Plant Density Manipulation on the Growth of Tephrosia bracteolata Guill. & Perr. and Associated Weed Species

This study investigated the influence of plant density manipulation on dry matter accumulation and weed-suppressing ability of Tephrosia bracteolata. The seeds of Tephrosia bracteolata were sown on a field with 0.2 m inter-row spacing while intra-row spacing was varied from 0.1 m – 1.6 m. The plant densities were D0 = 0 Plants/m2, D1 = 50 Plants/m2, D2 = 25 Plants/m2, D3 = 12.5 Plants/m2, D4 = 6.25 Plants/m2 and D5 = 3.125 Plants/m2. The experiment was conducted in a Randomised Complete Block Design with three replications. Data were collected 16 weeks after sowing on Plant Height, Number of Leaves, Stem Diameter, Shoot Dry Weight, and Weed Dry Weight. Weed species were enumerated using 0.5 m by 0.5 m quadrats to calculate species relative importance value, Shannon-Wiener index, dominance index, and equitability index. The results showed that plant density on plant height and stem diameter were not significantly different α0.05, while number of leaves, shoot dry weight, and weed dry weight observed at 12.5 Plants/m2 were significantly different at α0.05 compared to other plant densities. Twenty-eight weed species and one woody tree species were enumerated. Desmodium scorpiurus, Diodra sarmentosa, and Tridax procumbens were the most important species, while species dominance was low across plant densities. Shannon-Wiener index was highest in 6.25 Plants/m2 (2.425) and lowest in 50 Plants/m2 (1.911). The equitability index was lowest in 50 Plants/m2 (0.745) and highest in 0 Plants/m2. These results suggest that Tephrosia bracteolata sown at 12.5 Plants/m2 positively influenced dry matter accumulation and weed suppression

Analysis of Business Sales of Ready-To-Cook Vegetable Products in Samarinda City

The business of selling ready-to-cook vegetables is a venture that provides pre-prepared vegetables, allowing consumers to cook them immediately without much preparation. These ready-to-cook vegetables are a combination of various types of fresh vegetables that have been prepared and packaged in styrofoam containers and airtight transparent plastic bags, ensuring long-lasting freshness. This study aims to identify the types of vegetables used in the ready-to-cook vegetable packages, the costs involved in the production process, revenue, and profits, as well as the challenges faced in the ready-to-cook vegetable business. This research was conducted at Sayuryuk.com, located in Samarinda City, from March to May 2024. The sample was taken using the random sampling method with the respondent being the owner of Sayuryuk.com. Data analysis used methods of cost analysis, revenue, income, and R/C ratio. The research results show that the raw materials for 12 ready-to-cook vegetable packages consist of 52 types of vegetables used in these packages. The average monthly production cost is IDR 8,597,083.18 per month, the production revenue is IDR 10,598,250.00 per month, and the profit earned by Sayuryuk.com is IDR 2,001,166.82 per month, with an R/C ratio of 1.2. These results indicate that the business of selling ready-to-cook vegetables at Sayuryuk.com is feasible and profitable because the value is more than 1. The challenges in the ready-to-cook vegetable sales business at Sayuryuk.com include a lack of labor, limited raw materials, and a short shelf life of pre-cut raw materials

Enhancing Wheat Germination and Seedling Growth through Hydro and Osmo-Priming with Polyethylene Glycol

Seed priming is a controlled hydration process followed by re-drying that allows the seed to imbibe water and begin internal biological processes necessary for germination, but does not allow the seed to germinate. The current study was conducted during 2024 season to elucidate the effect of seed priming techniques (hydropriming and osmo-priming with polyethylene glycol (PEG) at different concentrations) on seed germination and seedling growth of two wheat varieties. A factorial experiment using a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications was used to conduct this experiment. Two varieties of wheat (Sakha 95 and Gemmiza 12) were examined under five priming treatments (distilled water, 4% PEG, 8% PEG, 12% PEG and 16% PEG solution). Seeds without priming were used as a control. The findings revealed that the variety (Sakha 95) with hydro and 12% PEG concentration was superior in germination percentage (100%). The variety (Sakha 95) was superior in all studied traits (Germination %, shoot length , root length, seedling dry weight, seedling vigor index, seedling length, seedling growth rate, germination index and germination coefficient) whereas, (Gemmiza 12) gave the lowest values in the same traits. Hydropriming had a positive effect on germination and seedling growth. Osmo-priming with 12% PEG was the best in most studied traits compared with all the other treatments. Therefore, results suggested that osmo-priming with 12% PEG was a useful technique to enhance germination and seedling growth of wheat. It was concluded that hydro and osmo-priming with PEG helps to enhance germination and seedling growth of wheat varieties

Determinants of Adaptation Strategies against Weather Changes in Cabbage Production in Southern Shan State of Myanmar

