Treatment T1 Research Articles

Comparative Efficacy and Economics of Biopesticides with Emamectin Benzoate against Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) in Cabbage, Brassica oleracea var. Capitata (L.)

A field trial was conducted during rabi season 2023-2024 at Central Research Farm (CRF), Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Naini, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments each replicated thrice using a variety Green Soccer (546). The treatments viz., Emamectin benzoate 5% SG, Bacillus thuringiensis 5.0% WP, Spinosad 02.50 % SC, Verticillium lecanii 5.0% SC, Neem seed kernel extract 5%, Beauveria basssiana 1x 108CFU/ml, Azadirechtin 00.03 % WSP and along with an untreated control against plutella xylostella in cabbage.The data on larval population of Diamond back moth over control on first and second spray overall mean revealed that all treatments were significantly superior over control.Amomg all the treatments minimum larval population was recorded in in T3 Spinosad 02.50 %SC (1.045) followed by T1 Emamectin benzoate5%SG (1.212), T2Bacillus thuringiensis 5.0% WP (1.345),T6 Beauveria bassiana 1x 108 CFU/ml (1.512),T4 Verticillium lecanii 5.0 % SC (1.667),T5 Neem seed kernel extract 5 % (1.934),T7 Azadirechtin 00.03 % WSP (2.133).While, the highest yield (298q/ha) was obtained from the treatment T3 spinosad 02.50%SC as well as B:C ratio (1:5.76) was obtained high from this treatment. It followed by T1 Emamectin benzoate 5%SG (276q/ha) (1:5.53),T2 Bacillus thuringiensis 5.0% WP (269q/ha)(1:5.42),T6 Beauveria bassiana 1x 108CFU/ml (259q/ha) (1:5.24), T4 Verticillium lecanii 5.0% SC(249q/ha)(1:5.04), T5 Neem seed kernel extract 5% (233q/ha) (1:4.65), T7 Azadirechtin 00.03% WSP(215q/ha)(1:4.42) and the lowest yield and B:C ratio is recorded in T0 Control (186q/ha) (1:4.05).

Co-incorporation of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae and Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Leaves in the Diet Increase African Catfish Profitability (Clarias gariepinus)

Aquaculture is a fast-growing activity in Cameroon and required substantial quantities of affordable protein-rich feed. In this study, we co-incorporated Moringa leaves (MOL) and black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) in catfish diet, and the effect was evaluated on feed floatation, fish growth, flesh organoleptic qualities and profitability. 450 juvenile`s catfish weighing averagely 10 g, were subjected to five dietary treatments consisting of: T0 (0% BSFLM and 0% MOL); T1 (6.25% BSFLM and 5% MOL); T2 (12.5% BSFLM and 10% MOL); T3 (18.75% BSFLM and 15% MOL) and T4 (25% BSFLM and 20% MOL) for 119 days. The treatment T3 containing 18.75% BSFLM and 15% MOL recorded the highest floatation duration, fish weight (113.83±17.31 g) and weight gain (103.25±17.8 g), and the lowest feed conversion ratio (1.60±0.37). The flesh tasted good and was acceptable in all treatments. Incorporating BSFLM and MOL in the diets reduced the cost per kg of feed from 18 to 23%, thus increasing the system's profitability from 45.91 to 60.84%. We concluded that BSFLM and MOL can partially substitute fish meal in catfish diet and improve the profitability and offers insights into the development more profitable and sustainable aquaculture in Cameroon and globally.

