Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology

The central region is relatively well-developed as compared to the other regions in Uttar Pradesh (UP), consisting of ten districts viz. Barabanki, Fatehpur, Hardoi, Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, Khiri, Lucknow, Raibareilly, Sitapur, and Unnao. It is an eco-region that ranges from dry sub-humid to semi-arid. The agriculture in the central region is mainly irrigated, diverse, complex, and risky owing to increasing vulnerability to the frequent and unseasonal extreme weather conditions. The central region has been filled with significant wisdom and understanding of indigenous and traditional agriculture practices (TAPs) that farmers have been following for a long time. The people of this region practice a variety of Indigenous technical knowledge (ITKs) for natural resource management (soil, water, and nutrients), crop protection, post-harvest management, environmental management, and ways to predict-assess-mitigate climate anomalies. These indigenous techniques are region/area-specific, dependable, effective, and long-lasting. However, the introduction of modern agricultural practices has pushed the use of chemical-based inputs and high-yielding varieties (HYVs), but it has also resulted in ignorance of Indigenous knowledge of ITKs and a greater preference for high-profit-oriented agriculture practices. Many examples of blending ITK with improved practices in central UP are crop residue and soil mulching which reduces cost by Rs. 2500–3000/ha, water saving by 20%, and yield enhancement by 20%, saving of fertilizers by 25% with integrated nutrient management (INM) practices, and promotion of agroforestry models for enhancing productivity. As a result, identifying and documenting relevant and profitable ITKs/TAPs in central is essential. Furthermore, an appropriate coalition between traditional and modern knowledge and technology systems has immense potential to increase food security in the central region of UP.

Understanding crop performance across diverse agro-ecologies is crucial for developing region-specific breeding strategies. This multi-location study examined the impact of diverse environments on crop eco-phenology and genotype-by-environment interactions (GEI) of tall-type field pea breeding lines. Empirical methods were employed to identify strategic locations that support higher yields and unique genotypic traits. The results revealed significant variations across locations, with coefficients of variation for key traits as follows: days to flowering (31%), days to maturity (20%), reproductive period (19%), yield (35%), and seed weight (31%). Environmental component accounted for the largest yield variation (78%), followed by GEI (13%). Correlation analysis indicated a significant influence of both temperature extremes, particularly maximum temperature during flowering, on crop yields. Higher minimum temperatures during flowering and reproductive period were associated with reduced yields, while extended crop duration in cooler regions also negatively impacted yields. A significant quadratic relationship between seed weight and yield underscored the importance of seed weight as a yield-stabilising trait. GGE-biplot analysis identified four mega-environments, and designated Faizabad, Pantnagar, Varanasi, and Kota as ideal testing sites for selecting genotypes with broader adaptability. These findings provide valuable insights for redesigning field pea breeding programmes at the national level.

The accessibility of quality seed, be it hybrids or open-pollinated varieties, in okra is of paramount importance for enhancing the production and productivity in this crop. Quality seeds are considered a most important strategic resource in modern day farming in any crop plants including vegetables, to meet the goal for the world’s food and nutritional security. Okra farmers recognize quality seed of a proven improved hybrids/varieties with dual tolerance to YVMV and OELCV diseases as the most basic and tactical inputs for high and sustainable yield. In okra, the seeds of F1 hybrids have been in the driver’s seat, but of late, the open-pollinated varieties have also considered a major player as they covered substantial area under them. In India, though the various public institutions are actively involved in the basic and strategic research for the enrichment of genetic resources, development of varieties and hybrids, and establishment of the genetic basis of viral disease tolerance, but the hybrid seeds are mostly produced and marketed in okra by private seed companies. The annual okra seed requirement is about 4878 tonnes. Due to the lack of genetic pollination control mechanisms like robust male sterility system (CGMS) and limited scope of extensive utilization of the available genetic male sterility (GMS) system, the production of hybrid seed is carried out through hand emasculation and pollination, which is tedious, labor-intensive, and cost-ineffective, thereby making it challenging to achieve targeted demand for hybrid seed. This necessitates to find out appropriate alternatives to simplify the hybrid seed production system in okra to make the process faster and cost-effective.

