<div style="text-align: justify;">A field investigation was carried out in farmer&rsquo;s field at Pudhupalayam, TNAU, Coimbatore, during 2015, to improve the productivity of groundnut variety TMV 13 under drip and micro sprinkler fertigation system. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications comprising of 11 treatments. Results indicated that maximum pod yield (3495 kg ha-1), haulm yield (6452 kg ha-1), harvest index (0.351) and shelling per cent (73.95 per cent) were obtained with drip irrigation at 100% PE with fertigation at 100% RDF as WSF (T1). &nbsp;The water saving achieved under drip irrigation was 40.08% and 55.06% at 100% and 75% PE, respectively, whereas, under micro-sprinkler, it was 25.10% and 43.83% at 100% and 75% PE, respectively over surface irrigation. Higher WUE of 19.28 kg/ha-mm recorded under drip irrigation at 75% PE with fertigation at 100% RDF as WSF (T2) followed by drip irrigation at 100% PE with fertigation at 100% RDF as WSF (T1: 15.88 kg/ha-mm). Highest NUE (23.30 kg kg-1 NPK ha-1) was recorded in drip irrigation at 100% PE with fertigation at 100% RDF as WSF (T1). Drip irrigation at 100% PE with fertigation at 100% RDF as WSF (T1) recorded higher gross return (Rs. 254353 ha-1) and net return (Rs.134712 ha-1). Whereas, the benefit cost ratio was highest in micro sprinkler at 100% PE with fertigation at 100% RDF as WSF (T6: 2.41). The margin benefit cost ratio (MBCR) was recorded highest under micro sprinkler at 100% PE with fertigation at 100% RDF as WSF (T6: 2.53) as compared to all other treatments.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Improving productivity of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under drip and micro sprinkler fertigation system</div>

<div>Background: Propolis contains various bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, with diverse biological properties. However, its use is hampered by poor water solubility, instability in aqueous materials and limited absorption within the body. To overcome these limitations, the development of propolis nanoparticles has been proposed. Chitosan is widely utilized to prepare chitosan-based nanoparticles. It readily undergoes gelation upon interaction with polyanions, such as sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). Chitosan-TPP nanoparticles, serving as wall materials, are prepared through the ionic gelation method. This study aims to encapsulate propolis extract in chitosan nanoparticles (propolis extract-loaded nanoparticles, PE-NP) using chitosan of different molecular weights (low and medium molecular weight, LMW and MMW), varying chitosan concentrations and different volumes of propolis extract. Furthermore, the PE-NPs were characterized by their physical characteristics and antioxidative properties. 
 
Methods: PE-NPs were prepared using the ionic gelation method, in which chitosan and cross-linker TPP were used as wall materials (chitosan nanoparticles). The formulation was prepared by varying the molecular weight of chitosan (LMW and MMW), chitosan concentrations (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3%) and propolis extract volumes (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 ml). The physical characteristics of PE-NP, including pH, turbidity, encapsulation efficiency, particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential, as well as its antioxidative properties, were evaluated. 
 
Result: The resulting PE-NP revealed low encapsulation efficiency (23.937-41.192%) and pH in the range of 3.9-4.8. PE-NP also presented antioxidant capacity that polyphenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids, contributed to. The suspension of PE-NP had a particle size of 350.000-488.280 nm with PDI values higher than 0.3 (heterogeneous dispersion) and positive zeta potential (39.340-48.200 mV), resulting in stable nanoparticles. The PE-NP produced has antioxidant properties, making it suitable for use as a functional ingredient in the food industry.</div>

Preparation and Characterization of Propolis (Trigona sp.) Extract-loaded Chitosan Tripolyphosphate Nanoparticles

Background: Implementing integrated strategies for weed management is essential in maximizing blackgram yield. Unchecked weed proliferation leads to substantial decrease in crop productivity.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The current field experiment was conducted at Salooni, Himachal Pradesh, to evaluate the efficacy of different integrated weed management practices during Kharif 2022 and 2023. Eleven treatments targeting weed control were evaluated both at pre and post - emergence stages.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The predominant weeds were Echinochloa colona, Galinsoga parviflora, Cyperus species and other broad leaf weeds were Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium repens, Trianthema species, Ageratum conyzoides. Data on weed dynamics revealed that; after weed-free treatment, the application of Imazethapyr 75 g/ha as PE fb HW at 30 DAS; Pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha as PE fb HW at 30 DAS and Pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha + imazethapyr 75 g/ha (PE) recorded a significantly lower total weed count as compared to other treatments. Parameters related to blackgram growth and yield, including plant height, number of branches per plant, pods per plant, grain yield and haulm yield were significantly higher with weed-free treatment followed by application of imazethapyr 75 g/ha as PE fb HW at 30 DAS, remaining at par with application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha + imazethapyr 75 g/ha (PE) and pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha as PE fb HW at 30 DAS. The most economically efficient weed control method was the combination of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha + imazethapyr 75 g/ha (PE), as it resulted in the highest net returns and marginal benefit-cost ratio.

