The present study evaluated the effect of different stocking densities on the growth performance, cannibalism and survival of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) fry reared in an indoor recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Fry (25 days post-hatch) were stocked at three densities: 100T1, 200T2, and 300(T3) individuals per m3 and reared for 50 days under controlled conditions. Growth parameters, water quality, cannibalism rate and survival were monitored throughout the study. Water quality parameters remained within acceptable limits across treatments, although slight variations were observed with increasing density. Fish reared at the lowest density (T1) exhibited significantly higher growth performance, with maximum length gain (8.40±0.95cm), weight gain (10.2 ± 0.16g) and better feed conversion efficiency. In contrast, higher stocking densities (T2 and T3) resulted in reduced growth and feed efficiency. Cannibalism rate increased significantly with density, reaching the highest value in T3(13.55 ± 2.84%), while survival rate decreased from 96.54 per cent in T1 to 86.45 per cent in T3. The results indicated that lower stocking density improves growth performance, reduces cannibalism and enhances survival in Asian seabass fry under RAS conditions. Optimizing stocking density is therefore critical for sustainable and efficient nursery rearing of seabass.
The present review focuses on the distribution, regeneration status and nutritive potential of Quercus glauca Thunberg in the Indian Himalayan region. The species is widely distributed in the northwestern Himalaya, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where it grows in moist and shady habitats and forms an important component of evergreen broadleaf forests. It is closely associated with rural livelihoods and serves as a valuable fodder resource for livestock. The leaves of Q glauca possess high nutritive value with considerable crude protein, mineral content and moderate fibre composition, making it suitable for sustaining livestock productivity in hill agroecosystems. Despite its ecological and economic importance, the species is facing serious challenges in natural regeneration due to anthropogenic disturbances, overgrazing, limited seed viability, poor dispersal and changing climatic conditions. Seed germination in Quercus species is influenced by several factors including seed size, altitude, time of collection and pre-sowing treatments. Physical treatments such as scarification and water soaking along with proper nursery management have been found effective in improving germination and seedling establishment. The review highlights that regeneration of Q glauca is site-specific and favoured under moderate disturbance and adequate canopy gaps. However, overall regeneration remains inadequate across its natural distribution range. The study emphasizes the need for integrated management strategies focusing on habitat conservation, improvement in regeneration techniques and sustainable utilization of the species.
The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of grafting time and growing conditions on growth dynamics of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana L) under semi-arid conditions of Hisar, Haryana. The experiment involved wedge grafting of two cultivars, Gola and Umran, at eight different time intervals from the third week of January to the second week of March under open field and polyhouse conditions. The trial was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. The results revealed that grafting time significantly influenced all growth parameters studied, whereas, growing conditions and cultivars showed variable responses. Grafting during the fourth week of February consistently recorded the highest values for leaf area (1,842.78cm2), chlorophyll ‘a’ (1.004mg/gFW), chlorophyll ‘b’ (0.472mg/gFW), fresh root weight (27.41 g) and dry root weight (15.21 g). In contrast, grafting during the third week of January resulted in the lowest values for most traits. Open field conditions generally performed better than polyhouse conditions in terms of leaf area and chlorophyll content. Among cultivars, Umran exhibited comparatively better vegetative growth, though differences were mostly non-significant. The study highlights that appropriate grafting time plays a crucial role in enhancing physiological efficiency and growth performance in ber. Late February emerged as the most suitable period for grafting under the prevailing agroclimatic conditions.
Forestry plantations in the northwest Himalayas are increasingly threatened by insect pests such as Agrotis ipsilon and Plecoptera reflexa, which cause severe defoliation and economic losses. The present study evaluated the pesticidal potential of leaf extracts of the native plant Boenninghausenia albiflora (Hook) against these two major forest insect pests under laboratory conditions. Leaf extracts were prepared using methanol, acetone and ethyl acetate and their insecticidal efficacy was assessed using the leaf-dip bioassay method. Among the tested solvents, the methanolic extract showed the highest extraction yield (18.58%) and insecticidal activity, causing 60.00 per cent mortality in P reflexa and 56.66 per cent mortality in A ipsilon at 1 per cent concentration after 72 h . Further bioassay of the methanolic extract at graded concentrations (0.25-1%) demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in larval mortality. The LC50(%) values ranged from 0.81 to 0.89 per cent for P reflexa and 0.86 to 0.96 per cent for A ipsilon. GC-MS analysis revealed that the extract was rich in bioactive terpenoids, with a-pinene (16.56%),(+)-sylvestrene (16.27%), ß-pinene (14.82%) and carvone (6.51%) as the major constituents. These compounds are known to possess insecticidal, repellent and neurotoxic effects against insect pests. The findings demonstrate that B albiflora leaf extract possesses significant insecticidal activity and may serve as a promising eco-friendly botanical alternative for the management of forest insect pests in the northwest Himalayan region.