Baby corn (Zea mays L.) is a significant crop in global agriculture, valued for its high yield, rich nutritional profile, short growth duration, and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. Its dual-purpose utility as both a nutritious vegetable and a source of green fodder further enhances its agricultural importance. In recent years, baby corn has gained popularity due to its unique taste, versatility in culinary applications, and increasing demand in the food industry. This research was conducted to evaluate the impact of spacing and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on the growth, yield, and quality of baby corn. A field experiment was carried out during the spring season of 2021, following a split-plot design with three replications. The main-plot treatments comprised three spacing levels: S1 (60 cm × 20 cm), S2 (50 cm × 20 cm), and S3 (45 cm × 15 cm), while the sub-plot treatments included four nutrient management levels: T1 (Control), T2 (100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF)), T3 (75% RDF + 5 ton/ha Farm Yard Manure (FYM) + Bio-fertilizer), and T4 (75% RDF + 2.5 ton/ha Vermicompost + Bio-fertilizer), using the variety VL BABY CORN-2. The experimental findings revealed that spacing and nutrient management had a significant influence on the crop’s growth, yield, and quality parameters. Among the main-plot treatments, the highest plant height was recorded in S3 (185.75 cm), while in the sub-plot treatments, T4 exhibited the greatest plant height (190.70 cm). The significantly higher yield was recorded with spacing S3 (45 cm × 15 cm) which was 7,154 kg/ha, while T4 (75% RDF + 2.5 ton/ha Vermicompost + Bio-fertilizer) achieved a superior yield of 7,763 kg/ha. Moreover, Among the nutritional quality parameters T4 exhibited the maximum protein content (16.23%), phosphorus content (23.35 mg/100 g), fiber content (5.82%), total soluble solids (13.06° Brix), total soluble sugars (84.06 mg/100 g), and moisture content (89.65%). Hence, our findings indicate that adopting a spacing of 45 cm × 15 cm along with the application of 75% RDF + 2.5 ton/ha Vermicompost + Bio-fertilizer significantly enhances the growth, yield of baby corn, however using a wider spacing of 60 cm X 20 cm, could improve the quality in better way, therefore making it a sustainable and efficient agronomic practice.

Soybean is one of the few promising crops that are both an important source of protein and oil in the world. It is a source of several rare nutrients that can prevent chronic diseases becoming common by the day. Certain challenges such as poor seed longevity, susceptibility to mechanical damage, beany flavor, and trypsin inhibitor activity still affect preference for soybean among consumers and farmers. This scenario can change only when breeders focus on handling these productivity-related challenges through thorough genetic analysis and advanced breeding approaches. Breeders are trying to address these problems using marker-assisted technologies and genomic studies. As a result of these efforts, a Kunitz trypsin inhibitor genotype NRC 127 has been released for several soybean growing states, a high oleic acid containing variety IC 210 has been developed for coronary heart disease patients, and gene introgression for the mosaic disease has been done in JS-335 variety. It is expected that genomics and marker-assisted breeding will further improve the productivity of already popular soybean varieties.

Introduction Entrepreneurship in agricultural sector is a key enabler of rural development and economic growth. This research delves into the entrepreneurial behavior of vegetable growers involved in polyhouse protected farming and focuses on the factors that influence their entrepreneurial pursuits. Methods The research employed a mixed sampling methodology and the data collection was done by personally interviews. Whereas, data were analyzed using various statistical techniques including Entrepreneurial behavior index computation and Kendall’s tau correlation. Results The results of the study reveal noteworthy associations between factors such as farm income, experience in protected cultivation, area allocated for polyhouse cultivation and extension contact with entrepreneurial behavior. Notably, income consistently demonstrated a positive correlation with all aspects of entrepreneurial behavior, while experience and extension contact also exhibited significant positive relationships. Conversely, education level displayed a negative correlation with risk-taking ability but a positive correlation with other dimensions such as cosmopoliteness and innovativeness. However, family size and gender did not demonstrate significant associations with entrepreneurial behavior. Discussion The findings underscored the intricate nature of entrepreneurial behavior among vegetable growers which necessitate tailored interventions to foster entrepreneurship in this sector. The research recommends policy measures like financial incentives, enhanced access to extension services and promoting collaboration among polyhouse cultivators to encourage entrepreneurship. These initiatives aim to overcome financial barriers, improve technical knowledge and address structural challenges, ultimately fostering sustainable entrepreneurship and agricultural development.

