Imbalanced use (form, quantity, and ratio) of nitrogen fertilization can result in decreased grain yields and increased nitrogen loss, leading to adverse effects on overall environmental quality. Globally, limited empirical research has been conducted on the comprehensive effects of different levels of N that can significantly influence wheat agronomic and genotypic traits. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate wheat genotypes for two consecutive years (2020–2021 and 2021–2022) under different N fertilization treatments: N0 (native N, without external application of N), N75 (½ of the recommended dose of N), and N150 (recommended dose of N). The study findings revealed that ‘HD 3249’ and ‘HD 3117’ were the top-performing genotypes in terms of grain yield (5.3 t ha−1; 5.0 t ha−1), straw yield (6.9 t ha−1; 6.7 t ha−1), biological yield (12.2 t ha−1; 11.8 t ha−1), and harvest index (42.9%; 42.4%). In particular, the application of N75 and N150 increased grain yields by 142.6% and 61.3%, respectively; straw yields by 72.3%; and by 110.6% over N0. Furthermore, N levels (N75 and 150) significantly increased the higher concentration of N in grain (23.1% and 33%) and straw (21.1% and 29.8%); N uptake in grain (70.2 and 104.2) and straw (64.8 and 41.5); and total N uptake (68.8% and 101.4%) than N0, respectively. Additionally, correlation analysis revealed that there were positive correlations between yields, harvest index as well as N concentration and uptake. This study identified the two elite genotypes, ‘HD 3249’ and ‘HD 3117’, with N150 splits giving a better response, which can be used as selection criteria for developing wheat varieties that are more efficient in using nitrogen, leading to high yields and N uptake.
1 June 2025 in Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology
A vast global repository of biodiversity, soil is mostly controlled by soil bacteria. “Nanofertilizers,” a novel class of formulations based on nanoparticles, are meant to revolutionize traditional nutrition delivery techniques. Nanoscience has inspired revolutions in peripheral fields through promising methods like nano-pesticides, nano-sensors, nano-magnets, nano-films, nano-filters, and nano-nutrients. This allows for improved input management and conservation, which makes it possible to boost agricultural output. Their main features, like their huge surface area, controlled release mechanisms, and specially designed nutrient encapsulation, provide several advantages for optimizing plant nutrient uptake. Despite the fact that agriculture is a broad subject, the use of nanotechnology in this industry has increased over the past decade due to public interest and the field’s modest rate of expansion. By activating soil enzymes, nanotechnology improves soil fertility and nutrient transfer. Nanomaterials (NMs) and rhizospheric bacteria can work together to enhance soil health and plant growth. Together, nanotechnology applications provide a comprehensive strategy for controlling plant nutrition and health, enabling a reduction in chemical inputs and the harm they do to the environment. Nanosensors can monitor soil and plant health in real-time, allowing for more accurate and efficient crop management. NPs can also improve the delivery of nutrients and pesticides to plants, reducing waste and increasing effectiveness.
20 September 2024 in International Journal of Tropical Insect Science
Millets, the earliest domesticated grains since the Indus Valley Civilization (3000 B.C.), are renowned as “Hardy Cereals” for their drought resilience and minimal irrigation requirements. Millets are nutritionally rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. As per the 2016-17 report of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, India, the area under the cultivation of millets in India has reduced by 60% (14.72 million hectares). Despite the manifold benefits associated with millet cultivation, farmers face significant challenges, primarily stemming from the inadequate infrastructure required for processing, lack of extension services and marketing millets. The government is making efforts to increase millets production through various promotional campaigns such as the National Millets Year and International Millets Year. In this article we have attempted to illustrate the millet scenario in world and in India with the analysis of the trends in area, production and productivity of the major and the minor millets of the country.
Under different environmental conditions, crop yields differ primarily due to G and E interactions. The Global Rice Array (GRA-IV) is IRRI's fourth flagship project to identify climate-resilient rice genotypes. Use of Several univariate and multivariate methods can differentiate genotypes based on their behaviour under different environmental conditions. Since genotypes were ranked differently across models, ASR and Yield Stability Index (YSI) were combined in this study. It included 15 rice genotypes (from a collection of global rice arrays IV called the "Antenna Panel"). Experimentation done in five diverse environments in the Northern Tarai region of India. Grain yield over five diverse environments was significantly influenced by genotypes, G (24.51%), environments, E (40.79%), and genotype and environment effects combined (34.69%). G2, G5, G8, G15 and G10 exhibited lowest ASR values. G2 is the most stable high-yielder, concluded on the basis of new stability index calculated by combining the ASR's and YSI values; these superior genotypes can benefit breeding programs in the future. A stable-high yielder can be more accurately predicted with the new stability index.