Treatment T1 Research Articles

Impact of Organic and Natural Farming Practices on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Joha Rice

Aims: The aim of the experiment was to study the impact of organic and natural farming practices on the growth, yield attributes and yield of Bokul Joha variety of rice Study Design:  The experiment was laid in a randomized block design with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: Assam Agricultural University-Assam Rice Research Institute, Titabar, Assam, India, during the kharif season of 2022-2023 Methodology: The number of treatments used were eight in total including control which were T1 [Absolute control], T2 [(Natural farming, Beejamrit as root dip treatment (3%) (100 L ha-1) + Jeevamrit as spray (3%) (100 L ha-1) + Ghanajeevamrit as soil treatment at 100 kg (Jeevamrit and Ghanajeevamrit at 30, 60 and 90 DAT)], T3 [(Enriched compost (5 tha-1) + Biofertilizer (Azospirillum, PSB as seedling root dip) (4 kg ha-1)], T4 [Enriched compost (5 t ha-1)], T5 [Vermicompost (5 t ha-1)], T6 [Enriched compost (2.5 t ha-1) + Vermicompost (2.5 t ha-1)], T7 [Fresh azolla as dual crop (400 kg ha-1) + Biofertilizers (Azospirillum, PSB and KSB mix as seedling root dip) (4 kgha-1)] and T8 [Vermicompost (1 tha-1), mixed inocula of Azospirillum amazonense A-10 and Bacillus megaterium P-5 (4 kg ha-1), rock phosphate (10 kg P2O5  ha-1)]. The experiment was laid in a randomized block design with three replications. Where T= Treatment, PSB = Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria, KSB=Potassium Solubilizing Bacteria, DAT = Days After Transplanting and NF=Natural Farming.  Results: Plants that were noticeably taller were observed with treatment T8: application of vermicompost (1 tha-1), mixed inocula of Azospirillum amazonense A-10 and Bacillus megaterium P-5 (4 kg ha-1), rock phosphate (10 kg P2O5) i.e., at 45 DAT (81.78 cm),90 DAT (128.15 cm) and at harvest (145.71 cm). The same treatment recorded the highest no. of tillers 45 DAT (8.31m-2), at 90 DAT (13.79 m-2) and at harvest (10.40 m-2). Also, dry weight was noted to be highest for the same treatment, at 45 DAT (29.34 g plant-1), 90 DAT (79.11 g plant-1) and at harvest (92.29 g plant-1). Additionally, the same treatment resulted in highest grain (34.62 qha-1) and straw (70.30 q ha-1) yield. Conclusion: Combined application of vermicompost (1 t/ha) along with inocula of Azospirillum amazonense A-10 and Bacillus megaterium P-5 (4kg/ha) and rock phosphate (10 kg P2O5) can be used as a suitable treatment for attaining higher growth, yield attributes and yield in Bokul Joha variety of rice.

Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and GDF9 gene on the reproductive performance of Katahdin sheep

Objective. To determine the influence of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) application and the presence of exon 2 of the GDF9 gene on reproductive variables in Katahdin sheep in the transition period. Materials and methods. 63 sheep with average age and weight of 2.83 ± 0.89 years and 45.32 ± 5.44 kg, respectively, were used. A 2x2 factorial arrangement under a completely randomized design was used, where the factors and levels were: the absence or presence of exon 2 of the GDF9 gene and the application or not of the eCG hormone in the synchronization protocol. Results. The application of eCG showed a significant favorable effect on the reproductive behavior of sheep, but not for the presence of exon 2 of the GDF9 gene. Treatments T2 and T4 were superior in the variables % of gestation, % of lambing, fertility and prolificacy with respect to T1 and T3. The best reproductive response was obtained with the application of eCG regardless of the presence or absence of the gene. Conclusions. This study shows evidence of the null interaction of exon 2 of the GDF9 gene and eCG to improve the reproductive performance of sheep. The application of eCG is recommended in estrus synchronization protocols for Kathadin sheep in the transition period. Faced with the few genomic reports on Katahdin ewes, evidence is shown of the need to carry out other research on genetic variants and their relationship with reproduction in sheep.

