3 research outputs found
Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) for Smart Water Irrigation Management System in Rice Cultivation
No full textIn rice cultivation, the AWD technique, a tool called a \u27field water tube\u27, can save 20-50% of water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30-50%. The present study, (AWD) practices were conducted in the transplanted paddy growing regions of farmer’s holdings of Tiruvannamalai district during the Kharif season of 2022-23 and 2023-24. The productivity, economics, and water saving data in demonstrated plots were compared with the farmer’s practices (Continuous flooding method). The extension gap, technology gap, and technology index were 12.0q ha-1, 6.0 q ha-1, and 8.57 percent, respectively. The higher gross return of Rs.1,27,991 ha-1, higher net return of Rs.73,980 ha-1, and Benefit-Cost ratio of 1.37 were observed in the demonstrated plot compared to farmers\u27 practices of continuous flooding method. Higher yield and returns due to reduced cost of cultivation, higher grain yield, higher net returns, and higher water saving (24.7%) in the demo plot over the farmer’s practices created greater awareness. They motivated the other farmers to adopt AWD practices in TN IAMP Phase IV Thurinjalar sub-basin farmers of Tiruvannamalai district
Influence of weather factors on leaf gall thrips and scale infestation in black pepper
No full textThis study investigates the relationship between weather factors and the infestation levels of leaf gall thrips (Liothrips karnyi) and scales (Aspidiotus destructor) in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.). These 2 pests that significantly impact pepper production and quality. We analyzed data collected over multiple seasons, to assess how temperature, humidity, rainfall and other climatic variables influence pest prevalence and damage levels. The results reveal that weather factors influence pest damage in black pepper. For leaf gall thrips (%LDT), minimum (r = 0.298*) and maximum temperature (r = 0.771**) showed positive correlations, while maximum humidity (r = - 0.364**), minimum humidity (r = - 0.511**) and rainfall (r = - 0.605**) had negative correlations. Regression models revealed maximum temperature, minimum humidity and rainfall as key predictors, explaining 72.6% of % LDT variation. For scales (%SDS), maximum temperature (r = 0.638**) positively correlated, while rainfall (r = - 0.604**) and humidity negatively correlated. Regression identified maximum temperature, rainfall and minimum temperature as significant, explaining 60.6% of %SDS variability. Maximum temperature consistently increased pest damage, while higher humidity and rainfall reduced it. Our findings suggest that optimal management of these pests requires tailored strategies based on seasonal weather patterns. The outcomes provide valuable insights for farmers, agronomists and policymakers, emphasizing the need for adaptive pest management strategies to counteract climate variability\u27s potential impacts on black pepper\u27s pest dynamics
Assessing the superiority of Casuarina equisetifolia L. and Casuarina junghuhniana clones for dendroenergy under semi-arid condition
No full textThis study assessed genetic variation and heritability in 13 clones of casuarina species for growth attributes. The experiment, conducted in Coimbatore, India, used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Biometric parameters, including plant height, collar diameter, sturdiness quotient and volume index, were measured 2, 4 and 6 months after planting (MAP). We observed significant variations among the clones for all traits. Clone E9B consistently outperformed others across growth stages, particularly in plant height, collar diameter and volume index. Conversely, clones CE04 and CE 06 generally underperformed. Genetic variability analysis revealed a high PCV and GCV for the volume index, indicating good potential for selection and improvement. Plant height exhibited exceptionally high heritability (99.4 %), suggesting minimal environmental influence. Association studies showed strong positive correlations between plant height, basal diameter and volume index at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Path analysis identified basal diameter as having the highest direct positive effect on volume index. Diversity analysis clustered the clones into three groups, with plant height contributing 58.97 % to genetic divergence. These findings highlight substantial genetic variability among the studied casuarina clones for key growth traits. The superior performance of E9B across multiple attributes suggests its potential value for breeding programs or direct use in plantations. High heritability of plant height and strong correlation between growth traits indicate promising prospects for genetic improvement through selection. This research provides valuable insights for casuarina breeding and selection programs to develop improved varieties for agroforestry and plantation forestry applications
