Journal of Agriculture and Ecology

Natural farming

RS Bana — 2022-09-25

Due to the increasing global population, advancement in farming techniques to meet the global food demand is the need of the hour. Conventional farming techniques have increased the yield over the past few decades, but those techniques also have adverse effects on natural resources. In this scenario, many other alternatives have emerged as a solution, natural farming being one among them. The presented article delivers crucial information regarding the targeted farming technique i.e., natural farming. Multiple scientifically-proven natural techniques and ecological approaches are discussed for different aspects of farming. In addition, criticisms related to Natural Farming are illustrated along with a basic introduction to zero budget natural farming (ZBNF). Furthermore, the article describes multiple proven technologies for weed, pest and disease management approaches through natural practices. Lastly, the article gives recommendations on implementing and introducing natural farming to the farming community.

Microplastics: Devastation and destination in aquatic ecosystem

Shanta Kumari — 2022-09-20

Plastic pollution is a major global issue due to its non-biodegradability and persistence in nature. Plastics take thousands of years to degrade and can be converted into microplastics which are very harmful to all living biota due to their extensively small size (≤ 0.5 mm). Even though microplastics are not completely separated during wastewater treatment in plants (WWTPs). MPs are converted from highly stable and different kinds of polymers like polystyrene, polyethylene, etc., and radically distributed across the globe including the Arctic and Polar regions which fascinate scientists and researchers in addressing the issue. Due to the microscopic dimension of plastics, MPs has been entering through various pathways into the food webs of various aquatic fauna and indirectly or directly affecting the ecosystem including human health. Therefore, MPs are an inevitable and emerging threat especially for the aquatic ecosystems. This review discusses briefly the types, sources, chemical properties, and effects of MPs on aquatic biota.

Effectiveness of botanicals, inorganic salts and fungicide against Fusarium wilt of muskmelon under hot arid region of Rajasthan

SK Maheshwari — 2022-09-20

Investigation was undertaken to screen out the extract of botanicals viz., Neem leaf, Tumba fruit, NSKE and Aak leaf and inorganic salts against Fusarium wilt of muskmelon. This disease caused by Fusarium acuminatum is a major fungal disease causing serious losses to muskmelon growing areas in Rajasthan. The field trials were carried out on muskmelon susceptible variety ‘RM-50’ against Fusarium wilt during summer season of 2019 and 2020 at this Institute. Among 11 treatments, carbendazim (0.1%) was found the most effective treatment for management of Fusarium wilt with minimum disease incidence (PDI) of 15.83% and 60.84% disease reduction, followed by neem leaf extract @ 10% with disease incidence of 21.89% and 45.84% disease reduction. Maximum disease incidence (40.42% PDI) was found in case of control.

Effects of phosphorus application on bunch and spreading genotypes of groundnut

Rahmatullah Nazir — 2022-09-20

Farm of Afghanistan National Agricultural Sciences and Technology University (ANASTU), Kandahar, Afghanistan to find out most suitable groundnut variety and their phosphorus levels in the study region. The treatments combination was of two groundnut varieties (Kormaki and Paparri) and four levels of phosphorus as P₂O₅ (P₀= 0 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1, P₁=40 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1, P₂= 60 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 and P₃= 80 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1), were tested in a split plot design. Result revealed that Paparri variety produced significantly higher growth attributes (plant height, dry matter accumulation and number of main branches plant^-1) and yield attributes (number of pods plant^-1, pods dry weight plant^-1, 100 kernel weight and shelling percentage) over Kormaki variety. Likwise, paparri variety produced significantly higher pods yield, kernel yield, haulm yield and biological yield over kormaki variety. In the like manner, significantly higher gross return, net return and benefit cost ratio was recorded from Paparri variety, whereas residual nitrogen was found significantly higher in kormaki variety. Among phosphorus levels, 60 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 recorded higher values for growth parameters, yield attributes viz. number of pods plant^-1, pods weight plant^-1, 100 kernel weight and shelling percentage, and yields (including pods yield, kernel yield, haulm yield and biological yield).

