Asian Research Journal of Agriculture
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Evaluation of Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora) for Vegetative, Floral Traits and Precision Environment
No full textPortulaca oleracea (common purslane), is valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties, being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants. The plant thrives in warm climates with well-drained soil and requires full sunlight for optimal blooming. Recent studies highlight its medicinal and economic potential. This study explores their botanical characteristics, cultivation requirements and applications in horticulture and medicine, emphasizing their significance in sustainable agriculture and skincare industries. The experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2024–2025 at the Department of Horticulture, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur, to evaluate the vegetative and floral traits of eight genotypes of Portulaca grandiflora. The genotypes (PG-1, PG-2, PG-3, PG-4, PG-5, PG-6, PG-7 and PG-8) were planted in a Completely Randomized Design with ten replications in 6-inch plastic pots containing a 2:1:1 (v/v) mixture of soil, sand and vermicompost. Results revealed significant genotypic variation across all traits. The genotype PG-5 consistently performed best, recorded maximum vine length at 30, 60 and 90 DAP (24.02 cm, 27.18 cm and 30.05 cm), plant spread east to west and north to south (21.29cm and 21.68cm), earliest flower bud appearance (27.18 days), bud break (33.15 days), buds per plant (29.38), flowers per plant (29.13), flower weight (0.83 g), petals per flower (38.35) and longest flower duration (85.85 days). PG-1 recorded the highest leaves /branch (35.35), leaves /plants (312.13), branches /plant (12.15) and chlorophyll content (2.30 mg). The study identified PG-5 and PG-1 as promising genotypes for pot plant, ornamental and landscape purposes. Environmental analysis indicated that optimal performance occurred under 26.6°C temperatures, 3.8 hours of sunshine, moderate relative humidity (83.3%) for the vegetative phase and 27.7°C temperatures, 4.5 hours of sunshine, relative humidity (73.9%) for floral phase. The findings can assist in the selection of climate-resilient Portulaca grandiflora genotypes with high ornamental potential. The study contributes valuable insights for breeders, floriculturists and landscape designers seeking climate-resilient and low-maintenance flowering plants with commercial and ecological potential
Socio-Economic Status of Crab Trap Fishermen in Ratnagiri, India
No full textA significant source of income for the Ratnagiri fishing communities\u27 economies is trap fishing. The present study documents the socioeconomic status of crab trap fishermen across the entire Ratnagiri block, aiming to gather data on their economic and livelihood conditions to identify key issues that could help sustain their way of life and ensure their active participation in training programs. A study was conducted into the socioeconomic circumstances of fishermen, including their ages, levels of education, knowledge of collapsible traps, and other factors. Interviews with 110 respondents were conducted. The personal information of the fishermen, such as awareness about foldable crab traps, interest in trap fishing, engagement in trap fishing, interest in the trap fishing training program, age and education were collected. About 18.18 percent of fishermen were in age group 1 (the age up to 35, young age), 68.18 percent of fishermen were in the middle age group up to 36-50 (middle age), and 13.63 percent of fishermen were in the old age group age up to above 51 (old age). The results showed that the illiterate fishermen were highly interested in trap fishing. Awareness of the fishermen about the foldable crab trap was ranked 3rd. Interest about trap fishing and interest in trap fishing training program were ranked 2nd. Engagement in the trap fishing activity was ranked 1st
Determinants of Adaptation Strategies against Weather Changes in Cabbage Production in Southern Shan State of Myanmar
