Volume 60, Number 3 & 4 (May & July 2025)

1. Koushik Barik, Sarath Kumar Duvvada, Ganesh Chandra Malik1, Mahua Banerjee1,*, Subrata Mandal and Subhendu Bandyopadhyay [Effect of nano DAP on growth and yield of kharif paddy (Oryza sativa L.) in Lateritic soil of West Bengal]. Crop Research 60 (3&4): 75-81 (2025). 1Department of Agronomy, Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture) Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan-731 236, Birbhum (West Bengal), India *(e-mail: mahua.banerjee@visva-bharati.ac.in)

ABSTRACT

Rice is a staple food crop vital to India’s food security, yet national productivity lags far behind global leaders like China. A significant portion of applied fertilizers is lost due to inefficiencies, especially in phosphorus-deficient lateritic soils. Nano DAP, with its high nutrient use efficiency and foliar application potential, offers a promising alternative to conventional fertilizers. To evaluate this, a field experiment was conducted to study the effect of nano DAP (Diammonium phosphate) on the growth and yield of kharif paddy (variety: IET 19148) in Lateritic soil at Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture) Farm, Sriniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal, India, during July to December 2021. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 13 treatments, including various combinations of basal DAP application, seed treatment (ST), seedling treatment (S/L T), and foliar spray (FS) using nano DAP. Treatments ranged from 0% basal DAP with full N and K (control) to partial DAP with nano DAP applications. Nano DAP was applied as seed, seedling, and foliar treatments to assess its efficiency in enhancing nutrient use and rice productivity. The highest values of growth attributes (plant height, tiller/hill, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation per square meter and crop growth rate), yield attributes (test weight, filled grain/panicle and effective tiller per square meter), grain yield (6.06 t/ha), straw yield (6.73 t/ha)) and economics, gross return (Rs.129210/ha), net return (Rs. 67801 /ha), and B:C ratio of 2.10) were recorded at treatment T10 (50% basal DAP + ST with nano DAP @ 5 mL/kg seed + FS with nano DAP @ 2 mL/L of water at 30 days after transplanting) compared to other treatments and the lowest values were recorded at treatment T1 (0% P & 0% N Basal, no basal DAP; 100% N & K). The study revealed that 50 % DAP as basal followed by seed treatment of nano DAP and foliar spray of 2 mL nano DAP/L at 25 days after transplanting, produced higher growth and yield in rice crop with high net return and B:C ratio in Lateritic soils of West Bengal.

2. JAYITA JANTUA1, ASHIRBACHAN MAHAPATRA1,*, RAJESH SHRIRAM KALASARE1, SARATH KUMAR DUVVADA1 AND BIKRAMJEET GHOSE [Assessment of selective herbicide mixtures for effective weed management in transplanted Kharif rice (Oryza sativa L.) in South Odisha]. Crop Research 60 (3&4): 82-89 (2025). 1Department of Agronomy and Agroforestry, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha-761 211, India *(e-mail: ashirbachan@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Weed infestation is one of the most important biotic factors, compromising 15-50% of grain yield in transplanted rice. Among different methods, the chemical method is the most effective one in terms of efficiency, time, cost, and labour. Single selective herbicide application is unable to suppress all categories of weeds, for which a herbicide mixture is the solution. To find out the best suitable combination of herbicides, an experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2024-25 at M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with ten treatments of weed management and three replications. The treatments consist of eight different combinations of herbicides, viz., bispyribac-sodium, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, penoxsulam, triafamone, ethoxysulfuron, carfentrazone-ethyl, pretilachlor, and bensulfuron-methyl, along with weed-free (hand weeding at 20 and 40 days after transplanting) and weedy check. Among the herbicide mixtures, the bispyribac-sodium @25 g/ha + ethoxysulfuron @15 g/ha at 20 DAT (tank mix) was found to be the best performing herbicide registering the lowest weed density and dry weight; and highest crop growth parameters, yield parameters, grain yield (4.65 t/ha) and weed control efficiency (86.7%) compromising the grain yield of mere 4.2% as against 48.7% in the weedy check. The combination showed at par results with the weed-free check.

