Rabi Season Research Articles

Effect of Tulsi Leaf Powder along with Casing Mixture on the Growth Parameters and Yield of White Button Mushroom [Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach

Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach commonly known as white button mushroom, is the most widely accepted food globally with nutritional and medicinal properties. The present experiment was conducted during the Rabi season 2023 - 2024 at Mushroom crop room, Department of Plant Pathology, SHUATS, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh to evaluate the effect of tulsi leaf powder at different concentrations (1 %, 1.5 %, 2 %, 2.5 % and 3 %) incorporated into casing mixture (alone and combination) viz., farm yard manure, farm yard manure + cocopeat + sawdust (1:1:1) with an objective to monitor the growth and yield aspects of white button mushroom. Among all treatments used in the study, the results revealed that minimum average time taken for completion of case run (15.14 days) and pinhead initiation (15.57 days) as well as maximum pileus diameter (4.63 cm), stalk length (3.77 cm), stalk diameter (3.01 cm), maximum yield (557.9 g), biological efficiency(12.97 %) and highest cost benfit ratio (1: 3.18) was recorded in farm yard manure + cocopeat + sawdust (1:1:1) + tulsi leaf powder @ 3%. These results indicated that incorporating tulsi leaf powder @3% in casing mixture improves the growth and yield of A. bisporus.

Harnessing nature's defenders: unveiling the potential of microbial consortia for plant defense induction against Alternaria blight in cumin.

Present study was aimed to develop an efficient microbial consortium for combating Alternaria blight disease in cumin. The research involved isolating biocontrol agents against Alternaria burnsii, characterizing their biocontrol and growth promotion traits, and assessing compatibility. A pot experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2022-2023 to evaluate the bioefficacy of four biocontrol agents (1F, 16B, 31B, and 223B) individually and in consortium, focusing on disease severity, plant growth promotion, and defense responses in cumin challenged with A. burnsii. Microbial isolates 1F, 16B, 31B, and 223B significantly inhibited A. burnsii growth in dual plate assays (~ 86%), displaying promising biocontrol and plant growth promotion activities. They were identified as Trichoderma afroharzianum 1F, Aneurinibacillus aneurinilyticus 16B, Pseudomonas lalkuanensis 31B, and Bacillus licheniformis 223B, respectively. The excellent compatibility was observed among all selected biocontrol agents. Cumin plants treated with consortia of 1F + 16B + 31B + 223B showed least percent disease index (32.47%) and highest percent disease control (64.87%). Consortia of biocontrol agents significantly enhanced production of secondary metabolites (total phenol, flavonoids, antioxidant, and tannin) and activation of antioxidant-defense enzymes (POX, PPOX, CAT, SOD, PAL, and TAL) compared to individual biocontrol treatment and infected control. Moreover, consortium treatments effectively reduced electrolyte leakage over the individual biocontrol agent and infected control treatment. The four-microbe consortium significantly enhanced chlorophyll (154%), carotenoid content (88%), plant height (78.77%), dry weight (72.81%), and seed yield (104%) compared to infected control. Based on these findings, this environmentally friendly four-microbe consortium may be recommended for managing Alternaria blight in cumin.

Study on Brinjal’s Demonstration in Arunachal Pradesh, India

The twenty numbers of frontline Demonstrations on Integrated Crop Management practices in Brinjal were demonstrated in selected villages of Tirap district, Arunachal Pradesh during Rabi season, 2017-18 and 2018-19 respectively. Before conducting the demonstration; field level surveys were conducted in selected villages to know the farmer’s practices. As per result of survey; there was huge gap between scientific practices and farmer’s practices. On the basis of surveys, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Tirap, Arunachal Pradesh conducted the demonstrations. During the both years the extension gap was recorded in the demonstration plot as 40 & 59 q/ha respectively while the yield were as: 238 & 246 q/ha, Benefit: Cost Ratio ratios were 3.63 & 3.54 as compared control (198 & 187 q/ha and 2.37 & 2.12 respectively).

