International Journal of Plant & Soil Science

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

Bhagya D. Kartha — 2026-07-16

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

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

P. A. Chimate — 2026-07-16

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

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

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

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

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

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

B. Hamadou Younoussa — 2026-07-17

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

A Review on Foliar Nutrition in Chickpea: Implications for Growth, Yield and Nutrient Use Efficiency

M. Bhavya — 2026-07-24

Pulses play a crucial role in global food and nutritional security because of their high protein content and contribution to sustainable agriculture. Among pulse crops, chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most widely cultivated and economically important food legumes in the semi-arid and subtropical regions of the world. It is a major source of dietary protein, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals, particularly for vegetarian populations in developing countries such as India. In addition to its nutritional importance, chickpea contributes to soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation, thereby improving soil health and supporting sustainable cropping systems. Despite its importance, chickpea productivity remains relatively low in many regions because of nutrient deficiencies, moisture stress, poor soil fertility, pest and disease incidence, and inadequate crop-management practices. Efficient nutrient-management strategies are therefore essential for enhancing crop productivity and sustainability. In recent years, foliar nutrition has emerged as an effective supplement to conventional soil fertilisation because it enables rapid nutrient absorption and the correction of deficiencies during critical growth stages. The development of water-soluble fertilisers and speciality nutrient formulations has further improved the efficiency of foliar feeding. Several studies have reported that the foliar application of macro- and micronutrients during key growth stages can improve plant growth, flower retention, pod formation, nutrient uptake and seed yield in chickpea. Integrated nutrient-management approaches that combine soil fertilisation with foliar nutrient application have also shown promise for enhancing productivity and nutrient-use efficiency. This review compiles and critically analyses the available literature on nutrient-management strategies, particularly foliar fertilisation, for improving chickpea growth, yield attributes, nutrient uptake and overall productivity. The findings may inform the development of efficient nutrient-management practices for sustainable chickpea production.

Early Blight of Potato Caused by Alternaria solani (Sorauer): A Critical Review of Epidemiology, Weather Relations, Disease Assessment and Management

S. Shivam — 2026-07-25

Early blight, caused principally by the necrotrophic fungus Alternaria solani, remains one of the most persistent foliar constraints on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production across temperate and subtropical growing regions. The disease progresses through repeated infection cycles governed closely by temperature, leaf wetness duration and relative humidity, and it interacts with crop phenology in ways that complicate both its prediction and its control. This review synthesises recent literature on the taxonomy and biology of the causal organism, the weather variables that regulate sporulation and infection, the tools available for disease assessment ranging from visual scoring to molecular diagnostics and deep learning-based image analysis, the forecasting and decision support systems developed to time fungicide applications, and the chemical, genetic, biological and cultural strategies used to manage the disease. Particular attention is given to the species complex now recognised within large-spored Alternaria, to the divergence of fungicide sensitivity associated with quinone outside inhibitor and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor chemistries, and to the quantitative and largely polygenic nature of host resistance. Evidence from multi-year field trials indicates that realised yield losses vary considerably with soil type, cultivar maturity and season, complicating generalisations about economic impact. The review concludes that sustainable management depends on the integration of resistant or partially resistant cultivars, weather-informed spray timing, judicious fungicide rotation and improved diagnostic sensitivity, rather than reliance on any single tactic. Gaps remain in the genetic basis of durable resistance, in the transferability of forecasting models across climatic zones, and in the practical deployment of digital diagnostic tools at farm scale.

Sustainable Nutrient Management in Mentha: Integrating Soil Health, Crop Productivity, and Essential Oil Quality for Climate-Resilient Cultivation

Tanmoy Barman — 2026-07-29

Commercial Mentha production is frequently managed as a high-input system because rapid canopy development, repeated harvests and substantial nutrient removal underpin profitable herb and essential-oil yields. This production logic can create a three-way management problem: nutrient supply must sustain biomass, preserve the chemical quality of the oil and avoid progressive deterioration of soil physical, chemical and biological functions. This critical narrative review evaluates evidence on mineral fertilisers, organic amendments, distillation-residue recycling, microbial biofertilisers and integrated nutrient management in Japanese mint, peppermint and related cultivated mints. Literature published from January 1990 to 9 April 2026 was identified through accessible scholarly indexes, bibliographic databases, DOI records, institutional repositories and citation searching. Evidence was appraised according to experimental design, duration, soil characterisation, treatment comparability, oil analysis, replication and field relevance. Nitrogen is the nutrient with the clearest and most reproducible influence on canopy growth and oil yield, but its effects on oil concentration and monoterpene composition are non-linear and strongly conditioned by genotype, water supply and harvest stage. Phosphorus, potassium and micronutrient responses are less securely resolved because they are often tested within compound fertiliser treatments or short pot experiments. Organic amendments can improve soil carbon, aggregation, nutrient buffering and microbial activity, yet their nutrient-release patterns may not coincide with peak crop demand. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have plausible mechanisms for improving nutrient acquisition, stress tolerance and glandular-trichome activity, although much of the evidence remains strain-specific and greenhouse-based. The strongest agronomic case is therefore for adaptive integration rather than categorical replacement of mineral fertilisers: soil- and plant-informed nutrient budgets, synchronised mineral inputs, quality-controlled organic resources, locally validated inoculants, coordinated irrigation and routine chromatographic assessment of oil composition. Long-term, multi-location trials that measure nutrient-use efficiency, soil function, emissions, leaching, oil quality and profitability are required before universal recommendations can be justified.

