Agro-climatic Zones Research Articles

Microsatellite based molecular characterization of Nattukuttai- a unique short statured Bos indicus cattle population of southern India.

Molecular characterization was conducted to characterise 'Nattukuttai', a native cattle population of the north-eastern agro-climatic zone of Tamil Nadu (India), using thirty microsatellite markers. The analyses revealed a high level of genetic diversity, with a total of 294 alleles observed across all the loci, averaging 9.8 alleles per locus. The allele sizes ranged from 83bp to 302bp, with frequencies ranging from 0.010 to 0.875. The microsatellite markers demonstrated high polymorphism, as indicated by an average polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.763. Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed in a significant number of loci, indicating possible genetic influences such as selection or population structure. Bottleneck analysis suggested that the Nattukuttai population did not undergo any recent significant population contraction. Comparative analyses with three other cattle populations (Kangayam, Malai Madu, and Malnad Gidda) revealed varying genetic distances. Nattukuttai showed a distinct genetic profile, diverging from a common source that also gave rise to the Kangayam and Malai Madu clusters. Multivariate statistical analyses and phylogenetic reconstruction supported the genetic differentiation of Nattukuttai from the other populations, while Malai Madu and Kangayam were found to be genetically closer to each other. Overall, these findings provide insights into the genetic structure and relationships of the Nattukuttai cattle population, highlighting its distinct genetic identity and potential conservation significance.

Mapping coconut plantation in Western Agro-Climatic zone using object-based classification and machine learning technique

Coconut (Cocos nucifera), a key crop for over 10 million farming families in India, is vital in the agricultural economies of southern states like Tamil Nadu. However, traditional methods of monitoring coconut plantations are challenging due to the crop's geographical dispersion and seasonal variations. This study focuses on mapping coconut plantations in the Western Agro-Climatic Zone of Tamil Nadu using Object-Based Classification (OBC) and machine learning techniques. A ten-year time series of Landsat 7 optical satellite data (2012-2013 and 2022-2023) was employed, combined with ground truth surveys across the region. The study utilized Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) classifiers, with RF demonstrating superior accuracy. The RF classifier achieved an accuracy of 91.7% in 2012-2013 and 90.3% in 2022-2023, outperforming SVM, which hovered around 70%. The research also conducted a change detection analysis, revealing a net increase of 3,270 hectares of coconut plantations over the decade, with the Coimbatore district contributing the most significant growth of 2,560 hectares. This study underscores the effectiveness of integrating OBC and machine learning, mainly RF, for accurate and efficient mapping of coconut plantations using Landsat satellite data.

Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Erosion using USLE and Sustainable Management Strategies

Continuous soil erosion from all parts of world through water and winds have become a severe concerns for soil scientists and geologists due to its adverse effect on soil productivity, water bodies siltation and deterioration of water quality. Therefore, it becomes most important to locate erosion-prone regions of any landscape and take the best measures to solve the issues of erosion. USLE and its modified models i.e. RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) versions and MUSLE (Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation) are most commonly used for estimation of soil erosion. In India, soil erosion is a major serious concern which varies in its intensity depending on the country's different agro-climatic zones. USLE as well known model for evaluating soil deterioration is used in this review to provide an understanding of its parameters and how this approach is useful in soil erosion assessment. In addition, an overview of the current situation of erosion status in India which is being altered by regional variations like climate and land uses. Literature also dictates and discusses the potential advantages of better erosion control approaches, such as increased agricultural output and long-term land sustainability and looks at what might be possible in the future if the things get managed. The study also looks at crop selection and land use systems, emphasizing how crucial it is to choose crops that are suitable for the land vulnerability to erosion in order to prevent the further deterioration. Lastly, it emphasize on a thorough explanation of the USLE's parameters which are essential for precise erosion prediction including slope factors, soil erodibility, rainfall erosivity and conservation techniques. The study summarizes the knowledge on soil erosion in India and the necessity of customized, area-specific soil conservation plans to guarantee long-term agricultural outputs and sustainable agricultural goals.

