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Aconitum balfourii and Podophyllum hexandrum are two high value endangered medicinal plant species from the alpines of Central Himalaya. To understand their adaptability potential at lower altitude, leaf morphology, biochemical characteristics and temperature response of photosynthesis was studied in their natural habitat (3600 m) and at a comparably lower altitude (550 m) above mean sea level (amsl). In both the species, leaf length, width, area, accumulation of Chlorophyll a (Chl a), Chl b, total Chl, Carotenoids (Car) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) activity were lower whereas, leaf thickness, Chl a/b ratio and ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBPCO) activities was higher in high altitude grown plants as compared to their lower altitude grown counterparts. Altitudinal variation in temperature (T) response of photosynthesis varied with species. Optimum temperature (Topt) for photosynthesis (PN) was at 20 oC in high and at 25 oC in the plants grown at lower altitude in both the species. The level of PN, however, varied with species and altitude. Mesophyll efficiency (ME) increased with T and observed higher at 550 m altitude in both the species. Similar to PN, water use efficiency (WUE) increased with temperature up to a highest level and decreased at higher temperatures at both the altitudes, higher WUE was however, recorded in lower altitude grown plants of these species. Our study suggests that the shift in Topt towards higher temperatures, higher ME together with higher WUE in these plants when grown at lower altitude, indicates the adaptability and cultivation potential of these species at comparatively lower altitudes.

Keywords: Aconitum balfourii; Podophyllum hexandrum; Altitude; Photosynthesis; Transpiration; Water use efficiency.

The effect of application of vermicompost on useable biomass yield, cannabinoids and terpenes content on Cannabis sativa L. plants was evaluated. Vegetative cuttings taken from a screened and selected mother plant were grown in biodegradable jiffy pots for rooting. Well rooted plants were transplanted in 5 gallons pots for vegetative growth (18 hours photoperiod). After a desirable vegetative growth, plants were subjected to flowering (12 hours photoperiod). From the beginning plants were divided in two groups, (1) control and (2) treated with vermicompost liquid extract till maturity. Plants of both groups were kept in the same climatic control environment and, were watered and fertilized normally. At maturity, both groups of plants were harvested and processed for usable dry biomass. Plants of both groups were compared for biomass production per plant, cannabinoids and terpenes content. Our results show that plants treated with vermicompost liquid extract have produced about 15% higher biomass and about 30% higher yield of THC per plant as compared to those with the regular fertilizer. There was no difference noted in the terpenes content of the control vs treated plants.

Keywords: Biomass yield, Cannabis sativa L., Cannabidiol, ?9- Tetrahydrocannabinol, Terpenes

Sulphur dioxide, emitting directly from the pollution source (mostly the industries), has been identified as one of the primary pollutants. This being potentially phytotoxic, adversely affects the plant health. Plant shoots form a sink for the atmospheric sulphur which can directly be absorbed by the foliage. However, plant species may differ to a great extent in respect of their sensitivity to sulphur dioxide. Under the circumstances, an experiment was carried out to study the impact of varying levels of sulphur dioxide (0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 ppm) fumigated for 1, 2 and 3 hours under simulated conditions on mango and lime. The results revealed that the important traits such as the leaf number, leaf area and chlorophyll content in leaves were adversely affected. However, sulphur dioxide at 1.0 ppm fumigated for 3 hours under simulated conditions was found to be more uninnocuous in this regards. No significant variation was observed amongst the treatments in respect of tissue dry weight when compared with that of control (ambient SO2). On the other hand, sulphur content in tissues increase progressively with increasing levels of SO2 and time of fumigation. Lime plants tolerated better than mango to sulphur dioxide exposure and hence, recommended for cultivation in the nearby areas of the captive plants, smelter and thermal power generating plants.

Keywords: SO2 fumigation, mango and lime, growth, chlorophyll, sulphur content

Digital tools are one of the most significant ICTs that contribute to farmers’ adoption of agricultural advances throughout the world. The present study was confined to determine the parameters impacting mobile phone usage as a source of agricultural information for farmers and the goal of this study was to pinpoint the key variables that have a significant impact on how farmers in the agricultural sector use digital tools. Primary data were collected in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh in 2019.
Findings discovered that affecting of techno-economic empowerment among farmers is major personal factors were arranged in descending order on the basis of rank order as heavy workload on family work (25.8%). In case of social factors, No proper encouragement (4.16%), Heavy expenditure on family (14.16%) and less involvement in community work (80.84%). In economic factors Lack of savings (25 %) and Lack of involvement in marketing (33.33%), As far as technological hindering factor Lack of training (48.34%). Regarding the operational hindering factors were foundHang of android while operating (28.33%) and Unable to decide which option to click (35.01%). This study suggests that agricultural extension increase its efforts to encourage farmers to embrace ICT tools, such as digital technology.

Keywords: Digital extension, Agriculture, assessment, empowerment and digital tools etc.

The research is done to ascertain the mineral and proximate content of snail powder of freshwater snails (Pila globosa). Many cultures around the world include edible snails in their traditional diets. In addition to being a special treat for gourmets, snail meat provides several nutritional advantages over other meats. It has low fat and calorie content but is rich in inorganic nutrients such as essential amino acids and healthy fatty acids. The samples taken from a nearby beel in the Natore district were cleaned, gutted, dried, and ground to create powder and homogenized samples maintained in plastic containers for chemical testing. The laboratory of the Institute of Environmental Science, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh, served as the site for all activities. The primary nutritional contents of powder products, including calcium, potassium, sodium, moisture, ash, protein, and lipids, were estimated. Different species chemical makeups were discovered to exist. This samples protein, lipid, moisture, and ash content were 42.88%, 4.70%, 11.98%, and 14.17%, respectively.

