International Journal of Plant & Soil Science

Pouteria caimito: An Emerging Tropical Fruit Crop- A Critical Review

Bhagya D. Kartha — 2026-07-16

Pouteria caimito (Ruiz & Pav.) Radlk., known variously as abiu, caimito or yellow star apple, is a Sapotaceae tree native to the western Amazon basin that has begun to attract international research and horticultural interest as a candidate for orchard diversification, functional-food development and Amazonian agro-biodiversity conservation. Despite growing recognition of its sweet, custard-textured fruit and its wide traditional use in South American folk medicine, the species remains comparatively under-characterised relative to mainstream tropical fruits. This review synthesises the dispersed literature on the botany, propagation, nutritional composition, phytochemistry, postharvest physiology and pharmacological properties of P. caimito. The fruit pulp is notably rich in soluble solids, reducing sugars and potassium, while the peel is the principal reservoir of phenolic compounds, triterpenoids and flavonoids responsible for measurable antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and cytotoxic-safety profiles reported across in vitro assays. Postharvest research shows the fruit is markedly perishable, with rapid enzymic browning and chilling injury constraining its commercial shelf life, although maturity-stage selection, ascorbic acid and oxalic acid dips, and moderate cold storage each measurably extend marketability. Propagation remains reliant on seed and, to a lesser extent, cutting-based vegetative methods, with limited clonal selection or rootstock research reported. Genomic resources are confined to plastid genome assemblies that confirm a close phylogenetic relationship with Pouteria campechiana. Collectively, the evidence indicates a species with tangible nutritional, pharmacological and diversification value that is nonetheless held back by fragmented agronomic knowledge, a narrow geographic base of active research groups, and an almost complete absence of large-scale cultivar improvement or supply-chain infrastructure. The review closes by identifying priority research directions, principal limitations of the underlying evidence base, and concluding perspectives on the prospects for P. caimito as a commercially viable emerging tropical fruit crop.

Cobalt in Soil-Plant-Animal and Human Nutrition: A Review

P. A. Chimate — 2026-07-16

Cobalt (Co) is a transition metal of increasing environmental and biological significance because of its essential and toxic roles across soil-plant-animal-human systems. This review aims to synthesise the literature on cobalt across the soil-plant-animal-human continuum. Naturally occurring in minerals such as cobaltite and erythrite, its concentration in soils varies widely depending on parent material, climate, and anthropogenic activities, including mining, fertiliser use and industrial waste disposal. Cobalt predominantly exists as Co²⁺ and Co³⁺ in soils, with its solubility, mobility and plant availability strongly influenced by soil pH, redox status and interactions with organic matter. Acidic soils enhance its presence in the soil solution, whereas alkaline conditions reduce availability through precipitation and adsorption.

In plants, cobalt is not universally classified as an essential nutrient; however, it performs important biochemical functions, particularly in nitrogen-fixing legumes. Co supports Rhizobium activity, leghaemoglobin formation and nitrogenase protection, thereby enhancing biological nitrogen fixation. Low concentrations improve chlorophyll content, urease activity and seed yield, whereas excessive accumulation disrupts iron uptake, impairs chloroplast structure, reduces photosynthesis, and leads to growth inhibition, chlorosis and necrosis.

Animal nutrition is strongly linked to soil and forage cobalt levels. Cobalt is required for ruminal synthesis of vitamin B₁₂, which supports metabolic pathways involving carbohydrate, fatty acid and amino acid metabolism. Deficiency in livestock results in reduced weight gain, anaemia, poor feed utilisation and reproductive impairment, while excess intake may disrupt enzymatic activity and mineral metabolism.

In humans, cobalt functions through vitamin B₁₂, which is essential for DNA synthesis, nervous system health, red blood cell formation and energy metabolism. Deficiency, which is more prevalent among vegetarians and elderly individuals, leads to anaemia and neurological impairment. Conversely, excessive cobalt exposure through contaminated food, water or occupational sources can induce gastrointestinal distress, immune dysfunction, cardiotoxicity and DNA damage.

