International Journal of Plant & Soil Science

Assessment of Physicochemical Properties of Soils Underlain by Different Geological Formations in Enugu and Anambra States, Southeastern Nigeria

Ugwuoju, C.L. — 2026-02-03

Aims: To assess the influence of different geological formations on the physicochemical properties of soils in Enugu and Anambra States, southeastern Nigeria.

Study Design: A field-based comparative study employing laboratory analysis and statistical evaluation of soil physicochemical properties across multiple geological formations.

Place of Study: The study was conducted in selected locations within Enugu and Anambra States, southeastern Nigeria.

Methodology: Soils developed over six geological formations, namely Nkporo Shale (NS), Ajali Sandstone (AS), False-Bedded Sandstone (FSS), Lignite-Claystone-Shale (LCS), Clayey Sand-Shale (CSS), and Alluvium (AL) were investigated.

Results: Soil texture varied significantly among the geological formations, ranging from sandy clay loam and loam in soils developed over sandstone and alluvial formations to clay loam in soils underlain by shale formations. Soils of the Nkporo Shale formation were strongly acidic (pH 4.7) and recorded the highest exchangeable Al³⁺ (2.54 cmol kg⁻¹) and exchangeable acidity (4.59 cmol kg⁻¹). In contrast, soils developed over alluvial deposits were near neutral (pH 6.3) with lower acidity (1.13 cmol kg⁻¹). Cation exchange capacity and available phosphorus differed significantly across formations, and positive correlations were observed between base cations and base saturation.

Conclusion: Underlying geological formations exert a strong control on soil physicochemical properties, fertility status, and acidity in the study area. Site-specific soil management practices tailored to individual geological formations are therefore recommended to enhance sustainable agricultural productivity.

Performance of High Yielding Promising Sugarcane Variety VSI-12121 for Sangareddy District, Telangana, India

V. Ramesh — 2026-02-04

An Farm Trial (OFT) was conducted during the late rabi seasons of 2022–23 and 2023–24 in farmers’ fields of Sangareddy district, Telangana, with the objective of evaluating the performance of a promising sugarcane variety VSI-12121 in comparison with the widely cultivated popular variety Co 86032. The study was undertaken in view of the need for varietal diversification and enhancement of sugarcane productivity under real farm conditions. The trial was implemented at five representative locations under assured irrigated conditions, strictly following the recommended package of practices to ensure uniform crop management across locations and seasons. Observations were recorded on important yield-attributing characters, including number of productive tillers, internode length, stem girth, and individual cane weight, in addition to cane yield and economic parameters. The results clearly indicated the superior performance of VSI-12121 over the check variety Co 86032 across all locations and during both years of experimentation. VSI-12121 recorded a higher average number of productive tillers (12 per plant), longer internode length (15.96 cm), greater stem girth (11.4 cm), and higher individual cane weight (1.55 kg) compared to Co 86032. These improved yield attributes played a decisive role in enhancing the overall cane yield of the variety. The average cane yield of VSI-12121 was 144.55 t ha⁻¹ during 2022–23 and 138.61 t ha⁻¹ during 2023–24, registering yield advantages of 24.27% and 22.31%, respectively, over the popular variety Co 86032. The consistent yield superiority of VSI-12121 across seasons highlights its better adaptability and stable performance under farmers’ field conditions. Minor variations in yield between years may be attributed to seasonal climatic fluctuations and location-specific soil conditions. Economic analysis further substantiated the superiority of VSI-12121, which recorded higher net returns of Rs. 2,75,932 ha⁻¹ and Rs. 2,72,358 ha⁻¹ and a higher benefit–cost ratio of 3.57 and 3.35 during 2022–23 and 2023–24, respectively. The enhanced profitability was mainly due to higher cane yield with only a marginal increase in cost of cultivation. Overall, the study conclusively demonstrated that VSI-12121 is a high-yielding, economically viable, and farmer-friendly sugarcane variety, making it highly suitable for cultivation in Sangareddy district of Telangana and similar agro-climatic regions.

