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The sustainability of global agriculture at higher productivity level is a concern owing to climate change, serious environmental footprints, dipping factor productivity and shrinking availability of natural resources, especially. The situation is worsening in the 'Food Bowl of India'—Indo‐Gangetic plains (IGP) by several amalgamated factors, such as declining groundwater, unpredictable precipitation owing to climate change and cultivation of heavy water duty crops. To neutralise these issues, a field experiment was executed for the period 2019–2021 to assess the efficacy of indigenous hydrogels (P‐hydrogel and Superabsorbent polymer hydrogel‐1118) and their application methods viz., seed treatment, slurry application and soil application on crop yield and water productivity, soil moisture dynamics and profitability in a soybean–wheat cropping system under irrigation and rainfed conditions. In both study years (2019–2020 and 2020–2021), due to higher seed germination percentage, irrigation application together with seed treatment and slurry application of superabsorbent polymer hydrogel‐1118 improved system productivity by 8.1%–26.7% and system water productivity by 17.6%–33.8% over control. Wheat grain yield was enhanced by 8.0% (2019–2020) to 32.2% (2020–2021) due to superabsorbent polymer hydrogel‐1118 hydrogel with 10 cm lesser use of irrigation water compared with control (no‐hydrogel). Soil moisture content in 0–15 cm soil layer was also found higher by 1.8%–2.4% in superabsorbent polymer hydrogel‐1118 and P‐hydrogel slurry‐applied plots. Therefore, higher gross profitability (31.8%), net profitability (89.8%) and B:C (26.9%) in wheat could be attributed to increased crop yields when seeds were treated with superabsorbent polymer hydrogel‐1118. Therefore, the utilisation of modified hydrogel application, in the form of seed treatment (seed coating) and slurry application has demonstrated improvement in seed germination, crop yield and water productivity and made soybean–wheat cultivation more economical. This approach presents a feasible solution to achieving a viable production system of soybean and wheat crops by reducing irrigation amounts in the IGP of India, as well as other comparable ecological places worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field studies were carried out to assess the incidence and management of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) on nine promising potato varieties under sprayed condition and unsprayed condition during 2022-23 and 2023-24 at Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, U.P., India. The maximum incidence of whitefly (15.32/10 plants) was recorded in Kufri Lima followed by Kufri Lohit (14.57/10 plants), when crop remained unsprayed condition. In protected potato varieties viz., Kufri Kiran, Kufri Chipsona-1, Kufri Anand, Kufri Chipsona-3, Kufri Lohit, Kufri Khyati, Kufri Mohan, Kufri Bahar and Kufri Lima, the population of whitefly was low as compared to unsprayed condition. Potato varieties viz., Kufri Khyati, Kufri Anand and Kufri Mohan recorded the highest mean tuber yield of 43.51, 42.38, and 41.04 t/ha, respectively under sprayed condition. Similarly these varieties recorded maximum yield even under unsprayed condition. Thus, it is concluded from the present study that for effective management of whitefly, potato crop should be well protected by seed treatment with Imidacloprid followed by first spray of pymetrozine 50WG @ 0.06% (6 g/10 l), second spray of thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 0.05% (5 ml/10 l) and third spray of imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.03% (3 ml/10 l) as and when there will be any buildup of whitefly on potato, especially for seed crop to get maximum potential yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acacia nilotica var. cupressiformis is an evergreen multipurpose leguminous tree species which is suitable to agroforestry purposes and mainly distributed in Western parts of Rajasthan in India particularly Pali and its adjoining areas. The species has many advantages, however the natural germination in wild is very limited due to its hard seed coat dormancy. Methods: The experiment was conducted to study the effect of presowing treatment on seed coat of A. nilotica var. cupressiformis seeds with ten treatments in completely randomized block design at ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Pali Marwar. The treatments were replicated thrice. Result: Among the treatments, maximum germination and higher values was obtained in sand paper scarification with water soaking for 12 hrs (T2) followed by mechanical scarification with sand paper (T1), acid scarification (50% for 20 min) (T7) and acid scarification (98% for 10 min) (T5). Further, the present study aims to initiate the research areas for conservation and utilization of A. nilotica var. cupressiformis in Western parts of Rajasthan and other parts of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: French bean is one of the most precious and highly relished widely grown short duration legume vegetable. This investigation is intended to assess the integrated manner of nutrient management for higher productivity of French bean under acidic soil condition in subtropical humid zone of Nagaland. Methods: The experiment was carried out during three consecutive years (2017-2018, 2018-2019 and 2019-2020) of rabi season on French bean at Horticultural Research Farm, School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Medziphema, Nagaland University with the combination of eight treatments. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications using the variety Arka Komal. Result: The pooled results of three years revealed that the highest growth, quality and yield parameters were observed in treatment T3 (75% NPK through inorganic + 25% N through vermicompost) with maximum plant height (35.68 cm), no. of pods per plant (27.77), no. of seeds per pod (7.01), length of pod (13.96 cm), width of pod (10.58 mm), fresh weight of pod (4.22 g), fresh yield (153.61 q ha-1), crude protein content (28.83%) and benefit cost ratio (4.06) of French bean which was found significantly superior over other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasion of maize (Zea mays L.) in 2018 by fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), threatened food security of India. In the early stage of crop growth, spray is difficult to apply because of the small size of the plant, waste of insecticide, and harm to non-target organisms. Seed treatment alone and combined with foliar spray were evaluated to manage fall armyworm in the field in June and September 2019. The experiment was a randomized block design with eight treatments. The maize seed treatments viz., chlorantraniliprole 250 g a.i./100 kg seeds alone, cyantraniliprole + thiamethoxam 238 g a.i./100 kg seeds, and cyantraniliprole + thiamethoxam 317 g a.i./100 kg seeds managed fall armyworm larvae and reduced plant damage 1 week after emergence of the crop compared with the check. A sequence of two foliar sprays resulted in the highest yield, followed by seed treatment plus a foliar spray (cyantraniliprole 19.8 + thiamethoxam 19.8 FS 8 ml/kg of seeds + emamectin benzoate 5 SG 0.4 g/liter), and seed treatments (chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole+thiamethoxam). Most net returns were from cyantraniliprole 19.8 + thiamethoxam 19.8 FS 317 g a.i./100 kg of seeds and foliar application of emamectin benzoate 5 SG 12.5 g a.i./ha (US $581); the nontreated check had only US $123/ha net return. La invasión al maíz (Zea mays L.) en 2018 por el gusano cogollero Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), amenazó la seguridad alimentaria de India. La aspersión de insecticidas es difícil de realizar en la etapa inicial de crecimiento del cultivo debido al tamaño pequeño de la planta, el desperdicio de insecticida y el daño a organismos no-objetivo. Se evaluó el tratamiento de semillas por sí solo y en combinación con aspersión foliar en junio y septiembre de 2019 para controlar el gusano cogollero en el campo. El experimento fue un diseño de bloques al azar con ocho tratamientos. Los tratamientos de semilla del maíz incluyendo clorantraniliprol 250 g i.a./100 kg de semillas solas, ciantraniliprol + tiametoxam 238 g i.a./100 kg de semillas y ciantraniliprol + tiametoxam 317 g i.a./100 kg de semillas redujeron las larvas del gusano cogollero y el daño a las plantas 1 semana después de la emergencia del cultivo en comparación con el control sin tratamiento. Una secuencia de dos aspersiones foliares dio como resultado el mayor rendimiento, seguido de un tratamiento de semillas más una aspersión foliar con (ciantraniliprol 19.8 + tiametoxam19.8 FS 8 ml/Kg de semillas – benzoato de emamectina 5 SG 0.4 g/litro) y tratamientosde semilla con (clorantraniliprol, ciantraniliprol + tiametoxam). La mayor parte de los rendimientos netos se observaron con ciantraniliprol 19,8 + tiametoxam 19,8 FS 317 gi.a./100 kg de semillas y aplicación foliar de benzoato de emamectina 5 SG 12,5 gi.a./ha (US $581); con el control sin tratamiento se obtuvieron solamente US $123/ha de rendimiento neto. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulses constitute the major source of dietary protein; therefore, it has ability to fulfil required protein recommended dietary allowance for vegetarian population of India. Pulse crop attack more than 200 insect pests and inflicting heavy damages at different growth stages that lead to significant economic losses to the farmers. The studies were conducted on green gram to find out the effective control measure of different crop stages against insect pests complex in green gram. Methods: The field experiment was laid out in a randomized block design and the consist 12 treatments with seed treatment and foliar sprays of insecticides at 50 per cent flowering stages then these treatments were replicated thrice at both years 2017 and 2018. Result: The experiments concluded that the reduction of sucking pests population like thrips, jassid and whitefly and larval population of Maruca vitrata and Helicoverpa armigera was found in seed treated with imidacloprid 48 FS and spray of flubendiamide at 50 per cent flowering stage in green gram with Rs. 10,678 net profit and 1:1.42 cost-benefit ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Collar rot is an important disease of lentil in India and causes significant yield loss annually. Considering the recent focus on the development and use of environmentally feasible management strategies, the objectives of the study was to identify resistant sources and evaluation of native antagonists as well as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) in yield improvement and disease management of lentil. Methods: Eleven popular lentil varieties were screened for resistance/susceptibility reaction against collar rot in vivo. The efficacy of two bacterial and fungal biocontrol agents (BCAs) was tested against a virulent isolate of Sclerotium rolfsii. Four PGPRs were also evaluated to study their influence on the growth parameters as well as their ability to manage S. rolfsii. Result: Three genotypes were found to be tolerant, four genotypes were moderately susceptible, while four genotypes were highly susceptible. Among the BCAs, the highest average inhibition % was observed in treatment with Bacillus sp. Among the PGPR treatments, Rhizobium in combination with phosphate solubilizing bacteria and Trichoderma or Bacillus was the most effective in controlling the collar rot when used as seed treatment and hence can be used for disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rice genotype BPT-5204 exhibits higher cold resistance than GNV 1109. • Salicylic acid treatment for 24 h improved seed germination, seedling vigour, and seed quality. • Salicylic acid was found to reduce oxidative stress in seedlings exposed to low temperatures. • Increased antioxidant enzymes activity was seen in salicylic acid treated seeds. To feed the ever-growing worldwide population, rice production in all the three (fall, winter and summer) seasons has become essential. With the increase in global climatic change, the occurrence of low temperature stress in winter particularly at seed germination stage is becoming more intense is posing a greater challenge to rice production worldwide including India. A more effective method to improve rice seed germination under low temperature stress is seed priming. The goal of the current study was to determine how different chemicals can withstand low temperatures stress through seed priming. The experiment consisted of sixteen treatment combinations (two genotypes and eight seed priming treatments) which were laid out in a 2 factorial CRD. Among the different seed priming treatments imposed, the seeds primed with salicylic acid (0.5 mM) recorded significantly higher seed germination (92.3% and 93%), seedling length (24 cm), seedling dry weight (150 mg) and seedling vigour index-Ⅰ (2239) and vigour index-Ⅱ (13,996) and better stress related enzyme activities (peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities) compared to other treatments during seed germination under low temperature stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bakanae disease caused by Fusarium fujikuroi is emerging in India. In this work, fungicides and biocontrol agents were evaluated as seed, seedling treatment, and foliar spray(s) against bakanae disease in rice under field conditions. Carbendazim (50% WP) was found to be the most effective fungicide for seed and seedling root dip treatments. Soil drenching with 0.25% carbendazim (50% WP) 5 days before transplanting of seedlings was effective for large scale treatments. Foliar spray of 0.1% tebuconazole 50%+ trifloxystrobin 25% w/w (75 WG) significantly reduced the percentage of infected seeds (7.17%) compared with the control (32.50%). The minimum disease incidence (31%) was observed when seeds were treated with Talaromyces flavus. Individual treatments were integrated in the form of six management modules and evaluated under the field conditions of New Delhi (India) and Pusa Bihar (India) with the susceptible cultivars 'Pusa Basmati 1121' and 'Pusa 1176'. Bakanae disease incidence was lower in the modules tested compared with the inoculated control or the individual treatment. The most favorable results at two locations achieved the lowest disease incidence of 7% and 2.41%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dry root rot is an economically important soil borne disease of chickpea in India. The pathogen, Rhizoctonia bataticola, is a soil borne fungus resulting in significant losses in yield. Therefore, the present investigation was aimed to identify the management strategy of disease through identification new sources of resistance and integrated management of disease. Methods: R. bataticola was isolated and purified by using hyphal tip technique and molecular detection was done by using ITS primers. One hundred chickpea germplasm entries were screened under in both field and advanced phenotyping in glass house. The field trials on integrated management of the disease were conducted with different treatments using randomized block design. Result: Fourteen resistant and five moderately resistant genotypes were identified under artificial epiphytotic conditions. Advanced screening of these 19 genotypes under phenotyping technique yielded four resistant and five moderately resistant genotypes. Among nine treatments, seed treatment with mancozeb 50% + carbendazim 25% WP @ 3.5 g/kg followed by soil drenching of mancozeb 50% + carbendazim 25% WP @ 3 g/l water to infected and surrounding plants was found highly effective by recording least disease incidence with highest seed yield, test weight and benefit cost ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to study the influence of seed treatment with nano particles on seed quality in groundnut at the Seed Technology Research Unit, All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Seed (Crops), University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. Seeds of groundnut cv. KCG-6 were obtained from the Breeder Seed Production, Unit, GKVK, UAS, Bangalore. Then they were dried and shelled to get Sound Matured Kernels (SMK) and these SMKs were treated with different chemicals like SiO2, TiO2, ZnO, FeO and Sulphur in both in nano and bulk forms at different concentrations (0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 ppm) and evaluated for various seed quality attributes in order to optimize the treatment protocol for nano priming besides to know the impact of nano chemicals on seed quality. The study revealed that dry dressing treatment with SiO2 NPs @ 250 ppm recorded higher germination (100%), total dehydrogenase activity (2.57) and lowest electrical conductivity (225.20μS/cm) which was closely followed by SiO2 NPs @ 500 ppm (99%, 2.52, 245.83μS/cm, respectively) when compared to untreated control (89%, 2.22 and 286.71μS/cm, respectively). Polymer coating treatments also exhibited better results, but relatively less compared to dry dressing treatments. Therefore, the findings suggested that seed treatment of nanoparticles in dry form improved seed quality of groundnut significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Samba, Jammu and Kashmir conducted frontline demonstrations during 2020-21 and 2021-22 in four blocks of Jammu and Kashmir namely Samba, Ghagwal, Sumb and Vijaypur. The demonstrated technology included improved variety PBG-7, seed treatment with fungicides and Rhizobium, water management at critical stages and application of IPM module for the management of insect pests and diseases of chickpea especially gram pod borer, wilt and dry root rot. There was an increase of 49.07 and 50.00 per cent in yield in demonstrations over farmers' practice during 2021-22 and 2022-23 respectively. The technology gap in the demonstration yield was 7.2 and 7.8 q per ha in 2021-22 and 2022-23 respectively over the potential yield of chickpea. The extension gap of 5.0 and 6.1 q per ha was recorded during 2021-22 and 2022-2023 respectively. The technology index was 40.0 and 39.0 per cent during 2021-22 and 2022-23 respectively. With the adoption of improved technology under FLDs, higher gross return (Rs 81,000 and 85,400/ha), net return (Rs 62,500 and 65,900/ha) and B-C ratio (1:3.3 and 1:3.4) were recorded as compared to farmers' practice having the gross return of Rs 40,600 and Rs 42,700 per ha, net return of Rs 23,600 and Rs 25,000 per ha and B-C ratio of 1:1.3 and 1:1.4 during 2021-22 and 2022-23 respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shoot flies (Atherigona spp.) are the members of muscidae family which have got economic importance as pest of several crops of Gramineae family mainly cereals and millets. One of the most effective management strategies for controlling shoot fly is the use of novel insecticides either as seed dressers, soil applicators or as foliar treatment. Under the field condition, seed treatment with thiamethoxam 30 FS @ 5 ml/kg seed followed by a spray of cypermethrin 10 EC @ 0.5 ml/l has recorded least shoot fly oviposition (0.84 and 0.94 eggs/plant), dead heart (8.90% and 9.96%), more per cent productive tillers (79.68% and 79.50%), grain yield (32.22 and 31.27 q/ha) and BC ratio (2.05 