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The majority of farmers (85%) in Asia operate on small plots (< 2 ha) under low-input conditions to support their livelihoods. Wheat production in India faces challenges due to water scarcity and suboptimal nitrogen (N) management practices. To address this problem, a multi-location (9) field experiment comprising of 9 treatments by including nano and prilled urea alone or in combination was conducted under restricted irrigation conditions (only two irrigations i.e., first at crown root initiation stage and 2nd at flag leaf stage) during 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 in randomised block design with three replications in three agro-climatic regions (NWPZ- North Western Plains Zone, NEPZ- North Eastern Plains Zone and CZ- Central Zone) of India. Results indicated that combining recommended nitrogen (RDN) i.e., 90 kg/ha with two sprays of 5% urea increased grain yield by 4.1% and 41.9% in NWPZ and NEPZ, respectively, over RDN alone. Two sprays of nano urea at tillering and jointing stages significantly outperformed the control (Zero N), increasing grain yield by 14.5%, 34.0%, and 19.2% in NWPZ, NEPZ, and CZ, respectively. Moreover, RDN with two sprays of nano urea increased the grain yield and agronomic efficiency by 12.1% and 12.0% in CZ and 25.2% and 24.6% in NEPZ over RDN alone, respectively. From a net benefit perspective, RDN with two sprays of 5% urea was 6.7 and 70.4% higher in NWPZ and NEPZ over RDN under restricted irrigation. In CZ, applying RDN with two sprays of nano urea provided 15.5% higher net benefit over RDN. The recommendation for wheat cultivation in small-scale farming systems in India under restricted irrigation conditions suggests adopting a nitrogen management approach combining RDN with two sprays of 5% urea in NWPZ and NEPZ or with two sprays of nano urea in NEPZ and CZ improved the productivity, profitability and agronomic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The continuous cultivation of rice–wheat in the same field is a key element of double‐cropping systems in the Indo‐Gangetic plains. Yields of such cropping systems are increasingly challenged as climate change drives increases in temperature, terminal stress and uneven rainfall, delaying rice harvesting and subsequently delaying sowing of wheat. In this paper, we evaluate the optimum sowing dates to achieve high grain yield and quality of wheat cultivars in northwest India. Three cultivars of wheat, HD‐2967, HD‐3086 and PBW‐723, were sown on three different dates at the research farm of ICAR‐IARI, New Delhi, to generate different weather conditions at different phenological stages. Different biophysical attributes, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate, were measured at different phenological stages. Yield and grain quality parameters such as protein, starch, amylopectin, amylose and gluten were measured in different cultivars sown on different dates. RESULTS: Biophysical parameters were found to be higher in timely sown crops followed by late‐sown and very late‐sown crops. Further, the different sowing dates had a significant (P < 0.05) impact on the grain quality parameters such as protein, starch, amylopectin, amylose and gluten content. Percentage increases in the value of starch and amylose content under timely sown were ~7% and 11.6%, ~5% and 8.4%, compared to the very late‐sown treatment. In contrast, protein and amylopectin contents were found to increase by ~9.7% and 7.5%, ~13.8% and 16.6% under very late‐sown treatment. CONCLUSION: High‐temperature stress during the grain‐filling periods significantly decreased the grain yield. Reduction in the grain yield was associated with a reduction in starch and amylose content in the grains. The protein content in the grains is less affected by terminal heat stress. Cultivar HD‐3086 had higher growth, yield as well as quality parameters, compared to HD‐2967 and PBW‐723 in all treatments, hence could be adopted by farmers in northwest India. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beneficial microbes colonizing plant tissues are recognized as a value-added soil amendment for enhancing soil fertility. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of co-inoculation with plant growth-promoting endophytic actinobacteria and nitrogen-fixing rhizobacteria for improved growth attributes, soil properties, microbial activity, yield, and nutrient uptake of wheat under field conditions for two consecutive years. Three endophytic actinobacterial isolates, Streptomyces sp. strain WR27, Streptomyces sp. strain WR15, and Streptomyces sp. strain WS6 were evaluated alone and in combination with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Azotobacter in field experiment with recommended fertilization rate in north-western Indian plains. Results of the study indicated that all the growth attributes were higher in treatments receiving microbial inoculants than un-inoculated control. It was also observed that inoculation with actinobacterial isolates significantly increased total number of tillers m−2, spike length, number of grains spike−1, and 1000 grain weight as compared to control. Streptomyces sp. strain WR27 + Azotobacter and Streptomyces sp. strain WR15 + Azotobacter exhibited maximum grain yield (5.7 t ha−1, respectively) as compared to control (5.0 t ha−1). The treatment involving inoculation with Streptomyces sp. strain WR27 + Azotobacter recorded higher nutrient contents. Soil properties were significantly increased by application of actinobacterial inoculants in both years over the un-inoculated control. Furthermore, among different inocula, Streptomyces sp. strain WR27 + Azotobacter dual inoculation exhibited highest response efficiency for all the traits studied. Therefore, the results revealed multiple benefits of plant growth-promoting actinobacteria and Azotobacter inoculation for wheat crop in terms of improved soil properties and macronutrient content without hampering the soil fertility and productivity. Thus, it could be recommended as a plant growth-promoting bacteria for wheat at the recommended level of fertilizer application rates for field use in north-western India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to evaluate eight germplasms/varieties of wheat during the rabi season (November-April, 2022--23) using a randomized block design with three replications at the research farm of Agricultural Research Sub-Station (ARSS), Nagaur (Rajasthan), India to estimate the variability parameters and characters association for nine characters. The results were revealed that mean sum of squares due to genotypes showed significant differences for all the nine characters under study, suggested that the genotypes were genetically divergent. The phenotypic coefficient of variation values was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation values for all the nine traits which reflect the influence of environment on the expression of traits. Spike length and number of spikelets were showed higher PCV and medium GCV. High heritability estimates were recorded for all the nine characters. High genetic advance as percentage of mean along with high heritability was observed for number of spikelets, spike length, number of effective tillers plant-1, seed yield and number of grains spike-1. This indicated the existence of lesser environmental influence and prevalence of additive gene action in their expression and these traits possessed high selective value. These characters could be further improved through individual plant selection. Grain yield had highly significant and positive genotypic and phenotypic correlations with plant height, number of effective tillers plant-1, spike length, number of spikelets and number of grains spike-1. These characters can be considered as criteria for selection for higher grain yield as these were mutually and directly associated with grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of public breeding programs is to develop and disseminate improved varieties to farmers. This strategy aims at providing farming communities with superior crop varieties than they are growing. However, the strategy rarely considers the needs and preferences of farmers, especially gendered preferences, failing to solve real field problems by addressing the differences and inequalities prevalent in the farming communities. Our research examines how personal, household, agronomic and ecological characteristics of wheat growers in Bihar, India's eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains, affect women and men's wheat trait choices. Data were obtained from 1,003 households where both male and female respondents from the same household were interviewed. We accounted for 23 traits of wheat from a careful assessment of production, environment, cooking quality, market demand, and esthetic criteria. Binomial logistic regression was used to determine women's and men's trait preferences. The results imply that gender influences the preferences of wheat traits. Some traits are favored by both women and men, however, in other instances, there are striking disparities. For example, men choose wheat varieties that are well adapted to extreme climate conditions, have a higher grain yield, and produce chapati with a superior taste, while women prefer wheat types with superior chapati making quality, higher grain yield, and high market prices. Other socioeconomic, agronomic, cultural, and geolocational factors have a considerable impact on trait preferences. These human dimensions of traits preferred by women and men farmers are important for trait combinations to develop breeding product profiles for certain market segments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: With increasing demand for food and changing environmental conditions, a better understanding of the factors impacting wheat yield is essential for ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture. By analyzing the effect of multiple factors on wheat yield, the presented research provides novel insights into the potential impacts of climate change on wheat production in India. In the present study, datasets consisting of countrywide environmental and agronomic factors and wheat yield were collected. In addition, the study also analyzes the effect of information demand of farmers on production. Methodology: The study employs a regional analysis approach by dividing the country into five zonal clusters: Northern Hills, Central India, Indo-Gangetic Plains, North-Eastern India, and Peninsular India. Correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were performed to uncover the month-wise key factors affecting wheat yield in each zone. Furthermore, four Machine Learning/Deep Learning-based models, including XGBoost, Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP), Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), and 1-D Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), were developed to estimate wheat yield. This study estimated partial derivatives for all factors using Newton's