3. Debraj Nayek, Tanmoy Shankar*, Supradip Sarkar, Bishnuprasad Dash and Sitabhra Majumder [Optimizing fertilizer recommendations for rainfed rice grown in coarse-texture soil of South Odisha]. Crop Research 60 (3&4): 90-97 (2025). M.S Swaminathan School of Agriculture Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha-761211, India *(e-mail: tanmoy.shankar125@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Kharif rice is a major crop in South Odisha, characterized by coarse-textured, nutrient-deficient soils. Balanced fertilizer applications are essential to enhance yield and nutrient use efficiency in this region. Given high soil responsiveness to fertilizers, revising the current fertilizer recommendations is critical to achieving sustainable yield improvements aligned with national productivity standards. Therefore, the present study was carried out at the Post Graduate Research Farm, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Odisha, during the kharif 2024. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three replications and nine treatments, ranging from 0% to 200% of the recommended fertilizer dose (RDF) in incremental steps of 25%, with corresponding NPK levels. Half of the nitrogen and all phosphorus and potassium were applied as basal, with the remaining nitrogen split between 30 and 49 DAT. Data were recorded at 30, 60, 90 DAT and harvest. Grain, straw, and post-harvest soil samples were collected for laboratory analysis. The result revealed that the application of 150% RDF recorded the highest grain yield (5.6 t/ha), grain nutrient content (N-1.21%, P-0.30%, K-1.55%), grain nutrient uptake (N: 68.3, P: 16.9, and K: 87.1 kg/ha), nutrient balance, nutrient use efficiency like agronomic efficiency (N-23.6, P-47.2 and K-47.2 kg/kg) and apparent recovery efficiency (N-61.4, P-41.2 and K-311.2 kg/kg), offers a more productive and profitable alternative option to the current 100% RDF recommendation, supporting sustainable agriculture for farmers in Gajapati district.

4. Gurvinder Kaur1, Ishwar Singh1,* and R. K. Behl1 [Varietal response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to nutrient management in northeastern regions of Haryana]. Crop Research 60 (3&4): 98-102 (2025). 1Department of Agriculture, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-133 203, District Ambala (Haryana), India *(e-mail: iskangren@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Hairamine, a protein hydrolysate obtained from waste human hair, is a growth-promoting biostimulant rich in organic nitrogen, carbon, amides and amino acids. A field experiment was carried out at the Department of Agriculture, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana, Ambala, during the Rabi seasons of 2022-2023 and 2023-24. The study evaluated the performance of three wheat varieties under an integrated nutrient management approach, incorporating hairamine, along with inorganic fertilizers (NPK) to assess their impact on grain yield and related attributes. The study evaluated four fertilizer regimes-recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF); a combination of 75% RDF with 25% nutrients from vermicompost; 75% RDF supplemented with foliar application of hairamine at 30, 60, and 90 days after sowing (DAS) at 10 ml/L; and a mix of 50% RDF, 25% vermicompost, and three foliar sprays of hairamine at the same intervals. These nutrient strategies were assessed across three wheat varieties (WH-1124, WH-1105 and WH-1184) using a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The nutrient regime approach, specifically 50% RDF + 25% Vermicompost + 3 foliar sprays of hairamine at 30, 60 and 90 DAS @ 10 ml/L water, resulted in the greatest shoot length, tiller count and biomass accumulation, which was statistically comparable to nutrient management approach of 75% RDF + 25% nutrients from Vermicompost. Therefore, the incorporation of Hairamine as a bio-stimulant along with a reduced fertilizer dose is suggested for promoting sustainable wheat cultivation.

5. Gyanika Shukla1, Anushka Tyagi1, Dhruv Singh, Shailendra Singh Gaurav and Amardeep Singh* [Zinc nano particles for enhancing salinity stress resilience in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)]. Crop Research 60 (3&4): 103-110 (2025). 1Department of Biotechnology Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut-250 004 (Uttar Pradesh), India *(e-mail: amardeep95singh@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

This study explored zinc nano particles (ZnNPs), crafted from Crassula multicava leaf extract, to bolster wheat’s resilience against salt stress. These ZnNPs were characterized to be found mostly spherical and polydispersed. In a pot experiment, wheat (PBW 226) was exposed to salinity levels and treated with ZnNPs at tillering (30 DAS), booting (58 DAS), and flowering stages, with untreated, non-stressed plants as controls. ZnNPs markedly enhanced all growth and yield traits, with plants at 25 mM NaCl showing the most significant improvements (p<0.05) over controls. This study highlights ZnNPs’ promise as a sustainable solution to mitigate salinity stress, supporting wheat production and global food stability.

