The Shade net is use for controlling the effective parameter of crop growth. Film mulching is an important agricultural practice used to improve crop productivity. Field experiments were conducted in shade net and in open field. They are using Chrysanthemum crop to determine the effect of film mulching on soil physical properties and Chrysanthemum yield in 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons. The yield of Chrysanthemum was increased in shade net than the open field. The experiment was randomized completed using Black mulch (BP), Silver mulch (SP), and Transparent mulch (TP) in shade net and in open field. Film mulching significantly increased the soil temperature and water retention relative to the un-mulched treatments. Yield increases of 60-80% were observed in shade net mulch treatment relative to the control. Shade net can be used to control environment. The size of the bed was taken as 3.04 m x 0.60 m x 0.15 m. Chrysanthemum was shade loving plant and grow about 18-30℃ and optimum light intensity was required to growth was 180000-300000 lux and relative humidity required 70-90%.

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood in our country where farm business has become a family enterprise in which both men and women take part evenly. The role of women is generally complimentary, not only in physical participation in agricultural activities, but also with respect to decision making. In most of the stages, women are actively involved in carrying out agricultural activities but women remained as “invisible workers”. It is necessary to know their role in agricultural activities as active workers. With this consideration, the study was undertaken. A study was conducted in Rajkot district of Gujarat state. Nine villages were selected from three talukas. Fifteen farm women from each village were selected. Thus, total 135 farm women were considered for study. The respondents (54.81 percent) had medium participation in agricultural activities followed by 23.70 percent and 21.49 percent of respondents had high and low participation in agricultural activities, respectively. The respondents had high participation in activities like harvesting and post harvesting, intercultural operations and sowing.

Analysis of cropping pattern in a region is of vital importance and it helps to decide the best suitable crop for particular geographical area. The present study was taken up in Malaprabha Project Zone (MPZ), Karnataka. It aimed at analyzing the cropping pattern prevailing in the study area and also comparing the recommended cropping pattern with the actual practice and identify the deviation. The study made use of both primary and secondary data for analyses. Primary data was collected from farmer respondents of villages in Head and Tail regions of Malaprabha Left Bank Canal (MLBC). Secondary data was collected from Department of Agriculture, Malaprabha Project Zone (MPZ). Markov Chain Analysis was used to analyze the time series data on area coverage of different crops grown in Malaprabha Project command area from 1999-2015 and simple tabular analysis was used to analyze the primary data. The results revealed that maize was the major cereal crop, pigeon pea, green gram and bengal gram were the major pulse crops. Ground nut and sunflower were the major oil seed crops. Vegetables were grown in summer and sugarcane, cotton and chilly were the major annual/bi seasonal crops grown by the sample farmers in the command area. It was also observed that cotton, maize and groundnut were predominantly and farmers deviated from the recommended cropping pattern by Command Area Development Authority (CADA).

Castor is an important non-edible oilseed crop of arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Gujarat is the leading castor growing state in the country contributing 70% of the total castor production of the country. The study was conducted in Banaskantha district of Gujarat covering five talukas to analyse the marketing problems faced by castor growing farmers. Primary data were collected from 225 castor growing farmers. Six marketing problems focused in present study includes: price information and fluctuation, delay in cash payment, high cost of transportation, lack of transportation facility, lack of storage facility and distant markets. The farmers were confronted with the major problems viz., lack of information on price fluctuation followed by high cost of transportation and lack of transportation facilities. In Palanpur and Kankrej taluka in addition to these constraints distant market was also identified as a major constraint faced by the farmers in marketing of castor.

The present study “Reasons and Factors for Purchase of Solar Water Heaters” was taken up to understand the reasons and factors considered by consumer while purchasing a solar water heater. Ex-post facto research design was adopted to conduct the study. A total of hundred households (east zone-20, west zone-20, central zone-20, north zone-20 and south zone-20) were selected in Hyderabad city. An interview schedule was used for data collection. Saving more money on conventional fuels (power/gas) (1st rank), hot water availability throughout the day (2nd rank) and reducing the difficulty to carry hot water bucket from kitchen to bathroom (3rd rank) were considered as reasons for purchasing solar water heater.

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum), a member of family Solanaceae, is commonly known as sweet pepper or capsicum. Genetic divergence plays a key role in analyzing the general distance among the genotypes selected as parents. The assessment of genetic divergence helps in identification of breeding lines with broad spectrum of genetic variability thus providing better scope to isolate superior recombinants. The present investigations were carried out at the Experimental Farm of Department of Vegetable Science, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan HP. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with twenty-five genotypes in three replications. The results concluded that for the traits, where selection is not effective, genetic divergence can play an important role on further partitioning of variability. The results grouped twenty-five genotypes into four clusters. The hybridization between genotypes of cluster II and cluster III can be utilized for getting superior recombinants or transgressive segregants in segregating population because these clusters were found most divergent.

