213 research outputs found
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Non-timber forest genetic resources of arid and semi-arid regions of India
No full textForests have evolved in their natural ecosystems over millennia to become the world’s most important and valuable renewable natural resources. Genetic variety in perspective trees has been defined as Forest Genetic Resources (FGRs). Forest genetic resources directly or indirectly sustain human livelihoods and provide raw materials for various forest-based enterprises. This chapter focuses on the FGRs of the arid and semiarid regions, which have a wide range of land formations, soils, fauna, plants, water balances, and human activities. Cultivating trees that have the potential to generate lucrative non-timber goods is the primary source of revenue in this problematic climatic situation. Arid and semi-arid regions have a diverse gene pool of tree species. The increased pressure and ongoing desertification threaten the gene pool of tree species in arid and semi-arid environments. These regions' FGRs are not sufficiently documented, and there is no way to access and use them effectively. This paper intends to establish a framework for writing, better understanding, protecting, and understanding the utility of non-timber forest genetic resources (NTFGR) in dry and semi-arid regions. It focuses on arid and semi-arid tree species that have the potential to yield non-timber value, to increase awareness and understanding of Forest Genetic Resources
Genetic divergence studies for yield and quality traits in white and brown finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L).)
No full textThe present study assessed the nature and magnitude of genetic variability for yield and quality-related traits in 64 finger millet genotypes for 25 parameters during Kharif, 2020-21 at Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh. In D2 analysis, the maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster Ⅳ, with white-seeded genotypes and cluster Ⅵ with brown-seeded genotypes indicating these clusters may give a high heterotic response and better segregants. The principal component analysis identified the maximum contributing variables i.e., grain yield per plant, harvest index, fingers per earhead, test weight, peduncle length, seed protein content and seed calcium content in the first principal component. PCA scores of 64 genotypes indicated that genotypes IC0477628, IC0476988, IC0477206, VR1034, IC473950 and IC0477272 are diverse for yield and quality traits and hence hybridization between these genotypes is suggested for generating transgressive segregants
Effect of harvested rainwater in farm ponds of a saline area on soil properties
No full textHarvesting rainwater through surface storage is one of the options to combat the frequently occurring drought condition in rainfed agriculture. The quality of irrigation water plays a very important role in improving crop productivity and maintaining soil health, especially in the saline area. The information on the water quality of harvested rainwater in farm ponds of the saline area needs to be made available. Hence, an attempt has been made to study the water quality in farm ponds and its effect on soil health and crop productivity after irrigation using different energy sources for lifting the water. The study was carried out on 11 dugout-type farm ponds from the Ghusar village in Akola taluka of Akola district. The harvested rainwater in farm ponds was only used as protective irrigation for rabi crops through a sprinkler irrigation system operated by either an electric pump or diesel pump or tractor-operated pump. The values of EC (0.16 to 0.36) dSm-1, pH (7.54 to 8.66), SAR (1.02 to1.78) me l-1 and RSC (0.2 to 0.4) me l-1 in harvested rainwater indicated that the cations and anions were in acceptable limits of safe quality water for protective irrigation. The use of harvested rainwater in farm ponds in Ghusar village of the saline area was also found to be within safe limits from a soil health point of view and it maintains soil fertility
Status of major wheat diseases in sub mountainous region of district Ropar, Punjab, India
No full textThe wheat diseases, including yellow rust, brown rust, powdery mildew and karnal bunt, continue to be the major impediments to the successful cultivation of wheat crops in the sub-mountainous region of Ropar (Punjab). During the survey, it was observed that the yellow rust disease is a pre-dominant disease of wheat in this region and has always appeared first foci of infection in Ropar district for the last several years in Punjab. The disease caused maximum infection on cultivar Barbat, HD 2967, Shriram 212 followed by WH 1105, HD 3086, PBW 677, HD 3226 and low infection on Unnat PBW 343 and PBW 1 Zn, DBW 222 and PBW 766. However, no infection was recorded in PBW 725, Unnat PBW 550 and PBW 752. The brown rust disease was absent from most of the fields. Although, occasionally found in few low-level fields (5-10S among infested fields). The head blight disease was primarily recorded in durum wheat in wet areas and the maximum incidence (16.45%) was found in the Barbet cultivar in season 2021-22. The karnal bunt disease frequently appeared in this region depending upon the weather condition at the booting stage of the crop and recorded the prevalence range of 0.1-0.40 per cent in surveyed fields. The survey reports will help to prioritize disease management in extension programmes in this region
Developed the fungicide schedule for the management of early blight in potato in Rajasthan
No full textField experiments were conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Kota to develop a fungicide spray schedule for the management of early blight (Alternaria alternata), the most significant foliar disease of potato during the year 2018-19 and 2019-20. The protective and curative activity of fungicides were assessed in field studies. All spray schedules inhibited disease progress and enhanced total tuber yields compared with unsprayed plots. Most minor disease severity (11.40%) with the highest disease control (74.32%) was recorded in the treatment (T3), where the first spray of mancozeb 75WP (0.25%) was followed by a second spray of difenoconazole 25% EC (0.05%) and a third spray of mancozeb 75WP (0.25%) at 10 days interval was applied. The second-best treatment was T2, where the first spray of mancozeb 75WP (0.25%) was followed by a second spray of hexaconazole 5EC (0.05%) and a third spray of mancozeb 75WP (0.25%) at 10 days interval (17.10% & 61.48) was applied. The higher tuber yield was achieved in the treatment T3 with the highest benefit-cost ratio (2.18). Thus, a spray schedule consisting of preventive and curative fungicides may be recommended to effectively manage early blight and higher tuber yield in south eastern Rajasthan
Comparative economic indicators of the farmers practising natural farming vs conventional farming system
