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This experimental research was carried out to assess the components of variability for 11 quantitative parameters across 51 geographically diverse brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) strains. The research was carried out during summer season, 2024 at Horticultural Research Centre, Department of Horticulture, Chauras Campus, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India. The experimental results revealed that, significant difference was recorded in almost all the parameters studied. The Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) and Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) was found higher for the traits like number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant and fruit yield per plant. Heritability in broad sense ranged from 38.56 to 98.17 per cent, almost all the characters showed high heritability. The highest Genetic Advance as Percent of Mean (GAM) estimates were recorded for almost all the characters. Therefore, results indicated that predominance additive gene action in most of the trait expression, and direct simple selection through phenotypic expression is a good chance for genetic improvement.
Key words: Brinjal, Genetics, Genotypic, Heritability and Phenotypic
Abhay Singh, Khulakpam Naseeruddin Shah, Deepak Kumar Rana, Nikhil Priyadarshi and Vivek Singh*
Department of Horticulture, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar -249 161, Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India
Email: bibek007singh@gmail.com
The present investigation was conducted during Kharif 2023 to study the seasonal incidence of sesame leaf webber and capsule borer, Antigastra catalaunalis (Duponchel), in relation to weather parameters under field conditions at the Agricultural Research farm of B.R.D. P.G. College, Deoria (U.P.). Results showed that the population of A. catalaunalis commenced during the 32nd standard meteorological week (SMW), with larval population peaking in the 37th SMW (21.40 larvae 10 plants-1), while maximum capsule damage (52.10%) was recorded during the 41st SMW, indicating a lag between population buildup and damage. Correlation analysis revealed that relative humidity, rainfall and minimum temperature positively influenced pest population, whereas maximum temperature and evaporation showed negative associations. Multiple regression analysis explained 41% variation in pest population, though the model was non-significant. The study concludes that A. catalaunalis infestation in sesame is seasondependent and weather-influenced, underscoring the need for prompt monitoring based on weather conditions for effective pest management.
Key words: Sesamum indicum, Antigastra catalaunalis, seasonal incidence, weather parameters, capsule damage.
Aditya Kumar Sharma1*, Rajnish Kumar1, Shailendra Kumar Mishra2, Brajrajsharan Tiwari3 and Vijay Kumar Vimal2
1Department of Agricultural Entomology, Baba Raghav Das Post Graduate College, Deoria – 274 001, Uttar Pradesh, India
2Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kotwa, Azamgarh-I – 276 001, Uttar Pradesh, India
3Department of Agricultural Entomology, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda – 210 001, Uttar Pradesh, India
Email: adisharmajmd098@gmail.com
The brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) is a major rice pest causing significant yield losses across India. The present study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of N. lugens populations collected from Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 100 SSR markers were screened, of which 70 produced clear amplification, and 50 (71.42%) were polymorphic. These polymorphic markers generated 150 alleles, with 1 to 4 alleles per locus, indicating moderate genetic diversity. Cluster analysis using UPGMA grouped the populations into two major clusters, with most populations showing high genetic similarity, while a distinct population formed a separate cluster. The overall low genetic differentiation suggests extensive gene flow and migration among populations. The findings highlight the dynamic nature of N. lugens populations and provide valuable insights for developing region-specific and sustainable pest management strategies.
Key words: Brown planthopper, SSR markers, genetic diversity, population structure, gene flow, polymorphic, alleles.
Gurjot Kaur1, Preetinder Singh Sarao2* and Kumari Neelam3
1Department of Entomology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana – 141 004, Punjab, India
2Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana – 141 004, Punjab, India 3School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana – 141 004, India
Email: preetento@pau.edu
The present study entitled “Population dynamics of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Linn.) on cabbage, Brassica oleracea var. capitata”, was carried out during the Rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the Research Farm of the Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute. The objective was to examine the seasonal incidence of the diamondback moth and its relationship with prevailing abiotic factors under semi-arid conditions of Rajasthan. The findings revealed that the pest first appeared in the first week of December (49th Standard Meteorological Week) in both crop seasons, with initial populations of 0.50 and 0.40 larvae per plant in 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively. The larval population gradually increased, reaching a peak of 4.60 larvae per plant in the first week of February during 2021-22, and 4.90 larvae per plant in the last week of January during 2022-23. Thereafter, the population declined as the crop approached maturity and harvest. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive association between minimum temperature and larval population (r = 0.634 in 2021-22 and r = 0.517 in 2022-23). In contrast, maximum temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall exhibited non-significant negative correlations with pest incidence. The study concluded that mild minimum temperatures favoured the development and multiplication of P. xylostella on cabbage under semi-arid agro-climatic conditions. These insights are valuable for forecasting pest incidence and devising effective management strategies against the diamondback moth in cabbage cultivation.
