Week Of July Research Articles

Effects of mulching on plant growth, viral diseases, earliness and fruit yield attributes of round gourd under variable sowing dates in North Indian plains

Abstract Round gourd is sensitive to low temperature (March), high temperature (May–June), high humidity (July–August), and whitefly-transmitted begomovirus diseases (July–September), thereby restricting its fruit availability period in North-Western Indian Plains. Mulches extend the growing season by modifying soil temperature and reducing the incidence of viral diseases. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effects of sowing time, mulching and their interaction on performance of round gourd crop so as to identify the best mulch at different sowing times. The field trials were conducted in a split-plot design during 2021 and 2022. The main plot consisted of six sowing dates, i.e., the first week of March (DS1), April (DS2), May (DS3), June (DS4), July (DS5) and August (DS6). The sub-plot comprised bare soil (BS) and three mulching treatments, viz., silver-black plastic mulch (SBPM), black plastic mulch (BPM) and paddy straw mulch (6 t/ha) (PSM). The BPM and SBPM increased the seasonal soil temperature over BS by 3.1–4.1°C and 2.1–3.1°C, respectively, whereas the PSM reduced the seasonal soil temperature by 2.3–3.5°C. The SBPM produced the best crop performance, followed by BPM and PSM in all sowing dates except DS5 in which the PSM outperformed BPM. The DS1 and DS2 were the best sowing times, and the crop performance gradually declined with each successive sowing time, except that the crop performed better in DS6 compared with DS5. The SBPM or BPM in DS2 and DS1 were the best treatment combinations for round gourd cultivation in the study area.

The Implementation of the Spirit of National Defense and Students Caring Attitude Through Extracurricular Scouting Activities

The objectives of this research include: 1) To find out the general description of the implementation of the spirit of state defense of students at SMK Negeri 1 Pangkep. 2) To find out the general description of the caring attitude of students at SMK Negeri 1 Pangkep. 3) To find out and analyze the implementation of the spirit of state defense and the caring attitude of students through extracurricular scouting activities at SMK Negeri 1 Pangkep. The type of research chosen is qualitative narrative using the case study method. This research was conducted at SMK Negeri 1 Pangkep, South Sulawesi Province. in the third week of May 2024 to the fourth week of July 2024. Data collection techniques in this study through observation, interviews and documentation. The results showed that the implementation of the spirit of state defense with its indicators was well implemented, namely (1) love of the homeland, (2) Awareness of the Nation and State, (3) Belief in the State Ideology Pancasila, (4) Willing to Sacrifice for the Nation and State, not yet optimal (5) Have the Ability to Defend the Country. Then the implementation of the social care attitude of students at SMK Negeri 1 Pangkep is included in the category that has been well implemented through indicators: (1) honesty, (2) compassion, (3) humility, (4) friendliness, (5) kindness, and (6) always helping others. And in general, the relationship between the spirit of state defense, caring attitudes and extracurricular activities of students at SMKN 1 Pangkep through indicators, namely (1) discipline, (2) independence is still not optimal, (3) having noble character and noble character, (4) having the spirit of Pancasila, being loyal and obedient to the Republic of Indonesia, still needs to be improved (5) attitude of togetherness, (6) paying attention to common interests, (7) polite behavior, (8) respect for others, (9) cooperation attitude, and (10) sense of belonging.

Effect of Sowing Time on Infestation of Sucking Pests in Okra

Okra is highly susceptible to sucking pests like leafhopper, whitefly, and red spider mite, leading to significant yield losses. While farmers rely on insecticides for pest control, excessive use poses risk to the environment. To explore alternatives, a study was conducted at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, during kharif 2023 to assess the effect of sowing time on sucking pests infestation in okra. For this, okra was sown on different times i.e., in the 3rd week of May, 1st and 3rd week of June, and 1st and 3rd week of July. The population of leafhopper, whitefly and red spider mite was recorded weekly, starting from the appearance of the pest. The study revealed that leafhopper population in crop sown in the 1st and 3rd week of July was on a par, however, significantly lower than that in other crops. Okra sown in the 1st week of July resulted in significantly lower population of whitefly than rest of the sowing times having population on a par with each other. Mite infestation was significantly lower in crop sown in the 3rd week of July compared to the others. Based on these findings, July appears to be the most suitable time for sowing okra to minimize sucking pests’ infestation.