Quotient Technique, a numerical method-based approach. Results: The analysis focused on applying this technique to the best-performing wheat yield estimation model, which was the GRU-based model (with RMSE and MAE of 0.60 t/ha and 0.46 t/ha, respectively). Discussion: In the later sections of the article, multiple policy recommendations are communicated based on the extracted insights. The results of the presented research help inform decision-making regarding the development of strategies and policies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on wheat production in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between canopy air temperature difference and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) in wheat crops under normal or nonstressfull conditions. The treatments were undertaken on five plots, having randomized block design (RBD), each maintained at different levels of soil moisture having full irrigation; no irrigation; and 10%, 30%, and 50% soil moisture. Then canopy air temperature difference was regressed against VPD to generate non-water stress and maximum water stress baselines, and the crop water stress index (CWSI) was computed using empirical approach-baseline methods at different soil moisture deficits. It was found that irrigation treatment at 30% soil moisture deficit yielded the maximum water use efficiency. The canopy air temperature difference and VPD resulted in linear relationships, and the slope (m) and intercept (c) for lower baseline of preheading and postheading stages of wheat crop were found as m=−2.371 , c=−1.659 ; and m=−1.8952 , c=−2.32 , for the crop season of 2018–2019. Similarly, the non-water stress baseline equation in the season of 2019–2020 had m=−1.7184 , c=−2.3009 ; and m=−1.8137 , c=−1.9176 for preflowering and postflowering stages of wheat, respectively. The CWSI was determined by using the developed empirical equations for three irrigation schedules of different maximum allowable depletion (MAD) of available soil water (ASW). The developed CWSI may have the potential to improve irrigation scheduling of wheat in India. The study shows practical applications for enhancing wheat cultivation under varying soil moisture conditions. First, it recommends irrigating at 30% soil moisture deficit to maximize water use efficiency, aiding farmers in balancing crop yield and water conservation. Second, established relationships between canopy air temperature difference and VPD allow for the assessment of water stress. By utilizing regression equations, farmers can estimate the CWSI across soil moisture levels, guiding irrigation scheduling during critical growth stages. Third, the developed empirical equations enable real-time prediction of water stress. Monitoring the canopy air temperature difference and VPD offers insights into plant health, helping with informed decisions on irrigation and fertilization. Last, the findings are relevant for water-scarce regions like India, where tailored CWSI equations can be integrated into irrigation systems, promoting sustainable practices under a changing climate. This study may help farmers with practical tools for water-efficient wheat cultivation, fostering informed choices for sustainable agriculture, particularly in water-scarce regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice residue burning poses a significant challenge in the rice-wheat cropping system of India, leading to environmental pollution, health issues, and substantial nutrient loss. To combat this menace, a three-year study (2020-21 to 2022-23) was conducted, investigating the effects of rice residue retention (RRR) and rice residue incorporation (RRI) at graded N levels (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg/ha) alongside farmers' practices. The primary objective was to enhance wheat productivity, profitability, and soil fertility within this system. Pooled analysis revealed that RRR outperformed RRI at lower nitrogen doses, while RRI excelled with 7.5%, 7.4%, and 10.0% higher biological yields at higher nitrogen doses (100, 150, and 200 kg/ha). The success of RRR and RRI was attributed to 10.5% and 5.0% higher effective tiller/m2, respectively, compared to farmers' practices at 150 kg N/ha. Notably, RRR exhibited superior NDVI values at the flag leaf stage (0.76) over farmers' practices (0.73). At the 150 kg N/ha, RRR displayed a 9.6% lower cost of cultivation compared to farmers' practices, with 19.6% higher net returns at lower N levels (50 kg/ha), suggesting its greater benefits under low-input conditions. Furthermore, RRR showed the highest benefit-cost ratio (2.75) at 150 kg N/ha, followed by RRI (2.59) and farmers' practices (2.55). Over the three-year period, RRR significantly increased organic carbon content (0.49–0.54%) compared to the initial value (0.38%), affirming its long-term benefits. Consequently, the adoption of RRR by farmers is a preferable eco-friendly option over RRI and present practices for enhancing wheat productivity within the rice-wheat system. Due to 60–65% saving of fuel with the practice of zero tillage along with rice residue retention, it can reduce CO2 emission by 120 kg/ha, therefore, its implementation can reduce CO2 release by 1.62 MT in South Asia per year. Ultimately, it can meet the target of Paris Agreement of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels and reaching net-zero CO2 emissions globally by 2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rice-wheat cropping system is the largest cereal-based agricultural production system in India. It provides considerable significance to national food, nutrition, and livelihood security. However, the extensive use of resources under rice-wheat system has resulted in significant issues, including a decline in groundwater levels, indiscriminate use of fertilizers, the burning of rice residues, increased emissions of greenhouse gases, and the development of herbicide-resistant weeds which led to stagnant crop productivity and reduced profitability. This study was conducted at the research farm of ICAR-IIWBR, Karnal, India, to evaluate the combined effects of conventional and nano urea on productivity, profitability, and efficient nitrogen management strategy in wheat under rice-wheat system. The study evaluated eight treatment combinations of nitrogen application through conventionally applied urea (46% N) and foliar applied nano urea (4% N). The results of the study showed that the application of 150 kg N/ha in three equal splits as basal and just before 1st and 2nd irrigation, either alone (T2) or along with a spray of nano urea (T5), resulted in the highest grain yield and profitability. Top dressing of urea just before irrigation with a dose of nitrogen 150 kg/ha applied in three equal splits (T2) resulted in 420 kg/ha additional grain yield over top dressing at 7-10 days after irrigation with same dose (T3). Treatment T5 recorded the highest gross and net returns with 2492.5 and 1804.0 US $/ha. The study's findings suggest that efficient nitrogen management is essential for sustainable wheat production in India. The application of 150 kg N/ha in three equal splits, either alone or along with a spray of nano urea, is a promising strategy for improving wheat productivity and profitability in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food security is a crucial requirement in today's world to meet the dietary needs of individuals. As the population continues to grow, the demand for food will increase by 70 to 100 percent by 2050. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an approach that can assist farmers in predicting crop yield accurately and in a timely manner before crop harvesting. In this direction, the present study proposed a nature-inspired optimized hybrid convolutional neural network with bidirectional long short-term memory to extract the nonlinear complex relationships among crop attributes. This hybrid deep learning model was optimized using a particle swarm optimization approach to automate the selection of appropriate hyperparameters for wheat yield prediction. The proposed model was developed to estimate wheat yield in a major wheat-producing state in India from 2000 to 2018 using the temporal and spatial characteristics of wheat crops. The experiment was conducted by integrating the historical yield, meteorological data, remote sensing-derived indices, and soil parameters from the October to April season. Furthermore, we also evaluated the performance of the proposed model in terms of the mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean squared error (MSE) with publicly available datasets such as Agro_data, Soybean_data, and FAO_data. The experimental results showed that the proposed PSO-CNN-Bi-LSTM method achieved an MAE of 0.39, MSE of 0.18, and RMSE of 0.42 (tonnes/ha) and outperformed existing CNN, LSTM, CNN-LSTM, CNN-Bi-LSTM, CNN-LSTM-PSO, CNN-Bi-LSTM-BO-GO, and neural network methods. Our findings demonstrated that the proposed methodology could be a promising alternative for predicting crop yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Bipolaris is found to be commonly associated with leaf spots, leaf blights, root rots, foot rots and other disease symptoms mainly in high value field crops in the family Poaceae. Spot blotch caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoemaker is one of the most important diseases of wheat and barley. The fungus causes germination failure, seed mortality and spot blotch development with small, dark brown lesions without chlorotic margin. Therefore, in the present study, attempts were made to investigate the morphological variations among different Bipolaris isolates collected from the different graminaceous hosts in north-western regions of India and to assess the genetic diversity of the fungus using SSR markers. The results revealed that all the 50 isolates exhibited various levels of morphological and cultural variations. Colony colour varied from dark ash to white with raised and irregular margins in most of the isolates. The size of the conidia varied from 31–75 µm × 15–27 µm, slightly curved, elliptical or oblong, mostly tapering towards ends, light to dark brown in colour, 3–12 distoseptate, having bipolar germination. The molecular identification of the pathogen associated with all the test isolates carried out using B. sorokiniana-specific primer pair, i.e. COSA_F/R, also cross-identified the pathogen to be B. sorokiniana by producing one sharp band (519 bp) in all the test isolates. All the ten SSR primers exhibited different levels of polymorphism among the different isolates. The PIC values revealing allelic diversity and frequency among all the isolates varied from 0.153 in the case of primer pair BS051 to 0.493 in primer pair BS065 and this variation in PIC values among the ten primer pairs indicated variability in amplified product and allelic frequency among the isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the world's as well as India's second-most important cereal crop. It is an allohexaploid composed of three homeologous sub-genomes (AA, BB, and