Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a major food crop in India, vulnerable to several insect pests that cause substantial yield losses. Field study was conducted at MARS, Dharwad during kharif 2024 using the variety Kufri Jyothi toassess the seasonal incidence of key insect pests and their relationship with weather parameters. Observations on aphids,leafhoppers, thrips, whiteflies, mites, Spodoptera litura, shoot borer and natural enemies (coccinellids, spiders, chrysopids)were recorded at weekly intervals from crop emergence to harvest. Results revealed that maximum populations of majorsucking pests (aphids, leafhoppers, thrips, whiteflies and mites) occurred in 33rd standard meteorological week (mid-August),coinciding with high temperature and low rainfall. These pests exhibited strong positive correlations with maximum andminimum temperatures and negative correlations with relative humidity and rainfall. Among them, leafhoppers, thrips, whitefliesand mites showed significant positive correlations with maximum temperature. Spodoptera litura population increased underhigher temperatures but declined with increased humidity and rainfall. Maximum shoot borer infestation was observed duringthe 36th-37th SMWs (early September) and showed significant negative correlations with maximum relative humidity andrainfall. Natural enemies, particularly coccinellids, increased with rising pest populations and were strongly influenced byminimum temperature. Findings highlight the strong influence of weather parameters on pest population dynamics andemphasize the importance of seasonal monitoring for scheduling effective pest management strategies in potato.
Weather plays a key role in determining groundnut productivity under rainfed conditions, as rainfall distribution,temperature, humidity, soil moisture and radiation strongly influence crop growth, pod development and yield stability. The present study assessed the effect of Land Resource Inventory (LRI)-based interventions on groundnut yield in the Shirur sub-watershed of Dharwad district, Karnataka, under four treatments: T1 (LRI farmers with cards, training andinputs), T2 (LRI farmers with cards and training), T3 (LRI farmers with cards only) and T4 (non-LRI farmers, control). Results showed that T1 outperformed all treatments, recording the highest pod yield (36.25 q/ha), kernel weight (116.90 g/plant) and total dry matter (56.00 g/plant), supported by favourable soil moisture and improved management. T2and T3 recorded moderate yields (27.21 and 28.57 q/ha), reflecting partial benefits of training and advisories. In contrast, T4produced the lowest yield (24.32 q/ha) due to poor management and terminal drought stress, which restricted kernel filling. T-test analysis revealed significant differences for most parameters, confirming the role of LRI interventions. Non-significantresults for some traits indicated genetic buffering and environmental stability. Overall, LRI-based management enhancedadaptation to weather, stabilised yields and improved resilience of groundnut farming in semi-arid region of NorthernKarnataka.
Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) is a vital pulse crop in India, often constrained by biotic stresses, amongwhich Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) is the most devastating, capable of causing up to 85 per cent yield loss. The present study was undertaken to identify stable sources of resistance to MYMV by evaluating 60 mungbean genotypesalong with four checks under natural epiphytotic conditions during the summer seasons of 2023 and 2024 at the Universityof Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. The experimental design followed was an augmented block layout and disease scoringwas performed at 45, 60 and 75 days after sowing using a standard rating scale. Significant variation was observed amonggenotypes, with disease incidence (DI) ranging from 0 to 63.38 per cent in 2023 and 0 to 70 per cent in 2024. Analysis ofvariance indicated significant differences among entries, confirming genetic variability in disease response. Genotypes wereclassified into six disease response classes, from highly resistant to highly susceptible. Resistant checks, Vigna trilobata and IPM 2-14, exhibited consistent resistant to moderately resistant responses, while susceptible checks DGGV 2 and TARM1 showed highly susceptible and moderately susceptible reactions, respectively. Among the test entries, ‘Virat’ and ‘8BRD-9’ consistently exhibited resistant reactions across both seasons, indicating their potential as stable MYMV-resistantsources. DGGV 251-1 showed a moderately resistant response, likely due to its parentage involving the resistant cultivar IPM 2-14. The observed variation in disease response was attributed to genetic diversity among genotypes, seasonalvariability and differential vector pressure. These findings contribute valuable insights into utilization of MYMV-resistantgenotypes for future mungbean improvement programs.
