Treatment T1 Research Articles

Effect of GA3 and Nutrient Sprays on Growth of Kokum (Garcinia indica Choisy) Seedlings

An experiment was conducted at the College of Horticulture, Dapoli, during the year 2023 - 2024. The study was conducted using a Randomized Block Design with eight treatments, each replicated three times and the treatments included T1- GA3 @ 250 ppm, T2- GA3 @ 300 ppm, T3- GA3 @ 350 ppm, T4- 19:19:19 @ 0.5%, T5- 19:19:19 @ 1%, T6- 19:19:19 @ 2%, T7- 19:19:19 @ 2.5% and T8- Control with the aim to evaluate the influence of GA3 and nutrient sprays on the growth of kokum seedlings and to identify the optimal concentrations that would enhance growth and grafting success. The highest seedling height (28.53 cm), number of leaves (19.87), girth at collar region (3.44 mm) number of nodes (8.07) and internodal length (2.09 cm) were recorded in treatment T3 i.e. spraying with GA3 @ 350 ppm. The highest survival percentage of seedlings (96.00%), minimum number of days for obtaining 80 percent graftable seedlings (142.33 days), overall percentage of graftable seedlings (90.00%) and maximum percentage of graft success (94.82%) found in treatment T3.

Harvesting Rainwater and Utilizing for Supplemental Irrigation to Enhance Crop Productivity under Rainfed Conditions: A Case Study of North Eastern Ghats Zone of Odisha

Rainwater harvesting-cum-supplemental irrigation is an important strategy to enhance crop water productivity under rainfed conditions. This study was conducted to assess efficacy of farm pond in harvesting rainwater and utilizing for irrigation to okra-radish cropping sequence during 2018-19 and 2019-20 at Phulbani, Odisha. In this study, runoff harvested from a catchment area of 0.5 ha and stored in farm pond was quantified. Also, seepage and evaporation losses from the farm pond were determined along with computation of area that could be irrigated from the stored water. Three irrigation treatments were considered, namely, T1 – life-saving irrigation to okra and one protective irrigation of 5 cm to radish, T2 –life-saving irrigation to okra and two protective irrigations of 5 cm each to radish, T3 – control without any protective irrigation. Rainwater harvesting potential of the study areavariedfrom8.3% to 8.9% of rainfall. Evaporation and seepage losses from the pond varied from30.6% to27.4% and from18.21% to 17.4% during 2018 and 2019, respectively. About 26.35% and 24.8% of the harvested rainwater was utilized for providing life saving irrigations to 0.4 ha cropped area during Kharif and Rabi seasons in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Treatment T2 consisting of one life saving irrigation to okra and two irrigations to radish resulted in the highest okra equivalent yield (OEY) of 10,156 kg ha-1 and 10,228 kg ha-1during 2018 and 2019, respectively. Crop water productivity was found to be the highest, i.e.,0.63 and 0.632 kg m-3 during 2018 and 2019, respectively for treatment T2. Therefore, pond water can be used for providing life-saving irrigation to the vegetable crops, which resulted in higher returns due to increased crop yields. It will also be possible for the farmers to go for the second crop in Rabi season.

Determining the Effect of Growing Media on Growth and Flowering of Rose

The present study aimed to determine the effect of Growing Media on Growth and Flowering of Rose. The study investigation was carried out in the Experimental Farm, Dept. of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat for the year 2022-2023 with a view to assess the effect of growing media on growth and flowering of rose (Variety Revival). The experiment was carried out in Completely Randomized Design consisting of 9 treatment combination viz., T1 {Sandy loam + Sand + FYM @ 1:1:1 (w/w)}, T2 {Loam soil + Sand + FYM @ 1:1:1 (w/w)}, T3 {Clay loam + Sand + FYM @ 1:1:1 (w/w)}, T4 {Sandy loam + Sand + Vermicompost @ 1:1:1 (w/w)}, T5 {Loam soil + Sand + Vermicompost @ 1:1:1 (w/w)}, T6 {Clay loam + Sand + Vermicompost @ 1:1:1 (w/w)}, T7 {Sandy loam + Sand + Vermicompost (10% substituted with Cocopeat) @ 1:1:1 (w/w)}, T8 {Loam soil + Sand + Vermicompost (10% substituted with Cocopeat) @ 1:1:1 (w/w)}, T9 {Clay loam + Sand + Vermicompost (10% substituted with Cocopeat) @ 1:1:1 (w/w)}, which were replicated three times. The test crop positively responded to the growing media and the highest performance was observed for the treatment T8. Stem girth, number of nodes, intermodal length, leaf area and leaf area index, days taken to bud visibility, bud sprouting, half bloom and full bloom, length of stalk and diameter of bud, number of flowers, number of petals per flower and flowering duration (self-life) and diameter of flower were significantly enhanced by the treatment T8.

