Agriculture Journal: Volume-10, Issue-10, October, 2024

Abstract- The study was conducted at the Navsari Agricultural University’s main rice research center in Gujarat, India, during the kharif season (July–November 2023) to assess the resistance of rice genotypes to bacterial blight using an artificial inoculation method. Thirty rice genotypes were evaluated along with two known susceptible varieties viz., GR-11 and TN-1, using the clip inoculation technique under field conditions. Among them, four genotypes viz., NVSR-996, NVSR-1065, NVSR-1127 and ISM showed moderate resistance. Fifteen genotypes viz., NVSR-936, NVSR-938, NVSR-941, NVSR-950, NVSR-951, NVSR-942, NVSR-1002, NVSR-1003, NVSR-1005, NVSR-1048, NVSR-1111, NVSR-983, NVSR-1130, NVSR-1064, and GNR-3 were found moderately susceptible. Eleven genotypes viz., NVSR-939, NVSR-952, NVSR-997, NVSR-956, NVSR-1001, NVSR-1007, NVSR-1031, NVSR-1033, NVSR-1128, NVSR-964, and NVSR-1052 were found to be susceptible. Whereas, the susceptible checks GR-11 and TN-1 were found highly susceptible against bacterial blight of rice. Among the screened genotypes, NVSR-939 exhibited the highest disease intensity (48.60%) followed by NVSR-1128 (48.57%) and NVSR-952 (46.20%). In contrast, ISM had the lowest disease intensity (7.28%) followed by NVSR-1065 (8.20%) and NVSR-996 (8.60%), respectively. The international susceptible check TN-1 showed a disease intensity of 76.00 per cent and the local check GR-11 showed 68.57 per cent, both indicating high susceptibility to bacterial blight of rice.
Keywords— Screening, Clip inoculation, Bacterial blight, Disease intensity.

Abstract- Underutilized fruit crops encompass plant species traditionally utilized for various purposes such as food, fodder, fiber, oil, and their extensive medicinal attributes. Despite their multifaceted potential in ensuring food security, nutrition, health, income generation, and ecological benefits, these species remain underexplored. While commercially cultivated fruits like Mango, Banana, Papaya, Litchi, Guava, among others, dominate the market, wild edible fruits remain largely uncultivated and undomesticated. Many of these underutilized indigenous fruit crops serve as integral components of traditional medicine systems across India. Their value-added products present an opportunity for focused efforts to tap into both domestic and international markets. This overview primarily centers on elucidating the food, nutritional, and medicinal significance of these minor fruits. In India, prevalent underutilized fruits include Bael (Aegle marmelos), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Karonda (Carissa carandas), Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana), Lasora (Cordia myxa L), Phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis), among others. Hence, this review paper primarily emphasizes the nutritional, therapeutic, and various other values associated with these diverse fruit crops.
Keywords— Blood pressure, Cholesterol level and fats, Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants.

Abstract- Climate change is expected to exert significant impacts on crop yields by altering temperatures and water availability. Mitigation and adaptation efforts aim to counteract these effects gradually while sustaining development. Effective strategies encompass various practices that fall into three main categories: crop and cropping system-based technologies, resource conservation-based technologies, and socio-economic and policy interventions. In the context of India, it is crucial to explore these measures and identify the most suitable strategies for combatting climate change. Crop and cropping system-based technologies involve the adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties and optimized planting practices. Utilizing drought-resistant seeds, implementing precision agriculture techniques, and adjusting planting calendars can enhance resilience to changing climatic conditions in India. Resource conservation-based technologies encompass sustainable water management and soil conservation practices. Implementing efficient irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, can help preserve precious water resources. Soil health improvement through organic farming, reduced tillage, and agroforestry can enhance soil fertility and mitigate climate-related risks. Socio-economic and policy interventions play a critical role in climate resilience. Promoting farmer education and awareness on climate-smart agriculture practices can empower rural communities to adapt effectively. Additionally, government policies that incentivize sustainable agriculture, provide insurance against climate-related crop losses, and support research and development of climate-resilient technologies are essential for long-term climate adaptation in India.
Keywords— Agroforestry, Carbon, Food insecurity, Intercropping, Pollutants, Rainfed farming, Rice fields, Zero tillage.

