International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
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Biochemical Evaluation of Diverse Wood Apple (Feronia limonia L.) Genotypes under Tamil Nadu Conditions
No full textAim: Wood apple (Feronia limonia L.) is a hardy, underutilized indigenous fruit tree known for its exceptional adaptability to harsh agro-climatic conditions, including drought, salinity, and degraded soils. Despite its rich nutritional and medicinal profile comprising vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds, and pectin wood apple has seen limited attention in terms of systematic breeding, biochemical evaluation, and commercial cultivation. In the context of growing demand for nutritious, climate-resilient fruit crops and the need for value addition in lesser-known species, a deeper understanding of its genetic variability in quality traits is critical. Thus, this study was undertaken to explore the genetic diversity in key biochemical traits among selected wood apple genotypes with the aim of identifying elite lines suitable for varietal development, industrial processing, and nutritional enhancement.
Methodology: A field evaluation was conducted at the Department of Fruit Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Periyakulam, Tamil Nadu during 2019-2024. A total of nine genotypes (WFL-01 to WFL-09), shortlisted from prior germplasm collections based on preliminary quality traits, were subjected to detailed biochemical assessment under Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications
Results: The current shows significant variability among the genotypes for quality parameters such as total soluble solids (TSS) ranging from 13.4 - 15.0 °Brix, acidity (2.40 - 3.60 %), TSS/acidity ratio (3.72 - 7.00), ascorbic acid (13.8 - 16.5 mg 100 g-1), calcium (130 - 245 mg 100 g-1), potassium (670 - 740 mg 100 g-1), pectin content (4.70 - 5.40 %), total sugars (1.83 - 2.38 %), reducing sugars (0.96 - 1.29 %), and non-reducing sugars (0.85 - 1.06 %).
Conclusion: The present five-year study (2019–2024) revealed significant genetic variability among nine wood apple (Feronia limonia L.) genotypes. Among the genotypes, WFL-03 consistently recorded superior performance across all key quality traits, with TSS (15.0 °Brix), the lowest acidity (2.4 %), the highest TSS/acidity ratio (7.0), highest ascorbic acid (16.5 mg 100 g-1), and highest pectin content (5.40 %), making it highly suitable for varietal development and commercial processing applications such as value-added products, nutraceutical formulations and functional foods. Its favorable sugar profile also indicates its acceptability for fresh consumption and industrial use. The observed variability highlights the genetic potential for crop improvement programs aimed at enhancing nutritional quality and promoting wood apple as a climate-resilient, underutilized fruit crop with applications in health, food, and sustainable agriculture
Agronomic Modulation through Sowing Time and Spacing Adjustments for Enhanced Seed Yield and Quality in Pea
No full textEnhancing seed yield and quality in pea (Pisum sativum) requires careful optimization of agronomic practices. To investigate this, a study was carried out during 2020-21 at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP), focusing on the effects of various sowing dates and plant spacing on seed production in pea. The experiment involved twelve treatment combinations, including three sowing dates (10th, 20th and 30th November) and four spacing levels (60 × 7.5 cm, 60 × 10 cm, 60 × 12.5 cm and 60 × 15.0 cm), arranged in a factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications in the field and a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications for laboratory analysis. Sowing on 10th November led to earlier emergence and flowering, along with improved plant height, pod characteristics, seed yield (20.33 q ha⁻¹), germination (94.38%), and seed vigour. Among the spacing treatments, the widest spacing (60 × 15.0 cm) proved most effective in enhancing growth and seed quality traits. The interaction treatment D1S4 (10th November sowing with 60 × 15.0 cm spacing) delivered the best performance, achieving the highest seed yield (24.30 q ha⁻¹), 100 seed weight (19.65 g), seed vigour indices and a benefit-cost ratio of 2.56
Exploring the Integration of Nano Urea in Linseed Cultivation: A Comprehensive Agricultural Review
No full textAgriculture in the 21st century faces the challenge of increasing food production to meet the demands of a growing population, while addressing soil nutrient depletion, reduced NUE, and the environmental impacts of conventional fertilizers. Nitrogen, a macronutrient, is often lost through leaching and volatilization when applied in traditional form. Nanotechnologies, offer a promising solution by enhancing nitrogen delivery and uptake efficiency in crops. This review examines the global agricultural context, the role of nitrogen in crop productivity and plant development. Recent studies, especially in linseed cultivation, have demonstrated that integrating nano urea with reduced doses of conventional nitrogen significantly improves seed yield, nutrient uptake, and economic returns. However, the widespread adoption of nano fertilizers requires further investigation into long-term soil impacts, residue effects on oil quality, and integration with precision agriculture. Overall, nano urea stands as a pivotal innovation for sustainable agriculture, offering a scalable strategy to enhance productivity while preserving environmental integrity in a resource-constrained world
