The data on per cent damaged grains per panicle due to ear head bug revealed that the varieties viz., GR-104, GAR-1, GNR-3, IR-22, GR-102 and GAR-2 found moderately resistant (MR) with 4-7 per cent grain damage. GNR-2, GR-12, GR-103, GR-7, GR-101, GR-11, Gurjari, Narmada, NAUR-1 and Masuri varieties were categorized as moderately susceptible(MS) group that recorded 8 to 15 per cent grain damage. Whereas, IR-28 found susceptible (S) with 16-25 per cent grain damage and Jaya was categories into highly susceptible (HS) with more than 26 per cent grain damage.

Seven strawberry cultivars were taken for pollination studies (selfing by bagging, open pollination, hand self pollination and cross pollination). Cross pollination increased fruit length (41.15 mm in ‘Gorella’ x ‘Chandler’) and fruit breadth (34.10 mm in ‘Confectura x Gorella’) and reduced fruit malformation (3.40 % in ‘Chandler x Gorella’) compared to other pollination methods, whereas selfing by bagging reduced fruit size (15.09 mm length in ‘Sweet Charlie’ and 10.80 mm breadth in ‘Gorella’) and increased fruit malformation of 52.99 per cent in ‘Sweet Charlie’. Achene density ranged from 23.63 to 19.91/cm2 in selfing by bagging and cross pollination, respectively. As berry deformity is severe problem in commercial cultivation of strawberries influencing marketable yield. Cross pollination had profound role on reducing fruit deformities and increasing quality in terms of fruit length and breadth indicating necessity of compatible pollinizers and pollinators to ensure adequate quality and yield in strawberry field.

The study on biology and behavior of R. dominica was made on the wheat variety GW-496 under laboratory conditions in at an average temperature of 30 ± 10 C. and 70 ± 5 % relative humidity. Eggs were laid loosely on the surface of the grain and are oblong with rounded ends. An average length and breadth of freshly laid eggs is 0.56 ± 0.06 mm and 0.23 ± 0.04 mm with an average incubation period of 4.05 ± 1.89 days. The grub was white in colour and as it matures, it becomes C-shaped and immobile. The mean duration of grub period was 16.24 ± 4.24 days and pupal period was 3.75 ± 2.82 days. The total developmental period was varied from 38 to 67 days in male and 78 to 107 days in female with an average of 52.20 ± 5.66 days in male, whereas it was 95.85 ± 9.19 days for the female. Adults were dark reddish brown and the body has a slender cylindrical form. Males occurred slightly higher in number than females and male to female sex ratio was 1.09: 1.0. The average life span of female and male was 32.75 ± 2.82, 25.85 ± 2.12 days respectively. The average pre-oviposition, oviposition, post-oviposition periods were 1.75 ± 0.72, 22.05 ± 2.12 and 7.95 ± 1.41 days, respectively. The average of 159.1 ± 16.81 eggs was laid by a single female.

Mechanical inter row weeding is a system of operation to reduce the consumption of herbicides and the time of operation than the manual method. Powered rotary weeding is one of the efficient methods in all growth stages of the weeds. Different types of blades geometries are used in different conditions. The energy characteristics of the blade geometries depend on the forward speed of operation and rotary speed of the blade. Of the blades tested straight blade was the most effective. Straight blade required about 15 to 20% less torque than the C shaped blade at higher rotary speed. Power requirement of the straight geometry was 0.331 kW and 0.39 kW for C shape at 200 rpm at 1 km h-1. Specific energy requirement was directly proportional with the rotary speed and inversely proportional with the forward speed. Straight blade has 25 to 30% lesser specific energy requirement than the C shaped blade.

The study was conducted to understand the level of dependence on non timber forest products (NTFP) among the indigenous communities namely Irula, Muduga and Kurumba settled in the buffer zone of Silent Valley National park in Western Ghats of India. The Irula and Muduga communities resided on the fringe areas of the forest obtained 1 and 9 per cent respectively of their income from NTFP collection, whereas Kurumba community resided in the interior areas of the forest obtained 44 per cent of their income. The average annual contribution of NTFP to the income of a tribal household was US $ 723.75, 425.91 and 90.04 for Kurumba, Muduga and Irula respectively. Since NTFP’s are seasonal products, none of the households can sustain their livelihood based only on NTFP collection. The government (policy makers) or non-governmental organizations should start value addition enterprises involving the indigenous communities which ensure a better livelihood and year round employment to them.

In the present study, Bovine digesta known to be a major slaughter house waste has been used to bioremediate the tannery effluent polluted soil. Tannery effluent collected was analyzed for its physicochemical properties. Tannery effluent was taken in 50ml and 100ml quantity and mixed with 1:3, 1:4 and 1:5 ratios of Bovine digesta and soil and plain soil with 50ml and 100ml of tannery effluent were used as control. Soil samples were collected at regular intervals (0, 15, 30 and 45th day) and were analyzed for heavy metal (Zinc, Chromium, Lead and Copper). Bovine digesta when added to soil in 1:3 ratio showed best reduction in all the selected Heavy metals- Zinc, Lead, Copper and Chromium by 23%, 73%, 42% and 34.8% in Sunflower and by 62%, 8.5%, 16% and 36% in Maize at the end of 45th day.

The present study was carried out in Koppal district of Karnataka state. From each taluk, six villages were selected and from each village 10 respondents were selected randomly thus making total sample size of 120. Ex post facto research design was employed for the study purpose. Data were collected from the respondents using pre tested interview schedule and data was analyzed using the appropriate statistical tools. The study revealed that 38.33 per cent of the respondents belonged to high overall adoption category followed by low (31.67%) and medium (30.00%) level of overall adoption. With respect personal and socio economic characteristics of respondents is concerned it was found that about 65.00 per cent of respondents were of young age, 34.17 per cent of them had education up to high school, 42.50 per cent of them had medium level of cosmopoliteness, 55.83 per cent of them were big farmers, 44.17 per cent of respondents had high level of economic motivation, 39.17 per cent of them had medium level of innovative proneness, 54.17 per cent of respondents had medium level of risk orientation, about half of the respondents had medium level of management orientation and achievement motivation, 41.67 per cent of respondents had medium level of extension participation and 42.50 per cent of respondents had medium level of information seeking ability. Further it was found that variables like extension participation, risk orientation, management orientation, achievement motivation and information seeking ability of respondents were positive and significantly related to their adoption pattern.

Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) caused by cassava mosaic Gemini viruses (CMGs) (Geminiviridae: Begomovirus) is undoubtedly the most important constraint to the production of cassava in South India. Studies were conducted for identification of cassava mosaic virus at Department of Plant Pathology, TNAU, Coimbatore during 2008-09 and 2009-10. Diseased samples were collected from different places of Tamil Nadu and analyzed for the presence of geminiviruses by PCR using Deng’s degenerate primers. Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus (SLCMV) detected by using TAS-ELISA and multiplex PCR using to differentiate SLCMV and ICMV if dual infection is present. Monoclonal antibody AS-0424/1 (DSMZ) was used in TAS-ELISA. Among all the samples tested, highest OD value (0.941) was recorded in samples collected from Pollachi of Coimbatore district and lowest OD value (0.247) was recorded from the samples collected from Ambilikkai of Dindigul district. PCR products by using Deng’s degenerate primers were amplified at 560 bp from all cassava samples, revealed the association of Geminiviruses with this disease. The multiplex PCR analysis revealed the presence of only SLCMV (599 bp band size). In all the samples tested neither ICMV nor dual occurrence of both ICMV and SLCMV were observed.

This paper has compared the economics of wheat production with Zero tillage (ZT) and conventional tillage (CT) and assess the adoption pattern, changes in productivity and input use associated with ZT practices. Adoption pattern changes across the villages, districts by adopting ZT technology in rice-wheat production system, cost is decreased and yield is increased significantly and a high return per rupee of cost of ZT obtained, indicating the economic viability of the technology. To analyze the input use/factors influence wheat yield production function approach followed, it shows that late sowing of wheat under ZT practice is associated with decreasing in wheat yield. Hence, extension workers should concentrate on this aspect in their training and demonstration programmes. Technology intervention needs to be complemented with policy reforms (subsidy on inputs and infrastructure) to create an enabling environment for sustainable adoption of this conservation practice

Chickpea is one of the most important pulse crop in India. India alone contributes 67 per cent to the global chickpea production. This study was undertaken to assess the knowledge level of chickpea seed growers regarding seed production practices in Raichur district. Ex-post facto research design and purposive sampling method is used in the study. A total of 40 chickpea seed growers selected as a respondents for the study. The study revealed that half (50.00%) of seed growers fall under medium knowledge category, followed by high (27.50%) and low knowledge (22.50%). The variables like education, farming experience, risk orientation, mass media participation and information seeking behaviour were showed significant relationship with knowledge level of chickpea growers at 5 per cent level of probability. The R2 (0.612) value indicated that, the twelve independent variables put together, contributed a significant amount of variation (61.20%) in the overall knowledge level of chickpea seed growers.

Five fungicides viz. Carbendazim Mancozeb Carboxin +Thiram Hexaconazole and Propiconazol were evaluated and found that carboxin + thiram, hexaconazol and propiconazol were completely inhibit the growth of F. oxysporum f. sp. udum followed by carbendazim 50 and 100 ppm respectively as compared to control. The growth reduction was less in mancozeb at all concentrations. In vitro sensitivity test conducted to evaluate the compatibility of Trichoderma spp. with fungicides at 100 ppm concentration and the result reveals that mancozeb and carboxin+thiram were compatible, 88.25 mm and 85.75 mm respectively. The fungal antagonist JN-S1 and TL-S1 isolate caused highly significant reduction in pigeonpea wilt fungus F. oxysporum f. sp. udum under in vitro conditions.

In the interest of animal health as well as economic animal production, feed additives are increasingly being given to animals, such as enzymes, buffers, probiotics, prebiotics etc. Animal feed additives are used worldwide for their varying range of advantages. Some of the feed additives cover the needs of essential nutrients while others increase the growth performance, feed intake and therefore optimize the feed utilization by the animals leading to economical livestock production. Feed additives can also positively affect technological properties of the feed and animal product quality as well. The health status of dairy animals with high growth and production performance need due consideration while choosing a feed additive. In many countries use of feed additives which impose high risk to the consumers or environment, like antibiotics, hormone etc. is banned in ruminant diets. Therefore, ruminant feed industry is becoming more interested in other valuable alternatives feed additives which could be accepted preferable by the consumers without any health risk. Probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes and ionophores etc. can be seen as alternative feed additives for modifying the digestion kinetics in the ruminant animals leading to accelerated production efficiency.

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate 14 rice genotypes for grain arsenic concentration in two seasons (2015 boro and 2016 boro) over three different locations of Nadia District of West Bengal, India with differential arsenic concentration in soil. Among 14 rice genotypes two genotypes Puspa and Satabdi showed low grain arsenic concentration, linear response and least deviation from linear regression and the genotypes PNR 546, Khitish and Nayanmoni had highest grain arsenic concentration with bi values significantly higher than 1.0. There was less variation in mean grain arsenic concentration of genotypes between two seasons and also between locations. The range of accumulation of arsenic in boro season 2016 was lower than 2015 boro season in every site. The mean grain arsenic concentration of Puspa and Satabdi was lowest irrespective of location in both the seasons. Hence, Puspaans Satabdi were identified as suitable for growing over environments with high arsenic concentration under study and can be used for further.

