Preface Productivity of vegetables, fruits, ornamentals, spices and aromatic plants are lower in India, being the above crops left to vagaries of weather; space,water, fertilizers, labour and energy being limiting factors. Space, water and energy saving horticulture are emerging in a big way in urban and peri-urban areas. Protected cultivation is known as vertical horticulture, terrace gardening, indoor gardening, kitchen gardening and with innovation has turned to hydroponics and aeroponics. High density planting, use of root stocks, pruning and training, integrated pest and disease management, use of good agricultural practices, harvest and post harvest technologies and above all establishment of cold chains and scientific retailing where producer farmers get at least 60% of customers price are all components of protected cultivation. The All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Plastics in Agriculture concentrates on structures in Protected Cultivation Houses. Water and nutrients are saved and efficiently used by drip fertigation. Mulching is done to save water and manage weeds in the polyhouses/net houses/rain shelters. Integrated Pest, Disease and Nutrient management technologies are used to produce clean fruits and vegetables. Agro-machineries are available for precision farming, prepararion of nursery beds, grafting and planting, regulating light and heat inside and waste disposal at the end. Self sufficiency in organic manures are assured by composting of the left over plant biomass. The Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology (CPCT), IARI, New Delhi has demonstrated the economics and feasibility of protected cultivation of horticultural crops.

Abstract Demand for horticultural commodities is increasing over a period of time. There is increasing pressure on available land for growing of such crops. The production of quality fruits, vegetables and other horticultural crops can be enhanced either by increasing productivity, use of improved cultivars/hybrids and effective production system, bringing additional land under horticultural crops or by promotion of protected cultivation which supports production in adverse climatic conditions and off seasons. Among horticultural crops, production of vegetables, flowers, medicinal and aromatic plants under protected condition is the best alternative to use the land and other resources more efficiently. Greenhouse cultivation is useful and is in practice in all kinds of climatic conditions, may it be severe and extreme cold (Canada and Russia), intolerant summer (Israel, UAE and Kuwait), excessive rains (Phillippines) and in moderate climate in several other countries. Nursery production of crops under protected conditions is highly economically viable. The area under protected cultivation was only 0.23 per cent of the total area under horticultural crops in India in 2012. To boost up this, a number of varieties are bred for cultivation especially under polyhouse conditions. Greenhouse for vegetable production encompasses glasshouse, polyhouse, insect-proof net house, low tunnel polyhouse and zero energy polyhouse. Protected structures are of different kinds, viz. open-ventilated; closed polyhouse with fan and pad system; shade net house; sloped roof, rain shelter etc. Micro-irrigation has proved its efficacy in saving water, improving the yield and also is responsible for reducing diseases which develop in rather moist conditions. Protected structures appeared as the best means and are being used by many nursery growers for multiplication of healthy planting materials and are becoming popular especially in the hilly regions. Use of techniques like soilless culture, production of high value and low volume flowers and vegetables, hybrid seed of important vegetable crops and grafting of promising varieties on desirable root stocks can be made more efficiently under protected environment. Seed yield of many crops can be 3-4 times more under cover compared to their open field cultivation along with ensured quality. Protected cultivation technologies in Himalayan high altitudes of India for the welfare of the soldiers and the society are a landmark in cultivation of horticultural crops in non-conventional areas. The protected production system has the potential to contribute greatly for achieving high productivity and stability to production in the present scenario of climate change. Extension of growing/harvesting period including off season is another desirable feature associated with protected cultivation.

Abstract Limits to crop production are shrinking land area under cropping, shortage and higher cost of irrigation water, fertilizers, pesticides, electricity, labour wages and harvest and post harvest losses due to non-availability of cold chains and storage spaces. Diversification of crops to high value products is yet to gain momentum. Restrictions in marketing due to APMC acts are to be reviewed and drafted farmer-producer friendly. Forcing of horticultural crops-vegetables, fruits, flowers, spices, aromatic crops-to market fresh produces during off season is getting attention and many such units are established as a part of urban and peri-urban horticulture. Ready to assemble forcing structures are now available. Hi-tech nurseries, integrated soil and water management through fertigation, pests and disease management by bio-pesticides, predators and parasitoids, pheromones and light traps are successfully demonstrated. Space saving horticulture focuses on maximization of productivity and minimization of inputs costs in an eco-friendly and sustainable way.

