International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
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Effect of Irrigation, Tillage, and Mulch Management on the Growth, Yield, and Quality of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.)
No full textBaby corn, being a high-yielding crop, requires of water per cycle, with irrigation during flowering and yield formation stages being most critical. Deficit irrigation, helps conserve water by reducing irrigation without major yield loss. The present study aimed to determines the effect of irrigation, tillage, and mulch management on the growth, yield, and quality of baby corn (Zea mays L.). A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2024-25 at the Agricultural Research Station, Brinjhagiri, Chattabar of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha O Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. The experimental site is situated in the South East Coastal Plain Zone of India, specifically at Latitude 20.46° N and Longitude 85.67° E. The experiment was conducted using a split-plot design with three replications. The main plot treatments comprised three irrigation levels: I1 (7 cm depth of irrigation at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after sowing), I2 (5 cm depth of irrigation at the same intervals), and I3 (3 cm depth of irrigation at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after sowing). The sub-plot treatments involved four conservation practices: C1 (zero tillage without mulch), C2 (zero tillage with paddy straw mulch at 4 t ha⁻¹), C3 (conventional tillage without mulch), and C4 (conventional tillage with paddy straw mulch at 4 t ha⁻¹). The experimental field was sandy loam in texture, slightly acidic in reaction pH (5.65), EC (7.35dS/m), low in soil organic carbon content (0.42%) and medium in available nitrogen (257.3 kg/ha), phosphorus (19.7 kg/ha) and potassium (174.8 kg/ha). The recommended dose of fertilizer @ 120-60- 60 N, P2O5, K2O kg/ha was used and the spacing of the crop was 50cm x 20cm. Effect of yield attributes, yield, uptake, quality, soil nutrient status, water use efficiency and economics of baby corn were significantly influenced by different irrigation levels and conservation practices management. At harvest, 7cm depth of irrigation 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after sowing recorded highest fresh corn weight (35.1 g/plant), corn yield (1.39 t/ha), green fodder yield (21.6 t/ha), biological yield (27.4 t/ha), crude protein content in corn (10.58%) and protein yield (147.18 kg/ha). Conventional tillage with paddy straw mulch @ 4t ha-1 recorded fresh corn weight (36.7 g/plants), corn yield (1.42 t/ha), green fodder yield (21.6t/ha), biological yield (28.1 t/ha), crude protein content and protein yield in corn (10.63% and 151.13 kg/ha) and in fodder (3.96% and 85.51 kg/ha). WUE recorded the highest (7.58 kg/ha-mm) in 3cm depth of irrigation at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after sowing + conventional tillage with paddy straw mulch @ 4t ha -1. From this experiment, it can be concluded that the corn yield (1.52 t/ha), and fodder yield (22.45 t/ha) observed maximum by 7cm depth of irrigation at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after sowing with conventional tillage + paddy straw mulch @ 4 t/ha. The gross return (Rs. 227850/-) and net return (Rs. 162383/-) recorded the highest in 7cm depth of irrigation at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after sowing with conventional tillage + paddy straw mulch @ 4 t/ha. The return per rupees investment calculated maximum (3.62) in 5cm depth of irrigation at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after sowing with zero tillage + paddy straw mulch @ 4 t/ha and being at par with 7cm depth of irrigation at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after sowing with zero tillage + paddy straw mulch @ 4 t/ha (3.58)
Do Ralstonia solanacearum-Resistant Tomato Varieties Withstand Root-Knot Nematodes? A Greenhouse Evaluation of Meloidogyne enterolobii Impact