Abstract- Erratic and inadequate rainfall is one of the important factors for crop production under rain fed conditions. Crop grown as sole crop are found to be rather risky due to delayed monsoon accompanied with prolonged intermittent dry spells. A strategy for stabilizing production of dry-land crops through commonly recognized practice of intercropping of compatible crops is considered viable to overcome the situation. Mothbean and pearlmillet are important arid crop. So it is necessary to find out its intercropping proportion to resuce the risk of failure of sole crop. Therefore, an experiment was conducted at Dry Farming Research Station, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Radhanpur to evaluate of cropping system for rainfed agriculture in kharif season during 2010-11 to 2022-23. Significantly higher pearlmillet equivalent yield (3466 kg/ha) was recorded under Sole Mothbean which remained at par with pearl millet + moth bean (1:3) intercropping (3305 kg/ha).
Keywords— Rainfed, Equivalent yield and Intercropping.

Abstract- The district is located at a distance of around 430 km from Srinagar and 235 km from Kargil. The present study was conducted in the Changthang region of Leh District in UT Ladakh. The sample for the study was drawn from the Nyoma block of the Changthang region. The traditional food of Changthang people is based on animals, vegetables, and the cropping system of barley. Animal-based products (meat and dairy) are common. Most people eat dry yak and goat meat, which is sliced thinly and hung to dry after slaughter. By-products of livestock such as milk are used to make paneer, churpey (cottage cheese), butter (khakla maar), and ghee. Pastoral nomads consume only meat and milk from their livestock due to the absence of a cropping system, as they migrate in search of pasture for their livestock. During the winter, Changthang people sell livestock like goats, sheep, and yak in other parts of Leh. They face various challenges in life, especially regarding health and basic necessities, which impacts their social and economic life. Most people consume preserved products like dried meat and churpey. Traditionally, the agricultural system in the Changthang region was primarily for self-consumption. Krishi Vigyan scientists provide training on food preservation and value addition for milk products, vegetables, and barley, focusing on drying vegetables in a hygienic way without losing vitamins and minerals.
Keywords— Changpa, Changthang, Livestock, Food, Agriculture.

Abstract- As the population of India is increasing at a very fast rate; the land-holding size of farmers shrink at a very fast rate and agroforestry is the only way to optimize the farm productivity. The trees play an important role in fulfilling daily needs of people. The Eastern part of Uttar Pradesh in India is in great deficit of tree plantations on agriculture lands. Agroforestry is only way for growing trees on available lands in block/boundary plantations, thus, reducing pressure on forests for tree based needs in day-to-day life. As per latest report of FSI, 2021, only 9.23 % (6.18 % forest and 3.05 % Tree cover outside forests) area is covered with trees in the state of Uttar Pradesh. In Vindhyan region, total 15489782 trees were enumerated, where highest (2509795) number of trees were found in 121-150 cm girth class, followed by 2283850 trees in 151-180 cm girth class and 1996340 trees in 91-120 cm girth class Similarly, Eucalyptus tree possessed highest contribution (18.29%), followed by Mango(15.1%), Teak (14.34%) and Neem (13.83 %) .The smallest (629466) no. of trees were found in 271-300 cm followed by 756034 in 0-30 cm class. It clearly indicates that overall there is urgent need of time to plant these species in different agroforestry models to overcome wide demand supply gap of traditional tree species like, desi Mango, Neem, Teak, Eucalyptus, Mahua and Shisham. Similarly, new species, like Mahogany, Melia, Gamhar and Chironji may be planted in various agroforestry combinations in view of their great economic value. In recent past, Mahogany gave a good response in the region and 44358 no. of trees were found in 0-30 cm girth class in respective districts. Like Gamhar was also seen in some villages with 7747 no. of trees in 0-30 cm girth class in studied districts. The condition of Mahua planting is alarming as being a slow growing species, only 6798 no. of trees were found in 0-30 cm girth class. In new species, Melia dubia istaking good place, as 28646 trees were found in 0-30 cm class in villages. Chironji trees were rare in Mirzapur and Sonbhadra district and completely absent in Prayagraj district. In a total, only 4480 Chironji trees were recorded in the Vindhyan region. The girth class wise trees in Vindhyan region depicted that in 271-300 girth class, minimum number of trees were existing followed by 0-30 cm girth class and 31-60 cm class. This is clear that old trees were harvested at very fast rate for most of the species and less young plantations showed that these established and new tree species should be planted at fast rate in agroforestry so as to maintain their sustainable availability.
Keywords— Agroforestry, ToFs, contribution, Vindhyan region, Eastern UP, sustainable availability.

