Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a major fungal disease of cereal crops, including wheat, barley, and maize, causing significant yield and quality losses and contaminating grain with mycotoxins that threaten human and animal health. In the present study, 158 wheat genotypes were evaluated at the Research Farm of Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bihar, during the rabi seasons 2022-23 for their response to fusarium head blight under artificially inoculated field conditions. The experiment was conducted using a macroconidial suspension of Fusarium graminearum (1 × 10⁵ conidia ml⁻¹) applied twice at a 24-h interval at the mid-anthesis stage using a knapsack sprayer. Disease severity was assessed as percent spikelet infection at 7, 14, and 21 days after inoculation, and disease progress was quantified using the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) and relative AUDPC (rAUDPC). Substantial variation in fusarium head blight response was observed among genotypes. None of the entries exhibited immune or resistant reactions. Based on AUDPC values, 12 genotypes were categories as moderately resistant (AUDPC 101–200), while the majority were moderately susceptible (56 genotypes) or susceptible (87 genotypes). Three genotypes i.e., Sonalika, Raj 4015, and HPW 487 were identified as highly susceptible, showing severe disease development. rAUDPC analysis identified only a few genotypes with slow disease progression, indicating partial resistance. Disease score–based categorization corroborated AUDPC findings. Overall, the study highlights limited resistance to fusarium head blight in the evaluated germplasm and underscores the need for intensified resistance breeding in wheat.

Rice is a primary food for more than half of the global population and plays a crucial role in sustainable food security worldwide. However, brown spot disease of rice caused by Bipolaris oryzae is increasingly threatening its production and productivity. To address this challenge, seven fungicide combinations were evaluated for their efficacy against B. oryzae under in vitro conditions using the poisoned food technique and field conditions during the kharif seasons of 2023 and 2024. In vitro studies showed that among seven fungicide combinations tested at four different concentrations (i.e. 100 ppm, 150 ppm, 200 ppm and 250 ppm) and three replications, azoxystrobin 5.1 % + tebuconazole 9.1 % + prochloraz 18.2 % EC was the most effective achieving complete fungal growth inhibition at 200 ppm, followed by tebuconazole 50 % + trifloxystrobin 25 % WG (complete inhibition at 250 ppm). Kasugamycin 5 % + copper oxychloride 45 % WP was the least effective with a maximum inhibition of 63.89 %. Field trials confirmed these results. Azoxystrobin + tebuconazole + prochloraz EC recorded the highest disease reduction (66.97 %) with the lowest PDI (16.67 %) and maximum yield (57.30 quintals per hectare (q ha-1); 76.13 % increase over the control. Tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin WG performed similarly with 54.68 % disease reduction and a yield of 54.00 q ha-1 (66.00 % increase in yield over the control). Kasugamycin + copper oxychloride WP showed the lowest efficacy (18.75 % disease reduction; 23.89 % increase in yield over the control). The results indicate that azoxystrobin + tebuconazole + prochloraz EC and tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin WG are promising combinations for effective management of brown spot disease in rice.

Mustard is the second most important oilseed crop in India after groundnut and contributes about 35% in the total vegetable oil production. Mustard crop is sensitive to numerous abiotic and biotic stresses, which affects the production and productivity drastically. Alternaria blight disease of mustard is one the most destructive disease which affects all growth stages and cause huge economical loss. Considering the severity and significance of damage caused by this disease, an in vitro and in vivo evaluation of eight fungicide was done against A. brassicae. It was found that Propiconazole 25 EC showed complete mycelial growth inhibition (100 %) at all the three concentrations i.e., 100, 200 and 300 ppm whereas, Tebuconazole 25.9 EC recorded complete mycelial growth inhibition at 200 and 300 ppm. Among the tested fungicides, the minimum percent disease severity and AUDPC on leaves was observed in crops sprayed with Azoxystrobin 12.5% + Tebuconazole 12.5% SC followed by Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% WG and Azoxystrobin 235 SC at 40, 55 and 70 days after spraying. Further, maximum seed yield was recorded in Azoxystrobin 12.5% + Tebuconazole 12.5% SC at 1345.49Kg/ha followed by Azoxystrobin 12.5% at 1265.63kg/ha.

