A field experiment was conducted at Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand during the kharif seasons of 2016 and 2017 with the main objective to study the effect of foliar application of combinations of different compounds on growth, yield and economics of green gram under rainfed condition. It comprised of ten treatments viz., water spray(control), Urea @ 2% spray, TNAU Pulse Wonder @ 1% spray, Salicylic acid @ 75ppm spray (two times), 19:19:19 (N:P:K) @ 2% spray, Urea @ 2% + Salicylic acid @ 75ppm spray, Boron @ 250ppm spray, Nitrobenzene @ 500ppm spray, DAP @ 2% spray (two times) and KCl 2% spray. Two years data revealed that application of Urea @ 2% + Salicylic acid @ 75ppm through foliar spray at flower initiation stage of green gram along with recommended dose of fertilizer(20:40:20:20 kg N:P2O5:K2O :S/ha) improved green gram grain yield, yield attributing characters, viz. number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, number of branches/plant, 100 seed weight and growth parameters, viz. plant height , dry matter accumulation and leaf area index(LAI). Highest plant height (70.27 cm), number of nodules per plant(34.11), LAI (4.5), DMA (313.47 g/m2) , number of branches/plant(8.04), LAI (4.5), number of pods/plant (16.0), seeds/pod (14.4) , 100 seed weight (3.47g), grain yield (1099 kg/ha) , net return (₹35,407.00 /ha) and B: C ratio (1.88) of green gram was recorded with application of Urea @ 2% + Salicylic acid @ 75ppm which enhanced grain yield upto 34% being at par with foliar application of 2% (N:P:K::19:19:19) or 2% Urea along with recommended dose of fertilizer(20:40:20:20 kg N:P2O5:K2O:S/ha).

The mathematical modelling is used to predict some of the models along with their engineering properties of pomegranate fruits. The effects of engineering properties, which are important for designing of post-harvest handling and processing machineries. The moisture content of the pomegranate cv. Ganesh at wet basis was found to be arils (83%), peels (76%), and whole fruit (80%). With respected moisture content dimensional properties was like major (length), intermediate (width), minor (Thickness) diameter, geometric and arithmetic mean diameter, sphericity, Surface and projected area, weight, volume (oblate and ellipsoid shape), flakiness and elongation ratio of pomegranate cv. Ganesh were found to be 79.56 mm, 76.08 mm, 76.18 mm, 77.22 mm, 77.27 mm, 0.97, 188.67 cm2 and 60.90 cm2, 253.65 g, 246.69 cm3 and 469.86 cm3, 1.00 and 1.05 respectively. The gravimetric properties of pomegranate like Bulk density, true density, porosity and angle of repose was observed the average values of 554 kg/m3, 1030 kg/m3, 46.77%, 49° respectively. The frictional properties like coefficient of friction, rolling angle and rolling resistance were the mean values for different surfaces like mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, galvanised, rubber and card board was investigated. The mechanical property like firmness of the fruit was found to be 16.4 kg/cm2. The frequency distribution of the major, geometric mean diameter and the fruit mass/weight followed by normal distribution of Gaussian model. The maximum number of fruits were frequency distributed with the major (75-85 mm), intermediate (72.5-82.5 mm), and weight of the fruits (200-300 grams). The different mathematical models like linear, logarithmic, exponential, polynomial and power models used with some engineering properties and their result showed the best suitable mass models, which can predict the mass of pomegranate based on the estimated surface area of the pomegranate cv. Ganesh. The higher regression coefficient of best model R2=0.93 and the corresponding equation M= 71.667e0.0065Sa.

