The Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences
A journal devoted to experimental agriculture and abstracted by all the major abstracting services. It includes articles on cytology, genetics, breeding, agronomy, soil science, horticulture, water use, microbiology, plant diseases and pest, agricultural engineering, economics and statistics with emphasis on original articles, from India and countries having similar agricultural conditions. Indexed in Elsevier Scopus, Clarivate Analytics ESCI, SJIF, DOAJ, Google Scholar and Crossref EDITORIAL BOARD Subscription Information for Print Version
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Assessment of seed size and planting depth on seedling growth andagronomic performance of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum)
The present study was carried out during winter (rabi) season of 2023 –2024 at ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh to explore the effects of seed size and sowing depth on the emergence and morphological development of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.). Seeds were categorised into large and small seed lots to assess the impact of seed size on germination and vigour using Petri plate tests. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot completely randomised design in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangements, with JBSC-1 and Wardan as the main factor and four sowing depths (0.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 cm) as the sub-factor, replicated thrice. Large seed size showed more seedling vigour as compared to small seed irrespective of berseem. Seeds sown at the surface (0.0 cm) exhibited the highest germination percentage, followed by those sown at 2.0 cm and 4.0 cm depths. However, seeds sown at a 6.0 cm depth failed to germinate in both varieties. Sowing at a depth of 2.0 cm significantly enhanced seedling establishment, plant height, and root-to-shoot ratio. Additionally, plants sown at 2.0 cm depth produced the tallest plants and superior fresh and dry leaf weights. Conversely, deeper sowing depths (4.0 cm and 6.0 cm) delayed germination and reduced plant vigour, while surface sowing and 2.0 cm depth resulted in early germination and better overall plant development. Root length and SPAD values were not significantly influenced by sowing depth. This study demonstrates that both seed size and sowing depth play a crucial role in the early establishment and growth performance of berseem. Large seeds consistently exhibited greater seedling vigour than small seeds, regardless of variety. Among the sowing depths evaluated, 2.0 cm emerged as the optimal depth, promoting superior germination, early establishment, plant height, and biomass accumulation. These insights can guide improved agronomic practices for enhancing stand establishment and fodder yield in berseem cultivation.
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Salicylic acid and sowing dates effect on linseed (Linum usitatissimum)under rainfed rice (Oryza sativa) fallow condition
A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2022–23 at ICR Farm of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam to assess the effect of salicylic acid on rainfed late sown linseed under different sowing dates in rice–fallow condition. The experiment was laid out in splitplot design with three sowing dates in main plot and four salicylic acid concentrations in sub-plots. Different sowing dates and salicylic acid concentrations significantly affected the growth and yield of linseed. Although sowing on 20th November was most favourable for linseed growth and yield, application of salicylic acid @100 ppm at pre-flowering and seed ball formation stage improved crop performance even under late sowing condition. Thus, salicylic acid application @100 ppm may be recommended as a crop management strategy to mitigate the effects of delayed sowing of linseed in rainfed rice–fallow condition.
Evaluation of different duration rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars for yield andwater use efficiency under direct seeded conditions
A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2019 and 2020 at Rice Research Station Kaul (Kaithal), Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana to evaluate seven rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars [(HKR 09-93 (medium), HKR 127 (medium), HKR 14-30 (mid early), HKR 47 (mid early), IR 99-784-255-91-1-5 (early), HKR 49 (early) and HKR 48 (early)], for yield and water use efficiency under the direct seeded (aerobic) conditions relative to puddled transplanted control. Grain yield of all the short duration cultivars was at par both under the aerobic and transplanted conditions. However, the yield of longer duration (mid-early and medium) cultivars reduced significantly under aerobic conditions compared to that under the transplanted conditions with comparatively more yield reduction in medium duration cultivars ( 26.3%) than in mid early cultivars (21.7 22.0%). The short duration cultivars, except HKR 48, were found significantly superior to longer duration cultivars under the direct seeded conditions. The highest water use efficiency (7.74 kg/ha/mm) was achieved with HKR 49. Net income obtained from short duration cultivars under direct seeded conditions was comparable to that under transplanted conditions but the income from medium and mid-early duration cultivars reduced significantly (by ₹20,077/ha – ₹2,8918/ha) under direct seeding. The short duration cultivars, except HKR 48, were more profitable than the longer duration varieties under the aerobic conditions with HKR 49 fetching the highest net returns (₹84,963/ha). It can be concluded from the results that short duration rice cultivars may be developed, identified and recommended for the success of water saving direct seeding technology of rice cultivation.
