Background: Salinity stress limits soybean (Glycine max) productivity by impairing growth, photosynthesis and cellular balance. This study evaluated Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl leaf extract (SjE) as a natural biostimulant to mitigate salinity stress. Methods: Soybean plants were exposed to 100 mM NaCl (SS-100) and treated with SjE (10% and 25%) via soil drenching. Growth, photosynthetic pigments, oxidative markers (LPO, H2O2) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, POD) were assessed. Result: Salinity reduced growth and pigments while increasing oxidative damage. SjE, especially at 10%, improved growth, restored pigments, reduced LPO and H2O2 and enhanced antioxidant enzymes. These effects are linked to phenolics and flavonoids. Overall, 10% SjE showed optimal performance, highlighting its potential as an eco-friendly biostimulant for salinity stress tolerance.
Background: Soybean is a short-day crop whose growth, development and productivity are significantly influenced by photoperiod and temperature. Hence, the crop is restricted to rainy season cultivation in India. Methods: The study included fifteen soybean genotypes assessed for physiological, phenological, yield and quality traits grown under three distinct photoperiod and seasons (kharif, rabi and summer). The variation was assessed for different traits in all the three seasons. Result: Significant genetic variability was observed for all the phenological, physiological, yield and yield traits across the different seasons. Across genotypes, the oil content increased in rabi due to reduced photoperiod (11 h 20 min). There was increased SPAD chlorophyll meter reading during rabi over kharif. During summer, highest per cent increase was exhibited by chlorophyll ‘b’ followed by days to initiation of flowering, days to 50 per cent flowering, SPAD Chlorophyll Meter Reading (SCMR) and total chlorophyll when compared to kharif season. The increase in chlorophyll content could be attributed to higher temperature during summer (33.8°C) over kharif (28.3°C) due to increase in enzyme activity up to a certain level of raise in temperature (35°C) in soybean. A marked reduction in seed yield was recorded during rabi (up to 57.2%) and summer (up to 76%) compared to kharif, the usual growing season in India, primarily due to reduced photoperiod and elevated temperatures that shortened the growth cycle and adversely affected pod number, plant height and seed weight. Notably, MACS 330 showed photoperiod insensitivity for days to maturity while, DSb 34 exhibited yield stability with less seasonal reduction for different traits, suggesting their potential for cultivation under variable environments.
Background: As global warming accelerates, developing climate-resilient crops is critical for agricultural sustainability. Amid increasing climatic disruptions, fodder cowpea, a drought-adapted legume, remains an essential nutritional security crop for livestock feed. Quantifying its phenotypic stability across heterogeneous environments would be fundamental for any breeding program capable of withstanding such intensifying climatic stresses. Methods: This study evaluated twenty-three fodder cowpea germplasm lines and three popular varieties across three environments differing in temperature, moisture and soil fertility. The focus was on three major traits namely, green fodder yield per plant (GFY), crude fiber content (CFB) and crude protein content (CPR). We analyzed Genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) using two models, Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) for individual trait evaluation and Multi-Trait Stability Index (MTSI) for simultaneous evaluation of all the three traits. Result: Significant GEI observation highlighted the need for environment-specific genotypes. Combined AMMI 1 and AMMI 2 biplot analyses found genotypes such as FD 1067 (G10), K-13-CP42 (G14) and CO (FC) 8 (G24) to be broadly stable performers for GFY, CPR and CFB across environments, while genotypes like GETC 40 (G21), GETC 41 (G22) and GETC 49 (G23) showed specific adaptation. The environments (E1-E3) exhibited distinct discriminative capacities depending on the trait, highlighting the value of multi-environment trials for reliable genotype selection.
