Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), a long-duration crop overlapping with the rainy (kharif) season, limits the growth period of subsequent winter (rabi) crops. To enhance income, intercropping with short-duration crops is viable due to turmeric’s slow initial growth, which leaves inter-row spaces uncovered for about four months. Therefore, an experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2020 and 2021 at School of Organic and Natural Farming, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, Punjab to study the effects of intercropping okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) with turmeric on the growth, yield and profitability of primary crop and the intercropping system. The treatments, viz. Sole turmeric (30 cm × 20 cm spacing) flat planting (T1); Turmeric + okra in 2:1 flat planting (T2); Turmeric + okra in 3:1 flat planting (T3); Sole turmeric crop on 67.5 cm bed planting (T4); Turmeric + okra in 2:1 bed planting (T5); Turmeric + okra in 4:1 bed planting (T6); and Sole okra sown at 45 × 15 cm (T7) were tested under randomised block design (RBD) using three replications. The results revealed that intercropping of turmeric and okra in a 2:1 ratio, under either flat or bed planting methods, resulted in higher yields of both okra and turmeric. The experiment revealed that cultivating turmeric and okra in a 2:1 ratio on either flat or bed planting methods improved the yield, growth, and profitability of both crops. Over two years, this intercropping system achieved 300 and 304.2 q/ha equivalent fresh rhizome yield, 16.2 and 18.8% higher than sole turmeric planted, respectively under the same methods. The system also generated additional returns of ₹38,600 and ₹49,388/ha indicating the potential of okra as an intercrop to enhance productivity and profitability, especially for small farmers.

Essential oils (EOs) are recognized for their potential as environmentally compatible alternatives to synthetic herbicides, often associated with a reduced risk of resistance development. However, their practical application faces challenges such as volatility and inconsistent efficacy. To address these limitations and enhance herbicidal potential, nanoemulsions (NEms) of Apium graveolens L. EO (celery) were formulated and assessed for their efficacy against Phalaris minor Retz. biotypes resistant (R) and sensitive (S) to ALS and ACCase-inhibiting herbicides, as well as Avena ludoviciana Durieu. The EO of A. graveolens had 37 compounds, with limonene (76.95%) as the main one. In the Petri plate bioassay emulsion of A. graveolens EO completely inhibited the germination of R and S P. minor biotypes and A. ludoviciana at 0.1%w/w. The individual components, R (+) limonene, S (-) limonene and their binary mixtures were less effective and reduced the germination of R and S P. Minor biotype and A. ludoviciana at comparatively higher concentrations. Individual components at concentration of 3 to 4%w/w were also toxic to Triticum aestivum. NEm of effective EO concentrations were fabricated by high frequency ultrasonic method and a phase diagram was mapped. The physicochemical properties indicated the formation of isotropic oil-in-water NEm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Dynamic Light scattering (DLS) studies indicated spherical nature of droplets with an average size > 21 nm. The prepared formulations were stable to storage as well as external forces. Emulsion and NEms each prepared at 0.05 and 0.1% w/w. A. graveolens EO concentrations completely inhibited the germination of R and S P. minor biotypes and A. ludoviciana by altering the physiological processes such as reduction in seed imbibition by 20% to 40% and causing up to a 13% increase in membrane leakage, without having adverse effects on T. aestivum.

