Horizon e-Publishing Group (HePG): E-Journals
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Effect of nitrogen and FYM on growth and yield of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) under variable weed control strategies
No full textThe field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India, during the Rabi season 2023-24 to evaluate the response of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) to nitrogen and FYM in relation to weed control strategies. A split-plot design with three replications was used as the experimental design. In main plots, four weed control treatments were applied, i.e., black plastic mulch, one-hand weeding followed by straw mulch, pendimethalin at 0.45 kg ha-1 followed by one- hand weeding and unweeded (control) treatment. In the sub plots four nutrient levels i.e., N1- 25 kg nitrogen ha-1 , N2- 25 kg nitrogen ha- 1 + FYM 15.0 t ha-1 , N3- 50 kg nitrogen ha-1 and N4- 50 kg nitrogen ha-1 + FYM 15.0 t ha-1 were kept. The results revealed that weed density and dry matter accumulation were significantly lower in black plastic mulch treatment compared to other weed management treatments and were significantly higher in the unweeded (control). Plant height, crop dry matter per plant, seed yield and biological yield were significantly higher in the black plastic mulch treatment than in other treatments. Among the nitrogen levels, growth and yield parameters were significantly higher in the 50 kg ha-1 of nitrogen + FYM 15.0 tonnes per hectare treatment compared to nitrogen alone @ 25 kg ha-1 . It was concluded that black plastic mulch combined with 50 kg ha-1 of nitrogen + FYM 15.0 tonnes per hectare resulted in better growth and yield parameters compared to all other treatments
A comprehensive review on multiple utilities of moringa: A divine tree
No full textMoringa is customarily cultivated in the Indian house backyards due to its richness in medicinal, nutritional, environmental and fodder value. The perennial trees, maintained with biannual pruning, are photo-insensitive and flower year-round regardless of light or temperature variations. From a human diet perspective, tender leaves are consumed as green leafy vegetables due to their high nutrient value and are also known to cure various human diseases. Pods are widely used in various culinary recipes. Environmentally, moringa can remove wastewater-based pollutants, making it ideal for areas lacking proper drainage systems by cleaning soil soaked in household wastewater. On small-scale farms, where livestock are raised based on the availability of crop residues or excess vegetation from non-arable lands or soils of poor fertility, moringa provides nutrient-rich foliage for animal feed. Incorporating moringa foliage and its byproduct into animal diet improves animal health and reduces the calving gap in dairy animals. Moringa also can impart plant resistance to various abiotic stresses and control plant diseases in an eco-friendly way. The antimicrobial (antifungal and antibacterial) properties of moringa are numerous and deserve noteworthy mention. This manuscript aims to provide comprehensive information on moringa utilities, promote further scientific research to explore its potential as a nutritionally rich food and feed, phytoremediation and pharmaceutical applications and provide sustainable environmental solutions to enhance agricultural productivity and combat malnutrition effectively
Effects of salicylic acid on growth, photosynthesis pigment, proline and endogenous hormones content of black rice grown under salt stress
No full textSalinity is one of the abiotic stresses that inhibits plant growth and development. One of the mechanisms by which plants tolerance to salinity is through synthesizing salicylic acid (SA). This research was aimed to evaluate the impact of SA on growth, photosynthesis pigments, proline accumulation and endogenous hormone levels of black rice ‘Sembada Hitam\u27 subjected to saline conditions. Black rice seeds were germinated in a plastic tray containing growth media and seedlings of 3 weeks old were transplanted into a plastic chamber with similar growth media. Sodium chloride of 0 mM (control), 50 mM, 100 mM or 150 mM were applied 1 month after planting, whereas plants were sprayed with different concentration of SA, namely 0 mM (control), 0.5 mM, 1 mM or 2 mM at 25, 50, 75 and 90 days after planting. Five replicates were prepared for each treatment combination. Several growth parameters such as plant height, root length, number of tillers and flag leaf area and physiological parameters such as chlorophyll, carotenoids, proline and endogenous hormones content were determined. The results indicated that salinity inhibited the growth parameters of \u27Sembada Hitam\u27 rice. Elevated sodium chloride levels resulted in reductions in plant height, root length, number of tillers and flag leaf area. Application of SA mitigated the adverse effects of salinity by enhancing plant height, root length, number of tillers and flag leaf area. The presence of SA also led to increase levels of Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA), Gibberellins (GA3), Cytokinins (CKs), Jasmonic Acid (JA) and endogenous Salicylic Acid (SA), while reducing Abscisic Acid (ABA) levels in black rice under saline conditions
Wild edible mushrooms used by the Mudugar tribe of Attappady, Kerala: An ethnomycological study with a review of pharmacological properties
