Agricultural Research Communication Centre, Karnal (2025)

10/10/2025

Agricultural Science Digest, Volume 45 Issue 5 (October 2025)

Forecasting of Arecanut in India using Time Series Model

Pradeep Mishra, Arti, Bitan Mondal, Rajnee Sharma, Binita Kumari, Tufleuddin Biswas, Soumik Ray

Affiliations

Department of Agricultural Statistics, College of Agriculture, Rewa, Jawaharlal Nehru Agriculture University, Jabalpur-486 001, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Department of Agricultural Economics, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, Bolpur-731 236, West Bengal, India.

Department of Agricultural Economics, Rashtriya Kisan PG College, Shamli-247 776, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Agriculture University, Jabalpur-482 004, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi- 761 211, Odisha, India.

Cite article:- Mishra Pradeep, Arti, Mondal Bitan, Sharma Rajnee, Kumari Binita, Biswas Tufleuddin, Ray Soumik (2025). Forecasting of Arecanut in India using Time Series Model . Agricultural Science Digest. 45(5): 907-913. doi: 10.18805/ag.D-5764.

ABSTRACT

Background: Arecanut is popularly known as supari and is grown in many parts of the country. India maintained its first place in production among all the countries. In total world’s area and production, India contributes about 49 per cent and 59 per cent respectively. The area has expanded to various states such as Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Meghalaya and Tripura etc.

Methods: The data from 1960-61 to 2015-16 is used to build the model, whereas data from 2016-17 to 2019-20 is used to validate the model. Appropriate statistical steps were adopted for model building and model validation. Holt’s linear and Holt’s exponential and ARIMA models is used in the study to forecast area, production and productivity for next five years from 2021 to 2025.

Result: The results from the study revealed that Holt’s winter Exponential was the best model for predicating area and production whereas ARIMA (0, 1, 1) model was found best suited for predicating productivity.

KEYWORDS
Area, Arecanut, Arima, Forecasting, Modelling, Prediction, Productivity

Forecasting of Arecanut in India using Time Series Model

10/10/2025

Agricultural Science Digest, Volume 45 Issue 5 (October 2025)

Bioactive Nanoparticles from Cassia fistula L. Seed Aqueous Extract: Assessment of Multiple Biological Activities

Rula Dhahir Al-Jayid, Huda Jasim M. Altameme, Ashwak Falih Kaizal

Affiliations

Department of Biology, College of Science for Women, University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq.

Cite article:- Al-Jayid Dhahir Rula, Altameme M. Jasim Huda, Kaizal Falih Ashwak (2025). Bioactive Nanoparticles from Cassia fistula L. Seed Aqueous Extract: Assessment of Multiple Biological Activities . Agricultural Science Digest. 45(5): 897-906. doi: 10.18805/ag.DF-729.

ABSTRACT

Background: Cassia fistula L., a flowering plant of the leguminous family (Fabaceae), has been explored for its potential in synthesizing silver nanoparticles. This plant is known for its medicinal properties, making it a promising candidate for applications in nanobiotechnology.

Methods: The researchers employed a combination of hot and cold extraction procedures to synthesize silver nanoparticles using seed extracts of C.fistula. The identity and characteristics of these nanoparticles were verified through various techniques, including chromatography, imaging microscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Biological activities such as antioxidant and antibacterial properties were tested. For antioxidant activity, a reaction mixture consisting of 50 μl of seed extract and 5 ml of a 0.04% (w/v) DPPH solution was used. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes at concentrations of 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/ml of AgNPs. Additionally, the antibiofilm effect and hemolysis impact were studied.

Result: The synthesized silver nanoparticles demonstrated significant biological activities, including antioxidant and antibacterial effects. The diameters of the zones of inhibition for P.aeruginosa at a concentration of 1 mg/ml were 20 mm for cold extract and 18 mm for E.coli using hot extract. These findings highlight the potential of C. fistula as a sustainable source for environmentally friendly nanomaterials, contributing to advancements in medical and environmental sciences. Finally, the use of silver nanoparticles from Cassia fistula encourages sustainable and productive agricultural practices, by improving plant health and yield, potentially revolutionizing agricultural methods.