No full textThis study was purposed to determine the influencing factors on adaptation strategies of cabbage farmers; S1-cultural practices, S2-cropping system management, and S3-livelihood diversification against weather variability in Southern Shan State of Myanmar. During October-December 2024, total 150 cabbage farmers in Pindaya and Kalaw townships were individually interviewed using purposive and simple random sampling methods. Applying a multivariate probit model (MVP), the results clearly showed a distinct profile of determinants on adaptation strategies of adopters and non-adopters. Several factors positively influenced the cabbage farmers’ adoption of S1-cultural practices, including higher education, more farming experience, better access to extension services, flood risk perception and positive profitability assessments benefit-cost ratio (BCR), while the size of cabbage cultivation areas was negatively associated with adoption. Similarly, cabbage farmers who had more external support from extension services, higher perception of floods and profitability of cabbage farming had more probability to adopt S2-cropping system management. Farmers who had older ages, less farming experiences and their cabbage production was affected by temperature were more likely to adopt S3-livelihood diversification to pursue alternative income sources, perhaps due to risk aversion or resource constraints. The results revealed that providing institutional support, improved weather-related education, and economic incentives are important for encouraging cabbage farmers to adapt. Therefore, strengthening extension services and raising climate risk awareness programs by holding workshops and trainings, initiating the nationwide public educational programs such as vocational and farmers’ field schools, integrating localized weather information and early warning systems should be provided for cabbage farmers. It is also essential for creating effective interventions that enhance agricultural resilience against weather changes in the study areas
Zinc Fertilization Effect on Fine Rice (BRRI dhan50) under Bangladesh Condition
No full textZinc is an essential micronutrient that plays a crucial role in rice growth and yield. An experiment was conducted at the research field of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, to evaluate the effect of zinc on the yield and quality of BRRI dhan50. The study was designed using a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The results showed that plant height, number of tillers hill-1, panicle length, number of effective tillers per hill, number of non-effective tillers per hill, number of grains per panicle, number of sterile grains per panicle, thousand grains weight, straw yield, biological yield, and grain yield (t ha⁻¹) were significantly influenced by zinc application. However, the highest grain yield (7.19 t ha⁻¹) was obtained from the treatment Zn4T2, where 10.70 kg ha-1 of zinc was applied at 50 DAT (days after transplanting). In contrast, the lowest yield was recorded in the control treatment, where no zinc fertilizer was applied at 75 DAT. Overall, the Zn4T2 treatment demonstrated superior performance compared to other treatments. Therefore, the findings suggest that applying zinc at 10.70 kg ha⁻¹ at 50 DAT can be an effective strategy for enhancing rice production. Based on these results, farmers in the subtropical environment of Bangladesh may be advised to apply zinc at the recommended rate to achieve higher rice yields
Effect of Leaf Rust Disease on Berry Yield in Coffea liberica: A Two-Year Study of New Clonal Responses in MARDI Kluang, Malaysia
No full textCoffee leaf rust (CLR), caused by the biotrophic fungus Hemileia vastatrix, is the most important coffee disease worldwide. Although Coffea liberica contributes less than 1% of global coffee production, it dominates Malaysia’s industry. However, information about how CLR affects Liberica yields under local field conditions is scarce. This study, therefore, assessed the effects of CLR on berry yield in five newly developed C. liberica clones under Malaysian field conditions. The study was carried out at the MARDI research station, Kluang, Johor, Malaysia, over two years (July 2021–June 2023). The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Berry yield, disease incidence (INC) and disease severity index (DSI) were recorded monthly. Data were analyzed using ANOVA (Tukey’s test, p ≤ 0.05), and Pearson’s correlation was used to evaluate relationships between yield and disease parameters. Significant clonal variability was observed. Clone 213 consistently achieved the highest yields (1.420 kg/tree in Year 1; 0.623 kg/tree in Year 2) with the lowest disease levels (INC 27.2–19.4%; DSI 9.2–4.6%). Clone 222 was most susceptible, with the lowest yield and highest DSI, while clone 224 exhibited tolerance in Year 1 but declined sharply in Year 2. The control, MKL 7, produced moderate yields but was disease-sensitive. Yield–disease correlations were stronger in Year 2, reflecting biennial bearing and cumulative disease stress. The study, however, faced notable challenges. Biennial bearing complicated yield comparisons across years, as heavy fruiting inherently intensified disease severity. Seasonal climatic variability, including rainfall fluctuations and drought episodes, may also have confounded clonal responses. Furthermore, the two-year duration limits conclusions about long-term stability under changing environmental conditions. This study provides the first field-based evidence of CLR impacts on C. liberica yield in Malaysia. CLR substantially reduces productivity, but clone 213 emerges as a resistant, high-yielding candidate for sustainable cultivation
