Variability and diversity analysis were performed for 16 different yield and yield-related traits on 81 forage pearl millet lines (75 inbred lines and 6 checks). The ANOVA revealed the presence of enough variability among all forage pearl millet lines. High GCV and PCV were recorded for characters such as leaf to stem ratio, green and dry fodder yield in the first and second cut, as well as total green and dry fodder yield. For other traits, moderate and low GCV and PCV were recorded. High heritability and high genetic advance as a percentage mean were obtained for plant height, number of leaves per tiller, leaf /stem ratio, green fodder yield in first and second cut, total green fodder yield, dry fodder yield in first and second cut, and total dry fodder yield. For other traits, high heritability and moderate genetic advance as a percentage mean were recorded. The dendrogram revealed four distinct clusters, indicating the presence of divergence. For the crossing programme, 10 parent lines were selected from these 81 inbred lines. 45 crosses were made with a half-diallel method by using the protogynous nature of forage pearl millet lines. These 45 crosses or hybrids were evaluated for their yield traits by analysis combining ability (GCA and SCA) and heterosis (average and heterobeltiosis heterosis). The GCA effect and mean performance of parents indicated that the genotypes viz., IIMR AVS95 and IIMR AVS98, were good combiners for total green fodder yield. Based on the SCA effect, the hybrids, viz., IIMR AVS50 x IIMR AVS95, IIMR AVS77 x IIMR AVS98 and IIMR AVS95 x IIMR AVS11, recorded a positive effect. Considering mean performance, SCA effect and heterobeltiosis, the hybrids IIMR AVS50 x IIMR AVS95, IIMR AVS77 x IIMR AVS98 and IIMR AVS95 x IIMR AVS11 were identified as the superior performing hybrids for further utilization to improve fodder yield in pearl millet.
Cluster bean is an important rainy season legume for arid and semi-arid areas of India. Due to its vast industrial application, its gum serves as a valuable export commodity for India. To understand G X E interaction and stability analysis, the present study was conducted using twenty-five genotypes of cluster bean, evaluated over eight environments. The genotypes, environments, and G X E interaction showed highly significant differences for all the characters, revealing that both genotypes and environments were significantly different and there was differential behavior of genotypes in changing environments with respect to cluster bean yield along with its attributing characters. Genotype RGC 1066 was found stable under all environments for seed yield per plot and harvest index. Other genotypes stable over the environments for different traits were identified for use in future improvement programmes.
Indian rainfed agriculture is highly vulnerable to climate change and other factors, including topography, land size, and soil management practices. Consequently, optimizing cropping patterns is crucial for enhancing resilience and profitability. The study employed the MOTAD model to explore alternative cropping strategies for crop-livestock dryland farms under varying climatic risks. The research focused on western Tamil Nadu, a drought-prone region in south India's rain-shadow zone, where agrosilvipastoral systems incorporating Cenchrus ciliaris grass and Acacia spp trees support livestock rearing. Based on a survey of 180 farmers, a representative six-hectare farm was optimized across different risk levels. The results revealed that under optimal cropping patterns, high-risk farms have a maximum of 60% area allotted to silvipasture, about 26% for profitable black gram, and only 9 and 6% to the sorghum and horse gram, respectively. This strategic land allocation adjustment significantly improves farmers' net returns compared to existing practices, offering insights into risk-informed farm planning for enhanced sustainability.
In order to assess the growth and productivity of okra varieties under Ailanthus excelsa-based silvi-horticulture system, a field experiment was carried out at Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India. Four okra varieties (Navsari okra, Ajeet, Roshni and Sona-55, denoted as V-1, V-2, V-3, and V-4, respectively) were sown beneath A. excelsa in an open conditions. The experiment was designed in a randomized block design with four replications. The experiment findings revealed that the remarkable fruits plant(-)& sup1;, marketable fruit yield plant(-)& sup1;, marketable fruit production ha(-)& sup1;, collar diameter, branches plant(-)& sup1;, plant fresh and dry weight plant(-)& sup1; and t ha(-)& sup1; of all okra varieties were maximum under the sole crop (control) except plant height and fruit length. In respect to productivity, the reduction order of marketable fruit yield ha(-)& sup1; of different varieties under A. excelsa was: Navsari okra (7.59) > Ajeet (7.08) > Sona-55 (5.35 t) > Roshni (5.21 t). While in open condition was: Ajeet (11.71 t) > Navsari okra (10.53 t) > Roshni (10.30 t) > Sona-55 (9.61 t). Therefore, among the different varieties, Navsari Okra (V-1) performed better under A. excelsa as compared to other okra varieties, but Ajeet variety (V-2) performed well in open conditions. Consequently, the Navsari okra variety (V-1) can withstand more shade and aids farmers in increasing their revenue by following the A. excelsa-based silvi-horticulture system.
