A. Pavethra, Karishma Sebastian*, B.S. Manjula, K.N. Satheeshan and Jenita Thinakaran
Division of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Corresponding e-mail: karishmasebastian11@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i02.26
Key words: Bee wax, postharvest treatments, potassium permanganate, Red Banana, shelf life
Abstract: The popular Red Banana variety faces transportation challenges and has a limited postharvest shelf life due to its ripe fruits being less resistant and being a climacteric fruit. This study aims to prolong the shelf life of Red Banana fruits through different postharvest treatments. Fruit bunches of Red Banana were harvested at the mature green stage, separated into hands, precooled, subjected to 12 treatments and stored in corrugated fibre board boxes till the end of shelf life under ambient conditions. Fruits coated with 10% bee wax + 0.5% clove oil (T4), fruits subjected to coating with 10% bee wax and packaging with potassium permanganate (T9) and fruits dipped in hot water at 50 °C for 10 min. and packaging with potassium permanganate (T11) registered highest shelf life of 18.67 days. The highest TSS of 26.33°Brix was noticed in fruits stored with potassium permanganate (T8) after 12.67 days of storage and lowest titratable acidity of 0.19% and the highest sugar-acid ratio of 79.76 was noticed in control (T12) after 11.33 days of storage. Moreover, the highest vitamin C content (7.74 mg 100 g?¹), total sugar content (18.47%), reducing sugar content (15.49%), total carotenoid content (24.13 µg 100 g-1) was noticed in treatment T7 (hot water dipping at 50 °C for 10 min.) after 17.67 days, T10 (coating with 40% aloe vera extract and packaged with potassium permanganate) after 13.33 days, T4 (coating with 10% bee wax + 0.5% clove oil) after 18.67 days and T9 (coating with 10% bee wax + potassium permanganate) after 18.67 days of storage respectively. Furthermore, the lowest fungal and bacterial count was observed in treatments T2 (dipping in 30ppm sodium hypochlorite solution), T7 (hot water dipping at 50 °C for 10 min.), T9 (coating with 10% bee wax + potassium permanganate) and T10 (coating with 40% aloe vera extract + potassium permanganate).
S. Kumar*
Department of Agricultural Economics, Shri Durga Ji Post Graduate College, Chandeshwar, Azamgarh (U.P.)-276 128. Corresponding e-mail: sarvesh6126@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i02.27
Key words: High value agriculture, tomato, mango, value, chain, finance, marketing
Abstract: The study conducted an extensive field survey utilizing pre-tested interview schedules with tomato and mango growers and chain actors. A multi-stage purposive-cum-stratified random sampling method was employed to select sample units. The findings of this study highlight the cost orientation of tomato and mango production, indicating a greater need for consequential credit. The research revealed that growers of both commodities within fragmented value chains had a higher proportionate share in the value addition (price) than growers in integrated chains, primarily due to direct sales of produce to consumers. Additionally, downstream actors such as commission agents, wholesalers, and retailers received a comparatively higher proportionate share in the value additions (price) compared to upward actors, indicating that producers could not effectively compete with increased demand in the marketplace. Observations within the chain indicated that finance for tomato and mango production circulated through a product commitment relationship established between chain participants. Downstream actors provided financing to upstream actors from either their surplus funds or external finance received from financial institutions. The study suggests developing a producer-driven chain financing model as an alternative to the buyer-driven financing model for tomato and mango production. This could be achieved by promoting farmers' organizations as long-term financing strategies for financing institutions.
1Department of Agricultural Economics, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch Behar-736165, West Bengal, India. 2Department of Agricultural Statistics, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch Behar-736165, West Bengal, India. Corresponding e-mail: gobinda@ubkv.ac.in
Abstract: The present study analyzed the performance of production and export of Indian garlic based on secondary data collected from different governments departmental repositories and websites. Statistical techniques like mean, standard deviation, regression and CAGR was applied for analysis. Garlic held quantity share (29.68 %) of aggregate production of Indian spices. But in export front the share of quantity and value share of garlic estimated only 2.30 % and 1.21 % respectively of total spices export from the country. India ranked 2nd after China possessing 5.85% share of global production and growing with 9.93 % CAGR over last 15 years (2006-2020) which was 3.5 times higher than China. The major destinations for garlic export from India are Malaysia, Thailand, USA, Vietnam (South) and Nepal altogether constituted around 41 % value of average annual export. But out of these countries, negative trend in export was found in three countries makes India searching for new clients. The lower growth rate (CAGR) of productivity (1.91 %) of garlic compared to acreage (5.46 %) over three decades (1990-91 to 2020-21) harnesses for technological breakthrough. Two producing states of India viz., Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan account around 78.34 % of national production. But in terms of productivity, Punjab (11.39 t/ha), Haryana (10.67 t/ha) and Madhya Pradesh (10.31 t/ha) led the country. Enhancement of productivity through technological development and adequate market infrastructures along with improvement in post harvest management of the crop particularly processing might be given importance to increase production and export potential of garlic.
