ISSN: 2582-6522 Agriculture LettersN. Harisha, V. Chinmayi, D.R.K. Saikanth and M. Shanmukh Raju 8 3. Copper Sulfide Nano Aqua Dispersions: Weapons against Dengue spreading Mos-quito

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Dr. Padmaja Pancharatnam

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ISSN: 2582-6522

Agriculture Letters A monthly peer reviewed newsletter for agriculture and allied sciences

Volume 01, Issue 06

(October, 2020)

K I S A N

R A T H

M o b i l e

App- A

Revolution in Agricul-

tural Transportation

System During COVID

-19 Pandemic

By Harisha et al .


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Volume 01, Issue 06

Publishing date: Oct, 2020

ISSN: 2582-6522

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Volume 01, Issue 06


ISSN: 2582-6522

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Volume 01, Issue 06


ISSN: 2582-6522

IN THIS ISSUE

1. Jute: A fibre Crop of New Opportunities B. S. Gotyal, S. Satpathy, P. N. Meena and V. Ramesh Babu

3

2. ‘KISAN RATH’ mobile app– A revolu-tion in agricultural transportation system during COVID-19 pandemic N. Harisha, V. Chinmayi, D.R.K. Saikanth and M. Shanmukh Raju

8

3. Copper Sulfide Nano Aqua Dispersions: Weapons against Dengue spreading Mos-quito Komalpreet Kaur Sandhu and Nisha Vashishat

11

4. Artificial Intelligence for Profitable Horti-culture

Rajat Sharma, Satish Chand and Ranjan

Srivastava

15

5. Digital Farming: Problems and Prospects

Parita

21

6. “Bougainvillea”- Glory of Garden

K. Keerthishankar, H. A. Yathindra and K. P. Mangala

24

7. Advanced Processed Foods in India Chingtham Chanbisana and R. Lalrinfeli

28

8. Biotech crop and its consequences in aug-menting the soil health status

Jyoti Prakash Sahoo, Ambika Prasad

Mishra, Upasana Mohapatra and Kailash Chandra Samal

32

9. Potential of Pseudomonas fluorescens as biocontrol agent in integrated disease management for sustainable agriculture

P. N. Meena, Mukesh Khokhar, Rekha balodi and H R Sardana

37

10. PPFM in Drought Stress

Nunna Sai Aparna Devi, Banka Kanda Kishore Reddy and Samatha Guttala

40


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Volume 01, Issue 06


ISSN: 2582-6522

IN THIS ISSUE

11. Application of nanotechnology in agricul-ture Om Prakash, Abhinav Gaur, Jyoti Rawat et al.

42

12. Importance of Weather Based Agromet Advisory in Agriculture under Changing Climate Scenario Ananta Vashisth

47

13. Advanced Molecular Approaches for Plant Viruses Control P. N. Meena, Mukesh Khokhar, Rekha Balodi and Sardana H. R.

51

14. Sustainable Integrated Farming System

Bedanand Chaudhary and Ujjawal Kumar Singh Kushwaha

54

15. Nutritional Security with Vegetables in Winter Season

Suchitra Dadheech and Uadal Singh

62

16. Approaches for Water Management in Sugarcane

Anupama Rawat, Naresh Malik and Sub-

hash Chandra

68

17. Microbe Mediated Mitigation of Drought Stress in Crops Divjot Kour and Ajar Nath Yadav

73

18. Intercropping Options in Autumn Planted Sugarcane for Higher Profitability

Navnit Kumar, Geeta Kumari and Anil

Kumar

80

19. Sustainable Strategies for Disease and Pest Management in Elephant Foot Yam

Sarkar M., Desai K. D., Patel B. K. And

Himani B. Patel

83

20. Detection of Genetically Modified crops

Ankit Moharana

87

October, 2020 Agriculture Letters (ISSN: 2582-6522)

https://agletters.in/ Volume 01, Issue 06 (October, 2020) 3

Introduction

Besides the traditional use of jute, this eco-friendly natural fibre has versatile application pro-

spects ranging from low-value geo-textiles to high-value jute bags, carpet, apparel, composites, decora-

tive, upholstery furnishings, and fancy non-woven for new products. The food value of the crop and its

positive impact on the cropping system also establishes its versatile economic and ecological im-

portance. Jute, with its exclusive versatility, rightfully justify being branded as the “fibre for the future”.

In the era of environmental concern, natural fibres need to be promoted for nature’s sake. Hence, the

plant-based biodegradable natural fibres are the only alternatives which can arrest the use of synthetic

fibre and can save the trees and environment which intern play a huge role in ecosystem service. Since,

the 1960s, the use of synthetic fibres has increased, and natural fibres have lost a large volume of their

market share. Farmers and processors of jute fibre face the challenge of developing markets in which,

they can compete effectively with synthetics. The production and usage of synthetic fibres are harmful

to the environment as they are slow to decompose and cause extreme damage to the ecosystem. Jute is a

versatile fibre with multifarious end uses, enjoys importance as an internationally traded commodity. It

is quite apparent that the use of jute in packaging is a much safer option as compared to synthetic fibres.

On the other hand, jute crop is ecofriendly and has much higher CO2 assimilation rate and its cultivation

improves the nutritional status of the soil. Consumer awareness towards greater use of biodegradable

products linked to governments clean India initiatives such as “Swachcha Bharat Programme” will sus-

tain the market demand for jute – based products and has the prospect to replace environmentally harm-

ful plastic bags. Only 4-6% of the total biomass is being used as fibre, while the rest remained under-

exploited or underutilized or the potential of which is still untapped and hence, value addition and prod-

uct diversification of jute is the need of the hour.

Diversification of jute fibres

Jute fibre being eco-friendly, annually renewable and abundantly available offers ample scope for

its application in the manufacture of products for diverse use. Utilization of jute for the manufacture of

market worthy products has opened up large opportunities. Because of the challenge faced from cheap-

er prices of synthetic substitutes, more thrusts have been given on diversification of jute products. Now

the important areas of worth assisted varied jute goods are:

Jute: A fibre Crop of New Opportunities B. S. Gotyal1*, S. Satpathy2, P. N. Meena3 and V. Ramesh Babu4

1 Senior Scientist, ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Barrackpore, Kolkata - 700121 2 Principal Scientist & Head, ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Barrackpore, Kolkata – 700121 3 P. N. Meena, Scientist, National Centre for Integrated Pest Management, New Delhi-110012 4 Scientist, ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Barrackpore, Kolkata - 700121

Article ID: 20/10/0106127



Jute Bags

Shifting on to jute shopping bags from single-use plastic bags will create huge domestic

and export demand for jute products. In coming decades, it is expected that many jute mills and

mini-jute plants will be seen engaged in a big way in the production of jute and jute blended

yarns, for manufacturing jute bags. Jute bags are prepared from durable jute fibres which makes

firm and hard-wearing end-product. These bags are regarded as one of the most coveted prod-

ucts of jute owing to their strong, light, durable, colourfast, anti-static, UV resistant and carbon

dioxide safe properties. In recent times, jute bags are available everywhere from the roadside

stalls to the perky shopping malls and most people are buying jute bags as they can carry a good

weight, withstand pollution and all harmful chemicals and they are very cheap compared to bags

made of other materials.

Jute is one of the firstborn old-fashioned packing materials. It was the most commonly

used packaging material. Hence, it is generally used for the sacking of agriculture goods. It is

being used largely in rigid packaging, as well as, reinforced plastic. The prime goods are woven

of jute in India, we have coarse packaging materials and being among the strong and durable

fabrics, the jute fabric is ideally being used as sacks for packing since ageing. The structure of

the fabric of jute sacks prevents damage to the packaged product and so the jute sacks are still

frequently used today due to its excellent qualities.

Jute fibre composites

Jute fibre composite is tougher and durable products that can have many applications. Jute

fibre is highly suitable for fibre composite production, either with synthetic fibres, natural fibres

or combination of both. These composite fibres can be used as reinforcement materials in build-

ings, electrical appliances, false ceilings, panels, doors, rooftops, automobile interiors, plywood

substitutes in packing and many other innovative purposes.

Jute paper pulp

About 35% of raw materials used for paper pulp come from hardwood (bamboo), 30%

from agro-residues like straw and bagasse, and rest 35% from waste paper. The biomass produc-

tion from jute ranges from 528 to 550 q/ ha which can be successfully utilized for paper pulp.

To protect natural vegetation, jute can serve as excellent alternative source material for paper

pulp.

Jute biofuel

The green fuels, more commonly known as biofuels are the most potential substitutes of

petrol, diesel and release a lesser amount of greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuel. Due to



restrictions in production of biofuel from food crops, alternate non-edible plant sources for bio-

fuel production is a priority in current biofuel research. About 3-4 million tonnes of jute stick is

produced in India alone, which can efficiently be channelled for biofuel production.

Jute as antioxidants

Jute plants are more in Vitamins E, A and C. These three nutrients are potent antioxidants

that protect the cells from free radicals. There is tremendous scope to use the antioxidants avail-

able in leaves which can supplement the vital neutraceuticals required for immunity. Jute leaves

are consumed as vegetables or in soups in India and South East Asia which are nutritionally rich

and have high antioxidant properties. Higher contains carotene (18.6 mg/g protein) and high vit-

amin C content (500 mg/ g protein) and disease-fighting phenols (580 mg chlorogenic acid

equivalent / 100 g fresh weight) make up the nutritional value of jute leaves. Thus products from

jute leave have high potential as healthy food.

Jute caddies (Jute mill waste)

Jute caddy, the short un-spinnable dropping during carding operation in jute mills are a

potential source of energy. Jute caddies can be used as cellulosic raw material for the production

of biogas with the residual slurry for making manure. The non-woven made out of jute caddies

can replace glass fibre as reinforcing material in composites for making various utility items. It

can be converted into biomass energy through and gasification after mixing with other agro-

residues. It can produce about 3300 X 103 Kcal energy per metric tonne. If properly utilized by

the mills can significantly reduce their consumption of electricity.

Jute seed oil

Jute seed contains about 10-12% oil and it could be a potential source of polyunsaturated

fatty acids as it can be very well used in industries particularly in soap and detergent industries.

It also may be used as batching oil for softening of jute fibre by applying as an emulsion. Seed

oil quality is not so enough for emulsion, so it may be used as an antifeedant/repellent

against insects due to its bitter taste.

Jute geotextile

Jute based geotextiles have shown a great potential for control of soil erosion, protection

of river banks, road construction etc. Jute agro textiles have been successfully used as mulches

for soil moisture retention, weed management and improvement of crop yield. Blending jute

with other natural and man-made fibres have brought an about wide range of fabrics woven in

handloom for home furnishing, dress material, technical products, handicrafts etc. The technolo-



gies are appropriate for both the large and small scale industries and have the potential for em-

ployment generation in the rural sector.

Jute – Ecosystem services

Jute is an excellent carbon sequester crop in comparison to many tree plants items of cap-

turing carbon from the atmosphere. Life cycle assessment study reveals that the most significant

impact is carbon sequestration by green jute plants during the growth stage. It was estimated

that, on an average, as much as 1.8–2.0 Mg ha−1 of the leftover above- and below-ground bio-

mass of jute (leaves, stubbles, and roots) is added annually to the soils under jute cultivation.

The fresh jute leaves decrease the pH of the soil 6.47 to 6.31 and organic mat-

ter content of the soil increased to 60.00% and nutrient contents in soil was also in-

creased and of N, P, K and S were increased up to 47.00,53.00, 62.00 and 56.00 per

cent respectively.

Jute furniture

Jute furniture is natural, captivating and highly stylish and is acquirable all over, in several

various designs as well as styles. It is very easy to clean and will rarely need any additional care

to keep it safe. While this makes jute furniture perfect for outdoor surroundings such as back-

yard or terrace, it also gives a beautiful touch to any area within the home or cottage. Types of

equipment prepared from jute are cheap, and is attractive to the eye, long-lasting and can inte-

grate new designs.

Jute leaf manure

The soil fertility can be sustained by replacing the inorganic source of soil nutrients with

an organic pool of manures. The major limitation in this direction is the low availability of rela-

tively cheaper organic matter to fulfil the goal. The underutilized jute leaves can be converted

into value-added concentrated manures. Development of cottage industries for the production

of value-added leaf manures will generate employment opportunities for rural youths.

Conclusion

Jute is eco-friendly, biodegradable and has a much higher Co2 assimilation rate mitigating

the negative impacts of climate change. There is no doubt that cultivation of jute in the tradition-

al rice belt of eastern and northeastern states plays a very crucial and vital role in balancing the

soil nutritional status ideal for the subsequent crops in the cropping system. Studies have re-

vealed that one hectare of jute plants can captivate up to 15 tons of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse

gas, and release as much as 11 tons of oxygen during the jute growing season. Jute improves



soil quality and replenishes soil nutrients. It is noteworthy that jute due to its diversified use is

going to be a more economical crop in future. More important is to produce good quality fibres

with the incorporation of all new technologies. The farmers need to be economically benefitted

from jute cultivation. This can be possible by general public awareness to step up the domestic

and export market.



Introduction

In short, transport helps in agriculture and emboldens the farmer to invest high and increase pro-

duction. And without this transport system, large volume of meticulously farmed produce laid to

waste. On the contrary, if a proficient transport structure exists, and the agricultural commodity is han-

dled with care, the farmer will get best possible returns. Many agrarians are cash-strapped and would

like to dispose of the commodities at the earliest. This implies regardless of whether the gather is plen-

teous, the rancher can at present be abandoned if the item can't be reached past the limits of his town.

His produce likewise needs to arrive at the shopper at a sensible cost and inside a sensible time.

Agricultural produce having certain peculiar characteristics like agricultural commodities are

bulky and perishable. Most of produce are delicate goods. The packaging and transport need to ensure

that the products are not bruised during transportation. After crop harvest, it move through the route of

harvesting, threshing, winnowing and bagging, processing and storage. There are amount of wastage at

all these stages, and proficient transport and marketing system can still ensure that unit costs remain

low and retain the agriculture value chain at a robust level. Keeping transport costs low enables the

ranchers to acquire an edge, just as make it moderate for the customer. Despite what might be expected,

in the event that transport costs are high, at that point household showcasing, yet the potential for farm-

ing fares will likewise diminish when contrasted with nations with more productive vehicle.

The stockpiling limit of transport vehicles fluctuates from 3 tons to 31 tons. Such a vehicle

framework cuts down the gigantic wastage of foods grown from the ground and associated items, poul-

try, fish, meat, milk, and dairy items. In India, short of what one percent of the 105 million tons of short

-lived products are moved through the 30,000 reefer vehicles that handle its streets. Furthermore, the

misfortune because of this adds up to Rs. 1 lakh crore. In the U.S., 85% of products of the soil are

moved through a virus chain, and in Thailand, it is 40%. You can see that in correlation, it is immaterial

in India. Indian ranchers are confronting tremendous issue in long periods of March to June. A signifi-

cant advancement in the agribusiness transport area is Kisan Rath versatile application to give profi-

cient vehicle offices to ranchers produce through system different partners like farmers, FPOs, APMCs,

Custom Hiring Centers. and so forth.,. (www.sourcetrace.com/26/08/2020).

Kisan Rath versatile application encourages farmers , FPOs and dealers across India to look and

contact the vehicle specialist co-ops for shipping the Agriculture and Horticulture produce. It associates

‘KISAN RATH’ mobile app– A revolution in agricultural transportation system

during COVID-19 pandemic N. Harisha1*, V. Chinmayi2, D.R.K. Saikanth3 and M. Shanmukh Raju4

1Ph.D Scholar, Dept. of Agril. Extension, Agricultural College, Bapatla-522101 2Technical Officer, MYRADA NGO, Kalaburigi, Karnataka. 3Ph.D Scholar, Dept. of Agril. Extension, PJTSAU, Hyderabad. 4 M.Sc Student, Dept. of Agril. Extension, Agricultural College, Bapatla

Article ID: 20/10/0106128



them with the vehicle specialist co-ops, giving a wide scope of trucks and farm hauler streetcars,

and furthermore permits posting the necessities of part-load just as full-load. The Kisan Rath

versatile application is created by the National Informatics Center (NIC). It was begun on 20th

April 2020 by Agriculture Minister (Narendra Singh Tomar). The application interfaces with

significant vehicle aggregators and furthermore permits singular carriers to enrol their vehicles

and offer types of assistance to ranchers and merchants. In the application, the enlisted Farmer,

FPOs, purchaser or broker posts a heap which is sent to move aggregators, singular carriers and

work vehicle proprietors (under CHC conspire) enrolled on the application and they can react

with their contact no. also, cites. The requestor can see the reactions to their posted loads and

arrange disconnected with the carriers to settle the arrangement and can give a rating to the car-

rier once the outing is finished. The application is accessible in both Android and iOS adapta-

tions in select dialects. This application will help ranchers during the crown pestilence to move

ranch produce. As indicated by the best possible news this application gives chances to 5 Lakh

trucks and 20,000 Tractors over the area. ([email protected]/26/08/2020).

How to Register for PM Kisan Rath Online in App

Step 1: Candidates download the PM Kisan Rath App from the play store.



Step 2: Now open the app and click on “Register Now”

Step 3: Enter the Contact number and OTP.

Step 4: Fill the form and submit the required documents.

Step 5: Click on the submit button and your application is successfully registered.

Step 6: Save it and take a print out for exam purposes. (www.bgsbuniversity.org/kisan-rath-app-

download/26/08/2020)

Mechanism of Kisan Rath App

Current position of Kisan Rath App

Fig 1: Total Request Generated (1000s) Fig 2: Quantity requested to be transported

From the figure 1 showed that 7773 farmers request were generated for transportation of agri-

cultural produce. Similarly, 22150 metric ton of agricultural produce need to be transported

(Figure 2).

Conclusion

Efficient agricultural transportation system is need of era to reduce produce wastage and

getting good remunerative price for farmers, it can be fulfilled through KISAN RATH APP. So,

all stakeholders farmers, APMCs, FPOs, traders need to utilize the app to bring revolution in the



“If you would see all of Nature gathered up at one point, in all her loveliness, and her skill, and her

deadliness, and her sex, where would you find a more exquisite symbol than the mosquito?”

-Havelock Ellis

Everyone on this earth knows one organism and wants to protect itself from that organism, guess

which one??…..it is Mosquito- the annoying, notorious and small insect but deadly dangerous to man-

kind. Shockingly, in spite of hard working days and sleepless nights of all the scientific brains and intel-

ligent researchers, there is not a successful remedy to control this mosquito completely. Rather this little

champ is overpowering all the efficient efforts of scientific community. So, all I need to say that….

BEWARE OF THE BITE…….STAY SAFE!!!!

We are not going in details of previous deaths caused due to diseases spread by mosquitoes but let

me highlight the recent one. On September 23, 2019 eleven year old boy from Ahmedabad who had

dengue, died of severe brain encephalopathy (inflammation) after battling the condition for five days at

a private tertiary hospital. As per World Health Organization (WHO) evaluation, approximately 400

million people globally suffer from dengue every year (Bhatt et al. 2013).

