Asian Research Journal of Agriculture
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Evaluation of Abiotic Stress Tolerance and Compatibility of Native Isolates of Trichoderma spp. of Kasargod District, India
No full textAim: To evaluate the selected native isolates of Trichoderma spp. of Kasaragod district for abiotic stress tolerance and compatibility assessment with other biocontrol agents.
Study Design: CRD.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, between November 2023 and November 2024.
Methodology: The selected Trichoderma isolates Tr-5, Tr-12, Tr-41, Tr-43 (Trichoderma asperellum) and Tr-40 (Trichoderma lixii) were subjected to various abiotic stresses, namely low (4°C, 10°C and 15°C) and high (30°C, 45°C and 55°C) temperatures, salinity (0.5M, 1.5M and 2.5 M NaCl) and drought (10%, 30% and 40% PEG). The PDA was embedded with different NaCl and PEG concentrations to test the salinity and drought tolerance. After 4 days of inoculation (DAI), radial growth of Trichoderma isolates in treatments and controls was recorded. The compatibility of these Trichoderma isolates was checked with the other bio-control agents viz., Pseudomonas fluorescens, Metarhizium anisopliae, Lecanicillium lecanii and Beauveria bassiana using the dual culture technique.
Results: In the temperature tolerance study, the selected isolates did not show any radial growth at 4°C, 10°C, 45°C, and 55°C.At 15°C, slight mycelial growth was observed, and the optimal range was found to be 30°C for good mycelial growth. The tolerance to salinity was up to 0.5M NaCl, but only in Tr-5 (0.83cm), Tr-12 (0.91), and Tr-40 (0.8) isolates; the mycelial growth was observed at 1.5M NaCl. At 10% PEG, the radial growth of isolates was on par with the control. Upon increasing concentration, radial growth of Trichoderma isolates was decreased/ absent along with sporulation. In the compatibility study, Trichoderma isolates were found to be compatible with P. fluorescens, M. anisopliae, L. lecanii and B. bassiana. But with fungal biocontrol agents, only Tr-40 showed incompatibility with M. anisopliae (66.67%), L. lecanii (33.58%), but was compatible with B. bassiana.
Conclusion: In this study, all five native Trichoderma isolates, Tr-5, Tr-12, Tr-40, Tr-41 and 43 showed high tolerance to abiotic stresses at an optimum range of temperature (30oC), NaCl (0.5M), and PEG (10%). The isolates of Trichoderma spp. were compatible with bacterial and fungal bio-control agents except Tr-40
Socioeconomic Drivers of Vitamin a Biofortified Cassava Consumption among Agricultural Professionals in Ondo State, Nigeria
No full textAims: This study examined the socioeconomic drivers influencing the consumption of vitamin A biofortified cassava among agricultural professionals in Ondo State, Nigeria, addressing persistent vitamin A deficiency
Study Design: Cross sectional survey was used for the study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Ondo State, Nigeria.
Methodology: Using a stratified random sampling method, data were elicited from 80 academic staff from three tertiary institutions via structured questionnaires. Consumption frequency was measured on a four-point Likert-type scale. Data were presented using frequency tables, percentages and charts, while Chi-square and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rho) were used to test the study’s hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance.
Results: Correlation analysis revealed that monthly income negatively correlated with consumption of biofortified Vitamin A cassava food products (r = -0.28, p = 0.01), whereas years of awareness showed a strong positive association with its consumption (r = 0.43, p < 0.01). Furthermore, Chi-square analysis indicated that physical contact with the biofortified cassava significantly increased consumption (χ² = 45.81, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The results highlight the critical role of experiential learning and physical contact with innovation in promoting the adoption of biofortified crops. Future research should explore additional contextual factors and develop targeted interventions—such as hands-on demonstrations—to further enhance dietary uptake and improve food security outcomes
Responses of Vegetables to Abiotic and Biotic Stresses
No full textThe postharvest period is critical for preserving the quality and shelf life of vegetables. Horticultural produce, especially fruits and vegetables, is frequently subjected to various abiotic and biotic stresses throughout production, harvesting, handling, storage, and distribution. These stressors provoke a chain of morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular alterations that can negatively influence crop quality and longevity. Interestingly, mild or controlled exposure to stress can sometimes enhance the plant’s resistance mechanisms and improve tolerance to subsequent stresses. This review summarizes the physiological and molecular responses of vegetables to these stresses, highlights recent advancements in postharvest handling technologies, and discusses strategies for mitigating quality loss
Effect of Cultivation Methods and Crop Establishment Techniques on Crop Management Practices, Productivity and Energetics in Rice-Wheat Cropping System