Performance of Enriched Organic Manures on Head Quality, Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Economics of Sprouting Broccoli (Brassica oleracea Var. italica)

The present field experiment was carried out to study the performance of enriched organic manures containing farmyard manure, vermicompost and poultry manure on head quality, nutrient uptake and economics of sprouting broccoli during 2018-19 and 2019-20 at UBKV, West Bengal, India, which comprised of 8 treatment combinations in randomized block design with 3 replications. The results of the field experiment showed that the use of Azophos biofertilizer enriched vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha along with Azophos biofertilizer enriched poultry manure @ 2.5 t/ha as basal + top dressing of Azophos biofertilizer enriched vermicompost @ 0.5 t/ha along with Azophos biofertilizer enriched poultry manure @ 0.5 t/ha each (T7) significantly improved the head yield (20.47 t/ha) and superior head quality in terms of the maximum TSS (8.14°Brix), vitamin A (288.97 IU/100 g) and vitamin C (90.00 mg/100 g) of organic broccoli. The greatest benefit to cost ratio (1.93) was also obtained from the treatment T7. Hence, the treatment T7 can be recommended for sustainable production of organic sprouting broccoli under terai region of West Bengal.

Effect of Different Quantities of Bio Stimulant on Chilli Growth, Quality and Yield

A present investigation was carried out with title “Effect of different quantities of bio stimulant on chilli growth, quality and yield” at the central research farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during kharif, 2023-24 with a view to identify the effects of different doses of bio stimulant and its role in growth, yield and quality of Chilli variety NS-1701. The experiment was laid in the randomized block design with 9 treatments and 3 replications with different combination of different quantities of bio stimulant. The treatment T7 (3.0 L/hac. Amalgerol essence) performed best in terms of plant height (79.68), number of branches (8.53), days to first flower initiation (79.30), number of fruits per plant (122.36), fruit length (7.81), individual fruit weight (2.90gm), fruit yield per plant (258.13gm). The highest benefit cost ratio was found at 3.69 in the same treatment.

Influence of Storage Period on Biochemical Parameters of Aonla Based Fortified Squash

Aonla is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, aonla has got enormous pharmaceutical values. Consumption of fresh aonla fruits has immense benefits, but due to high acidic and astringent content in the fruits, it has very limited table value. Preparation of various value added products specially blended beverages such as RTS, nectar and squash from aonla fruit helps to overcome astringent taste and poor color and flavor. The present investigation “Influence of storage period on biochemical parameters of aonla based fortified squash” was conducted at the Horticulture Processing Laboratory, Department of Fruit Science, IGKV, Raipur (CG) during the experimental year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. Analysis of bio-chemical parameters under 13 treatments of fortified aonla squash unveiled that the treatment T10 (25% Aonla + 73% Pomegranate + 2% Ginger) documented maximum total soluble solids content and TSS: acid ratio among all the other treatments. Further, the treatment T4 (25% Aonla + 75% Pomegranate) reported maximum pH value and minimum acidity and ascorbic acid content. However, the treatment T13 (100% Aonla) recorded maximum acidity and ascorbic acid content as well as minimum total soluble solids content, pH and TSS: acid ratio.

Mitigating Fruit Cracking and Premature Dropping in Bael (Aegle marmelos) cv. NB-9 under Subtropical Conditions: Evaluating the Effects of Bio-formulations and Boric Acid