A total of 150 day old Cobb 400 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 5 treatment groups viz., T1(100 % of arginine requirement), T2 (125 % arginine), T3 (175 % arginine), T4 (125 % arginine for finisher period only) and T5 (175 % arginine for finisher period only). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary Arginine supplementation over the mRNA expression level of lipogenesis genes in broilers. The mRNA expression levels of lipogenesis gene were analyzed by RT-PCR. Gene expression of the two lipogenic genes viz., fatty acid synthase and lipoprotein lipase were decreased in the abdominal fat tissue by addition of arginine and 75 % more arginine from 0 to 42 days (T3) showed the highest reduction than other supplemented groups (T2,T4 and T5). Dietary arginine supplementation also decreased the gene expression of FAS in liver. Reduction was highest in T3 compared to other supplemented groups (T2, T4 and T5).

Thirty sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid complex) elite clones/varieties were evaluated for different cane yield components and physiological traits under normal (E1) and water stressed (E2) conditions. Analysis of variance revealed significant difference for traits studied in both the environments. Water stress imposed led to significant reduction in cane yield and component traits. Germination (%) in E2 environment exhibited a mean reduction of 34.19 % with a range of (19.10-48.98%) among different varieties and clones. However, number of millable canes, stalk length, stalk diameter and single cane weight showed the variable pattern for drought susceptibility index (DSI) worked out among different cultivars of sugarcane. For physiological traits, the mean percent decrease in relative water content (RWC) at 120 days, specific leaf weight, total chlorophyll content delineate different indices with respect to different clones/varieties. Based on cane yield, minimum DSI was exhibited by the clone ISH 148 (0.51) closely followed by ISH07 (0.56), ISH 135 (0. 58), KV2012-4 (0.66), ISH159 (0.69), KV2012-2 (0.70) and KV2012-3 (0.74) and all these clones/varieties were categorized as drought tolerant while KV2012-5, CoPb93, Co238, KV2012-2, CoPb12181 and CoPb94 had DSI (0.75-1.00) were categorized as intermediate and rest were droughts susceptible in terms of cane yield. The clones with desirable agro-physiological traits with low DSI needs to be evaluated on large scale under target environments for their specific adaptation.

A filed experiment was conducted at R.A.K. College of Agriculture, Sehore farm during two continues Rabi seasons 2007-08 and 2008-09. This study aimed at evaluating the agronomic performance of two Kabuli chickpea genotypes under different planting geometry and fertility levels. The experiment was laid out in Factorial RBD with three replications. The experiment consisted of eight treatment combinations, two Kabuli chickpea genotypes (Phule G 95333 and Phule G 0515), two plating geometry and two fertility levels. The result revealed that the genotypes Phule G -95333 recorded significantly higher grain and straw yield (1655.13 and 2375.29 kg/ha) as compared to genotype Phule G-0515 (1311.21 and 1793.20 kg/ha) and it is also observed that the all growth and yield parameters were higher with genotypes Phule G-95333 followed by genotypes Phule G-0515. The planting geometry (30 x10 cm) with a population of 33 plant/ha recorded the highest grain and straw yield (1754.21and 2395.70kg/ha) as compared to planting geometry (45 x10 cm) with a population of 22 plants/ha (1212.12 and 1722.80 kg/ha). However yield components like branch/plant, pods/plant and seed index were higher with wider planting geometry (45 x10 cm). The higher fertility levels of 30 N + 60 P2O5 + 30 K2O +20 S kg/ha produced higher values of grain and straw yield than lower fertility levels 20 N + 40 P2O5 + 20 K2O+ 20 S kg/ha (1385.28 and 1979.35 kg/ha). The growth and yield parameters followed the similar trend. The study indicated that Kabuli chickpea Phule G-95333 has better response to closer planting geometry and higher fertility levels under both years investigation.

The present study was conducted to find out the growth structure and export performance of Indian Cocoa. Secondary data pertaining to the area, production, productivity and export of Cocoa were collected for the period of twenty years. The study revealed that for the period of twenty years (1994- 95-2013-14), the growth rate of area (10.13 per cent) and production (6.80 per cent) of Indian Cocoa has been increased. The total cocoa export registered 17.11 per cent and 18.72 per cent growth in terms of quantity and value. The compound annual growth rate of Cocoa exports to top 10 importing countries has a double-digit growth. The Coppock‟s instability index for export quantity was 42.89 per cent and 25.47 per cent during Period I and II confirms the low productivity which in turn affected the export value from 14.60 per cent to 36.20 per cent. The results of Markov chain analysis revealed that the major export markets for Indian cocoa are China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. It is expected that price will increase due to increased demand for Cocoa in the foreign countries. Hence, there is a huge scope for expanding the acreage and productivity in India considering rising demand and firm global prices.

In this study, a parallel plate capacitive sensing system was developed to measure the capacitance of banana and relative permittivity. Sample holders were designed and optimized to measure electrical properties of banana. In order to measure the capacitance and relative permittivity of banana, three different electrical circuits (Voltage divider, RC circuit and LC circuit) were analyzed for reliability and accuracy. The electrical properties such as capacitance and relative permittivity were measured using parallel plate capacitance sensing system in the frequency range of 10 kHz to 1000 kHz. The observed results showed that capacitance value decreased non-linearly with increase of frequency whereas it increased with increase of ripening time for all studied electrical circuits. Average relative permittivity of three different electrical circuits ranges from 60.80 to 0.09, 54.15 to 0.025 and 10.20 to 0.025 respectively. Among all the circuits studied, the voltage divider circuit revealed maximum capacitance and relative permittivities values for Robusta banana. This study confirms that parallel plate sensing system as novel non-destructive method which is suitable for prediction ripening stages of banana.

Among the plantation crops, coffee contributes significantly to the nation’s economy, in addition to earning substantial foreign exchange for the country. Indian coffee production was about 3 lakh tonnes and exports were 3,593,42 tonnes in 2017. The European Union and Russian Federation were the major importers of Indian coffee. By using Markov chain model, direction of trade and changing pattern of Indian coffee export were analyzed. Using the estimated transitional probabilities, the export of coffee to various destinations was predicted by multiplying the same with the respective market shares of the base year. The major importing countries like Italy, Germany, Russian Federation, Belgium and USA had the retention of zero percent means compared to other major importing countries unstable importers of Indian coffee.