Constraints Faced by the Farmers in the Production and Marketing of Onions in the Western Undulating Zone of Odisha, India

This paper aimed to investigate the limitations associated with onion farming in the western undulating agroclimatic zone of Odisha, specifically regarding production, marketing, and storage. The study employed a multi-stage purposive sampling technique. The state was divided into 10 zones based on agro-climatic characteristics, and the district from the western undulating zone, Kalahandi districts, was purposively chosen since many farmers in these regions, like others in Odisha, cultivate onions throughout the winter season. A total of 90 farmers (45 from Bhawanipatna block and 45 from Golamunda block) were selected at random and interviewed directly for the purpose of study. Furthermore, the location, climatic conditions, and soil are ideal for onion cultivation. Kalahandi was chosen in 2021–2022. According to the survey, labour shortages for weeding, ignorance of improved varieties, high labour costs, ineffective and expensive weedicides, high seed costs, etc. were the top five problems faced by onion growers. The main difficulties faced by onion growers during marketing included low prices during harvest, which were followed by sharp price fluctuations, high transportation costs, payment delays, a lack of market news and information, a lack of storage facilities, etc. in the research area. To ensure an effective produce marketing system, the government, developmental agencies, marketing boards, and NAFED should intervene by enhancing the market infrastructure at the taluk and district levels and supplying timely market information. Farmers may be able to overcome the issue of price fluctuations if government authorities intervene promptly and announce an extension or announcement of the government support price for onion crops.

Phenotypic Trait Analysis of Tomato (Solanum lysopersicum) Genotypes in Qatar and Indian Agro-climatic Conditions

Background: The study included four genotypes of tomato (EC620378, EC620380, EC620383, EC620534) which were cultivated to find out their similarities and differences based on phenotypic traits when they were grown under different soil zones of Doha (Qatar) and Meerut (India) to find out that which of the genotypes can be cultivated better in Qatar and India. Methods: The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RBCD) with two replications. Statistical analysis for variation in quantitative characteristics among genotypes was done by collecting data in 15 qualitative and quantitative traits. Data showed great variation for almost all the traits. The principal component analysis involved plant height and days to marketable maturity as the most discriminating trait that accounted for greater variability in genotypes in both zones, and they should be considered in tomato improvement programs. The correlation analysis showed that fruit yield per plant was positively and significantly correlated with number of fruits per plant and fruit width. Present findings suggest that the identified superior genotypes may be utilized by different farms to further improve their breeding and cultivation strategies. Result: In Indian soil zone, genotype EC620534 performed extremely well in terms of maximum yield per plant. Similarly, in Qatar soil zone, EC620534 and EC620380 performed well. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than its corresponding genotypic counterpart (GCV) for all characters studied showing environmental influence. High broad-sense heritability were recorded for days to marketable maturity, fruit shape index and fruit weight in both agro-climatic zones, they were associated with low genetic advance indicating non-additive gene action and environmental influence, hence, heterosis breeding is recommended.

Dynamics of damage by the buddle mite (<i>Cecidophyes ribes</i> West.) to collection varieties of black currant

The aim of research is to evaluate collectible black currant material according to resistance to bud mite in conditions of Kirov region, to study the dynamics of damage accumulation by a pest and to distinguish the varieties which have been showing the resistance for a long time. The evaluation of varieties had been held on the collectible plantations of fruit and berry crops of laboratory of FSBSI FARC of the North-East (Federal State Budget Scientific Institution “Federal Agricultural Research Centre”) (Kirov) which is situated in a central agro-climatic zone of Kirov region in 2014–2021. 36 black currant varieties of 2013 planting year were included in the research. The check variety is Vologda. The scheme of planting is 3.0 × 1.0 m, 5 plants on an every accounting plot. The repetition is single. As a result of a long-term study of the dynamics of bud mite damage accumulation, the varieties, which remain free from the pest longer than others were distinguished: Alexandrina (the features of the pest had not been noticed during the whole research); Dobriy Jinn (Kind Genie) and Gulliver (5.6% of the number of the studied) which showed the first damage on the 7th and 8th year after planting. Chishma, Yadrenaya, Mila, Vasilisa, Sputnick, Nezhdanchick (16.7%) showed the first features of damage on the 5th year of planting. The varieties with the resistance to a bud mite (47.2%) are promising as a basic material for bringing in a selection process and recommended for the production. The varieties with middle and low resistance to the pest can be recommended for amateur and commercial horticulture but as a basic material on resistance to a phytophage in selection, they are unsuitable. The analysis of a link between a degree of pest damage of studied varieties and productiveness showed an average negative relationship between these features (r = –0.62).

