• Authors:
    • Patil, B. V.
    • Sagar, D.
  • Source: Journal of Entomological Research
  • Volume: 35
  • Issue: 4
  • Year: 2011
  • Summary: Bt cotton genotypes under investigation (BG, BG-II) responded similarly for egg population of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) with no differential susceptibility. With respect to larval incidence and damage due to H. armigera, Earias vittella (Fabricius), Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) and Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) all the second generation Bt cotton genotypes performed better over Bollgard cotton under unprotected condition. Interspecific Bt cotton genotypes were found superior with respect to good opened bolls per plant, bad opened bolls per plant, total number of harvested bolls per plant, seed cotton yield and benefit cost ratio over intraspecific Bt cotton genotypes. Among interspecific Bt cotton genotypes MRC-7918 Bt (BG-II) proved better than the MRC-6918 Bt (BG-I) and with in intraspecific Bt cotton genotypes NCS-145 Bt (BG-I) proved better in all yield contributing factors and benefit cost ratio than NCS-145 Bt (BG-II).
  • Authors:
    • Nedunchezhiyan, M.
  • Source: Indian Journal of Agronomy
  • Volume: 56
  • Issue: 2
  • Year: 2011
  • Summary: Field experiments were conducted at Dumduma, Bhubaneswar, for three consecutive years (2006-2008) to assess the sweet potato based strip intercropping systems with respect to productivity, nutrient uptake, competition and economic parameters. Sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas L.)+pigeonpea [ Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] strip intercropping system recorded significantly higher root equivalent yield (13.53 t/ha) compared to other cropping systems except sole sweet potato. The total yield gain in sweet potato+pigeonpea system was 28.8% and 24.7% over sweet potato+rice ( Oryza sativa L.) and sweet potato+ragi ( Eleusine coracans L.) strip intercropping system. Root equivalent yield of sole sweet potato was significantly higher than the sole stand of other crops and strip intercropping systems except sweet potato+pigeonpea. Competition indices like land equivalent ratio (LER), area time equivalent ratio (ATER), aggressivity (A) and monetary advantage index (MAI) values were higher for sweet potato+pigeonpea strip intercropping system. Sweet potato appears more competitive than companion crops like rice or ragi. Partial competition ratio value of companion crops like maize ( Zea mays L.) and pigeonpea had an edge over sweet potato in sweet potato+maize and sweet potato+pigeonpea strip intercropping systems. The uptake of N, P and K were observed to be more when sweet potato, maize and pigeonpea were included in the strip intercropping systems. The root equivalent yield and competition indices and economic parameters indicated that the strip intercropping of sweet potato with pigeonpea is biologically sustainable and economically viable.
  • Authors:
    • Rao, K.
    • Laxminarayana, K.
    • Nedunchezhiyan, M.
    • Satapathy, B.
  • Source: Acta Agronomica Hungarica
  • Volume: 59
  • Issue: 2
  • Year: 2011
  • Summary: A field experiment was conducted at the Regional Centre of the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Dumduma, Bhubaneswar for three consecutive years (2006-2008) under rainfed conditions on Alfisols to quantify the effects of strip intercropping on crop yields and yield components. A significantly higher yield was obtained from sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas L.) border rows when pigeonpea ( Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) was intercropped. Analyses of sweet potato yield components indicated that the number of roots/plant, root length and root diameter were significantly higher in border rows when rice ( Oryza sativa L.), finger millet ( Eleusine coracana L.) and pigeonpea were used as intercrop compared to monoculture sweet potato. The number of tubers/plant of sweet potato in border rows was significantly lower when maize ( Zea mays L.) was intercropped, but the root length and root diameter were found to increase compared to sole sweet potato. The yields of rice, finger millet, maize and pigeonpea in inside rows in strip cropping were a little higher than in monoculture. The yield difference was mainly due to an increase in the number of seeds/panicle or cob. Sweet potato was the dominant crop when grown with rice or finger millet, but it was the subordinate crop when grown along with maize or pigeonpea. Sweet potato yields were consistently higher in strip intercropping than in monoculture when calculated across all the strips on an equal area basis. A strip intercropping system involving sweet potato+pigeonpea resulted in a higher land equivalent ratio (1.31) and net return ($623.9) compared to the other forms of intercropping and to monocropping.
  • Authors:
    • Loon, G.
    • Hugar, L.
    • Patil, S.
    • Sarkar, A.
