Post on 25-Jan-2023
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Originally established in 1905 at Pusa (Bihar) with
the financial assistance of an American Philanthropist, Mr.
Henry Phipps, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute
(IARI) started functioning from New Delhi since 1936
when it was shifted to its present site after a major
earthquake damaged the Institute’s building at Pusa
(Bihar). The Institute’s popular name ‘Pusa Institute’ traces
its origin to the establishment of the Institute at Pusa.
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute is the
country’s premier national Institute for agricultural
research, education and extension. It has the status of a
‘Deemed-to-be-University’ under the UGC Act of 1956,
and awards M.Sc., M.Tech. and Ph.D. degrees in various
agricultural disciplines.
The growth of India’s agriculture during the past more
than 100 years, is closely linked with the researches done
and technologies generated by the Institute. The Green
Revolution stemmed from the fields of IARI. Development
of high yielding varieties of all major crops which occupy
vast areas throughout the country, generation and
standardization of their production techniques, integrated
pest management and integrated soil-water-nutrient
management have been the hallmarks of the Institute’s
research. The Institute has researched and developed a
large number of agrochemicals which have been patented
and licensed and are being widely used in the country.
Over the years, IARI has excelled as a centre of higher
education and training in agricultural sciences at national
and international levels.
The mandates of the Institute are as follows:
● To conduct basic and strategic research with a view to
understanding the processes, in all their complexity,
and to undertake need based research, that lead to crop
improvement and sustained agricultural productivity
in harmony with the environment
● To serve as a centre for academic excellence in the
area of post-graduate and human resources
development in agricultural sciences
IARI : AN INTRODUCTION
● To provide national leadership in agricultural
research, extension, and technology assessment and
transfer by developing new concepts and approaches,
and serving as a national referral point for quality
and standards
● To develop information systems, add value to
information, share the information nationally and
internationally, and serve as a national agricultural
library and database
The present campus of the Institute is a self-contained
sylvan complex spread over an area of about 500 hectares.
It is located about 8 km west of New Delhi Railway Station,
about 7 km west of Krishi Bhavan, which houses the Indian
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and about 16
km east of Indira Gandhi International Airport at Palam.
The location stands at 28.08o N and 77.12o E, the height
above mean sea level being 228.61m. The climate is sub-
temperate and semi-arid. The mean maximum daily
temperature during the hot weather (May-October) ranges
from 32.2 to 40 oC and the mean minimum temperature
from 12.2 to 27.5 oC. June to September are rainy months
during which about 500 mm of rainfall is received. Winter
sets in from mid-November and is delightful. The mean
maximum temperature during winter (November-March)
ranges from 20.1 to 29.1 oC and the mean minimum
temperature from 5.6 to 12.7 oC. During winter, a small
amount of rainfall (about 63 mm) is received.
The Institute has 19 divisions, 2 multi-disciplinary
centres situated in Delhi, 8 regional stations, 2 off-season
nurseries, one krishi vigyan kendra at Shikohpur, 2 all
India coordinated research projects with headquarters at
IARI, and 16 national centres functioning under the all
India coordinated research projects. It has a sanctioned
staff strength of 3,041 comprising scientific, technical,
administrative and supporting personnel. The revised
budget estimates of the Institute constituted a total amount
of ` 31,681.78 lakh (Plan & Non-Plan) for the year
2012-13.
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Priortisation,Monitoring &
Evaluation Cell
PublicationUnit
AgronomyAgricultural PhysicsSoil Science & Agril. ChemistryMicrobiologyCESCRAPost Harvest TechnologyAgricultural EngineeringWater Technology CentreUnit of Simulation and Informatics
ITMU
ZTM & BPDU
Comptroller
Registrar &Jt. Director
(Admn.)
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The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
continues to maintain the status of a premier agriculture
institute of the country. By using cutting-edge
technologies such as genomics and bioinformatics, IARI
has accelerated its crop improvement programmes, and
developed several crop varieties with improved yield,
quality and adaptability. The Institute has developed
resource management technologies, and pest and
disease management methods, farm machineries,
protected cultivation methods and food processing
techniques for enhancing the input use efficiency, farm
profit and environmental sustainability. The Institute’s
basic and strategic research programmes towards
development of climate smart crops have made
significant progress in deciphering genetic and
molecular bases of abiotic and biotic stress tolerance
and yield. Extension and training programs focused on
enabling youth and empowering rural women. The
salient achievements of IARI in research, extension and
education during 2012-13 are summarized below:
The School of Crop Improvement has developed
several varieties and hybrids with enhanced
productivity, quality, adaptability to different agro-
ecosystems, and inbuilt resistance to biotic and abiotic
stresses. An early maturing bread wheat variety HD
3059, possessing resistance to all the three rusts,
superior bread and chappati making qualities, and an
average yield of 4.25 t/ha was released for commercial
cultivation under late sown irrigated conditions of
North Western Plains Zone(NWPZ). In addition, a
bread wheat variety HW 5216 and a semi-dwarf
dicoccum variety HW 1098 have been released for
Southern Hills Zone, while a durum variety HI 8713
with a yield potential of 5.23 t / ha was identified for
release in the irrigated timely-sown conditions of
Central Zone. In rice, elite Basmati genotype Pusa 1509-
03-3-9-5 (IET 21960) was identified for release in the
Basmati growing regions in the states of Delhi and
western U.P., while Pusa 1612-07-6-5 (IET 22290), a NIL
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
of Pusa Sugandh 5 with Piz5 and Pi54 genes conferring
resistance to blast disease, was identified to replace Pusa
Sugandh 5. Additionally, two elite rice lines in the
background of PRR78, namely, Pusa 1601-05-1-46-1-1
(IET 22777) possessing BB resistance genes xa13 and Xa21,
and Pusa 1609-09-9-4 (IET 22778) possessing blast
resistance genes Piz5 and Pi54 were promoted to AVT
2-Basmati. Improvement of maize for nutritional quality
traits through MAS for the development of QPM, altered
starch content and rich in pro-vitamin A content is in
advance stage of development.
In chickpea, Pusa Bheema, the first extra large
seeded desi variety, and Pusa Shaktiman, an extra large
seeded Kabuli variety were released for cultivation in
Delhi and NCR Region. In addition, two more chickpea
varieties, namely, Pusa 2085, a large seeded Kabuli
variety, and Pusa Green 112, a high yielding desi green
seeded chickpea, have been identified for release in
Delhi and NCR. In mustard, Pusa Mustard 29 (LET 36),
a low erucic acid bold seeded variety with 143 days
maturity and an average seed yield of 2.17 t/ha was
found promising in NWPZ. In soybean, a medium-bold
seeded variety Pusa 14 (DS 2614) with resistance to
YMV, Rhizoctonia aerial blight and bacterial pustule was
identified for release in Delhi and NCR region.
In vegetable crops, one hybrid was released, and
one hybrid & six varieties identified for cultivation in
North Indian plains. Pusa Cabbage Hybrid 1 having
yield potential of 35-40 t/ha and early maturity (55-60
days) was released for agro-climatic zone-I and IV. A
cucumber variety, Pusa Barkha, tolerant to downy
mildew disease and having an average fruit yield of
18.8 t/ha was identified for cultivation in kharif season.
Pusa Vasuda, a CMS based tropical carrot hybrid was
identified for release for commercial cultivation. Two
varieties of radish, namely, Pusa Jamuni, a purple
fleshed variety having better root size, shape and
consumer preference with high anthocyanins and
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ascorbic acid and Pusa Gulabi, a pink fleshed variety
having medium root size, cylindrical shape with high
carotenoids and anthocyanins were identified. An onion
variety, Pusa Riddhi with compact, flat globe and dark
red coloured bulb with a yield potential of 31.6 t/ha
and suitable for export purpose was identified for
cultivation in both kharif and rabi seasons. Pusa Soumya,
the first bunching onion variety with enhanced
tolerance to pests and diseases with an average yield
potential of 26.38 t/ha was identified. A dual purpose
broad bean variety, Pusa Udit, possessing extra-long,
flat and light green pods with good taste and a yield
potential of 17.63 t/ha was identified.
Two gladiolus hybrids, namely, Pusa Unnati and
Pusa Srijana were identified for release. Pusa Unnati
has spike length of 141 cm and rachis length of 71 cm,
whereas Pusa Srijana has spike length of 85.25 cm and
rachis length of 49.55 cm. In chrysanthemum, two
mutants, namely, TQP 061 with pink colour flower
and Pusa Kesari having saffron colour flower suitable
for both cut flower and pot culture purposes were
identified. In addition, three open pollinated varieties,
Pusa Aditya (semi double, gazania type), Pusa
Chitraksha (spray type) and Pusa Sona (spray type)
suitable for cut flower, potted plant and pot mum,
respectively, were also identified.
Several genetic stocks possessing unique
economically important traits were identified,
developed and characterized in different crops,
microbes and insects. In field crops, a total of five
germplasm lines including three in rice (INGR12002,
INGR12003 and INGR12052) and two in chickpea (IC
594869, IC 59416) were registered with NBPGR, New
Delhi. In vegetable crops, a sponge gourd line DSG 6
(INGR 12013) resistant to Tomato Leaf curl New Delhi
Virus and a predominately gynoecious line of bitter
gourd, PreGy 1 (INGR 12014) were also registered.
Three fungal species, namely, Collectrichum
gloeosporoides, C. capsici and C. musae were characterized
for inter-species differentiation by using markers
based on ITS, glyceraldehydes 3 phosphate and
-tubulin regions. A new insect species, Trogaspidia
karnatakaensis sp. nov, closely related to species pilosella
was described. A new leafhopper species, Sophonia
chandrai sp. nov., was described from Tupul, Manipur
and Chudania axona has been recorded from Umkiang,
Meghalaya for the first time.
The School of Crop and Resource Management and
Environment developed several agrotechniques for
improving resource use efficiency, profitability and
environmental health. Cropping system analysis
showed that cotton-wheat system is superior to
pigeonpea-wheat and maize-wheat systems in terms
of maize equivalent yield, system productivity and
net returns. All the three crops performed better when
grown on zero-till with residue as compared with
conventional-till flat bed system. Zero-till broad-bed
with residues resulted in significantly higher soil
organic carbon (SOC), particularly at the surface (0-5
cm) layers in soil. Summer mungbean (SMB) followed
by incorporation of its residue in direct seeded rice
(DSR), and then rice residue retained on the surface in
zero-till wheat (ZTW) resulted in rice yield similar to
transplanted rice (TPR), and wheat yield significantly
higher than the conventional tilled wheat (CTW). The
SMB-DSR-ZTW system resulted in significantly higher
system crop productivity, water productivity, energy
productivity, net returns and B:C ratio than TPR-CTW
or ZTW. The system productivity analysis of soybean-
based cropping systems revealed that soybean-
chickpea-fodder sorghum is the best with highest
soybean equivalent yield (7.9 t/ha/year) followed by
soybean-wheat-mungbean system. In terms of maize
grain equivalent yield, maize/soybean-garden pea–
sunflower system was found to be more productive
and profitable, followed by maize/soybean-potato–
sunflower system. Conservation agriculture practices,
namely, zero tillage - bed planting and zero tillage –
conventional flat planting increased the SOC by 13
and 11%, respectively, as compared to conventional
tillage with bed planting in top 0-5 cm soil layer.
Precision irrigation and fertilizer application
methods were developed in order to enhance the water
and nutrient use efficiency, and reduce the input cost in
different crops. Fertigation at every alternate day
increased the yield of kharif onion by about 15 % as
compared with fertigation once in a week. Fertigation
with drip irrigation enhanced the yield of pigeonpea by
39.3 % as compared with conventional fertilizer
application with drip irrigation. Nitrogen fertilizer
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application based on a SPAD value of <42 resulted in
significantly higher grain (5.24 t/ha) and straw (9.08 t/ha)
yields in rice as compared with yields obtained by N
application based soil testing or a SPAD value of <40. The
SPAD value <42 based N applications also saved 20-40 kg
N/ha and increased the water productivity. The net returns
from sweet pepper could be increased by `30,000 per ha
(21%) by enhancing nitrogen dose by 25% as compared to
the recommended dose of 320 kg/ha nitrogen. The
additional cost involved is only `200. With this method,
average yield of 62.2 t/ha was obtained in sweet pepper.
Water saving techniques, namely, partial root zone deficit
and regulated deficit irrigation with low pressure drip
fertigation were developed for cultivation of tomato under
naturally ventilated greenhouse. These techniques saved
about 50% water and yielded good quality tomato of more
than 10 kg per plant.
Solar energy operated greenhouse with fan-pad
cooling system and low pressure drip fertigation
system was designed and developed. Method for
growing parthenocarpic cucumber under naturally
ventilated polyhouse during off-season was developed.
Among the parthenocarpic varieties of cucumber, Kian
was identified as the best as it was ready for first
harvest within 33 days and produced fruit yield of
2.15 kg/plant (7.58 t/1000 m2). Plastics mulching
method was developed which enhanced fruit yield of
cucumber by 40-50%. Silver mulch was found to be
better for producing high quality flowers, bulbs and
bulblets in tuberose under drip system. Similarly
silver mulch enhanced plant growth and bloom
quality in marigold for seed production.
To utilize the large quantities of sewage water for
agricultural purpose,water treatment methods were
standardized. The pollutant mass reduction efficiency
of the gravel based wetland systems were found to be
associated with significantly higher (1.2 to 1.6 times)
BOD, turbidity, nitrate, sulphate, K, RSC, phosphate,
nickel and lead removal efficiencies. Lead followed by
iron, nickel and manganese in treated sewage waters
contributed maximum to the consumer health risk.
Levels of these heavy metals were significantly
reduced in the Acorus calamus and Phragmites karka treated
sewage waters. Further, the overall metal health
hazard due to the consumption of wheat grains
produced with untreated waste water irrigation was
about 1.6 times higher as compared with paddy
produced with treated waste water irrigation.
IARI developed new farm machineries required for
mechanization and timely farm operations. A two bed
and eight-row carrot planter was designed and
developed for precise planting of carrot seeds on raised
beds with a ridge height of 20 cm. A prototype of a two
bed harvester was designed and developed for harvesting
carrot grown on raised bed. The width of coverage of the
carrot harvester is 2000 mm and it is adjustable as per
harvesting width requirement. A 9-row tractor operated
garlic planter was developed for planting garlic cloves.
A 4-row tractor operated garlic harvester was designed
and demonstrated to be efficient with crop harvesting
percentage and bulb damage percentage of 96.12% and
5.94%, respectively, in sandy loam soils. The manually
operated vegetable seed extractor was modified to use
solar energy for operation.
Food processing techniques have been developed
to produce nutritionally rich ready-to-eat pearl pop,
soy biscuits and aonla crackers. The pearl pop is rich in
total antioxidants (15.47 mole Trolox /100g) and
micro-nutrients, especially iron (50.2 ppm) and zinc
(30.1 ppm). A technique for production of soy fibre
enriched biscuits with 6.87 per cent protein and low
fat content (17 %) was developed. Low fat crackers
containing aonla and beet root powders with good
protein content (>16.0%), antioxidants (117.32 μmole/
g, ABTS assay) and flavonoids (389.1 mg/g) have also
been prepared.
Microorganisms have been explored for
production of biofilms, pigments and biomass,
composting and biofuels. Large scale biomass and
pigment production by Nostoc commune, Anabaena
variabilis and Anabaena oryzae were optimized using
photobioreactor and open trays. Phycobilin
production by Nostoc commune was highest followed
by Anabaena variabilis and Anabaena oryzae. Effective
microorganism (EM) consortium was developed for
better degradation to produce a C:N ratio of 13:1
within 60 days during summer. Paddy straw
supplemented with poultry dropping and treated with
EM consortia registered higher microbial activity, and
the compost produced by this method was free from
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phytotoxicity. The inoculation with phytate
mineralizing fungi improved the availability ofbicarbonate P in cattle manure- straw compost by 20% and FYM compost by 15 % compared to theirrespective controls. Biofilms developed usingTrichoderma viride as a matrix and Bacillus subtilis,Pseudomonas fluorescens and Azotobacter chroococcum aspartners significantly improved the germination,growth, nutrient uptake, and yield attributes of cotton.Anabaena –Trichoderma viride biofilm formulation provedmost promising for soybean, recording 12-25%enhancement in yield. A new lignolytic micromycetefungus Myrothecium roridum LG7 was isolated andselected for biological delignification of paddy strawand herbaceous weed Parthenium sp. Bio-fuelproduction potential of rice straw was estimated tobe in the range of 140 to 300 L/t of rice straw with anestimated cost of `43.0 to 48.3 /L ethanol production.
Climate change and environment research wasfocused on development of methods to reducegreenhouse gases (GHGs) emission, reduce carbon footprinting and train farmers to become climate smart.Estimation of contribution of Indian agriculture to theglobal warming and the trends in GHGs emission from1970 to 2010 revealed that Indian agriculture hascontributed 21% of total Indian GHG emissions. During1970 to 2010, GHG emissions from Indian agricultureincreased by about 10% mainly due to enhanced useof fertilizers and higher population of the livestock.Simulation studies projected that climate change mayreduce mustard and soybean yield by 2 to 2.5 % in2020 with no mitigation techniques. Improvedvarieties and better management of crop can increasethe soybean production by about 14% in future climatescenarios. Burning of crop residues in the fields ofPunjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in North WestIndia was approximately 52.4 Mt per annum whichcontribute to emission of CO
2 (91.65 %) followed by
5.5% CO, 0.15% NOX, 0.95% non-methane volatileorganic compounds and 0.42 % non-methanehydrocarbons. Burning of rice straw contributedmaximum (51%) to these emissions followed by wheat(30.4%) and sugarcane (15.3%). Increase in pumpingefficiency from 36.5 to 50 % may decrease the Carbonfoot print (CFP) from 365 to 267 million tonnes. CFPwould increase by 11.67 million tonnes for one meter
decline in water table under specified recharge and
pumping conditions. Direct seeded rice (DSR) under
conventional or drip irrigation was found to reduce
methane emission significantly. Nitrous oxide
emission was found to increase under both the water
management practices in DSR and SRI as compared to
the conventional transplanted rice. The global
warming potential was reduced by 52% under DSR-
Drip irrigation and 57% under SRI-conventional
irrigation in comparison to the conventional flooded
control. Farmers were imparted trainings on climate
resilient technologies through demonstrations and
training programmes, and were shown the benefits of
zero-tillage based wheat cultivation, walk-in-tunnel
and low-tunnel based vegetable cultivation, net house
nursery system, IPM practices in vegetables, drip
system of irrigation, mulching and use of hydrogel.
The School of Crop Protection has developed
diagnostic methods, identified novel molecules and
validated technologies for integrated management of
pests and diseases. Genetic diversity of wheat rust
races, Fusarium spp. infecting chickpea and rice were
assessed and DNA based diagnostic markers were
developed. Virulence analysis of Magnaporthe oryzae,
Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, Ralstonia
solanacearum and X. oryzae pv. oryzae have led to race
profiling. Recombinant protein based diagnostics
developed for Grapevine leafroll-associated virus, Garlic
common latent virus, Large cardamom chirke virus and Potato
virus S. Novel chemicals and resistance sources were
identified for integrated pest management in various
crops. Foliar spray of profenophos with cypermethrin
was found to be an effective control measure for bitter
gourd fruit fly Bactrocera cucurbitae. Novel strategies for
management of root knot and reniform nematodes
using metham sodium and biofumigation using
Brassica juncea were developed. Entomopathogenic
nematodes such as Steinernema spp. and Heterohabditis
indica were found effective against homopteran insect
pests and white grubs, respectively. Management of
insect pests and nematodes based on gene silencing
approaches using chitinases and oesophageal gland
genes, respectively, were developed.
Green chemistry approach was used to synthesize
novel chalcone and thiadiazole based derivatives
having antifungal activity. Hydrogel based combo
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formulations of Trichoderma harzianum and ZnSO4 were
developed which improved rice productivity and
managed Rhizoctonia solani. Controlled release
nanoformulations of thiamethoxam were developed
which gave significantly better control of white fly in
soybean. Decontamination methods for removing
pesticides from water using granular carbon and rice
husk were standardized. In weed management
studies, brown manuring technology was
standardized for weed management in maize. Pre-
emergence application of metribuzin followed by
propaquizafop resulted in significantly higher weed
control in soybean crop.
The School of Basic and Strategic Research made
significant progress in identification of donors, QTLs
and genes for agronomically important traits, genetic
transformation of crops, and GIS and remote sensing
methods for crop management. Genome-wide
association mapping was performed using 30K SNP
data and phenotypic data on drought stress response
of 240 inbreds of maize. Significant SNPs were
identified for ASI, grain yield and yield component
traits. SNPs identified for ASI on chromosome 1 and 7,
were mapped within the known QTLs, and several
mapped SNPs are in the stress-related transcription
factors such as MYB, ERF and NAC, suggesting their
potential role in drought tolerance in maize. Marker-
assisted backcross breeding (MABB) program to
introgress root trait QTLs in chickpea (Pusa 362 and
ICC 4958) resulted in development of 24 lines carrying
root trait QTL and 87-100% recurrent parent genome
recovery. Molecular marker OPZ 13700 linked to
gynoecious trait in bitter gourd was identified. CAPS
markers for UGPase and Invertase Inhibitor, and SSR
marker for Apoplastic Invertase were used to analyze to
identify the allelic variation in these genes and their
relationship with cold induced sweetening (CIS) with
reducing sugar accumulation in potato. Absence of
absence of UGP “B”, StInhap
-a and apINV-255 alleles, and
presence of apINV-221 allele were found to be associated
with CIS tolerance. Six new QTLs for disease resistance
in different crops have been mapped during 2012-13.
Four QTLs were identified in pearl millet for resistance
to downy mildew Rajasthan isolate (Sg 384). Two
molecular markers tightly linked to black rot resistance
locus in cauliflower were identified and validated. Two
QTLs governing charcoal rot resistance were mapped
in soybean. In chickpea, marker assisted gene
pyramiding for resistance to wilt races (foc 2, 3 and 4) in
Pusa 372, Pusa 362, Pusa 5023 and Pusa 1103 was
achieved. Leaf rust resistance was transferred from
wild relative of wheat T. militinae to bread wheat.
Phenotyping of large number of wheat germplasm were
carried out to identify donors for various traits of
drought and heat tolerance, and nitrogen use efficiency.
Screening for nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) using 110
genotypes led to the identification of efficient wheat
genotypes (EC 556434, BT-Schomburgk, PBW 394,
Arrino and Roller) which will be used for mapping QTLs
genes for NUE in wheat. Wheat genotypes with stay
green trait and drought tolerance were identified from
screening of 70 wheat genotypes from India and
CIMMYT. To identify novel proteins associated with
heat tolerance of wheat, proteomics was employed.
Proteomic analyses identified 68 differentially
expressed proteins in wheat under heat stress. MALDI-
TOF analysis of these proteins led to the identification
of some important proteins, namely, Small Heat Shock
Protein, Rubsico Small Subunit, Oxygen Evolving
Enhancer Protein, ATP Synthase and Calcium
Dependent Protein Kinase. Hyperspectral indices based
method was developed for measurement of relative
water content of rice plants under pot culture
conditions. This method can be used as high throughput
non-destructive measurement of plant water status in
large scale phenotyping for drought tolerance of rice.
The plant stress hormone abscisic acid receptor
(ABAR) genes, SNF-related Kinase 2, transcription
factor genes such as MYB and AP2, ion transporters
and HSPs have been cloned from different crops.
Genetic transformation of rice was carried out with
the ABAR6 and AP2/ERF genes for improving abiotic
stress tolerance of rice. To reduce seed phytate content,
soybean was transformed with PHYTASE (PHY) gene
under seed specific VICILIN promoter. The T0
transgenics were confirmed by PCR and Southern
analysis. qRT-PCR analysis showed the expression of
PHY transgene in the developing seeds.
Infocrop model was validated to predict grain
yield of wheat grown with four levels of nitrogen and
irrigation levels. The global warming potential, i.e.,
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the emission of green house gases (GHG, expressed in
CO2 equivalent) during wheat growth increased but
the CO2 equivalent GHG emitted per unit quantity of
grain decreased with the increase in the irrigation and
N levels. Therefore, the irrigation and fertilizer N dose
should be optimized for obtaining higher water and
nitrogen use efficiency, and minimum global warming
potential without significant yield reduction in wheat.
Time-series of remote sensing images were used to
predict wheat yield for Dehradun district by using
MODIS Terra-EVI time-series images from 2000 - 2012.
The study revealed that phenology parameter of
amplitude derived from multi-date satellite data is
much better in capturing variability in yield followed
by filtered single date EVI. A multiple regression model
with time and amplitude as independent variable was
developed (R2 = 0.83; p=0.002).
Hyperspectral remote sensing method was
attempted to distinguish wheat genotypes. Spectral
reparability analysis using stepwise discriminant
analysis and Jeffries-Matusita (J-M) distance showed
that out of the JM distance matrix for 2415 pairs of
genotypes, 378 pairs were not separable, rest of
genotypes pairs were classified quantitatively to low,
moderate and highly separable pairs. GIS based
forewarning system for white rust of mustard was
developed and validated. The old aphid prediction rule
developed earlier by IARI was modified to enhance the
accuracy. For aphid initiation, 100% flowering stage
was found to be most congenial. Tmax
and Tmin
values
greater than 20oC and 8oC, respectively, and 2-3
consecutive cloudy days provided the favourable
weather. This was validated during rabi 2011-12 and
2012-13.
The School of Social Sciences and Technology
Transfer focused their research efforts on the nature
and impact of growth and development initiatives in
agriculture, the dissemination and assessment of the
technologies generated by IARI, the promotion of
agricultural value chains, domestic market and trade
reforms, public and private investments in
agriculture, energy demand in agriculture, innovative
credit delivery systems for enhancing access to
institutional credit and designing effective training
programmes for empowering women and enabling
rural youth with entrepreneurial skills. Three major
growth trends were identified in the agricultural
sector. The first trend relates to high growth rates of
oilseeds, cotton and coarse cereals, particularly maizein recent period. The second major growth trend in
some states like Gujarat is largely the result of
institutional reforms leading to expansion in irrigation
and transfer of technology to producers. The third
major trend is the rapid growth in high-value
commodities like fruits, vegetables, livestock andfisheries. Price incentives coupled with rising demand
and strong market linkages, supported by factors like
availability of improved seeds and planting materials
have induced farmers to diversify towards these
commodities. The energy demands of the country for
the years 2016 and 2021, which mark the end of the12th and 13th five year plans, respectively, were
estimated. Direct energy demand was projected for
two scenarios, viz., business as usual (BAU) with
agriculture GDP growing at a rate of 3 % per annum
as observed in the previous decade and an optimistic
scenario of 4 % growth per annum. The demand ofdirect energy for the year 2016 was projected to be
33.33 and 41.49 million tonnes of oil equivalent (MTOE)
in the BAU and optimistic scenarios, respectively. The
direct energy for the year 2021 was projected at 47.0
and 65.30 MTOE under the BAU and optimisticscenarios, respectively. These represent an annual
average growth rate of 7–9 per cent over the current
energy consumption in the Indian agriculture.
For effective communication of farm information
and widespread dissemination of technology to the
farmers, a cyber extension model was developed andexecuted. Information on various aspects of
agriculture is regularly updated on the portal. SMS
facility for communicating relevant information on
cultivation practices, market intelligence and weather
forecasting is being extended to project locations. The
innovative measures taken by the Institute tocollaborate with post offices in the country have paid
rich dividends. The linkages with post offices for the
distribution of IARI seeds to farmers were extended to
four more locations in Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan,
Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. Enhancing the
entrepreneurial skills of rural youth is an importantextension activity of the Institute. An Agri-preneurial
Success Index based on profit levels, growth and
diversification, yield improvements, quality
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maintenance, recognition received and innovations
implemented is being developed. Two entrepreneurial
technical information packages on protected
cultivation and baby corn production were prepared.
A major thrust in entrepreneurship development was
placed on vegetable seed production.
Under the National Extension Programme, IARI
varieties and technologies were disseminated through
773 demonstrations in collaboration with ICAR
Institutes and SAUs at 16 locations during rabi 2011-12
and kharif 2012. Most of the IARI varieties showed
significantly higher yield in comparison to local
varieties. In an innovative model involving 25
voluntary organisations, 1415 demonstrations were
successfully conducted for 27 varieties of 11 crops
during kharif 2012 and 808 demonstrations were
conducted during rabi 2011-12 to transfer IARI
technologies. The Agricultural Technology Information
Centre of the Institute played a pivotal role in
communicating relevant information to farmers and
handling their specific problems related queries. These
queries were received from farmers who came in person
as well as through telephone on the Pusa Helpline.
Advice was also provided through letters and email.
A regular feature of the Institute is the annual Krishi
Vigyan Mela which showcases the progress made by
the Institute in various areas of agriculture. The 2013
Mela focused on “Agricultural Technologies for Farmers
Prosperity”. Besides IARI and its Divisions and KVK
Shikhopur, a large number of ICAR Institutes, SAUs,
KVKs, and private organisations participated in the
Mela. A unique feature this year was the participation
of six CGIAR Centres. More than 1,00,000 visitors from
different parts of the country including farmers, farm
women, extension workers, entrepreneurs and
students visited the Mela. Farmers from 19 states
across India including distant states like Karnataka,
Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Orissa
and Assam visited the Mela.
For women empowerment in rural areas, several
special activities were undertaken and interventions
planned. An analysis of the training needs of rural
women led to the development of six capacity building
modules focusing on motivation, leadership, financial
management and use of ICT. The Institute, through its
KVK in Shikohpur, Gurgaon, is taking a lead in
empowering rural women by providing need based
training for self-employment and for income
generating activities. Besides entrepreneurship
training, other extension activities aimed at creatingawareness about scientific farming and dissemination
of technologies were also undertaken. In all, 52
programmes were organized for rural women during
the year which benefitted 969 rural women of different
social classes. IARI also provides integrated agromet
advisory services to the farmers. During 2012-2013,104 agro-advisory bulletins were prepared. Majority
of farmers rated the utilities of agro-advisories high
in relation to sowing and plant protection under
aberrant weather conditions. Farmers who followed
the agromet advisories were able to reduce the input
cost and increase their profit.
The 51st Convocation of the Post Graduate School
of IARI was held on February 15, 2013. Hon’ble Lt.
Governor, NCT of Delhi, Shri Tejendra Khanna was
the chief guest and delivered the convocation address.
A total of 100 M.Sc., 8 M.Tech., and 100 Ph.D. students
were awarded degrees. In addition, the Institute alsoconducted several regular and short-term training
courses.The institute also contributed towards
strengthening research and higher education in
agricultural sciences in Myanmar and Afghanistan.
Agri-information and bioinformatics continued
to receive the Institute’s attention. The IARI Librarycontinued to provide services to the students and the
scientific community. The Institute brought out several
quality publications in the form of scientific peer
reviewed research papers, symposia papers, books/
chapters in books, popular articles, technical bulletins,
regular and other technical publications, both inEnglish and Hindi, to disseminate information on the
Institute’s mandated activities. With reference to
protection of intellectual property, the Institute filed
six new patents, renewed nine patents, protected eight
varieties of different crops with PPV& FRA and signed
15 MOUs for commercialization of IARI technologies.
Linkages and Collaborations continued to exist
with several national and international institutions.
Many scientists, students and faculty of the Institute
received several prestigious awards and recognitions
and brought laurels to the Institute.
11
1. CROP IMPROVEMENT
The crop improvement programme of the Institute is aimed at enhancing productivity and improving
nutritional quality in different field crops through precision breeding, combining molecular markers assisted
selection with conventional breeding. A number of improved varieties both in field and horticultural crops suiting
to different environments and possessing resistance/tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses with desirable traits
were developed. In addition to this, a large number of entries were promoted to advanced varietal trials of
different All India Coordinated trials during the reporting period. Significant progress was also made in seed
production and other aspects of seed quality to support the crop improvement programme.
1.1 CEREALS
1.1.1 Wheat
1.1.1.1 Varieties released
HD 3059. An early maturing (121 days), semi-
dwarf (93 cm) wheat variety, HD 3059 with an average
yield of 4.25 t/ha and genetic potential of 5.94 t/ha under
late sown, irrigated conditions was released for NWPZ
by the Central Variety Release Committee. This variety
possesses high degree of resistance to all the three rusts
including stem rust race Ug99 and its variants. HD 3059
has a superior bread and chapatti making qualities.
Wheat variety HD 3059
HW 5216. A wheat variety, HW 5216 developed at
the Regional Station, Wellington was released for
Southern Hills Zone with an average yield of 4.56 t/ha.
It possesses high degree of resistance to leaf rust both
under field and artificial conditions in addition to stem
rust. It also exhibited high degree of seedling resistance
to stem, leaf and yellow rusts.
HW 1098. A semi-dwarf dicoccum (khapli) wheat variety,
HW 1098 developed using irradiation technique at
Regional Station, Wellington with an average yield of 4.55
t/ha was released for commercial cultivation. The variety
HW 1098 has high level of seedling resistance to stem, leaf
and yellow rusts under artificial epiphytotic conditions.
1.1.1.2 Variety identified for release
Pusa Mangal (HI 8713). A durum wheat variety HI
8713 developed at the Regional Station, Indore was
identified for release for irrigated and timely-sown
conditions of Central Zone. HI 8713 produced an average
grain yield of 5.23 t/ha which was about 6% higher over
the currently cultivated durum wheat varieties HI 8498
(Malavshakti) and MPO 1215; and around 10% higher
over the most popular bread wheat variety Lok 1. It has
high levels of resistance to stem and leaf rusts. It is rich
in -carotene and micronutrients like iron and zinc.
1.1.1.3 Entries in coordinated trials
A large number of wheat genotypes were evaluated
in all India coordinated trials under various production
conditions across the country.
1.1.1.4. Promising genotypes identified
The wheat genotype HW 5224 which has diverse
genetic resistance for leaf, stem and yellow rusts
12
consistently yielded better than the check. The high
yielding disease resistant genotypes, viz., HW 5224,
HW 4013, HW 4042, HW 5235, HW 5237, HW 1900
were promoted to AVT while HW 1900-1, HW 4015,
HW 5239, HW 5242, HW 5243, HW 5244 and HW 5555
were promoted to IVT for the southern zone. A semi-
dwarf elite line HW 1099 was entered for testing in
NIVT special trial on dicoccum. In addition, 18 lines
were also included for testing in common varietal trials
of IARI and 25 for disease screening nursery.
1.1.1.5. Breeding for cropping system underconservation agriculture practices
Nineteen new high yielding lines from CSW 37 to
CSW 55 were identified suitable to conservation
agriculture practices and entered into common varietal
trials for testing. A significant genotype x early seed
sowing interaction was observed and CSW 18 was
found to outperform checks like PBW 550, HD 2851,
HD 2894 and DBW 17. Entries viz., HD 2532, 2535, 2536
and 2538 were found to perform well under rice-wheat
cropping system. Two new entries consistently
performed well in maize-wheat cropping system and
one under both maize-wheat and pearl millet-wheat
cropping systems.
1.1.2 Rice
1.1.2.1 Varieties identified for release
Pusa 1509-03-3-9-5 (IET 21960). An elite early
maturing Basmati rice variety, Pusa 1509-03-3-9-5 (IET
21960) with seed to seed maturity ranging from 110 to
123 days and an average yield of 3.94 t/ ha was
identified for release in the Basmati growing regions of
the Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region of
Delhi. Its performance was on a par in terms of yield
and quality traits with Pusa Basmati 1121. It recorded
an average yield advantage of 29.1 % over Taraori
Basmati in the AICRIP trials during three consecutive
years. It is the first early maturing Basmati rice variety
with higher per day productivity (32.1 kg/ha)
compared to the checks, Pusa Basmati 1 (29.6 kg/ ha)
and Taraori Basmati (21.1 kg/ ha). It has moderate
resistance to leaf blast and brown spot diseases. It
possesses extra long slender grains (8.19 mm) with very
occasional grain chalkiness, longer kernel length after
cooking (18.2 mm), desirable ASV (7.0), intermediate
amylose content (21.24%) and strong aroma. In the
panel tests, Pusa 1509-03-3-9-5 was ranked as an
excellent culture and was in the top two rated cultures
among the Basmati varieties and other cultures tested
for three consecutive years.
Pusa 1509-03-3-9-5 is an early maturing variety and
has a semi-dwarf stature with non-lodging and non-
shattering habit and, thus, overcomes the major
weaknesses of the most popular Basmati rice variety
Pusa Basmati 1121. Being an early maturing variety, it
can help saving upto 4 irrigations (33 % saving of water)
compared to Pusa Basmati 1121, thus, economizing the
cost of agri-inputs and permitting higher cropping
intensity resulting in better economic gains to the
farmers. Due to its semi-dwarf stature it produces
Wheat genotypes evaluated in all India coordinated trials
Trial Entry Name (Zone)
Advanced Varietal AVT II: HD 3076 (NEPZ), HD 3086
Trial (AVT) (NWPZ), HD 3090, HD 3093 (PZ)
AVT I: HS 536, HS 542 (NHZ), HI 1588 (CZ)
Durum: HI 8724, HI 8725, HI 8727, HI
8737, HI 8742 (CZ), HI 8728 (NWPZ), HI
8735 (CZ, NWPZ & PZ), HI 8736 (CZ,
NWPZ), HI 8738, HI 8739 (NWPZ)
National Initial HI 8746, HI 8747, HI 8748, HI 8749, HI
Varietal Trial 8750, HI 8751, HI 8752, HI 8753, HI 8754,
(NIVT) HI 8755, HI 1591, HI 1592, HI 1593, HI
1594, HI 1595, HI 1596, HI 1597, HI 1598,
HW 5224, HW 4013, HW 4042, HW 5235,
HW 5237, HW 1900
Pusa 1509-03-3-9-5 Pusa Basmati 1121
13
reduced crop residue (almost half of Pusa Basmati 1121
and CSR 30). Cultivation of the proposed variety will
thus lead to significant reduction in pollution due to
straw burning. This variety has also been
recommended separately for release by the State
Varietal Release Committee of Punjab as Pusa Punjab
Basmati 1509.
Pusa 1612-07-6-5 (IET 22290): Pusa 1612-07-6-5
(IET 22290), is a MAS derived blast resistant near
isogenic line (NIL) of rice variety Pusa Sugandh 5,
which was identified for release in the regions for which
Pusa Sugandh 5 was released. Pusa 1612-07-6-5 was
developed through marker assisted backcross breeding
wherein two genes for blast resistance, namely, Pi54
and Piz5 which are very effective against the
Magnoporthe oryzae strains prevailing in the Basmati
growing region of the country. The variety has an extra-
long slender translucent grain with 53% mean head
rice recovery and is strongly aromatic with high kernel
length after cooking (15 mm).
1.1.2.2 Entries in all India coordinated trials
A total of six elite nominations in AICRIP Basmati
trials were tested in AVT-BT trials, and in addition to
Pusa 1509-03-3-9-5 (IET 21960), two other genotypes,
the NILs in the background of Pusa Sugandh 5, namely,
Pusa 1592-06-5-2 (IET 22289) possessing two Bacterial
Blight (BB) resistance genes (Xa21 and xa13) and Pusa
1612-07-6-5 (IET 22290) possessing two blast resistance
genes (Piz5 and Pi54) were also found to be superior.
Additionally, two elite lines with BB and blast resistance
in the background of PRR78, namely, Pusa 1601-05-1-
46-1-1 (IET 22777) possessing xa13 and Xa21, and Pusa
1609-09-9-4 (IET 22778) possessing Piz5 and Pi54 were
tested in Advanced Varietal Trial-1 of basmati varieties
during 2012 and exhibited significant yield superiority
over Pusa Basmati 1, Taroari Basmati and Pusa Basmati
1121. Based on yield, physico-chemical quality and
panel acceptability scores these two cultures were
promoted to Advanced Varietal Trial -2 of basmati
varieties. A total of nine entries including three Basmati
genotypes, two aromatic short grain genotypes, two
medium slender grain genotypes and two hybrids were
nominated in the IVT of the AICRIP trials based on
their overall performance in the station trials at New
Delhi.
1.1.2.3 Evaluation of newly identified potentialhybrids
A station trial of 21 hybrids was conducted during
Kharif 2012, out of which five hybrids were identified
to be superior to the popular hybrid Pusa RH 10. One
of the hybrids was found to have significantly superior
grain yield (9.27 t/ha) and nominated in the IHT trials
during kharif 2013.
1.1.2.4 Evaluation of Pusa Basmati 1 NILs withseven genes for blast resistance
In order to develop isogenic lines of Pusa Basmati
1 carrying seven different genes (Pi54, Piz5, Pita, Pi1,
Pib, Pi5 and Pi9) for blast resistance, advanced backcross
derived lines were developed. A replicated trial of 40
homozygous advanced backcross derived lines
carrying seven genes (Pi54, Pi1, Pita, Pi9, Pi5, Pib, Piz5),
80 homozygous lines carrying three genes (Pi54, Pi1,
Pita) in Augmented Block Design and promising lines
with different gene combinations were identified.
1.1.3. Maize
1.1.3.1 Development of QPM inbreds
In order to diversify QPM germplasm, a set of five
released single cross normal hybrids (HM4, HM8, HM9,
HM10 and HM11) with wide adaptability were targeted
for marker aided introgression of opaque2 allele. HKI323,
HKI1105 and HKI1128 were crossed with QPM donor
parent (HKI161, CML161 and HKI193-1) for the
conversion programme. Foreground selection was
successfully carried out in BC1F
1, BC
2F
1 and BC
2F
2
Ear characteristics, silk colour, tassel type and plant characteristicsof MAS derived QPM
14
generation. Homozygotes (o2o2) were selected in BC2F
2
generation and advanced further.
1.1.3.2 Maize improvement for high -caroteneand specialty traits
Marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB) was
undertaken to enhance -carotene concentration in
seven elite inbreds (VQL1, VQL2, V335, V345, HKI1105,
HKI323 and HKI161). The favourable allele of crtRB1
gene, capable of enhancing -carotene concentration
in the maize kernel, was introgressed in the elite genetic
background using gene-specific DNA marker. The
concentration of -carotene among the backcross
progenies ranged from 5.48 to 14.72 μg/g across seven
different populations. These improved inbreds hold
significant promise in the biofortification programme.
A wide array of corn hybrids developed from
diverse sources of inbreds was tested and potential
hybrids were identified in sweet corn (L8 xT1, L1 x T2,
P10 x P1 and P4 x P11). These hybrid combinations
possess >20% sugar (brix value) in the kernels at 20 days
after pollination. In case of baby corn, BCG 5417 x 2256,
BCG 5417 x 2271, BCG 5417 x 1887 and BCG 5414 x 3081
were found to be promising. The unfertilized baby ears
conformed to the desirable traits such as cream colour,
softness of the ear, sweetness and taste.
Development of Restorers. Elite restorers with
good combining ability were used in hybridization
programme to develop new ones with early days to
flowering, good combining ability and spike traits.Six F
1s were selected and three of them advanced to
generate F2, and three for developing three way
crosses.
New cytoplasmic male sterile lines. Twenty one
designated CMS lines indented from ICRISAT wereevaluated for their suitability to early maturity, disease
resistance, spike thickness, compactness and overall
agronomic score as well as their overall suitability in
hybrid breeding programme with elite restorers of IARI.
1.2.2 Entries in Coordinated Trials
Advanced hybrid & population entries of pearl millet tested under
all India coordinated trials
Trial Entry (Zone)
IHT (Medium) Pusa 1304, Pusa 1309 (A & B)
AHT -I (M) Pusa 1201 (A)
Initial Population Trial Pusa Composite 706 (A & B)
Advanced Population Trial Pusa Composite 701 (A & B)
1.3 GRAIN LEGUMES
1.3.1 Chickpea
1.3.1.1 Varieties released
Pusa Shaktiman (Pusa 5023). An extra large
seeded Kabuli type chickpea variety, Pusa Shaktiman
1.2 PEARL MILLET
1.2.1 Hybridization and Pre-breeding
A total of 200 new hybrids possessing desirable
traits like high grain and fodder yield were developed.
Promising hybrid entry of pearl millet Pusa 1201
Maize improvement for high -carotene
15
(Pusa 5023) was released in 2012 for cultivation in
rainfed and irrigated areas of Delhi and adjoining states
in northern India. It is the first extra-large seeded Kabuli
variety released in India with 100-seed weight 40g with
an average yield of 2 t/ha and moderately resistant to
soil borne diseases.
Pusa Green 112. Green seeded chickpeas are in great
demand in urban areas for culinary and table purposes.
Pusa Green 112, a high yielding desi green seeded
chickpea was identified for release having high
resistance to Fusarium wilt and drought with an average
yield of 2.3 t/ha and has a yield potential of 2.7 t/ha.
Pusa Bheema (Pusa 5028). Pusa 5028 is the first
desi extra-large seeded variety in India released in 2012
for Delhi and NCR region. It has a 100-seed weight
more than 40 g and is suitable for cultivation in rainfed
as well as irrigated conditions. It is moderatly resistant
to soil borne diseases. Seeds of Pusa 5028 are attractive
and light brown in colour.
1.3.1.2 Varieties identified
Pusa 2085. A large seeded Kabuli chickpea variety,
Pusa 2085 was identified for release with a 100 seed
weight of 36 g. The variety has an average yield of 2 t/
ha with a genetic yield potential of over 3 t/ha. It has a
multiple disease resistance against dry root rot & stunt
and moderate resistance to wilt & botrytis gray mold
and is tolerant to collar rot.
Chickpea cv. Pusa Shaktiman
Chickpea var. Pusa Green 112
1.3.1.3 Development of high yielding desi andKabuli genotypes resistant to Fusarium wilt
A set of 12 new entries were promoted to
coordinated trials during 2012-13. Two medium seeded
Kabuli entries (BG 3025 and BG 3026) and 2 extra-large
seeded Kabuli varieties (BG 3022 and BG 3028) were
promoted to AVT I trials. A set of 183 wilt resistant
single plants (<10% wilt at maturity) were selected from
F4 (163), F
5 (537) and F
6 (103) progenies through
screening in wilt sick plot. Crosses were attempted for
developing high yielding early maturing lines with
improved heat and drought tolerance and resistance
to Fusarium wilt. Multiple Advance Generation
Intercross (MAGIC) population (F4 generation) were
evaluated under normal and late sown conditions.
1.3.1.4 Entries in coordinated trials
Two desi chickpea entries BG 3032 and BGD 1071
were promoted to AVT 1 (late sown trial). Three entries
BG 3037, BG 3038 and BGD 1075 in late sown trials,
Pusa Bheema
16
and two entries BG 3035 and BG 3036 in rainfed trials
were entered in coordinated trials (IVT).
1.3.2 Mungbean
1.3.2.1. Hybridization and breeding
Sixty five crosses were made to combine various
traits ,viz., MYMV resistance, earliness, seed boldness
and drought & salinity tolerance in mungbean. Over
500 single plants were selected from various
populations based on different attributes.
1.3.2.2. Screening for abiotic stress tolerance
In mungbean two station trials were conducted
during spring and kharif season. Among the evaluated
entries two genotypes, KM 12-15 and KM 12-18 yielded
better than the check. For abiotic stress tolerance,
genotype MH-318 showed higher level of salinity and
alkalinity tolerance based on growth reduction
parameters, seedling survivability, relative water
content and proline accumulation under saline soil
conditions. Two genotypes Pusa-0672 (mungbean), and
Mash-218 (urdbean) showed higher levels of aluminum
tolerance based on growth reduction parameters and
seedling survivability under soil conditions.
1.3.3 Lentil
1.3.3.1 Hybridization and breeding
Ninety crosses were made to combine traits like
earliness, seed size, rust resistance, wilt resistance, abiotic
stress resistance, and high Fe and Zn concentrations in
seed. A set of 774 single plants were selected from different
generations for further evaluation.
1.3.4 Pigeonpea
1.3.4.1. Entries in coordinated trials
Based on consistent superior performance in
station trial over two years, two varieties ,viz., Pusa
2012-1 and Pusa 2012-2 were found promising.
1.3.4.2 Hybridization and breeding
A massive hybridization programme was
undertaken during kharif 2011 to develop genotypes
with short duration and bold seed size, and 33 F2
generations were evaluated. Some of the cross
combinations such as Pusa 33 x HDM04-1, Pusa 33 x
AK200 60 N-82, Pusa 855 x HDM 04-1, UPAS-120 x
HDM04-1, UPAS-120 x ICPL87091, AL201 x ICPL87091,
9-5-2 x ICPL87091, Pusa 992 x AL201, S953 x H2001-4,
PS956 x AL201, Pusa 2002 x Kudrat, Kudrat x AL201
and Kudrat x 9-5-2 were found highly promising.
1.3.4.3 Hybrid breeding
Search for new restorer: More than 500 advanced
inter-specific (C. scarabaeoides x Pusa 33) lines of
pigeonpea were raised during kharif 2012. Some of these
lines showed profused bearing of flowers and good
pollen load. Such male fertile (MF) genotypes from
inter-specific cross and selfed progenies of MF
genotypes were identified and test crosses were made
with various ‘A’ lines (male sterile line).
Search for new A lines: Advanced inter-specific (C.
scarabaeoides x Pusa 33) derivatives were also evaluated
for male sterility along with compact and erect plant
type. Some of the outstanding male sterile lines were
identified with very good plant type with longer pods.
Incorporation of male sterile cytoplasm:
Backcrosses were made to transfer A2 and A
4 cytoplasm
into different genetic background which showed good
combining ability. Male sterility was incorporated into
Pusa Dwarf, a popular pigeonpea variety.
1.4 OILSEED CROPS
1.4.1 Brassicas
1.4.1.1 Variety proposed for identification
Pusa Mustard 29 (LET-36): Mustard variety, Pusa
Mustard 29 is a low erucic acid bold seeded variety of
Indian mustard proposed for North Western Plains
Mustard var. Pusa Mustard 29
17
Zone (north and north-western Rajasthan, Haryana,
Punjab, Delhi, plains of Jammu Kashmir and Himachal
Pradesh) under irrigated conditions with an average
seed yield of 2,169 kg/ha and potential seed yield of
3,005 kg/ha. This variety possesses 37.2% oil content.
It matures in 143 days and has a moderate tolerance to
high temperature at seedling and grain filling stage.
1.4.1.2. Entries in coordinated trials
Entries tested in different All India Coordinated trials inBrassicas
Trial Entry designation
IVT- Early mustard (Irrigated) NPJ 172, NPJ 173
AVT-I Toria Early mustard (Irrigated) NPJ 162
IVT-Timely sown mustard (Irrigated) NPJ 174, NPJ 175
IVT-Timely sown mustard (Rainfed) NPJ 168, NPJ 169
AVT-I (Rainfed ) NPJ 156
IVT-Late Sown Mustard NPJ 170, NPJ-171
AVT-I Late Sown Irrigated NPJ 161
IVT- Quality Mustard LET 46, LET-47
AVT-I Quality Mustard LES 45
AVT-II Quality Mustard LES 43
1.4.1.3 Hybridization and pre-breeding
A total of 309 crosses involving popular varieties
and advanced lines of mustard including 18
backcrosses were attempted, which included 120
crosses for improvement in yield, seed weight, siliqua
size, branching and earliness etc. Various crosses were
also made for quality breeding “0”(< 2% erucic acid)
and “00 (< 2% erucic acid & < 30 ppm glucosinolate)
between advance single zero genotypes, viz., LES 1-
27, LES 43, LES 45, LES 46, LES 47, Heera, EC 597325
and other improved/ advanced lines. Fifteen crosses
were attempted between different donors for white
rust resistance for allelic studies. Likewise, to study
the genetics of seed size in NPJ 161, NPJ 159 and Pusa
Bold, eight backcrosses were made. Further to
understand the genetics of purple pigmentation in a
purple mutant, four backcrosses were generated. In
addition 31 crosses for heat tolerance and 38 inter-
specific and other crosses between different Brassica
species were also attempted.
1.4.1.4 Hybrid breeding
Development of CMS lines: To develop CMS lines,
83 backcrosses were attempted in paired fashion to
transfer the nuclear genome of 19 genotypes to the
sterile cytoplasm viz., Moricandia arvensis (mori),
Diplotaxis erucoides (eru) and Diplotaxis berthautii (ber).
Development of Restorers: To transfer the fertility
restorer genes, restoring fertility in mori, eru and ber
cytoplasms, in 9 genetic backgrounds viz., NPJ 93, NPJ
112, LES 1-27, LES 39, Pusa Jagannath, Pusa Agarni,
SEJ 8 and LET 17, 72 BC2 crosses were attempted in
paired fashion with heterozygous BC1F
1 plants.
Identified as good combiners, conversion of 18 new
genotypes viz., NPJ 161, NPJ 159, NPJ 113, BPR 543-2,
VSL 11, TN 3, EJ 17, EJ 20, YSG, LES 43, LES 47, and
Heera into mori/eru/bar restorers was initiated by
making F1 crosses with heterozygous Rf gene in BC
1F
1
generation. 167 BC1F
1/ BC
2F
1/ BC
3F
1/ BC
2F
2 progenies
were raised to develop restorers for mori/eru/ber
cytoplasms.
1.4.1.5 Breeding material evaluated and advanced
A set of 1,330 progenies/ populations for early,
timely and late sown conditions; and quality oil (low
erucic acid and/or low glucosinolate) traits were raised
for advancement. Another set of 369 single plants and
23 bulk populations were selected from early sown
breeding material.
1.4.1.6 Advance generation short durationgenotypes
Five genotypes viz., MSTE-12-9 (2,465 kg/ha in 107
days), MSTE-12-4 (2,202 kg/ha in 105 days), MSTE-12-
19 (2,171 kg/ha in 106 days), MSTE-12-6 (2,168 kg/ha
in 104 days) and MSTE-12-7 (2,160 kg/ha in 99 days)
out of 24 tested in station trial out yielded the latest
released check variety Pusa Mustard 28 (2,099 kg/ha
in 107 days). Out of these, two best genotypes will be
contributed for testing in the national trials for short
duration B. juncea.
1.4.2 Soybean
1.4.2.1 Varieties identified for release
Pusa 14 (DS 2614): A soybean variety DS 2614
identified for release in Delhi NCR region by the IARI
18
variety identification committee. The variety has
demonstrated a significantly higher yield over the best
check SL 525 (8.9%). DS 2614 has resistance against
yellow mosaic virus (YMV), Rhizoctonia Aerial Blight
and Bacterial Pustule. It is moderately resistant to stem
fly, and defoliators. DS 2614 is a medium-bold seeded
variety having 100-seed weight of 9.93 grams. It has
fairly good seed longevity and high oil content
(20.26%).
rainfed conditions. Genotypes P 5430 and P 131 were
sponsored for evaluation in national trial Br 02 (a)
under irrigated conditions. Forty five genotypes were
evaluated at 3 station trials and P 5618 showed the
highest seed cotton yield of 2,641 kg/ha. P 2151 also
recorded a very high yield (2640 kg/ha). Evaluation of
another set of 68 genotypes showed P 51-P4, P11-1 and
P Sel 2 as promising with seed cotton yield of 3,078
Kg/ha, 2,865 kg/ha and 2,497 kg/ha, respectively.
1.5.1.2 Multiplication of promising strains
Seeds of varieties P 8-6, PSS 2 and P 31, and
promising genotypes, P 5760, P 131, P 5630, P 2150, P
2151, P Sel. 2, P 23-1, P13-2, P 72-9-37 were multiplied
in large plots.
1.6 VEGETABLE CROPS
1.6.1 Cole Crops
1.6.1.1 Cauliflower
Ninety five SI hybrids of early group cauliflower
were evaluated. Hybrid 351 aa × Hyb 85 recorded
highest marketable curd (1140 g) as well as net curd
(880 g) weight. Out of 14 CMS hybrids, 8498 × Pusa
Deepali recorded highest marketable curd and net curd
(1206.7 and 950 g, respectively) weights. In mid- group,
out of 36 SI hybrids CC 32 × FC 278 recorded highest
marketable curd (1850 g) and net curd (1510 g) weights.
Out of 136 CMS hybrids evaluated, Hybrid 8401 × 310-
22 recorded highest marketable curd and net curd (1972
and 1567 g) weights, followed by DB 15 × 340 (1950
and 1660 g), respectively. In snowball group, out of 18
F1 hybrids evaluated, highest marketable yield was
recorded in KTH 122 (75.55 t/ha).
Under resistance breeding programme, a total of
263 RILs of various generations (F2:3
, F2:4
, F2:5
, F2:6
) were
evaluated for downy mildew resistance. Seven and 10
plants with highly resistant category (0 score) were
obtained in F2:6
generation of Pusa Himjyoti × BR 2
combination and F2:5
generation of BR-36 (Layna × 522),
respectively. A total of 152 NILs of various generations
(F2:3
, F2:4
) were phenotyped for resistance to downy
mildew disease. Twenty six and 20 plants with highly
resistance category (0 score) were obtained in F2:4
generation of 309 × BR 2 × 309 and F2:3
of 3-5-1-1 × 466 ×
DS 2614
1.4.2.2 Varieties in pipeline
DS 2706 and DS 2708 were promoted to AVT II in
NWPZ.
1.4.2.3 Development of early maturing genotypes
In order to develop genotypes maturing within 90-
95 days, crosses were attempted involving genotypes
maturing in 68 (Sipani148) and 120 days (DS 9712). The
F2 plants were found segregating for days to maturity
ranging from 70-100 days. Further, backcrossing was
attempted to recover the genome of DS 9712 with
earliness.
1.5 FIBRE CROP
1.5.1 Cotton
1.5.1.1 Evaluation of promising material
Cotton genotype P 2151 was promoted to advanced
trial Br 04 (b) in central zone under rainfed conditions
in AICCIP. The genotype P 5760 was promoted to Br
03(a) in north zone under irrigated conditions and P
2151 was retained in Br 03 (b) in south zone under
19
3-5-1-1, respectively. Twenty one inbred lines were
assessed for resistance to black rot and downy mildew
diseases. Genotypes BR 202-2, BR 161, BR 207, AL 3
and AL 15 were found to be resistant against downy
mildew and AL 15, BR 161 and BR 1 against black rot
disease.
1.6.1.2 Cabbage
Variety released. At IARI Regional Station, Katrain
one self-incompatibility system based F1 hybrid, KGMR
1 was released as Pusa Cabbage Hybrid 1 by the Central
Sub-Committee on Crop Standards, Notification and
Release of Varieties for Horticultural Crops for Agro-
climatic Zone-I & IV. This is an early maturing (55-60
days) hybrid with round and compact head and
yielding 35-40 t/ha. The hybrid has shown tolerance to
black rot with better field staying capacity after
maturity.
red cabbage, out of 6 hybrids developed by using 3
CMS lines, hybrids 931 × KR and 931 × RCGA were
found promising with 29.2 and 22.2 t/ha yields,
respectively.
1.6.2 Cucurbitaceous Crops
1.6.2.1 Bitter gourd
Genotype registered. One predominately
gynoecious line PreGy 1 which showed high female:
male ratio (5:1 to 7:1) with a yield of 27.5 t/ha as against
17.8 t/ha in Pusa Do Mausami (check) was registered
at NBPGR as INGR 12014.
Pusa CabbageHybrid-1
Promising genotypes. Two SI based cabbage
hybrids KTCBH 51 and KTCBH 81 were evaluated in
the AVT-II under the AICRP (VC) trials. One CMS based
cabbage hybrid evaluated in IET gave superior
performance with a yield of 65.2 t/ha at IARI Regional
Station, Katrain. A flat head hybrid H 208-122 (62.8 t/
ha) was found promising followed by H 645-111 (55.8
t/ha) and H 208-5 (52.7 t/ha). It was observed that
hybrid S 645 × S 691 had maximum heterosis for yield
(46.7%) followed by S 645 × S 696 (45.5%) and S 624 × S
645 (37.2%). Out of 20 CMS based hybrids, Hybrid 991-
5 was found promising with 69.8 t/ha yield followed
by hybrids 854-6 (67.1 t/ha) and 871-111 (65.5 t/ha).In
Promising genotypes. Two entries (DBGS 37 and
DBGS 57) were promoted to AVT-II under AICRP-VC
trial. One variety DBGS 102 and two hybrids DBGH
12 (gyn × mon) and DBGH 263 (mon × mon) were
promoted to AVT I under coordinated trials. One
sequential fruited line DBGS 201 (Sel 1) produced 30.6
t/ha fruits as compared to 17.5 t/ha in Pusa Do Mausami
(check).Ten gynoecious based and one monoecious
based hybrid were evaluated and compared with
hybrids of private seed companies. Among these
hybrids, DBGy 201 × S 2 (Gy× Mon) gave maximum
yield (23.8 t/ha) followed by hybrid S 2 × S 63 (Mon ×
Mon) (21.3 t/ha).
Four varieties were evaluated under insect proof
net house in kharif season (July to November), the
variety DBGS 54 yielded 474 kg fruits in 100 square
PreGy 1
20
meter area. Among the hybrids evaluated under low
cost polyhouse during winter season (December-April)
the hybrid DBGy 201 × DBGS 54 produced 418.50 kg
fruits in 100 square meter area.
1.6.2.2 Cucumber
Variety identified. First extra early improved
variety of cucumber Pusa Barkha was identified for
kharif season cultivation in North Indian plains. It has
field tolerance to high humidity, high temperature and
downy mildew disease with an average fruit yield of
18.8 t/ha.
Promising genotypes. Cucumber selections DC 54
and DC 78 and F1 hybrid DCH 6 were advanced to
AVT-II of AICRP (VC). During spring summer season
selections DC 54 and DC 78 yielded 18.5 and 17.9 t/ha,
respectively. Tropical gynoecious lines DGC 3, DGC
10 and DGC 102 showed stable performance at higher
temperature under net house. Out of 30 F1 hybrids
evaluated, DCH 6 and DCH 9 yielded 21.1 and 20.5 t/
ha, showed an increase of 20.6% and 17.1% higher yield
than the check Pant Sankar Khira 1 (17.5 t/ha),
respectively. Under kharif trial, selections DC 70
(PDI=7.2%) and DC 77 (PDI= 8.6%) showed high
resistance to downy mildew disease. The F1 hybrids
DCH 16 (21.6 t/ha) and DCH 19 (21.2 t/ha) also showed
high yield and resistance to downy mildew disease.
The parthenocarpic lines Sel. DPaC 6, DPaC 9 and
DPaC 10, predominantly gynoecious line DC 128 and
gherkin lines DG 5, DG 8 and DG 11 were observed
highly promising for yield and resistance to downy
mildew under polyhouse during winter.
1.6.2.3 Luffa
Genotype registered. Luffa (sponge gourd)
genotype DSG 6 (IC-0588956; INGR 12013), resistant
to Tomato Leaf curl New Delhi Virus was registered at
NBPGR.
Promising genotypes. Selections DSG 43 (15.4 t/
ha) and DSG 48 (14.7 t/ha) and F1 hybrids DSGH 3 (16.8
t/ha) and DSGH 9 (16.2 t/ha) were found to be highly
promising for yield. DSG 48, DSG 104 and F1 hybrids
DSGH 3 and DSGH 9 are advanced to AVT-II of AICRP
(VC). In ridge gourd, DRG 74 and F1 hybrid DRGH 4
were found promising with an average yield of 17.5 t/
ha and 18.9 t/ha, respectively. A gynoecious genetic
stock was developed which segregates into gynoecious
and hermaphrodite (Satputia) in the ratio of 1:1 and
maintained by utilizing Satputia as pollen parent.
Ridge gourd Sel. DRG 7 was advanced to AVT-II of
AICRP (VC).
1.6.2.4 Pumpkin
Selections DPU 48, DPU 12 and DPU 37 yielded
35.33, 33.14 and 30.60 t/ha and showed an increase of
35.88%, 27.46% and 17.69 % over the check
PusaVishwas (26.00 t/ha), respectively.
1.6.2.5 Muskmelon and watermelon
The muskmelon genotype DM 148 was found to
be highest yielder (22.7 t/ha) with a yield advantage of
18% over Pusa Madhuras along with good quality (TSS
DBGS 54
Pusa Barkha
21
11.6). The other superior lines with respect to yield were
DM 151(21.6 t/ha) and DM 154 (20.8t/ha) with desirable
fruit quality attributes. Among F1 hybrid combination,
DMH 3, DMH 5 and DMH 12 were found promising
for fruit yield, early maturity and quality traits. The
F1s between muskmelon lines (Hara Madhu and Pusa
Madhuras) and snap melon lines (DSM 11 and DSM
12) were found to have moderate resistance to Fusarium
wilt suggesting dominant nature of inheritance. Icebox
type watermelon lines, PWMH 25-4-3 (7.8 mg/100 g)
and IPWM 34-1-2(7.2 mg/100 g), containing high
lycopene were selected.
1.6.2.6 Minor cucurbits
In summer squash, selection DS 8 (15.14 t/ha) was
found to be the most promising and the yield
advantage was 31.42 % higher than that of the local
check (11.52 t/ha). In long melon, selections DLM 27
and DLM 34 yielded 26.10 and 23.94 t/ha, respectively.
In round melon, selections DRM 26 and DRM 44
yielded 6.73 and 6.59 t/ha, respectively.
1.6.3 Solanaceous Crops
1.6.3.1 Brinjal
The selections DBR 190 (green round fruited) and
DBSR 195 were found promising with a yield of 43.8
and 36.2 t/ha, respectively. Among 72 F1 hybrids
evaluated, DBHR 9 (purple round), DBHR 38 (purple
round) and DBHL 155 (white oblong) were found
promising with a yield of 54.4, 52.8 and 51.7 t/ha,
respectively. Lines DBR 569 and BL 1 were found
tolerant to phomopsis blight.
1.6.3.2 Tomato
DT 7 (determinate type) was promoted to AVT-II of
AICRP (VC). During kharif season, selections SPS 2, SPS
3, SPS 5, BAR 13, H 88-2, TH 348-2-11, H 88-1-2 and
hybrid combinations TH 348 × H 88, H 86 × H-88 and H
86 × H 24 were found resistant to ToLCV. Out of 96
genotypes, F1 crosses PSH × PS, 120 × PS and 3900×PS
recorded fruit setting at high day and night temperature
and yielded 21, 20, and19.5 t/ha, respectively. Selection
Lp 2 and Pusa Sadabahar were found tolerant to low
temperature. In cherry tomato three red fruited and one
orange fruited lines were found promising.
1.6.3.3 Chilli
Out of 74 genotypes DCH 10-05 and DCH 11-08
were found promising with a yield of 18.84 t/ha and
17.71 t/ha, respectively. Two genotypes, DCS-LCV-P1
and KA-LCV-P2, for leaf curl tolerance and one,VNR-
314-F4-P3, for high temperature tolerance were
identified.
1.6.3.4 Capsicum
At IARI Regional Station, Katrain, thirteen
germplasm lines were found promising and genotypes
KT 5 (29.1 t/ha), Banglore 42 (28.0 t/ha) and Banglore
38 (25.9 t/ha) were found promising having medium
sized green fruits. In paprika, genotype DP 2 ranked
first in fruit yield/ha. Out of twenty five F1 cross
combinations evaluated, three, namely, Sel-12-2 ×
Palam Bell (45.0 t/ha), Yolo Wonder × SolanBharpoor
(39.3 t/ha) and Yellow Capsicum × Yolo Wonder (37.8t/
ha) were found to surpass the standard checks Nishat
and PusaDeepti for marketable fruit yield and other
traits.
