eChapters

I. FILL UPS

1. _____ vegetable is botanically called as a fruit.
2. Fruit of pumpkin is called _____.
3. The isolation distance for pumpkin foundation seed production is _____.
4. The isolation distance for pumpkin certified seed production is _____.

Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata, 2n = 2x = 40, family Cucurbitaceae, monoecious, cross-pollinated, behaving like self-pollinated crop genetically) is grown globally throughout in the tropical, sub-tropical and temperate regions of both the New and Old World. The term pumpkin is normally applied to the edible fruit of any species of Cucurbita when ripe as a table vegetable or in pie (Whitaker and Robinson, 1986). Squash and pumpkin are the words quite often used interchangeably. However, the term squash or summer squash is commonly used for Cucurbita pepo which is eaten as immature fruit also. The term pumpkin is used generally for all kinds of five cultivated species under the genus Cucurbita but is quite commonly used for C. moschata. Besides C. pepo (summer squash) and C. moschata (winter or baking squash), the other three species under the genus Cucurbita are C. mixta (squash), C. maxima (winter or baking squash), and C. ficifolia (squash, fig-leaf gourd, Malabar gourd).

While compiling statistics FAO clubs squash and gourd together with pumpkin. In 2017, world production of pumpkins (including squash and gourds) was 27 million tons, with China (7.8 million tons from 0.4 million ha) and India (5.0 million tons from 0.5 million ha) accounting for 47% of the total production. Russia, Ukraine, and the United States each produced about one million ton. As per APEDA (The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority), India produced 1.44 million tons of pumpkin which translates into 72000 ha area assuming a productivity of 20 tons/ha during 2015-16. The major states growing pumpkin in India are Orissa, UP, MP and Chhattisgarh. It is clarified that in context of India, pumpkin means C. moschata only although IIHR released a variety of C. maxima under the name Arka Suryamukhi in 1987 (Ram, 2012). However, now it is nowhere to be seen. Fruits of C. pepo (summer squash or zucchini) now can be seen in limited scale in superstores and limited scale cultivation is certainly happening under protected cultivation of this crop in India. Under this chapter, only C. moschata is being dealt with under the term pumpkin. Pumpkin is now becoming popular in India due to its high productivity, nutritive value, good storability, long period of availability and better transportability. It is rich in vitamins particularly precursor of vitamin A and minerals.

Pumpkin (2n = 40) is an important ‘pepo’ vegetable of the Cucurbitaceae family. Five domesticated species viz., C. maxima, C. moschata, C. pepo, C. argyrosperma and C. ficifolia are included in the Cucurbita genera (Schaffer and Paris, 2003). Owing to the presence of maximum genetic diversity in the neotropical regions and its ability to grow in varied agro-ecological conditions and its tolerance to hotter climatic conditions as compared to the other cultivated Cucurbita species, C. moschata is known as “tropical pumpkin” (Andres 2004). In terms of the average nutritive values, pumpkin (2.8) stands at a higher position when compared to many widely grown vegetables. The fruits are rich in carotenoid pigments. However, the proportion of beta carotene is higher than the others. Beta carotene shows strong anti oxidative and anti-cancer properties. While, it has relatively low content of other carotenoids like alpha-carotene, lutein, zeaxantin and violaxantin (Matus et al., 1993; Fraser and Bramley, 2004). Moreover, pumpkin fruits are also rich in mineral elements viz., potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and selenium. The mature pumpkin seeds contain the essential unsaturated fatty acids and minerals like zinc. Pumpkin-rich diet has also shown to have a pharmacological effect on reducing blood glucose (Xiong and Cao, 2001; Cai et al. 2003). Further, water-extracted pumpkin polysaccharides showed better hypoglycemic (Zhang and Yao, 2002). As a result, pumpkin has emerged as a staple food in many developing countries (Ferriol and Pico, 2008).

Pulses play an important role in improving the soil health through biological nitrogen fixation. These crops also help to conserve natural resources and therefore help to conserve natural resources and sustain the agricultural productivity. With almost one-fourth population below the poverty line, the recent steep hike in prices has made the availability of pulses for this section of society even more difficult, thus, further jeopardizing both food and nutritional security.

A line homozygous at all loci, ordinarily obtained by successive self-fertilizations in plant breeding is called a pure line. This concept was proposed by Danish biologist, W.L. Johannsen in 1903 while conducting a series of selection experiments for seed weight in common bean, which is strictly self-pollinated species. This is applied in self-pollinated crops, like wheat, rice, pulses, several vegetable crops, namely, tomato, chilli, eggplant, okra, cucurbits, etc. This is also applied to develop inbred parental lines in maize and several other cross-pollinated crops. However, ultimately these parental lines are used in development of new hybrids. This could be summarized as follows:

• Lines that are genetically different may be successfully isolated from within a population of mixed genetic types.
• Any variation that occurs within a pure line is not heritable but due to environmental factors only. Consequently, as Johansen’s bean study showed, further selection within the line is not effective.