This study was purposed to determine the influencing factors on adaptation strategies of cabbage farmers; S1-cultural practices, S2-cropping system management, and S3-livelihood diversification against weather variability in Southern Shan State of Myanmar. During October-December 2024, total 150 cabbage farmers in Pindaya and Kalaw townships were individually interviewed using purposive and simple random sampling methods. Applying a multivariate probit model (MVP), the results clearly showed a distinct profile of determinants on adaptation strategies of adopters and non-adopters. Several factors positively influenced the cabbage farmers’ adoption of S1-cultural practices, including higher education, more farming experience, better access to extension services, flood risk perception and positive profitability assessments benefit-cost ratio (BCR), while the size of cabbage cultivation areas was negatively associated with adoption. Similarly, cabbage farmers who had more external support from extension services, higher perception of floods and profitability of cabbage farming had more probability to adopt S2-cropping system management. Farmers who had older ages, less farming experiences and their cabbage production was affected by temperature were more likely to adopt S3-livelihood diversification to pursue alternative income sources, perhaps due to risk aversion or resource constraints. The results revealed that providing institutional support, improved weather-related education, and economic incentives are important for encouraging cabbage farmers to adapt. Therefore, strengthening extension services and raising climate risk awareness programs by holding workshops and trainings, initiating the nationwide public educational programs such as vocational and farmers’ field schools, integrating localized weather information and early warning systems should be provided for cabbage farmers. It is also essential for creating effective interventions that enhance agricultural resilience against weather changes in the study areas

Effects of Graded Dietary Probiotic Levels on Growth Performance and Muscle Protein Content in Juvenile Golden Trevally (Gnathanodon speciosus)

The golden trevally (Gnathanodon speciosus) is a favourable option for aquaculture due to its fast growth, valuable market value, and exceptional flavour. It is crucial to identify techniques for optimising production through growth enhancement in golden trevally aquaculture. This experiment aimed to assess the effect of grading levels of probiotic (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 g kg ⁻¹) on the golden trevally, G. speciosus (initial weight 8.51 g ± 0.53). Each diet treatment had three replicates, and fed the fish over a duration of four weeks. The growth performance and protein and fat content in the muscle were evaluated. At the end of the experiment, the incorporation of probiotics into the golden trevally diet resulted in a statistically significant improvement in growth (P < 0.05). The survival rate of fish fed the probiotic diet was not statistically different from that of the control group. Furthermore, at the end of the experiment, the protein concentration was 20.30 to 21.15% in the flesh of golden trevally fed diet B2, B3 and B4, which was significantly increased in comparison to fish fed control diet (P < 0.05). In conclusion, nutritional treatment with probiotics trevally improves growth, survival, and body composition in juvenile golden fish. It is recommended to add 1 - 2 g of Bacillus kg-1 diet of golden trevally to improved growth, survival and protein content. This trial represents the first investigation into the advantages of probiotics for golden trevally; however, researchers should undertake additional studies on physiological effects and stress resilience

The Study on Genetic Variability in Chilli Landraces

The field experiment was conducted during summer and winter season, 2020 and summer season, 2021 at the Experimental Farm of Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station Dhaulakuan, District Sirmour (HP), Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The experimental material comprising of variable 19 chilli landraces which were collected from different villages of Block Shillai and compared with the recommended cultivar DKC-8. The data were analyzed and the inferences were drawn for PCV and GCV, heritability (%) and genetic advance, High PCV and GCV were recorded for green fruit yield plant-1. Heritability was recorded maximum for all the traits under study and high value of genetic advance at 5 per cent selection intensity was recorded for green fruit yield per plant, number of green fruits per plant. These findings highlight the substantial genetic variability among local chilli landraces and their potential as valuable genetic resources. The study clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of selection in improving yield-related traits, indicating that these landraces can be effectively utilized in breeding programs aimed at enhancing chili productivity and adaptation

Influence of Graded Doses of Coffee Biochar on the Growth of Arabica Coffee Seedling

Biochar is a porous and carbon-rich product obtained from the thermal disintegration of solid agricultural waste biomasses in an oxygen-limited atmosphere. In recent years, the subject of biochar has increasingly become popular worldwide due to its potential to improve soil fertility and several studies have demonstrated the benefits of soil application of biochar in various crops. However, reports on the application of biochar in coffee farming are rather very limited. Thus, a study was undertaken to assess the influence of biochar application on the growth of arabica coffee seedlings, specifically in terms of shoot length, root length, fresh shoot biomass, fresh root biomass, dry shoot biomass, and dry root biomass. In the present study, biochar obtained from coffee cherry husk (a waste biomass obtained while dehusking cherry coffee) was used for the nursery trial. The biochar produced using an electric biomass pyrolyzer at 500°C for one hour was incorporated into the nursery potting medium (NPM). The experiment consisted of six treatments: T0 (standard NPM-control), T1 (standard NPM+1% biochar), T2 (standard NPM+2% biochar), T3 (standard NPM+3% biochar), T4 (standard NPM+4% biochar) and T5 (standard NPM+5% biochar). The treatments were imposed in a completely randomized design with five replications per treatment and fifty seedlings per replication. The results indicated that the growth of arabica coffee seedlings was found to be superior in T3 (potting medium with 3% biochar) and T4 (potting medium with 4% biochar) as compared to other treatments (T0, T1, T2, T5). Further, the availability of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium) was found to be higher in biochar-treated soil when compared to soil from the control treatment (T0). These findings suggest that biochar at the rate of 3% to 4% improves the growth of arabica coffee seedlings by modifying the physicochemical properties of soil, as evidenced by the changes in the pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon content and nutrient status