Sugarcane stands out as an exceptional converter of solar energy into valuable biomass and sugar. A diverse array of by-products are generated during sugarcane processing, including bagasse, molasses, press mud, and lesser-known residues like trash, wax, fly ash, biochar, etc. These by-products, often rich in fibres, lignin, pentosans, and pith, present a unique opportunity for conversion into high-value products through chemical, biochemical, and microbial technologies. The Indian sugar industry, on identifying the economic potential of these by-products, has established sugar-agro-industrial complexes where bioethanol, bioelectricity, compressed biogas (CBG), and various value-added products are produced. Amid global moves in sugar markets, an increased demand for bio-based fuels, and consumer preferences favouring sustainable products, the sugar industry is experiencing a significant transformation. The utilization of sugarcane by-products not only augments economic viability but also aligns with broader goals of sustainable resource utilization and waste reduction. This review underscores the diversity of sugarcane by-products originating from the sugar industry, showcasing their role as raw materials for diverse sectors such as paper board, textile, ethanol, CBG, and bioplastic manufacturing.

Survey activities were conducted over two years from 2022 to 2024 at the main campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India to know and documented the species richness of moth’s diversity. The result of the survey activities results into collection, identification and documentation of a total of 112 months belongs to 89 genera of 9 families and 31 sub families. Members of the family Erebidae and Cramibidae shown dominance over other with 28 genera having 33 species and accounts for the 29.72 per cent of total moth diversity each. This was followed by Noctuidae (15.31 per cent: 17 species; 12 genera), Geometridae (12.61 per cent:14 species; 11 genera), Sphingidae (8.12 per cent:9 species; 5 genera) and others. The least species richness was observed in Eupteroidae, Nolidae, and Notodinidae which accounts for the 4.54 per cent of total moth diversity of the study area. Earlier studies that had been conducted during 2020 reported 99 month species belonging to 84 genera and 11 families. The current investigation documented 5 more genera but the number of families was reduced from 11 to 09. The activities compared the works that had been done earlier and aimed to find out the possible reasons for the increased or decreased in faunal diversity. Rapidly growing urbanisation, light and environmental pollution are some of the factors may be responsible for decline in moth diversity.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the concern for spreading of the infection through contact has been drastically altered. As a result, the use of personal protective devices (PPDs), which were previously reserved for health care workers (HCWs), is now in reach of general public, often without any discernible pattern.