Overall, this review presents the importance and behaviour of cobalt in soil, plants, animals and humans. Understanding cobalt behaviour in soils and its movement through the food chain is vital for managing deficiency-related disorders while preventing toxicity within interconnected agricultural and ecological systems.

Soil Erosion in Southwestern Niger: Biophysical Drivers, Anthropogenic Pressures and Pathways to Land Restoration

B. Hamadou Younoussa — 2026-07-17

Southwestern Niger, a densely settled corridor of the West African Sahel centred on the Niamey region, has become one of the most intensively studied landscapes for understanding dryland soil erosion. Four decades of hydrological monitoring, wind-tunnel and field experimentation, remote sensing and rural livelihood research have produced a substantial body of evidence on how wind erosion, surface crusting, water erosion and gully dynamics interact with rapid population growth, cropland expansion and the retreat of fallow and woodland cover. This review synthesises that evidence to characterise the principal erosive processes operating in the region, the land use and demographic forces that have intensified them since the mid-twentieth century, their consequences for crop productivity, groundwater recharge and river sediment loads, the indigenous and introduced soil, along with water conservation techniques that have been deployed in response. Particular attention is given to the coexistence of a regional vegetation "greening" trend with persistent and, in places, worsening local degradation, a paradox that has reshaped scientific and policy debate over the past two decades. The review further considers the institutional and socio-economic conditions that govern the adoption of conservation practices such as zaï, half-moons and Faidherbia albida-based parklands, and closes with an assessment of research and policy priorities, the principal conclusions to be drawn from the accumulated literature, and the limitations inherent in a narrative synthesis of fragmented and methodologically heterogeneous evidence.

Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Health Indicators and Nutrient Dynamics in Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) Cultivation

Suryansh Marker — 2026-07-15

Integrated nutrient management is an important strategy for improving soil health and sustaining crop productivity through the combined use of organic and inorganic nutrient sources. A field experiment was conducted during 2024 and 2025 at the Students' Research Farm, Khalsa College, Amritsar, Punjab, India, to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management on soil health indicators, nutrient dynamics, fruit yield and quality of cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.). The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Block Design with eight nutrient management treatments and three replications. The results revealed that 100% of the recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF) (T₂) produced the highest fruit yield (69.04 q acre⁻¹). Among the integrated nutrient management treatments, 50% RDF + 50% recommended N through VC (T₇) recorded a fruit yield of 64.02 q acre⁻¹, which was comparable to T₂ while substantially improving soil fertility. The highest soil organic carbon (0.44 %) was recorded under 50 % recommended N through FYM + 50% recommended N through VC (T₃), whereas the maximum cation exchange capacity (8.93 cmol (+) kg⁻¹ soil) and available nitrogen (233.85 kg ha⁻¹), phosphorus (23.73 kg ha⁻¹) and potassium (276.73 kg ha⁻¹) were obtained under T₇. Soil microbial biomass carbon and dehydrogenase activity were also significantly enhanced under integrated nutrient management treatments compared with the control. These findings indicate that integrating VC with inorganic fertilisers improves soil health while maintaining crop productivity. Therefore, 50 % RDF + 50 % recommended N through VC (T₇) may be considered a sustainable nutrient management strategy for cantaloupe cultivation, as it provides productivity comparable to the recommended fertiliser dose while enhancing soil quality and reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers. The study was conducted at a single location over two cropping seasons; therefore, further long-term and multi-location studies are required to validate these findings under diverse agro-climatic conditions.

