Current Research in Agricultural Sciences

Effect of waterlogging on growth and development of selected green gram varieties

2025-07-21T10:19:46-05:00

This experiment studied the effect of waterlogging on the growth and development of selected green gram varieties to recommend the variety that can withstand waterlogging. The seeds of three selected green gram varieties were planted in 10-litre capacity pots arranged in a completely randomized design. Waterlogging was induced at the vegetative stage, 21 days after sowing (DAS), by dipping 10-litre pots into larger 20-litre pots and maintaining standing water at 3cm above the soil level for 3 days (T3), 6 days (T6), and 9 days (T9). The control (T0) was achieved by watering the pots with 500ml of water per day. Net assimilation rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance were measured using LI-COR 680 portable photosynthesis systems. Chlorophyll content was determined using the Arnon method. Measurements were taken from three plant samples per variety regularly throughout the study period. KAT 00301 and KAT 00309 maintained significantly higher net assimilation rates, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content than KAT 00308 under waterlogging treatments. KAT 00308 was more vulnerable to waterlogging; the variety wilted and died under prolonged waterlogging, but KAT 00301 and KAT 00309 survived, though with reduced yield. Both small and commercial green gram farmers should plant KAT 00301 and KAT 00309 to minimize losses due to waterlogging.

Effect of selected microbial isolates from maize rhizosphere on disease incidence and severity of maize common smut disease caused by Ustilago maydis

2025-07-21T10:31:15-05:00

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of selected microbial isolates from the maize rhizosphere on the incidence and severity of maize common smut disease, which causes a decline in maize production. The rhizosphere contains microorganisms with potential antagonistic activities against microbial diseases. However, there is limited information regarding their use as biocontrol agents. The maize varieties Dk 8033 and Duma 43 were used because they have a short maturity period, are recently released, and are highly preferred by farmers. In-vitro screening of microbial isolates against Ustilago maydis was conducted using the dual culture method in a completely randomized design, with three replicates. Greenhouse experiments followed a completely randomized design with ten treatments, also in triplicate. Data on growth inhibition, disease incidence, and severity were collected. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were observed among isolates. The highest in-vitro inhibition was recorded by fungal isolate MF14 (22.0 mm, unidentified), followed by Serratia sp. (19.0 mm), Bacillus sp. (16.0 mm), and Aspergillus sp. (15.0 mm). In greenhouse trials, MF14 showed the lowest disease incidence (49.3%), while Serratia sp. had the highest (84.3%). These findings highlight the potential of selected microbial isolates, especially MF14, as promising biocontrol agents for managing maize common smut.

Assessment of soil fertility status based on NPK levels: A case study at agricultural research farm, Malakandher, Peshawar

2025-08-31T11:46:52-05:00

This study aims to evaluate the fertility status of soils at the Agricultural Research Farm, Malakandher, Peshawar, focusing on key macronutrients and physicochemical properties affecting crop productivity. Soil samples (0-15 cm depth) were collected from twelve representative farm blocks and analyzed for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, organic matter, soil pH, and electrical conductivity using standard laboratory procedures. The Kjeldahl method was used for nitrogen estimation, AB-DTPA extraction for phosphorus and potassium, Walkley-Black method for organic matter, and saturation extract techniques for pH and electrical conductivity. Results indicated significant variability in nutrient levels across fields: nitrogen ranged from 0.12% to 0.29%, phosphorus from 0.43 to 3.01 mg/kg, potassium from 97.5 to 151.9 mg/kg, and organic matter from 0.80% to 1.10%. Soil pH was moderately alkaline (7.08 to 7.29), while electrical conductivity values (0.53 – 0.66 dS/m) were generally sufficient. The findings suggest that while nitrogen and potassium levels are generally adequate, phosphorus deficiency requires attention. This study underscores the need for uniform and site-specific nutrient management strategies to improve fertilizer recommendations, enhance soil fertility, and support sustainable crop production in Malakandher and similar agroecological regions.

Design, structural analysis, and ROS-based kinematic simulation of a robotic arm for capsicum harvesting in greenhouse environments

2025-12-09T12:25:43-06:00

This study presents an integrated mechanical design, structural validation, and kinematic simulation framework for a 6-DOF robotic manipulator tailored to precision capsicum harvesting in greenhouse environments. The robot was designed using a lightweight, modular architecture based on a hybrid-material approach: Polylactic Acid Plus (PLA+) structural links, Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) gripper fingers, and stainless-steel scissor cutters. The serial-link configuration was optimized for maneuvering within a canopy width and plant height range, with a total manipulator reach of approximately 700 mm and a payload capacity of 200 g. Structural safety was verified via Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using SolidWorks Simulation, considering direction-specific harvesting loads. Maximum von Mises stress occurred in the shoulder joint (Link 2), while the forearm link (Link 5) showed the highest displacement, both remaining within allowable PLA+ limits. All links exhibited high Factors of Safety, with the minimum being 88.58, confirming mechanical integrity under worst-case loading. Kinematic modeling and motion planning were implemented using a URDF-based robotic model within ROS 2 (Humble), RViz2, and MoveIt2. Forward kinematics showed a mean end-effector pose error of 2.3 mm across sampled target positions, validating model accuracy. The manipulator executed a full harvesting cycle in 6 seconds with sequential joint actuation, including base rotation, arm extension, wrist alignment, and gripping. Reachability and 3D workspace analysis confirmed full coverage of the capsicum canopy (0.40 m radius) within a maximum reach of 0.70 m. The results demonstrate a biologically compatible, structurally safe, and kinematically feasible solution for greenhouse fruit harvesting.

Antinutritional, antioxidant and invitro antidiabetic properties of plantain flour supplemented with African locust beans

2025-12-18T00:21:10-06:00

The aim of the study was to determine the antinutritional, antioxidant, and in vitro antidiabetic properties of plantain flour supplemented with African locust beans. Flour blends were produced from plantain and locust beans in the following ratios of plantain: locust beans: 95:5, 90:10, 85:15, 80:20, and 100% plantain as control. Antinutritional (oxalate, phytate, saponin, and alkaloid), antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and OH), and in vitro antidiabetic (α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory) analyses were carried out on the flour blends. The antinutritional results showed that oxalate ranged from 6.10 to 12.83 mg/g, phytate ranged from 36.66 to 52.24 mg/g, saponin content ranged from 2.82 to 30.24 mg/g, and total alkaloid content ranged from 6.92 to 23.59%. The antioxidant results indicated that the DPPH value ranged from 51.95 to 57.89%, ABTS ranged from 30.41 to 48.37%, the FRAP value ranged from 42.37 to 65.77 mg Vit. C/g, phenol content ranged between 3.99 and 9.46 mg GAE/g, and flavonoid content ranged between 0.44 and 5.79 mg QE/g. The α-amylase inhibitory activity ranged from 36.56 to 91.24%, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity ranged from 39.09 to 82.34%. It can be concluded that the supplementation of plantain flour to African locust beans exhibits promising antioxidant and antidiabetic properties, which could be beneficial in boosting the immune system and reducing blood sugar levels. Therefore, the blended flour can be exploited as a functional ingredient in food products such as baked foods, snacks, and cereals targeting consumers seeking health benefits.