Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is an important pulse crop in eastern India, but productivity remains below attainable potential where improved varieties and recommended production technologies are not fully adopted. This study assessed the long-term performance of Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) on lentil productivity and profitability in Bihar and Jharkhand over seven consecutive rabi seasons (2017–18 to 2023–24). A total of 6,124 ha involving 17,070 farmers were covered, comprising 1,342 ha and 4,111 farmers in Jharkhand and 4,782 ha and 12,959 farmers in Bihar. Improved lentil varieties, including IPL-321, IPL-316, IPL-220, IPL-203 and Pusa Ageti-4717, were demonstrated along with recommended crop-management practices. Annual programme data from demonstration and farmer-practice plots were compiled, and grain yield, percentage yield increase, cost of cultivation, gross return, net return and benefit ratio were assessed using descriptive statistical parameters. In Jharkhand, mean grain yield increased from 7.15 q ha⁻¹ under farmer practice to 10.13 q ha⁻¹ under demonstrations, representing an average yield advantage of 41.9%. In Bihar, mean yield increased from 9.61 to 13.20 q ha⁻¹, with an average advantage of 37.4%. Demonstration-yield variability remained relatively low, with coefficients of variation of 4.51% in Jharkhand and 6.74% in Bihar. Economic performance also improved: the mean benefit:cost ratio increased from 0.81 to 1.39 in Jharkhand and from 1.21 to 1.78 in Bihar, while mean net returns increased from Rs. 15,691 to Rs. 30,626 ha⁻¹ and from Rs. 27,768 to Rs. 43,489 ha⁻¹, respectively. Overall, the programme-level evidence indicates that FLDs consistently improved lentil yield and economic returns under the observed conditions.
Onion productivity is strongly influenced by nitrogen management, particularly the timing and frequency of fertiliser application. Splitting urea applications may improve nitrogen availability during crop growth, thereby supporting bulb yield, quality, and nitrogen-use efficiency under field conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of split urea application on onion yield, bulb quality, and partial factor productivity of nitrogen (PFPN) under Kassala conditions. Field experiments were conducted at Kassala and Gash Research Station Farm, Sudan, during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons. Seedlings of the Baftaim S cultivar were raised in open-field nurseries for 7–8 weeks and transplanted in October. Five application frequencies, comprising two, three, four, five, and six splits of the recommended urea dose, were evaluated using a randomised complete block design. Total and marketable yields, bulb weight, bulb diameter, bulb dry matter, total soluble solids, and PFPN were assessed. Urea-splitting frequency significantly affected the measured yield and quality traits in both seasons. Six splits produced the highest total yields of 22.4 and 21.0 t ha⁻¹ and marketable yields of 22.0 and 20.0 t ha⁻¹ in 2023/24 and 2024/25, respectively. The same treatment recorded bulb weights of 163.0 and 159.0 g and bulb diameters of 8.4 and 7.0 cm. Bulb dry matter reached 19.0% and 21.0%, while total soluble solids reached 11.7% and 11.4%. PFPN also increased with increasing application frequency. Under the conditions of this study, splitting urea into six applications was associated with improved onion yield, selected bulb-quality attributes, and agronomic productivity of applied nitrogen compared with the two-split schedule.
A field experiment was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh, during the kharif season of 2025 to evaluate nutrient management interventions for sustainable maize production under rainfed Vertisols. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Block Design with seven treatments and three replications. The initial soil was alkaline (pH 8.12), with an electrical conductivity of 0.16 dS m⁻¹, organic carbon of 0.41%, and available N, P and K contents of 184, 56.25 and 345 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. Growth, yield attributes, grain and stover yield, nutrient uptake and post-harvest soil fertility were assessed. The 100% recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF) produced the highest grain yield (6800 kg ha⁻¹), stover yield (8770 kg ha⁻¹), and N, P and K uptake (130.6, 38.05 and 127.5 kg ha⁻¹, respectively). The 75% RDF + FYM at 10 t ha⁻¹ treatment produced 6452 kg ha⁻¹ grain yield, which was statistically comparable with 100% RDF because the difference was lower than the critical difference. Post-harvest available N, P and K were highest under 100% RDF, while organic carbon was numerically higher under treatments receiving organic inputs. Under the conditions of this single-season experiment, 75% RDF + FYM at 10 t ha⁻¹ provided a promising integrated nutrient-management option for maintaining maize productivity while reducing mineral fertiliser input.
