Asian Research Journal of Agriculture
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Organoleptic Quality and Production Cost Assessment of Muskmelon, Honey and Inulin-based Greek Yoghurt
No full textThe present study was undertaken to evaluate the sensory quality and cost of production of Greek yoghurt enriched with Muskmelon (Cucumis melo) pulp, honey, and inulin, targeting the development of a functional and consumer-acceptable fermented dairy product. The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments and five replications each. The study was carried out at the Division of Dairy Science, Dr. Sharadchandra Pawar College of Agriculture, Baramati. During the academic year 2023 to 2025. Greek yoghurt was prepared by incorporating muskmelon pulp at levels of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 percent along with 12 percent honey and 0.8 percent inulin into standardized cow milk. The yoghurt was fermented using a mixed culture of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, followed by straining to obtain Greek yoghurt. Sensory evaluation was carried out by panel of 5 semi-trained judges using a 9-point hedonic scale for parameters like colour and appearance, flavour, body and texture, taste and overall acceptability. Cost of production was calculated for each treatment based on ingredient cost and processing inputs. Among the five treatments, the Greek yoghurt sample containing 15 percent muskmelon pulp (T3) exhibited the highest sensory scores for all attributes, with an overall acceptability score of 7.77. Higher pulp concentrations negatively impacted texture and flavour. The cost analysis showed T3 to be the most economical formulation due to optimal ingredient usage and high acceptability. Greek yoghurt formulated with 15 percent muskmelon pulp, 12 percent honey and 0.8 percent inulin was found to deliver the best balance of sensory quality and cost efficiency
Supplementation of Cashew Apple (Anacardium occidentale) Powder on Growth Performance of Broiler
No full textThe present investigation was carried out on studies of Supplementation of Cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale) powder on growth performance of broiler. The experimental trial of six weeks was undertaken for 200 day old, broiler chicks, divided in five treatments of 40 chicks in each treatment with four replications of ten chicks. The control (T1) group was fed standard ration and T2, T3, T4 and T5 group were provided same standard ration supplemented with 3.00 g, 6.00 g, 9.00 g and 12.00 g cashew apple powder per kg of feed, respectively. This trial resulted that supplementation of cashew apple powder showed significantly highest live body weight in treatment T4 (1881.30 g/bird) as well as average live weight gain (268.75 g/bird). Hence it is concluded that supplementing 9.00 g cashew apple powder per kg of feed significantly resulted in improved growth performance as compared to other treatments
Growth and Morphology of Grape Rootstock Cuttings in Root Trainer and Polybag
No full textThe shoot and root growth of nine grape rootstocks in terms of parameter was evaluated during the year 2024. The present investigation evaluated the performance of different grape rootstocks under semi-arid condition. T3 - 140Ru exhibited most promising features in terms of vigour and growth. It recorded the earliest bud sprout (10.76 days), highest success rate after 30 days of planting (87.78%), and the maximum survival percentage at 120 days (75.56%). In terms of vegetative traits, T3 - 140Ru recorded highest shoot length (25.16 cm), internodal length (3.70 cm), shoot diameter (3.37 mm). V.longii recorded the highest root length (2528.94 mm), T9 - 1613C had the maximum number of roots (60.00), and T2 - 110R showed the highest root diameter (1.82 mm). T3 - 140Ru exhibited the highest root volume (517.59 mm³)
Evaluation of Organic Amendments and Biofertilizers in Combination with Varying Mineral Fertilizer Levels on Soil Fertility and LUPIN (Lupinus albus L.) Productivity in Sandy Soil
No full textIntegrating organic amendments and biofertilizers with mineral fertilizers sustainably improves sandy soil fertility and crop productivity This study evaluated the effects of organic amendments and biofertilizers, applied alone or combined with varying rates of mineral nitrogen, on soil fertility and the productivity of lupin (Lupinus albus L.) cultivated in sandy soil. Two field experiments were conducted at the Ismailia Agricultural Research Station (30°35′41.901″N, 32°16′45.843″E) during the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 winter seasons using a split-plot design with three replications. The main plots were assigned to control and two organic amendment treatments (biochar and compost) in addition to biofertilization with R. leguminosarum, whereas the sub-plots included four levels of mineral nitrogen fertilizer (0, 20, 30, and 40 kg N fed⁻¹). Statistical analyses were performed to validate the results and ensure their reliability. Results showed that the combined application of compost or biochar with mineral nitrogen significantly increased soil nutrient availability. Compost with 40 kg N fed⁻¹ enhanced available soil nitrogen and phosphorus by 32.49% and 22.66%, respectively, compared with compost alone. Similarly, biofertilizer with 30 kg N fed⁻¹ increased soil available nitrogen and phosphorus by 24.0% and 20.20%, respectively, compared with biofertilizer alone. These improvements in soil chemical properties were reflected in plant performance. Biofertilizer combined with 30 kg N fed⁻¹ resulted in the highest values of plant height (120.77 cm), branches per plant (12.6), pods per plant (58.7) and seed yield (1.44 t fed⁻¹), representing increase of 25.64% in plant height and 68.95% in the number of branches compared with mineral N alone. Seed nutrient concentrations were also increased under integrated treatments; biofertilizer with 30 kg N fed⁻¹ increased seed Fe and Zn concentrations by 26.55% and 46.57%, respectively, compared with biofertilizers alone. Overall, combining organic amendments and biofertilizer with moderate mineral nitrogen rates improves soil fertility, lupin growth and seed nutrients, offering a sustainable strategy for sandy soils
Metagenomic Identification of Bacillus thuringiensis within the Bacterial Microflora of Soils under Rice and Wheat Cultivation in Diré, Mali
No full textAims: This study aimed to identify and characterize the presence of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) within the soil bacterial microflora under rice and wheat cultivation in Diré, northern Mali, where pest pressure is notably low.
