A comprehensive three-year pioneer study to develop DUS descriptors of Capsicum annuum under protected conditions was undertaken that defined 56 morphological descriptors and were utilized for genetic divergence analysis. The study revealed substantial phenotypic variability across plant, leaf, floral, fruit and seed traits, with the Shannon Diversity Index (H') ranging from 0.09 to 1.57. High variability was recorded for length of first internode (H' = 1.57), pericarp thickness (H' = 1.43), fruit shape (H' = 1.38), plant height (H' = 1.24), fruit length (H' = 1.21) and fruit stalk length (H' = 1.10), indicating broad allelic diversity and strong potential for breeding interventions. Bell pepper genotypes demonstrated high variability in locule number (H' = 1.10). The population was dominated by key traits, including thin pericarp (41.38%), long stalk length (50.00%), dentate calyx margins (86.21%), constricted calyx (91.38%), strong pedicel attachment (62.07%), presence of blossom-end appendage (93.10%), medium maturity (50.00%), heavy seed weight (> 6.0 g) and generally low seed recovery efficiency (65.52%). The genotypes were classified into ten distinct clusters using Tocher's method, where clusters clusters I, II, IV, VII, VIII and X comprised hot pepper and paprika genotypes, while clusters III, V, VI and IX comprised bell pepper genotypes. Principal component analysis revealed that the first four principal components explained most of the existing variation (> 70%) in the germplasm. Overall, the substantial diversity observed across traits highlights the genetic potential of the evaluated Capsicum genotypes as a valuable resource for crop improvement, conservation and targeted breeding of desirable morphological and agronomic traits.

Abstract This study integrated morphometric characterization and machine-learning modelling to identify key predictors of yield in Annona reticulata under semi-arid conditions. Thirty-one canopy, fruit, seed, and biochemical traits were evaluated across 62 genotypes, revealing substantial phenotypic diversity, particularly in structural attributes such as tree growth nature and branch angle. Principal Component Analysis and hierarchical clustering differentiated genotypes into three ideotypes representing high-yielding, structurally stable, and quality-oriented groups. Random Forest modelling and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) interpretation consistently highlighted leaf breadth, leaf length, fruit shape, and pulp-associated traits as dominant yield predictors, underscoring the coordinated influence of source-sink balance. Integration of SHAP importances with trait stability (CV%) further revealed that moderately variable traits provide reliable selection indices. These findings demonstrate that yield performance is governed by multivariate trait networks rather than isolated descriptors. The proposed framework provides a robust basis for precision phenotyping and strategic parent selection to develop high-yielding, nutritionally enriched, and climate-resilient custard apple cultivars.

The experiment was conducted during 2021 to 2023 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi aimed to investigate the morphological changes of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) var. Pusa Narangi Gainda under the influence of cold stress and mitigation techniques. The investigation included sowing the Pusa Narangi Gainda marigold variety on three distinct dates and subjecting the seedlings to two different growing environments [open field (E1) and protected conditions (E2)], each treated with various treatments and combinations included, T0, Control; T1, Salicylic acid (SA) @100 ppm; T2, SA @200 ppm; T3, SA @300 ppm; T4, Chitooligosaccharide (COS) @100 ppm; T5, COS @200 ppm; T6, COS @300 ppm; T7, Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) alone; T8, SA @100 ppm + AM; T9, SA @200 ppm + AM; T10, SA @300 ppm + AM; T11, COS @100 ppm + AM; T12, COS @200 ppm + AM and T13, COS @300 ppm + AM. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications. Parameters concerning plant growth, flowering, and yield were assessed and analysed. Findings indicated that plants cultivated within a low plastic tunnel, particularly those sown on October 15th exhibited superior growth and flowering characteristics compared to those grown in open field conditions. Upon examining different treatments, it was noted that combining COS at a concentration of 200 ppm with AM @10 g/plant yielded more favourable results compared to the control group and other treatments. This study underscores the advantageous effects of utilizing low plastic tunnels across different sowing dates and treatments on marigold plants' growth, flowering and yield attributes.

