The experiments were carried out during the period from September to January in consecutive years 2013, 2014 and 2015 at JVR, Horticulture Research Station, Malyal, Mahaboobabad (Dist). The primary objective is to determine optimum dosage of nutrients and irrigation through drip method in tomato for higher yields. Nine treatments with combination of different irrigation and fertigation levels were studied. The results of this study revealed that during three years of research the level 90 % RDF of N and K along with 10000 lit/acre/day (T8) gave significantly higher yields in comparison with other treatments. So, it can be concluded that the drip irrigation with 10000 lit/acre/day with fertigation 90% RDF of N and k (T8) increase yield of tomato by enhancing the water and fertilizer use efficiency.

Krishi Vigyan Kendra Lakhimpur Kheri has conducted Front line demonstration at 39.2hectare area during 2015-17 with an objective to control soil borne pests by integrated approach i.e., soil application of Trichoderma harzianum @ 2.5 kg/ha and chloropyriphos, it has been found that increase in yield 19.5% (631 q/ha) as compared to existing farmer's existing yield (528 q/ha). The farmers have also realised a net return of Rs. 124858/ha with B:C ratio of 2.7 as compared to existing farmer's practice. The cultivation of sugarcane crop has also generated employment 258 man days/ household as well as increased income was utilized mainly for education to their children and upliftment of standard of living.

This study was conducted in Sultanpur district purposively selected because in this district there is highest milk production among all the entire district in Faizabad commissionery (U.P.). There are a total number of 69 milk cooperative societies under cooperative milk union Sultanpur district. These cooperative societies will be arranged in descending order according to the total milk collection at each cooperative society. From the list of cooperative societies, 10 milk cooperative societies having highest milk collection will be selected purposely. The list of member dairy farmers will be prepared from the selected milk cooperative society. From the list 10 members dairy farmers from each of the selected society would be selected randomly. So 100 members dairy farmers and non member dairy farmers would be identified thus a total of 200 dairy farmers will be the sample size for the study reveals that in case of Member dairy farmers in district Sultanpur dairy farmer, the maximum number of respondents58% were found in (32-62) of age group, like this 15 % literate, 73% other backward caste, 74% nuclear family, 62% medium family size (5-11 members), 93% marginal land holding size (less than 1 ha.), 36% agriculture occupation, 63% low categories annual income (up to 87165 Rs), 33% pucca houses, 72% in middle categories overall material possession (13 to 37 equipment), respectively. Likewise, in case of non member of dairy farmers, the majority of the respondents 59% were found in (32-61) of age group, like this 14 % literate, 65% other backward caste, 69% nuclear family, 79% medium family size (5-11 members), 98% marginal land holding size (less than 1 ha.), 37% agriculture occupation, 56% low categories annual income (up to 87165 Rs), 40% pucca houses, 62% in middle categories overall material possession (13 to 37 equipment), respectively.

In India it is observed that more than 90% of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is disposed on land without taking any specific precautions. Methane emission from landfills amount to 6 to 20% of total methane emission from the anthropogenic sources. It is highly imperative to assess the landfill methane (CH4) emission from such sources. Application of models for inventorying and replicating the methane emission to the wide area is crucial and critical for determination of the management practices required to be followed to mitigate global warming. Different models viz., IPCC, Theoretical First Order Decay model (FOD) and USEPA regression models were available for assessment. Out of the available quantification techniques, the model two and three need extensive data on number, size and quantity of waste deposited in landfills of respective areas. The Chennai population according to 2011 census was recorded as 4.68 million, from this source, the total amount of MSW generated is 2738 tonnes per day, out of this only 1826 tonnes per day reaches landfill sites. Based on IPCC model, the Methane generated in Chennai region is estimated as 0.010 Tg/yr and is having a perfect agreement with seasonal integration flux. The required information not enough in available in India for fitting parameters in FOD and USEPA regression models. The scope for the IPCC model used here for Chennai region may be extrapolated extensively to the other areas.

A study was carried out in the district (two taluks) of Erode of Tamil Nadu; India to ascertain the variety of pesticides was used in the Paddy (Oryza sativa L.) ecosystem. One representing the IPM adopter and other representing non-IPM adopter were randomly selected from each taluk. The awareness about the IPM farm practices was very less in non-IPM farmers compared to IPM paddy growers. Important precautions like using masks and gloves were followed either by very few farmers. Use of carbofuran was 1.598 kg/ha in IPM and 3.131kg ha-1 in Non-IPM paddy growing sample farms. The highly hazardous chemical like phorate was used only in Non-IPM paddy at the rate of 2.5 kg ha-1. The net return per ha was ₹.9815.62 in IPM and ₹.6617.15 in non-IPM paddy farms. Average cost of pesticides in IPM paddy was only ₹.212.42 and it was ₹.769.48 ha-1 in Non-IPM paddy. Eco-friendly bio control agents like Bacillus thuringiensis and Azardirctin were applied only in IPM paddy growing sample farms. The number of pesticides used and the application rate were less in IPM paddy compared to Non-IPM paddy. The Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) value of usage of chemicals in IPM paddy was less at 28.40 compared to Non-IPM paddy at 40.26. Most common health problems due to the use of pesticides reported by the sample respondents, were tiredness (58.33 %) followed by head ache (45.00 %). Allergic dermatitis and body pain were reported by 31.67 and 21.67 % of the sample farmers, respectively. Constraints in IPM adoption in paddy cultivation was high wage labour, non-availability of labour, lack of IPM inputs such as; Azospirlillum, Tricoderma sp., In Non -IPM paddy sample growers expressed lack of confidence in IPM measures.