Midwifery Study Tour To Japan – A Reflection

For two weeks in early July 2024, seventeen Bachelor of Midwifery students and two midwifery academics from Western Sydney University travelled to Japan on a midwifery study tour. One week was spent with the University of Tokyo (UTokyo) and the second with Yamagata University. This article is an overview of the trip by Dr Hazel Keedle and includes two reflections from students who attended the study tour.

Effect of Sowing Dates and Flower Pruning on Chemical Properties and Shelf Life of Yam Bean (Pachyrrhizus erosus L.) Tubers

Underutilized crops provide essential micro-nutrient and thus able to complement staple foods. The inhibitory effect of floral and fruit development may affect the tuber development. It is logical to assume that large amounts of nitrogen and other essential components are assimilated by the reproductive parts of plant, hence it is important to remove these reproductive parts as well as time of sowing also affect the shelf life and chemical properties of yam bean tubers which form the basis of an experiment on effect of sowing dates and flower pruning on chemical properties and shelf life of Yam bean tubers. An experiment was conducted at Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli during the year 2023-24. Twelve treatments and 3 replications in Factorial Randomized Block Design Planting dates (D) i.e., D₁-1st week of June, D₂-3rd week of June, D3 -1st week of July, D4 -3rd week of July and Interval of reproductive pruning (P) i.e., P1 – Weekly, P2 – Fortnightly, P3 – No pruning. Chemical analysis of the tubers was done to analyse the starch, fiber, dry matter, TSS and shelf life of the tubers from various treatments. Investigation revealed that among the various chemical parameters and shelf life the effect of interaction on starch, fiber, dry matter and shelf life was significant whereas it was non-significant on TSS. The highest starch content was recorded in D3P1 (6.81%). The fiber content was analysed highest in D4P3 (0.69 %). The highest dry matter content was analysed in D1P3 (24.59 %). The highest TSS was recorded in D1P1 (6.40 °B) and highest shelf life was recorded in D1P1 (36.56 days). Considering its nutritional quality and sustainability in the region it can be an alternative crop with food security, nutritional security as well as economic sustainability [1].

Outdoor playing during preschool was associated with a reduced risk of school-age obesity in Japan.

This study investigated the association between outdoor play habits during preschool and school-age obesity. We conducted a longitudinal cohort study of all children born in Japan during 2 weeks in January and July 2001. We defined outdoor play habits at age 2.5 years (third survey) as exposure, while parent-reported height and weight at age 7 years (seventh survey) were defined as overweight and obesity status using the WHO reference. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for associations between preschool outdoor play habits and school-age obesity, adjusting for parental and child factors. Of 53 575 children born, 42 812 had data on outdoor play habits at age 2.5 years, with 91% (38 970) having such habits. At age 7 years, 31 743/42 812 (74%) children had height and weight data, with 3249/31 743 (10%) classified as overweight or obesity (BMI SD score ≥1.0). Outdoor play habits were negatively associated with obesity (adjusted OR 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.74-0.97). Outdoor play habits in early preschool years are associated with a reduced risk of school-age obesity. Parents and caregivers may consider encouraging their children to outdoor play habits at an early age to help prevent obesity later in life.

