ABSTRACT

The reconversion of crops refers to the change of product or activity that allows a better use of the soil, favors its fertility and breaks the biological cycles of pests and diseases to have an effective control and prevent them from becoming immune or resistant. Therefore, this change, whether of product or activity, represents greater economic profitability and social viability for the producer, because comparative and competitive advantages are taken advantage of, and products with value can be offered in the internal and external markets. The types of conversion that can be carried out are: change from an annual crop to another of the same cycle; change from annual crops to perennials, for example, in the area of cultivation that was destined for cereal to establish in its place a certain fruit tree, another example is when annual seasonal crops are intercropped by grasslands. Likewise, there may be shift changes between the different productive sectors, for example, when moving from an agricultural activity to a livestock or from a livestock to a forestry one.

ABSTRACT

Bihar’s recent emergence as a maize powerhouse with farmers harvesting yields comparable to Midwest US levels. Bihar, of course, always had the potential to be an agricultural powerhouse, given its naturally fertile soil and the abundant water resources from the Ganga and its tributaries crisscrossing the state. The Intensive corn production in North East alluvial plains of Bihar is associated to high risk of nitrate leaching. The present study on nitrate leaching from soil and its level of contamination in groundwater & surface water and rate of nitrogen application in maize cultivation in the area of Khagaria, Saharsa, Madhepura and Supaul has been carried out in the eastern region of Bihar which is popularly known as the maize hub. The rate of recommended dose of nitrogen application in maize is varying from season to season from viz. 100 kg/ha for spring maize, 120 Kg/ha for Kharif maize and 150 kg/ha for Rabi maize. The local farmers of this Agro-climatic zone-II, are applying nitrogen on an average 305.58 kg/ha, which is about 103.72% more than the Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN) of Rabi maize (150 Kg N/ha). The mean value of nitrogen application by the local farmers ranges from 283.48 – 343.63 Kg/ha. The Maximum rate of nitrogen application was observed in Khagaria (343.63 kg N/ha) followed by Madhepura (303.61 kg N/ha) and lowest in Saharsa district (283.48 kg N/ha). The application rate of nitrogen fertilizers by the farmers exceed the crop requirements, varying from 88.98% to 129.08% over the Rabi RDN, resulting in nitrate leaching from soil. Nitrate leaching in soil: Total 96 soil samples from different soil depths at the interval of 15 cm depth, sampled up-to 105-120 cm depth have been collected from 12 selected villages of four districts. The vertical distribution of nitrate indicates accumulation of nitrate in soil and it varied from 26.73 to 42.95 Kg/ha (105-120 cm depth). The overall leaching of nitrate ranges from 9.43 – 12.50 % with an average value of 11.02 % over applied dose of Nitrogen. The highest leaching was recorded in Khagaria (42.95 kg N/ha) and minimum in Saharsa district (26.73 kg N/ha). The preliminary result indicated that overuse of nitrogen fertilizer has caused N leaching in soil. Level of nitrate in water: The ground and surface water from both CCS and Non-CCS village has been collected and various water quality parameters were analysed. The depth of shallow ground water varied from 20 - 60 feet. The nitrate level in ground water varied (2.42 - 4.27 mg/l) and surface water (2.61 – 3.72 mg/l) being maximum concentration of nitrate in Madhepura district. The water sample has been also collected from deep depth of ground water up-to depth of 200-400 feet depth and used as reference water sample where nitrate level varied from 0.86 to 1.05 mg/l. 

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of early maturing genotypes, row spacing and fertility levels on growth, cane yield and quality of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid complex) at Pusa, Bihar during spring season of 2020-21. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design, comprising eight sugarcane genotypes (CoLk 15466’, ‘CoP 15467’, ‘CoP 15436’, CoSe 15452’, CoSe 15455’, CoLk 94184’, ‘CoSe 95422’ and ‘CoSe 01421’), two row spacing (90 and 120 cm) and two fertility levels (100 and 125% RDF). These treatments combination, were replicated thrice. The soil of the experimental plot was sandy loam in texture with pH 8.2, organic carbon 0.49%, free CaCO 3 29.5%, EC 0.29 dS/m and 238.0 kg N, 22.9 kg P 2 O 5 and 131.6 kg available K 2 O/ha. Results revealed that genotypes had significant impact on most of the growth and yield attributing character of sugarcane. Significantly higher millable canes (1, 15,600/ha) was noticed due to the genotype CoP 15436 which was followed
by CoSe 15452 (1, 12,800/ha) and CoLk 15,466 (1, 09, 200/ ha). Similarly, higher cane yield (81.7 t/ha) was obtained with the variety CoP 15436 which was followed by CoSe 15452 (80.3 t/ha) and CoLk 15452 (80.3 t/ha) and CoLk 15466 (78.5 t/ha). 90 cm row spacing produced significantly higher plant population (1, 51,600/ha), plant height (294.5 cm), millable canes (1, 17, 500/ha) and cane yield (80.2 t/ha). Though brix, pol and purity percent juice was found to non-significant.Fertility level had significant impact on plant population, plant height, millable canes and cane yield. The maximum plant population (1, 47,400/ ha), plant height (301.8 cm), millable canes (1, 13,800/ha) and cane yield (82.3 t/ha) was obtained with 125% recommended dose of NPK. Though, fertility level did not cause significant impact on brix, pol and purity percentage.