A field experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replications comprising different treatment combinations i.e., control, 50%, 75% and 100% RDF, 50% RDF + FYM (5 t ha-1), 75% RDF + FYM (5 t ha-1), 100% RDF + FYM (5 t ha-1), 50% RDF + FYM (5 t ha-1) + Azotobacter + PSB, 75% RDF + FYM (5 t ha-1) + Azotobacter + PSB and 100% RDF + FYM (5 t ha-1) + Azotobacter + PSB. Incorporation of 75% RDF + 5 t FYM ha-1 + Azotobacter + PSB in wheat, significantly increased all the growth and yield attributes and yield of wheat over control and other treatments but remained statistically at par with 100% RDF + 5t FYM ha-1 + Azotobacter + PSB. Fertilizers (i.e., 0, 50% and 75% RDF) mainly 75% RDF to pearl millet also significantly increased the yield attributes and yield of pearl millet. It was revealed that different nutrient management treatments applied in wheat and pearl millet gave significant effect on wheat-pearl millet cropping system.

Estimation of genetic parameters form the basis for selection criteria and has crucial role in the improvement in yield. The research was conducted in Rabi 2016-17 at the Field Experimentation Centre of Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding comprising 30 genotypes of wheat with three replications in randomized block design to study genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance. Analysis of variance exhibited significant differences among 30 genotypes for the characters studied. The values of PCV were higher than those of GCV indicating apparent variation not only due to genotypes but also due to the influence of environment. The highest value of GCV and PCV was recorded for biological yield. High heritability associated with high genetic advance was observed for plant height determining additive gene action in the expression of these traits. Therefore, these traits can be improved by mass selection based on progeny testing.

Present study was designed to analyze in vitro cytotoxicity of different concentrations of Nitrogen dope Graphene Oxide Hydroxyapatite nanocomposites (N2-GO-HA NC) in caprine WJ-MSCs and blood cells. Caprine WJ-MSCs were isolated cultured, characterized and propagated for evaluating nanotoxicity by studying cell morphology, cell viability, growth kinetic, PDT, MTT, hemolysis and CBC assays. Caprine WJ-MSCs after 24 hrs, 48 hrs and 72 hrs exposure with 100 and 50 µg/ml of N2-GO-HA NC showed significant decrease in viable cell number and alterations in cell morphology whereas with 25 and 10 µg/ml of N2-GO-HA NC no significant alteration in cell morphology but significant (P<0.01) increased in cell viability was observed. Similar trend was observed in cell growth kinetics study where significant (P<0.05) decrease in cell growth with increased PDT is estimated in 100 and 50 µg/ml however exposure to 25 and 10 µg/ml doses resulted in significant (P<0.05) increase in growth of caprine WJ-MSCs as compared to control group. MTT assay in caprine WJ-MSCs exposed to 100 and 50 µg/ml of N2-GO-HA NC also revealed significant (P<0.01) decrease in cell number as compared to 25, 10 and 0 µg/ml doses. Hemolysis assay pointed out significant (P<0.01) hemolysis in caprine RBCs exposed to 100 µg/ml dose as compared with 50, 25, 10 and 0 µg/ml doses of N2-GO-HA NC. However, RBCs, WBCs and platelets count were altered non-significantly in 100, 50, 25 and 10µg/ml doses of N2-GO-HA NC as compared to control. The report concludes that higher doses (100 and 50 µg/ml) of N2-GO-HA induce significant toxicity to Caprine WJ-MSCs as well as blood cells (100 µg/ml), however at lower doses (25 and 10 µg/ml) slight growth enhancing effects were observed

