Rhizoctonia bataticola causes dry root rot (DRR), a devastating disease in chickpea (Cicer arietinum). DRR incidence increases under water deficit stress and high temperature. However, the roles of ...other edaphic and environmental factors remain unclear. Here, we performed an artificial neural network (ANN)-based prediction of DRR incidence considering DRR incidence data from previous reports and weather factors. ANN-based prediction using the backpropagation algorithm showed that the combination of total rainfall from November to January of the chickpea-growing season and average maximum temperature of the months October and November is crucial in determining DRR occurrence in chickpea fields. The prediction accuracy of DRR incidence was 84.6% with the validation dataset. Field trials at seven different locations in India with combination of low soil moisture and pathogen stress treatments confirmed the impact of low soil moisture on DRR incidence under different agroclimatic zones and helped in determining the correlation of soil factors with DRR incidence. Soil phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon, and clay content were positively correlated with DRR incidence, while soil silt content was negatively correlated. Our results establish the role of edaphic and other weather factors in chickpea DRR disease incidence. Our ANN-based model will allow the location-specific prediction of DRR incidence, enabling efficient decision-making in chickpea cultivation to minimize yield loss.
Seasonal variations in rainfall patterns, particularly during sowing, early growing season, and flowering, drastically affect rice production in northeastern India. However, sensitivity to drought ...stress is genotype-specific. Since 80% of the land in this region is used for rice production, it is crucial to understand how they have adapted to water stress. This study evaluated 112 rice genotypes grown in NE India for seed germination percentage and seedling development under PEG-mediated drought stress. Among the rice genotype, Sahbhagi dhan, RCPL-1-82, Bhalum-3 and RCPL-1-128 showed drought-tolerant traits, while Ketaki Joha, Chakhao, Chandan, RCPL-1-185 and IR-64 were the most drought-sensitive rice genotypes. Drought-tolerant rice also showed significantly higher seed germination potential, proline content, antioxidant activity and expression of drought-responsive genes than drought-sensitive rice genotypes. A similar expression pattern of genes was also observed in the rice genotype treated with a 50% water deficit in pot culture. In addition, drought stress reduced the pollen fertility and yield per plant in sensitive rice genotypes. Molecular markers associated with drought stress were also used to characterize genetic diversity among the rice genotypes studied.
Rhizosphere microbiome significantly influences plant growth and productivity. Legume crops such as pea have often been used as a rotation crop along with rice cultivation in long-term conservation ...agriculture experiments in the acidic soils of the northeast region of India. It is essential to understand how the pea plant influences the soil communities and shapes its rhizosphere microbiome. It is also expected that the long-term application of nutrients and tillage practices may also have a lasting effect on the rhizosphere and soil communities. In this study, we estimated the bacterial communities by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of pea rhizosphere and bulk soils from a long-term experiment with multiple nutrient management practices and different tillage history. We also used Tax4Fun to predict the functions of bacterial communities. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to estimate the abundance of total bacterial and members of Firmicutes in the rhizosphere and bulk soils. The results showed that bacterial diversity was significantly higher in the rhizosphere in comparison to bulk soils. A higher abundance of Proteobacteria was recorded in the rhizosphere, whereas the bulk soils have higher proportions of Firmicutes. At the genus level, proportions of
Rhizobium
,
Pseudomonas
,
Pantoea
,
Nitrobacter
,
Enterobacter
, and
Sphingomonas
were significantly higher in the rhizosphere. At the same time,
Massilia
,
Paenibacillus
, and
Planomicrobium
were more abundant in the bulk soils. Higher abundance of genes reported for plant growth promotion and several other genes, including iron complex outer membrane receptor, cobalt-zinc-cadmium resistance, sigma-70 factor, and ribonuclease E, was predicted in the rhizosphere samples in comparison to bulk soils, indicating that the pea plants shape their rhizosphere microbiome, plausibly to meet its requirements for nutrient uptake and stress amelioration.
