International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
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Synergistic Effects of Silicon and Mycorrhiza on Sorghum Grown under Saline Water Irrigation
No full textSalinity stress is a major constraint to crop productivity, affecting physiological processes such as photosynthesis and disrupting osmotic and ionic balance. Exogenous application of silicon has been shown to enhance plant tolerance to salinity by improving photosynthetic efficiency, metabolic activity and molecular responses. Similarly, mycorrhizal fungi help to mitigate salinity-induced stress by enhancing nutrient uptake. To investigate the combined effects of silicon and mycorrhiza on sorghum under saline irrigation, a field experiment was conducted in 2022 at farmer’s field in Kuppuchipalayam village, Karur District, Tamil Nadu. The study included five silicon levels (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg/ha) applied through diatomaceous earth and three mycorrhiza levels (0, 25, and 50 g/plant), under saline water irrigation with an electrical conductivity of 10 dS/m. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with two replications, using sorghum var. K12 as the test crop. Results revealed that both silicon and mycorrhiza significantly alleviated the negative effects of salinity, improving plant growth and yield. Plant height, leaf area index (LAI), chlorophyll content (SPAD) and dry matter production (DMP) increased with higher silicon levels, peaking at 200 kg Si/ha, resulting in respective increases of 9.2%, 53.6%, 19.0%, and 25.1% over the control. Yield parameters such as number of ear heads/m², no. of filled grains/ear head, grain yield and stover yield were also maximized at this level, with the highest grain and stover yield reaching 4286.3 kg/ha and 7096.7 kg/ha, showing 25.4% and 21.7% increases over control. Mycorrhiza application at 50 g/plant significantly enhanced all measured parameters over 25 g/plant and control, with grain and stover yields increasing by 10.3% and 10.7%, respectively. The interaction between silicon and mycorrhiza was significant, with the best performance observed at 200 kg Si/ha + 50 g VAM/plant, resulting in yield improvements of 40.5% (grain) and 33.4% (stover) compared to untreated control
Effect of Various Levels of Fertigation on Performance and Productivity of Tomato under Poly-House Condition
No full textAn experiment was conducted at college of horticulture, Hiriyur, Karnataka, India during 2020-21. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments and three replications. The soil of experimental site was clay loam in texture, alkaline in pH, medium in Organic matter and phosphorous. Low in available nitrogen and medium in available potassium. Highest growth parameters namely, plant height (53.73 cm, 173.33 cm and 242.67 cm at 30, 60, 90 DAT, respectively), number of branches per plant (2.53, 7.7 and 11.60 at 30, 60 and 90 DAT, respectively), number of leaves per plant(59.37, 406 and 626.16 at 30, 60, and 90 DAT respectively), leaf area (8.70, 45.45 and 67.07 dm2plant-1) and yield parameters viz., number of fruits (60.18 plant-1), fruit weight (65.13 g) and fruit yield (26.83 t ac-1) were observed in treatment which received100:100:100: kg NPK per acre through soil application. Among the fertigation treatments, treatment T7 (40:40:40 kg NPK ac-1 + 4 kg 19:19:19 ac-1through fertigation) recorded the higher yield per hectare (24.37 t ac-1) followed by T6 treatment (40:40:40 kg NPK ac-1 + 3 kg 19:19:19 ac-1through fertigation) (23.29 t ac-1). As the treatment received fertilizer and fertigation dose increased the growth and yield parameters also increased significantly. InT3treatment which received soil application of 20:20:20 kg NPK per acre + 2 kg 19:19:19 per acre through fertigation was recorded lowest fruit yield per hectare (52.84 t). Higher yield obtained among drip fertigation treatments might be due to the maintenance of favorable soil water status in the root zone, which in turn helped the plants to utilize moisture as well as nutrients more effectively from the limited wetted area
Contribution to the Domestication of Beilschmiedia mannii in Côte d\u27Ivoire: Effect of Cutting Size and Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) on Rooting and Growth
No full textBeilschmiedia mannii, or spicy cedar, is a tree species of significant food and medicinal value that naturally grows in the tropical forests of Côte d\u27Ivoire. Unfortunately, severe deforestation and climate change pose a serious threat to the survival of this species, raising concerns about its conservation status. This study aims to develop methods for propagating Beilschmiedia mannii plants through the cutting technique. For this, three categories of cutting (small, medium, and large diameter) were treated with three concentrations (0, 2.5, and 5 mg/L) of Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) and planted in a polypropagator on forest topsoil mixed with construction sand. Once rooted, the cuttings were transplanted into black polyethene bags. As a result, the 100% survival rate observed after plant acclimatisation demonstrates the strong propagation capacity of Beilschmiedia mannii through cutting. The cuttings of small- and medium-diameter exhibited good rooting ability, unlike those with a large-diameter. The 5 mg/L IBA concentration produced the highest rooting success with 36% for small and 53% for medium cuttings, and resulted in the greatest number and length of roots per cutting. The best vegetative growth was observed in plants grown from medium- and small-diameter cuttings treated with 5 mg/L and 2.5 mg/L of IBA, respectively. These findings demonstrate that combinations of IBA and cutting propagation is an effective method for producing uniform, vigorous and healthy seedlings of Beilschmiedia mannii intended for integration into agroforestry systems and sustainable reforestation programs