Soil Physicochemical Gradients Shape Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Communities and Root Colonization of Non-Reported Host Plants in Tropical Ecosystems

Udo, A. M — 2026-02-04

Soil physicochemical properties and rhizosphere conditions are key determinants of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) diversity, spore production, and symbiotic functioning. This study investigated AMF diversity, spore abundance, and root colonization across six contrasting land-use systems in Southern Nigeria, with particular emphasis on previously unreported host plant species. Pronounced variations in soil physicochemical properties occurred among sites. All soils were coarse-textured and sand-dominated, with pH values ranging from strongly to moderately acidic (3.54 – 5.19) and clear nutrient gradients across ecosystems. Dumpsite soils contained the highest levels of total nitrogen (0.67), organic carbon (1.18) and available phosphorus (107.27), followed by cropland and mangrove soils. Electrical conductivity varied widely, from 29 mmho cm⁻¹ in the derived savanna to 2,897 mmho cm⁻¹ in mangrove soils, reflecting land-use intensity and tidal influence. Six AMF taxa were identified using spore morphology. Acaulospora spp. dominated all ecosystems, followed by Rhizophagus and Glomus spp., whereas Gigaspora and Funneliformis spp. were sparsely distributed. Total spore abundance peaked in cropland (384 spores 100 g⁻¹ dry soil), mangrove (378), and dumpsite (368) soils, and was lowest in freshwater swamp soils (298). Root colonization was evaluated in 28 plant species across multiple families, revealing widespread AMF associations. Colonization levels were highest in dumpsite and lowland forest soils (28-30%), intermediate in derived savanna and mangrove ecosystems (24-27%), and lowest in freshwater swamp and cropland systems (10-24%). All values fell within ranges reported for tropical ecosystems (10 - 40%). Overall, this study provides a first integrated assessment of AMF patterns across land-use systems in Nigeria.

Interactive Effects of Soil Texture and Sowing Depth on Seedling Emergence Dynamics of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc.)

Yaya TOURE — 2026-02-04

Aims: Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean L. Verdc.) is an underutilized African legume with high nutritional value and strong adaptation to marginal environments, yet its field establishment is often unreliable due to poor seedling emergence. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of soil texture and sowing depth on seedling emergence dynamics in order to identify optimal practical, soil-specific sowing recommendations that can enhance crop establishment and productivity for smallholder farmers.

Study Design: A completely randomized factorial experiment combining three soil textures and six sowing depths

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions using soils representative of major Bambara groundnut production zones in West Africa. The trials were repeated three times at one-month intervals, between January and May 2025.

Methodology: Three soil types (sandy, gravelly and clayey) were used. Seeds were sown at six depths (2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 cm) in pots. Seedling emergence was monitored daily. Emergence parameters including First Day of Emergence, Last Day of Emergence, Time Spread of Emergence, Mean Emergence Time, Coefficient of Velocity of Emergence and Emergence Percentage were determined. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance.

Results: Sowing depth significantly affected all emergence parameters. Shallow sowing (2-4 cm) resulted in rapid, synchronized and high-percentage emergence, with values reaching up to 98%. Deeper sowing (>4 cm) significantly delayed emergence, extended emergence duration and reduced final emergence percentages. Soil texture had a secondary but significant effect, particularly at greater depths. Sandy soil consistently promoted faster and more uniform emergence, whereas gravelly and clayey soils limited emergence due to increased mechanical resistance and reduced aeration.

Conclusion: Optimal emergence of Bambara groundnut occurs at shallow sowing depths, particularly in sandy soils. These results provide clear, agronomically relevant guidance for farmers, supporting soil-specific sowing depth recommendations that can improve stand establishment, reduce early crop failure and enhance yield reliability.

Effect of Tree Densities on Soil Physical Properties in Agroforestry Parkland Systems Dominated by Shea Trees in Burkina Faso

Ouédraogo Sotongo Abraham — 2026-02-06

Aims: The overall objective of this study was to assess the effect of different densities of tree dominated by V. paradoxa and dendrometric parameters on the selected soil physical properties.

Study Design: This study was conducted in the municipality of Sapone (12.03´N, 1.43´W) located 30 km south of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Place and Duration of Study: The experimental design was made of 20 plots randomly. The studied factor was the tree density (D) in each of our plots, with 5 tree density levels being designed. The first density class (D1) was 0 trees/ha, i.e. 0 tree in the plot, the second was 16 trees/ha, i.e. 4 trees in the plot (D2), the third was 28 trees/ha, i.e. 7 trees in the plot (D3), the fourth was 36 trees/ha i.e. 9 trees in the plot (D4), and finally the fifth was 48 trees/ha i.e. 12 trees in the plot (D5). Each density class is repeated four times. In each plot, 9 subplots were set up for evaluating water infiltration, bulk density, soil moisture and texture. Study was conducted in 2023.