The present investigations were undertaken in kharif 2015-16 at College of Agriculture Research Farm, Gwalior to study the less susceptible variety of brinjal against jassid, whitefly, aphid and shoot & fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis G. Population of jassid, whitefly and aphid, none of the tested variety was found free from infestation. The jassid, whitefly and aphid populations among different varieties was ranged from 7.8 to 19.0, 11.9 to 22.8 and 19.4 to 42.6 on number basis, respectively. Variety Ananya was found less susceptible followed by Kiran, BR-112 and Nano-38. Whereas variety Local Deshi found highly susceptible followed by Green Star and Qayamat. Based on observation recorded on percent shoot & fruit infestation by L. orbonalis G. none of the tested variety was found free from infestation. The percent fruit damage among different varieties was ranged from 3.6 to 23.1 percent on number basis and 2.9 to 12.8 percent on weight basis. Variety Ananya was found less susceptible followed by Kiran, BR-112 and Nano-38. Whereas variety Local Deshi found highly susceptible followed by Green Star and Qayamat. Variety Local Deshi was found highly susceptible to the jassid followed by Green Star and Qayamat. Variety Ananya was found less susceptible followed by Kiran, BR-112 and Nano-38. Variety Local Deshi was found highly susceptible to the whitefly followed by Green Star and Qayamat. Variety Ananya were found less susceptible followed by Kiran, BR-112 and Nano-38. Variety Local Deshi was found highly susceptible to the aphid followed by Green Star and Qayamat. Variety Ananya were found less susceptible followed by Kiran, BR-112 and Nano-38. Variety Ananya was found less susceptible to L. orbonalis G. followed by Kiran, BR-112 and Nano-38. Variety Local Deshi was found highly susceptible to L. orbonalis G. followed by Green Star and Qayamat. Local Deshi was highly susceptible to L. orbonalis G. based on shoots infestation whereas moderately susceptible based on fruit infestation.

Agriculture is an important part of India’s economy and at present it is among the top farm produces in the world. This sector provides approximately 52 percent of the total number of jobs available in India and contributes around 17-18 percent to the GDP. For maximum growth of food production, nutritional soil and water plays a vital role. But due to soil texture and its structure erosion is a major problem which reduced the soil nutrient and its fertile property. An area of over 80 million hectares or about one-fourth of total area is exposed to wind and water erosion out of which 40 million hectares of land has undergone serious erosion. The loss due to water erosion is 53.34 million hectares annually (ICAR). The present work has attempts to emanate the runoff and soil erosion based on DAS technique for controlling the erosion and its treatment for enhancing crop production and availability the ground water recharge for livelihood and other ecosystem activities.

India is the second largest potato producer in the world after China and contributes roughly 13% of world potato production. On the contrary India’s share in global export of potato is very meagre (0.7%). In order to stabilize potato market contributing to doubling of farmer’s income, it is necessary to formulate effective participatory research & management based plan for exporting potatoes to the potential exporting countries. Although, Countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mauritius, Vietnam, Malaysia, Turkey, Thailand and Russia are among the potential importing destination for Indian Potatoes. Growing demands of organic produce in the world market are great opportunities, whereas, issues like impact of climate change, high post-harvest losses; endemic nature of brown rot pathogen (Ralstonia solonacearum) and potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella) in certain pockets of the country and ban/rejection on account of non-compliance of sanitary & phytosanitary measures are major constraints in potato export. Since, India is one of the signatories of WTO; it has to comply with all provisions of WTO agreement related to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures. Therefore, to promote export of potato it is indeed needed to be free from pest of concern to importing countries. To promote potato export without applying any phytosanitary treatment, the identification of pest free areas (PFAs)/pest free production places/sites in accordance with global standard of International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) i.e., International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM-4/ISPM-10) is the safest phytosanitary measure for pest of concern to importing country from India. Identified pest free areas should be notified by the Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India. Notified pest free areas (brown rot pathogen & potato tuber moth) may be used in the establishment of potato export zones. Therefore, to identify pest free areas a coordinated scientific approach is needed by involving all stakeholders including producers, traders/exporters, ICAR, APEDA, SAUs, Horticulture Department of potato growing states and Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage (NPPO). Thus, Potato growers will be able to boost export in highly competitive environment & continue to take profits from export and doubled their income.

