International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
Not a member yet
5728 research outputs found
Sort by
Character Association and Path Analysis for Yield and Yield Contributing Traits in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
No full textSesame is among the oldest oilseed crop and it is commonly designated as Queen of oilseeds crops owing to the superior quality of its oil, which exhibit strong to oxidative rancidity. Yield is a highly complex quantitative trait governed by multiple genes and markedly influenced by environmental factors. Owing to its polygenic nature, direct selection for yield alone may not bring about substantial genetic gain unless the genetic contribution of its component traits is properly considered. Hence, understanding the association between yield and its related attributes is essential for improving selection efficiency. Path coefficient analysis provides a powerful tool in this regard, as it partitions the correlation coefficients into direct and indirect effects, thereby offering deeper insights into the nature of relationships among traits. While correlation analysis measures the strength of association between traits, path analysis reveals the extent to which each trait influences yield directly or through other characters. This approach assists breeders in identifying the most important yield-contributing traits and facilitates effective selection strategies in crop improvement programs. The current study focused on examining the relationship between seed yield and its contributing traits in Sesame. A total of 28+2 genotypes were evaluated at the Oilseeds Research Station, College of Agriculture, Latur during Rabi 2024–2025 using a randomized block design with two replications. The trial was sown on November 28, 2024, at a spacing of 30 × 10 cm. The analysis clearly indicate that number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, capsule length, number of seeds per capsule and 1000 seed weight demonstrated positive and significant associations with seed yield per plant at either the genotypic level, phenotypic level or both And the study of path coefficient analysis revealed that the characters number of branches per plant and number of capsules per plant exerted positive direct effects on seed yield per plant at the genotypic level. Furthermore, Correlation and path analysis revealed that number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, capsule length, and 1000‑seed weight are the major yield-contributing traits, and these should be prioritized in selection programs to develop high-yielding sesame genotypes
Role of Rhizobium and Non-Symbiotic Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria in Nitrogen Fixation and Growth of Arachis hypogea: A Review
No full textThis review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the role of Rhizobium and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in enhancing nitrogen fixation and growth in Arachis hypogaea. The environmental and agronomic factors influencing microbial effectiveness, highlights recent advances in biotechnological tools and strain improvement, and discusses challenges related to inoculant application and adoption. By integrating data from laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies, this work aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on leveraging microbial solutions for sustainable peanut production. Rhizobium and PGPR play a vital role in enhancing nitrogen fixation and improving the growth and productivity of Arachis hypogaea (peanut), a globally important legume crop. As an alternative to synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, these soil microorganisms contribute to sustainable agriculture by promoting plant nutrition, improving soil fertility, and supporting environmental health. Rhizobium, particularly Bradyrhizobium spp., forms symbiotic relationships with peanut roots, resulting in the formation of root nodules that fix atmospheric nitrogen. PGPR, including strains of Azospirillum, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus, support plant growth through various mechanisms such as phosphate solubilization, phytohormone production, siderophore secretion, and induction of systemic resistance. Co-inoculation of Rhizobium with PGPR has demonstrated synergistic effects, leading to improved root development, higher nodulation efficiency, increased nitrogen uptake, and enhanced yields under diverse agro-climatic conditions. Despite promising results, several factors limit the consistency and effectiveness of these microbial inoculants, including soil pH, nutrient status, temperature, microbial competition, and host genotype interactions. Issues related to inoculant viability, formulation, delivery, and farmer adoption remain significant constraints. Recent advances in biotechnology, such as genetic manipulation, marker-assisted selection, and omics-based tools, offer new opportunities for strain improvement and a better understanding of plant-microbe interactions. Developing region-specific microbial consortia, improving formulation technologies, and strengthening regulatory frameworks are critical to expanding the use of bioinoculants in legume farming
