International Journal of Plant & Soil Science

CRISPR-Cas9 Precision Breeding for Climate-resilient Vegetable Crops: A Critical Appraisal of Evidence, Inference and Deployment

Manisha A. Kharat — 2026-08-14

Vegetable crops occupy a small share of global cropland yet supply a disproportionate fraction of dietary micronutrients, and their short life cycles, high water demand and thermosensitive reproductive stages make them unusually exposed to a warming and more variable climate. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) editing has been promoted as a route to climate-resilient vegetable cultivars, and the descriptive literature cataloguing edited targets has expanded quickly. This critical narrative review evaluates whether that literature supports the resilience claims made for it. Peer-reviewed studies published between January 2015 and June 2026 were identified through openly accessible bibliographic indexes and citation-metadata services, appraised for design adequacy, evaluation environment and evidence-claim alignment, and synthesised thematically rather than catalogued. Three findings dominate. First, the evidence base is heavily weighted towards single-gene loss-of-function alleles created in a small number of transformation-competent model genotypes, assessed under controlled conditions using physiological proxies rather than marketable yield, so that demonstrated gene function is repeatedly reported in language implying demonstrated agronomic improvement. Second, several loci yield directionally opposite phenotypes depending on the stress applied, which indicates that stress-specific reactive oxygen species thresholds and pleiotropy are poorly resolved and that resilience cannot be treated as a single transferable trait. Third, the small number of studies that combine allele-resolution editing of regulatory sequence with field evaluation and yield endpoints produce markedly stronger inference than the knockout literature, suggesting that the principal constraint is experimental design and delivery capability rather than nuclease performance. Regulatory divergence, patent uncertainty and uneven transformation capacity across vegetable species further separate laboratory demonstration from field deployment. Confidence in current claims of climate resilience remains low for most targets, and progress will depend on multi-environment field testing, yield-based endpoints, and extension of editing capability beyond the few genotypes that presently regenerate reliably.

Next-generation Site-specific Weed Management: A Critical Synthesis of Sensing, Artificial Intelligence and Precision Actuation

P Jayasree — 2026-08-18

Weed management is entering a transition from uniform field-wide treatment to spatially selective intervention at patch, row and individual-plant scales. This critical narrative review evaluates the technological and agronomic evidence underpinning site-specific weed management, with emphasis on the coupling of sensing, artificial intelligence, positioning, decision logic and precision actuation. The review focuses on peer-reviewed literature from 2000 to 9 June 2026, supplemented by foundational work within that interval that established practical sensor-based systems. Evidence was appraised for methodological quality, field realism, generalisability and the degree to which technical performance translated into weed-control efficacy, crop safety, input reduction and operational viability. The literature shows that sensing and computer vision have advanced rapidly, especially through high-resolution unmanned aerial vehicle imagery and deep-learning-based crop–weed discrimination. Yet benchmark classification accuracy remains an incomplete predictor of field performance because domain shift, occlusion, weed growth stage, illumination, georeferencing error, latency and actuator footprint can propagate through the control chain. Targeted spraying currently has the strongest field evidence for preserving agronomic efficacy while reducing herbicide use when weeds are spatially heterogeneous, although savings are highly context-dependent. Camera-guided hoeing and robotic intra-row cultivation can reduce hand labour and herbicide dependence, but crop safety, soil conditions and work rate remain decisive constraints. Laser and electrical methods demonstrate credible biological mechanisms and increasingly realistic prototypes, but their large-scale energy, throughput, safety and economic performance remains less established. The central conclusion is that next-generation weed management should be judged as a closed-loop agronomic system rather than as an isolated detection algorithm or actuator. Research priorities therefore include multi-environment validation, uncertainty-aware decision thresholds, standardised field metrics, interoperable sensing–actuation architectures, resistance-aware treatment rules and transparent whole-system economic and environmental assessment.

Light as Energy and Information in Plant Growth, Development and Flowering: An Integrative Critical Review

Gagendra Singh Rajput — 2026-08-31

Light occupies a singular position in plant biology because it supplies the energy for photosynthetic carbon gain while simultaneously providing information about time, season, canopy proximity, spatial orientation and environmental change. These energetic and informational functions are sensed across different scales and are integrated with endogenous developmental programmes, the circadian system, hormone signalling and temperature responses. This critical narrative review evaluates how light quantity, spectral quality, photoperiod, direction and temporal dynamics regulate plant growth, development and flowering, with particular emphasis on higher plants and on the translation of mechanistic knowledge from Arabidopsis thaliana to crops and controlled-environment horticulture. Literature was selected through live searches of accessible scholarly databases and indexes, with emphasis on peer-reviewed primary research, authoritative reviews and verifiable bibliographic records. The evidence is strongest for a conserved core in which phytochromes, cryptochromes, phototropins and UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8 feed into interconnected regulators such as PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR proteins, CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 and ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5. These networks coordinate de-etiolation, shade responses, organ growth and temporal development. Flowering provides the clearest example of light-time integration: circadian gating and photoreceptor control converge on florigenic signals, yet the upstream wiring differs substantially among long-day and short-day crops. Evidence from photosynthetic physiology also challenges simple wavelength rankings. Green and far-red photons can contribute substantially under high irradiance or within canopies, while spectral effects on growth often depend on photon dose, developmental stage and canopy architecture. Controlled-environment studies demonstrate practical opportunities for spectral and temporal manipulation, but generalisation is limited by cultivar specificity, short experimental duration, inconsistent spectral reporting and confounding between spectrum, daily light integral and temperature. Future work should integrate photoreceptor genetics, whole-canopy carbon balance, dynamic lighting and reproductive phenology under realistic fluctuating environments. Light is therefore best treated not as a single growth factor but as a multidimensional environmental signal whose effects emerge from context-dependent integration across molecular, organ and whole-plant scales.

Effect of Foliar Spray of Different Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs), Micronutrients and Seaweed Extract on Vegetative Growth, Flowering, Fruit Yield and Quality of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)

Rajan Srivastava — 2026-08-13

An experiment was conducted during 2025–2026 at the Central Orchard (Horticulture Research Farm), Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Faculty of Agriculture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India, to evaluate foliar applications of plant growth regulators, micronutrients, and seaweed extract in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Kandhari. Eight-year-old, uniform trees of pomegranate cv. Kandhari were used for the study. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design (RBD) with eleven treatments and three replications. The treatments comprised foliar applications of plant growth regulators (GA₃ and NAA), micronutrients (ZnSO₄ and borax), and seaweed extract, applied individually and in different combinations. The first foliar spray was applied in September 2025. The results revealed that treatment T₁₀ (GA₃ at 100 ppm + NAA at 40 ppm + seaweed extract at 5 ml L⁻¹ + ZnSO₄ at 0.5% + borax at 0.2%) produced the maximum vegetative growth and was the most effective treatment. However, T₆ (NAA at 40 ppm + ZnSO₄ at 0.5% + borax at 0.2%) was found to be the most economically viable treatment. The study indicates that integrated foliar application of plant growth regulators, micronutrients, and seaweed extract can significantly improve vegetative growth, total number of flowers, number of fruits per plant, and fruit weight (g) in pomegranate under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions.

