Use Of Chemical Pesticides Research Articles

Participatory action research with wheat landrace producers and community supported agriculture groups; a case from Turkey

ABSTRACT After the 1960s, breeding activities carried out on many crops, including wheat, and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, saw increased criticism of the negative consequences in terms of nutrition, social, and environmental impacts. There is a current re-emphasis upon changing the methods of flour and bread production technologies, and wheat landrace varieties have made a resurgence. Wheat landrace varieties have become widespread and create the demand for their consumption as an alternative to industrial wheat. Producers have come together to form collectives of different structures and seek ways to expand production of wheat landraces. As a result, alternative food consumption communities have become established in which consumers can access wheat landrace products. The factors related to the development of wheat, flour, bulgur, bread, etc. should be put forward to consumers and producers. The fieldwork of this research is based on five community supported food groups formed by consumers in the İzmir province of Turkey, and associations/groups that produce wheat varieties in Çanakkale, Balıkesir and Kars provinces. The aim of the research is to identify common problems that reduce the separation between wheat production and consumption and how to increase the use of wheat landraces and their products by using participatory action research.

Exploring the Role of Debaryomyces hansenii as Biofertilizer in Iron-Deficient Environments to Enhance Plant Nutrition and Crop Production Sustainability.

The European "Green Deal" policies are shifting toward more sustainable and environmentally conscious agricultural practices, reducing the use of chemical fertilizer and pesticides. This implies exploring alternative strategies. One promising alternative to improve plant nutrition and reinforce plant defenses is the use of beneficial microorganisms in the rhizosphere, such as "Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria and fungi". Despite the great abundance of iron (Fe) in the Earth's crust, its poor solubility in calcareous soil makes Fe deficiency a major agricultural issue worldwide. Among plant promoting microorganisms, the yeast Debaryomyces hansenii has been very recently incorporated, for its ability to induce morphological and physiological key responses to Fe deficiency in plants, under hydroponic culture conditions. The present work takes it a step further and explores the potential of D. hansenii to improve plant nutrition and stimulate growth in cucumber plants grown in calcareous soil, where ferric chlorosis is common. Additionally, the study examines D. hansenii's ability to induce systemic resistance (ISR) through a comparative relative expression study by qRT-PCR of ethylene (ET) biosynthesis (ACO1), or ET signaling (EIN2 and EIN3), and salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis (PAL)-related genes. The results mark a significant milestone since D. hansenii not only enhances nutrient uptake and stimulates plant growth and flower development but could also amplify induced systemic resistance (ISR). Although there is still much work ahead, these findings make D. hansenii a promising candidate to be used for sustainable and environmentally friendly integrated crop management.

Measuring the Flight Trajectory of a Free-Flying Moth on the Basis of Noise-Reduced 3D Point Cloud Time Series Data.

Pest control is crucial in crop production; however, the use of chemical pesticides, the primary method of pest control, poses environmental issues and leads to insecticide resistance in pests. To overcome these issues, laser zapping has been studied as a clean pest control technology against the nocturnal cotton leafworm, Spodoptera litura, which has high fecundity and causes severe damage to various crops. For better sighting during laser zapping, it is important to measure the coordinates and speed of moths under low-light conditions. To achieve this, we developed an automatic detection pipeline based on point cloud time series data from stereoscopic images. We obtained 3D point cloud data from disparity images recorded under infrared and low-light conditions. To identify S. litura, we removed noise from the data using multiple filters and a support vector machine. We then computed the size of the outline box and directional angle of the 3D point cloud time series to determine the noisy point clouds. We visually inspected the flight trajectories and found that the size of the outline box and the movement direction were good indicators of noisy data. After removing noisy data, we obtained 68 flight trajectories, and the average flight speed of free-flying S. litura was 1.81 m/s.

Strategies for Enhancing Plant Immunity and Resilience Using Nanomaterials for Sustainable Agriculture.

