Five Groundnut (Arachis hypogea.L) cultivars- Jl-24, ICGV91114, Narayani, Abhaya, Dharani were evaluated under ambient (390 ppm) and elevated (550 ppm) CO2 in OTCs during 2013 Kharif. Observations were recorded on leaf area, biomass accumulation at flowering (30DAS) and pegging stages (45DAS) and photosynthetic rate (Anet), stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration rate (Tr) on pegging stage (39 DAS).Elevated CO2 enhanced the total biomass of all the genotypes at both sampling points. Improvement in total biomass due to elevated CO2 was higher (34%) with ICGV 91114 and Narayani at 30DAS, with JL-24 at 45DAS. At 550ppm CO2, Dharani recorded highest root length, shoot length and leaf area at 30 DAS and Jl-24 at 45DAS. The response of leaf biomass and specific leaf weight of ICGV 91114 at elevated CO2 was highest at 30DAS. The allocation of biomass was not similar with all genotypes, at elevated CO2 more biomass was allocated to stem in JL-24 whereas to roots in ICGV 91114 and not influenced in Dharani. The Anet increased with enhanced CO2 in all the genotypes ranging from 21% (Abhaya) to 42% (Narayani) where as reduced gs and Tr was recorded with Abhaya and Dharani. JL-24 had the highest per se value for leaf level intrinsic WUE at 550ppm with 41% advantage due to enhanced CO2 condition. It is evident that the response of groundnut crop to elevated CO2 is cultivar, growth stage and component specific.

CCS Haryana Agriculture University, India

Anther culture provides an excellent system for the study of microspore induction. Gametic embryogenesis allows a single-step development of complete homozygous lines from heterozygous parents, shortening the time required to produce homozygous plants in comparison with the conventional breeding methods that employ several generations of selfing had a significant impact on agricultural systems. Various techniques for microspore/anther culture have been developed for Brassica species (Palmer et al., 1996b). Somatic embryos and plantlets were produced in B. napus as early as 1977 (Keller and Armstrong, 1977) and this technology has been exploited for various purposes since that time. Although anther culture techniques have been successful, yet all material does not respond in the same way or to same degree. Significant variations can be seen from plant to plant or even within the same plant. Analysis of the parameters that underline these differences is needed to obtain a uniform and predictable response. The factors that are known to influence the success of anther culture, viz. donor plant genotype, donor plant physiology, stage of microspore development, pretreatment, culture conditions and culture environment. The experimental parameters like the effect of basal media (B5, NLN and MS), growth regulators (BAP, IAA, IBA, GA3 and NAA) with different concentrations, bud length and heat shock for anther derived plantlet regeneration also considerable. Appropriate stress conditions such as chilling, partial desiccation, cotyledon excision, and successive subculture of microspore derived embryos could promote plant development in brassica.

Pranamika Sharma is a PhD scholar of department of Plant Pathology in Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, has did her MSc (Agri) from the same university and has presented one oral paper presentation in a national symposium organized by Indian Phytopathological Society and two poster presentations and one abstract and she is presently working as a junior research fellow in a project entitled “Programme on Biofertilizer” under DBT-AAU Centre.

In the present investigation for management of late blight of potato through chemicals efforts made to evaluate few commonly used fungicides for their comparative efficacy against Phytophthora infestans (Mont.)de Bary- the incitant of late bight, with a view to select the most effective fungicide for the management of the disease. Among the seven fungicides, two fungicides namely Cymoxanil 8% + Mancozeb 64% and Dimethomorph 50% were found most effective in pot evaluation which could reduce the disease to an extent of 99.98% and 99.95%, respectively when applied before appearance of disease. The same fungicides could protect 99.84% and 99.69% of the crop when applied after 1% appearance of the disease.
The best two fungicides, Cymoxanil 8% + Mancozeb 64% and Dimethomorph 50% were selected to compare their relative efficacy with the existing recommended fungicides Metalaxyl 8% + Mancozeb 64% and Mancozeb 75% under field condition. The highest protection (100 %) against late blight with a corresponding maximum yield (73.20 q/ha) was recorded in the treatment of one prophylactic spray with Cymoxanil 8% + Mancozeb 64% followed by two additional spray with same fungicide at 10 days interval. Metalaxyl 8% + Mancozeb 64% when applied as one prophylactic spray followed by two additional sprays at 10 days interval could protect 97.64 % crop with a production of 62.60 q of healthy tuber per ha.

Prashant Pandharinath Said is a Research Scholar at Department of Farm Engineering, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. He has successfully completed M. Tech (Agriculture Engineering) in Post Harvest Process and Food Engineering from University of Agriculture Sciences, Bangalore. He has published 3 books and several research papers in reputed journals.

The nutmeg fruits were pendulous, broadly pyriform, yellow, smooth, 70-100 mm long, fleshy splitting open into two halves when ripe, showing the ovoid 20-30 mm long dark brown shining seed with hard seed coat, surrounded by a glaciate red aril attached to the base of the seed. The study was conducted to determine effect of moisture content on the physical properties of nutmeg nuts and kernels at two different moisture contents (12 % and 14 % (w.b.)). The moisture contents of nutmeg nuts and kernels had the no significant effect on physical properties such as geometrical mean diameter, sphericity, 100 nuts mass, porosity and co-efficient of friction and mechanical property such as compressive strength. However, the moisture content significantly affected the true density, bulk density and angle of repose. The study showed that the physical properties of nutmeg nuts and kernels, enlarging the knowledge about this species and providing useful data for its post-harvest handling, to design sorters and grading machines, and further industrial processing.

Joanna Gracz has graduated biotechnology in University of Life Sciences, Poznań and started her PhD studies in 2009 in Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, PAS, Poznań as a member of Protein Biosynthesis Group. She is interested in molecular biology of plants related with stress response.

Plants, as sessile organisms, must adapt their growth and metabolic style to a changing environment. Splicing is one of the mechanisms which play an important role in plant adaptation and is an additional element of fitness benefit adjusted to the limited capacity of genome size.
Studies of splicing and its role in diverse aspect of cell biology, pathology and stress response, has remained undescribed for many plant species, including maize. Through the mechanism of alternative splicing, exons from primary transcripts (pre-mRNA) with multiple introns may undergo ligation in many different ways generating multiple proteins from single gene. This process can affect mRNA stability and translation efficiency as well as activity, cellular localization, regulation and stability of coding protein.
For better characterization of alternative splicing role in plant herbicide stress response, we sequenced transcriptomes of two maize breed lines – sensitive and tolerant to herbicide RoundUp. We used Illumina next-generation sequencer Genome Analyzer IIx and we conducted pair-end sequencing. As a result we obtained 35 to 76 mln 50nt reads per sample.
Using bioinformatics tools such as BowTie, TopHat, Cufflinks, Cuffdiff and CummRbund we managed to identify between sensitive and tolerant maize line. We also managed to identify different types of splicing events and confirm gene expression using Real -time PCR.

Water use efficiency varies substantially among species and genotypes within a species. WUE could be improved by decreasing transpiration without a concomitant reduction in CO₂ uptake. 48 rice germplasm comprising drought tolerant lines, Nerica varieties, landraces, and modern cultivars were screened for high water use efficiency based on anatomical features like no of stomata, size of each stomata and distance between stomata were measured using scanning electron microscope model JOEL-JSM 5600. Genotypes under study were classified into three different groups as high water use efficient with lower number of stomata (2-4) with larger size (18-21 μm) and increased distance between the stomata (38-50 μm), medium water use efficient are with stomata no (4-6), size of the stomata (14-18 μm) and distance between stomata (35-38 μm) similarly low water use efficient are with more stomata (6-8) smaller in size (12-14 μm) and lesser the distance between stomata (less than 35 μm). Lower number of stomata with increase in the size of guard cells, increased pore size and increased distance between stomata were responsible for water use efficiency. The presence of abundant, closely spaced, smaller size stomata is responsible for higher evapo transpirational losses. There was positive correlation exhibited at 1% level of significance between size and the distance between the stomata on both leaf upper and lower surface.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the second largest produced cereal in the world. Today, rice has special position as a source of food providing over 75 % of Asian population and more than three billion of world population. Hence ensuring food and nutritional security by increasing grain yield is a challenging task. Grain yield is a complex character which is highly influenced by the environment, hence direct selection for yield alone limits the selection efficiency (Majumder et al., 2008; Selvaraj et al., 2011). Thus, effective improvement in yield may be brought about through selection of yield component characters. Yield component characters show association among themselves and also with yield. The nature and extent of genetic variation governing the inheritance of characters and association will facilitate effective genetic improvement. Correlation coefficient is one of the important biometrical tools for formulating a selection index as it reveals the strength of relationship among the group of characters. The present study was undertaken to derive information on correlation among yield and yield component traits. This helps in selection of superior cross combinations for yield improvement. Correlation analysis was carried out for yield and quality components in 74 rice genotypes involving hybrids and their parental lines. Grains per panicle, productive tillers per plant and amylose content had significant positive association with yield whereas Days to fifty per cent flowering, L/B ratio and linear elongation ratio showed significant and negative association with yield at genotypic level. These traits contributed maximum to higher grain yield compared to other characters, thus, selection for these characters helps in selection of superior cross combinations for improvement of yield.
Keywords: Correlation, Grain Yield, Positive Association, Negative Association.

3-amino-1-(2,5-diflouro phenyl carbano thioyl) 4-(2-(4-(triflouro methyl)phenyl)hydrazono)-1H-pyrazoles-5(4H)-thione(1) on condensation with 4-substituted benzaldehyde(2) affored 3-(benzylidineamine)-1-(2,5-difluoro phenyl carbonothioyl)-4(2-(4-(trifluoro methyl)phenyl)hydrazono)-1H-pyrazole-5(4H)-thione(3).which on condensation with chloro acetyl chloride/mercapto acetic acid/PCl5,NaN3 and NaCl mixture yielded 3(1-(2,5-diflouro phenyl carbano thioyl)-5-thioxo- 4-(2-(4-(triflouro methyl)phenyl)hydrazono)-4,5 di hydro-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-(4substituted phenyl azetidine-2-one /3(1-(2,5-diflouro phenyl carbano thioyl)-5-thioxo- 4-(2-(4-(triflouro methyl)phenyl)hydrazono)-4,5 di hydro-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-(4substituted phenyl thiazolidine-4-one /1-(2,5-diflouro phenyl carbano thioyl)-3-(5-phenyl-1H-tetrazol-1-yl) 4-(2-(4-(triflouro methyl)phenyl)hydrazono)-4,5 di hydro-1H-pyrazol-5(4H)-thione respectively. The structure of newly synthesized compounds were established by IR,1H-NMR,13C-NMR Mass Spectral data and Analytical data. The newly synthesized compounds were screened for there anti bacterial activity againt four micro organisms; Staphylococcus aureus (gram positive); Bacillus subtilis (gram positive); Pseudomonas aerugnosa (gram negative) and Escherichia Coli (Gram negative). They were found to exhibit good to moderate anti bacterial activity. The antifungal activity of these compounds were also tested against three different fungal species none of them were active against the species tested.

Okra is one of the important vegetable crops, it is affected by many insect and pests and among them Yellow vein mosaic virus is important one and causing sevier losses in okra. It is transmitted by white fly so by use of resistant variety it is easy to management so present investigation is carried out to find the resistant genotypes. Different genotype of okra against YVMV in field revealed that out of 26 genotype tested, none were free from YVMV incidence, 2 were upto 5 %, none were above 6 to 10 %, 1 was above 10 to 20 %, 2 were above 20 to 40 %, YVMV incidence.
Keywords: Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus.

Plants require from the soil macro nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in large amounts which normally the organic manures are not able to supply in sufficiency. At the same time the NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) and other common fertilizers are not able to provide the essential micro nutrients and other macro nutrients. Hence, we need an integrated approach to the supply of plant nutrients. Integrated Nutrient Management refers to the maintenance of soil fertility and of plant nutrient supply at an optimum level for sustaining the desired productivity through optimization of the benefits from all possible sources of organic, inorganic and biological components in an integrated manner. Integrated nutrient management (INM) is an integral part of the sustainable agriculture which requires the management of resources in a way to fulfill the changing human needs without deteriorating the quality of environment and conserving vital natural resources. When the crop growth and maturation is over and the crop is harvested that much nutrients are removed from the soil. Hence there is the need for replenishing the soil by supplying nutrients as there would be nutrient utilization during the next crop development. This can be supplied by chemical fertilizers. But complete reliance on the use of fertilizers ignoring bio-organic materials affect the soil environment. Integrated use of fertilizers and organic materials add organic matter to the soil which is essential for the healthy development of soil micro-organisms. The major components that can be used in the integrated nutrient management are organic manures (Farm yard manure, composts, green manures like Dhaincha, Sesbania speciosa, concentrated organic manures like guanos, fish manures, bone meal, oil cakes, etc.), legume planting, bio-fertilizers(Rhizobium, blue green algae, azotobacter, azospirillm, phosphatic bio-fertilizers like Pseudomonas striata, Asperigillus awamori, Pencillium digitatum etc. and others residues (Crop residues of annual grain legumes such as green gram, Cowpea, black gram, horse gram and soybean can be ploughed back into soil after the grain is removed) and biproducts (Coir pith , flyash, industrial effluents, etc. urban garbage, saw dust, sewage sludge and biogas slurry). It would be good if farmers realizes the need of organic matter to their soils and adopts this integrated nutrient management for sustaining the fertility of the soil.

Deepthi Nigam is at the stage of submission of her PhD from NBRI in the area of Bioinformatics (Cotton Genomics). She had published more than 6 papers in reputed journals. Currently working as Research Associate in IASRI, Pusa, Delhi.

Transcription factors (TFs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are primary gene regulators within the cell. Regulatory mechanisms of these two main regulators are of great interest to biologists and may provide insights into the abiotic and biotic stress. However, the interplay between miRNAs and TFs in a regulatory network still remains uncovered. Currently, it is very challenging to study the regulatory mechanisms that involve both miRNAs and TFs in a biological lab. However, networks involving a single type of regulator may not fully reveal the complex gene regulatory mechanisms, for instance, the way in which a TF indirectly regulates a gene via a miRNA.We used oligonucleotide microarrays containing 51,279 transcripts to identify transcripts that differentially regulated by miRNA for abiotic stress in Oryza sativa. Some of the genes identified in this study had previously been associated with salt stress. Analysis of these stress expression profile data of Oryza provided clues regarding some putative cellular and molecular processes that are undertaken in response these three stresses. This study identified a large number of candidate functional genes that appear to be constitutively involved in salt, drought and heat stress tolerance and further examination of these genes may enable the molecular basis of these three stress tolerance to be elucidated. The good and stringent statistical results related to abiotic stress in Oryza spp. will be presented.

Sushma M. Awaji has completed her post graduation at the age of 23 years from University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore. At present she is pursuing PhD degree with INSPIRE fellowship in the Department of Crop Physiology, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore, under the supervision of Dr. V.R. Sashidhar, with the thesis problem entitled "A gene pyramiding approach to improve salt tolerance in Rice involving tonoplast and plasma membrane transporters". She has published 3 papers in international journals and presented 4 posters in international conferences.

Abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity are serious threats to modern agriculture. Climate change will likely make many places worse in terms of water availability and soil salinization which will have adverse impacts on food production in agriculture. Rice is the most preferred staple food for human population all over the world and it is frequently affected by several abiotic stresses including drought, salinity and cold. A number of transgenic improvements for abiotic stress tolerance have been achieved in rice. The present study reports that, the over expression of PgNHX1-AtAVP1 in rice improves drought and salt tolerance. When T₂ seeds were grown on media containing different concentrations of PEG (8000), -12 and -17 bars, the PgNHX1-AVP1 expressing rice plants showed enhanced root growth, which was hindered in the wild type seedlings. To screen putative T₂ plants for salt tolerance, stringent salt screening test was followed and root and shoot growth of T₂ putative transformants was used as a selection criterion. Some of the transgenics showed significantly higher root and shoot growth compared to wild type when they were subjected to 350mM NaCl stress. To confirm the integration of the transgene in putative T₂ transgenic plants, PCR and RT-PCR analysis were performed. The results showed that all the selected seedlings were PCR positives and four lines were positive for RT-PCR analysis. Physiological studies viz., chlorophyll estimation, membrane stability index, cell viability test and K+/Na+ ratio were also conducted to assess their levels of stress tolerance in the T₂ generation. Some of the T₂ transformants showed lower percent reduction in chlorophyll content, higher membrane stability, cell viability and maintained higher K+/Na+ ratio after PEG and NaCl treatment compared to wild type. The results clearly demonstrated that transgenic rice plants over expressing PgNHX1-AVP1 had superior stress tolerance capacity as compared to non-transformed plants.

Sidam Vijay Narayanrao PhD scholar of Department of Extension Education at Vasantarao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani (M.S). He has published more than 10 research papers in reputed journals and 3 National and International conference abstracts and 4 popular articles in various reputed magazines.

The present study was conducted purposively in selected Kinwattahsil of Nanded district as Kinwattaluka having highest tribal population in Marathwada region. Ten villages from Kinwattaluka on the basis of maximum tribal population were selected purposively. Respondents were selected by lottery method that constitute from each village 12 tribal women thus, 120 respondents sample and information pertaining to objectives was collected from them with the help of prepared interview schedule.
From the study findings, it was observed that most of the tribal women found in middle age, illiterate, semi-medium land holding, nuclear family, having medium size of family, annual income, social participation, sources of information and participation in different agriculture development practices flow ever, majority of the respondents were found to participate in goat rearing.
Regarding relational analysis, it was found that size of land holding, annual income, social participation, sources of information had positive and significant relationship with participation of tribal women in agriculture development. Only age showed negatively and non-significant relationship with participation of tribal women in agriculture development. The variables viz., education, size of family, type of family did not show any relationship with participation of tribal women in agriculture development. Multiple regression analysis observed that, 30.00 per cent of variation in the participation of tribal women was explained by eight selected independent variables.

Results of the field experiment entitled "Effect of vermicompost and phosphorus on performance of greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] grown under loamy sand soil" the treatment comprising four levels of vermicompost (0, 1, 2, and 3 t ha-1)and four level of phosphorus (0, 10, 20, and 30 kg ha-1) making 16 treatment combinations were laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replication. green gram also known as mung bean is a self pollinated leguminous crop which is grown during kharif as well as summer seasons in arid and semi-arid regions of India. It is tolerant to drought and can be grown successfully on drained loamy to sandy loam soil in areas of erratic rainfall. The centre of origin of mung bean is India occupies 3.4 million hectare areas and contributes 1.4 million tons in pulse production in the country (Anonymous, 2011). Result show that application of vermicompost at the rate of 2 t ha-1 significantly increased the total, effective, fresh and dry weight of root nodules per plant leaf area index leghaemoglobin content in root nodules at pre-flowering stag, number of branches per plant, plant height number of pod per plant, number of seed per pod, test weight ,seed and straw yield, N, P,K and S uptake by seed and straw and an available N, P, K and S content in soil at harvest and net returns over preceding levels of vermicompost. However N, P,K and S uptake by seed and straw and organic carbon content in soil at harvest increase significantly with an increase in each level of applied vermicompost upto 20 t ha-1 vermicompost. Result further indicate that total, effective, fresh and dry weight of root nodules per plant leaf area index leghaemoglobin content in root nodules at pre-flowering stag, number of branches per plant, plant height number of pod per plant, number of seed per pod, test weight ,seed and straw yield, P content in seed and straw, N, P,K and S uptake by seed and straw and an available P content in soil net returns increase significantly with increasing levels of application phosphorus up to 30 kg ha-1 over lower levels. However plant height chlorophyll content in levels N, K and S concentration in seed and straw and available N< K and S (kg ha-1) in soil increase significantly up to 20kg ha-1.

Lalmani Pandey has completed his PhD in Agricultural Economics at the age of 24 years from GovindBallabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India. He is a Visiting Scientist at ICRISAT (CGIAR), Patancheru, a premier organization working to improve livelihood of rural women and smallholders in South Asia and sub-Sahara Africa. He has more than 18 years of work and research experience in Australia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and India. He has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals and serving as an external reviewer for the Agricultural Economics Research Association of India (ICAR).

Price lead improvement in growth of Indian agriculture after 2004-05 has implication for regionally differential effects on resource allocation and performance of agriculture based on crops grown in the region. The knowledge changing cropping pattern and allocation of land within crop sector is critical for agro-ecoregional planning for improved performance of agriculture. This paper analyses trends and patterns in land diversification in crops in Andhra Pradesh using district level panel data from 1980-81 to 2007-08. Fixed effects estimation procedure is used to provide estimates of parameters of determinants of land diversification in the state. It is found that agricultural terms of trade and irrigation is leading to specialization while infrastructure like roads, markets, banks are supporting diversification. Urbanization and agricultural wage have positive effects on diversified allocation of land within crop sector. Rationalization of pricing policy, market reforms, and public investment in infrastructure will encourage commercialization of agriculture, production of high value crops and more diversified and efficient use of land and water resources.
Keywords: Agriculture, Resources Diversification, Pricing Policy, Market Reforms, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Use of chemical fertilizers to enhance crop yields has always left harmful impact on produced crops as well as environment. Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) are the viable alternative to chemical fertilizers as they contribute towards promotion of growth and yield of different crops. But if added with biochar, they result not only in enhancement of crop yields, but also help in preventing fertilizer run-off, leaching, retaining moisture and helping plants through periods of drought. To the best of our knowledge this is first report to study the effect of biochar along with a potential rhizobacterial strain, Bacillus sp. so far.
In a pot experiment done with 6 different combinations viz. pure soil, soil+biochar, soil+Bacillus sp., soil+biochar+Bacillus sp., soil+biochar+commercial biofertilizer (Biozyme), and soil+chemical fertilizer (DAP)], the length and biomass of root and shoot and seed yield were measured in French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Generally all the treatments showed the significant enhancement at P<0.05 in growth and yield as compared to plants grown in pure soil. It was observed that addition of biochar to soil influenced the growth and yield of plants positively but inoculation of Bacillus sp. further improved it. The combination in which soil was amended with biochar supported good growth, yield and nutrient uptake but when this was further amended with either of Bacillus sp. or Biozyme, the best results were produced. The treatment, Soil+Biochar+Bacillus sp. also showed maximum rhizobacterial proliferation in rhizosphere of plants and % N contents in shoots, whereas highest P content was observed in Soil+DAP, followed by Soil+Biochar+Bacillus sp. combination. Hence, it can be concluded that both biochar and the bioinoculant, Bacillus sp. are good treatments for sustainable agriculture.

R. Gandhi Gracy has completed her MSc (Agri. Entomology) from TNAU, Coimbatore and at present doing PhD in Agricultural Entomology at UAS-GKVK, Bangalore. She has done 3 months training course on “Application of Bioinformatics in Entomological Research” at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.

Insecticide resistance is an evolved character of herbivore insects, which pose a serious threat to the agriculture. Recent advancement in molecular sciences and bioinformatics paved a way for better understand the important issues such as insecticidal resistance. The present study is aimed to know the evolutionary level of the genes responsible for the insecticidal resistance among important agricultural pests. Cytochrome Oxidase- CY P450 is a metabolic oxidative enzymes, found in almost all the eukaryotes. Over expression and structural changes in the CYP450 proteins contribute for the metabolism of insecticides in the resistance population of insects.
This work is mainly to analyse the cyp-450, AchE enzymes among different insects and their molecular phylogeny relationship. The gene sequences of insecticidal resistance genes such as AchE, Cyp-450 from 10 important insect pests viz., Helicoverpa armigera, Helicoverpa zea, Mamestra brassicae, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, Spodoptera litura, Spodoptera exigua, Acyrthosiphon pisum, Myzus persicae, Chilo suprasalis, Lucinodes orbonalis and Bombyx mandarina have been retrieved from GenBank. Helicoverpa armigera sequences have been used for query to retrieve protein sequences by BlastP. The sequences have been analyzed for their similarity index and aligned using Clastal-W tool. The phylogeny was constructed for all these specimens by using MEGA 5 software. Sequence from Bombyx sp has been used as out group. The phylogeny tree showed that H. armigera is in the top of the clad with recently evolved character compare with other insect pests.

Niger [Guizotiaabyssinica (L.f) Cass] commonly known as ramtil is an important oil seed crop. It contains 38 to 42 percent oil and mainly cultivated in Madhya Pradesh with 105.7 thousand hectares area and production of 23.7 thousand tonnes (Damodaram and Hegde 2007). Niger is grown in an area of 414.4 thousand hectares in India with an annual production 108 thousand tones with chief producer in the world (Anonyms, 2011). The niger yields are very poor due to losses caused by insect pests, diseases and weeds in absence of proper management. The crop is affected by the following prominent insect pests. Niger caterpillar (Condicaconducata), cut worm (Agrotisipsilon), bihar hairy caterpillar (Spilosomaobliqua), aphid (Uroleuconcarthami) and capsule fly (Dioxynasororcula), white fly (Bemisiatabaci), jassid (Amrasca sp.), mirid bug (Taylorilyguspallidulus). Looking to the environmental pollution and pesticide hazards, it is necessary to avoid excessive use of pesticides and to find out suitable resistant/tolerant varieties with high yield potential for rainfed situation as it, is important component of pest management programme. Thus the present study was was carried out under AICRP (Sesame and Niger) at Engineering research farm, J.N.K.V.V. campus, Jabalpur (M.P.) with the following objectives, avoidable losses due to insect pests of niger and to screen the genotypes of niger on the basis of insect incidence for resistance/susceptibility against major insect pests and to assess the seed damage (percent) by capsule fly (Dioxynasororcula) in genotypes of niger.. For assessment of avoidable losses due to insect pests on niger, the two plots were taken, where first plot was protected by spraying of insecticides viz., Profenofos 50 EC and Deltamethrin 100 EC at 15 days interval and second plot was kept completely free from insecticide (unprotected). For screening of niger genotypes on the basis of incidence for resistance/susceptibility against major insect pests and to assess the seed damage (percentage) of capsule fly (Dioxynasororcula) in different genotypes of niger were assessed on the basis of damage and yield kg/ha. For recording the number of insect pests, observations were recorded on five plants of uniform height selected at random from each genotype/plot. To assess the seed damage (percent) capsule fly in different genotypes of niger, five capitula/ plant were collected to record the damage due to niger capsule fly, in all 25 capitula/genotype were threshed separately and cleaned the seeds to record the per cent damage due to niger capsule fly. Four insect species were considered to be of major importance viz., Bemisiatabaci, Amrasca sp., Dioxynasororcula and Taylorilyguspallidulus. Three groups were made viz., least susceptible, moderately susceptible and highly susceptible. Only two varieties viz., IGP-76 (NC) and IGPN-05-10 (NC) were found to be highly susceptible against Bemisiatabaci, Amrasca sp., Dioxynasororcula and Taylorilyguspallidulus. Four varieties viz., ONS-153 (841.66 kg /ha), JNS-28 (633.33 kg /ha), JNS-204 (625 kg /ha) and JVN-1 (625 kg /ha) recorded highest yield and hence proved promising. Four varieties viz., JNS-28, ONS-153, JNS-204 and JVN-1 have been considered to be least susceptible against insect pests and these varieties as donor having good yield attributing characters can be utilized for breeding programme.

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate four insecticides, i.e. two organophosphaten insecticide (profenofos and malathion); and two pyrethroid insecticides (lambada Cyhalothrine and deltamethrin) against B. zonata in Guava and citrus orchards during 2011 and 2012 seasons.
Results indicated that profenofos was the most effective insecticides and malathion was the least effective one on Guava trees in both seasons, while lambada cyhalothrine, deltamethrin insecticides was intermediate position. On the other hand, on citrus trees profenofos was the most effective insecticides and deltamethrin was the least effective one, while lambada cyhalothrine, and malathion insecticides was intermediate between profenofos and deltamethrin.
Keywords: Efficacy, Insecticides, Bactocera zonata, Guava, Orange.

Asit Mandal has completed his PhD at the age of 29 years from Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Presently, he is the working as scientist, IISS, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, a premier institute of Natural Resource Management of ICAR. He has developed expertise in the field of soil biodiversity and bioremediation. He has also more than 7 research papers in the international journals and received two awards and gold medal from the soil science society. He has memberships in many scientific societies like Indian Society of Soil Science, Soil Conservation Society of India and Indian Science Congress Association.

Transgenic crops have great promise for improving agricultural output, but the potential for unwanted effects of transgenic crops on soil microbial diversity is still not fully understood. The majority of studies addressing potential risks of transgenic crop cultivation have addressed only aboveground effects. However, recent methodological advances in soil microbial ecology have allowed researchers to focus on underground part and gain knowledge of transgenic crop driven effects on the microbial communities and processes in soil that are essential to key terrestrial ecosystem functions. Genetically modified plants have the potential to significantly change the microbial dynamics, soil biodiversity and vital ecosystem functions such as nutrient mineralization, disease incidence, and carbon turnover and plant growth. Our study aims to evaluate the effect of transgenic cotton on activities and diversities of microbes collected from the rhizosphere soils of transgenic cotton. Rhizosphere soil samples were analyzed for soil enzymes activity and cultivable microbial population of beneficial microorganisms. In general, it was observed that, the soil enzyme activities and microbial population counts of cellulose decomposers, phosphate solubilizers and Nitrogen fixers were found higher under Bt cotton than non-Bt cotton system might be due to greater rhizo-deposition, leaf fall and root biomass accumulation serving as source of bio-energy for native microbes. It was further, concluded that Bt-cotton based cropping system has no adverse effect on soil beneficial microbes.

Nagaveni B. H has completed her PhD at the age of 27 years from University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore (India) and currently working as scientific assistant in the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Germany.

Plants being sessile, are persistently exposed to various abiotic stresses, which are inevitable and less predictable. So, it is crucial to understand the mechanism that may help the plant to tolerate the stress conditions. Abiotic stress tolerance is multigenic character and stress responsive genes involved in this complex mechanism are many, among which transcription factors (TFs) are the major regulators of gene expression in plants. TFs, which play a crucial role in stress tolerance of plants, assume great importance in the development of tolerant crop varieties. Since the threshold for tolerance differs amongst the species, identification and functional characterization of genes/TFs from stress adapted crop species assumes importance. The present study involves improving drought tolerance by overexpressing TFs associated with intrinsic cellular tolerance and water conservation in a rice genotype AC39020 having a few drought tolerant traits. The candidate genes were cloned from drought hardy grass species Cenchrus ciliaris and tolerant rice landrace, Dodiga. The NFY-B1 was cloned from C. ciliaris, while the SKIP1 and SHN1 were cloned from Dodiga using PCR based cloning approach. Transformation protocol for the genotype AC39020 was developed and the three transgenes were overexpressed in isolation and co-expressed simultaneously in single plant. Evaluation of transgenic plants at seedling stage under different abiotic stresses using physiological, biochemical and growth parameters indicated the relevance of these genes. The transgenic plants showed improved drought tolerance and grain yield by reduced spikelet sterility. Co-expression of three TFs is relevant in improving cellular tolerance in rice.

Preeti Buragohain has completed her M.Sc. at the age of 25 from Dr. Y. S. P. University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan (H.P.) and presently pursuing her PhD from Assam Agricultural University. She is working as Junior Research Fellow in a project entitled “Programme on Biofertilizers” under DBT-AAU centre, Jorhat. She has published 1 abstract and 1 research paper in one of the reputed journal and has presented 1 poster in International Conference organized by Association of Microbiologists in India.

A study was conducted to isolate and characterize some indigenous phosphate solubilizing bacteria (IC-PSB) of Assam followed by their evaluation on the growth attributing parameters on Ahu rice. A total of 17 phosphate solubilizing bacteria were isolated from different rhizospheric soils of turmeric, maize and sugarcane and were characterized on the basis of morphological and biochemical tests. These PSB isolates were screened to select efficient strains in respect of P-solubilization both qualitatively and quantitatively. Isolates PSB-5, PSB-7 and PSB-13 solubilized insoluble tri-calcium phosphate to the tune of 2.5%, 3.25% and 4.5% respectively apart from showing clearing zone under qualitative tests. The evaluation of the selected PSB isolates was done on the growth attributing characters of Ahu rice under pot culture study using rock phosphate as the sole P source. Different growth parameters viz. plant height, root and shoot length, root-shoot biomass, P content in the leaves, number of panicles and 1000 grains wt. were recorded. All inoculated plants showed significant increase in yield attributing parameters and the data was significant over uninoculated control.

India is called “Land of Spices”. Out of sixty three spices, fifteen number of spices are grown commercially in our country. Indian spice is famous in the world export basket for its characteristic flavor and aroma. India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices in the world. Different abiotic factors, specially environmental parameters namely temperature, rainfall, photoperiod, wind, etc. directly or indirectly influence different physiological growth stages like flowering, fruit setting and development, seed setting and finally yield of spice crops of spice crops .high temperature causes spike shedding in black pepper, arid conditions and violent wind are detrimental to plant growth of vanilla. Sudden fall in temperature during early vegetative stage results bolting in onion. High humidity and rainfall invite pest like aphid and powdery mildew disease in most of the seed spices like coriander, fenugreek, cumin, etc. The stress effect of environment also influences the seed production and storage life of the spice crops. Future prediction of Eco-crop model shows for ginger, if the temperature increase by 1.5-2.0⁰C, the suitability of Odisha and WB will reduce drastically from high suitability to marginally suitable, indicating the effect of climate change. As a result of which the overall suitable areas will increase, but most affected by loss of area will generally be regions that are already struggling from the impacts of irregular and extreme climatic events .Apart from different growth and yield attributing inputs extremes of environment also ultimately reduces the yield and quality of the spice crops. By adopting different cultural practices, different threats of environment can be managed economic return from spice crop cultivation may be increased manifold. The full review paper discussed different aspects of environmental stress on spice production and their management for better return.
Keywords: India, spice, abiotic stress, mitigation.

A field experiment was conducted at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal to study the efficacy of different weed management practices in aerobic rice in the coastal areas of Karaikal. The experiment consisted of eleven treatments laid out in randomized block design with three replications consisting of four pre-emergence (Pendimethalin 0.75 Kg ha^-1 + H.H at 40 DAS, Pretilachlor + safener 0.50 Kg ha^-1 + H.H at 40 DAS, Butachlor 1.00 Kg ha^-1 + H.H at 40 DAS, Anilophos 0.40 Kg ha^-1 + H.H at 40 DAS) and three early post-emergence herbicides (Cyhalofop 0.10 Kg ha^-1 + H.H at 40 DAS, Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 0.20 Kg ha^-1 + H.H at 40 DAS, Metamifop 0.075 Kg ha^-1 + H.H at 40 DAS, Metamifop 0.100 Kg ha^-1 + H.H at 40 DAS) followed by one hand hoeing at 40 DAS, hand hoeing at 20 and 40 DAS compared with an unweeded control and hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAT in transplanted rice. The predominant weed flora observed in the experimental field was Echinocloa colonum, Cyanodon dactylon, Panicum repens, Cyperus rotundus, Trianthema portulacastrum, Cleome viscosa, Aeschynomene indica and Eclipta alba. The application of herbicides reduced the weed population and weed dry weight and increased the grain yield significantly. The results revealed that pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 0.75 Kg ha^-1 + H.H at 40 DAS recorded significantly higher grain and straw yield (1533 and 2741 Kg ha^-1, respectively), lower weed density (35.0 to 47.7 no. m^-2), weed dry matter (10.7 to 39.9 g. m^-2) and higher weed control efficiency (77.4 to 92.6 %).
Keywords: Aerobic rice, hand hoeing, weed control efficiency, herbicides.

M. Karthikadevi is doing her PhD (Agricultural Microbiology) in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. She is working on lactic acid bacteria in cereal based functional food formulations.

The growth models such as Gompertz, Logistic and Richards models were used to describe the growth pattern of amylolytic lactic acid bacterial (LAB) strain Enterococcus durans Afm50 which originally isolated from fermented finger millet. From these three models, the one giving the best fit is determined by showing the least value for residual sum of squares. The result revealed that Gompertz model was found to be best fit for the growth of amylolytic LAB strain E. durans Afm50. From this model, it was observed that the lag phase started right after inoculation and rested for 4h. After 4h, the exponential phase was observed till 24h and stationary phase of the strain remained viable until the 48h. Furthermore, growth kinetic parameters of amylolytic LAB strain E. durans Afm50 grown in glucose - MRS broth and in starch - MRS broth were analyzed by deriving the values from Gompertz model and fitted into the modified Gompertz model. It was found that the strain registered 4.58h of lag phase time in starch - MRS broth but in glucose - MRS broth it recorded 2.30h. The strain grown in glucose -MRS broth had the maximum specific growth rate of 0.68 generation h^-1 while in starch - MRS broth, the strain exhibited 0.43 generation h^-1. Moreover, the strain attained highest population density in glucose - MRS broth at 48h of incubation time. In conclusion, the amylolytic LAB strain E. durans Afm50 utilized glucose as preferential carbon source rather than starch in the MRS broth.

R. Arthee Rajendran a native of Thiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India, has completed her Masters in Agricultural Microbiology from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, at the age of 23 years. She has experience as Senior Research Fellow in three schemes namely, Evolving eco friendly recycling techniques and assessing the impact of bio inputs of distillery industries for enhancing soil and crop productivity; NABARD sponsored Lead Crop Programme and Standardization of selected ethnic fermented foods and beverages by rationalization of indigenous knowledge. She is a receipient of ‘Best Paper Award’ for presenting on the title ‘One Time controlled land application of treated post bio-methanated distillery spent wash as liquid manure for enhancing soil and crop productivity’ and has so far done three poster presentations and five oral presentations in various International and National level Conferences. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Philosophy in the field of Agricultural Microbiology, at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

Toddy is a traditional alcoholic fermented beverage obtained from yeast fermentation of padaneer, a sweet sap collected from the inflorescence of palm. The taste and nutritive components of the toddy varies based on the fermentation that occurs. The present study was done to ferment the sweet sap using an economic filter setup packed with PU foam immobilized yeast instead of the traditional pot method, which led to hygienic controlled fermentation. The toddy samples collected from the setup after regular time intervals of 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours, were subjected to nutritive parameter analysis along with padaneer sample. It was found that as the time interval increased the P^H reduced from 10.01 to 4.91, the EC increased from 4.07 to 5.06, the Titratable acidity increased from nil to 25.83 g lactic acid per litre of the sample, the ethanol content increased from nil to 3.60 %, the reducing sugars decreased from 5.30 % to 2.70 %, the total sugars decreased from 18.00% to 11.20 %, the total proteins decreased initially and then stabilised from 0.33 % to 0.23 %, the amino acid content decreased initially and then stabilised from 0.23% to 0.12% and the phenol content increased from 0.04 % to 0.27%. The 12 hours fermented toddy sample had 0.31 % ash, 34.8 ppm sodium, 1510 ppm potassium and 25 ppm calcium. This analysis helps in standardizing the quality of both padaneer and toddy which are obtained indigenously. Enhancing their nutritive value would make them the best choice of economic drinks in future.

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of enriched bio-digester liquid manure (BDLM) on Nutrient status of soil after the harvest of finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn] during kharif season of 2011 at Research Institute on Organic Farming (RIOF) Unit, Agricultural Research Station, Balajigapade, UAS Bangalore. It was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with eleven treatment combinations and three replications. Significantly highest available soil nitrogen (297 kg ha-1), Phosphorus (39.5 kg ha-1) and potassium (195.6 kg ha-1) were found to in treatment T1 (FYM 10t + BDLME to 50 kg N ha-1) than treatment receiving FYM 7.5 t + 50:40:25 kg NPK ha-1 (286, 18 and 172.3 kg ha-1, respectively) and lowest available soil nitrogen, Phosphorus and potassium were observed in treatment receiving FYM 10 t + BDLM enriched with poultry manure & rock phosphate equivalent to 60 kg N ha-1 (260.3,15.3 and 165 kg ha-1, respectively).

Darshan Panda is a PhD student from the Department of Biotechnology, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha. His area of work is studying the role of Phytochrome A in rice development and productivity.