A field experiment was carried out during rabi season of 2018-19 at the organic research farm of M S Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology, Parlakhemundi, Gajapathi, Odisha, to study the appropriate dosage of FYM and vermicompost in terms of yield and economics of tomato crop. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with five treatments (T1: FYM @ 20 t/ha + vermicompost @ 10 t/ha at 30DAT, T2: FYM @ 20 t/ha + vermicompost @ 5 t/ha at 30DAT, T3: FYM @ 15 t/ha + vermicompost @ 5 t/ha at 30DAT, T4: FYM @ 10 t/ha + vermicompost @ 5 t/ha at 30DAT and T5: Control) replicated four times. Results indicate that the growth parameters, yield attributes and yield (109.34 t/ha) found highest in combined application of FYM @ 20 t/ha + vermicompost @ 10 t/ha at 30DAT treatment. Gross return (256200 Rs/ha), net return (399840 Rs/ha) and B:C ratio (2.6) were calculated highest also in combined application of FYM @ 20 t/ha + vermicompost @ 10 t/ha at 30DAT treatment plot.

Finger millet or ragi has the pride of place in having the highest productivity among small millets and ranks third among the nutri-cereals next to sorghum and pearl millet. The production and productivity of finger millet is low because of inefficient irrigation and nutrient management, heavy weed infestation, incidence of blast disease etc. Among these, weed infestation is a serious threat to its production. Uncontrolled weed growth during crop period has significantly reduced the grain yield ranging from 34 to 61 per cent [1].The critical period for crop-weed competition is initial five weeks period from planting [2][3]. Effective weed management is needed for accomplishment of higher yield. It warrants for timely weeding and intercultivation within the critical period. Suitable weed management strategies should be adopted to keep weeds under check and to harness maximum yield benefit from finger millet through integrated weed management approach.

Four advanced breeding lines and two check varieties from different zones of the country were studied for three years to identify high yielding, stable genotypes for south eastern Rajasthan. Variance due to genotypes, environments, genotype x environment was highly significant for days to maturity, 100 grain weight and grain yield per plant across the environments. NBeG 452 and GAG 1107 were found to be the most stable genotypes for yield and component traits.

Soft power is a new form of power, described as the ability to influence other behaviour or ability to shape the preferences of others in such a way that it leads to the achievement of the targeted purpose. On the other hand, a good Leadership is also a factor which influences the behaviour and communication process of the people and critically important for an organization to achieve a high level of performance. Therefore, in the present study leadership performance has been selected an indicator soft power and its relationship with agricultural extension services. Present study was conducted on the 220 respondents in two districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh i.e., Varanasi and Mirzapur. Data were obtained on the basis of interview schedule. The findings of chi-square test indicated that there was no significant relationship found between most of the activities under leadership performance in public or private sectors extension services which mean leadership performance of public and private extension service were found to be different. However, in some aspects of leadership performance a significant association is found which shown that private sector is better than public sector on these aspects of leadership performance. Limitations and future research suggestions were also discussed.

Millets are gaining importance nowadays because of its nutrition and health benefits. Millets are widely cultivated all over the world and some parts of India. Millets are mostly rain fed crops and used as food and fodder. Little millet (P. sumatrense) also called Indian millet since it is an origin of India. Little millet is cultivated in 2-5 months period and harvested during fifth month when it attains maturity. Millets are processed to remove husk to get grain and cooked as rice and sometimes may grind into flour and used in culinary. Millets are important because of its nutrients mainly protein, fibre, minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron and some essential amino acids. The present study was carried out to standardize parboiling of Little millet, drying, milling properties and storage quality and retention of nutrients. De-hulling of Little millet is a cumbersome process since husk and bran layers are bound tightly on the endosperm and their removal needs a special treatment. To ease the milling process, these millets were subjected to hydrothermal treatment. Whole Little millet was soaked at different temperatures of 60, 70 and 80°C soaking time (2, 2 1/2 and 3 h) and this was followed by steaming process (30 min). The resulting millet is dried, dehusked and decorticated through milling processing in a centrifugal de-huller. Parameters such as head rice recovery and percentage of loss were observed. The results showed that the water absorption capacity of soaked Little millet was 50%, 45% and 40% respectively. Parboiling was carried out until the millet cooks and till the husk opens and it was absorbed that the time taken to parboil was 30 minutes. Drying Time was absorbed that it took two days to dry the grain with 10% moisture. The milling quality of Little millet showed better head rice yield with 72.18, 74.57 and 75.20 percentage for different soaking temperatures respectively. The broken millet percentage with 3.23, 3.28 and 3.20 for different soaking temperature respectively with increasing storage capacity upto six months without any deformation.