Keywords: Bio-Chemical, Food value, Mineral,Nutrition, Pila globosa

Cocoa is a major plantation crop grown for chocolate production worldwide. Cocoa is grown in Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu in India. Andhra Pradesh leads the way in terms of area and production. There are currently ten multinational firms active in the cocoa sector in India, exporting items such as beans, chocolates, cocoa butter, cocoa powder, and cocoa-based products to other countries. A univariate time series approach was used in this study to forecast non-seasonal cocoa monthly prices in India. Monthly cocoa prices in India from September 2017 to September 2022 were used in the study. The ARIMA model is an extrapolation method that only requires historical time series data on the variable under consideration. The Box-Jenkins model provides a validated method for identifying and filtering the most appropriate variations for the series under consideration. The autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation functions were used to estimate the model. Model parameters were estimated using the R programming language. The performance of the fitted model was evaluated using various goodness of fit measures such as AIC, BIC, and MAPE. According to empirical findings, the ARIMA (0,1,0) model performed best in predicting monthly cocoa prices in India. Projections for the period from October 2022 to March 2023 are calculated using the chosen model. Based on the fitted model, monthly cocoa prices are found to be constant for the next six months.The outcomes of the monthly cocoa prices are represented graphically and numerically. Forecasting is a critical phase in the process of advising policymakers. In an ideal situation, decision-makers would make judgments based on precise projections to tighten restrictions and cause unexpected outcomes. The most accurate forecasting models are also taken into consideration by marketing strategists when developing, planning, and executing marketing plans. These projections are especially helpful for changing their marketing and policy plans to account for upcoming changes.

Keywords: ACF - Autocorrelation Function, AIC – Akaike Information Criterion, ARIMA – Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average, MAPE - Mean Absolute Percent Error, PACF - Partial Autocorrelation Function, Residual Analysis

Cluster bean also called as Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Linn.) Taub) is an important vegetable crop grown across the country. Leaf spot caused by Alternaria cucumerina var cyamopsidis is the most devastating disease reported to cause major economic yield losses. Disease management is a challenging task as there is a continuous presence of the pathogen throughout the season many fold speculations on possible survival of the pathogen on same alternative host grown in and around garden. Hence, efforts were made to find out the effective management strategy involving host resistance, biological and chemical protection.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2021 at Research Farm of Agricultural Research Station, Kota to evaluate the bio-efficacy of newer ready mix post-emergence herbicides for weed control in soybean and to study their effect on growth, yield attributes, yields and economics and residual effect on succeeding chickpea crop. The results revealed that post-emergence ready mix herbicide fomesafen + fluazifop-p-butyl 220 g a.i./ha was significantly superior in reducing grassy, broad leaved and sedges weed density, weed dry matter and N,P,K depletion by weeds and ultimately registered highest weed control efficiency (85.41, 79.97% at 30, 60 DAS) over other treatments. Significantly higher values for yield attributes and yields viz. seed, straw and biological yield (1760, 2364 & 4124 kg/ha, respectively) was observed by application of fomesafen + fluazifop-p-butyl 220 g a.i./ha followed by propaquizafop + imazethapyr 125 g a.i./ha (1730, 2323 & 4053 kg/ha) and sodium acifluorfen + clodinafop propargyl 245 g a.i./ha (1628, 2204 & 3832 kg/ha). Maximum net return (`55008/ha) and B:C ratio (2.30) was fetched with fomesafen + fluazifop-p-butyl 220 g a.i./ha. No phytotoxicity symptoms on soybean crop and no residual effect on succeeding chickpea crop was observed due to PoE herbicides applied in preceding soybean.

Keywords: Bio-efficacy, post-emergence, ready mix, residual effect

Rubber plantations spread over ten lakh hectares of land in India is predominantly owned by small holders having an average plot size of 0.5 ha., majority of them prefer to dispose and their produce as sheet rubber. Their traditional wisdom in making sheet rubber has the advantage over other forms of rubber for ready and better realization of price as they can be disposed at any time in a fluctuating market. Making sheet rubber involves latex coagulation, sheeting and subsequent drying, which together takes four to five days for completion. An improved method for quick preparation of sheet rubber was achieved by replacing the conventional coagulant Formic acid with a mixture of Acetic acid and Isopropyl alcohol coupled with an improved sheeting procedure. Thirty minutes is enough for latex coagulation in the new method over hours together for conventional method. Tender nature of coagula, through additional rolling which resulted in an increase in the dimensional and surface area through imprinting, thinning and squeezing out of the serum load followed by immediate loading of wet coagula in the hot smoke house together facilitated faster drying of sheet rubber within 24hrs. Raw rubber properties and vulcanizate properties of the sheets prepared by the new method were comparable with the control. Scaling up programme of the new method was carried out among a group of marginal farmers who prepared and disposing partially dried or inferior quality sheet rubber at a lower price. Periodic assessment by a team of experts for the extent of execution of the new method resulted in the upliftment in the quality of their produce in the competitive market. The advantages attributed with the new sheeting method are: saving time and cost of primary processing, quality up-gradation through awareness, introducing the involvement of female counterpart, in addition to early disposal of the consignment which is more beneficial particularly for farmers where rubber is the sole source of income for their daily lively hood.

