International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
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A Review on the Management of Shallot Black Mold caused by Aspergillus niger (Van Tieghem)
No full textBlack mold disease, caused by Aspergillus niger, is a major post-harvest constraint in shallot (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) production, leading to significant economic losses under storage conditions. In Ghana, where shallot cultivation provides both nutritional and economic benefits to smallholder farmers, the disease threatens food security, marketability, and farmer livelihoods. Conventional management relies heavily on synthetic fungicides; however, their overuse raises concerns regarding environmental safety, human health, and fungicide resistance. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the biology, and epidemiology, of A. niger, while critically assessing integrated management strategies for black mould. Cultural practices, biological agents such as Trichoderma harzianum, and the use of plant-derived extracts (e.g., garlic, clove, neem, and pomegranate) have shown promising antifungal potential as sustainable alternatives
Genetic Divergence of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Genotypes Based on Comprehensive Pod and Bean Traits
No full textCacao (Theobroma cacao L.) production faces significant global challenges, including low yields, severe disease incidences (e.g., Black Pod, Witches Broom), and the demand for superior quality beans. Genetic improvement is paramount for developing resilient cultivars. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of genetic variability, estimate key genetic parameters (heritability and genetic advance), and determine the phenotypic and genotypic correlations among essential agronomic traits in a diverse collection of 35 cocoa hybrids maintained in Cocoa Research Centre, Vellanikkara. A total of twelve pod and bean quantitative morphological traits including yield components were recorded. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five replications. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed highly significant genetic variability for nearly all traits, confirming a rich resource for selection. High estimates of broad-sense heritability coupled with high Genetic Advance (GA) as percent of mean were observed for traits like pod weight and single wet bean weight, indicating that these characters are primarily controlled by additive gene action and selection based on phenotype will be effective. A significant positive correlations was observed between total wet bean weight and pod weight (0.66), pod length (0.64), pod breadth (0.68), weight of a single wet bean (0.69), single dry bean weight (0.69), single dry bean length (0.40), and single dry bean width (0.36) Correlation analysis identified strong positive correlations between total pod weight and other yield attributes, validating their use as reliable indirect selection criteria. These findings enable the selection of superior genotypes that combine high-yield components and quality traits, providing a critical foundation for broadening the genetic base and expediting the breeding of high-performing, disease-tolerant cocoa
Effect of Phosphorus Levels on Growth, Yield, and Yield Attributes of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Under Field Conditions in Central India
No full textPhosphorus application is essential for energy transfer in living cells enhancing root growth besides increasing the mobility of symbiotic bacteria in the root zone which ultimately results in more nitrogen fixation. It also plays a key role in pod filling and ultimately enhances the grain yield. Different planting dates subject the vegetative and reproductive stages of the plant to various temperature, solar radiation and day length. The investigation was conducted the winter seasons of 2024-25 at the Research Farm of the School of Agriculture, Sanjeev Agrawal Global Education (SAGE) University, Bhopal (M.P.). The experiment followed a randomized block design (RBD) with 7 treatments replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of seven phosphorus levels T1(20 kg N, 65 kg P, 20 kg K), T2(20 kg N, 54 kg P, 20 kg K), T3(20 kg N, 43 kg P, 20 kg K), T4(20 kg N, 32 kg P, 20 kg K), T5(20 kg N, 21 kg P, 20 kg K), T6(20 kg N, 10 kg P, 20 kg K) and T7(20 kg N, 0 kg P, 20 kg K). The results showed that application of 65kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ was recorded significantly plant population (35 m2), Number of seeds plant-1 at harvest (45.66), Number of seedspod-1 at harvest (2.10), whereas significantly highest Pods plant-1(45.66), Seed Pod-1(2.10), Seed yield (2166 kg ha-1), straw yield (3396 kg ha-1) and Harvest index (38.95 %) was recorded with the treatment 65 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹. A notable and increased stover yield was seen with phosphorus application, which enhanced photosynthesis production and its movement from source to sink, resulting in a greater stover value
Population Dynamics of Major Insect Pests and their Natural Enemies on Black Gram, Vigna mungo (Linn.) Hepper
