The present investigation was carried out at Thirumaraiyur village, Sattankulam taluk, Thoothukudi district to study the effect of organic amendments with recommended dose of fertilizers on growth and yield of watermelon in Theri soil (red sand dunes) during the year 2017 and 2018. In all there were three factors as organic amendments with 6 treatment combinations for each factor, which were assigned at random in each plot with three replications. The recommended dose of fertilizers in treatments were two levels as 75 and 100 per cent. Among the three factors, the tank silt application @ 100 t ha-1 with 100 per cent recommended fertilizer as 200:100:100 kg of NPK ha-1 through fertigation at 7 days interval (T5) produced maximum number of branches (10.7), longest vine (362 cm), number of fruits plant-1 (2.56), weight of fruit (5.3 kg), fruit yield (68.22 t ha-1), gross return ( 4,09,320/ha), B:C ratio (2.45), uptake of NPK 41.64, 3.68 and 31.93 kg ha-1, respectively) compared to other treatments. Significant built up of organic carbon (0.66%), available N (253.2 kg ha-1), P (16.2 kg ha-1) and K (218.5 kg ha-1) were registered with the application of tank silt application @ 100 t ha-1 with 100 per cent recommended fertilizer as 200:100:100 kg of NPK ha-1 through fertigation at 7 days interval.

Crop water requirement is the amount of water used by a crop for growth and development. Crop water use can be determined on a daily, weekly or growing season basis. The objective of this study was to determine the crop water requirement, to develop irrigation schedule for capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) under shade net house and insect net house and to find out best suitable protected structure type by comparing both of these structures on the basis of water saving and yield obtained. The field study was conducted at plasticulture farm of Soil and Water Engineering, C.T.A.E., Udaipur. The duration of crop was 168 days from January to July. Both of these structures were of same size 64 m2 (16×4 mm) area. Shade net house was fully covered with 75% shade net, and insect net hose is fully covered with 40 mesh insect net. All the treatment including irrigation kept identical for both the structures during the crop period. Amount of irrigation was supplied based on the estimation by FAO 56 method using last 5 year i.e., 2008 to 2012, climatic data, collected from metrological observatory CTAE Udaipur. It was found 800.84 mm or 51254.31 L during entire crop period. Gravity fed drip irrigation method was adopted to minimize the overall cost of the technology. A 1000 L tank was kept at a height on 1.5 m bamboo stand for getting required pressure and uniformity of irrigation. For the convenience of measurement, total irrigation was done in 51 instalments i.e. 1000 L each time. Crop evapotranspiration was determined by soil moisture balance method. It was estimated as 527.04 mm in shade net house and 638.81 mm in insect net house. The crop water requirement for outside condition was calculated by FAO 56 method. On the basis of estimated water requirements inside both structures, an irrigation schedule is suggested for each structure and outside condition. It was found that shade net house minimized crop evapotranspiration by 33.43 % as compared to outside crop evapotranspiration.

The present investigation was carried out during the year 2009, to find out the satisfaction of farmers about Kisan Credit Card. The small size of an area is a major limitation of the study. The results revealed that all the respondents utilized Cooperative Bank for seeking the information about KCC, friends/relatives/neighbours (74.17%), T.V, (65.83%), Radio (65.00%) and progressive farmers (63.83%) were some other popular information sources used by them. Majority of them (61.67%) used 5 to 8 sources of information. Most of the respondents (71.67%) had medium level of contact with credit agencies. Majority of the respondents were having medium level of economic motivation (67.50%) and risk orientation (46.67%). Majority of the respondents were satisfied with the low interest rate on credit under KCC (85.33%), reduction in cost of accessing credit (73.00%), credit repayment procedure (69.66%), etc. The overall extent of satisfaction about KCC was recorded at 63 percent among the respondents.

Geo-referenced soil samples were collected from different villages of different blocks of Puri district and analyzed for physico-chemical properties. Total 954 numbers of geo-referenced soil samples were collected and analyzed. The soils pH varied from 4.97 to 7.63, EC content (0.01 to 4.74dS m-1) and organic carbon content (2.70 to 14.80 g kg-1). Further, available nitrogen (108.00 to 388.00 kg N ha-1) and phosphorus content (1.24 to 69.85 kg P ha-1) ranges from low to medium but available potassium ranges from low to high (40.70 to 586.00 kg K ha-1). Available sulphur content ranges from very low to very high (3.18 to 150.00 mgkg-1). Available zinc content ranges from very low to very high (0.25 to 4.89 mg kg-1) and hot water extractable boron content ranges from 0.08 to 1.67 mgkg-1. The fertility database would be very useful for extension functionaries, agriculture officers, NGOs and scientists. Moreover, farmer’s for sustainable crop production in Puri district of coastal Odisha.

