Journal of Experimental Agriculture International

Plant Hormones- Natural Growth Regulators

Jal D. Vashi — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Plant hormones are compounds that can regulate the overall growth and development of plants and have a great influence throughout the lifecycle of plants. Various hormones act on the plant at different points of time depending on the vegetative or reproductive state of the plant. The effects of hormones on plants are quite complex to understand and a single plant hormone can have multiple effects on the growth and development of plants. They can help to regulate the homeostasis of plants under stress from both biotic and abiotic factors. Plant hormones have a very complex mode of interaction among themselves and how they influence plant development. There has always been more research done on understanding the individual plant hormone and their mechanism. More recent work focuses on complex problems like how different hormones work together to regulate the growth of plants. This mini-review article will focus on the five main hormones, their role in the growth and development of plants and their commercial uses in modern agriculture.

A Review of Environmental Issues Due to Shifting Cultivation in Arunachal Pradesh, India

Ram Krishna Mandal , Kiron Lonchung — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Since the dawn of human civilization, shifting farming, or Jhum cultivation, has been practiced. It continues to be practiced traditionally in hilly areas today. Because it causes so many issues, like soil erosion, loss of soil fertility, extinction of flora and fauna, depletion of water supplies, etc., it is a plague on human existence. The objectives ofthe study have tried to explore the adverse impacts of shifting cultivation and different causes of water pollution.Some recent studies are reviewed and research gap is identified. This study is descriptive by nature based basically on data of secondary sources. Someadverse impacts are sought out.Some findings are sought out. Some suggestions are given to solve the adverse impacts to bring the allround development of the State. It is necessary to make an integrated research on the basic problems raised with the shifting cultivation by scientists of all the disciplines including social scientists.

Green House Gas Emissions and Mitigation Strategies for Sustainable Dairy Farming

T. Vijaya Nirmala , S. Harikumar , Anu George , A. Devivaraprasad Reddy — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The global dairy industry is estimated to be worth billions of dollars, with India being the leading producer of dairy products. Milk is a vital source of nutrition, providing energy, protein, and essential micronutrients. It has been linked to various health benefits, such as improved bone health and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes. However, the livestock industry also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. The carbon footprint of dairy products is measured by assessing the emissions of greenhouse gases throughout the production process. Methane emissions from enteric fermentation and manure management are the primary sources of emissions in the livestock sector. Strategies aimed at enhanced milk production, reducing animal mortality rates and enhancing reproductive performances can also help reduce emissions. To ensure long-term sustainability of the livestock production system, the Indian dairy cattle farming system must address key intervention areas such as feeding management, animal health and reproductive performance, and manure management to reduce its carbon footprint.

Sustainable and Climate Smart Agriculture for Food Security: A Review

Nitesh Haldar, Rinitta Pearlin A. — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This review provides an in-depth examination of the principles, practices, and challenges associated with sustainable and climate-smart agriculture. Sustainable agriculture, with its focus on soil health, biodiversity, water management, and reduced chemical inputs, is crucial for meeting current food production needs while preserving resources for future generations. Climate Smart Agriculture builds upon sustainability by emphasizing climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, including climate-resilient crop selection, greenhouse gas reduction, and technology integration.

However, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of these practices. Indian Farmers often lack knowledge and resources, while financial constraints and policy barriers pose significant hurdles. Additionally, climate variability and market access issues further complicate the transition to sustainable and climate-smart agriculture.

Efforts to address these challenges require comprehensive education and training programs, supportive policies, financial incentives, and increased collaboration among governments, NGOs, and the private sector. Achieving sustainable and Climate Smart Agriculture is crucial for ensuring food security and resilience in the face of climate change.

Humic Acid as Combined with Different Levels of N-P-K Fertilizer and Farmyard Manure to Enhance a Fodder Maize-Cowpea Intercropping System

P. Dhamodharan, M. Raguramakrishnan , N. Arivukkumar — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In the summer season of 2021, a research study was conducted at the Department of Agronomy, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Killikulam. The primary objective was to assess how varying doses of humic acid, in addition with the recommended fertilizer dose, affected the growth and physiological characteristics of African Tall fodder maize and CO 9 fodder cowpea under intercropping system. The study was laid down by using randomized block design with 12 treatment combinations, each replicated three times to reduce the experimental error. The study's results highlighted that applying 125% of the recommended fertilizer dose, supplemented with enriched farmyard manure at a rate of 750 kg/ha, and applying 20 kg/ha of humic acid with addition of foliar spray treatments comprising 1.0% Urea and 0.5% CaCl₂ (Treatment 8) were found to yield the highest plant height, number of leaves per plant, branches per plant, and increased dry matter production. Furthermore, this approach demonstrated superior physiological attributes, including agronomic growth rate, relative growth rate, and net assimilation rate at various crop growth stages. Notably, this treatment also exhibited the largest leaf area when compared to control treatments (Treatment 12).