ABSTRACT

The benefit of any in vitro propagation only be fully realized if there is successful transfer of plantlets from tissue-culture vessels to ex vitro conditions. A substantial number of micropropagated plants do not survive on transfer from in vitro conditions to greenhouse or field environment as plantlets developed within the culture vessels under low level of light, aseptic conditions contribute a culture-induced phenotype that cannot survive the environmental conditions when directly placed in a greenhouse or field. Plantlets or shoots that have grown in vitro have been continuously exposed to a unique microenvironment that has been selected to provide minimal stress and optimum conditions for plant multiplication. The culture conditions that promote rapid growth and multiplication of shoots often results in the formation of structurally and physiologically abnormal plants. Many a times they are characterized by poor photosynthetic efficiency, malfunctioning of stomata and a marked decrease in epicuticular wax. Understanding these abnormalities is a prerequisite to develop efficient transplantation protocols. The major abnormalities in in vitro culture of plants and the current and developing methods for acclimatization of in vitro cultured plantlets will be discussed.

ABSTRACT

The essential principle of plant improvement is the new genetic variability that is accomplished through selection, hybridization, mutation and genetic recombination. The new technological advancements of plant breeding deal scope for changing yield improvement with more accuracy and goal. Propels in genomic-based instruments and high-throughput phenotyping have empowered the examination of genomic variation and distinguishing proof of molecular marks of agronomic characteristics. Molecular markers and molecular-marker-assisted breeding have facilitated the speedy selection of new, novel genetic combinations in breeding for high-yielding, stress-tolerant and nutritionally enriched crops. Transgenic techniques have revolutionized alteration for stress resistance and higher efficiency; furthermore a few genetically adjusted crops are under development. Accessibility of genome sequencing stages and genomic assets has altogether added to getting to novel qualities and approving their capacities. Genome-editing instruments and ongoing advances of prime editing are currently available for exact hereditary adjustment of plant properties. The new plant improvement tools will surely encourage advancement of exceptionally useful, further developed crop assortments for accomplishing food security and environment versatility.

ABSTRACT

The study was undertaken to evaluate the soil quality of post flood soils in the agro ecological unit 9 (south-central laterites) of Kottayam district, Kerala. Representative surface

soil samples were collected covering the entire flood affected area of this AEU and analysed for different physical, chemical and biological properties. Principal component analysis was performed for selection of minimum data set which influenced the soil quality of this area. By scoring and weighted additive method, soil quality index was calculated and soils were grouped into low, medium and good category based on the relative soil quality index. Medium soil quality was observed for 78.43 percent of samples, 19.61 per cent of soils were of poor soil quality and 1.96 per cent of good soil quality

ABSTRACT

A laboratory experiment involving six early maturing varieties was conducted to evaluate regeneration potential of early  sugarcane under in vitro condition at HI-Tech. Building of Sugarcane Research Institute Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar. Six improved cultivars, CoP16437, CoP18437, CoP11437, CoP11438, CoP9301, BO153 of sugarcane were analysed for their in vitro responses. Shoot apex explant culture of these cultivars on media M 1 (MS basal) and M 2 (ms basal + 0.5 mgl 1 IAA + 0.5 mgl 1 + 0.5mgl 1 KIN) suggested no definite role of medium on establishment of cultures. Further, shoot apex culture of the six selected cultivars on media M 3 ( MS basal +0.1 mgl 1 IAA + 2.0 mgl 1 BAP + 1.0 mgl 1 KIN) and M 4 ( MS basal + 0.1 mgl 1 IAA + 2.0mgl 1 BAP + 1.0mgl 1 KIN) resulted in shoot proliferation as well as elongation of shoots. Media M 5 (½ MS basal + 5.0 mgl 1 NAA) and M 6 (MS basal + 5.0 mgl 1 NAA) induced rhizogenesis which was assessed by the number of roots formed as well as their elongation. Scaly leaf culture of all the cultivars on the medium M 7 (MS basal + 3.0 mgl 1 2,4-D) resulted in callogenesis including embryogenic callogenesis. The plantlets were acclimatized. A genotypic difference for all tissue culture responses was found in the six selected cultivars CoP16437 showing the best response and CoP9301 the lowest. Thus, the sugarcane cultivars showed differential response under in vitro conditions suggesting development of specific tissue culture protocol for individual genotype.