The current study examined the impact of cold stress on marigold. The genotype Pusa Bahar during winter cultivation and its melioration using elicitors, and plastic tunnels at various sowing dates. Comparing low plastic tunnels to open field settings, the results demonstrated a considerable gain in plant height (72.08 cm), dry matter accumulation (74.84 g), single flower weight (8.92 g), as well as yield (390.59 g), among other survival, growth, and blooming indices. Furthermore, it was discovered that the best time to sow marigold plants was October 15th. This was demonstrated by the plants’ height (69.49 cm), dry matter accumulation (71.68 g), single flower weight (8.45 g), and yield (381.04 g). Along with this, marigold plants under cold stress showed significantly higher plant height (71.96 cm), dry matter accumulation (74.17 g), single flower weight (8.94 g), and yield (384.82 g) when 200 ppm of chito oligosaccharide was applied, especially when combined with arbuscular mycorrhiza. The viability of low plastic tunnels and the effectiveness of elicitors in boosting marigold plant survival, development, and production, as well as boosting plant resistance to cold stress during winter farming, are demonstrated.

This study aimed to compare various methods to alleviate cold stress and investigate biochemical responses in marigold var. Pusa Narangi Gainda. This study was conducted over two years (2021-2022 and 2022-2023) at the Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology (CPCT), ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi involving the sowing of marigold variety Pusa Narangi Gainda on three different dates. The seedlings were then cultivated under two different growing conditions, using various treatments and their respective combinations. The biochemical responses were assessed and analysed. Results revealed that plants cultivated inside a low plastic tunnel showed the lowest activity of anti-oxidant enzymes, proline content, malondialdehyde content, total phenol content, total soluble sugars and soluble protein content significantly compared to those grown in open field conditions. Additionally, the plants from the sowing date of October 15th recorded the lowest values compared to the other two sowing dates (November 1st and November 15th). Through the examination of different treatments, it was observed that the combination of Chito Oligosaccharide at a concentration of 200 ppm with Arbuscular mycorrhiza recorded the increased anti-oxidant enzyme activity, proline content, total phenol content, total soluble sugars, soluble protein content and reduced malondialdehyde content comparing to the control and other treatments. This study showcases the beneficial effects of using low plastic tunnels in different sowing dates and treatments to increase plant resilience to cold stress.

An experiment was carried out to study the progression of Fusarium wilt infection and the biochemical reaction of some gladiolus genotypes to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. gladioli in the root tissue. On infection, there was an oxidative outburst in root tissue that build up a defense mechanism in the plants. The per cent disease index (0–3 scale), histopathological, physiological and biochemical parameters were studied in resistant and susceptible gladiolus genotypes. The percent disease indices were lower in the more resistant genotypes Swarnima and Pusa Unnati compared to the susceptible genotypes Urmi and White Friendship. Total chlorophylls, carotenoids, intercellular CO2, total sugars, total phenols, total soluble proteins, lipid peroxidase, H2O2 generation, superoxide dismutase, catalase, polyphenol oxidase, and phenyl alanine lyase activities were recorded. Histopathological observations showed that genotypes, Swarnima and Unnati were less sensitive to fungus-induced plasmolysis, resulting in a prolonged biotrophic phase and temporarily retarded the disease development. Susceptible genotypes, Urmi and White Friendship showed the onset of the necrotrophic phase at the earliest. Total chlorophylls, carotenoids, intercellular CO2, and total soluble proteins content were decreased by 43.92, 47.36, 63.98 and 24.92

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a significant tropical fruit crop that is primarily propagated through stem cuttings. The success of propagation through stem cuttings largely depends on the rooting medium used. Therefore, optimising the rooting medium is crucial for enhancing the success rate of guava propagation. This study was conducted in the Himalayan foot hill condition in the years 2021 and 2022 at Indian Institute of Soil and water conservation, Selaqui Dehradun, aimed to identify the optimal rooting medium for guava propagation through stem cuttings. The experiment tested three rooting media: sand (S), sawdust (SD), and a combination of the two, sand and sawdust (SSD), using semi-hardwood stem cuttings from guava trees. The study found that the SSD medium had the highest rooting success rate (94.5%), followed by Sand (87.5%) and Saw Dust (70%). The experiment suggests that semi-hardwood stem cuttings of guava roots are best in sawdust and sand, and this finding could contribute to enhancing the propagation of guava through stem cuttings.

