A field experiment was conducted during at Regional Horticultural Research and Extension Centre (RHREC), Kumbapur, Dharwad, University of Horticultural Sciences (UHS), Bagalkote. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with 16 chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes. The result expresses that a narrow variance was noticed between the genotypic and phenotypic association for individual characters. This conceals that there was less impact of environment in appearance of the traits. It also reveals the presence of strong heritable association among the attributes. In the present investigation, substantial and desirable genotypic and phenotypic relationships of fruit yield per plant was recognized with traits like secondary branches at 120 DAT, tertiary branches at 120 DAT, days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, days to first harvest, average fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter and fruit weight.
 

Keywords: Chilli, Capsicum annuum L, Correlation, Genotypic and Phenotypic

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is Production of vegetables and other crops in semi-arid areas is hampered by the shortage of water, the major part of the growing season usually being characterized by low, erratic rainfall and high evapo-transpiration (ET) rates. One way to mitigate this is through mulching, one of the most valuable commercial vegetable crop grown throughout the country. The experiment was carried out at the Precision Farming Development Centre, Division of Horticulture. Plants supplied with 120 per cent of recommended dosage of water soluble fertilizers (T5) recorded the significantly highest plant height (110.60 cm). Whereas, plants grown under control (T1) recorded the least plant height (64.80 cm) The treatment T5 recorded the highest number of branches (18.10). Whereas, plants of T1 recorded the least number of branches (11.66) at final harvest. The treatment T5 recorded the highest plant (4241.70 cm2). Whereas, plants of T1 recorded the least plant spread (1995.70 cm2). Reflecting the trend of the previous growth related parameters the treatment T5 recorded the highest average leaf area (26.31 cm2/leaf). Whereas, plants of T1 recorded the least average leaf area (15.28 cm2/leaf). Among the treatment combination of mulching and levels of fertigation, the treatment T5 (30? mulch + 120% 0f RDF (water soluble) + drip fertigation) recorded maximum gross revenue (Rs. 3,39,600), net profit (Rs. 1,80,036) and cost benefit ratio (1: 1.13) [Table 2], while least being the combination of 100 percent recommended dosage of normal fertilizer + surface irrigation without mulching (T1) (Rs. 1,59,800, Rs. 66,727 and 1:0.72 respectively).

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most valuable commercial vegetable crop grown throughout the country. It belongs to the family Solanaceae and it is used as green and dry red chillies as an ingredient in preparation of several spicy dishes. Fertigation is a new concept that is being adopted in several horticultural crops. The treatment T5 recorded the highest fruit length (9.62 cm) whereas the treatment T1 recorded the least (5.66 cm). The treatment T5 recorded the highest number of fruits per plant (185.10) among all the treatments. Whereas, the treatment T1 recorded the least number of fruits per plant (96.46). This may be attributed to higher availability of soil moisture, optimum NPK nutrients and uptake when supplied through fertigation which renders easy accessibility as required by the crop. The treatment T5 recorded the highest fruit yield (573.81 g plant-1) whereas the treatment T1 recorded the least (270.08 g plant-1). The treatment T5 recorded the highest ascorbic acid content (131.62 mg/100 g of fresh weight) whereas the treatment T1 recorded the least ascorbic acid content (103.57 mg/100 g of fresh weight). The treatment T5 recorded the highest TSS content (7.40 °Brix) whereas the treatment T1 recorded the least TSS content (4.73 °Brix).