Impact of plant nutrients and organic substances on growth, yield, and quality attributes of Anna apple cultivar under semi-arid conditions

The unique challenges posed by semi-arid climates, including soil nutrient limitations and organic matter decline, underscore the importance of effective nutrient and organic substance management to ensure optimal yields, quality, and environmental sustainability. A field experiment was conducted at Horticulture Farm of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during two succeeding years, 2020–21 and 2021–22, to identify optimal nutrient management strategies of different plant nutrients and organic substances on growth, flowering, quality, and yield attributes of the “Anna” apple cultivar. The experiment consisted of nineteen treatments in an RBD system. The plant growth parameters [leaf area (33.64 cm2) and trunk girth (13.16 cm)] when applied 2.0% Urea (N) + 15% Cow urine-T12. Whereas, the number of flower buds (232.83/m2) and flowering duration (39.00 days) were found better with T6. Similarly, [fruit volume (158.95 cm3), number of fruit (63.33/tree) and fruit drop (70.54%)] and [TSS: acid ratio (22.60), reducing sugars (7.17%), non-reducing sugars (2.83%), total protein (0.97 g 100 g−1), starch index (3.59)] were superior with the application of treatment T6. Higher content of boron (80.09 ppm) was estimated in treatment T6, zinc (24.69 ppm) in T9, iron (134.67 ppm) in T1, and manganese (59.94 ppm) in T12 during the experimentation. Therefore, it was concluded that treatment T12 was most effective for enhancing plant growth while treatment T6 was found superior for flowering, high yield, and quality of apple cv. Anna fruit under semi-arid conditions.

Intercomparison of Different Agrochemicals (Herbicides) and Manual Methods of Weed Control on Weed Population and Weed Control Efficiency in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop in Himachal Pradesh Dist

Aims: A research study entitled Intercomparison of different Agrochemicals (Herbicides) and manual methods of weed control on weed population and weed control efficiency in wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L.) in Himachal Pradesh district Mandi. Study Design: The experiment was designed using a Randomized Block design method. Place and Duration of Study: Department of agronomy, School of Agriculture, Abhilashi university, Chail Chowk, Mandi, (H.P.) during the Rabi season of 2022-23. Methodology: The field trail was conducted with eight treatments and replicated thrice. The investigation included eight different weed control techniques i.e. T1 -weedy check, T2 - weed free, T3 - hand weeding at 30 DAS, T4 - 2, 4-D @ 0.5 kg a.i. ha-1 + Sulfosulfuron @ 0.02 kg a.i. ha-1 at 30 DAS,T5 - Pendimethalin @ 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1(P.E) + Quizalofop-ethyl @ 50 gm a.i ha-1 (PoE at 25 DAS) + one hand weeding, T6 - 2, 4-D @ 0.5 kg a.i. ha-1, T7 - 2, 4-D @ 0.5 kg a.i. ha-1 + one hand weeding at 30 DAS, T8 - 2, 4-D @ 0.5 kg a.i. ha-1 + two hand weeding at 30 and 45 DAS. Results: The investigation found that the most effective ways to control weeds are by keeping the area completely weed free by using pendimethalin @ 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1(P.E) + Quizalofop-ethyl @ 50 gm a.i ha-1(PoE at 25 DAS) + one Hand weeding (Treatment T2) was found the most successful in terms of achieving the lowest weed density and highest weed control efficiency. Application of pendimethalin @ 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1(P.E) + Quizalofop-ethyl @ 50 gm a.i ha-1 (PoE at 25 DAS) + one hand weeding was found to be better than using herbicides to reduce weed infestation in wheat crops. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that integrated weed management practices weed-free treatment was the most effective option for managing weeds in wheat.