Dengue is transmitted by the bite of the infective mosquito Aedes aegypti and caused by any of

four related dengue viruses (Normile 2013). This disease is called "break-bone" fever because it some-

times causes severe joint and muscle pain that feels like bones are breaking. The number of affected

people is increasing day by day. This is basically because, no effective vaccine is available for dengue

(Smith et al. 2016). Recently researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch in the US have

found that dengue virus is becoming resistant to treatments/ medical options available. With increasing

prevalence of dengue fever in India, it becomes important to know about the conditions to prevent its

onset in the early stages i.e. at its larval forms (Kumar et al. 2018).

Mosquito life cycle has four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Ae. aegypti eggs can stay inac-

tive for over six months and hatch when submerged in water (Capinera 2008). This characteristic fea-

ture that a female can produce up to 500 eggs in her lifetime has created a mosquito which makes it

highly capable to spread and expand quickly and creating new areas of disease risk and transmission

rapidly (Rhodain and Rosen 1997). Larval stages are the most susceptible stages so as to control the

adult mosquito population because larvae are unable to fly. Moreover, Aedes lays eggs in the water

Copper Sulfide Nano Aqua Dispersions: Weapons against Dengue

spreading Mosquito

Komalpreet Kaur Sandhu* and Nisha Vashishat Department of Zoology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana

Article ID: 20/10/0106129



filled earthen pots, desert coolers, and roadside ditches, and then eggs develop into larvae in the

same place from where it is collected easily (CDC 2016). Larvae can be easily handled as com-

pared to adult Aedes mosquitoes. So, one of the effective methods for mosquito control is to in-

terrupt their life cycle at larval stage (Smith et al. 2016). That’s why, we targeted our study on

the larval stage as if there will be no larvae, no adult mosquitoes will emerge which actually are

the culprits for spreading of dengue and other mosquito- borne diseases.

In the recent years, plant based natural insecticides have been used to control mosquitoes

and over 2000 extracts of higher plants synthesized from 325 different plant species have been

examined for insecticidal potential against the larvae of Ae. aegypti (Sukumar et al. 1991). Essen-

tial oils and extracts from plants may be an alternative source for mosquito larval control (Pavela

2015) but the main drawback of these oils as larvicidal agent in the natural habitat of larvae is

the immiscibility of water and oil. Oil forms a separate layer over the surface of water body

which leads to various problems like light penetration, breathing problems and disturbing the

other non-target species. This problem can be overcome by downsizing the oils using nanotech-

nology (Anjali et al. 2012). As nanotechnology has developed greatly with wide range of applica-

tions of nanoparticles in different scientific fields, but in current years, it is being emphasized

for its application in insect pest management too (Prabhakar et al. 2017). All this excited us to se-

lect and work on the nanoparticles which are supposed to have efficient larvicidal potential and

ecofriendly nature too. Therefore, we screened and decided to work on copper sulfide nanoparti-

cles (CuSNPs) for testing their efficacy as control agents against Ae. aegypti larvae.

Several metal nanoparticles such as silver, gold, palladium, silica, zinc, copper, etc. are

well known as the best mosquito control agents (Minal & Prakash 2019). Copper sulfide nanoparti-

cles were evaluated with marvelous antifungal properties in the previous studies (Sidhu et al.

2017). Literature described that Copper sulfide (CuS) is one of the most detoxified sources of

copper (Baek 2017), normal, thermally stable (Rao et al. 2016), insoluble water (Guo et al.

2013) and still maintains the biopotential of copper (Chakraborty et al. 2016). It is quite safe and

not harmful to humans (Guo et al. 2013). However, minimal biopotential literature of nano-aqua

CuS nanoparticles encouraged us to improve the newly developed surface protected nano-

copper sulfide formulations in aqueous media for assessing larvicidal ability against Aedes lar-

vae.

During sonication, the same quantities of copper nitrate trihydrate solution and sodium

sulfide aqueous solution were mixed dropwise with a pinch of surfactant viz. cetyltrime-

thylammonium bromide (Sidhu et al. 2017). The solution was irradiated for 30 seconds with mi-

crowaves and cooled down at room temperature. Then pinch of polyvinyl pyrollidone (PVP)

was added to the above prepared solution during sonication to get the surface stabilized and wa-

ter dispersed CuS NPs (Fig.1).



Figure 1: Visual appearance of CuS NPs

Different concentrations were synthesized by adding water in the stock solution of

above prepared copper sulfide nanoparticles. Water samples were collected from different peri-

domestic water collections like desert coolers, earthen pots and roadside ditches in urban zones

of Ludhiana district using plastic dippers for Aedes larvae collection. Then larvae were exposed

to different concentrations of CuS NPs and 7 ppm concentration was found to be the most effec-

tive one as it causes 100% mortality within 24 hours of exposure.

To the best of author’s knowledge, it is the first report to kill the larvae by using copper

sulfide nanoparticles under laboratory conditions. Copper sulfide is non toxic and has been re-

ported to get metabolized in human body to cure various ailments. In addition, copper and sulfur

are vital nutrients for the living World. So, our motive has been accomplished to kill Aedes lar-

vae efficiently by using copper sulfide nanoparticles. Their significant larvicidal potential, low

cost of production, easy synthesis, species specific targeted action, eco friendly water based na-

ture and safety to humans, demands their further exploration in the mosquito control pro-

grammes so that people can be protected from dengue and our nation can be healthy and safe.

References

Anjali, C. H., Sharma, Y., Mukherjee, A. & Chandrasekaran N (2012) Neem oil (Azadirachta

indica) nanoemulsion – a potent larvicidal agent against Culex quinquefasciatus. Pest

Manag Sci 68: 158-63.

Baek, S.W. (2017) Artificial Biomaterial Comprising Copper Based Compound. US Patent

2017/0035933A1.

Bhatt, S., Gething, P. W. , Oliver, J., Brady, J., Messina, P., Farlow, A. W., Moyes, C. L.,

Drake, J. M., Brownstein, S., Hoen, A. G. , Sankoh, O., Myers, M. F. , George, D. B. ,

Jaenisch, T.G., Wint, W., Simmons, C., Scott, T. W., Farrar, J. J. & Hay, S. I. (2013)



The global distribution and burden of dengue. Nat lettr 496: 504-07.

Capinera, J. L. (2008) Encyclopedia of Entomology. Pp. 4346. Springer Publication.

CDC (2016) Entomology and Ecology. https: //www.cdc.gov/dengue/entomologyecology /

index.html.

Chakraborty, P., Adhikar, J., Chatterjee, S., Biswas, B. & Chattopadhyay, T. (2016) Facile syn-

thesis of copper sulfide nanoparticles: antibacterial and antifungal activity study. Ra-

sayan Journal of Chemistry 9(1):77–83.

Guo, L., Panderi, I., Yan, D.D., Szulak, K., Li, Y., Chen, Y., Ma, H., Niesen, D.B., Seeram, N.,

Ahmed, A., Yan, B., Pantazatos, D. & Lu, W. (2013) A comparative study of hollow cop-

per sulfide nanoparticles and hollow gold nanosphere on degradability and toxicity. ACS

Nano 7(10):8780–8793.

Kumar, S., Arjun, M.C., Gupta, S.K. & Nongkynrih, B. (2018) Malaria, dengue and chikungu-

nya in India – an update. Indian Journal of Medical Specialities 9:25–30.

Minal, P. S. & Prakash, S. (2019) Efficacy of bimetallic copper-zinc nanoparticles against lar-

vae of microfilariae vector in laboratory. Int J Sci Res. 8: 72-75.

Normile, D. (2013) Surprising new dengue virus throws a spanner in disease control efforts. Sci-

ence 342(6157): 412-15.

Pavela, R. (2015) Essential oils for the development of eco-friendly mosquito larvicides: A re-

view. Ind Crops Prod 76: 174-87.

Prabhakar, M., Tyagi, B. K., Chandrasekaran, N. & Mukherjee, A. (2017) Biological nanopesti-

cides: a greener approach towards the mosquito vector control. Environ Sci Pollut Res

25: Doi: 10.1007/s11356-017-9640-y.

Rhodain, F. & Rosen, L. (1997) Mosquito vectors and dengue virus: vector relationship. In:

Gubler D J and Kuno G (Eds.) Dengue and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. pp. 45-60. CAB

International, Londan.

Sidhu, A., Barmota, H. & Bala, A. (2017) Antifungal evaluation studies of copper sulfide aqua-

nanoformulations and its impact on seed quality of rice (Oryzae sativa). Appl Nanotech-

nol 7: 681-89.

Smith, L. B., Kasai, J. & Scott, J. G. (2016) Pyrethroid resistance in Aedes aegypti and Aedes

albopictus: important mosquito vectors of human diseases. Pestic Biochem Physiol. 133:

1–12.

Sukumar, K., Perich, M. J. & Boobar, L. R. (1991) Botanical derivatives in mosquito control: a

review. J Am Mosq Control Assoc 7: 210-37.



What is Artificial intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence may be defined as potential of a computer-controlled robots/machines to carryout

operation commonly associated with intelligent being. In 1950, the term ‘Artificial Intelligence’ was

firstly coined by John McCarthy. The term is frequently used to the project of development of systems

furnished with the intellectual operation characteristics of human viz. Learning from past experiences, dis-

cover meaning or the ability to reason. Horticulture with AI is gaining new heights by helping farmers

in improvement of their efficacy. They can now predict the seasonal data and manage field operations

accordingly.

Factors affecting growth of AI market:

The enhancing demand for horticultural goods for nutritional security in era of rapid increasing

human population.

Rising acquisition of information management system and latest technological development for

improvement of crop productivity.

Enhancing crop productivity through implementation of deep learning tools and technologies.

Growing initiatives by worldwide governments for modern horticultural techniques adoption.

Technologies under umbrella of AI:

Robots: Autonomous robots are being developed for performing essential operations in horticul-

ture viz. sowing, weeding, harvesting etc. Robotic machines uses computer vision and artificial

intelligence for detection, identification and making management decisions for every single plant

in the field. Robots ensures efficacy preciseness in horticultural operations.

Field inspection using Artificial intelligence: Drone based field inspection consumes lesser time

than manual inspection. The drones can analyze and detect the situation of the plant viz. dryness

and extent of damage by insect, pests, diseases as well as weeds.

Computer vision: Companies are using computer vision and data learning algor ithm for pro-

cessing and studying crop and its health. For example, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or

drones are being effectively utilized for survey of orchards lands in real time to identify problem

Artificial Intelligence for Profitable Horticulture

Rajat Sharma1, Satish Chand2 and Ranjan Srivastava3

1 PhD Scholar, Department of Horticulture, GBPUAT, Pantnagar, 263145 2 Senior Research Officer, Department of Horticulture, GBPUAT, Pantnagar, 263145 3 Professor, Department of Horticulture, GBPUAT, Pantnagar, 263145

Article ID: 20/10/0106130



areas and areas of potential improvement. As horticultural crops are specific to climatic,

nutritional requirements and are sensitive to insect, pests and disease incidence at several

growth stages. These technologies helps horticulturists to monitor their farms in terms of

plant health, nutrition status of soil and plants.

Seasonal forecasting: AI is being utilized for tracking and prediction of environment im-

pact such as weather changes in terms of temperature, rainfall etc. From horticulture point

of view, seasonal forecasting is of vital importance for small farms in developing countries

such as India as their data and knowledge can be limited. The predicted data helps farmers

to take precaution by understanding as well as learning with artificial intelligence. By using

this forecasted data, farmer makes smart decision on time such as crop selection, fertilizer

and pesticide applications, harvesting of fruits, vegetables, flowers and medicinal plants.

AI Agriculture bots: farmers across the wor ld have begun to turn to chatbots for assis-

tance and help, getting answers of various questions as well as queries related to specific

farm problems i.e. to crop protect from weeds, overcome the labor challenge.

Precision farming: Precision farming/site specific crop management/satellite farming is a

novel concept of farm management that utilizes information technology for ensuring opti-

mum health and crop productivity. Precision farming includes drip irrigation, GIS, fertiga-

tion etc. Research predicts the precision agriculture market to reach $12.9 billion by 2027.

Automated irrigation systems (AIS) – AISs are designed to use real-time machine learning to

constantly maintenance required soil conditions to enhance average yields. Using AIS re-

duces production cost by saving water, lowering of labour inputs, thereby reducing environ-

mental impact and enhancing average yield.

Advantages of AI in horticulture

Artificial intelligence gives more efficient ways for essential crops production, harvesting

and selling.

AI implementation focus on checking defective crops and enhancing the probability for

healthy crop production.

The growth in artificial intelligence technology has strength to agro-based businesses for

efficient run.

Artificial intelligence being used in automated machine adjustments for weather forecast-

ing and spotting disease or pest.



AI can upgrades crop management practices hence, helping many tech business invest in

algorithms that are becoming beneficial in agriculture.

AI solutions can solve farmers problem i.e. climate variations, an infestation of pests and

weeds that may reduce yield.

AI does not abolishes jobs of human farmers rather it will boost their efficacy.

Artificial Intelligence based technologies and apps in Horticulture:

Plantix App: This is a mobile crop advisory app developed by PEAT GmbH, a Berlin-

based AI startup for farmers, gardeners and extension personals. This app uses deep

learning technology which contains neual networks. The app has ability to diagnose in-

sect-pest, diseases as well as nutrient deficiencies affecting crops plants and suggests

treatment measures for same. The farmers/horticulturists needs android phone for this

facility.

Fig1. Disease identification using Plantix app

AI for herbicide optimization: Blue River Technology has designed and integrated

computer vision and machine learning technology which aids famers to decreases herbi-

cide use by spaying only where actually weeds are present, thereby standardizing the use

of inputs in horticultural and agronomical crops. This technology saves around 90% of

herbicide uses.

Fig 2. AI for weed control



AI -Driver Less Tractor: It is an autonomous tractor introduced for the first time in

2016 at farm progress show by Case IH and New Holland. It has been introduced using

ever-more advanced software also off-the-shelf technology such as GPS, radar and sen-

sors, the system that permits an operator working a integratively to set the course of an

autonomous tractor.

Harvest CROO Robotics – Florida-based Wish Farms in June 2017 declared the imple-

mentation of Harvest CROO Robotics strawberry harvester in the summer of 2017 to aid

strawberry growers for picking as well as packing of their crop.

Fig3. a) AI -Driver Less Tractor; b) Harvest CROO Robotics for strawberry

aWhere – ‘aWhere’, is a Colorado based company utilizes machine learning algorithms in

connection with satellites for weather forecasting, analyze crop sustainability as well as

evaluation of farms for the detection of diseases and pests. Company gives its users with

access to more than a billion points of agronomic data viz. precipitation, solar radiation,

temperature and wind speed on a daily basis plus comparisons to historic values for any-

place on the agricultural earth.

SkySquirrel Technologies Inc. - Computer Vision and Drones for Crop Analysis, Sky-

Squirrel Technologies Inc. bring drone technology to vineyards. The user pre-program

the drone’s way and once positioned the machine will take work from computer vision

for recording the images which will be used for analysis. The technology utilizes algo-

rithms for integration and analyzing the captured images and data for providing a de-

tailed report on the vineyard health, especially the health condition of grapevine leaves.

Fig3. Drone for Dragon Fruit and grapevine field for crop analysis



FarmShots- Farmshots is a Raleigh, North Carolina based satellite used for Monitoring of

Crop Health as well as Sustainability. It pivots on analyzing of the agricultural data ob-

tained from images captured by satellites and drones. Especially, the company goals to

“determines insects-pestd, diseases and poor plant nutrition on cropping land.” The com-

pany claims that ‘Farmshots’ can inform farmers exactly where fertilizer is required and

can save the quantity of fertilizer used by around 40%. Hyperspectral imaging as well as

3D Laser scanning are competent of rapidly making available improved information and

plant metrics around thousands of acres with the structural resolution to depict individual

plots and/or tree/plants and the temporal merit of tracking changes all-over growing cy-

cle.

Fig4. Farmshots based mapping of fields

Conclusion

Horticulture is changing at faster pace with the aid of AI-driven technologies by improve-

ment of efficiency of resources. AI helping farmers in minimizing constraints in field inspec-

tion, soil and plant health analysis, object detection etc.

References

https://customeryhink.com/the-role-of-artificial-intelligence-in-agriculture-sector/

https://medium.com/vsinghbisen/how-ai-can-help-in-agriculture-five-application-and-use-cases-

f09c3dc326c9

aWhere: Agronomic Data & Agricultural Data Management http://www.awhere.com/

Blue River Technology: See & Spray Agricultural Machines http://

www.bluerivertechnology.com/

FarmShots - http://farmshots.com/



Harvest Croo – Agricultural Robotics - https://harvestcroo.com/

Plantix | Best Agriculture App - https://plantix.net

SkySquirrel Technologies - https://www.vineview.ca/

Songthat William Haoki. Advanced horticulture with Artificial intelligence (AHAI) AGRICUL-

TURE & FOOD: e- Newsletter. Article id: 22899, Volume 2 – Issue 2 – February

2020.

https://www.futurefarming.com/Smart-farmer/Articles/2019/8/Rapid-adoption-of-artificial-

intelligence-in-agriculture-461266E/



Introduction

Over the last few decades we are witnessing a massive digitalization of many fields. Technology

has brought huge transformation in people’s lives. With moving and improving technologies Indian ag-

riculture is also in cusp of transformations. Despite the complexities and diversities in Indian agricul-

ture, a large number of digital technologies have already been scaled up due to the penetration of inter-

net and mobile phones in every corner of country. The United States Department of Agriculture

(USDA) already reported in 2016 that digital and smart Agriculture technologies increased net returns

and operating profits (1). Access to these services have added a new dimension to the working of agri-

culture system. India has conquered hunger and self sufficiency after the green revolution era and now

we are almost surplus to many commodities. This thing has brought a gap between the demand and sup-

ply of the market and farmers are not getting the good price for their produce and hence adopting other

alternatives for living. We need to balance income gap by increasing efficiencies of the inputs, by de-

creasing cost of cultivation and increasing market value of their produce so that farmer can adopt new

technologies and harness positive results. To bring about the changes in way of living and welfare of

farmers, adoption of digital technologies seems to be a promising present and future approach for farm-

ers (2).

Digital initiatives in India

With each passing day agricultural practices are becoming smarter, faster and precise. Advanced

technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, cloud computing, sensing tech-

nologies and others have the potential to disrupt the agriculture practices that are being practiced cur-

rently. Through these technologies farmers can have real time data and through this data they can trace

every event during the crop cycle from planting to harvesting to distribution and can mix inputs like

fertilzers and water according to the need to harness maximum profit and reduce cost of cultivation.

Technology like AI also provide transparency to all involved parties. To overcome the labour con-

straints there are so many apps available on internet to hire machinery just like ola and uber taxi ser-

vices. Chemicals like Herbicides are also available in market which are selectively suited to different

crops to overcome labour problem. Engineers and scientists in collaboration has developed many self-

guided and self-driven technologies like robotics and drones to perform many operations like spraying

Digital Farming: Problems and Prospects

Parita Department of Agronomy, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidayalya, Palampur

Article ID: 20/10/0106131



chemicals and has proven a good alternative to large labour. Recently we have seen the use to

drones to spray chemical for the prevention of locust attack in country over a large area in less

span of time. Use of these technologies save 90% of cost and substantially reduces hazards of

overuse. Farmers can also use digital technologies to get insight of changing dynamics of mar-

ket without depending on traders. Over last few years famers are using eNam (National Agricul-

ture Market) market to sell their produce without depending on the traders. Technology can give

a real insight to the changing weather pattern to optimize inputs and other marketing aspects.

