<div style="text-align: justify;">The growth rate and instability of mango production is studied for the period 1992-93 to 2013-14. For studying the growth rate, linear and compound models are fitted with and without spline. Spline model is fitted to take care of abrupt jumps in the data and evaluate the change in the trend of time series data.The entire period of study is divided into two sub-periods, 1992-93 to 2002-03 as sub period-I and 2003-04 to 2013-14 as sub-period-II as there is maximum percentage change in area, production and yield of mango in the year 2002-03. The best fitted model is selected by considering the model evaluation criteria, such as, Adj. R2 and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The compound model without spline, compound model with spline and linear model with spline was found to be best fit forarea, production and yield respectively. The growth rate in area, production and yield is found by using the best fit model. &nbsp;The growth rate for area is found to be positive and significant but for yield it is found to be significantly negative for each sub period and for the entire period of study. For this, though the production shows positive growth rate but it is insignificant for sub-period-Iand also for the whole period. The instability in mango production is studied with the help of coefficient of variation.As coefficient of variation is affected by long term trend, it is computed after eliminating trend from the data.From study of instability, it is found that area under mango in India shows lesser instability than production and yield. Though there is increase in production of &nbsp;mango but the increase is mainly due to the positive growth in area under mango. The yield of mango is declining at a significant rate. Decomposition analysis carried out by hazel&rsquo;s decomposition technique reveals that change in mean area made a great positive contribution towards the change in mean production, whereas, change in mean yield and change in area &ndash; yield interaction both made negative contribution towards change in mean productionfrom sub-period I to II.</div>

Fitting of appropriate model to study growth rate and instability of mango production in India

<div>Background: Symbiotic associations between legumes and Rhizobia are ancient and fundamental. However, the plant growth-promoting endophytes other than Rhizobia are not yet fully explored for pulses productivity. The present study was aimed to isolate efficient endophytic bacteria from pulses, assess their diversity, screen their plant growth-promoting activities and to test their potential as bio inoculants for pulses. 
 
Methods: We have isolated several endophytic bacteria from pulse crops more specifically from blackgram (Vigna mungo) and greengram (Vigna radiata). After careful screening, 15 promising endophytic isolates were selected for this study. The identification of endophytic bacterial isolates was performed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolates were tested for their potential for the plant growth-promoting traits such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, indole-3-acetic acid production, siderophore secretion and antifungal activity. Pot culture experiments were conducted with the screened potential endophytic cultures. 
 
Result: The 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that species of Enterobacter, Bacillus, Pantoea, Pseudomonas, Acromobacter, Ocrobacterium were found as endophytes in blackgram and greengram. The in vitro screening identified Bacillus pumilus (BG-E6), Pseudomonas fluorescens (BG-E5) and Bacillus licheniformis (BG-E3) from blackgram and Pseudomonas chlororaphis (GG-E2) and Bacillus thuringiensis (GG-E7) from greengram as potential plant growth-promoting endophytes. These strains showed antagonism against plant pathogenic fungi. Upon inoculation of these endophytic PGPR strains, the blackgram and greengram growth and yield got increased. Among the strains, BG-E6 recorded 14.7% increased yield in blackgram and GG-E2 accounted for a 19.5% yield increase in greengram compared to respective uninoculated control. The experimental results showed that there was a host specificity found among the endophytic bacterial cultures with pulses. The cross inoculation of endophytic strains did not perform well to enhance the growth and yield of their alternate hosts.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Assessing the Plant Growth-promoting Traits and Host Specificity of Endophytic Bacteria of Pulse Crops</div>

