Volume 5 – Issue 3 – March 2023

AGRICULTURE & FOOD

E-NEWSLETTER

ISSN : 2581-8317

VOLUME 05 - ISSUE 03 March 2023

WWW.AGRIFOODMAGAZINE.CO.IN Monthly online magazine in

agriculture, horticulture, food

technology and allied subjects

AGRICULTURE & FOOD

E-NEWSLETTER

ISSN : 2581-8317

VOLUME 05 - ISSUE 03 March 2023

WWW.AGRIFOODMAGAZINE.CO.IN Monthly online magazine in

agriculture, horticulture, food

technology and allied subjects

EDITORIAL BOARD

www.agrifoodmagazine.co.in

Editors & Reviewers

Dr. Tanmay Kumar Koley (ICAR-EZ) Dr. Shekhar Khade (BAU) Dr. Manoj Kumar Mahawar (ICAR-CIPHET) Dr. Bapi Das (ICAR-NEZ)

Prof. Umesh Thapa (BCKV) Mr. Basant Kumar Dadarwal (BHU)

Prof. Fatik Kr. Bauri (BCKV) Dr. Suddhasuchi Das (KVK Malda, UBKV) Dr. Pynbianglang Kharumnuid (IARI) Mr. Sourav Mondal (BCKV)

Dr. Amit Kumar Singh (RLBCAU) Mr. Partha Mandal (BCKV) Dr. S. K. Bishnoi (ICAR-IIWBR, Karnal) Dr. Ranjith Kumar (JNKVV)

Dr. Nagendra Kumar (DRPCAU) Dr. Sandeep Singh

Dr. Pradip Kumar Sarkar (ICAR - EZ) Dr. Subhrajyoti Chatterjee (CUTM) Dr. Venkata Satish Kuchi (YSRHU) Mr. Dodla Rajashekar Reddy (YSRHU) Dr. Sujayasree O.J. (IIHR) Mr. Abhijith M. (KAU)

Dr. Kariyanna B. (UAS Raichur) Dr. Ajay Baldaniya (AAU, Gujarat)

Dr. Udit Kumar (DRPCAU) Dr. Atul Yadav (SHUATS)

Dr. K Prasad (DRPCAU) Dr. M. Ananthi (TNAU)

Dr. Chandan Karak (BCKV) Mr. Alamuru Krishna Chaitanya Dr. Vivek Kumar Singh (DDA - GOI) Dr. Sukamal Sarkar (KVK)

Dr. Rekha Rani (SHUATS) Dr. Manali Chakraborty (CUH)

Dr. Gopal Shukla (UBKV) Dr. Kamal Ravi Sharma (BHU)

Dr. Nirmal Kumar Meena (AUK) Dr. Lovekesh Sawle (Sage UI) Dr. K. Rama Krishna (CUTN) Saipayan Ghosh (Dr. RPCAU) Dr. Anil Kumar (SRI - DRPCAU) Dr. Ravindra Singh Chouhan (SUI) Dr. V. Kasthuri Thilagam (ICAR-IISWC) Mr. Khiromani Nag (IGKV)

Dr. Apurba Pal (BAU - Ranchi) Dr. Pedda Nagi Reddy Pocha (ANGRAU) Dr. Amit Kumar Barman (WBUAFS) Dr. Bhagwat Saran (GBPUAT)

Dr. Arun Kumar Tiwary (BAU, Ranchi) Dr. Ipsita Samal (IARI) Dr. S.B Satpute (MGM NKCA, Aurangabad) Dr. Vishakha Singh (AAU)

Dr. Prasanna Pal (NDRI) Dr. Sudhir Mishra (UP)

Dr. K. Venkata Subbaiah (YSRHU) Dr. Samrat Adhikary (BCKV)

Dr. Monika Ray (OUAT) Dr. Jyothi Reddy (SKLTSAU)

Dr. Arunima Paliwal (UUHF) Mr. Vijay Kamal Meena (IARI) Dr. A. Mohanasundaram (ICAR - IINRG) Dr. Ritesh Kumar (GBPUAT) Dr. Sharmistha Pal (ICAR-IISWC) Dr. Sankarganesh E. (BCKV) Dr. Pramod Chavan (Parbhani) Dr. Abhisek Tripathy (OUAT) Dr. Shakti Kumar Tayade (MPKV) Dr. Sandeep Kumar (Kota AU) Dr. Jayoti Majumder (BCKV) Dr. Parmar Vijaykumar K. (SDAU)

Dr. K. Elango (TNAU) Dr. Ipsita Panigrahi (IARI)

Dr. Nongmaithem Raju Singh (ICAR-RCER) Dr. Koyel Dey (WB-FSO) Dr. Pramod Govind Chavan(MGM NKCA, Aurangabad) Dr. Trisha Sinha (DRPCAU) Dr. Kaushik Kumar Panigrahi (OUAT) Dr. Prashant Kalal (IIHR) Dr. Babita Singh (ICAR - IARI) Dr. V.S.S.V. Prasanna (YSRHU) Dr. A. Thanga Hemavathy (TNAU) Dr. Shashikumar J.N. (MPUAT) Dr. Arkendu Ghosh (BAU - Ranchi) Dr. Akash Pandey (SVBUAT) Dr. Jyostnarani Pradhan (DRPCAU) Dr. Piyush Choudhary (MPUAT) Dr. Ningthoujam Peetambari Devi (ICAR-NEH) Mr. Vishwanath (IARI)

Dr. Ritu Jain (ICAR - IARI) Dr. Ramesh Chand Choudhary (MPUAT)

EDITORIAL BOARD

www.agrifoodmagazine.co.in

Dr. Prativa Anand (ICAR-IARI) Dr. Tensirani Pradhan (GIETU, Odisha) Dr. Vanlalruati (IARI, New Delhi) Dr. Gayatri Sahu (IAS - SOA)

Dr. G. Venkatesh (ICAR – CRIDA) Mr. Prateek Sharma (MPUAT) Dr. S. AnandhaKrishna Veni (TNAU) Mr. Artha Kundu (IARI) Dr. Jagadeesh Bathula, FCRI,Siddipet Dr. S. Praveen (NDRI) Dr. M.K. Mahla (MPUAT, Udaipur) Dr. Trina Adhikary (PAU)

Dr. Vaishali Misalkar (Veterinary College, Karnataka) Mr. Duddukur Rajasekhar (CAU) Dr. Yogendra Singh (JNKVV) Ms. Bichhinna Maitri Rout (IARI) Dr. Shiva Pujan Singh (Dr. RPCAU) Dr. Pushpendra Verty (ITM, Gwalior) Dr. Dinesh Nagar (RARI, Durgapura, Jaipur) Mr. Siddhav J. Chaudhari (SDAU)

Dr. V. Anandhi (TNAU) Dr. D. Leninraja (TNAU)

Dr. Sahil J. Sindhi (JAU, Khapat- Porbandar) Dr. Varucha Misra (IISR, Lucknow) Dr. Kanchan Kumari (GNCB, Punjab) Mr. Rudra Pratap Subudhi (MIPS) Dr. Ruchi Chauhan (IARI, Tutikandi Farm, Shimla) Ms. Arivukodi S. (STAC, Tamil Nadu) Dr. C.S. Sumathi (TNAU) Mr. Nidheesh T.D (GKVK, Bangalore) Dr. Syed Abul Hassan Hussainy (TNAU) Dr. Manishkumar J. Joshi (SDAU) Dr. P.M. Shanmugam (TNAU) Mr. Bhupen Kumar Sahu (AAU, Jorhat)

