Saurashtra Region Research Articles

New host plant records of rugose spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hymenoptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aleyrodidae) in diverse habitats

The current study focused on assessing the prevalence of invasive whitefly infestation in diverse habitats in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The study revealed the presence of Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin, specifically in Punica granatum, Ficus religiosa, Ficus benghalensis, Borassus flabellifer, Cordia myxa, Pennisetum purpureum, Azadirachta indica and Citrus limon during the survey conducted in 2023–24. This infestation of Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin with different host plants marks the first documented occurrence of this novel invasive whitefly species affecting India. These findings highlight the need for further research and management strategies to address the threats posed by this invasive pest.

Effect of Packaging Material on Infestation Level in Stored Groundnut Pods

Groundnut crop is an important crop for farmers of the Saurashtra region of Gujarat State in India. Generally, farmers cultivate groundnut crop in the Kharif season. Storage of groundnut pods is associated with the problem of bruchid during storage in jute bags. To address this storage problem with groundnut pods, current research was carried out comparing performance of different packaging materials with their traditional storage system in jute bags. Seven different types of bags were used as packaging materials. The experiment was carried out for the year 2016-17 and 2017-18. The storage period was December-July. Pool data for two years were considered for determination of the effect of packaging material on storage of groundnut pods with respect to moisture content, germination percentage, pod damage due to infestation, pest population, and aflatoxin. Groundnut stored in cloth bag showed maximum variation in moisture content during the storage period (6.40% to 8.35%), maximum pest population of pupa (6.82 pupa/200 gm sample) and adult of bruchid beetle (3.14 adult/200 gm sample), pod damage due to infestation on number basis (61.13%) as well as weight basis (63.46%) whereas minimum variation was found in moisture content during the storage period (6.74% to 6.90%), maximum pest population of pupa (2.44 pupa/200 gm sample) and adult of bruchid beetle (1.51 adult/200 gm sample), pod damage due to infestation on number basis (18.24%) as well as weight basis (18.76%) in triple layer hermetic storage bag i.e., Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags followed by closely woven net bag. The minimum germination percentage (69.22%) was found in cloth bag and it was the maximum (78.18%) in triple layer hermetic storage bag. Aflatoxin in the pods stored in triple layer hermetic storage bags was under limit. Results of this study will be helpful to select storage bags for storing groundnut pods.

Studies of malignant & non-malignant lung lesions detected by USG guided FNAC in the Saurashtra region

Studies of malignant & non-malignant lung lesions detected by USG guided FNAC in the Saurashtra region

Genomic insights into prevalence of virulence and multi drug resistance genes in milk borne Klebsiella pnuemoniae: Face of emerging resistance to last resort antibiotics

Spread of hypervirulent and multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in raw milk is public health concern due to its potential impact on food safety and public health. Therefore, this study investigated antibiotic susceptibility test (AST), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), mutations conferring ARGs, virulence factor and plasmid replicons to check prevalence of fosfomycin resistant MDR K. pneumoniae isolated from raw milk samples collected from Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India. K. pneumoniae isolated from raw milk and subjected to disk diffusion assay. From that, MDR along with fosfomycin resistant isolates were analysed for multi locus sequence typing, presence of ARGs, mutations conferring resistance, virulence factors and plasmid replicon types by using its whole genome sequence. Results shows that, among 32 K. pneumoniae, 8 were phenotypically resistant to fosfomycin. As per WGS analysis, 8 MDR isolates were assigned into different sequence types such as ST3321, ST37, ST2715, ST1087, ST3157, ST299 and ST29. Among that, ST37 is well recognized MDR high risk clone reported worldwide and first time reported from raw milk of Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India. ARGs responsible for resistance to fosfomycin (fosA) were found in all 8 isolates. Other ARGs such as blaSHV, kdeA, OqxA, OqxB, dfrA1, sul1, qnrB4, aadA2 and ere(A) were also detected. High diversity of virulence factors was also identified by detection of genes encoding virulence factors related to iron uptake such as entE, fepD, entA, entB, Irp2, fepG, ybtU, ybtP, fepC, ybtA, ybtE, fepB, ybtS, fyuA, ybtQ, ybtT, ybtX, Irp1, adherence such as yagZ/ecpA, yagV/ecpE, yagX/ecpC, yagV/ecpE, ykgK/ecpR and invasion such as fimA, pla, fimC, fimH, fimB, fimE were detected in eight genomes. Mutations in murA, uhpT and glpT conferring a fosfomycin resistance were also present in genomes of 8 K. pneumoniae. IncF was the most common plasmid replicon type detected in all 8 genomes. The study reports high diversity of virulent and multidrug resistant K. pneumoniae in raw milk. Hence, genomic surveillance plans are urgently required for food borne pathogens.