Impact of Community Radio Broadcast was studied on different behavioural aspects linked to financial inclusion after in-depth need assessment, programme designing, development and broadcast of 200 episodes on daily basis. The content for the radio programmes on financial inclusion included schemes and products provided by banks, interviews of experts, bank managers, and government officials, success stories of individuals who came out of the clutches of the money lenders after availing credit facilities of the banks, informative talks on the benefits of different kinds of credit cards such as Kisan Credit Cards, general information on borrowing and lending facilities, joint liability groups, and types of bank accounts, detailed programmes on education loan, house building loan, loan for SHGs, special instructive programmes on different bank processes, ways to apply for different benefits, information on limited timely schemes, interest rates, savings and credit habits/facilities, instructive programme on financial crimes such as fraudulent phone calls or insurance schemes, motivational programme, role plays to empower the people through information on basic banking and financial instruments. The study revealed that the radio programmes made a significant impact on the behaviour of the respondents related to financial inclusion which was visible through their significantly enhanced banking activities. The study served as a bridge between the community and the banks in informing and empowering the community on issues related to banks and banking and got the community into the mainstream of financial inclusion through its participative methodology.

The field experiment was carried out at Cotton Research Station, Sardarkrushinagar Agricultural University, Talod (Gujarat) for three consecutive years (2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17) to find the Nutrient requirements of newly developed Bt cotton hybrid GTHH 49 BGII. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. Three nitrogen levels viz., N1: 160 kg N/ha, N2: 240 kg N/ha and N3:320 kg N/ha, two Phosphorus levels i.e., P1: 0 kg P2O5/ha & P2: 80 kg P2O5/ha and three potassium levels i.e., K1: 0 kg K2O/ha, K2: 60 kg K2O/ha and 120 kg K2O/ha. The results indicated that significantly higher seed cotton yield (3029 kg/ha), higher gross returns (Rs. 151450 /ha), net returns (Rs. 85628 /ha) and B:C ratio (2.30) was recorded in application of 320 kg N/ha over other nitrogen levels. Application of 120 kg K2O/ha produce significantly higher seed cotton yield (4079 kg), higher gross returns (Rs. 166750/ha), net returns (Rs. 100238 /ha) and B:C ratio (2.50) over other potassium levels. It was also observed that application of phosphorus was found not advantageous to the cotton crop. There is no interaction effect was recorded with nitrogen and potassium on cotton. Application of 320 kg N/ha along with potassium 120 kg/ha in Bt cotton hybrid GTHH-49 BGII gave significantly higher seed cotton yield and maximum net returns.

The coconut palm, Cocos nucifera is a member of the family Arecaceae (palm family). Coconuts are part of the daily diet of many people. Coconuts are different from other fruits because they contain a large quantity of "water" and when immature they are known as tender-nuts or jelly-nuts which may be harvested for drinking. When mature, coconut can be used as seed nuts, which can be extracted or processed into oil from the kernel, charcoal from the hard shell and coir from the fibrous husk. In Karnataka coconut is cultivated in all the 30 districts of the state. It is grown in coastal belt as well as in interior parts. However, Tumkur, Hassan, and Chitradurga and Dakshina Kannada districts are the major districts cultivating coconut, together accounting for over 75 percent of the state’s area. In Karnataka, Tumkur district ranked first in both area (1,10,937 hectares) and production (5474.91 lakh nuts) of coconut. The most important traditional commercial product traded in the country has been the coconut oil. The demand and supply of single coconut product determines the price of raw coconut. Moreover, the market share of coconut oil both in domestic and export market is declining due to tough competition, especially from palm and soybean oil prices. Diversification efforts made by coconut oil industries have yielded limited success. Besides, coconut oil and oil cake, the coconut processing industry traditionally has been confined to copra production, manufacture of desiccated coconut, coir and coir products only. With this background the present study was conducted to know the Marketing channels of Desiccated Coconut Powder and constraints faced by the units. All the entrepreneurs indicated that, they sell their product directly to customers in case of confectionary firms and large bakers. Apart from these two, all other segments of customers are catered through intermediaries. Minor portion of sales comes through commission agents whose rate of commission varies between 0.5 percent to 1 percent depending on the quantity of transaction. Results of Garrett ranking indicate that in all the units limited market for desiccated coconut and inadequate labor supply was ranked first. Market for desiccated coconut has not improved over the years through the industry has a long history in the country.