Effect of nitrogen and potassium on production potential of quinoa(Chenopodium quinoa) in India
A field study was carried out during late rainy (kharif) season of 2022 and winter (rabi) season of 2022–23 at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu to explore the best nutrient management strategies for enhancing quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) production. The experimental field was arranged in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with nine treatments [T1, 75:0 kg N: K2O/ha; T2, 100:0 kg N: K2O/ha; T3, 125:0 kg N: K2O/ha; T4, 150:0 kg N: K2O/ha; T5, 75:50 kg N: K2O/ha; T6, 100:50 kg N: K2O/ha; T7, 125:50 kg N: K2O/ ha; T8, 150:50 kg N: K2O/ha and T9, Without N and K2O fertilisers (Control)], each replicated thrice. The results revealed that the application of 150:30:50 kg N: P2O5: K2O/ha (T8) led to superior growth parameters (plant height, leaf area index, dry matter production and number of branches/plant), yield attributes (number of panicle/plant, panicle length, panicle conversion efficiency, number of grains/panicle and test weight), yield (grain and stalk), and economic parameters (gross returns, net returns and benefit: cost ratio) for quinoa, outperforming other treatments except for 150:30:0 kg N: P2O5: K2O/ha (T4) during both seasons. The lowest values across all parameters were recorded for the control (T9). It can be inferred from the investigation that the application of 150:30:50 or 150:30:0 kg N: P2O5: K2O/ha significantly enhanced quinoa's growth, yield and economic parameters compared to lower nutrient doses in India.
Economics, Growth, Leaf area index, Nitrogen, Quinoa, Yield
Residue retention and soil matric potential-based irrigation to improveproductivity, energy efficiency and profitability of wheat (Triticum aestivum)
High energy consumption and declining profitability in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production following rice (Oryza sativa L.) pose significant challenges to sustainable agriculture. Inefficient residue management practices, and traditional irrigation methods lead to excessive energy use, environmental degradation, and reduced economic returns. To address these issues, a field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) season of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab to evaluate the productivity, energetics and profitability of wheat under residue management and soil matric potential-based irrigation. The experiment was laid out in randomised complete block design (RCBD) comprising nine treatments of crop residue management including conventional tillage (CT) with/without rice residue, zero tillage (ZT) with/without rice residue, ZT with rice residue and retention of wheat residue, ZT after partial burning of rice residue, with irrigation at 35±1 kPa in all crop residue management treatments. Higher grain yield, net energy, energy use efficiency and energy productivity were obtained in ZT (double crop residue) + irrigation at 35±1 kPa while, economic returns, viz. net returns, gross returns and benefit-cost ratio were maximum under ZT (single crop residue) + irrigation at 35±1 kPa. Principal component analysis further indicated strong positive relationships among grain yield, energy output, net energy and economic returns, with residue retention treatments showing close association with improved productivity and energy efficiency. Overall, the study suggests that ZT with rice residue retention combined with soil moisture potential-based irrigation scheduling (35±1 kPa) is an effective strategy for improving productivity, energy efficiency and profitability of wheat grown after rice.
Optimising nano-nitrogen and conventional sulphur doses for enhancedgrowth and yield in sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
The field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2024 and winter (rabi) season of 2025 at Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu to study the effect of nano formulation of nitrogen and conventional sulphur on growth and yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivated in heavy textured soil. The sunflower hybrid VEDA (KSFH-666) variety was selected for the study. The experiment consists of 11 treatments comprised of four levels of nitrogen (30, 45, 60 and 90 kg/ha) through urea and nano urea and sulphur (45 kg/ha) through gypsum. Regarding the various treatments imposed in the experiments, T11 (45 kg nitrogen through urea + 45 kg nitrogen through nano urea + 45 kg S/ha through gypsum) registered maximum values for growth and yield attributes, seed yield (2,722 and 2,613 kg/ha) and stalk yield (4,828 and 4,634 kg/ha) of sunflower in both crop seasons. The lowest values for growth attributes, yield attributes and yield (seed and stalk) were observed under control treatment (T1) in both crop seasons. Experimental findings obtained from current investigation found that combined application of nano and conventional nitrogen and sulphur had a profound impact towards growth and yield attributes and yield of sunflower over control in both crop seasons.
