Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 5

Assessment of Soil Quality Indicators for Sugarcane Yield on Vertisols: A Study from North Coast of Villa Clara Province, Cuba

2025-10-24T11:46:23+00:00

Maintaining or improving soil quality is crucial for agricultural productivity. Despite being widely used for sugarcane cultivation, Vertisols on the north coast of Villa Clara Province, Cuba, present significant limitations due to poor physical properties such as extreme plasticity. The study aims to evaluate soil quality in Vertisols under tropical conditions by applying different soil treatments and employing multivariate analyses, with the objective of identifying key soil quality indicators relevant to sugarcane production in the North Coast of Cuba. For the selection of soil quality indicators, four field experiments were conducted using organic fertilisers (sugarcane filter cake, compost) and natural minerals (dolomite, zeolite). Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) was used in all experiments. Soil properties were determined, such as the amount of water-stable aggregates, permeability, plastic limit, pH in water, pH in KCl, organic matter, P₂O₅ and K₂O. The sugarcane yield components, such as cane yield (t ha^-1) and sucrose yield (t ha^-1), were evaluated. Principal components analysis (PCA) and simple regression analysis were also performed. For statistical processing, the package SPSS ver 13.0 and STATGRAPHICS 5.1 on Windows XP were used. Both organic matter and soil structure (water-stable aggregates, permeability) were closely related to cane yield, with r values of 0.70 to 0.96. PCA of the impact of different levels of sugarcane filter cake on soil properties and cane yield resulted in three components, representing 93.8% of the total variance. In this experiment, the correlation matrix with the application of levels of dolomite and their combinations with organic fertilisers shows that physical properties have over 80% significant correlations with other variables evaluated. Zeolite, especially when combined with organic amendments, significantly improved soil structure and aggregation, making it a reliable soil quality indicator treatment for Vertisols under sugarcane. The properties with the best responses to treatments over time were permeability, water-stable aggregates, structure factor, and organic matter; therefore, they can be considered as soil quality indicators for the studied Vertisols.

Stress Responses of Crops and Management Approaches in Acid Soil Environments

2025-10-24T12:07:18+00:00

Acidic soils (pH <5.5) are prevalent in humid subtropical and tropical regions, primarily due to leaching from heavy rainfall. These soils often contain harmful elements like manganese and aluminium, negatively impacting plant growth. Different crops react differently to low pH; rice thrives in such conditions, while wheat and maize show slight tolerance. Legumes struggle more with aluminium toxicity, inhibiting nitrogen fixation and reducing biomass. Effective management strategies, including liming and organic amendments, can enhance nutrient availability. However, acidic soils often have low water-holding capacity, causing drought stress, affecting overall crop health and yields. Management strategies for acid soils are essential in enhancing crop productivity. Lime application increases soil pH and nutrient availability, ideally conducted in fall or early spring after soil testing. Incorporating organic matter like compost improves soil structure and buffers soil pH. Utilising ammonium-based fertilisers and phosphate solubilisers aids in nutrient management. To detoxify aluminium and manganese, resistant crop varieties and soil amendments (liming materials) can be used. Climate change negatively impacts soil health through altered rainfall and temperature, leading to heightened soil acidity. Heavy rainfall leaches nutrients and exacerbates soil structure issues. Adopting adaptive management practices, such as the application of liming materials, organic amendments, and the adoption of suitable crop rotation, is crucial for maintaining soil health. Thus, this chapter highlights the challenges, crop responses, and management approaches of acid soil for sustaining crop production.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management with OUAT Consortia on Nutrient Uptake of Kewda in North Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha, India

2025-10-24T12:11:35+00:00

Kewda (Pandanus odoratissimus) is one of the most remunerative crops of Ganjam district of Odisha, as 95% of kewra flowers exported from India are collected from areas surrounding Berhampur city in the district. One on-farm experiment was conducted in Ganjam district to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management on Kewda yield and growth. Three treatments were taken, i.e., T1-STBF (soil test based fertiliser)+ FYM @15kg/pit thrice, T2-STBF+FYM @15kg/pit thrice +Inoculation of OUAT (Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology) Cosortia bio-fertiliser to the rhizosphere on the date of planting, T3- Fym 20kg/pit/year (control). Results revealed that T₂ significantly enhanced flower yield, producing 44 flowers per plant with a fresh weight of 21 kg/100 flowers, which was 53% higher compared to the control. Plant girth (18.4 cm) and number of leaves (10.0) were also higher under T₂ than in the control (16.4 cm girth and 5.2 leaves). The findings indicate that integrated application of STBF, FYM, and OUAT consortia biofertilizers can substantially improve kewda productivity and growth under farmer field conditions in Ganjam district.

