In the present study, eleven species of insect belonging to seven orders were recorded in chickpea. The population of Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera exigua, Autographa nigrisigna, Aphis craccivora and Coccinella septumpunctata appeared during 50th, 52nd, 52nd, 49th, 50th Standard Meteorological Weeks (SMWs), respectively and remained upto 19th SMW. Among lepidopterous pests, the larval population of H. armigera attained its highest peaks in 14th and 16th SMWs in chickpea varieties, HC 1 and HK 1, respectively. Larval population of S. exigua reached its peak in 9th (HC 1) and 12th, 13th and 16th SMW (HK 1), A. nigrisigna in 13th and 16th (HC 1) and 13th and 15th SMW (HK 1). A. craccivora population reached at its peak in 50th (HK 1) and 52nd SMWs (HC 1) whereas C. septumpunctata attained its peaks in 14th (HK 1) and 15th SMWs (HC 1). The pod damage due to H. armigera was 39.32 and 41.44 per cent in HC 1 and HK 1, respectively. Temperature and bright sunshine hours showed a significant and positive correlation with the population of H. armigera, S. exigua, A. nigrisigna and C. septumpunctata. Wind speed exhibited a significant positive effect on the population of A. nigrisigna, S. exigua and C. septumpunctata. Relative humidity exhibited a significant negative correlation with H. armigera, A. nigrisigna and C. septumpunctata.
Okara, the residue generated during soymilk and tofu production, is a nutrient-dense byproduct often underutilized in industrial and domestic settings. Its composition includes approximately 50–60% moisture, 20–30% dietary fiber, 15–25% protein, 10–12% lipids and various bioactive compounds like isoflavones. Okara offers significant nutritional benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering properties. However, its utilization is limited due to high moisture content, perishability, and coarse texture. Various methods are being developed to improve okara’s functional and sensory properties. Drying techniques, including freezedrying, vacuum drying, and spray drying, enhance its shelf life and usability. This review delves into the valorization of okara, emphasizing its potential in sustainable food applications. Okara’s incorporation into bakery products, gluten-free items, dairy alternatives, and functional foods highlights its versatility and economic value. By addressing these challenges, okara can be transformed into an eco-friendly, cost-effective ingredient, aligning with global sustainability goals and reducing food waste. Future research directions aim to optimize processing methods, expand applications, and foster consumer acceptance, positioning Okara as a valuable contributor to the circular economy.
The present study reported the isolation and purification of root nodule Rhizobium from 18 different faba bean accessions and their characterization and study of multifaceted plant growth promoting (PGP) traits. The colony morphology, cell shape, cell wall reaction, and biochemical assays of 18 isolates were found to be similar to the reference strain Rhizobium leguminosarum MTCC 99, which is very close to R. leguminosarum biovar viceae. PCR amplification and sequence analysis of 16S rRNA gene of the Rhizobia isolates showed that the isolated strains were R. leguminosarum biovar viceae. The isolates RhFaba104, RhFaba130 and RhFaba134 could maintain cell growth even at a lower pH of 4.0. Among the 18 isolates, RhFaba130 possessed the maximum ability for phosphate dissolution from FePO4 (0.20 μg P ml-1 h-1), mineralization from Na-phytate (0.70 μg P ml-1 h-1), production of IAA (1.55 μg ml-1 h-1), Zn dissolution efficiency (176) and fixation of nitrogen (9.2 μg NH4-N per g CMC). The isolate RhFaba130 was the most efficient in terms of in-culture multifaceted PGP traits.