Assessment of larval population and damage potential of fall armyworm(Spodoptera frugiperda) in maize (Zea mays) ecosystem
A study was carried out to assess the larval incidence and leaf damage potential of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J E Smith) in maize (Zea mays L.) agroecosystem during rainy (kharif) season of 2022 and 2023 at Banda district of Uttar Pradesh. The larval population first appeared in 33rd standard meteorological week (SMW), with initial counts of 0.10 and 0.28 larvae/plant in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The population peaked at 6.92 larvae/plant in 38th SMW during 2022 and 4.83 larvae/plant in 37th SMW during 2023. The leaf damage was also varied from 0.37–60.16% in 2022 and from 4.69–58.14% in 2023. Correlation analysis indicated a strong positive correlation between larval population and leaf damage, both influenced by abiotic weather parameters. In 2022, only rainfall showed a significant positive correlation with larval population. In contrast, during 2023, both larval population and leaf damage showed significant positive correlations with minimum temperature, maximum relative humidity and minimum relative humidity. Principal component analysis suggested that higher rainfall and relative humidity favour greater population growth and leaf damage in 2023 compared to 2022. The results of the regression analysis revealed that weather variables were more influenced in 2022 (R2 = 58.7) than 2023 (R2 = 41.5), showed 58.70% variability in fall armyworm larval population, where maximum temperature was most significant constant. Besides, other factors might also be responsible for a weaker model in 2023.
Effect of nitrogen levels and herbicides on productivity and economics ofsesame (Sesamum indicum) and residual effects on succeedingchickpea (Cicer arietinum)
A field experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of nitrogen levels and different herbicides on weed dynamics, growth and productivity of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and their residual effects on succeeding chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). It was conducted during the 2022–23 and 2023–24 at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Rajasthan. Twenty different treatment combinations were tested with main-plots assigned four different nitrogen levels (control, 20, 40 and 60 kg/ha) and the sub-plots were divided into five different weed control methods (weed-free treatment, pendimethalin @750 g/ha pre-emergence (PE), flumioxazin @75 g/ha PE, imazethapyr @50 g/ha applied 25 days after sowing, and weedy check). The results demonstrated that applying 40 kg N/ha significantly enhanced multiple growth metrics. These metrics included plant height, dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, seed yield, stalk yield and oil content of sesame but it was at par with 60 kg N/ha. The seed yield percentage increase by 68.4 and 18.5%, net return registered 216.5 and 35.9% increase over control and 20 kg N/ha, respectively. A maximum benefit-cost ratio (2.39) was recorded with the application of nitrogen 60 kg/ha, which was at par with 40 kg N/ha (2.29). Among herbicide treatments, pendimethalin at 750 g/ha, showed a significant improvement in plant height, dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, seed yield, stalk yield, net return and benefit-cost ratio of sesame over flumioxazin, weedy check and imazethapyr, whereas it was at par with weed free treatment. Maximum partial factor productivity, agronomic efficiency and physiological efficiency was observed in 20 kg N/ha followed by 40 kg N/ha and 60 kg N/ha. Lowest weed index was reported under pendimethalin (5.18%), however highest weed control efficiency (88.50%) was observed under imazethapyr. Furthermore, the succeeding chickpea crop was unaffected by the nitrogen and herbicide that had been sprayed in pervious chickpea crop. It was concluded that the application of nitrogen at 40 kg/ha along with pendimethalin at 750 g/ha as a PE treatment is recommended for reduce weed dynamics and achieving higher productivity, along with improved quality and profitability, in the hyper-arid regions of Rajasthan, considering its economic importance.
