Research Advances and Challenges in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 6

The present study was conducted by using biostimulators, especially agazone and atonik, in improving storage ability of eggplant fruits hybrids of Jawaher and Barcelona. The new orientation in agriculture is to move away from the use of chemical fertilizers, chemical growth regulators and pesticides of different kinds and composition, because of their toxic effects on human and animal organisms. The experiment was conducted in one of the greenhouses of the Agricultural Research Station, College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, during the growing season 2017-2018 in order to improve the storage behavior of eggplant fruits hybrids Jawaher and Barcelona. Agazone. Solutions of agazone with three concentrations (0, 1.5 and 3) ml L-1, and atonik with three concentrations (0, 0.5 and 1) ml L-1 were prepared and the plants were sprayed in the early morning four times. Fruit firmness determined by using fruit pressure instrument, the weight loss was calculated as a percentages, Vitamin C determined according to A.O.A.C. Results indicated that the percentage of weight loss and the percentage of total soluble solids increased while the fruit firmness and the amount of vitamin C decreased with an increment of storage periods. The lowest percentages of the weight loss and the highest percentage of total soluble solids were in fruits treated with 3 ml L^-1 agazone. Barcelona fruits gave the highest fruit firmness, vitamin C, total soluble solids and the lowest percentage of weight loss compared to Jawaher fruits, so the study recommended that spraying eggplant plants with agazone at a concentration of 3 3 ml L^-1and atonik at a concentration of 1 ml L^-1 for four times to improve the qualitative characteristics of the fruits when stored at 13°C for two weeks. Barcelona fruits gave the highest fruit firmness, vitamin C, total soluble solids and lowest percentage of weight loss compared to Jawaher during the two-week storage period, so for the purpose of organizing the display of the crop in the markets, it could be recommended for planting in unheated plastic house under the conditions of south of Iraq.

The nodule bacteria Sinorhizobium meliloti are mutualistic symbionts of alfalfa, which has a wide area of distribution, including the zone of arid agriculture, the soils of which are subject to salinization. S. meliloti, as typical saprophytes, are found in soils of different types and degree of salinity. Therefore, rhizobia must have a gene pool that determines their ability to adapt to different conditions. This paper presents the first results of phylogenetic analysis of genes involved in primary and secondary responses to the stress factor salinity. Analysis of 26 S. meliloti strains for which full genomic data are available showed that the pSymA replicon, on which the genes essential for symbiotic nitrogen-fixing activity are localized, also plays a significant role in the formation of the gene pool associated with tolerance to salinity stress. The identification of the closest putative phylogenetic relatives for all 14 genes studied allowed, for the first time, to gain insight into the evolutionary pathway of stress-related gene pool formation in nodule bacteria forming nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with leguminous plants.

A detailed analysis of the accessory part of the genome of the economically promising Ensifer (Sinorhizobium) meliloti strain L6-AK89, a symbiont of Medicago lupulina, was obtained by next-generation high-throughput sequencing (MiSeq, MinION). L6-AK89 is a Str^R mutant of the native isolate CIAM1775, which formed pink large nodules on the roots of M. lupulina growing in soil subject to secondary salinization in northern Kazakhstan. Inoculation of M. lupulina cv. Mira (fodder-type standard) with strain L6-AK89 allows to guarantee the increase of plant dry weight in vegetation experiments on moderately acidic soils of humid agricultural zones by at least 150%. The genome of L6-AK89 has one and a half times increased share of sequences associated with elements of the accessory part of the genome relative to the reference strain Rm1021. The data of analysis of 53 genes responsible for symbiotic and nitrogen-fixing activity and 32 genes involved in response to stress factor (salinity) are presented, which were compared with the analysis of 16S rRNA gene and a concatenate of core genes, recA-atpD-glnII-gyrB-dnaJ. It was concluded that the genome of the symbiotically highly efficient strain L6-AK89 contains unique structural differences in genes that may mediate the control of symbiotic properties and the formation of response to abiotic stress factors, and it also contains unique clusters of quorum-sensing and osmoprotector synthesis genes.