Dr. M. Rajasekar (TNAU) Dr. M. Uma Gowri (TNAU)

Dr. Akhouri Nishant Bhanu (RLBCAU) Dr. R. Prabhu (TNAU)

Dr. K. Vanitha (ICAR- DCR, Puttur) Ms. Bachu Lakshmi Manisha (ANGRAU) Dr. Amrit Lal Meena (IIFSR) Mr. Repalle Naganna (JAU, Junagadh) Dr. Sunil Kumar (Shri Siddhagiri - KVK, MH) Dr. S. Karthikeyan (HRS, OOTY, TNAU) Dr. R. S. Singh (Dr. RPCAU, Pusa) Dr. Debashish Hota (IGKV)

Dr. Siddesh Marihonnappanavara (UAS Raichur) Dr. Karthik Nayaka V. S (IIHR) Dr. Ashutosh Kumar Mall (IISR) Ms. Sritama Biswas (BCKV)

Dr. P.G. Chavan (VNMKV) Mr. Perminder Singh Brar (Dr. YSPUHF)

Dr. Hardikkumar Arvindbhai Patel (NAU, Navsari) Mr. Rahevar Parthsinh Mahendrasinh (SDAU, Gujarat) Dr. Prashant Joshi (PDKV, Akola) Mr. Rohit Kumar Nayak (SKNAU)

Dr. N. Senthilkumar (Annamalai University) Dr. Pramod Kumar (CSAUAT)

Dr. Nityamanjari Mishra

Mr. Shuvo Saha

Manager

Mr. Paritosh Halder

Technical Head

INDEX

Agriculture & Food: e-Newsletter

Article id.

Title of article Page

no.

40400 Hybrid Seed Production Techniques of Sorghum for Western Uttar Pradesh Region 01 40401 Insect-Pest and Diseases Management of Maize Crop in India 04 40402 Sustainable Agriculture Management Practices in India 08 40403 Hybrid Seed Production Technology of Pearl Millet in India 12

40404 Seed Production Technology of Kodo Millets in India 15

40405 Groundnut Production Technology in India 19

40406 Pre-Breeding as a Bridge Between Genetic Resources and Crop Improvement 23

40408 International Year of Millets 2023 26

40409 Vertical Farming 30

40410 Effect of Music/Sound on Plant Growth and Seed Quality in Crop Plants 32 40411 Nutritional, Phytochemical and Health Benefits of Water Chestnut 35

40412 Protective Role of Coumarin in Diabetes 37

40413 Decontamination of Aflatoxins in Food 39

40414 Organic Farming 41

40415 Green Super Rice – A Recent Development 42

40416 Varietal and Hybrid Seed Production Techniques in Bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus) 45 40417 Performance of CIAE-Multi Crop Planter for Sowing of Maize and Pulses 48 40418

Development of Rice Varieties with Low Glycemic Index: Friendly Rice to Diabetic Patients

51

40419 Honey Bee- The Social Insect 53

40420 Climate Change Impact on Agriculture 56

40421 Molecular Approaches of Imparting Disease Resistance in Plants 58

40422 Microbes in Human Life - Immense Gift by Nature 61

40424 Principles of Landscaping 64

40425 The Hungry Gut Microbiome: Recent Approaches to Improve Microbiome Health 67

40426 Robotics in Agriculture – An Introduction 70

40427 Wonder of Nature: Touch Me Not Plant 74

40428 Eutrophication 76

40429 Robotics in Agriculture 80

40430 Green Technology in Agriculture 82

40431 Application of Softwares in Ergonomic Design Analysis 84

40432 Bioinformatics in Agriculture 86

40433 Improve Soil Health and Crop Productivity through Integrated Nutrient Management 88

40434 Prevailing Methods for Plant Diseases Detection 91

40435 Nutraceutical Properties and Nutritional Composition of Plectranthus aromaticus Herb 93

40436 Humic Acid is Boon to Organic Agriculture 95

40437 Nutri-Cereals: Many Benefits and Few Challenges 97

40438 Nutri Cereals Against Climate Change 100

40439 Microbes in Agriculture 103

40440 Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economics 105

40441 Potential Health Benefits of Underexploit Green Leafy Vegetable Gangavalli Aaku / 107

INDEX

Agriculture & Food: e-Newsletter

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.)

40442 Miracle Millets: Next Generation Smart Food 111

40443 Foliar Nutrition in Vegetables 116

40444

Trogoderma granarium Everts (Insecta: Coleoptera: Dermestidae) Introduction,

Synonymy, Distribution, Identification, Biology, Economic Importance, Detection and Management

119

40445 White Fly: A Serious Peril for Protected Cultivation 121

40446 Importance of Drone Technology in Palm Oil Plantation in Liberia (West Africa) 123 40447 Super Seeder - An Alternate for Crop Residue Management 124 40448 Nutritional Quality of the Most Consumed Staple Food: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) 127 40449 Useful and Harmful Plants and its Utility for Mankind 130

40450 Azolla – The Wonder Fern 135

40451 TiO

Nanoparticles Application in Agriculture 138

40452 Role of Mycorrhizae in Sustainable Agricultural System 139 40453 Natural Farming Practices for Sustainable Agriculture 140

40454 ZnO Nanoparticles Efficacy in Agriculture 141

40455 Genome-wide haplotype analysis: its importance in crop improvement 142

40456 Pesticide Resistance 145

40457 Glycemic Index of Foods 147

40458 Smart and Healthy Future Crop: Tuber Crops 150

40459 Laser Scarecrow - A Bird Deterrent Technology 152

40460 Role of Silver Nanoparticles in Treatment of Water Effluents 154

40461 ChatGPT in Agriculture: Boon or Bane 156

40462 Soil Degradation Causes, Effects, Preventive Methods 160

40463 Role of Micronutrient “Boron” in Vegetable Crops 163

40464 Zero Energy Cool Chamber (ZECC) - No Electricity Fridge 166 40465 Seed Memory: How Maternal Environment Effects on Seed Quality Traits 169

40466 Sales Gimmicks 172

40467 Supply Chain in Vegetables 175

40468 Future of Kitchen Garden Using Connected Aquaponics 178

40469 Gall Infestation in Muga Silkworm Host Plants 181

40470 GI Protected Silk Fibres in India 184

40471 Effective Population Size: Key to Population Improvement 187

40472 Pangenome: A Future Reference Paradigm 189

40473 Plant Reproductive Behavior Under Anticipated Climate Change 191

40474 SOY: The nutrition and power packed bean 192

40475 Forensic Entomology 198

40476 Sustainable Agriculture for Food 200

40477 Azolla – A Potential Source of Fodder to Animal Husbandry farmers 203 40478 Multi Crop Vacuum Planter - New Approach for Precision Planting 206

