Volume 1 Number 4 (November 2016)

Response of inoculation technique to seed and seedling infection by M. phaseolina in sorghum

R. Sukanya, S. K. Jayalakshmi

Sorghum is a major cereal of the world and is a staple food for millions of the poorest and most food insecure people. The yield and quality of sorghum is affected by a wide array diseases among them charcoal rot of sorghum caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. is causing more yield loss in rabi sorghum growing areas compared to kharif. Different inoculation techniques were followed to know effective method for infecting the seeds and seedlings by the pathogen among method C, that is seed soaking in spore suspension method recorded maximum pre and post emergence mortality of seeds are 43 and 27 per cent respectively compared to other methods.

Water Harvesting and Recycling

Jyotirmoy Mondal

As land pressure increases day by day due to population growth, the more marginal lands are being used for agriculture. Especially in arid, semi-arid and sub humid areas where rainfall pattern is irregular, ranges heavy slower to less storm and much of these rainfall is lost as surface run off, results into risk of human being. The irrigation is the most obvious response to the drought which provides more costly. Under such condition water harvesting is suitable and most important.

Effect of Growth Regulators and Micronutrients on Fruit Quality in Pomegranate

Kuldip Kumar, M. S. Joon, Rajpaul Yadav, B.S. Daulta

A field experiment was conducted at Fruit Research Farm of Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to evaluate the effect of micronutrients and plant growth regulators on fruit quality in pomegranate cv. Jodhpur Red. The treatments comprising of two micronutrients (H3BO3 & ZnSO4 at 0.20, 0.40, 0.60 %), two growth regulators (2,4-D & NAA at 10, 20, 40 ppm) and water were applied fifteen and thirty days after fruit set. Application of 2,4-D at 40 ppm resulted in more total soluble solids. H3BO3 resulted in more ascorbic acid content when applied at fifteen days after fruit set. 2,4-D when applied at fifteen days after fruit set, significantly increased reducing sugar content. Application of micronutrients and growth regulators applied fifteen days after fruit set was more effective in improving fruit quality as compared to thirty days after fruit set.

Impact of Different Mulching Materials on the Growth and Yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in Dehradun region of Uttarakhand

Rohit Pinder, Renu Rana, Devashree Maan, Kuldip Kumar

Field trials were carried out in 2013-2014 cropping seasons to assess the impact of different mulching materials on the growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in Dehradun (Uttarakhand) region of India. The crop growth and fruit yield were studied for two cultivars namely Cherry Tomato and Marglobe under two inorganic mulches (black polythene, white polythene) and four organic mulches (FYM, rice straw, dry leaves, sugarcane trash) and compared with unweeded control. Four competitive plants were randomly selected from each treatment to record data on various parameters. The experiment comprising these treatments was laid out as factorial randomized block design with three replications. It was observed that among all the treatments black polythene mulch showed significantly higher plant height (89.92 cm, 59.17 cm) and (97.17 cm, 63.42 cm) after 30 and 45 days respectively, number of trusses per plant (109 and 6.33), number of fruits per truss (14.50 and 6.42) and weight of immature and mature fruits (4.59 gm and 6.73 gm) and (42.08 gm and 54.25 gm) in Cherry Tomato and Marglobe varieties. Among all the treatments, black polythene mulch was found to be the best for tomato cultivation in Dehradun (Uttarakhand) region of India.

Effects of land use on Soil Organic Carbon fractions in soils of Njala Landscape in Sierra Leone

Soil organic carbon fractions reflect the difference in soil organic carbon from one land use to another, and it can be regarded as an indication of the degree of soil organic carbon deterioration or improvement. Although knowledge of importance soil quality indicators is vital for replenishing and maintaining soil fertility, little information is available on the effect of different land use management on soil organic matter fractions in Sierra Leone. In the present study, the effects of different land use on the distribution of soil organic matter fractions in soils of the Njala series was assessed. The study revealed both positive and negative effect of land uses on Organic carbon fractions at the Matturie site showed an increase upon conversion of grassland to tree cropping except for carbon in the silt+clay fraction. The total organic carbon, light fraction carbon and particulate organic carbon fractions were significantly greater in the forest soil than in soils under grassland. The decline in the silt+clay fraction organic carbon was an indication that residue decomposition and organic matter addition are low in this area. At the Old Agronomy Site, where Acacia and Gliricidia fallows were converted to agriculture (groundnut), soil organic carbon (SOC) contents showed a decrease under annual cropping land use types. The conversion of Acacia and Gliricidia land use to groundnut cultivation resulted in loss of total organic carbon and all carbon fractions. The largest decline was in the light fraction carbon (16.46%)., followed by the particulate organic carbon (15.82%), total organic carbon (14.63%) and the silt+clay fraction (5.83%). The least decline occurring in the silt+clay fraction indicates that organic matter is better protected in silt+clay fraction. Similar changes in soil organic carbon fractions, as observed for the Old Agronomy site, were observed at the NATC site. The results showed that there are greater losses of particulate organic carbon (17.24%), light fractions (18%) and total organic carbon (16.21) than from the silt+clay fraction (7.34) when the land use is changed from secondary forest to arable cropping.

Application of High Pressure Homogenization to Improve Stability and Decrease Droplet Size in Emulsion-Flavor Systems

Ocampo-Salinas I. O., Tellez-Medina D. I., Jimenez-Martinez C., Davila-Ortiz G.

Flavor is a mixture of organic compounds and is a quality parameter for food acceptability. During processing and storage, the concentration of flavor in foods could be diminished because of its volatility, causing a decrease in its intensity and food quality. Emulsions can mitigate flavor release upon food consumption; however, emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are prone to develop particle size growth that contribute to instability; because of that, given their high physical stability, there is a deep interest in nanoemulsions to incorporate flavors in foods and beverages. Using different valves systems such as radial diffusers, counter jet dispersers and orifice valves, it is possible to apply high pressures for homogenization of flavor emulsion systems in order to reduce droplet size and to improve stability. This review compiles and analyzes works related to the application of each homogenization system mentioned above in terms of the physicochemical and engineering principles implicated.

The Soil concept for Indigenous Teachers from Acre State, Brazilian Amazon Region

Imbernon R.A.L., Vasconcelos C.

In Brazil, indigenous education has not historically prioritised the preservation of indigenous culture. From the 1990s onwards, however, the presence of indigenous teachers in the Amazon region led to a definition of indigenous education policies that value the culture of the people. The formation of indigenous teachers in Brazilian universities involves non-indigenous professionals, and to this end, appropriate methodologies (ethno-methodologies) should be developed. Action-research as a methodological approach allows flexibilization of educational content and was applied to indigenous teacher training courses at Indigenous Teachers Training Course-CFDI, in the Federal University of Acre-UFAC, in the state of Acre, Brazil. This methodological approach addressed the concept of soil, building on the daily village life of each student. As such, previous knowledge, both individually and collectively held, assisted the acquisition of new knowledge. In classes, the indigenous students indicated that the soil serves two basic functions in their daily lives, depending on its mineralogical characteristics: agriculture (sandy soils) or ceramics and construction (clay soils).The approach in intercultural education situations from action research, allows teachers not expert ethno methodologies develop content from the experience of the students.

Knowledge level of the Farmers on SRI Method of Paddy Cultivation

Channamallikarjuna D., Syed Sadaqath

The present study was conducted in Dharwad district of Karnataka, where in some parts are coming under paddy growing area and also as it comprises more rainfall with a maximum area under paddy cultivation. Fifteen SRI method paddy crop growers from each village were randomly selected to constitute the total sample size of 150. Structured interview schedule was used to collect the information through personal interview. Data was analyzed by using suitable statistical tools. The major findings of the study revealed that Paddy growers had medium (41.33%) knowledge level where as minimum of 30.67 and the least of 28.00 per cent of respondents had high and low knowledge level, respectively.

Preliminary Study on spiders of Gulbarga, Karnataka State

Ashwini Deshpande, Ravindra Paul

Gulbarga, a prominent town of northern Karnataka State (760-04' to 770-42' longitude and 160-12' to 170-46' latitude), it is located in the Deccan Plateau with an altitude of 454 above MSL. An attempt is hereby made to explore the spider fauna of this region. Spiders belonging to 10 different families have been recorded. These spiders belong to the families Araneidae, Lycosidae, Salticidae, Oxyopidae; theyalso are found to occur in sizable numbers.