Effect of Fly Ash and Farmyard Manure on Soil Quality and Groundnut Productivity in an Acidic Soil
No full textFly ash (FA), an industrial by-product from coal-based power plants, remains underutilized in Indian agriculture despite its potential as a nutrient-rich soil amendment. A three-year field experiment was conducted in an acidic Inceptisol of coastal Odisha under a rice–groundnut system to evaluate the residual effects of FA in combination with farmyard manure (FYM). Treatments included graded FA doses (10, 20, and 40 t ha⁻¹) applied once to rice, with residual effects assessed in groundnut. Results demonstrated that FA application significantly improved soil organic carbon (up to 160.7%), available P (40.6%), K (49.2%), and sulphur (100.7%) relative to the control. Plant-available silicon (PASi) also increased markedly, reaching 46.98 mg kg⁻¹ in the FA40+FYM treatment. Enhanced soil enzyme activities (urease, phosphatases, dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase) indicated improved microbial functioning and nutrient cycling. Groundnut yields responded positively, with pod and kernel yields highest in the FA40+FYM treatment (1226.5 and 872.3 kg ha⁻¹, respectively), representing substantial gains over control plots. Multivariate analysis revealed strong positive correlations among soil fertility indicators, enzymatic activities, and yield attributes, with FA-amended treatments clustering distinctly from control treatments. These findings confirm that FA, when integrated with FYM and fertilizers, serves as an effective amendment for improving soil health and crop productivity in acidic soils. The study provides critical insights for sustainable FA recycling in agriculture, contributing to food security and environmental management
Comparative Analysis of Amino Acid and Sugar Profiles in Broad Beans (Vicia faba) and Alfalfa (Medicago sativa): Implications for Suitability as Host Plants for Sap-sucking Insects Like Pea Aphids
No full textPea aphids need amino acids for growth and reproduction, and sugars for energy. Broad beans (Vicia faba) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa), their common host plants, may offer different amino acid and sugar profiles, which can impact aphid rearing conditions. Thus, this study examined the quantity of these two key nutritional factors in the leaf samples of broad beans and alfalfa. The study was conducted at the college of plant protection, Northwest A& F University, Yangling, China. Linear Ion Trap mass spectrometer with Liquid chromatography separations were used to analyze the two nutrients in the leaf samples. The results showed that V. faba had higher concentrations of certain amino acids compared to M. sativa. In M. sativa, the most abundant amino acids were non-essential, including asparagine (36.03%), glutamic acid (17.37%), and serine (11.92%). Similarly, in V. faba, the most abundant amino acids were also non-essential, including asparagine (60%), tyrosine (7.08%), and glutamic acid (3.91%). The most abundant essential amino acids in M. sativa were threonine (31.28%), leucine (16.1%), and valine (15.72%), while in V. faba, they were histidine (48.4%), lysine (14.04%), and valine (9.7%). Essential amino acids contributed 9.65% to the total amount of amino acids in M. sativa and 12.35% in V. faba. The most varied essential amino acids in the two plants were histidine, lysine, and phenylalanine. The total concentration of fructose, glucose, and sucrose differed significantly between the two plants, with individual sugars in V. faba being significantly higher than those in M. sativa. Moreover, the analysis revealed that both total amino acids and sugars were significantly higher in V. faba than in M. sativa. These findings suggest that the broad bean may be a more suitable host plant for rearing pea aphids than alfalfa
Growth Performance of Different Tree Species Grown under Industrial Agroforestry System in South Gujarat, India
No full textFast growing tree species with multipurpose benefits such as plywood, pulpwood, timber and fuel wood are suitable for undertaking plantation or agroforestry model with focus to provide wood for industrial needs. Thus, in the recent scenario the fast-growing species has attracted greater attraction by farmers, foresters and plantation growers. Hence, the plantations of fast growing, short rotation woody trees like Casuarina equisetifolia, Melia dubia, Eucalyptus globulus, Leucaena leucocephala is gaining more importance across the south Gujarat region. The fundamental hypothesis of the present experiment was to estimate growth parameters like, Height, Girth and Crown spread of species after five years to find out performance of these four tree species. Maximum tree height found in Eucalyptus globulus (13.84 m), maximum tree girth found in Leucaena leucocephala (44.22 cm), maximum tree Crown spread (E-W) found in Eucalyptus globulus and Leucaena leucocephala (1.97 m) while maximum tree Crown spread (N-S) found in Eucalyptus globulus (1.96 m)
