Tarai Region Of Uttarakhand Research Articles

Correlation between Pulp Weight and Physio-Biochemical Traits of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Germplasms

Aim: The present study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between pulp weight and various physio-biochemical attributes among 30 diverse mango (Mangifera indica L.) germplasms under the Tarai region of Uttarakhand. Place and Duration of Study: This investigation was carried out at Horticulture Research Centre, GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, during the years 2021 and 2022. Methodology: The selected 30 germplasms included two commercially grown cultivars and 28 primary germplasms sourced from different eco-geographical locations of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand states of India. Pulp weight, physical characteristics (fruit shape index, pulp/stone ratio) and biochemical parameters (Brix/Acid ratio and pH) were measured for each germplasm and statistically laid out in completely randomized design (CRD), and their relationships were analyzed using simple linear regression and Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Results: The maximum values recorded among the studied germplasms were 300.73 g for pulp weight (PMGC-19), 2.41 for fruit shape index (PMSS-31), 0.309 for pulp/stone ratio (PMGC-71), 140.87 for Brix/Acid ratio (PMGC-96) and 5.87 for pH (PMGC-96). Among the physical attributes, pulp weight exhibited a moderate positive correlation with fruit shape index (r = 0.419), indicating that fruits with a higher shape index tend to have increased pulp weight. Whereas, a moderate negative correlation was observed between pulp weight and pulp/stone ratio (r = -0.457), suggesting that as the pulp/stone ratio increases, pulp weight decreases. However, biochemical attributes such as Brix/Acid ratio and pH showed no significant correlation with pulp weight (r = 0.005 and r = 0.018, respectively), indicating an independent influence of these parameters on pulp characteristics. Conclusion: These findings provide important insights into the complex relationships between pulp weight and other physio-biochemical traits in mango, some traits for breeding programs aimed to improving fruit quality and pulp content and identified superior and promising germplasms for cultivation as well as potential parental genotypes in mango improvement programs.

Impact of fertility levels and rice genotypes on yield, quality, and chemical properties of soil under tarai region of Uttarakhand

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2019 at Crop Research Centre of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) for evaluation of six rice genotypes (IET-27263, IET-26418, IET-26420, NDR-359, PD-19 and PD-26) under varying fertility levels (Control, 100% RDF, 150% RDF). Treatments were tested in Split Plot Design with three replications keeping fertilizer levels in main plots and genotypes in sub plots. Application of fertilizer at 150% RDF resulted in significantly higher grain and straw yield over all other fertilizer levels. The rice genotype IET-27263 produced highest grain, straw and biological yield over other genotypes. Similarly, total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content and uptake were also found to be increased significantly up to 150% RDF. Similarly, maximum uptake of N and K in grain and straw was also recorded in genotype IET-27263. It can be concluded that application of fertilizers at higher dose up to 150% RDF is essential for obtaining higher yield of rice. The new rice genotype IET27263 was found superior to all other tested genotypes.

Optimizing Soybean Cultivation in Uttarakhand's Tarai Region Using the DSSAT CROPGRO Modeling Approach

Soybean (Glycine max) is a vital oilseed crop globally, but in India, its average grain yields remain relatively low despite the presence of high-yielding varieties. This study aimed to optimize soybean cultivation in the Tarai region of Uttarakhand, India, by exploring the impact of different sowing dates on crop growth and yield using the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) CROPGRO model. The experiment was conducted in 2022 and 2023 at Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, using a split-plot design with three replications. The model was calibrated and validated for different sowing dates, and key parameters such as emergence days, physiological maturity days, grain yield, harvest index, and leaf area index were compared between simulated and observed values. During validation RMSE and R2 was 48.44 and 0.90 for grain yield, 1.10 and 0.99 for physiological maturity, 0.042 and 0.99 for harvest index and 1.14 and 0.97 for LAI respectively. The results showed that adjusting sowing dates can significantly affect soybean growth and yield, with optimal sowing times resulting in higher yields and better crop performance. Specifically, sowing on July 22nd resulted in the highest grain yield, while sowing on August 21st led to the lowest. The DSSAT CROPGRO model proved to be a valuable tool for simulating soybean growth and predicting crop outcomes under varying environmental conditions.