Determinants and Intensity of FARO Rice Variety Adoption among Smallholder Farmers in South West Nigeria
No full textRice is a paramount food staple throughout West Africa and a primary source of rural livelihood in Nigeria. Raising productivity through the adoption of better varieties and related technologies is at the heart of any national food security and rural development strategy. This study explored the determinants of FARO Variety Adoption and Intensity among Smallholder Rice Farmers in South-West Nigeria. Primary data were collected using a structured interview schedule as the main instrument in an endeavour to achieve the work. Data was collected from a total of 240 rice farmers using a multi-stage sampling method. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The result indicated that most of the farmers are in the 41–50 years age group. The mean farm size is 4.8 ha, with a mean of 12.6 years of experience in farming. FARO 44 has extremely high adoption (88.8 %) due to its yield potential, early maturity, and high knowledge among farmers. FARO 52 (33.3 %) and FARO 55 (20.4 %) undergo discontinuity due to handicaps such as poor grain quality and heterogeneous ripening. Significant barriers to adoption are poor access to credit, poor seed availability, poor extension services, poor land access, pest and disease issues, flooding risk, and poor market outlets. Interestingly, farm experience alone was statistically significant (r = 0.15; p = 0.02) in relation to FARO adoption, while age, education, family size, farm size, and distance to farm were not significant. These findings are in line with broader evidence in South-West Nigeria, in which farm experience, education, exposure to extension, credit access, and access to improved seeds significantly influence the adoption. More broadly, this study underscores the central contributions of variety attributes, experience, and institutional facilitation in driving FARO rice adoption. The study recommended that fortifying extension services, enhancing access to credit and seeds, facilitating farmer associations, highlighting high-performing types, establishing market linkages, and capacity building will improve the adoption of the FARO rice variety among smallholder farmers
Yield Gaps Analysis and Constraints Faced by Rabi Sorghum Growers in Amravati District, Maharashtra, India
No full textThe study was undertaken during 2024–25 to assess the extent of yield gaps, identify their determinants, and analyse the constraints limiting productivity. The Amravati district was purposively selected due to its significant area under rabi sorghum. Three tehsils Dharni, Chikhaldara, and Dhamangaon Railway were chosen, and from each, two villages were randomly selected. A total of 120 farmers were surveyed using a random sampling method. The IRRI (International Rice Research Institute) methodology was employed to estimate yield gaps, while Garrett’s Ranking Technique was applied to rank production constraints. The findings revealed that the potential yield of sorghum was 3100 kg/ha, the potential farm yield (demonstration plot) was 2080 kg/ha, and the actual farm yield was 1966 kg/ha. Consequently, Yield Gap I, II, and III were estimated at 32.90%, 5.45%, and 36.56%, respectively. A fitted quadratic trend showed an accelerating pattern in yield gap growth over time. The path analysis of input use revealed variations in the direct and indirect effects of labour, manure, fertilizer, and plant protection across small, medium, and large farms, highlighting the inefficiencies in resource utilization and technological adoption. Major constraints identified by the farmers were lack of technical knowledge (65.49%), shortage of labour (50.26%), and crop damage by wild animals and birds (49.44%), followed by non-availability of quality seed and pest/disease infestation. The study concludes that there exists a considerable scope for improving sorghum productivity in Amravati district through enhanced extension support, timely input supply, and capacity-building programmes to bridge the technological and management gaps among farmers
Bio-efficacy and Phytotoxicity Analysis of SV FRUITER for Tomato Production
No full textAims: The present study evaluates the bio-efficacy of the new Biostimulant SV FRUITER on the growth, yield and quality of tomato and to determine its possible unintended effects (Phytotoxicity) on the crop.
Study Design: Field experiment, randomized design with five treatments including an untreated control.