The present study was undertaken to explore the haematological and biochemical changes due to feeding oak leaves (Quercus leucotricophora) having 3.35% condensed tannin and the comparative effect of oak (Quercus leucotricophora) leaves with or without polyethylene glycol (PEG) in goats infected with Haemonchous contortus for its anthelmintic property. Twenty four local male goats of about 6-7 months of age were randomly divided into three homogenous groups (T1, T2 and T3) of eight animals each. Further, each group was subdivided in to 2 sub groups of 4 animals each and one sub group in each group was treated with synthetic anthelmintic (Ivermectin @ 200µg/kg body wt.) (TA+). Experimental feeding was similar in the three groups except for the roughage source, which was local green grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) in T1A- and T1A+, oak leaves (Q. leucotricophora) in T2A- and T2A+ and oak leaves supplemented with PEG in group T3A- and T3A+, respectively. Concentrate and roughage ratio was maintained 30:70. DM intake (g d-1) through roughage, total DM intake and organic matter intake in oak leaves fed groups (T2A-, T2A+, T3A- and T3A+) were higher (P<0.05) than the grass fed groups (T1A-, T1A+). Average daily gain (ADG; g d-1) was lower (P<0.01) in grass fed control (T1A-) than oak leaves fed groups with or without PEG supplementation and anthelmintic treatment. Mean Hb (g dl-1) and PCV (%) levels were higher (P<0.05) in oak fed goats than in grass leaves fed groups. The BUN (mg dl-1) was lower (P<0.05) in oak leaves fed groups while increased with PEG supplementation and highest in grass fed group (T1A-). It was concluded that feeding of oak leaves improved the haematological parameters, blood glucose, serum proteins and maintains the BUN as well as liver enzymes level in the body. Their by it enhances the growth performance of parasitic infected goats showing anthelmintic property without any adverse effect in the animal health and performance.

In the present study, ten parents were crossed in half diallel fashion to evaluate, 45 F1, hybrids and 45 F2 cross combinations for assessment of heterosis and inbreeding depression for yield and its associated traits using Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Highly significant differences were observed among the F1 and F2 for eight characters. The crosses CIMMYT (K-13)*TSK-44, TSK-44*TSK-10 and TSK-27*TSK-109 were exhibited higher heterosis over economic parents AZAD UTTAM along with considerable inbreeding depression indicating that this cross could be suitable for exploitation of hybrid vigour for grain yield per plant. Six out of nine significance heterosis with comparatively higher magnitude of heterosis, viz., CIMMYT (K-13)*TSK-44, TSK-44*TSK-10, TSK-27*TSK-109, TSK-109*TSK-110, TSK-110*TSK-99 and TSK-109*TSK-99 also exhibited high SCA effect along with deterioration in their performance in F2 generation for most of the crosses. Negative estimates of heterotic effects were observed in some traits may be attributed to inter-allelic interactions.

Evaluation of efficacy of insecticide mixtures against the leaf eating caterpillar, Spodoptera litura was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during 2017. The result revealed that no larva was recorded in the treatments lambda cyhalothrin 4.6 % + chlorantraniliprole 9.3 % ZC @ 0.50 mL L-1 and chlorantraniliprole 8.8 % + thiamethoxam 17.5 % SC @ 0.30 mL L-1 and flubendiamide 19.92 % + thiacloprid 19.92 % SC @ 0.50 mL L-1 treated plants after 5 days of spraying. Then from 7 seven days after spraying no larvae was recorded in the treatments lambda cyhalothrin 4.6 % + chlorantraniliprole 9.3 % ZC @ 0.50 mL L-1 and chlorantraniliprole 8.8 % + thiamethoxam 17.5 % SC @ 0.30 mL L-1 only and larval population was increased in flubendiamide 19.92 % + thiacloprid 19.92 % SC @ 0.50 mL L-1. The existing management practices with single insecticides are meagre to meet the demand. Hence the present findings of the experiment concluded that the use of ready-mix formulations lambda cyhalothrin 4.6 % + chlorantraniliprole 9.3 % ZC @ 0.50 mL L-1 and chlorantraniliprole 8.8 % + thiamethoxam 17.5 % SC @ 0.30 mL L-1 were found to be superior in managing the larval population of S.litura in cowpea.

The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) was approved by the Union Cabinet of India on March 20, 2015 and was then launched on July 15, 2015. The Scheme has detailed guidelines for selection, functioning, infrastructure requirements, financial dealings, and course provision for Training Centres and Training Partners. But, the entire Scheme lacks any guidelines and directions on the training pedagogy, except for a certification for the trainer from Sector Skills Council of India and training structures. This paper is an attempt to design a conceptual model for the better functioning and efficient outcomes of this campaign. The model focuses on the factors affecting motivation to learn and the ultimate training effectiveness.

Article retracted: As per corresponding author email request, Article is retracted from publication process