6. Jag Mohan1,*, Vikas Tomar1 and Ishwar Singh1 [Influence of bio-stimulants on seed dressing and foliar spray on the yield characteristics and grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)]. Crop Research 60 (3&4): 111-116 (2025). 1Department of Agriculture, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University)Mullana-133 207, Ambala (Haryana), India *(e-mail: jagmohan1610@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Wheat is a globally vital staple, yet its yield potential is often limited by poor nutrient availability and soil constraints despite intensive cultivation. Excessive reliance on chemical fertilizers has led to soil degradation and environmental concerns. Bio-stimulants like PGPR, humic acid, seaweed extract, and Hairamin offer eco-friendly alternatives to enhance nutrient uptake and crop resilience. Thus, this study investigates the effectiveness of seed dressing and foliar application of bio-stimulants on wheat yield and productivity. Therefore, the present study was conducted during the Rabi season of 2023-2024at the Experimental Farm of Department of Agriculture, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Haryana, India. The study included eleven treatments combining various bio-stimulants with 100% RDF. Three wheat varieties DBW-222, WH-1270, and DBW-303 were tested for the impact of a bio-stimulant on wheat growth and yield. The treatments range from control to combinations of Azotobacter, humic acid, seaweed extract, organic carbon, and Hairamin. Application was done via seed dressing and foliar spray methods. The results showed that biostimulants, particularlyRDF combined with foliar application of Hairamin and seed treatment with Azotobacter, significantly improved wheat growth parameters, including plant height, tiller count, panicle length, and grain yield. After treatment the number of tillers (85.33), peduncle length (45.72), number of ears per meter row length (78.56), number of spikelets per ear (38.24), number of grains per ear (49.31), test weight (46.97 g), grain yield (59.31 q/ha), straw yield (73.60 q/ha), biological yield (132.91 q/ha), harvest index (44.63 %) increased significantly. Present studies showed that inorganic fertilizers can be reduced by using three foliar applications of Hairamin which are rich in organic carbon (18 20%), organic nitrogen (6-8%), calcium (2%), and amides and amino acids.

7. Kafee Duggal1, Noble K. Kurian, Raghuvir Singh, Shailika Sharma1 and Ram Prakash Pandey1,* [Plant growth-promoting bacteria from the Thar desert for yield augmentation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)]. Crop Research 60 (3&4): 117-124 (2025). 1University Institute of Biotechnology Chandigarh University, Mohali-140 413 (Punjab), India *(e-mail: rprakash.pandey@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

About 33% of the Earth’s landmass comprises deserts, where extreme abiotic stresses like heat, drought, and salinity hinder plant and microbial life. The Thar Desert, covering 91% of Rajasthan, harbours stress-resilient plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) known to enhance plant development even under harsh conditions. In this study, we examined the bacterial isolates from sand dunes of the Thar Desert of India. Soil samples from three locations in the Thar Desert were used to isolate stress-tolerant PGPB, which were screened for multiple PGP traits and environmental resilience. Selected isolates were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing and evaluated through pot experiments for their impact on wheat growth and yield. Among a total of 37 culturable isolates, 7 isolates were identified for heat, salt and pH stress resilience as well as plant growth-promoting (PGP) activities. Among these seven potential bacterial isolates, four belonged to Bacillus spp., two belonged to Pseudomonas spp., and one was identified as Aeribacillus based on amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Upon inoculation of these potential microbial candidates with wheat variety DBW-187, a significant increase was recorded in growth and yield compared to control plants. However, two potential strains, BS-7 and BS34 (Bacillus subtilis; NCBI accession no OQ345974 and Pseudomonas sp.; NCBI accession no OQ345978) were found most promising in terms of plant growth and yield. These bioinoculants may become wonderful alternatives to chemical fertilisers.

8. SARVANGI RABARA1 AND NUTAN PRAKASH VISHWAKARMA* [Comparative efficacy of indigenous Azospirillum spp. from the Saurashtra region in enhancing the growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)]. Crop Research 60 (3&4): 125-132 (2025). 1Department of Microbiology Atmiya University, Rajkot-360 005 (Gujarat), India *(e-mail: nutan.vishwakarma@atmiyauni.ac.in)

ABSTRACT

Azospirillum has been extensively used as a bio fertilizer to improve soil nutrient levels for a variety of crops. This genus, recognized for its positive impact on plant growth, offers a promising alternative to synthetic chemical fertilizers in traditional agriculture. In this study, we examined the potential of Azospirillum isolates from wheat fields in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India. Fifteen isolates were assessed for plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, including the production of indole acetic acid (IAA), ammonia, phosphate solubilization, and siderophore production. All isolates were positive for IAA, ammonia and phosphate solubilization and 3 isolates were positive for siderophore production. The three most effective isolates showing close evolutionary relationships with Azospirillum sp. (SNP9), (SNP6), and (SNP3). A pot experiment was conducted to compare the effects of isolates SNP9, SNP6, and SNP3 on wheat plant growth against uninoculated controls. A 24-hour-old bacterial culture with a concentration of 108 CFU/mL was used for inoculation to evaluate significant growth parameter increases. The findings indicated significant growth enhancement in wheat plants inoculated with SNP9, moderate growth with SNP6, and minimal growth with SNP3 compared to uninoculated plants.