Key words: Cabbage, Plutella xylostella, diamondback moth, seasonal incidence, population dynamics.
Balwant Singh Rathore, A.S. Baloda and Bhawani Singh Meena*
Department of Entomology, Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner – 303 329 Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Email: 125bhawanisingh@gmail.com
The study of identification of natural enemies in Lucerne ecosystem (Medicago sativa (L.)), were conducted at Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI), Southern Regional Research Station (SRRS), Dharwad, during rabi 2020-21. During this study the coccinellid species recorded in Lucerne crop were Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius), Cheilomenes transversalis (Fabricius), Harmonia octomaculata (Fabricius), Hippodamia variegate Goeze, Propylea dissecta (Mulsant), Adalia sp., Illeis cincta Fabricius, Chrysoperla sp. and Micromus sp. The parasitoids species recorded on aphids were Encarsia sp. and Halticoptera sp. and the pollinator species documented on Lucerne crop ecosystem during the study were Sphaerophoria macrogaster Thomson, Phytomia errans Fabricius, Ischiodon scutellaris Fabricius, Megachile lanata Fabricius, Megachile bicolor Fabricius, Eristalinus obliquus Wiedemann, Xylocopa sp., Danaus chrysippus Linnaeus, Papilio demoleus Linnaeus, Apis cerana indica Fabricius, Apis florea Fabricius, and Apis dorsata Fabricius.
Key words: Medicago sativa, coccinellids, ladybird beetles, Lucerne, natural enemies.
K. Nishmitha1*, Narendra S. Kulkarni2 and Ankita Gupta3
1Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Dharwad, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad – 580 005, Karnataka, India 2ICAR-IGFRI, SRRS, Dharwad – 580 005, Karnataka, India
3ICAR-NBAIR, Bengaluru – 560 024, Karnataka, India
Email:nishmithak121@gmail.com
The study was conducted on rice variety Rajendra Bhagawati to investigate the impact of organic amendments on the Yellow Stem Borer (YSB) and Leaf Folder incidence during the kharif season 2023 at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar. Randomized block design was utilized with eight treatments to assess the efficacy of various treatments. Insect pest incidence was assessed through field observations of dead heart, white ear head and damaged leaves (rolled and scorched leaves) at specific time intervals after transplanting. The treatment varied between organic, inorganic and organic plus inorganic inputs, where T5 containing organic inputs (50% residue plus 50% green manure/green leaf manure plus Pusa decomposer) emerged as the most effective. The T5 significantly reduced the pest incidence, showing the lowest mean incidence of YSB (4.29% dead hearts and 4.39% white earheads), Leaf folder (5.11%), Rice skipper (6.37%) and Gundhi bug. In contrast, the inorganic treatment T1, which relied entirely on 100 per cent RDF recorded the highest pest incidence, indicating that inorganic inputs alone are less effective at pest suppression. The study found that organic treatments, particularly those involving Pusa decomposer, not only reduced pest population but also helped in improving soil condition.
Key words: Pest incidence, yellow stem borer, organic, nutrients, leaf folder.
