The freshly collected mulberry leaves were smeared with solutions of nanoparticles of riboflavin a vitamin (B₂) in different concentrations. The enriched leaves were air dried. The fifth instar larvae of mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori L. were fed with enriched leaves thrice a day. Feeding parameters, food conversion efficiency, growth and economic characters were studied and recorded. Supplementation of nanoparticles of vitamin B₂ showed a positive impact and significantly enhanced the growth of the larvae (28.985%), silk gland weight (111.392%) and silk yield (194.44%) when compared to control. So vitamin B₂ nanoparticles can be used as a fortification agent for improving the silk production.

M. Kamala^*

Dept. of Zoology, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Karur, Tamil Nadu (639 005), India

A. Karthikeyan

Dept. of Zoology, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Karur, Tamil Nadu (639 005), India

Pests and diseases cause 20-40% of crops to be wiped out annually. Currently existing plant disease management strategies solely employ harmful pesticides, which are harmful for the environment and for people. When it comes to decreasing toxicity, extending the shelf life and making poorly water-soluble pesticides more soluble, nanotechnology is a blessing that may have a favorable effect on the environment. The fundamental unit of nanotechnology, nanoparticles, can be used in phytopathology to manage plant diseases in a variety of ways. They can be used as RNA-interference molecules, pesticide nanocarriers, or protectants. Furthermore, beyond their role as carriers for genetic material, probes and agrichemicals, nanoparticles hold potential as tailored biosensors, serving as diagnostic instruments. These days, biological organisms are a novel source for nanoparticle manufacturing. The nano-bioformulations are made up of the biological systems used to synthesize nanoparticles. Because of their exceptional efficiency and affordability, the adoption of plant extracts or microbial enzymes for the biosynthesis of nano-formulations is rapidly gaining momentum within the realm of nano-bioformulations. Owing to their tiny size (1-100 nm), an environmental risk assessment is necessary, especially when it comes to ingestion as food or feed. Agricultural applications have seen the commercialization of exiguous nanoparticle-based solutions, despite the numerous potential benefits linked to their use. Therefore, this demands nanotechnology be applied in farmer's fields to fill the voids in scientific research.

Pranab Dutta

School of Crop Protection, College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Umiam, Meghalaya (793 103), India

Alinaj Yasin^*

School of Crop Protection, College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Umiam, Meghalaya (793 103), India

Arti Kumari

School of Crop Protection, College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Umiam, Meghalaya (793 103), India

Madhusmita Mahanta

School of Crop Protection, College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Umiam, Meghalaya (793 103), India

Anwesha Sharma

School of Crop Protection, College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Umiam, Meghalaya (793 103), India

Rice crop is threatened by more than 50 diseases which may appear at any growth stage of the plants. Grain discolouration is an emerging disease of paddy, reported from different countries of the world and is gradually becoming a serious problem. Out of numerous reasons for grain discolouration, association of microbes is important one. It affects the qualitative and quantitative traits such as germination ability, seed health, seed quality, seed morphology and ultimately it results into yield penalty. It is a complex disease exhibiting various symptoms depending on season, locality, variety and pathogens involved. To mitigate this serious malady, precise identification of pathogen is necessary. An integrated management strategy involving better utilization of genetic resources, use of improved agricultural practices, seed treatment with chemicals or biological agents are need to be under taken to manage this malady.

B. Khamari^*

Institute of Agricultural Science, Siksha-o-Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha (751 008), India

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing industry and grows at a pace of 1.1% rate per year. In recent times, current global climatic condition does not allow horizontal expansion of this industry anymore. To further increase the aquaculture production, requirement of a robust technology is evident. Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) allows increasing the fish production by many folds using limited resources. Water conservation, biosecurity and high production are key features of this technology. The major challenges seem to be affecting this industry includes poor management, lack of knowledge about the technology, high investment and occurrence of diseases and pathogens. Several researches are being carried out to improve technical aspect in recirculating loop, efficient use of system by-products and finding an alternative source of energy. Recent advancement in RAS such as denitrification reactors, sludge thickening technologies and ozone treatments results in minimal use of water, waste discharge and energy use. With greater knowledge about the system and understanding the interaction between its components, this technology has the potential to bring revolution in aquaculture sector.  

Nilav Aich

Dept. of Fisheries, Government of Tripura, Tripura, INDIA

Suman Nama

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai-400061, INDIA

Abhilipsa Biswal

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai-400061, INDIA

Tapas Paul^*

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai-400061, INDIA

Field experiment was conducted at Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, Berhampore- 742 101 during 2016 to study the effect of fertilizer dose and split application of fertilizer on growth, yield and nutrient use efficiency of mulberry leaves. The treatments comprised of four levels of fertilizer (75, 100, 125 & 150% RDF), two types of split application (2 splits: 15^th & 45^th day after pruning and 3 splits: 15^th, 30^th & 45^th day after pruning). A control plot of 100% RDF with one time application of fertilizer on 15^th day after pruning was also maintained. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Recommended dose of fertilizer was used at 67.2:36: 22.4 kg NPK ha^-1 crop^-1. The required nutrient as per treatments were applied through Urea, DAP and MOP. The experimentation was done under existing S-1635 mulberry garden with 2'×2' spacing. The results revealed that mulberry showed positive response to fertilizer levels and split application of fertilizer. Growth and yield attributes were significantly higher under 125% RDF with 2 split application and this was on par with 150% RDF with in both 2 split and 3 split applications. Significantly higher leaf yield of 506.40 g/plant (14.07 t ha^-1 crop^-1) was registered under fertilizer dose at 125% RDF with 2 splits. Total soluble protein (mg/g of fresh green weight) was 31.82% higher in 125% RDF with 2 splits than control. Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) was markedly decreased with higher fertilizer dose (i.e. 150% RDF) than lower fertilizer dose (75% RDF). The results indicated that 11.10% higher NUE was registered under 125% RDF with 2 splits compared to control. From the above study, it could be concluded that application of 84:45:25 kg NPK ha^-1crop^-1 in 2 split was found to be a suitable technology for achieving higher mulberry leaf yield with enhanced fertilizer use efficiency. However, split application of fertilizer could reduce total nitrate emissions from mulberry field due to better nutrient use efficiency and this could one of the climate change mitigation option.

Mahesh R.^*

Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Berhampore, West Bengal-742 101, INDIA

Hirom Premjit Meitei

Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Berhampore, West Bengal-742 101, INDIA

Debashish Chakravarty

Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Berhampore, West Bengal-742 101, INDIA

V. Sivaprasad

Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Berhampore, West Bengal-742 101, INDIA

Cleistogamy is a mode of reproduction which promotes self-pollination as the flower remains closed even after anthesis. This system avoids contamination of foreign pollen to outcross the clesitogamous flower. In nature, under suboptimal environmental condition, few plant species produce cleistogamous flower which requires fewer resources to reproduction. Three different types of cleistogamy occur in plants namely dimorphic cleistogamy, induced cleistogamy, and complete cleistogamy. This kind of sexual reproduction maintains the locally adopted gene complex and homogeneity of the genes in the population. This system of reproduction helps in achieving the genetic purity of any species. This system can be transferred to other species to exploit the cleistogamous nature of reproduction.

A. Manivannan^*

ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research, Regional Station, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (641 003), India

Field experiments conducted in sugarcane revealed that scheduling irrigation through drip daily at 80 percent of pan evaporation (PE) registered the highest cane yield (168.2 t ha^-1) in main of cv. CO 86032 which was followed by 60 and 40 percent drip irrigation (148.5 and 140.9 t ha^-1 respectively) and were significantly superior over surface method of irrigation at 0.75 IW/CPE ratio (126.2 t ha^-1). In the ratoon crop, drip irrigation treatments at 40, 60 and 80 percent level of pan evaporation produced comparable cane yields (124.4, 131.7 and 128.9 t ha^-1 respectively). Highest water use efficiency was observed in 40% PE treatment for both main crop and ratoon (150.3 and 146.8 kg ha mm^-1 respectively). Nitrogen levels did not show any marked difference on cane yield and application of 175 kg N ha^-1 as fertigation was found to be optimum and economical.

G. Thiyagarajan^*

Water Technology Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (641 003), India

M. Manikandan

Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Kumulur, Tamil Nadu (621 712), India

Black pepper is most important spice of the world and called as "King of Spices”. Several insect and non insect pests cause yield loss in this crop. Among them, Pollu beetle, top shoot borer, marginal leaf gall thrips, scales, mealy bugs and nematodes are worthy to note. These pests can be well efficiently managed by following integrated management tactics viz., field sanitation, cultural, biological and chemical methods.

T. Sathyan^*

Dept. of Agricultural Entomology, CPPS, TNAU, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (641 003), India

K. Elanchezhyan

Dept. of Agricultural Entomology, AC&RI, Killikulam, Tamil Nadu (628 252), India

N. Murugesan

Dept. of Agricultural Entomology, AC&RI, Killikulam, Tamil Nadu (628 252), India

Livestock sector plays an important role in the national economy and in the socio-economic development of the country. Green fodder provides nutrients for milch animals at cheaper cost. In spite of its importance, in the country, green fodder production has not been given proper place in the cropping pattern in providing proper nutrition to livestock. In view of this, a study was undertaken to analyse the nutrient deficiencies in feed and fodder management systems in peri-urban and rural areas of Belgaum district. Total 160 respondents of 8 villages in peri-urban and rural areas were interviewed by administering the standardised interview schedule. The availability of digestible crude protein rural areas was only 0.474 kg/head/day leading to a percentage deficiency of 36.8. In rural areas the availability of total digestible nutrients was only 2.06 kg/head/day and the same was 3.86 kg/head/day in peri-urban areas. The deficiency of total digestible nutrients was observed in both rural (81.42%) and peri-urban areas (75.89). Considerable percentage deficiency was observed in total digestible nutrients of feeds and fodder fed to livestock in rural (93.06%) and peri-urban areas (73.71%).

Pushpa P.^*

University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka (587 104), India

Jayalaxmi Pawar

University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka (587 104), India

Chandan K.

University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka (587 104), India

Ramesh A.P.

University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka (587 104), India

In natural ecosystems, plant health is mainly dependent on interactions with diverse and dynamic soil microbial communities. The microbial communities particularly those associated with nitrogen (N) cycling pathway inhabiting in rice field ecosystem have been described previously. Although, little is known about the taxonomic microbial players involved with dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), a short-circuit N retention pathway in terrestrial N cycle. Therefore, we have to focus on how rice plants shape DNRA bacteria and how they alter over the course of several rice growth stages. Besides, we also shed lights on rice root physiology and the role of root exudates to address plant physiological aspects that may influence plant-microbe interactions.

Megha Kaviraj

ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, Odisha (753 006), India & The University of Burdwan, Burdwan, West Bengal (713 104), India

Upendra Kumar^*

ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, Odisha (753 006), India

Soumendranath Chatterjee

The University of Burdwan, Burdwan, West Bengal (713 104), India

Cotton is one of the major sources for natural fiber with strong commercial relevance. Now a day, there is a substantial demand for the extra-long, strong and fine cotton fibres are the major choices of modern textile industry. The most efficient way to improve fiber quality is through breeding. However, it is a big challenge for cotton breeders to develop a cultivar having good fiber quality along with higher yield because a negative genetic correlation widely exists between quality and yield. However, complete draft genome sequence of cotton is now available, but functional genomic studies remain in their infancy, as this exhibit genetic constrains like recalcitrance and complex genome. Proteomics is an established complementary tool to genomics provides a powerful tool for functional analysis of cotton fiber productivity. In this review, a special emphasis is given to cotton fiber proteomics in response to fiber biogenesis, fiber quality and fiber colour that will give a better understanding for molecular basis of acquisition of fiber developmental mechanism. Various biological and molecular pathways that are mostly carried out and controlled by proteins guide this dynamic process of cotton fibre development. An integrating proteome data with genome information from cotton will provide exciting outcome for high quality fiber and yield to attain long-term goals of cotton sustainable production.

A. Manivannan^*

ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research, Regional Station, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (641 003), India

Amal T. Cheeran

ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research, Regional Station, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (641 003), India

Traditionally, agriculture has been a labor-intensive industry, heavily reliant on human effort and manual labor. The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping this narrative. AI is introducing automation and precision into farming practices, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. AI-powered robots are now capable of performing practices such as seed sowing, watering the crops and harvesting the produce. Furthermore, AI algorithms possess the capability to scrutinize extensive data sets sourced from diverse outlets like weather forecasts, soil sensors, and satellite imagery, which enables them to furnish farmers with meticulous guidance regarding planting times, irrigation quantities, and harvest schedules. Such guidance not only enhances resource utilization but also amplifies crop yields. However, AI-powered drones equipped with advanced imaging capabilities can scan large tracts of farmland to identify signs of pest infestation or disease outbreak. In essence, AI is transforming agriculture from a labor-intensive sector into a knowledge-intensive one.