DD), which is a constraint in determining the complete genome sequence. Several transcription factors have been associated with both abiotic and biotic stress. WRKY transcription factors are among the best characterised in the context of pathogen defence mechanisms. Different members of the WRKY transcription factors have been shown to confer resistance to stress. But very little is known about the wheat WRKY transcription factors. In silico analysis of the TaWRKY45 protein was performed in the present study using several bioinformatics tools like motif scan, CD search, NetPhos, NGlycos, GRAVY, and the SWISS MODEL. The study revealed that TaWRKY45 belongs to the group III family and contains hydrophilic proteins with 19 potential phosphorylation sites. TaWRKY45 protein was found to be orthologous to rice OsWRKY45 by phylogenetic analysis. The catalytic domain was analysed by motif scan which showed that TaWRKY45 has one WRKY domain and a C2-HC zinc finger motif. TaWRKY45's structure was determined to be more stable, more constrained, more compact, and have greater potential to interact with other molecules than OsWRKY45, according to MD simulation analysis. Thus, the in silico analysis of transcription factors in this study highlights the protein function, interaction, and regulatory pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scarcity and quality of irrigation water restrict sustainability of wheat production in arid and semi-arid regions. Deficit saline irrigation up to 65% of full water requirement can reduce the salt load along with water saving. Plant bioregulators (PBRs) are phytohormones that regulate physiological and biochemical reactions in plants and respond to variety of abiotic stresses. But the field scale quantification of mitigating effect of PBRs application at representative sites having multiple stresses (deficit water and salinity) is rare. Present study was carried out for two successive years from 2016–17 to 2017–18 at ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Institute (ICAR-CSSRI) research farm, Nain, Panipat, Haryana, India, to assess the effectiveness of two PBRs, i.e., salicylic acid (SA) and thiourea (TU). In a triple replicated, split–split design experiment, two PBRs applied as seed priming and foliar sprays at booting and milking (critical stages) stages in alleviation of adverse effects of deficit (60, 80 and 100% of crop evapo-transpiration) and saline (ECiw; 2, 4, 8, 12 dS m−1) irrigation on wheat variety KRL 210. The grain yield reduction under 8 and 12 dS m−1 were 7.68 and 32.93%, respectively. Higher irrigation amount using highest salinity water (100% ETc + 12 dS m−1) caused maximum reduction in grain yield. Application of SA and TU increased grain yield by 12.90 and 17.36%, respectively. Water and salinity (≥ 8 dS m−1) adversely affected the spikes and grains number (m−2), relative water content (RWC), proline, membrane injury (MI), Fv/Fm, chlorophyll content (Chl) and Na/K ratio. Positive response of PBRs increased with increasing intensity of both the stresses. At mild salinity (4 dS m−1), SA performed better than TU, but at severe salinity (12 dS m−1), TU performed better than SA. The study concluded that the application of SA and TU effectively ameliorated the salinity and drought stress in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Wheat, which is one of the major staple food grain crops in India, continues to depict occasional fluctuation in the prices though Union government has adopted administered price policy for wheat by intervening in its procurement at assured prices and distribution. Such fluctuations in prices are usually attributed to inefficient functioning of the agricultural markets. Since spatially separated markets also play an important role to determine efficiency of the agricultural markets, the study has used market integration as one of the tools to analyze the price transmission across the spatially separated markets to identify causes of price fluctuations and suggest ways to stabilize wheat prices. Design/methodology/approach: The study utilizes monthly wholesale prices for January, 2006 to May, 2016 for dara wheat. First, the study employs augmented Dickey and Fuller (ADF), Phillips and Perron (PP) and Kwiatkowski, Phillips, Schmidt and Shin (KPSS) tests to check stationarity in wheat prices. Second, Johansen's cointegration test is applied to assess the integration of wholesale prices between selected pairs of wheat markets to determine long-run relationship among them. Third, Granger casualty test is used to find the direction of causality between the wheat market pairs. Finally, threshold vector error correction model (TVECM) and likelihood ratio (LR) tests are employed to examine long-run adjustment of prices towards the equilibrium in selected wheat markets. Findings: Since wheat wholesale prices for the selected markets are found to be integrated of the order one, that is [I(1)], Johansen's test of cointegration is employed and its findings reveal that the selected wheat market pairs exhibit cointegration and show a long-run price association among themselves. There exists a bi-directional causality among the wheat market pairs. Since LR test is in favor of threshold model (except for Etawah–Delhi pair), one and two threshold models were also performed accordingly. Findings show that wholesale prices of wheat in Delhi markets remain higher than the prices of all other regional markets as regional markets are found to adjust their prices towards Delhi market. Distance of the wheat markets from each other is directly associated with threshold parameters, which are analogous to the transaction costs. Geographically dispersed wheat markets incorporate high transaction and vice versa. Research limitations/implications: The study argues that there is need to improve rural infrastructure and connectivity of the agricultural markets and remove market asymmetries through unified market regulating mechanisms across the states. This will enable price adjustment process from primary wholesale markets (in production regions) to the secondary wholesale markets (in scarcity regions) quickly. Originality/value: The contribution of the study in the existing literature lies in the fact that there are no empirical evidences in the context of India that use price transmission as a tool of market integration among spatially separated wheat markets using TVCEM as this model examines role of transaction costs in efficient functioning of the agricultural markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rice-wheat cropping system is the prevailing agricultural method in the North-Western states of India, namely in the Indo-Gangetic plains. The practice of open burning of rice residue is frequently employed for expedient land preparation, but it has significant adverse impacts on both the environment and human health. These include the emission of greenhouse gases, loss of nutrients, elevated concentrations of particulate matter (PM), and disruption of the biological cycle. This research aims to investigate the implementation of effective management strategies in the rice-wheat cropping system, namely via the use of tillage-based crop cultivation techniques, stubble retention, and integration approaches. The objective is to enhance soil health features in order to augment crop yield and improve its attributes. Results: The research was carried out using a split plot experimental design, consisting of three replications. The main plot consisted of four different cultivation methods, while the subplot included three genotypes of both rice and wheat. The research demonstrates the enhanced efficacy of residue application is significantly augmenting soil nutrient concentrations compared to standard tillage practices (P < 0.05). This was accomplished by an analysis of soil nutrient levels, namely nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and organic carbon (OC), at a depth of 0–15 cm. The implementation of natural farming, zero tillage, and reduced tillage practices resulted in decreases in rice grain yields of 34.0%, 16.1%, and 10.8%, respectively, as compared to conventional tillage methods. Similarly, the implementation of natural farming, zero tillage, and reduced tillage resulted in reductions in wheat grain yields of 59.4%, 10.9%, and 4.6% respectively, in comparison to conventional tillage practices. Conclusion: Regarding the individual crop genotypes investigated, it was continuously observed that Him Palam Lal Dhan 1 and HPW 368 displayed considerably greater grain yields for both rice and wheat during the two-year experimental period. Furthermore, when considering different cultivation methods, conventional tillage emerged as the most effective approach for obtaining higher productivity in both rice and wheat. Additionally, Him Palam Lal Dhan 1 and HPW 368 exhibited superior performance in terms of various crucial yield components for rice (such as panicle density, grains per panicle, panicle weight, and test weight) and wheat (including effective tiller density, grains per spike, spike weight, and 1000-grain weight). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat, a staple food crop for 35% of the global population, faces a threat from Helminthosporium leaf blight (HLB), a complex of spot blotch (Bipolaris sorokiniana) and tan spot (Pyrenophora-tritici-repentis) diseases under warm and humid conditions. However, in Indian conditions, the knowledge of existing pathogen populations associated with the HLB complex is limited and largely dominated by only B. sorokiniana (spot blotch). To address this, diseased samples were collected from all six wheat growing zones during 2020-2022. The pathogenic species were identified through in-depth morphological characterization, supplemented with ITS-rDNA and GAPDH sequence analysis, a diagnostic SCAR marker, and pathogenicity studies on two wheat varieties: Sonalika and HD2733. The 32 isolates collected from 10 different states consist of B. spicifera (12.5% of all isolates), Exserohilum rostratum (9.3%), Bipolaris oryzae (3.1%), and B. sorokiniana (75%). B. sorokiniana exhibited the highest disease severity on both varieties. Other lesser-known pathogenic species also produced comparable disease severity as B. sorokiniana isolates and, therefore are economically important. Unraveling pathogen composition and biology aids in disease control and resistance breeding. Our study highlights economically impactful and lesser-known pathogenic species causing wheat leaf blight/ spot blotch in India, guiding both current management and future resistance breeding strategies in plant pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) is one of the primary macronutrients required for crop growth and yield. This nutrient is especially limiting wheat yields in the dry and low fertile agro-ecologies having low N in the root zone soil strata. Moreover, majority of farmers in India and South Asia are small to marginal with meagre capacity to invest in costly nitrogen fertilizers. Therefore, there is an immense need to identify