Results: the results showed that tree densities levels affected the soil texture. The sand content in plots with trees was much higher than that in plots without trees. On the other hand, the silt and clay content was much higher in plots without tree compared to those with trees. Shea dominated tree density affected significantly soil water infiltration speed (P ≤ 0.001). The average soil infiltration rates were higher in fields with trees densities (16 trees/ha, 28 trees/ha, 36 trees/ha and 48 trees/ha) with average values between 3.02 and 3.64 L/h than those in fields without tree density (0 trees/ha) with an average value of 1.65 L/h.

Conclusion: This research is a contribution to better understanding soil-plant relationships in Sub-Saharan African agroforestry parklands. It providing information on the expression of soil physical properties in the most widespread parklands according to different levels of tree densities.

Effect of Brassinolide and Plant Spacing on Morphological and Yield Attributes of Lettuce

Prajwalitha — 2026-02-06

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), a cool-season leafy vegetable of high nutritional and medicinal value, is globally recognised as a premier salad crop. The study aims to investigate the effect of brassinolide and plant spacing on morphological and yield attributes of Lettuce. The present study was conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2023–24 and 2024–25 at SHUATS, Prayagraj, to evaluate the effect of Brassinolide (BR) application and plant spacing on growth and yield attributes of lettuce. The experiment followed a factorial randomised block design comprising five Brassinolide levels (0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 ppm) and three plant spacings (45×30 cm, 45×45 cm, and 45×60 cm), with 15 treatment combinations replicated thrice. Results revealed that Brassinolide application at 12 ppm (B₄) significantly enhanced plant growth and productivity across both years and pooled data. This treatment recorded the highest plant height (30.21 cm), number of leaves per plant (27.39), leaf length (21.34 cm), width (20.12 cm), fresh (16.28 g) and dry (0.84 g) leaf weights, and maximum yield (251.72 q/ha). Plant spacing of 45×30 cm (S₁) also led to superior growth and yield, with the highest values observed across most parameters. Interaction effects between BR levels and spacing were also significant. The findings suggest that the combined application of Brassinolide @ 12 ppm with a spacing of 45×30 cm optimises vegetative growth and yield of lettuce. This highlights the potential of BRs in enhancing physiological performance and productivity, especially under intensive cultivation systems. In conclusion, the application of Brassinolide improves the attributes to Brassinolide's role in promoting cell division, elongation, chlorophyll synthesis, and nutrient uptake, which collectively boost overall plant vigour and biomass accumulation.

Tillage and Nitrogen Fertilization Effects on Growth of Rabi Maize

N. Jyosthna — 2026-02-07

The improper tillage operations and irrational nitrogen fertilizer application has become a major threat to soil health resulting in environmental problems. Soil tillage practices suitable for agroecological region along with optimum nitrogen fertilizer application is a prerequisite for proper growth and higher yields of maize. In this study field experiment was conducted during rabi 2022 to detect combined effect of tillage systems (zero tillage-ZT, reduced tillage-RT and conventional tillage-CT) and nitrogen fertilization levels (75% N, 100% N and 125% N) on growth and yield of rabi maize succeeding soybean. Growth parameters including dry matter production, SPAD readings, CGR and AGR at different growth stages of crop are significantly highest with convention tillage compared to reduced and zero tillage. Similarly, among N fertilization levels, 125% N application showed higher growth parameters which is on par with 100% N and lower growth with 75% N application. Hence conventional or reduced tillage with 100% N may be followed for proper growth, yield and economic benefits.

Characterization and Integrated Assessment of the Chemical Fertility of Oasis Soils in Southeastern Niger

Cheick Mahamet — 2026-02-09

This study, conducted in the oasis basins of the Gouré, Goudoumaria, and Mainé Soroa departments (southeastern Niger), aims to characterize the soils in terms of morphological and physicochemical properties in order to assess their fertility. Nine (9) soil profiles were opened, and nine (9) soil samples were analyzed at the INRAN LASEVE laboratory using standardized methods. The results show a texture varying from sandy silt to silty clay depending on the depth for the Toumourwa, Balla, and Bassori basins, with a basic pH between 8.1 and 8.9 and moderate electrical conductivity indicating low salinity. The organic matter content (0.47 to 2.62%), available phosphorus (< 5 cmol+/kg), and cation exchange capacity (1.75 to 13.25 cmol+/kg) generally indicate low to medium fertility. The study reveals three groups of basins:

High fertility basins: Tissouwa, Balla, and Toumourwa with organic matter (OM) > 1.5%, cation exchange capacity (CEC) > 8, and balanced pH;
Medium fertility basins: Adébour, Bassori, Tchéballam, and Gotanga with average cation balance, low organic matter content, and good chemical reserve;
Low fertility basins: Goudoumaria North and Kiria Mandaram with low CEC and OM, and degraded soil structure.

