Evaluating Arecanut Production Performance: A Comparative Analysis of Tumcos (Tota Utpannagala Marata Sahakara Sangha Niyamit) Members and Non-Members in Davanagere, Karnataka, India

Areca nut (Areca catechu) is one of the important cash crops in India. India ranks first in terms of area and production of areca nut and accounts of 54.07 per cent of its world production. The harvesting of nuts commence on the Tamil month of ‘Thai’ (Mid-January to Mid-February) and spread over six months in carrying out the post-harvest practices and marketing of nuts. This study was purposively conducted in Salem district 2018-2019 and occupies first position in area (2,421 hectares) of areca nut in Tamil Nadu. The Peddanackenpalyam, Valapddy, Gengavalli and Attur blocks were selected based on the 87.28 per cent of the area under areca nut in this district with a sample size of 120 areca nut farmers selected by using a proportionate random sampling technique. Most of the respondents (80.00 per cent) had knowledge level of medium to high level of knowledge on the recommended plant protection technologies in areca nut cultivation. It was mainly due to the medium to the high level of information seeking behaviour and social participation. The study revealed that the areca nut growers differed widely in their social characteristics. Most of the respondents had a medium to a high level of knowledge on recommended technologies in areca nut cultivation. This finding stressed the importance of formulating different extension strategies for different audiences by the change agency system.

Organic agriculture has become an important concept within the Nepali agricultural sector, particularly in the hills and mountainous regions where traditional farming practices closely resemble organic methods. This study aims to identify the challenges faced by organic farmers in Pokhara, focusing on the availability of organic inputs, pest management, and market linkages. Data was collected through surveys, field observations, and interactions with 197 farmers, using structured questionnaires. A descriptive research design has been used to assess the challenges faced by organic farmers in Pokhara, Nepal. The study focused on issues such as access to organic inputs, pest management, and market linkages, with data analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (One-way ANOVA, T-tests) and reliability tested through Cronbach’s alpha. SPSS software was used for data analysis, ensuring a comprehensive and reliable examination of the constraints affecting organic farming practices in the region. This study examined the key constraints faced by organic farmers in Pokhara, focusing on access to organic inputs, pest and disease management, and market linkages. Results indicated that better access to organic inputs positively impacted farming practices and pest control, while market linkages were less influential on success. Result shows significant challenges in input availability, pest management, and market access, with gender differences showing slightly better outcomes for female farmers. The study highlights the need for improved government support, better pest management strategies, and enhanced market access to foster the growth of organic farming in Pokhara.

Description of the conditionAgriculture has wide-ranging global impacts which extend to economic growth, poverty reduction, food security, livelihoods, rural development and the environment (Green et al., 2005).Agriculture is the main source of income for around 2.5 billion people in the developing world (FAO, 2003, p. 1).In addition, around 70 percent of the global extreme poor -or over one billion people -lives in rural areas in low and middle income countries (IFAD, 2010, p.233), most of whom rely directly or indirectly on agriculture for their livelihoods.Investment in agriculture has been shown to have beneficial impacts on agricultural growth and poverty reduction (Fan & Rao, 2003).Moreover, the poorest population quintiles benefit significantly more from agricultural growth than growth in other sectors of the economy (United Nations, 2008; World Bank, 2007).The modernisation of farming practices in the 1960s and 70s during the 'Green Revolution' improved agricultural yields substantially in those areas it reached and raised national production and food security (IFAD, 2001).However, two key challenges emerged (van den Berg & Jiggins, 2007).The first problem was that poor farmers were being left behind, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where many were not reached by modernisation approaches.In addition, those technologies promoted were not appropriate to the challenges facing smallholders in the African context, particularly women farmers (Inter-Academy Council, 2004).Second, modernisation was also associated with adverse environmental and health consequences, relating to water pollution, declining soil quality, soil erosion, pest resistance and loss of biodiversity.A particular problem emerged around environmental and health consequences of chemical pesticides use.Chemical pesticides have been heavily promoted and publicly subsidised under the modernisation agenda to such an extent that their overuse led to insect pests becoming resistant and causing major outbreaks of insect pests in rice crops in Asia in the 1970s and 80s.In addition, prolonged exposure to pesticides was associated with chronic and acute health problems among rural residents (Pingali & Roger, 1995).Use of broadspectrum insecticides in agriculture has even been linked to mosquito vectors of malaria developing resistance to insecticides used in malaria control programs (Diabate et al.,