Keywords: Hevea brasiliensis, Latex coagulation, Marginal rubber farmers, Natural rubber, Primary processing, Quick sheeting, Properties of ribbed smoked sheet.

Relative toxicity of biopesticides against Shoot & fruit borer The LC30 of biopesticides tested varied 0.049 to 0.865 per cent. Whereas LC50 varied from 0.496 to 7.226 per cent and the range of LC30 and LC50 values of biopesticides against jassid on okra was 0.021 to 0.440 per cent and 0.351 to 4.16 per cent, respectively.

Keywords: Shoot & fruit borer, Relative toxicity and LC50

The frontline demonstrations of soybean were conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Khamgaon of Beed District, Maharashtra State. Frontline demonstration of soybean variety MAUS 158 were conducted during 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 on 4.0 ha area in 10 number of demonstration each year. Soybean variety MAUS 158 which is released by Vasantarao Naik Marathada Krishi Vidyapeeth which is high yielding stem-fly tolerant and suitable for marathwada region of Maharashtra. Improved cultivation practices were demonstrated in farmer’s field for three consecutive years. The result of the demonstrations showed higher yields compared to farmers’ practices followed for soybean cultivation. The average increased per cent seed yield is 31.02 over the years from frontline demonstrations compared to check plots. However, during the year 2021-22, the per cent increase in seed yield was 38.15. The huge variation in farmers practices adopted in the villages. The other parameters like extension gap, technological gap and technology index were derived for assessment of technology adoption rate. The average technology gap and technology index were 1264 and 48.61 per cent, respectively. The improved technology recorded higher average seed yield 1336 kg/ha over farmers practice 1030 kg/ha in rainfed condition. The improved technology gave higher average gross return (54502 Rs./ha.) average net return (26468 Rs./ha.) with higher benefit cost ratio (1.92) as compared to farmers practices. The results clearly indicated that the beneficial impact of front line demonstrations over the farmers practices towards enhancing the productivity of soybean cultivation under rainfed condition in Beed district of Maharashtra state, India. Demonstrated technologies proved more remunerative and economically feasible compared to farmers traditional practices in soybean cultivation.

Keywords: Soybean, FLD, Variety, Yield, Economics.

India is the second largest producer of fruits next to China and productivity is significantly low as compared to otherdeveloped countries. The majority of the temperate fruit crops and nuts are being cultivated in the north-western Himalayan, north eastern and small areas are lies in upper pulney hills in Tamil Nadu. High altitude and temperate regions are capable to produce high yield and good quality fruits. But the foothill where the chilling is insufficient adversely affects the yield and quality. In India, majority of the temperate fruits were introduced from other parts of the world and some are indigenous to India like walnuts and wild apple species. Therefore, the improvement of the temperate fruits and nuts were taken place mainly through introduction of promising varieties. The exotic species and cultivars are still the backbone of fruit production in India particularly for apple, pear, peach, plum and cherry. Recently, several varieties have been developed in India in apple, peach, plum, apricot, cherry and walnut from varies institute like CITH, Srinagar, SKUAST-K, SKUAST-J in Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, PAU, Ludhiana, GB Pant University, Pant Nagar, UP and TNAU, Tamil Nadu. The potential of these cultivars are immense for commercial exploitation.

Keywords: low chilling cultivar, pollinizer, pollinators, spur, fruitfulness, alternate bearing

Currently hydroponic cultivation methods are gaining popularity all over the world because of efficient resources management and quality food production. Soil based agriculture is now facing various challenges such as urbanization, natural disasters, climate change, indiscriminate use of agriculture chemicals and pesticides which are depleting the land fertility and quality. At global level leading countries in hydroponic technology are Netherland, Australia, France, England, Israel, Canada and USA. For successful implementation of commercial hydroponic technology, it is important to develop low cost techniques which are easy to operate and maintain; requires less labour and lower overall installation and operational cost. In this article various hydroponic systems viz. wick, ebb and flow, drip, deep water culture and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system; their operations; pros and cons; performance of different vegetable crops like tomato, cucumber, pepper, leafy greens, and other high value crops and water conservation by these techniques, global market and economic analysis of different crops grown under this system are presented.

Keywords: Hydroponic system, nutrient management, nutrient film technique, water conservation, yield

In order to attain global food security by 2030, one of the sustainable development objectives set by the UN in 2015 is to end hunger. In order to feed the world’s population and achieve the aim of eradicating hunger by 2030, a greater and more reliable crop supply will be necessary. To end hunger, new technologies are needed, and the most promising one is genome editing technology. Meeting these problems and ensuring sustainable food production depend on ongoing innovation in crop breeding. Recent developments in gene editing technology, particularly those based on the CRISPR/Cas systems, make targeted and precise genetic manipulation of crops more practical and hasten the shift to precision breeding for crop enhancement.Given its effectiveness and strength over transgenics, this technology can be thought of as a promising technique for accomplishing world hunger eradication