Variability Analysis for Growth and Yield Contributing Traits in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Grown in Karnal Conditions of Haryana
No full textTomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a major crop in the Solanaceae family with a chromosome number of 2n = 2x = 24, is widely consumed in multiple forms—fresh, in salads, as a culinary ingredient, or processed into products like tomato paste, diced or peeled tomatoes, juices, and soups. It is a rich source of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing significantly to a balanced and healthy diet. Given its nutritional importance and commercial value, identifying high-performing genotypes with desirable growth and yield traits is crucial. The present study estimated the variability analysis for Growth and Yield Contributing Traits in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Grown in Karnal Conditions of Haryana. A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2016–17 at the Regional Research Station, Karnal, and the Laboratory of the Department of Vegetable Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. Among the evaluated genotypes, Punjab Upma recorded the highest plant height (60.78 cm), NT-8 had the maximum number of branches per plant (7.00), Punjab Chhuhara showed the largest polar diameter (6.76 cm), and Castle Rock had the highest equatorial diameter (5.11 cm). The thickest pericarp (7.44 mm) was observed in DVRT-8, while DVRT-5 produced the highest number of marketable fruits per plant (38.53). The maximum marketable fruit weight per plant (1356.70 g) was found in PNR-7. Additionally, the minimum number of unmarketable fruits per plant (7.90) was recorded in S-12, and the earliest flowering (36.67 days to 50% flowering) was observed in Pusa Ruby. These findings highlight the potential of certain genotypes for improving tomato productivity and sustainability. Most traits showed high heritability and genetic advance, particularly those related to yield and plant architecture, suggesting the presence of additive gene action and good potential for genetic improvement through selection. These results underline the importance of exploiting superior genotypes for enhancing tomato productivity in breeding programs. The study offers useful insights for both researchers and growers in selecting suitable genotypes for enhanced tomato cultivation
Yield Enhancement in Groundnut through Cluster Front Line Demonstrations in Farmers Fields of West Godavari District, A.P, India
No full textThe Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Undi has carried out Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLD) with integrated crop management practices in Groundnut at Turputalla village in farmers fields of West Godavari disttict in Andhra Pradesh, India in 10 ha area during Rabi, 2024-25. The results revealed that higher number of pods/plant (28) were registered with CFLD plot when compared to farmers practice. The higher fresh pod yield i.e., 40.6 q/ha was realized with CFLD demonstrated plot, which was 6.7 % more compared to farmers practice with 38.05 q/ha Rabi, 2024-25. The Gross returns and net returns of Rs. 203000, 96,870/- per ha and B:C ratio of 1.91were also higher with demonstration plot compared to farmers practice plot (Rs. 190250, 79500 per ha and 1.71). Yield enhancement and higher net returns were observed with improved varieties and production technology. An average technology gap of 4.4 q/ha extension gap of 2.55 q/ha was recorded during Rabi, 2024-25. The technology index was 9.70 per centwhich shows good performance of Cluster demonstrations in Turputalla conditions and this will accelerate the adoption of newer technologies to increase the productivity of groundnut in this area. Thus, the study resulted to convincing the farming community for adopting recommended improved package of practices in groundnut which in turn enhanced the yield and returns
Evaluation of Nano-Urea Application on Growth and Yield Performance of Basmati Rice under Flooded Conditions
No full textIntroduction: Rice crop utilizes only 30 to 40% of applied nitrogenous fertilizers and rest of the nitrogen (N) goes waste. Introduction of nano-urea in India had come with claims that it offers promising solution in enhancing nitrogen use efficiency for crops including flooded rice cultivation and thereby reduction in losses and associated environmental problems.
Aim: A study was undertaken to examine the effect of nano-urea formulation (a.i., 4% nano-N w/v) on Basmati rice under normal-sown and flooded-condition.
Methodology: Experiment was laid down with five treatments. Control (T1) received recommended doses of fertilizers to soil. Remaining four treatments received either 50% of recommended N dose (T2 and T4) or 75% of recommended N dose (T3 and T5) to the soil along with two foliar applications of either normal-urea @ 2% w/v (T2 and T3) or nano-urea @ 0.016% w/v (T4 and T5).
Results: It was found that regardless of foliar applications either with normal-urea or nano-urea, plant growth and yield parameters were lower in T2 and T4 and higher in T3 and T5. Responses obtained with foliar applications of nano-urea were comparable to foliar application of normal-urea, separately at 50% N and at 75% N. This short-term study although indicated the possibility of saving about 25% and 17% of N through foliar applications of nano-urea (T5) and normal-urea (T3), respectively however, outcomes were discussed based on the current knowledge and understanding. It was also noted that rice plants under limited availability of N showed tendency of reduction in yield (by 8.7% in T5) in spite of possible mining of N from the soil, N that was made available by N-fixation and also via rains during the monsoon season.