A field experiment was carried out to assess the ideal time of planting and harvesting schedule of peppermint to realize higher herb yield and quality essential oil of peppermint during spring seasons of 2019 and 2020 at two locations viz. Ludhiana and Bathinda. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with the combinations of two varieties (Local and ‘Kukrail’) and three dates of planting (January 15, January 30 and February 15) in the main plots and three harvesting schedules [120, 130 and 140 days after planting (DAP)] in sub-plots. Delayed planting of peppermint on Feb 15 significantly improved growth and development in terms of plant height and stool count thereby resulting in 29 and 35.9% higher herb yield at Ludhiana and Bathinda respectively as compared to Jan 15 planting. However, planting on Feb 15 produced herb yield statistically at par with Jan 30 planting. Harvesting the peppermint at 140 DAP produced significantly higher herb yield by 16.3 and 31.2% than 130 and 120 DAP respectively at Ludhiana and by 11.3% and 20.2% respectively at Bathinda. The ‘Kukrail’ variety demonstrated significantly higher oil yield across locations, influenced by delayed planting and extended harvesting schedules, with maximum yield achieved at 140 DAP. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing planting and harvesting schedules to enhance peppermint productivity and oil yield. Adopting the ‘Kukrail’ variety with delayed planting and extended harvesting can maximize economic returns and ensure efficient utilization of agricultural land, offering a practical approach for farmers to improve peppermint cultivation outcomes.

Fennel, known as 'Saunf' and belonging to the Apiaceae family, is primarily cultivated in Gujarat and Rajasthan, contributing over 90 % of India's fennel production. Fennel is mainly grown as a winter spice crop. A field experiment was conducted at the School of Organic Farming, Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana during the rabi seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22 to evaluate the productivity of fennel genotypes under varying sowing times and row spacing. The experiment was laid out in split plot design comprising three fennel varieties (Ajmer Fennel-1, Ajmer Fennel-2 and Local), 2 sowing dates (November 1 st and November 15th) and 2 row spacing (45 cm and 60 cm) with 3 replications. The variety 'Ajmer Fennell' (AF 2) recorded significantly higher branches and umbels per plant, while having a shorter plant height compared to 'Ajmer Fennel-1' (AF 1) and a local variety. The variety AF 2 also produced higher seed yields by 19.1 and 37.9 % than AF 1 and the local variety in 2020-21 and 13.6 and 44.4 % in 2021-22, respectively. The sowing of fennel on November 1 st resulted in higher plant height, number of branches and seed yield as compared to November 15th sown fennel. Further, the sowing with row to row spacing of 45 cm recorded higher plant height, branches as compared to wider sown rows of fennel (60 cm), which contributed to higher seed yield during both the years. Thus, 'Ajmer Fennel-2' sown on November 1 st with 45 cm row spacing performed best under Punjab conditions.

The mosquito vector Aedes aegypti L., plays an important role in transmission of diseases including dengue, chikungunya and zika fever. In this study, citronella leaf oil extracted by hydro-distillation technique has been evaluated for its efficacy against this vector. Citronella leaf oil (100, 125, 150, 175 and 200 ppm) when tested, 150 ppm was found to be the effective larvicidal concentration against 4th instar larvae. LC50 and LC90 toxicity values were observed to be 107.10 and 141.59 ppm, respectively. GC-MS analysis indicated the presence of β-citronellal, geraniol, elemol and β-citronellol as the major components, which might be causing the larval mortality. Retention efficacy of the oil was found to be up to 84 hr in terms of larval killing and during this retention period, a significant delay in development (L4 to adult) was also observed. No effect of storage was observed on its larvicidal efficacy even after six months.

Background & objectives: Transmission of dengue virus by Aedes aegypti mosquito is one of the major global health concerns. The present study was aimed to explore the larvicidal potential of oil extracted from kinnow peel waste to be used as an efficient, economic and safe agent against Ae. aegypti. Methods: Kinnow peel oil was extracted and its five concentrations at 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 ppm were tested against 4th instar larvae of Ae. aegypti. Larval mortality (%) and LC50 and LC90 values of toxicity were determined followed by evaluation of the residual activity effect of its leftover effective concentration on larval mortality, development and emergence. Effect of storage (2, 4 and 6 months) on larvicidal potential of kinnow peel oil was also determined. Results: Out of the tested concentrations, 70 ppm of kinnow peel oil was found to be the effective concentration against 4th instar larvae of Ae. aegypti. LC50 and LC90 toxicity values were 47.26 and 61.56 ppm, respectively. No residual activity effect in terms of larval mortality was found, however a significant delay in development (L4 to adult) was observed after placing new larvae in the leftover effective oil concentration. No effect of storage on larvicidal potential of 2, 4 and 6 months old kinnow peel oil in comparison to freshly extracted oil was observed. Interpretation & conclusion: Kinnow peel oil proved to have a good potential as a biolarvicide against Ae. aegypti and could be used as an effective and eco-friendly mosquito control agent in the future.