KEYWORDS
Biological activity, Cassia fistula, Nanoparticles, Seeds

Bioactive Nanoparticles from Cassia fistula L. Seed Aqueous Extract: Assessment of Multiple Biological Activities

10/10/2025

Agricultural Science Digest, Volume 45 Issue 5 (October 2025)

Herbaceous Riparian Ecotonal Species along the Dzücha River, Kohima, Nagaland and Their Ethnomedicinal Uses

Khrielietuo Keretsu, Maibam Romeo Singh, Wati Temjen

Affiliations

Department of Botany, Centre for Biodiversity, Nagaland University, Lumami-798 627, Nagaland, India.

Cite article:- Keretsu Khrielietuo, Singh Romeo Maibam, Temjen Wati (2025). Herbaceous Riparian Ecotonal Species along the Dzücha River, Kohima, Nagaland and Their Ethnomedicinal Uses . Agricultural Science Digest. 45(5): 891-896. doi: 10.18805/ag.D-5558.

ABSTRACT

Background: Riparian vegetation maintains the river ecosystem. This vegetation acts as a filter for the water body. The vegetation also hosts naturally rich flora which the tribal people utilize as traditional herbal drug. With the increase in anthropogenic disturbance, there is a need to document and inventory this rich bioresource.

Methods: Vegetation analysis of the Dzücha River was conducted by line transect quadrat method and the diversity Indices were recorded. Ethnobotanical information on the traditional use of the various plants was collected via oral interviews with the indigenous inhabitants.

Result: A total of 31 species belonging to 15 families were recorded from the study site. Species diversity (Shannon-Wiener Index) = 2.775, Species richness (Margalef’s Index) = 4.163, Species evenness (Pielou’s Evenness) = 0.808 and Species dominance (Simpson’s Index) = 0.101, were reported. Maximum IVI (38.45) value was recorded for Ageratina riparia. 11 herbaceous species in the study site were utilized as ethno medicinal items. Such traditional knowledge of medicinal plant species is crucial for the development of novel drugs.

KEYWORDS
Diversity index, Ethnobotany, Indigenous tribal knowledge, Riparian vegetation

Herbaceous Riparian Ecotonal Species along the Dzücha River, Kohima, Nagaland and Their Ethnomedicinal Uses

10/10/2025

Agricultural Science Digest, Volume 45 Issue 5 (October 2025)

The Effect of Oil Field Waste on Soil Properties using Spatial Analysis

Omer Abdul Kareem Aswad, Hala Ahmed Rasheed, Estabraq Mohammed Ati, Reyam Naji Ajmi, Juomana Jabbar Saeed, Abdalkader Saeed Latif

Affiliations

College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq.

Department of Biology Science, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq.

College of Health and Medical Technology, National University of Science and Technology, Baghdad, Iraq.

Cite article:- Aswad Kareem Abdul Omer, Rasheed Ahmed Hala, Ati Mohammed Estabraq, Ajmi Naji Reyam, Saeed Jabbar Juomana, Latif Saeed Abdalkader (2025). The Effect of Oil Field Waste on Soil Properties using Spatial Analysis . Agricultural Science Digest. 45(5): 885-890. doi: 10.18805/ag.DF-690.

ABSTRACT

Background: Oil field waste is among the leading causes of environmental contamination, adversely impacting soil quality and nearby ecosystems. In Baghdad, the Dora refinery is a central location for oil refining activities. However, the pollution generated by its operations, which includes heavy metals and hydrocarbons, threatens the health and fertility of the soil. Spatial analyses help in determining the distribution patterns of these pollutants and their effects on the environment. This study intends to investigate the effects of pollutants such as lead, cadmium and hydrocarbons on the soil around the Dora refinery in Baghdad. Besides, it aims to create a predictive model to assess hydrocarbon levels based on the concentrations of lead and cadmium using spatial analysis.

Methods: Soil samples were gathered from three zones with varying pollution levels (low, medium and high) and were examined using spectral analysis methods to identify lead and cadmium concentrations. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were employed to analyze the spatial data and determine the distribution patterns of pollutants. A multiple regression model was also created to forecast hydrocarbon levels based on lead and cadmium concentrations.

Result: The findings indicated that lead, cadmium and hydrocarbon concentrations rose greatly as the distance to the Daura refinery decreased. A correlation was established between the levels of these pollutants, showing that hydrocarbons contribute to the movement of heavy metals within the soil. Using the regression model, the concentrations of hydrocarbons were predicted from lead and cadmium levels.

