Horizon e-Publishing Group (HePG): E-Journals
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Studies on optimization of spacing and nutrient levels on growth and flower yield of Ixora (Ixora coccinea L.)
No full textThe investigation was conducted at the Horticultural College and Research Institute for Women, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India, from 2019 to 2022. Primarily, Ixora was grown as an ornamental crop in gardens, parks and landscaping. Now it is an emerging loose flower crop in Tamil Nadu. For the commercial cultivation of Ixora, proper spacing and fertilizers are to be followed to get a high flower yield and farm income. Application of 75:150:150 g NPK per plant to Ixora plants planted at 2.5 m × 2 m spacing (T9) in two split doses during January and July has resulted in favorable and optimum growth and yield parameters namely, plant height (198.5 cm), number of primary branches/ plant (23), number of secondary branches/ plant (49.3), canopy spread (195.0 cm NS; 192.3 cm EW), leaf area index (2.35), days taken for first flower emergence (102), chlorophyll (a + b) content (12.69 mg/g), number of flower clusters/ plant (51.0), weight of flowers/ cluster (28.33 g) and flower yield (1.439 kg /plant). The addition of increasing amounts of fertilizer doses increased the status of soil available N, P and K. Planting of Ixora at the wider spacing indicated a higher status of available K. Under sodic and non-saline soil conditions, planting of Ixora plants in 2.5 m × 2 m spacing and applying fertilizers at 75:150:150 g NPK/plant can be practiced to double the flower yield
Stem rot (Sclerotium rolfsii) suppression and yield enhancement potential of native PGPR of peanut (Arachis hypogaea)
No full textStem rot of peanut, caused by the fungus S. rolfsii, is a significant disease occurring worldwide and leads to considerable yield losses. Due to the adverse effects of chemical fungicides, biological control methods have gained importance in recent years. The efficacy of biocontrol can be enhanced by applying indigenous strains that effectively suppress and compete with in situ pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, native PGPR isolates from the genera Bacillus and Pseudomonas were isolated and tested for their antagonistic activity against S. rolfsii, growth-promoting ability and yield enhancement in peanuts under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. The potential PGPR isolates were subjected for partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and identified as B. subtilis PB(20d), B. amyloliquefaciens PB(40d), B. subtilis PB(50d), Paenibacillus campinasensis PB(60d) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PP(30d). The phylogenetic tree organized these strains into their clades alongside reference strains from the NCBI database. Results from pot culture and field experiments revealed that the treatment with the combination of identified PGPR strains exhibited a lower incidence of stem rot and a higher yield of peanuts compared to individual applications and control treatment. Therefore, the combined application of native PGPR strains has proven to be more effective in addressing the variability in the performance of individual biocontrol agents and improving overall efficacy
Do farmers overuse pesticides? A critical review from their perspective
No full textExcessive pesticide use by farmers is a critical issue influenced by psychological, behavioural, socioeconomic and regulatory factors. This study employs a bibliometric analysis and systematic review to assess key factors driving excessive pesticide use, focusing on research trends and behavioural influences. A total of 43 peer-reviewed articles from the Scopus database (2000-2024) were selected using PRISMA methodology, based on relevance to psychological and behavioural factors influencing pesticide use. Findings indicate that peer influence, farmers’ risk perceptions, financial constraints and limited awareness of sustainable alternatives like Integrated Pest Management (IPM) contribute significantly to pesticide overuse. Moreover, reliance on chemical pesticides, psychological stress from market uncertainties and risk-averse decision-making further contribute to overuse, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Bibliometric analysis highlights a fragmented research landscape with limited interdisciplinary collaboration. China emerges as a leading contributor, demonstrating a strong national research focus with a significant number of studies conducted by Chinese researchers and institutions, while other countries show varying levels of cooperative engagement. This study underscores the importance of enhancing farmers’ awareness of non-chemical pest control methods, strengthening regulatory frameworks and fostering community-led initiatives. Future research should prioritise the exploration of education, economic conditions and social norms to better understand their impact on pesticide use behaviours. These insights aim to inform policy and interventions that promote sustainable pest management while balancing agricultural productivity with environmental and public health priorities
Identification of bioactive metabolites in Turnera ulmifolia: Preliminary phytochemical screening and FTIR analysis