Assessment of Soil Enzyme Activity in Soybean Fields under Long-Term Fertilization and Manuring Practices

The experiment carried out in this field study was between at theAICRP Research Farm in the outward-bound farm of the College of Agriculture, Indore. Indore is a small city in the western part of Madhya Pradesh, Central India, situated on the Malwa Plateau. An experiment was conducted with three replications by using different combination of N, P levels and crop residues in RBD design. Experiment field was medium to black soil with pH of 7.63 and medium in organic carbon 0.58%. The soil was low in available nitrogen (208.0 kgha-1) medium in available phosphorus (21.0 kgha-1) and high in potassium (585 kg ha-1) and divided into gross plot size of 10 x 7.2 m2 and a net plot size of 9 x 6.4 m2, respectively. During crop harvest four different depths were used to gather the soil samples: 0–10, 10–20, 20–30, and 30–40 cm. All the collected samples are examined separated for Dehydrogenase, Urease enzyme, Acid & alkaline phosphate, Arysulphatase activity. The finding showed that maximum soil DHA, Urease, Acid & alkaline phosphate, Arysulphataseactivitywas observed with the application of treatment T6 treatment (FYM 6 t ha-1 + N20 P13.

Effect of Blending Cashew Apple (Anacardium occidentale L.) and Aonla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) Juice on Fermentation of Wine

A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed to assess nine different treatment combinations, varying in juice ratios and fermentation conditions. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of blending cashew apple and aonla juices on the quality and fermentation characteristics of the resulting wine. While studying the chemical composition of cashew apple and aonla juice, cashew apple juice had a maximum value for T.S.S., reducing sugars, total sugars and pH. Aonla aonla juice had a maximum value for titratable acidity, ascorbic acid and tannin content. The T.S.S. of must was adjusted to 24 ºBrix and pH kept natural. The T.S.S. and pH was found to be decreased during fermentation of must. The treatment T5 i.e. 60 % cashew apple: 40 % aonla juice (6.13 ºBrix) recorded lowest T.S.S. and T9 i.e. 20 % cashew apple: 80 % aonla juice (10.53 ºBrix) recorded highest T.S.S. at 12th day of fermentation. The lowest pH recorded in treatment T9 i.e. 20 % cashew apple: 80 % aonla juice (2.10) and highest recorded in T1 i.e. 100 % cashew apple juice (3.38) at 12th day of fermentation. On the other hand, titratable acidity of must was found to be increased during fermentation of must. The minimum titratable acidity was found in treatment T1 i.e. 100 % cashew apple juice (0.62 %) and maximum was recorded in T9 i.e. 20 % cashew apple: 80 % aonla juice (1.74 %) at 12th day of fermentation. The yeast count increases rapidly until the 3rd day (1524 x 103) and after that yeast count subsequently declined until the fermentation reaches the 12th day (36.07 x 103), irrespective of treatments. At the end of fermentation (12th day) highest yeast count was recorded by treatment T5 i.e. 60 % cashew apple: 40 % aonla juice (60 x 103) and lowest yeast count was recorded by treatment T9 i.e. 20 % cashew apple: 80 % aonla juice (21 x103). Wine recovery from must ranged between 73.86 and 83.20 per cent. As a result, treatment T5 (60 % cashew apple juice: 40 % aonla juice) showed better fermentation among all other treatments.