9. SAKSHI NARULA*, SMITA CHAUDHRY AND MAHAK NAIN [Melatonin-mediated drought resistance in Avena sativa under climatic stress conditions]. Crop Research 60 (3&4): 133-138 (2025). Institute of Environmental Studies Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra-136 119 (Haryana), India *(e-mail: phdevs2020-25sakshi@kuk.ac.in)

ABSTRACT

Water scarcity induced by drought stress adversely affects growth and development processes in plants. Melatonin, a stress-alleviating biostimulator with strong antioxidant properties, plays a vital role in enhancing plant resilience under such conditions. To further investigate, this study was conducted to examine the effects of exogenous melatonin application on Avena sativa under drought stress. A pot culture experiment was conducted in2021-22 and 2022-23 during the rabi season in the Institute of Environmental Studies, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India, to assess the impacts of drought stress and melatonin on A. sativa. Plants were grown under varying drought stress levels (100%, 75%, 50%, 25% WHC) with and without foliar-applied melatonin (100 µM). Drought stress significantly reduced shoot length, root length, biomass, and chlorophyll a and b content, while total protein content and proline content were enhanced. Melatonin alleviated the impacts of drought stress and positively affected morpho-physiological parameters. Melatonin further enhanced protein and proline content in A. sativa plants. This study has proved the hypothesis that exogenous foliar application of melatonin can be used as an effective strategy to alleviate the impacts of drought stress.

10. NORI MAHESWARI1, SAGAR MAITRA1, MASINA SAIRAM1*, SUMIT RAY, LALICHETTI SAGAR1, SANTOSH D. T. AND DINKAR J. GAIKWAD [Impact of real-time nitrogen management on the performance of maize–cowpea intercropping system]. Crop Research 60 (3&4): 139-146 (2025). 1Department of Agronomy and Agroforestry, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi-761 211 (Odisha), India *(e-mail: sairam.masina@cutm.ac.in)

ABSTRACT

Maize has broad adaptability across diverse agroclimatic conditions and plays a vital role in addressing global food and feed demands. As it is a widely spaced crop with slow early growth, intercropping maize with legumes like cowpea can enhance land and resource use efficiency. Additionally, as maize is a heavy nutrient feeder, particularly nitrogen (N), precise nutrient management is essential. A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2023–2024 at the Post Graduate Research Farm, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India, under split-plot design. The study evaluated three maize-based cropping systems (sole maize, maize + cowpea at 2:2 and 2:3 paired rows) with four nitrogen strategies: recommended dose, SPAD (45), NDVI (0.8), and LCC (4). The maize hybrid ‘Bayer DKC 9217’ was chosen along with the cowpea variety ‘KBC 9’ with maize blanket recommendation of 120:60:60 kg/ha of N, P2O5, and K2O. Results showed that sole maize recorded the highest growth, yield attributes and yield, closely followed by maize + cowpea (2:2) intercropping. Among nitrogen management practices, the GreenSeeker-based N application produced the highest growth parameters and yield, which was statistically comparable to SPAD-based N management. However, for economic returns, maize paired row + cowpea (2:2) with the GreenSeeker-based nitrogen management recorded the highest gross and net returns of the intercropping system. In terms of overall output, the findings suggest that sole maize with the GreenSeeker-based N management maximises maize yield, however, maize + cowpea (2:2) intercropping combined with Green Seeker-based N application offers a more sustainable and economically viable option for maize cultivation under south Odisha conditions.

11. ROMAN KUMAR MAHTO1, RAJESH SHRIRAM KALASARE1,*, MASINA SAIRAM1, SAGAR MAITRA1, TRIPTESH MONDAL1, SUMIT RAY1 AND NORI MAHESWARI1 [Effect of fertilizer doses and foliar application of primary nutrients on growth and yield of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) under South Odisha agro-climatic conditions]. Crop Research 60 (3&4): 147-153 (2025). 1Department of Agronomy and Agroforestry, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture Centurion University of Technology and Management Paralakhemundi-761211, Odisha, India *(e mail: rajesh.kalasare@cutm.ac.in)