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

Suryansh Marker — 2026-07-15

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

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

Nogueba Abraham Kombelème — 2026-07-15

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

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

Rajendra B. Kakde — 2026-07-16

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lalit Anil Patil — 2026-07-16

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

Study Design: Line × Tester mating design.

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

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

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

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

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

Aseem Anas — 2026-07-16

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

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

Abhijeet Singh — 2026-07-17

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

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

Noura Alsayeri — 2026-07-17

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

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

Chirag Kumar M. Patel — 2026-07-17

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chinki Kumari — 2026-07-17

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

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

G. N. Onwubiko — 2026-07-17

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

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

Y. A. Reddy — 2026-07-17

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

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

D. Naga Lakshmi — 2026-07-17

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

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

Haryuni Haryuni — 2026-07-17

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

Study Design: Completely randomised block design.

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

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

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

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

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

Joyce Njihia — 2026-07-17

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

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

V. W. Panchal — 2026-07-18

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

Effect of Irrigation Regimes and Nitrogen Scheduling on Growth Attributes of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Semi-arid Conditions

Priyanka Shrivastava — 2026-07-20

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2024-25 at the Research Farm of Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, to evaluate the effects of irrigation regimes and nitrogen scheduling on the growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The experiment comprised nine treatment combinations involving three irrigation regimes, viz., three irrigations (I₁), four irrigations (I₂), and five irrigations (I₃), and three nitrogen scheduling treatments, viz., N₁ (50% basal + 50% at crown root initiation (CRI)), N₂ (50% basal + 25% at CRI + 25% at jointing stage) and N₃ (33.33% at each of the basal, CRI, and jointing stages). The treatments were evaluated in a split-plot design with three replications. Irrigation regimes and nitrogen scheduling had no significant effect on plant stand at 20 DAS and at harvest. However, both factors significantly influenced plant height and dry matter accumulation from 60 DAS onwards. Among the irrigation regimes, five irrigations (I₃) produced the maximum plant height (68.14, 83.06, and 87.58 cm at 60 DAS, 90 DAS, and harvest, respectively) and dry matter accumulation (145.81, 189.65 and 250.71 g m⁻¹ row length at 60 DAS, 90 DAS and harvest, respectively). Similarly, nitrogen applied in three equal splits (N₃) recorded the highest plant height (67.32, 82.00 and 87.61 cm) and dry matter accumulation (146.00, 189.00 and 250.63 g m⁻¹ row length) at the corresponding growth stages. The findings indicate that five irrigations and nitrogen applied in three equal splits at the basal, CRI, and jointing stages, considered as separate management effects, provided favourable conditions for sustained vegetative growth by improving plant height and biomass accumulation. These management practices may therefore be considered for enhancing wheat growth under semi-arid agro-ecological conditions.

Effects of Nanoscale Silica Particles on Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Content and Uptake in Rice

D. Gopal — 2026-07-20

Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) are being examined as foliar inputs because silicon can influence plant growth, stress responses, and nutrient acquisition. This pot experiment evaluated the effects of foliar-applied SiNPs on nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) content and uptake in rice. The NLR 34449 rice variety was grown during the 2021 kharif season under ten treatments comprising a distilled-water control, the recommended dose of fertiliser (RDF), RDF with silicic acid at 4 mL L⁻¹, and RDF with SiNPs at 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, or 1000 ppm. Foliar treatments were applied at 25 and 50 days after transplanting. Nutrient content and uptake were determined in straw and grain at harvest. The treatment comprising RDF with SiNPs at 200 ppm (T6) recorded the highest N, P, and K contents and uptake. In straw and grain, respectively, T6 recorded N contents of 0.62% and 1.36%, P contents of 0.16% and 0.34%, and K contents of 1.39% and 1.30%. Corresponding uptake values were 189.51 and 306.60 mg pot⁻¹ for N, 49.62 and 76.70 mg pot⁻¹ for P, and 424.72 and 293.41 mg pot⁻¹ for K. Under the conditions of this pot experiment, foliar application of SiNPs at 200 ppm with RDF was associated with improved macronutrient content and uptake in rice.