The experiment aimed to assess and compare the effect of bacterial inoculants, propionic acid and their combinations on the fermentation process, along with variations in pH, yeast and mould count after aerobic exposure. Maize fodder was harvested at one-third to half milk line stage (average dry matter 30.62 %). Lactic acid bacterial inoculants and their combination with chemical additives were used on a fresh matter basis for silage preparation. The treatments were control (no additive), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP), Limosilactobacillus fermentum (LF), propionic acid (PA), and a combination of LP+PA, LF+PA, LP+LF and LP+LF+PA. Silage fermentation parameters and aerobic stability were evaluated after 30 days of ensiling. Additive treatment significantly reduced silage pH, whereas lactic acid, acetic acid content and dry matter recovery were increased. Lactic acid concentration was noticeably greater in the LP+LF+PA (7.91) treated silage compared to the other treatments. In comparison to the heterofermentative additive (LF) treated group, dry matter recovery was greater in the LP, PA and their respective combination treated groups. On various days of aerobic exposure, silage treated with the treatments of LF+PA and LP+LF+PA showed the lowest pH, yeast and mould counts. Overall, these findings indicate that the additive combination LP+LF+PA was successful in raising quality indicators, but the combination of LF+PA was more beneficial in reducing silage deterioration after aerobic exposure. The additives used in the experiment were effective in improving the silage fermentation characteristics. A combination of bacterial inoculants and chemical additives significantly decreased aerobic spoilage in maize silage. The pH values and the yeast-mould count remained more static as the exposure period increased.
The experiment was carried out during the winter season of 2021 and 2022 at the Research Block of Agronomy Section, ICARNational Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana (India). Suitable integrated nutrient management practice for ryegrass and Chinese cabbage intercropping was worked out for higher fodder yield and crop growth in the sub-tropical zone having a semiarid climate. The experiment was conducted in Factorial (RBD) consisting of four planting ratios (RG- sole ryegrass, CC- chinese cabbage, 1RG:1CC- ryegrass + chinese cabbage, 2RG:1CC- ryegrass + chinese cabbage and four nutrient management treatments The highest dry matter accumulation (DMA), crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), green fodder yield (GFY), and dry fodder yield (DFY) of intercropped with ryegrass and Chinese cabbage were observed when they were grown as sole crops. In the case of nutrient management, growth attributes, GFY, and DFY of intercropped ryegrass and Chinese cabbage were significantly higher with the crop fertilized with NM4- (75% RDF + 25% N through FYM + PGPR) treatment. The intercropping of ryegrass and Chinese cabbage performed better with integrated nutrient management than other treatments.
The present field experiment was conducted during two consecutive rabi-summer seasons at the Instructional Farm, Jaguli, under the new alluvial zone of West Bengal to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management on the productivity of dual-purpose oats (Avena sativa L.) and its residual impact on succeeding green gram (Vigna radiata L.). Seven nutrient management treatments were tested in a randomized block design with three replications, combining different proportions of the recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN), vermicompost, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), Azotobacter and zinc sulphate (ZnSO4 & centerdot;7H2O). Among the treatments, T6 (75% RDN + vermicompost 2 t ha-1 + PSB + Azotobacter + ZnSO4 & centerdot;7H2O @ 20 kg ha-1) produced the best performance. Pooled over two years, T6 increased oat grain yield to 17.2 q ha-1 compared with 7.0 q ha-1 under the control (approximate to 146% higher), and stover yield to 66.2 q ha-1 versus 38.3 q ha-1 (approximate to 73% higher). Plant height, leaf area index, and dry aerial biomass under T6 (152.6 cm, 3.93, and 25.5 q ha-1, respectively) were higher by approximate to 36%, approximate to 11.6%, and approximate to 82.9%, respectively, compared with the control. The residual seed yield of green gram under T6 was 11.0 q ha-1, approximate to 15.9% higher than the control. The results suggest that integrated application of inorganic, organic and biofertilizer inputs can enhance system productivity, improve soil fertility and support sustainable intensification of food-fodder cropping systems in the region.