1.6.4 Root and Bulbous Crops
1.6.4.1 Tropical carrot
Variety identified. PusaVasuda is the first public
sector tropical carrot hybrid developed using CMS
system. Its roots are smooth, attractive, vigorous, self-
coloured, red, sweet, juicy, rich in total carotenoids,
lycopene, TSS and minerals. It is suitable for salad, juice
extraction, cooking and carotenoid extraction industry
and gives an average yield of 40 t/ha.
Pusa Vasuda
22
Promising lines and hybrids. Under hot and humid
condition, 27 genotypes were evaluated by sowing in
the first week August. Five genotypes were found
promising having normal desirable roots with least
forking and an average root weight ranging from 113.33
g (IPC 10) to 180 g (IPC 31 P-1). Nine hybrids were of
high quality for root shape, surface, external and
internal colour and external appearance, and root
weight varied from 86.7 to 240.0 g. Under October
sowing conditions, maximum root length was observed
in IPC 104 orange (27.87 cm) followed by IPC 100 (27.33
cm), root diameter was highest in IPC 55 Red (4.88 cm)
followed by IPC 104 orange (4.79 cm), and root weight
was maximum in IPC 104 orange (253.3 g) followed by
PM Dark orange (220 g). Among 87 CMS lines, highest
root length was noted in IPC 126 P-8 (31 cm) followed
by IPC 55-1-2 P-2 (29.6 cm), root diameter was
maximum in IPC 126-16-1 P-1 (5.70 cm) followed by
IPC 55-1-2 P-2 (5.54 cm), and root weight was highest
in IPC 126-16-1 P-1 and IPC 98a BP P-5 (300 g).
1.6.4.2 Temperate carrot
CMS based hybrids, KTCH 1020 (49.5 t/ha), KTCH
1022 (44.1 t/ha) and KTCH 96-113 (43.7 t/ha)
superseded the check hybrid Pusa Nayanjyoti (42.5 t/
ha) with 16.5%, 3.8% and 2.8% increase in yield,
respectively.
1.6.4.3 Radish
Pusa Jamuni. It is a purple fleshed nutritionally
rich radish variety. It has distinct advantage in root size,
shape, yield and consumer preference over the existing
varieties. It contains high anthocyanins and ascorbic
acid with an average yield 50 t/ha.
Pusa Gulabi. It is a pink fleshed nutritionally rich
radish variety having medium root size, cylindrical
shape, optimal yield and consumer preference over the
existing varieties. It contains high carotenoids,
anthocyanins and optimal ascorbic acid and gives an
average yield of 60 t/ha.
Pusa Gulabi
1.6.4.4 Onion
Pusa Riddhi. Bulbs of this variety are compact in
nature, flat globe in shape, and dark red in colour. The
equatorial diameter of bulbs ranges from 4.5 to 6.0 cm,
polar diameter ranges from 4.8 to 6.3 cm and single
bulb weight ranges from 70 to 100 g. It is pungent and
rich in antioxidant (quercetin 107.42 mg/100 g). The
variety is suitable for kharif and rabi seasons. The variety
is also suitable for storage and export with an average
yield of 31.66 t/ha, an average increase of 28.60% over
the check (28.53 t/ha).
Pusa RiddhiPusa Jamuni
23
Pusa Soumya. This is the first bunching onion
variety proposed for commercial cultivation in India.
This multi-cut variety is suitable for green onion
production round the year. It produces bluish green
leaves and clumps can be separated for further
multiplication. The variety is least affected by pests and
diseases and has an average yield potential of 26.38 t/
ha from single harvest.
1.6.5 Leguminous Crops
1.6.5.1 Garden pea
Out of nine early maturing varieties, GP 17 was
found promising and recorded highest pod yield (3.02-
4.0 t/ha) under high temperature. At IARI, Regional
Station, Karnal, GP 17 also recorded highest pod yield
(8.38 t/ha) against Arkel (7.14 t/ha) under November
sowing. However, GP 473, a medium maturing and
highly resistant to powdery mildew variety, recorded
9.85 t/ha pod yield at IARI, Karnal during 2011-12.
Among new early maturing lines, GP 901 and GP 902
were found completely resistant to powdery mildew
having long curved green pods with 8-9 seeds/pod.
Among edible podded peas, GPE 1 (6.54 t/ha) and GPE
4 (7.33 t/ha) were found highly resistant to powdery
mildew disease.
1.6.5.2 Broad bean
Pusa Udit. Pods of Pusa Udit are extra-long, flattish
and light green. Fresh seeds have attractive green
colour and good in taste. This is a dual purpose broad
bean variety. Both tender pods and dried seeds are
edible. The variety is suitable for packaging and
transport. It has an average yield potential of 17.63 t/
ha, which is 88.52% higher than that of earlier released
variety Pusa Sumeet.Pusa Soumya
Promising genotypes. During rabi season trial,
Sel. 121 (Pink) (33.7 t/ha), Sel. 397 (dark red) (31.5 t/
ha) and Sel. 131 (White) (30.2 t/ha) were found
promising compared to Pusa Red (20.8 t/ha). Hybrids
developed using tropical short day male sterile line
121(A), namely, Sel. 121(A) × EG (39.7t/ha), Sel.
.121(A) × I-33 (37.5 t/ha) and Sel. 121 (A) × Sel.
131(35.6 t/ha) were found superior for bulb yield to
the best commercial hybrid Flare (32.8 t/ha). Sel.
121(A) × Sel. 383 was found superior for anthocyanin,
CUPRAC, K and Fe content.In kharif season white
coloured selection, Sel. 106 (yield: 25.81 t/ha and
water productivity 8.5 kg/m3 ) was found most
promising next to Agrifound Dark Red. (28.94 t/ha
and 9.8 kg/m3). Sel. 383 was found promising for
FRAP and CUPRAC (1.21ìmol trolox/g and 2.78
ìmoltrolox/g, respectively), Sel. 157 (371.02 mg GAE/
100g) for total phenol content and Sel. 102-1 for TSS
(12.830 Brix).
Pusa Udit
1.6.5.3 Minor legumes
Dolichos bean. DB 7 (dark green with purple
sutures), DB 10 (long white straight pod), DB 14
(pink medium) and DB 15 (pink long), and medium
24
H 11-2 H 1-5
maturing lines DB 3 (long green pod with purple
suture), DB 5 (purple-red pod), DB 12 (light green)
and DB 9 (long green straight pod) were found
promising.
Cowpea. The lines CP 5, CP11, CP 19, CP 21, CP
24, CP 26, CP 55, CP 56 and Pusa Sukomal were found
resistant to Cowpea Golden Mosaic Virus.
1.6.6 Malvaceous Crop
1.6.6.1 Okra
Out of 164 genotypes of okra evaluated for yield,
fruit quality traits and YVMV resistance, DOV 66,
DOV 64 and DOV 62 were found resistant to YVMV
up to 90 days of sowing. Out of 82 F1 cross
combinations, DOH 1 and DOH 2 were earliest (50 %
flowering in 43 days), had dark green fruits with
heavy fruiting and yielded 21.5 and 22.7 t/ha,
respectively.
1.6.7 Leafy Vegetables
1.6.7.1 Palak
Among six genotypes of palak, Selection GS recorded
28 % higher vitamin C than Pusa Bharati. In spinach,
Selection VS type was found high yielding and late in
bolting with higher vitamin C and carotenoid content
24.3% and 8.5%, respectively, than Virginia Sivoy.
1.6.7.2 Fenugreek
Out of 19 methi genotypes, BJF 8 gave maximum
yield (14. 4 t/ha) followed by Selection MPB (13.9 t/
ha), and vitamin C content ranged from 7.56 to 51.25
mg/100 g whereas total carotenoid from 15.8 to 60 mg/
100 g.
1.6.7.3 Lettuce
Progambo was observed to have the highest leaf
yield of 1.75 kg/ plant followed by Gallega (1.00 kg).
Stem Lettuce Angustana had the highest CUPRAC
(1.984 μmoltrolox/g) and FRAP content (4.696
μmoltrolox/g), Reina De Mai Pleine Terre had the
highest lycopene content (18.72 mg/100g) while
Wonder Von Stuttgart had the highest total carotenoid
of 45.129 mg/100g. The lowest phenolic content (41.94)
was present in Arctic Kwig.
1.7 FRUIT CROPS
1.7.1 Mango
1.7.1.1 Promising genotypes
Forty five mango hybrids which came into fruiting
were evaluated for different physico-chemical
parameters. Fruit weight ranged from 69.42 g in H 1-9
to 284.12 g in H 1-5. Pulp weight was found to be
maximum in H 11-2 and minimum in H 1-9 and pulp
per cent ranged from 46.76 in H 1-10 to 75.48 in H 11-2.
Pulp TSS was maximum in H 10-10 (26.8%) and
minimum (11.88%) in H 2-14. The Peel thickness was
the maximum in H 8-11(1.63 mm) and minimum in H
2-13 (0.89 mm).
An open-pollinated Selection 1 of Amrapali having
large fruit (266.41 g) with fruit dimension of 12.2 cm ×
6.9 cm and pulp weight 188.2 g was also found
promising. This selection was found superior to
original Amrapali with respect to yield and quality
traits.
25
1.7.1.2 Pollen-pistil interaction
The pollen-pistil interactions in Amrapali as a
result of self, open and cross-pollination with cv.
Sensation was studied. The study indicated that self-
pollination in Amrapali (1133flowers) resulted in rapid
decline in fruit set (0.26%) after 25 days of pollination.
In contrast, cross-pollination with Sensation (637
flowers) resulted in 32 fruits (5.02%) after 25 days of
pollination. Results of the present investigation clearly
indicate that Amrapali does not favour self-pollination.
However, cross-pollination resulted in substantial fruit
set.
1.7.2 Citrus
Malta sweet orange. Eleven malta accessions were
evaluated and compared with Jaffa and Valencia Late,
standard sweet orange cultivars as check. The heavier
fruits were recorded in MS 3 (340.92 g) followed by
MS 7 (276.74 g). Juice content varied from 38.19% in
MS 3 to 55.00% in MS 16 and total soluble solids (TSS)
content was found to be the highest in MS 2 (11.3%)
followed by MS 16 (11.12. The lowest juice acidity was
recorded in MS-5 (0.66%) and highest in MS 13 (1.18%).
Higher ascorbic acid content was estimated in Jaffa
(40.35 mg/100 ml juice) followed by MS 7 (39.60 mg/
100 ml juice). The highest yield per plant was recorded
in MS 13 (31.07 kg) followed by MS 7 (23.36 kg).
heaviest fruit was recorded in P 7 (1075.20 g) followed
by P 9 (920.12 g). The peel thickness was found to be
minimum in P 12 and juice TSS ranged between 8.5%
in P 7 to 10.0% in P 11. The ascorbic acid content was
found to be maximum in P 11, while acidity was
minimum in P 12.
Grapefruit. Five grapefruit cultivars, namely,
Marsh Seedless, Red Blush, Imperial, Foster, and
Duncan were evaluated for yield and quality
parameters. The maximum fruit weight was found in
Foster (408.8 g) followed by Duncan (293.6 g) whereas
juice recovery was recorded the highest in Imperial
(57.77%) followed by Red Blush (56.21%). Marsh
Seedless had the lowest acidity (0.92%), while TSS was
recorded the highest in Imperial (10.57%). Fruit yield
varied from 8.94 kg/plant in Redblush to 15.10 kg/plant
in Marsh SL.
1.7.3 Grape
Promising genotypes. Out of 35 genotypes, Tas-e-
Ganesh had the highest bunch weight (550 g) and TSS
(22.5%). Centennial Seedless was the promising exotic
genotype having moderate bunch size (279.0 g) with
self berry thinning type as well as berry size (2.2 g).
These varieties can be recommended for commercial
cultivation in north India.
Amongst 16 hybrids evaluated, Hybrid (Hur × BE)
× BS matured early followed by Hybrid Hur × Card
76- 1. Hybrids BA × Per 75-32, (Hur × BE) × BS are good
quality seedless type, while Hybrid Hur × Card 76-1 is
seeded type with large berry (5.0 g) and suitable for
table purpose and munnakka making.
MS 13 MS 5
Mosambi sweet orange. Maximum fruit weight
(176.03 g) was observed in MOS 6 and juice recovery
in MOS 2 (31.04%). Seeds per fruit varied from 13 in
MOS 16 to 22.67 in MOS 2. Variant MOS 6 also had
higher TSS. The lowest acidity was recorded in MOS
5. The highest per plant yield was recorded in MOS 3
(12.80 kg) followed by MOS 7 (2.91 kg).
Pummelo. Six pummelo genotypes were evaluated
for various physico-chemical parameters and the Promising grape hybrids
26
Six genotypes were evaluated for pigments and
flavour compounds. It was found that PusaNavrang
had highest phenol content (332 mg GAE/100 g)
followed by Hybrid 76-2 (MA × RR) (280.8 mg GAE/
100 g). Pusa Navrang had highest total flavonoids
followed by Hybrid 76-2 (MA × RR) and Black Muscat.
Pusa Navrang also contained highest total monomeric
anthocyanin content (1026.136 mg/ l), while Alumwick
had the lowest content (54.017 mg/l).
1.7.4 Papaya
Promising genotypes. The highest fruiting zone
was recorded in P 7-9 genotype (123 cm) followed
by TGP 7 (109 cm) and RCTP 1 (107 cm), whereas it
was lowest in Pusa Nanha (78 cm). The fruits of
Sinta hybrid were superior having uniform fruit
size, flesh thickness, minimum central cavity and
maximum shelf-life (8 days). The total soluble solids
were maximum in Surya (12.50Brix) followed by P
7-9 (12.00Brix) and Red Lady (11.60Brix). The
maximum viral symptoms were observed in Surya
followed by Red Lady and Arka Prabhat, minimum
in P 7-9 followed by PSL 3 and RCTP 1. The
maximum fruit yield per plant was recorded in P
7-9 (55.6 kg) followed by RCTP 1 and TGP 7 (50.2
kg), PSL 3 (46.5 kg), P 7-2 (46.0 kg), Sinta (40.5 kg)
and Pusa Nanha (35.6 kg), whereas it was lowest in
Surya (15.6 kg) followed by Red Lady (18.6 kg).
At Regional Station, Pusa (Bihar), Pusa Dwarf
showed lowest plant height (112.2 cm), number of
nodes (24.8) and girth (18 cm) at first flowering.
Maximum number of fruits (56.8) was found in Pusa
Papaya 2-8 and highest fruit weight (2.12 kg) and T.S.S
(11.6%) were observed in Pune Selection 3. Pusa
Selection Red recorded the highest yield per plant (79.0
kg). Pune Selection 2 and Pune Selection 3 showed
tolerance to ring spot virus disease in the first year trial
whereas the maximum incidence (82.41%) was
observed in Pusa Delicious.
1. 8 ORNAMENTAL CROPS
1.8.1 Gladiolus
Hybrids identified for release. Two hybrids Berlew
× Heady Wine (Tall) and Berlew × Heady Wine were
identified for release as Pusa Unnati and Pusa Srijana,
respectively. Pusa Unnati attained a height of 158.66
cm and produced spikes having spike length of 141.00
cm and rachis length of 71.00 cm. However, Pusa
Srijana attained a height of 103.22 cm having spike
length of 85.25 cm, rachis length of 49.55 cm with 16.66
number of florets/spike.
Performance of some promising grape hybrids
Hybrid/genotype Ripening Av. no. of Av. bunch Av. berry TSS Remarks
date bunches/ vine wt. (g) wt. (g) (%)
BA × Per 75-32 7th June 25.0 313.75 2.7 18.0 Yellowish seedless berry, suitable as table
grape
Hur × Card 76-1 6th June 17.0 300.0 5.0 22.5 Yellowish bold berry, seeded, suitable as table
grape and also for Munnakka making.
(Hur ×BE) × BS 1st June 35.0 465.0 2.2 18.5 Yellowish-green round berry, seedless suitable
as table grape
Perlette 1st June 17.0 350.0 1.8 17.50 Greenish-yellow berries
Sinta P 7-9
27
1.8.2 Chrysanthemum
1.8.2.1 Varieties identified
Pusa Arunodaya. It is a gamma ray induced pink
coloured mutant of cv. Thai Chen Queen, which is
orange in colour. Pink coloured ray florets (65D)
appeared as chimers which were used for in vitro
regeneration to establish as a new variety. The plants
are medium in height (50-55 cm) with good spread (60-
65 cm). The semi double flowers are big (7-8 cm
diameter) with incurving ray florets. The variety is
suitable as a cut flower and pot culture for exhibition
purposes.
used for in vitro regeneration to establish as a new
variety. The plants are tall in height (65-70 cm) with
good spread (60-65 cm). The semi double flowers are
big (9-10cm diameter) with incurving ray florets. The
variety is suitable as a cut flower and pot culture for
exhibition purposes.
Pusa Aditya. It is an open pollinated seedling of
cv.Jaya. The plants are bushy (30-35 branches) and
medium in height (55-60 cm) with moderate spread
(45-50 cm). The spray type variety is a unique, bearing
star shaped semi-double flowers that resemble that
of a gazania. The flowers are yellow in colour (5 A) at
the periphery with orange red colour (45A) in the
center. The florets are spatulate with distinct keel. This
attractive variety is suitable for cut flower and potted
plant.
Pusa Srijana Pusa Unnati
Pusa Arunodaya
Pusa Kesari. It is also a gamma ray induced red
coloured mutant of cv. Thai Chen Queen. Red coloured
ray florets (171A) appeared as chimers which were
Pusa Kesari
Pusa Aditya
Pusa Aditya
28
Pusa Chitraksha. It is an open pollinated seedling
of cv. Lal Pari. The plants are bushy (24-30 branches),
tall in height (60-65cm) with excellent spread (60-65
cm). The variety is a spray type producing single
flowers having deep magenta colour, which is unique
in chrysanthemum. The florets are spatulate in shape
with magenta colour (59A) at the periphery with silvery
white ray floret tube. The disc florets are yellow (12A)
providing a very good contrast. Owing to its floriferous
nature the variety is suitable for potted plant and
garden display.
florets are also yellow (12C). The variety is an early
flowering .The flowering commences by the last week
of October while other varieties bloom in the third week
of November giving an advantage of at least 20 days.
The variety is ideally suited for pot mums.
1.8.3 Bougainvillea
Stem cuttings of bougainvillea varieties were
treated with gamma rays. After six month of planting,
the results revealed that sprouting was 76.47 % in
Elizabeth Angus, 55.00% in Blondie and 40.00% in
Mahara at 2.5 Gy dose of gamma rays. Two mutants,
one each from Golden Glow and Lady Mary
Baringalong with one natural bud sports of Dr. Bhabha
were evaluated. All the three mutants were stable in
terms of colour of the bracts which differed remarkably
from their respective parents.
1.8.4 Lilium
At IARI Regional Station, Katrain, the F1 Oriental
hybrids were backcrossed to diploid Asiatic hybrid cv.
Pollyanna. Seedling of different progenies were
harvested and evaluated. Maximum number of
seedlings (11.0) and size of bulblets (6.8mm) was
observed in Stargazer × Pollyanna cross combination.
In inter-ploidy crosses (4x) × (2x) these values were
maximum in Grand Paradiso × Pollyanna.
Pusa Chtraksha
Pusa Sona. It is an open pollinated seedling of cv.
Sadbhawana. Plants are bushy (20-25 branches),
extremely dwarf in height (25-30 cm) with excellent
spread (50-55 cm). The spray type variety produces
single flowers that are yellow in colour (8A). The disc
Pusa Sona
Stargazer × Pollyanna Grand Paradiso (4x) × Pollyanna (2x)
The alteration in morphology was observed after
irradiation of lily bulbs. The changes included
differences in flower development, double
inflorescence, increase or decrease in tepal numbers
and distorted leaves.
29
1.8.5 Tulip
At IARI Regional station, Katrain, three varieties
of tulip, namely, Apeldoorn, Golden Melody and
Strong Gold were irradiated with gamma radiation (5,
10 and 20 Gy). At higher dose of gamma radiation large
number of flower buds dried before opening. The
irradiated bulbs produced less number of bulbs and
bulblets than those of control.
1.9.2 Development of Seed ProductionTechnology for Hybrid Bitter Gourd
Seed production technology was standardized for
bitter gourd hybrids, Pusa Hybrid 1 and Pusa Hybrid
2. Stigma remained receptive up to one day both under
open field and net house conditions, but fruit and seed
setting was higher when pollination was done between
7 am and 12 noon. GA3 (50ppm) sprayed at three leaf
stage, tendril initiation and bud initiation was found
Seven petals Five petals Double inflorescence
Original flower Mutant flower
1.9 SEED SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
1.9.1 Studies on Self-incompatibility andProtogyny System in Indian mustard andSeed Production in CGMS and SI basedHybrids
Flowers of SI-Pg lines of Indian mustard were
treated with growth regulators, such as, Kinetin, GA3,
IAA and NAA, and histidine amino acid to validate
the seed set response. Highest number of seeds per pod
was recorded in Kinetin (5mg/ 50ml) and histidine
(1000 ppm). Analysis of the pollen viability of these
lines at differential maturity stage, i.e., from freshly
opened flower to 8 days after anthesis showed that
pollens collected after 3 and 4 days of anthesis showed
maximum viability (78.6 – 81.3 %) leading to optimum
seed setting (8.3 – 13.4 seeds/ pod).
Stained pollen from flowers of freshly opened [A], [B], [C], [D],[E], 5 day old [F]; G and H – Staining of Viable and Non-Viablepollen; Pod and seed set from pollen f & 3 and 4 day old flowers.(I&J)
View of hybrid seed production of bitter gourd in Insect proof nethouse
30
to be the most effective for induction of more female
flowers, higher fruit and seed setting, number of fruits/
vine and seed yield for hybrid seed production of Pusa
Hybrid-1. Hand pollination done once per flower was
found to be the best for higher fruit setting as well as
seed yield. Storability studies indicated spring-
summer-produced seeds had higher germination,
vigour and storability as compared to kharif season.
1.9.3 Development of Seed Testing Protocolin Caraway
Freshly harvested seeds of Caraway (Carum carvi
L.) exhibited non-deep physiological dormancy for
about 2-3 months. Seed deterioration in Carway was
recorded to be fast. This was attributed to a low
molecular weight carbonyl compound emitted by the
seed that can be highly active against proteins, lipids
and nucleic acids. Seeds stored with higher moisture
content (i.e., 8, 10 to 12%) lost viability within 6, 9 and
18 months of storage under ambient condition,
respectively, while storage of seeds with similar
moisture content at – 20oC could retain upto 50 % seed
germinability.
1.9.4 Assessing Genetic Purity in Hybrid Seed
Studies were conducted to identify molecular
markers for ensuring the purity of hybrids of brinjal,
maize and cotton, and their respective male and female
parents. In brinjal validity of identified markers for
testing the genetic purity in comparison with that of
GOT was established in variety PH-5 and PH-9. Six
SSR markers were identified for each of three brinjal
hybrids, which could be used for ensuring the hybridity
as well as extant of selfed seeds in hybrid seed lots of
PUSA 9, PUSA 5 and Kashi Komal. Duplex PCR
technique was developed to establish the identity of
these hybrids/variety.
In case of cotton, out of 40 microsatellite markers
studied, 10 markers, i.e., BNL169, BNL2590, BNL 2895,
BNL 840, BNL 2544, BNL1350, BNL 3255, BNL 2895
BNL 2572 and BNL3441 were found polymorphic
among the parents of two interspecific cotton hybrids
DCH32 and RAHB87. Maize hybrids (12) and the
respective parental inbreds were screened for hybrid
purity test by SSR markers. Two SSR markers for hybrid
Vivek QPM-9, one SSR marker each for Vivek Hybrid
9, HQPM 1 and HM-11 were identified for
distinguishing hybrids from its parental inbreds.
1.9.5 Pre-sowing Seed Treatments forEnhancing Crop Productivity
Seed Priming
High and low seed vigour lots of maize (HQPM-1)
and sweet corn were exposed to hydro priming or halo
priming (0.3% KNO3), for 17h at 25oC followed by dry
dressing with thiram (3g/kg seed) and evaluated for
field emergence, speed of emergence, seedling root
growth (length, surface area, volume), early vegetative
growth, plant height and seed yield. Treated seeds
performed better than the non-treated control. In okra
varieties, A-4 and Varsha Uphar, seeds treated with
osmo priming (PEG 6000 1.5MPa) improved field
emergence, speed of germination, seedling vegetative
growth, vigour and root development, especially under
suboptimum conditions (Min. temp. 10-12OC during
4th week of February).
In wheat, halo priming with KNO3 (0.3%) followed by
treatment with Neem Khali (10g/kg seed) was found effective
in improving crop establishment and final plant stand, and
was demonstrated on farm trials in Madhya Pradesh.
Duplex PCR technique for ensuring the identity and seed purityin brinjal hybrids and parental lines (F: female parent, H: hybrid,M: male parent)
Field emergence in osmo primed (A) and non-treated control (B)seeds of Okra
B
A
31
Identifying the seed vigour traits associated with
drought tolerance in wheat
Wheat recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed
for drought tolerance, were studied for seed and
seedling vigour traits, especially pre-anthesis biomass
production. Trial conducted under irrigated field
conditions showed highly significant association
(r=0.50) between root biomass (< 10 cm depth) and pre-
anthesis shoot biomass. Genotypes showed wide
variation in initial and final germination percentage,
root and shoot length, and 1000-seed weight.
1.9.6 To Study the Effect of DifferentGrowing Conditions on Stage of Harvest inHybrid Seed Production in Cucumber
The effect of stage of fruit harvest, i.e., 25, 30, 35, 40,
45 days after anthesis in cucumber cv. Pant Shankar
Khira-1on fruit and seed quality was studied under
naturally ventilated poly house (NVPH), insect proof
net house (IPNH) and open field conditions (OFC).
These three environments significantly influenced the
fruit and seed development process. As a result under
IPNH the fruit weight in summer (580.33g) and kharif
(684.00g); number of filled seeds in summer (154.46) and
kharif (169.33) were higher compared to NVPH and OFC.
1.9.7 Effect of Berry Pruning and TrussesRetention of on Seed Yield & QualityAttributes of Cherry Tomato under DifferentEnvironmental Conditions
In the experiment conducted under different
environmental conditions at the Center for Protected
Cultivation Technology during winter summer season
2011-12 on cherry tomato Pusa selection-1, it was
observed that 10 fruits/5 trusses recorded the highest
berry weight followed by 10 fruits/7 trusses and 15
fruits/5 trusses under environmentally controlled poly
house (ECPH) followed by NVPH and IPNH. The
findings indicated that pruning of berries/truss as well
as retaining of trusses/plant positively influenced the
weight, width and length of berries, and enhanced seed
germination and seed weight under ECPH followed
by NVPH and IPNH conditions, when compared to
un-pruned trusses.
1.9.8 Effect of Pollination Time on Fruit Setand Seed Yield under Different Conditionsin Hybrid Seed Production of Cucumber
The hand pollination was carried out at 7.00, 9.00
and 11.00 AM under three sets of conditions viz., ECPH,
NVPH and IPNH. During summer season, pollination
at 7.00 AM gave higher fruit set (3.76) and number of
fruit developed to maturity (2.30). Additionally, the
number of filled seeds per fruit, 100-seed weight, seed
yield per fruit was also significantly higher at 7.00 AM
pollination.
1.9.9 Seed Production
The Seed Production Unit (Delhi) and regional
stations of IARI at Karnal, Pusa, Dharawd and
Wellington produced nucleus, breeder, IARI seeds and
fruit saplings of different crops during the year.
Production of seeds (tons) and planting material (no.)
Crop group Nucleus seed Breeder seed IARI seed Total seed
Seed Production Unit, Delhi
Wheat - 45.76 155.00 200.76
Paddy - 11.95 116.29 128.24
Maize - 0.003 - 0.003
Pearl millet (Parental lines) - 0.39 - 0.39
Mungbean - - 2.00 2.00
Pigeonpea - - 1.12 1.12
Chickpea 4.88 - - 4.88
32
Lentil - - 1.32 1.32
Dhaincha - - 1.12 1.12
Mustard - 0.56 1.28 1.84
Soybean - 0.76 - 0.76
Vegetables and flowers 0.0015 0.35 3.01 3.3615
Fruit saplings (Number) - - 933 933
Regional Station, Karnal
Cereals 4.07 131.97 298.85 434.89
Forages 0.04 0.53 0.37 0.94
Oil seeds 0.03 1.48 0.31 1.82
Pulses 0.04 7.13 3.42 10.59
Vegetables 0.11 1.22 3.24 4.57
Regional Station, Indore
Wheat 130.4 130.4
Maize 3.39 3.39
Soybean 2.50 2.50
Papaya 0.0107 0.0107
Regional Station, Pusa
Wheat 23.0 881.05 901.9 1805.95
Paddy - - 208.0 208.0
Pigeonpea 0.5 1.25 - 1.75
Maize - 3.90 15.0 18.9
Papaya - - 0.24 0.24
Lentil - - 15.02 15.02
Tobacco 0.02 - 9.0 9.02
Mungbean - - 15.06 15.06
Mustard - - 18.6 18.6
Cauliflower - - 11.9 11.9
Okra - - 9.0 9.0
Peas - - 15.5 15.5
Regional Station, Katrain
Vegetables 0.1009 0.1493 2.3836 2.6338
Regional Station, Dharwad
Pearl millet 0.065 - 0.045 0.11
Pulse (Chickpea) 0.16 - - 0.16
Regional Station, Wellington
Wheat - 15.0 - 15.0
Crop group Nucleus seed Breeder seed IARI seed Total seed
33
2. GENETIC RESOURCES
Plant genetic resources are the reservoirs of variability in crops which is crucial for crop improvement. The
institute has an in-built programme in different crops for collection, characterization and utilization of germplasm
to strengthen the genetic base and improvement of crop varieties. A huge collection of landraces, released varieties,
wild and weedy species of crop plants have been maintained and utilized in the breeding programmes of the
Institute. The chapter also includes biosystematics and identification services related to fungi, insects and
nematodes to explore, conserve and enrich the culture collection.
2.1 CROP GENETIC RESOURCES
2.1.1 Wheat
2.1.1.1 Maintenance and utilization of wildrelatives
About 250 accessions of wild relatives of wheat
were maintained including diploid, tetraploid as well
as hexaploid species. The introgression of rust
resistance genes from several wild species such as
Aegilops markgrafii (2n=2X=14, genome CC), Ae.
Speltoides (2n=2x=14, genome SS), Triticum militinae
(2n=4x=28, genome AAGG) and T. turgidum (2n=4x=28,
genome AABB) are in advanced stage. Leaf rust
registant Ae. speltoides and Ae. markgrafii derivatives
were crossed with NI 5439 and Agra Local to study
mode of inheritance and possibly determine the
identity of gene through molecular mapping.
2.1.1.2 Germplasm maintained
About 90 CMS and 70 fertility restorer lines of
wheat developed so far were maintained and utilized.
Monosomic series in Chinese spring and Lal Bahadur
were maintained cytologically. A set of 1,259 indigenous
and exotic genetic stocks collected from different
sources for moisture stress, early and terminal heat
stress, leaf, stem and stripe rusts, and foliar blight were
maintained in the field conditions.
2.1.1.3 Pre-breeding
Creation of new genetic variability and handling
of breeding material. One hundred and seventy eight
simple and three way crosses in wheat were attempted
in order to create new genetic variability for selecting
new desirable types. A total of 3,724 segregating and
breeding lines of wheat were evaluated for rust
resistance and agronomic features of which 1,673 elite
lines selected.
Preparedness to mitigate the threat from Ug99
race.Top cross and three way crosses were effected for
pyramiding of stem rust resistance genes Sr2, Sr22,
Sr24, Sr25, Sr26, Sr27, Sr29, Sr33, Sr44, Sr47 and Sr49.
Identifying newer APR genes from Indian old
varieties and land races.To identify newer APR genes
from HW 971, Lok 1 and UP 2339, mapping populations
were picked at BC2F
2 stage in the background of WL711,
Lumli local and Lalbahadur.
Linkage studies. To study the positive and negative
traits (yield, resistance to biotic/abiotic stresses)
associated with rust resistance gene (Lr28), a planned
trial with unsprayed and sprayed control was
conducted utilizing already developed NIL’s
populations of popular wheat cultivars carrying this
Aegilops speltoides - derived gene.
Hybrid wheat research. In view of developing
hybrid wheat, nearly 32 CMS A-lines have been
developed and A x B seed production system was
standardized.
Genetic stocks. Under the bulk and modified
pedigree program nearly 1,200 lines were raised as
different filial generations. At F9,140 advance stable
34
populations resistant to leaf, stem and yellow rusts
were constituted.
2.1.1.4 Germplasm evaluation for stripe rustresistance
Two hundred and seventy CVT entries of wheat
were evaluated for seedling resistance against 46S119
and 78S84 pathotypes of stripe rust. Fifty genotypes
were recorded as resistant to pathotype 46S119, 36 to
78S84 and 30 to both. Forty seven elite lines of wheat
were evaluated for seedling resistance against 46S119
& 78S84 pathotypes of stripe rust, of which 23 were
found resistant to both. Forty three spring and winter
wheat genotypes possessing good agronomic features
were evaluated against the most virulent and
prevalent pathotype 77-5, of which nine were found
resistant.
2.1.1.5 Identification of germplasm against rustdisease
The wheat germplasm line HS 545 (HD 2819/HS
435) developed through bulk-pedigree method of
breeding at Tutikandi Centre was identified as source
of resistance to all the pathotypes of leaf and stem rusts,
and also possessed good agronomic features.
2.1.2 Rice
2.1.2.1 Registration of three elite genetic stocksof rice
A total of three germplasm lines including two
improved versions of PRR 78, namely, Pusa1602-06-24-
5-45 (INGR12002, IC0593847) and Pusa1603-06-11-4-19
(INGR12003, IC0593848) carrying gene Piz5 and Pi54,
respectively, conferring resistance to blast disease
developed through molecular marker assisted
foreground and background selection, and an early
maturing semi-dwarf basmati rice genotype, Pusa 1509-
03-1-7-2 (INGR12052, IC0593942) were registered with
NBPGR, New Delhi.
2.1.2.2 Germplasm characterization, maintenanceand conservation
A total of 855 rice germplasm consisting of released
varieties and landraces were multiplied and conserved
in seed storage modules.
2.1.3 Maize
2.1.3.1 Maintenance and characterization ofgermplasm
Collected 6 inbreds (with favourable alleles crtRB1
and lcyE) from CIMMYT-Hravest Plus and more than
1,500 inbreds, majority in QPM background, were
procured from CIMMYT, Mexico. These new
generations of QPM inbreds were evaluated during
kharif 2012 and promising entries identified which are
being utilized in the QPM breeding programme. A set
of 331 CMLs inbreds received from Sehgal foundation
during the last season were maintained at IARI. Thirty
eight populations in the genetic background of waxy,
sweet corn, pop corn type were also received from
CIMMYT, Mexico. These populations were selfed
during kharif 2011 and 2012 to derive new inbreds in
the given genetic background. An “Opaque16” maize
mutant known to increase the level of tryptophan
content in maize was procured from USA. The new
mutant is being used in the quality breeding program.
2.1.3.2 Development of sweet corn hybrids
A set of F1 plants generated between sh2sh2 and
su1su1 based sweet corn inbreds were selfed to identify
segregants for both the sh2 and su1 genes. Eleven
promising F3
segregants with su1su1/sh2sh2 were
identified and selected for further advancement. These
double recessive mutants were found to be distinctly
different from either of the single mutants. These new
mutant stocks hold significant promise in sweet corn
breeding for further enhancement of kernel sugar.
Kernel characteristics of shrunken (sh2sh2), sugary (su1su1) anddouble recessive genotypes (su1su1sh2sh2)
35
Conversion of haploid inducer temperate lines
RWS, RWK-76 and RWS × RWK-76 in to subtropical
lines is underway. Crosses were successfully made
between inducer lines and subtropical lines, and seeds
harvested from the successful crosses.
2.1.5 Chickpea
2.1.5.1 Germplasm registered
Two germplasm accessions, namely, IC 594869
(BGD 112) and IC 59416 (BG 2085) were registered with
NBPGR.
2.1.5.2 Pre-breeding and germplasmenhancement
A set of 100 land races procured from ICARDA,
Syria were evaluated for yield and drought
parameters. Using a minimax-maximax approach
based on yield and membrane stability index (MSI),
the land races IG5844a, IG5896 and IG5908 had lower
reduction in MSI under late sown conditions as
compared to that of normal sown and were also high
in yield.
2.1.5.3 Maintenance of germplasm
Thirty four germplasm accessions and 11 breeding
lines/varieties were screened for resistance to dry root
rot pathogen (Rhizoctonia bataticola) for identification
of resistant (R) and susceptible (S) genotypes. Nine lines
were identified as resistant (score 3).
2.1.5.4 Sources of tolerance to rust
Three chickpea genotypes FLIP-97020-1785, ICC-
1558 and ICC-1745 were identified as tolerant to rust
caused by Uromyces ciceri-arietini.
2.1.6 Mungbean
2.1.6.1 Evaluation and maintenance of germplasm
A set of 409 mungbean germplasm lines were
maintained and 101 lines along with checks (Pant
Mung 5 and Pusa 871) evaluated for tolerance to
drought stress at seedling stage. Out of these, only
one line, IC 325810 showed remarkably higher level
of tolerance. Physiological parameters such as
relative water content and proline accumulation
proved a potential indicator of drought stress
tolerance. Four intraspecific and interspecific crosses
were attempted using mungbean and urdbean to
generate new genetic variability and incorporation
of traits like drought tolerance, aluminium tolerance
and YMV resistance.
2.1.3.3 Sources of resistance to maize foliardiseases
Developed inbreds, viz., IDL-13, IDL-26, IDL-17,
IDM-40 (PS-15), IDM-29, IDL-31, IDM-2, IDM-39
(PS-27), IDM-43, IDL-30, IDM-3, IDM-42 and IDE-9
combining tolerance to turcicum leaf blight with higher
grain yield ( > 5t/ha). Four inbreds, viz., DK-120243,
DK-120006, DK-120033, DK-120013 were found highly
tolerant to bacterial leaf and sheath blight with a disease
score of <1.5.
Inbreds, viz., IDM-44, IDE-40, IDM-2, IDM-3 IDM-
45 and IDL-3 were resistant to both maydis leaf blight
and turcicum leaf blight whereas DK-120084, DK-
120090, DK-120002 and DK-120154 resistant to maydis
leaf blight and bacterial leaf and sheath blight.
2.1.4 Pearl Millet
2.1.4.1 Maintenance of germplasm
A total of 700 germplasm lines of pearl millet
including cytoplasmic male sterile lines, maintainers
and restorers were maintained and evaluated for the
traits including early flowering, high tillering, thick
spike, bristled spike, long spike, variations in
compactness of the spike, grain colour, etc. Among
these, four lines with > 120 ppm of Fe and 17 lines with
> 80 ppm of Zn were identified.
Ears of haploidy inducer lines
36
2.1.7 Lentil
2.1.7.1 Maintenance of germplasm
Ninety European land races and 140 early
maturing lines procured from NBPGR were evaluated
and maintained.
2.1.7.2 Lentil screening against abiotic stresses
One hundred and fifty one genotypes of lentil were
grown in the hydroponic conditions under salt stress,
having NaCl levels of 40, 60, 80 and 120 mM NaCl along
with control. The most tolerant genotypes were PSL 1,
PSL 2, PSL 3, PSL 4, PSL 5, PSL 6, PSL 7 and PSL 8. The
results for plant biomass and salinity induced toxicity
symptoms were closely associated with reduction of
growth parameters. The level of salinity tolerance based
on these parameters varied substantially and provide
an important basis for genetic improvement of lentil.
One hundred thirty five genotypes were evaluated
under three treatments including control, 40 and 60 mM
NaHCO3. There were significant differences in high
pH tolerance between the 135 genotypes. The most
tolerant genotypes were PAL 1, PAL 2, PAL 3, PAL 4,
PAL 5 and PAL 6. Genotypes from ICARDA, Syria were
the most tolerant, followed by those from Turkey, India,
Bangladesh, Pakistan and Australia.
2.1.8 Pigeonpea
2.1.8.1 Maintenance of germplasm
A set of 113 lines including 27 bold seeded
determinate entries were raised for their use in
hybridization programme. All the lines were
determinate (DT) type with bold seed size, but were
late in maturity. Short duration lines (40) along with
some R lines were also procured from ARS, Durgapura,
Jaipur.
2.1.9 Brassicas
2.1.9.1 Maintenance of germplasm
A total of 726 germplasm lines including B. juncea
(439), B. carinata (170), B. napus (38), B. rapa (39), B.
oleracea (6,) B. nigra (14), B. tournifortii (3), B. caudatus
(3), R. caudatus (1), R. sativa (1), S. alba (2), Eruca sativa
(6), Crambe spp. (2), Lapidium spp (1), Camellina spp. (1)
were maintained by selfing and used in crossing
programme.
2.1.9.2 Diversity analysis
Based on molecular and morphological diversity,
70 F1s were analyzed to study the relationship between
genetic distance and heterosis. Simple Sequence
Repeats (SSRs) were observed to be a better tool in
differentiating genotypes from different origin.
However, no strong association between genetic
distance and average heterosis was observed.
2.1.9.3 Screening for temperature tolerance
A set of 256 genotypes including released varieties,
germplasm and advanced breeding lines along with
five checks were screened under field conditions for
seedling and terminal heat tolerance; and for seedling
stage heat tolerance under Phytotron conditions.
Genotypes, viz., NPJ 124, EJ 22, NPJ 113, EJ 13, EJ 20,
Bio 313-10, NPJ 135, NPJ 147, NPJ 93, MST 11-1, MST
11-19, 6020 and 6023 were found to possess tolerance
to high temperature at seedling stage.
2.1.9.4 Evaluation of double zero breeding lines
Sixteen double zero genotypes from advance
generations were raised in replicated trials with four
checks (low erucic acid and conventional variety) for
their yield evaluation. Out of these, six genotypes were
found promising for various important agronomic traits.
2.1.10 Soybean
2.1.10.1 Maintenance of genetic stock
More than 100 diverse lines in F5 were developed
through inter-specific hybridization between Glycine
Maintenance of mustard germplasm
37
max and G.soja. All the lines found to vary in days to
flowering, days to maturity, plant type, flower color,
pod size and numbers, seeds per pod, seed size, etc.The
colour of the seeds varied from black, variegated, green
to yellow. The 100- seed weight varied from 5.5 g
to14.1g. Five lines were identified with maturity
duration around 90-95 days. Plants were erect, medium
tall and of non-shattering habit. Further testing is on.
A series of lines devoid of Kunit trypsin inhibitor (KTI)
in its seeds were developed through marker assisted
selection. The donor for the null allele of KTI was PI
542044, a germplasm line collected from USDA. The
plants were resistant to yellow mosaic virus and earlier
in maturity than the recurrent parent (DS 9712).
2.1.11 Cotton
2.1.11.1 Maintenance and evaluation ofgermplasm
Two hundred germplasm lines of G. hirsutum were
maintained and evaluated for important yield and fiber
quality traits.
2.1.12 Vegetable Crops
Cauliflower. Forty early group and 63 mid-group
genotypes were evaluated and promising plants were
advanced through selfing and sib pollination. One
hundred new germplasms of cauliflower received from
NBPGR were evaluated at IARI Regional Station,
Katrain. Among them five promising lines were
maintained. Ninety five lines of snowball cauliflower
along with 11 CMS lines and their maintainers were
maintained as core set of germplasm.
Cabbage. Eighty four new germplasm of cabbage
received from NBPGR were grown at IARI Regional
Station, Katrain in observation rows and it was
observed that more than 75% lines were male sterile.
Another set of 50 exotic collections were evaluated for
horticultural traits and the lines EC 686706, EC 675660,
EC 686716, EC 675667 and EC 686707 were found to be
highly promising.
Broccoli. Twelve lines were evaluated and
promising selections were advanced for further
evaluation. Twenty germplasm along with five CMS
lines and their maintainer (B) lines were maintained at
IARI Regional Station, Katrain.
Tomato. Fifty two new germplasm and 60 old
germplasm of tomato were collected and are being
evaluated for their yield and quality traits. Sixty seven
breeding/parental lines were evaluated during kharif
2012 for resistance against ToLCV.
Brinjal. Fifteen newly collected and 145 working
germplasm maintained in the previous years were
purified, evaluated and maintained. Wild brinjal
species, Solanum aethiopicum, S. incanum,S. gilo, S.
insanum, S. indicum, S. torvum, S. khasianumand S.
integrifolium were maintained.
Chilli. Thirty nine genotypes collected from
Meghalaya region through NBPGR and 10 Chinese
lines were evaluated and maintained.
Capsicum and paprika. Fifty six lines were
evaluated and maintained and 40 new lines were added
to gene pool at IARI Regional Station, Katrain.
Carrot. Forty eight elite genotypes, 87 CMS lines
and 56 fertile inbreds were evaluated, and selected
roots were planted for maintenance and seed
multiplication.Thirty five germplasm and 23 CMS (A)
lines along with their respective maintainer (B) lines
were maintained at IARI Regional Station, Katrain.
Three more CMS lines are in advanced stages of
development.
Onion. Thirty nine new germplasm of onion
including allied species (Allium ascolonicum, Allium
tuberosum) were collected and planted for initial seed
multiplication. Another allied species, namely, Allium
fistulosum and Allium schoenoprassum are being
maintained.
Garden pea. Eighty Fusarium wilt and powdery
mildew resistant lines were evaluated and maintained.
Minor legumes. Sixty five and twenty five
genotypes of cowpea and Dolichos bean, respectively,
were maintained.
Cucumber. One hundred fifty three and ninety
eight germplasm /advanced breeding lines including
32 new collections were evaluated during spring-
summer and kharif seasons, respectively, and promising
lines maintained. Sixty-three germplasm/ breeding
lines of gynoecious parthenocarpic cucumber, gherkin,
38
carotene rich cucumber, Cucumishytivus and other
exotic lines with novel characters were evaluated under
polyhouse conditions during winter season.
Luffa. Seventy five and 72 germplasm/advanced
breeding lines and virus resistant lines of Luffa
(sponge gourd) were evaluated during spring
summer and kharif seasons, respectively and
promising lines maintained. In ridge gourd, 80 and
96 germplasm/ breeding lines including Satputia and
its genetic stock were evaluated during spring
summer and kharif seasons, respectively, and
promising lines maintained.
Pumpkin. Fifty germplasm/ advanced breeding
lines of pumpkin were evaluated and maintained.
Muskmelon and snapmelon. One hundred forty
eight lines of muskmelon and 48 lines of snapmelon
were evaluated and maintained.
Minor cucurbits. Twenty five, 36 and 24
germplasm/ advanced breeding lines of summer
squash, longmelon and roundmelon, respectively, were
evaluated and maintained.
Okra. One hundred forty one cultivated and 21
wild accessions of okra were maintained.
Minor leafy vegetables. Nineteen lines of methi, 15
of Chenopodium, 8 of palak, 11 of spinach and 9 of
Amaranth were maintained.
2.1.13 Fruit Crops
Acid lime. A survey was made around Fatehpur
district of Uttar Pradesh and 11 plants were selected
based on yield and fruit quality parameters. Fruit
weight varied from 40.5 g in ALC 59 to 88.1 g in ALC
58, while juice recovery ranged from 34.98% in ALC 55
to 59.63% in ALC 58. All collections had acidity more
than 5.0%, however, maximum was recorded in ALC
56 and minimum in ALC 53 (5.57%). Plants of these
collections were collected and planted in evaluation
block.
Kinnow. For identifying low seeded Kinnow
mandarin clones, Hoshiarpur district of Punjab was
surveyed. The areas surveyed were Mehlianwali,
Ahranakala, Darapur and Dharamkot. Out of 16
orchards surveyed in different locations, two low
seeded Kinnow mandarin trees (<10 years) were
identified in new orchards of Mehlianwali (MH 2/1)
and Darapur (DDH 5/5). The number of seeds/ fruit of
MH 2/1 and DDH 5/5 were 5 and 15 with vitamin C
content of 30.50 and 28.9 mg/100 ml, respectively, and
the juice recovery was over 45%.
ALC 57 ALC 56 ALC 53 ALC 58
Guava. Thirty six genotypes with red peel, red and
white flesh with soft seeds or less number of seeds were
collected from different regions of Allahabad, Ajmer,
Udaipur and lower Palani hills of Tamil Nadu. Physico-
chemical characters were analysed. Significant
variability was observed among the traits, viz., fruit
size, weight, colour, TSS, acidity and vitamin C content.
Variability in guava
Grapes. Twenty four germplasm were collected
from Grape Research Station (GRS), Andhra Pradesh
Horticultural University, Hyderabad; NRC for
Grapes, Pune, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur
(Madhya Pradesh) and PAU, Ludhiana in the form of
un-rooted/ rooted cuttings. The cuttings were planted
in nursery for evaluation. Eight germplasm were
supplied to GRS, Andhra Pradesh Horticultural
University, Hyderabad.
39
Temperate fruit crops. At IARI Regional Station,
Amartara Cottage, Shimla, a dwarfing rootstock
(Prunus japonica) was identified for grafting stone
fruits on the basis of graft compatibility, precocity
and growth pattern. It gave fruiting in the same year
of grafting on apricot, peach, cherry and plum. Pusa
Apple Rootstock 101 (Malus baccata) Shillong was
recommended as an ideal promising rootstock for
conventional as well as high density (3m × 3m)
planting of apple. The grafted plant starts bearing
from 4th year onwards. It yielded more than 25 t/ha
at 30 % slope with drip irrigation facility. It also
showed resistance to powdery mildew, moderate
resistance to apple scab and tolerance to white root
rot.
2.1.14 Ornamental Crops
Rose. Thirty varieties of rose belonging to H.T.
and Floribunda groups (Vars. Bordo, Hollywood,
Tajmahal, Noblesse, Tineke, Golden Giant, Moncheri,
Modern Art, Bellona, First Prize, Landora, Gold
Bunny, Chablis, Bellona, Michele Mielland, Blue Bird,
Margaret Meryll, Casino, Out of Africa, Mirandy,
Lagerfield, Nigrette, Pristine, Garden of the World,
Abracadabra, Vale Della, About Face, Gold Strike,
Sarissa and Narang)were collected from different
sources.
Lilium. Three important lily cultivar groups were
evaluated at IARI Regional Station, Katrain. Among
LA-cultivars, Salmon Classic and in Oriental hybrid,
Medusa was the earliest to flower. OT-cultivar, Avocado
produced longer stem.
Tulip. Four new varieties, namely, Mughal, Don,
Prince Victoria and Blenda were collected, evaluated
and maintained along with twenty existing
germplasm at IARI Regional Station, Katrain. Don and
Mughal were found promising for cut flower
production.
Other ornamental crops. Two cultivars of
gladiolus, 10 of bougainvillea and two of marigold
(Giant Yellow and P 4 orange) were collected from
various sources and added to the existing
germplasm.
2.2 BIOSYSTEMATICS AND IDENTI-FICATION SERVICES
2.2.1 Fungal Biosystematics and IdentificationServices
Enrichment of repository of fungal biodiversity.
One hundred and six specimens of fungal diseases of
various groups were accessioned in Herbarium
Cryptogamaae Indiae Orientalis (HCIO), raising the
total number of specimens to 49,977. Besides, 3,846
fungal cultures belonging to Mastigomycotina,
Zygomycotina, Ascomycotina and Deuteromycotina
groups were maintained at Indian Type Culture
Collection. The culture collection was enriched with
38 different fungal cultures.
Culture supply and identification services. A set
of 250 authentic fungal cultures belonging to different
groups, viz., Zygomycetes (1), Hyphomycetes (207),
Ascomycetes (2) and Coelomycetes (40) were
identified, besides, 280 cultures supplied to various
users.
Characterization of fungal species. In order to
identify suitable marker for developing DNA barcode
for fungal pathogens, Multilocus sequence typing
(MLST) of Trichoderma spp. (T. asperellum, 15 isolates;
T. harzianum, 14 isolates; T. longibrachiatum, 21 isolates;
T. virens, 11 isolates) based on ITS, tef-1, Cal, -tubulin,
and rpb 2 regions was carried out which revealed -
tubulin as a suitable marker for the inter-species
differentiation of Trichoderma isolates. Similarly,
characterization of Collectrichum gloeosporoides (15), C.
capsici (9) and C. musae (1) isolates based on ITS,
glyceraldehydes 3 phosphate (gpd) and -tubulin
regions were identified as suitable marker for inter-
species differentiation. In contrast, ND 6 was identified
as a suitable marker singly and/or in combination with
tef1 for differentiating 26 isolates of different Fusarium
spp. (11).
2.2.2 Insect Biosystematics
Taxonomic studies conducted in subfamily
Mutillinae ( Hymenoptera : Mutillidae) resulted in
several new records, viz., Trogaspidia pilosella (Magretti),
40
Pristomutilla pauli (André) and Trogaspidia intermedia
(Saussure) from India; numerous new distribution
records, viz., Kurzenkotilla niveosignata from Bihar,
Delhi, Haryana, Mutilla rufodorsata from Bihar,
Karlissaidia sexmaculatus from Andhra Pradesh, Bihar,
Karnataka, T. villosa from Coimbatore, Vanhartenidia
dives from Haryana, etc.; cataloging of all the known
169 species under 29 genera in this subfamily from
India with synonyms, revisionary details, and
zoogeographic distribution of these species ; taxonomic
accounts of a total of 31 species under 12 genera
including a new species Trogaspidia karnatakaensis sp.
nov. The new species karnatakaensis is closely related
to species pilosella but differs from it by having a dense
setal white spot on the dorso- lateral side of pronotum,
genitalia broaderat the apex compared to base; penial
valves long and slender, etc.; Further the male of K.
sexmaculatus was described for the first time; two new
combinations were proposed, viz., sexmaculatus
transferred from genus Wallacidia to Karlissaidia Lelej
in tribe Trogaspidiini and consociata from genus
Physetopoda to Smicromyrme in tribe Smicromyrmini;
description of all the species were standardized to an
uniform format with additional characters,
morphometric ratios, 350 illustrations including 165
line diagrams. Keys were formulated with valid
characters and up to date terminology for all the genera
and species studied separately for both males and
females.
A new leaf hopper species, Sophonia chandrai sp.
nov. was described from Tupul, Manipur. This species
can be distinguished by the ventral process of pygofer
which is long and thin with pointed apex; aedeagus
robust, membranous; dorsal apodeme robust with one
pair of long, recurved, apical process about as long as
dorsal apodeme in lateral view; two pairs of lateral
shorter spine like processes, one basolaterally and one
near apex. Another leafhopper Chudania axona was
recorded from Umkiang, Meghalaya for the first time
and re-described.
Male of Trogaspidia karnatakaensis sp. nov.
Sophonia chandrai sp. nov.
Female Male
World review of the leaf hopper genus Phlogotettix
with 9 species was completed with discovery of one
new species. Further Phlogotettix indicus Rao was
redescribed and two species monozoneus Li and Wang
and longicornis Kamitiani, Hayashi and Yamada from
China and Japan, respectively were synonymized with
it. A key for identification of all the species was also
formulated.
Surveys conducted in various regions of North and
North East India indicated the faunistic composition
of collected scarabaeid beetles from Uttar Pradesh to
be 16 species under 10 genera while from Uttarakhand
and North East India it was 16 species under 11 genera,
and 24 species under 10 genera, respectively. A mite,
41
Sancassania sp. was found to be associated with field
collected scarab larvae belonging to Melolonthinae,
especially, Holotrichia and Maladera. On an average 590
mites per larva were found congregating around the
spiracles resulting in 55-60% mortality.
2.2.3 Nematode Biosystematics and Identi-fication Services
National Nematode Collection of India (NNCI)
was augmented by the addition of 30 wet suspensions,
thus, bringing the total strength to 2,371 type slides
(belonging to 194 genera and 588 species) and 3,455
wet Collections.
A total of 62 additions were made in the wet
collection. Identified slides of 10 species of plant
parasitic nematodes were provided to AICRP
(Nematodes) for their reference. Fifty species of type
collection, including a specimen of male (wherever
available) and female, were digitized. More than 1.75
lacs photographs of entire specimen were captured and
stored. Digitization of NNCI is being done using
motorized Zeiss image analysis system at a
magnification of 630X (with 63X oil objective).
Developed a Check-list of globally known 115 species
of Tylenchorhynchus Cobb, 1913 along with
compendium of the 60 Indian species and
communicated for publication.
Altogether 15 composite soil samples were
collected from the rhizosphere of maize, ginger, french
bean, turmeric, rice, radish, pea, citrus, cabbage and
potato. Helicotylenchus species were the most frequently
occurring (A.F.=86.7%), followed by omnivorous
dorylaims (A.F.=80%) and bacteriophagousrhabditids
(66 %). Other plant parasitic nematode genera
encountered were Tylenchorhynchus, Meloidogyne,
Heterodera, Xiphinema and Trichodorus in low
frequencies (A.F.= 6-13 %).
A total of 23 soil samples received from Uttar Pradesh
and Delhi, were analysed and the nematodes identified
were: Tylenchorhynchusnudus, T. elegans, Hirschmanni-
ellaoryzae, Meloidogynegraminicola, Rotylenchulusreniformis,
Criconemoides and Heterodera sp. Five isolates of
entomopathogenic nematodes received from Kerala, were
identified and placed under carpocapsae(3) and bicornutum
group (2) of the genus Steinernema.
Discovered 11 new Gene Sequences of the 16S
region of rDNA comprising 4 of Xenorhabdus (GQ
923884, JN457412, JN547413, JN547414), 5 of
Photorhabdus (JQ924830, JQ924831, JX221722, JX221723,
JX240394) and 2 of Providenciarettgeri strains (GQ
923882, and GQ923883) and deposited in NCBI
GenBank.
Two hundred forty seven samples collected by the
Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
were observed for nematode fauna. Rice root
nematode, Hirschmaniella oryzae, not encountered in
earlier survey conducted in 1978, was found to occur
at IARI farm. Unlike previous survey, Helicotylenchus
spp. were present in very few samples. Recording for
free living nematodes was also done in the samples.
The cereal cyst nematode, Heterodera avenae was the
most predominant nematode pest associated with wheat
in Bhoot garhi and Gothani villages in Bulandshahr
district with a population of >19 cysts /200 cm3 soil. It was
also observed from Shahpur in Aligarh district of UP. In
Leh, H. avenae was encountered in all the wheat growing
areas. A new species of Diptherophora was found in the
rhizosphere of apricot and apple trees, and was described.
Species of Trichodorus, Aphelenchoides and Aphelenchus
were also encountered. Dorylaimids were predominant
in samples from bamboo. Cyst nematode obtained in
another survey showed similarities with H. cardiolata and
H. graminis.
The soil and diseased plant samples received from
Directorate of Seed Research, Mau, U.P. were found to
harbour Criconemoides and Hirschmaniella in low
numbers (about 1/5 cc soil) for attributing the disease
to nematodes alone. Tissue culture plants of different
species received from the TERI, Gurgaon, were
diagnosed and certified to be free from harmful
nematodes for export purpose.
Tylenchorhynchus, Rotylenchulus reniformis, larva of
cyst (Heteroderoides), Aphelenchus, Mononchus, Ironus,
Cephalobids, Tylenchus, and Dorylaimids were
observed in the samples collected from the forest areas
of Dehradun.
42
3. CROP AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENTFOR SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
Managing crops and resources efficiently for higher agricultural productivity, profitability and environmental
sustainability are challenging tasks. These issues have been adequately addressed through researches in various
Divisions in the School of Natural Resource Management. Efficient management of crops and resources (soil/
nutrient/water/energy) under various cropping systems in conventional as well as conservational mode of
agriculture have been studied and validated. Various studies in this regard have revealed the beneficial aspects
of genotype × environment (nutrient/water) interactions. Ground water recharge, recycling of waste water for
irrigation and quality aspects of crops using waste water from consumer health point of view have been studied.
Precision monitoring techniques for major nutrients (N,P,K & S) in certain crops and precise cultivation techniques
for crops under protected environment have been developed. The effective management of below ground diversity
along with efficient farm mechanization, development of new farm-machinery and post-harvest management of
perishable farm produces like vegetables, fruits, flowers have been evolved, tested and refined. Several efficient
and beneficial microbes/consortia/biofilms of agricultural importance have added new dimensions of research in
the management of natural resources. Impact of different agricultural practices on mitigation of GHGs emission
and climate change on crop production have been studied and documented.
3.1 AGRONOMY
3.1.1 Conservation Agriculture for ImprovingResource-use Efficiency and Productivity inWheat-based Cropping Systems
Conservation agriculture (CA) practices are being
developed for non-rice-wheat cropping systems under
irrigated conditions to replace rice with suitable
alternative crops during kharif season in north-western
plains zone. Therefore, a study (continued since 2010)
was undertaken with three major non-rice cropping
systems, viz., maize-wheat, cotton-wheat, pigeonpea-
wheat with different CA practices to diversify rice-
wheat system. Among the three non-rice cropping
systems, cotton was found consistently superior to
pigeonpea and maize in term of maize equivalent yield,
Productivity and net returns in different non-rice,wheat-based cropping systems
Treatment Cotton-wheat Pigeonpea-wheat Maize-wheat
System Net returns System Net returns System Net returns
productivity (x103 `/ha) productivity (x103`/ha) productivity (x103 `/ha)
(WEY) (t/ha) (WEY) (t/ha) (WEY) (t/ha)
CT+ flat bed 12.25 125.4 10.06 120.1 8.81 105.5
ZT+ narrow bed 13.72 151.3 10.22 124.8 8.65 117.4
ZT+ narrow bed with residue 14.74 158.2 10.87 126.1 9.45 123.0
ZT+ broad bed 13.72 155.5 10.84 126.9 9.06 121.7
ZT+ Broad bed with residue 14.88 159.8 11.15 127.2 9.55 118.8
ZT+ flat bed 13.35 145.3 9.81 125.7 9.01 120.0
ZT+ flat bed with residue 13.99 149.4 10.81 125.3 9.67 122.0
LSD (P = 0.05) 0.36 - 0.21 - 0.42 -
WEY: Wheat Equivalent Yield
43
and cotton-wheat system superior to pigeonpea-wheat
and maize-wheat systems in terms of wheat equivalent
yield, system productivity and net returns. All the three
crops performed better when grown on zero-till (ZT)
broad, narrow or flat beds with residue than in
conventional-till (CT) flat bed. Zero-till broad-bed with
residues resulted in significantly higher SOC,
particularly at the surface (0-5 cm) layers in soil. Cotton-
wheat system under zero-till broad bed with residues
gave higher system crop productivity, water
productivity, energy productivity and efficiency and
net returns than pigeonpea-wheat or maize-wheat
system. This system could be a potential alternative to
rice-wheat system which was found to give a net return
of `1,22,724 with a system productivity of 14.67 t/ha
(wheat equivalent) in 2011-12.
3.1.2 Conservation Agriculture forImproving Resource-use Efficiency andProductivity in Rice-based Cropping System
In a study (continued since 2010), the
performance of direct-seeded rice (DSR) cv. PRH 10
with different CA practices was compared with
conventional transplanted puddled rice (TPR)-
conventional till wheat (CTW) system. The results
showed that DSR with rice residue (RR) retained on
the surface in zero-till wheat (ZTW), followed by
summer mungbean (SMB) and its residue retention
resulted in rice yield similar with, and wheat yield
significantly higher than TPR-CTW or ZTW. It not
only resulted in significantly higher system crop
productivity, net returns and B:C ratio than TPR-
CTW or ZTW. It also gave higher system water
productivity and energy productivity than TPR-
CTW or ZTW. This treatment resulted in a
considerable improvement of soil carbon (Walkley and
Black method ) from initial 1.6 g kg-1 bulk soil, labile
and very labile carbon, and total N content in the
surface soil (0-5 cm) in rice-wheat system. This as
well as other DSR treatments showed a considerable
reduction in global warming potential (GWP)
through reduction of methane emission from rice
field. Wheat grown in mungbean residues (MBR) +
DSR – RR + ZTW – SMB system gave higher yields
over other DSR treatments, whereas DSR reduced
methane emission and global warming potential
compared to TPR.
3.1.3 Evaluation of System of WheatIntensification (SWI) with Other Methodsof Wheat Cultivation
A field experiment was conducted to compare the
productivity and economics of different methods of
wheat cultivation. A significantly higher number of
effective tillers and number of grains per earhead were
significantly higher in SWI-DS over the conventional
method. There was no significant difference in 1000-
grain weight due to different methods of cultivation.
Significantly higher grain yield and net returns were
obtained with direct seeded system of wheat
intensification over all other methods.
System productivity and economics of different CA rice-wheat systems
Treatment System productivity Net returns Net B:C
(in rice equivalent) (t/ha) (x103`/ha)
Direct-seeded rice (DSR) –zero-till wheat (ZTW) 9.66 103.4 1.86
DSR - rice residues (RR) + ZTW 9.72 95.6 1.59
DSR + brown manuring (BM) – ZTW 10.19 107.9 1.89
DSR + BM – RR + ZTW 10.35 105.0 1.69
Mungbean residues (MBR) + DSR - ZTW - summer mungbean (SMB) 12.29 (2.46)* 122.4 1.81
Mungbean residues (MBR) + DSR – RR + ZTW - summer mungbean (SMB) 13.68 (2.73)* 134.8 1.87
Conventional puddled transplanted rice (TPR) - ZTW 10.23 100.3 1.43
TPR – conventional till wheat (CTW) 9.85 96.4 1.34
LSD (P =0.05) 0.43 - -
* Rice Equivalent Yield of mungbean
44
3.1.4 Sensor based Nitrogen and WaterManagement in Wheat
A field experiment was conducted in wheat (var.
HD 2967) to study the effect of precise nitrogen and
irrigation scheduling using plant sensors. Treatments
comprised of combinations of four nitrogen application
rates and three water application schedules. Applying
N based on SPAD value < 42 resulted in the highest
grain (5.24 t/ha) and straw (9.08 t/ha) yields which were
significantly higher than those of soil based and SPAD
value < 40 based N application. Water productivity (0.89
kg/m3) was the highest with SPAD value < 42 based N
applications. Further, SPAD based N application saved
20-40 kg N/ha without causing significant yield
reductions. Applying irrigation based on relative water
content (RWC) and crop water stress index (CWSI)
significantly improved water productivity over IW/
CPE ratio based irrigation. However, yield was
significantly reduced when irrigations were timed as
per RWC 85% and CWSI 0.6.
3.1.5 Evaluation of Wheat Varieties underVery Early Sown and Limited Period AssuredIrrigation Conditions in Central Zone
Nine wheat varieties, viz., HI 1531, GW 273, Lok 1,
HD 2987, HI 8627, HD 4672, HI 8638, HI 8663 and HI
1500 were sown on October 5 at Regional Station,
Indore to find out the most suitable variety for very
early sown conditions under limited period assured
irrigation condition (come-up irrigation provided
after sowing in dry to facilitate germination + 3
irrigations given thereafter at about monthly
intervals). Durum wheat variety HI 8663 produced
maximum grain yield (3.46 t/ha), being statistically
on a par with GW 273 (3.36 t/ha), HI 1500 (3.18 t/ha)
and HI 8627 (3.13 t/ha), but significantly higher over
all other varieties. It showed that the popular bread
wheat variety Lok 1 was not suitable for very early
sowing (1.92 t/ha).