Leilidyn Y. Zurbano*,Lea Marie S. Castañeda, Russel M. Dorado, Kristine Mae D. Heresano, Harry Lloyd S, Olviga, Mae Dhanica T. Pante
Department of Agribusiness, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Lopez Branch, Philippines. Corresponding e-mail: lyzurbano@pup.edu.ph
Abstract: White Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus florida) is one of the domesticated mushrooms in the Philippines and known to grow in various biodegradable wastes. Low Density Polyethelene (LDPE) plastic is one of the most common non-biodegradable wastes in the environment which causes pollution. At present, biodegradation process is one of the ways to degrade plastics because of its non-polluting mechanism and cost-effectiveness. Thus, this study aimed to determine if P. florida could grow in LDPE plastic and facilitate its decomposition. Fourteen treatments were used in the study, laid out in Complete Randomized Design, and replicated thrice. The first four (4) treatments were composed of substrates with no LDPE plastics (rice straw, sawdust and cocopeat) while the rests were substrates with certain percentage of LDPE plastics. Observation was done for eight (8) weeks in the PUP Lopez Mushroom Laboratory and the data obtained was analyzed using ANOVA. Result shows that slight decomposition happened in LDPE plastic mixed with lingo-cellulosic wastes. Small spots or dark holes appear in the surface of LDPE plastics observed under microscope which is a sign of decomposition. In terms of mycelial ramification, fruiting bags with LDPE plastics were first to occupy the fruiting bag. There was also a decreased weight of the fruiting bags after 8 weeks. In terms of yield, substrates without LDPE plastics grew mushrooms with the highest weight. However, yield in sawdust and cocopeat substrates were not significantly different with the yield of mushrooms grown in substrates with LDPE plastics.
Raghvendra Pandey1, Brijesh Pandey2 and Atul Bhargava1*
1Department of Botany, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, Bihar, India. 2Department of Biotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, Bihar, India. Corresponding e-mail: atulbhargava@mgcub.ac.in
Abstract: This research delves into the morphological and anatomical intricacies of Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae), commonly known as black cumin, through meticulous examination of various accessions collected from diverse geographical regions in India. Morphological studies revealed distinct characteristics such as the linear to lanceolate alternate leaves, black capsule fruit housing seeds, and growth parameters including germination time, maturation period, and yield per plant. Notably, certain accessions exhibited superior attributes in terms of plant height, root length, and seed yield. Anatomical investigations unveiled detailed structures of stems, roots, seeds, and capsules. Stem anatomy exhibited a multi-cornered structure with specific features like uniseriate epidermis with non-glandular trichomes, parenchymatous cortex with chlorenchymatous and sclerenchymatous cells, and distinct vascular bundle arrangements. Root anatomy depicted a circular cross-section with well-defined layers including epidermis, cortex, and xylem with prominent oil droplets. Seed anatomy displayed layers of epidermis, parenchyma, pigmented layer, endosperm, and a central embryo. Moreover, this study identified novel cells in the stem cortex and observed variability in carpel numbers among different accessions. The findings contribute significantly to the understanding of N. sativa morphology and anatomy, shedding light on previously unexplored aspects and emphasizing the need for further investigation into the variability within and among accessions.
