Tarai Region Research Articles

Enhancing productivity and profitability of spring maize (Zea mays) in Uttarakhand's Tarai region through effective weed management practices and irrigation scheduling

A field experiment was conducted during the spring seasons of 2022 and 2023 at Norman E Borlaug Crop Research Centre, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand to enhance maize yield and profitability. The experiment was conducted a split-plot design (SPD) with two irrigation scheduling treatments, viz. irrigation applied at an IW/CPE ratio of 0.8 (I1); and 1.2 (I2) in main plot and 8 weed management treatments, viz. W1, atrazine 1000 g/ha; W2, tembotrione 120 g/ha; W3, topramezone 25.2 g/ha; W4, atrazine 1000 g/ ha followed by hand-weeding at 35 DAS (days after sowing); W5, atrazine 1000 g/ha followed by tembotrione 120 g/ha; W6, atrazine 1000 g/ha followed by topramezone 25.2 g/ha; W7, weed-free; and W8, weedy check in sub-plots. Irrigation applied at IW/CPE ratio of 1.2 significantly improved the maize productivity and profitability, yielding higher net returns (₹66,206.9/ha) and grain yield (6.1 t/ha). Among the herbicidal treatments, atrazine 1000 g/ha followed by topramezone 25.2 g/ha recorded the highest weed control efficiency (80%) and maize grain yield (6.3 t/ ha). The percentage net monetary return was in the following sequence: W6 (100%) > W7 (92.4%) > W5 (91.8%) > W4 (89.6%) > W3 (81.5%) > W2 (78.2%) > W1 (67.6%) > W8 (46.4%). The percentage gain in grain yield was recorded in the following sequence: W7 (100%) > W6 (91.4%) > W5 (87.4%) > W4 (86.4%) > W3 (84.1%) > W2 (81.1%) > W1 (71.5%) > W8 (52.5%). In conclusion, optimizing irrigation to IW/CPE ratio of 1.2 and employing weed management practice atrazine (1000 g/ha) followed by topramezone (25.2 g/ha) application, can significantly enhance spring maize yield, weed control efficiency and economic returns in Uttarakhand's Tarai region.

Species Composition and Diversity of Zooplankton in Chackferi Stream, Tarai Region, Uttarakhand, India

Present study deals with the analysis of species composition and diversity of zooplankton in Chackferi stream. For this investigation samples were collected by monthly intervals for a period of September 2020 to August 2022. A total of 28 species of zooplankton, belonging to 25 genera across 5 groups were identified such as Protozoa (6 species of 6 genera), Rotifera (10 species of 9 genera), Copepoda (7 species of 5 genera), Cladocera (3 species of 3 genera) and Ostracoda (2 species of 2 genera). Rotifera was the dominant group, comprising (36%) of the zooplankton community in Chackferi stream, followed by Copepoda (25%), Protozoa (21%), Cladocera (11%) and Ostracoda (7%). It was noticed that seasonal composition of zooplankton was highest during summer, moderate in winter and autumn and least in monsoon season. Zooplankton are also considered as a good bio-indicator to assess the pollution status of a stream. Presence of indicator species like Brachionus calyciflorus, Brachionus falcatus and Mesocyclops leuckarti reveals that the stream gets organically polluted and rapidly moving toward a eutrophic condition. Therefore, frequent monitoring and proper treatment should be applied for conservation of the stream and its ecosystem.

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.

Effect of soil application and foliar spray of different micronutrients combination doses on growth and flower production of chrysanthemum under Tarai region of Uttarakhand

Effect of soil application and foliar spray of different micronutrients combination doses on growth and flower production of chrysanthemum under Tarai region of Uttarakhand

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.