Study of Different Rooting Media Compositions and Germination Rate of Papaya Seedlings var. Red Sun (Dwarf) under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions

D. T. Rochu — 2026-08-14

The experiment was conducted at the research field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute (NAI), Faculty of Agriculture (FoA), Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh (India), during the kharif season in 2025. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRD), consisting of a total of 16 different treatment combinations, including the control, with each treatment replicated thrice. Treatment T15: Soil + FYM + Vermicompost + Cocopeat (1:1:1:1) + GA3 (200 ppm seed treatment) recorded germination (96.67%), days taken for completion of germination (13.40 days), seedling height (28.51 cm), number of leaves per seedling (17.46), diameter of seedling (13.93 mm), leaf area (105.77 cm²), chlorophyll content (SPAD value: 64.16), length of the longest tap root (7.55 cm), fresh weight of shoots (18.55 g), dry weight of shoots (2.51 g), fresh weight of root (5.54 g), dry weight of root (1.31 g), shoot:root ratio (0.52), Seed Vigour Index (I) (2756.53), Seed Vigour Index (II) (369.06), survival (94.4%), and mortality (5.5%), and was significantly superior overall to the other treatments. This study provides a practical approach to papaya seed germination and the production of healthy seedlings using suitable rooting media compositions with appropriate proportions of organic amendments, such as farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, and cocopeat, to improve nutrient availability, aeration, and moisture retention, together with GA₃ (200 ppm seed treatment). The findings may also provide a foundation for future research on rooting media, germination, and growth regulators for papaya and other horticultural crops under diverse agro-climatic conditions.

Morphological and Yield Trait Variability in Eight Cultivars of Gboma Eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon L.) in Burkina Faso

Pingawindé Sawadogo — 2026-08-14

Gboma eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon L.) is an important leafy and fruit vegetable in Africa, but information on cultivar-level morphological and yield variation under Burkina Faso conditions remains limited. This study assessed eight cultivars in the North-Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso between July and October 2024. A randomized Fisher block design with four replicates was used, and six qualitative and 17 quantitative traits were recorded. Qualitative observations showed variation in stem, flower, and fruit colour, whereas all cultivars had an upright growth habit, wavy leaf margins, and round fruits. The quantitative traits also varied among cultivars. Days to 50% flowering ranged from 53.50 days for Gb7 to 63.00 days for Gb5. Cultivar Gb5 recorded the greatest leaf blade length (31.14 cm), the largest fruit diameter (8.19 cm), and the highest leaf yield (6,437.50 kg/ha). Cultivar Gb2 produced the highest fruit yield (10,458.33 kg/ha), whereas Gb8 recorded the lowest fruit yield (5,958.33 kg/ha). Positive associations were observed between collar diameter and average fruit weight, fruit diameter and plant height, and fruit yield and the number of fruits per plant. The observed variability indicates that the evaluated cultivars contain useful morphological and agronomic differences. Gb5 may be considered for combined leaf and fruit production, whereas Gb2 is promising for fruit yield. Multi-season and multi-location evaluations are required before breeding or production recommendations are made.

Estimation of Standard Heterosis in Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss.]

Sonu Dhakad — 2026-08-17

The present study evaluated standard heterosis for seed yield and 15 associated traits in 40 cross combinations of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss.]. Crosses developed during Rabi 2025 were evaluated during Rabi 2026 at the Experimental Farm, Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Morena, Madhya Pradesh, India, in a randomized block design with three replications. The zonal check Maya and national check Kranti were used for comparison. Considerable variation in standard heterosis was observed across the 16 traits. For seed yield per plant, standard heterosis ranged from −55.62% to 54.07% over Maya and from −59.46% to 40.75% over Kranti. Vasundhara × PM-26 recorded the highest positive standard heterosis for seed yield per plant over both Maya (54.07%) and Kranti (40.75%). Pusa Bold × Pusa Vijay, Varuna × NPJ-253, Varuna × PM-28, Kranti × NPJ-253, Rohini × PM-28, Maya × Pusa Vijay and Pusa Bold × PM-28 also expressed significant positive heterosis over both checks. Different cross combinations showed desirable heterosis for earliness, reduced plant height, branching, siliquae number, seeds per siliquae, siliquae length, test weight, biological yield and harvest index. The results identify promising hybrid combinations for heterosis-based improvement of Indian mustard. Their performance should be confirmed through multi-location and multi-season evaluation before their use in further breeding or cultivar-development programmes.

Effect of Potassium Mobilizing Bacteria on Growth, Yield, Nutrient Uptake, and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Suresh Kumar Saran — 2026-08-18

Aims: The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the influence of potassium mobilizing bacteria (KMB) on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.).

Study Design: The experiment was conducted in a Randomised Block Design comprising eight treatments with three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Latur, Maharashtra, India, during the Rabi season of 2025–26.

Methodology: Eight nutrient management treatments involving recommended fertiliser doses, reduced potassium levels, KMB seed treatment and KMB drenching were evaluated. Observations on growth, yield attributes, seed and straw yields, nutrient content, nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency were recorded using standard analytical procedures. The experimental data were subjected to analysis of variance, and treatment means were compared at the 5% level of significance.

Results: Significant differences among treatments were observed for most of the studied parameters. Treatment T₇, comprising 100% recommended nitrogen and phosphorus, 75% recommended potassium, KMB seed treatment and KMB drenching at 20 and 40 days after sowing, recorded the highest numerical values for plant height (48.24 cm), leaf area (375.36 cm² plant⁻¹), number of pods plant⁻¹ (71.27), seed yield (23.15 q ha⁻¹) and straw yield (45.50 q ha⁻¹). T₇ also recorded the highest numerical values for total uptake of nitrogen (177.31 kg ha⁻¹), phosphorus (34.44 kg ha⁻¹) and potassium (139.85 kg ha⁻¹). For nutrient use efficiency, T₇ recorded 54.42% nitrogen use efficiency, 27.21% phosphorus use efficiency and 54.42% potassium use efficiency.

Conclusion: Under the conditions of the present investigation, integration of KMB with 75% of the recommended potassium dose showed potential to improve nutrient utilisation and crop performance while reducing potassium fertiliser input by 25%. Further evaluation across multiple seasons, locations and contrasting soil potassium levels is required to establish the wider applicability of this nutrient management strategy.

Assessment of the Effect of Soil Conservation Practices on Sustainable Crop Production in Ngororero, Rwanda

Azalie Bazambanza — 2026-08-18

Aims: This study assessed the effectiveness of soil conservation practices (SCPs) in controlling soil erosion and examined their contribution to sustainable crop production, using the Food Basket Sites (FoBaSi) programme of Ngororero District, Rwanda, as a case study.

Study Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive-explanatory research design combining quantitative and qualitative methods was adopted.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted between 2025 and 2026 across 50 Food Basket Sites in the 13 sectors of Ngororero District, an East African highland agricultural landscape in Western Province, Rwanda.

Methodology: Cross-sectional mixed-methods was employed for the study of 367 farming households (Yamane's formula, stratified sampling) plus 39 key informants across Ngororero District. Data came from household surveys, field observations, interviews, and secondary records. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression in SPSS; qualitative data were analyzed thematically.

Results: Radical terracing (85%) and progressive terracing (78%) were the most widely adopted SCPs, whereas cover cropping (45%) and water harvesting (40%) showed relatively low adoption. Indicators of soil erosion remained prevalent, including bare soil patches (70%), rills (65%), and gullies (40%), suggesting inadequate maintenance and limited integration of biological conservation measures. Soil conservation practices were significantly and positively associated with crop yield, yield stability, land productivity, and household food security (p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that terracing, agroforestry, mulching, and cover cropping explained 68% of the variation in sustainable crop production (R = 0.825, R² = 0.680, Adjusted R² = 0.676; F (4,362) = 45.2, p < 0.001), with terracing (β = 0.45) and agroforestry (β = 0.35) being the strongest predictors. Furthermore, 80% of farmers reported increased and more stable crop yields, 65% reported higher farm income, and 74.1% perceived improved resilience to climate variability.

Conclusion: Integrated implementation of structural and biological soil conservation practices significantly enhances sustainable crop production despite persistent erosion challenges. Strengthening maintenance, expanding biological conservation measures, and improving extension support and financial access are essential to increase agricultural productivity and climate resilience in Rwanda's highland Food Basket Sites.