Effect of Organic Manures on Productivity in a Groundnut-Wheat Sequence under Organic Farming

An experiment was conducted during two consecutivekharif and rabi season from the year 2016-17 to 2018-19 for three years on to evaluate different organic sources performance on groundnut and wheat sequence under organic farming at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar. The soil of experiment was loamy sand. Experiment was carried out in Large plot technique design and with eight replication for four treatments. From three years experiment result revealed that in kharif season, application of 100% nitrogen through castor cake sequring higher pod yield of groundnut and application of 75% nitrogen through castor cake for succeding wheat in rabi season for getting higher seed yield. Application of castor cake in both season sequred higher groundnut equivalent yield. Maximum gross (Rs 150300/ha) and net neturn (Rs 67922/ha) with BCR of 1.82 was obtained under Treatment T3 (100% RDN through castor cake in groundnut and 75% RDN through castor cake in succeeding wheat) under organic farming under North Gujarat Agro climatic conditions.

Improvement of the Quality of Landrace Pig Spermatozoa in Diluent of Young Coconut Water and Tris Combination

ABSTRACT Background: The research material used was fresh semen of 2-year-old landrace boars of good quality (spermatozoa motility ≥ 70% and spermatozoa abnormality < 20%) Purpose: This study aimed to find the best combination of young coconut water (YCW) and Tris to improve the quality of landrace boars spermatozoa. Method: %). This study used an experimental method according to a complete randomized design procedure with five treatments and five replicates. The treatments were: T0= YCW, T1= TCW 75% + tris 25%, T2= YCW 50% + tris 50%, T3= YCW 25% + tris 75%, T4= Tris. All treatment diluents were added with 20% egg yolk, 3% moringa leaf extract, 1,000 IU/mL penicillin, and 1,000 µg/mL streptomycin. The variables tested were motility, viability, abnormality, and survival. Results: The observation results at the 40th hour of storage showed that treatment T3 was significantly different (P<0.05) on motility, viability, abnormality and survival but on the variable viability treatment T3 was insignificantly different from T1 (p>0.05), but significantly different from treatment T0, T2, and T4; and for spermatozoa abnormality variables in all treatments were the same (p>0.05) Conclusion: It was concluded that the combination of YCW 75% and tris 25% and 100% tris effectively maintained the quality of landrace boars spermatozoa

Integrated Nutrient Management: A Pathway to Enhanced Growth and Yield in Amaranthus tricolor L.

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of manures, fertilizer, and biofertilizers application, either alone or in combination on seed germination, vigor, and yield of Amaranthus. Recommended rates of organic manures viz., farmyard manure (5 t/ha) and vermicompost (2.5 t/ha) biofertilizers i.e., Azotobacter and Phosphate solubilizing bacteria @ 200g per 10 kg of seed were integrated with the recommended dose of fertilizer @ 60: 40: 20 kg/ha NPK. The experiment was designed with twelve treatments with three replications that were laid out in a randomized complete block design. Results revealed that the treatment T12 which consists of half dose of NPK + half dose of vermicompost + Azotobacter and PSB observed early emergence of seeds (3.60 days) along with higher germination percentages (84.53 percent) as well as vigorous seedlings in terms of vigor index-1 (5.75) and vigor index-2 (5.56). The crop was harvested three times at a height of 20 cm and by the application of treatment T12, plants take minimum time for harvest i.e., 21.65, 30.65, and 41.16 days along with the highest yield i.e., 0.50, 1.15, and 0.85 kg per plot at first second and third harvest respectively. Therefore, it is clear that combining inorganic fertilizers with organic manures could increase soil health in addition to enhancing growth and facilitating consistent nutrition for the Amaranthus crop.

Effect of Different Plant Growth Regulators on Seed Germination, Seedling Growth and Establishment of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) c.v. Taiwan-7

An experiment was conducted at the Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P)-211007, India during year 2023-24. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Design (RBD). There were Ten treatments including control replicated three times in which growing media such as pond soil, vermicompost, and Plant growth regulators mixed in various percentages. The different levels of plant growth regulators Such as GA3, NAA and BA with different compositions in different combinations showed positive responses on the physical quality attributes of the papaya plant. The maximum values of physical quality characteristics of papaya plant like Survival percentage (90.68) number of germination days (10.01), germination percentage (90.01), number of leaves (10.46), plant height (12.76 cm), leaf area (38.4 cm2) and chlorophyll content (52.84), Number of primary roots (10.46), number of secondary roots(27.68) and stem diameter (3.85 cm) were recorded in T3 (GA3 with 150 ppm) and followed by the treatment T6 (NAA with 150 ppm) while, minimum values of these characters maximum value of physical parameter was recorded in control treatment (T0). From the present investigation it is concluded that treatment (T3) Performed best in terms of growth parameters followed by (T6) and (T9). The maximum B:C ratio (2.02) was also observed in the same treatment i.e. (T3).

