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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Advances in propagation and conservation of medicinal species: A review
As many medicinal species are on the verge of extinction from their natural habitats, due to global climatic change, over-exploitation, anthropogenic activities, destructive harvesting, natural calamities, low seed viability, pests and diseases etc. Hence, there is an urgent need for conservation of medicinal plants. This review examined the propagation of medicinal plants through sexual (seed), vegetative (stem and root cuttings), and in vitro micro-propagation methods. Considering this the current review reported that root and stem cutting treated with different plant growth regulators is the most effective practices for propagation of medicinal plants. Application of plant growth regulators has been shown to significantly improve propagation efficiency: IBA (1000 ppm) achieved 86–96% rooting and establishment, NAA and IAA (500–2000 ppm) yielded 70–90% rooting success, and GA₃ (200–1000 ppm) enhanced seed germination to 85–97%. Promoting propagation and ex situ conservation can help ensure sustainable supply, preserve genetic diversity, and support commercialisation of endangered medicinal plant species.
Conservation, Dormancy, In vitro micro-propagation, Tissue culture
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A cost-effective orchard netting against fruit sucking moth (Eudocima materna) in pomegranate (Punica granatum)
Fruit piercing and sucking moth (FPSM) causes serious pre‑harvest losses in pomegranate in Southern Karnataka during the peak fruiting season (September–November). Adult moths pierce the fruit rind, leading to secondary rots, while chemical control is ineffective and undesirable due to residue concerns. A three‑year field study (2023–2025) conducted in two commercial orchards in Devanahalli Taluk evaluated four management options whole‑orchard netting, single‑tree netting, banana baiting with chlorpyrifos, and azadirachtin spray. Whole‑orchard and single‑tree netting consistently resulted in zero fruit damage across all years, whereas banana baiting and azadirachtin provided partial control. Statistical analysis confirmed highly significant treatment effects. Whole‑orchard netting, costing about ₹20,000/acre, offered complete protection with a favourable benefit-cost ratio. Demonstration effects led to rapid farmer adoption, with over 92% adoption across major pomegranate‑growing regions by 2025. Whole‑orchard netting, thus, represents an effective, residue‑free, eco‑friendly, and economically viable strategy for FPSM management.
Banana baiting, Chlorpyrifos, Fruit piercing, Single tree-netting
Association of Colletotrichum species with anthracnose of tropical fruit crops in Southern Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, India
Severe pre- and post-harvest losses occur in tropical fruit crops by fruit rot pathogens especially Colletotrichum spp., causing anthracnose disease. The wide host range of the pathogen is associated with the prevalence of different species in the fruit orchards. Hence, for the study, samples were collected during the winter (rabi) season of 2020 and the rainy (kharif) season of 2021 from Southern Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh to explore the diversity of Colletotrichum spp. for sustainable disease management and plant biosecurity. Characteristic symptoms of anthracnose included dark, sunken lesions with visible acervular aggregates at advanced stages of infection. Preliminary identification of nine isolates (IIHR_COL_C1-9) was based on morpho-cultural characteristics. Eight isolates were assigned to the C. gloeosporioides species complex, producing cylindrical conidia and white aerial mycelial colonies, while one isolate (IIHR_COL_C8) was identified as C. truncatum, producing falcate conidia and dark grey colonies with concentric zonation. Multigene phylogenetic analysis using partial sequences of ITS, ACT, GD, SOD2 and TUB2 in MEGA X further resolved the isolates into three species: C. siamense (n=7), C. musae (n=1), and C. truncatum (n=1). The mean conidial size of C. siamense ranged from 10.16–14.18 μm × 3.76–5.34 μm, C. musae measured 12.01 μm × 3.83 μm, and C. truncatum is 21.45 μm × 2.57 μm. The mean growth rate of C. siamense ranged from 10.56–12.92 mm/day, C. musae was 12.61 mm/day, and C. truncatum was 7.47 mm/day. C. siamense was identified as the dominant species causing anthracnose disease across all seven fruit crops, viz. Banana, Custard Apple, Guava, Grape, Mango, Papaya and Pomegranate, along with C. musae identified from Banana and C. truncatum from Papaya.