The present investigation entitled “Mitigating Fruit Cracking and Premature Dropping in Bael (Aegle marmelos) cv. NB-9 under Subtropical Conditions: Evaluating the Effects of Bio-formulations and Boric Acid” was carried out during the year 2022-2023 at Main Experimental Station, Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture & Forestry, A.N.D.U.A.&T., Narendra Nagar (Kumarganj), Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India (Lat 26.540849° Long 81.830421°). Application of various bio-formulations and boric acid with eco-friendly materials to study the various vegetative properties, cracking, fruit drop and effect on the vegetative growth of fruit. The experiment was laid down in randomized block design (RBD) with (12) treatments and (03) replications. The experiment consists of 12 treatments including control, T1 (Control), T2 (FYM 50 Kg), T3 (FYM 100 Kg), T4 (Boric acid 200g), T5 (Boric acid 400g), T6 (Biofertilizer 250g/plant [100g Azotobacter + 100g Biovita + 50g PSB]), T7 (FYM 50Kg + Boric acid 200g), T8 (FYM 50Kg + Boric acid 400g), T9 (FYM 50Kg +Biofertilizer 250g/plant [100g Azotobacter + 100g Biovita + 50g PSB]), T10 (FYM 100Kg + Boric acid 200g), T11 (FYM 100 Kg + Boric acid 400g) and T12 (FYM 100Kg +Biofertilizer 250g/plant [100g Azotobacter + 100g Biovita + 50g PSB]) was used for this study. The results revealed that treatment T7 outperformed the rest with minimum fruit cracking (1.53%), fruit drop (76.20%), the maximum number of flowers per plant (171.19), day-to-flowering (31.38) and yield (181.69 q/ha) was most effective in a vegetative quality and yield point of view. Thus, the treatment combination T7 is therefore recommended for application to Bael trees in subtropical conditions to obtain high yields with better quality fruits.

In vitro seed germination and protocorm development of Epidendrum catillusRchb. F & Warsz. (Orchideaceae), in different culture media

The application of techniques is important for the massive and efficient propagation of orchids, without affecting the natural environment and its conservation.The objective was to evaluate the effects of six culture media: t1, Knudson; t2, MS 75% + NAA (1,0 mgL-1) + GA3 (3,0 mgL-1); t3, MS 75% + 100 mLL-1coconut water; t4, MS 100% + GA3 (3,0 mgL-1); t5, MS 100% + NAA (1,0 mgL-1) + GA3 (5,0 mgL-1); t6, MS 100% + 100 mLL-1coconut water on in vitro seed germination and protocorms formation of the orchid E. catillus. Seeds were obtained from a capsule in stage of physiological maturity from sector Grapanazú, Huancabamba, province of Oxapampa-Pasco, Peru. A randomized complete block design was used. It was found that, at 64 and 71 days, the treatments t1, t3, t4 and t6 had the same seed germination and development of in vitro protocorms, however, all of them were higher than t2 y t5. We concluded that Knudson media, MS 75% and 100% + 100 mLL-1coconut water and MS 100% + GA3 (3,0 mgL-1), enhanced seed germination.

ASSESSING GENE ACTION AND COMBINING ABILITY IN Brassica napus L. UNDER DROUGHT STRESS CONDITIONS, AN EFFORT TOWARDS BREEDING RESILIENT VARIETIES

Drought stress is the limiting factor in productivity as well as quality of any crop. Drought stress effects are crucial in Brassica napus but severity depends on the duration, intensity and developmental stages.  İn the present study, eight drought tolerant lines and three drought sensitive testers were crossed in the line × tester fashion. Developed germplasm accesions with their parents were evaluated under standard and drought stress conditions in RCBD having split plot arrangements. Various qualitative and quantitative parameters were recorded. Among the parents, ZMR-2, Dunkled, and Garchi exhibited potential based on their general combining ability (GCA) under both control and drought stress conditions.. The best cross combinations, identified through significant positive values for specific combining ability (SCA), included ZMR-2 × ZMR-18, Winner × ZMM-12 and Garchi × ZMR-18 under control and drought stress treatment T1. Similarly, G-51 × ZMR-18, Dunkled × ZMR-18, and DGL × ZMR-18 performed well under drought stress treatment T2. GCA variance surpassed the SCA varinace, depicting the presence of additive gene action in studied material. So, these crosses could be selected readily without moving towards segregating generations in the future drought breeding programes.