ABSTRACT

Arsenic (As) is one of the toxic compounds which pose a high risk to large human populations. The toxicity of various forms of arsenic strongly depends on their oxidative states and chemical structures (Nakamura, 2011).The inorganic forms of As present in soil, when taken up and transported through the food chain, turn out to be toxic, affecting various life forms. In India, parts of many states have been identified as As contaminated in the case of soil and sediments (Central Ground Water Board, 1999 & 2004). Arsenic leaves chronic and epidemic effects on human health and widespread contamination of water and crop, which receives global attention. An investigation was carried out in Gangatic Plains of Bihar which covers Saran, Vaishali and Patna districts respectively. In study, water samples received from different sources at and adjoining villages nearby river of Ganga. The soil (two depths) and ground water samples were for analysis for arsenic content and other physico-chemical properties. Groundwater samples contained As concentration maximum and minimum 7.8 (Shankarpur Khas, Dist. Patna) and 0.002 mgL-1(Panapur Dharampur, Dist. Vaishali) with 0.87 mg L-1a mean value in which, 90.47% of the samples crossed the permissible limit as recommendation given by WHO. The pH, Na, K and Cl contents were found within the WHO limit. Fe content in samples ranged from 0.1 to 0.68 mgL-1 where, 85.71% of the samples surpassing the WHO drinking water limit.

ABSTRACT

Seed is basic and initial source for flower production. The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of different levels of nitrogen and weed management practices on seed quality and seed yield of gaillardia (Gaillardia pulchella Foug.) under Hyderabad conditions during the year 2018-2019 at Floricultural Research Station, Hyderabad. The experiment was laid out in FRBD comprising of 20 treatment combinations with three replications. Number of seeds per flower recorded maximum (251.66) in nitrogen level (N3T1) 150 kg/ha + black and silver polythene mulch. The results revealed that, nitrogen level of 75 kg N/ha (N2) and mulching with black and silver polythene sheet (T1) has significantly increased the number of seeds per flower (219.62 and 227.70) and nitrogen level of 150 kg N/ha and mulching with black and silver polythene sheet (T1) recorded the highest test weight of seeds (1.35 mg and 1.48 mg) and seed yield per hectare (13.79 kg and 333.40 g). Germination percentage recorded maximum (48.88 %) in nitrogen level 180 kg/ha + black and silver polythene mulch (N4T1). For good seed quality and seed yield of Gaillardia application of 150 kg N/ha and plots mulched with black and silver polythene mulch was recommended.

ABSTRACT

Okra is an important source of vitamin A, B, C. Moreover, the productivity of okra is often limited by incidence of major insect pests, mostly by shoot and fruit borer which is causing 70 to 90 per cent of yield loss. So, the present investigation was carried out to study the impact of IPM and non-IPM practices on fruit borer and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) at Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University. The mean number of Earias vitella, larvae was 0.43 ± 0.16 and 0.61 ± 0.15 number per fruit in okra grown in IPM and non-IPM plots respectively, while in control plot of okra the number of larvae was 1.64 ± 0.14 number per fruit. Similarly, the bud infestation was lowest in the buds of IPM plot with 3.06 ± 0.91 per cent bored holes. However, it was 6.22 ± 2.06 per cent in non-IPM plot, while in control plot it was maximum of 21.24 ± 3.76 per cent. The influence of IPM and non-IPM practices were studied on yield and yield attributes of okra viz., total fruit yield, infested fruit yield and marketable fruit yield. The mean marketable fruit yield was 60.42 + 2.53 kg in IPM plot of okra which was more than that of non-IPM and control plots of okra with mean marketable fruit yield of 46.67 + 1.49 kg and 25.01 + 1.26 kg, respectively as the mean infested fruit yield was maximum in control plots in comparison to that of IPM plots.

