eChapters

The aquarium industry represents a dynamic and growing field with broad opportunities for entrepreneurship, employment, and export. This sector encompasses a wide range of activities, including ornamental fish breeding, aquatic plant cultivation, aquarium equipment production, retail sales, and the management of public aquariums. Rising interest in aquarium keeping for leisure, home décor, and educational purposes has fueled domestic and international demand for ornamental fish and related products.
Small-scale fish breeding of species such as guppies, mollies, angelfish, and goldfish offers a practical business model that requires limited space and investment. Success in this field hinges on sound knowledge of fish biology, breeding techniques, nutrition, and water quality management. Recognized as a sunrise sector in India, ornamental fisheries benefit from supportive policies under initiatives like the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which provide training, financial aid, and market connectivity. Entrepreneurs can also diversify into producing aquarium accessories, feed, medicines, and aquascaping services.
With proper training, regulatory compliance, and a strategic market approach, aquarium entrepreneurship can serve as a profitable livelihood or a supplementary income stream.
ORNAMENTAL FISH BREEDING IN AQUARIA
Ornamental fish breeding within aquariums involves raising visually appealing species under controlled aquatic settings. This activity caters to both enthusiasts and small-scale entrepreneurs, offering potential income through the sale of fish and associated products.

Introduction

The biological information that are being generated by research in modern biology worldwide is so huge that it is not possible to manage through conventional file keeping or simple computing. Secondly, analysis of these data certainly needs specific interfaces, software and management facilities. Therefore, such requirements to store, analyze and manage the biological information/data in an appropriate way has led to the origin of a new branch of science called “Bioinformatics”. Here, emphasis will be given on the disciplines of research mostly from which generation of data is made. Broadly, they can be classified as follows.

Abstract
The analysis of variance showed significant differences for all the traits studied. The best two combinations out of the 28 F1s produced by crossing eight diverse lines of capsicum in diallel fashion (excluding reciprocals) with respect to most of the traits were Osh Region x EC-119058 and California Wonder x Bonali.

Keywords: Heterosis, Capsicum annuum L.

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) also known as Sweet pepper or Spanish pepper is an important vegetable used in various delicacies and salads, the world over. The crop originated in New World tropics and subtropics (Greenleaf, 1986), and introduced in India by the British. Because of its excellent quality as obtained under Shimla hills conditions, it came to be called as Shimla Mirch. Its most notable feature is flavour and hence is appreciated worldwide. It is also an excellent source of pro-vitamin A and vitamin C. Bell pepper assumes a special significance in the mid hills of Himachal Pradesh as it is grown as an off season crop during summer and rainy seasons, which brings lucrative returns to the growers. 

Terminology of experiments
    
Evaluation trials are important in plant breeding where the selected lines are compared with standard varieties. In most cases, it will be necessary to make comparable yield trials under field conditions. In such case, the field becomes the experimental unit. In these cases, the field becomes the experimental unit. It requires the use of small plots and adequately replicated.

Plants can synthesize all the 20 amino acids, which include essential and non-essential amino acids. They can be degraded by removal of the amino group and conversion of the remaining skeleton to useful metabolic intermediates which participate in the synthesis of glucose and other ketone bodies.
 
Biosynthesis of amino acids
 
The biosyntheses of amino acids have an important feature. Their carbon skeletons come from intermediates from glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway and citric acid cycle etc. The biosynthetic pathways depend on the intermediates from which they are derived. The primary amino group normally comes from the transamination of glutamate. Glutamine synthetase is a central control point in nitrogen metabolism, since glutamine is the amino group donor in the formation of many biosynthetic products as well as being a storage form of ammonia. Glutamate is the precursor of proline, ornithine, and arginine. Serine, cysteine, and glycine are derived from 3-phosphoglycerate. Glycine is synthesized from serine by removing CH2OH group. Tyrosine is synthesized from phenylalanine. Asparagine and glutamine are amides that are synthesized from aspartate and glutamate.

Snapmelon [Cucumis melo L. var. momordica (Roxb.) Duthie * Fuller] originated  in India. It was intensively cultivated in the 19th century in Northern India (Duthie 1905) where it is commonly called as ‘Phut’ which means to split or crack. Immature fruits are cooked or pickled and the low sugared mature fruits are eaten raw. The mature fruits crack or burst. Fruit cracking is  either longitudinal or random starting in middle of fruit (Fig.1).