Influence of Smart Timing and Low Tunnel Covering in Enhancing Off-Season Cowpea Yield and Profitability in the Bara Tract of South Gujarat, India

2025-10-24T12:27:10+00:00

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) is one of the well-known plants belonging to Fabaceae. Off-season cultivation of cowpea offers lucrative market opportunities due to higher price premiums during lean supply periods. However, it faces climatic constraints such as suboptimal winter temperatures, fluctuating humidity and pest pressure, which adversely affect germination, flowering and yield. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of smart planting time and low tunnel covering techniques on the off-season yield and profitability of cowpea cultivation. A field experiment was conducted during the spring (rabi) seasons of 2022–23 and 2023–24 at the Agricultural Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Tanchha. The experiment was laid out in a Split-Plot Design with three replications. The main plot treatments consisted of two glazing (covering) materials for low tunnels: UV stabilised plastic film (50 µ), biodegradable plastic and an open field (control). The sub-plot treatments comprised five sowing times: 3rd week of November, 4th week of November, 1st week of December, 2nd week of December and 3rd week of December. The cowpea variety AVCP-1 was used, sown at a spacing of 45 cm × 15 cm. Results indicated that both glazing material and sowing time significantly influenced yield, while their interaction effects had non-significant effects. Biodegradable plastic low tunnels recorded the highest pooled (collective) yield (2.80 kg plot⁻¹), whereas the open field condition produced the lowest (1.85 kg plot⁻¹). Among sowing times, the fourth week of November resulted in the highest pooled (collective) yield (2.87 kg plot⁻¹) compared to the third week of December (1.99 kg plot⁻¹). Economic analysis revealed that the combination of biodegradable plastic low tunnel and sowing in the fourth week of November achieved the highest net income (₹ 2,94,501 ha⁻¹), while the lowest was recorded under the open field with the third week of December sowing (₹ 66,505 ha⁻¹). These results confirm that biodegradable plastic low tunnels combined with timely sowing in late November can substantially enhance both yield and profitability of off-season cowpea under low tunnel conditions. Hence, the strategic integration of microclimate-modifying structures with optimally timed sowing is a proven approach to enhancing yield stability and profitability across diverse agro-climatic zones.

Assessment of Yield-Contributing Traits and Nutrient Content in Kodo Millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.)

2025-10-24T12:33:07+00:00

Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) is an underutilised small-grained cereal valued for its resilience to stress and rich nutritional profile. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the per se performance of thirty kodo millet genotypes at both morphological and quality levels to identify promising lines for yield improvement and nutritional enhancement. The experiment was conducted during kharif 2019 at the Hill Millet Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Waghai (Gujarat, India), using a randomised block design with three replications. Genotypes were assessed for thirteen quantitative traits, including earliness parameters (days to 50% flowering and maturity), plant height, tillers per plant, grains per panicle, panicle length, grain yield, straw yield, 1000-seed weight, and four quality attributes (protein, fat, calcium, and iron content).

Results revealed significant variability among genotypes, indicating ample scope for selection and genetic improvement. Earliness ranged from 71 to 83 days for 50% flowering, with DK-156 and DK-170 identified as the earliest maturing lines. Grain yield per plant varied from 10.56 g (DK-159) to 22.77 g (DK-164), with six genotypes surpassing the general mean. DK-164, DK-152, and DK-157 consistently recorded superior mean performance for yield-related traits, while DK-161 excelled in 1000-seed weight and protein content (9.75%). Considerable variation was observed for nutrient quality, with fat content ranging between 0.85% (TNAU-86) and 3.92% (DK-166). Calcium concentration spanned from 22.33 mg/100 g (DK-168, DK-171) to 41.33 mg/100 g (GPU-K-3), and iron content ranged from 1.35 mg/100 g (GK-2) to 9.39 mg/100 g (DK-141). Notably, DK-156 combined earliness with higher calcium and iron content, highlighting its utility in breeding for biofortified short-duration varieties.

Overall, genotypes DK-164, DK-152, and DK-157 were identified as elite candidates for yield enhancement with good nutritional quality, while DK-161 and DK-156 emerged as promising sources for nutritional enrichment. The observed wide genetic variability underscores the potential of these genotypes as donors in breeding programs aimed at developing high-yielding, nutritionally superior, and climate-resilient kodo millet varieties.