India is the homeland of spices since ancient times. It is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices, with 48 percent share by volume and 43 percent share by value, in the world. India’s contribution in world cumin production is about 70 percent followed by countries as Syria with 12 percent, Iran with 8 percent, Turkey with 6 percent. India’s major export destinations for cumin are Vietnam, USA, UAE, UK, Malaysia, Brazil, Egypt, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Gujarat and Rajasthan are the leading states contributing more than 98 percent in cumin production. In Gujarat, Surendranagar, Banaskantha and Patan are three dominating districts in cumin production accounting for around 72 percent of total production in the state. The study was conducted to work out the resource allocation, cost of cultivation and net income from cumin production in Banaskantha district of Gujarat. In order to justify the objectives of the study, a multistage sampling technique was employed, wherein; in the first stage; two talukas viz., Tharad and Vav dominating in cumin cultivation were purposively selected. Further, at the next stage, four villages from each taluka and fifteen farmers from each village were selected randomly; thus total 120 farmers were interviewed for the study. It was observed that the average total cost of cultivation per hectare of cumin was Rs.59320 and the average yield per hectare was 1253 kg. Further, the gross and net income per hectare was observed as Rs.111517 per hectare and Rs.62731 respectively per hectare for the year 2014-2015 on the sampled farms. The cost of cultivation of cumin was higher in case of small farmers as compared to medium and large farmers. However, gross and net income increased with increase in the size of the farms. The value of output elasticity ranged from 0.0469 with respect to human labour to 0.3062 for cost of manure. Further, the value of co-efficient of multiple determinations (R2) was 0.8701 indicating that about 87 percent of the total variation in the gross income from cumin cultivation was explained by the independent variables included in the production function. As regards of MVP-FC ratio, it was found less than one in case of human labour. This indicated excessive utilization of this input and gross returns can be increased by reducing it.

To know the genetic variability, genetic divergence, the relationship between traits and path coefficient analysis of characters in Indian oregano accessions (Origanum vulgare L.). A total of fourteen Indian oregano accessions characterized for agro-morphological traits and chemical constituents of oil. Significant genetic variability noticed among the fourteen oregano accessions. The highest genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV)and phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) observed for herb yield (63.52, 64.22) respectively. Highest genetic advance(199.39) observed for herb yield. By D2 values, all the fourteen oregano accessions grouped into two diverse clusters. The Cluster I was the largest group that comprised of ten oregano accessions. Maximum intracluster distance observed in cluster II (10344.76) and the minimum in cluster I (5720.50). A significant chemical variability also noticed among the fourteen oregano accessions. The genotypic correlation coefficient among the traits revealed that plant height significantly positively correlated with canopy diameter (0.80**) and internodal length (0.83**). Canopy diameter significantly positively correlated with herb yield plant- (0.72 **). The path coefficient analysis revealed that internode length (0.70) has a highest positive direct effect on oil yield.

The present study was carried out to determine the effect of dietary organic acids mixture supplementation on serum parameters in laying hens. A total 24 week old 140 white leghorn laying hens which were randomly distributed to seven dietary treatment groups, each containing 20 hens. The hens were fed(18% CP% and 2697 Kcal KgG1 ME) i.e., Supplemented with T1 (0 % control), T2 (0.5% sodium-butyrate), T3 (1.0% sodium-butyrate), T4 (1.5% sodium-butyrate), T5 (0.5% calcium-propionate), T6 (1.0% calcium-propionate) and T7 (1.5% calcium-propionate). Serum parameters (Total proteins, albumin, globulin, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus) were significantly (P<0.05) increased and cholesterol level in serum was significantly (P<0.05) reduced by supplementing the diets with salts of organic acids.

Socio-economic status (SES) is a combined measurement of economic and social position of an entity compared to others in society. Present study tried to investigate SES of onion farmers. For this study, the State of Maharashtra was selected purposively. Out of 36 districts of Maharashtra, Nashik district was selected purposively for the study. From each selected village, 10 percent respondents were selected randomly thus making a sample of 131 respondents for the study. Eight variable viz. education, family size, family type, occupation, age, landholdings, farming experience and annual income were selected to assess the SES. Data was collected through a structured interview schedule by personal interview method. The study showed that majority of the respondents were literate at high school level (29.77 %), medium family size (56.49%), belonged to nuclear family type (61.83 %), agriculture as main occupation (40.46 %), belonged to middle age (57.25%), small landholdings (44.27%), medium farming experience (67.18%) and medium annual income (79.39%).

The study was conducted to investigate the socio economic characteristics of selected pulses farmers in Mahabubnagar district of Telangana State. The State of Telangana was selected purposively for the study as the investigator hails from the state. Out of 31 districts of Telangana State, Mahabubnagar district was selected purposively for the study. In this district, the blocks recorded highest area was selected. In each block two villages with highest area under cultivation of particular crop were selected. The sample frame work incudes selection of three crops, three blocks and six villages purposively. From each selected village, 20 respondents were selected randomly thus making a sample of 120 respondents for the study. The average age, education and experience of the sample farmers was 54.17, 84.17 and 52.5 percent respectively, agriculture as their primary occupation 65.83 percent, had small farm size 26.67 percent, medium annual income 55 percent, had contact with extension agencies 64.17 percent and medium family size 49.17 percent .

