Background: Weeds are one of the most important elements influencing crop productivity. Tillage practices have a significant effect on the weed seed bank and the appearance of weeds, both of which have a direct impact on farm productivity. Different tillage strategies based on ploughing depth, as well as weed control practices, change the dynamics of weed seeds in the soil. This research will aid in the development of integrated weed control methods by investigating the interaction between tillage and weed management practices. 
 
Methods: Field trials were carried out in two seasons, Summer and Kharif 2022, using a split-plot design with three tillage methods and four weed management practices. The treatments were replicated three times.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Among the different tillage treatments Mouldboard plough fb Cultivator fb Rotovator recorded the lowest weed density. With respect to weed management methods, pre- and post-emergence herbicide application and hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS recorded the lower weed density. Interaction effects of tillage and weed management practices resulted in lower weed density in Mouldboard plough fb Cultivator fb Rotovator with herbicide application and Mouldboard plough fb Cultivator fb Rotovator with hand weeding. Highest weed density was recorded under Cultivator fb Rotovator in unweeded control. With respect to relative density, among the broad-leaved weeds (BLW) Trianthema portulacastrum and Dactyloctenium aegyptium in grasses dominated among the weed species in 30 and 60 DAS respectively. From the present study it was concluded that the Mouldboard plough fb Cultivator fb Rotovator with hand weeding twice or herbicide application reduces the weed emergence from the soil weed seed bank.

Above Ground Emergence and Floristic Composition of Weeds in Relation to Tillage and Weed Management Practices in Maize and Cowpea

<div style="text-align: justify;">The present study was conducted to determine the diversity of weed species in wheat fields of the district Rajouri (J&amp;K). For analyzing diversity 20 quadrats of (1m.&times;1m.) were randomly laid down in each block. In every set of quadrat frequency, density and abundance was observed throughout the cropping season and IVI (Important value index) was determined. During the course of field study it was reported that the maximum infestation was shown by grassy weed &nbsp;Avena fatua having maximum density (10.15, 12.12, 7.30, 9.35, 10.6, 8.55 from site 1-6 respectively) and IVI (35.71, 43.49, 30.27, 33.91, 32.59, 32.11 from site 1-6 respectively) in all the selected sites. While the least dominant weeds were Calotropis procera, Conyza japonica, Cannabis sativa, Rumex acetosa, Euphorbia prolifera and Sonchus asper etc. A total of 116 weed species belonging to 3 monocot and 27dicot families were reported from the target site.</div>

Diversity of weed species in wheat fields of district Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir

<div>Background: Here we investigate whether the composition and some chemical properties of milk can correlate with bacterial species causing subclinical mastitis in cows. 
 
Methods: One hundred and eighty cows were used in the study. The California Mastitis Test (CMT) was applied to the selected cows. The cows were divided into four groups: cows with negative CMT (n = 45), the Escherichia coli (n = 45), Streptococcus agalactiae (n = 45) and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 45) groups. 
 
Result: Milk composition and some chemical properties were measured. The highest fat ratio (5.82&plusmn;0.34%) was found in the Escherichia coli group (p&lt;0.05). The proportions of solid-non-fat (9.67&plusmn;0.09%), protein (3.51&plusmn;0.03%), lactose (5.29&plusmn;05%) and mineral matter (0.75&plusmn;0.01%) were lowest in the Escherichia coli group (p&lt;0.05). The electrical conductivity of milk was lowest in the CMT-negative group (4.23&plusmn;0.02 mS/cm), while the Streptococcus agalactiae group had the highest value (4.61&plusmn;0.02 mS/cm) (p&lt;0.05). The specific gravity of the Escherichia coli group was lower than the CMT-negative (1,034.91&plusmn;0.56 kg/m3) and Staphylococcus aureus (1,034.24&plusmn;0.65 kg/m3) groups (p&lt;0.05). Based on our findings, we propose that milk composition and some chemical parameters are altered in subclinical mastitis. However, these could not be standardized according to the responsible bacterial species. We recommend that these parameters are monitored regularly on dairy farms.</div>

Impact of Subclinical Mastitis-causing Bacterial Species on the Composition and Chemical Properties of Milk

Background: The River Brahmaputra is one of the largest braided rivers in the world, where the island and bars (&ldquo;Chapories&rdquo;) are formed almost annually by erosion and deposition, which are good agricultural lands, as most of the depositions are extremely fertile and possess ready water source in close proximity.&nbsp; With an aim to depict the weed vegetation pattern in upland direct seeded rice ecosystem in such an ecotone zone, Chapories of Majuli district were surveyed during 2021 and 2022. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: One square meter quadrates were plotted in between 20 to 65 days after sowing (before flowering) of rice to study the weed status in the critical period of crop weed competition in four locations.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Study recorded altogether 55 species of weedy nature in four locations with as many as 39 broadleaved species belonging to 25 families, 3 sedges and 13 grasses, which represented a great diversity with several unusual species unique to chapori areas. Isolation of location - 4 by water channel has contributed in increasing dissimilarity with respect to weed flora, though river water might have had great role in distribution of weeds especially the stubble borne perennial species. The cumulative IVI of grass species was also 30.4 per cent higher in this isolated location than the non-grass species, unlike the locations that had land connectivity with shore areas.&nbsp;