Abstract Indian Horticultural produce to become competitive both in domestic and international markets, there is an urgent need for use of Hi-tech horticultural technologies. The techniques covered under Hi-tech Horticulture are genetically modified horticulture crop varieties derived from biotechnology and genetic engineering, micro-propagation, protected cultivation, micro irrigation and fertigation, high density planting, organic farming, integrated nutrient, pest and disease management and post harvest management. Micropropagation or tissue culture technology is based on the principle of totipotency. It provides disease free, uniform sized and year round production of mass multiplication of plants in various stages viz. establishment and stablillization, shoot multiplication, pre-transplant and in vitro rooting and transplanting acclimation and ex vitro rooting. Protected cultivation is the technique of providing to the crop to protect plants from the adverse climate conditions by providing optimum growth and development conditions. High value horticulture crops mainly cut flowers and vegetables are more popular for cultivation in green houses. Greenhouse may be of different types depending on the structural designs followed as quonset, curved roof or gable roof and covering materials used as glass, acrylic, polycarbonate, fiberglass reinforced plastic panels or polyethylene etc. applicators. Micro-irrigation system is used for frequent application of required and measured quantity of water directly above or below soil surface, usually as discrete drops, continuous drops, tiny streams or miniature spray through emitters or applicators placed along a water delivery line (laterals). It may be in form of drip irrigation, bubbler irrigation, micro jet irrigation, sprinkler, micro-sprinkler or misting (fogger) irrigation system. Similarly under fertigation system, special fertilizers in form of liquid or water soluble solids are available through a suitable irrigation system for accuracy of water application.

Abstract High Tech interventions begin with acute desire and demand for high productivity and profit from Agricultural activity. High Tech cultivation implies judicious use of space, time and inputs; nothing more and nothing less. It is interesting to note that the different components that were listed in each case above are known to scientists and extension workers and to a lesser extent to farmers also. Piecing them together to formulate a practise is the novel thing. The major components of high tech cultivation assume the highest priority by virtue of the fact that the country has shortage for water and fertilizer and both are essential for any type of crops. Different components of high tech intervention can be used for growing crops, also for the growers to enhance production and quality .High tech intervention includes a number of components like- uniform virus free planting material, drip fertigation technology, assistance to post harvest management, and training and guidance to farmers, value addition opportunity, technical support to the farmers etc. These high tech interventions are introduced to other crops- a host of vegetables, fruits like Pomegranate, Cashew and Guava, and agricultural crops like, Cotton, Pulses, Sugarcane, and even cereals like, maize, wheat and rice. Another important aspect of such interventions is that only if concomitant interventions in marketing of produce are made, the whole exercise would bring profit to the farmers.

Abstract Protected cultivation of horticultural crops especially vegetables provides the best way to increase the productivity and quality of vegetables especially during off-season, which also fetches better market price. Yield of some of the vegetables like tomato, capsicum and cucurbits can be increased manifold compared to their open field cultivation. Irrigation management is an important aspect of protected cultivation technology for improving the input use efficiency such as water and nutrients for the cultivation of crops under protected environment such as polyhouse, net house, poly tunnels and nursery production. Various other techniques such as use of mulch can be used to further enhance the water and nutrient use efficiency along with improving the quality of produce and precise resource savings. Automation further reduces the manual intervention and increases the input use efficiency.