No full textRoot-knot nematode, Meloidogyne enterolobii, is an emerging threat to tomato production due to its wide host range and ability to overcome existing resistance. This study evaluated whether tomato varieties resistant or susceptible to Ralstonia solanacearum also exhibit resistance to M. enterolobii. Twelve tomato genotypes, AVTO 1955-15, CLN 2498D, CLN 4018G, CLN 4270F, Padma 108 F1, F1 Cobra 26, F1 Thorgal, F1 Mongal, Petomech +, Tropimech, Akikonkouin and Tounvi, were screened under greenhouse conditions by inoculating each plant with 1,000 second-stage juveniles (J2) and eggs of M. enterolobii in the first experiment and 1,500 nematodes in the repeat experiment. Both experiments were laid out in completely randomized design with five replicates. Nematode reproduction factor (RF), galling index (GI), plant growth parameters, and physiological traits such as chlorophyll content and photochemical yield (Fv/Fm) were assessed. At harvest, the GI values ranged from 4.0 to 7.8 and RF values > 2. This suggests that all varieties were susceptible to M. enterolobii under tested conditions, although F1 Cobra 26 and CLN 4018G showed relatively lower nematode reproduction and root galling. Nematode infection significantly reduced plant growth and photosynthetic efficiency. These findings highlight the need for integrated nematode management and support the inclusion of nematode resistance screening in tomato breeding programs, particularly for dual-pathogen environments
Impact of Repeated Tillage Passes on Soil Physical Characteristics under Paddy Cultivation
No full textPaddy is predominantly cultivated under rainfed conditions. A series of tillage treatments, involving different combinations and passes of cultivators and rotavators, were evaluated to assess their impact on soil bulk density, moisture content, depth of cut, puddling index, weed population, energy use, and overall economic performance in transplanting and direct seeding systems. The results showed that both systems significantly influenced soil physical properties and field conditions. In transplanting, treatment T5 (Rotavator × 3) recorded the highest puddling index (58.2%), with better moisture retention, lower bulk density, and minimal weed regermination. While, treatment T8 (Cultivator × 2 + Rotavator × 1) in direct seeding method achieved the maximum depth of cut (92 mm) along with initial weed suppression, proving effective under dry conditions. Further, it observed that all treatments reduced weed population immediately after tillage, though regermination varied depending on the implement type and intensity. The study further stated that more passes of the rotavator improves puddling index, while cultivator passes enhance soil penetration under dry conditions. Energy analysis suggested that T5 found to be the most suitable option for transplanting, whereas T8 is recommended for direct seeding. The findings emphasize that farmers should adopt site-specific tillage practices to improve field efficiency, control weeds, conserve soil moisture, and optimize resource use for sustainable rice production
Toxicological Perspectives of Pesticide Use in Mulberry Cultivation: Challenges and Pathways to Sustainable Sericulture
No full textPest management in mulberry cultivation is a critical component of sustainable sericulture, as pest infestations directly influence leaf quality, silkworm health, and cocoon productivity. Conventional insecticides have been widely employed to manage pest outbreaks; however, their indiscriminate application leads to multiple challenges, including pesticide residues in foliage, silkworm toxicity, environmental contamination, and resistance development in pest populations. These issues collectively threaten the economic viability and ecological sustainability of sericulture. This review consolidates current insights on the toxicological impact of insecticides within mulberry–silkworm ecosystems, emphasizing their residual effects on silkworm physiology, cocoon characteristics, and silk quality. It further explores integrated strategies for minimizing pesticide hazards through eco-friendly approaches such as biological control agents, botanical formulations, cultural practices, and selective chemical interventions. The discussion highlights the necessity for region-specific integrated pest management (IPM) modules that align with ecological principles while ensuring effective pest suppression. Additionally, the review underscores the importance of monitoring pesticide residues, adopting safe waiting periods, and implementing farmer-oriented training programs to promote judicious pesticide use. Collectively, these interventions aim to balance pest control efficiency with environmental stewardship, thereby sustaining sericulture under dynamic pest and climate conditions
Performance of Maize (Zea mays L.) with Intercropping of Different Vegetable Crops during Rabi Season in West Bengal, India
No full textAims: Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal crop that is grown extensively for industrial, food, and fodder purposes. However, in monocropping systems, improper use of resources, degraded soil, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases can limit its output. Intercropping maize with compatible vegetable crops is a potential strategy for increasing system productivity, improving soil health, and lowering disease pressure.