ABSTRACT

Sugarcane is the richest source of carbohydrate while pulses acted as sources of protein in daily humane diet globally. India is the second most important producer of sugarcane and consumer of sugar. India is the largest producer of pulses as well as its consumer in the world while its productivity is low. Seed multiplication in sugarcane through conventional planting is low (1:10) that’s why there is need to increase multiplication ratio through different multiplication technique. The ultimate intention must be to introduce the newly evolved high yielding cultivars to the resource poor peasants for its large scale cultivation in their adopted area to enhance the productivity. As we know notified and released sugarcane varieties those bearing high yield and higher juice quality can plays an important role to increase the production of sugarcane as well as sugar production. It also showed stability and tolerance abilities against biotic and biotic factors under changing climatic scenario. The newly developed high yielder pulses variety also plays the same role in its high production. Trueness to variety depends upon its good germination percentage, high genetic & physical purity percentage, vigour and its appearance treated as quality seed. In India the average annual productivity and growth rate was found lower for most of the of pulse crops while country behave largest producer and consumer in the world. It needs expansion of cultivated area for more production of rabi pulses as intercrop with Sugarcane. The Seed acted as foundation of Agriculture Technology and modernized much of farming's day-to-day operations, but without a steady supply of high yielder quality seed, we cannot get high yield. Good quality seed can give up to 15% higher yield in most of the crop. Under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, acknowledged by Government of India seed is an essential commodity. In 1964, Varietal Release System (VRS) came into existence with the formation of the Central Variety Release Committee (CVRC) at the national level and State Variety Release Committees (SVRCs) state level. As per Seeds Act, 1966, a Central Seed Committee (CSC) was established under the Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare. The functions of the CVRC were taken over by the CSC in 1969 to ensure the quality of seeds on sale and notification of the kinds/varieties. Keeping above said points reviewed the advancements of different seed multiplication techniques of sugarcane viz, single bud plantlets (SBP), spaced transplanting (STP), poly bag seedling transplanting, bud chip, sablang or sprouting, rayungan, distance planting, tjeblock, advance vertical seed multiplication , tissue culture and popular conventional methods. For the enhancement of pulses seed multiplication viz, seed coating, seed pelleting, seed priming, storage and human resource development to further supply of quality seed. Seed standard of sugarcane either in conventional method or tissue culture technique should be maintained so that farmers will get maximum production. Classes of seed namely, nucleus seed, breeder seed, foundation seed and certified seed should be followed the its physical and genital purity standard. The NFSMPulses programme is being implemented to increase the pulse production as present need showed to speed up the seed multiplication in sugarcane and pulses of notified varieties.

ABSTRACT

Most of the rice-growing region of South and South-East Asian countries is heavily contaminated with arsenic. Unfortunately, the accumulation of arsenic in rice is several fold-higher compared to other cereal crops, posing a serious concern for the millions of people who rely on rice as their staple diet. In rice plants, silica (Si) or phosphate transporters are used for arsenic uptake and transfer. Reverse genetics techniques have been used to identify and characterise a small number of genes involved in the uptake and transport of arsenic in rice plants. Brassinosteroids (BRs) are plant steroid hormones, which play essential roles in plant growth and development and also confer tolerance to a wide range of environmental stresses. Recent studies have shown that the application of BRs could impede arsenic accumulation in hydrophonically grown rice plants. However, the effect of BRs has not been studied on expression of genes associated with arsenic accumulation and transportation in rice plants grown in naturally arsenic contaminated soil. Considering the growing importance of the role BRs in stress responses and protective role against toxicity of heavy metals in plants, we undertook a study to analyse of the genes associated with arsenic accumulation and transportation in 24-epibrassinosteroid (EBR), a BR, treated rice plants (Rajendra Kasturi) grown in naturally arsenic contaminated soil. The identification and characterization of BR responsive genes involved in arsenic accumulation and transportation of arsenic in rice plant, open doors for further analysis of these genes as targets for reducing arsenic absorption in rice.