Effect of Using Different Levels of Date by-products on in vitro Digestion

The experiment was conducted from 9/3 to 11/4/2023 to study the effects of using increasing percentages of dried dates peels (0, 15, 30, & 45%) on the concentrated fodder to study its effect. on dry and organic matter digestion coefficients, methane gas production, volatile fatty acid, ammonia, pH, and total numbers of bacteria. The results show that there was a significant effect (p≤0.05) on the digestibility of dry and organic matter at 30% of date by-products. The results also showing that treatment T3 was superior in the production of total gas and methane gas for all incubation periods. The results also positive for the characteristics of ammonia nitrogen and Volatile fatty acids, T4 outperformed the rest of the treatments in total bacterial counts.

Impact of Humic Acid-Based Bio-stimulant ‘Humetsu’ on Growth and Yield Attributes of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Aims: The current study was carried out to examine the impact of humic-acid-based bio-stimulant (liquid formulation) ‘Humetsu’ on growth and yield attributes of potato variety Kufri Chipsona-4. Study Design: The study used a Randomized Block Design with 3 replications and 8 treatments. Place and Duration of Study: The existing experiment was worked out at Teaching Farm, College of Agriculture under BCKV, Burdwan Sadar during Rabi, 2019-20 and Rabi, 2020-21. Methodology: The test product humic-acid based bio-stimulant (liquid formulation) ‘Humetsu’ was used for seed treatment at the rate of 5 ml/kg tuber before sowing of potato and 2.5 ml /L water was sprayed treatment-wise as per protocol using a water volume of 500 liters per ha with knapsack sprayer fitted with flat fan deflector nozzle in potato. Results: The results elucidated that significantly maximum plant emergence, number of branches per plant and increased available N, P, K and Organic carbon (OC) in both years were recorded in treatment T4 (100% NPK + 3 application of ‘Humetsu’ (Seed treatment at the rate of 5 ml/kg of tuber and 2 foliar sprays at the rate 2.5ml L-1 water at 30 DAS & 55 DAS). The highest plant height, TSS (%), and fewer days to harvest were found in treatment T7 (80% NPK + 3 application of ‘Humetsu’ (Seed treatment at the rate 5ml/kg of tuber and 2 foliar sprays at the rate 2.5ml L-1 water at 30 DAS & 55 DAS) followed by treatment T4, T5, and T6. The maximum number of tubers per plant, total tuber yield, and marketable tuber yield were noticed in the treatment T7 during both years. The highest microbial population in the soil was noticed in the T7 during both the years. On the other hand, the least plant height, TSS (%), plant emergence, number of tubers per plant, total tuber yield, marketable yield per ha, more days to harvest, and the least microbial population in soil were observed in (control) treatment (T8) during both the years. Conclusion: Application of 80% NPK + 3 application of ‘Humetsu’ (Seed treatment at the rate 5ml/kg of tuber and 2 foliar sprays at the rate 2.5ml l-1 water at 30 DAS& 55 DAS) has a significant impact in yield of potato with 20% reduction of the recommended dose of NPK fertilizers.

Optimizing agricultural sustainability: enriched organic formulations for growth, yield, and soil quality in a multi-crop system.

