The present investigation comprised 30 genotypes of black gram to assess the genetic divergence based on 13 traits including seed yield. Based on Non-Hierarchical Euclidean cluster analysis, these genotypes were grouped into six clusters. Ten genotypes falls in Cluster III, forming the largest cluster followed by cluster I comprised seven genotypes, cluster VI comprised six genotypes and cluster II comprised four genotypes. Among these six clusters, cluster VI was noted as mono genotypic cluster. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster II and cluster VI, where as the maximum intra-cluster distance was observed in cluster V. Cluster VI showed maximum cluster mean value for seed yield per plant. Therefore, Superior genotypes may be developed by hybridization between genotypes belonging to different clusters. Genotype IC-250188 showed more diverse than others because it fall in cluster VI, clustering by Ward and Tocher methods. Among all the characters, biological yield/plant (27.64%) contributes maximum followed by seed yield/plant (14.94%) and seeds/pod (12.64%).

Finger millet [Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.], belonging to the family poaceae, is a crop of considerable potential. The use of DNA markers in general and SSR markers in particular in finger millet breeding is still in its infancy due to their limited availability. There are few reported attempts of developing genomic/EST SSR markers in finger millet. A set 94 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers developed from cereal crops (pearl millet, foxtail millet, oat and wheat) were evaluated for their transferability to finger millet. Forty-nine of 61 SSR markers from pearl millet were transferable to finger millet. Although fewer SSR markers of other cereals such as wheat, foxtail millet and oat, all of them were transferable to finger millet. The present study provides clues for transferability of cross cereal species/genera EST SSR markers to genomic resources-limited crops such as finger millet.

The female and male nymphs of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) was reared on leaves of potted chilli plants fitted with modified rearing glass vials, at 24-31 0C temperature and 80-85 % RH. The nymphs completed ecdysis at the age of 12.11± 1.00 days. The ratio of male: female was 1: 2.7. The preoviposition, oviposition and incubation period of eggs were 1.14±0.38, 2.50±1.29 and 5.39±1.58 days, respectively. The fecundity was 24.71±3.04. The first, second and third instar nymphs completed ecdysis within 1.68±1.00, 1.78±1.00 and 4.06±1.00 days respectively, and 4th instar or puparium stage lasted for 4.59±1.00 days. Adult longevity of female and male was 4.78±1.00 and 3.29±1.00 days, respectively. Life cycle completed within 23.14±0.69 and 20.85±0.90 days for female and male respectively. The female was larger than male. Length and breadth of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th (puparium) instars were 0.29±0.02 and 0.12±0.01; 0.68±0.03 and 0.67±0.01; 0.72±0.04 and 0.66±0.05; 0.77±0.04 and 0.55±0.05mm, respectively. The length and breadth of eggs were 0.20±0.01 and 0.09±0.02mm, respectively.

A field study on different levels of NPK i.e.,-0-0, 165-84-165,330-168-330, 495-252-495 and 660-336-660 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha were conducted on processing potato variety Kufri Chipsona-3 at Potato Research Station, SDAU, Deesa (Gujarat) during rabi season for two consecutive years 2012-13 and 2013-14. Results clearly revealed that application of 330-168-330kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha had significantly higher tuber yield (23.13 t/ha) over lower dose of NPK (165-84-165kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha), while reducing tuber cracking than higher doses of NPK (495-252-495 and 660-336-660 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha). Nutrient use efficiency of NPK decreased with subsequent increase in levels of NPK, while water use efficiency and crop productivity registered significant improvement under elevated doses of NPK up to 330-168-330 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha. From economic point of view, 330-168-330kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha registered highest net income (₹27,032/ha) and return per day (₹275.84/ha/day).

In order to find a relatively tolerant/resistance breeding material against the pod borer twenty genotypes of chickpea were screened in a field experiment. The data revealed that ICC-14872 harboured least larval population and was statistically at par with 14 entries tested. JG-11 suffered least pod damage, while ICCV- 08108 out yielded all the other entries. On the basis of low larval infestation, least pod damage due to the pod borer and relativity higher grain yield, obtained under un-protected conditions, entries ICCCV-09115, ICCCV-97105, ICCV-08108 indicated that these lines hold promise in the management strategies but need further confirmation.