Assessment of sixteen different herbs for their suitability asantioxidant rich microgreens
The study was carried out to evaluate 16 vegetable microgreens for morphological, sensory, and biochemical traits during the year 2023–24 at Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur, Bihar. Significant variations were observed in growth characteristics, with radish (Raphanus sativus L.) demonstrating the fastest germination (2.30 days) and highest germination percentage (94.10%). Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) had the longest stem length (10.20 cm), while celery (Apium graveolens L.) had the shortest (3.93 cm). Biochemical analysis revealed significant variations in chlorophyll content with fenugreek (Trigonella foenum L.) and radish having the highest levels while total phenol content was highest in fenugreek and Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera). Antioxidant activity was measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. Lower DPPH activity showed strong antioxidant potential in fenugreek and carrot. While, high FRAP values indicated strong antioxidant capacity as evident in radish and carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus). Sensory evaluation on 9 point hedonic scale showed overall acceptability ranging from 5.5–9.0, with lettuce receiving notably low scores. The study highlighted the diversity and potential of microgreens as a rich source of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.
Effect of combined application of nutrients on fruit quality ofsapota (Acharas zapota) cv. Kalipatti
Indiscriminate use of inorganic fertilisers is a threat to environment coupled with adverse effects on quality of produce and soil health. Integrated nutrient management (INM) can fulfill the nutrients need of the sapota (Acharas zapota L.) plants for qualitative and quantitative produce and reduce the need of chemical fertilisers. The current study was performed to appraise the impact of chemical, organic and biological fertilisers on quality production of sapota at ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Kota, Rajasthan during 2020–21 and 2021–22. The study included 17 different treatment combinations, including farm yard manure (FYM), vermicompost, recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF) and biofertilisers. The findings of conducted field trial reported that integration of RDF 75% + VC 10 kg + AZS 250 g + AZB 250 g/plant recorded higher fruit diameter (5.67 cm), length of fruit (6.20 cm) and weight of fruit (100.17 g). Beside this, higher fruit firmness (4.96 kg/cm2) and pulp:seed ratio (93.09) were recorded in the same treatment. Although, biochemical parameters for instance total soluble solids (20.05°B), ascorbic acid (11.86 mg/100 g pulp), TSS:acid ratio (121.29) and reducing sugar (5.11%) were recorded in treatment having RDF 75% + FYM 50 kg + AZS 250 g + AZB 250 g/plant. The impact demonstrated that applying two-thirds of the recommended quantity of inorganic fertilisers i.e. 1000 g, 500 g and 500 g NPK/plant in sapota cv. Kalipatti enhanced total soluble solids (TSS) content (9.68%) and fruit weight (13.72 %) over the control.
Growth dynamics of citrus fruits in India: A decomposition analysiswith seasonal indicators
This study focused on the dynamics of citrus production in India and Himachal Pradesh over a 48 year period (1975–2022), emphasising regional differences and underlying development drivers. Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and decomposition analysis were employed to examine the contributions of acreage, yield, and their interaction to production growth. Citrus production in India was primarily area-driven, with acreage growing by 12.96% during the period, while yield gains were minor (-0.26%). In Himachal Pradesh, however, output growth was driven by yields, with an 8.11% increase contributing considerably to the overall 10.45% growth. Seasonal indices of lemon prices and arrivals in four main northern Indian markets i.e. Ambala, Jassur, Azadpur, and Dehradun showed that prices peaked in April and May, with arrivals following similar seasonal trends. Notably, Azadpur had the highest price trend value of 7.73 in December, demonstrating the impact of large-scale production and effective supply chains. It underscored the relevance of contemporary farming techniques, resource management, and climate-friendly solutions for increasing productivity. Furthermore, insights about lemon market trends provided actionable guidance for optimising supply chains and eliminating market anomalies, particularly in volatile places such as Ambala and Dehradun. By combining data analysis with policy recommendations, this research provides a comprehensive framework for enhancing citrus production and market efficiency in India.
