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This article provides some new construction methods of partially balanced bipartite block (PBBB) designs for comparing test treatments with more than one control. Partially balanced incomplete block (PBIB) designs based on some association schemes such as triangular association, Latin-square association, group divisible association, and cyclic association are used for developing these methods of construction. A catalog of efficient PBBB designs is included for parameter values v 1 (number of test treatments) ≤ 10 , v 2 (number of control treatments) = 2 , b (number of blocks) ≤ 8 , r 1 (replications of test treatments) ≤ 10 and k (block size) ≤ 6 along with computed variances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assessed the impact of natural resource management technology (NRCT) on productivity and efficiency in maize production using an endogenous switching regression model in rainfed areas of Southern India. We also identified factors influencing adoption of NRCT, and technical efficiency in maize production. For this study, plot-level primary data from 303 farm households cultivating maize on 419 plots were collected. Results show that adoption of NRCT has resulted in an increase in maize productivity by 490 kg per ha and has also reduced technical inefficiency by 28% as compared to non-adopters. Furthermore, access to credit, better extension services and training on natural resource management are crucial factors positively affecting the adoption of NRCT as well as enhancing the technical efficiency of maize production. Therefore, these factors need to be considered when formulating policies and programmes that aim to improve crop productivity in rainfed areas, as well as sustaining natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field experiments on "Screening of Brassica germplasm against mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi Kalt." were conducted at Students' Instructional Farm of C. S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur, India during Rabi 2021-22 and 2022-23. Fifty Brassica germplasm were evaluated on the basis of the Aphid Infestation Index (A.I.I.) (0-5 scale) twice, first at 50% flowering stage and second at the pod setting stage. The population of mustard aphids was observed in 50 germplasm taken under screening to see the performance of germplasm based on the level of infestation of mustard aphids. Based on A.I.I. the germplasm viz., RC-2, RC-4, RC-6, RC-14, RC-19, RC-20, RC-22, RC-24, RC-25, RC-37, RC-39, RC-46 and RC-49 were found to be resistant; while the germplasm viz., RC-8, RC10, RC-12, RC-15, RC-16, RC-18, RC-21, RC-35, RC-38, RC-41, RC-42, RC-44, and RC-48 were found to be moderately resistant. Based on the aphid population, the germplasm viz., RC-5, RC-20, RC-23 and RC-37 were categorized as resistant; the germplasm viz., RC-2, RC-9, RC-13, RC-14, RC-22, RC-25, RC-29, RC-35, RC-40, RC-42, RC-44, RC-45, RC-46, RC-47, RC-49 and RC-50 were found to be moderately resistant, while RC-24 was found to be susceptible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigations were carried out at the Student's Instructional Farm, Nawabganj of C. S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur during Rabi season 2021-22 and 2022-23. All the treatments were found significantly superior over control, spinosad 45% SC performed best among the treatments followed by indoxacarb 14.5% SC. The effectiveness of treatment determined in the terms of grain yield of chickpea obtained in different treatments revealed that the spinosad 45% SC, indoxacarb 14.5% SC and Bacillus thuringiensis @ 1.5 kg/ha were significantly superior over untreated control. Spinosad 45% SC, gave maximum grain yield of chickpea in compared to other treatments as well as in managing the population of H. armigera. Besides indoxacarb 14.5% SC and Bacillus thuringiensis @ 1.5 kg/ha were found the second and third most effective treatments, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digital era has ushered in profound transformations across global industries, where the integration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) is crucial for growth, productivity, and sustainability. Agriculture, in particular, relies on this digital imperative to enhance food security, sustainability, and economic development. The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation's agricultural progress addressing food security, productivity, climate change, and farmer livelihoods, the NARS must embrace digital advancements. The study was conducted at NARS of India, 660 scientists were selected from 102 ICAR institutes using multistage stratified random sampling techniques. E-readiness was measured based on a conceptual framework developed by Tugrul & Maru (2003) and the STOPE framework. The framework measures the dimensions like strategy, technology, organizational support, HR support, and e-culture. The result provides a comprehensive understanding of NARS's preparedness for digital transformation. While there are clear strengths in strategy, technology, and human resources support, areas requiring improvement, particularly organizational support and aspects of e-culture readiness, should be addressed with strategic initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]