Genetic Evaluation of Monthly Test-Day Milk Yields of Jersey Crossbred Cattle Under Farmers' Production System in Tamil Nadu, India.

Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India, is bereft of any native dairy or dual-purpose cattle breeds, and the state depends chiefly on crossbred cattle for milk production. Jersey crossbred cattle account for 90% of the state's milk production. This genetic evaluation study aimed to assess milk production traits, including test-day milk yields (TDMYs), total lactation milk yield (TMY), and 305-day milk yield (305MY), in these cattle reared under farmers' conditions. Data on monthly TDMYs (TDMY1 to TDMY10) of Jersey crossbred cows (n = 75,627) reared by the farmers over 11 years (2012-2022) were collected for evaluation. The influence of non-genetic factors viz., location (agroclimatic zones), period and season of calving, and parity on TDMYs, TMY and 305MY were assessed, and the variance and covariance components for genetic parameters (heritability and genetic correlation) of the traits were estimated by the method of restricted maximum likelihood (REML) under a multivariate animal model and by a random regression model (RRM). The overall means of various TDMYs ranged from 4.98 (TDMY10) to 9.95 kg (TDMY2), and for TMY and 305MY, the means were 2480.33 and 2393.71 kg, respectively. The heritabilities estimated by the multivariate animal model for TDMYs were moderate and ranged from 0.26 ± 0.02 to 0.37 ± 0.02 and the estimates were less variable throughout lactation, while the estimates obtained by RRM were medium to high and ranged between 0.29 ± 0.01 and 0.67 ± 0.02 for milk yield on day 5 to 305 (DIM 5-DIM 305). The heritabilities estimated for TMY and 305MY were 0.43 ± 0.02 and 0.43 ± 0.02, respectively. The estimates of heritability for mid-lactation yields were comparatively less than those at the beginning and the end of lactation. The moderate to high estimates of heritabilities for TDMYs, TMY, and 305MY obtained in the present study offer ample scope for improving milk production through selective breeding. Genetic correlations between TDMYs estimated by the multivariate animal model were positive and high, with a range between 0.75 ± 0.03 and 0.99 ± 0.00. Considerably higher estimates (0.98-0.99) were observed between adjacent TDMYs showing strong genetic associations. By RRM, genetic correlations estimated between DIMs were positive (except for DIM 5 with DIM 125 to DIM 185 and DIM 125 with DIM 305), and the magnitude of genetic correlation decreased with an increase in the interval between the DIMs. The high genetic correlation observed between the TDMYs (in the early stage of lactation) and total lactation milk yield suggested that these test-day yields could be used favorably for the early selection of cows for milk production, which facilitates reduction in the generation interval and consequently increases the annual genetic gain for the milk production traits.

First report of aflatoxin and ochratoxin contamination in ginger collected from different agroclimatic zones from Punjab, Pakistan

Ginger, a fresh rhizome, an economically important spice with extensive nutraceutical activities finds itself in vegetable and therapeutic market. Aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2) along with ochratoxin A (OTA) are the most significant and the most toxic form of mycotoxins which are produced by various fungi. This study was initiated to assess the contamination of AFs and OTA in raw and dried ginger products, collected from different agro-climatic zones in Punjab, Pakistan employing the high performance liquid chromatography. We found all (raw ginger samples commercial ginger powders) samples contaminated with AFB1 (range: 29.88-1060.12μg/kg). AFB2 contamination was much lower (range: 0 to 17.54μg/kg). Variable contamination of AFG1 was also observed (range: 0 to 170.58μg/kg) whereas AFG2 contamination was found in only three (range: 0 to 21.88 μg/kg) out of 19 raw ginger samples. OTA contamination ranged from 0.05-3.42μg/kg. Ginger samples from lower altitudes (<1000 m) were more contaminated with AFB1 sub type mycotoxin. Keeping in view that the toxicity of AFs is in the order of B1>G1> B2>G2, it was alarming to find that 100% of the samples were contaminated with AFB1 way beyond the permissible limits. Our very first report about the contamination of ginger with AFs presents a grave health issue because of wide use of ginger. We conclude that ginger production in Pakistan needs to be carefully crafted and due diligence is needed during ginger cultivation, harvest and post-harvest operations because the amount of aflatoxins detected in this study are very much above the permissible limits. In this regard, ginger storage in cooler environments such as refrigerator should be encouraged to contain the AFs proliferation.