Floristic Diversity and Vulnerability of Plant Species Providing Non-Timber Forest Products in the Kabadougou Region, Northwestern Côte d’Ivoire

Ismaël Koné — 2026-08-18

Objectives: The high demand for wild plants has led to the overexploitation of several species. This raises the issue of conserving plant species in the face of risks of biodiversity loss and extinction. This study aims to promote the sustainable use of species providing non-timber forest products in the Kabadougou region.

Methodology and Results: Before the study began, institutional and local ethical approval was required. The interviews were voluntary and conducted after the participants had given their informed consent. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted with 137 participants through focus groups and individual interviews on the uses of exploited non-timber forest products (NTFPs). The analysis mainly focused on the use value (UV) and vulnerability index (VI) of the plants. It made it possible to identify 80 species belonging to 34 botanical families. The Fabaceae (29.88%) and Rubiaceae (9.47%) families were the most frequently mentioned. The majority of NTFPs were used for medicinal purposes (54.73%). Leaves (41.72%) were the most frequently used plant organ. Malaria (15.95%) and ulcers (12.16%) were the most frequently mentioned diseases. The study revealed that the most used species were Parkia biglobosa (UV = 0.26), Nauclea latifolia (UV = 0.22), and Diospyros mespiliformis (UV = 0.20), whereas the most threatened species were Pterocarpus erinaceus (VI = 3.17), Parkia biglobosa (VI = 3.08), and Khaya senegalensis (VI = 2.81). The Spearman correlation test between the UV and VI of the inventoried species showed a positive correlation (rho = 0.32; Pvalue < 0.05).

Conclusions and Application of the Results: The NTFP source species that are most in demand are also the most threatened in the Kabadougou region. Promoting these species could help improve sustainable and community-based management of these resources by local populations.

Effect of Different Levels of Nitrogen and Sulphur on Productivity and Quality of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh, India

Divyanshi — 2026-08-18

Nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) are essential macronutrients that play pivotal roles in regulating crop growth, yield formation, and oil synthesis in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). A field experiment was conducted during the Zaid season of 2025 at the Crop Research Farm, School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SAAST), Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, to evaluate the effects of graded N and S levels on the productivity and quality of sunflower under the Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh. The experiment comprised ten treatment combinations, including an untreated control (T₀) and nine combinations of N and S, with three replications, and was laid out in a randomised block design (RBD) using sunflower cultivar DRSH-1. Among the treatment combinations, the application of N @ 120 kg ha⁻¹ + S @ 50 kg ha⁻¹ (T₉) resulted in the highest plant height (167.81 cm), number of leaves plant⁻¹ (29.3), dry matter accumulation (43.86 g m⁻²), head diameter (20.64 cm), seed yield (2108 kg ha⁻¹), stover yield (4365 kg ha⁻¹), biological yield (6473 kg ha⁻¹), and oil yield (853.33 kg ha⁻¹). In contrast, the maximum oil content (40.76%) was recorded with N @ 90 kg ha⁻¹ + S @ 50 kg ha⁻¹ (T₈). Overall, the application of N @ 120 kg ha⁻¹ + S @ 50 kg ha⁻¹ demonstrated superior performance in enhancing sunflower growth, yield attributes, seed and biomass productivity, and oil yield under the agro-climatic conditions of the Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh. The findings suggest that balanced N and S nutrition can substantially improve sunflower productivity and oil production in the region.

Effect of Biofertilizers and Growth Promoting Microorganisms on Productivity and Profitability of Mungbean [(Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] under Mungbean-Wheat Cropping System

A. K. Verma — 2026-08-19

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2022 and 2023 at Dr. BRC Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Mandor, Rajasthan, to evaluate the effect of biofertilisers and growth-promoting microorganisms on growth, yield, and profitability of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek, var. GM-4) under the mungbean–wheat cropping system. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Block Design with ten treatments and three replications. Treatments consisted of different combinations of the recommended dose of fertilisers and seed inoculation, soil application, or combined seed and soil application of Rhizobium and phosphate-solubilising bacteria (PSB). The results indicated that growth parameters, yield attributes, grain yield, biological yield, and economic returns were significantly influenced by the treatments. The greatest numerical plant heights at 30 DAS (46.8 cm) and 45 DAS (55.9 cm) were recorded under T₁₀, while T₅ recorded comparable values of 45.8 and 55.3 cm, respectively. The highest numbers of pods per plant (39.6) and seeds per pod (13.5), dry matter production (3.50 t ha⁻¹), and test weight (48.1 g) were observed under T₅, whereas the highest numerical chlorophyll content (4.00 mg g⁻¹) was recorded under T₁₀. The highest grain yield (pooled: 1458 kg ha⁻¹) and net return (₹98,855 ha⁻¹) were recorded with 100% RDF (T₅), whereas 75% RDF combined with seed and soil application of Rhizobium + PSB (T₁₀) produced a pooled grain yield of 1400 kg ha⁻¹ and a B:C ratio of 4.41, remaining statistically at par with T₅. Thus, integrated use of biofertilisers with 75% RDF can reduce fertiliser requirement without significant yield loss and improve profitability.

Assessment of Genetic Divergence for Quantitative Traits in Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

P. D. Adhao — 2026-08-19

Background: Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an important oilseed crop for which the identification of genetically diverse parents can support breeding for yield and related traits.

Aim: The present investigation was conducted in the field of Genetics and Plant Breeding at the College of Agriculture, Latur (Maharashtra), during Rabi 2024-2025. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of genetic divergence among 40 linseed genotypes for ten quantitative traits and to identify diverse parents for future breeding programmes.

Study design: A Randomised Block Design with two replications was used.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Latur (VNMKV, Parbhani), Maharashtra, India, during Rabi 2024-2025.

Methodology: Forty genotypes of linseed were evaluated for ten quantitative traits, viz., days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, 1000-seed weight (g),

harvest index (%), oil content (%) and seed yield per plant (g). Genetic diversity was assessed using the Mahalanobis D² statistic, and the genotypes were clustered using Tocher's method.

Results: The 40 genotypes were grouped into 8 clusters, indicating considerable genetic diversity. The highest contribution towards genetic divergence was made by 1000-seed weight, followed by plant height, number of capsules per plant and number of branches per plant. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between Cluster VII and Cluster VIII, suggesting wide genetic variability and greater heterosis potential.

Conclusion: The presence of substantial genetic divergence among linseed genotypes suggests the predominance of additive gene action and the effectiveness of selection for these traits. Crosses between genotypes from widely divergent clusters, particularly those from Cluster VII and Cluster VIII, are likely to produce transgressive segregants and may be utilised in future breeding programmes for yield and related trait improvement.

Field Evaluation of Sorghum Accessions and Improved Varieties for Resistance to Major Diseases under Natural Infection Conditions

Habteab Goitom Gebremedhin — 2026-08-19

Sorghum is an important food and fodder crop in Eritrea, where production is constrained by several biotic and abiotic factors, including plant diseases. This study evaluated 23 sorghum accessions and three improved varieties for resistance to naturally occurring diseases under field conditions at Hamelmalo Agricultural College, Keren, using three replications. Genotypes were planted by the single-line method, and disease incidence and severity were assessed at the adult plant stage. Disease severity was rated on a 0–9 scale. Anthracnose, leaf blight, sooty stripe, target leaf spot, zonate leaf spot, and bacterial streak were recorded during the growing season. Disease occurrence and severity differed among the evaluated genotypes. Anthracnose was the most prevalent disease, occurring in 76.92% of entries, followed by leaf blight at 61.54%. Sooty stripe occurred in 23.08% of entries, zonate leaf spot in 11.54%, and target spot and bacterial streak each in 7.69%. Although target spot was less prevalent, relatively high severity was recorded in affected accessions. Anthracnose showed the highest overall severity, particularly in EG795, whereas zonate leaf spot and bacterial streak generally showed low incidence and severity. The variation observed among accessions and improved varieties indicates differential responses to natural disease pressure and identifies materials that warrant further evaluation as potential sources of disease resistance for sorghum improvement under Eritrean conditions.

