Cauvery Delta Research Articles

Detection of Theileria and Anaplasma spp. in carrier buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) by polymerase chain reaction in Tamil Nadu, India

A total of 150 heparinised blood samples and equal number of blood smears were collected from buffaloes in three agro-climatic zones of Tamil Nadu viz., Cauvery delta, North - western and Southern zones to detect Theileria and Anaplasma by blood smear examination and Polymerase Chain Reaction. The blood smear examination revealed that none of animals were found to harbour any haemoprotozoan parasites. Whereas PCR detected Theileria and Anaplasma in 26.9% and 48.0%, and 10% and 15% of the animals, respectively in north- western zone and Cauvery delta, however no animal from south zone was detected positive for any protozoan. Besides, mixed infection of Theileria and Anaplasma was recorded in 8 (5.3%) animals. The analysis of data collected to determine the risk factors associated with occurrence of haemoprotozoan parasites revealed that the pure breed Murrah showed higher percentage of Theileria and Anaplasma positivity (30.7% and 46.1%) than non - descriptive breed (8.7% and 16.0%). The percentage of positivity of haemoprotozoan parasites was found to be higher among animals of 1 year, followed by 2 years and > 4 years of age.

Effect of soil moisture conservation practices and foliar fertilization on the performance of hybrid maize (Zea mays) under Cauvery Delta Zone of India

One of the crucial variables that affects the growth and yield of the maize crop is soil moisture. Soil mulching and foliar nutrition are significantly impacted by the absence of moisture in the soil, which has a favourable impact on the growth and yield of the crops. With this background, a field experiment was conducted during kharif 2020 at Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India to maximize the productivity and profitability of maize by adopting various soil moisture conservation techniques and foliar fertilization. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications. The experiment consisted of two factors comprising soil moisture conservation techniques viz., sugarcane trash, water hyacinth, hydrogel and control (no mulch plot), and foliar nutrient management practice at both knee high and tasseling stages using 19 : 19 : 19 1%, DAP 1%+MOP 1%, PPFM (Pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs) 1%, 19 : 19 : 19 1%+PPFM 1%, DAP 1%+MOP 1%+PPFM 1% and control (no foliar nutrition). Among the soil moisture conservation techniques, the results indicated that mulching with water hyacinth registered significantly higher yield parameters, yield and economic returns than other techniques. With regards to foliar nutrients, foliar application of DAP 1%+MOP 1%+PPFM 1% (F6) exhibited higher yield parameters, yield and economic returns than other foliar nutrient treatments. Therefore, integration of soil moisture conservation techniques and foliar nutrients, mulching with water hyacinth and foliar application of DAP 1%+MOP 1%+PPFM 1% (M3F6) significantly produced higher yield parameters, yield and economic benefits in maize cultivation.

Spatio Temporal Analysis of Teak Plantations in the Cauvery Delta Zone of Tamil Nadu, India

Spatio Temporal Analysis of Teak Plantations in the Cauvery Delta Zone of Tamil Nadu, India

Diversity and community structure of the agroecosystem avifauna in the Cauvery delta region, South India

Diversity and community structure of the agroecosystem avifauna in the Cauvery delta region, South India

Spatial Rice Yield Estimation Using Multiple Linear Regression Analysis, Semi-Physical Approach and Assimilating SAR Satellite Derived Products with DSSAT Crop Simulation Model