The field experiment was carried out during three consecutive kharif seasons of 2014, 2015 and 2016 at Pulses research station, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, to study the effect of different weed management practice on growth and yield of mungbean. Significantly the higher seed yield of 694, 1388 and 886 kg/ha was recorded with treatment T8 (Two mannual weeding at 20 and 35-40 DAS) during the year 2015, 2016 and in pooled results, respectively. However T8 remains at par with treatments T7, T3 and T6 in pooled analysis. Maximum net returns of Rs. 32750 per hectare and B: C ratio of 1.94 was incurred in treatment T8 (Two mannual weeding at 20 and 35-40 DAS) followed by T2 and T7 with B: C ratio of 1.69 and 1.68 per hectare, respectively.

The present study was undertaken to study haematological and serum enzyme status of neonatal Hamshire piglets in first week of postnatal life. Eight numbers of apparently healthy Hampshire piglets, irrespective of sex were utilized. They were divided into two age groups of 0 day and 7 days, consisting of four animals in each group. One millilitre (1.0 mL) of blood was sampled from the anterior vena cava (vena cava cranialis) into sterile vacutaner beakers with disodium salt ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) as an anticoagulant for hematological analysis. Three millilitres (3.0 mL) of blood was sampled from the anterior vena cava. The WBC, neutrophil and haemoglobin counts were significantly lower (P<0.05) in 7 day old piglets. However, monocyte, basophil, MCHC and THR counts were significantly higher (P<0.05) in 7 day old piglets. The average RBC count was significantly lower (P<0.01) in 7 day old piglets. The lymphocyte, MCV and HCt counts were significantly higher (P<0.01) in 7 day old piglets. The SGPT and SGOT levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher in 7 day old piglets as compared to 0 day old piglets. Data generated may be of use to monitor the health of neonatal piglets.

The economy of Himachal Pradesh is predominantly agricultural and majority of its population is dependent on this sector. However, the farmers are facing the crop damage problems due to the crop raiding by wild animals. The study has mainly intended to study the nature and extent of crop damage by wild animals. The study has also highlighted the types of animals involved in crop damage and it has even reviewed the existing government policies and have extended the suggestive remarks on the policy issues. Study evidently noted that the sudden increase of the population of wild boar has substantially increased the crop damage in the state. Since, wild boar observed to be the most problematic animal for the farmers in regard to crop damage. Study has highlighted the farmers’ suggestions that fencing should be done across the boundaries of the fields so that the wild animals find it difficult to venture in it and cause damage, moreover, festivals like ‘Van Mahotsav’ should be celebrated at regular intervals so as to celebrate nature and natural things which will eventually create a harmony between farmers and wild animals.

The present study was conducted on 50 working and 50 non- working women. Interview schedule and modified extended satisfaction with life scale (1996) was used. The results revealed that there was significant difference among age levels with regard to role satisfaction of working and non-working women and there was no significant difference among education, monthly income of family, occupation of spouse, length of service, number of children and working hours with regard to role satisfaction of working and non-working women.

In the present investigation entitled Determination of suitable cutting size for rooting of pear cv. Patharnakh conducted at the nursery of Department of Horticulture, Khalsa College, Amritsar during 2017-2018 an attempt was made to propagate the pear cv. Patharnakh through stem cuttings without any rooting hormonal treatments. The cuttings were selected with three different lengths, viz. 20 cm (L1), 30 cm ( L2), 40 cm ( L3), and 50 cm ( L4) and three types (T1) apical, (T2) sub-apical and (T3) basal. The cuttings were planted in the nursery and observed for days to first sprouting, sprouting and survival percentage, rooting percentage, number of roots, and their fresh and dry weight on 90 days after planting. It is clear from the results that the treatment T3 and L4 proved to be the best in terms of minimum days to first sprouting (25.33), maximum sprouting percentage (61.66%), survival percentage (87.67%), rooting percentage (86.66%), number of roots per cutting (5.00), root length (10.50 cm), maximum fresh weight (0.69 g) and dry weight (0.55g) respectively .

The present study was carried out at Alwar district of Rajasthan during 2016-17. Carrot is one of the most important vegetable crops of the country. The development of the agriculture is primarily depends on the application of the scientific technologies by making the best use of available resources. One of the major constraints of traditional carrot farming is low productivity because of non-adoption of advanced technologies. Front Line Demonstrations are being conducted at various farmers’ field, to increase the production, productivity and quality of agricultural produce; All the recommended practices were provided to the selected farmers. The data related to the cost of cultivation, production, productivity, gross return & net return were collected as per schedule and analyzed. Result of the present study revealed that the high yielding variety of carrot Pusa Rudhira recorded the higher yield (280.74 q ha-1) as compared to local check (228.36 q ha-1) traditionally grown by the farmers. The percentage increase in the yield over local check 22.94 was recorded. The technology gaps in terms of productivity (52.38 q ha-1.) were computed. The technology index values 14.93% was recorded. The result of experiment indicated that the gap existed in the potential yield and demonstration yield is due to soil fertility and weather conditions. By conducting front line demonstration (FLDs) of proven technologies, yield of carrot can be increased substantially. This will incurred increased the income as well as the livelihood of the farming community.