Essential oil based bioherbicides are topic of interest for the new era agriculture because of growing concern worldwide to develop herbicide with low environmental impact. In the present study, oil in water nanoemulsions of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) essential oil were formulated by ultrasonic emulsification method and evaluated for herbicidal potential against Phalaris minor Retz., Avena ludoviciana Durieu, Rumex dentatus L. and Medicago denticulata Willd through Petri dish bioassay. The germination of P. minor, A. ludoviciana, R. dentatus and M. denticulata was totally inhibited at concentrations 0.4, 0.3, 0.3 and 0.05 wt%. Major constituents of F. vulgare essential oil, estragole, anethole and binary mixture did not completely inhibit the germination of the tested weed species even at highest concentrations. Nanoemulsions having 0.05 and 0.01 wt% F. vulgare essential oil were spherical in nature with average size below 130 nm and have good stability to centrifugation and dilution. The formulated nanoemulsions were clear and transparent even after 30 days of storage at ambient temperature. Nanoemulsions were more effective and completely inhibited the germination of P. minor, A. ludoviciana, R. dentatus and M. denticulata even at low dose of 0.05 wt% by adversely affecting the physiological processes like membrane leakage and reactive oxygen species mediated cellular damage. Nanoemulsions of F. vulgare essential oil have bioherbicidal properties and can contribute to the development of alternative tool for sustainable management of weeds.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is largely used in diversifed forms as a condiment, favouring and colouring agent and as a principal ingredient in Indian culinary as curry powder. For the higher productivity, identifcation of location specific production technologies is of prime importance. A study was conducted at the Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab for three consecutive years during kharif seasons of 2013–2015 to appraise the effect of planting methods and plant population on growth and yield of turmeric, and physical properties of the soil. The experiment was arranged in split plot design with four planting methods viz., fatbed, ridge spaced at 45 cm, ridge spaced at 60 cm and bed of 67.5 cm (2 rows per bed) in main plots and three plant populations viz., 1, 33, 334; 1, 66, 667 and 2, 00, 000 plants ha−1 in sub plots with four replications. The results revealed that bed (67.5 cm) planting method registered signifcantly better growth and yield attributes like plant height, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, number of rhizomes per plant and consequently fresh and dry rhizome yields than other planting methods except than fatbed during frst year. Plant height and leaf area index were signifcantly improved while dry matter accumulation and number of rhizomes per plant were signifcantly less with higher plant population than lower plant population. Fresh and dry rhizome yield were signifcantly higher with plant population of 2, 00, 000 and 1, 66, 667 plants ha−1 than plant population of 1, 33, 334 plants ha−1 due to more plants per unit area under higher plant population. Soil bulk density was signifcantly lowered under ridge and bed planting methods than fatbed planting method at shallow (0–15 and 15–30 cm) soil layers, however, no signifcant effect was observed at deeper soil layers of 30–45 and 45–60 cm. Water infltration rate was recorded in the lessening order of ridge spaced at 60 and 45 cm, bed 67.5 cm and fatbed planting methods, respectively.

A Field investigation was carried out to study the effects of organic (FYM) and inorganic nitrogen alone or in combination with bio-fertilizer consortium (Azotobacter, PSB and PGPR) on growth, yield attributes, yield and economics of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) during 2012-13 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The treat-ments were comprised of 75, 100 (25 t ha-1 FYM ~ 125 kg N ha-1) and 125 per cent of recommended N and control. Results revealed that application of organic manure (FYM) had beneficial effects on the growth, yield attributes and yield of turmeric. The maximum yield of 204.4 q ha-1 was obtained with application of 125 per cent of recommended organic manure combined with the bio-fertilizers, which was statistically at par with that of 100 per cent of recom-mended organic manure alone or in combination with the bio-fertilizers. Application of bio-fertilizers improved the growth and yield of turmeric to some extent.

