International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
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Effect of Intercropping and Nutrient Management on Weed Control and Yield in Cassava Based Production Systems
No full textA field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of red gram intercropping and nutrient management practices in cassava on weed control and yields at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during May 2022 to May 2023. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with three replications and ten different nutrient management practices (different doses of recommended dose of fertilizer and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) and a control of no nutrient addition in cassava. The results revealed that intercropping was effective in limiting weed population compared to the sole cropping and were significant from second month after planting. Yield of the intercropping system computed as cassava equivalent yields and economics were higher for treatments involving PGPR application
Estimation of Level of Resistance of Chemical Insecticides, Biopesticides, and Botanicals against Rice Weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) Across Multiple Progenies
No full textThe rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae is a major pest of stored grains, necessitating effective control strategies. This study evaluated the efficacy of chemical insecticides, biopesticides, and botanicals across four progeny generations of S. oryzae at laboratory of department of Entomology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, India. Mortality rates, lethal concentrations (LC50/LC90), dose-response slopes, and relative potency were analyzed at 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment (HAT). Synthetic insecticides (Emamectin benzoate, Deltamethrin, Spinosad) demonstrated superior efficacy with LC50 ≤2.5 ppm, while biopesticides (Beauveria bassiana, Verticillium lecani) and botanicals (Custard apple powder, Eucalyptus) required higher doses. Time-dependent efficacy improvements and resistance patterns were observed across progenies. Results highlight the potential of integrating synthetics with bio-botanical alternatives for sustainable pest management
The Incidence and Severity of Pathogenic Fungal Diseases on Tomato Plants in Irasa Farm Cluster, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
No full textTomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a globally significant crop. Today, tomatoes are valued for their taste, color, flavor, and nutritional content, making them a popular choice for both fresh consumption and processing. However, its production is severely threatened by fungal diseases, leading to substantial yield losses. This study evaluated the incidence and severity of major fungal diseases affecting tomato plants. The study was carried out in the Irasa Farm Cluster, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, through a survey across eight farms using a modified disease severity scale. A comprehensive survey was conducted utilizing a randomized sampling approach for data collection. On each farm, a random sample of 30 tomato plants was chosen, following a diagonal pattern, and assessed for disease incidence and severity. The collected data on disease incidence and severity were subjected to statistical analysis, and the results were summarized as mean percentage values for each farm. The survey revealed the prevalence of early blight (Alternaria solani) (50.6%), Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum) (Farm E - 53.83% and Farm A- 40.32%), Septoria rot (Septoria lycopersici), powdery mildew (Leveillula taurica), and Sclerotium rot (Sclerotium rolfsii) at the study location. Fusarium wilt had the highest incidence, while early blight was the most severe. Sclerotium rot and Septoria rot incidence and severity were minimal at the study site. There is a need for farmer education and integrated disease management approaches in managing these fungal diseases for sustainable food production and food security. The introduction of cultivars resistant to Fusarium wilt and early blight should be introduced to enhance tomato production sustainability. Effective management of fungal diseases affecting tomatoes requires a multi-faceted approach. Recommended practices include crop rotation, sanitation, timely fungicide application, seed treatment, and nursery bed treatment
Study on Genetic Diversity and Character Associations in Traditional and Indigenous Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes Under Rainfed
