North-western Plains Of India Research Articles

Optimization of vine killing date for maximum seed-tuber yield and minimum exposure to late-season aphid vectors in potato

Short-duration and early-bulking potato varieties are well-suited for commercial cultivation in the subtropical Indo-Gangetic plains of India. To maximize seed tuber yield, prevent late-season exposure to aphid vectors, and facilitate the timely planting of wheat crops during the rabi season, it is essential to cut the haulms (vines) of seed potatoes at the earliest possible time. A study was conducted to standardize the optimal vine-killing date for two popular potato varieties in the north-western plains of India, Kufri Pukhraj and Kufri Jyoti, by examining variations in seed yield across different vine-killing dates and assessing the incidence of aphid vectors transmitting potato viruses. Tubers were planted on 15 October for two consecutive seasons, and haulms were cut at 70, 80, and 90 days after planting (DAP), with continuous monitoring of aphid populations. Results showed that total tuber yield and tuber numbers increased with delayed vine-killing. Similarly, the yield and number of oversized tubers significantly rose as the vine-killing date was extended. However, seed-size and undersized tuber yields were largely unaffected, while the number of undersized tubers decreased between 70 and 90 DAP. Further, the gain in total tuber yield and yield of over-sized tubers occurred mainly during 70–80 DAP for Kufri Pukhraj in contrast to Kufri Jyoti where maximum increase occurred between 80 and 90 DAP. Therefore, it is concluded that the optimum time of vine killing for maximum seed tuber yield is directly linked to the tuber growth cycle of individual variety. The period of maximum incidence of aphid vectors varied between the two years. Based on the incidence of Myzus persicae, the seed crops in north-western plains of India should not be extended beyond last week of December although real time monitoring of the aphid incidence is recommended.

SEED POTATO PRODUCTIVITY AS INFLUENCED BY ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY OF THE NUTRIENT SOLUTION IN SOILLESS MEDIA DURING SPRING SEASON IN SUBTROPICAL REGIONS OF N- W INDIA

Soilless cultivation under controlled conditions is used for rapid multiplication of early generation virus-free potato seed using aeroponics and other mediums. The plant growth under these systems is affected by different factors like soilless media, nutrient solution concentration used, environment, genotype etc. Besides the composition of nutrient solution its electrical conductivity (EC) influences availability of nutrients and affects plant growth and yield. The two-factorial study on water source and EC was carried out on a cocopeat based medium for a nutrient efficient variety Kufri Gaurav. Well sprouted aeroponically produced minitubers of the variety were planted (at 30 x 15 cm planting density) in soilless medium filled troughs placed under net house. The water source Normal tap water was compared with RO (demineralized) water, while EC was considered at three levels 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0. The results indicated a proficient growth of the genotype at EC 2.0 (plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf length and number of stems). However, for the yield characters, EC 1.0 was found to produce both higher number of tubers, yield as well as harvest index per meter square. Based on the observations it can be inferred that at lower EC the partitioning of the photosynthates is towards the sink (tubers) as compared to the vegetative growth, which would be more desirable under the soilless systems, where limited/ managed canopy growth is more desirable, with higher productivity. The study also indicated virus free seed production in soilless medium during the spring season (seed plot period lasts up to December) in northwestern plains of India under net house, giving indication for successive/ multiple seed crops under soilless controlled conditions.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Bael [Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa] genotypes using molecular markers in the North-Western plains of India

Bael is a fruit crop that is extensively distributed throughout South-East Asia and is underutilized in medicine. The potential applications of bael's therapeutic and nutritional qualities in diverse ethnic communities are enormous. This study focuses on evaluating the morpho-pomological and molecular characteristics, utilizing SSR markers, of 80 wild bael genotypes alongside the NB-5 and NB-9 cultivars, derived from the North Western plains of India. Based on the evaluated morpho-pomological features, substantial variations were found between all genotypes. The fruit's inner diameter and pulp weight varied from 4.41 to 11.54 cm and 34.63 to 786.41 g, respectively. Numerous variations in the genotypes were observed in the shell weight/fruit, fruit skull thickness and fruit yield/plant. The bael fruit mucilage's total soluble solids (TSS) and total sugar content varied from 40.10 to 49.60 obrix and 8.11 to 21.17%, respectively. Using ward cluster analysis, the genotypes were divided into two primary clusters. Among the bael genotypes, the population structure analysis identified three subpopulations. SSR markers are used to measure genetic variety; of the 27 polymorphic markers, 17 show allelic diversity between genotypes. Molecular genetic diversity analysis, on the other hand, highlighted the genotypes genetic distinctiveness by classifying them into three major clusters. These findings offer valuable insights into the rich diversity and intricate interactions among the bael genotypes under investigation, paving the way for more strategic future breeding and selection efforts to elevate the quality of this remarkable fruit.

