Asian Research Journal of Agriculture
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Impact of Crop Configuration and Microbial Liquid Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Oilseed Brassica
No full textOilseeds are essential to the Indian economy. Rapeseed-mustard is one of the important edible oilseed crops in north India. Liquid fertilizers made from agricultural residues and waste are becoming increasingly popular due to their simple production process through fermentation Exploration of sustainable agricultural practices has led to the investigation of unconventional fertilizers for improving the stagnant oil seed yield. With this prior information, field experiments conducted at the Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar study the effect of crop configuration and microbial liquid fertilizers on growth and yield of oilseed Brassica during 2022-23 and 2023-24. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The experiment was consisting of one main factor i.e. crop configuration and a sub factor i.e. different types of microbial liquid fertilizers. Main plot consists of P1- Brassica juncea in 22.5cm apart rows with alternate row extraction 30 DAS, P2- Brassica juncea in 22.5cm apart rows with 50:50 alternate row extraction 20 and 40 DAS, P3- Brassica napus and Brassica rugosa in 22.5cm apart rows extracting Brassica rugosa 30 DAS, P4 - Brassica napus and Brassica rugosa in 22.5cm apart rows extracting Brassica rugosa 50:50, 20 and 40 DAS. Sub plot consist of L1 (liquid fertilizer 1), L2 (liquid fertilizer 2), L3 (liquid fertilizer 3), C (Control). Crop configuration and microbial liquid fertilizers significantly influenced growth and yield parameters. Plant height, dry matter production, leaf area index (LAI), no. of siliquae per plant and seed yield were significantly higher in plant configuration involving Brassica napus and Brassica rugosa in 22.5cm apart rows extracting Brassica rugosa 30 DAS and liquid fertilizer 3 in compare to others. Optimal crop configuration like P3 with tailored fertilizer, L3 improved the growth and yield of Brassica species in compare to others
Evaluation of Seed Quality of Grain Corn Varieties through Accelerated Ageing
No full textIn an accelerated ageing test carried out to evaluate seed quality two hybrid grain corn varieties, 4546 and 888, were subjected to ageing conditions to assess their tolerance. The objective was to identify any differences between the varieties in their ability to maintain seed quality under accelerated ageing conditions. These tests simulate and hasten the natural ageing process of seeds, providing insight into their performance during storage over time and under adverse conditions. Following the ageing process, factors such as germination rate, vigour, and overall seed quality were assessed. The seeds of hybrid grain corn varieties 4546 and 888 were exposed to accelerated ageing by maintaining them at 40°C and 100% relative humidity in a growth chamber. Evaluations were conducted at intervals of 0, 48, 96, and 144 hours. The overall results indicated that seed quality in grain corn deteriorates following accelerated ageing treatment. Variety 4546 showed a rapid decrease in germination, germination rate, and seedling vigour throughout the testing period. Both varieties experienced an increase in moisture content from 11% to 20% during the ageing process. Additionally, the electrical conductivity of seed leachate increased for both varieties as the testing progressed. The experiment concluded that the 888 grain corn variety outperformed 4546 in all evaluated parameters. The 4546 variety was found to be highly sensitive to accelerated ageing
Effect of Different Organic Liquid Formulations on the Growth and Yield of Soybean: A Case Study from North Konkan Region of Maharashtra
No full textThis case study investigates the influence of the six different organic formulations on the growth and yield parameters of soybean (Glycine max L.), which is a popular vegetable oilseed in India. A Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications was considered to carry out the field experiment during rabi seasons of year 2022-23. Well-formulated organic liquids, namely Jeevamrut, Panchgavya, Vermiwash, Cowdung wash, Cow urine, and a Control, were applied as part of an integrated nutrient management (INM) approach. Key observations were recorded for various parameters such as plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, length of pod, number of seeds per pod, test weight, pod yield, seed yield, and straw yield. The study indicate that Panchgavya (T2) was most effective among the treatments, showing highest seed yield of 1223 kg/ha and a corresponding straw yield of 2144.5 kg/ha. The outcomes of the study would be beneficial for other crops currently facing many challenges related to quality and yield due to the use of chemical-based treatments
Feasibility of Fruit Waste-Derived Media for Microbial Culture: A Sustainable and Low-cost Approach