To smash the low-yield plateau in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.], a hybrid breeding programme was launched in 1974. Now 50 years of its research and development have been completed and this manuscript takes stock of its accomplishments, hiccups, present status, and future plans. This programme got wings when pigeonpea breeders successfully bred cytoplasmic nuclear male sterility (CMS) systems, and following this, six hybrids with 30- 50% standard heterosis were released. To realize the true value of hybrids and commercialize them, a strong seed quality control system is necessary. Traditionally, the genetic truthfulness of hybrid seeds is assessed through a standard “Grow-out Test (GoT)”. This involves sowing the freshly harvested hybrid seeds and assessing their progenies for a dominant quality determining phenotypic marker. Pigeonpea, being a short-day species, its plants flower only when the day length is around 10-11 h. Since the pigeonpea crop is harvested under increasing photo-periods, the sowing of hybrid seeds, soon after the harvest will not produce flowers under the prevailing long summer days and this will not allow the required assessment of their progenies. Due to this sole reason, the GoT could not be applied to the released photo-sensitive hybrids. This leaves breeders with no option except to look for some alternative seed quality control system. In this context, the application of molecular markers to discriminate between true hybrids and off-types appeared to be the right way. At present molecular marker-based quality testing kits are available to assist seed producers in controlling the purity of hybrid seeds. We believe that in future a follow-up hybrid promotional programme with new technologies would help in breaking the low-yield plateau and enhance the national pigeonpea production.
In the present study, the genetic diversity of 47 AYB leaf samples from various regions in Nigeria was evaluated using the rbcL gene marker. Phylogenetic analysis classified the samples into two main groups. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) did not show clear clustering. The Linear Genetic Distances (LGD) between the gene sequences varied from 3.60551 to 9.797959, indicating significant genetic diversity. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 99% of the genetic variation was within populations. Of the 66 rbcL gene sites examined, 54 were polymorphic, resulting in 45 haplotypes with a haplotype diversity of 0.998 ± 0.005 and a nucleotide diversity of 0.22741 ± 0.0003. A total of 118 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the rbcL gene of African yam bean (AYB). Among these, 105 mutations (89%) were nonsynonymous, indicating functional genetic variation, while 13 mutations (11%) were synonymous. The transversion-to-transition mutation ratio was 74:44, corresponding to 63% and 37%, respectively. These results underscore the need for more focused breeding initiatives to maximize AYB’s agricultural and nutritional benefits.
Black lablab bean (Dolichos lablab) seeds have potential as a protein source. The globulin 7S (G7S) protein fraction is the dominating fraction and can be isolated based on its resistance to pepsin enzyme activity. This study aims to identify the functional group characteristics of the globulin 7S protein fraction of lablab bean seeds. G7S protein was isolated and partially hydrolyzed using pepsin enzyme. The results showed that 67.93% of the G7S protein was not hydrolyzed, indicating its stability. FTIR analysis showed that the G7S protein surface is rich in functional groups derived from acidic (aspartate and glutamate), basic (arginine), aromatic (tyrosine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine), aliphatic (glycine, alanine, valine, isoleucine, and leucine), and hydrophile (threonine) amino acids. This combination of functional groups gives the G7S protein unique characteristics, including the isoelectric point (pI) at pH 5.01. The results of this study indicate that G7S protein has potential as a functional food ingredient, therefore its physicochemical, functional properties and applications in food products need to be further explored.
A field survey was carried out to isolate effective strains of Rhizobium from the Indian Thar Desert and applied them to mungbean to assess their impact on enhancing production and improving soil fertility. Based on morphological, biochemical, and physiological characterization, 10 out of 26 isolates were identified as Rhizobium and exhibited positive results for nitrogen fixation, siderophore production, phosphate solubilization, and antagonistic activity against Aspergillus niger green mold. A Rhizobial consortium was formed using these potential PGPR strains and applied as a co-inoculant to mungbean to assess its impact on plant growth under field conditions. The Rhizobial consortium + 50% NPK was found significant than the Rhizobial consortium alone. Whereas Rhizobial consortium treatment without NPK was also impactful in comparison with uninoculated control. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of Rhizobial consortia of Indian Thar and their efficacy in Gangetic plains.