No full textThe rice – wheat cropping system (RWCS) is mainly spread in Trans, Upper, Middle and even in part of Lower Indo-Gangetic plains (IGPs) and mostly grown by puddle transplanted rice followed by conventional drill-sown wheat. The various adverse effects of the presently followed cultivation methods, improvement in knowledge base especially for mechanization, residue management, land configuration and their role in resource use efficiency, awareness about ITKs and their potential to tackle the present concerns generate the call for trying new cultivation methods (CMs) and / or crop establishment methods (CEMs). The review aims discuss the variation in productivity, energetic, nutrient uptake, and changes in soil properties as well as environmental concerns across CMs / CEMs. The significant impact on water saving (aerobic rice system (ARS) and zero tillage wheat), exploring genetic potential of individual plant (system of rice and wheat intensification), ease in weed management (cono weeder and alternate wetting and drying and ARS) with several environmental concerns (herbicide resistance in weed and shift in weed flora), development of different tools/techniques for sowing (zero till seed drill, drum seed drill and happy seeder) and crop management (combine harvesters and laser land leveller) were highlighted to a great extent due to changes in CMs/CEMs. The changes in CMs/CEMs is on large extent is constrained due to lack of consistency in following new methods, low incentive to environmental friendly methods, lack of soil inherent ability to support new methods in terms of yield and non-competitiveness of new methods on socio-economical scale. On the other hand, increasing energy and cost saving, timeliness in observation, slight improvement in yield and policy initiatives are well reported reasons for adoption of new CM/CEMs in RWCS. In nutshell implementation/adoption and study of the impact of CMs/CEMs is essential considering the several alarming situation about cost: benefit analysis of farmer, subsidies on inputs required, future prospects of the RWCS, availability of options and alarming rate of natural resource degradation
Macronutrients Fertility Status of Soil in the Nira Command Area of Baramati Tehsil, Maharashtra, India
No full textThe present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the chemical properties and nutrient status of soils in the Nira river command area of Baramati tehsil. A total of 105 geo- referenced soil samples were collected across the region using a Global Positioning System (GPS). After collection, the samples were air- dried, ground and sieved (2 mm sieve) before analysis and analyzed using standard analytical methods. The results revealed that the soils were predominantly moderately alkaline, with pH values ranging from 7.99 to 8.83 with a mean of 8.25. Electrical conductivity (EC) ranged between 0.10 and 0.95 dS m⁻¹ with a mean of 0.53 dS m⁻¹, indicating that all soils were within the normal range for crop growth. Organic carbon content was generally low to moderate, varying with a mean of 0.54%. Calcium carbonate content ranged from 3% to 12.95% with a mean of 7.14%, showing moderate to very high accumulation in the soils. he analysis of available macronutrients revealed a significant deficiency in nitrogen, with values ranging from 57 to 196 kg ha⁻¹ and an average of 130 kg ha⁻¹. Phosphorus content exhibited considerable variability, ranging from 10.07 to 39.31 kg ha⁻¹ with a mean of 23 kg ha⁻¹, indicating a status that varied from low to very high. Potassium levels were also highly variable, spanning from 118.4 to 850 kg ha⁻¹ and averaged 437 kg ha⁻¹. Most of the samples fell into the very high category for potassium
Improving Winter Rice Establishment through Seed Priming
No full textThe primary source of food production and national security in Bangladesh is winter (locally known as ‘boro’) rice. Floods, droughts, high heat and cold, and salinity strains are just a few of the natural calamities and stresses that Bangladeshi agriculture faces almost every year. Rice is substantially less resilient to cold stress because it is a tropical crop. A beneficial agronomic method for boosting seed performance is seed priming, which raises the germination levels, vigour and the consistency of seedlings. It involves treating seeds early before sowing, which enhances the seed\u27s metabolic activities, leading to expedited and enhanced germination. This strategy has become significant for strengthening crop establishment and flourishing, especially in adverse environments. The current investigation was conducted to develop a suitable seed priming technique for successfully producing winter rice under cold or salinity stress. The investigation was performed utilising a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) with four replications at the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Mymensingh, Bangladesh, in the Agronomy Division. The study spanned from November to December 2018. The presented research explored the impacts of seed priming substances on three different winter varieties of rice: i) BRRI dhan29, ii) BRRI dhan36, and iii) BRRI dhan67. Eight seed priming treatments were applied, namely i) Control (without priming), ii) Hydro priming (24 hrs), iii) 150 ppm PEG 8000, iv) 15000 ppm ZnSO4, v) 15000 ppm MnSO4, vi) 20000 ppm KCl, vii) 16000 ppm NaCl and viii) 22000 ppm CaCl2. Results suggested that this technique positively impacts germination rate, vigour index and seedlings\u27 growth. ZnSO4, KCl, and CaCl2 turned out to be among the best priming agents, while NaCl and PEG provided no significant improvement compared to the control for seedling vigour and germination rate. Priming with ZnSO4, KCl, and CaCl2 resulted in the greater final germination percentages across all varieties, with BRRI dhan67 showing superior performance under these treatments. Similarly, priming with KCl resulted in 85.25%, 84%, and 92.5% final germination, while CaCl2 produced 90%, 89.25%, and 92.5% for these varieties. Mean germination time was strongly correlated with time to 50% germination (r= 0.78***). These findings suggest that the effectiveness of specific priming agents, particularly ZnSO4, KCl, and CaCl2, enhances seed performance and early seedling development, offering a promising strategy for optimising winter rice cultivation
Impact of Organic Farming Practices on Available Nutrients Status and Biological Properties of Soils of Udupi District, Karnataka, India