Impact of the Environment to Biochemical Parameters of Six Genotypes Tubers of Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus L. Grown) Evaluated in Burkina Faso

Nogueba Abraham Kombelème — 2026-07-15

Food and nutritional insecurity remains a major challenge, increasing the need to characterise underutilised crops with potential dietary value. This study evaluated the influence of production environment on the biochemical composition of tubers from six tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) genotypes grown at Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, during the 2021–2022 agricultural season. Dried tubers were milled into coarse flour, and moisture, ash, protein, lipid, carbohydrate, β-carotene, and energy values were determined using standard analytical procedures. Analysis of variance and genotype × environment analysis were used to assess biochemical variability and environmental effects, while GGE biplot analysis was applied to compare genotype performance across locations. Across the two environments, lipid content ranged from 21.46% to 33.82%, carbohydrate content from 53.94% to 63.82%, protein content from 0.05% to 4.67%, ash content from 2.62% to 10.49%, and moisture content from 3.59% to 7.89%. β-Carotene content ranged from 0.16 to 0.28 µg/100 mg, and energy value ranged from 440.33 to 535.02 kcal/100 g. The environmental effect was not significant for carbohydrate or ash content but was significant for protein, lipid, moisture, and β-carotene contents. Genotypic and genotype × environment effects also contributed to the observed variation. The findings indicate that biochemical performance differed among genotypes and locations, supporting the evaluation of tiger nut materials for varietal improvement and crop promotion in Burkina Faso.

Morphology Based Taxonomic Characterization of Three Termitomyces Species from the Marathwada Region, Maharashtra, India

Rajendra B. Kakde — 2026-07-16

Background: Termitomyces species are ecologically important termite-associated macrofungi that contribute to lignocellulose degradation and nutrient cycling. However, their diversity and taxonomic characteristics remain inadequately documented in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, India.

Aims: This study aimed to characterise and identify specimens of Termitomyces heimii, Termitomyces clypeatus, and Termitomyces microcarpus collected from the Marathwada region through detailed macro- and micromorphological examination.

Methods: The three species were collected during the 2024 monsoon season from Parbhani, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Nanded. Field observations documented habitat, substrate, locality, pileus form, perforatorium, lamellar arrangement, stipe features, annulus, pseudorrhiza, and spore-print colour. Laboratory examination included the measurement and assessment of basidiospores, basidia, cheilocystidia, pleurocystidia, pileus cuticle, stipe tissues, and hyphal characteristics. The observed features were compared with published taxonomic descriptions to confirm species identity and evaluate morphological variation.

Results: Termitomyces heimii was characterised by its large basidiomata, broad perforatorium, and persistent double funnel-shaped annulus. Termitomyces clypeatus was distinguished by its white pileus, striate margin, densely packed lamellae, and well-developed pseudorrhiza. Termitomyces microcarpus was differentiated by its small basidiomata, applanate pileus, obtuse umbo, hollow stipe, and absence of an annulus. The recorded macroscopic and microscopic characters were generally consistent with established descriptions of the respective taxa.

Conclusion: The findings document three Termitomyces species in Marathwada and contribute to the regional inventory of termite-associated macrofungi. Molecular confirmation and broader ecological sampling are required to strengthen future regional taxonomic assessments.

Combining Ability Analysis and Nature of Gene Action for Yield, Oil Content and Associated Quantitative Traits in Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Lalit Anil Patil — 2026-07-16

Aims: The present investigation was undertaken to estimate the general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA), and nature of gene action governing seed yield, oil content, and associated quantitative traits in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.), and to identify superior parents and cross combinations for future breeding programmes.

Study Design: Line × Tester mating design.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the Oilseeds Research Station, Latur, Maharashtra, India, during the rabi season of 2025–26.

Methodology: Seven genetically diverse lines were crossed with six testers using the Line × Tester mating design to produce 42 F₁ hybrids. The experimental material, comprising 13 parents, 42 F₁ hybrids, and one standard check, was evaluated in a randomised block design with two replications. Observations were recorded for ten quantitative traits: days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, harvest index, 1000-seed weight, seed yield per plant, and oil content. Combining ability analysis was conducted following the method proposed by Kempthorne (1957) to estimate GCA and SCA effects and determine the nature of gene action.