Agrochemical application using knapsack sprayers requires more time, labour, energy, and water. Agricultural drones (UAVs) offer a low-volume, uniform spraying alternative with higher spray concentration and greater operational efficiency. A field experiment conducted during the rabi seasons of 2023-24 and 2024-25 at the Water Technology Centre, PJTAU, Hyderabad, evaluated the effects of UAV-based low-volume herbicide application on soil physico-chemical properties and available nutrient status after maize harvest. The study comprised two main-plot irrigation methods, I1- surface ridge and furrow irrigation and I2- surface drip irrigation, and six subplot weed management practices: W1-W3 included varying UAV spray fluid volumes (20, 40 and 60 L ha-1); W4 was conventional knapsack spraying; and W5–W6 were checks, i.e., the weed-free and unweeded controls. The results revealed that herbicide spray volume applied via UAV and irrigation methods did not have a statistically significant effect on soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), and bulk density (BD) in either year. Post-harvest soil pH ranged from 7.97 to 8.11 under UAV treatments, comparable to the conventional spray (7.95-8.15) and the unweeded control (8.01-8.07). Electrical conductivity remained safe (0.31-0.36 dS m-1), confirming no salinity build-up. Soil organic carbon (0.82-0.90%) and bulk density (1.51-1.58 g cm-3) were similarly unaffected across UAV treatments. Furthermore, available nitrogen (181.23-197.90 kg ha-1), phosphorus (29.28-30.87 kg ha-1 P2O5) and potassium (308.00-331.93 kg ha-1 K2O) under UAV spray volumes showed no significant variation compared with conventional spraying. While the weed-free treatment recorded numerically higher nutrient levels due to eliminated weed-crop competition, the unweeded control exhibited lower available nutrients owing to severe weed uptake. Overall, reducing spray fluid volume via UAV technology proved safe for soil health, maintaining soil fertility while facilitating efficient weed management in rabi maize.
Aims: The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Pseudomonas lactis OYAS35 and Bacillus thuringiensis OYAS36 in enhancing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) growth and yield under salinity stress. Study Design: The study comprised in vitro screening of two rhizobacterial isolates for plant growth-promoting traits and salt tolerance, followed by a greenhouse experiment involving bacterial inoculation and different salinity treatments. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Microbiology Laboratory and greenhouse of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. The greenhouse experiment lasted eight weeks. Methodology: The isolates were screened for indole-3-acetic acid production, phosphate solubilisation, siderophore production, and ammonia production. Salt tolerance was evaluated in vitro at 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% NaCl. Both isolates were subsequently evaluated in the greenhouse at the same salinity levels using inoculated and uninoculated tomato plants. Plant height, leaf number, stem diameter, and fruit yield were measured. Data were analysed using two-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s honestly significant difference test at P < 0.05. Results: Both isolates exhibited multiple plant growth-promoting traits, including phosphate and potassium solubilisation and production of ammonia, amylase, and protease. In vitro, Pseudomonas lactis OYAS35 showed greater salt tolerance at 1.5% NaCl, with a mean OD₆₀₀ of 0.48 ± 0.02, compared with 0.24 ± 0.02 for Bacillus thuringiensis OYAS36. Under greenhouse conditions, both inoculated treatments maintained higher plant height than the corresponding uninoculated controls at 1.5% NaCl, with mean heights of 15.66 ± 0.28 cm and 15.99 ± 0.28 cm for P. lactis OYAS35 and B. thuringiensis OYAS36, respectively, compared with 12.88 ± 0.23 cm in the control. Mean fruit production was also higher in inoculated plants, with 0.60 and 0.40 fruits per plant for P. lactis OYAS35 and B. thuringiensis OYAS36, respectively, compared with a mean of 0.30 fruits per plant in the uninoculated control at 1.5% NaCl. Conclusion: Both isolates possessed multiple plant growth-promoting traits and sufficient salt tolerance to enhance tomato performance under saline conditions, indicating their potential as bio-inoculants for sustainable tomato production in salt-affected soils.