Studies on Physico-chemical and Sensory Aspects of Guava Lassi

The present investigation entitled “Preparation of cow milk lassi blended with guava (Psidium guajava) pulp” was conducted at Section of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, Nagpur. An effort was made to find out the optimum level of guava pulp in the preparation of lassi, with main objectives to evaluate the product by sensory evaluation, determination of physico-chemical composition and to calculate cost of production. Some of the finding emerged from the present investigation are summarized as follows. In view of above objective present study was carried out with five treatments including control T1 and lassi prepared from cow milk with different level of guava pulp i.e. 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 % in treatment T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. From the investigation it was observed that, the mean score of flavour of lassi in treatment T4 was highest (8.50) and lowest in T5 (5.50). The average score for colour and appearance of lassi was highest in T4 (8.50) and lowest in T5 (5.75). The average score for body and texture of lassi was highest in T4 (8.50) and lowest in T5 (5.25). The sensory evaluation for (overall acceptability) carried out by the judges, showed that lassi prepared by blending with 15 part of guava pulp (T4)8.50 as most acceptable treatment. This superiority was found due to addition of 15 percent of guava pulp.

EFFECT OF ELASTIN HEDROLYSES ON THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND SOME OXIDATION INDICATORS IN COLD-STORED GROUND BEEF

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of elastin hydrolysates extracted from bovine skin on the chemical composition and some indicators of oxidation in minced beef stored in refrigeration at a temperature of 2 °C for a period of 12 days. The study included 6 treatments T1 (without addition), T2 addition (1000 ppm) of elastin hydrolysates per kg of meat, T3 addition (500 ppm) of elastin hydrolysates per kg of meat, T4 addition (1000 ppm) of collagen hydrolysates per kg of meat, T5 addition (500 ppm) of collagen hydrolysates per kg of meat and T6 addition of the antioxidant BHA (0.01) per kg of meat. the transactions were stored by cold storage for periods 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days, and some chemical tests were conducted for them, The results of this study showed that treatments to which elastin hydrolysate was added showed a significant improvement in the chemical composition (moisture, protein, fat and ash) of ground beef stored in cold storage compared to the control treatment. It also showed a significant decrease (P<0.01) in oxidative stress indicators through a decrease in TBA values in chilled ground beef compared to the control treatment. We conclude that the addition of elastin hydrolysate to minced meat stored in cold storage at different storage periods improved the chemical composition of the meat and achieved high antioxidant effectiveness through a decrease in oxidation indicators represented by a decrease in the TBA value. And improve the water holding capacity of WHC, From the above, this study aimed to know the effect of elastin hydrolysate in maintaining chemical properties and reducing oxidation and thus prolonging the period of cold preservation of meat.

Compatibility of Native Strains of Beauveria peruviensis and Metarhizium sp. as Strategy for Biological Control of Coffee Berry Borer (Hypothenemus hampei, Ferrari)

Coffee is a crop of global importance, and it is especially important in countries such as Peru. However, the presence of the pest Hypothenemus hampei represents a significant challenge with a notable economic impact. This study addresses this challenge using entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria peruviensis and Metarhizium sp. The compatibility of three strains of Beauveria peruviensis (F5, P19, and P4) and seven strains of Metarhizium sp. (MMR-M1, LLM-M2, MHR-M4, PMR-M12, MMR-M15, TOR-M16, and GOR-M18) was evaluated for approximately 2 months. A total of 14 treatments were designed, each consisting of one strain of B. peruviensis and one strain of Metarhizium sp. The Skott–Knott test (p ≤ 0.05) revealed that strain LLM-M2 (Metarhizium sp. strain) had the highest conidial production (3.75 × 107 conidia/mL). Except for T6 (MMR-M1/F5), which showed a mutual growth type interaction (type A), all other strain combinations showed a type B interaction (mutual inhibition by contact or separation between colony margins (<2 mm)). The combination with the highest germination rate was T10 (MHR-M4/F5) at 89%. In addition, the pathogenicity of the combined strains was evaluated, showing a direct correlation with mortality and mycosis development in the coffee berry borer in treatments T1 (PMR-M12/P19), T10 (MHR-M4/F5), and T11 (MMR-M15/P19), reaching 100% mortality at 72 h with grade 4 mycosis. Regarding mycelial growth, treatments T1 (PMR-M12/P19), T4 (MMR-M1/P19), and T12 (GOR-M18/P19) reached the highest percentages, between 85.8% and 83.10% at 240 h. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using native strains of B. peruviensis and Metarhizium sp. as a biocontrol strategy against the coffee berry borer in the Amazon department, presenting them as an alternative to traditional chemical methods.