Comparative Studies on the Butterfly Diversity and Species Richness in Selected Agricultural Fields in Tamil Nadu

Radha R*, Susheela P , Subhashini K

Butterflies are valued components of grassland ecosystems both for their aesthetic nature and they provide as pollinators of the ecosystem services. Loss and fragmentation of native habitats, along with other disturbances associated with intensive agriculture can have dramatic effects on butterfly communities. The close link between butterflies and their natural environment make them good candidates for use as ecological indicators. Hence an attempt has been made to study the diversity and pollination tendencies of butterflies between organic crop fields and pesticide sprayed crop fields. The research was set out to establish whether organic and conventional farming systems support different levels of pest and non-pest butterflies. In the present study maximum insect abundance and total number of individuals were recorded in organic fields. The study also proved that organic farming practices can help in the population build-up of natural enemies and pollinators. However there was remarkable difference in Shannon index and Simpson index of diversity between organic and chemical fields. Phytophagous insect populations were very low in number in organic farms. Hence organic farming practices may encourage natural enemies’ diversity and may not be favourable for pests.

Cholesterol Metabolism and Its Regulation by Functional Foods

Currently, obesity is considered an epidemic due to the disruptions it causes to health, highlighting the incensement in cardiovascular diseases associated with cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) high concentrations. However, cholesterol is also involved in various metabolic and structural functions vital to human biology. This homeostasis can be modified by external factors such as medications or by internal factors such as diseases or metabolic changes generated by the type of diet at which each person is exposed.In this sense, the research points to the knowledge of functional foods, which provide beneficial health effects and prevent the risk of disease. It has been reported that hypocholesterolemic type bioactive peptides obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of various seeds such as soybeans, rice and sunflower. A similar effect is observed with unsaturated fatty acids, which have antithrombotic and antiarrhythmic effects, prevent atherosclerosis, contribute to decrease blood pressure and reduce the concentration of triglycerides, total cholesterol and lipoproteins of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) in plasma. Therefore, these compounds incorporated in foods are considered functional, since its bioactive potential could be used to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Standardization of Process for Custard Apple Milk Shake

P. H.Bakane, M.M.Khakare, M.H.Gajabe, M.B.Khedkar

The present investigation was undertaken to optimize the proportion of custard apple pulp and milk in the custard apple milk shake and to evaluate physicochemical, microbiological and sensory attributes of prepared custard apple milk shake.Fully ripened custard apple fruit of Balanagar variety was obtained from farmer’s field and used for preparation of milk shake. The pulp of custard apple fruits was extracted by PDKV de-seeding machine. The pulp separated by machine were packed in LDPE bags with 0.1 percent Potassium metabisulphide (KMS) and stored in deep freeze at -20°C temperatures. This stored pulp was used for preparation of milk shake. Custard apple milk shake was prepared from different proportion of milk and custard apple pulp i.e., 100:0, 90:10, 80:20 ,75:25, 70:30, 65:35, 60:40. Colour, pH, titrable acidity, TSS, water activity, total sugar, viscosity and microbial load of prepared custard apple milk shake were determined by following standard methods. The sensory evaluation of custard apple milk was carried out by 9 point Hedonic scale.The TSS of custard apple milk shake was found to be increased from 17.4 to 24.20° Brix with increase in custard apple pulp from 0 to 40% in the milk shake. Similarly acidity, total sugar and viscosity were also found to be increased with increase in percentage of custard apple pulp. Whereas pH of custard apple milk shake was found to be decreased with increase in percentage of custard apple pulp in prepared milk shake. Bacterial load of custard apple milk shake was found to be in the range of 1.5 x 103 to 11.5x 103cfu/g. The fungal count in the sample was in the ranged of 1.5x 103 to 8.0 x 103cfu/g. The study concluded that blending of custard apple pulp (35%) with cow milk (65 %) resulted in most acceptable milk shake and rank between like very much to like extremely.

Limited impact of climate change on seed maturation time in Myrica esculenta Buch-Ham. Ex. D.Don in Himalayan region

Shruti Shah, Ashish Tewari

Climate influences plant recruitment at a global scale. Asynchronized reproduction with climatic factors may lead to failure of regeneration. The object of the present study was to monitor flowering and fruiting phenology in one important under canopy forest species Myrica esculenta, Buch-Ham. Ex. D.Don of the Himalayan region. The study was undertaken at two times across a decade on similar sites 2004 and 2013. Variation in time of fruiting and flowering was insignificant between 2004 and 2013. In Yr 2004 across all the dates the fruits and seeds were bigger in size in compared to Yr 2013 but there was no significant difference in fruit size, weight of 100 fruits and number of fruits per 100g. However, seed size (P

The Carbon sink Decreasing in the Eastern Ghatsâ€™s of Andhra Pradesh in India

Ravi Gedela

The carbon sink in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh (India) showed decreasing order through the process of deforestation during 2004-2014 and outlook in the coming 2005-2025 years ≈ -6.896x1025µmol m-2s-1 and -5.648x1025 µmol m-2s-1 respectively ( i.e. lesser amount of photosynthesis reactions are taking place). The carbon sinks are immensely increasing in the process of afforestation during 2004-2014 and upcoming 2005-2025 years, showed an analysis ≈ 4.743x1025µmol m-2s-1 and ≈ 5.217x1025µmol m-2 s-1 respectively (more amount of photosynthesis reaction is taking place). The decreasing and increasing carbon sink phenomenon (combine effect of negative change: deforestation, forest firing, mining and positive change: Afforestation), through the process of deforestation and afforestation during 2004-2014 and viewpoint until 2025 years, showed an analysis of respective values ≈ -2.435 x 1025µmol m-2s-1 and ≈ -4.696x1025 µmol m-2 s-1 . The Carbon sinks are in neutral condition during 2004-2014 and forthcoming 2025 years either deforestation or Aforestation, showed an analysis of value ≈ 4.269x1025 µmol m-2s-1 remains constant. Forest is the key principle machinery for the synthesis of Carbohydrates [(CH2O)n] in the presence of CO2 , H2O and sunlight and photosynthesis. The human activities which are affecting majorly to the Carbon sink in Eastern Ghat’s of Andhra Pradesh in India, especially shifting of tribal’s cultivation and forest firing leads to catastrophic effects.

Human Resource Development for Agricultural Sector in India

Mr. M. Manikandan, S. Sheik Abdullah

The paper describes a system dynamics model developed for dynamic analysis of human resource development for the agricultural sector in different sources of employment, viz., government, private (including corporate), academic, financial institutes, non-governmental organizations, self employment, and others in India. Besides projecting an overall scenario for continuation of current agricultural education policy and trends, the paper analyses simulated results from the model for the current curriculum with 80:20 proportion of technical to soft skills. The analysis shows that in the coming years the private sector will emerge as a major employer for the graduates of agriculture and allied sciences.

Assessing the performance of Jaggery market in Andhra Pradesh state, India

I.V.Y.Rama Rao, K. Sriram

Jaggery manufacturing is an important cottage industry in sugarcane growing regions of Andhra Pradesh state, situated in southern part of India. It is worth nearly 2 billions providing employment to nearly 300 thousand people. The jaggery manufacturers are mostly small and marginal relying on quick returns from jaggery. Present study taken-up with objectives; to calculate the growth of both physical and financial indicators regulated market, to estimate the growth and instability in sugarcane production and to identify the trends in market prices and arrivals of jaggery. The time series data relating to the monthly arrivals and prices prevailed for the cane jaggery, annual turnover; physical and financial aspects of regulated market was obtained from the annual administrative reports of APMC’s (Agricultural Produce Market Committee), Anakapalle, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The area, production and productivity of the sugarcane were collected from Hand book of statistics, compiled and edited by Chief Planning Officer, Visakhapatnam. Andhra Pradesh. Analytical tools like Compound Growth Rate (CGR) and Coefficient of Variation (C.V) were employed to draw the meaningful conclusions from raw data. Results reveal that Total Turn-Over is more volatile than the total quantity handled. Total Turn-over was more influenced by the price. The physical performance of Agricultural Market Committee (AMC) is good, but coming to financial aspects; it is positive and highly volatile. Positive trend was noticed in prices and arrivals of jaggery in AMC.

Study of Genetic Parameters in F5 Families of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

One hundred and fourteen F5 families of rice belonging to six crosses along with seven parents were evaluated during kharif, 2015 at Andhra Pradesh Rice Research Institute and Regional Agricultural Research Station, Maruteru to study variability, heritability, genetic advance as per cent of mean and nature and direction of association among themselves and with grain yield. Data was recorded on ten characters which showed significant differences among themselves. High PCV and GCV were observed for grain yield per plant and test weight. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for number of grains per panicle, grain yield per plant and test weight indicating the presence of additive gene action in governing the inheritance of these traits. Hence, direct phenotypic selection is useful with respect to these traits.