Research on plant-nanomaterial interactions has greatly advanced over the past decade. One particularly fascinating discovery encompasses the immunomodulatory effects in plants. Due to the low doses needed and the comparatively low toxicity of many nanomaterials, nanoenabled immunomodulation is environmentally and economically promising for agriculture. It may reduce environmental costs associated with excessive use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which can lead to soil and water pollution. Furthermore, nanoenabled strategies can enhance plant resilience against various biotic and abiotic stresses, contributing to the sustainability of agricultural ecosystems and the reduction of crop losses due to environmental factors. While nanoparticle immunomodulatory effects are relatively well-known in animals, they are still to be understood in plants. Here, we provide our perspective on the general components of the plant's immune system, including the signaling pathways, networks, and molecules of relevance for plant nanomodulation. We discuss the recent scientific progress in nanoenabled immunomodulation and nanopriming and lay out key avenues to use plant immunomodulation for agriculture. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, and the calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK or CPK) pathway are of particular interest due to their interconnected function and significance in the response to biotic and abiotic stress. Additionally, we underscore that understanding the plant hormone salicylic acid is vital for nanoenabled applications to induce systemic acquired resistance. It is suggested that a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating environmental impact assessments and focusing on scalability, can expedite the realization of enhanced crop yields through nanotechnology while fostering a healthier environment.

Mimicking natural deterrent strategies in plants using adhesive spheres

With a continuous increase in world population and food production, chemical pesticide use is growing accordingly, yet unsustainably. As chemical pesticides are harmful to the environment and developmental resistance in pests is increasing, a sustainable and effective pesticide alternative is needed. Inspired by nature, we mimic one defense strategy of plants, glandular trichomes, to shift away from using chemical pesticides by moving toward a physical immobilization strategy via adhesive particles. Through controlled oxidation of a biobased starting material, triglyceride oils, an adhesive material is created while monitoring the reactive intermediates. After being milled into particles, nanoindentation shows these particles to be adhesive even at low contact forces. A suspension of particles is then sprayed and found to be effective at immobilizing a target pest, thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis. Small arthropod pests, like thrips, can cause crop damage through virus transfer, which is prevented by their immobilization. We show that through a scalable fabrication process, biosourced materials can be used to create an effective, sustainable physical pesticide.

Chalcones—Features, Identification Techniques, Attributes, and Application in Agriculture

This review article is a comprehensive and current overview on chalcones, covering their sources, identification methods, and properties with a particular focus on their applications in the agricultural sector. The widespread use of synthetic pesticides has not only led to increased resistance among weeds and pests, resulting in economic losses, but it has also raised significant health concerns due to the overuse of these chemicals. In line with the European Green Deal 2030 and its Farm to Fork strategy, there is a targeted 50% reduction in the use of chemical pesticides by 2030, emphasizing a shift towards natural alternatives that are more environmentally sustainable and help in the restoration of natural resources. Chalcones and their derivatives, with their herbicidal, fungicidal, bactericidal, and antiviral properties, appear to be ideal candidates. These naturally occurring compounds have been recognized for their beneficial health effects for many years and have applications across multiple areas. This review not only complements the previous literature on the agricultural use of chalcones but also provides updates and introduces methods of detection such as chromatography and MALDI technique.

Current state and prospects for the development of agriculture in the Vinnytsia region

The agriculture of the Vinnytsia region plays an important role in the economy of this region, ensuring food security, employment stability and socio-economic development. The study aims to analyse the current state and peculiarities of the functioning of agriculture in the Vinnytsia region, as well as to identify prospects for the development of this sector of the region's economy. To achieve this goal, the following methods were used: abstract logikal, system-structural, method of analysis and comparison, economic-statistical, tabular, graphical and other methods. The study analyses current trends in agricultural development, covering information up to 2022, as there are currently no official statistics for 2023. It is established that 2022 was a difficult year for the country, as evidenced by the decline in plant production in the region from 2018 to 2022, but at the same time, there was a certain increase in the production of animal products. The study examines the structure of production and efficiency indicators of agriculture, which indicate both positive and negative trends. In particular, the positive side of the dynamics is the increase in the number of agricultural enterprises and the stability of the region's share in the national agricultural production. However, negative trends include a decline in production, a decrease in the profitability of operating activities and other indicators that reflect the impact of economic and technological factors on the industry. The study noted that proper use of fertilisers is essential for increasing land productivity. Several challenges that limit the productivity and sustainability of agricultural development in the region were identified. Climatic conditions, such as temperature and precipitation, environmental, economic and social problems that require an integrated approach to address them. The article substantiates the prospects for agricultural development, namely: optimisation of land use, introduction of modern technologies, support for agriculture and stimulation of ecological agricultural production. Examples of the introduction of modern technologies and innovations in the region's agriculture, including the cultivation of products without the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and the use of precision farming and biogas projects, are considered. Initiatives and programmes to support small and medium-sized enterprises and organic agriculture are also highlighted. These aspects can be used to create development strategies and make informed decisions.