ABSTRACT

In the modern era of climate change, the choice of ecologically hardy crops and suitable cropping systems is the top priority. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.), a climate-resilient cereal crop, is crucial for food and fodder security in arid and semi-arid regions. Foliar nutrition is aimed at eliminating the problems of fixation and immobilisation of nutrients. Hence, foliar nutrition is recognised as a significant way of fertilising crops. Nano nutrients have become more efficient than conventional fertilizers and exhibit good results in combination. The present study was conducted at M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, during the Rabi season of 2023-2024. There were four levels of fertilizers (0%, 50%, 100% and 150% of the recommended dose of fertilizers) as the first factor and three foliar nutrient doses, namely, nano urea @ 4ml/L, nano DAP @ 3ml/L and foliar potash @ 2g/L at 30 and 60 DAS. The results revealed that the highest growth attributes, yield parameters and yield were observed in the treatment with the application of 150% RDF. The foliar nutrient application recorded the highest values of the above-mentioned parameters with nano DAP spray @ 3ml/L at 30 and 60 DAS. Among treatment combinations, the fertilizer dose of 150% RDF and nano DAP spray @ 3 ml/L at 30 and 60 DAS registered its superiority for yield attributes and yield. The study concludes that providing grain sorghum with 150% RDF and two foliar sprays of nano DAP at 30 and 60 DAS can be considered the most suitable nutrient management practice for obtaining the highest productivity.

12. Veena, I. K. and Nanja Reddy, Y. A.* [Comparison of selection models for classification of germplasm accessions to osmotic stress tolerance in finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.)]. Crop Research 60 (3&4): 154-162 (2025). Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agricultural Sciences GKVK, Bengaluru-560 065 (Karnataka), India *(e-mail: yan_reddy@yahoo.com)

ABSTRACT

Finger millet is a climate resilient crop with C4 nature of carbon fixation. However, its yield improvement has been stagnated in the recent decades due to climate extremities, majorly the drought as crop is cultivated in rainfed conditions. Early seedling stage is the most crucial for seedling establishment, adequate plant population, and grain yield, which is generally affected due to failure of rainfall after the seed sowing. Screening of germplasm at early seedling stage for drought tolerance would provide the donors for crop improvement. The study was conducted at the Department of Crop Physiology, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru, India. Forty-nine germplasm accessions were screened at the early seedling stage under laboratory conditions using PEG 8000 MW (-5.11 bars) to create physiological drought. The effect of PEG stress was evaluated considering the seed germination, seedling length, seedling vigour index and the response indices like percent reduction, drought susceptibility index and fuzzy membership function value were compared to use in selection of stress tolerant accessions. A significant reduction in seed germination, seedling length and seedling vigour index, with an increased root length and root to shoot ratio due to PEG stress was observed. Variability for root length and root to shoot ratio was higher compared to other parameters. Among the selection models, percent reduction, drought susceptibility index (DSI), and membership function value (MFV), the MFV approach was found appropriate. Using the MFV values, the accessions, GE-568, GE-4596, GE-4729, were found highly tolerant and GE-492, GE-1240, GE-1034, GE-2866, GE-3454, GE-4478 as tolerant to osmotic stress.

13. Ramasubramanian Sabarivasan, Syed Abul Hassan Hussainy*, Arivukodi Selvaraj1, S Anagha1, M Rangeela1 and S Sharuladha1 [Optimising foliar fertilisation for enhanced growth and yield in black gram (Vigna mungo L.)]. Crop Research 60 (3&4): 163-171 (2025). 1S. Thangapazham Agricultural College Vasudevanallur, Tenkasi-627 758 (Tamil Nadu), India *(e-mail: thesyedhussainy@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Black gram is an important pulse crop with a good source of protein and promotes soil fertility because of its nitrogen-fixation property. However, its production is limited in terms of nutrient deficiencies and poor fertilisation practices. Foliar nutrition, with the direct application of nutrients to leaves, serves as a potential way to increase the absorption of nutrients and productivity. Still, its applicability in black gram cultivation for food security and sustainable agriculture needs further studies. A field study was carried out at S. Thangapazham Agricultural College, Tamil Nadu, India, from May to July 2022 during the summer season. The study used black gram variety VBN 8 arranged in a randomised block design comprising ten treatment combinations. These treatments included the application of recommended fertiliser doses with foliar sprays, such as 1% TNAU Pulse Wonder and 2% diammonium phosphate, etc., applied at 30 and 45 days after sowing. Plant height, number of root nodules, dry matter production, and grain yield, analysed statistically. Application of foliar nutrients significantly improved black gram performance. The treatment combining the recommended fertiliser dose with 1% TNAU pulse wonder produced the tallest plants (38.4 cm), the highest root nodule count (28.5 per plant), the greatest dry matter (4670 kg/ha), and maximum grain yield (932 kg/ha). Dry matter production was the primary yield determinant, explaining nearly all yield variation in the regression analysis. These findings demonstrated that foliar nutrition enhanced the nutrient efficiency and yield under rainfed conditions, offering a practical strategy for sustainable pulse production.