Ecological intensification through habitat manipulation has emerged as a sustainable strategy for reducing pesticide dependence while enhancing ecosystem services in agricultural production systems. The present study evaluated the influence of legume-based habitat manipulation on arthropod pest suppression, the conservation of beneficial arthropods, pollinator abundance, fruit yield and economic returns in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.). A field experiment was conducted during the kharif 2021 season at Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India, using a randomised block design comprising five treatments, including cluster bean- and cowpea-based intercropping systems, with sole watermelon as the control. Habitat manipulation significantly reduced the populations of major insect pests compared with the sole crop. The cluster bean intercropping system (2:1 row ratio) recorded the lowest populations of aphids (6.48 insects per three leaves), thrips (2.35 per flower), whiteflies (3.82 per three leaves), leafhoppers (2.46 per three leaves), spider mites (4.28 per leaf) and fruit fly infestation (6.84%) compared with sole watermelon. The same treatment also supported the highest abundance of natural enemies (12.86 predators per plant) and pollinators (24.42 bee visits per 10 min), resulting in greater arthropod diversity (Shannon index: 2.74). Improved ecosystem services significantly enhanced fruit production, with the highest marketable yield (32.46 t ha⁻¹) and benefit–cost ratio (4.45) recorded under cluster bean intercropping at a 2:1 row ratio. The results demonstrate that habitat diversification through flowering legume companion crops promotes natural pest regulation, conserves beneficial arthropods, enhances pollination services and improves crop productivity and profitability. Habitat manipulation can, therefore, be integrated as an environmentally sound and economically viable component of sustainable integrated pest management programmes for watermelon cultivation in tropical agroecosystems.
A field experiment was conducted at the CCSHAU Rice Research Station, Kaul, during Kharif 2024 to evaluate the effects of nitrogen levels on productivity, nutrient uptake, and post-harvest soil fertility in scented and non-scented rice genotypes. Three nitrogen levels (75%, 100%, and 125% of the recommended dose of nitrogen [RDN]) and nine rice genotypes were evaluated. Nitrogen application had no significant effect on post-harvest soil pH, electrical conductivity or organic carbon; however, available soil nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium increased significantly, with the highest values under 125% RDN. Among the genotypes, Basmati CSR 30 maintained the highest post-harvest available nitrogen (173.27 kg ha⁻¹) and phosphorus (28.97 kg ha⁻¹), whereas HKR 48 recorded the highest available potassium (351.47 kg ha⁻¹). Application of 125% RDN produced the highest number of panicles (314.07 m⁻²), grains per panicle (126.93), test weight (24.73 g), grain yield (5734 kg ha⁻¹), and straw yield (7432 kg ha⁻¹). However, grains per panicle, test weight, and grain yield were statistically at par with those under 100% RDN. Grain nutrient concentrations also increased with nitrogen application. INGER 75 produced the highest grain yield (6159 kg ha⁻¹), whereas HKR 18-33 produced the highest straw yield (8883 kg ha⁻¹). Although 125% RDN maximized yield, nutrient concentration and residual soil fertility, 100% RDN achieved a comparable grain yield, indicating that the recommended nitrogen dose was adequate for efficient rice production under the study conditions.
