This paper presents a wideband dual-polarized in-band full duplex antenna which can also suppress the higher order modes. A dual differential capacitive feeding scheme is proposed to increase the isolation between the co-located transmitter and receiver ports. The proposed design uses λ/4 resonators in close vicinity of the radiating patch to provide spurious-free characteristics. Further, a parasitic patch placed above the radiating patch at height “h” is used to enhance the input matching, impedance bandwidth, and gain of the proposed design. The key features of the proposed structure are its wide impedance bandwidth (∼20%), high inter-port isolation (>58 dB) throughout the entire operating frequency range (2.26–2.76 GHz), and simultaneous suppression of higher order modes which makes it a suitable candidate for modern wireless application. Finally, a prototype is fabricated and measurement results are in good agreement with simulation results.

The genetic diversity of Cyclanthera pedata was assessed through agro-morphological, mineral composition and biochemical traits. Field surveys across India documented its wide ecological distribution (18.66°–31.02°N, 78.05°–83.27°E, 131–3665 m AMSL) in Andhra Pradesh and northwest Himalayan region. Field evaluations were conducted during Kharif 2021 and 2022 at ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora (1250 m AMSL). Significant genotypic variation was observed in fruit yield (195–1505 g/plant), fruit numbers (36–364 per plant), chlorophyll content (0.49–2.61 μg/g) and antioxidant activities (16.02–39.04 mM Trolox equivalent/g DW). Notable genotypes included RK-40 (highest yield of 1505 g/plant), RK-01 (early flowering) and RK-33 (early fruiting). High coefficients of variation (>23%) were noted in total chlorophyll, carotenoids and FRAP values. Genotype RK-42 excelled in antioxidant activities and carotenoids. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped the germplasm into four clusters based on critical traits independent of geographic origin. In contrast, principal component analysis identified traits like polyphenols, antioxidants, seed weight and fruit yield as significant contributors to phenotypic variation. The biplot revealed relationships between traits, such as positive correlations between fruit yield, fruit and pulp weight, and biochemical traits like DPPH and ABTS. Genotypes such as IC 430006, IC 356007, IC 393261, IC 393308, UKAl 1 and IC 361297 display distinct profiles. These findings highlight critical traits for breeding and conservation efforts, particularly for enhancing fruit yield and biochemical attributes in C. pedata germplasm.

Waterhemp has become a serious management challenge for field crop growers in New York. Two putative glyphosate-resistant (GR) waterhemp populations (NY1 and NY2) were collected in 2023 from two soybean fields in Seneca County, NY. The objectives of this research were to 1) confirm and characterize the level of glyphosate resistance in waterhemp populations from New York relative to a known glyphosate-susceptible population from Nebraska (NE_SUS), and 2) evaluate the efficacy of various postemergence herbicides for GR waterhemp control. Based on the shoot dry weight reductions (GR50 values) in a dose-response study, the NY1 and NY2 populations exhibited 5.6- to 8.3-fold resistance to glyphosate compared with the NE_SUS population. In a separate study, postemergence herbicides such as dicamba, glufosinate, lactofen, and 2,4-D applied alone or in a mixture with glyphosate or glufosinate had provided 89% to 99% control and ≥97% shoot dry weight reduction of NY1 and NY2 populations 21 d after treatment. Greater than 98% control of the NE_SUS population was achieved with tested postemergence herbicides, except mesotrione (62% control). Furthermore, atrazine, chlorimuron + thifensulfuron, and mesotrione were the least effective in controlling NY1 and NY2 populations (42% to 59% control and 50% to 67% shoot dry weight reductions, respectively). These results confirm the first report of GR waterhemp in New York. Growers should adopt effective alternative postemergence herbicides tested in this study to manage GR waterhemp.