Occurrence and Management of Blast and Leaf Blight in Browntop Millet [Brachiaria ramosa (L.) Stapf

Brown top millet is an underutilized millet crop and grown in Southern Peninsular region of India. Blast as well as leaf blight diseases are frequently noticed in Browntop millet. A study was carried to find out the seasonal occurrence and management of major diseases of the crop at Centre of Excellence in Millets, Athiyandal during 2022-23 and 2023-24. The crop was sown during Second week of July of both years and the blast symptom noticed from 10 days after sowing (DAS) and shows increasing trend upto 40 DAS and later shows decreasing trend till the maturity of the crop. However, the leaf blight noticed from 20 DAS and reached maximum level at 60 DAS in both years. Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of biocontrol agents and fungicides on incidence of blast as well as leaf blight in browntop millet. The results show significant variation observed between the treatments on the disease incidences in both the years. Seed treatment with B. subtilis @10g/kg of seed +Foliar spray of Azoxystrobin 23% SC @ 1ml/l at 20 and 40 DASrecorded the lower incidence of blast as well as leaf blight disease incidence and produced more grain yield when compared to other treatments.

Assessing the Impact of Weather Parameters on the Population Dynamics of Insect Pests in Cucurbit Vegetables under Mid-Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh

A study focusing on population dynamics of sucking and leaf-eating some insect pests along with their correlation with weather parameters in cucurbits was conducted at research field, Department of Entomology, Dr. YSPUHF, Solan, H.P., India from June-October, 2019 and 2020. The results revealed that Amrasca biguttula biguttula (I), Trialeurodes vaporariorum (W), Aulacophora foveicollis (L), Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (F), Liriomyza trifolii (B), Aulacophora sp., were recorded as the major insect pests. In bitter gourd, maximum population of jassids recorded was (2.33/leaf) in first week of August while, maximum whitefly population in bottle gourd (2.96/leaf) during last week of August and in ridge gourd during last week of July (3.76/leaf). The maximum red pumpkin beetle population on bitter gourd (2.4 beetles/plant) and bottle gourd (2.6 beetles/plant) was observed during last week of August while, hadda beetle attained peak population during first and third week of August in ridge gourd (1.0/plant) and bitter gourd (1.1 adults/plant), respectively. Maximum leaf miner infestation (2.7 mines/leaf) in bottle gourd and ridge gourd was observed during first and third week of August. All pest attained maximum population between 30 to 32 SMW when weather parameters values were Tmax: 27.50 to 28.90; Tmin: 20.60 to 20.80 oC; RH: 79 to 80 %; Rainfall: 25.80 to 30.20 mm. Relative humidity and rainfall played major role with non-significant positive influence on the population build-up of these pests in cucurbit crops along with temperature. The present findings on weather-driven pest dynamics can inform strategies to boost crop yields and reduce farmers' economic losses in similar environments.

Effect of Different Nutrient Management Practices on Kharif Rice Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Soil Properties in Telangana

The field experiment was conducted during kharif-2019, 2020 and 2021in RARS Warangal, located at 180 01.077 N latitude 790 36.197 E longitude and an altitude of 259 m above mean sea level to study the effect of different nutrient management practices on rice yield, nutrient uptake and soil properties in Telangana. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design with 5 treatments (T1 = Organic Farming, T2 = Chemical farming, T3 = Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), T4 = Control and T5 = Natural farming) replicated in four times. Rice (WGL-32100) was sown during third week of July, transplanted in third week of August and harvested at 135 days after sowing. The results indicated that, significantly higher grain yield (5357 kg ha-1) was recorded in INM over control (3632 kg ha-1), natural farming (3986 kg ha-1) and organic farming (4843 kg ha-1) but at par with chemical farming (5164 kg ha-1). Significantly higher straw yield (6428 kg ha-1) was recorded in INM over control (4326 kg ha-1), natural farming (5100 kg ha-1), organic farming (5668 kg ha-1) and chemical farming (5856 kg ha-1). Significantly higher nitrogen uptake (87.42 kg ha-1) was recorded in INM over control (56.58 kg ha-1), natural farming (67.58 kg ha-1) and organic farming (75.39 kg ha-1) but at par with chemical farming (81.46 kg ha-1). Significantly higher phosphorus uptake (27.34 kg ha-1) was recorded in INM over control (17.80 kg ha-1) and natural farming (19.76 kg ha-1) but at par with organic farming (25.52 kg ha-1) and chemical farming (25.86 kg ha-1). Significantly higher potassium uptake (96.66 kg ha-1) was recorded in INM over control (56.31 kg ha-1), natural farming (68.20 kg ha-1) and organic farming (81.27 kg ha-1) but at par with chemical farming (89.29 kg ha-1). The maximum increase in the OC, available N, P2O5 and K2O were noted in INM (6.9 g kg-1, 186, 45 and 296 kg ha-1, respectively). The lowest value of OC, available N, P2O5 and K2O were noted in control (4.1 g kg-1, 58, 18 and 201 kg ha-1, respectively).

