Pressmud-enriched phosphatic fertilisers: A sustainable approach to improving sugarcane yield and soil quality G Porkodi, M Babu, G Anand, M P Sugumaran, P Ramamoorthy, M Basker, R Abirami, K P Madhana Plant Science Today, 2026 Sugarcane is a nutrient-exhaustive crop that demands efficient phosphorus (P) management, yet conventional mineral fertilisers often suffer from low use efficiency due to soil fixation. Phosphatic fertilisers, produced by fortifying sugar industry byproducts such as pressmud with mineral phosphates and inoculating them with phosphate-solubilising bacteria (PSB), offer a sustainable alternative that can improve P availability, crop productivity and economic returns. A field study was conducted on sugarcane variety CoC 13339 under tropical conditions to evaluate the efficiency of different enriched P formulations in comparison with conventional sources. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of sources and rates of phosphorus on available P content in soil, compare the efficiency of pressmud along with different sources of phosphatic fertilisers and evaluate the effects of enriched phosphatic fertilisers and their levels on growth and yield of sugarcane. Growth attributes, sugarcane yield, juice quality, nutrient uptake and soil nutrient status were monitored across crop growth stages. The results demonstrated that integrated organic mineral fertilisers enriched with pressmud and supported by PSB consistently enhanced Olsen-P levels, improved yield components and increased cane productivity. These findings highlight the potential of recycling agro-industrial residues into enriched fertilisers for sustainable nutrient management and yield enhancement in sugarcane. Future studies should focus on long-term field validation across ratoon cycles, nutrient dynamics in diverse soil types and integration with climate-smart management practices to support large-scale adoption.
Physiological and Biochemical Characterization of a Core Germplasm Set Reveals Superior Genotypes for Enhanced Stress Tolerance in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) U. S. Sreevathsa Sagar, R. Pushpam, M. Raveendran, R. Suresh, N. Srithran, D. Uma Russian Journal of Plant Physiology, 2026 Abstract Drought is one of the most critical abiotic stresses limiting crop productivity by disrupting cellular water balance, inducing oxidative stress, and impairing photosynthetic metabolism. In rice (Oryza sativa L.), drought triggers a cascade of physiological and biochemical adjustments that determine genotypic resilience, including enhanced antioxidant activity, osmotic regulation, and membrane protection. To elucidate these adaptive mechanisms, a core set of 16 rice genotypes was developed from an initial panel of 150 accessions, representing maximum physiological and biochemical diversity. These genotypes were evaluated under drought and irrigated conditions for key traits such as relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), nitrate reductase (NR) activity, peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), proline (PRO), SPAD chlorophyll index, and yield. Significant genotypic variation was observed across all traits. Correlation analysis revealed that yield under drought was positively associated with SOD, MSI, and RWC, highlighting the critical role of antioxidant defense and cellular water retention in sustaining photosynthetic function. Principal component analysis (PCA) efficiently captured the multidimensional variation among genotypes, while the Multi-Trait Genotype–Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) enabled integrated selection for physiological and biochemical efficiency. Genotype 5(RL-5750), 6(RL-9815) and 4(RL-4499) exhibited superior adaptive responses under drought, whereas genotype 1(RL-671), 3(RL-2503) and 2(RL-1682) performed best under irrigation. This integrative physiological framework demonstrates that drought tolerance in rice is governed by coordinated antioxidant regulation, membrane stability, and tissue hydration. The findings provide a mechanistic basis for identifying physiological markers and elite genotypes, offering valuable resources for breeding programs aimed at improving drought resilience and yield stability in rice.
Exploring the Forage Potential of Small Millets: A Sustainable Alternative Cattle Feed Sai Krishna Polisetty, Ezhilarasi Thailappan, Ravikesavan Rajasekaran, Karthikeyan R., Maragatham S., Pushpam Ramamoorthy New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science, 2026 With growing global demand for sustainable livestock systems and nutritious animal products, the importance of resilient and high‐quality forage crops is becoming increasingly evident. Conventional forages often fail to meet both the nutritional and climatic resilience needs of modern livestock systems. Small millets, traditionally underutilized and often classified as orphan crops, offer a promising alternative. These hardy cereals can thrive in marginal environments, require low inputs, and possess superior nutritional profiles, high calcium and iron, making them valuable for animal health and productivity. Despite their well‐established role in human nutrition, their potential as forage crops remains largely underexplored. This review highlights the suitability of small millets for forage production, especially in regions facing climatic challenges such as those in the Asia–Pacific. We emphasize their relevance to sustainable development goals (SDGs) and discuss how emerging technologies, such as omics‐driven breeding and genetic engineering, can unlock their underutilized genetic potential. Although research on small millets is less advanced than in pearl millet or sorghum, their ability to thrive in harsh conditions makes them suitable for resilient forage systems. Using small millets as forage can improve food security, promote sustainable farming, and ease pressure on conventional feed sources.