Variations in plant morphology and reproductive characteristics, along with the pollination mechanism, were studied in Lasiurus sindicus, a key forage species in the arid conditions of the Thar Desert. The pollen viability and stigma receptivity were highest during anther indehiscence (82.40 and 96.33%) and dehiscence phases (79.54 and 92.71%). The pollination syndrome observed is anemophily. Breeding experiments revealed that L. sindicus is a cross-fertilization species. The grain set (%) was highest in open pollination (100%), followed by geitonogamous (nearly 15%) and self-pollination (nearly 3%). The study will be helpful in a range of genetic investigations and improvement programs aimed at conserving and managing this distinctive plant species, particularly for rangeland management programs.
Forty-five fodder cowpea genotypes were evaluated under eight different levels of phosphorus fertilization over two seasons, i.e., Rabi 2022-23 and Kharif 2023,, to determine their phosphorus use efficiency. Combined ANOVA revealed the existence of a significant G & times;E interaction for this trait. AMMI analysis of variance indicated significant variation (p <0.01) among the genotypes (25.11%) and environments (17.25%). The genotype by environment interactions explained 57.35% of total variation, wherein PC1 and PC2 together accounted for 81% of the interaction component. Twelve AMMI-based stability measures were employed to identify stable genotypes. Statistical analysis, such as Spearman's rank correlation and PCA, suggested absolute value of the AMMI GEI scores (AVAMGE) and the absolute value of AMMI scores for a genotype (Za) could be useful to select phosphorus-efficient genotypes. Comparison of different methods (SI, GSI, SSI) indicated that the genotype selection index (GSI) method of ranking was the best. Genotypes, FD-1161, UPC-801, UPC-2001, EC-107120, UPC-2002, MFC-09-1 and UPC-618 were identified as stable genotypes with high phosphorus use efficiency using GSI & SI approaches.
The potential of rice straw as an energy source for ruminants is substantial and depends on improving its cell wall composition through genetic enhancement. This study mapped quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for key straw quality traits, including dry matter, ash, nitrogen, lignin, silica, cellulose, hemicellulose, and digestibilityusing 133 rice lines genotyped with 133 SSR markers. A total of 37 significant marker-trait associations were detected, with eight markers influencing multiple traits and three linked to all traits except silica. Candidate genes included OsSND2, OsMYB55/OsPL and PGIP for cellulose content, OsNADH-GOGAT2 for nitrogen content and OsPG1 for hemicellulose content. These loci, genes and associated markers offer valuable tools for breeding dual-purpose rice varieties that combine high grain yield with superior, more digestible straw.
Present study evaluated the nutritive value of whole-fodder maize silage (WCMS) and fodder from 18 maize hybrids, comparing before (fresh fodder) and after ensiling. The nutrient composition was analyzed, focusing on crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), ash content, cell wall components (lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose), in vitro dry-matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD), organic matter digestibility (OMD), and metabolizable energy (ME). Results showed a significant increase in IVDMD (11.13%), OMD (6.83%), and IVNDFD (8.66%) post-ensiling, while CP content remained constant (0.15% increase) with a minor DM loss (2.13%). Among the hybrids, JQPM5 exhibited the highest IVDMD (72%), followed by JH20209, JQPM2 and JQPM2 (69.87%). Additionally, significant genetic variability was observed in ADF, EE, and ADL, indicating the potential for selective breeding to improve silage quality. Overall ensiling enhanced the digestibility and energy profile of maize fodder, and the observed genotypic variability highlights the potential for genetic improvement of silage quality through targeted breeding.
Grasslands form a crucial ecological component of tropical dry deciduous forests, providing forage for herbivores and indirectly sustaining apex predators like tigers. This study assessed grass diversity, habitat distribution, palatability, and conservation implications in the Kawal tiger reserve (KTR), Telangana, India, through systematic field surveys conducted between 2020 and 2023. Using transects and quadrats across 16 ranges, 74 grass species belonging to 44 genera were documented, representing approximately 4.84% of India's grass flora. Taxonomic analysis revealed dominance of subfamily Panicoideae (66.21%), reflecting its C4 photosynthetic efficiency and ecological adaptability. Species were distributed across five habitat types, with open grasslands (48.68%) and open moist areas (22.97%) serving as primary reservoirs of diversity and forage. Palatability analysis indicated that 21.62% of species were exceptionally good (Grade A), 50% good (Grade B), and 28.37% medium quality (Grade C), suggesting limited availability of highly nutritious forage, potentially constraining herbivore carrying capacity. Awn analysis showed a near balance between awnless (54.05%) and awned (45.95%) species, highlighting trade-offs between herbivore preference and long-term ecological resilience. While all species are currently listed as Not Evaluated by the IUCN, localized threats-livestock grazing, invasive species (Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus), and habitat degradation-pose risks to grassland integrity. Comparisons with regional studies confirm that KTR is moderately rich in grass diversity within the central Indian tiger landscape.