Growth rate, Lemon, Productivity, Time series, Trends
Wide hybridisation and introgression of anthracnose resistance in thebackground of local landraces of rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris)
The present study was aimed to broaden the genetic base of rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) by conducting a wide hybridisation programme under controlled conditions. The study involved crosses between cultivated and wild Phaseolus vulgaris and inter-specific crosses of P. vulgaris with P. coccineus, P. acutifolius and P. lunatus. The success of hybrid establishment and their comprehensive development was up to 18.28% in intra-specific hybrids, with accessions of secondary gene pool 3.94–9.04%, with tertiary gene pool and with quarterly gene pool only 0.5%. However with mentor pollinated, the achievement rate of intra-specific hybrids was 16.84%. On the basis of pooled mean performance, RIL (Recombinant inbred line) 14 of Bhaderwah Local (BL) × Poonch Local (PL) in F4 and F5 generations showed maximum seed yield (15.56 g/plant) along with moderately resistance against anthracnose. Similarly, RIL11of mentor pollinated inter-specific hybrid in F4 and F5 generations showed higher seed yield (29.79 g/plant) along with resistance against anthracnose. The application of wild species of rajmash i.e. P. coccineus, P. acutifolius and P. lunatus for the improvement of rajmash was just initiated and success rate is very less in India and remains limited. Promising RILs of both intra and inter-specific hybrids may be further evaluated for stability in performance for varietal development programme in the background of local land races of rajmash of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Phaseolus vulgaris, Phaseolus coccineus, Phaseolus acutifolius, Inter-specific hybridisation
Effect of conjoint use of conventional and nano-fertilisers on Ethiopianmustard (Brassica carinata) in north-western Himalayas
The present experiment was conducted to study the effect of conventional and nano-fertilisers on growth, yield attributes and yield of Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Brown) (variety Jayanti) in north-western Himalayas during winter (rabi) season of 2023–24 and 2024–25 at Shivalik Agricultural Research and Extension Centre, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomised block design (F-RBD) involving three levels of RD-NP (Recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus), viz. 100%, 75% and 50% RD-NP and three sprays of nano-fertilisers, viz. two-sprays of nano-urea @4 mL/L at 25 and 45 DAS (days after sowing), two sprays of nano-DAP @4 mL/L at 25 and 45 DAS, and two sprays of nano-urea + nano-DAP (4 mL/L each) at 25 and 45 DAS, and one absolute control (water spray). The pooled analysis recorded that 100% RD-NP had significantly higher values of plant height, number of primary and secondary branches/plant, siliquae/plant, seeds/siliqua, seed yield and biological yield as compared to the treatments 75% RD-NP and 50% RD-NP. Among nano-fertilisers, two sprays of nano-urea + nano-DAP @4 mL/L (each) recorded higher values of plant height, number of primary and secondary branches/plant, siliquae/plant, seeds/siliqua, seed yield and biological yield than their individual application. The results indicated that foliar sprays of nano-fertilisers showed positive influence on growth, yield attributes and yield in Ethiopian mustard. Thus, two spray of nano-urea + nano-DAP @4 mL/L each at 25 and 45 DAS with application of 60 kg N, 40 kg P2O5 and 40 kg K2O/ha may be advisable in mid-hills of north-western Himalayas.
Benefit: cost ratio, Gross returns, Nano-DAP, Nano urea, Yield
Genetic variability, divergence, correlation and path analysis in okra(Abelmoschus esculentus) for yield improvement
Genetic variability and trait association analyses are crucial for effective parent selection in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] breeding programme. However, the lack of integrated information on variability, divergence, and yield-related traits often limits precision in breeding decisions. To address this, the present study evaluated 25 okra genotypes along with ‘Punjab-8’ as a standard check during 2022 and 2023 at College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Himachal Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) having three replications. Data on growth, yield, and quality traits were recorded and pooled analyses were conducted to estimate variability, correlations, path coefficients, principal component analysis and genetic divergence. Substantial variability was observed among genotypes for most traits. The genotype COHF N-2 was notable for early flowering, taller plants, and superior fruit weight and yield/plant. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were recorded for mucilage content, first flowering node, and fruit yield/plant. Most traits exhibited high heritability, suggesting that phenotypic selection would be effective. Correlation analysis indicated that pod number/plant and pod weight were positively associated with yield, while path coefficient analysis revealed a strong direct effect of seeds/pod on yield. Genetic divergence grouped the genotypes into four distinct clusters. The diverse and superior genotypes identified in this study can be effectively utilised in breeding programmes aimed at yield improvement in okra.