This study was conducted in Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh state during the year 2014-15 to assess the attitude of farmers towards utilization of e-Choupal in their farm enterprise and to find out the association with socio-economic, communication and psychological characteristics of farmers in using these tools. Totally 120 respondents were selected as a sample for this study following proportionate sampling method. The findings revealed that majority of farmers were middle aged, small farmers, middle-income group, mass media exposure, extension agency contact, cosmopoliteness and innovativeness. More than two-third of the respondents had medium level of risk orientation, moderate scientific orientation and economic motivation. Regarding attitude of the farmers, more than two-third (80.00%) of the respondents has moderately favourable attitude towards e-Choupal, followed by 13.33 percent of respondents having highly favourable attitude and only 5.66 percent respondent with least favourable attitude. The findings revealed that out of sixteen variables studied, only eight variables namely annual income, education, cosmopoliteness, risk orientation, innovativeness, economic motivation, and scientific orientation were found to be highly significantly and positively related to attitude of farmers towards e-Choupal. Hence, there is a time to prepare, educate and train the farmers in using these tools in their farm enterprise for their wellbeing.

The e- Choupal is one of such innovative and imaginative ICT initiatives started in India by ITC Limited. This system provides farmers with information about latest market price of crop, up-to-date information on weather, a provision to sell crop harvest directly to the buyers and sharing of good farming practices through its network. The present study was conducted in Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh. The study was conducted by selecting 120 respondents from the study area. The finding revealed that more than two-third (82.50%) of the respondents had moderately favourable attitude followed by 10.83 percent having highly favourable and only 6.66 percent of the respondents had least favourable attitude towards e-Choupal. Findings regarding attitude of respondents towards services of e-Choupal revealed that more than two-third respondents (77.50%) had moderately favourable attitude whereas only 15.00 percent had highly favourable attitude towards these services. Further, only 7.50 percent respondents had least favourable attitude towards services of e-Choupal.

This study was conducted on the effect of processing parameters i.e. moisture content of feed (8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 %) and blend ratio of little millet: defatted soy flour (60:40, 70:30, 80:20, 90:10, and 100:00) and operational parameters of extruder i.e. barrel temperature (60, 80, 100, 120, and 140o C), screw speed (60,80, 100, 120 and 140 rpm) and die head temperature (80, 100, 120, 140 and 160o C) on physical properties of extrudate (moisture content of extrudate, bulk density, specific length and sectional expansion index). It was found the moisture content of the extruded increases with increase in moisture content of feed and decreases with increase in the proportion of defatted soy flour in blend. As the feed moisture content increased, the value of sectional expansion index also increases. It was also observed that with increase in the die head temperature, the specific length of extruded also increased. The bulk density decreases with the increase in moisture content and increase in proportion of defatted soy flour.

An experiment was done to know the effect of leaf extract and root extraction nutrient media for mycelial growth, colony character and sporulation. Observation was recorded after 72. However, maximum number of spores/cm2, mycelial growth was recorded in the nutrient media where leaf and root extract were added. Media rich in nutrient is called culture media which is used for the growth and sporulation of micro-organism. A survey was carried out on some gelling agent like Tapioca and Agar for the growth of plant pathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria alternata, Helminthosporium sp, Cercospora sp, Sclerotinia sp were isolated from different plant. Potato-Dextrose-Agar (PDA) and Tapioca-Potato-Sugar-Agar (TPSA) media were used to maintain the culture, to screen their suitability for culturing fungi. The root and leaf extract of their respective plant parts were added the Tapioca-potato-sugar-agar (TPSA) and potato dextrose agar (PDA) media to check the efficacy of the pathogen to their respective host plant. After incubation at 27±1OC, growth rate measured and sporulation counted for fungal organism. The growth rates and sporulation of all the organisms in TPSA media and TPSA Media with leaf extract were observed. TPSA Media with leaf extract was significantly higher than those in Potato Dextrose Agar media and TPSA media.

Quality of irrigation water from Chakur tahsil of Latur district, Maharashtra, India during year 2008-2009. Total 300 ground water samples (180 well and 120 bore well) were collected randomly from 30 villages of periodically in two seasons i.e. monsoon season (July, 2008) and winter season (January, 2009). Similarly, representative 300 soil samples were also collected from same villages of Chakur tahsil in monsoon and winter season. The ground water samples were analyzed for quality parameters viz., pH, Electrical conductivity, cations, anions, boron. The Sodium Adsorption Ratio and Residual Sodium Carbonate were also calculated for these ground water samples. Soil samples were also analyzed for its pH and EC. The result found that all ground water samples from Chakur tahsil were alkaline in reaction and having pH 7.87 and 8.02 in monsoon and winter seasons, respectively. EC of these waters were 0.72 and 0.91 dS m-1 in monsoon and winter seasons, respectively. Among 300 water samples as per boron concentration, 54 and 40 per cent water samples were categorized in class C3 and C2, respectively. The EC values of ground waters were low in monsoon season as compared to winter season. Among all the cations in ground water sodium was dominant followed by magnesium, calcium and potassium. The relative proportions of anions in ground waters were in sequence of sulphate, carbonate, bicarbonate and chlorine. The boron concentration of ground water was ranged from 0.77 to 1.17 ppm which was moderately safe (C2) for irrigation. According to sodicity classes, i.e. SAR and RSC of ground waters were 90 and 82 per cent, respectively, which were safe and suitable for irrigation. Due to irrigation with ground water the pH and EC of soils were changed from 7.93 to 8.05 and 0.73 to 0.84 dSm-1, respectively. The positive and significant correlation was observed in between soil pH, Electrical conductivity and water quality parameters studied.