Effects of Treated Wastewater Irrigation on the Growth and Yield of Three Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties in the Mining Area of Arlit, Niger

Abdou Rabiou — 2026-07-21

Arlit, a mining city in northern Niger, faces severe water scarcity because of its arid climate and substantial water demand. Reusing treated wastewater for irrigation may provide an alternative water source for crop production under these conditions. This study compared the growth and yield-related responses of three maize (Zea mays L.) varieties—Jaune de Tassaou, Rouge de Gayi and Maka—irrigated with treated wastewater or fresh water. A randomised complete block design with three replications and six treatment–variety combinations per block was used. Fourteen phenological, growth and yield-related traits were measured, and the data were analysed using analysis of variance and principal component analysis. Irrigation water type significantly affected flowering, all measured growth traits and all evaluated yield components. Treated wastewater shortened the periods to male and female flowering and increased leaf length, leaf width, stem diameter, number of nodes, ear length, ear diameter, cob weight, stem biomass, grain number, total grain weight and 100-grain weight relative to fresh water. Total stem biomass and grains per row increased by 45.31% and 20.64%, respectively. The first principal component explained 30.41% of the total variation and distinguished the two irrigation treatments. The findings indicate that treated wastewater may support maize production under the water-limited conditions of Arlit, although its use requires regular assessment of water quality, soil conditions and potential contaminant accumulation.

Germination and Flowering Dynamic Modeling of Okra Cultivars (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) in Niger

Adamou Ibrahim Maman Laouali — 2026-07-21

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a fruit vegetable of the family Malvaceae and exhibits considerable morphological and phenological diversity in West Africa. In Niger, this diversity may support varied consumer preferences and market requirements. This study aimed to improve understanding of the phenological characteristics of ten okra cultivars in Niger. The experiment was conducted in the botanical garden of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey, using a randomised complete block design with three replications. Observations focused on germination and flowering, and the Kaplan-Meier survival-analysis model was used to examine cultivar dynamics over time. Germination occurred between 3 and 10 days after sowing. The median germination time was approximately 5 days, corresponding to the point at which 50% of the seeds had germinated. Cultivar 10 germinated earliest, followed by Cultivars 8, 7, 2, and 1. Flowering occurred between 42 and 73 days after sowing. The median flowering time was approximately 53 days, corresponding to the point at which the estimated probability of remaining unflowered first fell below 50%. Cultivars 8, 6, 10, 9, 1, and 7 flowered earliest. The findings demonstrate temporal variation in germination and flowering among the evaluated cultivars and provide preliminary information for identifying early-performing materials under the local growing conditions of Niamey.

Comparative Analysis of Physicochemical Properties and Micronutrient Distribution Pattern in Different Soil Profiles of Balangir, Odisha, India

Samapika Dash — 2026-07-22

The current study investigated the variation in soil physicochemical properties and nutrient distribution across different depth (0 -60 cm) in agricultural soil (AS), Pesticide treated soil (PTS) and forest soil (FS) of Patanagarh, Balangir district, Odisha. Soil samples were collected from four depth intervals (0, 15, 30 and 60 cm) to analyse the vertical changes in soil characteristics and fertility status. The result showed that, the key physicochemical properties such as, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon and total nitrogen increased gradually from surface layer to 30 cm depth layer followed by decline in 60 cm layer. Similarly, available nutrients including phosphorous, potassium and sulphur exhibits increasing trend from 0 to 30 cm layer, where their concentration were highest and decreased at deeper layer, especially in pesticide treated soil. Micronutrients such as zinc, manganese, copper, iron and boron also followed a similar distribution pattern. Coefficient of correlation revealed strong positive relationships among soil properties, macro and micronutrients, indicating their interdependence. Organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus showed high correlation with micronutrients, highlighting their crucial role in enhancing soil fertility. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) shown the nutrient availability were most favourable at around 30 cm soil depth riched in improves soil features.

Water-nitrogen Management under Supplementary Irrigation through Rainwater Harvesting Technique for Improving Soil Fertility, Tomato Yield and Water Productivity in the West African Sahel

Aimé Sévérin Kima — 2026-07-22

Supplementary irrigation using harvested water is widely promoted in Burkina Faso and is increasingly adopted nationally as a suitable practice for sustaining and/or improving rain-fed production. However, under current land degradation conditions, this approach should be sustainable, with optimal water amounts matched to N fertiliser to optimise productivity while improving soil fertility. A two-year (2023 and 2024) split-plot field experiment was conducted at Gomtoaga village (12.24° N and 1.24° W), Koubri District, Burkina Faso, to identify an optimal water-nitrogen combination for improving soil fertility, yield, and water-use efficiency. Two forms of urea, pearled urea (PU) and deep placement of super granule urea (DPU), were combined with three water amounts (D100, D75, and D50), representing 100%, 75%, and 50% of tomato net irrigation, respectively. The results indicated that the PU + D75 combination increased soil microbial CO₂ release (152%), microbial biomass (145%), OM (210%), C (215%), N (44%), and yield (34%), whereas DPU + D75 increased soil P (121%) and K (324%). The highest water productivity (43.34 kg/m³) and the lowest water cost (55.52 F CFA) for producing 1 kg of tomato were obtained under DPU + D50. Therefore, DPU + D50 and PU + D75 may be considered adapted practices for coping with water scarcity and improving land productivity, respectively. A cost-benefit analysis is required to identify the most beneficial combination by balancing farm returns and sustainable production.