Principal component analysis, Path coefficient analysis, Yield components
Assessment of Kisan Sarathi in influencing farmers’ knowledge on rabi croppractices: A difference-in-difference approach
Digital extension platforms have emerged as an important means of strengthening last-mile information delivery in Indian agriculture. Kisan Sarathi, a multimodal and interactive ICT-based advisory system, provides personalised, location-specific recommendations to farmers through Krishi Vigyan Kendras. However, empirical evidence on its effectiveness in enhancing farmers’ knowledge remains limited. The present study conducted during 2024–25, evaluated the contribution of Kisan Sarathi advisories in improving farmers’ knowledge of winter (rabi) crop practices using a Difference-in-Difference (DID) approach. Uttar Pradesh was selected purposively due to its high registration on Kisan Sarathi and extensive area under major rabi crops. A total of 300 farmers were surveyed from three districts selected through a stratified two-stage sampling method, comprising equal numbers of users and non-users. A standardised knowledge test was developed through item collection, expert validation, and item analysis, yielding 17 items that were used for pre- and post-intervention assessments. The DID regression model with cluster-robust standard errors was applied to isolate the causal effect of the advisories. The results showed a significant rise in knowledge scores among Kisan Sarathi users compared to non-users, with the post-intervention experimental group coefficient confirming a strong positive effect. Model diagnostics indicated robustness and moderate explanatory power. The findings demonstrated that Kisan Sarathi substantially enhanced farmers’ knowledge by delivering timely, and needbased advisories. The study concluded that digital extension platforms like Kisan Sarathi can play a significant role in bridging information gaps and improving informed decision-making in agriculture, reinforcing their importance in future extension strategies.
Agro-advisory services, Digital extension platform, ICT, Kisan Sarathi, Knowledge test
Dissipation kinetics and risk assessment of chlorantraniliprole andlambda-cyhalothrin in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and soil
A field experiment was conducted to elucidate the dissipation kinetics, persistence, and risk assessment of chlorantraniliprole and lambda-cyhalothrin applied as ready-mix insecticide in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] and associated soil in April 2023 at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana. A mix formulation of chlorantraniliprole (9.3%) + lambda-cyhalothrin (4.6%) was applied at the fruiting stage of okra (Hisar 102 variety) in different doses (28, 35 and 56 g a.i./ha). The samples were analysed using a validated QuEChERS extraction protocol followed by GC-MS/MS quantification. Both insecticides confirmed to first-order dissipation kinetics, with half-lives of 1.40–4.36 days in okra fruits. Residues declined below the MRL within six days after application, establishing safe pre-harvest intervals. Dietary and soil risk assessments, based on estimated daily intake and risk quotient indicated negligible human and ecological risk. These findings provide critical data for residue management, regulatory compliance, and suitability of chlorantraniliprole and lambda-cyhalothrin in okra cultivation.
Dietry risk assessment, Environment, QuEChERS, Residue dynamics
Integrated nutrient management of mustard greens (Brassica juncea)under Terai region of West Bengal
The present experiment was carried to evaluate the integrated effects of organic amendments and microbial inoculants combined with reduced inorganic fertiliser rates such as 75% and 50% recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF) on the agronomic performance of mustard greens (Brassica juncea L.), including vegetative growth, fresh yield and biochemical quality parameters during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 at Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) comprising 16 treatment combinations with three replications, employing the ‘Pusa Sag-1’ cultivar. Results revealed that the application of 75% RDF + 4 t vermicompost/ha + 5 kg Azotobacter/ha + 5 kg PSB/ha recorded significantly maximum plant height (49.96 cm), leaf length (44.39 cm), leaf width (14.06 cm), number of leaves/plant (10.77), leaf yield/plant (128.36 g), dry weight of leaves/plant (13.88 g), and green yield (29.92 t/ha). This treatment also showed superior quality parameters per 100 g fresh weight, including ascorbic acid (30.53 mg), total chlorophyll (60.34 mg) and β-carotene (2524.45 μg) of mustard greens. Additionally, this treatment enhanced available soil nutrients including nitrogen (195.26 kg/ha), phosphorus (26.61 kg/ha) and potassium (101.22 kg/ha), while achieving the most favourable benefit-cost ratio of 3.48. Integrated application of chemical fertilisers with vermicompost and biofertilisers significantly improved mustard greens yield attributes, quality parameters and soil fertility status, facilitating sustainable intensification of production.