Plants are able to detect the quality, quantity and direction of light and to use it as an external signal to optimize their growth and development. Plants utilize light signals to regulate various developmental processes at different stages of their life cycle. Perception, interpretation and transduction of these light signals are accomplished with the use of regulatory photoreceptors such as Phytochromes. Phytochrome functions as a binary molecular switch that mainly senses red and far-red light to regulate a myriad of developmental processes in plants. Rice phytochrome gene family comprises of three molecular species known as PHYA, PHYB and PHYC. Individual phytochromes display both unique and overlapping roles in rice photomorphogenesis. Knowledge of the photoperceptive function of phytochromes in rice has improved substantially due to the availability of phytochrome mutants. Significant functions performed by Phytochromes in rice are regulation of seedling de-etiolation, regulation of angle between leaf blade and sheath , regulation of root gravitrophic response , inhibition of seminal root elongation , suppression of internode elongation , regulation of stomatal number and regulation of fertility . Phytochromes are also involved in the regulation of genes encoding the small subunit of ribulose-1,5 bisphosphate carboxylase and the chlorophyll a/b binding (CAB) protein of the light harvesting chlorophyll-protein complex . Crop plants get reduced light intensity in the monsoon season and those grown in agro- forestry. Studies related to phytochrome shall be helpful for crop improvement of rice specially grown in the monsoon season and low light conditions.

Proteomics is the analysis of the entire protein complement expressed by a genome, or by a cell or tissue type. It is an attempt to describe or explain biological state and qualitative and quantitative changes of protein content of cells and extracellular biological materials under different conditions to further understand biological processes.
Proteomics study involves separation of complex protein mixtures by 2-D electrophoresis and structure analysis of proteins by mass spectrometry. Constraints in the estimation of gene expression levels, mRNA degradation or inefficient translation, gene alternative splicing, as well as protein PTMs, processing and protein turnover, make the application of proteomics an essential tool in plant science, especially in the case of non-model plants, such as fruit trees.
Proteome approaches has been used in the study of defence (biotic and aboitic stress), development, ripening and post harvest life of many fruit trees such as banana, papaya, mango, grapes, peach, apple etc.
However there is need of integration of genomics, trancriptomics and proteomics to facilitate understanding of normal function, disease, and development. To meet the current challenges of food insecurity, it is very essential to identify the proteins that control crop architecture and biotic and abiotic stress resistance in a various conditions to facilitate the improvement of fruit crop productivity and quality.
Keywords: Protein, Fruit trees, Proteomics, food insecurity.

Diallel mating design was used to evaluate nine wheat verities viz; UP2338, PBW550, PBW502, PBW435, PBW343, PBW226, HD2967, RAJ3765 and DBW17. Combining ability analysis was studied in a 9x9 diallel set of bread wheat. Analysis of variance for combining ability revealed the presence of significant variance due to general combining ability (GCA) among the parent for all the characters except for plant height, biological yield per plant, harvest index and grain yield per plant and due to specific combining ability (SCA) among the crosses for all the characters except number of tillers per plant and grain yield per plant. Combining ability analysis revealed the involvement of both additive and non-additive gene action in the inheritance of most of the characters. On the basis of GCA, SCA effect and per se performance, parent UP2338 for 6 characters, HD2967 for 5 characters and PBW550, PBW502, PBW226 and DBW17 for 4 characters and cross combinations HD2967 x RAJ3765 for 7 characters, UP2338xDBW17 and PBW502xDBW17 for 6 characters and PBW435 x PBW226 for 5 characters were found best general and specific combiner respectively.
Keywords: general combining ability, specific combining ability, quantitative characters and bread wheat.

S. Deivasigamani has submitted his PhD thesis at the age of 29 years from Annamalai University, Tamilnadu. He is the senior researchers of NAIP-ICAR-Research project, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University. He has published more than 7 papers in reputed journals and participated in several national and international conferences.

An experiment was conducted at Annamalai University, Experimental farm, Annamalai Nagar on the bio-efficacy of certain herbicides for controlling water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and its impact on fish mortality. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Water hyacinth was introduced into cement tank of dimension 2ft breadth 2.5ft length and 2ft depth having ¾ ^th of water column. Three herbicides (Fernoxone at the rate of 1.50 kg ha^-1, Glycel and Round up at the rate of 2.50 kg ha^-1 and Gramoxone at the rate of 1.50 kg ha^-1) were tried, all are foliage applied herbicides. Spray fluid required of 500 litre ha^-1 was made and applied, through knapsack sprayer fitted with flood jet deflector nozzle. In each treatment ten fish fingerlings of size of 10 cm length were introduced, three different species tested viz., common carp, mrigal and rohu. Among the treatments, glyphosate caused maximum reduction of plant height of 0.50, 1.00 and 1.00 cm; 2.75, 6.98 and 10.00g of biomass were obtained at 50 DAS on small, medium and large statures of E.crassipes. The cent percent chlorophyll content was recorded compared to control treatment at 28 DAS, whereas it cent percent mortality of E.crassipes at 35 DAS on small, medium and large statures of the weed. Similarly the same herbicides caused the least mortality percent of fishes 23.30, 16.60 and 20.00 on common carp, mrigal and rohu at 32 DAS respectively, compared to other herbicides treatment.

Cho-cho Sechium edule is grown in the traditional way on family plots and in backyards and vegetable gardens. Pollination is mainly entomogamous. The present investigations on the Pollination benefits in Chow- chow crop was carried out from December 2011 to February 2012 at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra, Bangalore. The crop was on the pendal. The treatments taken up were 1. Hand pollination, 2. Afternoon bagged & removed in the evening, 3. Morning bagged & removed in the afternoon, 4. Completely open. It was captured that eight species of insects visited flowers of chow chow during different period of time in day. Of these, majority species belonged to the order Hymenoptera (Apidae, Halictidae, Specidae, Formicidae and Vespidae) and Dipter (Muscidae). Peak activity of the pollinators of chow chow was found to be at 9 to 11 hours followed by 7 to 9 hours and 11 to 13 hours and the activity was found very low at 17 to 18 hours. Major pollinators of the chow chow flower were Trigona sp followed by Apis cerena Highest percent of fruit set (88.89%) and fruit weight (112.33g) was noticed when the flowers were fully opened and followed by T3 that is when the flowers were bagged in the afternoon 85.15% and 103g respectively.

The present study was undertaken in the backward villages of Cooch Behar –II block of Cooch Behar district, West Bengal, India to assess the performance of the Gram Panchayets in respect of different development activities undertaken by the same. After the inception of Panchayeti Raj Institutions (PRI) in India and as a consequence of different constitutional amendments undertaken time to time to empower and authorize PRI, the overall development of the rural areas is mostly taken care of by this institution in an integrated manner. The present paper assesses the performance of the PRI through an index developed specially for this study. The index was developed taking different development indicators like transport and communication facilities, health and sanitation status, success status of government development programmes undertaken by PRI, literacy and employment scenario of the villages, agricultural development status etc. Some proxy indicators like villagers’ opinion regarding performance of the PRI have also been taken for assessment. The study reveals that the development status of the studied villages is on the lower side and concluded that the performance of the panchayets is not so impressive in the study areas in respect of different rural development aspects.
Keywords: PRI, Performance Assessment, Development Indicators.

The key to success with peas is to give them a fertile plot as with other legumes, pea roots will fix nitrogen in the soil, making it available for other plant. Field experiment was conducted during rabi season 2011-12 at crop research farm Department of Soil Science, SHIATS, Allahabad to study effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil health and yield of Pea having three factors with three levels of NPK (0, 50 and 100 kg ha^-1), two levels of Farm Yard Manure (0 and 10 t ha^-1) and two levels of Rhizobium (0 and 20 gkg^-1) seeds respectively. Significantly highest green pods yield was recorded 88.00 qha^-1 under the treatment T₉ (@ 100% N P K kg ha^-1 + @ 0 t FYM ha^-1 + @ 20 g Rhizobium kg^-1 seed). The different soil fertility parameters viz., bulk density, particle density, pore space organic carbon, electrical conductivity, soil P^H, and available NPK content in soil showed significantly improvement with the application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients compared to the control treatment.
Keywords: Growth, pea, NPK in soil, soil health, yield.

G. J. Pavithra has completed her B. Sc (Ag) at college of Agriculture Hassan and M.Sc (Ag) from the University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore. She achieved first class grade with distinction in M. Sc (Ag) and secured university gold medal. Presently she is pursuing PhD in Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore. Her major area of research is to understand the relevance of Zinc transporters in uptake and translocation, and biofortification of plant foods through genetic engineering.

Micronutrient malnutrition affects billions of people and continues to impose substantial health, economic and social burdens worldwide. Zinc (Zn) is one of the essential micronutrients crucial for both plants and humans. It is an exceptional micronutrient in respect to its diverse and critical functions in biological systems such as maintenance of structural and functional integrity of biological membranes and as a cofactor for more than 300 enzymes. Zn deficiency is one of the major yield limiting factors. The major limitation for plant to acquire Zn may be due to low content in soil or problem in uptake and translocation within plant system.
In this context, 35 germplasm lines and 6 leading agronomically superior varieties of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) were screened for Zn content in leaf, root, shoot and fruit pulp. The parameters like plant height, shoot dry weight, and fruit yield was recorded in these lines. Earlier studies and germplasm description indicated that variability exist among germplasm lines for fruit size, colour, disease resistance and yield. Perhaps variability in Zn content was not indicated. Zn content analysed in leaf, root, shoot and fruit pulp were correlated with the recorded parameters and contrast lines for Zn content were identified. The elite germplasm line with high Zn content may be used for the breeding approach or to prospect candidate gene for improving nutritional value. It is a win-win situation where in both crop productivity and human health concern can be addressed.

Rahmath Abbas Begum has completed B.Tech (Ag. Engg.) from Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, kumulur, Trichy. Currently she is pursuing M.Tech (Ag. Engg.) in the Dept of Farm Power and Machinery from the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.

Sugarcane (Saccharium officinarum L.) is the main source for sugar in India and holds a prominent position as a cash crop in the country occupying around 3.8 million hectares of land with an annual cane production of around 270 million tonnes. That is, it occupies about 2.8% of the cultivated land area and contributes about 7.5% to the agricultural production in the country. About 35 million farmers grow and depend on sugarcane for their livelihood. And an equal number of agricultural labourers earn their living by working in Sugarcane farms. Detrashing refers to removal of unwanted bottom dry and green leaves at regular intervals. Sugarcane stalk bears large number of leaves (30-35) equal to the number of inter-nodes under good management systems. Detrashing should be taken up after the cane formation around 150 days after planting. There after it could be done at bi-monthly interval depending up on the labour availability. In India and many other developing countries, sugarcane harvesting is done by manual labour. Studies have indicated that the labour requirement for manual cutting and cleaning in India requires 158 and 395 man-h/ha, respectively.

Ameena Siddiqui has completed her M.Sc. in Botany from Kanpur University, and presently pursuing PhD in Dept. of Genetics and Plant Breeding, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow and registered for PhD degree in Academy of CSIR.

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.), or flax, is a crop of interest from ancient times, as it is used both for fiber and oil. India is the fourth largest oilseed growing country in the world, and third largest producer of linseed. In India, approximately 2,009,100 tons of linseed is produced an¬nually. Linseed has long been used as a cash crop and is mainly grown for its oil, which is continuously being utilized for various industrial purposes and also as a food supplement. A major alteration in demand of linseed oil and its other byproducts was observed in the last decade, which has elevated in recent times due to its increased demand as functional food and higher industrial uses. Its low productivity is ascribed to non-availability of superior cultivars to suit the diverse agroclimatic environment. The commercial importance of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) has attracted breeders to increase its seed yield using various breeding approaches. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) have a significant role in enhancing yield and its related traits in linseed. In the present study, two plant growth hormones, auxin and gibberellic acid, were applied individually, as well as in combinations, in order to study their effect on yield and its components in “Neelam”, which is a high yielding variety of linseed. A comparative study was done under pot and field condition. A combined dose of auxin (1.0 mg L^-1) and gibberellin (200 mg L^-1) is recommended for the enhancement of seed yield, whereas a 0.5 mg L^-1 dose of auxin is recommended for the enhancement of vegetative growth. It was con¬cluded that the plant growth regulators can be successfully employed to enhance the yield in this economically important oil seed crop.

Mushroom is nutrient rich fungi grows on dead and decay materials. Mushroom cultivation is an eco-friendly and economically profitable biotechnology process for recycling of lignocellulosic biomass from coconut palm for the production of high quality protein. Being a perennial crop, the coconut palm produces huge quantities of organic wastes throughout the year. The availability of organic recyclable biomass from a hectare of well managed coconut garden has been estimated to be about 14–16 tonnes annually. Among the different waste biomass from coconut palm, leafstalk and bunch waste are superior to leaflet and coir pith in producing significantly more edible biomass of mushrooms. Mixing of biomass from coconut palm with paddy straw also enabled to achieve higher level of production of mushrooms. A low cost mushroom shed, built exclusively of coconut materials, such as coconut wood and plaited coconut leaves inside a coconut plantation, provided ideal conditions for mushroom production. Among the different species of Pleurotus tested on coconut bunch waste, P. eous, P. flabellatus and P. sajorcaju yielded higher quantity of mushrooms and better biological efficiency of conversion than other species. The spent mushroom substrate (SMS) had many positive attributes still left for potential use as a good nutrient source for agricultural use. Hence mushroom cultivation using coconut waste provides additional income besides it generates employment opportunity and reduces burden of waste management.

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season : 2010-11 at Agronomy farm, College of agriculture, Bikaner (Rajasthan) to study the Response of fortified vermicompost and sulphur on growth, yield and quality of mustard [Brassica Juncea (L.) Czern and Coss] grown on loamy sand soil. The experiment was laid out according to randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisting of four levels of vermicompost (0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 t ha-1) and four levels of sulphur (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1).Uniform application of recommended doses of nitrogen and phosphorus were applied along with vermicompost and sulphur in mustard, variety Bio-902 (Pusa jai kisan) grown on loamy sand soil. The main findings of investigation are summarized as: In surface soil (0-15 cm), an application of increasing levels of vermicompost significantly increased to the plant height, branches per plant, number of siliquae per plant, number of seeds per siliqua, test weight, seed and stover yield. Vermicompost application also increased significantly to the content and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur in seed and stover both. Protein content, oil content, oil yield and net return were also found significantly higher with the application of increasing levels of the vermicompost. Similarly, application of vermicompost also significantly increased to the organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur in soil at harvest. Similarly, increasing levels of sulphur application in soil significantly enhanced to the plant height, branches per plant, number of siliquae per plant, number of seeds per siliqua, test weight, seed and stover yield, content and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur in both seed and stover. Protein content, oil content, oil yield and net return were also increased significantly with the application of increasing levels of sulphur. In soil, sulphur application did not enhanced organic carbon and available potassium at harvest. Whereas, sulphur application significantly enhanced to the available nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur in soil.

Swarn Lata Arya is a Principal Scientist (Agriculture Economics) in Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Centre, Chandigarh, India. She has been conducting research on socio- economic aspects of environmental and natural resource management projects. She has more than 75 publications including two books and 6 technical bulletins.

Increasing participation of communities in the management of common property water resources is being tried as a means to reduce pressures on government finances and to improve efficiency and sustainability of irrigation systems. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative surveys conducted during the period from 2008 to 2011 from 176 households in five villages located in the foothills of Northern Himalayas, this paper analyses the impact of community based water storage structures on productivity, economic efficiency and social aspects. Most of the farmers belonged to marginal and small category (82%) and owned land less than 2 hectare of cultivated land. Mostly these farmers are dependent upon common property water resources for their domestic, animals and agriculture needs. Per hectare net returns from agriculture as a result of CPWR varied from ‘23901 to 53027’. The results have also shown how communities based rain water harvesting storages structures have effectively contributed to closing the existing gap between demand and supply of water for its multiple usages. Nearly 40 tube wells have come up in these villages exclusively as a result of ground water recharge due to water harvesting structures, where none was earlier before the implementation of the water harvesting structure. The analysis revealed that supply of water in all the five cases exceeded the demand and more so especially in case of subsurface systems in two (Mallah and Jabrot) watersheds due to perennial flow throughout the year. Subsurface system recorded maximum yield and and crop productivity per unit of water than earthen dams whereas livestock water productivity was maximum in case of water-harvesting reservoirs.

Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp] is one of the important grain legumes and is known for rich source of protein. Globally pigeon pea is cultivated on 4.68 M ha. India is the primary pigeon pea growing country in the world, cultivated in an area 3.53 M ha with a production of 2.51 M tons. Sterility mosaic disease (SMD), considered as the “green plague of pigeon pea” in the Indian subcontinent is caused by a distinct virus, named as pigeon pea sterility mosaic virus (PPSMV). In the present study, attempts were made towards Sterility Mosaic Disease screening on 189 F6 RILs developed from cross involving a susceptible parent ICP-8863 and a resistant parent ICPL-20097. Screening was attempted by both leaf stapling technique in the green house at the Institute of Biotechnology, Hyderabad and by the inoculum spreading method on a isolated field at Agricultural Research Station, Tandur during Kharif 2012. However, due to heavy rains after inoculation, the disease incidence was not at a satisfactory level. In order to make up for the loss of an entire season, a new approach was attempted i.e. to screen SMD on the ratoon crop. Towards this, the crop was ratooned at maturity stage and fresh ly appeared leaves were inoculated by both leaf stapling and spreading method after 25 days of ratooning at both the locations. Good incidence of disease was observed and the levels of disease resistance/susceptibility among the RILs were comparable at both the locations. To reconfirm the screening results on ratoon crop with that on the regular crop, screening was carried out again during Kharif 2013. It was observed that the RILs expressed similar disease reaction as expected. This is the first of its kind report which demonstrates that when main crop fails for disease screening, it is possible to successfully attempt the same on the ratoon crop to obtain similar results and can save time.

M. Ameer Junaithal Begum M.sc (Ag) is currently PhD scholar in dept. of seed science & technology, TNAU, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. She pursued her under graduation and master degree in the same university & awarded with several scholarships for pursuing UG, PG & PhD courses. She has presented several papers in National & International seminars and published several research articles in reputed journals and having authorship for several book chapters & books.

The relationship of Aspergillus flavus infection on seed quality was studied by artificial inoculation of A. flavus on seeds of groundnut cultivar VRI 2 collected from three major groundnut growing areas of TamilNadu viz., Vridhachalam, Thindivanam, Villupuram. A. flavus spores isolated from groundnut kernels were inoculated with 0, 0.25 and 0.5% infection on seed coat of disease free groundnut kernels after initial physiological and seed health evaluation and then stored in cloth bag at ambient condition and evaluated bimonthly. The seeds inoculated with 0.5% infection lost its viability (69%) at the end of storage period. Seeds with 0% infection maintained its viability at the end of storage period (72%). The seeds with 0.25% infection maintained germination up to 71% at the end of storage period. Storing the seeds with 0% infection is not at all possible, thus, the seeds with 0.25% of A. flavus infection could be the tolerable limit for safer storage of groundnut seeds.

Dill, popularly known as sowa, is one of the oldest cultivated seed spices of India. There are two species of dill under cultivation i.e. European dill (Anethum graveolens L.) and another closely related is Indian dill (Anethum sowa Roxb). The positive effect of environmental factor on growth and yield could be harnessed if the information on optimum time of sowing is made available with the availability of improved varieties. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season 2012-13 at the research farm, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh) to study the response of dill (Anethum graveolens L.) cultivars to different date of sowing. There were twelve treatments in the experiment consisted of four date of sowing viz., 5^th October (D₁)), 20^th October (D₂), 4^th November (D₃) and 19^th November (D₄), and three cultivars viz., NRCSS AD-1 (V₁), NRCSS AD-2 (V₂) and Local cultivar (V₃). The experiment was laid out in factorial RBD design with four replications. The date of sowing significantly influenced the growth, yield and quality attributes of different dill cultivars. Maximum plant height at 40, 80 and 120 DAS, number of branches plant^-1 at harvest recorded with sowing on 20^th October in the cultivar NRCSS AD-1 and days to 50% flowering with sowing on 05^th October in the cultivar NRCSS AD-1. Minimum days taken to germination with sowing on 05^th October in NRCSS AD-2 cultivar. Maximum value ware recorded in yield and quality attributes such as fresh weight plant^-1 at 40, 80 and 120 DAS, dry weight plant^-1 at 40, 80 and 120 DAS, number of umbels plant^-1, number of umbellets umbel^-1, number of seeds umbel^-1, test weight, seed yield (q ha^-1), chlorophyll content in leaves at 60 and 90 DAS (SPAD), with 20^th October in the cultivar NRCSS AD-1. However, maximum biological yield (q ha^-1), straw yield (q ha^-1) and essential oil content of seeds was recorded with sowing date of 05^th October in the cultivar NRCSS AD-1. Maximum gross return, net return and benefit cost ratio was calculated with sowing date 20^th October in the cultivar NRCSS AD-1. However, harvest index (%) was non significant.

Duraimurugan Ponnusamy has completed his PhD at the age of 29 years from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. He is working as Sr. Scientist at DOR, Hyderabad. He has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals.

Tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) is an economically important pest of castor throughout the crop season. The larvae damage plants by feeding on leaves at night and remain concealed during day in the soil. Regular scouting of fields and collection and destruction of skeletonized leaves along with gregarious early instar larvae is very effective management method. However, regular scouting of the larvae is laborious and expensive. Monitoring the pest activity using pheromone traps for taking up timely control measures has been evaluated in groundnut and cotton and such studies on S. litura in castor are limited. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the relative performance of sex pheromone trap and light trap to monitor the seasonal activity of S. litura in castor. Funnel trap (Fero-T^â„¢) with the septa of Spodoptera litura (PCI Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad) was used to monitor the pest activity in three locations in Hyderabad (Rajendranagar, Narkhoda and Patancheru) during kharif and rabi seasons (2012-13). In each location, four pheromone traps were installed in castor field (4000m²) and weekly observations on male moths capture in traps were recorded. Weekly observations on the number of egg masses laid by the pest were also recorded on castor foliage (randomly selected 25 plants, 5 plants in 5 places) in two locations (Rajendranagar and Narkhoda). The results revealed two peak pheromone trap catches, the first during 33^rd to 35^th MW (August second fortnight) and second during 38^th to 40^th MW (September second fortnight). The highest peak catches of S. litura in three locations ranged from 33 to 257 moths/trap/week. Trap catches declined from 46^th MW to 5^th MW (November second week to February first week). Peak egg-masses in castor was observed during 38^th MW (6.4/5 plants) at Rajendranagar and 34^th MW (5.4/5 plants) at Narkhoda and the egg-masses count declined during 51^st MW to 5^th MW (0 to 0.6/5 plants). Significant positive correlation was found between number of egg-masses and pheromone trap catches (r= 0.78 to 0.95). The capture of S. litura in light trap was lower than sex pheromone trap and the correlation values between number of trapped adults and egg-masses were higher in pheromone traps (r= 0.78 to 0.95) than light traps (r= 0.37 to 0.45). The results suggest that sex pheromone traps could be deployed to monitor populations of S. litura in castor as a labour saving method and field scouting may be initiated a week after heavy trap catches for the collection and destruction of “mesh” like skeletanized leaves along with early instar gregarious larvae.

S.K. Chhodavadia completed his B.Sc(Agri) and M.Sc (Agri) & continuing with PhD (Agri) at the age of 24 years from Junagadh Agricultural University (Gujarat). He has participated with state and national level seminars.

Field experiment was carried out on the medium black soil of Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh (Gujarat) during summer seasons of 2011. The relative efficacy of pendimethalin, oxyfluorfen, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, quizalofop-ethyl applied alone or in combination with hand weeding and interculturing 30 days after sowing (DAS) to control weeds in summer green gram. The results that two hand weeding with two interculturing 20 DAS and 40 DAS proved its superiority over rest of the weed management in summer green gram. Among herbicidal treatment, application of quizalofop-ethyl at 20 DAS and fenoxaprop-p-ethyl at 20 DAS was found to be relatively more effective in controlling weeds than their sole application.
Keywords: Herbicide efficacy, Yield attributes, Weed index, Weed Control Efficiency.

Boini Venkanna has completed his B.Sc. (Ag) at college of Agriculture Aswaraopeta and M.Sc (Ag) from Acharya N. G Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad. He achieved first class grade in both at UG and PG levels. He is presently pursuing PhD in Department of Agronomy at college of Agriculture, Acharya N. G Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad.

A field experiment entitled “Influence of row spacing and phosphorus levels on seed production of Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata)” was conducted at College Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad on sandy clay loam soils with slightly alkaline in soil reaction, medium in organic carbon, low in available nitrogen and medium in available phosphorous and potassium. The treatments comprised of three row spacings (30 cm, 45 cm and 60 cm.) and three phosphorus levels (0 kg, 25 kg and 50 kg ha^-1). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with factorial concept and replicated thrice.
The results revealed that row spacings and phosphorus levels significantly influenced the growth parameters, yield attributes and yield of Dhaincha crop.
Among the three different row spacings (30 cm, 45 cm and 60 cm) studied, Dhaincha sown at closer row spacing of 30 cm recorded more drymatter production, yield (seed and stalk) and NPK uptake. But wider row spacing of 60 cm produced more number of pods plant^-1, seeds pod^-1 and test weight than other row spacings (45 cm and 30 cm). The improved per plant yield attributes at 60 cm row spacing has not reflected in per hectare seed and stalk yield of Dhaincha.
Among the three different phosphorus levels (0, 25 and 50 kg ha^-1) studied, Dhaincha with 50 kg ha^-1 phosphorus application performed better in plant height, drymatter production, number of branches plant^-1, number of pods plant^-1, seeds pod^-1, test weight, yield (seed and stalk), NPK content and uptake than the other phosphorus levels (0 and 25 kg ha^-1).
Higher gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio was obtained at 50 kg ha^-1 phosphorus application than lower levels (0 and 25 kg ha^-1). But B:C ratio obtained at 50 kg ha^-1 phosphorus application was at par with 25 kg ha^-1.
Among the treatment combinations, 30 cm row spacing with 50 kg ha^-1 phosphorus application (S₁P₃) produced the highest drymatter production, yield (seed and stalk), NPK uptake, gross monetary returns, net monetary returns and benefit - cost ratio followed by 30 cm row spacing with 25 kg ha^-1 phosphorus application (S₁P₂).
From the present investigation, it can be inferred that Dhaincha can be grown successfully with a row spacing of 30 cm and 25 -50 kg ha^-1 phosphorus application during rabi season under Southern Telangana Agro-climatic conditions of Andhra Pradesh.

Growth room and greenhouse experiments examined the potential of actinomycetes as microbial inoculant to improve the yield of upland rice. Fifty-nine isolates from rice and corn rhizosphere and existing collection of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) were screened for growth promoting activities. Thirty-two isolates produced indoleacetic acid (IAA), fourteen of which showed ACC deaminase activity while twenty-four solubilized bound phosphate in vitro. Five isolates were selected from among 59 isolates evaluated for further study.
The selected isolates were subjected to morphological and 16S rDNA analysis to establish isolates identity. Based on morphology and 16S rDNA analysis, the probable identities of the selected isolates with their corresponding percent identity are as follows: YB6y, Actinomycetales bacterium-95%; AVermi3, uncultured Actinomyces-96%; AVermi7, Streptomyces sp-95%; NB1, Rhodococcus sp-95%; NB3, Streptomyces mutabilis-98%.
In the growth room, the selected actinomycetes increased root dry weight of upland rice by 24 to 71% at 14 days after sowing (DAS). All five isolates were rhizosphere competent as indicated by the root colonization study. Actinomycetes colonized the roots of upland rice with population densities ranging from 5.9 x 105 to 1.2 x 107 CFU g^-1 rhizosphere soil with R:S ratios of 0.8 to 1.1. At 30 DAS, actinomycete isolate NB3 population in the rhizosphere increased 100-fold with R:S ratio of 1.08.
In the greenhouse, NB3 combined with full rate of fertilization, had the highest shoot biomass. At full rate of fertilization, inoculation with NB1, AVermi7, YB6y and NB3 significantly increased P uptake by 80 to 136% over the uninoculated control. Inoculation with NB3 and AVermi7 significantly increased grain yield by 62% and 48% respectively, relative to uninoculated treatment.
The significant increase in grain yield by NB3 and AVermi7 and their ability to colonize the rhizosphere demonstrate the potential of these actinomycetes as plant growth-promoting inoculants for upland rice. However, field assessment is recommended to determine the effect of biotic and abiotic stresses in the performance of promising actinomycetes.

Rajaram Dhok has completed his M.Sc. from Shivaji University Kolhapur and M.Phil. from Madurai Kamraj University. He is working for doctoral studies in University of Pune. The topic of study is groundwater quality. He is Assistant Professor at Shardabai Pawar Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Shardanagar, Baramati, India. He has published 10 Research papers in reputed peer reviewed International journals and National conferences.

Freshwater is a finite resource; essential for agriculture and drinking purpose. Groundwater quality of Nira River basin area has undergone degradation due to unlimited use of canal water for irrigation purpose. This area is under irrigation by Nira River left canal. The hydrochemical investigation in the present study were carried out by using standard methods of APHA (APHA, 1998). An investigation was carried out by collecting thirty groundwater samples for Pre – monsoon season (PRM) February 2012 to May 2012 to decipher hydrochemistry and groundwater quality for determining its suitability for agriculture & drinking purposes. The results of analysis were compared with the water quality standards of Indian Standard Institute (ISI), and World Health Organization (WHO). The groundwater is neutral to alkaline in nature with pH ranging from 6.36 to 9.53. Higher electrical conductivity was noted in Kalamb, Khorochi, Nimsakhar villages. Residual sodium carbonate value indicates, 66% samples are not suitable for irrigation purpose. 40% samples are hard water and 37% are very hard water. High salinity of groundwater is recorded by 27% samples and such saline water affect on the quality and total production of agriculture. Groundwater in study area is not suitable for drinking purposes without conventional treatments.

Joseph Djeugap Fovo has completed his PhD at the age of 38 years from Université Laval, Québec, Canada. He holds two Master Degrees: one in Plant Biology (Faculty of Science) in 2002 and the second in Plant Pathology (Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Science) in 2007 at the University of Dschang, Cameroon. He is Lecturer of Crop pathology, Forest pathology, Phytosanitary Legislation, Plant Epidemiology and Integrated Disease Management in the Department of Plant protection in faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Science (FASA) at the University of Dschang since 2009. As a Lecturer/Researcher, he has published more than 08 papers in nationals and internationals repute journals.

One of the factors affecting the successful propagation of plant species is the health status of the seed. Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Pierre ex Heckel is a woody forest plant in the process of domestication in Cameroon. Due to its flavouring and high nutritional value, demand for its seeds has amplified both within the sub-region and beyond. This study is a contribution to countering the major factors that hinder germination of the species. The seeds collected in 2011 and 2012 were subjected to mechanical and chemical pre-treatments before sowing. Results reveal that seed coat dormancy, storage duration and diseases are the major factors that affect germination. Hammer-based mechanical scarification significantly (P <0.05) improved the seed germination rate (88%) while comparable effects were observed between thermal scarification, sulphuric acid and the control treatment (3%). The interval between planting date and the first germination was 8 days while the mean germination period for seeds that were scarified with a hammer was 13 days. The study recommends an ideal storage period of about six months for R. heudelotii seeds if best germination results must be attained. Although the pesticides (seed treatment) Imidaclopride, Thiram and Chlorpyrifos-ethyl that were applied had no significant effects on seed germination, they reduced the infection rate of the seeds and seedlings after emergence. The presence of necrotic cotyledons, seed rot, seedling malformation and necrosis on cotyledonal leaves after removal was indicative of the susceptibility of R. heudelotii seeds to various pathogens. These innovative findings expound and complement current knowledge on the domestication of R. heudelotii in Cameroon.

Suresha Jayappa has completed his PhD in Horticulture at the age of 27 years from University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. Presently, he is a faculty in the Department of Postharvest Technology, at Kittur Rani Chennamma College of Horticulture, (University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot), Arabhavi, Gokak, Belgaum, Karnataka. He is currently involved in teaching, research and extension in the field of horticulture. He is also guiding postgraduate students for their research work. His research interests are postharvest physiology, handling and processing of horticulture produce. He has published more than 8 research papers in peer reviewed journals.

Banana crisps are the osmotically dehydrated snack food produced from the fully mature green banana. In the present study, the three different stages of ripening viz., on the day of harvest, two days after harvest and four days after harvested bananas were exposed to different pretreatments to study the suitability of the methods for the preparation of crisps. The various physico-chemical properties of the prepared crisps were studied. The recovery of osmotically dehydrated banana crisps was maximum (51.33%) in T₃ (pre-treated with 0.5% KMS + dipping in 60ËšB sugar syrup + 2% citric acid for 24 hours) with respect to stage of ripeness, bananas used for making crisp four days after harvest resulted in higher recovery (51.79%). The browning was lower in T₂ (0.152). Maximum total and non-reducing sugars (60.35% and 29.38%, respectively) were found in T₂ (sulphur fumigation, 2 g/kg of slices for 30 minutes + steeping in 70ËšB sugar syrup + 2% citric acid for 24 hours), whereas reducing sugar was maximum (31.71%) in T₄ (Dipping the banana slices in 0.5% KMS for 30 minutes followed by dipping in 70°B sugar syrup + 2% citric acid for 24 hours) with respect to stage of ripeness, all the sugar parameters were maximum in crisps made from four days after harvest. The organoleptic scores regarding colour and appearance, texture, taste and flavour and overall acceptability were maximum (4.19, 3.79, 3.82 and 3.96, respectively) in T₃(Dipping the banana slices in 0.5% KMS for 30 minutes followed by dipping in 60°B sugar syrup + 2% citric acid for 24 hours). Banana crisps made from fruits after four days of harvest obtained maximum organoleptic scores (3.74, 3.66, 3.76 and 3.65, respectively).

Radhika Rajendran has completed Bachelor of Technology degree in Biotechnology from Tamil Nadu Agriculture University (TNAU), Coimbatore. Currently, she is pursuing PhD in Plant Biotechnology area under the supervision of Dr. Rakhi Chaturvedi at Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, India.

Spilanthol, an N-alkylamide, was screened and quantified from in vitro dedifferentiated calli, obtained from leaf explants of Spilanthes acmella Murr. The spilanthol possess vast medicinal values in folklore remedies, like antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial activities.
To optimize its higher level of production, five media constituents, such as Murashige & Skoog (MS) major salts, sucrose, N⁶-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) were chosen to screen the spilanthol. The optimization study was performed by using statistical techniques of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and. Plackett-Burman. Plackett-Burman design screened four factors amongst the selected variables which were considered to be the significant factors for optimization using Central Composite Design falling under RSM, to determine the relationship between factors and responses on high yield of spilanthol. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) provided the correlation coefficient (R²) value of 99.22% which was best fitting to the second-order polynomial model. The four media constituent – 1½ times MS major salts, sucrose (5%), BAP (4.82 µM) and 2,4-D (1.8 µM) - significantly affected spilanthol production with maximum yield of about 2.81 mg/g DW of callus. Compared to this, the spilanthol production in control (non-optimized) medium was 1.75 mg/g DW of callus. The statistical model could explain the influence of factors with 95% confidence limits on the respective responses.

This paper focuses on the Crop breeding and Genetics, Genetics concerns the process of trait inheritance from parents to offspring, including the molecular structure and function of genes, gene behavior in the context of a cell or organism Crop breeding is the art and science of changing the genetics of plants in order to produce desired characteristics. Plant breeding can be accomplished through many different techniques ranging from simply selecting plants with desirable characteristics for propagation, to more complex molecular techniques. Crop breeding has been practiced for thousands of years, since near the beginning of human civilization. It is now practiced worldwide by individuals such as gardeners and farmers, or by professional plant breeders employed by organizations such as government institutions, universities, crop-specific industry associations or research centers.

Akshat Uniyal has completed MSc degree in Microbiology in 2009 from HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttrakhand. In April 2011 Joined PhD program in the department of Botany and Microbiology, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal, India, under the supervision of Prof. S.C Tiwari.

Presently not only in India but in the whole world much attention is being given to organic farming. In remote rural areas of the Himalaya (latitude 290 26' to 310 28' N and longitude 770 49' to 800 06' E, mean height about 530 m above sea level) this process of traditional organic farming is still in practice. It not only maintains the soil fertility but crop production is also for better in terms of quality and quantity subject to other climatic factors. The process of organic farming commence with the collection of forest litter of the adjacent area and used as bedding of live-stock over night. When cattle pass on excreta over it and next day this mixture is transferred to outside of the house. This process is continued throughout the session. When crop field are to ready for next crop, this compost from the base of the heap is transferred to fields followed by scattering of manure and ploughing. Microbial succession starts from the time when mixture is gathered outside of the house and comes in contact to the environmental factors. This open heap system invites both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. In present investigation attention has been given on microbial succession during the decomposition process of live-stock manure and its effects on soil fertility. The manure was developed in about six months and sampling was done periodically from different depths of the heap to study microbial succession. Isolation process lasted for six months during which various bacterial and fungal colonies were isolated and preserved for further identification. The biochemical analysis of isolated microbes as well as physico-chemical analysis of soil samples is under progress. These results would provide the basic microbial successional process and their effects on soil fertility.

Suchand Datta (Date of birth: 08.07.1975) did PhD from Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya. He joined his service during 2001 as the post of Lecturer in Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya. During his academic career he guided 3 M.Sc students as chairman, and published 40 research papers in national and international Journals, 5 popular articles in English and a large number of popular articles in local languages. He has participated and presented, more than 20 research papers in different National and International level seminar/symposia/conference/ World Congress in India and abroad. He was associated as Co- Principal Investigator in Central Scheme for the Development of medicinal Plant Sponsored by National Medicinal Plants Board Deptt. of ISM & H, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India and associated as Scientist Integrated Programme for Development of Spices and now it is renamed as NHM- Spices’ from 2002 to 2011. He wrote 4 books and 3 book chapters. He has actively participated in different training programmes for the benefit of the farmers. He has taught graduate and post graduate students in vegetable and spice crops.

There was a significant variation in N, P and K content and their uptake by different plant parts with respect to growing seasons, fertility levels and genotypes. Similarly nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) content and uptake (except fruit N and fruit P uptake) increased with increasing in the levels of soil fertility from 0 to 200% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF). Considering yield performance of different genotypes, ‘Ulka 686 F₁’ (24.9 t/ha), ‘Jwalan’ (20.0 t/ha) and ‘CA-29’ (19.3 t/ha), were selected for growing at 150% RDF in the winter season. Similarly for rainy season ‘Jwalan’ (12.2 t/ha), ‘Ulka 686 F₁’ (11.3 t/ha) at 100% RDF and ‘Pusa Sadabahar’ at 150% RDF (10.4 t/ha) were selected. Highest amount of total N, P and K uptake of 158.55, 68.51 and 195.35 kg/ha, respectively was recorded by Ulka 686 F₁ at 200% RDF. Partioning of nutrient revealed that fruit N, P and K content increased with increasing fertility level upto 150% RDF in winter season and 100% RDF in rainy season thereafter decreased subsequently. Stem N, P and K percent increased with increasing fertility level whereas reverse case noticed in case of root N, P and K content irrespective of seasons.
Keywords: Chilli, genotypes, N, P and K content, seasons, nutrient uptake and yield.

Saileela K has completed her M.Sc (Agri.) from Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) and presently pursuing PhD in Dept. of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, ANGRAU, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.

The field experiment was conducted at Water Technology Centre, Collage farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during Rabi season 2009-10 to study effect of varying fertigation (Nitrogen and Potash kg ha^-1) levels on growth and yield performance of bush bean (Lablab purpurium var. typical.) through drip irrigation. The result revealed that drip irrigation water scheduling at 100% Epan recorded maximum plant height (39.4cm), dry matter production(3225 kg ha-1), leaf area index (1.51) and yield (3556 kg ha-1) recorded 14.6%, 12.4%,11.4% and 13.1% respectively higher yield compared to surface irrigation level at IW/CPE=1. The growth parameters, yield attributing characters and green pod yield of bush bean increased with increment in fertigation levels irrespective of irrigation method of either drip or surface irrigation. However, these parameters recorded significantly higher when fertigation was given with 100:100 N and K kg ha^{-1. Keywords: Drip Irrigation, Fertigation, Bush Bean Growth and Yield.}

Ch. Jyotsna is pursuing PhD in Plant Biotechnology under the supervision of Prof PB. Kirti from Department of Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad. She has completed Masters Degree in Environmental Biotechnology from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad. India.