Parikshit Uchai, Mohammad Abbas Ahmad*, Shivam Rai and Shashi Kiran
Department of Entomology, P. G. College of Agriculture, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur) – 848 125,
Bihar, India
Email: abbas.ento@rpcau.ac.in
The present investigation on the biological attributes and morphometric characteristics of mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) was conducted under laboratory conditions at N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari during the rabi season of 2024. The study was carried out at average temperature of 25.62±1.05°C in the morning and 27.51±1.24°C in the afternoon with relative humidity ranging between 40 and 65%. The laboratory study revealed that the nymphal instars moulted four times to attain adult stage on mustard crop. The average length of first, second, third and fourth instar nymphs were 0.73±0.03, 0.86±0.02, 1.42±0.17 and 1.59±0.04 mm, whereas 0.38±0.02, 0.45±0.02, 0.71±0.05 and 0.82±0.05 mm in case of breadth, respectively. The apterate adult was dark, deep olive green in colour with a spindle-shaped to elongated pyriform body. The average length and breadth of apterate adults were 1.84±0.08 and 1.14±0.03 mm, respectively. The alate adult was comparatively smaller in size than apterate adult, and measured 1.79±0.08 mm in length and 1.05±0.02 mm in breadth. The average duration of first, second, third and fourth instar nymphs was 1.26±0.44, 1.60±0.49, 1.66±0.47 and 2.43±0.67 days, respectively. Whereas, the average total nymphal period ranged from 6 to 9 days with an average of 6.96±0.99 days. The average pre-reproductive, reproductive and post-reproductive period was 0.86±0.55, 5.83±1.66 and 0.85±0.49 days, respectively. The longevity of female adults ranged from 3 to 10 days with an average of 7.55±1.63 days and the total life cycle varied from 9.0 to 18.5 days with an average of 14.52±1.85 days. The average number of nymphs produced by a female was 25.00±9.52 nymphs during its life cycle.
Key words: Lipaphis erysimi, mustard aphid, biology, attributes, mustard crop.
T.R. Darji*, K.M. Patel, A.T. Patel and C.U. Shinde
Department of Entomology, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari – 39 6450, Gujarat, India
A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2022 at the Agricultural Research Farm of Baba Raghav Das Post Graduate College, Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, India to evaluate the comparative efficacy of biopesticides and synthetic insecticides against wheat aphids. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with eight treatments, including control, and replicated thrice. Observations on aphid population were recorded one day before spray and at 3, 7 and 10 days after application. The results revealed that all treatments significantly reduced aphid population compared to control. Among the treatments, Imidacloprid 70% WG @ 0.25 g l–1 proved most effective, recording the lowest aphid population at 3, 7 and 10 days after spray in both applications. It was followed by Acetamiprid 20% SP @ 1 g l–1 and Lambda-cyhalothrin 5% EC @ 1 ml l–1, which were also found effective. Botanical treatments, viz., Neem oil 2% @ 2 ml l–1 and Neem Baan 0.03% @ 2 ml l–1 exhibited comparatively lower efficacy but performed better than control. The study clearly indicated that synthetic insecticides were more effective than bio-pesticides in managing wheat aphids under field conditions.
Key words: Rhopalosiphum maidis, bio-pesticides, synthetic insecticides, efficacy, wheat aphid.
Pawan Kumar Rajbhar1, Amarendra Pratap Singh1, Aditya Kumar Sharma1*, Shailendra Kumar Mishra2 and Ankit Kumar1
1Department of Agricultural Entomology, Baba Raghav Das Post Graduate College, Deoria – 274 001, Uttar Pradesh, India
2Subject Matter Specialist (Entomology/Nematology), Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kotwa, Azamgarh-I – 276 001, Uttar Pradesh, India
Email: adisharmajmd098@gmail.com
Rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a traditional pulse crop cultivated on the hill slopes by the tribal farmers during from second fortnight of August to first fortnight of September. The productivity of rajmash is very low due to the use of local vine type varieties which are highly prone to insect pest attack. A field experiment was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Chintapalle in during consequent years ie., 2020-21, 2021-22 and 202223 to evaluate the performance of rajmash varieties viz., Jwala, Arun, Utkarsh, Arka Komal, Uday and local check Chintaplle red and Chintapalle white against the incidence of insect pests and yellow mosaic disease. The cumulative results indicated that Arun variety revealed lowest incidence of flea beetle damage (1.26%), whitefly (1.29 plant–1) with a resistance reaction to yellow mosaic disease (YMV) (<1%) with highest seed yield (4.39 q ha–1) whereas, the local check variety Chintapalle Red recorded highest flea beetle damage (2.45%), whitefly (3.07 plant–1), highest YMV disease (4.84%) with lowest seed yield (1.57 q ha–1).
Key words: Pulses, Rajmash varietal performance, incidence of insect pests, yellow mosaic disease.