Variable Irrigation Phasing and Establishment Techniques in Chickpea (Cicer areitinum L.) under Sprinkler and Flood Irrigation System in Tarai Region of Uttarakhand

Variable Irrigation Phasing and Establishment Techniques in Chickpea (Cicer areitinum L.) under Sprinkler and Flood Irrigation System in Tarai Region of Uttarakhand

Investigation of Peste des petits ruminants virus circulation in Uttarakhand, India: a step towards global eradication of PPR by 2030.

This study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) and to determine the virus distribution in unvaccinated goats in the Pantnagar region of Uttarakhand state, India. A total of 212 serum samples from goats were collected randomly from various villages in three districts (Udhamsingh Nagar, Nainital, and Almora) of Uttarakhand. Serum samples were tested for anti-PPRV antibodies by a commercially available kit. RNA was extracted from the clinical samples and it was subjected to one-step RT-PCR, followed by virus isolation from positive samples. A total of 41 animals from various villages were found to be seropositive with a prevalence rate of 19.33%. PPR outbreaks were also reported from the Tarai region of Uttarakhand, and detection by PCR confirmed PPRV in 8 goats. Two representative swab samples were subjected to virus isolation in Vero cells and both samples showed typical cytopathic effects. The present study shows that PPRV is circulating in the Tarai region of Uttarakhand and mass vaccination for PPR must be followed in this region to increase herd immunity to a protective level. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation of PPRV seroprevalence in unvaccinated goats of Uttarakhand, India.

Zinc Application Enhances Tuber Quality and Zinc Bioavailability in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in the Tarai Region of Uttarakhand

As evident from plant and soil investigations, 49 per cent of Indian soils are deficient in zinc. This could affect the production and quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) as the crop is moderately sensitive to zinc deficiency. Zinc is considered to be the most important micronutrient for potato and its reduced availability in the plant is the major constraint to obtaining good tuber quality. However, repeated practice of rice-wheat cropping system in the tarai region of Uttarakhand has led to zinc deficiency in the soil, and thereby, its availability in the tubers. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken at the Vegetable Research Centre of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) during the rabi season of 2021-22 with the objective to enhance the quality of potato tubers, and at the same time, increase the bioavailability of zinc in the tubers. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with twelve treatments and four replications. The results of the experiment revealed that foliar application of ZnSO4 @ 2 g L-1 at 25 and 50 days after planting recorded the highest dry matter content (20.73%), specific gravity (1.07 g cm-3) and starch content (17.10%) in the tubers. The zinc content in tubers (47.58 ppm) and zinc uptake by tubers (2.85 kg ha-1) were also found to be maximum in the same treatment combination. Hence, the same treatment combination can be recommended for getting better quality of potato tubers as well as increasing zinc bioavailability in potato under the tarai region of Uttarakhand.

Growth and productivity of traditional scented rice in organic cultivation

Utilizing the production potential of scented rice verieties via organic farming methods is a viable option to support the increasing population's food needs. Employing organic nutrient sources like Sesbania and vermicompost has the potential to significantly enhance rice yield and positively impact soil quality, presenting a promising approach. In order to study the effect of organic mode of cultivation on ten different scented rice varieties namely Kubri Mamhani, Kudrat-5, Chinar-20, Kesho Pohu, DRK, Kudrat-5, Pusa-1121, Type-3, Taraori and Tilak Chandan in tarai region of Uttarakhand, India, a field experiment was conducted at the Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre, located within G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, during the kharif season of 2020. The varieties were evaluated in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The results revealed that the application of organic source of nutrients significantly improved the growth parameters and yield of scented rice over control. Among the varieties, Kudrat-5 recorded higher values for tiller/m2 (273) and grain yield (42.46 q/ha). Application of organic matter in the form of Sesbania and vermicompost significantly produced higher plant height, tillers/m2, culm height, culm thickness, days to 50% flowering, straw yield and harvest index. So, it is inferred that ten scented rice varieties differ widely among themselves when grown under organic cultivation. In terms of grain yield Kudrat-5 variety performed better under organic production system.