40479 Integrated Duckcum Fish Farming 208

40480 Jasmine and their Value Addition 211

40481 Crop Protection Key to Food Security 215

INDEX

Agriculture & Food: e-Newsletter

40482 Microgreen 218

40483 Modern Aspects of Mushroom Culture Production Technology 220

40484

225

40485 Benefits of Brown Manuring in Direct-Seeded Rice 227

40486 Drought Management and Soil Moisture Conservation in Coconut 230 40487 Seed Production Techniques in Brinjal (Solanum melongena) 232 40488 Public-Private Partnership Models to Improve Agribusiness Sectors 235

40489 Annatto or Lipstick Tree Bixa orellana 237

40490 Physiological Disorders of Micronutrient in Plants 240

40491 Nanoparticles Applications in Various Fields 245

40492 Vertical Gardening 248

40493 Vermiwash – A Potential Plant Growth Promoter 250

40494 Total Mixed Ration (TMR) 253

40495 Fungicides Scenario: Past to Present 255

40496 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties of Sapota (Manilkara zapota) 257 40497 An Overview of Major Pests in Mushroom Production and their Management 259

40498 Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit 261

40499 Value Addition in Banana 263

40500 Organic and Inorganic Growing Media for Greenhouse Crops 267 40501

Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative – Innovative Approach to Enhance Sugarcane Cultivation

270

40502 Biofertilizers in Agriculture 272

40503

274

40504 Home Gardening 276

40505 Kitchen Garden 279

40506 Nanotechnology in Agriculture 281

40507 Bilimbi or Cucumber Tree Averrhoa bilimbi 284

40508 Quality Seed Production in Chickpea (Bengal Gram) 287

40509 Causes for Low Yield of Pulses and Strategies for Improving the Productivity 289 40510 Rural Industrialization: Stepping Stone for an Atmanirbhar Bharat 291

40511 Soil Health - Time to Take Care 296

40512 Integrated Pest Management for Cotton Stem (Pempherulus affinis) 298

40513 Soilless Crop Growing in Vegetable Production 300

40514 Medicinal Values of Herbaceous Plants in District Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 303

40515 Insecticidal Pharmacodynamics 306

40516 Joint Action of Insecticides 308

40517 Management of Store Grain Pest 310

40518 Viruses as Biological Control Agents of Insect Pests 312

40519 Phytotoxicity 314

40520 Pest Management through Radiation Technology 316

40521 Black Gold – Vermicompost 318

40522 IPM Database Management Systems in India 320

40523 Climate Smart Agriculture - Need of the Hour 324

INDEX

Agriculture & Food: e-Newsletter

40524 Prawn Farming Technologies 328

40525

330

40526 Lathyrus: A Versatile Pulse Crop Under Rice-Based Cropping System 333

40527 Barriers and Challenges Faced by Indian Farmers 336

40528 Weed Seed Bank Dynamics and its Management Practices 338

40529

Biology and Symptomatology of Ridge Gourd or Chinese Okra (Luffa acutangula) Powdery Mildew Caused by Podosphaera xanthii

342 40530 Effect of Climate Change on the Yield of Cereal Crops 346 40531 Effect of Climatic and Water Quality on the Performance of Herbicides 349 40532 Traditional Methods of Insect Pest Management for Pulses, Vegetables and Cereals 352

40533 Dehydration of Fruits and Vegetables 354

40534 Biotic Stress Management Using Through Eco-Friendly Approach: Trichoderma species 356 40535 Resistant Genetic Sources for Fusarium Wilt Disease in Pigeon pea 359

40536 Begomoviruses in Cucurbits: A Short Review 361

40537 Merits of Transgenic Crops 364

40538 Participatory Technology Development and Importance of Farmers in it 366

40539 Weed Management in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) 368

40540 Need of Sustainable Commodity Value Chain in Agroforestry 371

40541 Syrphid Flies - The Hovering predator 373

40542

377

40543 Lemon Grass 379

40544 Seed Production Techniques of Onion 381

40545 Subsurface Drip Irrigation System– An Overview 385

40546 Modern Tools and Techniques for Precise Nitrogen Fertilizer Management 388

40547 Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Agriculture 393

40548 Water Pollution - Destroys Life When You Destroy Water 395

40549 Production Technology of Kiwi 398

40550 Designer Chicken as Functional Food 401

40551 Utilization of Solar Power for Operating Micro Irrigation 404

40552 Micro Irrigation: The Water Saving Technology 406

40553 Water Conservation and Micro-Irrigation for Sustainable Agriculture 409 40554 Utilization of Solar Power in Micro Irrigation: A Review 411

40555 Permaculture 413

40556 Supplemental Irrigation for Rainfed Agriculture 415

40557 Commercial Reproduction of Colonies in Stingless Bees 417

40558 Role of Women in Hill Agriculture 420

40559 Water Scarcity and Agriculture 422

40560 Liquid Organic Manure 424

40561

428

40562 Precision Livestock Farming Technology 432

40563 Millets a Solution of Food and Nutritional Security 435

40564 Drudgery Reducing Tools and Equipment Useful for Women Workers 437

40565 Tractor Safety: Precautions, Tips and Safety Gadgets 440

INDEX

Agriculture & Food: e-Newsletter

The articles published in this magazine are based on personal view / opinion of the authors Magazine does not ensure the genuinely of the facts mentioned in the articles

Authors are solely responsible for plagiarism present in the article www.agrifoodmagazine.co.in

40566 Cultivation of Gypsophilla in Greenhouse 443

40567 Effect of Music on Plants 448

40568 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drones) in Agriculture 451

40569 Emission of Greenhouse Gases from Livestock and it's Mitigation 454

40570 Nano Urea for Sustainable Farming 457

40571 Oyster Mushroom Cultivation 461

40572 Therapeutic Properties of Donkey Milk: A Mini Review 464

40573 An Aphid Eater Aphidoletes aphidimyza 467

40574 Methods of Semen Collection in Domestic Animals 470

40575 Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.): An Exotic Fruit of India 473

40576 Pomegranate and its Benefits 476

40577 Importance of Cow Urine 478

40578 Role of Beneficial Microbes in Mulberry Cultivation 480

40579 Role of Micronutrients 484

40580 Impact of Elevated CO

on Sulfur Assimilation in Plants 487

40581 Silviculture Practices of Chironji 490

40582

LASER LAND LEVELLING - A best source of modern agriculture and conserving the resource of agriculture lands

495

40583 Soil carbon sequestration to mitigate climate change 498

40584 Water and Nutrient Management Under Protected Agriculture 501

Volume 05 - Issue 03 - March 2023 1 | P a g e

Hybrid Seed Production Techniques of Sorghum for Western Uttar Pradesh Region

Article ID: 40400

Amit Tomar¹, A. K. Mishra¹, S. P. Singh¹, H. H. Khan¹, Prachi Patel¹, R.P. Singh¹

1Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gajraula, Amroha (Directorate of Extension), Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut-250110, U.P., India.

Introduction

Functional and healthy seed is one of the important factors in improving agricultural production. Farmer- based seed production programs for sorghum have been introduced in some of the developing countries and are proving to be successful. The areas of responsibility in terms of producing improved cultivars (pure-line varieties, composites and hybrids) are breeding, commercial seed production and certification. While breeding is carried out by a research station, commercial production and distribution require an well- organized operation. Certification is carried out by independent agencies that monitor the quality and purity of the cultivar during production. The procedures for seed production of the open-pollinated varieties differ from those hybrids. Sorghum, (Sorghum bicolor), also called great millet, Indian millet, milo, durra, orshallu, cereal grain plant of the grass family (Poaceae) and its edible starchy seeds.