Various weeds and disease identification application are also available on internet which are one

stop information hub and can provide the immediate and precise management according to crop

and region. All these technologies are only useful and effective if we know the exact usefulness

of these.

Problems and Prospects

Most of Indian farmers are marginal and small farmers. All these technologies raise a question

about whether small farmer will benefit from these innovations? Could they ever be able to use

these innovations? Moreover, some of these technologies are only affordable to medium or large

farmers. What needs to be done is to provide a market to small holders to sell their produce with

the least interference of traders and access to technology at affordable price. Thousands of farm-

ers are using smart phones and are on social media and many of them are sharing some infor-

mation through their channels and social media platforms. These informations can be access by

small farmers to update their practices. So, a stable and wide network system needs to establish

to communicate and disseminate information and innovation effectively. A greater use of digital

Farming services plays a vital role to not only improving a farm’s financial performance, but

also to meet the food needs of an expanding population.

Conclusion

Digital farming is a key to modern farming. We all have witnessed the revolution of telecommu-

nication from landline phones to portable mobile phones, which we had never thought of. Agri-

culture is backbone of our country and it should also transform with time and requirement to

hold the country’s back. This can only be possible by educating and developing skills of every

individual farmer. On a positive note let us hope that every farmer would find digital technolo-

gies affordable and use them efficiently as he did with phones.



References

Schimmelpfennig, D. Farm Profits and Adoption of Precision Agriculture. USDA 2016, 217, 1–

46.

Accenture Digital. Digital Agriculture: Improving Profitability. Available online: https://

www.accenture.com/_acnmedia/accenture/conversion-assets/dotcom/documents/global/

pdf/digital_3/accenture-digital-agriculture-point-of-view.pdf.



Bougainvillea plants are used as Shrub, Climber, Pot culture, Topiary, Hedge, Standard, Mass

planting, Screening plant, Bonsai and Ground covering., Etc., Hence, it is popularly called as Glory

of garden. Bougainvillea plants are very popular in the world and it attracts so many people by their

beautiful colorful bract. The name Bougainvillea was coined in the honor of French navigator and

military commander “Louis Antoine de Bougainville’. The genus Bougainvillea comprises of 15

species and belongs to the family Nyctaginaceae. and Out of the 15 species only 4 species namely

Bougainvillea spectabilis, B. glabra, B. peruviana and B. buttiana possess colorful bracts and have

ornamental value.

Important species.

B. spectabilis

This species was the first identified in Brazil by German botanist “Carl Ludwig Willdenow”.

This species produces flowering bracts in red, dark pink, or purple color.

B. glabra

This species is evergreen climbing in nature and introduced from Brazil. Leaves are elliptical

with green or variegated color. It produces bracts in so-many sizes and shapes. Typically, they are

triangular and purple or mauve, and white in color.

“Bougainvillea”- Glory of Garden

K. Keerthishankar1, H. A. Yathindra2 and K. P. Mangala3 1 Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture 2 Assistant professor, Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture 3 Assistant professor, Department of Agricultural Economics

University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka. Article ID: 20/10/0106133



B. peruviana

This species was introduced from Peru and Produce magenta to pink color round shaped

bracts. If there is a dry period between flushes then the plant will bloom more than one time.

B. buttiana

This species is native to Colombia and, probably a cross between B. glabra x B. peruvi-

ana. In this species the cultivar "Scarlet Queen" was first introduced in India in 1920.

This variety bears purple-red bracts.

Important cultivar

Mahatma Gandhi (pink-tinged mauve color) Partha (deep orange color) Usha (magenta rose

color) Baby Margaret Rose (Red color) Sonnet (orchid purple color) Srinivasa (orange col-

or) Jubilee (purple color) Lalbagh (brick red to orange color) Sholay (deep rose)

Plant description

Bougainvillea is a tropical and subtropical woody, evergreen, shrubby vine. Typically,

multi-trunked or with clumping stems, it has a spreading, round- shaped plant habit with a

height of up to 3 to 20 feet. Bougainvillea plants behave like deciduous when it has grown

in the long dry season. The modified colorful leaves are called bracts which is 1∕2–2-inch

long structures. Leaves are simple and alternate, with an undulate leaf margin, globular, el-

liptical, obivate, ovate, or cordate. Bougainvillea fruit is called achene which is elongated

less than 1∕2-inch-long covered with a dry and hard coat.

Growing condition:

Bougainvillea plant needs full sunlight and High light intensity for good flowering. Bou-

gainvillea can tolerate a hot temperature up to 35-40oc. Bougainvillea grows well in rich,

well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 5.5–6.0, It does not thrive in constantly wet soil.

Light

Bougainvillea plant requires minimum of 4000 foot-candles of light intensity per day.

Hence, an open filed with good sunlight area is ideal for growing.

Landscape uses

It can be used as Shrub, Climber, Pot culture, Topiary, Hedge, Standard, Mass planting,

Screening plant, Bonsai, and Ground covering.

Cultural operation:



Watering

Bougainvillea plant prefers well-dried condition for better flowering. So, adequate irriga-

tion is not necessary. Only a little irrigation is required in severe dry conditions.

Fertilizer

Bougainvillea needs regular fertilizing with formulations having NPK ratios of 1:1:1 or

2:1:2. Too much fertilizer will promote vegetative growth and inhibit blooming. At the time

of planting full concentration of Phosphate for better rotting.

Pruning

Bougainvillea responds very well to pruning. Regular pruning is necessary to maintain

the plant shape. Pruning should be carried out after finishing of the flowering phase, as this

encourages the new growth on which the next flush of flowers will occur. Pinching and

pruning are necessary to induce new growth because flowers are born on the shoot.

Propagation:

Bougainvillea plants are commercially propagated by stem cutting. 5-6 cm length and

pencil size thick Stem cuttings having at least three to five nodes are selected for propaga-

tion. Rooting hormone such as IBA (3-indole butyric acid) at 2000–6000 ppm is commonly

used for inducing a greater number of roots.



Pests: Aphids, Mealybug, Scales, whitefly and Bougainvillea loopers

Diseases: Leaf spot, Root rot, and Chlorosis.

Reference:

Datta, S.K., Banerji, B.K. and Sharma, S.C. 1990. ‘Los Banos Variegata’ - A new double

bracted chlorophyll variegated Bougainvillea. J. Nuclear Agri. and Biology, 19: 134 -

136.

Jayanthi, R. Datta, S. K. and Banerji, B.K.2008.” Los Banos Variegata-Jayanthi’ - A new

chlorophyll variegated mutant of multi-bracted bougainvillea induced by Chemical Muta-

gen. Ind. Bougainvillea Annual, March, 2008, Vol. 21:52-53.

Zadoo, S.N., Roy, R.P. and Khoshoo, T.N. 1975. Cytogenetics of cultivated bougainvillea. J.

Morphological variation. Proceeding of Indian National Science Academy, 41B:121- 132.



With the advance of new technology, there is development of new processed products from the

common fruits and vegetables, meats, fish and poultry available in our country. These products are de-

veloped to meet the needs of population which cannot consume the normal processed food due to intol-

erance and preference of the consumers to try new food products due to which there is variety of food

products in the market. Consumers, especially the younger age groups, tends to switch to modern con-

venience foodsunder such conditions, thus compromising on the natural inherited taste preferences. The

marketing managers of food companies firmly believe that more convenient products have a greater

long run growth prospects than less convenient versions so long as the price increases do not take away

the consumer benefits. Products which reduces preparation time at home would naturally be purchased

by busy, high income consumers Some of the newly developed food products in India are discussed be-

low:

Fortified banana bar

It is made from banana pulp, citric acid and sugar with repeated dry-

ing in hot air oven in the form of a sheet which is later on cut and

packed in a desired shape and sizes. It is also a good source of ener-

gy and micro nutrients. It is a delight for all age groups.

Gluten free bakery products

Many people are allergic to gluten. Taking into considerations for such kind of allergic people, gluten

free bakery products has been designed (cookies, bread, muffins, biscuits) by CFTRI, Mysore.

Osmo- dried fruits

Osmo dried fruits (pineapple, aonla, mango, jackfruit etc) have

good quality, good colour and characteristic flavour. Due to os-

mosis, there is reduction in energy consumption in subsequent

drying operations. Such fruits have good chew ability and they

are ready to eat (RTE). Such fruits have calorific value and nutri-

ents like potassium and calcium.

Advanced Processed Foods in India

Chingtham Chanbisana* and R. Lalrinfeli Department of Post Harvest Management, College of Horticulture, Thenzawl, Mizoram, Central Agricultural University

(Imphal)

Article ID: 20/10/0106134



Banana pseudo stem beverage and beverage

blends

Banana plant parts (stem and inner core) are rich in phe-

nolic and mineral which may be used for treatment of

various ailments eg. stone removal in kidney, gall blad-

der and prostate. Considering the beneficial nutrient

content, it can be processed into beverage. This bever-

age product can stay for 3 to 6 months. Since tannin content is high in banana stem, it has astrin-

gent taste so addition of other juices may be done to make the beverage more acceptable to the

consumers.

Beverage from green coffee

It is made from green coffee and it is rich in bioactives

and polyphenols. Varied carbonated and non carbonat-

ed beverages may be made from this green beverage. It

is becoming very popular because of weight loss sup-

plement.

Instant coffee cubes

Instant coffee cubes, usually pre-sweetened, are more fancy than instant coffee. Hence, con-

sumer prefer instant coffee cubes to instant coffee mainly for those whose time is limited for

cooking.

Fish gelatine and wafers

Gelatin is usually an agent which forms gel when it

is mixed with water and heated. Gelatine may be pre-

pared from fish by products and provide value to the

waste generated in fish industry in order to reduce

pollution to the environment. A process has been

standardised by CFTRI to extract gelatine from fish

waste. Fish wafer is another product made from pro-

cessed fish by mixing with starch, salt and cooked in

steam followed by cooling. These are cut again into desired shapes and dried in sun to bring

moisture content below 10% and sealed in air tight containers.



Probiotics cold coffee

It is a type of beverage for health conscious consumers. It is

a type of coffee with rich polyphenol containing viable of

Lactobaccillus pure culture. The composition and nutritional

benefit of green coffee will provide many health benefits to

the consumers.

Egg delicacies

Eggs are considered as the most nutritious food

since it contains all essential nutrients in small

amounts. CFTRI have developed methods for

preparation of egg paneer, deep fat fried cubes and

dehydrated egg cubes which can be prepared from

egg albumin or egg yolk or whole egg liquid and

these egg cubes are ready to use in curry prepara-

tion. Other egg product includes egg crunchy bites

available in various flavours like onion, garlic and pepper. Such products are shelf stable for 6

months at room temperature and it is free from any chemicals and synthetic preservatives.

Shelf stable muffins and bread with nat-

ural preservatives

Shelf stable muffins and bread technologies have

been commercialised by CFTRI with natural in-

gredients as preservative which function as anti

microbial and antioxidants. Muffins generally

have high water content and cannot be kept for 8

-10 days without any preservatives while bread

has a shelf life of 2-3 days.

Conclusion

Taking into consideration the varied preference of consumers, new food products have

been developed to meet the needs of the consumers. In the mean time, there is huge prevention

of post harvest loss and good return to the food processors.



Reference:

Postharvest Technology of Fruits and Vegetables. Handling, Processing, Fermentation and

Waste Management. Volume 1, General Concepts and Principles. Editors: LR Verma &

V.K.Joshi. Indus Publishing Company, New Delhi.

https://www.cftri.res.in/technology_development



Introduction

The steady, sustained and unbroken growing in the acquisition of biotech crops or the genetically

modified crops is giving credit to the recent technology’s positive impact and implications on the envi-

ronment climatic condition, human health status and animal health conditions and the socio-economic

state of the small and marginal farmers. However, critics still spread non-scientific allegations regard-

ing biotech crops that have an effect on rules, regulations leading to their approvals. Studies have

shown that delays in biotech crop approvals cause substantial economic losses and biotech crops do

now no longer pose a risk or any hazard to the soil health condition. A healthful agricultural production

is not existing anymore without healthy and productive fertile soils. Beside from being the habitat of

various organisms that make contributions to carbon sequestration, the soil performs an essential func-

tion in food production in addition to climate change mitigation. Majority of the CO2 present in the at-

mospheric environment is contributed by various biological processes that take place inside the soil

ecosystem. This mechanism is more influential as the more carbon is being stored in the soil ecosystem,

the less CO2 would be available in the atmosphere, which has a significant contribution towards climate

change. Thus, restoring degraded soils and adopting soil conservation practices are essential to decrease

greenhouse gases emitted by agriculture procedures (FAO, 2015). 2018 was the 22nd year of biotech

crop commercialization. In this year, 191.7 million hectares of biotech crops were cultivated in 26 dif-

ferent countries and the figure is different from the initial cultivation of 1.7 million hectares in the 1st

year of biotech crop commercialization i.e. in the year 1996 (ISAAA, Biotech Crop Highlights in 2018)

indicates ~113-fold increase (Figure 1). This is why, biotech crops are considered as the fastest adopted

crops for cultivation in the era of modern agriculture. USA holds its position as the top producer of bio-

tech crops globally, which planted 75 million hectares in 2018 (ISAAA, Biotech Crop Highlights in

2018). Brazil continued in the second position, with 51.3 million hectares of the plantation (Figure 2).

With biotech products such as herbicide-tolerant crops etc. have been successfully used to preserve soil

health condition globally.

Biotech crop and its consequences in augmenting the soil health status

Jyoti Prakash Sahoo1*, Ambika Prasad Mishra2, Upasana Mohapatra3 and Kailash Chandra Samal1 1Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, CA, OUAT, Bhubaneswar -751003

2Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, CA, OUAT, Bhubaneswar -751003 3Department of Plant Biotechnology, UAS, GKVK. Bengaluru – 560065

Article ID: 20/10/0106135



Figure 1. Global area of genetically modified crops (1996 - 2018)

Figure 2. Country wise global area of biotech crops in million hectares (2017 – 2018)

Effect of genetically modified biotech crops on the soil health condition

The status of soil health is estimated based on its performance to enhance plant growth

and Soil productivity. Several parameters such as soil organic matter, soil fertility status, soil

erosion etc are used as a noble indicator of soil health. Besides these factors like, physical prop-

erties which includes infiltration, soil structure, bulk density, etc., chemical properties such as

pH, reactive organic carbon, soil nitrate (NPK) etc. and the biological properties such as soil

enzymes, microorganisms’ behaviours are also considered for evaluation(estimation) of soil

health (ISAAA, 2017). The effect of genetically modified (GM) crops with herbicide tolerance

and insect resistance traits on some of these indicators have been explored to elucidate the im-

pact of biotech crops on estimating soil health.



Effect on soil Erosion by using the herbicide tolerance biotech crops

Manual weeding is one of the reasons for top-soil disintegration (Parrott et al., 2015). One

of the normal soil practices in agriculture is to utilize the weeds is ploughing or furrowing. In

any case, this training is arduous, tedious, and not extremely viable in controlling weeds. It like-

wise causes disintegration in the soil health by influencing the soil biodiversity. These worries

have driven researchers to create crops that would not reduce ploughing or tilling, which are

currently known as herbicide resistance crops (Bodnar et al., 2014). Herbicide-tolerant crops

endure presentation to a wide range of herbicides like glyphosate and glufosinate, which are

likewise among the most used herbicide across the globe. With less or no ploughing, there

would be less soil disintegration. This would mean more water maintenance and less ozone-

depleting substance discharges. The herbicide tolerance technology has helped millions of farm-

ers globally. In 2018, 88.7 million hectares were planted with herbicide-tolerant crops, and the

largest area planted to a biotech trait (ISAAA, 2017).

Decomposition of soil

Decomposition is the process of nutrient recycling from organisms back to the soil. It in-

volves the action of soil microorganisms, who generally break down the organic matter. A field

experiment was conducted to investigate the decomposition of leaf residues from Bt and non-Bt

maize hybrids and the structural plant components such as C:N ratio, lignin content, cellulose

and hemicellulose content were evaluated and analysed. Results showed that leaf residues were

similar in Bt and non-Bt plants, while differences among non-Bt plants were more prominent

(ISAAA, 2017). No adverse effects were also found to be contributed by Bt plants on the activi-

ty of the soil decomposer community (Zurbrügg et al., 2010).

Effects on soil enzymes system

Soil proteins are key in the environment measures because of their job in quickening a few

responses in soils. Insect resistance Bt plants contain Cry proteins from soil bacterium Bacillus

thuringiensis in all pieces of the plant which has been addressed to change microbial elements,

biodiversity and fundamental environment capacities in soil. Analysts from New York Universi-

ty led a meta-investigation to characterize the destiny and impacts of Bt crops in soil environ-

ments and found that the reaction proportions of soil proteins associated with nitrogen cycling

will in general increment and those associated with phosphorus cycling frequently diminished.

These discoveries infer that Bt proteins and the quality or amount of Bt crops biomass could

both impact the reaction proportions of soil catalysts (Li et al., 2018).



Effect on soil microorganisms

A few audits on the effect of GM crops on biodiversity, especially on soil life forms or

soil microorganisms, have been published and distributed. One complete survey covering 70

logical articles on the impacts of Bt crops on soil biological system found that there were not

many or no poisonous impacts of Cry proteins on non-target soil creatures including woodlice,

collembolans, parasites, night crawlers, nematodes, protozoa, just as the movement of various

catalysts in soil (ISAAA, 2017). The minor impacts announced were generally aftereffects of

contrasts in topography, temperature, plant assortment, and soil type, and were not connected to

Cry protein nearness (Icoz et al., 2008). Another broad audit published and distributed in bio-

tech crops additionally demonstrated the effects of GM crops on soil creatures and arrived at

comparable resolution (Table 1).

Table 1. Studies on the impact of biotech crops on soil organisms

Conclusion

The advantages of biotech yield to farmers and purchasers for consumption purpose will

possibly keep on being accessible if there is a persistent execution of science-based guidelines.

Organism Crop Gene involved Effect

Fusarium spp. Soy-

bean

glyphosate tolerant

(EPSPS)

increased colonization

(Kremer et al., 2000)

Soil microbes Maize MON863

(Cry3Bb1), Event

176 (Cry1Ab),

MON810

(Cry1Ab), Bt11

(Cry1Ab)

no adverse effects on saprophytic mi-

crobial communities of soil

(ISAAA, 2017)

Earthworms Maize MON810 (Cry1Ab) no significant differences in biomass of

juveniles and adults (ISAAA, 2017)

Earthworms Cotton GK19 (Cry1Ac) no significant acute toxicity

(ISAAA, 2017)

Rhizobium spp. Rape glyphosate tolerant

(EPSPS)

altered of diversity

(Becker et al., 2001)

Invertebrate

pest

Wheat Con A and GNA

lectins

composition of cultivable rhizosphere

community (Neal et al., 1973)

Resistance to

phytopatho-

genic

Potato T4-lysozyme No effect on carabolic profile

(Heuer and Smalla, 1999)



In view of the examinations and experiments mentioned above about, GM crops don't represent

a critical danger to soil wellbeing. With these movements, it is typical that more GM crops in-

tended for cultivation will be made to keep our earth healthy and which in return will boost our

food security.