Effect of Organic Manures and Liquid Biofertilizers on Vegetative Growth Parameters of Newly Planted Guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Hisar Safeda under Meadow Orchard

Albin Pious — 2026-08-20

A field experiment was conducted from October 2025 to March 2026 at the Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute (NAI), Faculty of Agriculture (FoA), Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj, (U.P.), India. During the six-month research programme, approximately 55 one-year-old wedge-grafted Hisar Safeda guava plants were purchased from the registered Zaid Nursery, Lucknow District, (U.P.), India. Approximately 45 plants were incorporated into the research trial, whereas the remaining plants were used for gap filling and replanting. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Block Design {RBD} with 15 treatments, each replicated three times. The experiment comprised fifteen treatment combinations, viz., T₀:Control T₁:FYM @ 5 kg per plant^-1T₂:Vermicompost @ 10 kg per plant^-1T₃:Poultry Manure @ 2.5 kg plant^-1 T₄:Bone Meal @ 2.5 kg plant^-1 T₅:FYM @ 5 kg per plant-1 + Vermicompost 5 kg per plant^-1 T₆:FYM @ 5 kg per plant^-1+ Poultry Manure @ 2.5 kg plant^-1 T₇:Vermicompost @ 10 kg per plant^-1+ Poultry Manure @ 2.5 kgplant^-¹ T₈:FYM @ 5 kg per plant-1 + Vermicompost 5 kg per plant-1+Azotobacter+PSB (20g per plant^-1) T₉:FYM @ 5 kg per plant^-1+ Poultry Manure @ 2.5 kg plant^-¹+ Azotobacter +PSB (20g per plant^-1) T₁₀:Vermicompost @ 10 kg per plant^-1+ Poultry Manure @ 2.5 kg plant^-1+ Azotobacter +PSB (20g per plant^-1) T₁₁:FYM @ 5 kg per plant^-1+ Azotobacter +PSB (20g per plant^-1) T₁₂:Vermicompost @ 10 kg per plant^-1+ Azotobacter +PSB (20g per plant^-¹) T₁₃:Poultry Manure @ 2.5 kg plant^-1+ Azotobacter +PSB (20g per plant^-¹) and T₁₄:Bone Meal @ 2.5 kg plant^-1+ Azotobacter+PSB (20g per plant^-1). The results of the investigation revealed that the treatment T₁₀ (Vermicompost @ 10 kg plant⁻¹ + Poultry manure @ 2.5 kg plant⁻¹ + Azotobacter + PSB @ 20 g plant⁻¹) was significantly superior to all other treatments with respect to the establishment of newly planted guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Hisar Safeda under meadow orchard conditions.

Diversity and Structural Assessment of Tree Species in Sacred Groves of Kodagu

B. N. Sathish — 2026-08-20

Aims: The present study was undertaken to assess the structure, diversity and regeneration status of tree species, with special emphasis on RET species, in the sacred groves of Kodagu representing evergreen and deciduous vegetation types.

Study Design: A stratified random sampling approach was adopted.

Place: The study was conducted in 19 sacred groves representing the semi-evergreen and moist deciduous vegetation types of Kodagu district, Karnataka, India.

Methodology: A stratified random sampling design was adopted using 4 m-wide belt transects laid perpendicular to a baseline until 500 trees (GBH ≥10 cm) were recorded per sacred grove. Tree species, GBH, height, and basal area were documented for floristic analysis, including diversity and similarity indices. Regeneration was assessed in 4 × 4 m subplots at 25 m intervals. Differences in floristic attributes and regeneration between vegetation types and grove sizes were analysed using appropriate statistical tests.

Results: The study revealed that semi-evergreen sacred groves supported greater overall tree species richness (143 species) and a higher diversity of rare, endangered, and threatened (RET) species than moist deciduous groves, although mean species richness and stand structural attributes were comparable between vegetation types. Larger groves consistently exhibited significantly greater tree density, basal area, species richness, and regeneration diversity than smaller groves, highlighting the importance of grove size in maintaining ecological integrity. An inverse J-shaped girth-class distribution indicated healthy regeneration and stable population structure. Semi-evergreen groves also supported higher RET regeneration, emphasising their critical role in long-term biodiversity conservation.

Conclusion: Sacred groves in Kodagu effectively conserve tree diversity and support regeneration, with larger semi-evergreen groves supporting higher species richness, threatened taxa, and ecosystem resilience, underscoring their conservation importance.

Evaluation of Aonla Germplasm for Growth and Yield Attributes under Semiarid Conditions of Haryana, India

Sushil Sharma — 2026-08-20

A field study was conducted to evaluate the growth and yield performance of aonla germplasm under the semi-arid conditions of Hisar, Haryana. The investigation was carried out at the experimental orchard of the Department of Horticulture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, from 2018–19 to 2021–22. Five aonla cultivars, namely NA-4, NA-5, NA-7, NA-10 and Chakaiya, were evaluated in a randomised block design with three replications. Growth parameters included plant height, plant spread in the north–south and east–west directions, and plant girth, while yield attributes included fruit length, fruit breadth, fruit weight and fruit yield per plant. The pooled results showed clear variability among the evaluated cultivars. Chakaiya recorded the maximum plant height of 9.15 m and the highest plant spread in both north–south and east–west directions, measuring 9.10 m and 9.20 m, respectively. The maximum plant girth was recorded in NA-10 at 98.92 cm. Among fruit traits, NA-4 recorded the highest fruit length of 34.36 mm, while Chakaiya recorded the highest fruit breadth of 35.49 mm and fruit weight of 31.03 g. The highest fruit yield was recorded in NA-10 at 103.21 kg per plant, followed by NA-7 at 93.65 kg per plant. The findings indicate cultivar-level variability in the growth and yield attributes of aonla under Hisar conditions.

Enhancing Fruiting, Yield, and Quality of Litchi with the Use of Gibberellic Acid and Zinc Sulphate

Ankur Kumar Maurya — 2026-08-21

An experiment was conducted during 2025 at the Horticulture Garden, Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, to evaluate the effects of gibberellic acid (GA₃) and zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄), applied alone or in combination, on fruiting, yield and quality of 66-year-old litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) cv. Rose Scented trees. Nine treatments were evaluated in a randomised block design with three replications, using one tree per treatment unit. A single foliar spray was applied after fruit set, and observations were recorded at 15-day intervals until harvest. The combined treatment GA₃ at 50 ppm + ZnSO₄ at 1.0% (T₉) produced the highest fruit counts at the pit-hardening (30.15) and ripening (24.59) stages, fruit length (4.56 cm), fruit diameter (4.59 cm), fruit weight (19.49 g), pulp weight (13.99 g), pulp: stone ratio (4.70), total sugar (14.83%), total soluble solids (22.97 °Brix), sugar: acid ratio (36.66) and fruit yield (53.06 kg/tree). It also recorded the lowest fruit cracking (1.68%), seed weight (2.98 g), rind weight (2.46 g) and titratable acidity (0.404%). T₈ (GA₃ at 50 ppm + ZnSO₄ at 0.5%) generally ranked next. These results indicate that a single post-fruit-set foliar application of GA₃ at 50 ppm with ZnSO₄ at 1.0% may improve fruit retention, quality and yield of cv. Rose Scented under the sub-tropical plains of Central Uttar Pradesh.