P. Seetharamu1*, M. Srinivasarao2, B.N. Sandeepnaik3 and M. Suresh Kumar4
1Department of Entomology, 2Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, 3Department of Agronomy, 4Department of Agricultural Extension, ANGRAU, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Chintapalle – 531 111, (Visakhapatnam District), Andhra Pradesh, India
Email: p.seetharamu@angrau.ac.in
Investigation on seasonal incidence of ber fruit fly, Carpomyia vesuviana Costa and its correlation with abiotic factors was carried out at Asalpur farm, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner. The infestation started in the fourth week of October (44th Standard Meteorological week (SMW)) and remained throughout the season during both the years of 2021-22 and 2022-23. Ber fruit fly infestation reached to its peak in February, with the highest infestation rates (43.20 and 41.10% and 42.00 and 42.37% both on number and weight basis) recorded during the last week of February (9th SMW) and the second week of February (7th SMW) in the consecutive seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively. The findings from the correlation studies revealed that the fruit fly infestation (both the basis of number and weight) showed a strong positive correlation (r= 0.806, 0.789) with wind velocity during 2021-22. Conversely, fruit fly infestation (both on the basis of number and weight) had a significant positive correlation (r= 0.576 and 0.603) with morning relative humidity during 2022-23. The other weather parameters (maximum temperature, minimum temperature, evening relative humidity, rainfall and BSSH) had non-significant correlation with per cent fruit damage both on number and weight basis during both the years of study.
Key words: Fruit fly, Carpomyia vesuviana, abiotic factors, correlations, seasonal incidence.
Pooja Sharma*, Bhawani Singh Meena, Manisha Sharma and Shankar Lal Sharma
Department of Entomology, SKN Agriculture University, Jobner – 303 329, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Email: poojasharma0377@gmail.com
Oilseed brassicas, commonly known as rapeseed–mustard, belong to the family Brassicaceae, which comprises approximately 350 genera and over 3,500 species. Rapeseed–mustard crops are vulnerable to a wide range of pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, and phytoplasmas. Among these, Sclerotinia stem rot, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is one of the most destructive fungal diseases affecting Indian mustard, leading to significant yield and economic losses. This study presents a comprehensive review of current disease management approaches emphasizing the use of organic amendments and biological control agents, along with recent advances in eco-friendly practices. Additionally, the research evaluates the efficacy of selected bio agents and organic amendments under both in vitro and in vivo conditions to enhance our understanding of their role in managing Sclerotinia stem rot. The experiment was conducted at the Department of Plant Pathology, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner. Four bio agents were tested in vitro, while eight organic amendments and bio agent combinations were evaluated in vitro. Among the bio agents tested in vitro, Trichoderma harzianum exhibited the maximum mycelial growth inhibition (68.51%), which was significantly superior to T. viride (61.94%), Pseudomonas fluorescens (24.31%), and Bacillus subtilis (17.66%). Under in vivo conditions, the combined application of T. harzianum + neem cake demonstrated the highest disease suppression with 74.72% inhibition, followed by T. harzianum + mustard cake (71.35%). The lowest efficacy was observed with mustard cake alone (32.47%). The findings highlight the potential of bio agents, particularly T. harzianum, in combination with organic amendments, as effective and sustainable alternatives to chemical fungicides for the management of Sclerotinia stem rot in mustard. The study also outlines future research directions aimed at strengthening eco-friendly disease management strategies for sustainable mustard production.
Key words: Bio agents, mustard, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, organic amendments, stem rot.
Sanju Choudhary1, A.L. Yadav2*, Komal Choudhary3 and Asha Yadav1
1Department of Plant Pathology, SKNAU, Rajasthan Agriculture Research Institute, Durgapura – 302 018, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
2Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner – 334 006, Rajasthan,
India
3Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Shri Karn Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner – 303 329, Rajasthan, India
Email: yadavarjun003@gmail.com
In vitro efficacy of four chemical substances and five antibiotics were evaluated against Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum the causal agent of carrot soft rot disease. Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum was isolated from diseased carrot sample by serial dilution technique; and different biochemical and pathogenicity test were performed to confirm the bacterial species. Bioagents viz., Pseudomonas fluorescens (BC Lab., UAS, Raichur), Pseudomonas fluorescens (AP05), Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus thuringiensis, Trichoderma asperellum (UAS, Raichur) and probiotics like, Lactobacillus sp. MYSVA-20, Lactobacillus sp. MYSVA-21 and Lactobacillus sp. MYSVA-23 were tested for their potentiality to suppress the bacterium by streak plate method. Data were recorded at 96 hours after incubation and results showed that among the different bioagents P. fluorescens (BC Lab) was found significantly superior over all other treatments in suppression of the pathogen with an inhibition zone of 12.66 mm. Followed by this, the next best effective biocontrol agents were B. subtilis (9.00 mm) and P. fluorescens- AP05 (7.16 mm). Significantly least inhibition was recorded by B. amyloliquefaciens (4.16 mm) and Lactobacillus sp. (MYSVA 23) (4.13 mm).