Influence of Different Levels of Hydrogel on Root Nodulation in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

This study investigated the impact of varying levels of hydrogel on the root nodules of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) during Rabi seasons of 2019-20 and 2021-22 at the Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences, (U.P). The experimental design was a randomized block design with four levels of hydrogel (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) and two levels of irrigation (one irrigation and two irrigation) and all treatments replicated thrice. Observations on the number of nodules per plant, active nodules, and inactive nodules were recorded at 30, 60, and 90 days after sowing (DAS) and at maturity and analysed using Fisher's ANOVA. The results indicated that hydrogel application significantly affected nodule formation at all growth stages across both years. The highest number of nodules, active nodules, and inactive nodules were recorded in treatment T10 (2 irrigations + 100% hydrogel), followed by T9 (2 irrigations + 75% hydrogel), in both years. The enhanced nodule formation with hydrogel application was attributed to improved water availability to the roots during periods of water scarcity, highlighting hydrogel's role in optimizing nitrogen availability and promoting chickpea growth, which is crucial for enhancing soil fertility.

Genetic Diversity Assessment of Brinjal Germplasm for Varietal Improvement

Forty-one (41) brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) germplasm of were evaluated at the field of Plant Genetic Resources Centre, BARI, Gazipur to identify the salient features and to assess genetic divergence of germplasm in the time of rabi season 2021-22. Distinct variation was observed in qualitative characters among the germplasm except two characters i.e. fruit cross section and fruit position. For the characters length breath ratio and calyx prickles of fruit, the topmost variation was found. In case of quantitative characters, variation was noticed maximum in the length of fruit (CV-43.79%), afterwards individual weight of fruit (CV-32.91%) and yield plant-1 (CV-30.12%). The highest number of germplasm was dispersed into cluster I. Among the clusters, cluster II and cluster III were occupied by ten germplasm, respectively. Cluster mean value was noted maximum in cluster II for the characters days required for 50% flowering (67.90%), plant height (97.97 cm), individual fruit weight (107.35 g), and yield plant-1 (2.51%). Among the principal components, 27.28% of the total variation interpreted by the first PC and the second PC clarified 22.36% of the variation. In the biplot, germplasm NF-15, NF-20, NF-13, NF-7, NF-4, NF-25, NF-16, and NF-2 etc. were independently far away from the studied germplasm by keeping a distance from the centroid. These results displayed distinctiveness and divergence of germplasm as regards of the studied traits. Populations with high values for the first eigen vectors are individual fruit weight (0.642), yield plant-1 (0.564), and width of fruit (0.313), these characters were the utmost significant contributors towards the diversity of germplasm in PC1. The germplasm NF-4 (3.45 kg), NF-30 (3.38 kg), and NF-25 (3.08 kg) were higher yielders among the tested germplasm and may be used for future varietal improvement of brinjal. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 5(1): 21-29, 2023

Optimizing NPK Fertilization for Enhanced Performance of Chinese Wheat Hybrids under Agro-Climatic Condition of Peshawar Valley