Impact of Climatic Variability on Litchi Yields in the Tarai Region of India

Impact of Climatic Variability on Litchi Yields in the Tarai Region of India

Application of remote sensing and GIS to understand the spatio-temporal shifting of Bagmati River of Nepal

Geomorphology, hydrological conditions and human activities, alter river morphology and shift channels, causing environmental and socio-economic impacts. River shifting in Nepal is well-documented for large rivers like the Koshi and Karnali, while smaller rivers like the Bagmati have received less attention. This study employs geospatial tools and techniques to understand the morphological changes, quantify the spatio-temporal shifting, and erosion and deposition of the Bagmati River channel in Nepal over a 30-year period (1988–2018). The morphological changes were measured in terms of sinuosity index, river width and water area. The entire river maintained a generally sinuous character throughout the study period. The total average width of the river decreased by more than four times from 1287.17 m to 300.01 m from 1988 to 2018, and the water area also decreased by 6.59 km2 over the same period, reflecting a transition of the river into a narrower channel over the decades. Overall, the Bagmati River channel slightly shifted eastward in the upstream and downstream sections while significantly shifting westward in the midstream section with an annual rate of 9.94 m, 4.83 m and 41.5 m respectively. The annual rate of bank erosion was found to be one-fourth of the deposition (0.72 km2 per year), with the higher erosion and deposition in the east bank and midstream section of the river. This study highlighted the morphological changes, spatio-temporal channel shifting, and erosion and deposition of the Bagmati River located in the floodplain of Tarai region of Nepal.

Quantifying energy fluxes in Tarai region of India during post-monsoon season: Insights from METRIC model, ET station and remote sensing

Accurate evapotranspiration (ET) assessment is crucial for agricultural water management, encompassing crop water requirements, irrigation scheduling, water budgeting and drought monitoring. This study integrates remote sensing-based surface energy balance model with in-situ ET measurements to evaluate surface energy fluxes and ET in Pantnagar, Tarai region. The Mapping Evapotranspiration at high Resolution with Internalized Calibration (METRIC) model, using high-resolution remote sensing data, was validated against observations from an ET station equipped with large aperture scintillometer and micrometeorological tower, situated in sugarcane farm at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology (GBPUA&T), Pantnagar. On November 13, 2021, METRIC and Landsat-9 satellite data estimated an instantaneous ET of 7.39 mm day-1, closely aligned with the observed value of 6.72 mm day-1 recorded by the ET station. The findings confirm the METRIC model's high accuracy for spatial ET estimation and its associated micrometeorological variables. This study underscores the utility of the METRIC model, ET station and remote sensing in determining ET and energy flux which may be further utilised in the estimation of crop water requirement, energy fluxes and irrigation water management for sugarcane cultivation in the Tarai region.

Impact of Crop Establishment Methods on the Growth and Yield Performance of Maize Varieties in the Kharif Season

A field trial was carried out in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India, during the Kharif season to evaluate the performance of maize varieties using various planting methods. The study included five distinct planting techniques: Flat, Bed, Ridgetop, Ridge mid-slope and Broad Ridge mid-slope both sides. Two maize varieties were tested: the composite PSM-1 and the hybrid DKC 9144. Results showed that the Broad Ridge mid-slope on both sides method led to the highest growth parameters, including; plant height, stem girth and dry matter accumulation per plant. During both the years, the Broad Ridge mid-slope planting method led to notable increase in plant height (7% and 6.1%), stem girth (5.25 & 4.67 cm) and dry matter accumulation (13.6% & 20.7%) respectively when compared to the flat planting method. Among the varieties, the hybrid DKC 9144 exhibited greater height, stem girth, more dry matter accumulation, grain and stover yields compared to the composite PSM-1. The findings suggest that the broad ridge mid-slope planting method, and hybrid variety DKC 9144, was the most effective and viable strategy for Kharif maize production in tarai region.

Relative multi-beneficial effect of MOs on plant health of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L. var. PG-186).

