Horizon e-Publishing Group (HePG): E-Journals
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Green innovations : Next-gen silvicultural strategies for managing vegetative multiplication gardens
Full text linkSilvicultural operations involve implementing specific techniques to achieve desired outcomes for a stand. Various techniques can be employed to enhance the growth and quality of timber stands. These methods encompass modifications to the canopy, such as encouraging natural regeneration, as well as practices like boundary marking, planting pattern, irrigation, tending and cultural operations. Casuarina trees are woody, evergreen trees with drooping equisetoid twigs. The leaves have a scale-like connate structure, the branchlets are needle-like cladodes, and the bark has a brown, rough, fibrous texture that exfoliates in longitudinal strips. Stomata are present in cladode structures, which are responsible for the process of photosynthesis. The ability of Melia dubia to thrive in dry conditions is really quite astonishing. Flowers are characterized by the presence of both male and female reproductive components, and they are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem, next to leaves that are smaller. In this study, we will build consistent techniques for fertigation in mother gardens, develop a fertilizer schedule for clonal hedge gardens, and establish a protocol for hydroponics rooted in natural settings. Planning, pruning, thinning, fertilizing, and harvesting are some of the actions that are included in the silviculture methodology. The density, structure, and composition of tree stands are the primary focuses of these treatments at this time. By dispersing forest resources in a spatial and temporal manner, a silvicultural system makes it possible to make accessible a wide range of forest resources. Green innovations in silviculture are designed to reduce the environmental impacts of forest management by adopting sustainable, eco-friendly practices that support both biodiversity and ecosystem health. Here’s how they contribute to minimizing pesticide use and promoting biodiversity. The paper concludes with a brief overview of the main challenges likely to be faced with this integration and some strategies that may allow them to overcome these challenges. It is hoped this paper will provide a background for future case studies, and a catalyst for increasing integration between the several silvicultural strategies
Effect of nutrient management practices on growth, yield attributes and yield of coloured cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Full text linkThe field experiment was carried out at the Central Farm, AC &RI (Agricultural College and Research Institute), TNAU, Madurai, Tamil Nadu during Kharif season 2024. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of different nutrient management strategies on the growth, yield components and productivity of coloured cotton. The experiment followed a randomized block design (RBD) with nine treatments based on nitrogen equivalence, incorporating different organic manures in comparison to inorganic fertilizers, with each treatment replicated three times. The results revealed that growth parameters such as plant height, dry matter production, leaf area index, chlorophyll content, number of monopodial branches plant-1 , days to 50% flowering and days to 50% boll bursting were significantly enhanced by the application of 100% NPK based on site-specific recommendation (T2), which statistically at par with 100% NPK through blanket recommendation (T1). Yield attributes including number of fruiting branches plant-1 , number of fruiting points plant-1 , number of bolls plant-1 , number of bolls m-2 , boll setting percentage and boll weight, along with seed cotton yield, lint cotton yield, stalk yield and biological yield, which also showed a significant increase with the application of 100% NPK through site-specific recommendation (T2). Organic treatments, including the complete organic package (T9), cover cropping with 75% N through vermicompost (T4) and cover cropping with 75% N through poultry manure (T5), exhibited comparable results to inorganic treatments. Future research should focus on optimizing organic nutrient management strategies and integrating cover crops to enhance soil health and ensure sustainable cotton production
Harnessing the multifaceted benefits of probiotics: A sustainable strategy to combat the post-harvest diseases inciting perishable products
Full text linkPost-harvest management plays a vital role in agricultural food chains, especially in developing countries, as it focuses on maintaining the quality and shelf life of the produce while minimizing losses. Post-harvest loss (PHL) refers to reducing food quantity and quality from harvest until it reaches consumers. Among the various factors contributing to PHL, the losses due to disease are detrimental. They lead to spoilage through symp- toms such as rotting and the production of harmful toxins. Due to its perishable nature, fruit and vegetables are most vulnerable to various post- harvest pathogens. Chemical fungicides are commonly used to manage post-harvest diseases, but they pose risks of environmental pollution, consumer health concerns and pesticide resistance by pathogens. To overcome the negative impact resulting from the use of chemical compounds, there is an urgent need to develop alternate control measures for protecting perish- able produce and human