Analysis of Meteorological Drought for Selected Districts of Saurashtra Region of Gujarat

Drought, in particular, is a complex and recurring phenomenon triggered by insufficient precipitation or changes in its distribution, often resulting in decreased water availability. It evolves slowly, affecting large populations' access to food and water, disrupting the entire hydrological cycle, and causing long-term economic losses. The present study attempts a comprehensive analysis of meteorological drought characteristics for selected districts (Junagadh, Amreli, Jamnagar, and Rajkot) in the semi-arid Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The analysis of meteorological drought was performed using rainfall (RF), maximum temperature (Tmax), and minimum temperature (Tmin) data from four stations (each district has one station) for the 43 years duration (1981–2023). The Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) is utilized across multiple timescales to assess the number of drought affected years, occurrence of drought and drought parameters (total drought duration, magnitude, and intensity). The meteorological drought incidence varied significantly across Junagadh, Amreli, Jamnagar and Rajkot, with Junagadh experiencing droughts in 29% of years, Amreli in 32%, and higher rates in Jamnagar (37%) and Rajkot (36%). The most severe drought years in the four districts were 1987 and 2002, with additional major droughts occurred in 1985, 1986, 1987, 1993, 2002 and 2012. These districts also faced consecutive droughts from 1985 to 1987 and again from 1999 to 2002.Analysis of drought parameters in Junagadh, Amreli, Jamnagar and Rajkot districts showed that drought duration (DD) ranged from 29.46% (Junagadh) to 35.85% (Jamnagar) of months, drought magnitude (DM) varied between -37.58% (Jamnagar) and -34.10% (Junagadh), and drought intensity (DI) spanned from -1.17 (Rajkot) to -1.04 (Junagadh). The analysis of drought occurrence in all districts shows that mild and moderate droughts have been most frequent while severe and extreme droughts have been less common. The study's findings enhance water managers' understanding of how climate change influences drought patterns in the region, thereby assisting policymakers in conducting effective drought risk assessments.

Exploring agricultural soils of the Saurashtra region for entomopathogenic bacteria and fungi: Isolation, characterization and phylogenetic analysis

Exploring agricultural soils of the Saurashtra region for entomopathogenic bacteria and fungi: Isolation, characterization and phylogenetic analysis

Financial Inclusion: A study of Saurashtra Region of Gujarat State

Financial Inclusion: A study of Saurashtra Region of Gujarat State

Estimation of Geometrical Spreading Factor and Coda-Wave Attenuation Characteristics for the Saurashtra Horst in Western Deccan Volcanic Province, Gujarat, India

ABSTRACT In the present study, we have estimated the coda Q (QC) and the geometrical spreading factor (gamma) for the Saurashtra region that is located in the western part of the Deccan Volcanic Province, Gujarat, India. The waveform data from the seismic network operated by the Institute of Seismological Research, Gandhinagar, are used for the analysis. We have used records of a total of 221 local earthquakes with epicentral distances less than 70 km from the seismic stations. The moment magnitude range of the earthquakes is 2.5–5.3, and the depth range is 1–22 km. The QC has been estimated at five central frequencies (1.5, 3, 6, 12, and 20 Hz) using 20, 30, and 40 s window lengths for vertical, north–south, and east–west components, respectively. The obtained QC values show that the attenuation in the region has a strong dependence on frequency and points toward a heterogeneous medium. The geometrical spreading factors are also estimated for two cases, that is, with and without Q at the same central frequencies and window lengths. The average geometrical spreading factors with Q are 1.37, 1.48, 1.40, 1.08, and 1.04, at central frequencies 1.5, 3, 6, 12, and 20 Hz, respectively, whereas it is 1.59, 1.53, 1.47, 1.19, and 1.14, respectively, in the absence of Q. The estimated values also indicate that the medium is heterogeneous in the Saurashtra region. The estimated region-specific coda Q and the geometrical spreading factor may help in the modeling of strong ground motions and assessment of the seismic hazard for the Saurashtra region.