No full textThe present study, conducted at the College of Agriculture, Latur during 2023-2024, explores the viability of using fruit waste-derived media as a cost-effective alternative to conventional media for the growth of plant pathogens. The research focuses on the growth performance of Pseudomonas fluorescens, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. udum, and Sclerotium rolfsii on media prepared from fruit peel of eight fruits (Banana, Pineapple, Papaya, Orange, Guava, Pomegranate, Dragon fruit, and Sapota). These fruit-based media were compared to traditional Nutrient Agar (NA) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Results revealed that Sclerotium rolfsii showed maximum growth on Papaya Dextrose Agar, while Pseudomonas fluorescens exhibited the most robust growth on Banana, Papaya and Dragon Fruit Dextrose Agar. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. udum demonstrated the highest radial growth on Banana Dextrose Agar. The study also observed that fruit-based media significantly reduced costs compared to Potato Dextrose Agar and Nutrient Agar making them a sustainable and accessible option for microbiological research, particularly in resource-limited environments
Multifaceted Assessment of Agricultural Extension in Conflict Affected Areas of Mindanao, Philippines
No full textAgricultural extension in conflict affected areas has received limited research attention. Yet agricultural extension undertaken within a group–based facilitation framework can have many benefits via livelihood improvement, human and social capital development. In this paper, an extension model adapted for conflict affected areas is briefly described and then assessed from multiple viewpoints – physical, economic, lifestyle, social capital and environmental. This was done in two case study sites in conflict affected areas of Mindanao, Philippines. Major positive physical, economic and lifestyle changes were revealed at both case study sites, as were changes in knowledge, attitude, skills, and aspirations and social capital. Some positive environmental aspects were also noted. Income and savings were up 64 and 108 percent respectively, with those income changes being reflected in additional expenditures on basic items such as food clothing and education. Knowledge, attitudes skills and aspirations (which can be regarded as intermediate steps towards livelihood improvement) all increased substantially. Various social capital indicators were judged to have improved. From an environmental perspective, there were decreases in charcoal production and slash and burn activity. Tree planting and soil fertility increased. Most of these assessment parameters, but especially social capital with its implication for trust and human interaction, are relevant to peace building. With the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, there is expected to be a strong increase within the Philippines and internationally in funding the promotion of agricultural livelihood activities in Mindanao. The multifaced assessment of benefits is somewhat unique and the resulting quantification of the benefits demonstrates that additional funding and more diverse applications could be warranted
Genetic Variability and Association Studies on Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Blackgram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper)
No full textAims: Low and static productivity (450–800 kg/ha) is one of the main obstacles in blackgram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) crop. The low productivity is due to inadequate seed systems, a lack of access to genetic and genomic resources, and a lack of active breeding initiatives. Hence the present study was carried out to assess the variability and association among yield contributing traits for blackgram improvement programmes.
Place and Duration of Study: The field study was carried out during 2019-2020 in V.O. Chidambaranar Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University at Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding.
Study Design and Methodology: A total of 60 F4 progenies developed from the cross IC 436656 x KKB14045 in blackgram for the assessment of per se performance, genetic variability and association studies.
Results: Based on the production of a single plant, seventeen offspring were determined to be promising. The traits viz., number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, and single plant yield showed high PCV and GCV, which indicated that there was a high level of genetic variability in the population. The variables of plant height, number of clusters / plant, number of pods/plant, and single plant yield showed significant heritability and high genetic advancement, indicating additive gene action. Single plant yield was positively and significantly correlated with the traits viz., plant height, number of clusters / plant, number of pods / plant, and number of seeds / pod. Therefore, choosing these characteristics is crucial to creating high yielding blackgram cultivars
Advancements in Palynology: Enhancing Plant Breeding through Pollen Studies
No full textPalynology, the study of pollen and spores, has emerged as a vital discipline in plant science, with applications extending into plant breeding. This review explores the role of palynology in understanding reproductive biology, enhancing breeding programs, overcoming hybridization barriers and addressing challenges like male sterility, stress tolerance and species compatibility. Advanced techniques like transcriptomics reveal gene expression profiles, while proteomics and metabolomics provide insights into fertility and stress responses. Pollen-mediated transformation and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing facilitate targeted trait improvements, with pollen-specific promoters aiding hybrid breeding. Additionally, molecular tools support pollen viability testing, gene flow studies, and stress tolerance research, contributing to hybrid seed production and environmental adaptability. Palynology also ensures biosafety by tracking transgenic pollen, making it an integral component of sustainable crop improvement strategies.