Monalisha Rana

Faculty of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 054), India

Anshita Sahu

Faculty of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 054), India

Himadri Tanaya Mukhi

Faculty of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 054), India

Manisha Sahoo

Faculty of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 054), India

Rashmi Sarkar

Faculty of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 054), India

Sayantan Senapati

Faculty of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 054), India

Manaswini Mahapatra

Faculty of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 054), India

Jyoti Prakash Sahoo^*

Faculty of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 054), India

Horticultural crops are vital for human health; however, these crops face various abiotic stresses affecting yield and quality. Biostimulants offer a promising solution to enhance crop resilience against stresses like heat, drought, cold and salinity. This article explores the role of biostimulants in mitigating such stresses, with application timing and methods vary based on crop type and stress severity. Sustainable agricultural practices incorporating biostimulants can boost horticultural crop productivity and secure nutritional security.

Koku K. Tara^*

Division of Vegetable Science, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi (110 012), India

Minakshi Dutta

Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi (110 012), India

Rosalin Laishram

Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi (110 012), India

Songthat William Haokip

Dept. of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry (I), Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh (791 102), India

The milk is considered as a functional food used as a natural remedy in many part of world for the management of a number of human diseases for which it's purity is important. The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA) stipulates the supply of pure milk to the consumers. Presently, due to high market demand and less supply of camel milk, it is being adulterated with cow milk. As it is well known, food adulteration is a global concern and developing countries like India are at higher risk. So, developing robust, reliable and low cost molecular technique would be beneficial for monitoring the cow and cattle milk adulteration in labs provided with basic instrumentation facility. The CIRC-COWCAM assay kit is useful for detecting cow milk adulteration in camel milk and vice versa at a minimum level of 1%.

Rajib Deb^*

ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Grass Farm Road, Meerutcantt, Uttar Pradesh (250 001), India

Amod Kumar

ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Grass Farm Road, Meerutcantt, Uttar Pradesh (250 001), India

Gyanendra Singh Sengar

ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Grass Farm Road, Meerutcantt, Uttar Pradesh (250 001), India

T.V. Raja

ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Grass Farm Road, Meerutcantt, Uttar Pradesh (250 001), India

Umesh Singh

ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Grass Farm Road, Meerutcantt, Uttar Pradesh (250 001), India

Sushil Kumar

ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Grass Farm Road, Meerutcantt, Uttar Pradesh (250 001), India

N.V. Patil

ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Grass Farm Road, Meerutcantt, Uttar Pradesh (250 001), India

The dynamics of plant nutrients are vital for sustainable crop production, as nutrient availability in the soil is shaped by factors such as soil properties, environmental conditions, and agricultural practices. Soil organic matter acts as a nutrient reservoir and supplies food for soil microorganisms. However, over time, reliance on straight fertilizers or imbalanced fertilizer applications without incorporating organic matter such as FYM, green manuring or vermi-composting can lead to nutrient mining. In the Indo-Gangetic Plain of India, there is also a significant deficiency of many essential plant nutrients, which impacts crop yield potential and deteriorates soil health. To address these issues, it is important to identify the major causes of nutrient mining and explore sustainable management options. Balancing plant nutrient concentrations in the soil through practices such as the inclusion of organic amendments, precise fertilizer application and crop rotation can enhance soil health and improve crop productivity.

M.L. Dotaniya^*

ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur, Rajasthan (321 303), India

R.K. Doutaniya

Dept. of Agronomy, SKN College of Agriculture, Jobner, Rajasthan (303 328), India

Kuldeep Kumar

ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, RS Kota, Rajasthan (324 002), India

C.K. Dotaniya

Dept. of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, SKRAU, Bikaner, Rajasthan (334 006), India

H.M. Meena

ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, Rajasthan (342 003), India

M.D. Meena

ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur, Rajasthan (321 303), India

L.K. Meena

ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur, Rajasthan (321 303), India

Environmental factors and rearing technologies are pivotal in determining the physiological health and cocoon quality of silkworms (Bombyx mori). This comprehensive study delves into the intricate relationship between environmental variables such as temperature, humidity, air quality and light exposure and their collective impact on silkworm metabolism, growth and cocoon production. The research highlights the optimal conditions required for various stages of silkworm development and examines how modern rearing technologies can be leveraged to enhance silk yield and quality. Additionally, the study explores the role of nutrition, particularly the quality of mulberry leaves, in influencing cocoon morphology and silk filament strength. Case studies from different sericulture regions provide practical insights into the application of these findings. The results underscore the necessity of integrating advanced technological interventions with traditional sericulture practices to achieve sustainable and high-quality silk production. This paper offers valuable guidance for researchers, sericulturists and policymakers aiming to optimize environmental conditions and rearing techniques for improved silkworm productivity and silk quality.

U. Anil Kumar^*

Dept. of Sericulture, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh (515 003), India

M. Parasuramudu

Dept. of Sericulture, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh (515 003), India

K. Nandhini

Dept. of Sericulture, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh (515 003), India

Y. Praveen Reddy

Dept. of Sericulture, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh (515 003), India

Water is a prime factor for development of civilization and feed the living creatures on the Earth. The global water scenario highlights that the vast majority, approximately 97.5% of the world's water is saline and unsuitable for human use. Only a small fraction, merely 2.5%, constitutes fresh water that can be safely consumed. India is also facing the impact of water scarcity, with declining water levels in many regions. The situation is particularly challenging in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, part of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, where fresh water shortages are being confronted. As a result, the availability of good quality water is decreasing over time, leading to an increased reliance on marginal quality water for various activities, especially in agriculture. To address these water challenges, it is crucial to promote sustainable water management practices, efficient use of water resources and the adoption of technologies for treating and recycling wastewater.

M.L. Dotaniya^*

ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur, Rajasthan (321 303), India

R.K. Doutaniya

Dept. of Agronomy, SKN College of Agriculture, Jobner, Rajasthan (303 328), India

Kuldeep Kumar

ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, RC Kota, Rajasthan (324 002), India

M.D. Meena

ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur, Rajasthan (321 303), India

L.K. Meena

ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur, Rajasthan (321 303), India

C.K. Dotaniya

Dept. of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, SKRAU, Bikaner, Rajasthan (334 006), India

Mycorrhizae, intricate symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots, profoundly impact ecosystem functioning. This mutualistic relationship enhances plant nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, while offering plants improved stress resistance and disease tolerance. Ectomycorrhizae and arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) are the two major types, each with distinct colonization strategies and ecological roles. Ectomycorrhizae primarily form on woody plants, creating a sheath around root tips, while AM penetrate root cells to form arbuscules for nutrient exchange. Mycorrhizal networks facilitate nutrient transfer and communication among plants, influencing community dynamics and nutrient cycling. Overall, mycorrhizae's role in nutrient acquisition and ecosystem stability underscores their significance in diverse ecosystems and sustainable agricultural practices.

Vineet Dheer^*

Dept. of Agronomy, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh (208 002), India

Krishna Kumar Singh

Dept. of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh (208 002), India

Jaykar Singh

Dept. of Agronomy, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh (208 002), India

Seaweeds or marine macroalgae are known food crop as they are rich source of health-promoting compounds. Seaweeds have been used since ancient time, but now-a-days seaweeds are also being used as raw material source for various industrial productions such as, carrageenan, algin and agar. Edible seaweeds are highly nutritious as they provide us with sources of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Red seaweed Gracilaria corticata is also one such seaweed species. Several red seaweed species are found near the coast of India, with Gracilaria corticata being one of the predominant. These seaweeds are valuable as both fresh and dried form. The species is found in abundance and can help in maintaining health status of people due to its nutritive and therapeutical properties. Further value addition of this species can be easily done as it has been used as for human consumption in many countries.

Nidhi Dhansukhbhai Patel^*

Dept. of Fish Processing Technology, College of Fisheries Science, Kamdhenu University, Veraval, Gujarat (362 265), India

The biological approach for post-transcriptional gene silencing is the RNA interference (RNAi) technique. This method suppresses the production of desirable or specific genes targeted and proteins activated by dsRNA molecules. The RNA interference process can potentially increase agricultural yield by identifying and testing the function of numerous genes inside any genome. Recently, the RNAi technique for knocking down specific genes has shown to be a more admissible and effective tool. Three main methods have been adopted for managing insect pests through the RNAi approach: sprayable, nanoparticle-coated and in planta RNAi. It indicates that the RNAi mechanism is significantly feasible for managing various crop pests. Besides, RNAi application, combined with other methods like Bt, also provides an excellent option for managing pest insects prone to developing resistance to insecticidal proteins.

Gothandaraman Rajadurai^*

Dept. of Plant Biotechnology, CPMB&B, TNAU, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (641 003), India

Selvaraj Anandakumar

Dept. of Crop Physiology, CCM, TNAU, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (641 003), India

Rajasekaran Raghu

Dept. of Plant Biotechnology, CPMB&B, TNAU, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (641 003), India

Poultry farming relies on comprehensive biosecurity measures to prevent disease transmission and reduce stress among birds. It encompasses conceptual, structural, operational and management elements. Conceptual biosecurity involves selecting isolated locations, maintaining distance from other poultry sites and separating breeder farms from grow-out facilities. Structural precautions include fencing to deter unauthorized access, regular water source testing, proper vehicle sanitation areas, feed storage, all-weather roads and dead bird disposal. Wildlife-proof housing with segregated storage, along with a vegetation-free perimeter, reduces the risk of rodent and wildlife intrusion. Operational biosecurity involves clear procedures, decontamination, visitor and worker hygiene, visitor records and restrictions on equipment within breeder farms. Poultry units follow minimum inter-flock intervals, implement pest control, adopt disease diagnosis and vaccination schedules and consider all-in-all-out systems for small-scale egg production. Management factors emphasize age-based bird isolation, litter management, sourcing quality chicks and ensuring balanced nutrition. Adequate water quality and proper dead bird disposal are critical.

Raghavendran, V.B.^*

Dept. of Agronomy, ADAC&RI, Trichy, Tamil Nadu (620 007), India

Saravanan, S.

ICAR-KVK, AC&RI, Madurai, Tamil Nadu (625 104), India

Kumar, G.

Dept. of Agronomy, AC&RI, Killikulam, Tamil Nadu (628 252), India

Gene pyramiding is a valuable strategy to incorporate multiple genes from diverse sources into a single plant. This approach provides a more robust and durable resistance against various biotic and abiotic stresses. By stacking multiple resistance genes, gene pyramiding enhances the plant's ability to withstand a broader range of challenges, increasing the longevity and effectiveness of resistance in crops and heightened adaptability to changing environmental conditions. This technique has become a critical aspect of modern agriculture as it contributes to increased crop resilience and productivity, ultimately helping to ensure food security and sustainable agriculture practices. Bottom of FormVarious conventional as well as modern techniques can be used to achieve gene pyramiding in a crop for better yielding varieties under different range of environment.

Navreet Kaur Rai^*

Dept. of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana (125 004), India

Karuna

Dept. of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana (125 004), India

Prashant Singh Rai

Dept. of Biochemistry, Central University of Rajasthan, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan (305 817), India

Cucumber is an essential crop in Nigeria predominantly produced by smallholder farmers. Its yield is often hindered by pests and diseases and exacerbated by the reliance on chemical treatments that pose environmental risks. This study addresses the research gap regarding the effectiveness of microbial and plant extracts for pest and disease management in Nigeria for cucumber production.

A randomised complete block design was employed to compare the performance of T₁ (Bacillus pumilus), T₂ (Isaria fumosorosea), T₃ (mixture of T₁ and T₂), T₄ (neem oil), T₅ (fermented neem leaf extract), T₆ (mixture of T₄ and T₅) and T₇ (control with water) in field and pot environments. The study observed pest and disease incidence, growth and yield parameters. The best treatments for pest control were T₂ (1.92) and T₅ (2.08) while the least effective treatments were T₁ (4.71) and T₄ (6.17) pest population plant^-1, while T₆ was effective in downy mildew and bacterial wilt management with a value of 2.46 and 2.17, respectively, with the highest disease score recorded in T₂ with a value of 3.17 and 2.75 for downy mildew and bacterial wilt respectively. The environmental conditions affected the field (11.99 t ha^-1 and 3.19) significantly. They favoured higher fruit yield and quality compared to the pot (2.20 t ha^-1 and 2.44) with T₄ (7.94 t ha^-1) and T₁ (10.10 t ha^-1) treatments having the highest yield while the lowest of 4.83 t ha^-1 was recorded in T₆. The study concludes that environmental conditions play crucial role in the efficacy of treatments.