Results: Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits studied, indicating substantial genetic variability. Significant GCA and SCA variances were observed for most traits, demonstrating the involvement of both additive and non-additive gene effects in their inheritance. Among the parents, T-397, RLC-198, RLC-197, JLS-95, and RL-18123 were identified as superior general combiners for different economically important traits. The crosses OL-2013-14-2026 × BLS-2023R-20, NL-421 × BLS-2023R-19, LCK-2431 × JLS-95, and OL-2022-23-5 × BLS-2022R-30 exhibited desirable specific combining ability effects for seed yield and related traits. The results indicated the predominance of additive gene action for certain traits and non-additive gene action for others, suggesting the usefulness of both selection and hybridisation in linseed improvement.

Conclusion: The identified superior general combiners and specific cross combinations constitute valuable genetic resources for developing high-yielding linseed cultivars with improved quality. The findings provide useful information for selecting suitable parents and adopting appropriate breeding strategies for the genetic improvement of linseed.

Efficiency of Organic Manures on Growth and Yield of Hybrid Cabbage under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions

Aseem Anas — 2026-07-16

The present investigation was conducted during 2025–2026 at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design with three replications using the hybrid cabbage variety 'Raizy'. It comprised thirteen treatments: T0 (control), T1 [FYM @ 10 t ha⁻¹], T2 [FYM @ 15 t ha⁻¹], T3 [FYM @ 20 t ha⁻¹], T4 [vermicompost @ 10 t ha⁻¹], T5 [vermicompost @ 15 t ha⁻¹], T6 [vermicompost @ 20 t ha⁻¹], T7 [poultry manure @ 10 t ha⁻¹], T8 [poultry manure @ 15 t ha⁻¹], T9 [poultry manure @ 20 t ha⁻¹], T10 [goat manure @ 10 t ha⁻¹], T11 [goat manure @ 15 t ha⁻¹] and T12 [goat manure @ 20 t ha⁻¹]. Significant differences were observed among treatments for growth, yield and economic traits. T8 recorded the maximum plant height (36.17 cm), number of leaves per plant (30.25), plant spread (48.30 cm), polar diameter (18.78 cm), equatorial diameter (28.82 cm), gross head weight (1529.50 g), net head weight (1200.71 g) and head yield per plot (4.06 kg), as well as the earliest horticultural maturity (72.79 days). It also recorded the highest gross return (Rs. 3,97,000 ha⁻¹), net return (Rs. 3,65,450 ha⁻¹) and benefit:cost ratio (5.36). The findings indicate that poultry manure @ 15 t ha⁻¹ was the most effective organic nutrient source among the tested treatments for improving the growth, yield and profitability of hybrid cabbage under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions.

Growth, Yield, Soil Properties, and Economic Performance of Pea under Integrated Nutrient Management in a Plum-Based Agroforestry System in Kullu Valley, India

Abhijeet Singh — 2026-07-17

Integrated nutrient management may improve the productivity and soil performance of fruit-tree-based agroforestry, but crop responses depend on resource availability beneath the tree canopy. A field experiment was conducted during the winter 2021–2022 season at Diyar, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India, to evaluate pea (Pisum sativum L.) under a plum (Prunus salicina Lindl. ‘Mariposa’)-based agroforestry system and sole cropping. Twelve nutrient treatments were evaluated in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The treatments comprised the recommended dose of fertiliser (RDF), farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), goat manure, Jeevamrut, combinations of organic sources with 50% RDF, and an unfertilised control. Sole cropping produced higher mean plant height, pod length, pod width, pods per plant, pod yield, and biological yield than the plum-based system. Across planting conditions, 50% RDF + 50% VC produced the highest pod yield (18.5 t ha⁻¹) and biological yield (45.1 t ha⁻¹), whereas the control produced the lowest values. Post-harvest soil means under the agroforestry system showed slightly lower bulk and particle density and slightly higher soil organic carbon and available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium than the sole-cropping system. Despite lower pea yield beneath plum, the agroforestry system recorded a higher mean net return (US$4,535ha⁻¹) and benefit:cost ratio (3.39) because the whole-system appraisal included the tree component. The results indicate a trade-off between understory pea yield and whole-system economic performance. Under the conditions of this experiment, integrating 50% RDF with 50% VC provided the most favourable combination of pea growth, yield, and economic return.