Seed-borne fungal pathogens adversely affect seed viability, germination, and seedling establishment during storage and cultivation. The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the germination percentage of fresh and stored seeds of wheat, paddy, pigeon pea, and chickpea using different germination methods, namely blotter method, plastic pot method, multi-pot tray method, and rolled paper towel method. The observations were recorded after 8–10 days of incubation. Results revealed that fresh seeds exhibited higher germination percentages compared to stored seeds across all tested crops and methods. Among the methods evaluated, the plastic pot method proved to be the most suitable for assessing seed germination.
The effect of seed treatment with Trichoderma harzianum Rifai was also studied using plastic pot and multi-pot tray methods. Seeds treated with T. harzianum showed significantly improved germination percentages over untreated control seeds in both fresh and stored conditions. Treated seeds also demonstrated enhanced seedling growth and vigor. The study highlights the beneficial role of T. harzianum as a biological seed treatment agent for improving germination and seedling development.
Keyward: Seed-borne fungi, Trichoderma harzianum, seed germination, plastic pot method, blotter method, rolled paper towel method, seed treatment

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the occurrence of seed-borne fungal pathogens associated with maize (Zea mays L.) variety Vivek 27 and to assess the antifungal efficacy of selected plant extracts against these pathogens under in vitro conditions. Seed mycoflora were detected using agar plate and standard blotter paper techniques. A total of 14 fungal species were isolated, including Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Rhizopus stolonifer, Curvularia lunata, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium moniliforme, and Rhizoctonia solani. Among the isolated fungi, Aspergillus niger exhibited the highest values of relative density, relative frequency, and relative abundance by both methods. The antifungal activity of five botanicals, namely neem (Azadirachta indica), tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), onion (Allium cepa), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and garlic (Allium sativum), was evaluated against the seed-borne fungi at 1:1 (w/v) concentration. Considerable suppression of fungal growth was observed after seed treatment with plant extracts. Garlic and neem extracts showed comparatively greater inhibitory effects against several storage fungi including Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Rhizoctonia species. The findings suggest that plant-based extracts may serve as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides for the management of seed-borne pathogens in stored maize.
Keywords: Maize, seed-borne fungi, botanical extracts, antifungal activity, agar plate method, blotter method, biodiversity indices

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on growth, phenology, yield attributes and yield of Maize in the Western Uttar Pradesh during 2023 and 2024. The field experiment was carried out at Rampur Maniharan, Saharanpur, using a Randomized Block Design with thirteen treatments and three replications. Treatments consisted of different combinations of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), farmyard manure (FYM), compost, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), and vermicompost. The results indicated that INM significantly influenced crop growth and productivity. Among all treatments, 75% RDF + FYM @ 2 t/ha + PSB @ 1 kg/ha + Vermicompost @ 10 kg/ha (T7) recorded the highest pooled grain yield (9635.16 kg/ha), biological yield (21157.13 kg/ha), stover yield (11521.97 kg/ha), cob-bearing plants (175.29/plot), cob length (25.36 cm), grains per row (35.46), and test weight (286.87 g). The treatment 75% RDF + Compost @ 2 t/ha + PSB @ 1 kg/ha + Vermicompost @ 10 kg/ha (T4) remained statistically at par with T7 for most growth and yield parameters. In contrast, treatments based on 50% RDF with organics alone, particularly T8 and T11, recorded substantially lower yield and profitability. The findings demonstrate that partial substitution of mineral fertilizers with FYM or compost, PSB, and vermicompost is superior to sole application of 100% RDF for enhancing maize productivity under the agro-ecological conditions of Western Uttar Pradesh.
Keywords: Maize, integrated nutrient management, FYM, compost, PSB, vermicompost, grain yield, profitability

Zinc deficiency is a critical yield?limiting factor in rice cultivation across the Western Gangetic Plains of India. A field experiment was conducted during the kharif seasons of 2023 and 2024 at Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, to evaluate the effect of foliar?applied zinc chelate (Zn?HEDP) on growth, yield attributes and productivity of transplanted paddy. Nine treatments comprising chelated and inorganic zinc sources applied with and without farmyard manure (FYM) were tested in a randomized block design with three replications. Yield and yield attributes were recorded season?wise and analyzed separately. Application of Zn?HEDP, particularly in combination with FYM, significantly enhanced tillering, panicle length, grain filling, test weight and grain yield compared to the farmer’s practice. Yield improvements were more pronounced during the second season, indicating cumulative physiological benefits. The study highlights Zn?HEDP as an effective zinc source for improving rice productivity and grain zinc enrichment in zinc?deficient alluvial soils of the Western Gangetic region.
Keywords: Zn?HEDP, rice productivity, foliar zinc, yield attributes, biofortification