Residual Soil Fertility and Yield of Okra as Affected by Bio-inoculants and Bio-organic Nutrient Sources

Over the course of two kharif seasons in 2020 and 2021, a study was conducted to explore the impact of bi-inoculants (Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas lactis) and bio-organic nutrient sources (farmyard manure, vermicompost, Beejamrit and Jeevamrit) over the fruit yield and residual soil fertility of okra in the Entisols of Himachal Pradesh. The study was structured around seventeen treatments with different combinations of bio-inoculants, bio-formulations and nutrient sources. The investigation revealed that minimum soil pH (6.96), maximum soil organic carbon (0.76 %), available nitrogen (259.36 kg/ha) and available phosphorus (26.98 kg/ha) were obtained with treatment T16 [FYM (50 q/ha) + Vermicompost (25 q/ha) + Jeevamrit + Pseudomonas fluorescens]. The maximum soil electrical conductivity (0.208 dSm-1) and available potassium (174.65 kg/ha) was obtained in treatment T17 [Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (78N:50P:54K kg/ha)]. The highest gross income (₹2,58,760 /ha), net income (₹1,60,620 /ha) were observed in treatment T16 [FYM (50 q/ha) + Vermicompost (25q/ha) + Jeevamrit + Pseudomonas fluorescens] and the highest benefit: cost ratio (1.69) was observed in treatment T10 [Jeevamrit + Pseudomonas fluorescens]. Therefore, it is evident that using bio-organic nutrients such as farmyard manure, vermicompost, and Jeevamrit, in conjunction with the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens, is advantageous for enhancing the residual fertility of the soil and achieving sustainable cultivation of okra, while also allowing for a complete savings of 100% on fertilizers.

Enhancing Giant African Land Snail (Archachatina marginata) production with Thymus vulgaris (Lamiaceae) in the south-west region of Cameroon

The study was designed to determine the effect of Thymus vulgaris leaf meal on the production of Archachatina marginata. Two hundred and twenty-four adults’ snails were divided into four treatments of 14 snails and four replicates. Treatment T0 received only the experimental diet while three other treatments received diet with different inclusion level of T. vulgaris leaf meal at 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75%. Feed and leave were quantified using an electronic weighing scale daily. The results obtained show that, feed intake was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in animals receiving 0.75% T. vulgaris compared to other treatments. Likewise, the values of heart, pedal mass were higher in animals receiving 0.25% inclusions of T. vulgaris in the diet. Low relative weight variations in the internal organs across treatments were observed but significant differences occurred regarding only the shell weight and ovotestis. The proximate analysis of snail flesh results obtains shows that dry matter was significantly (P < 0.05) highest in animals receiving 0.25% T. vulgaris in the diet. Minerals analyzed were also significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the inclusion of T. vulgaris in the diet. In conclusion, incorporation of T. vulgaris leaf powder at 0.25% can be recommended in the diet of snails.

Impact of Bacillus cereus SPB-10 on Growth Promotion of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Under Arsenic-Contaminated Soil.