Geospatial Analysis of Kurumanpuzha Sub Watershed in the Chaliyar River Basin: A Remote Sensing and GIS Approach for Geomorphological Assessment

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: This study aimed to determine geomorphological characteristics of Kurumanpuzha sub-watershed for understanding its hydrological behaviour, erosion susceptibility and geological characteristics.

Study Design: Morphometric analysis of Kurumanpuzha sub-watershed was carried out using remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) which is pivotal for sustainable resource management.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, Malappuram, Kerala during 2020-2021.

Methodology: The geomorphological characteristics of Kurumanpuzha sub-watershed were determined using GIS offering precise terrain insights to guide water resource planning, erosion control, infrastructure development and ecological conservation. Morphometric parameters were assessed based on linear, areal, and relief characteristics. USGS Earth Explorer platform was employed to download satellite images from multiple sources, including ISRO Resourcesat, Landsat, Sentinel, RADAR, and others. These images were then used to develop a Land Use Land Cover (LULC) map as well as other maps of the study area.

Results: The sub-watershed had a dendritic drainage pattern with a mean bifurcation ratio of 2.05, indicating easier flood management due to longer durations of low peak flows. The analysis revealed fine drainage, indicating a prevalence of soft rocks prone to erosion. The watershed had high relief and steep slopes, characterized by hills, breaks, and low mountains. The hypsometric curve indicated an equilibrium stage of geomorphic evolution. Morphometric parameters were grouped into three clusters at the sub-watershed level, demonstrating spatial variability. Forest/dense vegetation were the dominant land use, followed by rubber plantations and scrubland.

Conclusion: The findings of this study contribute to understanding of the hydrological behaviour, erosion susceptibility and geological characteristics of Kurumanpuzha sub-watershed. It is useful for effective watershed management, erosion control and informed decision-making in land use planning and engineering projects.

Technical Efficiency in Sugarcane Crop - A Stochastics Frontier Analysis

Krishna Kant — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The paper assesses socio-economic, and technical efficiency of sugarcane farmers in Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh. 120 farmers samples were collected from four villages in two blocks. The study point out that marginal farmers were more younger and medium farmers were more educated and wealthier than the others. The stochastic frontier model was used to find out the technical efficiency of sample farmers of sugarcane crop. The farm resources human labour, seed and irrigation found statically significant in all groups of farms. Inefficiency was impacted negatively and significantly by farm equipment and positively and significantly by family size; Farmers can improve profit efficiency by increasing farm equipment and a smaller number of family members was inversely affect the efficiency. Distribution of sugarcane farm maximum under 70-80 percent of 49 farms (40.0 per cent) and only 4 farms (3.30 per cent) have the maximum efficiency score above 90 per cent.

Effect of Long-term Application of Organic, Inorganic and Integrated Nutrients on Soil Potassium Fractions in a Vertisol of Central India

Puspanjli Shukla , S. K. Sharma — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The present study was conducted at the experimental field of College of Agriculture, Indore during 2018-2019.Soybean (cv. JS-9305), was grown with 80 kg ha^-1 seed rate with row to row and plant to plant spacing of 40 cm X 5 cm. Soybean crop was grown as per standard cultural practices. The experiment was conducted with nine treatments viz., T1- unfertilized control, T2- 20 kg N + 13 kg P ha^-1, T3- 30 kg N + 20 kg P ha^-1, T4- 40 kg N + 26 kg P ha^-1, T5- 60 kg N + 35 kg P ha^-1, T6- 6 t ha^-1 FYM + 20 kg N + 13 kg P, T7- 5 t ha^-1 crop residues + 20 kg N + 13 kg P, T8- 6 t ha^-1 FYM and T9- 5 t ha^-1 crop residues (CR) laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) having three replications. Different K fractions in soil sample viz., water soluble-K, available-K, exchangeable-K, non-exchangeable-K, lattice-K and total-K were determined following standard methods. The mean values were grouped for comparisons and the least significant differences among them were calculated at p<0.05 confidence level using ANOVA statistics. The results of present study revealed that to sustain K status in Vertisol there is a need of K application along with organic manure/crop residue. The application of organics with and without N and P application can sustain the Lattice-K availability in long run under soybean based cropping system of Vertisols. The rate of chemical fertilizer can be reduced up to 50% due to long term application of 6 t ha^-1FYM or 5 t ha^-1 crop residues are added to soil.