Diversity, Fruit crops, Molecular characterization, Multigene phylogeny
Optimisation of indole butyric acid concentrations in dragon fruit (Selenicereus polyrhizus) stem cuttings under nursery condition of semi-arid region of Rajasthan, India
The study was carried out during November to February 2024–25 in shade house established at ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Pali Marwar, Rajasthan to assess the effect of different concentrations of rooting hormone on dragon fruit stem cuttings. Dragon fruit stem cuttings collected from two-year-old mother plant treated with different Indole-3 Butyric Acid (IBA) concentrations revealed that irrespective of the length of cuttings, maximum sprouting (92%) was obtained in 250 ppm closely followed by 88% in 500 and 750 ppm. The mean cladode length and rooting parameters were better in IBA @750 ppm. Rooting length and number of roots exhibited a strong linear relationship with root dry weight. These results provide valuable insights into optimising rooting hormone concentrations for mass multiplication of dragon fruit plants under semi-arid region of Rajasthan.
Dragon cladode, IBA concentration, Root dry weight, Sprouting
Projecting growth in Indian horticulture: A time series analysis of area, production, and productivity using ARIMA models
The horticulture sector plays a crucial role in India's agricultural economy, emerging as a dynamic and rapidly expanding component of agriculture. It contributes significantly to farmers’ income, food security, and nutritional well-being. The present study analyzed trends and patterns in the area, production, and productivity of the Indian horticulture sector over 33 years (1991–92 to 2023–24). The time-series data for this period were collected from Horticulture Statistics at a Glance, published by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. ARIMA models were employed to generate forecasts for the period 2025–26 to 2050–51. The results indicated a continuous upward trend in all three parameters over the study period. The area under horticulture is projected to reach about 42.77 mha by 2050–51, while production and productivity were expected to rise to 567.25 mt and 16.30 t/ha, respectively. These projections were validated through residual analysis with low Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) values (2.17% for area, 2.65% for production, and 3.05% for productivity), confirming the robustness of the predictions. The study suggested that, to maintain this positive trajectory, targeted investments in research, modern infrastructure, efficient resource management, post-harvest management strategies, sustainable farming practices, and supportive policy measures are needed to sustain the horticulture sector's growth.
ARIMA, Forecasting, Horticulture, Residual analysis, Trend analysis
Evaluation of improved fodder sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) varieties through frontline demonstrations
The study implementing the Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) were conducted during 2019–20 to 2023–24 to assess the effect of improved sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] production technologies on productivity, yield gap, economics, and adoption behaviour of farmers in sorghum production. A total of 150 demonstrations covering 20 ha in 33 villages were implemented using improved varieties CSV 24 MF and UPMC 503 along with recommended agronomic practices. The average fodder yield under FLDs was 707.0 q/ha, registering a yield advantage of 25.14% over farmers’ practice. Yield Gap I and Yield Gap II analyses indicated that while extension interventions substantially reduced adoption-related yield losses, a moderate gap between potential and realized yields persisted due to agro-climatic and management constraints. Economic analysis revealed that improved technologies increased net returns by ₹15,202.6/ha with a higher benefit-cost ratio (2.57) compared to farmers’ practice (2.09), despite a marginal increase in cost of cultivation. Adoption of recommended practices improved markedly after demonstrations, with an overall adoption impact of 248.41%, particularly for seed treatment, fertilizer application, and use of improved varieties. FLDs also resulted in effective varietal replacement of local sorghum cultivars and substantial horizontal spread of improved varieties, with area expansion of 233.33% for CSV 24 MF and 208.33% for UPMC 503. The study concludes that FLDs are an effective extension tool for enhancing sorghum productivity, profitability, and technology adoption under farmers’ field conditions.