Evaluation of fodder cropping sequences under Tarai region of Uttarakhand

Field experiments were carried out to record the performance of twelve cropping sequences in randomized complete block design with three replications during 2015-16 and 2016-17 at Pantnagar. Different cropping sequences were assessed for fodder and nutrient yields, production and land use efficiency, profitability and soil organic carbon sequestration. Study revealed that hybrid Napier + berseem cropping sequence (CS ) had higher 12 green fodder (185.8%) and dry fodder (306.7%) yields than commonly practiced single cut sorghum + cowpea-oat + berseem-single cut sorghum + cowpea cropping sequence (CS ). This also had significantly higher digestible 1 dry matter (77.3 t ha-1), crude protein (11.4 t ha-1) and mineral (10.0 t ha-1) yields than CS . Production efficiency with 1 this treatment was 1.33 and 0.40 t ha-1 day-1 in terms of green and dry fodder yields, respectively against 0.53 and 0.11 t ha-1 day-1, which was observed in CS . CS was the most profitable cropping sequence showing 285.6, 235.1 1 12 and 222.2% higher net return, B:C ratio and economic efficiency, respectively than commonly followed cropping sequence (CS ). However, CS and CS were at par with respect to soil organic carbon sequestration. So hybrid 1 12 1 Napier + berseem cropping sequence (CS ) could be recommended for Tarai region.

Management practices of dairy animals in Tarai region of Uttarakhand

The existing dairy farm housing, milking, feeding and calf management practices in Tarai region of Uttarakhand along with performance traits were studied. Total 30 households with 596 livestock were considered for this work. Agriculture is the mainstay in the locale with animal husbandry as subsidiary occupation. Dairy animals mainly comprise 76% crossbreds and 21% Murrah buffaloes. Farms with 43% concrete, 30% bricks on edge and 10% kuchha flooring were recorded. Only 37% herds had 24 hour access to drinking water, 43% farmers fed commercial concentrate preparations, Stripping was practiced by 70% at the end of milking, 93% herdsman bred their cows within 12-18 hour of estrus with 3-5 months service period, and 60% dairymen consulted a veterinarian for services. Least squares mean (LSM) and standard error for Age at first calving (AFC), Calving Interval (CI), Dry Period (DP), Number of service per conception (NS/C), Milk yield per day (MY/D) and Lactation length (LL) were 427.31±5.80 days, 706.74±6.23 days, 378.76±1.48 days, 95.17±2.06 days, 1.32±0.03, 8.98±0.11 litre/day/animal, 315.14±1.65 days, respectively in cattle and 708.06±6.05 days, 948.62±10.09 days, 384.82±2.65 days, 139.08±6.07 days, 1.31±0.03, 9.54±0.15 litre/day/animal and 311.80±2.7 days, respectively in buffaloes. Effect of location on MY/D, LL and CI; of parity on CI and DP; and of AFC on DP was significant in cattle. In buffaloes, CI was significantly affected by location; MY/D, DP and LL by parity; and CI and NS/C by AFC. The results revealed a requisite to focus on stress management, calf care and sick animal management to improve animal performance.

Estimation of Biomass and Carbon Sequestration Potential of Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. and Melia composita Willd. Plantations in the Tarai Region (India)