Abstract About 20 percent of the world’s total population is residing in the mountains and this proportion is likely to increase in the present century as environmental degradation and pollution are driving the human population for settlement in the clean and serene environment of the mountains. Himalayan region has sizeable area in countries like India, China/Tibet, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, etc. Remarkable progress has been made in greenhouse research and development in many countries. However, Himalayan regions which reserve unique flora and fauna have attracted little attention so far. Changing climate, fast increasing population and shrinking land and water resources are the major challenges before us to meet the food and nutritional security of the population at global level. Improvement in the production and productivity of crops are the immediate need to boost the availability of food and improve the economic conditions of the farmers. Greenhouse technology has tremendous potential to improve production and productivity of crops even under uncongenial soil and climatic conditions. The farmers having very small farm holdings in countries like Japan and South Korea have improved their income and living standards by adopting protected cultivation technologies. Similarly, Israel has demonstrated successful crop production under desert and uncongenial climatic conditions by improved water management practices and using greenhouse technology. However, India is yet to trap the potentials of the technology. Modern greenhouses require uninterrupted huge electric power for control of environment (heating/cooling/air circulation etc), which is considered one of the major causes for global warming. High installation and running (energy) cost, high cost of production; poor government support and lack of farmer friendly /cost effective greenhouse technology are some other challenges. Appropriate modifications suiting to our requirements, as per the need of crop, climate and farmers may lead to popularization of greenhouses in the country, especially among the small and marginal farmers. Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated the innovative approach to popularize low cost zero energy based solar greenhouse technology in higher Himalayan regions of the country. Such greenhouses are specifically designed using local resources and also trap natural solar radiation/ heat and maintain it for longer period. Similarly, other approaches like using mud/ unbaked bricks, double wall approach, making hot beds, blackening of walls, using water bottles, greenhouse-cum-animal shed, etc. effective to reduce the adverse effects of the environment on crops with little inputs in hilly regions. Need of the hour is to review our approach for the greenhouse technology in farmers’ prospective and device simple and cost effective innovations for fast propagation of greenhouses in the country. This will not only improve the economic status of the farmers but also provide nutritive food to their families and enhance production and productivity of various crops in the country without deteriorating the environment.

Abstract Keeping in view the increasing demand of off-season and high value vegetables in several big cities of the country, there is an urgent need for diversification from the traditional agriculture by production of high value vegetable crops under different protected conditions for increasing their productivity and quality not only for getting high returns but in a Horti-Business / Veggie-business model. Nursery raising under protected cultivation is highly suitable for such Horti-business model or can be adopted as an agri entrepreneur business in major vegetable growing areas of the country by unemployed youths who are graduates in agriculture or post graduates in horticulture. Low cost protected technologies like plastic low tunnels or walk in tunnels, shade net houses can be used for off season vegetable cultivation for getting high returns. Similarly, insect proof net houses can be used on a large scale for safe vegetable cultivation by way of minimizing the use of pesticides in vegetable cultivation and virus free quality seed production in large number of vegetables in a horti-business model. Some of the technologies like low pressure drip irrigation and low cost nursery raising technology can also be replicated in other parts of the country even among the resource poor and tribal farmers.

Abstract Space, water and labour have become limiting factors in vegetable production. Moreover, production of off-season vegetables during period of demand fetches better returns. Vegetable forcing for year round production has become a necessity in urban and peri-urban olericulture. With use of pesticides, fungicides, weedicides and chemical fertilizers, health hazards have become visible. Being treated as a field crop, vegetables are exposed to vagaries of weather and floods and droughts take heavy toll. Research on protected cultivation in India is limited but for attempts by private seed companies and enterprising farmers in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Haryana and Punjab. More emphasis is given to tomato, cucumber, capsicum, lettuce and beans. Breeding for varieties suited for protected cultivation is a recent innovation in public sector laboratories. Now there are parthenocarpic cucumbers, tomatoes and capsicum especially to suit protected cultivation. The first four vegetable varieties were developed and released by Uttarakhand State Varieties Release Committee for Horticultural Crops during 2011. These varieties namely Pant Polyhouse Hybrid Tomato -1 , Pant Polyhouse Tomato -2 in tomato and Pant Parthenocarpic cucumber -2 and Pant Parthenocarpic Cucumber -3 in cucumber. These varieties were delivered to ployhouse farmers cross the country.

Abstract Vegetables are health capsules, being the chief source of vitamins and minerals besides providing other dietary elements like carbohydrates, proteins and even fat and enzymes to some extent, antioxidants and fibre. Though India is the second largest vegetable producer (147 million tones in 2012) in the world, per capita supply and consumption of vegetables in India is very low (160 g day -1). It is now realized that the problems of satisfying hunger and nutrition are much beyond the realm of food crops alone and therefore, to supplement and balance our diet, more vegetables are to be included. Vegetables not only provide nutritional security in rural areas but also financial security to small and marginal land holders growing vegetables in the hinterlands of urban markets. Commercialization of vegetable production is the scene of the day as they are money spinners in domestic markets and dollar earners in global markets. To compete in the domestic and global market and for year round supply of quality produce, protected or greenhouse cultivation of vegetables is imperative. Water and nutrients are the top most growth and production inputs in any crop cultivation and vegetables are no exception to this. In order to get the potential yields with matching quality of vegetables grown under protected cultivation, the best of the management strategies to supply water and nutrients is needed. In this direction, drip fertigation is the best option for efficient supply of irrigation water and fertilizer nutrients for greenhouse grown vegetable crops. The studies carried in different parts of the world have clearly indicated that fertigation technology resulted in substantial yield increase with marked enhancement of water and nutrient productivity.