Durojaye Hammed Abiodun^*

Be the Help Foundation Agroforestry, Plot 25 SCL Farm, Dama-Kusa, Kwali Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria

Kwasari Robert Samuel

Be the Help Foundation Agroforestry, Plot 25 SCL Farm, Dama-Kusa, Kwali Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria

Ado Manasseh H.

Be the Help Foundation Agroforestry, Plot 25 SCL Farm, Dama-Kusa, Kwali Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria

James Confidence N.

Be the Help Foundation Agroforestry, Plot 25 SCL Farm, Dama-Kusa, Kwali Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria

Iwan Aondover Barnabas

Be the Help Foundation Agroforestry, Plot 25 SCL Farm, Dama-Kusa, Kwali Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria

Chukwu Agozirim I.

Be the Help Foundation Agroforestry, Plot 25 SCL Farm, Dama-Kusa, Kwali Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria

Kalu Amarachi Agwu

Be the Help Foundation Agroforestry, Plot 25 SCL Farm, Dama-Kusa, Kwali Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria

Chemicals used for the management of crop diseases have been shown to be toxic to non-target organisms and may be toxic to humans. Much of modern research in plant pathology aims at finding other environmentally friendly means including use of bioagents for control of plant diseases. A number of bioagents including bacteria of the genera Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Streptomyces are used for disease suppression. The mechanisms by which bioagents affect the pathogen populations are: (1) direct parasitism or lysis and death of the pathogen, (2) competition with the pathogen for food, (3) direct toxic effects on the pathogen by antibiotic substances released by the antagonist, and (4) indirect toxic effects on the pathogen by volatile substances, such as ethylene, released by the metabolic activities of the antagonist. The bacterial bioagents may be applied through various means like seed treatment, soil amendment, foliar spray etc. for management of crop diseases.

Durga Prasad^*

Dept. of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Baytu, Agriculture University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan (344 034), India

R.P. Singh

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, West Champaran-II, Dr RPCAU, Pusa, Samatipur, Bihar (845 455), India

Ummed Singh

Dept. of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Baytu, Agriculture University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan (344 034), India

Phytohormones are organic compounds, other than nutrients and vitamins, which are produced naturally in plants, synthesized in one part and usually translocated to other part where in very small quantity it affects the growth and other physiological function of the plant. These are classified into two types namely plant growth promoters (Auxins, Gibberellins and Cytokinins) and plant growth inhibitors (Ethylene and Abscisic acid). Certain compounds synthesized artificially also cause many physiological responses common to phytohormones. But the more recent ones such as brassinosteroids and jasmonates cannot be excluded from PGRs due to their significant role in important functions of plants. It is obvious that changes in the level of endogenous hormones due to biotic and abiotic stress alter the crop growth and any sort of manipulation including exogenous application of growth substances would help for yield improvement or at least sustenance of the crop.

Reva Jaryal^*

Dept. of Seed Science and Technology, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh (173 230), India

Divesh Thakur

Dept. of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh (173 230), India

Enology is the science deals with wine and winemaking that focuses on grapes after they have been harvested. Wine geography has captivated mankind from ancient civilizations to the current globe. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and other early traditions had a keen appreciation of the influence of geography upon the characteristics of wine produced within an area. In addition to winemaking, grapes have been grown for the production of raisins and table purpose. Grape production relayed upon agricultural practices like fertilizing, irrigation, canopy management, monitoring fruit development and characteristics, deciding when to harvest and vine pruning during the winter months, monitoring and controlling pests and diseases. Leaves have venotonic, vasoprotective, astringent and diuretic effects. The berries are vitaminics, tonics, anticancer, hepatoprotective, promote hair growth and prevent ischemic processes, while seed oil have hypolipidemic, prevents increase in vascular permeability, hence grape plant have tremendous medicinal importance since ancient time.

Nagesh^*

Dept. of Plant Pathology, University of Horticulture Sciences, Bagalkote, Karnataka (587 104), India

Sanjana U.

Dept. of Fruit Science, University of Horticulture Sciences, Bagalkote, Karnataka (587 104), India

Antibiotics, although indispensable in contemporary medicine, have been widely employed, causing ecological pollution and fostering the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This article delves into the ecological consequences of antibiotics, scrutinizing their influence on microbial populations, soil quality, and water resources. Furthermore, it addresses the potential implications of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and puts forward recommendations for curtailing the environmental impact of antibiotics.

C. Prabakaran

Dept. of Natural Resource Management, Horticultural College and Research Institute for Women, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tiruchchirappalli, Tamil Nadu (620 029), India

Insects are one of the most diverse creatures of nature, surviving on this earth for millions of years. Insects’ capability to resist invading pathogens and infections is one of the potential reasons for their overwhelming adaptability to different environments. Insect immunity comprises several complex mechanisms and pathways. From the invasion of the pathogen to creating an immune response takes several steps, including recognition of the pathogen, channelling pathways and the effector mechanisms. Current chemical-dependent strategies for pest control are neither sustainable nor eco-friendly. So, the exploration of new and environmentally-safe pest control approaches has become an urgent need. A deep understanding of insect immunology can create such strategies by targeting the immune system of insects for biocontrol. In this article, we will discuss the fascinating facts of insect immunology by exploring the complexity of their immune systems and shed light on the potential applications of insect immunology in biocontrol.

Arindam Pal

Dept. of Entomology, Post Graduate College of Agriculture, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar (848 125), India

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food sectors, where its surging development is a key factor in deciding the nutritional safety and security globally. With the advancements in technological applications in this sector, systems based on nanotechnology are being developed recently to enhance productivity, efficiency, and long-term viability. Due to their multiple applications in several fields such as in health management that includes drug delivery, pathogen detection as well as in treatment of polluted water have made it one of the promising technologies for boosting the efficacy as well as in reducing the negative impacts on the environment. In context with the above, this article emphasizes on the current scenario of implementing nanotechnology in fisheries and aquaculture.

Mutum Deepti^*

College of Fisheries, GADVASU, Ludhiana, Punjab (141 004), India

Martina Meinam

College of Fisheries, CAU, Lembucherra, Tripura (799 210), India

Wangkheimayum Malemnganbi Devi

College of Fisheries, CAU, Lembucherra, Tripura (799 210), India

Green gram (Vigna radiata) of Fabaceae is an important legume crop vulnerable to various insect pests, impacting its productivity and yield. The insect management strategies to protect green in such a way that it environmentally viable. Preventive cultural practices, including crop rotation and planting resistant varieties, reduce pest pressure. Early detection through regular monitoring allows timely intervention. Biological control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects, offer sustainable and eco-friendly pest regulation. Mechanical control through handpicking can be employed on a small scale. Trap crops divert pests away from the main crop. As a last resort, natural-based pesticides may be used, but chemical pesticides are discouraged due to their environmental impact. Integrating these approaches into an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system ensures effective control green gram crops from insect pest.

Shailja Jaiswal^*

Dept. of Entomology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh (208 002), India

Raghuveer Choudhary

Dept. of Agronomy, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat (362 001), India

Ajit Pandey

Dept. of Entomology, Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh (210 001), India

Deeksha Singh

Dept. of Entomology, Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh (210 001), India

Ashutosh Singh Aman

Dept. of Entomology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh (208 002), India

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) are an important group of microbial communities that exerts beneficial effects on plant growth upon root colonization. These are free-living bacteria that benefit the growth of plants by colonizing the rhizosphere. The PGPRs improve the plant growth mainly through two types of mechanisms either directly improving the plant growth or by indirect ways. Directly the PGPRs improve plant growth by enhancing the availability of nutrients like N, P, Fe etc. and producing different phytohormones. The PGPRs indirectly help in plant growth by antagonism against pathogens, competition with the pathogens and inducing the host resistance.

Jagdish Yadav^*

Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi (110 012), India

Ashok Kumar Mahawer

Division of FHT, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi (110 012), India

Prashantha S.T.

Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi (110 012), India

Heerendra Prasad Sagar

Dept. of Fruit Science, DRYSPUHF, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh (173 230), India

Blackgram is one of the most important pulse crop grown in rice fallows by the farmers of Udalguri district of Assam. However, most of the land remains fallow after harvest of mono-cropped rice. So, blackgram was demonstrated using scientific cultivation practices. Fertilizer was applied as NPK@ 10-35-15 kg ha^-1; Compost @ 1 t ha^-1. Seed was treated with rhizobium culture @ 50 g kg^-1 seed under NFSM. The result revealed that the demonstration resulted in higher production of 9.2 q ha^-1 with net income of Rs. 21,500.00 ha^-1 as compared to 6.90 q ha^-1 with net income of Rs. 12,150.00 ha^-1 in farmers practice (control). The increase in yield was 33.33% over the farmers practice. The B:C ratio was also high in demonstration (1.87) over farmers practice (1.54).

Debasish Borah^*

Krishi Vigyan Kendra - Udalguri, Assam Agricultural University, Lalpool BTR, Udalguri, Assam (784 514), India

Bhaskar Baruah

Krishi Vigyan Kendra - Udalguri, Assam Agricultural University, Lalpool BTR, Udalguri, Assam (784 514), India

Ipsita Ojah

Krishi Vigyan Kendra - Udalguri, Assam Agricultural University, Lalpool BTR, Udalguri, Assam (784 514), India

The rapid expansion of aquaculture through the intensification method has promoted numerous bacterial diseases which require the intensive use of antimicrobials. These compounds are mainly used for therapeutic, prophylactic, or metaphylactic in aquaculture meanwhile there are no antibiotics particularly designed for aquaculture and these compounds are authorized products used only for veterinary medicine. However, the frequent use of antibiotics in aquaculture has produced negative impacts including the development and spread of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and resistance genes and the presence of antimicrobial residues in aquaculture products and the environment. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major threat in aquaculture that has to be prevented by continuous monitoring programs such as proper guidelines, legislations and effective policies then have to be effectively followed by alternative strategies such as probiotics, vaccination, and herbal medicines. This article highlights the use of antimicrobials in aquaculture and their impacts in aquatic animal, human and aquatic environment.

S. Bhavani

Tamil Nadu Dr. J Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Nagapattinam, Dr. M.G.R Fisheries College and Research Institute, Ponneri, Tamil Nadu (601 204), India

D. Kaviarasu^*

Tamil Nadu Dr. J Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Nagapattinam, Dr. M.G.R Fisheries College and Research Institute, Ponneri, Tamil Nadu (601 204), India

A. Uma

Tamil Nadu Dr. J Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Nagapattinam, Dr. M.G.R Fisheries College and Research Institute, Ponneri, Tamil Nadu (601 204), India

S. Saravanan

Tamil Nadu Dr. J Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Nagapattinam, Dr. M.G.R Fisheries College and Research Institute, Ponneri, Tamil Nadu (601 204), India

A. Gopalakannan

Tamil Nadu Dr. J Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Nagapattinam, Dr. M.G.R Fisheries College and Research Institute, Ponneri, Tamil Nadu (601 204), India

One of the major constraints that affect the yield of plants is biotic stress. Among these, fungi are the most common parasite causing plant diseases that occur primarily on leaves including stem, fruits & roots. Symptoms of fungal foliar diseases in tuber crops include stolon, wilting and chorosis. Tuber crops become infected through diseased stolons and show darkened diseased area on the skin. Starchy roots and tuber crops play a pivotal role in the human diet. Tubers are enlarged structures used as storage organs for nutrients in some plants and also for plants perennation to provide energy and nutrients for regrowth during the next growing season. General management of foliar disease in tuber crops includes using of biofungicides to medium before pouring it into the soil.

Nishitha Komal Sahu^*

Regional Centre, ICAR-CTCRI, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (751 019), India

R. Arutselvan

Regional Centre, ICAR-CTCRI, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (751 019), India

Priyanka Priyadarshini

Regional Centre, ICAR-CTCRI, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (751 019), India

Samir Kumar Jena

Regional Centre, ICAR-CTCRI, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (751 019), India

Rashmirekha Ray

Regional Centre, ICAR-CTCRI, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (751 019), India

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) also known as “Fruit of Paradise” is one among the major fruit crops grown extensively in subtropics. Its production was severely affected by certain agro climatic conditions such as biotic and abiotic stresses in crop health. Biotic stress such as fungi, bacteria, nematodes, viruses and non parasitic disorders are involved. Among the diseases, Bacterial blight of pomegranate is among the most devastating disease that inflicted huge losses to pomegranate crop productivity especially in India. During recent years, the disease has reached its alarming stage bringing substantial damage to the crop and heavy losses to the farmers. This disease can be efficiently managed by following management practices.