Bio-efficacy of new fungicide, Tebuconazole- 430SC against coffee leaf rust disease, Hemileia vastatrix Berk and Broome

AP Ranjini — 2022-09-30

Coffee is an important plantation crop cultivated worldwide and used as stimulating drink. Coffee leaf rust (CLR) disease is one of the devastating disease affecting foliage of Coffee, limiting Coffee production worldwide. It is caused by an obligate parasite Hemileia vastatrix, which reduce photosynthetic area in turn results in heavy defoliation and die-back of branches. In India CLR management is accomplished with one contact fungicide spray (Bordeaux mixture @ 0.5%) and effective systemic fungicide spray during pre and post monsoon periods respectively. However, to find an alternative to the recommended fungicide the studies were conducted to know the efficacy of new fungicide Tebuconazole 430 SC against CLR. The results revealed that, in the laboratory conditions, complete inhibition of the uredospore germination was observed in Tebuconazole 430 SC @ 0.5 ml/L and 0.75 ml/L and Hexaconazole 5 EC @ 2 ml/L. However, in lower concentration Tebuconazole 430 SC @0.25 ml/L there was 98.97 per cent inhibition and in Copper Oxychloride 50 WP @ 5.5 g/L 87.49 per cent inhibition was observed over control. Field trials indicated that, at all the locations, Tebuconazole 430SC @ 0.75ml/L was found very effective which recorded maximum disease reduction followed by Tebuconazole 430SC @ 0.5ml/L which was found on-par with the currently recommended fungicide Hexaconazole 5 EC @ 2 ml/L and minimum disease reduction was observed in Copper oxychloride 50 WP @ 5.5g/L.

Bio-efficacy of ground plant powders on the population of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) in stored green gram

B Ushasri — 2022-10-05

Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is one of the major insect pests of stored grains. Experiment was conducted for studying the efficiency of ground plant materials for management of T. castaneum in stored green gram and effect of plant powders on seed germination in laboratory of Department of Entomology, CoA, CAU, Imphal during the period 2021-2022. Studies on effect of plant powders on management of T. castaneum revealed that Black pepper @ 1.5g/kg seed shows maximum mean adult mortality of 100.00 per cent and Sweet flag @ 1.5g/kg seed shows lowest mean adult mortality of 33.33 per cent. Highest seed damage was recorded in Sweet flag @ 1.5g/kg seed (8.00 per cent) and least was in Black pepper @ 1.5g/kg seed (1.67 per cent). Maximum adult emergence was noted in treatment of Sweet flag @ 1.5g/kg seed (8.00 per cent) and lowest was in China berry @ 1.5g/kg seed (1.33 per cent). Evaluation of germination percentage reveals that minimum germination percentage was recorded in Black pepper @ 1.5g/kg seed (91.33 per cent) and maximum was in Indian wormwood @ 1.5g/kg seed (98.67 per cent) but none of the treatment recorded the percentage below the prescribed germination percentage of green gram. Plant powders offers efficient control of red flour beetle and these are available locally and did not show any adverse on the environment and hence can be recommended as alternatives to the chemical insecticides.

Survey of insect-pests of citrus crop in Eritrea

A Haile — 2022-10-20

Citrus is the main fruit crop in Eritrea with the main citrus species being orange, lemon and mandarin that are produced in 2064, 328 and 17 ha, respectively. The production and productivity of these fruit crops are affected by several pests. Citrus pest survey was conducted in major citrus growing regions of the country with the objectives to assess the type of citrus insect-pests in the different areas, study the natural enemies of the citrus pests and assess the nature of pest damage on the fruit crop. Pest assessments and counts by species were done using hand lenses under field condition and microscope in laboratory. The result of the study showed that citrus is affected by 21 different species of arthropods out of which 19 are insect species and the remaining 2 species are Acarina (mites). The insect pests cause citrus tree damage at different stage and on different parts of the tree such as leaves, stem, fruit and root. Of the 21 species, six are major pest and the remaining 15 species are minor pests. The six important pests are leaf miner, red scale, black scale, fruit fly, whitefly and red spider mites. Leaf miner, fruit fly and red spider mites were observed in all citrus production areas while the remaining three species were recorded in limited areas. Black and red scales incidence and severity were high in Hamelmalo, Elabered, Alla, and Durfo. Fruit fly is the main pest of citrus throughout the fruit producing areas of the country, threatening its production and cause 20-40 percent fruit dropping and rotting.