Key words: Pectobacterium carotovorum, carrot, soft rot disease, bioagents, inhibition.
Pavitra1*, S.T. Yenjerappa1, Y.S. Amaresh1, K. Ajithkumar1, H. Ashok2 and Mahadevaswamy3
1Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur – 584 104, Karnataka, India
2Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur – 584 104, Karnataka, India
3Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur – 584 104, Karnataka, India
Email: paveetrakamdath@gmail.com
Anthracnose disease of chilli caused by Colletotrichum capsici (Syd.) Butler and Bisby is a serious problem of chilli. It poses a serious threat to the successful cultivation of chilli in India. The effect of plant extracts (viz, neem leaf extract, polyalthia, tulsi, lantana) and neem oil were tested against C. capsici. In field experiment during kharif season of 2024, the treatment T4 with Trichoderma harzianum 10 g kg–1 seed treatment and foliar spray of neem oil (10%) was most effective and recorded lowest disease intensity (15.80%) of anthracnose of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.), with maximum production (1.59 t ha–1) and significant plant growth followed by T1 [T. harzianum (10 g kg–1) seed treatment + Neem leaf extract (10%) foliar spray], T3 [T. harzianum (10 g kg–1) seed treatment + Polyalthia longifolia (10%) foliar spray], T2 [T. harzianum (10 g kg–1) seed treatment + tulsi leaf extract (10%) foliar spray], T5 [T. harzianum (10 g kg–1) seed treatment + Lantana leaf extract (10%) foliar spray], and T6 [T. harzianum (10 g kg–1) ]seed treatment and the control (T0). The findings of this study offer a significant contribution to sustainable agriculture, presenting a viable and eco-friendly strategy for managing diseases in chilli crops.
Key words: Bioagents, Colletotrichum capsici, disease intensity, eco-friendly management, mycelial growth, Trichoderma harzianum.
Lebarstar Kharshandi1*, Sunil Zacharia1 and Arentola Lemtor2
1Department of Plant Pathology, Naini, Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj – 211 007, Uttar Pradesh, India
2Division of Plant Pathology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir, India
Email: lebarkharshandi@gmail.com
Maize productivity is dependent on enhancement of seed quality and seedling vigour. This study evaluated the efficacy of an integrated bio-liquid seed coating viz., integrating Bacillus polymyxa, B. megaterium and chitosan against single microbial inoculants and untreated controls. The experiments, conducted under laboratory and pot culture conditions, revealed that the bio-integrated coating significantly (p 0.05) improved seed germination to 93% and maximized vigour index-I (2120.4) and II (11.44). While, the treatment achieved a 62.5% reduction in disease incidence and enhanced stress recovery (80.4%) and chlorophyll content (49.6 SPAD). Rhizospheric soil health was consequently improved, with significant increases in dehydrogenase, phosphatase, and urease activities. Shelf-life analysis confirmed microbial viability within the formulation for up to 12 months. These results demonstrate that biointegrated coatings offer a robust, eco-friendly strategy for optimizing early-season maize performance and soil biological activity.
Key words: Bio-liquid formulation, Bacillus spp., chitosan, seed coating, soil enzymes.
P. Anuroopa1*, P. Sudha Reddy1, Y. Santhoshi Lavanya2 and K. Shruti1
1Research and Development, K. N. Biosciences India Private Limited, Bachupally – 500 090, Telangana, India
2Department of Agricultural Microbiology and Bioenergy, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Rajendranagar – 500 030, Telangana, India
Email: anu233p@gmail.com
Global food security faces challenges from population growth and climate change, demanding sustainable biofertilizers. This study optimized liquid Azospirillum brasilense NAIMCC B 00896 formulations with additives. Trehalose (15 mM) + PVP (5%) best preserved Azospirillum viability (8.90 log CFU ml–1 at 56 weeks), compliant to FCO limits. Post-storage plant growth promoting traits remained robust: N-fixation (25 mg N/g), IAA (38.93 µg ml–1), ACC deaminase (18.71 µmol mg–1 h–1), siderophore (42.36%), P-solubilization (SI 2.67). Field trials of PR 126 enhanced rice yield 9.86% (81 q ha–1), height (106 cm), tillers (310 m–2) compared to untreated control. These results validate a scalable, eco-friendly solutions.