Crop Performance, Nitrogen Uptake and Soil Parameters as Influenced by Short-Term Nutrient Management Strategies under Cowpea-based System in Nalanda District of Bihar, India

Manish Kumar — 2026-07-23

This study sought to evaluate crop performance, nitrogen (N) uptake and soil parameters as influenced by short-term nutrient management strategies in a cowpea-based system. To fulfill the objective, 9 treatments of various nutrient management strategies (control (no fertilization), 100% N + 100% phosphorus and potassium (PK), natural farming1 (Beejamrit (field preparation) +Ghanjeevamrit (field preparation) +Jeevamrit (15 days interval)), natural farming2 (Beejamrit (field preparation + 30 days interval) + Ghanjeevamrit (field preparation+ 30 days interval) +Jeevamrit (15 days interval)), organic farming1 (Farmyard manure + Biofertilizer), organic farming2 (Vermicompost+ Biofertilizer), integrated nutrient mangement1 (50% N inorganic + 50% N organic as Vermicompost and 100% P and K through inorganic), integrated nutrient management2 (50% N inorganic + 50% N organic as Farmyard manure and 100% P and K through inorganic) and 125% N +100% PK) were arranged in a randomized block design and replicated three times in Nalanda College of Horticulture, Noorsarai (Nalanda). The cowpea crop was sown in September and harvested at maturity in November for two years in the cropping system of cowpea-potato-onion. Crop yield, N uptake and soil parameters were studied. Results showed that the cowpea yield and N uptake were highest in 125% N +100%PK, followed by 100% N+100%PK, integrated nutrient management2, integrated nutrient management1, organic farming2, organic farming1 and the lowest in natural farming practices. The increase in seed yield for the above treatments was 43, 33, 27, 23, 19, and 17%, respectively, over the control. The soil physical and physicochemical properties were limited affected by different nutrient management strategies compared to the control. Overall, this study concluded that fully (100% N) or high dose(125% N) applications improved crop performance and N uptake, whereas organic-based sources had low yield and N uptake but limited effect on soil physical and physicochemical characteristics. Therefore, it is recommended to continue organic-based nutrient management for a long-term, which may, over time, bring crop performance to par with inorganic-based nutrient management and soil sustainability.

Molecular Characterization of Maize Streak Virus Reveals the First Occurrence of Strain H in Burkina Faso

Orokia Coulibaly — 2026-07-23

Aims: Maize is a major staple food in Sub-Saharan Africa but its production is severely affected by maize streak disease caused by Maize streak virus (MSV). Despite the importance of the disease for food security, information on the genetic diversity of MSV isolates in West Africa remains limited. This study aimed to characterize the genetic diversity of MSV isolates collected from maize and wild grasses in Burkina Faso and to determine their phylogenetic relationships, with particular emphasis on identifying previously unreported virus strains.

Study Design: This was a molecular characterization study based on PCR detection, DNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of MSV isolates.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Burkina Faso using MSV isolates collected from maize and wild grasses during field surveys over two years.

Methodology: Leaf samples exhibiting symptoms of maize streak disease were collected from maize and wild grasses. MSV was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and six PCR products of sufficient quality were subjected to Sanger sequencing. The obtained sequences were analyzed for nucleotide composition and pairwise nucleotide identity. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to assess genetic relationships among isolates, and phylogenetic relationships were inferred using the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method together with reference MSV sequences retrieved from GenBank.

Results: Six MSV isolates were successfully sequenced and analyzed. Pairwise nucleotide identity and phylogenetic analyses revealed a clear genetic structure, separating the isolates into distinct evolutionary groups. Most isolates clustered within MSV lineages previously described in the country. Interestingly, isolates obtained from Brachiaria lata (Schumach.) C.E. Hubb. formed a well-supported cluster belonging to MSV strain H, representing the first report of this strain in Burkina Faso. PCA further confirmed the genetic differentiation among the identified groups.

Conclusion: This study provides the first molecular evidence of Maize streak virus strain H in Burkina Faso and expands current knowledge of the genetic diversity of MSV in the country. The detection of strain H in Brachiaria lata emphasizes the epidemiological importance of wild grasses as reservoirs of emerging MSV variants and provides valuable information for strengthening virus surveillance and developing sustainable maize disease management strategies.

Effect of Organic Manure and Micronutrients on Growth and Yield of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Loveleen Gill — 2026-07-23

Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) is an important oilseed crop, and improving its productivity through balanced nutrient management is relevant to edible-oil production. A field experiment was conducted during the 2022-23 Rabi season at the Experimental Farm, Department of Agriculture, Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, to evaluate the effects of organic manures and micronutrients on growth and yield. The experiment comprised nine treatment combinations arranged in a factorial randomised block design with three replications. Organic-manure treatments included a control, farmyard manure at 10 t/ha and vermicompost at 5 t/ha; micronutrient treatments comprised ZnSO₄ at 25 kg/ha, FeSO₄ at 20 kg/ha and borax at 2 kg/ha. Growth parameters, including plant height, primary and secondary branches and dry matter accumulation, were recorded at successive crop stages. Seed, stover and biological yields and harvest index were assessed at harvest. Vermicompost at 5 t/ha generally produced the highest growth and yield values and was statistically at par with farmyard manure at 10 t/ha for most measured parameters. Among the micronutrients, ZnSO₄ at 25 kg/ha generally recorded the highest values and was statistically at par with borax at 2 kg/ha, whereas FeSO₄ at 20 kg/ha produced comparatively lower values. Interaction effects were non-significant for most parameters. The findings indicate that vermicompost and zinc sulphate individually supported improved growth and yield performance under the study conditions.