Performance of low-input agriculture with ZBNF-A case study on groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system in Saurashtra region of Gujarat

Sustainable low-cost farming in (groundnut based) cropping system offers a much-needed alternative to conventional input-intensive agriculture. Keeping this in view a field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2022–23 at ICAR-Directorate of Groundnut Research, Junagadh, Gujarat on groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) to evaluate the performance of low-input agriculture with ZBNF (Zero-budget natural farming) vis-avis others. Experiment was conducted in a split plot design having 3 different farming practices, viz. Natural farming (NF); Integrated crop management (ICM or conventional farming); and Organic farming (OF) practices in main plot using 2 cultivars ‘GJG-22’ (Virginia Bunch) and ‘TG 37A’ (Spanish Bunch) in large sub plot (~1/100th of a hectare), replicated 8-times. Further, these permanent plots of 3 farming practices were cultivated with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (two cultivars, viz. ‘GW 451’ and ‘Lok 1’) in rotation during winter (rabi) season of 2022–23 following a residual exhaustive fodder crop of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.] grown during spring/summer 2021– 22 prior to the experimentation. The study revealed that pod yield to the tune of 1,316–1,630 kg/ha was realized with low cost NF (or ZBNF) practice (higher yields with Spanish Bunch) vis-a-vis 1,448–1,779 kg/ha in OF practice. On the contrary, higher pod yield of 1,679–1,965 kg/ha was realized with the ICM practice employing improved production technologies. The growth/developmental parameters/values including economics and total system productivity were also higher under ICM practice. Furthermore, higher values in respect of all the groundnut plant attributes including economics and nutrient (NPK) uptake, and its efficiency (NPK uptake/100-kg pod) were evident under ICM practice. Similar crop responses were conspicuous in case of the succeeding wheat crop. Thus, overall crop response to farming practices were in the order: ICM>OF>NF; and the ratio of N, P, and K uptake for realization of higher per unit productivity (across farming practices and varieties) was observed to be 6.8:1.0:2.2 for groundnut and 3.9:1.0:3.3 for wheat. Thus, ICM practice comprising of judicious use of chemical fertilizers, manure and pesticides use was advantageous for realizing higher yield and return in groundnut-wheat. Further efforts are made to realize higher productivity of ecofriendly farming practices (ZBNF and OF).

Child Labour in Saurashtra Region of Gujarat State

Child labour is one of the most pressing social problems which the international community has been facing. Children are an important asset not only for their country but for the whole of mankind. They are not merely future adults. They are tiny apostles of peace and above all very much human beings though weak and immature. In almost all societies, children work in some way, though the types of work they do and the forms of their involvement vary. But many millions of children work under abusive and exploitative conditions that are clearly dangerous to them. There are still a large number of children who are employed in rag picking, collection of raw hides and skins, leather flaying and tanning, accompanying their parents for deep sea fishing, fish processing and storage, collection of minor forest produce, etc., that have not been brought within the ambit of the prohibited category.

Improving remote sensing based agricultural drought characterization in Saurashtra, Gujarat : A region-specific threshold approach

Remote sensing technology has demonstrated its significant utility in the monitoring and mapping of agricultural drought on a global scale. This study focused on the assessment of agricultural drought in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India, utilizing a comprehensive dataset spanning 33 years from Landsat and Sentinel satellites. It employed various vegetation indices, including NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), Anomaly Index (NAI), Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) and NDWI Anomaly index (NDWIA), to gauge drought conditions. The performance of these indices was evaluated through the generation of drought severity maps and their correlation analysis with major Kharif crops in the region, specifically cotton and groundnut. The analysis pinpointed major agricultural drought years, such as 1986, 1987, 1991, 2000, 2002 and 2012, which corresponded to substantial crop yield losses ranging from 37% to 76% for cotton and 66% to 95% for groundnut, varying by district. Despite VCI demonstrating equivalent or superior correlations with crop yields (ranging from 0.32 to 0.73 for cotton and 0.33 to 0.75 for groundnut) compared to NAI in various districts, it tended to underestimate drought severities, designating only 2 to 9 drought years for different districts. Consequently, this study recommends revised VCI drought severity thresholds, which enhance the categorization of agricultural drought in terms of severity levels and corresponding yield losses for cotton and groundnut in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. Furthermore, it underscores the need to establish region-specific drought severity thresholds by identifying the most suitable vegetation index for effective quantification of agricultural drought, thereby facilitating informed drought mitigation measures.

The Prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder and its Associated Factors Among College Students in Saurashtra Region, Gujarat, India.

Internet gaming has become popular in the last few decades; however, very few studies have been conducted on internet gaming in India. This study aimed to investigate internet gaming disorder (IGD), its prevalence, gaming behavior, and effects as well as multiple factors associated with its emergence among college students. This cross-sectional study involved a group of 150 college students. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire containing the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF). Statistical analysis was done using Jamovi software. A total of 150 college student gamers were involved with a mean age of 18.69±0.10 years. The mean IGD score was 18.74 with a standard deviation of 0.53, while the median score was 18. The prevalence of IGD was 5.3% among the participants. The IGD prevalence was higher in male students and those whose mothers had a high school diploma or higher. Gamers who spent more than2 hours a day on games had significantly higher IGD scores (P<0.05). A significant association was also found between tingling/numbness in the hand while playing and physical pain with IGD (P<0.05). Spending more time playing online games was significantly associated with a higher risk of IGD. One negative consequence of IGD is the development of physical health issues. It is important to raise awareness about the physical health consequences of excessive gaming among students, parents, institutions, and concerned authorities.