Garlic is being generally propagated asexually by cloves, clones does not produce flowering bolt are known to be soft-necked garlic types, however rarely hard-neck garlic types does produce flowering bolts. Bolting lead to the emergence of solid scape produces flowers in umbellate inflorescence, are amid with bulbils. The small undivided bulbs referred as top-sets or air-bulbs are also used for propagation of garlic clones. However, the flowers rose in an umbel are did not set the seeds due to the under developed gametophytes could cause male and female sterility. Possibly to mitigate these impediments, research has been trialed to genetic improvement garlic by transformation of transition from asexual reproduction to sexual reproduction by the induction of flowering in garlic intern may further advised to genetic variability in garlic for further genetic improvement expected to cause for exploitation of heterosis.

The study was conducted to explore the association between selected attributes of the drip owners and their knowledge level regarding drip irrigation management practices. Data were collected through personal interview during the year 2017 from purposively selected of Aravalli districts of Gujarat with the sample size of 150 respondents. The results of correlation analysis clearly indicated that the independent variables namely age, education, social participation and irrigation intensity had positive and significant association with knowledge level of drip owners.

Marine capture fishing plays a pivotal role in fish production, export, nutritional security and livelihoods of people. Still, it has issues like marine resources depletion due to resource degradation, pollution and lack of sustainable marine fishery resource management and these problems are also prevalent in the Gulf of Mannar (GoM) coast. Central and State governments have implemented many policies to maintain marine fishery resources at a sustainable level of which, the most effective of such regulatory measures were found out for sustainability. Therefore, the present study was carried out in the coastal villages of Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu. Data were collected from the policy implementer i.e administrator, stake holders i.e., fishermen and the policy makers i.e. administrator and policy makers concerned based on their perception of effectiveness of fisheries policies on marine resources management. Information on eleven marine fisheries regulations policies for sustainable marine fishery resources management were considered and analyzed in this study. Result revealed that among the eleven bans on catching the endangered and threatened species, prohibiting the use of fishing gear with a mesh size of 10mm (knot to knot), declaration of marine national park and biosphere reserve and prohibition to operate pair trawling and purse seining in sea are more effective to maintain the resources at sustainable level in Gulf of Mannar coast.

Teaching is the most challenging profession among all other occupations. A teacher should not only be a lifelong learner but also a trend setter in reaching the students through appropriate teaching strategies. A teacher should be dynamic and always search for innovations in his teaching abilities for effective outreach of majority of students in a class. Starting from the age-old chalk and talk to the present e-learning, several Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools were designed by the educationists to upgrade the education system. All such tools have shown tremendous effect in the teaching-learning process not only in terms of speedy delivery of the message but also improved the quality of message. The use of information and communication technology (ICT) such as Internet applications, CD-ROMs, video technology and various computer attachments and software programs have caused many changes in society. To explore such gaps and to bring a modest approach to the faculty members to learn and efficiently utilize the ICT in their teaching endeavor, the present study was taken up under ICAR extramural research project during the year 2016-17 with the objectives of assessing the constraints in ICT utilization by the faculty members in State Agricultural Universities, document the suggestions as given by them for effective utilization of ICT and to suggest a road map for strengthening the ICT utilization in Agricultural education. The study revealed that the major constraints in ICT utilization by the faculty members were Lack of expertise and skills in using ICT, lack of ICT facility at individual level in the department, poor/ limited internet spee, Poor annual maintenance of the ICT equipment, lack of ICT technicians and professionals in the vicinity etc. in parallel, the major suggestions like periodical training programmes on application of ICTs, creating awareness on importance of different ICT tools and programmes, Uninterrupted high speed internet with high quality broad band facility, Providing ICT tools like laptop, LCD projector etc., to each faculty member, engaging an ICT professional / technician on permanent basis etc., were given by the faculty members. Accordingly, the strategy has been proposed as a road map for strengthening ICT utilization in State Agricultural Universities.

The present investigation entitled “Effect of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium on Growth and Yield of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)” was conducted during 2016-17 at the experimental farm Department of Agriculture, Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized block design with three replications and nine treatments. The treatments consisted of T1: Control, T2: 50% NPK, T3: 75% NPK, T4: 100% NPK, T5: 100% NP + 75% K, T6: 100% NP + 50% K, T7: 75% NP + 100% K, T8: 75% NP + 50% K and T9: 50% NP + 75% K. Application of different levels of fertilizers increased the growth, yield and yield attributes of Potato. The maximum plant height (69.02 cm), Number of compound leaves (54.97), Number of branches per plant (12.90), Leaf Area Index (4.36), Number of plants in running meter (8.67), Number of main stems per hill (4.17), Dry weight of Haulm (79.20g/hill), Number of tubers per plant (13.23), Weight of tubers per plant (385g), Yield of Marketable tubers (235.92q/ha), Total tuber yield (256.29q/ha), Haulm yield (87.40q/ha), Biological yield (343.70q/ha) and Harvest Index (76.17%) were recorded with the combined application of 100 per cent RDF of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. Whereas, maximum net returns of Rs. 2,06,045 along with benefit: cost ratio (4.10:1) were also recorded with the application of 100%NPK. These results suggested that the optimum production of potato can be obtained with combined application of 100% NPK.

The current study was undertaken with the aim of investigating the effect of egg peptide hydrolysates on biofilms. Films were prepared from whey protein concentrate (WPC) using its different levels and added with alginate and glycerol. The films were analyzed for thickness, moisture content, solubility, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), transmittance and penetrability. Egg protein hydrolysate (EPH) was added at 1 and 2 percent to the biofilms. The results revealed that the thickness and WVTR showed significant increase with the addition of hydrolysates. WPC films incorporated with protein hydrolysates showed antioxidant activity measured in terms of DPPH, FRAP, SASA and ABTS. The antioxidant effect of protein hydrolysates on WPC films was significant and increased with the increase in the concentration of EPH. The physic-chemical property of biofilms was affected by the addition of hydrolysates owing to its plasticizing effect on the protein network. However, there was insignificant effect on the appearance of biofilms. Therefore, it could be concluded that the biofilms incorporated with bioactive component can be used as an alternative to food preservation.

