Northwestern Himalaya Research Articles

Evaluation of the Effects of Drip Irrigation and Fertigation scheduling on Tomato Yield under Polyhouse

In Northwestern Himalayas, there is scarcity of water owing to rugged terrain which results in lower tomato yield. Therefore to enhance the productivity of tomato, the experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of drip irrigation and nutrient schedules on soil water dynamics and productivity of tomato under polyhouse. The treatments consisted of three drip irrigation levels viz., I1 (Daily drip irrigation 2.0 litre/m2 once in a day during first two months and 4.0 litre/m2 thereafter), I2 (Daily drip irrigation 1.0 litre/m2 once in a day during first two months and 2.0 litre/m2 thereafter) and I3 (Daily drip irrigation twice a day with 6 hours interval at 1.0 litre/m2) and three nutrient schedules viz., NPK75 (75% of RDF, 25% applied as basal and 75% through fertigation at 15 days interval), NPK100 (100% of RDF, 25% applied as basal and 75% through fertigation at 7 days interval) and NPK150 (150% of RDF, 25% applied as basal and 75% through fertigation twice a week). The results showed that the soil moisture content and soil water stock was higher under I3 and I1 and lower under I2 treatments. The marketable yield (6.31 kg m-2), water use efficiency (WUE) (1.94 g m-2 mm-1) and NPK uptake was significantly higher in I2 than I1 and I3. Among nutrient schedules, marketable yield (6.53 kg m-2), WUE (1.94 g m-2 mm-1) and NPK uptake were significantly higher under NPK150 nutrient schedule than NPK100 and NPK75. The net returns (Rs. 230) and benefit:cost (B:C) (4.62) ratio was highest under I2NPK150 followed by I1NPK150 and lowest under I3NPK75. The study concluded that I2 (Daily drip irrigation 1.0 litre/m2 once in a day during first two months and 2.0 litre/m2 thereafter) and NPK150 (150% of RDF, 25% applied as basal and 75% through fertigation twice a week) was most remunerative combination due to higher marketable yield and water use efficiency under polyhouse.

Litho- and biostratigraphy and hydrocarbon source-rock potential of the Jurassic–Paleogene strata in the Kala Chitta Range, northwestern Himalayas, Pakistan

In this study Jurassic–Paleogene strata were investigated to understand the litho- and biostratigraphic framework and hydrocarbon source-rock potential of various stratal packages. Biostratigraphic controls were used to establish the chronostratigraphic framework of Jurassic–Paleogene strata in the area. The Lower Jurassic (Hettangian) clastics saw an unconformity during the Sinemurian–Pliensbachian, while the Lower Jurassic (Toarcian)–Middle Jurassic (Bajocian) clastic–carbonate mixed strata is also separated by a Bathonian unconformity from the Middle Jurassic (Callovian) to the Upper Jurassic (Tithonian) carbonate sequence. The Upper Jurassic Oxfordian strata are missing, while the Upper Jurassic (Kimmeridgian)–Lower Cretaceous (Valanginian) glauconitic sandstone and clays are the conformable sequences. The Lower Cretaceous (Hauterivian)–Upper Cretaceous (Turonian) clastics is a conformable sequence that is separated by a Coniacian–Santonian unconformity from the Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) pelagic carbonates. The Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary is marked by laterites, while the Paleocene (Thanetian) sequence is represented by a shale- and sandstone-dominated sequence. The Paleocene (Thanetian)–Early Eocene (Ilerdian) siliciclastic–carbonate mixed sequence marks the last episode of Tethyan sedimentation. Total organic content (TOC), organic petrography and Rock-Eval pyrolysis (REP) techniques were used to evaluate the hydrocarbon source-rock potential, kerogen type and level of maturity of the hydrocarbons. The majority of studied samples show the occurrence of type IV kerogen. However, the Middle Jurassic (Callovian)–Upper Jurassic (Tithonian) carbonate sequence of the Samana Suk Formation, the Kimmeridgian–Valanginian Chichali Formation, the Paleocene (Thanetian) sequence of the Hangu Formation and the Paleocene (Thanetian)–Early Eocene (Ilerdian) Patala Formation confirms the Type III kerogen, poor–fair source-rock quality, immature–mature, gas- and oil-prone indigenous hydrocarbon occurrence in the region.