Utilizing agricultural and industrial wastes, potent reservoirs of nutrients, for nourishing the soil and crops through composting embodies a sustainable approach to waste management and organic agriculture. To investigate this, a 2-year field experiment was conducted at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, focusing on a pigeon pea-vegetable mustard-okra cropping system. Seven nutrient sources were tested, including a control (T1), 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through farmyard manure (T2), 100% RDN through improved rice residue compost (T3), 100% RDN through a paddy husk ash (PHA)-based formulation (T4), 75% RDN through PHA-based formulation (T5), 100% RDN through a potato peel compost (PPC)-based formulation (T6), and 75% RDN through PPC-based formulation (T7). Employing a randomized block design with three replications, the results revealed that treatment T4 exhibited the significantly highest seed (1.89 ± 0.09 and 1.97 ± 0.12 t ha-1) and stover (7.83 ± 0.41 and 8.03 ± 0.58 t ha-1) yield of pigeon pea, leaf yield (81.57 ± 4.69 and 82.97 ± 4.17 t ha-1) of vegetable mustard, and fruit (13.54 ± 0.82 and 13.78 ± 0.81 t ha-1) and stover (21.64 ± 1.31 and 22.03 ± 1.30 t ha-1) yield of okra during both study years compared to the control (T1). Treatment T4 was on par with T2 and T6 for seed and stover yield in pigeon pea, as well as okra, and leaf yield in vegetable mustard over both years. Moreover, T4 demonstrated notable increase of 124.1% and 158.2% in NH4-N and NO3-N levels in the soil, respectively, over the control. The enhanced status of available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the soil, coupled with increased soil organic carbon (0.41%), total bacteria population (21.1%), fungi (37.2%), actinomycetes (44.6%), and microbial biomass carbon (28.5%), further emphasized the positive impact of T4 compared to the control. Treatments T2 and T6 exhibited comparable outcomes to T4 concerning changes in available N, P, soil organic carbon, total bacteria population, fungi, actinomycetes, and microbial biomass carbon. In conclusion, treatments T4 and T6 emerge as viable sources of organic fertilizer, particularly in regions confronting farmyard manure shortages. These formulations offer substantial advantages, including enhanced yield, soil quality improvement, and efficient fertilizer utilization, thus contributing significantly to sustainable agricultural practices.

Influence of Liquid Nano Urea Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Summer Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under South Gujarat Conditions

A field experiment was conducted during summer season for two consecutive years (2022-2023) at Navsari, Gujarat to study the effect of liquid Nano urea fertilizer on summer rice (Oryza sativa L.) under South Gujarat conditions. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and twelve treatments comprising T1: 100 % RDN (Recommended dose of nitrogen) through urea (120 kg N ha-1), T2: 75 % RDN + Seedling root dip in Nano urea at transplanting (TP) (4 ml L-1), T3: 50 % RDN + Seedling root dip in Nano urea at TP (4 ml L-1), T4: 25 % RDN + Seedling root dip in Nano urea at TP (4 ml L-1), T5: 75 % RDN + Spray of Nano urea at tillering stage (4 ml L-1), T6: 50 % RDN + Spray of Nano urea at tillering stag (4 ml L-1), T7: 25 % RDN + Spray of Nano urea at tillering stage (4 ml L-1), T8: 75 % RDN + Spray of Nano urea at tillering and panicle initiation stage (4 ml L-1), T9: 50 % RDN + Spray of Nano urea at tillering and panicle initiation stage (4 ml L-1), T10: 25 % RDN + Spray of Nano urea at tillering and panicle initiation stage (4 ml L-1), T11: Spray of Nano urea at tillering and panicle initiation stage (4 ml L-1) and T12: Seedling root dip in Nano urea at TP + Spray of Nano urea at tillering and panicle initiation stage (4 ml L-1). Application of 75 % RDN + Spray of Nano urea at tillering and panicle initiation stage (4 ml L-1) obtain significantly higher growth attributes viz., periodical plant height, number of tillers plant-1, dry matter accumulation plant-1, chlorophyll content and growth indices including leaf area index (LAI) at 60 and 90 DAS, crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) during 30-60 DAS, 60-90 DAS, and 90 DAS-Harvest. Similarly, significantly higher grain yield was produced under treatment T8 (4435 kg ha-1) which was 3.24% higher than 100% RDN through conventional urea.