An on farm trial conducted at 10 sugarcane grower’s field in Lakhimpur-Kheri district during 2015-16 Uttar Pradesh, to maximum utilization of natural resources without hazards. To evaluate cucurbitaceous crops viz.cucumber, sponge gourd, bottle gourd, musk melonas intercrop in spring sugarcane. The sapling of intercrops has been prepared through low tunnel method in polycups and planted in sugarcane field. To analyze data parameters were taken gross cost, net return, CBR, net return margin, net return over one rupee, harvesting period, yield, LER& CII. The maximum yield (59.19 q. /ha.), sugar cane equivalent yield (773.74 q. /ha) was found in T4 (S.C+ Bottle gourd) combination. The highest net return (Rs. 179105.00), net profit margin (243.82 Rs./q.) and net return over one rupee expenditure (1.54) and BCR (2.54), LER (1.41) was recorded in T3 (S.C.+ Sponge gourd) combination. The results reveled that intercropping of cucurbitaceous crops marginally decreased the sugar cane yield percentage (5.56-7.31%). The intercropping of sponge gourd in sugarcane was found most economic among the cucurbitaceous crops

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2015 and 2016 at Junagadh (Gujarat, India) to study the integrated weed management in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]. Herbicides viz., pendimethalin, oxyfluorfen, pre-mix pendimethalin + imazethapyr and tank-mix pendimethalin + oxyfluorfen as pre-emergence (PE), while quizalofop, imazethapyr and tank-mix imazethapyr + quizalofop as post-emergence were tested in integration with hand weeding. The pooled results over two years revealed that uncontrolled weed growth resulted in to yield loss of 70.81%. The results further showed that HW at 15, 30 and 45 DAS, pendimethalin 900 g/ha as PE fb HW at 40 DAS, tank-mix pendimethalin 450 g/ha + oxyfluorfen 120 g/ha as PE fb HW at 40 DAS, and quizalofop 40 g/ha as POE at 20 DAS fb HW at 40 DAS were found effective in controlling weeds by registering lower weed count, dry weight of weeds and weed index (4.68, 7.87, 12.02 and 17.74%) along with higher weed control efficiency (94.66, 93.42, 84.22 and 79.21%). These treatments also improved growth and yield attributes viz., plant height, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit girth and fruit weight per plant, and ultimately produced higher fruit yield of okra (81.06, 78.35, 74.82 and 69.95 q/ha) over the unweeded check (24.82 q/ha).

The present investigation was conducted in Western Haryana. Two districts Bhiwani, Sirsa were selected randomly from that region and further two tehsil were selected from each district and two villages from each tehsil were selected randomly. Twenty five buffalo rearers from each of village were selected thus making a sample of 200 buffalo rearers. The study revealed that most of buffaloes are reared in conventional housing. Near about half of buffalo keepers had kuccha floor without slope in shed and46.50 per cent kept their buffalo inside dwelling house. Asbestos and slope roof was mostly observed in study area. Only 20.00 per cent of buffalo keepers used bedding material during winter season. Most of respondents need of training to improve animal husbandry practices.

Pulses are known as cheapest and easier source of protein for the rural population. Including Uttar Pradesh, there are 17 major pulses producing States in India. Uttar Pradesh has 9% area and 11% share in production in India, which stands fifth and fourth ranks in India. The study based on Uttar Pradesh and its four economic zones viz. Western, Central, Bundelkhand, and Eastern. The Government of India launched the project in just beginning of the nineties for self-sufficiency in pulses production. The impact of the project on production was quite good and it has recorded 12% as compared to 7% as in pre-period. Data were collected from data bulletins of Government of Uttar Pradesh and India. Analyses have been attempted on time series data on pulses crops like Arhar, Gram, Lentil, Pea and Total Pulses for four economic regions from 1970-71 to 2009-10. It is observed that the Arhar and Lentil crop is more prominent in Eastern region for area and production than other regions. Bundelkhand region has a leading position in terms of area and production of Gram. It is found that the only Bundelkhand region staying alone with valuable contribution of area and production of the State.

Owing to the growing demand for natural rubber by various sectors in India, rubber cultivation assumes a great importance. The shift of area to rubber has been taken place due to several factors. Hence, this study was undertaken to analyse the reasons for shift in area between rubber and its competing crops in the Kasargod district of Kerala. The multinomial logistic regression model was used to analyse the reasons for shift in area towards rubber from competing crops. Multinomial logistic regression results revealed that probability of shift to rubber, partially or fully, from other crops is positively influenced by participation in rubber related extension activities and negatively by age. Thus, imparting training and extension education preferably to young farmers could be an effective strategy for promoting rubber production through area shift.

Bananas are the most essential economically tropical fruit crops that come second in area as well as production of fruit crops. It constitute fourth very important food crop following wheat, rice and maize. It grown in more than 100 countries is harvested in an approximately 4.84 mha area, with 95.6 million annual productions. Bananas are given that a cheap and easily providing source of energy and very essential for food security of country. It is rich source of vitamins A, C, B6 along with β-carotene. In addition, bananas contain serotonin, melatonin and tryptophan that act as mood elevators. In various developing countries states that the crop is act as an important source of revenue, at a time providing the chief source for income in rural areas. Hence plays an essential role in case of poverty mitigation. In vitro multiplication of banana has gained more attention for proving genetically uniform, disease and pest free true to type plants. In vitro micropropagation of banana can be done using the shoot tip culture for the production of disease free plants. Banana plants in vitro micropropagation has an immense profitable prospective due the speed of propagation, lower space requirements and capability to grow elite clones having better growth with increased stress tolerance capability. The present review provides the upto date knowledge of different steps involved for in-vitro multiplication of banana.