Plantation crops such as coconut, areca nut, oil- palm, cocoa, spices, cashew, coffee, tea, rubber are high value commercial crops and are playing a significant role in the economic growth of the country. Many of these crops fetch sizeable amount of foreign exchange. The Plantation crops sector has to compete globally with plantation crops in the era of globalization and trade liberation. Coconut, the ‘Kalpavriksha’ or ‘tree of heaven’, plays a significant role in the agrarian economy of many states in India. It is also very closely interwoven into the socio-economic and cultural life of substantial number of farm families. India ranks first in terms of production and productivity oof coconut in the world and third in area under cultivation. As per the 2020-21 statistics coconut was cultivated in India in an area of 21.98 lakh ha with the annual production of 20736 million nuts and productivity of 9430 nuts per ha. It is cultivated in 17 states and three union territories. The four southern states viz., Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andra Pradesh together contribute more than 90% of the area and production of coconut in the country. However, since the last many years coconut cultivation has been spreading to non- traditional areas as well including different states in the North East region of the country. Assam, Tripura and Nagaland are the major North Eastern states having coconut cultivation, together covering about 26,480 ha (as per 2020-21 statistics) and a total annual production of 175.88 million nuts. The average productivity of coconut in these three states is only 6642 nuts per ha which is much less than the national average of 9430 nuts per ha. Other North East also ern states viz., Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram are also having small extent of coconut cultivation. There is ample scope for enhancing the area under coconut cultivation in the North Eastern states having congenial agro- ecological situations pertaining to climate and soil. Besides, the productivity and income from the existing coconut holdings can also be considerably increased through better integration of technologies, especially improved varieties, integrated nutrient management, cropping/ farming systems and integrated pest and disease management.
The technical feasibility and economic viability of many of the recommended technologies for higher productivity and income from coconut farming have been demonstrated through the research conducted and front-line extension programmes organized by the ICAR Research Center, Kahikuchi and also by the Horticultural Research Station, Assam Agricultural University, Kahikuchi. However, field level utilization of the technologies recommended for coconut cultivation is not at a satisfactory level due to various factors. The scientific cultivation practices for realizing higher productivity and income from coconut farming in the North East states of India are discussed hereunder.
Keywords: Kalpavriksha, North East, Cropping, Extension, Kahikuchi, Research Station

A field study was conducted during kharif and rabi seasons for five continuous years from 2006-07 to 2010-11 to evaluate the influence of different organic and inorganic nutrient management practices on brown planthopper (BPH) incidence and grain yield in rice. Treatments included untreated control, 100% recommended fertilizer dose (RDF), farmyard manure (FYM) @ 10 t ha-¹, green manuring, green manuring + 50% N as top dressing, and poultry manure @ 2 t ha-¹. Observations on BPH and predatory arthropods (spiders and mirid bugs) at 50 and 70 days after transplanting (DAT), and grain yield were recorded in both the seasons. High nitrogen treatments (100% RDF and green manuring + 50% N) supported higher BPH populations and mirid bug abundance, whereas organic manures reduced BPH incidence while maintaining moderate predator populations. Grain yield was highest under 100% RDF, followed by green manuring + 50% N; organic manures produced moderate but stable yields. Integrated nutrient management combining organic amendments with reduced chemical fertilization is recommended to sustain productivity while enhancing natural pest regulation.
Keywords: Rice, Organic manures, BPH, Predators, Grain yield, INM.

