eChapters

ABSTRACT

Hevea brasiliensis, the main source of natural rubber (NR) is commercially propagated through bud grafting. Since Hevea brasiliensis is a cross-pollinated tree crop, seeds obtained are highly heterozygous. Earlier, plantations were grown from unselected seeds. But due to poor yield and large tree - to - tree variations in growth and yield in such plantations bud grafting with desirable scions is now being adopted for commercial planting. Genetically divergent seedlings grown from open pollinated seeds are used as rootstocks to graft the selected scion. This can lead to stock - scion interactions. Large intraclonal variations observed in growth and yield of bud-grafted clones of Hevea are attributed to the genetic heterogeneity of the rootstocks. Monoclonal and polyclonal seed gardens have been established in Kanya Kumari District of Tamil Nadu for producing good quality seeds. Monoclonal seeds are collected from monoclonal seed gardens where only one clone is planted in a vast area without any interference from pollen grains from other clones. Polyclonal seeds are collected from polyclonal seed gardens where different clones are planted in an area and the seeds are fertilized by pollen grains from all the clones. It is a general assumption that seedlings grown from polyclonal seeds may be highly heterogeneous than seedlings grown from monoclonal seeds. The objective of the present study was to find out the reliability of this assumption by studying the genetic variations existing among the polyclonal and monoclonal seedlings. RAPD analysis of leaf samples from polyclonal and monoclonal viz, RRIM 600, PB 86 and GT1 seedlings was carried out using ten Operon arbitrary decamer primers that gave informative amplification. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the genetic variations among the polyclonal and monoclonal seedlings.

IB is an acute, highly contagious, viral disease of chickens characterized by respiratory signs (gasping, sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge), the severe renal disease associated with neurotropic strains, and a marked decrease in egg production. It is a serious cause of sub-optimal egg production and poor egg quality. This disease is worldwide in ditribution.

Hosts

Chickens only. Recently IBV has been detected in species other than chickens. The disease may be produced only in chickens, IBV may multiply in other species of birds and be a source of infection.

Etiology

IB is caused by the avian coronavirus; numerous strains of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) exist because of high genetic diversity and cross protection between strains is not reliable.

Marker Assisted Selection (MAS)

Marker Assisted Selection [MAS] is defining as the indirect selection for a desired plant phenotype based on the banding pattern of linked molecular (DNA) markers. It is based to infer the presence of a gene from the presence of a marker which is tightly linked to the gene of interest and high heritability of the gene of interest. Marker assisted selection (MAS) is also known by other names as marker aided selection and marker assisted breeding (MAB).

ABSTRACT

Ethical conduct of research is utmost important which form the basis of overall development of society. Academic institutions can play key role in promoting scientific integrity by creating awareness about scientific misconduct and can frame policies to curb scientific misconduct. As a part of course curriculum knowledge about various issues related to academic integrity can be easily passed to young researchers and students of the institution. Awareness programs can play significant role in promoting research integrity for which academic libraries can be the frontrunner. Librarians’ role is also changing as they have not limited themselves to traditional services but are also providing web based services to the users. They can support research community by providing services like reference management through the use of reference management tools and data management and preservation services. Faculty development programs are also helping the working librarians to update their knowledge. This article discuss about the concept of academic integrity and role of academic institution in promoting it in general and library in particular. PA U library faculty has taken a lead in raising the awareness of students and researchers about research and publication ethics by teaching this course to as part of the course curriculum to research scholars and post graduate students of the university. It is also facilitating teaching community and researchers in plagiarism checking of the manuscripts through the use of antiplagiarism software.

Keywords: Scientific integrity, Research integrity, Research ethics, User education and research ethics, User awareness programs.

Challenge: High Initial Investment

1. Solution: Government subsidies and financial assistance prograAms can be introduced to incentivize farmers to adopt drone technology. Additionally, academia and researchers can collaborate with drone manufacturers to develop affordable and cost-effective drone solutions tailored to the needs of small-scale farmers.
2. Contribution:
   1. Government: Implement subsidy programs and financial incentives.
   2. Academia and Researchers: Conduct studies to identify cost-effective drone technologies.
   3. Industry and Startups: Develop budget-friendly drone models suitable for agricultural applications.