Effect of organic soil amendments and plant extracts against chilli fruit borer H.armigera at Karchal Village of Medak (District) Telangana State

Md. Riyaz Khan, Maruthi Ram

Investigations on the effect of organic soil amendments and plant extracts on the activity of pests of chilli fruit borer H.armigera carried out during 2012-213 and 2013-2014 kharif seasons at the Karchal village of Medak District, Telangana state. The experiment was laid out in RBD ( Randomized Block Design). Among the organic soil amendments and plant extracts tested against chilli pests, the most effective treatment was T8. In this, the Combined application of Vermicompost @1250 kg/ha + Neemcake @250 kg/ha at the time of transplanting and 50 DAT (Days After Transplanting). With the combined application sprays of Nimbecidine 5ml/l at 2, 7 WAT (Weeks After Transplanting) and NSKE 5% at 5, 11 WAT, was found to be the most effective treatment against fruit borer H.armigera.

Effect of hexavalent chromium on germination and morphological changes of Gomphrena globosa ,(L)

K.Karthik, P.S.Sharavanan

The global wide industrialization has induced different heavy metal pollution and dramatic changes in the biological, chemical and physical environment. The importance of phytoremediation processes considered to clean the metal contaminated and polluted ecosystems. The present study was under taken to determine the effects Cr6+ on germination and morphological changes of Gomphrena globosa ,(L) through phytoremediation technology under different concentration of VAM(Control (without VAM treatment), 5g, 10g, 15g, 20g and 25g VAM / kg of soil) treatments. The present study was concludes that Gomphrena globosa ,(L) could grow under hexavalent chromium polluted soil of Vellore district and applied different concentrations of VAM treatment (Arbuscular mycorrhiza) such as, Control (without VAM treatment), 5g, 10g, 15g, 20g and 25g VAM / kg of soil increase the plant growth and development except control plant(without VAM treatment) and reclaimed the Cr [VI] infected soil through phytoremediation method with treatment of VAM.

Expression of Some Molybdoenzyme Genes under Salt Stress Conditions in Chickpea, Bean and Lentil Plants

Bouzid Salha, Rahmoune Chaabane

The objective of this work is to isolate mARC, XDH1, AAO3, NIA1, SO and ABA3/LOS5 genes in three legume species submitted to salt stress with molybdenum and nitrogen, the growth conditions (T1: control, T2: both molybdenum and nitrogen added, T3: sodium chloride were added, T4: molybdenum, nitrogen and sodium chloride were added), we found these gene sequences in Phaseolus vulgaris and Cicer arietinum in NCBI but not forLens culinaris, so we tried to isolate them using bean and chickpea primers by reverse transcriptase PCR. In chickpea, aldehyde oxidase and xanthine dehydrogenase genes expression is enhanced by molybdenum and nitrogen. Nitrate reductase gene expression is affected by salinity. Sulfite oxidase and xanthine dehydrogenase are activated under salt stress in bean, which suggests that SO and XDH protein have a role in bean adaptation to salt stress. mARC gene expression is stimulated by presence of molybdenum and nitrogen, mARC2 bean protein and mARC chickpea protein may have a role in salt stress adaptation mechanism.

Risk Mitigation for Removal of Pesticide Residues in Curry Leaf for Food Safety

Swarupa S, Shashi Vemuri, V.Venkateswar Reddy, K.Kavitha

The increased consumer awareness and legal issues on food safety, with special reference to insecticide residues in foods, led us to attempt for cheap and effective methods for removal of pesticide residues to address the issues of consumer and food safety, as the farmers are not following the Good Agricultural Practices i.e pre-harvest intervals. The most commonly used pesticides such as dimethoate, quinalphos, acephate, imidacloprid and bifenthrin were sprayed at recommended doses at vegetative stage, samples were collected at 2 hours after treatment to quantify the deposits. The samples were subjected to various household treatments each in three replications, and analysed for residues using validated QuEChERS method, so as to estimate the % removal and their effectiveness. Out of all treatments, respectively, and is the best household method for removal of pesticide residues, and also the method is effective in reducing the residues below MRL (Maximum Residue Limits).

Effect of Nitrogen on Agronomic Yield, Spad Units and Nitrate Content in Roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffal.) in Dry Weather

This study was conducted in polyethylene bags of 4 kg capacity with plants of Jamaica from seeds collected from an accession on the coast of Oaxaca, which were planted under the ecological conditions of Teotitlán de Flores Magón, and evaluated under completely randomized design, where treatments were four levels of nitrogen: 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1 and four repetitions (4x4) = 16 experimental units. The variables evaluated were: both agronomic yields: chalice and seed, harvest index, SPAD units and nitrate content in leaf. The results indicate that higher yields ofseed and chalice, biomass, nitrate content in leaf and SPAD units were achieved with the application of 100 kg ha-1 of nitrogen with 50.39, 196.80, 620.4 g plant-1, 85.00 mg kg-1 and 29.10 units, respectively. The content of nitrates and its relationship with SPAD units, adjusted to an increasing linear model for the four levels of nitrogen studied. From this study it can be concluded that the application of 100 kg N ha-1, positively affect the culture of Jamaica under dry weather conditions way.

Biogas Production from Co-Digestion of Poultry Manure and Orange Peel through Thermo-Chemical Pre-Treatments in Batch Fermentation

Misgana Lami

The increasing demand for the treatment of organic wastes from municipalities, faming and industrial activities is a great opportunity to convert organic wastes into energy in a form of biogas. With the aim of producing biogas from co- digestion of Poultry Manure (PM) and Orange Peel (OP) a series of experiments were carried out for 21 consecutive days. Five different proportions of PM and OP (100%PM, 75%MP+25%OP, 50%PM+50%OP, 25%PM+75%OP, 100%OP) were used to obtain the suitable mix ratio (which gives maximum biogas production). Having determined the optimum mix ratio, chemical pre-treatment with CaO (0.5 g, 1.5 g and 2.5 g) and temperature pre-treatment at 60 and 80 oC were applied to compare the results with those obtained with non-pre-treated waste. Cumulative biogas production obtained from 75%PM+25%OP was 768ml, whereas 218.33ml was measured from 100%OP. Increasing the proportion of OP above 25% decreased the amount of gas production, volatile solids (VS) and total solids (TS) reduction. This indicated that addition of PM to mix ratios improves biogas production.Thus 75%PM+25%OPmix was found to be the optimum mix ratio which resulted in high biogas yield. In thermal pre-treatments, maximum cumulative gas production was measured at 80 ºC pre-treated substrate. It exceeded by 11.7% and 6.6% over the control and the 60 ºC pre-treated sample respectively. In case of chemical pre-treatments, the highest cumulative biogas yield was obtained from a substrate treated by 2.5g CaO which exceed by 139, 250 and 356 over 1.5g CaO, 0.5g CaO and control, respectively. Overall the results indicated that the biogas yield and VS and TS reduction of the 75%PM+25%OPmix ratio can be enhanced with the use of thermal and chemical pre-treatments prior to anaerobic digestion.

Allocative Efficiency of Smallholder Cocoyam Farmers in South-South, Nigeria

Wilcox G. I., Ugwumba C. O. A., Achike A. I., Agbagwaa C., Uche F.B.

The study examined the levels of allocative efficiency, socio-economic determinants of allocative efficiency and constraints to cocoyam production among smallholder farmers in South-South Nigeria. Multistage, purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select 200 cocoyam (100- Colocasia and 100- Xanthosoma spp.) farmers for the study. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire administered by personal interview. Descriptive and Parametric statistics involving Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier cost function was used for data analyses using the maximum likelihood method. Results of the analyses indicated that majority (69%) of the farmers were females; 78% attained some level of formal education and 45% operated between 0.1-0.6 hactares of land. The Colocasia and Xanthosoma spp. farmers showed varying levels of allocative efficiency with no farmer attaining 100%allocative efficiency level. The mean, minimum and maximum efficiency levels for the two varieties were; 0.56, 0.31 and 0.86 and then 0.42, 0.22 and 0.82 respectively. The maximum likelihood estimates for the cost factors were positive and statistically significant for both varieties of cocoyam while the significant gamma (γ) values of 0.63 and 0.51 establishes the fact that inefficiency exists among the sampled farmers. The determinants of allocative efficiency were farming experience, age and household size. Allocative efficiency can be improved for cocoyam (Colocasia and Xanthosoma spp.) through cost savings of 39.5% and 73.4% for the efficient and inefficient farmers. The major constraints to cocoyam production in the area were scarcity of improved high yielding corms, lack of capital, high cost of labour, high cost of transportation, lack of storage facilities, diseases and pests. It is therefore recommended that farmers should cut down on some of the cost incurring variables like labour and corms for planting through optimizing the use of family labour and growing the corms needed for future planting season. Again, since the ages of cocoyam farmers and farming experience were very significant in the production of cocoyam, it is recommended that the extension agents organize seminars in the Local Government Areas and State levels were young and upcoming entrepreneurs can be trained and educated by the older farmers in order to exhibit higher levels of entrepreneurial capabilities and efficiency leading to higher farm output.