No full textTurnera ulmifolia L., a member of the Passifloraceae family, is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. Though frequently considered a weed, it has been commonly used in folk medicine to treat inflammation, infections, wounds and digestive ailments. Earlier studies have found alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and polyphenols in species from the same genera that contribute to their therapeutic efficacy. Despite its ethnomedicinal value, the phytochemical profile and functional group characterization of T. ulmifolia are still unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition of its leaf, stem and root extracts using different solvents (methanol, ethanol, hexane and acetone) and identify key functional groups through FTIR analysis. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of diverse secondary metabolites. FTIR analysis further revealed functional groups such as O=C=O, C=C and S=O, which are associated with therapeutic properties. Notably, alkaloids were abundant in leaf extracts, while sulfoxide groups, known for their herbicidal and medicinal effects, were detected in the stem. These findings reinforce the pharmacological potential of T. ulmifolia as a promising source of bioactive metabolites with medicinal and ecological applications. Its capacity to diversify in various habitats and create bioactive molecules under stress points to possible uses in medicine discovery, sustainable agriculture and environmental restoration. This study lays the groundwork for future research to validate its therapeutic potential and explore its integration into modern pharmaceutical and ecological solutions
A critical review on restoration of grassland ecosystems: Challenges, strategies and future directions
No full textGrasslands, covering 40 % of global biomes, are crucial for maintaining biological and human life, food security, tourism and climate change mitigation. However, these ecosystems face significant threat from climate change, overgrazing and unsustainable practices like land-use change, leading to declines in biodiversity, productivity and ecosystem resilience. This review aims to identify factors promoting grassland degradation, analyze patterns of degradation and the assessment methods, with a focus on remote sensing and GIS (Geographical Information System) application and evaluate restoration practices and technologies using mechanical, biological and chemical approaches incorporating climate change resilience techniques. Key socio-economic and policy issues challenges include inadequate funding incentives and disjointed governance systems, necessitating stakeholder engagement and sustainable funding. To combat degradation, this study emphasizes the importance of integrating native knowledge from local communities with modern methods and adopting transdisciplinary and climate-resilient approaches for enhanced grassland restoration successes. This study emphasizes on effectively restoring grasslands, improve ecosystem robustness and advance the sustainable development agenda
Carbon vaults on farmlands: Unveiling the carbon sequestration potential of trees for climate resilience
No full textFarmlands are emerging as a crucial landscape for sequestering carbon, while trees acting as a natural carbon vault that capture and store atmospheric carbon dioxide in biomass and soil. Understanding the potential of trees in sequestering carbon is essential for assessing their role in climate resilience and sustainable management practices. This review evaluates the carbon storage capacity of various tree species, examining factors such as species allocation, carbon accumulation and sequestration rates. By exploring the existing research, it highlights how various agroforestry systems contribute to long term carbon storage, with sequestration rates ranging from 0.29 to 15.21 Mg C ha-1 year-1 in aboveground biomass and 30 to 300 Mg C ha-1 year-1 in soil. Short-rotation species have demonstrated rapid carbon uptake, while long-rotation species contribute to sustained sequestration over the decades. This review also highlights the challenges in precisely quantifying carbon stocks, emphasizing the need for advanced allometric models, remote sensing and standardized methodologies. Additionally, the potential for monetizing farmland carbon stocks through carbon credits and offset trading is explored, emphasizing the economic viability of tree based carbon sequestration. While policies support afforestation and tree farming implementation gaps need to be filled. In conclusion, trees in farmlands hold immense promise as carbon sink, reinforcing the need for research driven strategies, policy support and financial incentives to enhance their role in mitigating climate change and strengthening climate resilience
Thermal influence on floral induction in mango (Mangifera indica L.): A study on two cultivars under Ultra High-Density Planting (UHDP)
No full textMango (Mangifera indica L.) is a globally significant tropical fruit, with India being the largest producer. Despite its economic importance, off-season mango production remains challenging due to the critical role of environmental factors on floral induction. This study investigates the thermal influence on floral initiation in two mango cultivars, Ratna and Bangalora, grown under the Ultra High-Density Planting (UHDP) system at Jain Irrigation Systems Limited Farms, Udumalpet, from 2022 to 2024. The study comprises the evaluation of flowering responses under both regular and off-season conditions. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications per cultivar, comprising 72 trees (36 per cultivar). Temperature thresholds for floral induction were determined using logistic regression models and the probability of flowering was analysed in relation to temperature integration periods. Results indicated cultivar-specific differences in temperature sensitivity. During the off-season, Bangalora exhibited 50 % flowering at a minimum temperature of 24.8 °C (95 % CI: 23.5 °C–26.0 °C) and a maximum of 35.5 °C (95 % CI: 34.0°C-37.0 °C). In contrast, Ratna required lower temperatures, with 50 % flowering occurring at a minimum of 21.3 °C (95 % CI: 20.5 °C-22.2 °C) and a maximum of 31.2 °C (95 % CI: 30.2°C-32.5 °C). During the regular season, optimal flowering temperatures were slightly lower, suggesting naturally favourable conditions. Findings confirm that temperature exposure and integration periods significantly affect floral induction, emphasizing the potential for controlled temperature management to optimize off-season production. These results provide critical insights into mango flowering physiology. It plays a crucial role in developing practical guidelines for farmers to regulate temperatures based on specific cultivars, ensuring year-round mango availability