T. Sahila^*

Dept. of Plant Pathology, STAC, Vasudevanallur, Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu (627 760), India

G. Nivitha

Dept. of Microbiology, STAC, Vasudevanallur, Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu (627 760), India

Anu P. Mani

Dept. of Horticulture, STAC, Vasudevanallur, Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu (627 760), India

Cob rot of maize is caused by many pathogens, some of the common stalk rot pathogens are also frequently encountered as cob rots. These diseases have a worldwide distribution and are present in all climates where corn is grown. The major cob rots were caused by Diplodia (Stenocarpella), Fusarium, and Gibberella are the pathogens while, Penicillium and Aspergillus cause little damage, but may be confused with more significant pathogens like Trichoderma and Cladosporium are also included in the cob rot group. The corn ear rots particularly troublesome because multiple yearly cropping cycles allow the pathogens to develop large populations. In addition, the above listed fungi produce mycotoxins that are harmful to humans and livestock when consumed. This creates a need for public awareness for both economic and health reasons.

S. Ameer Basha^*

Dept. of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India

V. Ramya

Dept. of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India

Spine gourd is an important vegetable crop grown in different parts of India. It is a member of cucurbitaceous family. Spine gourd provides many types of health benefits like it works as anti-aging agent, maintain blood sugar level, reduces the chances of cancer and the kidney stone. It is mainly cultivated in Karnataka and West Bengal. Spine gourds are known with many types of local names like Kankoda in Rajasthan and Katwal in Gujarati. Two types of Spine gourd, Small kantola and bigger kantola are available in Indian Market. Indira Kankoda I (RMF 37) is a new commercial variety of Spine gourd. An average yield of 75-100 quintals ha^-1 of Spine gourd can be obtained with good crop management practices.

Ganesh Kumar Koli^*

Dept. of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana (125 004), India

Deepak Kumar Koli

Division of Microbiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi (110 012), India

Ravindra Kumar Meena

Dept. of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana (125 004), India

Deepak Kumar

Dept. of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana (125 004), India

Kiran

Dept. of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana (125 004), India

The recent advancement of gene-editing technologies such as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) has opened new doors for the development of novel pest control strategies. CRISPR/Cas provides stable genetic modifications within pest populations, allowing for basic exploratory research as well as support for efforts to suppress pest populations using gene drives. Highly efficient precision guided SIT (pgSIT) technology that can be deployed as eggs which exclusively give rise to sterile males. pgSIT is extremely robust at genetically sexing and simultaneously sterilizing the resulting progeny reproducibly with 100% efficiency.

Rajadurai Gothandaraman

Dept. of Plant Biotechnology, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (641 003), India

Small ruminants (sheep and goat) are considered as the backbone of the poor farmers and play a major role in the agricultural economy of India. They provide livelihoods to numerous small and marginal farmers. Some common infectious diseases severely constrain the health status of these animals thereby adversely affecting the production and indirectly the livelihood of the farmers. While small ruminant farming help generating income for the poor and marginal farmers, the husbandry and management practices along with preventive healthcare strategies could make it more efficient in poverty alleviation. The present article intends to highlight the common infectious diseases of small ruminants prevalent in our country and their prevention with a hope that it can create awareness among the farming community and may indirectly support their livelihood through improving and safeguarding the health of their animals from such important diseases.

Manoranjan Rout^*

ICAR-Directorate of Foot and Mouth Disease, International Centre for Foot and Mouth Disease, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 050), India

Jajati Keshari Mohapatra

ICAR-Directorate of Foot and Mouth Disease, International Centre for Foot and Mouth Disease, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 050), India

Rabindra Prasad Singh

ICAR-Directorate of Foot and Mouth Disease, International Centre for Foot and Mouth Disease, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 050), India

Insects and Rodents have always been a nuisance for farmers. They feed on their efforts and infest on crops to spread various diseases. Controlling and maintaining their population is therefore important for a farmer to ensure crop health. Pesticides and insecticides have played a major role in preventing infestations. However, they pose different environmental and social consequences. Extreme use of pesticides can result in severe water & soil contamination and can also intoxicate plants with harmful chemicals. Additionally, insects and bugs become reluctant against them with continuous exposure that forces farmers to rely on heavier pesticides. Even though other methods like genetic seed manipulation are also being used to make crops more robust against the pest attack, they are quite expensive for practical application.

P. Sujatha^*

Dept. of Social Sciences, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Eachangkottai, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu (641 902), India

B. Sivasankari

Dept. of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai, Tamil Nadu (625 104), India

S. Sheeba

Dept. of Soil and Agrl. Chemistry, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai, Tamil Nadu (625 104), India

M. Ilamaran

Dept. of Food Science and Nutrition, Community Science College and Research Institute, Madurai, Tamil Nadu (625 104), India

There are an unlimited number of plant species available in nature, including many underutilized and neglected crops that have been forgotten in favour of the more popular "major" cereals. Millets and pseudo-cereals are under this group since they have a variety of adaptation and nutritive characteristics. Due to the resilience of these crops to climate change, sustainable development can only be possible if we manage and enhance them in a way that is scientifically planned, protects and solidifies livelihoods, and ensures adequate nutrition and health. Due to their beneficial nutrient content, cereals are essential components of a nutritious and balanced diet and have a big impact on health promotion. Millets are known as nutri-cereals because of their great nutritional value and potential to make a significant contribution to food and nutritional security. Traditional cereal crops like millets can flourish even in harsh drought circumstances and don't require a lot of resources to harvest.

B.K. Mandal

Dept. of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (751 003), India

S.N. Mishra

Dept. of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (751 003), India

B.P. Gantayat

Dept. of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhawanipatna, Odisha (766 001), India

J. Anshuman

Dept. of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, PAU, Ludhiana, Punjab (141 004), India

R.K. Rout^*

Dept. of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhawanipatna, Odisha (766 001), India

S.K. Sahoo

Dept. of Agricultural Extension, Major S.D. Singh Degree College, CSJMU, Mohammdabad, Uttar Pradesh (209 651), India

One of the most significant challenges that farmers face is maintaining healthy soil. The environment is in danger due to the over use of nitrogen (N) fertilizer in agriculture. Due to various industrial facilities and the use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture, the quantities of reactive forms of N (including N₂O, NO₃, and NH₃) have increased to over 120% in the atmosphere. The situation makes it necessary to reconsider the function of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). The use of high-analysis fertilizers, frequent tillage in intensive agriculture, burning of agricultural waste, and lack of integration of biodegradable solid waste from home and industrial sectors into soil mass have all contributed to a loss in soil organic carbon (SOC). Thus, the agricultural land became less productive and occasionally unusable for commercial farming due to decreasing soil biodiversity, impaired soil health, and increased demand for vital plant nutrients.

Saurabh Singh^*

Dept. of Crop Physiology, College of Agriculture, ANDUA&T, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh (224 229), India

Shraddha Singh

Dept. of Crop Physiology, College of Agriculture, ANDUA&T, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh (224 229), India

Mritunjay Rai

Dept. of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, ANDUA&T, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh (224 229), India

Pradip Kumar Saini

Dept. of Crop Physiology, College of Agriculture, ANDUA&T, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh (224 229), India

Shambhoo Prasad

Dept. of Plant Molecular Biology & Genetic Engineering, ANDUA&T, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh (224 229), India

Aquatic ecosystems, especially freshwater resources, face many anthropogenic stressors such as pollution, habitat destruction, flow alterations etc leading to impairment in ecological health of the systems. Conservationists need ecological indicators showing the level of alterations or impairment for decision making in managing these important resources. Fish are widely used as sentinel species to evaluate ecological health and are excellent indicators of overall health of aquatic systems they inhabit. This article focuses on briefing some reliable and useful approaches in assessing the ecosystem health in which fishes are used as indicator organism. Many of those approaches need to be refined for each geographical area and type of water body for use as effective biological monitoring tool.

Sajina A. M.^*

ICAR- Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata, West Bengal (700 120), India

Deepa Sudheesan

ICAR- Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata, West Bengal (700 120), India

Lohith Kumar, K.

ICAR- Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata, West Bengal (700 120), India

Sandhya K. M.

ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Matsyapuri, Kochi, Kerala (682 029), India

The aim of sampling is to collect a representative sample. Representative sample means a sample in which relative proportions or concentration of all pertinent components will be the same as in the material being sampled. The sample volume shall be optimal small enough that it can be transported and large enough for analytical purposes. Because of the increasing importance on verifying the accuracy and representatives of data, greater emphasis is placed on proper sample collection, tracking and preservation techniques.

V. Sumitha Bharathi^*

Dept. of Environmental Science, S. Thangapazham Agriculture College, Affiliated to Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vasudevanallur, Tamil Nadu (627 760), India

S. Suganya

Dept. of Soil Science, S. Thangapazham Agriculture College, Affiliated to Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vasudevanallur, Tamil Nadu (627 760), India

Successful farm management requires the regular addition of nutrients (either as fertilizers or as organics) to maintain crop yields and quality. How much fertilizer do we apply and what kind of fertilizer is needed to give a balanced nutrition is an important queries ahead us. Soil and plant testing are the usual means to diagnose nutrient deficiency and recognizing soil with physical and chemical problems. Recommendations on fertilizer application rates are often given as part of the test. These recommendations are usually based on numerous fertilizer field trials that have been conducted over the years.

S. Suganya^*

Dept. of Soil Science, S. Thangapazham Agricultural College, Affiliated to Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vasudevanallur, Tamil Nadu (627 760), India

V. Sumitha Bharathi

Dept. of Environmental Science, S. Thangapazham Agricultural College, Affiliated to Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vasudevanallur, Tamil Nadu (627 760), India

R. Susan Poonguzhali

Dept. of Agriculture, School of Agriculture and Biosciences (SABS), Karunya Institute of Technology and Science, Deemed to be University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (641 114), India

Parasitic plants rely on neighbouring host plants to complete their life cycle, forming vascular connections through which they withdraw needed nutritive resources. The control of parasitic weeds is challenging because there are few sources of crop resistance and it is difficult to apply controlling methods selective enough to kill the weeds without damaging the crop to which they are physically and biochemically attached. The management of parasitic weeds is also hindered by their high fecundity, dispersal efficiency, persistent seed bank, and rapid responses to changes in agricultural practices, which allow them to adapt to new hosts and manifest increased aggressiveness against new resistant cultivars. This paper presents biology and management of four important families of parasitic weeds.

P. Karthick Vikram

Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu (625 104), India

Due to an enrichment of suitable agro-climatic conditions prevailing in Assam, farmers are highly encouraged to cultivate oilseed crops particularly rapeseed and mustard in a large scale by adopting scientific production technological interventions implemented by the resource persons and extension workers. Implementation of oilseeds production programme under ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed Mustard Research Bharatpur, Rajasthan linked with Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project Scheme have extremely supported the farmers in terms of supply of seeds and farm inputs along with some agricultural farm machineries. In addition, farmers are also instructed to adopt the method of timely sowing of seeds in addition to appropriate cropping sequence in order to increase yield and decrease insect and pest infestation leading to create a significant impact on yellow revolution in Assam.

Priyanka Sharma^*

ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed Mustard Research, Bharatpur Rajasthan (APART) Sonitpur, Assam (784 001), India

Monish Roy

Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Pundibari, Coochbehar, West Bengal (736 165), India

Gadge Sushant Sundarrao

Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Pundibari, Coochbehar, West Bengal (736 165), India

Aquaculture is a fast-growing, highly complex sector with many farmed species under many production systems in different aquatic environments. This complexity can put a strain on shaping a more sustainable aquaculture system, as many issues may affect environmental and production effectiveness. With the continuous development of science and technology, intelligence and informatization in aquaculture, it is easy to face problems. Today it has become a new trend. Smart aquaculture cannot only realize real-time monitoring, prediction, warning, and risk control of the physical and chemical factors of the aquaculture environment but can also conduct real-time monitoring of the characteristics and behaviors of the fish, which infers with the changing environment.

Ezhilarasi V.^*

Dept. of Aquaculture, Dr. MGR Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Ponneri, Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu (601 204), India

Cherylantony

Dept. of Aquaculture, Dr. MGR Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Ponneri, Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu (601 204), India

Mahadevi

Dept. of Aquaculture, Dr. MGR Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Ponneri, Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu (601 204), India

Ahilan B.

