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In 1935, Prof. Ronald A. Fisher laid the foundation for the subject in his monumental work entitled “The Designs of Experiments”. Experimental designs concern the arranging of treatments in such a manner that the inferences and conclusions regarding the effects of these treatments can be easily done and their reliability measured. Experiments are made with a view to find the validity of a particular hypothesis and to have an idea about the extent of the reliability that can be placed on a particular conclusion arrived. The selection of the design will have a very great bearing on the accuracy of the ultimate results. By a random selection of experimental units it is possible to remove the ambiguity about the casual interpretation of the observed associations. Random sampling is the most essential ingredient of all experimental designs. Besides, there are many devices for increasing the precision of the inference and the calculations.

To understand design of experiments, let us first get acquainted with some important terms and concepts associated with design of experiments:

• Experiment: Experiment is a scientifically planned method. The experiment is conducted draw a valid conclusion about a particular problem. The conclusion is based on statistically observation.

• Treatment: The object or the procedures under comparison in an experiment are known as treatment. For Example: Fertilizers, varieties, cultivation practices, irrigation level in case of agricultural experiments and drugs, breeds, farms, etc. in case of animal experiments.

• Yield: The response of the treatment is measured by some indicator such as crop production, milk production, body temperature, etc. Such an indicator is called yield. The treatments are applied to some units such as field plots, sample of cows, sample of patients, etc. and the effect on the yield is observed.

• Experimental material: The experimental material is nothing but a set of experimental units. In other words, the material which is used in experiment is known as experimental material. For Example: A piece of land i.e. Agricultural field in agricultural experiments and a group of cattle i.e. animals in animal experiments.

Introduction

In the last two decades, sustainable agriculture has grown to become one of the most pressing issues in agriculture. Although there are numerous definitions of sustainable agriculture, most agree on three fundamental overlapping components: Ecological, economic, and social sustainability (Kaur 2013; Pilgeram 2013). Meanwhile, the prevalence of plant diseases is a major impediment to sustainable agricultural production systems worldwide, particularly in the tropics and subtropics. Farmers frequently apply agrochemicals (i.e., pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, etc.) over their recommended dose to manage plant diseases, raising serious concerns about food safety, soil, environmental quality, and pesticide resistance (Dordas 2008; Kaur 2013).

Disease detection on plants is critical for sustainable agriculture, and manually monitoring plant diseases is difficult. It usually requires a significant amount of work, knowledge of plant diseases, and extended processing time. Early detection is the base for efficient plant disease prevention and control, and it is critical in agricultural production management and decision-making. Plant disease identification has become increasingly important in recent years (Li et al., 2021). Diseased plants usually have visible marks or lesions on their leaves, stems, flowers, or fruits. In general, each disease or pest condition has a distinct visible pattern that can be used to identify abnormalities. Typically, the leaves of plants are the primary source for identifying plant diseases, and most disease symptoms may first appear on the leaves (Ebrahimi et al., 2017). Rapid advances in biotechnology have resulted in the development of various molecular diagnostic tools over the last decade. These tools, which are based on the properties of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) or proteins of the target agents, have improved the efficacy, accuracy, and speed of detecting and identifying disease-causing agents, as well as the characterization of a wide range of pathogens and pests. Various techniques are used in biotechnology for disease diagnosis and management, but molecular markers are used in particular for the detection, identification, quantification, and characterization of plant pathogens that cause diseases in plants (Kumar et al., 2015).

18.1 Introduction

Nano – Science & Technology is design, fabrication and application of nanostructures or nanomaterials, and the fundamental understanding of the relationships between physical properties or phenomena and material dimensions at nano meter scales.

Plant parasitic nematodes can be controlled by several methods. The nematode control aims to improve growth, quality and yield by keeping the nematode population below the economical threshold level. The control measures to be adopted should be profitable and cost effective. It is essential to calculate the cost benefit ratio before adopting control measures.

Plant growth regulators or phytohormones are organic substances produced naturally in higher plants, controlling growth or other physiological functions at a site remote from its place of production and active in minute amounts. Thimmann in1948 proposed the term Phytohormone as these hormones are synthesized in plants (Thimmann, 1963).

What is Fungicide?

