Journal of Experimental Agriculture International

Occurrence and Abundance of Aphid Species in Coastal Region of Bangladesh

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aphid samples were collected from bean and brinjal plants in the coastal region (Patuakhali, Barguna, Barishal, Pirojpur, Gopalgonj and Satkhira) of Bangladesh. The survey was conducted several times at the same locations to identify the species and assess the incidence and abundance of aphid species on bean and brinjal. Molecular identification was performed in the Insect Molecular Physiology Laboratory of Kyungpook National University, Korea, using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) sequences. Molecularly, two species (Aphis craccivora and Aphis gossypii) were identified by comparing their nucleotide sequences with other nucleotide sequences in the NCBI GenBank database, which formed different clades in the phylogenetic tree with distinct distances. Infestations of the brinjal aphid (Aphis gossypii) varied among localities. Survey findings indicated that Patuakhali was the most vulnerable location to A. gossypii (633.33), followed by Barishal (317.77), Pirojpur (317.17) and Barguna (306.66). The lowest number of A. gossypii (4.26) was recorded at Gopalgonj, followed by Satkhira (11.8), Barguna (22.33), Barishal, Pirojpur (24.44) and Patuakhali (82.55). The maximum occurrence of A. gossypii (173.33) was recorded across the surveyed locations in February, except at Patuakhali, where it occurred in March (633.33), and the lowest number of A. gossypii (4.26) per plant was recorded in May across all locations. Further survey investigation revealed that infestations of the bean aphid (Aphis craccivora) varied among localities. Survey findings indicated that Satkhira was the most vulnerable location to A. craccivora (1907.11), followed by Gopalgonj (1729), Pirojpur (1285) and Barishal (1142.77). The lowest number of A. craccivora (257.86) was recorded at Barguna, followed by Patuakhali (702.11). The maximum occurrence of A. craccivora (1729) was recorded across the surveyed locations in February, and the lowest number of A. craccivora (22.3) per plant was recorded in May across all locations. Moreover, the meteorological data clearly showed a negative correlation with increasing aphid populations on both bean and brinjal. Furthermore, aphid infestation on bean at every location was five- to ten-fold higher than on brinjal.

Survey of Carbohydrate Reserves in Grapevine at Fruit Pruning and Foundation Pruning

S. R. Bhagwat, J. N. Kalbhor, A. H. Gavali, J. M. Khilari, S. A. Yadav — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The present study evaluated carbohydrate reserve dynamics in six grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars—Thompson Seedless, Sharad Seedless, Sonaka, Crimson Seedless, Nana Purple, and Clone 2A—grafted onto Dogridge rootstock under the agro-climatic conditions of Maharashtra, India, during 2019–2020. Cane samples were collected from the top, middle, and basal portions after April fruit pruning and October foundation pruning. Organic carbon, nitrogenous compounds, mineral nutrients, amino acids, proteins, starch, and the C:N ratio were determined using standard laboratory procedures. Fruit yield and quality attributes, petiole nutrient status, fruitfulness, photosynthetic parameters, and selected biochemical characteristics were also recorded. Starch concentration varied among cultivars and cane positions. In general, middle and basal cane portions showed greater starch accumulation than apical portions. Starch concentration generally increased after October foundation pruning, although the magnitude of change varied among cultivars and cane positions, indicating post-harvest reserve replenishment. In the harvest observations, Nana Purple recorded the highest bunch weight (249.74 g) and yield (21.07 t ha−1), while Thompson Seedless recorded the highest total soluble solids (20.09 °Brix). Sonaka recorded the highest fruitfulness (78.67%) and berry length (19.77 mm). Petiole analysis showed varietal differences in nitrogen and potassium status. The results indicate that carbohydrate reserve status varies with cultivar, cane position, and pruning stage and may contribute to subsequent vine growth and reproductive performance. Maintaining adequate post-harvest canopy activity and balanced nutrient management is therefore important for restoring reserves in grapevines under warm-climate production systems.