KEYWORDS
Oil pollution, Oilfield waste, Risk assessment, Soil properties, Spatial analysis

The Effect of Oil Field Waste on Soil Properties using Spatial Analysis

10/10/2025

Agricultural Science Digest, Volume 45 Issue 5 (October 2025)

Applications of Bacterial Biotechnology in the Bioremediation of Water Contaminated with Heavy Metals

Ihab Q. Ali, Ahmed Fadhil Kadhim, Abdalkader Saeed Latif, Qater Al-Nada Ali Kanaem Al-Ibady, Shahla Hussien Huno

Affiliations

Ibn Sina University of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Baghdad, Iraq.

Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Iraq.

Polymers Research Unit, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq.

Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Health and Medical Techniques Baghdad, Middle Technical University, Baghdad, Iraq.

Cite article:- Ali Q. Ihab, Kadhim Fadhil Ahmed, Latif Saeed Abdalkader, Al-Ibady Kanaem Ali Al-Nada Qater, Huno Hussien Shahla (2025). Applications of Bacterial Biotechnology in the Bioremediation of Water Contaminated with Heavy Metals . Agricultural Science Digest. 45(5): 878-884. doi: 10.18805/ag.DF-694.

ABSTRACT

Background: Heavy metals contaminated soil and water samples were collected from the Tigris River Power Plant, Baghdad. The bacterial isolation was performed by using the culturing technique on proper nutrient media prepared with low a concentration of heavy metals such as lead and mercury. The isolated strains were tested for their growth capability in heavy metal-polluted media by the polymerase chain reaction method for the identification of genes that provide resistance or degradation of heavy metals. Isolation and determination of heavy metal-resistant bacterial strains from genera like Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Streptomyces, which showed high tolerance to lead and cadmium.

Methods: The aim to analyze environmental factors like pH, temperature, carbon sources and nitrate that would affect bacterial growth. Efficiency of bacteria in the removal of heavy metals from contaminated water was also determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy by comparing the concentration of metals before and after treatment.

Result: The study showed that significant soil and water contamination was present around the power plant area, emanating from industrial activity: lead concentration ranged from 100-500 ppm and cadmium from 5-30 ppm in soil. Water concentrations were above the safety limits set by WHO for lead and cadmium, ranging between 0.1-1 ppm and 0.01-0.1 ppm, respectively, showing slight decreases after discharge into the Tigris River but remaining above natural levels. Some of the bacterial strains, like Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Streptomyces, which are resistant to heavy metals (Pb: 50-100 ppm and Cd: 5-20 ppm), were isolated. Genetic detection identified genes that code for resistance, including czcA and merA; however, it lacked the gene pbrT. Thus, the capability for lead removal is very limited.

KEYWORDS
Bacterial biotechnology, Bioremediation, Environmental cleaning, Genetic analysis, Heavy Metal resistance

Applications of Bacterial Biotechnology in the Bioremediation of Water Contaminated with Heavy Metals

10/10/2025

Agricultural Science Digest, Volume 45 Issue 5 (October 2025)

Variation in Physical and Biochemical Properties of Cherry Tomato cv. Nagmoti Grown under Different Growing Conditions

Pankaj Kumar Kannaujia, Neelam Patel, Sakharam Kale, Prerna Nath, Manoj Mahawar, Kirti Jalgaonkar, Ajinath Dukare, Vijay Singh Meena

Affiliations

ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi-110 012, India.

ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, India.

ICAR-Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums, Ranchi-834 010, Jharkhand, India.

ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Ranchi-834 010, Jharkhand, India.

ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai-400 019, Maharashtra, India.

ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Regional Station, Jodhpur-342 003, Rajasthan, India.

Cite article:- Kannaujia Kumar Pankaj, Patel Neelam, Kale Sakharam, Nath Prerna, Mahawar Manoj, Jalgaonkar Kirti, Dukare Ajinath, Meena Singh Vijay (2025). Variation in Physical and Biochemical Properties of Cherry Tomato cv. Nagmoti Grown under Different Growing Conditions . Agricultural Science Digest. 45(5): 873-877. doi: 10.18805/ag.D-5563.

ABSTRACT
Background: The intended research was carried out with an aim to evaluate the differences in health promoting bioactive compounds in cherry tomato cv. Nagmoti among the different growing conditions.

Methods: Cherry tomato cv. Nagmoti were grown under different conditions as per standard agronomic practices and harvested fruits were were analyzed for physical, biochemical and postharvest quality parameters.