3.1.6 Seed Treatment with Static MagneticField (SMF) and Gamma Radiation (GR)Influences Grain Yield of Aerobic Rice
A field experiment was conducted to study the
effect of SMF and GR-treated seeds on growth and yield
of aerobic rice (Pusa Basmati 1121) employing five seed
treatments. The highest grain yield of rice was recorded
with GR at 0.0025 kGy treated seeds, which was on a
par with SMF treatments.
Effect of static magnetic field (SMF) and gamma radiation(GR) treated seed on yield attributes and yield of aerobic rice
Treatment Panicles/ m2 Number of Grain
filled grains/ yield
panicle (t/ha)
SMF at 50 mT 347ab 104 a 3.60ab
SMF at 100 mT 335ab 101ab 3.42ab
GR at 0.0025 kGy 367a 106a 3.80a
GR at 0.10 kGy 324b 99ab 3.16b
Control 319b 93b 3.21b
Yield attributes and grain yield of wheat (var. HD 2967) under different methods of cultivation
Treatment Effective tillers No. of grains/ Test wt. Grain yield Net returns
(m-2) earhead (g) (t/ha) (`/ha)
Conventional 445 67.3 35.6 6.08 71,910
Furrow irrigated raised bed system 358 72.0 36.3 5.87 68,960
Conventional sowing at 20x10cm and 459 72.7 36.2 6.08 67,040
irrigations as in SWI
System of wheat intensification - direct seeded 479 76.0 36.9 7.93 91,175
System of wheat intensification - transplanted 269 72.3 36.7 4.07 29,065
Conventional and irrigations as SWI 423 66.0 36.7 5.80 70,015
LSD (P=0.05) 5.7 4.48 NS 1.06
System of wheat intensification (SWI) and conventional method
45
3.1.7 Effect of Transplanting Dates andNitrogen on Seed Yield and Quality of PusaPunjab Basmati 1509
There was significant reduction in yield attributes
like plant height, panicles/m2 and seed weight/panicle
when transplanting was delayed to 30th July compared
to 10th July in Pusa Punjab Basmati 1509 but seed yield
increased significantly with increase in nitrogen dose
up to 120 kg which was on a par with 80 kg N/ha at
Karnal. Seed germination was not affected by
transplanting dates or nitrogen levels and remained
well above minimum seed certification standard of 80
percent. Maximum seedling vigour was recorded with
10th July transplanting which was significantly higher
than those of 20th and 30th July transplanting.
3.1.8 Performance of Basmati Cultivarsunder Organic and Integrated NutrientManagement
Four basmati cultivars, viz., Pusa Punjab Basmati
1509, PB 1121, PB 6 and PB 1 were evaluated at Karnal
for yield under organic and integrated nutrient
management. Among the cultivars, PB 1 recorded
significantly higher grain yield than all the other
cultivars, followed by PB 6. Among the nutrient
treatments, vermicompost+50% recommended dose of
fertilizers (RDF) was significantly superior to FYM 5t/
ha + 50% RDF, FYM 10t/ha, vermicompost 2.5t/ha+75%
RDF and green manuring. Differential responses of
cultivars were recorded under different nutrient
management. Higher grain yield of Pusa PB 1509 was
recorded under RDF whereas PB 1121 and PB 1 were
superior under vermicompost+50% RDF. PB 6 recorded
significantly higher grain yield over others under
organic treatments, viz., FYM 10t/ha, FYM 10t/ha +
vermicompost 5t/ha and green manuring +
vermicompost 5 t/ha.
3.1.9 Assessment of Rice EstablishmentMethods with Different Rice Varieties underNEPZ
At Regional Station, Pusa, three rice establishment
methods, i.e., Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), System of Rice
Intensification (SRI) and Puddle Transplanted Rice
(PTR) were assessed with five varieties involving one
hybrid Arise 6444 and four conventional varieties of
this zone PS 5, Pusa Improved Basmati (scented), PNR
381 and Pusa 834 (non scented). The results revealed
that irrespective of varieties, SRI method of rice
establishment was significantly higher yielder (6.04 t/ha)
as compared to DSR and PTR. Whereas irrespective of
rice establishment methods hybrid Arise 6444 (7.22 t/ha)
emerged as significantly higher yielder, followed by
PS 5 (5.41 t/ha).
3.1.10 Effect of Integrated PotassiumFertilization on Yield and Quality of Maizeand Wheat
An experiment on maize-wheat cropping system
was carried out to evaluate the effect of integrated
potassium fertilization on maize and wheat. Results
revealed that the application of 90 kg K2O/ha
supplemented with 60 kg K2O through MOP and 30
kg K2O through FYM to both the crops produced
maximum grain yield of wheat and maize over
remaining treatments. The treatments with 60 kg K2O
supplemented with 30 kg K2O through FYM + 30 kg
K2O through MOP also proved significantly superior
over 60 kg K2O/ha applied through MOP alone.
The nutrient concentration in maize and wheat
grains were significantly influenced by K2O
fertilization. The highest concentration of N, P, K, Zn,
Fe and protein content in maize and wheat grains were
recorded with integrated potassium fertilization in both
the crops, i.e., MOP60
+ FYM30
(Maize) - K0(Wheat) and
K0(Maize) – MOP
60 + FYM
30(Wheat), respectively.
3.1.11 Nutrient Omission Studies in Maize
An experiment was conducted to study the effect
of omitted nutrients on productivity and profitability
of maize-wheat system as well as soil quality. The
highest grain and stover yield of maize were recorded
with the application of N, P, K & Zn on the basis of soil
test value (STV) which was on a par with the
application of recommended dose of N,P,K & Zn. The
omission of N, P, K and Zn resulted in 20.5, 6.7, 8.1 and
2.7% reduction in maize grain yield, respectively,
compared to RD of NPKZn. Application of NPKZn
based on STV fetched the highest net returns, followed
by recommended dose of NPKZn. Soil based
application of NPKZn as well as recommended dose
46
of NPKZn resulted in higher activity of alkaline
phosphatase, dehydrogenase and microbial biomass
carbon (MBC) in soil at harvest of maize crop as
compared to control.
filling stages recoded the significantly highest Zn
concentration in grains (72.3 mg/kg grain) as compared
to 42.6 mg/kg grain in control, as well as highest grain
yield (2.25 t/ha) which was 42.4 and 22.3% higher
compared to the absolute control and only NPK. Hence,
Zn was found to have a significant role in increasing
productivity and Zn concentration in chickpea.
3.1.14 Influence of Diversification ofSoybean-based Cropping Systems andNutrient Sources on Productivity and SoilHealth
A field experiment was conducted to study the
effect of diversification of cropping systems and
nutrient sources on productivity and soil health. The
combined application of 25 % (RDF) + 50 %
recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through FYM +
biofertilizers gave significantly increased seed yield of
soybean over all other sources except 50 % RDF along
with 25 % RDN through FYM and biofertlizers. During
rabi, wheat and potato produced significantly the
highest grain/tuber yields with the application of 100
% RDF followed by 50 % RDF + 50 % RDN through
FYM. Chickpea recorded significantly higher yield with
combined application of 50 % RDF + 50% RDN through
FYM. Substitution of 50 % of RDN through FYM along
with 50 % RDF through fertilizers resulted in
significantly highest productivity of summer
mungbean and fodder sorghum. The system
productivity of different soybean-based cropping
systems revealed that soybean-chickpea-fodder
sorghum recorded the highest soybean equivalent yield
(7.9 t/ha/year) followed by soybean-wheat-mungbean.
Application of 50 % RDF along with 50 % RDN through
FYM or 50 % RDF with 25 % RDN through FYM +
biofertlizers resulted in improved soil status of
Effect of different nutrient omission treatments on grain and stoveryields of maize
3.1.12 Yield Evaluation of Maize Hybrids inRabi Season
Five Vivek Hybrids of maize (from VPKAS,
Almora) were evaluated in rabi season against five
maize hybrids recommended for North Bihar at
Regional Station, Pusa (Bihar). During 2011-12 all the
five Vivek Hybrids attained physiological maturity
between 120 to 130 days, whereas other hybrids under
test attained physiological maturity between 150 to160
days thereby taking almost one additional month for
the crop. The significantly highest grain yield of 11.54
t/ha was recorded with hybrid Pioneer 30V92, followed
by Vivek Hybrid 25 (7.09 t/ha) in rabi season but in other
two seasons (spring and kharif) at this location Vivek
Hybrid 25 performed best among tested hybrids. At
the same time, this hybrid was harvested almost one
month earlier, therefore, preference of farmers for
growing this hybrid is more.
3.1.13 Agronomic Bio-fortification of Zn inChickpea
A field experiment was carried out to study the
agronomic bio-fortification of Zn in chickpea.
Application of NPK + Zn EDTA @ 0.5% solution spray
at maximum vegetative growth + flowering + grainSoil dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activities atflowering stage of soybean
47
available N, P and K at harvest of crops and maximum
activities of soil dehydrogenase and alkaline
phosphatase enzymes over application of 100 % RDF
alone and control, besides giving higher yields.
3.1.15 Evaluation of Maize and Soybean-based Cropping Systems under DifferentTillage Practices
In a fixed plot field experiment, five maize-based
and five soybean-based cropping systems with 300%
cropping intensity were evaluated under different
tillage practices for system productivity, economics and
soil health. In the tillage systems, minimum tillage with
crop residue cover recorded significantly higher system
productivity (maize grain equivalent), production
efficiency, net returns and B:C ratio as compared to
conventional tillage. Minimum tillage with residue
cover also found to improve/ moderate soil available
nutrient, available soil moisture, soil temperature and
soil microbial properties. In cropping systems,
soybean-based cropping systems were found more
productive and profitable than maize based systems.
In terms of maize grain equivalent yield, maize/
soybean-garden pea–sunflower system was found
more productive and profitable, followed by maize/
soybean-potato–sunflower system. Microbial activities
and other soil properties recorded considerable
improvement due to intervention of legumes in the
cropping systems.
3.1.16 Nutrient and Moisture Managementin Maize + Soybean Intercropping Systemunder Dryland Conditions
This experiment was conducted to evaluate the
performance of maize + soybean intercropping under
dryland conditions. Maize + soybean intercropping
system performed well under dryland conditions.
Paired row planting of maize + soybean gave
significantly higher maize equivalent yield over sole
maize. Application of organic mulch + 6% kaolin spray
was proved significantly better over control. Among
different fertility levels application of 100% RDF
recorded significantly higher maize equivalent yield.
3. 2 SOIL MANAGEMENT
3.2.1 Effect of Nutrient Management Optionson Total Soil Carbon
Long-term (9 years) impact of application of
organic manure, green manure and biofertilizers on
depth-wise distribution (0-15, 15-30 and 30-45 cm) of
total carbon (C) was studied under rice-wheat system
Effect of tillage practices and cropping systems on system productivity, production efficiency, net returns and B:C ratio
Treatment System productivity- Production efficiency Net returns B:C ratio
maize grain (kg/ha/day) (x103 `/ha)
equivalent (t/ha)
Tillage
Conventional tillage 15.02 41.16 118.9 2.14
Minimum tillage with crop residue 17.08 46.80 135.2 2.17
LSD (P=0.05) 0.75 2.05 6.25 NS
Maize and Soybean based systems
Maize 14.92 40.89 116.9 2.00
Soybean 17.18 47.07 137.2 2.31
LSD (P=0.05) 0.27 0.74 3.06 0.05
Cropping systems
M/S - Potato-sunflower 21.51 58.92 160.8 2.14
M/S - Pea-sunflower 28.13 77.07 242.3 4.12
M/S - Wheat-greengram 9.39 25.73 72.5 1.32
M/S - Coriander-greengram 12.59 34.49 98.7 1.97
M/S - Fenugreek-greengram 8.64 23.68 60.9 1.22
LSD (P=0.05) 0.42 1.15 4.09 0.07
M/S – Maize/Soybean
48
in an Inceptisol of IARI farm. Sole application of
farmyard manure (FYM) at 10 t/ha each to both rice
and wheat, Sesbania green manure (SGM) at 10 t/ha to
rice, and Leucaena green leaf manuring (LGLM) at 10 t/
ha to wheat significantly increased total C content in
all the three soil depths. However, the effect was most
spectacular when all the organic sources (SGM, FYM,
Blue Green Algae at 10 kg/ha to rice and LGLM,
Azotobacter seed treatment at 2 kg/ha and FYM to
wheat) were applied together. The effect of organic
sources was found to be more pronounced in surface
soil than sub-surface soil.
3.2.2 Effect of Nutrient ManagementPractices on Aggregate Protected Carbon inSoil
Effect of long-term (7 years) use of fertilizers and
organics on the soil aggregate protected Carbon on an
Inceptisol was studied in different potato-based
cropping systems. Application of vermicompost
(equivalent to 100% N) alone or in combination with
crop residues significantly increased the
macroaggregate-, microggregate- and total aggregate-
protected Carbon in 0-5 cm soil depth. Though
combined application of fertilizers (50% NPK) and
vermicompost (50% N) showed higher Carbon
in macroaggregates, it failed to enhance C in
microaggregates. Maize-potato-onion system showed
greater amount of macroaggregate protected C and
total aggregate protected C while rice-potato-wheat
system favoured formation of microaggregate
protected C. Sesamum-potato-greengram system
showed lowest aggregate protected carbon.
3.2.3 Soil Organic Carbon Stocks andFractions under Different Land Use Systemsin East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya
An attempt was made to assess the fractions of soil
organic C under different land use systems in East
Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. The results indicated that
the total organic C, microbial biomass C,
polysaccharides, glomalin labile C, non-labile C and
particulate organic C followed the order of agroforestry
(AF) > horticulture > agriculture. Total organic C,
particulate organic C, labile C, non-labile C and
microbial biomass C in the soils under agroforestry
were greater by 27.8, 107, 131.7, 18.0 and 55.7%,
respectively, as compared to agriculture land use. On
the other hand, conversion of fallow lands to
agriculture, horticulture and agroforestry land uses
significantly increased all these fractions by many fold.
Amongst the land uses, SOC stocks were highest
through the 0-75 cm soil under agroforestry (54.3 t/ha),
followed by horticulture plantation (53.7 t/ha) and
agriculture crops (49.3 t/ha). Amongst the three land
uses, agroforestry improved the overall soil quality,
aggregate stability and sequestered more organic C in
subtropical Meghalaya.
3.2.4 Effect of Applied Nanoparticles onRice Crop
Transport and accumulation of iron (Fe) and zinc
(Zn) nanoparticles (NPs) in root and shoot of rice plants
were studied under hydroponics. A comparison of four
application rates, i.e., 0, 100, 500 and 1000 ppm each of
Fe and Zn nanoparticles (Fe2O
3 and ZnO) indicated that
elongation of the roots was inhibited with increasing
concentrations of the NPs. Transmission electron
microscopy (TEM) revealed the presence of Fe and Zn
nanoparticles in root cells and xylem sap. This implies
that these NPs were transported from roots to shoots
via xylem. The current study indicated possible
bioaccumulation of Fe and Zn NPs (20-40 nm) in
biomass.
Accumulation of nano particles in roots of rice plant
3.2.5 Effect of Modified Clays on HeavyMetal Sorption and Bioavailability to Crops
Modified bentonites were prepared by Mn oxide
coating, Fe oxide coating and aluminium pillaring and
adsorption behavior of Zn, Cu, Ni and Cd on these
modified clays was studied. Modification of bentonite
with iron oxide and manganese oxide resulted in
49
enhanced heavy metal sorption as revealed by
Freundlich and Langmuir parameters. This was
reflected in greenhouse experiment, where addition of
modified bentonites significantly reduced the
phytoavailability of zinc, copper and nickel as well as
hazard coefficients to Amaranthus and spinach used as
test crops.
3.2.6 Protocol for Fixing MaximumAllowable Limit of Sludge Application toAgricultural Lands
A preliminary study was made to assess the
maximum permissible limits of sludge application to
agricultural soils in relation to transfer of metals to
human food chain. For this purpose, a pot experiment
was conducted on acid and alkaline soils with graded
rates of sludge (0, 1.12, 2.24, 4.48, 8.96, 17.9, 35.8, 71.6,
142 and 285 g/kg of soil) using spinach as a test crop.
Spinach responded positively to the applied sludge in
both acid and alkaline soils. Substantial increase in the
content of Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cd and Pb in the shoot
of spinach was recorded as a result of sludge
application. Application of sludge was more effective
in enriching the spinach with metals grown on acid
soil than alkaline soil. Solubility-free ion activity model
as a function of pH, organic C and extractable metal
was far superior in predicting metal uptake by spinach
grown on sludge treated soils as compared to chemical
extractant alone. The risk in terms of hazard quotient
(HQ) to human health for intake of metals through
consumption of spinach grown on sludge treated soils
was computed for different metals. In a 90-day-pot
experiment, safe rates of sludge application were
worked out as 4.46 and 35.7 g/ kg for acid and alkaline
soil, respectively.
3.3 WATER MANAGEMENT
3.3.1 Watershed Management
3.3.1.1 Optimal crop planning of Biwanwatershed, Haryana
A linear programming (LP) model was developed
to propose alternative cropping pattern plan (including
and excluding improved water management strategies)
and maximize net returns from Biwan watershed,
subjected to various production and resource
constraints of the target area. LP proposed alternative
cropping plan with pearl millet (26.45%, irrigated;
7.54%, rainfed; total 33.99%); sorghum (26%, irrigated);
mungbean (10%, irrigated); arhar (10%, irrigated);
sesamum (10%, irrigated); vegetables (10%, irrigated);
fallow (10%) during kharif season and wheat (44%,
irrigated); mustard (28%, rainfed); tomato (18.25%,
irrigated); other vegetables (5.75%, irrigated) during
rabi season in place of existing cropping pattern plan,
i.e., with pearl millet (67%, rainfed); sorghum (22% -
7% multi-cut irrigated; 17.75%-rainfed); vegetables
(0.6%,irrigated ); fallow (10%) during kharif season and
wheat (55%, irrigated); mustard (24%, rainfed); tomato
(15%, irrigated); other vegetables (5%, irrigated) during
rabi season could yield 29.5% higher annual net income
(`87,172/ha/annum) as compared to the existing
cropping plan (i.e., with net income ` 67,320/ha/
annum).
However, this was associated with a 36.12%
increase in the total annual water demand (731 ha-m
vis-à-vis existing demand of 537 ha-m) for the area. This
study revealed that as the total surface runoff potential
of the area (225.53 ha-m) is more than the additional
water demand of 194 ha-m, therefore, this may be
achieved through proper planning of the water
harvesting measures in the study area. Incorporation
of water saving technologies along with alternative
cropping plan could lead to a further 13.9% increase in
the annual net income (` 99,334/ha/annum) for the
farmer of this region. The analysis also revealed that
as compared to ` 1.20 per m3 being actually spend by
the farmer as market water cost, the dual (shadow)
price of water (i.e. income per unit additional water
consumed under limited water conditions) is ` 7.85/-
and ̀ 10.80 per m3, under existing and improved water
saving technologies, respectively.
3.3.2 Waste Water Management
3.3.2.1 Impact of harvesting of wetlandvegetation on the pollutant removal efficiencyof a pilot sewage water treatment plant of IARIand its up-scaling
The sewage water treatment plant of IARI (of 1500-
LPD capacity) is in operation since 2009 and comprises
of 16 small scale batch fed (<1-day HRT) vertical sub
50
surface flow (VSSF) experimental wetlands (each of 100
lpd capacity). Long term pollutant mass reduction
efficiency of (so far not harvested) system over 2 years
(until July, 2011), indicated a general reduction (by 20-
40%) in its pollutant mass reduction efficiency over the
base year (i.e. 2010) and thereby emphasized the need for
a periodic plant biomass harvesting plan. To work out a
scientifically sound biomass harvesting plan, the wetland
vegetation (Typha sp, Phragmites sp. and Acorus sp.) of the
system were harvested (with the onset of the monsoon
season) during July, 2011 and thereafter the impact of
harvesting operation on the overall pollutant removal
efficiency of the treatment plant (in terms of both nutrients
and heavy metals) was monitored. Vegetation harvesting
could lead to significant (30-40%) improvement in nutrient
and metal removal efficiencies (70-90%). Treatment
systems based on the fast growing –Typha latifolia
vegetation were observed to be associated with 10-20%
superior nutrient and metal removal efficiencies. These,
along with those for the other wetland systems, however
subsequently dropped in the month of Jan. 2013. Thus,
for achieving year-round sustained (70-80%) plant -
pollutant removal efficiencies, a 5-monthy harvesting
schedule was worked out.
The pollutant mass reduction efficiency of the new
gravel based systems was then compared with those
for the old (but July, 2011-harvested) soil based systems.
Observations revealed that in general, the new gravel
based wetland systems were associated with
significantly higher (1.2. to 1.6 times) BOD, turbidity,
nitrate, sulphate, K, RSC, phosphate, nickel and lead
removal efficiencies.
Typha latifolia based systems stood out as the best
systems for chromium removal. However their
chromium removal efficiencies were very low (20%)
thereby suggesting the need for screening an
alternative wetland vegetation for this purpose. Iron
(Fe) and manganese (Mn) removal efficiencies were
observed to be significantly superior under soil based
systems, thereby indicating the role of soil media in
effective Fe/ Mn - transformation/ precipitation to non-
labile forms as one of the main geo-chemical process
governing sewage metal removal.
Based on these experiences, the technology has
been recently up-scaled to a 2.2 MLD horizontal sub-
surface flow system for treating sewage waters from
Krishi Kunj colony, adjoining IARI campus. Spread
over 1.42 hectares, the up-scaled system consists of
three treatment cells, with HRT of 2.2 days. Each
treatment cell is stratified with 60 cm thick layer of
stratified gravel, on which Typha latifolia- a wetland
vegetation - is planted. The average pollutant removal
efficiency of the system is quite significant. While
biological oxygen demand (BOD) of the influent at the
inlet is about 460 milligrams per liter (mg/l), the BOD
of effluent is 100 or less at the outlet. Besides this, the
system is capable of reducing total suspended solids
(TSS) from 220 mg/l to about 2.2 mg/l and nutrients /
heavy metals (such as NO3, PO4, K, Pb, Fe and Cr) by
75-85%. The treated water is collected in a 4800 m3
holding tank, from where it is pumped through a riser
A view of the up-scaled horizontal sub-surface flow sewagetreatment wetlands of IARI
BOD and Lead reduction efficiency of gravel vs. soil based wetlandsystems
51
pipe to the IARI - fields. The so treated sewage water
has a potential to irrigate 132 ha of IARI farm lands.
3.3.2.2 Consumer health risk from rice/ wheatgrains produced under different quality ofirrigation water
Consumer health hazard due to the consumption
of food grains produced through the ground waters
(GW), sewage waters (SW) and the waste waters treated
through the unplanted (CW) and the 3-planted wetland
technology (viz., Acoruscalamum planted: VW;
Phragmites karka planted: PW; and Typha latifolia
planted: TW) based systems was assessed in terms of
the Hazard Index (HI). For these estimations, daily
intake of grains/cereals by an adult of say 70 kg weight
was assumed to be 0.405 kg (on fresh weight basis, with
the fresh weight to dry weight conversion factor
assumed as 0.90 for grains/cereals). The dietary intake
of pollutants normally does not exceed 50 % of the
Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake, except for
individuals who are exposed through occupational
activities or are resident near a pollution point source.
Hence, for this analysis, the consumption probability
of contaminated grains was considered as 25%. While
the oral reference dose or safe daily intake quantity of
different heavy metals was based on the standard per
USEPA (1997 & 2002) guidelines. The analysis showed
that lead (Pb) followed by the iron (Fe), nickel (Ni) and
manganese (Mn) contributed the maximum to the
consumer health risk. However, in comparison to the
untreated sewage waters, these threats were
significantly lower with the Acoruscalamus and
Phragmites karka treated sewage waters. Further, the
overall metal health hazard due to the consumption of
wheat grains produced through untreated waste waters
was about 1.6 times more than that of the consumption
of similar water produced-paddy grains.
3.3.3 Irrigation Water Management
3.3.3.1 Evaluation of mungbean under bothsurface and drip irrigation systems
A study was conducted to find out the suitability
of drip irrigation for summer mungbean production.
The treatment consisted of three irrigation methods,
i.e., drip, furrow irrigated raised bed (FIRB) and check
basin (CB) with 3-irrigation regimes, i.e., 100% crop
evapotranspiration (ETc), 75% ETc and 60% ETc. Total
water applied was 234 mm, 175.5 mm, and 140.4 mm
in irrigation at 100% ETc, 75% ETc and 60% ETc,
respectively. The yield attributes (number of pods per
plant, number of grains per pod, pod length, 1000-grain
weight) as well as grain yield were also recorded to be
the highest in drip irrigated plots for all treatments as
compared to CB and FIRB.
Consumer health hazard due to consumption of wheat and paddygrains produced through the untreated vs. treated waste waters
Mungbean crop under drip irrigation
Yield of mungbean under different treatments in surfaceand drip irrigation methods
Treatments Yield (t/ha) under different irrigation methods
Drip Furrow Check Basin
100 % of ETC
1.11 0.98 0.82
75% of ETC
1.05 0.98 0.79
60% of ETC
0.92 0.88 0.69
CD (0.05) = 0.087
52
3.3.3.2 Effect of crop geometry and fertigationfrequency on the yield of kharif Onion
An experiment was conducted to study the effect
of crop geometries (S1 = 15 cm x 10 cm; S2= 12 cm x 10
cm; S3 = 10 cm x 10 cm; S4 = 7.5 cm x 10 cm) and
frequency of fertigation (F1 =every alternate day, i.e. 3
times in a week; F2= two times in a week; F3= once in a
week) on the yield, irrigation water use efficiency and
cost of the drip system in two onion cultivars (AFDR
and N 53). Lateral to lateral distance was 1.20 m in all
treatments, to maintain the cost of the system uniform.
Highest yield was observed in S4F1 (30 t/ha) in AFDR.
There was 9.8, 16.1 and 23.3 % decrease in the onion
yield in S1, S2 and S3, respectively, in comparison to
S4. Irrigation water productivity of 9.9 kg/m3 of water
was observed in S4F1. Increase in fertigation frequency
from once weekly to every alternate day increased the
yield by about 15 %. Water requirement for onion was
estimated to be 309 mm. However, because of adequate
rainfall, only 132 mm irrigation water was applied
through drip.
i.e., Pusa 44, Pusa 834, Pusa 1121 and Pusa 1401 were
sown with three replications. The variety Pusa 44
produced significantly higher yield (6.4 t/ha) in SRI
under drip. Irrigation water use efficiency (0.67 kg
grain/m3) and field water use efficiency (0.45 kg
grain/m3) was found to be highest in SRI method with
drip.
3.3.3.4 Soil water tension based irrigationscheduling of different wheat varieties underdrip irrigation
A field study was conducted to investigate the
water productivity of four wheat varieties (V1 = HD
2733; V2= HD 2851; V
3= HD 2894 and V
4= HD 2967) in
drip irrigation with different irrigation schedules. The
irrigation scheduling was based on different soil water
tensions (SWT) (I1 = 40 kpa; I
2 = 50 kpa; I
3 = 60 kpa and
I4 = 70 kpa). Water requirement of the crop was
estimated to be 35.1 cm. Maximum yield (7.1 t/ha) was
observed in V4 I
1. Water productivity at 70 kPa was
higher than all other irrigation schedules. Productivity
varied from 1.20 to 2.03 kg/m3. HD 2733 was found to
be more tolerant to deficit irrigation than the other three
wheat varieties.
3.3.3.5 Enhancing productivity of pulses throughmicro irrigation
Pigeon pea is one of the important pulses in
India but poor nutrient and water management
result in low productivity. Efforts were made to
enhance the productivity of pigeon pea through
drip-fertigation technology. Crop was sown on
raised beds of 15 cm height and 45 cm width leaving
30 cm furrow to insure proper drainage. Three
levels of irrigation (I1=100 % ETc, I
2= 80 % ETc, I
3=
60 % ETc) and 3 recommended doses of fertilizers
(F1=100 % RDF, F
2= 80 % RDF and F
3= 60 % RDF)
were applied through drip-fertigation. Highest
yield (2.97 t/ha) was obtained in treatment I1 F
1.
Deficit irrigation of 20 and 40 % of ETc reduced the
yield by 2.2 and 6.7 % in comparison to full volume
irrigation. Reduction in fertilizer doses to the tune
of 20 and 40 % of RDF reduced the yield by 3.3 and
20.2 %, respectively. Fertigation with drip irrigation
enhanced the yield by 39.3 % in comparison to only
drip irrigation.
Onion crop under drip irrigation
3.3.3.3 Response of rice varieties to differentplanting methods under drip irrigation
A field experiment was conducted with three
planting methods of rice, direct seeded rice (DSR),
system of rice intensification (SRI) with drip irrigation,
and traditional method as control. Four varieties of rice,
53
3.3.3.6 Deficit and partial root zone (PRZ)irrigation in drip-irrigated citrus
A study on drip irrigation was conducted to study
the effects of single and combined regulated deficit
irrigation (RDI) schedules on the yield and economics
of Kinnow mandarin. RDI was scheduled at 50% ETc,
during both early and final fruit growing periods, in
both single and combined modes. While simple deficit
irrigations (DI) at 50% ETc and 75% ETc criteria were
scheduled during the rest of the growth stages along
with or without partial root zone drying treatments.
Full irrigation (FI: irrigation at 100% ETc) was taken as
control, for comparison. Irrigation at 50% ETc in early,
100% at middle and 50% at final fruit growth periods
(RDI50-100-50
) saved around 30% irrigation water,
producing only 3-6% less yield. Similarly, PRD at 50%
ETc (PRD50
) proved superior, resulting in 35%
improvement in irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE)
as well as better economy.
3.3.4 Research on Climate Change andModelling
3.3.4.1 Development of interfaces for trendanalysis and drought indices
An interface for Climate Change Trend Analysis
(CCTA) of long term climatic data using Man Kendall
and Modified Man Kendall, Sen Seasonality trend test
and Cox Stuart trend test concepts was developed,
using MATLAB programming language. Temporal
variability in climatic parameters, reference crop evapo-
transpiration and groundwater levels for Karnal were
analyzed using Mann-Kendall test, Sen’s slope
estimator and time series ARIMA model. Analysis of
data of Karnal station showed that the mean daily
minimum and mean daily temperature increased by
0.02 oC/yr and 0.01 oC/yr, respectively. Mean daily
relative humidity and wind speed increased by 0.11 %
per year and 0.57 km/yr during 1981-2011. Mean daily
sunshine hours and reference evapo-transpiration
decreased by 0.06 hour/yr and 0.01mm/yr, respectively.
Sensitivity analysis of potential evapo-transpiration
(ET0) to the principal climatic variables for Karnal
district showed that mean annual and seasonal ET0 are
primarily affected by maximum temperature and
sunshine hours.This was followed by sunshine hours,
wind speed, relative humidity and minimum
temperature during summer seasons and the minimum
temperature, relative humidity and wind speed during
monsoon seasons.
Climatic and hydrological variables were
combined to estimate district wise ADI for Uttar
Pradesh using the data for the period from 1996 to 2002
for both pre-and-post monsoon season. The ADI is a
multivariate drought index that considers all physical
forms of drought (i.e., meteorological, hydrological and
agricultural) through selection of input variables
related to each drought type. In this study, four
variables, namely, rainfall, potential evapo-
transpiration, stream flow and groundwater levels (pre-
and-post monsoon) were used. The categories of ADI
to describe drought severity conditions were also
developed. This study is in continuation to the work
carried out during 2011-12 involving use of Standard
Water level Index (SWI) to monitor hydrological
drought anomaly in Indo Gangetic Plains. The results
showed that, due to the incorporation of surface stream
flow, rainfall and PET indicators, ADI could represent
drought conditions better than SWI. A comparison of
ADI based drought categorization of the study area
with the NDVI values for the drought year-2002
validated superior performance of ADI to the
previously developed SWI - drought index. The
composite index - ADI is now being further improved
by incorporating other variables such as soil moisture
and biophysical parameters.
Comparison of ADI and NDVI during 2002 for Uttar Pradesh
54
Besides this, a new drought index, namely,
Standardized Effective Rainfall and Crop Evapo-
transpiration Index (SERCEI) was developed for
assessing agricultural drought and tested using the
data of Pune district. SERCEI index estimated for the
year 2015, using GCM based downscaled rainfall data
for the pearl millet growing regions of the Pune district,
showed that 6 out of the 7 regions of Pune district will
be under moderate drought while one will be under
severe drought.
3.3.4.2 Simulation of vadose zone processes,recharge flux and groundwater behavior undervarious climate change and pumping scenarios
Vadosezone processes, recharge flux and
groundwater recharge under various climate change
and pumping scenarios were simulated, and various
components of water balance such as cumulative
recharge flux, cumulative root water uptake,
cumulative evaporation and cumulative surface runoff
were computed using HYDRUS-1D and MODFLOW
models for Najafgarh block of Delhi. Results indicated
that average groundwater recharge in 2030s may
increase marginally (0.03 m) compared to the 2005,
under ARIMA based predictions. However, in case of
estimates based on IPCC and INCCA predictions,
groundwater recharge appeared to be decreasing by
0.09 to 0.21 m. Similar studies on future groundwater
levels, using ARIMA model, for Karnal district also
revealed receding groundwater levels (25.20 to 23.72
m from current 15 to 18 m) by 2035.
3.3.4.3 Evaluation of AquaCrop model inpredicting wheat yield and water productivityunder irrigated saline regimes
Crop growth models of varying complexity to
simulate grain and biomass yields, and water
productivity of different crops under irrigated saline
environment were developed and used for simulation
of crop yield under different crop growth conditions.
The present study was undertaken to simulate the grain
yield and water productivity of four wheat varieties,
including 3 salt-tolerant (i.e., KRL 19, KRL 1-4; KRL
210) and one salt non-tolerant (HD 2894) grown under
different salinity levels using AquaCrop model. The
model was calibrated using the experiment data of rabi
2009-10 and validated with the data of rabi 2010-11. The
model efficiency (ME), index of agreement (d) and
coefficient of determination (R2) for grain yield were
0.85, 0.96, 0.94, and for biomass 0.7, 0.95, 0.95,
respectively, for all varieties and salinity levels.
However, AquaCrop model predictions were found to
be the best for the grain yield, better for the biomass
and relatively inferior for water productivity for all
wheat varieties and salinity levels.
3.3.4.4 Assessment of energy requirement andcarbon foot print of groundwater irrigation
Sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the
impact of various groundwater recharge and pumping
scenarios on energy requirement and carbon foot print
(CFP) of groundwater abstraction at IARI. The results
indicated that the pump efficiency had maximum
impact on CFP (increase in efficiency from 36.5 to 50 %
may decrease the CFP from 365 to 267 million tonnes).
Groundwater recharge did not show much impact on
CFP. Carbon footprint would increase by 11.67 million
tonnes for one meter decline in water table under
specified recharge and pumping conditions. Energy
required for groundwater irrigation of rice-wheat, rice-
mustard, pearl millet-wheat, pearl millet-mustard,
maize-wheat, maize-mustard, pigeonpea-wheat,
pigeonpea-mustard under prevailing conditions in
Najafgarh, Delhi were 1.31, 1.30, 0.90, 0.88, 1.14, 1.12,
1.06 and 1.04 MWh, respectively, whereas their CFPs
were 1.24, 1.22, 0.85, 0.83, 1.07, 1.05, 1.00 and 0.98 MT/
ha.
3.4 NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT
3.4.1 Long-term Effect of Fertilizers andManures on Crop Yields and Soil Fertility
The long-term experiment started during 1971-72
at IARI farm under the aegis of AICRP was continued
with maize-wheat cropping system. Ten treatments
comprising sub-optimal (50% of recommended) to
super-optimal (150% of recommended) NPK, NP or N
alone, NPK supplemented with FYM (5.0 t/ha), S (45
kg/ha) or Zn (10 kg/ha), and unfertilized-control were
evaluated.
Long-term changes in crop response to fertilizers.
The grain yield of maize during the year under report
revealed that conjoint use of NPK and FYM, or super-
55
optimal NPK out-yielded all other treatments. The
yields in these treatments were significantly greater
than recommended NPK, suggesting for an increase
in the fertilizer recommendations. Grain yield under
100% NP was also significantly greater than N alone,
underlining the response to P fertilization. Maize
response to K was 0.3 t/ha, and that to P was 0.45 t/ha
during the current year. The yield response to FYM
was 0.87 t/ha. The yield responses to P, K and S in wheat
were much greater during 2011-12 compared with the
17-year averaged response to these nutrients.
Application of 150% of recommended NPK over
optimal (100% of recommended) NPK gave an
additional yield of wheat (0.67 t/ha), whereas the
corresponding average yield gain for the period 1995-
96 to 2011-12 was 0.45 t /ha. Similarly, yield gains due
to conjoint use of FYM and NPK increased with the
passage of time, owing to decline in soil health and
inadequacy of recommended fertilizer rates.
Nonetheless, results clearly suggested for an upward
revision of fertilizer recommendations to achieve high
yield goals and minimize nutrient mining from soil.
Fractions of soil B under different nutrient supply
options. Total B ranged between 36.5 and 44.9 mg/ kg,
and was significantly higher under NPK+FYM as
compared to the rest of the treatments. Readily soluble
and specifically adsorbed B varied significantly with
treatments, being the highest (0.82 and 0.86 mg/kg,
respectively) under NPK+FYM and the lowest (0.61 and
0.60 mg/kg, respectively) under N alone. No significant
effect of treatments was observed on the oxide-bound
and residual fractions of B, which varied between 1.44
and 1.62 mg/kg, and 31.0 and 35.8 mg/kg, respectively.
On the other hand, organically bound B showed the
highest value (5.86 mg/kg) under NPK+ FYM, whereas
it was the lowest (2.50 mg/kg) under control. As these
soils are neither B deficient nor have excessive B
adsorption sites such as CaCO3, oxides or clay content,
distribution of B in different fractions is mainly
governed by soil organic matter content and B removal
by the crops. Grain yield as well as total B uptake
showed significant correlation with specifically
adsorbed and organically bound B in soil. Multiple
regression analysis revealed that specifically adsorbed
and organically bound B fractions individually could
explain 37% and 52% variability in grain yield and B
uptake by wheat.
Soil S pools and apparent S balance. Total S in
surface soil (0-15 cm) ranged between 164 and 242
mg/kg, with the highest content in NPK+S plots.
Organic fraction contributed 88 to 93% of total S, and
appeared to be the dominant pool. Highest contents
of organic and inorganic S fractions were registered
in NPK+S followed by NPK+FYM plots. Apparent
balance sheet of S was computed by estimating S
addition through different sources,viz., fertilizers,
irrigation and rainfall. Annual S addition to different
treatments ranged between 29.8 and 119.3 kg/ha,
whereas total S uptake by both crops ranged between
9.34 and 33.0 kg/ha. Thus, the apparent balance was
positive in all treatments, except 150% NPK. Highest
positive balance of 88 kg/ha was recorded under
NPK+S, which was followed by 45.2 kg/ha under
NPK+FYM.Grain yield trends of maize and wheat under different fertilizeroptions
56
3.4.2 Effect of Sludge Application on CropYield and Soil Properties
A field experiment established in 2009-10 was
continued with wheat- cowpea system on a Typic
Haplustept at IARI farm to assess the effect of sewage
sludge application on crop yields and soil properties.
The highest yield of wheat was obtained with 100% of
recommended NPK, which was on a par with the
treatment receiving sludge @ 15 t/ha + 50% of
recommended NPK. Soil pH and EC remained
unaffected after harvest of wheat. Application of
sewage sludge along with 50% NPK not only increased
the yield but also improved soil available N, P and K
content. Application of sludge decreased bulk density,
while mean weight diameter, water stable aggregates
and porosity increased.
3.4.3 Effect of Enriched Composts on SoilFertility and Biological Properties underWheat-Green Gram Sequence
Composts were prepared using rice straw, mustard
stover and tree leaves, enriched with low-grade rock
phosphate (RP). Cattle dung was added as natural
inoculant for faster decomposition of composting mass.
The materials were ready for field evaluation after 4
months. A field experiment was conducted to study
the effect of these enriched composts on soil fertility
and biological properties under wheat-green gram
rotation. Eleven treatments consisted of T1: Control; T
2:
100% RDF (recommended dose of NPK fertilizers); T3:
50% RDF; T4: FYM @ 5 t/ha; T
5: Rice straw enriched
compost @ 5 t/ha; T6: Mustard stover enriched compost
@ 5 t/ha; T7: Tree leaf enriched compost @ 5 t/ha; T
8:
50% RDF + FYM @ 5 t/ha; T9: 50% RDF + Rice straw
enriched compost @ 5 t/ha; T10
: 50% RDF + Mustard
stover enriched compost @ 5 t/ha; and T11
: 50% RDF +
Tree leaf enriched compost @ 5 t/ha. Whole quantities
of fertilizer materials were applied to first crop of wheat
and green gram was grown on residual fertility. Mineral
N (NH4+-N and NO
3--N), organic C, and available P, K
and S status in soil improved significantly due to
application of enriched composts as well as inorganic
fertilizers than control at harvest of each crop. The
organic C content varied from 0.35% in control (T1) to
0.54% in T9 (50% RDF + 5 t/ha rice straw enriched
compost) at wheat harvest. In general, significant build-
up in soil organic C as well as available P was
maintained in treatments receiving enriched compost
along with 50% RDF than sole application of FYM/
enriched compost (T4, T
5 and T
6) or fertilizer (T
2 and
T3). The available P content in soil ranged from 13.0 kg
P/ha in control (T1) to 25.3 kg/ha in T
9 (50% RDF + 5 t/
ha rice straw enriched compost) at wheat harvest.
3.4.4 Enhancing Phosphorus Use Efficiencyin Maize-Wheat Cropping System
A field experiment comprising fertilizer P rates (0,
33, 50 and 100% of recommended P) and microbial
inoculation options, i.e., un-inoculated, P solubilizing
bacteria (PSB; Pseudomonas striata) and arbuscular
mycorrhizae (AM) consortia consisting of Glomas,
Gigaspora and Acualospora sp., and PSB + AM
inoculation was established with maize-wheat
cropping system. Available P content was higher in
rhizosphere soil by 35% than non-rhizosphere soil,
whereas, at V5 and VT stage, the rhizosphere soil P
availability was lower by 24% and 45%, respectively
than non-rhizosphere soil. Microbial inoculants
(PSB+AM) enhanced P availability by 12, 27, 52 and
47% over un-inoculated plots at V2, V5, VT and harvest
stages, respectively. The recovery efficiency of P was
the highest when 50% of recommended P was applied
along with PSB+AM. Highest maize grain yield (4.16
t/ha) was recorded under split application of 100% P
fertilizer with PSB+AM. Averaged across fertilizer
treatments, maize yield under microbial inoculants
(PSB, AM, PSB+AM) was on a par. The yield under 50%
P with PSB + AM was on a par with 100% P fertilizer
application, indicating that microbial inoculation can
help in curtailing fertilizer P application by mobilizing
the native and applied P.
3.4.5 Evaluation and Refinement ofLaboratory Techniques for Boron (B)Determination in Soil
In view of the problems encountered in
conventional hot-water extraction of B, a study was
undertaken to evaluate different extractants for
available B in soils of varying characteristics. Sixteen
soils representing different soil groups were selected
for pot experiment, which differed widely in
57
characteristics with pH ranging between 5.26 and 8.43,
organic C between 0.15 and 0.75%, and exchangeable
Ca between 1.54 and 5.20 me 100 g-1 soil. Four extractants,
viz, Hot water, Hot 0.01M Cacl2, 0.05M Mannitol-0.01M
CaCl2 (pH 8.5) and 0.2M Sorbitol-1N NH
4OAc-0.1M TEA
(pH 7.3) were used to extract the available B. In general,
soil B extraction increased with increasing organic C and
soil pH, whereas the reverse was true in case of
exchangeable Ca content. Such a relationship with soil
characteristics was more consistent in case of Hot CaCl2,
Sorbitol-NH4OAc-TEA and Hot water. A pot-experiment
was conducted using these soils, wherein soybean was
grown with (1.0 mg B kg-1) or without B (0 mg B/kg),
and residual effect of B was studied in cauliflower. All
pots received uniform application of N P K at 20-40-27
mg/kg soil, respectively. Crops were harvested at 45-day
growth. The results revealed that B content, B uptake
by the crops and dry matter yield of crops were increased
with B application, although the magnitude of increase
depended on the soil B values. Dry matter yield response
to B was, on average 39% in soybean and 53% in
cauliflower over no B-control.
3.4.6 Controlled and Sustained Release ofZinc in Soil
In order to ensure controlled release of applied Zn
in soil, two bio-nano composites (Bio NCPC) were
synthesized using biopolymers, namely, chitosan and
starch, and uploaded with Zn. Studies on Zn release
behaviour of these Bio NCPCs having different nano-
clay content revealed that increasing amount of nano-
clay decreased the release rate of Zn in all the three
NCPCs. Biodegradability of these materials in soil was
also studied by incubating the same with Aspergillus
sp. and measuring CO2 evolution. The results showed
that bio NCPCs degraded much faster compared with
polyacrylate-NCPC which degraded very slowly
initially. In case of bio NCPCs, increasing amount of
nano clay decreased CO2 evolution rate at initial stages.
3.4.7 Biosynthesis of Nitrogen Nano-particles
An attempt was made to synthesize nitrogen (N)
nano-particles using bacterial enzymes. For this
purpose, several soil bacteria were isolated from
research farm of Central Arid Zone Research Institute
(CAZRI), Jodhpur. A laboratory experiment was
conducted to assess the compatibility of each bacterial
isolates against varying concentration of different salts
of N, viz., (NH4)
2SO
4, NH
4NO
3, NH
4Cl and KNO
3. Out
of these, three isolates (bacteria-2, bacteria-4 and
bacteria-7) showed positive growth in NH4NO
3 salt
solution and were selected for biosynthesis of N nano-
particles. The results indicated that bacteria-2 and
bacteria-7 were able to produce nano-particles in
NH4NO
3 salt solution. Intensity distribution of bio-
transformed salt solutions using extracellular enzymes
of bacteria-2 in 1 mM of NH4NO
3 salt solution after 24
hours of incubation indicated that bacteria-2 was able
to produce 92.9% nano-particles from salt solution.
Similarly, intensity distribution of bio-transformed salt
solutions using extracellular enzymes of bacteria-7 in
1 mM of NH4NO
3 salt solution only after 3 hours of
incubation indicated that bacteria-7 was able to
produce 70.6% nano-particles from salt solution.
3.4.8 Standardization of Leaf Colour Chart(LCC) and Chlorophyll Meter for DynamicN Management in Wheat
Leaf colour chart and chlorophyll meters (SPAD
and Fieldscout CM 1000) were evaluated for site-
specific N management in wheat at IARI farm. A
positive and significant (R2=0.93-0.97, p<0.01) quadratic
response between N application levels and wheat grain
yield was observed. The optimum LCC score, Minolta
SPAD, CM 1000 meter values, leaf chlorophyll and N
concentration at maximum tillering (most important
crop growth stage for N management in wheat) were
found to be 4.5, 45.9, 301.9, 2.47 mg g-1 fresh weight
and 2.72%, respectively, to fetch economic optimum
grain yield. Growth stage specific optimum and critical
values of above mentioned N indicators for achieving
economic optimum and critical grain yield of wheat
were also developed.
3.4.9 Hyperspectral Remote SensingTechniques to Monitor N, P, S and K statusin Wheat
Field experiments were carried out to assess the
possibility of monitoring nutrient stress in wheat
using hyperspectral remote sensing. Leaf and canopy
spectra at wavelengths from 350-2500 nm using
58
spectroradiometer and vegetation data were recorded
at booting stage of wheat crop. Reflectance in short
wave infra red (SWIR) region found to monitor
nutrient (N, P, K and S) status in plant in combination
with reflectance at either VIS or NIR region. Eight
traditional and six newly proposed indices were tested
for retrieval of N, P, S and K quantitatively. Prediction
coefficient of newly proposed indices were
statistically significant for P (R2=0.35-0.39, RMSE=0.208-
0.210 g m-2, p<0.01) and S (R2=0.51-0.55, RMSE=0.131-
0.145 g m-2, p<0.01). The ratio compared to normalized
structures of vegetation indices was found to be more
robust in retrieval of amount of nutrients. Newly
developed and validated spectral algorithms specific
to N, P, S and K can be used for their site-specific
management in wheat.
3.4.10 Response of Soybean and Wheat to theApplication of Nickel in Alluvial Soils
A pot experiment was conducted to assess the
response of applied Ni (0, 5, 50 and 100 mg/kg) on
soybean and wheat crop, grown on residual Ni content.
There was 16.5 to 26.6% increase in biomass yield of
soybean due to Ni application at 5 mg/kg over control;
the corresponding figure for wheat was 10.7 to 41.1%.
Toxicity symptoms in soybean were recorded at higher
level (50 or100mg/kg) of applied Ni. DTPA was more
consistent in predicting available Ni in soil as compared
to Sr(NO)3 and Ca(NO)
3. Critical limit of deficiency of
DTPA-extractable Ni in soil were 0.17 and 0.18 mg/kg
for soybean and wheat, respectively. Whereas, critical
plant Ni concentration of deficiency for soybean and
wheat was worked out to be 0.20 and 0.37 mg/kg,
respectively. Phytotoxicity limit of DTPA extractable
Ni in soil was computed as 3.24 mg/kg and a plant
content of 12.0 mg/kg on dry weight basis can be
considered as toxic limit using soybean as a test crop.
3.4.11 Available Nutrient Content in Soilunder Conservation Agriculture
With an objective to assess the changes in nutrient
status under conservation agriculture (CA), the soil
samples (0-15 cm) from three cropping systems (rice-
wheat, cotton-wheat and pigeonpea-wheat) after two
years of field experimentation at IARI farm were
analyzed for organic C, available N, P and K. Averaged
over different cropping systems, organic C in CA based
systems increased by 19% over the conventional
farmer’s practice and 24% over the initial soil content.
The maximum increase in organic C was recorded in
CA based rice-wheat system, followed by cotton-wheat
and pigeonpea-wheat system, respectively. Similarly,
CA based systems maintained greater available N and
K content in soil compared with conventional practice
or initial value. The increase in N and K was highest in
cotton-wheat system followed by rice-wheat and
pigeonpea-wheat system. On the other hand,
availability of P decreased in CA by 15% over
conventional practice but increased over initial by 86%.
3.4.12 Soil Test Crop Response Correlation(STCR) Based Fertilizer Recommendation ofN, P and S for Wheat
Integrated plant nutrient supply (IPNS)
recommendations for N, P and S in wheat (cv. HD 2851)
Effect of Ni application on soybean grown on Ni deficient soil
Fertilizer (NPS) prescription equations for targeted yieldof wheat
Fertilization option Fertilizer prescription equation
Fertilizer NPS alone FN = 5.33 T – 0.65 SN
FP = 1.65 T – 2.37 SP
FS = 1.04 T – 1.06 SS
Fertilizer NPS + FYM FN = 5.33 T – 0.65 SN – 0.68 FYMN
FP = 1.65 T – 2.37 SP – 0.43 FYMP
FS = 1.04 T – 1.06 SS – 0.39 FYMS
FN, FP and FS – fertilizer N, P and S in kg/ha, respectively; T- target yield in q/
ha; SN, SP and SS – Alkaline KMnO4 – N, Olsen’s-P and 0.15% CaCl
2 extract-
able S in kg/ha, respectively; FYMN, FYMP and FYMS - FYM N, P and S in kg/
ha, respectively.
59
were developed on an Inceptisol following
Ramamoorthy’s ‘inductive cum targeted yield model’.
Marked fertility gradients were established with
respect to soil available N, P and S. Graded levels of
fertilizer N, P, S and FYM were applied to three fertility
strips each having twenty four plots. Soil and plant
analysis data were used to compute basic parameters
required for development of nutrient prescription
equations. The nutrient requirement for producing one
quintal of wheat grain yield was worked out as 2.3 kg
of N, 0.40 kg of P and 0.5 kg of S. Available soil nutrient
pool contributed 28.7, 54.5 and 52.0%, applied fertilizers
43.9, 23.0 and 49.2%, and FYM 29.9, 9.9 and 19.2% to
total N, P and S uptake by wheat, respectively. Using
these basic data, fertilizer prescription equations and
ready reckoners were developed for a range of soil test
values and yield targets.
3.5 ORCHARD MANAGEMENT
3.5.1 Performance of IARI Released MangoVarieties on Polyembryonic Rootstocks
Growth performance of four mango varieties
released from IARI were evaluated on four
polyembryonic rootstocks (K-5, Kurakkan, Olour and
K-3). In Pusa Arunima, maximum fruit weight was
recorded on K-5 rootstock and minimum on Kurakkan.
Whereas highest pulp percent was recorded for Olour
rootstock. The maximum fruit weight of Pusa Surya,
Amrapali and Mallika was found on Olour rootstock,
while pulp percent in Amrapali and Mallika was
recorded the highest when grafted on K-5 and
Kurakkan rootstocks, respectively.
3.5.2 Effect of Rootstock on PhysiochemicalParameters in Mango Grown under NaClStress
Plants of Amrapali mango grafted on two
polyembryonic, Olour and Kurakkan and one
monoembryonic, small fruited desi type (non-descript
seedlings) were irrigated with water containing 0.0 or
50 mM NaCl at four days interval for 90 days. In
different rootstock-scion combinations, minimum
reduction in plant height (13.48%) under salinised
condition was found in graft with desi type, while
minimum inhibition in number of leaves (4.66%) was
recorded on Olour rootstock. Graft on desi type
seedlings had increased minimum leaf Na+
concentration (1.5-fold), while graft with Olour had
minimum leaf Cl- (1.2-fold) in the presence of NaCl as
compared to non-salinised plants. Olour seems to be
good Cl- excluder rootstock, while desi type, non-
descript seedlings could exclude Na+ from leaf tissues
of scion cultivar. Based on the overall performance and
leaf scorching symptoms, it could be concluded that
Olour might be used as mango rootstocks in areas
where irrigation water contains high salts.
3.5.3 Physiological and Biochemical Analysisin Malformation Resistant and SusceptibleMango Cultivars
Twelve mango cultivars were characterized for
different parameters with respect to mango
malformation. Leaf blade thickness which showed
genotypic variability, was maximum in Bhadauran
(0.228 mm) a resistant cultivar to malformation,
compared to Lucknow Safeda (0.136 mm) and Langra
(0.142), the susceptible cultivars. Leaf wax coating
showed highly significant negative correlation with
intensity of mango floral malformation (r = -0.88) with
highly susceptible cultivars showing considerably less
wax thickness (315-375 g/cm2) compared to resistant
cultivars (484-522 g/cm2). Resistant cultivars including
Elaichi and Bhadauran had the highest leaf wax content
(522 and 484 g/cm2, respectively), while highly
susceptible cultivars such as Amrapali, Eldon and
Neelum had significantly low amounts 315, 355 and
375 g/cm2, respectively.
Correlation between the number of stomata per
unit area (mm2) of mango leaf surface did not show
significant correlation (r = -0.28) with malformation
intensity. Mallika - a susceptible cultivar recorded the
minimum number of stomata, while Bhadauran a
resistant cultivar had the maximum stomata per unit
area. Significant positive correlations were observed
between leaf length, leaf breadth and severity of floral
malformation (r = 0.59, 0.53, respectively). Leaf length
had highly significant positive correlations with leaf
breadth, leaf weight, leaf area and total number of
stomata per leaf.
60
Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity was found to
be significantly higher in malformation resistant
cultivars Bhadauran and Ellaichi (8.38 and 8.39 min-1
g-1 fw, respectively) than the susceptible cultivars
(Mean 4.43 min-1g-1 fw). Chausa, Mallika and Bombay
Green had the lowest PPO activities, which were
insignificantly different within this group.
Lipoxygenase (LOX) was higher in Chausa (3.96
mol Trolox g-1 fw) and lowest in Bhadauran (11.06
mol Trolox g-1 fw). LOX activity was negatively
correlated with malformation. Mean peroxidase
activity was maximum for the varieties resistant to
malformation (29.62 and 30.30 μmol H2O
2 mg-1 fw
min-1for Bhadauran and Ellaichi, respectively).
Malformation susceptible varieties recorded
significantly lower catalase (mean 22.48 μmol H2O
2
mg-1 fw min-1) than the resistant genotypes. A
comparison of mean catalase activity across mango
varieties revealed significantly higher catalase
activity in leaf of 1-2 month (29.83 μmol H2O
2 mg-1
fw min-1) than that of 3-4 months stage (18.13
μmol H2O
2 mg-1 fw min-1). Catalase activity in 3-4
month-old leaf was positively correlated (0.477)
with malformation resistance.
3.5.4 Performance of Grapefruit Cultivars onDifferent Rootstocks
Growth performance in terms of height,
rootstock: scion index, and canopy volume of two
grapefruit cultivars, namely, Marsh Seedless and Red
Blush were observed on nine rootstocks. The
maximum height 1.57 m of Marsh Seedless trees was
recorded when grafted on Troyer citrange, while
minimum plant height was recorded when Marsh
Seedless grafted on Attani-1 (1.10 m), whereas in Red
Blush, maximum height was found on rough lemon
rootstock and minimum on Troyer citrange
rootstock. Canopy volume of Marsh Seedless trees
ranged from 4.30 m3 on sour orange rootstock to 2.10
m3 on Jatti khatti rootstock. However, in Red Blush,
higher canopy volume was recorded when grafted
on Jatti khatti and lowest was found when grafted
on Attani-1. Rootstock: scion index was found the
highest (1.23) when Marsh Seedless was grafted on
Troyer citrange; whereas lowest index (0.87) was
recorded on sour orange. In grapefruit cultivar Red
Blush, rootstock : scion index varied from 0.90 on
Troyer citrange to 1.46 in trees grafted on Jatti khatti
after two year of growth.
3.5.5 Plant Growth and PhysiologicalParameters of Wilt Tolerant and DwarfGuava Genotypes
Physiological parameters like numbers of stomata
per unit leaf area and phenolic content in leaves were
assessed in guava germplasm. Minimum stomatal
density was observed in Psidium chinensis followed by
genotype Sasri. Stomatal density estimation also
indicated Sasri to be a dwarf genotype. Low stomatal
density and high phenolic content in leaves were found
to be associated with dwarfness in Sasri genotype.
Guava wilt affected area in Muzaffarnagar (UP)
was surveyed and selected orchards was artificially
Plant height, canopy volume and rootstock/scion index of grapefruit cultivars on different root stocks
Rootstock Plant height (m) Canopy volume (m3) Rootstock/Scion index
Marsh SL Red Blush Marsh SL Red Blush Marsh SL Red Blush
Rough lemon 1.37 1.93 8.11 15.14 1.26 1.01
Attani-1 1.10 1.22 5.10 3.18 1.15 1.13
Attani-2 1.47 1.37 7.07 5.28 1.04 1.02
Jatti khatti 1.40 2.10 7.67 20.34 1.11 1.46
Billi khichli 1.33 1.43 6.93 7.21 1.13 1.04
Sour orange 1.20 1.18 4.30 4.08 0.87 1.19
RLC-4 1.30 1.60 5.27 7.54 1.10 1.08
Karna khatta 1.25 1.28 5.89 4.37 1.09 0.94
Troyer citrange 1.57 1.20 10.83 1.82 1.23 0.90
61
inoculated with Fusarium and other bacterial bioagents
to see their effect on controlling guava wilt. Soil and
root samples were collected from guava wilt affected
area, analyzed for identifying the fungal and nematode
species. Fusarium oxysporum and eight different species
of nematodes were found to be associated with guava
wilt.
3.6 PROTECTED CULTIVATIONTECHNOLOGY
3.6.1 Vegetables Crops
3.6.1.1 Evaluation of different protectedstructures for off-season cucumber production
Naturally ventilated polyhouse, fan-pad poly
house and insect proof net house for production of
parthenocarpic cucumber (var. Isatis and Kian) were
evaluated during 2012-13. Cucumber seedlings (25
days old) were transplanted on 15th Sept. under
different protected structures on raised beds along
with drip fertigation system. The variety Isatis gave
higher average fruits yield (15.50 kg/m2) as compared
to Kian (14.15kg/m2) under naturally ventilated
polyhouse condition. It is concluded that
parthenocarpic cucumbers can be grown successfully
under naturally ventilated polyhouse during off-
season, which is economically feasible for the
growers.
3.6.1.2 Studies on summer squash varieties underplastic low-tunnels during winter season
Four Summer squash varieties viz., Australian
Green (Green coloured long fruited), Zucchini (Yellow
coloured long fruited), Chand and DS 8 (Tinda type
round fruited) were evaluated under plastic low
tunnels for their off-season cultivation during winter
2012. Among the long fruited yellow coloured varieties
Zucchini hybrid produced maximum fruit yield (56.2
t/ha) as compared to variety Australian Green (53.6 t/
ha). However, among the round shaped varieties,
hybrid Chand produced the highest fruit yield (41.5 t/
ha) as compared to DS 8 (35.5 t/ha).
3.6.1.3 Studies on parthenocarpic cucumber withand without plastic mulch under naturallyventilated poly house
Three parthenocarpic cucumber varieties, viz.,
Kian, Satis, and Hilton were evaluated under naturally
ventilated greenhouse equipped with low pressure
drip irrigation cum fertigation system during August
to December 2012. Out of three varieties, Kian required
minimum period for first harvesting (23 days) after
Studies on parthenocarpic cucumbers under Greenhouse
Crop /var. Crop Days taken to Days taken to Average fruit Average fruit Cost benefit
duration flowering after first harvesting yield (kg/plant) yield (t/1000 m2 ) ratio
transplanting
With mulch
Kian 120 days 15 23 2.40 7.78 1:2.70
Satis 110 days 15 25 2.15 7.39 1:2.20
Hilton 115 days 18 27 2.20 6.75 1:2.40
Without mulch
Kian 106 days 22 35 1.50 5.68 1: 2.12
Satis 100 days 23 36 1.10 5.42 1: 1.70
Hilton 107 days 22 40 1.30 5.24 1: 1.50
Red sweet pepper crop in experimental field
62
transplanting and produced the highest fruit yield
(2.40 kg/plant and 7.78 t/1000 m2) with the cost benefit
ratio of 1:2.20. Silver/black plastic mulch of 25-30
micron on raised bed at 30 cm x 30 cm spacing along
with drip enhanced the fruit yield by 40-50%
compared to without mulching under similar
conditions.
3.6.1.4 Performance of sweet pepper withconventional and dry liquid drip fertigationunder protected cultivation
Eleven N and K fertilizer combinations, including
nine combinations of urea and MOP, one ready mix
dry liquid fertilizer (DLF) and a control, were
considered in sweet pepper and fertilizer was applied
weekly in 32 equal split doses through low head low
cost drip system while irrigation was scheduled twice
a week. The highest average sweet pepper fruit yield
was recorded (62.2 t/ha) in case of the conventional
fertilizer treatment. The use of urea as a nitrogen source
retained more nitrate in surface layer than that of DLF.
The net returns increased by 21 per cent (`30,000) by
enhancing 25 per cent (`200) nitrogen as compared to
the recommended dose of nitrogen (320 kg/ha). The
above fertilizer rate with urea and MOP was found to
be the best as far as yield, benefit cost ratio, net income
and payback period were concerned. The study will
be useful in operation and management of drip
fertigation for enhanced production of sweet pepper
under protected cultivation.
3.6.1.5 Development of pole type F1 varieties of
summer squash suitable for greenhouse andopen field conditions
Summer squash is important vegetable of
cucurbits, mainly all cucurbits are wine type in nature
but summer squash is having bushy type nature.
Nowadays promotion of vertical horticulture is
required for greenhouse but presently, varieties
available are bushy types. Therefore, Breeding program
for the development of wine type summer squash was
initiated. A vine type parental line was collected and
crossed with Australian Green (Bushy type) under
green house conditions. F1 between vine type female
and bushy type male (Australian Green) was found
suitable for protected conditions.
3.6.2 Flower Crops
3.6.2.1 Effect of poly ethylene mulch on gladiolus
Effect of polyethylene mulch was studied on
three varieties of gladiolus, viz., Spic & Span (pink),
Amsterdam (white) and Peter Pears (peach) on
raised beds under open field, drip irrigation
conditions during winter season. Out of these, the
variety Peter Pears produced quality flowers with
spike length of 84.8 cm, rachis length 56.97 cm and
floret size (10.90 cm). Spike length (91.39 cm) was
also higher in Peter Pears as compared to two other
varieties under silver mulch, whereas, plants with
no mulch were late in flowering with shorter plant
height.
3.6.2.2 Evaluation of five new varieties of roseunder protected conditions
Five new varieties of rose, viz. , Poison,
Tajmahal, Avalanche, Gold Strike and Bugatti were
planted on 6th November 2012 in the polyhouse to
study their response. The variety Gold Strike
responded well under polyhouse by producing
maximum plant height (104.20 cm), stem length
(94.30 cm) and flower numbers (2.33). However, var.
Avalanche produced maximum flower diameter
(10.16 cm) as compared to other varieties. It was
also observed that rose was prone to mites once the
temperature reached beyond 35 0C resulting in
complete leaf falls. Out of the different chemicals
tried, a regular spray of Vertimac or Dicofol @ 0.2%
was found effective.
3.6.2.3 Evaluation of eight gerbera varietiesunder polyhouse
Eight commercial varieties of gerbera, viz, Balance,
Salvadore, Goliath, Dune, Paradisco, Prime Rose,
Sangaria and Silvester were evaluated under fully
controlled green house. The variety Paradisco showed
the earliest flowering while Salvadore performed
comparatively better among all the varieties with
respect to stalk length (52.75 cm) and diameter (1.51
cm) and frequency of flower production, whereas,
Primerose produced maximum number of flowers
(3.00) and maximum flower diameter (10.80 cm) as
compared to other varieties.
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3.6.2.4 Off-season production of chrysanthemumunder polyhouse with drip fertigation system
Among three chrysanthemum varieties, viz.,
Zembla, Thai Chen Queen and White Star tested for
protected cultivation, var. Zambla produced very
attractive flowers with longest vase life as compared
to other varieties, whereas, maximum plant height
(78.25 cm), stem length (70.25 cm) and flower diameter
(14.60 cm) were recorded in var.White Star. Of these,
vars. Zambla and Thia Chen Queen were found suitable
for year round off season production by regulating
photoperiod and using GA3 @ 150 ppm twice in 15 days
interval during summer season.
mulch was found better for producing good quality
flowers and production of bulbs and bulblets in
tuberose under drip system in Delhi. Similar kind of
effect was noticed in plant growth and quality bloom
in marigold for seed production. Mulching provided
the warmer environment for root growth and it
ultimately enhanced the plant growth and promoted
the early bloom.
3.6.3 Drip Irrigation and Fertigation
3.6.3.1 Design of partial root zone deficit (PRD)and regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) techniquesfor greenhouse tomato
The irrigation design was improved by making
an arrangement of drip lateral with control valves
for 16 mm diameter lateral fixed with dripper
discharge of 2 liter per hour. Low pressure drip
fertigation scheduling was controlled by two
tensiometers installed at 30 cm and 60 cm depth.
Good quality tomato with a yield of more than 10
kg per plant was achieved with 50% less water by
using water saving techniques of PRD and RDI under
naturally ventilated greenhouse with low pressure
drip fertigation.