Bionutrients play a vital role in enhancing soil productivity and sustainable agricultural production. In vegetable crops, limited information is available on the relevance of bionutrients in solanaceous crops under protected conditions. Therefore, an experiment was planned to study the response of bionutrients under the modified naturally ventilated polyhouse in mid-hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh for two consecutive years. Various bell pepper varieties, viz., Mekong, Orobelle, Indra and DPCY1, were subjected to a set of bionutrient sources (beejamrit, ghanjeevamrit, jeevamrit and mulching). The results showed that there was a substantial increase in yield parameters in the treatment module, i.e., Mekong + beejamrit@ 200 ml/kg + ghanjeevamrit@5q/ha + jeevamrit @ 500 lt/ha at 21-day intervals + mulching @ 10 t/ha. This treatment exhibited a minimum number of days to 50% flowering (24.16), maximum number of marketable fruits per plant (28.40), fruit length (7.68 cm), fruit breadth (7.70 cm), pericarp thickness (9.15 mm), average fruit weight (109.53 g), plant height (84.06 cm) and marketable yield per plant (3.11 kg). However, Mekong + beejamrit @ 200 ml/kg + ghanjeevamrit @5q/ha + jeevamrit@ 500 lt/ha at 28-day intervals + mulching @ 10 t/hattreatment proved best for total soluble solids (4.58 °Brix), ascorbic acid (166.50 mg/100 g), capsaicin content (6.64%) and carotenoid content (2.43 mg/100 g). Horticultural and biochemical traits were appreciably enhanced after bionutrient application in bell pepper. Therefore, outcomes from the study point out that it is a feasible and economical approach for farmers.

Chukrasia tabularis, a secondary timber with potential for plantation forestry and genetic conservation, exhibits rapid growth and variable seed output. Yet, shoot borer susceptibility affects stem shape, while short seed viability and heterozygosity management are vital for quality. The innovative technique of mini-clonal propagation holds significant importance in tree improvement initiatives, especially for efficiently propagating superior genetic variants of the tree species on a larger scale. As Chukrasia tabularis is widely utilized for timber, effective methods for clone propagation become crucial. This newfound knowledge aids propagators, geneticists, and tree enhancement experts in optimizing propagation approaches, reducing costs, and improving root formation success. In this study the effects of varying concentrations of IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid), IAA (Indole-3-acetic acid), and NAA (Naphthaleneacetic Acid) powders (500 ppm, 1000 ppm, 1500 ppm, and 2000 ppm), alongside untreated cuttings as controls were investigated. Stem cuttings of 10-15 cm were immersed in these growth hormones before planting in 4 different rooting media (cocapith: perlite mixture, cocapith: perlite+ biochar, sand: soil and decomposed cocapith: perlite). The study discovered that treating Chukrasia tabularis stem cuttings with IBA at 1000 ppm before planting in the cocapith:perlite mixture significantly enhanced root development (74%) and survival rates (99%).

Agricultural practices in India are facing many challenges such as change in climatic conditions, different geographical environment, conventional agricultural practices; economic and political scenario. Economic loss due to the lack of information on crop yield productivity is another major concern in the country. These hurdles can be overcome by the implementation of advanced technology in agriculture. Some of the trends observed are smart farming, digital agriculture and Big Data Analytics which provide useful information regarding various crop yields influencing factors and predicting the accurate amounts of crop yield. The exact prediction of crop yield helps formers to develop a suitable cultivation plan, crop health monitoring system, management of crop yield efficiently and also to establish the business strategy in order to decrease economic losses. This also makes the agricultural practices as one of the highly profitable ventures. This paper presents insights on the various applications of technology advancements in agriculture such as Digital Agriculture, Smart Farming or Internet of Agriculture Technology (IoAT), Crop Management, Weed and Pest control, Crop protection and Big data analytics.