No full textThe study investigated twelve edible mushrooms traditionally used by the Mudugar tribe in Attappady, Kerala, focusing on their cultural significance, traditional uses and potential medicinal and pharmacological properties through the documentation of indigenous knowledge. Ethnobotanical methods, like semi-structured interviews and participatory observations, were used to collect qualitative data on the Mudugar tribe\u27s perceptions, cultural values and usage patterns of these wild mushrooms. To quantify cultural significance and traditional knowledge, indices such as Mention Index (MI), Cultural Significance Index (CS) and Knowledge Transmission Index (KTI) were utilized. Additionally, the pharmacological potential of these mushrooms was assessed by correlating traditional uses with existing scientific literature. The analysis identified specific mushrooms (Termitomyces microcarpus, Termitomyces clypeatus, Termitomyces heimii) as possessing high cultural value (indicated by elevated MI and CS score) and revealed their integral role in the Mudugar tribe’s culinary practices. Additionally, traditional medicinal use, particularly of Termitomyces species and Pleurotus flabellatus, suggest potential pharmacological attributes. This study bridges the gap between traditional knowledge and scientific advancements, paving the way for future collaborations that can honour Mudugar wisdom and unlock the potential of these myco-treasures. While preliminary alignment with scientific literature points to possible immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, rigorous pharmacological investigations are essential to substantiate these claims. The findings underscore the importance of conserving these mushrooms within the cultural and ecological practices of the Mudugar tribe in Attappady, Kerala
Effect of seasonal variation on phenolics, flavonoids and terpenoids in Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze., and Ocimum basilicum L. using GC-MS and LC-MS/MS
No full textMesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze. and Ocimum basilicum L., species belonging to Lamiaceae, are used in cosmetics and folk medicine. Most of the available studies focus on the phytochemical profile of these plants. The present study was aimed at understanding the metabolic content of both plants collected in summer, winter and rainy season. The plants were collected in all three seasons and analysed using gas chromatography -mass spectrometry (GC MS) and liquid chromatography using Agilent Jet Stream and Electrospray Ionization Quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometric detection. The total phenolics were found to be highest in the monsoon samples for M. suaveolens at 5.3 mg/mL ± 0.124 and in the summer samples for O. basilicum at 7.46 mg/mL ± 0.23. Total flavonoids were to be highest in summer samples in both M. suaveolens and O. basilicum with 3302 mg/mL ± 112.6 and 5210 mg/mL ± 74.57 respectively. Total terpenoids were found to be highest in the summer samples in both plants with 72 mg/mL ± 1.55 and 58 mg/mL± 1.413 in M. suaveolens and O. basilicum respectively. In total, more than 950 compounds were identified, with majority of the compounds identified being phenolics, flavonoids and terpenoids. Metabolic profiling revealed the presence of compounds such as ethers, esters, steroids, catechins, imidazoles, retinols, ketones, amino acids, alcohols and aldehydes. The comparative analysis also revealed that M. suaveolens showed more accumulation of compounds compared to Ocimum. This study led to an in-depth understanding of the metabolite content in Mesosphaerum, which is a less studied wild plant. It also helped in understanding how seasons influence the metabolite content of both plants which has also not been studied at length
Boosting quality and yield of garlic (Allium sativum L.): The synergy of microbiome and chemical fertilizers
No full textThe replacement of chemical fertilizers with organic alternatives has demonstrated significant benefits for enhancing soil fertility and crop yield. However, limited research exists on sustainable fertilization strategies for garlic-based cropping pattern. This study aimed to investigate the changes in microbial community composition under various fertilization treatments during the garlic-growing season. An experiment was carried out at SKUAST-K, Wadura, Faculty of Agriculture during the year 2021 to study the impact of various Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) modules on soil properties and various quality parameters of garlic (Allium sativum L.). The study evaluated various soil properties, including texture, bulk density, particle density, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC) and primary nutrient uptake. The soil was characterized as silty loam, with the highest particle density and bulk density observed at 2.47 Mg m-3 and 1.30 Mg m-3 , respectively. An improvement in soil fertility conditions was seen as a result of integrated nutrient management. The application of combined organic and inorganic fertilizer affected the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that was absorbed by garlic. The data revealed that pH decreased with increase in organic manure, whereas EC and OC increased with increase in the level of fertilizers. The increasing trend was observed in micronutrient cations, namely Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe, with increase in level of organic and inorganic fertilizers. The highest uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium found in bulbs was 28.17, 8.57 and 24.70 kg ha -1 all treatments were combined. The maximum biomass of garlic was recorded in T7 {75% RDF + Vermicompost (10 tonnes ha-1 ) + Biofertilizer [(PSB (200 ml) + KSB (200 ml) + Azotobacter (200 ml)]}, which ranged from 4.37 to 10.30 t ha-1 . The maximum bulb yield was recorded in T7, which varied from 3.60 to 8.24 t ha-1
Assessment of environmental impact: Dissipation of insecticides on chilli agroecosystem