<div>An experiment was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2015 and 2016 to study the effect of priming, different seed rate on growth and seed yield of soybean planted under bed and flat method. The study was planned in factorial split plot design, keeping two planting techniques (flat sowing and bed sowing) and two seed priming treatments ( non primed seeds and 100 ppm GA3 primed seeds) in main plot and three seed levels ( 50, 62.5 and 75 kg ha-1) in sub plot. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of seed priming on growth and productivity under different planting techniques with the use of varying seed rates. The results revealed that growth attributes viz. emergence count, plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index and photosynthetic active radiation interception (%) was significantly higher under bed planting technique as compared to flat sowing method. The pooled seed yield was increased by 15.6 % in bed planted soybean crop as compared to flat planted crop. &nbsp;Soybean seeds primed with 100 ppm GA3 recorded significant results in all the growth parameters. Primed seed recorded increase in yield 15.3 % than non primed seeds. Seed rate of 62.5 kg ha-1 recorded significantly higher emergence count, plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index and photosynthetic active radiation interception (%) which was statistically similar in results with 75 kg ha-1 seed rate in both the two years. Pooled seed yield of 62.5 kg ha-1seed rate was 4.61 % higher than 75 kg ha-1 and 12.6 % than 50 kg ha-1 seed rate.</div>

<div>Influence of primed seed and varying seed rate on growth and productivity of soybean (Glycine max L.) under different planting techniques</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Background: Protected calcium salts-fatty acid-amino acid supplement contains high-density of energy that can be used as cattle feed. This study aimed to test the efficacy of the supplements in the growth rate of young Ongole crossbred bulls. 
 
Methods: Thirty Ongole crossbred bulls (345&plusmn;14 kg; live weight&plusmn;SEm) were ranked and blocked based on liveweight and randomly allotted to one of three supplement levels (A: null 0 g/kg; B: 0.3 g/kg and C: 0.6 g/kg LWs) and 10 replicates. All bulls were offered elephant grass and a concentrate diet containing 12% crude protein and 65% of total digestible nutrients. The parameters were liveweight gain, hip height gain, body condition score, feed conversion ratio, plasma fat and glucose concentrations, back fat and muscle depth.&nbsp; 
 
Result: There was no significant difference in feed intake among treatment groups (P&gt;0.05). All bulls ate around 11 kg/d on a DM basis, equal to around 2.8% LW. Bulls in C group were heavier and gained more weight (P&lt;0.05) and required less feed/kg LWG. The depths of backfat and muscle depth were no differences between treatments (P&gt;0.05). The inclusion of 0.6 g/kg LW of the supplement improve the growth rate of young Ongole crossbred bulls.</div>

Effect of Protected Calcium Salts of Fatty Acid-Amino Acid on Growth Rate of Young Ongole Crossbred Bulls

<div style="text-align: justify;">The aim of this study was to determine the effects of genotype and non-genetic factors on the growth traits and survival rates of Turkish indigenous Hair goats (n=63) and their first crosses with Boer bucks (n=91), reared under a semi-intensive management system in the Van province of Turkey. The live weights of the kids at birth and on days 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 were determined to be 3.64, 8.89, 13.99, 18.97, 23.62, 27.22 and 30.44 kg, respectively. The average daily gains in the pre-weaning, post-weaning and overall periods were 171.09, 136.43 and 148.34 g, respectively. The multiple-birth kids had lower survival rates than the single-birth kids (P&lt;0.01). As a result, it may be recommended to Hair goat breeders in the region to use Boer bucks in cross-breeding in order to ensure a better growth performance from the kids; to apply a sustainable selection program; and to improve management conditions. In addition, the data obtained from this study may be used as a model for designing policies on Hair goat breeding in this region.</div>

Effect of genotype and non-genetic factors on growth traits and survival rates in Turkish indigenous Hair goats and their first cross with Boer bucks

<div style="text-align: justify;">A field experiment was conducted at the Main Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Hebbal, Bangalore, to know the effect of site specific nutrient management (SSNM) on growth and yield of groundnut. The fertilizers were applied to the crop based on uptake pattern, target yield and soil fertility status. The study indicated that application of fertilizers based on SSNM for target yield of 2.5 t ha-1 + S (10 kg ha-1) + B (10 kg ha-1) &nbsp;+ Zn (12.50 kg ha-1) recorded significantly higher growth parameters viz., plant height (45.3 cm), number of branches (8.10), leaf area (814.95 cm-2), leaf area index (2.72) and total dry matter accumulation (31.82 g plant-1). The yield parameters viz., total number of pods per plant (19.57), pod weight per plant (12.05 g), 100 kernel weight (34.74 g) and shelling per cent (75.32) were significantly higher with the application of fertilizers based on SSNM for target yield of 2.5 t ha-1 + S + B + Zn compared to recommended dose of fertilizer. The Maximum gross returns were obtained in T4 (application of SSNM for target yield of 2.5 t ha-1 + S &nbsp;+ B + Zn) &nbsp;(Rs. 79219), where as, higher net returns and B:C ratio were obtained with T3 (SSNM for target yield of 2.5 t ha-1) (Rs. 46771 and 2.47 respectively) and lower net returns and B:C ratio were with application of Rec. NPK + FYM (T1) (Rs. 33852 and 2.13 respectively).</div>

