Agricultural University Research Articles

The relationship of polymorphism of the SPEF2 gene to individual and mass motility in the Iraqi Holstein bulls

This study aimed to link the genetic variants of the sperm tail gene SPEF2 and both individual and mass motility to evaluate semen in the Iraqi Holstein bulls. This study was conducted in the College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, and the fields of the Artificial Insemination Centre of the Department of Livestock in the Abu Ghraib area/Ministry of Agriculture (25 km west of Baghdad), for the period from 11/15/2022 until 4/15/2023. The sequencing results were compared with the highest match rate in NCBI due to the occurrence of several different mutations, and the highest percentage of matching was with Chinese bulls that belong to the classification Bos taurus (Accession No. KF733182). The study's results clearly indicate a significant correlation between the polymorphism of the SBF2 gene and the rate of motility (individual and mass) in the Iraqi Holstein bulls. Therefore, this gene may be considered a molecular marker for selecting highly fertile bulls.

Investigation and Strategy Research on Chinese-English Translation Competence of College Students in an Agricultural University from the Perspective of International Communication

Investigation and Strategy Research on Chinese-English Translation Competence of College Students in an Agricultural University from the Perspective of International Communication

Research on College Students’ Competence of ‘‘Telling Chinese Stories Well’’ from the Perspective of International Communication in an Agricultural University

Research on College Students’ Competence of ‘‘Telling Chinese Stories Well’’ from the Perspective of International Communication in an Agricultural University

Comparative Effects of Superhydrophobic Sand and Plastic Mulches on Growth and Yield of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) under Arid Environments

Superhydrophobic sand (SHS) is a plastic-free mulching technology that reduces surface evaporation of water from irrigated soils. Here, we present the results of two experimental field trials conducted in the 2019–20 and 2021–22 cropping seasons, comparing the efficacy of SHS with those of traditional plastic mulches on the growth and yield performance of sweet pepper (Capsicum annum L.) plants. The experiments were conducted at the King Abdulaziz University (KAU) agriculture research station at Hada Al-Sham (21˚48′3″N, 39˚43′25″E), Al-Jamoom, Saudi Arabia. The effects of bare soil (i.e., control treatment), 5 mm SHS thickness, and 10 mm SHS thickness, along with white and black plastic mulches (120-μm-thick polyethylene) were recorded on the plants via a randomized complete block design with three replicate plots. We found significant benefits of all of the mulches during the 2021–22 season, as evidenced by 51% (P < 0.001), 31% (P = 0.0102), and 32% (P = 0.0048) more fruits for the 10-mm SHS, white plastic, and black plastic mulches, respectively, compared with the unmulched controls. Consequently, the total fruit yield per plant increased by 112% (P = 0.000), 71% (P < 0.001), and 83% (P < 0.001), under 10 mm SHS, white plastic, and black plastic mulches, respectively. Curiously, the field trial conducted in 2019 in an adjacent field did not reveal significant benefits of SHS, which we attribute partially to erratic rain showers and field heterogeneity. Taken together, this study and our previous work show that 10-mm-thick SHS mulch is optimal for boosting irrigation efficiency in regions where water is a limiting factor. Unlike plastic mulches, SHS biodegrades in <1 year and becomes a part of the sandy soil matrix, thereby obviating landfilling. Thus, the benefits of SHS exceed those of plastic mulches in terms of closing the yield gap and carbon footprint. These findings underscore the potential of SHS as a sustainable solution for growing plants in hot and dry arid regions in Saudi Arabia and globally.

FROM CLASSROOM TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP: ASSESSING KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS FOR AGRICULTURAL SELF-EMPLOYMENT AMONG SUA’S 2023/24 FINALYEAR STUDENTS