This paper presents the trend in the annual rainfall and its distribution over Parambikulam Aliyar basin of Tamil Nadu determined using 30 years (1988-2008) monthly rainfall data at 28 rain-gauge stations. The trend analysis was done by using Mann-Kendall test. The results indicated increasing trends in annual rainfall. The mean Precipitation Concentration Index of Valaiyar sub basin and Palar sub basin indicates strongly irregular monthly distribution of annual rainfall. The mean Precipitation Concentration Index of Aliyar sub basin and Sholaiyar sub basin indicates irrugular monthly distribution of annual rainfall. The temporal pattern of rainfall trends analyzed in this study is a basic and important requirement for agricultural planning and management of water resources.

Two experiment was carried out at the Adisaptagram Block Seed Farm, Department of Agriculture, Govt. of West Bengal during rabi season from the month of November, 2007 to March, 2008. Eight potato germplasms were taken for resistance or tolerance to insects population and their management under field condition with randomized block design. Kufrichandramukhi, Kufrijyoti, Atlantika and Kufripukhraj were highly infested by both aphids and white fly .

Communication and Psychological profile of central office employees of Banaras Hindu University was conducted at central office of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP. The sample consisted of 208 section officer, senior assistant, senior clerk and junior clerk from all four cells and four offices which were selected through method of whole enumeration using a well-structured questionnaire and ex-post facto research design was used. Majority of the respondents had average need for achievement with 68.657 percent followed by 19.90 percent of employees, moderately motivated for achievement. Majority of respondents had medium level of aspiration with 70.192 percent followed by 21.635 and 8.173 percent of respondents with low and high levels of aspiration. Majority of the respondents in the selected organization had medium level of mass media exposure with 77.884% of total population. 39.423 percent of total respondents in the organization had high level of interpersonal communication followed by 37.019 and 23.558 percent of respondents with low level and medium level of interpersonal communication respectively. These results showed an average communication exposure, aspiration levels and achievement motivation among the employees.

The needle blights are prevalent in almost all the pine growing regions of the world. Diplodia pinea was frequently isolated pathogen from blightened blue pine needles in Kashmir valley. The perpetuation studies of the pathogen was carried out on intact as well as on fallen diseased pine needles kept at three depths beneath humus. The studies on the production and viability of D. pinea on intact blightened needles as well as on fallen needles, kept at three soil depths (i.e. 0, 5 and 10 cm), revealed the presence of asexual state throughout the storage period. During the whole course of study, teleomorphic state was not observed.

Twenty seven parents of Gossypium hirsutum cotton were used as female parent (13 cultivars + 7 indigenous collections +7 exotic collection) and 13 recombinant inbred lines of cross SA977 x SA112 are possessing high ginning outturn percent (GOT%) ≥ 40 were used as male to attempt crosses during 2013-14 Kharif crop season. 178 F1 hybrids obtained were evaluated in 2014-15 crop season for the traits, seed cotton yield (Kg/ha), boll no/plant, boll weight (g), GOT%, the number of monopod and sympod. As many as 133 hybrids gave positive heterosis over male parent for seed cotton yield trait. For GOT% 15 hybrids gave heterosis higher than high GOT% male parents, for boll no/plant positive heterosis was obtained for eight and two hybrids over the best female and male parent, respectively. Nine and 27 hybrids exhibited positive heterosis over the best female and male parent for the trait boll weight.

A high yielding clone CHES Selection, of black pepper was evaluated with 10 released varieties for 13 years at CHES (Central Horticultural Experimental Station), Chettalli and KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra), Gonikoppal. The comparative performance of this selection revealed that the yield of green berries of 13 year old vine was higher (9.97 kg/vine) than the leading variety of Coorg region i.e., Panniyur -1 (6.71 kg/vine). This clone produced higher yield than all other varieties evaluated. The average spike length was 14.68 cm which was higher than other varieties. The number of berries per spike (93.93), weight of berries (5.45g/100) and percent recovery (37.22 %) were also higher in the CHES selection than other varieties. This selection was also found superior than the leading variety Panniyur -1 in an observation trial at KVK, Gonikoppal. On this basis this line was identified and named as Arka Coorg Excel (IC599082) and recommended for the cultivation in the Coorg region of Karnataka.

The present experiment was conducted by using 90 day-old broiler chicks for a period of six weeks to study the effect of water quality on the performance of broilers. The broilers were divided into two groups with 45 birds each, one group provided with filtered drinking water (T1) and the other group provided with raw drinking water (T0). The average daily feed consumption for T0 and T1 groups (150.14±4.09 and 142.20±2.41 gm/day) showed significant difference (p<0.01) at 5th week with higher feed consumption rate in T0 group. The average daily water consumption of T0 and T1 groups had no significant differences. The average weekly body weight of birds in T0 and T1 groups were observed to be significantly different (p<0.05) during 2nd (310.76±0.31 gm and 315.51±2.84 gm respectively) and 6th week (2011.89±28.00 gm and 2057.64±13.13 gm respectively) and (p<0.01) during 3rd, 4th and 5th week. The mortality (%) of experimental birds were found to be 4.44 and 2.22 in T0 and T1 groups respectively.Data generated may be helpful to improve the managemental aspects of broiler farming .

