International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
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Distribution and Occurrences of Parasitic Nematodes Associated with Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in the Sotuba Market Gardening Area in Mali
A nematological faunistic study was carried out on common bean plots in Bamako between June and September 2023. It took place on the experimental plots of the fruit and vegetable program of the Sotuba Agricultural Research Center. The objective of the study was to identify the occurrence of nematode genera associated with beans. Two varieties of beans were concerned: Blanc de Kati and GLP. The trials were set up on two 400 m2 plots and ten samples were taken using a systematic method using an auger. In the laboratory, two extraction techniques were used: sieving and the modified Baermann technique. Plant-parasitic nematodes were observed and identified under an optical microscope at x400 magnification. The observations revealed the presence of 8 genera of nematodes in the soil and 6 in the roots. The genera found in the soil are: Scutellonema, Tylenchorhynchus, Paratylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus Criconemella and Hoplolaimus). Those found in the roots were Scutellonema, Paratylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Meloidogyne, Heterodera and Pratylenchus). The analysis of the results shows that the genera Pratylenchus Tylenchorhynchus and Helicotylenchus are the most important with 69% of the nematodes identified. Among the nematodes identified were species dangerous for crops in general, including Meloidogyne. Analysis of physicochemical parameters indicates a trend of variation in the distribution of nematodes depending on the soil structure This study demonstrates the need to monitor pest thresholds to prevent extreme outbreaks that can cause significant yield declines
Fungal Biopriming: Ophiocordyceps neovolkiana Mycelial Extract Enhances Rice (Oryza sativa L) Seed Germination
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important global staple, with promising germination being a pivotal factor for optimum yield and crop establishment. This study investigated the potential of Ophiocordyceps neovolkiana, an entomopathogenic fungus native to Kerala, as a novel biopriming agent to increase rice seed germination. Rice seeds of the Jyothi variety were sterilized and bioprimed by soaking in mycelial extract of O. neovolkiana for 30 minutes. Per cent germination was observed over one week. Results demonstrated a significant increase in germination percentage for seeds treated with the mycelial extract (94%) compared to both the solvent control (79%) and the absolute control (80%). Furthermore, the mycelial extract treatment induced earlier germination (3.25 days) compared to the solvent control (5 days) and the absolute control (4.75 days). These findings align with existing research on various microbial biopriming agents that enhance seed vigor and early seedling development. This study provides convincing evidence that O. neovolkiana mycelial extract is a promising biological tool for improving rice seed germination, offering a sustainable method to boost crop establishment and productivity
Evaluating the Impact of Fertigation Levels and Mulching on Growth and Yield of Garlic (Allium sativum L.)
Polyethylene mulch can be utilized for several purposes: altering soil temperature to promote faster early-season growth and earlier harvesting, reducing weed proliferation, preventing nutrient losses due to leaching and minimizing soil water loss by decreasing evaporation from the soil surface. The objective of this research is to assess the impact of different fertigation levels and mulch or the various growth parameters of garlic. An experiment was conducted to assess the impact of different fertigation levels and mulch or the various growth parameters of garlic at the Experimental farm of the Department of Soil Science and Water Management, Dr. Y.S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan (HP) during the year 2018-2019. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with eight treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of 3 fertigation levels 60, 80 and 100 per cent recommended dose of fertilizer through water soluble fertilizer and surface irrigation with 100 per cent with recommended dose of fertilizer. There were 2 mulching levels of black and silver plastic mulch of 30-micron thickness and no mulch. The findings demonstrated compelling outcomes, illustrating that the diverse fertigation levels and mulch practices had pronounced effects on the growth characteristics of the garlic. Of all the treatments, the combination of fertigation at 100 per cent RDF with mulch yielded the most favorable results followed by 80 per cent RDF with mulch. The increase in yield attributes might have been due to the optimal availability and uptake of nutrients, which enhanced photosynthesis, promoted leaf expansion, and resulted in a higher accumulation of reserved food
Incorporation of Integrated Nutrient Management on Physio-chemical Characteristics on Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