Comparative Evaluation of Soilless Growing Media for Enhancing Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Yield and Nutritional Quality

Aims: The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different growing media on the growth, yield, and nutritional quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under soilless farming conditions, as a sustainable alternative to traditional soil-based cultivation. Study Design: A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed to assess plant performance using five different growing media treatments. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the teaching and research farm of Faculty of Agricultural sciences, Ekiti State University and was carried out between July and December. Methodology: Five growing media were evaluated: cocopeat, rice husk, rice husk biochar, topsoil, and water. Tomato seedlings were transplanted into containers filled with the respective media. Growth parameters including plant height, stem girth, and number of leaves were recorded weekly for a period of six weeks. At harvest, yield parameters such as total fruit weight, fruit girth, fruit length, and number of fruits were measured. Additionally, the nutritional qualities of the harvested fruits were analyzed to assess treatment effects. Results: The highest values for plant height, number of leaves, and stem girth were observed in tomato plants that were grown using cocopeat, in terms of yield, tomato grown in rice husk was most productive with 1884g of fruits per plant compared to 831 g of fruits per plant for the tomato grown in top soil medium, also the number of fruits observed in tomato grown in rice husk was 91% more than that grown in soil. Overall, the media (rice husk biochar, rice husk, and cocopeat) significantly outperformed the soil medium in terms of fruit yield and growth characteristics, variations were also observed in the nutritional qualities with respect to the different media used. Conclusion: Soilless farming using alternative media especially those derived from agricultural waste enhances plant growth and fruit yield, thus, promoting sustainability

Enhancing Germination and Storability in Cordia myxa Linn.: Insights from Seed Carpology, Viability, Imbibition, Pre-treatment and Storage Behaviour

A comprehensive investigation was carried out on the seed biology, viability, and storability of Cordia myxa Linn., a valuable wild fruit species of central India. Carpological analysis revealed globular to ovoid drupes containing wrinkled, ellipsoid seeds. Tetrazolium (TZ) viability testing highlighted that staining duration, particularly 24 hours, significantly influenced viability results (p < 0.001), while TZ concentration had negligible effect. Water imbibition studies demonstrated a slow and steady hydration process, with maximum water uptake (25.35%) observed at 27 hours. Among various pre-sowing treatments tested, hot water soaking (5 min) followed by 500 ppm GA₃ for 48 hours proved most effective, achieving the highest germination (70.70%), vigour index (1043.43), and a lower mean germination time (19.12 days). Acid scarification treatments, however, adversely affected germination. Seed storability trials confirmed the orthodox nature of C. myxa seeds, with enhanced germination after desiccation (5.05% moisture) and sustained viability (35.44%) following three months at –20°C. These findings provide vital inputs for improving seed viability testing, germination efficiency, and storage strategies for the propagation and conservation of Cordia myxa, thereby contributing to its effective propagation, conservation, and future utilization in afforestation and agroforestry programs

Evaluation of Selected Silkworm Hybrid (FC1XFC2 and FC2XFC1) for Rearing Performance under Sub-Temperate Conditions of Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir

Sericulture is an integral part of Indian textile sector contributing significantly for economy combining both farm and industrial aspects. Silkworm Bombyx mori (L.) is one of the insects known for production of most versatile silk protein. The growth pattern showed considerable variation from first to last day of the entire larval period for the trail conducted for the study. Evaluation was made for morphological characters of cocoon and results were recorded with phenotypic variation in cocoon colour, shape, shell weight, grains, shell ratio, pupal percentage and pupal weight. Study revealed exponential increase in the larval weight and length until the 5th instar with maximum value on 7th day as 8.5cm & 7.4 cm in FC1xFC2 and FC2xFC1. The maximum and minimum evaluation for larval weight for single and 10 larvae ranged from 45.20g to 0.52g and 36.91g to 0.12g in case of   FC1xFC2 and FC2xFC1 respectively. Similarly, maximum single cocoon weight was recorded as 1.46g for FC1xFC2 and 1.30g for FC2xFC1. Thus, the current study holds potential for screening of region and season specific breeds aided with future breeding programmes