This study was carried out in the Tarai region of Uttarakhand, India to estimate the carbon stock and sequestration potential of Dalbergia latifolia and Melia composita plantations of different ages (4 and 6 years old). A total of 14 regression equations using one variable, dbh (diameter at breast height), were primarily selected for both of the tree species component-wise. Tree density was 880 and 960 individuals ha−1 in D. latifolia and M. composita monoplantations, respectively. These equations were statistically significant (p < 0.01, p < 0.05) at 95% confidence interval. The total biomass of trees, shrubs, and herbs at the different-aged plantations varied from 68.86 to 145.14 Mg ha−1, 1.29 to 2.41 Mg ha−1, and 1.14 to 3.68 Mg ha−1, respectively. Among the studied plantations, the maximum total biomass of 145.14 Mg ha−1 was recorded at the M. composita plantation (7 years old), resulting in the maximum carbon stock of 68.94 Mg C ha−1. Total NPP ranged from 5.6 Mg ha−1yr−1 to 16.01 Mg ha−1yr−1 for both plantations of different ages. The carbon sequestration in the M. composita 7-year-old plantation was 7.6 Mg Cha−1yr−1. Quantified carbon sequestration among different tree components must be considered for tree-level inventories for carbon trading schemes when determining the long-term carbon pools under the Paris agreement.

Comparing distinct soil test methods for available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in North Western India

An experiment was conducted during 2020-21 and 2021-22 in the tarai region of Uttarakhand in order to find simple, economical, effective, and plant uptake correlated soil test methods for determining the available nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Before sowing of groundnut and wheat, soil samples were collected to evaluate available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium soil test methods. Wet oxidation was used for organic carbon, alkaline potassium permanganate (KMnO4) was used for mineralizable nitrogen, Olsen's-P, ammonium bicarbonate-diethylene triamine penta acetic acid (AB-DTPA), Mehlich-1 and Morgan-P were used to extract phosphorus (P), and ammonium acetate (NH4OAc), ammonium bicarbonate-diethylene triamine penta acetic acid (AB-DTPA), Mehlich-1 and Morgan-K were used to extract potassium (K). The suitability of these methods for various soil nutrients was assessed by comparing R2 values (coefficients of determination) derived through regression analysis. The results showed that the R2 values of the derived equations by using different combinations of soil test methods to determine available N, P, and K in soil were highly significant in both crops. Superior R2 value for groundnut (0.853**) was observed with the combination of alkaline KMnO4, Olsen’s P, Mehlich-K and for wheat (0.515**) the combination of alkaline KMnO4, Mehlich-P, NH4OAc–K. It found that these combinations are more superior to other methods and more promising.

Correlation of Certain Biochemical Constituents of Seminal Plasma with Semen Characteristics in Pantja Buck

Background: Pantja is a dual purpose indigenous goat breed, reared in Tarai region of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. There is a lack of thorough study about the seminal characteristics of this goat breed. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the level of certain biochemical constituents and their relationship with macroscopical and microscopical semen characteristics in Pantja buck. Methods: A total thirty two ejaculates from four sexually mature Pantja buck were analysed. The ejaculates were evaluated for volume (0.36±0.06 ml), mass activity (4.47±0.22), concentration (3.54±0.13 x 109/ml), individual motility (85.28±1.17%), viability (88.28±0.78%), morphological abnormalities (4.70±0.17%), plasma membrane integrity (86.31±0.62%) and acrosome integrity (94.31±1.05%) by standard semen evaluation protocol. Seminal plasma ALT (18.10±0.45 U/L), AST (124.04±0.86 U/L), ALP (49.98±0.38 U/L), LDH (216.36±1.78 U/L), GSH-Px (10.90±0.21 U/ml), MDA (2.14±0.05 nmol/ml), albumin (2.29±0.03 gm/dl), globulin (2.52±0.02 gm/dl), total proteins (4.81±0.05 gm/dl), calcium (11.07±0.18 mg/dl) and phosphorus (12.34±0.20 mg/dl) were determined spectrophotometrically. Two tailed Pearson’s correlation was applied to check the relationship among the above attributes. Result: A significant correlation was observed among the biochemical constituents of seminal plasma and seminal attributes of Pantja bucks. The selected biochemical constituents also showed significant correlation with each other.

Phytochemical Profile, In Vitro Bioactivity Evaluation, In Silico Molecular Docking and ADMET Study of Essential Oils of Three Vitex Species Grown in Tarai Region of Uttarakhand.