Introduction

Agriculture as a primary sector in India is mostly production oriented. Global agriculture is experiencing significant changes in terms of technological and digital revolution, rapid urbanization, faster growth in middle income groups, changing food habits, market oscillations, and above all, climate change. During the last 50 years, India has recorded 4 to 10-fold increase in agriculture and food production(food grains-290 MT, horticultural produce -315 MT, milk production nearly 180 MT, and fish production approaching 12 MT), rendering the country as the second largest agrarian economy in the world (Singh, 2019). Despite the excellent progress, the country is home to over one third of the world’s small and marginal farm holders, with scattered land holding. Eighty f ive percent of the farmers are small and marginal. On the other hand, world’s population is growing and to meet the growing food demand there is a need to increase agricultural output by at least 60 percent globally, and 100 percent in developing countries (FAO, 2014a)

Genus : Eriobotrya 
Species : japonica Thunb./Lindl.
Family : Rosaceae 
Chromosome No. : 2n = 34

In Orient this beautiful and excellent fruit has failed to acquire the commercial significance which the crop deserves, further no concerted efforts have been made to improve it through selection and cultivation as has been done for many other Asiatic fruits. In contrast to major tropical and subtropical fruits which are said to be too sweet, loquat is one fruit that has subacid, sprightly flavoured fruits that match in taste and flavour to those of temperate fruits. The loquat has been in cultivation since antiquity in Japan and under present fruit culture scenario is one of the important fruits of that country

Bearing: Bearing is connotation of flowering and fruiting.

Bearing habit: The position of f lower bud with respect to vegetative growth of the plant after the cessation of juvenility. Different fruit plants have different habits.

Depending upon position of fruit bud, fruit trees may be categorized as under:

1. Shoot flowering: Terminal flowering: Banana, Pineapple, Mango, Litchi, Avocado Lateral flowering: Coconut, Papaya, Guava, Orange, Ber, Passion fruit, Bread fruit
2. Stem /Branch bearing: It also known as caulifluorous bearing habit. In this habit, flower and fruit appear directly from the main stem or branch. Example: Jackfruit, Cocoa, Durian,
3. Spur bearing: It is a shot stubby shoot of more than one year age which bears fruit bud in many fruit plants. Example: Apple, Pear, Peach, Plum, Cherry, Grape, Apricot etc

Plants require proper environment for its growth and development. If environment is not suitable crop would not do well. To ensure proper environment to commercial crops for their better growth and development covered structures are used which provide microclimate appropriate for their growth and development. Growing of crops under such protective structures, also known as greenhouses, is termed as greenhouse technology. The structures harness solar radiation for photosynthesis in plants or can be provided with artificial lights (LEDs) for the purpose. The technology embraces many aspects of farming such as modelling of structures, agronomic practices for the production of the crop and the commercial viability of the venture. The technology ensures crop production in a cover more or less independent of natural prevailing environment. The covering or cladding permits desirable aspect of sun and air and help in modifying crop production environment inside. The modification of environment is aimed of creating micro-climate inside the structure/greenhouse most appropriate for the growth and development of the crop.

Hence greenhouse can be defined as a framed or inflated structure with claddings like glass polyethylene sheets, poly carbonates, fibre reinforced plastics and others in which plants are grown by creating microclimate conducive to crop for its growth and development with or without automation and mechanization. The purpose of growing crops under greenhouse conditions is to extend their cropping season and to protect them from adverse environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures, precipitation and pests. A large number of greenhouses/poly houses have come up in almost all states of India. Though in infancy but greenhouse cultivation particularly in horticulture crops and nursery production is visible.

Introduction

Agriculture sector is currently at the crossroads, which is evident in terms of higher nutritive food requirements juxtaposed with growing population. Food production faces multiple challenges due to frequent occurrence of natural calamities, sudden rise in temperature, increase in occurrence of disease and pests leading to both pre and postharvest crop loss. Alarming decrease in fertility status of high and medium land soils of Odisha due to formation of hard clay pan below 4-6” of soil depth has resulted in slowing down of nutrient mineralization by the soil microorganisms within the soil. Crop production stress is further aggravated due to steady decrease in availability of cultivable land with the advent of urbanization, which concurrently reduced the number of dedicated agricultural households. It has been estimated that production of all food grains and horticultural crops needs to be doubled at farmer’s level in order to feed the growing population of the world failing which there will be food crisis by2050.

6.1 Introduction

The egg production in the country has increased from 78.48 billion in 2014-15 to 114.38 billion in 2019-20. India ranks 3rd in egg production in the world. Annual growth rate of egg production was 4.99 per cent during 2014-15, there after there has been a significant improvement in the egg production with 10.19 per cent growth registered in 2019-20 over the previous year. The per capita availability of egg was 86 per annum in 2019-20. Less than a generation ago the main supply of eggs was from small backyard unit. Processors, handlers, and distributors of eggs and egg products need an understanding of egg-production practices to cope more intelligently with problems of product quality and character

Introduction

Citrus fruits are acidic, exotic fruits with juicy, bitter, fruit segments inside. Citrus fruits commonly originated in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. They have long been valued as part of a nutritious and tasty diet. The f lavours provided by citrus are among the most preferred in the world, and it is increasingly evident that citrus not only tastes good, but is also good for people. Citrus fruits have certain therapeutic properties such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory and anticancer, due to phytovitamins and nutrients present in them.

