Agro-climatic Zones Research Articles

Avian ecological guilds determined by water quality parameters of ponds in the central plain agroclimatic zone of Punjab State

Aim: The present study investigated the relationship between avian ecological guilds and water quality parameters at three selected village ponds (namely Pond A, B and C) falling in the central plain agroclimatic zone of Punjab State. Methodology: During the monsoon season (July-October 2022), bird populations and habitat utilization were assessed using point count/line transect methods. Water quality parameters were measured following the standard methods of APHA (2023). Results: Twenty-eight bird species comprising of 7 orders and 15 families were identified, representing 12 trophic guilds, 4 habitat guilds and 5 substrate guilds. Pond B showed the best water quality, harbored the most semi-aquatic/aquatic species (9) and highest trophic diversity. Conversely, Pond C revealed the poorest water quality and had the lowest number of aquatic species. Interpretation: Water quality in ponds seemed to play a crucial role in shaping avian community composition and ecological roles. This study underscores the importance of maintaining good water quality in ponds interspersed in an agroecosystem for the diversity of ecological guilds. Study findings have the potential to be extrapolated to thousands of ponds in the Indian agricultural landscape, thereby having far reaching ecological implications. Key words: Agroclimatic zones, Birds, Diversity, Guilds, Ponds, Water quality

Curcuma species DNA fingerprinting of wild and cultivated genotypes from different agroclimatic zones

IntroductionCurcuma isolates from different agroclimatic zones in Chhattisgarh have been found to possess a varied spectrum of Curcumin, we set out to learn more about their genetic diversity by molecular fingerprinting in the present study. MethodsUsing SSR primers, the genetic variability of 25 Curcuma genotypes has been analyzed. These included the fingerprints of Curcuma longa, Curcuma aromatica, and Curcuma caesia. 13 inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers amplified 107 unique fragments across all kinds, whereas 11 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers amplified 51 unique fragments across all varieties, with 97 % and 86 % showing polymorphism, respectively. ResultsA total of 1080 ISSR and 567 SSR loci were amplified across all genotypes; among these, 5 monomorphic and 102 polymorphic alleles were produced in ISSR primers. However, SSR data showed 47 polymorphic and 4 monomorphic alleles. A panel of ISSR and SSR markers calculated DNA fingerprinting, genetic similarity, and distance estimates between Curcuma genotypes. In order to examine the diversity in different Curcuma genotypes, UPGMA data scoring methods were used. DiscussionCurcuma species demonstrate significant genetic variability, which is essential for breeding initiatives focused on creating better cultivars with desirable characteristics such as increased productivity, resistance to diseases, and improved medicinal capabilities.

Detection of multiple Begomoviruses in chilli crop in the five agro-climatic zones of Tamil Nadu state of India

Detection of multiple Begomoviruses in chilli crop in the five agro-climatic zones of Tamil Nadu state of India

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE OF AGRO-INPUT DEALERS GAINED THROUGH CERTIFICATE COURSE ON INSECTICIDE MANAGEMENT

Agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy and has a crucial role to play in the country's economic development. Agro-input dealers are an important mediator for transfer of technology among the farmer in rural area. Agro input dealers trained about insecticide management that significantly increased their knowledge. The study was conducted to assess the knowledge of Agro-input dealers gained through certificate course on insecticides management and to ascertain relationship between attributes of respondents and their knowledge gained through certificate course on insecticides management. The study was conducted in South Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone in which total 405 agro-input dealers was selected for the study who were participated in the certificate course in the year 2021-22 at different centres of certificate course like Junagadh, Amreli, Khapat, Targhadiya, Dhari and Kodinar. The study revealed that after the completion of the certificate course, majority of agro-input dealers were from medium to high level knowledge group and course can be significantly increase the knowledge of agro-input dealers about insecticide management. The positive and significant relationship like education, numbers of university visit, numbers of training received and use of university technological product, revealed that these all variables had pivotal contribution in increase in knowledge of agro-input dealers. In addition to this, those agro-input dealers had contacted university by any means they get knowledge about insect pest management and insecticide management. The young farmers had more enthusiastic to acquire the knowledge about insecticide management. The regular and effective technology transfer of nearby recommended technological know-how, regular training should be imparted to young, educated and university contact farmers. May they were as change agents in the future.