References

Becker, R., Ulrich, A., Hedtke, C., & Honermeier, B. (2001). Einfluss des Anbaus von

transgenem herbizidresistentem Raps auf das Agrar-Ökosystem. Bundesgesundheitsblatt

-Gesundheitsforschung-Gesundheitsschutz, 44(2), 159-167.

Bodnar, A. 2014. The Promise of GMOs: Conservation Tillage. https://

biofortified.org/2014/02/conservation-tillage/.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). 2015. Soils Help to Com-

bat and Adapt to Climate Change. http://www.fao.org/3/a-i4737e.pd

Heuer, H., & Smalla, K. (1999). Bacterial phyllosphere communities of Solanum tuberosum

L. and T4-lysozyme-producing transgenic variants. FEMS Microbiology Ecology, 28(4),

357-371.

Icoz, I., & Stotzky, G. (2008). Fate and effects of insect-resistant Bt crops in soil ecosys-

tems. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 40(3), 559-586.

ISAAA. 2017. Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops in 2017: Biotech Crop

Adoption Surges as Economic Benefits Accumulate in 22 Years. ISAAA Brief No. 53.

ISAAA: Ithaca, NY.

Kremer, R. J., Donald, P. A., Keaster, A. J., & Minor, H. C. (2000). Herbicide impact on

Fusarium spp. and soybean cyst nematode in glyphosate-tolerant soybean. línea] Ameri-

can Society of Agronomy (http://www. biotech-info. net/fungi_ buildup_abstract. html).

Li, Z., Cui, J., Mi, Z., Tian, D., Wang, J., Ma, Z., ... & Niu, S. (2019). Responses of soil en-

zymatic activities to transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops-A global meta-

analysis. Science of the Total Environment, 651, 1830-1838.

Neal Jr, J. L., Atkinson, T. G., & Larson, R. I. (1970). Changes in the rhizosphere microflora

of spring wheat induced by disomic substitution of a chromosome. Canadian Journal of

Microbiology, 16(3), 153-158.

Zurbrügg, C., Hönemann, L., Meissle, M., Romeis, J., & Nentwig, W. (2010). Decomposi-

tion dynamics and structural plant components of genetically modified Bt maize leaves

do not differ from leaves of conventional hybrids. Transgenic Research, 19(2), 257-267.



Introduction

Plant diseases cause 13-20% losses in crop production worldwide. Application of chemical

against plant pathogens might be spectacular but accumulation of harmful chemical residue sometimes

causes serious ecological problems. Bio-control agents are economically suppressed load of inoculum

against the target pathogen which will be durable and free from any residual side effect. Several soil

borne pathogens causes severe disease incidence from seedling stage to till harvesting and reduce the

crop yield production. In such conditions, Trichoderma, Pseudomonas and Bacillus are most vulnerable

bio-agent, which could be increased interest as bio-protectants against various plant diseases. Among

the bio-control agents, Pseudomonas fluorescens gained importance for employing in integrated disease

management (IDM) as component, for sustainable agriculture. Pseudomonas fluorescens related to rhi-

zobacteria (PGPR), that have pivotal role against many soil borne plant pathogens, in induced re-

sistance & growth promotion of plants.

Pseudomonas fluorescens as bio-control agent

P. fluorescens possess various attributes that compel them well suited, bio-control and PGPR

agents. P. fluorescens have ability to grow rapidly under in vitro conditions and produced in mass cul-

ture, vigorously utilize in seed and root exudates, colonize root and multiply in spermosphere & rhizo-

sphere conditions and released several bioactive metabolites inside the plants and aggressively compete

with spermosphere & rhizospheric microorganisms. This bio-agent acclimatized in different stresses

and have inexpensive.

Isolation and identification

For isolation and identification of bacteria, loose rhizospheric soil collected near about root zone

and drive in fine powder. To make1:10 dilution (10-1) factor, 10 gm air dried and well pulverized soil

added into 90 ml sterilized distilled water than dilution sample strenuously shake on shaker for 20-25

min to attain uniform suspension. For making of 1:100 dilutions (10-2) factor, take 1 ml suspension

from stock solution and add into 9 ml sterilized distilled water. In similar way, 10-3 to 10-7 serial dilu-

tions are prepared. For isolation of P. fluorescens, 20 ml King’s B medium is poured into sterilized Pe-

tri plate. 1 ml soil suspension obtained from 10-5 to 10-7 aliquot solution, transfer on bacteria specific

medium. All Petri plates incubate at 28 + 2 0C for 24 h in incubator. P. fluorescens can be detected and

Potential of Pseudomonas fluorescens as biocontrol agent in integrated

disease management for sustainable agriculture

P. N. Meena*, Mukesh Khokhar, Rekha balodi and H R Sardana ICAR- National Research Centre for Integrated Pest Management, LBS Building, Indian Agricultural Research Institute- New Delhi-110012

Article ID: 20/10/0106136



identified under UV light on the basis of yellow-green individual colony present on media. Indi-

vidual bacterial colonies pick up with the help of loop and aseptically transfer on king’s B medi-

um. Similarly, single colony of bacteria ascetically transfers into bacteria specific slant to attain

in pure culture. All slants carefully store in refrigerator at 4 0C.

Morphological and Biochemical characteristics

Bacterial cells are straight, curved, monopolar but not helical. During exponential growth,

bacteria cells are 0.7-0.8 x 2.3-2.8 u in size. Bactria is gram negative and motile flagella present.

Bacteria is aerobic, none fermentative and presence of metabolic respiratory. On media, bacteria

produce fluorescent (yellow-green) diffusible pigment. 25-30 oC is optimum temperature for

growth. With oxidase, starch, levan, gelatin, catalase, P. fluorescens shows positive reactions.

Mode of action:

Antibiotic production

Siderophores production

Induced systemic resistance

Competition

Hydrogen cynide production

Plant growth promotion

Antibiotic production: P. fluorescens produces Phenazine-1-Carboxylic Acid (PCA),

Oomycin-A, Pyrrolnitrin, 2, 4 – Diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG), Pyoluteorin, and Pyo-

cinine, antifungal compounds which are drastically reduce the spore germinations, inhib-

it fungal mycelia and act as fungistatic. P. fluorescens is producing many secondary me-

tabolites against soil borne plant pathogen which act as antibiotics.

Siderophores production: Siderophores have more affinity with fer ric iron. It is low-

molecular weight compound secreted extra cellularly. Siderophore sequester restricted

iron supply to the rhizosphere, limits its availability and ultimately suppress growth of

the pathogen. Some of siderophores compounds, Ferribactin, Ferrichrome, Ferroxamine

B, Pseudobactin, Pyochelin and Pyoverdine produced by P. fluorescens.

Induced systemic resistance: Systemic resistance prompted by P. fluorescens in plants,

is phenotypically similar to systemic acquired resistance (SAR). Systemic resistance in-

duces by P. fluorescens in plants is achieved by accumulation of lignifications, produc-

tion of phytoalexin and released of PR-protein.



P. fluorescens induce systemic resistance in plants that is to. Induction of resistance by is

achieving by production of phytoalexins, that accumulated lignifications and production

of PR-protein in induced plants.

Competition: The P. fluorescens prevent establishment of other microorganisms in rhi-

zosphere zone through competition for favoured sites on root in the rhizospheric zone.

Hydrogen cynide production: HCN is volatile inhibitors against many pathogens. HCN

volatile compound is produces by P. fluorescens which is inhibitory, check the growth of

phytopathogen and act itself resistance.

Plant growth promotion: Auxins and gibberrelins phytohormones are produced by P.

fluorescens which is promotes plant growth and solubilised phosphate.

Conclusions

Nowadays, several minor and major diseases have severe incidence on cereals, vegetables,

fruits, spices and ornamental plants. These diseases deteriorate both quality and yield and direct-

ly affect those farmers relies on these crops. Farmers usages huge chemicals which adversely

affect soil, environment and human health. Pseudomonas fluorescens suppressed inoculum load

of target pathogen, free from residual effect and have a pivotal role in biological control, ISR

and evolved in plant growth promotion. P. fluorescens play crucial role in IDM for sustainable

agriculture.

References

Adams, P. B. (1990). The potential of mycoparasites for biological control of plant diseases.

Annu. Rev. Phytopathol. 28:59-72.

Ahmad F, Ahmad I, Khan M.S. (2008). Screening of free-living rhizospheric bacteria for their

multiple plant growth promoting activities. Microbiol Res, 163:173–181.

Hamdan, H., Weller, D. M., Thomashow, L. S. (1991). Relative importance of fluorescent sider-

ophores and other factors in biological control of G a e u m a n n o m y c e s graminis

var. tritici by Pseudomonas fluorescens 2 - 7 9 and M4- 80R. Appl. Environ. Microbiol.

57:3270-3277.



Introduction

WHAT’s PPFM AND WHY??

In the present era due to failure of monsoon and climate change problem for water scarcity and drought

is being increased drastically. Therefore, to make precautionary methods several researchers have at-

tempted for identifying different approaches for an alternative method. In this process Pink pigmented

facultative methylotrophs were found to be very helpful for lessening the drought effect on plants.

These are epiphytic phyllospere bacteria, aerobic and gram negative.

Fig.1. Role of PPFM in drought condition

WHAT HAPPENS DURING DROUGHT?

In drought condition plant starve for water and loses its capacity to produce plant growth hormones like

auxins, gibberellins. At this point plants tend to develop ethylene hormone a hormone which induces

death of plant cells. These PPFM by the release of ACC deaminase coverts this ethylene into Ammonia

and alpha- keto butyrate instead of getting it converted into S-adenosyl methionine which induces plant

death and helps the plant survive drought condition.

PPFM in Drought Stress

Nunna Sai Aparna Devi*1, Banka Kanda Kishore Reddy2 and Samatha Guttala1 1 Dept. of Agrl. Microbiology, TNAU, Coimbatore

2 Dept. of Agrl. Entomology, TNAU, Coimbatore

Article ID: 20/10/0106137



Hence to conclude these pink pigmented methylotrophs can be used by farmers similar to plant

growth promoting bacteria for serving drought stress as well as for plant growth.



Introduction

The science that deals with manipulation of matter on an atomic or a molecule level is called as

nanotechnology or nanotech. According to National Nanotechnology Initiative “nanotechnology is ma-

nipulation of matter with at least one dimension size from 1nm to 100nm”. Nanotechnology broadly

includes surface science, molecular biological science, semiconductor physical science, micro-

fabrication science and part of organic chemical science.[1]

Nanotechnology in Catalysis

The process of increasing rate of any chemical reaction in presence of foreign substance other

than reactant is called as catalysis. The foreign chemical substance used is called as catalyst. The term

catalyst mainly describes any chemical substance that increase the rate of chemical reaction without

being consumed in a reaction. At the end catalyst is recovered as it is. It is believed that the catalyst in-

teract with activation energy of reaction, it certainly decreases the activation energy thereby helping in

formation of activated complex earlier than before and hence in formation of products quickly. Theories

of surface chemistry state that catalyst act as surface on which reactants interact and form bonds be-

tween. It postulates that, reactants are first adsorbed on catalyst, then bond formation occurs after which

they desorb and results in formation of products and catalyst remain as it is. Nanotechnology has helped

in preparation of fine nano chemicals or nano catalysts which are finely divided particles with large sur-

face area for catalytic interactions. Many finely divided metals such as platinum and palladium has

been prepared using nanotechnology which act as catalyst in many important reactions.

Fig. 1: Adsorption Theory of Catalysis

Application of nanotechnology in agriculture Om Prakash1, Abhinav Gaur1, Jyoti Rawat2, Ajay Kumar3, Hem C Joshi4*, S. K. Guru4, Vivekanand3

1Dept. of Applied Chemistry, S. B. Singh P. G. Institute of Biomedical Sci. and Res., Uttarakhand 2Dept. of Chemistry Doon university, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 3Dept. of Chemistry, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand 4Dept. of Plant Physiology, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology,

Pantnagar, Uttarakhand Article ID: 20/10/0106140



Nanotechnology in Enzyme Modification

Enzymes are biological catalysts that are produced by living bodies to increase the rate of

metabolic reactions. Enzymes are vital for proper functioning of living body, they are essentially

involved in digestion of complex food and in each and every biological cycle that occurs inside

living body, for example glycolysis that involves conversion of glucose in to pyruvic acid. Since

2014, enzymes have been used widely to modify, degrade or make nanoparticles, while on the

other hand various nanoparticles has been used as immobilization agents, as biosensors and as

alternative to enzymes also known as enzyme mimicry.

Nanotechnology in Semiconductor Devices

Semiconductors are materials having ability to conduct heat and electricity from one end

to another end but show less conduction as compared to conductors. Semiconductors are mainly

identified based on energy gap between conduction band and valence band which in in between

of that of conductors and insulators. Semiconductors are modified for much benefits by process

called as doping. The doping process involves addition of small amount of desired impurities

and it results in formation of p type and n type semiconductors. Nanotechnology play key role in

preparation of nanoparticles used in doping. Semiconductor quantum dot, semiconductor nan-

owire, thin solar films are also prepared by using nanotechnology. “Nanotechnology gives us

tools that allow us to make nanomaterials with special properties modified by ultra-fine particle

size, crystallinity, structure and surfaces” [3]. Types of nanoparticles in semiconductor physics

has been shown in figure below [3].

Fig. 2: Types of Nano Particles in Semiconductor Science [3]

Nanotechnology in Carbon Fiber Material

Carbon fiber has become backbone of automobile industry, being cheap and flexible car-

bon fiber has replaced steel and aluminium from automobile body. Being lite weight, it is also

used for manufacturing fire arms. Carbon nano-tubes are being widely investigated to increase



Table 1: Interaction between Enzymes and Nano Materials

mechanical properties and electrical properties of material. Graphite nano-tubes which are basi-

cally disk like graphite structures with thickness zero to few tens of microns are being investi-

gated being cheap and useful [4].

Fig. 3: Carbon Nano-tubes [4]

Nanotechnology in Agriculture

Nanoparticles are acting as modern-day pesticides, weed controllers, nutrient delivery

channels, enzyme/growth regulators, biological degradation agent and food preservatives as

well. Like biotechnology, the nanotechnology is also considered as one of the modern day sci-

ence that can offer possible solutions to meantime problems in food and agricultural industry.

Anti-bacterial dressings, stain resistant fabrics, nano nutrients and many other products has been

developed in recent years.

Nano-

material

Enzyme Reason For Interaction Ref-

eren

ce

Fe3O4 Peroxidase Enzyme mimicry [2]

Au Bovine serum amine oxidase

Development of bio-conjugation [2]

CdS DNA methyl-transferase

Biosensing [2]

Oxide of co- Microbial esteras- Enzymatic immobilization [2]

Au Peroxidase Detection of viral infection (influenza virus) [2]



Modern Agriculture and Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology and Biotechnology Combine Developments

Biotechnology is a science of manipulation of genes for human benefit. Nanotechnology

play important role in delivery of bio-technologically modified genes into agricultural crops.

Chemists have crafted a new three dimensional molecular structure that unites biotechnology

and nanotechnology. A DNA crystal has been developed using synthetic DNA sequences that

have capability to self assemble into series of three dimensional triangles. These structures have

sticky ends which offers cohesive properties. In crops this cohesive property can be used for

linking many amino acids, carbohydrates and lipids. Lowa State University chemist have uti-

lized 3nm mesoporous silica nanoparticle in delivering DNA and chemicals into isolated plant

cells. The nano particles have tendency to act like bullets capable to deliver herbicides, pesti-

cides and anti bacterial material into crops [6][7].

Fig. 4: Three-Dimensional DNA Crystals with Sticky Ends [6]

Nanoparticles as Carrier Systems

Delivery systems employing nano particles, popularly called as nano-based smart delivery

systems could efficiently be employed in agricultural fields for delivery of water, nutrients and

chemicals economically. Nano sensor technology is being used by the help of global positioning

systems with satellite imaging of crop fields, they are found helpful in detection of plant viruses,

pest and bacterial infections. Nutrients can be delivered in the form of lite weight nano-sized

particles. Hydrophonix technique becomes much efficient using applications of nanotechnology

[6][7].

Nano-plant Hormones and Enzyme Mimicking

For rapid growth of plants, hormones are artificiality delivered into crops. Nano-particles

act as hormones as well as carriers to deliver hormones. Many enzymes are also vital for plant

growth, thus some nanoparticles have been developed to mimic the action of enzyme. Scientists



at Purdue University developed a Nano sensor that react with auxin and produce an electrical

signal which can be basis for measuring auxin levels at particular point of time. Auxin regula-

tion helps in monitoring and manipulating growth of crops [6][7].

Nanotechnology and Agricultural Waste Management

With rising population all across the globe, demand of food crops is also shooting up very

high. The drawback of agriculture is that along with useful and edible food, crop waste is also

generated. This crop waste is either burnt producing harmful green house gases or left to decom-

pose with time. Also around one-third of food produce is lost or wasted each year across the

globe that contributes towards material required to be biological degraded. Modern day agricul-

ture is dependent of use of chemicals, for say fertilizers, about 90% of fertilizer is left in plant

system after its application. This left behind chemical cause environmental problems namely

accelerated eutrophication and bio-magnification. Nanotechnology helps in copping with agri-

cultural waste in many ways. Nanoparticles which act as fertilizers, pesticides and growth stim-

ulants being small in size act much efficiently leaving less than 50% chemical behind after ap-

plication. Nanoparticles can also be reused. Growth of plant is regulated by using nanotechnolo-

gy and thus unwanted agricultural produced is reduced to minimum [6][7].

References

Mukhopadhyay, S. S. (2014). Nanotechnology in agriculture: prospects and con-

straints. Nanotechnology, science and applications, 7, 63.

Chen, M., Zeng, G., Xu, P., Lai, C., & Tang, L. (2017). How do enzymes ‘meet’nanoparticles

and nanomaterials? Trends in biochemical sciences, 42(11), 914-930.

Tamirat, Y. (2017). The Role of nanotechnology in semiconductor industry: Review Arti-

cle. Journal of Material Science & Nanotechnology, 5(2), 202.

Qian, H., Bismarck, A., Greenhalgh, E. S., Kalinka, G., & Shaffer, M. S. (2008). Hierarchical

composites reinforced with carbon nanotube grafted fibers: the potential assessed at the sin-

gle fiber level. Chemistry of Materials, 20(5), 1862-1869.

Prasad, R., Bhattacharyya, A., & Nguyen, Q. D. (2017). Nanotechnology in sustainable agricul-

ture: recent developments, challenges, and perspectives. Frontiers in microbiology, 8, 1014.

Mousavi, S. R., & Rezaei, M. (2011). Nanotechnology in agriculture and food production. J

Appl Environ Biol Sci, 1(10), 414-419.