Accurate and consistent information on the area and production of field crops is vital for national and state planning and ensuring food security in India. Satellite-based remote sensing offers a suitable and cost-effective technique for regional- and national-scale crop monitoring. The use of remote sensing data for crop yield estimation has been demonstrated using a semi-physical approach with reasonable success. Assimilating remote sensing data with the DSSAT model and spectral indices-based regression analysis are promising methods for spatially estimating rice crop yields. Rice area and yield in the Cauvery delta zone of Tamil Nadu, India was estimated during samba (August–January) season in the years 2020–2021 using Sentinel 1A Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite data with three different spatial yield estimation methods, namely a spectral indices-based regression analysis, semi-physical approach, and integrating remote products with DSSAT crop growth model. A rice area map was generated for the study area using a rule-based classifier approach utilizing parameterization with a classification accuracy of 94.5% and a kappa score of 0.89. The total classified rice area in Cauvery Delta Region was 379,767 ha, and the Start of Season (SoS) maps for samba season revealed that the major planting period for rice was between 22 September and 9 November in 2020. The study also aimed to identify promising spatial yield estimation techniques for optimal rice yield prediction over large areas. Regression models resulted in rice yields of 3234 to 3905 kg ha−1 with a mean of 3654 kg ha−1. The net primary product was computed using the periodical PAR, fAPAR, Wstress, Tstress, and maximum radiation use efficiency in a semi-physical approach. The resultant rice yields ranged between 2652 and 3438 kg ha−1 with the mean of 3076 kg ha−1. During the integration of remote sensing products with crop growth models, LAI values were extracted from dB images and utilized to simulate rice yields in the range of 3684 to 4012 kg ha−1 with the mean of 3855 kg ha−1. When compared to the semi-physical approach, both integrating remote sensing products with the DSSAT crop growth model and spectral indices-based regression analysis had R2 greater than 0.80, NRMSE of less than 10%, and agreement of more than 90%, indicating that these two approaches could be used for spatial rice yield estimation.

Constraints Faced by Rice Growers in Cauvery Delta Zone of Tamil Nadu in Cultivation of TNAU Modern Rice Varieties

The present study was carried out to analyse the constraints faced by rice growers in Cauvery Delta Zone (CDZ) of Tamil Nadu in use of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) modern rice varieties and to elicit suggestions for improving the adoption of TNAU modern rice varieties. Ex-Post Facto Research Design was followed in this study since it aimed to know the constraints faced by the rice growers. The study was conducted during May and June 2022. The selected districts for the study were Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai based on maximum area under rice cultivation. From each of the four districts, two blocks were selected and from the selected blocks, two villages from each block were selected for the study based on maximum area under rice cultivation. Based on proportionate random sampling technique, 160 respondents were selected for the study. The responses of the respondents were subjected to frequency and percentage analysis. More than three fourth of the respondents expressed lodging (83.10%) followed by disease infestation (81.90%) and pest infestation (80.60%) as the major constraints. Lack of awareness and knowledge in adopting TNAU modern rice varieties was expressed by around one-third (36.30%) of the respondents. Availability of non-lodging varieties (91.90%), flood tolerant varieties (91.30%), availability of disease-resistant varieties (90.00%), pest-resistant varieties (89.40%) and increasing promotional efforts (85.00%) were the major suggestions given by the rice growers for increasing the use TNAU modern rice varieties.

Diversity of amphibian population with reference to various degrees of infestation of Eichhornia crassipes in the ponds of Cauvery delta region, Tamil Nadu, India.

Diversity of amphibian population with reference to various degrees of infestation of Eichhornia crassipes in the ponds of Cauvery delta region, Tamil Nadu, India.

Assessment of amphibian population in the Water hyacinth infested village ponds with reference to pond length, width and depth in Cauvery delta districts of Tamil Nadu.

Assessment of amphibian population in the Water hyacinth infested village ponds with reference to pond length, width and depth in Cauvery delta districts of Tamil Nadu.

Screening of Big Onion Varieties for Sodicity Tolerance at Cauvery Delta Zone in South India

Sodicity is a major factor affects crop growth and productivity at global level. Out of 1.5 billion ha of cultivable land at global level, 23% are affected due to salinity and 37% by sodicity. Fourteen Big onion varieties were screened by employing germination test in an osmatic solution of Na2CO3 (Sodium bicarbonate).Simultaneously, all the varieties were allowed to germinate in distilled water (control).Three Replications of 20 seeds of each variety were counted and distributed over two layers of paper towel (21x21 cm) previously moistened with water equivalent to three times the dry weight of the paper and tied both ends with rubber band and kept in a plastic tray with different concentrations ( 0, 25mM, 50mM, 75mM, 100 M ) of Na2CO3. At the end of the 21st day, final germination percent, root length, shoot length, root dry weight, shoot weight, Relative water content and membrane stability index, were recorded in Na2CO3 solution as against the distilled water was calculated. The experiment was designed as a completely randomized design with two factors. As a result a decline in all onion growth paramers, with increasing sodicity stress has been recorded. Significant differences were observed between the varieties and different Na2CO3 concentrations. Irrespective of Na2CO3 concentrations, Bhima Safed recorded significantly maximum stress tolerant index compared to other varieties and minimum stress tolerant index value recorded bhima red variety. Based on stress tolerant index, Bhima safed variety tolerant to sodicity stress and Bhima red variety sensitive to sodicity stress.