Spot blotch is a major constraint to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in the Eastern Gangetic Plains (EGP) of India, where wheat cultivars express moderate resistance to susceptible reaction. Limited information available on yield penalties under varying disease severities. The present study was carried out during winter (rabi) seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bihar to assess the efficacy of selected fungicidal combinations against wheat spot blotch under in vitro and in vivo conditions. A total of eight fungicidal combinations were evaluated, including tebuconazole 50% + trifloxystrobin 25% wg, propiconazole 13.9% + difenoconazole 13.9% ec, azoxystrobin 12.5% + tebuconazole 12.5% sc, picoxystrobin 7.05% + propiconazole 11.7% wsc, kresoxim-methyl 44.3% sc, propiconazole 25% ec, tebuconazole 22.9% ec, and mancozeb 75% wp, each tested at four concentration levels. In vitro activity was quantified using radial mycelial growth inhibition assays, while in vivo efficacy was examined through field trials conducted in a randomized block design. In vitro results showed complete fungal mycelial growth inhibition by all four combinations at 100 ppm, while at 75 ppm, tebuconazole 50% + trifloxystrobin 25% wg achieved the highest inhibition (91.84%). Field trials conducted over two years revealed that tebuconazole 50% + trifloxystrobin 25% wg at 1 g/Lwas the most effective in reducing disease severity, with the lowest infected plant, disease incidence and percent disease index. This treatment has also achieved maximum disease reduction (81.69% and 80.96%) resulting 28.91% and 27.46% yield increase over control during 2021–22 and 2022–23, respectively. Hence, it is concluded that, tebuconazole 50% + trifloxystrobin 25% wg belonging to two different chemical family group with broad mode of actions, is highly effective for managing spot blotch in wheat.

The present study was carried out at research farm of Bihar Agricultural University, Bhagalpur, Bihar during rainy (kharif) season of 2018–19 and 2019–20 to study the efficacy of four quinone outside inhibitors, demethylation inhibitors and benzimidazole group of fungicides, viz. trifloxystrobin 25% + tebuconazole 50% wg, flusilazole 25% + carbendazim 12.5% se, azoxystrobin 18.2% + difenoconazole 11.4% sc and azoxystrobin 11% + tebuconazole 18.3% W/W at different growth stage of rice (Oryza sativa L.), i.e. booting stage (BS), 50% flowering stage (FS) and 100% flowering stage. Among them, trifloxystrobin 25% + tebuconazole 50% wg @1 g/litre at 50% flowering stage was found superior in minimizing the per cent of disease infection. The number of infected tillers/m2 (18.33 and 13.33), number of smut balls/panicle (1.96 and 1.80), smut balls per panicle (0.48% and 0.51%), disease incidence (5.22%and 3.71%) and disease severity (2.86% and 1.78%) respectively were observed in trifloxystrobin 25% + tebuconazole 50% wg @1 g/litre at 50% flowering stage as compared to control. Out of the tested fungicides, trifloxystrobin 25% + tebuconazole 50% wg was found significantly superior in terms of reducing the infection with highest grain yield (90.58 q/ha) and thereby the grain yield upto 43.05% when it was sprayed at 50% flowering stage of crop @1 ml/litre under the field condition in both years. Hence, it is concluded that, trifloxystrobin 25% + tebuconazole 50% wg belonging to two different chemical family group with broad mode of action fungicide significantly (P<0.05%) reduced the infection at 50% flowering stage of crop against false smut disease.