and 1.99) as compared to the rest of the combinations during the investigation in rabi, 2019–20 and 2020–21, respectively. Under the changing climate where, the minor insect pests attaining major pest status, the present investigation would help the policy makers to reduce the losses caused by shoot fly infestation significantly by using an effective above-mentioned chemical treatment combination that can be integrated in future IPM modules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rice blast incited by Pyricularia oryzae caused immense losses and left rice production in a predicament situation globally. Blast can be effectively controlled with synthetic fungicides. However, their indiscriminate use causes resistance among the pathogens coupled with environmental pollution issues. Exploitation of microbe‐based alternatives for the management of plant diseases diminishes public concerns on the ill effects of pesticide usage in crops. Under this scenario the present investigation was designed to envisage the potential rhizosphere microflora from native rhizosphere soil samples collected from rice growing regions of three different agro‐climatic zones of (North Telangana Zone, Central Telangana Zone and Southern Telangana Zone) for the sustainable management of rice blast in Telangana state. We observed varied level of antagonism against Pyricularia oryzae under in vitro conditions. Seeds treated with native effective rhizospheric microflora exhibited significantly higher seed vigour index ranging from 1940.7 to 2183.6 compared to control. Further, these effective rhizospheric microbes were identified through cultural and morphological characteristics as well as by the sequencing internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 16S rRNA gene sequences analysis for bacteria and fungi as Bacillus cereus, Bacillus xiamenensis, Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma asperellum respectively. Later, bio‐efficacy tests were carried out in the field during the 2 years of Kharif 2019 and 2021 by spraying the combinations of the antagonists in association with indigenous organic sources (Panchagavya, Beejamrutham and Vermiwash) and non‐chemical sources such as Butter milk and Neem oil on healthy rice plants to assess disease inhibition under natural conditions. Results obtained from present investigation on the field bio‐efficacy studies showed significant improvement in the seedling's growth with 83.36 cm plant height, 10.40 no of panicles with an average yield of 8583.33 kg ha−1, when compared to control during 2019 and 2021 with lower AUDPC and r value. Our findings indicate that the native rhizospheric microflora in association with indigenous organic sources can be used as potential alternative strategy for the management of rice blast in Telangana region of India. The knowledge gathered from the present study can be used to develop strategies for maintaining soil quality and crop conservation to increase crop productivity with less dependency on chemical approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Groundnut is the principal vegetable oil crop in India and about 85 per cent groundnut area under remains rain fed. Stem rot of groundnut is more prevalent in the area and is capable of causing considerable loss in the yield when left unmanaged. Methods: In order to find out an effective method of managing the disease, an integrated approach was adopted by combining the use of bio agents, organic amendments and fungicides alone and in combinations. Result: Seed treatment with tebuconazole @ 1 g kg-1 and with commercial formulation of Trichoderma harzianum @ 5g kg-1 seed along with soil application of neem cake @ 1.3 t ha-1 maintained its superiority over other treatments by recording the least PDI, maximum germination percentage (98.20%), root length (14.62 cm), shoot length (35.54 cm), number of pods per plant (32.57) and pod yield (3920.0 kg ha-1) which may be synergistic effect of organic amendment with bioagent. However, all the sole treatments also managed the disease to some extent but greater control was recorded in combination treatments than alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sheath blight of rice caused by Rhizoctonia solani is one of the most important diseases worldwide, causing considerable yield losses. The estimation of losses due to sheath blight of rice in India has been reported to be up to 54.30%. As a consequence of this fact, eco-friendly approaches were explored in this investigation. Results: The pathogen R. solani was isolated from the infected sheath of rice plant, which was identified and characterized on the basis of morphology and through molecular Sequencing. The sequences of ITS were submitted to NCBI GenBank and the accession number allotted is SUB11543577. In dual culture best two potential isolates of biocontrol agents were selected Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf27) and Trichoderma harzianum (Th47). Their different combinations with Herbal Kunapajala (HKJ) were tested in glasshouse, experimental field and farmers' fields against sheath blight pathogen R. solani. The maximum plant vigor index was found in treatment combination P. fluorescens (27) + T. harzanium (47) + Herbal Kunapajala, seed treatment, soil drenching and three foliar applications. Minimum disease severity and incidence at 30 days after sowing (DAS) and 60DAS, maximum Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase Activity (PAL), Polyphenol Oxidase Activity (PPO) and Peroxidase Activity (PO) were also recorded in the same treatment. In field experiment the maximum population of biocontrol agents after 60 days of transplanting cfu/g soil for Trichoderma spp. (32.33 × 104) and Pseudomonas spp. (36.33 × 104) in rhizosphere and in rhizoplane. Maximum cfu/g soil for Trichoderma spp. (24.67 × 104) and Pseudomonas spp. (24.0 × 104) was observed in treatment Th + Pf + HKJ [seed treatment + soil drenching + foliar spray]. At experimental and farmers field minimum disease severity, disease incidence at 60 DAT was recorded in treatment Th + Pf + HKJ [seed treatment + soil drenching + foliar spray] and was at par with the chemical treatment Carbendazim, but the maximum yield was obtained in the treatment Th + PF + HKJ [seed treatment + soil drenching + foliar spray] due to the maximum growth promotion activity. Conclusions: Among various treatment seed treatment, soil drenching and three foliar sprays with combination T. harzianum (47), P. fluorescens (27) and Herbal Kunapajala was found very effective in reducing the disease incidence, disease severity and increasing growth promotion activity at all conditions. Therefore, the recommendation of this investigation could be exploited under bio-intensive disease management program for sustainable cultivation of rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Blackgram is an important pulse crop. The productivity of crops can be enhanced through various input management and selection of suitable genotypes for different systems and seasons of cultivation. An attempt was made to gather published information on crop management for yield maximisation. Methods: This work was done at Department of Agronomy, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. A systematic cum integrative review of research work done in different parts of World, particularly in India was comprehended. The literature search was done during September, 2019-February, 2020. About 200 review and research papers were screened from various data bases like TNAU e library, ARCC journals, google scholar, research gate and scopus and 88 papers were used to write this paper. Result: This review article documents information gathered on importance of pulses, production and productivity status of blackgram, zero-budget, low-budget management techniques, INM, IPM, weed management besides foliar nutrition for yield enhancement under different systems of cultivation along-with genotype details for different seasons and situations and was presented comprehensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus is a major nutrient giving widespread response in different kinds of soil especially in legumes. In India, soils of nearly 46% of the area are in the low P category. Thus, there is a need for application of P for achieving higher yields in 98% of the soils of India. There is a vast scope for extension of area as well as increasing the productivity of blackgram. Besides bringing more area under pulses, yield maximization with agronomic practices such as phosphorus nutrient management through phosphate rich organic manure (PROM) source with biofertilizers to be adopted to increase the production of blackgram. Hence, there is a need to evaluate the appropriate nutrient management methods. The field experiment was conducted at Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu, India during June - August 2021 to study the graded levels of phosphorus and biofertilizers on irrigated blackgram. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with four main plots (M1-Control, M2-20 kg P2O5/ha, M3-40 kg P2O5/ha and M4-60 kg P2O5/ha through PROM) and six sub-plots (S1-Control, S2-Seed treatment and soil application with Rhizobium, S3-Seed treatment and soil application with Phosphobacteria, S4-Seed treatment and soil application with Rhizophos, S5-Seed treatment and soil application with AM fungi and S6-Seed treatment and soil application with AM fungi + Rhizophos replicated thrice. Application of P2O5 @ 40 kg/ha through PROM along with seed treatment and soil application of AM fungi + Rhizophos was found to be superior to other treatments by producing higher number of branches (9.96), seed yield (1198 kg/ha), haulm yield (1685 kg/ha) and harvest index (41.55) and achieved the higher productivity and profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentil wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lentis is a major problem in all lentil growing areas of the world as well as in India. In recent years, lentil wilt is one of the major cause responsible for reduced production and productivity of lentil in India. Lentil wilt causes yield loss of 50-78% from moderately infected fields and 100% loss from severely infected fields. In the present investigation, efforts were made to evaluate systemic fungicides under in-vitro conditions as well as under greenhouse conditions against F. oxysporum f. sp. lentis. In in-vitro evaluation among seven fungicides showed that azoxystrobin + tebuconazole (18.2 + 18.3%) SC and carbendazim 50 WP each at 100 µg mL-1 completely inhibited radial growth of F. oxysporum f. sp. lentis. Under greenhouse conditions, seed treatment + drenching with azoxystrobin + tebuconazole (18.2 + 18.3%) SC showed maximum disease reduction (69.4%) followed by carbendazim 50 WP (61.5%) each at 0.1% at 45 days after sowing over inoculated control. In the present investigation azoxystrobin + tebuconazole, a new fungicide mixture was found better than carbendazim and could be exploited for the management of lentil wilt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greengram is known to be infected by several viral diseases. Among them, Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) is the most destructive in India, and it is popularly known as the yellow plague. MYMV transmitted exclusively through plant-to-plant by whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). For the management of MYMV, vector control is the only possible option. Hence, the attempt was made to evaluate IPM modules against whiteflies by reducing their population or disrupt MYMV transmission. The field experiment was conducted at Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Bhavikere, during the Kharif seasons of 2018 and 2019. The results of two seasons indicated that, the lowest whitefly population (1.70 per trifoliate leaf) and significantly lowest MYMV incidence was recorded in module-3 (Maize as a border crop + one spray of NSKE 5 % at 20 days after sowing + one spray of fish oil rosin soap @ 5ml/liter at 40 DAS). The highest grain yield (9.64 q/ha) and cost: benefit ratio (1: 3.23) was recorded in this module, followed by module-1 (Maize as a border crop + Seed treatment with imidacloprid 600 FS @ 5 ml per kg of seeds). For the management of MYMV and its vector whitefly, B. tabaci module-3 was effective compared to the standard check (Dimethoate 30 EC at the rate of 1.75 ml per liter). The importance of IPM in whitefly management to reduce virus incidence is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular identification/ characterization of Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) collected across five agroecological zones of West Bengal, India revealed that it resembles genetic group Q. Seed treatment with thiamethoxam 70WS 3 g/ kg seed incorporated with seedling treatment with acetamiprid 20SP @ 1g/ l, seedling rising under insect proof net and border netting with insect proof net showed efficacy with reducing the occurrence and dispersal of thrips Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, mite Polyphagotersonemus latus and whiteflies B. tabaci; while their least incidence was observed with IPM module (integration of seed treatment, seedling treatment, seedling raising under insect proof net, border netting technology, installation of yellow sticky trap and need based spot application of spiromesifen and diafenthiuron), with 92.97, 82.68 and 72.97% reduction, respectively; and 98.56% reduction of chilli leaf curl virus (CLCV) incidence could be obtained through IPM with maximum yield of green chili (1.66 t/ ha). Panchagavya, dasaparni and bhramvastra appeared as potent biopesticides in reducing the CLCV causative agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beejamrit is an ancient organic formulation commonly used as a seed treatment in organic and natural farming in India. This low-cost formulation is primarily a product of dairy excreta (e.g., cow dung and cow urine) and forest soil, often supplemented with limestone. Growing data suggest that dairy excreta are the potential sources of enriched microbial niche, including several plant growth-promoting bacteria capable of synthesizing plant growth regulators. However, the microbiological properties of Beejamrit and their temporal changes after different incubation periods, delineating its application in seed treatment, remain largely unexplored. Here, we aimed to analyze the decomposition rate of Beejamrit over 7-consecutive days of incubation. This study further elucidates the microbial niche and their dynamics in Beejamrit, including the plant beneficial bacteria. We have shown that the population of plant beneficial bacteria, such as the free-living nitrogen fixers (FNFs) and the phosphate solubilizers (PSBs), proliferates progressively up to 4- and 5-days of incubation, respectively (p < 0.0001). This study also reports the total indolic content of Beejamrit, including indole 3-acetic acid (IAA), which further tends to oscillate in concentration based on the incubation periods incurred during the Beejamrit preparation. Our analyses, together, establish that Beejamrit provides a dynamic, microbe-based metabolic network and may, therefore, act as a plant biostimulant to crop plants. A plant-based bioassay finally demonstrates the role of Beejamrit in the seed treatment to improve seed germination, seedling survival rate, and shoot length trait in French beans (p < 0.01). In conclusion, this study highlights, for the first time, the scientific insights of Beejamrit as a potential seed priming agent in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is most important cereal crop of India and used as staple food throughout the country. However, it’s productivity is very low in our country due to number of biotic and abiotic stresses. Globally, variety of biotic stress (Insect-pest, fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes etc) adversely affects its production and productivity. Among phytoparasitic nematodes, cereal cyst nematode, H. avenae on wheat is being most important and widely distributed in wheat growing areas of the country. It is causing great losses directly as well as indirectly. Looking to the importance of cereal cyst nematode, Heterodera avenae, numbers of attempts have been made to studies on various aspects of H. avenae on wheat but still information on pathogenecity and it’s management on wheat is lacking. Therefore, to fill this gap of knowledge, present investigation were conducted to find out threshold level and management of cereal cyst nematode, H. avenae infecting wheat. Pathogenicity trial was conducted by inoculating cysts (0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 cyst/ plant) of cereal cyst nematode H. avenae on wheat. Results revealed that plant growth characters gradually increased with the increase in inoculum levels up to 2 cyst per plant and significantly reduced at and above 4 cyst level. The threshold level of cereal cyst nematode, H. avenae was observed 4 cyst per plant on wheat. In another experiment, bio-agent Trichoderma viride at 10.0 % w/w as seed treatment found most effective followed by G. fasciculatum at 10.0% w/w and Glomus fasciculatum at 5.0% w/w to enhance plant growth parameters of wheat and to reduced the nematode influence of H. avenae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curry leaf is an important leafy vegetable cum spice species grown widely in South India. It is mainly propagated by seeds. The seeds possess very short shelf life and display recalcitrant behavior which is desiccation and freezing sensitive. In order to induce the desiccation tolerance in the seed by seed treatment to enhance seed longevity, the seeds were treated with different desiccation tolerance induction chemicals viz., sodium nitroprusside, L-arginine and abscisic acid for 18 h and stored under ambient condition. The results showed that the seed germination was extended upto 20 days when the seeds were soaked in abscisic acid at 100 ppm for 18 h. However, untreated control seed lost its viability completely at 10th day of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunflower is an important oilseed crop, which is grown in different agro climatic zones of India. Nutrient management plays an important role in increasing seed yield and maintaining soil fertility status. In this view a field experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, GKVK, Bengaluru during 2019 and 2020 to study the impact of different methods of nano fertilizers application on soil chemical properties and fertility status of soil. The experiment was laid out using RCBD with factorial concept with three replications. Pooled analysis indicated that, among different treatment combinations, the treatment seed priming with nano boron 1500 ppm (GsP) + foliar application of nano sulphur 600 ppm + nano boron 1500 ppm (GsP) recorded significantly higher seed yield (3588 kg ha-1), However soil chemical properties (after harvest of the crop) namely pH, EC, soil organic carbon, organic matter and soil available nutrient status namely available N, P2O5, K2O, S, B and Zn were found non significant with respect to different levels of seed priming and foliar application of nano fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In India pulses production and productivity is low and inadequate to meet the demand of nation. The alternate option to