No full textInsect pest populations are greatly influenced by abiotic factors, particularly temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall. Meteorological variables play a significant role in the seasonal dynamics of pest outbreaks, affecting their development, survival, and behavior. Previous studies have highlighted the strong correlations between environmental factors and pest populations, suggesting that climate change may intensify pest pressure on crops. An experiment was conducted at Adhartal farm, Integrated Farming System unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur during Kharif season 2022-23. Peak period of whitefly, jassid, Ladybird beetle, Spider, Dragonfly and damselfly recorded on 41st SW (i.e., 2nd week of October), 40th SW (i.e., 1st week of October), 37th SW (i.e., 3rd week of September), 45th SW (i.e. 2nd week of November), 44th SW (i.e., 1st week of November) and 40th SW (i.e., 2nd week of October). YMV was recorded maximum during 47th SW (i.e., 4th week of November). Sunshine and rainfall had positive and negative impact on spider population, respectively. First incidence of dragonfly was observed on 4 DOC and was available on the crop for about 101 days i.e., upto 104 DOC and attained one peak i.e., at 84 DOC. First incidence of damselfly was observed on 4 DOC and was available on the crop for about 101 days i.e., upto 104 DOC and attained one peak i.e., at 52 DOC. First incidence of YMV infection was observed on 32 DOC and was available on the crop for about 73 days i.e., upto 104DOC and attained one peak i.e., at 104DOC. It is imperative to identify natural predators and parasites, assess the degree of predation and parasitization, analyze abiotic factors conducive to their proliferation, and pinpoint safe biopesticides and biodynamics
Residual Effect of Permanent Manurial Trial on Soil Physical, Chemical and Biological Properties under Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India
No full textA field experiment was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Vijayapura, Karnataka, India, during kharif 2024-25. The study aimed to evaluate the residual effect of permanent manurial trial (initiated during 2017-18) on soil physical, chemical and biological properties established. Treatments comprised of unfertilised control (T1), sole inorganics (T2), 50% N through FYM + 50% through inorganic sources (T3), 50% N through Vermicompost + 50% through inorganic sources (T4), 50% N through sunhemp + 50% inorganic sources (T5), 50% N through Gliricidia loppings + 50% inorganic sources (T6) and 50% N through crop residues + 50% inorganic sources (T7). The experiment was laid out in randomised complete block design replicated thrice. In 2024, maize crop was taken as uniformilty trial without addition of manures and fertilizers. The study revealed that, the treatment receiving 50% N through FYM + 50% through inorganic sources (T3) significantly reduced soil bulk density, improved water holding capacity, soil organic carbon (SOC), available nitrogen, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and dehydrogenase activity followed by treatment receiving 50% N through Vermicompost + 50% through inorganic sources (T4). Across treatments, SOC and nutrient availabilities declined with soil depth, underscoring the dominance of surface-applied organics and root activity in topsoil layers. The investigation suggests that, Integrated Nutrient Mangemnet (INM) practices has long-term benefits in improving soil health and fertility in semi-arid vertisols
Growth and Performance of Buckwheat as Influenced by Intercropping with Tall Growing kharif Crops
No full textAims: To assess the compatibility and feasibility of buckwheat (a nutri-rich pseudocereal) when intercropped with tall-growing kharif crops in Northern transition zone of Karnataka.
Study Design: Field experiment conducted in a randomized design to evaluate the growth and performance of buckwheat under intercropping systems.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Northern Karnataka region, India, during two consecutive kharif seasons, 2021 and 2022.
Methodology: Buckwheat was intercropped with tall-growing kharif crops to analyze its growth behavior, resource utilization efficiency and adaptability under intercropping conditions.
Results: Intercropping with tall kharif crops influenced the growth of buckwheat, indicating its potential adaptability and usefulness in crop diversification and sustainable production systems.
Conclusion: Buckwheat shows promise as a compatible intercrop with tall kharif crops in Northern Karnataka, contributing to both food and nutritional security through diversification and efficient resource use
Foliar Feeding of Micro-Nutrient Influencing Physical Attributes of Winter Season Guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. L-49
No full textEnhancing fruiting and physical attributes of guava is crucial for growers as these traits directly contribute to total yield production. Hence, the present investigation was undertaken to study the effect of foliar application of micronutrients on the physical and yield attributes of winter season guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. L-49. The experiment comprised nine treatments, namely: T₀ -Control (water spray), T1 - Calcium chloride 0.1%, T2 - Calcium chloride 0.2%, T3 - Borax 0.1%, T4 -Borax 0.2%, T5 - Calcium chloride 0.1% + Borax 0.1%, T6 - Calcium chloride 0.1% + Borax 0.2%, T7- Calcium chloride 0.2% + Borax 0.1%, and T8 - Calcium chloride 0.2% + Borax 0.2%, with three replications laid out in a randomized block design (RBD). The results revealed that the treatment Calcium chloride 0.2% + Borax 0.1% (T7) recorded the highest fruit set (67.54%), fruit retention (57.84%), fruit length (8.89 cm), fruit width (8.85 cm), fruit weight (136.67 g), fruit volume (121.63 cc), specific gravity (1.18), yield per tree (62.17 kg), and yield per hectare (168.61 q/ha), compared to the control. The study concludes that foliar application of calcium chloride (0.2%) combined with borax (0.1%) is an effective approach to improve fruit size, quality, and overall productivity of winter season guava
Comparative Efficacy of Biofungicides (NECO and ASTOUN) and Synthetic Fungicide against Black Pod Rot of Cocoa Caused by Phytophthora palmivora in Côte d\u27Ivoire