Background: Pisum sativum L. is an important pulse crop with high nutritional content. However, its productivity is facing major challenge due to sodicity. So, the present investigation was carried out to identify the superior hybrids in field pea. Methods: Diallel design (excluding reciprocals) was done with ten parental lines to produce forty-five F1s and were tested for heterosis, combining ability and variability for yield and its related traits. Result: Analysis of variance revealed significant difference between parents and hybrids for all traits, with pod length showing higher significance in hybrids. The cross-Pant P 514 × HFP 1802 exhibited outstanding seed yield with positive and highly significant heterosis over better parent. SCA variance exceeded GCA variance for most of the traits, indicating non-additive gene action; HFP1424 and IPFD 21-5 were identified has a good general combiner, while several crosses showed high SCA effects. High GCV, PCV with high heritability and genetic advance suggest their importance for further programs breeding.
Background: Phaseolus vulgaris L. is a globally important legume due to its nutritional value and its contribution to food security and agricultural sustainability. Although Peruvian germplasm exhibits high phenotypic variability, information regarding accessions from the INIA Germplasm Bank remains limited. This study characterized the phenotypic diversity of 66 accessions using diversity indices and multivariate analyses under coastal Peruvian conditions. Methods: A total of 35 agro-morphological traits (18 qualitative and 17 quantitative) were evaluated using CIAT descriptors. Diversity was assessed using Shannon and Pielou evenness indices, as well as multivariate analyses including hierarchical clustering based on Gower distance, FAMD, PCA and MCA. Result: High phenotypic variability was observed, resulting in four distinct clusters. FAMD showed that hundred-seed weight, leaf width and length and primary seed color were the main contributors to total variance. PCA revealed a positive correlation between seed weight and leaf traits, whereas the number of pods per plant and seeds per pod showed a negative association with these variables. MCA and diversity indices highlighted seed color, growth habit and standard petal pigmentation as key discriminating traits. Cluster II exhibited the highest dispersion and phenotypic diversity, whereas Cluster IV showed higher yield-related components, demonstrating the potential of these accessions for use in breeding programs and genetic resource conservation.
Background: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most important pulse crops in the world and it is greatly contributing to global protein security and sustainable agricultural systems. However, fluctuations in agro-climatic conditions and genotype-environment interactions considerably influence yield performance and seed quality traits. Accurate prediction and assessment mechanisms are therefore essential to support precision agriculture and breeding programs. Methods: This paper proposes an integrated biological-computational framework utilizing a novel hybrid attention-based random forest optimizer using artificial intelligence (HARFO-AI) for yield prediction and seed quality assessment in chickpea. Field experiments were conducted to determine the important morphological, physiological, and seed-related variables like plant height, chlorophyll index, number of pods per plant, weight of 100 seeds, germination percentage, vigor index and moisture content. These biological variables were used for training and testing the HARFO-AI model. Statistical parameters like coefficient of determination, root mean square error, mean absolute error, and classification accuracy were used to evaluate the performance of the HARFO-AI model. Result: The proposed framework yielded a prediction with R = 0.94, RMSE = 0.19 t ha, and MAE = 0.15 t ha, accuracy of 93.1%. The classification accuracy of seed quality was 95.2%. The comparative analysis showed that the performance was about 20% higher than that of the traditional regression models. The findings indicate that integrating biologically significant parameters with advanced AI optimization techniques enhances predictive reliability and provides an effective decision-support tool for precision breeding and sustainable chickpea production.
Background: It is essential to identify the important traits that affect the seed yield and maximize the productivity and guide the breeding programs. Research has shown variations in the factors that determine yield, but the issue of prioritizing traits for breeding in pea cultivation is still unresolved. Methods: In this study, the relationship between the key morphological and yield-related traits of peas was analysed using multiple linear regression and principal component analysis (PCA). The 94 varieties of peas were evaluated on the basis of seed yield, number of legumes, number of seeds per pod, pod length, plant height and number of branches. The statistical models were reliably validated through diagnostic plots and sampling adequacy measures. Result: Positive seed yield indicators found significant were pod length, number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod; whereas negligible effect was found for plant height and number of branches. PCA confirmed the multivariate structure of yield and highlighted breeding traits as its main drivers. These findings provide solid and useful information for improving pea varieties and provide guidance to breeders to focus on optimizing pod and seed traits to increase yields under similar growing conditions.