Weed-suppression benefits of cover crops (CCs) have long been recognized; however, the specific ability of CCs to suppress highly epidemic Amaranthus spp. (Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson), redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), smooth pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus L.), and waterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer]) has not been widely discussed. The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the implications of CC management decisions (CC type, planting and termination methods, residue fate after termination, and in-season weed management plan) on Amaranthus spp. weed density (ASWD) and Amaranthus spp. weed biomass (ASWB) compared with no CC (NCC) in temperate regions, including the United States and Canada. We found 41 studies conducted across the United States and Canada and extracted 595 paired observations. The results indicate that CCs reduced the ASWD by 58% in the early season (0 to 4 wk after crop planting [WAP]), by 48% in the midseason (5 to 8 WAP), and by 44% in the late season (>8 WAP). Similarly, CCs reduced ASWB by 59%, 55%, and 37% in the early, mid-, and late season, respectively. Meta-regression analysis showed CCs terminated within 2.5 wk of crop planting reduced ASWD by ≥50%. CC biomass required to reduce ASWD and ASWB by 50% was 4,079 kg ha−1 for ASWD and 5,352 kg ha−1 for ASWB. Among CC types, grasses and mixtures reduced ASWD by 60% and 77% in early season, 53% and 59% in midseason, and 44% and 47% in late season. Legume CCs were effective only during the early season (47% ASWD reduction), while brassicas did not affect ASWD. CC residues remaining on the soil surface were more effective for reducing ASWD than incorporation. CCs did not affect ASWD or ASWB compared with NCC when herbicides were used for in-season weed management. In general, CCs were found to reduce ASWD and ASWB and therefore can be used as an effective tool for integrated management of Amaranthus spp.

Blast waves have been produced in solid target by irradiation with short-pulse high-intensity lasers. The mechanism of production relies on energy deposition from the hot electrons produced by laser–matter interaction, producing a steep temperature gradient inside the target. Hot electrons also produce preheating of the material ahead of the blast wave and expansion of the target rear side, which results in a complex blast wave propagation dynamic. Several diagnostics have been used to characterize the hot electron source, the induced preheating and the velocity of the blast wave. Results are compared to numerical simulations. These show how blast wave pressure is initially very large (more than 100 Mbar), but it decreases very rapidly during propagation.

Volunteer corn (Zea mays L.) is a competitive weed in corn-based cropping systems. Scientific literature does not exist about the water use of volunteer corn grown in different crops and irrigation systems. The objectives of this study were to characterize the growth and evapotranspiration (ETa) of volunteer corn in corn, soybean [Glycine max (L). Merr.], and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] under center-pivot irrigation (CPI) and subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) systems. Field experiments were conducted in south-central Nebraska in 2021 and 2022. Soil moisture sensors were installed at depths of 0 to 0.30, 0.30 to 0.60, and 0.60 to 0.90 m to track soil water balance and quantify seasonal total ETa. Corn was the most competitive, as volunteer corn had the lowest biomass, leaf area, and plant height compared with the fallow. Soybean was the least competitive with volunteer corn, as the plant height, biomass, and leaf area of volunteer corn in soybean were similar to fallow at 15, 30, 45, and 60 d after transplanting (DATr). Averaged across crop treatments, irrigation type did not affect volunteer corn growth at 15 to 45 DATr. Soil water depletion and ETa were similar across crop treatments with and without volunteer corn, as water was not a limiting factor in this study. The ETa of volunteer corn was the highest in soybean (623 mm), followed by sorghum (622 mm), and corn (617 mm) under CPI. The SDI had higher irrigation efficiency, because without affecting crop yield, it had 3%, 6%, and 8% lower ETa in soybean (605 mm), sorghum (585 mm), and corn (571 mm), respectively. Although soil water use did not differ with volunteer corn infestation, a soybean yield loss of 27% was observed, which suggests that volunteer corn may not compete for moisture under fully irrigated conditions; however, it can impact the crop yield potential due to competition for factors other than soil moisture.