Abstract High altitudes may be cold and humid or cold or arid ones making the requirements of protected cultivation entirely different in both the conditions. The present chapter is based on the environmental conditions existing in Leh region. Near sub-zero temperature with snow in higher altitudes makes vegetable production tough without use of techniques of protected cultivation. Protected cultivation has witnessed gradual developments from riverbed cultivation practices to use of several types of plastics (PP, PE, PVC etc.) and UV stabilized polythene sheets. Area under protected cultivation is spread worldwide mainly in countries like Holland, Spain, Isaral, China , Japan etc. Protected cultivation technology provides favorable climate for production of vegetable &/or their seedlings of superior quality even in the extreme adverse climate outside. Such structure exploits solar thermal energy to improve photosynthetic efficiency of the plants grown inside. This green house effect is very helpful in winters at high altitudes. Similarly, some modifications in these structures are needed to low the temperature during summers. A number of advantages with some limitations can be listed that are associated with the protected cultivation. At high altitudes, three methods viz. Polyhouse/Greenhouse /Net /shaded house, Low tunnels or row covers and plastic mulching can be used. Polyhouse is a framed structure with 200 micron UV stabilized low density cladding forming a greenhouse effect. Underground trench type polyhouse can also be made with polyethylene supported on wooden poles or GI pipes. Though a combination of above two known as polyench was found performing better in Ladhak area. Low tunnels or row cover use transparent plastic films or net over low hoops to cover rows of plants. Mulching is covering the soil around plants to conserve soil moisture, temperature, preventing weeds etc. using transparent and black plastics of 10-25micron thickness. Double colored plastic mulches are being tested for different crops and different seasons. In arid high altitudes, DRDO (through DIHAR, Leh) has worked extensively on protected cultivation and developed production technologies in the service of nation. Its contribution includes making possible the production of nursery, cucurbits and several other vegetables and their seeds in sub zero climatic conditions. Now, there is a need to develop more area specific, more appropriate, efficient and economic protection structures. Simultaneous development of tools, machinery and vegetable varieties suitable for use in protected conditions are among the major aspects of future work to be done in this field.

Abstract Production of healthy and vigorous seedlings is the foremost crucial step for raising a successful vegetable crop. Now a days seedlings are raised in trays under controlled atmospheric conditions called as transplants. As soil substitutes, artificial media made of perlite, vermiculite and peat moss are commercially available. A good rooting medium should be light weight, well drained, well aerated, and soilless with or without starter solution or added nutrients and with good water and nutrient holding capacity. The media should be sterilized before use. Selection of trays for cell shape, size and number depends on the type and nature of crop. Most of the vegetable transplants are now being produced in hardened plastic or polystyrene containers. Only good quality certified seeds should be used in media filled trays after priming, pelleting, coating or other seed treatments as per the crop requirement. Germination chambers as insulated rooms to maintain suitable conditions over large period of time may also be used. Generally vegetable crops need fertilizer application after expansion of first true leaf. Young seedlings are managed carefully to avoid any toxicity while taking care of their nutrient management. Water requirement also depends on growth stage and variation in weather conditions. Other seedling management practices include shading, thinning, weeding, disease/pest control, hardening off and subsequent transplanting. Containerized greenhouse plants can be grown using the conventional “rail” (or rack) system or the “float” system. Shipping factors such as mechanical injury, environmental conditions and length of storage affect plant vigour and establishments. IPM (integrated pest management) offers a practical way to effectively manage pests on vegetable bedding and transplants.