Organic Farming vs. Integrated Nutrient Management: A Comparative Review of Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability

In an era where sustainable agriculture is crucial for global food security and environmental preservation, organic farming and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) have emerged as leading practices. This review paper offers a comprehensive comparison of these two approaches, focusing on their impact on agricultural productivity and sustainability. Organic farming, with its emphasis on reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, growth hormones, and feed additives, aligns closely with the principles of sustainability. It enhances food quality, promotes soil health, and mitigates adverse environmental effects by encouraging natural recovery cycles. However, organic farming's limitations, such as lower yields and a more labour-intensive approach have prompted interest in innovative solutions that blend organic practices with modern technologies. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) presents a compelling alternative. By combining organic, inorganic, and biological nutrient sources, INM seeks to optimize nutrient use efficiency and maintain soil health. This approach offers a flexible nutrient management strategy, balancing organic and inorganic inputs to maintain crop productivity while reducing environmental impact. Studies have shown that INM can improve soil properties, such as bulk density, porosity, and water-holding capacity, leading to enhanced crop yields and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The paper explores how INM's integrated approach not only stabilizes crop production but also supports the growth of soil microbes, providing a source of energy and organic carbon. By using a combination of specific microorganisms, organic matter, and minimal doses of inorganic fertilizers, INM can achieve a harmonious balance that reduces environmental pollution and ensures long-term soil fertility. Ultimately, this review underscores the potential of combining organic and INM practices to create a sustainable and productive agricultural system. Through a comparative analysis, the paper aims to guide researchers, policymakers, and farmers towards adopting strategies that foster agricultural sustainability without compromising productivity.

A New Dataset and Comparative Study for Aphid Cluster Detection and Segmentation in Sorghum Fields.

Aphid infestations are one of the primary causes of extensive damage to wheat and sorghum fields and are one of the most common vectors for plant viruses, resulting in significant agricultural yield losses. To address this problem, farmers often employ the inefficient use of harmful chemical pesticides that have negative health and environmental impacts. As a result, a large amount of pesticide is wasted on areas without significant pest infestation. This brings to attention the urgent need for an intelligent autonomous system that can locate and spray sufficiently large infestations selectively within the complex crop canopies. We have developed a large multi-scale dataset for aphid cluster detection and segmentation, collected from actual sorghum fields and meticulously annotated to include clusters of aphids. Our dataset comprises a total of 54,742 image patches, showcasing a variety of viewpoints, diverse lighting conditions, and multiple scales, highlighting its effectiveness for real-world applications. In this study, we trained and evaluated four real-time semantic segmentation models and three object detection models specifically for aphid cluster segmentation and detection. Considering the balance between accuracy and efficiency, Fast-SCNN delivered the most effective segmentation results, achieving 80.46% mean precision, 81.21% mean recall, and 91.66 frames per second (FPS). For object detection, RT-DETR exhibited the best overall performance with a 61.63% mean average precision (mAP), 92.6% mean recall, and 72.55 on an NVIDIA V100 GPU. Our experiments further indicate that aphid cluster segmentation is more suitable for assessing aphid infestations than using detection models.

Comparative Analysis of Organic and Chemical Pesticides: Impacts on Crop Health and Environmental Sustainability

Pesticides are indispensable tools in modern agriculture, aiding in the protection of crops against pests and diseases. Nevertheless, the adverse effects of chemical pesticides on human health and the environment have catalyzed a shift towards organic alternatives. This review critically assesses the use of both organic and chemical pesticides, evaluating their respective impacts on crop health and environmental sustainability. We delve into aspects such as efficiency, safety, environmental footprint, and regulatory frameworks surrounding these two types of pesticides, drawing insights from recent research. By synthesizing current knowledge, our aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the advantages and limitations of organic and chemical pesticides, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions towards sustainable agricultural practices.