Adoption gap index, Benefit-cost ratio, Effective gain, Varietal replacement, Yield gap
Evaluating genetic variability and trait interrelationships through correlation and path coefficient analysis in garden stock (Matthiola incana) genotypes
The present study was carried out during 2022–23 and 2023–24 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to analyse their genetic variability, correlations and trait associations influencing inflorescence production in garden stock (Matthiola incana L.). Thirty-six genotypes of garden stock were assessed, for 13 vegetative and floral traits. Analysis of variance indicated the significant differences amid genotypes for all the considered characters. The wide variation recorded for plant spread (542.99–2070.30 cm2) followed by the leaf area/plant (404.75–1625.90 cm2), inflorescence length (18.04–38.85 cm) and inflorescence count/plant (1.00–18.58). Higher genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were documented for inflorescence count/plant, leaf area/plant, distance between two florets, inflorescence length, plant height, leaf count/plant, plant-spread, days for first floral bud initiation and first flowering indicating substantial genetic variability for breeding. All the traits exhibited higher heritability (62.02–90.80%), with inflorescence count/plant (90.80%). Most of the observed characters had shown higher heritability united with a high genetic advance as a percent mean, showing strong additive gene action with favourable response to selection. Inflorescence count/plant unveiled positive and highly significant correlation with leaf count/plant, plant spread and leaf area plant. Cause and effect analysis using correlation coefficients revealed the inflorescence count/plant had a positive and very high effect with leaf count/plant (0.738), leaf area/plant (0.448), plant spread (0.362), stem girth (0.281) and days to first bud flowering (0.274). These traits, can be preferred as key indicators for selection criteria along with other agronomically important traits in stock breeding programme for greater inflorescences per plant and other ornamental potential.
Broad-sense heritability, Genotypic coefficient, Path analysis, Stock, Ornamental
Effect of conventional and nano fertilizers on sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in acidic soil
The present study was carried out during the rainy (kharif) season of 2021 and 2022 at University of Agricultural Sciences, Gandhi Krishi Vigyana Kendra, Bengaluru, Karnataka to evaluate effect of different doses of conventional and nano-fertilizers on concentration, uptake and use efficiency on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in acidic soil. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and comprised of 14 treatments, including varying combinations of recommended doses and nano-fertilizer. Results revealed that nitrogen, sulphur and zinc concentrations in sunflower varied significantly with application of treatment T14 (75% RDN + Nano Urea @ 4 mL/ L+ 25% ZnSO4 + Nano Sulphur @200 ppm + Nano Zinc @500 ppm) compared to treatment T2 [Package of practice (FYM + Bio fertilizers + NPK + Zn + B)], while phosphorus and potassium were non-significant. A similar kind of trend was observed in case of uptake of nitrogen, sulphur and zinc and this treatment recorded a significant improvement over other treatment. Furthermore, these findings underscore the potential for integrated use of conventional and nano formulations at optimal level to boost crop productivity without excessive inputs. Nutrients use efficiency of nitrogen (72.01 kg/kg), phosphorus (26.47 kg/kg) and potassium (35.29 kg/kg) were influenced considerably with application of different levels of conventional and nano fertilizers among different treatment combinations.
Nitrogen use efficiency, Nutrient concentration, Nutrient efficiency, Zinc uptake
Effect of salt stress on morphological and yield attributing parameters of pepper (Capsicum annuum) genotypes
The present study was carried out during 2022 to 2024 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab to determine the influence of salinity levels of 0, 2, 4 and 6 dS/m on morphological and yield characteristics of 16 highly tolerant pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes initially selected by testing 100 genotypes at nursery stage. The experiment was conducted using a split plot design (SPD) with salinity treatments as main factor and genotypes as sub factor. Artificial saline conditions in pot were created using NaCl, MgSO4 and CaCl2 in the ratio 2:1:1. The findings revealed that salinity caused a significant decrease in plant height, internode length, branch number, root weight, fruit characteristics, fruit number and yield. Additionally, it also delayed the onset of flowering in all genotypes. When compared to other genotypes, genotypes PAU-212, YL-581 and SL-474 performed superior in all parameters when exposed to salt stress. Maximum yield at highest salinity level was exhibited by PAU-212 (519.8 g/plant) and was followed by YL-581 (511.7 g/plant). In terms of percent decrease in yield at higher salinity levels in comparison to control conditions was minimum in GC-222, with only 16.9% reduction, followed by YL-581 (18.4%) and SL-474 (22.8%). Thus, it can be concluded that PAU-212, YL-581 and SL-474 proved to be the most suitable genotypes for salt tolerance in pot conditions and could be considered for future studies and cultivation in salt affected regions.