increase the pulse production is through seed amelioration by combining the seed hardening, coating and pelleting techniques. The current study was aimed to evaluate integrated seed treatment on seed yield and quality in blackgram. Methods: The seeds were first preconditioned by keeping them in between two layers of moist gunny bag for one hour. Then, the preconditioned seeds were soaked for three hours in 100 ppm ZnSO4 solution at 1/3 volume of seeds and shade dried to their original moisture content (hardened seed). Then the hardened seeds were supplemented with Polymer 3 ml/kg + Carbendazim 2 g/kg + Imidacloprid 1 ml/kg for integrated seed treatment and field experiments were carried out along with untreated seed. Result: Among the seed treatments, integrated seed treatment recorded higher pod set per cent (84.00), number of pods/plant (52.00 pod yield/plant (27.60 g), pod yield/ha (752 kg), number of seeds/pod (6.00), seed yield/plant (17.6 g) and seed yield/ha (590 kg) which were respectively 3.70, 8.33, 4.15, 3.01, 20.00, 4.14 and 1.89 per cent higher than mere hardened and untreated control seeds thus suggesting that integrated seed treatment can be recommended for improving the productivity of blackgram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrips species viz., Thrips tabaci Lind., Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood and Frankliniella schultzei Trybom (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) cause significant damage to cumin crop in India. In this study, eight IPM modules were evaluated against thrips mixed population. The IPM module (M-5) consisting seed treatment with imidacloprid 600FS @ 3ml/kg seed followed by foliar spray of ker plant extract @ 10ml/lit., Lecanicillium lecanii (1x108cfu/g) @ 6g/l, and fipronil 5%SC @ 0.035% at definite interval was effective for management of thrips (93.67 and 91.78% mortality in thrips population) and was relatively safe to natural enemies, pollinators and minimized pesticide residue in the seeds. Two years data also revealed the effectiveness of IPM modules M-5 resulting in higher seed yield (934 kg/ha) and B: C ratio (3.69:1). It is inferred that IPM modules including botanical product, entomopathogenic fungi based bio-pesticides and need based insecticides are effective for thrips management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pot experiment was carried out in the net house of Department of Nematology, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India during June to August, 2017 on the application of oilcakes (mustard cake and neem cake) and bio-agents (Trichoderma viride, Glomus fasciculatum, Rhizobium leguminosarum) each alone and in combination for the management of root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in green gram. Result of the experiment indicated that soil application of mustard or neem cake @ 50 g m-2 with AM fungus (Glomus fasciculatum) @ 5 g m-2 and seed treatment of Rhizobium @ 25 g kg-1 of green gram seed declined the root knot nematode population, number of galls plant-1, number of eggmass plant-1and root knot index with corresponding increase of plant growth parameters and chlorophyll content in green gram plant as compared to other treatments and untreated check. But integration of mustard cake @ 50 g m-2 at 2 weeks prior to sowing with AM fungus @ 5 g m-2 at 10 days before sowing and seed treatment of Rhizobium @ 25 g kg-1 green gram seed exhibited the lowest M. incognita population 200 cc soil-1 (153.33 J2), number of galls plant-1 (7.0), number of eggmass plant-1 (2.0) and root knot index (2.0) reflecting enhancement of plant growth parameters, number of pods (206.67%), number of nodules (691.17%) over untreated check. This integrated management module also recorded maximum increase in the availability of NPK content in soil and chlorophyll content as compared to other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigations on "Management of white grub, H. consanguinea infesting groundnut (A. hypogea)" was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Maulasar (Nagaur-II), Rajasthan, India during the Kharif 2019 and 2020 in the form of onfarm trials with T1- Farmer's Practice (Quinalphos @ 4 lit./ha) and T2- Improved technology (Pheromone (Methoxy benzene) traps 7-8/ha, seed treatment with clothianidin @ 2 g/kg seeds and drenching with imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 300 ml/ha at 20-25 days after sowing). The results revealed that the Improved technology treatment comprising of Pheromone (Methoxy benzene) traps 7-8/ha, seed treatment with clothianidin @ 2 g/kg seeds and drenching with imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 300 ml/ha at 20-25 days after sowing was found most effective against white grubs in groundnut. The improved technology (T2) recorded gross and net returns of Rs. 127756/- and Rs. 70340/- as against Farmer's Practice (T1) with gross and net returns of Rs. 104729/- and Rs. 50629/-, respectively over two years. The Improved technology (T2) recorded an incremental cost-benefit ratio of 2.22 as against Farmer's Practice (T1) with IBCR of 1.93. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eastern sub-Himalayan region of India (which belongs to the Cwa zone in Koppen’s classification) experiences severe cold waves during winter which causes a loss in seed vigor. Though most of the studies on cold stress deal with atmospheric temperatures, the seed vigor is majorly affected by the temperature of the soil. Therefore, the vigor loss of tomato and green gram were investigated under low-temperature stress. The analysis of locally available soil temperature showed a median value of 20.3 ± 0.1 °C. When the seeds were subjected to this temperature in vitro, a loss in vigor (70–75%) was observed. This was due to the reduced fluidity of the membrane which caused electrolyte leakage. In this regard, the indigenous polysaccharides-producing microbes act as an eco-friendly priming agent to recover the lost vigor. However, seed treatment with Bacillus and Pseudomonas strains didn’t affect the germination-related factors but aided in recovering 30–70% of the lost vigor by enhancing the growth of seedlings. The mode of vigor recovery was the production of indole-acetic acid. This approach can be used to quicken the nursery period of tomato and green gram exposed to low soil temperatures prevalent in the sub-Himalyan terai region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pranic agriculture (PA) is an ancient farming method where pranic energy improves crop production. Finger millet or Ragi (Eleusine coracana. L) is a major staple millet consumed in India, particularly Karnataka and is a rich source of protein and nutrients. A field study in half-acre was carried out with pranic energy treatment to seed, land and crop and along with control (without energy treatment). The traits of finger millet like plant height (26%), number of productive tillers (35%), no of panicle (54%), number of fingers (13%) and grain yield (44%) were statistically (p < .05) higher over control. Protein content in finger millet straw (4.38 %) and grain (6.13%) was higher in pranic treatment than control (3.5 and 4.75%). Nitrogen and zinc content in millet grain was higher in pranic treatment (980 and 1.96 mg/100g) than control (760 and 1.63 mg/100g). The increase in protein, nitrogen and zinc content of the millet grain and straw will help to improve the quality of produce for consumption by cattle and humans. Increase in straw and grain yield will help to improve the economy of the farmer. Further studies are needed to know the actual mechanisms involved in the growth and yield improvement of finger millet. And, also in-depth studies are necessary to address the reasons behind the variation in nutrients accumulation in straw and grain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Front line demonstrations on chickpea were organized in Nayka (Sami), Ranod (Sankeshwar), Kathi (Sami) and Orumana (Sankeshwar) in 2016-17 and 2017-18. The demonstrated technology is improved variety (GJG-3), optimum seed rate (Kg/ha), seed treatment by fungicide, soil inoculation by bio fungicide along with NPK-liquid consortia bio fertilizer @ 5 lit/ ha, RDF as per STV, water management at critical stages and application of IPM module for the management of insect (specially on gram pod borer) and diseases (Wilt, dry root rot and collar rot). The results revealed that percentage increase in the yield in demonstrations over farmer practices was 28.57 per cent and 30.28 per cent in year 2016-17 and 2017-18, respectively. The benefit:cost ratios of chick pea cultivation under improved practices were 3.12 and 2.25 as compared to 2.66 and 1.92 under farmer practices for the two consecutive years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, six wild species of the genus Corchorus, namely C. pseudo-olitorius , C. aestuans, C. trilocularis, C. fascicularis, C. tridens and C. pseudo-capsularis are known to occur in diverse ecological conditions. These wild species are very important due to the presence of genetic variability for yield attributing traits and resistance to biotic stress. Seed of wild Corchorus species exhibit 100% seed dormancy due to hardseededness. Seed dormancy in wild species limits their scope of utilization in breeding programmes due to failure of germination in a desired period. Seed dormancy also creates problems in maintenance of these wild germplasms. Various types of scarification treatments, like mechanical scarification with sandpaper, hot water treatments (at 80°C) and acid scarification with concentrated H 2 SO 4 , have been reported by several workers to remove hardseededness in wild Corchorus