In order to improve the abiotic stress tolerance in plants we attempted gene transfer methodology using molecular chaperone like groEL₂ from Synechocystis PCC6803 and chloroplast transit peptide (CTP) of the small subunit of the Rubisco complex from Brassica juncea. Transgenic tobacco plants were generated with and without chloroplast targeting of groEL2 and they were able to tolerate abiotic stresses induced by sodium chloride, mannitol, cadmium chloride, and methyl viologen. To better understand the role of chloroplast targeting of groEL₂ (CTP-groEL₂) over the normal transgenic groEL₂ and the non transformed tobacco plants, we compared the performance by subjecting the plants to drought stress and measured their photosynthetic efficiency using Handy Pea. Seedling assays showed that CTP-groEL₂ plants exhibited enhanced tolerance to abiotic stresses. Damage caused by the induced stress was lower in CTP-groEL₂ expressing tobacco transgenic plants compared to the groEL₂ expressing transgenic plants and the wild type as assessed by their higher relative water content, higher total chlorophyll content, lower MDA, reduced super oxide and H₂O₂ accumulation. Enhanced levels of different antioxidant enzymes and molecules were present in the CTP-groEL₂ plants when compared to the wild type under similar stress. Analysis of chlorophyll a fluorescence using specific energy fluxes, quantum yields and efficiencies along with performance index etc showed that CTP-groEL₂ plants tolerated drought conditions more efficiently, when compare to other plants.
These attributes in transgenic tobacco ultimately prove the importance of chloroplast targeting of groEL₂ as a potential approach in alleviating abiotic stress tolerance.

K S Thakur is working as Associate Professor in the Department of Vegetable Science and involved in teaching (UG and PG students), research and extension activities in the field of Vegetable Science for last 13 years. He earned his graduation in Horticulture, M.Sc. (Hort.) and PhD (Hort.) in Vegetable Crops from Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. He is conducting research works since last 7 years on organic vegetable production technologies with special emphasis on nutrient management by use of biofertilizers and organic manures and its application in commercial vegetable production. He has published more than 22 research papers, popular articles and technical bulletins on vegetable crops in international, national and regional journals. He has attended, participated and contributed 11 international, national and state level seminar, symposia, conference, congress and workshop related to sustainable vegetable production technologies.

An investigation was carried out at the Experimental Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP) during Kharif season, 2012, to evaluate the effect of mulches, planting methods and biofertilizers on fruit yield, weed characteristics and quality of organically grown capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.). The experiment was carried out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with factorial arrangements which included 3 levels of mulch (M₁: No mulch, M₂: Black plastic mulch and M₃: Pea residue mulch), 2 levels of planting methods (P₁: Flat bed method and P₂: Ridge bed method) and 2 levels of biofertilizers treatments (B₁: No biofertilizers and B₂: Biofertilizers) to compare the treatment combinations of the factors. The main effect of the factors revealed that M₂, P₂ and B₂ treatments recorded enhanced fruit yield, reduced weed growth where M₂ recorded the minimum number of weeds (7.35) and fresh and dry weight of weeds per m² (13.18 and 4.50 g respectively), P₂ recorded minimum number of weeds (48.24) and fresh and dry weight of weeds per m² (100.45 and 30.51 g respectively) and B₂ recorded the lowest fresh weight of weeds (100.95 g) and increased ascorbic acid content and shelf life of fruits. The interaction effect between the factors revealed that M₂P₂B₂ treatment combination i.e., application of black polythene mulch, ridge bed method and application of biofertilizers exhibited significant influence on quality and fruit yield of capsicum with maximum fruit yield (280.45 q/ha) and reduced fresh and dry weight of weeds (12.19 and 4.12 g).

Mohamed Sayed Hassan Ahmed has completed his PhD at the age of 35 years from Suez Canal University, Egypt and postdoctoral studies from South Valley University, Egypt. He is the Head of Agronomy Department, Faculty of Agriculture, South Valley University. He has published more than 11 papers in reputed journals.

Means of the six generations (P₁, P₂, F₁, F₂, BC₁ and BC₂) of the two wheat crosses; (1) Giza 168 x IG 4198 ICBW 207010 and the cross (II) Gemmeiza 10 x IG 41897 ICBW 201657 were used to estimate genetic parameters. The results of scaling test indicated that each of A, B and C were significant or highly significant in the two crosses for most traits. Results also revealed the presence of nonallelic gene interaction for most traits studied in the two crosses except no. of spekeletes/spike in the cross II, The additive gene effects (d) were significant or highly significant and either positive or negative for all traits studied except no. of spikes/plant and no of spekeletes/ spike in the two crosses and 50% flowering and spike length in cross I suggesting the potential for obtaining further improvement of these traits by selection practice of their progenies. The dominance gene effects (h) were found to be highly significant for most studied traits except 50% flowering in cross I and plant height, spike length, no of spekeletes/ spike and 1000 –kernel weight in cross II. The magnitude of additive gene effects (d) were small relative to the corresponding dominance effects (h) in most cases, suggesting that pedigree selection method is a useful breeding program for improving these populations. However, the negative value of (h) observed in most cases indicated that the alleles responsible for less value of the trait were dominant over the alleles controlling high value. Significant epistatic additive x additive type of gene effects [i] was detected for plant height, no of spikes/ plant and grain yield/plant in the two crosses and 50% flowering and no. of kernels/plant in crosses II and spike length and no of spekeletes/ spike in cross I. Additive x dominance epistatic type of gene effects [j] was found to be significant for 50% flowering, spike length, no. of kernels/plant, 1000-kernel weight and grain yield/plant in the two crosses under investigations, and no of spekeletes/ spike in cross II .The negative sign of additive x dominance [j] interaction in most cases also suggested dispersion of genes in the parents. Concerning the third type of epistatic effect i.e. .dominance x dominance [l], highly significant effects were detected for no of spikes /plant , plant height, spike length, no. of kernels / plant and 1000-kernel weight in all crosses and 50% flowering and grain yield /plant in cross II. The additive gene effects (d) were significant or high significant and either positive or negative for all traits studied except no. The simple genetic model (m, d, and h) was applied when epistasis was absent. The values of additive (d) were significant or highly significant and either positive or negative for all traits except grain yield in the two crosses, no. of spikes plant and no. of kernels /plant in cross I and 1000- kernel weight in cross II. The values of dominance (h) were significant or high significant and either positive or negative in all traits accept no. of spekeletes/ spike in the two crosses, 50 % flowering and no. of kernels /plant in cross I.
Keywords: Wheat, generation mean analysis, yield, six generations, scaling test, gene action, saline conditions.

Ashwini Kasturi has completed her M.Sc (Floriculture and Landscaping) from Dr.Y.S.R Horticulture University during 2009 to 2011 and completed her B.Sc (Horticulture) from Acharya N. G. Ranga Agriculture University.

The present study was under taken in a commercial floriculture farm under protected cultivation with three cultivars of carnation during July 2010 to February 2011. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with factorial concept. Harvesting of carnation flower stalk at 10cm height from the ground level recorded minimum number of days to sprouting of buds than other harvesting heights i.e., 5, 15 and 20 cm height. Days to first flower bud appearance, color break stage and days to harvest was also minimum with harvesting at 10 cm height in cultivars Domingo, Dover and Keiro. And the length of lateral, length of flower stalk and flower, diameter of flower stalk and flower, number of flower stalks per plant, fresh flower weight and vase life was maximum with harvesting 10 cm height than other harvesting heights in cultivar Domingo.

N. Vineela completed her M.Sc agriculture from Acharya N. G. Ranga Agriculture College and university, Bapatla. She had done specialization in Genetics and Plant Breeding. Her research work was carried on 98 hybrids of cotton; major emphasis in her 2 years of research programme was given to find out the best general and specific combiner within these 98 hybrids. Four articles of her work had been published, out of which 2 are in national and 2 in international journals.

Investigation was carried out at Agricultural College Students’ Farm, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh during kharif 2010-11 with 84 intra-hirsutum cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) hybrids derived from 19 parents (12 lines and 7 testers) which were developed from new heterotic gene pools through line x tester fashion along with two check. The genetic variability studies indicated that the material used in the present study possessed sufficient variability which gives ample scope for improvement through simple selection procedures. High heritability accompanied by high genetic advance was observed in case of plant height, number of monopodia, number of sympodia, relative water content, specific leaf weight, crop growth rate at peak flowering stage, crop growth rate at boll formation stage, crop growth rate at maturity stage, boll weight, seed index and lint index indicating the role of additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits and directional selection may be rewarding.
The correlation and path analysis revealed that lint yield per plant had high positive direct effect coupled with high significant positive correlation. The other important traits identified were boll weight and number of sympodia per plant but they exerted direct effects at lower magnitude. Majority of the traits studied exerted prominent positive indirect effects via lint yield per plant. Further it was also observed that important fibre quality parameters like ginning out-turn, 2.5% span length and bundle strength showed undesirable association with the above traits and also among themselves. So care should be exercised in simultaneous improvement of these traits without sacrificing fibre quality, since the cotton is valued for its lint.
Estimates of variance due to gca and sca and their ratios revealed the importance of non-additive gene action for all the traits studied. Non-additive component may be exploited through heterosis breeding. It also helps in varietal adaptability. Among the 19 parents involved, the lines RAC 99152 followed by RAH 178-4, NAWAB and RAH 97-612 and in testers SC 68 followed by SC 7- IPS and SC 40 were identified as potential general combiners for important yield component traits. These parents may be involved in future varietal improvement programmes. Based on per se performance, high sca effect and standard heterosis, the top specific cross combinations identified for seed cotton yield and other component traits were RAH 370 × SC 31 and RAH 178 × SC 40. This suggested the possibility of direct utilization of these hybrids for commercial exploitation after thorough testing over larger number of diversified environments and seasons. The progeny of these crosses may be further advanced to isolate superior segregants in further generations or pedigree breeding to combine not only seed cotton yield but also fibre quality of the derived lines.

Y. Sharath Kumar Reddy has completed his M.Sc (Ag) at the age of 24 years from Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad and now doing his doctoral programme in ICRISAT under Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad in the discipline of Crop Physiology.

Five promising early sugarcane clones (2006 T3, 2006 T8, 2006 T19, 2006 T23 and 2006 T36) from yield trials along with two checks (Co C 671 and Co 94008) were evaluated for identification of sugarcane clones suitable for delayed harvest and crushing” at Agricultural Research Station, Perumallapalle, Chittoor, Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh, during 2011-2012.
The data on different growth parameters viz., Germination per cent, Plant height, SCMR values and Leaf area index were recorded at different crop growth periods. The highest germination count was recorded with 2006 T36 followed by Co C 671 and Co 94008, whereas the lowest count was recorded with 2006 T23. Among the clones 2006 T3 and 2006 T36 recorded the highest plant height at different crop growth periods (90, 120, 240 DAP and at harvest) along with two standards (Co C 671 and Co 94008), while the clone 2006 T23 recorded the lowest plant height.
The highest SCMR values and LAI was recorded with Co C 671, Co 94008 followed by 2006 T36 and 2006 T3 at different crop growth periods (60, 90, 120 and 150 days), whereas, the clone 2006 T23 recorded the lowest SCMR and LAI values.
The data recorded on different yield attributes viz., cane diameter (cm), cane length (cm), number of millable canes and cane yield at harvest showed that 2006 T36 and 2006 T3 recorded the higher cane yields along with checks, while the clone 2006 T23 recorded the lowest cane yield.
Keywords: Clones, Morpho-physiological traits, Yield, Sugarcane.

Germplasm is the reflecting property of a crop. Particular germplasm is required for a particular demand. Selection of germplasm is very important for a particular need. It is very difficult to work with all aspects taking together, in germplasm selection. For that, computer software assists in the selection process. There are many numbers of entries in germplasm database. It may have characters like seed weight, yield, maturity days, flower color, flower shape, plant height, etc. For selection of germplasm, customize software has been developed containing indexing, compression, searching, identification, scaling and many statically analysis.
Keywords: Database, Germplasm, Decision Support System, Software.

Venkata R Prakash Reddy completed his M.Sc. at the age of 24 years from University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad under the guidance of Dr. H. L. Nadaf. In Msc he worked on Genetic analysis of seed yield and its component traits and Resistance to Alternaria blight in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Now he is doing PhD on Molecular mapping of culm strength related QTLs in rice in Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad.

An investigation was undertaken to assess the correlations among yield related characters of sunflower and to verify their direct and indirect effects which will be used for the selection for seed yield. 48 hybrids, 16 parents and four checks were laid in a randomized block design with two replications. Twelve characters were collected and analyzed for correlations and path coefficients. The results showed that the seed yield per hectare was strongly correlated with the seed yield per plant, head diameter, plant height and test weight. Positive correlations were found between seed yield per plant with oil content, head diameter, plant height and test weight and also between oil content with plant height. A highly negative correlations found between percent disease index (PDI) at 45, 60 and 75 days after sowing with seed yield per hectare, head diameter, days to 50% flowering and days to maturity. The seed yield per plant showed the highest positive direct effect on seed yield per hectare followed by the head diameter. For Alternaria disease reaction, percent disease index (PDI) at 45,60 and 75 days after sowing exhibited negative direct effects. Beside this, oil content, plant height and days to 50% flowering also exhibited negative direct effects. In addition, indirect effects of most characters were high through seed yield per plant and head diameter. Therefore, seed yield per plant and head diameter should be used in the selection for seed yield in sunflower.

Damini Thawait has completed her M.Sc (Agronomy) degree at the age of 24 years in 2012-2013 from Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, chhattisgarh. She has published more than 8 papers in reputed journals.

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of planting geometry and seedling density on utilization of solar radiation of aromatic rice under SRI based cultivation practices during kharif 2012. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replication and fourteen treatments which included six types of spacing and three types of seedling densities.
The result indicated that highest utilization of solar radiation and lowest light transmission ratio was found under the treatment of 25 cm x 25 cm spacing + 1-2 seedlings hill^-1 (T₁), due to wider spacing and single seedling hill^-1. The yield of this treatment was statistically similar with higher producer treatment 25 cm x 25 cm spacing + 2 to 3 seedlings hill^-1 (T₂). Therefore, these treatments utilized better solar energy and ultimately help for more yields.
Keywords: Solar Energy, Plant Productivity, Planting Geometry, Seedling Densities, SRI, Light Interception.

Amin Purhematy has completed his BSc at the age of 24 years from Bahonar University of Kerman and now is student of MSc and tutor of toxicology laboratory in this university. He is member of American Chemical Society and Iranian Inventors Association. Amin Purhematy has won two medals from international exhibitions of inventions. He has published 12 papers in international journals and conference proceedings.

The Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), has been considered one of the most serious stored product pests. It can infest a variety of products and is the most economically important insect pest of many stored foods. Current practices for managing Indianmeal moth using chemical fumigants provide only marginal control. The present study reports the use of plant-based fumigants as alternatives for managing this pest. The toxicity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. aerial parts and Heracleum persicum Desf. fruits essential oils were evaluated by fumigant toxicity bioassay on the second and last larval instars. Pure essential oils were used in plastic cylinders for the bioassay. R. officinalis (20 µL.L^-1 air) showed the highest toxicity against the second instar of Indianmeal moth after 96 hours, which resulted 52.62±9.84 and 0.19±0.04 in the second and last instars respectively. Furthermore, fumigant toxicity of H. persicum (20 µL.L^-1 air) essential oil after 96 hours against the second instar was 34.54±5.1, and against the last instar was 0.04±0.02. Results showed that among tested essential oils, R. officinalis had considerable fumigant toxicity on the second instar of P. interpunctella which is a very destructive life stage in this pest, but H. persicum didn’t provide significant toxicity against this pest. Based on the analysis previously performed; there are two significant toxic terpenes in R. officinalis, 1,8-cineole and α-pinene, which could be responsible for its fumigant toxicity. While esters in H. persicum; mainly hexyl butyrate and octyl acetate are cytotoxic constituents which indicates slight toxicity.

Shafina Haque has completed M.Sc in Genetics and Plant Breeding from Calcutta University at 2010, presently working as Senior Research fellow as well as PhD scholar under the guidance of Dr. O.N. Singh and Co- guidance of Dr. S.K. Pradhan at Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, Orissa.

Seed storage protein analysis represents a valid improved approach for varietal identification and genetic purity analysis. It is a useful tool for studying genetic diversity via sodium dodecylsulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in a short period of time. This study was aimed at exploiting the genetic variations with respect to seed storage proteins among 24 reproductive stage drought donor rice lines along with the susceptible checks through SDS-PAGE analysis. The experiment was carried out in the rice biotechnology laboratory, Crop Improvement Division, CRRI, Cuttack during 2013 following Laemmli, 1970 procedure. The concentration of the extracted protein samples was determined using Bradford assay (1976) using different concentrations of the samples against the control. Gel photographing and documentation were carried out using Syngene gel documentation system. The present investigation revealed that the drought tolerant rice genotypes differed from each other with respect to the total number of protein bands in each of the two zones. A maximum of 12 bands were observed in germplasm line Jhona 349 and the lowest number of four bands were obtained in case Kalakeri and T136. Twelve genotypes namely, Black Gora (NCS12), Sambha Mahsuri, IR 20, Sarjoo 50,Tam Cau 9A, Koshihikari, Saita, Kalakeri, BR 21, Nan Te Hao, Dhalasaita, T 136 did not exhibit any band in this zone. The homology of genotypes (per cent similarity) for protein bands varied from 0 to 94% among different varieties. In other words, per cent of heterogenity percentage between all possible pairs of the genotypes varied from 94% to 0%, which provided adequate genetic basis to study the variability for storage proteins among the studied genotypes. The data revealed that genotype Naveen with CR 143 2-2 showed highest homology of 94%. On the other hand genotype Basmati 370 exhibited maximum heterogeneity with Mahulata.
Keywords: Oryza sativa, SDS-PAGE.

Brij Bala did her PhD in Agricultural Economics with Production Economics and Farm Management as sub disciplines at the age of 25 years with Gold Medal from CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur. She is working as Sr. Scientist at CSK HPKV, Hill Agricultural Research and Extension Centre, Bajaura, Kullu, HP, India. She has published more than 50 papers in reputed national and international journals and serving as an editor/referee for some journals of repute. She has also authored one book entitled “Economics of off-season vegetables”.

The study has been conducted with a view to examine the various marketing channels, costs, margins and price spread in the marketing of vegetables in Himachal Pradesh. The cropping pattern on sampled households was vegetable-dominated with 80 to 86 percent of the total cropped area under vegetables and the cropping intensity was as high as 270 per cent. More than 90 percent of the total produce of selected vegetables was marketed surplus. Regional markets were well equipped and were working efficiently. However, market malpractices viz., overcharging for the services like loading/unloading, weighing, grading etc. and under weighing of the produce of farmers prevailed. Fluctuating market prices further aggravated by the lack of market information were also reported to be the major problems. Of the three major channels operative in the study area, channel-III comprising of producer, commission agent, retailer and consumer, happened to be the most efficient channel. It was also observed that the retailers’ margin was the highest among all the market functionaries in all the channels. The producer’s share in consumer’s rupee varied from 46 percent to 74 percent. The study has emphasized on the adoption of improved technology to enhance the returns from vegetable production. Strengthening of farmers’ organizations and cooperative marketing institutions along with the development of infrastructure viz., small scale processing units, roads, transportation and storage facilities, has also been suggested to ensure efficient marketing. A mechanism for proper implementation of the market rules and regulations was strongly needed to be put in place. Promotion of contract farming in the vegetable producing areas was also stressed upon so as to minimize the market related problems of the farming community.

V. Ramanjinappa has completed his MSc (Agri) at the age of 24 years from University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur and post graduate diploma studies from Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu. He is working as SRF Under the project ‘National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture’ at IIHR, Bangalore. He has published 8 papers in reputed journals and 10 popular articles in reputed magazine.

Bananas are sensitive to very high temperature and very cold temperatures. Some observations have revealed that temperatures below 10ºC and above 38ºC has affected the growth. Genetic variability is available in nature to different abiotic stresses like temperature and drought. In order to assess the temperature tolerance of a genotype Temperature Induction Response (TIR) technique is widely used, where the seedlings are gradually exposed to lethal temperature for a specific time to observe growth and recovery. The recovered or survived plants at high temperature can be considered as stress tolerant types. An experiment was undertaken to identify the induction temperature in banana. In the present study the tissue culture plantlets of popular banana cultivar Grand Naine with 3-4 leaves were subjected to different high temperatures (In BOD apparatus and relative humidity was maintained with intermittent sprinkling of water) for various duration such as 40º, 45º and 50º C for 2,4,6 and 8hrs. One set of plantlets was maintained at 30ºC (normal temperature in shade net) throughout the period of experiment as control. The plantlets exposed to 50º C for 8 hours showed complete lethality and it was confirmed as lethal temperature. Based on this observation a set of plantlets was exposed to induction temperature where they were exposed to high temperature starting from 30oC to 50oC by gradually increasing the temperature 5oC every 30 minutes interval. It was observed that 85% plants survived and were planted in field conditions for further observations.
Keywords: Induction temperature, Grand Naine, Lethality, Survivability, Plantlets, Temperature tolerant, Temperature induction response (TIR).

Gopu Balraj is doing his PhD (Fruit Science) in Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India. He is presently working on crop regulation in mango under Ultra High Density Planting.

A field experiment was conducted on mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Alphonso under Ultra High Density Planting (UHDP) to study the changes in the nutrient composition in leaves after pruning. Leaf nutrients i.e. N, P and K analysed at different stages of plant growth varied significantly due to pruning. The highest nitrogen content was registered by T₁ at vegetative stage, T₅ (50% removal of past season’s growth and tipping) at flowering stage and T₂ (Light pruning) at harvest stage. The highest phosphorus content was observed at vegetative stage by T₁, at flowering by T₂ (Light pruning) and at harvest stage by T₄ (Heavy pruning). The highest potassium content was observed at vegetative stage by T₅ at flowering by T₄ and at harvest stage by T₃ (Moderate pruning). The C:N ratio was the maximum in control plants at vegetative, flowering stages and at harvest stage, the treatment T₆ (Total removal of past season’s growth) recorded the maximum C:N ratio in leaves and shoots.
Keywords: Mango pruning, leaf nutrients and ultra high density planting.

Kabita Sethi has completed her M.Sc(Ag) in Horticulture from Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Presently she is working as Scientist in AICRP on Cashew since 2010. She has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals till to-day.

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) - an introduced crop to India was grown initially for soil conservation and afforestation purpose. Only during the middle part of the 20^th century its commercial potential was identified after which the crop has never looked back. India is the first country in the world to exploit the international trade for cashew kernels. Presently, India is the largest processor, consumer and explorer of cashew kernel in the world occupying an area of 9.91 lakh hectare with a production of 6.92 lakh MT having productivity of 749kg^-1. The state Odisha, being one of the richest sources of diversity in cashew in the country, grown in an area of 1.58 lakh hectare with an annual nut production of 97,000 MT and productivity of 683 kg ha^-1. Low productivity of cashew in Odisha is primarily due to planting of cashew varieties with low yield potential and presence of senile plantations. Hence there is an urgent need for crop improvement in cashew. In this context, collection, conservation, evaluation and utilization of cashew germplasm play a key role. Cashew germplasm having desirable yield attributing traits such as bold nut type(≥7.0g), high shelling (≥ 28%) , high yield potential(≥ 2.0 ton. ha^-1) and cluster bearing type can be utilized in cashew breeding programme for further improvement of the crop. The present field trial was conducted at Cashew Research Station, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha during 2003 onwards. Twenty five collected germplasm of 2003 planting were evaluated by adopting Randomized Block Design with two replications. The data recorded during 2011-12 and 2012-13 revealed significant variations for vegetative as well as yield attributing traits among the different germplasm. Cashew germplasm with dwarf plant habit, exhibiting their suitability for high density planting were H 68, H 303, H 367, M15/4, H 1598 and H 1600 (2.42 to 3.83m). Maximum nuts panicle-1(more than 4) was recorded in germplasm such as V2, V4, M44/3, BPP10/19, BPP 3/28, H 1598 and H 68. In the present study the germplasm such as H 1610, VTH 30/4, H 2/16, H 1608, NRCC-1, Kankadi, H 255, H 320, H 303, H 367, H 68, M15/4, RP-3 and BPP 3/28 recorded more than 7.0 g nut weight. Similarly, high shelling percentage is a desirable trait in cashew. The germplasm having shelling percentage more than 30.0 identified were V1, V2, V4, VTH 59/2, M44/3, H 320, H 68, BPP 10/19, BPP 3/28 and BPT 40. Identified germplasm having more than 3kg nuts plant^-1 were H1610, V4, VTH 59.2, H2/16, H 1608, NRCC -1 H 255, H 320, H 303, BPP 10/19 and BPP 3/28. In future these germplasm can be exploited for crop improvement programme in cashew as per breeding objective.

Nidhi Verma has completed her M.Sc in Biotechnology from Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi and presently pursuing PhD in Dept. of Genetics and Plant Breeding, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow and registered for PhD degree in Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow.

Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) is a chief source of diverse physiologically active alkaloids which are of immense importance due to their medicinal value. Apart from being used mainly for pharmaceutical purposes, seeds of poppy are invaluable source of plant based protein supplement for human consumption which contains protein upto 24%. This research aimed to explore the genetic diversity based on seed storage protein pattern and to establish correlation between alkaloid and seed protein content among 124 germplasm lines of opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.). Proteins are generally polymorphic, heritable and are direct products of active genes due to which they are widely used as genetic markers to resolve the inter or intra specific genetic diversity and their proper characterization. This study of seed storage proteins was performed through SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis. 27 polypeptide bands in range of 6 to 205 kDa were recorded. Similarity index was calculated by using Jaccard’s Similarity index and cluster analysis was performed using UPGMA model. Polymorphism was observed in three variable regions i.e., high, medium and low molecular weight, among which bands of 10.4, 20, 22, 24, 30, 32, 33, 49 and 205 kDa’s were common in all the germplasms while other bands showed variation. All the 124 germplasms were broadly grouped into 13 clusters based on average linkage method. No trait showed significant correlation with seed protein content. The seed protein profile of the studied germplasms revealed wide variability and diversity among them which could be further used in different hybridization programmes to obtain maximum gain.

Venkata Naresh B has completed his M.Sc. (Ag). Horti. Vegetable Science at the age of 23 years from Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. This is the first international seminar for him to participate. His research topic is “Heterosis studies in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) for yield components and Cercospora leaf spot resistance".

The present investigation was conducted to magnitude of heterosis of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) for identifying desirable cross combinations. The experiment comprising 36 hybrids obtaining by crossing 15 parents (12 lines and 3 testers) for line x tester analysis. All the hybrids and their parents were shown in a randomized block design with two replications at department of Vegetable Science, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kalyanpur, Kanpur (U.P.). The parents and hybrids were sown in single row and 5 plants selected randomly for recording observation for all the characters. Heterosis analysis of variance s was highly significant for all the characters under study. The study revealed that cross combination KS-8507 x KS-7512(112.64%), KS-5623 x KS-7512(110.39%), KS-7846 x KS-8822(92.47%) were significant increase over mid parent the cross combinations for yield per plant and KS-7570 x KS-8821(-64.68%), KS-7570 x KS-8822(-66.41) and KS-8204-2 x KS-8822(-61.97%) for Cercospora leaf spot resistance. Therefore, these hybrids may be advanced and exploited in future breeding programmes for improving yield components and Cercospora leaf spot resistance by getting seed from selfed F1hybrids.
Keywords: Heterosis, Brinjal, mid parent, yield, Cercospora leaf spot.

DAK Deborah has completed her M.Sc (Ag) in the major field of Plant Molecular biology & Biotechnology from the Institute of Biotechnology, Acharya N. G. Ranga University in 2011. She is pursuing her doctoral studies in the same university as an INSPIRE Fellow. She has participated and presented in the “International Dialogue on perception and prospects of Designer Rice”, ICRISAT, 2011 on ‘confirmation and fine mapping of major QTL for grain size in basmati rice’.

The main objective of this study was to identify SSR markers associated with grain size traits in rice. In all, 96 genotypes of rice were used for association analysis of grain size traits viz., length, breadth, length- breadth ratio and grain weight. Grain traits were measured using Seed/Grain Analyzer 6980 for both kernel and polished rice. Marker–trait associations were investigated using the mixed-model approach, considering both population structure (PC) and kinship (K) of TASSEL 2.1 version. A total of 23 SSR markers covering entire genome were used for the association study. Among these, 10 markers（P < 0.05）were found to be associated with grain size traits with phenotypic variance ranging from 5 to 26%. RM13131 on chromosome 2 was associated with grain traits viz., length, breadth, weight and exhibited maximum phenotypic variance of 22%. These results suggest that association analysis in rice is a viable alternative to quantitative trait loci mapping and help rice breeders develop strategies for improving rice quality to be used in marker assisted breeding of grain size traits.

Daspute Abhijit Arun, M.Sc (Agri) in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, IABT, UAS, Dharwad. He worked on “Identification of molecular markers associated with sterility mosaic disease of pigeonpea”. He participated in National Conference on Plant Biology and Biotechnology’, Organized by Department of Botany Yashvantrao Mahavidyalaya, Nanded, Maharashtra in 2008. He communicated research article manuscript on “inheritance of sterility mosaic virus resistance in pigeonpea [cajanus cajan (l.) millsp.]” to The Plant Pathology journal.

Improvement in plant adaptation to various stresses is essential to ensure food security for the increasing world population. Traditional breeding methods are not to be wrathful in stress tolerant in field condition. While the next generation crop breeding technology; Genomic selection, Transcriptome mapping (ESTs, SAGE, MPSS, Microarray), Genomics (whole genome sequencing, Next Generation Sequencing and Genotyping-by-Sequencing) and Allele mining approaches will useful for identification of gene/s, transcription factors (TF), microRNA (miRNA) and Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) responsible for stress tolerance. Once these identified the next approach is to transfer them into elite cultivars. The transgenic approach is feasible to engineer traits that are controlled by one or a few major genes and QTLs not easily amenable through transformation. For this purpose we can use high throughput technology; marker assisted selection (MAS), marker assisted back crossing (MABC) and gene pyramiding to elucidate thousands of genes or even entire genomes. Next Generation Plant Breeders need to utilize this next generation technologies and techniques to develop stress tolerant crops.
Abbreviations: Marker Assisted Selection-MAS, Marker Assisted Back Crossing-MABC, Expressed Sequence Tags-ESTs, Serial Analysis of Gene Expression-SAGE, Quantitative Trait Loci-QTLs, Massively Parallel Signature Sequencing-MPSS, Whole Genome Sequencing-WGS, Next Generation Sequencing-NGS, Genotyping-by-Sequencing-GBS.

Shantappa Duttarganvi has completed his M.Sc. (Agri) from UAS, Raichur and presently pursuing PhD in Dept. of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Raichur, UAS, Raichur, Karnataka.

An investigation on real-time nitrogen management in rice through LCC (Leaf Colour Chart) and SPAD (Soil and Plant Analysis Development Meter) was carried out at the new area Farm, College of Agriculture, Raichur, Karnataka. Treatment consists of five levels of LCC and five levels of SPAD meter compared with farmers and recommended method of nitrogen application. Significantly higher grain yield per hectare was noticed with farmers (44.53 q ha^-1) method of nitrogen application and it was on par with LCC 5 (42.40q ha^-1), LCC 5.5 (43.33 q ha^-1), SPAD 37.5 (42.50 q ha^-1) SPAD 40 (43.80q ha^-1) and recommended method (43.07 q ha^-1) when compared to other methods of N application. The higher grain yield in rice was mainly attributed to higher yield attributes like number of panicles per hill, grains per panicle and test weight. Results show that plant need-based N management through LCC and SPAD meter reduces N requirement of rice by 20 and 45.5 per cent over recommended and farmers’ method of N application. The application of N through LCC 5 or SPAD 37.5 and recommended method recorded higher agronomic and physiological efficiency (74.8, 69.7 & 41.9 %, respectively) & (20.8, 22.8 & 13.6 per cent, respectively) over farmers’ method. This might be due to increased recovery of applied N and this in turn manifested in the higher grain and straw yield of rice.

Ritu has completed her post graduation in Biotechnology from Punjab Technical University in the year 2011. She did summer training at Plant Molecular Biology Lab, CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow. She has also attended many national seminars and presented poster. She joined Genetics & Plant Breeding Division of CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow in January 2013. She started her research work on Linseed and Opium Poppy.

Nature and magnitude of gene action involved in the inheritance of different qualitative and quantitative traits is most important and helps in formulating the appropriate breeding plan concerned with improvement. The present study was undertaken to decipher the nature and magnitude of gene action involved in inheritance of different traits in four single crosses (NBIHT-5 X NBIHT-6, NBIHT-5 X NBMHT-1, NBMHT-1 X NBIHT-6 and NBMHT-2 X NBMHT-1) selected from a full diallel experiment comprising of six high thebaine producing pure lines of opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) based on five parameter model. The presence of gene interactions was detected by using C and D scaling test. Based on the present study, considerable amount of variability in mean performance of basic generations P1, P2, F1, F2 and F3 were noticed for almost all traits except for seed yield per plant in all the cross combinations. The non-allelic mode of interaction was observed for all the traits as the values of either C or D or both were found significant. The generation mean analysis and scaling test revealed non allelic interaction in the inheritance of all the traits except stem diameter and papaverine content. The dominance effect (h) was found more pronounced for all the traits except thebaine and papaverine where additive effect (d) was more pronounced. Among the interaction effects dominance x dominance (l) was predominant over additive x additive (i) for all traits in all the four crosses except for papaverine content. The present study also explores the potential of component traits in producing better chances through knowledge of magnitude and nature of gene action. Based on the results, selection of transgressive segregants through sib-mating could be practiced to improve the yield potential. Simultaneously, intermating of better segregants followed by recurrent selection could be a potential breeding technique to increase the frequencies of favorable alleles. The positive and significant association between seed yield and opium yield suggests that selection would be effective for the improvement of both the characters simultaneously. The present investigation revealed that seed and opium yield and its contributing traits inherited quantitatively and fixable gene effects (d) and (i) were lower in magnitude than non fixable (h) and (l) gene effects showing non additive effect in the inheritance of agronomic traits in opium poppy. The high to moderate heritability coupled with high genetic advance may be advantageous in obtaining superior progenies which can be maintained through sib mating followed by recurrent selection in advance generation. It was concluded that selections based on direct and indirect traits i.e. capsule weight per plant, capsules per plant, branches per plant, capsule size, stem diameter and leaves per plant can influence the opium and seed yield potential substantially in opium poppy.

Clerodendrum viscosum Vent. (Verbanaceae) are gregarious tawny-villous shrub found throughout India. The plant has been used traditionally as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti pyretic, vermifuge, expectorant and in the treatment of snakebites, scorpion sting, leprosy and skin diseases. Traditionally Clerodendrum viscosum has been also been used in the treatment of tumors. Many medicinal plant species are disappearing at an alarming rate due to rapid agricultural and urban development, uncontrolled deforestation, and indiscriminate collection. Destruction of natural habitat and indiscriminate collection of plants has endangered its survival. This necessitates the development of micro propagation protocol for the generation of planting material for conservation and utilization for the genetic improvement.
The experiment on micro propagation and regeneration protocols in Clerodendrum viscosum was conducted at Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Anand Niketan College of Agriculture, Warora, Distt- Chandrapur (MH). The nodal segments containing apical and axillary buds were used as explants for inoculation. The apical and axillary buds were inoculated on MS media with 11 different concentration of BAP and Adenine sulphate either alone BAP or combination of BAP and Adenine sulphate. Best establishment was found in MS media within 5 – 7 days of inoculation. On subculturing well established explants on the same respective media treatments multiple shoot induction was highest in MS media supplemented with BAP (4mg/l). Five treatments of MS media and varying concentration of 2,4-D for callus induction were taken. Callus induction was observed best in MS media supplemented with 2,4-D (4mg/l ) in 23-25 days.

Langelihle Ndlovu has completed her Bachelor of Agribusiness degree at the age of 24 years from the University of Venda and is currently pursuing her Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics at the same university.

The study analysed the impact of the constraints faced by small-scale irrigation farmers on household food security in drought prone agro-ecological region 5 of Gwanda district. A case study of two small-scale irrigation schemes in Zimbabwe was conducted. The study looked at the social-economic factors, production levels, role of supporting institutions and the constraints faced by farmers. Primary data was collected using interview questionnaires with open and closed ended questions. Gross margin, multiple linear and binary logistic regression models were used to analyse the data.The study established the dominance of women and the elderly and less educated farmers in the schemes. The study also revealed that farmers were not able to grow crops throughout the year and they obtained very small net farm incomes. The main supporting service that the farmers were getting was the assistance from the extension workers and their main constraints were high water costs, shortage of water lack of access to credit, lack of inputs and output markets, lack of relevant training and information and damage to irrigation infrastructure. Inferential statistical analyses detected a negative impact of household size, area cultivated, total yield, and quantity sold to household food security while total income, land tenure, access to credit and extension services had a positive impact. Amongst others the study recommended financial assistance to farmers in form of subsidies or donations, training and provision of more advanced methods of farming, planned credit strategies and more relaxed requirements for accessing loans for small-scale farmers.

Saurabh Kumar has completed his B.Sc(Ag) from Assam Agriculture University and the after qualifying junior research fellowship completed his M.Sc(Ag) from Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology Bhubaneshwer and currently he is working at Ctran Consulting Limited as project co-ordinator.

From times immemorial, different ethnic groups conserve natural resources by adopting indigenous practices to increase their agricultural production and productivity without hindering the ecology. In this paper it is discussed that the indigenous knowledge is the way which will lead to food and environmental security on a sustainable mode. The term sustainability in itself evokes a concept of preservation and nurturing over time. It is a concept based on inter-generation equity that is the current generation must not compromise with the ability of future generation to meet their material needs and healthy environment. Its documentation remains a big challenge confronting researchers and other information professionals. This study is aimed at documenting agricultural indigenous knowledge towards achieving sustainable food security in an eco-friendly manner. The farmers of the district practicing indigenous knowledge have been contacted and asked about the practices through check list; participant observation, field observation, photo documentation techniques are used to get the clear view of the traditional practices. These farmers practicing indigenous technology play an important role in agriculture contribution and development. They are practicing the mechanisms for pest and disease management, land reclamation, soil improvement for increasing production in a sustainable fashion. Incorporating indigenous knowledge can add value to the development of sustainable agriculture. So before this knowledge will be lost it is to be protected to reduce poverty and hunger.

Swagatika Misra has completed her M.Sc (Ag) in Entomology from in 2013 and presently pursuing PhD in Entomology at Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. She has published 4 research papers in National journals and 1 paper in International journal.

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) crop is ravaged by an array of pests, of which, epilachna beetle, Henosepilachna septima alone causes about 80% damage to the crop. Being a vegetable it has its own space in Indian culinary and often consumed raw, as juice mostly by diabetic patients. Hence, a field study was undertaken in the Bhubaneswar, Odisha during kharif, 2012 in order to find out the efficacy of bio pesticides and botanicals against the pest as a feasible alternative to chemical insecticides. Pastes of freshly collected (250 gm) leaves of the test botanicals tied in cloth pieces were kept emerged in freshly collected cow urine (one litre) in separate covered earthen pots and allowed to ferment for seven days. These extracts were used at 10% concentration. A total of three sprayings were given, the first coinciding with the appearance of damage symptoms of epilachna beetle in the field. The observation of leaf damage was restricted to the top three leaves of three randomly selected plants per treatment. The results revealed that Cartap hydrochloride (1 kg/ha), taken as standard check, brought about the highest (5.06%) reduction of leaf damage. Among the test fermented botanicals applied @ 50 litres/ha, neem (Azadirachta indica) was the best followed by Hyptis (Hyptis suaveolens) and Karanj (Pongamia pinnata) with 4.94, 3.43 and 3.41 percent reduction of leaf damage, respectively. The formulated neem product, multineem @ 2.5 litres /ha effected 3.96% reduction in leaf damage. The other two microbial pesticides, Beauveria bassiana (2 kg/ha) and Btk (1 kg/ha) almost failed to contend the pest with very negligible reduction in percent leaf damage (1.57 and 0.14).