A Study on Adoption of Soil Amendments and Micro Nutrients by Grape Growers in Karnataka, India

K. M. Chethan Kumar — 2026-08-21

Soil amendments and micronutrients are important for maintaining soil fertility and supporting sustainable grape production. However, the extent to which grape growers adopt recommended practices may vary, particularly with respect to the quantity, method, and timing of application. This study assessed the adoption of soil amendments and micronutrients among grape growers in Chikkaballapura district, Karnataka, and examined the relationship between growers’ profile characteristics and adoption. The study was conducted in Chikkaballapura and Shidlaghatta taluks during 2023–2024. Twelve villages were randomly selected, and 120 grape growers, comprising equal numbers of small and big farmers, were interviewed using a pre-tested schedule. Adoption was measured using responses on the recommended application of gypsum and micronutrient mixtures, and the data were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and zero-order correlation. Among growers whose soils were affected by alkalinity, 56.12% partially adopted the recommended quantity of gypsum, whereas 43.88% completely adopted it. All growers who applied gypsum followed the recommended method and timing. For micronutrient mixtures, 61.67% partially adopted the recommended quantity and 38.33% completely adopted it; 55.83% applied the mixture as a foliar spray before flowering or at fruit set. The findings further showed that several socio-personal, psychological, communication, and extension-related characteristics were significantly associated with adoption. Overall, the results indicate that partial adoption was common, particularly for recommended input quantities, while method and timing were more consistently followed. Strengthening practical extension support on dose, diagnosis, and stage-specific application may help improve the completeness of adoption among grape growers.

Effect of Different Herbicides on Rainfed Maize (Zea mays L.)

S. R. Madavi — 2026-08-22

A field experiment was conducted as part of an M.Sc. research programme to investigate the effect of different herbicides on rainfed maize (Zea mays L.) during the kharif (rainy) season of 2022 at the Department of Agriculture, Swami Vivekanand University, Sagar. The experiment comprised eight weed-management treatments: T₁, topramezone at 25 g ha⁻¹ applied at 20 days after sowing (DAS); T₂, atrazine at 1.25 kg ha⁻¹ applied at 20 DAS; T₃, 2,4-D sodium salt at 1.0 kg ha⁻¹ applied at 20 DAS; T₄, topramezone at 12.5 g ha⁻¹ + atrazine at 625 g ha⁻¹ applied as a tank mixture at 20 DAS; T₅, topramezone at 12.5 g ha⁻¹ + 2,4-D sodium salt at 500 g ha⁻¹ applied as a tank mixture at 20 DAS; T₆, the recommended weed-management practice comprising pre-emergence application of atrazine at 1.25 kg ha⁻¹ + IC + HW; T₇, weed-free treatment; and T₈, weedy check. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The effects of the herbicidal treatments on the growth, yield attributes, and productivity of maize were evaluated. The principal growth parameters assessed included plant height (cm) and leaf area per plant (cm²), while the yield attributes and yield parameters included grain weight per cob (g), 100-seed weight (g), grain yield (kg ha⁻¹), and stover yield (t ha⁻¹). Among the herbicidal treatments, the application of topramezone at 12.5 g ha⁻¹ + atrazine at 625 g ha⁻¹ as a tank mixture resulted in significantly greater plant height at all recorded growth stages. Grain yield was also significantly influenced by the herbicide treatments. The tank mixture of topramezone at 12.5 g ha⁻¹ + atrazine at 625 g ha⁻¹ produced the highest grain yield (6,791 kg ha⁻¹), followed by the tank mixture of topramezone at 12.5 g ha⁻¹ + 2,4-D sodium salt at 500 g ha⁻¹ (6,609 kg ha⁻¹). Both tank-mixture treatments produced higher grain yields than the corresponding individual herbicide applications. Similarly, the highest stover yield (9.39 t ha⁻¹) was recorded with the tank mixture of topramezone at 12.5 g ha⁻¹ + atrazine at 625 g ha⁻¹. This treatment was statistically at par with topramezone at 12.5 g ha⁻¹ + 2,4-D sodium salt at 500 g ha⁻¹, which recorded a stover yield of 8.71 t ha⁻¹. Both tank-mixture treatments performed better than the individual herbicide applications with respect to stover production. In contrast, the lowest stover yield (7.00 t ha⁻¹) was recorded under the weedy-check treatment. Overall, the results indicated that the tank-mixture application of topramezone with atrazine, as well as topramezone with 2,4-D sodium salt, was more effective in improving the growth and yield performance of rainfed maize than the respective sole herbicide applications under the conditions of the present experiment.

Effects of Foliar-applied Biostimulants and Micronutrients on Growth, Yield and Economics of Winter Maize (Zea mays L.)

Sonali Kokale — 2026-08-22

A two-year field investigation was conducted during the rabi (winter) seasons of 2024-25 and 2025-26 at the Instructional Farm of the Department of Agronomy, ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India, to evaluate the effect of foliar-applied biostimulants (chitosan, seaweed extract and protein hydrolysate) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn and I), alone and in combination, on the growth, yield and economics of winter maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment comprised sixteen treatments, namely an absolute control (T₁), three individual biostimulants (T₂-T₄), three individual micronutrients (T₅-T₇), four dual and triple biostimulant combinations (T₈-T₁₁), three dual and triple micronutrient combinations (T₁₂- T₁₅) and a six-component consortium (T₁₆) combining all biostimulants and micronutrients, laid out in a randomised block design with three replications. Foliar application of the consortium treatment (T₁₆) consistently and significantly outperformed all other treatments, recording the tallest plants (224.8 cm), highest dry matter accumulation (273.5 g plant^-1), highest SPAD-based chlorophyll content (57.4), heaviest cob with husk (243.8 g plant^-1), maximum number of grains cob^-1 (685.3), maximum cobs plant^-1 (1.88) and the highest grain yield (6.5 t ha^-1), representing increases of 21.2, 15.5, 45.0, 46.0, 78.0 and 49.2 per cent, respectively, over the control, pooled across both years. Grain yield showed a strong positive correlation with dry matter accumulation (r = 0.991), stover yield (r = 0.986), cob weight with husk (r = 0.961) and fresh weight (r = 0.969). Grain yield showed a strong linear association with dry matter accumulation (R² = 0.983) among the pooled treatment means, while a multiple regression model incorporating dry matter accumulation, chlorophyll content and cob weight explained 98.8 per cent of the variability in grain yield. Although the consortium treatment produced the highest gross and net returns (₹1,68,496-1,84,664 and ₹1,21,455-1,36,936 ha^-1, respectively), the combined micronutrient treatment Fe + Zn + I (T₁₅) recorded the highest benefit-cost ratio (2.83-3.14), indicating greater input-use efficiency. Overall, integrated foliar application of biostimulants and micronutrients improved growth, yield and economic returns of winter maize under the conditions of the two-year field experiment.

Heterosis and Combining Ability via Line × Tester Analysis for Seed Yield and Yield-Contributing Traits in Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius L.)

Ashutosh Prakash Barhate — 2026-08-22

Aims: The experiment was conducted to study the general combining ability (GCA) of the parental lines and the specific combining ability (SCA) of the hybrids.

Study Design: Randomised block design

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Field Experimentation Centre of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Institute of Agriculture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj (UP), during 2022-23 and 2023-24.

Methodology: Four lines and five testers raised in a crossing block were crossed using the line x tester method to produce 20 hybrids during the year. The resultant 20 hybrids, along with nine parents and the check Sharda, were evaluated in a randomised block design with three replications.