Abstract- This study explores the economic impact of land conversion on the agricultural sector in Central Luzon from 1981 to 2021, using the Cobb-Douglas production function as the analytical framework. Employing key econometric tools—such as the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test for stationarity, Johansen cointegration for long-term relationships, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression—the analysis shows that all variables are stationary. Farm size is positively correlated with rice output, while labor use and the man-land ratio negatively affect production. The findings highlight the vital role rice production plays in the household income of Central Luzon, indicating that while it has contributed to modest but steady economic growth, land conversion has acted as an economic boon, promoting development opportunities in the region. The study concludes by urging policymakers to craft strategies that enhance agricultural productivity and ensure sustainable income for farmers, contributing to broader economic prosperity. Future research should examine the specific types of land being converted from agriculture, assess the long-term impacts on different crops, and consider how land conversion affects the region's overall agricultural sustainability. This will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the broader implications of land use changes on Central Luzon's economy.
Keywords— Arable Land, Central Luzon, Employment Rate, Man-land Ratio, Land Conversion.

Abstract- The present investigation was carried at Organic Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Karguanji, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh during the Kharif-2023 with a view to identify the effects of different combinations of organic nutrition and its role in growth, yield and economics of moong bean variety Samrat. The experiment was laid in Randomized block design with 8 treatments and 3 replications with different combination of organic nutrition. Under this experiment, overall, 8 treatment was taken T0 Control (water spray), T1 (100% Farmyard Manure), T2 (100% Vermicompost), T3 (100% Neem cake), T4 (50% Farmyard + 50% Vermicompost), T5 (50% Farmyard Manure + 50% Neem cake), T6 (50% Neem cake + 50% Vermicompost) and T7 (33.33% Farmyard Manure + 33.33% Neem cake + 33.33% Vermicompost). From the above experimental finding it may be concluded that the treatment T3 (100% Neem cake) was found to be best in the terms of growth parameters like plant height (61.81cm); number of branches (16.48 branches); number of root nodules (15.41 nodules); fresh shoot weight (195.45 gram) at 60 DAS, earliness in flowering (41.00 days) and maturity (61.67 days). T3 also performed best in terms of yield like highest number of pods per plant (50.48 pods); number of seeds per pod (11.33 seeds); pod weight (5.86 gram); longest pod (11.48 cm) and seed yield per hectare (13.60 q/ha).
Keywords— Moong bean, Farmyard Manure, Neem cake, Vermicompost, Benefit cost ratio.

Abstract- This study explores the usage and market potential of water-soluble fertilizers (WSF) in the agricultural sector, with a specific focus on Gujarat, India. The research emphasizes the Indian market scenarios for WSF, considering factors such as population growth and the adoption of drip irrigation. The study also delves into the scope of WSF, analyzing consumption trends, farmers' awareness, and satisfaction levels in the Anand, Sabarkanta, and Katch regions of Gujarat. The research methodology involves a descriptive study design, convenience sampling, and data collection from both primary sources. The findings indicate a growing awareness & adoption of WSF among farmers, with a positive impact on crop yields.
Keywords— Water Soluble Fertilizers, Soil fertility, Crops yield, Farmer’s perception.

Abstract- Pre-sowing treatments are pivotal interventions in optimizing nursery practices for fruit crop production, addressing the demand for increased planting material, especially grafts. This review paper comprehensively analyzes the efficacy and mechanisms of pre-sowing treatments, encompassing hormonal priming, osmopriming, and halo-priming techniques. Molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying seed germination and seedling growth are elucidated, emphasizing their influence on gene expression patterns, hormonal signaling pathways, and physiological processes within seeds. Interactions with plant hormone signaling pathways, particularly the modulation of gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) levels, are explored in detail, highlighting their role in regulating seed dormancy and germination. Moreover, the review discusses the impact of pre-sowing treatments on gene expression related to germination and growth, shedding light on the molecular basis of their effects. Challenges in fruit crop production, such as the need for accelerated seed germination and seedling growth, are addressed, with pre-sowing treatments identified as key solutions. The paper concludes by outlining future prospects and emphasizing the indispensable role of pre-sowing treatments in modern fruit crop production systems. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of pre-sowing treatments, their mechanisms of action, and their implications for nursery management and sustainable fruit crop production.
Keywords— Pre-sowing treatment, seedling emergence, mango.

Abstract- An investigation was carried out with PMK (R) 4 rice seed in order to standardize suitable concentration and duration of seed biopriming with liquid biofertilizers (Azospirillum, Phosphobacteria and Silicate Solubilizing Bacteria) and liquid biocontrol agent (Pseudomonas fluorescens) a laboratory experiment was conducted in Department of Seed Science and Technology, Madurai, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, in Completely Randomized Design with four replicates along with control. The results of the experiments revealed that seeds bioprimed with 20% concentration Pseudomonas fluorescens and 20% Azospirillum for 18h duration germinated earlier and expressed its vigour in terms of increased speed of germination, germination percentage, shoot and root length and vigour index compared to other treatments.
Keywords— Biopriming, Germination, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Vigour.