Analysis of Critical Factors Influencing Performance of Extensionists in Limpopo Department of Agriculture in South Africa

2025-10-30T11:18:05+00:00

Extensionists are responsible for delivering services in order to satisfy the needs of the farming communities. Limpopo Province came into being after the new dispensation of 1994, and it is the amalgamation of the former three homelands, such as Lebowa, Venda, Gazankulu and the former territory of the Republic of South Africa. This article draws its data from a study which was conducted in six districts of the Limpopo Department of Agriculture. The study targeted the Extensionists and their immediate supervisors. Out of 800 Extensionists, 324 participated in the survey. A questionnaire was developed using the Delphi technique as part of the methodology. Different factors that have a bearing on extension performance were identified and tested to check the extent to which they influence performance. Responses from the Extensionists revealed that they are performing below the expected level. The Department of Agriculture reflects inefficient performance in terms of investment. Part of the challenge points towards the quality of training and the lack of adequate resources to support the Extensionists. It is suggested that the Department should take serious steps to ensure that there is sufficient return from investment, such as strong supervision and creating awareness among the Extensionists on economic principles. The article concludes with some recommendations to resolve the challenges. Furthermore, a knowledge support system in the form of an extensive SMS system is strongly recommended.

Eco-friendly Mixtures of Natural Materials for Managing Soil-dwelling Potato Pests: A Laboratory Evaluation

2025-10-30T11:21:33+00:00

Background: Being an important cash crop and major food item of the Indian diet, the potato is extensively cultivated in both plains and hills of the Northeastern region of India. Insect pests reduce both the yield and quality of potato crops worldwide. The persistent use of synthetic insecticides against the soil-dwelling insect pests in potato may initially give some control against these pests, but in the long term, it will pose a threat to the ecosystem, causing the resurgence of other pest species. Moreover, indiscriminate use of insecticides and their residues in the soil and plant system are causing hazardous effects on the Soil Microbial Biomass Carbon (SMBC), soil physico-chemical properties, soil enzymatic activities, beneficial insect fauna, human and animal health, as well as the environment. Furthermore, considering the present pest management scenario, there is an urgent need to embrace organic pest management strategies instead of chemocentric approaches.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of some naturally available insecticidal materials against major soil insect pests of potato under laboratory conditions.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 14 locally available eco-friendly insecticidal materials were collected and categorised into four groups—physical poisons, biopesticides/bio-enhancers, botanicals, and minerals—based on their properties. Individual screening of these 14 insecticidal materials was carried out under laboratory conditions against the test insects, i.e. cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon), white grub (Lepidiota mansueta) and red ant (Dorylus orientalis). Based on the performance of 14 individual insecticidal materials, 11 insecticidal materials were selected, and 3 materials (cow dung powder, lime powder and rock phosphate) were discarded. From 11 insecticidal materials, 15 mixtures (Mixture I-XV) were prepared by following the "Trial and Error" method. Data were analysed by using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software.

Results: This study confirmed the superiority of five insecticidal mixtures (II, IV, VIII, XI & XIII) against three major soil insect pests of potato under laboratory conditions. The highest mortality (100%) of A. ipsilon larvae was recorded in Mixture-II, Mixture-IV, Mixture-VIII, Mixture-XI and Mixture-XIII and found to be significantly superior over the rest of the mixtures after 144 hrs of exposure (P=.05, CD=4.44). Likewise, significant mortality of D. orientalis was recorded in Mixture-II, Mixture-IV, Mixture-VIII, Mixture-XI and Mixture-XIII over the other mixtures (I, V, VI, VII, X, XIV & XV) after 48 hrs of exposure (P=.05, CD=17.42).

Conclusion: This research relates to the development of organic insecticidal mixtures by using naturally available, eco-friendly insecticidal materials with an aim to address the soil-dwelling insect pest problems in potato grown organically. However, these organic insecticidal mixtures will act as ‘bioenhancers’, favouring the multiplication of beneficial soil microbes and other microarthropods besides improving the physico-chemical properties of soil and might be used to replace the commonly used synthetic insecticides. Exploration of these findings has enough scope for researchers to study the efficacy of these mixtures at field conditions against soil-dwelling insect pests with an aim to replace the commonly used synthetic insecticides. Farmers can reduce their reliance on synthetic pesticides and implement a more resilient and sustainable Integrated Pest Management strategy by combining these mixtures with biological, cultural and mechanical control techniques.