Response of seed endophytic bacteria for the management of chickpea wilt, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris

Y Nain — 2022-10-05

Vascular wilts are devastating plant diseases that can affect both annual crops as well as woody perennials, hence inducing major food losses and damaging valuable natural ecosystems. Because of ecological and economic reasons, the management of vascular wilt diseases by conventional chemical methods is raising concerns. More environmentally friendly alternatives such as the use of microbial antagonist to control phytopathogens are now of growing interest. The fact that bacterial endophytes are able to colonize an ecological niche similar to that of vascular wilt pathogens favours them as potential biocontrol agents against wilt diseases. Several possible disease suppression mechanisms of beneficial bacteria were proposed, among them induction of systemic resistance, growth promotion and competition. In this view, we studied out the seed endophytic bacteria (SEB) for the management of chickpea wilt Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris. Among the treatment of seed entophytic bacterial isolate in SEB-5 was found highest germination percent (92% in JG 11), minimum mortality percent at pre and post–emergence (7.69 and 9.53% in JG 11 and JG 16, respectively). The minimum total mortality percent 17.82 % was found in JG 11 of SEB-5. The other seed entophytic bacterial isolate were found statistically at par with SEB-5. The minimum germination percent (78.5% in JG 62) as well as highest total mortality percent approximate 58% in JG 11 was found in T₆ (treated control). Similarly, all the treatments of seed entophytic bacterial had higher root length and shoot length as compared to T_6.Among the treatments the SEB-5 was found significantly highest by 23 cm in root length and 48 cm in shoot length as well as highest vigour index (6613) over the T₆in JG 11 variety. Among the varieties grown the JG 11 was perfumed better and found resistant and JG 62 was found susceptible to wilt. The treatment of seed endophytic bacterial isolate SEB-5, SEB-3, SEB-2, SEB-1 and SEB-4 was identified against wilt pathogen in reduce disease incidence, plant mortality and severity as well as promoting plant growth and health.

Nutritional survey of kinnow orchards soil series at Rawatsar and Fatehgarh of Hanumangarh district of arid Rajasthan

Dinesh Kumar — 2022-10-10

The present study was conducted to evaluate the fertility status of kinnow orchards at Rawatsar and Fatehgarh soil series of Hanumangarh district in irrigated area of arid Rajasthan. All kinnow orchards soils were found saline in nature, EC₂ of all the orchard soil samples was normal. The calcium carbonate content in soils showed increasing trend with depth, low in organic carbon and available N, low to medium in available P₂ O₅, medium to high in available K₂O content, majority of samples were found high in available Fe, available Mn and low to sufficient in available Cu and low in available Zn content. Leaf N content were found low in kinnow orchards, majority of leaf samples found medium to optimum in leaf P, Fe, and Mn content, whereas leaf K content and Zn content were found low to medium in kinnow orchards. The leaves Cu content were found optimum range in kinnow orchards. Fruit juice N, Fe and Mn content were found low to optimum, whereas fruit juice P, K and Cu content were found optimum and Zn content low at Rawatsar and Fatehgarh soil series of Hanumangarh district.

Study on genetic variability parameters in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] genotypes

Sharmila Kumari — 2022-10-15

Thirty-two soybean genotypes were assessed to estimate genetic variability parameters in RBD design with three replications during 2021. The results of the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed significant variation across the genotypes for each trait studied which showed high variability in experimental material. The higher magnitude (>20%) of GCV and PCV were exhibited by seed yield per plant (33.71% and 35.60%) followed by biological yield per plant (26.64% and 28.47%), number of pods per plant (24.56% and 25.13%) and number of branches per plant (20.24% and 20.75%), respectively. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance showed by seed yield, biological yield, number of pods, number of branches per plant, harvest index, 100-seed weight and plant height, indicating additive gene action and provides the chance for selection-based development of these traits. In this study, higher yield was reported for AUKS 213 (12.44 g) followed by AUKS 259 (11.14 g), AUKS 263 (10.82 g), AUKS 262 (10.44 g) and AUKS 264 (9.99 g) genotypes as per their mean values.

