Seed priming with different levels and sources of zinc on the seed germination and seedling growth of barnyard millet (Echinocola frumentacea)

Seed priming with zinc increases the seed germination and seedling growth of many crops. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of seed priming with different levels and sources of zinc on seed germination and seedling growth of barnyard millet variety MDU1. A germination experiment was conducted with various Zn sources and concentrations viz., T1- Non-primed seeds (control); T2-water priming; T3-GA3 priming; T4-T6: seed priming with 0.10%,  0.25% & 0.50% ZnSO4 ; T7- T9:  seed priming with 0.10%, 0.25% & 0.50% Zn EDTA; T10-T12: seed priming with 0.10%, 0.25% & 0.50% Zn citrate and the experimental design was a completely randomized design (CRD) which were replicated five times. The seeds of MDU1 variety were treated with different sources and levels of Zn for 12h and the seed germination study was carried out for 15 days. After 15 days, the germination percentage, speed of germination, germination energy, germination index and the seedling growth parameters such as, root length, shoot length, vigour index and seedling dry weight were recorded. Seed priming with 0.50% ZnSO4 performed better in increasing the germination percentage (99%), speed of germination (76.2%), germination energy (69.4%), germination index (3.91) and seedlings growth parameters like shoot length (14.7cm), root length (16.5cm), seedlings dry weight (0.44g), vigour index I (3099) and II (44.6),  Zn content (21.9 mg kg-1) & its uptake (5.54 mg g-1). This was closely followed by seed priming of Zn EDTA at 0.25% and Zn citrate at 0.50%. From this study, it can be concluded that seed priming with 0.50% ZnSO4 could be used to improve the germination and seedling growth of barnyard millet which was also economical.

Sulphur fertilization on biochemical constituents of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata. L) in non-calcareous soil of Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu

Sulphur is the fourth most important plant nutrient after nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and it is becoming increasingly crucial in high-quality crop production (Bhoyar., 2019). Since limited work has been carried out regarding different sulphur sources on cabbage production in the Coimbatore district, the present study was undertaken to investigate the sulphur sources and levels on various biochemical constituents of cabbage. Hence a  field experiment was conducted in the farmer’s field at Viraliyur village, Thondamuthur block of Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu to assess the effect of sulphur fertilization on improving the biochemical constituents of cabbage hybrid Saint. There were four different S sources (Elemental sulphur, Potassium sulphate, Gypsum, Single super phosphate) applied at five levels (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg ha-1) and replicated thrice in a factorial randomized block design. The crop was fertilized with a  Soil Test Crop Response-prescribed dose of NPK (200:125:25 kg ha-1). The crop was harvested on 90th day and cabbage heads were analysed for various biochemical constituents like ascorbic acid, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), chlorophyll content, glucosinolates (GLs), total phenol content (TPC), sulphur containing amino acid (methionine) and antioxidant enzyme activity (peroxidase). The influence of S fertilizers on biochemical constituents increased significantly with increasing levels of sulphur fertilization up to 80 kg S ha-1 excluding ascorbic acid content. The pooled data showed that gypsum applied at 80 kg ha-1 registered the maximum GLs (69.0 µmol g-1), TPC (31.9 mM 100g-1), methionine (32.3%), peroxidase activity (0.70 units min-1mg-1), TSS (7.64 0Brix), TA (0.64%), ascorbic acid (61.4 mg 100g-1) and total chlorophyll (1.21 mg g-1) in cabbage head. The lowest content of biochemical constituents viz., GLs (34.1 µmol g-1), TPC (8.10 mM 100g-1), methionine (17.6%) and peroxidase (0.31 units min-1mg-1) were observed in control applied NPK alone. There were positive and significant changes in the biochemical constituents of cabbage due to S application which confirms the improvement in the quality of cabbage head. The study concluded that gypsum was  the better sulphur source for improving the quality of cabbage