Identification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Markers and Quantitative Trait Loci Conferring Drought Stress Tolerance in Maize

2025-10-30T11:26:12+00:00

Maize is one of the important food crops globally. However, its productivity is frequently affected by drought stress, particularly in tropical agro-climatic areas such as Indonesia. This study aimed to identify SNP markers and quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with drought stress tolerance using a segregating F2:3 mapping population derived from a cross between MR13 (drought susceptible) and CML440 (drought tolerant). A total of 138 F2:3 lines were treated under normal irrigation and drought stress to evaluate five morphological traits: anthesis-silking interval (ASI), leaf rolling (LR), grain yield under stress (GYs), Grain yield potential (GYp), and drought sensitivity index (DSI). Genotyping produced 1,664 SNPs to construct a genetic linkage map spanning 4,173.4 cM across ten chromosomes, with an average marker interval of 2.51 cM. The results show that QTL mapping revealed nine loci associated with drought-related traits. A total of three QTLs were associated with ASI, two QTLs were associated with LR, GYs, and DSI, respectively, while no QTLs were linked to GYp. Major QTLs included qASI7a7 (15.53%), qLRb6 (15.87%), and qGYs4 (12.68%), while other QTLs contributed minor effects. Favourable alleles were contributed by both parents, which are MR13 alleles enhanced ASI, LR, and GYs traits, whereas CML440 alleles contributed strongly to ASI and LR traits. The identification of these QTLs, along with the discovery of SNP-derived SNAP markers, could provide valuable tools for marker-assisted selection related to drought stress in the maize breeding program.

Steva (Stevia rebaudiana) Phytochemistry, Cultivation and Applications as a Natural Sweetener

2025-10-30T11:45:05+00:00

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a perennial herb known for its natural sweetness and medicinal properties. Its sweet taste comes from steviol glycosides, mainly stevioside and rebaudioside A, which are much sweeter than sugar but contain minimal calories. In addition to these compounds, stevia also possesses flavonoids, phenolic acids and essential oils that contribute to its therapeutic value. These bioactive components exhibit antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antimicrobial effects, making the plant beneficial for managing conditions like diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. Agriculturally, stevia thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with loamy, well-drained soils and abundant sunlight. Although it can be propagated from seeds, using stem cuttings is more effective for preserving genetic traits and ensuring high sweetener content. Owing to its low-calorie nature and natural composition, stevia has become increasingly important as a healthy alternative to sugar in both the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Breeding for Enhanced Root Traits to Improve Soil Carbon Sequestration

2025-11-18T07:09:13+00:00

One of the most serious issues that the world is facing today is global warming. The increase of CO₂is one of the major causes of global warming. Efforts have been made to reduce the emission of carbon and also to discover ways to sequester atmospheric CO_2.Soil carbon sequestration is one of the vital mechanisms that can reduce the effect of rising temperatures of the earth by absorbing atmospheric carbon. The root architecture of crop plants, when modified through breeding techniques for carbon sequestration, plays a role in reducing global warming. This chapter focuses on the various root characteristics that can contribute to soil carbon storage for a longer period of time. For instance, perenniality of crops influences a longer and more stable root system, which can serve for long-term carbon storage. The conventional breeding techniques have some disadvantages when it comes to breeding for root traits for carbon sequestration. Here, various new breeding approaches such as phenotyping, molecular breeding, genomic prediction, QTL, GWAS, metagenomics, etc. have been discussed in brief that can be used for breeding of crop varieties with enhanced root traits for soil carbon storage. Also, the various constraints related to it and the future prospects are discussed here.

CRISPR-Cas Genome Editing: Transformative Applications in Horticultural Crop Improvement

2025-11-18T07:15:33+00:00

Horticultural crops, which include vegetables, ornamentals, plantation crops and spices, are essential for global food and nutritional security, economic advancement, and environmental sustainability. CRISPR-Cas genome editing has been widely applied to improve various horticultural crops, addressing critical traits such as disease resistance, stress tolerance, yield enhancement and quality improvements. This chapter offers an in-depth examination of CRISPR-Cas genome editing technologies and their revolutionary applications in the enhancement of horticulture crops. It starts by talking about how important horticulture is and the problems that come up with traditional breeding. Then it talks about genome editing tools, focusing on how CRISPR works and its benefits, as well as new developments like base editing and prime editing. Detailed applications of CRISPR across diverse crop groups are presented, illustrating improvements in biotic resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, yield, quality and shelf life. The chapter also examines delivery methods, regulatory and ethical considerations and societal acceptance issues pertinent to genome-edited crops. The discussion includes problems, including off-target effects, complicated genome designs, and business obstacles. Lastly, it talks about the future and how CRISPR could help make horticulture more climate-resilient and sustainable. The future of CRISPR-Cas technologies in horticultural crop improvement is promising, with emerging trends focusing on integration with cutting-edge innovations like speed breeding, artificial intelligence (AI), multiplex genome editing and synthetic biology. These synergies have the potential to accelerate breeding cycles, enhance trait discovery and develop climate-resilient and sustainable horticulture. This review envisions the accelerated development and commercialisation of CRISPR-edited horticultural varieties as a critical step towards addressing global food security and environmental challenges in the twenty-first century.