Agriculture is exposed to various extreme events of weather which cause considerable damage

to agricultural production as well as the economy of farmers. The extreme weather events which cause

considerable damage to agriculture are cold waves, frost, fog, heat waves, droughts, hailstorm, cy-

clones, floods etc. The intensity and frequency of these extreme events are different in different regions

and different states of the country. The coastal states are exposed to cyclones, the interior states are

more prone to heat waves, cold waves, droughts and the hilly states are more prone to frost and cold

waves. The aim of weather based agromet advisories is to advise the farmers on the actual and expected

weather and its impact on the various day-to-day farming operations. For maximum advantage of

weather forecast, agromet advisories are issued in consultation with experts by considering the past,

present and weather forecast and its spatial temporal behaviour. An added advantage of such services is

that it helps in reducing the input cost of production and environmental pollution through the optimal

use of agricultural chemicals. Expert used to decide the appropriate prevention and control measures to

be adopted against abnormal or extreme weather events. The decisions are incorporated in the advisory

and propagated to the farmers through different media to help them to protect their crops

Effect of weather variability on crop production

Climate change has a major impact on the production of crops grown in India. Quality and

quantity of crops have been reduced due to climate change. Crop needs a suitable weather from germi-

nation to ripening which should be for a certain period. If temperature is not suitable at the time of ger-

mination, germination will not occur properly. Due to sudden increase in temperature during grain for-

mation in the crop, grain starts to ripen quickly. Therefore, the duration of grain formation decreases,

which reduces production and deteriorates quality of production.

Agricultural activities are highly sensitive to the weather. Due to weather variations, agriculture

has to face various seasonal events, which affects the production of agriculture and hence decrease the

farmer’s income. At one hand population of India is continuously increasing, and on the other hand due

to climate change weather variability is increasing. In such situation, weather forecast information is

very beneficial for the farmers. Weather has major role in agricultural production. The success of agri-

cultural production depends on the normal monsoon and favorable weather. Weather variability is con-

stantly increasing due to climate change. Countless technologies are being developed by agricultural

scientists. But their success is decreasing due to increase in abnormal weather. In such a situation, infor-

Importance of Weather Based Agromet Advisory in Agriculture under

Changing Climate Scenario

Dr Ananta Vashisth Principal Scientist, Division of Agricultural Physics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi -110012

Article ID: 20/10/0106141



mation on weather forecast and weather based agromet advisory at the right time is very benefi-

cial for the farmers. This can reduce damage due to weather in agriculture. If the farmers get

information on agriculture activities based on changing weather conditions in advance, they can

make proper management in agriculture on time, which reduces the cost incurred in agriculture.

If we know the weather, we can do proper management in time for diseases and insects in crops

due to which crop loss can be avoided. Losses in agriculture can also be reduced by extreme

weather events.

Agricultural production can be increased by doing different types of agricultural work in

favorable weather conditions. For example, if the wheat crop is harvested at a time when there is

excess moisture, it will deteriorate quickly. Weather had important role on crop production. It

directly affects the crop, indirectly affects diseases, pests, soil moisture and management.

Importance of weather based agromet advisory

The weather varies with time and region. The success of agricultural production de-

pends on favorable weather. Uncertainty of the weather affects the crop yield. Due to proper

management of agricultural operations based on weather forecast, it is not possible to fully com-

pensate the losses in agriculture, but it can be reduced to some extent. For example, if the farmer

has to sow the seeds and the farmer is not aware of the weather, such as proper temperature,

rainfall, humidity, moisture in the soil, wind speed, bright sunshine hours, evaporation rate, then

seeds germination will not be good, which will reduce its yield. Apart from this, if the farmer

gets the information of rain, then he can stop the irrigation and spraying of pesticides / weedi-

cides etc., which will reduce the cost of irrigation as well as losses because if the farmers

sprayed the pesticides etc., it will flow with rain water and will not affect the crop. Weather

forecasting helps farmers in determining varieties of crops. It helps farmers in plowing, sowing,

irrigation, fertilizer, harvesting scheduling and managing pests and diseases. It is helpful in stor-

age and transportation of agricultural produces.

Division of Agricultural Physics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New

Delhi has been serving the farming community in and around NCR Delhi region by giving

agromet advisory on every Tuesday and Friday. Progressive farmers have been taking keen in-

terest in the agromet advisories and are the foremost beneficiaries. Advising timely and need-

based crop management practices is the major aim of this service. Weather forecast from IMD,

New Delhi for next five days on rainfall, maximum and minimum temperature, wind speed,

wind direction, cloud cover, maximum and minimum humidity was received on every Tuesday

and Friday by E-mail. Once the forecast received, the agromet advisories bulletin are being pre-

pared on the basis of the expert’s opinion from different disciplines of Institute on every Tues-

day and Friday in Hindi as well as in English language. These weather forecast based agromet



advisory bulletin contain following information.

Summary of previous week's weather.

Value added medium range weather forecast information (for the next 5 days).

Names and stages of crops grown.

Attack of diseases and insects and their prevention

Weather based management in crops

Various types of agricultural work in crops like seed variety, seed quantity, time of sow-

ing, irrigation, thinning, weeding, use of fertilizer etc.

Maintenance of production in storage

These agromet advisories were uploaded on the IARI website www.iari.res.in, IMD web

sites www.imdagrimet.gov.in and farmer portal (http://farmer.gov.in/) in both Hindi and Eng-

lish. The bulletins are sent to print and electronic media by E-mail so that more number of farm-

ers and stakeholder can be benefited. This information is beneficial for farmers as well as others,

who are interested in agricultural activities.

Farmer’s feedback about weather based agricultural advice

From the feedback given by the farmer during interaction in kisan gosthi, it has been

known that the weather based agromet advisory given to the farmers is beneficial in agriculture,

as it gives them the advice for management in agriculture keeping in view of the adaptability of

the weather. Based on the weather forecast, farmers can select the high yielding cultivars of veg-

etables and crops. Also, agricultural practices such as sowing time, seed quantity, weeding, thin-

ning, time and quantity of irrigation, use of fertilizers, time and quantity of spraying pesticides,

harvesting of crops, etc. can be done at the right time. With this, farmers know about the mon-

soon, its situation, time of its arrival and the daily weather information, which helps in getting

the agricultural works done at the right time. This reduces the input cost of production and saves

resources.

Due to climate change, weather variability is increasing, hence giving agromet adviso-

ries based on weather forecast helps in improving agricultural production and economic condi-

tion of farmers. Diseases, insects etc. in crops are greatly affected by the weather. If we are able

to provide weather information to the farmers immediately, then crops and insects management

can be done in time. Due to which economic loss as well as crop loss can be avoided. Also on

the basis of weather, we can give information to farmers about selection of crop and its cultivar

for particular weather condition.

Providing weather based agromet advisory prepared on the basis of past weather, real

time weather and weather forecast to the farmers are useful for doing efficient management



practices in crops for improving the yield. It helps to increase agriculture production, reduce

losses, risks, reduce costs of inputs, improve quality of yield, optimum use of water, labor and

energy and reduce pollution with judicious use of agricultural chemicals. It is helpful in bring-

ing and strengthening the economic condition of farmers.



Introduction

Virus is obligatory intracellular parasite which pathogenicity and replication depend on their host

cell machineries. Viruses are still most prominent threat to plants, livestock and human and any living

beings. In agriculture it has a prominent place and always found in numbers of plants. It has observed

that like bacteria, fungi and phyto-plasma, plant viruses rapidly multiply, spread and cause huge losses

to fruits, vegetables, fibers, cereals and flower crops. Virus is ranked second most important plant path-

ogens followed by fungi. Plant viruses cause significant losses inside plant cells by intervening the re-

sources produced by photosynthesis. Viruses cause different type of symptoms in plants such as yellow-

ing, puckering, leaf distortion, stunting, abnormality in flowers & fruits that reduce the quality and pro-

duction. Thus it is imperative to develop such detection and diagnostic technique and strategy which

identified and curb viral diseases. Here we illustrated some advanced approaches which are very crucial

in plant virology.

Advanced technique

1. Transgenics method against virus

Crop produces loss due to virus is massive and available control methods are costly and inade-

quate in controlling of virus. Plant transformation & genetic engineering techniques have potent role in

insertation of resistant gene in several crop species. Transgenics techniques had applied in cucurbits,

tomato, potato, and rice crops. Agrobacterium used as biological vector for transfer of desired gene in a

target crop species. Similarly, direct gene transfer method also used for insertion of foreign DNA into

host cells by chemical, physical and electrical methods. Transgenic maize plants are showed resistance

to Maize streak virus (MSV) by expression of a defective form of a viral gene that involved in viral rep-

lications. Similar way, transgenic rice plants with foreign RNAi constructing and targeting Rice dwarf

virus factor for Pns VI, P8, and Pns12 proteins which nearly proof against RDV infection. Transgenic

increase quality of yield, nutritional quality, improved self life, disease resistance, herbicide resistance,

insect resistance and viral resistance in many vegetable and fruit crops.

2. Protein applications

Advanced Molecular Approaches for Plant Viruses Control

P. N. Meena*, Mukesh Khokhar, Rekha Balodi and Sardana H. R.

ICAR- National Research Centre for Integrated Pest Management, LBS Building, Indian Agricultural Research Institute- New Delhi-110012 Article ID: 20/10/0106142



Plant viruses multiply in larger number of copy in plant cell by using of cellular compo-

nents of host during systemic infection. Proteomics tools are identified the host protein interac-

tions and provide considerable information about viral protein functions. Study on protein appli-

cations showed protein interactions in tobacco and Arabidopsis plant where Alfalfa mosaic virus

(AMV) showed compatible interaction with the host.

3. RNAi-Mediated Applications

RNAi is a technique in which dsRNA silenced peculiar work of a gene that is protects the

host organism against virus and unfamiliar nucleic acids. RNA silencing is initiated by dsRNA

which innate antiviral defense mechanism in host. RNAi technique have advantage over other

alternative techniques is, activation of cellular response by dsRNA which increasing gene si-

lencing efficiency and causes RNA degradation. It is rapid and efficient tool over anti-sense

technology use for the gene expression.

4. Cross protection

Prevention of infection by a similar secondary virus on the basis of prior infection with

primary virus, called cross protection. It was first identified in TMV virus. In cross protection

RNA & CP-mediated cross protection is mostly applied. In transgenic plants CP mediated pro-

tection was expressed against TMV and showed resistant against TMV infection. Whereas, vi-

rus and viroids showed RNA-mediated cross protection resistance. Know days, Potato virus X

(PVX), Potato leaf roll virus (PLRV), Turnip crinkle virus and Citrus tristeza virus successfully

managed by cross protection.

5. Gene pyramiding

Gene pyramiding is durable resistance in a variety that expressed by combinations of mul-

tiple genes. Gene pyramiding have pivotal role in breeding programme to enrich biotic and abi-

otic stress resistance in several crops. It shown set of resistance genes individually in regional

mosaics instead of being stacked into a single plant cultivar.

Conclusion

Biotechnological tools are used in agriculture crops to decrease the crop losses due to viral

diseases. These tools play pivotal role in detection, diagnosis & transfer of foreign gene into

plants to develop resistance against different viruses. Various advance plant virus control meth-

ods like transgenic method against virus, protein applications, RNAi-mediated applications,

cross protection & gene pyramiding could be utilized in plants as anti-viral defense arrange-

ments.



References

Sastry K.S. and Zitter, T. A. (2014). Management of virus and viroid diseases of crops in the

tropics. In: Plant virus and viroid diseases in the tropics. Springer Netherlands, Dordrecht,

The Netherlands, pp 149–480. Available via http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-94-007-

7820-7_2

Ordon, F., Habekuss, A., Kastirr, U., Rabenstein, F., Kühne, T. (2009). Virus resistance in cere-

als: sources of resistance, genetics and breeding. J Phytopathol; 157(9):535–45.

Hull, R. Plant virology (2013). Acad Press, https://www. elsevier.com/books/plant-virology/hull/978-0-12-384871-0



Background

During the last few decades, cultivation of modern crop varieties was intensified with high input

management practices (chemical fertilizers and pesticides; tillage, labors and water) to raise agricultural

production to meet the demand of growing population. However, small holder farmers were unable to

afford production cost and were less benefitted from such technologies. In addition, degrading soil fer-

tility, emerging pesticides resistance in insect pests and climate change have aggravated natural ecosys-

tem and subjected the poor to high risk of getting lower production and food insecurity. Frequent occur-

rence of floods and drought; and prevalence of pests and diseases have made agricultural production

vulnerable. Need of small holder farmers drives to develop and adopt resource conserving technologies,

crop diversification and tight recycling of waste. Diversity in plant species keeps pests away and can

play a significant role in preserving food habits and cultural traditions. Similarly, domestication of di-

verse animals, birds and fish also provides different nutritious food groups. Integrated farming system

includes integration of plant species (crops and homestead) and animal husbandry. If these subsystems

are linked and mobilized to use byproduct from one sub system as inputs for others so that households

have access to fresh, safe and diverse foods round the year, then the system is called sustainable inte-

grated farming system (SIFS).

In SIFS, overall production, income and nutrition (food and fodder) are enhanced and diversified

in terms of quantity and quality. The incidence of biotic and abiotic risk is reduced and the system be-

comes energy efficient as a whole. It also integrates various techniques like soil water conservation, or-

ganic fertilizers, bio-pesticides, energy security, rainwater harvesting, cropping sequence management

and multitier arrangement for better management of space and utilization of time by increasing crop-

ping intensity and decreasing fallow periods.

SIFS Principles

Cropping sequence

1. Less competition for nutrients among the crop species

2. Space available for proper root system

3. Longer duration of cropping season/ intercropping

Sustainable Integrated Farming System Bedanand Chaudhary1* and Ujjawal Kumar Singh Kushwaha2 1 Lahan-3, Siraha, Nepal 2National Plant Breeding and Genetics Research Center, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal

Article ID: 20/10/0106145



4. Companion crop for pest control

Multi-story arrangement

Ascending order of height from east to west

Crops of different root types

Combination of leafy vegetables, cereals, legumes etc.

Integrating subsystems and various components

1. Animals such as pigs, rabbits, goats, cows, chickens and ducks can be introduced to obtain

products as a source of nutrients and waste as other functional inputs.

2. Bee keeping at rapeseed mustard field and orchard for better pollination and honey collec-

tion.

Subsystems and Associated Techniques

The SIFS is promoted through nutrition garden, farmer's field school and model farms.

Farmer's field school is a platform where group members conduct meeting and discuss about

current problems of farming and seek solutions to address them for ensuring food and nutrition

security. Model farms demonstrate the integration of subsystems. Majority of household (HH)

owns homestead/ upland and lowland fields and livestock components for livelihoods. Landless

farmers lease in land for agricultural activities to earn livelihood. Each HH prepares farm plan

based on seasonal calendar and available resources in order to address lean period with full utili-

zation of available resources.

Homestead/ upland

Community people build their houses at upland areas from where excess rain water is eas-

idrained. Such areas are called homestead where HH domesticates animals/ birds, practices fish

culture, grows vegetables and fruit crops including fodder trees. Some HHs, which lack space at

homestead, cultivate vegetables and fruit crops in nearby upland fields.

Nutrition Garden

Area where diverse types of vegetables are produced to have access to fresh, safe and di-

verse vegetables for consumption round the year. They are leafy vegetables (Amaranthus:

Thadiya, jute: Patuwa, Chenopodium: Bathuwa, rapeseed mustard: Rayo, fenugreek, garden

cress etc.), fruit vegetables (brinjal, okra, chili, tomato, moringa etc.), Cole vegetables

(cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage etc.), root and tuber vegetables (radish, carrot, red radish, Colo-

cassia, elephant foot yam, bamboo shoot etc.), legumes (cowpea, beans, country beans, fava

beans, string beans, yard long beans etc.), spices and bulb vegetables (onion, garlic, ginger, tur-



meric, coriander etc), gourds (cucumber, bottle gourds, bitter gourds, pointed gourds, pumpkins,

sponge gourds, ash gourds etc.) and medicinal plants (Holi basil: Tulsi, mint: Podina, marigold

etc.). Maize is also planted at low seed rate in nutrition garden. House roofs and fence are used

for growing seasonal creeping vegetables. Common fruit trees like banana, papaya, guava, lem-

on, mulberry, badahar etc. are also planted in the periphery of the garden to best utilize the

space and supply of fruit requirements throughout the year. These trees can also be grown in

nearby upland areas separately and is said orchard. Some of them also meet fodder requirement

for livestock. Neem and castor plants are commonly grown at homestead. They possess medici-

nal/ pesticidal properties and are commonly used to prepare biopesticides.

Animal husbandry

It includes, cattle, goats, birds and aquaculture to get milk, meat, eggs and fish for better

food and nutrition. Shed is built to provide shelter and protect the livestock units from rain, hot,

storm and stray as well as wild animals. It also helps facilitate for care and feeding them so that

their production can be increased. Cattle shed is improved to take proper care, clean shed

properly and collect urine and cow dung for further recycling to incorporate in the system.

Kitchen fishery is built near water sources to reuse waste water coming through soak pit. Bird

shed (duck and or chicken) is adjusted on the bund so that excreta is utilized as fish feed. When

ducks swim in the pond for food, air bubbles improve oxygen content for fish helping for in-

creased fish production.

Lowland

Such land lies outside the village where cereal based cropping system is followed. Crops

are rotated in a way to produce cereals, legumes, spices and oilseeds including forage and mini-

mize fallow period adopting mix cropping, inter cropping and relay cropping. Every piece of

land is devoted to leguminous crops once a year to improve/ maintain soil health. Even bunds

are also planted with leguminous crops (pigeon pea or black gram).

Bio-fertilizers

Heavy use of chemical fertilizers continues to reduce organic matter in soil and degrade

soil health and fertility. Micro-organism activity becomes limited or almost zero. Soil has be-

come hard to till and infertile. Its water holding capacity has become poor. Soil cannot conserve

rain/ irrigation water and becomes dry within few days after irrigation. Rain water flows away

the field making gully leading to erosion of top soil. Bio-fertilizers are prepared from urine/ cow

dung, excreta of goats, pigs and birds. Such fertilizers maintain organic matter, pH and soil

health. This improves micro-organism activity, water holding capacity and overall fertility status

of the soil.



Liquid fertilizers

Urine, cow dung and water are mixed equally in a container. After addition of 100-200 g

of jaggery, mixture is thoroughly stirred with a stick and the container is covered with a lid. The

container is kept under shadow and can be put in the morning sun for one hour. At every three

days, the mixture is stirred with the stick. It will be ready to use after 15 days. This mixture is

used after addition of 3-5 times water depending on plant stage. It is applied in the soil around

the plant at 15 days interval. It provides major- and micro-nutrients required for plants.

A sack is filled with fresh cow dung and tied. It is put in a container having double

amount of water to that of cow dung. The sack is immersed in water by pressing with a heavy

stone. The container is closed with a lid. After 15-18 days, the sack with cow dung is taken out.

The remaining mixture is used as liquid fertilizer following the similar application method as

mentioned above.

10 kg fresh cow dung and 7-8 L of urine are put in a container having 75 L of water. Two

kg each of jaggery and pulse powder is mixed. The mixture is stirred clockwise with a stick for

five minutes and covered with a jute bag. Stirring procedure is repeated every morning and

evening for three days. The liquid becomes ready to use after four days and is applied in the

same way as mentioned above.

Urine and plain water are mixed equally in a container. The mixture is stirred with a stick

by adding some jaggery. The container is covered with a lid. Stirring is repeated at every three

days. It becomes ready after 15 days. It is applied as spray on plant foliage with addition of 3-5

times water depending on plant stage. It serves as fertilizer as well as repellent against pests.