Reasoning Behind Soil Fertilisation under Cotton Crops Based on the Relationship between the Sum of Exchangeable Bases (SEB) and Mineralisable Nitrogen (N-NH4+)
No full textContributing to improving cotton productivity by fertilising the soil in a sustainable manner. The experiment was conducted in a farming environment, with two one-hectare plots of farmland demarcated in each section. The study was conducted in 2019–2020 in the cotton-growing region of Ouangolodougou, Côte d\u27Ivoire. Two one-hectare plots of farmland were marked out. One plot served as a control and was fertilised solely with 15-15-15 NPK. The second plot, known as the test plot, received inputs corresponding to the predetermined recommendation using the N-NH4+ approach (Tié, 1995). This involved applying 200 kg of NPK (15-15-15), 100 kg of dolomite with 30% CaO, 50 kg of urea with 46% N and 50 kg of KCl with 60% K2O per hectare. Observations focused on plant height, number of fruiting and vegetative branches, internodes, bolls and yield. The study showed widespread potassium deficiency, as well as calcium and magnesium deficiency in some cases. Agronomic results revealed a significant improvement in growth parameters (plant hight, number of fruiting branches, internodes, bolls and yields (increased by a factor of 8 to 12) in plots fertilised according to the recommended approach. Statistical analysis confirmed the effectiveness of this adapted fertilisation, showing that the approach based on N-NH4+ and SBE diagnosis optimises the use of inputs, increases productivity and preserves soil quality. The study validates the hypothesis that rational fertilisation, based on an accurate fertility diagnosis, significantly improves cotton yields, unlike standard doses that are not tailored to specific needs. It illustrates the importance of localised and rational fertiliser management in ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of the Ivorian cotton industry
Influence of Nitrogen and Growth Regulators on Nutrient Uptake and Final Available Nutrient Status of Paired Row Pigeonpea Intercropping with High-density Cotton in Vertisols of Southern India
No full textThe paired row pigeonpea intercropping system, the space between the two paired rows of pigeonpea is effectively utilized for growing high-density cotton. This experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station (ARS) Tandur, Vikarabad during Kharif 2023-24 and 2024-25. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. The main plots (three) with paired rows of pigeonpea combined with three spacings of high-density cotton arranged in six subplots. Among the main plots, at 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS), and at harvest, the highest nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake was recorded under the high-density cotton spacing of M1 (60 cm x 15 cm) during both years of experiment as well as in the mean data whereas the lowest uptake was observed with the wider spacing of M3(100 x 15 cm). Among the subplots, the highest NPK uptake and final available soil NPK were recorded with the application of 125% RDN + Mepiquat chloride (50 ppm) at square formation and flowering stage (S3). This was followed by the treatment 125% RDN + Cycocel (60 ppm) applied at square formation and flowering stage (S6) during both years and in mean data. The lowest values were obtained with the application of 100% RDN + Cycocel (60 ppm) at square initiation, peak square formation and flowering stage. The highest final available NPK (247, 37.7 and 297 kg ha-1) during 2023-24 and (242, 35.1 and 291 kg ha-1) during 2024-25 recorded was spacing of M3 (100 x 15 cm). Among subplots the highest final available NPK (246, 38.4 and 301 kg ha-1 during 2023-24 and 242, 35.7 and 293 kg ha-1 during 2024-25) were obtained with the application of 125% RDN + Mepiquat chloride (50 ppm) at square formation and flowering stage (S3). The results of the current study will contribute efficient nutrient management for the sustainability of productivity in intercropping systems, especially under high-density planting conditions. In a pigeonpea-based intercropping system, optimizing nitrogen levels and growth regulators is crucial for enhancing nutrient uptake and maintaining soil fertility
Effect of Molybdenum Nutrition on Different Growth and Root Parameters of Garden Pea (Pisum sativum L.)