health. Recently, beneficial organisms have gained a significant role in managing these diseases, with probiotic bacteria and yeast as key organisms. They help to maintain the quality of fresh produce by protecting it from harmful pathogens through rapid colonization, competition for space and nutrients, creation of an acidic environment, activation of defence mechanisms and production of antimicrobial compounds such as cell wall-degrading enzymes, bacteriocins and volatile organic compounds. Probiotic-based treatments were applied through edible coatings, sprays, or incorporated into packaging materials as natural and safe ways to extend the shelf life of perishable goods. This review prioritized compiling research findings employing the mechanism of probiotics in disease management and its utilization for managing post-harvest diseases
Optimizing STCR-IPNS fertilizer prescription for targeted rice yield in North Eastern agro climatic zone of Tamil Nadu
Full text linkRice is the major crop in the North Eastern zone of Tamil Nadu. In Tiruvallur district, rice is the major crop cultivated in 96967 ha with a share of 6.7% of the state. At present, the productivity of rice in Tiruvallur district is 4200 kg ha-1 . Due to intensive cropping and application of chemical fertiliz- ers without organic manures, the organic matter content of the soils in Tiru- vallur district is very low in most of the areas with the occurrence of multi- nutrient deficiencies, especially zinc and iron deficiency in rice. In Soil Test Crop Response-Integrated Plant Nutrition System (STCR-IPNS) technology, the fertilizer doses are tailored to specific yield target levels, considering the nutrient requirement of the crop, and the contribution of nutrients from soil, fertilizers, and organic manures. The field experiments were conducted during samba season in irrigated rice to refine the existing Fertilizer Pre- scription Equations (FPEs) for specific yield target levels on the Kadambady soil series in the Tiruvallur district for sustainable rice production and soil quality. Observation on growth and yield attributes was recorded. Grain yield, straw yield, and dry matter production were recorded. Post-harvest soil and plant samples were collected from all the plots. Based on the initial soil analysis of available NPK (Kg ha-1 ) and NPK content in FYM, the STCR- based IPNS fertilizer recommendations were worked out with FPEs of Irugur soil series (Rabi) under yield target levels of 50, 60, and 70 q ha-1 . Using the data on the grain yield, total uptake of NPK, initial soil test values for availa- ble NPK, and doses of fertilizer N, P2O5, K2O, and FYM applied, the basic pa- rameters, viz., the nutrient requirement (NR), contribution of nutrients from soil (Cs), fertilizer (Cf), response ratio (RR), and farmyard manure (Cfym) were computed. Using the basic parameters, viz., NR, Cs, Cf, and Cfym, the FPEs were developed under NPK alone and IPNS. From the test verification trials, the STCR-based fertilizer prescriptions under IPNS for 7 t ha-1 , i.e., applica- tion of fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O based on initial soil test values with FYM at 12.5 t ha-1 (with a manurial composition of N: 0.48 %, P: 0.23%, K: 0.42 %, and moisture: 24%) contributed fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O at 40:20:32 kg ha-1 from the recommended dose of fertilizers based on soil test values. This can be recommended for achieving higher yield, RR and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) for rice. The increase in yield with STCR-IPNS-7 t ha-1 was 41.5% over blanket (100% RDF alone), 24.8% over blanket + FYM at 12.5 t ha-1 ,and 56.7% over farmer’s practice. The increase in RR was 4.54, 1.98 and 5.25 kg kg-1 due to STCR-IPNS-7 t ha-1over blanket (100% RDF alone), blanket + FYM at 12.5 t ha- 1 and farmer’s practice respectively, on Kadambady soil series and allied soil series, especially in Tiruvallur district of North Eastern agro climatic zone of Tamil Nadu
Stability analysis of promising sugarcane genotypes for cane and sugar yields using the AMMI model and GGE biplot
Full text linkThe sugarcane clone G 2008019 is a general cross progeny of CoV 92102 that outyielded the checks in initial breeding trials. To assess its stability and yield potential under saline stress, multi-environment trials comprising 20 environments were conducted from 2022 to 2024. It produced the highest mean cane yield of 123.41 t/ha with a commercial cane sugar percentage of 13.06, representing a 27.46%, 28.89% and 31.79% increase over the checks Co 86032 (96.82 t/ha), CoG 94077 (93.64 t/ha) and CoG 95076 (95.75 t/ha) respectively. Further, it exhibited a 29.35%, 35.09% and 34.16% increase in sugar yield over the checks, respectively. From the AMMI (additive main effects and multiplicative interactions) and GGE (genotype × genotype interaction with environment) biplots, the performance and stability of the test genotypes were ascertained. The ANOVA analysis showcased a significant contribution of genotypes to total variation followed by the genotype × environment interaction and the environment itself. The yield potential and the stability of G 2008019 were confirmed through minimal ASV values and higher values for cane yield and juice-based quality traits. The biplots of AMMI I, AMMI II and GGE confirmed the constancy of G 2008019. Additionally, the sugarcane clone G 2008019 possessed good jaggery qualities, including 65.36% juice recovery, 91.84% juice purity, 11.32% jaggery recovery and 15.21 t/ha jaggery yield. The mean fibre content of the clone was 13.25%. These combined results indicate the suitability of clone G 2008019 for further utilization in the breeding cycle