A field experiment was conducted during kharif seasons of 2018 and 2019 at Agricultural Research Station, Kota to evaluate the bio-efficacy and phytotoxicity of clethodim 12 % (w/v) EC against weeds flora of soybean and residual effect on succeeding wheat crop. Experimental field was mainly dominated by grassy weeds. Results revealed that post-emergence application of clethodim 12% (w/v) EC at 120 g a.i./ha and 144 g a.i./ha were found more effective in controlling grassy weeds than other treatments pertaining to lower weed density and significantly higher weed control efficiency without any phytotoxicity to the soybean. Seed yield of soybean under different treatments was found to be significantly higher than weedy check.Clethodim 12% (w/v) EC at 120 g a.i./ha and 144 g a.i./ha resulted in higher soybean seed yield (1561 kg/ha and 1985and 2024kg/ha during 2018 and 2019, respectively) being at par with each other and were significantly superior to other treatments and weedy check. The residual effect of the test herbicides clethodim 12% (w/v) EC applied in soybean, was not observed in succeeding wheat crop as growth parameters, yield attributes and yield of wheat varied non-significantly.

Keywords: Clethodim, bio-efficacy, soybean, carryover, wheat

Fifteen pre release sugarcane clones were tested against sugarcane varieties 87A 298 and 83V 15 as checks for their suitability to early planted conditions (December/January planting) under moisture stress/drought at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Anakapalle during 2018-19 and 2019-20. Sugarcane clones tolerance to moisture stress is need of the hour as sugarcane yields are drastically reducing due to moisture stress/drought. A field experiments were conducted with stress and non stress treatments for evaluation of sugarcane clones tolerance to soil moisture stress/drought. Among fifteen pre release clones tested sugarcane clones 2009A 107 (80.2 t/ha), 2006A 223 (79.50 t/ha), 2009A 252 (76.42 t/ha), 2011A 313 (72.64 t/ha) and 2011A 252 (71.48 t/ha) recorded higher cane yield over other clones tested. The standards 87A 298 and 83V 15 recorded a cane yield of 71.08 t/ha and 58.13 t/ha which are lower than the superior clones. These clones also recorded significantly low SLA which indicates more photosynthetic assimilates per unit area. SPAD/SCMR values at 120 DAP under stress conditions (Summer). These sugarcane clones also recorded significantly higher SPAD/SCMR values with standard 87A 298. The ancillary data denoting stress tolerance like sheath moisture per cent, root spread area, total bio mass production per stool under stress and physiological parameters like leaf proline content is also high in these sugarcane clones. Based on two years findings, sugarcane clones 2009A 107, 2006A 223, 2009A 252, 2011A 313 and 2011A 252 were found to be suitable for drought/soil moisture stress condition of cane cultivation based on cane yield, ancillary data and physiological traits in relation to moisture stress tolerance. The drought tolerance efficiency per cent was high in 2009A 107 (95.37%) followed by 2009A 252 (86.39%) and 2011A 252 (84.92%) over other clones tested. The standards 87A 298 and 83V 15 recorded a drought tolerance efficiency per cent of 85.38 and 84.53 respectively.
 

Keywords: Moisture stress/drought/limited irrigations, SPAD/SCMR, leaf proline, cane yield, per cent juice sucrose, root spread area, Number of millable canes and Fibre per cent.

The role small businesses play a vital role in the process of economic development, as well as reduction of poverty among farm women, which can lead women entrepreneurship.To enhance the knowledge and entrepreneurial skill of value addition and processing of locally available fruits and vegetables like – Mango, Cardia Myxa, Capparis Decidua, Lemon, Chili, Bitter guard and Bitter apple (Indrayan)) and to reduce post-harvest losses as well as income generation for farm women. For this purpose KVK organized trainings for value addition and processing under NARI program such as making of squash, muraba and pickle. Theses training benefitted to Smt. Reshami Devi of Kheda Shyampura to establish a small-scale pickle making unit at her own house for the economic growth and development of her family.She started her venture with an investment of Rs. 164600 and within 4 months, the turnover has reached Rs. 243400. Which show the economic development of her family with the net profit of Rs. 81600 with B C ratio 1.47, which sure the employment as well as monthly income of Rs. 20400 at initial stage to her family. Her entrepreneur also secured the employment of her husband after lockdown he is also involved in this venture.

Keywords: Small Scale Business, Poverty Reduction, Value Addition, Entrepreneurship

Maize is second most important crop after rice in Meghalaya with significant and very high potential for exploring its diversity for varied agro-climatic situation in organic farming system. The intervention to address different soil and climatic constraints is second most important area of investigation which is followed by research theme of exploring the genotypic diversity of maize in Meghalaya. A field experiment was planned at Instructional Farm of College of Agriculture (CAU-I), Kyrdemkulai to test the performance of four maize cultivars ((RCM-75, RCM-76, DA-61-A and RCM 1-2) with treatment variables of land configuration (ridges and furrow, furrow irrigated raised bed and flat bed) and conditions of late planting and organic production system. Maize variety DA-61-found statistically superior over RCM-1-2 in terms of stand establishment and recorded highest number of plants with cobs and tassel at harvest. Among the land configuration, ridges and furrow planting had highest dry matter accumulation and found significantly superior over flat bed planting of maize. The increase in dry matter accumulation in ridges and furrow method was 3.42 and 6.9 g/plant over furrow irrigated raised bed and flat bed, respectively; while root dry matter in ridges and furrow was higher by 1.24 to 1.66 g/plant than other land configuration. The investigation showed the significant contribution of land configuration for crop survival and growth under late planting condition along with varietal selection.