This study evaluated the effect of nitrogen fertilizer application rates on desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium) morphology, dry matter accumulation and nutritive values across three harvests. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha-1 nitrogen (N) rates across 90, 120, and 150 days of harvests. Average plant height (PH), number of tillers per plant (NTPP), number of leaves per plant (NLPP), and leaf length per plant (LLPP) were recorded. Leaf-tostem ratio (LSR), fresh forage mass (FFM), dry matter accumulation (DMA), and nutritional contents were assessed. Average PH, NTPP, NLPP, LSR, and DMA were significantly higher across N rates and harvest days. The interaction effect was significant for LLPP and FFM. At 150 kg ha-1, the highest DMA value was recorded at 150 days, whereas crude protein (CP) content, in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and metabolizable energy (ME) were at 90 days of harvest. N rates and harvest days had a significant effect on phosphorous and calcium contents. However, higher acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) values were obtained with low fertilizer rates and later harvests. Therefore, greater than 100 kg ha-1 N rates and above 100 days of harvest resulted in higher DMA, CP, IVDMD, and ME of desho grass, which should be recommended to obtain feed with optimum nutritional value.
The study was carried out in the Aciyurt pasture of Ulas district of Sivas province in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey to determine the area covered with plants, botanical composition and frequency values of plants in pastures with different plant densities. NDVI data was created using 10 m resolution Sentinel 2A satellite images of April and May 2021 and 4 different vegetation densities (very high, high, medium and very low) were determined. The proportions of the area covered with herbs, grasses, legumes and other family plants, and the proportions of grasses, legumes and other family plants in the covered area varied 57.2-96.9, 16.7-42.4, 4.0-21.3, 33.2-50.8, 29.4-43.9, 5.1-21.9 and 34.2-65.5%, respectively. The most common species in the pasture were Festuca ovina (57.51%), Bromus tectorum L. (44.65%), Convolvulus assyricus (39.23%), Veronica orientalis Mill. (26.31%), Medicago sp. (22.89%) and Alyssum pateri Ny alpha r (21.43%).
Pulp, paper and energy consumption across the globe have increased tremendously. It is necessary to meet future demand by evaluating and identifying alternative sources of raw material for these industries. In this context, this paper describes the growth attributes and wood physico-chemical variability of five different species of Leucaena, viz. Leucaena leucocephala, L. diversifolia, L. collinsii, L. lanceolata and L. shanonii. In each of the species, the growth, biomass, wood fibre morphology, cellulose, holocellulose, total lignin, alcohol-benzene extractives, hot water solubility, NaOH solubility and fuelwood characters such as basic density, moisture, ash content, fixed carbon, volatile matter, and calorific value have been characterised. Our results revealed better pulpwood properties of L. leucocephala, while L. collinsii had better attributes of being fuelwood. However, the latter had comparable levels of lignocellulosic properties with L. leucocephala, suggesting a new source of raw material for pulp and bioenergy. Further, it could be used as a donor parent for interspecific hybridisation to produce superior hybrids for the utilisation of wood-based industries. Finally, L. collinsii could be used as an alternative species for minimising the demand for pulp and bioenergy requirements.
This study investigates gender-specific roles in agroforestry across 700 randomly selected households in 14 blocks of Sultanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, from February 2024 to March 2025. Cultural and traditional biases often marginalize gender considerations in the agroforestry management. This study revealed that men favour Tectona grandis and Eucalyptus spp., while women prefer Mangifera indica and Eucalyptus spp. Males play a dominant role in agroforestry system. They enjoy the highest access to resources and have decision-making rights. Males view ten hindrances in adoption of agroforestry, the highest being limited availability of products and suggest five recommendations, the highest being training on production of value-added products to increase the adoption of agroforestry systems. The interventions suggested by the farmers have the potential to boost tree productivity and farmer's income, emphasizing the need for inclusive strategies to reinforce agroforestry systems in the region. This study revealed that male dominance in society still overshadows the needs and role of women in agroforestry. A societal change in mindset and strong policy intervention is the only hope for women empowerment.