Effectiveness of WhatsApp Agro - Advisory Service by the Scientist of KVK of Cauvery Delta Zone

Nowadays usage of Social media is increasing rapidly in the 21st century. WhatsApp is the most popular social media which is used by a large number of people. The present study was focused on how effectively KVK's farmers use WhatsApp groups for agricultural purposes. Three districts of Cauvery Delta Zone Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, and Karaikal KVK WhatsApp groups were purposively selected for the study. Totally 120 farmers were selected for primary data, and from each district, 40 farmers were selected by the Simple Random Sampling method. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. It reported that the overall effectiveness of the farmer's use of WhatsApp groups was at the medium level (74.17%) indicating that farmers were using the group for their agricultural activities. The easiness of understanding information on Whatsapp was found to be good, and image and video-based information, in addition to textual information aided in a better understanding of information. Based on the study recommended that is important to be placed on disseminate weather and market information to aid indecision making.

Impact of Precipitation over the Productivity of Sugarcane in Major Agro-climatic Zones of Tamil Nadu

Sugarcane is one of the traditional crops grown abundantly across the state of Tamil Nadu due to the lengthening of the period of monsoon and its diversified uses in different agro-based industries. Precipitation, a significant factor for sugarcane cultivation, has an impact on its productivity differs for different agro-climatic zones. A secondary data of district wise precipitation and sugarcane productivity of Tamil Nadu for the 30 years (1985 - 2014) were also collected. The impact of precipitation over the productivity of various crops can be explained by using the Standard Precipitation Indices (SPI) data and applying Principal Component regression (PCR) technique. Initially, SPI, A drought monitoring index, represents a Z-Score, was calculated seasonally for different agro-climatic zones. As there was a severe collinearity between the SPI values of seasons, Principal component regression analysis was used to study the impact of precipitation on the sugarcane productivity by considering the SPI values of four seasons along with time as regressor variables. The study showed that the productivity of sugarcane in Cauvery Delta zone and Western Zone mainly depended upon the precipitation during South west monsoon and North East monsoon periods. However, the productivity of sugarcane in North East zone was mostly dependent on the precipitation of Cold Weather period when compared to all other seasons. Unlikely, North west and Southern zones are not significantly influenced by the precipitation.

Growth and volume productivity of farm grown teak (Tectona grandis Linn. F) in cauvery delta zone of Tamil Nadu

A natural Teak resource is available only in few tropical and sub-tropical countries like India, Myanmar, Thailand etc. India is the leading exporter of teak resources in early decades, but presently the country is becoming the major net importer of teak resources in order to meet their requirements. Based on the constrains, the present study was conducted in farmlands under Cauvery delta zone (CDZ) of Tamil Nadu to analyze the available teak resources and their influence on growth and volume production. The growth biometrics and volume production of Teak among different block and boundary plantations of farm grown teak in different age class were recorded in cauvery delta agroclimatic zone of Tamil Nadu. On comparing both plantations, the present study revealed that growth biometrics is significant in boundary plantations of 15-20 years age class attaining maximum DBH (0.201 m), height (9.8 m) and volume (0.282 m3). Hence, it is concluded that under farmland condition, Cauvery delta zone is more superior zone for teak boundary plantation due to the influence of optimum climatic and edaphic factors.