Alinehomozygousatallloci, ordinarilyobtainedbysuccessive self-fertilization in plant breeding is known as pure-line. W. L. Johannsen (1903), a Danish biologist provided a sound scientific basis for selection in self-pollinated crops when he defined ‘pure-lines’ and described the genetic mechanism by which they are established through a series of experiments for seed weight selection in bean, variety Princess. Pure-lines in principle are supposed to be 100% homozygous but that hardly happens in practical plant breeding programmes and usually the so called pure-lines are ‘near pure-lines. Pure-lines tend to be uniform in the traits of interest. Genetic mutations, admixtures and limited out-crossing are the main causes of variation within pure-lines. This is a rapid and most in-expensive method. Pure-line theory may be summarized as follows:

Purity analysis

Purity of a seed lot indicates in percentage how large a fraction is made up of pure seeds of the species in question, and how much is made up of inert matter and other seeds. Impurities may be any non seed material (leaf, flower, fruit fractions, soil etc.), small fractions of seeds of the actual species, as well as seeds of other species. Pure seed may include both dead and empty seed, plus damaged seed, purity does not tell anything about viability. The purity analysis of a seed sample in the seed testing laboratory refers to the determination of the different components of the purity viz., pure seeds, other crop seeds, weed seeds and inert matter. Each component is reported as a percentage of total weight. The objective of the purity analysis is to determine whether the submitted sample conforms to the prescribed physical quality standards with regard to physical components. Large seeds are generally easy to clean and purity analyses are therefore often omitted. However, for smaller seeds contamination with other seeds may occur e.g., during processing.

1. SEED PURITY AND ITS COMPONENTS

Seed purity analysis from the working sample taken from submitted sample is made in accordance to ISTA rules. The uncertified seed sample is generally a mixture of pure seeds, inert matter and biological impurities including genetically impure seeds of the variety.

A buyer expects to have good seed and not a mixture of pure seed with a high percentage of chaff, straw, sand, weed seeds and other crop seeds and also genetically impure or mixed seeds.

Purity analysis is a test to estimate the extent of biotic and abiotic impurities present in the seed lot of a variety.

I. FILL UPS

1. _____ and _____ seeds give highest grain yield.
2. Assessment of _____ is one of the basic requirement for quality control of seed under the seed act.
3. The minimum number of seeds for germination test of _____.
4. The purity analysis in groundnut is done with working sample size is _____.

To explain the main concepts and elements of a participatory curriculum development process

To present practical skills and knowledge leading to the effective design of teaching and learning

To build confidence of the learners in applying new methods and approaches to teaching and field extension work.

To demonstrate application of participatory approach in development of Extension curriculum

This Toolkit emphasizes an active learning approach, based on the process of experience, reflection and action. The key principle is that people do not learn simply by passive listening. They need to be involved from beginning of the training and designing of the program.

Inula racemosa is an Asian plant in the daisy family native to the temperate and alpine western Himalayas of Xinjiang, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Nepal, Pakistan. Inula racemosa Hook. f., is a critically endangered perennial herb distributed throughout the Himalaya; commercially useful in pharmaceutical products.

Morphological characteristics

The species is a perennial herb that grows up to 1.5 metres tall & has a scented root and rootstock. Large number of stems ascend from the rootstock’s base. Leaves are leathery, rough above and densely hairy below, 25-50 cm long and 10-12 cm wide, and elliptic-lanceolate in shape, 25-50 cm long and 10-12 cm wide.

Floral biology

Flower heads are yellow with bisexual florets and arise in terminal racemes. Flowering takes place from January to July, while fruiting takes place from October to November. Fruits (achenes) are slender and about 0.5 cm long.

7.1 Economics and Valuation of ghgs emissions

Since the late 20^th century, it has been largely accepted that cause of high concentration of GHGs in atmosphere is induced by human activities. Greenhouse gas emissions and related climate change has opened up debate on overall economic losses and ways to reduce these loses. Moreover, apart from curbing monetary losses; the global political leaders as well as reputed economists are looking towards making money by saving the emissions. Recently, the researchers have started to emphasize on the actual value added to the ecosystem by curbing emissions, discrete of the economic benefits. This section will discuss the economics and ecosystem services related to the management of GHG emissions.

Origin

The initiative to curb the emissions started in 1992 with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The Convention took place from 3 to 14 June, 1992. The UNFCCC is an international environmental treaty designed to “stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system”. The UNFCCC had non-binding limits on greenhouse gas emissions for individual countries and the framework was only meant for formulating precise international treaties (called “Protocols” or “Agreements”). It contained no execution mechanisms, however, it considered some negotiations and suggestions to formulate the action plans and regulation guidelines under UNFCCC to fulfill the objective of reduction of GHG emissions to the desired level.