Study the Effect of Planting Dates and Reproductive Pruning on Yield Attributes of Yam Bean (Pachyrrhizus erosus L.)

Flowers are reproductive organs that convert photosynthetic assimilates into seeds when flowers are developed the yield of the tuber decreases. So, it’s prerequisite to pluck the flowers to increase the tuber yield [1] as well as its needs to find out suitable planting date for cultivation of yam bean in Konkan region. Therefore, an experiment on “Study the effect of planting dates and reproductive pruning on yield attributes of Yam bean (Pachyrrhizus erosus L.)” was conducted at Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Dapoli, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli during Kharif season of year 2023-24. Two factors were studied during the investigation using factorial randomized block design (p= .05) viz. Planting dates (D) i.e., D₁-1st week of June, D₂-3rd week of June, D3 -1st week of July, D4 -3rd week of July and Interval of reproductive pruning (P) i.e., P1 – Weekly, P2 – Fortnightly, P3 – No pruning. The results showed that weekly reproductive pruning (P1) with planting date 3rd week of June (D2) gave best effect and significantly affect the yield per plant (642.03 g), average weight of tuber (407.70 g),yield per hectare (12.90 t ha-1) and length and diameter of tuber (21.50 cm and 17.53 cm) respectively.

Assessment of the Impact of Direct Water Cooling and Cleaning System Operating Scenarios on PV Panel Performance

Among the various renewable energy-based technologies, photovoltaic panels are characterized by a high rate of development and application worldwide. Many efforts have been made to study innovative materials to improve the performance of photovoltaic cells. However, the most commonly used crystalline panels also have significant potential to enhance their energy yield by providing cooling and cleaning solutions. This paper discusses the possibility of introducing a dedicated direct-water cooling and cleaning system. As assumed, detailed schedules of the operation of the developed direct water cooling and cleaning system should be fitted to actual weather conditions. In this context, different cooling strategies were proposed and tested, including different intervals of opening and closing water flow. All tests were conducted using a dedicated experimental rig. 70 Wp monocrystalline panels were tested under laboratory conditions and 160 Wp polycrystalline panels were tested under real conditions. The results showed that introducing a scenario with a 1-min cooling and a 5-min break allowed for proving the panel’s surface temperature lower than 40 °C. In comparison, the temperature of the uncooled panel under the same operating conditions was close to 60 °C. Consequently, an increase in power generation was observed. The maximum power increase was observed in July and amounted to 15.3%. On the other hand, considering selected weeks in May, July, and September, the average increase in power generation was 3.63%, 7.48%, and 2.51%, respectively. It was concluded that the division of photovoltaic installation allows reasonable operating conditions for photovoltaic panels with a lower amount of energy consumed to power water pumps.