lines that use nitrogen efficiently. A set of 50 diverse wheat genotypes consisting of indigenous germplasm lines (05), cultivars released for commercial cultivation (23) and selected elite lines from CIMMYT nurseries (22) were evaluated in an alpha-lattice design with two replications, a six-rowed plot of 2.5m length for 24 agro morphological, physiological and NUE related traits during two consecutive crop seasons in an N-depleted precision field under two different N levels of 50%-N50 (T1) and 100%-N100 (T2) of recommended N, i.e., 100 kg/ha. Analysis of variance revealed significant genetic variation among genotypes for all the traits studied. About 11.36% yield reduction was observed at reduced N levels. Significant correlations among NUE traits and yield component traits were observed which indicated pivotal role of N remobilization to the grain in enhancing yield levels. Among N-insensitive genotypes identified based on their yielding ability at low N levels, UASBW13356, UASBW13358, UASBW13354, UASBW13357 and KRL1-4 showed their inherent genotypic plasticity toward N application. The genotypes with more yield and high to moderate NUtE can be used as parents for the breeding of N efficient genotypes for marginal agro-ecologies. Low N tolerant genotypes identified from the current investigation may be further utilized in the identification of genomic regions responsible for NUE and its deployment in wheat breeding programs. The comprehensive data of 24 traits under different nitrogen levels for diverse genotypes from India and global sources (mainly CIMMYT) should be useful for supporting breeding for NUE and thus will be of great help for small and marginal farmers in India and South Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India has increased its wheat production phenomenally in the last two decades and it now has a buffer stock of 9.7 million tonnes. However, despite the release of several wheat cultivars, the end-use quality traits of Indian wheat varieties have not been explored in-depth to determine the increasing demand of the domestic processing industry as well as export. In this study, 55 wheat genotypes including 47 released varieties, and 8 genetic stocks were grown along with 10 Australian varieties grown during cropping seasons: 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 and diversity in different physiochemical and rheological traits was evaluated. They showed considerable diversity in all the quality traits studied. However, very few genotypes could be found suitable for any one end-use. Five genotypes were found to possess four to five traits for superior bread-making quality. Two varieties and three advanced breeding lines had up to four good chapati quality traits. None of the released varieties investigated had suitable traits for biscuit making; however, two breeding lines possessed requisite quality traits suitable for biscuit making. It is, therefore, concluded that systematic breeding efforts are required to develop genotypes that bring together the most important quality traits in a single genotype to be suitable for domestic industry as well as for export. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to investigate the glycemic index (GI) of various Indian breakfast preparations containing defatted fenugreek seed flakes (Fenuflakes™) using validated protocols in compliance with international standards. Fifteen subjects aged 18 to 45 years with a body mass index of 18.5 to 22.5 kg/m² were recruited for the study. The study assessed six breakfast preparations based on rice (cooked raw rice and idly), wheat (Semolina upma and Potato paratha), potato (potato sandwich), or oat (oat porridge), each with 10 g Fenuflakes (Test) or without Fenuflakes (Control), standardized to 50 g (25 g for oat porridge) of available carbohydrates. After overnight fasting, blood samples for each participant were collected 5 minutes before, immediately after (0 minutes) consuming the food, and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after the consumption of the assigned food breakfast preparations. Each participant consumed the reference food (55 g of glucose in 250 ml of water) for 3 days and the Test or Control food preparation for 6 days in a random order, with a wash-out period of 2 days. The GI of each food preparation was calculated from the incremental area under the curve (IAUC) of glucose in the food with the IAUC of the reference food. The GI of Fenuflakes-incorporated food preparations (Test) shifted from high to low (cooked raw rice) or medium (rice idly, Semolina upma, and potato paratha), or remained unchanged (potato sandwich and oat porridge) as that of compounding controls. In conclusion, Fenuflakes may be a useful addition to Indian breakfast preparations to lower the GI of some rice- or wheat-based Indian breakfast food preparations and lowers postprandial glycemic spikes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the major global staple food crop that meets the food security demands of various nations across the continents. The recent reduction in wheat production is attributed to several biotic and abiotic factors especially, temperature and rainfall patterns, and pest occurrence. Among insect pests, aphid species are emerging as new pests of economic importance in India and elsewhere. The present investigation identified a new association of Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas with the wheat crop. Life table parameters were studied for M. euphorbiae and Rhopalosiphum padi fed on wheat foliage. The total nymphal duration and life cycle duration, respectively, of R. padi (4.76 ± 0.54 and 9.71 ± 1.38 days) and M. euphorbiae (5.84 ± 0.69 and 9.96 ± 1.31 days) were significantly different for these species. The fecundity of the two aphid species was 23.95 ± 8.67 and 11.6 ± 4.10 progeny/female, respectively. Age-specific survival rate (lx), age-specific fecundity (fx), and population age-specific fecundity (mx) were higher in R. Padi compared to M. euphorbiae. Reproductive value (Vxj) was high in R. padi and the duration of reproduction was less, while these parameters showed an opposite trend in M. euphorbiae. The gross reproduction rate (GRR) was found higher in R. Padi (29.17 offspring/adult lifetime) compared to M. euphorbiae (19.58 offspring/adult lifetime). The M. euphorbiae being a pest of solanaceous crops seems to have shifted to a new host, i.e., wheat. This new adaptation strategy to survive for long periods on a wheat crop might pose a serious threat to wheat crop cultivation in near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates the effect of price support policies on market price distribution and its dynamics in the Indian wheat market. The analysis uses a quantile autoregression model that provides a flexible representation of price dynamics and the 2001–2020 monthly wholesale market price data. The analysis is conducted conditional on the net stock level held in the previous period. The results reveal that the net purchase by the government prevented very low market prices for wheat but resulted in price spikes. It has a price‐enhancing effect as well. The associated moments of price distribution show that public stockholding reduced variation in market price distribution. However, the government's release of stock did not prevent price rises. Findings show that dynamic adjustments tend to be qualitatively different across regimes. Government intervention in the grain market reduced stability through dynamic adjustments in wheat market prices. The results have policy implications for India and other countries in Southeast Asia in the context of the WTO's negotiations on public stockholdings and using public stockholdings as an instrument in addressing price volatility and food shortages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High temperature affects wheat yield severely. This study aimed to explore the variation and recognition of heat responsive traits, to enhance wheat productivity in high temperature stress condition. The recombinant inbred lines were developed by crossing of released wheat variety MACS2496 (heat sensitive) and WH730 (heat tolerant). The experiments were conducted into 2 years at three locations of two planting conditions (heat and terminal heat stress). Combined analysis of variance shows significant variations among all the studied traits at individual location, year and planting conditions. The phenological and yield component traits were highly influenced by environment under terminal heat stress condition. Days to heading and thousand kernel weight coupled with high heritability and high genetic advance per cent of mean in heat and terminal heat stress environments. In heat and terminal heat stress planting conditions, tiller number per plant, kernels per spike, kernel weight per spike and thousand kernel weight confirm positive relationship with grain yield per plant by correlation and principal component analysis. Path and multiple regression analysis accomplish that tiller number per plant, kernel weight per spike, kernel per spike and thousand kernel weight were identified as the key contributor towards grain yield per plant in heat and terminal heat stress environment. Thus, all‐inclusive approaches demonstrated that the promising traits deliver a framework to develop heat tolerant cultivars in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wheat is an important food crop of world. This crop has the wider adaptability due to its genetic makeup. The sowing environment and varieties interaction plays important role to enhance its productivity and optimum utilization of the resources. As this crop has wider adaptability so we planned our experiment to study the grain yield, heat use and water use efficiency of diverse wheat varieties which have been recommended in different wheat growing zones, sown at different environment in North-western India, to increase the varietal spectrum. Methods: The field experiment was conducted in 2017-18 and 2018-19 at the research farm of the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India. The experiment was conducted with four sowing dates (November 5, November 25, December 15 and January 5) in main plot and six wheat varieties (HS 562, HD 2967, HD 3086, HI 1544, MACS 6222 and WR 544) in sub-plot of split plot design with three replications. Result: The wheat crop sown on November 5 recorded the highest emergence count, plant height, heat use efficiency, normalized difference vegetative index, yield attributes, grain yield and water use efficiency than later sowing dates. Among the wheat varieties, HS 562 recommended for northern hill zone recorded heat use efficiency, helio-thermal use efficiency, at leaf value, effective tillers, grains per earhead, grain yield and water use efficiency similar to HD 3086 recommended for North-western zone. The varieties recommended for other zones like HI 1544, MACS 6222 and WR 544 could not perform similar to the HD 3086. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing water scarcity and the demand for sustainable agriculture, precise estimation of crop evapotranspiration (ET) is crucial for effective irrigation management, crop yield assessment, and equitable water distribution, particularly in semi-arid regions. In this study, a large aperture scintillometer (LAS) was used to validate the remote sensing-based ET model SETMI (Spatial Evapotranspiration Modeling Interface) in an irrigated maize-wheat cropping system in a semi-arid region at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Results obtained by the SETMI model depicted modeled surface energy fluxes compared well with LAS field data, showing a very high R2 (0.83–0.95) and NRMSE (8–29%). The SETMI model performed better in the case of the maize crop than the wheat crop in field experiments. Further, the SETMI model was employed at the regional level using high-resolution Sentinel-2 to estimate the regional water productivity of wheat crops over a semi-arid region in India. The estimated regional, seasonal wheat actual ET mainly ranged between 101 mm and 325 mm. The regional wheat water productivity varied from 0.9 kg m−3 to 2.20 kg m−3. Our research reveals that the SETMI model can give reliable estimates of regional wheat water productivity by examining its spatial and temporal fluctuations and facilitating the creation of regional benchmark values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP), rice–wheat cropping system (RWCS) predominates, producing large quantity of crop residue and its management is major concern. Farmers usually burn the residue to clear the field for succeding crop, and burning damages soil microbes, resulted in loss of soil organic matter. Hence, current study was conducted to assess the impact of different Happy seeder based residue management options on changes in microbial dynamics, enzyme activities and soil organic matter content and also to know that alternative method for attaining sustainable wheat productivity in sandy loam soils of Haryana, India. Results revealed that Zero tillage wheat (ZTW) with partial and full residue retention treatments sown with Happy seeder (after using chopper and spreader), and ZTW with anchored stubbles significantly enhanced soil microbial count by 47.9–60.4%, diazotropic count by 59.0–73.1% and actinomycetes count by 47.3–55.2%, grain yield by 9.8–11.3% and biomass yield by 7.4–9.6% over conventional tilled (CT) residue burning and residue removal plots. ZTW sown with surface retention of rice crop residue increased the organic carbon by 0.36–0.42% and the soil moisture content by 13.4–23.6% over CTW without residue load. Similarly, ZTW sown with Happy seeder with full residue enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity from 95.3 µg TPF g−1 soil 24 h−1 in 2018–2019 to 98.6 µg TPF g−1 soil 24 h−1 in 2019–2020 over control plots. Likely, microbial population and enzymatic activity showed strong positive correlation under variable residue retention practices. However, increased microbial population reduced the soil pH from 7.49 to 7.27 under ZTW with residue retention plots. The wheat yield enhanced by 9.8–11.3% during 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 under ZTW with Happy seeder with full residue load over residue burning and residue removal plots. ZTW sown with Happy seeder under full residue retention, achieved maximum net return 43.16–57.08 × 103 ₹ ha−1) and B-C ratio (1.52 to 1.70) over CTW without residue. Therefore, rice residue needs to be managed by planting wheat using appropriate machinery under ZT for sustaining higher productivity in RWCS and improve soil health and environment under IGP regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is one of the most important cereal crops grown in the Western Himalayas of India but its production is challenged by the insect "cereal leaf beetle (CLB)". This study explores the impact of domestication and modern crop improvement on wheat's defense mechanisms against the CLB, a global threat to wheat cultivation. Sixteen diverse wheat genotypes having different ploidy levels were investigated, including wild wheat, landraces, mutants, advanced breeding lines, commercial varieties, and a Rye grass genotype. Genotypes with resistance genes, landraces, and wild wheat exhibited the lowest CLB infestation and oxidative damage. These genotypes displayed enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, such as peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and increased plant secondary metabolite (phenol and tannin) production upon CLB infestation. Resistant durum wheat demonstrated moderate responses and exhibited higher levels of flavonoid production. On the other hand, susceptible durum wheat genotypes, commercial variety Shalimar Wheat‐02 (SW‐2), showed high CLB infestation, ROS production, reduced antioxidant enzyme and secondary metabolite production. This may be because modern varieties like SW‐2 were not selected for insect resistance. These findings emphasize the significance of preserving genetic diversity from wild wheat and landraces to bolster wheat breeding programs against pests such as CLB. This study underscores the need to harness ancestral wheat lines to enhance insect pest resistance in modern wheat cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millets have been the staple food in many parts of the world, but in recent times they have been losing ground because of the increased use of processed foods and grains, such as wheat and rice. India has been the granary of millets due to the largest production and export of Indian millets globally. The very nature of millets being drought-resistant, small seeded grass, which can be grown in arid conditions, with less water and less farming intensive, makes it a great choice for ecological agriculture and sustainable source of food for combating hunger in the rapidly changing global climate and constructing climate-resistant agri-food systems. The various health benefits of millets make them an excellent choice for patients with celiac disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, dyslipidemia, obesity, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Sr65 in chromosome 1A of Indian wheat landrace Hango-2 is a potentially useful all-stage resistance gene that currently protects wheat from stem rust in Australia, India, Africa and Europe. Stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), threatened global wheat production with the appearance of widely virulent races that included TTKSK and TTRTF. Indian landrace Hango-2 showed resistance to Pgt races in India and Australia. Screening of a Hango-2/Avocet 'S' (AvS) recombinant inbred line population identified two stem rust resistance genes, a novel gene (temporarily named as SrH2) from Hango-2 and Sr26 from AvS. A mapping population segregating for SrH2 alone was developed from two recombinant lines. SrH2 was mapped on the short arm of chromosome 1A, where it was flanked by KASP markers KASP_7944 (proximal) and KASP_12147 (distal). SrH2 was delimited to an interval of 1.8–2.3 Mb on chromosome arm 1AS. The failure to detect candidate genes through MutRenSeq and comparative genomic analysis with the pan-genome dataset indicated the necessity to generate a Hango-2 specific assembly for detecting the gene sequence linked with SrH2 resistance. MutRenSeq however enabled identification of SrH2-linked KASP marker sunCS_265. Markers KASP_12147 and sunCS_265 showed 92% and 85% polymorphism among an Australian cereal cultivar diversity panel and can be used for marker-assisted selection of SrH2 in breeding programs. The effectiveness of SrH2 against Pgt races from Europe, Africa, India, and Australia makes it a valuable resource for breeding stem rust-resistant wheat cultivars. Since no wheat-derived gene was previously located in chromosome arm 1AS, SrH2 represents a new locus and named as SR65. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate-induced extreme events with fluctuations in climatic indicators like temperature and precipitation highly influence crop productivity. This study deals with quantitative analysis of climatic variability and crop production (1990–2018) using panel data regression analysis. The focus is on variability of three crops, i.e., paddy, maize, and wheat in the Rangit river basin of Sikkim Himalaya, India. Meterological data were acquired from the Indian Meteorological Department, agricultural data from the state agricultural department and a field survey were also conducted with the farmers, using a structured questionnaire, focused group discussion, and key informant observations. The acquired data was analyzed with the help of correlation and multiple linear regression analysis to analyze the relationship between climatic variability and crop production. The result of the study shows that all three crops are dependent on rainfall; however, paddy was the most sensitive to climatic variability. It was found that the overall grain production had an inverse relation to temperature, but it had a positive correlation with rainfall. It was observed that there was a continuous decline in the overall production of paddy and wheat. During deficiency years, it was found that when − 11.33% rainfall was deficient, paddy yield declined by − 1.52%. Further, a deviation of − 13.48% led to a decline of − 54.78% in wheat. The study advocates that timely policy interventions and strategies shall reduce climatic shocks and improve productivity. This would strengthen the livelihood security of the local communities, overcome the challenges of food security, and ensure long-term sustainability of Rangit River basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Iron, an essential micronutrient, significantly contributes to growth, immune health, and cognitive development in human health. Inadequate dietary iron intake leads to iron deficiency anemia, affecting nearly 1.6 billion people, especially pregnant women and preschool children. Biofortification and fortification of iron in wheat is an acceptable and cost-effective strategy to alleviate iron deficiencies. This study aims to address iron deficiencies through the strategy of fortification and biofortification of wheat varieties. The study places specific emphasis on the proximate composition and iron/mineral content of different wheat varieties. To achieve these objectives, different spectrometric methods were employed to analyze the wheat samples. METHODS: Proximate and mineral quantification were carried out following standard Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, atomic absorption spectrometry, inductive coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy, and prediction was carried out using near-infrared spectra combined with chemometrics. FINDINGS: The samples had moisture content (1.1 - 4.5 percent), protein (18.0 - 22.6 percent), fat (0.3 - 0.6 percent), gluten (6.3 - 10.3 percent), fiber (0.3 - 1.4 percent), alcoholic acidity (0.04 - 0.08 percent), ash (0.9 - 1.7 percent), and carbohydrate (71.1 - 75.2 percent). Iron was determined and compared by spectrophotometric methods. Iron concentration ranged from (0.7 to 6.3 milligrams/100 grams) in ultraviolet-visible analysis, (0.7 to 6.74 milligrams/100 grams) in atomic absorption spectrometry, and (0.81 to 6.8 milligrams/100 grams) in inductive coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. The obtained results were compared with the standard "Food Composition and Food Safety Standard Authority of India" and predicted using nearinfrared spectra combined with chemometrics. CONCLUSION: The work aims to investigate the nutritional content of various wheat varieties, particularly focusing on iron content, which could potentially have implications for improving dietary strategies and addressing nutritional deficiencies. The biofortified varieties (HI-8663 and HI-1605) were found to have high iron content when compared to normal wheat. The acquired results bridge the intricate relationship between plant-based diets, micronutrient deficiencies, providing valuable insights into combating iron deficiencies in public health with the potential achievement of improved nutritional understanding, optimized wheat selection, advanced analytical techniques, education, awareness, and iron deficiency mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experiment was conducted using 17 different varieties of wheat to determine their susceptibility to Trogoderma granarium Everts at Maharaj Singh College, Saharanpur (U.P.), India during 2022 and 2023. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications in a control temperature of 27±2 °C and 70±5% relative humidity. Twenty-five newly hatched larvae were introduced in each jar (6 x 9 cm) containing 100 g of different varieties of wheat grains. Varieties were evaluated on the basis of percent adult emergence, longevity of adults, and growth index. None of the wheat varieties were recorded resistant to the test insect T. granarium. However, on the basis of different parameters, these varieties are being presented in ascending order i.e., P.B.W. 373 (5.89), P.B.W. 502 (5.91), D.B.W. 303 (6.56), W.H. 542 (7.90), U.P. 2565 (8.27), U.P. 2554 (8.43), H.D. 2967 (8.75), W.H. 533 (8.78), D.B.W. 16 (9.49), U.P. 2425 (9.54), H.D. 3236 (9.57), U.P. 2526 (9.84), P.B.W. 226 (10.04), U.P. 2382 (10.22), P.D.W. 291 (10.36), D.B.W. 17 (11.25) and P.B.W 343 (13.27). So, it is clear that P.B.W. 373, P.B.W 502, D.B.W 303, W.H. 542 were found less susceptible while U.P. 2554, H.D. 2967, W.H. 533, D.B.W. 16, U.P. 2425, H.D. 3236, U.P. 2526 were moderately susceptible, whereas P.B.W. 226, U.P. 2382, P.D.W. 291, D.B.W. 17 and P.B.W. 343 were among the most susceptible varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postharvest crop residue burning (CRB) is a major policy issue in several developing countries because of harmful environmental and public health consequences. While the literature has extensively examined the reasons for rice CRB, much less is known about wheat residue management. This paper explores the drivers of CRB of wheat in India and relates it to farmers' prior decisions related to CRB of rice in the preceding season. Using primary data on residue management practices of 301 Indian farmers, whom we tracked over two consecutive harvests of rice (2018) and wheat (2019), we find that farmers are significantly more likely to burn wheat residue if they had previously burned rice residue. The possibility of this linkage or spillover increases the likelihood of wheat residue burning by 15.6 to 21 percent. Furthermore, farmers are undertaking wheat CRB despite the positive net benefit of choosing non-burning alternatives to manage crop residue. Our results suggest that ensuring well-functioning markets for crop residue, awareness campaigns, and recognition of spillover effects of residue management across crops over time can enable policies to promote pro-environmental postharvest choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice followed by wheat is the dominant cropping system in the middle Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP). Lower productivity (4.8 t ha-1) of this cropping system in Bihar, compared to the national average (6.8 t ha-1) due to several climateand production-related issues, is a matter of concern for the farmers and the policymakers. Keeping all these in view, an experiment with rice-wheat cropping system was carried out during 2020-21 and 2021-22 in 17 adopted villages of 13 districts of Bihar under the Project "Climate Resilient Agriculture Program (CRAP)" to evaluate the feasibility of early transplanting of rice in the month of June with the aim of achieving higher system productivity by early harvesting of rice and subsequent timely sowing of wheat before 15 November with the provision of assured irrigation. In this study, the concept of an innovative community irrigation approach and single-phase 3-hp submersible pump was employed. Longduration rice variety (150 days) Rajendra Mahsuri-1 was sown during 20-25 May in the nursery and transplanted through puddling operation during 15-20 June in 17 locations. Under delayed conditions, the nursery sowing and transplanting window were 10-15 June and 10-15 July, respectively. Timely sown rice grown with the provision of a community irrigation system achieved a grain yield of 5.2 t ha-1 and 85.8% higher water productivity, compared to late-sown crops. Following the harvest of rice, the HD-2967 variety of wheat was planted in the first fortnight of November and harvested in the first week of April, yielding 4.9 t ha-1 with the application of 2-3 irrigations based on soil type and evaporative demand. Timely harvesting of wheat facilitated farmers of the region to take an additional crop of summer green gram. With an assured irrigation system and shifting planting dates and thereby managing climatic risks, the overall productivity of the rice-wheat cropping system was achieved to the tune of 10.1 t ha-1 with a cropping intensity of 300% for better adaptation and sustainable production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture being the pillar of the economy for a developing country like India has a vital role in the survival of living beings on earth. Wheat is the most widely consumed grain on the planet. Deep learning is an evolving technology that is having a significant effect in the field of agriculture, assisting farmers in modernizing their operations. One such application is the identification of plant diseases using image classification which is necessary for long-term agriculture sustainability. Wheat plants are susceptible to a variety of fungal diseases. Hence early identification of diseases of crops like wheat and rice that are staple food of people in many countries is critical. Using deep learning algorithms such as CNN, this proposed system aims to predict wheat diseases. We are introducing a deep learning-based model for image classification to predict wheat diseases. Previous approaches used machine learning algorithms for a general dataset that included all types of crop diseases. To achieve better precision, we built our own dataset and combined it with existing similar datasets to account for 4 major classes of wheat diseases. The dataset consists of 700 images of wheat plants. Based on the input, our system determines if the plant is healthy or diseased so that precautionary measures can be taken to prevent losses in wheat cultivation, which could lead to food shortages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Agricultural activities in 2020 have resulted in 5.5 billion tons of CO2 equivalent globally, which is expected to rise because the food system would have to grow 70% more food for the population in 2050. Research suggests that agricultural productivity in South Asian countries, will increase food security; however, the role of their food crops and livestock products in environmental imprints is uncertain. This review aimed to assess the environmental impacts resulting from pre‐ and post‐production agricultural activities related to edible food crops and livestock products consumed in eight South Asian countries. Methods: Studies were retrieved using three databases (PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct) from 2011 to 2022. The protocol for this scoping review was not registered. Results: Twenty‐seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were conducted in India. Twenty‐four articles assessed greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, followed by water footprints (n = 5), nitrogen and phosphorus (N&P) emissions (n = 4), and land requirements (n = 4). The production of rice and wheat was identified as a significant contributor to GHG emissions. In India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the production of livestock (meat/bovine/shrimp and milk) was reported to be harmful to the environment. Inconclusive data were retrieved for other environment variables. Conclusions: Diversification in food production and cultivating additional coarse cereals (millets) offer opportunities for GHG reduction. Nevertheless, more comprehensive and longitudinal studies for South Asian countries are essential to make precise conclusions and validate the present review. Key points: The present study explored the role of South Asian food crops and livestock in environmental degradation.Most studies assessed green house gas (GHG) emissions.Production of wheat, rice and livestock products contributed significantly to GHG emissions.Diversification in food production, cultivating coarse cereals such as millets is desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation agriculture (CA) is a promising management practice adopted by spring wheat growers in the Indo-Gangetic plains (IGPs) of India, particularly in areas where residue burning is prominent. Effective nitrogen management is essential to achieve maximum profitable wheat yield under CA to promote agricultural sustainability. A field experiment conducted during the winter seasons of 2020–21 and 2021–22 comprising seven treatments with varying nitrogen doses from 0 to 250 kg/ha was used to find the best nitrogen management strategy. Instrument-based physiological indices, including the chlorophyll content index (CCI), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), Dualex meter-based values, and flavonoids, were used to investigate the relation between these indices and growth stages. Increasing nitrogen levels from 0 to 250 kg/ha resulted in increased growth and physiological indices. However, the increase beyond 150 with or without CA was non-significant in case of many indices. The enriched treatment (250 kg N/ha) recorded a lower grain yield (5123 kg/ha) compared to 100 kg N/ha treatments (5595 kg/ha). The thousand-grain weight was also found to be reduced by 21.2% in 250 kg N/ha compared to the 150 kg N/ha treatment. The application of 200 kg N/ha under CA produced a significant increase (9.6%) in grain yield (6673 kg/ha) as compared to the farmer's practice of 150 kg N/ha. Applying 150 kg N/ha under CA increased grain yield by 231 kg/ha over the same N level without CA, although the difference was non-significant. The application of 200 