Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research

Hydroponic and Soil-Based Cultivation Systems: A Minireview

Sreehitha Padala — 2025-10-25

The world population is continuously growing. Using only conventional farming methods it is difficult to meet the production demands. Many regions in the world are suffering from hunger and harmful health hazards today. Increasing population, global warming, urbanization are a few major reasons, interconnected and tangled with each other. It is a difficult, but manageable problem now, which can soon turn into a serious crisis. It is required to either modify the current farming strategies, change the economic policies or adapt to new ways of growing food. While there are a bunch of solutions to apply, one effective way is trying modern Future Smart Farming techniques like Hydroponics. It is a soilless plant growing method, which sometimes involves using materials like coco peat, rock wool, perlite, etc; for mechanical support. It utilizes nutrient rich water, supplied directly to the plant roots using systems like NFT, DWC, etc. It is presently being used in countries like Japan, China; and has surprising outcomes. It is being studied by designated science institutions and is predicted to have a positive impact on the future by enhancing the living conditions in over populated, under-developed or developing countries. Currently it is important to spread awareness about hydroponics among the farmers and the common man. Our paper is a review article comparing the traditional - Soil Farming and the modern - Hydroponics Farming with various aspects, providing the reader insights of the two to understand the distinctness.

A Factor Analysis of Key Determinants in the Fruits and Vegetables Value Chain

Vishal. V. Ambedkar — 2025-09-19

Aims: The study aims to analyze the fruits and vegetables value chain in Western Maharashtra by examining production, storage, transportation, processing, marketing, and export, and to identify the underlying latent factors influencing its efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability.

Study Design: A descriptive and analytical research design was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Western Maharashtra region covering major fruit and vegetable producing areas. Data collection was carried out over a period of six months during 2024.

Methodology: A total of 110 respondents were surveyed, including farmers, traders, processors, exporters, transport operators, and storage providers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, personal interviews, and focus group discussions. Factor analysis was performed after confirming the suitability of data through Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO = 0.725) and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity (p < 0.001).

Results: The analysis extracted four significant latent factors explaining 87% of the total variance: (1) Institutional and Policy Support, (2) Structural Bottlenecks and Market Constraints, (3) Production and Storage Strengths, and (4) Processing and Market Access. Strengths identified include quality seeds, cold storage facilities, value addition, and agro-processing opportunities. Weaknesses were noted in road connectivity, transport delays, middlemen dominance, and underutilization of export potential.

Conclusion: The study concludes that while Western Maharashtra’s fruits and vegetables sector possesses notable production and storage strengths, inefficiencies in transportation, market access, and export hinder its competitiveness. Strengthening infrastructure, promoting agro-processing, enhancing market integration, and revitalizing exports are essential policy measures to ensure a more efficient and globally competitive value chain.

Mutagenesis Induced Variations in Trypsin Inhibitor Levels and their Impact on Enhancing the Nutritive Value of Moth Bean (Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal)

Khadke S.G — 2025-09-24

Mutagenesis-induced variation in trypsin inhibitor levels has been demonstrated as a critical mechanism for enhancing the nutritive value of moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal). Induced mutation techniques, primarily using agents like EMS (ethyl methane sulphonate) and SA (sodium azide), have resulted in considerable variability in trypsin inhibitor profiles among both viable mutants and micromutants of moth bean. Trypsin inhibitors are antinutritional factors commonly present in legume seeds, which can limit protein digestibility and overall nutritional quality. Treated seeds, especially with optimal concentrations of EMS and SA, show significant changes in both seedling vigor and protein-related traits. Trypsin inhibitor assays were carried out to find out the trypsin inhibitor activity among seven viable mutants and 78 micromutants of moth bean which were developed by induced mutation breeding. Present study has shown that mutagenesis can induce a reduction in trypsin inhibitor content by approximately 25% to 45% in certain lines. The pertinent studies of seven viable mutants and 78 micromutants of moth bean have indicated considerable variation regarding TI level. The lowest TI (180.00 TIU/min/gm meal) could be recorded in 6/IV-mutant, while the 7/IV-mutant revealed the highest TI content (326.16 TIU/min/gm meal). The electrophoretic profiles of trypsin inhibitors on X-rays film revealed 3 to 7 isoinhibitors in different viable mutants and micromutants of moth bean. The mutants showing reduced trypsin inhibitor bands were quantitatively estimated. The lowest TI activity (187.98 TIU) was observed in B6 mutant, which was evolved by the 0.15% EMS treatment. To nullify trypsin inhibitor activity in moth bean seeds, so as to use it in diet, the heat treatment and germination studies have been tried in some of its mutant lines. The processing method involving heat treatment almost eliminated trypsin inhibitor activity while soaking and germination partly removed the activity. Lowered trypsin inhibitor levels lead to enhanced protein digestibility and improved nutritional value of the bean, making it more suitable for direct human consumption and as animal feed.