Options for Intensification of Cropping System in Coastal Saline Ecosystem: Inclusion of Grain Legumes in Rice-Based Cropping System

The coastal saline zone of West Bengal in India is the home to millions of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. Due to a gradual increase in salt accumulation on soils of the coastal saline zone of West Bengal in India from winter to summer days, cultivation of the second crop in the winter season becomes possible in a limited area. To address these issues, field experiments was conducted in rainy and winter seasons of 2016–17 and 2017–18 at the farmer’s field of the coastal saline zone (CSZ) of West Bengal, India. The experiment was carried out to study the system productivity, nutrient uptake, and profitability vis-à-vis salinity dynamics of the crops in rice-pulse-based cropping systems under different land elevations (medium upland and medium lowland). The experiment was conducted in a strip-split plot design having horizontal factors namely, Factor A: Six dates of sowing of rice at an interval of one week (2nd week of June to 3rd week of July), Factor B: Two land situations (medium upland and medium lowland) and Two Cropping Systems (Rice-Lathyrus and Rice-Lentil) as vertical factor, replicated four times. The results suggest that irrespective of land situation, early sown rice (15 June to 21 June) produces higher dry matter and grain yield compared to late sown crops. This early sowing of rice also facilitated the better performance of subsequent lathyrus and lentil, by avoiding the worst situation of the salinity build-up and drought stress later in the winter. Moreover, significantly higher productions were obtained from medium-lowland situations for both the cropping systems. Sowing date has also significantly influenced macro-nutrient uptake (NPK) by rice and pulse grains. It may be concluded that early sowing of rice may be a potential option for intensification of rice-pulse-based cropping systems under CSZ of West Bengal, India.

Characterization of Starch Fraction From Wet Protein Isolation Process in Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

ABSTRACTThe protein isolation process produces a protein isolate and a starch byproduct. This research focuses on characterizing the composition, pasting properties, and gel firmness (FM) of starch fractions of five yellow pea genotypes grown in six environments in the state of Washington, USA. Protein isolation yielded 17% protein and 60% starch fractions. The starch fraction had a purity range of 66.0%–84.8%. Pea starch exhibited a strong gel‐forming property. The pasting temperatures (PTs) of the starch fractions from the five pea entries ranged between 73.2 °C and 77.1 °C. Viscosity measurements indicated significant seasonal variations. Specifically, the viscosity parameters for the starches from the 2020 to 2022 seasons were significantly higher than those from the 2021 season. Differences in weather conditions partly contributed to seasonal variations. The 2021 season experienced low rainfall, primarily in May and June, followed by high temperatures during late June and the first 3 weeks of July. The principal component analysis (PCA) of 344 viscosity measurements from the Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) test showed a clear separation of the 2021 samples from those of 2020 and 2022, emphasizing the impact of the differences in growing conditions.

First Record of Breeding Behavior by the Chestnut-sided Warbler in Washington

The Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) typically breeds in early successional deciduous forests of the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. In recent decades, however, the species has become increasingly regular as a vagrant in the western U.S. and Canada. Over several weeks in June and July 2023, near Gig Harbor, Pierce County, we observed the first documented breeding behavior of the Chestnut-sided Warbler in Washington State, including territorial singing by the male and nest-building by the female. The increase in early successional vegetation following logging or wildfires could favor the Chestnut-sided Warbler becoming a regular breeding species in the Pacific Northwest.

Empowering Smallholder Sorghum Farmers for Resilience: Lessons from a Community-Based Seed Multiplication Scheme in West Hararghe, Ethiopia

