Present paper deals with crosslinking, oxidation, reduction, complex formation and enzymatic degradation of flour components like starch, protein and water soluble non-starch polysaccharides (WSNSP), contribute to the dough characteristics and bread properties. Peak viscosity and pasting viscosity of wheat starch showed 21% and 18% increase respectively, in presence of 1% RYE-WSNSP. Loaf volume of the wheat flour breads increased to a significant (p<0.05) level (12%) due to presence of 1.5% RYE-WSNSP. In presence of 10 units of xylanase, loaf volume of standard wheat flour bread increased to 44 ml. Evaluation of the effect of RYE-WSNSP on the baking loss showed no significant difference between samples. RYEWSNSP delayed staling significantly (p<0.05) during storage as expressed by crumb firmness measured after 48 hours. Stress relaxation measurements showed that rate at which stress decayed was delayedby RYE-WSNSP in a wheat flour bread. RYE-WSNSP have a slight but significant (p<0.05) influence on transition enthalpy of gelatinization of a sample of starch as well as a sample of wheat flour. However, RYE-WSNSP did not cause any significant effect on retrogradation of starch. But at a water content of 43.4% transition enthalpy of a wheat flour sample decreased by 25% in presence of 0.25% RYE-WSNSP.

Barito Kuala Regency is one of the tidal swampland type districts consisting of land types A, B and C. The area of rice production land in Barito Kuala Regency is the largest planting area among other districts in South Kalimantan. Rice production in Barito Kuala Regency is 219,962.68 tons, with a harvest area of 57,873 ha. Although the rice production of Barito Kuala Regency is larger than other districts, judging from the productivity value, it is in a fairly low position, even below the productivity of South Kalimantan. Low productivity is suspected to indicate a lack of efficiency in the use of production inputs, because the higher the productivity of eating, the more optimized the ability of the production factor. The objectives of this study are: (1) Identifying the socio-economic characteristics of farmers; and (2) analyzing the level of technical efficiency of superior varieties of rice farmers in theupsand downs of Barito Kuala Regency. The location of this research was carried out in Barito Kuala Regency, with a imp lementation time of March 2025 – June 2025. The types and sources of data used in this study are primary data. Data collection by simple random sampling, on 100 sample farmers in Mandastana and Rantau Badauh Districts. The analysis used is Data Envelopment Analysis to measure relative technical efficiency, which is processed using DEAP 2.1 software. The results of the study stated that the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents in this study were having an average age of 42.35 years, with an average education at junior high school graduation, armed with superior rice farming experience of an average of 5 years and thenumber of dependents as many as 4 people. The results of the Data Envelopment Analysis show that as many as 23% of farmers have operated technically efficiently based on the VRS model. So that 23% of  farmers who operate efficiently become references (peer farmers) for other farmers (77%) to streamline their production inputs.

Dwindling soil fertility remains a major restraint to smallholder crop production, thus impacting food security in Kenya. Soil fertility challenges are further exacerbated by the high cost of mineral fertilizer. Intentional planting of nitrogen-fixing fast-growing legume fallows has potential for improving soil fertility in smallholder farming systems, among other benefits such as fuel wood supply. However, data on biomass productivity of improved fallows and their influence on sorghum grain yields are still limited. The current study evaluated foliage, wood, and total above-ground biomass productivity of selected improved fallows in Siaya County. It also evaluated the effect of selected improved fallows on nitrogen input and sorghum grain yield. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used to set up the experiment. The experiment had 12 treatments comprising mixed species and monoculture fallows, each replicated thrice. The highest foliage biomass of 15.7 t ha-1 was recorded in the Desmodium uncinatum treatment, which was 392% above the natural fallow (control). Further, pure Crotalaria grahamiana stand had the highest total above-ground biomass (AGB) and wood biomass (WB) of 62.3 t ha-1 and 47.1 t ha-1, respectively. The highest N input of 62.1 kg ha-1 was recorded in Crotalaria grahamiana. The mixture of Sesbania sesban and Desmodium uncinatum resulted in the highest grain yield of 1.8 t ha-1. Significant

positive linear relationship  were reported between foliage biomass and N input, and between N input and sorghum grain yield.