Key words: Azospirillum brasilense, chemical additives, liquid biofertilizers, shelf life, cell viability.
S. Garcha* and N. Kaur
Department of Microbiology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana- 141 001, Punjab, India
Email: sgarcha@pau.edu
The present study was conducted to evaluate different integrated weed management practices in mungbean under western Rajasthan conditions. A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2024 at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 10 treatments replicated three times. Treatments included combinations of herbicides, hand weeding, and sorgaab application. The mungbean variety GM-4 was sown following recommended agronomic practices. Observations on weed density, weed dry matter accumulation, weed control efficiency (WCE), weed index, and economics were recorded at different crop growth stages. The results revealed that integrated weed management practices significantly reduced weed density and weed dry matter accumulation compared to the weedy check. Among the dominant weeds, Digera arvensis, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, and Cyperus rotundus were effectively controlled by herbicide-based integrated treatments. Application of fluazifop-p-butyl 11.1% + fomesafen 11.1% SL @ 220 g ha–1 at 20 days after sowing (DAS) followed by hand weeding at 30 DAS (T6) proved most effective and recorded the lowest weed density and weed dry matter accumulation at all growth stages. This treatment also achieved the highest weed control efficiency (97.11% at harvest) and the lowest weed index (6.04%), indicating minimum yield loss due to weeds. Treatments involving sodium-acifluorfen + clodinafop-propargyl and imazethapyr + imazamox integrated with hand weeding also performed effectively and remained statistically comparable. Sorgaab alone was comparatively less effective; however, its integration with hand weeding or herbicides improved weed suppression considerably. Economic analysis showed that the highest benefit-cost ratio (3.66) was obtained with fluazifop-p-butyl + fomesafen followed by hand weeding, followed by sodium-acifluorfen + clodinafop-propargyl + hand weeding (3.58). Thus, integrated use of herbicides with hand weeding proved to be the most effective and economical weed management strategy for mungbean cultivation under western Rajasthan conditions.
Key words: Mungbean, integrated weed management, weed dynamics, herbicides, sorghum water extract, weed control efficiency.
Chirag Meena, Ramdev Sutaliya, Mahendra Junjariya*, Manoj Kumar, Surendra Kumar, Sarita, Rekha Ratanoo and Rakesh Kumar
Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Agriculture University, Jodhpur – 342 304, Rajasthan, India
Email: mahijunjariya@gmail.com
A field experiment was conducted during three semi-rabi seasons from 2019-20 to 2021-22 at the Dry Farming Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural University, Ratia (Ghed, Gujarat), to study the effect of mulching on growth, yield, and economics of castor (Ricinus communis L.) under conserved soil moisture conditions. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design replicated four times with four mulching treatments and two castor cultivars. Pooled results of three years showed that silver black plastic mulch significantly improved growth and yield attributes and produced higher seed and stalk yields, though yield differences among mulching treatments were statistically non-significant. Cultivar GC-3 recorded significantly higher seed yield and better economic returns than GCH-9. Plastic mulch resulted in the highest gross and net returns, while absolute control recorded the highest benefitcost ratio. The study suggests that plastic mulch with cultivar GC-3 enhances castor productivity under conserved soil moisture conditions.
Key words: Ghed area, castor, mulching, conserved soil moisture, plastic mulch.
V.D. Vora1*, P.S. Gorfad2, D.S. Hirpara1, P.D. Vekariya1, Hina Bhatu1, S.C. Kaneria1 and G.V. Marviya1
1Main Dry Farming Research Station, Targhadia- 360 023 Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh- 362 001, Gujarat, India 2Dry Farming Research Station, Ratia- 360 556, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh- 362 001, Gujarat, India
Email: vdvora@jau.in
A field experiment was conducted at the Main Dry Farming Research Station, Targhadia, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat, during kharif seasons from 2018-19 to 2022-23 to evaluate the productivity and economic viability of guava-based alternate land use systems under rainfed conditions of North Saurashtra Agroclimatic Zone. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with four replications comprising five treatments: guava + groundnut, guava + black gram, guava + sesame, guava + cowpea and sole guava. Results revealed that guava-based intercropping systems significantly influenced growth, productivity and profitability. Among the treatments, guava + groundnut recorded significantly the highest pooled guava fruit equivalent yield (8123 kg ha–1), maximum fodder yield (3638 kg ha–1), and superior economic returns with maximum net return of ` 97,758 ha–1 and benefit-cost ratio of 2.18. Land equivalent ratio (LER) values were greater than unity in all intercropping systems, indicating yield advantage over sole cropping, with maximum LER of 1.76 observed under guava + cowpea. Sole guava recorded the lowest productivity and economic returns. The study indicated that intercropping of groundnut in guava plantation is the most productive and economically viable system under rainfed conditions of North Saurashtra Agro Climatic Zone.