Study Design: A field experiment was carried out to assess the performance of maize intercropping with leafy vegetables (fenugreek, spinach, coriander), legumes (pea, french bean), and crucifers (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and radish) and sole maize as control.
Place and Duration of Study: Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, Rabi season of 2022–2023.
Methodology: A total of 10 treatments with three replications were evaluated to determine the most promising intercropping system and the criteria used were: morphological (plant height), physiological (chlorophyll content), yield attributes (biomass, cob weight, and grain yield), and disease assessment parameters (incidence, severity, and AUDPC).
Results: Treatments showed significant differences (p < 0.05) across all parameters. Maize+Cauliflower had the highest chlorophyll content (56.67) Maize+Coriander had the highest plant height (276.13). Sole maize had the maximum Plant biomass (429.60 g), cob weight (423.80 g), and yield per plot (27.83 kg). In intercropped systems, Maize+Coriander (22.68 kg), Maize+Cabbage (21.52 kg), and Maize+Pea (20.65 kg) were the most productive vegetable categories. Disease assessments showed that some intercropping combinations, specifically maize+coriander and Maize+Broccoli, were linked to reduced disease severity and development, however Maize+Radish and Maize+Fenugreek systems were found to be more susceptible.
Conclusion: According to the findings, strategic intercropping of maize with specific vegetable crops could be a useful technique for increasing crop yield, supporting sustainable land use, and managing diseases during the Rabi season
Impact of Land Resource Inventory Based Fertilizer Recommendations on Cotton Yield and Soil Sustainability
No full textIndiscriminate fertilizer use has become a key factor in land degradation with blanket applications, often depleting resources and weakening soil health. Land Resource Inventory (LRI) serve as a farmer-friendly approach to tackle the problem of unscientific fertilizer use, ensuring more precise and balanced nutrient application. To address this, a field study was conducted during Kharif 2024-2025 in Bu Koppa and Bu Tharlagatta villages of Kundgol Taluk, Dharwad district, to test the benefits of LRI based fertilizer management in cotton. The experiment was carried out with two treatments: farmers in Bu Koppa continued with conventional fertilizer practices, while those in Bu Tharlagatta adopted LRI-based recommendations. Post-harvest analysis showed that LRI fields retained higher levels of organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron and copper along with enhanced dehydrogenase activity. Cotton performance improved with better plant growth attributes and nutrient uptake compared to non LRI plots. Additionally, it delivered significant benefits, boosting seed cotton yield by 50.9% and lint yield by 35.4%. Economically, LRI adoption increased gross returns, net returns and benefit-cost ratio, despite an additional fertilizer cost. These findings demonstrate that LRI based fertilizer recommendations not only enhance productivity and profitability but also support agricultural sustainability
Effect of Potassium and Sulphur on Growth and Yield of Greengram (Vigna radiata L.)