Conclusion: Findings suggested that use of nano-urea as partial substitute to the reduced application of N to the soil is not supporting for sustained production potential of rice crop and soil health. Future lines of work are therefore suggested so that suitable decision on large-scale use of nano-urea/nano-formulations can be taken up
Unveiling the Impact of Plant Growth Regulator Infused Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide (TSP) Polymer Coating on Seed Quality Behaviour of Cowpea var. VBN 3
No full textA laboratory experiment was conducted in 2023 at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, to evaluate the effectiveness of Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide (TSP) polymer as a natural alternative to synthetic seed coatings for improving the planting value of cowpea seeds. The treatments included T₀ – Control, T₁ – GA₃ 10 ppm, T₂ – GA₃ 20 ppm, T₃ – GA₃ 30 ppm, T₄ – GA₃ 40 ppm, T₅ – GA₃ 50 ppm, T₆ – BRs 0.5 ppm, T₇ – BRs 1.0 ppm, T₈ – BRs 1.5 ppm, T₉ – BRs 2.0 ppm, and T₁₀ – BRs 2.5 ppm. Data were analyzed statistically using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with ANOVA. Significant differences were observed among the treatments for all seed quality parameters. Seeds coated with TSP polymer enriched with 3 mL of 1.0 ppm brassinosteroids (T₇) recorded the highest speed of germination (36.96), germination percentage (94%), root length (20.66 cm), shoot length (23.58 cm), vigour index I (4159), and vigour index II (58). In contrast, the uncoated control seeds exhibited the lowest performance in terms of speed of germination (33.74), germination percentage (88%), root length (17.85 cm), shoot length (20.63 cm), vigour index I (3386), and vigour index II (52). The findings indicate that cowpea seeds coated with 8 g of TSP polymer infused with 1.0 ppm BRs exhibited superior germination and seedling vigour compared to other treatments. Hence, this formulation can be recommended as an eco-friendly, biopolymer-based pre-sowing seed treatment suitable for organic agricultural systems
Spatial Analysis of Soil Physical Parameters at Different Depth in Sikrai Tehsil of Dausa, R, India
No full textAn investigation, was carried out during year 2021-22. Total 190 soil samples were collected from two depth (i.e., 0 to 15 and 15 to 30 cm). Sand content varied from 73.20 to 82.10 and 71.70 to 80.50 per cent, silt content varies from 9.20 to 14.60 and 10.30 to 15.30 and clay content ranged from 8.20 to 12.80 and 9.20 to 13.20 per cent. The bulk density was ranged from 1.45 to 1.54 and 1.46 to 1.55 Mg m-3, while, particle density was ranged from 2.47 to 2.65 and 2.48 to 2.66 Mgm-3. Porosity of surface and sub-surface soils ranged between 38.87 to 45.08 and 38.71 to 44.91%. Based on sand, silt and clay contents, these soils classified into sandy loam and loamy sand textural classes. Out of 95 surface soil samples 19 (20.00%) fell in loamy sand and 76 (80.00%) samples fell in sandy loam texture class. while, in sub-surface 2 (2.11%) fell in loamy sand and 93 (97.89%) were in sandy loam category. Therefore, the majority of soils were belonged to sandy loam in texture. The depth wise distribution of soil physical properties is valuable to the scientific community for various applications, particularly in agriculture, civil engineering, and efforts to combat environmental degradation and optimum land use plan for maximizing agricultural production
Colorimetric Quantification of CO₂ in a Modified Alkali-Trap Soil Respiration Assay
No full textMicrobial activity in soil is an important characteristic of healthy soil. A key indicator of microbial activity is soil respiration. Traditional alkali-trap assays use hydrochloric acid to titrate sodium hydroxide that has not reacted to quantify CO₂ evolution, but determining the titrimetric endpoint is subjective, involves colour fading, reagent instability, and operator variability. The present study reports a modified soil respiration assay using colorimetric quantification of pH reduction as sodium carbonate forms. The method is phenolphthalein-based absorbance reading at 552 nm with a colorimeter. The alteration of the assay greatly improved precision, eliminated blank samples, and reduced human error from visual titration. This colorimetric method is easier, inexpensive, and provides reliable quantification of soil microbial respiration
Field and Multi-locational Study on Efficacy of Native Entomopathogenic Nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar) against Termite (Odontotermes obesus Rambur) in Assam, India
No full textEntomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are one of the important biocontrol agents against various insect pests. The effects of different doses and time of application of Entomopathogenic nematode (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar) were evaluated under field condition against termite (Odontotermes obesus Rambur). At 5.0×109 IJs/mound, three-time application at one month interval as soil drenching method were required to cause 60.6 % mortality of O. obesus. Results showed that sequential application of EPN is effective than one time application. The effective dose was further evaluated in three multi-locational trials under different agro-climatic regions of Assam. Results showed that 61.6%, 61.3% and 60.6% mortality of O.obesus was due to the three times application of H.bacteriophora at the dose of 5.0×109 IJs/mound in AAU-HRS Kahikuchi, AAU-SMAPRS Buralikson and AAU-ZRS Diphu, respectively. Both workers and soldiers of O. obesus cadavers had higher progeny production of H.bacteriophora with high persistence in mound soil