Nebraska is one of the top five corn-growing states in the United States, with the planting of corn on 3.5 to 4 million hectares annually. Harvest loss of corn results in volunteer corn interference in the crop grown in rotation. Estimating the extent of harvest loss and expected volunteer corn density is a key to planning an integrated volunteer corn management program. This study aimed to evaluate the harvest loss of corn and estimate the potential for volunteerism. Harvest loss samples were collected after corn harvest from a total of 47 fields in six counties, including 26 corn fields in 2020, and 21 fields in 2021, in south-central and southeastern Nebraska. An individual cornfield size was 16 to 64 ha. A total of 16 samples were collected from each field after corn harvest in 2020 and 2021. Harvest loss of corn was 1.5% and 0.7% of the average yield of 15,300 kg ha−1 in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Corn harvest loss was 191 and 80 kg ha−1 from dryland fields, and 206 and 114 kg ha−1 from irrigated fields in 2020 and 2021, respectively. An average kernel loss of 68 and 33 m−2 occurred in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The germination percentage of corn kernels collected from harvest loss was 51%, which implies that volunteer corn plants of 35 and 17 m−2 from 2020 and 2021, respectively, could be expected in successive years. A volunteer corn management plan is required, because if it is not controlled, this level of volunteer corn density can cause yield reduction depending on the crop grown in rotation.

Gamma ray-induced mutations have been widely used to improve existing crop germplasm and create novel genetic variation. In the current study, a multi-year experiment was carried out to induce and isolate mutants with desirable agro-morphological traits and improved grain hardness through evaluation of induced mutant populations generated in soft-textured wheat variety HPW 89 irradiated with gamma ray dose of 250, 300 and 350 Gy. Mutagen sensitivity studies revealed a higher frequency of biological damage and seedling mortality for doses beyond 300 Gy in the M1 generation. However, the mutagenic treatments in the M2–3 populations significantly altered the magnitude of the biometrical traits. Results from the variability and association studies among traits showed that biological yield per plant, 1000-grain weight, spike length, grains per spike and plant height may be prioritized for higher genetic gain and could be used as selection criteria parameters. Multivariate analysis indicated induction of heterogeneity among mutant populations. Overall, 250–300 Gy doses were found ideal for a successful wheat mutation programme and 293 agro-morphologically superior wheat mutants were identified, out of which 108 had semi-hard grain texture based on single kernel characterization system. Among these, nine mutants were found to have the highest grain hardness index due to induced changes in one or both puroindoline genes. Hence, these mutants identified for several traits along with harder grain texture will serve as important genetic resource in future wheat-breeding programmes.

This study investigates the inheritance pattern of petalous and apetalous traits in yellow sarson (Brassica rapa var yellow sarson) and its significance for breeding efforts. Utilizing three crucial crosses between petalous (Pant Sweta, Pant Girija, YSH0401) and ‘apetalous’ parents, we observed the absence of apetalous plants in the F1 generation, indicating dominant inheritance of petalous plants. The F2 generation consistently displayed a 3:1 ratio of petalous to apetalous plants, confirming the dominance of the petalous trait. Chi-squared tests on each generation supported this conclusion. Backcrosses with petalous parents yielded no fruit, reinforcing the dominance of the petalous trait. Chi-squared tests on these backcrosses further confirmed the dominance inheritance pattern. Conversely, backcrosses with apetalous parents consistently exhibited a 1:1 ratio, highlighting the recessive nature of the apetalous trait. The study underscores the importance of understanding the inheritance pattern of petalous and apetalous traits in B. rapa var yellow sarson crop, as it has implications for breeding goals. Knowledge on trait inheritance can guide future breeding strategies, facilitating the transfer of the apetalous trait as needed. This study provides valuable insights for genetic investigations and breeding initiatives in B. rapa var yellow sarson.

In the present paper, filamentous structure formation, associated turbulent spectrum, and density cavity formation phenomena have been investigated for low-β plasma $\left(\beta \ll m_e/m_i\right)$ applicable to the auroral region. A set of dimensionless equations governing the dynamics of three dimensionally propagating inertial Alfvén wave (3D-IAW) and perpendicularly propagating magnetosonic wave (PMSW) has been developed. Ponderomotive force due to 3D-IAW has been included in the dynamics of the PMSW. Numerical simulation has been performed to study the nonlinear coupling of these two waves. From the obtained results, we found that the field intensity localization takes place which may further lead to the additional dissipation/turbulence process for particle heating and acceleration in space plasma. The associated turbulent spectrum is obtained with scaling nearly k−4.28 at smaller scales (in the dissipation range). Relevance of the obtained results with the observations reported by various spacecrafts such as Hawkeye and Heos 2 has been discussed. Also, density fluctuations (depletion) of ∼0.10 n0 are calculated, which are consistent with the FAST spacecraft observation reported.