PV clad structures and hybrid devices for rural and agricultural applications have been developed after considering different design aspects, climatic parameters, solar radiation availability on different planes, heat transfer coefficients, performance of PV in arid region and inter phasing of different components while keeping in view, practicality, application and ease of operation. Performance of the developed systems was studied, mathematical model developed and energy savings worked out for techno-economic considerations. The chronology and details of the developed PV structures and hybrid devices are as follows:

Green structure for environmental control

First of all a Quonset type environment control structure having a length of 5.3 m and width 4 m was fabricated with angle iron and iron rods and it was covered by agro-net (75%) having surface area of about 55 m². The structure having a volume of 33 m³ was fixed with long side along east west direction and had provisions for incorporation of misting unit on west side and a door on east.

Background and Technology intervention

Instead of open channel irrigation, intervention of PVC pipeline system using gravitational hydraulic pressure can convey efficient water without the use of power. This will reduce conveyance loss and improve timely and equitable distribution of water to all farmers. As large number of open wells with pump sets are available, uninterrupted power supply is not available for on time irrigation during summer seasons. During such times, savings from tank water will be more helpful allowing the farmer to manage groundwater greatly.

Pyometra meaning “pus filled uterus” is a condition in cow which is characterized by progressive accumulation of pus in the uterus, presence of persisting CL, absence of estrus and regular estrus cycles and a closed cervix. Pyometra occurs following chronic endometritis in most cases as uterus fails to produce endogenous CL regressing agent i.e. PGF2a. So, the CL of diestrus persists resulting in failure of elimination of uterine infection as the animal remains under the continuous influence of progesterone. Progesterone production from the persistent CL causes closure of cervix, pus accumulation in the uterus and consequently leading to enlargement and distension of uterus.

26.1. Origin

• Native to Dalmatia (Yugoslavia), Herzegovina and Montenegro.

26.1. Economic importance

• Natural insecticide from dried flower heads.

• Seed or achene contains Pyrethrin I, II, Cinerin I, II, Jasmolin I, II collectively called Pyrethrins.

26.2. Varieties and types

• KKL-1 released from TNAU.

• Hansa and Jhelum released from CIMAP, Lucknow.

• Sel-2 - developed at the Kodaikanal Centre of CIMAP.

• Two types

? Dalmatian pyrethrum: C. cinerariaefolium, grown on the Easte Coast of the Adriatic Sea.

? Japanese pyrethrum also derived from C. cinerariaefolium.

Scientific name: Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium L.
Family: Asteraceae
Pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium L.) is a hearty perennial flower that thrives in interesting and challenging environments. It has been used for centuries as a natural insecticide. The pyrethrum daisy was first documented 2000 years ago, during the Chou Dynasty in China.
Origin and distribution
Pyrethrum originated in China over 2000 years ago and was later introduced to East Africa, where it is currently grown in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. It is also grown in Tasmania, Australia, Ecuador, and Papua New Guinea.
Botany
Pyrethrum is a white flower-headed, tufted perennial herbaceous plant. It possesses deeply lobed leaves and has a numerous and fibrous shallow root system that extends up to 30 cm. The plant features numerous fairly rigid stems that grow up to 50-80 cm in height, accompanied by blue-green, deeply divided leaves. Notably, these leaves are covered on both sides by a dense, woolly material.

3.1 Overview of pyrolysis technology

Pyrolysis is a process derived from the Ancient Greek words “pyro” meaning f ire and “lysis” meaning separation, which means separating by using heat or fire. This is a thermochemical conversion process that converts biomass into a useful intermediate liquid product, which can be further transformed into a hydrocarbon biofuel, oxygenated fuel additive, or substitute for petrochemicals. Pyrolysis is similar or overlapping with other thermochemical processes such as cracking, carbonization, torrefaction, destructive distillation, dry distillation, and thermolysis. It is not related to gasification, which involves chemical reactions with a gasification medium.

5.1 Introduction

Today, energy distribution and environmental issues have developed into international threats. Demand for alternative fuels increases every day due to rapid population growth, rising living standards, and economical sustainability. With its massive population, India has become the fourth largest energy consumer country in the world after the United States, China, and Russia. Because most nations use fossil fuels to fulfill their energy demands, they create negative impacts on the environment including raising global temperatures, pollution, acid rain, and other effects. As such, the quest for alternative fuels derived from renewable resources has captured significant attention throughout the world¹. Biomass as a renewable energy sources is an important asset for achieving economic development is due to the availability of biomass at a low cost, a good conversion efficiency, the addition of jobs, and an increase in the biodiversity^2,3. Typically, biomass is composed of cellulose (40-50%), hemicelluloses (25-35%), and lignin (15-30%). Large amount of resources for biomass are available such as woody biomass, crop residues and their by-products, food processing waste, municipal solid waste, aquatic plant etc.

In the present context, pyrolysis process has been received a remarkable identity as a potential method for the conversion of any organic biomass into valuable energy rich products due to its simple in operation and also required a reasonable cost for conversion process. Pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of any organic material at a specific temperature in absence of air/oxygen; the process ends with three resulting products, namely liquid (bio-oil), solid (biochar), and syngases⁴. Recently, biooil produced through pyrolysis process and further it up grading has been attracted a significant attention due to its major use as biofuel and as a precursor material for making chemicals⁵. The pyrolysis process also classified in three different types as per its operating conditions; slow, fast and flash pyrolysis.