Characterization of crop-growing environments in relation to crop’s genotypic performance is crucial to harness positive genotype-by-environment interactions (GEI) in systematic breeding programs. Given that, the study aimed to delineate the impact of diverse environments on crop phenology and yield traits of dwarf-statured field pea, pinpointing location(s) favoring higher yield and distinctiveness within breeding lines. We tested twelve field pea breeding lines across twenty locations in India, covering Central Zone (CZ), North Western Plain Zone (NWPZ), North Eastern Plain Zone (NEPZ), and Northern Hill Zone (NHZ). Across these locations, maximum and minimum temperatures during flowering (TMAXF, TMINF) and reproductive period (TMAXRP, TMINRP) ranged 18.9–28.3, 3.3–18.0, 15.0-30.8, and 7.9-22.1oC, respectively. Meanwhile, notable variations in phenological and agronomic traits (coefficient of variation) were observed: flowering (31%), days to maturity (21%), reproductive period (18%), grain yield (48%), and 100-seed weight (18%). Combined ANOVA demonstrated an oversized impact of environment (81%) on yield, while genotype and GEI effects were 2% and 14%, respectively. The variables TMINF, TMINRP, and cumulative growing degree-day showed positive correlations with yield, while extended vegetative and maturity durations negatively influenced yield (p < 0.05). Additionally, linear mixed-models and PCA results explained that instability in crop phenology had significant influence on field pea yield. Seed weight was markedly varied within the locations (9.9–20.8 g) and both higher and lower seed weights were associated with lower yields (Optimal = 17.1 g). HA-GGE biplot-based on environment focus-scaling demonstrated three mega-environments and specific locations viz. Kota (CZ), SK Nagar (CZ), Raipur (CZ), Sehore (CZ), and Pantnagar (NWPZ) as the ideal testing-environments with high efficiency in selecting new genotypes with wider adaptability. The study findings highlight distinct impact of environments on crop phenology and agronomic traits of field pea (dwarf-type), hold substantial value in designing efficient field pea (dwarf-type) breeding program at mega-environment scale.

The research attempts to report the characterization of eight underexploited seed fibers viz. Adenium, Albizia, Blackboard, Munja, Plume thistle, Poplar, Reed, and Wild sugarcane fiber collected from various trees and shrubs in order to investigate their potential industrial applications. The fibers underwent detailed analysis of their physical properties and chemical components. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to determine the chemical, thermal, morphological, and crystalline analysis, respectively. The quantitative estimation of seed fibers by chemical component analysis revealed that the selected seed fibers are rich in cellulose (51.4–67.23%) with 7–25% lignin content. The SEM images depicted that the Munja, Poplar, Plume, and Wild sugarcane fiber are extremely fine with a fiber diameter of less than 10 μm. DTG analysis revealed the correlation between cellulose content and maximum peak temperature of decomposition of the fibers. Except for Adenium and Poplar fibers, all the fibers showed a crystalline index of more than 50%. Comprehensively, the selected seed fibers are comparable to cotton in fineness, density, moisture, and wax content. Gleaming whiteness of poplar fiber is comparable to cotton.

The present research utilizes the mass of fine cilia yielded by cactus protoderm. Obtained cilia is characterized morphologically, chemically, thermally, and for antimicrobial activity. Plant based cellulosic wound dressing material expedite tissue generation, hydration, and bactericidal activity. Chemical characterization of cactus cilia reveals a highly absorbent cellulose I structure with crystallinity percentage of 65.02%. Infrared spectroscopy shows aromatic rings in cellulose polysaccharides with carbon (88.37%), oxygen (6.67%), nitrogen (3.67%), and sodium (1.27%). Morphology displayed a very fine (21 to 65 μm), coiled, and uncinate fiber. Significant number of amino acids, amides, and their derivatives exhibit cactus cilia is a plant biomass. Cactus cilia + ampicillin derivative inhibited gram-negative bacterial growth, thus making it a potential material for general use in meditech applications.

The inexorable expansion in the global demand for food, coupled with the need to reduce the environmental impact of conventional farming practices, has created the need for innovative and eco-friendly solutions. Among the myriad of promising alternatives, agriculturally significant microorganisms have emerged as effective tools in the fight against this challenge. Such microorganisms, replete with diverse plant growth-stimulating traits, have been harnessed to fortify soil health, enhance crop growth, and augment yield. Biofilm-forming microbial inoculants, for example, have shown remarkable efficacy in crop production, while microbial-assisted biofortification of food crops has emerged as an increasingly popular practice. Moreover, microbial inoculants can be effective tools to mitigate the consequences of climate change by curtailing greenhouse gas emissions, sequestration of carbon, etc. The synergistic application of nanomaterials and microbes has also been found to significantly increase crop output. A recent and particularly promising approach is “rhizosphere microbiome transplantation,” which involves the transfer of beneficial microorganisms from healthy soil to affected crop roots, thereby conferring disease resistance and boosting crop vitality. This chapter emphasizes the significant and game-changing role of microbes and microbial based strategies in agriculture, which holds the key to unlocking a transformative and enduring future for crop-based food production.