Development of garam masala powder using organic seed spices and its storability under different packaging materials

G Lal — 2022-10-15

In the current study garam masala powder from organically produced seed spices was developed and to retain its quality for a longer time, a storability study was carried out using different packaging materials. The garam masala was first standardized with the combination of key ingredients i.e. coriander seeds, cumin seeds, dry ginger powder, black pepper, cardamom pods (green), bay leaves, cinnamon, nutmeg, shah jeera and asafetida. The prepared garam masala was tested on dhal and dum aloo curry based on the hedonic score for sensory evaluation. The best masala was again compared with the commercial brands available in the local market. Hedonic scores were recorded and acceptability comparisons were performed with the popular brands available. The standardized garam masala was assessed for essential oil and total oil content and microbial load under different packaging materials (100gauge polythene bag, 200gauge polythene bags, aluminium foil bag, vacuum packing and paper bag) for 18 months with a 6-month interval. The maximum essential oil content (2.58 %, 2.51 % and 2.5 %, respectively) at 6, 12, and 18 months of storage was recorded in the garam masala packed in vacuum packing (polythene 100 gauge). The highest total oil per cent was recorded in vacuum packing (1000gauge polythene) which was 11.96%, 11.6% and 10.1% respectively for 6 months, 12 months and 18 months of storage. The bacterial count in different packaging materials was within the safer limit of consumption. The fungal count was absent during the storage period. The garam masala was found acceptable in quality parameters i.e. essential oil, total oil and microbial load till 18 months of storage. The findings showed that the packaging materials had a marked effect on the concentration of essential oil and total oil of garam masala and the garam masala may be packed in vacuum packaging and aluminium foil packaging for 18 months for longer shelf life.

Momordica balsamina L.: An unexploited vegetable crop rich in medicinal and nutritional properties

BR Choudhary — 2022-10-20

African pumpkin (Momordica balsamina L.) is a tendrilled, wild-type vine plant with a wide range of therapeutic and nutritional properties that has been used as a conventional medicament in many countries. Alkaloids, resins, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycoside, steroids and terpenes are found in the plant's fruits, seeds, leaves and bark, and they have varied medicinal properties viz., anti-bacterial, anti-diarrheal, anti-plasmodial, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, analgesic, and hepatoprotective activities. 'Momordin,' a therapeutic agent, can stop HIV and other viruses from multiplying. The leaves are also a good source of nutrients because they contain 17 amino acids and minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, zinc, manganese, and iron. It also aids in the fight against soil micronutrient deficiencies and high protein and fat content with low fibre content. High potassium content is an excellent source for controlling hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders. This plant may be a protein supplement for poor rural people's cereal-based diets. The medicinal and nutritional value of this wild herb for health care management is discussed in this review.

Effect of GA3 and NAA on yield and benefit: cost ratio of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. Chandler under the open condition of Manipur

Alok Singh — 2022-10-20

The present experiment was conducted at the experimental field of the College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur during the session 2021-22. It was Entitled as the effect of GA₃ and NAA on yield and benefit: cost ratio of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. Chandler under open conditions of Manipur. The experiments plot was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replication and nine treatments with the combination of GA₃and NAA viz., T₁(Control), T₂ (GA₃ 25 ppm), T₃ (GA₃ 50 ppm), T₄ (GA₃ 75 ppm), T₅ (GA₃ 100 ppm), T₆ (NAA 25 ppm), T₇ (NAA 50 ppm), T₈ (NAA 75 ppm) and T₉ (NAA 100 ppm), the treatment GA₃ @ 75 ppm was found maximum concerning several fruits, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit volume, specific gravity, harvesting duration, yield and B: C ratio as compared with other treatments and the minimum was recorded in control. Hence, it is concluded that treatment T₄ (GA₃ 75 ppm) positively impacts yield and benefit: cost ratio of strawberry cv. Chandler under open conditions of Manipur.

Evaluation of potato genotypes against early blight (Alternaria alternata) of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

PK Meena — 2022-11-05

Early blight (Alternaria alternata) of the potato is the most destructive disease in tropical and sub-tropical countries. Natural epidemics of early blight are strongly influenced by environmental conditions, even though severe disease appears every year in northern India. Twenty-eight genotypes were used in this study to differentiate between early blight resistance and susceptible genotypes selected to represent a range of reactions when screened field conditions. Out of twenty-eight genotypes/varieties, six genotypes viz., CP-3021, 3153, Atlantic, Chip-3, Jx-161 and MS/78-62 showed a resistant reaction. While thirteen genotypes were moderately resistant. However, six genotypes were susceptible while three genotypes were highly susceptible. Resistant varieties can be the simplest, effective and economical method of plant disease control. The use of resistant varieties cannot only ensure protection against diseases but also save the time, energy and money spent on other control methods.