Assessment of Soil Micronutrient Status and Nutrient Indexing of the PDKV-Adopted Muradpur Model Village in Buldhana District, Maharashtra, India

Yogesh D. Thutte — 2026-07-24

The present investigation assessed the soil micronutrient status and nutrient index values (NIVs) of the PDKV-adopted Muradpur Model Village in Buldhana district, Maharashtra, India. The study area was divided into eight sampling blocks (A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H), and 84 geo-referenced surface soil samples were collected from a depth of 0–20 cm using a GPS-based sampling approach. The samples were analysed for soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and DTPA-extractable micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn) using standard analytical procedures. The soils were neutral to slightly alkaline and free from soluble-salt hazards. Soil organic carbon ranged from 2.00 to 7.10 g kg⁻¹, with a mean of 4.71 g kg⁻¹, indicating low to moderately high status. Calcium carbonate ranged from 1.79 to 6.93%, with a mean of 4.24%, indicating moderately calcareous soils. Available zinc ranged from 0.40 to 2.20 mg kg⁻¹, with a mean of 1.10 mg kg⁻¹ and an NIV of 1.75. Available iron ranged from 3.18 to 11.34 mg kg⁻¹, with a mean of 7.07 mg kg⁻¹ and an NIV of 1.54. Available copper ranged from 0.64 to 2.75 mg kg⁻¹, with a mean of 1.71 mg kg⁻¹ and an NIV of 2.80. Available manganese ranged from 5.96 to 16.47 mg kg⁻¹, with a mean of 9.67 mg kg⁻¹ and an NIV of 2.35. Zinc was identified as the most limiting micronutrient, whereas iron, copper and manganese were generally sufficient for crop production. The nutrient-index maps and geo-referenced database provide information for site-specific nutrient management, balanced fertiliser application and sustainable soil-fertility management.

Genetic Variability, Heritability, and Genetic Advance for Yield and Milling Quality Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Germplasm

Muneeb Ahmed Naushad — 2026-07-24

Genetic variability is the foundation of effective selection in crop improvement. Fifty rice germplasm lines were evaluated during the kharif season of 2025 at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Polasa, Jagtial, Telangana, India, using a randomised block design with two replications. Ten yield and milling-quality traits were assessed: days to 50% flowering, plant height, panicle length, productive tillers per plant, grains per panicle, 1000-grain weight, grain yield per plant, hulling percentage, milling percentage, and head rice recovery. Analysis of variance indicated highly significant differences among genotypes for all traits. Phenotypic coefficients of variation exceeded the corresponding genotypic coefficients for every trait, although the differences were generally small for days to 50% flowering, plant height, 1000-grain weight, head rice recovery, and grain yield per plant. High phenotypic and genotypic variability was observed for grains per panicle, head rice recovery, and grain yield per plant. Broad-sense heritability was high for nine traits and moderate for panicle length. High heritability accompanied by high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was recorded for plant height, productive tillers per plant, grains per panicle, 1000-grain weight, head rice recovery, and grain yield per plant. These estimates identify traits with a favourable expected response to phenotypic selection within the evaluated material. Because the experiment was conducted in one season and one location, the stability of the estimates and the performance of individual germplasm lines should be confirmed through multi-environment evaluation before selections are advanced.

Effects of Cow Dung Quantity on the Physicochemical, Microbial, and Enzymatic Characteristics of Jeevamrit

Gargi Patel — 2026-07-25

Jeevamrit is a fermented input used in natural farming, but the effects of cow dung quantity on its physicochemical, microbial, and enzymatic characteristics remain insufficiently characterised. This study compared different cow dung proportions and determined their effects on the physicochemical, microbial, and enzymatic characteristics of Jeevamrit. The experiment was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad, from January to April 2026 using a completely randomised design comprising five treatments, each represented by five independently prepared fermentation units. Each formulation contained 3 L of water, 150 mL of cow urine, 30 g each of jaggery and gram flour, 2 g of rhizosphere soil, and 75, 150, 225, 300, or 375 g of cow dung, designated T₁–T₅, respectively. The formulations were fermented for 10 days and mixed twice daily. On the 10th day, 15 physicochemical, microbial, and enzymatic parameters were assessed. Treatment means were compared using analysis of variance, with statistical significance evaluated at the 5% level. Treatment effects were non-significant for calcium, amylase, total bacterial count, and total fungal count; therefore, numerical differences in these parameters were considered descriptive. Among the parameters showing significant differences, T₅ recorded the highest pH, electrical conductivity, phosphorus, organic carbon, nitrogen, alkaline phosphatase, and protease values, whereas T₂ recorded the highest potassium, acid phosphatase, and urease values. No single formulation was consistently superior across all measured parameters. The findings represent laboratory-level formulation responses, and controlled pot experiments, field validation, and biosafety assessment are required before recommending a standard formulation.