Indigenous Technical Knowledge involves practices evolved by the farmers on their own experiences, which are passed from generation to generation. Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides in present day agriculture had led to deposition of toxic residues in the food materials. However due to awareness on the health food products interest was turned towards Indegenous technological practices followed by the farmers from the ancient times. In a way to create awareness a case study was undertaken to document the ITKs adopted by the farming community of Palamangalam, Konthalam, Sivagiri, Kolathupalayam, Vellotamparapu, Kolanelli and Kulavilaku villages of Modakurichi block, Erode District, Tamil Nadu during 2016. For gathering information from the farmers extension tools like by direct interview and group discussion methods were executed. About 80 practices were followed in these villages for pre and post harvest pest management methods in various agricultural crops like rice, castor, coconut and vegetables were documented. Based on the documented practices, it was concluded that the farmers had a brilliant approach in controlling the pest and disease by utilizing the naturally available resources which paves way for residue free food materials.

Organic farming in India is practiced from ancient time. India is bestowed with different agro climatic zones which makes it possible to produce varieties of organic products. The study entitled “A study on farmer’s perception towards organic inputs in selected districts of Gujarat” was carried out to know farmers’ perception toward organic input and to find out awareness level & satisfaction level about organic input. Another objective of study was to know the major market competitors of Bharat Krushi care Pvt, Ltd and to study the purchasing pattern of organic Input. The present study was conducted in Gujarat, India. Through purposive sampling technique 320 respondents from 8districts and from each district four talukas and from each taluka10 farmers were selected. Descriptive statistics was used to present the findings. It was found that most of the farmers were highly aware about the bio product. Majority of farmers use organic input because of their satisfaction towards availability and accessibility of Organic inputs. The satisfaction level was less towards price and productivity. So, organic input industry needs to focus more on price, quality of product and its productivity. Organic fertilizer and crop enhancer were used by most of the farmers. Low level of awareness and their slow impact were the main reasons for not using other bio-products. The use of bio-fertilizer ranges from one to three times in the selected crops. Further, as dealers are the main source of information for farmers, so there is a need to strengthen a trustworthy relationship with dealers. The familiarity of the organic inputs among farmers depends on the promotional efforts of the marketers. So, demonstrations at larger level and use of promotional activities were suggested for improving the customer base of bio-products, which can be done with the help of dealers.

An investigation entitled “Effect of lopping and levels of potassium on productivity of basmati rice” was conducted at Research Farm of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu at Chatha during kharif seasons of two consecutive years. Among the different time of lopping treatments, lopping at 45 days after transplanting (DAT) in basmati rice was significantly reduced plant height and increased number of tillers resulted higher grain yield (30.55q/ha) over early lopping at 35 DAT and control. Potassium levels also influenced grain yield of basmati rice and it was found that 15 kg/ha increased 12% higher yield (30.83 q/ha.) over control (26.54 q/ha.) during both the year of study.

A study was conducted at RHRS farm, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari during the year 2016-17 to investigate the effect of different silicon sources and salicylic acid on quality of mango fruits cv. Kesar. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with ten treatments and replicated thrice. Trees were subjected to foliar sprays of potassium silicate (1, 2 and 3 ml/l), silicic acid (2, 3 and 4 ml/l), salicylic acid (1500, 2000 and 2500 ppm) and unsprayed control. Result indicated a significant impact of treatments on all parameters included in the study except total carotenoid content. Trees sprayed with salicylic acid at 2000 ppm recorded the highest TSS (19.40oBrix), total sugar content (24.83%), reducing sugars (4.87%) and non-reducing sugars (19.96%) after 16 days of storage under ambient conditions. For that very storage period, salicylic acid @2000 ppm had the minimum PLW (19.20%) and titrable acidity (0.193%). Fruit treated with salicylic acid could be kept for about 18 days without any apparent loss in quality. This study high lights the possibility of using salicylic acid at 2000 ppm for improving fruit quality and enhancing shelf life of mango fruits cv. Kesar.

Ready to eat foods like snacks, breakfast cereals, baby foods, pet foods and pastas are made of hot and cold extrusion process. Now a days establishing a industry and production of low cost with effective quality extrudates is the biggest challenge especially for small scale food industries. The aim of this paper is to provide economic, financial and technical information that is required for the industry appraisal. The study is concluded that in order to produce 15, 00,000 units of 20 gram packets of ready to eat extruded snacks of blended flour consisting of blend of broken Sago: Water chestnut: Amaranth in blend ratio of 70:15:15 per month, the break even quantity was 1301544.40 packets and break even sales was 10412355.2 /- and break even period was 277days and finally it is proved that plant is economically viable.

Tomato is one of the major producing vegetables in tribal areas of Adilabad district. Generally, tomato fruits were harvested at the accurate stage of maturity age, which has a shelf-life of only about 7 days at ambient temperature (27℃). Storing of Tomatoes inside the zero energy cool chambers (ZECC) could be a practical technique at farmer’s field to extend storage life up to 18-20 days by reducing the quality degradation. The Physiological loss in weight (PLW) was faster for tomatoes held at ambient temperature 29.19% after 10 days. Whereas the tomatoes stored inside ZECC over the same period showed a 4.94% loss. Storing for 1 or 2 weeks under ZECC can protect the farmers from distress sales in the market. The value addition to tomatoes during glut season would further, helps the tribal farmers to get better remuneration to their produce. Preparation of tomato pickle during glut season adds value to their produce and also generates employment to their family labour. The cost benefit ratio for tomato pickle production is 1:2.52.