Key words: Guava-based intercropping, rainfed agriculture, economic returns, equivalent yield.
D.S. Hirpara, P.D. Vekariya, V.D. Vora*, Hina Bhatu, S.C. Kaneria and G.V. Marviya
Main Dry Farming Research Station, Targhadia – 360 023, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh – 362 001, Gujarat, India
Email: vdvora@jau.in
The experiment was conducted at ICAR Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Perambalur during summer season of 2024-25 to study the effect of foliar nutrition on the productivity of Greegram. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design and replicated thrice with eight treatments comprising of T1– Control, T2– Foliar spray of Urea 1%, T3Foliar spray of KCl 2%, T4– Foliar spray of Pulse wonder @ 2 kg acre–1, T5– Foliar spray of Panchagavya 5%, T6– Foliar spray of Cow urine 5%, T7– Foliar spray of DAP 2%, T8– Foliar spray of NAA @ 50 ppm. The highest growth parameters viz., plant height, number of branches per plant, leaf area index and dry matter production (g plant–1) were recorded with the foliar application of TNAU Pulse wonder @ 2 kg acre–1. The same treatment had significantly recorded higher grain yield of 844.20 kg ha–1. It was followed by foliar spray Panchagavya 5% which registered grain yield of 837.00 kg ha–1. From the above results, it has been concluded that foliar spray of TNAU Pulse wonder @ 2 kg acre–1 at flowering enhances the productivity and higher profitability in Greegram.
Key words: Greengram, crop, plant height, productivity and yield
M. Punithavathi*, S. Kokila Vani and V. Ponvizhi Ramya
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Valikadapuram, Perambalur – 621 115, Tamil Nadu, India
Email: punithaagronomy@gmail.com
The overuse of synthetic pesticides in agriculture poses significant threats to human health and the environment, particularly in developing regions. While technical solutions exist, their adoption is often hindered by behavioural factors. This study employs the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to investigate how behavioural determinants attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control (PBC), and risk perception influence pesticide use intentions among vegetable farmers, with a specific focus on variation by farm size. A survey of 132 farmers in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India, was conducted using a pre-tested 21-item Likert-scale questionnaire. Respondents were categorised into marginal (<1 ha), small (1–2 ha), and medium & large (>2 ha) landholding groups for comparative analysis. While all farmer groups expressed positive attitudes toward reducing pesticide use, particularly for health and environmental reasons, this did not uniformly translate into strong intentions. The PBC and risk perception were critical mediators. Smallholders demonstrated the highest risk awareness but the lowest PBC and weakest intentions to adopt safer practices, revealing a significant capacity-action gap. Medium-scale farmers exhibited the highest concern over yield and income loss, while large-scale farmers reported the highest PBC and strongest intentions to adopt non-chemical methods. Subjective norms varied, with peers most influential among medium-scale farmers. Landholding size is a critical determinant shaping the psychosocial pathways to pesticide use. The findings underscore the need for differentiated, size-sensitive interventions. Policies should prioritise capacity building and resource access for smallholders, risk mitigation strategies for medium-scale farmers, and leverage the demonstration potential of large-scale farmers to foster sustainable pest management transitions.
Key words: Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), pesticide use, farm size, risk perception, smallholders, vegetables.
