Straw mulching with fertilizer nitrogen: An approach for improving crop yield,soil nutrients and enzyme activities

Field experiments were conducted to study soil properties, soil enzymes activities, water use efficiency (WUE) and crop productivity after six years of soya bean straw mulching in the semi‐arid conditions of China. The experiment included four treatments: CK (Control), N (240 kg N ha^‐1), H (soya bean straw mulching at half rate 700 kg ha^‐1 with 240 kg N ha^‐1) and F (soya bean straw mulching at full rate 1,400 kg ha^‐1 with 240 kg N ha^‐1). Soil organic carbon (SOC), soil labile organic carbon (LOC), soil available N (AN), available P (AP) and enzyme activities were analysed after wheat harvesting in 2016 and 2017. Results show that straw amounts had positive effects on the soil fertility indices being higher for treatment F. The SOC, LOC, AN, AP and enzyme activities (i.e. saccharase, urease and alkaline phosphatase) were in the order of F > H > N > CK. High wheat grain yield and WUE were observed for F treatment. A total of six years mulching along with 240 kg ha^‐1 nitrogen fertilizer application is sufficient for wheat yield stability and improving soil properties except urease activities in the semi‐arid condition of China. However, the straw mulching amount should be further studied with minimum nitrogen fertilizer for an environment‐friendly and effective approach for improving the soil biological properties with adequate crop production on a sustainable basis in the semi‐arid region of China.     

Use of Canopy Temperature Measurements as a Screening Tool for Drought Tolerance in Spring Wheat

Remotely sensed infrared canopy temperatures provide an efficient method for rapid, non-destructive monitoring of whole-plant response to water stress. Field studies were conducted in 1992 and 1993 to evaluate the potential for using canopy temperatures to screen for drought tolerance in wheat. In both years, 12 spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes were grown under two irrigation levels (well-watered and moisture-stressed) imposed between tillering and anthesis with a line-source sprinkler irrigation system. Canopy temperature measurements were taken in well-watered and moisture-stressed plots between 1330 and 1430 h (MDT) on five clear days in 1992 and seven clear days in 1993 during the late vegetative and early reproductive growth periods following closure of the plant canopy. Genotypes exhibited differences in mean canopy temperatures across the two irrigation levels and two years. Klasic consistently had the highest canopy temperature under moisture-stressed conditions, while Bannock and Pondera had the lowest. Bannock, Yecora Rojo and Klasic had the warmest canopies under well-watered conditions, while Vandal, Amidon and Rick had the coolest. Plot-to-plot variation in canopy temperature under water stress conditions was evident for differences in grain yield. Significant correlations between canopy temperature and yield under moisture-stress conditions and drought susceptibility index values indicated the potential for screening wheat genotypes for drought response.     

Economic feasibility of goldfish (Carassius auratus Linn.) recirculating aquaculture system

Economic analysis of a goldfish (Carassius auratus Linn.) recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) with rearing tank capacity of 5 m³ (RT5) has been evaluated based on two culture period in 2009 and 2010. The stocking density of goldfish was kept at 100 numbers per m³ of rearing water volume. Furthermore, based on the data obtained from RT5, four more hypothetical RASs of rearing tank capacities of 10 m³ (RT10), 20 m³ (RT20), 50 m³ (RT50) and 100 m³ (RT100) were conceptualized for economic analysis that assess and compare the effects of economies of scale on profitability. The payback period, accounting rate of return (ARR), net present value (NPV), profitability index (PI) and modified internal rate of return (MIRR) were evaluated for the different water volumes (up to 100 m³) assuming project life to be 10 years. The economic analysis revealed that a goldfish RAS with rearing tank capacity 20 m³ onwards can be feasible with a payback period less than 4 years, accounting rate of return 54%, net present value of Rs 241820 and modified internal rate of return of 23%. Sensitivity analyses revealed that market price of fish was most sensitive followed by survival rate, labour, maintenance, FCR, initial investment, discount rate, electricity cost and feed cost respectively. Interestingly, feed cost was found to be the least sensitive one.     

