Agriculture Journal: Volume-10, Issue-11, November, 2024

Abstract-Phosphorus plays a crucial role in agricultural productivity, yet its mismanagement, particularly excessive application, poses significant environmental risks, including water quality degradation and eutrophication. This study aimed to assess rice farmers' knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding phosphorus fertilization. A structured questionnaire was administered to 210 rice farmers across 18 villages within three states (Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu) following a multistage sampling procedure. The survey data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS statistical software. Farmers demonstrate a good understanding of phosphorus's essential role in plant growth, maturity, and resilience, as well as the major symptoms of phosphorus deficiency, such as stunting and reduced tillering. The farmers’ fertilizer purchasing behaviour was mostly influenced by price, nutrient content, safety, subsidies, and social influence. The import status of fertilizer is less important in the purchasing decision. Though the results revealed a high level of awareness among farmers regarding the environmental impacts of excessive phosphorus application, gaps were identified, particularly regarding the effects of phosphorus runoff on water bodies, where 22.9% of the farmers were unaware of its detrimental impact on water quality. The study concludes that while rice farmers in Southeastern Nigeria have a significant understanding of the environmental effects of phosphorus use, targeted education and outreach programs are necessary to bridge knowledge gaps and promote sustainable fertilization practices. The study recommends the development of training programs and the promotion of climate-resilient phosphorus management strategies to mitigate environmental risks and enhance sustainable agricultural production in the region.
Keywords— Innovation Diffusion, Rice Farming, Small-Scale Farmers, Soil Nutrient Management, Sustainable Agriculture.

Abstract-This study investigates the role and ecological relationship between native orchids and mosses in supporting plant growth in the Western Ghats, with a focus on the Wayanad region. Over a two-year observation period, we documented how mosses contribute to the establishment, health, and propagation of native orchid species. Mosses serve as natural reservoirs, retaining moisture and nutrients that orchids rely on, especially during dry spells. The dense mat of mosses provides an ideal microhabitat for orchid roots, buffering them from temperature fluctuations and supplying a continuous source of nutrients. Moreover, the moss layer enhances germination success by providing an ideal humid environment and fostering beneficial microbial associations that orchids need to thrive.
Our observations showed that orchids growing on moss-covered surfaces, such as tree trunks and rocks, exhibited healthier root systems, higher growth rates, and greater resilience compared to those on non-moss substrates. This symbiotic relationship between orchids and mosses underscores the need to conserve moss-rich habitats, as they play a pivotal role in maintaining orchid populations and contributing to the biodiversity of the Western Ghats. These findings are significant for conservation strategies, as they highlight the interconnectedness of species within this biodiversity hotspot. Further research on orchid-moss interactions can inform habitat preservation efforts, ensuring that these delicate and vital relationships are sustained in the face of environmental change.
Keywords— Orchid Conservation, Moss-Plant Symbiosis, Western Ghats Biodiversit, Native Orchid Species, Ecological Relationships, Moisture Retention, Nutrient Cycling, Microhabitats, Plant Growth Dynamics, Tropical Ecosystems.

Abstract-This study surveys the avian diversity within the Naseera Botanical Garden at Dr. Moopen’s Medical College, South Wayanad, Kerala, situated in the ecologically rich Western Ghats. Given the urgent need to document biodiversity in urbanizing landscapes, this research aims to establish a baseline understanding of bird species composition in the region.
Over one year, we employed point count and line transect methods to systematically survey bird populations throughout the botanical garden. This approach enabled consistent monitoring of various habitats, documenting the diversity and abundance of avian species while tracking seasonal variations and migratory patterns. A thorough checklist was compiled, detailing each species observed along with species-specific counts.
In total, we identified 166 bird species, highlighting the garden’s significance as a habitat for avifauna amidst urban expansion. Notably, several endemic species were recorded, including the Wayanad Laughing Thrush (Trochalopteron fairbanki) and Jerdon’s Baza (Aviceda jerdoni).
This study serves as the first comprehensive checklist of bird species in the Naseera Nagar Botanical Garden, offering a valuable reference for future research. It underscores the essential role of botanical gardens and educational campuses in preserving biodiversity by providing suitable habitats for both native and migratory birds. Such spaces not only support avian conservation but also engage students and the public in learning about biodiversity, emphasizing the need for sustainable management practices in educational institutions.
Keywords— Avian Diversity, Naseera Botanical Garden at Dr. Moopen’s Medical College Wayanad, Western Ghats Endemics, Bird Species Checklist, Point Count Method’ Line Transect Survey, Semi-urban Biodiversity, Conservation in Educational Campuses.

