<div>Background: Technology advancement has introduced hydroponics technology for green fodder production. The present investigation was undertaken to study the growth performance of Gir cattle calves fed hydroponics maize fodder (HMF) with and without supplementation of probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). 
 
Methods: A feeding trial of 120 days was conducted on 36 male Gir calves divided into nine groups. Group T1 was treated as control. In group T2, T3, T4 and T5, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of CP supplied through concentrate mixture was replaced by HMF, respectively. Whereas in group T6, T7, T8 and T9, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of CP supplied through concentrate mixture was replaced by HMF with probiotic, respectively. 
 
Result: There was highly significant (P&lt;0.01) effect of treatments i.e. feeding of HMF with and without supplementation of probiotic as well as period (age of calves) on periodical body weight and ADG. There was significantly higher mean periodical body weight (kg) and ADG (g/d) in calves fed HMF and probiotic than control. The highest overall mean body weight and ADG was observed in group T8, followed by T4 and lowest in control group. Overall mean body measurements viz. BH, BL and BG was highest in group T8 and lowest in group T1 but the variation was statistically non-significant for BG. Highly significant (P&lt;0.01) effect of treatments and period&nbsp; were observed on FCR also. Lowest FCR was recorded in group T8, followed by T4 and highest FCR was recorded in control group. It was concluded that better growth performance was evoked in Gir cattle calves fed 75% CP of concentrate mixture replaced by hydroponics maize green fodder with probiotic.</div>

​Effect of Concurrent Feeding of Hydroponics Maize Fodder and Probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on Growth Performance in Gir Calves

Background: Phosphate is an essential nutrient but can be toxic to plants when phosphate accumulates in plants at high levels. The objective of the study was to find effects of excessive application of P and Zn fertilizer on growth and yield of maize under hydroponic conditions. 
 
Methods: Research of Experiment studied from August to December 2019 at the greenhouse of the Agriculture and Aquaculture School at Tra Vinh University. The study aimed to determine the effect of high phosphate application on growth, biomass, symptoms of poisoning, phosphate and zinc absorption in maize and vegetables grown in hydroponic solution. 
 
Result: Experimental results showed the symptoms of phosphate poisoning on maize when grown in Hoagland nutrient solution (2.0 mM P) with an additional phosphorus content of 0.1 mM P, 1.0 mM P, 3.0 mM P in the treatment with or without the addition of Zn. However, the poisoning symptoms have been yet clearly expressed when Zn was not added. Therefore, plants may exhibit phosphorus toxicity, reducing Zn absorption when the phosphorus concentration in solution was increased by more than 1%P2O5. It is necessary to continue investigating plants&rsquo; responses to phosphate fertilizers.

Effects of Excessive Application of P and Zn Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Maize under Hydroponic Conditions

Background: UV radiation, with shorter wavelengths than visible light, plays a pivotal role in stimulating growth processes and boosting the synthesis of beneficial compounds in plants. Moreover, it triggers morphological changes and genetic responses, shaping plants&rsquo; physical traits and adaptability. Nevertheless, a nuanced understanding is necessary as excessive UV exposure can also cause harm, underscoring the complexity of the relationship between UV radiation and plants. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of ultraviolet C (UVC) light exposure on the germination and growth of forage maize seeds under controlled conditions in an indoor crop. One sample of seeds was exposed to UVC light, while the other was not.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The experiment was carried out for 14 days, with the plants subjected to mixed blue-red light, fertigation and kept at a maximum external temperature of 30&deg;C and maximum internal temperature of 25.1&deg;C. UVC light is applied for 10 minutes to the seeds before germination.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results showed that the plants exposed to UVC light had an average growth increase of 3cm compared to those that did not receive the treatment. However, the protein content of both sets of seedlings was similar. The study suggests that further research is necessary to determine the optimal duration and distance for UVC exposure to minimize any potential negative effects on the plants. It also highlights the need to investigate the effect of UVC radiation on the nutritional content of hydroponic crops to ensure that the increased growth does not come at the expense of nutritional quality. The experiment was carried out in Medellin, Colombia, with a maximum solar radiation of 1000 W/m2 and an altitude of 1500 meters. Overall, the study provides evidence that UVC radiation can enhance the growth of hydroponic maize seedlings, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects. At the end, there is an improvement in the growth of forage corn in seeds that have been subjected to UVC light compared to those that have not. It is worth highlighting the need for more research on changes in nutritional components in general.