Screening of Bacillus sp. (OQ654027) Mediated Seed Bio-priming Enhance Plant-Growth-Promotion for Sustainable Crop Production of Groundnut and Chickpea

Plant growth-promoting bacteria are valuable microbes that enhance the plant growth, development, and yield. Several seed priming methods are able to improvise seed germination, seedling potency, to overwhelmed abiotic stress and biotic stress management which gets prime attention. Generally, plant-growth promoting bacteria are utilized for biopriming technique that is able to survive under stress environmental conditions. The aims of the present investigation were to screening ofKC9bacterial isolate as PGPB in groundnut and chickpea and study the effects ofKC9 bacterial isolation seed, seedling germination and growth during the development of both seeds. In this study KC9 has been isolated from the soil sample of chickpea crop field at Saurashtra region. Preliminary screening was conducted based on their identification via morphological, biochemical i.e., catalase, starch hydrolysis, sugar utilization, motility, IMViC test, gram’s nature and by 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequences and identified as Bacillus sp. that has been submitted to the NCBI for Accession number. Further examine the production of indole acetic acid (IAA), Ammonia (NH3), HCN, Siderophore and Phosphate solubilization. KC9 (Bacillus sp.) was recognized as most efficient plant-growth promoting bacteria. For the pot experiment seed biopriming method is employing to coat the seeds of chickpea and groundnut with Bacillus inoculant consider as treated and seeds sown with double distilled water as control. Bacillus coated seed biopriming also minimize the seed germination time period that takes only 3-4 days to proper seed radicle development. By the statistical approach of paired t-test of pot experiment on chickpea and groundnut seeds and seedlings were treated with Bacillus strain exhibited significantly higher levels at of seed germination, seedling growth via root length, shoot length and number of leaves in compared to non-treated control plants. In this present investigation , impact of seedling germination on the inoculated condition with KC9 of groundnut and chickpea, determining remarkable changes in total chlorophyll content (11.81 µg/g and 10.40 µg/g), relative water content(RWC) obtained 86% and 83%., total free amino acids (92.14±0.03µg/ml whereas 37.5±0.02µg/ml), total phenolic acid content (76.28±0.03mg GAE/100g and chickpea is 52.83±0.08 mg GAE/100g) and total flavonoid content increases with the treatment of KC9 (Bacillus sp.) 626±0.05QE/100g is recorded in groundnut seedlings and chickpea is 0.085±0.01QE/100g respectively.

Pattern and trend of cancer in Saurashtra region in Gujarat state of India, a hospital-based study.

Cancer is growing concern for every country. Reliable data is a source to define the magnitude of the problem, which then helps to plan for necessary action. This epidemiological study involves the collection and analysis of hospital registry data to assess the quantum of the problem of cancer over a five-year period from 2012-16 and to plan priority action. Hospital-based data for five years from 2012-2016 was retrieved from the department of radiotherapy at M. P. Shah Government Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India, and analysed to define the magnitude of the problem. All data was studied using Microsoft Excel 2016. A total of 7355 patients were registered between 2012 and 2016, out of which 62 percent were male. Cancers of the cervix and uterus were discernibly less common in the Saurashtra region and accounted for only 12.37% of all cancers in females. Lung cancer was the leading cancer as a single site in males (24.13% of all cancers in males) and breast cancer in females (37.36% of all cancers in females). Head and neck cancer, all sites clubbed, was most common in males (42%). Jamnagar taluka represented around 50% of all cases at the study center. Tobacco-related cancers were most common in the male population, and stringent implementation of a national tobacco control program is the most appropriate measure to curtail incidences and hence mortality in this male population. Non-modifiable risk factors like gender-related cancer were more common in the female population, and resource-appropriate screening is a suitable option for these diseases. A population-based cancer registry is required to further define the pattern pertinently, or an epidemiological study is required to find causes of the noticeably lower incidence of cancer of the cervix,.