Weed Flora Composition in Upland Direct Seeded Rice in Brahmaputra River Ecotones and Edges in Majuli District, Assam

Background: Azolla, a sustainable and nutrient-dense biomass, has significant potential for human nutrition and as a functional ingredient in seafood products. This study aimed to compare biomass yield, nutrient composition and drying efficiency between two species, Azolla pinnata and Azolla caroliniana. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: Both Azolla species were cultivated under controlled aquatic conditions. The harvested biomass was processed using three drying methods: sun drying, cabinet tray drying and hot-air oven drying (40-45&deg;C for 4-6 hours). Drying efficiency was evaluated based on nutrient retention, rehydration capacity and product stability. Culture medium parameters such as dissolved ammonia and total hardness were monitored for correlation with biomass yield and protein content. Proximate composition analysis was conducted on dried samples. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Cabinet tray drying showed the highest nutrient retention and rehydration capacity among the drying methods tested. Improved biomass yield and protein content corresponded with reduced dissolved ammonia and total hardness in the culture medium. On a dry-weight basis, proximate composition ranged as moisture 4.70-5.50%, ash 16.53-17.85%, protein 22.05-22.99%, fat 4.19-4.72%, carbohydrates 49.54-51.72% and fiber 13.53-18.07%. Azolla pinnata exhibited higher nutrient density compared to A. caroliniana. Overall, cabinet tray-dried A. pinnata was identified as a promising functional ingredient for enhancing the nutritional profile of seafood formulations.

&nbsp;

Effect of Cultivation and Drying Methods on the Drying Efficiency and Nutritive Composition of Azolla Species

Background: In today&rsquo;s modern world, heavy metal accumulation, one of the consequences of rapid and excessive environmental pollution, is a serious threat to the health of organisms. Many diseases and disorders are linked to the excessive accumulation of heavy metals, defined as metals with a specific gravity greater than 5 g/cm3. This study aims to investigate the elemental composition of Lathyrus annuus, L. hierosolymitanus, L. hirsutus, L. undulatus and L. tuberosus species, which have potential for human consumption as food and to determine the concentrations of Na, Mg, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cr, Ni, Cd and Cu, the last seven of which are classified heavy metals. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: Plant materials were obtained from their natural distribution areas and identified according to the Flora of T&uuml;rkiye. In the chemical analyses, sample preparation was carried out using the wet digestion method in accordance with EPA Method 3015A and ICP-OES measurements were performed according to EPA Method 6010. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The highest concentrations of Ca, Mn, Cd, Zn and Cu were found in L. hirsutus, while Na and Fe were most abundant in L. hierosolymitanus, K in L. tuberosus and Mg in L. annuus. In all species, Cr and Ni amounts were found to be lower than 0.008 and 0.006 ppm, respectively. Cd and Cu levels were less than 0.005 and 0.003 ppm, respectively, in all species except L. hirsutus. Compared to other species examined in the current study and to literature data, it was found that the aerial parts of L. hirsutus contain very high amounts of Mn and Cd.

Chemical Compositions and Some Heavy Metal Contents of Five Lathyrus Species (Fabaceae) from T&uuml;rkiye

<div>Background: Indragiri Hilir District has the most extensive rice harvest area and is the most significant contributor to rice production in Riau Province. Family Chalcididae is a parasitoid insect that can act as a biological agent to reduce pest attacks on rice. This research aimed to study the species diversity of Chalcididae on tidal swamp rice fields in Indragiri Hilir District. 
 
Methods: Sampling was carried out in two periods of rice planting. Samplings were conducted in 4 sub-districts of rice production centers, namely Batang Tuaka, Keritang, Reteh and Tembilahan Hulu, using three sampling techniques (i.e., insect net, malaise trap and yellow pan trap). Diversity index (H&rsquo;), Species richness index (d), Species Evenness index (J&rsquo;) and Similarity Index (Is) were calculated. 
 
Result: We found 127 individuals consisting of 5 genera and 11 species of Chalcididae were found in the four studied areas. Among them, Antrocephalus lugubris, A. maculipennis, Brachymeria excarinata, B. minuta and Dirhinus anthracia. B. excarinata and Antrocephalus sp. are reported as a new record to Indonesia and were found in all study locations. B. excarinata has the highest abundance of individuals. The shape of the landscape can influence the diversity index, species abundance and individual abundance of Chalcididae.</div>

Species Diversity and Composition of Chalcidids Wasps (Chalcidoidea: Hymenoptera) on Tidal Swamp Rice Field in Indragiri Hilir District, Indonesia

Background: Maize is the third most important cereal in India after rice and wheat which contributes nearly 9% in national food basket. Weed infestation is a major problem in maize, primarily at initial growth stages and due to wider spacing, hence weed control is essential to reduce the competition with maize crop. In maize row to row spacing is more so maximum number of weeds appears and compete with main crop. 
 