3.6.3.2 Design and installation of solar energyoperated greenhouse
A 200 square meter solar energy operated
greenhouse equipped with fan-pad cooling system and
low pressure drip fertigation system was designed and
installed at CPCT farm. Solar photovoltaic power plant
of 2.6 kWp was installed to energize the greenhouse of
200 square meter area. The greenhouse has two exhaust
fans each of 500 watts and 0.5 hp pump and motor for
cooling pad. Parthenocarpic cucumber was grown
successfully in soil-less cultivation system inside the
solar energy operated greenhouse.
Off season production of chrysanthemum var. Zambla duringsummer
Mulching effect on bulb production in tuberose and seedproduction in marigold
3.6.2.5 Effect of mulching on flower quality andbulb production in tuberose and seed productionin marigold
Tuberose var. Parwajal was planted under open
field conditions using different kinds of mulch. Silver
Solar Photovoltaic power plant for greenhouse
64
3.7 AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
3.7.1 Optimization of Design and MachineParameters of Compost Turner-cum-Mixer
To optimize the design and machine parameters
of compost turner-cum-mixer, an experiment was
conducted at three different levels of blade shape
(Straight, L-shape and Knife edged) with three different
rotor speeds (220, 300 and 350 rpm), three levels of
forward speed (1.26, 2.26 and 4.17 km/h) and three
different pile heights (0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 m). The optimized
performance parameters were tested with 1000 ml
culture dose per tonne of the material of the compost.
The optimum conditions were found with straight
shaped blades at a rotor speed of 300 rpm operating
with the tractor forward speed of 2.26 km/h and pile
height maintained at 1.0 m. This resulted in decrease
of the compost density from 514.3 kg m-3 to 299.1 kg m-3
and energy requirement to 4.84 kWh. The optimum
dose of PUSA inoculant for the preparation of the good
quality compost was 1000 ml per tonne of the compost
material. The uniform mixing at the optimum
parameters caused moisture to vaporize for the top
surfaces and loss was from 19.4 to 6.66% with the
maximum temperature of 60 0C from the initial ambient
temperature of 39 0C. The electrical conductivity of
compost increased from 1,421 to 1,640 μS/m, nitrogen
content from 0.31 to 0.672%, potassium from 0.51 to
1.33% and phosphorus from 0.18 to 0.61% and C/N
value from 53:1 to 18:1.The decomposition also resulted
in reduction in power consumption from 7.93 to 6.13
kW for turning of compost by the turner-cum-mixer.
There was reduction in composting time by more than
45 days in comparison to pit method. All the nutrient
contents and various parameters studied were in
accordance with the standards set by BIS.
3.7.2 Development of Two Bed and Eight-Row Carrot planter
The two bed and eight-row carrot planter was
designed and developed for precise planting of carrot
seeds on raised beds with a ridge height of 20 cm. The
top and bottom width of bed were 350 and 700 mm,
respectively. The planter plants the carrot in four rows
on each bed at a row to row spacing of 7.5 cm. An
inclined plate metering device setting was used which
consisted of circular outer casing, seed plate with cells
on periphery, and a cut-off brush. The trapezoidal
shape seed hopper of size 165x190 mm (top) and
130x105 mm (bottom) with the side wall slope of 40° to
the horizontal was fabricated. The planting geometry
adopted on the bed was 75x50 mm for carrot. The
average depth of seed placement was 2.25 cm. The field
capacity of the machines is 0.5 ha/h.
Compost turner-cum-mixer
Two bed and eight-row carrot planter
3.7.3 Development of Two-Bed CarrotHarvester
A prototype of a two bed harvester was designed
and developed for harvesting carrot grown on raised
bed. The width of coverage of the carrot harvester is
2000 mm and it is adjustable as per harvesting width
requirement. The optimum design specifications of the
carrot harvester are: rake angle of 25°, length of soil
separator 600 mm and angle of soil separator 20°. The
field capacity of carrot harvester is 0.5 ha/h with a field
65
efficiency of 75%. The carrot harvester can be operated
by a 35 hp tractor.
3.7.4 Development of Tractor OperatedGarlic Planter
A nine row tractor operated garlic planter was
developed. The planter consists of main frame, vertical
plate metering system, reversible tyne furrow openers
and seed tubes. The metering system is driven by the
ground wheel of 380 mm diameter and power
transmission is by a set of chains and sprockets. The
vertical metering plates are of 150 mm diameter and
each having eight hemispherical cups of diameter 25
mm. The developed planter has two seed boxes. Row
to row spacing is 150 mm and desired plant spacing is
75 mm. The field capacity of the planter is 0.2 ha/h at a
working speed of 2 kmph. The vertical plate metering
system was tested over sticky belt and the clove spacing
recorded. The quality of feed index was computed as
88%. The miss index and multiple index were 2% and
10%, respectively. No visible clove damage was
recorded in the laboratory testing. Performance
evaluation of the prototype is being carried out in the
experimental farm of the Institute.
3.7.5 Design and Development of PneumaticPrecision Planter for Vegetable Crops
The effect of depth of seed placement for germination
and plant stand was studied for design of the planter
components. Performance parameters were recorded for
radish, spinach and cauliflower for three different depths
(10, 15 and 20 mm). No significant difference was
observed for plant population in case of radish and
cauliflower, whereas significant difference was recorded
for spinach with 15 mm depth of planting with higher
plant population. Performance parameters were also
recorded for okra at two different depths (20 and 40 mm).
Dry (8.16% m.c.) as well as soaked (66.27% m.c.) okra seed
were used for the experiment. It was observed that almost
50 per cent germination occurred on 5th day for soaked
okra seed, whereas the germination for dry seed was 30
per cent on 5th day. However, on 21st day there was no
significant difference in germination and dry matter for
both the treatments. Planter performance was better in
case of dry okra seed. No significant difference was
observed in yield for both the treatments except the
numerical higher values for dry okra seed planting. On
the basis of the observations, the design of the
experimental metering system was carried out with all
the sub-systems.
3.7.6 Development of Prototype GarlicHarvester
In order to reduce the high labour cost, design
parameters of a garlic mechanical harvester were
optimised through evaluation of relevant biometric and
engineering properties. The influence of soil-machine
parameters on mechanical harvesting of garlic was
determined through field experiments of harvesting
system set-up at three levels of soil moisture content
(15, 12 and 9%), rake angle (10,15 and 200) and speed of
operation (1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 km/h), and optimum design
values determined. A 4-row tractor operated garlic
harvester was designed accordingly and field evaluated
in sandy-loam soil. Crop harvesting and bulb damage
Garlic harvester
Two-bed carrot harvester
66
percentages were 96.12 and 5.94%, respectively. The
machine had soil separation index of 0.26 with power
requirement of 4.54 kW, which is adequate for small/
medium size tractors commonly used. The machine
could cover 1.9 ha per day of 8 h of operation.
Breakeven use of the prototype garlic harvester was
estimated to be 218.12 h/year, with a payback period
of 3.63 years. Estimated operational cost of the
machine is 55 % lower than that of manual
harvesting.
3.7.7 Evaporative Cooling System for TractorCabin
An evaporative cooling system was designed for
tractor cabin and retrofitted on tractor to reduce
environmental stress on tractor driver. Evaluation of
system was carried out in two field operations, i.e.,
secondary tillage and transportation mode. The cabin
temperature significantly reduced from 43 to 33.25 oC
with increase in relative humidity from 32 to 39% for
secondary tillage operation; 42 to 35.3 oC with relative
humidity of 34 to 41% for transportation operation.
The dust concentration of PM 10 also reduced
significantly from 18.5 mg m-3 to 0.35 mg m-3 in
secondary tillage operation and 4.4 mg m-3 to 0.2 mg
m-3 in transportation. Acceptability of protective
system was evaluated by measuring physiological
parameter of tractor operators, i.e., heart rate
reduction from 138 beats min-1 to 119 beats min-1 and
overall discomfort score from 4.0 to 2.9 for secondary
tillage operation; 117 beats min-1 to 107 beats min-1
and overall discomfort score to 2.9 to 1.9 for
transportation operation. The evaporative cooling
efficiency achieved was 80%.
3.7.8 Solar Powered Knapsack Sprayer
A solar powered system was developed which can
be fitted with the existing knapsack sprayer. The system
consists of 24V DC motor with diaphragm type pump,
non-return two-way valve, safety control high pressure
switch and acid-lead or Li2O battery. With constant
pressure system, quality spray, i.e., uniformity, fine spray,
effective and efficient control of pest is achievable with
operator comfort. The diaphragm type pump creates 4
kg/cm2 pressure without pulsation which is sufficient
for fine and uniform spray, increases field capacity,
chemical efficacy and farmers’ comfort. The acid-lead
or Li2O battery can be charged with SPV panel of 100W.
The fully charged battery is able to operate the sprayer
for 6-8 h continuously, which is adequate for a day
operation. As the spraying operation is undertaken only
occasionally, the rest of the time SPV panel and battery
system can be used for other purposes as a power source
for domestic use, e.g., lighting.
Evaporative cooling system for tractor cabin
Solar powered knapsack sprayer in operation
3.7.9 Solar Power Operated Vegetable SeedExtractor (Tomato)
The manually operated vegetable seed extractor
was modified to solar energy operated. Solar powered
DC motor of 740 W, 48 V and 1500 rpm was used for
running the machine. The machine can be used by the
farmers who already have the solar panels of more than
740 Wp to reduce human drudgery involved, saving
of labour/electric charges, and increasing the uses of
the Solar Photovoltaic panels. The performance of solar
67
powered seed extractor was evaluated, and the capacity
achieved was 250 kg tomato per hour.
3.7.10 Utilization of Solar Energy for Rural/Domestic Lighting System and Refrigeration
Solar lighting system developed by the Division of
Agricultural Engineering consists of a solar module of 40
W, battery of 12 V, 40 Ah and a LED light of 9 W. In
addition, a solar lantern system was also developed. It
consists of a solar module of 10 W, battery of 12 V, 7 Ah
and a CFL light of 7 W. Preliminary studies were carried
out to develop the solar refrigeration system. Preliminary
testing of 80 litre refrigerator with solar panels through
inverter and 40 Ah 12 V battery was done.
3.7.11 Farm Operation Services
The farm operation service unit (FOSU) managed all
field operations including field preparations, crop sowing,
harvesting and threshing in 750 acres of IARI farm using
indigenous and imported machinery. The multi crop
harvester and plot combine harvester (combine) were
used for mechanized harvesting and threshing of field
crops during kharif and rabi seasons. The dependence on
canal water was also reduced through development and
renovation of old tube wells and addition of one new tube
well at IARI farm. Check gates of irrigation channels were
redesigned and installed in pucca irrigation channel for
efficient water management.
3.8 POST HARVEST TECHNOLOGY
3.8.1 Fruit Bagging of Apple for Colour andQuality
For improving the quality of apple, experiments
with ethrel treatment (1000 ppm) and bagging of the
fruits with four spun-bounded recyclable fabric bags
(yellow, blue, red, and green) were conducted at 4
different elevations (1200,1500, 1800, 2100 msl) at Kullu
and Shimla (HP). Both bagging and ethrel treatments
improved colour of apple compared to unbagged
apples, ethrel treatment caused fruit and leaf drop and
poor keeping quality. Shelf life was found to be 18 days
for ethrel treated, 26 days for non-bagged and 35 days
for bagged apples at room temperature. Bagging of
fruits improved colour more significantly (about 33%
increase) over control at lower elevation (1200 msl) than
at higher elevations (1500, 1800 or 2100 msl). But the
best quality apples (TSS = 16.2%) were produced at
higher elevation (2100 msl). Further, bagged apples had
lower incidence of bitter pit (nearly 1.0%) and other
storage disorders during storage, though no incidence
of sooty mould or fly speck was observed this year.
Solar power operated vegetable seed extractor (Tomato)
Fruit bagging of apple
3.8.2 Lime As a Potential Source for MangoDesapping
Lime (calcium hydroxide) was identified as a
potential chemical for desapping of mango fruits. It
reduces sap burn injury by neutralizing the highly
acidic sap. For this mangoes (with stem attached) are
dipped in lime solution (1 %) for 45 – 60 seconds and
desapped by removing stems while fruits are in
submerged condition.
3.8.3 Development of Protocols forDehydration of Okra
The investigation was conducted to study the effect
of drying methods, pre-dehydration treatments and
68
slice size on quality, rehydration characteristics and
sensory qualities of dehydrated okra. The okra slices
(2 cm) treated with 0.1 % Na2S
2O
5 and subjected to
microwave drying was found to be the best
combination for better quality retention in respect of
protein content, total carotenoids, total chlorophyll,
dehydration characteristics and sensory quality for
colour, texture, odour and general appearance.
3.8.4 Pearl PopA ready-to-Eat Snack
A crunchy, soft and ready-to-eat pearl pop was
developed from whole pearl millet grain. The popping
yield in pearl millet is usually low (<40%), which was
enhanced through suitable conditioning treatment up to
about 70% in var. PC 443. The approximate composition
of the product was estimated as 11.2% protein, 7.36% fat,
2.96% crude fibre, 3.83% ash, 72.81% carbohydrate and
1.84% moisture content. The total antioxidant was
determined as 15.47 mole Trolox /100g. There was a
significant reduction in phytic acid content, an anti-
nutrient factor from 516.37 (raw grain) to 373.82 mg/100g
(product). The product is rich in micro-nutrients,
especially iron (5.02 mg/100 g) and zinc (3.01 mg/100 g).
3.8.5 Cowpea Protein Isolate
Cowpea protein isolate (CPI) extracted through salt
assisted extraction technique and dehydrated by freeze
drying , spray drying and vacuum drying were
assessed for x-ray crystallography, phase transition
analysis, amino acids composition, zeta potential,
colour, surface morphology (SEM) as well as functional
properties like nitrogen solubility index, least gelation
concentration, viscoelastic gel characteristics, oil and
water absorption capacity, emulsion capacity, emulsion
activity index and foaming ability. Depending on the
functional attributes intended for end-use, the freeze
drying, spray drying or vacuum drying may be
considered as reasonable options for converting the
protein isolates into powders. Based on its functional
profile, it was concluded that CPI could be used as high
value functional ingredient for various foods.
Fresh okra Dehydrated okra
Pearl pop
X-ray crystallography of cowpea protein isolate
3.8.6 Development of Reduced Fat and HighFibre Baked Products
An attempt was made to develop high fibre
biscuits by incorporation of fibre from soy and aonla.
The soy fibre enriched biscuits had 6.87 per cent
High fibre content crackers
69
protein, about 3.0 per cent fibre and low fat content
(about 17 per cent). Low fat crackers containing aonla
and beetroot powders having good protein content
(>16.0%) were also prepared. These sweet-salty crackers
contain 60% less fat as compared to commercial ones.
The aonla crackers are also rich in antioxidants (117.32
μmole/g, ABTS assay) and flavonoids (389.1 mg/g)
besides providing fibre from aonla. The beetroot crackers
have antioxidant activity of 7.78 μmole/g and are rich in
flavonoids providing 48.43 mg/g.
3.8.7 Nisin Production and Recovery forEstablishing its Use as AntimicrobialPreservative
A cell free extract (CFE) (preserved till 6 months),
from nisin producer organism Streptococcus lactis after
17 h growth, was assayed for nisin (the extra-metabolite
antimicrobial protein). This CFE contained an active
nisin concentration of 1360 IU/150 μl CFE (9068.52 IU /
ml crude CFE) as assayed against Micrococcus luteus. It
equaled to a titer of 1.51 mg as compared against pure
nisin (used as standard, marketed by HiMedia with an
activity of 900 IU/mg pure nisin). Crude nisin CFE
produced by Streptococcus lactis showed a sensitivity of
203.8 (slope value on a dose response plot) over
Micrococcus luteus as the sensitive (indicator) organism.
3.9 MICROBIOLOGY
3.9.1 Diversity Analysis of Microbes inExtreme Environments and Bioprospectingfor Novel Molecules and Genes
3.9.1.1 Bacterial diversity in Jaisalmer soils
Soil samples collected from different sites in
Jaisalmer were used for isolation of bacteria employing
ten different growth media. The average population
of bacteria at different locations ranged between 3.8 x
104 – 6.4 x 106 g-1 of soil. Based on the varied colony
morphology, 87 different morphotypes were selected.
16SrDNA PCR-RFLP analysis with three restriction
endonucleases AluI, Hae III and Hha1 could group the
isolates into 27 clusters. Based on 16S rDNA
sequencing, the isolates from Jaisalmer were identified
as Bacillus endophyticus, Bacillus sp., Bacillus tequilensis,
Bacillus cereus, Bacillus endophyticus, Bacillus firmus,
Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus
thuringiensis, Sporosarcina pasteurii, Staphylococcus
succinus. The sequences were submitted to NCBI
GenBank with Accession numbers from JN411400 -
JN411422, JX441879- JX44188. Of the 87 isolates, three
isolates were tolerant to drought and could grow at a
water potential of 0.5 MPa.
3.9.1.2 Bioprospecting for molecules and genesfor antibacterial/ antifungal activity againstcharcoal rot and bacterial blight disease insoybean
Non-fluorescent pseudomonads were found to
have antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia bataticola
(the causal agent of charcoal rot in soybean) or
antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas oryzae (the
causal agent of bacterial blight in rice). One of the
isolates (WI-9) showed both antifungal and
antibacterial activities. The culture supernatant from
the arabinose amended medium, followed by that of
starch, showed higher inhibition against X. oryzae pv.
oryzae. The TLC analysis of the crude metabolite
extracted using different organic solvents from a silica
gel column showed the putative presence of amino
acids. Based on complete 16S rDNA sequencing, the
isolate was identified as Bacillus subtilis spizizenii (NCBI
Accession No. KC 503923). The genomic library of this
Parameter Aonla crackers Beetroot crackers
per 100 g per serving % RDA per 100 g per serving % RDA
Energy (kcal) 403.25 120.98 6.05 392.7 117.81 5.89
Protein (g) 16.03 5.01 10.02 16.70 5.01 10.02
Carbohydrates (g) 68.66 20.60 6.87 62.53 18.759 6.25
Fat (g) 6.87 2.06 3.17 8.42 2.526 12.95
Fibre (g) 1.78 0.53 7.10 4.24 1.27 5.09
Vitamin C (mg/100g) 33.16 9.95 16.58 - - -
70
isolate was constructed with an average insert size of
1.5 – 2.5 kb and the clones were screened for bioassay.
Two putative clones showing active inhibition were
found to have an insert of 1.5 kb and codes for nicotinate
phosphoribosyl transferase and malonyl CoA-acyl
carrier protein transacylase.
3.9.1.3 Biomolecules from salt tolerant bacteriaisolated from Sambhar salt lake
Salt tolerant bacteria can be harnessed for novel
genes and biomolecules which can help alleviate salt
stress in plants. The salt tolerant bacterial strain was
grown in presence and absence of salt and SDS PAGE
was carried out to look for the differential expression
of proteins. Under salt stress conditions, some
proteins were up-regulated while others down-
regulated. The up-regulated proteins included
chaperonin GroEL (57.5 kDa, pI of 4.71), molecular
chaperone DnaK (66.03 kDa, pI of 4.73), elongation
factor G (76.27 kDa,pIof 4.83) and glyceraldeyde-3-
phosphate dehydrogenase (35.86 kDa, pI of 5.11).
Flagellin (33.2 kDa, pI of 5.40) was predominantly
down-regulated under salt stress. Down-regulation
of flagellin was confirmed by the bacterial motility
test. In the stabs, there was considerable growth of
bacterium in the upper layer of medium around the
site of inoculation under control conditions,
suggesting high motility. When exposed to salt stress,
growth was limited to the site of inoculation,
suggesting low motility probably due to poor
synthesis of flagellin. Under the static, salt stress
conditions, there was development of biofilm on the
surface of medium whereas in the absence of stress,
instead of biofilm development growth was observed
uniformly in the medium. SEM micrographs of the
isolates under the static and normal conditions
showed that bacterial cell tended to be shorter in
length, thicker and present as single cells or in small
groups. However, the cells were longer, thinner and
in the form of a network under the salt stress
conditions.
3.9.1.4 Diversity and functional characterizationof anaerobic ammonia oxidizers
Anaerobic microbial processes such as anaerobic
ammonia oxidation, iron reduction and manganese
reduction are significant not only to elemental cycling
but also to plant growth and development. Flooded
soil microcosms (1:1.25 ratio, w/v) using samples from
the experimental fields of IARI and Aduthurai and
farmers’ fields of Kuttanad (Kerala) were prepared
by adding N at two different levels (10 and 100 mM)
to enrich anaerobic ammonium oxidizers (anammox
bacteria) and archaea. Eleven acidophilic ammonia
oxidizers from the acid-sulphate soil (Kuttanad) were
obtained. Presence of essential oils such as spearmint
and eucalyptus inhibited while those of lemongrass
and basil when applied to the medium at 5 μl ml-1
stimulated ammonia oxidation by the selected
isolates. Potential ammonia oxidation of soils
decreased under anoxic conditions compared to that
of oxic conditions; presence of nitrate alone stimulated
denitrification by 20-folds. In the presence of both
ammonia and nitrate, rates of ammonia oxidation
were similar in soils of IARI and Aduthurai.
Abundance of lipid biomarkers of Clostridia,
Desulfobacter, and Desulfovibrio differed among soils
of Aduthurai (28.0%), IARI (24.0%) and Kuttanad
(20.4%).
3.9.1.5 Isolation, identification and characterization ofpentacholrophenol degrading microbes
Bacterial isolates capable of degrading
pentachlorophenol (PCP) 100 to 375 mg L-1 were
isolated from farmers’ fields irrigated with PCP
containing pulp and paper mill effluent. The efficient
PCP degraders were identified by partial 16S rRNA
gene sequencing and classified into four major
bacterial lineages, -Proteobacteria and Firmicutes.
The isolates were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Pseudomonas putida, Azospirillum sp., Burkholderia sp.,
Cupriavidus sp., Stenotrophomonas sp., InquilinusSEM micrograph of the bacterial growth under control and saltstress conditions
Control 10% NaCl
71
limosus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Ochrobactrum
anthropic, Pseudomonas mendocina¸ Bacillus sp. and
Pseudomonas sp. Isolates Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(PCP1) and Pseudomonas sp. (PCP42) could grow at
PCPmax
(maximum PCP concentration) of 300 mg L-1
in 144 h and showed maximum degradation of 72.91
and 72.07% PCP, respectively. PCP degrading isolates
of Azospirillum (PCP13 and PCP16) and Inquilinus
limosus (PCP 27) were reported for the first time and
might represent new chlorophenol-degrading taxa.
3.9.1.6 Growth and phycobilin production inphotobioreactor vis a vis open trays
Large scale biomass and pigment production by
Nostoc commune, Anabaena variabilis and Anabaena oryzae
were optimized using photobioreactor (3.5 L) and open
trays (18 L). Higher growth and phycobilin production
was obtained in the closed photobioreactor as
compared to open trays. Phycobilin production by
Nostoc commune was maximum followed by Anabaena
variabilis and Anabaena oryzae.
3.9.2 Microbes for Nutrient Management
3.9.2.1 Evaluation of fungal and cyanobacteriabased biofilmed formulations
PGP and biocontrol traits of Trichoderma based
biofilms as inoculants for cotton. The potential of
novel biofilmed biofertilizers as plant growth
promoting and biocontrol agents was evaluated in
cotton crop at CICR, Nagpur, IARI, New Delhi and
CICR Research Farm, Sirsa. The biofilms were
developed using Trichoderma viride as a matrix and
agriculturally important bacteria - Bacillus subtilis,
Pseudomonas fluorescens and Azotobacter chroococcum, as
partners. At IARI, biofilmed formulations (using
compost: vermiculite; 1:1 as carrier) significantly
improved the germination (%), growth and nutrient
uptake parameters, microbiological activity and yield
attributes, including 15-20% increase in boll weight. At
CICR, Nagpur, T. viride - B. subtilis biofilm significantly
enhanced yield of cotton. In Rhizoctonia solani infested
sick plots at Sirsa, seedling mortality reduced with
inoculation of T. viride - B. subtilis and T. viride - P.
fluorescens biofilms. This was significantly correlated
with increased activity of hydrolytic enzymes like b-1, 3
and b-1, 4 endoglucanases and chitosanase in plant roots.
Scanning electron microscopy further confirmed their
colonisation on roots, especially the T. viride - B. subtilis
biofilms. Significant correlation of plant parameters
with polyphenol oxidase activity, mortality of cotton
plants with MBC, defense enzyme activity with
Phycobilin production by different cyanobacteria in (a)photobioreactor and (b) open trays SEM of biofilm inoculated and uninoculated cotton root
To
tal
ph
yco
bil
in ( g
/ml)
To
tal
ph
yco
bil
in ( g
/ml)
72
mortality were also observed in this study. Synergistic
effects of the partners in these biofilmed formulations
illustrated their potential vis a vis use of mixtures/
individual cultures as inoculants. Such formulations
may represent a more viable inoculation option for
integrated nutrient and pest management strategies in
agriculture.
Novel biofilmed inoculants as PGP agents for
legumes. Agronomic potential of biofilmed
preparations (developed using Anabaena/Trichoderma
viride as matrices with different agriculturally useful
bacteria/fungi as partners) on mungbean and soybean
was examined. The Trichoderma viride - Bradyrhizobium
biofilm exhibited 20-45% enhancement in fresh/dry
weight and yield of mungbean plants, over
recommended fertilizer treatment. Anabaena based
biofilms and T. viride - Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilm
recorded 2-3 folds enhancement in microbial biomass
carbon at the mid-crop stage, over control. The T. viride
- Azotobacter biofilm exhibited highest dehydrogenase
activity and nitrogen fixation at the mid-crop stage,
besides enhanced dry weight at harvest stage. In
soybean, among all the treatments, the T. viride –
Bradyrhizobium recorded highest fresh weight of plants
and available N in soil at harvest stage. Anabaena –
Trichoderma viride biofilmed formulations proved most
promising for soybean, recording 12-25% enhanced
plant biometric parameters, yield and dehydrogenase
activity.
Biofilm of Piriformispora indica and
Pseudomonas sp. for soybean and rice. The biofilm of
Pseudomonas sp. and Piriformispora indica when
inoculated with soybean led to significantly higher
FDA (32%), urease activity (14%), glomalin production
(43%), and acid-and alkaline phosphatase activities
(15.7%), relative to individual inoculation of
microorganisms with soybean. Inoculation of
Pseudomonas striata- Piriformospora indica to aerobic rice
in pot culture resulted in significant gains in
chlorophyll content (1.66%), nitrate reductase activity
(10.2%), and catalase activity (77.8%) while a reduction
in peroxidase activity (-72.44%) in leaf tissues was
recorded at the tillering stage. Similar trend was
observed at the panicle stage, albeit with lower
magnitude.
3.9.2.2 Development of Azotobacter bioinoculantsfor saline soils
Inoculation of two salt tolerant Azotobacter strains
(H 16 and A 24) significantly enhanced the yield of
wheat under salt stress conditions. The N content both
in straw and grain improved significantly due to
inoculation. However, the influence on plant and grain
P-content was non-significant. The increased uptake
of K in Azotobacter inoculated treatments resulted in
lower Na/K ratio in the plant both under normal and
saline stress conditions. Inoculation also resulted in
increase in phenol and proline contents. However, there
was no influence on accumulation of amino acid, starch
and total sugars content. Inoculation resulted in
significant increases in chlorophyll and relative water
content and decrease in percent electrolyte leakage in
plants. Azotobacter strains could be used as bioinoculant
to alleviate salt stress for growth and yield of wheat.
3.9.2.3 Profiling of Azolla in relation to cropimprovement
Methanolic extract of the fronds of Azolla
microphylla, which was partially purified by solvent
partitioning with ethyl acetate followed by hydrolysis
showed antimicrobial activity against Xanthomonas
oryzae. HPTLC and HPLC analyses of the ethyl acetate
fractions showed the presence of several active
constituents with antioxidant, pro-oxidant and
antibacterial potential, belonging to the categories of
alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics and flavonoids. The
GC-MS analysis of the ethyl acetate fractions showed
the presence of a mixture of decanes and eicosenes,
which are also reported to have antimicrobial potential
from other pteridophytes.
3.9.3 Microbial Degradation of Agrowaste
3.9.3.1 Development of a formulation of effectivemicroorganisms for production of enrichedcompost for peri-urban agriculture
“Effective Microorganisms” (EM) formulation is a
combination of microorganisms with lingo-cellulose
hydrolysis potential and additives or helper bacteria
like lactic acid bacteria, yeast and a group of
photosynthetic bacteria capable of degrading
agrowaste. The consortium consisting of Phanerochaete
chrysosporium (VV18), Streptomyces sp. (C3), an isolate
73
of lactobacillus, yeast Candida tropicalis (Y6) and
enriched photosynthetic bacterium was developed. EM
consortia was evaluated for paddy straw composting
under outdoor conditions and compared with Pusa
Compost inoculant during summer and winter seasons.
The EM consortia performed better during summer
and degradation was faster resulting in C: N ratio of
13:1 within 60 days. The paddy straw supplemented
with poultry droppings registered higher microbial
activity as compared to other treatments, highest
activity of alkaline phosphatase (2.62 mg pNp/g/h) and
FDA hydrolase (124.17 μg flourescein/g/h) was
observed in paddy straw receiving EM. The pH of the
mature compost ranged 7.45-8.13. Compost was also
found to be free from phytotoxicity showing 90%
germination of mustard seeds.
3.9.3.2 Phytate mineralizing microbes and theirrole in P nutrition
The organic P can be de-phosphorylated by using
microbes with P mineralizing potential. Animal
manures available in huge amount are rich source of
organic P and can be exploited to prepare P enriched
manure by co-composting them with some bulking
agent such as cereal straw. The phosphorus enriched
organic fertilizer was prepared by supplementing paddy
straw with cattle manure, farm yard manure and poultry
manure each added separately, with and without phytate
mineralizing fungal consortium (Aspergillus and
Trichoderma spp.). The nutrient availability of the
aerobically degraded compost was found to enhance with
time span. Inoculated cattle manure and FYM composts
had higher total and available P compared to their
respective uninoculated controls. Poultry manure
amended compost recorded the highest content of total
P (1676 μg g-1). Though, the amount of extractable P
ranged from 60-90 %, but not all of this was in readily
plant available form. Sequential extraction with
different reagents showed that 50-55 % of the total P
was in labile fraction. This showed that still a large
fraction of P in the compost was present as condensed
calcium phosphates such as apatites or octacalcium
phosphate, which are not soluble in water or sodium
bicarbonate. The inoculation with phytate mineralizing
fungi improved the availability of bicarbonate P in
cattle manure- straw compost by 20 % and FYM
compost by 15 % compared to their respective controls.
3.9.4 Bioprospecting Microbes for Productionof Biodiesel and Bioethanol
3.9.4.1 Novel lignolytic micromycetes: Myrotheciumroridum LG7
Biofuels produced from lignocellulosic materials,
so-called second generation bioethanol have energetic,
economic and environmental advantages in
comparison to bioethanol from starch or sugar. A new
lignolytic micromycete fungus Myrothecium roridum
LG7 was isolated and selected for biological
delignification of paddy straw and herbaceous weed
Parthenium sp. Physical and chemical modifications in
the biomass following pretreatment with M. roridum
LG7 for 7 days in term of structural modification and
lignin removal, changes in lignin skeleton, and
alteration of cellulose crystallinity was observed
through SEM-EDXA, FTIR and XRD analysis,
respectively.
Colonization of the fungus led to high amount of
lignin removal (5.8-7.0 mg g-1) from pretreated
biomass which could be recovered as a value added
product. Enzymatic hydrolysis of M. roridum LG7
pretreated biomass released significantly higher
amount of reducing sugars (455.8-509.6 mg gds-1) as
compared to respective raw biomass within 24 h. The
results illustrate the promise of micromycetes M.
roridum LG7 for biological pretreatment to accelerate
the hydrolysis of glucan into monosugars for
bioethanol production.
Biological delignification of paddy straw and carrot grass withMyrothecium roridum
74
3.9.4.2 Microorganism: source of plant cell walldegrading enzymes
Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose and
hemicellulose is achieved by using cellulases and
hemicellulases. Plant pathogens are known to produce
arsenal of plant cell wall degrading enzymes which
may be more potent. Xanthomonas axonopodis pv.
punicae, a plant pathogen which causes blight disease
in pomegranate showed high levels of endo--1,4-
glucanase and xylanase activities. The enzyme
production was optimized with respect to major
nutrient sources like carbon and nitrogen.
Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was better inducer for
FPase, CMCase and xylanase production while starch
was found to be good inducer of cellobiase. The
soybean meal /yeast extract (0.5%) was better N sources
for both cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzymes while
cellobiase was higher with peptone. Temperature of
28 °C and pH 6-8 were optimum for production of
enzymes. Growth under optimized conditions resulted
in around 1.7 to 5.0 fold increase in different enzyme
activities. Physio-chemical characterization of enzymes
showed that they were active over broad range of pH
4-8 with optimum at 8. Cellulolytic enzymes showed
optimum temperature around 55 °C while xylanase had
the highest activity at 45 °C. Saccharification of different
substrates showed increased release of sugars till 96
hours.
3.9.4.3 Biochemical modulation of lipidproductivity in Chlorella sorokiniana
Quality and quantity of lipid production in
Chlorella sorokiniana was studied by screening the
modes of nutrition and use of metabolic intermediates
along with reducing agents, under standard laboratory
conditions and subsequently, its lipid production was
upscaled in a photobioreactor. Time course studies
using glucose under mixotrophic and heterotrophic
conditions vis a vis autotrophy showed highest values
of growth, lipid productivity (29.33% DCW) and lipid
content (755 mg/L) under mixotrophic conditions on
the 14th day of growth. Upscaling in a photobioreactor
with selected substrates (glucose and tryptophan),
along with sodium thiosulphate (ST) as a reducing
agent was undertaken. Lipid productivity of 34.16 and
36.49% was recorded after 4th and 8th day, respectively
in both substrates, vis a vis 11% with glucose alone.
FAME analyses revealed a 2% enhancement in total
saturated fatty acids (SFA) in tryptophan
supplemented culture, which also exhibited an almost
ideal fatty acid ratio for use as biodiesel (2.6:4:1 of
16:1.18:1 and14:1). Chlorella sp. grown in glucose + ST
produced significant amount of linoleic acid (18:2) and
-linolenic acid (18:3). This strain proved to be a very
useful with metabolic versatility and multifaceted uses,
mediated through substrate amendment and addition
of reducing agent.
3.9.4.4 Standardization of harvesting technologyfor BGA and extraction of lipids
Harvesting procedure was standardized in selected
microalgal strains (Chlamydomanas sp., Chlorella
sp.,Chlorococcum sp., Botryococcus sp.; reference strain
from German Collection, Botryococcus sp. isolated from
Udaipur lake and Chlorella sp.) using inorganic as well
as organic flocculants. Inorganic flocculants used were
aluminium sulphate, calcium chloride, ferric chloride,
sodium hydroxide while, organic flocculants utilized
were Chitosan, Maize starch, potato starch, cationic
starch, rice starch, yellow dextrin, oxidized starch,
pregelitnized starch and Tapioca starch. Comparative
analysis indicated that ferric chloride was most efficient
as an inorganic flocculant for all except Botryococcus
from German collection which exhibited highest
flocculation efficiency with aluminium sulphate at a
concentration of 200 mg L-1. Out of the organic
flocculants, rice starch appeared to be most effective
flocculant in Botryococcus sp. (Udaipur Lake). In
general, organic flocculants were as effective as
inorganic flocculants and would be more economical
and environmentally safe for mass scale biomass
production of efficient microalgae.
Lipids were extracted from microalgal biomass of
selected strains utilizing standard protocols.
Botrycoccus sp. from German Collection yielded highest
percent lipids (62.13%) by the methodology reported
by Dittmer and Wells (1969). Different indigenous
methods like bead beating, autoclaving, microwave,
sonication, magnetism and osmotic shock, etc. are being
tested and standardized for oil extraction from
microalgal biomass. Commercial medium grown
75
Chlorella biomass was harvested from multiplication
units and lipids were extracted. Fatty acid profile
indicated suitability of mass produced Chlorella as a
source of biofuel.
3.10 ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE ANDCLIMATE RESILIENT AGRICULTURE
3.10.1 Trends of Greenhouse Gas Emissionin Indian Agriculture
Contribution of Indian agriculture to the global
warming and the trends in greenhouse gases (GHGs)
emission from 1970 to 2010 was estimated. In 2010,
world emitted 50,101 Mt CO2 equivalent (eq), out of
which India emitted 2691 Mt CO2 eq (5.4% of the
global emission). The global agriculture contributed
11.3% (5,677 Mt CO2 eq) to the total global GHG
emissions. Share of Indian agriculture was 10.0% (566
Mt CO2 eq) of global agriculture. Indian agriculture
contributed 21.0% of total Indian GHG emissions,
which was only 1.1% of the total global emission from
all the sources. During 1970 to 2010, GHG emissions
from Indian agriculture increased by about 10%.
Enhanced use of fertilizers and higher population of
the livestock were the major drivers for the increased
GHG emissions. Relative contribution of Indian
agriculture to the total GHG emission from all the
sectors of the country decreased from 49.5% in 1970
to 21.0% in 2010 whereas the contribution to global
agriculture increased from 8.8 to 10.0% during the
period.
3.10.2 Fluxes of Greenhouse Gases withEddy-Covariance Technique
The Eddy covariance technique based GHG flux
tower was installed in the rice field of the IARI farm
during July 2012 and is currently being standardized
and calibrated. Emissions of carbon dioxide and
methane, water vapor flux, heat flux, relative humidity,
wind speed and wind direction, air temperature, soil
temperature and soil moisture, rainfall, incoming and
outgoing solar radiation, and photosynthetic active
radiation can be measured by the system.
Trends of greenhouse gas emission from Indian agriculture
Eddy covariance flux tower at IARI
3.10.3 Impact of Different Irrigation Practiceson Controlling Greenhouse Gas Mitigationin Rice
Emissions of methane and nitrous oxide gases were
measured to evaluate the greenhouse gas mitigation
potential of direct seeded rice (DSR) and system of rice
intensification (SRI) cultivated under conventional and
drip irrigation practices. Methane emission was
significantly reduced in DSR under drip irrigation as
well as conventional irrigation practices. Nitrous oxide
emission was increased under both the water
management practices in DSR and SRI as compared to
the conventional transplanted rice. The global warming
potential was reduced by 52% under DSR-Drip
irrigation and 57% under SRI-Conventional irrigation
in comparison to the conventional flooded control.
76
Impact of different water saving technologies on green-house gas emissions in rice
Irrigation practice N2O CH
4GWP
(kg/ha) (kg/ha) (kg CO2 eq/ha)
DSR-Drip irrigation 2.67 0.04 797
DSR- Conventional irrigation 2.83 0.14 847
SRI-Drip irrigation 1.77 7.52 715
SRI- Conventional irrigation 1.81 22.42 1100
Conventional transplanted rice 0.88 56.97 1688
3.10.4 Impact of Climate Change on Mustardand Soybean Yields and Adaptation Gains
Simulation assessment was carried out using
InfoCrop mustard model to project the impacts and
adaptation gains at regional scale, and to delineate the
vulnerable regions for mustard and soybean
production. Simulation studies showed that at the
national level, climate change is projected to reduce
the mustard grain yields by ~2% in 2020 (2010-2039),
~7.9% in 2050 (2040-2069) and ~15% in 2080 (2070-2099)
climate scenarios of MIROC 3.2.HI and PRECIS models,
if no adaptation is followed. Adaptation through a
combination of improved input efficiency, additional dose
of fertilizers and adjusting the sowing time is projected
to increase the yields by ~17% with current varieties and
by ~25% with improved varieties in 2020. Soybean yields
are projected to increase by 2.5% in 2020 climate scenarios
and beyond. Improved varieties and better management
of crop can increase the soybean production by about 14%
in future climate scenarios.
3.10.5 Response of Field Crops to ElevatedTemperature and Carbon Dioxide
Gradual rise in atmospheric temperature (1-4 oC)
caused varying degree of reduction in the biomass and
grain yield of rice, wheat, chickpea and green gram.
Among the rice and wheat cultivars, PB 1121 of rice
and HD 2932, HD 2967 and Kundan of wheat showed
greater thermo-tolerance compared to the other
cultivars. Elevated temperature enhanced the spikelet
sterility leading to yield reduction. Flowering as well
as maturity of rice and wheat crop got hastened with
rise in temperature. Elevated CO2 levels also enhanced
the biomass and yield of maize and wheat grown at
different nitrogen levels and varying water stress
conditions.
3.10.6 Effect of Elevated Temperature on theCarbon and Nitrogen Dynamics in Wheat
Experiments were conducted to study the
abundance of microbial functional populations for
labile and recalcitrant carbon degradation in soil under
wheat crop (PBW 343) grown in the temperature
gradient tunnels (TGTs) (temperature 1, 2 and 3 oC
above the ambient level). The labile substrates, namely,
amino acids, carboxylic acids and polymers degraded
fast (P<0.07) as compared to ambient control. However,
the populations involved in decomposing recalcitrant
carbon (phenols) were not affected by elevated
temperature. These results were further corroborated
by laboratory incubation experiments using labile
(glucose) and recalcitrant substrate (phenol). The
concentration of labile C being slightly higher (6.22%)
under warming led to high microbial biomass at higher
temperature (p<0.01).
3.10.7 Conservation Agricultural Practicesfor Greenhouse Gas Mitigation
Greenhouse gas emissions from the soils under rice
following resource conservation technologies like
direct seeding (DSR) in rice followed by zero tillage in
wheat (ZTW), with and without residue incorporation
and green manuring were quantified for the second
year. Results showed that DSR reduced the methane
emission as compared to conventionally transplanted
puddled rice and increased nitrous oxide emission.Simulation assessment of soybean yields
77
Effect of resource conservation technologies on globalwarming potential in rice
Rice based system N2O-N CH
4CO
2-C GWP
g/ha kg/ha kg/ha kg/ha
TPR-CTW 566a 45.0b 498a 3118f
TPR-ZTW 649b 41.9b 452a 2899e
DSR-ZTW 793c 2.15a 479a 2047a
DSR-ZTW+RR 819c 2.49a 516b 2197b
DSR-ZTW+MBR 836c 2.23a 532bc 2255b
DSR-ZTW+RR+MBR 848cd 2.89a 550c 2342bc
DSR+BM-ZTW 951f 3.08a 555c 2397cd
DSR+BM- ZTW+RR 871e 3.48a 553c 2375c
3.10.9 Ecosystem Services from Poplar basedAgro Forestry System
The ecosystem services provided by one
hectare land areas of poplar based agro-forestry (AF)
system in a six-year rotation period was approximately
`3.54 lakh based on differential-weightage method as
compared to about `3.96 lakh based on equal-
weightage method. This value was in addition to the
income from selling of supply outputs (crop grain and
wood) amounting to `19.90 lakh for the six-year
rotation period.TPR- Transplanted puddled rice, DSR – Direct seeded rice, CTW- Conventionally
tilled wheat, ZTW-Zero tilled wheat, RR- Rice residue, GM – Green manure, MBR-
Mung bean residue, BM-Brown manuring
*In a column values followed by the same letter are not significantly different at P <
0.05 by Duncan’s multiple range test.
3.10.8 Impacts of Conservation Agricultureon Soil Carbon Dynamics
The conservation agriculture practices, namely,
zero tillage + bed planting (ZT-B) and zero tillage with
conventional/flat planting (ZT-F) increased the soil
organic carbon (SOC) by 13 and 11% compared to
conventional tillage with bed planting (CT-B) in top 0-
5 cm soil layer. Plots under cotton/maize + wheat
residue (C/M+ WR) contained ~9% higher total SOC
concentration than the no residue treated plots (NR)
in the 0-5 cm layer. The C/M+WR treatment had ~17,
13, 13 and 32% higher mean cotton, maize, wheat and
green gram aboveground biomass yields than the NR
treatment. About 9.8% of the gross C input contributed
towards the increase in SOC content (0-30 cm soil layer)
under the residue treated plots in ZT and CT.
Total soil organic carbon (SOC) retention potential of conservationagriculture
Economic valuation of ecosystem services from poplar based agro-forestry system based on differential weightage method
3.10.10 Effect of Gamma Radiation andMagnetic Energy on Post-harvest Storabilityof Soybean
Radiated seeds of soybean var. SL 525 exposed
to six different doses of gamma radiation, viz., 0.01,
0.05, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 kGy and untreated control,
were evaluated for seed damage by insect,
Callosobruchus analis, infestation. Feeding preference
of the insect pest got altered on seed irradiation,
depending on irradiation dose. Seeds irradiated at a
dose of 1 kGy showed a total protection against insect
damage and did not significantly alter the content
and quality of the stored seeds. Electromagnetic
energy treatments significantly reducted
the lipoxygenase activity of the stored seeds.
A dose of 1-3 kGy was effective in reducing the
rate of seed quality deterioration under accelerated
aging.
78
3.10.11 Ameliorating the Negative Impactsof Ozone on Crop Productivity
For mitigating the negative impacts of air
pollutants, antioxidant chemicals (ascorbic acid,
Azoxystrobin and Tagetes leaf extract) were evaluated
for their efficacy by growing rice, wheat and potato.
The maximum yields were obtained in rice grown
under ascorbic acid. The 0.5% ascorbic acid spray at
vegetative and flowering stages increased the yield of
rice by 9% over control. In potato the yield increase of
10-11% was observed in ascorbic acid treatments over
ambient control (34 ppb mean seasonal O3).
differential growth and yield response. Among the
cultivars, PRH 10 recorded highest grain yield
followed by PB 6, Pusa 44, Pusa 1460. Type 3, a local
basmati variety, registered highest degree of low light
stress tolerance followed by Taraori, PRH 10, PS 5
and lowest level of tolerance was recorded in Pusa
44.
3.10.14 Air pollution due to Burning of CropResidues in North West India
The amount of crop residue burned in fields of
Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in North West
India was approximately 52.4 Mt per annum. Burning
of these residues in field resulted in emission of CO2
(91.65 %) followed by 5.5% CO, 0.15% NOx, 0.95% non-
methane volatile organic compounds and 0.42 % non-
methane hydrocarbons. Burning of rice straw
contributed maximum (51%) to these emissions
followed by wheat (30.4%) and sugarcane (15.3%).
Highest emissions were from the states of Uttar
Pradesh (41%) and Punjab (41%) followed by Haryana
(18%). Burning of paddy straw resulted in the loss of
about 0.16 Mt of nitrogen, 0.006 Mt of potassium and
0.13 Mt of phosphorus.
3.10.12 Updating the Infocrop-rice Model forQuantifying the Impact of Elevated Ozone
Impact of different ozone levels on leaf area index,
photosynthetic rate, radiation use efficiency, grain
yield, root:shoot ratio and total dry matter was collated
from field experiments conducted during 2009-2011.
This data was used in updating the present infocrop-
rice model to simulate the impact of different ozone
concentrations. Calibration and validation was carried
out for quantifying the impact of surface ozone
pollution on rice yield.
3.10.13 Effect of Low Radiation on CropProductivity
One of the direct effects of air pollution on
agriculture is due to reduced radiation.Ten
promising rice cultivars/hybrids subjected to low
radiation stress (40% reduction in radiation) showed
Effect of different antioxidants on potato tuber yield
Burning of crop residues in states of North West India
3.10.15 Potential of Bio-fuel Production fromAgri-residues
Biogas, ethanol and hydrogen production potential
of agri-residues were investigated. A small sized biogas
plant based on agri-residue and recyclable byproducts
Tu
ber
yie
ld (
kg
/m2)
Azoxystrobin 1% AA 0.5% AA Ambient
79
was fabricated, installed and evaluated for biogas
production during different months of the year. The
volume of digester and gas holder was 650 and 300
liters (L), respectively.
Ethanol yield from rice straw of basmati and non-
basmati varieties ranged from 140 to 300 L/ t of rice
straw. The estimated cost of ethanol production varied
from `43.0 to 48.3 /L. The growth kinetics of hydrogen
producing strain Bacillus coagulans NCIM 2323 (wheat
straw) and Bacillus coagulans 2030 (rice straw) was
investigated in batch fermentation of wheat and rice
straw. The hydrogen concentration in the resultant
gaseous mixture from wheat straw was up to 63.3%
with 94% sugar utilization. The maximum hydrogen
yield from substrate was 246 mL/g. The low pH (pH<4)
inhibited hydrogen production and resulted in lower
carbohydrate fermentation. In case of rice straw
hydrogen concentration was 45% which increased 13
% by the use of nutrient and vitamin supplements.
3.10.16 On-farm Demonstrations of ClimateResilient Technologies
The farmers were imparted trainings on climate
resilient technologies through demonstrations and
training programmes in Gurgaon district of Haryana
and Bulandshahar, Baghpat and Bareilly districts of
Uttar Pradesh. The farmers were shown the benefits
of zero-tillage based wheat cultivation, walk-in-
tunnel and low-tunnel based vegetable cultivation,
net house nursery system, IPM practices in
vegetables, drip system of irrigation, mulching and
use of hydrogel. During the year under report, total
beneficiary of various technologies were more than
250 farmers.
Improving livelihood security in changing
climate. By replacing the local wheat varieties with
WR 544, late sown variety having terminal heat
tolerance, yields of the Mewat region improved up to
20% (based on 228 farm trials in 4 clusters). Similarly,
mustard yield (from 360 trials) increased in the range
of 8 to 11% by growing Pusa Mehak in place of variety
cultivated in Mewat. In Dhar district, early and
terminal heat tolerant aestivum varieties of wheat, viz.,
HI 8627 and HI 8638 are the potential varieties for
replacement of local variety (Sujata) as HI 8627 (yield
2.67 t/ha) and HI 8638 (2.41 t/ha), produced 31-45%
more yield than Sujata (1.8 t/ha). As a part of the
livelihood security, seed village concept was
developed at 11 seed villages in tribal districts of Dhar.
Under integrated water saving technology for
drought-prone areas nearly 10 km underground
HDPE pipeline was laid down at the farmers’ field at
Mewat and Dhar regions, which resulted in 40%
savings in irrigation water. In floods-prone district of
Ganjam, an improved backyard poultry strain
(Vanaraj) chicks were distributed to 33 marginal and
landless farm women (15 birds each) in 5 villages for
enhancing their household income and reducing
migration. Income of ` 3248/- per household was
obtained from poultry birds. Innovation in
communication technology- m-KRISHI® Fisheries
service was expanded to remaining 43 fisheries co-
operatives out of 56 societies in Raigad district and
were expanded in Mewat, Dhar and Ganjam districts.
Growth kinetics of hydrogen producing strain Bacillus coagulansNCIM 2323 & correlation between microbial biomass and hydrogenproduction rate
80
Pests and diseases result in an estimated loss of 10 to 30% in the yield and quality of field and horticultural
crops, respectively. One of the major impacts of the changing climate and cropping pattern is the rising complexities
in pest and pathogen dynamics, hence, there is a need to plan crop protection strategies that include cultural,
biological and chemical methods to provide most effective and sustainable options. During the year under report
diversity studies vis-à-vis resistances in hosts against major pests and pathogens and development of diagnostic
protocols were undertaken. Besides, biological control measures, as well as novel chemical molecules were
identified which can form a part of integrated management. Taking a long term approach, work on identification
of sources of resistance against major pests and pathogens of important crops were also undertaken to be used
for breeding resistant crop varieties. Planned crop protection based on these strategies will improve the yield
and bring about economic benefits.
4. CROP PROTECTION
4.1 PLANT PATHOLOGY
4.1.1 Genetic Diversity
Puccinia spp. (wheat rusts). Of ten URP primers
used for molecular analysis of leaf rust (77-5, 104-2 and
12-2), stem rust (40A and 40-1) and stripe rust (78S84
and 46S119) races, amplicons (250-9000bp) showing
90% polymorphism were obtained from six markers
in all the rust races. The combined dendrogram using
all URP primers showed two main clusters, cluster I
comprising all stem and leaf rust races, while stripe
rust races formed separate cluster II. Leaf rust race 77-
5 shared 90 % similarity with stem rust race 40 A, while
races 104-2 and 12-2 showed 85% similarity with each
other. Stripe rust races 78S84 and 46S119 showed 80%
similarity. In another study, amplicons (200-2300 bp)
showing 92% polymorphism were obtained from four
RAPD primers in all seven races of rusts. The combined
Combined Dendrogram obtained from 7 isolates of wheat rustraces with UPGMA-based similarity coefficient, using (a) URPprimers and (b) RAPD primers
dendrogram showed two main clusters, Cluster I
comprising three leaf rust races (77-5, 104-2, 12.2), while
stem rust (40-A, 40-1) and stripe rust (46S119, 78S84)
races formed separate cluster II.
Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (chickpea wilt).
Genetic diversity in FOC isolates (22) originating from
13 states representing 8 races was assessed by
comparing partial intergenic spacer (IGS) region
Neighbor joining tree showing the phylogenetic relationshipsamong isolates of F. oxysporum based on their IGS sequences
81
(1000bp). Sequence analysis suggested that except one
isolate from Andhra Pradesh (Foc 118), the rest 21
isolates were grouped into two major clusters.
Grouping did not correlate with the place of origin as
well as race pattern.
Chaetomium globosum. Genetic diversity in
Chaetomium globosum isolates (15) was assessed by
comparing -tubulin (1000 bp) and glyceraldehyde – 3
phosphate dehydrogenase (gpd) (1000 bp) gene
sequences. Sequence analysis suggested that both the
regions were highly conserved (97-100%). Bootstrap
analysis for -tubulin showed formation of two major
clusters. Cluster 1 comprised of Cg1, Cg15, Cg4, Cg2,
Cg3 isolates with 100% similarity among them and 60%
similarity with cluster II, which is comprised of
remaining isolates of C. globosum, other species of
Chaetomium and other fungi. On the other hand boot
strap analysis for gpd gene showed formation of two
major clusters. Cluster I comprised of C. globosum
isolates and other fungi Medurella sp., Thielavia sp. and
Hypocrea sp., while cluster II comprised of other
Chaetomium species. Multilocus sequence analyses
revealed that gpd sequences are more suitable for
differentiating Chaetomium globosum from other species.
Alternaria brassicae. Genetic diversity in Alternaria
brassicae isolates (32) originating from cauliflower
(Brassica oleracea L. var botrytis) and mustard (Brassica
juncea (L.) Czern) crop was assessed using RAPD and
ISSR primers and the mean similarity coefficient was
0.73 and 0.84, respectively. Further internal transcribed
spacer (ITS) analysis showed 60-100% similarity among
pathogenically different A. brassicae isolates.
Fusarium spp. (Bakanae disease of rice). Of forty
five Fusarium spp. isolates associated with bakanae
disease of rice, originating from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar
Pradesh and Uttarakhand, distinct species, F. fujikuroi,
F. proliferatum, F. verticillioides and F. nygamai were
identified based on translation elongation factor (Tef)
region sequences. F. fujikuroi was the most prevalent
pathogen (88.88%) associated with bakanae disease in
India.
4.1.2 Molecular Diagnostics
Puccinia striiformis tritici (stripe rust). Of four
sets of primers designed from ITS region, a primer pair
F1 5’CCAATTGAGGAGGGGAAAT3’ and R1
5’TTATTTTCAATGGATGTTGA3’ yielded a specific
band in only stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis tritici) races
(465119 and 78584). No amplification was observed in
leaf rust races (77-5, 104-2) and stem rust race (40A).
This stripe rust specific marker needs further testing
and validation.
Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc). Primers B
125 F1 and R1 derived from -tubulin gene and ISR 52
F1 and R1 derived from IGS region yielded an expected
fragment size of 259 bp and 325 bp, respectively for
Foc only. No amplification with other representative
test plant pathogenic fungi was obtained. The markers
were also able to detect the pathogen in infected
chickpea plants. In conventional PCR, the minimum
detection limit of -tubulin derived primers was 100
pg for Foc and 10 ng for infected plant samples, while
IGS based primers sensitivity of 50 pg and 1 ng in Foc
and infected plant samples, respectively. In Real time
assay, the minimum detection limit of B 125 F1&R1
primer was 0.25 pg for Foc and 1.5 pg for infected plant
samples, while the primer ISR-52 F1R1 could detect
0.1 pg and 1 pg in Foc and infected plant samples,
respectively.
Amplified product of different isolates of Foc with B125 F1 & R1.Lane 1-14: Foc isolates, lane 15: Foc inoculated chickpea plant, lane16: Un-inoculated chickpea plant, lane 17: F. oxysporum f. sp. lini,lane 18: F. solani, lane 19: F. udum, lane 20: R. bataticola, lane 21: R.solani, lane 22: S. sclerotiorum, lane 23: NTC, lane 24: Nonpathogenic Foc and M: 100bp ladder at both sides
313bp
245bp
PCR amplication products of genomic DNA of Foc isolates usingFoc specific markers ISR 52F1R1. Lane 1-14 : Foc isolates, lane 15 :Foc inoculated plant sample, lane 16: Un-inoculated plant sample,lane 17: Rhizoctonia solani, lane 18: S. sclerotiorum, and M: 100bpladder at both sides
4.1.3 Race Profiling
Virulence analysis of Magnaporthe oryzae (Rice
blast). Virulence analysis of 26 M. oryzae isolates on 24
82
monogenic rice blast differentials revealed that isolates
from Almora (Uttarakhand), Basar (Arunachal
Pradesh), Mandya (Karnataka), Cuttack (Orissa) and
Lonavala (Maharashtra) were highly virulent. Some
isolates from these locations were compatible with
Tetep (blast resistance donor).
Ralstonia solanacearum (Bacterial wilt).
Characterization of Ralstonia solanacearum isolates (159)
originating from different hosts (tomato, capsicum,
chilli, brinjal and potato) and locations (Jharkhand,
Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka,
Goa and Jammu & Kashmir) revealed that race 1/Biovar
3/Phylotype I of R. solanacearum (95.2%) was most
prevalent (95%). Stray incidence of race 1/Biovar 4/
Phylotype I was found in Uttarakhand, Himachal
Pradesh and Jharkhand.
Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris.
Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris isolates (187)
originating from different locations when evaluated on
a set of seven differential hosts, viz., Turnip (Brassica
rapa L.), Just Right Turnip F1, Seven Top Turnip, Indian
mustard (B. juncea L.) ‘Florida Broad Leaf’, Ethiopian
mustard (B. carinata) ‘PI 199947’, cauliflower (B. oleracea
var. botrytis) ‘Miracle F1’ and Savoy cabbage (B. oleracea
var. capitata) ‘Wirosa’, revealed that majority of the
isolates (80) belonged to race 1, 58 to race 4 and 49
isolates remained unidentified.
Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). Xoo
isolates (60) originating from Punjab (8), Haryana (7),
Rajasthan (5), Uttar Pradesh (6), Uttarakhand (5),
Himachal Pradesh (8), Odisha (5), West Bengal (6),
Nagaland (5) and Assam (5) when evaluated on
monogenic lines revealed the prevalence of six races
in India. Race 4 and 6 were highly virulent and
predominant in most of the north-western states, race
2 and 3 were predominant in north-eastern states,
whereas the race 1 and 5 were sporadic in distribution.
Few selected isolates were screened for Xop T3SS-
effector genes. Phylogenetic analysis using xop N gene
revealed close similarity of Indian Xanthomonas oryzae
pv. oryzae isolates with Korean and Japanese isolates.
4.1.4 Biological Control
Validation of Trichoderma based bioformulations.
The efficacy of Pusa 5SD, a seed dressing formulation
of Trichoderma harzianum was validated at seven
different locations, namely, Sehore and Jabalpur
(Madhya Pradesh), IARI (Delhi), Rahuri (Maharashtra),
Durgapura (Rajasthan), Junagadh (Gujrat) and Samba
(Jammu & Kashmir) against wilt and root rot of
chickpea. Pusa 5SD (@ 4g/kg seeds in combination with
Vitavax power (@1g/kg reduced disease incidence from
51.1 to 100% and enhanced the grain yield from 19.9 to
62.5% in different areas. Pusa 5SD alone reduced the
disease incidence from 8.3 to 63.8% and enhanced the
grain yield from 14.7 to 39.6% in different locations.
Performance of Pusa 5SD (Trichoderma
harzianum) formulation. The efficacy of Pusa 5SD
formulation alone or in combination with Pseudomonas
fluorescens, Mesorhizobium ciceri and fungicides as seed
treatment significantly (p<0.05) enhanced the seed
germination and the grain yield of chickpea and
reduced the wilt incidence against control. A
combination of Pusa 5SD (T. harzianum) + carboxin +
TMTD (Vitavax powerTM) + P. fluorescens (Pf-80) showed
significantly low wilt incidence (16.3%), higher seed
germination (86.7%) and grain yield (898.1 kg/ha)
compared to other treatments.
Effect of seed treatments on seed germination, wilt incidence andgrain yield of chickpea cultivar Pusa 362 under sick field condition.T1: Pusa 5SD (T. harzianum); T2: Pseudomanas fluorescens 80 (Pf80); T3: Carboxin + TMTD (Vitavax powerTM); T4: Pusa 5SD + Pf80; T5: Pusa 5SD + Vitavax powerTM + Pf 80; T6: Carbendazim(BavistinTM) + TMTD (ThiramTM) and T7: Control (untreated seeds)
Chitinolytic enzyme purification and
characterization in Trichoderma. Endochitinase
enzyme purified using Ni-NTA protein column from
effective Trichoderma harzianum (Th3), showed the
83
molecular mass as 32kDa estimated by SDS gel
electrophoresis. Chitinase was optimally active at pH
5.0 and temperature 25°C, but was stable at pH 1-5 and
upto 40°C. The in vitro assay of purified chitinase
showed antifungal activity against Sclerotium rolffsii,
Alternaria brassicae, Alternaria brassicicola, Magnaportha
grisea @150μg ml-1 and above. The enzyme caused
hyphal cell lysis at 200 μg ml-1 concentration.
Validation of Chaetomium based bioformulation.
Soil amendment with Cg2BP @ 5g/m2 along with 3
sprays using Cg2WP (0.2%) significantly reduced the
disease severity and improved the yield of the crop
under All India Co-ordinated Wheat Improvement
Programme under multilocations trials conducted at
Faizabad, Karnal and Coochbihar.
Characterization of diene lactone hydrolase
(DLH) gene from Chaetomium globosum. A novel diene
lactone hydrolase (DLH) gene (783 bp), involved in
secondary metabolites biosynthesis, transport and
degradation of chlorocatechol compounds, was cloned
and sequenced from Chaetomium globosum (Cg2). The
sequence analysis showed that DLH gene contains 3
exons and 2 introns with a conserved domain of
Dienelactone hydrolase in the sequence. The putative
polypeptide sequence of this gene was highly
conserved (96% identity) in C. globosum isolates and
shared 83% identity with hypothetical protein of
Myceliophthora thermophila and 77% with hypothetical
protein of Thielavia terrestris.
Genotyping of Pseudomonas putida and Bacillus
megaterium. Comparison of concatenated nucleotide
length of 11590 bp representing 13 housekeeping genes
from Pseudomonas putida BP25R revealed its close
similarity with nicotine degrading Pseudomonas putida
strain S16 isolated from China. Similarly, concatenated
nucleotide length of 7393 bp from Bacillus megaterium
BP17R showed close similarity with industrially
important strain WSH002. Genes participating in the
biosynthetic pathways of multiple metabolite
secretions were identified in Pseudomonas putida BP25R
which included phz (Phenazine- GenBank: JX843728),
pppH (2-octoprenylphenol-GenBank: JX843729), psaT
(2-oxo hydroxyphosphobutanoate- JX843730), haeH
(Hydroxyatrazine-GenBank: JX843726), and karI (2-
acetyl hydroxyl-butanoate-GenBank: JX843727). LC-
MS analysis of total metabolome extracted from the
Pseudomonas putida BP25R revealed that these
metabolties had antifungal activity.
Similarly, genes identified in the biosynthetic
pathways of multiple insoluble secretions having
activity against 1-4 endoglucanase of Radophilus
similis from Bacillus megaterium are 2-carboxy-5-oxo-
2,5-dihydrofuran-2-acetate (GenBank: KC698869),
(2Z,4E)-5-hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienedioate (GenBank:
KC698870), 2-aceto-2-hydroxy-butanoate (GenBank:
KC698871), Oxoglutarate (GenBank: KC698873), and
(R)-Pantoate (GenBank: KC698872).
4.1.5 Evaluation of Genotypes for Resistance
Wheat. Out of total 2440 wheat genotypes
evaluated against leaf rust races, 1641 were found
resistant. Of 520 PDSN entries evaluated for rust
resistance, 26 entries, viz., PS 1048, WR 2194, WR 2487,
WR 2575, WR 2636, WR 2641, WR 2644, WR 2645, WR
2651, WBM 2395, HAS 687, HAS 706, HAS 712, CL
3385, CL 3413, CL 3419, CL 3480, CL 3486, CL 3499, CL
3501, CL 3507, CLY 1113, CLY 1138, CLY 1147, CLY 1155
and CLY 1175 were free from all three rusts at adult
plant stage across test locations. Of 177 CVT entries
evaluated for rust resistance at seedling and adult plant
stage, five entries, viz., ID 1127, ID 1128, WBM 2382,
RD 1689 and DW 1509 showed resistance to all three
rusts at both the growth stages. For yellow rust, 20
entries, viz., ID 1110, 1118, 1121, 1127, 1128; DL 1330;
RD 1689; SBP 1120, 1122, 1127; WBM 2360, 2379, 2383,
2384, 2385, 2386, 2387, 2389, 2391; and DW 1508 were
identified resistant at both growth stages. Twelve
entries, viz., HS 560, HPW 386, VL 971, VL 972, PDW
329, PBW 658, PBW 665, PBW 670, RKD 219, HI 8726,
KRL 327 and WH 1098 in AVT IInd and I year possessed
high degree of resistance to yellow rust pathotypes
(78584 and 465119). Among 81 wheat lines including
allied species, 37 showed resistance against spot blotch
pathogen. Of total 240 wheat entries screened against
Karnal bunt (KB), 59 showed disease incidence up to 5%
and 117 entries remained free from KB infection. Of 200
F4 population derived for KB resistance from the crosses
between HD 29 × HD 2009, HD 30 × WL 711 and HD 30 ×
HD 2009; 134, 175 and 152 populations, respectively, were
identified resistant on artificial inoculation. In durum
wheat genotypes, GW 1114, HD 4672 and RS 749,
84
presence of two dominant, one dominant and one
recessive genes, respectively, were identified.
Rice. Of 26 elite rice entries evaluated under
artificial epiphytotic conditions for blast resistance,
seven showed high resistance. Two Basmati rice
genotypes developed at IARI (IET 22778 and 22290)
showed severity index less than five as compared to
blast susceptible check HR 12 with 7.4 SI, when
evaluated under artificial epiphytotic conditions at
blast hotspot locations across the country. Of 384 entries
from Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad
evaluated against sheath blight, seven entries were
moderately resistant. Of 200 wild rice species evaluated
against sheath blight, three accessions of Oryza
rupipogon (336687, 336719 and 336723), four accessions
of O. nivara (336685, 336696, 336713 and 330654) and
other accessions, viz., NKSWR23, NKSWR53,
NKSWR57 and NKSWR101 were found to be resistant.