Recurrent breeding method enhances the level of blackspot (Didymella pinodes (Berk. & Blox.) Vestergr.) resistance in field pea (Pisum sativum L.) in southern Australia

Blackspot, caused by Didymella pinodes (Berk. & Blox.)Vestergr., is one of the most important diseases of field pea, causing significant reduction in seed yield and quality in southern Australia and in other parts of the world. Development of resistant germplasm has been slow because of the low level of resistance found in the available germplasm, poor reliability of screening methods and the polygenic nature of inheritance. Crosses were made between agronomically suitable lines and resistant germplasm from different sources. Their progeny were advanced through the single seed descent method and single plants were selected at F₄/F₅. The F₄/F₅ derived lines were screened against blackspot in the field under disease pressure and evaluated for grain yield at multilocations over 2 years. Despite the low level of resistance in the parental germplasm, the level of resistance has increased significantly in the new germplasm. Many of the resistant lines were late and low yielding, but lines with higher resistance and early flowering and high yield potential were also identified indicating that the disease resistance, adaptation and yield potential can be combined. However, the resistance identified in this study is only partial and suitable agronomic practices may need to be supplemented to minimise the yield loss and enhance the benefits of this partial resistance.     

Estimation of economic threshold level of alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb.) to Tackle Grain quality and yield Losses in Rice

Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) is the most troublesome invasive weed in transplanted rice ecosystems worldwide. A two-year field study was conducted to estimate economic threshold levels and the season long competitive effect of six alligator weed densities (0, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 plants m^?2) on yield and quality traits of transplanted rice. A gradual linear incline in dry weight of alligator weed was observed with an increase in its density from 2 to 32 plants m^?2. Maximum N (15.93–18.26 kg ha^?1), P (15.10–16.46 kg ha^?1) and K (16.34–17.81 kg ha^?1) uptake by alligator weed was recorded at its density of 32 plants m^?2. More micronutrient loss to the tune of 6.53, 47.92, 19.99, and 38.42 mg kg^?1 for Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn, respectively was observed at the same density. Increasing density of alligator weed caused more losses in paddy yield (up to 21.37–23.78%), amylose and rice grain protein contents. According to a nonlinear hyperbolic regression model, maximum paddy yield loss of rice at asymptotic value of alligator weed density was 38.8% during 2011 and 42.4% during 2012. Economic threshold value of alligator weed was estimated 1.5 and 1.3 plants per m² during 2011 and 2012, respectively.     

Evaluation and management of acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitor resistant littleseed canarygrass (Phalaris minor) in Pakistan

A field survey was conducted for the sampling of Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitor resistance littleseed canarygrass, a major weed of wheat, from Punjab, Pakistan in 2014 for confirmation of resistance. The surveyed regions encompassed four different cropping systems including rice–wheat, maize–wheat, cotton–wheat and mixed cropping. Dose–response assay was conducted for confirmation of resistance. Efficacy of herbicide mixtures including clodinafop–propargyl, metribuzin, pinoxaden and sulfosulfuron at a range of doses was investigated to manage littleseed canarygrass. Results revealed that all populations were resistant to fenoxaprop except PM-BWL-2. The higher level resistance (6.5) was found in populations collected from rice–wheat cropping system. The tested herbicide mixtures at 75% and 100% of the recommended dose of each mixture component provided the effective control of resistant littleseed canarygrass. Mixtures at 50% provided more than 80% control and reduced growth and seed production potential of surviving plants. The confirmation of ACCase inhibitor resistance as the first case of herbicide resistance in Pakistan, leads us to discourage use of ACCase inhibitor herbicides alone. However, herbicide mixtures at 75% and 100% of the recommended dose are suggested to manage this weed for sustainable wheat production in the surveyed cropping systems.     