The plant likely originated in Africa, where it is a major food crop, and has numerous varieties, including grain sorghums, used for food; grass sorghums, grown for hay and fodder; and broomcorn, used in making brooms and brushes. In India sorghum is known as jowar, cholam, or jonna, in West Africa as Guinea corn, and in China as kaoliang. Sorghum is especially valued in hot and arid regions for its resistance to drought and heat. Sorghum is a strong grass and usually grows to a height of 0.6 to 2.4 metres (2 to 8 feet), sometimes reaching as high as 4.6 metres (15 feet). Stalks and leaves are coated with a white wax, and the pith, or central portion, of the stalks of certain varieties is juicy and sweet. The leaves are about 5 cm (2 inches) broad and 76 cm (2.5 feet) long. The tiny flowers are produced in panicles that range from loose to dense; each flower cluster bears 800–3,000 kernels. The seeds vary widely among different types in colour, shape, and size, but they are smaller than those of wheat. Sorghum is of a lower feed quality than corn (maize). It is high in carbohydrates, with 10 percent protein and 3.4 percent fat, and contains calcium and small amounts of iron, vitamin B1, and niacin. For human consumption, the gluten- free grain is usually ground into a meal that is made into porridge, flatbreads, and cakes. The characteristic strong flavour can be reduced by processing. The grain is also used in making edible oil, starch, dextrose (a sugar), paste, and alcoholic beverages. The stalks are used as fodder and building materials. Sweet sorghums, or sorgos, are grown mainly in the United States and southern Africa for forage and for syrup manufacture and are sometimes used in the production of ethyl alcohol for biofuel.

Volume 05 - Issue 03 - March 2023 2 | P a g e

Hybrid Seed Production (Sorghum)

The procedures for hybrid seed production in both sorghum and pearl millet are similar. Both crops use cytoplasmic-genetic male sterility system in hybrid seed production that is caused by an interaction of the sterility-inducing factors in the cytoplasm with the genetic factors in the nucleus. The procedures described earlier for the production of different varieties of seed (pure line, and composites) is largely applicable to the seed production of hybrids too. Additional information is given below.

Identification of Potential Hybrid Parents (A-, B-, and R-Lines)

Potential male and female parents for hybrid seed production are identified by crossing male-fertile plants (inbreeds, varieties, germplasm, br eeding stocks in advanced generations, etc.) to a male-sterile line (A- line) and observing their corresponding hybrids in small plots of an observation nursery. A few plants of each cross are subjected to a bagging test, i.e., covering a few panicles with paper bags before anthesis, and observing seed-set under the bag after a few weeks. A normal bisexual fertile panicle would exhibit nearly 100% seed set whereas in crosses with A-lines, the following three types of hybrids are encountered.

1. Hybrids have no seed-set, i.e., male-sterility is maintained in these hybrids. The corresponding pollen parent is classified as a non-restorer/maintainer or B-line and as a potential new A-line.

2. Hybrids exhibiting complete seed-set under the bag, i.e., male fertility has been completely restored in these hybrids. The corresponding pollen parent is classified as a potential male-parent /restorer line or R- line and could be useful in producing hybrids.

3. Hybrids exhibiting partial seed set under the bag. Such hybrids and their male 6 parents are rejected for further studies because experience shows t h a t it is difficult to extract stable R-lines or B-lines from such parents.

Type 2 hybrids, in which fertility was found to be normal, are evaluated visually in comparison to local control genotypes. Various agronomic traits such as days to maturity, plant height, fodder yield quality, grain color quality, panicle size, hybrid vigor, grain yield, thresh ability, and resistance to diseases and insects are considered. Selected hybrids are advanced for further studies and their corresponding male parents included in t h e R-line collection.

Seed Multiplication of Parental Lines (R-Line, B-Line, and A-Lines)

Nucleus, Breeder, and Foundation Seed: Nucleus seed is produced in small quantities on experiment stations by the sponsoring breeder under his direct supervision and is the basis for further seed multiplication. The organization sponsoring cultivar release has the responsibility for the supply and safe storage of nucleus and breeder seed. The breeder provides a complete description of all distinguishing morphological traits of the cultivars. In the case of hybrids, the A-line, B-line, R-line and t h e hybrid all require individual and accurate descriptions because the certification process depends upon it. The breeder provides small quantities of seed of the A-line, B-line, and R-line to the foundation seed producers. While the experiment station sponsoring the release of the hybrid, trains the technical staff involved in the production and certification of hybrid seed and familiarizes them in the identification of distinguishing characters of the parents and the hybrid. Breeder seed is the source of basic or foundation seed and is subject to seed certification. In case of hybrids, foundation seed is produced to increase the seed quantity (certified seed) of parental lines from breeder seed. This is done under close supervision of the breeder and certified seed production agencies, as it requires specific and high standards during production and processing. These A-line and R-line seeds require grow-out tests in small plots before being supplied to certified seed growers.

The Details of Production of R-Line, B-Line, And A-Lines are Given Below

R-line: The sorghum restorer (R) line has self-fertile bisexual florets and is a pure line. Therefore, it can be multiplied with ease in a manner similar to that of pure line varieties (described earlier). The pearl millet R-line could be either an inbred line or open pollinated variety; can be multiplied as variety (describe earlier). However, in the seed multiplication of an inbred line, at the final inspection, genetic off-type should not be permitted more than 0.05%. Any plant in t h e R-line plot appearing different from the true R-type (as described by the breeder) in any way (major or minor) should be uprooted, or rouged, before anthesis.

Although the process of rouging starts soon after the seedling stage, the boot leaf and panicle emergence

Volume 05 - Issue 03 - March 2023 3 | P a g e stages are critical, as detection of off-types is 7 easier during these stages. Off-types that escape detection during the flowering stage should be removed before harvest to minimize contamination. It is recommended that plants of doubtful status should also be removed. Purity of the parental seed is very important because it affects the quality of hybrid seed that is generated.

B-line: The maintainer or B-line is self-fertile and can be multiplied in an isolated plot in the same manner described for the R-line. However, it can also be harvested from the A-line/B-line seed production plots that are explained below. A-lines. Large scale production of male sterile (A) lines is carried out by growing the A-line and its corresponding maintainer, B-line together in an isolated plot. The isolation distance required for A x B production fields is at least 1 km. A ratio of 4 A: 2B or 6 A: 2B rows is maintained and the borders of the field are sown with B-line, the male-sterile line (A) and its maintainer (B) flower at about the same time and thus there are no problems of asynchronous flowering. Pollen produced by the B-line fertilizes the male-sterile plants (A) and t h e seed produced thus, gives rise to the A-line again. Rouging in A-line seed production plots should be more stringent because A and B plants cannot be easily distinguished after flowering. The pollen shedders in the A-line rows must be identified and uprooted each morning during the flowering period. Up to most caution must be exercised in labeling and harvesting A-line and B-line rows and the B-line rows are harvested first, followed by the A-line rows. Purity of the A-line is very important and any lapses can lead to huge losses of both time and money spent in rouging the hybrid seed (A x R) production plots in the next generation. Normally, no more than 0.05% genetic oft-type are permitted at final inspection in foundation seed. Since both A-lines and B-lines exhibit synchronous flowering, seed yields on t h e A-line in A / B seed production plots are relatively better than in the A and R (hybrid) production plots. Seed of the B-line harvested from the A/B production plots might be reused for the next generation, depending on the seed laws of the country.