Adaptation of oat genotypes in organic and conventionally managed fields in the northwestern Himalayas

AbstractDeveloping stable and high‐yielding crop varieties is crucial for sustainable agriculture. The present study investigated genotype × environment interactions (GEIs) in 96 oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes across five environments (year–production system combinations) using an alpha lattice design. Additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis revealed significant genotype, environment, and GEI effects on the studied traits. The oat genotypes were grouped into four distinct clusters and even genotypes from the same source were grouped into different clusters, indicating a wide range of diversity. Stability indices have highlighted genotypes coded as G33, G4, and G5 as the most stable across environments. Specifically, concerning seed yield, the AMMI analysis identified G33, G4, G5, and G82 as highly stable genotypes. Moreover, the study observed specific adaptations, such as G29 in E1 (conventional system 2019–2020), G76 in E3 (conventional system 2020–2021), and G54 and G77 in E4 (organic system 2020–2021). The genotype and genotype × environment (GGE) biplot analysis unveiled that environment E3 (conventional system 2020–2021) emerged as the ideal environment, demonstrating the highest level of representativeness and discrimination. By utilizing the polygon view of the GGE biplot, the presence of two distinct mega‐environments (MEs; ME1 and ME2) was revealed in relation to seed yield. Within these MEs, genotypes coded as G2 and G38 in ME1 and G20, G72, G85, and G89 in ME2 exhibited specific adaptations. Furthermore, genotypes coded as G89, G95, and G82 exhibited both stability and high mean seed yield. By combining stability indices, AMMI, and GGE biplots, widely adapted genotypes have the potential to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Geostatistical modeling approach for studying total soil nitrogen and phosphorus under various land uses of North-Western Himalayas

The distribution of total soil nitrogen (TSN) and total soil phosphorus (TSP) plays a pivotal role in shaping soil quality, fertility, agricultural practices, and environmental balance, especially in ecologically sensitive regions like the North-Western Himalayas (NWH). The primary objectives of this study were to contribute to clarify the impact and the rationale of various land uses on the spatial variation of TSN and TSP in the corresponding soils. This study aimed to explore the relation of TSN and TSP distribution in NWH soils with various factors like landscape physiography and soil physical and chemical properties using random sampling and geostatistical analyses. Employing random sampling, 300 soil surface samples (at a depth of 0–20 cm) were collected across various 500 m × 500 m grids from agriculture, horticulture, forest and fallow lands in the NWH region. The spatial land heterogeneity of TSN and TSP were systematically analyzed using standard statistical and geostatistical approaches (Gaussian, spherical, exponential, and linear). Results revealed a decreasing order of TSN and TSP levels i.e., horticulture (0.410 and 0.723 mg/kg) > agriculture (0.314 and 0.597 mg/kg) > forest (0.236 and 0.572 mg/kg) > fallow (0.275 and 0.342 mg/kg). Stepwise multiple regression results demonstrated a correlation between TSN and soil organic carbon (SOC), while TSP was correlated with soil organic carbon (SOC) and fine-grained soil particles. Nugget % values indicated the following spatial variability for TSN: agricultural (1.4) > horticultural (3.2) > forest (3.9) > fallow land (4.8) > mixed land (5.8), whereas the spatial variability of TSP showed a similar trend for all land uses. The optimized conceptual framework and isotropy models varied for TSN and TSP on dependence on land use type. The results of this study revealed the spatial patterns and land use-related variations and improved the prediction of nutrient distribution, so contributing an optimized conceptual framework for future studies. Finally, this study provided crucial insights to enhance soil quality, fertility, agricultural sustainability, and environmental equilibrium in the ecologically fragile NWH region, contributing to solve a significant research gap in the global understanding of soil dynamics.