Dept. of Aquaculture, Dr. MGR Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Ponneri, Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu (601 204), India

The modern Agricultural practices led by green revolution technologies helped the country to achieve self sufficiency in food production, but, left with innumerable no. of problems like decline in factor productivity, environmental pollution and degradation, depletion of natural resources, emergence of micro-nutrient deficiencies and super weeds, increased cost of production, loss of biodiversity, increased emission of green house gases and climate change. Organic farming was found to be an eco-friendly practice to reverse the ill effects of modern Agriculture. The state of Telangana has formulated a favourable organic farming policy. In this article, the problems with modern Agriculture, scope and opportunities for organic farming in the Telangana were discussed.

A. V. Ramanjaneyulu

Agricultural Research Station (Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University), Tornala, Siddipet, Telangana (502 114), India

D. Swetha

Agricultural Research Station (Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University), Tornala, Siddipet, Telangana (502 114), India

N. Sainath

Agricultural Research Station (Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University), Tornala, Siddipet, Telangana (502 114), India

R. Jagadeeshwar

Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana (500 030), India

Site selection for aquaculture production is a challenging task that entails identifying areas that are socially, economically, and environmentally suitable as well as areas that are appropriate for aquaculture. Remote sensing uses electromagnetic or acoustic waves released by the targets of interest to acquire data/ information about objects/ substances that are not in direct contact with the sensor. Geographic information systems and remote sensing technologies, which allow for the integration and analysis of spatial and attribute data from a variety of sources, have been commonly used to find suitable locations for aquaculture. This article described a summary of the roles of remote sensing in aquaculture site selection.

Rinkesh N. Wanjari

SKUAST-K, Division of Fisheries Resource Management (FRM), Faculty of Fisheries, Rangil, Ganderbal, Jammu & Kashmir (190 006), India

Karankumar K. Ramteke^*

ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, Maharashtra (400 061), India

Dhanalakshmi M.

ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, Maharashtra (400 061), India

Castor, a non-edible oilseed crop, has immense industrial value. India is the world’s largest producer of castor and meets most of the global demand of castor oil. Gray mold is among the most destructive disease of castor in India. The area under castor cultivation is continuously declining due to the incidence of gray mold, especially in the southern States of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Disease epidemics have been reported in erstwhile Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states during 1985-1987, after which the gray mold started appearing year after year causing serious problems to castor farmers, thus limiting castor production in the country. This article provides an overview of the disease, etiology, symptoms, epidemiology, disease management and future outlook for gray mold disease in castor.

V. Ramya^*

College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad, Telangana (500 030), India

P. Bindu Priya

Agricultural College, Palem, Nagarkurnool, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad, Telangana (509 215), India

S. Ameer Basha

College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad, Telangana (500 030), India

R. Sunitha Devi

College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad, Telangana (500 030), India

Micropropagation through mericloning using meristem tips is a key strategy for virus free plant production in major crops that would yield genetically stable plants. Meristem cells from root or shoot apices serves as explant source. Potato viruses cause serious impact in production and lead to huge yield loss. Commercial production of disease free potatoes for nutritional and seed purposes demands adoption of combined strategy of mericloning with other therapeutic procedures like thermo/ chemo therapy for large scale propagation.

Rajesh, S.^*

Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (641 003), India

Varanavasiappan, S.

Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (641 003), India

Manivannan, M.I.

TNAU- Horticultural and Forestry Research Station, Fairy Falls road, Kodaikanal,
Tamil Nadu (624 103), India

Post chemical control era, there is a need arose regarding the sustainability of agriculture, thus the lesser reliance on pesticides has led more emphasis on the environmental feasibility. In this context, EBIPM (Ecologically Based Integrated Pest Management) sounds quiet feasible to get the above said goals by intregating all the pest management tactics. Furthermore, the protection of land, water and other ecological components in an IPM system became important in this context. In fact, environmental risks associated with pest management include detrimental effects to beneficial and non-target organisms, aquatic toxicity, avian toxicity, and have direct links with the ecological concerns through resource allocations. Through, EBIPM practices, the detrimental effects can be minimised to achieve sustainable agriculture.

IpsitaSamal*

Division of Entomology, ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi -110012, INDIA

Jayashree Bhattacharjee

Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Tripura, Tripura, INDIA

Insect pests cause about 42% crop losses worldwide and mainstay use of synthetic chemical pesticides over last 50 years causes severe damage to human and environmental health. Thus demand for IPM strategies influencing the use of biocontrol agents. Use of microorganisms as biological control agents is the most attractive and nonhazardous alternative method for insect pest management. These agents cause devastation to pest population without any health hazards to human population. Also the complex mode of action of these pathogens reduces the chances of resistance development. However, entomopathogenic fungi constitute a group of great interest for the biological control of insect- pest.

Siddharth Singh^*

Department of Plant Pathology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741252, West Bengal, India

Aditya Pratap Singh

Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741252, West Bengal, India

Dilip Kumar Chaurasiya

Department of Plant Pathology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur-848125, Bihar, India

Soumik Mukherjee

Department of Plant Pathology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741252, West Bengal, India

Goutam Mondal

Department of Plant Pathology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741252, West Bengal, India

Agromart is agricultural marketing domain supplying agricultural commodity to the world. The working principles of Agromart are to provide the raw materials which are linked with horticulture, agriculture, sericulture, apiculture, pisiculture, animal husbandry and poultry. It supports indigenous value added products traditional arts and crafts quality products of unorganized sector from farmhouse, farmer’s field, SHGs (self-help group), NGOs (nongovernmental organization). Agromart holds a potential for the generation of employment, generation of income, better storage, formation of livelihood, improving goods and services and national GDP. It will not only create awareness of adopting e-commerce in agriculture but will also improve rural and urban development ensuring sustainable agriculture into smart agriculture.

Avinash Sharma*

Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Arunachal University of Studies, Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh - 792103, India

Sheelawati Monlai

Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Arunachal University of Studies, Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh - 792103, India

Chowlani Manpoong

Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Arunachal University of Studies, Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh - 792103, India

Prajjal Dey

Faculty of Agriculture, Sri Sri University, Cuttack, Orissa - 754006, India

Debanjana Saha

Department of Biotechnology, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Jatni, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa - 751009, India

Himanshu Pandey

Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan - 173230, H.P., India

Naorem Johnson Singh

School of Agricultural Sciences & Rural development, Nagaland University, Nagaland -797004, India

Zhang Shi

Sheng Yang Agriculture University and China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing – 450100, China

Soil enzymes play a vital role in nutrient cycling in agroecosystem. Soil enzymes are the mediators and catalysts of important soil functions that include- decomposition of organic inputs, transformation of native soil organic matter, release of inorganic nutrients for plant growth, N₂ fixation and denitrification. Soil micro-organisms, plant roots and animals are the primary source of soil enzymes. Hence, we briefly summarize the potential roles of selected soil enzymes such as urease, β-glucosidase, cellulase, dehydrogenase, phosphatase and protease in the agroecosystem.

M. Sudhakaran*

Department of Environmental Sciences, J.K.K. Munirajah College of Agricultural Sciences, Erode, Tamil Nadu (638 506), India

A. Ravanachandar

Department of Horticulture, J.K.K. Munirajah College of Agricultural Sciences, Erode, Tamil Nadu (638 506), India

Organic farming is a system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic inputs (such as fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, feed additives etc.) and to the maximum extent feasible rely upon crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, off-farm organic waste, mineral grade rock additives and biological system of nutrient mobilization and plant protection. Organic farming is nothing new, but the need of the hour is to chalk out of a definite strategy on this issue and linking of sources of production to the market.

Osheen Raizada

Department of Horticulture, Pt. K.L.S. COH, Rajnandgaon (491 441), Chhattisgarh, India

Rakesh Giri Goswami^*

Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Pt. K.L.S. COH, Rajnandgaon (491 441), Chhattisgarh, India

Due to intensification of agriculture, several soil related problems emerges which decline the soil health and quality. It is very crucial to maintain the health of soil; which is one of the most important natural resources. Soil organic matter or soil organic carbon plays an important role in maintaining the soil health. Soil health is governed by different physical, chemical and biological properties, which are interlinked and correlated to each other. Disturbing/ changing one property affects others and leads to change in soil health. Livestock has a very important role in maintaining the soil health as it is very important source of soil organic carbon through its manure, if managed properly.

B. C. Verma*

Central Rainfed Upland Rice Research Station (CRURRS), (ICAR NRRI), Hazaribagh (825 301), Jharkhand, India

M. Kumar

ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, RCM, Darbhanga (846 005), Bihar, India

L. G. Mawlong

ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam (793 103), Meghalaya, India

S. Roy

Central Rainfed Upland Rice Research Station (CRURRS), (ICAR NRRI), Hazaribagh (825 301), Jharkhand, India

A. Banarjee

Central Rainfed Upland Rice Research Station (CRURRS), (ICAR NRRI), Hazaribagh (825 301), Jharkhand, India

S. M. Prasad

Central Rainfed Upland Rice Research Station (CRURRS), (ICAR NRRI), Hazaribagh (825 301), Jharkhand, India

The agenda of Climate change and its profound impact is no doubt the sine qua non for any effort towards sustainable and inclusive development at present. According to The Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) climate change refers to “change in climate over time, either due to natural variability or as a result of human activities”. The significant decline in concentration of particulate matter and other pollutants as well as the resurgence of natural ecosystems during the near global lockdown restrictions under COVID-19 showing us the mirror regarding what we have lost due to anthropogenic climate change.

Mitali Dash

Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar (751 003), Odisha, India

Jyoti Prakash Sahoo*

Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar (751 003), Odisha, India

Kailash Chandra Samal

Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar (751 003), Odisha, India

Vermicomposting is a source of creating self employment and revenue generation. This is an easy and faster process of converting organic matter into compost than other conventional methods. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mehsana had organized 200 hours skill training on Vermicompost   Producer in collaboration with Agricultural Skill Council of India, New Delhi. In this training total 20 Farm women of Mehsana District had participated. Mrs. Subhadraben Patel is one of the participants of this skill training. We have given completely theory and practical training to these participants. After skill training, she focuses main concentrate on quality production of vermicompost in her village with members of Mahila vermicompost Self Help Group. Mahila vermicompost group has produce 4350 kg of vermicompost and get net return of Rs. 21,740.00 only and from bio pesticides they produce 200 liter of bio-pesticides and get net return of Rs. 9,000.00 only. She argued that his product is demanded by nearby farmers, she is encouraging interested farmers and farm women to prepare this multifunctional quality product on their own farms so that farming community can be benefitted.

Sharad M. Soni*

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ganpat University, Mehsana, Gujarat (384 240), India

Ramesh A. Patel

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ganpat University, Mehsana, Gujarat (384 240), India

Fish is a food that over history has gained glorious significance. Commercial fishing transcended subsistence fishing. Though initially it was a constructive development, with heavy intensification the sustainability of marine capture fisheries is at stake now. Proper management in some countries alone is not sufficient to rebuild the overfished stocks. On the other hand, inland capture fisheries still remain under exploited. Keeping all this in view, this article assesses the current status of global capture fisheries on the basis of fish capture statistics published by FAO and strongly insists the need to contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14). With appropriate interventions we can soon rebuild as well as develop our world fisheries stocks to ensure proteinaceous food security for the future generation.

Ritika Devi R.

Dr. M.G.R Fisheries College and Research Institute, Ponneri (601 204), Tamil Nadu Dr. J Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Tamil Nadu, India

Lloyd Chrispin C.^*

Dr. M.G.R Fisheries College and Research Institute, Ponneri (601 204), Tamil Nadu Dr. J Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Tamil Nadu, India

Kalaiarasan M.

Directorate of Incubation and Vocational Training in Fisheries, Ramanathapuram (623 519), Tamil Nadu Dr. J Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Tamil Nadu, India

Many studies have found that people on diets high in fibre have reduced risks of certain diseases such as cancers, coronary heart disease, obesity and possibly diabetes. Fibre is a collective term for a group of compounds, which differ in their chemical structure and physical properties and elicit a variety of physiological effects. Some health benefits linked to fibre consumption are well established (e.g. promoting a regular bowel habit) and others are becoming more firmly established.