14. LE LY VU VI1,*, LE HUU HAI, TRAN BA LINH1 AND LE VINH THUC1 [Multiple regression analysis of durian mortality during drought induced by saline intrusion and yield determinants in the Vietnam Mekong Delta]. Crop Research 60 (3&4): 172-178 (2025). 1School of Agriculture, Can Tho University Campus II, 3/2 Street, Xuan Khanh Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City, Vietnam *(e-mail: villv91@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Durian is one of the most economically important fruit crops in Vietnam, yet its productivity was severely impacted by the 2020 drought caused by saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta. This extreme event underscored the urgent need to understand factors influencing both drought resilience and crop yield. Limited research exists on how farm-level practices interact with environmental stressors in durian cultivation, creating a gap in evidence-based adaptation strategies. To address this, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022–2023 across 60 durian farms in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. The study aimed to identify key agronomic and environmental factors affecting durian mortality during the 2020 drought and yield performance during the recovery period. Multiple linear regression and non-linear regression models were employed to identify the predictors of durian mortality during the drought and subsequent yield performance. The regression model revealed a strong correlation between durian mortality rate and its predictors (R² = 0.827). Results indicated that for every 1% increase in the proportion of the Monthong variety, durian mortality under drought conditions increased by 0.36% (95% CI: 0.22–0.49). Furthermore, durian yield following the drought was found to be negatively correlated with irrigation volume. These findings lay the foundation for developing drought coping strategies in durian orchards, highlighting the need for further research on optimising variety selection, irrigation practices, and fertilisation management.

15. SEAN MARK D. DELA CRUZ1, RAYMUND JULIUS G. ROSALES1,*, MICAH BENIZE S. GREGORIO-BALBAS1, CHRISTIAN BUTCH ANDREW A. BALBAS1 AND GLISTEN FAITH S. PASCUA1 [Effect of seed priming in squash on germination and seedling vigor]. Crop Research 60 (3&4): 179-184 (2025). 1Department of Agricultural Sciences College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development Mariano Marcos State University, City of Batac 2906, Ilocos Norte, Philippines *(e-mail: rgrosales@mmsu.edu.ph)

ABSTRACT

Seed priming improves germination and seedling vigor of the different crops, including squash. A study on the priming methods using hydropriming and gibberellic acid (GA3 at 25 and 50 ppm) on squash was conducted. Untreated seeds were served as a control. The treated seeds were primed for 4 h and dried until the seeds reached the original moisture content. Ambient conditions (30 ± 2°C temperature, 65 ± 5% relative humidity) were used to conduct the study for 8 days. Priming significantly enhanced the growth of squash seeds, especially using GA3 at 25 ppm. At this concentration displayed a higher germination index and shortened the mean germination time. Likewise, it had a longer seedling and a heavier seedling, thus a higher seedling vigor index. GA3-primed seed at 25 ppm produced a greater SPAD index than unprimed, 50 ppm GA3, and hydropriming. Vigorous seedlings were attained using 25 ppm and an inhibitory effect was observed beyond this concentration. Thus, 25 ppm GA3 can be used by farmers to produce vigorous seedlings.

16. SUBASH CHANDRA MUNDA1, SAGAR MAITRA1, DINKAR J. GAIKWAD*, SARATH KUMAR DUVVADA1, MASINA SAIRAM1, SANTOSH, D. T. AND SUMIT RAY1 [Influence of growing media and nutrient levels on growth and yield of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in hydroponics]. Crop Research 60 (3&4): 185-190 (2025). 1M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi-761211 (Odisha), India *(e-mail: gaikwad@cutm.ac.in)

ABSTRACT

Hydroponics has become one of the most popular approaches in modern agricultural production, offering efficient and sustainable crop cultivation. Growing media play a vital role in its success by influencing nutrient availability, water retention, and root development. Understanding their interaction with nutrient levels is crucial to maximizing crop performance under hydroponic systems. This study was conducted at the Hi-Tech Hydroponics Unit, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India, during the winter season (October to December), 2024. The study aimed to investigate the impact of growing media and varied nutrient levels on lettuce in hydroponic systems by using Factorial CRD. Growing media consisting of coco coir, oasis cubes, rockwool, and potting mix were used in the present study. Plants were grown using the nutrient film technique (NFT) structure with varied concentrations of Hoagland solution (600 ppm, 800 ppm, 1000 ppm, and 1200 ppm). The Lollo Rosso lettuce was used as a test crop. Data were recorded on plant parameters such as number of leaves, plant height, leaf fresh weight, and yield on a fresh weight basis. Among the nutrient levels, 1200 ppm was the most effective in enhancing the growth attributes of lettuce at harvest, viz., number of leaves (12.5), plant height (16.6 cm), leaf fresh weight (7.4 g/leaf), and yield (93 g/plant). Amongst growing media, the potting mix resulted in better growth performance, followed by coco coin, rockwool, and oasis cubes. The experiment results suggested that growing lettuce in a potting mix combined with a 1200 ppm nutrient solution in hydroponic systems significantly enhanced growth and yield.