Performance of low-input agriculture with ZBNF-A case study on groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system in Saurashtra region of Gujarat

Sustainable low-cost farming in (groundnut based) cropping system offers a much-needed alternative to conventional input-intensive agriculture. Keeping this in view a field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2022–23 at ICAR-Directorate of Groundnut Research, Junagadh, Gujarat on groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) to evaluate the performance of low-input agriculture with ZBNF (Zero-budget natural farming) vis-avis others. Experiment was conducted in a split plot design having 3 different farming practices, viz. Natural farming (NF); Integrated crop management (ICM or conventional farming); and Organic farming (OF) practices in main plot using 2 cultivars ‘GJG-22’ (Virginia Bunch) and ‘TG 37A’ (Spanish Bunch) in large sub plot (~1/100th of a hectare), replicated 8-times. Further, these permanent plots of 3 farming practices were cultivated with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (two cultivars, viz. ‘GW 451’ and ‘Lok 1’) in rotation during winter (rabi) season of 2022–23 following a residual exhaustive fodder crop of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.] grown during spring/summer 2021– 22 prior to the experimentation. The study revealed that pod yield to the tune of 1,316–1,630 kg/ha was realized with low cost NF (or ZBNF) practice (higher yields with Spanish Bunch) vis-a-vis 1,448–1,779 kg/ha in OF practice. On the contrary, higher pod yield of 1,679–1,965 kg/ha was realized with the ICM practice employing improved production technologies. The growth/developmental parameters/values including economics and total system productivity were also higher under ICM practice. Furthermore, higher values in respect of all the groundnut plant attributes including economics and nutrient (NPK) uptake, and its efficiency (NPK uptake/100-kg pod) were evident under ICM practice. Similar crop responses were conspicuous in case of the succeeding wheat crop. Thus, overall crop response to farming practices were in the order: ICM>OF>NF; and the ratio of N, P, and K uptake for realization of higher per unit productivity (across farming practices and varieties) was observed to be 6.8:1.0:2.2 for groundnut and 3.9:1.0:3.3 for wheat. Thus, ICM practice comprising of judicious use of chemical fertilizers, manure and pesticides use was advantageous for realizing higher yield and return in groundnut-wheat. Further efforts are made to realize higher productivity of ecofriendly farming practices (ZBNF and OF).

Adoption of Sustainable Farming Practices in the United States: A Study on Farmer Behavior

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the adoption of sustainable farming practices in the United States: a study on farmer behavior. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study on the adoption of sustainable farming practices in the United States revealed that a significant number of farmers are increasingly adopting methods such as crop rotation, organic farming, and reduced use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, motivated by environmental concerns and economic incentives. However, barriers to adoption include the high initial costs and perceived risk of lower yields, which deter some farmers from fully committing to sustainable practices. Despite these challenges, there is a growing trend towards sustainability, supported by governmental incentives and an increasing market demand for organically produced goods. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Diffusion of innovations theory, theory of planned behavior (TPB) & social cognitive theory (SCT) may be used to anchor future studies on analyze adoption of sustainable farming practices in the United States: a study on farmer behavior. Agricultural extension services should develop specialized programs that focus on the practical benefits of sustainable practices, tailored to specific farming contexts and crops. Governments should consider offering financial incentives, such as subsidies or tax breaks, for farmers who adopt and maintain sustainable practices.

Enhancing nutrient uptake and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) growth through soil application of beneficial bacteria (Bacillus spp.)

The term plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) refers to a root-associated bacteria that possesses several benefits for soil and the plant. The increasing demand for sustainable food production necessitates a shift towards agricultural practices that mitigate adverse environmental impacts. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has raised concerns, prompting a surge of interest in harnessing the potential of beneficial soil microorganisms, particularly plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. This study explores the impact of soil inoculation with PGPR treatments on grapefruit seedlings, including a commercial strain of Bacillus velezensis, a fresh inoculum of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, a mixture of three selected citrus endophytic Bacillus spp. isolates, inorganic fertilizers, and combinations thereof. The aim was to test their ability to enhance growth and nutrient uptake reducing the input of chemical fertilization. Results indicated that the combination of Bacillus velezensis and inorganic fertilization significantly improved soil nutrient availability and enhanced plant growth, surpassing both negative (water) and positive (inorganic fertilization) controls. Shoot and root system biomass showed significant increases from Bacillus velezensis plus inorganic fertilization compared to other treatments. These findings provide insights into management methods that can reduce chemical inputs while promoting plant productivity. The demonstrated benefits of PGPR on grapefruit seedlings highlight a promising approach for future research and applications in sustainable citrus cultivation.