K. Sasikala has completed her PhD at the age of 26 years from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. She is working as Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomy, HC&RI, Dr. YSRHU, Venkataramannagudem. She has published more than 15 papers in reputed journals. She has elected as Honorary Board member for Society for Advancement of Human and nature.

Carbon sequestration is the process of long term storage of CO₂ or other forms of C for the mitigation of global warming caused by the GHGs released due to human interference with the nature. It implies transferring atmospheric CO₂ into long-lived pools and storing it securely so that it is not immediately reemitted. Increase in the atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂), has resulted in climate change during the past centuries. So, reducing atmospheric concentrations of CO₂ has therefore become one of the prime goals of research in the recent times. In fact, CO₂ can be kept out of the atmosphere by capturing it in various reservoirs/ systems on the earth surface. It is estimated that 89% of global potential for agricultural greenhouse gas mitigation would be through carbon sequestration. The three potential means of sequestering CO₂ are ocean sequestration, terrestrial sequestration and geological sequestration. Terrestrial sequestration consists of storage of CO₂ in soils and vegetation near the earth surface.
In agriculture, strategies to increase the soil carbon sequestration include reducing tillage intensity and frequency, eliminating tillage, enhancing crop rotations, using cover crops, improving fertilizer management, adjusting irrigation methods, soil restoration, wood land regeneration, agro forestry practices and growing energy crops (Shah and Venkatramanan, 2009). Thus, large quantities of carbon from the atmosphere would be removed, and agricultural activity can contribute substantially to cutting green house gas emissions. It restores degraded soils, enhances biomass production, purifies surface and ground waters, and reduces the rate of enrichment of atmospheric CO₂ and mitigate climate change (Lal, 2004).

The main objective of the formation of SHG is to strengthen economic conditions of the members by using resources available in the locality. The present investigation was conducted in villages of Latur district of Marthwada region of Maharashtra state to examine the impact of SHGs (Self-Help Groups) on socio-Economic status of the members. The required data regarding the fulfillment of the objectives were collected in the specially designed and pretested schedules separately for the groups and individual members. The information regarding the year of formation of SHGs, information of members, their income, employment, social participation and other family information was collected in the schedules by personal interview method at two point of time following “before” and “after” approach. The chairman or secretary or one of the active members of the group was interviewed for collecting information. Out of twelve selected SHGs all the members were undertaken for the study making total 130 respondents were selected. Further they were classified on the basis of age group and activity basis for income, expenditure and employment generation. Out of total sample 56 belongs to younger age group (1-3 years) of SHGs and 74 belong to elder age group (4-7 years) of SHGs. On the basis of activity out of total sample 52 belong to goat units and 78 belong to buffalo units. The findings revealed that employment generation was higher in elder age group of SHGs. However per family employment generated in goat keeping was comparatively less than employment in buffalo keeping activity. Percentage on food consumption was decreased after joining SHGs. It indicated clearly that there was positive impact on the income of respondents. The proportion expenditure on traveling and recreation, education and housing etc. also increased due to participation in SHG. The absolute amount of money expenditure increased on the above said items of the family budget. This is obvious that if income increases it is spent on traveling, education and housing etc. The total income was found increased after joining the activities of SHGs. This study will be useful to the planners, Research workers and NGOs for the expansion of the scheme on large areas covering large population for achieving the national goals.
Keywords: Income, Expenditure and Employment.

Shambhavi Bhushan has completed her B.Sc(Ag) from Indira Gandhi Agriculture University Raipur Chhattisgarh and then she qualified JRF in the year 2010 under social science subject and completed her masters in Agriculture Extension from Orissa University of Agriculture And Technology with a grade point of 8.56 submitting her thesis on” Role Of women Self help Group on Empowerment and Capacity building of Farm Women”. Currently she is pursuing her PhD from OUAT, Bhubaneswar.

Agriculture in India is the most crucial sector for ensuring the food and national security. In growth and development of agriculture human resource plays a predominant role and so as farm woman plays a crucial role in agriculture, education and nonetheless in over all development of a nation. The study entitled “A study on the Role of Women Self Help Groups in Empowerment and Capacity Building of Farm Women through proper training and educational assistance” was conducted in two blocks of Korba district in Chhattisgarh state taking 40 Women Self Help Groups and 120 respondents, out of which 80 were members of SHG while 40 were non members. With the objective of study was to the complete profile of SHG, socio economic status of members and non members, participation in income generating farm and nonfarm activities, the extent of involvement of farm women in empowerment and capacity building activities, association of socio psychological characteristics of respondents in relation to various empowerment activities along with the constraints in functioning of SHG and suggestion for improvement. The main occupation of the members and non members was agriculture with land holding of 1-2.5 acres. Social constraints were found to be major functional difficulty selected in functioning of the SHG. The respondents were of the view that lack of family and organizational support, proper training facility, and proper maintenance of records were the main bottlenecks in effective functioning of the SHG in the state of Chhattisgarh. This study clearly indicates the importance of extension, trainings and policies in overall development of agriculture that has developed over a period of time due to large efforts of our people. This also indicates that development in agriculture can only be bought by proper education, advanced techniques and trainings that should be given in a desired way to the farm women.

A field experiment was conducted at the Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) during kharif-2009 to study the effect of fertilizer (10-20 and 20-40 kg N-P2O5/ha) and row spacing (30 and 45 cm) on clusterbean genotypes (HG-04-875, RGR-6, RGR-7 and HG-563). The results indicated that number of branches/plant and length of pod significantly increased with increasing dose of fertilizer from 10-20 to 20-40 kg N-P2O5 kg/ha. However, plant height, biomass/plant, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, test weight, seed weight/plant, stalk weight/plant, seed yield, stalk yield and harvest index remained unaffected due to fertility levels. Crop sown at 45 cm row spacing produced more number of branches/plant, biomass/plant, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, seed weight/plant and stalk yield than 30 cm row spacing. While plant height, length of pod, test weight, stalk weight/plant and seed yield were not influenced by row spacing. Harvest index significantly decreased at 45 cm row spacing over 30 cm row spacing. Clusterbean genotypes differed significantly in plant height, biomass/plant, number of pods/plant, 100-seed weight, seed weight/plant, stalk weight/plant, seed yield, stalk yield and harvest index and the variety ‘HG-563’ followed by ‘RGR-6’ were found superior to others in these respects.
Keywords: Clusterbean, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, fertilizer, spacing, genotypes.

Rushda Sharf has completed her M.Sc. in Botany from, Aligarh Muslim University and presently pursuing her PhD in section of Plant Pathology and Nematology, Department of Botany Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh.

The experiment was carried out to study the effect of combined application of biofertilizers (Trichoderma viride and Pochonia chlamydosporia) and nitrogen fertilizer (urea) in the management of root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and on the growth of Phaseolus vulgaris. The plants were grown in the soil treated with 20N and 40N urea. One week old seedling were treated with both the biofertilizers and inoculated with 1,000 J2 of the root knot nematode, simultaneously. The result indicated that treatment with the higher dose of urea and biofertilizers (40N+80 ml) significantly increased the plant length, plant weight, leaf area and yield; the number of galls and the number of egg masses per plant significantly decreased. By treating the plants with the higher dose of bio and chemical fertilizers highest and significant values of chlorophyll, carotenoid, protein, nitrogen and phosphorus contents mg/g, and NRA contents in the leaves were observed. From the finding it can be inferred that combined application of biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers not only improved the plant growth but also helped in managing the root-knot nematode by decreasing the nematode population significantly. It may be concluded that combined application of these biofertilizers (T. viride and P. chlamydosporia) and chemical nitrogen (urea) fertilizer can be used in the management of the root -knot nematode.
Keywords: Biofertilizers, Meloidogyne incognita, Phaseolus vulgaris.

Shivani Sharma has completed her M.Sc. (Horticulture- Floriculture and Landscape Architecture) at the age of 23 years from Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Hyderabad (A.P) and has published five popular articles.

Effect of Polyamines, Biocides and Ethylene Inhibitors on Extension of Vase Life of Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus. L.) Cut Flower: A total set of four experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of polyamines, biocides and ethylene inhibitors and their combination treatments on different parameters viz., water uptake, transpirational loss of water, water balance, fresh weight change, number of days for full flower opening, diameter of flower, vase life, electrical conductivity of vase solution which were recorded at an interval of 2 days during whole vase life period of carnation cut flower. All the experiments had two factors viz., cultivars and chemicals and were laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with factorial concept and replicated thrice. In all four experiments, the flowers were continuously held in the test treatment solutions at ambient room temperature till the end of the vase life period. Vase life of cut carnations was determined by observing senescence symptoms, i.e., in-rolling of petals or wilting of one third of petals in each flower i.e., till the loss of ornamental value of flower. In experiment-IV the flowers stalks were held in the best of the holding treatment solutions of experiment I, II and III. Among polyamine solutions, spermine 1 mM recorded best results for almost all the parameters studied and resulted in higher vase life of 13.49 days in cv. Master followed by spermidine 10 mM. The carnation cultivars treated with different biocide vase solutions; cv. Baltico recorded higher vase life of 13.75 days with aluminium sulphate 100 ppm followed by 300 ppm 8- hydroxyquinoline citrate. The ethylene inhibitor vase solutions, cv. Master recorded higher vase life of 13.16 days with benzyl adenine 15 ppm followed by benzyl adenine 20 ppm. Whereas, among the best treatment combination vase solutions, higher vase life of 16.24 days was recorded in cv. Master with 1.0 mM spermine + 100 ppm aluminium sulphate + 15 ppm benzyl adenine followed by 1.0 mM spermine + 15 ppm benzyl adenine. Among the vase solution studied, the best treatment combination vase solution 1.0 mM spermine + 100 ppm aluminium sulphate + 15 ppm benzyl adenine recorded higher benefit cost ratio.
Keywords: Polyamines, Biocides, Ethylene Inhibitors, Combination Vase Solution, Vase-life and Carnation cut flower.

Soumya Ghanti was born in West Bengal in 1983. He did his M. Sc (Horticulture) (Horticulture) from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya during the year 2008 and continuing his PhD programme from same university. He enjoyed (3 years) University Research Scholarship during his PhD programme. He has published two research papers in reputed journal and News letter. He has attainted ten National and International seminar and symposium.

The experiment was carried out at Horticulture Research Station, Mondouri, Bidhan Chandra KrishiViswavidyalaya, during the rabi season of two consecutive years ie. 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. The five improved cultivars of garlic viz., Yamuna Safed-1, Yamuna Safed-2, Yamuna Safed-3, Yamuna Safed-4 and Agrifound White collected from NHRDF, Nasik, Maharashtra along with two locally adaptable cultivars ‘Katki’ and ‘Gangajali’ were grown during middle of October in RBD with three replications, to evaluate the most promising cultivar. The cloves were planted at 20 cm x 15 cm spacing. The recommended dose of manures and fertilizers were FYM @ 20t/ha and NPK @150:125:150 kg/ha. Storability of the bulbs was studied in ambient condition for a period of 6 months taking 20 random bulbs per replication in each cultivar. The maximum plant height (73.62 cm), dry weight of leaves (7.78g), neck thickness (1.13 cm), bulb weight (33.54 g), number of cloves per bulb (37.24) and plot yield (3.15 kg/3m2) were recorded in cultivar Yamuna Safed-2. The maximum number of leaves (12.76), polar diameter of bulb (4.12 cm), weight of cloves (1.38 g), both length (3.14 cm) and breadth (1.38 cm) were observed in Yamuna Safed-3.
The cultivar Yamuna Safed -1 exhibited the maximum breadth of leaves (1.72cm), number of roots (98.34 cm), length of roots (9.15) and equatorial diameter of bulb (4.53 cm). In respect to quality parameters, the maximum total soluble solids (38.26⁰ brix) and dry matter content (40.32%) of bulb were recorded in Agrifound White and Yamuna Safed-3 respectively. In respect of storability of bulb the maximum sprouting (6.25%) and physiological loss in weight (18.45%) were observed in Gangajali but maximum rooting (5.26%) and discolouration of bulb(4.28%) were recorded in Agrifound White and Katki respectively. Considering the yield, Yamuna Safed -2, Yamuna Safed-1 and Yamuna Safed-3 were found suitable in the new alluvial plains of West Bengal.

Rakesh K. Yadav is near to completion of PhD from Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. Nowadays he is Assistant Agriculture Officer Govt. of Rajasthan. He has published 5 research papers in reputed international and national journals and 6 TV talks in ETV Rajasthan. He participated in more than 8 national and international seminars.

The use of plastics in horticulture has made considerable headway during the last decade. We are aware that plastics contribute from planting to post harvest handling and processing in many horticultural crops. It is used at each and every stage of horticultural life cycle right from seeds packaging, planting, propagation, mulching, irrigation, harvesting, packing and preservation. Plastics are used in greenhouses to promote growth and production under control condition, to suppress weeds and maintain soil temperature as well as in bale wrap films and containers for seedling and for soil solarization to control pest and diseases. It is estimated that about 2 and 3 million tons of plastics is used every yearin the field of horticultural crops. Plastic is very useful because it can be colored, melted, shaped, squashed, it is cheaper, light in weight can be rolled in to sheet or made into fibers, etc. The outstanding success of use of plastics in comparisons with traditional horticulture, from the point of view of earlier crop production, safe guarding the harvest and making beneficial with minimum loss. By its contribution, both to the quality and to the quantity of horticultural crop production, control the pest and diseases, weed growth and shelf life of horticultural crops. Black plastic material is better than the other colored plastics.

An experiment consisting of four plant growth regulators with different dose ( indole acetic acid , naphthalene acetic acid , triacontanol and gibberellic acid ) was conducted with aimed to study their effect on growth and yield of paddy ( Oryza sativa L. ) . The results revealed that application of GA 40 ppm enhanced plant height . While total leaf area / plant was significantly improved by TRIA 1 ppm . Relative Water Content was improved by IAA 40 ppm . But RGR and NAR were modified by different growth regulators at different stages . Maximum panicle numbers / plants also recorded against control by TRIA 1 ppm . Finally grain weight / plant significantly influenced by TRIA 1 & 2 and GA 40 ppm.
Key words : NAR , Paddy , Plant growth Regulators , RGR , RWC .

Bindiya .Y, I completed my Ph.D in Horticulture, and nearly 10 articles are published by me . Now I am working as Senior Research Fellow in Precision Farming Development Centre,ANGRAU,Hyderabad.

The study was carried out at the Students Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during April to December 2007 and 2008 to find out the response of combined application of organic manures and biofertilizers on growth, yield and quality of gherkin (Cucumis anguria L.). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications using recommended dose of fertilizers, organic manures viz., vermicompost (10, 14 and 18 t/ha), castor cake (3, 4.2 and 5.4 t/ha), neem cake (3, 4.2 and 5.4 t/ha) combined with biofertilizers (Azotobacter and Phosphate solubilizing bacteria each @ 2 kg/ha) and control. Pooled results revealed that, higher growth, yield and quality parameters were recorded with application of recommended dose of fertilizers (150 N: 75 P: 150 K kg/ha) and were on par with the treatment receiving vermicompost 18t/ha + Biofertilizers when compared to control.

The effect of postharvest application of various concentrations of antioxidants [500, 1000 ppm of sodium benzoate (SB) and ascorbic acid (AA) and 50, 100 ppm of benzyl adenine (BA)] on storage life of custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) fruits of cv stored at 15±1˚C, was studied at Fruit Research Station, Sangareddy, A.P., India. Various physico-chemical parameters viz. physiological loss in weight (PLW), firmness, spoilage, ripening, days taken for ripening, storage life, total soluble solids (TSS) and ascorbic acid were estimated at an interval of 2 days during storage. Fruits treated with BA (100 ppm) recorded the lower PLW than untreated fruits. The highest firmness was recorded in fruits treated with BA (100 ppm), whereas maximum days taken for ripening were recorded with BA (50 ppm and 100 ppm) and SB 500 ppm. Fruits treated with BA (100 ppm) or SB (500 ppm) or AA (1000 ppm) recorded lower spoilage and correspondingly increased the storage life up to 11, 10.5 and 10 days, respectively, whereas, untreated fruits recorded a storage life of 8.5 days only.The lowest TSS and the highest ascorbic acid were recorded with fruits treated with BA (100 ppm), whereas untreated fruits recorded highest TSS and the lowest ascorbic acid. From the present investigation, it can be concluded that postharvest application of either BA (100 or 50 ppm) increases the storage life of custard apple by 29.41 per cent (2.5 days) over untreated fruits.

Urja Pandya completed her PhD research work and yet to submit her PhD thesis. At present, she is working as “Principal Investigator” under Women Scientist Project (WOS-A) from Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, India (SR/WOS-A/LS-186/2010, 9th March 2011). She has studied “Role of fungi for their biofertilizer potential from saline area of Gujarat” during year 2007-2009 during her M. Phil (Master of Philosophy) degree. She is actively involved in PGPR mediated ecofreindly disease management strategies against soil borne pathogens.

PGPR (Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) are root associated bacteria representing many different genera and species that colonize the rhizosphere, rhizoplane and improved plant growth when artificially introduced on seeds, root or in to soil. Today many economically important agricultural, horticultural and ornamental crop plants are attacked by various soil borne and foliar diseases which are responsible for billions of dollars in crop losses. Currently, the most widely used disease management strategy is the use of chemical fungicides. However, the hazardous effect on soil fertility and environment protection, the current strategies is now concerned toward use of “Biologically Based Pest Management Strategies”. One approach to such biologically based strategies is the use of naturally occurring and environmentally safe products such as “PGPR”. Worldwide, PGPR technology is being considered as the latest pursuit for expertise in knowledge intensive sectors. With the advent of PGPR technology and its use on crops, we can achieve higher productivity, better quality, improved nutrition, increased pests and disease management and achieve higher prices for farmers in the global market place. By exploiting our knowledge of PGPR technology we have the opportunity to make Asia the global centre of bioresearch. The use and the exploitation of beneficial Bacillus biocontrol agents offer as promising and environmentally friendly strategies for sustainable agriculture. With continued advanced research we can soon become global players in PGPR technology.

Upasna Srivastava is currently working as Next-generation sequencing analyst at NBPGR, ICAR Pusa Campus New Delhi. She had been recognized and lauded for bioinformatics knowledge. She completed her PhD dissertation work in bioinformatics entitled “Antibody modeling and vaccine design for cervical cancer caused by HPV type 16 E 7 Protein” from SHIATS, Allahabad University. She graduated in 2004 with a degree in Bioscience and completed my post-graduation in the area of Bioinformatics in 2007. Many of her research activities were in the field of molecular docking, Modeling, Vaccine designing, transcriptome sequencing etc.

Plant functional proteomics has emerged as a new and rapidly evolving scientific discipline to study the functions of genes as well as their corresponding proteins. In response to stress, plants activate a number of defense mechanisms that help the pants to alleviate the stress with enhanced tolerance. Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is an important food legume crop of tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. It is diploid with moderate genome size of 858 Mbp. We analyzed, nearly 13 million raw sequence reads (454 GS-FLX; N. K. Singh et al., 2012) of popular variety ‘Asha’ (singh et al., 2012). The datasets were used for prediction of disease resistance genes such as NBS-LRR, NB-ARC, Leucine Rich etc. All predicted genes were functionally annotated following a consensus approach of either known homologous or predictive sequence signatures using CLC Genomics workbench version 6.5.1, Swiss-Prot, BLAST2GO, TrEMBL, InterPro and KEGG. After the functional analysis of predicted genes, the resistant proteins are modeled using Discovery Studio 3.5. The evolutionary relationships of the resistance genes and the existing gene-gene interactions are being studied.
Keywords: Resistance genes, assembly, annotation, NGS, sequence reads.

An experiment was conducted to study the efficiencies of selected protocols for integrated management of nutrients in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)”at Central Research Farm of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya at Gayeshpur, Nadia during 2011 with Brinjal (cv. F1- hybrid VNR -60) as test crop.The experiment has been laid out in a 4 x 4 factorial design with three replications and was conducted with recommended doses of NPK supplemented with selected bio-fertilizers (PSB and Azotobacter along with micronutrients (Fe, Zn, B) fertilizers. Integrated management of nutrients through supplementation of NPK by bacterial fertilizers along with micronutrients inputs increased basal girth, plant height, no. of shoots/plant, no. of fruits/plant and average fruit weight significantly over values obtained under administration of the recommended dose of NPK alone.Maximum increments in basal girth, plant height, no. of shoots/plant, no. of fruits/plant and average fruit weight thus obtained remained to the tune of 36.09, 20.84, 43.95, 123.52 and 60.00% respectively over control. Maximum increments in Brinjal yields thus obtained remained to the tune of 60 % over control.The economic benefits of different management systems were observed to be to the tune of 19.25 – 60.00 % more net return over the control counterparts (recommended dose of NPK only). This calls for judicious management of natural resources and evolving cost-efficient technologies which can push up vegetable production at a lesser cost rather than expanding the area.
Key Words: brinjal, NPK, biofertilizers, nutrient management

Mohd. Musheer Altaf completed M.Phil from Aligarh Muslim University and presently doing PhD under the supervision of Dr. Iqbal Ahmad in the department of Agricultural Microbiology, AMU, Aligarh. His main area of research is on biofilm formation by PGPR and its impact on plant health. Some of his work has been presented in conferences.

Various factors are known to influence the performance of bioinoculant under field conditions. It is believed that a strain capable of colonizing plant root and compete with native soil bacterial strains will be more effective in enhancing the plant growth consistently. Biofilm forming bacteria is expected to colonise better and can survive under stress condition. To test this hypothesis, a total of 36 strains of Pseudomonas sp. were isolated from rhizopsheric soil of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and subjected to plant growth promoting screening in vitro. Of these, 06 strains showed promising multiple desirable PGP traits. These strains were screened for biofilm formation in vitro and root colonization in sterile soil-plant system. Although all the 06 isolates exhibited multiple PGP traits but isolate WS1 was selected for further study based on strong biofilm forming capacity. The strain WS1 produced indole-3-acetic acid (31.08 µg ml^-1), solubilized phosphorus (412.60 µg ml^-1), siderophore (16.41 µg ml^-1 salicylic acid and 11.71 µg ml^-1 DHBA) and showed the production of 1-amino-cyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase. Strain WS1 identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens based on biochemical and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The crystal violet assay indicated that the strain WS1 formed strong biofilm on 96 well microtiter plate and glass coverslip. The biofilm formation by Pseudomonas fluorescens WS1 on plant root was visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The test strain colonized the roots efficiently and formed biofilm. Further inoculation with WS1 enhanced a significant increase in root length (41%), shoot length (45%), root and shoot dry weight (72 and 50% respectively) of wheat plant (var. PBW343) under pot experiments over the untreated control. The findings revealed that Pseudomonas fluorescens WS1 is an efficient root colonizer and could be exploited as bioinoculant for local use. Further investigation on role of biofilm on plant growth promotion under stress condition is to be evaluated.

Rawli Pandey has completed her M.Sc. from Chatrapati Sahu ji Maharaj University, Kanpur in the year 2009 and working as Project Assitant in Genetics and Plant Breeding Laboratory, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow.

Identification of specific, widely adapted and stable genotypes in any crop can be done by evaluation of its expression of stability which may be achieved through one of the finest breeding strategy, Genotype x environment interaction. A genotype is stable if it maintains its approximate yield in different environments. Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) is one of the most geographically-widespread medicinal plant having multiple medicinal properties due to opium and its alkaloids chiefly morphine, codeine, thebaine, narcotine and papaverine. The response of opium poppy genotypes to different environmental conditions varies which may change the grading of individuals within a set of genotypes, giving rise to genotype x environment interaction. So, there is always a need to develop new high yielding varieties which must be tested for their adaptability and stability in different environments prior to their release for commercial farming. The present study was aimed to identify promising and stable genotypes from few advanced breeding lines using Eberhart and Russell model and simultaneously its comparison with various other stability models like Shukla’s si², Wricke’s Wi² and Tai’s λi for its aptness and authenticity. Correlations study was also done to find out the interrelationship of each stability parameter with yield and among them. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) for stability revealed highly significant differences between genotypes which suggest presence of considerable difference amongst genotypes. The GEI (linear) as well as pooled deviation mean squares were also significant, representing the presence of both predictable and non-predictable components. Five genotypes LT31, BR231, BR233, BR242 and BR234 were identified stable in yield performance through Eberhart and Russell model and were also confirmed by other stability models. It was interesting to note that mean yield performance and stability parameters had positive association. This study concluded that Eberhart and Russell model can be reliably used for the identification of stable genotypes over environments.

The present study was undertaken to know the effect of different growth regulators along with fungicidal wax on shelf life of sweet orange at low temperature (10±1⁰C, 95 – 98% RH). Sathgudi fruits were treated with 2,4-D 500 ppm + wax 6%, GA₃ 500 ppm + wax 6%, Benzyl Adenine 50 ppm ¬+ wax 6%, wax 6% and control (distilled water) and physico-chemical changes was observed at regular intervals. The experimental design was complete randomized design (CRD) and each treatment was replicated four times.
Experimental findings revealed that, among the growth regulators BA 50 ppm + wax 6% was effective in maintaining the physical and chemical properties followed by 2,4-D 500 ppm + wax 6%. The efficacy of BA 50 ppm + wax 6% in prolonging the shelf life of sweet orange fruits was due to reduction of weight loss, spoilage and retention of more juice and peel content with higher firmness. It was observed that quality parameters such as TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid, total and reducing sugars along with sensory characteristics was found to be more in BA 50 ppm + wax 6% followed by 2,4-D 500 ppm + wax 6%. The storage performance of the fruits was good at low temperature due to less respiratory losses. With increase in duration of storage period, the shelf-life and quality gradually decreased due to spoilage. The fruits treated with growth regulators were better in keeping quality over wax treated and control fruits. The marketable quality of the fruits was good upto 75 days of storage at low temperature.
Keywords: Sweet orange, Growth regulators, Weight loss, Spoilage, Sensory characteristics.

Rajeshwar Malavath has completed his PhD from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Coimbatore. He has around 10 years of experience both as Mandal Agricultural Officer for about 2 years and in Research and Transfer of technology in Agricultural University for about 8 years. He has consistently good academic record and has Attended 5 training programmes and presented paper at 10 national conference/ workshops. He was also awarded the best extension officer award by the Department of Agriculture and best scientist award during sankranti puraskaralu. He has published 15 research articles in reputed journals. In addition he has published 22 popular articles for the welfare of farming community. At present he is actively involved in teaching a P.G and U.G courses in agriculture besides getting actively involved in offering advisory services through soil health care laboratory.

A field experiment was conducted in Black Cotton soils soils during kharif 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons in Adilabad District of Andhra Pradesh at three different locations through farmers participatory mode to find out the response of BG-II cotton hybrids under two different spacings in rainfed conditions. These experiments were carried out by the District Agricultural Advisory and Transfer of Technology Center, Adilabad in collaboration with ATMA project functioning at Adilabad. Three cotton hybrids viz., Mallika BG-II, Rasi BG-II and Paras Brahma BG –II which are most popular among the farmers were sown under two different spacing’s in different soils. The data revealed that, hybrids did not differ significantly in plant height, number of sympodial branches/plant, number of bolls/plant, boll weight and kapas yield in both the years of testing and also in both the soils. But, spacings had significantly influenced number of bolls/plant, boll weight and kapas yield. However, interaction effect was significant only for plant height. Closer spacing of 90 x 60 cm in BC soils (2300 and 2450 kg ha-1) gave significantly higher kapas yield than wider spacing of 120 x 90 cm (1767 and 1983kg ha-1) during both the years of investigation respectively. Thus it is concluded that Bt hybrids need to be planted with higher plant density to realize good yields.

Prakash has completed his BSc (Agri.) from University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad, Karnataka; MSc (Agri.) from University of Agricultural Sciences Raichur, Karnataka with Gold medal, and now he is a PhD Scholar in Agricultural Entomology at University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad, Karnataka. He is DST INSPIRE fellow of year of 2012-13.

Studies undertaken at College of Agriculture and Main Agricultural Research Station, Raichur during 2011-12 on Bio-Ecology and management of mirid bug, Poppiocapsidea (=Creontiades) biseratense (Distant) on Bt cotton indicated that, the female bug inserted the eggs singly or in groups on the petiole, bracts and flower petals. The freshly laid eggs were nacreous white in colour and cigar shaped. Hook shaped egg cap was formed at the anterior end which aided in hatching. The bug had five nymphal instars with a mean nymphal duration of 12.60 days. The total life cycle of male and female was 32.70 and 40.40 days with a mean fecundity of 126.10 eggs per female. The incidence of mirid bug was noticed from September and gradually increased in the month of November and December. Peak incidence of mirid bug was noticed in the month of November and December. In general the incidence of mirid bug was low in the crop sown in July and more in the crop sown in August. However in all different date sown crop the incidence of mirid bug was coincides with the maximum fruiting bodies of the crop. Thirteen Bt and a non-Bt cotton hybrids were screened under field condition for their reaction to mirid bug damage. Based on the overall performance of the hybrids, Brahma, RCH 530 and VICH 303 appeared to be less prone to mirid bug attack. Mirid bug incidence was found to be high on genotypes which have more trichome density. Among the different insecticides and botanicals evaluated for their efficacy against P. biseratense, fipronil 5 SC+1 per cent salt at 50 g a.i. /ha, acephate 75 SP+1 per cent salt at 750 g a.i. /ha, and profenophos 50 EC +1 per cent salt at 1000 g a.i. /ha, were found to be superior over other chemicals in reducing the mirid bug population.

Shibstanding Diengngan completed his M. Sc (Hort.) Fruit Science from University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka and currently pursuing his Ph. D at the Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, India. Qualified and is a recipient of ICAR-JRF for M. Sc.

The spaceflight-induced mutation technique, or “space breeding,” is a technique that utilizes the produced genetic variations in plant seeds or other plant parts by the space environment, carried by recoverable spacecraft (recoverable satellites and space shuttles) and high altitude balloons from the ground wherein new crop varieties can be fostered. Aerospace imparts a special environment with strong cosmic radiation, weak geomagnetic fields, microgravity, superclean and supervacuum. Shijian-8, the world first satellite specially fabricated for the space breeding approach, was launched on September 9, 2006. It has carried over 2,000 plant accessions from 133 species. So far, 66 new mutant varieties of crops, including rice, wheat, cotton, tomato rapeseed, sesame, pepper, and alfalfa have been developed by the space breeding programme and released officially in China. The promotion and exploitation of these mutant varieties has made an important contribution to China’s food production and social and economic development. Initiative of the programme has also been undertaken recently in India. Being a developing country, India also have the potential to develop such actively upgraded mutagenic approach and hike efficiency in crop breeding. Thus space-induced mutation is an effective new approach not only to develop new crop varieties, but also in obtaining rare mutants that may formulate great breakthroughs in crucial economic characters of crops, such as yield and quality, which are arduous to obtain using conventional breeding methods on the ground and can serve as a novel and effective way to enhance genetic diversity from which breeding of new crop varieties can also be carried out.

Sana Choudhary has obtained her PhD degree in Cell biology and Molecular Genetics from the Department of Botany Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh. At present she is working as a Young scientist under DST-Purse fast track young scientist scheme in the same department.

Trigonella is receiving global attention due to its rare medicinal properties of significance. Cadmium and Lead are the most toxic environmental pollutants affecting absorption and transportation of essential elements, disturb the metabolism and have an impact on growth and reproduction. Present experiment was designed to investigate their comparative effect on physio-biochemical parameters of Trigonella treated with 6 different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125ppm) of both metals in the form of nitrate. The results indicate that there was a direct correlation between increasing concentrations of metals and parameters studied. Germination%, root-shoot length, pigment content, proline content and protein content showed continuous decreasing trend with the increasing metal concentrations and the maximum decline was observed at the higher concentration of cadmium. MDA content was found to be 2-fold higher than control in higher concentration of Cd (125ppm). On other hand antioxidant activity in Trigonella firstly increased and then decreased. The activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase increased to more than two fold of the control after exposure of Cd and the peaks were obtained at 75ppm of Cd whereas catalase activity was slightly stimulated. Thus SOD and POD were more sensitive to Cd than Pb and may be the main enzymes involved in ROS quenching mechanism. Additionally protein profiling by SDS-PAGE was also carried out in present experiment. Present finding reveals that there was 88.88% polymorphism and considerable intra-specific variation was available in the analyzed accessions. The variation in the major bands was present in case of S1 and S5, where as the accessions showed variations for the minor bands. Three new bands i.e., 30, 33 and 34 were present only in case of S5 which might be related to the improvement of studied in Trigonella traits.
Keywords: Biochemistry, Physiology, Pigment content, Trigonella, Cadmium, Lead.

Pawan Kumar has worked as a Research Fellow in the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology from April 2011 to January 2013. Currently, pursuing PhD in the Dept. of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Himachal Pradesh, India. His current research interests emphasizes on the Metabolomics, Metabolic Engineering, Plant Tissue Culture, Computational Biology, Plant Molecular Biology.

Sinopodophyllum hexandrum Royle (syn. P. emodi Wall) is a critical endangered medicinal plant native to alpine and sub-alpine regions of Himalayan countries like India, Nepal, Pakistan, China and Bhutan (2500-4200m) commonly known as “bankakri or Giriparpat” in North- Western Himalayan region. This medicinal plant is well known for anticancer compounds podophyllotoxin and its derivatives. Till date, Podophyllum species have been the source of podophyllotoxin, the preliminary compound for the production of the semi-synthetic anti-cancer drugs etoposide (VP-16-213), teniposide (VM-26), etopophos, Pod-Ben- 25, Condofil, Verrusol, Warticon etc. which are used in the treatment of leukaemia, lung, testicular cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.
The biology of various physiological and biochemical processes contributing to total plant biomass and yield of podophyllotoxin is not fully understood, thereby, limiting genetic intervention approaches. In addition to biosynthetic pathways, the transcription factors (TFs) and transcription regulators (TRs) play important role in regulating the production of podophyllotoxin. Podophyllum hexandrum and Podophyllum peltatum are the two important species of Podophyllum having 4.3% and 0.25% podophyllotoxin respectively. Different tissues (leaf, stem, root, rhizome) of both the species synthesizes different amounts of podophyllotoxin and its derivatives. Podophyllotoxin was found in the leaf tissue of P. peltatum but not in P. hexandrum. Current study is aimed at identification of TFs/TRs through the computational mining of transcriptomes from different tissues of P. hexandrum and P. peltatum. Transcriptome data of P. hexandrum (2,27,885 contigs) and P. peltatum (1,47,960 contigs) were collected from the Medicinal Plant Transcriptomics Database. TFs/TRs were identified according to presence of InterPro domains using PlantTFcat. All contings were annotated to proteins (according to possible open reading frames) and searched through InterProScan. PlantTFcat classified these contings into 108 known TF and TR families. We identified total 3652 and 4412 TF/TR-encoding transcripts (contigs) which belonged to 97 and 95 TF/TR families in P. hexandrum and P. peltatum respectively. Differentially expressed TFs/TRs in leaf, stem, root and rhizome tissues of P. hexandrum and P. peltatum were identified according to contribution of tissue specific small reads in TFs/TRs encoding contigs. 3477, 3617 and 3517 TFs/TRs encoding transcripts were found in the leaf, stem and rhizome tissues of P. hexandrum respectively. Similarly 3383, 3307 and 3824 TFs/TRs encoding transcripts were found in leaf, stem and root tissue P. peltatum respectively. These transcripts are expected to be involved in various tissue specific biological processes like photosynthesis, disease resistance, secondary metabolite synthesis etc. 175, 81 and 35 TF/TR encoding contigs were absent in leaf, stem and rhizome tissues of P. hexandrum. Similarly 1029, 1105 and 588 TF/TR encoding contigs were absent in leaf, stem and root tissues of P. peltatum. The differentially expressed TFs/TRs may provide valuable information related to tissue specific biochemical processes occurring in leaf, stem, root and rhizome e.g. podophyllotoxin synthesis is known to be rhizome/root specific and TFs/TRs uniquely present in rhizome can be further explored for their role in podophyllotoxin biosynthesis.
This study will provide a platform for better understanding the biology of physiological and biochemical processes in Podophyllum species (P. hexandrum and P. peltatum). Data generated in this study have been provided to scientific community at URL: https://sites.google.com/site/combiogroup/data-access.
Keywords: Podophyllum, Anti-cancer, Transcription factor, Metabolite, Podophyllotoxin, Regulation, Contigs.

The study was carried out at Agriculture College Farm, ANCA, Warora to evaluate the effect of some insecticides & botanicals on pests of cotton & their subsequent effects on natural enemies like Predatory Lady bird beetles. The departmental research trials were conducted during the year 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. The plot size was 10× 5 m., with three replications in Randomized Block Design. The observations were recorded on 10 randomly selected plants in each plot. The numbers of predatory lady bird beetles on aphids in cotton field were counted and average was calculated. Among the different treatments NSKE @ 5% (4.70 LBB/ plant), Neemark 5% (4.60 LBB/ plant), Dashparni ark 5% (4.50 LBB/ plant), Emamectin benzoate 5 SG (3.70 LBB/ plant) were observed. The predatory Lady bird beetles population in insecticidal plots was found as Dimethoate 30 EC 0.03% (1.5 LBB/ plant), Acephate 75% sp 0.03 % (0.70 LBB/ plant), Phosphamidon 40 Ec @ 0.04 % (0.60 LBB/ plant), Quinalphos 1.5 % dust (0.50 LBB/ plant), Methyl parathion 2% dust (0.40 LBB/ plant). Results reveal that significantly more number of predatory lady bird beetles was observed in the plots with botanicals than insecticidal treatments.
Keywords: Botanicals, Predatory lady bird beetles.

Nisha Thakur has completed her Masters degree in Biotechnology from Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry,Nauni Solan (H.P). Currently, she is pursuing PhD in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology area under the supervision of Dr. Amarjeet Kaur Nath at Department of Biotechnology, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry,Nauni Solan (H.P) India.

Tannins are the polyphenolic compounds found in the leaves, stem and bark of the plants. Tannins are toxic as well as bacteriostatic compounds and resistant to biodegradation.Thus it has a range of effects on various organisms from toxic effect on animals to growth inhibition on micro-organisms and environmental pollution due to discharge of tanneries and coffee processing industries effluents. Microorganisms producing tannase enzyme has the ability to degrade tannins into hydrolysable gallic acid. In the present investigation, 11 isolates of fungus namely Aspergillus species, Mucor species, Fusarium species were isolated from pine forest, apple orchard and were screened for tannase production. Fungal isolates showed the tannic acid degradation activity in the range of 3-5 mm diameter of clear zone and showed positive results for tannase production. A spectrophotometric assay was performed to assure tannase production from all isolates. Results showed that all fungus except Fusarium species showed highest tannase activity in the tannin broth in between 48-72 hours whereas Fusarium species showed tannase activity after 72 hours. Although all the isolates were found best in tannin degradation but Aspergillus species were showed highest activity of tannase. Besides this, these isolates were also found to degrade pine needles under controlled solid state fermentation conditions. Thus these isolates can be used in the biodegradation of agrobased residues and environment effluents.

Rajaram Dhok has completed his M.Sc. from Shivaji University Kolhapur and M.Phil. from Madurai Kamraj University. He is working for doctoral studies in University of Pune. The topic of study is groundwater quality. He is Assistant Professor at Shardabai Pawar Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Shardanagar, Baramati, India. He has published 10 Research papers in reputed peer reviewed International journals and National conferences.