The present study was conducted in Urulikanchan village of Pune district to understand the reproduction and production performance of Holstein Friesian crossbred cows under field condition. A total number of 77 farmers were selected randomly and surveyed for the study. In the present study, records on 152 milking cows were used to investigate milk yield, fat percentage, 65 cows were used to estimate lactation yield, lactation length and 228 cows for age at first service, age at the first calving (AFC) and calving interval (CI) in crossbred. The average AFC was found to be 27.85 months. More than 50% of the heifers were 26 to 32 months of age when calved for the first time (AFC). Calving Interval was found to be 28.78 months. Average milk yield, 305-days lactation yield and fat percent were found to be 8.36 lit, 3096 litre and 3.61 percent respectively. It is found that an increased AFC was also associated with decreased milk production, delayed peak time and longer CI. Therefore, controlling AFC is an important management factor in achieving higher lactation performance and shorter length of the calving interval.

Keywords: Production, Reproduction, Age at first calving, Calving interval

Global climate change is directly affecting to every living organism onthe planet earth. It is well demonstrated that drastic change in biosphere may be due to the changing climatic conditions and influencing the alteration in plant microbe interactions and agricultural practices for sustainable development.Moreover, the global climate change also directly affectingthe agricultural crop production and thestructural dynamics of the relationships amongdiseases and crops.There are variety of physiological functions of plants that is supported by microbes likes biogeochemical cycles, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production etc. can be affected due to climate change

The present paper attempts to examin the attitude of tribals towards collection of forest produce and role of forest produce to sustain their livelihood. The study was carried out in 9 villages of 3 blocks Jagdalpur, Bastanar & Darbha of District Bastar. To make the sample size of total 240 forests produce collectors; 20 respondents from each selected village were selected randomnly for the current study. The pre-tested and validated schedule is used to collect the data and suitable statistical tools were use to analize it.
The results show that most of the respondents 76.67 percent had the high attitude level towards collection of forest produces while 15.42 percent had the medium and 7.92 per cent had low attitude level. Further, study revealed th at the variables viz. Education, Annual Income, Share of forest produce in Annual Income, Economic Orientation, Knowledge Extent and Adoption Extent highlyinfluenced the attitude of forest producecollectors. The respondents also reported that the constraints viz. market far away from their home; unorganized market; poor transportation facilities; non-availability of primary processing units; less marketable quantities due more house hold consumptions; improper pricing by traders and kochiyas;lack of storage facilities were the major constraints which directly affects the process of collection of forest produces while the constraints viz. time consuming activity; insufficient labour; area of colletion far away from home; deforestation; forest fire; competition among the forest produce collector were indirectly affects the process of collection of forest produce.
It is concluded from the present study that the initiatives should be taken by the government-designated procurement groups and non-government organizations at root level of collection, processing and marketing of forest produce to help the forest produce collectors to ensure the significant enhance in their income from forest produce in Bastar division of Chhattisgarh.

Keywords: Forest Produce, Forest Federation, Illegal Trade, Community Forest, Market Acess

Quality is one of the important factors that determines the price and marketability of fruits, especially those which are intended for fresh consumption. For apples, quality includes shape, color, size, firmness, and “typiness”. The influence of external factors such as climate, as well as internal factors such as genes and hormones, control these parameters. Based on the results of field evaluation under orchard condition, it can be concluded that the Promalin @ 60 ppm as foliar spray at full bloom stage on Apple cultivar “Royal Delicious” had significant influence on fruit size, shape, fruit yield and other yield contributing traits and had no phytotoxicity on Apple. Promalin at recommended dose @ 60 ppm and its double dose @ 90 ppm applied as foliar spray, had no phytotoxicity influence on Apple trees at all the intervals of observations

This study directly compared the effects of three cryoprotectants with the V-Cryoplate Droplet Vitrification method for effective cryobanking of Stevia rebaudiana, a medicinally important plant. Shoot cuttings of 5-6 cm were collected from the mother plant at the University of Mississippi and surface disinfected in 15% commercial bleach with 0.1% Tween 20 for 10 min, rinsed three times with sterile distilled water and also treated with 0.2% mercuric chloride for 3 min. The shoot cuttings were again rinsed three times with sterile distilled water before planting in a multiplication medium. After 4 weeks, shoot tips (~0.5 mm) with one or two leaf primordia were aseptically dissected and pretreated for 48 hours in MS-agar medium with 0.3 M sucrose and 5% DMSO followed by loading of cells with 2 M glycerol in 0.4 M sucrose MS medium. Cryoprotectants (plant vitrification solutions (PVS) #2, #3 and #4) were initially screened at 25oC for 10-30 min. Subsequent experiments were based on 15 min exposure duration. Regrowth after a 15 min exposure to PVS2 prior to liquid nitrogen (60%) or PVS4 (61%) were significantly higher than those of other treatments. Regrowth of cryopreserved shoot tips was significantly higher with PVS4 (64%) compared to PVS2 (54%) and PVS3 (3%). These results suggest that the use of PVS4 as a cryoprotectant in the V-Cryoplate Droplet Vitrification technique was most effective for cryopreservation of Stevia shoot tips. Furthermore, plants reproduced from cryopreserved shoot tips were found to be highly comparable to that of the mother plant in terms of chemical profile.