Fifteen early and mid late sugarcane genotypes were evaluated for their phenotypic stability under four different environments under saline-alkali condition in respect of cane yield and its component characters through different parametric stability models. The stability parameters (X, bi and S2di) for cane yield and its component characters revealed that the genotypes BO 146 was stable in wide range of environments for cane yield and number of millable canes, while, BO 147 and BO 141 were found most stable for cane yield, germination percent at 45 DAP, number of shoots at 120 DAP, number of millable canes in favourable environments and its attributes and less sensitive to environmental change. The genotype BO 110 was showed good germination percent at 45 DAP and number of millable canes in poor environments. The S.F. value nearest to unity for cane yield was observed for BO 146 followed by BO 136, BO 110, BO 144 and BO 109 while, for number of millable canes BO 146 was recorded S.F. value nearest to unity followed by the genotypes BO 110, BO 144, BO 137 and CoP 9702. The estimated ecovalence revealed that the genotypes, BO 139, CoP 022, CoP 9702 and BO 109 showed high mean for cane yield and exhibited low ‘Wi’ values which indicated that these genotypes had contributed minimum towards genotype×environment interaction component. The present investigation revealed that the genotypes, BO 147, BO 146 and BO 136 were identified as better sugarcane varieties for changing environments.

Spot blotch disease of wheat caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoem is considered as an economically important disease which affects all the growing stages of wheat crop. Therefore, it is important to search some effective management strategies against the spot blotch pathogen. Some synthetic elicitor compounds (salicylic acid, isonicotinic acid, and chitosan) and nano-particles (silver and aluminum) were tested against the pathogen to observe the change in biochemical activity and defense action of wheat plant against spot blotch disease. All the tested elicitor compounds and nano-particles showed a significant increase in activity of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and total phenol over control. The highest increase in activity of peroxidase was recorded at 72 h from chitosan at 2 mM and 96 h from silver nano-particle at 100 ppm. Maximum PPO and total phenol activity were recorded from chitosan at 2 mM and silver nano-particle at 100 ppm as compared to pathogen-treated and healthy control. The lowest percent disease index, lowest no. of spots/leaf, and no. of infected leaves/plant were found in silver nano-particle at 100 ppm and chitosan at 2 mM, respectively. The use of defense inducer compounds results in significantly up-regulated enzymatic activity and reduced spot blotch disease. Therefore, chitosan and silver nano-particle could be used as alternative methods for the management of spot blotch disease.

Early blight disease of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) caused by Alternaria solani (Ellis and Martin), is one of the most important fungal disease throughout the potato growing areas. Field experiments were conducted during winter (rabi) season, 2018–19 and 2019–20 at Vegetable Research Centre, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand for evaluating fungicides against early blight of potato. All the fungicides (mancozeb, hexaconazole, difenoconazole and chlorothalonil) were evaluated in vitro using poison food technique as well as field conditions. In vitro study revealed that chlorothalonil 75% wp gave the best results and showed 18.0 mm, 17.67 mm, 16.33 mm, 12.33 mm and 8.33 mm mycelial growth of Alternaria solani @25 ppm, 50 ppm, 100 ppm, 150 ppm and 200 ppm concentration at 7 days after inoculation. In field condition, chlorothalonil 75% WP @0.2% applied as foliar sprays at 10 days interval resulted the lowest disease severity i.e. 22.50% with highest tuber yield (317.90 q/ha). The findings regarding the economics of the potato cultivation clearly revealed that the treatment chlorothalonil @0.2% gave the highest benefit cost ratio i.e. 2.96. The early blight disease of potato may be controlled by applying chlorothalonil at a concentration of 0.25 three times at a 10-day interval, which increased production and provided extra benefits to farmers.