Abstract. Romadhon MR, Sobir, Suwarno WB, Matra DD. 2024. Profile microsatellite mining of whole genome sequencing and transcriptomic assembly in dwarf and tall areca nut (Areca catechu L.) in Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1081-1088. Areca nut (Areca catechu L.) has high diversity in fruit shape and flowering time. Two superior varieties are commonly cultivated in Indonesia, namely Betara areca nut (tall) and Emas areca nut (dwarf). Molecular level diversity from genomic and transcriptome of areca nut data is available at NCBI, but not yet for Indonesian areca nut. The research compared the results of SSR with two method approaches to detect genetic diversity in the plants accurately. This study aimed to compare the SSR motifs of Betara areca nut and Emas areca nut varieties from whole genome sequencing and transcriptome assembly. The research was conducted at the Leuwikopo Seed Centre Laboratory of the IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia. The methods used are Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and transcriptome assembly. A total number of identified SSRs from WGS approach from Betara areca nut of 95 SSRs and Emas areca nut of 95 SSRs, while Betara areca nut SSRs from transcriptome assembly of 466 SSRs and Emas areca nut of 357 SSRs. The percentage of contigs and transcripts from Betara areca nut containing SSR was 7.43% and 4.22%, respectively, while Emas areca nut was 8.06% and 2.04%, respectively. AT is the dominant SSR motif in WGS, while the GA motif dominates the transcriptome assembly results.

Factors determining adoption of integrated pest management by vegetable growers in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand

As extension service pest management programs are scaled back because of reduced budgets, private consultants will become increasingly important in the transfer of pest management information to producers. However, little is known about the industry, whom it serves, and how it currently relates to the extension system. Thus, a survey of private pest management consulting firms was conducted as part of the USDA-sponsored National Evaluation of Extension's Integrated Pest Management Programs. Data on enterprise characteristics, education and training, clientele served, information delivery and sources, and relations with the extension service were collected from 136 private pest management consulting firms. Although virtually all companies provided pest management advice to their clients, most also provided other production-oriented services. Companies reported servicing more than 3.3 million acres of field and horticultural crops for 17,642 clients. Almost all firms used an integrated approach to pest management, with most acquiring much of their pest management information from the extension service. Given the extent to which firms currently use extension services, their willingness to expand interaction with the extension service in the future, and their interest in furthering pest management as a profession, it would appear that private pest management consultants are well positioned to assist the extension service in delivering future integrated pest management programs.

The present study was conducted in Navsari and Surat district of South Gujarat. Sample of 160 respondents were selected by simple random sampling technique for the study purpose. The ex-post facto research design was used for the research study. The purpose of this study was to find out the level of knowledge of the respondents about recommended sugarcane cultivation technologies. Response of the sugarcane growers was taken by personnel interview schedule. After the analysis of the collected data it observed that, the overall knowledge of sugarcane growers about recommended sugarcane cultivation technologies was found (66.91 %). The sugarcane growers had high knowledge regarding planting season (89.06 %), followed by preparatory tillage (79.37 %), planting method (78.75 %), improved variety (76.25 %), seed rate (74.68 %), and water management (68.75 %). While sugarcane growers had moderate knowledge of spacing (63.12 %), intercultural operation (62.18 %), set treatment (61.25 %), disease and pest management (60.31 %), fertilizer management (57.81 %), harvesting (57.18 %), intercropping (55.00 %) and bio fertilizer (53.12 %). The result also indicate that more than half (55.62 %) of the sugarcane growers had medium, (22.50 %) had high and (21.87 %) had low level of knowledge about recommended sugarcane cultivation technologies. The study revealed that, out of fourteen independent variables, ten viz.: age, education, source of information, social participation, innovativeness, risk orientation, market orientation, land holding, annual income and scientific orientation are found positive and significant related, while Farming experience found negative significant related, while area under sugarcane , extension contact are found positive non-significant and only resource availability is found negative non-significant relationship with knowledge about recommended sugarcane cultivation technologies.