MXenes have emerged as a promising 2D material on account of their diverse properties and applications, especially in portable, wearable, and flexible smart textiles. This review presents the different properties of MXene, the development of electroconductive MXene‐based fibers, different types of MXene‐based fibers, and fabrics suitable for treatment with MXene. Interactions of natural and man‐made fibers with MXenes have been presented. Functional fibers have been incorporated into textiles, promoting the creation of strain sensors, pressure sensors, antennas, and heaters. Textiles with wearable multifunctional properties, such as humidity sensors, actuators, and electromagnetic interference shielding, are very promising for use in MXene‐based intelligent garments.

The aim of the current study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of safflower seed (SS) on the growth performance and hematological parameters of broiler birds along with the physicochemical, textural and sensory attributes of chicken meat. A total of 200 male chickens (7-days-old) were distributed into 5 groups (40 chickens in each) with 5 replicates of 8 chicks in a 42-day experiment. Each group was allocated to one of 5 dietary treatments, i.e., 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10% SS. The experimental diets were formulated for starter (7 to 21 days) and finisher (22 to 42 days) phases. Inclusion of SS in the diet improved growth performances in treatment groups between 7 and 42 days. The highest and lowest body weights were observed at the 5% SS and 0% SS levels, respectively. The physicochemical attributes of breast and thigh meat were found (P > 0.05) except for crude fat. The crude fat was significantly (P < 0.05) increased with increasing levels of SS in the diet. The inclusion of SS in the diet did not negatively impact the textural properties, i.e., hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess, chewiness, and shear force of breast and thigh meat. There was no significant difference in the sensory parameters of cooked chicken meat with increasing levels of SS in the diet. The results demonstrated a significant (P < 0.01) improvement in hematological parameters in the blood samples of broiler chickens fed diet supplemented with various levels of SS for five weeks. These findings suggest that, SS may be used as an oil seed for broiler chicken feed.

Twenty-nine exotic common bean germplasms and three elite cultivars were examined for phenotypic diversity in two bean-producing environments (Kanpur and Shimla) across three winter seasons and one rainy season. The estimate of genetic variability parameters revealed that the exotic bean germplasm has enough diversity for all the evaluated features. The highest genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were found in seed yield, followed by 100-seed weight, pods per plant and pod length. Furthermore, seed yield was the most heritable and genetically advanced quantitative feature, followed by 100-seed weight, pod length and pods per plant. According to a trait association study, the days to maturity of phenological traits have a strong positive correlation with the days to initial flowering and the days to 50% flowering. Pods per plant and seeds per pod most strongly influence increased grain yield. The first two principal components accounted for 63.3% of the variation and demonstrated significant diversity among exotic bean lines for the traits studied, according to the principal component analysis. According to the hierarchical clustering analysis, 29 accessions and three cultivars were divided into three groups. Cluster I contains early flowering and maturing accessions, while cluster III contains high pods per plant and an increased grain yield of germplasms. The fundamental source of phenological fluctuations in both environmental circumstances is temperature. This study found four genetically divergent and stable performance accessions, including EC932021, EC932189 (earliness), and EC931452, EC931971 (high grain yield), which may aid in the establishment of a bean breeding programme.

Abstract:Future agriculture will depend heavily on connected devices, detectors and the Internet of Things (IoT) to be more productive and sustainable. WSNs Technology-based communications and data can be used to solve the majority of the critical challenges in economics, technology, and environmental protection. Increasing the number of connected devices produces a significant amount of data in many different modalities. Additionally, geographical and temporal factors contribute to the rise in the number of networked devices. After being carefully processed and analyzed, this enormous volume of data will offer a deeper understanding that motivation enhances future forecasting, executive, and management of sensor compulsion.