Arabidopsis NLP7 improves nitrogen use efficiency and yield in cotton

Background Nitrogen (N) is a required macronutrient for cotton growth and productivity. Excessive N fertilizers are applied in agriculture for crop yield maximization, which also generates environmental pollution. Improving crop N use efficiency (NUE) is the most economical and desirable way of reducing fertilizer application and environmental pollution. NUE has been an important issue in cotton. So far there is no report on cotton NUE improvement via transgenic approach. Nin-like proteins (NLP) are transcription factors regulating NUE. We previously demonstrated that AtNLP7 improved NUE and biomass when overexpressed in Arabidopsis. However, it is not known whether AtNLP7 can be used to improve NUE in crops. Results To test the feasibility, we expressed AtNLP7 in cotton and evaluated NUE and yield of the transgenic cotton in the field. Transgenic cotton showed improved NUE and yield under both low and high N conditions. In addition, plant biomass, amount of absorbed N, N contents, activities of N-assimilating enzymes, and the expression of N-related marker genes were significantly increased in transgenic cotton compared with the wild type control, suggesting that AtNLP7 enhances NUE in cotton. Conclusion Together, our results demonstrate that AtNLP7 is a promising candidate to improve NUE and yield in cotton.

Effect of Varieties and Crop Geometries on Yield and Profitability of Soybean in Semi – Arid Climate of Telangana

A field study entitled ʻʻEvaluation of varieties at varied crop geometry for yield maximization in soybeanʼʼ was conducted at College farm, Agricultural College, Polasa, Jagtial, PJTSAU, during the kharif season of 2018. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with three replications to evaluate the performance of promising varieties of soybean (V1- Basar, V2- JS 335, V3- KDS 756 and V4- MACS 1281) and to standardize the crop geometry for Soybean varieties (S1- 45 x 10 cm, S2- 30 x 10 cm, S3- 45 x 05 cm and S4- 35 x 05 cm) under rainfedsemi arid conditions of Telangana. The results obtained from the present experiment indicated that among the varieties the yield attributes and yield are numbers of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, seed yield, stalk yield and harvest index (%) and monetary returns of KDS 756 variety was significantly higher as compared to other varieties followed by Basar, MACS 1281, respectively. Hundred seed weight was significant among varieties and was higher with variety KDS 756 followed by MACS 1281, JS 335 and Basar. JS 335 showed inferior performance regarding yield attributes yield and monetary returns. Among crop geometry 30 x 10 cm recorded higher yield characters and monetary returns followed by 45 x 05 cm, 30 x 05 cm and 45 x 10 cm, respectively.

Foliar Nutrition with Water Soluble Macro and Micro Nutrient Fertilizers for Yield Maximization in Bush Vegetable Cowpea

Background: Cowpea is a leguminous crop of indeterminate growth habit and continues to produce flowers throughout its life cycle. In order to realize the genetic yield potential of cowpea, nutrient requirements of later formed flushes also needs to be met. Hence the present study was formulated to assess the effect of foliar application of water-soluble macro nutrient fertilizers viz., NPK 19:19:19 and potassium nitrate and micronutrient fertilizers viz. zinc sulphate and solubor for yield maximization in bush vegetable cowpea. Methods: The field experiment was conducted at Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram, during Rabi 2020-21. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 13 treatments in three replications. The treatments comprised of recommended dose of conventional fertilizers (RDF) NPK 20:30:10 kg ha-1 as control and RDF + foliar application of water-soluble fertilizers 19:19:19 (0.5%) and potassium nitrate (0.5%) with zinc sulphate (0.05%) and solubor (0.025%) in twelve different combinations. Result: Results revealed that compared to RDF alone, RDF + foliar application of water-soluble macro and micro nutrient fertilizers at 45 DAS significantly improved the dry matter production, number of pods per plant and pod weight and recorded a yield enhancement of 22 to 55 per cent. Among the treatments, RDF + foliar application of 19:19:19 (0.5%) and solubor (0.025%) at 45 DAS recorded the highest dry matter production per plant (39.51 g), pods per plant (30.88 no.), pod yield (7410 kg ha-1), net return (82651 Rs ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.26). The treatments, RDF + foliar application of 19:19:19 (0.5%) at 45 DAS; RDF + foliar application of 19:19:19 (0.5%), zinc sulphate (0.05%) and solubor (0.025%) at 45 DAS; and RDF + foliar application of potassium nitrate (0.5%) and solubor (0.025%) at 45 DAS also recorded comparable number of pods per plant, green pod yield, net return and B:C ratio. Considering the highest green pod yield, net return and B:C ratio, RDF + foliar application of NPK 19:19:19 (0.5%) and solubor (0.025%) at 45 DAS could be recommended for yield maximization in bush type vegetable cowpea.