kg N/ha under CA yielded the highest gross return (2271.8 $/ha), net return (1545.0 $/ha), and B:C (3.1) due to the reduced cost of cultivation in CA and maximum grain yield. Additionally, if this technology is adapted to 13.7 m ha rice–wheat area in South Asia then additional net return from 200 kg N/ha application under CA over farmers practice will be $3.32 billion annually, which is huge amount. Therefore, using 200 kg N/ha under CA can further increase grain yield, productivity, and profitability per unit area. However, for resource-limited growers in rice–wheat growing areas, 150 kg N/ha under CA can still be a viable and economically sound option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is an important part of the India's economy. India ranks first in net cropland area in the world with 179.8 mha which is 9.6% of global net cropland area and India's agriculture sector makes up 16% of the country's economy, while accounting for 49% of employment (FAOSTAT, 2020). The rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) is extensive in the subtropical areas of the Indo-Gangetic Plains of India while maize-wheat is widespread in tropical, sub-tropical and warm temperate regions. In north India, rice is grown in the summer season (June/July to September/October) whereas wheat is grown in the winter season (October/November to February/March). The area under wheat in India was 30.59 mha with an annual production of 99.78 mt and average productivity of 3.22 t ha-1 (Anonymous, 2019). The weeds are accounting as a major factor in yield reduction of wheat. The mechanical weed control is not so much effective in controlling weeds in wheat because of narrow inter row spacing. Further, the manual weeding is not much feasible because of mimicry weeds like Phalaris minor which are very much similar to wheat during initial stages. Therefore, the role of herbicides cannot be neglected. But the continuous application of herbicides with same mode of action year by year has resulted in evolution of herbicide resistance in weed species. The management of herbicide resistant weeds in crop production is a major challenge. This review mainly focuses on the current status of herbicide resistant weeds in India associated with wheat along with their management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant genotype and agroecology influence the composition and functionality of seed endophytic bacterial communities. Taxonomic analysis of 123 wheat seeds endophytic bacteria classified these into 23 genera predominantly under Firmicutes followed by Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. Genus Bacillus was most abundant (30.7%) followed by Streptomyces (18.4%) with other representative genera such as Stenotrophomonas, Paenibacillus, Mixta, Enterobacter, Micrococcus, Pantoea, Alkalihalobacillus, Cortiobacterium, and more. Across agroecologies, the core microbiota of seeds consists of Bacillus, Streptomyces, Paenibacillus, and Stenotrophomonas, with maximum diversity and abundance observed in seeds of the North Western Plain Zone of India. Seed endophytic bacteria had PGP traits; nitrogen fixation (n = 101), production of IAA (n = 65), siderophores (n = 43), ammonia (n = 82) and solubilization of phosphate (n = 47), potassium (n = 37), and zinc (n = 8). The isolates produced HCN and hydrolytic enzymes and displayed antagonism against fungal pathogens. Overall, the information generated on wheat seeds' endophytic bacterial taxonomy and beneficial traits may pave the path for the development of novel bioinoculants. Key message Wheat seeds from various agro-ecologies of India harbor diverse endophytic bacteria. Firmicutes were dominant followed by Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. Genus Bacillus, Stenotrophomonas, Streptomyces, and Paenibacillus were core endophytic bacteria in different agro-ecologies. The endophytic bacterial strains were displaying diverse functional traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, where cereal-based meals make up the majority of the daily diet, bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a key grain crop. Micronutrient deficiencies are a result of the lack of a diverse food culture in the nation. Genotypes of bread wheat that have been biofortified might be introduced to address this. It is anticipated that more information on the genotype x year interaction of these nutrients in grain will help us better understand the size of this interaction and perhaps even identify more stable genotypes for this attribute. Year revealed divergent responses to grain iron and zinc. Compared to zinc, iron showed lowest variation across year. Maximum temperature was the major determinant for the four traits. Iron is also significant correlation with zinc. Among the total fifty-two genotype, HP-06, HP-22, HP-24, HP-25, HP-33, HP-44, and HP-45 were found superior for zinc and iron content. These genotypes with high levels of zinc and iron can be used in a hybridization programme to further crop improvement. Wide-scale cultivation of the chosen genotype with high zinc and iron content in the agro-climatic conditions of Jammu will work with the region's current cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, leaf and yellow rusts are considered one of the most serious biotic constraints of wheat inflicting huge economic losses in India. Host resistance is the only efficient, economical, eco-friendly way of controlling rust diseases. With this scenario, experiments were carried out to characterize the seedling and adult plant resistance in diverse wheat genotypes. By applying the gene-matching technique using multi-pathotype data, four Yr (YrA, Yr2, Yr9, Yr18) and seven Lr (Lr2, Lr10, Lr13, Lr23, Lr24, Lr26, Lr34) genes in Indian wheat germplasm accessions and five Yr (YrA, Yr2, Yr9, Yr18, Yr27) and nine Lr (Lr1, Lr3, Lr10, Lr13, Lr19, Lr23, Lr24, Lr26, Lr34) genes in Indian wheat cultivars were characterized singly or combinations with other vital genes. Adult plant slow rusting resistance was assessed through host response and different epidemiological parameters. Promising adult plant slow rusting resistance against stripe and leaf rust was observed in different wheat genotypes consistently during the rabi seasons of 2018–19 and 2019–20. All these promising rust-resistant genotypes at the adult plant stage were susceptible at the seedling stage to one or more pathotype(s) including the most prevalent and virulent of both rusts, which indicated the presence of APR gene(s). All the epidemiological parameters were strongly and positively correlated in the study, for which we can strongly conclude that final disease severity, coefficient of infection, and relative area under the disease progress curve followed by infection rate are the most appropriate parameters to assess adult plant slow rusting resistance. The lines identified in this study are useful in the hybridization programs to enhance the levels of resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 'Green Revolution (GR)' has been successful in meeting food sufficiency in India, but compromising its nutritional security. In a first, we report altered grain nutrients profile of modern-bred rice and wheat cultivars diminishing their mineral dietary significance to the Indian population. To substantiate, we evaluated grain nutrients profile of historical landmark high-yielding cultivars of rice and wheat released in succeeding decades since the GR and its impacts on mineral diet quality and human health, with a prediction for decades ahead. Analysis of grain nutrients profile shows a downward trend in concentrations of essential and beneficial elements, but an upward in toxic elements in past 50 y in both rice and wheat. For example, zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) concentration in grains of rice decreased by ~ 33.0 (P < 0.001) and 27.0% (P < 0.0001); while for wheat it decreased by ~ 30.0 (P < 0.0001) and 19.0% (P < 0.0001) in past more than 50 y, respectively. A proposed mineral-diet quality index (M-DQI) significantly (P < 0.0001) decreased ~ 57.0 and 36.0% in the reported time span (1960–2010) in rice and wheat, respectively. The impoverished M-DQI could impose hostile effects on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like iron-deficiency anemia, respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal among the Indian population by 2040. Our research calls for an urgency of grain nutrients profiling before releasing a cultivar of staples like rice and wheat in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice–wheat production in the Indo-gangetic plains (IGPs) of India faces major concerns such as depleting resources, rice residue burning, excessive fertilizer use, and decreasing nitrogen use efficiency. These issues threaten sustainable crop production in the future. Therefore, a field study was conducted during the winter seasons of 2020–21 and 2021–22 to evaluate the effect of combined conventional and nano fertilizers on nitrogen application just before or after irrigation to improve wheat productivity, profitability and NUE under conservation tillage. The study evaluated eight treatment combinations of nitrogen application through conventionally applied urea (46% N) and foliar applied nano urea (4% N) under zero tillage with rice residue retention. Results revealed that growth, physiological indices, yield, and quality parameters were enhanced with the application of 150 kg N/ha in three equal splits as basal and just before 1st and 2nd irrigation alone (T2) or along with a spray of nano urea (T5) compared to other treatments. T5 recorded 7.2%, 8.5%, and 7.8% more plant dry matter, number of tillers, and grain yield, respectively, over the conventional practice of applying 150 kg N/ha in three equal splits as basal and 7–10 days after 1st and 2nd irrigation (T3, farmers practice). Although, T2 showed similar results to T5, T5 recorded significantly higher gross ($2542/ha) and net returns ($1279/ha) than the other treatments. However, the benefit–cost ratio of T2 and T5 was same (2.01). A significant and positive correlation coefficient between grain yield and physiological parameters such as CCI and NDVI confirmed that increasing the nitrogen dose enhanced the chlorophyll content, greenness, and plant vigor. Based on the results, it can be concluded that applying 150 kg N/ha in three equal splits as basal and just before 1st and 2nd irrigation under conservation agriculture, along with a single spray of nano urea (4% N) at 60–65 days after sowing, can improve growth, yield attributes, wheat yield, and NUE compared to farmers practice (T3) in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon fluxes from agroecosystems contribute to the variability of the carbon cycle and atmospheric [CO 2 ]. This study is a follow-up to Gahlot et al. (2020), which used the Integrated Science Assessment Model (ISAM) to examine spring wheat production and its drivers. In this study, we look at the carbon fluxes and their drivers. ISAM was calibrated and validated against the crop phenology