The physical and quality attributes of tomato was significantly altered by the application of integrated nutrient management. There are many micro and macro nutrients deficiency was observed in tomato which substantially reduced the physical and quality attributes of tomato fruits. To overcome these problems the present study was planned to enhance the physical and quality attributes of tomato by the application of integrated nutrients management on tomato. The application of 75% RDF + FYM @ 20 ton/ha + vermi-compost @ 10 ton/ha + VAM + PSB significantly produced the maximum plant height (123.67 cm), leaf length (21.78), number of flowers/ plant (57.98), fruit weight (82.67 g), fruit diameter (18.79 cm), total soluble solids (5.91 %), ascorbic acid (31.33 mg/100 g), lycopene content (3.12 mg/100 g), and minimum days to first fruiting (44.87) followed by 75 % RDF + FYM @ 20 ton/ha + VC @ 10 ton/ha + VAM as compared to rest of the treatments. Therefore, it can be concluded that application of 75% RDF + FYM @ 20 ton/ha + vermi-compost @ 10 ton/ha + VAM + PSB significantly improved the physical and qualitative characteristics of tomato as compared to control
Smart Nutrient Management for Pest and Disease Control in Tropical Fruit Crops: A Literature Review for Practitioners
Smart nutrient management is emerging as a cornerstone of integrated pest and disease control in tropical fruit crops such as papaya and banana. This review aims to explore how nutrient imbalances, particularly excessive nitrogen, influence pest outbreaks and plant resilience. Drawing on Mulder’s chart (Martín-Cardoso & San Segundo, 2025) of nutrient interactions, we examine the antagonistic effects of surplus nitrates on potassium uptake. The paper synthesizes data from recent studies and field-based insights, highlighting smart pest control strategies including real-time nutrient diagnostics and intelligent monitoring systems. These approaches offer practical tools for growers in northern Australia and support sustainable farming practices. The role of AI technologies in shaping future pest management is also discussed
Impact of Farming Practices on Soybean Yield, Quality and Nutrient Uptake in Inceptisols
Soil structure, nutrient use efficiency, microbial activity, and environmental sustainability can all be enhanced by conventional farming, standard package of techniques, organic farming, climate resilient farming, zero budget natural farming, etc. A field experiment was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Pune during the kharif season of 2024 to evaluate the effects of various agricultural methods on soybean output, nutrient absorption, and quality. Five treatments—conventional farming, standard package of practices, organic farming, zero budget natural farming, and climate resilient farming—and four replications were included in the Randomized Block Design study. According to the results, climate resilient farming continuously performed better than other treatments, recording noticeably greater yields of grain (31.03 q ha⁻¹) and straw (37.57 q ha⁻¹). This approach significantly improved quality attributes, especially protein (40.98%) and oil content (20.39%). Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels of 195.88, 51.04, and 89.36 kg ha⁻¹, respectively, led to the maximum uptake of major nutrients. Iron, manganese, zinc, and copper micronutrient absorption was also noticeably better. These findings show that climate resilient farming provides a sustainable substitute for traditional systems by improving productivity, nutrient use efficiency, and seed quality. The study highlights its potential as a successful tactic to enhance soybean performance in the face of shifting climate circumstances
Vegetative Propagation by Somatic Embryogenesis of Two Sugarcane Varieties in Northwest Argentina
An efficient protocol was developed for the induction of somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from the apical whorl of two sugarcane varieties (SP 70-1143 and CP 70-1133) grown in the fields of Oran, northwest of Argentina. Callus induction was obtained on MS medium containing 2,4-D (45.25 µM/L) and cefotaxime (0.4 g/L). Rapidly growing nodular calluses were registered, which differentiated into somatic embryos. In embryogenic callus formation and proliferation, the results obtained were dependent on the genotypes evaluated. Shoot formation was effective with BAP (113 µM/L), also with a response influenced by the genotype. In the presence of 2.69 µM/L of ANA, the vitroplantlets showed root formation. To improve the rooting response, an additional treatment with 2.07 µM/L of K-IBA increased the rooting percentage in the genotype with the lowest response. Under controlled conditions, the vitroplantlets were hardened in plastic containers, reached 100% survival in the acclimatation phase. The vitroplantlets were successfully transferred to field conditions. No morphological alterations were observed in the plants regenerated by embryogenesis. Somatic embryogenesis is a valuable tool for the propagation and genetic improvement of sugarcane
Assessment of Genetic Variability, Heritability and Expected Genetic Advance in Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.)