Indigenous practices for protecting groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) crops against pests and diseases in Saurashtra region, Gujarat, India

Indigenous practices for protecting groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) crops against pests and diseases in Saurashtra region, Gujarat, India

Study on Varietal Replacement Rate of Groundnut in Saurashtra Region of India

The study conducted during 2024 investigated the dynamics of Variety Replacement Rate (VRR) in groundnut cultivation in Gujarat, India, which contributes significantly to the country’s oilseed production. The study encompasses 180 farmers from three districts in the Saurashtra region, where 40.5 per cent of the nation’s groundnut production originates. The study analyzed the extent of the VRR which states that around 41.11 per cent of the respondents had replaced variety every 3-5 years followed by 30 per cent had no replacement from 5 years and the remaining 28.89 per cent of the respondents had replaced variety for every 2 years. The extent of VRR is influenced by gender, livestock possession, access to credit, occupation, risk orientation, innovativeness, and extension contact. Concerning the perception of farmers towards varietal replacement rate (VRR), 45 per cent of respondents exhibited a neutral perception, followed by 27.78 per cent having a favorable and 27.22 per cent having an unfavorable level of perception towards the varietal replacement rate, emphasizing the need for interventions. Occupation, innovativeness, training received, and awareness significantly influence VRR perception. There is a positive and highly significant relationship between perception towards VRR and the extent of VRR at a 1% significance level with a chi-square value of 22.32.

"Financial Inclusion: A study of Saurashtra Region of Gujarat State"

"Financial Inclusion: A study of Saurashtra Region of Gujarat State"

Constraints faced and suggestions offered by groundnut growers towards ICT for availing agricultural information in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat

Constraints faced and suggestions offered by groundnut growers towards ICT for availing agricultural information in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat

Epidemiological Proileof Children with Malnutrition at Child Malnutrition Treatment Center (CMTC)in Saurashtra Region

Introduction: Adequate Nutrition is important for optimum growth, immunity, neurological and cognitive development of the child. Malnutrition leads to illness and mortality among under 5 children. Nearly 40% under 5 children are malnourished in Gujarat despite many nutritional programmes. Objectives: To assess the epidemiological factors of malnourished children at Child Malnutrition Treatment Centre (CMTC) and to ind outthe association between epidemiological factors and nutritional status of study participants. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on Children admitted at CMTC at Narayan Nagar Urban Health Center, the only one and newly established CMTC in Rajkot city in year 2015. Study duration was 14 months. Interview of mothers of 120 children was conducted to know epidemiological factors of malnourished children. Weight on admission was noted from register. Pre-formed, semi-structured proforma used. Results: Out of 120 children, 5.8%, 55.8%, 34.2% and 4.2% were from &lt;1, 1-3, 3-5 and &gt;5 year age groups respectively. Nearly 40% children belonged to Socioeconomic Class IV. The proportion of Low Birth Weight children was 40%. Current feeding practice was appropriate in 10.8% children according to IMNCI guideline. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection occurred in 76.7% children with average 4.5 episodes. High birth order of children is statistically signi icant with severity of malnutrition. Birth weight and feeding practices of children were not associated with grade of malnutrition. Conclusion: Need based education of mothers for preventing low birth weight, exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding, quantity and type of routine diet etc. should be given.

Texture and major element geochemistry of channel sediments in the Orsang and Hiren River Basins, Gujarat, India: Implications for provenance and weathering

Size, shape, degree of sorting, and composition of sediments in the river channels are controlled by climate, lithology, weathering, sorting, and medium of transportation. The present investigation is focused on the grain-size and geochemical analysis of the channel sediments of the Orsang and Hiren river basins. Major outcrops in the study area are Archaean granites, granitic gneisses, Upper Cretaceous to lower Eocene Deccan Volcanic Basalts (DVB), Quaternary sediments and minor proportion of Proterozoic low grade metamorphic rocks. The sediments are poorly to moderately sorted, very finely skewed, suggesting its derivation from heterogenous sources, while the kurtosis value indicates a high-energy depositional environment. The sediments are with gravelly sand texture and the mean grain size is varying from 581.9µm to 1284.2µm. The DVB provenance of the Hiren river basin and granitic provenance of the Orsang river basin is clearly reflected in the texture and geochemical composition of sediments. The TiO2 and Fe2O3 contents of sediments from the Hiren river basin are distinctly higher and are comparable to the basalts of the Saurashtra region of the Deccan Province. Sediments collected after Orsang and Hiren rivers confluence and from Narmada river show higher concentration of felsic sources, indicating that Orsang river's sediment supply significantly outweighs Hiren rivers. The arkosic-litharenite nature points towards less transportation and moderate chemical weathering for the Orsang river sediments. The low Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values (Avg. 48.45 and 56.99 for Orsang and Hiren rivers, respectively) and A-CN-K plot also suggest the supply of sediments from minimally weathered detritus under a semi-arid condition.