The present investigations were carried out to evaluate the trait association and selection strategies of F3 and F4 segregating generations on growth, flowering and yield-related traits in bottle gourd {Lagenaria siceraria (Mol) Standl\ under the agro-climatic conditions of southwestern Haryana. The study was conducted during the rainy season of 2022-23 at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana using progenies derived from the F2 population of hybrid 19BOGHYB-2. Five progenies were advanced and evaluated in both F3 and F4 generations in a randomized block design with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among progenies for all sixteen traits studied, indicating the presence of substantial genetic variability. In both generations, progeny 1 consistently exhibited superior performance for important traits such as number of primary branches per plant (11.73 and 11.47), average fruit weight (793.33 and 813.33 g), number of fruits per vine (8.13 and 8.40) and fruit yield per plot (64.57 and 68.30 kg). Early flowering and earliness in fruit harvest were also observed in this progeny, making it desirable for selection. The results indicated that selection in early segregating generations is effective for improving yield and its contributing traits. Progenies 1 and 2 emerged as promising lines and may be further utilized in breeding programmes aimed at developing high-yielding and early-maturing varieties of bottle gourd.
Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita) are major constraints to tomato production, causing severe yield losses worldwide. The present study evaluated the biocontrol potential of four entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) species: Steinernema carpocapsae, S glasseri, S siamkayai and S feltiae against M incognita under in vitro and pot culture conditions. In in vitro assays, all Steinernema species significantly inhibited egg hatching, with S carpocapsae and S siamkayai showing the highest suppression, comparable to carbofuran. Pot culture experiments revealed that EPN treatments significantly improved plant growth and yield attributes while reducing nematode population, gall number and gall index compared to the untreated control. Among the EPNs, S carpocapsae was the most effective, followed by S siamkayai and S feltiae. The results demonstrate the potential of Steinernema species, particularly S carpocapsae, as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical nematicides for sustainable management of root-knot nematodes in tomato.
Polygonatum cirrhifolium (Mahameda) is an important medicinal plant of the Himalayan region facing pressure due to overexploitation. The present study evaluated genetic variability, heritability and genetic divergence among 23 germplasm sources collected from Himachal Pradesh. The experiment was conducted at the Field Research Station, Brundhar, Manali, district Kullu, Himachal Pradesh using a randomized block design with three replications. Significant variation was observed for all morphological traits, indicating substantial genetic variability. PCV values were higher than GCV for all traits, reflecting environmental influence; however, the narrow differences suggested strong genetic control. Heritability ranged from 38.78 to 75.20 per cent, with plant height and number of leaves per node showing high heritability and suitability for direct selection. Cluster analysis grouped the sources into two major clusters, while PCA identified plant height and leaf traits as key contributors to variability. The study highlights the potential for selecting superior genotypes for breeding and commercial cultivation.
Sugarcane productivity in the semi-arid regions of Karnataka is increasingly constrained by water scarcity, necessitating efficient cropping strategies to enhance resource use and farm income. A field experiment was conducted at KJ Somaiya Institute of Applied Agricultural Research, Sameerwadi, Karnataka, to evaluate the performance of sugarcane-based intercropping systems under different row spacings and to assess competitive interactions using various indices. The experiment comprised sugarcane planted at 1.2, 2.4 and 3.6 m spacings intercropped with soybean, green pea and drill sown onion. The results revealed that competition indices such as competition ratio (CR) and aggressivity (A) varied significantly among intercrops, with soybean exhibiting higher competitiveness against sugarcane, particularly during early growth stages. Land equivalent ratio (LER) values greater than unity in all intercropping systems indicated superior land use efficiency over sole cropping, with the highest LER (2.10) recorded in sugarcane + green pea at 3.6 m spacing. However, area time equivalent ratio (ATER) values were comparatively lower, suggesting overestimation by LER due to differences in crop duration. Drill sown onion emerged as the most productive and economically viable intercrop, recording the highest sugarcane equivalent yield (204 tonnes/ha) and relative production efficiency (156.25 %). Although intercrop yields were lower than sole crops due to competition, intercropping systems significantly improved overall productivity and resource use efficiency. The study highlights that sugarcane planted at wider spacings with suitable intercrops, particularly onion, can enhance system productivity and profitability in water-limited environments.