Of 24 rice varieties evaluated against bakanae disease
under glass house conditions, Pusa 1342 and IR 65482
were moderately susceptible. Of 222 entries from
Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad evaluated
against bacterial leaf blight under glasshouse as well
as field conditions, Pusa 1460A, Pusa 1460B, BSP 56-
57, 58; CMS 5A, CMS 5B, GCP 1 to GCP 39 and SPS 153
showed resistance. Among the R-genes, xa5 was more
effective followed by Xa7, Xa21 and xa13.
Maize. Of 337 elite maize genotypes evaluated
against maydis leaf blight (MLB, Bipolaris maydis) and
banded leaf and sheath blight (BLSB, Rhizoctonia solani),
31 entries, viz., DADA, FMH 1073, FMH 951, Rasi 863,
A 7503, VMH 4174, HM 11, Meghan-G, IJ8533, BIO 719,
JH 31599, CMH 10-537, CMH 10-527, Bisco 2324Plus,
GK 3102, MCH 46, Orbit, BIO 562, BIO 9681, Seed tech
2324, JH 31522, X35A189, BIO 151, CMH 08-292, CMH
08-433, KNMH 401061, VMH 4106, X35A174, BIO 9637,
CMH 10-525 and FH 3525 showed resistance against
both the diseases. Of 201 inbreds from Directorate of
Maize Research (DMR), eleven entries, viz., HOP II,
CML 133, P72c1Xbrasil1177-2, G18seqcef 74-2-1, BML
7, HKI 1352-5-8-9, PFSR-R3, PFSR-R9, PFSR-R10, CM
501 and BML 15, were resistant to both MLB and BLSB
diseases. Of 296 entries from IARI, ten (Gen 120084,
Gen 120088, Gen 120090, DLK 121420, DLK 121424,
DLK 121 491, DLK 121 534, DLK 121572, DLK 121 584,
DLK 121 661) were resistant to both BLSB and MLB
diseases. Under the ICAR-CIMMYT collaborative
programme, of 180 genotypes evaluated against BLSB,
33 genotypes showed tolerant reaction.
Legumes. Of 356 chickpea entries evaluated against
wilt, 16 entries, namely, GNG 1936, JG 27, IPC 08-68,
IPC 05-62, IPC 07-31, IPC 09-186, IPC 10-61, IPC 10-
177, IPC 10-180, IPC 10-184, IPC 10-198, H 09-70, H 10-
04, IC 552470, ICC 11322 and ICC 5003 showed
resistance. Two genotypes JGK 19 and GL 24092
showed resistance against Ascochyta blight. Two
urdbean (P 45 and P 64) and three mungbean (P 4, P 7
and P 16) entries showed multiple disease resistance
against Cercospora leaf spot, Macrophomina blight and
YMV.
Papaya cultivars for PRSV resistance. Twenty-one
cultivars/ lines were screened for resistance to PRSV
under field conditions. The cultivar PS 3 showed lowest
incidence (21.5 %) with maximum mean fruit yield
(32.62 kg/plant), while in cultivar Red Lady it was 96.7%
and 12.95 kg/plant, respectively. In general, the
incidence of PRSV was more in June and October
planting as compared to April planting. Severity of
PRSV on Pusa selection varied at different locations.
At IARI regional station, Pusa (Bihar) severity was
38.4% on cultivar PS 3, while in farmers field at Akola
(Maharashtra) it was 18.46% and in Gulbarga
(Karnataka), severity on PS 3 was 31.75% as compared
to 90.0% in Red Lady. Lower aphid population was
observed in plots having banana as border cop and
recommended sprays. F1 hybrid of Red Lady and
Vasconcellea cauliflora had 11.11% PRSV severity.
Attempt were made to cross Pusa Delicious, Pusa
Nanha and Pusa Dwarf with hermaphrodite PS 1 to
convert them into PRSV tolerant gynodioecious lines.
4.1.6 Epidemiology and Disease Management
Stripe rust monitoring for Indo-Gangetic plains.
Based on the infection risk period, yellow rust was
predicted across Indo-Gangetic region. Yellow rust
favourable conditions predicted and were validated
with ground truthing in Jammu, several areas in Punjab
such as Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Nawanshahar,
Ludhiana and Ropar district. However, for some
locations although infection occurred but thematic map
85
could not indicate infection either due to non-
availability or unrepresentative weather data.
Effect of elevated CO2
on spot blotch of wheat.
Elevated levels of CO2 (400-600 ppm) under phytotron
significantly increased spot size in wheat caused by B.
sorokiniana in comparison to ambient level (320 ppm)
irrespective of genotypes. However, elevated exposure
through free air CO2 enrichment (FACE) did not show
any significant change in spot size. A significant
increase in spectral value was observed in phytoton
grown plants under elevated CO2 conditions.
Genetic diversity for stem rust resistance in durum
wheat. Presence of two dominant, one dominant, and
one recessive genes in GW 1114, HD 4672 and RS 749
(durum wheat genotypes) were identified, respectively,
based on analysis of F2 populations derived from their
crosses with Local Red (susceptible parental line). A
total of four diverse genes for stem rust resistance (Sr2,
Sr7b, Sr9e, and Sr11) were identified among these
genotypes.
Virulence typing of rust pathogens accomplished
in south India. Leaf rust race 77-5 predominated
southern hills, while stem rust races 40A and 40-1
occurred in equal frequencies. Race Ug99 was not
observed. In case of stripe rust, pathotype I (38S102)
with additional virulence on gene Yr 9 was
observed.
Evaluation of Ug99 resistant genotypes with
Indian stem and leaf rust pathotypes. Out of seven
proven sources of resistance to Ug99, viz., Baaz,
Chewink, Francolin, Kingbird, Super 152, Super 172,
and Quaiu only Kingbird, Chewink and Super 172
exhibited resistance to stem rust while all showed
resistance to leaf rust.
Bakanae - a potential threat in basmati rice
cultivation in India. Survey was conducted for
bakanae disease in different aromatic rice growing
states (Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh) of the
country. The disease was observed in all the surveyed
areas where rice variety Pusa 1121 is highly popular
with the incidence of 1 to 20%. Besides this, disease
was observed in other basmati varieties of rice, viz., CSR
30 (2%) at Karnal, Pusa 1401 (10 to 15%) at Fatehgarh
and Aligarh districts of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh,
respectively, Pusa 1509 (3%) at Aligarh, and Pusa 2511
(2%) at Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh. Both
elongation and rotting symptoms of bakanae were
observed in all surveyed areas.
False smut of rice. Maximum false smut incidence
was observed in PB 6 (42.6%) and no incidence was
observed in Pusa Sugandh 2 and PB 1121 under natural
conditions. Out of 14 fungicides assessed, disease
severity in blue copper+ Trichoderma viride, blue copper
and tilt 25EC sprayed plots was 3.6, 16.6 and 17.9% as
against 33.9% in control plot.
Disease management in aromatic rice using
chemical and biological methods. Seed treatment with
Carboxin 37.5% + Thiram 37.5% @2.5 g/kg seed was
the most effective against brown leaf spot disease of
rice. In case of blast disease, one spray of
Tricyclazole@0.4 g + Mancozeb@ 2.0 g/litre water was
found to be the most effective in reducing the disease
severity.
Management of foliar blight of wheat through
chemicals. Seed treatment with Carboxin 37.5% +
Thiram 37.5% @2.5 g/kg seed was the most effective
against foliar blight of wheat. Two sprays of
tebuconazole @1 ml/l showed minimum disease
incidence and leaves remained green up to 120 days
after sowing.
Yellow rust risk areas during December to February throughoutIndo-Gangetic plains
86
Management of Fusarium wilt in pigeonpea
through seed treatment with novel chemicals and
polymer coating. Seed treatment with Captan +
Hexaconazole @ 2.5 g/kg seed and polymer coating was
found best with initial wilt incidence of 18.4% and
21.61% in Bahar and Pusa 9 cultivars of pigeonpea,
respectively.
Management of vegetable diseases. Out of twenty
nine cauliflower and nineteen cabbage genotypes
screened for black rot resistance by artificial
inoculation, none showed complete resistance, while
cauliflower genotypes, DC 5, KT 15, 1385, Grandess,
KT 2 MR, Pusa Meghna and cabbage genotypes KGMR
1, 83-6, AC 204, Pusa Ageti, Kinner Red, Red Cabbage,
Red Rock Mammoth, S 645, S 696 and KTCBH 81
exhibited partial resistance. The disease management
module comprising of the use of yellow coloured seeds,
nursery root dipping with Bavistin (0.5%) followed by
Trichoderma viride enriched compost application 15 days
after transplanting and need based fungicide/
insecticide application was found to be most promising
for seed crop of Capsicum var. California Wonder. Seed
treatment with metalaxyl, one foliar spray of
propiconazole (0.1%) and removal of 4 lower leaves at
60 DAS were found to be most effective for the
management of mustard diseases, and only 11.6%
Alternaria blight disease was recorded in comparison
to 53.3% in control plots.
Seed health testing. Vegetable crop seeds when
tested for their health, showed a total of 31 fungi and
the fungal infection varied from 0.2% in tomato seed
cv. Pusa ruby to 6.7% in bittergourd cv. PDM.
Maximum fungal infection on the seed samples was
due to Alternaria alternata (23.5%) followed by
Aspergillus flavus (22.5%), Rhizopus sp. (13.04%) and
Aspergillus niger (10.6%). Twenty six fungi were
recorded on the seed of paddy varieties and maximum
fungal infection was of Aspergillus flavus (26.7%)
followed by Alternaria padwickii (18.6%), Curvularia
lunata (8.9%) and Fusarium moniliforme (6.9%). Seed
germination of the paddy samples varied from 6.0 to
91.8% and seed vigour index varied from 60 to 1682.
Incidence of viral disease on vegetables. In
cucurbits (bottle gourd) occurrence of CMV (3%),
PRSV-W (8%) and ZYMV (1%) was observed. In tomato
fields, maximum incidence was of GBNV (15%). Thrips
(Thrips tabaci) on tomato and white fly (Bemisia tabaci)
on cucumber were observed.
Management of viral diseases. Mulching of plastic
showed comparatively less aphid and thrips
population in capsicum fields. Bottle gourd plants
sown in June and sprayed fortnightly with
imidacloprid (0.01%) showed significantly lowest
incidence of virus diseases (2.71%) and aphids (3.28/pl.)
with highest yield (35.69 t/ha)). Management of virus
diseases in tomato revealed that CMV, GBNV
and ToLCV could be controlled by spray of Agroneem
(2ml/l) /Dimethoate (0.05%). In capsicum, Mulching +
Neem oil (2%) + Imidacloprid (0.01%) was most
effective in reducing the incidence of PVY, PMMoV and
CMV. The combined incidence of virus diseases was
8.33 % in treated plot as compared to control (23.80%).
4.1.7 Viral and Phytoplasmal Diagnosis
Garlic common latent virus (GarCLV). The coat
protein (CP) gene (960 bp) of five Indian Garlic common
latent virus (GarCLV) isolates was sequenced. Sequence
comparisons revealed that the CP of GarCLV isolates
from India shared 98-100% amino acid sequence
identity and were grouped with isolates from Australia,
Brazil, Japan and South Korea.
Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV). Association
of BCMV with French bean samples collected from
Sikkim was established through DAS-ELISA and RT-
PCR. Coat protein gene of BCMV from cv. Allopetri
was cloned and sequenced (NCBI Genbank accession
no. JQ753313). In silico recombination analysis of 76
sequences of BCMV revealed evidence for 11 putative
recombinants. However, Jammu and Kashmir as well
as Sikkim isolates of BCMV exhibited no recombination
indicating their independent evolution/stability.
Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV). Mild mosaic and
stunted growth symptoms were observed in 19 out of
38 plants of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L, Accession No.
EC687345, variety NVRS-10:001818) at IARI
experimental farm, New Delhi. Leaf-dip electron
microscopy revealed flexuous virus particles
measuring 750 × 13 nm suggesting the association of a
potyvirus. The coat protein gene (834bp) (CP) of the
virus infecting lettuce shared 96 to 100% identity at
87
amino acid level with the corresponding regions of
LMV isolates, suggesting natural infection of LMV
infecting Lactuca sativa.
Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 and 1
(GLRaV 3&1). Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3
(GLRaV-3) and Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 1
(GLRaV-1) were found associated with the leaf roll
disease of grapevine in India based on the sequencing
of the coat protein (CP) and partial heat shock protein
70 homologue (HSP70h) genes. GLRaV-3 was detected
in cultivars, namely, Cabernet Souveignon, Shiraj,
Krishna Seedless, Sharad Seedless, Flame, Pinot Noir
and Thompson Seedless from six vineyards in DAS-
ELISA and RT-PCR. GLRaV-1 was detected in two
cultivars, viz., Shiraj (Nashik region) and Pinot Noir
(Pune region). GLRaV-1 was detected either alone in
Pinot Noir or as mixed infection with GLRaV-3 in Shiraj.
against bacterial expressed recombinant coat protein
of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus (GLRaV-3) in grape,
Garlic common latent virus (GarCLV) in garlic, Large
cardamom chirke virus (LCCV) in large cardamom and
Potato virus S (PVS) in potato effectively detected. Coat
Protein (CP) gene of GLRaV-3, GarCLV and Large
cardamom chirke virus was mobilized in pET28a (+)
expression vector and expressed in E. coli strain BL-
21(DA3). The polyclonal antibodies produced
from recombinant CP could detect these viruses in
DAC ELISA or dot immunobinding assay. The
immunoreagents developed will be useful for the virus
indexing in tissue culture programs as well as in
quarantine and/or certification programs.
Dual antigen construct for simultaneous diagnosis
of Potato virus Y (PVY) and Potato virus X (PVX).
The conserved coat protein (CP) gene regions of PVY
(246 bp) and PVX (243 bp) were sub-cloned in frame in
pET-28b (+) vector to create a dual expression construct.
Cocktail polyclonal antibodies (PAbs) generated from
fusion protein (~20 kDa) efficiently detected mixed
infection of PVY and PVX in infected potato sample in
DAC-ELISA. The Cocktail PAb was further validated
with 70 field potato samples, where it simultaneously
detected both PVY and PVX in 66 samples with the
O.D. range 0.10-2.15. This is the first demonstration of
engineered fusion antigen to PVX and PVY, the most
important viruses affecting potato all over the world.
Reddening and curling of leaves in the fall on dark-fruited varieties;Leafroll on white (light-fruited) varieties
Etiology of Cowpea mild mosaic virus (CPMMV)
in soybean. The soybean crops showing systemic
mottling, mosaic and leaf deformation were observed
with high disease incidence of 25.1-71.0% in
experimental farm of IARI at New Delhi. The electron
microscopy revealed flexuous particles (650 x 12 nm)
suggesting the association of a Carlavirus. The causal
virus was characterized as a strain of CPMMV on the
basis of mechanical, insect (whitefly) and seed
transmission, host range and sequencing of a 1289 nt
(1.3 kb nt) fragment of 32 end region of viral genome
comprising complete CP gene (867 nt), complete NABP
gene (303 nt) and 32 UTR (120 nt). This is the first report
of natural infection of a distinct strain of CPMMV in
soybean in India.
Production of polyclonal antibodies using
recombinant protein. Polyclonal antibodies developed
Development of serological diagnosis of Large cardamom chirkevirus (LCCV). (a) Expression construct of LCCV based on coatprotein (CP) gene sequence. (b) Expression and purification of CPin E. coli BL21 (DE3). M: Marker, UN: Un-induced culture, 3H &6H: Three & six hours induced culture, His: Ni-Nta purifiedprotein, SDS: purified protein from gel. (c) Western blot with LCCVpolyclonal antibody (PAb) at 1:5,000 dilution. (d) ELISA with PAbto LCCV at 1:10,000 dilution. (1-10, LCCV infected leaf samples).(e) Dot immunobinding assay with PAb to LCCV at 1:10,000dilution. Samples 1- 3: protein (10, 25, 50ng), 4&5: purified virus, 6to10: LCCV infected samples, 11to14: large cardamom healthy, 15to18: CdMV infected samples, 19&20: small cardamom healthy
88
Bacterial expressed engineered monoclonal
antibody fragments for Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV)
and Groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV). Engineered
monoclonal antibody fragments were produced in E.
coli for Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) and Groundnut bud
necrosis virus (GBNV). The variable region for both
heavy and light chain (VL and V
H) genes specific
to immunoglobulin (IgG) were cloned from mRNA of
immunized spleen cells of mouse or hybridoma. Two
expression constructs developed using VL and V
H genes
were utilized to generate monoclonal antibody (MAb)
in E. coli. A dot immunobinding assay and ELISA using
the engineered MAb fragments to PRSV and GBNV
showed sensitivity of detecting <50 ng of protein. The
engineered MAb could successfully detect PRSV in
crude leaf extract of papaya.
Detection of 16SrXI subgroup A phytoplasma in
sesame and delphacid leafhopper (Distant) in India.
During survey of sesame fields in Babhnauli and
Kushinagar districts of Uttar Pradesh, 22 to 50%
incidence of sesame phyllody was observed during
August-September, 2012. The association of
phytoplasma was confirmed utilizing P1/P7 and
nested primer pair R16F2n/R16R2 which yielded
exclusive bands of 1.8kb and 1.kb, respectively.
Approximately 1.2 kb amplified DNA product of
nested PCR was obtained from the leafhopper,
Hishimonas phycitis in the infected sesame phyllody
fields and BLAST analysis revealed 100% sequence
identity with 16 SrXI subgroup A phytoplasma. This
is the first time that sesame phytoplasma has been
identified as a strain of 16SrI-A subgroup
phytoplasma and H. phycitis (Distant) as a career for
SP phytoplasma (16Sr I-A) in India.
4.1.8 Host-virus Interaction Studies inPapaya- Papaya Ringspot Virus (PRSV)
Role of protein degradation machinery, the
ubiquitin/26S proteasome system (UPS), as one of the
mechanism of plant defense was studied. The
ubiquitin/26S proteasome system (UPS) plays an
essential role not only in maintaining protein turnover,
but also in regulating many other plant responses,
including plant–microbe interactions. Previous studies
highlighted two separate roles of the UPS in plant
defense during virus infection, either indirectly
through viral suppressor-mediated degradation of
Argonaute proteins, affecting the RNA interference
pathway, or directly through the RNase activity of the
20S core component of UPS, affecting the levels of viral
RNA. The proteosomal inhibition studies using MG132,
a cell permeable proteasomal reversible inhibitor,
caused an increase in Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV)
accumulation in its natural host papaya (Carica papaya).
The increase in the levels of viral transcripts, viral titre
as well as phenotypic expression of symptoms were
evident during proteosomal inhibition. The increase
in the levels of viral transcripts suggests the probable
RNAse activity of proteosomes, playing crucial role in
regulating RNA viruses. Hence, it was concluded that
20S core proteosome impose direct defense against
Papaya ringspot virus.
4.2 ENTOMOLOGY
4.2.1 Insect Pest Management
4.2.1.1 Cereals
Out of Sulfoxaflor 24 SC @ 90 g a.i./ha, buprofezin
25 SC @ 200 g a.i./ha, rynaxypyr 20 SC @ 30 g a.i./ha,
and triazophos 40 EC and acephate 75 SP each @ 500 g
a.i./ha evaluated along with monocrotophos 36 SL @
500 g a.i./ha against rice insect pests on Pusa Basmati
1401, incidence of leaf folder remained very low (<1.4
%) in all the treatments while buprofezin @ 200 g a.i./
ha proved most effective against plant hoppers
followed by sulfoxaflor @ 90 g a.i./ha. Triazophos and
buprofezin treatments had the highest yields followed
by acephate.
Development of spectral signatures for rice brown
plant hoppers (BPH). Significant difference in
reflectance of uninfested and infested plants in most
of the wavebands indicated detectability of even low
intensity damage through remote sensing. Based on
rice plant reflectance corresponding to the sensitive
wavelengths, three hyperspectral indices,viz., BPH
Index 1(R665
/R1792
), BPH Index 2 (R1792
-R665
/R1792
+R665
) and
BPH Index 3 (R1792
-R1986
/R1792
+R1986
) were developed,
where R665
, R1792
and R1986
refer to reflectance at 665, 1792
and 1986 nm wavelength, respectively.
89
Using rice plant reflectance corresponding to the
sensitive wavelengths, a multiple-linear regression
model was developed and validated.
Y= -26.206-65.08R500nm + 59.993R665nm
+3.629R1792nm
+8.753R1986nm (R2=0.99)
The model would facilitate assessment of BPH
damage based on rice plant reflectance, thereby
ensuring prompt forewarning to stakeholders.
Development of BPH population-weather model.
Weather-based prediction model for BPH was
developed by regressing peaks of BPH light trap
catches on mean values of different weather parameters
recording at different weeks. Of the weather
parameters, Tmax, RF and RH2 were found to be
relevant through stepwise regression and resultant
model was:
Log BPH = -23.289+0.7412 Tmax (Oct. 2-week)
+0.021 RF (July 2-week) + 0.050 RH2
(Oct. 2-week)
(R2=0.90, P=0.006)
The model was validated through 5-year
independent data on weather parameters and peaks
of BPH light trap catches (R2=0.845, RMSE=7.64%).
Development of rice gall midge population
simulation model. A degree days based population
simulation model of rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzae,
an important pest of rice in eastern India, was
developed using thermal constants, development
thresholds and abiotic and biotic mortality factors for
different development stages of the pest. Thermal
constants for egg, larval, pupal and adult stages were
used as 36.4, 169.4, 59.1 and 24.2 degree days (DD),
respectively with corresponding development
threshold being 16.2, 15.0, 15.5 and 16 oC and
Fecundity taken as 125 eggs/female and sex ratio as
1:1. Impact of global warming on the pest population
was simulated and it was observed that 1 oC rise in
daily mean temperature would benefit the pest by
increasing its population, while further increase
would adversely affect it. In view of the climate
change scenarios for the Indian sub-continent (0.07-
1.17 during kharif by 2020 & 1.81-2.37 during kharif
by 2050), it seemed that the gall midge incidence on
rice might increase by 2020 but would decline by 2050
compared to 2000 weather under Cuttack and other
similar environments.
Mechanism of resistance. Presence of globular
structures in stem sheath and more long hairs and
spines on leaves of resistant rice genotypes, viz., PTB
33, KAUM 174-4 and IR 64 and higher activity of
peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase (defense enzymes)
was associated with resistance against BPH.
Biochemical characterization of maize genotypes for
resistance to spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus
indicated that the iron content (37.79 to 40.22 mg/g) in
all the white seed kernel lines, viz., CPM 2, CPM 13
and CPM 15 was significantly higher (22.98 to 23.32
mg/g) than that of yellow kernel color lines, viz., CPM
8 and CPM 18.
Efficacy of insecticides against rice plant hoppers on Pusa Basmati 1401
Treatments Active ingredient BPH + WBPH/10 hills Population reduction Yield(a.i.)/ha 70 DAT 80 DAT (%) over 70 DAT (kg/ha)
Triazophos 40 EC 500 g 75.7 40.7 (6.37) 46.2 4649
Sulfoxaflor 24 SC 90 g 89.7 47.3 (6.84) 47.3 4093
Buprofezin 25 SC 200 g 67.0 31.0 (5.56) 53.7 4612
Rynaxypyr 20 SC 30 g 60.7 53.7 (7.27) 11.5 4371
Acephate 75 SP 500 g 56.3 35.3 (5.91) 37.3 4519
Monocrotophos 36 SL 500 g 46.7 37.0 (6.08) 20.8 4185
Untreated control Water spray 60.0 62.0 (6.86) - 3833
C D (P<0.05) - NS (1.31) - 462.0
*Values in parentheses are square root transformed original plant hopper counts
90
4.2.1.2 Vegetables
Three foliar sprays of profenophos+cypermethrin
mixture @ 440 g a.i./ha at fortnightly interval recorded
lowest fruit damage in bitter gourd due to fruit fly,
Bactrocera cucurbitae (10.71% on number and 8.23%
weight basis). Okra border-cropped with maize had
significantly reduced leafhopper population.
Brinjal border-cropped with maize followed
by sprays of flubendiamide @ 25 g a.i./ha,
chlorantraniliprole @ 10 g a.i./ha and novaluron @ 75 g
a.i./ha in sequence at fortnightly interval was most
successful in minimizing shoot and fruit borer damage
in brinjal fruits.
4.2.1.3 Soybean
One hundred nine soybean lines, i.e., IVT=40, AVT-
I & AVT-II=40, PYT-I=17 and PYT-II=12 evaluated
during kharif, 2012 against stem fly and yellow mosaic
virus (YMV) disease under natural incidence, varieties
DS 1213 and DS 2614 were identified as promising
sources of resistance. Thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 100 ml/
ha and triazophos 40 EC @ 800 ml/ha significantly
reduced YMV disease incidence and population of stem
fly, Melanagromyza sojae, in soybean resulting in
significant increase in seed yield.
4.2.1.4 Cotton
Studies on effect of different levels of non-Bt cotton
as refuge on Bt cotton productivity showed maximal
top shoot damage of 18.3% irrespective of days of plant
growth in 100% non-Bt and was significantly higher
than the rest of treatments ranging from 5 to 40% of
non-Bt and 100% Bt cotton. Similarly for BGII
MRC7017Bt cotton, top shoot damage due to Earias spp.
was found to increase with respect to age of crop from
45 to 108 days. It was least in treatment 100% Bt cotton
(0.89%), followed by 5% non-Bt cotton (0.89%) and
maximum in100% non-Bt cotton (17.14%). The damage
due to Earias spp. was relatively less in BGII than in Bt
cotton expressing Cry1Ac only.
4.2.2 Storage Entomology
Cadra cautella and rice moth Corcyra cephalonica
caused maximum weight loss in wheat genotypes PDW
239 and PDW 291(d), respectively at 90 days of storage.
Maximum per cent grain damage occurred in variety
PBW343 with both the insects. Sitophilus oryzae a rice
weevil caused maximum weight loss in variety PBW
621 at 60% and 70% RH while maximum insect
population was observed in HD 2967 after three
months of storage.
After 12 months of storage under high Rhyzopertha
dominica population regime, out of 14 treatments
evaluated, only carbaryl 50WP @100ppm (1.75%
damage), imidacloprid 17.8EC @ 5ppm (3.75% damage)
and spinosad 45SC @ 5ppm/kg seed (1.25% damage)
could provide considerable protection from insect
pests. Many of the other treatments including control
had over 90% of seed damage.
After 12 months of seed storage, of the 13
treatments tested, sprays with primiphos-methyl 50EC
@1000ppm, carbaryl 50WP @10000ppm and spinosad
45SC @ 1000ppm/l water over gunny bags could
effectively protect wheat seeds from insect pest
infestations. The experiment was conducted under high
Rhyzopertha dominica population regime.
4.2.3 Biological Control
Thiamethoxam was observed to be more toxic than
imidacloprid against populations of Coccinella
septempunctata grubs collected from Coimbatore,
Almora, Ludhiana and Delhi. However, Coimbatore
and Ludhiana population showed 6 and 4 times more
tolerance to imidacloprid than other populations.
Multi-arm olfactometer studies with the extracts
of different cotton varieties indicated that increase in
concentration of the extract plays a vital role in
parasitoid activity index (PAI), per cent parasitization
and emergence irrespective of the variety. The
Electroantennogram (EAG) response of A. bombawalei
to synomonal extracts of cotton plants revealed that
the mean EAG response in males were lower than the
female parasitoid. EAG responses of Uzi fly, Exorista
sorbillans, a parasitoid of tussar silkmoth, Anthereae
mylitta recorded against 49 plant volatiles revealed
that acetophenone triggered highest relative response
at 0.1 and 1 mg/ml concentration which was on a par
with benzaldehyde at 10 mg/ml and pentanone at 100
mg/ml.
91
4.2.4 Insect Physiology
Three siRNAs, viz., Hachi, HaSlchi and Slchi for
chitinase gene suppression designed in silico were
evaluated by injection and feeding the larvae of
cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera and tobacco
caterpillar, Spodoptera litura. More than 40% mortality
as inter-molt and up to 40% mortality in the form of
malformed pupae or adult in both H. armigera and
S. litura was observed. Thus, silencing of chitinase
gene led to mortalities throughout the development
period. Efficacy of the silencing of the chitinase gene
was demonstrated by gene expression of the target
gene using RT-PCR with tubulin as the marker gene.
Down regulation of target genes was observed to be
98% in neonates, 99% in larvae, 95% in the malformed
pupae and 99% in the malformed adults in H.
armigera while it was 95% in neonates, 45% in larvae,
55% in malformed pupae and 85% in adults of
S. litura.
selection pressure within 6-generations and Cry1Ac
resistance is autosomal and semi-dominant in nature.
Bacillus thuringiensis isolates were studied
for biochemical, molecular and insecticidal
characterization. More than 40 isolates were
characterized by 16s RNA sequence analysis. Kb-29,
St-6 and Wh-1 were most effective and comparable with
HD-1 in toxicity against H. armigera.
Diversity analysis using PCR probes revealed
the presence of Rhodobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp.,
Panenibacillus sp., Stenotrophomonas sp., Roseomonas sp.,
Bacillus cereus, Enterobacter, Proteobacterium (uncultured)
and Pseudomonas sp. in the gut of diamondback moth,
Plutella xylostella.
Out of 52 gut bacterial isolates from H. armigera,
12 isolates showed high lipase activity while 14
isolates had strong -glucanase activity and seven
isolates had good amylase activity. Similarly in P.
xylostella, out of 41 gut bacterial isolates identified,
six isolates had strong lipase activity, five had good
-endoglucanase activity and three isolates had strong
amylase activity.
4.2.5 Insect Toxicology
The shade dried leaf powder of Millettia pachycarpa
contained lupeol, besides, four bio-active isoflavonoids
identified, viz., millewanin-G, millewani-H,
pyranochalcone and diprenyl 5,7.4-trihydroxy
isoflavone, which showed antifeedant activity against
larvae of S. litura. Azadiracthin showed complete
growth inhibition even at 0.001%, and more than 50%
growth inhibition was recorded at the lowest
Last instar larvae of H. armigera and S. litura showing inter-moltmortality, pupal mortality, malformed pupae after SiRNAtreatment
Earias vitella reared on artificial diet had lower
larval survival, longer larval and pupal period than
those on natural diet. Studies on pink bollworm rearing
showed that insects collected from north India did
undergo diapause during last larval stage which
ranged from 134 to 203 days during their initial
collection. The pink bollworm strain developed
resistance of about 605-fold to Cry1Ac under the Structure of Lupeol
92
concentration of methanol and dichloromethane
extracts.
4.3 NEMATOLOGY
4.3.1 Nematode Management
In Pasteuria infected females of the nematode
Heterodera cajani, a rod shaped stage was found.
Besides, unlike the root-knot Pasteuria isolate, no female
of H. cajani was found to develop eggs in presence of
the bacterium.
4.3.2 Metham Sodium for the Managementof Root Knot Nematode in Polyhouse
Root-knot nematodes were effectively reduced
in tomato cultivation under polyhouse conditions,
on applying Metham sodium @ 300 l/ha with a
dilution 1:7 (30ml/m2) deep into furrow (25cm depth) one
month before transplanting of tomato seedlings.
4.3.3 Biofumigation with Brassica junceaagainst Reniform Nematode
Five varieties (MT 1, MT 2, MT 3, MT 4 and MT 5)
of Brassica juncea reduced (>45 %) the population of
reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis in
comparison to control field.
4.3.4 Bioefficacy of Indazoles in TomatoInfected with Meloidogyne incognita Race 1
L16 {6-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-4-Phenyl-
2H-indazol-3-ol} @125 ppm onwards showed
increase in plant growth of tomato and maximum
reduction (84.5%) in number of galls compared to
the control.
Antifeedant activity (AI50
) and Growth inhibitory activity (GI50
) of various extracts and fractions of Millettiapachycarpa against S. litura
Extracts and Antifeedancy Growth inhibitory activity
fractions of
leaf powder Heterogeneity AI50
/ Fiducial limits (%) Heterogeneity GI50
/Fiducial limits (%)
x2 df x2 df
Methanol 0.832 4 0.034 More than 50% growth inhibition even at lowest
(0.020-0.057) concentration (0.001%)
Hexane 3.255 4 1.532 0.003
(0.089-2.620) 0.223 4 (0.001-0.009)
Dichloro- 2.371 5 1.078 More than 50% growth inhibition even at lowest
methane (0.943-2.623) concentration (0.001%)
Butanol 5.869 5 0.024 7.001 4 0.098
(0.018-0.034) (0.066-0.147)
Fraction 1 0.709 4 0.101 0.389 4 0.007
(0.067-1.496) (0.003-0.017)
Fraction 2 1.639 4 0.023 6.473 4 0.011
(0.013-0.039) (0.007-0.018)
Fraction 3 2.680 5 0.406 0.957 4 0.008
(0.211-0.778) (0.002-0.025)
Fraction 4 2.364 4 0.664 2.984 4 0.008
(0.229-0.926) (0.002-0.029)
Fraction 5 2.602 4 0.105 2.188 4 0.024
(0.052-0.209) (0.013-0.045)
Azadirachtin 1.705 3 0.086 Complete growth inhibition even at lowest concen
(0.063-0.167) tration (0.001%)
93
4.3.5 Management of Rice Root-knotNematode, Meloidogyne graminicola in Rice
Solarization (15 D) + Pseudomonas fluorescens 1%
W.P. @ 50g/sq.m gave maximum shoot growth and
least number of galls of M. graminicola in rice over
the control. Maximum reduction in the no. of eggs
were observed in solarized bed applied with
carbofuran (74.4%) and P. fluorescens 1% W.P. @ 50g/
sq.m (73.7%) compared to control. Split application
of carbofuran @1 kg a.i./ha at transplanting & at
15DAT increased the plant growth of rice puddled
condition compared to unpuddled with a reduction
in root-knot nematode population. Hexane extracts
of Crotolaria juncea shoots @ 500 ppm showed
maximum in-vitro mortality (>72%) of second stage
juveniles (J2s) of M. graminicola after 96h.
4.3.6 Population Behavior of Tylenchulussemipenetrans (Citrus Root Nematode) inCitrus
Population behavior of Tylenchulus semipenetrans
recorded in IARI orchard at regular intervals showed
positive correlation with the growth flush in citrus
plants. The total nematode populations were higher in
October (240/ g roots) and April (200/ g roots) and
declined gradually from May to August. This
synchronized with high temp. coupled with low % of
humidity.
4.3.7 Management through Transgenic Approach
Several transgenic brinjal lines have been
developed to express the double stranded RNA of four
esophageal gland genes and two FMRFamide like
peptide genes of Meloidogyne incognita independently
to bring about their silencing in the nematodes.
Evaluation on the effect of gene silencing showed 60
to 80% reduction in multiplication factor of the
nematode indicating their potential in reducing the
population pressure in the soil. QPCR analysis
indicated good expression of different genes in
various primary events and also in the plants of T1
generation.
4.3.8 Entomopathogenic Nematodes
Bioefficacy of 4 isolates of Steinernema when tested
against homopteran insect pests showed that
Steinernema thermophilum could induce 83% mortality
of mealy bugs within 72 h after inoculation at 50 IJs /
insect and 100% within 48 h at 500 IJs /insect. Against
aphids, it caused 66% and 83 % mortality at 50 and 500
IJs/insect within 3 days post-inoculation. But against
whitefly, at 500 IJs / insect, S. riobrave caused 66%
mortality after 72 h followed by S.thermophilum (49%)
and S. meghalayensis (33%).
Multi-location field trial for the management of
white grub infestation in sugarcane crop by application
of Galleria mellonella cadavers infected with
entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis indica
carried out in eight villages- Jallopur, Ogarpur,
Dadhyal, Bukharipur, Shaidra Milak (Amroha district,
UP), Jakhwala (Saharanpur district, UP), Alawalpur
and Trilokpuri (Haridwar district, Uttrakhand) showed
reduction in white grub population in the range of 25
qPCR analysis of primary transgenic events and T1 plants of brinjal
for the expression of dsRNA of flp18
94
to 66% and an increase in sugarcane yield up to 6 to
8 t/acre at different locations.
B. cereus (WGPSB-2) when fed orally to 3rd instar
grubs of Holotrichia spp. (@ 0.75 x 104 spores/grub)
resulted in reduction in the feeding of the grubs finally
leading to mortality within 5 to 9 weeks. When healthy
and diseased 3rd instar grubs (exposed to B. cereus for 4
weeks) were exposed to H. indica IJ @ 250, 500 and 1000
IJ/grub, at the highest level (1000 IJ/grub), 100%
mortality was recorded in healthy within 5 days as
compared to 3 days in diseased grubs. The grubs
infected with H. indica-Photorhabdus symbionts alone
turned characteristically reddish in color. Grubs
infected with H. indica-Photorhabdus-B. cereus exhibited
patches of red, brown and black.
antibacterial and antioxidant activity. (E)-1-(4-
Fluorophenyl)-3-phenyl-propenone was found to be
the most active as antifungal agent (Rhizoctonia solani,
LC50
2.4 μg/mL), 6-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-4-
phenyl-2H-indazol-3-ol was found to be most active
antibacterial agent (Klebsiella pneumonia, MIC 24.7
μg/mL) and 6-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-4-(3-
nitrophenyl)-2H-indazol-3-ol emerged as most active
antioxidant (IC50
19.8 μg/mL).
Synthesis and bioactivity of 1,3,4-thiadiazole
derivatives. Out of a series of twenty two 1,3,4-
thiadiazole derivatives synthesized using 5-methyl/
amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiols, characterized showed
antifungal, antinemic and nitrification inhibitory
activities. The test compounds were highly effective
against the fungi. The antifungal and nematicidal
activity was observed with 2-hexyl sulfanyl-5-amino-
1,3,4-thiadiazoles (ED50
3.9-4.2 g/mL). Low to
moderate effect of these compounds was observed for
inhibition of nitrification process in soil.
Synthesis and nematicidal activity of Schiff bases
of traizole. Out of twenty Schiff bases of 4-amino-3-
mercapto-5-pyridin-2-yl-4H-1,2,4-triazole and picolinic
acid synthesized and evaluated for nematicidal activity,
4-(4-Methoxybenzyliderneamino)-3-mercapto-5-
pyridin-2-yl-4H-1,2,4-triazole exhibited the highest
nematicidal activity against M. incognita (LC50
218 ppm)
and R. reniformis (LC50
174 ppm). Fungitoxicity
evaluation suggested that 4-(4-Methoxybenzy-
liderneamino)-3-mercapto-5-pyridin-2-yl-4H-1,2,4-
triazole was the best compound among the Schiff bases
(ED50
50 ppm against R. solani ).
Chemical profiling of essential oil of Anisomeles
indica. Twenty six compounds in (accounting for 82.8%
of the crude oil) essential oil was extracted from A.
indica leaves were identified using GC-MS analysis, The
compounds identified were caryophyllene oxide, 4-
hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, hexatriacontane,
bicyclo[7.2.0]undec-4-ene, 4,11,11-trimethyl-8-
methylene-, [1R-(1R*,4E,9S*)]-, hexahydro
farnesylacetone, 4,8,12,15,15-pentamethyl-
bicyclo[9.3.1] pentadeca-3,7-dien-12-ol, -
caryophyllene, pentadecanal, 2-methoxy-4-(2-
propenyl)-phenol, verticiol, trans-nerolidol, -ionone,
farnesene, Z-7-tetradecanal, farnesyl acetone and small
a: White grub infected with H. indica and B. cereus; b: Emergenceof H. indica infective juveniles from white grub
4.4 CHEMICALS FOR CROP PROTECTION
4.4.1 Chemo and Bio-prospecting forAgrochemicals through Design, Discoveryand Development of Novel Processes andProducts
Synthesis, characterization and bio-efficacy of
novel chalcone based 6-carbethoxy-2-cyclohexen-1-
one and 2H-Indazol-3-ol derivatives. Using a
simple, efficient and environment friendly method
of “Green chemistry” sixteen 6-carbethoxy-2-
cyclohexen-1-one derivatives and sixteen 2H-
indazol-3-ol derivatives were synthesized,
characterized and screened for antifungal,
95
amounts of dihyro--ionone, hexyl butanoate, n-
tetracosane, n-hexadecane, tricontane, tricosane, oleyl
alcohol, geranyl acetone and 3-octen-1-ol.
Extraction, profiling and antifungal evaluation of
non protein imino acids from leaves of Calliandra sp.
Caliandra leaves extract purification and
characterization using GC-MS suggested that pipecolic
acid derivatives were the main constituents of the
extract. These compounds showed moderate antifungal
activity against S. rolfsii and Fusarium oxysporum (ED50
359.2-462.7 ppm).
4.4.2 Innovations in Agricultural Formulationsand Application Technology for Safety andEfficacy
Preparation and evaluation of hydrogel based
combo formulations of bioagent (Trichoderma
harzianum) and micronutrient (ZnSO4). Fungal
diseases and zinc availability are two important factors
influencing rice productivity, therefore a hydrogel
based integrated compositions was prepared
employing Trichoderma harzianum, combination of T.
harzianum with ZnSO4 (25, 250 and 1000 ppm) exhibited
significantly higher activity than Trichoderma or ZnSO4
alone against Rhizoctonia solani.
Dry (H-Zn-dry) and wet formulations (H-Zn-wet)
of T. harzianum employing zincated hydrogel exhibited
100% viability of T. harzianum showing no toxicity, and
showed 94.8 and 95.1% inhibition of R. solani in in vitro.
Development of zeolite based superabsorbent
composite. Fluid retention capacity of Pusa hydrogel
was enhanced by Zeolite hydrogel composite having
water absorption capacity of 550 to 600 g/g of dry gel.
Residual acrylamide monomer estimation in hydrogel
and hydrogel composites revealed that the residual
acrylamide content in the samples decreased with
increase in cross-linker concentration.
Development of new amphiphilic nano-polymers
for formulating the thiamethoxam. Amphiphilic
copolymers were synthesized from poly(ethylene
glycols) and various aliphatic and aromatic diacids and
used to develop controlled release (CR) formulations
of thiamethoxam (3-(2-chloro-1,3-thiazol-5-ylmethyl)-
5-methyl-1,3,5-oxadiazinan-4-ylidene (nitro) amine)
using encapsulation technique. Formulations were
characterised by Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, Dynamic
Light Scattering (DLS) and Transmission Electron
Microscope (TEM). The diffusion exponent (n value)
of thiamethoxam, in water ranged from 0.346 to 0.764
in the test formulations. While the time taken for release
of 50% of thiamethoxam ranged from 2.04 to 5.46 days
for the CR formulations. The developed CR
formulations can be used for efficient pest management
in different crops.
Development of polymeric thiamethoxam seed
coats for seed quality enhancement.Seed coat
containing 12 controlled release (CR) formulations
of thiamethoxam was developed. The thiamethoxam
recovery ranged from 86.1 to 93.2% from different
CR formulation seed coats. Better thiamethoxam
retention was observed on soybean seed coats treated
with CR formulations. Most of the CR formulations
of thiamethoxam gave significantly better control of
white fly which transmit Yellow Mosaic Virus (YMV)
compared to commercial formulation and control.
The seed coating formulation prepared from
amphiphilic polymer Poly [poly (oxyethylene-4000)-
oxysebacoyl] with recommended dose of
thiamethoxam ,i.e., 3 g a.i. / kg seed recorded highest
yield (1612.7 kg/ha) as compared to commercial
formulation (1232.0 kg/ha). Nodulation pattern of
soybean was not affected due to treatment of CR
formulations and commercial formulation of
thiamethoxam. Also the residues of thiamethoxam
in seed and soil at harvest were below the detection
limit of 0.25 g/mL for both CR and commercial
formulations.
4.4.3 Food Safety, Risk Assessment of CropProtection Products and Residue Management
4.4.3.1 Pesticide risk assessment
Persistence of chlorfenapyr on tomato.
Chlorfenapyr was applied on tomato at flowering
followed by 2nd application at 50% fruiting @ 75 and
100 g a.i./ha along with untreated control. Chlorfenapyr
(Intrepid 10 SC) were applied on tomato (var. Pusa
Ruby) dissipated and half lives in tomato and soil
ranged from 2.9 to 4.0 days and 4.1 to 4.4 days,
respectively.
96
Persistence of metaflumizone on cabbage and
field soil. Persistence of metaflumizone on cabbage
and field soil following foliar application at
recommended and double dose (200 and 400 g a.i. /
ha) showed that the residues persisted beyond 5 days
in both the treatments and dissipated with the half-
life ranging from 1.7 to 2.1 days in cabbage and in
soil it degraded with a half life ranging from 4.0 to
4.8 days. A pre-harvest waiting period of 3 days was
suggested based on calculation of theoretical
maximum daily intake (TMDI).
4.4.3.2 Environmental fate of pesticides
Effect of elevated CO2 on persistence of pesticides.
The petrilachlor and butachlor dissipated faster in soil
at elevated CO2 (half life 3.6 and 4.8 days at 550 ppm
and 3.1 and 3.7 days at 750 ppm) as compared to
ambient conditions (38 and 25 days). Similarly, elevated
CO2 and temperature (~550, 30oC and 750 ppm, 35oC)
caused faster dissipation of cypermethrin,
pendimethalin and chlorpyriphos from soil maintained
at field capacity and submerged moisture condition as
compared to ambient (~350 ppm, 25oC) condition.
However, the effect was negligible when soil was
maintained at dry condition.
Persistence and sorption of pesticides. The studies
revealed that chlorantranipole dissipated faster from
soil under submerged condition (t1/2
130.8 days)
followed field capacity moisture (t1/2
143.5 days) and
dry condition (t1/2
150.6 days). Degradation of
metaflumizone was faster under anaerobic conditions
(t1/2
33.4 d) compared to aerobic condition (t1/2
50.1 d)
and dry soil (t1/2
150.4 d). UV light, temperature and
atmospheric CO2 levels increased the degradation in
soil (t½ 20.1–50.1 d). Degradation of metaflumizone
was faster in Oxisol compared to Inceptisol. 4-
cyanobenzoic acid (0.22–1.86 mg/kg) and 4-
trifluoromethoxy aniline (0.21–1.23 mg/kg) were
detected as major degradation products.
Effect of fly ash on leaching and degradation of
metolachlor and atrazine. Potential of coal fly ash
(Inderprastha and Badarpur) for retaining soil applied
metolachlor and atrazine within the application zone
was studied in Inceptisol and Alfisol soils. Both the fly
ashes at 2% and 5% were highly effective in reducing
the leaching losses of metolachlor and atrazine. The
Inderprastha fly ash was more effective than the
Badarpur fly ash. Although fly ash contained heavy
metals like Cr, Cu or Pb, but they were not detected in
the leachate. Also, concentration of other metals like
Zn, Mn and Fe in leachate decreased after fly ash
amendment. Results of this study have implications in
reducing the leaching losses of these herbicides in
agricultural soils. However, application of fly ash
increased the persistence of both the herbicides. 2-
Ethyl-6-methyl acetanilide was detected in the soil
samples as the major degradation product of
metolachlor.
Sorption behaviour of pesticides. Adsorption
behaviour of bispyribac-sodium herbicide was studied
in four soil types. Herbicide is poorly sorbed in the
soils and the Freundlich adsorption coefficients (Kf)
values ranged between 0.36 and 0.87. Herbicide
adsorption was highly nonlinear and 1/n values ranged
between 0.21 and 0.34. Herbicide adsorption did not
correlate with the organic carbon content, however,
positive correlation was observed with the soil pH and
clay content. Desorption studies suggested that during
single desorption step complete desorption of sorbed
herbicide was observed.
Adsorption of metsulfuron-methyl was studied in
different SOM fractions, viz., commercial humic acid,
commercial lignin and humic acid and humin extracted
from compost. 13C-CPMAS-NMR studies indicated that
the structural composition of the organic carbon in
different SOM fractions was different. The order of
sorption of metsulfuron-methyl in the different
sorbents was: humic acid- compost > humic acid-
commercial > humin ~ lignin. The herbicide adsorption
coefficient [Kf X 1/n] in SOM fractions was positively
correlated with the carbonyl components of organic
carbon, which accounted for 98.7% variation in the
sorption of herbicide. Similarly, desorption coefficient
too showed positive correlation with the carbonyl
fraction of SOM and accounted for nearly 91% of
herbicide desorption. Both correlations were significant
at p= 0.01% level of significance. Study suggested that
chemistry of organic carbon content affects the
herbicide adsorption.
97
4.4.3.3 Analytical methods
Development of multi residue analytical methods.
A multi-pesticide residue method of extraction and
cleanup was standardized for the estimation of
pesticides, namely, lindane, chlorpyrifos, quinalfos,
methyl parathion,ethion, hexaconaazole, -cyhalothrin,
-cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin. Bifenthrin,
fluvalinate and permethrin in wheat flour by GLC –
ECD detector and GC-MS. The average recovery varied
from 79 to 92, repeatability 2.8-5.2% RSD and
reproducibility 4.2-8.7% RSD.
Similarly, a multi-pesticide residue method for rice
grain was standardized and validated for 20 crop
protection chemicals belonging to insecticide, fungicide
and herbicide groups. GLC-ECD conditions were
standardized for resolution of all the twenty pesticides
in one go. Various pesticides were eluted at Rt: Lindane-
10.5 min; malathion-16.2 min; chlorpyriphos-16.6 min;
flufenacet-17.2 min; pendimethalin-18.4 min; fipronil
-19.4 min; -endosulfan -20.0 min; p,p-DDE -21.8 min;
thifluzamide- 23.04 min; -endosulfan 23.2 min; op-
DDT-24.2 min; endosulfan sulfate-25.7 min; p,p-DDT-
26.2 min; bifenthrin-29.8 min; carpropamid-30.5 min;
-cyahalothrin-33.0 min; permethrin-35.5 min;
cypermethrin-37.9 min; fluvalinate- 41.5 min;
indoxacarb-43.0 min and deltamethrin-43.2 min.
Instrument detection limit of different pesticides varied
from 0.001 to 0.01 ppm with 2 μ injection volume.
Method validation was carried out at 0.1 and 0.05 ppm
fortification levels using AOAC procedure. Method
was found to be repeatable and reproducible.
HPLC method was developed for the
determination of flucetosulfuron in water and soil. The
recovery of flucetosulfuron was 93.2 and 82.0% from
water and soil, respectively. Limit of quantification
(LOQ) of the method from water and soil were 0.05 μg
mL-1 and 0.1 μg g-1, respectively.
4.4.3.4 Decontamination of pesticides
Decontamination of pesticides from water.
Laboratory prepared rice husk ash was evaluated for
removal of 9 pesticides from water as a low cost
adsorbent. The rice husk was found to possess
appreciable adsorbent capacity (Kf – 0.08-0.17). The
column elution studies showed that with 10 g rice husk,
more than 90% of the pesticide load can be removed
from 10 liters of water. Decontamination study of
anilofos and chlorpyrifos from water indicated that
GAC may not be a better option for removal of
chlorpyrifos from water. The normal drinking water
treatment process was found to be inefficient in
removal of PAHs (<40% removal). Inclusion of step of
adsorption by clay materials in the process resulted in
removal of 88-100% of 6 PAHs from water. The method
was validated for natural water.
Adsorption-desorption of 2 OP pesticides anilofos
and chlorpyrifos were studied on granular carbon
(GAC) using batch method. Granular carbon could
remove 98% of the both pesticides. Desorption studies
in three cycles showed that chlorpyrifos desorbed in
each cycle and at all the concentration levels. Anilofos
was desorbed only at higher concentrations during first
cycle only. Study indicated that GAC may not be a
better option for removal of chlorpyrifos from water.
Microbial degradation of pesticides. Three fungal
isolates Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and
Achaetomium strumarium degraded bifenthrin with a
half-life of 81.3, 34.2, 30.7 days, respectively. A bacterial
strain Serratia marcescens, L-11 which was found to be
bio-surfactant producing and PAH degrader in earlier
studies degraded bifenthrin with a half-life of 24.3 days.
Mixtures of microbes (consortia) were more efficient
than individuals. Consortium M-1 (Aspergillus flavus+
Achaetomium strumarium) and M-2 (Aspergillus flavus
+Achaetomium strumarium+ Serratia marcescens)
degraded bifenthrin with a half life of 12 days and 10
days, respectively. Hydrolysis and oxidation were
major routes of bifenthrin degradation and 2-methyl-
3-phenyl benzyl alcohol, 3-(2-chloro-3,3,3-
trifluoroprop-1-enyl)-2,2-dimethyl-cyclopropane
carboxylic acid and 2-methyl-3-phenylbenzoic acid
metabolites were identified.
Two white rot fungus, Coriolus versicolor
(NCIM1076) and Pestalotia bicolor (MTCC 372) were
screened for degradation of fipronil. The white rot fungi
enhanced fipronil degradation. Fipronil half life was
102.5 days in sterile soil as compared to 71.5 days and
52.7 days when inoculated with C. versicolor and
P.bicolor, respectively. Fipronil amide and sulfone were
detected as the major degradation products.
98
4.5 WEED MANAGEMENT
4.5.1 Effects of Tillage and WeedManagement on Soybean Productivity
Weed density in no-tillage treatment was
significantly lower than conventional tillage, but weed
dry weight, and physiological parameters like leaf
soluble protein and chlorophyll content and yield were
not affected by tillage treatments. Pendimethalin 0.5
kg/ha tank-mixed with imazethapyr 0.075 kg/ha caused
the maximum reduction in weed density. All weed
control treatments gave significantly higher soybean
seed yields compared to weedy check, but
pendimethalin 0.5 kg/ha + imazethapyr 0.075 kg/ha
being comparable with weed-free check was superior
to all other weed control treatments.
Among weed control measures, pre-emergence
application of metribuzin @ 250 g/ha followed by
propaquizafop @ 50 g/ha at 3 weeks after sowing (WAS)
caused significantly higher reduction in weed dry weight
at all stages of observation resulting in higher weed
control efficiency and seed yield in soybean which was
statistically similar to the season long weed free condition.
4.5.2 Optimization of the Brown ManuringTechnology for Weed Management in Maize
A field experiment undertaken to optimize the dose
of herbicide, seed rate of dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) and
time of spraying/mulching for brown manuring and
weed management in maize. The results indicated that
25 kg dhaincha seed was slightly superior to 15 kg/ha
mulching dhaincha/spraying 2,4-D at 25 days after
sowing (DAS) superior to that at 35 DAS ,and 2,4-D @
0.50 kg/ha was superior to 2,4-D @ 0.25 kg/ha or in situ
dhaincha grown and mulched, in terms of broad-leaved
and grassy weed control, and maize grain yield.
4.5.3 Efficient Weed Control UsingHerbicides in Gladiolus
All the herbicides tested were selective to gladiolus
and the herbicides treatments resulted in lower weed
growth than weedy check. But, metribuzin @ 0.5 kg/ha
pre-emergence and atrazine @1.0 kg/ha pre-
emergence+residues (5 t/ha) resulted in the lowest
weed dry weight comparable with that of the weed-
free check. A tank-mix application of pendimethalin
0.75 kg/ha + metribuzin 0.3 kg/ha resulted in maximum
plant height (123.0 cm) followed by atrazine 1.0 kg/ha
+ residues, and pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha. However,
atrazine 1.0 kg/ha + residues was found to be the best
which resulted in maximum spike length (101.0 cm).
4.5.4 Bio-efficacy and Selectivity of Herbicidesand Efficient Weed Control in Tuberose
Although, all the herbicides treatments (taken up)
were more or less equally effective and reduced weed
growth considerably than weedy check in tuberose.
Effect of chemical herbicides on weed dry weight, and plant height and spike length of gladiolus
Treatments Dry wt. of weeds (g/m2) Plant height (cm) Spike length (cm)
Atrazine 1.0 kg/ha pre-emergence 6.03 105.0 87.3
Pendimethalin @1.0 kg/ha pre-emergence 5.20 118.7 94.3
Metribuzin 0.5 kg/ha pre-emergence 4.23 111.3 89.3
Atrazine 0.75 kg/ha + pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha pre-emergence 8.80 101.7 87.7
Pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha + metribuzin 0.3 kg/ha pre-emergence 6.86 123.0 94.7
Atrazine @1.0 kg/ha pre-emergence + residues 5.0 t/ha 4.33 119.0 101.0
Atrazine @1.0 kg/ha pre-emergence + one hand weeding 30.00 108.3 86.3
30 days after planting (DAP)
Butachlor 1.0 kg/ha pre-emergence 34.93 107.7 87.0
Weed- free check 0.0 116.3 94.0
Weedy check 73.40 97.0 79.0
LSD (P=0.05) 4.583 2.81 1.71
99
However, metribuzin 0.50 kg/ha pre-emergence + one
hand weeding at 30 DAP, and pendimethalin 0.75 kg/
ha + atrazine 0.75 kg/ha pre-emergence resulted in the
maximum reduction in weed dry weight comparable
with that of the weed-free check, and proved to be the
best.
4.5.5 Integrated Weed Management in Rice(Oryza sativa L.) Grown under System ofRice Intensification
Among different weed control treatments, three
cono-weeding at 15, 30 and 45 days after transplanting
(DAT) caused the highest reduction in growth of weeds
with the highest weed control index of 92.1% over
weedy check. Weed-free treatment recorded the highest
grain yield (4.83 t/ha) and straw yield (10.35 t/ha) of
rice. Among integrated measures, cono weeding at 15
DAT supplemented with application of bispyribac
sodium @ 25 g/ha at 30 DAT is the best alternative
option for weed control under SRI method of rice
cultivation.
4.5.6 Bioefficacy of Different Herbicides onWeeds in Wheat
Tank mix application of clodinafop and pinoxaden
with carfentrazone and metsulfuron were effective on
complex weed flora (Phalaris minor, Anagallis arvensis,
Medicago denticulata, Melilotus alba, Rumex maritimus
and Coronopus dydimus) accumulated lower weed dry
matter and increased the seed yield over their sole
application. Clodinafop and pinoxaden showed their
inability towards broadleaf weeds where as
carfentrazone and metsulfuron were ineffective on
grassy weeds. In an experiment conducted at Pusa
(Bihar) for controlling complex weed flora in wheat,
application of twelve herbicides and their combinations
significantly reduced the weed density and weed dry
weight . However, application of sulfosulfuron @ 25.0
g a.i. /ha was most efficient in controlling weed density
and weed dry weight.
4.5.7 Integrated Weed Management inMuskmelon Seed Crop
Among the mulch treatments pea straw with
vermicompost and FYM accumulated lower weed dry
weight and resulted in higher seed yield than
pigeonpea straw mulch, however, in both the mulches
compared to vermicompost. Among the herbicidal
treatments, glyphosate at 1.0% with one hoeing
recorded lowest weed dry matter, higher weed control
efficiency and seed yield compared to pendimethalin
and alachlor.
4.5.8 Evaluation of Herbicides in ControllingWeeds in Transplanted Rice
Out of six herbicide applications tested in
transplanted rice for their effectiveness,
pendimethaline application as pre mergence of
weed (up to 48 hrs of transplanting) followed by
post emergence application (30 DAT) of Bispyribac
sodium recorded lowest dry weight of weeds in
transplanted rice. However, highest yield (4.43 t/ha)
was recorded in weed free treatment followed by
oxydiargyl (4.29 t/ha).
100
The School of Basic Sciences of IARI has made significant progress during 2012-13 in cloning and
characterization of abiotic stress responsive genes, genetic transformation of rice and soybean for abiotic stress
tolerance and reduction of seed phytate, respectively, unraveling the molecular basis of off-flavor generation in
soybean and cold induced sweetening in potato, and physiological basis of input use efficiency and abiotic stress
tolerance. Genotypes with contrasting quality traits and stress tolerance were identified, and used for development
of mapping populations in important crops. Molecular markers were employed for genetic diversity analysis,
association mapping, and QTL mapping for drought tolerance, waterlogging tolerance and disease resistance in
various crops. GIS and remote sensing methods were developed for high throughput non-destructive measurement
of plant water status, discrimination of wheat genotypes, wheat yield prediction and forewarning of white rust
disease of mustard.
5. BASIC AND STRATEGIC RESEARCH
5.1 PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
5.1.1 Cloning and Functional Validation ofGenes
With the advent of structural genomics, significant
progress has been made in sequencing of plant
genomes. Functional characterization of genes to
identify their role in plant development and stress
response is necessary to utilize the genome information
for enhancing agricultural productivity. However, the
progress in functional genomics in India is very slow.
To bridge this gap, concerted efforts were made at the
School of Basic Sciences, to clone and characterize genes
for agriculturally important traits.
5.1.1.1 Expression analysis of candidate genes forsalinity tolerance in wheat
HKT genes encode plasma membrane Na+
transporters. Quantitative Real-Time PCR analysis
revealed that HKT2;1.1 and HKT3;1.1 genes were 1.5
and 3.0 folds down-regulated, respectively, under salt
stress in tolerant wheat cv. Kharchia 65. These two HKT
genes of HKT2 subfamily were cloned and sequenced
(Acc. No. HF937363 and HF937364). RT-PCR
expression analysis showed that HKT1;4 expresses
specifically in root tissue, while HKT2;1 and HKT2;3
expresses in both root and shoot.
Sugar metabolism is critical for stress tolerance.
Hence, genes involved in sugar metabolism and
transport were studied during grain development in
salinity tolerant Kharchia 65 and salinity sensitive HD
2687 wheat genotypes. Kharchia 65 showed higher
expression of Sucrose transporter genes SUT1 and
SUT2 in leaf at 20 DAA as compared to susceptible
HD 2687. In wheat grains at 20 DAA, SUT1A, SUT1B,
and SUT1C expressions were higher under 100 mM
NaCl in both the genotypes, but under 200 mM NaCl,
expression levels of these genes declined in HD 2687.
Salinity stress decreased the expression of AGPase
large subunit (AGPase LSU) and soluble starch synthase
Expression pattern of HKT genes in wheat genotypes withcontrasting salt tolerance. Salt stress was imposed to 14 days oldseedling by irrigating with 150mM NaCl (S); C= Control plantsirrigated with water; M= 100 bp ladder
101
III (SSSIII) in both the genotypes. However, Kharchia
65 was able to maintain transcripts of SUT1, AGPase
LSU and SSSIII under 200 mM NaCl treatment.
Sugar metabolism is critical for stress tolerance.
Hence, genes involved in sugar metabolism and
transport were studied during grain development in
salinity tolerant Kharchia 65 and salinity sensitive
HD 2687 wheat genotypes. Kharchia 65 showed
higher expression of Sucrose transporter genes SUT1
and SUT2 in leaf at 20 DAA as compared to
susceptible HD 2687. In wheat grains at 20 DAA,
SUT1A, SUT1B, and SUT1C expressions were higher
under 100 mM NaCl in both the genotypes, but under
200 mM NaCl, expression levels of these genes
declined in HD 2687. Salinity stress decreased the
expression of AGPase large subunit (AGPase LSU) and
soluble starch synthase III (SSSIII) in both the
genotypes. However, Kharchia 65 was able to
maintain transcripts of SUT1, AGPase LSU and SSSIII
under 200 mM NaCl treatment.
5.1.1.2 Cloning of stress responsive genes fromwheat
Homologs of stress responsive genes, namely,
Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase (Acc. No.
JX878360), Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (Acc. No.
KC158224), Heat Shock Transcription Factor (Acc. No.
JQ801451), Superoxide Dismutase II (Acc. No.
JQ613154), AGPase small subunit (Acc. No. KC347594)
and Rubisco Activase (Acc. no. KC776912) were cloned
and sequenced from wheat. In addition, three novel
heat responsive transcription factors (Transcript 152,
Transcript 514 and Transcript 3714) were also cloned
from wheat. As antioxidant defense is one of the
important components of abiotic stress tolerance, the
cytosolic-Cu-ZnSOD gene was cloned from
wheat genotypes Kharchia 65, HD 2009, HD 2687 and
WL 711.
5.1.1.3 Expression analysis of HSP genes inchickpea
The expression of Heat Shock Protein (HSP) genes
and acclimation response was studied in Kabuli (Pusa
1105) and Desi (Pusa 1103) type chickpea genotypes
in early seedling stage. Seeds were germinated at
25°C. Two days old seedlings were subjected to the
following treatments: 1) Control, seedlings were
grown at 25°C; 2) seedlings subjected to acclimation
(induction) temperature of 35°C; 3) acclimated
seedlings subjected to 2h heat stress at 42°C; 4)
acclimated seedlings subjected to 3h heat stress at
42°C; 5) Non-induced seedlings were subjected to 2h
heat stress at 42°C; 6) Non-induced seedlings were
subjected to 3h heat stress at 42°C. All the HSPs
studied except HSP21 showed similar and enhanced
expression in both the chickpea genotypes under all
the high temperature treatments. The expression of
HSP21 also increased under heat stress, but Pusa 1105
showed higher level of expression as compared to
Pusa 1103.
5.1.1.4 Functional validation of abiotic stressresponsive genes in rice
Plant stress hormone abscisic acid receptor
(ABAR) family genes, and stress regulated genes such
as SnRK, MYB transcription factors and expressed
protein (EP) were cloned from drought tolerant rice
cv. Nagina 22. For analysis of the role of these genes
in abiotic stress tolerance in rice, plant transformation
vectors for stress-inducible overexpression (RD29A
promoter), constitutive expression (ZmUBQ
promoter) and RNAi silencing were constructed for
Agrobacterium mediated transformation of rice cv. IR64. A)Different stages of genetic transformation of rice, B) Confirmationof putative T
0 transgenics by PCR
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ABAR6, SnRK, MYB TF and EP genes. Rice cv. IR 64 was
transformed with ABAR6 and SnRK genes under stress-
inducible RD29A promoter by using Agrobacterium
mediated genetic transformation. T0 transgenic plants
were confirmed by PCR with gene specific and selection
marker gene primers.
An AP2/ERF family transcription factor gene was
cloned from Nagina 22. This gene was subcloned into
plant transformation vector PBI121 under constitutive
CaMV35S promoter, and used for Agrobacterium
mediated floral dip transformation of Arabidopsis.
Transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing AP2/ERF
gene showed better drought tolerance as compared
with wild type plants under greenhouse conditions.
Therefore, this gene was further subcloned in to a plant
transformation vector suitable for rice transformation.
5.1.2 Transgenic Crops with EconomicallyImportant Traits
5.1.2.1 Development of low phytate soybean
Reduction in seed phytate content is necessary to
enhance the nutritive value of soybean. To reduce the
seed phytate content, seed specific expression of
PHYTASE (PHY) gene was attempted. A full length
PHY cDNA was cloned from 10 day old seedlings of
soybean and used for construction of seed specific
overexpression vector. The full length CDS of PHY gene
was cloned under the transcriptional control of seed-
specific VICILIN promoter. This plant transformation
vector was mobilized into Agrobacterium and then used
for genetic transformation of soybean cv. JS 335 by using
Agrobacterium mediated cotyledonary node method.
The T0 transgenics were confirmed by PCR and
Southern analysis. qRT-PCR analysis showed the
expression of PHY transgene in the developing seeds.
5.1.3 Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) Mapping
5.1.3.1 Association mapping for droughttolerance in maize
Genome-wide association mapping was performed
using 30K SNP data and phenotypic data of 240
inbreds. These inbreds were phenotyped at 3 locations
consecutively for two years under control and drought
stress conditions. Two R packages, namely, GAPIT and
Genable were used to identify SNP-trait association.
The results from admixture and PCA were used as
covariates in addition to kinship to eliminate false
signals. Significant SNPs were identified for all the
agronomic traits used in the analysis (ASI, grain yield
and yield contributing traits). SNPs identified for ASI
on chromosome 1 and 7 were mapped within the
known QTLs for grain yield and its component traits.