Effect of different levels and sources of calcium on post harvest physiology of hybrid tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

Due to high respiration and ethylene production, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is highly perishable horticulture produce that deteriorates faster during the post-harvest storage period. Calcium nutrition is important to overcome these losses as it helps in retarding ripening process during storage and improve the post-harvest quality tomatoes. Hence a field experiment was conducted with different calcium sources and levels viz., Calcium sulphate, Calcium Nitrate, Calcium silicate, Poultry manure and Pressmud applied at 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg Ca ha-1. A storage study was conducted in a factorial completely randomized block design (FCRD) to ensure the effective role of calcium in post-harvest quality of hybrid tomato. Tomatoes were analyzed for pH of fruit juice, firmness, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, moisture content and physiological loss at five days intervals upto 15 days. The results revealed thatCalcium sources and levels had highly significant impacts on the quality of tomato fruits. The tomatoes harvested from the plot applied with poultry manure at 80 kg Ca ha-1 retained the highest fruit firmness(3.76 N m-1), moisture content (88.2%) and the lowest weight loss (8.82%) in fruit, highertitratable acidity (0.41%), lesser pH (3.61)andtotal soluble solids (4.23 ˚Brix). Hence the application of poultry manure at 80 kg Ca ha-1was beneficial in improving the quality and extending the storage life of hybrid tomatoes

Influence of zeolite on heavy metal immobilization in municipal solid waste compost contaminated soil

The application of Municipal solid waste as compost (MSWC) in agricultural fields has become one of the most common practices. Besides its benefits, it poses some harmful effects on soil, as it increases the heavy metal content in MSWC of the soil. It is necessary to find a way to reduce the bioavailability of heavy metals in MSWC  before its application into the soil. This study aimed at exploring the efficiency of zeolite as an immobilizer to dwindle heavy metal bioavailability. An incubation experiment was conducted wherein the soil samples were artificially spiked with different rates of MSWC (0, 5, and 10 t ha-1). The zeolite was added to the spiked soil at 5 different levels, namely 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 %, and their effect on bioavailable heavy metal status was observed during different incubation intervals (0, 15. 30, 60, 90, and 120 days). Results unveiled that applying 10% zeolite significantly (P<0.05) reduced the bioavailability of lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni)  to Below the detectable limit (Bdl) in all soil samples. Furthermore, the organic carbon status of soil was also enriched by MSWC and 10% zeolite application. The soil pH slightly increased (7.39) with applying 10% zeolite resulting in the immobilization of heavy metals. Hence, 10% zeolite application was one of the most effective immobilizers in eliminating the bioavailability of heavy metals. Therefore, it can be concluded that mixing zeolite with MSWC before applying it to crop fields can reduce the heavy metal overload in soil. Hence, this study highlights the potential of zeolite as an effective choice in dwindling the soil's bioavailability of heavy metal content

Optimising reaction variables for the preparation of superabsorbent iron fertiliser hydrogel using sugarcane bagasse: A sustainable approach to improve crop nutrient release

Iron (Fe) is a vital micronutrient essential for crop growth and development. Utilisation of bio-based, environmentally friendly functional polymers is inevitable for society. As an alternative to the conventional Fe fertiliser, the present study aimed to synthesise a higher Fe percentage containing hydrogel with organic substances that can facilitate the slow release of nutrients, reduce fertiliser nutrient fixation, and minimise environmental pollution. The reaction variables were optimised for the preparation of superabsorbent using sugarcane bagasse and nano-zeolite-based slow-release Fe fertiliser (SR Fe) hydrogel. This was formulated by graft, co-polymerising acrylic acid, acrylamide, sugarcane bagasse, and nano-zeolite with N,N'-methylene bis-acrylamide as a crosslinker and ammonium persulfate as an initiator. Based on the swelling percentage, the reaction variables of the SR Fe fertiliser were standardised. The crosslinker (MBA - 10 wt%), the initiator (APS - 10 wt%), the filler (Nano-zeolite - 10 wt%), the monomer acrylamide composition (AAm - 2g), the acrylic acid content (AA - 7 ml), the reaction temperature (60oC), and the drying temperature (40oC) were chosen based on desirable swelling percentage and loaded with Fe fertiliser. The Fe fertiliser was loaded to sugarcane bagasse in different ratios (1:0.5, 1:1, 1:1.5, 1:2). The present study showed that the SR Fe fertiliser with the highest percentage of Fe (6.4%) in the ratio of sugarcane bagasse to Fe fertiliser of 1:2 could be used as an effective SR Fe fertiliser to supply nutrients slowly to crops to meet their nutrient needs and improve nutrient use efficiency