The diagnostic research was conducted to diagnose the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOC) of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) convergence mechanism from implementers in North Karnataka during 2022-23. The findings of the study revealed that, ‘enhanced livelihood security forworkers’ was the first ranked strength among PDOs and Technical Officers (RBQ= 96.50 and 93.50 respectively), followedby ‘no funds constraints in implementing the set goals’ and ‘better quality and longer shelf life of project activities’ were II and III ranked strengths among PDOs (RBQ = 95.50 and 94.75, respectively) and III and II ranked strengths among Technical Officers (RBQ = 93.00 and 85.36, respectively). ‘Inadequate field-level staff to implement convergence’ and‘preference of autonomy from the PRIs by the converged line departments and vice versa’ were I and II ranked weaknessamong PDO (RBQ= 91.50 and 91.00, respectively) and II and I ranked weakness among Technical Officers (RBQ= 88.75and 89.25, respectively). ‘Scope for pooling the available human resources, skills and competencies’ and ‘scope for creatingmore employment days and works’ were perceived similarly and were positioned respectively in first and second rankedopportunity among PDOs (RBQ=96.75 and 96.00 respectively) and Technical Officers (RBQ=93.50 and 91.00, respectively). ‘Establishing the required institutional structures and mechanisms at village, taluka, district, and state levels’ and ‘convergingline departments have to align and accommodate itself with the political and social dynamics of PRIs’ were first and secondranked challenge among PDOs (RBQ=92.25 and 90.75, respectively) and second and first ranked among Technical Officers(RBQ= 85.50 and 83.00, respectively).
Maize (Zea mays L.), a major cereal crop and a key component of global food and feed systems, faces increasingproductivity threats from fungal diseases. Among these, Pokkah boeng, caused by the Fusarium species complex, hasgained prominence in warm and humid maize-growing regions. To assess the prevalence and distribution of Pokkah boengin northern Karnataka, a systematic roving survey was conducted during the kharif, rabi and summer seasons across fivemajor maize-growing districts, Belagavi, Davangere, Dharwad, Gadag and Haveri. Disease incidence varied significantlyacross locations, ranging from 11.99 to 37.67 per cent, with Belagavi showing the highest mean incidence (25.22%) and Davangere the lowest (17.68%). Higher incidence was associated with black soils, irrigated conditions and intercroppingwith sorghum or sugarcane. The disease was most severe during the kharif season, coinciding with warm and humidconditions favourable for Fusarium infection. The study establishes baseline data on Pokkah boeng occurrence in Karnatakaand underscores the influence of climatic, edaphic and cropping factors on its prevalence, providing critical inputs fordisease management.
Excess salts in soil negatively impact the growth and development of plants. These types of land under the salinity impact could be changed for pasture production or fodder cultivation to improve animal husbandry when croppingis impossible due to higher salinity levels. Guinea grass performs well in cut-and-carry systems and can be used to make hayand silage. The research study was conducted in MARS, UAS Dharwad to evaluate the physiological mechanisms ofsalinity tolerance in Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus Jacq.), its recovery from salinity stress and tolerance contributesto its yield performance. The genotypes were studied in artificially made saline soil. Artificial saline soil was prepared bya combination of salts of NaCl, Na2SO4, MgCl2 and CaSO4 in the salt ratio: 13:7:1:2, respectively. Varieties BG-1, BG-4,DGG-1, and CO-1 were planted in control and artificially created in 12 ECe soils. After salinity was imposed, threeharvests were taken. DGG 1 recorded the highest fresh biomass yield in this study, followed by BG-4, where CO-1 and BG1 recorded the lowest biomass yield. Leaf succulence was highest in DGG1 and lowest in BG 4. More leaf succulence couldameliorate the ionic and osmotic stress effects of high salinity treatment and provide long-term storage to facilitateimproved reproductive capacity under salinity stress conditions. BG4 recorded the lowest tissue tolerance because most ofthe salts are excreted through the micro hairs of leaves in this genotype. DGG1 has the highest leaf-to-stem ratio, whichresults in a higher number of leaves and leaf area. Membrane stability was increased at 45 days in the subsequent harvestin all genotypes. The increased tissue tolerance combined with increased membrane stability and more number of leaves inDGG-1 facilitated the recovery and increased biomass in DGG 1.
This study explores the phenotypic correlations among yield and fiber quality traits in 84 genotypes of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) aiming to identify key traits for yield improvement. The study was conducted during the kharif2023 season at MARS, Raichur. The experiment included F4 and F5 cotton populations using an augmented block design. Observations were made on plant height, monopodia, sympodia, boll number, lint yield, boll weight and fiber traits such asfiber strength, elongation and micronaire value. Results revealed that seed cotton yield exhibited significant positivecorrelations with plant height (0.431), number of monopodia (0.340), number of bolls per plant (0.727), boll weight (0.649)and lint yield (0.953). While fiber elongation and micronaire value also correlated positively with seed cotton yield, theseassociations were non-significant. Among fiber quality traits, lint index showed a significant positive association withginning outturn and seed index suggesting their potential for improving both yield and quality traits. This study underscoresthe importance of plant height, monopodia, number of bolls, boll weight and lint yield as selection criteria in breedingprograms targeting higher cotton yields.
Early blight caused by Alternaria solani is the most destructive and threatening disease causing yield losses upto 80 per cent resulting in a drastic reduction in the quantity and quality of fruit yield of tomato. In the present study, aroving survey was undertaken in major tomato growing taluks of Dharwad district viz., Dharwad, Hubli and Kalghatgiduring kharif (2021-22 and 2022-23), rabi (2021-22 and 2022-23), as well as during summer 2022 and 2023 to know theseverity of the disease. The highest mean severity of early blight was recorded (47.44 and 34.35%) during kharif 2021-22and kharif 2022-23, respectively. Whereas the least mean per cent disease severity was noticed during summer 2022 and2023 (7.33 and 13.06%, respectively). In general, irrespective of the seasons and years, tomato fields with black soil andcrop fruiting stage recorded more disease severity as compared to red soil and crop flowering stage.
Pterocarpus santalinus (Red Sanders) is a rare and highly valued hardwood tree native to the Eastern Ghats of southern India. Its rich red heartwood is widely used in furniture, musical instruments and traditional medicine. Successfulestablishment of this species depends greatly on early seedling growth, which is influenced by factors such as stumpdiameter and nutrient availability. A study was conducted at the Gudagur Forest Nursery, Haveri District, to assess theeffects of stump diameter thickness and nutrient management on seedling growth attributes of Pterocarpus sanatlinus. Theexperiment followed a factorial randomized block design with three main treatments and eight sub-treatments each replicatedthree times. Results indicated that stumps with a diameter greater than 5 mm significantly enhanced seedling performance. Among nutrient treatments, the combination of 0.5 g NPK per seedling along with 33 g poultry manure per seedling showedthe most positive effect on plant height and collar diameter. The study concludes that selecting stumps larger than 5 mm andapplying balanced nutrient doses can significantly improve the early growth and vigor of P. santalinus seedlings. Thesefindings are important for nursery practices and plantation establishment, emphasizing the role of appropriate stumpselection and nutrient management in promoting healthy and productive Red Sanders plantations.
Mimusops elengi L. (Bakul) commonly known as spanish cherry is an evergreen tree native to South and Southeast Asia. This species known for its importance as the tree provides fruit and fodder, planted as ornamental and used intraditional medicine practices. Many parts of the species have high medicinal properties and fruits are edible in nature andalso seeds are valuable source for extraction of non essential oils. It is mainly propagated through seeds but due to its hardseed coat possess inherent dormancy and germination process is medium. Keeping these facts into consideration thepresent investigation was carried at College of Forestry, Sirsi to evaluate the effect of pre-sowing seed treatments ongermination and initial growth parameters of Mimusops elengi. The experiment was designed with ten different pre-sowingtreatments such as water soaking, hot water soaking, seed mud ball, cow dung slurry, KNO3 and GA3 at different concentrations. Among these, the seeds treated with 100 ppm GA3 (T9) showed the highest per cent germination (58.89%)with higher rate of germination (10.88), mean daily germination (0.99), peak value (1.11) and germination value (1.10). Thelowest per cent germination (24.45%) with low rate of germination (3.85), mean daily germination (0.41), peak value (0.49)and germination value (0.21) was recorded in the seeds treated with mud ball (T5). Initial growth parameters variedsignificantly among different treatments; seeds treated with 100 ppm GA3 (T9) produced vigorous seedlings with maximumplant height (6.21 cm), collar diameter (1.46 mm) and leaves (2.33) followed by seeds treated with 200 ppm GA3 (T10). Hence, GA3 is an effective pre-sowing treatment for removal of seed dormancy and for the production of vigorous and goodquality seedlings in Mimusops elengi. These treatments are crucial for optimizing nursery practices and also improving thesuccess rate of seedling establishment.
Soybean (Glycine max L.) is an important global crop, valued for its role as a source of edible oil, vegetable proteinand as a raw material in various industrial products. This study investigates the major marketing constraints faced bydifferent stakeholders, viz., farmers, wholesalers, processors and commission agents-cum-traders in Belagavi district of Karnataka, using primary data. Bailhongal and Hukkeri taluks, along with their corresponding markets, were purposivelyselected due to their prominence in soybean production and trade. Farmers were chosen through a multistage samplingtechnique, while market intermediaries were selected randomly. The study applies Garrett’s ranking method to identify andprioritize marketing bottlenecks. Among farmers, malpractices in weighing and unauthorized deductions emerged as themost significant challenge. Wholesalers and commission agents-cum-traders reported unauthorized deductions and wastageduring marketing processes as the primary constraints, affecting profitability and financial stability. For soybean processors,the limited availability of raw material during the off-season was the chief concern, impacting production continuity. Improving quality-oriented production, transport and storage facilities, along with the formation of collective farmergroups such as Commodity Interest Groups or FPOs, can help mitigate these constraints and enhance overall marketingefficiency in the soybean marketing system.
This study evaluated the variability and interrelationships among traits in 18 wheat genotypes, including10 checks and 8 advanced breeding lines, representing both Triticum aestivum L.(bread wheat) and Triticum durum (macaroniwheat). These species are vital to agriculture in the Indian subcontinent, with bread wheat primarily used for baking anddurum wheat for pasta production. The analysis revealed that the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was consistentlyhigher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) across most traits. Notably, traits such as grain yield, spike length,peduncle length, 1000-grain weight, and biomass exhibited high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percentageof the mean, underscoring the potential for effective selection to enhance these characteristics. Correlation analysis indicateda positive and significant association between grain yield and key traits, including the number of productive tillers, spikelength, and biomass. This suggests that targeted improvements in these traits could significantly boost grain yield in wheat.
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a globally valued tropical fruit known for its culinary, industrial, and medicinalapplications. The average size of (20) tamarind fruits with shells were measured 105.29±2.50 mm (length), 23.10±0.22 mm(width) and 13.24±0.30 (thickness) while tamarind fruits without shell were 103.40±2.60 mm (length), 19.58±0.19 mm(width) and 9.69±0.12 mm (thickness), respectively. Average fruit weights for tamarind fruits with shell were 20.618±6.33g and without shell were 15.504±5.23 g. Bulk density, true density, and porosity for tamarind fruits with shell were507.66±10.78 kg m-³, 1136.36±150.81 kg m-³ and 55.33±6.00% while for without shell were 392.66±2.51 kg m-³, 613.01±12.03kg m-³ and 35.94±1.32%. Coefficients of friction (external, internal) and angle of repose were also measured, tamarind fruitswith shell exhibited higher friction coefficients and a steeper angle of repose. These findings provide critical insights for thedesign and optimization of tamarind processing equipment. The results underscore the importance of considering shellpresence in machine development and material handling systems.
Soil fertility is important as it directly influence the productivity and overall health of the soil.This research wasconducted to study soil fertility status in <5,5-10 and 10-15 years under natural farming and farmers practice at 0-20 cm soildepth in three natural farming clusters of Belagavi district in northern dry zone of Karnataka during 2022-23.This studyrevealed that natural farming had a positive effect on soil fertility. Soil pH and EC decreased in natural farming (8.29 to 8.08,0.47 to 0.41 dS/m), where as it increased in farmers practice from 8.35 to 8.49 (pH),0.49 to0.51 dS/m(EC) and CECincreased from 54.94 to 75.91 c mol(p+)/kg in natural farming but decreased from 50.47 to 42.82 c mol (p+)/kg in farmerspractice. Organic carbon increased in natural farming from 7.11 to 9.63 g/kg but it decreased from 6.12 to 4.24 g/kg in farmerspractice over the years. Available macronutrients and DTPA-extractable micronutrients increased in natural farming butsignificantly decreased in farmers practice over the years. Overall, natural farming showed improvements in soil fertilitywhile farmers practices resulted in decline in soil fertility over the years.
The present investigation entitled “Cooking quality of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) under different row spacing and fertilizer treatments” was carried out in the Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Community Science,University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, during 2024-25. The study aimed to assess the effect of spacing and fertilizerlevels on the cooking quality of quinoa variety Hima Shakti. The experimental material comprised thirteen samples,including one control and twelve treatment combinations derived from three spacing levels (S1: 30×15 cm, S2: 45×15 cm,S3: 60×15 cm) and four fertilizer levels (F1: no fertilizer, F2: 20:10:10, F3: 40:20:20, F4: 60:40:40 N:P:K kg ha-¹ + 5 t FYM ha-¹). Cooking quality was evaluated through percent increase in weight, percent increase in volume and cooking time of rinsed,soaked (4, 8, and 12 hrs) and polished (30, 60, 90, and 120 secs) grains. The results revealed significant (p 0.01) differencesamong treatments for all cooking parameters. Among rinsed and boiled samples, treatment S3 F3 (60×15 cm; 40:20:20 NPK+ 5 t FYM ha-¹) recorded the highest increase in weight (63.28 g) and volume (26.83 ml) with the shortest cooking time(22.68 min). Soaking for 8 h significantly enhanced hydration, swelling capacity and reduced cooking time (17.20 min). Moderate polishing 90s improved starch gelatinization, hydration efficiency and cooking uniformity, while prolongedpolishing 120s further shortened cooking time (12.33 min) but reduced weight and volume gain.The study concluded thatwider spacing combined with moderate fertilizer application (S3 F3) and 90s polishing provided optimum cooking qualityby promoting better hydration, reduced cooking duration and enhanced grain texture, thus improving the overall cookingquality and acceptability of quinoa grains for consumption and value-added product development.
The present study investigated the population dynamics of the pod borer complex, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) and Cydia ptychora (Meyrick), along with their natural enemies in fodder cowpea during kharif 2024 at ICAR-IGFRI,SRRS, Dharwad. Cowpea variety BL-4 was grown in a 200 m² plot without plant protection measures and weekly observations were recorded from pod initiation to crop maturity. M. vitrata infestation began in mid-September, with larvalpopulations peaking in late October–early November (5.38 larvae/plant; 30.05% pod damage). C. ptychora appearedslightly later but reached higher levels, peaking at 9.23 larvae/ plant and 39.60% pod damage, indicating its greater destructivepotential. Natural enemies, mainly coccinellids and spiders, contributed significantly to pest suppression. Coccinellidsexhibited density-dependent fluctuations, peaking along side initial pod borer outbreaks, while spiders maintained consistentactivity throughout, peaking in early November. Correlation analysis revealed that maximum temperature positivelyinfluenced M. vitrata, while minimum temperature and relative humidity showed significant negative correlations with bothpod borers and pod damage. Spiders showed strong positive associations with pest populations, highlighting their ecologicalrole. The study emphasizes the importance of pest monitoring, conservation of natural enemies and climatic considerationsin developing eco-friendly management strategies for sustainable cowpea fodder production.
Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a globally important fiber crop whose productivity is increasingly threatenedby sucking pests, with leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula biguttula) infestation emerging as a major concern. The present studyaimed to elucidate the inheritance of leafhopper resistance in cotton using F2 populations derived from four crosses betweenexotic susceptible and indigenous resistant genotypes. Field evaluations were conducted under unprotected conditionsduring kharif 2023-24 at the Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad. Inheritance analysis revealed variable genetic controlof resistance across the crosses. The F2 population of 0774-3-3 × 1-2-1 exhibited a 13:3 ratio, indicating inhibitoryepistasis, whereas the populations of Raider 276 × 8-1-2 and 0774-3-3 × MCU-12 followed a 9:7 ratio, consistent withcomplementary gene action. In contrast, the F2 population of Raider 276 × MCU-13 segregated in a 3:1 ratio, confirmingcontrol by a single dominant gene. These results demonstrate that leafhopper resistance in cotton is governed by eithermonogenic or digenic interactions, depending on the parental genetic background. These findings provide valuable insightsfor cotton breeding programs focused on developing high-yielding, leafhopper-resistant cultivars with improved agronomicperformance and fibre quality under unprotected conditions.
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major global staple contributing approximately 35% to global food consumption. This study was conducted to assess genetic variability and correlations among morpho-physiological traits, yield components,and grain nutrients in 18 wheat genotypes at the Main Agricultural Research Station, UAS Dharwad, during the rabi seasonof 2023-24. The genotypes included bread wheat, durum wheat and diccocum wheat, representing different commerciallygrown wheat species in India. Genetic variability analysis revealed low genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation(GCV and PCV) for days to 50% flowering and days to maturity, indicating limited variability. In contrast, traits such as thenumber of productive tillers and peduncle length exhibited moderate to high GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance asa percentage of the mean (GAM), indicating significant genetic variability and strong selection potential.Correlation analysisidentified a positive relationship between grain yield and the number of grain per spike and biomass , while grain nutrienttraits such as iron and protein content exhibited a negative association with grain yield. These findings provide valuableinsights for developing wheat varieties with enhanced yield and grain quality.
The Indian honey bee, Apis cerana indica Fabricius, is a vital indigenous pollinator and honey producer in India,but its productivity is often threatened by pests like the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella Linnaeus), which damagescombs, reduces brood area and lowers honey yields. This study evaluated the effect of comb foundation sheets on brooddevelopment, wax moth infestation and colony performance under Dharwad conditions. Eight colonies were established atthe Biodiversity Park, College of Agriculture, UAS, Dharwad and provided with four treatments: empty frames, 50% combfoundation sheets, 100% comb foundation sheets and farmers’ method (piece of natural comb), each with two replications. Colonies were monitored at 15-day intervals from November 2024 to January 2025. Colonies with 50% comb foundationsheets recorded the largest brood area and minimal wax moth infestation, while 100% foundation sheets showed the lowestbrood area due to absconding and high wax moth larval counts. Optimum size foundation sheet use promoted natural combbuilding, enhanced brood growth without affecting their behavior and strengthened colonies, offering a practical strategy tooptimize colony health and sustainability in Dharwad.
Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a major oilseed crop that contributes significantly to farmers’ income and plays avital role in India’s agricultural economy. In the year 2024-25, the study was undertaken to investigate the factors influencingthe adoption of nano urea plus and to identify the major constraints faced by sample farmers using nano urea plus andconventional urea in Haveri district of Karnataka. The primary data was collected from soybean growers. The results of thestudy revealed that the age had a negative coefficient value (-0.6012) which was statistically significant at 5 per cent levelof probability. The odds ratio analysis indicated that subsidy availability increased the likelihood of adoption by 5.53times. The availability of subsidies had the highest marginal effect at 0.5582 which showed that access to subsidiesincreased the probability of adoption by 55.82 per cent. The results of Garrett’s ranking techniques analysis showed thatthe most severe constraint identified was difficulty in the requirement of equipment for application of nano urea plus whichhas ranked first with the highest Garrett mean score of 64.50.