This study investigates the impact of bacteria on arsenic reduction in wheat plants, highlighting the potential of microbe-based eco-friendly strategies for plant growth. In the present study, bacterial isolate SPB-10 was survived at high concentration against both form of arsenic (As3+ and As5+). SPB-10 produced 5.2g/L and 11.3g/L of exo-polysaccharide at 20ppm of As3+ and As5+, respectively, whereas qualitative examination revealed the highest siderophores ability. Other PGP attributes such as IAA production were recorded 52.12mg/L and 95.82mg/L, phosphate solubilization was 90.23mg/L and 129mg/L at 20ppm of As3+ and As5+, respectively. Significant amount of CAT, APX, and Proline was also observed at 20ppm of As3+ and As5+ in SPB-10. Isolate SPB-10 was molecularly identified as Bacillus cereus through 16S rRNA sequencing. After 42days, wheat plants inoculated with SPB-10 had a 25% increase in shoot length and dry weight, and 26% rise in chlorophyll-a pigment under As5+ supplemented T4 treatment than control. Reducing sugar content was increased by 24% in T6-treated plants compared to control. Additionally, SPB-10 enhanced the content of essential nutrients (NPK), CAT, and APX in plant's-leaf under both As3+ and As5+ stressed conditions after 42days. The study found that arsenic uptake in plant roots and shoots decreased in SPB-10-inoculated plants, with the maximum reduction observed in As5+ treated plants. Bio-concentration factor-BCF was reduced by 90.89% in SPB-10-inoculated treatment T4 after 42days. This suggests that Bacillus cereus-SPB-10 may be beneficial for plant growth in arsenic-contaminated soil.

Comparative Performance of Different Fertilizer Recommendation Methods on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa) in Old Brahmaputra Floodplain Soils

Improving rice productivity is the challenge for the farmer due to rapid soil health deterioration in intensive agricultural system. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate comparative performance of different nutrient management practices in rice production in Bangladesh. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. There      were six treatments namely, T1 (Control-no fertilizer), T2 (Farmer’s Practice), T3 (Fertilizer Recommendation Guide-2018), T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit), T5 (Soil Test Basis) and T6 (Rice Crop Manager). The results revealed that all the treatments showed better performances over control (T1). Treatment T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit) produced the highest value of plant height (90.18 cm), panicle length (24.90), filled grains panicle-1 (122.60) and 1000-grain weight (26.67g) while T5 (Soil Test Basis) produced maximum effective tillers hill-1 (12.80). The highest grain yield (6.29 t ha-1) and straw yield (7.73 t ha-1) were recorded in treatment T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit). Treatment T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit) also showed the highest grain yield increase (61.49%) and straw yield increase (90.49%) over control. The highest total N, P and K uptake (108.84 kg ha-1, 24.54 kg ha-1 and 128.17 kg ha-1) were obtained in the treatment T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit). Control treatment T1 (No fertilizers) showed minimum performances in all the cases compared to other treatments. The overall result demonstrated that the application of fertilizers following BAU Soil Testing Kit method of fertilizer application system is a better option for rice production.

Influence of Microbial Enriched Organic Manures with Inorganic Nutrients on the Physiological Attributes and Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The present investigation was conducted to study the integrated use of microbial enriched organic manures with inorganic fertilizers on the physiological attributes of chickpea in the School of Agricultural Science, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, India. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications, during the late rabi season of 2023. The outcome of the study delineates the substantial efficacy of treatment T5 (100% N: P2O5: K2O + Microbial enriched vermicompost @ 6 t ha-1) and T4 (100% N: P2O5: K2O + Microbial enriched FYM @12.5 t ha-1) in significantly augmenting the physiological growth and development of chickpea crop, resulting in an improved yield of 12.76 q ha-1 and 12.59 q ha-1 respectively.

Effect of Different Levels of Extruded Coffee (Coffea arabica) Pulp Flour on the Productive Performance and Intestinal Morphometry of Cobb 500 Broiler Chickens.