Response of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to Different Levels of Sulphur and Iron with Respect to Growth and Yield Performance

Aman Patidar — 2026-07-25

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a rabi pulse crop whose productivity may be constrained by inadequate management of sulphur and iron. A field experiment was conducted during the 2024–25 rabi season at the Agriculture Farm of Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, to evaluate the effects of sulphur and iron levels on chickpea growth and yield. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with three replications and nine treatments comprising three sulphur levels (0, 30, and 40 kg ha⁻¹) and three iron levels (0, 3, and 4 ppm). Plant height, primary and secondary branches per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod, seed yield, and straw yield were recorded. Both sulphur and iron significantly influenced the measured growth and yield attributes. Sulphur at 40 kg ha⁻¹ produced the greatest plant height at 90 DAS (32.97 cm), primary branches (9.55), secondary branches (20.58), pods per plant (63.41), seeds per pod (2.52), seed yield (24.42 q ha⁻¹), and straw yield (29.90 q ha⁻¹). Iron at 4 ppm produced the greatest plant height at 90 DAS (31.92 cm), primary branches (7.80), secondary branches (17.72), pods per plant (48.88), seeds per pod (2.02), seed yield (22.95 q ha⁻¹), and straw yield (29.64 q ha⁻¹). The respective control treatments recorded the lowest values. These results indicate that 40 kg S ha⁻¹ and 4 ppm Fe were associated with improved chickpea performance under the experimental conditions.

Effect of Irrigation Scheduling on the Growth and Yield Performance of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Varieties

Shweta Gupta — 2026-07-25

Efficient irrigation scheduling and appropriate varietal selection are essential for sustaining wheat productivity under limited water availability. A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2018–2019 at the Agronomy Research Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, to evaluate the influence of irrigation scheduling on the growth and yield of wheat varieties. The experiment comprised 12 treatment combinations involving three irrigation schedules (0.6, 0.9, and 1.2 IW/CPE ratios) and four wheat varieties (HD-2285, NW-1067, Kundan, and Unnat Halna), arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. An irrigation depth of 60 mm was applied at each irrigation. Growth and yield parameters were recorded and statistically analysed. Irrigation scheduling significantly affected wheat growth, yield attributes, and yield. Irrigation at 1.2 IW/CPE produced the highest plant height, dry-matter accumulation (992.60 g m⁻²), leaf area index, tiller density, spike density, spike length, grains per spike, straw yield, and grain yield (42.87 q ha⁻¹). However, its grain yield was statistically comparable with that obtained at 0.9 IW/CPE (41.91 q ha⁻¹), while 0.6 IW/CPE produced 34.73 q ha⁻¹. Among the varieties, HD-2285 recorded the highest grain yield (43.16 q ha⁻¹) and straw yield (58.95 q ha⁻¹), whereas Kundan recorded the lowest grain yield (36.92 q ha⁻¹). The findings indicate that HD-2285 performed best under the experimental conditions and that 0.9 IW/CPE achieved grain yield comparable with 1.2 IW/CPE.

Influence of Crop Establishment Methods, Organic Manures and Bio-stimulants on Nutrient Content and Uptake by Ashwagandha Roots under Rainfed Ecologies

Ambikesh Tripathi — 2026-07-25

Efficient nutrient management is essential for improving the productivity and quality of medicinal crops in rainfed ecosystems, where moisture and nutrient availability frequently limit crop performance. The present investigation evaluated the influence of crop establishment methods, organic manures and bio-stimulants on the nutrient content and uptake of ashwagandha roots under rainfed ecologies over two consecutive years. The treatments comprised two crop establishment methods, namely broad bed and furrow and ridge and furrow; two organic manure sources, namely poultry manure and vermicompost; and four bio-stimulant treatments consisting of a control, seaweed extract granules, humic and fulvic acid granules and their combined application. The content and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur in the roots were estimated at harvest. Root nutrient concentrations were not significantly affected by crop establishment methods, organic manures or bio-stimulants in either experimental year. However, nutrient uptake varied significantly among treatments. Broad bed and furrow recorded significantly greater uptake of nitrogen (7.56 and 8.13 kg ha^-1), phosphorus (0.90 and 1.02 kg ha^-1), potassium (7.80 and 8.38 kg ha^-1) and sulphur (1.86 and 2.11 kg ha^-1) than ridge and furrow. Poultry manure significantly enhanced nutrient uptake compared with vermicompost, whereas the combined application of seaweed extract and humic-fulvic acid granules produced the highest nutrient uptake among bio-stimulant treatments. The results indicated that nutrient uptake in ashwagandha roots was governed primarily by biomass production rather than nutrient concentration and that integrated management involving broad bed and furrow, poultry manure and combined bio-stimulant application may improve nutrient-use efficiency and support the sustainable production of ashwagandha under rainfed conditions.