No full textThe present study was carried out in Kanchipuram district of the Tamil Nadu. Paddy is the main cereal crop raised in 47,739 ha of the cultivated area followed by groundnut and pulses. Farmers following conventional and natural farming are purposively selected in 120 numbers to cultivate Paddy in 436.56 ha among that area and data was gathered from their respective fields. The main aim of this study is to analyze whether natural farming system was economically better with sufficient economic returns to the farmers against conventional farming practices. The study was confined only to major crop of the study area; paddy. The comparative analysis results revealed that natural farming is a viable option for farmers under the prevailing conditions with a significant yield gap and higher benefit-cost ratio against conventional farming in 2021–2022. Efficient use of available natural resources as a key input for farming was found economically attractive enough to trigger wide spread adoption of natural farming systems in the study area
A comprehensive analysis of biomass energy in India for agricultural and domestic use
No full textBiomass is an abundant and renewable resource in India, with vast potential for use in energy production, agricultural applications, and waste management. The country has made significant strides in developing and utilizing biomass resources for various purposes in recent years. One of the primary uses of biomass in India is for energy production. Biomass fuels, such as wood chips, agricultural residues, and municipal waste, are used in rural areas for cooking and heating. Additionally, the government has implemented policies and initiatives to promote the use of biomass for electricity generation. Biomass-based power plants have been established nationwide, with a total installed capacity of over 9,000 MW. Biomass is also used in agricultural applications in India. The country is a major producer of sugarcane, and bagasse, a byproduct of sugarcane processing, is commonly used as a feedstock for producing biofuels and biogas. Additionally, farmers are increasingly using biomass-based fertilizers and pesticides to improve soil health and reduce chemical inputs. Regarding waste management, biomass is a valuable resource for converting organic waste into useful products. Anaerobic digestion and composting are popular methods for treating organic waste, with the resulting biogas and compost being used for energy generation and agricultural applications, respectively. Overall, biomass is an essential resource for India, providing energy, supporting agriculture, and promoting sustainable waste management practices. With continued investment and innovation, biomass has the potential to play an even more significant role in the country's energy and agricultural sectors in the coming year
Performance of tall wheat under different sowing times and methods using various nutrient sources in western Haryana
No full textTo study the effect of different sowing times, methods and nutrient sources on the growth and productivity of tall wheat, a field experiment was conducted in a split-plot design with three replications. The analysis of data revealed that tall wheat crop sown in the last week of October on FIRBS recorded significantly higher plant height, dry matter accumulation (at different growth stages), yield attributes, grain yield (2599 kg ha-1) and biological yield (7212 kg ha-1) as compared to conventionally sown wheat crop in 1st and 2nd week of November. Among the different nutrient sources, the recommended doses of chemical fertilizers provided significantly higher values of growth parameters, yield attributes, grain yield (2658 kg ha-1) and biological yield (7426 kg ha-1) compared to organic fertilizers/ biofertilizers. Maximum temperature showed a significant and positive correlation with yield and yield attributes. In light of the results to maximize the productivity of tall wheat, it may be sown in the last week of October on FIRBS supplied with recommended doses of fertilizers on the basis of soil test
The social profile of farmers in the village of S.A.S. Nagar district of Punjab
No full textAgriculture education is crucial in ensuring the growth of agricultural profitability, efficacy, ecological responsibility, technology for agriculture, and environmental and ecological stability. The current study examines the socioeconomic factors that contribute to the importance of the farming community in Punjab, especially in the villages of Shakrullapur, Rora, Bibipur, Batta, and Fatehpur Theri all of which are located in the Kharar tehsil and SAS Nagar Mohali district. For this study, a questionnaire-based methodology was used. There are recordings of the 120 farmer interviews. The research aims to determine the living and working situations of the populace. A complete understanding of the socioeconomic condition was the aim of this investigation. While many people have improved their quality of life, some are still in the same predicament. Therefore, these locations Socioeconomic status must be investigated, particularly about the community as a whole, occupational framework, academic achievement, labour force income, residential characteristics, and government programs. Variables like Age, education, land holding, family composition, source of information, and extension contact were selected to assess the socio-profile of the farmers. The study showed that the average age of the respondents was 66%, 84% of respondents had access to mobile phones. The majority of the respondents were small farmers which is about 57% also, it is observed that about 34% of farmers have completed their middle school. And most of them i.e., about 86% get their source of information from input dealers (Private agencies), 59% of respondents have extension contact with cooperative societies
Selection of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies for desirable traits
No full textThe experiment on selecting honey bee Apis mellifera L. colonies for desirable traits was conducted at the Apiary of the Department of Entomology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana (India) during 2020-21. The significant variations were observed in various colony parameters viz. colony strength (7.2 to 13.0 no. of bee frames), brood area (1029.42 to 3917.73 cm2), honey store (1196.48 to 2568.71 g), pollen area (314.76 to 692.73 cm2), brood survival rate (76.56 to 91.61.39 %) and paper potness (8.82 to 24.73 %). Ranking of honey bee colonies was developed on the basis of a five-point scoring system for each desirable trait. Colonies were rated based on 1 to 5 point scale. The average score ranged from 1.2 to 4.9. On the basis of top score, 9 colonies (C-6, C-8, C-2, C-20, C-12, C-11, C-5, C-19 and C-16) were selected for further evaluation and mass queen rearing, having average scores ranged from 3.5 to 4.9