Isolation of RNA from Rat Liver
(Method of Schmidt and Thannhauser, 1945)
Principle

Most of the RNA (ribouncleic acid) of cells is found in the nucleoli and microsomes.These fractions of cells may be isolated by differential centrifugation of cellular homogenates and thus provide an enriched starting material for RNA extraction. Such methods require high speed  centrifugation. An alternate procedure used in the present method is to disrupt the whole cells by homogenization and isolate the nucleic acid of entire homogenate. This procedure consists of the following sequential steps.

Partialy Balance Incomplete Block Design (PBIBD)
    
Interblock and Intrablock Information

Seed

A seed is a mature ovule consisting of an embryo together with stored food, all enclosed by a protective coat. It is product of the ripened ovule of gymnosperm and angiosperm plants which results as a consequence of fertilization and some growth within the mother plant formation of seed completes the cycle of reproduction. The embryo develops from zygote and the seed coat from the integument of ovule. A seed has three main parts these are seed coat, endosperm and embryo. Embryo includes the root, the cotyledon and embryonic leaves. Seed is located inside fruit and a fruit is a mature ovary. In broad sense any plant part which is used for commercial multiplication of crop is called seed. Thus in case of potato stem and tuber are also known as seed. Improved seed results in (1) Better germination (2) Vigorous seedling growth (3) Higher crop stand (4) Better quality of produce (5) Ultimately in higher crop yield.

Development of seeds: Successful pollination and fertilization are the prerequisites to produce a viable seed. During pollination the pollen grains are transferred from anther to the stigma and get stuck there in the sticky fluid secreted by the stigma. The fluid contains sugar which induces germination of pollen grains. The pollen tube grows downward through the style in the ovary until it reaches the embryo sac and discharges two male gametes-one is fused with a female gamete and forms the zygote (2n) and the other is united with two pollar nuclei to produce endosperm (3n). The zygote develops and gives rise to embryo embedded in nutritive tissue developed from endosperm. The nucellus tissues surrounding these structures provide necessary energy for their proper development. Like fruit, the seed also exhibits sigmoid and sometimes double sigmoid pattern of growth. Various changes occur during the course of seed development and the sequences of development may vary from species to species keeping the basic theme unaltered.

19.1. Need for weeding

Weeding is the critical operation to be carried out to obtain a good crop. Weeds are plants which grow in places where they are not wanted. They grow in the fields competing with crops for water, soil nutrients, light and space and thus reduce crop yields. They also harbor insect pests and micro-organisms. Certain weeds release the inhibitors or poisonous substances into the soil which are harmful to plants, human beings and livessecks. They increase the expenditure on labour and equipment, render harvesting difficult and reduce the quality and marketability of agricultural produce. When grown in water channels, they block and or reduce the flow of water.

The weed seeds germinate earlier and grow faster than the crop plant. This phenomenon is more pronounced when coupled with favourable environment like fine soil tilth and the soil receiving adequate water and fertilizers. Weeds flower earlier and produce seeds profusely ahead of the crop. So, these seeds get mixed up with the harvested crop and are distributed to the next season or transported to other places along with the harvested produce.

Weather parameters, such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, and wind, play a significant role in the epidemiology of viral diseases in crops. Viral diseases, caused by viruses that infect plants, can have devastating effects on crop yields and quality, leading to significant economic losses for farmers and the agricultural industry. The impact of weather parameters on viral diseases is complex and multifaceted. Weather conditions can influence the spread of viruses, the survival and multiplication of virus vectors, and the susceptibility of plants to virus infection (Fig. 9.1). Understanding the relationships between weather parameters and viral diseases is essential for developing effective disease management strategies and mitigating the impacts of viral diseases on crop productivity. Fig. 9.1. Yellow Leaf Curl Viral disease of Tomato Temperature, for example, can affect the replication and transmission of viruses, with optimal temperatures varying depending on the specific virus, its vector and host plant. Humidity and rainfall can influence the spread of viruses by affecting the movement and behavior of virus vectors, such as insects and nematodes. Wind can also play a role in the spread of viruses by dispersing virusinfected pollen and insects. This chapter will explore the effects of weather parameters on viral diseases in crops, with a focus on the relationships between temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind, and viral disease epidemiology. By examining the complex interactions between weather parameters and viral diseases, we can gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to the spread and impact of viral diseases in crops, and develop more effective strategies for managing these diseases.