This research paper delves into the morphometric characteristics of the Warana River basin in Maharashtra, shedding light on its hydrological conditions, particularly in agriculture-dominated areas. Utilizing geo-processing techniques in QGIS 3.16, the study calculates various morphometric parameters to discern the basin's hydrological intricacies. The Warana River basin, identified as a Seventh-order basin, exhibits a dendritic drainage pattern with notable stream frequency (2.99/km), infiltration number (7.22), and drainage density (2.41 km/km2), indicating heightened runoff potential. While a low Constant of channel maintenance (0.41) and lineament density (0.20 km/km2) suggests moderate recharge potential, the interrelationship among morphometric parameters denotes a basin with moderate flood and recharge properties. Flood frequency analysis at the Shigaon River gauging station indicates frequent floods in the basin, and decadal water table fluctuations reveal moderate to high recharge characteristics. The study underscores the significance of morphometric analysis for effective watershed management, advocating the development of surface water harvesting and management plans. For semiarid river basins with moderate groundwater potential and flood propensity, the implementation of surface water storage structures emerges as a practical solution for flood control and groundwater harvesting. Elevated stream frequency and lineament density in the upper reaches of the Warana River basin highlight substantial surface water resources, emphasizing the potential for constructing water conservation and irrigation projects. The fluctuation in pre- and post-monsoon groundwater tables indicates moderate recharge potential, paving the way for the establishment of groundwater recharge structures in the basin's lower southeastern reaches.

Forage crops are primarily grown for livestock grazing, and they can be fed to animals, or they can be stored as hay or silage to help achieve production goals. In India, there is a deficit of 11.24% in the availability of green fodder and 23.4% in the availability of dry fodder. Seed priming is a pre-sowing technique that improves germination and seedling emergence by soaking seeds in water or a nutrient solution. In this process, seeds are induced into a state of pre-germinative metabolism by controlled rehydration to increase germination rates and germination vigor. The study on the effect of seed priming on yield and quality of fodder maize was carried out at Main Forage Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during the rabi season 2020-21. The research comprised ten treatments and four replications, and it was set up in a randomized block design. The results of the experiments revealed that different seed priming treatments failed to create a significant response on plant population per meter row length at 15 DAS, days to 50% flowering, and plant height at 20 DAS. The growth and yield attributes of fodder maize crop viz., periodical plant height at 40 DAS and at harvest, number of leaves per plant, leaf stem ratio, green fodder yield, dry fodder yield, dry matter, crude protein, acid detergent fibre and Neutral detergent fibre at harvest were significantly affected by different seed priming treatments and recorded significantly higher in treatment of Seed priming with ZnSO4 @ 0.5% for 6 hrs and also reported maximum net realization with its BCR.

Aims: To evaluate responses to four strains of potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) and to mixed viroid/viral infection of modern potato cultivars.

Study Design: Four PSTVd strains were used to evaluate the tolerance of potato varieties: VP35 (LC523658), VP87 (LC523667), FP10-13 (LC523676), and NicTr-3 (LC654171). These strains were chosen based on their different geographic origin and their different aggressiveness against a highly susceptible tomato cv. Rutgers.

Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Plant Resistance to Diseases of All-Russian Institute of Plant Protection, St. Petersburg, between January 2022 and May 2024.

Methodology: The study included 39 modern potato cultivars of different origin. Transcripts of four PSTVd strains were used to inoculate tomato plants of the cv. Rutgers. Before PSTVd inoculation with tomato sap, all potato plants were tested for viral infection by ELISA. The presence of PSTVd in infected plants was verified by RT-PCR as well as by RT-qPCR.

Results: The strain-specificity in the response of 39 cultivars to viroid infection was revealed. Five types of symptoms on tubers were identified at 90 dpi. Five cultivars were identified in which, after the first inoculation of plants with all PSTVd strains, normal in shape tubers were formed. Average tuber weight for PSTVd- infected plants was more than twice and a half time less compared to mock-inoculated plants (P < 0.05). All plants of the next generation derived from infected but normally shaped tubers showed strong symptoms of disease. After three cycles of continuous propagation in tomato cv. Rutgers PSTVd strains became less aggressive to potato cultivars. Mixed viroid/viral infection lead to an increase manifestation of tuber deformation only for certain cultivars.

Conclusion: The strain specificity of the majority of cultivars in terms of the degree of symptom development after the first inoculation was established. Five cultivars were symptomless after the first inoculation with four strains but were found to have severe viroid symptoms in plants obtained from PSTVd-infected tubers. No synergism in the manifestation of mixed viroid/viral infection symptoms on tubers was found.