Geographical Distribution and Molecular Characterization of Begomovirus Infecting Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in Northern Hills and North Western Plains of India

Background: Yellow mosaic disease (YMD) is one of the most severe and widespread constraint for the cultivation of soybean. Given that no comprehensive data on the status of soybean yellow mosaic disease in Northern Hills and North Western Plains of India is present, a detailed investigation was undertaken for three years to study the prevalence of the disease in the region and to characterize the pathogen. Methods: Towards Kharif end, a three year (2018-2020) farmer field survey (76 villages) was carried out to assess the YMD distribution in the major soybean growing areas Northern Hills and North Western Plains of India. The variability of yellow mosaic virus associated with YMD of soybean was studied based on molecular characterization of partial DNA-A coat protein gene and DNA-B movement protein with subsequent nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic tree construction. Result: The results revealed that YMD is prevalent in the plains, whereas the disease was undetectable in the Hills. In the plains, the mean disease incidence ranged from 25.40% in 2019 to 16.78% in 2020. Moreover, disease incidence (r = -0.748) had negative and significant (p less than 0.0001) correlation with altitude. The phylogenetic studies revealed that the virus inciting the yellow mosaic in soybean in Tarai region had closest relationship with Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV). It shared more than 96 per cent sequence identity with other MYMIV isolates reported earlier within the country and abroad and hence, was designated as an isolate of MYMIV.

Quantitative and Qualitative Response of Fodder Maize to Use of Bulk and Nano-fertilizers in North Western Plains of India

Optimizing nutrient management strategies is crucial for enhancing the growth, yield, and nutritional quality of fodder maize (Zea mays) while minimizing environmental impacts. This study investigated the effects of innovative nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) management approaches on fodder maize production. Different combinations of nitrogen fertilizers, including conventional urea and nano-urea, were applied in conjunction with targeted foliar sprays of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and nano-zinc. The experiment was carried out in a Factorial Randomized Block design with four nitrogen management strategies (control N, 100% recommended nitrogen dose RDN through urea, 50% RDN through urea + two sprays of nano-urea at six and ten leaves stages, and 33.33% RDN through urea + two sprays of nano-urea at six and ten leaves stage) and four zinc management strategies (control Zn, soil application of ZnSO4, foliar application of ZnSO4, and foliar application of nano-Zn) which were replicated thrice. The study revealed that applying 50% of RDN through urea, along with dual foliar sprays of nano-urea, achieved comparable productivity to the 100% RDN through urea only. Among the Zn managements, both foliar and soil applications of conventional ZnSO4 recorded similar green and dry fodder yields, although foliar application of ZnSO4 was observed to be superior in terms of qualitative attributes. Maize subjected to the integrated nitrogen and zinc management strategy exhibited elevated protein content and reduced fiber fractions. These findings highlight the potential of nano-urea and foliar zinc application in enhancing both productivity and nutritional quality, while reducing dependence on conventional chemical fertilizers.

Silage maize as a potent candidate for sustainable animal husbandry development-perspectives and strategies for genetic enhancement.