Blackgram (Vigna mungo L) is an important pulse crop in India, contributing significantly to dietary protein and nutritional security. Powdery mildew, caused by Erysiphe polygoni DC, is a major disease limiting blackgram productivity across diverse agroclimatic regions. This study investigated the pathogenic, morphological and molecular variability among ten naturally occurring E polygoni isolates collected from major blackgram growing areas of Tamil Nadu. The isolates showed noticeable variation in conidial size, hyphal growth, cleistothecia, asci and ascospore number, although traits such as ascus width and ascospore length remained relatively stable. ITSbased PCR amplification yielded a consistent ~ 630 bp fragment in all isolates, confirming species identity. Molecular analysis revealed high sequence similarity with only minor genetic differences among isolates. Overall, morphological variation was not closely associated with pathogenicity and ITS markers proved effective for species identification but limited for detecting intra-species diversity. The findings support improved pathogen characterization and provide useful information for developing durable powdery mildew resistance in blackgram.
Efficient energy utilization is essential for improving agricultural productivity and sustainability, particularly in energy-intensive crops such as sugarcane. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the energy use pattern and efficiency of sugarcane-based intercropping systems under semi-arid conditions of Karnataka. The study included different intercropping combinations with plant cane and ratoon cane and energy inputs and outputs were quantified using standard energy equivalents. Total energy input in plant cane ranged from 34,678 to 46,943 MJ per ha, while energy output ranged from 76,929 to 163,793 MJ per ha across different intercropping systems. Among the treatments, sugarcane intercropped with soybean at 1.2 m spacing recorded the highest energy efficiency (3.82) and net energy (120,889 MJ/ha), mainly due to higher energy contribution from soybean yield. In ratoon cane, total energy input varied from 29,934 to 34,604 MJ per ha and energy output ranged from 19,971 to 89,902 MJ per ha. The highest energy efficiency (2.61) and net energy (55,448 MJ/ha) were recorded in sugarcane intercropped with green pea followed by watermelon. Chemical fertilizers accounted for the highest share of total energy input, followed by seed material and irrigation. Wider row spacing resulted in reduced energy efficiency due to lower crop productivity. The results indicated that sugarcane-based intercropping, particularly with soybean and green pea, improves energy productivity and overall system efficiency compared to sole sugarcane. Therefore, sugarcane-based intercropping systems offer a viable strategy for enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in semi-arid regions.
Oak forests are a vital component of the western Himalayan ecosystem, providing essential services such as soil and water conservation, biodiversity support and livelihood sustenance. These forests are increasingly threatened by insect pests, biotic pressures and climate change. The present study assessed the diversity, abundance and seasonal dynamics of insect pests in oak forests of Himachal Pradesh, western Himalaya. Surveys were conducted at 25 oak-dominated sites across six districts during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons from October 2019 to March 2022. A total of 107 insect pest species belonging to 38 families and seven orders were recorded. Lepidoptera was the most dominant order in terms of abundance and richness, followed by Coleoptera and Hemiptera. Pest abundance peaked during the monsoon season, though diversity and evenness varied among sites, with Chamba and Kinnaur showing higher diversity despite lower abundance. Lepidopteran defoliators caused the most severe damage, while borers and sap-sucking insects affected multiple plant parts. The results indicate increasing pest pressure on Himalayan oak forests, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring and integration of pest management strategies into forest conservation programmes.
AbstractBerberis lycium Royle, commonly known as Himalayan barberry, is an important medicinal shrub traditionally used in the treatment of various ailments. The present study investigates the phytochemical composition of B lycium leaves using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Leaf samples collected from Solan district, Himachal Pradesh, were subjected to Soxhlet extraction using solvents of varying polarity: acetone, ethyl acetate and methanol. GC-MS profiling revealed a diverse phytochemical spectrum comprising polyketides, terpenoids, fatty acids, hydrocarbons, phenolics, phytosterols, vitamins and lipids. Ethyl acetate extract was rich in nonacosan-10-ol, phytol derivatives and tocopherols, while acetone extract predominantly contained ?-sitosterol, phenolics and hydrocarbons. Methanol extract exhibited high levels of polyketides, phytol, phytosterols and fatty acid derivatives. Several compounds such as phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, lipids and lignans were documented, some of which are reported for the first time from B lycium leaves. The presence of these biologically active constituents highlights the therapeutic potential of the species and underscores its value for further pharmacological, biochemical and isolation studies.