Bibliometric analysis of millet technology adoption: Exploring the research innovation for sustenance
Full text linkAs per The United Nations General Assembly, the international year of millets was declared to be 2023 with the motto of achieving sustainable production of millets and raising awareness about their nutritional and health benefits. This study aims to identify and analyze scientific literature on millet varieties and technologies using Bibliometric analysis. The primary objective is to uncover the main topics, authors, sources, most-cited articles and contributing countries in this field. For this purpose, articles indexed in the Main Collections of ScienceDirect and Scopus between 2018 and 2024 were examined. The findings are presented in two parts. The first part includes a quantitative analysis, providing an overview of millet varieties and technologies through tables, graphs and maps. Key performance indicators such as article production and citation metrics are highlighted. A total of 55 articles were identified and analyzed in this study, offering valuable insights into the literature landscape. The analysis reveals that millet varieties and technologies have broad applications across various domains, ranging from adoption and livelihoods to emerging trends. The most cited papers primarily focus on millet\u27s role in climate resilience, food security and health benefits. Additionally, recent trends indicate a growing interest in value-added millet products and sustainable farming practices. These findings underline the increasing importance of millet in addressing contemporary agricultural challenges. The study also highlights its significance in promoting food security and sustainable development, as millet technologies are adaptable to diverse environments and play a vital role in enhancing resilience to climate change. In conclusion, it emphasizes their multifaceted role and provides a robust foundation for future research and policy-making, aiming to leverage millet’s potential for sustainable agricultural development and improved livelihoods worldwide
Impact of open and distance learning on agricultural education: A systematic review and bibliometric analysis
Full text linkOpen and distance learning (ODL) plays a crucial role in agricultural education due to its potential to transform knowledge dissemination. It enhances agricultural productivity and addresses educational accessibility challenges. This study employs systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis to examine the evolution and impact of ODL in agricultural education. A total of 759 relevant studies were identified from the Web of Science database and analysed using VOS viewer and R Studio to map research trends and thematic clusters. The selection process was systematically documented following the guidelines outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The analysis highlights the growing scholarly interest in this field, with significant research output emerging between 2020 and 2024 and peaking at 90 articles in 2022. The bibliometric analysis reveals diverse authorship with 3789 contributors and a strong collaborative focus, as evidenced by a 36.76 % international co authorship rate. The thematic analysis underscores four major clusters focusing on the impact of COVID-19, training and technology integration, educational frameworks and curriculum design. Geographical contexts indicate varied implementation across regions, with countries such as the USA, the UK, Germany and Italy emerging as central nodes in research networks. Future research should explore low-tech solutions, assess long-term impacts, integrate emerging technologies and establish robust evaluation frameworks. The findings highlight ODL\u27s vital role in creating an inclusive, knowledge driven agricultural sector aligning with global development goals
Development of herbicide-tolerant lines through marker assisted backcross breeding
Full text linkThe widespread adoption of direct-seeded rice cultivation over traditional puddled transplanted rice has become necessary due to labor shortages and water scarcity. Amidst several biotic and abiotic challenges faced by direct seeded rice cultivation, weeds remain as a major bottleneck which negatively influences the performance of rice crop. Chemical method of weed control is one of the most economical ways compared to other weed management techniques. Development of rice lines which are resistant to new classes of broad-spectrum herbicides have paved way to introduce them into direct seeded rice cultivation. In this study, the herbicide-tolerant mutant named Robin-HTM, developed at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and tolerance to imazethapyr, was used as a donor parent to introgress herbicide tolerant into the popular rice variety ADT 43. Initial evaluation with herbicide was done with the parents alone and subsequent evaluation was done in the advance backcross progenies of ADT 43 x HTM cross. The promising lines which perform better than the recurrent parent is selected and forwarded through backcrossing. Weed related parameters were also calculated in this study, to understand the weed dynamics present and the efficiency of the herbicide used.