Analyzing the Socio-Economic and Institutional Determinants of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices Adoption among Smallholder Green Gram Farmers in Masinga Sub-County, Kenya

Anna Ndunge Mutinda, Martin Kagiki Njogu, Pauline Micheni Kananu — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) holds significant potential for enhancing productivity and climate resilience among smallholder farmers. In Masinga Sub-County, approximately 9,900 green gram farmers face erratic rainfall, droughts, and soil degradation, resulting in mean yields of only 460 kg/ha against a potential of 1.5 tons/ha. This study examined the socio-economic and institutional determinants, incentives, and constraints influencing CSA adoption. Anchored in the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Technology Acceptance Model, the study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered to 390 green gram farmers selected through stratified random sampling across the five wards of Masinga Sub-County. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS Version 29. Results showed that 54.0% of respondents had adopted at least two CSA practices, with drought-resistant seed varieties (43.2%) and minimum tillage (42.4%) being the most common. The binary logistic regression model demonstrated a good fit (McFadden Pseudo R² = 0.395; overall classification accuracy = 80.4%) and identified significant positive predictors: access to input subsidies (OR = 2.33, p < 0.001), perceived government policy support (OR = 2.37, p = 0.002), annual household income (OR = 2.09, p = 0.006), and market linkages (OR = 1.74, p = 0.049). High input costs were the main significant barrier (OR = 0.42, p = 0.002). Thematic analysis confirmed infrastructure deficits, financial barriers, and awareness gaps as interconnected obstacles. The study findings provided valuable insights for the academic literature by addressing gaps in research on CSA adoption in semi-arid regions, particularly for drought-prone crops like green gram. Additionally, the study findings benefit policymakers by offering data-driven recommendations for designing and developing policies that enhance CSA adoption and sustainability in smallholder farming. Agricultural extension services and development organisations may use these findings to design targeted programmes that address key incentives and constraints. The study concluded that income level and access to input subsidies were the primary drivers of CSA adoption, while high input costs constituted the foremost structural barrier, with incentives and constraints each operating as integrated, mutually reinforcing systems rather than isolated factors.

Pot Design Affects Rooting Response of Cuttings

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Cutting propagation plays a vital role in producing high-quality seedlings from superior genotypes for establishing intensive plantations, as this method preserves the genetic characteristics of selected mother trees while enabling rapid, large-scale multiplication. Among the various factors influencing rooting success, the choice of rooting medium is particularly critical, and sand has consistently proved to be one of the most effective rooting media across a wide range of plant species due to its favourable aeration and drainage properties. In this study, a newly designed propagation pot was developed and evaluated, featuring a sand core positioned at the centre of the pot and surrounded by an outer layer of soil. This innovative design was applied to Camellia impressinervis, a golden camellia species of significant conservation and economic value, and its performance was compared with that of a conventional pot design consisting entirely of soil. After four months of growth, cuttings grown in the newly designed pot achieved a rooting rate of 98.9%, which was significantly higher than the 73.4% recorded in the traditionally designed pot. In terms of root development, the mean root length in the newly designed pot (4.7 cm) did not differ significantly from that in the traditional pot (4.5 cm). Based on these findings, the newly designed pot incorporating a central sand core is recommended for practical application, particularly for plant species that exhibit better rooting performance in sand than in soil.

Concentration and Method Dependent Effects of Nano-Nickel on Growth and Physiological Attributes of Cowpea

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: Nickel (Ni) is an essential micronutrient involved in important physiological and metabolic processes in plants, particularly urease activation and nitrogen metabolism. However, the beneficial effects of Ni are concentration-dependent, and excessive Ni may adversely affect plant growth and physiological performance. The use of nano-nickel (nano-Ni) offers an alternative approach for supplying Ni because of its enhanced reactivity and potential for efficient nutrient delivery. However, the response of cowpea to nano-Ni may vary according to both concentration and method of application. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of nano-Ni applied through soil, foliar spray and seed treatment on plant height, leaf area index (LAI) and SPAD value of cowpea.