IMPACT OF NANOSILICA ON GROWTH, PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND YIELD OF RICE VARIETIES CO53 AND CO54 (ORYZA SATIVA) UNDER DROUGHT CONDITIONS K. KRISHNA SURENDAR, R. KARTHIK RAJA, N. SRITHARAN, V. RAVICHANDRAN, R. AMUTHA, E. SATHIYAVANI, M. KANNAN, S. KRISHNAKUMAR, T. BALAJI, R. PUSHPAM Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, 2026 The field experiment was conducted at Department of Rice, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during 2022 with the objectives to study the effect of nano-silica emulsion on growth, physiological parameters and yield of rice varieties CO53 and CO54 under drought stress.Nanosilica emulsion was prepared from pure nanosilica and it was mixed with tween 80 and water (1:3).Then solution was subjected to sonication at 50% amplification for 30 min with 10:10 plus rate.Based on the requirement of experiment, different concentrations of the nanosilica concentrations were used as foliar spray viz., 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 ppm under drought stress.The drought was imposed by withholding of irrigation for all treatments except T1 (Irrigated) from 12 days before flowering and 10 days after flowering.The total period of the stress was 22 days.The irrigation was controlled by bund and the water leakage was vetoed by placing of plastic sheets.The water drained out by buffer channels in drought imposed plots.The application of 400 ppm nanosilica formulation resulted in the tallest plants and highest leaf area index, with a 16.4% increase over the control, while the CO54 variety showed the most response with a maximum increase of 18.8% in plant height and 17.9% in leaf area index under drought stress.The application of nanosilica as foliar spray at 50% flowering stage (mid of the drought period).The application of 400 ppm nanosilica formulation expressed more response in morphological (17-21%), physiological (22-35%) and yield parameters (16-30%) in CO53 and CO 54 varieties over control under drought stress.The application of nanosilica @ 400 ppm as foliar spray at 50% flowering stage is highly suitable to mitigate the drought stress in rice.
The SPL gene family in rice: Master regulators of abiotic stress tolerance and prospects for crop resilience Asokan Beena Sree Priyesh, Palaniswamy Rakshana, Priya Ramasamy Shobica, Ambothi Rathnasamy Sakthi, Eswaran Kokiladevi, Sengodan Radhamani, Ramamoorthy Pushpam, Manickam Sudha, Muthurajan Raveendran Plant Science Today, 2025 Rice production faces severe challenges from abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, heat, cold and nutrient imbalance, causing yield losses of 30-70 % depending on stress severity and developmental stage. SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-LIKE (SPL) genes, regulated primarily by miR156 and miR529, have emerged as key transcriptional regulators of abiotic stress tolerance in rice. This review synthesizes current research on SPL gene functions in stress adaptation, examining their roles in hormone signalling, ion homeostasis and developmental regulation during both vegetative and reproductive stages. We analyse functional genomics and reverse genetics studies demonstrating SPL contributions to yield improvement and stress tolerance and evaluate recent advances in CRISPR/Cas9 and base editing technologies for precise SPL gene modulation. The findings reveal distinct tissue specific and developmental stage specific functions of miR156/miR529-SPL regulatory modules, with miR156 predominantly controlling vegetative development while miR529 regulates reproductive processes. This review provides a framework for leveraging SPL gene networks in developing climate-resilient rice varieties through targeted genome editing approaches.