Efficacy of&nbsp; Pre and Post Emergence Herbicides against Complex Weed Flora, Yield and Economics of Blackgram under High Hills Wet Temperate Zone of Himachal Pradesh

Background: The field experiment was conducted at the Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu during rabi, 2022-2023 to study the influence of spacing and weed management practices on growth characters, nutrient removal by weeds and nutrient uptake of direct seeded rice (DSR).&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The field experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The main plots were spacing of 20 &times; 15 cm, 20 &times; 20 cm and 25 &times; 25 cm. Sub plots were assigned with weed management practices viz., pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10% WP at 20 g a.i ha-1 on 3 DAS as PE + bispyribac sodium 10% SC at 25 g a.i ha-1 on 20 DAS as PoE, Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10% WP at 20 g&nbsp; a.i ha-1 on&nbsp; 3 DAS as PE + Cono weeding on 20 DAS + hand weeding (HW) on 40 DAS, Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10% WP at 20 g a.i ha-1 on 3 DAS as PE + Cono weeding on 20 DAS and 40 DAS, Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10% WP at 20 g a.i ha-1 on 3 DAS as PE + Bispyribac sodium 10% SC at 25 g a.i ha-1 on 20 DAS as PoE + Cono weeding on 40 DAS, Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10% WP at 20 g a.i ha-1 on 3 DAS as PE + Bispyribac sodium 10% SC at 25 g a.i ha-1 on 20 DAS as PoE + Hand weeding on 40 DAS, Hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS and unweeded control.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results indicated that the highest growth attributes, higher nutrient uptake of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium under DSR and were significantly improved by spacing 20 &times; 20 cm along with pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10% WP at 20 g a.i&nbsp; ha-1 on 3 DAS as PE + Bispyribac sodium 10% SC at 25 g a.i ha-1 on 20 DAS as PoE + Cono weeding on 40 DAS. This was on par with pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10% WP at 20 g a.i ha-1 on 3 DAS as PE + Bispyribac sodium 10% SC at 25 g&nbsp; a.i ha-1 on 20 DAS as PoE + Hand weeding on 40 DAS and hand weeding on 20 and 40 DAS. Similarly lower nutrient removal by weeds were registered under 20 &times; 15 cm spacing along with pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10% WP at 20 g a.i ha-1 on 3 DAS as PE + Bispyribac sodium 10% SC at 25 g a.i ha-1 on 20 DAS as PoE + cono weeding on 40 DAS. The interaction of spacing 20 &times; 20 cm and pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10% WP at 20 g a.i ha-1 on 3 DAS&nbsp; as PE + Bispyribac sodium 10% SC at 25 g a.i ha-1 on 20 DAS as PoE + Cono weeding on 40 DAS significantly increased the growth attributes such as plant height, dry matter production and total numbers of tillers and significantly lowered the nutrient removal by weeds.&nbsp;

Influence of Spacing and Weed Management Practices on the Growth Characters, Nutrient Removal of Weeds and Nutrient Uptake of Direct Seeded Rice

<div style="text-align: justify;">A field experiment was undertaken at PAU, Regional Station (Bathinda) to evaluate the effect of weed management practices on the performance of cluster bean [(Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub] under AICRP on Arid Legumes during the kharif season of 2015 and 2016. Data revealed that weed dry matter was lowest in case of weed free check (T8) as plots were kept weed free as per the treatment. Among other treatment combinations Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i./ha as PE + Imazethapyr+ Imazamox @ 40g a.i./ha at 2-3 leaf stage of weeds (T7) produced the lowest weed dry matter closely followed by Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i./ha as PE+ One Intercultivation at 20-25 DAS (T6) and Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i./ha as PE + Imazethapyr @ 40g a.i./ha at 2-3 leaf stage of weeds (T5). WCE was highest in weed free followed by Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i./ha as PE + Imazethapyr+ Imazamox @ 40g a.i./ha at 2-3 leaf stage of weeds (T7). Highest seed yield was recorded in weed free check followed by Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i./ha as PE + Imazethapyr @ 40g a.i./ha at 2-3 leaf stage of weeds (T5), Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i./ha + One Intercultivation at 20-25DAS (T6) and Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i./ha as PE + Imazethapyr+ Imazamox @ 40g a.i./ha at 2-3 leaf stage of weeds (T7).</div>

Effect of weed Management practices on the performance of clusterbean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba(L.) Taub]

<div>Background: Finger millet production and productivity is lowering in India due to the growth of different weed species. Weeds are the prime yield limiting biotic constraints in finger millet. Therefore, the present investigation has been carried out to find out the suitable weed management practices on the performance of finger millet. 
 