Effect of Planting Pattern, Fertilizer Levels and Weed Management Practices on System Productivity and Economics of Pigeonpea-Based Intercropping System

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The experiment was conducted during kharif 2021-22 at Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, a campus of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar. The primary objective was to assess how different planting pattern, in addition with the varying fertilizer levels along with weed management practices, affected the growth and physiological characteristics of pigeon pea under pigeon pea based intercropping system. The study was laid down by using factorial randomized block design with 2 intercropping systems, 3 fertilizer levels and 4 weed management practices, each replicated three times to reduce the experimental error. The study's results highlighted that all the intercropping system in both the planting pattern recorded significantly higher net return and B:C ratio than sole pigeon pea. Among the intercropping systems, paired row planting of pigeon pea (45 cm) in 2:2 row ratio significantly recorded maximum growth, yield attributes and yield, net return and B:C ratio than their intercropping with pigeon pea in normal planting pattern (60 cm) in 1:1 row ratio and pigeon pea + soybean in both planting pattern. Although, growth, yield and economics increased significantly with subsequent increase in fertilizer levels and recorded higher values up to 100% RDF. Weed management practices recorded significantly higher plant height, yield indices, grain yield, net return and B:C ratio than weedy check. Among weed management practices, hand weeding twice recorded significantly higher growth and yield attributes, fruiting efficiency, grain yield and net return than combined application of imazethapyr with quizalofop ethyl and pre-plant incorporation of chlorimuron ethyl fb imazathapyr except number of pods/plant, fruiting efficiency and net return with combined application of imazethapyr + quizalofop ethyl. However, significantly higher B:C ratio was associated with combined application of imazethapyr + quizalofop ethyl. Application of 50% RDF in weed management practices produced significantly higher pigeon pea yield than application of 100% RDF in weedy check. Hence, 50% RDF could be saved by adopting the weed management practices in pigeon pea.

Optimization of Growth Conditions and Protease Activity for Tempeh Production from Sorghum

Hemalatha Devagopalan, Ilamurugu Krishnaswamy — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Fermentation improves the nutraceutical properties of cereals. The objective of this work was to optimize the growth condition for tempeh production from sorghum. Tempeh was developed with sorghum and in combination with soybean. Effective proliferative growth of Rhizopus oligosporus (R. oligosporus) was found on all the substrates. The temperature had a significant effect on the growth of the mould, pH, and protease activity. The incubation temperature of 35^OC was found to be more favourable than 30^oC. The fermentation at 35^oC was completed within 36 hours compared to 30^oC (46 h). The pH was raised progressively up to 48 hours of incubation period (7.20-7.25). The protease activity at 35^OC was found to be increased until 36 hours and decreased thereafter. The protease activity was found to be significantly higher at 35^oC (99.20 IU /g) in comparison to 30^oC.

Growth Performance and Nutrients Digestibility of Weaner Rabbits FED Diets Containing Par-Boiled and Non-Parboiled Rice Milling By-Products

T. T. Anongo , D. T. Shaahu, T. Ahemen , C. D. Tuleun , S. N. Carew — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

A feeding trial was conducted for 84-days to investigate the feeding value of rice milling by-products on growth performance, digestibility and carcass characteristics of growing rabbits in Makurdi. Forty two (42) weaner rabbits weighing between 412 – 420 g were randomly allocated to 7 treatment diets with each treatment replicated 6 times in a completely randomize design (CRD). Each rabbit constituted a replicate and each treatment was made up of three males and three females. The treatments were, D_1, control, D₂ contained parboiled rice offal (PRO), D₃ contained parboiled rice bran (PRB), D₄ contained parboiled grain rejects (PGR), D₅ contained non-parboiled rice polishing (NPRP), D₆ contained non-parboiled rice bran (NPRB)and D₇ contained non-parboiled grain rejects (NPGR). Result of growth performance revealed that Significant (P<0.05) dietary influence were observed on average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratios. In both parameters (ADWG and FCR) performances were significantly(P<0.05) poor (10.97g and 6.69 respectively) in rabbits fed PRO. Result of digestibility by the rabbits fed diets containing RMBPs were similar (P>0.05) to the rabbits fed the control diet and this similarity was observed across the treatment groups. No significant (P>0.05) dietary influence was observed on carcass parameters measured It was concluded that, the combination of rice milling by-products (RMBPs) with other feed materials provided cheaper diets that are nutritionally adequate for enhance growth, good carcass development and yield of rabbits at levels equivalent to the reference diet. It is recommended therefore that, feed manufacturers and Rabbit farmers can incorporate up to 25% of rice offal, rice bran and rice grain rejects in the diets of rabbits.