The research study was conducted in Dharwad district during 2013-14, with a sample size of 120, farmers were randomly selected from three taluks viz., Hubli, Dharwad and Kalagatagi. The results revealed that 45 per cent of the rose growers were found in medium adoption category, followed by low adoption (28.33%) and high adoption category (26.66%). Further, maximum of the rose growers had adopted the practices namely recommended variety, suitable time of planting, suitable time and stage of harvest. The characteristics such as education, mass media exposure, extension contact, were positive and significant relationship with adoption at 1% and scientific orientation, age were negative and significant relation with adoption. The variables such as annual family income family size and land holding were not significantly related with adoption of rose growers.

A field experiment was conducted on cotton (F-846) with two sowing dates (April 26 and May 20) in main plot and combinations of two orientations (66.5cm x 30cm and 100cm x 20cm) and two methods of planting cum irrigation application (ridge-furrow and flat) in sub-plot during kharif 2000 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The ancillary and yield parameters were compared with the simulated output of COTTAM model for validation. The COTTAM model underestimated the maximum LAI by 2 to 8 percent under April 26 sowing and overestimated by 8 to 12 percent under May 20 sowing. The model estimated number of open bolls per plant within 69 to 86 percent of field observed values. The model predicted maximum boll size very close (97 to 100 percent) to that of field observed maximum boll size under all treatments. The model simulated seed cotton and lint yield within 100 to 121 percent of the actual seed cotton and lint yield observed in the field. The COTTAM model showed 100 percent agreement in predicting the seed cotton yield under May 20 sowing with wider row spacing and ridge-furrow method of planting cum irrigation application under Punjab conditions.

The In order to study the mode of gene action for sheath blight resistance and yield related traits a cross was made. Five populations viz., P1, P2, F1, F2, and F3 were derived from the cross between high yielding susceptible rice variety ‘Swarna sub-1’ and resistant line ‘Tetep’. The sheath blight susceptible high yielding variety Swarna sub-1 showed high disease severity (60.46%) compared with resistant parent Tetep (17.72%) whereas intermediate disease severity was observed in F1 and three segregating populations. Among F1, F2 and F3 population, F1 showed less disease severity (20.09%) than F2 and F3 populations. The Swarna sub-1 recorded higher grain yield per plant compared with Tetep while the F1 yielded more grain yield compared with the donor parent but less than the recurrent parent, but in the two segregating populations (F2 and F3), grain yield per plant were intermediate than non-segregating generations. All the traits related to yield as well as sheath blight resistance were significant in either one of the scales or in combination representing the existence of epistatic interactions between the genes involved. The dominance (h) and dominance × dominance (l) gene effects displayed opposite sign for the traits number of reproductive tillers per plant, plant height, days to maturity, length and breadth ratio after cooking and gel consistency indicating duplicate epistasis while complementary for days to heading, panicle length, weight of panicle, number of spikelets per panicle, test weight, yield per plant, length and breadth ratio before cooking, amylose content and per cent disease severity.

The study was taken up to compare the content broadcasted and good management practices followed in three community radio stations (CRS) operational under state agricultural university (SAU), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and non-government organization (NGO). A sum of 120 listeners and 30 staff members were interviewed. Some of the good management practices of SAU-CRS recorded were: more number of village volunteers, versatile content creation, connecting with sponsoring agencies, knowledge back up by scientists. KVK-CRS practiced a messaging service to give alert to the listeners about important programmes. NGO-CRS maintained 12 members’ content management committee, which comprised rural women and innovative farmers. It has also installed wind mill to generate electricity during power cut. Major programmes aired from the community radios were listed across broadcast timings subjects covered, duration, frequency per week, format of presentation and resource person.

Adolescent girls are the mothers of future generation and they need to be taken care in terms of their balanced nutrition to prevent morbidity and mortality. However, most of the adolescent girls diet are based on stable food with little meal intake which causes iron deficiency. An experimental study was conducted at Arikhana and Nathuvadala villeages of Jamnagar district. The respondents were provided iron supplementary food (roasted Bengal gram, jaggery and amla) to increase hemoglobin level in adolescent girls. Assessment of pretest and posttest (after six month) levels of hemoglobin among the adolescent girls with anaemia. The parameters viz., Age, education, food preference, duration of menstruation, menstrual cycle, Income of the family per annum etc. were recorded. Study shown that in pretest level of hemoglobin 46.67% had normal anaemia, 23.33% had mid anaemia and 30.00% had severe anaemia. After the six months assessment posttest level of hemoglobin revealed that 66.67% had normal anaemia, 23.33% had mild anaemia and 10.00% had moderate anaemia. Iron supplementation daily consecutive six months decrease the prevalence of anaemia in teenage girls as much as 20 per cent with an increased hemoglobin level 0.5 to 2.0 g/dl. Statistically, showed that the iron supplementation had a significant impact on the reduction of anaemia incidence in teenage girls. It also represents that the mean hemoglobin level was found pre and post 11.80 + 1.47 and 12.42 + 0.91 gm/dl, respectively.

