Assessing Chilli Genotypes in Vertisols of Andhra Pradesh, India

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most important spice crops in India valued for domestic and export market.  Andhra Pradesh ranks first in area, production and productivity of chilli. The present investigation was carried out with thirteen promising chilli genotypes in randomized block design replicated thrice.  The thirteen promising genotypes were used to study their performance for growth, yield attributing and yield in chilli. The chilli accessions differed significantly for all the traits evaluated. Among the thirteen lines evaluated, genotype SKAU-128 recorded maximum plant height (97.7cm), genotype ST-37 recorded higher number of primary branches, ST-07 has was earlier in flowering, LCA-334 recorded highest mean fruit weight. The present study revealed that among the genotypes tested for, LCA-334 recorded the highest mean yield (133 q/ha) being on par withRHRCH-10-2 (126.4q/ha)

In-vitro Nematicidal Activity of Different Solvent Extracts of Solanum torvum Fruit against Meloidogyne incognita

Root-knot nematodes are harmful plant parasites that significantly reduce agricultural productivity, affecting about 2,000 plant species and causing 5% of global crop losses. Due to concerns about the environmental impact of chemical nematicides, plant-based alternatives are gaining attention. This study, conducted in September-October 2023 at the University of Mysore, tested four solvent extracts (aqueous, petroleum ether, ethanol, and methanol) from Solanum torvum fruit at varying concentrations (10-100%) for their effects on egg hatchability and juvenile mortality of Meloidogyne incognita. Results showed that the methanolic extract was most effective, achieving 99% inhibition of egg hatching and 100% juvenile mortality at 100% concentration. This suggests that Solanum torvum extract could be an eco-friendly and economical method for managing root-knot nematodes. Further research is needed to evaluate its field efficacy and to identify the active compounds responsible for its nematicidal properties

Supplementation of Cashew Apple (Anacardium occidentale) Powder on Growth Performance of Broiler

The present investigation was carried out on studies of Supplementation of Cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale) powder on growth performance of broiler. The experimental trial of six weeks was undertaken for 200 day old, broiler chicks, divided in five treatments of 40 chicks in each treatment with four replications of ten chicks. The control (T1) group was fed standard ration and T2, T3, T4 and T5 group were provided same standard ration supplemented with 3.00 g, 6.00 g, 9.00 g and 12.00 g cashew apple powder per kg of feed, respectively. This trial resulted that supplementation of cashew apple powder showed significantly highest live body weight in treatment T4 (1881.30 g/bird) as well as average live weight gain (268.75 g/bird). Hence it is concluded that supplementing 9.00 g cashew apple powder per kg of feed significantly resulted in improved growth performance as compared to other treatments

Effect of Organic Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) in Obio Akpa, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa Campus, in May, 2022 to February, 2023 cropping seasons to examine the effect of organic fertilizers namely: Decomposed Fluted Pumpkin pod (DFPP), oil palm Bunch Ash (OPBA) and poultry Manure (PM) on the growth and yield performance of Garlic. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized complete Block Design with four treatments replicated three times. The growth and yield Parameters were number of leaves, length of leaves, plant height, number of Cloves, weight of fresh bulb, bulb diameter and bulb length. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance. The results showed that the four treatment differed slightly in number of leaves across the growth period and their mean differences were not significant (p<0.05). DFPP produced the longest leaves (62.76cm) at 6 WAP, followed by OPBA (59.07cm), while control had the least value (57.97cm) and their differences was significant (p<0.05). The mean height of Garlic plant obtained from the Four treatments differed significantly (p<0.05) from the initial growth period with DEPP producing the tallest plant (58.27cm) at 4 WAP, while OPBA had the least (53.81cm). The yield parameters obtained, PM had the highest fresh weight of Garlic (19.94g) followed by DFPP (13.62g) and OPBA (13.32g), while the control had the least (8.28g) and their difference was significant. DFPP recorded the highest bulb diameter (3.14cm) significantly different (p<0.05) from PM, OPBA and control with 3.02cm, 2.76cm and 2.74cm respectively. PM recorded the highest number of cloves (5.33), while DFPP, OPBA and control recorded 5.00 and their difference were not significant (p<0.05). PM, also had the highest bulb length (3.88cm), while control had the least (3.51cm). Therefore, combined application of DFPP and PM is highly recommended to maintain high yield of crop in the study area

Agronomic and Morphological Evaluation of Experimental Tomato Lines Grown under Greenhouse Conditions in Saltillo, Coahuila, México