Study Design: A cross-sectional metagenomic survey of agricultural soils.
Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural fields in Diré, Mali, sampled during the 2024 dry season.
Methodology: Thirty surface soil samples were collected from five plots. DNA was extracted and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq. Taxonomic classification was performed using DADA2 and OneCodex.
Results: Firmicutes dominated the bacterial community (61%), followed by Proteobacteria (14%) and Actinobacteria (13%). Bacillus thuringiensis represented 0.48% of Bacillus reads, including insecticidal serovars kurstaki, morrisoni, and indiana.
Conclusion: The natural presence of Bt strains in Diré soils may contribute to reduced pest incidence. These findings support the potential of indigenous Bt strains as biocontrol agents adapted to Sahelian agroecosystems
Investigation of Rhizoctonia Aerial Blight in Soybean: Onset, Progression and Sclerotia Development
No full textSoybean crops worldwide can be affected by numerous harmful plant pathogens. Aerial blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn is a severe disease that affects soybean production worldwide. Incessant soybean cultivation and other factors have led to an upsurge in the incidence of aerial blight in major soybean-growing regions of India. In the present investigation, various aspects of aerial blight, i.e., initiation timing, rapid progression phase, and development of survival structures, were studied in a field trial on 10 different soybean genotypes at J.N.K.V.V., Jabalpur, during Kharif 2022. The per cent disease index and sclerotia per trifoliate leaves were recorded at regular intervals. The symptoms of aerial blight started from 50.5 to 68.0 days after sowing. The highest aerial blight severity was noticed in JS 20-29 (29.2%). Aerial blight progression was rapid during late reproductive stages (R5 and R6) (September 10 to 23) that coincided with the moderate range of weekly maximum temp (29.8 - 30.50C), minimum temp (23.6 - 24.20C), morning Rh (90.6 - 92.4 %), evening Rh (79.0 - 79.4 %) and rainfall (39.3 - 118.0 mm) at experimental location. After 21 days of symptoms, sclerotia development was noticed in all the varieties, ranging from scattered (>10- 25/trifoliate leaf) to high (≥50 sclerotia/ trifoliate leaf). The study indicated that high sclerotia were formed in all varieties affected by aerial blight at a later stage of disease development. These sclerotia may be crucial for initiating disease in other host crops or in soybeans next season. This study may also facilitate the suitable implementation of management strategies to decrease disease severity of aerial blight in central Indian conditions
Fallow Land and Migration of Farmers and Agricultural Labourers of Semi-Arid Regions of India with Special Reference to Karnataka
No full textThis study examines the interlinkages between fallow land dynamics and the migration of farmers and agricultural labourers in the semi-arid regions of India, with a specific focus on Karnataka. Using longitudinal data from the national Land Use Statistics (LUS, 2013–14 to 2022–23), Karnataka State Agricultural Statistics, and recent empirical studies on rural labour and migration, the paper analyses temporal and spatial trends in fallow land, explores the underlying drivers of rural distress, and examines the reciprocal relationship between land fallowing and labour mobility in semi-arid agrarian systems. The findings reveal that the total fallow land in India (current and other fallows combined) stood at approximately 24.6 million hectares in 2022–23, with notable inter-state disparities. Karnataka, though exhibiting a smaller absolute extent of fallow land (~1.07 million hectares in 2022), demonstrates significant spatial heterogeneity, particularly in its semi-arid districts where higher incidences of fallowing coincide with elevated levels of seasonal and temporary migration. Migration continues to serve as a critical coping and livelihood strategy among rural households confronted with recurrent crop failures, agrarian distress, and declining on-farm returns. The study concludes by advocating policy interventions focused on (i) targeted irrigation and crop diversification in semi-arid taluks, (ii) synchronization of rural employment programs such as MGNREGA with agricultural cycles, and (iii) strengthening of migrant-inclusive social protection frameworks to mitigate livelihood vulnerabilities
Advanced Remote Sensing and GIS Integration for Sustainable Watershed Management and Conservation Planning