Green yield, Dry weight of leaves, Organic carbon, Soil fertility
Harnessing sodic groundwater for sustainability in rice (Oryza sativa) – wheat(Triticum aestivum) cropping system
High-input intensive agriculture and excessive use of flood irrigation has led to declining groundwater level and accumulation of sodium salts, leading to deteriorating water quality, soil organic matter and nutrient availability. Therefore, a three-year field experiment (2020–2023) was conducted to evaluate the judicious use of sodic groundwater through drip irrigation, gypsum, and mulch in a rice (Oryza sativa L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system at Budhmor village, Patiala district, Punjab. The study followed a split-split plot design with three irrigation regimes (through drip, and conventional flood), three gypsum levels (0, 25, and 50% gypsum), and two mulch treatments (with and without crop residue). Drip irrigation significantly reduced soil pH compared to flood irrigation due to enhanced leaching of soluble sodium. Gypsum application further lowered soil pH and improved organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium availability. The interaction between drip irrigation and gypsum (I1G3) produced the highest soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Wheat yield increased from 29.94 q/ha under flood irrigation to 48.26 q/ha under I1G3 while direct-seeded rice yield was 30.80 q/ha under similar conditions. Gypsum significantly improved chlorophyll content in both crops, indicating enhanced physiological performance. Mulching had positive but non-significant effects on most parameters. Overall, the integrated use of drip irrigation at 80% ETc for wheat and 150% ETc for rice with 50% gypsum requirement was found most effective in mitigating sodicity, improving soil fertility, and sustaining crop productivity under sodic groundwater irrigation in the Indo-Gangetic plains.
Crop establishment and weed management effects on weed flora andyield of dry direct-seeded basmati rice (Oryza sativa) inthe north-western Indo-Gangetic plains
Despite the manifold advantages of dry direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.), its adoption is constrained by severe weed infestation during the early stages of crop development. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of crop establishment methods and weed management practices on weed dynamics, growth and yield of direct-seeded basmati rice during rainy (kharif) season of 2021 and 2022 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with four crop establishment methods in main plots (broadcasting, line sowing, raised bed sowing on 1 m and 0.67 m beds) and four weed management practices in sub-plots [manual weeding, pendimethalin @0.75 kg/ha (pre-emergence) + bispyribac sodium @0.25 kg/ha (postemergence), pendimethalin @0.75 kg/ha (pre-emergence) + manual weeding, and mechanical weeding]. Line sowing significantly reduced sedge density while total weed dry matter was comparable under line sowing and bed sowing, which was significantly lower than broadcasting. Sequential application of pendimethalin followed by bispyribac sodium effectively reduced weed density and biomass was comparable with pendimethalin followed by one manual weeding. Line-sowing and 1 m raised bed sowing methods produced significantly higher grain yield than 0.67 m bed and broadcasting. The study concluded that line sowing or 1.0 m raised bed sowing combined with sequential herbicide application can be an effective and practical strategy for effective weed management and improving productivity of direct-seeded basmati rice under Punjab conditions.
Bispyribac sodium, Integrated weed management, Pendimethalin, Sequential herbicide application
Deep learning-based detection of co-occurring diseases in mustard(Brassica juncea) crop using YOLOv11
Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.] is an essential crop in agriculture, but its yield is often restricted by different kind of diseases, affecting both farmers and the edible oil industry. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence have transformed plant disease detection by enabling precise identification of various diseases. However, their detection and management become more challenging when crops are affected by multiple co-occurring diseases. To address this challenge, present study was carried out to implement deep learning algorithm for precise detection of co-occurring disease in mustard crop. A dataset consisting of 329 diseased leaf images of mustard crop with co-occurring symptoms of Alternaria blight and white rust diseases were collected during the 2023–2024 from the experimental fields of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Dataset processed through annotation and augmentation to boost detection accuracy of the network. A YOLO-based detection model (YOLOv11 and its variants) was trained and validated. Their performance was evaluated using the test dataset. Among the YOLOv11 variants, YOLOv11-x showed the highest performance by achieving mAP @50 score of 96.2% with average F1-score of 93.8% on validation data, performing 4.8% relatively better than the least complex model (YOLOv11-n), highlighting its superior detection capability. Furthermore, YOLOv11-x also surpassed previous YOLO models (YOLOv8, YOLOv9, and YOLOv10) in detection accuracy. The experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of YOLOv11 for co-occurring disease detection in mustard crops.
Artificial intelligence, Deep learning, Disease detection, YOLOv11 architecture