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season, 2014-15 at Vegetable Research Field, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur (M.P.). The experiment comprised of three radish varieties (V1- Japanese White, V2 - Kashi Hans and V3- Kashi Sweata) and eight fertility levels (F1-0:50:50 NPK kgha-1, F2 - 0:80:50 NPK kgha-1, F3 - 60:50:50 NPK kgha-1, F4- 60:80:50 NPK kgha-1, F5 -80:50:50 NPK kgha-1, F6 -80:80:50 NPK kgha-1, F7 –100:50:50 NPK kgha-1, F8- 100:80:50 NPK kg-1). All together 24 treatment combinations were laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. Variety V3 (Kashi Sweata) exhibited maximum plant height (44.30 cm), number of leaves (9.38), leaf length (41.98 cm), fresh weight (150.61 g) and dry weight of shoot (17.88 g. Maximum root length (27.17 cm), root diameter (4.51 cm), root weight (228.45 g), root yield (580.58 q/ha), harvest index (81.08 %) and earliest days to harvest (41.67) were observed with variety V3 (Kashi Sweata). Under quality parameters highest fiber content (664.00 mg/100 g), T.S.S. (4.510Brix) and ascorbic acid (33.54 mg/100 g) in root were also found in case of variety V3 (Kashi Sweata). Among fertility levels, application of F8 (100-80-50 NPK kg-1) showed maximum growth, yield and quality parameters with all the three varieties of radish. The net income and B:C ratio i. e. 1:6.52 and 1:7.75 was found to be superior with variety V3 (Kashi Sweata) and fertility level F8 (100:80:50 NPK kgha-1). The interaction effect of varieties and fertility levels was non-significant with all the characters.

The present study has been conducted to study socio-economic profile and the production problems of green fodder growers in three agro-climatic zones of Punjab state during 2016-17. It was observed that only ten per cent heads of households were illiterate and remaining 90.00 per cent were literate. There were maximum 39.17 per cent farmers in the age group above fifty years. Maximum number of the farmers belonged to general category in Punjab (86.67 per cent). A maximum of forty percent farmers was having experience between 15 and 25 years. In Punjab, 21.67 per cent of sample farmers own land between 1 and 5 acres, 34.17 percent between 5 and 10 acres, 22.50 percent between 10 and 20 acres. The average family size was between 4 and 6 members (35.83 per cent). Among the production problems faced by fodder growers, high price of seed was the most important problem faced.

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is one of the most important culinary vegetable throughout the world. It is consumed in diverse ways such as raw fruits for salads, side dishes, processed foods like ketchups, soups set. Tomato crop was maintained in Ecological Engineering field at NIPHM, for the purpose of demonstration and training of organic agriculture. Agro Ecosystem Analysis on biological factors with respect to pests and beneficial insects, to understand the intricate interactions in the ecosystem, revealed that the ecosystem has created favourable conditions for natural enemies and pollinators. Natural enemies were controlling tomato pests in the absence of external forces like chemical pesticides. The pest and natural enemy interactions are discussed based on the results.

A study was conducted in sesame to assess the extent of heterosis for eleven traits including seed yield per plant. Heterosis was worked-out over better parent and standard variety, G.Til-2. The standard heterosis for seed yield per plant ranged from -25.23 to 43.75 %. The crosses GT 10 × GT 4, AT 308 × SKT 12-2, AT 314 × GT 4 and GT 10 × AT 319 were good heterotic combinations for seed yield per plant, which recorded 43.74, 40.44, 39.61 and 36.74 % standard heterosis, respectively.

Solar still is the one of the cost effective method of producing pure water using solar distillation techniques. Solar still uses heat energy as input which is obtained from solar radiations. Water is essential to human life for survival and good health on earth and access to safe water is a major challenge in many communities in the world. As world population and social-economic growth, societies are challenged to provide fresh water to meet those needs for all of their people. Growing demands of freshwater resources are creating an urgent need to develop self sustained system to meet the demand of fresh water. Among the conventional distillation process, solar desalination process seems to be a suitable solution for resolving this existing demand of fresh water. Solar water distillation removes impurities such as salts and heavy metals as well as eliminates microbiological organisms.

This article is based on field study carried out during 2014 to 2018 in Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh. It was observed that farmwomen belonging to all categories of caste with primary education or even illiterate under the banner of Self Help Groups (SHGs) have earned additional income but also feeling empowered. Regarding, empowerment, it was reported that almost all women were attending open Gram Sabha meetings and sharing their views. Even it was reported that all freely talk to bank officers, block officers and others. In this article, few cases are presented based on field study. This article deals with how self-help groups (SHGs) have facilitated to improve economic condition and thus they felt empowered as their husbands used to take their suggestions for family matters with little support farmwomen can produce addition nutritive food and save money in their own accounts.

The processing of fruits and vegetables for industrial or human use involves different operations. Slicing is a major one and cannot be neglected. Out of various operations several operations have been mechanized. However, fruits and vegetables slicing has remained as a problem in food industry. This study presents the features, prospects, performance evaluations and limitations of some slicing machines with different features. Their advantages and operational parameters such as speed, capacity, slicing efficiency and losses were considered. The operating parameters of the machines like speed, output capacity, slicing efficiency and loss were ranged from 40-500 rpm; 10.4-600 kg/h; 52.3-96.0% and 3.2-47.7 % respectively. As machine speed increased, the output capacity and loss increased while slicing efficiency decreased. Mechanization of slicing process has the potential of encouraging growth in all the stages of processing and product quality. The improved fruits and vegetables slicing process will affect the product quality, processing efficiency, minimum loss of fruits and vegetables.