Arumugam Nithyanandam1*, T. Saraswathi2, C. Indu Rani1,L. Pugalendhi1, N. Manivannan3, S. Harish4 and N. Manikanda Boopathi5
1Department of Vegetable Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – 641 037. India. 2Department of Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – 641 037, India. 3Centre of Excellence in Molecular Breeding, Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – 641 037, India. 4Department of Plant Pathology, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore –641 037, India. 5Department of Plant Biotechnology, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, (CPMB&B), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – 641 037, India
Abstract: The tomato represents an extensively cultivated crop within tropical and subtropical regions of the world for their fresh market and processing attribute. However, its production frequently encounters substantial setbacks due to notable losses associated with diseases such as Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TyLCV). To address this challenge, the current study aimed to assess the resistance or susceptibility of selected 25 tomato breeding lines for TyLCV under natural field screenings to mimic real-world scenarios in accordance with the disease reaction score of Banerjee and Kalloo (1987). The field screening results showed that, the check Arka Vishes line demonstrated high resistance (HR) to TLCV, with reduced PDS, PDI values and a low coefficient of infection (CI). Several lines, including CBE SL 101, CBE SL 105, CBE SL 108, CBE SL 110, and CBE SL 114, exhibited a resistant (R) reaction, while others, such as CBE SL 102, CBE SL 107, CBE SL 112, CBE SL 120, and Arka Rakshak, displayed moderate resistance (MR). Conversely, lines CBE SL 103, CBE SL 104, CBE SL 106, CBE SL 109, CBE SL 111, CBE SL 115, CBE SL 117, and CBE SL 123 showed moderate susceptibility (MS), and the remaining lines, namely CBE SL 113, CBE SL 116, CBE SL 118, CBE SL 119, CBE SL 121, and CBE SL 122, were deemed susceptible to TLCV. The varying disease responses observed across these lines provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of host-pathogen interactions in tomato plants, informing strategies for disease management and breeding efforts aimed at enhancing resistance to TLCV.
Abeer A.El.K. Soliman1 and Dalia M. Hassan2
1Vegetables Breeding Dept., Horticulture Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, 12613 Egypt. 2Plant Protection Research. Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, 12613, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: bbsoliman76@hotmail.com
Abstract: An investigation was conducted at Kaha Vegetable Research Farm in the Kaliobia Governorate from 2021 to 2023 with an aim to evaluate the performance of six inbred lines of summer squash and their fifteen crosses in both open field and plastic greenhouse conditions. The study spanned two successive summer seasons (2022 and 2023) and focused on assessing horticultural traits and resistance levels to the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). Significant variations were observed in the mean performance of all traits among different genotypes. Analysis revealed significant differences in both general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities for all studied traits, except for the number of days to anthesis of the first female flower, indicating the presence of both additive and non-additive gene effects in traits inheritance. In the plastic greenhouse, genotype P3 exhibited the highest resistance with an average of 10.6 mites per 2 inches², while the cross P2 × P6 showed tolerance with an average of 4.4 mites per 2 inches². This study highlights the potential of new summer squash hybrids with desirable horticultural traits and resistance to the two-spotted spider mite. Additionally, parent 222/2 (P1) demonstrated the best combining ability for all traits, while parents 264 (P5) and 240/3 (P4) were the most effective combiners for total yield. Breeders may leverage these parents for genetic enhancement and the production of hybrids with superior horticultural qualities. Overall, this research provides valuable insights for researchers, breeders and farmers involved in the cultivation, breeding and utilization of summer squash in Egypt.
Taghreed E. Eissa1*, Hassan A. Elfeky1, Alaa El deen Shaheen2, Feng Xu 3,4* and Mohamed A.A. Ahmed5*
1Ornamental Plants and Landscape Gardening Research Department, Horticulture Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt. 2Sandy and Limestone Lands Department, Water and Environment Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt. 3Key Laboratory for Flower Breeding of Yunnan Province, National Engineering Research Center for Ornamental Horticulture, Floriculture Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming, China. 4Yunnan Seed Laboratory, Kunming 650200, China. 5Plant Production Department (Horticulture-Medicinal and Aromatic Plants), Faculty of Agriculture (Saba Basha), Alexandria University, Alexandria 21531, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: dr.taghreed.eissa.2019@gmail.com; 148422486@qq.com; drmohamedmarey19@alexu.edu.eg
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the impact of various fertilization methods and doses on the growth, flowering, and chemical composition of Iris tingitana cv. Wedgewood plants. The research aimed to address challenges hindering Iris plant development and bulb production, ultimately striving to cultivate high-quality plants suitable for Egyptian conditions. Conducted over two seasons (2021-2022 and 2022-2023) at the Horticulture Research Institute’s nursery of the Agriculture Research Center in Giza, Egypt, the experiment followed a factorial design with a randomized complete design (RCD) and three replicates. Results revealed that plants treated with 5 g/pot of phosphorein and 2 g/pot of kristalon, with irrigation intervals every 10 days after sowing (DAS), exhibited superior growth parameters. These included increased vegetative growth in terms of height, stem length, number of leaves per plant, fresh weight of cut spikes, diameter of the spike stem, and earliest flowering compared to other treatments across both seasons. Conversely, the application of 2 g/pot of kristalon and nitrobine, combined with irrigation intervals every 10 DAS, ranked second in enhancing plant growth and flowering characteristics in both seasons.