AbstractMushroom cultivation has emerged as a viable enterprise for income generation, nutritional security and employment creation in rural and semi-urban areas. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the perceived importance and benefits of mushroom cultivation among the rural farmers undergone vocational trainings organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Bawal, Haryana. During 2022–23 to 2024–25, eight training programmes were conducted, in which 280 farmers, farm women and rural youth participated. The study assessed the socio-economic profile of trainees, their perceived importance of different components of mushroom cultivation and their perception regarding the benefits of mushroom production. Data were collected through a structured interview schedule and analyzed using frequency, percentage and weighted mean scores. Results revealed that most trainees were middle-aged, moderately educated and marginal farmers. Spawn production techniques received the highest priority among training components. A large proportion of trainees perceived mushroom cultivation as a low-capital, low-labour and profitable enterprise requiring less time and space. However, some respondents expressed reservations regarding its environmental benefits and health-related aspects. Overall, the findings indicate that mushroom cultivation training programmes significantly enhanced knowledge, perception and acceptance of mushroom production as an income-generating enterprise, highlighting the need for continued capacity-building efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods.
AbstractA study was conducted in the Jiyuni valley of Himachal Pradesh to document the diversity, distribution and utilization patterns of wild edible plants. The research, carried out from 2023 to 2025, involved extensive field surveys and interviews with local residents. A total of 70 wild edible plant species, belonging to 37 families and 55 genera, were documented, including 66 angiosperms, 2 gymnosperms, 1 pteridophyte and 1 fungus. The flora comprised 13 trees, 16 shrubs, 39 herbs, 1 fern and 1 fungus. The most species-rich families were Rosaceae (12 species), Balsaminaceae (4 species), Berberidaceae (4 species) and Asteraceae (4 species). Of the documented species, 34 were native to the Himalayan region, with one species, Angelica glauca, identified as endemic to the Indian Himalayan region. The study found that local communities utilized various plant parts, with fruits (28 species) and leaves (25 species) being the most frequently consumed. These plants were used in various ways, including being eaten raw, cooked as vegetables or processed in the form of jams, chutneys and oils. In addition to their dietary role, these plants were used for medicinal purposes, fuel, fodder and religious practices, highlighting their socio-economic and cultural importance. The findings underscore the need for scientific validation and sustainable management of these resources to support local livelihoods and address increasing nutritional demands. The study’s documentation serves as a valuable resource for preserving traditional knowledge and guiding future research and conservation efforts.
AbstractRakthasali, a traditional medicinal rice variety valued for its exceptional nutritional and therapeutic properties, is gradually disappearing due to the predominance of modern high-yielding varieties. Since standardized agro-techniques for Rakthasali are lacking, farmers often rely on inconsistent seed rates and nutrient management practices, leading to suboptimal performance. The present study was undertaken at the Integrated Farming System Research Station, Kerala Agricultural University, to evaluate the influence of different seed rates and nutrient management practices on nutrient uptake and economic returns in Rakthasali rice. The experiment, laid out in a factorial RBD with three seed rates (60, 80 and 100 kg/ha) and four nutrient management practices, revealed significant effects of both factors on nutrient uptake at maximum tillering, panicle initiation and harvest stages. Seed rates of 80 and 100 kg per ha recorded significantly higher and statistically comparable nutrient uptake across all stages, outperforming the 60 kg per ha seed rate. Among nutrient management practices, FYM + NPK and FYM + neem cake resulted in the maximum and statistically similar nutrient uptake, followed by PGPR-based nutrition, while neem cake + Panchagavya recorded the lowest values. Interaction effects were non-significant. Economic analysis indicated that the highest benefit-cost (B-C) ratio was achieved in 80 kg per ha among seed rates and in 5 tonnes per ha FYM + 70:35:35 kg per ha NPK among nutrient treatments, with the combination 80 kg per ha seed + 5 tonnes per ha FYM + 70:35:35 kg per ha NPK producing the highest overall B-C ratio. The study establishes that a seed rate of 80 kg per ha along with FYM + NPK application is the most efficient and economically viable strategy for enhancing nutrient uptake and profitability in Rakthasali rice cultivation.