Senna italica as an Ecosystem Engineer: Enhancing Soil Fertility and Function in Nutrient-Poor Sandy Soils

Noura Alsayeri — 2026-07-17

Arid and semi-arid soils are typically characterised by low fertility, limited nutrient availability, and weak structural stability, posing major challenges for sustainable land management. Native plant species that naturally improve soil quality may provide environmentally sustainable solutions for restoring degraded sandy ecosystems. This study evaluated the influence of Senna italica, a native leguminous shrub, on the physicochemical properties and fertility of nutrient-poor sandy soils in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Soil samples were collected beneath naturally established S. italica plants and from adjacent non-vegetated areas for comparison. Soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were determined, and root samples were stained and examined for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) colonisation. Although both soils were classified as sandy, soils beneath S. italica contained a greater proportion of fine particles (4.20% vs. 2.12% silt + clay). Rhizosphere soils exhibited significantly lower pH and significantly greater concentrations of available N, P, and K than adjacent non-vegetated soils, whereas EC did not differ significantly. Microscopic observations confirmed extensive AMF colonisation of S. italica roots, including hyphae and vesicles. These findings suggest that S. italica enhances soil fertility through integrated plant–soil–microbe interactions involving biological nitrogen fixation, rhizosphere-mediated nutrient mobilisation, and mycorrhizal associations. The study identifies S. italica as a potential ecosystem engineer with promising applications in ecological restoration, soil rehabilitation, and sustainable management of degraded sandy soils in arid and semi-arid regions.

Magneto-priming Effect on Seed Germination, Growth and Yield of Bitter Melon (Momordica Charantia L.)

Chirag Kumar M. Patel — 2026-07-17

Background: Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) is an economically and medicinally important cucurbit. Improving its seed establishment, vegetative development, and yield through non-chemical pre-sowing treatments may support more efficient crop production.

Aims: This study evaluated the effects of different static magnetic-field intensities and exposure durations on seed germination, vegetative growth, and yield of bitter melon, and identified the most effective treatment combination under field conditions.

Methods: A field experiment was conducted at Navivasni village, Aravalli, Gujarat, from July to September 2022. Ten treatments were arranged in a randomised block design with three replicates. T1 was the untreated control, whereas T2–T10 comprised combinations of 70, 120, and 170 mT applied for 15, 20, or 25 minutes. Germination and selected vegetative and reproductive traits were assessed at specified days after sowing.

Results: Treatment T9, consisting of 170 mT for 20 minutes, produced the best overall response. It recorded 60% germination, compared with 20% in the control. At 42 days after sowing, T9 produced 191.33 leaves, a leaf area of 182.78 cm², a total plant length of 317.70 cm, a shoot length of 266.63 cm, and a root length of 67.00 cm. It also recorded 46.67 fruits at 63 days after sowing, with fresh and dry fruit weights of 132.85 and 13.07 g, respectively, at 56 days after sowing.

Conclusion: Under the tested conditions, magneto-priming at 170 mT for 20 minutes was the most effective treatment. Further multi-location and multi-season validation under diverse agroecological and seasonal conditions is required before wider field adoption.

Influence of different Growing Media and Plant Growth Regulators on Seedling Growth in Papaya (Carica papaya L.)