The goal of this study is to identify the optimum NPK fertilization to maximize yield and productivity under local environmental constraints. To address this concern, a field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, during the rabi seasons of 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) withthree replications. Treatments consisted of five Chinese wheat hybrids (18A-1, JM-1215, JM-1683, JM-1216, H-1) and one Australian hybrid (WS-1) with two local checks (Wadan-17 and Pirsabak-15) and two NPK levels, i.e., basal dose (120-90-60 NPK kg ha−1) and 25% higher thanbasal dose (150-112-75 NPK kg ha−1). The results of the two years’ experimentation exhibited that wheat hybrid WS-1 produced higher tillers (444 and 423 m−2), leaf area (32.7 and 30.7 cm2), leaf area index (5.0 and 5.4), plant height (105.3 and 103.1 cm), spike length (21.9 and 21.5 cm), spikes (329 and 322 m−2), grains spike−1 (59 and 58), thousand grain weight (62.2 and 62.2 g) and biological yield (9769 and 9906 kg ha−1) as compared to local check varieties. Wheat hybrids WS-1, JM-1683, H-1 and 18A1 produced 31%, 27%, 26% and 26% higher grain yield than local check Pirsabak-15, respectively, while a higher harvest index (61 and 59%) was noted for JM-1683 in both years. Application of NPK at the rate of 150-112-75 kg ha−1 increased emergence (87 m−2), tillers (421 and 407 m−2), leaf area (23 and 20.5 cm2), leaf area index (3.3), plant height (98.2 and 96.9 cm), spike length (15.9 and 16.3 cm), spikes (317 and 314 m−2), grains spike−1 (43), thousand grain weight (56.5 and 56.3 g), biological yield (9057 and 9163 kg ha−1) and grain yield (3702 and 3778 kg ha−1) compared to the lower level of NPK (120-90-60 kg ha−1). It is concluded that Chinese wheat hybrid JM-1683 and Australian hybrid WS-1 responded better to the higher level of NPK (150:112:75 kg ha−1) in terms of grain yield and its components and are therefore recommended for the agro-climatic condition of the Peshawar valley.

Assessing LDPE microplastics' impact on green gram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) cultivation: A greenhouse pot experiment

Plastic pollution, particularly from microplastics (MPs), poses a significant threat to agricultural ecosystems. This study investigates the impact of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) microplastics on green gram (Vigna radiata) cultivation, focusing on growth, yield, and soil nutrient dynamics. A completely randomized design with nine treatments of varying LDPE concentrations was used in a controlled poly house environment. Soil analysis assessed mechanical and physico-chemical properties using established methods. Green gram variety Co (Gg) 8 was cultivated during the Rabi season, with comprehensive crop management including germination tests, pot culture preparations, precise fertilizer application, and essential cultural operations. Results indicated significant correlations between LDPE concentrations and green gram growth parameters, with higher concentrations having detrimental effects (correlation coefficient = −0.75, p < 0.05). LDPE treatments also influenced plant nutrient uptake, showing inverse correlations with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) uptake (correlation coefficient = −0.82, p < 0.01). Post-harvest soil analysis revealed significant variations in available nutrients, with LDPE-treated soils exhibiting higher N, P, and K levels compared to control groups (correlation coefficient = 0.78, p < 0.01). Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of LDPE microplastics in soil and plant samples, identified by characteristic (CO) and (C–H) stretching vibrations. These findings highlight the complex interactions between LDPE microplastics and agricultural systems, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to mitigate the adverse effects of plastic pollution on agriculture. Statistical analysis using the CRD framework and correlation and regression analyses ensured robust interpretation of the data.

Assessing the Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield and Economics of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in North Indian Plains