Advancing seed quality through cold plasma technology: A sustainable approach for agricultural enhancement
Full text linkSeeds are exposed to various physical and biological stress during germination. Water uptake plays a major role in germination as it determines the permeability of the seed coat. To enhance seed coat permeability during germination, various technologies have been adopted. Among them, cold plasma technology has emerged as a developing and environmentally sustainable physical seed treatment method. Cold plasma, a non-destructive method using partially ionized gas with reactive species, offers benefits such as seed disinfection, pathogen elimination, enhanced seed metabolism and improved germination. However, challenges related to adaptability, cost-effectiveness and standardization remains. Ongoing research is needed to optimize its use for various seed types and conditions. Addressing these challenges requires continuous research and development to optimize cold plasma treatment for various seed types and environmental conditions. This paper provides the underlying mechanisms of cold plasma effects on seeds, highlighting its potential to expertise seed treatment practices for sustainable agriculture. Thus, cold plasma technology points as a promising avenue for enhancing seed quality, disease management and crop productivity in agriculture. By standardizing various treatments with cold plasma, it is possible to meet the challenges of the 21st century thereby minimizing the environmental impact and pave the way for sustainable agriculture, while making it efficient for commercial scale
Effect of sowing methods, spacings and fertilizer levels on quantitative and qualitative traits and economics of brown top millet (Brachiaria ramosa L.) under different cropping seasons
Full text linkA field study was conducted during the summer, kharif and rabi seasons of 2023-2024 to evaluate brown top millet under two sowing methods (direct sowing and transplantation), three spacing configurations (20 x 10, 30 x 10 and 45 x 10 cm) and three fertilizer doses (75% of the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) (45:20:15 kg ha-1), 100% RDF (60:30:20 kg ha-1) and 125% RDF (75:40:25 kg ha-1)). The study was designed as a factorial randomized complete block design assessing growth, yield, thiamine content and economics. The results indicated that the summer season was more favorable for growth than the kharif and rabi seasons. Direct sown crops (E1) exhibited significantly higher growth attributes, yield and economics than transplanted crops (E2). The spacing configuration of 45 x 10 cm (S3) recorded significantly superior growth and yield parameters compared to 20 x 10 cm (S1). Applying 125% RDF (N3) resulted in significantly enhanced growth, yield, quality and economic return compared to 75% RDF. Among the interactions, the combination of direct sown with narrow spacing and 125% RDF (E1 x S1 x N3) led to significantly higher growth parameters. In comparison, the combination of direct sowing with wider spacing and 125% RDF (E1 x S3 x N3) resulted in higher grain yields (2005, 1759, 1548 kg ha-1) and benefit-cost ratios (2.64, 2.58 and 2.58) across the same seasons. However, the differences in grain yield among the treatment combinations were statistically non-significant. These findings provide a valuable foundation for future research and agricultural practices aimed at maximizing the potential of brown top millet