The utilization of phytochemically enriched diets, particularly those supplemented with seaweed extracts, has gained attention in aquaculture for enhancing fish growth and health. This study was conducted to determine the haemato-physiological response of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, Linnaeus 1758) fed with phytochemically enriched formulated diets. This was carried out for 90 culture days using four treatments where three out of four were seaweed-supplemented diets (Kappaphycus alvarezii, Ulva lactuta, Sargassum muticum). Treatments were distributed with the following: Treatment I (Control), Treatment II (K. alvarezii), Treatment III (U. lactuta), and Treatment IV (S. muticum). In the growth performance, Treatment I reached the highest mean weight and length while lowest in Treatment IV. The highest mean weight and length gain was also achieved by Treatment I and lowest in Treatment IV. Survival rate was found highest in Treatment II and lowest in Treatment IV. In the case of GSI and HSI, Treatment I achieved the highest values while lowest in Treatment IV. The maximum SSI value was achieved by Treatment III while it was least achieved by Treatment IV. In relation to condition factor, Treatment IV classified as fair fish, while the rest of the Treatments attained the excellent condition. In the gonadal development, 27.27% are at Stage I (Immature) while 38.64% are at Stage II (Maturing I), 20.45% Stage III (Maturing II) and 13.64% reached the Stage IV (Mature). With regards to the haematological response, Treatment III had the highest count of White Blood Cells while lowest in Treatment II. In Red Blood Cells, hemoglobin was least counted in Treatment IV, while hematocrit found least in Treatment I. Treatment I had the highest count of platelet while lowest in Treatment IV. The physico-chemical parameters of water such as temperature and pH fell within the tolerable limits for O. niloticus culture. The result of the study shows that seaweed extract-supplemented diets has no significant effect to the growth of fish within 90 days culture period. Thus, it is highly recommended to use a higher dosage of the same species of seaweed and/or use other species.

The important eco-friendly technologies trustworthy of determining are organic farming, natural farming, traditional farming, green farming, bio-dynamic and pharma culture, which may be all together considered as eco-friendly farming. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA, 1980) has defined eco-farming (organic farming) as a production system, which prevents the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators and livestock feed additives. It preferably depends more upon crop rotation, crop residues, animal wastes, legumes, green manure, farm wastes, mechanical cultivation and biological pest management. The area under vegetable crops in Indore district of Madhya Pradesh was about 33.77 thousand hectares in 2010-11, which increased to 6.23 thousand hectares in 2011-12. The production of vegetable crops in Indore district was about 599307 metric tonne in 2010-11 and further increased to 29753 metric ton in 2011-12. (Horti.Dept, M.P.). This study was conducted in Indore district of Madhya Pradesh with the sample size of 120 respondents. A sample of 120 vegetable growers was drawn from 10 vegetable growing villages using proportionate random sampling technique.  The findings revealed that use of pheroman trap (10.83%), use of light trap (12.5%), Conservation and encouraging of predators (0.83%), Use of NPV and concentration of spray (4.16%), Introduction of bio-control agents (10.00%), Preparation of seed kernel extract (5.83%), Knowledge about neem seed kernel extract (16.83%) vegetable growers adopt eco-friendly practices in vegetables cultivation.

Urban vegetable gardens are becoming increasingly popular both in India and abroad, with many enthusiastic city residents undertaking such initiatives in their own homes. A study conducted in Tamil Nadu, India, aimed to assess the sustainability of urban vegetable gardening, with a focus on understanding its nature and developing strategies for long-term viability.

The study selected 120 respondents, including beneficiaries of vegetable kit distribution programs and other vegetable gardeners, through purposive sampling. Approximately half of the respondents were housewives, and nearly half had gardens on their terraces. Over half of the respondents cited avoiding chemicals as their motivation for gardening, while almost half considered it a hobby. All participants grew vegetables solely for household consumption, with no commercial intentions. The majority of gardeners (58%) used recycled materials, while others purchased supplies from various sources such as government offices, shops, or online platforms. Nearly half used coir pith, while the rest opted for soil as their growth medium. Homemade composting and vermicompost were the most common methods of fertilization, with quantities ranging from 1 to 5 kilograms per month.

While the potager scheme was well-received by urban dwellers in Coimbatore, it was discontinued after a year. Nonetheless, it raised significant awareness among residents, and their needs are now met by online sellers. Achieving sustained and profitable terrace gardening requires careful consideration of inputs and timing. Planned interventions by institutions in urban and peri-urban areas can lead to sustainable projects that contribute to green cover and help meet the food needs of urban populations.

The primary goal of this study is to enhance the farmers’ competitiveness and to increase their advantage in emerging the market opportunities. The investigation was carried out in 2022-23 to study the socio-economic status of Farmer producer organizations member farmers.  The multistage sampling method was used for the selection 126 samples from the Western Region of Maharashtra, India. Statistical tools like arithmetic mean and multiple linear regression model was used to analyze the socio-economic status and its effect on productivity of FPO members. The results revealed that, overall average age of the farmers was 39.98 years with 8.76 years of experience. The education level of farmer was up to higher secondary. The average family size was 6.94 number of person with land holding of 3.56 years. The R² was 99.80 which indicated that the productivity was influenced by all the variables together with 99 per cent.