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Sheep anthrax outbreak in Muddaballi Village, Karnataka, India: a comprehensive study of factors
No full textAnthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, remains a persistent threat to global public health and livestock industries. This study investigates a sheep anthrax outbreak in Muddaballi Village, Karnataka, India. Muddaballi has a population of 2,450 people and a livestock population of 2,279 animals, including 756 cows, 82 buffaloes, 1,129 sheep, and 312 goats. The village experienced anthrax outbreaks in 2016, 2021, and 2023, with significant sheep mortalities: 4 out of 200 sheep in 2016, 25 out of 150 sheep in 2021, and multiple incidents in 2023 affecting different farmers with mortality rates ranging from 4 to 20 sheep. The ecological characteristics, including an average annual temperature of 27.0°C and annual rainfall of 587 mm, alongside proximity to the Tungabhadra reservoir, played a crucial role in spore survival and transmission. The study highlights socioeconomic factors and Risk Exposure and Mitigation Behaviour (REMB) as critical determinants of anthrax incidence, with farmers reporting strong agreement on the influence of these factors (Likert scale: 4-5). The integration of AI tools for early detection and rapid response, comprehensive disease surveillance, and ensuring vaccine accessibility are essential measures. Training initiatives for local veterinarians and farmers are also crucial to mitigate future outbreaks. This multifaceted approach is vital for effective anthrax prevention and control in Muddaballi and similar regions
Ecology, behaviour and management of black harvester ant Solenopsis richteri (Forel) in Hamelmalo, Eritrea
No full textThe black seed harvester ant, Solenopsis richteri Forel (Hymenoptera; Formicidae), is one of the most serious pests of crops and grazing areas in the sub-zone Hamelmalo. A study on the harvester ant was conducted with the objectives of understanding its ecology, behaviour, and host types and assessing the damage caused by the pest. The ecology and behaviour assessments were done by observing the type and distribution of the nest, time of foraging, nest cleaning, and patrolling for foraging and mating. In addition, observations were made on the types of hosts and loss assessment using bio-pesticides and some selected insecticides on the bare area around the ant nest that was replicated in space. The outcome revealed that the ant constructs underground nests in open grassland and field crops that are devoid of trees and shrubs. The ant nests were distributed about 25 meters apart from each other, with a bare land area of 30-60m2 around their nest. The ants were actively foraging during the cold time of the day and during the night when the temperature was cool. The ants affect the crop at different stages by collecting the seeds during sowing and cutting the seedlings after germination and crop maturity. Its preferred hosts are grass seeds and crops, followed by small animals like termites, bugs, worms and seeds of some weed species. The harvester ants in the study area caused yield loss of 24-32Q per hectare and reduced the forage of the grazing areas for livestock
New host plant records of rugose spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aleyrodidae) in diverse habitats
No full textThe current study focused on assessing the prevalence of invasive whitefly infestation in diverse habitats in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The study revealed the presence of Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin, specifically in Punica granatum, Ficus religiosa, Ficus benghalensis, Borassus flabellifer, Cordia myxa, Pennisetum purpureum, Azadirachta indica and Citrus limon during the survey conducted in 2023–24. This infestation of Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin with different host plants marks the first documented occurrence of this novel invasive whitefly species affecting India. These findings highlight the need for further research and management strategies to address the threats posed by this invasive pest
Comprehending farmer\u27s views on climate change and agricultural/livestock adaptation in Halavarthi Village, Koppala District, Karnataka: a case study
No full textThis study conducted in Halavarthi village, Karnataka, delves into the intricate impact of climate change on the community\u27s livelihoods. Over two decades, the semi-arid region has witnessed erratic rainfall, rising temperatures and droughts, with profound consequences for agriculture, livestock and overall food security. The farmers in this area have grappled with numerous challenges, including water scarcity, diminishing water quality, crop losses, increased pest and disease outbreaks and the migration of plant species to new locations. These changes have also led to a weakened immunity in humans and a surge in diseases among both people and livestock. While the farmers have initiated some climate change adaptation measures, like crop rotation and intensifying the use of agricultural inputs, there remains a substantial gap in knowledge and awareness regarding climate change mitigation. This research underscores the pressing need to address the extensive repercussions of climate change on agriculture, food security and human health. It highlights the importance of developing comprehensive strategies to enhance the resilience of farming communities such as Halavarthi in the face of an evolving climate
Effect of different organic sources and their combination on growth, yield and economics of millet crop- pearl millet
No full textThe present investigation was carried out to identify the effects of different combinations of organic nutrition and its role in the growth, yield and economics of the pearl millet variety Shri Ram Pro 90. From the above experimental finding, it may be concluded that the treatment T3 (100% Neem cake) was found to be best in terms of growth parameters like the highest number of effective tillers (6.82 tillers), tallest plant (128.48 cm) at 60 DAS and yield parameters like longest length of ear head (38.23 cm); thickest girth of ear head (15.57 cm); maximum number of grains per ear (2013.00 grains); highest grain yield per hectare (2787.79 kg/ha) of Pearl millet. The highest net return was found in the T2 (100% Vermicompost), followed by T3 (100% Neemcake)
गेहूँ का महत्व एवं उत्तर-पर्वतीय क्षेत्रों के किसानों के लिए गेहूँ की उपयुक्त प्रजातियाँ, भूमि प्रबंधन एवं गुणवत्ता बीजों का महत्तव
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Leafy chenopods: a nutritional powerhouse
No full textLeafy chenopods, a group of nutrient-dense, underutilized plant species, have emerged as a promising nutritional powerhouse with immense potential to combat micronutrient malnutrition globally. These resilient, drought-tolerant plants, including quinoa, amaranth, and huauzontle, have been cultivated for centuries by indigenous communities in the Americas and are now gaining recognition for their exceptional nutritional profile. Leafy chenopods are rich sources of protein, dietary fibre, and essential amino acids, making them valuable additions to plant-based diets. Moreover, they are abundant in micronutrients such as iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and E, addressing common deficiencies in many populations. Their high antioxidant content, derived from compounds like betalains and polyphenols, may confer protective effects against chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and diabetes. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties hold promise for therapeutic applications. These resilient crops can thrive in marginal lands and harsh climatic conditions, making them well-suited for cultivation in areas affected by climate change and water scarcity. Their tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stresses further enhances their potential as sustainable and climate-smart crops. Leveraging these underutilized crops could be a significant step towards achieving food and nutrition security in the face of climate change and population growth