  • Source: Ecohealth
  • Volume: 8
  • Issue: 4
  • Year: 2011
  • Summary: In order to support agribusiness and to attain food security for ever-increasing populations, most countries in the world have embraced modern agricultural technologies. Ecological consequences of the technocentric approaches, and their sustainability and impacts on human health have, however, not received adequate attention particularly in developing countries. India is one country that has undergone a rapid transformation in the field of agriculture by adopting strategies of the Green Revolution. This article provides a comparative analysis of the effects of older and newer paradigms of agricultural practices on ecosystem and human health within the larger context of sustainability. The study was conducted in three closely situated areas where different agricultural practices were followed: (a) the head-end of a modern canal-irrigated area, (b) an adjacent dryland, and (c) an area (the ancient area) that has been provided with irrigation for some 800 years. Data were collected by in-depth interviews of individual farmers, focus-group discussions, participatory observations, and from secondary sources. The dryland, receiving limited rainfall, continues to practice diverse cropping centered to a large extent on traditional coarse cereals and uses only small amounts of chemical inputs. On the other hand, modern agriculture in the head-end emphasizes continuous cropping of rice supported by extensive and indiscriminate use of agrochemicals. Market forces have, to a significant degree, influenced the ancient area to abandon much of its early practices of organic farming and to take up aspects of modern agricultural practice. Rice cultivation in the irrigated parts has changed the local landscape and vegetation and has augmented the mosquito population, which is a potential vector for malaria, Japanese encephalitis and other diseases. Nevertheless, despite these problems, perceptions of adverse environmental effects are lowest in the heavily irrigated area.
  • Authors:
    • Arvadia, M.
    • Patil, P.
    • Surve, V.
  • Source: Madras Agricultural Journal
  • Volume: 98
  • Issue: 10/12
  • Year: 2011
  • Summary: Field experiment was conducted during summer 2007 at Navsari campus on clay in textured soils with different cereal-legume fodders under sole and intercropping systems for getting higher fodder yield and economics. Green and dry fodder yields of sorghum/maize, cropping systems either sole sorghum or sorghum+cowpea in the ratio of 2:1 were equally good and superior to rest of the systems. The intercropping of sorghum with cowpea in a row ratio of 2:1 recorded maximum land-equivalent ratio (1.51), gross (Rs 60744/-ha -1) and net (Rs 50031/-ha -1) return along with higher benefit: cost ratio (5.67).
  • Authors:
    • Hore, J. K.
  • Source: The Jackfruit
  • Year: 2011
  • Summary: Jackfruit is popularly known as poor man's fruit in eastern and southern parts in India. The tree can be cultivated on marginal land and does not require intensive management to provide a good crop. The jack fruit is adopted only to humid tropical and near-tropical climates. It thrives from sea level to an altitude of 1600 m. It is grown on a variety of soils, deep alluvial, sandy loam, or clay loam of medium fertility, calcareous or lateritic soil, shallow limestone or stony soil with a pH of 5.0-7.5. The tree exhibits moderate tolerance to saline soils and poor drought and flood tolerance. The jack flourishes in rich, deep soil of medium or open texture, sometimes on deep gravelly or laterite soil. The best time for planting grafts or seedlings is June to August but with irrigation facilities it may be extended upto November. Pits of 1.0 m cube are dug at least 10 days before planting at a spacing of 8*8 m to 10*10 m. About 30 kg well-rotted farm yard manure, 500 g superphosphate and 250 g. muriate of potash are mixed with the top soil of the pit and refilled. Spraying of gibberellic acid (25-200 ppm) enhances both shoot and root growth. The young trees must be kept weed few during first three to four years. A 5-10 cm mulch will be good for suppression of weeds as well as to maintain soil moisture, particularly during the dry period. Regular punning of weak, dead and diseased branches at the end of rainy season is recommended. Fruit thinning is also recommended to prevent damage to branches due to heavy fruit load. Based on the firmness of flesh cultivated types are of two general groups (i) soft flesh - the pulp of ripe fruit is very juicy and soft, (ii) firm flesh - the flesh pulp is firm and crispy at ripe and can be preserved for several months. Some types are available with their common names viz., Gulabi, Hazari, Champaka, Rudrakshi, Singapore etc. The trees need good nutrition to promote regular and good bearing. The quantity of fertilizer required depends on vigour and age of trees and fertility of soil. The quantity of FYM varied from 20-50 kg/plant. The NPK dose (g/plant/year) for mature plant is 750:400:500 in Tamil Nadu, 800:480:1050 in Madhya Pradesh, 600:300:240 in Karnataka and 210:160:1000 in Assam. The yearly amount should be applied in two splits i.e., at the beginning of rainy season and after the rainy season is over. Manures and fertilizers should be applied in the drip zone i.e. 10 m wide circular basin, leaving 50 cm, around tree trunk. The Jackfruit is not normally irrigated. The trees are sensitive to drought and respond well to irrigation between flowering and fruiting. Since jackfruit takes about 8-10 years to attain full bearing, intercropping with vegetables like tomato, brinjal, chilli, cabbage, bhindi etc. and leguminous crops like cowpea, gram, kalai etc. will benefit the farmer. Seedling trees start bearing from 7th to 8th year onwards while the grafted ones from third year. The tree attains its peak bearing stage in about 15-16 years of planting. Period of fruit development is February to June. The optimum stage of harvesting has been reported to be 90-110 days after appearance of the spike. The fruit matures towards the end of summer in June. A tree bears upto 250 fruits annually, weighing about 3 kg to 25 kg with yield variation of 50-80 tonnes of fruit/ha.