The term fungicide is derived from two Latin words, fungus and caedo. The word ‘caedo’ literally means ‘to kill.’ As a result, a fungicide is any agent or chemical that has the power to kill the fungus. Physical agents such as ultraviolet light and heat should also be called fungicides, according to this definition. However, in ordinary use, the term exclusively refers to chemicals. As a result, fungicide is a chemical that can kill fungi.

What is Fungistat?

Certain chemicals do not kill fungal infections. However, they only temporarily stop the fungus’s growth. Fungistat refers to these compounds, while fungistatis refers to the phenomena of temporarily inhibiting fungal growth.

What is Antisporulent?

Introduction

Climate change is the long-term alteration of temperature and meteorological conditions in the Earth’s atmosphere. It is caused by unsustainable human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and rampant industrialization which released massive quantities of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun and cause the planet to warm, resulting in various impacts on the environment and human society. Climate change is likely to disrupt the monsoon patterns and lead to more extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. This will have a significant impact on crop yields and food security in India, which is already facing a growing population and increasing demand for food. Additionally, rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns may also lead to the spread of new pests and diseases, further exacerbating the challenges faced by Indian farmers.

Additionally, climate change impacts are disproportionately affecting the livelihoods of smallholder and resource-poor farmers, who are more vulnerable to weather-related risks and have fewer resources to adapt. The Indian government and private sector are implementing various measures to help farmers adapt to changing conditions, but more needs to be done to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector. The agricultural sector in India is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, as it employs a large portion of the population and is a major contributor to the country’s economy. The Indian government and various organizations are working to develop strategies and technologies to adapt to the changing climate and mitigate the effects on the agricultural sector. Time to time the Indian government have implemented various policies and programs to improve the productivity and profitability of the agricultural sector, including the transfer of technology and extension services.

Abstract

A key problem in spatial-mathematical-model-based mineral potential mapping is the selection of appropriate functions that can effectively approximate the complex relationship between target mineral deposits and recognition criteria. This paper evaluates a series of spatial mathematical models based on different linear and non-linear functions by applying them to base-metal potential mapping of the Aravalli province, western India. Linear models applied are an extended weights-of-evidence model and a hybrid fuzzy weights-of-evidence model, while non-linear models are knowledge and data-driven fuzzy models, a neural network model, a hybrid neuro-fuzzy model and an augmented naive Bayesian classifier model. The parameters of the knowledge-driven fuzzy model are estimated from the expert knowledge, while those of the neural network and Bayesian classifier model are estimated from the data. The two hybrid models use both expert knowledge and data for parameter estimation.

As compared to the linear models, the non-linear models generally perform better in predicting the known base-metal deposits in the study area. Although the linear models do not fit the data as efficiently as the non-linear models, they are easier to implement using basic GIS functionalities and their parameters are more amenable to geoscientific interpretation. In addition, the linear models are less susceptible to the curse of dimensionality as compared to non-linear models, which makes them more suitable for applications to mineral potential mapping of the areas where there is a paucity of training mineral deposits. The hybrid models that conjunctively use both knowledge and data for parameter estimation generally perform better than purely knowledge-driven or purely data-driven models.

Abstract

As part of the Enterprise Information Portal (EIP) project, an Enterprise-wide Geographic Information System has been implemented through which Intranet / Internet users enjoying different access levels can quickly search for, locate and visualize geoscientific information generated by Geological Survey of India (GSI). The proposed system will provide real-time response to information needs and will use secure Internet technology to deliver information to bonafide users. It consists of an application that will enable data owners to load new data sets, update/replace existing data sets in a highly secure environment, load and maintain metadata about their data sets in a Data Catalog and a subsystem that will query, search, locate and display geoinformation stored in the centralized Geodatabase.

Enterprise GIS has been deployed primarily using a relational database, a spatial database engine tool, an Internet Map server tool, and integrating the existing ArcGIS desktop GIS clients. The approach is to import data from distributed data sources into the centralized repository using a customized extraction-transformation-loading (ETL) tool, thereby making appropriate structural changes to ensure homogeneity at various levels, and load into the main Geodatabase.

While delineating the functionalities of enterprise GIS solution an earnest attempt was made to accommodate the diverse needs of the organization, including its processes, activities, products and the whole gamut of users at different levels from the field geologist to the decision makers. An effort was also made to standardize various data automation processes and to iron out the heterogeneities existing in legacy data. Ultimately, GSI aspires to create a seamless geospatial database for the entire geographic extent of the country, which can be easily shared by the geoscientific community.