Freshwater is a finite resource; essential for agriculture and drinking purpose. Groundwater quality of Nira River basin area has undergone degradation due to unlimited use of canal water for irrigation purpose. This area is under irrigation by Nira River left canal. The hydrochemical investigation in the present study were carried out by using standard methods of APHA (APHA, 1998). An investigation was carried out by collecting thirty groundwater samples for Pre – monsoon season (PRM) February 2012 to May 2012 to decipher hydrochemistry and groundwater quality for determining its suitability for agriculture & drinking purposes. The results of analysis were compared with the water quality standards of Indian Standard Institute (ISI), and World Health Organization (WHO). The groundwater is neutral to alkaline in nature with pH ranging from 6.36 to 9.53. Higher electrical conductivity was noted in Kalamb, Khorochi, Nimsakhar villages. Residual sodium carbonate value indicates, 66% samples are not suitable for irrigation purpose. 40% samples are hard water and 37% are very hard water. High salinity of groundwater is recorded by 27% samples and such saline water affect on the quality and total production of agriculture. Groundwater in study area is not suitable for drinking purposes without conventional treatments.

K. Vanilarasu is doing his PhD (Fruit Science) in Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India. He is presently working on Organic Farming in Banana.

An investigation was carried out during 2010-2011, to study the effect of organic manures (Farmyard manure, Vermicompost, Neem cake and Wood ash), organic amendments (Arbuscular mycorrhizae, Azospirllium, Phosphate solubilising bacteria and Trichoderma harzianum) and green manures (sunhemp and cowpea) in comparison with inorganic fertilizers alone on yield, quality and post harvest attributes of banana cv. Grand Naine. Results of the experiment revealed that combined application of organic manures, amendments and green manures (Farmyard manure @ 10 kg + Neem cake @ 1.25 kg + Vermicompost @ 5 kg and Wood ash @ 1.75 kg /plant + Triple green manuring with sunhemp + Double intercropping of Cow pea + biofertilizers viz., Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizae @ 25 g, Azospirillum @ 50 g, Phosphate solubilizing bacteria @ 50 g and Trichoderma harzianum @ 50 g/plant) registered the maximum quality (TSS – 23.23 % , Acidity – 0.82 %, Ascorbic acid – 12.92 mg. 100 g ^-1, Non-reducing and Total sugars - 6.06 and 14.92 % ) and Post harvest (Least physiologicasl loss in weight and Shelf life -7.44 % and 14.03 days ) characters under drip irrigation.
Keywords: Quality, Organic manures, Biofertilizers and Green Manures.

A laboratory study was conductedwith 22 genotypes of castor from CRIDA germplasm along with 3 checks viz., 48-1, DCH-519, DCS-107 in order to assess the performance at seedling stage. The seedlings were raised in 250ml capacity plastic containers with soilrite medium and the observations recorded one week after germination. The data recorded on days to complete germination, root and shoot length and biomass and calculated germination percentage, germination speed, emergence index, vigour index, partitioning of biomass to root and shoot and efficiency of seed reserve conversion. The genotypes recorded significant differences in all the parameters recorded. The % germination varied from 60 to 100% and 12 genotypes recorded 100% germination. CRC-4 showed highest germination speed and emergence index and highest seedling biomass (0.212g/pl). Seedlings of CRC-8 had highest root biomass and better root shoot ratio. The conversion of seed reserve to seedling biomass of selected castor genotypes ranged from 24.9% to 69.4% showing significant performance difference among the genotypes at initial stages of germination. Among the three checks tested, genotype 48-1 performed better for majority of the seedling parameters. The overall performance of castor genotypes at seedling stage revealed that the genotypes CRC-4, CRC-5, CRC-7, CRC-8, CRC-16, CRC-22 and CRC-23 were found to be better and can establish efficiently even under field conditions. Based on their seedling vigour and root characters, their performance even under moisture stress is expected to be better. Further evaluation of these genotypes under field condition is in progress.

N. Bharath Kumar has completed his B.Sc at the age of 21 years from Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Agricultural College, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh. Through ICAR-2011 exam as a non-JRF (All India 46th rank) student, he completed his M.Sc. at the age of 24 years from University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka. In M.Sc. programme he secured highest O.G.P.A of 92.40 in Entomology achieving University Gold Medal. At present Mr. N. Bharath Kumar is pursuing his PhD from Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Agricultural College, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh. Mr. N. Bharath Kumar is an INSPIRE fellow awailing inspire scholarship for his PhD programme offered by Department of Science and Technology.

Estimation of crop loss due to leaf webber Grapholita critica Meyr. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) on Pigeon pea was conducted at U.A.S Raichur, Karnataka. The yield loss in Pigeon pea (Maruthi variety) was estimated by releasing differential population of leaf webber Viz., 0, 1, 2 4, 6, 8 and 10 larvae inside the cage, with an RBD experiment. The results revealed that the yield loss due to leaf webber was 0.15, 0.71, 1.07, 2.36, 4.16 and 5.69 per cent in 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 larva released per cage respectively. The treatment seven where 10 larvae were released recorded lowest yield of 838.33 kg per ha with a highest yield loss of 5.69 per cent, compared to treatment without larvae (888.89 kg per ha).
Keywords: Grapholita critica, crop loss, Pigeon pea.

Samaptika Kar has completed her M.Sc (Horticulture) degree at the age of 24 years in 2012-2013 from Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. She has published more than 5 papers in reputed journals.

A field experiment was conducted to work out the genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, character association and path analysis for different characters of 22 garlic genotypes during rabi 2012-13. Experiment was laid out in Randomized block design and replicated thrice.
Results indicated that relative magnitude of genotypic co-efficient of variation was higher for marketable yield per hectare, total yield per hectare, weight of 10 outer cloves, plant emergence, average bulb weight and number of cloves per bulb. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percentage of mean was high for plant emergence percentage, collar height, collar thickness, fourth leaf length, polar diameter, equitorial diameter, neck thickness, average bulb weight, number of cloves per bulb, weight of 10 outer cloves. The association study among different characters revealed that selection for bulb yield should be based on marketable yield, plant emergence, number of leaves per plant, plant height, equitorial diameter and average bulb weight. Path coefficient analysis resulted that marketable yield had the highest direct effect followed by equatorial diameter, plant height, average bulb weight, weight of 10 outer cloves and neck thickness. Hence these components should be considered as selection criteria in garlic improvement programme for Chhattisgarh plains.
Keywords: Variability, Heritability, Coefficient correlation, Path analysis.

A field experiment was conducted at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Coimbatore during 2010-2011. The main objective of the experiment was to evaluate the different varieties of onion and their transplanting time for flowering and seed production in Tamil Nadu conditions. The experiment was laid out in a FRBD and replicated thrice. Totally 12 treatments including three onion varieties, namely Co (on5), Puttarasal type and Santhaipadugai local as factor I and four transplanting times viz., September, October, November and December as factor II. Biometrical observation were recorded on flowering and yield characters viz., days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, length of flower stalk(cm) and diameter of umbel (cm) at full flowering and at harvest stages, number of umbels per plant, number of flowers per umbel, number of seeds per umbel, seed weight per umbel(g), flowering percentage, seed set percentage, seed yield (ha^-1) and residual bulb yield (ha^-1) from randomly selected 20 plants and the data were subjected to statistical analysis. It was observed that the onion variety Santhaipadugai Local when transplanted on September month showed earliness by 31.20 days for days to first flowering and 43.33 days for days to 50% flowering. Among the four different seasons, September season recorded the highest seed yield in all three genotypes. Out of three genotypes studied Puttarasal type recorded significantly higher seed yield (807 kg ha^-1) in September season followed by Santhaipadugai Local (673 kg ha^-1) whereas the lowest seed yield of 603 kg ha^-1 was recorded by CO (on5).

P. Vinod Kumar completed M.Sc in Dr. Y. S. R. Horticulture University, working as Research associate in KVK Utukuru, Kadapa. A.P. India.

A study on palak (Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis Hort.) was carried out during rabi season of 2010-2011 at college farm of Horticulture College and Research Institute, Venkataramannagudem, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, to determine the Studies on the effect of Integrated Nutrient Management practices on dry matter production and nutrient uptake of palak” (Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis Hort.)and indicated that the highest dry matter production (5395 kg ha^-1) and nutrient uptake of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (102.81,18.06 and 98.667 kg ha^-1)was recorded with the application of 100% RDF through inorganic (80:40:50 kg of NPK ha^-1) and which was on par with the dosage of 75% RDF through inorganic fertilizers + 25% recommended dose of nitrogen through poultry manure and 75% RDF through inorganic fertilizers + 25% recommended dose of nitrogen through vermicompost.
Keywords: Palak, INM, dry matter production and nutrient uptake.

An experiment was conducted to study the suitable maize hybrid in Hyderabad-Karnataka region. The experiment consisted of five hybrids viz., C.P. 818, C.P. 808, C.P.999, Arjun, and 900-M in four replications. It was revealed that all the five hybrids were raised in black soil during kharif season of the year 2012-13. The physiological parameters and their relation with growth and yield attributes were analyzed in this experiment and results were computed. It was found that the higher individual cob weight was recorded in 900-M i.e., 338.4 g followed by C.P. 808 332.8 g and lowest was found in Arjun178.1g compared to other hybrid. Whereas, C.P. 818 has recorded higher shelling % (80) in addition to recording higher 100 seed weight ie., 43.9 g followed by 900-M shelling % 79 and 100 seed weight 42.5 g compared to other hybrids.
This may be due to having higher SPAD values (due to higher photosynthetic contribution) and stomatal conductance and shorter anthesis silking interval. Therefore, 900-M and C.P. 818 both the varieties performance superior over the other hybrids in Hyderabad Karnataka region.
Keywords: Maize hybrid, Hydrabd-karnataka and Shelling % and anthesis.

N. Ankitha is pursuing final year Biotechnology BE from R V College Of Engineering. She has won National level Paper presentation at NITK Surathkal. She has participated in the International Conference on Biotechnology and Human Welfare at Sastra University, Thanjavur. Her current project is related to Kapok Fibers and design and development of Bio sorbents.

Kapok fiber, Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn., Family Bombacaceae trees, which originated in tropical India, are found widespread in several plantations in Southeast Asia. Kapok fiber is significantly hydrophobic. The chemical composition was analyzed, and the chemical structures were characterized to understand the high hydrophobicity of the fibers.
Marine oil pollution results from land runoff, vessels and pipelines accidents, offshore petroleum exploration and production operations, shipping activities and illegal bilge water discharges. The world is facing a great risk from petroleum product contamination in the environment. The risks are greater during transportation, transfer and storage. Numerous oxygenated products such as aromatic, aliphatic, benzoic and naphthanoic acids, alcohols, phenols and aliphatic ketones result due to the photolysis of oil.
The use of sorbent materials for oil removal is an attractive principle. Natural sorbents such as cotton, wool, milkweed and kapok fiber are used. Kapok fiber show better performance than most other sorbent materials. The hydrophobic–oleophilic properties of Kapok fiber are determined by factors such as the chemical constituent of the sorbent, the amount of the surface wax, the physical configuration of the fiber such as the hollow lumen, the twists and the crimps, and the surface roughness and its porosity.
Kapok fibers have been investigated for their properties and performance as oil sorbent for diesel and engine oil. The oil sorption capacity and kapok reusability were evaluated. Kapok fiber can adsorb 86% of engine oil and 43% of diesel. The suitability of Kapok fibers as a sorbent for developing composites by comparing its oil adsorption capacity with other sorbents like cotton, polyurethane and polypropylene was carried out. Design and develop of a composite blanket to adsorb oil. The relevance of Kapok fibers as a cheap and biodegradable oil sorbent was assessed. The study on the use of kapok fibers in oil adsorption lays a foundation for designing a large scale kapok fiber sorbents to be used in case oil spills and to combat environmental damage caused by oil spills.

Twenty three accessions of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) were collected from local areas of Andhra Pradesh for analyzing diversity in the species using morphological and molecular characterization. Morphological characterization of 13 quantitative and 2 qualitative parameters was carried out by correlation studies. Wide variations were observed in flower color, seed color and capsule bearing capacity. The seed yield is showing positive correlation with capsules per plant. Euclidian similarity matrix for morphological data was computed between observable distances and dendrogram which was observed as r = 0.79. Cluster analysis revealed two major clusters. Molecular analysis included the study of accessions with 10 SSR markers which revealed 4 polymorphic markers. A total of 14 alleles were detected at the four loci with an average of 3.5 alleles/ locus. The pair wise similarity based on Dice coefficient for all the accessions ranged from 0 to 1 and the correlation coefficient (r) computed between observed distances and dendrogram was 0.77 which indicates a good fit between observed distances and dendrogram. The accessions were genetically and phenotypically found to be diverse. Their genetic distance ranged from 0.1-0.9 which is wider than their phenotypic distance ranged from 0.2-0.7. When MXCOMP was carried out between phenotypic and genotypic data the correlation coefficient value (r) = 0.12 which was showing less congruency. Hence the morphological traits were not influenced by molecular variations in S. indicum.

New irrigation technologies are playing a central role in agricultural water use. Water, the natural resource in farming, is tending to become increasingly scarce and costlier. The scarcity of water is the main limiting factor in getting a good yield from the crops. Therefore, the effort now needed is to harness the available quantities and put them to efficient use to realize higher productivity per unit of water. Among the latest water management technologies, drip irrigation is one such system receiving acceptance, particularly in areas of water scarcity, for row crops such as sugarcane, vegetables, cabbage, cassava, mulberry, potato. Drip irrigation is an effective tool for conserving water resources and studies have revealed significant water saving ranging between 40% and 70% by drip irrigation compared with surface irrigation. Fertigation is a new concept recently practiced in several parts of the world in horticultural crops in which water soluble fertilizers are applied directly to the root zone of the plants through drop irrigation system. Drip fertigation increases the efficiency of the applied fertilizers thus economizing the quantity of fertilizers and water, and cost of labour and energy resulting in reduced cost of cultivation. Fertigation saves nearly 30 to 40% of the fertilisers compared to other methods of fertiliser application. Fertigation allows precise timing and uniform distribution of applied nutrients to meet the crop nutrient demand with ensures substantial saving in fertilizer usage. Drip irrigation and fertigation system are being adopted due to their numerous advantages over traditional methods of irrigation and fertilizer application. Global demand for food is likely to double in the next 25 to 30 years mainly due to population growth and change of diet. Many countries are endeavoring to achieve food security at a national level. A major portion of this increased food demand would be fulfilled from irrigated agriculture. The land and water availability for cultivation is continuously decreasing all over the world. The expansion of irrigated agriculture is ironically limited by freshwater availability particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Micro-irrigation has shown a promise to tackle such a complex and multivariable situation, by allowing higher water use efficiency, minimizing non-beneficial losses of water, reduced energy requirements for operation and improve agro-technical practices.
Keywords: drip irrigation, water scarcity, water and fertilizers saving and food security.

M Padmanabhan born and brought up in Mysore, Karnataka completed his school and college education in Mysore. He then completed his B.Sc. (Agriculture) during 2011 and his M.Sc (Agriculture) in Agronomy during 2013 from University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru. He conducted his research on “Effect of different organic manures on growth and yield of transplanted rice” for his Master’s degree. He has published two research papers, four research abstracts and two popular articles in reputed journals and magazines. He has also participated in two national level conferences. At present, he is pursuing his PhD Degree in Agronomy from UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru.

A field experiment entitled “Effect of weed control treatments on grain yield, weed control efficiency, nutrient uptake and soil microflora in transplanted rice” was conducted during Kharif 2011 at ZARS, Brahmavar, Udupi district (Karnataka), India. The experiment consisted of 10 treatments laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments are four pre-emergence herbicides, three post emergence herbicides, conoweeder at 20 days after transplanting followed by hand weeding at 40 days after transplanting, hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 days after transplanting and unweeded control. The results revealed that bensulfuron methyl @ 60 g a.i ha-1 + pretilachlor @ 600 ga.i ha-1 and bispyribac sodium @ 25 g a.i. ha-1 have achieved significantly higher grain yield (5212 and 5012 kg ha-1, respectively), weed control efficiency (95.74 and 93.29 % ) and nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (110.83, 16.32 and 113.85 kg ha-1 ,respectively) uptake by crop. Unweeded control recorded the significantly highest nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium removal by weeds (16.10, 3.18 and 20.15 kg ha-1, respectively). Significantly least nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium removal by weeds was recorded with bensulfuron methyl @ 60 g a.i. ha-1 + pretilachlor @ 600 g a.i. ha-1 (2.70, 0.87 and 2.20 kg ha-1). Highest microbial population of bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, PSB and Azospirillum were recorded in hand weeding twice @ 20 and 40 DAT (54.30 × 106, 16.33 × 103, 8.33 × 104, 17.67 × 105 and 14.00 × 105 CFU g-1 soil, respectively).

Amit Kumar Patel has completed his M.Sc (Agronomy) degree at the age of 23 years in 2012-2013 from Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, chhattisgarh. He has published more than 5 papers in reputed journals.

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the Effect of integrated nutrient management on soil quality and its management. It was carried out at Research cum Instructional Farm, I.G.K.V., Raipur (C.G.) during kharif 2012, with the objective to study the response of integrated nutrient management on short grain aromatic rice varieties for optimization of yield and quality. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications having four varieties namely (V₁) Dubraj, (V₂) Badshah Bhog, (V₃) Vishnu Bhog and (V₄) Bisni in main plot and six nutrient management treatments i.e., (N₁) 60:40:30 Kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha^-1 (Inorganic), (N₂) 80:50:40 Kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha^-1(Inorganic), (N₃) 60:40:30 Kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha^-1 (50%Inorganic+50%Organic), (N₄) 80:50:40 Kg N: P₂O₅: K₂O ha^-1(50%Inorganic+ 50% Organic), (N₅) 60:30:60 Kg N: P₂O₅: K₂O ha^-1 (Organic – FYM) and (N₆) 80:40:80 Kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha^-1 (Organic – FYM) in sub- plots.
The result indicated that the treatments significantly influenced the available NPK status of soil. The application of 80:40:80 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha^-1 (Organic-FYM) obtained the highest gain of available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in soil. While in case of available nitrogen in soil, application of 80:40:80 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha^-1 (Organic-FYM) found at par with the application of 80:50:40 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha^-1 (50%Inorganic +50%Organic). The application of 60:40:30 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha^-1 (Inorganic) had the lowest gain of available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in soil. In general, organic manures improve the physico- chemical properties of the soil and improve the microbial activity which resulted in maintaining the soil fertility. Chemical fertilizers applications reduce the post harvest soil nutrients as compare to organic manures application. The building up status of available nitrogen in soil recorded under the application of 80:50:40 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha^-1 (Organic-FYM). This might be due to application of FYM. FYM added soils gain higher organic residue, this resulted in higher retention of nutrients. In general organic manures reduce leaching and volatilization losses of nitrogen. Organic manures known to reduce phosphorus and potassium fixation.
Keywords: Integrated Nutrient Management, Soil Quality, Organic Manures and Inorganic Manures.

The study was conducted to standardize the technology of low cost storage of apples cv. Red Delicious, harvested at optimum maturity were undertaken at ambient and zero energy cool chamber (ZECC) to access the post harvest behavior of apple fruits with respect to packaging treatments for 120 days. ZECC is a low cost, cold storage structure for short term storage of fruits and vegetables. The effect of various postharvest treatments i.e. ISW (Individual Shrink Wrapping), TW (Tray Wrapping with 0.025 % and 0.05 % micro-perforations) was evaluated for control of postharvest losses/rotting and quality of fruits during storage. Results reveals that apple fruits kept in Tray Wrapping with 0.05 % perforation and stored under ZECC conditions were found to be best for extending shelf life and quality of fruits. ZECC showed lower mean physiological loss in weight (1.44 %) while, the ambient conditions recorded higher weight loss (9.56 %) respectively. Thus storage of apples in ZECC conditions (temperature 3.19 to 20.08 oC) for a period of about 120 days after treating with Tray Wrapping with 0.050 % micro-perforation is highly beneficial, with minimum rotting, changes in physico- chemical quality in terms of TSS, acidity and sugars. So this technology holds promise for the resource poor farmers in India.

The productivity of groundnut is highly versatile and much lower than other oilseed crops of India. In recent years yield level was decreased due to improper management, climatic condition coupled with lack of potential varieties. Among better management practices to achieve sustained productivity balanced nutrition is very crucial. In addition to major nutrients sulphur, zinc and boron are also critical in groundnut nutrition. In Karnataka most of the groundnut growing regions are highly deficient in sulphur and zinc. Customized fertilizer is a mixture of N-P2O5-K2O-S-Zn-B(13-24-12-4-0.5-0.2 kg/100kg). It has the advantage over conventional fertilizers that supplying all the neceassary nutrients required for the grodunut crop. A field experiment was conducted at Main Agricultural Research Station, Raichur during rainy seasons of 2010-11and 1011-12. Soils of the experimental site was sandy loam with pH 6.7. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design repeated thrice. Different levels of customized fertilizer compared with state recommended fertilizer rate (25-50-25 kg NPK/ha+10 t FYM+500 kg gypsum +10 kg zinc sulphate). Results of the study have shown that application of 150 % of customized fertilizer (375 kg/ha)enhances grain yield (2818 kg/ha) and economic returns (Rs. 68182 /ha) over state recommended fertilizers. and also reduce cost of cultivation. Results have infered that customized fertilizers application to grounndut crop can reduce cost of cultiivation, reduce quantity of fertilizers in addition to increased yield and higher returns per rupee invested.

Forty eight pigeonpea hybrids derived from crosses between six cytoplasmic genetic male sterile lines based on C. scarabaeoides cytoplasm and eight diverse testers were evaluated to estimate heterosis over mid-parent, better parent and standard check (PKV TARA). An appreciable amount of heterosis was noticed for almost all the characters. Significant heterotic effect over mid parent, better parent and check was recorded for seed yield per plant in the hybrids AKCMS-09A x AKPR-8 followed by AKCMS-10A x ICPR-2740, AKCMS-09A x AKPR-374, AKCMS-10A x AKPR-374, AKCMS-11A x AKPR-292, and AKCMS-09A x AKPR-292. The traits number of pods per plant, shelling per cent, 100 seed weight and days to maturity in addition to per se performance and fertility restoration should be given priority for selecting the parents to be involved in a CGMS based hybridization programme aimed at yield improvement in pigeonpea.
Keywords: Pigeonpea, Cytoplasmic genetic male sterility, Heterosis.

Bhagirathsinh Sahdevsinh Gohil has completed his B.Sc. (Agriculture) with first class distinction and awarded of two “Gold Medal” for best all over performance in B.Sc. (Agriculture) batch of 2011 and M.Sc. (Agriculture) with first class distinction under the guidance of Dr. R.K. Mathukia, Associate Research Scientist, Weed Control Scheme, Department of Agronomy, JAU, Junagadh at the age of 23 years from Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh (Gujarat). He is now PhD student of Agronomy department, JAU, Junagadh. He has participated in All India Agricultural University Games and Sports meet at Kerala as Athletic player and he is also a captain university cricket team.

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2011-12 at Junagadh to find out most effective and economical method of weed control in rabi fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.). The dominant weed species observed were Cyperus rotundus L., Chenopodium album L., Digera arvensis Forsk and Asphodelus tenuifolius L. Cav. Results revealed that besides weed free treatment, significantly higher plant height, number of branches/plant, number of umbels/plant, number of seeds/umbellate, test weight, seed weight per plant, and seed and stover yields of fennel were recorded with pre-emergence (PRE) application of pendimethalin @ 0.90 kg/ha + post-emergence (POE) application of fenoxaprop-ethyl @ 75 g/ha at 45 DAS, which was at par with pendimethalin @ 0.90 kg/ha PRE + hand weeding (HW) at 45 DAS and HW twice at 15 and 45 DAS. These treatments also recorded lower weed density and dry weight of weeds along with higher net returns and B:C ratio owing to lower weed index and higher weed control efficiency. The highest depletion of weed seedbank was observed with pendimethalin @ 0.90 kg/ha PRE + HW at 45 DAS.
Keywords: Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare, weed seedbank, pendimethalin, fenoxaprop-ethyl, quizalofop-ethyl, oxadiargyl, glyphosate, propaquizafop-ethyl.

Himabindu Tanguturi has completed her M.Sc (Horticulture) at College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, Dr.Y.S.R.H.U. She is working as Senior Research Fellow at Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad.

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees.) belonging to family Acanthaceae is an important medicinal plant andhas wide range of medicinal and pharmacological applications. The present investigation “Performance ofkalmegh (Andrographispaniculata Nees.)” influenced by time of planting and harvesting.” was carried out at Vegetable Research Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during kharif 2012-13. The experiment was laid out in FRBD with two factors Viz., Dates of planting (1st July-D1, 15th July- D2, 1st August-D3 and 15th August-D4) and Stages of harvesting ( Pre-flowering stage-H1, Flowering stage-H2 and Pod setting stage-H3) and replicated thrice. The results of the experiment revealed that among different planting treatments, the crop planted on 1st August recorded maximum values for plant height, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, LAI, fresh and dry herb weight and dry herbage yield. Among harvesting treatments, the crop harvested at pod setting stage recorded maximum values for plant height, number of branches per plant, fresh and dry herb weight and dry herbage yield. The present study clearly indicated that planting on 1st August and harvesting at pod setting stage were superior to other planting and harvesting treatments with better performance in Kalmegh.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of biocontrol agent and chemicals under in vitro condition against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ricini and the effective biocontrol agents and chemicals tested were selected for pot experiment against F. oxysporum f. sp. ricini and Rotylenchulus reniformis, which cause disease complex of castor. All the treatments significantly decreased the disease and improved the growth of plants compared to untreated inoculated plants. Carbofuran and carbendazim combination showed maximum suppression of reniform nematode development and fungal infection respectively, while Trichoderma viride @ 4g/kg seed + Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10g/kg seed combination were found effective against both the pathogens.
Keywords: F. oxysporum f. sp. ricini, Rotylenchulus reniformis, disease complex, biocontrol agents, chemicals, botanicals, Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas fluorescens.

Basavarajeshwari R has completed her M.Sc. in Crop Physiology from University of Agricultural Sciences Bangalore and presently pursuing her PhD in Dept. of Crop Physiology, UAS Bangalore. She is interested in Molecular Breeding with respect to crop quality improvement.

Pigeonpea is an important legume crop predominantly produced by small hold farmers in semi arid tropics and subtropics. It is a prominent dietary source of protein, supplementing vegetarian diet in developing countries but its micronutrient content is suboptimal in cultivated varieties. As Zinc deficiency is increasingly acknowledged as one of the most serious public health problems, tapping pigeonpea’s potential for grain Zinc improvement using focused molecular breeding approach stands essential. In order to design a strategy to improve Zinc content in pigeonpea, 240 germplasm lines of pigeonpea procured from ICRISAT were phenotyped for grain Zinc content and biomass related traits. Significant variability was observed for grain Zinc and biomass related traits, where Zinc content ranged from 1.53mg to 6.95mg/100g, mean zinc content being 3.06mg/gm. Further seed Zinc content of all germplasm lines were reconfirmed and selected five contrasting genotypes showing consistent ranking in Zinc content under common growing condition. Selected contrasts were crossed to generate mapping population. Further, these parents were screened with 171 locus specific SSR markers, of which 64 SSRs are polymorphic. Using polymorphic markers true F1s were identified and selfed to develop F2 mapping population. A set of 265 F2 plants have been developed and genotyped to carry out QTL analysis for grain zinc content. The phenotyping will be carried out in F3 seeds.

Neha Pathak completed her M.Sc in 2007. She was enrolled in M.Phil in 2008 and got registered for PhD in 2011. Her area of research is in plant pathology and plant protection. She got many research papers published in internationally reputed journals.

The use of biological agents as biopesticides in agriculture is becoming an increasingly important alternative to chemical control against microorganism. Microbial biopesticides represent an important option for the management of plant disease. A study was undertaken to explore the fungicidal potential of certain plant parts and biocontrol treatment with Trichoderma harzianum against black point incidence of wheat crop. Pot experiments were conducted during rabi season to control the black point incidence of wheat caused by Bipolaris sarokiniana and Alternaria alternata with two organic formulation of T. harzianum along with other plant extract treatment. It was observed that seed priming with mycelia preparation of the antagonist T. harzianum at 4g/kg of seed and organic formulation at the antagonist in vermicompost along with 20% neem cake (w/w) gave best results for disease control followed by plant extracts and talc base formulation and seed treatment with carbendazim at 2g/kg of seed. Seed priming with mycelial mat of the antagonist showed improvement in the growth and yield parameters viz. the length, fresh and dry weight of root and shoots and the no. of grains for each spike. Soil application of Trichoderma in vermicompost + 20% neem cakes gave better disease control over the others. Natural products produced by plants are definitely a new source of potential pesticides as different botanicals in the present studies gave encouraging results. These plants can possibly be exploited in the management of seed borne pathogenic fungi and prevention of bio deterioration of wheat in an eco-friendly way. The use of fungicides has resulted in the buildup of toxic chemicals potentially hazardous to man and environment and also in the buildup of resistance by pathogens. Biocontrol agents like, Trichoderma, has been proved as a potential biocontrol agent because of their ability to reduce the incidence of disease and found to be safe for humans and environment health. Therefore the development of bio pesticide which provide potential benefits to agriculture and public health and which is an ecofriendly alternative to chemical pesticides has been focused as a viable pest control strategy in recent years.
Keywords: Wheat, Biopesticide, Botanicals, Bipolaris sarokiniana, Alternaria alternate.

The study was conducted in RBD with eight treatments of different nutrient sources to assess the response of integrated nutrient management in paddy under system of rice intensification (SRI) on grain yield in Eastern Vidarbha Zone at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Sindewahi; Dist. Chandrapur, Agricultural Research Station, Sakoli Dist. Bhandara and Agricultural Research Station, Navegaonbandh, Dist. Gondia. during Kharif 2008-09 and 2009-10.
Pooled results at all locations revealed that treatments of application of 100 % RDF (100: 50:50 Kg/ha NPK) and Urea DAP briquettes @ 160 kg/ha are at par with each other and recorded significantly higher grain yield of paddy (4693 & 4682 Kg/ha respectively) whereas highest B:C ratio was recorded in Urea DAP briquettes @ 160 kg/ha (1.80) followed by treatment with 100 % RDF (1.77) over other treatments. Among the integrated nutrient management treatments, 50 % RDF + Biogas slurry @ 5 ton/ha and 50 % RDF + Paddy straw compost @ 6 ton/ha recorded highest grain yield (4278 Kg/ha & 4145 Kg/ha respectively) and B:C ratio (1.51 and 1.49 respectively).

H. G. Kanara completed his B.Sc. (Agri.) and M.Sc. (Agri.) and continuing PhD (Agri.) in Entomology from Junagadh Agricultural University (Gujarat) at the age of 23 year. He achieved first class grade in both U.G. and P.G. studies. He completed research work on western flower thrips on rose.

A lab trial was conducted during 2012-13 at Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, JAU, Junagadh to study the bionomics of rose thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande. Laboratory studies revealed that the female laid their eggs in the leaf tissues by sharp ovipositor. The average incubation period was found 5.28 day. The larva passed through two distinct instar and average duration of each instar was 1.72 and 4.76 day, respectively. The total larval period was on an average of 6.48 day with the total pupal period of 3.96 day. The average pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition period were 3.12, 32.68 and 4.20 day, respectively. The number of progenies produced by a single female varied from 28 to 69 with an average of 58.8. The average longevity of male and female was 21.60 and 42.36 day with entire life span of 25.52 and 48.40 day, respectively. The sex ratio of male to female was worked out as 1:1.73 at a constant temperature of 25 ± 1°C.
Keywords: Bionomics, Rose and Frankliniella occidentalis.

Dipika Sarmah has completed her M.Sc from Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat on the topic “Effect of mulching on growth and flowering of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus) cv. Red Gem.” Now she is pursuing her PhD in the department of Floriculture and Landscaping from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal. She is presently working on micro propagation of Orchid. Her one of the paper has been accepted on a reputed journal. She has attended and presented papers in both national and international conference.

A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years (2010-11 and 2011-12) in the Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University to study the effect of different mulching materials on physiological and biochemical changes of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus) cv. Red Gem. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with seven treatments (viz. black polyethylene, paddy straw, dried leaves, dried banana leaves, water hyacinth, rice husk and control) replicated thrice. The study revealed that black polyethylene mulch recorded highest chlorophyll content of leaf [both at vegetative (1.61mg/g) and flowering stage (0.54 mg/g)] and leaf area index (3.23cm2). Same treatment showed highest reducing sugar (0.17 mg g-1 DW), non-reducing sugar (0.052 mg g-1 DW), total sugar (0.22 mg g-1 DW) and nitrate reductase activity (22.49 u mol NO2-g-1 FW hr-1) in both the years and control showed lowest. Black polyethylene mulch recorded highest self life (17.17 days) and vase life (8.18 days) in both the years. From the results of this experiment it can be concluded that black polyethylene was found to be the best mulching material for gerbera cultivation under Assam condition.

Rafiul Amin Laskar obtained his M.Sc. in Botany (specialization Genetics and Plant Breeding) from Aligarh Muslim University. He has also obtained Post M.Sc. Diploma in Plant Tissue Culture and Micropropagation from Aligarh Muslim University. He is pursuing his PhD degree from Aligarh Muslim University and actively engaged in the research of pulse crops for screening their nutritional, medicinal and yield attributes in response to mutagenic treatments.

Plant breeding for improving productivity is impossible without adequate genetic variation. Chemical mutagenesis is a coherent tool used in mutation breeding programme for creating new alleles. Therefore, an investigation was carried out with an objective of inducing cyto-morphological variations using maleic hydrazide (MH) and methylmethane sulphonate (MMS) in broad bean (Vicia faba L.) var. Nepal Selection genotype (2n=12) which is homozygous because of often self-pollination. The dry and healthy seeds of uniform size were treated with four concentrations viz, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04% of the mutagens (MH and MMS) independently which led to significant variations and their effects were compared with the control in the M2 generation. Different economically important mutant were observed namely dwarf, bushy, high yielding and early maturing mutant at intermediate doses of mutagens. The combined analysis of the different parameters showed that MH was most effective in inducing a wider spectrum and maximum frequency of mutation in Vicia faba L. Scope for improvement of new genetic variability in broad bean seems promising following chemical mutagenesis.

D. S. Kadam has completed his Masters Degree in Horticulture in 2011 from Kerala agricultural University (Kerala) India. Currently he is PhD scholar at Dr. PDKV, Akola (MS), India. He was recipient of ASPEE JRF for Masters Degree and currently he is receiving INSPIRE Fellowship from DST, Govt. of India for perusing PhD.

An investigation on vegetative performance and extent of variability among open pollinated seedlings of fifteen genotypes of Heliconia (Heliconia spp.) was conducted at Vellayani, Kerala. Wide range of variation was observed in most of the seed, vegetative and pigment characters. The variability was high both at phenotypic and genotypic level for most of the characters. GCV for various characters ranged from 14.1 (leaf length) to 45.42 (number of suckers). Estimate of heritability and ranged from 32.31 (Chlorophyll A) to 99.99 (plant height). High heritability along with high genetic advance was observed for seed characters, plant height and leaf characters. Following Mahalanoblis statistic, these species and varieties of Heliconia were subjected to D2 analysis and grouped into five clusters.

L V Subba Rao has done PhD in Genetics & Plant Breeding from ANGRAU and completed 22 years of service in ICAR in different capacities from Scientist to Principal Scientist at Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad. He was trained at Hybrid Rice Research Centre (HRRC) Changsha, China on Hybrid rice technology during 1995. He had successfully completed NATP supported projects on 1) Evaluation rice cultivars for rain fed rice ecology and 2) Sustainable management of Plant Biodiversity as Principal Investigator during 1999 to 2004. At present he is the Nodal officer for Germplasm, DUS testing in Rice and National Seed Project at DRR. He is also PI for the DBT funded project on “Establishment of National Rice Resource Data Base” and associated with the project on National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA). He has published 35 Research papers in referred journals and 90 papers in National & International Symposia/conferences

Traditional varieties serve as a reservoir of useful genes and provide the genetic building blocks for plant breeding. These varieties not only possess high yielding potential but also resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. Systemic study and characterization of such genotypes is important for utilizing the appropriate attribute based donors and also essential in the present era for protecting the uniqueness of rice. In the present study an attempt was made to characterize a set of farmers’ varieties for different agro-morphological traits as well as quality characteristics and identify the variability available in the collection. The genetic divergence in 57 Farmers’ Varieties from the eastern region of the country was estimated using Mahalonobis’s D2 – statistics. Cluster analysis was done based on morphological characteristics. The genotypes were grouped into 12 clusters of which cluster I, III, II were the major clusters. A total of 33 genotypes were grouped in cluster I, followed by cluster III and II with 8 and 6 genotypes respectively. Cluster III showed maximum intra cluster divergence while inter cluster divergence was maximum between clusters IX and X. Traits like Gelatinization temperature, Grain Aroma, Endosperm content of Amylose, Presence of amylose and Decorticated grain colour were the major contributors to genetic divergence. The study helped to understand the extent of genetic diversity among the Farmers’ varieties which are a potential source that can be exploited.

Ijinu T P has completed his Post Graduation in Biotechnology from Bharathiar University and now doing his PhD in Biotechnology from University of Kerala. He is the Senior Research Fellow of Amity Institute for Herbal and Biotech Products Development (AIHBPD), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He has published 6 papers in Journals, filed 2 patents and contributed 4 book chapters. He is also a Founder Member of Amity International Society for Natural Products (AISNP).

Ensuring food security ought to be an issue of great importance for a country like India where more than one-third of the population is estimated to be absolutely poor and one-half of all children malnourished in one way or another. There have been many emerging issues in the context of food security in India in the last two decades. Recently the Indian National Food Security Act, 2013 (also Right to Food Act), was signed into law in September 12, 2013. This law aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two thirds of India 1.2 billion people.
Plant genetic resources in the world faces some major challenges, associated with the need to deliver food security worldwide at a time of increasing pressures from population growth, climate change and economic instability and the continuing imperative to avoid further losses in biodiversity. Making better use of plant genetic resources is a very important part of the necessary response to the challenges for agriculture. Information in IPCC AR4 suggests that approximately 10% of species assessed so far are at an increasingly high risk of extinction for every 1°C rise in global mean temperature.
Advances in biotechnology, including methods in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and the new emerging technologies, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, nutrigenomics etc. have generated new opportunities for genetic resources conservation and utilization. Techniques like in vitro culture and cryopreservation have made it easy to collect and conserve genetic resources, especially of species that are difficult to conserve as seeds. While technologies like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have provided tools that are more sensitive and pathogen specific for seed health testing. Tissue culture methods are now widely applied for elimination of systemic diseases, for safe exchange of germplasm. Molecular markers are increasingly used for screening of germplasm to study genetic diversity, identify redundancies in the collections, test accession stability and integrity, and resolve taxonomic relationships. The marker assisted selection and transgene based genetic modification were evidenced to be wisely implemented in many crop improvement programmes and they still appear promising in ensuring food security.
The importance of indigenous traditional knowledge, innovation and practices is clearly evident in light of the current climate and food crisis. Local food systems, traditional seed exchange systems, maintaining ecosystem and seed diversity are examples of how indigenous peoples use their traditional knowledge to respond to climatic pressures and to ensure food self-sufficiency. In the face of climate change, indigenous farmers are doing better with more genetic variation and are selecting from a larger pool of local material rather than waiting for breeders to supply them with varieties that will be at best only narrowly adapted. Local communities depend on indigenous crop varieties for sustainable agriculture and for selection of superior genotypes. Traditional knowledge is based on the experience, often tested over centuries of use, adapted to local culture and local environment, dynamic and changing. Production in traditional agriculture is based on sustainability in long term rather than maximizing the yield in short term. Many effective innovations are generated locally based on the knowledge and expertise of indigenous and local communities rather than on formal scientific research. Traditional farmers embody ways of life relevant for the conservation of biodiversity and for sustainable rural development. Thus sustainable agriculture development and conservation of resources could be significantly advanced if modern scientific knowledge could be incorporated with the traditional knowledge system.

Divya Parisa has completed her B.Sc from College of Horticulture, Venkataramanna Gudem, M.Sc (Horticulture) from Kerala Agricultural University. She is presently pursuing PhD (Horticulture) from Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara.