Impact of Front Line Demonstrations in Improving Rice Productivity and Profitability in Jaunpur District of Uttar Pradesh, India

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

A study was carried out during Kharif, 2019 to assess the impact of Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs) on productivity and profitability of rice crop in Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh. The FLDs were conducted by the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Regional Station Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, under the IARI-Outreach Programme to know the yield gap, technology gap, extension gap, economic return, extent of farmer’s satisfaction, and constraints faced by the farmers, especially paddy growers. The critical inputs were identified in existing production technology through personal interaction, group meetings, and discussions with farmers and scientists. Improved variety, soil testing, seed treatment, integrated nutrient management, weed management, and pest and disease management are among the improved technologies. The result showed that switching from traditional farming methods to more advanced production technologies can result in yields of 30.00 percent and net returns of 27.00 percent. The extension gap of 1.20 t/ha, technological gap (0.55 t/ha), and technology index (9.57%) were registered for the Pusa Sugandha-5 variety. An additional returns of ₹16884.33/ha was obtained with an additional investment of ₹8395.67/ha, coupled with scientific monitoring of demonstrations and the use of rice varieties during investigations, which also influenced the economic returns per unit area. The constraint that was found to be the most difficult to overcome was the lack of improved, high-yielding rice varieties. In order to increase their yield and increase the production and productivity of rice in Uttar Pradesh, farmers in the area are advised to adopt new rice varieties as well as a recommended improved package of practices and technologies.

Growth and Yield Performance of Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) on Rooftop of Different Height of Buildings

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In urban agriculture, rooftop gardening is a remarkable part which is practiced to overcome the food crisis and climate change; if it is not economically viable on the basis of productivity, then rooftop garden will not enhance and sustain. So, a pot experiment was conducted during November 2021 to April 2022 on the rooftop of different height of buildings and Agroforestry research field at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207 to study the productivity of chili (BARI Morich 3). The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with four replications. The treatments of this experiment were T₁= Control (Ground, 0.0 m), T₂= Rooftop of three storied building (11.28 m), T₃= Rooftop of six storied building (21.34 m) and T₄ = Rooftop of ten storied building (34.75 m). Results indicated that soil moisture content, plant height, stem diameter, number of (leaf, branch and fruit), fresh and dry weight of plant, single fruit (weight, length and diameter), fresh and dry weight of yield per plant were significantly decreased with the increased of building height (T₁>T₂>T₃>T₄) and air temperature, soil temperature and light intensity were significantly increased with the increased of building height (T₄> T₃> T₂> T₁). As gradually increased the height of building rooftop, sequentially decreased the growth, yield and yield contributing characteristics of chili plant. Although ground performed the best productivity, up to rooftop of three storied building can be selected as an appropriate height for chili (BARI Morich-3) cultivation to increase the rooftop gardening.

Agro-morphological Characterization of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study was conducted in field conditions that suitable to typical growth and all trait expression. A set of 30 wheat genotypes was evaluated for 10 agro-morphological traits in the rabi season 2022-2023. The experiment followed Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with two replications and along with three different date of sowing. For the present study data was recorded on the basis of DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability) guidelines. Phenotypic assessment revealed variability in different morphological traits like Plant growth habit, Foliage colour, Flag leaf length, Flag leaf width, Ear time of emergence, Ear Shape, Ear Density, Ear colour, Grain colour and Grain shape. Most of the morphological traits found an adequate level of variability.These established descriptors serve as valuable markers for characterizing the wheat, facilitating genotypes utilization and conservation efforts.

Effect of Vegetable Oil Mill Effluents on Physiological Properties of Brassica compestris L. Seeds

Durga Lal Regar , Pragya Dadhich , Poonam Jaiswal — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Industrialization has made our day-to-day life easier and is also a key determinant of the economic growth of any nation. But on the dark side, industries are also known to cause almost all types of pollution including soil, air, and water pollution. Untreated industrial effluents when discharged in agricultural fields affect overall crop production. OME is believed to induce a phytotoxic effect on seed germination and overall plant growth. This paper aims to test the toxicity of soybean and mustard oil mill effluents and their impact on the Vitality Index, Seed Vigour Index, and Tolerance Index of seeds of Brassica compestris L. The study was conducted during July 2020 - June 2022. Two sets of experiments were settled, one for mustard OME and another for soybean OME. Various concentrations of OME were prepared; 0% oil mill effluent (tap water),10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100% OME (not diluted). Treatment with tap water was treated as a control. A germination test with 10 seeds mounted on moist filter paper was conducted in an incubator at a temperature of 23°C. Seed vitality index, Seed vigour index, Tolerance index, and Phyto-toxicity were calculated with standard methods. Vitality index (VI) decreases to almost 1/5 with increasing OME concentration as compared to control (without OME) with both the OME. Up to 10% OME concentration in both cases there is almost no negative impact, but after that soybean OME concentration shows more negative effect on the seed vigour index. The tolerance index (TI) was reduced to almost 50% with increasing OME concentration from 0% (water) to 100% in both treatments. Toxicity is more pronounced with soybean OME during the early germination period but later it shows that toxicity increases with increasing OME concentration with both the OME. It can be concluded that higher concentrations of vegetable oil mill effluent negatively affect seed vitality, vigour and this may be due to reduced tolerance and increased toxicity with higher concentrations of OME. All these parameters under study have a significantly high correlation with the concentration of OME.