No full textThe use of pesticides is inevitable in achieving food security. Pesticide residues in the food commodity create havoc on human beings\u27 food safety. This study investigates the dissipation patterns, half-lives and safe harvesting time of five distinct insecticides, viz., imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, flubendiamide and triazophos applied to chilli ecosystem by supervised field experiment with recommended and double the recommended dose along with untreated control. Analytical validation of the method was done by assessing the concentration specificity, linearity, recovery rates, detection limit and quantification limit to ensure the validity of the results. Results reveal variations in dissipation rates and half-lives, providing crucial insights for effective pest management in chilli cultivation. Imidacloprid exhibited rapid dissipation, reaching below detectable levels in five days with a half-life of 1.84 days. Thiamethoxam and acetamiprid followed suit, reaching below detectable levels in seven and five days, with half-lives of 1.62 and 1.28 days, respectively. Flubendiamide showed a longer persistence, taking seven days to dissipate, with a half-life of 1.77 days. While recording below detectable levels within 15 days, Triazophos exhibited a half-life of 2.71 days. These findings contribute to informed decision-making for sustainable pest management practices in chilli cultivation and a safe waiting period to ensure food safety
Synergistic effects of FYM and Azotobacter on Brassicaceae growth and yield at different altitudes
No full textBio-organic farming plays a crucial role in ensuring environmental sustainability by fostering plant growth and yield, particularly in challenging abiotic stress conditions. The study aims to investigate the influence of farm yard manure (FYM) and Azotobacter, at varying altitudes, on the growth and yield performance of Brassicaceae vegetables, including cabbage, cauliflower and radish. The open-field study was carried out using a factorial experiment within a randomized block design. The first variable consisted of different treatments: T1 (FYM), T2 (Azotobacter), T3 (FYM + Azotobacter) and T4 (control). The second variable was the location factor (such as high-altitude (3340 m, Leh-Ladakh) and low altitude (321 m, Chandigarh), India. In general, the T3 treatment (FYM + Azotobacter) exhibited superior crop growth and yield attributes as compared to the control. At 90 days after transplanting (DAT) or 60 days after sowing (DAS), the T3 treatments demonstrated increased plant height, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, plant spread, stem diameter, leaf chlorophyll content and leaf anthocyanin content at HA, whereas a higher number of leaves and greater radish plant height and leaf area were observed at LA. Further, T3 treatment of HA cultivated Brassicaceae vegetables demonstrated a higher yield, such as cabbage (494.75 ± 4.97 q/ha), cauliflower (259.05 ± 10.34 q/ha) and radish (390.64 ± 4.65 q/ha) than LA. Overall, this study concludes that bio-organic farming of sustainable Brassicaceae vegetable production at HA gets more yields as compared to LA cultivated samples
Influence of nano fertilizers on agronomic traits of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) under irrigated conditions
No full textPearl millet is a nutrient-dense cereal grain that can withstand heat and drought. The study aimed to assess the impact of nano fertilizers, combining inorganic and organic sources, on pearl millet\u27s growth and yield parameters. Two season field trials were conducted in the south farm of Karunya University, Coimbatore (10.934°N Latitude, 76.75°E Longitude) during the late kharif season of 2022 and 2023. The field experiment was conducted in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with 2 factors, soil and foliar applications. The treatments included soil treatments with 100% Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 75% RDF + Farmyard manure (FYM), 75% RDF + Vermicompost, 50% RDF + FYM and 50% RDF + Vermicompost, as well as foliar treatments with Nano DAP, Nano urea and Nanoemulsion biofertilizer. The Nanoemulsion biofertilizer treatment at 30 and 45 days after sowing (DAS) (F3) increased plant height (198.85 cm), no. of tillers/plant (6.10), dry matter production (7093.46 kg/ha), leaf area index (LAI) (1.66), chlorophyll index (32.36), crop growth rate (CGR) (6.43 g/m/day), ear head length (24.34 cm), ear head girth (3.41 cm), total number of effective tillers/plant (5.33) and test weight (14.44 g) were all higher for the 50% RDF + Vermicompost at 5 t/ha treatment than for the other soil and foliar spray treatments. Integrated nutrient management with nanoemulsion biofertilizer application was chosen as a better option to increase higher crop yield improvements by 10-30%, potentially reducing chemical fertilizer costs by 20-40% and enhancing farmers\u27 profit margins by 15-50%. By integrating this approach, large-scale agricultural operations could see significant financial benefits, making it an attractive option for commercial adoption
Laboratory aquaculture of Lecane inermis (Bryce,1842) isolated from the Hilla River in Babylon province-Iraq
No full textThe current study aimed to evaluate the environmental conditions necessary for cultivating the rotifer species (Lecane inermis) initially recorded in the Hilla River and their impact on its density. Using a zooplankton net, rotifer samples were collected in the early morning of winter 2024 from the Hilla River in Al- Mahawil district, Babylon province. The physical and chemical properties of the site were analyzed, including air temperature (6 °C), water temperature (9.5 °C), electrical conductivity (EC) (1090 ?s/cm), total dissolved solids (TDS) (772 ppm), salinity (636 ppm), pH (8.6), dissolved oxygen (DO) (12.3 ppm) and turbidity (11.5 NTU). The cultured species L. inermis was isolated, identified and subsequently cultivated. Various factors, including temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and light versus dark, were then investigated to determine the effect on species density. The findings demonstrate that L.inermis exhibited higher density at low temperatures and revealed broad salinity tolerance, though it could only withstand lower salinity concentrations at high temperatures. Additionally, its density was greater under dark conditions than under light conditions. The highest density recorded was 585 ± 20 ind/L during the winter season