The present experiment was conducted with three varieties (Mash 114, Mash 479 and Mash 883) and three dates of sowing to know the effect of meteorological parameters on the occurrence and development of anthracnose disease under different environments. The findings indicated that mid- August and September was the ideal period for anthracnose development in black gram. The correlation coefficient studies of disease severity with weather variables revealed that maximum and minimum temperature were negatively correlated whereas the morning and evening relative humidity showed a positive correlation. The BMLR analysis indicated that minimum temperature, morning relative humidity and sunshine hours can be used as key predictors of disease severity.
The present study was conducted to find out early maturing and fresh seed dormancy genotypes on the basis of morphological and molecular traits in conjunction with the high pod yield using 30 Spanish groundnut germplasm. Significant genotypic differences were observed for all the traits under study. NRCG 6255, NRCG 10732, NRCG 10907, NRCG 11020, NRCG 12365, NRCG 12366, NRCG 12463, NRCG 12467, NRCG 13223, NRCG 14344, PBS 16015 and JL 501 demonstrated an extra-early maturity (90–94 days). Genotypes PBS 16015, PBS 15014, Girnar 3, and NRCG 12446 were identified to have >21 days duration of fresh seed dormancy along with high intensity at both phenotyping and genotyping levels. Molecular screening revealed GMFSD 1 marker can effectively differentiate dormant and non-dormant genotypes. These identified accessions can serve as better donors in groundnut breeding programs targeting to meet the requirements to develop high-yielding, earlymaturing Spanish bunch varieties with 2–3 weeks of fresh seed dormancy.
Micro organisms linked to plants are crucial to agricultural output. Even though numerous studies have demonstrated that individual bacteria can benefit plants, it is becoming more and more clear that additive or synergistic effects are possible when two or more interacting microorganisms are involved in a microbial consortium. This happens partly because, in an ecosystem such as the rhizosphere, several species can carry out different duties. Thus, this review focuses on the plant growth stimulation that is exerted by various microbial players within the rhizosphere, including PGPB and fungi. These mechanisms include enhanced nutrient availability, phytohormone modulation, biocontrol, and biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. As a sustainable and environmentally benign substitute for traditional chemical pesticides or fungicides, the use of bioagents in pulse crop agriculture has attracted a lot of interest. Due to their high protein content, nitrogen-fixing capacity, and contribution to soil health, pulse crops such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas are essential to global agriculture; however, maximizing their yield requires efficient management of pest diseases, in which biocontrol agents consortium are play crucial role.
The genotypic tolerance of 27 lentil genotypes was tested against imazethapyr (10% SL) 100 g a.i./ha as a post-emergence (POST) application at 25 days after sowing (DAS). Six lines of each genotype were grown in herbicide-treated and non-treated conditions for five consecutive years (2020-21 to 2024-25). The visual phyto-toxicity score was recorded at 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 45 days after herbicide application (DAHA) on a 0-10 scale in all years. Major weed flora in lentil included Chenopodium album, Coronopus didymus, Medicago denticulata, Melilotus indicus, Spergula arvensis, Fumaria parviflora, and Phalaris minor. Tolerant genotypes of lentil (lower phytotoxicity score) included EC 208330A and ILL 6540B for POST application of imazethapyr 100 g a.i./ha. The visual phyto-toxicity score for EC 208330A ranged between 0-1 over the years. While, phyto-toxicity score of ILL 6540B ranged between 1-2 during the study periods. The genotypes IPL 238, IPL 602, and IPL 316 had a higher phyto-toxicity score of 6-7 over the years. Thus, five years of study indicated EC 208330A and ILL 6540B as tolerant genotypes of lentil for POST application of imazethapyr 100 g a.i./ha. Hence, these genotypes can be utilized as a potential donor for future lentil breeding programmes towards the development of herbicide (imazethapyr) tolerant varieties and in other basic studies.