A review on silicon nutrition for sustainable rice production
No full textIncreasing food demand with ever-increasing world population, declining water availability and imbalanced fertilizer application to agriculture have impacted global food security. A substantial disparity exists between the potential and actual yield of rice in farmer’s fields, which is primarily attributed to improper nutrient management practices. Silicon (Si) is one of the essential nutrients that play a vital role in rice growth and development. It is the second most abundant element in the earth\u27s crust, which is assimilated solely as monosilicic acid. Rice is a high Si accumulator plant and absorbs on an average 150-300 kg of Si ha–1. Absorption and accumulation of Si in rice plants vary from 0.1-10 per cent on dry weight basis. It is probably the only element which can enhance the resistance to multiple stresses. Silicon fertilization has emerged as a promising approach to enhance the sustainability of rice cultivation. Silicon plays a multifaceted role in rice plants, influencing growth, yield and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. It enhances plant resilience against various pests and diseases and inducing the accumulation of antifungal compounds. Moreover, silicon mitigates abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought and metal toxicity, thereby improving yield stability and resilience to environmental fluctuations. Furthermore, silicon application contributes to sustainable water management by reducing transpiration and enhancing water use efficiency
Evaluating the impact of nano-zinc and nitrogen fertilizers on growth, yield, nutritional quality and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivation in Western Uttar Pradesh
No full textWheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the world’s most staple crops, but its productivity is increasingly constrained by widespread deficiencies in soil nutrients, particularly zinc (Zn) and nitrogen (N). This study evaluates the effectiveness of nano-fertilizers (NFs) in addressing these deficiencies under field conditions in Western Uttar Pradesh (WUP), India. Approximately, 50 % of cultivated soil in India, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, including WUP, suffers from Zn and N deficiencies. The experiment tested the foliar application of Nano-Urea (N-U) and Nano-zinc (N-Zn) and their interactions with various recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF) combinations. The combination of two sprays of N-U and N-Zn with 100 % RDF (T12) resulted in the highest plant height (105.93 cm), number of tillers (317.8 m-2), CGR (22.315 g m-2 day-1) and grain yield (5.59 t ha-1) among all treatments. Moreover, this treatment increased Zn concentrations in grains (34.89 mg kg-1) and straw (9.17 mg kg-1), ensuring higher nutritional quality compared other treatments. Economic analysis showed that T12 provided the highest net returns of ?104579 ha-1 and B:C ratio 3.29, making it the most economically viable option. However, the 100 % RDF (T2) treatment also showed promise as a sustainable alternative, requiring less N input while maintaining productive yields and economic viability. Adopting the superior treatment in Zn- and N-deficient zones could increase yields up to 15 %. The finding demonstrates the synergy between N-U and N-Zn in enhancing nutrient use efficiency, crop productivity and profitability, promoting a sustainable approach for wheat cultivation for nutrient-deficient soils of the Indo-Gangetic Plain
Efficacy of integrated weed management (IWM) practices on the weed dynamics, production and productivity of direct-seeded rice
No full textThis study assessed the efficacy of Integrated Weed Management (IWM) practices on weed dynamics, crop resistance, weed persistence and the production and productivity of direct-seeded rice during the Kharif seasons of 2021 and 2022 at the Agronomical Research Farm, BAU, Ranchi, on sandy loam soil. Twelve IWM treatments, incorporating varying herbicidal doses and inter-culture practices, were evaluated. The weed composition was predominantly grassy (37.59 %), sedge (41.24 %) and broad-leaved (21.16 %) species. The highest weed density and dry weight at 60 days after sowing (DAS) were recorded in the weedy check. Weed Management Efficacy was quantified using indices such as Weed Control Index (WCI), Weed Persistence Index (WPI) and Crop Resistance Index (CRI). The most effective treatments included three hand weedings and the combination of Pretilachlor (1.00 kg a.i./ha, pre-emergence) followed by Bispyribac Sodium (0.025 kg a.i./ha, post-emergence at 20 DAS). Both treatments resulted in significantly higher grain (41.70 q/ha) and straw yield (61.30 q/ha) compared to the weedy check. Economic analysis revealed that Pretilachlor + Bispyribac Sodium provided the highest net return (Rs. 67,064 per ha) and benefit-cost ratio (B: C ratio), followed by three hand weedings (Rs. 58,741 perha). The results indicated that IWM practices, particularly herbicide combinations, significantly improved weed control, crop resistance, yield and economic returns in direct-seeded rice systems