Maize (Zea mays L.) production in Sub-Saharan Africa has been declining due to Striga infestation. This study evaluated the response of 176 inbred maize lines to Striga infestation, refined heterotic grouping, and their genetic diversity at IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria. Each line was replicated three times in a rhizotron in a completely randomized design. Pre-germinated Striga seeds were spread on maize roots. Height, number of leaves, and internodes were recorded per maize plant. Striga damage was scored using a scale; the number of Striga plants attached to maize roots was counted, and the striga biomass was recorded.Leaf tissues of maize were sampled for DNA extraction. STRUCTURE software and harvester were used to assess population structure; TASSEL software for principal component analysis, and means were separated using Tukey’s HSD. GenAIEx software and Powe  Maker were used for genetic diversity and heterozygosity. TZISTR2004 attained the highest plant height (94.77cm) while TZISTR1873 recorded the lowest (38.33cm). TZISTR2042 recorded the highest number of leaves, while TZISTR2247 had the lowest(11.33cm). Internodes were highest (15.67) in TZISTR2042, while lowest (10.33) was on TZISTR2275 and TZISTR2247. Plant scorching was highest (9.00) in TZISTR2100, TZISTR2269, TZISTR2287, whereas TZISTR1318 recorded 1.00. TZISTR1126 had 18.72 striga attached while TZISTR2175, TZISTR2241, TZISTR2102, TZISTR2270, TZISTR2287 had none. Striga biomass was highest (22.72g) on TZISTR2129, and TZISTR2175 attained the least weight. Heterozygosity ranged between 0.0 to 0.85. Major allele frequency ranged between 0.5-1.0, whereas gene diversity ranged from 0 to 1.0. The identified lines with resistance to Striga could be utilized in maize breeding programmes to enhance production in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Euphorbia leucocephala, commonly known as Snow Bush, is a widely cultivated ornamental shrub valued for its delicate white bracts and aesthetic appeal in tropical and subtropical landscapes. However, its ornamental significance is increasingly threatened by infestation from lac insects (Kerria spp.), which are traditionally recognized for producing natural resin used in commercial industries. When colonizing ornamental plants, these sap-sucking insects extract vital nutrients, leading to physiological stress, reduced vigor, and aesthetic deterioration. Symptoms of infestation include chlorosis, stunted growth, leaf yellowing, premature defoliation, and accumulation of honeydew, which promotes sooty mold development on leaves and stems. This not only diminishes the plant’s photosynthetic capacity but also lowers its ornamental value. Infestations are favoured by warm, dry conditions and can spread rapidly

through nursery stock or adjacen infested hosts. Management strategies emphasize early detection, pruning of infested branches, and application of horticultural oils or systemic insecticides within an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) framework.

Increasing agricultural productivity with free and subsidized electricity has made Indian agriculture stuck in complex nexus of groundwater depletion and energy subsidies. The present study conducted in Northern districts of Vellore and Ranipet of Tamil Nadu aims to analyze the groundwater resources of the region and farmers’ understanding about the impacts of free electricity on groundwater depletion. Electricity is supplied at free of cost to farmers in Tamil Nadu which is seen as the biggest political agenda

in the state. It was evident form the results of the study that majority of farmers use groundwater for irrigation and cultivate water intensive crops like paddy. About 60% of farmers have reported that they are aware of injudicious use of groundwater due to free electricity has caused groundwater depletion and about 62.50% of farmers are willing to pay for electricity.

Leaf blast disease of Finger millet (Eleusine coracana), caused by Pyricularia grisea (syn. Magnaporthe grisea), remains a major constraint to crop productivity, particularly in semi-arid regions. This study was undertaken to isolate and identify the pathogen from naturally infected Finger millet leaves and to evaluate the efficacy of selected bioagents and fungicides under both laboratory and field conditions. The pathogen was isolated using the tissue segment method on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and identifiedbased on characteristic morphological traits, including pyriform, hyaline, 2-septate conidia measuring 20–30 µm in length. In dual culture assays, Trichoderma harzianum exhibited significant antagonism  with 85.76% mycelial inhibition, while Pseudomonas fluorescens showed 49.55% inhibition. In poisoned food technique, Tricyclazole, Hexaconazole, and Carbendazim + Mancozeb completely inhibited fungal growth (100%), while Tebuconazole + Trifloxystrobin and Azoxystrobin recorded 85.04% and 45.07%inhibition, respectively. In field conditions, Tricyclazole (T2) was most effective, reducing disease intensity to 19.38% (7 days after second spray), with 54.74% disease reduction over control. This was closely followed by Carbendazim + Mancozeb (T1) with 53.42% disease reduction. Yield data reflected these trends, with Tricyclazole and Carbendazim + Mancozeb increasing grain yield to 20.83 q/ha and 20.00 q/ ha, corresponding to 56.26% and 50.03% gain over untreated control, respectively. Among bioagents, T. harzianum outperformed P. fluorescens in both disease suppression and yield improvement. These findings  alidate the synergistic role of chemical and biological interventions in managing Finger millet leaf blast and advocate for further multilocation trials to develop integrated disease management strategies. 