No full textThe present investigation was conducted at the Department of Agronomy Farm, R.S.M. (P.G.) College, Dhampur, Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, India, during the rabi season from November 2024 to April 2025 to study the effect of molybdenum nutrition on the growth and root parameters of garden pea (Pisum sativum L.). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications and comprised six treatments, namely T₁: Control, T₂: RDF (20 - 60 - 40 kg N-P₂O₅-K₂O ha⁻¹), T₃: RDF + Soil application of Mo @ 0.5 kg ha⁻¹, T₄: RDF + Soil application of Mo @ 1.0 kg ha⁻¹, T₅: RDF + Foliar application of Mo @ 1.5 g lit⁻¹, and T₆: RDF + Foliar application of Mo @ 3.0 g lit⁻¹. The results showed that RDF + foliar application of Mo @ 1.5 g lit⁻¹ (T₅) recorded the maximum plant height, number of leaves per plant, root fresh weight, and root dry weight at both 20 and 40 DAS. This treatment consistently outperformed the control and other molybdenum levels, indicating the beneficial role of foliar-applied molybdenum in enhancing vegetative growth and root development of garden pea. It may therefore be concluded that foliar application of molybdenum @ 1.5 g lit⁻¹ along with RDF is the most effective strategy for improving early crop performance in garden pea
Efficacy of Synthesized Nanoparticles from Pseudomonas fluorescens on the Mycelial Growth Suppression of Ustilaginoidea virens Causing False Smut of Rice
No full textRice is one of the most important food grain crops grown throughout the world as well in India. The present study aimed to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of different synthetic nanoparticles derived from Pseudomonas fluorescens and standard fungicide (copper oxychloride @ 2500ppm) on the radial mycelial growth of Ustilaginoidea virens, the causal agent of false smut disease in rice, under in vitro conditions. Fourteen treatments, including control (T14) and standard fungicide (T13), were assessed at 5th, 7th, and 10th days of incubation. The findings showed notable variations between treatments in suppressing the mycelial growth of U. virens of the formulations tested, treatment T3 showed the least mycelial growth (6.32 mm, 13.35 mm, and 18.57 mm on days 5, 7, and 10, respectively) and had the highest percentage of inhibition (54.97%) compared to the control, with T7 (53.37%) and T2 (51.96%) closely following. The fungicide at 2500 ppm achieved 47.74% inhibition, outperforming SiO2NPs but remaining less effective than Ag NPs and ZnO NPs. In comparison, the control treatment (T14) exhibited the highest mycelial growth (22.57 mm, 31.50 mm, and 41.24 mm) with no restrictions. These results indicate that synthesized nanoparticles from Pseudomonas fluorescens have significant antifungal activity against U. virens and may act as effective eco-friendly substitutes for chemical fungicides in controlling false smut disease in rice
Genetic Behavior of Yield and Component Traits in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
No full textThe present investigation was undertaken to assess the extent of genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance among early-sown wheat genotypes for yield and related traits. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications, comprising 65 genotypes including 15 parents (5 males and 10 females) and 50 hybrids derived from a Line × Tester mating design. The study was conducted at the Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Powarkheda, Hoshangabad (Madhya Pradesh), India, during the rabi seasons of 2019–20 and 2020–21. All genotypes were evaluated for sixteen agronomic and physiological traits. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to assess genetic variability, while genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation (GCV and PCV), broad-sense heritability (H²), and genetic advance (GA) were estimated to determine the nature and extent of genetic control. ANOVA revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all traits, confirming the presence of substantial genetic variability. A close correspondence between GCV and PCV across most traits indicated minimal environmental influence and strong genetic control. Broad-sense heritability estimates were notably high, ranging from 83.10% (peduncle length) to 99.90% (biological yield). Traits such as grain yield per plant (H² = 99.40%), biological yield (99.90%), harvest index (98.90%), number of effective tillers per plant (94.30%), and number of spikes per plant (96.60%) exhibited high heritability coupled with high genetic advance (GA% = 58.66%, 68.18%, 51.82%, 50.50%, and 38.27%, respectively), indicating the predominance of additive gene action. In contrast, traits like peduncle length, canopy temperature, and 1000-grain weight showed high heritability but moderate genetic advance, suggesting a combination of additive and non-additive gene effects. The study highlights the predominance of additive genetic variance in most traits, indicating that direct phenotypic selection would be effective for yield improvement. For traits governed by both additive and non-additive gene effects, hybridization strategies could be more suitable. These findings provide a strong genetic foundation for developing high-yielding, early-sown, and climate-resilient wheat cultivars under Central Indian conditions