Case studies illustrate its impact on cereals, legumes and horticultural crops. The article concludes by highlighting challenges and future directions for integrating palynological studies with emerging technologies to improve plant breeding outcomes. Plant breeding aims to develop superior crop varieties with desirable traits such as higher yields, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, improved quality and adaptability to diverse environments. Successful breeding hinges on understanding the reproductive biology of plants, particularly pollen, which serves as the carrier of male gametes
Assessment of Cationic Micronutrient Status for Efficient Experimental Farm Management in the Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu, India
No full textThe experiment delineated micronutrient Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) availability in the soils of experimental farm of Agricultural college and Research Institute, Vazhavachanur under the Alfisols soil order of Tamil Nadu, India. Grid wise (50 x 50 m grids) geocoded surface soil samples were collected from 118 locations and analysed for various micronutrients. Available Zn in the soil varied from 0.09 to 1.69 mg kg-1 with an average value of 0.83 mg kg-1. The major portion of the soil samples (71.2%) falls under low category while only 1.7 per cent samples were high in available Zn. Nutrient index value (NIV) of Zn availability in soil was also calculated (NIV=1.31) and found to be low. Fe availability in soil samples varied between 0.26 to 8.58 mg kg-1 with an average value of 4.15 mg kg-1. The Fe content in 43.2 per cent of the soil samples falls under low category and 55.1 per cent of the samples were under medium category. The NIV value of Fe was found to be low. Available Cu ranged from 0.09 to 3.88 mg kg-1 with an average of 1.88 mg kg-1. The Cu availability is high in 51.7 per cent of the soil samples and the NIV was medium. The Mn availability in the soil samples varied from 0.26 to 6.10 mg kg-1 with an average value of 2.92 mg kg-1. The Mn content in 67 per cent of the soils falls under medium category and NIV was also medium. Thus, results revealed that soils of the experimental farm were potential Zn and Fe deficient areas. Application of Zn and Fe both as soil as well as soil plus foliar might be beneficial in enhancing the yield and quality of crops of the experimental farm
Screening of Pearl Millet Hybrids, Parents and their Performance in Hybrids against Blast Disease under Field Conditions
No full textIn pearl millet, incidence of blast disease caused by Pyricularia grisea Sacc., has increased at a considerable rate in the recent past, especially on the commercial hybrids in various Pearl millet growing states of India. The experimental material comprised of five female lines, ten male (restorer) lines of pearl millet, their 50 hybrids developed by line × tester design and one standard check hybrid (GHB 1231). They were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications at Main Pearl Millet Research Station, J.A.U., Jamnagar during kharif 2023 for field screening of foliar blast disease. Among the total hybrids, 19 hybrids were found to be highly resistant, one was hybrid found resistant, 10 were hybrids found moderately resistant, 20 hybrids were found susceptible and none of the hybrid was found highly susceptible to blast. Crosses reveal that female parent decides blast reaction of their hybrids. Among the parents JMSA5 20212 is highly resistant against the foliar blast disease as well as high per se performance and good general combiner for all the character
Catalogue of Insect Bio-Diversity in High Density Guava after Trash Mulching
No full textTrash mulching in crops increases yield and conserve the insect biodiversity. An experiment on mulching with leaf litters was conducted in high density guava with an idea of conserving. The results showed more insect diversity in mulched than non-mulched trees. The insect species catalogued in the study were 9 herbivores and 24 natural enemies. A total of 33 insect species were thus catalogued. A new white grub species was first time documented in HDP guava from Tamil Nadu. The Shannon Index of the insect herbivores were 1.21 and 1.24 in mulched and non-mulched plot, respectively. The Simpson index of the insect herbivores was 0.64 and 0.65 in mulched and non-mulched plots, respectively. Higher species diversity of the insect predators was achieved with the shannon Index (0.23) and Simpson’s Index (0.04) in mulched trees. A total of 12 number of Trichogramma sp, wer also recorded. From the mealybug Paracoccus marginatus, parasitoids such as Acerophagus papayae, Pseudleptomastix mexicana , Prochiloneurus pulchellus and Allotropa sp. were recorded