at the IARI wheat experimental site in Gahlot et al. (2020). We extended the validation of the model on a regional scale by comparing modeled leaf area index (LAI) and yield against site-scale observations and regional datasets. Later, ISAM-simulated carbon fluxes were validated against an experimental spring wheat site at IARI for the growing season of 2013–2014. Additionally, we compared with the published carbon flux data and found that ISAM captures the seasonality well. Following that, regional-scale runs were performed. The results revealed that fluxes vary significantly across regions, primarily owing to differences in planting dates. During the study period, all fluxes showed statistically significant increasing trends (p<0.1). Gross primary production (GPP), net primary production (NPP), autotrophic respiration (Ra), and heterotrophic respiration (Rh) increased at 1.272, 0.945, 0.579, 0.328, and 0.366 TgC yr -2 , respectively. Numerical experiments were conducted to investigate how natural forcings such as changing temperature and [CO 2 ] levels as well as agricultural management practices such as nitrogen fertilization and water availability could contribute to the rising trends. The experiments revealed that increasing [CO 2 ], nitrogen fertilization, and irrigation water contributed to increased carbon fluxes, with nitrogen fertilization having the most significant effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A device was developed for on‐field cutting energy measurement of cereal crops. Physical, engineering, and anatomical properties of prominent rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars of India were studied at different stem positions using a factorial CRD design. The effects of changes in different operational parameters, including blade bevel angle (15°, 20°, and 25°), cutting angle (25°, 30°, and 35°) and cutting velocity (2.9, 3.44, and 4.1 m s−1) on cutting force and cutting energy of rice stalk were also studied. Cutting angle indicated the angle of inclination of cutting edge to the horizontal at blade‐crop interface. The assessment of these properties and parameters in relation to crop cutting energy, led to the development of a smart device for energy measurement up to a size of three skills. This device consisted of a compression system, crop holding unit, cutting unit, and sensors to measure the force, speed, and cutting height. The device's measurement abilities were evaluated with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) stalks at different cutting speeds (0.83, 1.16, and 1.5 m s−1 and stem heights (10, 20, and 30 cm from ground). Values for cutting force and energy ranged from 1.85 to 1.45 N and 10.81 to 8.48 N mm–1, respectively. At all stem heights, the cutting force and cutting energy ranged from 1.79 to 1.44 N and 11.92 to 6.74 N mm–1, respectively. The ultrasonic sensor provided real time cutting height data with an accuracy of 97.5%, while the gyroscope sensor had an accuracy of 94.29% for on‐field cutting angle measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaf blight diseases, Septoria nodorum blotch (SNB), and tan spot (TS) are emerging due to changing climatic conditions in the northern parts of India. We screened 296 bread wheat cultivars released in India over the past 20 years for seedling resistance against SNB (three experiments) and TS (two experiments). According to a genome-wide association study, six QTLs on chromosome arms 1BL, 2AS, 5BL, and 6BL were particularly significant for SNB across all three years, of which Q.CIM.snb.1BL, Q.CIM.snb.2AS1, Q.CIM.snb.2AS.2, and Q.CIM.snb.6BL appeared novel. In contrast, those on 5BS and 5BL may correspond to Snn3 and Tsn1, respectively. The allelic combination of tsn1/snn3 conferred resistance to SNB, whereas that of Tsn1/Snn3 conferred high susceptibility. As for TS, Tsn1 was the only stably significant locus identified in this panel. Several varieties like PBW 771, DBW 277, and HD 3319, were identified as highly resistant to both diseases that can be used in future wheat improvement programs as resistant donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on mitigation of arsenic (As) in As-contaminated soils with wheat (variety – HD 2967) as the test crop. Soil inbulk was collected from Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bihar,India farm with physicochemicalproperties to conduct a pot experiment using three doses of As (5, 10, 20 mg L−1) and application of Glomus mossaea inoculation (no inoculated, 5 g/pot, and 10 g/pot). Result indicated that the treatment spiked with As 5 ppm and Glomus mossaea @1 g kg−1 showedthe lowest available As (21.80 µg kg−1 soil) and lowest total As (2.533 mg kg−1soil) as compared to all othertreatments. The As content in different parts of plants are found in the orderof roots > shoots> leaves > grain parts in wheat crop. As uptake in grain was found to be positively correlated with available (r = 0.883, p <.001) and total As content in soil (r = 0.869, p <.001) as well. The application of AM fungi @10.0 g kg−1 soil significantly (p <.005) reduced the As content in grain under all the applied treatments. As content ingrain was found to be negatively correlated with total glomalin content of soil(r = –0.430, p <.005), colonization by AM fungi (r = –0.261) and available phosphorus (P) content of soil (r = –0.864, p <.001). The study noticeably indicated that the mycorrhizal inoculation can reduce the As content in the various parts of the wheat in As-contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field study was conducted from 2021 to 2023 in a rice–wheat cropping system in the Terai agro-ecological zone of West Bengal, India, using different management practices, i.e., tillage (conventional tillage, CT, and zero tillage, ZT), crop residue (R), and plant growth-promoting bacteria (B). This study was a part of long-term research on resource conservation technology (conservation agriculture, CA), undertaken on a research farm in Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari (Cooch Behar), West Bengal. The project was established in 2006 in acidic alluvial soil. The aim of this study was to evaluate rice–wheat productivity, nutrient uptake, soil quality, and profitability after the 16th and 17th crop cycles under the above-mentioned management practices. The results revealed that the pooled yield of rice grain and straw was significantly higher under the CT + R + B treatment than under the other treatments (ZT, ZT + B, ZT + R, ZT + R + B, CT, CT + B, and CT + R). However, the wheat grain and straw yields were significantly greater under the ZT + R + B treatment than under other treatments. The system's grain yield and straw yield were significantly higher under the CT + R + B treatment, on par with ZT + R + B, compared to the other treatments. Nutrient uptake (nitrogen, N; phosphorus, P; and potassium, K) was increased by retaining R and inoculating B compared to the sample without R and without B. Soil properties, including organic carbon, available N, available P, and available K, were improved in all the treatments compared to the initial values, but the impact was greater in the treatments with R and B than in those without R and without B. In the 5–10-cm soil layer, the above-mentioned soil properties were also improved over the initial (2006) values by 37, 126, 65 and 60%, respectively, by applying the best treatment (ZT + R + B). In economic terms, the benefit–cost ratio was significantly higher under the CT + R + B treatment for rice crops (2.99) and ZT + R + B for wheat crops (3.37). Therefore, we can conclude that, after 17 years of cultivation, for rice, CT-based treatments performs better than ZT-based treatments; meanwhile, for wheat cultivation, ZT-based treatments produces greater yields than CT-based treatments in the Terai agro-ecological zone of West Bengal, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat breeders focus on enhancing the production potential of bread wheat by creating new varieties with acceptable genetic makeup to combat the pressure of rising human population consumption. Research to resolve this issue transpired during the Rabi of November 2021-April 2022 at the Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India. Developing the field trial used an augmented block design, 45 F4 segregating population genotypes, and five checks. Data on characteristics, such as days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of productive tillers, plant height, ear length, and weight, number of spikelets ear-1 and grains ear-1, 1000 grain weight, grain yield plant-1, biological yield, harvest index, and chlorophyll index underwent assessment. Highly significant variations between the genotypes for all the traits had the analysis of variance determining these, except 1000 grain weight and chlorophyll index in the treatment test and the test versus check. In this study, the harvest index, biological yield plant-1, and grain yield plant-1 are all higher for the phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variances (PCV, GCV). The genetic advancement and heritability are highest for days to maturity, ear weight, number of grains ear-1, biological yield plant-1, grain yield plant-1, and harvest index. Studies on the relationships between various traits divulged that the number of productive tillers and harvest index had a positive, strong link and a direct effect with grain yield plant-1. These findings support the application of genetic modification to increase seed yield in bread wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water and energy crisis, rising temperature and subsequent changes in climate result in calamitous loss of wheat productivity due to adverse effect on plant growth and development. Plateauing yield trends and declining total factor productivity compel for alternative water and energy-efficient conservation practices supporting sustainable wheat productivity in humid tropics. Present investigation tested the hypothesis stating that the alternate wheat establishment methods and inter-culture practices would economize energy and water requirement with enhanced productivity. Different wheat establishment methods viz., conventional tillage, reduced tillage, zero tillage and raised bed landforms of 40/20 and 60/20 cm and two inter-culture practices, i.e. conoweeding and alternate ridging on spring wheat were evaluated for two years at Pantnagar in Uttarakhand, India. Zero and reduced tillage depicted better economic viability with benefit cost ratio of 2.86 and 2.84, respectively, which was statistically at par with conventional tillage. Alternate ridging and raised bed (60/20 cm) recorded 13.3 and 41.7% saving of irrigation water, respectively. Highest energy use efficiency was observed in raised bed 60/20 cm with 22.4% less energy consumption compared to conventional method. Thus, adoption of conservation practices with improved inter-culture operations holds potential for sustainable, water and energy-efficient and profitable wheat productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]