Performance of Gobhi Sarson (Brassica napus L.) under Integrated Nutrient Management

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season (2023-24) at Agricultural Research Farm, School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, RIMT University Mandi Gobindgarh, to study the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) in Gobhi Sarson (Brassica napus L.). The experimental field was laid out in randomized complete block design with 10 treatments and replicated thrice. The experiment comprised of 10 treatments i.e. T1 -Control, T2 -100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) (40:20::N:P2O5 kg ha-1), T3 -125% RDF, T4 -150% RDF, T5 -50% RDF + 15 t Farm Yard Manure (FYM) ha-1, T6 -50% RDF + 20 t FYM ha-1, T7 -75% RDF + 15 t FYM ha-1, T8 -75% RDF + 20 t FYM ha-1, T9 -100% RDF + 15 t FYM ha-1 and T10 -100% RDF + 20 t FYM ha-1. The result revealed that growth parameters were significantly higher in treatment T10 -100% RDF + 20 t FYM ha-1 plant population (21.79 m-2), plant height (157.9 cm), number of branches plant-1 (17.15), chlorophyll content (55.74) and yield and yield attributes were also significantly higher in treatment T10 -100% RDF + 20 t FYM number of siliquae plant-1 (291.0), siliqua length (8.423 cm), number of seeds siliqua-1 (23.01), 1000 seed weight (3.45 g), seed yield (23.45 q ha-1), straw yield (59.04 q ha-1) and harvest index (28.80 %) were observed. From this study it may be concluded that the combination of RDF and FYM enhanced the overall growth, yield and yield attributes of Gobhi Sarson.

Study on the Effect of Foliar Fertilizers on the Growth and Yield of V108 Heat-Tolerant Cucumber Variety

This study evaluates the efficacy of various foliar fertilizers on the growth and yield of the heat-tolerant cucumber variety TV108. The experimental design included six different foliar fertilizers and a control, with applications made weekly at a concentration of 1 mL per liter of water. Results showed that all foliar treatments significantly enhanced plant height compared to the control. Among these, Treatment T4 (ATONIK foliar fertilizer) demonstrated the most pronounced effect, achieving a main stem height of 216.57 cm by the 70th day, which was significantly higher than other treatments and the control. Treatment T4 also excelled in increasing stem diameter, with a final measurement of 1.48 cm, and in promoting both male and female flower formation. The fruit set rate was highest in Treatment T4, reaching 28.67% on day 56 and maintaining at 8.67% by day 70. This treatment also proved most effective in reducing the incidence of key diseases and pests, including powdery mildew, white mold, green worms, and yellow beetles. Regarding yield, Treatment T4 produced the highest individual fruit yield (2.32 kg/plant), actual yield (33.8 tons/ha), and theoretical yield (84.91 tons/ha). Additionally, it enhanced fruit quality, as indicated by the largest fruit length (15.22 cm), diameter (4.13 cm), and the highest Brix value (3.50%). These results substantiate that Treatment T4 is the most effective foliar fertilizer for enhancing both growth and quality of heat-tolerant cucumbers under experimental conditions.

Effect of Organic Manure on Growth, Yield and Quality of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) under Prayagraj Climatic Condition in Shade Net House

The present study entitled “Effect of organic manure on growth, yield and quality of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) under prayagraj climatic condition in shade net house” was carried out at the experiment field of the department of horticulture, Allahabad school of agriculture, SHUATS, Prayagraj during the year 2023-2024. Organic manures treatments include T0 Control T1 FYM (12t/ha.) T2 Poultry Manure (8t/ha.) T3 Vermi-compost (10t/ha.) T4 Coco-peat (1t/ha.) T5 50% FYM +50% Poultry Manure (6t/ha+4t/ha) T6 50% FYM + 50% Vermi-compost (6t/ha + 5t/ha.) T7 50% Poultry Manure + Vermi-compost (4t/ha+5t/ha) T8 25% FYM+ 25% Poultry Manure + 25% Coco-peat+ 25% Vermi-compost (3t/ha. + 2t/ha. + 0.25t/ha+ 2.5t/ha.) The effect of Organic Manure on growth and yield of Strawberry recorded maximum plant height, plant spread and number of leaves in T8 18.89 DAT, 23.78 DAT, 18.12 DAT respectively. Floral characters significantly took minimum days. The maximum fruit weight 25.31gram were recorded in T8 with highest yield 331.32 g/plant. Quality parameters includes maximum T.S.S (8.16) 0Brix along with minimum acidity percentage (0.55%). On the basis of our experimental findings it was concluded that the treatment T8: 25% FYM + 25% Poultry Manure + 25% Coco-peat + 25% Vermi-compost (3t/ha. + 2t/ha. + 0.25t/ha. + 2.5t/ha.) was found to be best in the terms of vegetative parameters, phenological parameters, flowering and fruiting parameters, yield and quality parameters. The benefit cost ratio was highest in the same treatment with (3.50).