Correction: Colletotrichum lindemuthianum race spectrum and resistant sources against most prevalent races in the North-western Himalayas: a three decade meta-analysis

Correction: Colletotrichum lindemuthianum race spectrum and resistant sources against most prevalent races in the North-western Himalayas: a three decade meta-analysis

Assessment and modelling of hydro-sedimentological flows of the eastern river Dhauliganga, north-western Himalaya, India

Assessment and modelling of hydro-sedimentological flows of the eastern river Dhauliganga, north-western Himalaya, India

Growth, development and profitability of rice (Oryza sativa L.) as affected by varying growing environments in north Western Himalayas

Growth, development and profitability of rice (Oryza sativa L.) as affected by varying growing environments in north Western Himalayas

Phenology and impact of abiotic factors with a temporal lag on the abundance of common crab spider, Xysticus cristatus (Clerck, 1757) (Araneae: Thomisidae) in the agroecosystems of Kashmir

ABSTRACT Xysticus cristatus is a Palearctic species, very abundant in the north-western Himalayas having a temperate climate. It is one of the predominant species in the agroecosystems of Kashmir. For a period of two years, we conducted a study on the population of Xysticus cristatus inhabiting the agroecosystems of Kashmir. A phenological study was conducted under field and laboratory conditions and temperature, rainfall, and humidity were monitored as indicators of population size. The spiders appear to have an annual reproductive cycle and a spring–summer stenochronous phenological pattern. Adult spiders emerge in spring, recruitment of spiders occurs in summer, they undergo overwintering in the immature stage and all stages of development show sequential phenological maxima. Under laboratory conditions, almost all spiders took VII instars to develop, and considerable variations were observed among all the instars. The abundance of Xysticus cristatus did not show any correlation with climatic variables at time 0, although there was a correlation with temporal lag. The best-adjusted correlation was found with a 3 month time lag, indicating that species require time to respond to changes in the environment.

Mapping of adult plant recessive resistance to anthracnose in Indian common bean landrace Baspa/KRC 8.

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) has become the food of choice owing to its wealthy nutritional profile, leading to a considerable increase in its cultivation worldwide. However, anthracnose has been a major impediment to production and productivity, as elite bean cultivars are vulnerable to this disease. To overcome barriers in crop production, scientists worldwide are working towards enhancing the genetic diversity of crops. One way to achieve this is by introducing novel genes from related crops, including landraces like KRC 8. This particular landrace, found in the North Western Himalayan region, has shown adult plant resistance against anthracnose and also possesses a recessive resistance gene. In this study, a population of 179 F2:9 RIL individuals (Jawala ×KRC 8) was evaluated at both phenotypic and genotypic levels using over 830 diverse molecular markers to map the resistance gene present in KRC 8. We have successfully mapped a resistance gene to chromosome Pv01 using four SSR markers, namely IAC 238, IAC 235, IAC 259, and BM 146. The marker IAC 238 is closely linked to the gene with a distance of 0.29cM, while the other markers flank the recessive resistance gene at 10.87cM (IAC 259), 17.80cM (BM 146), and 25.22cM (IAC 235). Previously, a single recessive anthracnose resistance gene (co-8) has been reported in the common bean accession AB 136. However, when we performed PCR amplification with our tightly linked marker IAC 238, we got different amplicons in AB 136 and KRC 8. Interestingly, the susceptible cultivar Jawala produced the same amplicon as AB 136. This observation indicated that the recessive gene present in KRC 8 is different from co-8. As the gene is located far away from the Co-1 locus, we suggest naming the recessive gene co-Indb/co-19. Fine mapping of co-Indb in KRC 8 may provide new insights into the cloning and characterization of this recessive gene so that it can be incorporated into future bean improvement programs. Further, the tightly linked marker IAC 238 can be utilized in marker assisted introgression in future bean breeding programs. The novel co-Indb gene present in Himalayan landrace KRC 8, showing adult plant resistance against common bean anthracnose, is independent from all the resistance genes previously located on chromosome Pv01.

Development of Inherent Vulnerability Index within Jammu Municipal Limits, India

Evaluating inherent vulnerability, an intrinsic characteristic becomes imperative for the formulation of adaptation strategies, particularly in highly complex and vulnerable regions of Himalayas. Jammu City, situated in the north-western Himalayas within a transitional zone between the Himalayan range and the plains, is not only susceptible to intense seismic activities but also faces multiple hazards, including floods, earthquakes, avalanches, and landslides. In recent years, the region has experienced growth in population with rapid progress in infrastructure development, encompassing the construction of highways, dams, and tunnels as integral components of urban development initiatives. Therefore, this study has been conducted to assess the inherent vulnerability index (VI) in Jammu City at ward level as a function of sensitivity, adaptive capacity, and exposure, using ecological and social indicators in GIS environment. The primary objective was to identify the most vulnerable area and ascertain the corresponding municipal ward, aiming to formulate a comprehensive ranking. The 22 indicators analysed were from four major components, namely social, infrastructure, technological, and ecological. The ecological indicators like Land Surface Temperature (LST), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and Land use/Land cover were derived from Landsat 8 OLI satellite data. The results show that the majority of the area of the city falls into the moderate (20%), high (25.49%), and very high (25.17%) vulnerability categories, respectively, clustered in north-western and south-western transects with densely populated residential areas. The results can assist policymakers in identification of components of inherent vulnerability for focused resource management and formulating adaptation strategies to address the current stressors in the region.