This study investigates the preparedness of final-year undergraduate students at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) for agricultural self-employment, with a focus on their perceived knowledge, technical skills, and soft skills. A structured survey was administered to 202 randomly selected students to assess their understanding of essential competencies for entrepreneurial success in agriculture. A t-test analysis identified gender differences, with male students reporting higher confidence than female students (p = 0.02). The findings reveal significant gaps in students' perceived knowledge, particularly in business management, financial planning, and marketing, with only 25% of students expressing confidence in these areas Regression analysis indicated that exposure to internships and entrepreneurship training positively impacted students' proficiency in these areas. Participation in internships and entrepreneurship workshops was associated with enhanced selfreported preparedness (p = 0.01 for both), highlighting the value of experiential learning. Technical skills, including crop and livestock management, business acumen, and technological literacy, showed moderate proficiency, but over 45% of students lacked proficiency in financial management, and more than 50% rated their technological literacy as low. Marketing and value chain management skills were also underdeveloped, with only 18% reporting high proficiency. Soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership, were assessed, with students showing confidence in communication and teamwork, while younger students (19-22 years) reported lower problem-solving skills. The study concludes that students possess foundational agricultural skills but require further training in business management, financial literacy, and technological adoption. The study recommends integrating business-focused modules, expanding technological training, and enhancing experiential learning opportunities to better prepare students for agricultural self-employment.

Corrigendum to: A Critical Assessment of Remdesivir

An error was found in the affiliations of the author in the article titled “A Critical Assessment of Remdesivir” published in Current Drug Therapy, 2024, 19(6) [1]. Details of the error and a correction are provided here. ORIGINAL 1Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, SGRR University, Patel Nagar, 248001, Bhubaneswar, 751003, Odisha, India; 2Department of Veterinary, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India; 3Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar, 23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; 4Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, 12622, Egypt. CORRECTED 1Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, SGRR University, Patel Nagar, 248001, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India; 2Department of Veterinary, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar-751003 Odisha, India; 3Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar, 23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; 4Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, 12622, Egypt We regret the error and apologize to readers. The original article can be found online at: https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/135774

Assessment of awareness and significance of Poi (Basella L.) among women at Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Gujarat

Assessment of awareness and significance of Poi (Basella L.) among women at Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Gujarat

A study on prevalence of morbidity and mortality due to different diseases in Assam hill goat in Assam agricultural university: Goat research station, Burnihat, Kamrup (m), Assam, India

A study on prevalence of morbidity and mortality due to different diseases in Assam hill goat in Assam agricultural university: Goat research station, Burnihat, Kamrup (m), Assam, India

Feasibility of using nitrogen distribution of milk to identify adulterated and reconstituted market milk

Objective: This study aimed to explore the viability of nitrogen distribution in milk to detect adulteration in market milk. Materials and Methods: Raw cow milk was obtained from the dairy farm at Bangladesh Agricultural University Dairy Farm (BAUDF). Fluid market milk, nonbranded bulk powdered milk, and local brand powdered milk were bought from the Mymensingh city area. The milk samples were T1 (milk from a known source—BAUDF, control group), T2 (reconstituted nonbranded bulk powdered milk), T3 (reconstituted local brand powdered milk), T4 (fluid market milk from Goala), T5 (mixture of 75% T1 and 25% T2), and T6 (mixture of 50% T1 and 50% T2). There were four replications in each variable, and the samples were tested for their physicochemical properties (specific gravity and acidity), gross composition (total solids, ash, milk fat, lactose, and total protein), and nitrogen distribution [casein nitrogen, noncasein nitrogen (NCN), and nonprotein nitrogen (NPN)]. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) among the milk samples about their physicochemical properties and gross composition. The T2 and T6 samples imparted lower protein content (p < 0.05). Much lower (p < 0.05) casein content was found in T2 and T6 than in T1. The NCN content among the samples also differed significantly (p < 0.05). All groups showed similar NPN values (p > 0.05) but the T1 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results from this study show the potential of the nitrogen distribution of milk to detect adulterated and reconstituted market milk; however, a hefty dataset is required before being adopted at the field level.

Registration of ‘Avant’ rice

Abstract‘Avant’ (Reg. no. CV‐161; PI 699954), an early‐maturing and high‐yielding long‐grain rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar, was developed by the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center at the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station near Crowley, LA, and was approved for release in 2021. Avant was selected from the cross ‘Trenasse’//‘Cocodrie’/‘Jefferson’/3/‘Ahrent’/‘Cocodrie’// Cocodrie/‘LaGrue’. It demonstrated good yield potential and favorable agronomic characteristics in the 2017 preliminary yield trial. From 2018 to 2023, Avant underwent evaluation in 54 replicated trials across nine locations in Louisiana. Four high‐yielding commercial cultivars were included as checks: ‘Mermentau’, ‘Cheniere’, ‘CL153’, and ‘CLL17’. The grain yield of Avant was 9.5 t ha−1 compared to 9.3 t ha−1 for Mermentau, 8.8 t ha−1 for Cheniere, 9.5 t ha−1 for CL153, and 9.3 t ha−1 for CLL17 across 46 trials from 2018 to 2023. Avant was significantly shorter than Mermentau, Cheniere, CL153, and CLL17. It exhibits cooking quality similar to typical US long‐grain rice. Avant is susceptible to sheath blight, moderately susceptible to leaf blast and bacterial panicle blight, and moderately resistant to narrow brown leaf spot.