Keywords: Conservation, plant tissue culture, preculture, pretreatment, regrowth

This study was aimed to assess the phytoextraction potential of Eclipta alba roots under various concentrations of Cadmium. Potted plants were treated with 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25mg/kg of Cd, individually. The hypocotyl of Eclipta alba were analysed for heavy metal content at 30, 60 and 90 DAT. The range of heavy metal uptake in experimental plant was found to be significantly different (P<0.05) in all the treatments with highest extraction in 20mg/kg.

Keywords: Bringraj, Heavy metal, Pharmacognosy, Weed

The engineering properties of kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum) were determined at moisture content of 9.066 % (wb). The mean values obtained for length, width and thickness were 2.76, 2.15 and 1.41 mm, respectively. The average value for geometric mean diameter, sphericity, weight of thousand grains, bulk density and true density were 2.023 mm, 0.740, 3.91 g, 648.69 kg.m-3 and 1203.063 kg.m-3, respectively. The angle of repose mean value was 38°. The co-efficient of static friction on three types of structural material was found to be ranging from 0.36 (steel sheet), 0.41 (g), (galvanised iron sheet) and 0.37 (card board).

Keywords: Kodo millet, physical properties, aerodynamic properties, frictional properties, mechanical properties

Metsulfuron methyl a selective herbicide, chemically refereed as 2-[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl) carbamoylsulfamoyl], widely used in cereals, fruits and vegetables to control weeds. Its continuous application is expected to influence soil fertility by alteration in various biogeochemical processes. Present research was conducted to investigate the effect of Metsulfuron-methyl (MSM), applied at three different doses (LD: lower dose; RD: recommended dose and HD: higher dose) on soil fertility indicator parameters in a rice agro-ecosystem. MBC (?g g-1soil) varied from 198 to 221 (LD treated soils); 189 to 192 (RD treated soils) and 171 to 179 (HD treated soil) compared to control soils (225 to 230). Study reveals that MSM influenced greater at higher dose treated soils followed by LD and RD treated soils. Outcomes derived through this study have immense significance in formulations of strategies for management of rice agro-ecosystems for judicious application of dose dependent herbicides.

Keywords: Metsulfuron-methyl, microbial biomass, soil respiration, soil fertility, paddy soil

Mr. Santosh Divakar of Raigad District is very popular among organic farmers in Konkan region. After the traditional farming in 4-5 years he was forced to change his farming practices for increasing the yield of crops. As a result, he started using high yielding varieties, fertilizers, pesticides etc. There was a quantum jump in his yields because of adopting improved practices. Then, he started practicing organic farming thinking that it would help in reducing the cost of cultivation and would reduce the pH of the soil. In the initial years he had the problems of pests and diseases and soil was also not good enough to give better yield. He contacted KVK scientist and officials from department of Agriculture for discussing the problems in farming. He owns five excellent dairy cows of Gir species. The cows supply valuable manure. He makes good profit from selling the milk. He started preparing vermicompost with farm wastes and cow dung (FYM). He also started preparation of organic inputs like Jeevamrut, Dashaparni Ark etc on his own farm. They are applied in the field as and when necessary. He is paddy farmer and follows paddy-pulses-vegetables cropping system in his farm. He started fresh water fish farming as a subsidiary farming activity by rearing Indian Major Carps under the guidance of KVK, Raigad. His net income through organic paddy was Rs.16000 from one acre of paddy crop. He has good kind of outreach activities and awarded by prestigious institutes.

Keywords: success, organic farming

Paddy is the staple food for the Indian population and plays a vital role in development of national economy. However, the yield level of paddy at the farmers filed level and in Front Line Demonstration fields is not on par with potential yield. There are research and extension gaps which need to be bridged to increase paddy production and productivity, to improve the efficiency of land and labor use, reduce production costs and increase the food security. The objectives of this study were to assess the research and extension gap in cultivating paddy through need based technological interventions. A total two interventions were used and were purposively selected to ascertain the research and extension gaps. The results reveal that both research and extension gaps are still prevalent with reference to the selected technological interventions. The extension gaps at the farmers field level is significantly high and is sending alarming signal to the scientific community to move the things in the right directions by guiding the farmers towards the adoption of these interventions on a scientific scale.

Keywords: research, extension, gap, paddy

Biochar is a solid product, produced from thermal decomposition, i.e., pyrolysis, of lignocellulosic biomass generated from agricultural wastes, forest and wood residues. It is unique material for soil amendment for sustainable agricultural and many environmental applications. Biochar properties used for agriculture consist of specific surface area, total pore volume, average pore diameter, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and cation exchange capacity (CEC). The properties that benefit the environmental purposes are the element: carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), and the molar ratio of H/C, O/C, and C/N. The study found that all biochar contained suitable properties for soil amendment and carbon sequestration. However, significant differences were shown in specific surface area, average pore diameter, pH, CEC, and EC of various biochar. Based on O/C and H/C ratios, all five types of biochar persisted in soil from 100 to over 1,000 years. This paper reviews the biochar supply chain to establish a cost-effective waste management system for soil amendments. Despite enormous potential, biochars have not been used widely. This paper identifies the production process, benefits and features of supply chain for viable introduction of biochars.

