SAAER Journals
Not a member yet
482 research outputs found
Sort by
Varietal screening against black scurf of potato and its management by fungicide
No full textOne of the most important diseases affecting soil and tuber crops, especially within the fungal category, is black scurf of potatoes, caused by Rhizoctonia solani. The primary source of infection is seed tubers that are infected. Indian farmers commonly used boric acid to control potato black scurf. In two consecutive years (2022–24), the bio-efficacy of novel compounds against the potato black scurf disease was assessed. Compared to the untreated tuber, all of the new generation fungicides dramatically reduced disease. The results showed that tuber treatment with Thifluzamid 24.0 SC @ 0.35 per cent had the lowest percentage of disease incidence and intensity (8.0 and 5.0). This was comparable to tuber treatment with Penflufen 22.43 per cent FS @ 0.1 per cent (8.3 & 6.7) and tuber treatment with Pencycuron 22.9 SC @ 0.35 per cent (9.9 & 6.8). and produced the maximum B: C ratio (2.41) and the highest tuber yield (25.6 t/ha). Twenty two varieties of potato were evaluated against black scurf of potato and revealed that Kufri Ganga, Kufri Mohan, Kufri Pushkar, Kufri Kiran, Kufri Thar 2, Kufri Thar 3 and Kufri Surya were found as resistant, However Kufri Sukhyati, Kufri Lima, Kufri Neelkanth, Kufri Jamunia, Kufri Badshah, Kufri Sindhuri, Kufri Thar 1, Kufri Chipsona-1, Kufri Chipsona-2 and Kufri Chipsona-3 were as moderate resistant while, Kufri Pukhraj and Kufri Bahar as susceptible but none was found highly susceptible
Cotton Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) upsurge: a concern for cotton growers in Haryana
No full textSurvey on whitefly infestation in cotton were conducted across six districts of Haryana - Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Jind, Rohtak and Bhiwani from 2012 to 2015. A total of 618 farmer’s fields were examined in July, August and September each year, with fields selected randomly at an interval of 8-10 km. In 2012, whitefly population remained below economic threshold (ET) in July and August, exceeding ET in only 5% of fields during September. In contrast, 2013 recorded higher infestations, with populations above ET in 8%, 28%, and 44% of fields in July, August, and September, respectively. Similar trends were observed in 2014 and 2015, with particularly high infestations in August, affecting 43% and 56% of fields, respectively. Increased humidity and reduced temperatures as a result of rains in late June appeared to favor whitefly proliferation. Notably, rainfall events—97.3 mm in mid-June 2013, 76.6 mm in June 2014, and 161 mm in June 2015 could have been the reason for rapid build-up of whitefly populations from July onwards in these years
Ethnobotanical documentation of medicinal plant resources in Assam, Northeast India
No full textAssam, a northeastern state of India, is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and the deep-rooted traditions of indigenous communities who have long relied on medicinal plants for primary healthcare. This review synthesizes ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants documented across the region, highlighting their therapeutic properties, preparation methods, and cultural relevance. A total of 149 plant species belonging to 64 families were identified, reflecting remarkable taxonomic diversity and the richness of traditional medical practices. Prominent families such as Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, and Malvaceae dominate the inventory, consistent with global ethnobotanical trends due to their wide distribution and abundance of bioactive compounds. The study reveals that leaves are the most frequently utilized plant part, indicating a relatively sustainable approach to harvesting. However, reliance on roots, bark, and whole plants—particularly from species categorized as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered—raises serious conservation concerns. The documented species address a wide spectrum of ailments, including inflammation, infections, metabolic disorders, and wound healing, underscoring their pharmacological potential. The recurrence of similar therapeutic uses across unrelated taxa suggests long-term empirical validation through traditional practice and highlights the need for phytochemical and pharmacological studies to scientifically substantiate these claims. Furthermore, the integration of medicinal plants into daily diets, such as tea (Camellia sinensis var. assamica), papaya (Carica papaya), and curry leaves (Murraya koenigii), reflects the holistic nature of traditional medicine, where nutrition and prevention are closely linked. This review emphasizes the importance of preserving ethnomedicinal knowledge while promoting sustainable harvesting and conservation strategies to safeguard biodiversity and support the development of plant-based therapeutics
Comparative evaluation of seed chlorophyll content, colour, and yield traits in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)
No full textFenugreek has grown globally for thousands of years and is used in diverse ways, including as a food flavoring agent, essential oil production, and traditional medicinal practices. Ongoing research continues to explore new applications and potential uses for fenugreek by-products. The study included ten newly developed green-seeded fenugreek genotypes, which were evaluated alongside five released conventional yellow-seeded varieties for comparative analysis. The average seed yield ranged from 1,317 kg/ha (IC-0633368) to 2,260 kg/ha (IC-0633369). Among the yellow-seeded conventional fenugreek varieties, AFg-4 (2,120 kg/ha) and AFg-5 (2,108 kg/ha) consistently recorded higher yields across all seasons, suggesting superior genetic potential. Mean seed chlorophyll values ranged from 0.424 mg/g (AFg-4) to 0.678 mg/g (IC-0633362). Notably, green-seeded genotypes such as IC-0633362, IC-0633369, and IC-0633370 recorded higher mean chlorophyll contents (above 0.65 mg/g) with a dark olive-green shade. The higher value of chlorophyll percentage is related to the dark colour of the seed. The genotype IC-0633362, which has the maximum amount of chlorophyll content, is darkest in green colour with the shade name Dark olive green. The presence of the high amount of chlorophyll in green-seeded fenugreek represents a promising functional marker for use in breeding programs targeting improved seed quality for medicinal values and attractiveness. Specifically, it holds significant potential for enhancing the nutraceutical and medicinal value of fenugreek, particularly under diverse agro-climatic conditions
Effect of different levels of NPK on growth and yield of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)
No full textA field trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of NPK on the growth and yield of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.). The experiment comprised five treatments with different NPK levels i.e. control, 50:25:25 kg ha-1, 75:37.5:37.5 kg ha-1, 100:50:50 kg ha-1 and 125:62.5:62.5 kg ha-1 and replicated three times. Results indicated that growth parameters such as plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, and branch length, as well as yield parameters like the number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, and yield per plant, were significantly highest with T5 (125:62.5:62.5 kg NPK ha-1), followed by T4. The lowest values were observed in the control treatment
Population dynamics of sucking pests in green gram, Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek
No full textAmong the four sucking pests; Aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch and jassid, Empoasca kerri exhibited their peak activity during the 19th SMW, with populations of 6.25 per and 3.20 per three leaves, respectively. The peak population of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (6.30/3 leaves), was observed during the 21st SMW. In the case of thrips, Megalurothrips usitatus, the population reached a peak level (4.20/3 flowers) during 21st SMW. Among various abiotic factors, wind velocity exhibited significant or highly significant positive correlation with sucking pests viz., aphid, jassid and whitefly incidence. Weather parameters viz., minimum temperature (r = 0.70), evening relative humidity (r = 0.79), and evaporation (r = 0.74), exerted a significant positive impact on thrips population in summer green gram. The ladybird beetle showed a highly significant positive correlation with A. craccivora (r = 0.92) and E. kerri (r = 0.92) populations. Green lacewing exhibited a highly significant and positive correlation with E. kerri (r = 0.91) incidence, whereas significant and positive correlation with A. craccivora (r = 0.751*) and B. tabaci (r = 0.790*) populations. The population of spiders showed a highly significant positive correlation with aphid (r = 0.98) and jassid (r = 0.94) populations in green gram crop