Changes in biochemical constituents and antioxidant enzyme activity in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) by the addition of coated multi-nutrient fertilization in calcareous soil

Sulphur and micronutrients play a vital in the growth and development of plants due to their catalytic effect on many metabolic processes. A field experiment was conducted to explore the changes in various biochemical constituents and antioxidants enzyme activities in response to coated multi-nutrient fertilization. The experiment consisted of five organic acids (citric acid, humic acid, fulvic acid, salicylic acid) and amino acid (glycine) coated multi-nutrient fertilizer sources applied at five different levels (0, 5, 10, 12.5 and 15 kg ha-1). Groundnut leaf samples were collected and analyzed for biochemical constituents such as proline, soluble protein and antioxidant enzymes viz., superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and carbonic anhydrase activities at harvest stages. The results revealed that, application of fulvic acid coated multi-nutrient fertilizer at 15 kg ha-1 registered lesser proline (5.93 µmoles g-1) and higher soluble protein (22.2 mg g-1) content, superoxide dismutase (8.93 EU mg-1), catalase (18.2 µg H2O2 min-1 g˗1), peroxidase (6.11 µg min-1 mg˗1) and carbonic anhydrase (14.8 EU mg-1) activities at harvest stage followed by 12.5 kg humic acid coated multi-nutrient fertilizer. The lesser response was noted with NPK control in influencing the biochemical constituents and antioxidant enzymes. It was concluded that fulvic coated multi-nutrient fertilizer at 15 kg ha-1 was the better source for improving the biochemical constituents and antioxidant enzymes of groundnut in calcareous soils

Comparative evaluation of sulphur sources on growth, yield and quality of garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Sulphur is a prime nutrient in Allium crops. Garlic fertilization with ammonium-based sulphur fertilizers in low pH soils is being practiced by farmers that culminate the soil acidity, which has an adverse effect on plant growth. Hence a field experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Station, Woodhouse farm, Ooty, the Nilgris in 2021 to evaluate the appropriate sulphur sources and their levels for garlic at acidic hilly soil using four sulphur sources viz., potassium sulphate, magnesium sulphate, zinc sulphate and ammonium phosphate sulphate and three levels viz., 0, 40, 60 kg ha-1. Garlic variety Ooty 2 was used as test crop. The results revealed that application of magnesium sulphate @ 60 kg ha-1 produced the highest plant height, leaf numbers, clove numbers bulb-1, neck thickness, polar diameter, equatorial diameter, the weight of 10 cloves, fresh weight, dry weight and bulb yield (16.78 t ha-1) of garlic. Quality parameters viz., total soluble solids, ascorbic acid and total phenols of garlic bulbs were improved by the application of potassium sulphate @ 60 kg ha-1. Sulphur source of Magnesium sulphate had a minimal effect of rendering acidity to soil measured in terms of pH (4.74) and exchangeable acidity (0.22 meq 100 g-1). Hence, the promising source for acidic hilly soil and garlic crop was found to be magnesium sulphate @ 60 kg ha-1 followed by potassium sulphate @ 60 kg ha-1. This particular investigation focuses not only on yield improvement but also on maintaining soil quality of the area