Bacterial wilt of brinjal is caused by Ralstonia solanacearum and is a highly destructive disease in humid tropical regions. A survey was conducted to determine the prevalence and severity of bacterial wilt in key brinjal-growing areas, and to identify and describe the R. solanacearum isolates responsible for brinjal bacterial wilt in Jharkhand. Bacterial wilt incidence was recorded highest in Bokaro district (28.33 %), followed by Ranchi (17.33 %) and Ramgarh (15.33 %), while the lowest wilt incidence (5.33%) was recorded in Garhwa district. Similarly, at the time of the survey, Bokaro recorded the highest wilt severity (4.33), while Garhwa had the lowest (1.33). Based on the places from which they were collected, the R. solanacearum isolates were grouped into seven categories. The results of the Gram’s staining and potassium hydroxide solubility test indicated that every group of R. solanacearum isolates is gram-negative. The four fundamental sugars (lactose, mannitol, sucrose, and dextrose) were fermented by R. solanacearum isolates. The pathogenicity test and the results of all biochemical assays verified that the isolates were R. solanacearum, which is responsible for the bacterial wilt of brinjal. After being incubated for 24 hours, all groups of R. solanacearum isolates were determined to be virulent, exhibiting a pink or light red color or the distinctive red core and whitish rim on TZC medium. The biovar test revealed that all groups of R. solanacearum isolates oxidized disaccharides (sucrose, lactose, and maltose) and sugar alcohols (mannitol, sorbitol, and dulcitol) within 3-5 days, confirming the biovar III. Thus, it could be verified that R. solanacearum from Biovar III and Race I is responsible for the bacterial wilt of brinjal in Jharkhand.
Keywords: Biochemical characterization, Ralstonia solanacerum, Bacterial wilt, Brinjal, Solanum melongena L.

The surge in onion bulb rot disease poses a significant threat to smallholder farmers who depend on onion cultivation as source of income. A survey was conducted on the prevalence of onion bulb rot disease affecting the yield of women producers in rural communities of the Gambia. The study was conducted in the six (6) agricultural regions where onion is massively cultivated. The objective of the research was to determine the level of spread and damage caused by the disease. The sampling method was purposive sampling based on observation and experience. In each region five (5) gardens and three (3) onion growers were selected with a total of 90 onion growers were interviewed. The result shows that 60% of respondents indicate symptoms of soft rot bulbs, leaf drops of 30% while 10% of the respondents indicate exudation of watery discharge from the root basal. The results shows that significant relationship (p? 0.026) between time of planting and percentage damage cause by the disease. In addition, correlation analysis was done showing a strong positive relationship (r=0.9737) between time of planting onions and disease incidence. The data was analyzed using SPSS software and the results were presented in frequencies and percentages. In conclusion all the vegetable gardens visited were infected by onion bulb rot disease except Jahuru Mandinka in CRR/North which results to best agronomic practices, quality seeds and best scheduling of water management. The findings recommend factors that enhances the spread of bulb rot disease in the gardens.
Keywords: Onion, women, yield, producers, disease, communities

The River Yamuna, a vital water resource for millions, faces severe pollution challenges exacerbated by industrial effluents and untreated sewage. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the river receives approximately 667 million gallons of sewage daily, with Delhi contributing a significant portion. Despite substantial investments in the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP), the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) from the National Capital Territory has increased from 117 tons per day in 1982 to 260 tons per day in 2004. To achieve bathing class B water quality standards, nearly tenfold dilution of treated municipal wastewater is required. The Yamuna River, originating from Yamunotri and flowing through several states, is essential for transportation, irrigation, and cultural practices, yet it is recognized as one of India’s most polluted rivers. As the river progresses downstream through Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, its water quality declines markedly. This degradation is largely driven by the influx of untreated municipal sewage and industrial discharges from densely populated urban areas. In Delhi alone, nearly 90% of domestic wastewater is discharged directly into the river without adequate treatment. The resulting contamination significantly elevates public health risks, particularly by increasing the prevalence of waterborne. Effective measures to combat industrial pollution include the mandatory installation of effluent treatment plants (ETPs), strict regulatory oversight, and the promotion of recycling and reuse of treated wastewater. Public awareness initiatives are crucial for engaging communities in pollution prevention efforts. Furthermore, implementing a water abstraction control policy and promoting water conservation practices through education and community participation are essential for sustainable management of the Yamuna. Despite substantial financial investments aimed at remediation, the persistent pollution issue underscores the complexity of achieving sustainable river health, highlighting the importance of systematic studies on anthropogenic impacts on river systems.
Keywords: River rejuvenation, Water quality, Microbial load, Heavy metals,