Enhancing Animal Nutritional Security Through Biofortification of Fodder Maize using Nano Urea Plus and Nano Zinc Oxide M. Purnima, S.R. Shri Rangasami, R. Pushpam, S. Marimuthu, V. Babu Rajendra Prasad, R. Ajaykumar Indian Journal of Animal Research, 2025 Background: Rising demand for nutrient-rich fodder has highlighted the need for sustainable forage systems. In India, despite being the world’s largest milk producer, fodder shortages, particularly a 61.1% deficit in green fodder, limit livestock productivity and milk yields. Maize (Zea mays L.) is a key fodder crop, but its yield and quality suffer due to nutrient deficiencies and inefficient fertilization. Conventional fertilizers contribute to nutrient loss and environmental issues, while Nano fertilizers offer better efficiency and forage quality. This study examines the effects of foliar-applied Nano Urea Plus and Nano ZnO on fodder maize to support sustainable livestock production. Methods: The experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2023-24, 2024-25 at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University; Coimbatore followed a randomized block design. The fodder maize crop was treated with three levels of Nano Urea (0.5%,0.75% and 1%) and two levels of Nano ZnO (50 ppm and 100 ppm), along with the recommended dose of fertilizers and an absolute control, resulting in nine unique treatment combinations. Result: The study revealed that the combined application of 1% Nano Urea Plus and 100 ppm Nano ZnO along with the recommended dose of fertilizers significantly improved plant height (297.25 cm), the number of leaves (13.78), green fodder yield (437.04 q ha-1) and dry fodder yield (101.70 q ha-1) compared to absolute control. This treatment also enhanced forage quality by increasing crude protein content (9.70%), ether extract (2.56%) and total ash (9.19%), while reducing fibre fractions like neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin.
Microgreens as functional foods: Advances in cultivation, nutrient enrichment and postharvest management B A Parvin, C Vanitha, R Umarani, R Pushpam, M Kavitha, S P Thamaraiselvi, A R A Mohamed Plant Science Today, 2025 The increasing global demand for nutrient-dense, functional foods has fuelled interest in microgreens, which are young, edible seedlings harvested at the cotyledon or first true leaf stage. These miniature greens are valued for their vibrant appearance, concentrated flavors and superior nutritional content, including high levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and secondary metabolites. This review discusses recent developments in microgreen cultivation, including advances in soilless substrates, controlled environment agriculture, seed density optimization, seed treatments and fertilization strategies. Substrates such as cocopeat, peat moss and jute fiber, along with hydroponic and aeroponic systems, have been shown to enhance yield and nutrient concentration. Manipulating light quality, particularly with red and blue LED combinations, significantly improves plant growth and phytochemical content. Seed treatments, including nutrient biofortification and disinfection, further promoted germination, nutrient uptake and safety. Although microgreens generally contain lower levels of anti-nutritional factors like phytic acid compared to their mature counterparts, these compounds can still impact mineral bioavailability. However, research demonstrates that targeted biofortification can effectively reduce such limitations. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the production techniques, nutritional potential and safety considerations of microgreens, highlighting their relevance as a sustainable and health-promoting food source.
Rice CR1009 Sub 1(IET 22187)-A new flood tolerant rice variety S. Robin, P. Jeyaprakash, K. Amudha, R. Pushpam, S. Rajeswari, S. Manonmani, V. Ravichandran, R. P. Soundararajan, A. Ramanathan, K. Ganesamurthy Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding, 2019
A new high yielding Spanish bunch groundnut variety BSR 2 K. N. Ganesan, B. Meena Kumari, P. Veerabadhiran, Ashish K. Binodh, P. S. Devanand, R. Pushpam, D. Punitha, S. Maruthachalam, Sheela Venugopal, N. K. Prabakaran, K. Ganesamurthy Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding, 2019