The research was aimed to study socio-economic aspects of equine farmers in Haryana, India. The study was conducted in four districts (provinces) of Haryana; Hisar, Bhiwani, Jind and Rohtak. The study was descriptive and exploratory in nature and data were collected during January 2022 to March 2022. Selection of respondents was done by simple random sampling method at sampling site. Structured interview schedule was adopted for data collection. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version was adopted for analysis of data. It was found that majority of respondents 51.2% were of middle age group and 43.2% were illiterate, 56.1% respondents belong to other backward class, 86.1% were landless, 45.9% respondents live in nuclear family, household total monthly income of maximum of respondents (34.3%) is 20001 to 30000 INR (Indian Rupee), 65% rear single equine and 48.8% get monthly income 5000 to 15000 INR from per equine rearing. The study revealed that socio-economic profile of equine farmers is not satisfactory in study area, equine population is declining rapidly and equine farmers are migrating from equine rearing to other profession and exploring new source of income.

Depleting natural resources, environmental pollution and climate change are the three major factors of concern simmering up with contemporary global agriculture. Conservation agriculture (CA) is being flagged up as a sustainable adaptation mechanism. Adoption of CA depends upon ecological as well as, farmers’ level of perception, knowledge acquisition, and decision-making process. The present study was taken place in West Bengal covering both the new alluvial zone (NAZ) and terai zones (TZ) following snowballing sampling method during 2018-21. A total of 65 farm households were surveyed considering 57 different social-ecological factors operating across CA farms. The study elucidated that farmers’ perception of energy, climate change perception, formal education, land fragmentation, gender ratio, irrigated area, dietary diversity, and family size came up as strong determinants of their level of knowledge of CA. Understanding and measuring the complexity of social knowledge is essential for sustainable management, with consequences for problem-solving, mutual aid, and decision-making.

The current study was aimed to analyze socio-economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic on equine rearing in Haryana, India. The study was descriptive and exploratory in nature, including field survey. Structured interview schedule was adopted to conduct personal interviews of respondents. COVID-19 pandemic impact were observed on equine community and 73.9% respondents reported that there was decrease in demand of work for their equines and as a result there was reduction in their income and sale of their by-products or utilizing their draught powers. 74.2% reported about reduction in income from equine rearing. As expenses on equine rearing are concern, it was found that expenses on equine rearing either increased or remained same, 59% reported no change in expenses, and 35.3% reported that equine rearing expenses increased. Regarding health of their equines, 82.5% respondents reported that there was no change in the health of their equines. Household total monthly income either decreased or remained same, 73.5% reported reduction in income and 23.4% reported no change in their household income. As per household expenses are concern, 39.2% reported increase and 52.1% reported that there was no change in household expenses. Regarding availability of veterinary services for equines, 80.8% respondents reported that veterinary services remained available for their equines. Regarding supply of feed/fodder for equines, 73.4% reported that there was no change in supply of feed/fodder and 22.1% reported reduction in supply of feed/fodder for their equines. Equine sector was adversely affected due to pandemic and socio-economic matters of respondents were totally disturbed. It reveled out that 33.7% respondents were not willing to continue with their current occupation of equine rearing and they are willing to migrate from equine rearing and exploring new sources of income. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version was adopted for data analysis. The current study is very significant to address the problem of equine farmer in changed scenario of pandemic.