Background: Although okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] is a thermophilic species that thrives in warm climates, it remains highly vulnerable to abiotic stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three biostimulants of natural origin as sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers for greenhouse production under high summer temperatures. Methods: A two-year trial (2024 and 2025) was set up in the Institute for Vegetable Crops Smederevska Palanka on the okra. Fifteen days after planting treatments were applied weekly using both foliar application and fertigation methods. Yield per plant, protein content, nitrogen content, antioxidant activity and total phenols were measured. Result: Biostimulants application significantly increased the yield (p less than 0.05), with the MAB treatment showing the most significant efect (129.20 g/plant in 2025), followed by PBP (121.16 g/plant) and MBB (80.82 g/plant) compared to the control ( less than 40 g/plant). The highest protein and nitrogen content were observed in the MAB and MBB groups. Antioxidant activity was highest in PBP treatment (3.74 mg TE g-1 d.m. in 2025), followed by MAB (3.71 mg TE g-1 d.m. in 2024). The interaction of year × treatment was significant for all measured parameters, except for total phenols.
Background: Intercropping legumes with compatible aromatic crops can enhance land use efficiency and economic returns, particularly in semi arid environments. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) may further improve nutrient acquisition, crop productivity and quality traits in such systems. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the 2023 growing season at the Agricultural Research Farm of the University of Tabriz, Iran, using a factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. Six pinto bean-dill planting patterns were evaluated with and without AMF inoculation. Growth characteristics, yield components, dill essential oil percentage and intercropping efficiency indices (Land equivalent ratio, LER; Land equivalent coefficient, LEC and relative crowding coefficient, K) were analyzed. Result: AMF inoculation significantly enhanced growth and yield of both crops and improved intercropping efficiency. All intercropping treatments recorded LER values greater than 1, confirming a clear land use advantage over sole cropping. The highest intercropping efficiency (total LER = 4.61) was observed when pinto bean was intercropped with 50% dill density under AMF inoculation. Dill essential oil concentration was also significantly increased by AMF application.
Background: Red gram or pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) is a major pulse crop cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, whose productivity is hampered by the wilt from a soil-borne fungus, Fusarium oxysporum. Methods: In vitro studies as well as controlled pot experiments were conducted during 2024-2025 that evaluated chemical fungicides viz., Tebuconazole50%+Trifloxystrobin 25% WG (Nativo®), Metalaxyl 8%+Mancozeb 64%WP (Ridomil G old MZ) and Carboxin 37.5% +Thiram 37.5% (Vitavax); biological antagonists viz., Trichoderma asperellum, T. viride, T. harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens and organic amendments viz., neem cake, groundnut cake and mustard cake, along with enriched farmyard manure, individually and in integration for effective management of Fusarium wilt on the susceptible red-gram variety PRG-176. Result: In vitro screening revealed that around 100% inhibition of Fusarium mycelial growth was achieved by the fungicide combination tebuconazole 50% + trifloxystrobin 25% WG, while others showed moderate inhibition (60-78%). Among bioagents, Trichoderma asperellum (OKT-G) recorded the highest antagonistic activity (89.78% inhibition) with least mean radial growth (9.2 mm). Among organic amendments, Neem cake at 10% concentration gave the greatest inhibition (68.85%). Under pot trials the integrated module T3 (seed treatment @10 g/kg + soil application @ 2.5 g/kg of T. asperellum (OKT-G) with enriched FYM @ 100 kg/ha + neem cake @ 250 kg/ha) achieved the lowest disease incidence (16.7%), highest disease reduction (61.5%) and maximum yield (12.24 q/ha), outperforming other treatments. Present study demonstrates that combining soil health-based amendments offers an effective and sustainable strategy for managing fusarium wilt in red gram. The findings with field validation through multi location trails may provide a basis for adoption in pulse based cropping systems.