Exogenous selenium mitigates cadmium uptake and accumulation in two rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties in cadmium-contaminated soil

Rice grown in cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil, is a potential threat to human health, but exogenous selenium (Se) application on rice can mitigate Cd toxicity. However, the mechanisms underlying Se mitigation of Cd stress in ratoon rice (RR) are still poorly understood. We conducted a pot experiment with moderate Cd-contaminated yellow–brown paddy soil on two rice varieties ‘Taoyouxiangzhan’ (TX) and ‘Liangyou 6326’(LY). For all treatments, 1.0 mg kg−1 sodium selenite solution was added to soil. Treatment T1 was sodium selenite only, and in the other treatments 100 mg L−1 Se solution was sprayed on the leaves at seedling stage (T2), at tillering stage (T3), and in early anthesis stage (T4). Se treatments decreased Cd accumulation in rice grains and herbage. Under foliar spraying 100 mg L−1 Se at the seedling + 1.0 mg kg−1 Se in soil (T2), leaf Cd content decreased 16.95% in the current season and grains content decreased 46.67% in the subsequent season. Furthermore, grain Se content increased 0.94 mg kg−1 for the TX variety combined with the analysis of Cd bio-accumulation factor in grains, and Se treatments effectively decreased Cd grain concentrations due to reduced Cd translocation from roots to grains. TX variety rice showed a more pronounced response to Se treatments than LY.

Improving Okra Production by Poultry Manure Application in Highland Acid Oxisols of Dschang, Western Cameroon

Problem Statement: Low yields of crops in Sub-saharan Africa are often associated with low soil fertility. However, due to high cost and negative environmental impact of chemical fertilizers, using cheap and readily available organic manures such as poultry manure (PM) has become indispensable. Aim: To evaluate the effect of different rates of PM on soil fertility and the performance of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in the Cameroon Western Highlands. Methodology: The study was carried out in the field and in the laboratory. The experimental plot (191.25 m2) in the field was designed in a randomized complete block design with six treatments and three replications: 0 t ha-1 of PM (To), 3 t ha-1 of PM (T1), 6 t ha-1 of PM (T2), 9 t ha-1 of PM (T3), 12 t ha-1 of PM (T4), and 250 kg of NPK 12-14-19 (T5). Soil samples were analyzed in the laboratory by standard procedures before and after treatment. Results: Treatment T0 had a clay loam texture, acidic pH (5.4), relatively high organic carbon content (1.92%), moderate total nitrogen (0.33%) and moderate available phosphorus (36.07 mg kg-1). The exchangeable complex revealed high K+ (1.02 cmol kg-1), low Ca2+ (2.60 cmol kg-1) and Mg2+ (1.04 cmol kg-1), average Na+ (0.33 cmol kg-1). After treatment, soil pHH2O, available phosphorus and exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg increased after harvest whereas Na decreased for all the treatments. The effect of the treatments on growth parameters was such that T3>T4>T1>T5>T2>T0. The global trend of yield parameters was such that T3>T4>T5>T1>T0>T2. Economically, treatments T3, T4, and T5 were profitable and recommendable for popularization, with a benefit-to-cost-ratio (BCR) >2. The most economically viable treatment was T3 with a profit rate (PR) of 601.66% and a BCR value of 7.02, while T2 was the least economically viable treatment with a negative PR of -32.14% and a BCR of -33.67. Conclusion: Farmers in Western highlands can produce okra profitably and sustainably using PM at a rate of 9 tha-1f.