Appraising the Biochemical Responses in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Seedlings under Various Seed Treatments

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

A study was conducted to analyse the effect of pesticides and biofertilizers on enzymatic activity of dehydrogenase, catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in seedlings of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties (WH1105 and WH1124) and their old and fresh seed lots. This experiment was conducted in the laboratories at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University in Hisar during 2020. A total of 16 treatment combinations were applied to the seeds in the experiment, including control, which were subsequently used for germination. The seedlings of the wheat cultivars were germinated in between paper at controlled temperature 20^oC. 4 days old germinated seedlings were used for the analyses of the biochemical parameters. This finding revealed that the seedlings germinated from seeds treated with T₅-Azotobacter+PSB exhibited highest biochemical activity, followed by T₄-Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria. The application of biofertilizers enhanced the dehydrogenase, catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities, whereas the T₁-Chlorpyrifos reduced the biochemical activities of the wheat seedlings. The results demonstrated that Chlorpyrifos had an adverse effect on the biochemical activities and inhibiting seedlings optimal growth and inducing stress-related challenges for wheat seedlings.

Design and Development of a Manually Operated Pull-Type Three-Row Dibble Wheel for Efficient Agricultural Planting

M. Lokesh , M. Anusha — Sat, 18 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This research introduces a novel pull-type three-row dibble wheel designed to improve agricultural planting efficiency. The dibble wheel's primary purpose is to create evenly spaced holes in the soil for precise seed placement, reducing the labor-intensive manual hole digging process. Ergonomic features are incorporated to reduce operator fatigue. Performance evaluation involved key metrics, including effective field capacity (EFC), field efficiency (FE), cost of operation (COP), and cost savings (SC), compared to the traditional planting method (TM). Three dibble methods were assessed: single-row seated dibbling (SE), single-row standing dibbling (ST), and the three-row dibble wheel (DW). Results demonstrated significant improvements in EFC, FE, COP, and SC for SE, ST, and DW compared to TM. Specific measurements for dibble diameter, depth, and intra-dibble spacing were consistent. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in intra-dibble spacing, effective field capacity, and field efficiency among dibbling methods at p=0.01, while no distinctions were found in hole diameter and depth. In conclusion, the three-row manually operated dibble wheel significantly reduces planting time and labor, ensuring precise seed placement. It offers advantages in field capacity, field efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and cost savings, making it suitable for small and marginal farmers as an improvement over traditional methods.

Soursop Leaf and Pumpkin Pulp Diets Concerning Performance, Nutrient Utilization and Blood Profile of Goats

M. I. Okoruwa , E. O. Aidelomon, I. Ikhimioya — Sat, 18 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Assessed growth performance, nutrient utilization and blood constituents of goats fed diets containing fluted pumpkin pulp and different proportions of soursop leaf powder. We used twenty- four West African dwarf female goats of about 7 to 8 months old and 7.00 ± 0.15kg. They were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with three replicates of two goats. The compared diets contained; 6% dried fluted pumpkin pulp without soursop leaf powder (control, PPM₁), 6% dried fluted pumpkin pulp with 2% soursop leaf powder (SLP₂), 6% dried fluted pumpkin pulp with 2.5% soursop leaf powder (SLO₃) and 6% dried fluted pumpkin pulp with 3% soursop leaf powder (SLW₄). The results showed that diet PPM₁was significantly (P<0.05) higher in feed conversion ratio, digestibility of ether extract, gross energy intake, total nitrogen and energy output, creatinine, urea, serum enzymes, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein. SLOP₃ revealed significantly (P<0.05) better in final, total & daily body weight gain ,dry matter, crude protein and crude fiber digestibility, nitrogen retention, digestible and metabolizable energy, packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red and white blood cells, serum total protein, albumin, glucose, and high-density lipoprotein. Feed and nitrogen intake as well as triglycerides indicated significant (P<0.05) higher values in SLW₄. Using 6% dried fluted pumpkin pulp with 2.5 or 3% soursop leaf powder in diets enhanced nutrient utilization for better performance and health status of goats.