These SNPs are in the stress-related transcription
factors such as MYB, ERF and NAC, suggesting their
potential role in drought tolerance in maize.
Different stages of development of transgenic soybean harboringGmPHY gene
Population stratifications, genetic diversity and SNP-trait association
5.1.3.2 Downy mildew resistance in pearl millet
Four QTL(s) were identified for resistance to downy
mildew Rajasthan isolate (Sg 384) by using a mapping
population from WGI 148 and ICMR 09999 cross.
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5.1.3.3 Block rot resistance in cauliflower
A RAPD 04833
derived SCAR marker (Sc4Xca1)
linked to black rot resistance locus Xca1 at 1.6 cM
distance has been developed. Another SCAR marker
(Sc11Xca1) has been developed from tightly linked ISSR
11635
markers at 1.6 cM distance from black rot
resistance locus Xca1. Both of these markers were able
to distinguish resistant and susceptible plants with
100% accuracy.
5.1.3.4 Charcoal rot resistance in soybean
F2 populations were used to map QTLs for charcoal
rot disease resistance in soybean. Two QTLs controlling
resistance to this disease were mapped by using
molecular markers.
5.1.3.5 Gynoecious trait in bitter gourd
To identify molecular marker that can differentiate
the gynoecious line from monoecious line, 113 markers
(65 SSR, 16 ISSR and 32 RAPD) were screened using
bulk segregant analysis. The RAPD marker OPZ 13700
was found linked to the gene for gynoecism at 22.09
cM distance.
5.1.3.6 Marker assisted gene pyramiding for wiltraces (foc 2, 3,4) resistance in chickpea
WR 315 was used as donor for wilt resistance alleles
in backcross breeding with Pusa 372, Pusa 362, Pusa
5023 and Pusa 1103 as recipient parents. Validated
markers for wilt race foc 2 (TR19), foc 3 (TA 110), foc 4
(TA 110) were used along with those of markers for
100 seed weight (TR56, TA78) and pods per plant (TR29,
TA 146). The background selection was done using 80
markers spread across the chromosomes. Recovery of
recipient parent genome was about 94% after BC2 along
with the pyramided alleles of interest.
5.1.3.7 Introgression of root trait QTL in chickpea
Parental genotypes of marker-assisted backcross
breeding (MABB) program (Pusa 362 and ICC 4958)
were screened with 194 SSR markers, and 54
polymorphic markers covering all 8 linkage groups
were selected for background selection. Foreground
selection for QTL linked marker NCPGR 21 was done
in 72 BC2F
1 plants. Twenty four plants showed the
presence of alleles from both the parents. These plants
carrying root trait QTL were subjected to background
selection. The recurrent parent genome recovery in
BC2F
1 ranged from 87-100%.
5.1.4 Haploid Development in VegetableBrassicas Using Anther Culture
Anther culture was used in cabbage and
cauliflower to develop haploids. Initial inoculation of
anthers at 35°C for two days was beneficial for
MABC and MARS for developing high yielding and wilt resistantchickpea. The figure shows allele structure analysis for foregroundand background selection
Haploid development through anther culture in vegetablebrassicas: a) Induction of embryo from anthers; b & c) regenerationof roots and shoots from anther embryo; d & e) mass multiplication& rooting of anther regenerated shoots; f) In vitro hardening ofanther derived plantlets
104
embryogenesis. The highest per cent embryogenesis
was recorded on Nitsch media supplemented with 140
g/l sucrose, 800 mg/l Glutamine, 100 mg/l L-Serine, 30
mg/l Glutathione and 2 mg/L AgNO3. The anther
derived embryos were successfully regenerated and
multiplied on MS media supplemented 2.5 mg/L
thidiazuron and 0.5 mg/l NAA. The anther derived
plants were successfully rooted and hardened.
5.2 BIOCHEMISTRY
5.2.1 Identification of Heat Stress RegulatedProteins in Wheat
To identify novel proteins associated with heat
tolerance of wheat, soluble proteins were isolated from
the leaves of wheat cv. NIAW 301 grown under control
and heat stress conditions. The proteins were first
fractionated by IEF using IPG strip (pH range 3 to 10,
17 cm) and then by SDS-PAGE. Numerous new protein
spots were observed in heat shock treated samples as
compared to control sample. We observed 197 and 275
spots in control and treated samples, by gel image
analysis with IMP7 software. Of the 68 un-matched
spots observed, five heat stress induced protein spots
were selected randomly for MALDI-TOF analysis.
Peptide mass fingerprinting followed by mascot search
for the protein sequences from these five spots showed
maximum score with small heat shock protein, Rubsico
small subunit, Oxygen Evolving Enhancer Protein, ATP
synthase and Calcium Dependent Protein Kinase
(CDPK). These proteins will be further characterized
for their role in heat tolerance in wheat.
5.2.2 Heat Stress Induced Change in StigmaSurface Morphology in Wheat
Stigma was collected from control and heat shock
treated samples of wheat cv. HD2985. Scanning electron
microscopy showed the presence of interwoven fluffy
layers in stigma from wheat grown at 22°C, while
stigma from wheat plants heat stressed at 42°C for 2h
showed unclasped, unconfined and slackened vessels.
This change in morphology may affect pollen-stigma
interaction and may lead to failure of pollen
germination and fertilization.
5.2.3 Heat Stress Regulation of Genes forStarch Biosynthesis in Wheat
Starch metabolism in grains is highly sensitive to
heat stress. To understand the transcriptional
regulation, expression of genes involved in starch
synthesis namely granule-bound starch synthase
(GBSS), soluble starch synthases (SS-I, SSII and SSIII),
starch branching enzyme (SBE), AGPase (small and
large SUs) and ADP transporter were analyzed at
milky-dough stage of grains in wheat cv. HD 2985 and
HD 2329 after exposing them to 42°C for 2 h. The GBSS,
SPS, SS-II and SS-III genes were upregulated, while
SBE was downregulated in both the cultivars under
heat stress. In general transcript abundance was high
in thermotolerant HD 2985 as compared to
thermosusceptible HD 2329.
5.2.4 Characterization of Enzymes Involvedin Off-flavor Generation in Soybean
5.2.4.1 Lipoxygenase 2 enzyme activity inhibitedby antioxidants and isoflavones
Our previous results showed that lipoxygenase
(LOX) isozymes, that catalyze the production of off-
flavor causing volatiles, differ in their biochemical
characteristics such as inhibition by antioxidants. To
further characterize LOX2 isozyme, the full length
cDNA (NCBI Acc. No. JQ929619.1) overexpressed in
E. Coli and 97 kDa LOX2 recombinant protein was
purified. The activity of purified LOX2 protein was
inhibited by soya isoflavones (genistein and diadzein)
and antioxidants (ascorbate and -tocopherol). All the
natural antioxidants inhibited LOX2 in non-
competitive manner. Alpha tocopherol (Ki=5 μM) was
2D analysis of differential expression of proteins in wheat cv.NIAW301. a) 2-D gel of control sample; b) 2-D gel of heat stresstreated samples
(a) (b)
105
the most potent inhibitor among all. Among the two
isoflavones, genistein (Ki=62 μM) was stronger
inhibitor than diadzein (Ki=98 μM). High isoflavone
and low antioxidant combination exhibited synergistic
mode of action. The inhibition kinetics results were
further validated through estimation of off-flavour
associated parameters like malonaldehyde, carbonyl
compounds and hexanal in seeds.
5.2.4.2 Characterization of hydroperoxide lyase
Hydroperoxide lyase (HPL) from soybean seeds
was purified to 16.5 fold by ammonium sulphate
precipitation followed by ion exchange
chromatography. The SDS-PAGE analysis of purified
enzyme revealed that it is about 53kDa protein. Kinetic
studies using purified HPL showed that the Vmax
and
Km values are 275.48× 10-3 A/min. and 25 μM,
respectively. Analysis of the effect of natural antioxidant
molecules like -tocopherol, genistein, glycitein,
daidzein and ascorbic acid on the HPL activity showed
that all these molecules inhibit the enzyme activity.
Further, the full length CDS of HPL gene was cloned
from developing soybean seeds. Sequence analysis
showed that HPL gene encodes a putative protein of
478 amino acids (NCBI Acc. Nos. KC412710 and
KC349985).
5.3 PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
5.3.1 Physiology of High Crop Growth Rateand Yield
To understand the physiological basis of higher
early vigor in barley than that of wheat, the seed
reserve mobilization and seedling growth were
studied. Barley cv. RD 2668 showed higher seed
reserve mobilization and seedling growth as
compared with wheat. The higher dry matter
production in barley than that of wheat was associated
with higher rate of production of leaves and tillers.
The number of nodal roots, root dry matter and root
length density in the upper 0-15 cm soil was higher in
barley as compared to wheat. The higher SLA and leaf
growth of barley as compared to wheat was positively
associated with the higher H2O
2 content but negatively
with the cell wall content of ferulic acid, which is
known to reduce cell expansion.
Comparison of Australian and Indian wheat
genotypes showed that higher yield in Australian
genotypes was associated with higher root weight,
length, diameter and volume as compared to the low
yielding genotypes at Indore conditions. The root
density was found to be the highest in the top 10 cm
soil depth. Further, Australian wheat genotypes with
“Tillering Inhibition (TIN)” gene produced less number
of tillers. These genotypes produced higher yield as
compared to the genotypes with high number of tillers
under terminal drought and heat stress conditions.
5.3.2 Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Wheat
To understand the molecular basis of nitrogen use
efficiency (NUE) and its genetic improvement, it is
essential to identify set of wheat genotypes with
contrasting NUE. Towards this goal, we screened about
110 genotypes earlier. From this, 40 genotypes were
selected and evaluated in the field with and without
N-application. Based on this study, five efficient
genotypes (EC 556434, BT Schomburgk, PBW 394,
Arrino and Roller) and five inefficient genotypes
(Stretton, Kater 1, Bevy 1 (Med), Triticale and Gluyas
early) were identified for further analysis.
5.3.3 Abiotic Stress Tolerance
5.3.3.1 Non-destructive high throughputphenotyping methods
Large scale phenotyping of germplasm and
breeding populations for drought tolerance is limited
by the availability of high throughput and non-
destructive methods to quantify plant water status. The
hyperspectral indices based non-destructive high
throughput method developed earlier for measurement
of relative water content (RWC) of the excised leaves
under lab conditions were validated. In addition, this
method was further standardized to measure RWC of
rice plants grown in pot culture conditions. Twenty one
rice genotypes were phenotyped for moisture deficit
stress tolerance under pot culture conditions during
kharif 2012. Plants were grown under adequate
irrigation till anthesis stage. At anthesis, one set of
plants were subjected to soil moisture stress (soil matric
potential of – 70 to – 80 kPa), while the other set was
maintained under non-stress (0 to -10 kPa) conditions.
Spectral and RWC data collected from 11 rice genotypes
106
under control and water-deficit stress were used to
develop prediction equations for RWC. Water Band
Index (WBI) showed highest R2 value (0.75; P0.01).
These prediction equations were validated by using the
RWC and spectral data from the other 10 rice genotypes
under control and water-deficit stress. The RMSE for
the correlation between predicted and actually
measured RWC values ranged from 4.95 to 5.25, with
the lowest RMSE for WBI based prediction. These
results showed that this method can be used as high
throughput non-destructive measurement of plant
water status in large scale phenotyping for drought
tolerance of rice.
conditions to identify set of genotypes with contrasting
stay-green trait. Based on the drought susceptibility
index and stay-green trait (leaf senescence rate) under
drought stress, the wheat genotypes were grouped in
to four categories, namely, 1) stay-green & drought
tolerant, 2) stay-green & drought susceptible, 3) fast
senescence & drought susceptible and 4) fast
senescence & drought tolerant. These genotypes will
be used to unravel the molecular genetic basis of stay-
green train under drought. As plant hormone cytokinin
is one of the key regulators of leaf senescence, to
understand the relationship between cytokinin content
and stay green under drought, Isopentenyl transferase
(IPT) gene involved in cytokinin synthesis was cloned
from wheat.
Ethylene is associated with enhancement of
senescence processes, while polyamines have been
shown to delay senescence. Hence, the association
between ethylene and polyamines with stay green trait
under drought stress in wheat was studied. S-adenosyl-
L-methionine (SAM) is an important metabolic
intermediate required for synthesis of both polyamine
and ethylene. The SAM is decarboxylated by SAM
decarboxylase (SAMDC) which is used in polyamine
synthesis. Reduction in SAM leads to less ethylene
synthesis. The expression pattern of SAMDC was
studied in drought tolerant and susceptible genotypes,
and found that tolerant genotypes have high expression
levels of SAMDC gene.
Hyperspectral indices based model to predict RWC in rice
5.3.3.2 Phenotyping of wheat for stay green traitunder drought stress
Plants with the stay-green trait under drought have
high photosynthesis due to maintenance of green stems
and upper leaves during grain filling, and, thus,
contribute grain yield. However, the molecular
processes regulating this trait are not understood
clearly. Hence, 70 wheat genotypes from India and
CIMMYT were phenotyped under drought stressClassification of wheat genotypes based on leaf senescence rateand drought susceptibility index
107
5.3.3.3 Antioxidant metabolism in spikelets ofrice under heat stress
The effects of high temperature on antioxidant
metabolism in spikelets of nine rice genotypes were
studied. During flowering stage, spikelets of
susceptible genotypes can withstand a high
temperature stress up to 35oC, those moderately
tolerant between 35 and 38oC, and those of tolerant
genotypes up to 40oC. Isozyme profiles showed two
isozymes of super oxide dismutase (SODII & III) after
temperature exposure to 30 and 35oC, while SOD I
appeared above the 40oC exposure. Catalases CAT I
and III were the major isozymes, while in ascrobate
peroxidase and guaicol peroxidase only one isozyme
was seen in rice spikelets. Of the four isozymes of
catechol oxidase, two were suppressed under
temperature stress. Thus antioxidant metabolism in rice
spikelets appears to help mitigate oxidative damage
under high temperature stress.
5.3.3.4 Bioregulators protect photosynthetic machineryand enhance chickpea yield under drought
The mechanism of bioregulators induced drought
tolerance was studied in two chickpea varieties, viz.,
Desi (Pusa 362) and Kabuli (Pusa 1108). Water-deficit
stress was imposed by withholding water at vegetative
and reproductive stages. Prior to the imposition of
stress, plants were sprayed with bioregulators, namely,
thiourea (TU, 1000 ppm), benzyladenine (BA, 40 ppm)
and thidiazuron (TDZ, 10 ppm). Drought stress
decreased RWC, MSI, chlorophyll and carotenoid
contents, rate of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance,
transpiration, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters,
yield and its attributes and increased the respiration.
Interestingly, plants treated with bioregulators
maintained higher values of all these parameters,
maintained the integrity of leaf anatomy and chloroplast
structure and enhanced level of photosynthetic
pigments under water-deficit stress, and exhibited
faster recovery after termination of stress.
5.3.3.5 Magnetopriming to boost yield undersalinity stress in chickpea
Chickpea is conventionally cultivated in marginal
areas and saline soils. Chickpea cannot tolerate salinity
levels higher than 6 dS/m. Seed germination and early
seedling growth are the most critical stages sensitive
to salinity stress. Pre-sowing exposure of seeds of
different crops to static magnetic field (SMF) called
“magnetopriming”, a non invasive dry seed priming,
has been shown to increase percentage of germination,
rate of germination and seedling vigour of many crops.
Hence, seeds of chickpea cv. Pusa 1053 (Kabuli) and Pusa
256 (desi) were magnetoprimed with 100 mT SMF for
1h to evaluate the effect of magnetopriming on salinity
tolerance. Enhanced rate of germination and seedling
growth parameters under different salinity levels
indicated that magnetopriming was more effective in
alleviating salinity stress at early seedling stage in Pusa
1053 as compared to Pusa 256. Dynamics of seed water
absorption in magnetoprimed seeds showed increased
water uptake in Pusa 1053 under non saline as
compared to saline conditions that could have resulted
in faster hydration of enzymes (total amylase, protease
and dehydrogenase) in primed seeds leading to higher
rate of germination. Increased production of H2O
2 in
germinating magnetoprimed seeds suggested its role
as a signaling molecule leading to promotion of
germination. Our results showed that magnetopriming
of dry seeds of chickpea can be effectively used as a
pre-sowing treatment for mitigating adverse effects of
salinity at seed germination and early seedling growth.
5.3.4 Post Harvest Physiology
5.3.4.1 Cold induced sweetening in potato
Cold storage (4°C) induces accumulation of
reducing sugars in potato, which react with asparagine
(Asn) during high temperature frying, and produce
PGRs stabilized photosynthetic pigments under drought stress inchickpea. Lane 1: Well watered (WW); 2: drough (D); 3: WW +thiourea; 4: D + TU; 5: WW + BA; 6: D + BA; 7: WW + TDZ; 8: D+ TDZ
108
acrylamide. Analysis of Asn contents in nine potato
genotypes stored under different temperatures
revealed that these genotypes accumulated >100 mg
per 100 g Fwt (permissible limit) of Asn, suggesting
the necessity to breed for genotypes with low Asn
content. The expression levels of asparagine synthetase
1 (AS1) and AS2 were higher in high Asn accumulating
Kufri Frysona and Kufri Chipsona 3 as compared with
low Asn accumulating Kufri Pukhraj and Kufri
Chipsona 1. CAPS markers for UGPase and Invertase
Inhibitor, and SSR marker for Apoplastic Invertase were
used to analyze the allelic variation in these genes and
their relationship with reducing sugar accumulation
in 18 potato genotypes. Absence of UGP “B”, StInhap
-a
and apINV-255 alleles, and presence of apINV-221 allele
were found to be associated with CIS tolerance. Hence,
these marker combinations will be useful to identify
CIS tolerant genotypes.
25°C showed static levels for Mg, Ca and Mn along
with a net increase in the contents of Zn and Cu. On
the other hand, ripening of tomato fruits on the
mother plant showed net decrease in the contents of
Mg, Ca and Mn in outer pericarp, while the levels of
Zn and Cu remained static. Absence of remobilization
and backflow of nutrients from plant-detached
tomato fruits to other stronger sinks of the plants
also explains the better availability and balance of
nutrients (with respect to Mg, Ca, Mn, Zn and Cu) in
plant-detached tomato fruits.
5.4 GENETICS
5.4.1 Wheat
5.4.1.1 Alien gene introgression and geneticsof rust resistance
Leaf rust resistance was transferred from wild
relative of wheat T. militinae to bread wheat.
Cytological analysis at metaphase I of meiosis
revealed presence of 42 chromosomes with 21
bivalents in most of the pollen mother cells (PMCs),
but in few PMCs twenty bivalents and two univalent
were observed. A genetic stock WR95 with a single
recessive gene for stripe rust resistance against race
78S84 was identified. Similarly, a T. spelta accession
carrying a single dominant seedling leaf rust
resistance gene was identified.
5.4.1.2 Effects of environment on theexpression of the quality traits
Regression based methods and Additive Mean
and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) model were
used for characterizing the Genotype (G) ×
Environment (E) interactions in quality traits. The
effect of G×E interaction (pooled deviation plus linear
part of G×E) was found to be higher than both G and
E individually on expression of grain protein
percentage, RVA traits, Farinographic traits, bread
loaf volume and bread score. Sedimentation volume
was found to be almost equally influenced by G
(51.04%) and E plus G x E interaction component
(48.96%). In spite of the major influence by G and E
(linear) components (together 90.55%), the observed
differential ranking of genotypes across
environments in this study may be accounted for by
Expression levels of AS1 and AS2 in potato genotypes withcontrasting levels of Asn accumulation. Total RNA isolated frompotato tubers at harvest (H) or stored at room temperature (RT),12°C and 4°C for 2 months were used for RT-PCR analysis. 18SrRNA gene used as RNA quantity control
5.3.4.2 Mineral nutrients dynamic in tomatofruits during ripening
Changes in the endogenous status of different
mineral nutrients were studied during the course of
ripening of tomato fruits detached and attached to the
mother plants. Ripening of tomato fruit harvested at
green mature stage and stored for ripening to occur at
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the significant G×E (non-linear) component.
Generation mean analysis for gluten strength
revealed the involvement of more than one gene
block. This study reinforced the superiority of subunit
‘5+10’ over ‘2+12’ for bread loaf volume. It was also
found that the inferior effect of ‘2+12’ could be
overcome to a large extent by combining in the
genotypes ‘7+9’ or ‘17+18’ and ‘2*’ HMW glutenin
subunits at other Glu-1 loci. Thus, for combining the
superior HMWGS with higher protein, higher
sedimentation volume and greater kernel hardness,
intraspecific hybridization involving germplasm
identified as above were carried out using single, three
way and complex cross schemes earlier. Single plant
selection and advancement of generations were done
and the advance generation was screened for quality.
The promising lines were evaluated for their yield
potential both at station and multilocation trials
under timely and late sown conditions.
5.4.2 Rice
5.4.2.1 A novel InDel identified in GS3 locusof Indian short grain aromatic rice
A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population
derived from contrasting parents, Sonasal and PB 1121
was developed, and the two QTLs for grain length,
namely, GS3 on chromosome 3 and qGL-7 on
chromosome 7 were found to explain phenotypic
variance of 65% and 6%, respectively in this
population. However, the phenotypic contrast for
rough rice length in the parental lines was 1.78 times
more than the parents used to map and clone gene
GS3. Therefore, in order to ascertain if there was any
additional sequence variation in GS3 in Sonasal/ PB
1121 which is responsible for extreme variation for
grain length, the full length sequence of GS3 locus both
parental lines was generated and analyzed, which
revealed a novel 342 bp InDel covering exon-5 and 32
UTR of GS3 in the short grain aromatic landrace,
Sonasal. Based on this 342 bp deletion, a robust marker,
aksGS3-12 involving deletion in the exon-5 of Sonasal
was developed and validated in a set of diverse rice
germplasm varying for grain length including
cultivars, landraces and wild rice accessions and the
RIL population from cross Sonasal/ PB1121,
segregating for grain length.
5.4.3 Maize
5.4.3.1 Genome-wide analysis of transcriptomeand co-expression network under waterloggingstress
Waterlogging causes extensive damage to maize
crop in tropical and subtropical regions. Identification
of genes for waterlogging tolerance will help enhance
maize crop yield under waterlogging stress. A whole-
genome comparative transcriptome analysis revealed
that genes involved in synthesis of ethylene and auxin,
cell wall metabolism, G-protein activation, ROS
scavenging, carbohydrate metabolism, and formation
of aerenchyma and adventitious roots were
upregulated in the tolerant genotypes as compared
with susceptible genotypes under waterlogging stress.
Many transcription factors belonging to ERFs, MYB,
HSPs, MAPK, and LOB-domain protein family were
upregulated under waterlogging stress. Twenty one
genes upregulated in the tolerant genotypes were
colocalized within the known QTLs for adaptive traits.
Co-expression analysis of 528 microarray samples
including 16 samples from the present study
generated seven functional modules each in the two
genotypes. In the tolerant genotype, stress responsive
genes co-expressed along with peroxidase and
fermentation pathway genes.
Sonasal PB 1121
110
5.4.3.2 Unraveling the genetic architecture ofsubtropical maize lines and their utility inbreeding programs
Genetic architecture of 240 subtropical maize lines
were analyzed by using SNPs distributed throughout
the genome. The mean SNP distance across the genome
was 70 Kb. The average polymorphism information
content, minor allelic frequency, and gene diversity
values were 0.35, 0.25, and 0.35, respectively. The
genome had both high and low linkage disequilibrium
(LD) regions, and the latter were predominant closer
to the gene-rich telomeric portions. A total of 252
haplotype blocks 1 Kb to 15.8 Mb were identified. Slow
LD decay (200–300 Kb) at r2 0.1 across all chromosomes
explained the selection of favorable traits around low
LD regions in different breeding programs. The
association mapping panel showed the characteristics
of the population substructures. The genotypes were
grouped into three distinct clusters with a mean
genetic dissimilarity coefficient of 0.36. The
dissimilarity among genotypes in combination with
agronomic traits provides an opportunity to exploit
the heterotic potential of subtropical elite maize
breeding lines.
5.4.3.3 Genetic diversity analyses of maizeinbreds differing in resistance to Sitophilusoryzae
Forty eight inbred rice lines differing in their
resistance to rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) were
subjected to diversity analysis using 63 SSR markers.
The analyses grouped these rice lines into three distinct
clusters. The genetic dissimilarity of the parental pairs
was found to vary from 0.32 to 0.77 with an average
Jaccard’s dissimilarity coefficient of 0.62. The principle
coordinate analysis revealed diverse spatial
distribution of inbreds across four quadrangles,
suggesting the presence of genetic divergence among
the inbreds. The study led to the identification of the
following parental inbred combinations that may be
crossed to exploit heterosis for grain yield with weevil
resistance: SKV21 x Pant109, SKV21 × MGB1, SKV21 ×
HKI209, SKV21 × LM13, SKV21 × MGHC1, SKV21 ×
CM502, SKV21 × V372, Pant109 × MGB1, Pant109 ×
CM502, Pant109 × LM13, Pant109 × MGB1, Pant109 ×
MGHC1, Pant109 × HKI209, MGB1 × V372, MGB1 ×
Transcriptome analysis of waterlogging stress tolerance in maize: A) Expression of genes involved in PCD pathway and aeranchymaformation, B) Co-localized transcriptome with QTLs for waterlogging stress tolerance traits
Genome architecture of maize germplasm showing LD, LD decayand LD distribution
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LM13, MGB1 × CM502, HKI209 × LM13, HKI209 ×
CM502, HKI209 × V372, LM13 × MGHC1, LM13 × V372,
MGHC1 × CM502, MGHC1 × V372, CM502 × V372. The
following cross combinations can be made for the
development of mapping population to map QRLs for
S. oryzae resistance: SKV21 × CML290, CML394 ×
HKI1105, CML442 × V364, LM13 × CML290.
5.4.4 Development of Linkage Map of PearlMillet
A linkage map was developed using the white
grained lines of pearl millet susceptible to Rajasthan
isolate of downy mildew from IARI (WGI 148) and a
resistance donor from ICRISAT (ICMR 09999). The
linkage analysis revealed 7 linkage groups. The linkage
map of pearl millet was constructed using 35 SSR loci
covering 491 cM map distance with a marker density
of 14.02 cM at a minimum LOD score of 2.5 and a
maximum recombination fraction of 0.5. Mapping
populations for mapping QTLs for downy mildew
resistance, high grain iron and zinc and thick spike
characters were advanced which are at different stages
ranging from F3:4
to BC2F
3.
5.4.5 Brassicas
5.4.5.1 Genotyping and phenotyping fordouble zero trait
Forty two BC4F
1 (LES-39 × EC 597325 and LES-1-
27 × EC-597325) generated through MABB were raised
along with their recurrent parents. Based on
morphological resemblance to their respective
recurrent parents, 1662 plants were selected for
foreground and background genotyping. The desirable
plants with double zero traits will be advanced to
BC4F
2. In addition, for maintenance breeding and
development of ‘0’ and ‘00’ breeding material,
biochemical analysis for various fatty acid was done
in 7206 lines. 2140 single plants with low erucic acid
(<2%) were screened for glucosinolate content, and 441
plants with <30 ppm glucosinolate were identified.
Ten new SNPs in B. juncea FAE1 gene for beta-ketoacyl-
CoA synthase in ZEM-2 derived genotype were
identified.
5.4.5.2 Development of mapping populations(RILs)
Eleven mapping populations for mapping QTLs
for erucic acid (Varuna × LES-39, and NPJ-93 × LES-
1-27), glucosinolate (LES-39 × EC-597325, LES-1-27
× EC-597325, LES-39 × Heera, and LES-1-27 × EC-
597325), white rust (Varuna × Bio-YSR, Varuna ×
BEC-144, Bio-902 × Bio-YSR, and Bio-902 × BEC-144)
and drought tolerance (RGN-73 × Bio-YSR) were
advanced for making RILs which are in different
stages from F3 to F
7.
5.4.6 Embryo Rescue for Transfer of Genesfrom Alien Species to Cauliflower
For transferring black rot resistance gene from
alien Brassica species namely, B. carinata, B. nigra and B.
napus, BC1 made in cauliflower and is being advanced
through embryo culture. For transferring sterile
cytoplasm from alien species into Brassica oleracea,
crosses were attempted with Diplotaxis catholica, D.
sifolia, D. erucoides and D. berthaultii which are being
advanced through embryo culture. Embryo cultured
plants of cauliflower carrying male sterile cytoplasm
from Trachystoma ballii and Anand cytoplasm are in
rooting stage and BC1 stage, respectively.Linkage map of pearl millet
112
5.4.7 Virus Resistance in Tomato
The S. habrochaites genotype LA1777 was identified
for high level of resistance to TOLCNDV, and inter
specific F1
between commercial susceptible varieties
Pusa Rohini and Pusa 120 were made. These F1 plants
showed resistance to this virus. SCAR marker TGO
302 which differentiates the parents was used for
selection of desirable plants in segregating generation
to develop prebreeding lines. PCR based molecular
markers were validated for TOLCNDV resistance locus
(Ty1, Ty2 and Ty3), and tomato lines containing
combination of different resistant locus were selected
from segregating population. Screening of these lines
for leaf curl virus in the field condition during kharif
season led to the identification of 42 lines with desirable
alleles and high level of resistance. The resistance for
GBNV was identified in S. peruvainum accessions EC
368644-3 and EC 379243-2. These lines also showed
resistance to TOLCNDV.
5.4.8 Transcriptome Analysis of Bitter Gourd
Global transcriptome sequencing led to the
identification 3,414 unigenes from DBGY201_Female
plant and 3,045 from DBGY201_Hermaphrodite plant
of bitter gourd. A total of 477 unigenes were found to
be significantly differentially expressed between
flowers of female and hermaphrodite plants, of which
237 unigenes were down regulated, while 59 unigenes
were up-regulated in DBGY201_Hermaphrodite
plants.
5.4.9 Garden Pea
Genetic diversity was assessed among 28 garden
pea genotypes with sixteen RAPD primers which
produced 79 polymorphic markers showing 73.15%
polymorphism. The polymorphism information
content (PIC) was the highest for the RAPD primer
OPN14 (0.74) indicating that it can be used for
fingerprinting of genotypes.
5.4.10 Lettuce
Diversity study of 62 lettuce lines was carried out
with RAPD markers. A dendrogram was constructed
using unweighted pair group method of arithmetic
mean (UPGMA). The Genotypes Wo Suen and
Revolution were highly divergent as demonstrated
by the marker system.
5.4.11 Drosophilla
To understand the role of DWnt4 gene in
development of Drosophila, analysis of the DWnt4
mutant (DWnt4 RNAi lines) were developed. To
study effect of DWnt4 on cuticle pattern of the
embryos, DWnt4 RNAi was over-expressed using
Gal4 and UAS system. The crosses involved in this
study included: i) Da Gal4/Da Gal4 X DWnt 4 RNAi
[Marker used for identification: Cyo/Gla]; ii) Da
Gal4/ Da Gal4 X Dwnt 4 RNAi [Marker used for
identification: Sco/Gla]; Based on the cuticle pattern,
the mutants were classified into the following 3
classes:
Class I: Denticle reduced: These mutants showed
reduction in number of denticles but the number
of rows of denticles and segments remained
unchanged.
Class II: Rows missing: These mutants showed
reduction in denticles as well as its rows in some or all
segments.
Class III: Segment missing: These mutants showed
severe phenotypic effect of DWnt4 RNAi. Here, besides
the reduction in number of denticles, the rows of
denticles were also decreased or absent totally. These
results showed that reducing the transcripts of Dwnt4
in wild type flies had similar phenotype as that of the
knock down mutants of Dwnt4.Hierarchical clustering of differentially expressed genes in femaleand hermaphrodite flowers of bitter gourd
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5.5 AGRICULTURAL PHYSICS, REMOTESENSING AND METEOROLOGY
5.5.1 Agricultural Physics
5.5.1.1 Chiselling and amendments improvesoil physical properties
A study was conducted with soybean cv. DS 9814
in soybean-wheat system to assess the effect of
chiselling along with amendment application on soil
properties under irrigated and rainfed conditions.
Treatments consisted of two tillage types (chiselling
and conventional), two levels of water supply (2
irrigations and rainfed) and amendment (dhaincha @
5 t/ha and hydrogel @ 2.5 kg/ha) application. Chiselling
reduced sub-surface compaction (15-30 cm) and
increased the porosity and soil water storage of upper
45 cm of soil profile. Increased soil water content
brought about 1-1.5oC reduction in soil temperature
in upper 0-15 cm soil. Nearly 15% increase in root
length density in upper 0-30 cm was observed in the
chisel treatment. Soybean grain yield was significantly
higher under chisel than that of conventional tillage,
and under dhaincha and hydrogel application than
that of no amendment. Chisel treatment combined
with dhaincha or hydrogel under irrigated condition
significantly enhanced the soybean crop performance
by 30-35%.
Effect of tillage, irrigation and amendments application onsoybean grain yield
Tillage Dhaincha Hydrogel Control
Chisel Irrigated 2.56 2.45 1.98
Rainfed 1.99 1.91 1.83
Conventional Irrigated 1.95 2.13 1.84
Rainfed 1.66 1.61 1.51
C.D. (0.05%): tillage type-0.055 t/ha; water application-0.18 t/ha; amend-
ments-0.1 t/ha; water application × amendments-0.142 t/ha
5.5.1.2 Prediction of wheat yield under variedirrigation and nitrogen levels using Infocropmodel
Infocrop model was validated to predict grain yield
of wheat cv. HD 2932 grown with four levels of
nitrogen i.e., 0, 30, 60, and 120 kg N/ha, and irrigation
i.e., rainfed, and irrigation to meet 30, 60 and 100% soil
moisture depletion from field capacity. The model
could account for 82% variation in the observed grain
yield. The root mean square error (RMSE) between the
observed and predicted grain yield was to the tune of
14.2% of the mean observed grain yield. The index of
agreement between the observed and the predicted
grain yield was 0.99. The predictability of the model
was better for irrigated treatment than rainfed
treatment. Similarly, N stress was computed as the
proportion of the actual N content to potential N
content in plant. The yield gap between the potential
yield and actual yield was very high even if N was
applied @120 kg N/ha when the crop was under
moisture stress. However, when the water stress is
gradually alleviated by applying higher levels of
irrigation, the yield gap between the observed and
potential yield gradually declines. This shows
synergistic interaction between water and nitrogen
with respect to crop yield.
The global warming potential i.e., the emission
of green house gases (GHG, expressed in CO2
equivalent) during wheat growth increased but the
CO2 equivalent GHG emitted per unit quantity of
grain decreased with the increase in the irrigation
and N levels. Thus, there was a trade-off between the
wheat production and global warming potential
estimated by the model. Therefore, the irrigation and
fertilizer N dose should be optimized for obtaining
higher water and nitrogen use efficiency and
minimum global warming potential without
significant reduction in wheat yield.
5.5.1.3 Development of soil quality index
The soil quality was tested in three agro-
ecosystems (AER), namely, sub-humid (Pantnagar),
semi-arid (Ludhiana) and arid (Hisar) based on Non
Linear Weighted Index (NLWI). The NLWI was
determined for 8 cropping systems in sub-humid
region, 10 cropping systems in semi-arid region and 7
cropping systems in arid AER. The comparison of the
soil quality using NLWI through nested anova
concluded that the impact of agro-ecosystems on soil
quality was statistically significant. The interaction of
cropping systems and AER on soil quality showed
that, the soil quality was better in the Desi order of
114
arid > semi-arid > sub-humid. The higher NLWI
indicated enhanced soil quality which resulted in
increased cropping systems equivalent yield. The
lower values of NLWI implied that the cropping
system resulted in degradation of soil quality over
longer period of time. The lowest soil quality index
was found under Rice–Wheat (conventional)
cropping system in sub-humid AER, under Maize–
Wheat–Moong in semi-arid AER, and under Pearl
Millet–Wheat (Desi)–Cowpea (Vegetable+R) in arid
AER. Therefore, from soil health point of view such
cropping system should not be continued in the
respective AER for a long period.
Soil quality index (MLWI) averaged over cropping systemsunder three AER
Depth (cm) Sub-humid Semi-arid Arid
0-15 59.22 64.68 72.12
15-30 52.22 55.57 71.28
Average 55.72 60.13 71.70
5.5.1.4 NMR characterization of grain fillingof maize under different nitrogen levels
NMR transverse relaxation time (NMR-T2) was
used to assess the water status of maize grains during
grain development under three N levels (N1, N
2, N
3: 0,
120, 180 kg/ha, respectively). NMR-T2 decreased to less
than 50 ms in N1 as compared to N
3. Nitrogen deficiency
reduced the rate of dry matter accumulation. NMR
relaxation times qualifying the water mobility showed
significant correlation with water content and dry
matter accumulation in maize grains. Free water in
grains remained for a longer period at N3 as compared
to N1 condition. Among the nitrogen treatments, N
3
showed better grain filling rate of 8.29 mg/day with a
final seed weight of 261 mg/seed as compared to N1,
which showed a grain filling rate of 5.39 mg/day with
a final seed weight of 169 mg/seed. This study indicated
that biophysical tools like NIR and NMR are useful to
characterize the seed nutrient and water status in
maize.
5.5.2 Remote Sensing and GIS
5.5.2.1 Spectral model for wheat yieldprediction
Time-series of remote sensing images were used
to predict wheat yield for Dehradun district. The study
used MODIS Terra-EVI time-series images from 2000 -
2012 having spatial resolution of 250 m and temporal
resolution of 16 days. Pixel-wise crop phenology
parameters were extracted from time-series images
for wheat pixels. Out of eleven, four phenology
parameters of amplitude, large integral, right and left
derivative showed significant correlation with district
wheat yields. Amplitude showed the highest
Trade-off between wheat production and green house gas emission
Treatment Grain yield WUE NUE GWP Carbon efficiency
(kg/ha) (kg/ha mm) (kg/kg N) (kg CO2/ha) (g CO
2/kg grain yield)
Irrigation
Control 2310.5 8.8 17.3 879.6 406.2
30% SMD 3266.0 11.6 23.3 1326.5 434.0
60% SMD 4397.5 15.2 22.9 1431.6 335.8
100% SMD 4438.3 11.8 18.9 1487.5 345.2
Nitrogen
Control 2063.5 10.0 NA 1303.5 525.5
30 kg N/ha 3227.3 11.3 24.3 1211.5 368.5
60 kg N/ha 3772.8 12.4 20.7 1257.1 332.7
120 kg N/ha 4755.3 13.7 16.9 1353.1 294.5
SMD: soil moisture depletion from field capacity; GWP: global warming potential
115
correlation (r = 0.83), followed by right derivative (r =
0.81). Correlation analysis of yield with single-date
raw EVI data and single-date filtered EVI
corresponding to peak vegetative crop growth stage
showed improvement of correlation from 0.41 for
former to 0.74 for later, though were lower than
correlation with amplitude. Study was conclude that
phenology parameter of amplitude derived from
multi-date satellite data is much better in capturing
variability in yield followed by filtered single date EVI.
A multiple regression model with time and amplitude
as independent variable was developed (R2 = 0.83; p =
0.002). This model predicted wheat yield of 2.32 ± 0.23
t/ha at p = 0.05 for the year 2011-12.
5.5.2.2 Identification of wheat genotypesthrough remote sensing
Spectral observation of seventy wheat varieties
grown during rabi 2011-12 in the experimental field
of Genetics Division, IARI were taken using Fieldspec
3 spectroradiometer in the spectral range of 400 to
2500 nm. Spectral separability analysis was done
for all combination genotype pairs (i.e. 2415 pairs)
using stepwise discriminant analysis and Jeffries-
Matusita (J-M) distance as a measure. Result of JM
distance matrix for 2415 pairs of genotypes based
on hyperspectral data revealed that 378 pairs are
not separable, rest of genotypes pairs were classified
quantitatively to low, moderate and highly
separable pairs and they are 119, 167 and 1751 pairs
respectively.
5.5.2.3 GIS based forewarning of white rustof mustard
The ‘white rust rule’ for mustard developed earlier
was validated, fine tuned and put into GIS
environment. In feature attribute table, locations of
automatic weather stations and mustard growing
villages in NCR were represented as ‘point’ features.
NCR and district boundaries were represented as
‘polygon’ features. In attribute data table, hourly
weather data were added for 10 days in MySQL format.
Algorithms were developed in ‘php’ and incorporated.
Influential zone of each weather station was developed
GIS based map of NCT-Delhi with mustard growing villages andwhite rust forecast
Remote sensing to predict wheat yield
Spectral Reflectance (A) and Separability Matrix (B) of 70 wheatgenotype pairs
116
using Theissen polygons and superimposed on NCR
boundary. Now, by clicking any village on the map,
forecast of white rust for that village will be displayed.
Weather data can be updated every day to have
forecast for next seven days for mustard growing
villages of NCR.
5.5.3 Agricultural Meteorology
5.5.3.1 Modification of aphid rule
The old aphid prediction rule developed by us
earlier was modified to enhance the accuracy. After
analyzing the long range weather and mustard
phenology data, in addition to temperature and GDD,
two more parameters responsible for initiation and
outbreak of aphid population were identified. Weekly
mean maximum (Tmax
) and minimum temperature
(Tmin
), and cloudiness had profound influence on
initiation of aphid infestation. But the most important
parameter was found to be the phenology of the
mustard crop. For aphid initiation, 100% flowering
stage was found to be most congenial. Tmax
and Tmin
values greater than 20 and 8 oC, respectively and 2-3
consecutive cloudy days provided the favorable
weather. This was validated during rabi 2011-12 and
2012-13 and was found to be highly accurate.
coefficient (Kp) is commonly practiced but most users
adopt generic Kp values or empirical methods without
carrying out local calibration entailing large errors in
ETo estimates. In this study, monthly Kp values were
estimated from IARI station using daily weather data
from 1997 to 2011, and evaluated different empirical
methods for estimation of Kp in a semi-arid region.
The estimated Kp values for IARI showed bi-modal
variation across the year between 0.72 to 0.93. The Kp
was lower in summer months and higher in rainy
and winter months. Besides, Kp was also estimated
by five empirical methods (viz. Cuenca, 1989; Snyder,
1992; Orang, 1998; Pereira, 1995 and Allen and Pruit,
1977) which use temperature, humidity and wind
data. Except for Periera method, all empirical methods
also showed a bi-modal pattern in Kp. Out of the five
methods, Snyder method was found to be the best
method for estimating Kp values with RMSE of 0.05.
The ETo estimated with Kp of Snyder method also
showed the lowest RMSE. It is recommended that
temporal variation in Kp shall be estimated for each
station for estimating representative ETo. Otherwise,
Snyder method is recommended for estimating Kp in
semi-arid environment.
5.5.3.3 Integrated agromet advisory services
Weather forecast on rainfall, maximum and
minimum temperature, wind speed, wind direction,
cloud cover, maximum and minimum humidity
received on every Tuesday and Friday from IMD, New
Delhi. Once the forecast was received, the expert
opinions from different disciplines (Agriculture
Physics, Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology,
Entomology, CATAT, Seed Production Unit,
Agronomy and Plant Pathology) were obtained and
based on their advice: the agro-advisories were
prepared on every Tuesday and Friday in Hindi and
English. These advisories were sent to IMD for
preparation of national bulletin and uploaded on the
IMD web sites www.imdagrimet.gov.in. The bulletin
was passed on to the farmers on the real time through
telephone / e-mail /SMS and through local Hindi
newspapers (Haribhoomi and Dainik Jagran). The same
was uploaded at IARI website www.iari.res.in in
both Hindi and English languages. The bulletins were
Monthly pan coefficient values estimated for IARI station and itscomparison with other empirical methods
5.5.3.2 Evaluation of pan coefficient methods forestimating reference crop evapotranspiration
Estimation of Reference crop evapotranspiration
(ETo) from the pan evaporation (Ep) data using pan
117
also sent by e-mail to ATIC, KVK Shikohpur,Ujawa,
IFFCO, NGO, ATMA, State Agriculture Department,
e-choupal, Krishi Darsan and All India Radio. During
2012-2013, 104 agro-advisory bulletins were
prepared. Majority of farmers rated the utilities of
agro-advisories high in relation to sowing and plant
protection under aberrant weather conditions.
Farmers who followed the agromet advisories were
able to reduce the input cost up to ` 1252 /acre in
carrot and increases net profit of ` 3192/acre as
compared to the non AAS farmers. In wheat, AAS
farmers were able to reduce the input cost up to Rs.
237/acre and increases net profit of ` 776/acre as
compared to the non AAS farmers. Thus, the
application of agromet advisory bulletin based on
current and forecasted weather is useful tool for
enhancing the production and income by reducing
the farm input cost.
118
6. SOCIAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
The research programmes in Agricultural Economics are focused on understanding the growth process in
agriculture in the context of the viability of small holder producers. Particular emphasis was placed on the
functioning of agricultural value chains, and the implementation and impact of domestic market reforms. Since
higher growth in the agricultural sector is linked to increased demand for energy, analysis of time series data on
energy consumption in agriculture was undertaken to determine the relationship between energy consumption
and agricultural GDP, and to project future demand for energy in agriculture. The Agricultural Extension and
technology transfer and assessment programmes concentrated on the demonstration and evaluation of the
technology generated, especially the new varieties of various crops developed by the Institute, and also on
developing innovative models for technology transfer. Training of farmers and collaborations with various agencies
including farmers’ groups and voluntary organizations were established to boost seed production in villages to
meet the growing demand for quality seed. Rural youth were trained to take up alternative vocational employment
and to become entrepreneurs themselves.
6.1 AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS
6.1.1 Agricultural Growth and Small HolderProducers
An analysis of growth in the agricultural sector in
the context of the viability of small farmers indicated
three major growth trends in Indian agriculture. The
first trend relates to higher growth rates of coarse
cereals, particularly maize, oilseeds and cotton in the
recent years. The growth in maize and cotton is
primarily technology-driven whereas, in oilseeds, area
expansion, price incentive and better seed varieties are
responsible for yield growth. The second major trend
relates to high agricultural growth in some states like
Gujarat, where institutional reforms to expand
irrigation and transfer of technology are the major
contributing factors. The third major trend is the rapid
growth in high-value commodities like fruits,
vegetables, livestock and fisheries. Price incentives,
coupled with rising demand and strong market
linkages have prompted farmers to diversify towards
these commodities. This has been accompanied by
supply-side factors like improved availability of seed
and other planting materials. The indicators show that
these sectors will continue to grow rapidly and,
therefore, will compete for area with food grains. Thus,
there is a need for raising productivity of food grains
so as to provide more area for high-value commodities,
which requires better technologies and input delivery
systems in disadvantaged regions like eastern India.
Based on a district-level analysis, districts with limited
irrigation and relatively slow agricultural growth were
identified. These districts constitute more than 40 per
cent of the agricultural area of the country and,
therefore, are a potential source of future output
growth in agriculture. Hence, it is necessary to accord
priority in investment in infrastructure, markets, agro-
processing and scientific knowledge dissemination in
these regions.
6.1.2 Agriculture and Small Farmers’Livelihood
Small holder farmers are in a disadvantageous
position in terms of access to several inputs and
markets. Although several development pro-
grammmes with a focus on socially disadvantaged
groups have been implemented, improved governance
is needed to help provide small farmers better access
technology, inputs and other services. The average net
value of productivity per hectare was estimated at
` 52,953 in the irrigated regions, ` 34,647 in the flood-
affected regions and ` 21,336 in the drought-prone
119
regions of northern and central India. The total
household income was found to range from ` 25,483 /
ha in the drought-prone regions to ` 87,000 /ha in the
irrigated regions. The contribution of agriculture to
household income ranges between 50 to 70 per cent
and is even less in the case of marginal and small
farmers. This is just adequate to sustain farmers above
the poverty line in the irrigated regions. The majority
of small farmers will have to live below the poverty
line if they continue to depend only on agriculture as
their source of livelihood. The study shows that
marginal and small holdings are economically non-
viable. The long-run solution to the problem lies in
shifting agricultural workers to non-agricultural
sectors. Short-and medium-term measures are required
to increase agricultural productivity and generate non-
agricultural sources of employment in the rural areas.
A few farmers have reported taking up non-
agricultural activities to supplement their income.
However, the lack of technical knowledge, lack of
capital, low local demand, and social and cultural
inhibitions constrain farmers from taking up non-
agricultural enterprises. Major programmes for skill
development, institutional credit and technological
support to the rural youth in starting non-agricultural
enterprises are required to facilitate the shift from
agriculture to non-agricultural sectors.
6.1.3 Promotion of Agricultural Value Chains
The conditions for participation of small farmers
in high-value markets were examined in two case
studies. First was on baby corn in Haryana and the
second was on grapes in Maharashtra. In the case of
baby corn, one farmer’s initiative to set up a simple
processing and packaging facility gave a boost to baby
corn production in Aterna village of Haryana. The area
planted to baby corn increased by over 5 times in the
village from around 8 ha in 2006 to nearly 40 ha in
2010. The net returns from baby corn were estimated
at ̀ 62,000 /ha. The estimated per hectare returns from
paddy (Pusa 1121) and wheat were ` 75,000 and
` 48,000, respectively. The returns from baby corn are
encouraging considering the fact that picking starts
from 60 to 70 days after sowing and three crops can be
taken in a year.
In the case of grapes, Mahagrapes demonstrates a
successful public private partnership that has
benefitted the grape growers of Maharashtra and given
a boost to grape production. Mahagrapes is a
partnership firm of 16 grape growers cooperatives
which facilitates the production and exports of grapes.
Mahagrapes strength lies in the post-harvest support
that it provides to its members. It pioneered the pre-
cooling technique required very much for preserving
quality and enhancing shelf lifeof grapes. In addition
to providing logistics support, it also negotiates for a
better price for the members which includes small
farmers. The success and utility of Mahagrapes for
grape growers is evident from the fact that in a span of
one year the proportion of members of the society have
grown from 48 per cent in 2010-11 to 62 per cent in
2011-12. Survey results among grape growers and
markets further indicated that Mahagrapes is able to
obtain a significantly higher price (` 52 / kg) for its
members than what is offered by the local trade (` 34 /
kg). The success of Mahagrapes has encouraged several
private players to enter the grape export trade in the
area and some are even able to provide a higher price
than Mahagrapes. Producers, however, preferred
Mahagrapes to other private agencies for disposal of
their produce. Fifty one per cent farmers expressed that
they preferred Mahagrapes for selling their produce,
while only 11 per cent preferred other private agencies.
Prices (`̀̀̀̀/kg) offered by different agencies for grapes (2011)
6.1.4 Domestic Market Reforms in Karnataka
Karnataka has been one of the progressive states
in respect of the implementation of domestic market
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reforms for improving the marketing of agricultural
produce and providing higher income opportunities
for the producers. A survey conducted in Karnataka
showed that direct purchases of agricultural produce
have been permitted in the state. Since 2009, licenses
have been granted to 9 companies to directly purchase
agricultural produce from the farmers. Under the
proposed reforms, Karnataka State has also set up
Special Commodity Markets for fruits and vegetables.
Six market sub-yards have been set up in different parts
of the State. Survey conducted in the Binny Pete Special
Commodity Market for babanas revealed that the
produce in the market is arriving from as far away as
Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Sellers indicated that
the Special Commodity Market provided them an
assured market and remunerative prices. Under the
PPP mode, a special commodity market was being
developed by a private realty company Sobha
Developers for vegetables in Dyatanarayanapura,
Bangalore where all infrastructure including cold
storages, weighing facilities, godowns, etc. will be
provided by the developer. An important feature of these
markets is the provision of a facility for fast track disposal
of complaints and disputes. Another reform initiative is
the setting up of farmers – consumers markets. These
markets facilitate direct sales by farmers to consumers.
While some markets have not been very successful, the
farmers market in Bangalore has been highly successful
as it has a location advantage in terms of large numbers
of consumers. Mostly vegetables are sold in these markets.
Farmers are benefitted as they are not required to pay
any market cess or commission. Also, problems arising
on account of the intermediaries and functionaries are
not found in these markets. Prices are fixed by averaging
the prices at the Kalasipalya wholesale vegetable market
and the HOPCOMS price. As the HOPCOMS price is
slightly higher than the wholesale market price, farmers
receive a price which is slightly more than the wholesale
price but less than the HOPCOMS price. Prices fixed are
displayed prominently in the market for the benefit of
the sellers and buyers.
Floriculture is an important activity in Karnataka.
To facilitate fair trade in cut flowers, an International
Flower Auction Centre with state of the art electronic
auctioning system on the Dutch pattern has been
developed in Bangalore. However, the facility has
benefitted only the national market trade and not
exports which still continue on a one-to-one basis
between the growers and buyers or their agents. E-
trading in agricultural commodities is another
important reform initiative being undertaken. With the
help of NCDEX, e-trading was started in 11 markets
covering 50 commodities during 2012-13.
6.1.5 Energy Use in Indian Agriculture in theContext of Climate Change
Empirical analysis of time series data on energy
consumption in agriculture and gross value of
agricultural output indicated that the value of output
per unit of energy-use has declined over time.
Therefore, there is a need to establish a robust
relationship between direct energy-use and
agricultural gross domestic product (AgGDP) so that
energy requirement for the targeted growth of Indian
agriculture can be projected. The Johansen test based
on the vector autoregression (VAR) method was
performed for the presence of cointegration between
the energy input and value of agricultural output.
Empirical analysis supported the presence of one
cointegrating vector for the pair of analyzed time series
data. Since, the cointegration relationship was
established between the logarithmic transformations
of two variables, it provided a long-run energy
elasticity of 0.422 for agricultural growth. This indicates
that for any target growth of agricultural GDP, growth
in energy-use should be more than two-times the target
growth. Using the estimated model, attempts were
made to bring out the broad contours of energy
demand for the country by the years 2016 and 2021,
which mark the end of the 12th and 13th Plans,
respectively, and hence are relevant for India’s policy
planning. For the direct energy demand projection, two
scenarios were considered, viz., business as usual
(BAU) scenario, i.e., agriculture GDP to grow at a rate
of 3 per cent per annum, as observed in the previous
decade and an optimistic scenario (OS) of 4 per cent
agricultural growth per annum. The demand of direct
Average prices received 2011-12 (`̀̀̀̀/kg)
Mahagrapes 52
Other Private Agencies 62
Local Trade 34
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energy for the year 2016 is projected to be 33.33 million
tonnes of oil equivalent (MTOE) in the BAU and 41.49
MTOE in optimistic scenarios, respectively. The
corresponding demand for direct energy for the year
2021 has been projected to be 47.0 MTOE and 65.30
MTOE under the two scenarios. These represent an
annual average growth rate of 7–9 per cent over the
current energy consumption in the Indian agriculture.
6.1.6 Agricultural Investments in the PostLiberalization Period: An InstitutionalPerspective
The role of investments in pushing India’s
agriculture on a higher growth path is being widely
recognized. However, it is important to set the right
priorities of investments with improved efficiency to
gear up the economy. Analysis of recent trends in
public investments in agricultural research and
education (Ag R&E), a key driver of agricultural
growth, showed that total Government expenditure
(both Central and State Governments) has risen more
than six times in the last three decades from ` 11
billion in 1980-81 to ` 68 billion in 2010-11 at 2004-05
prices. More than half (58 per cent) of the total
spending during 2010-11 was contributed by the
Central Government with almost the entire fund
(95 per cent) being routed through the ICAR. The
steadily rising share of the Central Government in
total expenditure points to the its increasing role in
Ag R&E. However, a large proportion of funds is
transferred to State Agricultural Universities (SAUs)
for various programmes for education, technology
assessment and transfer, and coordinated research.
The second major source of funding are the annual
block grants from the State Governments to their
respective SAUs, which are engaged in region specific
research to meet the local technology needs and
higher agricultural education.
Energy requirement scenarios for the years 2016 and 2021
Categorization of major states of the country on
the basis of national average of energy consumption
and agricultural productivity revealed that
productivity of some of the larger states like Madhya
Pradesh and Maharashtra is low as their per hectare
energy consumption is low. Also, states like Bihar and
Uttar Pradesh still use more of traditional energy in
agricultural production. This clearly calls for
investment in energy related infrastructure in order
to achieve targeted growth of four percent for the
country.
Commercial energy consumption and its relationship withagricultural output in major states of India (TE 2008-09)
Trends in real government expenditure on agricultural researchand education in India (at 2004-05 prices)
122
The decade-wise growth rates in the real spending
show that it grew by 5.8 per cent during the nineties
and maintained its growth momentum during the 2000
decade (7.2 per cent) too. But the major thrust came
only during the second half of the 2000 decade (13 per
cent per annum between 2005-06 and 2010-11). It is also
significant that growth in the central funding has
outpaced that of the state funding throughout the
period which is also evident from the rising share of
the former in all India spending. Though, the growth
in all states’ real expenditure in Ag R&E also continued
to inch upwards, it remained highly uneven across
states. Consequently, there is a wide variation in the
research intensity ratios across states.
Annual compound growth rates (%) of Government realexpenditure in research and education
Period Centre States Total
1990-91 to 1999-2000 7.42 4.22 5.80
2000-01 to 2010-11 8.22 6.17 7.24
2005-06 to 2010-11 14.91 11.38 13.30
Increased Central Government expenditure has led
to a rise in the share of Ag R&E investment to
agricultural gross domestic product (AgGDP) from
0.42 per cent in triennium ending (TE) 1994-95 to 0.60
per cent in TE 2010-11. Though, recent trends clearly
indicate an improvement in the country’s research
efforts, this needs to be judged in the context of the
size and structure of our agricultural economy. The
share of Ag R&E expenditure in the total agricultural
expenditure of the country is still only 3 per cent. The
ratio of Ag R&E investment to AgGDP is much lower
than in other developing countries like Brazil (1.80)
and South Korea (2.30) and substantially lower than
in developed countries like Australia (3.56) and Japan
(4.75). Thus although public investments in
agricultural research and education are widely
distributed and address the diverse research needs
of the country, a still higher and consistent investment
support is warranted to put the country on the growth
trajectory.
6.1.7 Innovations in Credit Delivery andFarmers’ Access to Institutional Credit
A significant disparity across financial institutions
was observed in relation to the performance of Kisan
Credit Card Scheme. The largest number of cards were
issued by commercial banks (44 per cent) followed by
cooperative banks (43 per cent). In spite of their rural
presence, regional rural banks have performed poorly
and account for just 14 per cent of the total cards issued.
The evaluation of the impact of Kisan Credit Card
(KCC) revealed that the beneficiary farmers realised
22 per cent higher income from paddy crop over the
non-beneficiary farmers. The transaction cost of
borrowing through KCC has also come down to ̀ 1280.
A large proportion of the KCC beneficiary farmers (66
per cent) withdraw the entire loan amount sanctioned
to them in a season. This is against the spirit of the
KCC card which authorizes the farmers to withdraw
the amount as and when it is required for different
agricultural operations. The lump sum withdrawal
enhances the chances of credit diversion leading to non-
productive use of the loan amount impacting farmers’
income and the repayment.
Overview of public agricultural R&D spending and research staffing levels, 2009
Agency Total spending Total staffing
Rupees PPP Dollars Share Number Share
(In billion at 2005 prices) (%) (FTEs) (%)
ICAR (94) 17.9 1.2 53.7 3816.7 34.0
Other government (12) 3.6 0.2 10.8 1015.0 9.0
SAUs (45) 11.4 0.8 34.2 6158.0 54.9
Other higher education (16) 0.4 0.0 1.3 226.8 2.0
Total (167) 33.4 2.3 100.0 11216.5 100.0
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Non-availability of loan on time, lack of flex ibility
in use of branches of the same bank, lack of flexibility
in withdrawal, insufficient credit limit, lack of
consumption loan and difficulty in opening accounts
were the major constraints faced by the beneficiaries.
Issuance of the KCC in the form of ATM cards will help
to overcome many of these problems.
6.2 AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION
6.2.1 Cyber Extension Model for AgriculturalDevelopment: An Action Research
The cyber extension model aims at developing an
effective mechanism for communication of farm
information and dissemination of technology to the
farmers. Information on cultivation practices of red
gram and mustard, existing schemes of state
departments on education, health, training, etc., were
updated on web portal to meet the information needs
and to generate awareness among farmers and
extension personnel. SMS facility for communicating
relevant information on cultivation practices, market
intelligence and weather forecasting is being extended
to project locations.
Linkages have been established with post offices
to strengthen the dissemination of agricultural
technologies and information to remotely located
farmers. IARI-Post Office Linkage Model was
expanded to four more locations, viz., Jammu
(Jammu & Kashmir), Sirohi (Rajasthan), Sheopur
(Madhya Pradesh) and Buxar (Bihar). In 2012 -13, 20
branch post offices and 114 villages were covered in
partnership with KVKs of the districts. The Krishi
Vigyan Kendras, our grassroot level partners, provide
technology backstopping to the village post office
staff and the farmers. Seeds of improved IARI crop
varieties were sent to 678 farmers. Two training
programmes were organised on improved crop
production technologies for capacity building of
farmers and branch post masters. The yield data for
the paddy (Pusa 44, PS 5, PNR 546, PNR 519, PNR
381 and JD 13) and bajra (Pusa 383) varieties which
were disseminated among 55 farmers in kharif 2012
through post office revealed that farmers preferred
Pusa 44 and PS 5 to other varieties in terms of
duration, yield, and taste. The high yielding wheat
seeds of IARI varieties HD 2967, HD 2985 and HD
2733 and mustard vars. Pusa Bold and NPJ 113 were
distributed to 623 farmers covered under twenty post
offices in 5 districts during rabi 2012-13. For summer
season, vegetable seeds of bottle gourd (20 kg) and
pumpkin (3 kg) were disseminated under eighteen
selected post offices. The distribution of seeds
through the post offices was perceived as effective
by the farmers who shared half of the seed cost and
paid the amount in cash. A Workshop on “IARI Post
Office Linkage Model: Experience Sharing and
Mechanism for Expansion” was organised for
institutionalising the linkage mechanism and
expansion involving 53 Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
Frequency of withdrawal of loan amount by KCC beneficiaries
Performance of KCC Scheme, March 2009
124
6.2.2 Constraints in Adoption of ImprovedTechnologies in Pulses and Cereals
During kharif 2012, a total of 30 demonstrations of
paddy variety P 1121 and 30 demonstrations of pigeon
pea variety P 2001 were conducted. The yield gap I in
case of rice was calculated 0.25 – 0.30 t/ha while yield
gap II was 0.30 – 0.45 t/ha. In pigeon pea, yield gap I
was estimated at 0.35 – 0.65 t/ha and yield gap II at
0.30 – 0.45 t/ha. In wheat, data from 20 profitability
demonstrations during rabi 2011-12 showed that actual
yield of both the varieties was more than the potential
yield. The average yield of HD 2967 was 6 t/ha while
HD 2733 yielded 5.4 t/ha. Two chickpea varieties Pusa
1053 and Pusa 1003 were also demonstrated at 18
farmers’ fields. A comparative profitability analysis
indicated that profits were higher in chickpea relative
to wheat in terms of the B:C ratio. The analysis further
revealed that during kharif 2012, the trained farmers
adopted almost all critical practices in pigeonpea
production including seed treatment with rhizobium
culture, insecticide and fungicide, line sowing and
recommended varieties. However, integrated pest
management practices were not adopted mainly due
to non-availability of the pheromone traps. The impact
of A3P component of NFSM in Gujarat (high potential-
high gap state) showed that large scale block
demonstrations with nutrient and plant protection
centric approach coupled with support for construction
of rain water harvesting farm ponds for providing
protective irrigation resulted in expansion of the pulse
area and production. The adoption status of the
improved technologies in two adopted districts,
namely, Anand and Ahmedabad showed major
changes in input use pattern in application of
micronutrients, liming materials application, HYV
seed, IPM technology, possession of farm implements
including pump sets, and participation in FFS. The
services of the farmers were utilized as Farmer
Facilitators in the Farmers’ Field Schools organized
under the Mission. The visits of scientists and experts
to the sites were confirmed by 75% of the respondents
and the frequency of such visits was reported as ‘very
often’ by 20%, ‘sometimes’ by 50% and ‘rarely’ by 30%
of the respondents. A majority of the respondents
reported that through the exposure visits organised
under A3P their knowledge regarding pulse
production has improved and their farm productivity
has increased. The major constraints reported included
destruction by blue bulls, poor availability of critical
inputs, like seeds, bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides,
secondary and micronutrients which limit productivity
and yield. Efficient marketing was reported as an
urgent need as pulses have short shelf life and cannot
be stored by the farmers for long in the absence of
proper storage facility. Farmers suggested provision
of large scale grazing lands through Mission support
for management of Blue Bulls to tackle the problem.
6.2.3 Extension Models and Strategies forSustainable Livelihoods
In coastal Maharashtra, m-krishi led extension has
been effective in providing early warning, knowledge
of potential fishing zones and saving of time, money
and fuel for motor boat. Integrated farming system
model and community participation have been
effective in livelihood security of farmers in coastal
areas of Odisha. Survey of KVKs in Uttar Pradesh,
Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat
revealed their impact in enhancing crop yield by 1.5 to
2 times with introduction of improved varieties and
technological packages and capacity building.
Community based extension model was tested and
found effective in promotion of climate resilient
technology (zero-tillage, DSR, IPM, vegetables
cultivation on raised beds and in low and walk-in-
IARI - Post Office linkage for effective extension
125
tunnels, etc.). Assessment of ATMA in Gujarat revealed
lack of competence and incentives as constraints.
6.2.4 Interventions for Enhancing Entre-preneurship among Rural Youth
Extending the work done in previous years, eight
achiever agricultural entrepreneurs were studied
during 2012-13 to delineate facilitative and inhibitive
factors in setting up of agri-enterprises. The key
‘Entrepreneurial Catalysts’ were identified as
individual motivations, aspirations and
entrepreneurial competencies. Factor analyses revealed
facilitative socio-economic factors like promotional
government schemes, frequent expert advisory sought
by entrepreneurs and market demand were important
contributing factors. However, the critical factor
differentiating success and failure of entrepreneurial
endeavour is the entrepreneur’s ability to effectively
manage the inhibitive factors present in the rural
environment. Agri-preneurial Success Index based on
profit levels, growth and diversification, yield
improvements, quality maintenance, recognition
received and innovations implemented is being
developed. To develop agriculture based
entrepreneurs, thirty women entrepreneurs from
villages of Hapur district (U.P.) were trained in post-
harvest processing and value addition in vegetables
and fruits. After the training imparted to them, they
have launched their pickle making enterprise and are
selling their products under the name of “Sunhara
Lalpur”. Besides various pickles they have also taken
up agarbatti and dalia making. An assessment of
motivational level, aspirations, willingness to take
risks, credit orientation and entrepreneurial
competencies indicated enhanced motivation levels
after the training interventions. Follow up and
mentoring of the trained agripreneur youth is being
done by initiating linkages and partnerships with
supportive institutions and marketing agencies like
RuDSETI (Ghaziabad), NABARD, nationalised
commercial bank branches located in project villages,
District Horticulture Officials, selected NGOs and
Bharati Walmart. An interactive video conferencing
facility was also launched for rural women of these
villages which facilitated regular exchange of
information, views and problem sharing with district
officials, IARI project team, RuDSETI trainers and
DDM, NABARD.