Coffee pulp is a by-product of the coffee industry. Due to conventional management techniques, it represents a severe environmental problem due to its negative impact on the soil (anaerobic fermentation and pH changes), water sources (the infiltration of pollutants into streams, acidification of water sources, and modification of microorganisms), and biodiversity (soil microbiology, fish, crustaceans, and other vertebrates). Therefore, it is essential to develop protocols for the treatment of this waste so that it can be used again in other productive activities under the circular economy approach. This means that all the waste from a production process can be reused, can generate value for the benefit of the producer, and, in turn, mitigate the environmental impact. The objective of this study was to evaluate the replacement of 5 levels of wheat bran (WB) with extruded coffee pulp flour (ECPF) as an alternative to a conventional fiber source in broiler finisher diets. A total of 300 Cobb 500 chickens in the finishing phase were assessed in the study, grouped in 5 treatments: T1, a conventional diet or control treatment (100% WB and 0% ECPF), T2 (75% WB and 25% ECPF), T3 (50% WB and 50% ECPF), T4 (25% WB and 75% ECPF), and T5 (0% WB and 100% ECPF). Feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and intestinal morphometry (villus length: VL, villus width: VW, crypt depth: CD, villus height/crypt depth ratio: V/C, and villus surface area: VSA) were evaluated at the level of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Feed intake decreased correspondingly as the ECPF in the diet was increased, with statistical differences (p < 0.01) between their averages; the most significant weight gain (834.61 g) was evidenced with the T2 treatment, this being statistically different (p < 0.01) from T4 and T5; similarly, the best FCR (1.58) was evidenced with the T2 treatment, followed by the control treatment T1 (with 1.64); however, they were not statistically different (p > 0.05). All treatment results were similar to the VL control samples in the three intestinal portions, except for the T5 in the jejunum, which showed statistical differences from the control. In VW, the treatment results were similar to the control samples of the jejunum and ileum; however, in the duodenum, the T5 results showed the highest value (172.18 μm), being statistically different (p < 0.05) from the other treatments being evaluated. For CD, it was only in the duodenum that the T2 and T3 treatments were similar to the control. Likewise, for V/C in the duodenum, only the T2 results were similar to the control. There was no significant difference in the VSA among the different treatment groups. T2 showed better production parameters without altering the intestinal villi. In conclusion, ECPF is a potential input for use to replace up to 25% of WB in the feed of broilers in the finishing phase.

Influence of Phosphorus and Sulphur Levels on Economics and Yield of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) under the Eastern Zone of UP, India

The present study highlights the influence of Phosphorus and Sulphur Levels on Economics and Yield of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.): A Field Experiment yield of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L)". var. "ISF-764" was tested at Crop Research Farm during Rabi 2021–23. Ministry of Agriculture Sciences and technology United University, Prayagraj in the U.P. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) India ranks second in terms of planted area after food crops and is the world's fourth-largest producer of oilseeds in terms of output. The soil of the experimental plot had a sandy loam texture, was almost pH-neutral (7.5), had low organic carbon content (0.50%), and was readily available. N (228.59 kg/ha), available P (29.80 kg/ha) and available K (125.21 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments consists three level of S 20,30,40 kg/ha and three level of P 30,40,50 kg/ha with control (Farmer practice) were replicated thrice. Results obtained that higher plant height (173.33 cm), Number of branches (19.27), dry weight (117.89 g/day), yield attributes and yield viz., seed yield (2.20 t/ha), stover yield (2.98 t/ha) and Hi (42.44 %) were recorded with the application of 40 kg/ha S + 50 kg/ha P, economics viz. however, higher gross return (113804.07 INR/ha), net return (77799.97 INR/ha) and B:C ratio (2.16) was observed when 40 kg/ha S and 50 kg/ha P were applied. Application of 40 kg/ha S with 50 kg/ha P was therefore more productive and financially viable. It is concluded that treatment T9 with application of S 40 kg/ha + P 50 kg/ha was found to be the best that recorded highest plant height, number of capitulam / plant , dry weight (g), panicle length, number of panicles, number of grains per panicle, seed yield, straw yield, test weight and harvest index.