17. AJITH D, A. ANBURANI* AND B. PAVAN KUMAR NAIK [Effect of foliar application of nano nutrients on growth and yield of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. Yellow Benz Tall]. Crop Research 60 (3&4): 191-196 (2025). Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar-608002, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail: anbumohankarthi2007@rediffmail.com)

ABSTRACT

An experiment was carried out during the year 2022-2023 in the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu to find out the various levels of nano nutrients on growth and yield of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. Yellow Benz Tall. The floriculture had been becoming one of the projecting sectors in India, while marigold plays an impending commercial flower that is ahead popularity on excuse of its easy culture, varied flexibility and increasing demand. This study was done to find out the standardize an optimum dose of nutrients and effect of foliar application of nano N and K on growth and yield of marigold. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with eleven treatments and three replications. Among the various treatments, the treatment T10 (75% N + 100% P + 75% K + Nano N & Nano K) resulted in increased primary branches (11.89), secondary branches (45.89), number of nodes (27.82), stem girth (3.85 cm), days taken for flowering (32.67), duration of flowering (92.38 days), number of flowers per plant (48.52), single flower weight (13.64 g), flower diameter (8.82 cm) and yield per plant (495.68 g). But, the treatment T5 (100% RDF + Nano N & K) resulted in increased plant height (55.02 cm) and internodal length (4.56 cm) was found to be the best combination treatments for improving the growth and yield of marigold.

18. EVA M KAZMI1, MOHAMAD A SHATNAWI1,* AND AYOUP M GHRAIR [Mitigating lead-stress in Chrysanthemum morifolium through nanoparticle applications: A novel approach in Ecological Engineering]. Crop Research 60 (3&4): 197-204 (2025). 1Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt 19117, Jordan *(e-mail: mshatnawi1@yahoo.com.au; m.shatnawi@bau.edu.jo)

ABSTRACT

Chrysanthemum morifolium, a globally important ornamental cut flower, is widely propagated for commercial purposes but faces limitations in conventional propagation due to slow proliferation rates. In vitro tissue culture offers a promising solution for rapid multiplication under controlled conditions. The objective of the current study is to estimate the effectiveness of nanoparticles for enhancing shoot multiplication in Chrysanthemum morifolium in the in vitro culture on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS). The results showed that nanoparticles enhanced shoot development after five weeks in the culture. Titanium nanoparticles at a concentration of 25.0 mg/L produce 13.1 shoots per explant. On the other hand, titanium nanoparticles did not positively affect shoot length or the number of leaves per explant. Microshoots cultivated on MS medium free of carbon sources had fewer developing new shoots. The supplementation of silica-phosphoric acid (H3PO4.SiO2) nanoparticles into MS medium formed a shoot length of 4.60 mm at 0.25 mg/L. Increased silica-phosphoric acid (H3PO4.SiO2) concentration did not increase the number of new shoots per explant. The addition of different silica nanoparticles did not show a significant increase in the number of new shoots. Shoot formation was stimulated when the MS medium contained sucrose and titanium or silica (SiO2) nanoparticles. On the other hand, fresh and dry weights of explants showed a significant difference between the concentrations of titanium and silica nanoparticles examined. The results demonstrated that nanoparticle applications enhance the growth and development of Chrysanthemum morifoliumu. These findings contribute to advancing tissue culture technology and increasing the availability of C. morifolium plants.

19. V. KAAVIYA1, S. KARPAGAVALLI1,*, P. CHANDRASEKARAN AND B. REX1 [Exploitation of defense compounds from sheath blight infected rice with Rhizoctonia solani isolates]. Crop Research 60 (3&4): 205-213 (2025). 1Department of Plant Pathology, SRM College of Agricultural Sciences SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu-603 201, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail: karpagas1@srmist.edu.in)