Due to the introduction of zero-till wheat in the Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP) in India, irrigation and fertilizer nitrogen (N) management needs to be modified from that followed under conventionally tilled fields. A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of irrigation and N levels on yield and N uptake by zero-till wheat, fertilizer N-use efficiency, and distribution of nitrate-N (NO3-N) in a soil profile under zero-till conditions in an acidic alluvial soil of the eastern IGP. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with four levels of irrigation as main plots (I0-no irrigation, rain-fed, I1-122 mm in one irrigation at 21 days after sowing (DAS), I2-263 mm in two irrigations at 21 and 42 DAS, and I3-386 mm in three irrigations at 21, 42, and 84 DAS) and 4 N levels [0 (N0), 60 (N1), 120 (N2), and 150 (N3) kg N ha−1] as subplots. Grain and straw yields were significantly higher at the irrigation level-I2 and 120 kg N ha−1-N2 over the control (I0 and N0) and were at par with the highest applied levels of irrigation and N (I3 and N3). The nitrogen uptake by wheat followed a trend similar to yield for irrigation levels; however, it increased significantly up to 150 kg N ha−1. After the harvest of wheat crop, more NO3-N was observed in the 60–90 cm subsurface soil layer than in the surface 0–15 cm and/or 15–30 cm and 30–60 cm subsurface soil layers. The highest NO3-N concentration was recorded in the treatment I2N2. Accumulation of NO3-N in the soil increased up to irrigation levels I2 and with increasing doses of fertilizer N application. Combined applications of irrigation and N had a positive and significant influence on agronomic efficiency (AE) and apparent N recovery (ANR) but had no significant effect on physiological efficiency (PE). This study suggests that an appropriate combination of irrigation and N levels in zero-till wheat can lead to not only high-yield levels and N-use efficiency but also adequately control NO3-N leaching under acidic alluvial soils in the eastern IGP.

Agroforestry systems (AFSs) have potential to combat climate change and to ensure food security. AFSs can sequester carbon and amend the organic matter, thereby enhancing the crop productivity. Carbon sequestration depends on the type of AFSs, climate, cropping pattern, and management practices. The aim of this study was to evaluate different AFSs for their potential to sequester carbon and impact on soil organic matter (SOM) in the eastern sub-Himalayas, India. Hedge-, alder-, and guava-based AFSs were established along with control (without any tree), and the maize–mustard–potato cropping pattern was followed in each AFS. Soil samples were collected after the fifth crop cycle and further analyzed. The results showed that crop productivity was significantly higher in all the AFSs than control. On average, soil organic carbon (SOC) was found to be significantly higher by 62 and 64% in hedge-based AFSs as compared to guava-based AFSs and control, respectively, and at par with alder-based AFSs. Particulate organic carbon (POC) was higher in all the three AFSs than in the control. For microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) contents, the trend of AFSs was expressed as alder-based AFS > hedge-based AFS > guava-based AFS > control. Hedge- and alder-based AFSs had higher SOC stocks than guava-based AFSs and control. Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 eq.) emissions were greater in control than hedge-based AFSs (35.2 Mg ha−1), followed by alder-based AFSs (28.6 Mg ha−1), and the lowest was observed in guava-based AFSs. On an average, hedge species accumulated more nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which were 60, 12, and 28 kg ha−1 yr−1, respectively. This conclusively proved that AFSs were significantly affecting SOM pools and crop productivity and had a significant role in carbon retention in the soil. Overall, hedge- and alder-based AFSs retained higher soil carbon, and hence, hedge- and alder-based AFSs may be promoted to achieve climate-smart agriculture practices in the acid soils of the Indian sub-Himalayan region.

Aggressive colonization of T. viride can occurs in diverse environmental condition as a biological control and prevents many soil borne diseases. In this context, laboratory experiment was conducted during 2018-19 at Department of Plant Pathology, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar to test the sensitivity of T. viride isolated with selected fungicides to devise the best management practice. In course of investigation, nine fungicides of systemic, non-systemic and their combination were evaluated at lower concentrations compared to recommended dose on sensitivity and sporulation of T. viride with food poisoned techniques. Growth and sporulation of T. viride was totally inhibited by carbendazim, hexoconazole, carbendazim+ mancozeb and iprodione + carbendazim at all the concentrations. Sporulation affected by all the fungicides, but in copper-oxychloride, inhibition of sporulation had minimum, i.e. 19.7, 37.1 and 53.9 at 200, 500 and 1000 μg/ml, respectively. Since, the minimum inhibitory effect on growth and spore production was recorded in copper oxychloride. Thus, the present finding suggest that compatible fungicides copper oxychloride can be used with T. viride in an integrated disease management practices for managing soil borne pathogens.