Solid fertilizers

Compost

It is prepared using either heap or pit (ditch) method. During dry season, pit type is pre-

ferred. Commonly, its dimension of 3 ft deep, 3 ft wide and 6 ft length is maintained. Crop resi-

dues, weeds, leaves and twigs of medicinal plants, kitchen waste and cow dung are materials for

making compost. Starter (bio-degrader) is prepared mixing urine, water and cow dung equally in

addition with old compost. Two to three layers of chopped crop residues, weeds and plant

leaves/ twigs are spread in the pit. Then one to two layers of cow dung are spread depending on

availability. Starter is sprayed over the layers to moisten and facilitate decomposing. The pro-

cess is repeated to add those materials till the pit is filled up. Hollow bamboo pole with lateral

holes at each internode in each corner and one in the middle of the pit are fixed while filling the

pit with degradable materials to facilitate aeration. It is covered with jute bag to conserve nutri-

ents. The materials are turned upside down each month. Compost becomes ready in three



months depending on season. It may take longer during winter. Its color is black and becomes

soft and pulverized. During wet season, heap method is preferred for making compost.

Vermi-compost

Organic matters like cow dung, crop residues, dried neem leaves and field soils are re-

quired to prepare vermi-compost. In this case, vermi-culture or earth worms: Eisenia foetida, are

required in place of starter (bio-degrader). Earth worms are highly voracious and their excreta

are vermi-compost. It is also prepared by using either heap or pit method. Plastic sheet is used in

the ground surface to avoid leaching of nutrients. 3-4 inches layer of crop residues and dried

neem leaves are spread over the plastic sheet. Enough water is sprayed on residues to maintain

50-60% moisture. Then, one layer of 3-4 inches of one-week old cow dung mixed with field soil

is spread. The culture is added over the materials and is covered with 3-4 inches layer of soil

mixed cow dung. Water is sprayed using water cane and the heap is covered with 3-4 inches of

crop residues mixed with neem leaves. This is done to maintain moisture and darkness inside to

facilitate earth worms' activity. Such covering also protects them from rodents and birds. Shade

is also required to maintain temperature below 320 C. One kg of culture can make one kg of

compost per hour. Within 30 days, it becomes ready to use when it becomes like tea dust and

odorless.

Bio-pesticides

These are especially prepared using locally available medicinal plants. They are Neem,

Castor, Tumba, Ban Tulsi, Tulsi, Eucalyptus, moringa, Simali (Vitex negundo) etc. These actual-

ly serve as repellent.

Leaves and twigs of all those plants (available ones) are cut into pieces and mixed to make

3 kg weight. The leaves are added to 4 L of urine, 2 kg of fresh cow dung and 50 g of jaggery.

The mixture is thoroughly stirred and the container is tightly closed for 10 days. However, the

mixture needs to be stirred at every 3 days interval. One L of the mixture can be added to 100 L

of water after filtering through muslin cloth. The solution is enough to cover one hectare of crop

land

The mixture of cut leaves, urine and cow dung can be mixed at 1:2:2 ratio in a container.

The solution is stirred thoroughly with a stick and covered with a tight lid for 4 weeks. But it is

stirred at every 3 days interval and kept at shade and cool place. The solution is filtered and used

@ 150-200 ml/L of water as foliar spray.

Powder of tobacco leaves 250 g, chili powder 250 g, ginger paste 250 g, garlic paste 500 g

and asafetida powder 100 g are mixed in 6 L urine having 500 ml of neem oil in a container. Af-

ter thorough stirring, the container is closed and left for 6 hours. This is strong repellent and is



applied as foliar spray @ 100 ml/ L of water.

Insects pests can also be reduced as follows

1. Light trap can be used in the bank of fish pond and the dead pests serve as feed for fish.

2. Yellow painted card board with glue can be hanged in nutrition garden to control flying

insects.

3. Neem seed powder @ 50 g/L of water can be used as foliar spray.

4. Neem oil @ 30 ml and 1 ml soap per L of water can be sprayed.

5. Fresh neem leaves @ 250 g/L of water can be soaked overnight and solution can be used

as spray material.

6. Dried neem leaves can be applied in the grain storage to control storage pests.

Seed Preservation

Traditional food commodities are highly valuable for food and nutrition security. SIFS not

only promotes traditional biodiversity but also conserves to maintain ecology. Thus, seeds, sets,

tubers and rhizomes need to preserve for continued cultivation/ propagation of those commodi-

ties. Seeds of tomato, brinjal and gourds are mixed with ash to soak excess moisture and sun

dried. Storage can be done in airtight container using dried neem leaves. The seeds are treated

with urine and cow dung (1:1) and dried under shade for half an hour before sowing to avoid

pests attack. Some horticultural crops and sea foods are conserved on-farm (in-situ) by protect-

ing them from pollution.

Mulching

In intensive and commercial agriculture, straw or crop residues are burnt and land prepara-

tion is done for planting of succeeding crops. This activity does not only pollute the environ-

ment (air and soil) but causes a huge loss of valuable organic matter. On contrary, sustainable

agriculture promotes use of all kinds of residues coming from crops or weeds as mulching mate-

rials. This helps conserve moisture, keep weed free and add organic matter. It saves irrigation

and labor cost. In the long run soil organic matter and pH are increased improving its water

holding capacity, microbial activity and soil health as well as fertility as a whole.

Rain Water Harvesting

Rain water is harvested from roof into a container fixed in the ground floor. Such water

can be used for cleaning utensils, irrigating vegetable garden and drinking for animals. Similar-

ly, a pond can be constructed in the upland field where rain water can be collected for irrigation,

cattle and aquaculture. This is practiced in the areas where rainfall is minimum. In such areas,



ground water also becomes scarce during dry season. Thus, such collection can be a great help.

Feed and Fodder Management for Livestock

Livestock is one of the major components of SIFS for availability of animal protein in the

form of eggs, milk and meat. Urine and cow dung are also collected as byproduct from livestock

for making bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides. Especially cattle and goats need to be fed with

green grasses and dry straw for their proper growth and production. Rice and wheat straw are

stored to feed them round the year. Legumes residues are also fed to them. As farm planning,

green fodder can be grown depending on number of livestock unit. Teosinte is grown during

summer and wet season, berseem during post rainy season while oats during winter and sor-

ghum during spring for green fodder. Green grasses can be preserved when there is surplus for

lean period. The grasses are spread in the shade to reduce moisture content. The ditch is dug

based on quantity of grasses and soil surface is covered with plastic sheet before grass is put in

the ditch. The ditch is again covered with plastic sheet before it is covered with soil. It is taken

out whenever required and fed to livestock units. The cattle require supplementary feed during

pregnancy and lactation period. Pregnant cattle should be provided 1.5 kg feed per day for better

health. While lactating cattle should be fed additional feed @ 1 kg/ day/ 2.2 L milk production.

Feed is prepared using grains of rice or maize or wheat, bran, mustard cake and salt + egg shell

at the ratio of 40:32:25:3.

Energy Management

Minimum tillage, drip irrigation, construction of biodigester and use of modified oven for

cooking can be helpful in reducing expenses.

Food Processing and Preservation

Seasonal calendar helps to identify the lean period for food materials. Preservation of

foods can be done for that period. Especially during winter, there is surplus of leafy vegetables

(wild Bethe, twigs of legumes like cowpea and chickpea, broad leaf mustard etc.), Cole crops

(radish, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli etc.) and ash gourds etc. Leaves are crushed and kept

air tight in a container for 7-10 days for fermentation. These are sun dried and stored air tight for

use in lean period by the name of Gundruk. Bethe, fenugreek, garden cress and tender twigs of

legumes are used to prepare Biriya (clean 5-10 twigs are wrapped in black gram paste and sun

dried) for use. Cole crops are cut/ sliced into pieces and are put in a 1-2 kg cloth bags. These are

processed in boiling water by submerging the bags for 5-10 minutes and sun dried properly. In

many cases, these are sun dried without processing. It has low storability compared to processed

ones. Lentil, black gram and rice are ground into powder and prepared nuggets (Masyaura) with

addition of adequate water and some salt. These nuggets are sun dried and stored in an airtight



container to consume whenever necessary. Nuggets are also prepared using whole grains of lin-

seed and sesame. Crushed cabbage, radish and ash gourds mixed with black gram paste are used

to make nuggets. Potato is also used for making nuggets as well as chips. Surplus fish of smaller

size which fetch low price are commonly sun dried and preserved for consumption in various

ways. Pickles are also prepared from various perishable vegetables (tomato, radish, cabbage,

cauliflower etc.) and fruits (mango, lemon, gooseberry etc.) and preserved to eat whenever nec-

essary.

Advantages of SIFS

1. Maximum profit/ resilience

2. Higher productivity

3. Higher input use efficiency

4. More practical and sustainable

5. Zero wastage

6. Ex- and in-situ conservation and promotion of traditional food commodities (flora and

fauna)

7. A highly useful and relevant system for small holders for ensuring livelihoods, nutrition

and income; and sustaining soil ecology for future use.



Introduction

Vegetables are considered as protective foods as they are rich source of vitamins and minerals,

can play a significant role in nutritional security as well as health improvement. They play an important

role in human nutrition by major supplying certain elements in which other food materials are deficient.

In addition like anti-oxidizing elements, fibre etc. vegetables add variety, taste, colour and texture to

diet. In winter season vegetables like cole crops, root crops, bulb crops, pea and beans, leafy vegetables

and potato are major dietary contributions and good source of food elements. The currently recom-

mended daily dietary allowance for healthy person of various age groups are as suggested by ICMR and

National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad that on an average man with the moderate works needs a diet

which an provide the nutrients mentioned in Table 1. Percent of recommended dietary allowances con-

tributed by fruits and vegetables in balanced diet are given in Table- 2.

Table 1: A general recommended dietary allowance for Indians

Table 2: Nutritional contribution of balanced diet by fruit and vegetables

Major nutrients Quantity Major nutrients Quantity

Calories 2800 kcal Folic acid 100mg

Protein 55g Vitamin B12 1.0 mg

Calcium 450 mg Thiamine 1.4 mg

Iron 20 mg Riboflavin 1.5 mg

Carotene 3000mg Niacin 19mg

Vitamin C 50 mg Vitamin D 5mg

Nutritional Security with Vegetables in Winter Season Suchitra Dadheech1* and Uadal Singh2 1 College of Agriculture, Bhilwara, MPUAT, Udaipur 2 College of Agriculture, Lalsot, SKNAU, Jobner

Article ID: 20/10/0106146

Major nutrients % of total food supply Major Nutrients % of total food supply

Ascorbic acid 90 Thiamin 20

Vitamin A 50 Niacin 20

Vitamin B6 35 Calories 10

Magnesium 25 Protein 7

Iron 20 Fat 1



Sources of nutrients

Winter season vegetables are rich source of nutrients than rainy season. Here food nutri-

ents and their rich sources are given;

Table: 3 Nutrient rich winter vegetable crops

With advancement of breeding technology it becomes possible to generate genotype,

which are superior in particular nutrient along with others as parent. Some best known varieties

of crops are mentioned in Table 4.

Table 4: High yielding nutrient rich improved varieties or hybrids of some important winter vegetable crops developed indigenously

(Source: Kalia, 2004)

Major Nutrients and their functions

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates, which provide a major portion of calories in the human diet, are also called

protein-sparing food. In vegetables carbohydrates are mainly found in the form of starch and

Nutrients Vegetables

1. Calcium : Beet root, turnip leaves, onion, sem, cauliflower, carrot

2. Potassium : Sweet potato, potato, radish

3. Phosphorus : Garlic, pea, potato, carrot

4. Dietary fibre : Celery cabbage, spinach, lettuce

5. Iron : Pea, palak, cabbage, sem

6. Folic acid : Spinach, beans, leafy vegetables

7. Carbohydrate : Potato, beet root, sweet potato

8. Vitamin A ; Carrot (yellow type), palak, turnip, broccoli, cabbage,

9. Vitamin B : Peas, sem, cabbage, carrot, onion

Vegetable crop Variety or hybrid

Potato Kufri Giriraj, Kufri Chipsona 1, Kufri Chipsona 2

Onion Pusa Red, Agrifound Dark Red,

Carrot Hisar Garlic, Pusa Yamdagini

Garden pea Arkel, Palam Priya, Matar Ageta-5

Cauliflower Pusa Snowball K1, Pusa Shard, Pusa Meghna

Broccoli Palam Samridhi, Palam Haritika (green sprouting type), Palam

Kanchan (yellow green heading type) Radish Palam Hriday

Leek Palam Paushtik

Bathua Pusa Bathua-1



cellulose. Carbohydrates are absorbed through the intestinal wall into the blood mainly in the

form of glucose. It may remain in the blood in free state or stored in body tissues as glycogen.

After oxidation during respiration, energy is liberated along with the CO2 and H2O. Tuber crops

are good source of carbohydrate.

Dietary fiber Indigestible complex carbohydrates, cellulose, non-starchy polysaccharides and lignin,

which are present in food, comprise the dietary fibers. In human beings there are no secretion of

digestive enzymes viz., cellulose, hemicelluloses and pectinase necessary to breakdown of these

complex substances into simple sugars thus these fibers is not digested and passed through the

intestinal tract. The concept of dietary fiber as attracted global attention and its nutritional bene-

fits i.e. protection against certain types of cancer, regulation of transit, lowering of blood choles-

terol etc. Vegetables enlisted in table –3 are good source of these food compounds.

2. Protein

Proteins are extremely complex nitrogen-containing organic compounds and constitute

major part of the protoplasm. However, vegetables are poor source of protein as compared to the

product of animal origin but quality (composition of amino acids) is quite good sulfo-amino ac-

ids mostly confined to vegetable proteins.

3. Vitamins

Vegetables (Table 3 & 4) are rich in these biologically active organic compounds, which are

essential for normal growth and health. The present emphasis is towards development of variety

rich in vitamins having high retentive capacity of them during cooking which needs proper care

and technique to save from escape.

4. Minerals

Minerals are inorganic substances present in food and play a major role in the functioning of

the physiological activities of body and reproduction. The vegetables as enlisted in Table 3 and

4 are considered as rich source of these food elements.

Fat

Dietary fat is a source of essential fatty acids, a vehicle for fat-soluble vitamins, provides a

certain level of energy density and palatability of diet. After absorption, fat passes from the

blood to the tissues where it is either burned or stored for further use. Vegetables are deficient in

fat and oil thus requires additional source to supplement diet.



Flavour compounds

In addition to their nutritional role vegetables also increase attractiveness and palatability of

a diet by providing sensory appeal through their variety of colour and flavour. This includes vol-

atile and non-volatile compounds.

Anticarcinogenic substances

It has been estimated that there are 20-25 lakh cases of cancer in the country at any given

point of time and about 7 lakh new cases being detected every year. Cancer has a high mortality

unless detected and treated early. The emphasis should be on prevention, early detection of cas-

es and augmentation of treatment facilities.Biochemical compounds from vegetables, which

have preventive and therapeutic effect against cancer, are known as anticarcinogenic phytoceuti-

cals. Most potent among them are antioxidants and biflavonoids.

1. Antioxidants

These are the substances, which neutralize radicals that are formed during metabolism of

food by smoking or exposure to pollutants. These are not scavenged enzymatically e.g. Vit.A,

Vit.C, Vit.B5, Vit.B6, Minerals like selenium and amino acids.

Bioflavonoids

Experiments and epidemiological studies revealed that susceptibility to common form of

human cancers are related to dietary, environmental and genetic factors. A large number of stud-

ies have shown that the consumption of vegetables is merely associated with the risk of cancer,

particularly cancer of the alimentary canal and respiratory tract. It has been found that these

plants contain a whole variety of potentially anti-carcinogenic secondary metabolites like flavo-

noids, glucosinolates and isothiocynaes (Table 5).

Table 5: Potential anti-carcinogenic secondary metabolites of vegetables

Recently, special attention has been accorded to edible plants that are rich in secondary me-

tabolites responsible for induction of detoxification enzyme (eg. Glutathione-S-transferase; qui-

nonereductase and epoxidehydrolase) in mammalian tissues, which inactivate reactive

(carcinogenes) by destroying their reactive centres or by conjugating them with endogenous lig-

Compound Future ingredient Vegetable source

1. Carotenoids b-Carotene Leafy vegetable, carrot

2. Flavonoid Quercetin Onion

3. Glucosinolates Indole-3-carbinol Cruciferous vegetables

4. Organosulphur compounds Allyl propyl disulfide Allium vegetables



ands, there by facilitating their elimination from the body. Isothiosyanate isolated from broccoli

was identified as very potent phase-2 enzyme inducer and its anticarcinogenic activities also

demonstrated.

Toxic metabolites and anti-nutritional factors

Vegetables are rich and easy to access source of dietary elements but they also contains

some anti-nutritional factors which are required to be corrected before consumption with proper

care. These are mentioned as under:

Trypsin inhibitors:

These proteins are found in legumes, which inhibit the activity of trypsin in the gut and in-

terfere with the digestibility of dietary proteins and reduce their utilization. These can be re-

moved by soaking seed in cold water.

Phytate:

Phylates are present in legume vegetables, which reduces iron availability in presence of Mg

and Ca. They can be reduced by soaked seeds.

Tannins

Condensed polyphonic compounds, which are present in high amount in seed coat of most

legumes and certain vegetables. It also interferes with iron availability.

Oxalates

These substances are found in pea, leafy vegetables and some legumes which can be re-

moved by cooking of the leaves which reduces the water soluble oxalates (39-48%) to a great

extent.

Nitrates

Vegetables are the single largest source of nitrate in human diet. In gastrointestinal tract ni-

trate (NO3) is reduced to nitrite, which is absorbed into blood and causes Anoxia

(Methaemoglobinemia). Lettuce, celery, radish, spinach and beetroot have relatively high ni-

trate content while potato and cabbage have moderate concentration. It can be reduced by cook-

ing vegetables.



Glucosinolates

These are thioglucosides, which are hydrolysed by myrosinase enzyme and releases isothi-

ocynates and nitriles. The isothiocynate inhibits Iodine uptake by thyroid glands and enhances

goitrogenic properties.

Future strategies

Increasing population creates a big hurdle on food and specially nutritional security espe-

cially in under developed and developing countries. This malnurished society is poor to learn

and think about national development. In this concern increasing the availability and awareness

about nutritional standard and their cheap and easily available sources like vegetables can plays

an important role. Thus the challenges ahead of vegetable researchers are immense and com-

plex. The following guidelines help in this programme:

Increase the availability of good quality vegetables by increasing production and reducing

post harvest looses.

Increase the general health awareness in society, as well as nutritional, medicinal and ther-

apeutic values of vegetables.

More diverse selection of low cost vegetables must be made available to ensure balanced

diet.

Develop improved varieties and agro-techniques.

Reduces anti-nutritional factors in vegetable crops by breeding methodology.

Develop methods for enhancing bioavailability of vitamin A and iron in leafy vegetables.

Increase β-carotene content in vegetables.

Develop technologies for value addition like nutrient fortification.

