RUSL- International Conferences

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PLANTING METHODS ON PLANT GROWTH, GRAIN YIELD AND SEED QUALITY OF VARIETIES OF FINGER MILLET (ELEUSINE CORACANA)

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PLANTING METHODS ON PLANT GROWTH, GRAIN YIELD AND SEED QUALITY OF VARIETIES OF FINGER MILLET (ELEUSINE CORACANA) Prashalini, S.; Pradheeban, L.; Rajeshkanna, S. Finger millet is a climate resilient rainfed crop; its production remains low due to the varietal selection and poor establishment methods. A field experiment was conducted during the Yala season of 2023 at Agriculture Research Station, Thirunel- vely to investigate the effects of different planting methods on plant growth, grain yield and seed quality parameters of different varieties of finger millet (Eleusine cor- acana L.). The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with nine treatment com- binations namely broadcasting, line sowing and transplanting with three varieties such as Rawana, Oshadha, and Local and replicated three times. Significant differences between means were evaluated by Duncan’s multiple range test. Results on trans- planting methods significantly (P<0.05) influenced the growth and yield of finger millet. The highest number of tillers (3 nos) per hill was observed in transplanting method followed by line sowing (2 nos) and lastly broadcasting (1 nos). The highest number of ears was produced in transplanting method (4) and the lowest (2) in the broadcasting and line sowing. Transplanting scoring the highest (4) and broadcasting and line sowing the lowest (2). Regarding grain yield, the highest yield was in Rawana variety (3.87 t ha-1) whilst Oshadha and Local showed the yield of 3.07 t ha-1and 1.9 t ha-1, respectively. The highest yield of 3.71 t ha-1 was observed in transplanting method and line sowing and broadcasting showed 2.74 t ha-1 2.39 t ha-1, respectively. It can be concluded that cultivating Rawana variety under transplanting method was more appropriate to obtain a higher ear number, tiller number and grain yield in finger millet. Which will help to enhance the economy and health status of low-income farmers.

QUANTIFYING SOIL MOISTURE LEVELS THROUGH SATELLITE AND DRONE-BASED REMOTE SENSING FOR ENHANCED CROP WATER USE EFFICIENCY

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

QUANTIFYING SOIL MOISTURE LEVELS THROUGH SATELLITE AND DRONE-BASED REMOTE SENSING FOR ENHANCED CROP WATER USE EFFICIENCY Raza, A.; Asim, M.; Ahmed, M.M.; Iftikhar, H. Precision agriculture is a technology-driven approach, integrating ad- vanced methods such as Variable-Rate Irrigation (VRI) systems and remote sensing technologies, to optimize farming practices. This study explores the impact of preci- sion agriculture on water use efficiency (WUE) and crop productivity. Our objective was to investigate VRI enhance WUE and crop yields. Sensors were deployed across various fields to monitor soil moisture and crop health, enabling tailored irrigation. The VRI systems adjusted the water distribution in order to minimize water wastage, using this data. Crop health was monitored using remote sensing technology, which involved the use of satellites and drones. This allowed for the identification of specific locations that had different water requirements. The data was analyzed using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create accurate watering schedules. The results of our study demonstrate a significant improvement in WUE, with VRI systems increasing WUE by up to 30% and remote sensing technology lowering water use by 20%. In addition, these technologies significantly enhanced agricultural productivity, with VRI result- ing in a 10% rise and remote sensing leading to a 5% rise. The results validate that precision agriculture is a successful approach for enhancing WUE and enhancing crop output, emphasizing its potential as a sustainable agricultural solution.

CALLUS INDUCTION OF SELECTED TOMATO (LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM L.) VARIETIES USING ANTHER CULTURE TECHNOLOGY

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

CALLUS INDUCTION OF SELECTED TOMATO (LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM L.) VARIETIES USING ANTHER CULTURE TECHNOLOGY Chandrasiri, Y.G.G.H.; Lakmali, H.M.R.P.; Kumari, H.M.P.S.; Kirthisinghe, J.P. The study aimed to expedite plant breeding programs in Solanaceae through double haploid plant production using anther culture in selected tomato vari- eties. The experiment involved callus induction in culture bottles using a Complete Randomized Design with three treatments and three replicates. Unopened flower buds were harvested five days after emergence, sterilized with alcohol and Clorox, and incubated in darkness for 14 days at 25°C to induce callus. Three Kinetin concentra- tions (1 mg L -1 , 2 mgL-1 and 3 mgL -1 ) were tested on different tomato varieties, and data was collected on the number of anthers planted and the number of calli produced. The results showed no significant difference between 1 mg L -1 and 2 mg L -1 Kinetin for callus induction. The highest callus induction (26.66%) was observed with 2 mgL- 1 Kinetin in the HT-5 variety. Callus induction efficiency varied among tomato vari- eties, with significant differences in Lanka Sour and Bhathiya for Kinetin concentra- tions 1 mg L -1 and 2 mgL -1 . Treatment three exhibited high callus contamination (30%), while Lanka Sour variety displayed the highest callus greening (24.44%) with 2 mgL-1 Kinetin. Varietal differences were significant for Kinetin concentrations 1 mgL -1 and 2 mgL -1 in Lanka Sour and Bhathiya, but not in other varieties. Regarding the number of days for callus induction, 2.0 mgL-1 Kinetin required a shorter period compared to other concentrations. In conclusion, the experiment's findings on callus initiation using MS medium supplemented with 2 mgL -1 Kinetin, particularly with the distinct responses with displaying the highest callus greening observed in HT-5 and Lanka Sour varieties. This microcosmic study in plant biology aligns with the prac- tices promoting plant health and biodiversity not only benefit agricultural productivity but also play a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of Cascade Ecology, ultimately influencing the well-being of human societies.

LEVERAGING AI AND MACHINE LEARNING FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN WETLAND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: INSIGHT FROM A WETLAND CONSERVATION LENS

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

LEVERAGING AI AND MACHINE LEARNING FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN WETLAND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: INSIGHT FROM A WETLAND CONSERVATION LENS Diwyanjalee, G.R.; Bellanthudawa, B. K. A. The critical advancements in sustainable water resource management and associated challenges utilize diverse methodologies, including machine learning and innovative approaches, to address the complex dynamics of water resources. The pre- vious studies of sustainable urban wetland resource management examine various re- gions and water systems, underlining the significance of informed decision-making, sustainable practices, and advanced mathematical paradigms. Hence, a systematic re- view of primary research was conducted to provide insight from a wetland conserva- tion lens through leveraging AI and machine learning for sustainable urban wetland resource management. The process of article screening was executed by adopting search keywords such as "Machine Learning", "Responsible Governance", "Sustain- ability", "Sustainable Technology", "Water Resource Management" and "Wetland Conservation" using the Web of Science database. The peer-reviewed articles pub- lished in English from 2018 to 2023 were included in content analysis and thematic analysis. The study's findings revealed the potential of machine learning and data- driven insights in enhancing water resource management. A hybrid model accurately predicts daily flow rates, demonstrating the transformative power of technological innovation. Societal involvement in decision-making reinforces the role of responsi- ble governance in sustainable water management. Innovative "soft sensor" ap- proaches for real-time phosphorus removal monitoring promise significant cost sav- ings in wastewater treatment. It explores the crucial connection between technology and sustainability, highlighting societal actors and innovative governance frame- works. In conclusion, informed decision-making, interdisciplinary collaboration, and responsible governance are vital for addressing water management challenges, paving the way for a more sustainable and water-secure future.