T. Thilagavathi*

Agricultural College and Research Institute, Vazhavachanur, Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu (606 753), India

M. Pandiyan

Agricultural College and Research Institute, Vazhavachanur, Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu (606 753), India

M. Suganyadevi

Agricultural College and Research Institute, Vazhavachanur, Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu (606 753), India

M. Sivaji

Agricultural College and Research Institute, Vazhavachanur, Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu (606 753), India

M. Yuvaraj

Agricultural College and Research Institute, Vazhavachanur, Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu (606 753), India

R. Sasmitha

Agricultural College and Research Institute, Vazhavachanur, Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu (606 753), India

The drip irrigation, also known as "trickle" irrigation, is one of the methods of water management. Under this system, water is carried to the plant under low pressure, through small diameter plastic pipes and delivered at the root zone, drop by drop through drippers. Drip irrigation is widely practised and established method of irrigation in developed countries and is slowly gaining popularity in India. It is most suited for horticulture crops, vegetables etc. and finds applicability in hard rock areas where groundwater is scarce and helps in optimisation of the limited water resources. The system has its advantages and limitations. Its advantages are in terms of savings of water (50-60%) of that required for flow irrigation, effective use of fertilizers, less labour and energy cost. The limitation for adopting of this method is its high initial cost which is beyond the purchasing capacity of small and marginal farmers and thus mainly adopted by large farmers.

P. P. Mahendran^*

Department of Crop Management, Agriculture College and Research Institute, Kudumiyanmalai, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu (622 104), India

M. Yuvaraj

Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Vazhavachanur, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu (606 753), India

Muskmelon [Cucumis melo L.] being a warm season crop grown in tropic regions throughout the world for its unique taste and flavour and consumed as a dessert. The major growing states in India are Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh etc. It thrives best in sandy loamy texture soils and the desired temperature is 20-25 ⁰C. About 1.5-2 kg seeds are enough for one-hectare area. Seeds are sown in pits (60 cm x 60 cm x 45 cm) at a distance of 150-200 cm between channels and 60-90 cm between hills. Recommended doses of manures and fertilizers should be applied. Harvesting of fruits is done by the defined maturity indices and later on harvested fruits can be stored at 5 ⁰C with 95% relative humidity for 5-10 days. The regular inspection is necessary to raise a healthy crop.

Etalesh Goutam^*

Dept. of Horticulture, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar, Garhwal, Uttarakhand (249 161), India

Bharti

Dept. of Horticulture, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar, Garhwal, Uttarakhand (249 161), India

Krishan Kumar Singh

Dept. of Horticulture, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar, Garhwal, Uttarakhand (249 161), India

Govind Vishwakarma

Dept. of Horticulture, Doon (PG) College of Agriculture Science and Technology, Dehradun, Uttarakhand (248 197), India

Sorghum bicolor L. is fifth most important cereal crop in the world followed by wheat, rice, maize, and barley. Morphological traits comprises the building of a physical barrier are serves as first line of defense in plant which negatively influenced affects the insect growth, development, existence and attack. On the other hand host-plant resistance mechanism is also one of the best approaches to reduce the attack of insects in plants which stimulates variety of antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidant, proteinase inhibitions, alpha amylase inhibitors secondary metabolites. These biochemical constituents directly involved in detoxification mechanism of elevated level of ROS and provide protection against insect damage.

Archana Kumari*

Dept. of Biochemistry, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab (141 004), India

Meenakshi Goyal

Dept. of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab (141 004), India

Backyard poultry production in India is practiced since time immemorial which was the primary source of animal protein and supplementary income for the down trodden rural poor. Backyard poultry is the only source of poultry egg and meat for city dwellers before poultry industrialization. Existing local variety of chicken having low production potential the introduction of new varieties to the backyard poultry increases the income of the farmer families which paves way for the sustainable livestock in the rural areas. The body weights and egg production of TANUVAS Aseel chicken are 1.9 kg and 154 numbers at the age of 50^th week. Performance of TANUVAS Aseel under backyard condition will give many benefits to farming community.

R. Thangadurai^*

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Papparapatty, Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu (636 809), India

M. A. Venilla

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Papparapatty, Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu (636 809), India

C. Sivakumar

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Papparapatty, Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu (636 809), India

Phytoremediation is the process of bioremediation by the help of plants that alleviate the environmental issues without the necessity to dig the contaminant substance and discard of it in the surroundings. Heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, nickel, iron, aluminum, copper, mercury, lead, beryllium remain in soil and are unsafe to animals even in minor quantity. Therefore, plants are used to purify the soil. Each and every heavy metal has distinct effects on public health and also causes demise to human life. Through natural and human interruption (anthropogenic) causes, heavy metals come into the environment. It has been reported that there are several vegetation commonly used for heavy metal accumulation from environment. Some of the vegetation used in phytoremediation are alfalfa, sunflower, hybrid poplar trees, arrowroot, Indian mustard, yellow or white water lilies, chickpea, cucumber, lantana, canola etc.

Laboni Bera*

Dept. of Biotechnology, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Jatni, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 050), India

Samparna Pradhan 

Dept. of Biotechnology, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Jatni, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 050), India

Debanjana Saha

Dept. of Biotechnology, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Jatni, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (752 050), India

Unfruitfulness is a major problem in many fruit crops result in a huge loss to growers and make fruit cultivation less profitable. Unfruitfulness is due to lack of balance between growth and fruiting and lack of flower and poor fruit set as a result of various internal and external factors in different fruit and their cultivars. The success in fruit growing chiefly depends upon one is, knowledge of the natural habit of growth of the plant, one has to know, when the plant puts out new growth and flowers, when it ceases to grow vegetatively and mature its wood and when it takes rest, the crops or varieties should be chosen on the basis of climate and edaphic factors, with this knowledge, the grower should be able to manipulate his cultural methods and treatment in a way to make the tree fruitful.

Govind Vishwakarma^*

Dept. of Horticulture, Doon (PG) College of Agriculture Science & Technology, Dehradun, Uttrakhand (248 011), India

Fathema Zaman

Dept. of Horticulture, Doon (PG) College of Agriculture Science & Technology, Dehradun, Uttrakhand (248 011), India

Etalesh Goutam

Dept. of Horticulture, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand (246 174), India

Organic farming is the adoption of non-chemical methods of nutrition, pest and disease control and encourages use of on-farm inputs. Pigeonpea is the most widely used leguminous crop for making dal in our daily diet. Though all are talking about organic farming across crops; but, development of best management practices is at infancy stage. Hence, this research based scientific report gives an overview of practices to be adopted, available opportunities and problems involved in organic pigeonpea production.

A. V. Ramanjaneyulu*

Agricultural Research Station (Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University), Tornala, Siddipet, Telangana (502 114), India

A. Madhavi

AICRP on Soil Test Crop Response, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana (500 030), India

P. Jagan Mohan Rao

Regional Agricultural Research Station, Warangal, Telangana (506 007), India

Effective treatment and preventive measures of infectious diseases demand rapid and accurate identification of causative agents. Oxford nanopore MinION™ is a commercially available portable, convenient, relatively fast, and cost-effective DNA sequencer providing sequencing data in real-time. MinION™ utilizes the base-specific fluctuations due to blockage of a nanopore and ultimately transforming it into DNA sequence information. Nanopore MinION™ has been used worldwide to deliver new insights and real-time results for a broad range of applications, which include epidemiological surveillance programs, field diagnostics, microbiome identification. Long read Oxford Nanopore MinION™ whole-genome sequencing has been accurately used for sequence typing and determining antibiotic resistance profiles of various pathogens. Oxford nanopore MinION™ sequencing offers a vast potential for cost-effective, rapid whole-genome sequencing for pathogen diagnosis and resistance identification in real-time.

Zahoor Mushtaq^*

Aquatic Environment and Health Management Division, ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai, Maharashtra (400 061), India

Kurcheti Pani Prasad

Aquatic Environment and Health Management Division, ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai, Maharashtra (400 061), India

Ubaid Qayoom

 Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai, Maharashtra (400 061), India

Food, either animal or plant origin is very essential for survival and provide nutritional support. For good health it is necessary to consume safe and quality food. Adulteration is adding unwanted materials or substances that can be mixed and cannot be noticed by the customer during purchase. To get profits in illegally or to improve the storage period, food is being adulterated. Almost all the foods we consume, from vegetables to vegetable oils, from milk to milk products, from fruits to jams, etc., that we buy from markets constitutes minor or major adulterants. Consuming this kind of foods causes severe health problems. So, we should buy these foods from only certified sellers and by careful checking by ourselves. There are so many methods through which we can identify the adulterants in a product, particularly the milk products such as ghee.

Subhash Yadav Nagalla

Dept. of Agricultural Biotechnology, OUAT, Surya Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (751 003), India

Jyoti Prakash Sahoo^*

Dept. of Agricultural Biotechnology, OUAT, Surya Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (751 003), India

Kailash Chandra Samal

Dept. of Agricultural Biotechnology, OUAT, Surya Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (751 003), India

Smrutilekha Sahoo

Dept. of Occupational Therapy, NILD, Bonhooghly, Kolkata, West Bengal (700 090), India

The phenomenon of clonal reproduction in animals in general and revival of clonality in Self Incompatible (SI) animal species in particular are of immense interest to ecology, evolutionary studies and conservation genetics. Clonal reproduction in metazoan species occurs by various mechanisms, including parthenogenesis, hybridogenesis and self fertilization. The offspring generated by these mechanisms are true copies of their single parent due to lack of genetic recombination and earlier studies have observed compromised variation at population level in species that have an exclusively clonal mode of reproduction. Since the undisputed role of genetic variability acting as a raw material for natural selection and thereby for evolution is known, the successful persistence of these species and populations for such long periods of time in evolutionary history is baffling. In recent years significant levels of genetic variation have been encountered in several populations of clonally reproducing animals through more informative and highly polymorphic molecular marker data. Various strategies have been suggested to be in play in the process of maintaining variability in population and preservation of evolutionary potential of the species. It appears that populations of all clonal species uses a combination of strategies such as inter-population migrations, occasional out-crossings and hybridization with closely related species to prevent severe inbreeding and loss of viability. Interestingly, several SI species have recently been documented to resort to parthenogenetic reproduction in captivity. These observations have tremendous significance to various practical aspects of genetics such as conservation, biological containment and clinical study of numerical aberrations of chromosomes.

Rekha Das^*

ICAR-Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Tripura Centre, Tripura (799 210), India

Himanshu Priyadarshi

College of Fisheries, under CAU (Imphal), Lembucherra, Tripura (799 210), India

Kouberi Nath

ICAR-Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Tripura Centre, Tripura (799 210), India

Asit Chakrabarti

ICAR-Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Tripura Centre, Tripura (799 210), India

Bikash Shil

ICAR-Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Tripura Centre, Tripura (799 210), India

Soil health can be defined by the ability of soil to support ecosystem function and to sustain quality of the environment and biological productivity. Micronutrients in the soil play a major role to establish a healthy soil and it is very much needed for plant growth and development. It has been seen that different land uses has impacted the soil properties, such as micronutrients. The level of impact of different types of land use pattern on soil and environment varies and assessment of this is important with respect to a natural system in order to evolve long term management policies. Land use pattern plays a crucial role in controlling the soil nutrient recycling and soil quality. Long term cultivation or a specific type of system is one of the major factors that change the soil physical and chemical properties, it also changes the micronutrient concentration in soil and makes it available for plants for their growth. Micronutrients abundance in soil depends upon several things including pH, soil organic matter, clay surfaces and other chemical, biological and physical factors in the rhizosphere which is affected by land use. A major global concern is the changing land use as cultivated land is expanded to fulfil the demand of growing population which causes heavy application of fertilizers or intensive use of agriculture inputs that causes depletion in micronutrients, so proper management of land use system is necessary to establish a sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural environment.

Dipta Som^*

Dept. of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Uttarbanga Krishi ViswaVidyalaya, Pundibari, West Bengal (736 165), India

Amrit Tamang

Dept. of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Uttarbanga Krishi ViswaVidyalaya, Pundibari, West Bengal (736 165), India

Rajib Das

Dept. of Agricultural Extension, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Khowai, Tripura (799 207), India

Diptanu Datta

Dept. of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan, Bhubaneswar, Orissa (751 003), India

Although present in huge abundance in the earth’s crust, the availability of silicon (Si) is very low in soil. But it imparts manifolds benefits on soil and plant health like increasing the yield of crops, stabilization of soil characteristics etc. The uptake of Si in soil and plant is mediated by certain carrier proteins which are present in the root of the crops. Mostly, the Poaceae crops are the efficient users of Si. A major impact of Si in crops is the remediation of biotic and abiotic stress. Globally, salt stress poses a serious hazard to plant development. Numerous studies have been conducted utilizing physiological, molecular genetics and genomic-based techniques in order to investigate the possible mechanisms to regulate the salinity stress through Si application. These studies were carried out in order to get a better understanding of the processes involved. Clarifying silicon's mitigating effects on oxidative stress, Na toxicity and salt-induced osmotic stress has advanced recently. The behavior of silicon in the soil, the processes by which it is absorbed and the function that it plays in plants in the process of warding off salt stress in plants are the primary topics of discussion in this article.