Study Design: Completely Randomised Design (CRD) was undertaken.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, from March 2023 to June 2023.

Methodology: A pot experiment was conducted using the recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF), along with different concentrations of nano-Ni applied through soil, foliar spray and seed treatment. For soil application, nano-Ni was applied at 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0 and 1.5 mg kg⁻¹, whereas for foliar spray and seed treatment, nano-Ni was applied at 10, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 250 ppm. Plant height, LAI and SPAD value were recorded at 30 and 60 days after sowing (DAS). The experimental data were analysed statistically and treatment means were compared using Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT) at P ≤ 0.05.

Results: Nano-Ni application significantly affected plant height, leaf area index (LAI) and SPAD value of cowpea, with responses varying with concentration and application method. Under soil application, the maximum plant height was recorded at 0.75 mg kg⁻¹ at 30 DAS and 0.50 mg kg⁻¹ at 60 DAS, while LAI and SPAD were highest at 0.75 mg kg⁻¹ at both stages. Foliar application produced the highest plant height and LAI at 75 ppm at both stages, whereas the maximum SPAD value was recorded at 75 ppm at both 30 and 60 DAS. Under seed treatment, plant height and LAI were maximum at 25 ppm at both stages, while the SPAD value was highest at 75 and 50 ppm at 30 and 60 DAS, respectively.

Conclusion: Nano-Ni improved plant growth and physiological performance in cowpea at optimum concentrations. Foliar application at 75 ppm was most effective for plant height and LAI, whereas the optimum concentration for SPAD varied with the application method and growth stage. The decline at higher concentrations indicates a concentration-dependent response to nano-Ni.

An Economic Analysis of Sole Pigeonpea Cultivation in Amravati District of Maharashtra, India

Anjali R. Gavhane, S. N. Ingle, K. R. Deshmukh, M. S. Naware, V. M. Gedam — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) is an important pulse crop in India and holds considerable significance in Maharashtra because of its contribution to farm income, nutritional security and sustainable agricultural production. The profitability of pigeonpea cultivation, however, depends largely on the level and composition of cultivation costs, productivity and returns obtained by farmers. The present study was undertaken to examine the cost of cultivation and profitability of sole pigeonpea cultivation in Amravati district of Maharashtra during the agricultural year 2025–26. Primary data were collected through personal interviews with 120 sole pigeonpea farmers selected from five tehsils and ten villages. The selected farmers were classified into small, medium and large farm-size groups to assess differences in cost structure and economic performance. The cost of cultivation was estimated using standard cost concepts, namely Cost A₁, A₂, B₁, B₂, C₁, C₂ and C₃.

The study revealed that the overall Cost A₁ was Rs. 41,630.39 per hectare, whereas the comprehensive Cost C₃ amounted to Rs. 74,092.68 per hectare. The average main-product yield was 13.25 q/ha, with a by-product yield of 4.42 q/ha. The overall gross return from sole pigeonpea cultivation was Rs. 1,01,535.39 per hectare, and the net return over Cost C₃ was Rs. 27,442.71 per hectare. The overall cost of production was Rs. 5,485.09 per quintal. The input-output ratio remained above unity across all cost concepts, ranging from 2.44 at Cost A₁/A₂ to 1.37 at Cost C₃, indicating the economic viability of pigeonpea cultivation in the study area. Among the farm-size groups, large farmers recorded a comparatively lower cost of production per quintal and a higher input-output ratio at Cost C₃, indicating relatively better economic performance.

The findings suggest that sole pigeonpea cultivation is profitable in the study area; however, efficient management of expenditure on labour, machinery, seed and fertiliser is essential for further improvement in farm profitability. Appropriate extension support, timely availability of quality inputs and improved resource-use practices can contribute to reducing avoidable production costs and enhancing the economic returns from pigeonpea cultivation.