Abstract-A field experiment was conducted at Central Rain-fed Upland Rice Research Station (CRURRS), Hazaribagh, research station in Jharkhand with the objective to determine better nutrient management practices for zero till upland rice and their effect on yield and nutrient use efficiency. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with three replications having three rice cultivar Vandana, Anjali and CR Dhan 40 in main plot and four nutrient management practices [soil test fertilizer recommendation meter (STFR), integrated nutrient management (INM), soil test crop response equation (STCR) and recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF)] in sub-plot. Results indicated that CR Dhan 40 recorded higher leaf area index, dry matter accumulation and number of effective tillers at 90 DAS compared to Vandana and Anjali. However, Vandana was better in terms of plant height of rice. Among nutrient management practices, STFR recorded significantly higher plant height, LAI and tillers per plant compared to other practices. Whereas STFR and INM were equally good in terms of DMA of rice at 90 DAS. CR Dhan 40 recorded the highest grain (3.85 t/ha), straw yield (6.22 t/ha), net returns (47.59×103 ₹/ha) and B:C ratio (1.98) followed by Anjali and Vandana. STFR enhanced the grain yield by 47% compared to RDF. STFR based NPK recorded the highest net returns (38.20×103 ₹/ha) followed by other NM practices. CR Dhan 40 had higher milling (60.3%) and head rice recovery (51.5%) compared to Anjali and Vandana. Whereas STFR based NPK application was better in hulling, milling and head rice recovery. STFR and INM recorded higher values of protein yield followed by STCR. Therefore, based on research findings, it can be concluded that rice cultivar “CR Dhan 40” with STFR and INM based fertilization may enhance the productivity and profitability of upland rice in the Eastern regions of India.
Keywords— Zero Tillage, INM, Soil Test Crop Response equation, Varieties.

Abstract-India is the native home of Madhuca longifolia trees, which are mainly found in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Rajasthan, which is also known locally as "Mahua.". It is an extremely valuable herbal remedy. The indigenous people use almost every part of the plant to treat a variety of illnesses. The phytochemical analysis of the leaves and flowers of M. longifolia is the subject of very few scientific publications. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify the presence of pharmacologically bioactive constituents in M. longifolia flowers and leaves, the study's preliminary phytochemical screening of various leaf and flower extracts revealed the presence of various phytochemical compounds, including terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, quinones, carbohydrates, tannins, and alkaloids. The plant M. longifolia has 80 components identified from the methanol extract of the leaves and 102 components identified from the methanol extract of the flowers, according to qualitative and quantitative analysis of various biologically active compounds from the methanolic extract using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. which are a very detailed and first-time study. Any of the pharmacological characteristics of M. longifolia could be attributed to the compounds that this study found as a natural source of antioxidants, antibacterial.
Keywords— M. longifolia, Phytochemical screening, GC-MS analysis, Bioactive constituents.

Abstract-Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food in many countries and food security to millions of population in the world and is one of the major food crops of India. Stem rot is the one among major diseases of paddy infect the crop from moderate to severe form and also result in commercial yield losses. Looking to the disease severity, the present investigation was carried out to study the sources of resistance of pathogen in order to minimize the crop losses of rice. Screening of forty four genotypes along with two susceptible checks against stem rot pathogen under artificial inoculation condition during kharif 2019 revealed that, 18 genotypes were found moderately resistant viz., NVSR-317, NVSR-348, NVSR-355, NVSR-2147, NVSR-2566, NVSR-330, NVSR-360, NVSR-365, NVSR-370, NVSR-374, NVSR-405, NVSR-407, NVSR-2102, NVSR-2117, NVSR-2130, NVSR-2140, NVSR-2153 and IET-24336. Whereas, 12 genotypes viz., NVSR-2101, NVSR-328, NVSR-2528, NVSR-331, NVSR-335, NVSR-364, NVSR-384, NVSR-2435, NVSR-368, IET-25470, GR-11 and TN-1 were found susceptible to Sclerotium oryzae.
Keywords— Rice, Sclerotium oryzae, Genotypes, Pathogen.