  • Authors:
    • Alagesan, V.
    • Janardhan, K.
    • Sreenivasulu, M.
  • Source: Crop Research
  • Volume: 42
  • Issue: 1/2/3
  • Year: 2011
  • Summary: A study was conducted with a sample of 100 respondents randomly and equally selected from two purposively selected villages based on the maximum area under Narasimha cotton variety cultivation from two different Mandals of Kurnool district. Research study revealed that the constraints of higher order significance were inadequate research on IPM in cotton (100.00%), lack of suitable pest and disease control measures at low cost (99.00%), low support price (98.00%), lack of irrigation facilities (86.00%), high cost of labour (84.00%) and inadequacy of the skilled labour (77.00%) and high order importance were inadequate research on cotton intercropping systems (54.00%) and inadequate research on INM in cotton (50.00%). The corresponding suggestions of higher order importance as perceived by the Narasimha cotton growers were development of bollworm tolerant variety (72.00%), development of drought tolerant variety (48.00%), supply of plant protection chemicals at subsidized rate (36.00%), providing financial assistance (34.00%) and good extension services (32.00%).
  • Authors:
    • Dhankhar, O. P.
    • Sharma, K. D.
    • Sushil Kumar
    • Kaushik, R. A.
    • Kaushik, N.
  • Source: Indian Journal of Horticulture
  • Volume: 68
  • Issue: 1
  • Year: 2011
  • Summary: The combinations of different tree species namely guava ( Psidium guajava)+ shisham ( Dalberiga sissoo), guava ( Psidium guajava)+ khejri ( Prosopis cineraria), aonla ( Embilica officinalis)+ shisham and aonla+ khejri were planted during Oct. 2000 at a spacing of 6 m * 6 m. After establishment of trees from July 2001 the crop sequences, viz., ridgegourd ( Luffa acutangula)-tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum), moongbean ( Vigna radiata) - fallow and clusterbean ( Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) - fallow were raised in the interspaces of the trees. Ridgegourd and tomato were raised with drip irrigation (100, 70 and 40% ETc), while moongbean and clusterbean were raised as rainfed crops. In general, maximum plant growth (height and diameter) was recorded under 100% level of irrigation for all the tree species. The tree species showed significant variation in growth. Irrigation treatments varied significantly only for diameter. The yield of intercrops was significantly affected by different irrigation levels and was highest at 100% irrigation level but it was not affected by different tree species. The highest yield of 385, 925, 5300 kg/ha of moongbean, clusterbean and ridgegourd were recorded under guava+ khejri at 100% ETc irrigation level. During rabi season (winter; November-March) maximum yield of tomato (46,220 kg/ha) was observed under 100% ETc. Water use efficiency for trees ranged from 1.19 to 11.0 g/l. Maximum WUE was observed in ridgegourd at all the irrigation levels under different systems.
  • Authors:
    • Mahajanashetti, S. B.
    • Kunnal, L. B.
    • Basavaraja, H.
    • Acharya, S. P.
    • Bhat, A. R. S.
  • Source: Agricultural Economics Research Review
  • Volume: 24
  • Issue: 2
  • Year: 2011
  • Summary: The nature and extent of crop diversification in the Karnataka state has been analyzed by collecting secondary data for a period of 26 years from 1982-83 to 2007-08. Composite Entropy Index (CEI) and multiple linear regression analysis have been used to analyze the nature and extent of crop diversification in the state. The CEI for different crop groups has shown that almost all the crop groups have higher crop diversification index during post-WTO (1995-96 to 2007-08) than during pre-WTO (1982-83 to 1994-95) period, except for oilseeds and vegetable crops. There has been a vast increase in diversification of commercial crops after WTO. Crop diversification is influenced by a number of infrastructural and technological factors. The results have revealed that crop diversification influences production. The study has suggested that the creation of basic infrastructural facilities like sustained supply of irrigation water, markets, fertilizer availability, proper roads and transportation is an essential pre-requisite for creating enabling conditions for fostering the process of agricultural development and crop diversification, as most of these parameters are found to influence the nature and extent of crop diversification.
  • Authors:
    • Kalamkar, S. S.
  • Source: Agricultural Economics Research Review
  • Year: 2011
  • Summary: District-wise growth and the reasons behind stagnation in the productivity of important agricultural crops in Maharashtra are considered. Secondary data for the period 1960/61 - 2004/05 is used to analyse the growth pattern of production and productivity, and the regional variations of stagnation for cereals, pulses, oilseeds, cotton and sugarcane. Agricultural growth constraints are identified and district-level interventions to overcome the problems of stagnation are suggested. Measures for growth in TFP are recommended that include watershed development and rainwater harvesting, the supply of good quality inputs, greater research into increasing crop yields, and flexible credit facilities. Greater horticultural production and irrigation, and the development of drought-resistant, high yielding variables more suited to the agro-climate of the State are also suggested.