Abiotic stressors such as drought and heat predispose chickpea plants to pathogens of key importance leading to significant crop loss under field conditions. In this study, we have investigated the ...influence of drought and high temperature on the incidence and severity of dry root rot disease (caused by
in chickpea, under extensive on- and off-season field trials and greenhouse conditions. We explored the association between drought tolerance and dry root rot resistance in two chickpea genotypes, ICC 4958 and JG 62, with contrasting resistance to dry root rot. In addition, we extensively analyzed various patho-morphological and root architecture traits altered by combined stresses under field and greenhouse conditions in these genotypes. We further observed the role of edaphic factors in dry root rot incidence under field conditions. Altogether, our results suggest a strong negative correlation between the plant water relations and dry root rot severity in chickpeas, indicating an association between drought tolerance and dry root rot resistance. Additionally, the significant role of heat stress in altering the dynamics of dry root rot and the importance of combinatorial screening of chickpea germplasm for dry root rot resistance, drought, and heat stress have been revealed.
Yield potential of maize having distinct genetic diversity in Eastern Himalayan Region (EHR) hill ecologies is often limited by Al toxicity caused due to soil acidity. Stress physiological analysis ...of local check exposed to 0–300 μM Al under sand culture revealed that 150 μM Al as critical and 200 μM Al as tolerable limit. Increase in Al from 0 to 300 μM reduced total chlorophyll, carotenoids by 74.8 % and 44.7 % respectively and enhanced anthocyanin by 35.3 % whereas LA, SLW and SL have reduced by 81.3%, 21.3 % and 47.8 % respectively. R/S ratio was 51.0 and 13.7 % higher at lower Al levels (50 μM and 100 μM) and photosynthetic, transpiration rate and TDM were 62.5 %, 42.9 % and 78.6 % lower at higher Al (300 μM) as compared to control. TRL, RSA, RDW and RV at higher Al (300 μM) were 92.6 %, 98.7 %, 78.7 and 97.5 % lower over control respectively. Root and shoot Al and PUpE at higher Al (300 μM) was 194.0, 69.2 and 830 % higher whereas PUE decreased to 88.5 % over control. Evaluation of 31 indigenous maize cultivars at 0, 150, and 250 μM Al in sand culture, alongside tolerance scoring and assessment, revealed that Megha-9, Megha-10, and MZM-19 exhibits high Al tolerance, Megha-1, MZM-22, and MZM-42 demonstrated moderate tolerance, whereas Uruapara, Sublgarh, and BRL Para were identified as Al-sensitive. Stress physiological parameters like SDW, TDM, TRL, SL and LA contributed 46.02 % of variability to PC1, whereas A, RV, RSA, anthocyanin and Chlorophyll_b, contributed 13.56 % of variability to PC2. Highest values of CMS, SL, LP, LA, TRL and anthocyanin were recorded in cluster I having sensitive cultivars while highest CMS, SL, LA, LP, TRL and RSA were found in cluster II having moderately tolerant cultivars and highest mean values for TRL, RSA, LP, LA, CMS and SL were recorded in cluster III having highly Al stress tolerant cultivars. The traits viz., A, RV, RSA, anthocyanin and Chlorophyll_b, total chlorophyll and TDM were emanated as physio-morphological for assessing Al toxicity stress tolerance in Maize with high divergence values. Tolerant cultivars showing 63.4 % and 22.4 % higher anthocyanin at 150 μM Al and 250 μM Al than moderately tolerant one in acid soil experiment with increased root Al, shoot Al, root P and shoot P by 42.6 %, 11 %, 95.1 % and 34 % respectively were emerged as promising for novel maize improvement under acid soils of EHR.
Introduction
Under a changing climate, the fragile ecosystems of the Eastern Himalayas (EH) are persistently challenged by prolonged dry spells and erratic rainfall. Identification of suitable ...high-yielding crops with higher moisture stress tolerance and adaptability is paramount for the region. Although the region received a good amount of rainfall in the rainy season, the winter months, viz., November to March, rarely received any rain. Even within the rainy season, there are several intermittent drought spells that hinder crop productivity.
Methods
The present study has used field and microcosm experiments to assess the year-round cultivation potential and extent of moisture stress tolerance in the lesser-known buckwheat crop of the region.