Arecanut (Areca catechu L.) is a crucial plantation crop in India, especially in Kerala and Karnataka, where it sustains the livelihoods of millions of small and marginal farmers and plays a significant role in the regional economy. In recent decades, leaf spot disease has become a major challenge to arecanut production, resulting in substantial yield losses and economic repercussions. This disease is mainly caused by a complex of fungal pathogens, including Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Phyllosticta arecae, Pestalotiopsis palmarum, Curvularia sp. and the recently identified Colletotrichum kahawae subsp. cigarro. Its severity is greatly affected by climatic factors such as high humidity, extended rainfall, and ideal temperatures (20–30°C), along with host susceptibility and management practices. Symptoms consist of water-soaked lesions that develop into necrotic spots with yellow halos, merging into widespread foliar necrosis and early leaf drop, which leads to decreased photosynthesis and stunted growth. Recent research emphasizes pathogen identification using molecular tools, the importance of climate-adaptive management, the development of resistant varieties, and the incorporation of modern technologies like remote sensing and machine learning for disease monitoring and forecasting. Effective management depends on an integrated approach that combines cultural practices, chemical and biological control methods, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Collaborative research under initiatives by ICAR, CPCRI, and MIDH promotes sustainable disease management and long-term productivity of arecanut. This review consolidates current knowledge on etiology, the epidemiology, impact, and management of areca nut leaf spot disease, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive, science-based strategies to ensure economic viability and sustainable cultivation

Mango farmers in Ghana are confronted with many pest problems like fruit flies, Sternochetus mangiferae (F.), and mealy bugs. Different pest management options are available to mango farmers; however, the extent to which they apply the available pest management options is not well known. A survey was conducted among 60 farmers in southeastern Ghana, from October–December 2015 mango season, to find out the level of knowledge and practice of insect pest management used by mango farmers. The results showed that most farmers use conventional insecticides to control insect pests in mango. Majority of the farmers (30%) use a composite insecticide (Cydim super; 36 g cypermethrin + 400 g dimethoate per liter), whereas 3.3% use Pyrinex (chlorpyrifos 480 g/liter). Majority of insecticides used belong to WHO category II. Ninety percent (90%) of the farmers use cultural practices and pheromone traps. Pheromone traps are, however, used for fruit flies but not for S. mangiferae. Over 80% of the respondents who used pesticides to control pests have also adopted GLOBALGAP standards for certification. The results are discussed based on the importance of adoption of IPM strategies in mango production and the possible reduction of fruit rejection during mango export in Ghana.

1 - Arecanut (Areca catechu L.)

Castor (Ricinus communis) is a key oilseed crop in India with a wide range of industrial applications. Although India is the top producer, yields of castor in Telangana remain relatively low, largely due to farmers' limited familiarity with recommended practices. The study evaluated the knowledge of 120 castor growers in Mahabubnagar district and analyzed how socio-economic traits relate to their awareness of best practices. Farmers' knowledge was measured across agronomic operations, nutrient and pest management, post-harvest handling and value-addition practices. Results showed that farmers were more aware of routine, observable practices such as sowing time, hybrid selection, and nipping, while technical and post-harvest practices, including storage, nutrient management, and value addition, were poorly understood. Correlation analysis indicated that education, farming experience, training, social participation, information-seeking, input management, motivation, risk-taking, and market intelligence positively influenced knowledge, whereas age, landholding, and irrigation potential had limited effects. The findings highlight the need for strengthened extension services and targeted training to improve adoption of recommended practices, enhance yield, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase economic returns, promoting sustainable castor production.