Chinki Kumari — 2026-07-17

The study was conducted in the Horticulture Experiment Field, Department of Horticulture, School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, during the year 2026. The primary objective was to evaluate the influence of diverse growing media and plant growth regulators (PGRs), particularly Gibberellic Acid (GA₃) and Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA), on the germination behaviour and seedling development of papaya under nursery conditions. The experiment included nine treatments with different combinations of PGRs and media: soil alone (control), soil mixed with vermicompost, Perlite and cocopeat in various proportions, and treated with GA₃ or NAA at 50 ppm. The treatments were assessed for their impact on seed germination, imbibition period, speed of emergence, seedling vigour, survival percentage, and morphological growth attributes such as seedling height, number of leaves, leaf area, root number and length, stem girth, fresh biomass and shoot-to-root ratio. Several germination parameters were recorded, including imbibition period, speed of emergence, germination percentage, seedling vigour index, and survival percentage. Seedling growth parameters such as seedling height, number of leaves, leaf area, stem girth, number and length of roots, fresh weight of shoot and root, and shoot-to-root ratio were evaluated at 30 and 45 days after sowing (DAS). The results revealed significant differences among the treatments. Treatment T4 (NAA @ 50 ppm with soil + vermicompost + Perlite in equal proportions) exhibited the shortest imbibition period (9.00 days), the highest speed of emergence (92.63), and the highest germination percentage (73.33%). It also produced the most vigorous seedlings with a seedling vigour index of 795.67 and the highest survival percentage of 95.83%. NAA treatments, particularly T4, consistently outperformed other treatments in terms of early emergence and uniform germination, due to enhanced enzymatic activity and rapid mobilization of seed reserves. On the other hand, Treatment T8 (GA3 @ 50 ppm with the same media composition of soil, vermicompost and Perlite) was particularly effective in promoting vegetative growth and root development. It recorded the maximum seedling height (15.01 cm), number of leaves (9.40), leaf area (34.37 cm²), root length (12.50 cm), number of roots (21.87), fresh shoot weight (4.20 g), fresh root weight (0.92 g), and shoot:root ratio (4.55). This indicates that GA₃ plays a key role in cell division and elongation, particularly enhancing root biomass and overall seedling establishment. The control treatment (T9), which involved only soil and no growth regulator, consistently showed the lowest performance across all parameters, including germination percentage (51.67%), seedling vigour (331.55), and survival percentage (77.58%), confirming the inadequacy of unamended soil and absence of growth-promoting substances for nursery-level papaya production. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that the integrated use of PGRs and a balanced growing medium significantly enhances papaya seed germination and seedling quality. For nursery managers and papaya growers, the combination of NAA @ 50 ppm with the soil + vermicompost + Perlite media mix (T4) is recommended for achieving superior germination and uniformity, while GA3 @ 50 ppm with the same media (T8) is ideal for enhancing root development and seedling vigour. These findings can serve as a practical guideline for improving the efficiency and success rate of papaya seedling production under nursery conditions.

Assessing the Effect of NPK Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Nsukka Landrace Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

G. N. Onwubiko — 2026-07-17

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) is an important fruit vegetable in tropical Africa, but its productivity may be constrained by inadequate soil fertility and inappropriate fertiliser rates. This study evaluated the effects of four NPK 15:15:15 rates on the growth and yield of the Nsukka landrace. A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, using a randomised complete block design with four replications. Treatments comprised 0, 150, 300, and 450 kg ha⁻¹ NPK 15:15:15. Data were collected at two-week intervals on plant height, number of leaves, stem girth, flowering, fruiting, fruit dimensions, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight per plant, and total fruit yield. The 450 kg ha⁻¹ rate produced the greatest plant height and stem girth at most assessment periods, whereas 300 kg ha⁻¹ produced the highest number of leaves at 6 weeks after planting. The 300 kg ha⁻¹ treatment also resulted in the shortest time to flowering and fruiting and produced the highest fruit length, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight per plant, and total fruit yield. Total yield reached 6.55 t ha⁻¹ at 300 kg ha⁻¹, compared with 5.29 t ha⁻¹ at 450 kg ha⁻¹ and 2.30 t ha⁻¹ in the control. Under the conditions of this study, 300 kg ha⁻¹ NPK 15:15:15 provided the most favourable overall yield response for Nsukka landrace okra.