Hybrid (A x R) Seed Production (Certified Seed)

The hybrid seed is produced only as a certified seed under the vigilance of seed certification agencies on a very large scale by private agencies, seed farms, experienced growers, and other extension organizations using foundation seed. Millet and sorghum hybrids involve A x R seed production and are carried out according to the prescribed standards of production and processing in terms of isolation distance, genetic purity, and seed quality. Seed certification and seed law enforcement agencies have an important role to play in certified hybrid seed production and distribution, because the farmers' crop performance is directly dependent upon the quality of the certified seed used. Male-sterile (A) and restorer (R) lines are sown in alternate strips of rows, normally in a ratio of 4 A: 2 R or 6 A: 2 R, depending on the local experience of success and the ability of the R-line to disperse pollen. The borders on all four sides of the hybrid seed production field are sown with the restorer (R) lines to ensure an adequate supply of pollen and guard against incoming stray pollen. An isolation distance of at least 300 m is generally recommended for hybrid seed production. In case of sorghum, a distance of at least 400 m is necessary if Johnson grass and other forage or grassy sorghum types are growing in the vicinity.

Harvest of R-Line Seed from A X R Plots

Seed of the R-line harvest is generally not permitted be reused as 'seed' for hybrid (A x R) seed production again in the next season but instead sold as grain. However, if there are no pollen shedders, and no chance of seed contamination, R-line seed from selected A x R plots can be reused for hybrid seed production.

Purification of Sorghum Varieties/Hybrid Parents

About 1000 plants of true type should be selfed, harvested, and threshed separately to be evaluated in the next season for uniformity. The seed of true types should be mixed to produce pure seed.

Volume 05 - Issue 03 - March 2023 4 | P a g e

Insect-Pest and Diseases Management of Maize Crop in India

Article ID: 40401

H. H. Khan¹, A. K. Mishra¹, Amit Tomar¹, S. P. Singh¹, Prachi Patel¹, R.P. Singh¹

1Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gajraula, Amroha (Directorate of Extension), Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut-250110, U.P., India.

Introduction

Maize (Zea mays L) is one of the most versatile emerging crops having wider adaptability under varied agro-climatic conditions. Globally, maize is known as queen of cereals because it has the highest genetic yield potential among the cereals. It is cultivated on nearly 150 m ha in about 160 countries having wider diversity of soil, climate, biodiversity and management practices that contributes 36 % (782 m t) in the global grain production. The United States of America (USA) is the largest producer of maize contributes nearly 35 % of the total production in the world and maize is the driver of the US economy. The USA has the highest productivity (> 9.6 t ha^-1) which is double than the global average (4.92 t ha^-1). Whereas, the average productivity in India is 2.43 t ha^-1. In India, maize is the third most important food crops after rice and wheat. According to advance estimate it is cultivated in 8.7 m ha (2010-11) mainly during Kharif season which covers 80% area. Maize in India, contributes nearly 9 % in the national food basket and more than Rs. 100 billion to the agricultural GDP at current prices apart from the generating employment to over 100 million man-days at the farm and downstream agricultural and industrial sectors. In addition to staple food for human being and quality feed for animals, maize serves as a basic raw material as an ingredient to thousands of industrial products that includes starch, oil, protein, alcoholic beverages, food sweeteners, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, film, textile, gum, package and paper industries etc.

Stem Borer (Chilo partellus): Major pest of maize in India is Stalk borer. Chilo partellus, popularly known as stalk borer that occurs during monsoon season is a major pest throughout the country. Chilo lays eggs 10-25 days after germination on lower side of the leaves. The larva of the Chilo enters in the whorl and cause damage in the leaves

Pink Borer (Sesamia inference): Sesamia inference occurs during winter season particularly in peninsular India. The moth of the Sesamia is nocturnal and lays eggs on lower leaf sheath. The larvae of the Sesamia enter the plant near the base and cause damage to stem.

Control of Chilo and Sesamia: For control of Chilo and Sesamia, foliar spray of 0.1 % Endosulfan {700 ml (35 EC) in 250 litre water} 10 days after germination is very effective. The Chilo can also be controlled by release of 8 Trichocards (Trichogramma chilonis) per hectare at 10 days after germination.

Intercropping of maize with suitable varieties of cowpea is an eco- friendly option for reducing the incidence of Chilo on maize.

Shoot fly (Atherigona sp.): In South India it is a serious pest but it also appears on spring and summer maize crop in North India. It attacks mainly at seedling stage of the crop. The tiny maggots creep down under the leaf sheaths till they reach the base of the seedlings. After this they cut the growing point or central shoot which results in to dead heart formation.

Control of Shoot fly:

a. Sowing must be completed before first week of February so that the crop will escape shootfly infestation.

b. Spring sowing must be accompanied with seed treatment with Imidacloprid @ 6ml/kg seed.

Termites (Odontotermes obesus): Termite is also an important pest in many areas. For control of termite fepronil granules should be applied @ 20 kg ha^-1 followed by light irrigation. If the termite incidence is in patches, then spot application of fepronil @ 2-3 granuled/plant should be done. Clean cultivation delays termite attack.

Volume 05 - Issue 03 - March 2023 5 | P a g e Other emerging pests: Recently some other non-traditional pests are also causing damage to maize crop viz. larvae of American Bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) which causes damage to cob in Southern part of India while the Chaffer beetle (Chiloloba acuta) feeds on maize pollen which adversely affects pollination in northern part of India.

Disease Management

Across the country several diseases occurs during different seasons, if they are not managed at proper time than they leads to yield loss. BLSB, Pythium stalk rot, Bacterial stalk rot, PFSRs, Polysora rust and Downy mildews are the major constraints to be tackled for realizing genetic potential yield of the crop. Estimated losses due to major diseases of maize in India is about 13.2% of which foliar diseases (5 %), stalk rots, root rots, ear rots (5 %) cause major yield losses. The major diseases and their management practices are described as below:

Turcicum leaf blight (Exserohilum turcicum): The disease is prevalent in cooler condition with high humidity of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Tripura, Assam, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Gujrat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Long, elliptical, grayish green or tan lesions (2.5-15 cm) appear on lower leaves progressing upward. Grow PEMH-5, Vivek 21, Vivek 23, Vivek 25, Pratap Kanchan 2, Nithyashree in the recommended areas followed by need based sprays of mancozeb @ 2.5 g/litre (with adjuant @ 0.05%) at 8- 10 days interval.