Fertility can be improved through the application of compost, mulching, crop rotation, and sustainable water management. These practices are essential for restoring the productivity of oasis soils and strengthening local food security.

Effect of Organic Matter on Soil Chemistry of Composted Mounds under Sweet Potato Production in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea

Topas M. Peter — 2026-02-09

The reduced fallow period and continuous cultivation of sweet potato on the same land have resulted in the depletion of soil nutrients and poor yields in Papua New Guinea (PNG) highlands, necessitating improved soil fertility management practices. In this study, we conducted a field experiment to understand the roles of organic matter in composted mounds used for sweet potato production in the highlands of PNG, utilizing cogon grass material (high carbon) and fern leaves (high nitrogen). The first treatment was set without amendment and planted as control. The second and third treatments were solely amended, respectively, and the fourth was amended with a combination of the two. All treatments were replicated five times, set up in a randomized complete block design, planted with the same number of vines, and allowed to grow in the field for twelve months. During production, soil and tuber samples were taken after six and twelve months, processed, and subjected to instrumental analysis. The average data from four replicates of each treatment were pooled, averages calculated, and statistically analysed. The results showed that composted mounds improve soil parameters and increase the concentration of nutrients in both the soil and tubers. In almost all cases, nutrient availability in the soil and tissue was dependent on the type of organic matter and the time of production. Nutrient availability was high in the six months and then decreased thereafter, implications for human and livestock consumption of sweet potato, as well as sustainable soil health.

Evaluation of Fungicides and Biocontrol Agents for Managing Powdery Mildew Disease in Okra

Abhishekh Barala — 2026-02-11

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2024 at the Chemical Agriculture Research Farm, Narayan Bagh, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (U.P.), to evaluate the efficacy of various fungicidal, botanical, and biological treatments against powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum) in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.). The study was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with nine treatments and three replications, using the susceptible variety UPRI-900. Disease incidence and severity were recorded at four intervals: initial appearance and after three successive spray applications. Results revealed that Sulphur 0.3% (T₁) was the most effective treatment, achieving the lowest mean disease incidence (17.80%) and highest per cent disease control (63.94%), followed by Hexaconazole 0.1% (T₂) and Propiconazole 0.1% (T₃). Biopesticides like Neem oil (T₅) and Trichoderma spp. (T₆, T₇) showed moderate efficacy but were less effective under high disease pressure. Dinocap 4% (T₈) performed poorly, recording the highest disease severity among treated plots. The untreated control (T₉) exhibited maximum disease progression, underlining the need for timely disease management. The study concludes that Sulphur, Hexaconazole, and Propiconazole can be effectively integrated into powdery mildew management strategies in okra, while biocontrol agents offer sustainable alternatives under low to moderate disease pressure.

Effect of Different Weed Management Practices on Quality Parameters in Soybean - Pigeonpea Intercropping System

R. V. Hajari — 2026-02-11

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) is a vital legume recognized for its widespread cultivation and its essential contribution to the global economy. The experiment aims to study the effect of different weed management practices on quality parameters in a soybean–pigeonpea intercropping system. The study was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Derol, District Panchmahal, Gujarat during the kharif seasons of 2017–18 and 2018–19. Ten weed management treatments were evaluated in a randomized block design with four replications. The results of pooled analysis revealed that effective weed control was achieved through interculturing + hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS, followed by post-emergence application of imazamox 35% + imazethapyr 35% (pre-mix) at 70 g ha⁻¹ PoE followed byinterculturing + hand weeding at 30 DAS. This treatment recorded higher protein and oil content and yield in soybean and higher protein content and yield in pigeonpea. The lowest protein, oil content and yield was observed under the weedy check treatment.