Plant parasitic nematodes generally have a wide host range. Root knot nematode, Meloidogyne sps. is one of the most notorious parasites of plants which inhabits more than 3000 plants. This parasite considerably hampers the yield losses in different crops. In the present study an experiment has been setup to study the life cycle of commonly occurring species Meloidogyne incognita in sponge gourd, Luffa cylindrica L. as host plant. The life cycle and development of Meloidogyne incognita, was studied in the seedlings of sponge gourd grown in steam sterilized sandy loam soil in 15 cm diameter earthen pots placed in a screen house. Two weeks old sponge gourd seedlings were inoculated with about 1,000 freshly hatched second stage juveniles (J2) of M. incognita. Subsequently on a daily basis, two-three seedlings were randomly uprooted to examine the nematode development. Observations reveal that root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita completes its life cycle from second stage juvenile (J2) to J2 of next generation within 28-30 days at atmospheric temperature ranging between 23°C- 40°C in roots as well as in soil. After searching the suitable feeding young root J2 penetrate the roots perpendicular to vascular system. Active feeding by penetrated J2 lead in second and third moulting as a result sedentary third (J3) and fourth stage juveniles (J4) were produced. J4 very soon changes into saucer shaped female followed by immature pear-shaped female. Immature female gets changed into mature female after 20-22 days of penetration. In next 6-7 days mature females were observed to deposit eggs in gelatinous matrix in their posterior region. After completion the first moulting inside the eggs, second stage juveniles (J2) were found to hatch from egg masses in successive 3-4 days.

Jackfruit, Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamarck, is a fruit tree with multiple uses and potentials. It is said to be attacked by over 35 species of insect pest, but very little work has been done on it. A field survey was carried out to make a general assessment of the insect pest scenario and a field study was done to record the major and other important insect pests and their seasonal activities, at the Research Unit, AICRP on Tropical Fruits, BCKV, Mondouri, West Bengal during April, 2011 to June, 2012. The jackfruit shoot and fruit borer, Diaphania caesalis Walker (Pyralidae: Lepidoptera) was found to be the major pest. Other important insect pests found causing damage were the jackfruit bud weevil, Ochyromera artocarpi Marshall (Curculionidae: Coleoptera), bark eating caterpillars, Indarbela sp. (Metarbelidae: Lepidoptera) and the trunk borer, Batocera rufomaculata De Geer (Cerambycidae: Coleoptera). The study results revealed that Diaphania caesalis remains active and causes damage to jackfruit from October to June. Maximum shoot damage (34.20%) was recorded in January while the least was in May-June. Mean shoot damage was high in the east (40.45%) and south (37.66%) faces of the plant canopy as compared to the north and west canopy faces. Statistical analysis revealed that the activity of Diaphania caesalis had a positive correlation with the maximum relative humidity. Maximum fruit damage (32.96%) was observed during June. The incidence of bud weevil was observed from December to April and damage to young buds was highest (17%) during January while lowest (3%) during April. Bark eating caterpillars were seen infesting (14%) jackfruit trees almost all round the year. Infestation symptoms of the trunk borer, too, was observed in the field almost all round the year. 18% of the trees were infested and out of these, 44.44% were killed.

A field experiments were conducted during zaid seasons of 2014 and 2015 to study the influence of intercropping and organic nutrient management practices on growth, yield, quality, nutrient status of the soil and nutrient uptake of babycorn under certified organic production system. Short duration intercrops [greengram (Vigna radiata L.) and clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.)] along with control (no intercrop) were taken in main plot. Different sources of organic manure and their combination [goat manure at the rate of 4.8 t ha-1 (M1), poultry manure at the rate of 4.62 t ha-1 (M2), FYM at the rate of 24 t ha-1 (M3), goat manure + poultry manure (M4), goat manure + FYM (M5) and poultry manure + FYM (M6)] were assigned to sub plot in a split plot design. The experiment was replicated thrice. Result of the experiment revealed that cob yield of babycorn was improved by a margin of 6.25 and 4.01 percent in association with clusterbean and greengram, respectively over sole babycorn. Besides, a bonus yield of 1106 and 757 kg ha-1 of clusterbean and greengram was obtained. Among the manurial treatments application of poultry manure at the rate of 4.62 t ha-1 increase cob yield by 13.55% as compared to FYM alone. Babycorn in intercropping with clusterbean and greengram increased benefit cost ratio by 63.07 and 54.61 per cent over sole crop. Application of goat manure and poultry manure increased net return and benefit cost ratio by 76.17 and 89.78 per cent and 32.82 and 32.06 per cent respectively over FYM. Among the manurial treatments, treatments M2 obtained the highest benefit cost ratio (1.73, 1.72 and 1.73) during both the years and mean value of two years.

