Okra is a tropical and subtropical regional crop that belongs to the family Malvaceae. An experiment was conducted to identify the transgressive segregants for yield and yield contributing characters in F2 population of three crosses in Okra. In most of the transgressive segregants of three crosses, better parent (increasing parent) yield was transgressed concurrently with the transgression of one or several other trait. Simultaneous transgression of fruit yield per plant with plant height, number of nodes on main stem, fruit length, fruit weight and number of fruits per plant was observed more frequently. One could conclude that either these attributes were necessary for fruit yield or that there was linkage drag in the genes causing these traits, which caused the genes controlling these traits to be inherited together. The most promising transgressive segregants viz., transgressive segregants No.88, 211, 258 of cross C1, No. 204, 297 of cross C2 and No.63,114 of cross C3, transgressed fruit yield per plant in addition to the higher expression of other five or six characters than the better parent in F2 generation. They surpassed their respective increasing parents in regards to fruit yield by 36.95 (Cross C1), 40.00 (Cross C2), and 33.37 (Cross C3) percent.

Transplanting of vegetable seedlings has been referred as a critical and time-consuming activity in vegetable production system. In India, manual transplanting operation of vegetable seedlings is done in most areas due to non-availability of appropriate transplanter, and is drudgery prone. To mechanize this operation, vegetable transplanter needs to be developed considering engineering properties of plug-type seedlings as tomato, brinjal, and cabbage grown in pro-tray. Basic engineering properties of 30-day old seedlings of tomato, brinjal, and cabbage relevant to design of vegetable transplanter were evaluated. The moisture content of whole seedling and root bulb of tomato, brinjal, and cabbage seedlings were 84.3 (± 3.6), 86.7 (± 4.5), and 84.57 (± 3.7)% w.b., respectively. The average respective heights of the seedling were 162.44 (± 19.80), 129.4 (± 16.96), and 114.13 (± 19.98) mm, whereas, canopy major dimensions were (length) 110 ± 15.62, 79.3 ± 16.08, 91.93 ± 14.44 mm, respectively. The coefficient of frictions offered by mild steel were 0.81 (± 0.08), 0.81 (± 0.07), and 0.89 (± 0.04) for tomato, brinjal, and cabbage seedlings, respectively; and adhesion force between pro-tray and seedlings were 1.43 (± 0.40), 0.95 (± 0.22), and 0.41 (± 0.04) N, respectively. The average compression forces of the root bulbs were 6.05 ± 1.53, 5.8 ± 0.56, and 10.26 ± 0.16 N; and average needle penetration forces into root bulbs was 5.18 (± 0.86), 7.83 (± 0.56), and 19.47 (± 0.59) N for tomato, brinjal, and cabbage seedlings, respectively.

The investigation was carried out to study the influence of cane biochemical content on yield and quality of Red Globe grapevines grafted on different rootstocks during the year 2018-19 and 2019-20. The cane biochemical parameters such as total phenol, carbohydrate, protein and proline content were analysed before fruit pruning whereas, yield and quality parameters such as number of bunches per vine, berry weight and berry diameter were recorded at harvest. The highest cane total phenol, carbohydrate and protein content were recorded in vines grafted on Dogridge rootstock. Whereas, highest proline content was recorded in vines grafted on 110R rootstock. The maximum berry weight and berry diameter were noted in vines grafted on Dogridge rootstock while highest number of bunches were found on Red Globe grapevines grafted on 110R rootstock for both the years of study. The present study revealed that rootstocks had significant effect on cane biochemical contents, yield and quality parameters, Red Globe vines grafted on rootstock proved better for biochemical, yield and quality parameters while Red Globe own rooted vines recorded lowest performance. Higher cane biochemical content before fruit pruning clearly indicates the nutrient and storage status of vine. The higher cane storage results into the improved and quality grape production.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) fingers (Salem) sample was divided into three grades (I: 30-40 mm, II: 40-50 mm and III: 50-60 mm) according to its major dimension to study physical properties.Geometric properties viz., length, breath, thickness, arithmetic mean diameter, geometric mean diameter, square mean diameter, equivalent diameter, sphericity, aspect ratio, unit volume, surface area and shape factor were determined and found to be in the range of 30.18

The present investigation was conducted for two years (2018-19 and 2019-20) to study the effect of rootstocks (Dogridge, 110R, 140Ru, Salt Creek and own roots of Red Globe) on growth parameters of Red Globe grapevines. The vigour and growth parameters such as pruning weight was found maximum on vines grafted on Dogridge rootstocks while minimum days to sprout and cane maturity was recorded in own rooted Red Globe vines. Number of canes/vine, shoot length, shoot diameter, leaf area and stock: scion ratio varied significantly among the rootstocks and were found maximum in vines grafted on Dogridge rootstock followed by Salt Creek and 110R rootstocks. The present study revealed that Red Globe grapevines grafted on Dogridge followed by Salt Creek rootstock proved better for growth parameters but in terms of growth period Red Globe own rooted vines was early to sprout and took minimum days for cane maturity over the vines grafted on rootstocks.