Abstract-In the present studies eight fungicides were evaluated against the sheath blight disease of rice during Kharif-2021-23. Among the different fungicides evaluated, two sprays of azoxystrobin 18.2 + difenoconazole 11.4 (29.6 SC) at 0.03 per cent (10 ml/10 l. water) or trifloxystrobin 25 + tebuconazole 50 (75 WG), 0.03 per cent (04g/10 l.water) for effective management of sheath blight. First spray should be applied at appearance of disease and second spray at booting stage. PHI 31 days for azoxystrobin 18.2 + difenoconazole 11.4 (29.6 SC) or 21 days for trifloxystrobin 25 + tebuconazole 50 (75 WG). The other effective fungicides were viz., fluxapyroxad 62.5g/l FS + epoxiconazole 62.5 g/L EC, tebuconazole 25.9 EC, Flusilazole 12.5 + carbendazim 25 (37.5 SE), Kresoxim methyl 44.3 SC, Zineb 68 + hexaconazole 4 (72 WP) and Propiconazole 25 EC.
Keywords— Rice, Sheath blight, Fungicides, Rhizoctonia solani.

Abstract-Nitrogen (N) is a vital plant nutrient for crop growth and development. In tropics and subtropics, nitrogen is lost by leaching, runoff and volatilization. Foliar nutrition in crops has increased in importance alternative to soil application. In nature, the input of nitrogen is possible through dry and wet deposition of nitrogen or as aerosols on foliage. The responses of rice crops to aerosols of nitrogen linked to its productivity deserve strong attention in the present climate change scenarios globally. Therefore, a field experiment (2020) was conducted in ICR Farm, Assam Agriculture University to investigate into effects of N-aerosols on biochemical traits in 10 (ten) kharif rice genotypes. The aerosols viz., KNO3: NH4NO3 and Ca(NO3)2 @60 kg ha-1 (≈600ppm), 1000 cm3 each were sprayed at maximum tillering and heading stages of the rice crop. In the experiment, the nitrogen aerosols increased biochemical traits viz., contents of chlorophyll ‘a’ (40.91-91.66%) & (10.52-47.22%), chlorophyll ‘b’ (4.91-19.67%) & (6.89-10.34%), total chlorophyll (21.51-53.96%) & (23.42-39.03%), NR activity (64.21-95.92%) & (50.66-72.39%) at maximum and heading stages respectively, nitrogen in grains (13.04-22.61%), and protein in grains (13.49-20.72%). Moreover, there were increments in lipid peroxidation (4.71-107.14%) and Cell membrane stability (CMS) (5.72-29.85.92%), intercellular [K+] (20.23-70%), exchangeable [K+] (68.46-77.02%), intercellular [Ca2+] (6.77-17.80%) and exchangeable [Ca2+] (3.29-33.80%), which varied significantly depending on the types of the N-aerosols. In the experiment, the variety Gitesh showed the highest response to the N-aerosols irrespective of the crop growth stages. Further, among the N-aerosols, KNO3 was found to be the best followed by Ca(NO3)2 & NH4NO3, control distilled water in terms of the traits.
Keywords— Aerosols, Chlorophyll, CMS, Nitrogen, NR, Protein.

Abstract-Traditionally referred to as "poor man's cereals," millets are now gaining prominence on prestigious platforms, such as being served to national guests at the G20 summit in India. Despite their rising popularity, millet production has not kept pace. Rich in both macro and micro-nutrients, millets offer numerous health benefits, including aiding digestion and addressing heart-related issues. The average person requires 109.5 kg of millet annually. With India's population at 1.4 billion and an annual millet production of 120 lakh tons (2022), the country faces a deficit of 33.3 lakh tons from its required 153.3 lakh tons. This highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and production of millets.
Keywords— Millets, Sustainability, Nutrient Benefits, Future Grain.