A Cross-Zonal Analysis of Farmers’ Climate Adaptation Strategies in West Bengal

Climatic factors are an essential factor in the production of agricultural products. The present study was undertaken to analyze the farmers’ adaptation strategies for climate variability in three agro-climatic zones of West Bengal. Primary data from 150 farmers (50 from each zone) were collected to analyze the adaptation strategies. The study revealed that ‘Crop diversification’ was the most preferred adaptation strategy among the farmers, followed by ‘changing crop variety’ to mitigate climate vagaries. 43.33 per cent of farmers had a medium adoption of adaptation strategies, followed by 39.33, and 17.33 per cent had a high and low adoption. More experienced farmers and farmers with higher annual incomes are more likely to adopt an adaptation strategy. It is suggested that the government ensure farmers can access credit and subsidies. The government should also ensure that bank credit terms are flexible to maximize farmers’ access to affordable credit, enhancing their ability and flexibility to adjust agricultural practices in response to climate variability. Policies promoting climate adaptation should emphasize the need to provide information on better farming practices and climatic variability.

Site Suitability Analysis for Farmlands in Agro-Climatic Zone of Andhra Pradesh using Geo-Spatial Techniques

Abstract: The Anantapur region has moderately healthy vegetation, which produces impressive biodiversity, climate variations, and a variety of wildlife and flora. As a result, the southern areashave a lot of room for agricultural growth to support rural economies. The Northern part's potential for agriculture in this region has been limited by several physical obstacles, including ahigh slope and elevation, built-up area, a lack of irrigation infrastructure, dry soil, poor rainfall, and socio-economic problems. Planning the expansion of agricultural output can benefit from researching a location's suitability for a particular purpose. Using a GIS-based multi-criteria decision-making technique based on DEM and Landsat 8 satellite data, AHP will be utilised to evaluate site suitability for agricultural production in unused areas. A pairwise comparison matrix will be used to set the weights. It will help to determine whether hilly terrain is suitable for farming using the study's techniques, approaches, and findings.

Assessment of Lepidopteran Pest Dynamics in Maize: Dominance of Spodoptera frugiperda and Implications for Targeted Management in Himachal Pradesh, India

Maize (Zea mays L.) plays a crucial role in the agricultural economy of India, particularly in Himachal Pradesh, where it serves as a vital crop for food, feed, and fodder. This study assessed the distribution, and relative abundance of lepidopteran pests infesting maize during the kharif, 2022-23 across two agro-climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh. Surveys identified five key lepidopteran pests: Spodoptera frugiperda, Chilo partellus, Mythimna separata, Agrotis ipsilon, and Euproctis spp. Among all, S. frugiperda is the only pest occurring among the major three crop stages of maize. The findings revealed that S. frugiperda was the most dominant pest, with relative abundance values of 19.57 per cent in Zone I and 18.94 per cent in Zone II during the seedling stage, increasing to 30.87 per cent and 30.40 per cent during the vegetative stage, respectively. In contrast, other pests like C. partellus, M. separata, A. ipsilon, and Euproctis spp. exhibited variable distribution patterns, with some showing limited occurrence. In conclusion, this study underscores the necessity for targeted pest management strategies to address dominant and subdominant lepidopteran pests in maize cultivation in Himachal Pradesh. The results offer valuable insights that can inform focused pest control efforts, with the potential to significantly enhance sustainable maize production, crop resilience and overall productivity in the region.