Result: About 1.63-fold variation in total carotenoid and 1.39-fold variation in lycopene content was recorded among the different growing structures. Highest titratable acidity (0.118%) and total phenolic content (µg GAE/100g FW) was found in the shade net structures. The highest antioxidant activity was recorded in insect-proof net house (15.45 µmol trolox equiv. g-1) while the least was found in open field (12.04 µmol trolox equiv. g-1) condition. Walking tunnel followed by shade net and insect-proof net house was found best for the better accumulation of functional parameters.

KEYWORDS
Functional quality, Lycopene content, Titratable acidity, Total antioxidant activity, Total carotenoids, Total phenolics

Variation in Physical and Biochemical Properties of Cherry Tomato cv. Nagmoti Grown under Different Growing Conditions

10/10/2025

Agricultural Science Digest, Volume 45 Issue 5 (October 2025)

Combining Virtual Reality with Horticulture Therapy for Shift Work Disorder among Healthcare Security Personnel

Kanimozhi Chakrapani, B. Kalpana

Affiliations

Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Baburayanpettai, Chengalpattu-603 201, Tamil Nadu, India.

School of Public Health, SRM Medicine and Health Science, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu-603 203, Tamil Nadu, India.

Cite article:- Chakrapani Kanimozhi, Kalpana B. (2025). Combining Virtual Reality with Horticulture Therapy for Shift Work Disorder among Healthcare Security Personnel . Agricultural Science Digest. 45(5): 865-872. doi: 10.18805/ag.D-6297.

ABSTRACT

Background: Therapeutic horticulture (TH), as an adjuvant for mental health, attracts health care specialists to evidence-based therapy approaches. However, the effectiveness of plants as elicitors and in improving patient outcomes is still uncertain in practice. Hence, the study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of different therapeutic approaches for shift work disorder amongst securities with poor sleep quality.

Methods: Sixty securities working in night shifts were selected for the study and 30 participants were assigned to the intervention group and 30 to the control group through pre-test post-test control design. The intervention and the control groups were tested for the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Inclusion of nature self scale (INS), the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Physical (Blood pressure, Heart rate), personal and psychological well-being. The horticulture interventions through combination of virtual reality, gardening, potpourri making, chamomile tea intake, aromatherapy and pot painting were provided for the experimental group.

Result: The therapy has brought fascinating results in decreasing stress, improving the sleep and better well being of the subjects. The pre-test value for the Pittsburg sleep quality index indicated a sleep deprivation score of 13.27±2.38 during the pre-test and it has improved the sleep level with a post-test value of 6.10±2.23. The drop in blood pressure for the systolic/diastolic blood pressure from 138.30±21.02/85.13±12.59 (Pre-test) to 127.93±14.80/81.90±11.07 (Post-test) has been a good sign of therapeutic approaches at p

Combining Virtual Reality with Horticulture Therapy for Shift Work Disorder among Healthcare Security Personnel

10/10/2025

Agricultural Science Digest, Volume 45 Issue 5 (October 2025)

Effect of Different Seed Rates and Row Spacing on Yield Attributes and Yield of Late Sown Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Rahul Godara, Rakesh Kumar

Affiliations

Department of Agriculture, Khalsa College, Amritsar-143 001, Punjab, India.

Cite article:- Godara Rahul, Kumar Rakesh (2025). Effect of Different Seed Rates and Row Spacing on Yield Attributes and Yield of Late Sown Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) . Agricultural Science Digest. 45(5): 862-864. doi: 10.18805/ag.D-5516.

ABSTRACT

Background: Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the most important cereal crop throughout India and other parts of the world. In late sowing conditions the variety selection, seed rate and row spacing is an important factor for a better crop yield. Higher seed rate and narrow row spacing are used in late sowing as compared to normal sowing conditions.

Methods: The present field experiment was conducted at the Students Research Farm, Khalsa College, Amritsar, Punjab, India during rabi season of 2020-21. A field experiment was laid out in split-plot design with replicated three times comprising four levels of seed rate viz. (100, 110, 120 and 130 kg/ha) and three-row spacing viz. (12, 15 and 18 cm) of wheat cultivar DBW 187 (Karan Vandana).