Results: The analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among the 30 genotypes for all the characters studied. The hybrid SSF-1870×SSF-1240 showed the highest standard heterosis for seed yield (27.95%), number of capitula (23.83%) and number of secondary branches (17.46%). The hybrid SSF-1870×SSF-18123 showed the maximum relative heterosis of 67.84% for seed yield. The hybrid SSF-1871×SSF-1704 showed the maximum standard heterosis for oil content (14.15%), and the highest heterosis over the mid-parent for oil content was recorded by the hybrid SSF-1870×SSF-1872 (32.89%). Combining ability analysis indicated that the mean sums of squares due to SCA were higher than those due to GCA for all the traits studied, indicating the predominance of non-additive gene action among the hybrids. Among the parents, SSF-1870 and SSF-1883 emerged as consistently good general combiners across several traits, whereas none of the hybrids exhibited consistently high specific combining ability across the majority of the traits studied.

Conclusion: Among the parents, the line SSF-1870 and the tester SSF-1883 were found to be good general combiners for most of the traits, including number of secondary branches, number of capitula, harvest index, seed yield per plant, and number of seeds per capitulum.

Effect of Tillage and Residue-based Conservation Agriculture Practices on Growth and Yield Attributes of Wheat-rice Cropping System in an Inceptisol

Kajal Singh — 2026-08-24

The sustainability of the wheat–rice cropping system in the Indo-Gangetic Plains is constrained by intensive tillage, residue burning, and declining soil fertility. This study evaluated six tillage- and residue-based crop establishment practices, including mungbean integration, for their effects on the growth and yield attributes of rice and wheat in an Inceptisol. The field experiment used a randomised block design with six treatments and four replications. Plant height, greenness index, initial plant population, tiller density, spikes or panicles per square metre, spike or panicle length, grains per spike or panicle, and 1000-grain weight were assessed. Significant differences among crop establishment practices were observed for the measured growth and yield attributes. The conventional tillage treatment (CTPTR–CTW) generally recorded the lowest values, whereas ZTDSR–ZTW–ZTMB consistently produced the highest or among the highest values in both crops. At 90 DAS, CE6 recorded plant heights of 107.03 cm in wheat and 105.65 cm in rice. It also produced the highest wheat spike density (390.67 m⁻²), rice panicle density (471.44 m⁻²), and 1000-grain weights of 40.90 g in wheat and 27.96 g in rice. The results indicate that combining zero tillage, residue retention, and mungbean integration can improve crop establishment, vegetative growth, and yield attributes within this wheat–rice system. These findings support the potential of the integrated conservation agriculture treatment for improving crop performance under the experimental conditions.

Utilizing CRISPR-Cas13 and Omics Technologies to Enhance Drought Tolerance in Iraqi Wheat Varieties in Abu-Ghraib/ Baghdad

Safa Khudair — 2026-08-24

Drought stress poses a major threat to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity and food security in arid regions such as Iraq. This study combines precision CRISPR-Cas13 RNA knockdown with multidimensional multi-omics platforms to enhance drought tolerance in local Iraqi wheat genotypes. During the critical summer cultivation period (Tammuz), experimental trials were conducted at the Abu Ghraib research site under controlled greenhouse conditions. We identified 34 conserved stress-responsive genes, 4,520 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 320 copy-number variations (CNVs), and five major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked to osmotic adjustment using BLAST bioinformatic alignment, GATK variant calling, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Using CRISPR-Cas13 post-transcriptional modification to target seven master negative regulators, 85% of downstream drought-responsive transcripts under water-deficit conditions were successfully upregulated by 2.3-28-fold. Evaluations conducted in controlled greenhouses showed a 23% increase in cellular antioxidant enzyme activity, a 19% increase in root water-absorption efficiency, a 28% reduction in leaf water loss, and a 42% higher survival rate. The breeding timescale was shortened by 30-35% by integrating these multi-omics biomarkers into a marker-assisted selection (MAS) framework. Under severe water deficits, agronomic trials showed a 115% increase in total grain yield while saving up to 40% of conventional irrigation-water inputs and increasing water-use efficiency by 35%. Agricultural policymakers and breeders should consider integrating this precision biotechnological approach into regional strategies to support food security under increasing climate-related challenges.

Effect of Leaf Pruning and Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield and Quality of Summer Squash under Himalayan Valley Conditions

Payal Kumari Kumawat — 2026-08-25

A field experiment was conducted during summer 2024 at the Horticultural Research Centre, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India, to evaluate the individual and interaction effects of leaf pruning and gibberellic acid (GA₃) on summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) cv. Pusa Pasand. The experiment was arranged in a factorial randomised block design with three replications. Three pruning treatments—no pruning, removal of the first and second leaves at 45 days after sowing (DAS), and removal of the third and fourth leaves at 55 DAS—were combined with four GA₃ concentrations: 0, 100, 200 and 400 ppm, producing 12 treatment combinations. Growth observations were recorded at 45 DAS, 60 DAS and harvest, while yield and fruit-quality attributes were assessed at harvest. The combination P₂G₃, comprising removal of the third and fourth leaves at 55 DAS with 400 ppm GA₃, recorded the highest harvest plant height (45.72 cm), plant spread (2,180.97 cm²), stem base diameter (2.05 cm) and number of leaves per plant (25.86). It also produced 22.50 male flowers, 3.23 female flowers, 3.06 fruits per plant, an average fruit weight of 167.63 g, a plot yield of 39.20 kg and a yield of 156.80 q ha⁻¹. Quality responses varied among treatments: maximum total soluble solids, ascorbic acid content and fruit dry weight occurred under P₁G₂, P₂G₁ and P₁G₀, respectively. Thus, P₂G₃ showed the strongest overall response for growth and yield, whereas quality optimisation was trait-specific.

Agro-Economic Potential of Zainer Technology Compared to Endogenous Bare Land Restoration Techniques in Northern Burkina Faso

Barry Fanta — 2026-08-25

Aims: The study aims to evaluate the agro-economic potential of an improved zainer prototype compared with three endogenous bare land restoration techniques in northern Burkina Faso, and to identify key agronomic, economic and social determinants of its adoption.

Study Design: Split-plot field experiment combined with producer perception surveys.

Place and Duration of Study: Village of Kounkane, Gomponsom commune, Passore Province, northern Burkina Faso, during the 2024-2025 rainy season.

Methodology: A split-plot experimental design (1,936 m², 4 blocks × 4 replicates of 100 m²) was installed on bare land (zipella) using four treatments: motorised zaï (ZMo/zainer), mechanised zaï (ZMe/IR12 tooth), spherical zaï (ZS/hoe) and rectangular zaï (ZR/hoe). The Flagnon sorghum variety was used across all treatments. The compost dose was 250 g/pit for ZMo, ZMe and ZS, and 500 g/pit for ZR, reflecting the agronomic recommendation for rectangular pits whose larger surface area and volume require proportionally higher organic matter input. Soil roughness index, pit dimensions, working time, fuel consumption, grain and straw yields were measured. Financial profitability was assessed using total production costs, gross margin and benefit-cost ratio (BCR). Statistical analysis used one-way ANOVA with the Newman-Keuls post-hoc test at the 5% significance level. The treatment (zaï type) was the experimental unit; each block (n=4) constituted an independent replication. Producer perceptions were collected from 15 farmers through structured interviews conducted with informed consent and in accordance with ethical guidelines for social science research.

Results: The rectangular zaï produced the widest (39.75 cm) and deepest (21.75 cm) pits with the highest roughness index (1.32) and grain yield (2,000 kg/ha). The zainer produced the shallowest pits (8.50 cm depth) with the lowest roughness index (1.05) and lowest grain yield (1,125 kg/ha), below the Flagnon field average (1,750 kg/ha). The zainer significantly reduced working time by 63% compared with rectangular zaï (298 vs 804 h/ha). None of the techniques was profitable in year one; the zainer recorded the largest losses (gross margin: -490,731 FCFA/ha; BCR: 0.48) mainly due to fuel costs (195 L/ha × 1,047 FCFA/L = 204,375 FCFA/ha, representing 26% of total costs). The spherical zaï achieved the best BCR (0.93). Producer surveys (n=15) showed that 86.7% cited high fuel consumption as the main constraint, 33.3% cited operational complexity and 80% expressed willingness to pay for the tool.