Aims: The objective of this research was to evaluate the agronomic and morphological behavior of experimental lines of tomato under greenhouse conditions, in order to generate new F1 materials. Study Design: The experimental design was a randomized complete block with 16 treatments and four repetitions each, the ANOVA was performed at p≤0.05 and the means test was by Tukey (p≤0.05). Place and Duration of Study: Experimental greenhouse "The Bajío” Buenavista, Plant Breeding Department of the Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro. between February 2023 to November 2023. Methodology: 16 genotypes of tomato were evaluated (L1 to L16), through the quantification and determination of morphological and agronomic variable, as well as the physicochemical and nutritional quality of the tomato fruits. Results: The results indicate statistical differences for all the quantified variables evaluated, while the morphological behavior of the lines was variable in most of the evaluated traits. For the yield components, promising lines such as TR-006 and TR-010 were found, which stand out in the number of fruits per plant with 59 fruits, while TR-008, TR-015 and TR-007 are lines that present fruits of greater average weight with 127.4, 115.4 and 100 g respectively. The lines TR-013, TR-016 and TR-006 stand out for producing more kilograms per plant with 3.54, 3.48 and 3.44 kilograms per plant, respectively. For seed production, lines TR-014, TR-013 and TR-003 showed good yield with 162.57, 161.31 and 159.17 seeds per fruit, respectively. Conclusion: The agronomic and morphological behavior of the genotypes was variable in most of the characters evaluated, which indicates genetic variability between the lines, variability that could be used as a source of germplasm for the generation of new materials with high productive potential either as a free-pollinated variety or as hybrids

Resource Use Efficiency under Rice Cultivation in Old Alluvial Zone of West Bengal, India: An Empirical Assessment of Beneficiary and Non-Beneficiary Farmers

Effective utilization of resources is a significant concern from an economic standpoint to enhance production levels and optimize returns. The current research examined the efficiency of resource usage in rice farming in the old alluvial region of West Bengal. A sample of 100 beneficiaries and 100 non-beneficiaries were purposively selected from Balurghat block of Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal. Cost of Cultivation, resource use efficiency and the relative percentage change in marginal value product were estimated. The estimated R2 value for beneficiary farmers was 0.63 which clearly indicates that 63 per cent of the variations in rice yield are explained by the explanatory variables considered in the model. The elasticity coefficients of hired labour (0.15), seeds (0.08), DAP/SSP (0.14), farm yard manure (0.16) and irrigation (0.15) were found positive and statistically significant. The level of adjustments estimated for various resources to earn optimum returns were seeds (75.37 per cent), DAP/SSP (81.88 per cent), farm yard manures (51.14 per cent) and irrigation (79.72 per cent), respectively. Similarly, the estimated R2 value for non-beneficiary farmers was 0.53 indicates that 53 per cent of the variations were explained by the explanatory variables. The elasticity coefficients of family labour (0.16), Urea (0.04), farm yard manure (0.12) and irrigation (0.07) were found positive and statistically significant. The level of adjustments estimated for various resources to earn optimum returns were Urea (65.10 per cent), farm yard manures (32.61per cent) and irrigation (69.56 per cent), respectively. The efficiency ratios which are more than one in each case clearly indicates that these resources are being used at sub-optimum level and therefore, farmers could improve economic efficiency and productivity if they use more of these resources. The level of adjustments estimated for various resources to earn optimum returns were analyzed

Information Use Patterns of Farmers in Rice-based Cropping Systems in Puducherry

Rice is a staple food crop and it is integral to India\u27s food security, economy, and rural livelihoods, particularly in regions like Puducherry, where rice-based cropping systems dominate. This study investigates the information use patterns of 120 farmers engaged in rice-based cropping systems, focusing on sources, storage methods, and utilization of agricultural information. Data were collected through structured interviews using an ex post facto research design and analyzed to identify key decision-making factors influencing farming practices. The findings reveal that interpersonal communication channels, such as discussions with family members, peers, and successful farmers, are the most relied upon sources of information, with 98.33% of farmers emphasizing these interactions. Additionally, 85% of farmers evaluate information based on economic feasibility, while 81.66% rely on personal experience. Regarding storage, 85% use memory by informing family members, while 66.66% rely on mobile phones for visual documentation. The adoption of sustainable crop management practices was observed in 91.66% of farmers using certified seeds, 79.16% conducting regular soil testing, and 67.50% employing integrated pest management practices. Key constraints include lack of timely access to information (81.66%) and difficulty in understanding technical terms (70.83%). These findings underscore the need for Purpose-driven measures, including localized digital tools, simplified information delivery, and improved extension services, to enhance agricultural sustainability and empower farmers in Puducherry

Economic Analysis of Banana Cultivation: A Comparative Study of Kollegala Horticulture Farmers Producer Company Limited (KHFPCL) Members and Non-members in Kollegala, Karnataka

Banana cultivation plays a significant role in the agricultural economy of India, particularly in regions like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, which is well-suited for banana farming due to its fertile soils and favourable climatic conditions. The study evaluates the economics of cultivation for banana farmers who are members of the Kollegala Horticulture Farmers Producer Company Limited (KHFPCL) compared to non-members. Data were collected from 400 farmers, equally split between KHFPCL members and non-members, to estimate key cost components such as labor, fertilizers, plant protection chemicals (PPC) and machinery usage. Results revealed that membership in the KHFPCL significantly reduces input costs due to collective procurement of inputs, technical guidance and resource-sharing mechanisms. Human labor costs for members are ₹34,000 per acre, compared to ₹38,000 for non-members, while machine labor expenses decrease by 36.84%. Input costs for fertilizers, including DAP, Urea, MOP and PPC, are consistently lower for members owing to bulk purchase discounts and advisory support. KHFPCL members also benefit from improved resource management, which enhances productivity. The yield per acre for members is 11 tons, compared to 9.3 tons for non-members, resulting in a gross return of ₹3,30,000 for members against ₹2,60,400 for non-members, a 26.67% increase. Net returns for members, at ₹2,00,841, are significantly higher, reflecting a 71.05% increase over non-members. Statistical analysis, including t-tests, confirms the significance of these differences, emphasizing the financial advantages of FPC membership. These findings underscore the role of Farmer Producer Companies in optimizing input costs, promoting modern farming practices and enhancing market access