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2017 to study the “Nitrogen management through different decision support tools in Direct Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Tungabhadra Project (TBP) command area of Karnataka” at Agricultural Research Station, Gangavathi. The soil type in the experimental site was medium black soil with soil pH and EC of 7.90 and 0.43 respectively. The initial soil available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was 213.2, 31.05 and 374.8 kg ha-1, respectively which is in the range of low in nitrogen, medium in phosphorous and high in potassium content. The experiment consists of 12 treatments laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The results revealed that application of nitrogen through LCC ≤ 6.0 threshold recorded significantly higher grain yield, straw yield, Panicle length, ten panicle weight and number of grains per panicle (6230 kg ha-1, 6323 kg ha-1, 21.0 cm, 43.3 g and 262.0, respectively) compare to RDF (4410kgha-1, 4853 kg ha-1, 17.8 cm, 30.0 g and 219.7, respectively) and farmer practice (5086 kgha-1, 5330 kg ha-1, 18.2 cm, 35.8 g and 247.3, respectively)which was on par with application of N through LCC ≤ 5.0, SPAD ≤ 40, SPAD ≤ 50 and Green Seeker ≤ 0.8. Similar trend was also observed in growth parameters viz., plant height, leaf area, total dry matter production plant-1 and Number of tillers m-2. However, gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio was significantly higher with application of nitrogen through LCC ≤ 6.0 threshold (102847,59332Rs. ha-1 and 2.36, respectively), which was on par with LCC ≤ 5.0 threshold, SPAD ≤ 40, SPAD ≤ 50 and Green Seeker ≤ 0.8as compared to RDF (82422, 39682Rs. ha-1and 1.92, respectively) and farmers practice (87341,43020Rs. ha-1and 1.97, respectively). Hence, precision nitrogen management in DSR can be done through LCC ≤ 5.0 or SPAD ≤ 50 and green seeker ≤ 0.8 threshold for obtaining higher growth, yield and economics.

A well-known universal reproductive phenomenon is Menopause, which can be perceived as unpleasant and generally associated with unavoidable sign of aging process in women. The present study was undertaken with specific objective to study the menopausal age among working and non-working women. Total number of 300 women (150 working and 150 non-working) between the age range of 40-50 years comprised the sample. Percentages were computed and comparison between groups was calculated by ‘t’ test .Analysis of data revealed that mean menopausal age was 43.54 years among non-working women while 44.41 year among working women and t- value also indicating that mean menopausal age was statistically significant among working and non-working women.

The present investigation was carried out to study the "breeding practices of cattle in Gaushalas of Haryana". A total of 30 Gaushalas from 10 districts of Haryana were collected during the period started from April, 2017 to February, 2018 through interview using a structured questionnaire and by onsite observation. These 30 Gaushalas were divided into three categories based on total number of animals as small (100-500 animals), medium (501-1000 animals) and large (>1000 animals). Using a pretested interview schedule data were collected and analyzed on existing breeding practices followed at the selected Gaushalas. SPSS (SPSS version 22) was employed to analyze the data. The study revealed that the breeding practices of the small category Gaushalas was used as a majority (70.00%) of non selected bull followed by medium category Gaushalas (50.00%) and large category Gaushalas (10.00%), while majority (70.00%) of large category Gaushalas selected as a bull used for breeding purpose, followed by medium category Gaushalas (40.00%) and small category Gaushalas (30.00%). In case of large category Gaushalas 60.00 percent used AI followed by 30.00 percent medium category Gaushalas and 10.00 percent of small category Gaushalas used AI practice for breeding purpose. It could be concluded that the breeding practices were most common mating system was natural mating and AI also exist in small frequencies in large category Gaushalas compared to small and medium category Gaushalas.