ABSTRACT

Rice is a crucial global food staple that provides nourishment for over half the world’s population. Rice crops face numerous biological threats, with sheath blight standing out as one of the most harmful diseases caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn. and primarily damages leaf sheaths, as irregular, water-soaked lesions that can spread throughout the plant. Ten isolates of R. solani collected from different sources were used for testing their pathogenicity under pot culture experiment from January to April 2025 at SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, Baburayanpettai, Chengalpattu Dist., Tamil Nadu. Infected sheath and leaf samples from each isolate inoculated plants were collected on 30th day of inoculation for analysis of biochemical variation based of pathogenicity. Virulent nature of isolates exhibited variation in lesion size. Sheath blight infection in rice plants respond to various biochemical changes viz., chlorophyll contents, soluble protein, enzyme activities (including peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase), hydrogen peroxide, oxalic acid and superoxide radicles as defense compounds. Virulent isolate inoculated plants (Rs 6) reduced the total chlorophyll content of 1.069 mg/g and increased soluble protein (152.67 mg/g), superoxide radicals (6.60 mmol/g FW) and oxalic acid (47.67 mg/g) contents. Defense enzymes like poly phenol oxidase (237.00 U/g of protein) and peroxidase enzyme (64.65 U/g of leaf sample) decreased in samples of Rs 6 isolate inoculated plants and showed the capacity of virulence.

20. Butwall S and Das A* [In silico approaches for consensus primer design and validation towards development of rapid diagnostics against the Candidatus Liberibacter species]. Crop Research 60 (3&4): 214-220 (2025). Faculty of Life Science Mandsaur University, Mandsaur-458001, Madhya Pradesh, India *(e-mail: das.arunava2022@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Citrus greening or Huanglongbing (HLB) is a rapidly spreading disease caused by Candidatus Liberibacter species, which inhabit the phloem of citrus plants. It is primarily transmitted by psyllid insects. Managing HLB is challenging due to the bacterium’s phloem-restricted nature, making diagnosis and treatment with antimicrobials difficult. Here in the present study, the bacterial consensus sequences were used for the primer design with In silico approaches and validated by PCR. The study was carried out in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, India, which is known for citrus cultivations and remains affected by the HLB disease. Phylogenetic analysis of 100 Candidatus Liberibacter 16S rRNA sequences from NCBI was conducted using MEGA 6, with Malwa-specific refinement via MAFFT alignment. Eight previously deposited sequences formed the basis for the study. A consensus sequence was derived and used to design region-specific primers with GeneFisher. PCR validation was carried out with standard thermal cycling and gel electrophoresis. Phylogenetic analysis of 100 Candidatus Liberibacter 16S rRNA sequences from NCBI was conducted using Phylogenetic analysis showed high genetic variation among Liberibacter strains, supporting the need for region-specific detection. Eight sequences from the Malwa region were aligned using BioEdit, confirming conserved primer sites. Consensus primers were designed using GeneFisher and optimized for 16S rRNA targets. PCR validation identified 22 positives out of 100 samples, with primer set 2 detecting all target species effectively. The study concludes that primer set 2 enables rapid and accurate detection of HLB-causing bacteria in the Malwa region.

21. Rivera Chauhan1, Dhaval Nirmal2, Ravi Ranjan2 and Preetam Joshi2,* [Identification and characterization of endophytic bacteria for antibacterial activity against multi drug resistant pathogens]. Crop Research 60 (3&4): 221-234 (2025). 1Department of Microbiology, Atmiya University Kalawad Road, Rajkot-360 005 (Gujarat), India *(e-mail: preetam.joshi@atmiyauni.ac.in)

ABSTRACT

The escalating threat of antibiotic resistance demands innovative approaches to antimicrobial discovery. This study investigated endophytic bacteria isolated from specific tissues of four medicinal plants, including Calotropis gigantea leaves and Acacia nilotica stems, as potential sources of novel antibacterial agents. Among 108 isolated endophytes, two strains demonstrated exceptional activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens: CGL8 (isolated from C. gigantea leaves) showed potent inhibition against Salmonella typhi, Acinetobacter baumannii and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae while ANS5 (derived from A. nilotica stems) exhibited strong efficacy against Acinetobacter baumannii and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in disc diffusion assays. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA sequences confirmed strain ANS5 as Escherichia fergusonii and CGL8 as Citrobacter koseri, revealing distinct clades with robust bootstrap support (>90%). Both strains exhibited unexpected antimicrobial activity against MDR pathogens, suggesting potential novel mechanisms. Further genomic exploration is warranted to identify biosynthetic gene clusters underlying their inhibitory properties. Bioactive compounds from CGL8 and ANS5 were initially separated using TLC, and the antimicrobial fraction was further analyzed by LC-MS, confirming the presence of promising antibiotic candidates. The tissue-specific isolation approach yielded these active strains, with C. gigantea leaf-derived CGL8 and A. nilotica stem-originated ANS5 representing particularly valuable resources. This study highlights C. gigantea leaves and A. nilotica stems as rich sources of antimicrobial endophytes, demonstrating tissue-specific screening as a strategic approach to discover novel antibiotics against resistant pathogens.

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