Fruit number, Pepper, Salinity, Stress, Yield
Optimization of hydropriming and biopriming treatments for enhancing seed quality in lentil (Lens culinaris)
The present study was carried out during 2023–24 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi aimed to standardize hydropriming and biopriming protocols to improve seed quality and seedling vigour in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.). Hydropriming was evaluated using two seed-to-water ratios (1:1 and 1:2, w/v) across six soaking durations (4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 h), while biopriming was optimized using four bacterial inoculum concentrations (0.1, 1, 10, and 100%) for 4, 8, 12 and 16 h. Seed quality parameters were assessed following standard germination test. Results indicated that hydropriming at 16 h with a 1:2 ratio significantly (p≤0.05) improved germination (93.0%), shoot and root length (8.58 and 16.9 cm), seedling fresh and dry weight (1.32 and 0.128 g/10 seedlings), and vigour indices (SVI-I: 2373; SVI-II: 11.92). Similarly, biopriming at 1% inoculum for 12 h recorded the highest performance, with germination (94.7%), shoot and root length (9.19 and 17.3 cm), fresh and dry weight (1.32 and 0.136 g/10 seedlings), and vigour indices (SVI-I: 2507; SVI-II: 12.90). This study demonstrates that hydropriming for 16 h (1:2 ratio) and biopriming for 12 h (1% inoculum) are optimal conditions for enhancing the physiological quality and initial seedling vigour of lentil under laboratory conditions, thereby providing a basis for future field validation.
Biopriming, Germination, Hydropriming, Seed quality, Seedling vigour
Comparative evaluation of rescuegrass (Bromus catharticus) lines for forage yield and quality under mediterranean climate conditions
Developing high-yielding and quality forage crops adapted to Mediterranean conditions is essential to meet the increasing feed demand in the region. This research was conducted for two consecutive years in 2020–21 and 2021–22 under Mediterranean climatic conditions in Adana, Turkiye to determine the yield and quality of seven rescuegrass Bromus catharticus Vahl. breeding lines developed by selection breeding. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Significant effects of year, line, and year × line interactions were observed for most traits. Plant height increased from 76.1 cm (establishment year) to 111.4 cm (second year), while tiller number rose from 8.0 to 19.3/plant. Line 17 exhibited the highest fresh forage yield (19.9 t/ha) and dry matter yield (6.8 t/ha) in the second year, significantly outperforming other lines. Forage quality analysis revealed that Lines 13 and 14 showed superior nutritional value, with crude protein contents of 13.68% and 13.92%, respectively, and lower fiber fractions. Acid detergent fiber ranged from 41.99% (Line 13) to 45.08% (Line 17), while relative feed value varied between 62.3 and 69.3. Strong negative correlations were observed between yield and quality parameters, indicating a typical yield-quality trade-off in forage breeding. These results demonstrated substantial genetic variation among rescuegrass lines and identify Line 17 for high-yield breeding objectives and Line 13 for quality-focused programmes adapted to Mediterranean conditions. Future studies should focus on multi-location trials and molecular characterisation to develop improved rescuegrass cultivars for Mediterranean conditions.
Agronomic performance, Cool-season grass, Genetic variation, Nutritive value
Market integration and price dynamics in major potato (Solanum tuberosum) markets of India
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a cash crop with nutritional value and wider consumer preference. Inadequate cold storage facilities, high price volatility and post-harvest losses are major challenges for the sector. The study examined the price linkages among spatially separated potato markets, viz. Azadpur, Ahmedabad, Bangaluru, Pune and Siliguri using daily price data obtained from AGMARKNET between 2015 and 2024. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller and Phillips Perron tests confirmed the stationarity of all price series at first difference. Trace statistics indicated long-run integration among the selected potato markets. The error correction model was estimated by the Vector Auto-Regression method. A slow adjustment rate was observed in Siliguri (0.64%) and Ahmedabad (3.09%), as they are producing markets, while Bengaluru with a high speed of adjustment (7.62%), emerged as a consuming market. Azadpur was the key price-determining market based on the Granger Causality test. The impulse response function indicated that with price shocks in any market, price fluctuations dissipated by the 10th–15th week in all the potato markets. The provision of infrastructure, market information (particularly for markets with unidirectional causality), price support and the promotion of value addition would enhance the income of growers and the sustainability of the potato sector.