Effect of Soil and Foliar Application of Humic Acid on Nutrient Uptake, Grain and Straw Yield of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) under Inceptisols

Black gram is a type of legume that is widely cultivated and consumed in various parts of the world. It is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent and is one of the oldest cultivated legumes in the world. The field experiment was carried out to during kharif season of the year 2022 at departmental farm of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Latur. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and eight treatments viz., T1 (RDF), T2 (RDF + Foliar application of humic acid @ 0.2 % at 20 &amp; 35 DAS), T3 (RDF + soil application of humic acid @ 10 kg ha-1), T4 (RDF + soil application of humic acid @ 15 kg ha-1), T5 (RDF + soil application of humic acid @ 20 kg ha-1), T6 (T3 + foliar application of humic acid @ 0.2% at 20 &amp; 35 DAS), T7 (T4 + foliar application of humic acid @ 0.2% at 20 &amp; 35 DAS), T8 (T5 + foliar application of humic acid @ 0.2% at 20 &amp; 35 DAS). The field study indicated that the nutrient uptake and content  and grain and straw yield of black gram crop were significantly influenced due to soil and foliar application of humic acid and RDF. The uptake of N, P and K  were recorded at harvest. Significant and maximum uptake of  N, P and K were noticed with application of treatment T8 (RDF + soil application of humic acid @ 20 kg ha-1+ foliar application of humic acid @ 0.2% at 20 and 35 DAS), whereas the T1 (RDF) showed least values. grain and straw yield significantly affected due to T8 (RDF + soil application of humic acid @ 20 kg ha-1 + foliar application of humic acid @ 0.2% at 20 and 35 DAS) and the lowest grain and straw yield were recorded in T1 (RDF). Thus, it can be concluded that the soil and foliar application of humic acid increase the nutrient uptake and grain and straw yield. The significantly superior result recorded by treatment T8 (RDF + soil application of humic acid @ 20 kg ha-1 + foliar application of humic acid @ 0.2% at 20 and 35 DAS) next to this treatment T7 (RDF + soil application of humic acid @ 10 kg ha-1 + foliar application of humic acid @ 0.2% at 20 and 35 DAS) was best option. The significant increase in grain and straw yield of black gram was due to application of RDF with soil and foliar application of humic acid which mitigates scarcity, increased absorption effectively and increased photosynthetic activity which leads to higher grain and straw yield.

Effect of pomegranate peel powder‐infused multigrain chapatti on diabetes prevention: A randomized clinical trial

AbstractDiabetes mellitus is a metabolic and chronic disease linked to lifestyle factors like dietary patterns and physical inactivity. This randomized clinical study aimed to develop a novel dietary intervention using pomegranate peel powder‐based multigrain chapatti to prevent diabetes. The product was formulated by incorporating pomegranate peel powder into a mixture of wheat flour, pearl flour, millet flour, and chickpea flour. The study included the formulation of various treatments (Tc, T1, T2, and T3) following product development, and these treatments were subjected to comprehensive assessments. The nutritional composition and antioxidant potential of the pomegranate peel powder‐based multigrain chapatti were analyzed. Sensory attributes, including taste, texture, and overall acceptability, were evaluated. Additionally, biochemical analyses, including blood glucose levels and HbA1C, were conducted to assess the impact of the interventions on blood glucose metabolism. The results revealed that the nutritional profile and phytochemical potential of the product improved significantly in treatment T3, which contained 15% pomegranate juice. Overall acceptability was found to be high for T3, indicating that the inclusion of pomegranate peel powder was well received in terms of taste and sensory qualities. Importantly, the clinical trial demonstrated positive outcomes in the intervention group receiving the pomegranate peel powder‐based multigrain chapatti. Blood glucose analysis and HbA1C assessments indicated that the consumption of this innovative dietary product contributed to improved blood glucose metabolism, suggesting its potential as a preventive strategy for diabetes.