The pea (Pisum sativum) is most commonly the small spherical seed or the seed-pod of the pod fruit. Each pod contains several peas. Pisum sativum is annual plant, with a life cycle of one year. It is a cool-season crop grown in many parts of the world; planting can take place from winter to early summer depending on location. The average pea weighs between 0.1 and 0.36 grams. This study was conducted in Majholi block of Jabalpur District of Madhya Pradesh. The study revealed that majority of the pea growers had (40.00%) medium technological gap followed by (30.40%) had high and only (29.60%) had low regarding overall improved pea production technology respectively. The study also revealed that the socio-economic factors had positive and significant influence on the technological gap of improved pea production technology.

The experiment was conducted on zinc deficient soil at farmer’s field in Kehal village, Taluka Jintoor, Dist. Parbhani, Maharashtra during summer season of 2014 to assess the ability of zinc solubilizing microorganisms to enhance the zinc availability and enzyme activity in soil. Bioinoculants used such as Burkholderia cepacia, Burkholderia cenocepacia, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas striata, Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus megaterium. Tenth day after sowing 24 hrs old fresh culture of microbial isolates was inoculated at the rate 10 ml. Activity of alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase was noted significantly highest in treatment RDF + Rhizobium + Bacillus megaterium and respectively. However, dehydrogense activity and nutrient availability was found significantly highest in treatment whereas, significantly highest periodical Zn content in soil was found with Pseudomonas striata followed by Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma viride, respectively.

The paper portrays Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) effects on rooting of cuttings of Star Gooseberry. The study was conducted during the year 2013-14, in poly house conditions at NAU, Navsari, using two different vegetative cuttings: Hardwood Cuttings and Top Cuttings. A Completely Randomized Design with Factorial concept (FRBD) comprising of two factors (1) types of cutting (hardwood cutting and top cutting) and (2) different concentration of IBA (0, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500 and 3000 mg l-1). Results showed that among the different cutting types and different IBA concentration, hardwood cutting and 2000 mg l-1 were individually as well as in their combination found to be the most beneficial for early sprouting and maximum sprouting percentage. Similar trend was observed on the growth parameters such as number of leaves, leaf area, length of longest root, fresh and dry biomass of root, root : shoot ratio and survival percentage.

The objective of the study was to optimize weeding unit of manually operated cono-weeder for weeding operation in rice crop using response surface methodology and to verify the optimum levels of the variables. The variables considered in the study consisted of diameter of weeding drum and blade angle. Rice seedlings were manually transplanted at 25 x25 cm plant to plant and row to row distance in the field plot of MRRS, AAU, Nawagam. The experiment was divided into two parts one for serrated bladed weeding units and other for plain bladed weeding units. The experiment design was centre composite design in RSM. The experiment was conducted to assess the effect of weeding drum diameter and blade angle on various parameters like draft, power, effective field capacity, weeding efficiency, plant damage, number of clogging, soil volume disturbed, performance index and cost of operation. Data obtained were then used to develop functions in polynomial form that allowed the calculations of the optimum level of each independent variable considered in the study. The optimum level of weeding drum diameter and blade angle were decided on the basis of considering performance index and cost of operation as main parameters. Overall, the best performance was found to be in the serrated bladed weeding of 100 mm drum diameter and 29.37° blade angle and in plain bladed weeding unit of 100 mm drum diameter and 30.29° blade angle.

Field investigations were conducted during Rabi season of 2014 and 2015 to study the effect of different seeding rates on different genotypes of wheat crop when sown through seed cum fertilizer drill at farmer’s field in tribal areas of Gariyaband District in Chhattisgarh. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Three wheat varieties (HD-2864, HD-2932 and MP-3336) were tested at 5 seeding rates (100,110,120,130 and 140 kg ha-1). Seed rate significantly affected all the plant traits. The results revealed that wheat sown at the seed rate of 140 kg ha-1 significantly showed promising results in terms of taller plants (70.89cm & 71.41cm), maximum number of effective tillers and m-2 (372.33 & 376.44), grains spike-1 (58.0 & 58.67), 1000 grain weight (39.64g & 39.78g) and grain yield (36.45 qha-1& 36.34 qha-1) during both the years respectively, in comparison to the other lower seed rates. This increase in yield was associated with the progressive increase in all growth and yield components. Among the varieties evaluated HD-2864 was most efficient and recorded maximum values of all the growth, yield attributes and yield.