The present study was conducted to explore the possibility of cultivation of cluster bean in non-traditional areas under the organic regime of Sikkim Himalaya. The cluster bean cv. Pusa Navbahar was planted on eight different dates under four organic nutrient combinations. Results revealed that the sowing time and organic manures showed significant differences in morphobiochemical traits of cluster bean. The crop sown during the first three dates i.e fourth week of April, the second week of May, and the fourth week of May did not germinate. The sowing on the second week of August with FYM 50% (5 t/ha) + Vermicompost 50% (2.5 t/ha) was the most appropriate combination for the better growth, yield, and biochemical traits of cluster bean in Sikkim, suggesting the possibility for expansion of cluster bean in non-traditional areas. The introduction of cluster bean in Sikkim may help in diversifying the agricultural sector and provide additional income to the farmers.
Seed priming is being applied in agriculture on different crops for resolving adverse biotic and environmental situations, protecting crops, and prolonging the viability and storability of the seed. Seed priming with various priming agents including tapwater, several salts (KNO3, MgNO3, Mg(SO4)2, KCl, CaCl2, K2PO4, KH2PO4 and PEG) and plant growth promoting substances like GA3, IAA, NAA, kinetin, ascorbic acid, nutrients as Hoagland solution, urea and ethephon etc. have been used in varying concentrations in different legume crops including pulses. Seed priming has beneficial effects on seed quality enhancement, plantstand, growth, yield attributes, and finally yield and seed recovery percent in crops. In addition, the seed priming also positively influenced the activities of nitrate assimilation enzymes, viz.nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase,which facilitate the availability of NO3 to the growing seedlings. In pulses, these priming agents, especially KNO3 and MgNO3, increase the activity of the nitrogenaseenzyme and increase the rate of nitrogen fixation with the help of Symbiotic bacteria. Priming agents like GA3, IAA, NAA, kinetin, and ascorbic acid induce the activities of germination enzymes like alpha amylase, protease, and lipases, that’s after hydrolyzing, make available the stored seed reserves to germinating seedlings. This review describes how seed priming enhances pulse crop germination, seedling establishment, growth, and yield.
The present study compared the impact of two greengram varieties viz. GAM-5 and a locally grown variety, on the income of farmers. The study was conducted among 120 farmers of Central Gujarat of India. The economics of green gram production was calculated anddecomposition analysis was employed for impact assessment.The analysis revealed that the cultivation of GAM-5 variety was more profitable. The value of B:C ratio was found more for GAM-5 variety than the other variety. It was also found that the seed of locally grown varieties was expensive. The difference between the yields of the two varieties was negligible. Therefore the impact of both the varieties on income of farmers was almost the same.
This study examines trends, variability, and forecasting of pigeonpea cultivation in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India, from 1960 to 2022, focusing on area, production, and yield across three periods: Period I (1960–1980), Period II (1981–2000), and Period III (2001–2022). Using descriptive statistics, the Cuddy-Della Valle instability index, trend models, ARIMA modeling, and evaluation metrics (RMSE, MAPE, R2, AIC), the analysis reveals key findings. The cultivated area declined from 206.35 thousand hectares in Period I to 155.03 thousand hectares in Period III, with a negative CAGR of -0.41%. Production peaked at 134.04 thousand tonnes in Period II but fell to 90.87 thousand tonnes in Period III, despite a marginally positive CAGR of 0.21%. Yield rose to 15.75 quintals/hectare in Period II but dropped to 13.43 quintals/hectare in Period III, showing a positive CAGR of 0.80%. Variability increased in area and production, while yield stabilized. Quadratic trend models captured non-linear patterns effectively, with R2 of 0.839, 0.675, and 0.573 for area, production, and yield, respectively. ARIMA (1,1,10) models provided accurate forecasts, emphasizing policy and technological measures for sustainable cultivation.
The present study was conducted to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) governing hundred seed weight in blackgram using 184 recombinant inbred lines derived from the inter-specific cross VBN (Bg) 5 and Vigna mungo var. silvestris 22/10. The RIL population developed through single seed descent method was grown in three different seasons and the mature dried seeds were taken for observing hundred seed weight. The analysis of variance revealed significant difference for genotype, environment and genotype × environment interaction suggesting the influence of environment over genotypes. In each of the three seasonsand in pooled data, one QTL (qhswk 1.1, qhswr 1.1, qhsws 1.1 and qhswp 1.1, respectively) was identified which was flanked by the unique markers CEDG 097 and CEDG 198 at LOD ranged from 3.00 to 3.36. The phenotypic variation ranged from 5.68 to 7.54 per cent. The QTL was found to be inconsistent across the seasons. Hence, this QTL could be used to study the interaction between QTL and environmental factors to identify environment-specific QTL. The identified QTL could be further utilized in the genetic enhancement of seed weight in blackgram by increasing the number of associated markers.