Weed Management through Pre and Post-emergence Herbicides in Groundnut

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Department of Agronomy, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Banaskantha (North Gujarat Agro-climatic Zone of Gujarat) during June–October, 2021 to assess the effect of pre- and post-emergence herbicides on weed control in groundnut crop using Randomized Block Design with ten treatments and four replications. Among different weed management practices, two hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS recorded significantly higher number of pods per plant, resulted in significantly higher pod yield and haulm yield (23.70, 1980 kg ha-1 and 3082 kg ha-1, respectively) which was found at par with interculturing and hand weeding at 15 and 30 DAS (22.90, 1892 kg ha-1 and 2950 kg ha-1, respectively), post-emergence application of sodium acifluorfen 16.5+clodinafop-propargyl 8 EC @ 165+80 g ha-1 (22.53, 1835 kg ha-1 and 2864 kg ha-1, respectively) and imazethapyr 35 WG+imazamox 35 WG @ 70 g ha-1 (21.93, 1800 kg ha-1 and 2811 kg ha-1, respectively) due to better weed control of weeds as indicated by significantly lower density of sedges, grasses, broad leaf weeds and total weeds as evidenced by correlation and regression analysis between total weed density at 60 DAS, at harvest with the pod yield. Whereas, significantly lower number of pods per plant, pod yield and haulm yield at harvest were observed under unweeded check (10.30, 846 kg ha-1 and 1333 kg ha-1, respectively) due to significantly higher density of sedges, grasses, broad leaf weeds and total weeds observed in unweeded check.

Performance Evaluation of CMIP6 Climate Model Projections for Precipitation and Temperature in the Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia

The projection and identification of historical and future changes in climatic systems is crucial. This study aims to assess the performance of CMIP6 climate models and projections of precipitation and temperature variables over the Upper Blue Nile Basin (UBNB), Northwestern Ethiopia. The bias in the CMIP6 model data was adjusted using data from meteorological stations. Additionally, this study uses daily CMIP6 precipitation and temperature data under SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5 scenarios for the near (2015–2044), mid (2045–2074), and far (2075–2100) periods. Power transformation and distribution mapping bias correction techniques were used to adjust biases in precipitation and temperature data from seven CMIP6 models. To validate the model data against observed data, statistical evaluation techniques were employed. Mann–Kendall (MK) and Sen’s slope estimator were also performed to identify trends and magnitudes of variations in rainfall and temperature, respectively. The performance evaluation revealed that the INM-CM5-0 and INM-CM4-8 models performed best for precipitation and temperature, respectively. The precipitation projections in all agro-climatic zones under SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5 scenarios show a significant (p &lt; 0.01) positive trend. The mean annual maximum temperature over UBNB is estimated to increase by 1.8 °C, 2.1 °C, and 2.8 °C under SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5 between 2015 and 2100, respectively. Similarly, the mean annually minimum temperature is estimated to increase by 1.5 °C, 2.1 °C, and 3.1 °C under SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5, respectively. These significant changes in climate variables are anticipated to alter the incidence and severity of extremes. Hence, communities should adopt various adaptation practices to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures.

Occurrence, distribution and description of Harmonia dimidiata (Fabricius), a predacious Coccinellid from West Bengal, India

Aim: To provide information about the occurrence and distribution of Harmonia dimidiata from West Bengal and facilitate the identification of species based on morpho-taxonomy. Methodology: Survey was done in different agro-climatic zones of West Bengal. Specimens were procured from their associated host plants, brought to the laboratory and investigated for taxonomic characters. Results: The morpho-taxonomy of H. dimidiata, as well as its host record, and distribution, were fully explained in the present investigation. It is most common in hill, terai, and old alluvial zone of West Bengal. They have been observed preying on Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) in corn and Aphis gossypii (Glover). Interpretation: H. dimidiata population were recorded during survey from four different agro-climatic zones of West Bengal. They were observed to be preyed upon A. gossypii and R. maidis. The information about the biodiversity of H. dimidiata and their role as predator of numerous agriculturally important crop pests are extremely valuable that enrich our knowledge and immensely help in devising a pest management programme considering them as an important biocontrol agent. Furthermore, research on their biodiversity aids in learning about the predaceous behaviour in connection with the pest and crop populations, their reproduction and occurrence. This information is indeed praiseworthy while exploiting the ladybird species, H. dimidiata for a commercial biocontrol operation. Key words: Coleoptera, Coccinellidae, Harmonia dimidiata, Predaceous, West Bengal