Background: Calcareous soils derived from limestone and related parent materials are widespread in southern Türkiye, including the eastern Mediterranean region. These soils typically contain high levels of exchangeable calcium and, in many cases, substantial amounts of magnesium. In calcareous environments, nutrient behavior is strongly linked to cation proportions. Where calcium (Ca) is abundant, it may influence the relative availability of magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) through exchange-related interactions. Therefore, concentration values alone may not fully represent plant-accessible nutrient status. For this reason, evaluating soil fertility solely on the basis of individual nutrient concentrations may overlook imbalances that affect plant nutrition. To address this issue under practical field conditions, we examined selected soil cation ratios and their relationships with Ca, Mg and K concentrations in peanut grown in the Osmaniye region, where calcareous soils are dominant. Methods: Field sampling was carried out in peanut-growing areas of Osmaniye province. A total of 45 surface soil samples were collected, together with the youngest fully expanded peanut leaves at the full flowering stage. Soil samples were air-dried, sieved and characterized in terms of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), calcium carbonate content, organic matter and exchangeable Ca, Mg and K concentrations. Leaf samples were oven-dried, ground and subjected to wet digestion prior to determination of Ca, Mg and K using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Base cation saturation ratios were derived from exchangeable cation data. The associations between soil properties and leaf nutrient concentrations were examined using correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). Spatial variability of selected parameters was mapped by kriging interpolation within a GIS environment. Result: The study area is dominated by soils formed from the weathering of limestone and dolomite and this geological background is reflected in their chemical composition. Exchangeable Ca and Mg levels were consistently high, resulting in elevated Ca/K and Mg/K ratios across most of the sampling area and likely restricting K uptake, thereby causing K deficiency in peanut leaves. Both correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed clear antagonistic relationships between K and the divalent cations, whereas Ca and Mg tended to vary in the same direction. Spatial evaluation further showed that locations with higher soil Ca/K and Mg/K ratios frequently coincided with reduced foliar K levels. This pattern suggests that the dominance of Ca and Mg, largely controlled by parent material, may influence K nutrition in the region. Overall, the results support the consideration of cation balance, in addition to individual nutrient concentrations, when developing fertilization strategies for peanut production.
Background: India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses despite this, a significant gap between demand and supply persists, necessitating imports. Pulses are a rich source of protein (20-25%) and play a crucial role in nutritional security and sustainable agriculture. Among pulse crops, greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is an important short-duration legume contributing to soil fertility and farm income. However, its productivity in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Kupwara district, remains significantly lower than the national average due to non-availability of improved varieties, poor crop management practices and high incidence of biotic and abiotic stresses. To address these constraints, cluster frontline demonstrations (CFLDs) were implemented under the national food security mission (NFSM) to promote improved production technologies. Methods: The study was conducted by KVK Kupwara during Kharif seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23 through 50 frontline demonstrations covering an area of 20 ha in villages including Natnussa, Deedikote, Ogbal, Jumagund and adjoining locations under rainfed conditions. The demonstrations involved improved greengram variety KM-2241 along with a full package of recommended practices, including line sowing, seed treatment with biofertilizers, integrated nutrient management and plant protection measures. Farmers’ traditional practices were maintained as control for comparison. Result: The results revealed that improved technologies significantly enhanced growth, yield attributes and productivity of greengram. The average grain yield under improved technology ranged from 10.5 to 11.5 q ha-1 compared to 5.5 to 6.0 q ha-1 under farmers’ practices, resulting in yield enhancement of 91.00% and 91.66% during 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively. The technology gap decreased from 1.5 to 0.5 q ha-1, while the technology index reduced from 12.5% to 4.16%, indicating better adaptability of improved practices. Economic analysis showed that demonstration plots recorded higher net returns (Rs. 52,500-73,160 ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (2.01-2.41) compared to farmers’ practices (Rs. 15,160-17,500 ha-1 and 0.67-0.77, respectively), highlighting the economic viability of improved technologies. The study clearly demonstrates that adoption of improved greengram production technologies through CFLDs can substantially enhance productivity, profitability and farmer adoption in the Inner Kashmir Himalayan region. Scaling up of such demonstrations, strengthening extension services and ensuring timely availability of quality inputs are essential to bridge the yield gap and promote sustainable pulse production.