CO 52 (IET 25487): A highly remunerative medium duration fine grain rice variety S. Robin, R. Pushpam, S. Rajeswari, K. Amudha, P. Jeyaprakash, S. Manonmani, M. Raveendran, R. Rabindran, A. Ramanathan, S. Suresh, R. P. Soundararajan, S. Radhamani, V. Ravichandran, K. Ganesamurthy Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding, 2019
Physiological and Biochemical Characterization of a Core Germplasm Set Reveals Superior Genotypes for Enhanced Stress Tolerance in Rice ( Oryza sativa L.) US Sreevathsa Sagar, R Pushpam, M Raveendran, R Suresh, N Srithran, ... Russian Journal of Plant Physiology 73 (2), 76 , 2026 2026
Impact of Nanosilica on Growth, Physiological Parameters and Yield of Rice Varieties CO53 and CO54 (oryza Sativa) Under Drought Conditions R AMUTHA, E SATHIYAVANI, M KANNAN, S KRISHNAKUMAR, T BALAJI, ... Applied Ecology and Environmental Research 24 (1), 251-270 , 2026 2026
CRISPR-Cas9 mediated enhancement of abiotic stress resilience in tomato: a comprehensive review of target genes R Keerthana, P Rakshana, SR Salunkhe, AR Sakthi, E Kokiladevi, ... Molecular Biology Reports 52 (1), 538 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
The SPL gene family in rice: master regulators of abiotic stress tolerance and prospects for crop resilience. ABS Priyesh, P Rakshana, PR Shobica, AR Sakthi, E Kokiladevi, ... 2025
The SPL gene family in rice: Master regulators of abiotic stress tolerance and prospects for crop resilience AB Sree Priyesh, P Rakshana, PR Shobica, AR Sakthi, E Kokiladevi, ... Plant Science Today 12, 11235 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Microgreens as functional foods: Advances in cultivation, nutrient enrichment and postharvest management BA Parvin, C Vanitha, R Umarani, R Pushpam, M Kavitha, ... Plant Science Today 12, 10697 , 2025 2025
India's Clean Energy Transition towards a Green Economy T Nivethitha, K Shamini, R Pushpam, R Ravikesavan Volume-1 Issue-9 September 2025, 10 , 2025 2025
Utilization of genetic diversity and marker trait association to improve anaerobic germination tolerance in rice ( Oryza sativa L.) S Manju Devi, A John Joel, M Raveendran, R Pushpam, S Muthuramu, ... Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution 72 (6), 6611-6629 , 2025 2025
Metabolomic profiling of Bacillus velezensis B13 and unveiling its antagonistic potential for the sustainable management of rice sheath blight S Naveena, C Gopalakrishnan, R Logeshwari, M Raveendran, ... Frontiers in Plant Science 16, 1554867 , 2025 2025 Citations: 8
Analysis of bioactive secondary metabolites produced by endophytic bacillus amyloliquefaciens against rice sheath blight pathogen Rhizoctonia solani N Sirivella, C Gopalakrishnan, R Kannan, R Pushpam, D Uma, ... Agricultural Science Digest 45 (1), 131-137 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Unravelling population structure and marker trait association using SSR markers among the identified drought tolerant rice landraces (Oryza sativa L.) S Manju Devi, JA Joel, M Raveendran, R Pushpam, S Muthuramu, ... Czech Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding 61 (1), 1-22 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Pelletization as a forage conservation technique: Enhancing feed efficiency and sustainability in livestock SM Vinodhini, SD Sivakumar, T Ramesh, R Pushpam, A Surendrakumar, ... 2025 Citations: 1
Implications of climate change on food security in SAARC countries: A panel data approach S Elamathy, KM Shivakumar, D Suresh Kumar, K Mahendran, R Pushpam, ... 2025 Citations: 1
Parent progeny regression analysis of herbicide-tolerant rice (Oryza sativa L.) developed through marker-assisted selection R Anushya, A Bharathi Ayyenar, M Sudha, S Rajeswari, S Manonmani, ... 2025 Citations: 1
Enhancing Animal Nutritional Security Through Biofortification of Fodder Maize using Nano Urea Plus and Nano Zinc Oxide M Purnima, SRS Rangasami, R Pushpam, S Marimuthu, VBR Prasad, ... Indian Journal of Animal Research 59 (11), 1856-1864 , 2025 2025
Assessing the genetic variability and trait interactions for nitrogen use efficiency in rice D Shanmugapriya, A Senthil, M Raveendran, M Djanaguiraman, K Anitha, ... PLANT SCIENCE , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Development of herbicide-tolerant lines through marker assisted backcross breeding R Anushya, A Bharathi, M Sudha, S Rajeswari, S Manonmani, ... 2025
Responses of cereals to nitrogen deficiency: Adaptations on morphological, physiological, biochemical, hormonal and genetic basis D Shanmugapriya, A Senthil, M Raveendran, M Djanaguiraman, K Anitha, ... 2025 Citations: 1