A comparative study of volatiles, antioxidant activity, phytotoxic activity, as well as in silico molecular docking and ADMET study, was conducted for essential oils from three Vitex species, viz., V. agnus-castus, V. negundo, and V. trifolia. Essential oils (OEs) extracted by hydrodistillation were subjected to compositional analysis using GC-MS. A total number of 37, 45, and 43 components were identified in V. agnus-castus, V. negundo, and V. trifolia, respectively. The antioxidant activity of EOs, assessed using different radical-scavenging (DPPH, H2O2 and NO), reducing power, and metal chelating assays, were found to be significant as compared with those of the standards. The phytotoxic potential of the EOs was performed in the receptor species Raphanus raphanistrum (wild radish) and the EOs showed different levels of intensity of seed germination inhibition and root and shoot length inhibition. The molecular docking study was conducted to screen the antioxidant and phytotoxic activity of the major and potent compounds against human protein target, peroxiredoxin 5, and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase protein (HPPD). Results showed good binding affinities and attributed the strongest inhibitory activity to 13-epi-manoyl oxide for both the target proteins.

Assessment of abiotic factors and planktonic structure of Baur and Haripura reservoirs, Uttarakhand, India

The study investigated the variation in physico-chemical parameters and planktonic community structure (biotic) of two reservoirs viz. Baur and Haripura located in Tarai region of Uttarakhand from September 2018 to April 2019. The reservoirs hold tremendous potential for inland fisheries development and offer ample scope for fish yield optimisation through adoption of suitable management norms. Variations have been recorded in different water quality parameters viz. temperature (20.00-32.650 C), pH (7.25-8.4), dissolved oxygen (4.35-6.35 mg l-1) and total dissolved solids (159.5-254.0 mg l-1) which shows a positive correlation (except temperature) with phytoplankton and zooplankton production in the selected reservoirs. A total of 29 and 23 phytoplankton genera were observed in Baur and Haripura reservoirs, respectively belonging to Bacillariophyceae (49% in Haripura, 46% in Baur), Chlorophyceae (44% in Baur, 31% in Haripura), Cyanophyceae (9% in Haripura, 4% in Baur), Euglinophyceae (10% in Haripura, 5% in Baur) and Dinophyceae (1% in each) groups. The density of phytoplankton population was found highest in the month of April and lowest during September. A total of 14 zooplankton genera belonging to 3 classes were recorded from both the reservoirs with class Cladocera occupying the major proportion of total zooplankton recorded. A surge in the zooplanktonic community was witnessed in November with minimum density in the month of September. The reservoir Baur observed a higher phytoplankton and zooplankton density as compared to Haripura, pointing towards a more productive ecosystem.Keywords: Phytoplankton, Seasonal abundance, Water quality, Zooplankton

Nitrogen Management and its Effect on Fodder Yield and Quality of Multicut Oat (Avena sativa L.) Genotypes in Tarai Region of Uttarakhand (India)

Nitrogen Management and its Effect on Fodder Yield and Quality of Multicut Oat (Avena sativa L.) Genotypes in Tarai Region of Uttarakhand (India)

The Contributions of Soil Organic Carbon, Total Nitrogen and C/N Ratio in Some of the Soils of Tarai Region of Uttarakhand in India

The Contributions of Soil Organic Carbon, Total Nitrogen and C/N Ratio in Some of the Soils of Tarai Region of Uttarakhand in India

Farmers’ Perception on Climate Change: A Study in Tarai Region of Uttarakhand

Climate change has emerged as a potent threat disrupting the development process and is hurting several sectors of Indian economy, especially the agriculture sector. Knowledge about these disruptive factors can enable the farmers to mitigate the negative impact of climate change on agriculture. Therefore, the understanding of location-specific farmers’ perceptions and their adaptive behaviors can provide a better insight to design appropriate policy measures and guidelines to address these challenges effectively. The present study was aimed at determining farmers’ perceptions about climate change on agriculture. The study sample comprised 180 farmers selected using simple random sampling. The findings indicate that all the farmers (100%) were aware of climate change. All of them reported “increase in temperature” and “erratic rainfall” and “shortening of winter season” as the major indicators of climate change as experienced by them. Besides, 85.55 percent famers reported that “peak time of winter” has changed in Uttarakhand, a hilly state. Such perceptions about climate change can be seen as a precursor mediating the adoption of recommended practices and adaptation measures. Thus, the results of the study will enlighten the policy makers and agriculture scientists in preparing a roadmap for policy formulation regarding adaptation measures (short run initiatives) as well as undertaking mitigation measures (long run initiatives) of climate change besides helping the agriculture extension agencies to design and plan locale-specific adaptation strategies and agriculture development programs.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Burkholderia glumae causing panicle blight of paddy