This research aimed was to know The performance of production between cocoa farmers of adopter Integrated Pest Management and non Integrated Pest Management, and The performance of income production between cocoa farmers of adopt Integrated Pest Management and non Integrated Pest Management in the Ataku village, AndooloSub District, South Konawe District. This research was conducted from January to April 2018. The number of cocoa farmers population was in this research to the initial survey was 115 people. The population was grouped into 2 kinds, namely the farmers who adopterIntegrated Pest Management 65 people and farmer of non Integrated Pest Management about 50 people. The number of the sample as determined using proportional stratified random sampling method. The number of samples was determined using Slovin formula, so total samples number were 53 peoples, consist 30 peoples of a cocoa farmer who adopt Integrated Pest Management and 23 peoples of a cocoa farmer who didn't adopt Integrated Pest Management. The result of the research showed that production performance was indicated by the average, production of cocoa farmers who adopt Integrated Pest Management was greater than a cocoa farmer who didn't adopt Integrated Pest Management. The results of the analysis indicated that there was different of production between the farmer who adopts Integrated Pest Management was greater than a cocoa farmer who did not adopt Integrated Pest Management. The revenue performance was indicated by the average income of cocoa farmer who adopts Integrated Pest Management was greater than a cocoa farmer who did not adopt Integrated Pest Management. The result of the analysis shows that there was different of income between the farmer who adopts Integrated Pest Management was greater than a cocoa farmer who did not adopt Integrated Pest Management.

Areca nut ( Areca catechu L) is a rich polyphenol source which is potential health-benefit. Polyphenol could extract from the sources and then converted to solid powder by spray drying. Polyphenol powder is easy to use and to introduce it into food (materials). The objective of this study was to determine the effect of maturation degree of areca nut (unripe, ripe) and binder treatment (without a binder, arabic gum 2% w/v ) on the physicochemical properties and citotoxicity of spray-dried areca nut extracted powder. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD). Data were analysed statistically used an analysis of variance. Analysis of the results exhibited unripe areca nut produced powder with higher in yield, moisture content and total phenolic content but had no significant effect on pH and lower in bulk density and solubility than ripe areca nut. Arabic gum treatment produced powders with higher in yield, and solubility, but had no significant effect on moisture content and lower in bulk density, pH and total phenolic content than the treatment without binder. The areca nut extracted powders from all combination of treatments exhibited high cytotoxic activity against brine shrimp larvae with LC50 less than 1000 ppm, excepted the powders from ripe areca nut with arabic gum.

This paper presents the comparative study on the adsorption capacity of activated carbons prepared from Lapsi (Choerospondias axillaris) seed stone and Betel (Areca catechu) nut. Activated carbons (ACs) were prepared from Lapsi seed stone (LSS) and Betel Nut (BN) by chemical activation with H3PO4 (in the ratio of 1:1 by weight) at 400°C. The pore structure of activated carbons was determined by iodine number and methylene blue number. Surface morphology of ACs was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Surface functional groups were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy (FTIR). As indicated by TGA analysis, the appropriate temperature required for carbonization was 400 ºC. Betel nut AC showed high iodine number and methylene number of 888 mg/gm and 369 mg/gm respectively. SEM micrographs of Betel nut AC show the presence of well developed pores on its surface. FTIR result indicated that both ACs contain −OH, >C=O groups as oxygen containing surface functional groups. Based on the result, the AC prepared from betel nut by activation with H3PO4 is comparable with commercial activated carbon and could be used as potential adsorbent for removal of pollutants from water and waste water.Journal of the Institute of Engineering, 2017, 13(1): 153-159

One of the medicinal plants is the areca nut (Areca catechu L.) from the Arecae family which has the potential as an anticancer having antioxidant and antimutagenic, astringent, and anthelmintic effects. Areca nut seeds contain alkaloids, such as arekoline, arekolidine, arekain, guvakolin, guvasine and isoguvasine. This study aims to determine the characteristics of the betel nut (Areca catechu L.) simplicia, class of compounds, and the antibacterial activity of the ethanol extract of areca nut (Areca catechu L.) against the growth of Escherichia coli, Shigella dysentriae, and Salmonella typhi bacteria. The method used is the ethanol extract of areca nut (Areca catechu L.) obtained from the maceration process with 96% ethanol. The results of phytochemical screening showed that the ethanolic extract of areca nut (Areca catechu L.) contains a group of alkaloid compounds, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and triterpenoids. The effect of giving young betel nut ethanol extract to Escherichia coli, Shigella dysentriae, and Salmonella typhi bacteria was indicated by the formation of an inhibition zone of optimum concentration. The ethanol extract of old betel nut against Escherichia coli, Shigella dysentriae, and Salmonella typhi bacteria was characterized by the formation of an optimum concentration inhibition zone. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the ethanol extract of areca nut (Areca catechu L.) has antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Shigella dysentriae, and Salmonella typhi.