Exploration and Practice of Practical Education Pathways in Agricultural and Forestry Universities under the Background of New Agricultural Science Construction: A Case Study of the Veterinary Medicine Major at Sichuan Agricultural University

The construction of new agricultural sciences is an important component of higher education in agriculture and forestry. It is conducive to accelerating the “Double First-Class” construction of agricultural and forestry colleges and universities, adapting to and leading the development needs of new business forms in the modern agricultural industry, and improving the quality of talent cultivation in agriculture and forestry. However, at present, under the background of new agricultural science construction, there are still some problems in the practice-oriented education of agricultural and forestry universities, such as the imperfect system and the insufficient depth of school-enterprise collaborative education, which have affected the effect of practice-oriented education. This paper analyzes the necessity of strengthening practice-oriented education in agricultural and forestry universities under the background of new agricultural sciences, dissects the dilemmas faced by the current practice-oriented education in agricultural and forestry universities, and proposes to improve the practice-oriented education system, jointly build a practice-oriented education alliance by schools and enterprises, organize special social practice activities and focus on cultivating college students’ scientific and technological innovation abilities, to improve the effectiveness and quality of practice-oriented education.

한국 농학의 주도 세력으로 성장 - 규슈제국대학 농학부의 조선인들

The Faculty of Agriculture of Kyushu Imperial University has been involved with Korea in various ways since its establishment. First, Honda Kōsuke was appointed as the first dean of the Faculty of Agriculture. He had served in Joseon for 13 years. He was an authority on Korean agriculture, having served as head of the Agricultural Experiment Station of the Government-General of Chosen and principal of Suwon High School of Agriculture. Second, Cho Baik Hyun was one of the first seven students admitted to the Department of Agriculture. After graduation, he became the first Korean professor at Suwon High School of Agriculture, Korea’s premier agricultural education institution, and served as a model for Koreans who wanted to go to college. Third, to address the shortage of students shortly after the school opened, the school collateral selection criteria were relaxed. This allowed students from vocational schools in Korea to enter the agricultural department. Fourth, the first faculty of Seoul National University College of Agriculture after liberation admitted more graduates of Kyushu Imperial University than any other imperial institution. Many of them became pioneers of Korean agriculture. Thus, the study of the Koreans at Kyushu Imperial University College of Agriculture can be a starting point for understanding the development of Korean agriculture.

Analysis of variability, heritability and trait association in four F2 populations of Gossypium hirsutum L.

Abstract Cotton is a prime crop of industrial importance. The assessment of variability provides scope for planning the breeding programmes. This study was conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore in F2 generation for the crosses viz., CO 17 x KC 2, TVH 002 x KC 3, TVH002 x RAHC 1039 and TCH 1894 x NDLH 32 to estimate the variability, trait heritability and correlation among traits. In this experiment, high PCV paired with high GCV was noted for number of monopodia per plant as well as boll weight in all the four crosses. High heritability along with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were noted among all the crosses for seed index, boll weight, plant height and lint index. The plant yield of a single plant in all the crosses was noted to be significant and positively correlated with lint index, number of bolls per plant, internode length, boll weight and plant height. Keywords: Correlation, F2 population, Heritability, Variance

Estimation of stress tolerance indices for identification of heat tolerant genotypes in barley