Efficacy of Hormonal (PGF and eCG) Treatment on the Reproductive Performance of Muturu Cows Crossed with White Fulani Semen under Natural Grazing Condition: A Research Work

Nwakpu P.E., Obianwuna U., Olorunleke S., Uchewa, E.N.

An experiment was conducted at Abakaliki in Ebonyi State during the period of dry season(less rainfall) and onset of rainy season between the months of (February-May) at three locations. Two locations were for the control while the other was used for the synchronized. A total of 100 breeding cows of muturu cattle breed were used for the study. A multi-stage selection process was used on the basis of previous calving history. All animals selected were subjected to scanning with drumniski i-scan ultrasound scanner to ascertain pregnant and non-pregnant cows. All non-pregnant cows were further scanned to ascertain their ovaries for growing follicles hence forming our basis for cyclicity.100 breeding animals selected were randomly allocated to two groups of 50 animals each for the control and the synchronized. All animals in each group were managed on semi- intensive production system where the cows have access to pasture and water. The Fixed Time Artificial Insemination(FTAI) protocol was initiated on random days of the estrous cycle of the animal designated as day 0,7 and 10 respectively. The cows each received CIDR(controlled internal drug releasing device). On day 7, the CIDR was removed and 1ml of PGF analogue(cloprostenol) and 2ml of eCG was administered intramuscularly to each animal. The Kmacs and vasectomised bulls introduced into the herd helped in estrous detection. On day 10, second dose of GnRH was administered intramuscularly to each animal in the morning and 12hours later, all animals were inseminated using semen from NAPRI crossbred white Fulani bull. Results indicated that, 46 animals out of 50 retained their CIDR in the period of 7 days. 92% of the animals showed vaginal discharge at CIDR removal. The on-set of estrous was 31hrs after eCG and PGF administration and lasted for 54hrs. It took the animals a shorter period of time (32hrs) to come on heat after treatment. There was increase in the follicular size at each treatment(Day 0, Day 7 and Day 10) respectively. The animals had 100% ovulation rate and 46% had multiple ovulation which could be attributed to the effect of eCG on the follicles. The hormonal treatment increased the follicular size and as well induced the growth and development of pre-ovulatory follicles for ovulation unlike in the natural state where we had only 64% ovulation rate.

Effect of Raoiella Indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) Infestation on Chlorophyll and Photosynthetic Efficiency of Areca Catechue

P. Prabheena, N. Ramani

Areca catechu L. is one of the most important plantation crop cultivated in Kerala. Recent reports indicate that phytophagous mites could infest the foliage and nuts of areca palm and induce substantial damage, leading to various levels of economic loss. Among the mites, Raoiella indica Hirst, popularly called Red Palm Mite (RPM) has been recognized as a serious pest of areca palm in various localities of India. Various life stages of this mite were found colonizing and feeding on the lower surface of palm leaves, by de-sapping and which in turn would lead to the formation of yellowish speckles and bronzing in later stages and the ultimate drying up of the leaves. Photosynthesis, being a vital process determining the plant vigour and productivity should be addressed with great concern. In the present study, attention has been focused to analyse the feeding impact of the red palm mite, on the photosynthetic machinery of areca palms through the quantitative estimation of chlorophyll ‘a’, ‘b’, ‘total chlorophyll’ pigments and also ‘photosynthetic efficiency’ of mite infested and uninfested leaves. Results of the study revealed that the feeding activity of the mite on the leaves of A.catechu induced drastic reduction in the levels of chlorophyll ‘a’, ‘b’, ‘total chlorophyll’ and ‘photosynthetic efficiency’. The percentage loss in chl ‘a’, chl ‘b’ and ‘total chlorophyll’ were 62.21±0.63, 57.67±0.73 and 59.884±0.375 respectively in RPM infested Areca leaves. RPM infestation varied significantly in photosynthetic parameters such as minimum fluorescence (F0), maximum fluorescence ( Fm), variable fluorescence (Fv), quantum yield of photosynthesis (Fv/Fm), performance index (PI) and the Area which has a negatively impact on photosynthetic efficiency of areca palms. These data obtained from chlorophyll analysis and photosynthetic efficiency were found significant at 0.05level, up on statistical analysis using t-test, thereby establishing the pest status of RPM on A. catcheu.

Climate Variability Concerns for the Future of Coffee in India : An Exploratory Study

Chengappa P.G., Devika C.M.

This paper draws attention to the growing concern of climate variability affecting coffee production in India dominated by small holders. Climate related studies across coffee producing areas around the world have encapsulated the significant impacts on coffee physiology and thereupon production and yield. Specifically, choosing Kodagu district, the largest coffee growing district in India as the study area, the climate variability is assessed by analysing recorded climatic data over the last 33 years. The results revealed a marginal decrease in total rainfall and high monthly variability, rising temperatures and declining relative humidity levels that is likely to impact coffee production given the decreasing yields in the region witnessed at the macro as well as micro level. We concluded the paper by identifying adaptation and mitigation potential measures from existing and altered management practices by the coffee growers, government initiatives and alternate incomes based on interviews with coffee growers.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Dr.Ratan Lal Solanki, Smt Deepa Indoriya

The basic concept underlying the principles of integrated nutrient management (INM) is the maintenance and improvement of soil fertility for sustaining crop productivity (both quantity and quality wise). The study was carried out during Kharif season of 2013-14 and 2014-15 in two villages across two blocks (Nibaheda and Gangrar) of Chittorgarh district of Rajasthan. In all 30 integrated nutrient management front line demonstrations on maize crop were carried out in an area of 6.0 ha with the active participation of farmers with the objective to demonstrate the latest technology of maize production potential, technological and extension gap, technology index and economic benefit of improved technologies consisting suitable maize varieties Bio 9681 and Prable integrated nutrient management (90:30:30:25 NPK & ZnSO4 kg ha-1 + Azotobacter + PSB @ 20gkg-1 seed) + seed treatment with Trichoderma viride @ 5gkg-1 seed) at Nibaheda and Gangrar blocks of Chittorgarh district during 2013-14 and 2014-15. The results revealed that INM FLD recorded higher yield as compared to farmers’ practices over the years of study. The improved technologies recorded average yield of 43.71 q ha-1 which was 24.20 per cent higher than that obtained with farmer’s practices of 35.18 q ha-1. In spite of increase in yield of maize, technological gap, extension gap and technology index existed which was 6.29, 8.53 q ha-1 and 12.58 per cent, respectively. The extension gap can be bridged by popularizing package of practices where in stress need to be laid on improved variety, use of proper seed rate, balanced nutrient application and proper plant protection measures. Improved technologies gave higher net return of Rs. 31221 ha-1 with benefit cost ratio 2.47 as compared to local check (Rs. 22886 ha-1, benefit cost ratio 2.19).

A Parade on Molecular Control of Flowering

Darshan. S., Hemanth, Priya. R.U.

Flower is a reproductive part of plant which contains complex array of functionally specialized structures.Photoperiodism, or the ability of an organism to detect day length, makes it possible for an event to occur at a particular time of year, thus allowing for a seasonal response. Circadian rhythms and photoperiodism have the common property of responding to cycles of light and darkness. Plant physiologists believed that the correlation between long days and flowering was a consequence of the accumulation of photosynthetic products synthesized during long days. Vernalization causes stable changes in the pattern of gene expression in the meristem, gene expression that are still stable even after vernalization is removed. The organ identity genes initially were identified through mutations that dramatically alter the structure and thus the identity of the floral organs produced in two adjacent whorls. The patterns of organ formation in the wild type and most of the mutant phenotypes are predicted and explained by ABC model of flower development. the transition to flowering involves a complex system of interacting factors that include among carbohydrates, gibberellins, cytokinins, bromeliads and ethylene.

Fish Waste Bio-Refinery Products: Its application in Organic Farming

B. B. Sahu, N. K. Barik, A. Paikaray, A. Agnibesh, S. Mohapatra, P. Jayasankar

Fish waste biomasses are locally available resources which contain nutrients. Fermentation of the biomass produces slurries used for plankton production and plant/agri-nutri use. Bio-refinery of fish waste material can be converted into value added biological products such as biofuels, industrial chemicals, animal and fish feed, human food, neutraceuticals and organic fertilizer, etc. Fish processing waste could be regarded as a promising renewable biomass resource for bio-refineries. Hydrolysis of fish waste is aimed primarily at industrial applications of the process. Low cost and simplicity of operation by reducing the cost of material, energy consumption and labour, but maintaining high productivity are some of the important attributes at the industrial application process. Fish hydrolysate generally shows a beneficial effect on growth performances and feed utilization at low inclusion levels. The performance is postulated to be due to the balance of free amino acids, peptides and proteins in digestion, absorption and utilization.