Goat augments small and marginal farmer's income by providing livelihood support to landless and economically weaker section of the society. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the suitability of B. diffusa L. as green fodder for goats under ravenous soil condition. Twelve male Barbari goats were randomly divided into two groups. In one group, B. diffusa was offered alone as green fodder and in second group, B. diffusa along with 200g chickpea straw was offered for a period of 21 days. The dry matter content in fresh B. diffusa biomass was only 10.07 percent. A metabolism trial was conducted using metabolic cages. Significant (P<0.001) difference was observed between two treatment groups in DMI, live body weight and CPI. However, DCP%, CP, NDF, EE digestibility were statistically similar between both the groups. TDN % was 49.61 with sole feeding of B. diffusa (P<0.05). Mineral balances for Ca, K and N were recorded higher (P<0.001) with chickpea straw + B. diffusa fed group. Rumen fermentation and haematological parameters remain unchanged for both the groups. Study indicates that B. diffusa can be used as non-conventional feed resource with adequate supplementation of chickpea straw.
The study examines variations in plant diversity across an altitudinal gradient of up to 2600 m above mean sea level (amsl) in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. Using a survey questionnaire method, we analysed changes in tree diversity, habitat similarity, and the ecosystem services provided by documented vegetation. Local residents were interviewed to gather their perceptions of ecosystem services and the traditional uses of available plant species in their surroundings. This study documented a total of 235 plant species, identifying each by its altitude range and ethnobotanical significance. Among these species, 211 were found at an altitude range of below 1200 m amsl, while 199 and 95 species were recorded at 1200-1900 m amsl and 1900-2600 m amsl, respectively. The species were grouped under nine major ethnobotanical uses. More than one-third (38.3%) of species were classified as medicinally important and traditionally used by local inhabitants in hilly areas. Asteraceae and Fabaceae were the most prominent families, with 24 and 23 species, respectively. The most dominant genus was Ficus, represented by seven species. The Sorensen similarity index showed the highest similarity between lower and middle elevation communities, while the lowest similarity was between high and low elevations. Beyond their ethnobotanical uses, all documented tree species provided ecosystem services, such as 77 species offered provisioning services, 46 provided regulatory services, 20 contributed to cultural services, and 24 supported ecosystem processes. These findings highlight the critical role of vegetation in sustaining ecosystem services and the need for conservation strategies that integrate traditional knowledge.
A study was carried out to assess the physical characteristics (colour, odour, pH, mould growth, dry matter content, and palatability for ruminants) and palatability of various silages made from 25 to 75% mulberry leaves with fodder crops like maize and napier grass (75-25%) in six combinations. All silages had acidic pH ranging from 5.35 to 4.32 with light green to dark green colour and had a sweetish scent odor. Silage with 75% mulberry leaves and 25% maize had the highest palatability (87%), whereas the lowest palatability was observed with sole mulberry silage (45%). The present study indicates that mulberry leaves can be utilized as an excellent substrate for silage making in conjunction with other fodder crops for feeding the ruminant animals.
The nutritive value of opuntia [(Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.] as a replacer of conventional green fodder M P Chari in the wheat straw-based diet of crossbred (Tharparkar x Jersey) heifers was assessed. The control diet consisted of chopped (2-5 cm) M P Chari green (8.76 kg) plus 1.61 kg concentrate (T1) and the experimental diet consisted of chopped (5-8 cm) Opuntia cladodes of spineless opuntia (9.24 kg) plus 1.58 kg concentrate (T2), along with wheat straw ad libitum in both groups. DM intake as a percent of body weight or g/kg metabolic body size was similar in both groups, indicating that replacement of MP chari with opuntia did not affect DM intake. The apparent digestibility of DM, OM and CP was lower (p <0.01) in heifers fed opuntia-supplemented diet; however, fiber (NDF and ADF) digestibility was similar in both groups. Digestible dry matter, organic matter, and digestible crude protein intake were significantly (p <0.05) decreased in the treatment group. TDN intake was not affected due to the replacement of MP Chari green with opuntia in the treatment group; however, TDNI(g) per gram of DCP intake was improved significantly (p <0.05) in the treatment group. TDN intake in both groups was sufficient to support a daily gain of 500 g, whereas digestible crude protein intake was sufficient for a gain of 300 g daily. Water intake (lit/d) or (lit/kg DMI) was significantly (p <0.05) higher in the control group than the treated group, indicating that inclusion of opuntia in the diet decreased the water requirement of the heifers. It was evident from the results that opuntia was highly palatable and readily consumed by the animals. Considering the overall performance of the animals in terms of nutrient intake, digestibility, nutrient utilization and water intake, it was concluded that spineless cactus could be a good unconventional and valuable fodder resource for livestock feeding during summer in semiarid conditions.