Climate change is one of the major challenges faced by life systems on earth. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the major components contributing to modification of environment and thereby influencing growth and development of plants. The present programme was an attempt to study the modifications brought in the developmental pattern of cowpea by elevated CO2 concentration. The experiment was conducted using Open Top Chamber (OTC) system. Entire crop period (from germination till harvest) was completed under CO2 concentration of 600ppm in OTC. Plant responses in terms of growth parameters, leaf characters and dry matter accumulation were analyzed. The present study showed that increasing CO2 concentration in the atmosphere can have a positive influence on the plant growth and development.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of presowing treatments on germination and growth parameters in the seeds of Toona ciliata at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab (India). Matured seeds of Toona ciliata were collected from two middle aged, healthy plus trees selected from the Ludhiana and were treated with five presowing treatments viz., T₁ (Control), T₂ (immersion in cold water for 24 hrs), T₃ (Immersion in cold water for 48 hrs), T₄ (immersion in boiled hot water for 24 hrs) and T₅ (immersion in hot water for 48 hrs). Results showed that, germination success (Germination percent, Mean Daily Germination, Peak Value and Germination value) and growth performance (seedling height) except collar diameter were significantly increased compared to that in control. Seeds of both genotypes showed the similar trend for the various treatments. Germination started on 4-5 days and completed on 10-15 days in all cases. Highest germination percent (58.0%), Mean Daily Germination (3.62), Peak value (10.84) was found in T₅ (immersion in hot water for 48 hrs), followed by 55.50%, 3.47 and 10.46 in T₃ (immersion in cold water for 48 hrs). Highest Germination value (37.76) was found in T₃ (immersion in cold water for 48 hrs) followed by T₅ (immersion in hot water for 48 hrs) with 35.65 cm. ANOVA revealed significant differences for germination indices. Hot water treatment for 48 hrs, followed by cold water treatment for 48 hrs may be recommended for early and efficient germination performance.

Pearl millet is an important source of staple food and fodder in the predominantly rain fed areas of the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh. The present study was conducted in two blocks (Pohri and Shivpuri) of the district and hundred farmers from four villages were randomly selected. Thus, 100FLDs on pearl millet were conducted taking 25 farmers from each village from 2014 to 2016. Krishi Vigyan Kendra Shivpuri provided improved technology including hybrid seed, recommended dose of fertilizes, seed treatment and plant protection measures. The impact of FLD was also analyzed which showed that the mean yield of pearl millet in demonstrations 31.72 q/ha whereas it was 23.88 q/ha in FP. The percent increase in yield was recorded as 24.58. Similarly, the benefit cost ratio was found to increase to 2.91 as compared to farmer practice (2.51).Analysis of economic data revealed that an additional cost of Rs. 202.62 lakh in the district as per front line demonstrations could give an additional return of Rs. 1132.84 lakh. Front line demonstration of proven technologies could enhance productivity of pearl millet crop to a great extent with increase in the income level of the farming community.

Chickpea (Cicer kabuli anum.) is a major pulse crop grown in Madhya Pradesh particularly in Indore district with 11.83 q/ha which is far below than its potential yield (20 q/ha). Therefore to enhance its production and productivity front line demonstration were carried out at Indore district during 2015-16, 2016-17 & 2017-18. The interventions imparted under front line demonstration were consisting Improve variety, {Phule G 0517 (Kripa)}, integrated nutrient management (20:60:20 kg N: P: K /ha + Rhizobium + P.S.B.@ 5 ml per kg of seed), integrated pest management, Deep ploughing, seed treatment with Trichoderma viridi, Quinolphos @1.5 lt/ha+ Indoxacarb 3.3 lt/ha). Existing farmers practice was treated as control. Full gap was observed in case of variety, seed rate, seed treatment, seed inoculation, while partial gap was observed in use of inorganic fertilizer and plant protection measure followed by the farmers. 26.23 percent average yield enhancement was recorded with extension gap ranging between 3.1, 2.4 and 3.49 q/ha during the period of study. The trends of technology gap (ranging between 5.4, 6.93 and 4.39 q/ha) reflected the farmer’s co-operation in carrying out such demonstration with encouraging results in sequent year. Average technological index 14.8 % showed the feasibility of the evolved technology at the farmer’s field. Net return under recommended practices was recorded Rs 70553, 73220 and Rs 57847 while it was Rs 45593, 57228 and Rs 39525 under existing farmers practice. Benefit: cost ratio was ranged between 1: 3.47, 3.25 and 1:2.97. Consequently it was clearly showed that the Front line demonstration can paved the way of minimizing the gap between actual yield of chick pea and its yield potential.

Plant protease inhibitors (PPIs) are widely distributed in plants and among other roles, it protects plants from insect attack. Plant protease inhibitors inhibit insect gut protease activity thereby hampering protein digestion. In this study, we screened plant seeds to identify PPIs against larval gut proteases of Spodoptera mauritia (Boisd.). Seeds were homogenized in bicarbonate buffer pH 9.0 (1ml/g tissue) and was centrifuged at 10,000 x g for 10 minutes at 4ºC. The supernatant was used for protease inhibition assay using azocasein as substrate. Out of 30 different seeds screened, 10 showed greater than 40% inhibition and the highest percentage of inhibition was showed by Areca triandra (73.3±0.04%), followed by Abelmoschus manihot (72.57±1.3%), Mallotus tetracocus (53±1.7%), Mucuna pruriens, (47.30±3.46%). Crotalaria pallida (46.56±0.94%), Nephelium lappacum (45.66±1.28%), Persea Americana (44.38±0.09%), Ipomoea cairica (42.53±1.20%), Ricinus communis (41.77±3.28%) and Thunbergia alata (40.82±0.05%) respectively. This is the first report of presence of PPIs from Areca triandra, Abelmoschus manihot, Mallotus tetracocus, Ipomoea cairica and Thunbergia alata. Though there are reports of the presence of trypsin/ cysteine protease inhibitor from other plants reported here, in this study we showed for the first time that the seed extracts from these plants inhibited larval gut proteases of S. mauritia. Proteinase K treatment revealed that the inhibitor in Abelmoschus manihot is proteinacious in nature while the inhibitor in Areca triandra may be a non-proteinacious inhibitor. Identification and characterization of new PPIs against gut proteases of insects will be helpful in designing better insect control strategies.