Bacterial panicle blight (BPB) is one of the emerging diseases of paddy in the Tarai region of Uttarakhand. The present investigation was conducted to isolate and identify the cause of BPB, to detect the pathogen longevity in in-vitro stored paddy seeds and glass house conditions and to identify the most susceptible stage for pathogen infection. 42 rice panicle samples from different paddy growing regions of the Tarai areas were analyzed, and the bacterium was isolated from different parts of paddy seeds. The isolated bacterial strains were characterized culturally in semi-selective media (S-PG), morphologically (SEM) and molecularly (16S rRNA). A total of 16 samples produced yellow colored colonies on King's B medium and 9 samples produced brisk yellow colored colonies on the S-PG agar suggesting them to be of B. glumae. However with PCR reactions we found that 2 strains out of 9 were of B. glumae and the causal agent for the other sample remains unknown. Recovery of bacterium from infected stored seeds was also studied at monthly intervals from harvest to next growing season and maximum recovery was observed from the seeds just after harvest (91%) which although decreased with the storage period but the bacterium did not get completely eliminated during the course of storage. On exploring the different growth stages for most susceptible stage of infection, boot leaf and panicle initiation stages were found to be equally susceptible with 93.33% disease incidence. These findings suggest that B. glumae is distributed generally in the paddy seed and can also survive in it for a longer duration thereby acting as a source of inoculums for the next cropping season. These findings will help to understand the mode of survival of bacteria in plants and its longevity in seeds.

Epidemiological investigation on canine babesiosis in Tarai region of Uttarakhand

Babesiosis is a haemoprotozoan disease caused by hemotropic protozoa of the Babesia genus. It is an emerging disease and has zoonotic importance which continues to emerge worldwide. It has significant economic impact on livestock and pet animals; especially in the tropical and subtropical regions. The present study was undertaken in different epidemiological aspect on canine babesiosis in Tarai region of Uttarakhand. The overall prevalence of canine babesiosis was recorded as 23.63% based on retrospective study; out of which 55.44% dogs were infested with ticks on hospital records. It was more prevalent in males (25.89%) as compared to female dogs (19.74%). The maximum prevalence was seen in German Shepherd (29.03%) as compared to Bull Mastiff (5.25%). Young dogs (1-3 years of age) were comparatively more affected in comparison to adult dogs. The highest prevalence was found in July (33.33%) whereas least was recorded in December (8.04%). High rise of temperature, tick infestation, anorexia, dehydration, lethargy, etc. were the characteristic clinical signs of canine babesiosis.

Effect of INM practices on productivity, profitability and quality of Indian mustard

Based on the finding of the present study, it can be inferred that application of 100% NPK + FYM @ 2.5 t/ha was recorded significantly higher seed yield 22.2 q/ha, stover yield 136.5 q/ha, oil yield 9.11 q/ha, protein yield 4.42 q/ha and net returns ₹ 51 × 103/ha than that compared to control treatment. Maximum B: C ratio 1.92 was noticed under 100% NPK + B @ 1 kg B/ha which was statistically at par with 100 % NPK + S @ 40 kg/ha, 100 % NPK + FYM @ 2.5 t/ha, 100% NPK + Zn @ 25 kg ZnSO4/ha and 100 % but significantly higher than other treatments, respectively. Hence, the farmers could economically benefited by using 100% NPK + FYM @ 2.5 t/ha in mustard crop under tarai region of Uttarakhand or similar agro-ecoregions.