Sorghum is a vital crop for food security in Ethiopia. Sorghum landraces are particularly crucial in crop-livestock mixed farming, however, the extended growing periods (6-8 months) required for these landraces make the crop vulnerable to recurrent drought events associated with delayed rain, dry spells, and drought during critical stages. The landraces are usually planted in March or April depending on the onset of rainfall and harvested around November but often fail due to drought. In such situations, early-maturing improved varieties are an option for farmers but access to seeds of these improved varieties is a challenge. Unlike the landraces, the improved early maturing varieties are planted around the first weeks of July and harvested in November. The formal seed system multiplies only a limited amount of improved sorghum seed, which is rarely available to smallholder sorghum growers, mostly as part of a government package for targeted programs. Therefore, a community-based seed multiplication (CBSM) scheme was introduced to address seed shortages among smallholder sorghum farmers. After a successful experiment in 2015 aimed at enhancing seed multiplication by smallholder sorghum farmers, the process was further implemented on a larger scale using the CBSM scheme. Between 2016 and 2017, three CBSM farmer groups consisting of a total of 56 participants were established in three districts of West Hararghe, Ethiopia. Seeds of two early-maturing and drought-tolerant improved sorghum varieties (Dekeba and Melkam) were multiplied on a total area of 49.58 hectares, resulting in 215.6 tons of certified seeds. The study's findings indicate that the CBSM scheme enhanced smallholder farmers' sorghum yields, incomes, and climate resilience by providing high-quality seeds, expanding access to improved seeds, improving crop quality, and empowering communities to manage seed distribution. Partnerships with local organizations and government agencies were vital for success, allowing the scheme to reach more farmers in different regions. The scheme proved successful for smallholder sorghum growers in Ethiopia's dry lowlands, offering lessons applicable to similar challenges elsewhere, and promoting sustainable solutions for smallholder farmers.

Seasonal incidence of major sucking pests of Bt cotton and their natural enemies with relation to weather parameters

Study on population dynamics of major sucking pests infesting Bt cotton showed that aphid, jassid, whitefly and thrips initiated from 28th SMW (2nd week of July), 28th SMW (2nd week of July), 29th SMW (3rd week of July) and 27th SMW (1st week of July), respectively. Peak infestation of aphid (21.20 aphid per 3 leaves) observed during 1st week of December (49th SMW). Jassid population observed highest in 40th SMW (14th WAS) with 9.88 jassid per 3 leaves, while the maximum whitefly population was observed during 43rd with 11.84 whitefly per 3 leaves. Population of thrips reached its peak during 34th SMW (8th WAS) with 15.32 thrips per 3 leaves. The peak population of lady bird beetles (4.52 grubs and adults per plant) was recorded during 43rd SMW (17th WAS) and the peak population of spider was recorded during 34th SMW (8th WAS) i.e. 1.36 spider per plant. Among the different abiotic environmental factors, jassid and whitefly had significant positive correlation with maximum temperature. Significant positive correlation was showed by thrips with minimum temperature. Morning relative humidity and evening relative humidity showed non-significant negative correlation with all sucking pest except thrips. Rainfall had non-significant positive correlation with jassid, whitefly and thrips. Bright sunshine had non-significant positive correlation with all sucking pests except thrips.

Seasonal Incidence of Fall Army Worm <i>Spodoptera Frugiperda</i> (J E Smith) on Maize

Investigation on seasonal incidence of fall army worm Spodoptera frugiperda on maize was undertaken at the Department of Entomology, VNMKV, Parbhani. The studies were done during kharif on the maize variety Komal. Laval incidence was observed from 31st SMW (Standard Meteorological Week) i.e. fifth week of July and to till 43rd SMW i.e. fourth week of October with a peak incidence observed (4.05 larvae/plant) during 39th SMW. Thereafter larval count showed declining trend (1.9 larvae/plant) during 42nd SMW. Larval infestation also recorded in %age and under observation highest infestation 38.98% during 39th SMW i.e. fourth week of September. The correlation between larval incidence and weather parameters was showed negatively non-significant with minimum temperature, evening relative humidity and rainfall, whereas positive relationship was observed with maximum temperature and bright sunshine hours. The correlation with morning relative humidity evaporation with FAW population wee positively and negativity significant respectively evaporation was negative significant.

Data-Driven Approach to Enhancing Supermarket Vegetable Sales Strategies

China's vegetable commodity production has developed rapidly and made great progress. Due to the short shelf life of most vegetable products, they cannot be sold the next day. Therefore, by studying the distribution law of sales volume and the relationship between categories and pricing, the supermarket can accurately predict the sales situation, reasonably arrange replenishment plans, and formulate pricing strategies. Comprehensive analysis of automatic replenishment and pricing strategies of vegetable commodities is of great significance to the profit of fresh supermarkets. Aiming at the automatic pricing and replenishment strategies of vegetable products, this paper visualizes each item and each category to obtain the distribution and relationship of time, sales volume, and sales frequency of different items and categories. Spearman grade correlation coefficient is used for correlation analysis, and a single linear regression model is established. The relationship between cost profit rate and cost, selling price, and total sales volume of each category is obtained. Then, the ARIMA prediction model is used to predict the automatic pricing and replenishment strategies for each category and each vegetable item during the week of July 1-7, 2023, and July 1, 2023.