Effect of Potting Media on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) under Pryagraj Agro Climatic Condition

The present study aims to investigate the Effect of potting media on seed germination and seedling growth of jackfruit at the Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad, during the period 2023-24. The experiment was laid in completely randomized block design with three replications and ten treatment combinations. viz, T0 Control(soil), T1 (Soil + FYM + cocopeat)(3:1:1), T2 (Soil + vermicompost + cocopeat) (2:1:2), T3 (Soil + FYM + cocopeat)(1:1:3), T4 (Soil + FYM + vermicompost) (1:2:1), T5 (Soil + vermicompost)(1:1), T6 (Soil + FYM + vermicompost)(1:1:1) T7 (Soil + FYM + vermicompost) (2:2:2), T8 (Soil + FYM)(2:2), T9 (Soil + vermicompost)(2:2). The seeds were kept in moist area so seed do not dry. The seeds were then sown in the pre-filled polybags and various parameters related to Germination Parameters, Growth Parameters, Economics and Survival were evaluated. Present investigation found that treatment T9 (Soil + vermicompost) (2:2). Performed best in term of Germination percentage, Number of leaves, Plant height, Leaf length, Chlorophyll content and stem Diameter. The lowest observation was recorded in T1 (Control)(soil). The highest B:C Ratio (2.23) was found in the same treatment

Changes in Soil Physical Properties and Soybean Productivity under Preparatory Tillage Systems in Virgin Vertisols of Central India

Preparatory tillage, undoubtedly, is one of the most crucial practices that alter soil physical attributes and also affect crop growth and yield. In this sense, this experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of various preparatory tillage systems on soil physical properties and soybean productivity thereby find out a suitable tillage combination for vertisol of Vidarbha region of central India. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with eight tillage treatments and three replicates. Experimental results revealed that soil physical properties and productivity of soybean differed significantly under different preparatory tillage system and zero tillage. Further data revealed that conventional tillage treatment T8 (1ploughing + 2 tyne harrow + blade harrow) and T7 (1 Ploughing + 1 Tyne Harrow + 1 Rotavator) significantly improved the soil physical properties (infiltration rate, bulk density, porosity, soil moisture content) and grain yield (2378 and 2268 kg ha-1, respectively). Moreover zero tillage treatment T1 and shallow tillage treatments (1Blade Harrow + 1Rotavator and 1Tyne Harrow + 1 Rotavator) did not show any significant improvement in soil physical properties and grain yield of soybean.

Effects of Inclusion of Mango Peel Waste in Diets of Layer Chickens on Performance and Egg Quality in Kenya

Alternative ingredients for the manufacture of poultry feeds need to be identified to meet the growing demand. A 42-day feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of the inclusion of mango peel waste in layer chicken diets on performance and egg quality. This study involved one hundred and fifty Isa Brown layer chickens aged 60 weeks. These chickens were assigned to five treatments with graded levels of mango peels: 0% (Treatment 1), 3.5% (Treatment 2), 7% (Treatment 3), 14% (Treatment 4) and 28% (Treatment 5), using a completely randomized design (CRD). Daily egg production was recorded, and weekly measurements included feed intake, specific gravity, egg weight, shell weight and shell thickness. Notably, Treatment 5 exhibited the highest feed conversion ratio (3.09) and Roche yolk color (RYC) fan score (14.3), which was significantly (p < 0.05) different from Treatment 1, with values of 2.36 and 12.4, respectively. Layer chicken fed on T1 had the highest egg weight and egg thickness (6.6 g and 0.44 mm, respectively), differing significantly (p < 0.05) from Treatment T5 eggs (6.3 g and 0.41 mm). It was concluded that mango peels could substitute maize in layer chicken diets up to 7% without affecting production and egg quality. Mango peels are recommended for partial substitution of maize in layer chicken diets and as natural egg yolk pigment to impart the yellow yolk desired by consumers.