Season is a period in a year, comprising few months during which the prevailing climate does not vary much. Growing season for a crop is more important for its yield and other management practices, to be followed.

Indian Meteorological Department has divided the year into four seasons.

Botanical Name: Areca catechu L.
Family : Palmae
Origin : India and South Eastern Countries.
Chromosome no. : 2n=32
Type of fruit : One-seeded berry.
Type of Inflorescence : Spadix 
Useable Part : Kernel or endosperm of the seed. 

Haylage or baleage or round bale silage, is a somewhat newer method of preserving forage. Haylage is simply forage that is baled at higher moisture content than dry hay and then stored in a sealed plastic wrap. Because of the high moisture level and air-tight environment, the forage ferments and is preserved by acid production during fermentation. The higher pH values associated with baleage are related to a slower fermentation process. During the respiration stage of the ensiling process the oxygen that is trapped in storage is rapidly consumed by aerobic bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria, which survive in the absence of oxygen, begin to grow and multiply in the fermentation stage and convert the plant sugars into organic acids- mainly lactic acid and acetic acid. With production of acids, the pH of the silage is reduced from an original level of 7.0 to a final ideal pH of 4–5. Typical large bale haylage has a pH of 4.5–5.5. Fermentation ceases when bacteria growth is stopped by the accumulation of acids. The haylage will then remain at a stable pH with no bacterial growth and can be preserved for a long time, providing there is no exposure to air. Harvesting forages with a long fiber usually results in a slow release of the plant nutrients necessary for the growth of acid producing bacteria. This generally results in less fermentation in the baleage than in chopped silage.

Naïve panel: It refers to the sensory evaluation panel that has not been trained specifically regarding the product evaluation being undertaken in the study.

Nano technology: It is the art of manipulating materials on an atomic or molecular scale to build microscopic devices. The word “ nano’ meaning ‘dwarf” in Greek language refers to dimension / magnitude of the material / particle in the order of 10⁹. Nanotechnology is nothing but manipulating of particles into very small particles called nano-particles. These particles have dimensions in the scale of nano-meter and used to design / build materials and devices. Nanotechnology has been provisionally defined as relating to materials, systems and processes which operate at a scale of 100 nanometers (nm) or less. It will allow many things to be manufactured at low cost and with no pollution. The concept of nanotechnology was first given by Nobel Laureate physicist Richard P. Feynman in Southern California in 1959.

NaNO_2: Pink colour of cured meat is preserved by NaNO₂. It is effective against Cl. Botulinosm

Nanogram: It is one billionth of a gram.

ABSTRACT

The present experiment was conducted in order to develop a protocol for rapid in vitro propagation of pomegranate Cv. Mridula. Shoot tip and nodal segment explants selected from mature plant were cultured in MS medium supplemented with NAA and BAP in different concentration and combinations. To control phenolic browning, sub- culturing of cultures was under taken at an interval of first and third day after inoculation. The MS medium supplemented with NAA 0.4 mg/l + BAP 1.0 mg/l showed highest percentage of shoot differentiation with 77.77 per cent and 81.25 per cent response from shoot tip and nodal segment explant respectively. In the same media, earlier shoot initiation as well as more number of multiple shoots/culture were obtained. The shoots when elongated up to 2.5 - 3.0 cm length were transferred for rooting in the ½ strength MS media supplemented with auxins. There was no significant difference for root induction among the type of auxin used either NAA, IBA or both in combination. The concentration of auxins 0.5 mg/l was found to be optimum. Rooted plantlets after hardening in green house gave 49 per cent survival.

The hot arid regions of India are spread over 32 million hectares in the states of Rajasthan (61%), Gujarat (20%), Punjab (5%), Haryana (4%), Karnataka (3%) and Andhra Pradesh (7%). The arid regions of western Rajasthan experience an annual rain fall between 100-500 mm with a coefficient of variations varying from 40-70 per cent. Low and erratic rainfall coupled with extreme temperature results in complete or partial crop failure, considerably affects the agricultural economy of the region. High wind velocity causes wind erosion and shifting of sand dunes covers the fertile agricultural land and canals (Rao and Singh,1998). The rise in temperature begins from March onward and attains its peak in May as high as 46°C. The transpiration is low during winters but during summer in months (May & June), it reaches up to 16 mm per day. The annual estimated potential evapotranspiration values ranges from 1600 mm in eastern part and 1800 mm in western part of the region.