"The Advisory Role of Agricultural production supplies Traders in the Safe Use of Chemical Pesticides for Vegetable Crops in Al Sharqia Governorate"

"The Advisory Role of Agricultural production supplies Traders in the Safe Use of Chemical Pesticides for Vegetable Crops in Al Sharqia Governorate"

Biocontrol of common scab in potato cultivation

Biocontrol of common scab in potato cultivation

A preliminary biocontrol study: Isolation, characterization and genomic analysis of lytic phage TE against Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae

AbstractTraditionally, apricot trees suffering from bacterial canker disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae were treated in orchards through the application of antibiotics or copper‐based drugs. However, considering the disadvantages of the long‐term use of chemical pesticides and antibiotics, there has been an increasing interest in phages, which have a lytic effect on bacteria, as biopesticides in recent years. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive examination of phage TE, isolated from wastewater in Turkey, from this perspective. Through scanning electron microscopy and phylogenetic analysis, we classified phage TE as belonging to the order Caudovirales and the family Strabovoridae. The phage TE exhibited a robust host lysis efficiency, with 280 infectious phage particles produced per bacterial cell in just 15 min. In experimental trials, treatment with phage TE resulted in an impressive 82% inhibition of bacterial canker disease in apricot leaves, highlighting its effectiveness as a phage therapy agent. Furthermore, phage TE exhibited long‐term stability when stored at 4°C without cryoprotectant and displayed tolerance to a wide temperature (−20°C to 50°C) and pH (2–12) range but its tolerance to UV‐C was very low. The genome and bioinformatics analyses of P. syringae phage TE have identified distinct protein level differences between other phages of the same species, despite sharing similarities at the nucleotide level. These findings suggest the potential use of phage TE as a biocontrol agent, offering a promising solution to control apricot bacterial canker.

Pendampingan Demplot Teknik Budidaya Bawang Merah pada Musim Hujan Secara Ramah Lingkungan

Background: Shallot cultivation in the rainy season faces the constraints of more severe plant disease problems. Utilization of mixed biopestisda Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus sp. B8 and Pseudomonas flourescens P8 as well as proper cultivation techniques have not been adopted by farmers. It is necessary to assist farmers in implementing the technology The objectives of the activity are: assisting farmers in implementing the shallot cultivation technology package appropriately, increasing the quantity and quality of crop production, and increasing farmers' income through increasing farm efficiency. Method: The farmers participating in the activity are members of the farmer group "Lestari" Tambak Sogra Village, Sumbang District, Banyumas Regency. Technology transfer method through demplot assistance. The biopesticide technology package and environmental manipulation are compared to the conventional package of synthetic chemical pesticides. Data on the growth and yield of technological plot crops compared to conventional plots. The large number of farmers who can independently apply the technology is observed. Results: mentoring activities showed that farmer group members were able to independently implement technology packages. The use of biopesticides and proper cultivation techniques can produce growth and yield equivalent to the use of synthetic chemical pesticides. Conclusion: 80% partner farmers can apply technology packages, the use of biopesticides is able to substitute the use of synthetic chemical pesticides, technology packages are able to increase 5.9% of shallot bulbs and reduce 75% production costs.