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam) is a multi-purpose tree species that provides food, timber, fuel, fodder and medicinal and industrial products. It is one of the species that has been brought into wider cultivation through a farmer-driven domestication process because its products meet the household needs of families with limited land, which require wood and animal feed to ensure family food security. Despite such vast potential and usefulness, jackfruit remains an underutilized fruit species and deserves to be given the necessary thrust for research and development. There is little progress on the genetic improvement of the species, including study on its reproductive biology, even though it demonstrated substantial use and importance. Therefore, a brief background on the reproductive biology of jackfruit is covered here before dealing with its genetic improvement.

Every aspect of the living organism is the sum total result of the metabolism carried out within its cells and in other organisms. Metabolism is the sum total of the chemical reactions occurring in the cell or organism. Metabolism is of two kinds:

1. Anabolism- It is also known as constructive metabolism as it involves synthesis of complex substances from the simpler ones, which are required for growth, maintenance and storage in the organism. Example: Formation of starch from glucose.
2. Catabolism- It is also known as destructive metabolism as it involves breaking of the complex substances into simpler ones, leading to release of the energy required for performing various activities of living beings. Example: Respiration.

Metabolite is the end product or the intermediate product of a biological pathway. Metabolite can be classified into two types mainly:

The mass of a body is usually defined as the material content of the body whereas the weight of the body is defined as the force with which the body is attracted towards the earth due to gravity. Therefore, the weight of a body is the product of its mass and acceleration due to gravity. The air in the atmosphere, which is a mixture of several gases has certain mass and although not very dense, will acquire some weight due to gravitational force of attraction when the entire column of the atmosphere from the ground level to the top of it is considered. Pressure is defined as the force for unit area. Therefore, the atmospheric pressure is defined as the force exerted by an air column of units area of cross section extending from earth’s surface to the top of atmosphere. As we go up in the atmosphere the height of the air column decreases, the air also become rarer and the atmospheric pressure decreases with increase in height.

The history of digestion experiments dates back to the mid-19th century when the first true trials were carried out at the Weende Experiment Station in Germany. In 1858, researchers Henneberg and Stohmann began their experiments and published their findings in 1860, which condemned Thaer’s hay equivalents and gave results of their experiments. These trials coincided with the chemical analysis of feedstuffs at the Weende station. Even before 1860, studies on nutrient losses in feces had been conducted to calculate TDN (total digestible nutrients). Over time, numerous publications have recorded the results of digestion experiments, with Schneider and Flatt (1975) documenting more than 3000 studies. In India, over 430 digestion trials have been conducted with Indian feeds and fodders at various research stations, as published by ICAR. The wealth of information gathered from these experiments has greatly advanced our understanding of digestion processes and has enabled improvements in animal nutrition practices.
Digestibility
Nutrients in feed are not fully utilized by livestock, with a significant portion being excreted in feces due to incomplete digestion in the digestive tract. Digestibility can be defined as the proportion of nutrients that are absorbed by the animal’s body and not excreted. It is essential for the animal’s growth, reproduction, and overall metabolism. Animals fed highly digestible feed show improved growth and reproductive performance, leading to increased market availability.
The formula for calculating digestibility is simply the difference between nutrients in the nutrient consumed and nutrients found in faeces.
Digestibility = Nutrients in forage – Nutrient in faeces

Introduction Organizational structure and management represent fundamental dimensions of community mobilization that determine how collective efforts are organized, coordinated, and sustained over time while building institutional capacity for effective action and long-term development success. The design and implementation of appropriate organizational arrangements significantly influence the ability of community groups and development organizations to achieve their goals while maintaining community ownership, democratic participation, and adaptive capacity that can respond to changing circumstances and emerging opportunities. The complexity of contemporary community challenges requires sophisticated organizational approaches that can coordinate diverse activities and stakeholders while maintaining flexibility and responsiveness to local conditions and community preferences. Effective

ABSTRACT
 
The term rural development also represents improvement in quality of life of rural people in villages. As per Chambers (1983) “Rural Development is a strategy to enable a specific group of people, poor rural women and men, to gain for themselves and their children more of what they want and need.”  ICT is an integral part of development strategies of both developing and developed countries. It has great potential to bring in the desired social transformations by enhancing access to people, services, information and other technologies (Dutton et al., 2004). ICT applications can enhance poor people’s opportunities by improving their access to markets, health and education. Furthermore, ICT can empower the poor by expanding the use of government services and reduce risks by widening access to micro finance (Cecchini and Scott, 2003). The uses of ICT for development are actively promoted for economic development, job-creation, rural development and poverty-alleviation. The term ‘ICTs’ can be interpreted as including a wide range of media, ‘new ICTs’ is used to denote “the use of computers and communication systems between computers” (CTA 1999:4).