Satellite Based Composite Weather Insurance Product for assessing mid-term adversary

The present study formulated a satellite-based rainfall insurance product (SRIP) at sub-seasonal scale during 2015–2020 by integrating meteorological, geophysical and vegetation index products e.g. rainfall (CHIRPS:Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station), soil moisture (SMAP), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and normalized difference water index (NDWI) from moderate resolution imaging spectro-radiometer (MODIS). The SRIP was meticulously designed to integrate both cause (rainfall) and impact (NDVI, NDWI, soil moisture) parameters to enhance the assessment of min-season crop risks, with a particular emphasis on deficit rainfall. The performance evaluation of SRIP was conducted in two distinct agro-climatic zones viz. Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh (Upper Gangetic Plain Region) and Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh (Southern Plateau and Hills Region) spanned from June to October, which aligns with the major crop-growing season corresponding to the Southwest monsoon period in India. Three sets of SRIPs were investigated i.e. SRIP with cause parameter (SRIP1), SRIP with cause-impact parameters with no lag response (SRIP2) and SRIP with cause-impact parameters with one-month lag response (SRIP3). The SRIP was structured to provide a numerical index on a scale ranging from 0 to 1, representing poor to good crop-growing conditions that could effectively identify the rainfall deficit threshold (SRIP≤0.43) corresponding to negative percent deviation in rainfall (PDR≤−20%). This threshold level was recognized for compensation of triggers at the multiple crop growth phases during the crop-growing season. The district average of SRIP and PDR showed fair correlation co-efficient (0.77 ≤ r ≤ 0.88). Good correlation between sub-seasonal (monthly, bi-monthly, tri-monthly) SRIP and normalized MODIS Gross Primary Productivity (0.65 ≤ r ≤ 0.98), and SRIP deviation and yield deviation (0.45 ≤ r ≤ 0.97) reflect sensitivity of SRIP to crop carbon productivity and crop yield. The findings of the present study recommend SRIP not only a multi-phase composite index for assessing mid-season crop risks in terms of rainfall deficit for clusters of insurance units, but it has the potential to be used by insurance agencies to settle the claims by farmers in a transparent and faster manner for crop loss due to large-scale rainfall deficits. However, SRIP needs to be customized in future to make it more adaptable to settle insurance claims due to weather adversaries at individual farm level.

Stability analysis on elite genotypes of Indian Mustard (Brassica Juncea L.) in Terai Agro-Climatic Region

Abstract Among the oilseed crops, mustard has gained precedence in the human diet due to its superior oil quality. Genotype × environment interactions have a significant effect on plant breeding because it reduces the stability of the genotypes in diverse environments. In order to assess the impact of environments on genotypes and determine the stable genotypes in terms of seed yield and yield attributing characters in the terai agro-climatic zone, seventy-one Indian mustard genotypes were evaluated during two consecutive years,namely, 2017-18 and 2018-19, focusing on nine quantitative characters across six environments. Eberhart and Russell model (1966) of stability analysis revealed that various genotypes exhibited adaptability to favourable and unfavourable environments for different characters, influenced by the different sowing dates over the two years. However, Rohini (SC) and KMR-15-14 to be well adapted in terai agro-climatic zone in respect to seed yield and plant height, while Pusa mustard 27 (EJ 17) were adapted to specifically favorable (rich) environment for the seed yield. In terms of secondary branches per plant and number of siliquae on branches, Pusa mustard 27 (EJ 17) showed adaptability across all types of environments. Therefore, Rohini (SC) and KMR-15-14 were identified as stable genotypes for optimum seed yield across different environmental conditions. Keyword: Mustard, G × E interaction, stability, , Regression, Deviation from regression, Brassica juncea

Ecology and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) in South India: an ecological analysis of factors influencing AMF in rice fields.