Effect of Biogenic Synthesized Nanosulphur for Enhancing Growth and Yield of Soybean

Y. A. Reddy — 2026-07-17

The present investigation evaluated biogenically synthesised nanosulphur as a foliar nutrient source for improving soybean growth and yield during the Kharif season of 2023–24 at Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra. Sulphur nanoparticles were synthesised under controlled laboratory conditions using sodium thiosulphate as the sulphur precursor and neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract as a reducing and stabilising agent. Analytical characterisation confirmed high purity, stability, nanoscale size and suitable morphological, structural, elemental and biomolecule-mediated surface characteristics. The field experiment was conducted in a randomised block design with six treatments and four replications. The treatments comprised the general recommended dose of fertilisers (GRDF; 30:60:30 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha⁻¹), GRDF supplemented with foliar applications of 25, 50 or 75 ppm biogenically synthesised nanosulphur at 30 and 45 days after sowing, GRDF supplemented with 30 kg S ha⁻¹ through bentonite sulphur, and an absolute control. GRDF combined with 75 ppm nanosulphur significantly improved plant height, branches plant⁻¹, dry matter accumulation plant⁻¹, chlorophyll SPAD value, seed yield and stover yield. This treatment produced 2,551 kg ha⁻¹ seed yield and 3,342 kg ha⁻¹ stover yield and was statistically comparable with GRDF supplemented with 30 kg S ha⁻¹ through bentonite sulphur for most growth and yield attributes. Nodule number was not significantly affected by the sulphur treatments. These findings indicate that foliar application of 75 ppm biogenically synthesised nanosulphur can support soybean growth and yield under the conditions of this experiment.

Optimization of Seed Rate and Graded Levels of Nitrogen on Growth and Yield of Rice Fallow Finger Millet

D. Naga Lakshmi — 2026-07-17

Rice-fallow finger millet is gaining importance as a resilient and nutritious crop for improving productivity and profitability in residual moisture ecosystems. Optimising seed rate and nitrogen nutrition is essential for achieving higher growth and yield under rice-fallow conditions. A field experiment was conducted during the rabi 2025-26 season at the Agricultural College Farm, Naira, Andhra Pradesh, to evaluate the effect of different seed rates and nitrogen levels on the growth and productivity of finger millet. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. Four seed rates, viz., 7.5, 10.0, 12.5 and 15.0 kg ha⁻¹, were assigned to the main plots, while three nitrogen levels, viz., 45, 60 and 75 kg N ha⁻¹, were allotted to the subplots. The finger millet variety 'Indravathi' was used as the test crop. The results revealed that seed rate and nitrogen application significantly influenced plant height, dry matter production, yield and harvest index. Among the seed rates, 15.0 kg ha⁻¹ recorded the highest plant height, tiller production (70.9 m⁻²), dry matter accumulation, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index, and remained statistically comparable with 12.5 kg ha⁻¹. Lower values were observed with 7.5 kg ha⁻¹. Increasing nitrogen levels significantly improved crop growth and productivity. Application of 75 kg N ha⁻¹ produced the highest plant height, tiller density, dry matter production, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index, whereas the lowest values were recorded with 45 kg N ha⁻¹. The interaction effects between seed rate and nitrogen level were significant for grain and straw yields. The treatment combination of 15.0 kg seed ha⁻¹ with 75 kg N ha⁻¹ (M₄S₃) recorded the highest grain and straw yields, while the lowest grain yield was obtained with 7.5 kg seed ha⁻¹ and 45 kg N ha⁻¹ (M₁S₁). The study concluded that a seed rate of 15.0 kg ha⁻¹ combined with 75 kg N ha⁻¹ was effective for improving the growth, biomass production and productivity of rice-fallow finger millet under the North Coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh.

Agronomic and Physiological Responses of Sweet Potato to Moringa Leaf–seaweed Liquid Organic Fertilizer in Coastal Soil

Haryuni Haryuni — 2026-07-17

Aims: To determine the physiological and agronomic responses of sweet potato plants to the application of liquid organic fertiliser (LOF) prepared from moringa leaves and seaweed, and to identify the best moringa leaf-seaweed LOF combination for sweet potato growth and yield in coastal soil.