Background: Leaf loss (defoliation) is a common stress in soybean production, caused by both abiotic and biotic factors and it directly affects seed physiological and biochemical processes. Methods: The experiment was conducted over two growing seasons (April 2024-November 2025). Defoliation was applied at the vegetative (V1) and reproductive (R1) stages at intensities of 33%, 67% and 100%. Seed quality was evaluated through standard germination tests, cold tests and analysis of lipid peroxidation and free proline levels. Result: Partial defoliation during the vegetative stage improved germination and reduced the proportion of abnormal seedlings, whereas complete defoliation at flowering decreased seed weight, seedling vigor and cold tolerance. Elevated levels of lipid peroxidation and free proline indicated oxidative stress and activation of adaptive mechanisms. Both the intensity and timing of defoliation significantly influence seed quality and physiological resilience, providing valuable insights for the development of management strategies under mechanical and climatic stress conditions.
Background: Growing of pigeonpea as a sole crop has not proved to be economically viable due to its slow initial growth, low yield and extended maturation period. Nevertheless, the gradual early growth, wide-spaced planting, deep-rooted system and prolonged maturation of pigeonpea provide an opportunity for intercropping with compatible crops that grow quickly and mature early. Employing a suitable row arrangement of the main and intercropped plants present a promising approach to effectively utilization of natural resources more efficiently and boostering overall system productivity. Methods: The treatment composed of two intercropping systems with two planting patterns viz, pigeonpea (60 cm) + soybean (1:1), pigeonpea (60 cm) + urdbean (1:1), pigeonpea paired (45 cm) + soybean (2:2), pigeonpea paired (45 cm) + urdbean (2:2), three fertilizer levels of intercrops viz, 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 75% RDF and 100% RDF and weed management practices, viz, Weedy check, Hand weeding (20 and 40 DAS), Imazethapyr 0.075 kg ha-1 + quizalofop ethyl 0.060 kg ha-1 at 25 DAS and Chlorimuron ethyl 0.006 kg ha-1 (PPI) fb Imazethapyr 0.075 kg ha-1 at 25 DAS, along with sole crop of pigeonpea, soybean and urdbean as checks. Result: Paired row intercropping of pigeonpea + urdbean (2:2) with 100% RDF and hand weeding twice significantly improved yield (3016 kg/ha), LER (2.13), water use efficiency (3.84 kg/ha/mm), net returns (₹ 159,720/ha) and soil microbial activity compared to sole cropping and other treatments. However, chemical weed control by Imazethapyr 0.075 kg ha-1 + quizalofop ethyl 0.060 kg ha-1 at 25 DAS resulted in better economic returns than hand weeding.
Background: Synonymous codon usage bias (CUB) is a pervasive feature of plant nuclear genomes, shaped by lineage-specific base composition and additional evolutionary forces. Despite its well-documented role in genome evolution, the codon-preference landscape of Fabaceae relative to non-Fabaceae lineages remains unclear. This study establishes a comparative framework across 30 angiosperm species, centered on Fabaceae, to delineate lineage-scale differentiation patterns and identify key determinants of synonymous codon usage. Methods: A total of 5,434 bHLH genes were identified from 30 species and codon-bias profiling was performed under standardized quality-control protocols. Key indices of codon bias, including GC3s, the effective number of codons (ENc/Nc), codon adaptation index (CAI), codon bias index (CBI) and frequency of optimal codons (Fop), were calculated. ENc-GC3s analyses were integrated with the wright expected curve and strand-asymmetric base usage at the third codon position was examined using PR2-bias metrics. Multivariate techniques, such as hierarchical clustering, principal component analysis (PCA) and correspondence analysis (CA), were employed to validate global codon-preference structures and assess lineage-specific variability. Result: Species-level analyses revealed consistent phylogenetic stratification in codon-preference strength and third-position base composition. Poaceae exhibited higher GC3s (up to 0.764) and lower Nc (minimum 42.32), whereas Fabaceae species clustered within a lower GC3s range (~0.32-0.44) with differentiated Nc values (47-52), establishing GC3s as a dominant factor influencing codon-preference divergence. Despite adherence to the Wright expectation, deltaENC medians were predominantly negative, indicating a “stronger-than-expected” codon bias. PR2 analysis identified substantial interspecific differences in third-position base asymmetry, with distinct directional biases in A/T and G/C usage in Fabaceae and Poaceae. Multivariate analysis confirmed these findings, with PCA explaining 86.5% of the variance along the primary axis of codon-preference, and CA independently validating species clustering.