6.2.5 Developing and Validating Entre-preneurial Technical Information Packages(ETIP)
Two ETIPs on protected cultivation and baby corn
production were developed based on the information
collected from practicing entrepreneurs. Data for ETIP
on seed production earlier collected was validated on
parameters of relevance for potential entrepreneurs and
expert opinion.
6.2.6 On-farm Testing of IARI Technologiesin NCR
Analysis of the data of on-farm trials of wheat laid
out during rabi 2011-12 showed that the grain yield of
all the three varieties subjected for adaptation research
under timely sown conditions was significantly higher
than the local practice as a whole. The highest yield
was of the variety HD 2967. The application of
fertilizers on the basis of soil test yielded significantly
higher quantities of grain and straw than the farmers
practice and general recommendations of fertilizers
highlighting the importance of scientific nutrient
management practices. During kharif 2012, on-farm
trials of paddy were conducted at Badarpur Said village
and on Pearl millet at Kumbhawas village which
showed that site specific nutrient management yielded
highest. In case of weed management, Pretilachlor +
Bispyribac-Na proved promising in direct seeded as
well as transplanted paddy in terms of grain yield.
6.2.7 Developing Agricultural Entrepreneursin Vegetable Seed Production
Seed production of hybrid brinjal PH 5 at Kansala
village, carrot ( Pusa Rudhira) at Badarpur Said and
cauliflower (Pusa Sharad) at Tigipur village was
initiated. Adverse climatic conditions, particularly
hailstorm, impacted the crops in Kansala and Badarpur
Said. Interaction meets and training programmes for
seed production were organized in 4 project villages.
The buyback process with NSC was streamlined for
vegetable seed produced under NABARD funded
research project and an agreement between seed
producing farmers and NSC was facilitated.
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6.2.8 Livelihood and Nutritional Security ofTribal Dominated Areas
In order to promote integrated farming systems
and generate appropriate technology models for tribal
dominated areas of Udaipur, Dungarpur, Sirohi and
Banswara districts of Rajasthan, 50 on-farm
demonstrations on improved wheat varieties, viz., HD
2967, HD 2894 and HD 2932 were laid. On-farm
demonstrations of vegetables including palak (Pusa
Bharti), vegetable pea (Pusa Pragati) and tomato (Pusa
Rohini) were also organised. Seed production of
improved wheat variety HD 2932 was taken up at
farmers’ fields. A training programme was conducted
at IARI on improved production technologies of fruits
and vegetables.
6.2.9 Strategies to Enhance AdaptiveCapacity to Climate Change in VulnerableRegions
Interventions were made for livelihood options
among farmers and farm-women, viz., mushroom
cultivation, value addition, stitching and tailoring. Five
trainings were organized in protected cultivation of
vegetables, IPM, storage pest management, animal
health, and mobile based advisory. Through public-
private partnership with TCS, m-krishi led advisory
service was initiated in project villages of Mewat. A
Village Resource Centre was established in the project
area with facilities of custom-hired farm implements,
seed banks, stitching training centre, information
service, etc.
6.3 TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENTAND TRANSFER
6.3.1 Assessment and Promotion ofAgricultural Technologies and DevelopingMarket-led Extension Models
Four villages of the NCR, namely, Badarpur Said
in Faridabad, Rajpur in Sonepat and Dhani
Kumbhawas in Gurgaon districts of Haryana and
Soodana in Hapur district of Uttar Pradesh have been
adopted for integrated development as model villages.
Farmers’ problems were prioritized on the basis of
which the potential interventions were planned.
During rabi 2011-12, 358 demonstrations were
conducted on wheat, mustard, palak, berseem,
cauliflower, onion, pea, carrot and lentil over an area
of around 143 ha. In Badarpur Said, Soodana and
Rajpur, wheat variety HD 2967 outperformed other
varieties and gave an average yield of 7.02 t/ha, 6.25 t/
ha and 6.21 t/ha, respectively. Mustard varieties Pusa
Bold and Pusa Jaikisan performed well as a new
introduction in the area. Pea variety Pusa Pragati gave
an average yield of 5.5 t/ha, which was 27.91 per cent
higher than the local check (4.3 t/ha). Demonstration
on use of hydrogel in wheat resulted in saving of one
irrigation. Demonstration of lentil variety L 4076 in
Soodana village resulting in an increase of yield to the
tune of 39.18 per cent as against local variety (1.6 t/ha)
with a high B:C ratio of 5.21. The best trait of mustard
varieties Pusa Bold and Pusa Vijay was reported as bold
seeded grain. During kharif 2012, 347 demonstrations
were conducted on paddy, arhar, moong, muskmelon,
bhindi, bottle gourd, sponge gourd and pumpkin
covering an area of nearly 166 ha in all the four adopted
model villages. In Soodna, carrot variety Pusa Rudhira
was grown on 36.42 ha. The variety was found to be
superior than that of the best hybrid of the private
company, Sungro, on account of its long size, dark flesh
colour and better taste. Because of greater market
acceptability, it generated a net profit of ` 2.44 lakh
from 1.5 acres resulting in nearly 25 per cent additional
income.
6.3.2 Strengthening National ExtensionProgramme
The National Extension Programme, which has
been found to be effective in disseminating IARI
technologies in far off locations, was further
strengthened in collaboration with 16 ICAR
Institutes and SAUs for faster and broader diffusion
of IARI varieties and production technologies.
During rabi 2011-12, 494 demonstrations were
conducted at 16 locations covering an area of 171.50
ha on varieties of wheat, mustard, gram, lentil,
carrot, onion, bottle-gourd, pumpkin, pea and palak.
The following traits were found prominent in the
variety demonstrations.
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Wheat
• HD 2643: Suitable for late sown conditions, good
grain size and good chapati quality
• HD 2932: Lodging resistant, rust resistance and
good grain quality (amber colour)
• HD 2733: High tillering, good yield and lesser
lodging in adverse weather
• HD 2967: High tillering (20-25), medium sized
grains and an average 60 grains per ear head
• HS 420: High yielding (3.8 t/ha) and yellow rust
free even in epidemiological conditions.
Mustard
• Pusa Bold: Higher oil content, more branching,
higher yield and bold seeds
• Pusa Jaikisan: Lodging resistant.
• Pusa Vijay: Fruiting from lower branches and
consistently high yield with the highest at Baghpat
district (U.P.) (2.5 t/ha)
Chickpea
• Pusa 1103: High yield at Chitrakoot (2.0t/ha), good
taste, two grains per pod and 70-100 pods per plant
• BG 365: High yield (2.2 t/ha) at Bilaspur (HP)
• P 2024: Highest yield (2.5 t/ha) at Bilaspur (HP)
Palak
• Pusa All Green: Higher profit with 4-5 cuttings at
Bangalore
Carrot
• Pusa Rudhira: Long in size, good taste, market
acceptable and higher profitability
During kharif 2012, a total of 279 demonstrations
of paddy PRH 10 (64), Pusa 1121 (51), P 1401 (38), Pusa
2511 (80), P 44 (22), JD 6 (3), JD 13 (1), PNR 519 (6), P
1460 (8) and PB 1 (6); Arhar, P 992 (22) and P 2001 (3);
Bottle Gourd, Pusa Naveen (19); Cauliflower, Pusa
Kartik Sankar (2) and Pusa Snowball (5); and Bhindi,
Pusa A 4 (4) were conducted at ICAR Institutes / SAUs.
All demonstrated varieties of IARI showed
significantly higher yield in comparison to local
varieties at all locations with one or two exceptions.
Paddy
• New paddy variety Pusa 1509 (3.5 t/ha) has been
observed to be early by 15-20 days. No incidence
of bakanae disease was observed. However, it could
not surpass the yield of PB 1121 (3.75 t/ha). There
is a need for further testing at farmers’ field under
different level of inputs for drawing a conclusion
about this variety.
• Pusa 1401 paddy variety has shown promising
yield (3.9 t/ha) and did not suffer from foot rot.
However, the rate of the variety is not yet
established as in case of PB 1121.
• PRH 10 emerged as best paddy variety for eastern
region in terms of higher yield, short duration and
fineness.
• Non-basmati variety Pusa 2511 showed superiority
in terms of yield (4.2 t/ha) and less duration (120
days).
• In areas where water is not a limitation, Pusa 44
paddy variety has out-yielded all local varieties
(average yield 4.7 t/ha).
Bottle gourd
• Pusa Naveen – Small size bottle gourd has a niche
market in certain areas like Delhi. Better market
preference makes it more profitable than the other
popular varieties which bear longer fruits.
Lentil
• Lentil L 4076 fetched a higher price (15 per cent)
due to its preferred seed size and taste.
6.3.3 Participatory Seed Production ofImproved IARI Varieties
Under participatory seed production programme
of improved varieties of paddy, 120 t of Pusa 44, 18.0 t
of Pusa 1401, 36.0 t of PB 1121, 10.0 t of Pusa 1509 and
3.0 t of Pusa 1460 were produced during kharif 2012.
During rabi 2010-11, Pusa Vijay (1.8 t), Pusa Bold
(1.0 t), Pusa Jagannath (2.3 t) seed was produced at
PRDF Gorakhpur. Around 72.0 t seed of wheat var. HD
2967 was produced at YFAP, Rakhra and 400 kg of
quality seed of carrot (Pusa Rudhira) was produced at
Bharatpur.
128
IARI - Farmers Participatory Seed Production Programme
6.3.4 Front Line Demonstrations on wheat (incollaboration with DWR)
During rabi 2012-13, 15 FLDs were conducted in
collaboration with DWR on wheat in selected villages
of Sonepat, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Hapur districts
on newly released varieties of wheat DBW 17 and PBW
550, zero tillage and use of bio-fertilizer (Azotobacter
+ PSB)
6.3.5 Innovative Transfer of TechnologyModel: IARI – Voluntary OrganisationsPartnership
In collaboration with 25 Voluntary Organisations,
1415 demonstrations were conducted for 27 varieties
of 11 crops covering an area of over 383 ha during kharif
2012.
All demonstrated varieties of IARI showed
significantly higher yield in comparison to local
varieties at all locations with one or two exceptions.
S. No. Technology Variety No. of Demonstrations Area (ha)
1. Newly released wheat varieties HD 2967 4 3.00
HD 3043 2 1.00
2. Zero tillage HD 2967 5 3.00
3. Use of bio-fertilizers (Azotobactor+PSB) HD 2967 4 3.00
Total 15 10.00
Crop Variety No. of No. of Area covered
locations demonstrations (ha)
Paddy Pusa 2511 13 182 55.84
PRH 10 16 113 35.96
PNR 381 08 22 5.56
Pusa 44 13 147 48.68
PNR 519 05 23 7.80
JD 13 06 26 8.16
PNR 162 06 11 3.96
PB 1121 08 188 60.00
Pusa 1401 04 63 25.60
Pusa 1460 04 52 19.20
Pusa 834 01 04 1.60
PB 1 01 06 3.20
Total — 837 275.56
Arhar Pusa 991 11 136 24.08
Pusa 992 09 27 4.14
Pusa 2001 06 231 51.86
Total — 394 80.08
Bhindi Pusa A 4 08 18 1.82
Sorghum PC 9 05 16 1.60
PC 6 02 16 1.60
Total — 32 3.20
Maize PC 3 08 53 10.30
Bottle gourd Pusa Naveen 08 15 1.60
Cowpea V 578 05 28 6.20
Sponge gourd Pusa Supriya 02 04 0.60
Pusa Sneha 04 09 0.70
Total — 13 1.30
Pumpkin Pusa Vishwas 04 11 0.60
Cauliflower Pusa Kartik-S 04 07 1.20
PSB 02 05 1.00
Total — 12 2.20
Capsicum California 01 02 0.20
Wonder
Grand total 1415 383.06
Kharif 2012
Paddy
• Pusa 2511: High yielding and good in taste, marketrate up to ` 2000-3000/ t more than the best localvariety (Sarju 52) in Gorakhpur
129
• Pusa 44: High yielding, medium grain size variety
which can replace Sarju 52 in eastern regions
because of its better taste and yield in eastern Uttar
Pradesh.
• PNR 381: Higher yield and a higher market price
which was ` 3000/ t more than the local check
(Satya 29) in West Bengal.
• PRH 10: Fits very well in the crop rotation with
early mustard (lahi) and vegetables. PRH 10 also
escaped terminal drought. This variety gives 40 to50 per cent higher yield and fetched better market
price relative to local varieties. When cooked, PRH
10 is better in taste and possesses good aroma
compared to local variety.
• PB 1121: Matured 10 days earlier enabling timely
planting of potato.
• Use of BGA in paddy increased the yield by 2 per
cent and helped to keep weeds under control and
improved soil physical properties (visual).
Maize
• Pusa Composite 3: Suitable for intercropping in
cotton and pigeon pea. Taste and sweetness werefound to be better as compared to local variety atDahod, Gujarat.
Cauliflower
• Pusa Kartik gave an average yield of 6.5 t/ha at
Mandi, HP.
Arhar
• Pusa 2001: The variety was found to be more
profitable and it could be sold as green pod inGujarat.
Rabi 2011-12
During rabi 2011-12, in collaboration with
Voluntary Organisations, 808 demonstrations were
conducted in an area of 253.55 ha on varieties of wheat,
mustard, lentil, pea, carrot, palak, onion, and pumpkin.
In addition to the wheat varieties demonstrated under
the National Extension Programme and which showed
similar results, two other varieties of wheat, HD 2985
and HD 2643, were also demonstrated. HD2985
emerged as a promising wheat variety as it showed
good tillering and high grain quality while HD 2643
which is suitable for late sown conditions, produced
grains of good size and was found to possess good
chapati quality. Other crop varieties for which
demonstrations were laid out performed similarly as
in the case of demonstrations under National Extension
Programme.
6.3.6 Up-scaling of Water RelatedInterventions
Integrated water related interventions were up-
scaled through deepening of open wells, renovation
of water harvesting structures, laser levelling,
underground pipeline system, sprinkler, drip and rain
gun irrigation systems in villages of Dhar and Mewat
districts of Haryana. These interventions were
introduced at the individual, water user group, and
community levels to develop strategies to enhance
adaptive capacity to climate change through enhanced
water availability and utilization efficiency. Besides
these, other livelihood interventions were introduced
in these districts. The m-Krishi service in Mewat distrcit
of Haryana was also launched under public-private
partnership and mobile handsets were distributed to
selected farmers of the region to facilitate the receipt
of advisory services for enhancing productivity of the
region.
6.3.7 Assessment and Promotion of WaterManagement Technologies for SustainableCrop Productivity in Irrigated Areas
Thirty five demonstrations were successfully
conducted on farmers’ fields in Bulandshahar district,
Uttar Pradesh. These included 10 demonstrations on
the use of biogas slurry, 10 on laser leveling, 10 on raised
bed planting and 5 on system of rice intensification.
Farmers reported irrigation water savings of around
19, 20.8, 28 and 19 per cent through these interventions,
respectively. Two farmer’s field training programs and
two field days were also organized.
Field demonstration of different technologies at farmers’ fields
130
6.3.8 Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela 2013
The theme of the Institute’s annual Krishi Vigyan
Mela 2013 organized from March 6 to 8, 2013 was
“Agricultural Technologies for Farmers Prosperity”.
Hon’ble Union Minister for Agriculture and Food
Processing Industries, Government of India, Shri
Sharad Pawar inaugurated the Mela. Hon’ble Minister
of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries,
Shri Tariq Anwar presided over the inaugural session.
Besides IARI, 40 ICAR Institutes, 6 SAUs, 6 KVKs, 6
CGIAR Centres, 57 private companies, 3 news paper
publishers including Krishak Jagat and Dharati Ugale
Sona, 42 NGOs and 9 public sector undertakings
participated in the mela. In addition to this, 41
progressive farmers from Extension Operational Areas
of the Institute also put-up their stalls for display and
sale of their farm produce.
Farm technologies developed by IARI for
enhancing productivity and income were displayed in
the thematic pandal and in the stalls of the different
Divisions of the Institute. Technical sessions on ‘Crop
Based Technologies for Enhanced Productivity and
Income’, and ‘Horticultural Technologies for Higher
Income and Employment’, a workshop on ‘Women
Empowerment’, and an ‘Innovative Farmers Meet’ in
which 25 progressive farm men and farm women from
different states participated, were organized during the
Mela. A special talk on ‘Kitchen and Container
Gardening’ was organized for the benefit of urban
housewives. On this occasion, two important
publications, a Mela Souvenir and a Technology
Bulletin on “Uchch utpadakta avam aiy hetu unnat krishi
prodhogikiyan” and one gladiolus variety Pusa Unnati
were released. Two farmers were bestowed with “IARI
Fellow” award in recognition of their outstanding
contributions in technology development and
dissemination in partnership with IARI. Twenty five
progressive farmers from different states of the country
were honoured for their innovations in the field of
agriculture. Seeds of high yielding varieties of different
crops worth Rupees 35 lakhs were sold through Pusa
Seed Sale Counter during the mela period. An
important feature of the Mela was the provision of free
soil test facility for farmers and technical advisory
services to the farmers on their specific problems. More
than 1,00,000 visitors from different parts of the country
including farmers, farm women, extension workers,
entrepreneurs, students and others visited the Mela.
Farmers from 19 states across India including, among
others, distant states like Karnataka, Kerala,
Maharashtra, West Bengal, Orissa and Assam visited
the Mela.
6.3.9 Participation in Off-campus Exhibitions
In order to extend the reach of the Institute’s
extension services and ensure widespread
dissemination of the technologies developed by the
Institute, the staff of CATAT and ATIC participated in
14 national and international agricultural exhibitions
outside the campus. The technologies and products
developed by the Institute and the services being
provided were showcased in these exhibitions.
6.3.10 Agricultural Technology InformationCentre (ATIC)
For agricultural information to be useful, it is not
enough to merely generate it but it must also be
delivered to the end users in a way in which it can be
used by them. This requires considerable coordination
between researchers and technology users. The
Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC) of
the Institute provides a formal and functional
A progressive farmer receiving IARI Fellow Award from Hon’bleUnion Minister of Agriculture and Food Processing Industries, ShriSharad Panwar
131
mechanism for linking scientists and technology users
for the dissemination of relevant information through
a single window delivery system.
Besides farm advisory services at ATIC, farmers
were given farm advice through Pusa Helpline (011-
25841670), Pusa Agri Com 1800-11-8989, exhibitions,
farm literature and letters. A Second Level Kisan Call
Centre (1800-180-1551) has also been established at
ATIC for providing remedial measures of the problems
/ queries of farmers of Delhi state. Information needs
of the visitors are also being catered to through touch
panel kiosks, revolving scrollers, and laminated
posters. An information museum, plant clinic, farm
library, and exhibits on agricultural implements, seed
samples & bio-fertilizers are also established for
communicating information at the Centre.
During the year 26,450 farmers / entrepreneurs,
development department officials, students, NGO
representatives and others from 24 states of India
visited ATIC for farm advice, diagnostic services,
purchase of technological inputs and products and
training. The largest number of farmers visited ATIC
to purchase / enquire seeds / varieties (14,235). Other
visitors included those seeking information / products
related to horticultural and medicinal plants (7,010),
plant protection (1,855), agro-based enterprises (1,465),
farm literature (5,135), dairy (345), agricultural
implements (798). The highest number of farmers came
from Uttar Pradesh (28 %) followed by Haryana (20%),
Delhi (15 %), Rajasthan (15%), Punjab (8%) and others
(14%). Besides the visitors, 8,172 farmers /
entrepreneurs from 18 states received information on
various aspects of agriculture through Pusa Agricom,
a toll free service, Pusa Help-line and Kisan Call Centre
(IInd level). Purpose-wise, the maximum calls received
were related to seed availability (3,210) followed by
production technology (2,418), plant protection (1,320),
agro-based enterprises (690), literature (745), and
biofertilizer (380). Seeds and publications worth nearly
` 22.82 lakh and ̀ 65 thousand, respectively, were sold
by ATIC during the period, generating a record revenue
of ` 23.45 lakh.
ATIC also lays out demonstrations of different
crops in a cropping systems mode. The demonstrations
laid included paddy varieties Pusa Sugandh 4 (PB
1121), Pusa Sugandh 6 (Pusa 1401), PRH 10, Pusa
Basmati 1, Improved Pusa Basmati 1(Pusa 1460), Pusa
Sugandh 5 (Pusa 2511 ), Pusa 44, P-834, PNR 162, PNR
381, Pusa 1509, Jaldee Dhan 13 (JD 13), maize varieties
(PEHM 5, PEHM 2, PC 3 and PC 4) and Pearl millet
varieties (Pusa 443, Pusa 605) in kharif. Demonstrations
of wheat varieties (HD 3043, HD 2894, HD 2851, HD
2987, HD 2733, DBW 17, WH 1105, PDW 621-50, HD
2987, HD 2985, DBW 71,HD 2932, HD 3059 and WR
544) and mustard (NPJ 93, Pusa Mustard 21, Pusa
Mustard 26, Pusa Mustard 27, Pusa Mustard 28) were
conducted in rabi season followed by moong variety
Pusa Vishal and green manuring with dhaincha during
summer in rotation in the same field. Cauliflower (PH
2, PSBKT 25, Pusa Sharad), cabbage (Golden Acre,
Chinese cabbage), broccoli (Samridhi, Vichitra,
Kanchan), tomato (Rohini, Utsav), khol khol (White
Vienna), capsicum (Yellow Wonder,), lettuce
(Revolution, Iceberg), brinjal ( Pusa Uttam, Pusa Purple
Cluster), chilly (Pusa Sadabahar), pumpkin (Pusa
Vishwas), bhindi ( Pusa Long Green), bottle gourd (Pusa
Naveen), lobia (Pusa Sukomal) were the vegetable
varieties that were demonstrated. ATIC also maintains
a medicinal garden, nutrition garden and fruit orchard.
Drip irrigation system was demonstrated for fruit
orchard and nutritional garden for the benefit of the
visitors. High density fruit trees orchard planted with
lemon (Kagzi Kalan), mango (Amrapali), guava
(Lucknow 49, Allahabadi Safeda and Lalit), ber
(Banarasi Karaka and Gola) and aonla (NA 7, NA 10,
Lakshmi 52, Chakaiya) are also maintained. For
generating awareness among farmers about
15medicinal plants are demonstrated in small plots. A
bio-gas plant of 4 cubic metres and a unit of bee keeping
(apiary) with 4 bee hives are also being maintained for
demonstration to the visitors.
To disseminate IARI technologies to the ultimate
users, ATIC regularly publishes a bi-monthly farm
magazine, “Prasar Doot” which is popular amongst the
farming communities. Twelve pamphlets (reprints) on
cereals, pulses, vegetables and fruit crops were
distributed free of cost to visiting farmers. Besides this,
more than 110 clients were provided advise through
letters and e-mails. ATIC is providing a mechanism for
obtaining direct feed-back from the technology users
132
to the technology generators. This has helped to
strengthen ATIC activities and provide a ground for
developing need based technologies. The ATIC has also
developed functional linkages with various agencies
working for the farming community to effectively cater
the information needs of the different stakeholders.
6.3.11 IARI Krishi Vigyan Kendra,Shikohpur, Gurgaon (Haryana)
6.3.11.1 Front line demonstration programme
During rabi 2011-12 and kharif 2012, 322
demonstrations over an area of 127.68 ha were
conducted in oilseeds, pulses, vegetables and cereal
crops. These included demonstration under the KVK
scheme in 72.48 ha, sponsored FLDs in 25 ha and
demonstrations under NEP and Model Village scheme
in 30.20 ha. The increase in yield recorded in the
demonstrations on various crops ranged from slightly
over 2 per cent to around 17 per cent.
6.3.11.2 Trainings for different target groups
With a view to enhance opportunities for income
and employment and to update knowledge of farmers,
both men and women, several vocational and farm
trainings were organized by the KVK, Shikohpur.
Vocational trainings for income generation and
employment enhancement were organized in the areas
of dress making, kitchen gardening, motor winding,
vermin-composting, plant protection and pest control
services, beekeeping, and value addition. To update
the knowledge and skills of farm men and women,
trainings were organized in crop production, dairy
management, horticulture, home science, plant
protection, post harvest management and agricultural
engineering. Refresher courses for in-service
candidates were organized in integrated plant nutrient
management, IPM, live stock production and
management; improved crop production technology
in soybean and maize, advances in protected
Results of FLDs organized on farmers’ field under KVK scheme
Season Crop Variety No. of Area Yield (kg / ha) Increase BC ratio
Demo. (ha) in yield
Demonstrations Local (%)
Max. Min. Avg. Avg.
Rabi 2011-12 Mustard Pusa Vijay 50 20.00 2018 1770 1885 1745 8.02 1:2.80
(Laxmi)
Wheat HD 2967 10 4.00 6185 5570 5780 5290 9.26 1:2.70
(PBW 343)
HD 2932 10 4.00 6168 5385 5645 -do- 6.71 1:2.78
Peas Azad P-3 11 3.80 8570 7945 8160 7815 4.41 1:2.40
(Arkel)
Gram Pusa 1053 08 1.90 1835 1570 1790 1685 6.82 1:2.60
(HC 1)
Barley BH 393 10 4.00 5340 5175 5240 4890 7.15 1:2.90
(BH 393)
Total 99 37.70 — — — — — —
Kharif 2012 Paddy PB 1121 22 8.00 4380 3955 3905 3490 (PB1) 11.89 1:2.41
PB 1 10 5.33 3875 3465 3782 3490 (PB1) 8.37 1:2.80
Arhar P 2001 19 6.00 1935 1655 1888 1735 8.82 1:3.85
(UPAS120)
P 992 11 4.00 1860 1630 1845 1735 6.34 1:3.51
(UPAS 120)
Summer- SML 668 10 3.45 740 580 665 1:2.36Moong Pusa Vishal 03 1.00 640 555 590 — — 1:2.75Sponge Rashmi 06 1.30 7250 5960 6327 5870 7.79 1:3.53Gourd (Nutan)
133
Cowpea Gauri 03 0.80 3750 3680 3708 3460 7.17 1:3.62
(Mahesh)
Bottle Pusa 06 1.80 27550 25650 26441 24240 9.10 1:5.19Gourd Samradhi (Mayuri )
F.S. 2 01 0.40 20460 20460 20460 —- —- 1:3.80
Sumit (Hy) 01 0.20 24390 24390 24390 — — 1:4.79
Keerti 04 1.10 26440 25080 21748 20690 5.42 1:4.04
(Arka Harit)
Aditya 04 1.40 25760 24950 25531 24240 5.33 1:4.46
(Mayuri)
Total — 100 34.78 — — — — — —
Grand Total — 199 72.48 — — — — — —
Results of FLDs organized on farmers’ fields under Model Village Scheme
Season Crop Variety No. of Area Yield (kg / ha) Increase BC ratio
Demo. (ha) in yield
Demonstrations Local (%)
Max. Min. Avg. Avg.
Rabi 2011-12 Wheat HD 2987 05 2.00 5436 4561 4998 5290 — 1:2.41
(PBW 343)
HD 2932 07 3.40 6235 5971 6103 -do- 15.40 1:2.81
HD 2733 11 4.20 5471 5338 5405 -do- 2.20 1:2.54
HD 2967 03 1.20 6037 5976 6007 -do- 13.60 1:2.79
HD 2687 06 2.40 5762 5315 5539 -do- 4.70 1:2.56
WR 544 10 4.00 4356 4276 4316 -do- — 1:2.31
Mustard Pusa Vijay 10 4.00 2308 2307 2173 1745 (Laxmi) 15.50 1:2.86
Gram P 1103 04 1.60 2018 1731 1875 1685 (HC 1) 11.20 1:2.63
Palak All green 02 0.20 9700 9100 9400 8600 9.30 1:2.45
Onion N 53 02 0.20 23000 21800 22500 20800 8.17 1:2.67
Methi P. Early Bunch 02 0.20 7900 7100 7500 6800 10.29 1:2.48
Carrot Pusa Kesar 02 0.20 24600 22600 23600 21500 9.77 1:2.52
Pea Azad P - 1 02 0.20 8800 8200 8500 7700 10.39 1:2.85
Total — 66 23.80 — — — — — —
Kharif - 2012 Paddy PB 1121 07 4.00 3759 3558 3659 3285 (PB1) 11.40 1:2.75
PB 1401 03 2.40 3891 3798 3845 -do- 17.0 1:2.93
Total 10 6.40 —- — — — — —
Grand Total — 76 30.20 — — — — — —
Results of FLDs under Sponsored Scheme
Season Crop Variety No. of Area Yield (kg / ha) Increase BC ratio
Demo. (ha) in yield
Demonstrations Local (%)
Max. Min. Avg. Avg.
Rabi 2011-12 Wheat DPW 621-50 04 2.00 6325 6020 6173 5290(PBW343) 16.70 1:2.83
Barley DWRB 74 07 3.00 4532 4311 4422 4890(BH 393) —- 1:2.74
Kharif 2012 Pearl millet HHB 197 10 4.00 3504 3268 3386 2711 (Pioneer) 24.90 1:2.45
PA 9444 26 16.00 3082 2578 2827 -do- 4.20 1:2.21
Total 47 25.00 —- — — — — —
134
cultivation of vegetables and floriculture and first aid
in animals. In addition to this, three sponsored
programmes on value addition, mushroom production
and beekeeping were also organized. Around 1503
participants, including 245 women, attended the
various programmes.
6.3.11.3 On- farm testing
The focus of this activity is to test the technologies
developed so as to find solutions to common problems
of farmers in a particular area and under a specific
farming system in a participatory mode. The objective
is to provide tailor-made recommendations to the
farmers after location specific testing. During the
period, 44 on-farm trials were conducted on different
crop based problems and two trials were conducted
on animal based problems.
S. No. On-farm testing trial Number
of trials
Rabi 2011-12
1. Integrated nutrients management in wheat 04
2. Integrated weed management in wheat 03
3. Varietal evaluation of wheat 04
4. Management of pod borer in gram 03
5. Management of stem rot in mustard 04
6. Management of diamond back moth in cauliflower 04
7. Management of Nematode in Chappan Kaddu 03
8. Management of Fusarium wilt in Chappan Kaddu 03
Total 28
Kharif 2012
1. Varietal evaluation of arhar 04
2. Effect of different Ecto parasiticides on control of Ecto 03
parasites in animals
3. Effect of hormones to control the fruit dropping in 03
young orchard of lemon
4. Effect of growth hormones on size and uniformity of
flowering and yield in marigold 03
5. Effect of mineral mixture and herbal hormones and
vitamins A,D& E on productive performance in buffaloes. 03
Total 16
Grand Total 44
6.3.11.4 Extension activities and farm advisoryservices
Various extension activities were organized to
facilitate speedy dissemination of technologies among
the farming community. The KVK celebrated a
“Women in Agriculture Day” with a focus on women
'Women in Agriculture Day' at KVK, Shikohpur
empowerment. Other programmes conducted
included field days, group meetings, camps and
campaigns, farmers visits to KVK and visit of subject
matter specialists to farmers’ fields, demonstrations,
radio and TV talks and special lectures, advisory
services on telephone and through SMS, exhibitions,
diagnostic services, and press releases. Latest
agricultural news and new practices and technologies
developed are made available to farmers at their door
step through a quarterly publication of the KVK
entitled the Krishi Vigyan Patrika. Through this
publication, relevant technical know-how on
production technologies of field crops, fruits,
vegetables, home and dairy management are provided
to farmers.
6.3.12 Transfer of Technology Through IARIRegional Stations
Regional Station, Indore conducted fifty three
FLDs of 13 recently released IARI wheat varieties
during 2011-12 in 22 hectares area across 7 villages of
Indore, Harda (minority dominated villages), and
Khandwa districts of Madhya Pradesh. The average
increase in grain yield was 1.13 t/ha or 39 per cent in
these demonstrations compared to respective local
checks plus conventional cultivation practices. Under
NAIP Network Project on “Strategies to enhance
adaptive capacity to climate change in vulnerable
regions”, a large number of FLDs were conducted in
11 villages of two agro-ecological zones in Dhar district
135
of Madhya Pradesh. A total of 131 demonstrations of
five wheat varieties (HI 1500, HI 1531 and HI 1544 of
bread wheat; and HI 8627 and HI 8638 of durum wheat)
were conducted in 38 hectares of area and average yield
increase of 0.75 t/ha or 37% was obtained. Fifteen
demonstrations of the gram variety JG 11 were
conducted in 7.2 hectares in 8 villages and average yield
increase was 380 kg/ha or 34 per cent. Demonstrations
(86) of two soybean varieties JS 93-05 and JS 95-60 were
conducted in 20 hectares area and the average yield
increase realized was 507 kg/ha or 43 per cent. One
hundred and thirty one demonstrations of three maize
varieties, JM 216, PC 3 and Ganga Kaveri Hybrid
conducted in 20 hectares area gave an average yield
increase of 340 kg/ha or 17 per cent. The Station also
organized 118 on- and off-campus training
programmes for 2,300 farmers on wheat production
technology.
Regional Station, Pusa, Bihar distributed wheat
seeds of HD 2985 and HI 1563 varieties for one ha
among ten farmers of Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Araria
and Kishanganj districts of Bihar. Out of ten
demonstrations, three were sown with biofertilizers
and two demonstrated zero tillage technology. Under
the IARI Outreach Programme, new cereal and pulse
crops (paddy, maize and pigeonpea) were included
with wheat to popularize IARI varieties among
farmers. Trials of six varieties of long grain scented and
medium grain paddy (Pusa Sugandh 5, Pusa Sugandh
6, Pusa 1176, Rajendra Suwasini, and PNR 381, Pusa
44, respectively.) were conducted on 140 farmers’ fields
through KVKs in 14 districts of Bihar in kharif 2012.
The response of farmers was very encouraging for the
scented varieties of paddy, especially for Pusa Sugandh
5, Pusa Sugandh 6 and Pusa 1176. Hybrid maize, DHM
117 was distributed among twenty farmers in four
districts of Bihar. Farmers compared this variety with
other hybrids from private seed companies and found
it better in yield performance. Average yield of DHM
117 obtained was 6.97 t/ha. Pigeonpea var. Pusa 9 was
distributed among twenty farmers in four districts
(Samastipur, Begusarai, Patna, Vaishali) of Bihar. Yield
of this variety was excellent and farmers liked it very
much compared to their local (desi) varieties. Average
yield performance of the variety was 2.74 t/ha. Eighty
five quintal wheat seed of timely, late, very late and
rainfed sown varieties was distributed to the farmers
through KVKs, NGOs and SHGs in eastern states. A
Kisan Mela was organized by the Station in
collaboration with NABARD, MONSANTO, ATMA
and Syndicate Bank, Pusa on the theme “Importance
of Quality Seed in Integrated Crop Management”. The
Station also participated in the in the Kisan Mela
organized by Rajendra Agriculture University, Pusa.
Under the Bioversity-ICAR Project on “Climate Change
Adaptation and Visualization through Farmer based
Experimentation Networks in Indo-Gangetic Plains of
India”, varietal trials (18 varieties), selected varietal
trials (3 varieties) and crowd sourcing trials (10 timely
and late sown varieties) were conducted at different
locations. In India, crowd sourcing trials were
conducted for the first time at the Regional Station,
Pusa, Samastipur and Vaishali district of Bihar and also
in Unnao and Badaun districts of Uttar Pradesh.
Farmers’ Field Days were organized at two
locations to facilitate interaction with scientists in
understanding the climate change adaptation and
visualization and in choosing wheat varieties based on
their observations and discussion in the workshop.
Regional Station, Wellington conducted front line
demonstrations for successful introduction of wheat
as an alternate viable crop in South Hills Zone in 20
ha. The varieties promoted were: CoW(W)1, HW 5207,
CoW-2 and HD 2833.
Under Seed Village Programme sponsored by
DAC, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India the
Regional Station, Karnal gave special emphasis to
resource poor farmers, especially farm women, around
Karnal region. Farmers were given nine trainings on
different aspects of quality seed production like seed
agronomy, weed control, disease and insect
management, genetic purity, harvesting and post
harvest management at the Station as well as at farmer’s
fields. Forty eight farm women from Pundri village of
Karnal district, Haryana were selected under seed
village programme, and were given training on quality
seed production of paddy var. Pusa Basmati 1121 which
resulted in improvement of their level of understanding
and income. Seed crops of the selected farmers of
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Churni and Modi Jagir villages were visited and need
based plant protection measures suggested. Seed
production through seed village programme was
undertaken on 16 ha area in kharif 2012 for paddy cv.
Pusa Basmati 1121 and on 16 ha area in rabi 2012-13
for wheat cv. HD 2967.
Regional Station, Katrain conducted fifty field
demonstrations on different vegetables at the farmers’
fields. The varieties/hybrids demonstrated showed 15-
28 per cent higher yield over check in kharif 2012. Forty
field demonstrations have been conducted in rabi 2012-
13. A study conducted among farmers showed that in
vegetables production, a technology gap of 70 per cent
existed. Only 22 per cent farmers were found to apply
the correct agronomic practices with the majority 78
per cent using local practices. Only 12 per cent farmers
were satisfied with market facilities in the valley.
Regional Station Amartara Cottage, Shimla
conducted 5 front line demonstrations on new wheat
and barley varieties. Seven wheat and 3 barley FLD’s
were organized during 2012-13 for popularizing wheat
var. HS 507 and barley var. BHS 380 among the farmers.
Three all India coordinated trials of northern hills zone
under AICW&BIP were conducted. The data on
phenological traits, grain yield and associated traits
was recorded and is under analysis at DWR. Three on-
farm training programmes were organized on the
preparation of Bordeaux mixture and its application,
seed stratification techniques in apple and package of
practices of strawberry cultivation.
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Women are playing an increasingly important role in household and farm activities and hence they can
contribute significantly to family income and welfare. This can be further enhanced if women are empowered
through training in farm and off-farm alternative occupations. Initiatives taken by Self Help Groups (SHGs)
which promote collective action also enhance income and livelihood. With this in view, several special activities
were undertaken and interventions planned for empowering women in rural areas.
7.1 CAPACITY BUILDING OF SHGsFOR GENDER EMPOWERMENT
Six capacity building modules identified through
training need analysis,were designed/developed and
subjected to content validation by Self Help Group
Members in Haryana. The modules developed relate
to motivation, leadership, financial management and
use of ICT. A self rating scale was developed for
assessment of new learning taken place, utility,
appropriateness and overall satisfaction from the
module. Knowledge tests were finalized for selected
components of the modules. The designed modules
contain a Facilitation Guide with activities, reading
materials and suggested multimedia resources,
presentation slides explaining key concepts with
trainer notes included, learner’s guides for the SHG
members, and handouts of other resources for
participants to continue their learning. The modules
are based on a participative approach and include
experiential exercises.
Relevance of the designed training modules was
worked out on a maximum score of 5. The average
score for the designed modules was estimated at 4.1
implying high relevance of the modules for the
women SHG members. Similarly the modules were
evaluated on the criteria of ease of understanding,
simplicity of language, interest created, motivation
for learning, etc. A very high overall increase in
knowledge level of participants was observed as a
result of the trainings. Impact of training modules on
7. EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN ANDMAINSTREAMING OF GENDER ISSUES
different dimensions indicated a high level of
perceived behavioral changes.
Action oriented interventions for promotion of
IARI technologies included an exposure visit of seventy
women SHG members from Ujeena, Sangel and Nooh
villages of Mewat, Haryana to popularize latest
agricultural technologies of IARI among SHGs.
7.2 EFFECTIVENESS OF SHGs FORGENDER EMPOWERMENT
Data were collected from 100 SHG women
members from Junagarh and Rajkot districts of Gujarat,
and 40 SHG women members from Model Villages of
IARI for studying the effectiveness of SHG for gender
empowerment and their impact on livelihood security.
Items related to changes in livelihood security were
ranked on a ten point scale with maximum possible
score of +5 and minimum possible score of -5. The data
revealed significant difference in scores before and after
formation of SHGs with the maximum change in score
for the positive in the case of social security followed
by occupational security, health security, educational
security, food security, environmental security and
habitat security.
7.3 VOCATIONAL & FARM TRAININGFOR TECHNOLOGICAL INTER-VENTION
The Institute, through its KVK in Shikohpur,
Gurgaon, is taking a lead in empowering rural women
138
by providing need based training for self-employment
and for income generating activities. Besides
entrepreneurship training, other extension activities
aimed at creating awareness about scientific farming
and dissemination of technologies are also undertaken.
Some of the important programmes and activities
organized for rural women during the last year
included:
● Vocational training courses for self employment
and income generation.
● Trainings and special lectures in villages for
updating the farm knowledge /skills.
● Visits of rural women in agriculture fairs and
exhibitions.
● Celebration of ‘Women in Agriculture Day’.
● Interactive field visits of SMS
In all, 52 programmes were organized for rural
women during the period under report. Nine hundred
sixty nine rural women from all social classes and
income strata were benefited.
Specialized training in quality seed production of
Pusa Basmati 1121 provided to farm women led to an
improvement in their skills and income levels. Forty
eight farm women from Pundri village in Karnal
district of Haryana were selected by the IARI Regional
Station, Karnal under the Seed Village Programme for
the special training in quality seed production.
Activity wise participation of rural women
S.No. Programme / Activity Number of Number of
programmes / beneficiaries
activities
1. Vocational training programmes·
● Dress designing & tailoring· 01 31
● Dairy management· 03 08
● Value addition and preservation of fruits & vegetables· 02 58
● Production technology of button mushroom 01 20
Total 07 117
2. Agriculture extension & farm advisory service·
● Celebration of 'Women in Agriculture Day' 01 45
● Special lectures delivered 12 353
● Women’s visit to agricultural fairs 01 45
● Day long trainings in villages 14 87
● Field days 09 122
● Field visits of SMS to farmers’ fields 08 200
Total 45 852
Grand total 52 969
Practical training on mushroom production for the rural womenat KVK, Shikohpur
139
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute is India’s largest and foremost Institute in the field of agricultural
research, higher education, and extension. The PG School of IARI which was first established as a part of Deemed
University in 1958 has been engaged in providing high quality agricultural education at the post-graduate level
in the country as a lead centre. A formal course leading to a two year diploma, ‘Associateship of IARI’ in various
fields of agriculture was started in 1923, which was awarded to 903 graduates up to 1957. Keeping the tradition of
the glorious past, the PG School endeavours to scale newer heights in agricultural research, education and extension
through upgradation of course curriculum and by adopting new methods of teaching.
8. POST-GRADUATE EDUCATION ANDINFORMATION SYSTEM
8.1 POST- GRADUATE EDUCATION
8.1.1 Admission during the AcademicSession 2012-13
The P.G. School continues to attract a large number
of students seeking admissions to various PG courses
through five modes of admission, namely, open
competition, faculty up-gradation, ICAR in-service
nominees, departmental candidates and foreign
students. Admissions to the Ph.D. programme are
made on the basis of candidates’ performance in a
national level entrance examination conducted in
different parts of the country followed by an interview
and academic records. While the admissions to the
M.Sc./M.Tech. programme are made on the basis of an
‘All-India Entrance Test’ conducted by the Education
Division of the ICAR. The foreign students are admitted
through DARE, Ministry of Agriculture. During the
academic year 2012-13, 267 students (including 13
foreign students from seven countries) were selected
for admission to various M.Sc. and Ph.D. courses as
per details given below.
Category M.Sc./M.Tech. Ph.D. Total
Open competition 113 141 254
Foreign students 10 3 13
Total 123 144 267
8.1.2 Convocation
The 51st Convocation of the PG School of the Indian
Agricultural Research Institute was held on February
15, 2013. Hon’ble Lt. Governor, NCT of Delhi, Shri
Tejendra Khanna was the Chief Guest. Dr. S. Ayyappan,
Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR presided
over the function. Dr. H.S. Gupta, Director, IARI in his
welcome address highlighted the salient achievements
of the Institute. Dr. H.S. Gaur, Dean and Joint Director
(Education) presented Dean’s report on the education,
training and HRD activities of the Institute.
In his very impressive Convocation Address, the
Chief Guest covered scientific, moral and spiritual
A Ph.D. student receiving his degree certificate from Hon’ble Lt.Governor, NCT of Delhi, Shri Tejendra Khanna at the Convocation.Also seen in the picture is Dr. H.S. Gupta, Director, IARI (centre)
140
aspects of life. He advised the students to use their
knowledge for the upliftment of the people particularly
the farmers.
At the Convocation 208 candidates (100 M.Sc.,
100 Ph.D. and 8 M.Tech.) including 18 foreign
students were awarded degrees. Mr. Bappa Das
(M.Sc. in Agricultural Physics) and Dr. Sudipta
Paul (Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension) received the
“Best Student of the Year Award”. Five students
each in M.Sc. and Ph.D. also received ‘IARI Merit
Medals’.
Fourth Rao Bahadur Dr. B. Viswa Nath Award for
the Biennium was awarded to Dr. (Mrs.) Shailaja
Hittalmani, Professor, Genetics and Plant Breeding,
Agriculture College, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Patra, Principal Scientist, Division
of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, IARI,
New Delhi received the Hooker Award for biennium
2010-11. Dr. D.K. Yadava, Principal Scientist, Division
of Genetics, IARI, New Delhi received Dr. B.P. Pal
Memorial Award for the year 2012. Prof. K. N. Tiwari,
Professor, Agricultural and Food Engineering
Department, Indian Institute of Technology,
Kharagpur received the 13th Shri Hari Krishna Shastri
Memorial Award for the year 2012. Four faculty
members, namely, Dr. S.K. Jha (Post Harvest
Technology), Dr. S.P. Datta (Soil Science and
Agricultural Chemistry), Dr. Anil Dahuja
(Biochemistry) and Dr. Sharad Mohan (Nematology)
were given the “Best Teacher Award” for their
achievements in academics during 2012.
On this special ceremony, the Chief Guest also
released 21 IARI varieties of different crops and two
PG School publications.
The 43rd Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial Lecture was
delivered by Dr. M.K. Bhan, Former Secretary,
Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, on
February 14, 2013 on the emerging topic ‘Science
Innovation and Future Food and Nutrition Security’.
Dr. C.R. Bhatia, Former Secretary, Department of
Biotechnology, Govt. of India, presided over the
function.
8.1.3 Communication and LanguageLaboratory
The Communication and Language Laboratory at the
IARI Central Library was inaugurated by Dr. H.S. Gupta,
Director, IARI, New Delhi on November 22, 2012. The
laboratory is equipped with 20 networked computers and
with smart classroom gadgets. The facility is being used
for the benefit of international students who have
difficulties in written and spoken English.
8.1.4 Modernization of PG Laboratories andLecture halls
Modernisation of PG laboratories and lecture halls
was undertaken under the scheme for strengthening
of PG education programme at deemed university.
Teaching facilities were modernized by adding smart
class, audio-visuals, LCD projectors, multi-media
systems, interactive boards, etc.
8.1.5 Training Programmes
The institute organised several national and
international short-term training courses (regular, ad-
hoc and individual) and refresher courses in specialised
areas for the scientists of NAREES under the
programmes of “Centres of Excellence” and “Centres
of Advanced Studies”. In addition, some special
training courses were also organised for the benefit of
professionals, farmers and extension workers.
Dr. M.K. Bhan, former Secretary, Department of Biotechnology,Govt. of India (seated 2nd from right) delivered the 43rd Lal BahadurShastri Memorial Lecture, Dr. C.R. Bhatia, former Secretary,Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, Dr. H.S.Gupta,Director & Dr. H.S.Gaur, Dean are also seen in the picture
141
Important training programmes organized
Name of the training programme Date Number of trainees
Division of Agricultural Chemicals
Techniques and Methods for Pesticide Residue Analysis October 5-11, 2012 5
Extraction and Analysis of Nutraceuticals from Vegetables, Fruits and Non-food Crops November 22-24, 2012 19
Division of Agricultural Economics
Agricultural Research Planning and Impact Assessment August 17 to 25
September 6, 2012
Division of Agricultural Engineering
Motor Winding for Entrepreneurs October 3-12, 2012 10
February 18 -27, 2013 10
Project Formulation, Risk Assessment, Scientific Report Writing and Presentation November 11-15, 2012 18
March 12-16, 2013 19
Division of Agricultural Extension
Enhancing Motivation for High Job Performance May 18-21, 2012 24
October 4-6, 2012 25
January 7-9, 2013 22
January 14-16, 2013 20
Life Skills and Leadership Development July 19-23, 2012 20
January 29
February 1, 2013 22
Experiential Learning Andragogical Methods for Developing September 11- 23
Entrepreneurial Human Resource October 1, 2012
Information and Communication Technology Application October 12-19, 2012 24
Emerging Paradigms of Competencies in Context of Changing Agricultural Scenario January 3-23, 2013 24
Division of Agricultural Physics
EDUSAT Based off Campus Training Programme on Remote Sensing, GIS and GPS August 6- 18
October 17, 2012
Assessment of Soil-Plant-Atmosphere System for Improving Resource September 4-11, 2012 20
Use Efficiency in Agriculture
Dspace Admin Training September 10-11, 2012 20
Advances in Spectrometry for Earth Remote Sensing December 3-4, 2012 30
Koha LMS Training December 12-13, 2012 10
December 19-20, 2012 13
Hyperspectral Remote Sensing for Agriculture February 18-27, 2013 25
Dspace User Training June 25-26, 2012 20
Division of Biochemistry
Current Biochemical & Molecular Techniques for Nutritional Enhancement and November 1- 21, 2012 20
Stress Tolerance in Crop Plants
CESCRA
Role of Environment Resources in Determining Agriculture Productivity September 14-21, 2012 20
142
Safe Use of Radioisotopes and Radiations December 6-7, 2012 12
Management of Emerging Environment Problem for Enhancing Agriculture Productivity December 17-24, 2012 20
Division of Fruits and Horticultural Technology
Good Agricultural Practices in Production of Horticulture March 10-18, 2013 20
Division of Floriculture and Landscaping
Rose Floral Arrangements January 24, 2013 50
Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights March 21, 2013 100
Dry Flower Making October 10, 2012 50
October 27, 2012
November 17, 2012
Division of Nematology
Microbial Bio-Agents and Entomopathogenic Nematodes for Management for October 26 –
Agriculturally Important Pests November 2, 2012
Division of Plant Pathology
Mushroom Cultivation October 15-20, 2012 42
Genomics and Diagnosis of Emerging Phytopathogens in Indian Agriculture October 3-23, 2012 20
Division of Post Harvest Technology
Soynut: Processing and Packaging December 13-15, 2012 8
Post Harvest Management and Value Addition of Horticultural Produce for Export March 12-16, 2013 15
Division of Seed Science and Technology
Seed Quality Assurance July 24-28, 2012 25
August 17-24, 2012 25
Seed Production and Quality Evaluation February 11-24, 2013 9
Quality Seed Production March 23-25, 2013 50
Seed Production of Field Crops March 28, 2012 30
Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
Soil Testing, Plant Analysis and Water Quality Assessment September 4-24, 2012 20
Water Technology Centre
Water Saving Technologies September 28, 2012 952
Sugarcane Cultivation Through Micro-irrigation October 3, 2012 145
Micro-irrigation for Livelihood Improvement January 10, 2013 152
Centre for Protected Cultivation and Technology
Advances in Micro-irrigation and Fertigation November 5-25, 2012 25
Protected Cultivation Technology for Horticulture Crops August 16-18, 2012 25
August 21-25, 2012 25
August 27- 19
September 2, 2012
September 3-9, 2012 23
September 8-9, 2012 30
September 11-14, 2012 30
March 14-16, 2013 20
Name of the training programme Date Number of trainees
143
IARI Regional Station, Pusa, Bihar
Quality Seed Production and Seed Certification March 17-26, 2013 47
IARI Regional Station (Cereals & Horticultural Crops), Amartara Cottage, Shimla
Preparation of Bordeaux Mixture and Application October 1, 2012 15
Seed Stratification Techniques in Apple October 6, 2012 25
Package of Practices of Strawberry Cultivation February 16, 2013 25
Regional Station, Karnal
Control of Diseases and Insect Pests in Paddy Crop September 21, 2012 60
Beej Utpadan Dwara Udyamsheelta February 20-22, 2013 20
AKMU (Formerly USI), IARI
Applications of Bioinformatics Tools in Agricultural Research March 11-13. 2013 25
CATAT
Organic Farming, Vermi-Compost, Mustard, Wheat and Rabi Vegetables October 24, 2012 24
Grading, Packing and Post Harvest Management October 30, 2012 25
Pre-Seasonal Rabi Crops and High Tech Agri. Horticulture November 6-7, 2012 25
Diversification on Agriculture due to Climate Change November 16, 2012 27
Skill Development Training and Exposure Visit
Safe and Judicious use of Chemicals for Food Safety and Quality Reference to January 7, 2013 20
Food Standards and Other Certificates
Preservation of Fruits and Vegetables January 8, 2013 25
Use and Benefit of Sprinkler and Drip Irrigation System and Use of Net and January 15, 2013 25
Green House in Agri-Horticulture
High Tech Agriculture/ Pre-Seasonal Zaid /Kharif Crop January 29- 30, 2013 25
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and its Certification February 5, 2013 24
Improved Agricultural Technologies for Higher Productivity and Income January 21-30, 2013 24
February 21-28, 2013 24
March 12-18, 2013 25
Tips and Strategy for Effective Extension February 12, 2013 24
8.2 INFORMATION AND DATABASE
8.2.1 Bioinformatics & Agri-informatics
A computational study was undertaken to identify
the structure and function of Pi-ta Blast resistance
protein (Accession:- Q9AY26) and its comparative
analysis with Pi-ta Blast susceptible protein. The
susceptible protein sequence was generated by
mutating the 918th position in blast resistance protein
Name of the training programme Date Number of trainees
sequence by replacing 918th alanine(A) with serine(S).
The physio-chemical properties of resistant and
susceptible protein for blast disease were derived which
showed the differences in molecular weight, Aliphatic
index and GRAVY. Tertiary structural alignment of both
the proteins showed a significant difference in the
structure of these two proteins. It was also observed
that there was a major difference in the altered active
site/ pocket area and volume of the two protein
144
structures and difference in cleavage site for the both
sequences. The study clearly indicated that changing a
single residue ,i.e., alanine by serine, caused mutation
from resistant strain to susceptible strain for blast
disease.
Content management and updation of the website
was carried out. Various crop genomic and proteomic
data was integrated on the website. The content of the
site was also made inter-operatable with RKMP and
wheat informatics databases.
A stand alone scientist information system (SIS)
was developed using SQL server as back end tool for
database storage and ASP .net as front end tool for
application development.
The SMS facility helped the registered farmers by
providing the general information regarding the rice
cultivation practice and disease management.
8.2.2 Consortium for e-Resources inAgriculture (CeRA)
Nearly 2424 on line journals are available for full
text from nine publishers. In addition to on-line access,
the library is providing document delivery services to
143 institutions (including SAU’s) under NARS.
Photocopies of 4299 articles were provided from the
holdings of library.Three hundred fifty articles were
received from different institutes and delivered to
concerned students and faculty.
Under the NAIP subproject on CeRA, the website
developed at IARI was updated with the latest
information. Under CeRA, 18 awareness cum
monitoring workshops covering 25 institutions under
NARS were organized.
8.2.3 Rice Knowledge Management Portal(RKMP)
Based on the end users feedback, the RKMP portal
of IARI was updated for northern region. Rice
bioinformatics related activities were also added in this
portal which enable proteomic annotation including
rice protein chain, color, molecular composition, amino
acid composition, etc.
8.2.4 e-Granth: Strengthening of DigitalLibrary and Information Management underNARS
As a subcomponent of ICDS (Information and
communication and dissemination System) of
component – I of NAIP, e-Granth was started from May
2009 with 12 Libraries of ICAR Institutes and SAUs’ as
consortia partners and IARI as the lead center. Under
the project, 574 books were directly catalogued in
WorldCat through Connextion Software of Online
Computer Library Center (OCLC) which are accessible
in WorldCat (catalogue of 71,000 libraries of the world).
IARI Library is also selected to digitize important
institutional repositories including old and rare
publications and 15,66,624 pages were scanned during
the reported period. 6672 publications were uploaded
in KrishiKosh.
8.3. LIBRARY SERVICES
IARI Library is one of the largest and the finest
agro- biological libraries in South East Asia housing
large collection of publications including books/
monographs, journals, reports, bulletins, post
graduate theses and other reference materials. The
Library functions as the depository of Food and
Agricultural Organization (FAO), and Consultant
Group of International Agricultural Research
(CGIAR) institutes’ publications. Several training
programme/demos were conducted during the
reported period on the aspects of DSpace software,
“KOHA” software, etc.
8.3.1 Acquisition Programme
8.3.1.1 Books
During the period under report, the Library
procured 625 publications which included 168 in Hindi
and 457 in English costing ` 32, 31,918. The Library
also acquired 133 gift publications and 205 PG Students’
theses from IARI and 3 RFT theses.
8.3.1.2 Serials
The Library procured 806 journals/serials through
subscription, gifts and exchanges. It subscribed to 146
145
foreign journals (out of which 17 online access) and
284 Indian journals, advances, and annual reviews.
Exchange relationship was maintained with 67
institutions globally and nationally by sending 185
annual reports, ICAR journals and society publications.
One hundred twenty three annual scientific/technical
reports of different institutions and 64 bulletins were
received in the Library during report period. The
expenditure on serial acquisition from plan and PG
strengthening scheme was ` 1,90,45,554.
8.3.2 Documentation Activities
8.3.2.1 AGRIS Project
IARI Library is declared as an input center for
National Agricultural Research Database (NARD)
under AGRIS Project. The Library is assigned the job
of scanning articles from 10 most important Indian
journals. The input was done in ISO format using
AGRIN methodology. During the reported period, 340
articles were scanned, processed and sent to DKMA,
ICAR for inclusion in AGRIS Index.
8.3.2.2 Development news in agriculture
Four thousand, six hundred twenty two issues
of 14 newspapers were scanned and 30 news items
pertaining to IARI as well as ICAR were sent to
the Directorate, Principal Scientist (PME) and
CATAT.
8.3.2.3 Document processing
In all, 795 documents consisting of 574 books, 156
IARI post-graduate and RFT theses, and 30 Hindi books
were processed (classification and cataloguing). Thirty
five articles were also loaded in KrishiKosh.
8.3.3 Resource Management
8.3.3.1 Reference, circulation and stackmaintenance
Apart from approximately 2000 registered
members, the Library served everyday approximately
125 to 130 users, who consulted about 1500 to 2000
documents. During the period under report, 1986
publications were issued and 1871 publication returned
to its members. In all, 45 documents were issued under
Inter Library Loan System to various institutions.
8.3.4 CD-Rom Workstation
Three prominent international databases on
agricultural aspects were subscribed amounting to `35,76,419 to provide CD-ROM services. Ten user
terminals were provided to users in CD-ROM
workstation of the library. These databases are accessible
to scientists/students/users through LAN. In all, 21,904
references were downloaded by the scientists, students
of IARI and research scholars from all over India. The
cost based references downloaded were 9,904 which
generated a revenue amounting to ` 17,097.
146
An important mandate of the Institute is to generate scientific information, add value to information and
share the information nationally and internationally. Publications in the form of research papers in peer reviewed
journals, books/ book chapters, popular articles, etc. are an integral component of the information system. During
the reported period, the Institute scientists brought out quality publications both in English and Hindi. Apart
from these publications, the Institute brought out several regular and adhoc publications both in English and
Hindi. The details of these publications are given below:
9. PUBLICATIONS
9.1RESEARCH/SYMPOSIA PAPERS
a) Research papers published in international 360journals
b) Research papers published in national 462journals
c) Symposia/conference papers 484
9.2 BOOKS/CHAPTERS IN BOOKSa) Books 39
b) Chapters in books 201
9.3 POPULAR ARTICLES 294
9.4 IN-HOUSE PUBLICATIONS
9.4.1 Regular Publications (English)
● IARI Annual Report 2011-12 (ISSN: 0972-6136)
● IARI NEWS (Quarterly (ISSN: 0972-6144)-4 issues
● IARI Current Events (Monthly)-12 issues
(Available only on IARI website)
9.4.2 Technical Publications (English)
● A Guide Book of Global Climate Change (ISBN 978-
81-88708-88-8)
● Edible Oilseeds Supply and Demand Scenario in
India: Implications for Policy (ISBN 978-81-88708-
90-1)
● Evaluation Report on Watershed Development
Programme (DPAP & IWDP) in Selected Districts
of Uttar Pradesh (ISBN 978-81-88708-91-8)
● Enhancing Water Productivity in Agriculture
(ISBN 978-81-88708-92-5)
● Five Decades of Research in Agricultural Physics
(ISBN 978-81-88708-93-2)
● A Practical Manual of Analytical Methods for Soil
and Plant Samples from Agronomy Field
Experiments ( ISBN 978-81-88708-94-9)
● A Practical Manual on Principles and Practices of
Managing Soil and Field Crops (ISBN 978-81-
88708-95-6)
● The Insight of Green Education (ISBN 978-81-
88708-96-3)
● Dual Purpose Summer Mungbean for Sustaining
Rice-Wheat Cropping System (TB-ICN: 93/2012)
● IARI Vegetable Hybrids for Nutrition and Profit
(TB-ICN: 94/2012)
● Assessment of Soil-Plant-Atmosphere System for
Improving Resource Use Efficiency in Agriculture
(TB-ICN: 95/2012)
● Management of Storage Pest through Modified
Atmosphere Technology (TB-ICN: 96/2012)
● Developing Understanding on the Role of
Environment Resources in Determining
Agriculture Productivity (TB-ICN: 97/2012)
● Genomics and Diagnosis of Emerging
Phytopathogens in Indian Agriculture (TB-ICN:
98/2012)
● Pusa Basmati Rices-India’s Pride A Saga of Success
(TB-ICN: 99/2012)
147
● Crop Residues Management with ConservationAgriculture: Potential, Constraints and PolicyNeeds (TB-ICN: 100/2012)
● Pusa Hydrogel-An Indigenous Semi syntheticSuperabsorbent Technology for Conserving Waterand Enhancing Crop Productivity (TB-ICN: 101/2012)
● Water Management Technologies for SustainableAgriculture (TB-ICN: 102/2012)
● Management of Emerging EnvironmentalProblems for Enhancing Agricultural Productivity(TB-ICN: 103/2012)
● Breeding for High Productivity and IndustrySuitable Food Colourants and Bioactive HealthCompounds in Vegetable Crops- Conventionaland Hi-Tech Cutting Edge Approaches (TB-ICN:104/2012)
● Selected Topics in Chemistry for Post-GraduateStudents of Agronomy (TB-ICN: 107/2012)
● Vegetable Seed Production Techniques and Post-Harvest Handling of Seeds (TB-ICN: 108/2013)
● Entrepreneurship Development Through SeedProduction (TB-ICN: 109/2013)
● Year-round Cultivation of Baby Corn through DripIrrigation (TB-ICN: 110/2013)
● Processing of Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Data(TB-ICN: 111/2013)
● Protocals for Analysis of Antioxidants andFunctional Quality in Food (Part-1) (TB-ICN: 112/2013)
● Manual on Air Quality Analysis (TB-ICN: 113/2013)
● GAP in Production of Horticultural Crops (TB-ICN: 114/2013)
● Turf Grasses (TB-ICN: 115/2013)
9.4.3 fu;fer izdk’ku ¼fgUnh½
◆ okf"kZd fjiksVZ 2011&12 (ISSN 0972-7299)
◆ iwlk lekpkj ¼=Sekfld½ (ISSN 0972-7280)
◆ iwlk lqjfHk ¼okf"kZd½◆ izlkj nwr ¼f}ekfld½◆ lkef;dh ¼ekfld½ ¼dsoy laLFkku dh osCklkbV ij miyC/k½
9.4.4 rduhdh izdk’ku ¼fgUnh½
◆ Qlyksa esa lw=Ñfe jksx ,oa mudk izca/ku (ICN : H-120
/2012)
◆ tSo moZjd (ICN : H-121 /2012)
◆ tM+xkaB lw=Ñfe feykbMksxkbuh xzsfefudkyk % /kku dk,d eq[; ihM+d (ICN : H-123/2012)
◆ fVdkm [ksrh ds fy, ty izca/ku izkS|ksfxfd;ka (ICN : H-
124 /2012)
◆ chtksRiknu }kjk m|e’khyrk (ICN : H-125 /2013)
◆ Qyo`{kksa dh l?ku ckxokuh (ICN : H-126 /2013)
◆ Ñf"k e’khuhdj.k] mi;ksxh ;a=] mudk j[kj[kko ,oamiyC/krk (ICN : H-127 /2013)
◆ mUur cht % [kq’kgky fdlku (ICN : H-128 /2013)
◆ Ñf"k esa mUur ty izca/ku (ISBN 978-81-88708-89-5)
148
The mandate of the Institute Technology Management Unit (ITMU) relates to registration of patents, facilitation
of contract research projects and consultancies by the Institute scientists, intellectual property rights, and interaction
with the agri-business industry. During the period, the ITMU organised the following activities:
10. COMMERCIALIZATION AND IPR ACTIVITIES
10.1 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYRIGHTS
A. Patents Filed
1. Carotinoid rich composition and process of its
preparation (Dr. Charanjit Kaur, Division of Post
Harvest Technology).
2. Heat stable anthocyanin rich composition and
process of its preparation (Dr. Charanjit Kaur,
Division of Post Harvest Technology).
3. Anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial di-aryl-
indazol-3-ols and their method of preparation
thereof (Dr. N. A. Shakil, Division of Agricultural
Chemicals).
4. Development of polymeric formulations of
bioactive molecules and method of preparation
thereof (Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Division of
Agricultural Chemicals).
5. Amphiphilic polymers based slow release nano
formulations of -carotene and method of
preparation thereof (Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Division
of Agricultural Chemicals).
6. A cross flow flexible membrane filtration
assembly for small processing volume (Dr. Gopal
P. Agarwal, Indian Institute of Technology,
New Delhi).
B. Patents Renewed
1. A process for the preparation of Mosquito
Larvicidal Formulations based on Rabdosia
Melissoides Ingredients (Dr. B.S.Parmar and Dr.
Lalit Kumar, Division of Agricultural
Chemicals).
2. Process for the preparation of Mono/Di/Polyol Ester
Pesticides (Dr. Suresh Walia and Others, Division
of Agricultural Chemicals).
3. Process for the preparation of Pesticidal Oxime
Esters (Dr. Suresh Walia and Dr B.S. Parmar,
Division of Agricultural Chemicals).
4. A hyper-spectral data analyzing method for
characterization and discrimination of natural/
man-made resources from air borne platforms
(Dr. Ravinder Kaur, Division of Environmental
Sciences).
5. Polymeric seed coats based on bioactive
botanicals (Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Division of
Agricultural Chemicals).
6. Efficient process for the preparation of Neem based
Reduced Azadirachtin(s) Pesticides (Dr. Suresh
Walia and Others, Division of Agricultural
Chemicals).
7. Synthetic gene encoding Cry1Fa 1-endotoxin of
Bacillus thuringiensis (Dr. P. Ananda Kumar, NRCPB).
8. Synthetic gene encoding a chimeric -endotoxin
of Bacillus thuringiensis (Dr. P. Ananda Kumar,
NRCPB).
9. Biopesticidal formulation with improved shelf
life and the process of preparation (Dr. Prem
Dureja and others, Division of Agricultural
Chemicals).
C. Trademark Filed
Trademark application has been filed for PUSA in
eight different classes.