Vegetable Automated Pricing Model Based on Particle Swarm Algorithm

Fresh grocery supermarkets face challenges such as the short shelf life of vegetables, quality degradation over time, and difficulty in selling products the following day. Considering these issues, they restock early in the morning without complete knowledge of the specific items or purchase prices, based on historical sales and demand data. To address this issue, this paper first visualizes the data to demonstrate a positive correlation between sales volume and time. Next, to address the issue of predicting the total daily restocking quantity and pricing strategy from July 1 to July 7, 2023, the document utilizes data from the previous three years to establish an ARIMA time series forecast model to predict the costs and sales volume of six vegetables for the first week of July 2023. Finally, to devise the replenishment quantity and pricing strategy for individual items on July 1, 2023, the paper filters the data for all vegetable items from June 24th to 30th, 2023, and combines it with the particle swarm optimization algorithm to obtain the results. This study is pragmatic, providing a feasible solution to the problem of automatic pricing for fresh vegetables.

Effect of sowing schedule and integrated nutrient management on productivity, profitability and soil health in rainfed baby corn (Zea mays)–horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) cropping sequence

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2012 and 2013 at Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, to work out the effect of sowing schedule and integrated nutrient-management systems on the pro ductivity and profitability of baby corn (Zea mays L.)–horse gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (L.) Verdc.] cropping sys tem. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with 4 treatments of sowing schedule (1st week of July, 2nd week of July and 3rd week of July and 4th week of July) in main plots and 4 levels of fertility (Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 125% of RDF, RDF + 5 t FYM, 125% of RDF + 5 t FYM) with 3 replications. The horse gram was taken as utera crop sown just before harvesting of baby corn of each sowing schedule by using common starter dose (20-50-20 kg N-P-K/ha). Baby cob, baby corn, green fodder of baby corn plants, horse gram yield and economics were higher in sowing of first schedule (1st week of July) which showed parity with second (2nd week of July) and third (3rd week of July) sowing schedule but significantly superior to the fourth sowing schedule, i.e. 4th week of July. Further, application of 125% RDF + 5 t FYM significantly increased the baby cob, baby corn, green fodder, horse gram yield over 100% RDF and125% RDF, but was at par with that obtained with 100% RDF + 5 t FYM. Combined effect of sowing of the first schedule of baby corn and horse gram and application of 125% RDF + 5 t FYM resulted in significantly higher baby corn-equivalent yield in terms of system productivity (2.8 t/ha) which was comparable to sowing of the second schedule with 125% RDF + 5 t FYM (2.7 t/ha), sowing of the third schedule with 125% RDF + 5 t FYM (2.3 t/ha), sowing of the first schedule with 100% RDF + 5 t FYM (2.7 t/ha), sowing of the second schedule with 100% RDF + 5 t FYM (2.5 t/ha) and sowing of the first schedule with 125% RDF (2.5 t/ha). Hence sowing of baby corn on the first schedule (1st week of July) with 125% RDF + 5 t FYM fol lowed by horse gram revealed the maximum system productivity in terms of baby corn-equivalent yield (2.8 t/ha) and net profit ( 173,000/ha). As regards to nutrient management in baby corn and horse gram system, the maxi mum nutrient uptake (205.7 kg N, 35.5 kg P and 222.8 kg K/ha) and soil fertility status after final harvesting of cropping system (256.19 kg N, 9.1 kg P2 O5 and 281.00 kg K2 O/ha) were registered under 125% RDF + 5 t FYM.