Background: The studies were carried out to assess the effects of Trichioderma asperellum (ITCC 12187.25) (@ 1×108 CFUs/g) seed treatment on the population of plant parasitic nematodes of the green gram, black gram (kharif) and chickpea and field pea (rabi season) during the year 2023-24, in Jhansi and Jalaun districts. Methods: IPM study in pulse crops was compared in IPM-1 (T. asperellum seed treatment), IPM-2 (no treatment, KVK farms) and farmers practice (FP) across 11 villages in Jhansi/Jalaun districts during 2023-24 Rabi/Kharif seasons. Result: The IPM strategies were similar in IPM-1 and IPM-2 modules, except T. asperellum (ITCC 12187.25) seed treatment was applied in IPM-1 and IPM-2 was without the seed treatment. It was found that 100% reduction in Pratylenchus population in IPM-1 that ranged from 115.3±12.6 to 177.0±3.6/100 cc soil, 231.3±55.2 to 369.0±58.0/100 cc soil in IPM-2 and 244.0±34.0 to 368.7±49.3/100 cc soil in FP fields. However, the treatment indicated a significant (p≤0.05) reduction in its population Hoplolaimus from 38.1% to 78.0%. Relatively, the Meloidogyne infestation was not found in the crops at Jhansi location. Whereas at Jalaun, the infestation varied from 4.3±1.5 to 6.6±1.8 galls/plant in IPM-1, 14.3±3.1 to 17.0±3.3 galls/plant in IPM-2 and 10.3±3.5 to 20.0±14.7 galls/plant in FP fields. Likewise, less infestation of Meloidogyne was also found in field pea IPM-1 that posed the nematode infestation could be suppressed using T. asperellum (ITCC 12187.25) as seed treatment. Consequently, greater net return could be achieved in IPM-1 than the IPM-2 and FP fields.
Background: Soil salinity is a major abiotic constraint limiting seed germination, seedling establishment and early growth in forage legumes, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Early stages are highly sensitive to osmotic and ionic stresses and interspecific variation in salinity tolerance within Trifolium remains insufficiently characterized. Identifying tolerant species at early growth stages is thefore critical for improving pasture establishment and sustainability in salt-affected environments. Methods: A controlled laboratory experiment evaluated salinity effects on germination kinetics and early seedling growth of five clover species (Trifolium hybridum, T. michelianum, T. alexandrinum, T. incarnatum and T. resupinatum). Seeds were exposed to five NaCl concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM) in a completely randomized design with four replications. Germination percentage, mean germination time, germination rate index, coefficient of velocity of germination, shoot and root length, shoot-to-root ratio, seedling fresh weight, vigor index and salinity tolerance index were determined. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and relationships among traits were assessed by Pearson correlation analysis. Result: Salinity significantly reduced all traits in a concentration-dependent manner (p less than 0.05). Species effects were significant for all measured parameters and species × salinity interactions were significant for all traits except root length. Among the species, Balansa clover (T. michelianum) consistently exhibited the highest germination capacity, seedling growth, vigor index and salinity tolerance index across salinity levels, indicating superior tolerance. Berseem (T. alexandrinum), Persian (T. resupinatum) and Crimson (T. incarnatum) clovers showed moderate tolerance, whereas Alsike clover (T. hybridum) was the most salt-sensitive species, characterized by reduced germination, prolonged mean germination time and poor seedling vigor. Strong correlations among germination, growth and tolerance indices highlight the importance of rapid and uniform germination for early-stage resilience under salinity.