Comprehensive History of Plant Pathology
Mycology
1. Ancient Contributions (1500–500 BC): Ancient Indian texts like the Rigveda and Atharva Veda mention plant diseases, indicating early awareness of pathogens affecting crops. Although these texts are religious and medicinal in nature, they reflect early observations of how environmental factors like fungi and pests could impact plant health, laying the foundation for later agricultural practices.
2. Theophrastus (286 BC): The Greek philosopher and botanist, Theophrastus, often called the “Father of Botany,” made some of the earliest written references to plant diseases in his work Enquiry into
Plants. His observations of plant diseases such as rusts, mildews, and galls were foundational, even though he did not recognize them as caused by fungi. His work represented an important step towards formalizing plant pathology.
3. Kautilya (321–186 BC): The ancient Indian scholar Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, in his treatise Arthashastra, discussed plant diseases and methods of pest control, reflecting the integration of plant health into agricultural management and governance. His work highlighted the recognition of crop loss as an economic concern during ancient times.

Abstract

Agrobiodiversity is the back bone playing a significant role in food security and sustainable livelihoods. Agricultural systems of India are home to a great diversity of plant species and genetic varieties, but unfortunately these traditional farming systems are facing the danger of extinction today. The present study was conducted from three tribal mandals namely Araku, Paderu and Ananthagiri in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh as it is noted as a hub of biodiversity in North coastal zone of Andhra Pradesh. Data was collected by direct interview method and the traditional storage practices for the conservation of agrobiodiversity (landraces) were described.

The most established method for detecting crop water stress remotely is through the measurement of a crop’s surface temperature. The correlation between surface temperature and water stress is based on the assumption that as a crop transpires, the evaporated water cools the leaves below that of air temperature. As the crop becomes water stressed, transpiration will decrease, and thus the leaf temperature will increase. Other factors need to be accounted for in order to get a good measure of actual stress levels, but leaf temperature is one of the most important.

A. Answer the following.

Q.1.    What is nude mouse ?
Ans.     Nude mice are strain of hairless  mice that fail to develop functional thymus and  devoid of CMI.

B.  Write true or false.

Q.1.     Individuals who fail to develop a functional T cell system will die from viral infections.
Ans.    True.

Q.2.    Individuals who fail to develop a functional B cell system will die from bacterial  infections.
Ans.    True.

Genus : Durio 
Species : zibethinus Murray.
Family : Bombacaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n= 56

The exact place to which durian is indigenous is not established with certainity. The specie is said to be native to Borneo and other adjoining islands of Malay Archipelago. The species is seen growing in Sri Lanka and some other tropical countries. Outside the Malayan region durian cultivation is greatly restricted and is usually confined to the botanic gardens from study point of view. The crop has failed to move away from its native place primarily due to the fact that seeds are highly perishable which has restricted durian movement within tropical places of the world. Further due to the disagreeable flavour this fruit has not met with the favour from the Europeans. The banks of the Sarawak River are covered with many fruit trees that basically fulfill the food requirements of the local inhabitants called as Dyaks. Of the different kinds of fruit tree, durian is the most important found in abundance and is rated very highly.

2.1 Operators

Operators are those who perform some specific operation. Python has a wide variety of operators. The various python operators are categorized into:

1. Arithmetic operators

2. Comparison/relational operators

3. Assignment operators

4. Logical operators

5. Identity operators

6. Membership operators

7. Bitwise operator

Introduction

The influence of various socio-economic factors on the willingness of the decision makers to adopt new technologies has been investigated by a number of studies (Roe, 1983; Shakya and Flinn, 1985; Thomas et al., 1990). In most studies of adoption behaviour, the dependent variable is constrained to lie between 0 and 1 and the models used are exponential functions (Kebede et al., 1990). However, the decision to adopt a new technology can be very effectively captured using binary choice models. Binary choice models are appropriate when the choice between two alternatives depends on the characteristics of the problem. Application of a linear probability model to this type of problem, however, suffers from a number of deficiencies (Capps and Kramer, 1985), particularly, the one associated with the estimated probabilities in some cases being greater than one or lesser than zero as a result of neglecting significant interaction effects (Mingche, 1977). These deficiencies could be circumvented through the use of a monotonic transformation (probit or logit specification) which guaranties that predictions lie within the unit interval (Capps and Kramer, 1985). Univariate logit and probit models and their modified forms have been used extensively to study the adoption behaviour of farmers and consumers (Schmidt and Strauss, 1975; Garcia et al., 1983; Shakya and Flinn, 1985; Harper et al., 1990). According to Hanushek and Jackson (1977), the choice between logit and probit models is largely a matter of convenience. However, Maddala (1983) and Shakya and Flinn (1985) have recommended probit models for functional forms with limited dependent variables that are continuous between 0 and 1, and logit models for discrete dependent variables.

Model Specification

Univariate logit model is generally used to study the adoption behaviour of farmers and consumers.

The model is estimated using the maximum likelihood method.