Efficacy of Biofungicide with Active Ingredients Trichoderma sp. Against Late Blight Disease (Phytophthora infestans) in Potato Plants

The cultivation of potatoes in Indonesia faces challenges, particularly a decline in production attributed to the devastating impact of late blight caused by the fungus P. infestans. Traditional control methods involve the frequent use of chemical pesticides, which pose environmental and health risks. To address this, the research aimed to assess the efficacy of biofungicide containing Trichoderma sp. as a biological agent in controlling late blight on potatoes. The study, conducted in Sumberbrantas Village, Bumiaji District, Batu City, East Java, and the plant disease laboratory at Brawijaya University from January to April 2023, employed both in vivo and in vitro experiments. A Randomized Block Design (RBD) was used for in vivo research, while a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed for in vitro studies, each comprising five concentration treatments with five repetitions. Parameters such as disease intensity, efficacy level, potato production, and biofungicide inhibition were observed. Analysis of variance and the Tukey Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test were applied to the data and processed using Microsoft Excel. The results indicated that biofungicide with Trichoderma sp. concentrations of 6 ml/l, 4.5 ml/l, 3 ml/l, and 1.5 ml/l effectively reduced the intensity of late blight on potatoes, with efficacy levels exceeding 50%. The highest potato production occurred with a concentration of 6 ml/l, yielding 15.44 tons/ha, followed by 14.67 tons/ha for the 4.5 ml/l concentration. The biofungicide with a concentration of 6 ml/l exhibited the lowest disease intensity at 14.28% and the highest efficacy at 83.08%. Inhibition tests demonstrated that concentrations of 6 ml/l and 4.5 ml were highly effective, inhibiting P. infestans growth by an average of 62.04% and 59.90%, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of biofungicide with Trichoderma sp. in managing late blight on potatoes, providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.

EXPLORING THE EFFICACY OF CNSL-BASED BOTANICAL PESTICIDES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF PESTS OF BHINDI (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS)

The consistent use of chemical pesticides over the years has led to various issues. To mitigate these problems, botanical insecticides have been used as a better alternative. One such botanical insecticide is cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL 20% EC), which contains a mixture of phenolic compounds. Under laboratory conditions, this insecticide was assessed against Sylepta derogata larvae in different concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1, along with a chemical control. At 5, 7, and 10 DAT, CNSL 1% was found to be the most effective treatment, with 90% mortality recorded. A probit analysis was conducted to determine the effective dose, which was found to be 1%. The CNSL 20% EC was modified to produce two combination products, EC1 and EC2, by substituting half of the active ingredient with neem oil and pongam oil respectively, without changing other ingredients and their proportion. The developed formulations were evaluated for product stability and emulsion properties. A pot culture experiment was conducted on bhindi crops once during the vegetative and reproductive phases. At 7 DAT, EC1 @ 1% and CNSL 20% EC @ 1% caused over 95% reduction of sucking pests such as Amrasca biguttula biguttula and Aphis gossypi compared to the control. However, CNSL 20% EC produced only a 76.48% reduction of the chewing pest S. derogata, whereas treatments with EC1 and EC2 showed over 80% reduction. Sucking pests were effectively reduced (by more than 90%) by the application of EC2 as well. It was concluded that the combination products EC1 and EC2 were more effective in controlling pests than CNSL alone.

Tea plantation shade tree leaf influences the susceptibility of rhizosphere microbial consortium: A comprehensive study on their leaf extract cross tolerance

Leguminous shade trees are ubiquitous parts of tea plantations of the Terai region. However, their shed leaves might have an effect on the soil microflora under those shade trees, so it is important to find out how leaf litter affect the soil microflora. Isolation of soil microbial consortia followed by downstream experiments were conducted to observe the tolerance/susceptible pattern of those soil microflora against the fallen leaves. Sample from under Albizia odoratissima has higher organic carbon, organic matter and nitrogen content but the same property was found to be low in the sample collected under Melia azedarach. Isolation of consortia was done on nutrient agar. In vitro tolerance assay was conducted to find out the tolerance pattern against leaf extracts, heavy metal salts, pesticides, antibiotics and antifungals. Heavy metals salts like Arsenic trioxide (AS2O3) and Cupric chloride (CuCl2); and pesticides like Thiamethoxam; Spiromesifen; Phorate etc. showed no inhibition against all the isolated consortia. Co-Trimoxazole and Augmentin have not showed any inhibition except consortia under Derris robusta, whereas no antifungals but Itraconazole had an impact over all the consortia. Shade trees, being a crucial member of the tea plantations, cannot be removed but replacement of these with other species could be a probable option, besides this limited use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers should be taken into consideration strictly to restrain the microbial population in tea garden soil. So, this study has disclosed the acceptability of each and every shade tree used in this region.