Study on Economic Analysis of Cost and Return of Rabi Maize (Zea mays L) in Rajasthan, India

Anju Yadav , S. S. Burark , Lal Chand Yadav , J. M. Garhwal — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The present study was conducted to analyze the cost and return of rabi maize in Banswara district of Rajasthan. The study area was selected on the basis of highest gross cropped area of rabi maize in study area. A sample of 120 farmers were selected randomly in the study area during the year 2020-21. Farmers were categorized into two categories i.e., beneficiary (canal irrigation) and non- beneficiary (other than canal irrigation) farms. The standard cost concept method of the CACP was used to calculate cost of cultivation of maize crop. Results revealed that overall cost of cultivation was found ₹37573.98 and ₹37857.86on beneficiary and non- beneficiary farms, respectively. Overall net return was found more on beneficiary compared to non- beneficiary farms. Return per rupee was found more on beneficiary farms compare to non- beneficiary farms i.e., 2.15 and 1.92, respectively.

Effect of Intercropping and Crop Arrangement on Yield and Yield Components of Late Season Maize and Cowpea in the Upland of Njala Soil Series Southern Sierra Leone

Ashadu Nyande , Melvin S. George , Fayia A. Kassoh , Alieu M. Bah — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

A field study was conducted during the 2014 late cropping season (October) in the upland, at the School of Agriculture (SOA). SOA is located on an elevation of 5m above sea level on latitude 806N and longitude 1206W of the equator. The study aims to determine the effect of intercropping and crop arrangement on yield and yield component of late-season maize and cowpea production in the upland of Njala soil series, Kori chiefdom, Moyamba District, Southern Sierra Leone. The experiment had five treatments, sole maize crop, sole cowpea crop, intercrop 1 (spacing of 40 cm between rows of maize and cowpeas), intercrop 2 (spacing of 20cm between rows of maize and cowpeas), and intercrop 3 (Both crops were randomly planted). The experimental design used was a randomized complete block design and the experimental plots were replicated three times. There were significant differences in mean Fresh biomass weight, Leaf number, and Days to 50%. Sole maize yielded the highest maize grain weight, yield components, and other growth parameters (Plant height, Leaf area, Leaf number, and Stem girth).

Sole cowpea yielded the highest cowpea grain weight, yield components, and other growth parameters (Plant height, lateral branches, Leaf area, and Leaf number). Among the intercrops, intercrop 1 yielded the highest grain weight, yield components, and other growth parameters for intercrops. The LER of intercrop 1&2 was above 1.0 indicating that the land utilization efficiency for maize-cowpea intercropping was more advantageous than for sole cropping.

Effect of Drip Irrigation Scheduling, Planting Methods and Mulches on Growth and Yield of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.)

Sunil Kumar , M. L. Mehriya , Ummed Singh , Sita Ram Kumhar , Ramdev Sutaliya — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The present field experiment was conducted to study the effect of planting methods, mulches and drip irrigation scheduling on fennel during Rabi season of 2020-21 and 2021-22 at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Jodhpur. The field experiment was laid out in split plot design comprised of four levels of drip irrigation (1.0, 0.8, 0.6 and 0.4 PEF i.e. Pan Evaporation Fraction) in main plots, two planting methods (direct sowing and transplanting) in sub plots and three mulches (no mulch, straw mulch and plastic mulch) in sub-sub plots. The results revealed that increasing levels of drip irrigation from 0.4 to 1.0 PEF significantly enhanced crop growth and yield in both the seasons of experimentation. Drip irrigation scheduled at 1.0 PEF resulted to significantly higher CGR, RGR and seed yield (2482 kg/ha) over lower levels of drip irrigation. Among planting methods, transplanting surpassed direct sowing led to significantly higher growth rates and seed yield (2141 kg/ha) compared to direct sowing. Moreover, use of straw mulch was found significantly superior in this respect and improved seed yield by 4.79 and 40.88 percent over plastic mulch and without mulch.

Export Instability Scenario of Chilli and Cumin in India

Adarsh V. S., Gowthaman T., Elakkiya N., Sathees Kumar K. — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: To disclose the growth and instability under export values of chilli and cumin in India.

Place and Duration of Study: The secondary data on export pricing values obtained from the Spice Board and indiastats.com during a 30-year period (1991 to 2020).

Methodology: The growth in quantity of export of chilli and cumin was analyzed using the compound growth rate (CAGR). The Coefficient of Variation (CV), Cuddy Della Index (CDI), and Coppock's Instability Index (CII) to assess the level of export and market instability.