Exploring gene action and combining ability for yield improve-ment in rice (Oryza sativa L.) landraces M Prapakaran, R Pushpam, A John Joel, S Manonmani, D Uma, ... 2025
Genetic variability and yield trait associations in F2 populations of traditional rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties M Prapakaran, R Pushpam, A John Joel, S Manonmani, D Uma, ... 2025 Citations: 1
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Assessment of genetic variability, correlation and path analysis in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). V Kumar, S Sinha, S Sinha, RS Singh, SN Singh Electronic journal of plant breeding 13 (1) , 2022 2022 Citations: 45
Studies on genetic diversity in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) R Pushpam, TS Raveendran, N Devasena, R Ravikesavan J. Indian Soc. Cotton Improv 20, 80-85 , 2004 2004 Citations: 37
Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance of grain quality in hybrid rice. P Veerabadhiran, M Umadevi, R Pushpam 2009 Citations: 35
Heterosis and combining ability studies in upland cotton for yield characters. R Pushpam, K Thangaraj, TS Raveendran 2015 Citations: 29
An Insight into Occurrence, Biology, and Pathogenesis of Rice Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne graminicola A Arun, A Shanthi, M Raveendran, N Seenivasan, R Pushpam, ... Biology 12 (7), 987 , 2023 2023 Citations: 25
Breeding three line rice hybrids with good grain quality. S Manonmani, D Malarvizhi, S Robin, M Umadevi, M Ameenal, ... 2010 Citations: 25
Production of interspecific hybrids between Gossypium hirsutum and Jassid resistant wild species G. raimondii and G. armourianum R Pushpam, TS Raveendran Cytologia 71 (4), 407-418 , 2006 2006 Citations: 25
TNAU rice CO 51 (IET 21605)-a high yielding short duration fine grain rice variety for Tamil Nadu. S Robin, K Mohanasundaram, S Manonmani, S Rajeswari, ... 2019 Citations: 22
Variations in chlorophyll contents of rice in relation to salinity. R Pushpam, SRS Rangasamy 2000 Citations: 22
Enhancing stress resilience in rice (Oryza sativa L.) through profiling early-stage morpho-physiological and molecular responses to multiple abiotic stress tolerance KP Kumar, R Pushpam, S Manonmani, M Raveendran, S Santhiya, ... Frontiers in Plant Science 15, 1342441 , 2024 2024 Citations: 21
Studies on yield, root characters related to drought tolerance and their association in upland rice genotypes R Pushpam, S Manonmani, NV Varthini, S Robin Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding 9 (03), 856-862 , 2018 2018 Citations: 20
Genetic variability and frequency distribution studies in F2 population involving traditional variety mappillai samba TC Nikhitha, R Pushpam, M Raveendran, S Manonmani Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding 11 (3), 933-938 , 2020 2020 Citations: 19
New Temperature Sensitive Genic Male Sterile Lines with Better Outcrossing Ability for Production of Two-Line Hybrid Rice SR S. J. ARASAKESARY, S. MANONMANI, R. PUSHPAM Rice Science, 2015, 22(1): 49−52 22 (1), 49-52 , 2015 2015 Citations: 19
Enhancing animal nutritional security through biofortification in forage crops: A comprehensive review SRS Rangasami, M Purnima, R Pushpam, R Ajaykumar, ... Indian Journal of Animal Research 58 (11), 1838-1845 , 2024 2024 Citations: 16
Rice CR1009 sub 1 (IET 22187)-A new flood tolerant rice variety. S Robin, P Jeyaprakash, K Amudha, R Pushpam, S Rajeswari, ... Electronic journal of plant breeding 10 (3) , 2019 2019 Citations: 16
In vivo response of rice cultivars to salt stress. R Pushpam, SRS Rangasamy 2002 Citations: 15
Studies on genetic diversity in selected rice (Oryza sativa L.) landraces of Tamil Nadu. N Dhanuja, K Ganesamurthy, R Pushpam, K Amudha, D Uma Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding 12 (3) , 2021 2021 Citations: 13
Artificial screening and inheritance studies on resistance to jassid (Amrasca devastans) in Gossypium hirsutum L. RPTS Raveendran Indian J. Genet., 65(3): 199-201 (2005) 65 (3), 199-201 , 2005 2005 Citations: 13
Effect of salinity on protein and proline content of callus and seedlings of rice. R Pushpam, SRS Rangasamy 2000 Citations: 13
Medicinal rice and its medicinal values R Pushpam, SR Mythili, TC Nikitha Int J Curr Microbiol Appl Sci 8, 2090-5 , 2019 2019 Citations: 12