SP2.1.12Use of the eLogbook in surgical training in the United Kingdom: A nationwide survey and consensus recommendations from the Association of Surgeons in Training

Introduction Operative cases recording is essential to demonstrate experience. However, indicative numbers may incentivise overstatement or misrepresentation of experience. This study aimed to determine the perceptions of eLogbook use by UK trainees. Methods An anonymous online questionnaire was disseminated electronically using a yield-maximization strategy. Mixed methods evaluation of quantitative and qualitative data was used. Based on the results of this survey, a modified Delphi process was conducted within the Council of the Association of Surgeons in Training to develop recommendations for eLogbook improvement. Results Analysis included 906 complete responses (34.8% female) from all UK specialities and all training grades. More than two-thirds (68.5%) believed that overstatement of case involvement occurs and almost a third (32.7%) had witnessed overstatement. A fifth (20.8%) witnessed trainees logging cases not participated in, yet few (15.1%) had raised such an issue with a supervisor. Feeling pressured to overstate involvement and number recorded was reported by more than a quarter (28.6% and 28.1%) of respondents. Almost a third (31.5%) felt that indicative case numbers were not achievable. Female trainees were less likely to feel well supervised (p = 0.022) and to perceive targets for training completion were achievable (p = 0.005). Thematic analysis identified four key themes to explain logbook misuse: Pressure to achieve training milestones; eLogbook functionality issues; training deficiencies and probity. Conclusions Inaccurate operative recording was widely reported, largely in response to perceived pressure to achieve career progression targets. Operative logbooks may not be as accurate as intended. Consensus recommendations are made for improvement in the eLogbook and its use.

Effect of land configurations and Pongamia mulch on soil moisture content and yield of yellow pericarp sorghum during kharif

The present work aims to determine the effect of land configurations and Pongamia pinnata mulch on soil moisture content and yield of yellow sorghum during kharif, 2018-19 on sandy clay loam soils of Hyderabad. The experiment was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The treatments included land configurations (Flatbed, Ridge and furrow, Broad bed and furrow, Flatbed + Mulch, Ridge and Furrow + Mulch, Broad bed and furrow + Mulch) and yellow sorghum genotypes (PYPS 101, PYPS 102, PYPS 103 and PYPS 104). Mulch used in this investigation was Pongamia leaf mulch applied @ 6 t ha-1 uniformly at 20 DAS. Soil moisture played a vital role in increasing crop yields in the rainfed regions of the semi-arid tropics. During most crop growth stages, the availability of soil water was increased by Broad bed and furrow + mulch, resulting in increased grain yield by 37 % (1701 kg ha-1) of yellow sorghum over flatbed. Ridge and furrow + mulch were found to be the next best treatment, with a grain yield of 1590 kg ha-1. Mulched treatments of flatbed, ridge and furrow and broad bed and furrow increased the grain yield by 20%, 28% and 37%, respectively, compared to flatbed without mulch. The present study will help in recognizing profitable moisture conservation practices and the role of Pongamia mulch in soil moisture conservation and yield maximization of yellow sorghum.

Response of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata L.) to Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer

Aim: The experiment was conducted in the Kintampo North Municipality during the 2017 cropping season from August to November to evaluate the response of cabbage to different soil amendments. Methods: It was a single factor experiment laid out in a Randomized Complete Block design with three replications. The five treatments which includes NPK 15-15-15, poultry manure, cow dung and goat manure and a control. Results: Parameters measured were plant height, number of leaves, leave length, canopy diameter, head diameter and head weight. Generally, all treatments performed better than the control used in the study. Conclusions: Poultry manure performed similar to NPK 15-15-15, and were superior to all other treatments in all parameters measured. Cow dung and goat manure performed fairly well in the parameters measured. Recommendation: The study therefore recommends the application of poultry manure for improved growth, yield maximization and sustainable cabbage production. Application of cow dung and goat manure can also be adopted for appreciable yields of cabbage.