Conclusion

In India vegetables are grown through out the year but mainly in two seasons i.e. Kharif

and rabi. Among rabi season vegetables potato, cole crops, root crops, bulb crops peas and bean

and leafy vegetables provide substantial amounts of nutrients important for human health. They

are particularly important sources of micronutrients and vitamins and contain many phytoceuti-

cals, which beneficial to our health. However, regular consumption of vegetables especially

green and yellow coloured are associated with decreasing susceptibility of some kinds of cancer,

vision disorders and other irregularities of our body. But their availability creeps long behind

their recommended for a healthy body. This gap has to be filled with advancement of breeding

technology toward development of high yielding nutrient rich varieties of these crops.



Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is one of the major commercial crops in India as well as

world. India is the largest consumer of sugar, while stands 2nd in production of sugarcane after Brazil.

The area and production of sugarcane in India stands at 4.8 million hectares and 350 million tons, re-

spectively with an average productivity of 75 tons per hectare (DAC&FW, 2018). It is estimated that by

the 2030, white sugar demand will be rising to 51 million tonnes. To fulfil the demand, it is pertinent to

increase the sugarcane productivity as area extension has limited scope. The productivity can be en-

hanced by adopting innovative, resource saving and energy efficient cultivation practices. Amongst var-

ious options, water is the most critical input in growing of any crop, as it also determines the efficiency

all other inputs applied to the crop. Plant requires water throughout its life cycle because water influ-

ences various metabolic functions like photosynthesis, respiration, nutrient absorption, translocation

and assimilation. Water deficit can lead to severe productivity losses. FAO has estimated that by 2050,

60% more food will be required to meet the requirement of increasing population for which water de-

mand is set to increase tremendously. With changing patterns of rainfall over the years, shrinking water

resources and depleting groundwater, pressure on water resources is intensifying. Agriculture is the

largest consumer of water among different sectors. Further in agriculture sector, field crops have the

major share as these are fast growing but have the confined rooting system. Sugarcane water require-

ment has been reported to be around 200 cm (Chaudhary et al., 2013) which is quite high. Therefore, it

is important to inspect for more efficient water management practices to secure more yield per unit of

water use.

Approaches for water management in Sugarcane

Proper water management strategy is an important way to improve water use in crop production.

Research efforts are being conducted to evolve approaches that maintain optimum moisture in soil for

efficient water utilization and for increasing water productivity. These may include laser land levelling,

crop establishment methods, irrigation methods, use of precise instruments like soil moisture indicator,

application of trash mulch. Crop must be irrigated as and when required. Number of irrigations depends

up on climatic conditions, soil type, planting season, planting methods, irrigation methods, use of ma-

nures and fertilizers.

Approaches for Water Management in Sugarcane

Anupama Rawat*, Naresh Malik and Subhash Chandra

Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, U. S. Na-gar, Uttarakhand Article ID: 20/10/0106148



Laser leveller

A tool for precise and uniform land levelling. It levels the field with certain degree of

slope using a guided laser beam throughout the field. Field preparation is the eminent practice

which decides the eventual yield as it ensures proper operation of remaining crop management

practices. Advantages of laser levelling in agriculture are: uniform levelling of field, uniform

distribution of water, water saving, energy saving, improving nutrient use efficiency option for

precision agriculture and enhancing crop productivity. Naresh et al., 2014 studied the effect of

laser land levelling on water use efficiency of sugarcane and reported that yield and water use

efficiency were higher in case of laser levelling than traditional land levelling using tractor.

Crop establishment methods

Depending up on the available resources and implements, farmers adopt different plant-

ing methods. The most commonly adopted planting method is flat bed which permit flooding

method of irrigation. This method of planting is less time consuming but is not sustainable as it

results in poor germination of buds and lesser plant population due to rapid depletion of soil

moisture. Therefore, planting methods that conserve optimum soil moisture around the setts

need to be designed. FIRB (furrow irrigated raised bed) planting method saves considerable

amount of irrigation water compared to flat bed method as it allows irrigation only on furrows.

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of planting methods on sugar yield and

water productivity in sugarcane and they reported that planting crop at furrows and gave signifi-

cantly higher water productivity (Singh et al., 2015). Ring pit planting method not only saves

water but also enhances yield as it promotes growth of mother shoots than secondary and ter-

tiary shoots. It improves stalk population and increases single cane weight.

Irrigation methods

Over the time period irrigation methods have been reshaped to match the prevailing situa-

tions of water resources, minimise unwanted water losses and to meet the crop water require-

ment without compensation yield. Irrigation methods which perform better over the convention-

al flooding method are drip irrigation, subsurface drip irrigation, sprinkle irrigation, surge irriga-

tion and OPSIS (Optimized subsurface drip fertigation). These micro-irrigation system supply

water to the root zone thereby reducing unintended water losses like runoff, deep percolation

and evaporation and helps to increase water use efficiency. Automated subsurface drip irrigation

system gave significantly higher yield over the sprinkler fertigation system. This might be due

to more and continuous availability of water and nutrient near the root zone in OPSIS and less

water loss as compared to sprinkler (Gunarathna et al., 2018).



Irrigation scheduling

Crop must be irrigated as and when required. Irrigation scheduling encompasses when to

irrigate, how to irrigate and how much to irrigate. Being a long duration crop water requirement

of sugarcane is high around 1400-2500 mm. Water demand of sugarcane is met through rainfall,

irrigation and ground water. In India, about 35 % of area under sugarcane is completely irrigated

on the contrary 65 % area is partially irrigated or rainfed. Growth stages of sugarcane has been

classified into four stages viz. germination, formative (tillering), grand growth and formative

stage. Water requirement varies at different growth stages. The most critical growth stage for

irrigation in sugarcane is formative stage which coincides with hot summers. Evapo-

transpiration losses are high at this stage so crop water requirement is high at this time which is

about 550 mm. It requires about 88 kg of water per kg of cane for a plant crop, whereas ratoon

requires 118 kg of water per kg of cane (Singh et al., 2018). Both shortage and excess of water

at any stage is detrimental to the growth and development of the crop and affects the eventual

yield. Soil moisture less than optimum results in low germination of buds due to fast depletion

of moisture and moisture in excess lowers yields due to rotting of setts. Therefore, to resolve

water related issues proper irrigation scheduling is needed to maintain optimum soil moisture in

the root zone. IW/CPE (Irrigation water/ Cumulative pan evaporation) ratio is the most practical

basis to schedule irrigation. This approach is based on direct relation of crop evap-

transpirationoration to pan evapo-transpiration. Cane length, cane weight and number of millia-

ble canes at IW:CPE ratio 0.75 increased significantly over 0.50 IW:CPE ratio this might be due

to lower soil moisture tension at higher level of irrigation (Singh et al., 2018).

Soil Moisture Indicator

Applying irrigation based on soil moisture status has been found more efficient than oth-

er criteria. An instrument called Soil Moisture Indicator has been developed by Sugarcane

Breeding Institute (SBI), TNAU, Coimbatore in 2016. It helps in scheduling irrigation to sugar-

cane based on moisture content of soil. The sensor rods of the instrument are inserted into the

soil up to required depth to estimate the soil moisture and accordingly indicate by glowing one

of any 10 LEDs. Blue light indicates ample soil moisture and no need to irrigate the crop, green

light indicate sufficient soil moisture and irrigation can be withheld for few days i.e. immediate

irrigation is not required, orange light suggest low moisture and irrigation at this stage is advisa-

ble and red light indicate very low soil moisture content which require immediate irrigation so

as to prevent yield losses. Soil moisture indicator is advantageous as it is a low cost device

which instantly indicates soil moisture suitable for different soil types and irrigation water and

can be used both in field and pots.



Trash mulching

Sugarcane produces nearly 10-12 t dry leaves/ha/year which contains considerable

amount of NPK, secondary and micronutrients. Application of these leaves as a mulch will re-

lease nutrients into the soil after decomposition and manipulate physical, chemical and biologi-

cal properties of soil. Trash mulching is advantageous as it influences microclimate, increases

organic matter content, modifies physico-chemical properties of soil, suppresses weeds, reduces

evaporation from soil surface, conserves soil moisture, increases water holding capacity of soil,

enhances germination. Sugarcane yield was enhanced by the application of trash mulch due to

soil moisture conservation, irrigation scheduling and water application methods (Gupta and

Singh, 2015). Application of mulch inhibits germination of weeds and retards its growth and

development (Uwah and Iwo, 2011).

References

http://agricoop.nic.in/dacfw-organisation

https://www.gffa-berlin.de/en/global-forum-for-food-and-agriculture-2017/

Chaudhary, H. R., Singh, R. K., Prajapat, K. and Chaudhary, G. L. 2013. Water management in

Sugarcane. National Seminar on Enhancing Water Productivity in Agriculture. Dept of

Agronomy, Banaras Hindu University. Pp 325-327.

Gupta, R., & Singh, P. R. (2015). Water management strategies for sustainable socio-economic

development of sugarcane farmers. Agric. Eng. Today, 39: 11-19.

Gunarathna, M. H. J. P., Sakai, K., Nakandakari, T., Momii, K., Onodera, T., Kaneshiro, H. and

Wakasugi, K. 2018. Optimized subsurface irrigation system: The future of sugarcane irri-

gation. Water. 10(3): 3-14.

Naresh, R. K., Singh, S. P., Misra, A. K., Tomar, S. S., Kumar, P., Kumar, V., & Kumar, S.

(2014). Evaluation of the laser leveled land leveling technology on crop yield and water

use productivity in Western Uttar Pradesh. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 9

(4): 473-478.

Singh, K. and Brar, S. S. 2015. Effect of planting methods and irrigation schedules on cane

yield, quality, economics and water productivity of spring sugarcane (Saccharum offici-

narum) in South Western Punjab. Indian Journal of Agronomy. 60(4): 601-605.



Singh, I., Verma, R. R., & Srivastava, T. K. (2018). Growth, yield, irrigation water use efficien-

cy, juice quality and economics of sugarcane in Pusa hydrogel application under different

irrigation scheduling. Sugar tech, 20(1): 29-35.

Uwah, D. F. And Iwo, G.A. 2011. Effectiveness of organic mulch on productivity of maize (Zea

mays l.) and weed growth. The journal of Animal Plant Scineces. 21(3): 252-530.



Introduction

Plants in their lifetime are exposed to an array of environmental stress conditions such as

drought, flooding, fluctuations in temperature, heavy metal, and salinity (Forni, Duca, & Glick, 2017).

The changes in the mean global air temperature and precipitation patterns are becoming a major cause

of longer and extreme dry periods (Niu, Song, Xiao, & Ge, 2018). Drought stress is a threat to agricul-

tural sustainability and acts as a limiting factor for growth and productive potential of plants (Bray,

2000). Drought stress leads to different morphological and physiological changes in the plants includ-

ing less root growth, reduction of leaf area, photosynthesis, and protoplasmic activity, and more genera-

tion of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Plants possess adaptive mechanisms to cope up with the stress

conditions (Ahmad et al., 2014) such as they increase the levels of osmoprotectants to lessen the ad-

verse effects of stress (Hayat et al., 2012). The production of abscisic acid (ABA) rapidly increases

which is involved in stomatal closure consequently reducing the water loss (Osakabe, Osakabe, Shino-

zaki, & Tran, 2014) and foliar abscission which again represents a drought stress tolerance strategy

(Sakamoto, Munemura, Tomita, & Kobayashi, 2008). But sometimes plants need the support of their

associated microbial communities to reduce the burden of drought and promote their growth. Drought

adaptive and plant growth promoting microbes are well known in rescue of plants under drought stress

conditions and improve agricultural productivity.

Drought adaptive microbes and their mechanism of action

Diverse drought adaptive microbes have been reported from different hosts viz, A. calcoaceti-

cus, E. hormaechei, Penicillium sp., P. fluorescens, P. migulae, P. palleronian, and S. laurentii

(Chandra, Srivastava, Glick, & Sharma, 2018; Kour, Rana, Kaur, et al., 2020; Kour, Rana, Yadav, et

al., 2020). Drought adaptive microbes have outstanding abilities to support the growth and development

of the plants during stress conditions. These microbes enhance the availability of various micro and

macro nutrients by fixation, solubilization, and chelation respectively, produce phytohormones and ex-

opolysaccharides, increase the concentration of osmoprotectants, show ACC deaminase activity, chang-

es root architecture, and produce ROS scavengers (Yadav, Rastegari, Yadav, & Kour, 2020a).

Microbe Mediated Mitigation of Drought Stress in Crops

Divjot Kour* and Ajar Nath Yadav

Department of Biotechnology, Dr. Khem Singh Gill Akal College of Agriculture, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Sirmour-173101, India

Article ID: 20/10/0106150



Availability of various micro and macro nutrients

Nitrogen (N), an important component of amino acids, membrane lipids and nucleotides,

is essential element for plant growth. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is conversion of ele-

mental nitrogen into plant usable form by microorganisms and is an important process determin-

ing the nitrogen balance in soil (Mohammadi & Sohrabi, 2012). Nitrogen fixers belong to di-

verse genera such as, Acetobacter, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Erwinia, Frankia, Pseudomonas,

and Rhizobium (Yadav, Rastegari, Yadav, & Kour, 2020b).

Phosphorus (P) is a primary vital plant nutrient involved in both structural and metabolic

functions but it is unavailable to plants due to fixation and insolubility (Shrivastava, Srivastava,

& D’Souza, 2018) which create need for use of phosphatic fertilizers. Due to harmful impact of

phosphatic fertilizers on plants and environment, alternate strategies such as use of phosphorus

solubilizing microbes (PSMs) are gaining attention. Diverse drought adaptive P-solubilizing mi-

crobes have been reported (Hussain, Asghar, Akhtar, & Arshad, 2013), B. altitudinis (Sunar,

Dey, Chakraborty, & Chakraborty, 2015), and P. plecoglossicida (Rolli et al., 2015).

Potassium (K) is another essential nutrient for plant growth and development after N and

P and together they form NPK fertilizer. The deficiency of K leads to shorter internodes and re-

duced rates of photosynthesis. Despite of huge reserves of K, it is still unavailable for plants up-

take. K solubilizing microbes including A. niger, A. tubingensis, and F. meliae have been re-

ported to convert insoluble forms of K into plant accessible forms (Kasana, Panwar, Burman,

Pandey, & Kumar, 2017; Prajapati, Sharma, & Modi, 2012; Wang et al., 2018).

Zinc (Zn) is important component of various metabolic enzymes. The poor mobility of the

zinc creates the need for constant supply of zinc fertilizers to fulfill plant demands. The supplied

zinc fertilizer also gets converted into insoluble forms after application and becomes unavi-

alable. Zn solubilizing microbes is a potential strategy to overcome the problems of zinc una-

vailability. Aureobasidium sp., Bacillus sp., Dothideomycetes sp., Penicillium sp., and Pseudo-

monas sp. have been reported to possess the ability to solubilize Zn (Rastegari, Yadav, &

Yadav, 2020).

Iron (Fe) is involved in regulation of biosynthesis of vitamins, toxins, pigments, cyto-

chromes, and antibiotics (Saha et al., 2016). Fe3+ form of iron could not be utilized by the plants

and stress adaptive and PGPMs under such iron limiting conditions produce siderophores for

iron acquisition and these complexes can also be directly absorbed by plants (Yadav et al.,

2017). B. halodenitrificans, P. brassicacearum, and P. tolaasii have been known to be drought

adaptive and produce siderophores (Ramadoss, Lakkineni, Bose, Ali, & Annapurna, 2013)



(Aarab et al., 2015) (Viruel, Lucca, & Siñeriz, 2011).

Production of phytohormones

Phytohormones, particularly auxins have a major role in apical dominance, cell division,

cell elongation and tissue differentiation (Goswami, Thakker, & Dhandhukia, 2016). Drought

tolerant A. calcoaceticus, A. lwoffii, B. licheniformis, P. agglomerans, P.mirabilis, S. aureus,

and S. thoraltensis have been reported as IAA producers by Chaudhari Bhushan, Chincholkar

Sudhir, Rane Makarand, and Sarode Prashant (2009).

Accumulation of osmoprotectants

Osmotic adjustment is an important adaptation at cellular level to overcome damages

caused due to drought stress (Farooq, Wahid, Kobayashi, Fujita, & Basra, 2009). Proline in ad-

dition of acting as osmoprotectant also plays a role in stabilization of cellular structures and as

free radical scavenger (Hayat et al., 2012). Glycine betaine maintains the membrane integrity

and trehalose stabilizes dehydrated proteins and enzymes.

Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase activity

Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity is important for decreasing

the inhibitory concentrations of ethylene during drought stress. ACC deaminase enzyme con-

verts the immediate precursor of ethylene, which is ACC to α-ketobutyrate and ammonium. B.

subtilis, P. durus, P. thivervalensis, P. fozii, S. maltophilia, and P. monteilii have been reported

as ACC deaminase producers and drought tolerant (Verma, Yadav, Kazy, Saxena, & Suman,

2014).

Changes in root characteristics

Another adaptation to cope up with the drought stress includes the changes in the root

characteristics. Literature show that the more the number of roots, more is the efficiency of the

plants to combat with drought stress. The study of Naseem and Bano (2014) reported increase in

root length in A. faecalis treated seeds under drought stress.

ROS scavenging enzymes

ROS scavengers play a critical role under drought stress. The increased accumulation of

ROS scavengers such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase has been directly



linked to observed drought tolerance. The study of Gusain, Singh, and Sharma (2015) demon-

strated increase in antioxidant activities in rice exposed to drought stress with treatment of P.

synxantha, P. jessenii, P. fluorescence, B. cereus, and A. nitroguajacolicus.

Fig. 1 Mechanism of action of drought adaptive microbes

Conclusion and future prospect

Drought is one of the major abiotic stresses severely affecting the growth, development

of yield. Recently, the role of drought adaptive microbes with multifarious plant growth promot-

ing attributes has become a major area of focus for the scientific community. The inoculations

of the crops with stress adaptive PGPMs for enhancing growth and productivity is potential

strategy in this present scenario of changing climate. The detailed studies on mechanisms fur-

ther opens new doors to achieve agricultural sustainability and green environment.

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Introduction

Sugarcane is a long duration crop and generates income after one year of successful cultivation.

In autumn season, sugarcane is planted at 90 to 120 cm row spacing which is suitable for growing short

duration, high value rabi season crops as intercrops. This would help in enhancing the land use efficien-

cy, economizing the use of costly inputs with considerable reduction in cost of cultivation. Deep root

system of sugarcane helps to tap plant nutrients from deeper layers of soil allowing the intercrops to

feed at top layers. Intercropping also helps in reducing the weed infestation and some of the crops act

as insect repellent. Though, no single crop is more remunerative than intercrops. The large un-utilized

area between inter rows spaces of sugarcane cane be utilized effectively by growing short duration

crops as intercrops. To meet the growing demand of spices, pulses, oilseeds and cereal crops and to

check further decline in factor productivity and to make the sugarcane production system more sustain-

able, it is necessary to enhance the productivity of the system as a whole. On the other hand this system

raises the socio-economic status of resource constrained small and marginal farmers.

Why intercropping is more beneficial with autumn sugarcane?