The present research was undertaken to study the effect of priming and storage of seeds of chilli. Freshly harvested seeds of chilli var. Anugraha were stored under ambient condition for 12 months. Seed samples were drawn after 3, 6 and 9 months of storage and subjected to priming treatments viz. Control (P1), Water soaking (P2), NaCl (10- 5M) (P3), CaCl2 (10-5M), (P4) KNO3 (150ppm) (P5), PEG 6000 (-1.5MPa) (P6) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (10g/kg seed) (P7). The seeds were subjected to respective priming treatments for 3 hours and thoroughly washed and dried under shade to 8 % moisture content. The primed seeds were stored in two types of storage containers i.e. cloth bag (S1) and polythene bag (700 gauge) (S2). The seeds primed with PEG 6000 (-1.5MPa) and stored in polythene bag (700 gauge) (S2) retained high germination percentage, speed of germination, vigour indices and lower electrical conductivity values. On the other hand, the seed quality parameters of control seeds stored in cloth bag was declined coupled with an increase in seed moisture content. The polythene bag of 700 guage thickness was identified as the best storage container and PEG 6000 (-1.5MPa) which is an osmopriming agent outperformed among the various priming treatments. The unprimed (control) seeds maintained minimum seed certification standards for certified seeds only up to sixth month. The seeds primed with PEG 6000 (-1.5 M Pa) and stored in polythene bag (700 gauge) after 3 months and 6 months of storage (ambient conditions) maintained seed certification standards up to eighth month and ninth month of storage respectively. Keywords: chilli seed, priming, storage containers.

Arun Raj GR was born in Kerala state, India. He did his B.A.M.S graduation from Kerala University (2004-09). Currently he is pursuing Post graduation in Kaumarabhritya (Ayurvedic Pediatrics) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences at Sree Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka. He has published about twenty three papers in various National and International journals. To add, he has presented 12 papers in different National and International seminars. Currently he is working on evaluating the efficacy of an Ayurvedic herbo-mineral preparation in the management of chronic tonsillitis in children.

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the developed world and a similar trend has emerged in the developing countries too. Cancer prevalence in India is estimated to be around 2.5 million, with over 8,00,000 new cases and 5,50,000 deaths occurring each year due to this disease. The total cancer cases are likely to go up from 979,786 cases in the year 2010 to 1,148,757 cases in the year 2020.
OBJECTIVES: To draw the attention of Ayurvedic research institutes and scholars to the Dashapushpa, to comprehend the role of Dashapushpa in cancer management.
MATERIALS & METHODS: The whole study is based on the literary material from Ayurvedic classics like Arogya Kalpadruma, Sarvaroga Chikitsaratna, Abhidana manjari, Kodasheri margam, Prayoga samuchayam, Chikitsa kauthukam, Vaidya manorama, Agastya marmashastra. Methodology comprised of a concept about the role of traditionally used medicine, ie., Dashapushpa in the management of cancer on the basis of its clinical practice by some traditional Visha Chikitsaka.
DISCUSSION: Cancer can be considered as a visha that is poison based on the similarity in the properties of both cancer and visha. So the same visha chikitsa can be useful in the treatment of cancer. Dashapushpa is a group of ten auspicious herbs according to Kerala tradition viz. Bhadra (Aerva lanata), Viparitha lajjalu (Biophytum sensitivum), Indravalli (Cardiospermum halicacabum, Musali (Curculiogo orchioides), Durva (Cynodon dactylon), Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba), Akhukarni (Emilia sonchifolia), Harikrantha (Evolvulus alsinoides), Lakshmana (Ipomea sepiarea) and Sahadevi (Vernonia cinerea).
CONCLUSION: Further detailed investigation of its pharmacological activity, toxicity, clinical trials and standardization of Dashapushpa may help to develop new formulation for controlling various types of cancers.
Keywords: Dashapushpa, Cancer, Visha, Traditional medicinal plant.

K.V. Prasad Babu has completed master’s degree in microbiology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Currently he is working as a research assistant in microbiology under the supervision of Dr. P. C. Latha at Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad, India.

Actinomycetes, has been routinely exploited in agriculture and industry because of their ability to produce a broad range of antibacterial, antifungal and plant growth regulatory metabolites. But the endophytic niche inside the plants occupied by actinomycetes is overlooked and relatively unexplored. Endophytic actinomycetes have recently been garnering attention for their ability to improve and promote the growth of host plants as well as in reducing disease symptoms through various mechanisms. In rice, there is a paucity of information on endophytic actinomycetes with plant growth promoting potential. Hence, in this study, the endophytic actinomycetes associated with the healthy leaves and roots of a drought tolerant rice genotype were isolated and assessed for their intrinsic plant growth promoting potential in addition to biocontrol and antioxidant activities.
The rich starch casein agar was found to be more suitable for isolation as it enabled growth of a higher diversity of actinomycetes than the tap water yeast extract medium while roots were observed to be a good habitat for actinomycetes than leaves. Eighteen isolates unique in their morphological characteristics like color of aerial mycelia, substrate mycelia, spore mass color, pigment production and colony size were selected and screened. Four isolates increased the germination percentage of inoculated seeds of rice variety Swarna when evaluated through in vitro germination studies. All eighteen isolates produced indole acetic acid ranging from 16.06 – 37.43 µg/ml. Sixteen isolates tested positive for siderophore production while three isolates demonstrated antagonism towards the rice pathogen Rhizoctonia solani. ACC deaminase activity which can aid in reducing stress ethylene production in plants were observed in six isolates. Culture filtrates of five isolates also exhibited antioxidant activity ranging from 9.49-24.88 µg ascorbic acid equivalents /ml as measured by ammonium molybdate reduction method indicating the potential of isolates to confer tolerance to plants experiencing oxidative distress caused by different biotic and abiotic stresses.
The isolates of actinomycetes showed great versatility in the production of bioactive metabolites with several isolates demonstrating multiple plant growth promoting mechanisms. The present study was able to successfully isolate endophytic actinomycetes with multiple plant growth promoting capabilities. With further studies, effective strains can be selected to be used as a component of integrated management systems for plant growth promotion, stress tolerance and pest management.

The poor, especially the rural community, has found it extremely difficult to locate alternate sources of income and employment opportunities, in the wake of their inadequate financial credibility. The recent economic perspectives on development have pointed towards the importance of micro finance in the empowerment of the rural community. One method of access to micro finance by the rural community, rural women in particular, is the Self Help Group-Bank linkage programme, where banks provide finance to the groups for undertaking economic activities. It is expected that the access of such institutional credit would bring in social, personal and financial empowerment of rural women. The present paper is an evaluation of the findings of the study undertaken to reveal the efficacy of SHG-bank linkage programme in rural women empowerment. The study was conducted during June 2012, in Mandya district to assess the economic activities undertaken, suggestions of the members and socio-economic and psychological characteristics of SHG members.
All the representative of women self help groups were interviewed. The findings of the study revealed that (86.00%) of the groups were formed into self help groups due to financial problems. Suggestions of the respondents such as quick release of loan, marketing facilities to be improved, training should be intensified with basic orientation as well as skill development, transport facilities to be provided for better marketing, providing infrastructure facilities for selected activity, supervision by higher authority. The socio-economic and psychological profile reveals that majority of the members were young age group (65.00%), literate (58.00%), nuclear family (76.50%), medium size family (77.00%) and married (92.00%). The predominant occupation was agriculture for their livelihood.
Keywords: SHG, micro-finance, empowerment, bank linkage.

Salinity in agricultural terms is the excess of salts above the level plant require. Most often it poses constrains in the growth hence productivity of the category of plants called glycophytes, wherein falls major crops, therefore is a serious concern, it is often recognized as excess of sodium ions that imparts life threatening consequences in plant due to mal-textured soil hindered porosity and aeration leads to physiological water deficit. Finger millet is an important minor cereal in the Indian subcontinent belonging to the Poaceae (Gramineae) family. Millets are small seeded grasses grown for food, feed or forage and cultivated mostlyin poor soil and dry conditions.
A simple regeneration protocol has been developed for finger millet tissue culture technique. A protocol for direct organogenesis was developed for this particular plant by inoculating the explant shoot tip on MS medium. Shoot tip was found to be the best responsive explants for direct organogenesis. Subsequently, it was found that 75% of explants produced shoots on MS media supplemented with BAP (2mg/L) and NAA (0.1mg/L). The shoots were produced after 5 days of inoculation. Direct organogenesis from the shoot tip gives a pure line which can be utilized in genetic improvement of this crop plant. Finger millet transgenics were developed by overexpressing the Arabidopsis pyrophosphatase gene (AVP1) for enhancing salt tolerance.
The shoot tip propagated plants are the stock for further production of large number of plant whenever necessary. This will cut down the conventional method of growing the crop by sowing and its subsequent growth. These plants grown by tissue culture technology can be preserved as germplasm.

Vinayaka has completed B.Tech (Ag. Engg.) from College of Agricultural Engineering, UAS, Raichur. Presently he is pursuing M.Tech (Ag. Engg.) in the Dept of Farm Power and Machinery from the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.

Rice-wheat (Oryza sativa L.-Triticum aestivum L.) rotation is the major production system in Asia, covering about 18 million ha. The rural population of India needs immediate relief measures through engineering for on farm trials of improved farm technologies and entrepreneurship development for employment opportunities. The zero till seed drills (single row and two row units) were identified and refined for size and weight reduction suiting to the requirements of farmers. Conservation tillage offers an economically attractive and ecologically sound system of improving internal resources, sustaining the system productivity and soil health. Since the total turnaround from rice to wheat is about one month, therefore any delay in previous operations will delay the wheat. Zero-tillage (ZT) along with drill-seeding has been promoted to overcome these problems. A 7-yr permanent plot study evaluated various tillage and crop establishment (CE) methods on soil physical properties with an aim to improve soil health and resource-use efficiency. Treatments included transplanting and direct-seeding of rice on flat and raised beds with or without tillage followed by wheat in CT and ZT soil. Bulk density (D_b) of the 10- to 20-cm soil layer was highest under puddled treatments (1.74–1.77 Mg m^-3) and lowest under ZT treatments (1.66–1.71 Mg m^-3). Likewise, soil penetration resistance (SPR) was highest at the 20-cm depth in puddled treatments (3.46-3.72 MPa) and lowest in ZT treatments (2.51–2.82 MPa). The yield varies under different treatments from 18.19 to 24.62 q/ha. Combining the factors of energy analysis, economic analysis and grain yield it can be concluded that Zero tillage treatment is one of the energy efficient and cost effective conservation tillage machinery system followed by strip till drill treatment.
Keywords: Zero till seed drill, conservation tillage, direct seeding, crop establishment.

Vishal R is a student of R.V College of Engineering, Bangalore pursuing Bachelor of Engineering in the course of Biotechnology. Vishal is a final year student, his area of interest being Food technology and is working on project related to yoghurt products.

Yoghurt is a coagulated milk product obtained from the lactic acid fermentation. The addition of the fruits and vegetables prior to the fermentation of the milk will enhance the taste, therapeutic and nutraceutical values of milk products. The relevance behind the enrichments is to ease the consumption of yoghurt, improve body health status by maintaining a favorable intestinal microbial profile, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and at the same time provide an optimal intake of bioactive components often with beneficial antioxidants. Antioxidant compounds in fruits as well as vegetables play an important role as a health protecting factor. Scientific evidence suggests that antioxidant trap free radicals thus averting cellular damage and reducing the chronic diseases including cancer and heart diseases. The study intended to evaluate the physicochemical property of yoghurt enriched with fruits and vegatables such as Tomato, Carrot and Capsicum. The enriched yoghurt was tested on parameters such as the Total Soluble Sugars (Carbohydrate Test), Total Proteins, Total Phenolics and Antioxidant Activity. The enriched yoghurt showed optimum results. Yoghurt has short shelf life and to overcome this, the enriched yoghurt was freeze dried. The powder obtained was reconstituted in water and was tested for the above mentioned properties. This was seen as an efficient way of not only maximizing shelf life but also retaining most of the physico-chemical properties. A sensory evaluation was conducted and there was a change observed in the overall taste, aroma, texture and appearance of the enriched yoghurt when compared to the plain yoghurt.

Lad Anuradha Subhashrao has completed her M.Sc. (Agri.) at the age of 24 years from Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra. She is PhD scholar of Dept. of Extension Education, VNMKV, Parbhani. She has published 11 research articles and 2 popular articles. She also awarded with ASPEE foundation Junior and Senior research fellow at M.Sc. and Ph.D. level. She has presented papers in 6 national conferences and 1 international conference

Television admittedly plays a very important role in imparting information to the audience. The value of any programme can only judged through audience response and their feed back.
The present investigation was conducted in Parbhani district in Marathwada region of Maharashtra State. Three talukas viz., Parbhani, Selu and Manwat were selected randomly by lottery method from the district. Four villages were randomly selected by lottery method from each taluka. Thus, total twelve villages were selected. Ten respondents who are seeing the programme ‘Amachi Mati Amachi Manse’ on Sahyadri channel regularly were selected randomly by lottery method from the list. Thus, there were a total of 120 respondents, from whom the data were collected.
It was observed that majority of the televiewers were from middle age, had education upto secondary level, medium family size, small size of land holding, medium annual income, farming as the major occupation, had medium social participation, medium extension contact, and medium cosmopoliteness.
As regards overall perceived effectiveness, it was noticed that majority of the televiewers were from ‘medium’ perceived effectiveness category.
The variables namely education, annual income, occupation, social participation, extension contact and mass media exposure were positively and significantly related with perceived effectiveness of agricultural programme ‘Amachi Mati Amachi Manse’.

The physico- chemical characteristics of rice grains are important indicators of grain yield. Grain quality characteristics were studied for fifteen promising hybrids along with its parents. Hulling percent ranged between 68.75 % to 88.70 %. The hybrids namely TS09 22 X CO 43, TS09 22 X CB05/501, TS09 22 X T1408.10, TS09 410 X ADT 38 and TS09 410 X WGL 14 had the highest values of hulling, milling and head rice recovery percentage. Highest kernel length of 5.80mm was observed in TS09 12 X CB05 911/884. The hybrids namely TS09 22 X T1408.10, TS09 28 X CO 43 categorized under the medium slender type. Cooking characters viz., Elongation ratio ranged from 1.24 to 1.57. Kernel length after cooking was high in the hybrid TS09 22 X G14. Among the parents, TGMS line TS09 22 had the medium slender type and G 14 had the highest L/B ratio and it falls under long slender type. Six hybrids namely TS09 22 X CO(R) 50, TS09 22 X CB05 /501, TS09 22 X T1408.10, TS09 22 X CB05 911/884, TS09 28 X CO 43 and TS09 410 X ADT 38 had the intermediate gelatinization temperature. Two hybrids exhibited soft gel consistency TS09 28 X CO 43 and TS09 410 X T360. GC ranged from 51.00mm to 72.50mm. Intermediate amylose content was seen in all hybrids. Rice hybrids with intermediate amylose content give soft and flaky rice. The hybrids TS09 22 X T1408.10, TS09 28 X CO 43, TS09 410 X ADT 38, TS09 22 X CB05 /501 had desirable quality parameters and appreciable grain yield.

D. Durgadevi is doing II year PhD (Plant Pathology) in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, doing research on Molecular profiling of defense related proteins in PGPR and Endophytic bacteria treated rice plants against Rhizoctonia solani. She got Ms. Rohne Paulene Agrochemicals award for securing highest credit point in the Major subject of Plant Pathology during her PG studies. She has also report a Newdisease, peduncle blight incited by Lasidiplodia theobromae and published in New disease reports international (BSPP) journal. She has also submitted more than 10 nucleotide sequences in NCBI database. She has also participated in national and international symposiums and presented her findings.

Peduncle blight, hitherto an unknown disease was found to be a major limiting factor to the cultivation of tuberose. Though Lasiodiplodia theobromae is a ubiquitous pathogen, its occurrence on tuberose is a new record in India. An experiment was conducted on tuberose plants to study the induction of various defense enzymes and phenols by the biocontrol agents viz., Pseudomonas fluorescens, Trichoderma viride and Bacillus subtilis under glasshouse condition. As a response of ISR, the activities of defense related enzymes viz., phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), peroxidase (PO) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were enhanced and the accumulation of phenols was also noticed in the tuberose upon challenge inoculation with Lasiodiplodia theobromae, the causal agent for peduncle blight in tuberose. The accumulation of phenol from the third day increased and attained a peak on six DAI. Treatment with consortial formulation of Trichoderma viridae (Tv1) + Bacillus subtilis (Bs10) challenged with the pathogen recorded maximum total phenol content on 6 DAI (428 µg/ g tissue). Native PAGE results showed the presence of the two isoforms of peroxidase (PO 1 and PO2) in plants treated with Pf1 + Bs10 upon challenge inoculation with the pathogen and in case of poly phenol oxidase the presence of two isoforms (PPO 1 and PPO2) in treated plants upon challenge inoculation with biocontrol agents except Bs10 which showed PPO2 only.

The experiment was conducted at the research farm of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering at Jalgaon (Jamod) to examine change of pressure on discharge variation along with the efficiency of drip irrigation in term of emission uniformity. For the study, aspect was considered, regarding the space between the two drippers with two different diameters of laterals. Two diameters viz 12 mm and 16 mm were used with the dripper spacing of 15 cm and 20 cm and four pressure vizs 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 and 1.5 kg/cm2. The system was operated for 1 hr. considering water requirement of major crops in Jalgaon (Jamod).The study revealed that the discharge was increased as pressure increased. Out of two diameters and spacings best results were obtained for16 mm lateral with spacing of 20 cm. For 4 lph dripper, the recommended discharge was obtained at 1.0 kg/cm2 pressure. The values of x were ranges between 0.1 to 0.2. The value of CV was found to be excellent i.e. < 5 % in most of the cases the EU was maximum for 16 mm lateral with 20 cm spacing at 1.5 kg/cm2.

The assessment of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) incidence in three citrus species, Khasi mandarin (Citrus reticulata), Assam lemon (Citrus limon) and Rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri) of North eastern (NE) region of India was done by Double antibody sandwich ELISA (DAS-ELISA) detection. 827 samples were collected from a total of eight districts from the four important citrus producing states of the region viz. Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Nagaland. An overall CTV disease incidence of 52.39 % was estimated in the region with higher incidences in old orchards. CTV incidence was in range of 48.06 – 58.32 per cent in the surveyed states. Among the three species under study, Assam lemon orchards reported higher CTV incidence (56.50%) compared to Khasi mandarin (50.51%) and Rough lemon (50.16%). Eight CTV isolates from the North Eastern (NE) region of India were characterized based on sequence analysis of coat protein (CP) gene. The isolates were amplified by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the amplicons were cloned and sequenced. CP genes of the present CTV isolates shared 95- 99% nt identity among them. Of the eight NE CTV isolates analysed, seven isolates AP3, AP5, JRT1, JRT5, N1, N15 and TK1 were found to be phylogenetically related to each other and grouped together in a distinct NE genogroup. One CTV isolate TK 5 was different from other seven NE isolates but it showed similarity to isolates from Hawaii, Darjeeling hills and Delhi region. Though diversity exists among the CTV isolates of the region, majority of isolates formed a genetically distinct NE group.

AKU-10-1 is a high yielding genotype of urdbean (Vigna mungo (L.)) derived through hybridization followed by pedigree selection method from a cross of TAU-1 x AKU-18-1. It is early (70 days) and synchronous maturity with medium bold grain size (4.3 g per 100 seed). This genotype found resistant to Macrophomina blight and moderately tolerant to powdery mildew. Based on the performance in various State and University trials this genotype was found to be superior by 26.68%, 28.66% and 21.26 per cent over the existing check TAU1, AKU 15 and TPU 4 respectively in Vidarbha region. Similarly in Maharashtra it was found to be superior by 17.27%, 18.13% and 13.02% over the existing check TAU1, AKU 15 and TPU 4 respectively. Therefore the genotype AKU 10-1 was pre released for Kharif cultivation in Maharashtra.

Abbasi presently working as a research scholar at the Department of Botany, section of plant pathology and nematology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh and actively involve in bio control management of nematodes, particucularly in leguminous crops.

The experiment was conducted under pot conditions to evaluate the damage potential of Meloidogye incognita against Vigna radiata at different inoculum levels, by inoculating 200, 400, 800 and 1600 J2/2kg soil. The results showed that the number of galls, egg masses per root system and gall size increased as the inoculum level increased from 200 to 1600 J2. The threshold level of inoculum was (800 J2) at which rate of reproduction of nematode was increased and prominent symptoms were developed. Plant growth parameters including plant length, fresh weight, dry weight, leaf area, nodule number were significantly decreased at 800 inoculum level along with the decrease in number of pods, seeds and seed weight. Fly ash was added @ 15%, 30%, 45% and 60% into the soil, and 15% fly ash amendment found to be most effective which probably acted as a stimulant for growth and yield of Vigna radiata in nematode infested soil.
Keywords: Meloidogyne incognita, Vigna radiata, Fly ash.

The present study entitled “Correlates of adoption of vegetables by tribal farmers of Keonjhar district of Odisha” was under-taken with a view to find out the socio-economic profile of tribal vegetable farmers; to find out the relationship between the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents with the vegetable adoption and rejection. Further an attempt was made to identify the constraints that hinder the vegetable adoption by the tribal farmers. Accordingly Suggestions were collected from field level & formulation of suitable strategies for comprehensive study in near future. The number of respondents of the study was 145 tribal vegetable farmers of Keonjhar district. The data collected through a pre-tested structured interview schedule with employment of appropriate statistical measures for analysis and interpretation of the data. The major findings of the study from the socio-economic profile were majority of the tribal farmers belonged to young age category(44.82 percent).Most of the respondents were illiterate(51.72 percent),having big & joint family(57.24 percent and 60 percent respectively),and less social participation(74.48 percent).Being traditionals, Most of the respondents were localite in nature(56.55 percent). Out of the sample only 18.62 percent farmers had vegetable trading as second livelihood option. The education land holding size, family size ,outward orientation, housing pattern, occupation, social participation, ownership right, holding size, savings status and annual income are significantly correlated with adoption behaviour at 5 percent level of significance but age, family type, credit status have not significantly correlated with adoption behaviour. Out of all vegetables chilli placed 1st Rank followed by tomato & okra. Out of the sample 51.48 percent were using local varieties of vegetables due to their culture & trait; 54.48 percent were using chemicals for seedling & root dip treatment. Due to illiteracy, most of the farmers were following broadcasting method (53.80 percent) in seed sowing and most of them using their own way (46.89 percent) in seed rate innovations by neglecting scientific methods. Out of the sample 48.25 percent farmers were maintaining plant to plant distance in planting. In fertilizer innovation 40 percent farmers using nitrogen as major fertilizer by using 55.89 percent green manure and 44.11 percent were using FYM. From farm mechanization point of view they were adopting both hand operated & machine operated equipments. From all total 54.48 percent farmers were using rose cane for watering and 67.58 percent were using hand sprayer. A total of 33.10 percent respondents were using IPM & IDM packages due to influence of goverment/NGOs. Vermi-Compost and Amrit Pani, a typical ITK was adopted by19.31 percent of the respondents. A total of 14.48 percent of respondents had rejected stubble burning in field preparation and rejection of Guamal variety of pumpkin (44.82 percent), VNR seed of okra (33.79 percent) and BT brinjal variety (57.24 percent) in varietal adoption, seed treatment by captain (17.24 percent), line sowing (33.79 percent), row to row planting in cole crops (40 percent), flood irrigation in root crops, chilly and leafy vegetables. (28.96 percent), wooden plough as implement (29.66percent), hand weeding (11.72 percent) in intercultural operation, plucking of fully matured vegetables (15.86 percent),traditional preservation (32.41 percent) in post harvest technology, use of endosulfan & DDT (86.20 percent), and use of pheromone traps and tricho cards (40 percent) perceived as final. Discontinuance was found in seed treatment by Gammaxene and Danadar (86.89 percent) and in variety Namdhari seed (hybrid) of bittergourd (32.41percent). The respondents were of view that ignorance & negligence by govt. (42.25 percent) were main social constraints, severe weed infestation (86.89 percent), more disease & pest attack (82.06 percent), in sufficient skill (31.72 percent) were main technological constraints. Poor quality seed (29.65 percent), unreasonable seed price (20 percent), unavailable of required fertilizer (17.24 percent) were main constraints of input supply, No support price for vegetable crop input (26.20 percent), insufficient credit facility (21.37 percent), lack of easy disposal of produce (16.55 percent) were main economical and policy support constraints. Insufficient training (21.37 percent), no exposure visits (17.24 percent) and lack of information (15.86 percent) in advisory service were constraints, harassment in payment (20 percent), lack of storage facility (46.89 percent), lack of processing industries (31.03 percent), lack of transport facilities (22.06 percent) were main miscellaneous constraints, Inadequate govt. support and guidance (46.89 percent) was organizational constraint.
Keywords: Adoption, Correlation, Discontinuance, Rejection, Constraints, Strategy, Socio-Economic status, FYM, NGO, IPM, IDM, ITK, BT.

A tractor drawn roto drill cum herbicide applicator was developed during 2012-13, at College of Agricultural Engineering, Bapatla, India. It was developed for adaption of minimum till technology and timeliness of operations by reducing the number of passes during tillage, sowing and herbicide application operations. The roto drill cum herbicide applicator was a combination of rotovator, seed hopper (Trough feed type) and rocker sprayer pump. It performs tillage, sowing and herbicide application simultaneously in single pass of tractor. It was found that the total time required for performing the three operations (tillage, sowing and herbicide application) with developed roto drill cum herbicide applicator was 3.68 h ha-1 which was 26% less when compared with the time required for performing the three operations individually. Also the seed rate was observed to be 25.33 kg ha-1 for paddy and 19.02 kg ha-1 for maize. The application rate and spray angle of herbicide applicator was 321.35 l ha-1 and 36.52⁰ respectively. The total cost of operation for roto drill cum herbicide applicator was found to be Rs 641 hr-1. While the individual costs of operation for tillage, sowing and herbicide application were Rs 571, 540 and 95 hr-1 respectively. It was revealed that the cost of operation for roto drill cum herbicide applicator was 46.72% less when compared with costs of individual operations.

Colocasia is one of the most important tuber crop in Kabirdham district in terms of high profit with low cost of cultivation. In view of this a present study seeks to examined (i) the pattern of growth in area, production and productivity of colocasia of district and Chhattisgarh State, (ii) the costs and return of colocasia among the sample farms of the study area, and (iii) the major constraints in production and marketing of colocasia of the farmers in the study area. The study was confined to Kabirdham district of Chhattisgarh state. Two blocks of district namely Kawardha and Lohara were randomly selected and from each select block, two villages were considered. Totally, 60 colocasia growers were randomly selected that comprised of 6, 18, 25 and 11 farms of marginal, small, medium and large size of holdings, respectively.
The empirical findings of the study revealed that the average farm size of holding of colocasia growers was 2.77 hectares, which was dominated by rice cultivation in Kharif and wheat in Rabi. Colocasia being the second most important crop cultivated in both the seasons i.e., kharif and rabi. Overall, cropping intensity of sample farms was 227.80 per cent among the sample farms. The cost of cultivation of colocasia was Rs/ha 48515.10, which comprised of labour cost (49.08%) and required 268.31 man days for cultivation of colocasia. Overall, yield of colocasia was 96.54 q/ha and obtained the gross return of Rs/ha 170671.29. Overall, the B.C. ratio was registered to be 2.52 with average net return was Rs/ha 122156 in cultivation of colocasia. Overall, growth rate in production of colocasia was 14.62 per cent of the state and attributed with increase in area of 11.92 per cent and growth in yield of 3.83 per cent. Farmers elicitation with regards to production constraints were lack of technical knowhow, non-availability of improved/hybrid varieties of seed and lack of efficient/skilled labour. The marketing constraints lieu on low and improper price of produce reported by 63.33 per cent farmers followed by lack of transportation (28.83%) and lack of marketing news & intelligence (21.67%), respectively. To combat over the problems of cultivation and marketing of colocasia, it is being suggested that should establish the farmers’ cooperative societies to sale their produce, which will reduce the role of commission agent, improve the storage facilities and use of improve/hybrid seeds. Looking to high profit in colocasia cultivation should encourage the farmers to grow colocasia in more area.

Comparative biology and feeding potential of C. carnea on aphid reared on Bt cotton hybrids (MECH 12 Bt and MECH 162 Bt), non Bt hybrids (NTCH 1482 and NHH 44), and on eggs of Corcyra cephalonica was studied in the laboratory during 2005-06 to understand the effect of Bt gene of cotton on a generalist predator, Chrysoperla carnea via aphids fed on the cotton. Observations on duration of the larval instars of the predator, predatory potential of each instar, total grub period, pupal period, egg period, fecundity and hatching showed no significant differences among the Bt and non-Bt treatments, suggesting no negative effect of Bt Cry 1 Ac gene on the predator.

The bell pepper (Capsicum annum L. Var. Grossum Sendt.; 2n = 24) is commonly known as sweet pepper, bell pepper, Capsicum or green pepper. Bell pepper is an important commercial vegetable that gives maximum profit to farmers. Plant density and nutrient management play an important role in growth and development of any crop including bell pepper. Therefore an experiment was conducted to find the effect of spacings and different levels of fertilizers on growth and yield of bell pepper under shade net condition. The experiment was conducted at Horticulture garden, RARS, Raichur during kharif, 2008.The experiment was analyzed by split plot design. There was increase in leaf area index with advancing age of crop and reached the highest value at 90 day after transplanting. Higher chlorophyll content of leaves were noticed in medium spacing S₂. Lower chlorophyll content of leaves was recorded in the treatment F₁. Higher fruit weight was recorded in wider spacing (45 cm x 45 cm) because of translocation of available photosynthates to the sink which has increased the weight of individual fruit. Average weight of fruit was maximum in wider spacing S₁ at all the stages. Among levels of fertilizer least average weight of fruit was noticed in F₁ treatment. Average weight of fruits was maximum at initial stage. Maximum weight of fruit was in F₆ treatment. Among interactions, S₁ at F₆ recorded higher average weight of fruits.

Cotton is the most important commercial fibre crop worldwide. The Bt transgenic hybrids introduced for cultivation in 2002, since Bt cotton has steadily prevailed over India’s cotton fields. Beginning years less than 40% seeds used were hybrids. Now almost 92% of the cotton cultivation area is under Bt Cotton. The data, based on estimates for the year 2011-12, shows that out of total area of 121.78 lakh hectares under cotton cultivation and production 353 lakh bales in India. Most of the cotton growing fields in the states of India have multi-nutrient deficiency and more attention is required for better nutrient management practices as cotton is one of the most nutrient exhaustive crops. Although, it contributed significantly to productivity and production increases, average productivity levels are still found low in our country compared to world average. Poor soil fertility is one major constraint in achieving potential yield levels. A deficiency of at least a single nutrient is most common and in most of the cases it is a multiple nutrient deficiency. A nutrient balance can be maintained by foliar application which provides a method of delivering fundamental nutrients at key growth stages when the plant can utilize them the most. The nutrients are taken into the foliage and transported to all parts of the plant in a short period of time. Soil-applied nutrients depend upon moisture to dissolve the fertilizer, and much of those nutrients are tied up in the soil. In the case of foliar application of fertilizers, the nutrients are supplied directly to where they are required. For this reason nutrients supply by this method is considerably more effective with soil fertilization. The results from vast experiments conducted on the Indian cotton cultivars and the hybrid cultivars, indicate it is not sustainable to rely on single nutrients. Among the nutrient management options, foliar fertilizers are an effective additional means of supplying sudden demands with soil fertilization. Foliar application of nutrients improves vegetative growth during stress situations and also during rest period after good flush of heavy flowering and boll set by providing additional nutrients through foliar application. It also improves yield by efficient utilization of nutrients by cotton and prevents square drop, improving boll setting, enhance boll development & boll weight, for improving lint quality and pest and disease tolerance. The BT Cotton Hybrids can be quickly rejuvenated for second and third phase of vegetative flush, square formation and boll development for getting one or more cycles of yield by foliar application of macro and micro nutrient mixtures. Based on experimentations on foliar application of major and micronutrients in addition to soil application, it can be concluded that Bt cotton has a significant response to foliar spray of major and micronutrients at flowering and boll development stages for realizing higher seed cotton yield, highest net returns, cost benefit ratio is highly favorable and economically benefits under arid and semi-arid condition of India.

Srijan Ambati is presently doing M.Sc. agriculture at College of Agriculture, ANGRAU in department of genetics and plant breeding. He completed his B.Sc. agriculture from the same college.

TAATT Service stands for Tele Agricultural Advisory And Technology Transfer Service. It is a virtual technical support provided by concerned institution (GOVT./NGO) to the farmers. It is mainly intended to perform two main functions viz., agriculture advisory and technology transfer.
Advisory services are provided upon the farmer`s request. This operation is done using a smart phone through video call where in farmer gives input information of present situation of his field/crop/produce reporting some problem which may be agronomic, physiological, entomological, pathological, soil related aspects etc. in form of video which helps to assess the situation and provide necessary recommendations. As such this could bridge feasibility gaps in situations like remote location of the farmer, insufficient staff, lack of time in field visits etc. It is definitely an improved method over the existing kisan call centres (KCC) which provide advisory services through voice calls, as the communication gap which may be either due to insufficient / inefficient conveyance of information or wrong perception of the farmer is bridged by a supporting video input.
Transfer of technology is done mostly by SMS (short message service) or through a pre- recorded voice message. This cannot serve the purpose perfectly as such providing the same as MMS (multimedia messaging service) video is more beneficial for technology dessimination. In case of any queries, by video calling, the farmer can feel virtual technical support to be more promising. This is more helpful to department of agriculture in providing assured technical support at farmer`s door step.
As all the farmers may not afford a smart phone with a video call facility. So this approach can be made feasible to the farmers by making use of model farmer of the village who is nominated by the government. He is the person to take lead in adopting new technology in the village by which others also rely on technology and adopt that is what seeing in believing. Thus a farmer community is formed and collectively they adopt the technology.

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is the premier pulse and oil seed crop in India. Weed infestation in soybean is one of the major hurdles which limit its productivity to a greater extent. A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2010 at College of Agriculture, Navile, Shivamogga, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru. The experiment was consisted 11 treatments laid out in RCBD with three replication consisting one pre and three post emergent herbicides compared with two hand weeding at 20 and 40 days after sowing and weedy check. The dominant weed flora associated with experimental field were Celosia argentia, Acanthospermum hispidum, Commelina benghalensis, Borreria articularis, Parthenim hystrophorus, Cleome viscosa, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Cynodon dactylon, Eleusine indica, Digitaria marginata and Cyperus rotundus. Significantly higher grain and straw yield was noticed ( 23.12 and 35.83 q ha-1) in clethodim 24 % EC @ 60 g a. i. ha-1 along with NIS + AMS this is on a par with the application of clethodim 24 % EC @ 48 g a. i. ha-1 along with NIS + AMS ( 21.72 and 33.99 q ha-1). This yield was mainly attributed to better expression of growth and yield components as a result of effective weed control of weeds during early stages of crop growth and it helped the crop to utilize available resources i.e., nutrients, moisture, space and light to the full extent. The higher nutrient uptake by crop was recorded with the application of clethodim 24 % EC @ 60 g a. i. ha-1 along with NIS + AMS (129.47, 23.53 and 105.90 kg ha-1 N, P and K, respectively) and application of clethodim 24 % EC @ 48 g a. i. ha-1 along with NIS + AMS (115.48, 22.87 and 100.40 kg ha-1 N, P and K, respectively) compare to other treatments. Whereas, higher nutrient uptake by weeds was recorded in unweeded check (32.03, 8.80 and 36.20 kg ha-1N, P and K, respectively).

V Sandeep Varma has completed his M. Sc (Ag) in the discipline of Seed Science and Technology at the age of 23 years from ANGRAU. He has published more than 8 papers in reputed international and national journals and 10 popular articles in telugu language. His research work was presented in two international, three national level seminars. At present he is working as Teaching Associate in Ratnapuri Agricultural Polytechnic College, Medak.

Studies on “Maize Seed Yield and Seed Quality Response to Sowing Date during spring in Andhra Pradesh” was carried out under field conditions at SRTC, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during 2012-13. Female (BML 6) and male (BML 7) parents of DHM 117 were sown at fortnightly intervals (from second fortnight of September to second fortnight of December) in 4:1 row ratio in RBD with three replications. Sowing in September second fortnight and October first fortnight recorded significantly more rows cob-1 (16.2 and 15.9), more seeds row-1 (33.1 and 30.7), cob yield plant-1 (120.01 g and 113.36 g), high seed yield plant-1 (92.98 g and 87.09 g) and bold seeds (30.40 g and 29.08 g). At the same time, high germination (96 %) along with long roots (17.1 cm), shoots (12.6 cm), seedling dry weight (0.39 g) and seedling length (29.6 cm) coupled with higher seedling vigour index (SVI I - 2842 and SVI II - 37.5) and field emergence (85 %) was observed during September second fortnight. From the above results, it was concluded that September second fortnight and October first fortnight sowings were better for achieving high seed yield besides realising quality seed.
Keywords: Maize, Sowing dates, Seed yield and Seed quality.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2010 at Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra, Bangalore to evaluate pre and post emergent herbicides for control of weeds in pigeonpea, with four herbicide formulations and combinations along with hand weeding twice at 25 and 50 DAS, weed free check and weedy check. The results of the experiment revealed that pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1 + one hand weeding at 50 DAS recorded significantly lower weed population and weed dry weight and higher grain yield (1281 kg ha-1) which was on par with alachlor @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 + one hand weeding at 50 DAS . The uptake of nutrients by pigeonpea was higher in pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1 + one hand weeding at 50 DAS which was on par with alachlor @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 + one hand weeding at 50 DAS. While weedy check recorded higher nutrient uptake by weeds. Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1 + one hand weeding at 50 DAS and alachlor @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 recorded higher net returns as well as benefit cost ratio.

Pepper fruit anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum capsici is an economically important disease that cause serious yield loss and often post harvesting quality deterioration in many Asian countries. The chilli varieties LCA 235, LCA334 and G-4 characteristically studied and these three varieties are most sustain verities implementation from the present verities by the inoculation methods at various spores suspension level (≈500 spores μl and ≈300 spores μl ) chilli anthracnose cause agent Colletotrichum capsici sample collect from different area for different chillies treatments. After inoculation period we can justified by Koch’s postulates proof of pathogenicity by the PCR detection from agar culture. The results revealed that these isolates could be differentiated in pathogenecity. These three chilli varieties were treated with different spore suspension of Anthracnose. C.capsici at various inoculation methods. Eg: LCA 235IT1 /≈500 spores μl, LCA 235 IT2/≈500 spores μl LCA 235IT1/≈300 spores μl, LCA 235 IT2/≈300 spores μl Continued up to G 4 III T5/≈500 spores μl and G 4 III T5/≈300 spores μl. After inoculation period we can justified by Koch’s postulates proof of pathogenicity by the PCR detection from agar culture. The results revealed that these isolates could be differentiated in pathogenicity by the disease score the fruits are scored on 0-10 scale severity for spray inoculation. Although the management and central of Anthrancnose disease are still being extensively researched commercial culture of capsicum annum that are resistant to the pathogen, that cause chilies Anthracnose have not yet been developed. The result of this study revealed that isolates of Colletotrichum capsici were differed from physiological character. Most isolates of C. capsici were expressed the compatible interaction to G4 and LCA334 variety. It can be suggested that this variety were susceptible to all isolate of C. capsici. Other chilli variety LCA235 reacted to most isolates was not distinct. The plant which shows disease resistant or susceptible depends on genotypes of variety. The study on resistance to disease should be based on knowledge of infection, and pathogenicity of the fungus. Even though the result of this study could not be concluded which variety was susceptible or resistant to anthracnose, but it is the basis for further investigation on resistance induction by various plant inducers among these chilli varieties.

Anitha Pauline is doing her PhD in Agricultural Extension at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India. This research was done during her Master Degree Programme in the year 2012 in Madurai District of Tamil Nadu. She is receiving Maulana Azad National Fellowship 2012-13 which is sponsored by UGC (University Grants Commission). She has presented quite a few papers in National & International Conference and published few articles in journals.