AbstractPigeonpea {Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp} is a vital pulse crop in India, contributing significantly to food and nutritional security. However, its productivity is severely constrained by pod borer infestations, which can cause substantial yield losses. A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2018 at the College of Agriculture, Pune, Maharashtra, to study the seasonal incidence of major pod borers and their natural enemies. Four key pod borers, Maruca vitrata, Exelastis atomosa, Helicoverpa armigera and Melanagromyza obtusa, were recorded at different crop stages. M vitrata was prevalent during flowering and early pod formation, while H armigera and E atomosa peaked during the pod development stage. M obtusa incidence extended up to pod maturity. Among these, H armigera inflicted the highest pod damage (7.60-12.40%), followed by E atomosa (2.40-10.20%), M vitrata (4.00-6.90%) and M obtusa (1.20-6.60%). Natural enemies, including coccinellids, chrysopids and spiders, were active throughout the crop growth period, with peak populations coinciding with higher pest densities. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring seasonal pest dynamics and conserving natural enemies to develop effective and eco-friendly management strategies for pigeonpea production.
AbstractA study was conducted to evaluate the stability and performance of 16 chickpea genotypes across three different sowing environments in Pune, Maharashtra. The research utilized a randomized block design and analyzed five key traits. The results confirmed a significant genotype × environment (G × E) interaction for all traits, indicating that genotypes performed differently depending on the sowing date. The earliest sowing date (20 October) proved to be the most favourable environment, leading to the best overall growth and yield. The analysis successfully identified several genotypes with average stability, meaning they were well-suited for a range of environments. Specifically, Phule Vikram, PG-1609-4-19 and PG-1628-15-13 were found to be stable, high-yielding genotypes. The study also identified genotypes with unpredictable performance and one (PG-211110) with above-average stability, making it ideal for less favourable conditions. These findings provide valuable information for breeders and farmers seeking to select stable, high-yielding chickpea varieties adapted to diverse environments.
AbstractThis review article summarizes the current knowledge on vegetative propagation of fruit crops through stem cuttings, highlighting the key factors influencing rooting success. Successful propagation of fruit crops through stem cuttings depends on multiple factors, including the physiological status of the mother plant, type and length of cutting, planting season, temperature, rooting media and hormonal treatments. Among these, the timing of planting, the choice of rooting media and the application of synthetic auxins such as indole butyric acid (IBA) are particularly critical for rooting success. Various studies have demonstrated that IBA enhances root initiation, increases root number and quality and promotes shoot growth across diverse fruit species. Rooting media such as soil, sand, cocopeat, perlite, vermiculite and vermicompost provide physical support, aeration, water retention and nutrient availability, which significantly influence rooting and shooting parameters. Hardwood cuttings of pomegranate, lemon, fig, phalsa and other fruit crops showed improved sprouting, survival, plant height, shoot and root biomass and root characteristics when treated with appropriate concentrations of IBA and planted in optimal media. Early planting, particularly during February-March, further enhanced rooting due to higher carbohydrate accumulation. Overall, integrating suitable rooting hormones with well-structured media can substantially improve the vegetative propagation of fruit crops, contributing to higher success rates and uniform plant growth.
AbstractFootwear plays a vital role in protecting the feet, ensuring comfort and maintaining mobility. College students, who spend extended periods walking and standing, often prioritize style, peer influence and affordability over foot health, which can lead to discomfort and long-term issues. This study investigated footwear preferences, satisfaction and foot health among 38 college students in Hyderabad, Telangana. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire, foot type images and anthropometric measurements, including the instep coefficient. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA and correlation analyses were used to interpret the results. Findings revealed that casual footwear was the most preferred, with students generally maintaining multiple pairs and spending moderately on purchases. Most respondents had healthy feet with neutral arches, although low instep was the most common foot characteristic. Foot type significantly influenced the occurrence of foot problems and surfaces like tile and gravel were associated with higher discomfort and slips. Satisfaction was generally high, with comfort and fit prioritized over style. The study highlights the importance of aligning footwear design with foot morphology and user preferences to enhance comfort, prevent injuries and improve overall foot health.