Studies on Growth and Development of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under Aquaponics System in Côte d’Ivoire

Koné Dapah Sara Fatim — 2026-07-27

Aquaponics is the co-culture of fish and plants in a closed-loop, controlled-environment agricultural system. It offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly production system. Evaluating the growth of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in an aquaponics system in Côte d’Ivoire could provide valuable information on the adaptability of this crop to this agricultural system. This study was conducted in the context of increasing land pressure and the search for sustainable agricultural practices in Côte d’Ivoire.

It aimed to enhance tomato production by testing the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) in an aquaponics system. To achieve this, tomato growth in the aquaponics system was compared with cultivation in soil and in a soilless medium of coconut fibre enriched with composted poultry manure. A homogeneous block was established for each growing medium. The experiment was conducted at the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) of Félix HOUPHOUËT-BOIGNY University in Abidjan. The plant material consisted of hybrid tomato seeds of the F1 COBRA 34 variety, and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) of Brazilian origin were used in the aquaponics system. Three treatments were established, with 12 plants selected per treatment: T1, unamended soil irrigated with tap water (growing bags filled to 2/3 capacity with soil); T2, an aquaponics system with perforated plastic supports secured with gravel; and T3, coconut fibre plus composted poultry manure (2/3 fibre and 1/3 manure in growing bags). Vegetative growth parameters (height, collar diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, and branching) and floral transition were measured for each treatment.

Statistical analysis revealed highly significant differences among treatments in plant height, collar diameter, and leaf area. However, the number of leaves did not differ statistically between plants in the unamended soil treatment (T1) and those in the aquaponics treatment (T2). Tomato plants in the aquaponics system showed the greatest growth, with the highest plant height (43.7 cm), largest collar diameter (6.49 mm), and largest leaf area (193 cm²) compared with those grown in soil and coconut fibre. First flowering occurred 21 days after transplanting in the aquaponics system, earlier than in the soil and coconut-fibre treatments.

These results may be related to the composition of the fish-culture water and suggest that aquaponics could represent a sustainable agronomic alternative for improving vegetable production, particularly in urban areas under climate-change conditions. The study highlights the potential of aquaponics to promote crop growth and shorten the time to flowering, thereby contributing to more efficient and environmentally friendly urban agriculture. However, the relatively small sample size (12 plants per treatment) may limit the generalisability of the results. Future studies with larger sample sizes, longer cultivation periods, and further investigation of the plant-to-fish ratio are recommended to validate these findings and assess economic viability.

Trait Association and Path Coefficient Analysis Reveal Key Selection Traits for Grain Yield Improvement in Tropical Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids

Lingaswamy Mukkaamula — 2026-07-27

Grain yield in maize (Zea mays L.) is a complex quantitative trait governed by several interrelated morpho-physiological and yield-contributing characters. Understanding the relationships among these traits and their direct and indirect contributions to grain yield is essential for developing efficient selection strategies in hybrid breeding programmes. The present investigation was undertaken to estimate phenotypic and genotypic correlations and identify key yield-contributing traits influencing grain yield through correlation and path coefficient analyses in tropical maize hybrids. A total of 100 single-cross hybrids, developed from 20 genetically diverse inbred lines and five elite testers, were evaluated along with their parents and four commercial checks across eleven environments representing major maize-growing regions of Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra during the kharif season of 2025. Combined analysis of variance revealed highly significant effects of environments, genotypes and genotype × environment interactions for all the traits studied, indicating substantial genetic variability and differential genotype responses across environments. Phenotypic and genotypic correlation analyses revealed that grain yield was significantly and positively associated with ear girth, number of kernels per row, ear length, plant height, ear height, hundred-kernel weight and number of kernel rows per ear, whereas flowering traits exhibited negative associations with grain yield. Genotypic correlations were generally stronger than the corresponding phenotypic correlations, suggesting that these relationships were predominantly governed by genetic factors. Path coefficient analysis identified ear girth as the trait exerting the highest positive direct effect on grain yield at the phenotypic level. At the genotypic level, days to 50% silking and the number of kernels per row exerted the largest positive direct effects, followed by hundred-kernel weight and the number of kernel rows per ear. The low residual effects indicated that the selected traits adequately explained the variation in grain yield. Overall, the findings indicate that simultaneous selection for number of kernels per row, hundred-kernel weight, ear girth and number of kernel rows per ear would be an effective breeding strategy for developing high-yielding and widely adapted tropical maize hybrids.