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2022-2023 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on yield and economic sustainability of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Uttarakhand at the Agriculture Research Farm, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design and consisted of eight treatments viz., T1 – Control, T2 – 100% RDF, T3- 100% RDF + FYM @ 5t ha-1, T4- 100 % RDF + VC @ 5t ha-1, T5- 75% RDF + FYM @ 5t ha-1, T6- 75% RDF + VC @ 5t ha-1, T7- 75% RDF + FYM @ 5t ha-1 + Azotobacter, T8- 75% RDF + VC @ 5t ha-1 + Azotobacter with three replications. The wheat variety used for the field experiment was HD-2967 with a seed rate of 100 kg ha-1. Row-row spacing of 20 cm and plant -plant spacing of 10 cm was maintained. Different nutrient sources used were urea, DAP, MOP, FYM, VC and Azotobacter. Seed were primed with Azotobacter @ 20g kg-1 seed as per the treatment. The investigation revealed that, application of 75% RDF + VC @ 5t ha-1 + Azotobacter (T8) resulted in significantly higher yield attributes no. of spikes/m2, spike length (cm), grain/spike, 1000 grain weight (g) over control. The maximum grain yield (50.2 q ha-1) of wheat were obtained with application of 75% RDF + VC @ 5t ha-1 + Azotobacter (T8) closely followed by 75% RDF + FYM @ 5t ha-1 + Azotobacter (T7). Moreover, straw yield was 85.92% higher over the control. The maximum gross return (₹ 141646.0), and net return (₹ 100045.0) of wheat was obtained with application of 75% RDF + VC @ 5t ha-1 + Azotobacter (T8) followed by the 75% RDF + FYM @ 5t ha-1 + Azotobacter (T7). The maximum benefit-cost ratio (2.79) was obtained with the application of 75% RDF + FYM @ 5t ha-1 + Azotobacter (T7). From the above investigation it can be concluded that 75% RDF + VC @ 5t ha-1 + Azotobacter is superior to other treatment in improving the productivity and economic returns of wheat.

Alleviating Damage Extent and Enhancing Yield through Mild Shading in Microsperma and Macrosperma Genotypes of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) at Terminal Heat and Combined Stress Condition

The threat of global climate change mainly in term of heat and combined stress is one of the utmost serious concerns for farmers, and have a negative impact on agriculture production and challenging food security worldwide. A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season at Pulse breeding Block, G.B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. The objective of this investigation was to effect of shading to mitigate the heat and combined stress as well as the comparison of heat and combined stress in microsperma and macrosperma genotypes. It was laid out in factorial random block design with three replications. The morpho-physiological and yield attributes of both genotypes under varied growth condition at different time interval were evaluated. The microsperma (PL-8) and macrosperma (PL-11) after shading changed their plant height (6% and 5%), NDVI value (5% and 4%), Membrane stability index (9% and 6%), days to maturity (7% and 6%) and total no of grain (15% and 37%) under heat stress while in combined stress it was changed by 8% and 10% in plant height, 9% and 3% in NDVI value,14% in MSI,7% and 3% in days to maturity and13% and 23% in yield. The above finding proves the effect of shading mitigate the damage extent and also increase production of both lentil genotypes (PL-8) and (PL-11).

Impact of Black Soldier Fly Larval Frass on Growth and Yield of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.)

Hermetia illucens L., commonly known as the Black Soldier Fly (BSF), has garnered global attention for its role in insect farming due to its efficient conversion of organic waste into nutrient-rich larval biomass, with frass as a primary byproduct. This study aimed to explore the potential of BSF larval frass (BSFF) as an organic fertilizer for agricultural production, especially evaluating its performance compared to vermicompost on cluster bean growth and yield under field conditions during rabi season at Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. Using a completely randomized block design with eight treatments, various growth parameters such as plant height, number of branches plant-1 and dry matter production, along with yield attributes including number of clusters plant-1, number of pods cluster-1, number of pods plant-1, pod weight (g), pod yield plant-1 and yield (t ha-1) were assessed. Significant differences were observed among treatments, the highest growth and yield parameters were recorded in application of 25 % N through BSF frass + 75 % RDN (T5) and it was on par with 25 % N through vermicompost + 75 % RDN (T6), 50 % N through BSF frass + 50 % RDN (T7), 50 % N through vermicompost + 50 % RDN (T8) and RDF (T2) compared to 100 % N through BSF frass (T3), 100 % N through vermicompost (T4) and control (T1).These treatments resulted in yield increase of 35.7 % (T5), 24.7 % (T6), 23.4 % (T7), 22 %(T8) and 24.36 % (T2) respectively, compared to the control. These findings indicated that BSF larval frass holds promise as a sustainable alternative to vermicompost for enhancing cluster bean production, offering potential benefits for agricultural sustainability and organic waste management.