This study examined the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), mean spore density (MSD), and root colonization in relation to factors such as agroclimatic zones, rice varieties and soil types in paddy fields of South India. The aim was to understand how these factors influence AMF association in rice, facilitating their effective use as a biological tool in paddy cultivation. AMF were identified through light microscopy of spores, while MSD and percentage-root-length colonization (PRLC) were measured using standard methods. Correlation and principal component analyses were performed to explore the interrelationships between AMF characteristics and various environmental, soil, and plant variables. Sixteen AMF species were identified across 29 rice varieties from three agroclimatic zones, 6 soil orders, and 18 soil series over 2 seasons. Notably, 70% of chemicalized rice fields lacked AMF spores, and only 50% exhibited root colonization. This study offers new insights into the role of AMF in rice cultivation. The AMF diversity and root colonization in relation to environmental variables underscore their significant impact on AMF in particular crop fields.

Impact of Weather Parameters on the Population Fluctuation of Major Sucking Pest in Summer Mung Bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Background: Mungbean may be grown in an extensive range of agro climatic zones in India and across the world. It is a crucial component of our diet. Because of its capacity to fix nitrogen, it also plays a vital role in managing soil fertility. Mung beans are one of the most significant crops for farmers as a cash crop. In order to implement control measures effectively and on schedule, it is crucial to monitor the population dynamics of major sucking pests, such as aphids, jassids and whiteflies in relation of weather parameters. Methods: PDM-139 (Samrat) variety seeds were manually planted 5-7cm deep in the ground. Weekly observations were made from 10 randomly chosen plants Split cage methods were used to record the observations of jassids and whiteflies and aphids from the top and bottom surfaces of the first three trifoliate plants were tallied. Averages population were computed. Result: The incidence of pest population start on the 14-15th standard meteorological weeks which attain their peak population in 19th SMW. The insect-pest population was established positive correlation with the max and min temperature whereas population was negatively correlated with R.H. and Rainfall.

Rainfall characteristics under changing climate in Sundergarh district of Odisha

Most pronounced signal of warming world is the increase in intensity and frequency of extremeevents worldwide. Many researchers have reported the nature of these events in coastal district of Odisha, but forSundergarh district which comes under North-western Plateau Agro-Climatic Zone, it still needed to be studied. Thepresent study was conducted with an objective to study rainfall characteristics - rainfall climatology, rainy days, trend -their deviation and resulting meteorological drought in Sundergarh district of Odisha at block level using 34 years ofdaily rainfall data (1988-2022). IMD classification for rainy days was adopted to determine the frequency of rainy days indifferent categories. SPI was computed using Climpact to determine the occurrence and severity of meteorologicaldrought and identify episodes of dry and wet events during the study period for each block. MK test and Sen’s slopeestimator was used for detecting trend in rainfall (annual and seasonal) and rainy days at 95% significance level. Longterm rainfall analysis reveals that the mean annual rainfall of the district is 1290 ± 314 mm, most of which is receivedduring SW monsoon (86%) followed by post-monsoon (6.2%), pre-monsoon (5.7%) and least during winter (2.1%).Rainfall received in the months of July and August together accounts for more than 50% of the total. Spatial distributionof rainfall indicated that mean annual rainfall varies from 1071 mm (Subdega) to 1578 mm (Bonai). Annually, rainfall isdependable in most of the blocks. However, during pre-monsoon, post-monsoon and winter, CV is very high, so therainfall is not dependable. Bulk of annual rainfall received in the district is contributed by rain events of light to moderatecategory. Direction and magnitude of the trend of rainfall amount and rainy days varies a lot in different blocks. SPI values calculated for the district as a whole shows that frequency of occurrence of these drought events were: mild (34% of months); moderate (7.6% of months); severe (3.3% of months) and extreme (3.2% of months). The present study provides pertinent information on the rainfall climatology and its trend under climate change over the Sundergarh district of Odisha. Finding of the study suggests that there is an urgent need to raise awareness about the climate resilient society, train personnels about sustainable development approaches and highlight the necessity of water harvesting techniques at community level.

Ethno-veterinary medicines and practices followed by Kangayam cattle farmers in Western agro-climatic zone of Tamil Nadu

Ethno-veterinary medicines and practices followed by Kangayam cattle farmers in Western agro-climatic zone of Tamil Nadu