Exploring AI approaches for predicting groundwater levels in coastal agro-climatic zones: a case study in Cuttack District, Odisha

Groundwater level (GWL) prediction across various time scales is essential for efficient management and governance of water resources especially in regions characterized by arid and semi-arid climates, and it holds great significance. Within certain coastal regions, agro-climatic zones give rise to challenges like water scarcity in summer and waterlogging during the rainy season, resulting in reduced GWL during scarcity periods and saltwater intrusion that contaminates groundwater. This study emphasizes on application of diverse AI methodologies, encompassing Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and Wavelet Transform-based ANN (W-ANN), ANFIS (W-ANFIS), SVR (W-SVR), and LSTM (W-LSTM) models for quantitative assessment of groundwater in Odisha's Cuttack District, aiming to comprehend GWL fluctuations across the region. The investigation leverages historical groundwater data from monitoring wells, incorporating monthly datasets of rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, and GWLs. Through comparative assessment using statistical methods namely Pearson’s R (R), co-efficient of determination (R2), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and Sum of Squared Error (SSE), the most precise and robust AI approach for groundwater estimation in the area is identified. The W-LSTM (R2-0.78196, RMSE- 0.09254, R-0.88428 and SSE-2.66357) and W-ANFIS (R2-0.74068, RMSE-0.08229, R-0.86063 and SSE-2.10596) hybrid algorithms consistently achieved the most accurate predictions for GWLs followed by W-SVR, W-ANN hybrid models and LSTM and ANN for all stations. Overall, this study demonstrated promising outcomes, offering a dependable foundation for water resources planners to guide future investigations into groundwater resources.

Reconnaissance of spatio-temporal variability in ecological stability with local adaptability based on multi-temporal LANDSAT archive in ganga river basin

Assessment of ecological environment is an indispensable part of the eco-environment protection and restoration. This study utilizes a remote sensing-based ecological index (RSEI) to better understand the environmental scenario in the Ganga basin. RSEI has been computed using five parameters: Wetness, Dryness, Greenness, Heat, and a newly incorporated parameter Albedo representative of land degradation. Median-based RSEI maps have been constructed using LANDSAT archives in Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, covering three decades (1990–2021). The Ganga basin has been divided into five agro-climatic zones. For each zone and time frame (1990–99, 2000–09, 2010–19, and 2020–21), a median-based RSEI map has been generated. The analysis reveals that RSEI becomes poorer for sub-basin 1 (SB1), sub-basin 2 (SB2), and sub-basin 5 (SB5) in the 2010–19 period compared to the 1990–99 and 2000–09 periods. On the other hand, RSEI for sub-basin 3 (SB3) improved in the 2010–19 period compared to the previously mentioned periods. Sub-basin 4 (SB4) remained the least fluctuated region compared to the other sub-basins. The Global Moran's I value is highest for SB3 for the 1990–99 and 2000–09 periods, while for the 2010–19 and 2020–21 periods, SB2 has the highest Global Moran's I. This study incorporates big data analysis and can be indispensable in exploring the interactions between ecosystem services and anthropogenic activities in river basin systems.