Evaluating the Impact of UVC Exposure on Forage Maize Seeds under Hydroponic Condition

<div>Background: Maize (Zea mays) grain sprouts (MGS) can be a potential source of green fodder for ruminants, especially when there is scarcity of land and water. Nutritional value of MGS grown with hydroponic technique was assessed for nutrient utilization, blood biochemical profile, immunity and growth performance in lambs.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The MGS were produced in a polyhouse and harvested on 10th day and subjected to rumen in vitro incubation for gas production (RIVIGP) test to predict metabolisable energy (ME) value. The feeding cum growth trial was conducted for 120 days. Eighteen healthy male lambs of 3-4 months age and comparable body weight were randomly allotted in a complete randomized design to three dietary groups of six in each. The control (T1) group lambs were fed conventional green fodder (CGF), finger millet straw (FMS) and compounded feed mixture (CFM) at 50:10:40 ratio on DM basis, In treatment group two (T2), proportion of CGF and CFM was reduced by 50% and substituted with 45% MGS on DM basis (CGF, FMS, CFM and MGS on total DM basis was in 25:10:20:45 ratio, respectively). In treatment group three (T3), CGF was completely replaced with MGS (80%) and CFM was reduced to 25% of control (CGF, FMS, CFM and MGS on total DM basis was in 0:10:10:80 ratio, respectively).&nbsp; 
 
Result: Results indicated that MGS has ME (MJ/kg DM) of 9.70. The average DM intake (g/d/lamb) in T1, T2 and T3 groups was 764, 581 and 398, respectively. The average daily gain (ADG, g) in T1, T2 and T3 groups was 77.3, 48.5 and 20.9, respectively. There was a significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in DMI and ADG with reduced feed efficiency in lambs fed MGS.&nbsp; However, the per cent digestibility of nutrients, blood biochemical profile, immunity and serum minerals in lambs did not differ among the groups. It is concluded that replacement of compounded feed mixture or conventional green fodder with MGS will limit the dry matter intake, net nutrient availability and negatively affect the growth performance in lambs.&nbsp;</div>

Nutritional Evaluation of Hydroponic Maize (Zea mays) Grain Sprouts as a Newer Green Feed Resource in Lambs

Maize is among the most preferred crop in Tanzania and other parts of the world. However, its production has been facing a number of challenges. Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND) is a new challenge in Eastern Africa. The control of MLND is said to be complicated as it is caused by a combination of more than one virus viz. Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus (MCMV) and Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV). Stakeholders agree that the priority is to identify MLND resistant maize varieties. Genetic diversity provides the source of traits required against maize production challenges such as MLND. The study of genetic diversity in maize accessions often involves characterizing morphological plant characteristics as well as molecular marker techniques to study variation at DNA level. This review explores different literatures that address the importance of genetic diversity and the possibility of generating information towards obtaining potential materials against maize challenges and MLND in particular.

Genetic diversity of maize accessions for maize&nbsp;lethal necrosis disease resistance

Background: Intercropping is the practice of growing two or more crops nearby: in the same row or bed, or rows or strips near enough to allow biological interactions. Advantages of inter cropping include: improving soil&rsquo;s nutrients to better support crops&#39; growth and development thus improving yields; it improves soil-water retention and diversifies the farmers&#39; incomes in case of failure for one crop. It is one of the natural methods for management of crop pests and diseases. Inter cropping maize and beans is one of the climate-smart agricultural approaches used to boost crop production across the globe. However, some smallholder farmers have a negative attitude toward it due to limited knowledge regarding its benefits. The study aimed at establishment of the effect of intercropping maize and beans on the maize yields in Isingiro District, South Western Uganda. 
 
Methods: The experiment was conducted in two seasons (March-May 2020 and August- November 2021). Standard agronomical practices were followed from planting to harvesting, after which the dry weight of maize was measured and recorded. Data analysis was done using ONEWAY ANOVA in R Software Version 4.2.2.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Results show that intercropping maize and beans in season one significantly increased maize yields (p&lt;0.001) more than it did in season two (p=0.0211). The main effect of Season is statistically significant and large (p&lt;.001). The main effect of Treatment is statistically significant and large (p&lt;.001). The study concluded that&nbsp; reduced rainfall negatively affects maize yields and intercropping Longe5 with NABE16 increases maize yields. Early planting and good agronomic practices were recommended to improve maize productivity.