Women play s significant and crucial role in agricultural development and allied fields. Therefore efforts were made to analyze the work. This study presents comparisons of anthropometric data female agriculture with other state and other countries. Twenty four body dimensions of female agricultural workers and six strength parameters were compared. The mean stature of present study is 2.13 cm and 0.53 cm more than the mean stature of Madhya Pradesh and Kerala respectively. The present study mean stature is less than the 2.37 and 0.88 of Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh. The female agricultural workers of UAS campus are higher than Madhya Pradesh and Kerala and shorter than Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh. The present data were also compared with male workers of other states the results revealed that male body dimension is higher than all female workers. The mean stature of female worker is less than 10.65, 9.39, 5.56, 7.54, 0.44 and 3.26 American, British, Chinese, Egyptian, Mexican and Taiwanes. All country stature of female agricultural workers was higher than the data collected from UAS campus Raichur.

Black pepper is known to attack by various plat parasitic nematodes and causing wilt complex. Soil and root samples were collected from all the places during survey and were brought to the laboratory for analysis. A total of five major genera of plant parasitic nematodes were recorded from rhizosphere of black pepper plantations of three taluks of black pepper growing areas of Chikkamagalur district. Plant parasitic nematodes viz., Radopholus similis, Meloidogyne incognita, Pratylenchus coffeae, Helicotylenchus multicinctus, Rotylenchulus reniformis and other parasitic and free living nematodes were recorded. In Chickmagalur district, five taluks were surveyed for nematode occurrence. Among them, Mudigere taluk recorded the highest number of nematode population of 805, 30 per 200 cc soil and 5 g roots followed by Chickmagalur with 27,598 nematodes per 200 cc soil and 5 g roots. Lowest nematode population was recorded in Koppa taluk with 310, 19 nematodes per 200 cc soil and 5 g roots followed by N. R. Pura taluk with 22, 140 nematodes per 200 cc soil and 5 g roots. The R. similis was a predominant parasitic nematode of black pepper with highest prominence values in all the taluks surveyed. In Chickmagalur taluk highest prominence value was observed in Mudigere taluk (1412) followed by Chickmagalur (1210) and Sringeri (1208). Whereas lowest prominence value was observed in Koppa (883.40) followed by N.R. Pura (917.30) respectively

Brands are considered to be highly valuable chattels. Brand preference is a reflection of customer allegiance, successful marketing campaign and Brand strengths. The study was conducted to analyze the brand Preference and buying behaviour of cumin growers for purchasing cumin seeds in Banaskantha district of Gujarat state. The primary data were collected through personal interviews with the help of an interview schedule. For the study 120 cumin growers were selected randomly from Tharad and Vav talukas of Banaskantha district. It was found that cumin growers gave more preference to the price and yield potential followed by disease resistance, timely availability and brand image while purchasing cumin seeds. Cumin growers gave more preference to Gc-4 variety of cumin seed followed by Gurabini and Gujko masol cumin seed. About 94.17 percent cumin growers faced the problem of price while purchasing cumin seeds. Only few cumin growers faced the supply of wrong information and duplicate brands by dealers while purchasing of cumin seed in the study area.

An experiment was carried out to know the effect of seed biopriming in tomato under laboratory condition. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seeds were subjected to biopriming with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) viz.,Bacillus amyloliquifaciens VB7 and Bacillus licheniformis BSC2 of different concentrations viz.,1%, 2% ,4%, 6%, 8% and 10% for 9hr soaking durations along with hydropriming and nonprimed seed formed the control. The results revealed that seeds bioprimed with Bacillus amyloliquifaciens VB7 6% recorded maximum speed of germination (6.12) seed germination (93%), root length (16.89), shoot length (5.78) and vigour index (2108) than the other treatments.

Field trial on ‘Efficacy of combination of biopesticides against Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) infesting lucerne, Medicago sativa (Linnaeus)’ was undertaken during 2013-14 and 2014-15 on lucerne crop at All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Forage Crops, MPKV, Rahuri (M. S.).Studies on efficacy of biopesticides against S. litura revealed that, SlNPV plus Nomuraea rileyi @ 1 ml/lit + 5 g/l was the most promising treatments which recorded least number of survival larval population(2.84 larvae/m row) and maximum green forage yield (118.63 q/ha). It was, however, at par with SlNPV plus Metarhizium anisopliae and SlNPV plus Beauveria bassiana.