Fall Armyworm is a sporadic pest with a diverse host range and also an economically crucial polyphagous insect which is native to tropical and sub-tropical region of America with national importance causing economic damage to many of the agricultural crops (Hardke et al., 2015) [6]. It has high dispersal ability, wide host range, high fecundity, holometabolous and capable of producing an estimated 12 generations per year in tropical climates (Busato et al., 2005) [4] that makes the Fall Armyworm a notorious pest and one of the most severe economic pests (Chormule et. al., 2018). The purpose of this study is to examine the reproduction rate of S. frugiperda in laboratory over a different controlled temperature range of 18±2oC, 22±2oC, 26±2oC, 30±2oC, 32±2oC. Further, to derive oviposition, longevity and fecundity table at different temperature range which will predict the exact temperature that stimulates the reproduction of S. frugiperda. The purpose of this study is to contribute the control strategy of Fall Armyworm as their quality of dependence on temperature for the reproduction under laboratory condition.

Development of hybrids in Soybean is difficult because of its small delicate flower structure and there is no that much differences in degree dominance in soybean in F1, F2 and later generations due to very low frequency of out crossing, small genetic load. An attempt has been made to estimate the magnitude and direction of heterosis, residual heterosis and their specific combing ability for eight yield and yield contributing characters in F1, F2 and F3 generations of four crosses in soybean. The experimental material consists of four rust resistant donor parents (JS 335 x SDP 10, JS 335 x SDP 18, JS 335 x SDP 30 and JS 335 x SDP 36 crossed with common female JS335 in line x tester manner. Resulting F1, F2 and F3 generations of four crosses) along with parents were studied to evaluate mid parent (MPH), Better parent (BPH) heterosis and specific combing ability (SCA). The material was sown in randomized block design in three replications at Agriculture research station, Kasbe Digraj, Sangli, MPKV, Rahuri in summer 2019. The observations were recorded on eight quantitative characters. The analysis of data showed highly significant differences for all the traits under study. The obtained results showed that F1 of JS335 x SDP 30 exhibited highest mid and better parent heterosis for days to flowering (-14.36%),days to maturity (-6.83%), primary branches per plant (32.20%), number of pods per plant (31.42,64.85%) and 100 seed weight (34.83, 20.92%). The cross JS335 x SDP18 expressed highest heterosis for plant height (25.08,21.21%), Cross JS335 x SDP10 exihibited for number of pods per cluster(18.37,16.0%) and yield per plant in JS335 x SDP36 (32.90, 41.57%). However, among the F2 generations of four crosses, highest residual heterosis over mid and better- parent was recorded in JS335 x SDP18 for plant height (21.17,17.42%), number of primary branches per plant(16.40 % MPH),100 seed weight (21.81%) and yield per plant (37.09, 53.87%).The F2 of JS335 x SDP10 exhibited residual heterosis for number of pod per cluster(14.03%MPH).The F2 of JS335 x SDP 30 exhibited highest residual heterosis for number of pods per plant (22.72 and 53.93%) and 100 seed weight(20.61%MPH). In F3 generations, high amount residual heterobeltosis was recorded in JS335 x SDP18 for plant height (19.22, 15.53%), Pod per plant (24.40% BPH), 100 seed weight (21.81%MPH) and yield per plant in JS335 x SDP30 (37.40%BPH).