Studies on site specific nutrient management (SSNM) on growth and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) under irrigation in southern Karnataka

Background: Integrated management of soil, water and nutrient resources is critical in improving animal feed production sustainably as it is highly resource demanding. Barley is considered as an excellent choice for animal feed owing to its rich nutritional composition, energy content, palatability, versatility and economic feasibility. Implementing sustainable crop management practices that improve soil health as well as enhance water and nitrogen availability is critical for improving crop productivity and ensuring improved animal feed production in these challenging environments. In arid regions with scarce water resources and less fertile soil, an interplay between water availability and nitrogen fertilization plays a significant role in enhancing barley production. Thus adoption of conservation agricultural practices coupled with optimized irrigation and fertilization regime is crucial in establishing sustainable animal feed production in the region. However, much insight is not delivered in the area of interactive effects of irrigation and fertilization with conservational agricultural practices on sustainable intensification of animal feed production in arid and semi-arid lands. The study investigated the interactive effect of tillage, mulching, irrigation and nitrogen application rates on growth and yield performance of barley under Kuwait&rsquo;s environmental conditions. 
 
Methods: The study was conducted at KISR Station for Research and Innovation-KSRI (29.3156&deg;N, 47.8403&deg;E), Kuwait. The effect of tillage and mulching on the growth and yield performance of barley was evaluated under combinations of three different irrigation (100% ETc, 75% ETc&nbsp;and 50% ETc) and fertilization application rates (0 kg/ha, 50 kg/ha and 100 kg/ha). Split-split plot experimental design was employed with three replications to study the effect of different treatments on plant height, number of plants per square meter, spike length, number of spikes per square meter, biomass yield, grain weight, harvest index and residue yield. 
 
Result: Tillage, mulching, irrigation and fertilization application rates imposed a significant interaction effect on barley biomass and grain yield. Minimum tilled plots with mulching under 100% ETc&nbsp;irrigation and 100 kgN/ha recorded the highest biomass and residue yield. For grain yield, minimum as well as conventional tillage with mulching produced the highest value under 100% ETc&nbsp;irrigation and 50 kgN/ha. Highest plant height and number of spikes per square meter was noted in plots with minimum tillage and mulching under 100% ETc&nbsp;irrigation.

Effect of Tillage and Mulching on Growth and Yield Performance of Barley under Different Nitrogen and Irrigation Application Rates

Background: Indigo is a key ingredient in the natural dyeing of fabrics. However, the conventional use of chemical fertilizers in indigo cultivation has led to an increase in production costs and soil degradation. Low-fertility soils further compromise the growth and yield of indigo plants. To address these challenges, employing manure is recognized as a sustainable approach for indigo cultivation. The use of manure enhances soil nutrient levels, improves soil structure and mitigates production costs. In this study, our objectives were to compare different rates of cow manure in relation to indigo growth, yield and the effect of cow manure rate on the value of indigo blue color. 
 
Methods: The experiments were carried out at the Plant Science Field from June to October 2022. Employing a randomized complete block design (RCBD), the study featured four treatments with four replications each. The treatments included: Treatment 1: no fertilizer (control); Treatment 2: cow manure at a rate of 3,125 kg/ha; Treatment 3: cow manure at a rate of 6,250 kg/ha; and Treatment 4: cow manure at a rate of 9,375 kg/ha. Data collection included plant height, canopy width, number of branches, plant weight, indigo blue weight and indigo blue color value. The CIE color system (Commission International de l&rsquo;&Eacute;clairage) determined the color value. 
 