The life cycle of reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis was completed in 17-23 days from egg to egg stage in cotton (MCU 5). Pre and post infection life cycle were completed in 7 days and 12 days respectively. Immature females-initiated infection by protruding the anterior portion of the body through epidermis and feed the phloem tissue of younger roots. Eggs were laid on root surface in gelatinous matrix. The maximum numbers of eggs per egg mass observed were 83- 90. A pot experiment for studying the pathogenicity of R. reniformis showed negative correlation between inoculum level and plant growth but the nematode inoculum level and nematode reproduction showed positive correlation.

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2016-17 to study the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer on growth, yield attributes, yield, quality and economics of garlic (Allium sativum L.). The eight treatment combinations of different fertilizers doses, FYM and biofertilizers (PSB and Azotobacter) were tested in randomized block design with three replications. Organic and inorganic fertilizer significantly influenced growth, yield attributes, yield, quality and economics of garlic. Application of 75% RDF + FYM (20 tones/ha) + PSB (5 kg /ha) + Azotobacter (3 kg/ha) treatment significantly increased the bulb yield by 90.37 and 24.47 percent over control (83.11 q/ha) and 100% RDF (100:60:60 kg/ha) (127.11 q/ha) treatments, respectively.

The present study was conducted on 24 Pandharpuri female buffaloes maintained at College farm of KNP College of Veterinary Science, Shirwal. The Pandharpuri buffaloes were categorized into different groups according to age comprising 6 (six) animals in each group Viz. Group I: Buffalo calves (up to 6 months), Group II: Young growing buffalo calves (6 months to 12 months), Group III: Buffalo heifers (12 months to 30 months) and Group IV: Adult Buffalos (above 30 months). Blood samples were collected and analyzed for micro minerals by using AAS (Cu, Fe, Zn), ICP-AES (Mo). The present data reveals that, there was non significant increasing trend in concentration of serum copper and significant apparently increasing trend in concentration of serum iron among different age groups. There was no significance difference in concentration of serum zinc and serum molybdenum among different age groups with no consistent trend.

An index is a composite measure of variables and also an accumulation of scores from a variety of individual items. It’s useful for representing a specific concept. This paper clearly explains the construction and standardization of index towards social change. For developing the index towards social change, social change indicators were identified and selected based on the score value of composite social change (CSC).The developed index can be used anywhere to measure the change and needs of rural women. It would be helpful for the policy makers and administrators for strengthening rural women.

The primary objective of this study is to know the problems faced by the Assistant Technology Managers (ATMs) of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) of Assam state while performing their jobs. A sample of 60 ATMs was taken based on purposive sampling. The study revealed that ATMs faced some problems in performing their jobs. Some important problems among them are Irregularity in release of funds for activities and monthly salary of contractual staff, which is ranked first with frequency 59 among 60 and percentage 98.33%. Unavailability of incentives rewards etc. for contractual staff, which is ranked second with frequency 57 among 60 and percentage 95.00%. In ability of CIG and FIG members in understanding the technical information provided by ATMs, which is ranked third with frequency 50 and percentage 83.33%. Hence initiatives should be taken by the higher authorities in solving the problems of Assistant Technology Managers of CSS−ATMA in Assam, which can help in improving their job productivity.

Agriculture plays a significant role in the Indian economy and the performance of this sector is vital for inclusive growth of the country. Agriculture not only contributes to the overall growth of the economy but also provides a vital livelihood base, employment and food security to the majority of the country’s population. Even though the state is endowed with rich natural resources, these resources could not be fully tapped due to lack of capital, human-capital, and many other factors. Thus, agriculture becomes the main sources of income, employment and livelihood for majority of the people and the economy of the state becomes dependent on agriculture. The main aim of the paper is to examine the land use pattern, production and productivity of some principal crops in Nagaland. The finding shows that major parts of land use is being occupied by the cultivation of cereal crops, however, the annual compound growth rate of land use pattern show that cultivation of oilseeds has the highest average growth rate. On production side, the annual compound growth rate of commercial crops comes to be the highest. The productivity per hectare for commercial crops was also the highest among all the other principal crops.