An economically significant cucurbit crop prized for its culinary, medicinal and nutritional qualities is summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.). For efficient selection and breeding of superior cultivars, it is essential to comprehend the degree of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advancement among genotypes. Using 40 different genotypes arranged in a randomized complete block pattern with three replications, the current study was carried out at the Vegetable Experimental Farm, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar, during Kharif 2024. To separate phenotypic and genotypic variability, data on 22 morphological, yield and quality variables were collected and examined. Wide genetic diversity was confirmed by analysis of variance, which showed highly significant variations between genotypes for all variables using ANOVA. PCV values were marginally greater than GCV, indicating little environmental influence, according to estimates of the phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation. Fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per hectare, rind thickness, 100-seed weight, flesh thickness, fruit length, vitamin C content, total sugars, dry matter content and crude fiber all showed high heritability and high genetic advancement as a percentage of the mean. The fact that additive gene action essentially controls these features emphasizes how direct selection may be used to improve them. Interestingly, genotypes SKUA-SQ-5, SKUA-SQ-34, SKUA-SQ-17, SKUA-SQ-24 and SKUA-SQ-27 produced the highest no. of fruit per hectare. Overall, the results highlight the significance of utilizing the genetic diversity now in place to create commercially viable, high-yielding, nutritionally enhanced summer squash cultivars in temperate climates
Influence of Desiccants on Seed Quality and Longevity in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Seed deterioration during storage poses serious threats to crop production, yield and finally food security. The present study aimed to assess the impact of desiccants on seed quality and longevity in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was conducted in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, to evaluate the effect of different desiccants on seed quality and longevity. Seeds of the rice variety Jyothi were treated with calcium chloride 8 g/kg, charcoal 10 g/kg, clay 10 g/kg, pot pieces 10 g/kg, sawdust 10 g/kg, silica gel 10 g/kg, soil 10 g/kg and zeolite beads 10 g/kg and packaged in conventional gunny bags and polyethylene-lined gunny bags. Seed quality parameters, such as germination per cent, seed moisture content, mean germination time, time taken for 50% germination and vigour index I were assessed before and after one month of storage. The data recorded were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with completely randomized design (CRD), and treatment means were distinguished using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Results showed that seeds treated with calcium chloride effectively lowered the seed moisture content and enhanced vigour. Charcoal and soil recorded high germination per cent. Polyethylene-lined gunny bags work better compared to conventional gunny bags, which shows the importance of choosing the right material for storage. This research study was done due to the need to increase the efficiency of low-cost seed storage for small-scale rice farmers in humid regions, since inadequate storage results in seed deterioration and yield loss
Spatial Variability in Physico-Chemical Properties of Soils in Permanent Bench Mark Sites of Jabalpur in AESR-10.1 under Rice-wheat Cropping System
The study aimed to found the spatial and vertical variability in physico-chemical properties of soils for regulating the nutrient availability under Rice-Wheat cropping system in permanent bench mark sites (PBMS) of Jabalpur in AESR-10.1 region. Rice wheat cropping system is dominant cropping system in AESR-10.1 Jabalpur region in Madhya Pradesh, India. pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon (OC) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) have an justify role in the nutrient availability. pH affects nutrient availability by changing the nutrient form. Split plot design used to evaluate the vertical and spatial effect on site of Jabalpur district. Collected 45 soil samples to examine the physico-chemical properties and results were interpreted. Three locations treated as main plot and five depths used as sub treatment for analysis the soils. pH, and EC vary with sites and depth but statistically not significant. Magarmuha soils has lowest OC and CEC values while soils of Khamaria showed significantly higher values of OC and CEC than Udna and Magarmuha. Soils of Udna were rich in CaCO3 it was significantly higher than other sites. Across the depth it increases gradually. OC and CaCO3 showed interaction effect of sites and depths. Nutrient availability governed by physico-chemical properties of soils. Rice wheat cropping system is dominant cropping system in AESR-10.1 Jabalpur region in Madhya Pradesh, India. Management of Soils in these areas were necessary for full potentially use of nutrient balance of these PBMS sites