Result: The application of cow manure at a rate of 9,375 kg/ha resulted in the highest plant height and canopy width, with the corresponding number of branches of 150.73 cm, 46.45 cm and 31.73 cm, respectively. As compared to the other treatments, these values were statistically different. The color that was associated with the indigo finished product was dark blue and the yield; plant weight and indigo blue weight were recorded as 15,663.44 kg/ha and 2,540.44 kg/ha, respectively. The color value of indigo blue showed that the L* values of 24.94, a* -9.32, b* -2.44 and C* 9.63 were not significant but h* 194.66 was statistically significant.

Influence of Different Cow Manure Application Rates on the Growth, Yield and Indigo Blue Color of Indigofera suffruticosa Mill

<div>Background: Chickpea plays a greater role in national food and nutritional security and sustaining the economy of the farming community in a variety of ways. As a result of stagnated production and continuous increasing in population, the per capita availability of pulses has decreased considerably. Since very little scope exists for horizontal expansion of area, the alternative seems to be by adopting innovative agronomic practices like nipping, selection of proper seed rate and variety for a set of agro-climatic conditions to overcome from decreasing production potential. In view of above consideration, the present investigation entitled &ldquo;Response of seed rate and nipping on different chickpea (Cicer arietinum&nbsp;L.) varieties in arid irrigated western plain zone&rdquo; was carried out. 
 
Methods: The field experiment was conducted at SKRAU, Bikaner during two consecutive Rabi seasons of 2016-17 and 2017-18. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with three replications, assigning 36 treatments consisting of three varieties (GNG-1581, GNG-1958 and GNG-2171) and three seed rates (48, 64 and 80 kg/ha) as main plot treatments and four levels of nipping practice (control, nipping at 30, 45 and 60 DAS) as subplot treatments. 
 
Result: Variety GNG-1581 had significantly shorter plant stature with higher number of branches/plant (13.94), pods/plant (40.14), seeds/pod (1.78), seed yield (2142 kg/ha), whereas, variety GNG-1958 showed significantly higher plant height (52.53 cm) and straw yield (3720 kg/ha). Number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant and seed index were found significantly higher in the seed rate of 48 kg/ ha. Maximum plant population, plant height, seed yield (2111 kg/ha.), straw yield (3657 kg/ha) were recorded with the seed rate of 80 kg/ ha but on par with the seed rate of 64 kg/ha. Nipping had a significant effect on growth, yield attributes and yield of chickpea. The highest number of branches/plant (13.32), pods/plant (39.61), seed/pod (1.78), seed index (19.16 g), seed yield (2121 kg/ha) and straw yield (3695 kg/ha) were obtained when nipping was practiced at 45 DAS.&nbsp;</div>

Growth and Productivity of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties as Influenced by Seed Rate and Nipping in the Irrigated Arid Western Plain Zone

Background: Macro and micronutrients are the most limiting factors in the production of potato in most part of the country. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of blended NPSB fertilizer rates on yield and yield components of potato varieties in Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia in 2021-2022 cropping season.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The experiment was conducted as a factorial combination of five levels of blended NPSB fertilizer rates (0, 100, 150, 200, 250 kg ha-1) and four potato varieties in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data collected on growth, yield and yield-related traits were subjected to analysis of variance.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results of the study revealed that variety and blended NPSB fertilizer showed a significant effect on crop phenology, growth, tuber yield and yield components. The interaction effect of variety and blended NPSB fertilizer also showed a significant effect on most of the traits measured except for days to 50% flowering and unmarketable tuber yield. The variety Belete showed the highest marketable tuber yield and total tuber yield with the application of 200 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer rate followed by variety Gudene). In terms of economic performance, 150 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer was found to show the marginal rate of return acceptable net benefit in variety Belete. Therefore, potato-growing farmers are advised to apply 150 kg ha-1 of NPSB fertilizer to grow Belete variety. In addition, Gudene variety at 250 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer application rate was found to show the highest marginal rate of return and net benefit can be considered as an alternative recommendation to increase the productivity of potato in the study area.

Effects of Blended NPSB Fertilizer Rates on Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Varieties in Miserak Badawacho District, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia