The Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences
A journal devoted to experimental agriculture and abstracted by all the major abstracting services. It includes articles on cytology, genetics, breeding, agronomy, soil science, horticulture, water use, microbiology, plant diseases and pest, agricultural engineering, economics and statistics with emphasis on original articles, from India and countries having similar agricultural conditions. NAAS Rating (2025): 6.3 Indexed in Elsevier Scopus, Clarivate Analytics ESCI, SJIF, DOAJ, Google Scholar and Crossref EDITORIAL BOARD Subscription Information for Print Version
The copyright of the articles published in The Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences is vested with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, which reserves the right to enter into any agreement with any organization in India or abroad, for reprography, photocopying, storage and dissemination of information. The Council has no objection to using the material, provided the information is not being utilized for commercial purposes and wherever the information is being used, proper credit is given to ICAR.
Enhancing Shelf Life: A Comprehensive Review of Innovative Postharvest Techniques for Traditional Flowers
Traditional flowers hold immense cultural significance in global ceremonies and celebrations, embodying symbolic meanings reflective of rich heritages. In India, loose flowers are fundamental to social festivals, with flowers like marigold, jasmine, chrysanthemum, and rose representing auspiciousness, beauty, love, and purity. However, flowers are perishable and face significant postharvest losses. Pre- and post-harvest factors are critical in preserving flower quality. Pre-harvest aspects include cultivation techniques, plant health, irrigation, and pest control. Postharvest factors such as temperature, humidity, and handling procedures are equally vital. Flowers require precise conditions during storage and transport, as inadequate cold chain systems lead to 30-40% losses in India. Optimizing these factors enhances the shelf life of flowers, preserving their marketability. Pre-cooling, proper packaging, and the use of floral preservatives and growth regulators are vital postharvest treatments that mitigate the effects of ethylene and prevent microbial contamination. Advanced techniques like the use of nanoparticles, melatonin, and essential oils also play a significant role in extending flower longevity. These practices ensure the freshness, beauty, and marketability of traditional flowers, despite the challenges posed by their fragile nature.
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Evaluation of segregating guava (Psidium guajava L.) progenies for their pomological and biochemical parameters using multivariate analysis
The perennial guava tree characterized by a heterozygous genetic constitution, has been exploited for commercial cultivation of novel recombinants (through vegetative multiplication) obtained via traditional breeding. In this study, 19 guava genotypes, including parental lines and hybrids, were evaluated for physical and biochemical parameters to explore the potential of hybridization. The physical pomological parameters like fruit weight, pulp weight, seed hardness, seed weight per fruit and pulp-to-seed weight ratio, and biochemical parameters like titratable acidity, total phenolics, total flavonoids, total antioxidant and total carotenoids had >20% of the coefficient variations in selected guava genotypes. The hybrid GH-2017-8B (W) had a maximum fruit diameter (6.88 cm), fruit weight (175.67 g) and pulp weight (172.08 g) while hybrid GH-2017-4F had significantly higher total titratable acidity (0.62%) and ascorbic acid content (285.03 mg/100 g pulp). The hybrid GH-2017-2C reported a minimum number of seeds/ fruit (222.33), seed weight/fruit (2.41 g) and maximum pulp: seed weight ratio (64.66) and higher total phenolic content (194.97 mg/100 g GAE FW). The hybrid GH-2017-6C was found superior with respect to total flavonoids (92.53 mg/100 g FW). In contrast, hybrid GH-2017-1F had higher total soluble solids (12.54 oBrix), total carotenoids (0.54 mg/100 g FW) and total sugars (9.09%) content. The fruit shape varied from roundish to ovate, the pulp color from red to yellow and yellow-white, while the peel color varied from yellow-green to pink. Hence, the hybrids GH-2017-4F, GH-2017-2C, GH-2017-6C and GH-2017-1F were found superior to the selected guava genotypes.
First report on CRISPR/Cas9 based in-vitro restriction of yellow gene in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Tephritidae: Diptera)
Bactrocera dorsalis is a serious pest that can cause significant financial losses. CRISPR/Cas9 is a reliable and effective approach for site-directed genome editing. The CRISPR/Cas9 system modifies DNA in a stable and heritable manner. Due to their complementary nature to the target gene, these artificially created single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) instruct the Cas9 endonuclease to produce double strand breaks in the gene sequence. This causes a functional disruption in target gene expression in the organism. The present investigation was, aimed at the validation of genetic targets for genetic biological control of this notorious pest via CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing at ICAR- Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta, Bengaluru, 560089 on 2020-22. Gene yellow crucial for melanin pigmentation and body colouration in the insect was cloned followed by the synthesis of two (sg692 and sg915) off-target minimised guide RNA. The designed gRNAs were used for restriction assay to check the cleavage efficiency of sgRNAs. A successful in vitro cleavage of the gene was witnessed. Thus, our research proves the effectiveness of CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis as a suitable genetic control strategy for the management of pests of quarantine and economic significance.
Effect of combined application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on soil biological indicators and yield enhancement in aerobic rice
Abstract Sustaining aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity at a high level is a great challenge, particularly in areas where rice productivity declines in spite of following recommended nutrient management practises. Nutrient management by integrating organic manures, inorganic fertilisers and biofertilizers may play an important role in improving and sustaining aerobic rice productivity. Field experiments were conducted during the summer (March – July, 2022) and Navarai (Dec – April, 2023) seasons to evaluate the impact of different sources of nutrients on soil biological indicators and yield of rice under aerobic conditions at wetland farms, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Cultivation of aerobic rice with and without incorporation of daincha, along with different sources of nutrients was tested in split plot design with three replications. Incorporation of daincha, along with 50 % RDN through inorganic fertilizer + 25% of RDN through enriched FYM + 25% RDN through vermicompost (top dressed at 25 DAS) + AM fungi + foliar application of nutrients (0.5% Urea + 1% FeSO4 + 0.5% ZnSO4) recorded the highest soil microbial biomass, soil enzymatic activity and yield of rice under aerobic condition. It was postulated that the combined application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients is an eco-friendly technology to ameliorate soil health by improving soil biological indicators and also increased the yield of aerobic rice.
Impact of bio-enhancers and bio-fertilizers on physiological losses in weight, spoilage and shelf-life of Mango cv. Amrapali
The current investigation was investigated to determine the effect of bio-enhancers and bio-fertilizers on physiological losses in weight, spoilage and shelf-life of Mango cv. Amrapali during storage (25°C±1; 60–65% RH) for 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 days. The investigation was carried out at garden of horticulture, C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur during 2022-21 and 2021-22. Paddy straw was used as organic mulch. The investigation was conducted in RBD with seven treatments and three replicates, i.e., T1-FYM (25kg/tree/year)+Organic mulch; T2-FYM (25kg/tree/year)+Organic mulch+Amritpani (20%)+Azotobacter (100g/tree); T3-FYM (25 kg/tree/year)+Organic mulch+Panchagavya (3%)+Azotobacter (100g/tree); T4-FYM (25kg/tree/year)+Organic mulch+Jivamrit (20%)+Azotobacter (100g/tree); T5-FYM (25kg/tree/year)+Organic mulch+Amritpani (20%)+PSB culture (100g/tree); T6-FYM (25kg/tree/year)+Organic mulch+Panchagavya (3%)+PSB culture (100g/tree); T7-FYM (25kg/tree/year)+Organic mulch+Jivamrit (20%)+PSB culture (100g/tree), respectively. The experimental results revealed that T3 group was recorded significantly higher in TSS (Brix) and total sugar content (%) followed by T6 and T4 groups. Meanwhile, PLW (%), titratable acidity content (%) and spoilage (%) were found minimum in T3 group followed by T6 and T4 groups. Thus, on the basis of the above results, it may be suggested that bio-enhancers and bio-fertilizers could be applied in mango cultivation under the sub-tropical plains of Central Uttar Pradesh, India.
Changes in physico-chemical characteristics of bitter gourd fruits harvested at different stages in controlled environments
The study, conducted during 2021-2022 at the experimental farm of the Centre for Protected Cultivation and Technology (CPCT), Division of Vegetable Science, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, evaluated the impact of different harvesting stages on quality and storage life of two bitter gourd verities (Pusa Rasdar and S-32) grown under polyhouse conditions. Results showed that S-32 achieved the longest fruit length (19.87 cm) at 24 days after pollination (DAP), while Pusa Rasdar had the largest fruit diameter (6.23 cm) and highest fruit weight (153.22 g). Pusa Rasdar also recorded the highest fruit juice content (61.65%) at 24 DAP. However, S-32 exhibited greater chlorophyll levels, with the highest chlorophyll-a (10.12 µg g−1 FW), chlorophyll-b (4.56 µg g−1 FW), and total chlorophyll content (14.68 µg g−1 FW) at 16 DAP. The maximum total carotenoids content was recorded in S-32 (3.63 µg g−1 FW) at 24 days after pollination while in Pusa Rasdar (2.36 µg g−1 FW). In S-32 fruits, the highest saponin content (0.95 mg g−1 DW) and maximum charantin levels (0.39 mg g−1 DW) were observed at 16 DAP, highlighting their superior biochemical composition at this stage. The findings reveal that S-32 lines exhibited better retention of quality attributes, such as saponin and charantin, than the Pusa Rasdar variety. Notably, S-32 lines superior over Pusa Rasdar in term of physical and biochemical parameters full fill the commercial and nutritional needs of consumers.
Fruit length, Total chlorophyll, Total carotenoids, Saponin, Charantin
Impact assessment of climate change on the irrigation water need and conjunctive water use for future prospective
Over the past two decades, the scientific community has given climate change and climatic variability a great deal of attention. In the present study, in eastern part of India, particularly in the coastal districts of Odisha, the research was carried out during kharif and rabi seasons of 2019-20 and 2020-21 in the Puri main canal system’s Phulnakhara distributary command, which shares portions of the Cuttack and Khurda districts in Odisha, having latitude from 20019’16’’ N to 20014’56’’ N and longitude from 850 52’ 52’’ E to 860 0’ 0’’ E. The impact of climate change was assessed by means of the irrigation water need in future both from the conjunctive use of water sources (surface and groundwater) in the study command area. Based on the prediction results it has been calculated that future irrigation water demand would be the highest in the year 2042-43 during kharif season and in the year 2044-45 during the rabi season, respectively. It was estimated that the decline in ground water table in kharif would be 1.23 to 1.42 m below ground level (BGL) and the decline in ground water table in rabi season would be 1.46 to 1.64 m BGL during the upcoming 30 years (2021-22 to 2050-51). So, the values of groundwater table declination would be the highest in 2042-43 and 2044-45 years for kharif and rabi seasons, respectively.
Economic impact of high-yielding cassava varieties in Tamil Nadu: Insights on farmer adoption and preferences
This study examines the socio-economic impact of cassava production in Tamil Nadu, India based on a survey of 300 farm households in the major cassava producing districts of Salem, Tiruchirappalli, Namakkal, Cuddalore, Dharmapuri and Pudukkottai conducted in 2022-2023. We employed cost-benefit analysis, propensity score matching and a logit regression model to assess the profitability of high-yielding cassava varieties (HYVs) and determine the factors influencing their adoption. Adoption rates were 46%, resulting in a 13% increase in yield and a 17% increase in income compared to local varieties. Factors driving adoption of HYVs included higher yield (p=0.037), farm size (p=0.012), tuber price (p=0.102), technical advice (p=0.001) and irrigation access. Farmers reported income growth as the primary motivation, followed by reinvestment in agriculture and loan repayments. The Sree Athulya variety was found to yield the highest net income per hectare. Key challenges included reliance on intermediaries and labor-intensive harvesting. Farmers preferred traits such as high yield, pest resistance, short duration, and drought tolerance. Promoting HYVs can boost the cassava sector and contribute to Sustainable Development Goals, driving economic prosperity and sustainability in the region.
Synergistic Effects of Micronutrients and Organics on Yield, Quality and Economics of Sprouting Broccoli (Brassica oleracea)
<a href="https://epubs.icar.org.in/index.php/IJAgS/An experiment evaluating the combined effects of organics while micronutrients on sprouting broccoli [Brassica oleracea (L.) Planck var. italica)] in semi-arid Rajasthan was carried out in the Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University research farm in Jobner, Rajasthan. During the Rabi seasons of 2019–20 and 2020–21. Along with five organic treatments (Control, 10% cow urine, 5% panchagavya, 10% vermiwash, or Azotobacter), the treatment plan also included five micronutrient applications (control, 15 kg/ha of borax, 25 kg/ha of zinc sulfate, 1.5 kg/ha of ammonium molybdate, or 10 kg/ha of manganese sulfate). Primary curd weight (409.24 g), primary curd volume (237.71 cc), diameter of primary curd (23.05 cm), number of secondary curds (12.50), Ascorbic acid content (108.96 mg/100g), secondary curd weight (258.93 g), total curd yield per plant (668.17 g), yield per plot (16.04 kg), yield per hectare (329.96 q), and biological yield per hectare (1743 q) were all shown to be significantly improved by the combination of zinc sulfate applied to the soil and panchagavya applied topically. Furthermore, the benefit-cost ratio (4.05) and net returns (₹264573/ha) are highest for this combination of treatments. To improve the production, quality, and financial returns of sprouting broccoli in this area, the best treatment is to apply 25 kg/ha of zinc sulfate to the soil and then spray 5% panchagavya on the leaves.">An experiment evaluating the combined effects of organics while micronutrients on sprouting broccoli [Brassica oleracea (L.) Planck var. italica)] in semi-arid Rajasthan was carried out in the Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University research farm in Jobner, Rajasthan. During the Rabi seasons of 2019–20 and 2020–21. Along with five organic treatments (Control, 10% cow urine, 5% panchagavya, 10% vermiwash, or Azotobacter), the treatment plan also included five micronutrient applications (control, 15 kg/ha of borax, 25 kg/ha of zinc sulfate, 1.5 kg/ha of ammonium molybdate, or 10 kg/ha of manganese sulfate). Primary curd weight (409.24 g), primary curd volume (237.71 cc), diameter of primary curd (23.05 cm), number of secondary curds (12.50), Ascorbic acid content (108.96 mg/100g), secondary curd weight (258.93 g), total curd yield per plant (668.17 g), yield per plot (16.04 kg), yield per hectare (329.96 q), and biological yield per hectare (1743 q) were all shown to be significantly improved by the combination of zinc sulfate applied to the soil and panchagavya applied topically. Furthermore, the benefit-cost ratio (4.05) and net returns (₹264573/ha) are highest for this combination of treatments. To improve the production, quality, and financial returns of sprouting broccoli in this area, the best treatment is to apply 25 kg/ha of zinc sulfate to the soil and then spray 5% panchagavya on the leaves.
Ascorbic acid, calcium, micronutrients, organics, and panchagavya
Validation of Integrated Pest Management Module for Major Pests of Bt Cotton in North-West India
Cotton is widely cultivated in the north-western states of India. Although Bt cotton provides resistance to bollworms, cotton cultivation in these areas continues to face challenges from a range of insect pests and diseases. The increasing infestation of pink bollworm, jassids, and incidence of boll rot leading to severe yield losses, prompting to an over-reliance on chemical pesticides. Considering this, integrated pest management (IPM) validation trial was conducted during Kharif 2022–2024 in Bhainichanderpal village, Rohtak, Haryana. IPM interventions included timely sowing, regular pest monitoring, seed treatment with Trichoderma asperellum, yellow sticky traps installation, Specialized Pheromone and Lure Application Technology (SPLAT) for pink bollworm management and need based application of safer pesticides. IPM module significantly reduced green boll damage by pink bollworm (12.95 % in IPM and 19.75 in FP) and minimised boll rot incidence (13.2 % in IPM 23.85 % in FP)., There was 21.05% increase in seed cotton yield in IPM over FP with higher benefit-cost ratio (2.15 in IPM and 1.65 in FP). In addition, IPM led to a 33.5% reduction in pesticide applications over control These findings highlight the importance of IPM in enhancing cotton yield, and profitability by reducing pesticide reliance and promoting natural enemies.
Cotton, pink bollworm, boll rot, predators, IPM
Descriptor-based morphometric diversity and palynological studies in Jasmine
Jasmine (Jasminum spp.), a member of the Oleaceae family, is among India's oldest and fragrant traditional flowers. Utilizing commercial and underutilized species is vital for developing improved varieties. This study characterized morphometric traits and pollen biology using DUS descriptors and multivariate analysis. The highest coefficient of variation for quantitative traits ranged from 11.57% (plant spread) to 99.31% (flowers per inflorescence). Variability in qualitative traits ranged from dimorphic (growth type and habit) to polymorphic (flower color). Significant positive correlations were observed between floral traits and yield attributes. Pollen viability was highest in Jasminum auriculatum (Bagalkote local) at 75.72%, Jasminum grandiflorum cv. CO.1 Pitchi at 69.39%, and Jasminum nitidum (TNAU) at 65.42%. Principal component analysis showed PC1 and PC2 accounted for 28.40% (leaf blade dimensions, bud diameter, petal count) and 23.73% (bud length, corolla tube length, inflorescences per plant) of total variation. These findings aid in selecting parent plants for Jasmine improvement and protecting new varieties under the PPVFR Act, 2001
Synergistic effects of bio agents and botanicals for integrated management of rice root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne graminicola
This research investigates the efficacy of multiple treatment methods in controlling Meloidogyne graminicola, the rice root-knot nematode, under field conditions. The treatments tested included the nematicide Fluensulfone (trade name Nimitz) @ 5g/block, bioagent Bacillus subtilis @ 15g/plot (CFU 1.5 x 109), and the botanicals garlic oil @ 2000 ppm and annona oil @ 2000 ppm; these were applied separately and in combination. The experiment was conducted in a sick plot at the Division of Nematology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, with and without polythene sheet covering. All the observations were made at 60 days post-treatment, focusing on plant height and the number of galls per seedling. Results showed that the combined application of garlic oil and B. subtilis significantly reduced nematode infestation, with the lowest gall count (9.14/plant) and the tallest seedlings (48.8 cm), especially under a polythene sheet covering. Similar patterns were observed with other combinations of garlic oil and B. subtilis, showing notable increases in plant height and decreases in gall counts. The influence was more significant with polythene covering compared to without polythene sheet covering.
Characterization of Methanol Metabolism Genes and Plant Growth-Promoting Traits in Bacteria from the Rice Rhizosphere
Methylotrophic bacteria isolated from the rice rhizosphere were evaluated for their carbon use efficiency and plant growth-promoting characteristics. In this investigation, six bacterial isolates previously obtained from paddy soil were examined for their ability to utilize methanol. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, these isolates were identified as Bacillus rugosus (strain MB1), Bacillus subtilis (strain MB2), Priestia aryabhattai (strain MB3), Rhizobium pusense (strain MB4), Priestia megaterium (strain MB5), and Sphingobium sp. (strain MB6). Further amplification of 3 methane metabolism genes mmoX, pmoA and mxaF confirmed their methylotrophic nature. Their evaluation for the methanol use efficiency in terms of cumulative CO2 evolution per unit of cell protein content which was expressed as specific respiration was ranged from 0.009-0.063 mg of CO2/µg of protein. An assessment of their plant growth-promoting (PGPR) traits, including N-fixation, solubilization of P, K, and Zn, as well as IAA and exopolysaccharide production, revealed significant differences among these organisms. Based on results obtained Rhizobium pusense strain MB4 and Sphingobium sp. strain MB6 were best in terms of both PGPR traits and methanol use efficiency. This study suggests that methylotrophic bacteria can be used as promising candidates for enhancing crop growth.
Photomorphogenic and Thermomorphogenic responses influencing growth and flowering in Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. cv. Zembla
Light and temperature act as key environmental signals that synergistically influence plant growth and development. Strategically manipulating photothermal regimes offers remarkable potential to optimize plant architecture and flowering. This study was conducted to evaluate the photomorphogenic and thermomorphogenic responses in Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. Zembla. Plants were subjected to various monochromatic light treatments (R, B, RB, W, and FL) under 15-hours of long-day photoperiod across five temperature regimes (24/20˚C, 22/20˚C, 20/20˚C, 18/20˚C, and 16/20˚C) at Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology (CPCT), IARI, New Delhi during 2023-24 and 2024-25. The research revealed significantly distinctive responses to the photo- and thermo-phases across different morphophysiological and flowering parameters. Morphological results revealed that red light (R, LD15) at 24/20˚C significantly increased plant height (92.97 cm) and internodal length (2.73 cm). Conversely, blue light (B, LD15) at 24/20˚C optimized foliar growth, attributed by maximum leaf number (35.82), leaf area (379.87 cm²), and total plant dry weight (10.80 g). Physiological metrics, relative growth rate and crop growth rate exhibited significant enhancement under blue light exposure at 24/20˚C (0.046 g g⁻¹ day⁻¹ and 2.030 g m⁻² day⁻¹, respectively). The partitioning coefficient also showed maximum values (32.02) under B, LD15 at 24/20˚C. Regarding flowering responses, blue light accelerated bud induction across all temperature regimes, with plants under B, LD15 achieving anthesis earlier than alternative spectral compositions. Sub-optimal temperature regimes (16/20˚C) accelerated the induction of visible bud formation and flowering, whereas optimal temperature conditions (24/20˚C) under blue light spectral illumination resulted in superior capitulum development characterized by maximum floral diameter (9.97 cm). The synergistic interaction between light spectra and temperature modulating chrysanthemum growth and development, providing valuable insights for optimizing environmentally controlled cultivation practices.
Chrysanthemum, Monochromatic light, Temperature regimes, Flowering
Isolation of Entomopathogenic fungus, Aspergillus flavus and its efficacy against Phenacoccus solenopsis (Pseudococcidae; Hemiptera)
Phenacoccus solenopsis commonly known as cotton mealy bug is a harmful pest that affects cotton plants as well as ornamental plants and other agricultural products due to its ability to feed on a wide variety of plants. In an effort to find alternative solutions to synthetic insecticides, this study investigated the potential of the entomopathogenic fungus Aspergillus flavus as a control method for the 3rd nymphal instar of P. solenopsis in the laboratory setting. The experimental work was carried out in the Research Department of Zoology, Thiagarajar College, Madurai during the year 2023. The entomopathogenic fungi were isolated from soil by Galleria bait method. The pathogenicity of the fungi was evaluated through dipping bioassays using three different concentrations of conidial suspensions (1x106, 1x107 and 1x108) and a negative control of 0.05% Tween 80. The experiments were repeated three times, each with 25 insects. The results showed that A. flavus was effective in killing the pest, with a mortality rate of 89.3% after 120 hours. The pathogenicity of A. flavus was further analyzed through histological studies. The GC-MS analysis of the ethyl acetate extract of A. flavus confirmed the presence of insecticidal compounds such as pthalic acid and Dibutyl phthalate. Results indicated that A. flavus shows promise as a biocontrol agent against P. solenopsis and could be considered for use in field applications.
Influence of climate change on tri-trophic interaction in maize ecosystem
Agriculture is one of the most vulnerable sectors to the anticipated climate change which impede the growth and developmental rates of crop plants till higher trophic levels. Such effects with a focus on parasitoids as natural antagonists of herbivores have been investigated in maize ecosystem which consists of maize, Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) and parasitoids, Trichogramma chilonis (egg parasitoid) and Goniozus nephantidis (larval parasitoid) was carried out under Open Top Chambers (OTCs) during 2022-23 at Centre for Agro-climatic Studies, MARS, UAS, Raichur, Karnataka, India. Results revealed that under elevated CO2 @ 550 ppm + raised temperature @ 33⁰C, the plant height, number of leaves, chlorophyll content were increased along with grain and fodder yield. An increased in carbon-based concentrations and decreased in foliar nitrogen levels of maize leaves, eventually resulted in increased damage so as to acquire the required nutrition to attain proper growth. This led to more larval weight (592.0 ± 1.64 mg) and prolonged larval duration (28.03 ± 0.05 days), while decreasing pupal weight (225.7 ± 6.37 mg), female fecundity (720/female) and overall larval fitness. At the tritrophic level when T. chilonis and G. nephantidis reared on fall armyworm eggs and larvae respectively obtained from different climate change treatments resulted in reduced parasitism rate (63.16%), emergence rate (61.93%), and prolonged developmental duration (11 days). Similarly, G. nephantidis experienced reduced adult size (3.50 ± 0.02 mm) and emergence rate (66.07%) due to the compromised quality of their hosts as a result of climate change.
Climate change, Maize, Natural enemies, Spodoptera frugiperda, Tri-trophic interaction
Forecasting Jute Prices and Arrivals in West Bengal using ARIMA and advanced Machine Learning techniques
This study aims to forecast and understand the price movements and volatility in jute prices and arrivals across the markets of four major jute growing districts in West Bengal namely Uttar Dinajpur, Nadia, Coochbehar, and Murshidabad. To achieve this, both traditional statistical methods (ARIMA) and advanced machine learning models, including Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), were employed. The model performance was evaluated using error metrics such as Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). The LSTM model outperformed the others, with an average RMSE of 12.53 and a MAPE of 4.87%, demonstrating its superior accuracy in forecasting jute prices. In the case of jute arrivals, LSTM and SVR achieved the best performance, with LSTM recording the lowest RMSE of 14.32 and MAE of 11.87 in predicting arrivals. The findings underscore the non-linearity and interdependencies between markets, providing critical insights for traders and policymakers. These insights enable more precise anticipation of price fluctuations and contribute to better-informed market strategies, ultimately benefiting the jute supply chain in West Bengal.
ARIMA Model; Jute Price Forecasting; Hybrid Modelling; Long Short-Term Memory; Machine learning models; Support Vector Regression
Applicability of medium range weather forecasts for yield prediction of wheat using CERES-wheat model in South-Western Punjab
The current study evaluates the predictability of wheat production using forecast scenarios that were gathered from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in order to evaluate the potential of the wheat season weather forecast. CERES-Wheat model was used to estimate crop phenology and wheat yield. In this regard, the experiment was carried out in a split-plot design at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Regional Research Station, Bathinda (30°36'09" N, 74°28'55" E) during the rabi season of 2021 with three replications. The main plot treatments included five sowing dates viz., Oct. 25, Nov. 4, Nov. 14, Nov. 24 and Dec. 4 with four sub-plot treatments of variety which were HD 3086, PBW 725, HD 2967 and PBW 658. All the cultural practices were followed as per the package of practices of Punjab Agricultural University except the experimental treatments. Model validation showed that simulated emergence, anthesis and maturity were deviated over observed by 1-3 days, 1-8 days, and 1-20 days, respectively, whereas anthesis, maturity and yield were overestimated. Additionally, the simulated wheat yield differed from the observed yield by 0.5 to 12 percent. Phenology and yield were found to have greater RMSE values, wider deviations between simulated and actual values and less connection with delayed sowing. For the wheat growing season (2013–2021), rainfall, Tmax, and Tmin weather forecast were employed, which were to assess the likelihood of wheat production at various sowing periods. The medium-range weather forecast and the actual weather data closely matched each other for wheat phenology and yield. The annual fluctuation in observed wheat yield as well as treatment-wise variations was more or less effectively reflected by the daily medium-range weather forecast data. The research's conclusions are very useful for making decisions in the study region, determining when to sow wheat and other agricultural inputs and developing long-term plans for other agricultural chores.
Status, Yield Gap and Way Forward of Mustard Production in India
Rapeseed-mustard is vital oilseed crop in India grown on 9.18-million-hectares area with total production of 13.16 million tonnes (2023-24). The study revealed that area of rapeseed & mustard in India has increased (343.47 %) from 2.07 million hectares in 1950-51 to 9.18 million hectares in 2023-24. Also production of rapeseed & mustard has increased (1644.73 %) from 0.76 million tonnes in 1950-51 to 13.26 million tonnes in 2023-24. In addition, the productivity has increased 4 times from 368 kg/ha in 1950-51 to 1444 kg/ha in 2023-24. Decreasing the yield disparity between the research station, the farmers’ field, and the demonstration plot is the most effective technique for boosting output in a short period of time. The yield gap-I (technology gap) was observed from 150 kg/ha to 580 kg/ha and yield gap-II (extension gap) was noticed from 170 kg/ha to 600 kg/ha in mustard varieties at farmers’ field. Based on the technology index of mustard varieties, the sugarcane-based cropping system in western Uttar Pradesh was found to be most suitable for growing Pusa Jagannath (TI 4.88) and Pusa Vijay (TI 6.0). The primary challenges encountered by farmers in western Uttar Pradesh were the higher input costs (65.33%), followed by increasing labour charges (60%) and a high incidence of pests and diseases (51.33%).
(Old Article Id: 161987) Development and Standardization of a Knowledge Test on Fertilizer Best Management Practices in Major Field Crops
Fertilizers are essential for increasing agricultural productivity. Recent studies indicated that Telangana is among the top states in fertilizer use per hectare, yet farmers often apply fertilizers indiscriminately. A review of the literature revealed no previous study on Fertilizer Best Management Practices. This study was conducted in Telangana during 2023-2024, aimed to assess farmers' knowledge on FBMPs in major field crops. A total of six crops i.e. Paddy, Cotton, Maize, Red gram, Soybean and Bengal gram were identified as the major field crops based on the average area under cultivation in both Kharif and Rabi seasons from 2018-2022 in Telangana State. For each crop, one district was randomly selected from the cultivating districts, resulting in six districts. To construct the knowledge test on FBMPs in major field crops, practices identified by the author (Pavankumar, unpublished data). A knowledge test was developed covering soil testing, nutrient management, weather monitoring, synthetic fertilizers, irrigation, manure, agronomic practices, soil reclamation, equipment handling, software use, and nutrient storage. The test initially included 90 items (multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks, reasoning, and image identification). After expert review, 87 items met the relevancy criteria (>70% Relevancy Percentage, >0.70 Relevancy Weightage, Mean Relevancy Score ≥3). Further statistical tests (item difficulty 20-80, discrimination index 0.2-0.8, significant point biserial correlations) refined the test to 50 items. The final test demonstrated high reliability (coefficient = 0.76) and strong content validity through expert validation, ensuring comprehensive coverage of FBMPs in major field crops.