Evaluation of Morphological, Yield and Quality Performance of Sugar Beet Genotypes under Different Soil pH Levels

Nusrat Jahan — 2025-10-03

The study examined the production and quality of different sugar beet genotypes under the cultivable soil pH range of Bangladesh. The field experiment was carried out between October 2021 and March 2022 on the central farm of Sher-e- Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, in a Split plot Design with three replications. Twelve sugar beet genotypes were cultivated in field and tested for soil liming at three levels: i. control or no liming (pH 5.5), ii. Liming as CaCO₃ at 2t/ha (pH level 6.5±0.5) and iii. Liming as CaCO₃at 4.5 t/ha (pH level 7.5±0.5). The results revealed that the genotype SV889 has the highest root length, SPAD value, sugar yield, TSS and sucrose content (15.90 cm, 46.80, 22.67 t/ha, 20 ^°Brix and 16.15%, respectively) in T₁ (soil pH level 6.5±0.5; liming at 2 t/ha). SV894 has maximum leaves number/plant and purity in T₂ (soil pH level 7.5±0.5; liming at 4.5t/ha). Out of the twelve genotypes, the results indicated that four (KWS Allanya, SV 894, BA2 and HI0044) with liming at 4.5 t/ha and eight (KWS Danicia, KWS Serenada, KWS Gregoria, Sakata red beet, SV889, SV 982, BA1 and HI473) with liming at 2 t/ha with the necessary rate of inorganic and organic fertilizer performed better for sugar beet growth and yield. Results indicated that the SV889 sugar beet genotype with 2 t/ha liming performed better in terms of root length, SPAD value, yield, total soluble solids, and sucrose content. Conversely, the SV894 sugar beet genotype is advantageous for the highest number of leaves and purity percentage of sugar beet when liming is applied at 4.5 t/ha.

Seed Pretreatment and Germination Rates of Parkia biglobosa

Kadijatu B. Sheriff — 2025-10-04

Parkia biglobosa (African locust bean) is a versatile leguminous tree with high ecological, nutritional, and economic importance in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, seed dormancy caused by a stiff seed coat limits its propagation. Aim: This study investigated the effects of several pretreatment procedures on P. biglobosa germination and early seedling growth. Location and duration: The study was conducted at Njala University's Department of Forestry and Wood Science in Southern Sierra Leone. It took a total of 8weeks to observe seed germination and field data recording. Methodology: Seeds were subjected to four treatments: physical scarification with sandpaper (T1), soaking in hot water (T2), soaking in water at room temperature (T3), and untreated control (T0). A total of 400 seeds (100 per treatment) were sown in a randomized complete block design using loamy soil and river sand in equal proportion. Over an eight-week observation period, germination rates, emergence rates (ER), and emergence rate indices (ERI) were recorded and analyzed using chi-square tests. Results: The results showed that scarified seeds (T1) had the highest germination rate (75%), followed by room-temperature-soaked seeds (T3) at 64%, the control (T0) at 50%, and hot water-treated seeds (T2) at 27%. Although T1 had the highest ER, T3 had the highest ERI (32.92), implying faster and more uniform early seedling emergence. Statistical study revealed a substantial correlation between pretreatment type and germination outcome (χ² = 51.75, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The data indicate that physical scarification and soaking in water at room temperature are effective, low-cost strategies for overcoming seed dormancy in P. biglobosa, however hot water treatment may reduce seed viability.