Study of Effect of Sugar Mill Effluent on Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Varieties

Kamlesh, M. K. Kidwai

The present study has been carried out to assess the water quality parameters of sugar mill effluent and their effect on plant growth and biochemical constituents of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) varieties (Kasuri) and (Pusa Bold). The physico-chemical parameters included colour, odour, pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), total solids (TS), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total hardness (TH), total alkalinity (TA) and chloride (Cl-). In the pot culture experiment, fenugreek plants were grown up to 21 days, in the soil irrigated with different concentration of sugar mill effluent like viz. (control, 0.5%, 1.0%, 5.0% and 10.0%) to investigate their effect on plant growth parameters such as germination percentage, seedling vigour, plant length, fresh weight and dry weight and pigments such as chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid. The higher sugar mill effluent dilutions (above 5%) were found to affect initial growth parameters and decreased biochemical contents, but at lower dilutions (up to 5%) favoured initial plant growth of both the plant varieties.

A Study the effect of Biofertilizer Azotobacter Chroococcum on the Growth of Mulberry Cropmorus Indica L. and the Yield of Bombyx Mori L

Moorthi M., Senthilkumar A., Thangaraj A.

The present study was carried out on the effect of biofertilizer Azotobacter chroococcumon the growth of mulberry plantMorusindica L. and larvalweight, cocoon weight, shell weight, shell ratio and effective rate of rearing (ERR) and length of silk filament of the Bombyxmori. Based on growth of mulberry plant, larval weight and the effect of Azotobacter biofertilizer on length of silk filament was more in treated and which was found to be statistically significant at P

New Record of Western Flower Thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in South India

A necrosis disease of chrysanthemum caused by Tomato spotted wilt virus was reported in recent years in Tamil Nadu, a southern state of India. Whether Frankliniella occidentalis, the vector of TSWV is associated with the disease was looked into by analyzing thrips populations in these regions for morphometric and mtCOI gene sequences. The morphological key characters of the thrips populations studied fitted very well with the description given for F. occidentalis. A PCR amplified 358 bp fragment of mtCOI gene was analyzed for 24 individual thrips from 12 locations of Tamil Nadu. The consensus sequences revealed 92-100 % identity in the selected fragment with the F. occidentalis sequences in the database. Of the eight populations analyzed, two of them revealed 100 % identity with many sequences of F. occidentalis. However, one of the populations, FOTN6 was very distinct and exhibited only 92 % identity with all the F. occidentalis sequences compared. Totally there were 48 polymorphic sites out of 358 nucleotides compared, of which more than 65 % resulted in changes in the amino acids. The confirmation of presence of F. occidentalis in India is of paramount importance considering its role as active vector of tospoviruses present in the important ornamental high valued crops.

A Review on Soil Irrigation Effect of Sugar Mill Effluent on Seed Germination

Kamlesh

With the onset of rapid industrialization various environment related issues are there due to the degradation in quality of the various components of environment. Water pollution is one of them as most of the Indian rivers and fresh water streams are seriously polluted by industrial effluents which come along waste waters of different industries such as fertilizer, pulp and paper, textile, sugar mills, tanneries, distilleries, etc. The sugar industry, apart from being an important contributor to the economy of India, is also a major source of organic and inorganic wastes in water bodies. The sugar mill effluents are having high amount of suspended solids, dissolved solids, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, calcium, magnesium, chloride, nitrate and sulphate. Use of sugar mill effluents for agricultural purposes is a highly warranted utility of water pollutants proposition. The continuous use of such type of effluents harmfully affects the crops when used for irrigation. In the present study, the soil irrigation effect of effluents from sugar mills on seed germination are reviewed hereunder.

In vitro regeneration and conservation of Indigo (Indigofera tinctoria L.) by slow growth induction

Nair D.S., Reghunath B.R., Soni K.B., Alex S

An efficient protocol for rapid in vitro clonal propagation has been established. Shoot proliferation was obtained from nodal explants in Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L-1BA and 0.1 mg L-1 IAA. The shoots were subsequently subcultured every four weeks. The shoots were then rooted in vitro in MS medium supplemented with varying concentrations of auxins. The most efficient rooting was observed in MS supplemented with 1.5 mg L-1 IAA. The effective acclimatization (91.67 per cent) was obtained in sterilized sand. Slow growth was induced with varying concentration of mannitol (5 g L-1 to 30 g L-1). Maximum slow growth induction with 100 per cent regeneration was recorded in mannitol (10 g L-1) supplemented medium. After 28 weeks in slow growth medium, cultures when transferred to shoot proliferation medium gave 100 per cent regeneration. The regenerants from slow growth induction were found to be genetically stable.

Urban Agriculture, Waste Management and Food Security, Nepal

BibekDhital, Anusha Sharma, Santosh Adhikari

Urban population is growing rapidly in Nepal and similarly fallowing of land is increasing in villages. This decreases the total production and increases import of food products. In order to be self-sufficient on vegetable needs of the country, urban agriculture plays an important role. Along with food security, urban agriculture will aid in waste management, human resource utilization, health hygiene and economic growth of urban community. To find out the present situation of urban agriculture in Nepal, a case study was done in Pokhara and Dhulikhel municipality.This study will help in understanding benefits and reasons to enroll in urban agriculture. From this study, area of 150m2 was found sufficient to fulfill the vegetable demand of the urban family with 4/5 siblings which will save Rs6000-8000 /year/100sqm.

Toxic Impact of Nuvan (DDVP) on Tissues of Common Carp Channa punctatus (Bloch.)

Suneel Kumar

Nuvan (DDVP) is a member of organophosphorus compounds. It is extremely toxic to insects and is widely used as insecticides. Nuvan has been taken for the acute toxicity to a fresh water fish Channa punctatus LC50 value calculated for the acute toxicity, which were 0.024 ml/L. Histopathological study of kidney and liver after 24hr, 48hr, 72hr and 96hr exposure to acute toxicity of Nuvan. Treatment with nuvan resulted in hypertrophy of hepatic cells, nacrosis and connective tissue damage in liver. Kidney showed shrinkage in glomerular network and desquamation of tubular cells. The aim of this study is to show the alteration in histopathological changes in liver and kidney and get the real picture of toxicological effect of organophosphate pesticide Nuvan, and correlated to know about the adverse consequence of environmental toxicant on human health. The study is very important from histopathological point of view.

Influence of Postharvest Treatment of Oxalic Acid on Shelf Life and Quality of Litchi Fruit cv. Muzaffarpur

S. Poudel, A.K. Shrestha, K. Mishra, T.P. Gotame, R. Regmi

A lab experiment was conducted in central laboratory of AFU, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal, in first week of June in 2015 to assess the influence of acid on the pericarp browning and other keeping quality of litchi fruits after harvest. The experiment was carried out in Completely Randomized Design comprising five treatments; control, distilled water dipping for 5 minutes, oxalic acid @ 1%, oxalic acid @ 3% and oxalic acid @ 5% with four replications. The fruits treated with oxalic acid @ 5% retained more acceptable colour than those on other treatments. The cumulative physiological loss in weight (PLW) was minimum (9.15 %) with oxalic acid @ 5% treated fruits. Also, minimum spoilage loss of 13.9 % was found in the treatment oxalic acid @ 5% as compare to control. Thus, oxalic acid @ 5% was observed promising to improve the shelf life of litchi fruits after harvest so that fruits could be kept in better condition for about 10 days.

Climate Change and Agricultural Transformation in Shigar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan: A Commune-Scientific Perception

Shafeeqa Batool, Tika Khan, Rehmat Karim, Muhammad Zafar, Sultan Ahmed

Climatic change is no more a theoretical paradigm but a scientific fact now. Its men fed incubation period has over and symptoms are evident not only across highland glaciated areas like Shigar Valley, Baltistan and rest of the world but also downstream areas. Communities living in Shigar Valley are agro-pastoral and depend on snow and glacier meld water for agriculture and other domestic uses. Their principal agriculture produce consists upon wheat, buck wheat and barley. Study revealed that over the last thirty years, inhabitants have gone through a transition towards new adaptation approaches caused by climate change in the valley. With a decline and decrease in glacial mass and agricultural produce local inhabitants seek more employments and off-farm activities rather than spending their time on fields. Temperature has increased and experienced throughout the year has winter has become short and mild followed by warmer prolonged summer experiencing 40°C+ hotness which previous generations has never experienced in their life time. A marking shift of 7-15 days of flowering time is visible. Rainfall has highly increased in its intensity during spring followed by winter. Snowfall has a marking shift from little fall in winter towards heavy fall in spring followed by an increase in monsoon flooding, floral diseases and fuel consumption. Vegetation cover has declined more near village as compared to pastures. Crop sowing, harvesting and snow melt periods have prolonged. Avian, mammalian and herpeto fauna have declined in terms of their species richness and population equally. A change impacting rural livelihood and food insecurity is visible. In a prevailing situation innovative folk wisdom grounded mitigation and adaptation strategies are needed.