Maydis leaf blight (Drechslera maydis): It is a major disease in the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Gujrat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu having warm humid temperate to tropical climate in the cropping period. Lesions on the leaves elongated between the veins, tan with buff to brown or dark reddish-brown borders. Lesion size may vary in inbreds and hybrids due to different genetic backgrounds. Growing of HM 10, PAU 352, Malviya Hybrid Makka 2, EMH 1, HQPM 7, HQPM 5, HQPM 1, Shaktiman 3, Shaktiman 4, PEMH– 5, HQPM-4, and HSC-1 with need-based sprays of mancozeb or zineb @ 2.5g/litre of water.

Common rust (Puccinia sorghi): This rust attacks in the maize growing areas with subtropical temperate and high land environment of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Punjab (Rabi), Haryana (Rabi), Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar (Rabi), Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It appears at the time of tasseling. The circular to elongate, golden brown to cinnamon brown pustules are visible over both leaf surfaces changing to brownish black at plant maturity. Adopt promising hybrids/ varieties viz.; Buland, Sheetal, HHM 1, HHM 2 and HQPM 1, Nithyashree. Spray of mancozeb@ 2.5g/litre of water at first appearance of pustules.

Prefer early maturing varieties.

Polysora Rust (Puccinia polysora): It is reported from coastal areas of A.P. and Karnataka where mild temperature and high relative humidity prevail. Light cinnamon golden brown circular to oval pustules appears on leaf densely spread on the upper surface of leaf. Development of pustules on lower surface is more as compared to upper surface. The maize composites namely NAC-6002 (early maturity) and NAC- 6004 (late maturity) and the hybrid Hema (NAH–1137), Nithyashree (NAH–2049) and Deccan– 105 were resistant to Polysora rust disease of maize. Hence these can be recommended for cultivation in affected areas of AP and Karnataka.

Banded leaf and sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani f. sp. Sasakii): This disease mainly occurs in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. At appearance of the disease, white lesions develop on leaves and sheath.

Purplish or brown horizontal bands present on white lesions cThis disease is appearing in severe form in hot humid foothill region in Himalayas and in plains covering states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Almora, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.The disease appears on leaves and sheaths on 40-50 days old plants and later on spread to the ears. The characteristic lesions appear as concentric bands and rings on lower leaves and sheaths (first and second).

Volume 05 - Issue 03 - March 2023 6 | P a g e The affected plant produces large, gray, tan or brown discoloured areas alternating with dark brown bands.

Sclerotia later on are formed in these areas. The developing ear is completely damaged and dried up prematurely with cracking of the husk leaves. Brown rotting of the ears may develop which show conspicuous light brown cottony mold with small, round black sclerotia. Stripping of lower 2-3 leaves along with their sheath considerably lowers incidence. Pratap Kanchan 2, Pratap Makka 3, Pratap Makka 5, Shaktiman 1 and Shaktiman 3 have tolerance to this disease. Seed treatment with peat-based formulation

@ 16 g/kg of Pseudomonas fluorescence or as soil application @ 7g/litre of water, carbendazim, thiophanate- methyl and captan and foliar spray (30-40 days old crop) of tolcofos-methyl @ 1g/ litre or validamycin @ 2.7ml/litre of water.

Pre-flowering stalk rots (Pythium aphanidermatum & Erwinia chrysanthemi p.v. zeae): The high incidence of Pythium and bacterial stalk rots favoured by high temperature and high relative humidity in states of Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar. In addition, incidence of bacterial stalk rot is also reported from Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.

In Pythium stalk rot, the diseased area of the stalk is brown, water-soaked, soft and collapsed usually confined to a single internode just above the soil line. The plants get twisted due to rotting at infected portion resulting in lodging. In contrast, bacterial stalk rot pathogen can infect the plant at any node from the soil surface up to the whole plant. Primary symptoms of discoloration due to tan to dark brown, water- soaked slimy lesions on the leaf sheath and stalk generally appear when plant suddenly falls over and are seen scattered in the field. Splitting of stalk exposes internal discoloration and soft slimy rot at the nodes.

A foul odor can be sensed from macerated tissues and the top of such plants can be very easily removed from the rest of the plant.

Good field drainage (to avoid waterlogging), planting time between 10 and 20^th July in North India, plant population of not more than 50,000/ha reduce the less disease. PEMH- 1, X-1280, HQPM-4, PAU 352, PEMH- 5, DKI – 9202, DKI – 9304 are having tolerance to these stalks. Application of 75% captan @ 12 g/100 litre of water and bleaching powder (33% chlorine) @ 10 kg/ha as soil drench help in the control of these stalks.

Post Flowering Stalk Rot of Maize (PFSR): The PFSR occurs mainly in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. Disease appears when the crop enters in senescence phase. The pathogen commonly affects the roots crown regions and lower internodes. When split open, the stalk shows pink- purple dis- colouration. For effective control of the disease, water stress at flowering should be avoided. Use balance dose of nutrients wherein potassium application helps in minimizing the disease. Use of bio-control agents (Trichoderma formulation) in furrows mixed with FYM @ 10g/kg at 10 days prior to its use in the field. It always advisable to practice crop rotation to minimize the disease incidence.

Downy mildews (DM): This group of the pathogens constitutes one of the most important factors limiting maize production in India. The important species causing downy mildew in maize in India are the Sorghum downy mildew (SDM; Peronosclerospora sorghi), Brown stripe downy mildew (BSDM; Sclerophthora rayssiae var. zeae) and Rajasthan downy mildew (RDM; Peronosclerospora hetropogoni).

BSDM is found in Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Gujrat; SDM in Gujrat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and RDM in Rajasthan and surrounding areas. In BSDM, narrow, chlorotic or yellowish stripes with well-defined margins and delimited by the veins appear on leaves. Downy or wooly cottony whitish growth is visible in early morning hours on lower surfaces of the lesions. Chlorotic plants are seen in SDM infected field and the affected area includes the base of the blade with transverse margin and easily defined between diseased and healthy tissue.

RDM symptoms are characterized by the pale appearance of bases of second & third diseased leaves of the seedling giving a complete chlorosis or chlorotic strips. Severely infected plants give yellowish appearance even from a distance. Most of the infected plants die at about knee-high stage. The local or secondary symptoms start appearing from 2-3 leaf stage until tassels and silks are formed. Under humid conditions whitish fluffy growth due to abundant fructification of the fungus can be observed on the lower and upper leaf surfaces. Tassels may be malformed producing less pollen while ears may be aborted resulting in partial or complete sterility. In early symptoms plants are stunted and may die. Rogue and destroy infected

Volume 05 - Issue 03 - March 2023 7 | P a g e plants as they appear in the field. Avoid maize-sorghum crop rotation in field where disease has occurred.

Avoid sowing of maize adjacent to a field of maize or sorghum to avoid the spread of secondary infection.

Early planting of maize escapes RDM infection. Use resistant varieties /hybrids (PAU 352, Pratap Makka 3, Gujarat Makka 4, Shalimar KG 1, Shalimar KG 2, PEMH– 5, Bio 9636, NECH- X-1280, DMH 1, NAC 6002, COH (M) 4, COH (M) 5, Nithyashree. Seed should invariably be treated with metalaxyl @ 2.5g/kg seed and need based foliar sprays of systemic fungicide such as metalaxyl @ 2-2.5g/L is recommended at first appearance of disease symptoms.