Baseline Sensitivity Profiling of Alternaria mali Populations to Tebuconazole in Apple (Malus sp.), a Demethylation Inhibitor Fungicide

Saima Gani — 2026-02-12

In Jammu and Kashmir, apple farming has evolved into an industry, contributing around 65% of the country's total production and serving as a cornerstone of the state's economy. However, several diseases caused by fungal pathogens significantly reduce crop yield and quality. Demethylation inhibitor fungicides viz., tebuconazole, difenoconazole, myclobutanil, hexaconazole and flusilazole are a key group of systemic fungicides recommended for use on apples in the valley to manage Alternaria mali by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, a critical component of cell and mitochondrial membranes in the pathogen. However, the possibility of these fungicides to rapidly acquire resistance and the recent finding of decreased Tebuconazole sensitivity in Alternaria mali emphasizes the need for Alternaria mali to be tested against tebuconazole in the the valley. Thirty baseline isolates of Alternaria mali were tested at six different concentrations of tebuconazole (0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, and 10 µg/ml) using mycelial growth assays. BP isolates exhibited high relative growth at lower fungicide doses (65.9–95.9% at 0.0001 µg ml⁻¹), which declined progressively with increasing concentration, resulting in strong growth suppression at 10 µg ml⁻¹ (1.89–34.9%). The mean EC50 value for Tebuconazole was determined to be 0.15µg/ml, and a dose of 0.20 µg/ml was chosen as the discriminatory dose for assessment of resistance in exposed population.

Synergistic Effect of Conventional and Nano Urea on Growth, Yield, and Economics of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in the Chitrakoot Region

Narvada Prasad Pandey — 2026-02-13

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2024-25 at Nanaji Deshmukh Parisar Agriculture Farm, Chitrakoot, Satna (M.P.) to evaluate the effect of integrated nitrogen management using conventional urea and nano urea on barley (var. 'Devlaxmi'). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with nine treatments and three replications, combining three levels of conventional nitrogen (50 %, 75 %, and 100 % of the recommended 80 kg N ha⁻¹) with one, two, or three foliar sprays of nano urea (2 % conc.) at critical growth stages. The results demonstrated that treatment T₃ [100 % N + 3 nano urea sprays (Tillering + Jointing + Booting)] produced significantly superior growth (plant height: 85.20 cm, tillers: 7.2 at 90 DAS) and yield attributes (spikes: 6.9 plot⁻¹, grains spike⁻¹: 212.96, test weight: 44.26 g), culminating in the highest grain yield (50.17 q ha⁻¹). This treatment also registered the maximum net return (₹ 49,515 ha⁻¹) and benefit-cost ratio (2.14). The application of 75 % N with three nano urea sprays (T₆) resulted in a yield (47.31 q ha⁻¹) that was competitive, suggesting a potential for partial substitution of conventional urea. It is concluded that the foliar application of nano urea, particularly in three splits alongside the full recommended dose of conventional N, is a highly effective and economically viable strategy for enhancing barley productivity in the sandy loam soils of the Chitrakoot region.

Occurrence, Distribution and Molecular Identification of Candidatus Phytoplasma Strain Causing CLYD in Coastal Region of Kenya

John Muithya Muli — 2026-02-17

Coconut lethal yellowing disease (CLYD) caused by phytoplasma is a destructive disease affecting coconut and other palm species. The disease has been reported in Mozambique, Tanzania, and some West African countries, where millions of coconut trees have been affected. Although the disease was first reported in 1999 in Northern Coast of Kenya, no further studies have been conducted, leaving the giant coconut industry at risk of destruction. It is for this reason that a surveillance was undertaken to study the extent of the disease spread and the specific Candidatus phytoplasma strain causing the disease. A total of 125 coconut tree samples were collected in Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River counties by drilling the tree trunks aseptically. DNA extractions were done, followed by PCR process done using P1/P7 universal primers, gel electrophoresis and amplicon sequencing. For the coconut tree drillings results, the BLAST comparison with existing data in the NCBI database revealed it to be Candidatus phytoplasma palmae strain isolate Tanz08, under gene accession No. GU952107.1. Further phylogenetic analysis using the maximum likelihood method indicated that the strain is closely related to those reported in Tanzania. The CLYD positive samples were identified from Lamu and Kwale counties, with 6 cases from each County. Although there were no positive cases reported in Kilifi and Tana River counties, the presence of the vectors suggests that more studies need to be done on the disease. Further studies should be done on the alternative hosts, varieties prone to the disease, characterization and diversity of the vectors, the incubation period and the host pathogen relationship.