species. The present investigation was carried out to find out the effects of eighteen different scarification treatments including solo and some specific combinations in completely randomized design to identify the best suited scarification protocols in five wild Corchorus species. The study revealed that acid scarification with concentrated H 2 SO 4 significantly improved seed germination but scarification with concentrated H 2 SO 4 for 5 and 10 min prior to hot water treatment (2 min at 100°C) resulted in the highest seed germination in C. pseudo-olitorius (90%) and C. aestuans (92%) respectively. Acid scarification in concentrated HCl for 10 min prior to hot water treatment (2 min at 100°C) provided the significantly highest seed germination in both C. tridens (84%) and C. trilocularis (71%). However, acid scarification with H 2 SO 4 for 30 min was capable of providing maximum seed germination (56%) in C. fascicularis. These species-specific treatment combinations can be utilized to maximise seed germination in wild Corchorus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant nutrition is one of the important factors that manipulate the growth and yield of maize crop. It will be suboptimal when the bio-available soil pools of these nutrients are insufficient. Therefore, along with chemical fertilizers the crop plants are also vastly dependent on root-associated microbes and foliar applied liquid manures to enhance nutrient availability. This field experiment was conducted during 2018 at Annamalai University Experimental Farm, Annamalainagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India to find out the effect of integrated nutrient management practices for maximizing the yield of maize under relay cropping system. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. A total of thirteen treatments comprised of three doses of fertilizer i.e., 100, 75 and 50% in combination with and without seed treatment of microbial consortium and foliar application of panchagavya @ 3% at knee high and pre-tasseling stages along with absolute control. The maximum growth characters, yield attributes and yield, were registered with integrated application of 100% RDF along with seed treatment with microbial consortium and foliar application of panchagavya at knee high and pretasseling stages. However, based on the economic benefits, it can be concluded that integrated application of 75% RDF (187.50: 56.25: 56.25 kg/ha N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively), seed treatment with microbial consortium (20 mL/kg) and foliar application of panchagavya @ 3% at knee high and pre-tasseling stages is economically feasible agrotechnology as it provides better returns to the small and marginal maize growing farmers under relay cropping system in Cauvery Deltaic region of Coastal Tamil Nadu, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promotion of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) of chickpea was carried out in three villages Ghurat, Magrawara and Patha-Karka of Bangra block of the district Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India during Rabi 2019-20 in farmer’s participatory mode at 30 tribal farmers’ fields, using IPM critical inputs chickpea resistant variety-RVG-202, Trichoderma powder for soil application and carbendazim fungicide seed treatment, installation of pheromone trap, bird Perches and neem oil spray @ 5% spray. The less pest incidence percent occurred in IPM farmer’s field as compared to non IPM farmer’s field. The range of fusarium wilt (FW) in the IPM field of adopted the village was only 6-12%, wherein non-IPM field it was 26-36%. Likewise, dry root rot (DRR) incidence was 4-8% in IPM fields, it was higher in non-IPM fields (24-32%). Likewise, results were also observed in case of collar rot disease (CR) of chickpea. The higher mean population of gram pod borer larvae was also observed in non-IPM module with rage 2-3 larvae/plant, while the range of larvae in IPM module was 04.-0.8 when 5 pheromone trap/acre was installed for pest monitoring and 5% neem oil spray was done with the installation of 20 bird perches/acre. The IPM farmers field yield was 12.80 q/ha, which is 56.09% a higher than non IPM farmers field (8.20 q/ha). Thus, IPM also has higher net return (Rs.36400/ha) in comparison to non-IPM, Rs 17,975 and B: C ratio is 2.7:1. This practices had uplifted the socioeconomic status of tribal farmers and promises to improve further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greengram is one of the important pulse crops cultivated in India. Among the viral diseases leaf crinkle is economically important disease that infects this crop and reduces yield quantity and quality of the seed. Combination of treatments like heat therapy of seeds, seed treatment with Imidacloprid 600 FS and spray with Imidacloprid 17.8 SL (T6) was most effective treatment in managing leaf crinkle disease of greengram. In without border and sorghum bordered experiment during kharif 2011 the least percent disease index (PDI) recorded was 17.00 and 16.00 with 40.00 and 33.33 per cent reduction in disease over control and 0.8 and 0.4 aphids per three leaves per plant, respectively at 60 days after sowing (DAS). The least PDI recorded was 19.00 with 40.01 per cent reduction in disease control and 0.8 aphids per three leaves per plant at 60DAS was recorded in sorghum bordered greengram. The least PDI recorded was 17.00 with 38.56 per cent reduction in disease incidence over control and 0.4 aphids per three leaves per plant at 60DAS in without bordered greengram during kharif 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effectiveness of three biopesticides viz., Biowilt-X (based on Trichoderma harzianum), Bionem-X (based on Pochonia chlamydosporia) and Biocure-X (based on Bacillus subtilis) were tested against wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri), root-knot (Meloidogyne incognita) and the wilt disease complex (F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceri + M. incognita) of chickpea (cv. BG-256). The biopesticides were developed by involving novel technology patented in USA and India and were applied to seeds (5 g/kg seed) and soil (40 g/microplot) to evaluate their effectiveness against the target diseases under field conditions. The pesticides viz., carbendazim and nemacur were applied @ 1.25 kg a.i./h and 6.0 kg a.i./h as soil application, and 2g/kg seed as seed treatment. Chickpea grown in the plots infested with pathogens singly or concomitantly developed characteristic wilt and root-knot symptoms, and exhibited significant yield decline. Application of biopesticides checked the severity of the diseases and the resulting yield declines. Application of Biowilt-X decreased the wilt incidence by 60% and promoted the yield of chickpea (46%) grown in F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceri infested plots. The biopesticides Bionem-X and Biocure-X were found effective against root-knot disease and suppressed the galling by 20 and 12% and promoted the yield of infected chickpea plants by 28 and 34% in comparison to the control. Application of Biocure-X was found highly effective against the fungus-nematode wilt disease complex; its seed treatment substantially controlled the wilt and root-knot, and increased the yield of concomitantly infected chickpea by 49°C. Biocure-X was found more effective in increasing the nodulation as compared to other treatments. Effect of carbendazim and nemacur was significant (P ≤ 0.05) in checking the wilt, root knot and disease complex but were not as effective as biopesticides. The present study has demonstrated that biological management of wilt, root-knot and disease complex can be successfully achieved with the application of the developed biopesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Almost one-fourth of India's oilseed production is contributed by Brassicas. The Indian mustard [ Brassica juncea ] crop is affected by several biotic stresses in India, including aphid, white rust, Alternaria blight and Sclerotinia rot, which affect crop yields. Field trials were conducted at three locations during three crop seasons (2013–16) to evaluate treatments appropriate for mitigation of crop stresses and to obtain accurate assessments for seed yields and economic benefits as a part of a prioritized component-wise Integrated Pest Management strategy for the oilseed Brassica crop. The records from diverse sites and seasons concerning infestations by biotic stresses were assembled and scrutinized. The highest reduction in the severity of white rust disease was observed due to seed treatment by metalaxyl M 31.8 ES @ 6 ml/kg seed in one experiment and by a foliar spray of a combination of mancozeb 68% + metalaxyl 4% @ 1.7 g a.i./l in another trial, the latter being economically inferior to other fungitoxicants. The highest incremental benefit cost ratio (IBCR) was noted with the treatment of seed by an aqueous extract of garlic bulb (2% w/v) in one trial and by application of Trichoderma harzianum @ 1 g/l in another trial over sprays on crop foliage over two years and over three levels of nitrogen. Thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 1 g a.i./10 l ranked better than all other spray treatments in decreasing population of aphid in the top 10 cm main shoot at two sites. Pre-sowing application of T. harzianum @ 2.5 kg/ha soil provided better mustard seed yield in combination with spray with thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 1 g a.i./10 l on crop foliage and treatment of seed with T. harzianum @ 10 g/kg seed. Though the seed yield of mustard crop was the best with the integration of applications of T. harzianum on seed, to the soil along with spray of thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 1 g a.i./10 l on crop foliage at 50 days after sowing, it did not give the highest IBCR (16.6) among treatments. Contrastingly, treatment of seed with T. harzianum alone gave the highest IBCR (112.6), where the seed yield was relatively much lower (1469 kg/ha) whilst treatment of seed with fresh aqueous extract of garlic bulb @ 2% w/v also provided a high (80.4) IBCR. This paper highlights the impact of input costs, which allows growers to decide inputs based on the prevalence of biotic stress(es), the decision on intervention based on the importance of the same with an idea about the resultant quantifiable and monetary impact. • Impact of input costs. • Helps decide inputs based on prevalence of biotic stress(es) with quantifiable impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experiment was conducted to study the influence of seed priming treatments on germination and seedling vigour of wood apple (Feronia limonia Swingle) at Horticulture experimental and learning unit, Faculty of Horticulture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, India (22°5643''N, 88°32'03 ''E and 397 m above mean sea level) during December to June of 2016-2017. The treated seeds were raised on polythene bags under shade net house (covered with 200-micron thickness polythene shade net) condition to avoid climatic irregularities. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design comprising eight treatments (GA3 50 ppm and 100 ppm, KNO3 50 ppm and 100 ppm, Thiourea 50 ppm and 100 ppm, water soaking, and directly sown seed i.e. control) and replicated for five times. The result of the present investigation revealed that amongst the different concentrations of used chemicals, GA3 100 ppm was most efficient to ensure the maximum germination percentage (81.67%) which was 96.01% higher than the control. Similar trend of obtaining highest values from GA3 treated seed on most of the seedling growth parameters was also observed such as highest seedling height (442.23 mm), shoot (2.51 mm) and root diameter (3.22 mm), leaf number (12.00), seedling fresh (2.14 g) and dry weight (1.01 g), leaf chlorophyll content [chlorophyll a (78.51 mg g-1 FW), chlorophyll b (98.70 mg g-1 FW) and total chlorophyll (135.70 mg g-1 FW), respectively] and leaf nitrogen (3.40%) and potassium content (3.42%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus species have been identified as effective bioagents and plant growth boosters in rice. Currently, there is limited research on the effectiveness of Bacillus strains in managing the sheath rot disease of rice caused by Sarocladium oryzae , a significant threat to rice-cultivating areas in India. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Bacillus spp. to control the sheath rot disease and promote growth in rice plants. We investigated the in vitro antagonistic activity and growth-promoting potential of eighty-four Bacillus spp. against S. oryzae. Ten efficient strains were carefully selected and analyzed at the molecular level based on their capacity for antagonism and growth promotion. A PCR study of the potential strains has revealed the presence of lipopeptide genes that produce bacilysin, bacillomycin, iturin, surfactin, subtilin, subtilosin and fengycin. Among the strains, RBS-57 had the highest mycelial growth inhibition (74.44 %) of the pathogen as well as the highest number of antibiotic genes (6). The efficacy of talc and liquid formulations of Bacillus strains BS-5, RBS-57, and RBS-3 was further tested against sheath rot disease. Results indicated that a combined application of seed treatment + seedling dip + foliar spray of RBS-57 liquid formulation under pot culture conditions, showed a considerable reduction in the incidence of sheath rot disease, followed by BS-5 and RBS-3. Similarly, a significant increase in the plant growth attributes and yield was observed with RBS-57, when compared to the other treatments. Enzymatic activities such as PO, PPO, PAL, CAT and SOD were induced in the rice sheath by B. cereus (RBS-57) treatment. Real-time expression analysis was performed to validate the fold changes in defense enzymes and reactive oxygen species. The effectiveness of RBS-57 liquid formulation in reducing disease incidence was demonstrated when applied as a combination of seed treatment @ 10 ml/l + seedling dip @ 10 ml/l + foliar spray @ 10 ml/l. Moreover, higher defense enzyme activities, maximum plant growth promotion and higher yield were reported with RBS-57 treatment. This study has the potential to be exploited to manage sheath rot disease in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner. • We evaluated the efficacy of Bacillus spp. against Sarocladium oryzae in vitro. • Bacillus strains RBS-57, BS-5, and RBS-3 increased the rice growth in vitro. • We evaluated the presence of antibiotic biosynthetic genes using gene specific primers. • The liquid RBS-57 formulation effectively reduced sheath rot disease in rice. • We investigated the defense enzymatic activities in host-pathogen-bioagent interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Bawal (Rewari), Haryana during Kharif seasons of 2011 and 2012. Fifteen treatments including three insecticides, one fungicide, three antagonists, one amendment and one neem formulation were evaluated in sole and combination treatments as seed dresser where as chlorpyriphos 20 EC and poultry manure were incorporated in soil to find out effective combination for control of collar rot and white grub of groundnut. Minimum disease incidence 0.3 and 0.7 per cent and white grub infestation 1.2 and 1.5 per cent was recorded during 2011 and 2012 with seed treatment of chlorpyriphos 20 EC @ 25 ml/kg seed + PM 4 @ 10 ml/kg seed + captan 3g/kg seed followed by imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 7 ml/kg seed and chlorpyriphos 20 EC @ 25 ml /kg seed + Bacillus thuriengensis @ 10 ml/ kg seed + captan 3 g/kg seed. The yield was significantly (at 5% level) low (7.10 q/ha during 2011 and 6.8 q/ha during 2012) in control as compared to chlorpyriphos 20 EC + PM-4 + captan treatment (20.20 q/ha during 2011 and 19.80 q/ha during 2012) which ranked at first place. The seed treated with imidacloprid 17.8 SL 7 ml /kg seed also produced good yield in both the years and was rated as second best treatment followed by chlorpyriphos + Bacillus thurengiensis + captan. The results obtained herein provide the foundation for an effective and sustainable programme of management for groundnut white grub and collar rot. Integrated approach having chlorpyriphos 20 EC @ 25 ml/ kg seed, Pseudomonas maltophilia (PM4) @ 10 ml/kg seed and captan 3 g/kg seed was found to be most effective for control of collar rot and white grub infestation in ground nut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blast caused by Magnaporthe grisea has emerged as a major threat in recent years to forage pearl millet in India. Due to lack of resistant cultivars to blast disease, the disease can be best managed through fungicides. However, no comprehensive multi-location study in managing blast disease in forage pearl millet has been conducted in India. Therefore, field trials for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020) were conducted at four geographically different locations (Ludhiana, Palampur, Jhansi and Bhubaneswar) of India. Carbendazim, tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin, tricyclazole, chitosan and neem oil were tested for their efficacy through seed treatment alone or seed treatment followed by two foliar sprays at 15 days interval. Results showed the superiority of tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin as seed treatment followed by two foliar sprays in reducing the blast disease area under disease progress as well as rate of infection at Ludhiana, Jhansi and Palampur. Tricyclazole as seed treatment followed by two foliar sprays was found superior over others in reducing the area under disease progress curve as well as rate of infection at Bhubaneswar. Reduction in blast disease area under disease progress curve and rate of infection by applying these treatments helped in achieving a significant increase in the green fodder yield at the tested locations. Through this study, an effective strategy for location specific management of blast disease of forage pearl millet has been formulated. • Blast has emerged as a major threat to forage pearl millet in India. • Multi-location studies for managing blast disease in forage pearl millet are lacking. • Field trials were conducted at four geographically different locations of India. • Tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin and tricyclazole proved effective in managing blast at different locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera, is native to India. The other related species are M. sternopetala, Moringa peregrine and Moringa drouhardii: There are two types of moringa viz., perennial and annual moringa. The improved annual moringa varieties are PKM-1 and PKM-2. Besides, the known ecotypes are Jaffna moringa, Chavakacheri murungai, Chemmurungai (red tipped fruits), Kaadumurungai Palmurungai, Puna murungai and Kodikkal Murungai. Moringa is a cross pollinated vegetable crop. Flowering is throughout the year with the peak during October - November and April- May. The corresponding fruit production was during October and May. The pollen grains of drumstick are spherical with smooth exine and three germpores. The stigma is receptive one day prior to opening and continued with maximum receptivity of 88 and 96 % in PKM1 and PKM 2 respectively. PKM 1 and 2 are annual type, propagated through seeds. By adopting the various