Effect of drinking water frequency on nutrient digestibility in lactating Deoni cows

A trial was conducted to study the effect of drinking water frequency on production performance of lactating Deoni cows with the objectives to assess the effect of different drinking water frequency on water intake, dry matter intake and nutrient digestibility. Nine lactating Deoni cows were selected on the basis of age, body weight, parity, stage of lactation and milk yield and divided into three groups comprising of 3 animals in each group. The experiment was conducted in three periods in Switch over design in order to expose each group to all the three treatments. The control treatment (T1) received ad libitum drinking water whereas, treatment T2 and T3 received drinking water twice and thrice daily, respectively. Significantly higher water intake was noticed in thrice daily watering than rest of the treatments, while intake of water was decreased in twice daily watering compared to other treatments. Dry matter intake was positively correlated with water intake. Significant increase in dry matter intake was observed in ad libitum and thrice daily watering whereas, dry matter intake was decreased when frequency of watering adjusted to twice daily. The apparent digestibilities of all the nutrients including DM, CP, CF, EE and NFE was significantly improved due to restriction of drinking water to twice daily (T2). However, ad libitum and thrice daily watering were at par for DM, CP, CF and NFE digestibility except EE digestibility differ significantly in all the treatments.

Natural breeding performance in different saline water pens, crablets rearing and cannibalism in juvenile phase of mangrove mud crab (Scylla olivacea) in earthen mangrove pens

The current study focused on natural breeding techniques using locally available mud crab broods during breeding season. The breeding trial was tested in artificially created earthen pens that designed with mangrove plants and salt tolerance grass. Mature brood crabs were collected from local rivers and equally distributed in 20 L black color plastic containers in three different salinities (T1 = 24ppt, T2 = 26ppt, and T3 = 28ppt) and covered with black cloth. The river salinity was 26ppt during breeding season that is considered as control(T2), and treatment T1 and T3 were prepared artificially mixing with water and sea salt respectively. Broods are reared in containers until hatching and zoea was transferred to earthen pens immediately after hatching. Zoea were reared in earthen pens until turns to crablet(0.027 ± 0.005 g). The broods as well as crablet were identified through molecular barcoding and confirmed species as Scylla olivicea. Besides, morphometric characters like weight(126.22 ± 0.19 g), carapace length(6.36 ± 0.08 cm), carapace width(9.08 ± 0.08 cm), carapace color(brownish to brownish green), Anterolateral margin and teeth (3.79 ± 0.05 cm), abdomen length(3.04 ± 0.02 cm), hand (5.50 ± 0.03 cm), carpus(2.54 ± 0.04), antenna (2.69 ± 0.07), frontal margin(2.90 ± 0.07 cm), dactylus(3.13 ± 0.06 cm), thoracic sternites(4.17 ± 0.10), merus(4.16 ± 0.11 cm) etc. are also assessed during the experiment. The hatching rate, survival %, incubation period and other parameters are significantly different among the treatments. The highest hatching rate was observed in T2(91.34 ± 4.61 %) and lowest was in T1(57.98 ± 1.38) whereas the highest survival rate was recorded in T2(10.53 ± 1.56) and lowest observed in T1(2.87 ± 0.68). The order of incubation was T1(12.3 days)>T3(11 days)>T2(8.67days) observed during experiment. The cannibalism rate was also estimated in this experiment and observed cannibalism rate was 71.20 ± 2.08. Natural mud crab breeding is easy and can be applicable in fields at low cost with significant survival rate.