Abstract Greenhouse vegetable cultivation is gaining popularity for reasons such as high productivity of quality produce round the year with enhanced input use efficiency. As agriculture has a major share in our economy and if India has to emerge as an economic power in the world, the productivity should substantially increase from the present levels. We need a new and effective technology which can constantly improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of our major farming systems. One such technology is the green house vegetable production technology. At Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangaluru, research on greenhouse vegetable production is in progress since the year 2000, resulting in the development of many technologies which have made possible to realize high yield levels in tomato, capsicum and cucurbits that are comparable to international standards of greenhouse productivity. Tomato and bell pepper yields have touched 300 tonnes and 200tonnes/ha/year, respectively and cucurbits 80 to 100 tonnes/ha/crop of 3 months. Vegetable cultivation in cost effective greenhouse is a technical reality in India, which is being adopted by resourceful farmers in and around big towns and cities as a peri-urban horticultural system. Such production systems have not only extended the growing season of vegetables and made their availability round the year but also opened the possibilities of growing new vegetables such as coloured capsicums, cherry tomatoes, seedless watermelons, icebox melons, sweet cucumbers, coloured cabbage, etc., besides tomato, cucumber, eggplant and climbing beans. Quality seedling production is one more important greenhouse activity in the present agricultural scenario as more and more F1 hybrids are being adopted by the farmers.

Protected cultivation is a specialized agricultural system in which a certain control of the soil–climate ecosystem is exercised modifying its conditions (soil, temperature, solar radiation, wind, humidity and air composition). Plants are cultivated by means of these techniques modifying their natural environment to prolong the harvesting period, alter the conventional cropping cycles, increase yields, improve product quality, stabilize production and provide products when open field cultivation is limited (Wittwer and Castilla, 1995). It is the most contemporary approach to produce mainly, horticultural crops qualitatively and quantitatively and has spread extensively the world over in the last few decades. Protected cultivation also known as controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is highly productive, conservative of water and land and also protective of the environment (Jensen, 2002). Protected cultivation is now becoming popular in Kerala experiencing humid tropical climate with the adoption of locally suitable green house technologies. Protected cultivation has rapidly expanded in many regions across the globe as early as 1960, when plastics were introduced/used in agriculture and subsequently during 1970’s, when the rise in oil prices resulted in increase of energy costs. About 115 countries in the world are into greenhouse vegetable production commercially (Sabir and Singh, 2013). The world scenario shows the area under protected cultivation to be nearly 6,23,302 ha. while total estimated world greenhouse vegetable production area is 4,02,981 ha. Of the total world greenhouse vegetable area, soilless/hydroponic culture systems account for 95,000 ha (Hickman, 2011). The advent of protected cultivation technology in India materialized during the early nineties, post globalization. In India, area under protected cultivation is presently around 25,000 ha while the greenhouse vegetable cultivation area is about 2,000 ha. Faced with constraints of land holdings, rapid urbanization, declining crop production, declining biodiversity and ever increasing population, demand for food, especially vegetables has increased manifold and protected cultivation has offered a new dimension to produce more in a limited area. Today Dutch protected cultivation is one of the most intensive farming systems in the world with high levels of output by using the latest technologies (Goncharova, 2004).

Abstract Protected cultivation technology in black pepper and cardamom offers distinct advantages over conventional farming. Production of quality planting materials irrespective of the season was made possible. Such propagating materials can be well maintained under polyhouse, irrespective of the seasons and can be used judiciously for replanting/ gap filling. In this era of climate change, protected cultivation assumes significance. In black pepper and cardamom, rapid multiplication techniques of planting materials were made possible. A novel idea of growing pepper, different from conventional system as “bush” that can be grown under potted and field conditions were also developed. Nutrition and water management studies could be undertaken with precision. In cardamom, quality planting material production and high quality capsule production are made possible all throughout the year by the adoption of protected cultivation. For optimizing production, prescriptions of fertilizers, using DRIS norms were developed for black pepper and cardamom based on critical soil and foliar nutrient concentrations. Typical deficiency symptoms of major and micro nutrients on black pepper were characterized to rectify the deficiency. Technology for propagation and cultivation of bush pepper in pots, under protected cultivation was also developed and popularized. Technology for using organic manures, non edible oil cakes, biofertilizers towards production of high quality zero defect black pepper and cardamom was also developed and popularized.