Impact of Crop Establishment and Nutrient Management on Wheat Growth under Rice-Wheat System

The rice-wheat system contributes significantly to India's food security. The system's significance is properly handled from time to time, but excessive resource consumption, yield stagnation, environmental deterioration including erosion, and nutrient mining pose the greatest challenges. To address the issue, a research was conducted with objective to see the impact of crop establishment and nutrient management on growth parameters of wheat at Banaras Hindu University's Agricultural Research Farm in Varanasi during the 2019-20 Kharif and 2020-21 Rabi seasons, respectively. The experiment plotted in a split plot statistical design with three replications and four crop establishment methods: CE1: CTPTR-CTW, CE2: CTDSR)-CT wheat, CE3: CTDSR-ZTwheat (rice residue retained), and CE4: ZTDSR-ZT wheat (residue retention in rice and wheat) crop establishment method among the main plot treatments and nutrient management i.e. FP (N1), RFD (N2) and RWCM (N3) based nutrient recommendation among the sub plot treatments. Data recorded on growth parameters i.e. plant height, number of tillers and SPAD value at different stages are presented in this paper. CE4 treatment among main plot and N3 among nutrient management practices produced higher values of plant height, number of tillers at 30, 60, 90 days after sowing and at harvest as well as higher SPAD value at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing than the other treatments. These results might be due to better nutrient availability, better organic carbon, which leads to improved microbial activity, and better moisture availability under these treatments. It may be concluded that conservation agriculture-based crop establishment i.e. CE4: Zero-till DSR-Zero-till wheat (residue retention in rice and wheat) and RWCM-based nutrient application, may be favourable for improved growth of the wheat crop under the region of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Intercropping of African Marigold with Tomato for Better Productivity, Pest Control and Economic Returns in Arunachal Pradesh, India

The present study highlights about intercropping of African marigold with tomato for better productivity, pest control and economic returns in Arunachal Pradesh, India. This study was carried out during Rabi season of 2017-18 and 2018-19 respectively in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh to find out the best line combination of marigold with tomato. Total three treatments were planted with three replications under Randomized block design. T1 recorded minimum infestation of tomato fruit borer (5.47 %), maximum fruit yield (16.32 t/ha), maximum net return (Rs. 1,53,000), Best B:C ratio (3:1) while T3/control recorded least (18.32%, 14.27 t/ha, rs.1,17,780 and 2:43 respectively). It can be suggested to farmers of Arunachal Pradesh that marigold can be used as a trap crop in tomato farming for better production, yield and economics.

Determining the Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in Rajasthan, India

A field experiment was conducted at experimental farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Mewar University Gangrar, Chittorgarh (Rajasthan) during Rabi season of 2022-23 to effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield characters of barley variety “Rd-2036‟ was used in this study. The required quantities of fertilizers as per treatments were applied. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications consisting of nine treatments combinations. The increased yield parameter such as number of per siliqua, seed yield, stover yield harvest index was recorded with T9 (Azotobacter + PSB + 30 kg ha-1 N through inorganic Fertilizer + 30 kg ha-1 N through poultry manure). The data revealed that the maximum plant height (97.05 ccm), total numbers of tillers (70.25) and yield attributes spike length (7.68 cm), number of grains/spike (44.96), grain yield (42.58 q/ha), straw yield (60.15 q/ha), biological yield (102.73 q/ha) and net return (53406.30 Rs/ha) was recorded with treatment T5-75% RDF + PSB + Azotobacter.