Farm mechanization is considered to be one of the several pathways of agricultural development. In modern agricultural practices, mechanization of farm is needed from the view point of profitability of agriculture. A farming system cannot sustain with the traditional machinery. The mechanization of farm is also inductive to the diversification of the cropping system. A main objective of the study was to assess the awareness level of farm implements and machineries in paddy cultivation. The study was conducted in three villages at the rate of one village per block of Madurai district in Tamil Nadu namely Vadipatti, Maduari East and Melur. The sample size consisted of 100 respondents. The awareness of the respondents with respect to 22 recommended farming operation machineries, implements and equipments was enquired. Data were collected through pre-tested interview schedule. The data were statistically analysed using percentage analysis, cumulative frequency. The results of the study revealed that large number of respondents had medium to high level of awareness about paddy farm implements and machineries recommended for paddy cultivation. The result showed that 54.00 per cent had medium level of awareness followed by high (32.00%) and low (14.00%) levels of awareness of about farm implements and machineries.

An investigation was carried out on morphological and molecular characterization of sapota using RAPD markers during 2012-2013 at Horticultural Research Station, Venkataramannagudem. Among the different cultivars evaluated cv. CO-1 recorded maximum plant height (6.80 m), whereas, maximum stem circumference (88.67 cm) and shoot girth (4.17 cm), were observed with cv. DHS-1. Significantly maximum plant spread and shoot length was obtained with cv. DHS-2 (8.73 north-south), Cricket Ball (25.60 cm) respectively. More number of flowers per shoot was noticed in cv. CO-1 (15.33). Cultivars pala and Cricket Ball (ARSA) took minimum days for flower opening (34.13 days) and fruit set (24.00), respectively. The cultivar PKM-1 recorded significantly maximum per cent fruit set (29.50%) and number of fruits per tree (2450). Significantly maximum fruit diameter (5.96 cm) was observed with cv. CO-2, while, maximum fruit length (6.64 cm) and fruit weight (133.41 g) was recorded with cv. CO-1. Significantly higher content of total soluble solids was observed with DHS-1 (23.90 ° B), whereas, cv. CO-1 recorded lower content of acidity (0.126%). Maximum number of seeds per fruit was noticed with cv. DHS-2 (4.14).
The study was also conducted to find out the genetic diversity among 31 accessions (comprising of 19 cultivars, 6 landraces and 6 hybrids) of sapota using PCR based Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Among 20 random decamer primers screened, seven gave consistent banding patterns. These primers yielded 48 markers which were selected for the estimation of genetic diversity using UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetical Averages) cluster analysis having Jaccard’s Co-efficient of similarity matrix. Results indicated a moderate to high genetic diversity among 31 genotypes, which are distributed between the ranges of 35 to100 per cent. Genotypes are categorized into two distinctive groups based on fruit characteristics (shape) and canopy shape and hybrids are distributed based on fruit shape, growth habit, parentage and bearing habit, which made two distinctive groups. The cluster analysis revealed that all round and oval shape fruit bearing genotypes are genetically closely related, while, oblong shape fruit bearing genotypes are genetically more diverse from them as they grouped together in different cluster.

Embedded devices creating a great imprint in control and monitoring a greenhouse environment in agriculture field. Greenhouse environment is a vital role in greenhouse management and production of crops. To monitor and control greenhouse environment parameters like temperature, humidity, soil moisture effectively. The objective of this project has designed a modest, easy to mount, microcontroller based to monitoring and recording the morals of temperature, humidity and soil moisture that are repeatedly monitored and controlled in order to enhance them to achieve extreme growth of plant and yield.The controller used is a low power, cost efficient chip manufactured by ARM Microprocessor. It connects with the different sensor modules in real-time in order to control the light, freshening and the drainage process efficiently inside a greenhouse by actuating a chiller, fogger, dripper and lights respectively according to the necessary condition of the crops. A unified Liquid crystal display (LCD) is also used for real time display of data gather from the different sensors and the status of the different devices. If the temperature is increased the buzzer (alarm) is activated. The use of easily accessible components reduces the manufacturing and maintenance costs. This makes the proposed system to be an economical, convenient and a low maintenance resolution for greenhouse applications, specifically in rural areas and for small scale agriculturists.

Nitrogen is one of the major essential elements for crop growth and development and is extensively used in modern agriculture to maximize crop yields. The identification of genotypes with efficient nitrogen capture and utilization ability would reduce production cost and nitrogen-pollution risks. The study of regulatory mechanisms controlling nitrogen uptake, assimilation and recycling is essential to identify marker traits controlling nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) under low and high input systems in maize (Zea mays L.). The objective of this study was to understand various physiological and biochemical attributes associated with NUE and simultaneously to study the differences in response pattern between maize genotypes (parents and their derived hybrid) at both high and low nitrogen levels. Application of nitrogen significantly increased the content of various biochemical constituents (total soluble sugars, total soluble proteins, activity of nitrate reductase (NR), glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamine oxoglutarate aminotransferase (also known as glutamate synthase) (GOGAT) and PEP(phosphoenol pyruvate) carboxylase enzymes being maximum at RDN (recommended dose of nitrogen)+50% in maize genotypes. There was a decreasing trend in NUE values with increasing fertilizer rates in maize genotypes. The high NUE and high grain yield for hybrid PMH1 as compared to their parents (LM 13, LM 14) was attributable to high photosynthetic capacity associated with increased activity of PEP carboxylase enzyme and high nitrogen metabolic efficiency that was associated with increased activity of nitrogen metabolism enzymes (NR, GS and GOGAT) to reallocate the surplus of absorbed nitrogen to the grain (more nitrogen harvest index).
Keywords: GOGAT, grain yield, GS, maize, NR, NUE, PEP carboxylase.

The present investigation was carried out at two villages of Karra and Angara block of Khuntiand, Ranchi district during February to June-2013. This investigation was completed through questionnaire and personal interview among the selected farmers. This study was targeted for the trained and untrained lac cultivators. In this study, a total 60 farmers of lac cultivation were selected. The study revealed that lac cultivation was the main source of income for tribal area. In this report, it is found that the trained farmers were doing well in production of lac in comparison to untrained farmers. Host utilization has been found to increase significantly after training of lac growers in comparison to untrained lac-growers for all the three hosts, viz. Palas (Butea monosperma), Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana) and Kusum (Schleichera oleosa). Farmers got training from various institutes and earned higher income from lac cultivation. More employment generation and increase in net returns was observed in lac cultivation on all the three hosts for trained lac-growers. Scientific methods of lac cultivation provide high income and reduce the migration problem.
Keywords: Cost, Host plants, Impact, Income, Lac cultivation, Tribals.

Arun Chavan has pursuing his PhD at the age of 26 years in Dept. Genetics Plant Breeding from Banaras Hindu University and has completed his post graduation from Jawahar Nehru Agriculture University, Jabalpur (M.P.). He has published 4 papers in reputed journals and participated many in national and international conferences/ workshops and trainings. He has also awarded with ICAR-NET in 2013.

Jatropha curcas belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae is one of the important multipurpose plants. It is a rich source of hydrocarbons. The seeds contain 28-40% of semidrying oil at 7% moisture. The convertibility of oil into bio diesel by trans-esterification and its quality attracted world attention. The non edible quality and various coagent reasons brought this species to lime light is under plantation in more than 70 countries across the subtropical. It is a monocious species; flowers are unisexual but occasionally hermaphrodite also occurs. The floral traits like number of main and co-florescence, ratio of male and female flower, pollen fertility etc. directly affect the yield of plant. Therefore an attempt has been made to study the inheritance and understands the floral biology of interspecific hybrids of Jatropha. Dindori x Int, Dindori R-II x Int and SFRI-1 x Int were found to be of protandrous type whereas in other plants (95% plants) the maturation of female was earlier. The highest ratio of male /female flower on co-florescence was exhibited by cross Jc-37 x F₁ (16) (7:1) whereas, lowest was exhibited by cross Jc-5 x F₁ (43), Jc-7 x F₁ (16), Jc-14 x F₁ (16) and Jc-15 x F₁ (16) (4:1). The cross 110 x Int and Jc-37 x Int exhibit four desirable floral traits. Plants from crosses 110 x Int and Jc-37 x Int are identified as most potential plus trees, which can be simultaneously utilized with other promising hybrids in convergence breeding to enhance the yield potential.

P. Ashok has completed his PhD at the age of 26 years from Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Pusa, New Delhi. He is working as Scientist in AICRP on Tuber Crops, HRS, Dr. YSRHU, Venkataramannagudem. He has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals.

A field study was conducted during 2010 to investigate the effect of plant growth regulators viz., NAA, Ethrel and GA₃ at different concentrations 250 ppm, 350 ppm and 450 ppm and at different spacings 30 x 20 cm and 40 x 20 cm on vegetative growth and flower yield of African marigold cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda. The results revealed that GA₃ and NAA had promotive effect on vegetative character like plant height. Ethrel suppressed plant height and enhanced plant spread and number of laterals. GA₃ at 350 ppm advanced flowering, increased flower diameter and flower yield. Ethrel at 350 ppm increased number of flowers per plant and reduced flower diameter and flower weight. Among spacings, 30 x 20 cm enhanced plant height, inter nodal length and reduced plant spread, number of laterals, number of flowers, flower weight, flower size and yield per plant. Spacing of 40 x 20 cm enhanced the flower size, fresh flower weight, number of flowers and flower yield.
Keywords: African marigold, growth, plant growth regulators, spacings and yield.

B R Raju has completed his PhD at the age of 27 years from University of Agricultural Science and pursing postdoctoral studies from same the University at Dept. Crop Physiology. This laboratory is well equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for carrying out contemporary research at the international level. His major focus of research is on development of rice cultivar suitable for semi irrigated aerobic condition (Growing rice in water limited environments like wheat). He has publication in national and international journals.

Saving water and enhancing yield potentials of rice are perhaps the two greater challenges that need to be addressed to achieve food security in the years to come. Though semi irrigated aerobic cultivation has emerged as a promising strategy, suitable rice cultivars need to be developed to sustain productivity. Introgression of several distinct traits like water mining and water use efficiency (WUE) on to a single elite genetic background is needed while developing aerobic worthy rice cultivars. A focused molecular breeding is emerging as promising approach.
A set of diverse 173 indica rice accessions were phenotyped for root traits in root structures and WUE using carbon isotope discrimination. The significant variability in these traits was consistent across seasons, indicating a strong genetic control. Further, assessment of molecular diversity using SSR markers (291) detected a total of 2,615 alleles with an average of 8.95 allele per locus and an average PIC value of 0.6, indicating a high molecular diversity. Population structure analysis identified six main subgroups which corresponded to the diversity analysis derived from dissimilarity index. Using mixed linear model, a total of 108 significant marker trait associations (MTAs) were found, out of which 51 MTAs were highly significant (P<0.01), which comprised of 24 markers for root traits, 10 for yield and 17 for physiological traits. Many of these markers were found to be located in regions where QTLs had previously been identified using QTL mapping. These markers are being validated using trait specific mapping population.

Basavaraj has completed B.Tech (Ag. Engg.) from College of Agricultural Engineering, UAS, Raichur. Presently he is pursuing M.Tech (Ag. Engg.) in the Dept of Farm Power and Machinery from the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. He has been awarded JRF fellowship.

Paddy transplanting is highly labour intensive operation and requires around 238 man-h/ha. Shortage of manual labour led to introduction of paddy transplanters in the country. A self-propelled, riding type, 8 row self propelled rice transplanter was tested for its feasibility in flat lands as well as in slopy and terraced lands. The operation of the transplanter revealed that it needs fairly plain land where uniform depth of standing water could be maintained. There was the need of one hard pan in the field where transplanter could be operated smoothly. The operation of transplanter needed bigger plots of land for operation and in case of irregular shapes of lands like in terraces; lot of land was left un-transplanted with the machine, which needs to be filled by manual transplanting so that total area could be utilized for taking the crop. The performance of the mechanical transplanter was quite satisfactory. For the flat land operations, the field capacity, field efficiency and fuel consumption of the transplanter were 0.19 ha/hr, 78 per cent and 6.25 l/ha, respectively. Cost of mechanical transplanting was Rs.789/ha as compared to Rs.1625/ha in case of manual transplanting whereas for the operation in slopy lands, the field capacity, field efficiency and fuel consumption of the transplanter were 0.123 ha/h, 78 per cent and 6.5 l/ha, respectively. Cost of mechanical transplanting was Rs.1554/ha as compared to Rs.2675/ha in case of manual transplanting, provided the machines are used for their maximum usage of 90 hectares in a year. As the usage of the machine in terms of number of hectares/year decreases, the cost of operation increases. Grain yield in both manual and mechanical transplanting remained on par with mean grain yield of 41.4 and 34.8 q/ha, respectively.
Keywords: Self-propelled rice transplanter, field capacity, fuel consumption.

Bathineni Vimala is working as Senior Research Fellow at Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad. Recently completed M.Sc. Horticulture, earlier worked in Kisan Call Centre clarifying the farmers problems through phone. China aster is one of the important loose flower as well as cut flower grown in Andhra Pradesh by many of the farmers, the viability of the seed was very less, to improve the viability of seed the above work has been taken up.

A laboratory experiment, “Effect of different priming methods on seed quality,biochemical changes and storability of china aster (Callistephus chinensis L. Nees)” was conducted at College of Horticulture, Dr. Y. S. R. Horticulture University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during the year 2011-12. This experiment had two factors. The experiment consisted of two different ages of the seed viz., one year old seed (S₁) and Half year old seed (S₂) and four treatments viz., Hydro priming (T₁), Osmo priming(T₂), Halo priming(T₃), Unprimed as control (T₄) as another factor, which was replicated four times in completely randomized design with factorial concept. Seed samples were primed and kept in polyethythelene bag and stored for six months at ambient condition. The results emanated from the experiment revealed that, amongst the two different ages of the seed, six months old seed recorded maximum germination percentage, field emergence, speed of germination, seedling length, seedling dry weight and seedling vigor index and least was observed in one year old seed. Amongst the priming treatments, priming of seed with KNO₃ @ 0.5% resulted in best performance of the seed regarding all the physiological and biochemical parameters followed by hydro priming. Unprimed seed (control) failed to exert any significant influence on the quality parameters. Storage of the treated seeds up to six months resulted in a gradual decrease in performance of the seed. However, storage of the six months old KNO₃ treated seed up to six months was found to be good compared to one year old seed regarding all the quality parameters.

Cow dung also known as cow pats, cow pies or cow manure. It is the waste product of bovine animal species. These species include domestic cattle ("cows"), bison ("buffalo"), yak, and water buffalo. Cow dung is the undigested residue of plant matter which has passed through the animal's gut. The resultant faecal matter is rich in minerals. Colour ranges from greenish to blackish often darkening soon after exposure to air. Cow dung provides food for a wide range of animal and fungus species which break it down and recycle it into the food chain and into the soil. In areas where cattle (or other mammals with similar dung) are not native, there are often also no native species which can break down their dung This can lead to infestations of pests such as flies and parasitic worms .Cattle have a natural aversion to feeding around their own dung. This can lead to the formation of taller ungrazed patches of heavily fertilized sward. These habitat patches, termed "islets", can be beneficial for many grassland arthropods, including spiders (Araneae) and bugs (Hemiptera). They have an important function in maintaining biodiversity in heavily utilized pastures. Cow dung which is usually a pale red colour (usually combined with soiled bedding and urine) is often used as manure). If not recycled into the soil by species such as earthworms and dung beetles, cow dung can dry out and remain on the pasture. In many parts of the developing world dried cow dung is used as fuel. Dung may also be collected and used to produce biogas to generate electricity and heat. The gas is rich in methane and is used in rural areas of India/Pakistan and elsewhere to provide a renewable and stable source of electricity. In central Africa, Maasai villages have burned cow dung inside to repel mosquitoes. In cold places, cow dung is used to line the walls of rustic houses as a cheap thermal insulator. Cow dung is also an optional ingredient in the manufacture of adobe mud brick housing depending on the availability of materials at hand. A deposit of cow dung is referred to in American English as a "cow pie," and in British English as a cowpat.

Nusrat Jahan has completed M.Sc. in botany and Post M.Sc. diploma in Plant Tissue Culture and Micropropagation from Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. At present she is pursuing PhD (Botany) in Cell Molecular Biology and Genetics Section, Department of Botany, A.M.U. Aligarh. She is also Research Assistant under DST-PURSE scheme in the same department.

The global demand for herbal medicine, for primary healthcare, is not only large but growing because of better cultural acceptability, better compatibility with the human body and the fewer side effects. Caesalpinia pulcherrima L. (Fabaceae), commonly known as ‘Peacock flower’ is a highly medicinal, fast growing, ornamental, woody leguminous plant, distributed throughout India. The plant bears a beautiful array of flowers and almost all part of this plant are medicinal and exhibit a wide range of pharmacological properties including antitumor, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. The plant is also a source of various phytoactive constituents such as tannins, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, glycosides, rotenoids, flavones, flavonols etc. C. pulcherrima L. is conventionally propagated through seeds which are not reliable because of low germination rate and seed viability. Moreover if the plants are raised through seeds, they show high heterozygosity and great variation in growth, habit and yield that may negatively affect the quality and appearance of the plant. To overcome these problems and to meet the increased demand of this plant, an alternative propagation method like plant tissue culture would be beneficial in enhancing multiplication rate and bioactive molecules in the plant. In the present study we described an efficient and reproducible protocol which can be exploited for rapid regeneration and large scale propagation of C. pulcherrima L. The nodal explants obtained from a mature plant were cultured in vitro on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of plant growth regulators like BA (6-benzyladenine), Kn (Kinetin), IBA (Indole 3 butyric acid) and NAA (α naphthaline acetic acid) singly as well as in combination. Of the different cytokinins tested BA with an optimal concentration of 5µM was shown to be most effective in inducing multiple shoots with 60% regeneration frequency and of the different combinations BA (5 µM) + NAA (0.5 µM) was shown to be best for maximum multiplication with 78% regeneration frequency. Rooting was successfully induced (80%) in shoots excised from proliferated shoot cultures on half strength MS medium supplemented with 2.5 µM IBA after four weeks of implantation. The rooted shoots were successfully acclimatized to natural condition with 80% survival rate.
Keywords: Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Plant growth regulators, cytokinins, nodal explants, regeneration.

The present investigation was conducted at the Horticultural Garden of C S A University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur during the year 2011-2012. The stone grafting was performed by cleft method in July-August with randomized block design keeping five replications. From the results the sprouting percentage was significantly higher on grafts made on 10 days old rootstocks and minimum-sprouting percentage was recorded with 20 days old rootstocks. The girth of rootstock and scion was significantly higher in 10 days old rootstock followed by 5, 15 and 20 days old rootstock. The height of the graft was found to be significantly higher on 10 days old rootstock and minimum on 15 days old rootstock. Effect of rootstock age on the sprout length of graft was found to be significant on 10 days old rootstock as compared to the rest of age groups and it was minimum in 20 days old rootstock. Significantly maximum number of leaves/graft was recorded on 10 days old rootstock as compared to all the remaining age groups. The length and width of leaf were observed maximum in graft using 10 days old rootstock on the other hand minimum could be observed on 5 days old rootstock. The survival percentage of grafts recorded after 120 days of grafting was highest with 5 days old rootstock followed by 10 days old rootstock; it was lowest in 20 days old rootstock used. The higher survival percentage exhibited by 5 days and 10 days old rootstock that reveals their suitability for this technique. From the results achieved in the present investigation that stone grafts/epicotyl grafting performed better in terms of growth and survival when rootstocks up to 10 days old were used for grafting. The performance of grafts was adversely affected with the use of 15 and 20 days old mango seedling as rootstock.

N Krishna Priya completed her PG at the age of 23 years from Kerala Agricultural University and she is pursuing PhD in Dept of Agricultural Extension, Agricultural College Bapatla in Acharaya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, India. She has published 5 articles in reputed journals.

Homestead farming is a traditional practice of multiple and mixed cropping in small holdings in Kerala. Agro biodiversity is the major component of homegarden. Home gardens are microenvironments containing high levels of species and genetic diversity within larger farming systems. Now a day’s these homegardens are in declining stage due to various reasons so in order to find out the gender roles and the major threats in agrobiodiversity conservation in Thrissur district of Kerala. findings revealed majority of the activities aimed at agro biodiversity conservation were carried out by women Regarding the threats, the major threat for agro biodiversity was unsustainable human activity (100%) followed by large scale introduction of cash crops (96.67%). Homesteads of Kerala provide hope for the future of agriculture in the state, as still familities involve in part time maintenance of the homesteads, which is the only way possible within the changed way of life of today.

Mukhram Thori has completed his M.Sc. Ag. at the age of 26 years from Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharastra and pursuing his PhD from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. He is the UGC PhD Research Scholar. He has published 4 papers in reputed journals.

An experiment comprised of six male sterile lines and 10 inbred testers of pearl millet and their 60 hybrids was conducted at the Department of Agricultural Botany, Research Farm, Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharastra, India for studying the extent of hybrid vigour in F1 for grain yield and its components. Highest and significant positive relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis was observed in the cross MS-94555 A x 268 R for grain yield per plant and the same combination showed positive relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for the number of effective tillers per plant. The cross combination MS-98222 A x 1358 R showed higher magnitude of positive relative heterosis and standard heterosis for the trait total number of tillers. Highest and significant positive heterobeltiosis was recorded in MS-841 A x UCC-23 R for total number of tillers. The hybrid MS-863 A x 1404 R recorded highest and significant positive standard heterosis for ear head girth and number of grains per cm², MS-94555 A x 122 R for ear head length. 13 hybrids recorded highly significant standard heterosis for grain yield per plant among 60 hybrids. Ten hybrids namely MS-98222 A x 1358 R, MS-88004 A x 1358 R, MS-88004 A x 418 R, MS-841 A x UCC-23 R, MS-841 A x 1358 R, MS-841 A x 1404 R, MS-94555 A x 268 R, MS-863 A x UCC-23 R, MS-863 A x 260 R, MS-863 A x 1404 R, were selected as best crosses since they expressed high mean performance and high standard heterosis over check hybrids RHRBH-9808 and AHB-1666 for most of the traits studied.

Effectiveness of potato seed inoculation with Azotobacter for improving potato yield was assessed in field experiments under graded doses of nitrogen application viz 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N/ha. The data revealed that Azotobacter inoculation significantly increased the tuber yield with graded doses of nitrogen compared with control. Application of 120 kg N/ha along with Azotobacter inoculation gave highest tuber yield (211.72 q/ha) which was 6 q/ha higher yield and statistically at par with 120 kg N/ha (205.75 q/ha). Application 120 kg N/ha was statistically was at par with 90 kg N/ha + Azotobacter (201.56 q/ha). Higher mean of yield, nitrogen uptake, nitrogen use efficiency and apparent nutrient recovery were observed from seed inoculation with Azotobacter as compared to without seed inoculation with Azotobacter. This study indicates the beneficial effects of Azotobacter inoculation on tuber yield and 12.5 to 18.8 kg/ha nitrogen can be saved with the seed inoculation by Azotobacter for yield target ranges from 150 to 200 q/ha. It may be concluded that combined application of nitrogen fertilizer along with tuber inoculation with Azotobacter can be effective in reducing the nitrogen fertilizer dose by approximately 19 kg /ha. Besides saving fertilizer, this treatment also showed increased nitrogen use efficiency, apparent nutrient recovery and per cent yield response.

Mainak Bhattacharyya has completed his B.Sc in Agriculture and M.Sc in Agricultural Entomology at the age of 26 years from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal. He is now working as an Assistant Teacher in a High School of West Bengal.

The present investigation on mango fruit borer (Autocharis albizonalis, Hampson) was carried out in Regional Research Station of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya at Gayeshpur to study the varietal preference and population dynamics of this borer. It was observed that the infestation of this borer was not highly significant to the mango growers during the course of the investigation. It was also noticed that the fruits in pea to marble size stage were mostly susceptible to the pest attack during the month of March to April. Peak Fruit damage (3.81%) was observed during 3^rd week of March in the year 2006, whereas highest infestation was noticed (0.79%) during the last week of April in the year 2007. Similarly peak infestation of the fruit borer during 2009 was on the last week of April (2.29%) and it was on the 3^rd week of March in 2010(3.81%) respectively. For varietal preference, fifteen commercially grown cultivars were selected in RBD model with Duncan Multiple Range Test to identify least infested mango cultivars by this borer. From the findings it can be inferred that among the commercial mango varieties Himsagar was the most susceptible. It was also observed during the course of investigation that highest intensity of fruit damage could be recorded on the western part of the crop canopy. Laboratory studies on biochemical analysis against mango fruit borer revealed that the preference had strong and positive association with pulp phenol level but no association with seed phenol level. Analysis on free amino acid level of pulp and seed at different stages of fruit development was not associated with the infestation of the fruit borer.
Keywords: Mango fruit borer, Varieties, Incidence, Percent infestation, Phenol, Amino acid, Mohanpur.

The field experiment was carried out to study the response to the foliar application of micronutrients viz. zinc, iron and boron in different combinations on guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Sardar L-49 for quality parameters. The maximum fruit length (9.4 cm), fruit width (8.5 cm), fruit weight (219.7g), fruit volume (274 ml), yield (57.1 kg), T.S.S. (⁰Brix) (13.6⁰), total sugars (7.9%) and minimum acidity (0.38%) were recorded with combined application of 0.5% Zinc sulphate + 0.5% Ferrous sulphate + 0.3% Borax.

Cultural practices include all the crop production and management techniques which are utilized by the farmers to maximize their crop productivity and farm income. It includes decisions on crops to be grown, time and manner of planting, tillage, field and crop sanitation, application of fertilizers and irrigation, harvesting times and procedures and even off-season operations in fallow/cropped fields. The manipulation of these practices for reducing or avoiding pest damage to crops is known as cultural control. Management of insect pests by cultural practices include deep ploughing during summer expose the pupa in the fields, pruning of twigs or branches to eliminate borers in mango and citrus, use of resistant varieties, manipulation of planting time helps to minimize pest damage by producing asynchrony between host plant and the pest or synchronizing insect pests with their natural enemies or crop production with available alternate host plants of the pest (early sowing of sorghum crop helps to escape the attack of sorghum shoot fly), closer spacing resulted in lower incidence of green leafhopper, rice hispa and whorl maggot, tillage (fall ploughing is often helpful in reducing the overwintering population of Helicoverpa spp. and several species of cutworms that undergo diapauses in the soil during winter), crop Rotation (cereals followed by pulses), intercropping ( intercropping of cotton with blackgram, green gram, cowpeas etc. is reported to divert the population of sucking pests and american bollworm from cotton), trap crop (marigold as trap crop for Helicoverpa), clipping of tips of rice seedlings before transplanting avoids chance of stem borer to lay eggs, nutrient management (high levels of nitrogen fertilizers significantly increase the incidence of most of the insect pests including yellow stem borer, leaf folder, gall midge, green leafhopper, BPH, WBPH, earhead bug, rice hispa, whorl maggot etc.), water management (flooding of fields has been recommended for reducing the attack of cutworms, armyworms, termites, white grubs etc.), sanitation (detrashing of dry leaves from august onwards reduces the attack of leafhopper and scale insect on sugarcane crop), harvesting Practices (deep harvesting of cane fields which are to be ratooned provides protection to the crop from root borer and scale insect damage) etc. These practices are well suited for use with other approaches of an IPM.

An experiment to identify nutrient requirement under organic cultivation of apple (cv. Starking delicious) was conducted at commercial apple orchard in Rohru area of shimla district at 1975 mts above msl in Himachal Pradesh during 2010-11 and 11-12 consisting of five treatments with five replications. Each treatment was laid out in Randomized Block Design and total of 25 plants were selected for study i.e. one plant was taken as one replication. Soil classification, rootstock, cultivar, plant age and all other conditions except management were same on both plots. The four treatments consisted of different concentrations of organic manures such as, FYM, Neemcake, Vermicompost and wood ash with different concentrations for fulfilling recommended dose of 700:350:700 on 15 yrs old apple trees and one treatment of conventional management system in adjoining field was taken as control. Yield, fruit quality, shelf life and soil quality of all selected trees was compared in both the years of study. The yield under organic treatment was significantly less than conventional treatments though flesh firmness and storage shelf life at room temperature was significantly higher under organic treatment consisting of FYM 100 kg + VC 25 kg + Wood ash 8 kg + Neemcake 4 kg exhibited significantly longer shelf life of 50 days compared to 35 days of marketable fruits under conventional practices at room temperature. The soil quality under organic treatments had significantly higher organic carbon, water holding capacity lower bulk density while N, P and K concentration were lower but were in sufficiency range in comparison to conventional treatment.

Dipak Girhepuje had completed M. Sc. (Agriculture) degree from Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra (India). Presently he is Research Scholar and doing doctoral degree (Plant Physiology) in Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, (India). He had published one research paper in reputed journal and participated in one national seminar till today.

Heavy metals occur naturally in soils as rare elements. Heavy metals are normally present in trace amount thereby posing no threat to plant or animal life. However, unnatural accumulations of toxic levels can be caused either directly or indirectly by man. The term ‘heavy metal’ in general includes elements (both metals and metalloids) with an atomic density > 6g/cm³ [with the exception of arsenic (As), boron (B) and selenium (Se)] (Adriano, 2001). This group includes both biologically essential [e.g. cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn)] and non essential [e.g. cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg)] elements. Soil contamination by heavy metals reduces the quality of the cultivated plant which often limits and sometimes disqualifies the soil quality from the production of safe food products or animal feed. Heavy metals not only reduce the yield of crops but they are also related to the accumulation of xenobiotics and modify the content of other chemical elements (Das et. al.1998). If plentiful amounts of heavy metals are accumulated in the plants, they adversely affect the absorption and transport of essential elements, disturb the metabolism and have an impact on growth and reproduction (Xu and Shi, 2000). The low and high dosage of heavy metals reveal opposite effects on the same physiological activities of plants, which means a stimulation reaction of plants to low heavy metal stress and inhibition reaction of plants to high heavy metal dose. Exposed to Cr, the chlorophyll content of H. dubia leaves raised in the solution of 4 and 8 mg/kg, although it was reduced in 16 and 32 mg/kg treatments (Yang et al., 1999a). The genotoxicity of heavy metals in plants influences the synthesis and the duplication of DNA and chromosomes both directly or indirectly, as well as inducing chromosomal aberration. The grana cascade of chloroplast mitochondria decrease, disappear/swell, sub-microstructure of chloroplast changes and polypeptide compositions of the thylacoid membrane degrade under heavy metal stress. In intact tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), the photosynthetic membranes were damaged by Cd treatment, which might be the main reason for the decreasing of photosynthetic intensity (Jiang, 1995). Heavy metals affect the function of PS I and PS II, and it was stronger with the latter stages of crop growth (Yang et al., 1989). The chlorophyll proteins, which took protons for photosynthesis in PS II, were decomposed and decreased under Cd stress. The activities of POD, SOD and CAT are usually enhanced by heavy metal stress such as Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb and Fe in low concentrations but as concentration of heavy metals increases, the activities decrease. Cd (lower than 20 mg/L) shows little increment of proline concentration in wheat seedlings, but shows higher increment of proline under the concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/L. All these findings suggest that heavy metals inhibit the nitrogen metabolism, respiration, nucleic acid metabolism and confirm toxicity to plants.
Keywords: Heavy metals, Proline, Chlorophyll, DNA and Chromosomes.

Decalepis hamiltonii, commonly known as ‘Makali beru’ in Kannada is a medicinal shrub known for its antioxidant property. It belongs to the family of Asclepiadaceae. The roots of this plant contains metabolites like aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, sterols and triterpenes, of which 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenaldehyde is the principle component. This compound is an isomer of vanillin, due to which it offers aroma to the roots and hence justifies its use in pickles. On the medicinal aspect this component has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, chemoprotective, hepatoprotective and most importantly, antioxidant properties. When consumed, it cools the system, gives good appetite and also acts as a blood purifier. The methodology opted is, first production of callus followed by estimation of secondary metabolites from the obtained callus. Murashige and Skoogs media containing the growth regulators- NAA, BAP and 2,4-D was used for callus induction. The nodes and leaves were used as explants. The pretreatment was done by washing the explants with tween20 and sodium hypochlorite for sterilization. The concentration of NAA, BAP and 2,4-D was optimized after extensive trials of concentrations. With all the above aspects accompanied with careful inoculation and maintenance of constant distal periods, regenerative callus was obtained after two months of inoculation. We carry forward this project to metabolite profiling in which we compare the amount of principle metabolite released in regenerative callus and the parent plant. If the findings show significant increase in the amount of metabolite through callusing when compared to that in the natural plant, we can conclude that in-vitro propagation is the key solution to obtain high concentration of this metabolite. However, we instigate to come up with more information on this metabolite by exploring its uses in medicinal field and may even look up to commercialize this product by using it as a substituent to vanillin.
Keywords: Decalepis hamiltonii, metabolite profiling.

David Baskar is a Research Scholar at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. He did his Bsc (Agriculture) Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, and Msc (Agrl. Economics) at Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad. Then he worked as Assistant Professor in Roever Agricultural College, Perambalur, Tamil Nadu for more than one and half years. Moreover he had experienced as senior research fellow for more than three and half years in various projects under ICAR, WORLD BANK PROJECTS here in Tamil Nadu. Undergone International Business Management Course with Ohio State Agricultural University, USA.

Water is the elixir of life, a precious gift of nature to mankind and millions of other species living on the earth. It is fast becoming a scare commodity in most part of the world. Water resources comprising of surface water (river and lakes), ground water and marine and coastal waters, support all living things including human beings. A water user association (WUA) is an organization of water users administered on the principles of cooperation and its role is to implement water institutions, and in the process to achieve a fair water allocation across different locations. Given the existing water supply scenarios, the demand management strategies will be considered more relevant for the efficient management of the available supplies. Therefore, what is needed is the clear understanding of the value of water in alternate uses as well as the incentive to allocate the water among competing crops and uses in different river basins. This will also help to work out the performance of both irrigation and agriculture sectors at basin level. Accordingly, the following objectives are set forth: To study the participation of farmers in Water Users Association through canal irrigated areas of the selected district and to examine the institutional and economic dynamics of Water Users Association in the study area. To identify the constraints and suggest policy measures for the development of canal irrigated areas of selected district. The deliverables will be a boost for water user association and find a way possible ways for the water use in a economic prospects.

At present, environmental degradation and the consistently growing population are two main problems on the planet earth. Fulfilling the needs of this growing population is quite difficult from the limited arable land available on the globe. Although there are legal, social and political barriers to the utilization of biotechnology, advances in this field have substantially improved agriculture and human life to a great extent. One of the vital tools of biotechnology is genetic engineering (GE) which is used to modify plants, animals and microorganisms according to desired needs. In fact, genetic engineering facilitates the transfer of desired characteristics into other plants which is not possible through conventional plant breeding. A variety of crops have been engineered for enhanced resistance to a multitude of stresses such as herbicides, insecticides, viruses and a combination of biotic and abiotic stresses in different crops including rice, mustard, maize, potato, tomato, etc. Apart from the use of GE in agriculture, it is being extensively employed to modify the plants for enhanced production of vaccines, hormones, etc. Vaccines against certain diseases are certainly available in the market, but most of them are very costly. Developing countries cannot afford the disease control through such cost-intensive vaccines. Alternatively, efforts are being made to produce edible vaccines which are cheap and have many advantages over the commercialized vaccines. Transgenic plants generated for this purpose are capable of expressing recombinant proteins including viral and bacterial antigens and antibodies. Common food plants like banana, tomato, rice, carrot, etc. have been used to produce vaccines against certain diseases like hepatitis B, cholera, HIV, etc. Thus, the up- and down-regulation of desired genes which are used for the modification of plants have a marked role in the improvement of genetic crops. In this review, we have comprehensively discussed the role of genetic engineering in generating transgenic lines/cultivars of different crops with improved nutrient quality, bio-fuel production, enhanced production of vaccines and antibodies, increased resistance against insects, herbicides, diseases and abiotic stresses as well as the safety measures for their commercialization.

D. Anil had completed B.Sc, Agri. Now he is doing his P.G (Agronomy) in Acharya N. G. Ranga University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. He had published papers in some reputed journals and also attended lot of National and International seminars.

Sulphur is an essential secondary nutrient having different physiological and biochemical functions in plants. It is a constituent of essential amino acids (cysteine, cystine and methionine), coenzymes (biotine, coenzyme A, thiamine and lipoic acid. Under S-deficient soil conditions, plant leaves shows pale yellow in younger leaves and the maturity in cereals is delayed. Nodulation in legumes may be poor and N- fixation is reduced. Survey of Indian soils under AICRP micronutrients revealed that 41 percent of Indian soils are deficient in S. The deficiency of sulphur is emerging fast in areas where continuously sulphur free fertilizers like DAP, urea etc are being used. Thus, S fertilization is seems to be viable for sustaining productivity as well quality of oilseeds and pulses and this should be included in balanced fertilization.
The role of sulphur in cereals, oilseeds and pulses is required for i) formation of chlorophyll that permits photosynthesis through which plants produce starch, sugars, oils, fats and vitamins etc. ii) synthesis of oils in oil seed crops. iii) cereal quality for milling and baking and nodulation in legumes improved. Gypsum is the widely applied source of S because of its high solubility and low cost. Among pulses chickpea, field pea, red gram require 40 kg S ha^-1, While lentil, green gram, black gram and cluster bean need 20 kg S /ha. Regular use of 40 kg S ha^-1 to soybean, ground nut, mustard, raya, safflower, castor and 20 kg S ha^-1 to sesamum, linseed, niger was found optimum. As a thumb rule, S uptake per tonne of grain production can be taken as- Cereales: 4 kg (range 1- 6), Pulses: 8 kg (range 5 – 13), Oilseeds: 12 kg (range 5 – 20).

Successful development of stable and adaptable crop varieties solely depends on the positive results obtained from the interaction between genotype and the environment which consequently has significant impact on breeding strategies. G x E is a finest breeding approach that helps in breeding for specific or wide adaptation, which depends on the expression of stability. The present study aimed to estimate the pattern of genotype × environment interaction for seven advanced breeding high thebaine lines developed through rigorous selection from advance generations of interspecific population derived from cross between Papaver somniferum L. and Papaver setigerum DC. to find out the stable genotype rich in specific alkaloid especially for thebaine based on regression and graphical model and simultaneously to access their yield potential and comparison among these models to find out the best suited model to select stable and adaptable genotype. The results of ANOVA showed wide variability in the genotypes under testing which suggested that the genotypes interacted differentially with respect to yield performance so further stability analysis across environments should be followed before being released for commercial cultivation. The overall stability analysis following different stability models (including regression and graphical models) concluded that the genotypes NBIHT-1, NBIHT-3 and NBIHT-4 were highly stable and adaptable genotypes for seed, opium and thebaine in different agro-climatic conditions. Genotypes NBIHT-5 and NBIHT-6 can also perform drastically good in specific climatic conditions to obtain maximum gain. It is clearly evidenced from the comparison of different stability models that GGE Biplot model proposed by Yan and Hunt is best suited for stability analysis, due to ease in visualization of stable genotypes from the graphical representation.

Ch. Ravi Kiran completed M.Phil in Department of Biochemistry, Andhra University and now he is pursuing his PhD in the same department. He published 10 research articles in reputed journals.

The study was undertaken to investigate Ceiba pentandra seed oil for fatty acid profile and anti-inflammatory activity by in vitro and in vivo. GC-MS, membrane stability assay and C-reactive protein estimation were used to evaluate the fatty acid profile and anti-inflammatory activity respectively. GC–MS analysis of free fatty acid methyl ester fraction of the Ceiba pentandra seed oil reveals Palmitic acid to be the significant one along with essential fatty acid Linoleic acid. During anti-inflammatory, the percentage of membrane stability exhibited by the tested oil was concentration dependent and compared favourably with that of standard Diclofenac. C-reactive protein, an acute phase reactant that reflects low-grade systemic inflammation was decreased significantly by tested oil treatment. These findings demonstrated that essential oil of Ceiba pentandra seeds was a complex mixture of numerous fatty acids and have excellent anti-inflammatory activity, thus have great potential to be used as a source for natural health products.
Keywords: Ceiba pentandra seed oil, GC-MS, membrane stabilization, APP and CRP.