Keywords: Biochar, Soil amendment, Agri-waste, Supply chain, Agricultural operations management, Technology transfer, Sustainable development, India

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the principal staple food for more than two billion people; most of them live in rural and urban areas of tropical and subtropical Asia. An experiment was conducted during Kharif 2019 and 2020 to know the impact of seven fungicide treatments. Among seven treatments, Azoxystrobin 18.2 % w/w + Difenoconazole 11.4% w/w SC @ 1.0 ml/L and Prochloraz 23.5% w/w + Tricyclazole 20.0% w/w SE @ 2 ml/L were on par with each other with least pooled leaf blast disease index of 17.15% and 19.03% and neck blast disease incidence of 13.68 % and 15.73% respectively followed by Tricyclazole 75% WP @ 0.6 g/L. Further, the highest pooled yield was recorded in Azoxystrobin 18.2 % w/w + Difenoconazole 11.4% w/w SC @ 1.0 ml/L (3811.15 kg/ha) followed by Prochloraz 23.5% w/w + Tricyclazole 20.0% w/w SE @ 2 ml/L (3589.58 kg/ha). However, when cost benefit ratio was calculated, Azoxystrobin 18.2 % w/w + Difenoconazole 11.4% w/w SC (1.53) and Tricyclazole 75% WP (1.45) respectively followed by followed by Prochloraz 23.5% w/w + Tricyclazole 20.0% w/w SE (1.36).

Keywords: Management, Paddy, Blast, Disease and Fungicides.

7 different types of malus baccata which appeared promising in preliminary studies on the basis of their being dwarf and graft compatible with Golden Delicious, a cv. of apple, have been described with respect to salient botanical and horticultural characters. In order to keep the identity of Malus baccata types till they get the status of a variety or species, place of collection has been added after the botanical name. Seven different types of Malus baccata and one Malus species were collected from different regions and their botanical and horticultural characters studied. On the basis of horticultural characters studied in the nursery, it was found that Malus baccata (shillong) and Malus baccata (Khrot) were as semi dwarf easy to propagate through stooling and with good graft compatibility with apple. The grafts also made small linear growth, thereby indicating that the plants will remain semi dwarf. As such these two types have potential as a dwarfing rootstock for apple. Malus baccata (Srinagar) also deserves attention as a semi dwarfing to semi vigorous rootstock.

Biological control of weeds involves the use of living organisms to attack a weed population to keep at or below desirable level without significantly affecting desirable plants. It includes use of insects, pathogens, nematodes, parasitic plants and competitive plants. Historically, biological control method has proved best on large infestation of a single weed species. These situations usually occurred in range lands or in water bodies. Biological control has also been successful into newly introduced weed area free from its natural enemies. Unfortunately, biological weed control has not developed to the point that it has any appreciable impact on the production of agronomic crops. The more recent and much more successful importation of several pathogens into several countries have served to increase interest in the classical approach to biological control of weeds to such a point that several countries are now actively pursuing this approach. A large number of biocontrol agents are used in biological weed control measure. Some outstanding examples of biological control of weeds are the use of insect to control Hypercium perforatum L., Opuntia sp. and Lantana camera L.

Keywords: Biological control, Insect, Mycoherbicide, Pathogen, Weed

A field experiment conducted during 2018 and 2019 at AICRN Centre, Ranichauri, Uttarakhand, revealed that neither main crop nor inter-crops had any significant effect on the plant stand of each other. All the inter-crops adversely affected dry weight, number of fingers and weight of grains per plant of main crop of amaranth (Amaranth spp.) in 2018, while the trend was reverse in 2019. The grain yield of amaranth was decreased due to inter-cropping during both the years. The row arrangement of 1:1 ratio favoured most of the growth and yield characters of main crop. The highest amaranth equivalent (40.54 q/ha) and land equivalent ratio (1.60) were however recorded with horse gram (Marcotyloma uniflorum) when planted in 1:1 ratio.

Keywords: Amaranth, faba bean, rice bean, inter-cropping, land equivalent

Rice seedling blight in nurseries is more severe in rice that has been seeded early when the soil is usually cold and damp conditions that tend to delay seedling emergence favour seedling blight. Blighted seedlings emerge from the soil and die soon after emergence. Seedlings generally survive a lack of vigor with yellow to pale green colour and do not compete well with healthy seedlings. The object of this study was to identify pathogens associated with rice seedling blight disease and its management in nurseries condition. Three Pathogens, viz., Sclerotium rolfsii, Fusarium moniliformae and Curvularia lunata were found associated with rice seedling blight disease that occurred in nurseries raised for summer rice cultivation. Four biocontrol agents and seven fungicides were evaluated under invitro and invivo conditions. Among the bio agents, maximum mycelial growth inhibition (56.11%) of S. rolfsii by Trichoderma viride was recorded. Maximum mycelial growth of Fusarium moniliformae inhibited by T. harzianum with 70.56 per cent. While, maximum mycelial growth of  Curvularia lunata inhibited (71.94%) by T. harzianum. Moreover T. harzianum and T. viride were found most superior over the other bio-agents tested under in vitro conditions. In case of fungicide, seven were tested against S. rolfsii, Fusarium moniliformae and Curvularia lunata to inhibit their mycelium growth. Among the seven fungicides, pyraclostrobin 133g/l + epoxiconazole 50g/l) and tebuconazole 25% EC) at 100 ppm concentration completely inhibit the mycelia growth of fungi. In nursery conditions rice seeds treated with Pseudomonas fluorescens 1x108 cfu/ml @ 10 ml/kg seeds and spray with azoxystrobin 23% EC at 0.05% at 15 DAS and seeds treated with azoxystrobin 23% EC at 0.05% solution gave highest seed germination with minimum seedling mortality up to 21 days after sowing.