Introduction

Public concern over use of antibiotics in livestock production has increased in recent years because of their possible contribution to emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria, and their transmission from livestock to humans. Accordingly, ruminant microbiologists and nutritionists have been exploring alternative methods of favorably altering ruminal metabolism to improve feed efficiency and animal productivity. Plant extracts contain secondary metabolites, such as essential oils (EO) that have antimicrobial properties that make them potential alternatives to antibiotics to manipulate microbial activity in the rumen. Essential oils are naturally occurring volatile components responsible for giving plants and spices their characteristic essence and color. Over the last few years, a number of studies have examined effects of EO, and their active components, on rumen microbial fermentation. However, many of these studies are laboratory based (i.e., in vitro) and of a short-term nature. Nevertheless, results from in vitro batch culture studies provide evidence that EO and their components have the potential to improve N and/or energy utilization in ruminants. Effects of EO on ruminal N metabolism is more likely mediated by their impact on hyper-ammonia producing (HAP) bacteria resulting in reduced deamination of amino acids (AA) and production of ammonia N.

Introduction

Fruits are important sources of vitamins, carbohydrates, fiber and sugar. A large variety of fruits are grown in India, of which mango, banana, citrus, guava, grape, pineapple and apple are the major ones. In India, grapes occupies fifth position amongst fruit crops with a production of 16.77 million tonnes from an area of 0.64 million ha (FAO, 2009). The total grape export from India during the year 2007-08 was 96,723 tonnes worth Rs 317.84 crores. (APEDA, 2009). Grape is an excellent source of many nutrients and phytochemicals, able to contribute to a healthy diet. Grapefruit is a good source of vitamin C and pectin fiber. The major varieties of grapes grown in India are Thomson seedless, Sonaka, Anab-e-Shahi, Perlette, Banglore blue, Pusa seedless, Beauty seedless etc. (NRCG, 2009). Red grapes are grown in large quantities, especially for wine and juice production. Grapes are used for making jam, juice, jelly, vinegar, wine, grape seed extracts, raisins, grape seed oil and some kinds of candy.

Indian arid zone is one of the largest sub-tropical deserts of the world, of which 20 % is arid and the remaining semi-arid with varied habitats. The hot arid region is spread over 31.7 million ha mainly in Rajasthan (19.6 m ha), Gujarat (6.22 m ha), Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana. Rajasthan is the largest state in the country covering approximately 34.2 m ha geographical area out of which 27.1 m ha (79.08 % of total area) is laying in arid and semi-arid climate, spread over 21 out of 32 districts. Western part of Rajasthan is under hot arid climate (Thar Desert) and it extends from 24^º 37’ to 30^º 10’ N latitude and 690 29’ to 76^º 05’ E longitude. Barmer, Bikaner, Churu, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jhunjhunnu, Jodhpur, Nagour, Pali and Sikar districts of Western Rajasthan account for 63.4 % area of  hot arid realm of India. Apart from these, about 10 % area each of Sirohi, Ajmer and Jaipur districts are also in arid region. Punjab and Haryana bound it in North and Gujarat in South. The Aravali hill ranges provide a natural boundary with semi-arid Eastern Rajasthan. In the West, it has a long international boundary with Pakistan.

Now-a-days, a watershed management or watershed development has been fully recognized as a unit for over all development of rainfed areas (Gupta, 2006a and b). Hydrological problems such as excessive runoff, large scale soil erosion, inadequate or faulty drainage and occurrence of droughts are the most significant problems in almost all the rainfed areas. These problems, however, can be alleviated through running watershed based development programmes that recognize the natural topography and water movement patterns of the land.

Starch is the most abundant polysaccharide carbohydrate reserve which is available in different parts of plants such as roots, stem, leaves, seeds, flowers, and fruits. It is considered an excellent source of energy and plants utilizes carbon from it for their metabolic activities (Smith, 2001). It is composed of glucose units linked together by glycosidic bonds to form amylose and amylopectin polymeric chains (Abbas et al., 2010).