The farmer’s involvement in agricultural activities showed a declined growth over a period of time. The farmers go for livelihood diversification for overcoming agricultural risks. Livelihood diversification is a strategy that can improve the farmers’ returns. Hence, an attempt was made to study the determinants for their livelihood change. The study was conducted in western zone of Tamil Nadu. The samples are the farmers with irrigation facilities as respondent and a sample size was 120. The samples were drawn by using purposive sampling method. The factors were collected from relevant literatures, farmers, extension personnel and scientists and finally the collected items were sent for judge’s opinion. Based on the judges rating the valid items were selected and used for interview schedule construction. The information was gathered by using pretested well-structured interview schedule. The respondents asked to response each and every factors based on the nature of influence. The calculated index score was ranked for elucidate the higher influencing factors for livelihood diversification of agrarians.

The Soft power is the ability to influence other behaviour or ability to shape the preferences of others in such a way that it leads to the achievement of the targeted purpose. In other words, soft power could be seen as the ability to use the power of attraction ability to influence the decision making process of the people. The participation is a process or organized efforts of voluntary involvement of people which influence them in development process, course of events, decisions making. Therefore, in the present study participation has been selected as an indicator of extension soft power and its relationship with agricultural extension services. Present study was conducted on the 220 respondents in two districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh i.e., Varanasi and Mirzapur. Data were obtained on the basis of interview schedule. The findings of chi-square test indicated that there were no –significant association between farmer participation in public sector and private sector extension service in few services. It indicated that participation of farmer towards public and private extension services are same. However, a significant difference found in some services such as; expressing ideas, thought in the programme, taking Farmer Feedback at the end of programme and in suggesting feedback to be included in further programme. It has been clear from the data of significant association that private sector was found to be better than public sector.

Communication is the basis of all human contact and affects everyone in respect of modifying and controlling the behavior. Its objectives focused on changing or strengthening the target audience relationship and influencing reasoning, feeling and action of people. On the other hand, Soft power also a way to influence other behaviour or ability to shape the preferences of others in such a way that it leads to the achievement of the targeted purpose. Therefore, soft power and communication are two faces of a same coin. In other words, communication could be seen as an indicator of soft power. Present study was conducted on the 220 respondents in two districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh i.e., Varanasi and Mirzapur. To analyze the Communication of public and private agencies a suitable structured interview scheduled was developed which contained 14 items of Communication factors which further divided into three dimensions such as: communicator related factor, receiver related and massage related factor. The scoring pattern was used and based on the score obtained by each respondent, they were grouped into three categories taking mean and standard deviation as measures of check.

Among the natural resources, soil is a finite, non-elastic and non-renewable asset. Soil degradation is a major threat worldwide. Hence, the present study was taken up to document the soil related issues and also to study the awareness and perception level of the respondents on the probable causes for each issues. The Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu was selected for this study considering the highest proportion of tribal population in the district. Ex-post facto research design was used. The study was conducted in all the blocks of The Nilgiri district with a total sample of 214 respondents who were selected by employing proportionate random sampling method. Data were collected by using structured and standardized interview schedule. Percentage analysis was done to get meaningful interpretation of the results. The results shared visible level of gap in the awareness and perception level of the respondents on the documented environmental issues. There existed wide variations in the degree of acceptance of the sustainable soil management practices by the respondents. Appropriate educational strategies to be framed to bridge the above gap.

The Kokum tree has great potential in commercial cultivation. This very useful and beautiful tree is ideal for planting in parks and gardens, roadsides and in the compounds of houses and public institutions. The organoleptic analysis results revealed that the carbonated kokum was tastier and highly refreshing than the normal kokum drink.

The present study was carried out in the western part of Maharashtra state, India. Two districts namely Pune and Sangli were selected purposively for the study because a greater number of migratory shepherds inhabited in these districts and sheep rearing is one of the major activity of the farmers. A total of 120 respondents were selected by purposive random sampling from Pune and Sangli districts of western parts of Maharashtra. The data was collected through pretested structured interview schedule. Analysis of the study has been made by using appropriate statistical methods. Study revealed that majority of migratory shepherds were under middle level of socioeconomic status. The migratory pattern of migratory shepherds in study area was studied in three parameters viz. route of migration, period of migration and distance covered during migration. The average distance covered by migratory shepherds in study area was 194.72±13.09 km. The minimum distance covered during migratory period was 122 km and maximum distance covered during migration was 362 km. Capacity building of migratory shepherds through appropriate awareness campaign is essential to strengthen the level of adoption of scientific sheep husbandry practices.