A total of 32 sweet potato genotypes were evaluated to assess the genetic diversity based on quantitative traits and molecular markers, as well as stability for yield and related traits. Wider variability was observed for the traits like vine length (181.2–501.3 cm), number of leaves/plant (103.0–414.0 cm), internodal length (3.20–14.80 cm), petiole length (6.5–21.3 cm), leaf length (8.50–14.5 cm), leaf breadth (8.20–15.30 cm), leaf area (42.50–115.62 cm2), tuber length (7.77–18.07 cm), tuber diameter (2.67–6.90 cm), tuber weight (65.60–192.09 g), tuber yield (7.77–28.87 t ha−1), dry matter (27.34–36.41%), total sugar (4.50–5.70%) and starch (18.50–29.92%) content. Desirable traits such as tuber yield, dry matter and starch content have shown high heritability (>60%) with moderate to high genetic advance. Under molecular analysis, a total of 232 alleles were observed from all 32 microsatellite markers, which ranged from 4 to 14 with an average of 7.77 alleles per locus. In the population, the average observed heterozygosity (0.51) was higher than the expected heterozygosity (0.49). The contribution of genotype, genotype by environment interaction to the total variations was found to be significant. Based on the multi-trait stability index (tuber length, tuber diameter, tuber weight and tuber yield), genotypes X-24, MLSPC-3, MLSPC-5, ARSPC-1 and TSP-12-12 were found to be most stable. Among them, the high-yielding and stable genotypes TSP-12-10 (26.0 t ha−1) and MLSPC-3 (23.9 t ha−1) can be promoted for commercial production or used as parental material in future crop improvement programmes.

The North-Eastern region (NER) of India falls under the Eastern Himalayan region and it is a bio-diversity hub. Diverse maize landraces with wide adaptability to extreme climatic and soil scenario like heavy rainfall, drought and acidic soil conditions have been grown in NER since time immemorial. However, maize diversity in NER region has drastically reduced due to introduction of high yielding varieties and hybrids. Modern maize breeding programmes are focused on high yield but other unique traits like stay green trait, prolificacy (more than one fertile ear per plant), self-fertilizing ability are also important and the local germplasm of the NER region can contribute with these unique traits. Prior to the selection of any lines in several breeding programmes, assessment of genetic diversity and population structure are basic requirements. Hence, in the present study assessment of genetic diversity and population structure study in 30 maize inbreds developed from different germplasm of NER was undertaken using SSR markers, selected for their broad distribution throughout the genome, in order to assess the extent of allelic diversity among the lines and whether any population structure could be established. In addition to assessing molecular diversity, the study aims to evaluate the potential for yield and other beneficial and unique alleles that have high potential to contribute in the genetic enhancement programme of maize.

Corn that is resistant to aryloxyphenoxypropionate, known commercially as Enlist™ corn, enables the use of quizalofop-p-ethyl (QPE) as a selective postemergence (POST) herbicide for control of glufosinate/glyphosate-resistant corn volunteers. Growers usually mix QPE with 2,4-D choline or glufosinate or both to achieve broad-spectrum weed control in Enlist corn. The objectives of this study were 1) to evaluate the efficacy of QPE applied alone or mixed with 2,4-D choline and/or glufosinate to control glufosinate/glyphosate-resistant corn volunteers in Enlist corn and 2) to determine the effect of application time (V3 or V6 growth stage of volunteer corn) of QPE-based treatments on volunteer corn control and Enlist corn injury and yield. Field experiments were conducted in Clay Center, NE, in 2021 and 2022. Quizalofop-p-ethyl (46 or 93 g ai ha−1) applied at the V3 or V6 growth stage controlled volunteer corn by ≥88% and ≥95% at 14 and 28 d after treatment (DAT), respectively. QPE (46 g ai ha−1) mixed with 2,4-D choline (800 g ae ha−1) produced 33% less than expected control of V3 volunteer corn in 2021, and 8% less than expected control of V6 volunteer corn in 2022 at 14 DAT. Volunteer corn control was improved by 7% to 9% using the higher rate of QPE (93 g ai ha−1) in a mixture with 2,4-D choline (1,060 g ae ha−1). QPE mixed with glufosinate had an additive effect and interactions in any combinations were additive beyond 28 DAT. Mixing 2,4-D choline can reduce QPE efficacy on glufosinate/glyphosate-resistant corn volunteers up to 14 DAT when applied at the V3 or V6 growth stage; however, the antagonistic interaction did not translate into corn yield loss. Increasing the rate of QPE (93 g ai ha−1) while mixing with 2,4-D choline can reduce antagonism.