Volume 05 - Issue 03 - March 2023 8 | P a g e

Sustainable Agriculture Management Practices in India

Article ID: 40402

Prachi Patel¹, Amit Tomar¹, A. K. Mishra¹, S. P. Singh¹, H. H. Khan¹, R. P. Singh¹

1Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gajraula, Amroha (Directorate of Extension), Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut-250110, U.P., India.

Sustainable Agriculture: Meaning, Definition

1. “Sustainable agriculture is a form of agriculture aimed at meeting the needs of the present generation without endangering the resource base of the future generations. In order to feed the burgeoning population more food has to be produced and this has to be done without degradation of the resource base. Expanding agriculture to ecologically fragile areas mean greater threat to environment”.

2. “According to some, sustainable agriculture is minimal dependence on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and antibiotics. It is also considered as a system of cultivation with the use of manures, crop rotation and minimal tillage”.

3. “A group of Canadian scientists have defined sustainable agriculture as a philosophy and system of farming with its roots in a set of values that reflect a state of empowerment of awareness of ecological and social realities and of one ability to take effective action which involves design and management procedures that work with natural processes to conserve all resources, promote agro-ecosystem resilience and self- regulation and minimize waste and environmental impact, while maintaining or improving farm profitability.

4. “Sustainable agriculture is a balanced management system of renewable resources including soil, wildlife, forests, crops, fish, livestock, plant genetic resources and ecosystems without degradation and to provide food, livelihood for current and future generation maintaining or improving productivity and ecosystem services of these resources. Sustainable agriculture system has to be economically viable both in the short- and long-term perspectives. Natural resources not only provide food, fibre, fuel and fodder but also perform ecosystem services such as detoxification of noxious chemicals within soils, purification of waters, favourable weather and regulation of hydrological process within watersheds. Sustainable agriculture has to prevent land degradation and soil erosion. It has to replenish nutrients and control weeds, pests and diseases through biological and cultural methods”.

5. “Sustainable agriculture is also known as eco farming or organic farming or natural farming or permaculture. It is known as eco farming as ecological balance is given importance. It is also called organic farming as organic matter is the main source for nutrient management. But some scientists consider that it is a misconception to think that sustainable agriculture is farming without chemical inputs. It is considered by some as integrated, low input and highly productive farming system”.

Table-1: Differences between modern and sustainable agriculture:

Particulars Sustainable agriculture Modern agriculture Plant nutrients Farmyard manure, compost, green

manures, biofertilizers and crop rotations are used.

Chemical fertilizers are used.

Pest control Cultural methods, crop rotation and

biological methods are used. Toxic chemicals are used.

Inputs High diversity, renewable and

biological inputs are used. High productivity and low diversity chemicals are used.

Ecological Stable ecology. Fragile ecology.

Use of resources The rate of extraction from forests, fisheries, underground water sources and other renewable resources do not exceed the rate of regeneration.

The rate of extraction exceeds the rate of regeneration. Felling of trees, deforestation,

overgrazing and pollution of water-bodies takes place.

Volume 05 - Issue 03 - March 2023 9 | P a g e Quality of food materials Food materials are safe. Food materials contain toxic

residues.

Problems of Modern Agriculture

The earth’s climate has been considered till recently as a remarkably stable, self-correcting machine, taking care of all human misadventures and assaults on fragile biosphere. But, it is clear that nature cannot be taken for granted. Modern technology of both industry and agriculture as well as other developmental activities of modern society are highly exploitative in nature enhancing pollution and causing enormous damage to the environment. Emission of smoke and gases from industry and automobiles etc., is increasing carbon dioxide content of the atmosphere. Effluents of the industry and mining are contaminating water bodies and are degrading the land. High dose of nitrogenous fertilizers are polluting water bodies with high levels of nitrates. Pesticide residues in the soil contaminates water bodies. The developmental activities including agriculture hasten the degradation of land, denudation of forests, loss of aerable land, desertification and reduction of genetic diversity. Halting pollution of air and water is a great challenge which is intimately connected with the health of the population and ecosystem. Inland water bodies and coastal areas have so far been treated as dumping grounds for wastes thus affecting aquatic and marine life.

1. Damage to the Ozone layer: Ozone layer in the stratosphere protects the surface of the earth from ultraviolet radiation from the sun. if the ozone layer disappears, there will be adverse effect on humans, animals and crops and will bring about unpredictable changes in weather and climate. Ozone concentration of the stratosphere is decline at nearly half a per cent per year. This is due to the release into the atmosphere of chemicals such as chlor fluorocarbons, nitrogen oxide and methane. These chemicals are used as refrigerants, cleaning fluids and aerosol propellants etc. being inert, these chemicals reach the atmosphere virtually intact. When they reach the stratosphere of the atmosphere, ultraviolet rays of sun break them apart and release chlorine which destroys ozone. For every one molecule of chlorine from chlorofluorocarbon, about 1,00,000 molecules of ozone are removed from ozone layer.

2. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Content: Carbon dioxide and water vapour play a vital role in maintaining the delicate heat balance that determines the temperature on the surface of the earth. The two gases are transparent to visible solar radiation and so allow sunlight to pass through, but they prevent infrared radiation from escaping and thus effectively trap solar heat. Atmospheric carbon dioxide by trapping solar heat produces greenhouse effect and heats up the atmosphere. It is estimated that earth’s mean temperature would have been as low as - 23ºC without carbon dioxide is bad as it will lead to over heating of the atmosphere which may cause far reaching climate changes. The consumption of fossil fuels all over the world has gone up by several thousand fold since the 1850’s and at the same time millions of hectares of tropical forests which are efficient sinks for carbon dioxide have been denueded of trees. As a result, the level of carbon dioxide have been increasing. It has increased from 290 ppm to 340 ppm and it may reach 400 ppm in the next 50 years. According to one estimate, by 2000 AD the average global temperature may rise as much as 5ºC and the effect of such global warming could be rise in the sea level, changes in rainfall pattern etc.

3. Land degradation: Out of the total geographical area of 329 m ha of our country, about 265 m ha is suitable for crop production and about 175 m ha is affected by soil related constraints and are classified as waste lands. Soil erosion by water in the form of rill and sheet erosion is a serious problem in the red and laterite soils of south and eastern India where about 40 t/ha of top soils is lost annually. Out of 70 m ha of black soils of central India, 6.7 m ha are already unproductive due to the development of gullies, ravines and torrents. Shifting cultivation practiced largely in the north-eastern India has caused serious land degradation over 4.4 m ha of land. It has been led to extinction of some unique flora and fauna of the region.

4. Denudation of forests: Forests are being denuded for agriculture, fuel, wood, pulp and other purposes.

Deforestation is estimated to be proceeding at the rate of about 1.5 m ha per year. Early in this century, the forest cover of Himalayas was 60 per cent and it is now estimated to be only 25 per cent. A long term threat to food production as a result of forest denudation comes from the coincident extinction of genetic resource of plants and animals along with the forest canopies. Genes from wild species and primitive cultivars useful in crop breeding which occur in forest areas are lost. Some of the tropical forests have been described as pharmaceutical factories, since they contain many medicinal plants. Denudation of forest cover

Volume 05 - Issue 03 - March 2023 10 | P a g e causes soil erosion, floods, silting of tanks and reservoirs. Deforestation, farming steep slopes and overgrazing of pastures are the main reasons for increase in volume and rate of runoff and enormous amount of water erosion.