Maize is recognized as the queen of cereals, with an ability to adapt to diverse agroecologies (from 58oN to 55oS latitude) and the highest genetic yield potential among cereals. Under contemporary conditions of global climate change, C4 maize crops offer resilience and sustainability to ensure food, nutritional security, and farmer livelihood. In the northwestern plains of India, maize is an important alternative to paddy for crop diversification in the wake of depleting water resources, reduced farm diversity, nutrient mining, and environmental pollution due to paddy straw burning. Owing to its quick growth, high biomass, good palatability, and absence of anti-nutritional components, maize is also one of the most nutritious non-legume green fodders. It is a high-energy, low-protein forage commonly used for dairy animals like cows and buffalos, often in combination with a complementary high-protein forage such as alfalfa. Maize is also preferred for silage over other fodders due to its softness, high starch content, and sufficient soluble sugars required for proper ensiling. With a rapid population increase in developing countries like China and India, there is an upsurge in meat consumption and, hence, the requirement for animal feed, which entails high usage of maize. The global maize silage market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.84% from 2021 to 2030. Factors such as increasing demand for sustainable and environment-friendly food sources coupled with rising health awareness are fueling this growth. With the dairy sector growing at about 4%-5% and the increasing shortage faced for fodder, demand for silage maize is expected to increase worldwide. The progress in improved mechanization for the provision of silage maize, reduced labor demand, lack of moisture-related marketing issues as associated with grain maize, early vacancy of farms for next crops, and easy and economical form of feed to sustain household dairy sector make maize silage a profitable venture. However, sustaining the profitability of this enterprise requires the development of hybrids specific for silage production. Little attention has yet been paid to breeding for a plant ideotype for silage with specific consideration of traits such as dry matter yield, nutrient yield, energy in organic matter, genetic architecture of cell wall components determining their digestibility, stalk standability, maturity span, and losses during ensiling. This review explores the available information on the underlying genetic mechanisms and gene/gene families impacting silage yield and quality. The trade-offs between yield and nutritive value in relation to crop duration are also discussed. Based on available genetic information on inheritance and molecular aspects, breeding strategies are proposed to develop maize ideotypes for silage for the development of sustainable animal husbandry.

A paradigm shift in quality of modern bread wheat varieties cultivated in north-western plains of India

A paradigm shift in quality of modern bread wheat varieties cultivated in north-western plains of India

Tuber Yield and Incidence of Virus-Vectors in Late-Planted Seed Potato Crops in North-Western Plains of India

Tuber Yield and Incidence of Virus-Vectors in Late-Planted Seed Potato Crops in North-Western Plains of India

Genetic Diversity and Geographic Distribution of Bemisia tabaci Species Complex Infecting Soybean in Northern Hills and North Western Plains of India

Background: The Silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), is a pest of global significance causing huge economic loss to a wide range of agricultural crops. The pest is regarded as a cryptic species complex which differs in its adaptability to host, fecundity and resistance to insecticides. The expected outcome of the investigation is updated information on prevalence of cryptic species of B. tabaci in the major soybean growing areas in the region. Methods: A roving survey was carried out to assess the occurrence of B. tabaci in the major soybean growing areas of Northern Hills and North Western Plain zones during three consecutive crop seasons from 2018 to 2020. The survey locations were divided in to two broad groups viz., Hills and Plains (Tarai region) and a total of 76 villages were visited during the survey. Cryptic species composition was analyzed using the mtCOI sequence through PCR amplification. Result: The mean whitefly population per plant for the three years in hills and plains were 0.53 and 3.55, respectively. The highest whitefly population was observed in 2019 (1.79 per plant) followed by 2018 (1.50 per plant) and 2020 (1.11 per plant). There was significant (p less than 0.0001) negative correlation (r= -0.749) with altitude. Phylogenetic relationships indicated the existence of two cryptic species Asia-1 and Asia-II-1. Of these, Asia-II-1 was found to be prominent especially in the North Western Plain Zone. In the Northern Hill Zone both Asia 1 and Asia-II-1 were detected.

Successive double cropping of potato minitubers under insect proof net house for increased seed productivity

Non-availability of disease-free quality seed material is the most important factor affecting low productivity of potato in India. Successive cropping of disease free minitubers under net house conditions, in the north western plains of India, can be an important intervention for utilizing this expensive vector free space and prevailing potato growing climate of the region in the most sustainable way. A field study was undertaken during 2016-18 to evaluate this hypothesis for its productivity and economics over single crop conventionally taken in the region. Minitubers of six potato varieties were grown in single and successive cropping patters under net house in the region. The summed yield attributes of their early (DCE) and late planted (DCL) successive crops were compared to single cropping (SC) on per meter square basis. Corresponding observations on morphological traits and yield attributes were quite encouraging. Minituber yield of under size, seed size and combined was 1.99, 1.88 and 1.98 times higher in double crop as compared to conventional single crop. As a result, cost of production declined (2.52 times) and net profit increased (3.15 times) in double crop. Cost of production per tuber was reduced in this technique from ₹ 2.01-1.28 per minituber. Higher profits and productivity under successive planting are achievable and this innovative technology can be easily adopted by the stakeholders for improving multiplication of early generation planting material, which would translate into availability of increased seed material after stipulated multiplications.