Effect of Foliar Sprays of Phenylalanine, Nano-potash and Potassium Sulphate on Fruit Quality Attributes of Apple (Malus x domestica Borkh) cv. Ambri

The present investigation was carried out at Experimental field of Ambri Apple Research Centre (AARC), Shopian, SKUAST-Kashmir, during the year 2022-2023. Eight treatments, viz; control (water spray), potassium sulphate (5 g per litre of water), phenylalanine (@ 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3%), nano-potash (@ 1, 2 and 3ml/l of water) were selected for colour improvement. The treatments were applied 30 days prior to harvest. The experiment was laid in complete randomised block design with 3 replications having 3 trees per replication. The results showed that all the treatments outperformed control in terms of chemical characteristics. The treatment T4 (Phenylalanine @ 0.3%) significantly excelled in all the treatments applied. Significantly higher anthocyanin content (14.41 mg/100g), antioxidants (75.71 %), total sugars (12.98 %), TSS (16.23 %), fruit chlorophyll (0.59 mg/g fw) and fruit ascorbic acid (23.93 %) was recorded in T4 (Phenylalanine @ 0.3%) as compared to other treatments. According to the current study, apple cultivar Ambri responded favourably to the application of foliar phenylalanine in improving chemical traits, which otherwise lacks in this cultivar. The application of Phe @ 0.3% , 30 days prior to harvest proved superior in enhancing the quality attributes, notably the anthocyanin content of apple cv. Ambri.

Effect of different levels of nitrogen in combination with nano urea on growth, yield and quality of crossandra (Crossandra infundibuliformis L.) cv. Lakshmi

An investigation on the effect of different levels of nitrogen in combination with nano urea on growth, yield and quality of crossandra (Crossandra infundibuliformis L.) cv. Lakshmi was carried out in the Floriculture unit, Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Chidambaram during the year 2022-2024. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with 14 treatments and 3 replications. Among the different treatments, the treatment T5 (100% PK + 75% N through urea + 0.4% Nano urea (3 sprays)) resulted in increased growth attributes such as plant height (85.21 cm), stem girth (7.95 cm), number of branches/plant (24.51), number of leaves/plant (99.29), leaf area (95.41 cm2) and chlorophyll content (0.840 mg/g). With regards to yield attributes, the treatment T8 (100% PK + 50% N through urea + 0.4% Nano urea (3 sprays)) showed early spike emergence (37.54 days), time taken for 1st flowering (44.83 days) with an increase in number of spikes/plant (36.27), spike length (14.21 cm) and number of flowers/spike (39.21). 100 flower weight (8.62 g), flower yield/plant (51.03 g), flower yield/plot (974.76 g/plot), estimated flower yield/ hectare (32.49 q/ha) and quality attributes like xanthophyll content (69.42 mg/g), carotenoid content (57.76 mg/g), shelf life of flowers (74.88 hours), longevity of flower in the plant (95.52 hours) and flowers with an excellent quality of visual scoring (9.16) were also observed the maximum in the treatment T8. The treatment control (T1) had the lowest value for all the growth, yield and quality attributes. Hence, it is concluded that the treatment T8 (100% PK + 50% N through urea + 0.4% Nano urea (3 sprays)) was found to be the best combination for improving the growth, yield and quality of crossandra cv. Lakshmi.

Influence of N, P, K, Rhizobium and Vermicompost on Soil Health Parameters and Yield of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) var. Samrat