Dawn C.P. Ambrose1*, Ravindra Naik1 and Hrishikesh Patil1
1Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Regional Station, Coimbatore 641007, India. Corresponding e-mail: dawncp@yahoo.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i02.34
Key words: Red chilli, with stalk, without stalk, drying, quality
Abstract: Processing of chilli is an important aspect in the production of good quality chilli. Harvested chilli has moisture content about 80% (w.b) which has to be properly dried to keep away from aflatoxin infestation. Open yard sun drying is the conventional method being practised which takes long time for drying. Pre-treatment like destalking could reduce the drying time considerably resulting in uniformly dried product. The present work was aimed to find the effect of drying on the quality of chilli. Red chilli (variety: Sannam) was dried with stalk and without stalk under open sun and solar tunnel dryer. The drying behaviour of chilli was studied. The influence of drying on the quality parameters viz., vitamin C content, colour (L*, a*, b* values), shrinkage and ASTA colour was found. Drying studies resulted in reduction in moisture content from 323% (d.b) to 8% (d.b). The time taken for drying under open sun drying and solar drying was 33 and 17 hours respectively for chilli dried with stalk. Similarly, the time taken for drying chilli without stalk under open sun drying and solar drying was 29 and 16 hours respectively. Quality analysis of dried samples showed higher vit.C (13 mg/100g) and ASTA colour value (67.4) for solar dried chilli without stalk.
D. Sarkar1, I. Sarkar*1, S. Chettri1 and S. Ojha2
1Department of Floriculture, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Faculty of Horticulture, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal-736165, India. 2Department of Agricultural Statistics, Faculty of Agriculture, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal-736165, India. Corresponding e-mail: indrajitsarkar_kpg@yahoo.co.in
Abstract: This study aimed to develop an effective in vitro protocol for germinating and multiplying Dendrobium moschatum seeds by identifying optimal concentrations of plant growth regulators for shoot proliferation and root formation. Five different MS media formulations were utilized, including a control (M?) and those supplemented with varying concentrations of kinetin and NAA (M?, M?, M?) and BAP (M?). Results showed significant variation in seed germination time across media, with the longest duration observed in M? (76 days) and the shortest in M? (55 days). Protocorm formation and plantlet development were quickest in M?, while M? and M? exhibited the longest duration. The initiation of leaves or shoots occurred earliest in M? (103 days) and latest in M? (149 days). Notably, leaf and plantlet growth differed between three- and five-month intervals, with M? demonstrating optimal growth over the longer term. These findings underscore the importance of carefully balanced plant growth regulator concentrations in achieving successful seed germination and subsequent growth in D. moschatum.
Suranjan Patowary* and Amiya Sarma
1Department of Economics, Gauhati University, Guwahati-781014 (Assam), India. Corresponding e-mail: patowarysuranjan@gmail.com
Abstract: The objective of the present study was to examine the seasonal and trend patterns in wholesale prices of tomato, pumpkin and cabbage over different seasons in Guwahati city, Assam. From time series and box plots, the study found that pumpkin prices are higher in November rather than lower prices during April or June. We find that cabbage is priced lowest from January to May and induces peaks in prices, rising the most in October. During January-April, tomato prices fall and reach a low point in April. From May onwards, the prices increase and peak in November. We performed the Mann-Kendal trend test, which showed no significant trend in the prices of all three perishable crops. It was proven that it is weakly loading and uniform across all years. Seasonal indices show a rise in the prices of pumpkins from May to October, cabbage from April to October and tomatoes from April to October reflecting their shorter shelf life and seasonal nature of these crops.
B. Keerthika1*, M. Thilagavathi1, C. Indu Rani2, M. Prahadeeswaran1 and R. Vasanthi3
1Department of Agricultural Economics, CARDS, TNAU, Coimbatore (641 003), India. 2Dept. of Vegetable Science, TNAU, Coimbatore (641 003), India. 3Department of Social Sciences, HC&RI, Periyakulam (625601), India. Corresponding e-mail: keerthikakural@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i02.37
Key words: Cuddy-Della, concentration, instability, growth and trend
Abstract: India is one of the world’s leading fruit and vegetable producers after China owing to its diverse agro-climatic conditions. However, the 20-30 percent of the produce is wasted because of its perishability. The processed form of fruits is the most convenient for storage and export owing to its demand in foreign countries. Hence, this study analyzed the growth and instability of different processed fruit exports in India from 2001-02 to 2022-23. The Compound Annual Growth rates showed that exports increased overall growth rate, with a higher growth rate for jam, jelly and marmalades at 12 percent, followed by dried fruits (9 percent) and mango pulp (0.08 percent) in quantity exported. The instability was calculated using the Cuddy-Della Index for processed fruits’ export values (MT). It was realized from the result that the mango pulp category showed high instability in the overall export with Cuddy-Della Index value of 26.16 percent. In contrast, jam, jelly, marmalades, and dried fruits showed instability of 23.86 percent and 24.8 percent, respectively. This study concluded that proper infrastructure, cold chain, and supply chain for horticultural commodities should be developed for destination-specific production of processed fruits, as this could lead India to compete with global exporters and explore new alternate markets for the produce.