No full textBlack pod rot, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora spp., is one of the most important and widespread diseases of cocoa worldwide. In Côte d\u27Ivoire, production losses are estimated at 25 % to 60 %. The use of synthetic fungicides, which are still dangerous for producers and the environment, remains the most widely practiced method against this pathogen. This study evaluates the efficacy of two plant-based biofungicides, NECO and ASTOUN, in comparison to Callomil super, a conventional fungicide, for managing black pod rot in Côte d\u27Ivoire. However, the field application rates of these two biofungicides need to be controlled. To this end, a complete randomized Fisher block design was set up with seven treatments (NECO at 5 and 10 ml/l; ASTOUN at 5 and 10 ml/l; Callomil super at 5 and 10 ml/l and controls) and three blocks. Each block was a replicate. The products were applied at 1.7 and 3.4 l/ha in a 332.5 l spray mixture once a month, followed by weekly evaluation of the parameters. A total of three applications were made during the trial. Healthy and diseased pods and cherries were counted to determine black rot rates. A significant difference was observed between treatments for all parameters (P=0.00). The lowest rate (3.00 %) was recorded with NECO at 5 ml/l and the highest rate (6.43 %) with Callomil super at 10 ml/l in 2018. Whereas in 2019, the lowest rate of black rot (4.99 %) was obtained with NECO at 10 ml/l and the highest rate (12.24 %) with ASTOUN at 10 ml/l. In contrast, untreated cocoa trees had a high rate of pod rot during 2018 (15.78 %) and 2019 (22.30 %). NECO at 5 and 10 ml/l, synthetic fungicide at 5 ml/l and ASTOUN at 10 ml/l were more effective in controlling infected pods. It should also be noted that climatic conditions influenced the incidence of black pod rot. The average black rot rate curves varied with the amount of rainfall recorded each week. Temperature and relative humidity varied very little. Rainfall in 2019 was higher (863 mm) than in 2018 (496 mm), as were black rot rates. The biofungicides NECO and ASTOUN have been registered for use against black pod rot in Côte d\u27Ivoire
Exogenous Calcium Mediates Improved Salt Stress Tolerance in Soybean
No full textAims: To evaluate the effect of exogenous calcium (Ca²⁺) on salinity-induced stress in soybean (Glycine max) and to determine its role in improving growth, physiological, and biochemical parameters contributing to salt tolerance.
Study Design: A factorial pot experiment arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications was conducted.
Place and Duration of Study: Crop Physiology Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Mymensingh, and Subarnachar, Noakhali, during the 2023–2024 growing season.
Methodology: Four soybean genotypes (Sem-05, Sem-08, Sem-11, and Binasoybean-6) were exposed to salinity stress (8 dS m⁻¹ NaCl) with foliar application of calcium sulfate (CaSO₄·2H₂O) at concentrations of 5, 10, and 15 mM. Growth, yield attributes, chlorophyll, proline, soluble sugar, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) contents were measured. Data were analyzed statistically using ANOVA, and treatment means were compared with the LSD test at a 5% level of significance.
Results: Calcium application significantly mitigated the adverse effects of salinity across all genotypes. The 10 mM Ca treatment showed the most beneficial effects, increasing shoot and root biomass, chlorophyll content, and osmolyte accumulation while reducing MDA and H₂O₂ levels. Sem-11 and Binasoybean-6 exhibited superior tolerance, recording the highest yield (6.61 and 5.90 kg ha⁻¹, respectively) and lowest was in Sem-08 (1.51 kg ha⁻¹) under salinity with calcium application. Calcium supplementation improved Na⁺/K⁺ homeostasis and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, leading to reduced oxidative damage and improved physiological stability.
Conclusion: Exogenous calcium application, particularly at 10 mM concentration, effectively enhances salt tolerance in soybean by stabilizing membranes, maintaining ion balance, and strengthening antioxidant defenses. This approach offers a cost-effective, non-genetic strategy to improve soybean productivity in saline-prone environments
Performance of Extra Early Pigeonpea Genotypes under Different Planting Geometries in Rainfed Kharif Conditions in Coastal Odisha, India
No full textA field experiment was conducted over three years (2019-20 to 2021-22) to evaluate the performance of extra early pigeonpea genotypes with varying planting geometry under rainfed kharif upland condition of coastal Odisha at the Nutri-Crops Research Station (OUAT), Berhampur-761001. Altogether 04 genotypes (AL-882, PA-16, ICPL-20338 and ICPL-11255) were taken in three planting geometry arrangements i.e. 30cm×10cm; 30cm×20cm and 45cm×10cm. The trial was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications. The pooled data revealed that pigeonpea variety PA-16 recorded plant height (103.3cm), significantly highest number of primary fruiting branch plant-1 (5.54), effective pods plant-1 (40.59), seeds pod-1 (3.44), seed index (10.55) and ultimately the highest grain yield (873 kg ha-1). Stover yield, chaff yield and biological yield followed the same trend as the grain yield. Significantly maximum harvest index (HI) was recorded with PA-16 (34.27) followed by AL-882 (33.66). Among planting geometry 45cm×10cm registered maximum grain yield (863 kg ha-1). The treatment combination of variety PA-16 sown with 45cm×10cm spacing recorded maximum grain yield of 1044 kg ha-1, highest yield day-1 (8.82kg), net monetary return (Rs.31,971 ha-1), B:C ratio (2.03) and return per day (Rs. 532 day-1). Thus it is recommended to grow extra early genotype of pigeonpea (PA-16) with planting geometry of 45cm×x10cm under kharif rainfed upland situation of coastal Odisha, especially to fulfil the demands for utilization of a narrow growing window