Sustainability of maize production systems is threatened by poor economic returns and resource intensiveness. Therefore, an experiment was conducted at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during 2016–17 to 2017–18 to assess the effect of tillage and microbial inoculantsintegrated phosphorus (P) management on productivity, quality, economic outcome and energy dynamics of maize. Three tillage practices viz., CT–R (conventional tillage with no residue), ZT–R (zero tillage with no residue) and ZT + R (zero tillage with wheat crop residue at 2.5 Mg/ha) were assigned in main plots and five P management practices viz., P1 (control–NK as per recommendation, but no P), P2 (17.2 kg P/ha), P3 (17.2 kg P/ha + PSB), P4 (17.2 kg P/ha + compost inoculants) and P5 (34.4 kg P/ha) were allocated in subplots in three times replicated split-plot design. The maximum grain yield (5.96 Mg/ha), protein content (9.13%), protein yield (546 kg/ha) and gross energy returns (209 × 103 MJ/ha) were recorded under ZT + R while higher benefit: cost ratio (B: C ratio – the amount of economic gain per unit investment) (1.53) and energy efficiency (12.5) was noticed under ZT–R. Among the P management practices, the application of 34.4 kg P/ha recorded the highest grain yield (6.45 Mg/ha), protein content (9.34%), protein yield (603 kg/ha), B: C ratio (1.65) and energy efficiency (10.1). The results suggested that the application of P at the rate of 34.4 kg/ha under ZT + R is an economically robust approach for the quality maize production in semi-arid region.

The herbicides that inhibit 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) are primarily used for weed control in corn, barley, oat, rice, sorghum, sugarcane, and wheat production fields in the United States. The objectives of this review were to summarize 1) the history of HPPD-inhibitor herbicides and their use in the United States; 2) HPPD-inhibitor resistant weeds, their mechanism of resistance, and management; 3) interaction of HPPD-inhibitor herbicides with other herbicides; and 4) the future of HPPD-inhibitor-resistant crops. As of 2022, three broadleaf weeds (Palmer amaranth, waterhemp, and wild radish) have evolved resistance to the HPPD inhibitor. The predominance of metabolic resistance to HPPD inhibitor was found in aforementioned three weed species. Management of HPPD-inhibitor-resistant weeds can be accomplished using alternate herbicides such as glyphosate, glufosinate, 2,4-D, or dicamba; however, metabolic resistance poses a serious challenge, because the weeds may be cross-resistant to other herbicide sites of action, leading to limited herbicide options. An HPPD-inhibitor herbicide is commonly applied with a photosystem II (PS II) inhibitor to increase efficacy and weed control spectrum. The synergism with an HPPD inhibitor arises from depletion of plastoquinones, which allows increased binding of a PS II inhibitor to the D1 protein. New HPPD inhibitors from the azole carboxamides class are in development and expected to be available in the near future. HPPD-inhibitor-resistant crops have been developed through overexpression of a resistant bacterial HPPD enzyme in plants and the overexpression of transgenes for HPPD and a microbial gene that enhances the production of the HPPD substrate. Isoxaflutole-resistant soybean is commercially available, and it is expected that soybean resistant to other HPPD inhibitor herbicides such as mesotrione, stacked with resistance to other herbicides, will be available in the near future.