Determinants of Maize Production: Intercropping Maize and Beans in South Western Uganda

<div>Background: Cluster bean was cultivated as a catch crop without external fertilization, solely to recharge the soil fertility and to harvest the residual nutrient after maize crop; clusterbean had been included as a succeeding crop. Doubling the fertilizer for maize would leave more residues. Even though maize is an exhaustive crop, since the nutrient uptake was need based, the excess fertilizers were effectively utilized by cluster bean.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
 
Methods: A field research was carried out at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore under irrigated conditions. Experimental trials were adopted to estimate the effect of high density with nutrient management practices on maize which influences the performance of succeeding cluster bean under maize-cluster bean cropping sequence during Rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 by using cultivar Pusa Naubahar. No separate treatments were adapted to cluster bean crop.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results of cluster bean sown after the high density of 1,33,333 plants ha-1 maize with nutrient level of 200 per cent RDF produced taller plants, higher drymatter production (636 and 607 kg/ha), increased yield attributes, higher yield (6.58 and 6.81 t/ha) and better economics (B:C ratio -1.87 and 1.94) in both the seasons. Post-harvest available nutrient status revealed that the higher population by closer spacing with increased fertilizer levels (T7) maintained its superiority during both the years. Moreover, this proved to be the most viable practice for production and residual nutrient uptake, by including pulse (cluster bean) as succeeding crop and soil health was effectively maintained by fixing atmospheric nitrogen by cluster bean.</div>

Effect of Maize High Density Planting on Cluster Bean Performance under Maize-cluster Bean Cropping Sequence

Background: This research aims to determine the effectiveness of varying planting patterns and nutrient application on maize biomass, yields and light capture in a maize-soybean intercrop production. Its goal is to enhance resource efficiency, increase yields, as well as facilitate sustainable management by analysing effects of planting geometry, nutrient supply and light encoded for the two crops. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: The experiment was conducted during kharif season 2023, The treatment consists of four cropping systems in main plots (sole maize (M1), maize + soybean 1:1(M3), maize + soybean 1:2 (M4), maize + soybean 2:3 (M5)) and five nutrient sources in sub plot ((S1) control, (S2) 100% RDF, (S3)70% RDF with two foliar application of Nano NPK, (S4) 70% RDF with two foliar application of Homemade NPK, (S5) 70% RDF&nbsp; with two foliar application Plant extracts) with three replication under split plot design. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The experimental results revealed that, sole maize (M1) recorded significantly highest growth attributes i.e. no. of leaves (12.66 plant-1), LAI at maturity (3.85), specific leaf weight (6.12 g cm-2) and leaf area duration (140.91 days), compared to rest of cropping systems. Similarly, 70% RDF with two foliar application of plant extract produced biomass yield by 18% and 48.03% more light transmission ratio over the control. Hence, application of 70% RDF with two foliar sprays of plant extract enhanced crop growth and biomass of sole maize, it can be recommended to the farmer.

Influence of Planting Systems and Nutrient Management on Maize Growth, Yield and Light Interception in a Maize-soybean Intercropping System