India is the largest producer of turmeric in the world, as out of the total turmeric grown in the world, India contributes to around 78-80 per cent of it. Although there are a few challenges that turmeric growers are confronted with nutritional aspects. The study is undertaken to estimate contribution of FYM and macro-nutrients in the turmeric rhizome and halum yield. The research data generated at STCRC project MPKV, Rahuri. Path analysis was employed to estimate contributions of FYM and macro-nutrients N, P and K.FYM contributed 100 per cent in control plot for turmeric yield (Rhizome q/ha) and in treated plot it was 43 per cent followed by FN 26%. Similarly, FYM contributed 100% in control plot 42% in treated plots followed by FK 32% for turmeric yield (Halum q/ha). The major contribution of application of FYM was in turmeric (Rhizome and Halum) yield both in control and treated plots followed by Nitrogen application. Hence, an application of fertilizer nutrient as per yield target (STCRC approach) with at least 25 t/ha FYM is recommended for enhancing turmeric (Rhizome and Halum) yield, increasing fertilizer use efficiency of added nutrients and maintaining soil health.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a specified water deficit during a specified growth stage by replenishing root zone soil water. A field experiment was conducted with 27 treatments in randomized block design comprising groupings of different root zone soil water replenishment levels (100%, 70%, and 40%) during different growth stages (tillering, grand growth, and maturity) over three full-year seasons of 2015-2017 in clay soils of semi-arid western India. The full-season 100% soil water replenishment produced higher yield (174 t ha(-1)), net monetary returns, and benefit-cost (B:C) ratio that decreased linearly with linear decrease in water use. Full-season 40% soil water replenishment caused a reduction in yield of about 40.7%, whereas a 70% replenishment caused a reduction in yield by 14%. The quality parameters of sugarcane improved non-significantly in high-water-deficit conditions compared with full irrigation. The smaller range of water productivity in all seasons indicated a linear decrease when irrigation water increased and yields decreased under the different treatments. The net income and B:C ratio related to marketable cane yield was highest in 100% soil water replenishment (INR 274,000 ha(-1) and 1.58, respectively) and then declined with the decrease in water use depth. The water deficit imposed during the long-duration grand growth stage had adverse effects on cane yield, followed by tillering and maturity stages. Deficit irrigation scheduling at 100%, 70%, and 40% soil water replenishment at tillering, grand growth, and maturity stages, respectively, was appropriate. The water requirement of seasonal sugarcane under full irrigation and water deficit conditions was 1,320 and 1,150 mm, respectively.

Morphometry means measurement of earth features. This is important factor for planning any watershed development programmme. RS and GIS technique is used to estimate the geomorphological characteristics of watershed. The area selected for the study is Agadgaon watershed in tehsil and district Ahmednagar of Maharashtra state. The area of watershed under study is 392 ha. The main watershed comprises of two sub-watersheds viz. W1 (296 ha) and W2 (96 ha). The Geomorphological characteristics of the watershed were extracted from DEM which was downloaded from United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) official website, using RS data and GIS software, ArcGIS 10.2. The morphometric parameters considered for analysis include the linear, areal and relief aspects. It is third-order drainage watershed. The mean bifurcation ratio for W1 was 4 and 2.45 for W2 which shows that the basin was largely controlled by structures. Also both sub watersheds are elongated. The watershed is having high drainage density leads to fine drainage texture and indicates that the catchment area is more prone to flooding. Low values of relative relief indicate that peak discharge rates are likely to be low and low erosion from the catchment. Similarly, all morphometric parameters were calculated for both watersheds.

The effect of feeding a rumen modifier [mixture of neem seed powder (Azadirachta indica), fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare), harad (Terminalia chebula), at the rate of DMI of heifers, RM-3] along with dry fodder (soybean straw), green fodder (lucerne) and concentrate mixture.The performance of crossbred heifers was studied.Twenty one crossbred heifers divided into three groups were assigned to three treatments, basal diet (control, T1), basal diet supplemented with RM-3 at the rate of 2% of dry matter intake (DMI) (T2) and basal diet supplemented with RM-3 at the rate of 4% of DMI (T3) for a period of 120 days.The diet was comprised of concentrate and roughage in 50:50 ratio.The heifer from all the treatments not only maintained their bodyweight but did indicate an increase in body weight over the experimental period.This means the ration provided to them was adequate to fulfil their nutritional demand.Total body weight gain over an experimental period was 62.57 kg, 109.00 kg 101.57kg in T1, T2 and T3 respectively.This indicated that rumen modifier with concentrate mixture -II promote a higher growth rate in heifers.However, there was more weight gain under T2 treatments.The average daily body weight gain was 0.52, 0.91, and 0.85 kg per day in T1, T2 and T3 treatments, respectively.It is concluded that the rumen modifier (RM-3) along with concentrate mixture can be used as a feed additive to increase weight of crossbred heifers and improve immune status without affecting animal performance.