The soil beneath agricultural fields harbours an extraordinary diversity of microbial life that constitutes a largely invisible yet profoundly influential workforce governing agroecosystem functioning. Bacteria, archaea, fungi, and their complex mycorrhizal networks collectively mediate nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, plant hormone production, pathogen suppression, and stress alleviation—processes that underpin crop productivity and long-term ecological sustainability. Despite decades of investigation, our understanding of how these communities are assembled, how they interact, and how agricultural management practices modulate their composition and function remains incomplete. This review synthesises current knowledge on the structural and functional dimensions of the soil microbiome and mycorrhizal networks in agricultural contexts, with particular emphasis on mechanisms by which these biological agents enhance crop resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses, mediate critical nutrient transformations, and contribute to the sustainability of agroecosystems. Key findings highlight that mycorrhizal fungi—especially arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi—extend plant root architecture, facilitate phosphorus and micronutrient acquisition, and strengthen plant defences through systemic signalling pathways. Rhizobacteria possessing plant growth-promoting traits, including nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilisation, phytohormone production, and ACC deaminase activity, substantially improve crop performance under stress conditions. The emerging consensus indicates that agricultural intensification, agrochemical dependency, and tillage disruption critically impair microbial diversity and network complexity, with cascading consequences for ecosystem services. Conversely, organic farming, reduced tillage, and targeted bioinoculant applications demonstrably restore and enhance microbial community richness and functionality. The integration of microbiome science into precision agriculture and sustainable crop management strategies thus represents a compelling frontier for twenty-first-century food systems. Future research must address the challenges of translating microbiome knowledge into reliable field-scale interventions whilst accounting for edaphic variability and climate change pressures.
Green gram (Vigna radiata L.) is an important pulse crop whose productivity is often limited by declining soil fertility, making integrated nutrient management using chemical fertilizers, organic amendments, and compost essential for sustaining yield and soil health. A field experiment was conducted during the Zaid seasons of 2023 and 2024 at the research farm of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to evaluate the effect of NPK fertilization conjugated with city waste compost (CWC) on the growth and yield of green gram (Vigna radiata L.). The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with sixteen treatment combinations comprising four levels of NPK (0, 50, 75 and 100%) and four levels of CWC (0, 3, 6 and 9 t ha-1), replicated thrice. The experimental soil was sandy loam, slightly acidic to neutral in reaction, low in organic carbon and available nitrogen, and medium in available phosphorus and potassium. The results revealed that increasing levels of NPK significantly improved growth and yield parameters of green gram. Application of 100% NPK recorded the highest seed yield of 16.05 and 18.43 q ha-1 during 2023 and 2024, respectively, with a pooled mean of 17.22 q ha-1, compared to the lowest yields under control. Similarly, application of CWC at 9 t ha-1 significantly enhanced plant growth, dry matter accumulation and yield, producing a pooled seed yield of 14.42 q ha-1. The interaction effect was significant, and the combined application of 100% NPK + 9 t ha-1 CWC produced the maximum seed yield (18.71 and 21.82 q ha-1 during 2023 and 2024, respectively; pooled mean 20.22 q ha-1), along with the highest biological yield. The study concluded that integrated application of recommended NPK with 9 t ha-1 city waste compost is an effective and sustainable nutrient management strategy for enhancing productivity of green gram under the agro-climatic conditions of Prayagraj.
Crude oil contamination poses a severe threat to soil health and agricultural productivity. This study investigated the potential of liquid extract from plantain (Musa paradisiaca) trunk as a low-cost, eco-friendly biostimulant for mitigating crude oil toxicity in soil. The extract was obtained by squeezing freshly cut plantain trunk and sieving the filtrate. Soil was artificially contaminated with 2% w/w crude oil (130g per 6.5 kg soil) and divided into two groups: contaminated soil treated with 30cl of plantain trunk liquid applied every 3 days for 7 applications (B) and contaminated untreated (C) with an additional uncontaminated soil as control (A). After treatment, maize (Zea mays) seeds were planted in each soil sample and growth parameters (coleoptile and plumule emergence days, and seedling height at 15, 18, and 21 days) were monitored for 21 days. The results showed no germination occurred in the untreated contaminated soil, demonstrating the acute toxicity of crude oil. Seeds in the treated soil exhibited delayed germination (11–13 days) and measurable seedling growth, reaching mean heights of 7.0 ± 0.28 cm (Day 15), 13.45 ± 1.06 cm (Day 18), and 19.15 ± 0.35 cm (Day 21). The uncontaminated control showed faster germination (8–11 days) and superior growth (mean heights up to 22.9 ± 0.42 cm on Day 21). These results have demonstrated that plantain trunk liquid extract effectively reduced crude oil toxicity, enabling seed germination and seedling establishment while none occurred in the untreated soil. The observed improvement is attributed to biostimulation through provision of readily available nutrients, enhanced soil moisture and promotion of indigenous hydrocarbon-degrading microbial activity. This study provides preliminary evidence that supports the use of abundant agro-waste as a sustainable, low-cost amendment for bioremediation of crude oil polluted soils. Further investigation is recommended to quantify total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) reduction, characterize plantain trunk liquid’s chemical composition, assess microbial shifts and optimize application rates for large scale application.