Results: During all three periods of study both the crops showed significant growth rates. Among the three periods, period II had comparatively higher growth rate (10.73) for chilli, while for cumin period I had higher growth rate (10.63). CV of export values showed period I was more stable (17.57 percent) and period II was the least stable (24.46) for chilli. While, in the case of cumin period I was highly instable (28.14 percent), followed by period II (18.8 percent) and period I (11.01 percent).

Conclusions: The export growth rate had a significant positive growth over the years and had a less variability in both export values of chilli and cumin from India.

Economic and Operational Evaluation of the Use of Two Manual Rotary and Cono Weeders in an Intensive Rice Cultivation System (SRI) in the Central Zone of Burkina Faso

Zongo Ousmane , Yé Siédouba Georges, Lingani Abdel Kader Hounsouho — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Rice, the Burkina Faso's fourth most important cereal in terms of surface area, production and annual per capita consumption, is a staple food. The high demand for rice is far from being met by national production. Several constraints, including weeds, are causing huge yield losses. The aim of this study is to assess the economic impact of innovative mechanical weed management technologies, with a view to increasing the productivity of irrigated rice in Burkina Faso. The Boulbi irrigated paddy field was used for experimentation. The evaluation was carried out on the farm using a completely randomized Fisher block design in a 4-repeat SRI. The performance of three weeders, two designed (rotary (T2) and cono (T3)), was evaluated with the Africa Rice model (T1), compared with weeding with a hand hoe (T0). Data were collected on performance and yield parameters. They were recorded with XLSTAT Version 2016.02.27444 and subjected to descriptive analyses. Results showed that weeding with weeders reduced labor time for the three weeding operations by 55% with T1, 65% with T2 and 70% with T3 compared with T0. The yield increase was 37.20% with T3, 32% with T2 and 22% with T1 compared with T0. The operating account results show additional gains of 386,250 FCFA with T3, 319,417.8 FCFA with T2 and 223,583.9 FCFA with T1 compared to T0.

Occurrence of Insect-Pest of Cluster Bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Linn.) Taubert] Associated with Meteorological Parameters in Gird Region of Madhya Pradesh, India

Mona Sharma , Pradyumn Singh, Prince Mahore , Dheerendra Mahor , Suman Choudhary — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Insects are a big threat in agriculture. To study about insect pests complex of the cluster bean, a field experiment conducted at Research Farm, Rajmata Vijyaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh during Kharif season 2022-23. The incidence of insect pests observed on kharif cluster bean, namely thrips, Megleurothrips distalis (karny), Jassid, Empoasca kerri (Pruthi) aphid, Aphis craccivora (Koch) and whiteflies, Acaudaleyrodes rachipora (Singh). Peak population of aphid, Jassid and whitefly were observed during 37^th SMW (2^nd week of September) (4.39, 5.74 and 5.67 individuals/leaf, respectively); while peak population of thrips were observed during 38^th SMW (3^rd week of September) (4.75 individuals/leaf), thrips peak population was observed 38^th SMW (3^rd week of August) (3.70 thrips/leaf). Population of aphid and Jassid showed positive significant correlation with rainfall (r= 0.505*) and (r= 0.498*), respectively. Population of aphid, jassid and whitefly showed highly significant positive correlation with minimum temperature (r= 0.684**), (r= 0.745**) and (r= 0.591*), respectively. Population of aphid, jassid, thrips and whitefly showed significant positive correlation with evening relative humidity (r= 0.606*), (r= 0.621*), (r= 0.511*) and (r= 0.498*).

Factor and Constraints Involved in Income Generation from Sericulture: A Study in three Districts of West Bengal, India

Mrittika Sengupta, Soma Biswas, Soumen Saha — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Sericulture is an important sector for income generation in rural areas. Socio-personal and management factors along with relevant constraints were identified for income generation from sericulture in West Bengal. A total of 127 respondents were taken under the three districts i.e., Murshidabad, Nadia and South 24 Parganas. Total 14 socio-personal and 7 management factors were taken as independent variables and were statistically analyzed to understand their relationship with dependent variable income (y). The statistic used was correlation coefficient (r). Only 7 from socio-personal and 5 from management variables were found positively correlated with income. A total of 14 and 3 constraints were identified against mulberry and cocoon production, respectively. For mulberry production, 7 constraints were pest and disease related in that root rot disease and mealy bug pest (tukra) effected 8.66% and 18.11% with 6^th and 1^st rank respectively. For cocoon production 2 constraints were solely disease related in that grasserie infection and muscardine infection effected 62.20% and 29.92% with 1^st and 2^nd rank respectively. In socio-personal and management categories, a total of 4 major constraints were identified against income generation. However, based on the findings, it is to be mentioned that for any future income generation policy in sericulture care should be taken on identified factors and constraints based on their importance identified in this study.