Optimising Sowing Window for Wheat Cultivars Under RCP 4.5 and RCP 6.0 Scenarios During the 21st Century in Indian Punjab

ABSTRACTA simulation study was conducted for assessing the climate change impact on wheat cultivars (HD2967 and PBW725) under RCP 4.5 and RCP 6.0 scenarios for four agroclimatic zones (AZ) of Punjab. The yield trend during 70 years (2025–95) using the CERES‐Wheat model was assessed for different sowing windows (end October to end November). The maximum/minimum temperature and rainfall, respectively, during the season varied between 25–27°C/9–12°C and 27–103 mm (AZ II), 24–27°C/8–13°C and 37–105 mm (AZ III), 24–26°C/9–12°C and 20–80 mm (AZ IV) and 23–26°C/9–12°C and 30–71 mm (AZ V). The climatic conditions largely vary across the state, because of which only AZs II, III and V were found productive for wheat crop with most of the years lying in the high yield (>5000 kg/ha) category. The sowing of HD2967 during mid to end November would be suitable adaptation strategy for wheat growers in the state.

Molecular Epidemiology of Multi-Drug Resistant E. coli Isolated from Poultry Birds in Six Agroclimatic Zones of West Bengal, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Molecular Epidemiology of Multi-Drug Resistant E. coli Isolated from Poultry Birds in Six Agroclimatic Zones of West Bengal, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Growth Response and Economics Variability in Hybrid Pigeonpea to Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization

Aims: To study the growth response and economic variability in hybrid pigeonpea to nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization. Study Design: Factorial randomized block design. Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was conducted on deep black cotton soils of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Lam during kharif season, 2018-19 in hybrid pigeonpea (ICPH-2740). Methodology: The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) comprised of four levels of nitrogen in first factor (N1: 20 kg ha-1, N2: 40 kg ha-1, N3: 60 kg ha-1, N4: 80 kg ha-1) and three levels of phosphorus allotted to second factor (P2O5) (P1: 50 kg ha-1, P2: 75 kg ha-1, P3: 100 kg ha-1). Results: The higher values of grain yield (1900 kg ha-1 & 1833 kg ha-1), net returns (Rs.60522/- & Rs.57181/-) and B:C ratio (1.62 & 1.54) were found with application of nitrogen (60 kg ha-1) and phosphorus (75 kg ha-1), respectively. Conclusion: It was concluded that in Krishna agro-climatic zone of Andhra Pradesh, an application of 60 kg N ha-1 and 75 kg P2O5 ha-1 was applied for getting economically higher grain yield in hybrid pigeonpea.

Maternal genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis of Indian riverine and swamp buffaloes: insights from complete mitochondrial genomes.

This study explored the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of riverine and swamp buffaloes in India, utilizing complete mitochondrial genome sequences. Through comprehensive sampling across varied agro-climatic zones, including 91 riverine buffaloes from 12 breeds and 6 non-descript populations, along with 16 swamp buffaloes of the Luit breed, this study employed next-generation sequencing techniques to map the mitogenomic landscape of these subspecies. Sequence alignments were performed with the buffalo mitochondrial reference genome to identify mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variations and distinct maternal haplogroups among Indian buffaloes. The results uncovered the existence of 212 variable sites in riverine buffaloes, yielding 67 haplotypes with high haplotype diversity (0.991), and in swamp buffaloes, 194 variable sites resulting in 12 haplotypes, displaying haplotype diversity of 0.950. Phylogenetic analyses elucidated the genetic relationships between Indian buffaloes and the recognized global haplogroups, categorizing Indian swamp buffaloes predominantly into the SA haplogroup. Intriguingly, the haplogroup SB2b was observed for the first time in swamp buffaloes. Conversely, riverine buffaloes conformed to established sub-haplogroups RB1, RB2, and RB3, underscoring the notion of Northwestern India as a pivotal domestication site for riverine buffaloes. The study supports the hypothesis of independent domestication events for riverine and swamp buffaloes, highlighting the critical role of genetic analysis in unraveling the complex evolutionary pathways of domestic animals. This investigation contributes to the global understanding of buffalo mitogenome diversity, offering insights into this important livestock species' domestication and dispersal patterns.