A field experiment on “Integrated weed management with low volume herbicides on growth and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata)” was undertaken during kharif, 2013-14 at Post Graduate Institute Instructional Farm, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Dist. Ahmednagar (Maharashtra). The various growth contributing characters viz., plant height, number of leaves, leaf area of plant and dry matter production plant-1 were significantly higher with treatment weed free check which were at par with PE application Sulfosulfuron + imazethapyr (@ 15+25 g a.i. ha-1) with one HW at 40 DAS. The yield contributing characters viz., number of cobs plant-1, length of cob, diameter of cob with husk and without husk, were recorded significantly higher with treatment weed free check being at par with PE application of sulfosulfuron + imazethapyr (@ 15+25 g a.i. ha-1) with one HW at 40 DAS. The green cob and green fodder yields were significantly higher in treatment weed free check which was at par with PE application of Sulfosulfuron + Imazethapyr (@ 15+25 g a.i. ha-1) with one HW at 40 (T6) followed by treatment PE application of Sulfosulfuron + Imazethapyr (@ 15+25 g a.i. ha-1) (T3). Weed free check recorded cent per cent and significantly higher weed control efficiency and minimum weed index than rest of the treatments. Among the herbicidal weed management treatments, treatment PE application of Sulfosulfuron + Imazethapyr (@ 15 + 25 g a.i. ha-1) with one HW at 40 DAS (T6) registered significantly higher weed control efficiency over other treatments at all the stages of observations.

The workers involved in the Handloom Sector face a lot of problems like low socio-economic status; improper wages and profits; improper workstation and work environment design; health and safety issues; ergonomic and musculo-skeletal issues; mental, physical and psychological strain etc. This study was taken up to explore the occupational health issues and work environment of the handloom weavers. The results showed that the respondents had suffered from different occupational health issues like decrease in eye sight, dust allergies, lung problems and pain in knees, legs, hands and shoulders. Lack of proper lighting, space and ventilation in the work area caused extra stress on the respondents while working, but they were unable to identify that issue. Modification of the work environment and the loom design depending on the needs of the weavers may be helpful in reducing the health issues and work stress.

Rainwater conservation have favorable impact on moisture condition and consequently on crop productivity. For pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan), the importance of moisture conservation remains high. A field investigation was carried out at All India Co-ordinate Research Project (AICRP), for Dry Land Agricultural Farm, for pigeonpea crop during kharif season of 2013 to find out the response of different in-situ rainwater conservation practices on crop productivity. The different moisture conservation treatments imposed were : sowing of pigeonpea crop along the slope (control) (T1), sowing of pigeonpea crop across the slope (T2), opening of furrow after two rows across the slope (T3), opening of furrow after three rows across the slope (T4), opening of furrow after four rows across the slope (T5), opening of furrow after five rows across the slope (T6), opening of furrow after six rows across the slope (T7). All the conservation treatments were effective in increasing soil moisture level over control, but treatment T3 proved to be the best. Further treatment T3 helped to promote the productivity of pigeonpea as evident in significantly higher yield of 3580.5 kg/ha. Significantly higher consumptive use (724.45) and water use efficiency (4.95kg/ha-mm) were also observed with T3.In-situ rainwater conservation practices found promising for successful cultivation of pigeon pea.

In order to study the mode of gene action for sheath blight resistance and yield related traits a cross was made. Five populations viz., P1, P2, F1, F2, and F3 were derived from the cross between high yielding susceptible rice variety ‘Swarna sub-1’ and resistant line ‘Tetep’. The sheath blight susceptible high yielding variety Swarna sub-1 showed high disease severity (60.46%) compared with resistant parent Tetep (17.72%) whereas intermediate disease severity was observed in F1 and three segregating populations. Among F1, F2 and F3 population, F1 showed less disease severity (20.09%) than F2 and F3 populations. The Swarna sub-1 recorded higher grain yield per plant compared with Tetep while the F1 yielded more grain yield compared with the donor parent but less than the recurrent parent, but in the two segregating populations (F2 and F3), grain yield per plant were intermediate than non-segregating generations. All the traits related to yield as well as sheath blight resistance were significant in either one of the scales or in combination representing the existence of epistatic interactions between the genes involved. The dominance (h) and dominance × dominance (l) gene effects displayed opposite sign for the traits number of reproductive tillers per plant, plant height, days to maturity, length and breadth ratio after cooking and gel consistency indicating duplicate epistasis while complementary for days to heading, panicle length, weight of panicle, number of spikelets per panicle, test weight, yield per plant, length and breadth ratio before cooking, amylose content and per cent disease severity.