An experiment was conducted under laboratory condition, at the Department of Sericulture, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru, wherein six neem formulations viz., Neemark, Nimbecidine, Solarneem, Limonool, Neem oil and NSKE were screened against larvae of D. pulverulentalis at the concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8 percent each. Among these treatments, NSKE at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 percent, recorded significantly lowest larval weight of 0.03, 0.02, 0.02 and 0.01 g, respectively, whereas in NSKE treatment at 8.0 percent the larvae did not survive indicating its significant superiority. The four concentrations of NSKE viz., 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 percent were on par with each other with respect to the larval weights. However, significantly maximum larval weight was recorded in untreated control (0.16 g). The pupal weight was recorded to be significantly maximum in untreated control (0.09 g), whereas, it was 0.01 g at 0.5 percent concentration of NSKE. However, the pupae did not survive in any of the other concentrations of NSKE that were tested. The moth emergence was lowest (10.00 %) at 0.5 percent concentration of NSKE. The maximum moth emergence (83.33%) and fecundity (110.00) was recorded in case of untreated control whereas the pest did not survive at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 percent concentrations of NSKE. The findings clearly demonstrated the superiority of NSKE over other neem formulations for the suppression of D. pulverulentalis on mulberry.

To study the selected characteristics of the cross bred cow owners. To study the knowledge level of cross bred cow owners about udder health. To study the adoption in cross bred cow owners regarding udder health.

Tapioca, popularly known as Cassava, is an important root crop widely cultivated in tropical countries because of its ability to grow well even under drought condition. The present study has been undertaken purposefully in Mohanur taluk of Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu. Around 120 respondents were selected randomly and the results of descriptive study revealed that the knowledge level of improved tapioca production practices were medium. The analysis showed that majority (71.66) of the respondents had medium level of knowledge towards improved production practices of tapioca followed by high (22.5%) and low level of knowledge (5.83%) respectively. Correlation analysis of knowledge with other independent variables results revealed that the age of farmers was found to be positive and significant at the level of 0.01. And variables like education, land holding, income, social participation, extension contacts, mass media exposure, innovativeness, risk orientation were found to be positive and significant at the 0.05 level. The variables like gender, occupation and family type were found non- significant at both 1 percent as well as 5 percent level of significance.

In this investigation, the endophytic guard cell bacterial strains Klebseilla oxytoca and Acinetobacter sp. were tested for their capability to enhance the plant growth and induction of stress related enzymes, production of osmolytic compounds in rice genotype CO51 under induced moisture stress condition. Compared to the uninoculated control and the control with water logged condition, the endophytic bacterial strains inoculated treatments showed enhanced growth under 40 per cent of induced drought stress. The quantitative estimation of antioxidative enzymes such as Ascorbate peroxidase (APX), Polyphenol oxidase (PPO), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) revealed to be higher in the treatment T4 and T3 compared to the uninoculated control T1 under drought stress. Similarly, the accumulation of the compatible solute such as proline seems to be produced higher in the treatment T4 and in addition the production of bioactive compounds viz., H2O2, MDA, total phenolics and flavanoids showed substantial increase in the treatment T3 and T4. Remarkably, the treatment T3 and T4 showed significant increase in the overall growth and improved physiological activities (^c-CO2 uptake, gs- stomatal conductance and A- Net transpiration rate) respectively. Hence, this study provides evidence on drought tolerance effect of rice genotype with the inoculation of potent endophytic bacterial strains under water deficit condition.