Decoding uranium variation over the Indian peninsula through leveraging standardized precipitation evapotranspiration indices and groundwater level fluctuations

The present study aims to predict the concentration of uranium (U) in groundwater in India by utilizing water quantity indicators, such as Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardised Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) based groundwater levels. The study adopts a multi-scale approach, ranging from state-level to agroclimatic zones. The findings indicate that the highest levels of U (101–500 μg.L−1), which surpass the World Health Organization (WHO) prescribed limit of 30 μg.L−1 for drinking water, are primarily concentrated in India's plateau and hills regions. The GRACE data map portrays a downward trend in groundwater levels throughout India, with the mid-Gangetic plains experiencing the most significant decline. The meteorological aspect of the study, as indicated by SPI and SPEI, reveals that the plateau and hills region is experiencing a decline in rainfall. The SPEI further underscores the grim picture of decreasing precipitation in northern India. Additionally, the study employs cluster analysis to cluster states according to the division of agro-climatic zones. Lastly, the study employs a random forest algorithm to assess the relative importance of each predictor and predict U concentration under the trinity of precipitation, extraction, and evaporation. The most significant contribution of this work is to identify the hotspots in India that require the most attention in terms of U toxicity owing to groundwater decline. Overall, this study highlights the need for immediate attention to mitigate the adverse impacts of U contamination and aims at sensitizing the stakeholders towards the compelling need to fulfil SDG-3 (health aspects due to U hazard) and SDG-6 (groundwater over-exploitation and deteriorating water quality).

Knowledge, adoption and attitude of cluster frontline demonstration farmers in adoption of chickpea production technology in Malwa Pleatue Agro - Climatic zone of M.P.

The present study will be under taken in the Malwa Plateau Agro-climatic zones of Madhya Pradesh. The KVKs conducted a many numbers of Cluster Frontline demonstration on chickpea crop. Chickpea crop will be selected as under all pulse’s crops chickpea covers highest area and it is one of the most important pulse crops grown of Malwa Plateau Agro-Climatic Zone of Madhya Pradesh. The hill region constitutes about 14% in the Malwa plateau. List of villages where CFLD pulses programme is being implemented from last five year was taken from the respective KVKs. One village at nearest vicinity and one village at remote vicinity from each KVK was selected for the present study. Two villages from each KVK were selected. Thus, total eight villages were selected for the study. The design of research is the most important and crucial aspect of the research methodology. It is the entire process of planning and carrying out the research. To seek the answers for the research question, an ex-post facto research design was used to explore or search through a problem or situation to provide insights and understanding in the investigation.

Effect of Vermicompost on Soil Fertility and Crop Productivity in the Drylands of Ethiopia

The nutrient type and amount contributed from vermicompost varies depending on the source material, earthworm type used, agro-ecology and farmers’ management. These call for crop, soil and site specific study. This study, therefore, aimed at determining: (i) the optimal vermicompost application rate/s for wheat and maize production; and (ii) the role of vermicompost on soil fertility improvements. Field experiments in three agro-climatic zones (highland, midland and lowlands) were established on wheat and maize crops following a randomized complete block design. The treatments were vermicompost (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 t ha−1), conventional compost (10 t ha−1), and recommended rates of Nitrogen and Phosphorus (NP = 100 kg DAP and 50 kg Urea) fertilizers. Our results revealed that the studied soil chemical properties, primarily, organic carbon (OC %), N (%) and available P (mg kg−1) increased with increasing vermicompost rate. The 10 t ha−1 vermicompost treated plots had 157-210%, 64-81% and 100-242% higher soil total nitrogen content as compared to the control, 10 t ha−1 conventional compost and NP fertilizer treatments, respectively. Application of 10 t ha−1 vermicompost also resulted in a 1.5-fold and 43-63% grain yield increment of both tested crops compared to the control and NP treated plots, respectively. However, the highest net benefit was obtained from 5 t ha−1 vermicompost for maize (86% increase) and 10 t ha−1 of vermicompost for wheat (152% increase compared to the control). In conclusion, vermicompost at 5 t ha−1 for maize and 10 t ha−1 for wheat can be recommended to sustainably manage farm productivity.