ABSTRACT

The objective of the study is to characterize, evaluate and classify 154 finger millet germplasm during the Kharif season of 2019 and 2020 for the identification of trait-specific accessions. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that test genotypes showed a highly significant difference (p<0.01) for all thirteen agronomic traits in the pooled data over the years which favor the selection. High heritability associated with high genetic advance over mean (GAM) recorded for traits ear head length, ear head width, flag leaf blade length, productive tillers, plant height, grain yield per plant, test weight of 1000 grains, and harvest index, indicating lesser environmental influence and role of additive gene action. High heritability coupled with moderate-to-low GAM was recorded for traits, fingers number on the main ear, flag leaf blade length, peduncle length, days to 50% flowering, and days to maturity, suggesting the low existence of non-additive genes. Grain yield per plant showed a highly significant positive correlation (p<0.001) with harvest index, productive tillers, test weight of 100 grains, plant height, and flag leaf blade length and a highly significant negative correlation (p<0.001) with days to 50% flowering and days to maturity. The 154 genotypes were further analyzed for the correlation studies among the traits, which suggested that grain yield per plant is positively correlated with harvest index, test weight of 1000 grains, productive tillers, plant height, peduncle length, flag leaf blade length, and fingers number on the main ear; while having a negative correlation with traits days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, ear head length, ear head width, and flag leaf blade width. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the first six PCs with eigenvalues greater than 0.84 accounted for 80.51% of the total variability among the germplasm. Furthermore, the 154 genotypes of finger millet were grouped into five clusters based on the performance of their agronomic trait values. The top 10 promising accessions for critical agronomic traits were also identified. Thus, the present research study provides a detailed understanding of the variability in the agronomic traits and their association with the grain yield in the finger millet germplasm evaluated in northern India. And the identified top-performing accessions would be the critical genetic resource for developing yield-specific cultivars in the north of India, especially in Haryana and Punjab, where crop diversification is a significant challenge for the government well farmers.

ABSTRACT

Sugarcane is one of the most important cash crop and plays a vital role in Indian economy and the country is also the largest consumer of sugar in the world. Sugarcane is a long duration crop which provides opportunity to attack of various pathogens during their different growth stages. Since planting of the sugarcane setts myriads of soil borne pathogens start invading the planting materials and their cumulative pathogenic impact can be noticed from emergence till harvesting leading to reduced yield and quality. Most of the farmers cultivate susceptible or unrecommended varieties for that particular zone, which result in enhanced inoculum load of the pathogen in the soil. Varietal break down due to disease had affected several popular commercial varieties from cultivation for a longer period. Sugarcane crop damaged by various groups of pathogens but more commonly fungal diseases are affecting in Bihar region to a great extent. Besides the fungal diseases association of minor diseases are also play an important role in the varietal degeneration and ultimately reduced the yield as well as deteriorate the cane juice qualities. Hence, to know the disease situation and varietal susceptibilities, an extensive survey works under different sugar factories in Bihar were carried out and it was observed that the crop is affected more due to fungal diseases which varied from 10 to 70 per cent. Besides fungi, bacterial diseases were also noticed which damaged the cane crop up to the extent of 5 percent in the Bihar region. While, viral and phytoplasmal diseases also affected the crop which ranged from 3 to 7 percent in various cane growing areas of Bihar.

ABSTRACT

Naturally occurring bacteria present in the wastewaters have a massive potential to solve the problem of wastewater bio-remediation. These bacteria with biodegrading capabilities can be exploited to develop a consortium and can be used for efficient biological treatment of the wastewaters. In the present study, 20 bacterial strains were isolated from the dairy industry, sugar industry and hostel sewage water of Pusa, Bihar and were screened for starch, protein and fat degradation and reduction Biological Oxygen Demand and Chemical Oxygen Demand. Out of the total 20 isolates, 18 isolates exhibited starch degradation, 10 exhibited protein degradation and 11 reported positive for the fat degradation. Among all these isolates, only 7 isolates (DS-13, DS-27, DS-57, DS-58, DS-67, DS-68, and DS-72) were found positive for all three degradation activities which were further screened for BOD and COD reduction. Out of the 7 isolates, only 3 isolates (DS-58, DS-67 and DS-72) showed higher reduction in both BOD and COD parameters when inoculated into autoclaved effluents i.e. dairy, sugar industry and hostel sewage. Therefore, these 3 isolates were combined in different combinations and 4 different consortia were prepared and their biodegradation and BOD and COD reduction abilities were analysed. The consortium C4 (DS-58, DS-67 and DS-72) showed highest results in starch (14 mm), protein (24 mm) and fat (18 mm) degradation and BOD (115 to 353 mg/L) and COD (407 to 641 mg/L)   reduction. The results suggested that the developed consortia able to play a significant part in the biological treatment of wastewater and help in reducing water pollution.