An experiment was conducted on “Influence of N, P, K, Rhizobium and Vermicompost on Soil Health Parameters and Yield of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) var. Samrat”. during zaid season 2023-2024 at the central research farm, department research farm of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, The design applied was 3x3 RBD having three levels each of vermicompost and N.P.K i.e., 0, 50, and 100% respectively and three levels of rhizobium treated seed @ 0, 50, 100%. The result obtained in treatment T9 (N25P50K25 kg ha-1 + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 and rhizobium @ 200g 10 kg-1) has showed a slight change in soil pH i.e., 6.79 and EC i.e., 0.208 dS m-1. The post-harvest soil samples have showed significant increase in pore space, water holding capacity and organic carbon i.e., about 49.20 %, 47.59 % and 0.49 % respectively. Whereas available N, P and K found to be 334.12 kg ha-1, 34.36 kg ha-1, and 204.28 kg ha-1 respectively. The increase in NPK (kg ha-1) was found to be significant among all treatments in green gram cultivation and soil quality improvement. The best results among all treatment combination with respect to plant height (65.76 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (44.34), number of branches plant-1 (14.58), number of grain pod-1 (14.28), number of pod plant-1 (42.11) and seed yield q ha-1 (16.67) were found in treatment combination T9 (N25P50K25 kg ha-1 + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 and Rhizobium @ 200g 10 kg-1. T9 gave the highest gross return with ₹ 1,49,030 and the benefit of ₹ 29,849.13 with highest cost benefit ratio i.e., 1:1.38. vermicompost along with other combinations has showed improvement in soil health as well as in crop development and yield. Study has also revealed that the application of N, P, and K with vermicompost was an excellent source for fertilization than sole fertilizers.

Enhancing Yield and Nitrogen Utilization of Boro Rice with Urea Super Granules

A field experiment was conducted at the Soil Science Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during boro season to assess the comparative performance of prilled urea (PU) and urea super granule (USG) on the growth, yield, and nitrogen uptake of BRRI dhan29. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatment combinations were T1: Control, T2: PU at 7 days after transplanting (DAT)+27 DAT+47 DAT, T3: PU at 10 DAT+30 DAT+50 DAT, T4: PU at 15 DAT+35 DAT+55 DAT, T5: USG at transplanting, T6: USG at 7 DAT, T7: USG at 10 DAT and T8: USG at 10 DAT+30 DAT where PU and USG were applied @ 216 kg N ha-1. PU was applied as surface broadcasting whereas USG was placed at 6-8 cm depth by hand between four hills at every alternate row. The results revealed that all the treatments showed better performances than control (T1). Results found that yield components, yield, and nitrogen uptake of BRRI dhan29 responded significantly to deep placement of USG than PU. Treatment T6 (USG at 7 DAT) produced the highest grain and straw yields of 6.56 t ha-1 and 6.95 t ha-1 respectively. Treatment T6 (USG at 7 DAT) also showed the highest grain yield increase (57.16%) and straw yield increase (52.37%) over control. The highest grain, straw, and total N uptake of 87.28, 32.71 and 120 kg ha-1 respectively were obtained in the treatment T6 (USG at 7 DAT). The overall results clearly indicate that deep placement of USG at 7 DAT in rice field increases rice yield and efficient uptake of the applied N. So, treatment T6 (USG at 7 DAT) could be recommended as best treatment for reducing N losses, conserving environment and improving sustainable production of rice.

Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield, Soil, and Plant Nutrient Status in Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis L.) cv. Phule Mosambi

ABSTRACT Impact of integrated nutrient management on plant and soil nutrient status in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L.) cv. Phule Mosambi was investigated for two consecutive years i.e. 2019 and 2020 at the Horticultural Research Farm, College of Horticulture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) comprised of 11 treatments replicated thrice. Significantly higher yield was recorded with T11 [50% Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN) + 20 kg farmyard manure (FYM)/tree +25% nitrogen (N) from Castor Cake + 10 ml Bio NPK Consortium + Micronutrient foliar spray (1% Grade IV)] (17.35 and 17.01 t/ha) which was at par with T10 (15.92 and 15.56 a t/ha) during 2019 and 2020, respectively. Amongst the treatments, T11 had increased the nutrient contents of soil as well as in plant and recorded maximum available nitrogen (N), available potassium (K), soil boron (B) content, plant nitrogen (N) content, plant iron (Fe) content, plant copper (Cu) content and plant boron (B) content in both the years whereas available phosphorous (P) was found higher in treatment T7 in both the years. Treatment T8 recorded highest soil copper (Cu) content in both the years. As far as plant zinc (Zn) content is concerned, it was found higher in treatment T9 in both the years.