Place and Duration of Study: Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station (ZAHRS), Navile, Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences (KSNUAHS), Shivamogga, Karnataka, India, from December 2023 to May 2024.
Methodology: The study was conducted on the tomato hybrid ‘Arka Rakshak’, which is high yielding and resistant to multiple diseases. Four soil-applied doses of SV FRUITER (50, 100, 150 and 200 kg per acre) and an untreated control were evaluated. SV FRUITER was applied once as a soil application at 20-25 days after transplanting (DAT). Morphological parameters (plant height, number of branches, leaf area and leaf area index), physiological parameters (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content) and yield attributes (fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant and fruit yield per hectare) were recorded. Chlorophyll content was estimated by the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) method and data were analysed statistically at P = 0.05. Phytotoxicity was visually assessed on a 0-100 scale for symptoms such as wilting, chlorosis, necrosis and epinasty/hyponasty.
Results: SV FRUITER significantly increased leaf area and leaf area index at 60 and 90 DAT, with highest values at 200 kg per acre (T4). Total chlorophyll was higher in treated plots at 30 and 90 DAT. T4 produced maximum fruits per plant (53.0) and yield (63.09 tonnes per hectare; 15.68% over control). No phytotoxicity observed.
Conclusion: SV FRUITER at 200 kg per acre is highly effective and safe for tomato, recommended with fertilizers.
Conclusion: Non-invasive independent predictors for screening esophageal varices may decrease medical as well as financial burden, hence improving the management of cirrhotic patients. These predictors, however, need further work to validate reliability
Incidence of Fruit Flies [Bactrocera spp. (Tephritidae: Diptera)] on Economically Important Guava Fruit in Western Uttar Pradesh, India
No full textFruit flies (Bactrocera spp.) pose a significant threat to guava production, leading to substantial yield losses. This study assesses fruit fly infestation in guava orchards across selected localities in Aligarh and Hathras districts. Data recorded from May to August 2018 indicate that fruit losses in Aligarh ranged from 18.40% to 42.66% by weight and 17.45% to 44.33% by number, with peak infestation (41.57% by weight and 43.03% by number) observed in July. Similarly, in Hathras, fruit losses varied between 20.60% to 45.20% by weight and 22.30% to 48.00% by number, with the highest infestation (43.7% by weight and 44.14% by number) also recorded in July. The lowest losses were noted in May for both districts. The overall average fruit fly infestation was 31.81% in Aligarh and 34.2% in Hathras on a weight basis. These findings align with previous studies, emphasizing the economic impact of fruit fly infestations
Impact of Rice-based Cropping Systems and Crop Rotation on Soil Chemical and Physical Properties in the Western Plain Zone of Meerut, India
No full textThe present study holds the potential to inform agricultural management strategies, enabling practitioners to optimize soil health, enhance crop productivity, and ensure the long-term viability of rice-based cropping systems. The primary role of soil, concerning its chemical quality for crop production, is the provision of essential nutrients crucial for optimal crop growth. Within the realm of chemical parameters, soil organic carbon (SOC) emerges as a paramount indicator of soil health. The experiment was conducted at the BEDF (APEDA) farm, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, campus, Meerut (U.P.), India.The study was primarily focused on testing of soil quality of 40 representative samples and the analytical results were supposed to represent the entire field. The treatment means were compared by using the transformed values. The treatment differences were tested by least significant difference at 5 per cent of probability. The obtained results from the study revealed that inclusion of pulses in cropping system improve the physical properties of soil. Although inclusion of pulses did not affect soil texture, bulk density, particle density and porosity significantly as compared to wheat or mustard based cropping systems but aggregate stability, hydraulic conductivity, availability of phosphorus, zinc, iron and organic carbon (%) influenced significantly. Growing of rice- pulses-pulses in cropping system enriched the sub-soil because wheat and mustard are deep rooted crops so they remove the nutrients from subsoil also therefore sub soils of cereals -pulses-pulses crop rotation are slightly healthy than surface soil