Study Design: Completely randomised block design.

Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted over two growing seasons, from August to November 2022 and from January to April 2023, on coastal land in Bengkulu Tengah, Indonesia.

Methodology: Two consecutive field experiments were conducted in 2022 and 2023. The treatments were LOF1 = 100% flowering moringa leaves, LOF2 = 100% non-flowering moringa leaves, LOF3 = 100% seaweed, LOF4 = 50% seaweed + 50% flowering moringa leaves, LOF5 = 50% seaweed + 50% non-flowering moringa leaves, and LOF6 = 50% seaweed + 25% flowering moringa leaves + 25% non-flowering moringa leaves.

Results: Pooled data from the two-year experiments indicated that LOF prepared from 100% flowering moringa leaves was more effective in increasing chlorophyll a and carotenoid contents, whereas LOF prepared from 50% seaweed + 50% non-flowering moringa leaves was more effective in increasing proline content. However, the treatments did not affect chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, tuber sweetness, nitrogen uptake, phosphorus uptake, potassium uptake, leaf greenness, fresh plant weight, dry plant weight, number of tubers per plant, or tuber weight per plot.

Conclusion: The results suggest that moringa leaf- and seaweed-based LOF can influence selected physiological responses of sweet potato grown in coastal soil, although its effect on agronomic yield was not significant under the conditions of this study.

Combining Ability, Heritability and Heterosis for Grain and Biomass Yield in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) Hybrids Evaluated under Drought Stress

Joyce Njihia — 2026-07-17

Developing dual-purpose cowpea varieties that combine high grain and biomass yields is important for food and nutritional security in drought-prone environments. This study evaluated combining ability, heterosis, and heritability among six cowpea parental lines and 10 F₁ hybrids produced using a half-diallel mating design under drought-stress conditions. General combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA), broad-sense heritability, narrow-sense heritability, and heterosis were estimated to assess the relative contributions of additive and non-additive genetic effects. Significant GCA and SCA effects were observed for all measured traits. The GCA:SCA ratio ranged from 0.41 for grain yield to 4.63 for pod width, indicating a greater contribution of non-additive effects to grain yield and a stronger additive influence on pod width. Broad-sense heritability ranged from 0.90 to 0.99, whereas narrow-sense heritability ranged from 0.28 to 0.79, showing that the potential response to selection differed among traits. Heterosis for grain and biomass yields varied widely among hybrids and between trials. MA67 × NA60 showed consistently positive heterosis for both grain and biomass yields, while MA50 × MA67 also showed positive heterosis for both traits across the two trials. The findings indicate that parent selection and hybrid evaluation should be combined when breeding drought-tolerant, dual-purpose cowpea, with further testing required across seasons and locations.

Estimation of Trait Association and Path Analysis for Yield and Yield Contributing Characters in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

V. W. Panchal — 2026-07-18

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a valuable oilseed crop, and effective improvement of seed yield requires an understanding of the relationships among yield-contributing traits. This study assessed genotypic and phenotypic correlations and path coefficients for seed yield and nine contributing traits in 30 sesame genotypes. The experiment was conducted under irrigated conditions at the College of Agriculture, Latur, during summer 2025–26 using a randomised block design with two replications. Data were recorded for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, capsule length, number of seeds per capsule, 1000-seed weight, oil content, and seed yield per plant. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences among the genotypes for all ten traits. Seed yield per plant showed significant positive correlations with 1000-seed weight, number of seeds per capsule, number of capsules per plant, and plant height at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path analysis showed that 1000-seed weight had the largest positive direct effect on seed yield, followed by number of seeds per capsule and number of capsules per plant. Plant height contributed mainly through indirect effects involving these yield components. The findings indicate that 1000-seed weight, number of seeds per capsule, and number of capsules per plant may serve as useful selection criteria for improving seed yield in the evaluated germplasm. Validation across seasons and environments is required before these traits are adopted as stable breeding criteria.