Antibacterial Effect of Farm Compost Enriched with Trichoderma virens against Ralstonia solanacearum, the Causative Agent of Bacterial Wilt in Tomatoes

KRA Kobenan Leonce — 2026-02-18

Tomato cultivation is economically important from Ivory Coast in Africa. However, it is exposed to various soil pathogens, among which bacterial wilt is one of the most feared. The present study aims to optimize tomato production by controlling R. solanacearum through the use of Trichoderma virens in farmyard compost as an ecological and sustainable solution. The work was organized into two main parts : an in vitro analysis of the effect of T. virens extract on the growth of R. solanacearum and the characterization of the impacts of T. virens-enriched compost on the development of Petomech tomato plants in the presence of R. solanacearum in a semi-controlled environment. In vitro, three concentrations (25, 50, and 100 mg/mL) of T. virens extract and two strains of R. solanacearum (RUN 1539 and 1822) were used. The methodology used was the diffusion test. In a semi-controlled environment, two spore concentrations of T. virens (10⁶ and 10⁸ spores/mL) with two volumes of solutions (300 and 400 mL) were introduced into the compost. Various composite proportions of 25%, 50%, and 75% of this amended compost were used in the culture medium for the tomato plants. The results showed that the crude extract of T. virens significantly inhibited the growth of strains 1539 and 1822 at a concentration of 100 mg/mL, with 1.08 mm and 2.2 mm, respectively. In the greenhouse, a significant reduction in wilting (WI) and colonization (CI) indices was observed with the use of compost enriched with 75% T. virens at a volume of 400 mL of inoculum. These treatments significantly improved the agronomic parameters of tomato plants. Treatments combining high concentration (C2 = 10⁸ spores/mL) with compost proportions of 50% and 75% led to the best results, reducing the disease by 90%. This study showed that the results obtained demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of R. solanacearum by T. virens. Thus, the results demonstrate that the combination of T. virens and compost constitutes a promising strategy for biological control of bacterial wilt in tomato caused by R. solanacearum.

Growth and Phenology of Minor Millets as Influenced by Fertility Levels under Semi-Arid Conditions of Haryana

Meghna — 2026-02-21

Decline in productivity of major cereal crops has been observed due to climate change and global warming. The main effects of climate change are increase in temperature, uncertainties in rainfall and enhancement of greenhouse gasses emission. So, under these changed climatic scenario to ensure the nutrition and food security at national level the adoption of millets may be a good choice as millets are climate smart crops because of their high nutritive value, better adaptation to warm and drought conditions with short life, low external inputs requirement and higher tolerance to water and temperatures stress. The extent cultivated for the production of minor millets in India has declined significantly in recent decades due to the dominance of major cereal crops, despite their nutritional and agronomic benefits. Enhancement of millet productivity involves efficient nutrient management practices, especially nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), to maximize growth and yield. The goal of this research was to evaluate the growth and phenology response of different minor millet varieties under different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus application. Specifically, the study was laid out in split plot design to analyze four species of various minor millets: Foxtail millet (SIA 3156), Barnyard millet (VL 207), Proso millet (TNAU 202), and Finger millet (GPU 67) designated as main plots. Additionally, four levels of nitrogen and phosphorus are applied in sub-plots, categorized as N₀ + P₀, N₂₀ + P₁₀, N₄₀ + P₂₀, and N₆₀ + P₃₀ kg ha^-1. The recorded data included growth attributes such as plant population (mrl^-1), plant height (cm), dry matter accumulation (g mrl^-1), and number of tillers (mrl^-1). Phenological observations were recorded, including the measurement of days to crop emergence, days to heading, and days to maturity. The results indicated that the application of nitrogen and phosphorus to various minor millets significantly improved the growth and phonological attributes of millets which finally affected yield performance.

Genetic Variability and Trait Association Analysis in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

D. Padmaja — 2026-02-20

This study is important for the scientific and plant breeding community as it provides clear evidence of substantial genetic variability among sesame genotypes under field conditions. The research provides dependable selection criteria for enhancing sesame yield by pinpointing essential traits that contribute to yield and possess high heritability and genetic gain. Variance analysis, PCV, GCV, heritability, genetic gain, and correlation provide insights into the relationships between two variables, enabling breeders to choose superior genotypes for development of varieties. The current study aimed to examine the phenotypic and genotypic variability among various genotypes, as well as to evaluate genetic advancement, correlation coefficients among traits, and sesame yield. The research took place in summer 2024 at RARS, Polasa, Jagtial, to assess genetic variability among fifteen sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes. Variance analysis showed significant differences across all traits examined among the genotypes. The number of capsules per plant showed the highest genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV). The count of branches per plant and the quantity of capsules per plant showed significant heritability and high genetic advance (GAM), indicating that these characteristics are mainly influenced by additive gene effects. Consequently, phenotypic selection for these characteristics may be beneficial for upcoming breeding programs.