An experiment was undertaken by utilizing forty genotypes of Niger obtained from Project co-ordinator Unit, Jabalpur and AICRP on Niger, Zonal Agriculture Research Station, Igatpuri at ZARS, Igatpuri during kharif-2019. The analysis of variance has shown that there was significant variation among the genotypes in all the traits. The multivariate analysis carried out using Mahalanobis D2-statistics, indicated wider genetic diversity in the genotypes of niger. Out of nine cluster formed, cluster I was largest with eighteen genotypes, followed by cluster II with eight genotypes, The cluster V, VI, VII, VIII, IX were solitary since they had only one genotype, whereas cluster III had six genotypes and cluster IV had three genotypes. The clustering pattern indicated absence of relationship between genetic diversity and geographical origin of the genotypes. The maximum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster IV and VIII (D= 17.68) while, lowest divergence was noticed between cluster V and IX (D=7.48). Maximum intra cluster distance observed within cluster III (D=8.06) while lowest intra cluster distance was observed within cluster I (D=6.12). The variance for cluster means were high for plant height (28.59 per cent), followed by oil content (21.28 per cent), seed yield (17.95 per cent), days to maturity (16.03 per cent) while, number of capitulum per plant was least contributor (0.13 per cent) towards the diversity. Based on inter-cluster distances, cluster mean and per se performance viz; IGPN-18-1, IGPN-18-12, IGPN-18-13, IGPN-18-14, IGPN-18-18, IGPN-18-19, N-24 and NSKMS-214 were distinct and diverse and can be classified as promising genotypes. These eight genotypes can be used for inter-crossing to obtain heterosis and also wider variability in Niger.

In the present investigation, gene action was investigated for six yield contributing traits in Soybean. Six crosses were made between three Kunitz trypsin inhibitor expressing and two Kunitz trypsin inhibitor-free soybean parents during summer 2017. Dominant gene action was found predominant in the inheritance of yield and yield contributing characters like yield per plant and 100 seed weight in cross P. Sangam × NRC 101 and P. Sangam × NRC 102. Both additive and dominance gene effects were significantly involved in the expression of yield per plant in crosses P. Kimya × NRC 101 and P. Kimya × NRC 102 with duplicate epitasis. Biparental mating design is suggested to improve these characters. Complementary epistasis was observed in cross P. Agrani × NRC 101 for days to 50% flowering, plant height and yield per plant and in cross P. Kimya × NRC 101 for plant height, 100 seed weight and pods per plant thereby suggesting that, the selection can be practiced in F3 generation onwards for the improvement of these characters. Trypsin inhibitor-free genotype showed additive gene action.

The purpose of this paper is to study the current trend of export of sheep and goat meat from India and forecasting of the same for next five years by using the time series modelling. Four different Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models were fitted to annual sheep and goat meat export (quantity) from India using data records from 1990-1991 to 2017-18. Using goodness of fit criteria i.e. Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC), the model with order (0, 0, 2) was considered as most suitable model out of other orders (2, 1, 0), (4, 0, 0)and (1, 4, 0). The forecasting of future annual meat export quantity in leading five years was done using by the best model with higher accuracy Annual sheep and goat meat export from India in five leading years is expected to be having increasing trend observed with positive growth rate (3.80%).

The present study entitled, “Loss and dynamics of total nutrient content in soil during brick making process in western Maharashtra”, was carried out during the year 2016-17 at the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Post Graduate Institute, MPKV, Rahuri with an objective to estimate total nutrient loss during brick making process and to study degradation of agriculture soil due to establishment of brick kiln on it. The comprehensive survey of eight districts was conducted in which, 2 brick production units (kilns) from each district of study area were visited for sample collection. Five different samples were collected from each brick kiln. Study and interpretation of data revealed that total N and K were lost up extent of 32% and 26% whereas no significant reduction found in terms of total P. When soil below the brick kiln compared to the normal agriculture soil there is accumulation of K was observed and significant loss of total N and P recorded. Study depicted remarkable changes and dynamics in total nutrient content due to brick making.

Present study was carried out in chilli where mutation was induced through chemical mutagen (ethyl methane sulphonate). Treated seeds with EMS had significantly reduced the germination percentage, plant height, number of branches, number of fruits per plant, diameter and length of fruit, green fruit yield per plot with increases in concentration of EMS treatments over the control treatment. Increase in dose of mutagen was found delay in first flowering and fruit set as compared to the control treatment in M1 generation.