Evaluation of the Impact of a Fertilizer Mixture from Plant Extracts and Urea on Corn Yield in Vietnam

This study evaluates the impact of a fertilizer mixture combining plant extracts and urea on the growth and yield of NK54 maize in Vietnam. The experimental design included five treatments with different combinations of urea and plant extracts, compared against a control treatment. Growth parameters such as plant height, leaf number, leaf area, and leaf area index (LAI) were monitored throughout the growing season. The results indicated that the application of urea-coated plant extracts significantly improved growth duration, plant height, and leaf development compared to conventional urea fertilization. Specifically, treatments using the urea-plant extract mixture achieved higher plant heights and leaf area, with Treatment T3 (9 ml concentrated extract + 1 kg Urea) showing the highest theoretical and actual yields. The theoretical yield ranged from 63.62 to 68 q/ha, and the actual yield ranged from 43.7 to 48.4 q/ha, with Treatment T3 consistently outperforming others. The findings suggest that integrating plant extracts with urea can enhance maize growth and yield, highlighting the importance of optimizing fertilization strategies for improving crop productivity.

EFFECT OF SOIL CONDITIONERS APPLIED TO SEED ON GRAIN YIELD AND YIELD CHARACTERISTICS IN WHEAT

This study, researching the effect of seed treatment with liquid soil conditioners on yield properties of bread wheat varieties, was completed in 2017 and 2018 in the experimental field of Tekirdag Namik Kemal University Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops. The experiments were conducted with 3 bread wheat varieties and 4 soil amendments (control + 3 different liquid soil amendments) in 3 repetitions. Flamura 85, Selimiye and Esperia bread wheat varieties, commonly sown in the Thrace region were used as experimental material. In the experiment, 4 different treatments including 3 different soil regulators and 1 control (T1: Control; T2: 13-5-8+glycine betaine; T3: 15% organic matter, 15% humic and fulvic acid+0.03% potassium and T4: 25% organic matter + 65% humic acid + 6% potassium (T4) were made. Seeds treated with a spray and then dried were sown as split plot experimental design. In the study, the variations in the plant height (PH), spike length (SL), number of spikelets per spike (NSS), number of grains per spike (NGS), grain weight per spike (GWS), spike fertility index (SFI), harvest index (HI) and grain yield (GY) parameters were investigated for the bread wheat varieties. According to the research results, all soil conditioners applied to seeds were determined to affect the investigated characters at a statistically significant level. T4 treatment caused clear increases in the SL, NSS, NGS, GWS and GY parameters. For the PH parameter, T3 treatment caused a significant increase, while for the SFI parameter, T2 treatment caused a significant increase. For the HI parameter, treatments T2 and T3 had the highest effect. T4 treatment caused an increase in plant height for the Flamura 85 variety, reduced the plant height of the Selimiye variety and had no statistically significant effect on the Esperia variety. Spike characteristics like SL, NSS and NGS increased compared to controls with all soil conditioner treatments, while parameters like GWS and BFI differed according to variety. For the HI parameter, the T2 treatment of the Selimiye and Esperia varieties and the T3 treatment of Flamura 85 variety provided highest results. Grain yield, the most important parameter for wheat, provided the highest results in different soil conditioner treatments depending on the variety; the most significant increases were observed in Esperia variety with T2 treatment and in Flamura 85 variety with T3 treatment.

Yield, Nutrient Availability and Soil Properties of Pearl Millet as Influenced by Enriched Phosphocompost

Aims: Soil Properties, Yield and Nutrient Availability for Pearl Millet as Influenced by Enriched Phosphocompost Study Design: Randomized Block Design Place of Study: Bajra Research Scheme, College of Agriculture, Dhule. Methodology: There were 10 treatments viz. T1- Control, T2- 100 % Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF), T3- 100% RDF + 2.5 t Bajra straw phosphocompost ha-1, T4- 100% RDF+ 2.5 t Cotton stalks phosphocompost ha-1, T5- 100% RDF + 2.5 t FYM ha-1, T6- 100% RDF + 5 t FYM ha-1, T7- 75% RDF + 2.5 t Bajra straw phosphocompost ha-1, T8- 75% RDF + 2.5 t Cotton stalks phosphocompost ha-1, T9- 75 % RDF + 2.5 t FYM ha-1, T10- 75% RDF + 5 t FYM ha-1. Results: The results indicated that yield, nutrient uptake and soil properties viz. organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, soil available N, P, K and micronutrients were found highest in treatments T4- 100 % RDF+ 2.5 t Cotton stalks phosphocompost ha-1 and treatment T3- 100% RDF+ 2.5 t bajra straw phosphocompost ha-1 and lowest in treatment T1- Control. Conclusion: Based on the experimental findings application of 100 % RDF+ 2.5 t Cotton stalks phosphocompost ha-1 and 100% RDF+ 2.5 t bajra straw phosphocompost ha-1 were beneficial in terms of yield parameter, plant nutrient uptake and soil chemical properties on pearl millet.