Deciphering Genetic Architecture, Cause-and-Effect Relationships for Yield and Micronutrient Related Attributes in Pearl Millet R-lines (Restorer Lines)

Rohan V. Patel — 2026-07-28

The present study evaluated thirty restorer lines of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) to assess genetic variability, examine trait interrelationships through correlation analysis, and determine the direct and indirect effects of ten yield-contributing traits on grain yield through path coefficient analysis. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all eleven traits, indicating substantial variability. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, together with high broad-sense heritability [h²_(b.s.)] and high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean, were recorded for grain yield per plant, grain zinc content, grain iron content, ear head length, number of effective tillers per plant, grain protein content, ear head girth, and 1000-grain weight. Grain yield per plant recorded 95.60% heritability and 103.52% genetic advance as a percentage of the mean. These estimates indicate that selection may be effective because inheritance is largely associated with additive gene action. Correlation analysis showed that ear head girth, 1000-grain weight, ear head length, and number of effective tillers per plant were significantly and positively associated with grain yield per plant. Genotypic path analysis further indicated that ear head girth, plant height, and number of effective tillers per plant had the largest positive direct effects on grain yield. Accordingly, simultaneous consideration of these traits may support the selection of higher-yielding pearl millet restorer lines.

Effect of Foliar Application of GA₃, NAA, and Zinc on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

Gyanendra Singh — 2026-07-28

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is an economically important vegetable crop valued for its culinary, nutritional, and commercial significance. Optimising the foliar application of plant growth regulators and micronutrients may improve onion growth, bulb yield, quality, and production economics. The study aims to evaluate the effects of plant growth regulators and zinc on the growth, yield, and quality of onion. A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2025–26 at the Horticulture Research Field, Prof. Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University, Naini, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, The experiment was arranged in a randomised block design with seven treatments and three replications. The treatments comprised GA₃ (100 ppm), NAA (200 ppm), zinc (0.1%), and their combinations, applied as foliar sprays at 30 and 60 days after transplanting (DAT). Among the treatments, T₅ (GA₃ 100 ppm + zinc 0.1%) produced the highest plant height (56.57, 60.12, and 66.19 cm), number of leaves per plant (6.87, 8.00, and 13.01), pseudostem length (6.83, 9.32, and 14.74 cm), and pseudostem diameter (1.92, 2.83, and 3.51 cm) at 45, 60, and 90 DAT, respectively. The same treatment also recorded the highest average bulb weight (85.36 g), polar diameter (6.14 cm), equatorial diameter (6.33 cm), yield per plot (11.35 kg plot⁻¹), and yield per hectare (28.38 t ha⁻¹), followed by T₆ (NAA 200 ppm + zinc 0.1%). In contrast, the highest total soluble solids (12.20 °Brix), titratable acidity (0.31%), ascorbic acid (13.43 mg 100 g⁻¹), and total sugar content (6.43%) were recorded under T₄ (GA₃ 100 ppm + NAA 200 ppm). The control (T₇) recorded the lowest values for most parameters. In this study, GA₃ (100 ppm) combined with zinc (0.1%) improved onion growth and yield, whereas GA₃ (100 ppm) combined with NAA (200 ppm) improved bulb quality.

Site-Specific Nutrient Management Improves Productivity and Profitability of a Maize–Mustard Cropping System under Semi-Arid Conditions of Bundelkhand Region

Artika Singh — 2026-07-28

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif 2022 and rabi 2022–2023 seasons at the Research Farm of Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India, to evaluate the effects of different nutrient-management strategies on crop productivity, system productivity, production efficiency, land-use efficiency, and economics of a maize (Zea mays L.)–mustard (Brassica juncea L.) cropping system under semi-arid conditions. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with seven nutrient-management treatments comprising 100% of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), organic farming, natural farming, integrated nutrient management (INM), site-specific nutrient management (SSNM), farmers’ practice, and 75% RDF integrated with green manuring, with three replications. Site-specific nutrient management (SSNM), comprising 100% of the recommended nutrients supplemented with Zn @ 5 kg ha⁻¹, B @ 1 kg ha⁻¹, S @ 60 kg ha⁻¹, and Fe @ 1 kg ha⁻¹, recorded the highest growth and yield attributes in both crops. In maize, SSNM produced the maximum plant height (205.46 cm), grain yield (4660 kg ha⁻¹), straw yield (9735 kg ha⁻¹), and biological yield (14396 kg ha⁻¹). Similarly, in mustard, it recorded the highest plant height (248.77 cm), siliquae plant⁻¹ (353.33), seed yield (2026 kg ha⁻¹), stover yield (4968 kg ha⁻¹), and biological yield (6994 kg ha⁻¹). The same treatment also resulted in the highest mustard equivalent yield (3702 kg ha⁻¹), production efficiency (14.76 kg ha⁻¹ day⁻¹), and land-use efficiency (68.68%). Economic analysis revealed that SSNM generated the maximum gross and net returns from both maize (₹128,441 and ₹77,051 ha⁻¹, respectively) and mustard (₹127,829 and ₹83,417 ha⁻¹, respectively), whereas the highest benefit:cost ratio in mustard (1.96) was recorded under 75% RDF integrated with green manuring. The findings demonstrate that site-specific nutrient management integrating balanced macro- and micronutrient application substantially enhanced crop productivity, system efficiency, and profitability of the maize–mustard cropping system and can be recommended as a sustainable nutrient management strategy for the semi-arid Bundelkhand region.