Abstract The objective of present study was to assess the heat tolerance of barley genotypes employing a set of 12 heat stress indices namely SSI, TOL, STI, SSPI, YI, YSI, RSI, MP,GMP, HM, MRP and RED, estimated using grain yield. A total of 29 barley genotypes were evaluated under normal (non-stress) and heat stress conditions during 2021-22 crop season with four replications in randomized block design (RBD) at Research Area, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Haryana). The genotypes, DWRB 91, BH 20-40, BH 20-05, BH 20-07 and BH 19-15 were found to be heat tolerant based on average rank of SSI for different traits. However, based on overall rank of stress indices employed on grain yield, BH 19-13, BH 20-40, BH 393, BH 19-15, BH 20-02 and BH 946 were found prominent with tolerance to heat stress. Grain yield (Ys) showed negative association with SSI, RSI and RED and significant positive correlation with the indices viz., STI, YI, MP, GMP and HM. Hence these indices could be regarded as the best selection indicators for heat stress tolerance. PCA study considered second principal component (PC 2) as heat tolerant component based on strong correlation with STI, YI, YSI, MP, GMP, HM, MRP and Ys under stress condition. The genotypes of cluster I exhibited better performance under stress condition for grain yield (Ys) and SSI, TOL, SSPI, RSI, RED, YI, YSI, and MRP. The genotypes from this group could be utilized as promising breeding material for development of new heat tolerant barley cultivars. Keywords: Barley, correlation, cluster analysis, PCA, stress indices, heat tolerance

Field life tables and key mortality factors of Pieris brassicae (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera, Pieridae) infesting cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) in Punjab, India

To find out the key mortality factors of Pieris brassicae (Linnaeus) on cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis), this study of field life table was conducted during 2021-22 at the research farm of the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab. Among biotic factors, Cotesia glomerata, Beauveria bassiana (Bals.), NPV, Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) were the main causes of mortality. Other unknown factors (temperature, rainfall, relative humidity) also contrived slight decline to all the immature stages of P. brassicae. Results revealed that the egg stage (17.46-28.35%) affected due to unknown factors, whereas, early larval instar stage (I-III) was the most sensitive, showing the highest loss (36.62-43.95%) followed by the late larval instar stage (25.77-29.43%) and pupal stage (16.19-22.41%). The trend index was positive uring both seasons 16.91 (main season) and 19.17 (late season), indicating that population of P. brassicae increased in next season. Similar trend was observed in generation survival i.e. 0.39 (main season) and 0.32 (late season).

Yield and quality of promising fodder grass varieties under varying shade levels in Kerala

An experiment was laid out at AICRP on Forage Crops and Utilization at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, to assess the performance of different fodder grass varieties under varying shade levels. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. Treatments comprised of 3 shade levels (0, 25 and 50% shade) and five fodder varieties [bajra napier (BN) hybrid varieties Suguna, Susthira, CO-3, CO-5 and Guinea grass var. Suparna]. Among the shade levels, highest L:S ratio was recorded under open (1.53) and the highest leaf area was recorded under both 25 and 50% shade levels. Among the varieties, the highest tiller number was recorded in guinea grass var. Suparna (31.7), highest LSR in BN hybrid varieties CO-3 and CO-5 and highest leaf area in BN hybrid variety Susthira. The highest GFY (2418.7 q/ha) and DFY (604.7 q/ha) were recorded by CO-5 under open conditions. Under 25 and 50% shade levels, the highest GFY and DFY were recorded in guinea grass var. Suparna. The highest chlorophyll content was recorded in all four BN hybrid varieties under 50% shade than the other two shade levels. The interaction effect was nonsignificant on quality characteristics like crude protein and fiber contents. Among the shade levels, highest protein content was recorded under 50% shade level (11.7%). Among varieties, BN hybrid var. Suguna recorded the highest protein content (11.33%) and guinea grass var. Suparna had the lowest fiber content (23.84%). Considering the yield and quality of different BN hybrid varieties under varying shade levels, it was concluded that CO-5 is best suited for cultivation under open and Suparna for 25 and 50% shaded fields.

Evaluation of Various Bee Attractants on the Foraging Behavior of Indian Honey Bee (Apis cerana indica) and their Impact on the Seed Yield of Niger [Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass

Experiment was done at the PC Unit Sesame and Niger Experimental Farm, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The study took place in during Kharif 2022. A total of nine treatments with three replications were arranged for the experiment using Randomized Block Design to check whether there was a result of bee attractants regarding attraction by Apis cerana indica and their effects on seed production of niger crops. The number of Apis cerana indica visits was found the highest at both the 10% and 50% blooming stages at which Madhuca longifolia flower extract 10% and rose water were 10% (16.50 Apis cerana indica/m2/5min), with 17.50 and 12.17 Apis cerana indica/m2/5min, respectively. This was followed by rose water 10% with 16.50 and (sugar solution 50%) 10.08 Apis cerana indica/m2/5min, respectively. The population of Apis cerana indica was received from controlled condition 5.67 and 2.92 Apis cerana indica/m2/5min at 10% and 50% flowering stage, respectively. This was followed by water spray (7.08 and 4.42 Apis cerana indica/m2/5min) at 10% and 50% flowering stage, respectively. The foliar spray of flower extract of Madhuca longifolia, sugar solution 10% and rose water 10% were found significantly superior over others in respect to record higher seed yield and recorded 6.90 q and 6.70 q/ha seed yield, respectively.

Effect of foliar application of boron and terminal bud clipping on growth, yield and economics of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

A field experiment was carried out at college farm of N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari to study the “Influence of foliar application of boron and terminal bud clipping on growth, yield and quality of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)” during summer season of 2023. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications. The results revealed that foliar application of boron @ 150 mg/l + terminal bud clipping at 35 DAS recorded significantly higher plant height at harvest, number of branches/ plants, no. of capsule/plant, seed yield and stalk yield. The lowest values for yield and yield attributes were found with no application of boron + no clipping treatment. The experiment results showed that foliar application of boron @ 150 mg/l + terminal bud clipping at 35 DAS are promising for optimum yield and higher economic returns.

Efficacy of Fluopyram 250 g/L + Trifloxystrobin 250 g/L SC Against Anthracnose Disease of Pomegranate

The experiment was conducted at Horticultural Instructional Farm, C. P. College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during Kharif-2022 & Kharif-2023, respectively to evaluate the bio-efficacy Fluopyram 250 g/L+ Trifloxystrobin 250 g/L SC against field as well as post-harvest disease of anthracnose in pomegranate. For the field disease, the disease severity (percent) of anthracnose leaf and fruit spot were recorded separately, before spraying and at 5 and 10 days after each spray. Disease assessment was done using standard rating scale. To measure the post-harvest anthracnose disease after harvest, 20 healthy pomegranate fruits per replication per treatment were kept at ambient temperature for 30 days. More so ever the observation on phytotoxicity and yield were also recorded. The result revealed that treatments Fluopyram 250 g/L +Trifloxystrobin 250 g/L SC @ 80 ml per 100 lit. of water and Fluopyram 250 g/L +Trifloxystrobin 250 g/L SC @ 70 ml per 100 lit. of water showed significantly higher efficacy against field diseases of anthracnose in terms of leaf and fruit spot and against post-harvest anthracnose disease of pomegranate and also given highest fruit yield as well as recorded lowest fruit weight reduction after 30 days of harvesting during Kharif 2021-22 and Kharif 2022-23, respectively followed by Fluopyram 250 g/L +Trifloxystrobin 250 g/L SC @ 60 ml per 100 lit. of water and Propineb 70% WP @ 300 gm per 100 lit. of water.

Bio-Efficacy and Phytotoxicity of Novel Fungicide Isotianil 7% + Fosetyl Al 70% WG in Pomegranate Against Bacterial Blight (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae) Disease

The experiment was conducted at Horticultural Instructional Farm, C. P. College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during Kharif-2022 & Kharif-2023, respectively to evaluate the bio-efficacy and phyto-toxicity on the bacterial blight diseases as well as effect of Isotianil 7% + Fosetyl Al 70% WG on the yield of the pomegranate. The disease Intensity per cent of bacterial blight diseases was recorded, before spraying (Pre-treatment) and at 5 and 10 days after each spray (post-treatment). Total pomegranate fruit yield was recorded and converted in to the hectare basis and phytotoxicity observation for yellowing, stunting, necrosis, epinasty and hyponasty, etc. were recorded 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days after second spray. The results revealed that the treatment Isotianil 7% + Fosetyl Al 70% WG @ 200 gm per 100 lit. of water and Isotianil 7% + Fosetyl Al 70% WG @ 150 gm per 100 lit. of water showed significantly higher efficacy against bacterial blight disease and gives the higher yield of pomegranate over other treatments during the two consecutive seasons Kharif 2021 and Kharif 2022. The two years data on the Phytotoxicity studies revealed that none of the treatments exhibited any of the phytotoxicity symptoms.