Methods: In this regard, a field experiment was carried out during Kharif, 2018 at Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India to evaluate the different weed management practices for transplanted finger millet under sodic soil. The experiment comprised of ten weed management practices with different herbicidal treatments viz., pre emergence (PE) application of pendimethalin at 750 g/ha, oxyfluorfen at&nbsp;50 g/ha, bensulfuron methyl at 60 g/ha + pretilachlor at 600 g/ha, early post emergence (EPOE) application of bispyribac sodium at 25 g/ha, PE pendimethalin at 750 g/ha fb EPOE bispyribac sodium at 25 g/ha, PE oxyfluorfen at 50 g/ha fb EPOE bispyribac sodium at 25 g/ha, PE bensulfuron methyl at 60 g/ha + pretilachlor at 600 g/ha fb EPOE bispyribac sodium at 25 g/ha, PE oxyfluorfen at 50 g/ha fb hand weeding (HW) at 30 DAT, HW at 15 and 30 DAT and unweeded control (UWC) in transplanted finger millet.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results revealed that lower nutrient removal by weeds, higher nutrient uptake by crop and yield parameters viz., productive tillers/m2, earhead weight and total grains/earhead were registered in application of PE bensulfuron methyl at 60 g/ha + pretilachlor at 600 g/ha fb EPOE bispyribac sodium at 25 g/ha. The highest grain and straw yields were also registered in application of PE bensulfuron methyl at 60 g/ha + pretilachlor at 600 g/ha fb EPOE bispyribac sodium at 25 g/ha and it was on par with hand weeding at 15 and 30 DAT.</div>

Influence of Weed Management Practices on Nutrient Removal and Performance of Transplanted Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

Background: Weeds are major constraints in chickpea production. This crop is highly susceptible to weed competition owing to slow initial growth thus weeds cause up to 75% yield loss.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Treatments comprised of imazethapyr 50 g/ha as PE (pre emergence), imazethapyr 70 g/ha as PE, imazethapyr 50 g/ha as PoE (post emergence), imazethapyr 70g/ha as PoE, imazethapyr + imazamox ready mix (RM) 50 g/ha as PE, imazethapyr + imazamox (RM) 70 g/ha as PE, imazethapyr + imazamox (RM) 50 g/ha as PoE, imazethapyr + imazamox (RM)70 g/ha as PoE, pendimethalin 1 kg/ha PE, imazethapyr + pendimethalin (RM) 1 kg/ha PE, hoeing at 20 and 40 DAS and weedy check.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Application of imazethapyr + pendimethalin (RM) 1 kg/ha as pre emergence recorded maximum plant dry matter accumulation at 60, 90, 120 DAS and at maturity stage and also higher CGR at 60-90, 90-120 and120 DAS - maturity of crop. Application of imazethapyr + pendimethalin (RM) 1 kg/ha as pre emergence was most effective in producing higher seed yield (1749 kg/ha), weed control efficiency (87.28%), net return (` 77,136), reduced weed management index 5.15 and 3.90 at 30 and 60 DAS respectively.

Efficacy of Pre and Post Emergence Application of Imazethapyr and its Ready Mix Herbicides on Growth, Weed Dynamics and Productivity of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

<div>The present study was conducted in kharif seasons of 2015, 2016 and 2017 at experimental farm of Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura, Jaipur (Rajasthan) to study efficacy of different weed management practices in clusterbean. Three years result shows that compared to weedy check (6.82 m-2) application of Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1 as PE fb one hand weeding recorded lowest weed density (3.58 m-2). Among herbicidal treatments, Pendimethalin @ 0.75kg a.i/ha as PE fb one hand weeding at 25 DAS (83.7%) and Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i./ha as PE+ Imazathapyr+ Imazamox @ 40g a.i./ha PoE (74.0%) recorded highest weed control efficiency. Likewise, application of Pendimethalin @ 0.75kg a.i/ha as PE fb one hand weeding at 25 DAS and Pendimethalin 0.75kg/ha at PE fb Imazathapyr + Imazamox @ 40g a.i. ha-1 recorded significantly higher seed (1136 kg ha-1 and 1009 kg ha-1), haulm (3304 kg ha-1 and 2943 kg ha-1) and biological yield (4440 kg ha-1 and 3953 kg ha-1), respectively over other herbicidal treatments. Economic evaluation indicated that application of Pendimethalin @ 0.75kg a.i/ha as PE fb one hand weeding at 25 and which was followed by with Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i./ha as PE+ Imazathapyr+ Imazamox@ 40g a.i./ha recorded, gross return (INR 55352 ha-1 and INR 49189 ha-1) net returns (INR 38852 ha-1 and INR 34289 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.35 and 2.20), respectively. Whereas, minimum cost of cultivation (INR 10000 ha-1) and gross returns (INR 25632 ha-1), net returns (INR 15632 ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.56) were recorded under weed check. So looking to the laborious pressure of hand weeding, cost effectiveness ease of application of chemical herbicides, application of Pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha-1 fb one hand weeding can be an effective weed control option in cluster bean crop with higher seed and haulm yield under Semi-arid and Arid regions of Rajasthan.</div>