The soils are the sources of nutrient supply to the plants. Hence, all the cropping sequences are indirectly governed by the soil resources. In this context, the present research work was carried out to map the available Nitogen, Potassium and Potassium (NPK) in the soils of Katihar district of Bihar. Where, krigging technique was used to map the analyzed soil samples. Research findings revealed that the range of soil pH was neutral to slightly alkaline. However, EC was normal. However, in context of organic carbon, available N, avail P2O5 and K2O, all these parameters were low to medium.

The rice crop is affected by various biotic and abiotic stresses.The fungal diseases come under major biotic stress, among fungal diseases sheath blight of rice is one of the major threat for cultivation of rice crops.The sheath blight pathogen (Rhizoctonia solani Kühn) is being affected by different sources of nutrients.In this regards, six carbon, eight nitrogen and eight vitamin source were screened against R. solani causing sheath blight of rice.Among the carbon sources maximum number of sheath blight lesions, largest size of sheath blight lesion were recorded when rice plants were inoculated with the inoculums grown on the medium supplemented with sucrose, fructose & lactose together as carbon source.Among the nitrogen sources, significantly, highest level of disease severity (52.09%) was recorded when the R. solani inoculums were provided with urea as a source of nitrogen, followed by calcium nitrate (42.48).In case of Vitamins, highest level of disease severity (43.21%) was recorded due to Thiamine, followed by the combination of three vitamins (Biotin+ Calcium pentothenate + Thiamine hydrochloride (30.62%).The results of present finding indicate that sources of carbon, nitrogen and vitamins are affecting the disease severity.Therefore, precautions should be taken when these are applying in the fields.

False smut of rice caused by Ustilaginoidea virens is the most devastating disease of rice in different parts of the world including India. The host resistance approach is most important for the management of this disease. In the present investigation, forty-four elite germplasm were screened epiphytotically in kharif 2019-20 at Bihar Agricultural University research farm, Sabour to know disease reaction against the false smut disease of rice. Out of these, seven germplasms viz. RVK04, RVK-06, RVK-16, BRR-0057, BRR-0060, BRR-0078 and Rajendra Swasini were found immune or highly resistant (HR). Sabour Ardhjal showed resistance (R) reaction with very less percent of disease infection (0.68%). Eight germplasms were found moderately resistance (MR) ranges of disease infection 3.24 4.81% and six germplasms were showed maximum percent of disease infection (susceptible) i.e., Arize 6444 Gold, Sahbhagi Dhan, RVK-08, RVK-13, RVK-15, BRR-0071 ranged 25.70-26.26%. The highly resistant genotypes may be further utilized for the development of resistant variety through the rice breeding programme.

Tuberose is an ornamental crop which is growing under tropical and sub-tropical areas. Recently, the incidence of leaf blight disease caused by Alternaria polianthi a fungal disease of tuberose is considered as a severe problem causing growth reduction and yield loss triggered by high temperature and humidity. Hence an investigation was carried out in farmer fields at Tumnakatti, Ranebennurtq in Karnataka, to study the bio-efficacy of different fungicides against leaf blight of tuberose. There were six chemicals viz., Tebuconazole 250 EC @ 0.1%, Difenconazole – 25% EC @ 0.1%, Propinoconazole 25% EC @ 0.1%, Hexaconazole 2% SC @ 0.1%, Mancozeb75 WP @ 0.25%, Chlorothalonil 75 WP @ 0.2%, were evaluated in tuberose cultivar Prajwal during kharif 2016 and 2017. Among the different fungicides, four sprays taken with Tebuconazole @ 0.1% at 15 days interval starting from onset of disease proved to be the most effective treatment and resulted in lowest percent disease index, PDI (10.80). Maximum yield and number of flower stalks per square meter area were recorded in Tebuconazole @ 0.1% (50.90). Tebuconazole @ 0.1% could be used for management of leaf blight and increase the yield of tuberose.