STUDIES ON IMPACT OF IRRIGATION AND WATER CONSERVATION PRACTICES ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF DIRECT SOWN RICE UNDER WATER CONSTRAINT SITUATION

An experiment was conducted to study the agronomic practices for growth and yield maximization of direct sown rice under water constraint situation. The main plot treatments comprised of three levels of irrigation viz., Conventional irrigation (M1 ), tensiometer based irrigation (M2 ) and deficit irrigation (M3 ) respectively and were tested with different water conservation practices viz., soil application of water saving crystals (WSC) @ 5 kg ha-1 (S1 ), foliar application of drought shield @ 3 liters ha-1(S2 ), soil application of humic granules @ 2.5 kg ha-1 (S3 ) and soil application of FYM @ 12.5 t ha-1 (S4 ). Interaction between different levels of irrigation and water conservation practices were significantly influenced. Tensiometer based irrigation along with soil application of humic granules @ 2.5 kg ha-1 (M2 S3 ) recorded the higher growth and yield parameters in direct sown rice.

Effect of Plant Densities on Yield Potential of Nerica 10 Rice Variety (Oryza sativa L.) In Taita Taveta County

Rice (Oryza sativa L.), is an important cereal crop grown within central, western and coast region of Kenya. Despite annual rice consumption being higher than maize (Kenya’s staple food), the country is unable to meet an annual demand of 0.55 million tons and depends on imports to fill a 73% deficit. In order to contribute to reducing the deficit gap, a field experiment was conducted at Dembwa and Kipusi, Taita Taveta County in Kenya during the 2019 long rain season to find out the effect of spacing and seeding rate on performance of New Rice for Africa (Nerica) 10 rice variety. Three spacings 30 cm x 15 cm (control), 20 cm x 15 cm and 20 cm x 10 cm and four seedrates drill (random seed placement in small groove/line), 1, 2, or 3 seedling(qs) per hill were used. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design, factorial arrangement with three replications. Results showed that the interaction between 20 cm x 10 cm spacing at single seedling per hill significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased grain yield by 58%, dry biomass by 33% and harvest index by 45% compared to 20 cm x 15 cm and 30 cm x 15cm (control). These results suggest that interaction between 20 cm x 10 cm spacing at 1(one) seedling per hill is the best for Nerica 10 grain yield maximization in Taita Taveta County. The current investigation is among preliminary studies on Nerica 10 rice variety in the county. Therefore, there is need for long term trials in various agro environments in the County.

Yield maximization of direct sown rice (Oryza sativa l.) under water constraint situation

More efficient water management practices need to be adopted for better sustainable rice production grown under traditional areas due to increased water scarcity. Among the different water management practices, efficient new generation water-saving chemicals and organic products were used to conserve water under field condition. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the yield maximization in direct sown CO51 rice (Oryza sativa L.) under water constraint situation. The main plot treatments comprised of three levels of irrigation viz., Conventional irrigation (M1), Tensiometer based irrigation (M2) and Deficit irrigation (M3), respectively and were tested with four different water conservation practices in sub-plots viz., soil application of water-saving crystals (WSC) @ 5 kg ha-1 (S1), foliar application of drought shield @ 3 litres ha-1 (S2 ), soil application of humic granules @ 2.5 kg ha-1 (S3) and soil application of FYM @ 12.5 t ha-1 (S4). Experimental results indicated that Tensiometer based irrigation with soil application humic granules @ 2.5 kg ha-1 M2S3) recorded higher number of panicles m-2 (411) and number of filled grains panicle-1 (108.16) in direct-sown rice. However, M2S3 recorded significantly maximum grain yield (6352 kg ha-1) and minimum (3940 kg ha-1) in (M3S4) deficit irrigation applied with FYM @12.5 t ha-1 in the year 2018 Sornavari season, respectively. Thus the Tensiometer based irrigation with soil application of humic granules @ 2.5 kg ha-1 can be a feasible approach for increasing grain yield and conserve water in north eastern region of Tamil Nadu, by promoting water use efficiency method in direct rice cultivation areas.