149
10.2 TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZED
A. Memoranda of Understanding Signed
D. Varieties Protected under PPV&FRA
Sl. No. Crop Variety Type of Variety Application No. Date of Filing Principal Inventor
1. Brinjal Pusa Upkar Extant REG/2012/90 03.04.2012 Dr. Pritam Kalia
Division of Vegetable Science
2. Brinjal Pusa Uttam Extant REG/2012/91 03.04.2012 Dr. Pritam Kalia
Division of Vegetable Science
3. Tomato Pusa Hybrid-8 Extant REG/2012/92 03.04.2012 Dr. Pritam Kalia
Division of Vegetable Science
4. Rice Pusa Basmati 1509 New REG/2012/154 09.05.2012 Dr. A K Singh
(IET 21959) Division of Genetics
5. Wheat HD CSW 16 New REG/2012/389 03.9.2012 Dr. Rajbir Yadav
Division of Genetics
6. Wheat HD CSW 18 New REG/2012/390 03.9.2012 Dr. Rajbir Yadav
Division of Genetics
7. Chickpea Pusa Green 112 New REG/2012/414 24.9.2012 Dr. J. Kumar
Division of Genetics
8. Chickpea Pusa 2085 New REG/2012/415 24.9.2012 Dr. J. Kumar
Division of Genetics
Fifteen MoUs signed during the year under report
with twelve private partners generating a revenue of
` 33.36 Lakh.
Sl.No Technologies Companies Date of MoU Revenue
Generated (`)
1. Nano formulations of bioactive molecules M/s Aegis Agro Chemicals India Pvt Ltd, 24.01.2013 5,00,000
i.e., Carbofuran and Azadirachtin A Hyderabad
2. VAM Technology M/s Bharat Agro Molecules Ltd, Meerut 24.01.2013 50,000
3. Nano formulations of bioactive molecules M/s Insecticides (India) Limited, Delhi 6.12.2012 5,00,000
i.e., Imidacloprid and PEG based surfactants
4. Maize Hybrid PEEHM 5 M/s Sampoorna Seeds 27.11. 2012 3,00,000
5. Embedded Dry Flower Technology Mrs Poonam Qamra 22.09.2012 25,000
6. Rice Hybrid HI 1544 M/s Syngenta India Ltd, Pune 18.09.2012 70,000
7. Pusa Pearl Puff M/s Devesh Foods & Agro 5.09.2012 1,00,000
Products Pvt. Ltd
8. Vegetable Varieties (Cauliflower: Pusa M/s Nuziveedu Seeds 5.09.2012 36,000
Hybrid-2 & Kartik Shankar; Carrot: Pusa
Rudhira ; Cucumber: Pusa Sanjog)
9. Pusa Nutri Cookies M/s Gold Win Agro Foods Pvt. Ltd 5.09.2012 50,000
MoUs signed
150
B. Consultancies /Contract ResearchProposals/ Agreements
1. Contract Research Project on “To study the Bio-efficacy of insecticide incorporated insect-proof netas a cladding material for different protectedstructures to ward off major sucking insect & pestsfor cultivation of important vegetables andflowers” for Vestergaard Frandsen Group (Dr. RajKumar, CPCT).
2. Contract Research Project on “Validating theefficacy of solo clodinafop-propargye and itscombination and sequencial application withother herbicides, and in combination withadjuvants against the resistant Phalaris 1minorsRetz populations/biotypes” for SyngentaIndia Ltd., Mumbai (Dr. T. K. Das, Division ofAgronomy).
3. Contract Research Project on “Management of Riceand Brinjal diseases through bioproducts- Biogoldand MC TEC-2” for M/s. Jai Shree Rasayan UdyogLimited, Delhi (Dr. Pratibha Sharma, Division ofPlant Pathology).
4. Consultancy on “Proposal to impart training incapacity development on Plant Protection forMinistry of Agriculture, Irrigation of livestock ofIslamic Republic of Afghanistan” for UNDP(Dr. R.K. Jain, Project Co-ordinator, Division ofNematology).
10. Event 142 (Brinjal Variety) carrying Cry1Fa1 gene Bejo Sheetal Seeds Pvt. Ltd., Jalna 24.08.2012 (2nd Renewal
Agreement)
11. Soil Test Fertilizer Recommendation M/s Systronics (India) Ltd., Ahmedabad 23.07.2012 10,00,000
Meter (STFR)
12. Animal Feed Block Making Machine M/s Perfect Hydro Machines, Haryana 13.07.2012 5,00,000
13. Chickpea varieties Pusa 256, Pusa 372, M/s Sungro Seeds Limited, Mumbai 03.05.2012 For collabora-
Pusa Dharwar Pragati (BGD 72), tive research
Pusa 1053 (Kabuli), Pusa 1088 (Kabuli),
Pusa 1103, Pusa 1105 (Kabuli),
Pusa 1108 (Kabuli), Pusa Shubra
(BGD 128) (Kabuli), Pusa 547 and
(BGM 547)
14. Rice hybrid Pusa RH 10 M/s Delta Agrigenetics Pvt Ltd. 19.04.2012 1,80,000
15. Pusa Fruit Drink M/s Shankar Amrit, Muzaffarpur 12.04.2012 25,000
5. Consultancy for “Economic feasibility study on
identification of investment opportunities in
Kenya, Malawi and Mozambique for cultivationof pulses” for State Trading Corporation of
India Ltd, New Delhi (Dr. I Sekar, Division of
Agricultural Economics).
6. Contract Service on “Supervised field trials on
residue and persistence of Tebuconazole 430 SC
on Cabbage” for M/s Bayer Crop Science Ltd, BayerHouse, Mumbai, (Dr. K.K. Sharma, Division of
Agricultural Chemicals).
7. Contract Service on “Supervised field trials on
residue and persistence of Spiromesifen 240 SC on
Cucumber” for M/s Bayer Crop Science Ltd, Bayer
House, Mumbai, (Dr. K.K. Sharma, Division ofAgricultural Chemicals).
8. Contract Service on “Supervised field trials on
residue and persistence of Flubendiamide 480 SC
on Okra” for M/s Bayer Crop Science Ltd, Bayer
House, Mumbai, (Dr. K.K. Sharma, Division of
Agricultural Chemicals).
9. Contract Service on “Supervised field trials on
residue and persistence of Picoxystrobin 7.5%
+ Propiconazole 12.5% w/w SC in Wheat”
for M/s E.I. Dupont, 7th Floor, Tower C, Sec-25
A, DLF City Phase-III, Gurgaon – 122001
(Dr. K. K. Sharma, Division of AgriculturalChemicals).
151
10.3 OTHER ACTIVITIES
A. Technology Promotional Events
1. Meets Organized/Participated
Field day for Pearl Millet was organized on
September 27, 2012 at IARI for showcasing Pearl
Millet varieties & hybrid lines. Over thirty
participants including people from industry attended
the meet.
The Unit actively participated in the following
events: IARI Krishi Vigyan Mela; National Innovation
Foundation Award Ceremony cum Exhibition at
Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi, March 7, 2013;
Floriculture Field day at IARI, March 4-5, 2013; Indian
Seed Congress at Gurgaon, February 8, 2013;
Vegetable Field day at IARI, January, 2013; Plant
Genome Savior Community Award, New Delhi, May
21, 2012; Seed Business workshop organized by BAU
Ranchi at Shinghbhum, Jharkhand, June 2, 2012; Zonal
(Eastern) CII-ICAR Industry Meet at Central
Agricultural University, Lembucherra, Agartala, July
3, 2012; Manufacturers Meet, Division of Agricultural
Engineering at IARI; CII-ICAR Industry Meet
(Regional) at Hisar, September 4, 2012; National
Convention- The Next Frontier of Agri-Business and
Technology- Agri Asia at Gandhinagar, September 3-
6, 2012; Krishi Mela organized by BeejIndia and Tara
Health Foods Ltd. at Punjab, September 24, 2012; CII-
ICAR Industry Meet (Regional) held on 16 and 25
April, 2012 at Ahmedabad and Coimbatore,
respectively.
2. Entrepreneurship Development Programme(EDP)
An Entrepreneurship Development Programme
was conducted on “Microbial Bio-Pesticides
Technology” during March 19-22, 2013. Twenty
seven participants from four states participated in
this programme. ZTM & BPD unit coordinated the
fund matching activity during this EDP.
Representatives from National Centre of
Organic Farming (NCOF), Ministry of Agriculture
(Govt. of India), National Bank for Agriculture
(NABARD), Union Bank and Bank of Maharashtra
participated.
3. Corporate Membership
Continuous interaction with the industry and
the entrepreneurial community has resulted in the
development of a network of corporate members.
159 corporate members were registered with BPD
Unit during the period under report making a total
of 366.
4. Revenue Generated
A revenue of `45.88 Lakh was generated during
the financial year 2012-13 by commercialization
of technology, corporate membership and
Entrepreneurship Development Programme.
5. New Initiatives
Technology bank: A repository of information
was developed in the format of Technology Bank on
EDP on Microbial Bio-pesticides
List of technologies available for commercialization
152
about 250 IARI technologies,which are ready for
commercialization.
Zonal technology bank: A total of 310 technologies
of North Zone-1 were evaluated. Out of which 57
technologies were prioritized for commercialization.
Invention disclosure form: To expedite the process
of IP management, an invention disclosure form was
developed by ZTM & BPD Unit for the use of scientists/
inventors.
Profile on social websites: Developed an
interactive page on social website at https://
www.facebook.com/pages/ZTM-BPD-Unit-IARI-
New Delhi/411951285493735?fref=ts
153
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute has
linkages with various national and international
institutes/organizations.At national level the Institute
has close linkages with almost all annual crop and
horticultural crop research institutes, centres, project
directorates, coordinated projects as well as a few other
selected institutes of the ICAR. Similar linkages exist
for natural resource and socio-economic research
institutes. Collaboration exists with almost all state
agricultural universities (SAUs), selected conventional
universities, several of the institutes of the CSIR and
departments of Ministry of Science and Technology
such as the Departments of Biotechnology, Space
Research, Meteorology, and several other ministries/
departments/organizations of the Government of
India.
At the international level, the Institute has close
linkages with some of the CGIAR’s international
agricultural research centres (IARCs), viz., ICRISAT,
CIMMYT, IRRI, and ICARDA. It also has linkages with
other international organizations, viz., FAO, IAEA,
USAID, UNDP, WMO, UNIDO and UNEP. Several
bilateral research linkages involving developed and
11. LINKAGES AND COLLABORATION
Name of funding agency
Within India
DBT, DST, ICAR,CPRI (Mini Mission - HP),
CSIR, NCPA, Ministry of Water Resources,
Ministry of Environments & Forest, MoFPI,
Basmati Export Development Foundation,
DAC, DWR, DRDO, SAC, NABARD, NRDC,
BARC, PPV&FRA NFBSFARA (ICAR), NAIP
(ICAR), etc.
Revolving Fund, National Fellow Scheme of
ICAR and ICAR Niche Area Project
Outside India
IPNI India Programme, USAID, UKIERI,
CIMMYT, University of Sydney, Indo-
Australian Programme
No. of projects
159
06
05
developing countries also exist. These include linkages
with USDA, selected universities in USA, Canada,
Australia, World Bank, Rockfeller Foundation,
European Commission, JAICA, JIRC, JSPS, ACIAR,
AVRDC (Taiwan), etc.
The number of externally funded projects in
operation during the period from 1.4.2012 to 31.3.2013
are given below:
154
● Dr. K. V. Prabhu, Head, Division of Genetics
received (i) Borlaug Award for the year 2012 by
Coromandel International and (ii) Certificate of
Honor by Government of Punjab and Young
Farmers’ Association.
● Dr. Ravender Singh, Head, Division of Agricultural
Physics was selected Fellow of the National
Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
● Dr. T. Janakiram, Head, Division of Floriculture and
Landscaping was nominated Fellow of the
Confederation of Horticultural Associations of
India.
● Dr. P. Kalia, Head, Division of Vegetable Science
was nominated (i) Secretary of the Horticultural
Society of India and (ii) Fellow of ISVS.
● Dr. Jagdish Kumar, Head, IARI Regional Station,
Wellington received Shri V.P. Gokhale Prize of
Agharkar Research Institute, Pune.
● Drs. A.N. Mishra, S.V. Sai Prasad, A.K. Singh, M.Y.
Samdur, S.R. Kantwa, H.N. Pandey, P.K. Verma
IARI Regional Station, Indore received ICAR
Award for outstanding Inter-disciplinary Team
Research in Agriculture and Allied Sciences 2009–
2010.
● Dr. H.Chandrasekharan, Incharge, AKMU
(formerly USI) received Certificate of Appreciation
from NAIP for outstanding work on e-journal
accessibility in CeRA.
● Dr. Y.S. Shivay, Principal Scientist, Division of
Agronomy received FAI Golden Jubilee Award.
● Dr. Shiva Dhar, Senior Scientist, Division of
Agronomy was selected for Common Wealth
Academic Staff Fellowship, Harpenden, UK.
● Dr. Supradip Saha, Senior Scientist, Division of
Agricultural Chemicals was selected for NAAS
Associateship.
● Dr. S.D. Singh, Professor and Dr. S.Prasad, Senior
Scientist, CESCRA received Aryabhatt Samman by
the Vigyan Bharati, NPL.
● Dr. D. Chakraborty, Senior Scientist, Division of
Agricultural Physics awarded Rothamsted
International Post Doctoral Award.
● Dr. A. K. Singh, Professor, Division of Genetics
received (i) Borlaug Award for the year 2012 by
Coromandel International and (ii) Certificate of
Appreciation, NAIP for outstanding contribution
in model translational research.
● Dr. Partha Saha, Scientist, Division of Vegetable
Sciences received Dwarika Nath Memorial Gold
Medal Award.
● Dr. K.V. Prasad, Principal Scientist, Division of
Floriculture and Landscaping received
Horticultural Society of India (HSI) Gold Medal in
Floriculture.
● Dr. A.K Mishra, Scientist, AKMU (formerly USI)
received Award from Society of Information
Technology Professionals.
● Dr. T.K. Dutta, Scientist, Division of Nematology
was conferred with Crop Protection Young
Scientist Award.
● Dr. C. Viswanathan, Principal Scientist & Dr.
Lekshmy, S., Scientist, Division of Plant Physiology
received J.J. Chinoy Gold Medal.
● Dr. Vijay Paul, Principal Scientist & Dr. Rakesh
Pandey, Senior Scientist, Division of Plant
Physiology received Aryabhat Samman.
● Dr. K. Annapurna, Principal Scientist, Division
of Microbiology was nominated Member of
International Advisory Board of Asian PGPR Society.
● Dr A.K. Patra, Principal Scientist, Division of Soil
Science and Agricultural Chemistry received Rajiv
Gandhi Excellence Award.
12. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
155
● Dr. D.R. Biswas, Senior Scientist, Division of Soil
Science and Agricultural Chemistry received
World Phosphate Institute – Fertilizer Association
of India Award.
● Dr. T.B.S. Rajput, Principal Scientist, Water
Technology Centre received (i) Dr. C. Subramanian
Outstanding Teacher Award, (ii) Student Incentive
Award and (iii) Fellow of National Academy of
Agricultural Sciences.
● Dr. N.R. Prasannakumar, Scientist, IARI, Regional
Station, Katrain was awarded Dr. S. Pradhan Medal.
● In addition, a number of our scientists were
recognized by their peer groups by electing/
nominating to various positions in the societies
and governmental and inter-governmental
committees. The Institute won the First Prize
under the ICAR Rajrishi Tandon Rajbhasa Puraskar
for the year 2011-12 and Second Prize for
Institute’s Annual Rajbhasa Patrika ‘Pusa Surbhi’
under ‘Ganesh Shankar Vidhyarathi Hindi Krishi Patrika
Puraskar Yojna’ for the year 2011-12.
156
Statement showing Budget Estimates (B.E.) & Revised Estimates (R.E.) for the year 2012—13 and Budget Estimates for 2013-14 under Plan
`̀̀̀̀ in lakhs
Sl.No. Name of the Head Plan up to March, 2013
B.E. 2012-13 R.E. 2012-13 B.E. 2013-14
Grants for creation of Capital Assets (CAPITAL)
1 Works
(A) Land
(B) Building
i. Office building 2410.00 950.00 1410.00
ii. Residential building
iii. Minors Works
2 Equipments 1247.74 775.00 1200.00
3 Information & Technology
4 Library Books & Journal 250.00 250.00 299.99
5 Vehicles & Vessels
6 Livestock
7 Furniture & Fixtures 100.00 50.00
8 Others
A Total- CAPITAL (Grants for creation of Capital Assets) 4007.74 1975.00 2959.99
Grants in Aid-Salaries (REVENUE)
1 Establishment Expenses
(A) Salary
i. Establishment charges
ii. Wages
iii. Overtime allowance
(B) Loan & Advances
Total-Establishment Expenses(Grants in Aid-Salaries) 0.00 0.00 0.00
Grants in Aid-General (REVENUE)
1 Pension & Other Retirement Benefits 0.00
2 Travelling Allowance
A. Domestic/Transfer T.A. 118.00 82.20 103.66
B. Foreign T.A
Total-Travelling Allowance 118.00 82.20 103.66
3 Research & Operational Expenses
A. Research Expenses 325.00 567.69 600.00
B. Operational Expenses 300.00 227.22 250.00
Total Research & Operational Expenses 625.00 794.91 850.00
13. BUDGET ESTIMATES
157
4 Administrative Expenses
A Infrastructure 399.92 300.00
B Communication 4.42 0.00
C Repair & Maintenance
i. Equipments, Vehicles & Others 1000.00 146.52 150.00
ii. Office building
iii. Residential building
iv. Minor Works
D Others (exc.TA) 324.70 241.19 260.00
Total-Administrative Expenses 1324.70 792.05 710.00
5 Miscellaneous Expenses
A HRD 50.00 10.10 40.00
B Other Items (Fellowship) Provision for OBC 400.00 233.40 300.00
C Publicity & Exhibitions
D Guest House-Maintenance
E Other Miscellaneous. 203.00 62.34 100.00
Total -Miscellaneous Expenses 653.00 305.84 440.00
Total Grants in Aid-General 2720.70 1975.00 2103.66
B Total Revenue (Grants in Aid-Salaries + Grants in
Aid-General) 2720.70 1975.00 2103.66
GRAND TOTAL (CAPITAL + REVENUE) 6728.44 3950.00 5063.65
* Tribal Sub Plan 29.05 20.00 30.61
* NEH 80.00 30.00 66.71
Total (CAPITAL+REVENUE+TSP+NEH) 6837.49 4000.00 5160.97
Statement showing Budget Estimates & Revised Estimates for the year 2012-13 and Budget Estimates for 2013-14 underNon-Plan
`̀̀̀̀ in lakhs
Sl.No. Name of the Head Non-Plan up to March, 2013
B.E.2012-13 R.E.2012-13 B.E.2013-14
Grants for creation of Capital Assets (CAPITAL)
1 Works
(A) Land
(B) Building
i. Office building
ii. Residential building
iii. Minors Works
2 Equipments 60.00 315.00 40.00
3 Information & Technology
4 Library Books & Journal 2.00 4.00 3.00
5 Vehicles & Vessels
6 Livestock 8.00 0.00
7 Furniture & Fixtures 81.00 30.00
8 Others
A Total- CAPITAL (Grants for creation of Capital Assets) 70.00 400.00 73.00
Grants in Aid-Salaries (REVENUE)
1 Establishment Expenses
158
(A)Salary
i. Establishment charges 12375.00 12775.00 13300.00
ii. Wages
iii. Overtime allowance 4.00 4.00 4.00
(B) Loan & Advances 11.00 16.00 17.00
Total-Establishment Expenses(Grants in Aid-Salaries) 12390.00 12795.00 13321.00
Grants in Aid-General (REVENUE)
1 Pension & Other Retirement Benefits 9900.00 9000.00 9261.45
2 Travelling Allowance
A. Domestic/Transfer T.A. 25.00 35.00 38.00
B. Foreign T.A
Total-Travelling Allowance 25.00 35.00 38.00
3 Research & Operational Expenses
A. Research Expenses 200.00 230.00 200.00
B. Operational Expenses 275.00 195.00 280.00
Total Research & Operational Expenses 475.00 425.00 480.00
4 Administrative Expenses
A Infrastructure 1500.00 1675.00 1500.00
B Communication 37.00 37.00 40.00
C Repair & Maintenance
i. Equipments, Vehicles & Others 341.00 200.00 120.00
ii. Office building 600.00 1226.10 550.00
iii. Residential building 350.00 457.45 300.00
iv. Minor Works 180.00 248.90 170.00
D Others (exc.TA) 515.00 702.55 700.00
Total-Administrative Expenses 3523.00 4547.00 3380.00
5 Miscellaneous Expenses
A HRD 2.00 2.00
B Other Items(fellowships) 300.00 173.42 250.00
C Publicity & Exhibitions 25.00 6.60 15.00
D Guest House-Maintenance 50.00 53.40 50.00
E Other Miscellaneous 250.00 244.36 204.55
Total -Miscellaneous Expenses 627.00 479.78 519.55
Total Grants in Aid-General 14550.00 14486.78 13679.00
B Total Revenue (Grants in Aid-Salaries + Grants 26940.00 27281.78 27000.00
in Aid-General)
GRAND TOTAL (CAPITAL + REVENUE) 27010.00 27681.78 27073.00
159
Category No. of posts
Sanctioned Filled
Direct By
Recruitment Assessment Total
A. SCIENTIFIC STAFF
1) Research Management Personnel 6 4 - 4
2) Principal Scientist 65 43 140 183
3) Senior Scientist/Scientist (S.G.) 170 95 4 0 135
4) Scientist 337 272* - 92
Total 578 414 414
B. TECHNICAL STAFF
1) Category III 2 3 17
2) Category II 294 256
3) Category I 381 316
4) Auxiliary 1 1
Total 699 590
C. ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
1) Group A 18 15
2) Group B 276 203
3) Group C 163 145
Total 457 366**
D. SKILLED SUPPORTING STAFF 1307 989
Note: * Out of 272 positions of scientist filled through direct recruitment only 92 are working in the grade of Scientist. The remaining 180 scientists (i.e. 140
Principal Scientists & 40 Senior Scientists) have been promoted as Principal Scientist and Senior Scientist through assessment.
** Three vacancies are excess filled i.e., CF & AO, Security Officer, and Assistant Manager (Canteen).
14. STAFF POSITION(As on 31.03.2013)
160
15.1 OFFICIAL LANGUAGE IMPLE-MENTATION COMMITTEE
An Official Language Implementation Committee
(OLIC) was constituted by the institute under the
chairmanship of Joint Director (Research) and the
Committee ensures compliance of policy and rules of
O.L. Act 1963 and O.L. rules of 1976. All the Joint
Directors, Head of Divisions and Comptroller are ex-
official members of OLIC and Deputy Director (OL) is
its member-secretary. During the period under report,
the meeting of this Committee was organized regularly
in each quarter and necessary suggestions and
instructions were given for promoting the use of Hindi
in various official/research activities and the effective
implementation of Official Language. To ensure follow
up action on the decisions taken in these meetings, sub-
committees were also constituted in different Divisions,
Regional Stations and the Directorate.
15.1.1 Inspection of Progressive Use ofOfficial Language
As per the recommendations of the OLIC and to
achieve the targets fixed in the annual programme of
the Department of Official Language, Ministry of Home
Affairs, Govt. of India, an OL Inspection Committee
was constituted under the chairmanship of Dr. A.K.
Vyas, Head, Division of Agronomy. The Committee
inspected the progressive use of OL in all the Divisions,
Units and sections of the Directorate. The Committee
also visited some of the Regional Stations, namely,
Katrain, Kalimpong, Wellington, Pune and Indore, and
inspected the progressive use of OL. The committee
gave valuable suggestions for making the desired
progress of OL implementation in the concerned
15. OFFICIAL LANGUAGE IMPLEMENTATION
Division/Section/Centre,etc. and submitted inspection
reports.
The Institute’s Inspection Committee was re-
constituted on February 2, 2013 with Dr. R.D. Rai,
Head, Division of Biochemisty as its chair.
15.2 AWARDS AND HONOURS
● The Institute was awarded the First Prize for doingmaximum writing work in Hindi for the year 2011-12 under the ICAR ‘Rajrishi Tandon RajbhasaPuraskar Yojna’ and Second Prize for Institute’sAnnual Rajbhasa Patrika ‘Pusa Surbhi’ under ‘GaneshShankar Vidhyarathi Hindi Krishi Patrika Puraskar Yojna’of ICAR for the year 2011-12 during the Director’sConference organized on March 19, 2013.
● Smt. Seema Chopra, Deputy Director (OL) IARIreceived ‘Aryabhatt Puraskar’ for her outstandingcontributions in popularization of science in Hindi
According to Article 343 of the Constitution, Hindi shall be the Official Language of the Union Government.
To implement the objectives in letters and spirit, IARI is making consistent progress in the use of OL in agricultural
research, education, extension as well as in administration.
Dr. H.S. Gupta, Director and Dr. Malavika Dadlani, Joint Director(Research), IARI receiving Second Prize for the Institute’s AnnualRajbhasa Patrika ‘Pusa Surabhi’ from Prof. M.S. Swaminathan,Chairman, M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation
161
during the Third National Conference onInnovations in Indian Science, Engineering andTechnology 2013 organized by Indian SwadeshiScience Movement, Vigyan Bharti, Delhi fromFebruary 25 to 27, 2013.
15.3 PROMOTION OF THE USE OFHINDI IN OFFICIAL WORK
In order to encourage staff members in different
categories to do maximum work in Hindi, several steps
were taken by the Institute during the year 2012-13.
● One-day workshop was organized for assistants
of administrative cadre of the institute on June 12,
2012 (60 assistants participated).
● Two - day workshop was organized on December
5 and 6, 2012 for technical officers of the institute
on ‘Quality Research Paper Writing in Hindi’ in
which 60 technical officers participated.
● Two - day workshop was organized from January
28 to 29, 2013 for administrative staff of the instituteon ‘Use of Unicode System on Computers’.
15.4 AWARD SCHEMES/COM-PETITIONS
During the year 2012-13 many competitions/award
schemes were also initiated to motivate the employees
of the institute to do their maximum work in Hindi. A
large number of officers and employees of different
categories of staff participated in these activities. The
following activities were organized :
15.4.1 Award Scheme for Doing MaximumOfficial Work in Hindi
This award scheme of the Department of Official
Language, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India
was implemented as per the directives of the
Department and 10 employees of the institute were
given cash awards for doing their maximum official
work in Hindi in the whole year.
15.4.2 Hindi Vyavahar Pratiyogita
Hindi Vyavahar Pratiyogita were organized amongst
the different Divisions and Sections of Directorate
separately and a Division and Section each were
awarded mobile shield for doing maximum work in
Hindi during the whole year. In the period under
report, the Division of Floriculture and Landscaping
amongst the divisions and personnel-II amongst the
sections were given mobile shield.
15.4.3 Rajbhasha Patra Vyavahar Pratiyogita
Rajbhasha Patra Vyavahar Pratiyogita was organized
for promoting maximum correspondence in Hindi. The
Divisions of Nematology and Vegetable Science were
given first and second prize, respectively. The prizes
carry mobile shields.
15.4.4 Awards for Popular Science Writingin Different Journals
A competition for Popular Science Writing was
organized for scientists/technical officers of the
institute and winners were awarded first, second and
third prizes for their published articles in different
journals.
15.4.5 Pusa Vishisht Hindi Pravakta Puraskar
Pusa Vishisht Hindi Pravakta Puraskar was given
jointly to two scientists for their outstanding lectures
in different training programmes. Evaluation was done
on the basis of recommendations of course coordinator
and feedback of the trainees. The Puraskar carries a cash
prize of `10,000/- and a certificate.
15.4.6 Power Point Presentation in Hindi
A Power Point Presentation Competition was
organized on September 29, 2012 on the topic entitled
‘Utilization of Bio-technology in Agricultural
Growth’. Cash Awards were given to the successful
participants.
15.4.7 Hindi Chetna Maas
The Institute celebrated Hindi Chetna Maas from
September 1 to 30, 2012. Hindi Chetna Maas was
inaugurated on September 1, 2012 by the Chief
Guest, Dr. Rashmi Gupta. Dr. H.S. Gupta, Director,
IARI chaired the function and Dr. Malavika Dadlani,
Joint Director (Research) & Chairperson, OLIC, was
also present. On this occasion ‘Kavya Paath’
competition was organized. Famous poets
162
Dr. Shardendu Sharma and Dr. (Ms.) Kamal Kumar,
Associate Professor, University of Delhi were invited
to judge the competitions. On this occasion Hindi
version of IARI Annual Report 2011-12 was also
released by the Chief Guest. During Hindi Chetna
Maas, various other Hindi competitions like essay
writing, noting & drafting, debate, and quiz, etc.
were also organized for all categories of the staff
members.
Hindi Week/Hindi Day were also celebrated in
different divisions and regional stations of the
institute. Many competitions were organized and
participants given prizes.
Release of IARI Annual Report 2011-12 in Hindi
15.4.8 Hindi Annual Prize Distribution Function
Hindi Annual Prize Distribution Function was
organized on October 5, 2012. Famous Hindi Critic and
renowned Hindi Litterateur, Dr. Namvar Singh was
the Chief Guest. Dr. Malavika Dadlani, Joint Director
(Research),IARI presided over the function. The Chief
Guest gave away the prizes to the winners of different
competitions conducted during Hindi Chetna Maas.
Smt. Seema Chopra, Deputy Director (OL) presented
the annual Hindi progress report of the Institute. Three
publications, viz, Pusa Surbhi (Annual Rajbhasha Patrika ),
Jaiv Urvark and Faslon Main Sutrakrimi Rog Avam Unka
Prabandhan (technical bulletins),were released. A Hasya
Kavi Sammelan was also organized on this occasion.
Dr. Namvar Singh, Chief Guest of Annual Hindi Prize DistributionFunction, releasing Pusa Surabhi (Annual Rajbhasha Patrika)
163
I. On-going Projects at IARI as on 31.03.2013
(A) In-house Research Projects 108
School of Crop Improvement 34
School of Crop Protection 19
School of Resource Management 29
School of Basic Sciences 14
School of Social Sciences 12
(B) Outreach Programmes 11
(C) Challenge Programmes 05
Total 124
II. Scientific Meetings Organized
a) Workshops 27
b) Seminars 14
c) Summer institutes/Winter school 02
d) Farmers’ day (s) 41
e) Others 59
Total 143
III. Participation of Personnel in ScientificMeetings
India
a) Seminars 183
b) Scientific meetings 216
c) Workshops 129
d) Symposia 123
e) Others 49
Total 660
Abroad
a) Seminars 6
b) Scientific meetings 9
c) Workshops 14
d) Symposia 7
e) Others 9
Total 45
16. MISCELLANY
IV. Significant Suggestions Given / DecisionsTaken at the Meetings of Senior ManagementPersonnel
Board of Management
● Replacement of equipment approved under EFC
by the various divisions of IARI.
● The name of USI has been changed as “Agricultural
Knowledge Management Unit (AKMU)”.
● Nomination of Grievance Cell Members.
● Retention of allotted residential accommodation
at the Institute by employees of the Institute on
transfer to ICAR Headquarters/other Institutes
located at Delhi and Outside Delhi.
● Appointment of Authorized Medical Attendant
(AMA) at IARI Regional Station, Katrain (Kullu),
Himachal Pradesh.
Academic Council
● Approval of the introduction of Ph.D. programme
in the discipline of Computer Application from
the next academic year 2013-14.
● Approval of the conditions of temporary relief of
students from Ph.D. programme for accepting
employment.
● Revision of guidelines for the charge of Professor.
● Recognition of directly recruited scientists as
research guides.
Research Advisory Committee
School of Crop Improvement
● Research on Varietal improvement needs to be
translated to commercial application involving
partners and stakeholders from the public / private
sectors for the benefit of end users.
● IARI needs to take up a lead role in wheat breeding
for terminal heat tolerance, through MAS.
164
● Prime importance needs to be given to yellow rustresistance in wheat involving scientists from PlantProtection School.
● Efforts should be made to evolve short duration(120 days) pigeonpea varieties with synchronousflowering and maturity that fit well into differentcropping systems.
● Research efforts need to be strengthened in hybridpigeonpea and hybrid mustard development.
● Lentil varieties with improved nutritive value(high iron & zinc) to be developed.
● Seed quality maintenance technologies need to bedemonstrated and transferred to public andprivate seed producing agencies, especially theadvancements in seed priming and seed coatingtools.
● The seed produced through private or farmers’ linkshould be quality tested before its disseminationto farmers.
● The seed technological interventions infacilitating commercial hybrid seed productionin crops such as mustard, wheat, pigeonpeahave to be worked out and validated for theirsimultaneous synthesis as a system along withthe release of the hybrids.
School of Natural Resource Management
● Research work should be intensified to suggestalternative to rice-wheat system in Indo-Gangeticplain.
● Work on nano formulations for enhancing the NUEof crops need to be strengthened.
● More in-depth studies are required with respectto hybrid quality index for soil quality assessmentbefore arriving at logical conclusions.
● Extensive data on the water requirement ofimportant crops should be generated for fertigationscheduling in important crops.
● Equipments / implements developed by theInstitute (mechanical Hydrogel Applicator, STFR,Basmati Rice Thresher) need to be commercializedon priority for the benefit of the end users.
● Regional impact studies on climate change inmandated crops be undertaken in collaborationwith other ICAR programmes.
● Major thrust be given to the research on
biodegradation of lignin and lignocellulosics for
biofuel purpose.
● Work must be strengthened in developing solarpowered machinery and use of renewable energy.
● Institute should take lead in developing a Centre
of Excellence in the area of Conservation
Agriculture. Long term experiments on
Conservation Agriculture need to be carried out
in partnership with International centres workingin this area.
● Drought vulnerability studies in other regions
need to be undertaken complementing the work
being carried out under the NICRA project.
● Research on development of effective
microorganisms for production of enrichedcompost be further strengthened with primary
focus on reducing the duration required to produce
a good quality compost having low C: N ratio.
● Institute must develop an effective system of
presenting its most significant achievements on
IARI website and ensure its regular updation.
School of Crop Protection
● School of Crop Protection should focus on fewimportant diseases of national importance invegetable and horticultural crops, in a problem-solving mode. Virus diseases in vegetables needspecial attention. Inter-institutional linkages withIIHR also need to be established to avoidduplication in the research work.
● Concerted efforts are needed in the area of cropspecific IPM in collaboration with NCIPM.
● Linkages need to be built with industry and privatesector for large scale commercialization of the novelmolecules (hydrogel, nitrification inhibitors, etc.)developed by the Institute.
● A challenge programme on mango malformationshould be formulated on priority.
● The Advanced Plant Virology unit is a lead centrein the country. It should lay more emphasis oncapacity development in virology.
● A brainstorming session involving the scientists ofPlant Protection School and peers havingspecialized research experience in the area of crop
165
protection should be organized for prioritizing andstrengthening of the research agendas of the school.
School of Basic Sciences
● Research should be focussed on a few selected andmandated areas based on prioritization andreorientation of the research agenda in the school,keeping in view the available manpower.
● Work on breeding wheat varieties for drought andterminal heat tolerance be given high priority.
● Efforts should be made to improve salt tolerancein crops by incorporating salt tolerant genes fromwheat (var. Kharchia) and rice (var. Pokkali) intohigh yielding varieties.
School of Social Sciences
● The Division of Agricultural Economics shouldstudy the research planning, management andpolicy decisions. Implications of the policy studiesalso need to be brought out to improve the visibilityof the system.
● Methodology should be developed to find out theappropriateness of the technologies beforereaching the end user. Constraints involved in thenon-adoption of technologies by farmers also needto be assessed.
● Impact of technology adoption with respect to cropyield, income and employment generation andlivelihood of farmers needs to be studied.
● Ways and means for faster and efficientdissemination of the technologies to small andmarginal farmers be worked out on priority.
● More intense strategies need to be taken up to linksmall farmers to market in order to increase theirprofitability.
● Pilot studies on the processing of horticulturalproduce, involving an economist, need to beundertaken. Emphasis should also be given toimpact assessment of cultivation of horticulturalcrops.
● Efforts should be made to impart vocationaltraining to farmers, farm women & rural youth forentrepreneurship development and also developrural technology providers.
● Special attention needs to be given to capacitydevelopment in the school of social sciences. A
formal MOU needs to be signed with NCAP, at the
earliest for Post-graduate teaching programme.
Students’ research programme should also be well
integrated with mandated research programmesof the school.
Post Graduate School Activities
● As part of the HRD programme, a comparison of
the number of winter / summer schools organized
by different disciplines be made.
● Number of guest lectures to be delivered by retired
scientists need to be increased.
● Sincere efforts need to be made and ways and
means be devised to attract more foreign students
for PG studies.
● Provision of a minimum residential requirementof two years be made for the students opting for
split Ph.D. programme
Administration and Finance Activities
● The activities of the revolving fund schemesoperative at the Institute need to be expandedfurther. Incentives be given to the staffinvolved.
● The institute has made a good progress in therecruitment and assessment of technical staff whichshould be completed on priority.
● For strengthening of the scientific manpower at theInstitute, filling up of the vacant scientific posts invarious disciplines at different levels be taken upwith the council / ASRB on priority.
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)(Recommendations for the ChallengeProgrammes of IARI)
The following recommendations were made by the
members of TAC for bringing further improvement in
the under mentioned five challenge programmes of
IARI.
1. Hybrid development in crops (wheat, pigeonpea and mustard)
● Large numbers of A x R combinations needs to betried for obtaining functional hybrids in wheat.
● Pollination control mechanisms may be looked intofor hybrid development in wheat.
166
2. Hybrid development in vegetable crops
● Major emphasis should be given to yield,uniformity, earliness and quality of vegetablehybrids.
● Efforts should be made to study the transportationand keeping quality of tomato hybrids.
● Possibility of using gynoecious lines andparthenocarpic genes in bitter gourd may beexplored.
3. Enhancing resilience of Indian Agriculture toclimate change
● The major challenge in the programme needs tobe addressed with clear definition of impactassessment, outcomes and deliverables.
● Adaptation and mitigation strategies to combatthe effect of climate change need to beprioritized.
● The work on Pest and disease forecasting needmore focus.
● The studies on the effect of elevated CO2,
temperature and ozone on plants needs to beintegrated to arrive at more meaningfulconclusions.
● Location and site specific models on climate changemay be developed keeping in view the problemsfaced by the niche areas.
● Ways and means to increase the WUE in rice needto be worked out for increasing the sustainabilityof rice-wheat system.
4. Bioprospecting of microorganisms forsustainable production of second generationliquid biofuels
● Prime importance needs to be given to themechanism of l ignin degradation. Theinhibitory effects of residual lignin and byproducts of lignin degradation may be studiedfor improving the efficiency of ethanolproduction. Strategies to overcome the feedbackinhibition caused due to the accumulation ofreducing sugars during lignin degradation alsoneed to be worked out.
● The total time period required from delignificationto ethanol production along with the cost incurredmay be highlighted.
● Kinetic efficiency of conversion of hexoses andpentoses during the fermentation process need tobe studied.
5. Conservation agriculture for enhancingproductivity and resource-use efficiency
● Regional and location specific approaches forconservation agriculture, especially under rainfedfarming, needs to be worked out.
● More economical and sustainable alternatives tothe existing rice-wheat system for higherproductivity and better water use efficiency maybe identified and validated.
● Emphasis needs to be given to microbiologicalstudies with respect to conservation agricultureunder different types of soils.
● Water requirement in mungbean and the benefitsaccruing from the incorporation of mungbeanresidues under conversation agriculture may beworked out in order to improve yield,profitability and sustainability of rice-wheatsystem.
V. Resource Generation
1) Consultancy & other services
Consultancy services ` 21,12,000
Contract research -
Contract service ` 59,210
Training ` 1,45000
Total (A) ` 23,16,210
2) Revolving fund Sale
Revenue Generated
(a) Seed ` 1,65,06,604
(b) Commercialization ` 3,20,134
(c) Prototype manufacturing ` 6,10,1918
Total (B) ` 2,29,28,656
3) Post Graduate School receiptTraining Programme
(a) Foreigners & Indians -
M.Sc./Ph.D. Programme
(b) Institutional economic fee from ` 37,48,397
foreign scholars under Work Plan
167
(c) Receipt from Registrar ` 75,26,009
Account No. 5432(9029.201.4314) :
all fees except institutional economic fee,including sale of information bulletin|through D.D.
(d) Cash transferred from Syndicate ` 10,34,875
Bank to Director’s Account No.
C-49(9029.305.17) from sale ofinformation bulletin
(e) Receipt deposited in Director’s ` 2,33,911
Account No. C-49(9029.305.17)
for theses evaluation, PDC &
Misc.( does not include refund
of IARI scholarship by students)
Total (C) ` 1,12,74,406
Grand Total (A+B+C) `̀̀̀̀ 3,65,19,272
VI . Infrastructural Development
● Installed three Automatic weather stations (at
IARI agromet observatory, KVK Shikohpur,
NBPGR farm Issapur), (ii) Established a state-of-
the-art Satellite Data Reception, processing and
management system facility and (iii) Developed
field laboratory in the experimental field of the
Division (MB-4C) at the Division of Agricultural
physics.
● Constructed an insect proof net house at main
Vegetable Research Farm, (ii) Renovated Drip
irrigation system at divisional UVRD in the
Division of Vegetable Science.
● Recarpeting of roads, (ii) Construction of car
garage and toilets, (iii) Construction of boundary
wall and (iv) Modernization of PG Lab in the
Division of Agronomy.
● Renovation of two laboratories, computer lab,
Library; Seminar room and Committee room (ii)
Developed field produce storage lab, (iii) Field
fencing/ labelling and (iv) Initiated ground water
augmentation at Water Technology Centre.
● Constructed of 100 tonne capacity seed godown
in the Division of Seed Science and Technology.
● Installed Solar Photo-Voltaic panel of 2.6 Kilo wattpower, Solar Energy Operated Greenhouse of 200square meter area and developed Soil-less Culturehydroponics system inside greenhouse at the farmof CPCT.
● Procured a Biomass Grabber with loader, twoTractors (one 60 HP & one 45 HP), a Tractormounted power sprayer, Submersible pumps(4 pumps 15 HP & one pump 3 HP), Diesel Enginesfor Pullman Thresher (four 8.3 HP), one Rotaryslasher at FOSU and Renovation and developmentof tube well at New Area-C.
● Established corn flaking laboratory in the divisionof Post Harvests Technology.
● Tiling and false ceiling of laboratories and corridors,renovation of glass house and installation ofpolyhouse in the Division of Nematology
● Renovation, refurbishing and operationalizationof Tissue culture Facility and CAFT laboratory inthe Division of Biochemistry
● Development of office-cum-laboratory building
and other developmental works at the IARI
Regional Research Centre, Dharwad.
● Construction of II phase of guest house comprisingof two guest rooms and one VIP suite (ii)Electrification of Naggar and Baragraon Farmswith path lights at the IARI, Regional Station,Katrain.
● Construction of office-cum laboratory building atthe IARI, Regional Station, Pune.
● Installed Interactive Voice Recording System,Uploaded programmed technology basedinformation system on five crops on IVRS,Prepared a 3D Model on weather based Agroadvisory Services for display in ATIC and installedDigital Board for displaying seed availability in
ATIC at Institute Gate.
VII. All India Coordinated Research Projectsin Operation during the Year April 1, 2012to March 31, 2013
Project Headquarters
1. All India Coordinated Project on Plant ParasiticNematodes with Integrated Approach for theirControl.
168
2. All India Network Project on Pesticide Residues
3. All India Coordinated Research Project onFloriculture (Upgraded as Directorate ofFloricultural Research)
National Centres Functioning at IARI underAll India Coordinated Research Projects
1. All India Network Project on Biofertilizers
(Erstwhile All India Coordinated Research Project
on Biological Nitrogen Fixation)
2. All India Coordinated Project on Long-Term
Fertilizer Experiments
3. All India Coordinated Research Project on Soil Test
Crop Response Correlations
4. All India Coordinated Research Project on
Floriculture Improvement
5. All India Network Project on Pesticide Residues
6. All India Coordinated Research Project onRenewable Energy Sources for Agriculture andAgro-based Industries
7. All India Coordinated Research Project on
Biological Control of Crop Pests and weeds
8. All India Coordinated Research Project on
Soybean
9. All India Coordinated Research Project on Sub-
Tropical Fruits
10. All India Coordinated Research Project on
N.S.P.(Crops)
11. All India Coordinated Research Project on
Mustard
12. All India Coordinated Research Project on Wheat
13. All India Coordinated Research Project on Rice
14. All India Coordinated Research Project on Pulses
15. All India Coordinated Research Project on
Vegetable
16. AINP on Whitegrubs and other Soil Arthropods
(AINPWOSA)
169
VIII. Foreign Visitors during April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013
S. Visitor(s) Month & date
No. of visit
1. A 36-member delegation from Australia April 23, 2012
2. A 12-member delegation of Board of Management, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Banglore April 25, 2012
Comprising of progressive farmers, nominees of His Excellency the Governor of Karnataka, nominees from
Govt. of Karnataka
3. A team of 7 Editors/ Senior Journalists from Myanmar April 25,2012
4. A group of 18-students and two faculty members from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, April 30, 2012
National Defence University, USA.
5. A 24-member delegation from Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership (TALL), USA. April 30, 2012
6. A 9-member delegation from Afghanistan. May 15,2012
7. A 5-member delegation from University of Ibadan, Nigeria May 21, 2012
8. A 3-member delegation from University of Ibadan, Nigeria. May 25, 2012
9. His Excellency Mr. Jose Pacheco, Minister of Agriculture, Govt. of the Republic of Mozambique June 14, 2012
10. A 9-member delegation led by Mr. Lesego M. Motoma,Director, Research Science & Technology, Botswana June 25, 2012
11. A 5-member high level delegation led by Professor Dr. Bhangy Cassy, Vice Chancellor, Mozambique July 16, 2012
12. A 20-member delegation from Kenya, Zambia and Ghana July 28, 2012
13. An 11-member delegation from WAAPP, Nigeria August 27, 2012
14. A 2-member delegation viz. Dr. Gil Ronen, CEO and Dr. Nissim Yonash, Breeding Director from Seed andOctober 15, 2012
Bio-tech Wing namedas NRGENE, Makhteshim Agan Group, Israel.
15. The 2nd ASEAN, India Ministerial Meeting and the ASEAN. A group of attending Indian Agriculture October 19, 2012
Expo organized by the DARE
16. A delegation led by His Excellency Mr. Vilayvansh Phomke, Minister of Agriculture, Lao PDR October 19, 2012
17. A 3-member delegation led by Mr. Ivan Ariel Matus Tejas, National Coordinator- Genetic Resources and October 22, 2012
Investigator, Programs for Improvement of Wheat Varieties, National Institute of Agril. Research
Republic of Chile.
18. An 8-member Legislator delegation led by SenatorEmmanuel Bwacha, Chair of Senate Committee on November 5, 2012
Agriculture, Nigeria
19. A 4-member Bangladeshi delegation led by Agriculture Minister, Her Excellency Begum Matia November 6, 2012
Chowdhury, Bangladesh.
20. A 4-member delegation (Drs. March Andreini,Michael Hayes, Derek Heeren and Robert Lenton) November 16, 2012
from University of Nebraska, USA
21. A 6-member delegation from University of Queensland(UQ), Australia December 7, 2012
22. Visit of a group under ”Exchange visits of farmers from ASEAN countries and vice versa” December 22, 2012
23. Dr. Monuel Pacheco, President and Dr. Vimal Chaitanya, Vice President for Research, New Mexico StateDecember 26, 2012
University, USA
24. Dr Hamed Ali Hadwan, D-G, National Centre for Organic Agriculture, Min. of Agriculture, Iraq January 11, 2013
25. Mr. Jacobo Regalado, Minister of Agriculture, Honduras January 15, 2013
26. A 14- member delegation of Senior Editors led by Mr. Daoud Sultanjoy, former MP, Afghanistan January 28, 2013
27. A 12- member delegation from Deptt of Livestock, Govt of Thimpu, Bhutan led by Dr. Tashi Dnendup January 31, 2013
28. Heads of Agricultural Universities and Research Institutions of ASEAN February 20, 2013
29. A 21- member delegation from Canada February 25, 2013
30. Visit of a delegation from University of Queensland, Australia including Prof. Robert Henry, Director; February 26, 2013
Ms. Sarah Melbusch, Deputy Director; and Dr. Neena Mitter, Sr. Researcher & Focussed Team Leader-
Plant Biotechnology
31. A 29- member delegation from Canada February 27, 2013
32. A 9-member delegation from Rothamsted Research Institute, UK March 14, 2013
33. Delegation from Oklahoma State University, USA March 22, 2013
Chairman
Dr. H.S. GuptaDirector, IARI
Members
Dr. K. VijayaraghvanDean & Joint Director(Education), IARI
Dr. Malavika DadlaniJoint Director (Research), IARI
Dr. K. Vijayaraghvan Joint Director (Extension), IARI
Dr. K. V. PrabhuHead, Division of Genetics, IARI
Dr. A. K. VyasHead, Division of Agronomy, IARI
Dr. R. K. JainHead, Division of Plant Pathology,IARI
Dr. Raj Deo RaiHead, Division of Bio-Chemistry,IARI
Dr. Suresh PalHead, Division of Agril. Economics,IARI
Appendix 1
Members of Board of Management of IARI
(As on 31.03.2013)
Dr. Swapan Kumar Datta
Deputy Director General (CS)
ICAR, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi
Dr. A. K. Srivastava
Director, NDRI, Karnal
Agril. Commissioner
Deptt. of Agriculture and
Cooperation, Ministry of
Agriculture Krishi Bhawan,
New Delhi
Development Commissioner
Delhi Administration
Govt. of NCT of Delhi
Director (Finance), ICAR
Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi
Secretary, Planning Commission
Yojana Bhawan, New Delhi
Dr. K.V. Peter
TC-12/1309,Post Office Mannuthy,
Trissur, Kerala-680 651
Dr. S. S. Acharya
33, Shashi Complex, Sector-11
Udaipur-313001 (Rajasthan)
Dr. R. R. HanchinalVice ChancellorUniversity of Agricultural SciencesDharwad-580005 (Karnataka)
Sh. Rajendrakumar Shantilal PatelVed Wali Khadki, Khambholaj-388330,Tal & District Anand(Gujrat)
Sh. M.J. Ummen,MangaiathuparambilHouse : ArivilanjapoyilP.O. : AlakodeVia. Kannur District.,Kerala-670571
Member - Secretary
Sh. B. N. RaoRegistrar and Joint Director(Admn.), IARI
Appendix 2
Members of Research Advisory Committee of IARI
(As on 31.03.2013)
Chairman
Dr. R.S. Paroda
Trust for Advancement of
Agricultural Sciences
Library Avenue, IARI Campus
Pusa, New Delhi 110012
Members
Prof. S.L. Mehta
Former Vice Chancellor (MPUAT)
71, Gokul Nagar
Udaipur-313001 (Rajasthan)
Prof. A.N. Mukhopadhyay
Sangini, 151 Akanksha
Udhyan II, Raibareilly Road
Lucknow -226025, UP
Dr. M. Velayutham
Former DDG (NRM)
6A, Gardenia Apartment
275, Kilpauk Garden Road
Kilpauk, Chennai-600010
Dr. G. L. Kaul
Former National Director
NAIP & Ex-VC, AAU
KA- 59 A, Kaushambi
Ghaziabad-201012 U.P.
Dr. Mruthyunjaya
Former National Director, NAIP
A-701, Vasundhara Apartments
Sector 6, Plot No. 16,
Dwarka, New Delhi-110075
Dr. Swapan Kumar Datta
Deputy Director General
(Crop Science),
ICAR, Krishi Bhavan
New Delhi-110114
Sh. Rajendrakumar Shantilal Patel
Ved Wali Khadki
Khambholaj-388330
Tal & District Anand (Gujrat)
Sh. M. J. Ummen
Mangaiathuparambil
House: Arivilanjapoyil
P.O. : Alakode, Via. Kannur District
Kerala-670571
Dr. H. S. Gupta
Director
IARI
Member-Secretary
Dr. Malavika Dadlani
Joint Director (Research)
IARI
Appendix 3
Members of Technical Advisory Committeefor Challenge Programmes
(As on 31.01.2013)
Chairman
Dr. H. S. Gupta
Director, IARI
Co-Chairperson
Dr. Malavika Dadlani
Joint Director (Research), IARI
Members
Dr. I. P. Abrol
Ex-DDG (NRM) and
Director, Centre for Advancement
of Sustainable Agriculture, NASC
Complex, DPS Marg
New Delhi-110012
Prof. S.L. Mehta
Former Vice Chancellor, (MPUAT)
71 Gokul Nagar
Near Bohra Ganeshji Temple
Udaipur-313001, Rajasthan
Dr. Gautam Kalloo
Ex-DDG (Crop Science) and
Vice Chancellor, JNKV, Jabalpur
Dr. P. K. Aggarwal
Former National Professor, ICAR
Regional Facilitator, Challenge
Program on Climate Change,
Agriculture Food Security, IWMI
India Office, NASC Complex,
DPS Marg, New Delhi-110012
Prof. R. Banerjee
Head,
P.R. Sinha Centre for Bioenergy
IIT, Kharagpur-721301
Appendix 4
Members of Academic Council of IARI
(As on 31.03.2013)
Chairman
Dr. H.S. Gupta
Director, IARI
Vice-chairman
Dr. K. Vijayaraghvan
Dean & Joint Director
(Education), IARI
Members
Dr. Arvind Kumar
DDG (Education)
ICAR, Krishi Bhawan
New Delhi
Dr. K.C. Bansal
Director, NBPGR, New Delhi
Dr. U.C. Sud
Director, IASRI, New Delhi
Dr. Srinivasan
Director, NRC on Plant
Biotechnology, New Delhi
Dr. Malavika Dadlani
Joint Director (Research), IARI
Dr. K. Vijayragavan
Joint Director (Extension), IARI
Dr. I.P. Abrol
Director, CASA,
NASC Complex, New Delhi
Dr. P.G. Chengappa
Former VC, UAS,
Bengaluru
Dr. S. Edison
Former Director, CTCRI,
Trivandrum
Prof. Deepak Pental
Director, CGMCP,
New Delhi
Dr. O.P. Yadav
Project Director,
Directorate of Maize Research,
New Delhi
Dr. Ravinder Kaur
Project Director, WTC, IARI
Dr. V.T Gajbhiye
Professor, Agril. Chemicals, IARI
Dr. V.C. Mathur
Professor, Agril. Economics, IARI
Dr. Indra Mani
Professor, Agril. Engineering, IARI
Dr. Prem Lata
Professor, Agril. Extension, IARI
Dr. Rajender Parsad
Professor, Agril. Statistics, IARI
Dr. K.S. Rana
Professor, Agronomy
Dr. Usha K. Chopra
Professor, Agril. Physics, IARI
Dr. I.M. Santha
Professor, Biochemistry, IARI
Dr. Prajneshu
Professor, Bio -Informatics, IARI
Dr. P.K. Malhotra
Professor, Computer Application,
IASRI
Dr. Ramesh Kumar
Project Director,
Directorate of Floriculture,
New Delhi
Dr. S.D. Singh
Professor, Environmental Sciences,
IARI
Dr. A.D. Munshi
Professor, Horticulture, IARI
Dr. Charanjit Kaur
Professor, PHT, IARI
Dr. A.K. Singh
Head, Division of Fruits &
Horticultural Technology, IARI
Dr. T. Jankiram
Head, Division of Floriculture &
Landscaping, IARI
Dr. R.S. Chillar
MOHR, IARI
Mrs. Usha Khemchandani
Incharge, Central Library, IARI
Dr. Sunil Pabbi
Principal Scientist, Faculty
Representative, Division of
Microbiology, IARI
Dr. Anil Sirohi
Principal Scientist, Faculty
Representative, Division of
Nematology, IARI
Mr. Pankaj Kumar Sinha
President, PGSSU, IARI
Ms. Trisha Roy
Student’s Rep. to the AC, IARI
Dr. K.M. Manjaiah
Officer Incharge, AIM Cell, IARI
Dr. V.V. Ramamurthy
Professor, Entomology, IARI
Dr. Pritam Kalia
Head, Vegetable Science, IARI
Dr. Dolly Wattal Dhar
Professor, Microbiology, IARI
Dr. Srinivasan
Professor, Molecular Biology &
Biotechnology, NRC on Plant
Biotechnology
Dr. Sudarshan Ganguly
Professor, Nematology, IARI
Dr. I.S. Bisht
Professor, Plant Genetic Resources,
NBPGR
Dr. Pratibha Sharma
Professor, Plant Pathology, IARI
Dr. V.P. Singh
Professor, Plant Physiology, IARI
Dr. S.S. Parihar
Professor, Seed Science &
Technology, IARI
Dr. R.D. Singh
Professor, Soil Science &
Agricultural Chemistry, IARI
Dr. Man Singh
Professor, Water Science &
Technology, IARI
Dr. A.K. Singh
Professor, Genetics , IARI
Member- Secretary
Shri B.N. Rao
Registrar & Joint Director (Admn.),
IARI
Appendix 5
Members of Extension Council of IARI
(As on 31.03.2013)
Chairman
Dr. H.S. Gupta
Director, IARI
Members
Dr. K.D. Kokate
DDG, Extension,
ICAR, KAB, New Delhi
Dr. K. Vijayaragavan
Joint Director (Extension) , IARI
Dr. Malavika Dadlani
Joint Director (Research), IARI
Sh. B.N. Rao
Registrar & Joint Director
(Admin.), IARI
Dr. K.V. Prabhu
Head, Division of Genetics, IARI
Dr. A.K. Vyas
Head, Division of Agronomy, IARI
Dr. R.K. Jain
Head, Division of Plant Pathology,
IARI
Dr. Suresh Pal
Head, Division of Agril.
Economics, IARI
Dr. V.A. Tonapi
Head, Division of SS&T, IARI
Dr. D.V.K. Samuel
Head, Division of Agril.
Engineering, IARI
Dr. B.S. Dwivedi
Head, Division of SS & AC, IARI
Dr. G.T. Gujar
Head, Division of Entomology
IARI
Dr. Ravinder Kaur
Project Director, WTC, IARI
Dr. A.N. Mishra
Head, IARI Regional Station
Indore (M.P.)
Agril. Commissioner Deptt. of
Agriculture and Cooperation
Ministry of Agriculture
Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi
Dr. A.P. Saini
Joint Director (Agriculture)
Govt. of NCT of Delhi
MSO Building, 11th Floor
IP Estate, New Delhi
Dr. Khajan Singh
Principal Scientist (Dairy
Extension), NDRI
Karnal, (Haryana)
Dr. M. Kazmi
Director (FI)
Directorate of Extension
Krishi Vistar Sadan
Behind Agronomy Division
IARI Campus, New Delhi
Member-Secretary
Dr. J.P. Sharma
Head, Agricultural Extension
IARI
Appendix 6
Members of Institute Research Council
(As on 31.03.2013)
Chairman
Director, IARI
Co- Chairperson
Joint Director (Research), IARI
Members
Deputy Director-General
(Crop Science), ICAR
All Project Directors/Project
Coordinators of IARI
All Heads of Divisions / Regional
Stations of IARI
All Principal Investigators of IARI
Member-Secretary
Principal Scientist (PME), IARI
Appendix 7
Members of Executive Council of IARI
(As on 31.03.2013)
Chairman
Dr. H.S. Gupta
Director, IARI
Members
Dr. K. Vijayaraghavan
Dean & Joint Director
(Education), IARI
Dr. Malavika Dadlani
Joint Director (Research), IARI
Dr. K. Vijayaragavan
Joint Director (Extension), IARI
Dr. Madhuban Gopal
National Fellow
Agricultural Chemicals, IARI
Dr. Pritam Kalia
Head, Vegetable Science, IARI
Head, IARI Regional Station, Shimla
Dr. A. K. Saxena
Head, Microbiology, IARI
Head, Post Harvest Technology,
IARI
Dr. R. K. Jain
Head, Plant Pathology, IARI
Dr. Raj Deo Rai
Head, Biochemistry, IARI
Dr. Suresh Pal
Head, Agricultural
Economics, IARI
Dr. Ramesh Kumar
Director, Directorate of
Floriculture, New Delhi
Dr. S.S. Atwal
Head, IARI Regional Station
Karnal
Dr. Swapan Kumar Datta
DDG (CS)
ICAR, Krishi Bhawan
Member-Secretary
Sh. B. N. Rao
Registrar & Joint Director
(Admn.), IARI
Appendix 8
Members of Institute Joint Staff Council
(As on 31.03.2013)
Chairman
Dr. H.S. Gupta
Director
Members (Official Side)
Dr. Malavika Dadlani
Joint Director (Research)
Dr. S.S. Atwal
Head, IARI Regional Station
Karnal
Dr. A.K. Singh
Principal Scientist
Division of Nematology
Dr. A.N. Mishra
Incharge, IARI Regional Station
Indore
Shri Radhey Sham
Comptroller
Secretary (Official Side)
Shri B.N. Rao
Registrar & Joint Director (Admn.)
Members of the Staff Side(Elected)
Ms. Santosh Gautam
Assistant, Audit, Directorate
IARI
Shri Radhey Krishn Thakur
UDC, Audit, Directorate, IARI
Shri Yogesh Kumar
Assistant
Division of Plant Pathology, IARI
Shri Ganesh Rai
T-2, Division of Entomology
Shri Veer Pal Singh
T-4, CPCT
Shri Bhagat Singh
T-3, FOSU
Shri Atiq Ahmed
T-3, Division of Agricultural
Physics
Shri Umesh Thakur
SSS, Audit, Directorate
Shri Desh Pal
SSS, Directorate
Shri Bijender Singh
SSS, CATAT
Shri Dharm Singh
SSS Division of SS&AC
Secretary (Staff Side)
Shri Satyendra Kumar
Assistant, P-V Section
Directorate
Appendix 9
Members of Institute Grievance Committee
(As on 31.03.2013)
Chairman
Dr. K. Vijayaraghvan
Joint Director (Extension)
Members (Official Side)
Dr. V.T. Gajbhiye
Head, Agril. Chemicals
Shri Dinesh Nagpal
Sr. Admn. Officer
Ms. V.B. Jhade
CF&AO
Dr. Prachi Sharma
Scientist, Division of Plant
Pathology
Member-Secretary
Shri Chetan S. Issar
AAO (P-III)
Members of the Staff Side(Elected)
Dr. Prem Lata Singh
Principal Scientist, Agricultural
Extension
Shri Brahm Dutt
Technical Officer, (T-7/8)
Division of Microbiology
Shri Satyendra Kumar
Assistant, Directorate
Mohd. Azam
SSS, Environmental Sciences
Appendix 10
Personnel
(As on 31.03.2013)
Directorate
DirectorDr. H.S. Gupta
Joint Director (Research)Dr. Malavika Dadlani
Dean & Joint Director (Education)Dr. K. Vijayaragavan
Joint Director (Extension)Dr. K. Vijayaragavan
Joint Director(Admn.) & RegistrarMr.B.N.Rao
Principal Scientist (PME)Dr. I.Sekar
Incharge, Publication Unit (English)Dr. R.L. Sapra
Principal Scientist (ITMU)Dr. Archna Suman
ComptrollerMr. Radhey Sham
Chief Administrative OfficersMr. P.K. Jain
Mr. Pushpendra Kumar
Agricultural Chemicals
Head & ProfessorDr. V.T. Gajbhiye
Network Project CoordinatorDr. K.K. Sharma
National FellowDr. Madhuban Gopal
Agricultural Economics
HeadDr. Suresh Pal
Professor
Dr. V.C. Mathur
Agricultural Engineering
Head
Dr. D.V.K. Samuel
Professor
Dr. Indra Mani
Agricultural Extension
Head
Dr. J.P. Sharma
Professor
Dr. Prem Lata Singh
Agricultural Physics
Head
Dr. Ravender Singh
Professor
Dr. Usha Kiran Chopra
Agronomy
Head
Dr. A.K. Vyas
Professor
Dr. K.S. Rana
Biochemistry
Head
Dr. R.D. Rai
Professor
Dr. I.M. Santha
Entomology
Head
Dr. G.T. Gujar
ProfessorDr. V.V. Ramamurthy
National FellowDr. G.K. Mahapatro
Floriculture and Land-scaping
HeadDr. T. Janakiram
Fruits and HorticulturalTechnology
HeadDr. A.K. Singh
Genetics
HeadDr. K.V. Prabhu
ProfessorDr. A.K. Singh
Microbiology & CCUBGA
HeadDr. A.K. Saxena
ProfessorDr. Dolly Wattal Dhar
Nematology
HeadDr. R.K. Jain
ProfessorDr. Sudershan Ganguly
Project CoordinatorDr.R.K. Jain
Plant Pathology
HeadDr. R.K. Jain
Professor
Dr. Pratibha Sharma
National FellowDr. Rashmi P. Aggarwal
Plant Physiology
Head & ProfessorDr. V.P. Singh
Post Harvest Technology
HeadDr. Vidya Ram Sagar
ProfessorDr. Charanjit Kaur
Seed Science and Technology
HeadDr. Vilas A. Tonapi
ProfessorDr. S.S. Parihar
Soil Science and AgriculturalChemistry
HeadDr. B.S. Dwivedi
ProfessorDr. R.D. Singh
Vegetable Science
HeadDr. Pritam Kalia
Professor (Hort.)Dr. A.D. Munshi
Centre for EnvironmentScience and Climate ResilientAgriculture (CESCRA)*
InchargeDr. R.K. Rattan
ProfessorDr. Shiv Dhar Singh
Water Technology Centre
Project DirectorDr. Ravinder Kaur
ProfessorDr. Man Singh
Centre for Agricultural TechnologyAssessment and Transfer
InchargeDr. Ambrish Kumar Sharma
Centre for Protected CultivationTechnology
InchargeDr. Raj Kumar
Agricultural KnowledgeManagement Unit (AKMU)
InchargeDr. H. Chandrasekharan
Agricultural TechnologyInformation Centre (ATIC)
InchargeDr. Monika Wasan
Farm Operation Service Unit
InchargeDr. Man Singh
National Phytotron Facility
InchargeDr. K.V. Prabhu
Seed Production Unit
InchargeDr. B.S. Tomar
Zonal Technology Management& Business Planning andDevelopment (ZTM & BPD) Unit
InchargeDr. Neeru Bhooshan
IARI Library
Incharge (Library Services)Ms. Usha Khemchandani
IARI Regional Station,Amartara Cottage, Shimla
HeadDr. K.K. Pramanik
IARI Regional Station, Indore
HeadDr. A.N. Mishra
IARI Regional Station, Kalimpong
InchargeDr. Amalendu Gosh
IARI Regional Station, Karnal
HeadDr. S.S. Atwal
IARI Regional Station, Katrain
HeadDr. Chander Prakash
IARI Regional Station, Pune
HeadDr. V.V. Datar
IARI Regional Station, Pusa
HeadDr. I.S. Solanki
IARI Regional Station, Wellington(The Nilgiris)
HeadDr. Jagdish Kumar
IARI Rice Breeding & GeneticsResearch Centre, Aduthurai
InchargeDr. M. Nagarajan
IARI Centre for Improvementof Pulses in South, Dharwad
InchargeDr. V. Hegde
IARI Krishi Vigyan Kendra,Shikohpur, Gurgaon
Incharge
Dr. Anjani Kumar
*Formerly Division of EnvironmentalSciences and including Nuclear ResearchLaboratory.