scientific techniques such as correct season of sowing, seed treatment, pinching, water and nutrient management and plat protection measures at right time, the quality seeds of moringa could be produced. Good quality seeds can be obtained by adopting proper harvesting, processing and grading and storage techniques in moringa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is an important leguminous forage crop of temperate regions throughout the world including India. Red clover suffers serious seed yield losses due to crown rot (caused by Sclerotinia trifoliorum) and powdery mildew (caused by Erysiphe trifoliorum) diseases. Resistant varieties against these two devastating diseases are not available, which necessitates the development of alternate management strategies for these diseases. In order to develop alternate management strategies for these diseases, this study was conducted during 2013–14 to 2017–18 at Palampur (India). Three fungicides (carbendazim, wettable sulphur, hexaconazole) and one biocontrol agent (Trichoderma viride) were tested in different combinations for combined management of these diseases. Results from five year study indicates that seed treatment with carbendazim followed by three foliar sprays of hexaconazole and seed treatment with carbendazim followed by one foliar spray each of T. viride , wettable sulphur and hexaconazole at 10 days interval can effectively control powdery mildew and crown rot diseases, respectively. Applications of these treatments showed significant superiority over others by not only reducing disease severity but also resulted in higher seed yield. Thus, these management strategies can be effectively deployed for simultaneous management of two most serious diseases in red clover. • Crown rot and powdery mildew affects red clover very seriously. • Field trials were conducted during 2013-14 to 2017-18 at Palampur (India) for managing these diseases. • For crown rot, seed treatment of carbendazim + one foliar spray of T. viride , wettable sulphur, hexaconazole was effective. • For powdery mildew, seed treatment of carbendazim + three foliar sprays of hexaconazole was effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dry root rot of chickpea caused by Macrophomina phaseolina is an important disease affecting chickpea production areas in India, the largest producer of this crop in the world. The disease is primarily controlled through the use of fungicidal seed treatments. In this study, several isolates of two bio-control agents, Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens, were assessed for their ability to reduce the growth of M. phaseolina under laboratory conditions and subsequently used for field studies. The most effective isolate of each bio-control agent and the commonly used chemical seed-treatments, carbendazim and hexaconazole were evaluated. In addition to the use of the fungicides and bio-control agents individually as seed treatments, the study also included a trial combining soil application through bio-agent enriched farm-yard manure, along with seed treated with the bio-control agent. It was found that this combination showed maximum germination, least root rot incidence and highest yields as compared to the other biological or chemical seed treatments included in this study. This paper reports the identification of native isolates of T. viride and P. fluorescens that can be used under field conditions to control dry root rot of chickpea in tropical regions and demonstrates the use of a method of application that could significantly improve the efficacy of disease control while using bio-control agents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

"Rice is Life" for millions of people and staple food for more than half of the worlds' population. The demand for rice is growing with ever increasing population. At present the grain yield in rice has to be increased and the yield achieved has to be sustained. The field studies at Wetlands, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Coimbatore resulted in compilation of agronomical use of neem and its by products in rice cultivation. The Wetland Farm at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Coimbatore is situated in the Western Agro Climatic Zone of Tamil Nadu at 11° North Latitude and 77°East Longitude at an altitude of 426.72 m above MSL. The properties of neem as insecticide, antifeedant, hormonal, antifungal, antiviral and nematicide properties is well known .These activities are brought out with neem use in the form of leaves, leaf extracts, seeds, cakes, oil and fruit extracts. The neem and its products are used in seed treatment, manurial application, increasing nutrient efficiency by which the grain yield in rice crop is enhanced and its sustainability is seen in rice based cropping system. Evaluation of these products in managing the rice crop, through agronomial cultural practices at various stages of crop growth has been discussed in detail in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted during the rainy seasons of 2006 and 2007 at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi for the management of yellow mosaic (Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus) and cercospora leaf spots (Cercospora canescens and Pseudocercospora cruenta) of mungbean. Insecticides and fungicides as seed dressings, with or without foliar sprays, were evaluated. Amongst the treatments, a combination of seed treatment with thiamethoxam (Cruiser™) at 4 g kg-1 and carbendazim (Bavistin™) + TMTD (Thiram™) at 2.5 g kg-1 (1:1 ratio) followed by foliar applications of thiamethoxam (Actara™) 0.02% and carbendazim 0.05% at 21 and 35 d, respectively after sowing produced the highest seedling establishment, shoot and root lengths, number of pods, plant biomass, 1000-seed weight, and grain yield in mungbean with the lowest intensity of cercospora leaf spots and mungbean yellow mosaic. Vector (whitefly) populations were also the lowest in this treatment during all stages of the crop. This treatment was cost-effective, as it provided the highest return per Rupee of input. It was second best for the number of Rhizobium root nodules per plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this review is to share with developing countries how a dedicated agricultural university helped enhance food production and thwart Malthusian scenario. The Indian adequacy on the food-front has largely been attributed to the development of improved seeds of different crops, in particular wheat and rice, efficient system of agro-technology generation and its transfer to farmers, and useful coordination between state development departments and suitable government policies. We have discussed the revolutionary role of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in transforming a food-deficient India into a food self-sufficient nation. This dramatic transformation is dubbed the Green Revolution. Fueled by scientific research, PAU has, since its inception in 1962, released more than 580 improved varieties/hybrids of field crops, vegetables, fruits, fodder, and ornamentals. Now, almost the entire cropped area of the Punjab state is under improved varieties. This is because PAU has one of the best seed-production and delivery programs among agricultural universities in India. Its total seed production capacity during the last five years was >30,000 tons. Millions of disease-free nursery plants of fruits and ornamentals are supplied to farmers annually. The seed-production technology, together with an improved seed-distribution system, has given an impetus to agriculture in recent years. New breeding methods and modern technologies, such as biotechnology, electron microscopy, and nanotechnology, should provide even better seeds in the future. The scanning electron microscopy facilities at PAU have helped distinguish between seed surfaces of drought-resistant and drought-susceptible genotypes of Indian mustard, and, revealed that seed coat microstructure could be used as a selection criterion for stress tolerance. Farmer training in the production of hybrid seed and nursery help boost seed production and farmers' income. The seed-plot technique in potato and rhizobium inoculation of pulse seeds have had a strong impact on production. The supply of high-quality mushroom spawn and quality Kinnow (citrus) plantlets to farmers has boosted mushroom and citrus production, and thereby the farmers' incomes. Ever-increasing population requires universities, such as PAU, to continue to play pivotal roles in enhancing food production. Seed production programs will need to be put on a new trajectory to double food production by 2050 and agricultural universities would need to be strengthened to meet this critical goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunflower necrosis disease (SND) is a new threat for sunflower cultivation in India. The disease was observed during 1997 in Karnataka, a major sunflower growing state of India. Later, its occurrence was reported from almost all sunflower growing states of India, posing threat to sunflower cultivation. Presently no reliable resistant sources are available. The disease being viral in nature is very much difficult to combat by single approach. At Oilseeds Research Station, Latur (M.S.), India, three-year (2002-2004) field experiments revealed that if the sunflower crop is bordered with sorghum, and sunflower seeds treated with imidacloprid (Gaucho 70 W.S., 5 g/kg) along with sunflower spraying with imidacloprid (Confidor 200 S.L., 0.05 percent, three sprays at 15, 30 and 45 days after sowing), the incidence of sunflower necrosis disease can be minimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]