The 140 day old 'Vencob-400' chicks, which were divided into seven treatment groups with four replicates per group (Five chicks per replicate) i.e. 20 chicks per treatment groups. Dietary treatments consisted of basal diet T0 (Control), T1, T2 and T3 with T4, T5 and T6consist of 1, 2 and 3 per cent cinnamon while 1, 2 and 3 per cent ginger, respectively. Body weight and feed consumption were recorded at weekly interval. Feed conversion ratio, dressing percentage, economics of broiler production were calculated. Cinnamon and ginger feeding were done separately and compared by completely randomized design (CRD). The body weight of the 2.0% (T2) cinnamon and 1% ginger (T4) group was significantly (P≤0.05) higher than the other groups. The average feed consumption was significantly highest (3966.85 g/b) in control group and lowest (3793.30 ± 05.94 g/b) in 2.0% cinnamon (T2) supplemented group. No mortality was observed entire experiment. Highest profit per bird was observed in T4 (Rs. 24.17) followed by T2 (21.15), T1 (18.27) and other treatments while lowest in T3 (8.47).Similarly highest cost benefit ratio was found in T4 supplemented with 1% ginger powder followed by T2, T1, T5, T0, T3 and T6. From the result of present study it was concluded that dietary inclusion of 2.0 % cinnamon and 1.0 % ginger can be used as growth promoters for more profit per bird.

The present investigation was conducted during summer 2018, to study the genetic divergence for different traits among F5 progenies of eight crosses of groundnut. The investigation was conducted with compact family block design with two replication at All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Groundnut, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Dist. Ahmednagar (M.S.). Total forty genotypes were grouped in seven clusters. Cluster I with 12 genotypes emerged as the largest cluster followed by cluster V with 10 genotypes and cluster II and IV with 6 genotypes, cluster VI with 4 genotypes. Remaining two clusters (III and VII) were monogenotypic. Cluster V exhibited maximum intra cluster distance i.e. (D=14.37), followed by cluster VI, cluster I, cluster II and cluster IV. Being monogenotypic, remaining clusters showed no intra cluster distance. Maximum inter cluster distance was found between cluster II and V, followed by V and VII and IV and VI It was observed that cluster II had the lowest cluster mean for days to 50% flowering and maturity. Cluster V had the highest cluster mean for number of branches per plant, number of matured pods per plant also lowest mean for number of immature pods per plant, highest shelling %, sound mature kernel (%) and dry pod yield per plant. Cluster VII had the mean for haulm yield per plot. Cluster IV had the highest mean for hundred kernel weight. Cluster III had the highest mean for traits oil percent and protein content.

Comparative evaluation of FG (50% HF + 50% Gir), IFG (Interse of FG), FJG (50% HF + 25% Jersey + 25% Gir), IFJG (Interse of FJG) and R (50% HF + 12.50% Jersey + 37.50% Gir) crosses of Gir was done on the basis of age at first conception (AFCon), lactation length (LL) and 300 days milk yield (300 DMY) of first, second and third lactations using Mahalanobis D-2 statistics. The genetic group differences were significant for each trait separately and simultaneously (V-stat) in all the three lactations. The differences in the D-2 values among genetic groups in all three subsets were significant except IFG with R genetic group in first lactation. The total D-2 values for AFCon, LL and 300 DMY were 18.85, 1.29 and 8.53 in first; 19.65, 1.90 and 6.91 in second and 21.22, 1.32 and 6.83, in third lactation, respectively. The per cent contribution of AFCon to the total D-2 value was maximum followed by 300 DMY and lowest of LL in first, second and third lactation, respectively. Based on D-2 values, in first lactation, the FG and FJG (F-1) genetic groups were placed in cluster 2 and IFG, IFJG and R genetic groups in cluster 1. In second and third lactations, IFG and IFJG genetic groups formed cluster 1, FG and FJG groups grouped in to cluster 2 and R genetic group formed cluster 3. The magnitude of inter-cluster distance was greater than intra-cluster distance.

Sugarcane is (Saccharum officinarum L.) is one of the most important commercial crops of the world, including region where water availability is limited or highly inconsistent. Abiotic stresses may decline in potential yield of crop plants by 70 %. In sugarcane numerous environmental factors can have negative effects on the increase in expansion of production and salinity stress is one of the most limiting abiotic factors affecting sugarcane productivity. Two sugarcane varieties viz., MS-10001 and CoC-671 were sown in the pots and were evaluated for antioxidative enzymes activity of Ascorbate peroxidase (APX), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) under different salt stress levels (0, 2, 4, 8 dSm-1). The activity of antioxidative enzymes APX was recorded highest in MS-10001 at (2, 4, 8 dSm-1) salt stresses and less per cent increase was found in APX activity in CoC-671 at different salt stress level. The activity of antioxidative enzymes Superoxide dismutase and catalase was recorded higher in MS-10001 as compared to CoC-671.