5. Faulty agricultural practices: Various farming operations improperly carried out lead to adverse effects such as loss of top soil through water and wind erosion. Due to improper management of irrigation water, salinization and alkalization of soil takes place. An area of 6 m ha of land is affected by waterlogging and another 7 m ha is salinised due to faulty irrigation practices. Waterlogging due to inadequate drainage, depletion of ground water due to excessive extraction, pollution of surface and ground water with pesticides and fertilizer residues, loss of biological diversity and erosion of germplasm resources through removal of natural fauna and flora are the adverse effects of faulty farming practices.

Management Practices for Sustainable Agriculture

The management practices for sustainable agriculture differ from those of modern agriculture. The important steps in sustainable agriculture are watershed management, conservation of genetic resources, integrated nutrient management, efficient water management, integrated weed management and integrated pest management. The management practices are mainly aimed at obtaining sustainable production with limited or no chemical inputs with preferences to farm-grown inputs without pollution and minimum damage to natural resource base.

1. Watershed management: The important developmental activities in watershed management for drylands are soil and moisture conservation measures, land use based on land capability, waste land management, aforestation and efficient crop production practices.

2. Conservation of genetic resources: Use of improved varieties over large areas result in loss of land races which have to be preserved for future use.

3. Tillage: Tillage practices used in sustainable agriculture aim at reducing soil degradation, improving weed control and helping in timely decomposition of organic matter. A common aim is to provide optimal conditions for beneficial soil organisms, thereby enhancing organic matter decomposition and nutrient recycling. Managing the top 8 cm of soil is vital because most of the biological activity, microorganisms and organic matter is in this type.

4. Nutrient management: Nutrients needed for the crop are met from organic sources. For example, when rice is grown by self-reliant organic farming system, green manure crops such as sunhemps, dhaincha and pillipesara are sown as a mixture in a 1 : 1 : 1 ratio and 25 kg seed of each are sown in a hectare. The green manure crop is incorporated after 40 days and two weeks are allowed for decomposition before planting rice. Instead of top dressing of chemical fertilizers like urea, ammonium sulphate, calcium ammonium nitrate etc., biogass slurry and fresh cattle urine diluted with irrigation water are pumped to the fields.

Three such irrigations are given at monthly intervals. If the crop is week, one more irrigation is given with slurry combination. Farm grown inputs like Azolla, bluegreen algae, Azotobacter, Rhizobium and other biofertilizers are used judiciously. Crop rotation with legumes is adopted for building soil fertility.

Sustainable agriculture mainly depends on soil organic matter for nutrient supply through farmyard manure, compost and green manures. In the initial stage of conversion from chemical farming to organic farming, supplemental fertilizer application is necessary until equilibrium of nutrient cycles are established.

5. Efficient water management: Water management can be subdivided into rain water management and irrigation water management. The important aspects of rain water management are water harvesting, supplemental irrigation and reduction of evapotranspiration. Irrigation water management involves scheduling irrigation at appropriate time with adequate quantity of water without causing waterlogging, salinity and alkalinity.

6. Weed management: Weed control methods include cultural, physical, biological and chemical methods.

In sustainable agriculture, cultural, physical and biological methods are given greater importance. Weeds are generally controlled by rotation, tillage and hand-weeding. Weed population to an extent can be tolerated at certain periods of crop growth as they help in nutrient recycling, pest control, soil conservation and organic improvement.

Volume 05 - Issue 03 - March 2023 11 | P a g e 7. Pest management: Occurrence on insects and diseases are less in organic farming probably due to greater plant and insect diversity within the redesigned agro-ecosystem. The incidence of livestock diseases in much lower than in convetional farming. The probably reasons include higher feed quality. Integrated pest control which combines cultural and biological methods and use of resistant varieties reduce dependence on ecologically aggressive chemical pesticides. Plan derived compound such as neem and microbial control agents such as bacteria and fungi can be used instead of harmful chemicals.

8. Crop rotation: The selection of optimal crop rotation is important for successful sustainable agriculture.

Crop rotation is very important for soil fertility management, weed, insect and disease control. Legumes are essential in any rotation and should comprise 30 to 50 per cent of the crop land. A mixed cropping, pasture and livestock system is desired or even essential for the success of sustainable agriculture.

Advantages of Sustainable Agriculture

The main advantage of sustainable agriculture are ecological balance, low cost of cultivation, clean environment and nutritious food without residues that harm human health.

Disadvantages of Sustainable Agriculture

Some of the disadvantages are low yields, lack of timely and effective control of weeds, insects and diseases.

Volume 05 - Issue 03 - March 2023 12 | P a g e

Hybrid Seed Production Technology of Pearl Millet in India

Article ID: 40403

A. K. Mishra¹, S. P. Singh¹, Amit Tomar¹, H. H. Khan¹, Prachi Patel¹, R. P. Singh¹

1Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gajraula, Amroha (Directorate of Extension), Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut-250110, U.P., India.

Introduction

Functional and healthy seed is one of the important factors in improving agricultural production. Farmer- based seed production programs for sorghum have been introduced in some of the developing countries and are proving to be successful. The areas of responsibility in terms of producing improved cultivars (pure-line varieties, composites and hybrids) are breeding, commercial seed production and certification. While breeding is carried out by a research station, commercial production and distribution require an well- organized operation. Certification is carried out by independent agencies that monitor the quality and purity of the cultivar during production. The procedures for seed production of the open-pollinated varieties differ from those hybrids. Pearl millet, also called coarse millet, , cereal grain plant of the grass family (Poaceae) and its edible starchy seeds. The plant likely originated in Africa, where it is a major food crop, and has numerous varieties, including grain sorghums, used for food; grass pearlmillet, grown for hay and fodder; and broomcorn, used in making brooms and brushes. In India pearlmillet is known as bajra, in West Africa as Guinea corn, and in China as kaoliang. Pearlmillet is especially valued in hot and arid regions for its resistance to drought and heat. Pearlmillet is a strong grass and usually grows to a height of 0.6 to 2.4 metres (2 to 8 feet), sometimes reaching as high as 4.6 metres (15 feet). Stalks and leaves are coated with a white wax, and the pith, or central portion, of the stalks of certain varieties is juicy and sweet.

The leaves are about 5 cm (2 inches) broad and 76 cm (2.5 feet) long. The tiny flowers are produced in panicles that range from loose to dense; each flower cluster bears 800–3,000 kernels.

Hybrid Seed Production (Pearl Millet)

The procedures for hybrid seed production in both sorghum and pearl millet are similar. Both crops use cytoplasmic-genetic male sterility system in hybrid seed production that is caused by an interaction of the sterility-inducing factors in the cytoplasm with the genetic factors in the nucleus. The procedures described earlier for the production of different varieties of seed (pure line, and composites) is largely applicable to the seed production of hybrids too. Additional information is given below:

Identification of Potential Hybrid Parents (A-, B-, and R-lines): Potential male and female parents for hybrid seed production are identified by crossing male-fertile plants (inbreeds, varieties, germplasm, breeding stocks in advanced generations, etc.) to a male-sterile line (A-line) and observing their