Identification of novel inhibitor phytoconstituents for Influenza A H3N2: an in silico approach.

Influenza A virus subtype H3N2 is a highly infectious respiratory virus that is responsible for global seasonal flu epidemics. The current study was designed to investigate the antiviral activity of 150 phytocompounds of North Western Himalayas medicinal plants by molecular docking. Two target proteins of hemagglutinin of influenza virus A (PDB ID 4WE8) and Influenza virus H3N2 nucleoprotein - R416A mutant (PDB ID 7NT8) are selected for this study. Molecular docking was done by AutoDock vina tool, toxicity and drug-likeness prediction was done by protox II and Moleinspiration. MD simulation of best protein-ligand complexes was done by using Gromacs, version 2021.5. Molecular docking and toxicity data revealed that clicoemodin and rumexocide showed the best binding with both target proteins 4WEB & 7NT8. Clicoemodin showed the -7.5 KJ/mol binding energy with 4WE8 and 7NT8. Similarly, rumexoside showed the -7.6 KJ/mol binding energy with 4WE8 and -7.6 KJ/mol with 7NT8. Furthermore, Molecular dynamic simulation and MMPBSA binding free energy validated the stability of protein-ligand complexes. The current study suggested that clicoemodin and rumexocide are the promising inhibitors of H3N2 proteins hemagglutinin of influenza virus A and Influenza virus H3N2 nucleoprotein - R416A mutant, though there is further invitro and invivo validation is required.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Impact of diversified cropping system on primary nutrients and crop yield in north-western Himalayas

Impact of diversified cropping system on primary nutrients and crop yield in north-western Himalayas

Genetic Diversity studies in Elite Rice Landraces of North Western Himalayas

Genetic Diversity studies in Elite Rice Landraces of North Western Himalayas

Colletotrichum lindemuthianum race spectrum and resistant sources against most prevalent races in the North-western Himalayas: A three decade meta-analysis

Colletotrichum lindemuthianum race spectrum and resistant sources against most prevalent races in the North-western Himalayas: A three decade meta-analysis

Cheirostylis Blume (Orchidaceae): a new generic addition to the orchid flora of Manipur state, Northeast India

The genus Cheirostylis, belonging to the Orchidaceae family, is represented by numerous species distributed worldwide. In India, the genus is represented by 10 species, with two species reported from Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats, and the remaining eight species from the Northwestern Himalayas and Northeastern regions. This study reports the occurrence of Cheirostylis griffithii Lindl. in Manipur, Northeast India, which is a new generic record for the state. The taxon was discovered in Pudunamei village and identified based on herbarium specimens and available literature. Detailed morphological descriptions and measurements were made using living plant specimens. The taxonomic treatment includes information on plant characteristics, distribution, and a comprehensive list of Indian Cheirostylis species. The species is a terrestrial orchid with fleshy stems, lanceolate bracts, pubescent flowers, connate sepals forming a tube, and a 3-lobed lip with deeply laciniate lobes. The occurrence of Cheirostylis in Manipur expands its distributional range within India. The study contributes to the documentation of the orchid flora of Manipur, which encompasses a diverse range of orchid taxa.