Effect of phosphorus activators on soil legacy phosphorus availability and its uptake by maize hybrid COH(M) 6 in calcareous soil

Continuous application of phosphatic fertilizers in association with its low recovery results in the insoluble legacy P buildup in agricultural soils. In this study, a field experiment was conducted with maize hybrid COH(M) 6 to know the effect of different P activators (Farmyard Manure, Humic acid, Phosphorus Solubilising Bacteria, and Phytase) on increasing the legacy phosphorus (P) availability. The P activators were combined and applied along with the different doses of P fertilizer (100%, 75%, and 50% soil test dose of P fertilizer). The results showed that the application of Farmyard manure (FYM) and Humic acid (HA) significantly (p < 0.05) increased the soil available P (18.54 kg ha-1) and notably reduced the calcium P fraction (93.08 mg kg-1). The application of FYM and HA with 100% soil test dose of P showed a similar grain (9.98 kg ha-1) and stover P uptake (12.67 kg ha-1) response as that of FYM and HA with 75% soil test dose of P. The study suggested that FYM and HA application has activated the fixed calcium phosphorus in soil and increased its availability for crop utilization. The findings have illustrated that even the reduced dose of P fertilizer application can support the nutrient uptake if they are applied along with P- activators such as FYM and HA. This could promote soil health by reducing the P overload and further P loss in soil

Agronomic biofortification of calcium in cabbage (Brassica Oleracea var capitata) applied with different sources of liming in Ca deficient acidic soil of Coonoor, The Nilgiris (Typic Dystropept)

The human body needs calcium (Ca) to maintain strong bones and teeth and to build a strong structure, helping muscles contract and playing a crucial role in the structural and signalling process. However, low calcium consumption in the diet has related to a variety of disorders in humans, which can have long-term health repercussions. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the Ca biofortification capacity of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata) supplied with different Ca-supplying inorganic fertilizer sources at various fixed levels based on soil liming potential grown in open field conditions where four hybrids of cabbage grown in Ca deficient acidic soil. Ca applied as Limestone (CaCO3) (150% and 175% liming potential) and Dolomitic limestone [CaMg(CO3)2]150% liming potential yield high Ca content in cabbage head and foliage (61.3 mg 100 g-1), high glucosinolates content (53.12 mg 100 g-1) and lower oxalate(0.31 mg 100 g-1) that produced firmer head as compared with Ca untreated control which also promoted high market value for Ca biofortified ones. On the other hand, Ca addition leads to lower Fe and Mg content in the cabbage tissues due to an antagonistic effect. All four hybrids of cabbage studied using the agronomic method of biofortification significantly(p≤0.05) improved Ca enrichment (20% more compared to control) without showing any toxicity symptoms making possibility to obtain Ca biofortified cabbage in acidic soil of a hilly ecosystem by application of liming.

Physiological and morphological traits of Maize hybrids under saline water irrigation

188-194Salinity is one of the common abiotic stresses affecting crop growth and yield considerably. Hence, we conducted a pot culture experiment to evaluate the changes in various physiological and morphological traits of six maize hybrids (CO 6, CO 7, CO 8, CO 10, NK 6240 and 900 M Gold) under saline water irrigation. Saline water having a natural EC of 0.6, 3.2, 4.8, 6.7 and 8.9 dSm-1 was used for irrigating the crops up to 30 days. Nine seedling traits viz., shoot length, root length, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, total dry weight, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and chlorophyll content were measured. Based on the better physiological and morphological traits, dry matter productivity (DMP) and gas exchange parameters, the maize hybrids CO 6 and CO 7 have been identified as saline water tolerant up to an ECiw of 4.8 dSm-1. However, CO 8 was observed as salt sensitive as it recorded poor growth and photosynthetic parameters. Results suggest that DMP and gas exchange parameters would be useful traits for identifying salinity tolerance in maize hybrids at seedling stage