Conclusion: The zainer offers a significant labour-saving advantage (−63% working time) but its current technical design limits agronomic and economic performance. Technical redesign of the auger (target depth: 12–15 cm) and engine (lower fuel consumption) is needed before broader deployment.

Effect of Biochar Types on Selected Soil Physical and Chemical Properties on the Growth of Maize

Osman Sidie Vonu — 2026-08-25

Biochar amendments can alter soil conditions and crop performance, but their effects may vary with feedstock type. This study evaluated wood-shaving, maize-straw, and charcoal biochars applied at 10 t/ha for their effects on selected soil physical and chemical properties and maize growth at Panderu. The experiment used a split-plot arrangement in a randomised complete block design with four treatments and three replications. Soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon, texture, colour, and bulk density were assessed, while maize responses were evaluated using vegetative growth traits. Data were analysed by analysis of variance, least significant difference at the 5% significance level, and correlation analysis. Post-harvest soil pH ranged from 4.69 in the control to approximately 5.00 in the maize-straw treatment. Organic carbon ranged from 2.96% under wood shavings to 3.20% under maize straw, while CEC ranged from 0.41 to 0.82 cmol⁺ kg⁻¹, with maize straw recording the highest value. Maize growth responses were not uniformly greater under biochar. The control recorded the highest number of leaves (11.1), plant height (75.2 cm), and stem girth (5.87), whereas maize-straw biochar produced the greatest leaf area (199.99 cm²). Leaf dimensions did not differ significantly among treatments. Overall, the findings show feedstock-specific responses and indicate that maize-straw amendment produced the most favourable short-term changes in the measured soil chemical properties among the amendments tested.

Enhancing Soybean Quality, Nutrient Content and Uptake through Combined Soil and Foliar Nutrient Application under Vertisols

Barkha Kumari Verma — 2026-08-26

This field experiment evaluated combined soil and foliar nutrient application for improving soybean quality, nutrient content and uptake under Vertisol conditions during the kharif season of 2022 at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Ummedganj-Kota, Rajasthan. The experiment used a randomized block design with three replications and ten treatments involving the recommended dose of fertiliser (RDF) and foliar applications of urea, DAP, NPK (18:18:18), Fe and Zn at 35 and 60 DAS. The treatment comprising RDF + 2% NPK (18:18:18) + 0.5% Fe + 0.5% Zn at 35 and 60 DAS produced the highest protein content (40.56%), protein yield (725.5 kg ha⁻¹), oil content (20.27%) and oil yield (362.6 kg ha⁻¹). It also recorded the highest N, P and K contents in seed and straw, together with the highest Fe and Zn contents. The same treatment recorded the maximum total uptake of N, P, K and S (181.3, 12.30, 108.5 and 15.8 kg ha⁻¹, respectively) and Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu (349.5, 82.5, 237.7 and 47.3 g ha⁻¹, respectively). Sulphur content and manganese and copper contents were not significantly influenced by the nutrient treatments. Under the conditions of this single-season experiment, supplementing RDF with foliar NPK, Fe and Zn improved soybean quality and nutrient acquisition relative to the tested treatments.

Synergistic Effects of Arbuscular mycorrhizal Inoculation and Soil Moisture on Leaf Nutrients and Physiological Performance in Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L) Biotypes

O. S. O. Akanbi — 2026-08-26

A controlled greenhouse study was conducted during the 2020/2021 dry season at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan, Nigeria, to evaluate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation and soil moisture on nutrient acquisition and physiological performance of three cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) biotypes. The experiment was arranged as a 3 × 3 × 2 factorial in a completely randomized design, comprising three biotypes (Jumbo, Medium and Madras), three soil moisture levels (40%, 60% and 80% field capacity), and two AMF treatments (inoculated and non-inoculated), with three replications. AMF inoculation significantly improved foliar nutrient concentration and nutrient uptake of N, P, K, Ca and Mg, although the magnitude of response varied with biotype and moisture regime. The highest nutrient uptake and foliar nutrient concentrations generally occurred in AMF-inoculated Jumbo seedlings at 80% field capacity. AMF inoculation also improved chlorophyll content, relative water content and stomatal conductance, with the highest physiological values recorded under 80% field capacity. Jumbo generally showed the strongest response, whereas Madras recorded comparatively lower values. The findings demonstrate the potential of AMF inoculation to improve nutrient acquisition and physiological performance of cashew seedlings under varying soil moisture conditions, with the response depending on the cashew biotype and moisture regime.

Pedogenic Differentiation Across Volcanic Landforms in Tropical Rainforest: Evidence from Clay Activity and Carbon Dynamics in East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Mulyadi Mulyadi — 2026-08-26

Volcanic soils in humid tropical environments undergo intensive weathering and pedogenic differentiation, producing marked variation in clay activity and soil organic carbon across landforms. This study evaluated pedogenic differentiation across volcanic landforms in Barong Tongkok, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, using clay activity and carbon dynamics as indicators of soil development. Four representative soil profiles from the extinct volcano, volcanic shield, and lava field geomorphic units were selected for pedogenic evaluation. Morphological and physicochemical properties across genetic horizons were evaluated to assess soil development. Physicochemical data from each genetic horizon were evaluated for particle-size distribution, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity of clay, base saturation, and bulk density. Clay content generally increased with depth and was greater in the more stable landforms, exceeding 80% in several subsurface horizons of the volcanic shield and lava field profiles. Soil organic carbon was concentrated in surface horizons and declined markedly with depth, with surface values ranging from 5.07% to 10.38% across the four profiles. Subsurface clay activity was generally low to moderate, while base saturation showed substantial depletion in the more strongly weathered profiles. These vertical and spatial patterns indicate progressive mineral weathering, clay accumulation, and carbon differentiation across the volcanic toposequence. Overall, the results support the use of clay activity, soil organic carbon distribution, and base saturation as complementary indicators of pedogenic differentiation in humid tropical volcanic landscapes.

Mitigation of Fungicide-altered Soil Physicochemical Properties and Nutrient Dynamics through Organic Ameliorants in Temperate Apple Orchard Soil

Hafsa Abdullah — 2026-08-27

Repeated fungicide application in apple orchards may influence soil physicochemical properties and nutrient cycling. This study evaluated four organic amendments—vermicompost (VC), farmyard manure (FYM), spent mushroom compost (SMC), and Trichoderma-fortified compost (CFT)—alone and in combination with captan, propanib, flusilazole and difenoconazole during a 60-day laboratory incubation of temperate apple orchard soil collected from Shalimar, Kashmir, India. Twenty-five treatments were arranged in a completely randomised design with three replications. Soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), and available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) were measured at 0, 30, 45 and 60 days after treatment. At 60 days, vermicompost recorded a pH of 6.11, OC of 1.238%, available N of 484.7 kg ha⁻¹, P of 31.0 kg ha⁻¹ and K of 177.8 kg ha⁻¹, compared with 6.85, 1.000%, 449.5 kg ha⁻¹, 24.6 kg ha⁻¹ and 146.7 kg ha⁻¹, respectively, in the control. The other organic amendments also increased OC and available macronutrients over the incubation period, whereas fungicide-only treatments generally showed smaller changes. Fungicide–amendment combinations generally maintained higher nutrient and OC values than the corresponding fungicide-only treatments. Among the amendments, vermicompost produced the most pronounced numerical response in the measured soil properties. These findings support further field evaluation of organic amendments as components of integrated soil-fertility and disease-management strategies in temperate apple orchards.