No full textA study was conducted in the Department Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Shivamogga, KSNUAHS, Shivamogga to know the impact organic farming practices on available nutrients status and biological properties in soils of Udupi district, Karnataka. Results of the study revealed that an increase in soil pH, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) were recorded in soils under organic farming practices compared to that of soils under inorganic farming practices. Further, relatively higher number total counts (CFU g-1soil) of bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and azatobacter were recorded in soils under organic farming practices compared to the soils under inorganic farming practices. Similarly, an increase in enzymes (Dehydrogenase, Acid phosphatase and Urease) activities were also recorded relatively high in soils under the influence of organic farming practices. An increase in available nutrients status, total microbial counts and enzyme activities in soils under organic farming practices may be attributed an increase in soil pH and organic carbon status in soil due continuous addition of organic manures and also an increase in microbial counts and enzyme activities and this was evidenced by a positive and significant correlation recorded between available nutrient status, microbial activities, soil pH and organic carbon status of soils
Integrated Evaluation of Grafting Techniques and Microclimatic Conditions for Improving Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Propagation Efficiency
No full textAn experiment was conducted to identify the most effective grafting method for guava (Psidium guajava L.) under different seasons and growing environments. The study evaluated two seasons as October (S1) and February (S2) and three environments: open field (C1), mist chamber (C2), and polyhouse (C3). Wedge grafting performed within the mist chamber consistently produced superior results across both seasons. In October, wedge grafted plants showed earlier bud sprouting (15.67 days), higher survival (60.33%) and a greater number of sprouts per graft (3.66) under mist chamber conditions. Likewise, during February, wedge grafting recorded the highest graft survival (70.89%), graft success (80.45%), number of leaves (20.00), leaf area (52.06 cm²) and sprout length (11.33 cm) in the mist chamber environment. Overall, the findings indicate that wedge grafting in a mist chamber during February is the most suitable technique for achieving high-quality and successful guava propagation under the agro-climatic conditions of Coimbatore, offering a more efficient alternative to the traditionally practiced open-field layering
Effects of Growth Enhancers on the Germination and Seedling Vigor of Sweet Corn (Zea mays l. var. Saccharata)
No full textThis study examined the effects of different growth enhancers—Moringa oleifera, wood vinegar, lactic acid bacteria, and coconut water—on the germination and seedling vigor of sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata). The experiment used a randomized complete block design with four blocks and five plots per block. Soil sampling, germination, seedling vigor, and nutrient absorption tests were conducted, with germination assessed after 12 days and seedling vigor measured by root and shoot lengths 20 days after germination. Nutrient absorption of phosphorus and potassium was analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Data were statistically analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results revealed that wood vinegar had the highest mean germination percent of 85.97, followed by the control group (84.8%), while lactic acid bacteria showed the least germination. In terms of seedling vigor, Moringa oleifera exhibited the greatest root length of 12.04cm, while wood vinegar resulted in the shortest root length of 8.84cm. Coconut water was found to have the longest shoot length of 40.23cm. However, statistical analysis showed no significant differences in root or shoot lengths across treatments, suggesting that the priming treatments had similar effects on seedling vigor
Combination of a Nano-Emulsion Formulation of Metarhizium anisopliae with a Catch and Release Pheromone Trap for the Management of Red Palm Weevil in Coconut
No full textThe red palm weevil (RPW, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a damaging insect pest of coconut in Malaysia. Severe infestation can kill the infested coconut trees. RPW is currently managed by chemical measures, removal of infested coconut trees and mass trapping of adult weevils by using pheromone traps. In 2020-2021, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) conducted collaborative research to develop a biological control system for RPW by using a nano-emulsion formulation of an entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae (MET-GRA4), combined with a new design of catch-and-release pheromone trap. The mechanism began with a pheromone that attracts RPW to enter the trap. Upon entering through the inlet funnel, the beetle passes through gauze saturated with the emulsion, wetting its body with the MET-GRA4 emulsion, which is sprayed at the inlet funnel, particularly the gauze area, according to the pre-set intervals. Since the RPW cannot access the pheromone and food bait inside the trap due to the inlet hole is covered by a gauze, it will eventually exit and return to its population. The spores of MET-GRA4 start infecting the weevil\u27s body 48-72 hours after exposure, leading to its death. This biological control method aims to infect the entire RPW population within the area. Three RPW hotspot locations were selected as evaluation sites in Kelantan (Kota Bharu, Pasir Putih and Bachok) and Terengganu (Kuala Terengganu, Kuala Nerus and Marang), respectively. Comparison of RPW population at the sites before and after treatment with the biological control system applications showed 28.78% reduction in Kelantan and 60.27% in Terengganu. Impacts of the RPW population reduction were significant in both states. This environmentally friendly innovation has the potential to be used for monitoring, surveillance and control of RPW in coconut planting areas as well as in other palms