The present study was emphasized to study cost and return of cultivation, the trend in area yield potential and resource use efficiency of hybrid maize of different categories of farm holdings in Sarguja district of Chhattisgarh. A sample of eighty farmers was surveyed (fourty five marginal, twenty five small and ten large) by three stage stratified random sampling method. The result indicated that cost of labour constituted largest component in total variable cost accounted about( 46.89%) followed by manure and fertilizer cost &nbsp;(37.00 %), followed by seed cost (11.60%). Of all the components of fixed cost, &nbsp;rental value of owned land and depreciation cost constituted maximum share about (81.90%) and (16.50%) respectively. The total cost increased with the increase in size of holdings. The total costs of production of maize per hectare was highest for large farmer of Rs. 32079.54/ha followed by small farmer of Rs. 28794.74/ha followed by small farmers of Rs. 27334/ha. There is excess use of labour by marginal farms. The excess labour may be diverted for cultivation of other crops. Large farmers &nbsp;received higher income due to optimal application of fertilizer. Improvement of farm level efficiency relies on technical knowledge of crop as well as income diversification, institutional capacity building that can enhance assets ownership, extension and credit facility.&nbsp;

Economics of hybrid maize cultivation in Sarguja district of Chhattisgarh 
&nbsp;

Background: Maize [Zea mays (L.)] is one of the most versatile crop thriving well in a myriad of agro-climatic environments. In Haryana, it is grown over an area of 0.07 lakh ha with production of 0.20 lakh tonnes having productivity of 3026 kg ha-1 in 2020-21. Traditionally, maize is cultivated in kharif season in Haryana but in recent years, the area under spring maize is also picking up in eastern part of the State owing to assured irrigation facilities. So, the present study evaluated cost and returns structure of spring maize and resource use efficiency in its cultivation in irrigated tract of Haryana during 2020-21.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The study was based on primary data collected through face to face approach from 80 spring maize farmers using multi-stage purposive sampling technique. Simple budgeting technique was done for determining the cost and return structure of spring maize. In order to work out the resource use efficiency, production function analysis i.e. Cobb-Douglas production function was employed.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Result: The findings exposed that, based on 2020-21 market prices, the average total cost of cultivation was ₹ 83350 ha-1 and gross returns realized were ₹ 108029 ha-1 reflecting net returns of ₹ 24679 ha-1. Moreover, the value of B-C ratio (1.29) reflected the profitability of spring maize cultivation in the study area. Further, the Cobb-Douglas production function analysis revealed that value of R2 was more than 0.80 in both districts and efficiency of resource use in spring maize exhibited decreasing returns to scale in both Karnal (0.91) and Kurukshetra (0.70) districts. Over-utilization of farm resources in cultivation of spring maize was observed in the study area.

An Economic Appraisal and Resource Use Efficiency of Spring Maize Cultivation in Haryana

Background: Amelioration is the technique of adding amendments to sub-optimal drylands to improve their chemical quality. The effectiveness of this amendment depends on the type and dosage of the amendment. 
 
Methods: This pot experiment was carried out using a randomized block design (RBD) in 3 replications. Treatment of amendment materials (A) which consists of 8 (eight) treatments, namely: A0 (no amendment); A1 (biochar 20 t ha-1); A2 (compost 20 t ha-1); A3 (CaCO3 4 t ha-1); A4 (SP-36 fertilizer 4 t ha-1); A5 (biochar 10 t ha-1 + CaCO3 4 t ha-1); A6 (compost 10 t ha-1 + CaCO3 4 t ha-1); and A7 (biochar 10 t ha-1 + compost 10 t ha-1). The top soils (0-20 cm) were used in the experiment taken from three soil orders of sub-optimal dryland of Aceh Besar Regency, Aceh (Indonesia), including Andisols, Inceptisols and Ultisols.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Providing amendments affects several soil chemical parameters in the drylands of Aceh and this effect depends on the type of ameliorant material and the dose applied as well as the soil order. By applying amendments, soils with a slightly acidic pH could turn slightly alkaline, resulting in an increase in available P, K and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of dryland soils.

Amelioration&rsquo;s Effects on Soil Chemical Properties in Maize Cultivation in Dryland Aceh, Indonesia

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

<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: 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: Continuous rice cultivation has a negative effect on sustainable rice production. Crop rotation can increase the yield and soil quality. This study aimed to provide information on the morpho-physiological fingerprints of rice cultivars in different crop rotation systems. 
 
Methods: Twelve rice cultivars were evaluated in terms of their morpho-physiological in three crop rotation systems, i.e., rice-rice-rice, maize-maize-rice (M-M-R) and vegetable-vegetable-rice, at the Agrotechnology Innovation Center, Universitas Gadjah Mada at Berbah District, Sleman Regency, Special Province of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from December 2020 to June 2021. 
 
Result: The results revealed an interaction between rice cultivars and the crop rotation system, with the effects observed on the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents in the leaf tissue (NC, PC and KC, respectively), crop growth rate, total dry weight per clump, empty grain per clump (EG) and grain weight per clump (GWC). The increase in NC, PC and KC positively affected the increase in GWC. The GM 8 cultivar in the M-M-R crop rotation system showed lowest EG of 3% and highest GWC of 133.90 g clump-1.</div>

Studies on Morpho-physiological Fingerprints of Rice Cultivars in Rice Crop in Rice-Rice-Rice, Maize-Maize-Rice and Vegetable-Vegetable-Rice Cropping Systems

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).

Economics of hybrid maize cultivation in Sarguja district of Chhattisgarh

An Economic Appraisal and Resource Use Efficiency of Spring Maize Cultivation in Haryana

Amelioration’s Effects on Soil Chemical Properties in Maize Cultivation in Dryland Aceh, Indonesia

Genetic diversity of maize accessions for maize lethal necrosis disease resistance

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

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

Studies on Morpho-physiological Fingerprints of Rice Cultivars in Rice Crop in Rice-Rice-Rice, Maize-Maize-Rice and Vegetable-Vegetable-Rice Cropping Systems

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