Climate and forest cover changes in district Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan: A Community Perspective

Rehana Batool, Tika Khan, Rehmat Karim, Sultan Ahmed

The country, Pakistan has only five percent (5%) land cover is under forest which is on decline rapidly. Most of the forest is in the northern areas but several factors are influencing negatively. Climate change phenomenon has expedited deforestation. With increase in population, pressure on forest in Baltistan has also increased while climate change factors are unfavorable for its regeneration. Present study was aimed at investigation into community perception on climate change and forest cover changes in district Skardu, Baltistan. Research revealed that forest cover has on decline (either highly decreasedor decreased) like vegetation cover which has also decreased, particularly near villages more as compared to pastures. Similarly, temperature has increased in winter and spring as compared to summer and autumn. Snowfall has decreased during spring more as compared to winters. Contrast to snowfall, rainfall has increased in spring followed by winter, autumn and summer. Glacier sizes are shrinking and monsoon floods have highly increased flowed by melt water increase in channels. Due to change in other climatic factors, crop sowing, fruiting and harvesting periods have prolonged and have a backward shifting trend. Diseases on the plants have increase but in contrast annual yield has increased. Overall indigenous biodiversity has decreased but new bird species have increased. We conclude that there is a visible but unfavorable change is underway forcing every corner of life to shift and adjust itself with new adaptation strategies. Agro pastoral communities in the area feel a threat to their livelihood options if these pathetic changes continue in the future as their reliance has increased on natural resources and ecosystem services for their survival. Climate change and forest decline are some physically verifiable factors and phenomenon and not a simple scientific theory in the lives of rural communities of Baltistan like rest of Gilgit-Baltistan. Government, non-government and civil society organizations need to consider diversification of livelihood options and impacting on adverse factors contributing into climate change undesirably in the area.

Role of PAL and PPO Enzyme Activity in Host Pathogen interaction of Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L) Root Tissue Infected with Fusarium Wilt

Rathod P. J,D.N Vakhariya

In this study, changes in the activities of Phenlylalanine ammonialyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) during development and stages of wilt (Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend.:Fr. f.sp. ciceri (Padwick) Matuo & K. Sato) disease infection in chickpea(Cicer arietinum L) were investigated. During the early stages of disease development, at pre-infectional stage (S1), cultivars did not show any significant change in PAL activity. The activity was significantly increased at infectional stage (S2) as compared with pre infectional stage (S1). Susceptible cultivars had the lower value of PAL at infectional stage (S2). However, at S2 stage cultivars GG-4 and JCP-27 were at par. At post infectional stage (S3), the activity was found to be increased in the all cultivars as compared to infectional or mid growth stage and the resistant and tolerant cultivars were at par. Susceptible cultivars (JG-62 and GG-4) had the lower activity as compared to the resistant and tolerant cultivars. The resistant cultivars WR-315 and JCP-27 revealed higher level of activity, the level of activity significantly increased marginally during infection. In the present experiment significantly higher activity in infected plants grown in sick plot also suggested that polyphenol oxidase might be involved in oxidation of phenolics in susceptible cultivar (JG-62). These observations suggest that the increase in PAL and PPO activities has an important role in disease resistance mechanism.

Application of Remote Sensing in Agriculture & Animal Husbandry, ICT Programmes in Livestock Development Problems & Prospect of ICT in Livestock Development

S. Senapati, A. Paikaray, B.C. Das, P. Swain

Remote sensing technology has rapidly expanded for the development of diffident sectors including agriculture and allied fields. The remote sensing techniques will continue to be very important factor in the improvement of present system of acquiring agricultural data. The remote sensing provides various platforms for agricultural and animal husbandry survey. The importance of remote sensing applications to agricultural and allied sectors involve land use pattern, crop production crop yield determination, livestock population, sex of animal, types of farm and distribution of animals. ICTs are emerging as an important tool for the development of societies and have driving forces in the economics world-wide. ICTs are no more confined to assist high –end research and development, the new technologies have made significant improvements in the life styles and the efficiency levels of agriculture and animal husbandry sectors of the economy.

Comparative Studies on Cephalosporin C biosynthesis by Aspergillus and Acremonium Species

Zill-e-Huma Bilal, Adeela Yousaf, Iffat Siddique, Arusa Aftab

Three species of Aspergillus (A. niger, A. flavus, A. nidulans) and two species of Acremonium (A. furcatum and A. kiliense) were tested for their potential to biosynthesis of cephalosporin-C (CPC) in batch mode of cultivation before and after mutagenesis. The effects of different ingredients of the medium on CPC yield were thoroughly investigated. Results manifested that sucrose 30 mg ml-1, DL methionine 3mg mL-1 and ammonium sulphate 7.5 mg mL-1 were most appropriate for maximum harvest of antibiotic. Mutants were achieved by exposing fungal cultures to 400 µg mL-1 of ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) for 1 hour.

Impact of Paper Mill Effluent on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) Varieties

Kamlesh

Diverse nature of agro-based industrial effluents from various industries are disposed off in to soil and water bodies, which has been causing major pollution problem. To economize the irrigation water industrial effluents are now a days commonly used for irrigation. The present study has been carried out to assess the impact of paper mill effluent on seed germination and seedling growth of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) varieties KS and Mehak. The pot culture experiment was conducted with the different concentrations like viz., 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% and 100% along with control (Tap water). Physico-chemical parameters included colour, pH, temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), total solids (TS), total dissolved solids (TDS), suspended solids (SS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total hardness (TH), total alkalinity (TA) and chloride (Cl-). The growth parameters such as germination percentage, seedling vigour, plant length, fresh and dry weight were measured at 14th DAS (days after sowing). The results indicate that at lower concentration there is a significant increase in the percentage of seed germination and other growth parameters but decreased with increase in effluent concentration.

Status of lymphatic filariasis in Afikpo North L.G.A., Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Dr. Ngele K. K.

The status of lymphatic filariasis in Afikpo North L.G.A., Ebonyi State, Nigeria was investigated among seven hundred and eighty one (781) subjects from thirty (30) villages, using the following Parasitological methods; the Wet Smear preparation, the Knott’s concentration Technique and the Immunochromatographic Card Test (ICT). From the study, the following prevalence rates of Wuchereria bancrofti were obtained, wet smear preparation (1.66%), the knott’s concentration technique (5.38%) and the ICT method (21.13%). Subjects within the age group 58-62 years had the highest prevalence of 43.48%, using the ICT method. Males were more infected 85(21.85%) than female 80(20.41%). There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of infection by gender using ICT cards (P>0.05) at 2 tailed difference of .780. With the Knott’s concentration technique, subjects within 58 – 62 years had the highest prevalence of 26.09%. Males were also more infected 24(6.16%) than females 18(4.59%). The prevalence of hydrocoele was found to be 8.23%. Hydrocoele was more frequent among older people of 53 years and above than the younger ones below the age of 27 years. The prevalence of lymphoedema was 8.88%. Males were more affected with prevalence rate of 5.55% than females (3.33%).

Trend Analysis of Annual and Seasonal Rainfall in Tawa command Area

Sourabh Nema, M.K Awasthi, R K Nema

The main objective of the study is to identify the trend in annual rainfall time series data as well as seasonal rainfall time series of four rainy months i.e. June, July, August and September during the period of 1971 to 2015. The annual & sessional trend of rainfall was determinedby non-parametric Mann-Kendall test. Also a non-parametric Sen’s Slope estimator was used for the determination of magnitude of trend. A functional relationship has been developed between variables using linear regression analysis in order to determine a linear trend of rainfall for the study area. The study concludes considering the result of all statistical test results, that the study area has shown variability in annual & sessional rainfall pattern due to climatic variations. Also the sessional trend analysis of rainfall has suggested that there is a trendvariationof rainfall in the rainymonths.