Efficacy of Newer Insecticide Molecules for the Management of Emerging Pests of Rice in the Cauvery Delta Zone of Tamil Nadu, India

Seven treatments including 5 insecticides, Azadirachtin and untreated control were evaluated in field conditions against emerging pests of Rice viz., Rice hispa, Dicladispa armigera, (Oliver), (Chrysomelidae: Coleoptera), Whorl maggot, Hydrellia sasakii Yuasa and Isitani (Diptera: Ephydridae) and Rice black bug, Scotinophara lurida (Burmeister),(Pentatomidae: Hemiptera) during 2019 and 2020 at Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduthurai. All the tested newer insecticide molecules were effective against the above-mentioned emerging pests of Rice. Two sprays of Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @ 150ml/ha at 35 and 75 days after transplanting (DAT) has reduced the highest reduction of hispa, whorl maggot and black bug (91.80, 92.25, 84.51 percent reduction over control) followed by Clothianidin 50 WDG @ 40g/ha (88.46, 89.60 and 83.39 percent reduction over control). Higher yield was recorded from Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (6075 kg/ha) treated plots followed by Clothianidin 50 WDG @ 40g/ha (5950 kg/ha). Cost-benefit analysis showed that Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @ 150ml/ha spray was the most viable treatment by recording the highest cost-benefit ratio of 1: 3.17. Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @ 150ml/ha recorded more number of spiders and coccinellids (1.51 and 1.75 no./plant) followed by Carbosulfan 25% EC @ 1000ml/ ha (1.40 and 1.75 no./plant) which was on par with control (2.98 and 2.88 no./plant).

Volumetric change analysis of the Cauvery delta topography using radar remote sensing

Geomorphology refers to the study of the Earth’s physical land surface features. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is a digital imagery where each pixel represents elevation value above or below mean sea level. The availability of DEM allows analysis of landscape morphology and related processes in terms of geomorphometry. DEM of Difference (DoD) techniques are used to estimate the elevation variations and volumetric changes over time. The volumetric change of terrain in the Cauvery delta (CD) for the past two decades is estimated using DoD algorithm by utilizing freely available moderate spatial resolution SRTM, PALSAR and Sentinel 1A DEMs which are derived by radar remote sensing technique. A detailed assessment of individual DEM’s errors and propagating errors into the DoD are estimated using the field elevation points measured by Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Global Positioning System (GPS). The default errors in the SRTM, PALSAR and Sentinel 1A DEMs are observed with Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 3.33, 3.11 and 3.04 m respectively. The erosion and accretion rates determined are 25 and 30 million m3 / decade correspondingly. The total volume of sediment load due to erosion and accretion is 50 and 60 million m3 respectively during 2000–2020. Further the net area affected due to deposition (69 %) is higher than the total area affected due to erosion (30%). This study presents decadal sediment budget and rate of annual change due to erosion/accretion in the CD.

Projected Changes in Climate Over Cauvery Delta Zone of Tamil Nadu in Southern India

Climate change, as well as an increase in extreme weather, are posing a serious threat to socioeconomic and livelihood security. For this study, the Cauvery delta zone (CDZ) was chosen to examine current and anticipated climate variability and trend. The four largest districts of Tamil Nadu's Cauvery delta region are Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, and Nagapattinam. The Indian meteorological agency provided the baseline data sets (IMD). Using IPCC AR5 RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, the maximum and minimum temperatures, as well as precipitation, were investigated. The maximum temperature could rise to 1.1oC to 3.6oC, while the minimum temperature could rise to 2.8 to 4.5oC, according to the findings. It was also concluded that there will be 15-16% rise in the rainfall during end of the century.

Evaluation of Rice Varieties for Growth and Yield Performance in Aerobic Cultivation

A field experiment was carried out to identify the best suitable rice variety for aerobic cultivation in the Cauvery delta region. Ten ruling varieties were sown for two consecutive Kharif seasons, with regular nutrient and weed management practices under aerobic condition. Growth parameters viz.,plant height, leaf area index, root length and dry root weight were studied. Similarly yield parameters viz., panicles m-2, Dry matter production at flowering and grain yield were studied. The study revealed that the rice variety ANNA 4, proved to be the best in terms of production (ie) 3.9 tonnesha-1 in the first season and 3.8 tonnesha-1 in the second season respectively. Pant height at different stages viz., maximum tillering, panicle initiation, flowering and harvest was highest in ANNA 4 followed by PMK 3.Similar was the case with root length,dry root weight, panicles m-2 and dry matter production at flowering stage. Leaf area index was highest for ADT 45 followed by IR50. The above results reveal that ANNA 4 is the most suitable rice variety for aerobic cultivation in the Cauvery delta region.