The random survey was conducted during autumn season in the Nilgiris and Dindigul districts of Tamil Nadu to assess the occurrence and distribution of potato cyst nematodes, Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida on potato. Four blocks of the Nilgiris district, Udhagamandalam, Kotagiri, Coonoor and Gudalur comprised of 44 revenue villages were surveyed. In Dindigul district 15 villages at Kodaikanal block were selected for survey. The total of 1009 soil samples were collected from potato cultivar Kufri Jyoti infested by potato cyst nematodes. The survey results showed that, out of 59 villages the severe infestation of cyst population was observed in Doddabetta (734 cysts/200cc) followed by Sholur (646 cysts/200cc) and Solada (624 cysts/200cc). The cyst population ranged from 0 -734 cysts /200 cc of soil in the Nilgiris district and 0- 645cysts/ 200 cc of soil in Dindigul district. Hence, the results showed that 88.06 and 86.66 % of potato fields in the Nilgiris and Kodaikanal hills were infested with potato cyst nematodes and no occurrence was recorded at Poondi in Kodaikanal block and Kunthasapai and Pudiyangiiin Udhagamandalam and Kotagiri block respectively.

Finger millet being one of the most nutritious and drought hardy crop demand for it is expected to increase in future. Although its consumption is in inevitable for people suffering from diabetic the dark colour of grains has been the major hindrance for its acceptability. In this preview an investigation was taken to develop a white grained finger millet variety for value addition especially for the bakery industry. This investigation was carried out using ear head contact method of crossing of selected entries viz., WRT-14 and GE-2924. The stabilised genotype developed from this cross was evaluated under different trials over locations across the Country and State of Karnataka. As result, a White grained finger millet variety viz., KMR-340 was developed from AICRP on Small Millets, Zonal Agricultural Research Station, V.C.Farm, Mandya based on its performance evaluation for higher grain yield, agronomic performance, resistance to pest and diseases and nutritional superiority over check varieties suitable for bakery industry.

Field experiments were conducted to optimize the irrigation scheduling and nutrient management practices for groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) under irrigated condition during summer season of 2017 at Central Farm, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The experiments were laid out in split plot design. Bunch variety, VRI 2 was chosen for the experiments. Soil of the experiment field were sandy clay loam in texture with low available nitrogen and medium available phosphorus and high available potassium. The main plot treatments consisted of three levels of irrigation scheduling namely 0.8 IW/CPE ratio (I1), 0.6 IW/CPE ratio (I2) and 0.4 IW/CPE ratio (I3) and four nutrient management practices in the sub-plots i.e. N1- 75% RDF with 5 t of charred rice husk, N2 - 50% RDF with 5 t of charred rice husk, N3 - 75% RDF with 5 t of charred rice husk along with seed treatment of arbuscular mycorrhiza and N4 - 50% RDF with 5 t of charred rice husk along with seed treatment arbuscular mycorrhiza. Among the irrigation scheduling and nutrient management practices, the growth parameters and pod yield were highest with the treatment combination of irrigation scheduling of 0.8 IW/CPE ratio along with 75% of RDF and 5 t of charred rice husk as basal with seed treatment of arbuscular mycorrhiza with a pod yield of 2003 kg/ha during summer’ 2017 season. Whereas, the lowest pod yield was recorded with irrigation scheduling of 0.4 IW/CPE ratio with 75% of RDF and 5 t of charred rice husk. The net return per hectare and B:C ratio increased with increase in the level of irrigation. The highest net return and B:C ratio were recorded with irrigation scheduling of 0.8 IW/CPE ratio and application of 75% of RDF and 5 t of charred rice husk as basal along with seed treatment of arbuscular mycorrhiza during summer season.

The field experiment was conducted during September 2018 at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai, 625 104, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, Tamil Nadu, to study the effect of water and calcium oxychloride treatment on germination, vigour index and dry matter production of pod seeded groundnut. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 8 treatments replicated thrice. The treatments consist of control (kernel), groundnut pods soaked in water, calcium oxychloride for 18, 20 and 24 hours and untreated pods. The results of the experiment revealed that soaking in water and calcium oxychloride significantly influenced the germination percentage, vigour index and dry matter production of groundnut compared to untreated pod sowing. Soaking the pods in water for 24 hours recorded the highest germination percentage among pod sowing treatments which was followed by soaking the pods in calcium oxychloride for 24 hours. The similar trend was observed for vigour index and dry matter production.