Sagardeep Sinha^*

Dept. of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch Behar, West Bengal (736 165), India

Abhas Kumar Sinha

Dept. of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch Behar, West Bengal (736 165), India

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is most profitable spice-vegetable crop in India, but it is susceptible various fungal, bacterial, viral and nematode diseases which affects bulb production. Among several fungal diseases anthracnose and anthracnose-twister complex are the major destructive diseases incited by Colletotrichum gleosporioides and Fusarium moniliformis in all cropping seasons particularly kharif onion leads 80% yield losses in field which causes shortage of onion in the market as a result there will be increase in the onion price. So ultimately famers rely on chemicals to manage the disease which raise the production costs and cause problems for the environment and human health. This article's emphasis on symptomatic diagnosis, favourable factors that led to the epidemic of the disease and integrated management strategies to tackle the threat will be extremely helpful to onion growers, students, extension workers and other onion researchers.

Jayalakshmi K.^*

ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune, Maharashtra (410 505), India

Ram Dutta

ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune, Maharashtra (410 505), India

Pranjali V. Bhadane

ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune, Maharashtra (410 505), India

Priya Y. Gawande

ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune, Maharashtra (410 505), India

Vinay Kumar

ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune, Maharashtra (410 505), India

Komal Khandekar

ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune, Maharashtra (410 505), India

Vishal S. Gurav

ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune, Maharashtra (410 505), India

A study was conducted during the two consecutive years, 2023-24 in the Department of Sericulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat. The present experiment was taken to determine the accomplishment of waste material as mountages for Barpat (Bombyx mori) mulberry silkworm. The rearers occasionally do not have access to bamboo-made common mountages like chandraki. The waste materials like dried banana leaves, egg plates and newspaper were utilized to compare with the chandraki, the common mounting device. Three replications for each mountage were maintained separately for calculating the cocoon parameters. The separation of cocoons was done after the completion of the cocoon formation from each mountage. The significance difference of the economic cocoon parameters such as cocoon weight (g), shell weight (g) and shell ratio percentage were calculated by using a Completely Randomised Design. The results depicted that significant difference in cocoon weight (g) and shell ratio percentage were not found except in shell weight (g). The weight of the cocoon weight (1.450 g) and shell ratio (14.727) percent were observed highest in the chandraki but the highest value of shell weight (1.157 g) was observed in the egg plate. The shell ratio percentage in all the waste materials used as mountages showed similar results to chandraki. In case of scarcity of chandraki, these waste materials can be used as mountages by silkworm rearers.

Th. Aruna Singha^*

Dept. of Sericulture, AAU, Jorhat, Assam (785 013), India

Nanita Bora

College of Sericulture, AAU, Titabar, Assam (785 632), India

Dhanalakhi Gogoi

Dept. of Sericulture, AAU, Jorhat, Assam (785 013), India

Merrylina Marak

Directorate of Sericulture, Govt. of Assam, Sivsagar, Assam (785 665), India

Proper marketing of agricultural produce is always beneficial for the farmers. But it comes with several challenges; a continuous increase in the cost of cultivation with a tremendous fluctuation in market price is one of the biggest reasons that adversely affect the income of the farmers. To overcome this issue, a pronged approach of modifying the cropping system as well as the quality of agricultural produces (Multi-storey cropping system + Organic farming) can be considered. By practicing a Multi-storey cropping system and Organic farming, farm productivity can be enhanced with a limited area by efficient utilization of available natural resources such as air, water, light, space, and nutrients. The introduction of the multi-storied cropping system in organic farming ensures the best combination of crop-tree intercropping with the production of healthy crops that enables farmers to earn regular income throughout the year, ultimately addresses the price fluctuation in the market.

Ankit Kumar Keshari

Faculty of Agriculture, Sri Sri University, Cuttack, Odisha (754 006), India

Debasish Pattnaik^*

Dept. of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (751 003), India

Since last many decades there has been a raging desire to keep western breeds of dogs as pets. This sentiment has led to utter neglect of Indian breeds of dogs. Recently three Indian dogs’ germplasm have been recognized as breeds viz., Rajapalayam, Mudhal Hound and Chippiparai. India is home to many sight hound type breeds of dogs, these dogs are acclimatized to tropical climate of Indian subcontinent. They needs a good amount of exercise and require less grooming. These breeds of dog have amazing sight that helps them to chase away rabbits or any other small animals.

Ahlawat, A. R.^*

Dept. of Animal Genetics & Breeding, College of Veterinary Science & A. H., Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat (362 001), India

Sharma, H. A.

Veterinary Dispensary, Dudhai, Anjar, Kutch, Gujarat (370 020), India

Soil-water-plant relationship relate to the properties of soil and plants that affect the movement, retention, and use of water. The rate of entry of water into the soil and its retention, movement and availability to plant roots are all physical properties of soil. A number of soil physical characteristics collectively have potential to impact irrigation practices and management, and how efficient a job is done with irrigation.

Nabanita Sarkar

Dept. of Soil and Water Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, Mohanpur, West Bengal (741 252), India

Droughts are one of the major constraints to crop production and food security worldwide. The situation has aggravated due to the drastic and rapid changes in global climate. Heat and drought are undoubtedly the two most important stresses having huge impact on growth and productivity of the crops. A wide range of plant responses to these stresses could be generalized into morphological, physiological, and biochemical responses. Interestingly, this review provides a detailed account of plant responses to heat and drought stresses with special focus on highlighting the commonalities and differences. Crop growth and yields are negatively affected by sub-optimal water supply and abnormal temperatures due to physical damages, physiological disruptions, and biochemical changes. A holistic approach taking into account the different management options to deal with heat and drought stress simultaneously could be a win-win approach in future.

S. Alagappan

Dept. of Agronomy, The Indian Agriculture College (Affiliated to the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University), Radhapuram, Tamil Nadu (627 111), India

Minerals constitute a major role in production, reproduction and health of animals. Their deficiency or imbalances in diet lead to reduced growth and production. Nano minerals are mineral particles that exist in nano size (1-100 nm). Their action is attributed to their small size and increased surface area, thus leading to greater bioavailability. They are synthesized by physical, chemical or biological methods. Biological synthesis of Se nano-particle is gaining popularity due to its easily available source and less toxicity. Nano Zn particles could possibly reduce microbes generating methane in anaerobic fermentation. Thus, they reduced methane release and increased microbial biomass production. Sodium selenite nanoparticles were encapsulated by nano-precipitation for controlled release of Se nanoparticles. The release of selenium from nanoparticles was higher in acid (pH < 4), that caused better availability of the mineral in the small intestine.

Arun Kumar Singh^*

Dept. of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh (491 001), India

Sonali Prusty

Dept. of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh (491 001), India

M. K. Gendley

Dept. of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh (491 001), India

Piyush Thawkar

Dept. of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh (491 001), India

Mukesh Sharma

Dept. of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh (491 001), India

Ashutosh Choubey

Dept. of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh (491 001), India

Kundan Krishnan

Dept. of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh (491 001), India

Anupam Soni

Dept. of Livestock Production and Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh (491 001), India

Custard apple or Sitaphal (Annona squamosa L.) is a deciduous tree having yellowish-green fruit. The fruits are highly perishable but nutritionally rich and delicious. The fruits are harvested for a short period of time during pre-winter. Due to bumper harvest in a short period and perishable nature of fruits, the farmers are compelled to sell their produce at a lower price. Post-harvest processing is not yet suitably standardised. Rapid softening of fruits and marketing is a major problem. The shelf-life of custard apple fruit can be increased upto 12 days if stored at 10 °C, whereas the extracted pulp can be stored for six months with potassium meta-bisulphite. Many value-added products like ready-to-serve beverages, fermented beverage, ice cream, squash, and toffee can be prepared to exploit the nutritional potential and adding a new flavour/ taste. Therefore this paper attempts to outline post-harvest, processing value addition and storage of these fruits.

Deeksha Gautam^*

Dept. of Fruit Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (751 003), India

Jyoti Prakash Sahoo

Dept. of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (751 003), India

Kailash Chandra Samal

Dept. of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (751 003), India

The papaya, Carica papaya L., is native totropical America and commercially cultivated throughout the tropical and sub-tropical regions of India. Propagation of papaya by seed is still the most commercial cultivation method. Generally, the number of male plants outnumbers the females in a plantation, which renders it unproductive. Growers are unaware of identifying the productive and unproductive plants at the nursery stage, So as to have male and female plants. The papaya is generally taken flowers within 75 to 150 days after transplanting. The gynodioecious varieties are preferred for commercial purpose, due to their high yield potential and occurrence of desirable types of sex expression among the flower types. So it is knowledge on selecting desirable papaya cultivars at the seedling stage that would help in raising the papaya orchard with the appropriate design.

C. Sankar^*

Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam, Tamil Nadu (625 604), India

C. Senthilraja

Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam, Tamil Nadu (625 604), India

J. Rajangam

Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam, Tamil Nadu (625 604), India

Sneha R. Patil

College of Agricultural Technology, Gullapuram, Theni, Tamil Nadu (625 562), India

Azolla is commonly known as mosquito fern, duckweed fern, fairy moss, and water fern, is a small free floating aquatic fern native to Asia, Africa, and the America. It grows in swamps, ditches, and even in lakes and rivers where the water is not turbulent. The name Azolla is derived from the two Greek words, Azo (to dry) and Ollyo (to kill) thus reflecting that the fern is killed by drought. Azolla-Anabaena is a symbiotic complex in which the entophytic blue-green algae Anabaena zollae lives within the leaf cavities of the water fern Azolla. It is important to keep Azolla at the rapid multiplication growth phase with the minimum doubling time. Periodic application of cow-dung slurry, super phosphate and other micro and macro nutrients except nitrogen prevents plants from reaching sporulation stage. Biomass should be removed every day or on alternate days to avoid overcrowding. PH level should be tested periodically and maintained regularly.

Geeta Mohan^*

Dept. of Agriculture, Jagan Nath University, Jaipur, Rajasthan (303 901), India

O.P. Sharma

Dept. of Agriculture, Jagan Nath University, Jaipur, Rajasthan (303 901), India

Manjeet Kaur

Dept. of Agriculture, Jagan Nath University, Jaipur, Rajasthan (303 901), India

According to the farm bills the farmers have the freedom to sell their products wherever, and to whomever, they interested; which ultimately help them to rectify the restrictive trade and marketing policies followed so far. All producers work on the signals that prices convey and, to the extent the ECA (Essential Commodities Act) interferes with price-signalling, it hurts investment decisions. The passing of farm bills in both the houses of Parliament has led to a major controversy in the country. The government claims that it is a historic step taken in the interest of farmers, giving them freedom to sell their produce anywhere and to whomsoever they want in the country. But the opposition parties say it is a ‘black day’ as it will destroy the existing system of minimum support price (MSP) and APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) markets, and leave the farmers at the mercy of big corporations.

Jyoti Prakash Sahoo

Dept. of Agricultural Biotechnology, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (751 003), India

Laxmipreeya Behera^*

Dept. of Agricultural Biotechnology, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (751 003), India

Lipi Ghosh

School of Development Studies, TISS, Mumbai (400 088), India

Kailash Chandra Samal

Dept. of Agricultural Biotechnology, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (751 003), India

Thermoelectric (TE) materials, with their propensity to convert discarded waste heat into electrical energy, have attracted great interest as a source of renewable energy. In present work, we realized improvement in the thermoelectric behaviour of SnSe by composite formation with carbon fiber (CF). The CF incorporation into SnSe matrix leads to decoupling of the interdependent transport characteristics. The SnSe + x wt.% C.F. (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6) composites have been prepared by spark plasma sintering process of the prepared composite powders. CF inclusion promotes transportation of charge carriers and contributes towards lower thermal conductivity ascribed to phonon scattering at the interface. A maximum zT value of around 1.1 was attained for SnSe + 0.2% CF at 773K. The contribution to improved zT originates from improved Seebeck coefficient and reduced thermal conductivity values. Our findings provide a probable approach to improve thermoelectric performance of SnSe.