Diversity, abundance and foraging behaviour of pollinators in early sown rapeseed-mustard genotypes

Poonam — 2022-11-05

A study was carried out on the diversity, abundance and foraging behaviour of pollinators in early sown rapeseed-mustard genotypes through observing a total of 17 insect species visited flowers of early sown genotypes viz., 9 Hymenopterans, 3 Dipterans, 4 Lepidopterans, and 1 Coleopteran. The abundance (bees/m2/5 min) of A. florea was highest (8.5) followed by A. mellifera (3.9), A. dorsata (3.6) and A. cerana (3.1). The abundance of bee species was maximum (5.6 bees/m2/5 min) in genotypes TH 68 and SANGAM. A. cerana foraged a maximum number of flowers per minute (18.20) followed by A. dorsata (17.57), A. mellifera (17.32) and A. florea (6.45). The foraging rate (flowers/min) of all bee species was maximum (14.98 and 14.90) in genotypes TH 68 and SANGAM. Time spent per flower (sec) was maximum (5.3) by A. florea followed by A. dorsata (1.7), A. mellifera (1.6) and A. cerana indica (1.3). The maximum time spent per flower by all bee species (2.6) was in genotype PDZ 9. Nectar or pollen gatherers were maximum in A. dorsata (37.8% and 25.6%, respectively), while both nectar and pollen gatherers were maximum in A. cerana (45.3%). Nectar foraging, pollen foraging and both nectar and pollen foraging were maximum at peak flowering (36.0%), peak flowering (23.8%) and flowering cessation (42.9%), respectively. Out of the total foragers, top workers were maximum in A. dorsata (97.8%), while side workers were maximum in A. florea (41.0%).

Eco-friendly organic management of rust red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) under stored conditions

KI Singh — 2022-11-05

The results showed that neem leaf powder was the most effective treatment with a record of the highest mean adult mortality of 67.22 per cent and also exhibited the lowest weight loss of 0.67 per cent after 60 days of treatment. It was followed by powders of Eucalyptus (58.89% & 0.87%) and Tulsi (51.11% & 0.80%). The least effectiveness of turmeric rhizome powder against the pest recording minimum adult mortality and maximum weight loss of 30.56% and 1.07% per cent respectively was noticed control against adult mortality (30.56 %), grain weight loss and adult emergence owing to T. castaneum. As a result, 1.5 g/100 g of grains of neem leaf powder can be recommended as a safe control method against T. castaneum in stored wheat. The overall mean adult mortality of T. castaneum in fenvalerate was 72.78 per cent. When it came to treating T. castneum with some inert materials, boric acid treatment was the most effective showed the 100 percent adult mortality, followed by coal ash (71.67 %) and cow dung ash (63.33 %) after 5 days of storage. There was minimum grain weight loss and least adult emergence was recorded in the treatment of coal ash and cow dung ash. Whereas sawdust resulted in the least effective treatment with mean adult mortality of (35.56 %), there was maximum adult emergence seen.

Impact through a front-line demonstration on yield and economics of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) in arid Kachchh of Gujarat

Ramniwas — 2022-11-05

It is customary in India to offer fennel seeds after a meal and eating fennel seeds after a meal is considered a healthy practice, primarily because of its ability to keep the digestive system healthy. Seed spices played an important role in the Indian economy under agricultural commodities for a long time. Front frontline demonstrations (FLDs) on Fennel were organized by ICAR-CAZRI, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kukma, Bhuj in different villages of Anjar and Bhuj Talukas of Kachchh from 2019-20 to 2021-22. The high-yielding variety Gujarat Fennel-12 was evaluated at the farmer’s field under the front line demonstration programme (FLDs). A total of 60 demonstrations were conducted in 24 ha area at farmer’s fields against farmer’s practice in arid Kachchh of Gujarat. The average seed yield under improved practice was 2160 kg ha^–1 compared to the farmer’s practice (1770 kg ha^–1) and increased significantly by 22.08% on average over the farmer’s practice output. The average extension gap, technology gap and technology index were 390.00 kg ha^-1, 240.00 kg ha^-1 and 10.00%, respectively. Through adopting improved practices, farmers get additional average returns of Rs.22562 ha^-1. During this period the extension activities like farmer’s training, distribution of literature, diagnostic visits etc. were taken to provide instant benefit to the farmers. Frontline demonstrations programme created greater awareness, attitude and skill to adopt improved practices of Fennel and therefore, increased their production and economics.