Causality, Impulse-response function, Market integration, VECM
Evaluation of bioactive compounds in peels of different citrus species
Citrus fruits are valued globally for their sensory appeal and economic importance and also for their rich repository of health-promoting phytochemicals. While the edible pulp is extensively studied, citrus peel often discarded as waste, possesses a complex profile of nutritionally and functionally important compounds. Hence, the present study was aimed to assess the phytochemical diversity and functional potential of citrus peels from 14 genotypes, including both commercially cultivated and region-specific types such as Cleopatra mandarin, Troyer citrange, Satkora and Karna khatta. Different citrus fruits were collected from various agro-climatic zones across India and physio-chemical analysis was conducted in the laboratory during 2023–2025 at the Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, West Bengal. Quantitative analyses revealed wide variability in key parameters including total phenolics (6.97–19.93 mg GAE/g DW), flavonoids (4.14–12.58 mg QE/g DW), ascorbic acid (72.3–156.0 mg/100 g FW), carotenoid content (67.3–306.1 μg/g FW) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (47.8–79.3%). Proximate traits such as crude fibre, protein, ash, fat, pectin and essential oil content also varied significantly, indicating species-specific biochemical signatures. Pomelo, Grapefruit and Satkora emerged as superior sources of antioxidants (79.3, 72.6 and 70.4%), while Mandarin orange and lemon showed higher pectin (28.4 and 26.5% DW) and fibre content (10.5 and 9.1% DW). Correlation analysis exhibited strong positive association among phenolics, flavonoids, vitamin C and antioxidant activity, confirming their synergistic roles. These findings support the valorisation of citrus peel as a sustainable bio-resource in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The research also fills a critical research gap in comparative phytochemistry of citrus peels in India and underlines their potential in circular bioeconomy and functional product development.
Citrus genotypes, Functional products, Phytochemical potential, Rind
Agro-economic evaluation of sulphur fertilisation of wheat (Triticum aestivum) under wheat–rice (Oryza sativa) cropping sequence in Indo-Gangetic plains
The present field experiment was aimed to study the agro-economic evaluation of sulphur fertilisation on growth attributes, yield, production and monetary efficiency of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in wheat–rice (Oryza sativa L.) cropping sequence conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2023–24 and 2024–25 at the Research Farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. The experiment was conducted in randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications consisting of five sulphur levels, viz. 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 kg S/ha. Results showed that the application of sulphur significantly enhanced growth attributes such as height, tiller, dry matter accumulation (DMA), yield and monetary efficiency. In 2023–24, 45 kg S/ha improved plant height by 12.4%, tillers/m² by 59.7% and DMA by 80.2% over the control. Similarly, in 2024–25, 30 kg S/ha increased plant height by 10.6%, tillers by 66.6% and DMA by 80.7%. Physiological traits like LAI, SPAD and NDVI were also enhanced. LAI rose by 50.8% in 2023–24 and 53.0% in 2024–25 with 30 kg S/ha, while SPAD increased by 14.6% and 16.8% and NDVI by 17.7% and 20.2% over the control in respective years. Grain yield increased by 43% (2023–24) and 38.4% (2024–25) with 45 and 30 kg S/ha, respectively. Agronomic efficiency peaked at 30 kg S/ha in 2023–24 (56.3 kg grain/kg S) and 15 kg S/ha in 2024–25 (95.3 kg grain/kg S). Production efficiency increased by 42.9% in 2023–24 and 38.3% in 2024–25 with 45 and 30 kg S/ha over the control, respectively. Sulphur fertilisation at 30–45 kg/ha consistently improved growth, yield and profitability, with 30 kg/ha being the most efficient rate.
Leaf area index, Monetary efficiency, NDVI, Nutrient management, SPAD, Wheat productivity
Effect of rainfall variability on rainfed agriculture of the middle catchment of Mahanadi River Basin
Rainfed agriculture in the Kantamal catchment of the middle Mahanadi River Basin is highly sensitive to rainfall variability. Approximately 95% of the catchment area lies in Odisha, covering parts of Kalahandi, Nuapada, Bolangir, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Boudh and Sonepur districts, while the remaining 5% lies in Chhattisgarh, covering parts of Gariaband district. The present study carried out in 2024 examined the seasonal trend in rainfall using the Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA) technique and effect of changing rainfall patterns in major cropping systems of the basin. The Sen’s slope analysis revealed that annual, monsoon, pre-monsoon and post-monsoon rainfall are decreasing @4.2, 3.5, 0.8 and 1.2 mm/year, respectively. These correspond to reductions of approximately 3.0%, 3.0%, 8.0% and 11.4% per decade from the long-term normal rainfall. The decline in post-monsoon rainfall is proportionally higher than other seasons, indicating increasing vulnerability of winter (rabi) crops due to reduced residual soil moisture in the catchment. The study also revealed that important farming operations such as seedbed preparation and nursery raising of rice were affected by decline in pre-monsoon rainfall, rice crop may suffer with water stress at the critical period of irrigation like the active tillering, panicle initiation and flowering stages due to the decrease in monsoon rainfall. Further, due to decrease in post-monsoon rainfall, the low volume and high value crops like pulses and oilseeds may suffer due to moisture stress which will impact agricultural productivity and rural livelihood of the catchment. The findings suggests for implementation of water conservation measures (e.g. check dams, farm ponds and dams), rainwater harvesting structures, irrigation infrastructures, advanced on farm water management techniques (e.g. micro irrigation and alternate wetting and drying) and agricultural policies to face the climate change induced rainfall variability in the catchment.