Autumn sugarcane takes about 50 to 60 days to germinate and another 90 to 100 days are taken

to develop full crop canopy to cover the ground. In these 4 to 5 months, another short duration and high

value crops like spices, oilseeds, pulses and cereals could easily be grown in this inter row spaces of

sugarcane to earn mid-season income for the cane growers. Income obtained from intercrops may be

utilized for further purchase of costlier inputs for sugarcane.

Suitable intercrops during autumn season

Many rabi season crops as intercrops with autumn sugarcane have been tested at state and na-

tional level institute for higher profitability and soil health sustainability. In autumn planted sugarcane,

potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), maize (Zea mays L.) lentil (Lens escu-

lenta Moench.), French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), garlic (Allium sativum L.), coriander

(Coriandrum sativum L.) and nigella (Nigella sativa L.) were found remunerative intercrops. Some of

the crops viz., wheat and maize suppress sugarcane, but crops like potato, garlic, French bean, corian-

der, black cumin etc. do not affect the yield significantly and with better management practices it was

possible to maintain higher productivity level.

Intercropping Options in Autumn Planted Sugarcane for Higher Profita-

bility Navnit Kumar1*, Geeta Kumari2 and Anil Kumar3

1Department of Agronomy, Sugarcane Research Institute, RPCAU, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar 2Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Science and humanities, RPCAU, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar 3Department of Entomology, Sugarcane Research Institute, RPCAU, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar Article ID: 20/10/0106151



Pre-requites for intercropping

The suitability of intercrops depends on the following characteristics as described under:

1. The intercrop should be of shorter duration (90 – 120 days) and of faster growing habits to

utilize the early slow growing period of sugarcane and to avoid shading effect.

2. Erect growing crops should be selected as intercrops.

3. Intercrops should have different root depths so that they do not compete with each other

for nutrients and water.

4. Agronomic practices required for intercrops should not have adverse effect on sugarcane

crop.

5. A standard plant population of sugarcane should be maintained whereas for intercrops the

plant population should depend upon the area left between the rows of sugarcane.

6. Quantity of seed and fertilizers for intercrops should be provided as per area occupied by

them in the system.

7. Irrigation should be given as per need and nature of intercrops.

8. Intercrops with similar pest and diseases infestation should be avoided.

Advantages of intercropping system

1. Provide income within 3 to 4 months.

2. Give regular employment to farm families.

3. Provides better environment to intercrops like pulses and oilseeds otherwise these inter-

crops in pure stand are grown under marginal lands.

4. Biomass of intercrops and its leaves shading may improve soil health and enhance soil

organic carbon content.

5. Area of pulses and oilseeds may increase through intercropping.

Nutrient management in intercropping system

Balanced nutrient application is the key factor to sustain productivity in any cropping

system. Nutrient requirement of crop based only on individual crop basis but majority of farm-

ers not apply additional fertilizers to intercrops. Though, any curtailment in fertilizers reduces

the yield of component crop to a greater extent (Gangwar et al., 2003). Kumar et al., (2016) no-

ticed the highest land equivalent ratio (LER) and area time equivalent ratio with the application

of 100%recommended dose of fertilizers to sugarcane + garlic intercropping system. Kumar et

al., (2017) in another study (sugarcane + coriander intercropping) also observed similar re-

sults. Care should be taken to apply nutrients as per area occupied in the system.

Water management

Under intercropping system, the care should be taken to irrigate the crop as per need and



nature of intercrops. Though, first irrigation should be applied only after germination of sugar-

cane. Kumar et al., (2015) reported that application of 2 irrigations at 45 and 75 days after sow-

ing of French bean was found optimum up to the period of French bean. However, they gave

normal irrigation to sugarcane after harvest of sugarcane.

Harvesting and yield

Under intercropping system, all the intercrops are harvested within four months hence

there is no chance of adverse effect on yield and quality of sugarcane.

References

Gangwar, K.S., Sharma, S.K. and Tomar, O.K. 2003. Integrated nutrient management in late-

planted sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) wheat (Triticum aestivum) system in western

Uttar Pradesh. Indian Journal of Agronomy 48(1): 20–22.

Kumar Navnit, Kumari G. and Kumar V. 2017. Enhancing crop productivity and soil health

from intercropping coriander with autumn sugarcane through scheduling of fertilizer and

irrigation. Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science 65(3): 300-307.

Navnit Kumar., Kumari, G., Kumar, A. and Paswan, S. 2016. Influence of manuring and irriga-tion scheduling on system productivity, resource use efficiency, nutrient uptake and inci-dence of early shoot borer (Chilo infuscatellus) in sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid com-plex) and garlic (Allium sativum) intercropping system. Indian Journal of Agronomy 61(3): 297-306.



One of the remarkable aroids from tropical Asia is elephant foot yam [Amorphophallus paeoni-

ifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson]. The crop is vegetatively propagated by its corm (cutting or whole) and ex-

tensively cultivated for the same. Among all tuber vegetables of humid tropics it offers excellent scope

for adoption as a cash crop due to its production potential, high net returns, higher shelf life and

popularity as a vegetable in various delicious cuisines. It is a crop of south east Asian origin, and grows

in wild form in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Africa and south-east Asian countries. Many

indigenous ayurvedic as well as unani medicinal preparations are also made using its corms and these

are believed to have blood purifying characteristics and are used in medicines for the treatment of piles,

asthma, dysentery and other abdominal disorders. In India, it is commonly known as “Suran” or

“Jimmikand” and is traditionally cultivated on commercial scales in the states of Andhra Pradesh,

Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Bihar, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. The corms are rich source of

starch, dietary fiber and energy. It also contains appreciable amount of micronutrients like Fe, Ca, K,

vitamins like A and B complex and some types of free sugar. Besides, it is also ideal for processed

products. Among the disease and insect leaf blight, collar rot, mosaic and mealybug are the major ones

associated with this vegetable. Integrated management of these biotic stresses has been proven more

effective and profitable for the farmers as compared to any other methods applied solely (Table 1 and

2). In the year 2020 Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat has released the first variety of

elephant foot yam named “SWAGATA” for cultivation in Gujarat province. This variety recorded

around 26% higher yield than national check “GAJENDRA” and showed field resistance to collar rot

disease with minimum incidence of Phytophthora leaf blight in Gujarat condition.

Mealybug (Rhizoecus amorphophalli) has been emerged as a devastating pest now days which

infests the corm during storage. It sucks cell sap from corms and makes them unmarketable as well as

unacceptable for cooking. The insect multiplies rapidly in high temperature with less humidity and

spreads white powdery mealy substances all over the corm (Palaniswami, 1994). Deterioration in corm

quality, delay in sprouting of seed corm and less yield are the deleterious impacts of this pest. Cultural-

ly the number of mealybug and intensity of corm damage can effectively be reduced by treating plant-

ing material (corm) with cow urine, cow dung slurry (2 kg cow dung in 1 L of water), and clay slurry (1

kg of clay in 1 L of water). Application of cassava seed extract (0.5%) in combination with few drops

of soap water is also helpful. The harvested corms can be treated with salt (NaCl) solution (1,000 ppm)

prior to storage to avoid infestation. Application of chemicals like dimethoate (0.05 %) and methyl par-

Sustainable Strategies for Disease and Pest Management in Elephant

Foot Yam

Sarkar M., Desai K. D., Patel B. K. And Himani B. Patel Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari-396450, Gujarat-110012

Article ID: 20/10/0106153



athion (0.05 %) can be very useful if severe infestation occurs. Biological agents like Anomali-

cornia tenuicornis (encyrtid parasitoid) and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Coccinellid) control

mealybugs within three to four days.

Collar rot is the most fatal fungal disease caused by Sclerotium rolfsii and generally no-

ticed in the late stage of crop growth though it can contaminate the crop at any phase during

vegetative period. Rotting of collar region of the stem and ultimately toppling down of entire

plant are the main symptoms resulting heavy reduction in yield and qualitative degradation of

the harvested product. Presence of white mycelial mat and lot of sclerotia on the collar region of

affected plant is the proof of disease existence. Heavy rain, high humidity, water stagnation,

poor drainage and mechanical injury at the collar region enhance the disease occurrence. Use of

disease free planting material, seed treatment and soil drenching with vermi wash, proper drain-

age management, removal of infected plants, soil application of neem cake and mulching with

paddy straw/other organic waste/polythene sheet are the cultural ways to mitigate this disease

incidence. Soil drenching with chemicals like captan (0.2%) and ridomil MZ (0.2%) can be very

effective (Gogoi et al., 2002). Biological control agents like Trichoderma viride, T. harzianum,

and Pseudomonas fluorescens are useful to control this disease.

Moderate to high temperature (22–23 °C), high relative humidity (85–100 %) and fre-

quent rain fall accelerate fungal leaf blight of elephant foot yam caused by Phytophthora colo-

casiae. Chlorotic spots on leaf and blighted appearance on whole vegetation with stunted plant

growth are the main symptoms of this disease. The root system is also affected by this pathogen.

Necrotic spots first appear on root tip and progress quickly to kill whole root system. The dis-

ease can be controlled with early plantation by avoiding heavy rain. Healthy seed corm treat-

ment with cow dung slurry with the mixture of Trichoderma harzianum + Pseudomonas fluo-

rescens can be effective. Spraying the crop with fungicides like Mancozeb (0.2 %) or metalaxyl

(0.05 %) could also be a measure to control. Seed corm dip treatment with 0.05 % Agrimycin

for 12 hours can also decline the disease incidence (Singh et al., 2005).

The mosaic disease caused by dasheen mosaic virus is quite destructive and responsible

for huge loss in corm yield. In India this disease can mostly be found in the state of Uttar Pra-

desh and West Bengal. Elephant foot yams cultivated in the vicinity of areas with ornamental or

foliage plants are more prone to this disease. The mosaic, puckering, rolling, mottling and nar-

rowing of leaf with distortion of lamina and stunting of plant growth are the symptoms often

observed. Affected plants produce corms smaller and lighter in weight than those without dis-

ease infection. This virus is primarily spread through infected planting materials and aphids

(Aphis craccivora, A. gossypii, Myzus persicae, and Pentalonia nigronervosa) are the mode of

secondary transmission. Corms harvested from disease free plants should be used for planting to



avoid this disease to occur. Regular field inspection for roguing of infected plants is another cul-

tural method. Spraying of systemic insecticides should be carried out to prevent secondary

spread of the virus. Hot air treatment of mosaic-infected corms at 55 °C for 10 min before plant-

ing followed by two sprayings of monocrotophos (0.05 %) or any other broad-based insecticide

at 60 and 90 days after planting significantly reduce mosaic disease incidence (Reddy, 2015).

IDM package

Planting of healthy seed corms treated with Trichoderma viride at 5 g/kg in cow dung

slurry before planting, application of neem cake at 200 g/pit along with T. viride enriched com-

post at 1 kg/pit, mulching with paddy straw after planting, and spraying of CTCRI formulation

(prepared by mixing cow urine, 2 L; neem cake, 1 kg; and leaves of neem, bael, peepal, euca-

lyptus, and custard apple, 21 leaves each in 10 L of water taken in earthen vessel, allowed to



decompose for 30 days under anaerobic conditions, filtered through two layers of muslin cloth,

and then filtrate diluted in 100 L of water) at 60 and 90 days after planting.

Farmers’ practice: Planting of healthy seed corms without treatment or use of chemical pesti-

cides/CTCRI formulation.

Chemical control

Seed corm treatment with Mancozeb (0.2 %) and dimethoate (0.05 %) before planting

and 2 sequential spraying of Mancozeb (0.2 %) and dimethoate (0.05 %) applied at 60 and 90

days after planting.

References

Gogoi, N.K., Phookan, A.K. and Narzary, B.D. (2002). Management of collar rot of Elephant’s

foot yam. Indian Phytopathology 55(2):238–240.

Kumari, R., Singh, P.P., Rai, R.C. (2013). Integrated managementof diseases of elephant foot

yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius). In: Misra RS, Neduchezhiyan M (eds)Aroids: op-

portunities and challenges. Allied Publishers Pvt Ltd, New Delhi, pp 240–245.

Palaniswami, M.S. (1994). Pests of edible aroids, yams and Chinese potato. In: Chadha KL, Na-

yar GG (eds) Advances in horticulture, vol. 8 – Tuber crops. Malhotra Publishing House,

New Delhi, pp 490–491.

Reddy, P.P. (2015). Plant Protection in Tropical Root and Tuber Crops. Springer (India) Pvt.

Ltd, New Delhi, pp 253-266.

Singh, R., Yadav, R.S., Singh, V. and Singh, P.P. (2005). Integrated management of leaf blight

of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius Blume. Veg Sci 32(2):169–17.



Introduction

A genetically changed/modified (GM) crop might be a plant into that one or a lot of qualities have

been artificially embedded rather than the plant securing them underneath regular cross-rearing. The

inserted gene sequence, referred to as the transgene, could also be from same species, a completely dif-

ferent species inside the same kingdom or even from a different kingdom (e.g. genetically changed Bt

cotton, that contains a gene from a bacterium).

Major global GM crops: Soybean, maize (corn), canola and cotton.

Bt cotton – Cotton plants resistant against lepidopteran insects.

Round-up prepared soybean – Soybean resistant against glyphosate.

Golden rice – Rice grains with provitamin A.

Major world GM traits: Insect resistance and herbicide tolerance.

In India, bollworm resistant cotton is that the GM crop approved for cultivation in farmers’ fields,

whereas many alternative crops area unit underneath experimentation.

Methods for detecting GM crops and product

GM crops will be known by detecting either

The inserted genes (DNA) introduced into the crop (DNA primarily based ways – (1) Qualitative and

Quantitative).

(2) The mRNA transcribed from the new introduced factor (3) The ensuing protein product (expressed

by that gene), substance or makeup.

It involves 3 steps, they are as follows:-

1. Detection/ Screening

The objective is to verify whether or not a product is GM or not. For this purpose, a general

screening methodology will be used. The screening ways area unit typically supported the PCR, immu-

noassays or bioassays. Analytical ways for detection should be sensitive and reliable enough to get cor-

rect and precise results.

Detection of Genetically Modified crops

Ankit Moharana*

Dept. of Seed Science & Tech., Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Odisha-751003, India

Article ID: 20/10/0106154



2. Identification

The aim of identification is to search out that GM crop or product present and whether or

not they area unit approved or not in country.

3. Quantification

If a harvested crop or its by products has been appeared to contain GM assortments, at

that point it gets important to survey consistence with the guideline by the assurance of the

amount of everything about GM assortment present.

GM tests differ from crude/raw items as e.g seeds of processed foods.

• Target molecules - Deoxyribonucleic acid or protein.

• Capture molecules - For DNA: primers and probe, For proteins: antibodies

Analytical methods

The ways are DNA-based, protein-based or trait-based.

1. Deoxyribonucleic acid-based ways for detecting the inserted DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid primarily based ways are supported detection of the precise

genes, or deoxyribonucleic acid genetically built into the crop. The most commercial testing is

conducted using PCR technology, that is predicated on multiplying a selected target deoxyribo-

nucleic acid permitting the million/ billion fold amplification by 2 artificial oligonucleotide pri-

mers.

(i)First step - involves separation of the 2 strands of the initial deoxyribonucleic acid molecule.

(ii)Second step - involves binding of the 2 primers to their oligonucleotide primers.

(iii)Third step- involves creating 2 good copies of the initial double stranded deoxyribonucleic

acid molecule by adding the correct nucleotides to the top of every primer, using the strands as

templates. Once the cycle is completed, it will be recurrent, and for every cycle the quantity of

copies is doubled, leading to associate exponential amplification (2n).

(iv) The amplified fragment will be detected by gel electrophoresis or interbreeding tech-

niques.

The method consists of: (i) extraction and purification of deoxyribonucleic acid, (ii) am-

plification of the inserted deoxyribonucleic acid by PCR and (iii) confirmation of the amplified

PCR product.

In principle, PCR will discover one target molecule in a very complicated deoxyribonucle-

ic acid mixture.It takes 5-7 days to get the result.



1.Qualitative PCR analysis

The choice of primers is that the most vital element for detection of GM crop by PCR and

it depends upon the selection of target gene.

(i) Detection/ screening of GM crops

The focus ought to get on target sequences that are characteristic for the cluster to be

screened. Genetic control components like the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter (P-35S)

and therefore the bacteria species nos terminator (nos3’) are present in several GM crops pres-

ently on the market. The general screening PCR detects the presence of GMO, that then got to

be identified.

(ii) Identification of GM crop

Primer decision ought to be upheld target successions that are a trademark for the individ-

ual GM choice. The intersection groupings between 2 neighbouring deoxyribonucleic acid frag-

ments will be the objective for a chose discovery of the hereditary build simply like the cross-

fringe areas between mixed site and revised hereditary aspect of a chose GM determination or

explicit arrangement adjustments.

2. Multiplex PCR-based discovery techniques

With multiplex PCR-based strategies, a few objective DNA arrangements can be screened

and recognized in a solitary response. The bit of leeway is that less responses are needed to

check an example for possible presence of GMO-inferred deoxyribonucleic acid. Improvement

of multiplex measures needs cautious testing and approval. When the PCR, the following pool

of intensified sections must be any examined to separate between the differed amplicons. A few

investigation groups are by and by creating assortment of multiplex examines, anyway just 1

paper has been printed introducing a multiplex test for discovery of 5 GM-maize.

Quantitative PCR

In principle, PCR-based quantification is performed either once completion of the PCR

(end-point analysis), or throughout the PCR (real-time analysis). Conventional PCR measures

the product of the PCR reaction at the top purpose within the reaction profile. End-point anal-

yses are supported comparison of the ultimate quantity of amplified deoxyribonucleic acid of 2

deoxyribonucleic acid targets, the one to be quantified and a competition (an artificially made

deoxyribonucleic acid that's accessorial during a tiny and illustrious amount before the PCR

amplification and that is co-amplified with the target, that is to be quantified). The competition

has identical binding sites for identical primer try however is totally different in size. This is

often known as competitive quantitative PCR, and therefore the 2 deoxyribonucleic acid targets



are amplified with equal potency. A dilution series of the deoxyribonucleic acid to be analysed

is ready, and a continuing quantity of the competition is accessorial. once completion of the

PCR the ensuing amplification product are visualized through gel electrophoresis and once each

deoxyribonucleic acid targets yield accepted by setting up 2 PCRs, one for the GM crop (for

example Bt Corn) and one for the types of intrigue (for example maize), and along with rivals

in each, the measure of GM crop comparative with the species will be measurable by extrapola-

tion from the level of weakening and centralization of the contenders. The PCR methodologies

are semi-quantitative.

II. Protein-based methods for trait identification

Preferences of Protein-based techniques

Relatively modest to perform

Rapid result – Need 5 to 20 minutes for strip based tests and need almost 24 hours for

ELISA directed tests.

Strips don't need trained staff

Reasonably delicate

Less vulnerable to 'false positives'

Low per test cost

Handles enormous number of tests

Detection packs accessible commercially.

Hindrances of Protein-based techniques

Not suitable for some GM assortments when the GM protein is just delivered in the leaves

or stems and not in the genuine grain. In this manner Protein tests on the grain are not en-

lightening.

In prepared nourishments the proteins denature effectively, which makes it hard to utilize

ELISA for handled food portions. Limited to one or few proteins for every test. Not ex-

tremely touchy (~1% of GM protein).

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