<div style="text-align: justify;">Studies were conducted on the chemical, functional, pasting properties of the flour blends and sensory properties of ukpo oka formulated from of maize- African yam bean flour (AYBF) in order to improve the nutritional content of maize and encourage a wider utilization of the legume AYB. Supplementation of maize and African yam flour was done at 100:0, 50:50, 80:20, 60:40 and 20:80 maize: African yam bean flour, respectively. Proximate composition, functional properties, pasting properties of the flour blends was determined and sensory attributes of the products were also evaluated. The result showed that supplementation of maize with African yam bean flour significantly increased the protein, ash and fiber content of the flour blends with values ranging from 3.91 - 11.08%, 2.90 - 6.60%, 0.67 - 1.82% for protein, ash and fiber contents respectively. The protein, ash and fiber contents increased with addition of African yam bean flour while carbohydrate content of maize- African yam bean blends decreased with increase in the level of African yam bean. The values for functional properties ranged from 0.72 &ndash; 0.82g/ml, 99.33 &ndash; 323.33%, 9.01 &ndash; 19.65%, 690.00 - 978.33%, 0.67 &ndash; 1.13%, 0.484 &ndash; 1.038% for bulk density, foaming capacity, emulsion capacity, swelling capacity, water absorption capacity and oil absorption capacity respectively. Values for pasting properties of the flour blends expressed in rapid visco unit (RVU) ranges from 129.25 &ndash; 209.40, 22.55 &ndash; 67.93, 60.21 &ndash; 124.62 , &nbsp;145.25 &ndash; 247.67 , 83.37 &ndash; 84.56 , 5.47 &ndash; 5.97 &nbsp;and 87.19 &ndash; 141.35 for peak viscosity, break down viscosity, set back viscosity, final viscosity, pasting temperature, peak time and trough respectively. Set back viscosity and final viscosity increased with increase in the levels of African yam bean while break down viscosity decrease with the increase in the levels of African yam bean. &nbsp;The products were highly rated in all sensory attributes evaluated however aroma decreases with increase in the levels of AYBF. &nbsp;Product made from flour blend 50:50 was the most preferred in terms of general acceptability.&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Chemical, Pasting and Sensory Characteristics of Ukpo oka - A Steamed Maize Pudding Formulated From Maize and African Yam Bean Flour</div>

Background: A recent occurrence of fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) a new invasive pest in Africa attained epidemic form in 2016.&nbsp; Consequently, researchers probed various ecofriendly methods to manage the pest. The effect of intercropping cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] with fodder maize (Zea mays L.) on the incidence of FAW was investigated.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The maize fodder was protected against FAW by intercropping with cowpea along with a biorational product, Brahamastra and compared with the recommended&nbsp; insecticide used to manage the insect by conducting field experiments during kharif 2020, 2021 and 2022 comprising the eight treatments viz. T1: Maize + Cowpea 1:1 ratio (unsprayed); T2: Maize + Cowpea 1:1 ratio (coragen @ 100 ml ha-1); T3: Maize + Cowpea 1:1 ratio (brahamastra @ 12.5 litre ha-1 sprayed); T4: Maize sole (brahamastra @ 7.5 litre ha-1 sprayed); T5: Maize sole (brahamastra @ 10.0 litre ha-1 sprayed); T6: Maize sole (Brahamastra @ 12.5 litre ha-1 sprayed); T7: Maize sole (coragen 18.5 SC @ 100 ml ha-1 sprayed as standard check) and T8: Maize sole (Unsprayed). The plot size for each treatment was 500 m2, demarcating 5 x 4 m2 for sampling with three replications in a completely randomized design (CRBD). 
 
Result: The treatments, Maize + Cowpea (1:1 row) (Coragen @ 100 ml ha-1 sprayed) and Maize sole (Coragen @ 100 ml ha-1 sprayed) though had significantly the&nbsp; lowest pooled pest incidence and the highest per cent reduction over control (PROC), the bio-rational applied on maize + Cowpea (1:1 row) (brahamastra @ 12.5 litre ha-1 sprayed) encounted the&nbsp; lowest pest incidence, the highest PROC combined with the highest fodder yield and economic returns without any statistical singnificant difference with&nbsp; Maize + Cowpea (1:1 row) (unsprayed).

Effect of Concurrent Feeding of Hydroponics Maize Fodder and Probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on Growth Performance in Gir Calves

Effects of Excessive Application of P and Zn Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Maize under Hydroponic Conditions

Evaluating the Impact of UVC Exposure on Forage Maize Seeds under Hydroponic Condition

Nutritional Evaluation of Hydroponic Maize (Zea mays) Grain Sprouts as a Newer Green Feed Resource in Lambs

Genetic diversity of maize accessions for maize lethal necrosis disease resistance

Determinants of Maize Production: Intercropping Maize and Beans in South Western Uganda

Effect of Maize High Density Planting on Cluster Bean Performance under Maize-cluster Bean Cropping Sequence

Influence of Planting Systems and Nutrient Management on Maize Growth, Yield and Light Interception in a Maize-soybean Intercropping System

Chemical, Pasting and Sensory Characteristics of Ukpo oka - A Steamed Maize Pudding Formulated From Maize and African Yam Bean Flour

Impact of Cowpea-maize Intercropping and Bio-rational Product on Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) in Fodder Maize