Genetics and Breeding for Drought Tolerance in Food Legumes

RajendraDarai, Professor BR Ojha, Dr. A. Sarker, RabendraSah

Food legumes are the wonderful crops and cheapest source of protein in the daily diets of urban and rural masses throughout the world. In these days, its production is almost motionless causing declining per capita availability and high cost of the food legumes made serious threats for food and nutritional security in Nepal. In addition to the inherent low yield potential of many food legumes, there are several diseases, insects and pests and drought. In cowpea drought resistance is reported to be controlled by a single dominant gene. The promising drought tolerant varieties of cowpea were IT98K-1399, IT98K-131-2, IT97K-568-19 and IT98K-452-1. Among the pigeonpea hybrids tested, ICPH 8 and ICPH9 were the most drought tolerant. Likely the line ICPL88039 showed greater drought tolerance. Drought tolerance lentil cultivars were ILL-7979, ILL-10960, ILL -10973, ILL-10897, ILL-10821, ILL-10826, and ILL-10835. In fact, drought tolerance on the whole plant basis makes it a complex trait and difficult to manipulate by plant breeders. There is an urgent need for exploration of the plant genetic resources with attributes related to drought resistance in different crop plants. Attention should be concentrated on better understanding of genetic basis of drought resistance through antisense RNA technique. National and International research institutes are being attempted to address the issues by developing extra early varieties combined with resistance to major diseases, insects-pests and tolerant to drought so that some of these legumes may fit in the existing niches in cereal based systems and perform well even in the drought-prone and marginal environments. This paper briefly reviews the challenges, progress and future strategies made in breeding for drought tolerance in major food legumes.

Cultural and morphological variations of Colletotrichum spp associated with anthracnose of various fruits in Cameroon

Keuete Kamdoum E., Tsopmbeng Noumbo G.R., Kuiate J.R.

The anthracnose of fruits due to Colletotrichum spp. is one of the principal fungal diseases which affects the production and marketing of fruits in Cameroon. Isolates of Colletotrichum were collected from various fruits and characterised for cultural and morphological variations. The results show that Colletotrichum colonies varied in the appearance of their culture ranging from fibrous, compact and cottony colonies. The colour of colonies ranged between whitish to greyish, pinkish and greyish green. AVIS1, BAIS2, MAIS1, PAIS1 and PLIS1 had an intermediate growth varying between 13.02 to 13.61 mm/day, whitish to greyish mycelium and fusiform conidia of size ranging between 19.98 x 4.17 and 21.29 x 5.14 µm. BAIS2 had the fastest growth (17.19 mm/day) with a pinkish fibrous mycelium and cylindrical or spindle-shaped conidia of 25.62 x 6.04 µm in size and a sporulation rate of 8.69 x 104. These results highlight some variations in morphocultural characteristics of Colletotrichum species, however molecular analyses are still going on for adequate differentiation among those isolatesfrom different fruits.

Factors Shaping the Image of Badung Traditional Market in Denpasar City, Bali Province

I Nyoman Gede Ustriyana

In the midst of rapid development of modern markets, traditional markets everywhere, including Badung traditional market in Denpasar City, still play an important role in bringing consumers and producers together and have the advantage as a place of price and quantity bargains. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors shaping the image of Badung traditional market in Denpasar City, Bali Province. The samples of this study were 100 consumer respondents using convenience sampling. The analytical method used in this research was factor analysis. The study shows that there are six factors forming the image of Badung traditional market, namely price, service, quality, physical environment, location and variety of goods. Service factor has the most dominant loading value in shaping the image of traditional market, followed by the location factor. Both of these factors are still the dominant factors that shape the image of the traditional market. The roles of other factors need to be improved, such as the price factor that is considered to be competing with modern markets, the quality factor that needs to be improved, as well as the diversity of goods that have been deemed unable to compete with modern markets.

Study of Calcium Chloride Dissolved Water under the Effect of Magnetic Field

Gunvir Kaur, P.S.Tarsikka

Life and water are linked closely as it is essential for life to begin and for life to live on. Water passes through soil and aquifers often come in contact with minerals which at the correct environmental conditions, dissolve in the ground water to make it hard. The high mineral content water is normally not dangerous to human’s health, but it causes many household problems which makes it less desirable. A physical technique using magnetic field to purify water is cheap, require no energy to run and create no pollutants but the efficiency of this treatment is still a controversial question. In present study, the physical parameters like total dissolved salts (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC) and pH have been evaluated in magnetized (0.05T – 0.20T) calcium chloride solution. Data collected during the experiment was analyzed statistically (SPSS-20.0). This analysis shows that the increase in TDS, EC and pH under the effect of magnetic field was significant (p < 0.01). The regression analysis was used to show linear relation between TDS and EC of water.

Physicochemical Properties of Indian Honey at Different Concentrations and Temperatures

Gurpreet Kaur, P.S. Tarsikka

Investigations were made on the effect of temperature (20-70°C) on the physicochemical parameters like ultrasonic velocity, density, electrical conductivity and total soluble solids (TDS) of honey having various concentrations (100, 90, 80, 70 and 60 (w/w)%). Some other properties pH, refractive index, °Brix and moisture content were also measured at room temperature. Ultrasonic velocity, density, surface tension, bulk modulus and acoustic impedance were negatively influenced by temperature. However the other parameters increase with temperature. All the honey parameters except density were significantly varies with temperature and concentration at 5% level of significance. A good correlation was obtained between electrical conductivity and TDS.

Preliminary Physico-Chemical Investigation of Local Binding Agents in Mineral Salt Licks Production for Ruminants

Adegun Maria Kikelomo

Investigation of the minerals, anti-nutrients as well as compactness and hardness of mineral saltlicks produced using cement, termite mound and clay mud as binders were compared with a commercial lick in a completely randomized design of four treatments and three replicates each was conducted. The sodium content of commercial salt lick (treatment 1) was significantly higher (p

Climate Change and Livelihoods-Based Adaptation: Experiences and Lessons from Bringing the Two Discourses Together

Atiq Kainan Ahmed, Abu Wali Raghib Hassan, Afsana Yasmeen

In past two decades or so, the ‘livelihoods’ centric approaches in rural development have grown globally in a rapid manner. These are elaborated in diverse forms and framed in diverse social-ecological systems. In Bangladesh, these approaches have started to get integrated into development sectors but are also entwining with climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction where the efforts are largely grown through various demonstrative projects and interventions. These applications are now yielding interesting lessons and insights that are worth bringing into contemporary discourses and framings of policy and practices. This paper looks into some of such evidence-based lessons, particularly reflecting the agriculture sector initiatives on the ground. Findings indicate that the integration of livelihoods approaches should not just be ‘optional’ features, rather these are ‘essence’ for future success. The paper also points out that as the new post-2015 global policy framings are now moving ahead with formulating newer implementation arrangements, the new set of strategic and operational roadmaps in Bangladesh should build on these lessons. Livelihoods-based approach inherently has a great potential to integrate climate adaptation, risk management, and pro-poor resilient development in a practical way.

Youth Involvement in Agricultural Production in Obi Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

A. A. Girei, N. D. Saingbe, S. B. Ohen, E.A. Gimba

This present study was focused on the assessment of youth involvement in agricultural production activities in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The objectives where to; describe the socioeconomic characteristics of respondents, determine youths’ perception towards agricultural production, reasons for participation in agricultural production activities and identify constraints to participation in agricultural production. The study employed simple random technique in the selection of the respondents who from two (2) secondary schools in Obi Local Government Area (LGA).In all, Fifty (50) students and fifty (50) staff were selected from f the two (2) schools to give a total of one hundred 100 respondents. Descriptive statistics was employed to analyze the data. The results showed that majority (52%) of the respondents had positive perception towards agricultural production as they perceived that agriculture does not reduce one’s status in the society. Similarly, agriculture is not only practiced by school dropouts. Apart from output marketing, (1.7%), goat rearing (1.7%), and swine production (1.7%), in which majority are less involved in, most of the respondents (52.2%) were involved in crop production, and farm labour as a means of employment. It was also shown that most of the respondents (32%) have insufficient land, lack of incentive from government and lack of infrastructure in rural areas as major constraints. The study recommended that youth’s knowledge of basic farming activities through establishment of Agricultural Training Centers should be enhanced and credit facilities for youths in agriculture should be provided through micro finance and commercial banks.

Income Analysis of Farmers with and without Access to Credit in Southern Agricultural Zone, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Girei A. A.,Ohen S. B., Jimmy O.B.

The study analyzed the differences in income farmers with and without access to credit in Southern Agricultural Zone, Nasarawa State. Nigeria. The specific objectives were to; Identify and describe the various sources of information regarding access to credit, determine the income levels of farmers with access and without access to credit,compare farmers with access and those without access to credit in the study area and identify constraints to access to credit by farmers. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a sample of one hundred and eight (108) respondents. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaires and analyzed using frequency, percentages and t-test. The study revealed that there was a significant difference between income of farmers without credit and those without credit. Majority of the farmers with access to credit were within the income levels of N200,000 and above representing 61.1%, while majority of those without access to credit are within income levels of less than N200,000 and accounted for 83.4%. Some of the constraints identified include; Risk associated to agriculture due to crop/livestock failure (23.66%), Uncertainties associated to price fluctuation of agricultural products (18.32%), Inadequacy of the amount to be given (15.78%), Fear of harassments (11.45%) and Formalities/bureaucracy associated to acquiring credit (11.2%). However, despite these problems, some small-scale farmers still to produce food for own consumption and some surplus for the market. This study therefore recommends that government at all levels as well as other credit delivery institutions should take more pragmatic steps in providing regular and sustained financial support for small-scale farmers in order to improve their s economic activities. This will ensure increased production and a boost in agriculture over a long period of time. Government policies also need to be re-directed on government sponsored and guaranteed agricultural financing schemes that could favour the smallholder farmers who are the prime producers of food crops in Nigeria both for consumption and export.