Keywords: Seed germination, seedling blight, fungicides, bio-control root and shoot

The feeding trial of six weeks in broiler chicks (n=160) was conducted which were subjected to 4 treatments and designated as treatment T0, T1, T2 and T3 respectively. All the broiler chicks were fed with starter ration up to 21 days and finisher ration from 22 to 42 days of age as per BIS (1992) specification. The chicks fed with basal diet in control group (T0), while chicks in treatment T1 was fed with Antibiotics viz. Zinc bacitracin and Salinomycin @ 20 and 60 mg/kg of feed respectively, T2 and T3 were fed basal diet with Fenugreek seed powder @ 1.0 and 1.5 %, respectively. All the birds were given isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets throughout the experimental period. The data were analyzed using General Linear Model procedure of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) 20th version and means were compared using Duncan’s multiple range test (1955) and significance was considered at (P<0.05) level. The weekly body weight changes of chicks indicated no significant difference among various treatment groups during the first two weeks of the experiment. There is significant (P<0.05) difference among the treatments were observed from third weeks onwards. At end the end of sixth week, significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight gain in the T3 group was recorded. The treatments T1, T2 and T1, T3 were at par to each other. The overall feed intake of the birds showed non-significant differences in all the treatment groups for the entire experimental period. All treatments were non-significant upto second week’s period. Significant variation (P<0.05) was observed in FCR from third to six weeks. Statistically better FCR was recorded in T3 (FSP 1.5%) treatment as compared to other treatments. However, treatment T0, T1 and T2, T3 was at par to each other.

Keywords: Broilers, Growth performance, Fenugreek, Antibiotics.

The data for the present investigations were collected in organized farm of the history and pedigree sheets maintained at Research Cum Development Project on Cattle, M.P.K.V., Rahuri, (MS), for the period of 40 years (1972 to 2011) on reproduction and production traits of Gir triple cross and their Interse.
The data were classified according to genetic group, season of birth/calving, period of birth/calving and lactation order. In order to overcome non-orthogonality of the data due to unequal subclass frequencies, least squares techniques (Harvey, 1990) was used to estimate the effect of different factors using different Effect of genetic and non-genetic factors . The results obtained in the present investigation of the overall least squares means of AFS in FJG and Interse of FJG were 496.72 + 5.08 and 660.31 ± 8.86 days, respectively. The DMRT revealed that the POB (1975-1977) had significantly lower AFS in FJG group. Cows of AFS of cows born during Interse of FJG group the AFS of cow born during period 1983-1988 had significantly lower AFS followed by cows born during the period 1977-1982, 1989-1994, 2007-2011, 1995-2000 and 2001-2006. The season of birth had non-significant effect on AFS in all genetic groups. The generation had significant (P<0.01) effect on AFS. The overall mean AFS as affected by generation was 645.81 ± 5.18 days in FJG. The effect of genetic group on AFS was non-significant. The overall least squares means of AFFS in F1 cows of FJG was 538.82 ± 7.00 days, while in cows of Interse of FJG it was 760.44 ± 12.61 days, respectively.

Keywords: Reproduction traits, genetic, non-genetic factors.

A study was conducted on formulation of spray dried avocado milk shake powder. Avocado pulp were blended with skim milk, skim milk powder (SMP) and honey were prepared & spray dried. The raw avocado fruit pulp contains moisture 72.5%, bulk density 0.712 g/cc, color value (L*, a* & b*) 49.35, -3.42 & 34.95, pH (6.35), protein (2%), fat (15.31%), fibre (6.8%), ash (1.54%) and carbohydrate (1.85%), respectively. While the optimized avocado milk shake powder had the moisture 4.32%, bulk density 0.371 g/cc, color value (L*, a* & b*) 93.9, -0.501 & 4.35, pH (6.32), protein (24.30 %), fat (1.20%), fibre (1.39%), ash (6.20%) and carbohydrate (62.59%), respectively. The powder was stored in Metalized polyester pouch under ambient conditions for 3 months and the physico-chemical properties, sensory and microbial analysis were studied for every 15 days if interval. It was observed that the quality of the powder had not deteriorated during the storage period of 90 days.

Keywords: Avocado pulp , Skim milk, Skim milk powder, Spray dryer

The Box – Behnken Design technique from Response Surface Methodology (RSM) were used to investigate the effects of spray drying conditions on avocado milk shake powder and analyzed physioco chemical parameters moisture content, water activity, loose bulk density, tapped bulk density, colour and pH. The spray drying independent variables and ranges are inlet air temperature (140, 150 and 160), feed flow rate (10, 11 and 12 rpm) and total solids (17, 19 and 21) The complete design was executed in random order and comprised of 15 combinations Experimental data were analysed by multiple regression equation to fit a second-order polynomial model. The coefficients of determination and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to evaluate the goodness of fit of the regression model. The best spray drying conditions within the experimental ranges for minimum powder moisture content, water activity, loose bulk density, tapped bulk density,colour (L*, a* b*)and pH varies from 4.32%, 0.200, 0.371, (91.99, -0.523, 11.65 ) and 6.32, respectively with the optimised conditions of inlet air temperature, feed flow rate and slurry concentration of 150, 11 rpm and 19%, respectively. The desirability of optimised condition is about 0.619 with Design Expert- 12.0.3.0