Result: The result showed that the number of tiller per meter, spike length, grains per spike, test weight, grain, straw and biological yield were significantly affected by different seed rates and row spacing. The seed rate 120 kg/ha recorded significantly higher grain yield (50.47 q/ha), effective tiller per meter row length (70) and the number of grain per spike (58), whereas 130 kg/ha gave significantly higher straw yield (73.40 q/ha). The crop sown with row spacing 18 cm showed significantly higher grain yield (49.13 q/ha), straw yield (72.70 q/ha), biological yield (121.83 q/ha), effective tiller per meter row length (68), spike length (12.10 cm) and number of grain per spike (56.16).

KEYWORDS
Late sowing, Row spacing, Seed rate, Wheat

Effect of Different Seed Rates and Row Spacing on Yield Attributes and Yield of Late Sown Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

10/10/2025

Agricultural Science Digest, Volume 45 Issue 5 (October 2025)

Nutritional Composition from Manure of Bovine Native Bargur Cattle and Jersey Cattle in the Anthiyur Taluk of Erode District, Tamil Nadu, India

Subramaniyan Anitha, Ramasamy Venkitachalam, Palanisamy Ganapathi,. Sivakumar Yaswanthkumar, Ramu Subash, Karunakaran Surya

Affiliations

Department of Zoology, Kongunadu Arts and Science College (Autonomous), Coimbatore-641 029, Tamil Nadu, India.

Department of Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Erode-637 002, Tamil Nadu, India.

Department of Zoology, Sri Vasavi College, Erode-638 316, Tamil Nadu, India.

Cite article:- Anitha Subramaniyan, Venkitachalam Ramasamy, Ganapathi Palanisamy, Yaswanthkumar Sivakumar, Subash Ramu, Surya Karunakaran (2025). Nutritional Composition from Manure of Bovine Native Bargur Cattle and Jersey Cattle in the Anthiyur Taluk of Erode District, Tamil Nadu, India . Agricultural Science Digest. 45(5): 857-861. doi: 10.18805/ag.D-6258.

ABSTRACT

Background: A study was carried out to compare, the nutritional composition of manures from indigenous Bargur cattle and Jersy Cattle in the Bargur hills of Anthiyur Taluk in Erode district of Tamil Nadu, India. The moisture content was higher in Jersy cattle at 52% and free-ranging cattle with 37%, but the highest pH values were noticed in dry manure samples of Jersy cattle. Similarly, the highest values of NPK, trace elements and minerals such as Mg, Zn and Fe were also noticed in dry manure samples of Jersy cattle than in indigenous Bargur cattle, but the highest percentage of Cu and organic carbon was observed in the free-ranging Bargur cattle. However, the highest growth rate of Lagenaria siceraria plant was shown in the manure of Bargur cattle.

Methods: Fresh manure samples were collected from Bargur and Jersey cattle, which were sun-dried. The manure samples further analyzed for total nutrients like NPK and Ca, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn using spectrophotometry and experimental methods. In a pot culture study, Lagenaria siceraria seeds were planted in soil mixed with these manures to compare growth effects and chlorophyll content in the plant leaves was quantified using spectrophotometric analysis.

Result: Fresh dung samples of Indigenous Bargur and Jersey Cattle showed differences in color, moisture and nutrient content; Bargur dung had higher organic carbon and trace elements, while Jersey dung had higher NPK levels. In growth tests, plants in Bargur dung exhibited better growth and chlorophyll content than those in Jersey dung or control soil.

KEYWORDS
Breed, Chlorophyll, Lagenaria siceraria, Moisture content, Nutrients, Trace elements

Nutritional Composition from Manure of Bovine Native Bargur Cattle and Jersey Cattle in the Anthiyur Taluk of Erode District, Tamil Nadu, India

10/10/2025

Agricultural Science Digest, Volume 45 Issue 5 (October 2025)

Impact of Foliar Application of Macro and Micro Nutrients on Growth and Physiological Traits of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Grown under Rainfed Condition

Vikas Yadav, A.H. Khan, Akanksha Singh, Ajay Kumar, Manoj Kumar, Sonam Arya, Yadvendra Pal Singh

Affiliations

School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Shobhit Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut-250 110, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Department of Crop Physiology, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya-224 229, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Department of Agriculture, Mangalayatan University, Aligarh-202 146, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Faculty of Agriculture Sciences, Shri Khushal Das University, Hanumangarh-335 801, Rajasthan, India

Department of Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara-144 002, Punjab, India.