Kriti Tyagi^*

CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr. K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi (110 012), India

Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh (201 002), India

Rohit Yadav

CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr. K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi (110 012), India

Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh (201 002), India

Harsh Yadav

Dept. of Chemistry, Ramjas College, University of Delhi, New Delhi (110 007), India

S.R. Dhakate

CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr. K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi (110 012), India

Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh (201 002), India

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.), known by several vernacular and trade names such as red gram, tuar, Angola pea, Congo pea, yellow dhal and oil dhal, is one of the major grain legume crops of the tropics and sub-tropics. Pigeon pea is rich in starch, protein, calcium, manganese, crude fiber, fat, trace elements, and minerals. It is a hardy plant that can grow at temperatures as low and drought condition. Stagnant production, soaring prices, and enhanced imports of pigeon pea (red gram) have been matter of concern to the prime stakeholders in India. Improved technologies and efficient use of farm inputs under the changing environmental conditions can make pigeon pea production sustainable and profitable.

Dinesh Kumar Marapi*

Indira Gandhi Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India

Hemant Kumar Jangde

Indira Gandhi Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India

Saurabh Kumar

Indira Gandhi Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India

Lokesh Kumar Tinde

Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, District Nadia, West Bengal, India

Gyanendra Kumar

Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, District Nadia, West Bengal, India

Diseases and insect pests are the major bottleneck to attain the full potential of productivity in fieldpea. It has been witnessed that during 1970’s, when the area of fieldpea reduced to just half due to wide spread occurrence of only one disease i.e. powdery mildew. Therefore adoption of proper management practices and available resistant varieties for respective diseases and insect pests is the best strategy to avoid yield damage and to get higher yield. In this particular article we just elaborated about major diseases and insect pests and their management strategies.

A.K. Parihar*

ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur - 208024, INDIA

R.K. Mishra

ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur - 208024, INDIA

G.P. Dixit

ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur - 208024, INDIA

Increasing scarcity of natural resources due to intensive tillage operation along with rising the cost of cultivation are major challenges for the sustainability of rice-wheat system in the western Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP). The innovative approaches to manage crop residues is vital for the improvement in soil quality and factor productivity under RWCS of western IGP. Crop residues, usually considered as waste material, if managed appropriately with innovative technologies can improve soil organic carbon stock and nutrient cycling in long term.

Naveen Kumar^*

CCS Haryana Agriculture University, Hisar, Haryana, INDIA

S.K. Kakraliya

CCS Haryana Agriculture University, Hisar, Haryana, INDIA

Rupender Kumar

CCS Haryana Agriculture University, Hisar, Haryana, INDIA

Mohinder Singh

CCS Haryana Agriculture University, Hisar, Haryana, INDIA

A study has been carried out to know the length composition of commercially important fishes at Hooghly-Matlah estuarine system of West Bengal, India during monsoon period (June-September 2013). A total of 28 commercially important species were recorded during the study. The most commercially important species of the Hooghly-Matlah estuary were recorded Tenualosa ilisha, Harpadon nehereus, Otolithoides pama, Trichiurus lepturus, Coilia ramcarati, Chelon parsia, Lates calcarifer, Polynemus paradiseus,  Sillaginopsis panijus and  Eleutheronema tetradactylum. The main means of exploitation was found to be the bag net, trawl net, large seine, small seine, purse seine, drift net, lift net, cast net, set-gill net, set-barrier, traps, and hooks and lines. The species like Tenualosa ilisha, Otolithoides pama, Lates calcarifer, Setipinna phasa, Trichiurus lepturus, Sillago sihama, Sardinella longiceps were exploited below their size at first maturity. The species like Polynemus paradiseus, Chelon parsia, Harpadon nehereus, Coilia ramcarati, Johnius dussumieri, Lutjanus fulviflamma, Chelon macrolepis, Scomberomorus guttatus, Sillaginopsis panijus, Osteogeneiosus militaris were found to be exploited in mature stages. Reasons of reduction in fish catch and length were reported to be indiscriminate catches of juveniles and matured fishes by small mesh nets, habitat changes, pollution, the decline in water quality and destructive means of fishing practices.

Dibakar Bhakta^*

ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute Regional Center, Vadodara-390 022, Gujarat, INDIA;

Sudhir Kumar Das

Department of FRM, Faculty of Fishery Sciences, WBUAFS, Chakgaria, Kolkata-700 094, WB, INDIA;

Samarendra Behera

Department of FRM, Faculty of Fishery Sciences, WBUAFS, Chakgaria, Kolkata-700 094, WB, INDIA;

T.S. Nagesh

Department of FRM, Faculty of Fishery Sciences, WBUAFS, Chakgaria, Kolkata-700 094, WB, INDIA;

The field experiment was conducted to evaluate the bioefficacy of imidacloprid and thiacloprid against chilli aphid (Aphis gossypii) during post kharif season of 2017at ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with seven treatments and three replications. Chilli (cultivar: Guntur Hope) seedlings (35 days old) were transplanted in 3mX4 m area with a spacing of 60 cm (R-R) × 40 cm (P-P). Total treatments viz. imidacloprid 17.8% SL (25 and 50 g a.i./ha), thiacloprid 21.7% SC (54 and 108 g a.i./ha) and dimethoate 30% EC (300 and 600 g a.i./ha) were applied twice at fifteen days intervals along with untreated control. The bioefficacy study revealed that the overall mean reduction of chilli aphid population was highest in imidacloprid at 50 g a.i. ha^-1 with 80.33% reduction followed by thiacloprid (79.84%). The maximum fruit yield was also recorded in imidacloprid @ 50 g a.i./ha with 28.80 q/ha.

Baiamon Sutnga^*

College of Post Graduate Studies, CAU, Umiam, Meghalaya-793103, INDIA

Sandip Patra

ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya-793103, INDIA

V.K. Verma

ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya-793103, INDIA

N.S. Azad Thakur

College of Post Graduate Studies, CAU, Umiam, Meghalaya-793103, INDIA

R.K. Tombisana Devi

College of Post Graduate Studies, CAU, Umiam, Meghalaya-793103, INDIA

In order to impart bulkiness in the raw silk, it was thought to develop raw silk during the process of reeling along with PAV yarns and after weaving the PVA component would be dissolved so as to create void in the raw silk and hence improve the fabric performance. CSTRI has developed a multiend reeling machine, in which PVA yarns are kept in a cabinet below the reeling basin and passed through the pipe fitted in reeling basin, so that PVA yarns does not come in contact with water, as PVA yarns are water soluble. The developed reeling machine is capable of producing about 1.5 Kg of silk per day per basin. CSTRI has standardized the process parameters for the production of new yarn and it was observed that 30 cocoons per end with 6 mm croissure length, 50°C basin temperature and reel speed of 100 m/min is ideal for the production void raw silk on void silk reeling machine. In order to compare the yarn characteristics of raw silk and new yarn (void silk), raw silk was produced with 10. 20 & 30 cocoons per end and void raw silk were produced with 10, 20 & 30 cocoons per end with Indian PVA yarns. These yarns have been characterized for various characteristics viz., denier, tenacity, elongation, microscopic cross section and longitudinal and wicking characteristics. It could be observed that significant difference exists among the characteristics studied between raw silk and void silk yarns. Using these yarns as weft and organzine bivoltine silk warp, fabrics have been developed on power loom and assessed for various fabric characteristics viz., Fabric mass, fabric thickness, EPI, PPI, Warp and weft count, Cover factor, crimp warp / weft, twist warp / weft, tensile strength viz., breaking load and elongation warp / weft, crease recovery, flexural rigidity, abrasion resistance, air permeability, drape coefficient and bursting strength. Based on the analysis, it was found that the fabric characteristics of void silk fabrics were found to be superior in terms of crimp, crease recovery, elongation, air permeability and drape characteristics. The ANOVA results indicate that it could be seen that all the characteristics of raw silk and void raw silk were found be significantly different at 1% level. Using the Z-score analysis, it could be found that void raw silk fabrics produced with 30 cocoons have scored more thus indicating that it is better fabric in all fabric characteristics followed by void silk fabric produced with 20 cocoons. The unique appearance developed on the surface on the fabrics due to removal of PVA yarn earlier introduced in yarn production, has created curiosity among the consumers and exporters.

Hariraj, G.^*

Central Silk Technological Research Institute, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, BTM Layout, Bangalore – 560 068, Karnataka, INDIA

M.M. Shirol

Central Silk Technological Research Institute, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, BTM Layout, Bangalore – 560 068, Karnataka, INDIA

Kiran. B. Malali

Central Silk Technological Research Institute, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, BTM Layout, Bangalore – 560 068, Karnataka, INDIA

S. Arvind

Central Silk Technological Research Institute, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, BTM Layout, Bangalore – 560 068, Karnataka, INDIA

S. K. Shruthi

Central Silk Technological Research Institute, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, BTM Layout, Bangalore – 560 068, Karnataka, INDIA

Subhas. V. Naik

Central Silk Technological Research Institute, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, BTM Layout, Bangalore – 560 068, Karnataka, INDIA

Pebrine is a devastating disease caused by obligate intracellular microsporidian parasite Nosema bombycis in the silkworm Bombyx mori. Though organismal observations after infection are reported, larval immune responses are seldom analysed. The infection reduced hemocyte number and induced subcellular variations like membrane porosity, lysis and disintegration. On infection, hemocytes recognize pathogens through recognition proteins that trigger defense reactions. However after N. bombycis infection, expression of immune genes pertaining to recognition, Toll signalling and melanization pathways were suppressed, revealed by RT-PCR and Real Time analysis. Recognition genes β-GRP 2 and β-GRP 4 were inactivated thereby delayed or inhibited recognition. Toll activator Spatzle expression was suppressed and titer reduced early causing delayed binding with ‘Toll’. Gene encoding Cactus expression increased whereas expression of NF kappa B transcription factors Dorsal and Relish reduced in early stage of infection. Immediately after infection melanisation pathway genes PPAE and PPO2 activated, subsequently suppressed expression causing loss of ‘melanization’ in later stage of infection. Paralytic peptide titer that induced melaniztion, reduced in early stage of infection. Delayed recognition and signalling activities allowed distraction of N. bombycis from primary immune reactions of the host leading to successful establishment of parasitic survival. Further due to lack of melanisation in later stages, N. bombycis surmount the host – defenses and establish itself in infected larvae of B. mori. Different immune pathway components suppressed by the microsporidian infection could be used as targets for antibody – based early detection mechanisms.

Shambhavi, P.H.

Proteomics Division, Seribiotech Research Laboratory, CSB-Kodathi Campus, Carmelaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka, INDIA

M. Pooja

Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, Berhampore, West Bengal, INDIA

A.R. Pradeep^*

Proteomics Division, Seribiotech Research Laboratory, CSB-Kodathi Campus, Carmelaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka, INDIA

R.K. Mishra

Proteomics Division, Seribiotech Research Laboratory, CSB-Kodathi Campus, Carmelaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka, INDIA

The experimental material consisted of 67 genotypes collected from different places of India and the experiment was conducted at Western block, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam, during two seasons of August, 2013 to November, 2013 and December, 2013 to March, 2014 with 67 diverse genotypes and experiment was laid out under Randomized Block Design with three replications. The shelf life was highest (4.60 days) in AM-29 of Tagetes erecta recorded the maximum shelf life (5.00 days). The maximum carotenoid and xanthophyll content in Tagetes erecta was registered by AM-3 (0.95 mg/g and 146.60 g/kg respectively). The overall performance was found to be superior in AM-29 of Tagetes erecta.

Lydia, J.

Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, INDIA

Compared to other farming practices, Pig farming is especially vulnerable to infectious diseases that are capable to transmit among animals, affecting their health, productivity and endangering the human lives through exposure. Among the bacterial pathogens, Brucella suis, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus suis are prominent. All of these pathogens have the potential of transmit from animals to humans and therefore poses serious public health concerns. Other than bacterial infections, viral diseases such as swinepox, African swine fever (ASF), swine erysipelas and Aujeszky’s disease (or pseudorabies) are also associated with high morbidity and death in pig populations. Nowadays, disease management is becoming more complex as these pathogens spread, are more virulent and can survive in different environment conditions. To stop the transmission, it is essential to require effective diagnostics, strategic vaccination, effective biosecurity and farmer’s education. This article discusses the clinical features, diagnostics, transmission methods and integrated control techniques of major pig diseases using credible scientific sources.

Asem Ameeta Devi^*

ICAR KVK-Chandel, Monsang Pantha, Chandel, Manipur (795 127), India

Khumlo Levish

ICAR KVK-Chandel, Monsang Pantha, Chandel, Manipur (795 127), India

K. Sonamani Singh

ICAR KVK-Chandel, Monsang Pantha, Chandel, Manipur (795 127), India

Chanu Langlentombi

ICAR Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, Imphal West, Manipur (795 004), India