Wood biochar induced metal tolerance in Maize (Zea mays L.) plants under heavy metal stress

Due to metal toxicity, widespread industrialization has negatively impacted crop yield and soil quality. The current study was aimed to prepare and characterize biochar made from wood shavings of Pinus roxburghii and to determine the plant growth promoting and heavy metal detoxification of cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) contaminated soil. FTIR SEM coupled with EDX characterization of biochar was performed; Cd and Cr were used at a rate of 20 mg/kg. Biochar was used at the rate of 50 mg/kg for various treatments. The completely randomized design (CRD) was used for the experiment and three replicates of each treatment were made. Various agronomic and enzymatic parameters were determined. The results indicated that all growth and enzymatic parameters were enhanced by the prepared biochar treatments. The most prominent results were observed in treatment T5 (in which shoot length, root length, peroxidase dismutase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalyzes (CAT), and chlorophyll a and b increased by 28%, 23%, 40%, 41%, 42%, and 27%, respectively, compared to the control). This study demonstrated that biochar is a sustainable and cost-effective approach for the remediation of heavy metals, and plays a role in plant growth promotion. Farmers may benefit from the current findings, as prepared biochar is easier to deliver and more affordable than chemical fertilizers. Future research could clarify how to use biochar optimally, applying the minimum amount necessary while maximizing its benefits and increasing yield.

Influence of Different Planting Methods and High-Density Planting on Yield and Economic Parameters in Banana cv. Williams

High density planting is one of novel concepts and it’s effectively increase productivity of per unit area without affecting the fruit quality. Gross yield of banana per hectare mainly depends on yield of per plant and number of plants per hectare. The study was carried out at ICAR- All India Coordinated Research Project on Fruits, Kittur Rani Channamma College of Horticulture, Arabhavi in Belgavi district, Karnataka to study influence of different planting density on both yield and economic parameters of banana cv. Williams during 2021-22. It was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications and eight treatments. The results revealed that, the highest values for bunch parameters like bunch length (97.77 cm), bunch width (93.57 cm), number of hands per bunch (11.93), number of fingers in third hand (21.53) and weight of third hand (2.97 kg) was recorded in wider spacing treatment T4 (Single row - 2.4×1.8 m). Regarding to yield parameters like highest bunch weight per hill (36.09 kg) was recorded in T6 (3 plants per hill- 2.7×1.8×0.3 m). While, highest yield per hectare (108.75 t/ha) was found in treatment T8 (Paired row with zig-zag - 2.1×1.2×1.2 m). With respect to the highest gross returns (10,33, 125.00 Rs/ha), net returns (5, 53,725.00 Rs/ha) and highest benefit cost ratio (2.15) was observed in T8 (paired row system of with zig-zag planting).

Water Quality Parameters of Sodic Soil Ponds Fertilized with Cattle Dung and Poultry Manure

A field experiment was conducted from August to November 2023 at the Instructional Fish Farm, College of Fisheries, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The study aimed to assess water quality parameters. The experimental design included fifteen earthen ponds (8m × 8m × 1m), divided into five treatments with three replicates each. The treatments were as follows: (T1) control with pond bottom soil base, (T2) pond bottom soil with cattle dung at 20 t/ha, (T3) pond bottom soil with cattle dung at 15 t/ha, (T4) pond bottom soil with poultry droppings at 10 t/ha, and (T5) pond bottom soil with poultry droppings at 7.5 t/ha. Over the 90-day experimental period each pond evaluated the effects of cattle dung andpoultry droppings on water quality parameter. Results demonstrated that the treatment with poultry droppings at 10 t/ha (T4) significantly enhanced water quality, proving to be superior to treatments with cattle dung, followed by treatment T2 (20 t/ha cattle dung).