Methods: A field experiment was conducted in the University Agricultural Farm under the Department of Agronomy in kharif 2019. The soil of the experimental field was sandy loam in texture having pH 6.87 and electrical conductivity 0.32 mmhos/cm. The experiment was comprised of eight treatments and laid out in randomized block design with three replications T0 (Control), T1 (Hand weeding at 20 DAS, 40 DAS), T2 (Atrazine 1 kg/ha after 3 days of sowing), T3 (Metribuzin 1 kg/ha after 3 days of sowing), T4 (Alachlor 1.5 kg/ha after 3 days of sowing), T5 (Atrazine + hand weeding 1 kg/ha (after 3 days and 30 days after sowing), T6 (Metribuzin + hand weeding 1 kg/ha (after 3 days and 30 days after sowing), T7 (Alachlor + hand weeding 1.5 kg/ha (after 3 days and 30 days after sowing). The texture of the experimental field soil was sandy loam having pH-6.87, EC-0.32 mmhos/cm.&nbsp; 
 
Result:&nbsp;The weed species recorded at the experimental site were mainly comprised with grasses, sedges and broadleaf weeds. The dominant weed species infested in the experimental field were: Cynodon dactylon (doob grass), Cyperus rotundus, Amaranthus viridis, Anagallis arvensis, Argemone mexicana, Chenopodium album, Parthenium hysterophorus and Trianthema prolacastrum. Significant reduction in the weed density was recorded in manual weeding. The highest plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, flag leaf length, chlorophyll content, leaf area index, grain yield and stover yield was recorded highest with hand weeding which was followed by T7 (Alachlor + hand weeding 1.5 kg/ha (after 3 days and 30 days after sowing).

Effect of Integrated Weed Management Practices on Weed Dynamics and Performance of Maize Crop

<div>Background: Balancing productivity, profitability and environmental health is a key challenge for maintaining agricultural sustainability. The use of locally available agro-inputs in agriculture by avoiding or minimizing the use of synthetically compounded agro-chemicals appears to be one of the probable options to sustain the agricultural productivity. Widespread use of herbicides has resulted in purported environmental and health problems as well as residual toxicity issues in succeeding crops. At present, the awareness on safe food is increasing. So, keeping this point in view the present investigation was carried out to evaluate the influence of organic sources of nutrients and weed management on growth, yield and weed flora of Frenchbean.&nbsp; 
 
Methods:&nbsp;A field experiment was conducted during summer season of 2016 and 2017. The present investigation was laid out in split plot design with six sources of nutrients in main plot and four weed management treatments in sub plots.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Application of treatment T5 recorded significantly higher growth parameters, yield attributes, fresh pod yield, net returns and B:C ratio of French bean which was statistically at par with T3 and T2. Amongst the weed management treatments, treatment W1 resulted in significantly lowest species wise and total weed density and biomass, highest weed control efficiency, lowest weed index, highest growth, yield attributes and fresh pod yield of French bean which was statistically at par with W2 and W0. However, the highest net returns and B:C ratio were obtained in weed free plots.</div>

Weed Dynamics and Productivity of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as Influenced by Organic Sources of Nutrients and Weed Management

<div>Background: Weeds are the major threat to direct seeded rice and a single strategy of weed control may not be effective for season-long weed control. Intending to accomplish the long-term and sustainable weed management of direct seeded rice, the integration approach of weed management strategies seems a better alternative. The current field study was aimed to evaluate the impact of integration of different weed control methods on direct seeded rice under irrigated ecosystem on weed growth and rice yield.</div>

<div> 
Methods: The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and twelve treatments during 2017 at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India. The twelve treatments included the combination of cultural, mechanical, physical and chemical weed management methods.</div>

<div> 
Result: Combination of stale seedbed technique integrated with pre-emergence application of pendimethalin with mechanical weeding at 25 DAS followed by 1 hand weeding at 45 DAS, Sesbania (line sowing) fb application of pendimethalin (PE) fb 1 mechanical weeding at 25 DAS fb 1 hand weeding at 45 DAS, stale seedbed with application of pendimethalin (PE) with Sesbania brown manuring supplemented with mechanical weeding (25 DAS) fb hand weeding at 45 DAS, mulching with wheat straw mulch along with post-emergence application of penoxsulam (20 DAS) fb 1 hand weeding at 45 DAS and application of pendimethalin (PE) fb penoxsulum (PoE) at 20 DAS fb 1 hand weeding at 45 DAS with a row spacing of 25 cm found to be similar in the suppression of weed population and weed density at 40 and 60 DAS and crop yields (4.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.0 and 4.2 t/ha, respectively) were on par with weed free plot i.e. 4.4t/ha. Application of pendimethalin (PE) fb penoxsulum (PoE) at 20 DAS fb 1 hand weeding at 45 DAS with row spacing of 25cm recorded 93.7%, 90.6% and 4.5% weed control efficiency, weed control index and weed index respectively, which was similar with above integrated weed management treatments. A negative correlation of the weed density and dry matter with the yield of rice was recorded.</div>