Influence of sowing date and weather parameters on the relative abundance and damage of major insect-pests of wheat in North-Western plains of India

Influence of sowing date and weather parameters on the relative abundance and damage of major insect-pests of wheat in North-Western plains of India

Impact of integrated pest management (IPM) module on major insect-pests of wheat and their natural enemies in North-western plains of India

In order to sustain the wheat production in North-western plains of India, a study was conducted to test the integrated pest management (IPM) module with commonly used farmer’s practices for the management of insect pests during 2017-18 and 2018-19. It was observed that aphid population was significantly lower in IPM plot (2.48-2.60 aphids/tiller) as compared to farmer’s practices (13.93-16.46 aphids/tiller) at peak period of their activity. At the same time, the population of coccinellids predators was significantly higher in IPM plots (6.80 beetle/m2) as compared to non-IPM plots (1.26 beetles/m2) during 2017-18. The termite damage ranged from 2.48-2.96 per cent in farmer's practices while it was only 0.20-0.80 per cent in IPM fields. Similarly, greater pink stem borer (PSB) damage was recorded in farmer's practices (0.96-2.48 per cent) as compared to IPM fields (0.46-0.68 per cent). The incidence of brown wheat mite (BWM) was recorded on maturing wheat and it was 2-5 fold higher in farmer's practice (11.73-31.53 mites/10 cm2) as compared to IPM plots (4.20- 5.00 mites/10 cm2). Approximately 9 per cent increase in grain yield resulted in additional income of Rs. 9291/ha in IPM plot. Seed treatment, yellow sticky trap based monitoring of aphids and need based application of insecticide resulted in better control of insect. Doi.org/10.25174/2582-2675/2020/100185

English

English

Effect of Zinc and Silicon on Growth and Yield of Aromatic Rice (Oryza Sativa) in North-Western Plains of India

Grain yield and harvest index also influenced significantly with the application of zinc and silicon and maximum grain yield was recorded with the application of 150:80:40 NPK + two Zn spray 0.5% (65.88 q ha-1) followed by treatment 150:80:40 NPK + Two Si spray @ 0.3% (63.46 q ha-1) and lowest in T1 control (30.12 q ha-1). Harvest index was recorded non-significant.

DBW222 (Karan Narendra): A new high-yielding, lodging-tolerant wheat variety for North Western plains of India

DBW222 is characterized by potential yield of 8210 kg ha-1 under high fertility when sown in timely conditions in North India. It possesses better agronomic attributes and has better adaption to sowing time, high rust resistance, quality attributes, and lodging tolerance because of a shorter 2nd internode and wider diameter.

Impact of insecticide and tillage methods in wheat on the populations of aphid and their coccinellid predators in rice-wheat cropping system of India

The tillage methods are changing in north-western plains of India and conservation tillage is emerging as an important alternative for wheat cultivation. Tillage is known to reduce insect-pests through mechanical damage or burying them deep or bringing them on the surface. The present investigations were undertaken to know the effect of different tillage conditions viz. conventional tillage (CT), Zero tillage (ZT), Zero tillage + mulch (ZT+ mulch) and rotary tillage (RT), on the population build-up of wheat aphids and their natural enemies in rice-wheat cropping system. The aphid incidence was not influenced by tillage type while the population of coccinellid predators increased significantly in all conservation tillage practices. At the same time, the application of insecticide used for aphid control resulted in significant decline of coccinellid predators in reduced tillage conditions. The interactions of insecticide × time indicated that effect of insecticide applied for control of aphids (13 WAS) lasted for 2-4 weeks. More than 12 species of predators and parasitoids of wheat insect pests including coccinellids, syrphid flies, parasitic wasps, spiders and insects belonging to chrysopidae family were recorded under different tillage conditions. Number of coccinellids/m2 in insecticide protected conditions (2.19-2.29) was significantly lower than unprotected ones (2.52-3.55). Significant differences in coccinellids population were also recorded in different tillage conditions. Number of coccinellids/m2 were minimum in CT (1.95-2.27) followed by RT (2.15-2.66), ZT (2.72-3.69) and ZT + mulch (2.80-2.86). Coccinellid population in CT and RT was on par with each other; however, it was significantly lower than in ZT and ZT+ mulch. The results advocate that insecticide application in CT and RT has no effect on incidence of coccinellid population whereas in other tillage conditions application of insecticide significantly reduced their population. Thus, utmost care should be taken while advocating the use of insecticide for aphid control in conservation tillage.