Effect of in Ova Injection with Nano Selenium and Vitamin E on Hatch and Some Blood Biochemical Traits of Broiler Chicks Exposed to Fasting Condition

This investigation in the hatchery operated by Al-Anwar Poultry Group in Babylon governorate utilized 750 fertilized eggs from January 15 to February 6, 2019. The eggs were partitioned into 5 groups, as follows: T1, serving as a negative control treatment without injection, and T2, serving as a positive control therapy injected with distilled water. Each group included 150 fertilized eggs. Treatments T5, T4, and T3 involved administering a nutritional solution comprising Nano- selenium coupled with vitamin E at dosages of 15-30-45 ppm, respectively, via injection. Subsequently, the chicks were isolated from the injected egg treatments, and each treatment was further divided into three repetitions. The chicks were then cultivated experimentally for 48 hours without any food and were just provided with water. The subsequent outcomes were achieved: Treatment T3 showed a statistically significant difference (P ≤0.01) in the relative hatchability percentage. The treatment T2 (P ≤0.01) markedly outperformed the other treatments in terms of embryonic mortality percentage. There was also a significant excelled(P ≤0.05) for the treatment T1 in the concentration of blood cholesterol and during times 0-12-24-48 hours after hatching, a significant excelled (P ≤0.05) for the treatments T2, T1 in the concentration of triglycerides during the times 0-48 hours after hatching, and the treatment T2 excelled during the times 12-24 hours, a significant excelled (P ≤0.05) for the treatment T2 in the concentration of glucose Blood when hatching, and T3 and T1 treatments excelled12 hours, Treatment T2 at time 24 hours, and highly significant (P ≤0.01) for T2 and T1 at 48 hours after hatching, significant difference (P ≤0.05) for T5 in the concentration of GpX, was significant. Treatment T1 surpassed the established concentration of Malonaldehyde within the first 48 hours after hatching.

Growth and Yield Performance of Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) Swayed by Mulching and Organic Fertilizers

The utilization of organic fertilizers is currently on the rise to sustain higher food quality while minimizing environmental pollution. Mulching with organic materials maintains soil physical conditions, crucial for realizing a crop’s genetic yield potential even when all other requirements are met. Hence, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of mustard oil cake (MOC), poultry manure (PM) and vermicompost (V) alone and in combination with mulching (Mu) on growth and yield parameters of Tomato. Significant increases were (p ≤ 0.05) observed in plant height, leaf number, leaf area, stem girth, root length and root girth of tomato plants compared to the control (T1), where no fertilizers were applied. At 90 days after transplantation (DAT), the T9 (V8Mu0) treatment resulted in the highest plant height (142 cm) and the longest root length (25 cm) while the maximum quantity of fresh weight (154.63 g plant-1) for tomato plant was obtained from the treatment T6, which received vermicompost at 4 t ha-1 with mulching. Application of poultry manure at the rate of 8 t ha-1 without mulching (T8) resulted in a significant higher number (14 fruits plant-1) of green tomatoes. Fresh weight of green tomatoes were varied significantly (p ≤ 0.05) among the treatments with the maximum fresh weight obtained from the T₉ (128.97 g plant-1) and the minimum from T₁ (12.73 g plant-1) treatments. Nitrogen, P, K, Ca, Mg and S of green tomatoes varied significantly among the treatments. The utmost P, K, S, Ca and Mg contents (0.72, 6.26, 0.23, 0.54 and 0.31 g kg-1, respectively) of green tomatoes were recorded in the treatment T₆ (V₄Mu). Hence, the utilization of organic fertilizers, either alone or in conjunction with mulching, markedly enhanced the growth and yield of the tested vegetable, offering viable strategies for enhancing the yield potential. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 33(2): 53-65, 2024 (July)