No full textThe nature and magnitude of genetic divergence were estimated in thirty rice landraces using Mahalanobis D2 statistics considering twenty quantitative characters. ANOVA exhibits the presence of the considerable amount of variability among the genotypes. A high genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was observed for number of secondary branches. High phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) in biological yield per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percentage was shown by number of grains per panicle. A considerable amount of diversity was revealed by Mahalanobis D2 analysis. The 30 landraces were grouped into 9 clusters. In the present study the highest inter-cluster distance observed between cluster V and cluster VII (3913.55) followed by cluster I and cluster VII (3144.26) suggesting that the genotypes in these clusters may be used as parent for future hybridization programmes. The maximum intra cluster distance of shown by cluster IV (544.43) followed by cluster III (512.44) which showed maximum divergence. Traits like; days to heading, number of secondary branches and grain length were major contributors to genetic divergence. Parents showing more divergence can be crossed, which could produce high heterotic hybrids
Microplastics in Agricultural Soils: An Emerging Threat to Soil Health, Microbial Ecology, Crop Productivity, and Food Safety
No full textMicroplastics have emerged as a pervasive environmental pollutant, infiltrating terrestrial ecosystems, including agricultural soils. These tiny plastic particles (<5 mm) originate from various sources, such as plastic mulching, sewage sludge application, and atmospheric deposition. Their persistence in soils poses significant risks to soil microbial communities, plant health, and ultimately human wellbeing through the food chain. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the sources, distribution, and fate of microplastics in agricultural soils, their effects on soil microbial diversity and function, and the potential implications for human health. We also discuss mitigation strategies and future research directions to address this growing environmental concern
Impact of Biofertilizers and Integrated Nutrient Management on Transplanted Rice for Improving the Growth, Yield and Soil Quality: A Review
No full textThis review paper examines the role of biofertilizers and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) in enhancing the growth, yield, and soil fertility of transplanted rice. Biofertilizers, which include beneficial microorganisms, contribute to soil nutrient cycling, nitrogen fixation, and overall plant health, while INM combines organic, inorganic, and biological inputs to optimize nutrient availability. For instance, combining 50% biofertilizer with 50% chemical fertilizer increased rice yield by up to 15–20% compared to chemical fertilizers alone, while improving soil organic carbon and reducing environmental degradation through lower nitrate leaching (Noraida et al., 2021; Kumar et al., 2023). The synergistic effects of these practices have shown promising results in improving rice productivity, soil structure, and sustainability in rice farming systems. The paper explores various studies that highlight the effectiveness of biofertilizers and INM in enhancing soil health, increasing nutrient use efficiency, and reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers. Furthermore, it discusses the potential challenges and future directions for integrating these practices into modern rice cultivation for long-term agricultural sustainability
Influence of Growth Regulators and Different Chemical Treatments on Morpho-physiological Traits of Khirni (Manilkara hexandra L.)
No full textThe present investigation was conducted at Research Farm, Horticulture Section, College of Agriculture, Dhule to identify the effect of different combinations of growth regulators and chemicals on morphological characteristics of khirni. Khirni seedlings were grown and effect on them was studied for chemical combinations such as GA3 @ 50 ppm, GA3 @ 75 ppm, GA3 @ 100 ppm, GA3 @ 200 ppm, NAA @ 100 ppm, KNO3 @ 1 %, Cow urine @ 10 %, Cow urine @ 100 %, Cow dung slurry, and Control (Distilled water). Based on the findings, it is advised that khirni seedlings be treated with cow dung slurry for 36 hours in order to prepare them for grafting. This experiment should be carried out for a further two to three seasons in order to ensure compliance. With the highest average fresh root weight, maximum average fresh shoot weight, maximum root : shoot ratio (fresh weight basis), higher average root length, and maximum root density of khirni seedlings, the seed soaked in cow dung slurry (T9) was deemed promising based on the overall results
Above and below Ground Dried Biomass of Wheat and Biomass Derived Indices as Influenced by Bio Priming Levels and Nitrogen Management Practices under Agro-climatic Conditions of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India
No full textA field experiment was conducted to study the effect of bio priming levels and nitrogen management practices on dry biomass accumulation of wheat and crop growth indices during two consecutive rabi seasons of year 2020-21 and 2021-22. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (Factorial) consisting of factor I bio priming with two levels viz. P0 (without bio priming) and P1 (with bio priming) and factor II nitrogen management with seven levels viz. N0 (Control), N1 (90 kg N ha-1 through urea), N2 (63 kg N ha-1 through urea + 27 kg N ha-1 through FYM), N3 (120 kg N ha-1 through urea), N4 (84 kg N ha-1 through urea + 36 kg N ha-1 through FYM), N5 (150 kg N ha-1 through urea) and N6 (105 kg N ha-1 through urea + 45 kg N ha-1 through FYM). The results showed that level P1 recorded significantly higher shoot dry matter accumulation (280.15 and 295.07 g running m-1) and root dry matter accumulation (186.77 and 196.71 g running m-1) during both the years of study at harvest stage while crop growth rate was found significant for second experimental year only in the growth period of 90 days after sowing- At harvest (9.49 g m-2 day-1). As for relative growth rate during interval of 90 DAS- At harvest, P0 recorded higher value (0.00688 and 0.00728 g g-1 day-1) although found at par with level P1 during both the years of study. Application of N6 proved superiority in shoot dry matter accumulation (284.26 and 302.24 g running m-1) and root dry matter accumulation (189.51 and 201.49 g m-1 row length) during both the years and was statistically at par with level N5 during both the experimental years except for crop growth rate which was found significant (9.68 g m-2 day-1) only in the second year of experiment for the growth stage interval of 90 DAS- At harvest. The relative growth rate for 90 DAS- At harvest interval got the highest significant maximum value with N0 (0.00732 and 0.00735 g g-1 day-1) although found at par with other levels of nitrogen management during both the years
Evaluating Compost, Nitrogen and PK Fertilizer Effects on Maize Crop Productivity: Toward Economically Efficient Nitrogen Management
No full textThe effects of nitrogen (N) fertilizer (0, 45, 90, and 135 kg N/fad), phosphorus-potassium (PK) application (0 vs. recommended rate: 31 kg P₂O₅ + 24 kg K₂O/fad), and wheat and maize composts on maize growth, yield, nutrient dynamics, and nitrogen economy were examined in a two-year field study. With increases of 4.3–12.9% and 8.0–9.2% over seasons, respectively, maize compost considerably increased grain yield (15.8 ard/fad) above wheat compost (15.2 ard/fad) and control, according to results from a split-plot design with four replicates. While the effects of phosphorus (P) differed by season, both composts increased the percentages of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) in leaves and grains. While ear characteristics, yield components, and nutrient content in leaves and grains were increased by increasing N rates up to 135 kg/fad, nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE: 25.11 to 16.41 kg grains/kg N) and recovery (29.24% to 23.76%) were decreased. While effects on ear morphology and P content were mixed, PK fertilization greatly increased yield, crude protein, and N and K in grains. At 45 kg N/fad, recovery and N efficiency were at their best. Combining compost with moderate N and PK inputs increased sustainability and productivity, indicating that balanced fertilization (45 kg N/fad + PK) and maize compost are good ways to maximize maize production and control nutrients
Agronomic and Nutritional Performance of African Eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum) Cultivars from the Sudanian-Sahelian Zone of Burkina Faso
No full textAfrican eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum), which possesses high genetic potential, may adapt better to climate change and offer high fruit yield capacity. In several parts of sub-Saharan Africa, local populations report that the consumption of wild African eggplant can alleviate various ailments. This study was conducted in the Central Plateau of Burkina Faso, under the Sudanian-Sahelian climate. The study aimed to assess the nutritional and food potential of African eggplant cultivars while evaluating their agronomic performance under the influence of an optimal compost dose. The study was conducted starting in June 2024 on an agricultural plot located in Dapelgo. This area is characterised by annual rainfall ranging from 600 to 900 mm and temperatures varying between 18°C and 40°C. The soil at the experimental site was subjected to physicochemical analysis by the National Soil Bureau of Burkina Faso (BUNASOL). The experiment was carried out using a Fisher\u27s randomised block design with three replications. Three morphotypes were studied: dark green-fruited, white-fruited, and purple-fruited morphotypes. Data analysis was performed using RStudio version 4.4.3. A two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to assess the effects of cultivar and compost dose on morphological and chemical traits. Analysis of variance at the 5% significance level revealed significant differences among the three morphotypes. During and at the end of the experiment, the white-fruited morphotype showed the greatest plant height, as well as the highest number and weight of fruits. The compost dose of 5 t/ha was found to be the most suitable for optimal yield. In terms of biochemical performance, significant differences were also observed among the morphotypes. The dark green-fruited morphotype exhibited the highest contents of iron, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Regarding nutritional compounds such as alkaloids and flavonoids, the best results were recorded for the white-fruited morphotype. In contrast, the dark green-fruited morphotype showed higher levels of saponins and phenols. Overall, the 5 t/ha compost dose provided the best outcomes. Amongst the white, green, and purple, the green-fruited morphotype would be more beneficial to consumers due to its chemical and nutritional potential