Effects of Organic and Chemical Fertilizers on Growth and Yield ofOnion (Allium cepa L)

Mangesh M. Vedpathak, Balbhim L .Chavan

The field trials were carried out to study the effects of organic and chemical fertilizers on growth and yield characteristics of onion (Allium Cepa L) at outdoor nursery of Solapur University, in agricultural farm in the district ofSolapur, Maharashtra State, India. Plot size 2m x 1m (2m2) were prepared for conducting field experiment. The experiment was arrangedin Randomized Block Design (RBD) method with five treatments and three replications. The treatment details consist of vermicompost (T1) at rate 0.5 kg/plot (@ 0.25 kg/sq. m), NADEP compost (T2) at rate 1.25kg/plot(@ 0.625 kg/sq. m), pit compost (T3) at rate 1.25kg/plot (@ 0.625 kg/sq. m), recommended dose of chemical fertilizers 100:50:50 kg ha-1 (T4)and Control T5. The outcomes of field study showed that the highestlength of leaves (cm/plant), single bulb weight (gm/plant), bulb yield (Kg/plot) were maximum with application of recommended dose of chemical fertilizer as compared to other fertilizer treatments. The application of vermicompost also gave the maximum plant biomass per plant of onion.

Effect of Storage in Different Environments and Packages on Germination of Amburana cearensis (Allemao) A. C. Sm. Seeds

A. A. Lucio, M. N. Araujo, F. F. S. Silva, B. F. Dantas

Seeds should be stored properly in order to minimize the deterioration process. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the germination of Amburana cearensis seeds after storage in different packaging and environments. Seeds were stored in two packages (plastic and paper bags) under three different conditions: laboratory (30±5°C/66% RU); germination chamber (20±2°C/86% RU) and cold chamber (±10±2°C/77% RU) during 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Seeds water content and germination were evaluated before and after the storage period. Seeds stored in germination chamber had higher values of water content either in plastic or paper bags. Physiological quality of A. cearensis seed was affected by the storage environment only when packed in paper bags, which showed 50% decreased germination as of 9 months in cold chamber.

Land Use / Land Cover Assessment in Nagercoil town, Kanniyakumari District, South India

Shafiullah. G

The present study revealed land use / land cover (LULC) changes during 1992 to 2015 using remote sensing and GIS tools. NRSC land use / land cover thematic maps were referred for classifying the LULC classification. For this assessment, ERDAS image software using maximum likelihood tool in supervised classification is applied. The present study identified land use / land cover pattern of the Nagercoil town is composed of build up land, agriculture land, plantation, crop land and water bodies. Therefore, the land use land cover changes were assessed from 1992 to 2015 and the results show that build up land has increased 8 km2, agriculture land has decreased 3.64 km2, plantation has decreased 2 km2, crop land has decreased 2 km2 and water bodies have decreased 0.36 km2.

Analysis of Socio Economic Determinants to Broiler Production by Rural Women in Imo State of Nigeria

Ume S I, Ezeano C I, Dauda Elisha, Edeh O. N

Women have been the bed rock of agriculture in Sub Saharan Africa as they feature in all arrays of the sector and prominent among them is broiler production. This sub sector of animal production has not only empowered these women in alleviating poverty in their domains but source of savings. In recognition of the aforesaid, successive Nigeria government and nongovernmental organization had introduced various policies and programmes aimed at developing and dissemination of improved technologies and associated production packages to these farmers in order to encourage them. This study was designed at identifying the farmers’ socioeconomic factors that will enhance the adoption of improved production technologies as these would aid the concerned bodies for appropriate policies formulation for the success of the programmes. This research is indispensable especially now that animal protein origin is deficient in the menu of many poor households in the country and there is great need to remedy the situation as effects of malnutrition are devastating.. 120 farmers were selected using multi stage random sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was used to illicit information from the farmers. Peason product moment correlation technique and percentage response were used to address the effect of farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics on their output and their production constraints respectively. The study found that age, level of education, household size and access to credit were the major determinants of the size of broiler production in the study area. The cost and return analysis showed that broiler is a profitable venture, on comparing the total cost (712,125) to total revenue (925,000) with the benefit cost ratio of 1:1.2. The major constraints to broiler production were; poor access to credit, high labour cost, poor breed of chicks and high cost of drugs. Policies options aimed at increasing farmers’ access to credit, better quality of broiler chicks and standard drugs should be put in place.

Field Evaluation of Different Modules against Insect Pest and Diseases of Soybean

Y. V. Ingle, M. S. Dandge, P. R. Awaghad, P. V. Mohod

Four different modules like chemical, adoptive, bio-intensive and control module tested in natural field condition for insect pest and disease management. Chemical module (ST with thiram + carboxin @ 2 g/kg + spraying with lamda-cyalothrin @ 0.05% + spray hexaconazole @ 0.01 @ 0.1% at 45 DAS followed by second spray at 60 DAS with hexaconazole @ 0.1% and spinosad @ 0.05% followed by spray with carbendazim 0.1% at 70 and 85 DAS was found best as least leaf defoliator population (3.20 /mrl) and low girdle beetle infestation (3.30 %) were observed in field. In respect of disease, minimum charcoal rot (23.26 %) and Alternaria leaf spot (10.76 %) were recorded in chemical module followed by Adoptive module (28.08 and 17.17% respectively). In regards to yield, chemical module proved in yield maximization (1383.70 kg/ha) as compare to other modules.

Fertility Status of Soils and Improved Crop Productivity through Balanced Nutrition in Rainfed Watershed of India - a GIS based Study

Sarika P. Karda, Gauri M. Rane

Rain-fed agriculture productivity is crucial for food security and economy of the state. To characterize the fertility status of soils under dry-land agriculture in the semi-arid regions, 110 soil samples were collected from Nagulapally-Konapur Model Watershed area in Medak district of Telangana to diagnose the deficiencies of macronutrients like Potassium, Sodium and Sulphur and micronutrients like Boron and Zinc. A summary of the chemical analysis of soil samples covering the watershed area showed that the farmer’s fields sampled had a wide range in pH and EC and they were low-to-moderate in organic carbon, generally adequate in exchangeable potassium and sodium. However, the most revealing results on soil chemical analysis were the widespread deficiencies of levels of extractable phosphorous (P), sulphur (S), boron (B) and zinc (Zn) in the samples. GIS mapping of the estimated fertility parameters was carried out using Arc GIS software to understand the occurrence of deficiencies of micronutrients over the watershed area under study. On-farm participatory trials were conducted for selected rainfed crops to study the impact of balanced nutrition (BN) on crop productivity over farmers practise (FP).

A Review of Flood Risk Assessment

Karamat Ali, Roshan M. Bajracharya, Hriday Lal. Koirala

Floods are one of the most common hazards in the world and cause loss of lives, livelihood and property destruction. The objective of this study was to review and synthesize concepts and techniques of flood hazard, vulnerability and risk assessment with reference to the Himalayan region. Flood risk is a function and a product of hazard and vulnerability. The impact of flood and flash flood (slow onset and rapid onset) events at a particular sitecan reflect key socioeconomic factors and environmental services, like number of people at risk, affect on ecological services and capability of human population for recovery. Risk assessment is important in making decisions, policies and managing floods. Using PRISMA methodology of literature review, 120 articles were retrieved using PubMed and Google Scholar database. 90 articles were included in the initial review. 30 articles were excluded from the review after reading the whole content because they did not match the objectives of the literature review and the inclusion criteria. Flood hazard assessment techniques are based on various parameters such as meteorological, hydrological and socioeconomic. There are four important steps in flood risk assessment such as characterizing the area, determining hazard level and intensity, assessing vulnerability and risk. Recently, advancement in GIS, remote sensing and hydraulic modeling technology has been extensively used in formulating models used for flood hazard calculation and risk analysis. The occurrence of floods in mountainous regions are now more common related to past and in the future, itseems more frequent due to global warming. Community based flood warning systems can go a long way in helping rural communities, as well as flood management agencies, to prepare for flash floods. The enhancement of community resilience through socioeconomic empowerment and strengthened adaptive capacity can play a vital role in flood disaster management.