Mean performances, character associations and multi-environmental evaluation of chilli landraces in north western Himalayas

Even though many varieties have been recommended across agro-climate zones of Himachal Pradesh, yet the information on stability is lacking in this State. Hence, the present investigation was carried out to identify high yielding stable genotypes among various pre-adapted landraces. The material consists of 20 chilli landraces including check i.e. DKC-8. The experiment was laid out in a RCBD. The data were recorded and analyzed to work out mean performances and the inferences were drawn for parameters of variability, correlation coefficients, path coefficients and stability analysis. As per mean performances, CS7 and CS9 were earliest in flowering, CS13 is earliest in days to ripe maturity, CS10 had highest plant height and CS9 had highest average fruit weight and ripe fruit yield plant−1. High PCV and GCV were recorded for ripe fruit yield plant−1. Heritability and genetic advance were recorded maximum for plant height in summer seasons and were recorded maximum for number of ripe fruits plant−1 in winter season. Correlation coefficients showed that number of ripe fruits plant−1 and average ripe fruit weight were positively and significantly correlated with ripe fruit yield plant−1. Path coefficient analysis in summer and winter seasons showed that average ripe fruit weight had the highest positive direct effect on ripe fruit yield plant−1. The pooled data over environments were analyzed to estimate the interaction effects between genotypes × environment. The mean sum of squares due to genotypes, environments and genotypes × environment interaction were significant for all the characteristics. CS1, CS3, CS6, CS10, CS13, CS15 were adapted to all environments, CS7 and CS9 were specifically adapted to favourable environment and CS2 was specifically adapted to unfavorable environment for 50% flowering, landraces CS1, CS2 and CS3were well adapted to all environments for ripe maturity whereas landraces CS6, CS10 and CS19 were well adapted to all environment for number of ripe fruit and ripe fruit yield.

Comparative analysis of profitability and efficiency of conventional and organic pea production: A case of Northwestern Himalayas

The cultivation of vegetables serves as a vital pillar in horticulture, offering an alternative avenue towards achieving economic sustainability. Unfortunately, farmers often lack adequate knowledge on optimizing resource utilization, which subsequently results in low productivity. Furthermore, there has been insufficient research conducted on the comparative profitability and efficient use of resources for pea cultivation. So, the present study was conducted to examine the profitability and resource use efficiency of conventional and organic pea production in Northwestern Himalayan state. Using the technique of purposive sampling, the districts and villages were selected based on the highest area. By using simple random sampling, a sample of 100 farmers was selected, out of which 50 were organic growers and 50 were inorganic growers, who were further categorized as marginal and small. The cost incurred was higher for the cultivation of inorganic vegetable crops, whereas returns and output-input ratio was higher in organic cultivation. The cultivation of peas revealed that the majority of inputs were being underutilized, and there was a need for proper reallocation of the resources, which would result in enhanced production. Further, major problems in the cultivation of vegetable crops were a high wage rate, a lack of organic certification, a shortage of skilled labour and a lack of technical knowledge.

Occurrence of Cherry Virus A (CVA) infecting stone fruits in Kashmir province of Northwestern Himalayan Region of India

Occurrence of Cherry Virus A (CVA) infecting stone fruits in Kashmir province of Northwestern Himalayan Region of India

Ethnomedicinal study of wild plants used by fringe communities of outer Seraj region of Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, northwestern Himalaya

Ethnomedicinal study of wild plants used by fringe communities of outer Seraj region of Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, northwestern Himalaya

Apple farmer’s willingness to pay for RWBCIS: Determinants and empirical evidences from Jammu and Kashmir, India

Climate-induced extreme events are increasingly affecting farmers’ livelihoods through weather-related losses such as flash floods, hailstorms, and rising temperatures. In response to these challenges, the Central Government has introduced the voluntary Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) as an effective risk management strategy. Under this scheme, farmers are required to pay a premium of 5 percent of the total compensation to avail the benefits. Apple, a major commercial crop in the north-western Himalayas, contributes 70 percent of India’s total apple production, with a significant share attributed to the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory. This study aims to explore whether apple growers are willing to pay for RWBCIS and to identify the drivers influencing their decision to purchase such insurance products. Data were collected from 900 apple growers in the purposively selected districts of Baramulla and Budgam in Jammu and Kashmir. The findings indicate that while all farmers were willing to adopt the weather-based crop insurance scheme, the majority were unwilling to pay the current premium. The estimated mean willingness to pay (WTP) was Rs. 37.22 per tree without covariates and Rs. 17 with covariates, compared to the prevailing Rs. 53 in the neighboring state of Himachal Pradesh. Factors contributing to the low WTP included a lack of knowledge about the scheme’s modalities, basis risk, and distrust in both government and private insurance companies. The government should consider innovative methods to provide existing subsidies to achieve the targeted coverage of 25 percent of farmers under the scheme.