A teacher should be dynamic and always search for innovations in his teaching abilities for effective outreach of majority of students in a class. Starting from the age-old chalk and talk to the present e-learning, several Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools were designed by the educationists to upgrade the education system. All such tools have shown tremendous effect in the teaching-learning process not only in terms of speedy delivery of the message but also improved the quality of message. Accordingly, several efforts been made by all the stake holders but could not be able to reach their expectations. As attitude is one of the precursor that contributes for extent of extent of ICT utilization an attempt has been made to develop a scale to measure the attitude of the faculty members towards ICT utilization. The method of Summated Rating scale developed by Likert (1932) was used in this study to construct an attitude scale to measure the attitude of Faculty members towards ICT utilization. All the possible statements about ‘attitude of faculty members towards ICT utilization’ represented the universe for the scale. A tentative list of 51 statements belonging to attitude of faculty members towards ICT utilization were gathered from books, magazines, newspapers, research articles, journals, academic attainments, expertise of intellectuals in extension, research, teaching, farmers, self intuitions and own experiences. These 51statements collected were carefully edited by using various informal criteria suggested by Edwards (1941) and Thurstone (1946). After editing the 51 statements, 13 statements were deleted, thus making a total of 38 statements. These statements were subjected to relevancy test with the help of 60 judges. The judges were requested to critically evaluate each statement for its relevancy to measure attitude of faculty members towards ICT utilization on a four point continuum viz., highly relevant, moderately relevant, slightly relevant and less relevant with scores 4, 3, 2 and1. After giving the scores to the statements, ‘z’ values were calculated by using Standard Normal Deviates test to screen the statements. Thus, 25 statements out of 38 were selected through relevancy testing. The 25 statements selected through relevancy test were given to 60faculty members from a non sample area and were asked to indicate their responses on a five point continuum viz., strongly agree (SA), agree (A), undecided (UD), disagree (DA) and strongly disagree (SDA) with 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 for positive statements and vice-versa for negative statements. After receiving the responses from the respondents, the ‘t’ values were calculated by using the formula suggested by Edwards (1969). The statements with ‘t’ values more than 1.75 were selected for the final attitude scale. Thus, out of 25 statements, 18 statements were selected in the final attitude scale Out of which 10 were positive statements and 8 were negative statements. Reliability and validity tests were carried out with appropriate tools. The final scale was administered to the 480 sampled faculty members. The total score of the respondent on the scale was obtained by summing up the scores of all the statements in the scale. The possible minimum and maximum score was 18and 90. The respondents were grouped into five categories based on the scores obtained by each of them duly following mean and standard deviation.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the staple food for more than half of the world’s population. Over ninety per cent of world rice is produced and consumed in Asia. As a consequence of competition among agricultural, industrial, environmental and domestic users led to scarcity of water and is going to threaten the sustainability of irrigated rice ecosystem. In this context aerobic rice production system plays a vital role in overcoming the problem related to water. Weeds are the greatest constraint in aerobic rice systems, resulting in 62.2 to 91.7 per cent yield losses. The absence of standing water makes aerobic rice more weed infested resulting in competition for resources with crop plants. The studies have revealed that the weed should be controlled with in 20-60 days after sowing to reduce the yield losses. A major chunk of the cost in aerobic rice production is attributed to cost of weeding. In this contrast, usage of herbicides is proven to be more effective but intensive herbicide use can cause environmental contamination and the development of herbicide resistance by weeds. Hence, the sustainability in weed management is achieved by adopting integrated weed management practices.

The present study was carried out in the 11 districts of Assam to access the Personal, Psychological and Organizational Characteristics of the agricultural extension personnel in the revitalized extension system in Assam. A total of 112 agricultural extension personnel were interviewed who were working under the revitalized extension system in Assam with the help of structured schedule during the period of 2015. The study was undertaken as a part of PhD research work entitled “Role performance of the Agricultural extension personnel in the Revitalized Extension System in the state of Assam” in the Department of Extension Education under Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam. A total of 15 characteristics of the respondent were considered in the study which was classified as personal, psychological and organizational characteristics. The data analysis was done by using various statistical methods like frequency, percentage, standard deviation and co-efficient of variation. The findings of the study reveals that most of the extension personnel working under the revitalized extension system in Assam were young and middle aged and had high to medium level of exposures to their respective personal, psychological and organizational characteristics.

Green chilli is one of the most popular vegetable cum spice crop widely cultivated in different parts of West Bengal subject to suffer with lots of biotic stress among which fruit borer (Spodoptera litura) is now gaining importance as one of the major constraints in green chilli production. Highly polyphagous and voracious nature makes it difficult to manage efficiently. New generation insecticides have a good role regarding managing the crops with less toxicity. To obtain a conclusion about efficacy of some new chemistry (spinosyn, abamectin derivative, diamide) against this pest a field experiments were conducted to observe, the efficacy of some bio rational insecticides (spinosad, emamectin benzoate, flubendiamide) for the management of Spodoptera litura on chilli during the rabi season of 2013 and 2014. Results showed that flubendiamide 20% WG @ 60 g a.i. ha-1 were found to be superior over other treatments against Spodoptera on chilli, with 95.50% mean reduction after two spraying, lowest fruit infestation (1.07%), 92.43% protection over control and highest marketable fruit yield (18.19 q ha-1). Emamectin benzoate was recorded as next effective insecticide (1.96% fruit infestation by borer and 86.21% protection over control) which is closely followed by flubendiamide @ 50 g a.i. ha-1 and spinosad (85.61% and 85.03% protection over control plot).

Experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of silkworm pupae in the practical diets for Labeo rohita fingerlings growth and survival. Four experimental diets using silkworm pupae with 25%, 30%, 35%, and 40% protein levels incorporate with rice bran, mustard oil cake-based control diet (25% protein) were formulated. Fish seed was feed @ 4% of the body weight of the fish. In term of specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and protein and lipid deposition in the muscle, silkworm pupae incorporated (43.75%) diet having 40% protein level showed the best performance of the fish in comparison to those with the control diet. The results indicate that silkworm pupae could be the possible low-cost animal protein rich alternative source and may be successfully used as supplementary feed for rohu fingerlings

The on Farm Trials were conducted during Rabi seasons of 2014-15 and 2015-16 for assessment of integrated nutrient management strategies in rabi maize for diara area at farmers fields of Munger (Bahachowki and Sunderpur villages of Dharahara block). Application of 75% RDF (90:67.5:37.5 kg NPK ha-1) + 2.5 t ha-1 vermicompost was recorded significantly higher grain yield (72.6 q ha-1and 76.2 q ha-1), stover yield (131.4 q ha-1and 143.7 q ha-1), net return (Rs.68741 ha-1 and Rs.73266 ha-1) during both the years besides improving soil health.