The phosphate solubilizing properties of Lysinibacillus macroides ST-30, Pseudomonas pelleroniana N-26, and Bacillus cereus ST-6 were tested for the chickpea crop of the Tarai region of Uttarakhand. These microbially inoculated plants have shown significant (p > 0.05) improvement in the plant health and crop health parameters, viz., root length, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight, nodule number, nodule fresh weight, nodule dry weight, chlorophyll content, and nitrate reductase. The highest shoot length (46.10 cm) and chlorophyll content (0.57 mg g-1 fresh weight) were observed in ST-30 at 75 DAS with 20 kg P2O5/ha. Similarly, for plant P content, an increase of 90.12% over control was recorded in the same treatment. Treatments consisting of Lysinibacillus macroides ST-30 along with 20 kg/ha P2O5 were found to be most suitable as phosphatic fertilizer. Conclusively, sustainable agriculture practices in the Tarai as well as the field region may be developed based on a strategy of exploring microbial inoculants from the pristine region of the Western Himalayas. The presence and abundance of bacterial inoculants were confirmed through qRT-PCT. We conclude that the effective plant growth-promoting bacterium Lysinibacillus macroides ST-30 broadens the spectrum of phosphate solubilizers available for field applications and might be used together with 20 Kg/ha P2O5.

Discontinued Maternal Health Care Utilization in Bhojpur District, Nepal

Why all pregnant women did not receive all care at antenatal period; those who did not even utilize any ANC visit may also prefer to utilize facility-based delivery or postnatal care related queries are rarely available in several rounds of NDHS data set. A study conducted in Tarai region of Nepal, analysis of Nepal demographic and health surveys of several rounds, Annual Health Report 2077/78 published by the Department of health services, Ministry of health and population were taken into study. A qualitative study designed in 2014-15 from the women of reproductive health having children of 2-23 months were asked their discontinuation, if any. Maternal health service utilization through national and the district level data were analysed to study about the discontinuation in utilization.Several factors are identified as the cause for discontinuation in the Tarai region of Nepal. Data revealed by department of health services for the fiscal year 2077-78 show discontinued maternal health service utilization (MHSU) in Bhojpur district. The NDHS 2022 report still found some level of discontinuation in national level. Therefore, urgent need of qualitative study is a most for Bhojpur district which has low level of utilization. In the new administrative set-up according to constitution of Nepal, effective functional policy adopted by municipal region may solve several issues of maternal health. Hilly regions could have different response than Tarai region of Nepal. Therefore, local bodies of hilly regions should bring maternal health policy and program to achieve continuum of maternal health care which will ultimately help Nepal to achieve SDG related goal and target.

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.

Growth Allometry of Sweet Corn as Influenced by Tillage and Seaweed under Tarai Region of Nagaland

A study was carried out at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SAS, Nagaland University, Nagaland, India during kharif (May-September, 2021 and 2022) situated at 25° 45’ 3.68”N latitude and 93° 51’ 29.79” E longitude, to study the influence of tillage and seaweed extract on growth allometry of sweet corn under tarai region of Nagaland. The experiment was conducted in split plot design with two factor treatment and was replicated thrice. Factor one comprised of three tillage practices viz., conventional tillage, minimum tillage and zero tillage in the main plots and factor two included seven treatments consisting of seed priming followed by foliar spray of seaweeds i.e. Kappaphycus alvarezii and Sargassum wightii viz., water spray (control), K-Seaweed sap 5%, K-Seaweed sap 10%, K-Seaweed sap 15%, S-Seaweed sap 5%, S-Seaweed sap 10%, S-Seaweed sap 15%, in the sub-plots at 30, 50 and 70 days after sowing. Results of study revealed that significantly higher stem girth, leaf area, leaf area index, leaf area duration, SPAD meter reading at different intervals were noticed in conventional tillage. When seeds were treated with 10% S-Sap along with 10% S-Sap spray at three different intervals recorded significantly higher stem girth, number of functional leaves plant-1, leaf area, leaf area index, leaf area duration and chlorophyll index readings.

Effect of boron fertilization on productivity and sustainability of rice-wheat cropping system in Tarai region, North-West India