The continuous application of nitrogen (N) through chemical source has shown deleterious effect on productivity of turmeric, whereas availability of organic source is very limited to meet the nitrogen requirement. Therefore it was considered worth to study the impact of integration of chemical and organic source of N on productivity of turmeric. A three-year field experiment was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, during 2011–12 to 2013–14 to study the response of turmeric to straw mulching and N applied through different combinations of organic manure (FYM) and N-fertilizer (urea). Application of paddy straw as mulch @ 6.25 t ha−1 significantly increased the plant height, number of tillers, mother, primary and secondary rhizomes, rhizome weight and yield of turmeric. The fresh rhizome yield increased by 85.0 and 34.9% during 2011–12 and 2012–13, respectively, due to mulch application over no-mulch. A slight improvement was noticed in curcumin content, however, the difference between mulch and no-mulch treatments was non-significant. Application of 125 kg N/ha through FYM alone, produced the highest rhizome yield during all study years (20.6, 22.36 and 23.17 t/ha during 2011–12, 2012–13 and 2013–14, respectively), which was, however, statistically at par with the application of two-third and half of organic manure along with one-third and half of N through urea, respectively. Nitrogen substitution through urea beyond 50% resulted into reduced growth and fresh rhizome yield. Hence, integration of 50% of N (62.5 kg/ha) through organic manure (FYM) and 50% of N through fertilizer urea enhanced the turmeric yield as compared to 100% N fertilizer alone. Quality parameter in terms of curcumin content did not show any significant differences with the different combinations of integrated nitrogen source.

Sugarcane being a widely spaced crop offers considerable space for cultivation of short duration intercrop. In sub-tropical India, sugarcane planted in autumn accounts for higher productivity due to extended period (approximately 12–16 months) of vegetative growth, but its feasibility is only possible if some intercrop especially wheat in Rabi season is sown as it can help farmer in generating additional income in midway of sugarcane season. Two rows of wheat has already been recommended in the north - western India, but the success was marred due to lack of suitable weed control methods in sugarcane - wheat intercropping system. Twelve weed control treatments including ten applications with postemergent herbicides i.e. sulfosulfuron 25 g/ha and 37.5 g/ha, pinoxaden 50 g/ha and 75 g/ha, readymade blend of sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron 30 g/ha and 45 g/ha, readymade blend of mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron 14.4 g/ha and 21.6 g/ha, metsulfuron 5 g/ha, carfentrazone-ethyl 20 g/ha, a weed free treatment with two hoeings at 3 and 6 weeks after sowing wheat (WASW) and an unweeded control (no hoeing and no herbicide application) were evaluated for three years from 2008–09 to 2010–11 in randomized block design with three replications. The objective of the experiment was to identify the best possible method of weed control for maximizing the productivity of sugarcane wheat intercropping system. All the chemical and cultural weed control treatments including the application of herbicides and manual hoeings suppressed the weeds efficiently as compared to the unweeded control. Among the herbicidal spray, application of sulfosulfuron 25 g and 37.5 g/ha recorded the lowest pooled dry matter of weeds and thus exhibited the highest weed control efficiency (mean of three years) (61.2% and 63.5%, respectively). The highest pooled cane equivalent yield of 92.7 t/ha was recorded with sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron 30 g/ha. Application of any herbicide at a higher dose than normal, could not supplement additional millable canes and sugarcane yield. Application of readymade blends of sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron 30 g/ha and mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron 21.6 g/ha produced pooled intercropped wheat yield of 3.41 and 3.49 t/ha which surpassed the 3.35 t/ha of wheat yield achieved with two manual hoeings at 3 and 6 WASW. The cane quality was not affected by application of any herbicide.