Genetic Studies in Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. Cerasiforme) Germplasm Lines under West Garo Hills, Meghalaya

Susmita Chakraborty — 2026-08-27

Cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme) germplasm maintained in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, represents a useful source of morphological variability for selection. The present investigation evaluated 15 germplasm lines during 2023 at the Demonstration unit, Biotech KISAN Hub, Tura, using a randomised block design with three replications. Twenty-two horticultural characters were assessed to estimate phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation, broad-sense heritability and genetic advance. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the germplasm lines for the characters studied, indicating substantial variability. Phenotypic coefficients of variation were higher than the corresponding genotypic coefficients for all characters. Fruit weight recorded the highest phenotypic coefficient of variation (39.16%), while fruit yield per plant recorded the highest genotypic coefficient of variation (36.72%). The lowest phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for days to first fruit harvest (4.43%), whereas the lowest genotypic coefficient of variation was also recorded for days to first fruit harvest (3.62%). Broad-sense heritability ranged from 28.73% to 94.54%, with the highest estimate for pericarp thickness. Genetic advance as a percentage of the mean ranged from 6.11 to 71.43%, with the highest value for fruit yield per plant. The observed combination of variability, heritability and genetic advance indicates useful scope for selection of promising cherry tomato germplasm under West Garo Hills conditions.

Evaluation of ICAR-IIHR-developed Gladiolus Cultivars under Rainy-season Conditions in Hajo, Kamrup District, Assam, India

Dorodi Priyom Duarah — 2026-08-28

Gladiolus is an important cut-flower crop whose commercial performance depends strongly on cultivar adaptation to the production environment. The present study evaluated six gladiolus cultivars developed by ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR)—Arka Amar, Arka Aayush, Arka Kesar, Arka Arati, Arka Tilak, and Arka Gold—against a local cultivar under rainy-season conditions in the Hajo region of Kamrup district, Assam. Planting was undertaken in July 2024 at Kulhati, Pakarkona, and Bongshar, and the study was analysed using a randomised block design with seven treatments and three replications, with the three locations serving as replications in the reported analysis. Corms were planted at 30 cm × 20 cm spacing under open-field conditions and managed uniformly. Five floral traits were evaluated: days to spike emergence, spike length, rachis length, number of florets per spike, and floret size. Significant varietal differences were recorded for the measured traits. Arka Amar showed the earliest spike emergence (65.5 days), the longest spike (88.5 cm), the longest rachis (72.4 cm), the highest number of florets per spike (15.4), and the largest numerical floret size (8.9 cm). Relative to the local cultivar, Arka Amar reached spike emergence 26.0% earlier and recorded increases of 37.4% in spike length, 44.2% in rachis length, 35.1% in florets per spike, and 18.7% in floret size. Arka Aayush and Arka Kesar also performed well for several floral traits. No visible Fusarium wilt symptoms were noted during routine field observation; however, no quantitative disease-screening protocol was included, and the observation therefore cannot be interpreted as evidence of resistance. The findings indicate that Arka Amar is a promising cultivar for rainy-season cut-flower production in the tested Hajo locations, while multi-season validation would strengthen recommendations for wider cultivation in Assam.

Comparative Study on Response of Rose Semi-Hardwood Cuttings to Root Induction and Establishment Using Different Rooting Hormones and Unconventional Organic Compounds

Kuraty Nikhil — 2026-08-31

The present investigation evaluated the response of rose semi-hardwood cuttings to synthetic rooting hormones and unconventional organic compounds under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions. The experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, India, from September 2025 to February 2026. A completely randomised design comprising 13 treatments, three replications, and 195 cuttings was used. Treatments included different concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), together with Aloe vera gel, coconut water, and honey. IBA at 1000 ppm recorded 100% rooting, 52.33% sprouting, three sprouts per cutting, 100% survival, and 100% field establishment. NAA at 1000 ppm also achieved 100% rooting, survival, and field establishment and produced the longest roots (16.9 cm). Coconut water for 12 hours resulted in the earliest sprouting (8 days), the highest sprout length (23.7 cm), 13 leaves, and 10 roots per cutting, with 93.33% rooting and 96.67% survival. Coconut water for 24 hours produced the widest root spread (11.4 cm). Aloe vera gel applied for 2 minutes recorded the highest benefit-cost ratio (2.58). These findings indicate that both synthetic auxins and selected organic treatments can support effective rose cutting establishment under the conditions of this study.

Growth Performance and Economic Returns of Schumannianthus dichotoma (Murta/Patibet) across Elevation Gradients in the Hilly Areas of Chattogram, Bangladesh

Md. Mahbubul Islam — 2026-08-31

Schumannianthus dichotoma (Roxb.) Gagnep., locally known as murta or patibet and also referred to by its synonym Clinogyne dichotoma, is a perennial mat-producing shrub traditionally cultivated in wetland and hilly regions of Bangladesh. Its cultivation has gained renewed interest for its potential contribution to climate-smart agriculture (CSA) through soil stabilisation, livelihood diversification, and ecological adaptability in fragile hill environments.

This study aimed to evaluate the yield performance and economic returns of S. dichotoma cultivated across varying topographic elevations in the hilly Jhiri valleys of Bandarban, Bangladesh, and to assess its suitability as a climate-smart crop for sustainable hill farming systems.

Approximately 500 rhizomes were planted in a 1700 sq. ft. experimental area divided into upper, middle, and lower elevation plots. Growth performance and yield-related data were collected annually from 2017 to 2021. Plant height and income generation were compared across elevation gradients to identify spatial variation and productivity trends.

Variation in plant growth and income was observed across elevations. The lower plot exhibited comparatively better growth performance, characterised by taller plants and higher yield, which was attributed to enhanced soil moisture retention. Average annual incomes were BDT 558, BDT 1063, and BDT 1497 for the upper, middle, and lower plots, respectively, demonstrating an elevation-related yield pattern.

Schumannianthus dichotoma showed its best observed performance under moist lower-slope conditions and exhibited adaptability to the hill tract environment. The crop’s low-input requirements, combined with its ecological benefits, support further evaluation of its inclusion in diversified hill farming systems.

The findings indicate the potential of S. dichotoma as a climate-smart, resource-efficient alternative to conventional upland crops. Long-term studies integrating climatic parameters, hydrological monitoring, and soil health assessments are recommended to validate its contribution to resilience and sustainability in hilly agroecosystems.

Farmers' Perceptions of the Influence of Wildlife Biodiversity on Crop Yield in Dargué, Niger

Ado Salifou Hadiza — 2026-09-01

Background: Wildlife biodiversity in agricultural fields can provide ecological functions that support crop production, while some species may also damage crops. This study assessed farmers' perceptions of the influence of wildlife biodiversity on crop yield in Dargué, Niger.

Methods: Data were collected from 200 participants, comprising 176 men and 24 women, through individual surveys and focus-group discussions. Descriptive analysis was used to summarise reported wildlife diversity and perceived effects on crops.

Results: Farmers reported 74 wildlife species, including 29 bird, 26 insect, 9 mammal, 7 reptile, and 3 amphibian species. Wildlife was perceived as having both beneficial and harmful effects. Varanus exanthematicus and several bird species were regarded as beneficial mainly because of predation on crop-damaging insects. By contrast, Quelea quelea, Erythrocebus patas, Oedaleus senegalensis, toads, and mice were perceived as harmful at different stages of crop development. Farmers also associated the presence of plant species in fields with the return and maintenance of wildlife biodiversity.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that farmers perceive wildlife biodiversity as a combination of ecosystem services and crop-related disservices rather than as uniformly beneficial or harmful. Management approaches should therefore seek to retain beneficial wildlife functions while reducing damage from species perceived as crop pests. The study provides a local basis for further assessment of wildlife–crop interactions in the wider region.