Ascorbic Acid Enhances Growth and Yield of Sweet Peppers (Capsicum annum) by Mitigating Salinity Stress

Salinity is a crucial problem which has affected crop productivity globally. Ascorbic acid is considered helpful against abiotic stresses due to its powerful antioxidant potential. In the pot experiment, salinity stress (0, 35, 70, and 105?mM) was applied to sweet peppers in split doses after 20 days of transplantation. To mitigate the adverse effects of salinity, ascorbic acid (0, 0.40, 0.80, and 1.20?mM) was applied as foliar spray after a 6-day interval during vegetative growth. Sweet pepper plants sprayed with distilled water (control) recorded maximum plant height (cm), leaf area (cm²), number of branches, stem diameter (mm), number of fruit plant^?1, fruit diameter (cm), yield plant^?1 (g), and chlorophyll content (mg 100?g^?1), while the maximum polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity (unit mg protein^?1 min^?1) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity (unit mg protein^?1 min^?1) were recorded in plants treated with 70?mM NaCl application. Salinity stress beyond 70?mM significantly reduced all the studied parameters. An ascorbic acid concentration of 1.20?mM significantly mitigated the negative effects of salt stress and recorded maximum plant height (cm), number of leaves plant^?1, leaf area (cm²), number of branches plant^?1, stem diameter (mm), number of fruit plant^?1, fruit diameter (cm), yield plant^?1 (g), chlorophyll content (mg 100?g^?1), PPO activity (unit mg protein^?1 min^?1), and APX activity (unit mg protein^?1 min^?1). Hence, a 1.20?mM concentration of foliar ascorbic acid could be used in saline conditions up to 70?mM of sodium chloride (NaCl) for better growth, productivity, and enzymatic activity of sweet peppers.

     

Identification of Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin in home mix layer poultry feed in relation to seasons in Karachi,Pakistan

Fungal toxins in feed are leading issue in poultry industry causing a detrimental effect on the performance and health of poultry. The study was carried out to determine the incidence and concentration of the aflatoxins and their major producer Aspergillus flavus in home mix layer poultry feed in respect of seasonal variation throughout the year. A total of (n?= 204) home mix poultry layer feed samples were analyzed for the isolation of fungi. The isolates were initially screened through colony morphology and microscopic examination. However, aflatoxin concentration was determined by ELISA. Revealed results indicated that, the highest percentage of A. flavus was found during the months of June to August 50/54 (92.5%) followed by September to November 43/65 (66.1%), March to May 21/40 (52.5%), and December to February 18/45 (40%). As a whole, the incidence was recorded 132/204 (64.7%). Moreover, of the 132 samples, 41 (31%) were exceeded in respect of aflatoxin contamination from the legal limit (20 μg/kg) imposed by Food Drug Association (FDA). Statistically, the growth of A. flavus and aflatoxin production was found significantly different in respect of seasonal variation. As highest total viable fungal count (9.9?×?10⁴ CFU/g) and aflatoxin level (72.27 μg/kg) were recorded during the months of June to August and lowest in December to February. Consequently, instantaneous essential control measures are demanded regarding appropriate storage and adequate drying in post-harvesting season. Along with surveillance plans and austere regulations for monitoring the aflatoxin contents for the wellbeing of consumers.

     

Straw and biochar effects on soil properties and tomato seedling growth under different moisture levels

ABSTRACT

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of wheat straw and its biochar on tomato seedling growth and soil physicochemical properties under different moisture levels. Treatments included control (no amendments, CK), three biochar amendments (B1: 1%, B2: 3% and B3: 6% w/w) and three straw amendments (S1: 1%, S2: 3% and S3: 6% w/w), under two moisture levels (M1: 40% water holding capacity (WHC) and M2: 70% WHC). The straw and biochar had contrasting effects on soil physiochemical properties and physiology of tomato seedlings. The B1 treatment significantly increased the soil urease activity (15%) and decreased the activity of dehydrogenase and β glucosidase enzymes (67% and 56%), as compared to the S1 treatment, especially for the high moisture condition. Biochar significantly improved shoot and root dry weights, biomass and altered chlorophyll contents. Plant antioxidants, superoxide dismutase (SOD), Peroxidase (POD) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly decreased in biochar treatments, however, an increasing trend was observed for straw treatments. The current findings suggest that application of high amount of biochar (6%) or low amount of straw (1%) would be a reasonable management practice in semi-arid regions to improve soil physiochemical properties and the physiology of tomato seedlings.