Aim: To screen and evaluate rice genotypes which were found to be having restorability for WA-CMS cytoplasm for their further use in the hybrid breeding program. Study Design: Laboratory-experimental design was used in the study. Place and Duration of the Study: The genotypes used in the study were comprised of promising lines from various experiments, local varieties and landraces, etc. The study was conducted during June 2017 to May 2018. Methodology: In the present study, 55 rice lines which were found to have restorable capacity for WA-CMS system were screened for 4 Bacterial Blight resistance genes viz. Xa4, xa5, xa13, Xa21, against most prevalent races of the pathogen throughout the country, using PCR based molecular markers namely, MP1+MP2, xa5 multiplex, xa13 prom and pTA248, respectively. Results: Bacterial Blight (BB) is considered to be one of the most important diseases of the rice crop. As hybrids are one of the most viable options to increase rice yields, the parental material used for the development of hybrids, must be having genes which show resistance against BB. Out of 55 restorer lines, 43 genotypes amplified for Xa4, 7 genotypes namely R. Bhagwati, IRBB5-9, Narendra Usar Dhan 3, Pratikhya, IR 88964-24-2-1-4, IR 94314-20-2-1B, HHZ 5-DT8-DT1-Y1 showed positive bands for xa5, 3 genotypes namely PAU 3220, N. Usar Dhan 3 and Pratikhya showed positive bands for xa13. However, only one genotype namely Pratikhya amplified for Xa21. In combinations, Narendra Usar Dhan 3 amplified for xa5 and xa13. Pratikhya was the only genotype found to have all 4 BB (Xa4, xa5, xa13, Xa21) resistance genes under consideration.  Conclusion: Genotypes having different BB resistant genes in combinations along with good capability of restoration for prevalent WA-CMS system can further be used as male parent in the hybrid breeding programme for development of BB resistant hybrids.

Onion (Allium cepa L.) also known as the bulb onion or is rightly called as Queen of kitchen. It is one of the oldest important vegetable crops grown in India. Among the various fungal diseases, purple blotch caused by Alternaria porri is one of the most serious disease of onion which causes extensive damage to bulbs as well as seed crop. Field experiment was carried out to know the effect of combi-fungicide Luna sensation 500SC (Fluopyram250SC and Trifloxystrobin 250SC) at 400, 500 and 600 ml /ha along with recommended fungicides against purple blotch disease of onion during kharif seasons 2017-18 and 2018-19. A total of eight treatments were taken and among them Luna sensation 500SC (Fluopyram250SC and Trifloxystrobin 250SC) 600 ml / ha proved to be best for management of purple blotch 22.03% diseases index (PDI), which was superior over all other treatments with maximum bulb yield of 24.77 t/ha.

An experiment for the management of purple blotch of onion (Allium cepa L.) caused by Alternaria porri (Ellis) was carried out in Hanumanamatti research farm, College of Agriculture, Hanumanamatti, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, during 2017-18 and 2018-19. There were three fungicides combinations tested in vivo, i.e. Fluxapyroxad 250 g/L + Pyraclostrobin 250 g/L 500 SC at 75, 100 and 125 a.i, along with individual molecules Pyraclostrobin 20% WG at 100 a.i, Fluxapyroxad 300 g/L SC at 62.5 a.i and Difenconozole 25% EC at 25 g a.i/100 litre of water and Mancozeb 75% WP 1125-1500 g against the purple blotch disease of onion. Out of the seven different fungicides combination or individual molecules, application of Fluxapyroxad 250 g/L + Pyraclostrobin 250 g/L 500 SC @ 200 mL/ha has significantly decreased the purple blotch of onion disease. Fluxapyroxad 250 g/L + Pyraclostrobin 250 g/L 500 SC @150 mL/ha was found safer to onion crop without causing any type of phytotoxicity effect.