Assess the effect of natural ageing and storage containers on seed quality of tomato seeds

Nisha — 2022-11-05

The present study entitled "Seed quality assessment in the naturally aged seed of tomato was conducted during rabi 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The freshly stored seed was observed to be highest in seed quality parameters i.e., germination per cent, seedling length, seedling dry weight and seed vigour indices as compared to when seeds were stored in different containers during 18 months storage period. As the storage period increase, the seed quality parameter goes on decreasing. Among the containers, 18-month seeds stored in a polythene bag (> 700 gauge) recorded significantly higher seed germination (60.67%), seedling length (8.77cm), seedling dry weight (11.42 mg), vigour index -I (532) and seed vigour index-II (793) as compared to a cloth bag. Standard germination percentage was maintained up to 15 months of storage in a polythene bag. In both containers, polythene bags performed better than cloth bags throughout the storage period.

Impact through frontline demonstrations on yield, yield gap and economics of drumstick farming in arid Kachchh of Gujarat

Ramniwas — 2022-11-05

Drumstick (Moringa oleifera L.) is one of the world’s most nutritious crops and is one of the most popular vegetables grown throughout India. It has helped mankind in combating malnutrition in children and increasing immunity. Front-line demonstration (FLDs) is one of the most popular tools for technology transfer. ICAR-CAZRI, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kukma, Bhuj conducted field studies for two consecutive years of 2016-17 and 2017-18 through frontline demonstrations (FLDs) on yield and economics of drumstick farming in different villages of Bhachau and Bhuj Talukas of Kachchh, Gujarat. This tree is easy to cultivate, resistant to drought and produces a high concentration of protein, vitamins and minerals. It is a rare horticulture crop which begins fruiting within six months of planting and continues to do so for a period of eight to nine years. In Kachchh, Gujarat, the crop has been just introduced owing to its suitability in arid conditions of the region. The average pod yield under demonstration was 197.80 q ha^–1 compared to the farmer’s local variety (158.88 q ha^–1) and increased significantly by 24.50% on average over farmers used variety. The average extension gap, technology gap and technology index were 3892 kg ha^-1, 5220 kg ha^-1 and 20.88%, respectively. By adopting improved variety, farmers get additional average returns of Rs. 57,630 ha^-1 and B: C ratio of 4.82.

Identification of early maturing and leaf determinate growth habit type accessions of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub.)

K Singh — 2022-11-05

Cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub.), commonly known as guar, is a member of the family Papilionaceae, cultivated in the Indian Sub-continent since time immemorial. It is a drought-hardy leguminous annual crop used variously for vegetables, forage and green manure. There is tremendous variability available in Indian cluster bean germplasm. Genetic resources with their enormous variability for different characters provide the base for the improvement of crop plants. Within genetic resources, genetic stocks are expected to play a major role in future crop improvement programmes. One promising unbranched, single-stemmed and flower determinate growth habit bearing accession IC-140784P1, developed through single plant selection at ICAR-NBPGR Regional Station Jodhpur starts flowering at 23 days after sowing and flowers 50% at 32 days after sowing. This accession does mature only 82 days after sowing. These accessions mature about 10-15 days early compared to normal existing improved cultivars, which take 90-95 days for maturity. Another accession IC 569315 has been characterized as leaf determinate (in which the stem terminates into the leaf) with alternate cluster-bearing habit. The majority of the cluster bean crop is grown under rainfed conditions in the drier parts of the country. Therefore, maturity is an important trait, especially for cluster bean.

Economic analysis of different rice cultivars against major biotic stresses

PK Kasniya — 2022-11-30

The on-farm trials during kharif 2017 and 2018 were conducted to study the prevalence of major biotic stresses and benefit-cost ratio on popularly grown rice cultivars. The results revealed that non-significant variations were noticed between cultivars on the incidence of leaf folder damage, BPH & WBPH populations and severity of sheath blight disease in the stipulated period. However, the variation observed in these biotic stresses is due to the maturity period of cultivars. The long-duration cultivars result in more shelter from insects and disease due to the dense crop canopy and take more days to maturity as compared to medium-short duration cultivars. It was also found that cultivating long-duration cultivars viz; Pusa 44 and Pili Pusa gave the highest yield with a low benefit-cost ratio as compared to medium-short duration cultivars like PR 121, PR 122, and PR 126. Our study concluded that the cultivation of medium-short duration cultivars is more profitable due to the low cost of production, less use of chemical inputs and lesser requirement of irrigation water.