The effect of temperature and CO2 on the development of pink stem borer on maize

Pink Stem Borer, Sesamia inferens Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) incidence has increased on graminaceous crops in the north-western plains of India during recent years. To understand the effect of climate change on the northward spread of the pest, studies on the growth and development of S. inferens on maize (Zea mays L.) were planned with combinations of temperature and CO2. The combinations were 27: 22 °C and 375 ppm of CO2, 32: 26 °C and 375 ppm of CO2, 27: 22 °C and 450 ppm of CO2 and 32: 26 °C and 450 ppm of CO2. Various developmental parameters of S. inferens were analyzed using analysis of variance for the main effects of temperature and CO2 and their interactions. At elevated temperature, the growth of egg, larval and pupal stages were faster and the developmental period decreased by 30.9%. At elevated CO2, the larval and pupal development delayed and there was 5.7% increase in developmental period. Both temperature and CO2 individually and in combination significantly influenced adult longevity. Adult longevity reduced 24.9% and 21.7% in male and female, respectively at elevated temperature. Whereas, at elevated CO2, adult longevity increased 7.6% in male and 6.8% in female, respectively. The fecundity was positively influenced (+10.8%) by elevated temperature and negatively (−14.4%) by elevated CO2. The effects of temperature and CO2 on the development of pink stem borer were opposite, with temperature being positive and predominant in influencing the biology of S. inferens. So, it is probable that the faster development of S. inferens on maize in the warm climate might slightly get mitigated by the adverse effect of elevated CO2. The overall effect of rapid development of pest population and damage on maize on large area basis needs to be further investigated.

The biology of Sesamia inferens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on maize in the north western plains of India

The biology of Sesamia inferens (Walker) was studied at 25±1 °C and 70±5 per cent relative humidity on PMH 1 maize hybrid. The incubation period was 6.82±0.05 days. There were six larval instars and the larval development was completed in 29.95±0.16 days. The duration of instars I-VI was 4.17±0.09, 3.60±0.08, 4.47±0.02, 4.40±0.03, 6.18±0.06 and 7.13±0.05 days, respectively. The pre-pupal period was 2.83±0.02 days. The male and female pupa had duration of 8.05±0.12 days and 10.33±0.16 days, respectively. The adult emergence was 93.02±0.01 per cent, with a sex ratio of 1:1.05. The males had shorter longevity of 3.92±0.23 days, while females had 5.05±0.28 days. The pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition period was 1.11±0.10, 2.96±0.19 and 0.79±0.10 days, respectively. The fecundity was 211.92 ±11.92 eggs with 53.69±10.78 eggs per cluster. The egg hatchability was 92.19±0.01 per cent. The total life cycle was completed in 47.65±0.24 days (Male) and 49.93±0.21 days (female). The observations on the biology will help in developing efficient strategies to manage S. inferens on maize in the north western plains of India.

A Study to Assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Prevention and Control of Malaria in Two Endemic Blocks of District Nuh (Mewat Region) in Haryana

Malaria, a life-threatening protozoal infection and continues to be a global public health concern. India is also a malaria endemic country, which constitutes the highest malaria burden in the South East Asia Region. Since the major outbreak of malaria occurred in Mewat region in 1996, few studies have been carried out enumerating various factors associated with malaria prevalence and persistence in the traditionally known epidemic belt of the north-western plains of India. The purpose of the present KAP study was to determine the community perceptions in terms of malaria cause, prevention and control. A community based cross-sectional survey was carried out in four malaria endemic villages in two PHCs of district Nuh of Haryana with 190 respondents to know respondents knowledge about the disease, its prevention and control in terms of acceptance of Indoor Residual Spray. Data collected were analysed statistically using STATA version 10. Chi-Square test was used for comparison of characteristics between data collected from four villages. There was significant difference in the disease awareness between male and female, illiterate and literate and low and high income group population. 92% respondents were aware of malaria disease, 44.4% of the respondents reported as rainy season and 31.4% post rainy season and others did not know. On asking about the causative agent of malaria, 82% of the respondents associated malaria with mosquitoes which was significantly associated with the awareness and prevalence of diseases in the region. Mosquito nets, coils and repellents were commonly used as protective practices by the respondents but the difference was not found significant except for mosquito net (P <0.05) in both the study areas. The study indicates about little knowledge, less awareness and inadequate practices of respondents on various aspects of malaria are important factors responsible for the persistence of malaria in the district Nuh.

Associations among yield and yield contributing traits of potato (solanum tuberosum) in north-western plains of India

Associations among yield and yield contributing traits of potato (solanum tuberosum) in north-western plains of India