Weather Parameter’s Impact on Natural Parasitization by Campoletis chlorideae Uchida in Chickpea Ecosystem - New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal

Background: A major biotic constraint in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production is gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner). However, the population of this pest is reduced to some extent by a solitary endo-larval parasitoid, Campoletis chlorideae Uchida under field conditions. Climate change has a greater impact on natural enemies’ effectiveness used in field-level pest management. Therefore, the present study was conducted to understand the impact of weather factors on C. chlorideae parasitization rate of H. armigera in chickpea grown in the new alluvial agro-climatic zone of West Bengal. Methods: Chickpea was grown in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications during Rabi 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-2020, at Mondouri farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Visawavidayala, Mohanpur, West Bengal. To know the most significant weather parameter which influences C. chlorideae parasitization or parasitoid incidence, H. armigera larvae (2nd instar) collected from the field experiment were reared until cocoon formation and parasitization % was correlated with weather parameters and subsequently subjected to stepwise regression analysis. Result: The larval endo-parasitoid, C. chlorideae marked its first appearance from 3rd SMW after the appearance of H. armigera and its activity was high (68% to 72% parasitization) during the flowering to pod initiation stage and thereafter declined gradually. Among the weather variables, only temperature (maximum and minimum) had a consistent and significant negative correlation with C. chlorideae incidence and was responsible for nearly 50% C. chlorideae incidence. An increase in 1°C temperature results in a decrease of 4% parasitoid incidence. Thus, climate change in the near future will have a considerable influence on the overall survival, development and rate of parasitization of parasitoids.

Crop yield prediction based on reanalysis and crop phenology data in the agroclimatic zones

Crop yield prediction based on reanalysis and crop phenology data in the agroclimatic zones

Varietal Evaluation of Bottle Gourd on Growth and Yield under Prayagraj Conditions or Respective Agro Climatic Zone

The experiment was carried out in the SHUATS horticulture department field, which is located in the Prayagraj agroclimatic zone in Uttar Pradesh. The study, "Varietal Evaluation in Bottle Gourd," used a combination of treatments on 12 different varieties of bottle gourd, including 2021/BOGVAR -1 TO BOGVAR-12, MAHASHAKTI, and Faizabadhi long. The primary conclusions were vine length, where MAHASHAKTI showed the highest growth and 2021/BOGVAR-03 showed the lowest. The 2021/BOGVAR-06 shows the most node growth, while the 2021/BOGVAR-10 shows the lowest. In terms of fruit weight the maximum weight was seen in 2021/BOGVAR-07(1200g) and the minimum weight was observed in 2021/BOGVAR-02(492.5g), in terms of fruit yield per ha the maximum yield was seen in 2021/BOGVAR-07, 2021/BOGVAR-08 and the minimum weight was observed in 2021/BOGVAR-02, 2021/BOGVAR-03.

Phylogenetic Probe of <i>Wolbachia</i> in <i>Bemisia tabaci</i>

The isolated DNA of Wolbachia present in whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleurodidae) collected from six different agroclimatic zones ofAssam, India were amplified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using Wolbachia specific primer. A band in the range of 518-528 bp proved the presence of Wolbachia in the samples, which was further confirmed through BLAST analysis using the NCBI database. A phylogenetic analysis of the DNA sequences showed two subgroups of Wolbachia in the collected sample of B. tabaci. TheW2 cluster formed with four samples of Wolbachia showed 91% similarity with Wolbachia from Drosophila simulans.

Knowledge assessment of dairy farmers regarding khoa, dahi, and lassi: A comparative study in agro-climatic zones of Haryana

Knowledge assessment of dairy farmers regarding khoa, dahi, and lassi: A comparative study in agro-climatic zones of Haryana

Crop water and irrigation requirements of major crops in coastal agro-climatic zone of Odisha

Crop water and irrigation requirements of major crops in coastal agro-climatic zone of Odisha

Evaluation of private sector rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes under agro-climatic zone of Prayagraj U.P.

Evaluation of private sector rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes under agro-climatic zone of Prayagraj U.P.