Field experiment on groundnut were conducted for four years with 16 treatments as a combination of 4 organic sources (Control, Sheep penning, Sheep manure and FYM) and 4 organic and inorganic sources (Control, 50% FYM, 50% RDF and 50% FYM + 50% RDF) in a split-plot design during Kharif 2009 to 2012 under arid Alfisols at Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh. Pooled mean indicated that significantly higher pod, haulm yield, gross returns, net returns, Benefit cost ratio and rain water use efficiency was recorded with sheep penning +50% RDF compared to absolute control. Four year pooled mean indicated that significantly higher organic carbon was recorded with sheep penning + 50% FYM application (0.67%) and lowest with absolute control (0.30%). The maximum soil potassium occurred under sheep penning only in all the 4 years. The lowest soil potassium occurred under absolute control in all the years. The maximum pod yield was attained under sheep penning + 50% FYM in 2009, sheep manure + 50% RDF in 2010, FYM + 50% RDF in 2011, sheep manure + 50% FYM in 2012 and sheep penning + 50% RDF when pooled over years. The maximum net returns was attained under sheep penning + 50% FYM in 2009, sheep penning + 50% RDF in 2010 and when pooled over years, FYM + 50% RDF in 2011 and sheep manure + 50% FYM in 2012. The maximum rainwater use efficiency was attained under sheep penning + 50% FYM in 2009, sheep manure + 50% RDF in 2010, FYM + 50% RDF in 2011, sheep manure + 50% FYM in 2012 and when pooled over years. Highest SYI value was attained under sheep penning + 50% RDF when pooled over years. Sheep penning @5000 per ha over night with 50 % RDF will increase the pod and halum yield with higher net returns and sustainable yield index for rainfed groundnut.

Thiruvananthapuram is blessed with the weather and climate suitable for the cultivation of the two major cash crops of Kerala viz. banana and tapioca. A large number of farmers in the district cultivate these crops. Hence the study was conducted in order to know the profitability of each enterprise. The total cost of cultivation of banana was found to be Rs.2,72,170 ha-1 with increasing returns to scale. The total cost of cultivation of tapioca was found to be Rs.1,81,259.60 ha-1 with constant returns to scale. Banana enterprise was found to be more profitable.

In an agrarian country like India, agriculture occupies a key place in the programme of economic development. When traditional form of agriculture started becoming commercial during the British period, farmers’ attitude towards agriculture was changed. Among various commercial crops grown in India, the arecanut is one of the predominant crops. In the process of production of arecanut, marketing plays a vital role. The present study was conducted during 2015-16 in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. Sirsi, Siddapur and Yellapur talukas of Uttara Kannada District were selected for the study in the view of their highest share in area and the production in the district. The total sample size was 180. Marketing pattern of arecanut growers reveals that nearly 44 percent of the arecanut growers sell their produce in Totgar’s Co-operative Sales Society (TSS) followed by Taluk’s Agriculture Produce Marketing Co-operative Society (31.11%) and both TSS and TAPMCS (18.89%). While, only 6.11 percent of arecanut growers sold through middlemen. The data pertaining to time of getting income revealed that majority (87.22 %) of arecanut growers got income immediately after selling their produce followed by 9.45 percent got after one week, 2.77 percent got income after two weeks and only 0.56 percent got income and after one month. The study also showed that the major constraints faced by the growers were lack of knowledge about pest and disease control, non-availability of credit in time and lack of remunerative prices.

This paper presents a study of crop coefficient (Kc) for onion crop cultivated under deficit irrigation for Rahuri region (Maharashtra). The field experiment was conducted to determine the crop coefficient (Kc). The fifth order polynomials were used to well predict Kc as functions of days after transplanting (R2 =0.984, RMSE=0.3299).The crop coefficients developed in this study could be used in irrigation design and scheduling for onion crop in Rahuri region.