Crop health is acknowledged as a key component to secure global food security. Pisum sativum L. (pea) cultivation is questioned by different biotic, and abiotic stresses. Among them, pea root rot complex (PRRC) is the most prevalent disease caused by soil-borne fungi, and it is usually considered the limiting factor in pea yield (30–57% reduction in yield). PRRC has a diverse spectrum of hosts and may be found all around the globe. The condition stands complex, and numerous approaches such as cultural, physical, biological, and pharmaceutical have failed miserably to control PRRC pathogens. In light of the many tactics and their success, host-plant resistance represents just one realistic choice for controlling the disease in pea agriculture for the long run. It's a strong, low-cost, long-lasting, and environmentally sustainable phenomenon. Plant breeding strategies along with advanced molecular approaches viz., SNP genotyping, gene(s), QTLs mapping, marker assisted selection (MAS), have been led to rise of host-plant-resistance against PRRC. Partial resistance to Fusarium spp. is more common in pea genotypes with coloured flowers and seed coatings. MAS can speed up the breeding process by assisting in the genetic selection of targeted traits in early generations. QTLs for resistance to PRRC can be validated using NILs/RILs generated by MAS. In the present manuscript, we review the recent results and breeding strategies for PRRC.

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the phytotoxic effects of Ficus auriculata Lour. and Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham. ex Sm.on growth and dry matter production of Eleusine coracana L., Echinochloa frumentacea L., Amaranthus caudatus L. and Vigna umbellata Thunb. These two Ficus tree species grow naturally in the traditional agroforestry systems of Garhwal Himalaya and the evaluation of allelopathic potential of these promising trees is required to monitor sustainable and efficient production of food crops under the canopy of both tree species to small and marginal farmers. On an average, the leaves and bark extracts of both analysed tree species had stimulated the seedling growth of A. caudatus (+20.48 & +16.79%) and V. umbellata (+0.10 & +4.64%) and for E. frumentacea (−28.31 & −50.0%) and E. coracana (−8.19 & −19.65%) reduction of seedling growth was observed. The maximum reduction in biomass was recorded in E. frumentacea (−158.67%) and least reduction was recorded in V. umbellata (−27.12%) under the leaves and bark extracts. The allelopathic effects of both extracts were resulted in decreased with increasing the soaking time of extracts, i.e. 24hrs >48hrs > 72hrs. The results also indicated that the allelopathic effects are species specific and extracts can have different influences on seedling growth of studied test crops. The tolerance of the test crops was in the order of A. caudatus > V. umbellata > E. frumentacea > E. coracana, while the toxicity of tree species was in the order of F. auriculata > F. semicordata. The study recommends that the A. caudatus and V. umbellata should be grown under canopy of both species and E. frumentacea and E. coracana could be grown in open field condition. Both Ficus species are economically important and are suitable for agroforestry systems of Garhwal Himalaya for sustainable agriculture of the region.

Field experiments were conducted to ascertain the effect of agronomical interventions on vegetative-yield and quality traits of stevia. The experiments were laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments of inorganic fertilizers (NPK @ 80:50:40 kg/ha) alone and integrated with organic sources (25, 50 and 75% N through FYM and vermi-compost) and relative efficacy of these treatments were evaluated on the yield of stevioside. The pooled data for two year showed that the combined application of 75% NPK through inorganic and 25% N through vermi-compost produced highest plant height (64.26 cm), number of branches/plant (14.12), number of leaves/plant (136.54), leaf area/plant (1698 cm2), fresh leaves weight (34.62 g/plant), dry leaves weight (10.18 g/plant) and dry leaves yield (13.92 q/ha). However, the maximum yield of commercial product, i.e. stevioside content (11.88%) and stevioside yield (1.47 q/ha), was recorded in dry leaves of plant fertilized with 50% NPK through inorganic combined with 50% N through vermi-compost. These studies have conclusively established that supplementing NPK with vermicompost or FYM in the range of 25–50% has significant stimulatory effect on stevioside yield (1.09–1.47 q/ha) compared to recommended application of NPK alone (0.68 q/ha). It is therefore surmised that in order to get higher economic yield of stevia under central plain zone of North India, recommended dosage of NPK application should invariably be supplemented with 50% vermi-compost/FYM.