<div>Effect of Different Weed Management Practices on Weed Dynamics, Productivity and Farm Profitability of Cluster Bean</div>

Background: Water shortage is becoming severe in many rice growing areas in the world. Conventional method of irrigation, which not only consumes huge water, but also causes severe water and nutrient losses under anaerobic condition. Introduction of aerobic rice, growing high yielding rice in non-puddled and non-flooded aerobic soil with the support of external inputs like supplementary irrigation, manures and fertilizers can reduced water use and increase rice production. 
 
Methods: Study on different levels of drip irrigation and fertigation on physiological characters and yield of aerobic rice was conducted during summer 2022 and 2023 at research farm of wetland in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with thirteen treatments, replicated thrice. 
 
Result: The findings revealed that drip fertigation @ 100% PE up to 30 DAS+150% PE up to 60 DAS+200% PE up to 90 DAS with 125% RDF (25% through NF+75% through WSF) resulted significantly higher leaf area index (5.84 and 5.95), chlorophyll index (SPAD) (41.5 and 42.3) and grain yield (4315.9 and 4446.1 kg ha-1) respectively than all other treatments during both summer 2022 and 2023. However, significantly lower leaf area index (2.70 and 2.91), chlorophyll content (31.9 and 32.2) and yield (2301.0 and 2364.8 kg ha-1) observed with fertigation at 50% PE up to 30 DAS+100% PE up to 60 DAS+150% PE up to 90 DAS with 75% RDF (75% through NF+25% through WSF), respectively in summer 2022 and 2023.

Influence of Drip Irrigation and Fertigation Levels on Physiological Characters and Yield of Aerobic Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

<div>Background: Polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) are persistent environmental pollutants found extensively in various ecosystems. However, their specific impact on liver function remains inadequately investigated. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: Adult male wistar rats were orally exposed to PE-MPs (1-10 &micro;m) at doses of 0.1, 1 and 5 mg/kg/day over 28 days. Attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and fluorescence microscopy identified accumulations of PE-MPs. Liver tissues were examined histologically using Haematoxylin and Eosin staining. Oxidative stress was measured by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional enrichment analyses were conducted using gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopaedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathways. Key genes were validated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). 
&nbsp; 
Result: Accumulation of PE-MPs was detected in liver tissue. Histological evaluation revealed dose-dependent liver injury, including inflammatory infiltration and periportal fibrosis. Elevated MDA levels indicated increased oxidative stress via lipid peroxidation (LPO). qRT-PCR investigation confirmed the upregulation of mitochondrial dysfunction-related genes (NDUFC, UQCRH, MT-CO2), pro-inflammatory genes (TNF-&alpha;, CXCL1, IL-1&beta;) and fibrosis markers (IL-6, Col1A1, &alpha;-SMA). Transcriptomic analysis identified 189 DEGs linked with oxidative stress, inflammation and lipid metabolism pathways. Altogether, PE-MPs exposure induces oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation and fibrosis, contributing to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) like hepatic alterations. This highlights the potential risk of PE-MPs as emerging environmental threats to liver health. 
&nbsp;</div>

Improving productivity of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under drip and micro sprinkler fertigation system

Preparation and Characterization of Propolis (Trigona sp.) Extract-loaded Chitosan Tripolyphosphate Nanoparticles

Efficacy of Pre and Post Emergence Herbicides against Complex Weed Flora, Yield and Economics of Blackgram under High Hills Wet Temperate Zone of Himachal Pradesh

Influence of Spacing and Weed Management Practices on the Growth Characters, Nutrient Removal of Weeds and Nutrient Uptake of Direct Seeded Rice

Effect of weed Management practices on the performance of clusterbean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba(L.) Taub]

Influence of Weed Management Practices on Nutrient Removal and Performance of Transplanted Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

Efficacy of Pre and Post Emergence Application of Imazethapyr and its Ready Mix Herbicides on Growth, Weed Dynamics and Productivity of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Effect of Different Weed Management Practices on Weed Dynamics, Productivity and Farm Profitability of Cluster Bean

Influence of Drip Irrigation and Fertigation Levels on Physiological Characters and Yield of Aerobic Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Polyethylene Microplastics Induced Hepatic Oxidative Stress and Early Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Wistar Rats