Agricultural productivity, Climate change, Livelihoods, Rainfall variability, Trend analysis
Identification of stable and high yielding early rice (Oryza sativa) lines across seasons using GGE Biplot analysis
The present study aimed to evaluate grain yield performance, stability, and adaptability of nine early-maturing rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes was conducted at Agricultural Research Station (Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad) Kunaram, Peddapalli, Telangana during summer 2018–19, rainy (kharif) 2019, summer 2019–20, and rainy (kharif) 2020. The comprehensive analysis of variance unequivocally revealed statistically significant influences from lines, seasons, and their interaction, indicating a complex interplay that governs grain yield variability. The findings of GGE biplot methodology demonstrated that greatest variation of total variation was concentrated in environmental factors, subsequently in line impacts and their interactions influencing grain yield. More than 85% of the total variation was captured by the first two principal components, with PC1 and PC2 explaining 68.8% and 18.3% of the variation, respectively. In the GGE biplot genotype view, genotypes G1 and G5 were identified as high-yielding and stable, as indicated by their proximity to the biplot origin suggesting broad adaptability and minimal G×E interaction. The GGE biplot facilitated the identification of mega-environments through polygon, wherein the top-performing lines included G3, G5, and G1 in Mega Environment 1, while G7 stood out as the elite line in Mega Environment 2. G3 was closely aligned with the ideal line followed by G5 and G1 in biplot’s average-environment coordination (AEC) view, conclusively expressing remarkable yield and stability due to their extensive adaptability under the seasons tested suggests strong potential for inclusion in early rice varietal development and multi-environment breeding programmes.
Grain yield, GGE Biplot, Polygon, Rice, Stability analysis
Nitrogen source’s effect on yield protein content, and nitrogen use efficiency of scented rice (Oryza sativa) under irrigated conditions
A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 2023 and 2024 at IFTM University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, to study the effect of different nitrogen sources and management practices on nutrient content, quality parameters, yield, and nitrogen use efficiency of scented rice (Oryza sativa L.) under irrigated conditions. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design (SPD) with three scented rice varieties (Pusa Basmati 1718, Pusa Basmati 1847, and Pusa Basmati 1886) in the main plots and six nitrogen management practices in subplots, viz. control, 100% N through prilled urea, 50% N through prilled urea + two foliar sprays of nano urea, 50% N through prilled urea + green manuring + one foliar spray of nano urea, 75% N through prilled urea + two foliar sprays of nano urea, and 75% N through prilled urea + green manuring + one foliar spray of nano urea. Results indicated that Pusa Basmati 1847 recorded significantly higher grain protein content, protein yield, total nitrogen uptake, and grain yield (5.62–5.64 t/ha) compared with other varieties. Among nitrogen treatments, 75% N through prilled urea + green manuring + one foliar spray of nano urea produced the highest protein content (8.1–9.1%), protein yield (429.93–482.18 kg/ha), total nitrogen uptake (84.48–84.64 kg/ha), and nitrogen recovery (45.26–68.33%), along with maximum grain yield (5.28–5.29 t/ha). The study highlights the potential of integrating prilled urea, nano urea, and green manuring to improve grain quality, nutrient uptake, and nitrogen use efficiency in scented rice under irrigated conditions.