This study assessed the response of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. lam) and groundnut (Arachnis hypogea)intercropping systems to nitrogen rates in 2006 and 2007 cropping seasons in a humid tropical environment of south eastern environment of south easter Nigeria . Four nitrogen levels (0, 40, 80, and 120kgN/ha) were applied in a 2×4 factorial in randomized complete block design. Results showed that in both years, sole cropping differs significantly (p<0.05) from intercropping, higher yield were achieved in sole cropping than intercrops. The yield of both crops were highest with sole crop at 80 and 120kgN/ha application and lowest when intercrop at 0kg/ha in 2006 and 2007 respectively. Land equivalent ratio (LER) was 1.0 indicating yield advantage, except when groundnut was intercropped with sweet potato at 0kg N/ha where LER of 0.97 was obtained. It is concluded that is productive to intercrop groundnut and sweet potato when N fertilizer is applied at a range of 80-120kgN/ha.

P Vivek has completed B.Tech (Ag. Engg.) from AEC & RI, Kumulur, Tiruchirapally and presently pursuing M.Tech (Ag. Engg.) from the Dept. of Farm Power and Machinery, TNAU, Coimbatore.

Manual transplanting of rice seedlings in puddled field is a widely accepted cultivation practice in India and one of the labor-intensive operations in agriculture. It also involves enormous drudgery, as women workers, who perform most of the operation in India, have to work in bending posture in sweltering weather. Interculture/weeding operation in paddy crop is very important operation which is done mostly in humid environment under scorchy heat. Farm worker used to uproot the weeds by hand in bending position that might affect their health. As known that weeds in upland rice field comes more easily than low land rice. Two-row manual rice trans-planters and a cono-weeder have been ergonomically evaluated in the field work for assessing their suitability for use by farm women and for determining the physiological workload with women workers. Each women worker operated the equipment for 30 minutes. The mean heart rates of women workers during transplanting with two-row transplanter and cono-weeder were 138 beats/min and 153 beats/min respectively. The area covered was found to be 103.4 m²/h and 165 m² /h respectively. Higher average heart rate of worker in operation of both equipment suggests for use of equipment in small area with adequate rest pause to the worker. It is also suggested based on experiment that two workers may be engaged in shift for day long work with the equipment.
Keywords: Two-row transplanter, cono-weeder, ergonomically, drudgery.

P. Indhumathi has completed her M.Sc (Crop Physiology) at the age of 24 years from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and PhD studies from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Two National seminars participated.

Papaya (Carica papaya), the tropical fruit crop with higher production potential, is gaining much economic significance in India for the last two decades. The increasing demand of fruits in domestic market and papain in the export trade has made papaya cultivation extensive. Drip irrigation technology permits the efficient use of water and can help maximize the use of semi arid lands for agricultural use and this technology is particularly suited to widely spaced crops as papaya. Irrigation through the drip @ 6-8 lit/ day/ plant gives better yields. In the Studies based on physiological responses of papaya (Carica papaya) to different levels of stage wise evaporation replenishment through drip system’’ was carried out under field condition. The variety Pusa Dwarf was subjected to various levels of 100, 80, 60, 40 per cent evaporation replenishment at different growth stages of the crop. Higher content of relative water content, soluble protein and chlorophyll stability index. Thus expressed the higher response in nitrate reductase activity and catalase activity and photosynthetic rate and transpirtaion rate was carried out. In this study best yield and quality characters was also observed at all stage of the crop.

P. M. Jagadeesha has completed his Bachelor degree in Horticulture from University Of Horticulture Sciences Bagalkot and presently pursuing the Mater Degree in Tamil Nadu Agriculture University. Currently his research focus is on Postharvest Physiology of Banana fruits.

The conversion of corn and other food feed crops into ethanol by fermentation is a well- known and established technology. Alternative liquid fuels from various sources have been sought for many years and since the cost of raw materials which can account up to 50% of the total production cost is one of the most significant factors affecting the economy. Nowadays efforts are more concentrated on using cheap and abundant raw materials such as several forms of biomass resources exist (starch or sugar crops, weeds, oils plants, agricultural, forestry and municipal wastes) but of all the commonly available household wastes, such as apple, pineapple and banana peelings, were suitable to be used as another source of producing bio-ethanol.
The Bio- ethanol can be produced through several ways, where Saccharification, Fermentation and Distillation are more common. The peelings of apple, pineapple and banana were mixed with water and yeast to start the fermentation(24 hour and 48 hour) then the produced mixture went through the distillation process, where the ethanol was boiled out at 78.4/EC, to extract the ethanol out of the mixture. After the extraction of the ethanol, the amount of ethanol production was measured (% v/v) and one more method is simultaneous saccharification and fermentation for some days by co–culture of starch digesting fungus Aspergillus niger and non starch digesting sugar fermenter (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been found to effectively as it remove glucose, which is an inhibitor to cellulase activity, thus increasing the yield and rate of cellulose hydrolysis. So wastes from fruits that contain fermentable sugars can no longer be discarded into our environment, but should be converted to useful products like bio-ethanol that can serve as alternative energy source that is more energy-efficient and eco-friendly than the fossil fuel that is used today.
Keywords: Bio-ethanol, banana, plantain, pineapple, peels, Fermentation, Distillation, Co-Culturing.

Microsatellite markers were used for fingerprinting of cultivars for assessing variation within cultivars and testing the genetic purity of cultivar seed lot in rice. Microsatellite combines several features of ultimate molecular markers and they are used increasingly in various plant genetic studies and applications. In this work, we report on the investigation was undertaken with the objectives of identifying distinguishable morphological and microsatellite markers to establish the varietal identity for different rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars of Tamil Nadu. A set 60 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) distributed across 12 chromosomes were employed for the study. Among those, the SSR primer pairs viz., RM528, RM1302, RM515 and RM 1002 were found to be polymorphic for four cultivars to differentiate among the ten rice cultivars taken for the study. RM 528 for ADT 36, RM1302 for ADT 43, RM515 for I.W.Ponni and RM1002 for BPT 5204. Further the study was also intended for application of the identified polymorphic microsatellite markers for the detection of off types in the above cultivars and to compare the two dimensional DNA sampling strategy with that of normal GOT method for the genetic purity assessment of rice cultivars . The genetic purity testing of rice cultivars was determined by using single seedling assay and the microsatellite markers was used for testing the varietal seed purity of 400 seedling samples. The detected contaminants were verified with the GOT results and found to be comparable.
Keywords: Rice; SSR markers; variety identification, Genetic purity assessment, Grow Out Test.

An experiment was conducted under South Gujarat agro climatic condition on clayey soil of the Regional Rice Research Station, Vyara, (Gujarat) during kharif-2012 with a view to study the “Effect of age of seedlings and fertilizer management on yield, nutrient content, uptake and economics of rice (Oryza sativa L.)”. The result revealed that age of seedling and fertilizer treatments significantly influenced the yield, nutrient uptake and economic. The grain and straw yield (4950 and 5598 kg ha^-1, respectively) were significantly higher with the 19- 21 days old seedling (A₂) being at par with 12-14 days old seedling (A₁). Significantly lower grain and straw yield of rice recorded under A₃ (25-28 days old seedling). The grain and straw yield (4928 and 5514 kg ha^-1, respectively) were significantly higher due to fertilizers treatment under the application of urea briquettes + 20 per cent N through urea (F₃) which was remained at par with treatment urea briquettes (F₁) and while treatment recommended dose of fertilizers (F₂) was found inferior. N, P and K content and uptake in grain and straw recorded significantly higher under 19- 21 days old seedling remained at par with 12-14 days old seedling. Transplanting at 19-21 days old seedling fetched the highest net realization (Rs.47867 ha^-1) with maximum Benefit Cost Ratio (1.55) value. While, urea briquettes + 20 per cent N through urea gave highest net realization (Rs 45712 ha^-1) with maximum BCR (1.41) value.
Keywords: Economics, fertilizer, nutrient content and uptake, rice, seedling age, yield.

Parashuram Patroti has completed his graduation in Agriculture from UAS, Dharwad and master degree in Genetics and Plant breeding from UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru. He is presently receiving ICAR-SRF and Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for pursuing his PhD degree in Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad since 2011.

Field experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra, Bengaluru during. The experimental material consisted of four lines viz., GE 4596, GE 6216, GE 4906 and GPU 28 and four testers viz., L 5, GE 5095, GPU 69 and GPU 48. The crosses were affected in a Line x Tester fashion. The results revealed that among the lines GE 4596 and GPU 28 and among the testers L 5 and GPU 69 had recorded high per se and gca for yield and most of the yield contributing characters. Among the hybrid combinations GE 4596 x L 5 and GE 4596 x GPU 69 had significant and superior per se performance for grain yield per plant, straw yield per plant, finger length, peduncle length, number of fingers per ear, culm thickness and number of productive tillers per plant. Results from specific combining ability study, revealed that the crosses viz., GE 4596 x L 5, GE 6216 x GPU 48 and GE 4906 x GPU 48 had significant sca effects for most of the characters. The hybrids, GE 4596 x L 5, GE 4596 x GPU 69 and GPU 28 x L 5 were from parents with high x high gca and GE 4596 x GE 5095, GE 6216 x GPU 69, GE 4906 x GPU 69 and GPU 28 x GE 5095 were from parents with high x low gca combinations. Thus, six crosses are suggested for realization of transgressive segregants in F₂ and subsequent generations.

“Biosolids are organic solids that have been treated to stabilize organic matter and reduce disease causing organisms or pathogens” (Julia et al., 2012). Biosolids result from physical separation and subsequent regulated treatment or digestion of the solid matter in sewage. Treatment produces either Class A or Class B designations (National Research Council, 2002). Akdeniz et al. (2006) analyzed biosolids and it had neutral P^H 7.22, OM, N, P, and K, contents of 57.2, 2.7, 0.58 and 0.42% respectively.
Waste management has become a major environmental challenge, and land application of biosolids is generally considered the best option for disposal of biosolids because it offers the possibility of recycling plant nutrients, provides organic material, improves a soil’s chemical along with physical properties, and enhances crop yields (Robert et al., 2011).
Diaz-Avelar et al. (2004) evaluated the use of bio-solids for land restoration and crop production as a potential solution to improve food production and floriculture production. In their study, the effect of acid treated sludge application @ of 15 t ha^-1, to marigold plants indicated 107 cm plant height with a growing speed of 1.01 cm d^-1, which is 20 times more as compared with control. Evaluation of Municipal Sewage Sludge Vermicompost (MSSV) on yield of two cultivars of tomato was done by Begum (2011). She revealed that application of 20 t ha^-1 of MSSV resulted in increased plant height, number of branches and fruits per plant in tomato. Two field experiments were conducted at Pakenham and Mildura, Australia by David et al. (2011) on grapevine and pasture production. At both sites, soil Cd, Cu, and Zn concentrations linearly increased with increased biosolids application rate (from 9.5 to 85 t ha^-1) although not to the extent of exceeding soil quality guidelines. A field experiment was conducted on banana at the regional research pole of Pariquera-Acu, Brazil by Luiz et al. (2011). Results showed that biosolids completely substituted mineral N and P application. There was no increase in concentration of heavy metals viz., Cr, Ni, Pb and Cd in the index leaf of banana when biosolids were applied at the recommended N rate.
Biosolids can play a vital role in crop production due to its higher nutritional value. However, presence of some pollutants may affect crop production. Hence, use of biosolids after adopting feasible treatment technologies is necessarily to avert its adverse impact on both crop production and human health for safe and healthy environment.

The study was undertaken during the season of 2012-13 to estimate the cost of cultivation of marigold flower and returns and marketing margins of different middleman involved in marigold flower trade in Raipur district of Chhattisgarh. The study was based on information collected from randomly 20 marigold flower growing farmers, commission agent cum wholesaler and retailers The area under marigold is also increasing considerably in Chhattisgarh therefore; an attempt has been made in the study to examine the production and marketing aspects of marigold in Raipur district. The study was undertaken to fulfill the following objectives. (i) To work out the economics of marigold cultivation at the sample farms. (ii). To examine the marketing pattern of marigold in selected study area. (iii). To identify the constraints of the production and marketing and suggest the policy intervention option for marigold cultivation in Chhattisgarh. The present study was conducted in the Raipur districts of Chhattisgarh. Overall twenty farmers were selected from three villages of two blocks namely Abhanpur and Dharsiwa of the district and were categorized into small, medium and large farmers based on their holding size. The primary data were collected for the year 2011-12. The major findings of this study revealed that the average size of farm was worked out to be 3.82 hectares, overall on an average cropping intensity was observed to be 157.70 per cent. Out of total cropped area kharif, rabi, and zaid crops occupied about 54.96, 40.06 and 4.96 per cent of total cropped area respectively. On an average the cost of cultivation per hectare of marigold was found Rs. 36344.11. Overall on an average the cost of production per quintal of marigold was observed as Rs. 474.71. Cost of production per quintal of this flower shows decreasing trend with increase in farm size where as cost of cultivation increases with increase in the farm size. Overall on an average the input-output ratio and Benefit-Cost ratio of marigold came to 1:3.79 and 2.79, respectively on the sample farms. There were three marketing Channels for marigold, which are: Channel-I: Producer–Consumer, Channel-II: Producer–Wholesaler-Retailer–Consumer and Channel-III: Producer-Retailer-Consumer That price received by Marigold producer was 1800 Rs/qtl. in all three Channels. The major constraints pertaining to cultivation of marigold was problem of decreasing yield due to growing the crop regularly in same field and lack of irrigation. A major constraint in marketing of marigold was fluctuation of price and storage facility in the study area. In view of findings study suggested that the Irrigation facilities are to be developed in the proper way so that farmers can adopt improved technologies with assured irrigation facilities. Extension agencies should provide information on new varieties and package of practices as well as procedures of standardization, grading of produce and their benefits. Horticultural crop producer’s co-operative societies should be formed for better performance and achievement.

V. Deepthi has completed her Post graduation at the age of 24 years from College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar. It comes under Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University located at Hyderabad and now doing PhD in Agricultural College Bapatla it comes under Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University. She is a PhD student of Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University. She had published 6 papers in reputed journals.

East Godavari is a predominant rice growing district in Andhra Pradesh which occupies 47.52 lakh ha with production of 216.28 Lakh MT and productivity of 4079kg/ha. During 2011, the farmers of East Godavari district declared Crop Holiday in 13 mandals. As a result, 85,050 acres was not cultivated by the farmers during the Kharif season. In this context, the study was conducted during 2012-13 in East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh to identify the perception of farmers towards crop holiday. The present investigation included 60 respondents of crop holiday farmers. Results revealed that majority of the crop holiday farmers had positive level of perception towards crop holiday because each individual farmer incurs a minimum loss of Rs 5000 per acre through the cultivation of paddy. Rank order of different items of perception of crop holiday farmers towards crop holiday in paddy. The item “crop holiday declared due to increasing cost of cultivation” was perceived by majority of the crop holiday farmers and it ranked I. and the other item “Government has not increased MSP as per the farmers demand, hence crop holiday was resorted”, also assigned I rank followed by “Crop holiday is the consequence of government responsibility but not of the community” as II rank. This critical analysis of items on perception towards crop holiday clearly indicated the different directions or angles of crop holiday occurrence which will certainly helpful in tackling some of the problems with suitable solutions or measures to avert the recurrence of crop holiday in future.

V. M. Malathi has completed her M.Sc from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala and presently doing PhD in Biotechnology at National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Insects, Bangalore under DST- Inspire fellowship scheme.

Symbiotic associations between insects and the microbes they harbor are very common. In addition to the classical nutritional symbiosis, they are reports that these symbionts play role in the fitness attributes of host such as insecticide resistance; for instance, an insecticide degrading bacteria of the genus Burkholderia, present in the gut of stink bugs impart protection against fenitrothion, an organophosphate. The brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) is an important pest of rice in Asia. N. lugens reportedly harbors numerous endosymbionts. In the present study, the culturable gut bacteria of N. lugens populations collected from Warangal, Nellore and Mandya in South India, were characterized by molecular technique, where insect gut is exercised under aseptic conditions, homogenized and plated on various growth media. The microbial isolates obtained were characterized using 16S rRNA gene amplification and the sequences were deposited in GenBank.
The bacterial isolates were: Delftia acidovorans (KF 448523), Acinetobacter lwoffii (KF 448525) and Chryseomicrobium imtechense (KF 448526) from Nellore population; Pantoea dispersa (KF 512549), Acinetobacter baumannii (KF 359493), Acinetobacter baylyi (KF 359494), Bacillus cereus (KF 359495) from mandya population; and Enterobacter asburiae, Exiguobacterium mexicanum, Lysinibacillus sp., Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus circulans from Warangal population. Further, this study will be useful for finding the role of these gut bacteria in insecticide resistance.

Genetic engineering can unexpectedly transfer pan-allergens and allergens. Pan-allergens are substances that are commonly found in a diversity of plants and have several important biological functions in these plants. Some common pan-allergens are profiling, seed storage proteins, and protease. Certain genetically modified foods have included additional plant-defense protein. This could be a factor in the increasing the risk of cross-reactivity. An example is StarLink corn. Also there are reported reactions of individuals allergic to fish reacting to GE tomatoes genetically altered with flounder genetic material. There is evidence that some of the GE foods contain fewer nutrients than non-GE foods. Monsanto’s internal research shows that their GE soybeans contain approximately 38% more Kunitz trypsin inhibitor, which is a known anti-nutrient and allergen. It is an imprecise technology and is not able to insert a new gene with accuracy. This transfer of genetic material may disrupt the tightly controlled network of DNA in the recipient organism. This process may be able to result in unpredictable effects depending where the new gene will position itself in the host DNA. This unpredictable effect may transfer high concentrations of plant toxins as documented by an FDA scientist in an internal memo. GE foods have ability to withstand unlimited application of chemicals, including pesticides. Bromoxynil and glyphosate have been associated with developmental disorders in fetuses, tumors, carcinomas, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Studies indicate that Monsanto’s recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone causes treated cows to produce milk with an increased second hormone, IGF-1. This hormone is associated with human cancers. The use of antibiotic marker genes used in GE foods is a cause for alarm. Scientists use the marker gene for antibiotic resistance to determine if they have been successful in inserting the gene that they are trying to transfer. The concern is that this technique may result in dangerous levels of antibiotic resistance in humans.

Urban solid waste (USW) is largely made-up of kitchen and yard waste, and its composting has been adopted by many urban areas. Composting USW is seen as a method of diverting organic waste materials from landfills while creating a product, at relatively low-cost, that is suitable for agricultural purposes (Wolkowski, 2003). This trend may be attributed to economic and environmental factors, such as urban landfill capacity; costs associated with land filling and transportation of materials; adoption of legislation to protect the environment; decreasing the use of commercial fertilizers; increasing the capacity for household waste recycling and improved quality of compost products (Otten, 2001 and Zhang et al., 2006). Composting USW reduces the volume of the waste, kills pathogens that may be present, decreases germination of weeds in agricultural fields, and destroys malodorous compounds (Jakobsen, 1995).
With rising interest in organic agriculture, the production of organic-grade USW compost for agriculture is also gaining popularity because of its positive effect on biological, physical, and chemical soil properties (Iglesias-Jimenez and Alvarez, 1993). Hortenstine and Rothwell (1969) reported that compost applications increased P, K, Ca, Mg, soluble salts, Water holding capacity and CEC in the soil.
Haon (1981) reported results of urban solid waste compost research conducted over 50 years at institute of soil fertility at Haren, Netherlands. He concluded that micro element contents and Ca and S levels in the city refuse compost were high, and N, P and K contents and their availability were low where as the organic matter content was 30 percent on dry weight basis. Biennial applications of compost upto 40 tonnes ha^-1 between 1948 and1975 resulted in large increase in micro element concentration in crops and more so in soils.
It appears quite evident that majority of the soil properties were significantly affected by the application of USW compost. The use of USW compost as soil amendment improved soil fertility (chemical), biological and physical properties leading to the enhancement of soil carbon sequestration potential. However, the quality of the USW compost is a key aspect to reduce environmental hazards.

Mechanical control means the reduction or suppression of pests by manual device. This is non-chemical direct measures by which the insect life stages are directly hit and interfered by mechanical devices of manual operations. Mechanical control is rapid and effective method and mostly suited for small acute pest problems. Mechanical control is done by two ways- mechanical destruction and mechanical exclusion. Mechanical destruction means removing and killing the pest by manual force or mechanical force. The manual force includes hand picking of insects and insect egg masses (Eg: hairy caterpillars, leaf rollers, cabbage butterfly, mustard sawfly and tomato hornworm) trapping , shaking (collection of Helicoverpa larvae from red gram plants by shaking), Sieving (red flour beetle) and winnowing (rice weevil), hooking (iron hook is used against adult rhinoceros beetle), beating (swatting housefly and mosquito) crushing (bed bugs and lice), combing (delousing method for head louse), brushing (woolen fabrics for clothes moth, carper beetle), water Pressure Sprays (aphids and spider mites). Mechanical destruction by mechanical force includes using of entoletter (storage pests), hopper dozer (kills nymphs of locusts by hording into trenches and filled with soil), tillage implements (Soil borne insects, red hairy caterpillar), mechanical traps (rat traps). Mechanical exclusion means creation of a barrier which prevents access of pests to hosts. All these methods are labor-intensive when done on large scale. Mechanical barriers includes wrapping the fruits (Covering with polythene bag against pomegranate fruit borer), banding (banding with grease or polythene sheets – mango mealy bug), netting (mosquitoes, vector control in green house), trenching (red hairy caterpillar), bird perches, sand barrier (protecting stored grains with a layer of sand on the top), water barrier (ant pans for ant control), tin barrier (coconut trees protected with tin band to prevent rat damage) and electric fencing (low voltage electric fences against rats) etc. Management of pests by mechanical measures is ecologically safe, relatively little impact on natural enemies and other non-target organisms, no problem of resistance, resurgence and residue and well suited for use with biological control in an IPM approach.

Vennila K has completed B.Tech (Ag. Engg.) from Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Kumulur, Trichy. Currently she is pursuing M.Tech (Ag. Engg.) in the Dept of Farm Power and Machinery from the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.

A chaff cutter is a mechanical device for cutting straw or hay into small pieces before being mixed together with other forage and fed to horses and cattle.

T. Balaji was born in Tamil Nadu, India on May.15.1989. He has obtained B.E (mechanical) in 2011 from Anna University and now studying in M.Tech (Robotics) at SRM University Chennai. He has published more than 12 papers in conferences and reputed journals. He has successfully completed one government project named “solar aircraft of unmanned aerial vehicle design” during the year 2011 and won many best project awards.

The agriculture sector of India is one of the largest occupations and the largest contribution to India’s economy. A lot of issues come along when the Farmers are harvesting their crops. One such is the problem of watering the crops on a timely basis with the exact quantity. In this project we have mainly come up with an idea on how to water the specified portions of the land with the sufficient water whenever needed. We have designed a Robot which has the capacity to Store Water in itself and also move around in the land in the stipulated path without spoiling the crops, to reach the crop area using Artificial Intelligence which checks the whole land for any Water level reduction in the land and by priority basis covers the entire land and waters the crop, all this is done with the help of IP Camera as its Vision Sensors, Wi-Fi and Controller. The Robot has a Water Sprinkler attached to its 6-Axis Robots endeffector. The water level in the land and the amount of water needed is attained using soil /moisture sensors and the temperature and humidity of the soil is sensed using Temperature and Humidity Sensors which are connected to the Microcontroller and the power supply unit. The microcontroller sends the signal to the Robot using Wireless transmission and hence the Robot moves to the location and waters the plant, which is sensed using Flow Sensor. This Robot is an autonomous Robot which has the capability to function on its own without any external human Guidance.

Towseef Mohsin Bhat is a PhD Research Scholar in the Department of Botany Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh. He is also a UGC -BSR fellow in the same department. He has published various papers in various international journals of repute.

Induced mutagenesis is a useful technique in plant breeding used to improve traits without disrupting the original genetic constitution of the crop. Nucleotide pool imbalance can have severe consequences on DNA metabolism by modulating chromosomes by DNA precursors raises the possibility that DNA changes are responsible for the induction of Chromosomal aberrations (CA) and mutations in plant cells.
The present study tries to elucidate the effects of different doses (50 to 125ppm) of Ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) on the cytomorphological, biochemical and molecular characters of Psoralea corylifolia. Treated populations from lower doses significantly improved some characters and higher concentrations pronounced depressing effects in terms of growth parameters and yield. Dose dependent increases in the chromosomal abnormalities were recorded and the main chromosomal anomalies were univalents, multivalents, laggards, precocious separation, stickiness, unequal separation of chromosomes, micronuclei, and cytomixis. A total of 7 mutant phenotypes were recorded under field conditions in M2. Among the 7 identified putative mutants, tall mutants were the most abundant followed by bushy, dwarf and small seeded and high yielding. In addition, interestingly other mutants such as short root, albino, and anther less mutants were also observed at a lower frequency. Twenty ISSR primers screened two ISSR primers which produced clear and reproducible bands were selected for amplifying 7 selected variant DNA samples (amplifying three times with each primer). A total of 56 fragments were amplified by two primers, with an average of 6.29 bands per primer and the band size ranged from 53 bp to 830 bp, and 36 polymorphic bands were found. EMS at lower concentrations acts as a best mutagen and at higher concentrations acts as a toxicant in Psoralea corylifolia, lower concentrations can be effectively incorporated for raising viable mutants in this medicinally useful plant.The study shows in depth the induction of variability in Psoralea corylifolia, by Ethyl methane sulphonate for conservation strategies with respect to enhanced phytomedicine production.
Keywords: EMS, Psoralea corylifolia, Genetic diversity, Mutagenesis.

S. Janani is doing PhD in Agricultural Extension at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. This research was done during her Master Degree Programme in the year 2012 in Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu. She is receiving Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship 2012-13 which is sponsored by UGC (University Grants Commission). She has presented quite a few papers in National Conference and published few articles in journals.

Training is an important input in improving the competence of the farming community and it is considered as an important tool for increasing the efficiency of the respondents. Training is effective, only if it is a need based one. Training need assessment is fundamental to the success of any training program. An attempt was made to study the training needs of pulses seed growers from three blocks of Coimbatore district namely Kinathukadavu, Thondamuthur and Karamadai. For the study 30 farmers from each of the three blocks where the highest number of farmers cultivating pulses for seed production were selected. The total sample size was 90 respondents and the data were collected using pre-tested interview schedule. The data were analysed using appropriate statistical packages. The study revealed that the seed growers required training in the order of manures and manuring (Mean score 2.18), soil conservation and reclamation (Mean score 2.05), irrigation (Mean score 1.96), agricultural implements (Mean score 1.87), packing and tagging of seeds (Mean score 1.85), plant protection (Mean score 1.78), harvesting, storage and marketing (Mean score 1.75), seeds and sowing (Mean score 1.73), seed certification procedures and rules (Mean score 1.72), after cultivation practices (Mean score 1.72), economical aspects of seed production (Mean score 1.63) and credit (Mean score 1.57).
Keywords: Training Needs, Seed Growers.

In recent years water shortages and environmental hazards of wastewater have promoted the formers to use of wastewater for irrigation especially for the cultivation of vegetable crops in urban areas. Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) a member of nightshade family Solonaceae is one of the most widely grown vegetable in the world and is an important commercial vegetable and spice crop of India. This study was therefore conducted to observe the promotion of capsaicin content and yield of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) by interactive effect of nitrogenous fertilizer and wastewater. Four different doses of nitrogen at the rate of 0, 30, 60 and 90 kg N/ha along with a constant dose of phosphorus at the rate of 60 kg P/ha and potassium at the rate of 50 kg K/ha were applied one day prior to sowing. Seedlings were irrigated with three levels of waters (GW, 50%WW and 100%WW). The data of growth and photosynthetic rate were recorded at 60 days after transplantation (DAT) while yield characteristics were determined at harvest. Capsaicin content was estimated in dried chilli powder. Results revealed that wastewater irrigation resulted significant increase in shoot, root fresh weight and dry weight, leaf area, net photosynthetic rate (P_N), stomatal conductance (g_s), transpiration rate, internal CO₂ and fruit yield. Among nitrogen treatments, N₆₀ proved best and recorded highest capsaicin content while among interactions the lower nitrogen dose N₃₀ with 100%WW proved optimum by giving at par result with combination of higher nitrogen treatment N₆₀ with GW indicating that fertilizer rates could be lowered with the use of wastewater which can serve not only as the source of water but of nutrients also. However, regular monitoring of wastewater and soil for any build up of heavy metals is necessary. The physical and chemical parameters of wastewater were also tested and most of them were found to be well within the permissible limits as set by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Keywords: Capsaicin content, Photosynthetic rate, Yield, Nitrogen, Wastewater.

Smriti Kolhey completed her B.Sc. Ag from SGCARS Jagdalpur and M.Sc. Ag from College of Agriculture, Raipur from the Indra Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyala, Raipur. In Master’s Degree her subject was Agricultural Microbiology and have done her research work on forest legume tree sp. Albizia procera. She had published her abstracts in National Seminar and Conferences. She got a place in “Junior technical assistant” (Feb 2012) in Chhattisgarh State Civil Supply Corporation Ltd. , “Rural Agriculture Extension Officer” (April 2012) by office of Zonal Director of Agriculture, Bilaspur division, Bilaspur (C.G.) and “Rural Agriculture Extension Officer” (May 2012) by office of Zonal Director of Agriculture, Raipur division, Raipur (C.G.). she is good at Extracurricular activities & awarded in Platinum Jubliee Inter-Agricultural University Cultural Festival (January 2008) organized by Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU , “Folk Dance” in the East Zone Youth Festival December 2008 held at Ranchi University, Ranchi, “Folk & Tribal Dance ” in the National Youth Festival January 2009 held at Vidyasagar University, Kolkata and “Group Song Indian” & “Patriotic Song” in Inter-College Youth Festival MADAI 2011. Participated as “Vice Captain” of Volly Ball Team during Inter zonal Sports and Games Competition and was awarded as winner.

A polybag experiment was conducted in glass house of Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Raipur, Chhattisgarh with eight treatments replicated thrice to assess the impact of Rhizobium inoculation on performance of Albizia procera (Safed siris) and influence of Nitrogen on biological Nitrogen fixation. The treatments comprised of seedling root inoculation with A. procera - Rhizobium alone and along with 3 levels of N fertilization (N₁, N₂ and N₃ as 50mg, 150mg and 400mg N/seedling) and application of 3 levels of N alone including one control. It was observed that the plants treated with both Rhizobium and low level of nitrogen (150 mg/seedling) performed better than those, which received either one of them or none (control). Growth and biomass production of Albizia procera was found maximum in T₄ with shoot length (25.92cm), root length (46.23cm), collar diameter (4.01cm) and total dry weight(10.965g/seedling) at 120 DAT. Stunted growth and poor biomass production of Albizia procera-Rhizobium was observed when high level of urea 400mg/seedling was applied. Based on results it can be inferred that application of N fertilizer at the rate of 150mg/seedling along with Rhizobium inoculation has tremendous potential in improving initial growth response of Albizia procera plants in nursery. This finding may be helpful in producing quality planting stock of Albizia procera for afforestation programmes.
Keywords: Albizia procera, Biomass, Growth, Nitrogen, Population dynamics, Rhizobium.

Sunag MN is in forth year B.Sc. Agri, in Agriculture College, Hassan, afflicted to Gandhi Krushi Vignana Kendra, Banglore, Karnataka, India. Has published 1 paper in international journals, 1 international conference papers, His area of interest is Modernization of Indian Agriculture, Agriculture Engineering.

India is the country with diversified natural resources, micro flora and fauna. From green revolution many agro chemicals are dumped to the fields for controlling disease and pests. Currently, India is the largest producer of pesticides in Asia and ranks twelfth in the world for the use of pesticides. Due to unscientific usage and methods of application, pesticides are degrading natural fertility of soil & divesting natural micro flora. This resulted in severe pest and disease out brake, which in turn resulted in consumption of more insecticides and fungicides. Hence achieving food security in future days is a major task, which can be achieved only through sustainable agriculture production. But usage of recommended proportion and various forms of pesticides for different pest and diseases is a confusing concept for farmer. We conducted a survey to know the gap between agricultural scientist’s recommendations and farmers practice in disease and pest management. Survey reveals that scientists say before any treatment firstly the disease or pest should be diagnosed by experts, based on expert recommendation farmers should take-up spraying of specific pesticides, but farmers are far from this knowledge. Scientists recommend Integrated Disease/Pest Management approach in that chemical treatment at last, but farmers are using as a first component. Scientists prefer crop rotation in places of endemic diseases but most of the farmers are following monoculture of same crop. So we can say due to all these reasons pesticides are utilized unscientifically. In this situation we are displaying the difference in opinion of agriculture scientists and farmers understanding in 15 Q questionnaires.

Sunil Kumar has completed his PhD at the age of 28 years in 2008 from M. J. P. Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, India, during his PhD work he got financial assistance as U. G. C. (JRF) from University Grant Commission, New Delhi. Presently, he is working as U. G. C. post doctoral fellow and part time botany lecturer at Department of Botany, Gandhi Faiz-E-Aam (P. G.) college, Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, affiliated to M. J. P. Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, India. He has published several research papers in reputed journals, attended several national level science conferences and International workshop.

An experiment was conducted at Department of Botany, Gandhi Faiz-E-Aam (P. G.) College, Shahjahanpur (U. P.) India in earthen pots to acess, the adverse effect of salinity on growth parameters of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cv. Suntech - 85. The result revealed that higher levels of salinity concentration (viz. 10, 15, 20, and 25 E. C.) were deleterious to plant growth, meanwhile, the lower salinity level of 5 E. C. does not show any adverse effect rather, there was slight increase in all growth parameters as compared to control (DW). Whereas, higher salinity level with 25 E. C. was deleterious and showed a decrease of 20.96, 39.92 and 22.44 % in shoot length, 35.93, 33.33 and 31.50 % in root length, 56.46, 29.95 and 28.81 % in shoot fresh weight, 42.42, 51.28 and 34.73 % in root fresh weight, 30.26, 45.54 and 27.08 % in shoot dry weight, 63.41, 55.00 and 57.29 % in root dry weight and 44.82, 42.30 and 38.14 % in leaf number and 41.56, 33.04 and 40.00 % in leaf area as compared to control at 30, 60 and 90 DAS respectively. This decrease in growth at higher salinity levels might be due to the toxic effects of salinity, and plants growing in salinity may suffer from physiological aspects such as osmotic adjustment, drought stress, ion accumulation, mineral deficiency, reduced chlorophyll content and photosynthesis and altered reduced activities of some antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and CAT.
Keywords: Growth, Salinity, Leaf Area, Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.).

Disease free Propagating materials with acclaimed quality traits are of huge demand in citrus. Citrus, a naturally polyembryonic group of plants produce seeds with more than one embryo with different combinations of zygotic and nucellar ones. Nucellar seedlings are the best option for having disease free propagules with desirable quality and high yielding ability. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of external treatments with different plant growth regulators and quality of light on development of seedlings from polyembryonic citrus seeds. Seeds of sweet orange, mandarin orange, lime and lemon were treated with three kinds of light- red, white and blue light and four kinds of plant growth regulators - NAA, IAA, BAP and GA₃. Observations were recorded on the parameters related to germination and the nature of seedlings. The result showed that nucellar seedling generation from the citrus seeds might be enhanced with the treatment of GA₃, BAP and NAA in mandarin orange and with the treatment of IAA, NAA and BAP in Sweet orange. The result recorded with the light treatment showed blue light treatment in lime, red light treatment in lemon and white light treatment in sweet orange and mandarin orange also to some extent enhanced the nucellar seedling development from nucellar embryos of seeds.
Keywords: Citrus, Polyembryony, Zygotic embryo, Nucellar embryo.

India is the largest producer of mango but the exported volume is still small due to short shelf life of the fruit that makes it difficult for ship transport. Delaying maturation and maintaining post harvest quality is of paramount importance for minimizing post harvest losses of this fruit. Therefore present investigation was aimed to investigate the effects of 1-MCP on ripening response and keeping quality of guava cv Allahabad Safeda. The treatments were characterized by exposing the fruits to 250, 500 and 1000 nL L^-1 of 1-MCP in sealed container for 4, 8 and 16 hours of duration followed by subsequent storage of treated and untreated fruit at 20^oC. Changes in various physico-chemical properties of fruit such as respiration rate, weight loss, fruit firmness, flesh colour, total soluble solid, acidity vitamin C and percentage of diseased fruits were assessed for a period of 20 days. It was found that application of 1-MCP delayed the colour development but did not exhibit any significant change in the physiological loss in weight of fruits. Respiration peak of treated fruit was delayed by 3 days with 1-MCP treatment. Its application at all concentration also reduced the fruit softening and loss of fruit acidity during their storage. However, the effectiveness of 1-MCP varied with exposer time of the fruit. Exposing the fruit to 4 hours was found to be ineffective when the fruits were treated with 250 nL L^-1 of 1-MCP. Whereas this compound had the greatest effect when it was applied at the rate of 500 nL L^-1 for 8 or 16 hrs or 1000 nL L^-1 for 4hr of time. Increasing the duration of exposer had the increasing impact on fruit quality but exposer time beyond 8 hour appeared to reach saturation level when the fruits were treated with the highest concentration of 1-MCP. The fruits treated with 1-MCP at 1000 nL L^-1 for 4 hour can be stored for 12 days while untreated fruit can only be stored for 7 days. Thus the treatment with 1-MCP could be a viable alternative for long distance transportation of guava through shipment.

Nature and magnitude of gene action involved in the inheritance of different qualitative and quantitative traits is most important and helps in formulating the appropriate breeding plan concerned with improvement. The present study was undertaken to decipher the nature and magnitude of gene action involved in inheritance of different traits in four single crosses (NBIHT-5 X NBIHT-6, NBIHT-5 X NBMHT-1, NBMHT-1 X NBIHT-6 and NBMHT-2 X NBMHT-1) selected from a full diallel experiment comprising of six high thebaine producing pure lines of opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) based on five parameter model. The presence of gene interactions was detected by using C and D scaling test. Based on the present study, considerable amount of variability in mean performance of basic generations P1, P2, F1, F2 and F3 were noticed for almost all traits except for seed yield per plant in all the cross combinations. The non-allelic mode of interaction was observed for all the traits as the values of either C or D or both were found significant. The generation mean analysis and scaling test revealed non allelic interaction in the inheritance of all the traits except stem diameter and papaverine content. The dominance effect (h) was found more pronounced for all the traits except thebaine and papaverine where additive effect (d) was more pronounced. Among the interaction effects dominance x dominance (l) was predominant over additive x additive (i) for all traits in all the four crosses except for papaverine content. The present study also explores the potential of component traits in producing better chances through knowledge of magnitude and nature of gene action. Based on the results, selection of transgressive segregants through sib-mating could be practiced to improve the yield potential. Simultaneously, intermating of better segregants followed by recurrent selection could be a potential breeding technique to increase the frequencies of favorable alleles. The positive and significant association between seed yield and opium yield suggests that selection would be effective for the improvement of both the characters simultaneously. The present investigation revealed that seed and opium yield and its contributing traits inherited quantitatively and fixable gene effects (d) and (i) were lower in magnitude than non fixable (h) and (l) gene effects showing non additive effect in the inheritance of agronomic traits in opium poppy. The high to moderate heritability coupled with high genetic advance may be advantageous in obtaining superior progenies which can be maintained through sib mating followed by recurrent selection in advance generation. It was concluded that selections based on direct and indirect traits i.e. capsule weight per plant, capsules per plant, branches per plant, capsule size, stem diameter and leaves per plant can influence the opium and seed yield potential substantially in opium poppy.

Rumana Aslam is a PhD research student in Cell and Molecular Biology and Genetics Section in Department of Botany Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh-India-2022.She has also completed M. Phil from the same Department in 2009.