Cite article:- Yadav Vikas, Khan A.H., Singh Akanksha, Kumar Ajay, Kumar Manoj, Arya Sonam, Singh Pal Yadvendra (2025). Impact of Foliar Application of Macro and Micro Nutrients on Growth and Physiological Traits of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Grown under Rainfed Condition . Agricultural Science Digest. 45(5): 851-856. doi: 10.18805/ag.D-6340.

ABSTRACT

Background: Foliar application of macro and micronutrients plays a vital role in improving plant growth and physiological processes, especially in rainfed conditions where nutrient availability is limited. Rice (Oryza sativa L.), a staple crop, requires an adequate supply of essential nutrients for optimal growth and productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of foliar application of macro and micronutrients on the growth and physiological traits of rice grown under rainfed conditions.

Methods: Research was carried out at the Student’s instructional farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya, India, during the Kharif season usingrandomized block design with nine treatments and three replications on the rice variety Sahbhagi Dhan. Treatments included foliar application of KCl (0.5%, 1.0%), MgSO4 (1.0%, 2.0%), boric acid (0.3%, 0.6%) and salicylic acid (0.25%, 0.5%), applied twice during the vegetative and grain filling stages. Data were recorded on growth parameters such as plant height, number of tillers plant-1 and dry weight plant-1, as well as physiological traits including relative water content, chlorophyll, proline, catalase and peroxidase content at 30, 60 and 90 days after transplanting.

Result: Study showed that foliar application of macro and micronutrients significantly influenced the growth and physiological traits of rice. Among the treatments, 1.0% MgSO4 led to the most notable improvements. Statistical analysis confirmed the significance of foliar nutrients application for several traits at the 5% probability level. The findings suggest that foliar nutrient application enhances rice yield by supporting plant metabolic processes and enzyme activation, ultimately improving vegetative growth and productivity.

KEYWORDS
Foliar application, Growth parameters, Macro, Micro nutrients, Physiological traits, Rainfed, Rice

Impact of Foliar Application of Macro and Micro Nutrients on Growth and Physiological Traits of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Grown under Rainfed Condition

10/10/2025

Agricultural Science Digest, Volume 45 Issue 5 (October 2025)

Evaluating the Efficacy Levels of Zinc Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Maize (Zea mays L.)

R. Santhosh Anto Kumar, R. Augustine, T. Dhivyalakshmi, A. Visuvasa Anto Shiny, A. Ajay Arockia Iraiyanban

Affiliations

Division of Agronomy, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore-641 114, Tamil Nadu, India.

Cite article:- Kumar Anto Santhosh R., Augustine R., Dhivyalakshmi T., Shiny Anto Visuvasa A., Iraiyanban Arockia Ajay A. (2025). Evaluating the Efficacy Levels of Zinc Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Maize (Zea mays L.) . Agricultural Science Digest. 45(5): 845-850. doi: 10.18805/ag.D-6229.

ABSTRACT

Background: Zinc deficiency constitutes a significant global issue affecting agricultural productivity and human health, particularly in developing regions where maize is a staple food. Maize is a widely propagated cereal crop on a global scale, playing a pivotal role in agricultural systems across diverse regions as a primary source of calories and nutrients for millions of people. However, maize often lacks essential micronutrients, including zinc, which is crucial for various physiological functions in both plants and humans.

Methods: A field experiment was conducted on sandy clayey loam soil during the rabi seasons of 2022 and 2023 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu to study the effect of zinc fertilization through integrated nutrient management for enhancement of maize productivity and quality under western ghat condition. Maize was planted at a spacing of 60 x 25 cm using a Split Plot Design (SPD) with two integrated nutrient treatments as the main plot and six nutrient level treatments in sub-plots with three replications.

Result: The results revealed that that zinc fertilization treatments containing 0.5% Zn as ZnSO4 (H2), led to higher growth and yield attributes, grain yield (8906 kg ha-1) and stover yield (12652 kg ha-1) and also resulted in maximum crude protein content (15.12%), starch content (63.85 mg g-1), Fe (38.25 mg kg-1) and Zn (36.06 mg kg-1) in maize grain. It was observed that Zinc fertilization through 100% integrated nutrient management enhanced the vegetative growth, yield components and grain quality of maize crop.

KEYWORDS
Maize, Micronutrient, Nutrient, Yield, Zinc

Evaluating the Efficacy Levels of Zinc Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Agricultural Research Communication Centre

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category