No full textWatershed conservation is crucial for water resources, ecological balance and agricultural productivity. Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System have revolutionized watershed assessment and planning by enabling efficient monitoring of terrain, land use, hydrology and soil properties. The application of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System technologies is being utilized for watershed conservation using satellite-based datasets such as Landsat, Sentinel and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer to analyses land use and land cover dynamics, soil erosion, vegetation health and soil moisture. Techniques such as morphometric analysis, Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation modeling, Soil and Water Assessment Tool, Light Detection and Ranging, optical sensors and Digital Elevation Models enhance sub-watershed prioritization and erosion risk assessment; while integrating Light Detection and Ranging, optical sensors and Digital Elevation Models aid in delineating watershed boundaries and conducting topographic analysis. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning are being used for real-time water quality prediction and conservation planning with Geographic Information System-based multi-criteria decision analysis aiding in identifying suitable zones for check dams and recharge pits. However, challenges remain related to data scalability, cloud interference and integration limitations. Despite these challenges, Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System tools offer immense potential for enhancing climate resilience, groundwater mapping and disaster risk reduction in watershed ecosystems. There is a growing need for integrated, data-driven and adaptive watershed management supported by modern geospatial technologies and approaches that combine science, policy and community involvement for long-term watershed sustainability
Resource Use Efficiency under Rice Cultivation in Old Alluvial Zone of West Bengal, India: An Empirical Assessment of Beneficiary and Non-Beneficiary Farmers
No full textEffective utilization of resources is a significant concern from an economic standpoint to enhance production levels and optimize returns. The current research examined the efficiency of resource usage in rice farming in the old alluvial region of West Bengal. A sample of 100 beneficiaries and 100 non-beneficiaries were purposively selected from Balurghat block of Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal. Cost of Cultivation, resource use efficiency and the relative percentage change in marginal value product were estimated. The estimated R2 value for beneficiary farmers was 0.63 which clearly indicates that 63 per cent of the variations in rice yield are explained by the explanatory variables considered in the model. The elasticity coefficients of hired labour (0.15), seeds (0.08), DAP/SSP (0.14), farm yard manure (0.16) and irrigation (0.15) were found positive and statistically significant. The level of adjustments estimated for various resources to earn optimum returns were seeds (75.37 per cent), DAP/SSP (81.88 per cent), farm yard manures (51.14 per cent) and irrigation (79.72 per cent), respectively. Similarly, the estimated R2 value for non-beneficiary farmers was 0.53 indicates that 53 per cent of the variations were explained by the explanatory variables. The elasticity coefficients of family labour (0.16), Urea (0.04), farm yard manure (0.12) and irrigation (0.07) were found positive and statistically significant. The level of adjustments estimated for various resources to earn optimum returns were Urea (65.10 per cent), farm yard manures (32.61per cent) and irrigation (69.56 per cent), respectively. The efficiency ratios which are more than one in each case clearly indicates that these resources are being used at sub-optimum level and therefore, farmers could improve economic efficiency and productivity if they use more of these resources. The level of adjustments estimated for various resources to earn optimum returns were analyzed
Performance of Sweetcorn (Zea mays L. var. ‘Sweet Pearl F1’) Applied with different Rates of Vermicompost
No full textThis study evaluated the effects of different rates of vermicompost as a substitute for inorganic fertilizer on the growth and yield of sweetcorn (Zea mays L. var. ‘Sweet Pearl F1’). This study was conducted employing the Randomized Complete Block Design in three blocks. Treatments consisted of varying vermicompost (0%, 25%, 50% and 75%) applied to sweetcorn under field conditions. Growth parameters, yield components and pest incidence were assessed. Results showed that sweetcorn plants applied with 75% vermicompost tasselled (35.93 days), silked (45.60 days), and matured (63.33 days) earliest compared to the unfertilized control. The same treatment produced the longest ear length with husk (28.74 cm) and without husk (19.50 cm). The highest fresh yield with husk (19,8222.22 kg ha-1) was obtained from plants applied with 75% vermicompost, which was statistically comparable to those receiving 100% inorganic fertilizer Bureau of Soils Recommendation (BSR). Meanwhile, plants treated with 50% vermicompost produced the highest yield without husk (14,346.67 kg ha-1), also comparable to the 100% BSR treatment. Sweetcorn applied with 25-75% vermicompost exhibited moderate resistance to cutworm, leaf spot, and leaf rust, showing only 21-40% infestation and 1-5% leaf area damage.