Basmati rice, Green manuring, Grain quality, Nano urea, Nitrogen recovery, Nutrient uptake
Species composition and abundance of predatory natural enemies of Spodoptera frugiperda at growth stages of maize (Zea mays) in conventional fields
Understanding the composition and abundance of predatory insects targeting S. frugiperda in maize (Zea mays L.) at various growth stages is crucial for developing effective management strategies. Therefore, the present study conducted from September 2023 to February 2025 investigates the species composition and abundance of predatory natural enemy insects at different growth stages of maize crops in conventional agricultural fields of Sungai Burung, Tanjung Karang, Selangor, Malaysia. Results revealed four predatory insect species: Sycanus dichotomus Stal (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), Micraspis discolour Fabricius, Harmonia octomaculata Fabricius, and Cheilomenus sexmaculata Fabricius (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), which act as predators of S. frugiperda. Additionally, larvae of three coccinellids were identified as predators of S. frugiperda in the field. In contrast, S. dichotomus nymphs, which also prey on S. frugiperda, were not found in maize plantations. The composition of predatory insect species did not significantly change with the maize crop’s growth stages, except for S. dichotomus. However, the mean abundance of predatory insects varied significantly (F = 408.60; df = 9,290; p<0.001) across different growth stages of the maize crop, with the crops at the flowering stage (8-weeks old) showing the highest mean abundance of predatory insects. The results indicate that the species composition and abundance are relatively linked to the different developmental phases of the maize crop, with the lowest abundance of predatory insects observed in the immature stages and the highest abundance recorded in mature maize plants.
Coccinellids, Entomofauna, Fall Armyworm, Relative abundance
Synergistic effects of elevated CO2 and high temperature on productivity, plant and soil nitrogen in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) varieties
An experiment was conducted in temperature gradient tunnels (TGTs) under elevated CO2 and temperature levels to evaluate their interactive effects on growth, yield, plant nitrogen, and soil nitrogen in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties during winter (rabi) season of 2020–21 and 2021–22 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Both desi (BG 372) and kabuli (Pusa 5023) varieties were exposed to temperature rise of 1.1℃ and 3.0℃ while elevated CO2 concentration was around 550 ppm. Temperature rise by 3℃ significantly reduced LAImax of both the varieties. Temperature rise by 1.1℃ did not have any effect on seed yield, but 3℃ temperature rise significantly reduced seed yield in both the chickpea varieties. Yield reduction in kabuli chickpea was more than in desi variety. In elevated CO2 plus high temperature treatment, reduction in seed N uptake due to temperature rise got compensated by 9.7–15.9% in ‘BG 372’ variety and by 11.4–11.6% in ‘Pusa 5023’ variety. Elevated CO2 partly mitigated the negative effects of temperature on chickpea yield. Seed N concentration as well as soil available N increased under elevated CO2 condition, which is attributed to the fact that, chickpea being a leguminous crop can fix more atmospheric N2 under elevated CO2 condition. This suggests that, although, high temperature alone reduces yield, plant and soil nitrogen, but when combined with elevated CO2, yield and nitrogen levels increased in chickpea due to the beneficial effect of higher CO2 concentration.
Leaf area index, Seed nitrogen uptake, Temperature gradient tunnels
Farmer readiness for Ag-IoT adoption in India: A survey study
Internet of Things based Agriculture (Ag-IoT) is widely adopted by farmers and agriculturists worldwide. Ag-IoT involves technologies such as the internet, sensors, and communication technologies that help automate agricultural labour and improve monitoring, efficiency, and cost. The survey was conducted during 2021 to 2024 with the objective to find out the farmers' readiness for adopting Ag-IoT ecosystems in India using qualitative research methodology, and data were collected through a questionnaire and one-to-one interviews with 100 farmers from six states of India. The findings indicated that 86% of respondents expressed willingness to adopt Ag-IoT technologies. 61% of respondents have no concern of security and privacy in Ag-IoT. However, only 24% of farmers were aware of Ag-IoT, indicating a significant awareness gap about Ag-IoT solutions, security and privacy. Also, the outcome score of 46.19 from the correlation analysis indicated the positive influence of study parameters on the conclusions drawn from our study. The outcomes of this survey can be used by policymakers, researchers, and technology developers to design strategies to promote the secure and effective adoption of Ag-IoT solutions in agricultural communities. Specifically, security researchers need to develop suitable digital forensics and incident response management solutions for Ag-IoT to support its growth and adoption.
Ag-IoT security challenges, Digital transformation, Rural agriculture digitisation, Smart agriculture