Effect on Vegetative Growth and Economic Feasibility of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cv. Kufri Bahar through Foliar Spray of Bulk Chlorocholine Chloride (CCC) & Nano CCC

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

A field experiment consisting 12 treatments having 3 replications was carried out from November (2020-21 & 2021-22) at Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur (Rajasthan) to asses’ economic feasibility of chlorocholine chloride (CCC) and Nano CCC on potato. CCC-CS NFs (0.04, 0.08, 0.12, 0.16 and 0.20% w/v), CCC (0.04, 0.08, 0.16, 0.20% w/v), bulk chitosan (BCH 0.01% w/v) and control (water) were applied through foliar application at tuber initiation at 25^thday and tuber bulking at 45^thdays. Pooled data of two years showed that CCC-CS NFs (0.20%) got maximum net return (Rs. 267005.90) and maximum leaves/plant followed by 0.16% CCC-CS NFs (386 leaves) as comparative to rest of treatments. Non-significant difference in leaf area was recorded in all concentration of CCC-CS NFs, CCC, BCH and control.

Impact of Foliar Application of Nutrients on Economics of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The present experiment was laid out at research farm of R.A.K. College of Agriculture, Sehore (M.P.) during Kharif season of 2022. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with 8 treatments and each treatment replicated three times. The Blackgram (cv. Pratap -1) was sowing with a seed rate of 15 kg ha^-1and with a spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm. The recommended dose of chemical fertilizer viz. 20:40:20 kg ha^-1N: P₂O₅: K₂O, respectively was applied to the crop. Results revealed that foliar spray application of nutrient shows significant effect on yield economics. Treatment T₇ (2% Spray of DAP + 0.5% Spray of ZnSO₄ at pre-flowering and pod initiation stage) found higher for yield and yield attributes i.e. grain yield (0.836 kg/plot and 7.86 q/ha respectively), straw yield (17.30q/ha), biological yield (25.16 q/ha), harvest index (31.21 %), gross return (₹ 62550 ha^-1), net return ((₹ 36491 ha^-1) and B:C ratio (2.40). While, minimum values found with T₁ (Water spray at pre-flowering stage and pod initiation stage).

Effect of Foliar Application of Boron, Zinc and Manganese on Dry Matter Accumulation, Total Tuber Yield and Economic Feasibility of Potato (Solanum tuberosum) cv. Kufri Chipsona – 1 under Gwalior Climatic Conditions

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The present experiment was carried out at All India Coordinated Research Project on Potato running in the Department of Horticulture, Rajmata Vijyaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalya, Gwalior (M.P.) during Rabi 2018-19. The purpose of the experiment was to determine how different foliar treatment concentrations of boron, zinc, and manganese affected the production characteristics and yield of the potato variety Kufri Chipsona-1 in Gwalior climate conditions. Eight foliar spray treatments of micronutrients were included in the experiment. Three replications of each of these treatments were arranged in a Randomised Block Design. The use of zinc, manganese, and boron had a substantial impact on potato economics and overall tuber output, according to the data. Treatment T8 (Boron + Zinc + Manganese) had the highest overall tuber yield (30.57 t/ha), dry matter of tuber (250 g/kg), net profit (Rs 193541/ha), and B:C ratio (1.7). It has been determined that using boron, zinc, and manganese would increase crop production and yield profit in potato cultivation under the Gwalior climate.

Effect of Applying Boron, Zinc, and Manganese Foliarly on the Yield Attributes and Yield of the Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Cultivar Kufri Chipsona-1 in the Gwalior Climate

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The current study was conducted during Rabi 2018–19 at the All India Coordinated Research Project on Potato, which was located in the Department of Horticulture at Rajmata Vijyaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalya, Gwalior (M.P.). The purpose of the experiment was to determine how different foliar treatment concentrations of boron, zinc, and manganese affected the production characteristics and yield of the potato variety Kufri Chipsona-1 in Gwalior climate conditions. Eight foliar spray treatments of micronutrients were included in the experiment. Three replications of each of these treatments were arranged in a Randomized Block Design and statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance methods. 'F' test was used to determine treatment significance. The application of zinc, manganese, and boron had a substantial impact on the yield characteristics and yield of potatoes, according to the treatment. In treatment T₈ (Boron + Zinc + Manganese), the highest number of tubers (27.67/plant) and weights of tubers (680 g/plant) were noted. It is determined that using boron, zinc, and manganese would increase crop yields in potato farming under the climatic circumstances of Gwalior.