Molecular Identification of Blast Resistance Gene in Some Elite Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Land Races and Varieties

Background: The greatest challenge facing rice productivity in rice producing regions of the World is the occurrence of blast diseases cause by Piricularia Oryzae. In reaction, affected plants develop disease resistance strategies one of which is the expression of resistance genes by systemic defence. Aim: To identify resistance controlling gene (piz-6) against blast disease in two conventional cultivars (faro 67 and 44) and three elite landraces (CHI, IRON and C-Price). T Study Design: The study involved laboratory experiment using PCR technique. Place and Duration of Study: Two varieties of upland rice faro 44 and faro 67 were sourced from National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, Niger State, Nigeria while the three landraces (C-price, CHl and IRON) were obtained from Abakiliki, Ebonyi State Nigeria bet July, 2024 to October 2024. Methodology: Genomic DNA was extracted from fresh plant tissue using the Quick-DNA™ Plant/Seed Miniprep Kit (Inqaba, US) following the manufacturer’s protocol.DNA purity and concentration were determined using NanoDrop Spectrophotometer 2000C while PCR amplification of the rice genomes was carried out using the PCR master mix, OneTaq Quick-Load 2X Master Mix (New England Biolabs, US) with specific Primer, RM8225. Results: DNA concentration ranged from 74.1 to 126.9ng/µl with a purity index (absorbance ratio) ranging from 1.73 to 1.79. The study detected blast resistance gene in one conventional variety; faro 44 and one landrace; CHI. A distribution frequency of 40% of the resistance gene was obtained in the entire varieties studied. The sequences of the two varieties revealed the presence of the allele for the resistance gene (piz-6). Conclusion: The findings of this study have revealed that both conventional and landrace rice cultivars harbour blast resistance gene. However, there need for identification of more blast resistance genes in other varieties especially in our landraces and even the weedy relatives. The exploitation and utilization of new resistance genes in addition to the monitoring of virulence genes of blast fungus will better Aid understanding of resistance in rice defense mechanisms

Evaluation of Abiotic Stress Tolerance and Compatibility of Native Isolates of Trichoderma spp. of Kasargod District, India

Aim: To evaluate the selected native isolates of Trichoderma spp. of Kasaragod district for abiotic stress tolerance and compatibility assessment with other biocontrol agents. Study Design: CRD. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, between November 2023 and November 2024. Methodology: The selected Trichoderma isolates Tr-5, Tr-12, Tr-41, Tr-43 (Trichoderma asperellum) and Tr-40 (Trichoderma lixii) were subjected to various abiotic stresses, namely low (4°C, 10°C and 15°C) and high (30°C, 45°C and 55°C) temperatures, salinity (0.5M, 1.5M and 2.5 M NaCl) and drought (10%, 30% and 40% PEG). The PDA was embedded with different NaCl and PEG concentrations to test the salinity and drought tolerance. After 4 days of inoculation (DAI), radial growth of Trichoderma isolates in treatments and controls was recorded. The compatibility of these Trichoderma isolates was checked with the other bio-control agents viz., Pseudomonas fluorescens, Metarhizium anisopliae, Lecanicillium lecanii and Beauveria bassiana using the dual culture technique. Results: In the temperature tolerance study, the selected isolates did not show any radial growth at 4°C, 10°C, 45°C, and 55°C.At 15°C, slight mycelial growth was observed, and the optimal range was found to be 30°C for good mycelial growth. The tolerance to salinity was up to 0.5M NaCl, but only in Tr-5 (0.83cm), Tr-12 (0.91), and Tr-40 (0.8) isolates; the mycelial growth was observed at 1.5M NaCl. At 10% PEG, the radial growth of isolates was on par with the control. Upon increasing concentration, radial growth of Trichoderma isolates was decreased/ absent along with sporulation. In the compatibility study, Trichoderma isolates were found to be compatible with P. fluorescens, M. anisopliae, L. lecanii and B. bassiana. But with fungal biocontrol agents, only Tr-40 showed incompatibility with M. anisopliae (66.67%), L. lecanii (33.58%), but was compatible with B. bassiana. Conclusion: In this study, all five native Trichoderma isolates, Tr-5, Tr-12, Tr-40, Tr-41 and 43 showed high tolerance to abiotic stresses at an optimum range of temperature (30oC), NaCl (0.5M), and PEG (10%). The isolates of Trichoderma spp. were compatible with bacterial and fungal bio-control agents except Tr-40