Assessment of Crop water requirement using FAO CROPWAT 8.0 for Groundnut in South Odisha

Water has a major impact on crop growth, output, and quality and increased production with less water consumption is crucial due to increased demand from domestic and industrial sectors. With evaporative demand-based irrigation scheduling the water consumption gets reduced and improves water productivity. The type of soil, growing season, weather, and crop type affect specific crops' water needs. To compute crop water requirement, irrigation requirement, and its schedule for groundnut cultivated during the rabi season in south Odisha, India, the FAO CROPWAT 8 program was used, with the meteorological data of Centurion University, Paralakhemundi, and NASA power. The water requirement for groundnut was 362.1 mm, the irrigation requirement for groundnut crops was 323.7 mm, and crop evapotranspiration (ETc) was 373.4 mm during rabi season. At 50% critical depletion of soil moisture and soil replenishment to field capacity, the yield did not decrease. These results indicate that irrigation schedules can be practiced for different regions' crops without experimental results by estimating crop water requirements and irrigation schedules obtained through the FAO CROPWAT 8 model.

Seasonal Incidence of Major Insect Pests of Pea in Malwa Region of Madhya Pradesh

The seasonal variation or dynamics of insect pests are major constraints in the production of field pea. This study revealed that the seasonal incidence of pests in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, during 2021-22 in the rabi season is related to ecological factors such as temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity. Three major pests of field pea were recorded, viz., gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner), leaf miner (Phytomyza horticola Goureau) and pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris). The H. armigera infestation occurred during the vegetative to pod-forming or reproductive stage from 50th SMW of 2021 to 12th SMW of 2022 (Standard Meteorological Week), which shows a significant negative correlation with minimum temperature (-0.637*) and was significantly influenced by A. pisum and P. horticola during the seedling to maturity stage.

Seasonal occurrence of the shoot fly complex on Rabi sorghum in the Marathwada area of Maharashtra

The present study was conducted to investigate the variety and abundance of shoot flies in the Postgraduate Experimental Field, Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Latur Campus, Maharashtra, India, during rabi season 2020-21. Analysis of insect pest population dynamics indicated that Atherigona soccata attained its maximum population density during the 51st standard meteorological week, with an average of 3.60 maggots per quadrat. Correlation studies exhibited that wind speed had a detrimental impact on the population of A soccata maggots. During the first sampling period of the study, Oscinella sp. achieved its peak population density, with an average of 13.00 maggots per quadrat. Link tests revealed a positive link between the relative humidity before noon and the population of Oscinella sp., but a substantial negative correlation was seen between wind speed and the population. The population of Ectecephala sp. reached its highest level during the second sampling week, with an average of 2.33 maggots per quadrat. Correlation studies demonstrated a substantial negative correlation between wind speed and the population of Ectecephala sp.

Effect of Different Sources of Concentrated Organic Inputs and Bio-Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Broccoli cv Calabrese

Broccoli, scientifically known as Brassica oleracea L. var. italica, is an important cool-season vegetable crops belonging to the family Brassicaceae or Cruciferae. Organic broccoli farming is an eco-friendly approach that ensures sustainable agricultural practices for consistent and resilient production by improving resistance against various pests and environmental challenges. Two consecutive years of field experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2017-2018 and 2019-2020 comprising of twenty-one treatments with different sources of concentrated organic inputs along with bio-fertilizers by cultivar calabrese laid out in two factorial Randomized Block Design replicated by three times. The treatment combinations were consisted of seven different organic inputs viz. T1- neem cake @ 1 t ha-1, T2-mustard cake @ 1 t ha-1, T3- neem cake @ 0.75 t ha-1, T4- mustard cake @ 0.75 t ha-1, T5- neem cake @ 0.5 t ha-1, T6- mustard cake @ 0.5 t ha-1 and T7-control and three different level of biofertilizers viz. B1- azotobactor @ 2 kg ha-1, B2- azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 and B3- PSB @ 2 kg ha-1. The exponential and significant improvement in plant height (31.68 cm), dry matter content (32.26%), gross head weight (615.18 g), net head weight (304.26 g) and projected yield (8.44 t ha-1) were influenced by integrated application of mustard cake @ 1t ha-1 with azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1. The plant applied in different doses of mustard cake along with azospirillum responded better performance in most of the biochemical aspects viz. TSS (3.92 to 4.090 Brix), vit-C (99.71 to 101.77 mg 100 g-1 pulp) and crude protein (2.23 to 2.43%). Mustad cake @ 1t ha-1 along with azospirillium @ 2 kg ha-1 clearly demonstrated more accumulation of N (2.12%), P (1.20%) and K (1.78%) content in plant tissue and significantly improved the head quality.