Chemical Control of Synthetic Pesticides on Garlic Germination and Performance

Monteiro F. P. — 2025-10-13

Background: Global garlic production has steadily increased over recent decades, with major producing countries including China, India, South Korea, and several Latin American nations contributing significantly to international markets.

Among the most significant fungal diseases affecting garlic cultivation is rust, caused by Puccinia allii (Pers.) Rudolphi, which represents a major constraint to garlic production in many regions worldwide.

Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of fungicides and bactericides, applied weekly as single treatments, in controlling garlic diseases.

Methodology: A randomised complete block design (RCBD) field trial was conducted with weekly applications of fungicides and bactericides, totalling 11 applications for each treatment, to compare their effects on disease incidence, severity, and crop performance. The experiment was carried out in garlic fields (26°49'16.8"S, 50°59'10.4"W) during one crop season, with evaluations performed from planting until 165 days after planting. Treatments included mancozeb (2.4 kg a.i./ha), difenoconazole (0.125 L a.i./ha), pyraclostrobin (0.1 L a.i./ha), propineb (2.1 kg a.i./ha), metiram+pyraclostrobin (1.1 kg a.i. + 0.1 kg a.i./ha), copper hydroxide [liquid formulation: 403.08 mL a.i./100 L (262.5 mL metallic copper); fluazinam (500 g a.i./ha), cuprous oxide (1.548 kg a.i./ha (1.35 kg metallic copper)), copper oxychloride (168 g a.i./100 L (100 g metallic copper)), and kasugamycin (0.07 L a.i./ha). Insect pests were managed using imidacloprid, formetanate hydrochloride, acetamiprid+etofenprox, or spinetoram, rotating active ingredients every two weeks. At 165 days, rust severity, bulb weight, and the percentage of green leaves were measured.

Results: Pyraclostrobin, mancozeb, metiram+pyraclostrobin, and propineb showed the lowest rust incidence and severity. For bacterial control, propineb and mancozeb were the most effective. The highest bulb weights were obtained from treatments with mancozeb, propineb, pyraclostrobin, metiram+pyraclostrobin, and fluazinam. The efficacy of some fungicides against bacteria may be related to indirect effects, such as plant resistance induction or interference with secondary infection establishment. Fluazinam, for example, possesses a unique mechanism of action that may interfere with energy metabolism in both fungi and some bacteria. Moreover, integration of cultural practices, such as planting in well-drained soils, crop rotation, and elimination of infected crop residues, should complement chemical control to maximise management efficacy.

Conclusion: The results demonstrate that multisite fungicides, particularly propineb and mancozeb, are effective tools for managing garlic diseases, contributing to improved plant health, yield, and bulb quality. Future management strategies may be designed focusing on fungicides with proven efficiency.

Temperature, Field Protection and Bioplastic Biopesticide Treatments Shape Mango Postharvest Disease Dynamics: An Integrated Univariate and Multivariate Analysis

Modibo MAÏGA — 2025-10-18

Aims: This study evaluated the effects of storage temperature, field protection, and postharvest treatments on mango disease severity and incidence.

Study Design: A factorial experiment was conducted using three treatments: water (T0), bioplastic (T1), and a bio‑bactericide combining bioplastic and essential oils (T2). Two field histories were considered, namely fruits that had been protected in the orchard (B1) and fruits that had not been protected (B2). Storage was carried out at two contrasting temperatures, 8 °C and 30 °C. Disease severity, scored on a 0–9 scale and converted to percentages, and incidence, expressed as the percentage of infected fruits, were monitored weekly from S0 to S8.