Plant nutrition and climatic conditions play important roles on the growth and secondary metabolites of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni); however, the nutritional dose is strongly governed by the soil properties and climatic conditions of the growing region. In northern India, the interactive effects of crop ecology and plant nutrition on yield and secondary metabolites of stevia are not yet properly understood. Thus, a field experiment comprising three levels of nitrogen, two levels of phosphorus and three levels of potassium was conducted at three locations to ascertain whether the spatial and nutritional variability would dominate the leaf yield and secondary metabolites profile of stevia.

A field experiment was conducted during autumn season of 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09 at sugarcane ex- perimental area (Ladhowal), Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to assess the profitability of intercropping of medicinal and high value crops in autumn planted sugarcane(Saccharum spp. hybrid). Gobhi sarson (Brassica napus L.), canola type GSC 5 and GSC 6 and non canola type varieties GSL 2, celery (Apium graveolens L.) local, barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) VJM 201 and radish (Raphanus sativus L.) Punjab Pasand for seed purpose were evaluated as intercrops. Out of 9 combinations of intercropping, sugarcane+ gobhi sarson GSL 2 (1: 1) re- corded the highest cane equivalent yield of 87.95 t/ha, which was 22 % higher than that of sole crop of sugarcane. The economic analysis also indicated that sugarcane+gobhi sarson GSL 2 (1: 1) recorded the highest net profit of 80,894/ha, followed by intercropping of sugarcane + celery (1:2) and sugarcane + gobhi sarson GSC 5 (1:2) + with 29.0%, 26.9% and 22.2% higher net returns over sole crop of sugarcane, respectively. However, different intercrops did not show any significant effect on cane quality in terms of pol % juice and commercial cane sugar (CCS %).

Larval packet test was used for detection of resistance levels against cypermethrin and deltamethrin, the most commonly used synthetic pyrethroids, in the multi-host tick Hyalomma anatolicum collected from district Moga, Punjab (India). Results indicated the presence of level I resistance against deltamethrin (RF = 2.81), whereas the tick isolate was susceptible to cypermethrin (RF = 0.2). The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of leaves of Cymbopogon winterianus, Vitex negundo and Withania somnifera along with roots of Vitex negundo were assessed for their acaricidal activity against the larvae of deltamethrin resistant H. anatolicum. The efficacy was assessed by measuring per cent larval mortality and determination of LC50 values. The various ethanolic extracts produced a concentration dependent increase in larval tick mortality, whereas the aqueous extracts exhibited a much lower mortality. The highest mortality (93.7 ± 0.66 %) was observed at the 5.0 % concentration of ethanolic extract of leaves of C. winterianus and the lowest LC50 value (0.011 %) was recorded for ethanolic extracts of leaves of V. negundo. The results indicated that these plant extracts have potential to be developed as herbal acaricides.

Detection of resistance levels against cypermethrin and deltamethrin, the most commonly used synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus collected from Moga, Punjab (India) was carried out using larval packet test. Results indicated the presence of resistance of level I and III against cypermethrin (resistance factors (RF) = 4.67) and deltamethrin (RF = 34.2), respectively. Adult immersion test was used to assess the acaricidal activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of leaves of Cymbopogon winterianus, Vitex negundo, and Withania somnifera along with roots of V. negundo against the SP resistant engorged females of R. (B.) microplus. The efficacy of various extracts was assessed by estimation of percent adult mortality, reproductive index (RI), percent inhibition of oviposition (%IO), and hatching rate. A concentration dependent increase in tick mortality was recorded which was more marked with various ethanolic extracts, and highest mortality was recorded in ticks treated with ethanolic extract of leaves of C. winterianus. The LC50 values were determined by applying regression equation analysis to the probit transformed data of mortality for various aqueous and ethanolic extracts. Acaricidal property was recorded to be higher in ethanolic extracts, and high activity was found with the ethanolic extract of leaves of C. winterianus with LC50 (95% CL) values of 0.46% (0.35-0.59%), followed by W. somnifera as 5.21% (4.45-6.09%) and V. negundo as 7.02% (4.58-10.74%). The egg mass weight of the live ticks treated with different concentrations of the various extract was significantly (p < 0.01) lower than that of control ticks; consequently, the RI and the %IO value of the treated ticks were reduced. Further, complete inhibition of hatching was recorded in eggs laid by ticks treated with ethanolic extracts of leaves of V. negundo and aqueous extracts of leaves of W. somnifera. The results of the current study indicate that extracts of C. winterianus, V. negundo, and W. somnifera can be used for the control of SP resistant ticks.