Redefining the Roles of Extension Scientists in KVKs: Innovative Experiments during COVID Pandemic in KVK, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India

Extension Scientists working in Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) have to innovate to prove their inevitable role in KVK and to establish their ability to spawn team work culture in KVK to reach the farmers effectively. In this article, an effort has been made to document the innovative strategies adopted by the Extension Scientist in Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Thiruvarur located in Cauvery Delta region of Tamil Nadu in India. Thirteen innovative strategies adopted have been detailed with lucid explanation. Descriptive research design has been used to document most of the strategies detailed in this article while Expost Facto research design was used for the research taken up with School Children. The innovate strategies like KVK on the Move, utilising school children as Para Extension Workers, using social networking tools for technology transfer have hogged the limelight. Training in Hybrid mode during COVID Pandemic period, uploading of Youtube videos, innovative diagnostic advisory sheet, Participatory training Evaluation, Creative Exhibition, Innovating in mobilisation of FPOs and documentation of Farmers Innovations are the other Innovative Strategies employed by the KVK, Thiruvarur. Every strategy has envisaged the participation of farmers and scientists of KVK in a partnership mode which has resulted in long lasting relationship between them which culminates not only in delivering the mandate of the KVK but also transform the Farmer-Scientist Linkage substantially.

Assessing the Nutrient Status of Soil and Water Bodies in Palayapatti Areas, Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu (India)

Background: Thanjavur is a cauvery delta zone for paddy growing area of Tamil Nadu. The current study aiming with understanding about chemical properties and nutrient status of soils of selected area and assessing quality of water bodies. Methods: The study was conducted during 2018-19 at Palayappatti and its surrounding villages in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu to find out the nutrient status of soil and water. Fifty representative soil samples and ten water samples collected with the objectives of analyzing chemical properties of soil and assessing water quality in Palayapatti and its surrounding villages of Thanjavur district. Result: The collected soil and water samples varied with different chemical and physical properties. Soils were slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, normal EC and low organic carbon, low to medium content of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, low to medium content of calcium, magnesium and sulphur. Water samples were slightly acidic to moderately alkaline pH, medium to high salt content, moderate amount of carbonate and bicarbonate content. The soil and water bodies of this land having medium range of nutrients and also improvement is need in water quality.

Artificial Intelligence Techniques for Escalating Crop Nurturing Process

With the crash of climate change in India, due to global warming and other factors, preponderance of the agricultural crops are being deficiently exaggerated in terms of their recital over a period of last two decades. Envisaging the crop yield well ahead of its harvest would help the policymakers and farmers for taking appropriate measures for marketing and storage. Such predictions will also help to escalate the crops productions. This chapter presents various methods and techniques that are used today for predicting and modeling crop yields. The chapter also highlights the problems faced by the farmers of Thanjavur district due to climate change. The district is also called the rice bowl of Tamilnadu, located in the Cauvery delta region. In addition to this, this chapter also present a novel recommendation system that uses random forest for recommending suitable crops for the area under study and tabu search optimization for increasing crop production. The crops are recommended based on (a) soil properties, (b) crop characteristics, (c) climate parameters. The crops, namely maize, finger millet, rice, and onions, are considered for study. Depending on the prediction techniques, restorative crops are chosen for the corresponding climate conditions. The proposed system is integrated with location specific soil properties as real time input and recommends the suitable crop with good outcome considering the input and climate parameters.

INVESTIGATION ON PREVALENCE OF RICE BROWN LEAF SPOT IN CAUVERY DELTA REGION OF TAMILNADU INDIA

Rice is the major food crop in India. Rice is affected by many fungal, bacterial and viral diseases. Among them, Rice brown leaf spot caused by Bipolaris oryze is a important disease which reduces the yield of the crop. The present investigation was carried out to study the prevalence and occurrence of Rice brown spot in Cauvery Delta Region of Tamilnadu. Among the five districts surveyed, the disease incidence was more in Sirkazhi of Mayiladuthurai district which recorded 35.5% incidence. Aananthathandavapuram from Mayiladuthurai recorded second maximum incidence (30.5%). Thiruparaithurai village of Trichy district has recorded lowest Brown leaf spot incidence (18.5%) compared to other areas. Brown spot disease incidence was more in cultivar BPT 5204 and ADT 43 compared to other cultivars. Brown spot incidence was more in milking and maturity stage compare to other stages of rice crop.