This study analysed twenty Brazilian desi and kabuli chickpea cultivars for moisture, ash, lipid, protein, trypsin inhibition, and total phenolic and flavonoid content. Antioxidant activity was assessed using ABTS+ and DPPH assays. Desi chickpea seed coats, which are darker in color, correlated with higher phenolic and flavonoid contents, resulting in greater antioxidant activity. No clear differences in moisture, lipid, protein, ash, or trypsin inhibition were found between the desi and kabuli types. The chickpeas exhibited 8.08–9.05% moisture, 2.16–3.10% ash, 4.52–6.78% lipids, 16.69–23.78% protein, and 58.27–63.48% carbohydrates. All samples showed potential as protein sources. Consuming chickpeas with seed coats, particularly desi varieties, may offer enhanced antioxidant benefits. This highlights the healthpromoting potential of incorporating seed coats into food preparations. Additionally, the study underscores the potential of these Brazilian cultivars as sustainable, nutrient-dense sources with bioactive compounds.
The objective of this investigation is to examine the economic impact of Soil Health Card (SHC) adoption on chickpea cultivation in Ludhiana district, Punjab. Using Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and regression analysis, the study compared the economic outcomes of SHC holders and non-holders. The PSM results showed a significant overlap in the common support zone, ensuring a robust comparison between the two groups. Regression analysis revealed that age had a significant negative effect on SHC adoption (β1= -0.0550), while access to extension services had a significant positive influence (β4= 0.5979). Education level was marginally significant (β3= 0.2026), suggesting slightly higher adoption among more educated farmers. The income inequality analysis showed a lower Gini coefficient for SHC holders (0.31) compared to non-holders (0.38), indicating reduced income disparities. SHC holders also experienced cost savings of 33% in fertilizer expenses and 20% in other agrochemical expenses. The findings highlight the substantial benefits of SHC adoption, supporting policy initiatives to expand the program to enhance soil fertility and farmer profitability.
n the present study, 21 advanced mungbean mutant lines developed from gamma-ray irradiation of seeds of YMD susceptible mungbean varieties SML 668, SML 832 and TMB 37 were evaluated for key agronomic traits and Yellow Mosaic Disease (YMD) resistance across different seasons. All the mutants were highly resistant to YMD with a coefficient of infection < 3. A wide range of variability was observed for the number of pods per plant, 100-seed weight, biological yield, grain yield,and harvest index. Mutants of TMB 37 exhibited a lesser extent of variability than those of SML 668 and SML 832. MML 2637 and MML 2593 were identified as the best mutant lines for summer and kharif season, respectively. MML 2664 and MML 2629 showed potential as dual season lines owing to stable yields across the environments.
In the present investigation, a total of 130 demonstrations of chickpea were carried out across five villages in the Jaipur district, covering an area of 52 hectares over two years. Improved agronomic practices, including the use of the GNG-2144 variety and integrated crop management, were implemented during both years. The result revealed that the highest average seed yield (23.02 q/ha) was obtained in cluster frontline as compared to 18.29 q/ha in farmer practices (FP). This was an increase of 25.86 % due to high-yielding variety and technological intervention. The highest average gross return (₹ 1,21,610/ha) and net return (₹ 93,395/ha) with a B:C ratio of 4.31 was recorded in the cluster front-line demonstrations as compared to farmers’ practice (₹ 96,620/ha, ₹ 70,970/ha and 3.77). The average extension gap, technology gap and technology index were 4.73 q/ha, 1.98 q/ha and 7.92 percent, respectively.
