies, and multiple sowing times using different crops to reduce risks. The management of disease, pests, and weeds will be an added challenge, especially in areas of higher precipitation. Excellent progress has been achieved in Asia and there is much potential in Sub-Saharan Africa. Technical solutions seem within our grasp but must be implemented in the context of variable social, economic, regulatory, and administrative constraints, providing opportunities for cross fertilization and global collaboration to meet them.

Effect of Traditional Agronomic Practices on White Rust of Rapeseed – Mustard under Organic Farming System in Manipur

Rapeseed – mustard is one of the most important cruciferous oilseed crops basically raise for oils and vegetables to meet domestic consumption of marginal farmers during rabi season in Manipur. Field experiments were conducted under organic condition for two consecutive years ( 2014 & 2015) during rabi seasons at Kakching. Weekly surveys detected white rust of rapeseed –mustard on the four varieties used. Amendments of agronomic practices including sowing dates, intercropping and plant density besides addition of soil with FYM (Farmyard Manure) were found effective on fungal disease of the crop. The disease parameters were monitored through disease incidence (DI) and disease severity (DS) assessment technique. The least disease severity (9.57%) was found in plant density followed by date of sowing (11.06%) and intercropping (12.29%). White rust caused by Albugo candida attacked the crop from mild to severe form and the effect of agronomic practices applied were significant in controlling the white rust disease of the crop.

Hydroseeding improves field establishment of Nebraska sedge regardless of seed treatment

Practical and effective direct-seeding methods for establishment of restored and constructed wetlands are desirable to reduce cost and labor. Current practices used to establish wetlands in the Western US typically involve the use of greenhouse-propagated plant materials or field-collected transplants. These methods are expensive and labor intensive. Sowing germinants into a muddy seedbed, a technique commonly used in rice production, shows potential as a method for field establishment of wetland sedge species. We compared establishment densities of Nebraska sedge ( Carex nebrascensis Dewey [Cyperaceae]) using 2 seed treatments (32-d stratification at 3 °C [37 °F]) and germinants produced with a 13-d aerated warm water (35 °C [95 °F]) bath and 2 seed delivery methods (hydroseeding and broadcasting). The comparisons were conducted in 2 ponds; one prepared using traditional agronomic practices and the other prepared to create a muddy seedbed similar to that used in rice production. We found a 2X to 3X increase in seedling establishment from hydroseeding compared with broadcasting regardless of seed treatment; however, seedling densities dramatically decreased later in the season, presumably as a result of inundation that drowned the plants. This problem highlights the need for close control of water levels when establishing wetland sedges. This level of precision may be difficult to achieve under typical field conditions.

Fumonisins exposure from freshly harvested and stored maize and its relationship with traditional agronomic practices in Rombo district, Tanzania

The exposure to fumonisins from the maize harvest of 2006 (before and after sorting and storage) for 67 families was assessed along with its statistical association with agronomic practices in Rombo, Tanzania. Fumonisins were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and exposure estimated based on 60 kg body weight and maize intake of 356 g per person day−1. Based on contamination in the unsorted maize, exposure for 27% of the families would exceed the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake of 2 µg kg−1 body weight. The odds ratio of fumonisin exposure from maize hybrid 614 (H614) were: two times higher compared with non-H614 maize (p = 0.089); and five times higher when the maize was grown without fertilizer (p = 0.004). Sorting maize before storage reduced the percentage of families with unacceptable exposures to 6%. Therefore, the results imply that planting of the non-H614 seeds using fertilizers combined with pre-storage sorting of maize significantly minimizes fumonisins exposure in Rombo. A field experiment to verify these findings is needed.

Soil nutrient content, soil moisture and yield of Katumani maize in a semi-arid area of Kenya

Many farmers in Kenya’s semi arid lands cannot afford to purchase inorganic fertilisers to improve their crop yields. They thus rely on traditional agronomic practices such as addition of crop residues, animal manures or intercrops of cereals and legumes. This study investigated soil parameters and their influence on yield. It was carried out at the University of Nairobi’s Dryland, Research and Utilisation Station located at Kibwezi. Soil parameters measured included soil organic carbon, total soil nitrogen, available phosphorus, soil moisture and soil texture and nitrogen mineralization rates. There was significant correlation (p<0.05) in the growing seasons, between soil moisture and soil organic carbon (r = 0.66, 0.81 and 0.65 for seasons 1, 2 and 3 respectively) as well as total soil nitrogen (r = 0.73, 0.79 and 0.70 for seasons 1, 2 and 3 respectively) and available phosphorus (r = 0.55 for season 1). Where rainfall was low, maize yield correlated negatively (p<0.05) with percent clay content (r = -0.4) in season one and showed no significant correlation (r=0.21) in season 3. Where rainfall amounts were high, (as in season 2), the correlation was significant (r = 0.75). Nitrogen mineralization rate did not seem to have a direct influence on yield but its effects were modified by soil moisture, soil texture and carbon to nitrogen ratios of the soil. Overall the organic inputs seemed to have minimal impact on yield though goat manure and pigeon pea intercropping had a melioration effect on the soil. Keywords: Soil nutrients, maize yield, semi-arid, Kenya

‘Aji gnui assonii’—a practice of organic hill farming among the Apatani tribe of Eastern Himalaya

SUMMARY Apatani, a hill tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, India, has been practising rice fish culture traditionally for many decades. Their practice, locally termed aji ngui assonii, is free from the use of agro-chemicals and additional input of supplementary feed for fish. They basically follow the traditional agronomic practices for rice even in rice-fish combination pertaining to field preparation and maintenance. Field preparation starts in April, occasionally continues up to late May, and rice seedlings are planted in May-June. The strains of common carp are stocked at fry stage (3–5 cm), after just ten days of planting the rice and reared in the field for about 4 months in total. Sometimes they harvest fish partially from the field after an interval of 1.5 months. With multiple harvesting, only 200–300 kg ha-' offish are produced in each harvest whereas with final harvesting the production rate is 500 kg ha-'. The dykes of rice fields are utilized for growing millet in June and are harvested during August-September. The system of such integrated farming is an organic practice, as well as sustainable in the sense that it is based solely on available natural resources in the ecosystem and also preserves the agro-biodiversity, enhancing multidimensional support to the tribal livelihood.

Yield advantage of two semi-dwarf compared with two tall wheats depends on sowing time

Slow adoption by farmers in Western Australia of new wheat cultivars led us to propose that their grain yield advantage over the old cultivars may not be evident under the traditional agronomic practices used in the State. The experiments, including both tall (rht) and semi-dwarf (Rht) commercial cultivars, were sown from early to mid-May, up to early July at five locations each year in the central wheatbelt of southwestern Australia in 1986, 1987 and 1988. Semi-dwarf outyielded tall cultivars more when sown in May (0.65 t ha-l) than in early June (0.35 t ha-1) and did not outyield them at later sowings. It is postulated that the yield advantage of the semidwarfs is dependent on early sowing. The yield advantage of the semi-dwarfs was related to greater ear and kernel numbers. The relative reduction in kernel size with later sowing was greater in the semi-dwarfs than in the tall cultivars. The semi-dwarfs had larger harvest indices at the May sowings but the talk equalled or exceeded them at the sowings in June. We concluded that the semi-dwarfs used in our experiments were more sensitive to the stresses associated with later sowing in this environment than the tall cultivars. The optimum flowering period for the study area over the three seasons was 7 to 29 September. However, there was considerable variation from season to season, and we concluded that an adequate definition of the optimum flowering period should be based on time-of-sowing experiments over a range of seasons.