Methodology: Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil was extracted via steam distillation from plant material. Bioplastic matrices were synthesized from native potato starch. The essential oil was subsequently encapsulated within the bioplastic using mechanical agitation followed by extrusion processing to formulate the biopesticide

The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, factorial ANOVA, and principal component analysis (PCA). Tables and figures were prepared to illustrate temporal dynamics and treatment effects.

Results: At 8 °C, the bio‑bactericide (T2) almost completely suppressed disease in B1 and substantially reduced severity and incidence in B2. At 30 °C, T2 delayed symptom onset but did not prevent convergence to high severity and incidence by week 8. The bioplastic film alone (T1) was largely ineffective, showing patterns similar to the water control (T0). PCA separated treatments along PC1, which represented overall disease burden, and PC2, which represented the timing of onset, highlighting the strong influence of temperature and field protection.

Conclusion: Bio‑bactericides are highly effective under cool storage, especially when combined with field protection, but under warm conditions they primarily delay disease progression. Cold storage therefore remains indispensable for reliable postharvest control.

Integrated Approaches for Soil Salinity Remediation: Traditional Practices, Technological Innovations, and Remote Sensing Applications

Fatma KAPLAN — 2025-09-19

Soil salinity is a complex environmental issue predominantly observed in arid and semi-arid regions, posing significant threats to agricultural productivity and ecosystem health. This study examines the multidimensional nature of soil salinity, which arises from both natural processes (geological formations, climate) and anthropogenic activities (improper irrigation, inadequate drainage, use of low-quality irrigation water). Based on a comprehensive literature review, this systematic analysis investigates the types of soil salinity-such as primary and secondary salinity-classification criteria, and global distribution dynamics. The study provides a comparative evaluation of conventional reclamation methods, including physical (drainage, land leveling, leaching), chemical (gypsum application, sulfuric acid treatment), and biological (organic matter amendment, halophytic plant utilization) approaches, while discussing their respective advantages and limitations. Furthermore, the critical role of integrating remote sensing technologies and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in large-scale monitoring, mapping, and modeling of salinity is emphasized. This work underscores the necessity of adopting interdisciplinary and integrated strategies for sustainable land management and effective salinity control, offering strategic recommendations for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. In conclusion, the synergistic use of traditional methods and advanced technologies emerges as the most promising approach for the effective management of soil salinity.

Impacts of Climate Change on Agricultural Productivity and Rural Livelihoods: A Systematic Review

Faradiba Faradiba — 2025-09-27

Climate change has become a real and systemic threat to global food security, especially in developing countries that are heavily dependent on the agricultural sector. This study aims to examine the impact of climate change on agricultural production through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach on nine selected studies. The article selection process followed the PRISMA protocol, filtering 525 initial articles to nine articles that met the criteria of relevance, journal quality, and publication period. The synthesis results show that increasing global temperatures, climate variability, and unstable rainfall consistently lead to decreased agricultural production, decreased household income, and increased poverty risks. Countries such as Pakistan, Nigeria, Uganda, and Tanzania show a decrease in crop yields between 5% and 30% as well as decreased farmer incomes and widening welfare inequality. These findings underscore the importance of formulating structured, inclusive, and contextual climate adaptation policies, especially those targeting smallholder farmers as the most vulnerable group. This study also identifies gaps in previous studies, namely the limited micro and longitudinal approaches in understanding long-term adaptation dynamics.

Farmer's Purchasing Behavior Towards Coriander Seeds in Junagadh District, Gujarat, India

Amitkumar Datta — 2025-09-24

The study investigates the key factors influencing seed selection among farmers, based on a survey of 200 coriander growers across four talukas using a multistage sampling method. Employing multiple linear regression analysis, the study identified seed quality (including germination, purity, and performance, brand reputation), price, annual income and cultivated area as statistically significant determinants of purchasing behavior, with an R² value of 0.706. Despite the availability of major seed brands, a considerable number of farmers continue to opt for unbranded seeds, revealing gaps in regulatory oversight and ineffective market communication. The findings underscore the need to enhance seed marketing strategies, improve distribution systems, and invest in farmer education to promote more informed and reliable purchasing decisions.