Study of Genetics and Tagging of Gene Linked to Spotted Stem Borer (Chilo partellus) Resistance in Maize
No full textThe maize spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe), is a serious pest that causes yield losses of 24.3-36.3% Knowledge of the genetics of resistance is a prerequisite for the development of resistant cultivars. The present investigation was carried out to study the genetics of resistance to the spotted stem borer and to identify linked SSR markers using BSA. Twenty- eight inbreds, along with 2 checks, were screened for C. partellus resistance by considering damage parameters namely, LIR, exit hole, dead heart, and percent stem tunnelling in a field trial at ICAR-IIMR, New Delhi. Maize genotypes WNZPBTL 2 and HKI 1352 were selected as resistant and susceptible parents, respectively. Individuals of the F2 mapping population developed from WNZPBTL 2 and HKI 1352 were phenotyped for the LIR and classified into 1 to 9 scales. F2 distribution of LIR indicates monogenic control of spotted stem borer resistance in maize with dominance of resistance. Screening of parents with 200 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers identified 37 polymorphic markers across the genome. Chromosomes 1, 5, and 6 were revealed to carry the most distinct genomes, whereas chromosome 8 was more similar between parents. Only one marker (bnlg1057) at map location bin1.06 showed polymorphism between parents as well as bulks with distinct frequency of resistant and susceptible alleles. Strength of linkage between marker and trait in F2 was assessed by binary logistic regression, which was significant with a value of regression coefficient 1.453. An additional twelve markers from identified bin1.06 flanking bnlg1057 were selected to identify a closer marker to the gene, but the absence of polymorphism between parents for these markers suggests the use of a different population to find more closely linked markers
Varietal Performance of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to Poultry Manure and Foliar Application of Moringa Leaf Extract
No full textA pot experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt to evaluate the growth and fruit yield responses of three tomato varieties to poultry manure (PM) and foliar application of moringa leaf extract (MLE). The PM was applied at 0 and 20 t/ha while the MLE was appliedat 0, 5, and 10 litre concentrations (MLE 5 and 10) separately and in all possible combinations in a completely randomized design in three replicates. The parameters measured were plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, percentage emergence, number of days to flowering, number of days to fruiting, number of flowers per plant, number of fruits and fresh fruit weight. The treatments differed significantly (P = 0.05) with the combinations of the treatments giving better performance. The combination of PM + MLE 5 gave the best growth performance however, the best yield performance was recorded on the PM + MLE 10. The application of PM + MLE 10 produced the highest number of fruits and fresh fruit weight. Among the two levels of MLE single and combined, MLE gave best growth performance while MLE 10 recorded the best yield. Plants treated with Moringa extract recorded zero pest infestation when compared to the control and PM treatments. Among the three varieties of tomato used, Jos recorded the best performance across all treatments singly or combined followed by RVF variety. Beef variety recorded the least performance. The significant effect of MLE in this study, suggests that MLE can be used as source of nutrients to grow tomato singly or combined with other nutrient sources
Bioconversion of Spent Mushroom Substrate (SMS) of Button Mushroom for Cultivation of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus florida)
No full textMushrooms offer a sustainable solution to global food security by converting agricultural waste into nutritious protein. Pleurotus species are particularly valuable, requiring simple cultivation methods thus optimizing substrate combinations of organic wastes can significantly enhance mushroom yields and production efficiency. The present study evaluated the bioconversion potential of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) from button mushroom cultivation for enhancing the growth, yield, and nutritional quality of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus florida). Different combinations of wheat straw and SMS were tested, with the 4:1 ratio (wheat straw + SMS) (T5) emerging as the most effective treatment. Results showed that T5 significantly reduced spawn running (16 days), pinhead initiation (20 days), and harvesting periods (26, 32, and 41 days for three flushes) compared to the SMS-alone control (22, 28, and 36–55 days). The highest yield (1316.99 g/bag) and biological efficiency (87.73%) were recorded in T5, along with superior morphological traits such as maximum fruiting bodies (87.25/bag), stalk length (6.78 cm), and cap diameter (3.54 cm). Moisture content was optimized (~90%), and dry weight peaked at 135.60 g in T5. The study demonstrates that supplementing SMS with wheat straw (4:1 ratio) enhances P. florida productivity and offers an efficient waste-to-food solution
Optimization of Seed Priming Protocols for Enhance Germination and Vigour of Oat Seeds (Avena sativa L.)