Results and discussion
Sowing of buckwheat from mid-September to mid-December produced better grain yield, the highest being when sowing in October (9.83 q ha
−1
) and the crop was found suitable to grow all through the year for higher green biomass (12.6–38.4 q ha
−1
). The moisture stress tolerance of buckwheat was significantly enhanced by increased total root length and root surface area by 12.4 and 34.7%, respectively. Increased photo-protective carotenoids, chlorophyll b, and favorable stomatal attributes with substantial epicuticular wax have significantly improved the moisture stress tolerance of Buckwheat. In addition, leaf proline was found 25.4% higher and total soluble protein, reducing sugar, and cell membrane stability were found 29.2, 38.1, and 36.5% lower compared to the control, respectively. A significantly lower rate of water loss (25.6%) with its stomatal and non-stomatal adaptations and versatile pollen structural traits under moisture stress over control, make the buckwheat crop potentially more stress tolerant and economical crop for EH of India.
Introduction
Organic farming is a promising solution for mitigating environmental burdens related to input-intensive agricultural practices. The major challenge in organic agriculture is the ...non-availability of large quantities of organic inputs required for crop nutrition and sustaining soil health, which can be resolved by efficient recycling of the available on- and off-farm resources and the integration of the components as per the specific locations.
Methods
An integrated organic farming system (IOFS) model comprising agricultural and horticultural crops, rainwater harvesting units, livestock components, and provisions for nutrient recycling was developed and disseminated in the adopted organic villages Mynsain, Pynthor, and Umden Umbathiang in the Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya, India, to improve the income and livelihood of farmers. Harvested rainwater in farm ponds and
Jalkunds
was used for live-saving irrigation in the winter months and diversified homestead farming activities, such as growing high-value crops and rearing cattle, pigs, and poultry.
Results
Maize, french bean, potato, ginger, tomato, carrot, and chili yields in the IOFS model increased by 20%−30%, 40%−45%, 25%−30%, 33%−40%, 45%−50%, 37%−50%, and 27%−30%, respectively, compared with traditional practices. Some farmers produced vermicompost in vermibeds (made of high-density polyethylene) and cement brick chambers, generating 0.4−1.25 tons per annum. Two individual farmers, Mr. Jrill Makroh and Mrs. Skola Kurbah obtained net returns (without premium price) of Rs. 46,695 ± 418 and Rs. 31,102 ± 501 from their respective 0.27- and 0.21-ha IOFS models, which is equivalent to Rs. 172,944 ± 1,548/ha/year and Rs. 148,105 ± 2,385/ha/year, respectively. The net returns obtained from the IOFS models were significantly higher than those obtained from the farmers' practice of maize-fallow or cultivation of maize followed by vegetable (~30% of the areas). It is expected that, with the certification of organic products, the income and livelihood of the farmers will improve further over the years. While Mr. Jrill Makroh's model supplied 95.1%, 82.0%, and 96.0% of the total N, P
2
O
5
, and K
2
O, respectively, needed by the system, Mrs. Skola Kurbah's model supplied 76.0%, 68.6%, and 85.5% of the total N, P
2
O
5
, and K
2
O, respectively.
Discussion
Thus, IOFS models should be promoted among hill farmers so that they can efficiently recycle farm resources and increase their productivity, net returns, and livelihood while reducing their dependence on external farm inputs.
Cultivation of rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties having ratooning potential under adequate organic nutrient sources (ONSs) could improve system productivity, soil organic carbon (SOC) stock and energy ...use efficiency in the eastern Indian Himalayas. A 6-year study was conducted to evaluate the impact of four varieties (Shahsarang-1, Lampnah, IR-64 and Krishna Hamsha) under five ONSs pig manure (PM), farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), in situ paddy straw (PS) recycling and farmers' practice on productivity, soil health and energetics of a rice-ratoon system in a mid-hill (950 m asl) subtropical climate. Organic manures were applied on an N-equivalent basis. The 6-year average grain yield of main rice was significantly highest for Shahsarang-1 (4.40 Mg ha
−1
) followed by IR-64. Shahsarang-1 (2.58 Mg ha
−1
) and IR 64 also produced higher ratoon crop yields, leading to higher total annual productivity (main + ratoon crops) than other varieties. Rice grown with PM produced the highest average rice productivity of main crop, followed by FYM. The highest total N, P and K uptake by the rice was obtained under PM followed by FYM. After six cropping cycles, the maximum SOC stock and available N and P were observed under PM, whereas available K was highest under PS recycling. The highest gross energy output, net energy and energy intensity were registered with PM, whereas energy use efficiency and energy productivity were the highest under control. Thus, cultivation of either Shahsarang-1 or IR-64 using PM/FYM is appropriate for enhancing productivity, soil health and conservation of energy in the study region and similar eco-regions elsewhere.
Endophytic bacteria are known to impart biotic and abiotic stress tolerance under stressful environments. More than 70% arable area in North-Eastern Himalaya is occupied by acidic soil. The aim of ...this research was to test the extent of endurance achieved by suitable. Endophytic bacterial inoculation for enhancing crop fitness and also to quantify the realistic benefits for crop growth and performance with bacterial inoculation grown in acidic soil. To achieve this, the strain 22WE, isolated from the wild rice variety Zizania latifolia, was selected because of its growth promoting properties. 16S rDNA sequence of the isolate confirmed its identification as Serratia nematodiphila. This study assessed whether endophyte inoculation can provide the habitat-fitness benefits to rice crops in acidic soil. Further, Kharif rice (var. CAUR3) plants were inoculated with the endophyte selected strain of Serratia nematodiphila. Endophyte inoculated rice plants had significantly (P<0.05) higher root surface area, root volume, root and shoot biomass contents than that of uninoculated plants grown under aluminium (Al) toxic and phosphorus (P) nutrient conditions. The DAB staining assay exhibited that endophyte inoculation confers advantage to rice plants in terms of reduced reactive oxygen against Al-induced stress. The interaction effects between endophyte inoculation and Al levels was significant (P<0.05) for the malondialdehyde and cell membrane stability values. The current study showed that toxic effect of an approximate 100ppm Al incurred under any acid soil can be compensated due to the endophyte inoculation. Keywords: Acid Inceptisols, DAB assay, Endophyte, Lipid peroxidation, Rice, Root architecture
Millets are nutritionally superior and climate-resilient short-duration crops and hold a prominent place in cropping sequences around the world. They have immense potential to grow in a marginal ...environment due to diverse adaptive mechanisms.
An experiment was conducted in an organic production system in the North Eastern Himalayan foothills of India for 3 consecutive years by evaluating high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of different millets, viz., finger millet, foxtail millet, little millet, barnyard millet, proso millet, and browntop millet, along with local landraces of finger millets (
and
and
) to identify stable, high-yielding, and nutritionally superior genotypes suited for the region.
Among the various millets, finger millet, followed by little millet and foxtail millet, proved their superiority in terms of productivity (ranging between 1.16 and 1.43 Mg ha
) compared to other millets. Among different varieties of finger millets, cv. VL Mandua 352 recorded the highest average grain yield (1.43 Mg ha
) followed by local landraces,
(1.31 Mg ha
) and
(1.25 Mg ha
). Root traits such as total root length, root volume, average diameter of roots, and root surface area were significantly higher in finger millet landraces
, and
compared to the rest of the millet genotypes. The different millets were found to be rich sources of protein as recorded in foxtail millet cv. SiA 3088 (12.3%), proso millet cv. TNAU 145 (11.5%), and finger millet landraces,
and
(8.7% each). Finger millet landrace
recorded the highest omega-6 content (1.16%), followed by barnyard millet cv. VL 207 (1.09%). Barnyard millet cv. VL 207 recorded the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content (1.23%), followed by foxtail millet cv. SiA 3088 (1.09%). The local finger millet landraces
and
-
recorded the highest levels of histidine (0.41%) and tryptophan (0.12%), respectively.
and
recorded the highest level of thiamine (0.32%) compared to the HYVs.
These findings indicate that finger millet has great potential in the organic production system of the North Eastern Himalayan Region (NEHR) of India, and apart from HYVs like VL Mandua 352, local landraces,
, should also be promoted for ensuring food and nutritional security in this fragile ecosystem.
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