Effect of sources of kusum (Schleichera oleosa (Lour) Oken) seed, its size and tree attributes on seed quality and seed germination

Soumen Ghosal — 2022-11-30

Kusum tree is considered to be the best lac host and is distributed throughout the country. The germination of kusum seeds is very much erratic. To through light on this erratic behavior, three experiments were conducted in Randomized Block Design on different aspects of seed germination and viability during 2014-18. It was found that higher seed viability test weight (61 g) and healthy seeds with lesser discolored/ infected seed per cent (40.1) were found in the year having higher rainfall (i.e. 2014 receiving 844 mm rainfall) during the growth and development period of fruits. Thus 104 mm higher rainfall could increase test weight 36 per cent and produce 47 per cent lesser infected seeds. Diurnal variation in temperature impacted quality seed production. Experimental findings also suggested that when seed weight was more than 700 mg, it performed better with higher germination per cent (13 and 46 per cent, respectively). Experimentation also suggested that better quality of Kusum seeds can be obtained from trees having higher ranges of tree exposure to sunshine (40-90 per cent), higher branch length (2.9-6.1 m) and several consecutive unpruned seasons (3.6-8.8).

Nutritional aspects of an edible insect, Coridius sp. (Hemiptera: Dinidoridae) of Manipur

S Thounaojam — 2022-11-30

The nutritional and antinutritional aspects of Coridius sp. revealed high protein (36.5%), lipids (38.7 %) and fibre (8.7 %) content. The total energy of available carbohydrates, protein, and fat was provided about 494.4 kcal/100 g of energy. Out of the micro-nutrient compositions, iron, potassium and calcium are the most prominent minerals observed in the edible bug which can be used as supplementary food to human diets. IC₅₀% of 0.363 mg/ml indicates higher than the standard value of ascorbic acid. Low values of antinutritional elements like phenol (25.3 mg/g) and tannin (31.2 mg/g) content showed non-toxic. The insect is found to sell in large quantities in the local market of Manipur. The edible insects provide economic support, nutritive values, food security and environmental management.

Identification and characterization of CAT1 gene during drought stress in moth bean [Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal]

Manoj Kumar Meena — 2022-12-15

Moth bean [Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal] is a drought hardy orphan pulse crop. However, the information related to the identification and characterization of drought stress tolerance genes is very limited. Therefore, the present investigation was formulated to identified and characterized drought tolerant gene(s) from moth bean. Five genes were selected from available expression studies of moth bean and their expression pattern was assessed during time course experiment of drought stress in moth bean. During the time course experiment of drought stress in moth bean, the catalase1 (CAT1) gene was exponentially expressed in up-regulated manner. Thus, CAT1 gene of moth bean was identified as potential candidate gene and validated through Sanger’s sequencing. The genomic sequence CAT1 gene was named as VacoCAT1 and was further characterized using various bioinformatics tools. The VacoCAT1 showed an ORF with incomplete length of 213 bp which encoded 71 amino acids. The coding sequence of VacoCAT1 gene was shown a single exon due to incomplete nature of genomic sequences. The multiple sequence alignment of VacoCAT1 revealed the highly conserved region at 3’ site of the gene as compared to CAT1 gene of other crop species including legumes. The phylogenetic analysis of VacoCAT1 and CAT1 gene of other crop species including legumes revealed three clusters. The cluster VacoCAT1 gene showed close proximity with V. radiata CAT1 in cluster one of phylogenetic tree. The identified and characterized VacoCAT1 gene can be utilized as a genomic resource for enhance drought tolerance in susceptible pulses as well as other crops.

Performance of coriander under organic and chemical nutrient management practice

Prakyath KM — 2022-12-15

Coriander is one of the most important spice and fresh leaf vegetable which are used widely across the globe. Organic cultivation of this crop has wide scope as it is short duration and reduces the wastage of fertilizers as well as qualitative production. A field experiment was conducted at School of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry, RTU Bangalore in order to know the effective application rate of compost for economic production in comparison to chemical fertilizer. The research data reveals that, application of compost at 10t/ha produced significantly superior growth, yield parameters and herbage yield compared to control. But it was on par with RDF treatment. Thus application of compost at10t/ha might be an effective nutritional input in organic cultivation of coriander.

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Nabahat K — 2022-10-20

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Nabahat K — 2022-09-21