Abstract- Agriculture, specifically crop production, is a crucial driver of prosperity in the Philippines, contributing to economic growth, employing 36% of the workforce, and ensuring food security. Palay is Central Luzon's most widely grown crop, making it the country's largest producer. Crops like palay do not grow on their own; a variety of factors, such as arable land availability, urbanization, and agricultural mechanization influences them. Therefore, this study examines the effect of selected agricultural input on palay production in Central Luzon from 1970 to 2019, with CobbDouglas production function as its basis. The adopted methodology is the unit root test by the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) approach, a test for long-run relationship (Johansen cointegration), and the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) multiple regression method. The study would like to know how the chosen input will affect the output of palay production in the area. The study indicates that the variables are stationary. Land use conversion and Agricultural mechanization show that it significantly affects palay production in the region. Considering that the area is well suited for crop production, the governing bodies should urgently establish and impose policies that cultivate agricultural development to support the country's food security and economic prosperity.
Keywords— Agricultural Mechanization, Agriculture, Central Luzon, Crop Production, Land Use Conversion, Urbanization.

Abstract- Studies on seasonal occurrence of major pests of ash gourd, Benincasa hispida Thunb. revealed that the incidence of Liriomyza trifolii Burgess and aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer were highest during first week of October 2018 (SW 40) and first week of February 2019 (SW 05) respectively. Red pumpkin beetle, Aulacophora foveicollis Lucas and Pumpkin caterpillar, Diaphania indica Saunders were highest during second week of October 2018 (SW 41). The correlation and regression analyses showed that weather parameters significantly influenced the incidence of M. persicae, L. trifolli, A. foveicollis and D. indica as 38.34, 23.50, 19.88 and 31.23 per cent of total variation, respectively.
Keywords— Ash Gourd, Correlation, Insect Pests, Seasonal Incidence, Weather Parameters.

Abstract- Soils are an important component of the critical zone and a finite resource. Mapping and monitoring these resources in the field, regional, and global stages is crucial for better management and prevention of degradation. Remote sensing (RS) techniques provide several advantages over conventional approaches for evaluating soil parameters, including large-scale coverage, non-destructive nature, temporal monitoring, multispectral capabilities, and rapid data collecting. Aside from laboratory circumstances, Sentinel satellite data has been used to estimate various soil parameters in a variety of applications. This review highlights research on soil properties estimation using sentinel data, including methodology and outcomes for each study. Various soil properties like Soil Texture, Soil Salinity, Soil Texture, Soil Organic Carbon estimated using sentinel data.
Keywords— Soil, Sentinel, Satellite, Properties.

Abstract- The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site in India, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and endemic flora, particularly its wild orchids. Wayanad, located within the Ghats, is a significant hotspot for orchid diversity, harboring a range of rare and ecologically valuable species. This study examines the diversity, distribution, and ecological roles of wild orchid species in Wayanad, with a focus on their contributions to habitat stability and biodiversity. Through a combination of field surveys and ecological assessments conducted in selected forested regions, we identified over 50 species of orchids, with a notable percentage being endemic to the Western Ghats. Many of these orchids have intricate relationships with pollinators and mycorrhizal fungi, which are crucial for their reproduction and survival, thus playing essential roles in sustaining local biodiversity.
Orchids serve as bioindicators of ecosystem health due to their sensitivity to habitat changes, and their presence reflects the ecological stability of Wayanad’s forest ecosystems. Additionally, they contribute to nutrient cycling and enhance forest dynamics through interactions with a wide array of pollinators, including bees, moths, and birds. However, habitat loss, climate change, and illegal collection pose significant threats to these orchids, with potential cascading effects on the ecosystem. Conservation efforts are thus urgently needed to protect these species, which hold both ecological and cultural significance.
Our findings underscore the importance of conserving Wayanad's wild orchids to maintain ecological balance and biodiversity in the Western Ghats. Effective conservation strategies, including habitat preservation, community awareness, and policy enforcement, are essential to safeguard these species. This study provides critical insights into the ecological roles of wild orchids and highlights the need for integrated conservation approaches that prioritize both species protection and ecosystem health.
Keywords— Wayanad, Wild Orchids, Ecological Importance, Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Red Listed Plants, Conservation, Habitat Preservation, Orchidaceae, Sustainable Management.