Pre-sowing treatments are essential for overcoming seed dormancy and improving germination in ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.). A laboratory experiment was conducted during 2024–25 at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with ten treatments and three replications. The treatments included water soaking for 48 hours; hot water treatment at 70°C and 80°C for 1 minute; sulphuric acid scarification at 10% and 20% (quick dip); gibberellic acid (GA₃) at 200 and 400 ppm for 24 hours; and potassium nitrate (KNO₃) at 1% and 2% for 12 hours. The results showed that GA₃ at 400 ppm recorded the highest germination percentage (27.56% in fresh seeds and 18.18% in one-year-old seeds), minimum days to emergence (24.35 and 28.35 days), and lowest mean germination time (22.35 and 24.78 days). It also produced maximum seedling length (9.57 cm and 7.56 cm) and survival percentage (66.22% and 57.67%) in fresh and aged seeds, respectively. Treatments with GA₃ at 200 ppm and KNO₃ at 1% were statistically comparable for several parameters. Therefore, soaking seeds in GA₃ at 400 ppm for 24 hours is recommended for improving germination and seedling vigour in ber.
Chickpea is a major pulse crop, especially in India, valued for its nutritional benefits and role in improving soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. However, its productivity is constrained by moisture stress and poor agronomic practices, particularly in rainfed regions. Improved crop establishment methods and moisture conservation practices like ridge/BBF systems and mulching can enhance water use efficiency and increase yield. A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2022-23 at the Student Instructional Farm, Brahmanand Post Graduate College, Rath (U.P.) to evaluate the effect of crop establishment techniques and moisture conservation practices on chickpea under rainfed conditions of the Bundelkhand region. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments and three replications. On the basis of data results reveled that among treatments, T₇ [broad bed furrow (BBF) of 105 cm with three rows along with straw mulch] recorded superior growth in terms of nodules (23.8 plant-¹), plant dry weight (25.4 g plant-¹) and branches (16.5 plant-¹), while T₂ (ridge sowing) produced the tallest plants (59.6 cm). In yield parameters, T₂ registered the highest grain yield (51.67 q ha-¹) and harvest index (49.11%), whereas T₇ achieved maximum stover (60.83 q ha-¹) and biological yield (110.28 q ha-¹). The lowest performance was observed under T₃ (skipping one row). The enhanced productivity under ridge and BBF systems with mulching was mainly due to improved soil moisture conservation, aeration and nutrient use efficiency.