The present investigation was carried out to study the personal, social, economic and communicational attributes of beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers regarding mustard production technologiesdemonstrated under Cluster Front Line Demonstrations (CFLDs). The study was conducted in Bikaner district of Rajasthan during 2023–24. A total of 160 respondents comprising 80 beneficiary and 80 nonbeneficiary farmers were selected through proportionate random sampling from Bikaner and Kolayat panchayat samitis. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured interview schedule and analysedusing frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed that a majority of respondents (64.38%) belonged to the middle-age group, 60.63 per cent were from Scheduled Caste, and 40.00 per cent were illiterate. Agriculture was the principal occupation of 81.88 per cent respondents, while 70.00 per cent possessed large landholdings. Canal irrigation was the dominant source of irrigation. Most respondents exhibited medium levels of mass media exposure (68.12%), extension contact (67.50%), information-seeking behaviour (58.75%) and information-sharing behaviour (83.13%). Beneficiary farmers showed comparatively higher levels of communication attributes than non-beneficiaries, reflecting the positive influence of CFLDs. The study concludes that CFLDs significantly strengthen farmers’

communicational behaviour and support adoption of improved mustard production technologies.

Field experiment was carried out during the Rabi season (November–March) of 2018–19 at the Agricultural Research Sub-Station, Sumerpur, Pali, under Agriculture University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India to evaluate the response of chemical fertilizer and zinc-solubilizing biofertilizer (ZSB) on the growth, yield, and economic performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) comprising seven treatments, each replicated four times. Growth, yield

attributes and yield were recorded and statistically analysed. The results revealed that all the measured growth and yield attributes of wheat responded positively to the application of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) and its graded levels in combination with ZSB. Among the treatments, the combination of 100% NPK along with ZSB applied as a seed treatment at 650 g ha-1 (T4) exhibited a significant improvement in growth, yield components and yield compared to all treatment receiving 75% NPK +ZSB. However, T4 did not exhibit any significant difference over the control treatment receiving 100% NPK alone. Furthermore, the T4 treatment recorded the highest net return and benefit-cost (B:C) ratio (2.96), indicating that the integration of zinc-solubilizing biofertilizer with the recommended dose of NPK is not only agronomically effective but also exhibits economic advantage.

Sulphur is an important nutrient in oilseed crop nutrition as it is the main ingredient of sulphur-containing amino acids and proteins. As bio-fertilizers are economical, environmentally safe, and easily available, they play an important role in increasing soil fertility and crop yields. In this context, an experiment was conducted in the Rabi season of the year 2019 to assess the combined role of nitrogen, sulphur, and bio-fertilizers in increasing mustard yields and oil content, as well as improving soil properties in red lateritic soil of West Bengal. The experiment was conducted in the soil of the Agricultural Farm of Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture), Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, on the soil type of the field, namely sandy loam soil. The experiment consisted of a randomized block design with three replicates, involving three levels of sulphur application (30, 45, and 60 kg/ha) integrated with seed inoculation treatments of bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter and VAM). Mustard variety B-9 was taken as the test crop. The observations recorded that sulphur treatment at 60 kg/ha integrated with dual seed inoculation of VAM and Azotobacter increased the maximum plant height measuring 108.68 cm. Application of all levels of sulphur integrated with bio-fertilizer inoculation enhanced growth, yield, as well as yield attributes of mustard over uninoculated control soil percentage was also significantly affected by integrated nutrient management, and maximum oil percentage (45.67%) was obtained in sulphur application of 60 kg ha⁻¹along with the inoculation of VAM and Azotobacter compared to 25.33% in the treatment 1. It can be concluded from the above investigation that the application of sulphur at 45-60 kg ha⁻¹ along with seed inoculation of VAM and Azotobacter is efficient in promoting the growth, yield, and oil percentage of mustard in red lateritic soil.

Pesticides have become a crucial part of modern agriculture, mainly because they are seen as essential for protecting crops and boosting productivity. However, there are growing concerns about their effects on human health, farm finances, and the environment. This study examines the social and economic trade-offs of using pesticides in Indian agriculture, focusing on farming families in the Rohtas district of Bihar. Using information from field surveys and other sources, the research analyzes how pesticides are used, their health effects, their economic impact, and farmers’ views on their social and environmentalconsequences. The results show a strong reliance on chemical pesticides, mainly because farmers want  stable crop yields and financial security. Conversely, the application of pesticides is strongly linked to negative health consequences within agricultural communities, a situation exacerbated by improper handling techniques and insufficient implementation of suggested protective protocols. These health impacts subsequently result in indirect economic strains, manifested through increased medical costs and diminished labour productivity. Despite the acknowledged health and environmental hazards, persistent pesticide use is indicative of systemic limitations, insufficient availability of alternative solutions, and escalating pest pressures. The research results expose a core contradiction, wherein productivity improvements are coupled with health, economic, and environmental hazards, thereby highlighting the critical need for safer operational methods, more robust institutional frameworks, and sustainable pest

management strategies within agricultural systems.