Perception of Regarding Water Conservation Products and Identification of Problem Faced by Groundnut Farmers in Dhanera Taluka of Banaskantha District, Gujarat, India

Insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides are among the crop protection chemicals that are expected to drive the worldwide agrochemicals market, which is expected to reach USD 308.92 billion by 2025. Recent decades have seen a rise in agricultural activity in India as a result of the country's growing population and the need for more food supply. The Indian agrochemicals market was valued at around USD 6 billion in 2022. The study was conducted in Dhanera Taluka of Banas Kantha district, Gujarat, and examined five villages with 150 farmers, focusing on the groundnut crop, which has a significant need for insecticides and pesticides. The study aimed to achieve two objectives: to understand farmer perceptions regarding water conservation products, and to identify problems faced by groundnut farmers. The primary data was collected through semi-structured schedules, and secondary data was collected from different reliable sources. The majority of respondents were involved in both agriculture and livestock farming and had annual earnings between 5 and 10 lakhs. They primarily farmed during both Kharif and Rabi seasons. Key problems faced by groundnut farmers included high input costs, pest and weed infestations, labor shortages, water scarcity, and Sclerotium wilt.

Development of Climate Resilient Genotypes in Desi Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

For development of climate resilient genotypes of chickpea for yield and yield contributing characters the present study was undertaken at Pulses Improvement Project, MPKV, Rahuri during Rabi season of 2021-22. The twelve genotypes and four check varieties were evaluated under three different environmental conditions. The data was subjected to ANOVA and Eberthart and Russel model. The analysis of pooled variance showed a significant connection among genotypes, environment (Linear) and genotypes x environment (Linear) almost for all characters except for number of seeds per pod. The genotypes Phule G 181603, Phule G 181609, Phule G 181667, Vijay and Phule Vikrant exhibited average stability for grain yield per plant over all three environments. The varieties Digvijay and Phule Vikram was found below average stable so they could be suitable for poor environment and genotypes Phule G 181102 and Phule G 1210-16-1 showed stability under favorable environments.

Genetic Divergence Studies in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Genotypes for Yield and Quality

Background: In an effort to identify divergent superior parents for hybridization programme, a study to examine the genetic divergence in yield and quality traits was conducted. Methods: Thirty two cucumber genotypes were collected from different states of India and were evaluated for yield and quality characters at Bhubaneswar, Odisha during Rabi season of 2019. Result: The genetic diversity of 32 cucumber genotypes was evaluated using a randomized block design. The Mahalanobis D2 statistic revealed the presence of substantial genetic diversity among the 32 genotypes examined. In a study of 32 cucumber genotypes, clustering based on interactions in genetic distances revealed substantial genetic divergence among the groups. Genotypes from different ecogeographic regions were distributed into distinct clusters in an apparently random fashion, suggesting that there was no correlation between geographic distribution and genetic diversity. Cluster I included the most unique genotypes, suggesting that it was a major contributor to the overall genetic divergence among the five groups. Results showed that Clusters II, IV and V were all monogenomic. Cluster II, IV and V had the smallest intra-cluster distances (0.00), whereas cluster I had the largest (45.08). There was the greatest genetic distance (133.68) between cluster’s I and V, suggesting that cluster V could be used in a future hybridization study. Clusters IV, V and III had the highest mean values of the five clusters for many of the characteristics. According to the ranking of D2 value, the contribution of fruit yield per vine (16.50%) towards genetic divergence was highest. Therefore, phenotypic selection could be used to further enhance this trait.