Background & Aim: Fertilization strategies are carried out to influence the growth and physiological quality of plants. However, the increasing need for sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly practices, has brought about an increase in the use of organic manure. This study aims to evaluate the comparative efficacy of organic (cow dung, and poultry manure) and inorganic (NPK 20:10:10) fertilizer on growth response and physiological performance of Solanum lycoperscum (Tomato). Study Design: The seeds of tomato variety Cobra 26 were used for this study. Three weeks old tomato seedlings were transplanted into 4 groups of transplanting bags. Control group containing only topsoil; NPK group containing 5g of NPK 20:10:10 + 10kg topsoil; Poultry droppings group containing 250g of poultry droppings + 10kg topsoil and cow dung group containing 250g of cow dung + 10kg topsoil. Morphological and agronomic data was collected weekly for 5 weeks starting from week 2 after transplantation. Methodology: Tomato growth determined with leaves numbers and plant height. Chlorophyll a and b content was estimated via spectrophotometric methods. The Folin–Ciocalteu method was used to determine total phenol content in plant leaves, stem and root. Biomass was evaluated by taking the total dry weight of plant leaves, fruits, root and stems. Results: Number of leaves increased significantly with weeks as follows; control (19.33 - 61), cow dung (19.33-62.67), poultry manure (13.67 - 79) and NPK (22.33 - 95). Plant height increased with weeks as follows; Control (8.03 - 20.03), cow dung (7.20-24.90), poultry manure (5.73 - 31.63) and NPK (9.87 - 38.17). An increase in plant biomass was observed with control (18.11g), cow dung (11.20g), poultry manure (25.93g) and NPK (35.74g). Total phenol (mg GAE/g FW) increased in the leaves (control, 44.17; NPK, 51.50; cow dung, 75.02; poultry manure, 92.47) stem (control, 30.47; NPK, 37.61; cow dung, 61.98; poultry manure, 77.75) and root (control, 20.18; NPK, 25.84; cow dung, 46.19; poultry manure, 63.70). An increase was observed in chlorophyll a (mg/g-1) (control, 19.38; NPK, 25.62; cow dung, 31.89; poultry manure, 41.55) and b (control, 4.42; NPK, 7.58; cow dung, 10.74; poultry manure, 13.58). Conclusion: Inorganic NPK treatments are highly effective at promoting rapid vegetative expansion and biomass accumulation while organic manure, notably poultry manure, provide superior benefits regarding biochemical composition, including elevated total phenol and chlorophyll levels.
Alternaria leaf spot caused by Alternaria ricini is a major constraint in castor (Ricinus communis L.) production, leading to significant yield losses under conducive environmental conditions. The present study evaluated genetic variability for disease resistance among thirty pistillate lines under natural epiphytotic conditions during Kharif 2025 at Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat. Disease severity was assessed using a 0–9 scale and expressed as percent disease index (PDI), complemented by area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) to quantify disease progression. Substantial variability in disease response was observed, with PDI ranging from 10.42 to 81.06%. None of the genotypes exhibited complete resistance (≤10% PDI); however, thirteen genotypes were classified as moderately resistant (11–25%), while the remaining genotypes showed moderate to high susceptibility. Genotypes SKP 129, SKP 126, and SKP 130 consistently recorded lower disease severity and reduced AUDPC values, indicating slower disease development. Cluster analysis based on PDI and AUDPC effectively grouped genotypes into distinct disease response categories, highlighting clear separation between low and high disease severity groups. The findings demonstrate the predominance of quantitative resistance against A. ricini and identify promising genotypes for use in resistance breeding. Integration of temporal disease assessment and multivariate analysis provides a robust framework for selecting stable resistance under field conditions.
Okra is one of the important vegetable crops of India and Chhattisgarh. Okra is an annual vegetable crop. It grows quickly, tall and bears maximum number of fruits, which contributes to the maximum yield per unit area. The field experiment was carried out at Agriculture Research Farm, School of Agriculture Science, Technology and Research, Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh) India during kharif season of the years 2018-19. The plant growth regulators have great potential for plant growth improvement but the major constant in the use of plant growth regulators on okra is limited information about most suitable PGR and its appropriate quantity, stage of application, crop specificity and seasons. The treatments T1 and T2 were differ non-significantly, however, significantly minimum plant height was observed (28.41 cm) in T9 (Plain water). The treatments T2 and T4 were differ non-significantly. While, significantly lowest number of leaves per plant was 9.93 recorded in T9 (Plain water). The highest number of branches per plant recorded in 4.40 in T4 (IAA - 200ppm) followed by 4.27 in T3 (IAA - 100 ppm), 3.97 in T2 (GA3 - 50 ppm) and 3.19 in T1 (GA3 - 25 ppm). Whereas, significantly minimum number of branches per plant observed 2.67 in T9 (Plain water). Application of IAA increases number of branches per plant in present investigation. Among the treatments with the application of IAA – 200 ppm (T4) recorded significantly minimum days to first flowering of 34.67 days followed by 34.93 days in T3 (IAA - 100 ppm), 35.47 days in T6 (Triacontanol - 2000 ppm) and 36.13 days in T7 (Salisylic Acid - 1.0 μM). The treatments T3, T4, T6 and T7 were differ non-significantly. It was observed that the significantly highest yield of 214.09 q/ha was recorded in T4 (IAA - 200 ppm) followed by 201.85 q/ha in T3 (IAA - 100 ppm), 187.23 q/ha in T2 (GA3 - 50 ppm) and 174.50 q/ha in T1 (GA3 – 25 ppm). The treatments T2, T3 and T4 were differ non-significantly.
Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) is an essential oilseed crop, which is widely cultivated for edible oil, rich in essential fatty acids. A field experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Research Farm of S.D.J. Post Graduate College, Chandeshwar, Azamgarh, affiliated with Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Jaunpur (U.P.), during the Rabi (winter) seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22 to evaluate the effect of different levels of nitrogen and sulphur on yield, quality and economics of Indian mustard. The experiment covered four nitrogen levels (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha-1) and four sulphur levels (0, 15, 30 and 45 kg ha-1) tested in a Randomised Block Design and replicated thrice. The result revealed that the seed yield (23.11and 23.15 q ha-1), stover yield (78.79 and 79.2 q ha-1), harvest index (22.66 and 23.57%) and quality attributes, viz., oil content (39.88 and 41.47%), Iodine value (106.8 and 111.07), were recorded at 120 kg N ha-1. In case of sulphur application, the maximum seed yield (21.34 and 21.49 q ha-1), stover yield (73.5and 73.47 kg ha-1), harvest index (22.64 and 23.55%), and quality attributes like oil content (40.7 and 42.33%), Iodine value (105.85 and 110.08) were recorded at 45kg S ha-1. The combination of 120 kg N with 45 kg S ha-1 proved to be the most effective, leading to increased net return and a higher B: C ratio (2.85 and 3) compared to other nitrogen and sulphur levels in both years (2020-21 and 2021-22). It concluded that 120 kg N with 45kg S ha-1 is possible to produce more yield, better quality and cost-effective in mustard crops under the agro-climatic conditions of Eastern U.P.
The continuously increase of the world's population and food demand has put tremendous pressure on agricultural systems to improve productivity while being environmentally sustainable. Conventional agricultural practices that depend mostly on chemical fertilizers and pesticides have resulted in soil deterioration, water pollution and decreased biodiversity. Nanotechnology has emerged as a game-changing way to address these issues through precision agriculture, enhanced nutrition delivery and reduced environmental impact. This review focuses on sustainable approaches to nanotechnology in agriculture, such as nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, nanosensors and nano-enabled soil management. The nanomaterials are biocompatible, nontoxic, photostable and have high potential future prospective applications of nano-derived agricultural waste materials. Green sustainable approaches, nanotechnology techniques are concerned, namely green synthesis, controlled release systems and eco-friendly formulations. Due to positive expectations, there are still more hurdles to overcome such as toxicity, allowed structures, and feasibility. The potential of nanotechnology to improve endurable agriculture is huge and these research benefits from that, as long as it is used responsibly, with proper risk assessment and regulatory guidelines.