Rudra Pratap Singh1, Sarvesh Kumar2* and Vikalp Narayan Rai3
1Department of Entomology, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya -224 229, Uttar Pradesh,
India
2Department of Agricultural Economics, Shri Durga Ji Post Graduate College, Chandeshwar, Azamgarh – 276 128, Uttar Pradesh, India 3Department of Agriculture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Azamgarh – 276 001, Uttar Pradesh, India
Email: sarvesh6126@gmail.com
Button mushrooms are one of the most cultivated edible mushrooms in the world due to high nutritional value. The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of different culture media, temperature, and pH on the radial mycelial growth of six strains (AB-1401, AB-1602, AB-1803, AB-09, DMRA-177 and AB-Local) of button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus). Among the culture media tested, Wheat Extract Malt Agar (WEMA) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) supported faster mycelial growth, with strain AB-1803 exhibiting the minimum days for full plate colonization (6 and 7 days, respectively), indicating superior growth performance. Temperature significantly influenced growth, with 24ºC found to be optimum for all strains, where the fastest radial growth was recorded, particularly in strain AB-1803 (6.67 days). At lower temperatures (15ºC), growth was markedly slower across all strains. The effect of pH revealed that neutral pH (7.0) was most favourable for mycelial growth, with strain AB-1803 again showing the fastest colonization (7.00 days), while both acidic and alkaline conditions resulted in relatively slower growth. The critical difference (CD) values for pH (0.392), strains (0.430), and their interaction (0.961) indicate that the observed differences are statistically significant. Moreover, Media and temperature were also found statistically significant. Overall, strain AB-1803 consistently demonstrated superior performance under optimized conditions, suggesting its suitability for efficient cultivation. The study highlights the importance of optimizing environmental and nutritional factors to enhance mycelial growth and improve mushroom production efficiency.
Key words : Agaricus bisporus, media, pH, temperature, strains, radial growth.
Surpati Anand* and Ram Chandra
Department of Mycology and Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi – 221 005, India
Email: surpatianand69@gmail.com
The present investigation was carried out on the effect of different coating and packaging methods on the biochemical quality of guava cv. Allahabad Safeda during ambient storage conditions. The experiment consisted of 12 treatments involving Aloe vera coating, ascorbic acid application, SO2 fumigation, LDPE packaging and corrugated fibre board (CFB) packaging combinations. The observations on total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugar, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar and TSS/acid ratio were recorded at different storage intervals up to 15 days. The results revealed significant variation among treatments for all quality parameters during storage. An initial increase in TSS, total sugar and non-reducing sugar was observed up to the mid-storage period, followed by a gradual decline towards the end of storage. Titratable acidity and ascorbic acid content decreased continuously throughout the storage period. Among all treatments, T8 (SO2 fumigation for 3 minutes + LDPE 50 µ + CFB) proved most effective in maintaining higher TSS (10.82 °Brix), acidity (0.19%), total sugar (6.73%), reducing sugar (4.68%) and non-reducing sugar (2.05%) at the end of storage. Higher ascorbic acid retention was recorded in T6 (Ascorbic acid 75 ppm + LDPE 50 µ + CFB). The untreated control fruits showed rapid deterioration and poor quality retention. The study indicated that SO2 fumigation combined with LDPE packaging and CFB boxes effectively delayed ripening, reduced metabolic losses and maintained superior fruit quality during ambient storage of guava.
Key words: Guava, SO2 fumigation, LDPE packaging, ambient storage, shelf life.
Shiv Bhavan1*, Balveer Singh1, Manoher Saryam1, Malay Marut Sharma2 and Vikash Singh Thakur1
1Faculty of Agriculture, Rabindranath Tagore University, Raisen- 464 993, Madhya Pradesh, India
2Department of Horticulture, Rajiv Gandhi University (A Central University) Rono Hills, Doimukh – 791 112, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Email: balveer048@gmail.com
A sustainable seed system ensures timely, affordable access to high-quality seeds for farmers, which is vital for food security. Such a system functions effectively only when easy access to good-quality seed that matches their diverse needs, especially during the sowing period. To strengthen seed production and distribution, the Government of India, Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has created a digital platform called SATHI (Seed Authentication, Traceability and Holistic Inventory). This platform tracks every stage of seed multiplication from nucleus seed production to subsequent generations up to the supply of certified seed to farmers through registered dealers. SATHI offers a unified digital ecosystem for all stakeholders, including seed growers, processors, certification agencies, and input dealers, to improve seed quality. Its modules streamline processes such as grower registration, field inspections, lab testing, reporting, and certification, saving significant time.
Keywords: Digital seed traceability, SATHI portal, millet seeds, QR authentication, seed quality, inventory management.
GBN Jyothi1*, Dheeraj M1, Rajappa PV1 and Repudi Shalem Raju2
1ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad – 500 030, India
2Regional Agricultural Research Station, POA, ANGRAU, Maruteru – 534 122, Andhra Pradesh, India
Email: jyothigodavari1@gmail.com