K. Boontiang1*, T. Siritrakulsak1 and C. Nontaswatsri2
1Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Kantharawichai 44150, Thailand. 2Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agricultural Production, Maejo University, Sansai 50290, Thailand. Corresponding e-mail: kriangsuk.b@msu.ac.th
Abstract: Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep. is one of the most attractive tropical flowers exported from Thailand. However, distributing its rhizomes free of bacterial wilt is considered to be a critical quarantine issue. This study’s strategic approach focused on cultivating C. alismatifolia in modified substrate on raised-bed planting without contamination by the wilt Ralstonia solanacearum. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments (10 replications per treatment). Significant differences of the physical and chemical properties of appropriate substrates were observed to be correlated with mature green Azolla added in compost. This treatment promoted maximum growth and development, compared to the control. Moderate infection of R. solanacearum was detected in the rhizomes of plants grown with soil collected from the same location of a previous in-ground bedding crop (SSL) mixed in substrates. Healthy plants and decontaminated rhizomes were found in C. alismatifolia grown in modified substrates without SSL. Implementing the findings of this research has the potential to support sustainable production for C. alismatifolia.
P. Sujanthiya1, A. Sankari2*, H. Usha Nandhini Devi3, M. Djanaguiraman4, R. Kalaiyarasi5 and G. Dheebakaran6
1Department of Vegetable Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, India. 2Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, India. 3Horticultural College and Research Institute for Women, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Trichy, 620009, India. 4Department of Crop Physiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, India. 5Department of Oil Seeds, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, India. 6Agro climate research centre, Directorate of Crop Management, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, India. Corresponding e-mail: sankisatha2020@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i02.39
Key words: GC-MS, phytochemicals, secondary metabolites, retention time
Abstract: Allium cepa, commonly known as onion, is renowned for its culinary and medicinal properties. This article investigates the phytochemical composition of four aggregatum onionvarieties using preliminary phytochemical screening and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The study reveals diverse metabolites, including hydrocarbons, aldehydes, terpenoids, and organosulfur compounds, with variations observed among the onion varieties. Significant proportions of compounds such as diisooctyl phthalate, hexanol, and nobilitin, possessing various pharmacological activities like antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, were identified. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding onion phytochemistry, particularly given its widespread cultivation and consumption, notably in regions like Tamil Nadu, India. The identified bioactive compounds shed light on different onion varieties’ unique attributes and potential health benefits. By elucidating onion bulb metabolite profiles using advanced techniques like GC-MS, this study contributes to understanding the phytochemical diversity within Allium cepa species. These findings lay the groundwork for future research into the medicinal and nutritional advantages of onions and support targeted breeding (selective breeding) programs to enhance health-promoting compounds in onion varieties. Overall, this study underscores onions’ significance as a culinary staple and a valuable source of diverse bioactive compounds with pharmacological potential.
K.K. Dhatt1 and Bolagam Ravikumar1&2
1Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India. 2Department of Horticulture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India.Corresponding e-mail: ravikumar-fl@pau.edu
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i02.40
Key words: Gladiolus, mulch, weed control efficiency, soil moisture
Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of various mulch types on weed management, soil moisture conservation, and crop performance in Gladiolus hybridus cv. Punjab Glance at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The experiment tested different coloured polythene mulches—black (25µ), silver on black (25µ), transparent (25µ), and white (50µ)—as well as paddy straw mulch at the rate of 10, 15, and 20 tonnes/ha, and pendimethalin (0.5 kg/ha). Results demonstrated that transparent and white polythene mulches promoted earlier sprouting, bud initiation, and flowering. Black polythene mulch yielded the tallest plants (90.30 cm) and longest spikes (75.31 cm), while white polythene (50µ) mulch produced the most florets per spike (12.39) and extended the flowering duration (15.60 days). Hand-weeding achieved the highest weed control efficiency (100%), closely followed by black polythene mulch (99.87%). Paddy straw mulch (1 t/ha) was the most effective for soil moisture conservation, with polythene mulches also performing well. Transparent (25µ) and white (50µ) polythene mulches recorded the highest average soil temperatures during the study.
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