Extensive global dependency on rice and wheat crops has necessitated the adoption of intensive cultivation practices, thereby compelling to closely monitor the potential yield-limiting factors, among which, boron (B) deficiency stands out to be a prime concern. The present study explores the effects of B fertilization strategies within the Rice-Wheat Cropping System (RWCS) in the Tarai region of North-West India. A comprehensive six-year field experiment was conducted (2013–2019) at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Uttarakhand, India. The experiment tested graded B doses (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 kg ha−1) at varied frequencies (single, alternate, and annual) in a factorial design. The study revealed significant impacts of alternate B application at 1.5 kg ha−1 on crop yields and the Sustainable Yield Index (SYI). The System Rice Equivalent Yield (SREY) exhibited an increase of 6.7% with B supplementation over B-deprived plots, highlighting the pivotal role of B fertilizer in enhancing productivity within the RWCS. The economic optimum B dose was found to be 1.422 kg ha−1 using a linear plus plateau model, resulting in a calculated annual SREY of 9.73 t ha−1 when applied alternately to the cropping system. Continuous application and higher B rates demonstrated substantial increases in various B fractions, while the mobility factor remained within 10%, depicting safe ecological limits. The distribution of fractions in B-treated plots on average followed the order: residual B > organically-bound B > oxide bound B > specifically adsorbed B > readily soluble B. Similarities in the distribution patterns of B fractions between B-treated plots and the control indicated potential influence of biotic or abiotic processes on B fraction dynamics, even in the absence of external B application. To sum up, B application in alternate years at 1.5 kg ha−1 was most sustainable in enhancing the SREY, SYI, available soil B, and B fractions and lowering the environmental hazards.

Growth and Yield of Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) as Influenced by Different Coloured Plastic Mulches in the Tarai Region of Uttarakhand

Summer squash is a short-duration vegetable crop with off-season nature and high economic returns per unit area. However, the early crop growth season encounters a number of abiotic stresses like low temperature and frost, which adversely affect the marketable yield and quality of the fruits. This dependency on natural factors restricts the scope of its profitable cultivation, thereby making it necessary to bring more area under protected cultivation. Coloured plastic mulches are an important component of protected cultivation, which are designed to modify the microclimate at the plant and soil levels so as to increase crop production and productivity, as well as quality of the produce, to meet the demands of the consumers. Keeping these considerations in view, the present field investigation was conducted at the Vegetable Research Centre of G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) during the rabi season of 2019-20 to study the effect of different coloured plastic mulches on the growth and yield of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.). The experiment comprised nine treatments (bi-coloured plastic mulches) replicated thrice in a randomised block design. Results revealed that use of different coloured plastic films significantly influenced the growth and yield parameters of summer squash. Red coloured plastic mulch (V1) recorded the maximum values for fruit length (30.78 cm), fruit yield plant-1 (1975.8 g), fruit yield plot-1 (39.51 kg) and total marketable fruit yield (365.52 q ha-1), while biodegradable film of silver-black colour (V7) and black plastic mulch (V4) recorded the maximum plant height (cm) and plant spread (cm), respectively. The maximum diameter of the fruit (110.13 mm) was recorded under black coloured plastic mulch. Considering the prevalent climatic conditions of the tarai region of Uttarakhand, red coloured plastic mulch can be recommended for commercial cultivation of summer squash for obtaining higher fruit yields.

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.

Analysis of morphological change of lentic water bodies by using spatial vulnerability index (SVI) in Tarai region of Rapti river plains, India

ABSTRACT Spatio-temporal analysis of waterbodies in terms of detection of morphological change could serve as a guiding tool to restore the lentic ecosystem. This research analysed the loss of lake extent within 50 years (1969–2019) through natural, anthropogenic reasons, as well as a lack of attention to protecting lakes in the Tarai region. In 1969, 75 lakes were found, but now only 46 lakes are alive. Among the 75 lakes, seventeen transformed into large ponds after reduction in extent, and twelve lakes either appeared as waterlogging zones during the rainy season or were permanently extinct and used as agricultural fields’ built-up activities. The spatial vulnerability index (SVI) measured the level of deterioration and urgency of lake restoration. 8 lakes were determined to be highly vulnerable (below 29.26%) and lost about 311.20 hectares of potential area of lake beds due to gradual increasing shallowness. Regression analysis measured a very weak correlation between the reducing percent of lake extent (during 50 years) and current lake extent (R2 = 0.1336), average depth (R2 = 0.0035), circumference (R2 = 0.0543), and volume (R2 = 0.0728) of 46 lakes. This study elucidated the restoration practices of the lakes to prevent their gradual extinction.

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.