Variability in rainfall, nutrient imbalance and soil constraints limit cotton productivity, while irrigation can alter nutrient availability, crop nutrient uptake and yield potential. A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2023 and Kharif 2024 at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Palem, Nagarkurnool district, Telangana, India, to evaluate irrigation and fertiliser management in cotton grown on Alfisols. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with two irrigation levels, rainfed (I₀) and irrigated (I₁), as main treatments and five fertiliser treatments as sub-treatments: farmers’ practice, recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF), RDF + 5 t FYM ha⁻¹, 120% RDF + 5 t FYM ha⁻¹ with four split applications of urea and 120% RDF + 5 t FYM ha⁻¹ with five split applications of urea. Data pooled over two years showed that irrigation significantly increased kapas yield (1836 kg ha⁻¹) and stalk yield (3184 kg ha⁻¹) compared with rainfed conditions. Among fertiliser treatments, 120% RDF + 5 t FYM ha⁻¹ with five split applications of urea recorded the highest kapas yield (1940 kg ha⁻¹) and stalk yield (3156 kg ha⁻¹), followed by the four-split treatment with the same nutrient level. Irrigation also produced higher gross returns (Rs. 142,374 ha⁻¹), net returns (Rs. 78,994 ha⁻¹) and benefit-cost ratio (2.25) than rainfed cultivation. Among nutrient treatments, the five-split treatment recorded the highest net returns (Rs. 82,186 ha⁻¹) and benefit-cost ratio (2.2). The irrigation × fertiliser interaction was non-significant. The results indicate that irrigation, integrated nutrient management and split nitrogen application can improve cotton productivity and profitability in Alfisols under the conditions of this study.
Silicon (Si) is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust yet remains conspicuously absent from mainstream fertiliser programmes and nutrient management guidelines for vegetable crops. Although Si does not satisfy the classical criteria of essentiality for higher plants, an extensive and rapidly growing body of literature confirms that its supply confers remarkable benefits on plant growth, stress tolerance, disease resistance and produce quality. Vegetable crops represent a diverse and nutritionally indispensable component of global food systems, yet they are among the plant categories most frequently neglected especially when Si is considered during nutrition, partly because many vegetable species are classified as low Si accumulators. This review synthesises current knowledge on the geochemistry of Si in soils, the molecular biology of Si uptake and transport, and the multifaceted agronomic roles of Si specifically in vegetable production systems. Evidence from controlled experiments and field studies demonstrates that Si supplementation enhances vegetative growth, alleviates drought, salinity, heavy metal, and temperature stresses, suppresses soil-borne and foliar diseases, deters insect herbivory, and improves post-harvest shelf life and nutritional quality of vegetable produce. The review further examines the range of Si fertiliser sources and application modalities suitable for vegetable production, and situates Si management within broader frameworks of sustainable and low-input horticulture. Critical gaps in understanding — including the scarcity of field-scale trials for specific vegetable species, the absence of calibrated soil and tissue Si tests for horticultural crops, and limited mechanistic insight for dicotyledonous vegetables — are identified and discussed. The evidence collectively argues that Si deserves recognition not merely as a non-essential beneficial element but as a practically indispensable component of modern vegetable nutrition management.
Soil macronutrients and micronutrients influence leaf biochemical composition, which subsequently affects larval survival, growth, silk gland development, and essential cocoon characteristics such as cocoon weight, shell ratio, and filament length. This study highlights on how soil fertility and leaf nutrient status regulate cocoon yield and quality in Antheraea mylitta ecoraces of Odisha and suggests a model system to strengthen the livelihood of tribal rearers worldwide. The ecological and socio-economic importance of tropical tasar sericulture is initially outlined emphasizing the diversity of seven local ecoraces and their strong dependence on primary host plants Terminalia arjuna, T. tomentosa and Shorea robusta. The study incorporates knowledge regarding soil-leaf-larva interactions, nutritional absorption methods, and essential leaf-quality characteristics (protein, carbohydrates, moisture, tannins, texture) that influence rearing efficacy. Challenges caused by deteriorated soils, climatic changes, dependence on forests, widespread diseases, and traditional management practices are also examined. Ultimately, significant research gaps were identified and recommendations were proposed, including an integrated, multi-scale strategy that encompasses soil-plant diagnostics, leaf tissue analysis, enrichment of host plants and ecoraces, organic and site-specific nutrient management, as well as socio-economic interventions. Emphasizing soil and leaf nutrition is suggested as a rational approach to improve cocoon yield and quality, strengthen the livelihoods of tribal rearers, and promote conservation-focused tasar sericulture and as a model system to explore broader questions and mechanisms.