No full textUnfavourable environmental conditions (high temperature, high moisture, and drought) during seed growth and development in the field and seed storage in storehouse can reduce germination, vigour and processing quality of seeds of field crops. Priming stimulates germination by inducing a variety of metabolic changes in the seed leading to improved germination, increased germination rate, and germination in a wider range of conditions. In the present research work, we made an attempt to test 26 different seed treatment viz., hydropriming, thermo-priming, pre-chilling for enhancement of seed quality, germinability of oat seeds. We hypothesized that seed priming lead to enhance seed quality attributes of oat seeds enhancing seed vigour and germination. Seed priming studies revealed that out of 26 different seed treatments, first count was found to be maximum for thermopriming of seeds at 40oC for 36 hrs (94.50%) followed by thermopriming of seed at 35oC for 12 hrs (94.00%), with increment over control in the tune of 3.8% and 3.29%, respectively. Germination percentage observation revealed superior performance of thermopriming of seeds at 35oC for 12 hrs (96.00%), followed by thermopriming of seeds at 40oC for 6 hrs (95.50%), with increment over control in the tune of 3.7% and 3.24%, respectively. Seed vigour studies revealed superior performance for seed vigour index I for thermopriming of seed at 45oC for 36 hrs (3998.44) with increment over control in the tune of 27.84 %. Seed vigour index II found superior for thermopriming of seeds at 35oC for 12 hrs (13.89), with increment over control in the tune of 17.31%. Time for maximum number of radicle emergence studies revealed superior performance of thermopriming of seed at 30ºC for 6 hrs (77.88 hrs), with increment over control in the tune of 52.70%. Therefore, thermopriming of oat seeds at 35oC for 12 hrs is recommended for seed treatment to enhance germination and seed vigour of oat seed consequently resulting into better final plant stand establishment and seed yield
Effect of Mixed Bovine and Ovine Stabling on Soil Properties and on Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench.) in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Burkina Faso
No full textIn Burkina Faso, okra is one of the most important vegetable crops. Low soil fertility is one of the major constraints to okra production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of mixed bovine and ovine stabling on soil properties and on growth and yield of okra in Sudano-Sahelian zone. The study was conducted during the 2023-2024 agricultural season. The experiment design used is a Randomized Complete Block Design with two treatments (with and without stabling) and four replications. The data collected are plant height, collar diameter, number of leaves, number of flowers, soil temperature and soil pH.
Results of the study showed that the stabling treatment (PR) recorded the highest pH (6.27), the highest fruit weight (137.62 g plant-1) and the best fruit yield (2.75 t ha⁻¹), i.e. a yield gain of 17.62% compared to the control (TA). These results highlight that mixed cattle and sheep stabling, a source of organic matter, improves the soil and okra productivity. Thus, the practice of stabling could be an alternative to restore the soil and boost okra production in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso
Genetic Diversity and Drought Tolerance in M7 Ethidium Bromide-Derived Tomato Genotypes
No full textThis study evaluated the extent of genetic variability for drought tolerance, as well as the interplay among key drought-tolerant traits of M7 ethidium bromide (EtBr)-derived tomato genotypes, under polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced drought stress. The study assessed ten of tomato genotypes under varying PEG concentrations (0%, 5%, and 10%) using a Completely Randomized Design. Statistical analysis was conducted on data including germination capacity and energy, root length, root count, shoot length, and both fresh and dry shoot weight. ANOVA revealed significant variability among genotypes for all traits. Higher concentrations of PEG led to reduced germination and weaker seedling performance. However, genotypes G3, G8, G9, and G10 exhibited superior drought tolerance, as reflected in their extensive root development. Based on Stress Tolerance Indices (STIs), genotypes G2, G3, G8, G9, and G10 were effectively ranked as highly drought-tolerant. High phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) (>20%), and heritability (>60%) were observed for germination energy and capacity, root count, and fresh shoot weight. Consistent correlations were observed between germination capacity and traits such as shoot height and root length. The study reveals substantial genetic variability among EtBr-derived tomato genotypes, with G3, G8, G9, and G10 exhibiting notable drought tolerance. High heritability and strong inter-trait correlations underscore the breeding potential of these genotypes for developing drought-resistant tomato cultivars
Investigating the Optimal Growing Media for Wheatgrass: A Study on Yield and Antioxidant Properties with Statistical Optimization using Box-behnken Designs
No full textAims: To evaluate the effect of different growing media on the yield and antioxidant properties of wheatgrass, with the goal of identifying the optimal medium for sustainable agriculture, urban and indoor farming, hydroponics, and functional food markets.
Study Design: Experimental study using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Box–Behnken design to optimize wheatgrass growing conditions.
Place and Duration of Study: Conducted in the School of Organic Farming, PAU Ludhiana under room temperature conditions, six experimental cycles from October 2021 to 2022.
Methodology: Wheat variety PBW 1 Zn was cultivated in plastic trays (45.5 cm × 35 cm × 6.8 cm) with different growing media viz. cocopeat, soil, and mixed substrates, each replicated four times. Seeds were pre-treated by rinsing, soaking for 12 hours and pre-germinating for 20–24 hours before sowing. Media were prepared with a uniform height of 5 cm; no additional fertilizers were applied. Wheatgrass was grown to 10–15 cm height, harvested and processed into juice for analysis of total soluble proteins, chlorophyll, Vitamin C, phenolics and carotenoids.
Results: Wheatgrass grown in cocopeat achieved 10.21% higher fresh weight than soil-grown plants and emerged 3.2 days earlier. Cocopeat-grown plants also had the highest levels of total soluble proteins, chlorophyll, Vitamin C, phenolics, and carotenoids, resulting in superior nutritional quality. The findings suggest cocopeat as the most effective medium for high-yield, nutrient-rich wheatgrass production, with applications in sustainable and space-efficient agriculture. These findings have direct applicability for farmers, home growers, and the health food sector, enabling them to achieve better yields along with enhanced nutritional value, thereby supporting both economic and health benefits