Digital agriculture and smart farming are emerging as significant drivers of agricultural modernization and rural development. The adoption of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), drones, satellite imaging, big data analytics, and mobile-based agricultural applications has transformed traditional farming practices into more efficient, productive, and sustainable systems. This study examines the role of digital agriculture and smart farming policies in promoting sustainable rural development with special reference to agricultural productivity, food security, resource management, and farmers’ socio-economic welfare. This study is based on secondary data collected from government reports, research journals, policy documents, agricultural databases, and international organizations. The study discusses major government initiatives and policy frameworks aimed at encouraging technological adoption in the agricultural sector. It further analyzes the challenges faced by rural farmers, including inadequate digital literacy, poor infrastructure, limited financial resources, and unequal access to modern technologies. The study emphasizes that effective agricultural policies can reduce the digital divide, improve farm productivity, lower production costs, and strengthen market connectivity for farmers. In addition, smart farming practices contribute to environmental sustainability through precision farming, efficient water management, and climate-resilient agricultural methods. The study concludes that strong policy support, investment in rural digital infrastructure, farmer training programs, and public-private partnerships are essential for achieving inclusive rural development and sustainable agricultural transformation.
Keywords: Digital Agriculture, Smart Farming, Rural Development, Agricultural Policy, Precision Farming, Food Security.

The present study was conducted to assess the diversity of common weeds found in Samba district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), a Union Territory located in the north west corner of India during May to August 2022. The study resulted in the documentation of a total of 60 weed species belonging to 53 genera and 29 families based on field collections and observations. The predominance was shown by Poaceae represented by 11 weed species; Asteraceae included 6 weed species. Convolvulaceae and Solanaceae were represented by 4 weed species each. Euphorbiaceae and Fabaceae were represented by 3 weed species each. Acanthaceae and Cyperaceae were represented by 2 weed species each. Papavaraceae, Nyctaginaceae, Cannabaceae, Vitiaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Capparidaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Potenderiaceae, Verbenaceae, Lamiaceae, Brassicaceae, Araceae, Oxalidaceae, Phyllananthaceae, Portulaceae, Polygonaceae, Malvaceae, Typhaceae represented by only one species. As seen, weeds are common and undesirable plants that impact agricultural biodiversity. They compete with crops, increase water management, reduce crop quality and yield, resulting in increased processing costs. The present study on the distribution of weed species is important for effective ecosystem planning and management and is useful in integrated weed management.
Keywords: Integrated Weed Management, Weeds, Weed Diversity, Weeds Survey

The Soil samples, feed and fodder samples and blood samples from five location areas namely Chanda, Gorsonda, Kchowk, Lohinda and Pudiaghat from Godda district of Jharkhand were collected and analyzed for assessing the status of micronutrients in the district. The samples were analysed for assessing the status of nutrients (for feed/fodder samples DM,CP,CF,EE,ASH,SILICA, the macronutrients as Calcium and Phosphorous and micronutrients, for the soil samples E.C., pH, N,P,K,O.C. and micronutrients, for blood samples P,Ca,Total Proteins, Hemoglobin and micronutrients) in the Godda District.
Keywords: Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS), DTPA,

A field experiment was conducted in randomized block design during Kharif season 2023-2024 to evaluate the effect of inorganic, organic and Natural Farming on fifteen selected genotypes of adzuki bean for growth parameters. Significant differences in the plant height, number of branches, pods per plant, seeds per pod and seed yield were obtained in genotypes as well as different production systems (inorganic, organic and Natural Farming), whereas no significant difference were obtained in pod length. Simultaneously interaction effect was significant for plant height and seed yield whereas, there were no significant interaction obtained for number of branches per plant, number of pods, seeds per pod and pod length. The overall finding of this study indicated that Natural Farming production system can be used to achieve better growth and yield of adzuki bean.
Keywords: Adzuki bean, rganic, inorganic, kharif season, natural farming

The Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky), is among the most destructive invasive forest insects globally and is recognized as a high-priority quarantine pest in numerous countries. Native to China and the Korean Peninsula, ALB has spread to North America and Europe primarily through infested solid wood packaging material (SWPM) associated with international trade. The beetle attacks a broad range of hardwood tree species and is capable of killing healthy trees, resulting in severe economic and ecological consequences. Although ALB has not been reported from India, increasing trade volumes, extensive use of wooden packaging material, and the presence of suitable hosts create a significant risk of introduction and establishment. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the taxonomy, biology, distribution, invasion history, pathways of introduction, host range, economic impact, and phytosanitary significance of ALB, with particular emphasis on its potential threat to India. Recommendations are provided for surveillance, pest risk analysis, and strengthening of phytosanitary measures to prevent its entry and establishment.
Keywords: Anoplophora glabripennis, Asian Longhorned Beetle, quarantine pest, invasive species, plant quarantine, pest risk analysis, India, ISPM-15.

In Eswatini, chemical pesticides are widely utilized by vegetable growers to manage persistent pest pressures. However, unsafe handling, inadequate protective protocols, and hazardous disposal methods are frequently reported, leading to occupational health risks, environmental contamination, and potential pesticide residues in food systems. This study evaluated the baseline knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding pesticide use among smallholder cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) farmers across the four distinct agro-ecological zones of Eswatini to assess occupational safety and environmental risks. Primary data were gathered through structured, face-to-face interviews with 93 randomly selected cabbage growers, supplemented by direct field observations, and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results demonstrate an overwhelming reliance on chemical pest control across all zones, with minimal adoption of alternative cultural practices, despite insect pests being identified as the primary production constraint. While a majority of respondents were educated and maintained awareness regarding basic safety protocols like pre-entry intervals, critical behavioral gaps remain. The vast majority of farmers failed to utilize full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and a significant proportion engaged in hazardous disposal methods, including re-applying leftover chemicals onto crops, burning empty containers, or discarding waste directly into fields. These unsafe practices are highly correlated with a lack of formal agricultural training and remarkably low institutional participation in farmers’ associations. Notably, distinct demographic variations occurred across zones; for instance, while male farmers dominated the national average, female household heads constituted the majority in the Lubombo Plateau. The study concludes that there is an urgent, mandatory need for targeted educational and practical extension programs to bridge the gap between awareness and behavior. Interventions must focus on the correct, full deployment of PPE, uniform safety protocols, and safe waste-disposal management. Furthermore, agricultural policies should aggressively promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM) frameworks and strengthen local farmer cooperatives to facilitate peer-to-peer knowledge transfer, reduce chemical dependency, and build sustainable, resilient vegetable supply chains in Eswatini.
Keywords: Cabbage, Eswatini, Farmers, Health-risk, Knowledge, Pesticides

The study was conducted during the kharif season of 2023 and 2024 at experimental farm of ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, using a Completely Randomized Design with ten biofertilizer treatments. Indira Winged Bean-2 variety was sown at a spacing of 90 cm × 45 cm. Among the treatments, the combined application of Rhizobium, vermicompost, Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM), and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) produced the best yield attributes, recording the highest number of secondary branches (8.9), pod length (13.4 cm), seeds per pod (11.6), and fresh pod weight per plant (14.88 g). The maximum pod dry weight (3467 mg) was observed with Rhizobium alone, while Rhizobium + PSB resulted in the greatest plant height (17.25 ft). The control treatment exhibited the poorest growth and yield performance. Analysis of variance (p ? 0.05) revealed significant improvements in all growth and yield parameters with biofertilizer application. The findings demonstrate that biofertilizers can substantially enhance the growth and productivity of winged bean and may be effectively utilized in sustainable crop improvement programmes.
Keywords: Winged bean, Rhizobium, VAM, Vermicompost, PSB