Abstract Floriculture is the fast emerging sector in horticulture sector and people are changing very fast from the traditional field crops to flowers because of high returns per unit of area and better price. The flowers are being used during all the occasions. Though the art of growing flowers is not new to India, large scale commercial cultivation and protected cultivation in polyhouses is relatively new in India. With the opening up of world market in the WTO regime, there is a free movement of floriculture products worldwide. India is having a better scope in future as there is a shift in trend towards tropical flowers and this can be gainfully exploited by countries like India with high amount of diversity in indigenous flora. The major flowers grown under protected cultivation are rose, chrysanthemum, gerbera, carnation and lilium. Even some of the flowers are location specific and made a dent on the state economy, the best examples are carnation in Himachal Pradesh and gerbera in Maharashtra. Now with market trend is changing and biotechnological tools must be exploited for the crop improvement to evolve novel varieties with desirable colour traits. The other major area of work is on protected cultivation of cut flowers which is coming up on a large scale and value addition in floriculture i.e. extraction of pigments, essential oils, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical compounds have emerged as frontline avenues in floriculture. We have many challenges ahead like trained HRD, quality planting material, technical knowhow, limited choice of the varieties and products in the market to compete in global market.

Abstract Domestic market both for cut flowers as well as loose flowers have increased significantly owing to rapid urbanization, changes in social attitude, increase in income level and the increasing habit of ‘saying it with flowers’. The per capita consumption of flowers is increasingly growing up due to which the production has been increased and non-traditional areas have emerged as important players in floricultural production. In this scenario of intensive production system, protected cultivation can be a viable option. Protected cultivation offers unique opportunities to produce high quality flowers round the year and insulate from weather vagaries thus, reduceing risk from the climatic variations. Protected structure comprises of high cost, medium cost and low cost polyhouses and each structure needs specific varieties and technologies to achieve maximum yield. Hence, breeding program should be based on structure and climate as it has been observed that varieties bred in Northern hemisphere under high cost greenhouses are not performing alike in medium and low cost polyhouses of Southern hemisphere. Breeding work in India has been carried out in wide range of floriculture crops. Breeding of many floricultural crops are in fact not always simple and straightforward due to polyploidy, complex ancestry involving one or more species, aneuploidy, and in some families self and cross sterility barriers, etc. It appears that breeders have vast opportunities to incorporate disease and insect screening and development of varieties for protected cultivation in routine breeding programs during the evaluation of seedlings. To develop varieties for such adversities, our research institutes should have enough infrastructures to carry out required research. In a few areas, protected cultivation has succeeded in India due to efforts of private companies and enterprising farmers. Recently, with greater efforts of ICAR a few public institutions have started breeding of flower varieties suited for protected cultivation.

Abstract The tradition of growing of flowers is age old. The flowers have travelled from the bowl of prayers to gardens to commercial sector for revenue. The quality concerned world demands for round the year production and supply of quality produce which can only be possible under controlled environment production. A range of location specific and crop specific infrastructures are being commercially used for production of planting material and flowers. General and crop specific guidelines for trade of cut flowers are available which the producers and policy makers must know for successful promotion of export of cut flowers from the country. The producer can also use practical methods for vase life study of their produce which is of great relevance in cut flower trade. Keywords: Protected floriculture, trade, crop specific guidelines, export, cut flower Introduction Indian floriculture industry is shifting from traditional flowers to cut flowers for export purpose. The liberalized economy has given an impetus to Indian entrepreneurs for establishing export oriented units (EOUs) under controlled climatic conditions. The wide variations in agro climatic conditions in India permit us to grow various types of tropical and subtropical flowers. Though such plants grow successfully in open conditions without cover, they fail to meet the quality requirements of being blemish free. High quality ornamental plants meant for export should be scientifically grown only in plastic, glass or fibre glass greenhouses or at least under partial cover. Though initial investment is high in protected cultivation, the products in them will obtain far more attractive prices.

Index A A, β carotenes 36 Abiotic soil stresses 164 Abiotic stresses 37 Abnormal growth 383 Acceptance Standard 383 Acidic fertilizers 85 Acrylic 60 Active Ingredient Code 384 Adoption of appropriate technologies 4 Advantages of Fertigation 84, 190 Advantages of growing seedlings in nursery beds 224 Advantages of protected cultivation 4 Aeroponics 33, 38, 44, 212 Agro-climate 136 Agro-net 312 AICRPS 320 Air Composition 346 Air Layering 332 Alkalinity 129 Alleppy Green Extra Bold (AGEB) 323 Alstroemeria 353 Alternaria 337 Alternaria leaf spots 66 Amaranth 27, 219 Ammonia 193