Background: Groundnut is a major oilseed crop supporting farmer livelihoods; however, yields remain suboptimal due to poor adoption of improved technologies. To bridge this gap, cluster front line demonstrations (CFLDs) were conducted during rabi 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 to assess the productivity, profitability and sustainability of integrated crop management (ICM) practices in the northern agroclimatic zone of Telangana. Methods: A total of 88 demonstrations were laid out on farmers’ fields using improved variety K-1812 (Kadiri Lepakshi) with recommended ICM practices, while adjacent plots under farmers’ practices served as controls. Data on pod yield, technology gap, extension gap, technology index, benefit-cost ratio, sustainability yield index (SYI), sustainability value index (SVI), adoption level and horizontal spread were recorded and analyzed annually. Result: Improved practices produced a mean pod yield of 25.75 q ha-¹, a 29.58% increase over farmers’ practices (19.86 q ha-¹). The technology gap (5.89 q ha-¹), extension gap (19.25 q ha-¹) and technology index (42.78%) indicated further scope for yield improvement. Higher SYI (0.60, 0.64, 0.60) and SVI (1.74, 1.85, 1.99) under ICM compared to farmers’ practice confirmed sustainability advantages. CFLDs achieved a superior B:C ratio (3.54) and generated an additional income of ₹ 34,789.95 ha-¹ over traditional practice (2.72). Adoption of ICM increased substantially (overall 159.51%), with horizontal spread expanding to 282 ha (206.07%) by 2024-25. The findings highlight the strong potential of ICM-based CFLDs for enhancing groundnut productivity, profitability and sustainable technology dissemination under real farm conditions.
Background: Legume cropping systems are widely recognized for their potential to enhance productivity, improve resource use efficiency and increase farm income under diversified cropping situations. However, the performance of such systems largely depends on the choice of compatible crop combinations and their suitability to different seasons. In many parts of North-Western India, continuous dominance of cereal-based cropping has resulted in stagnation of system productivity and profitability. Therefore, evaluation of season specific cereal-legume strip cropping systems is necessary to identify productive and economically viable cropping options. Methods: A field investigation was carried out during summer (zaid) and kharif of 2024 and 2025 at the Research Farm, Division of Agronomy, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu. The experiment comprised of nine cereal legume strip cropping systems arranged in a randomised block design with three replications. Various combinations of fodder (maize, sorghum and bajra) and legumes (mash, mungbean, cowpea and soybean) were assessed for their effect on yield attributes, equivalent yields and economic returns. Result: The findings indicated that both productivity and profitability of the cropping systems differed significantly among seasons. Certain cereal legume combinations, particularly those involving mungbean and mash during summer (zaid) and soybean during kharif, consistently produced higher yields and system productivity. These systems also recorded higher gross and net returns along with better benefit cost ratio, thereby proving their economic advantage over the other cropping systems.
Background: Tannins and flavonoids are seed polyphenolics that largely accumulate in the testa and may influence seed physiological quality and seed coat color. The pattern of accumulation of these compounds and the relationship of their seed contents with seed quality of Bambara nut (BN) is poorly understood. A study was therefore conducted to determine the relationship between seed physiological quality and seed coat color development and tannin and flavonoid contents of BN landraces. Methods: Dark seeded (LocalBam), intermediate (AbiBam001) and light seeded (TVSU544) BN landraces were harvested from field experiments and tested for final germination percentage, germination velocity index and seedling dry weight. Seeds were also analyzed for total tannin and flavonoid contents in relation to maturity stage. Result: Tannin and flavonoid contents of AbiBam001 and LocalBam significantly decreased (P less than 0.05) as the seeds developed and matured, then leveled off after maturation. At maturity, LocalBam and AbiBam001 had higher contents of the polyphenolics than TVSU544, alluding to their influence on seed coat color of BN. Seed quality characteristics of the landraces predominantly showed negative correlations with tannin and flavonoid contents before maturation, indicating that these compounds may negatively affect seed quality of BN at early stages. However, after maturation, the relationships were mostly positive, suggesting that tannins and flavonoids might enhance seed quality at later stages of development. These results provide further insights into the roles of tannins and flavonoids in BN seed quality and the potential for their manipulation for seed quality management.