No full textGreengram is scientifically known as (Vigna radiata L.) and commonly known as mung bean. India is the producer of pulses, accounting for 27 per cent of the world\u27s production. Sulphur is also a constituent of vitamin biotin and thiamine, and also of iron-Sulphur protein ferredoxin. Potassium (K) is one of the essential nutrients for plant growth and vital for sustaining modern high-yield agriculture. The paper aims to investigate the effect of potassium and Sulphur on the growth and yield of Greengram (Vigna radiata L.). A field experiment was conducted during the Zaid season of 2025 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, U.P., India. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with ten treatments and replicated thrice. The observations were recorded for plant height, number of branches per plant, number of nodules per plant, plant dry weight, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, pods per plant, seeds per pod, test weight, 0-grain yield and straw yield. The factors are Potassium (10, 20 and 30 kg/ha) and Sulphur (5, 10 and 15 kg/ha) along with a control (NPK 20-40-20 kg/ha). The result of the experiment showed that the application of T9: Potassium at 30 kg/ha. + Sulphur at 15 Kg/ha significantly The highest application rates of Potassium and Sulphur (T9) resulted in significant increases across all measured growth and yield parameters compared to the control, Plant dry weight (25.87), Crop growth rate (18.74), Relative growth rate (0.03), No of Pods/ plant (21.47), No of seeds/pod (7.30), Test Weight (62.30), Grain Yield (1.82), Straw Yield (3.24), Harvest Index (35.95). Maximum gross return (INR/ha 152080), Net return (112897.02), and B:C ratio (2.88) were obtained highest in treatment 9 (Potassium at 30 kg/ha+ Sulphur at 15 kg/ha). It is concluded that application of Potassium at 30 Kg/ha +Sulphur at 15 kg/ha has performed better in growth parameters, yield attributes, and benefit cost ratio of Greengram
Correlation and Path Analysis of Quantitative and Quality Traits in Short-duration Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) Genotypes under Kerala Agroclimatic Conditions
No full textPigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.), a vital pulse crop, faces yield improvement challenges due to the complex inheritance of productivity traits. The study aims to investigate the relationship between yield and various phenological, quantitative, and quality traits. The study was conducted during the 2023 kharif season at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, evaluating thirty short-duration pigeonpea genotypes in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Correlation analysis revealed that seed yield per plant was positively and significantly associated with number of pods per plant, biological yield, harvest index, primary branches, and seeds per pod, while phenol content showed a significant negative correlation. Path analysis indicated that biological yield, flowering traits, and harvest index exerted strong positive direct effects on seed yield, whereas days to bud initiation and plant height contributed negatively. These results indicate that selecting for traits like biological yield, flowering attributes, harvest index, pods per plant, and seeds per pod offers a practical and effective breeding strategy for enhancing yield in short-duration pigeonpea varieties suited to Kerala\u27s agroclimatic conditions
Effect of Leaf Cutting on Seed Yield of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)
No full textThe experiment was conducted with two genotypes of coriander (Azad Coriander-1 and Azad Coriander-2) in factorial Randomized Block Design with 8 treatments and 3 replications at the experimental farm of Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur- 208002 U.P. India, during Rabi, season 2014-2015. Phenotypic data were recorded for eight characters viz. Plant height, Number of Primary and Secondary Branches per plant, Number of umbels per plant, Seed yield per plant, Test weight and Yield per plant. The foliage cutting was taken to create treatments e.g. C0 (No Cutting), C1 (One Cutting) C2 (Two cuttings) and C3 (Tree cuttings). It was found that zero cutting (control) showed highest growth and three cuttings showed lowest growth among treatments. It is the clear indication of reduction in the growth number of primary and secondary branches, no. of umbels per plant, seed yield per plant and plot yield per plant. It has been concluded that leaf cutting in coriander gradually reduces the growth and other parameters (studied in this) as number of cutting increases
Use of the Basin Technique for Efficient Rainwater Management on Mid-Slope Rice Growth
No full textA short research study on rainfed rice production was conducted on the experimental perimeter located a short distance from the University of San Pedro. The objective of the study was to use the basin technique for effective rainwater management in mid-slope rice cultivation. To this end, an experiment was conducted using a Fisher block design with seven treatments and four replicates in order to control these different parameters. The plots were arranged perpendicular to the slope and delimited by ridge structures to obtain basins in which the rice was sown. The basin technique had a positive effect on rice growth compared to the control without basins, with a significant difference (P˂ 0.0001) between treatments in terms of yield and growth. This technique reduced soil erosion, unlike the control, where the roots were exposed and the plants were uprooted. It appears to be a means of facilitating cultivation on the slopes of the hills that dominate the south-west of Côte d\u27Ivoire