A field experiment was conducted on ratoon crop of sugarcane to develop suitable weed management practices during spring seasons of 2008–09, 2009–10 and 2010–11 at Sugarcane Experimental Area, (Ladhowal), Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. A total of fourteen treatments including weedy check was tested in randomized block design with three replication. Herbicidal treatments were applied to ratoon crop immediately after harvesting of plant crop in the Ist week of February every year under moist conditions. The highest weed dryweight of 182.7 g/m2was recorded in weedycheck. All the weed control treatments recorded significantly less weed dry weight as compared to the weedy check. The highest pooled cane yield of 74.3 t/ha was obtained with pre-emergence application of metribuzin 1.4 kg/ha fb 2,4-D 1.6 kg/ha at 45 days after ratoon initiation (DARI). The weed dry weight was significantly reduced to less than one third (54.3 g/m2) with preemergence application of metribuzin 1.4 kg/ha fb 2,4-D 1.6 kg/ha at 45 DARI compared to weedy check. Atrazine applied as pre-emergence at 2 kg/ha fb 2,4-D 1.0 kg/ha at 45 DARI proved equally effective as preemergence metribuzin 1.4 kg/ha fb 2,4-D 1.6 kg/ha at 45 DARI. In sugarcane ratoon crop, pre-emergence application of metribuzin 1.4 kg/ha fb 2,4-D 1.6 kg/ha at 45 DARI or atrazine 2 kg/ha fb 2,4-D 1.0 kg at 45 DARI gave net returns of ‘ 84,820/-and ‘ 84,497/-which was 61.7% and 61.1% higher over control, respectively.

A field trial on spring sugarcane was conducted on sandy loam soil, low in organic carbon at Ladhowal, Ludhiana for three consecutive years (2008–09 to 2010–11) to study the effects of sett size, seed rate and sett treatment techniques. Three sett sizes [single budded (B1), two budded (B2) and conventional three budded (B3) setts], two seed rates viz 75% of recommended i.e. 1,12,500 buds/ha (S1) and 100% of recommended seed rate i.e. 1,50,000 buds per ha (S2) and two sett treatment techniques i.e. treatment with carbendazim (0.1%) alone (T1) and alongwith 100 ppm gibberellic acid (GA3) for 15 minutes (T2) were evaluated in factorial RBD with three replications. The germination of single budded sett was adversely affected as compared to three budded sett. The tiller count, millable canes and cane yield of two and three budded setts were at par to each other and both were significantly better than the single budded sett. The increase in cane yield with two and three budded sett over single bud sett was 14.3% and 23.1% respectively. The tiller count, millable canes and cane yield were significantly reduced with 75% of the recommended seed rate (S1) than 100% of recommended seed rate (S2). Reduction in the recommended seed rate by 25% i.e. 1,12,500 buds/ha (S1) reduced cane yield by 13.9% as compared to the recommended 1,50,000 buds/ha (S2). Sett treatment with carbendazim (0.1%) + GA3 @ 100 ppm for 15 minutes (T2) had immense negative impact on germination. Seed rate and sett treatment did not have any effect on cane quality in terms of percentage of sucrose and commercial cane sugar (CCS) while the sett size of single bud recorded significantly lower cane quality than two and three budded setts.