In the arid regions of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and eastern part of arid Gujarat the soils have developed from alluvial and aeolian parent materials. In context to the type of soils light brown sandy soils with dune dominance is 30.6 per cent and associated others 34 per cent area, light brown soils 1.7 per cent, Grey brown soils 13.6 per cent hard pan in 5.9 per cent and seirozems in 1.7 per cent area (Dhir, 1977). Kolarker et al. (1989) reported that in 12 district of Rajasthan sandy soils dominated in 14.3 million ha. These soils are poor in fertility very low organic carbon (0.03-0.1%), light in texture called desert soils (north western) in the order of aridisols. It has undulated topography with the dominance of sand dunes inter-dunal plains. About 80 per cent area falls under rain fed cropping and moth bean, cluster bean, pearl millet, and sesame are the main crops grown during kharif season after the onset of monsoon. Under the vagaries of monsoon and recurrent drought the rain fed cropping becomes a gamble, which creates severe food and fodder scarcity in the region.

Microorganisms being minute and microscopic are ubiquitous. Besides supporting the growth of various biological systems, soil and soil microbes serve as a best medium for plant growth. Soil fauna & flora convert complex organic nutrients into simpler inorganic forms which are readily absorbed by plants.

Soil microbes as nitogen fixers-Symbiotic (Associative): The organisms involved are Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium in legumes(aerobic): Azospirillum, Azotobacter (grasses), Actinonycetes- Frantkia (with Casuarinas, Alder).

Soil microbes as biocontrol agents: Several ecofriendly bioformulations of microbial origin are used in agriculture for the effective management of plant diseases, insect pests, weeds etc. eg: Trichoderma sp and Gleocladium sp are used for biological control of seed and soil borne diseases. Fungal genera Entomophthora, Beauveria, Metarrhizium and protozoa- Maltesia grandis. Malameba locustiae etc.- are used in the management of insect pests. Nuclear polyhydrosis virus (NPV) is used for the control of Heliothis/American boll worm. Bacteria like Bacillus thuringiensis, Pseudomonas are used in cotton against Angular leaf spot and bollworms.

Degradation of pesticides in soil: Soil receives different toxic chemicals in various forms and causes adverse effects on beneficial soil micro flora / micro fauna, plants, animals and human beings. Various microbes present in soil act as the scavengers of these harmful chemicals in soil. The pesticides/chemicals reaching the soil are acted upon by several physical, chemical and biological forces exerted by microbes in the soil and they are degraded into non-toxic substances and thereby minimize the damage caused by the pesticides to the ecosystem. For example, bacterial genera like Pseudomonas, Clostridium, Bacillus, Thiobacillus, Achromobacter etc. and fungal genera like Trichoderma, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Rhizopus, and Fusarium play important role in the degradation of the toxic chemicals / pesticides in soil.

Biodegradation of hydrocarbons: Natural hydrocarbons in soil like waxes, paraffins, oils etc are degraded by fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes. E.g. ethane (C2 H6) is metabolized and degraded by Mycobacteria, Nocardia, Streptomyces Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium and several fungi.

The purpose and the mode of marketing of vegetables determine the type of vegetable gardening. The various types of vegetable gardening are as follows.

Home or Kitchen gardening

Market gardening

Truck gardening

Processing gardening

Vegetable forcing

Seed production gardening

Floating vegetable gardening

20.1. What?

Sprayer is equipment used for applying insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and in some cases fertilizers as foliar sprays to agricultural crops. Sprayers range in size from man-portable units (backpacks) to Self propelled units with boom mounts covering 60-150 feet length. Sprayers include the ones used for spraying liquid formulations, dusters for dusting dust formulations and granular applicators for delivering granules.

20.2. Principle of working

Sprayers work based on Bernoulli’s principle. Basically, the sprayers have a storage tank, a plunger, lance and a nozzle. When the plunger is pushed in, the air flows at a high velocity through the nozzle. The flow of air at high velocity creates a region of low pressure just above the lance. The higher atmospheric pressure acts on the surface of the liquid insecticide causing it to rise up the lance and the insecticide leaves out through the nozzle as a fine spray.

Sprayers are fitted with hollow cone nozzles for spraying pesticides and with flat fan nozzles for herbicides.