eChapters

Introduction

Crop discrimination is the process of using remote-sensing technologies to identify and characterize different types of crops based on their electromagnetic behavior at different wavelengths. Each crop has a unique spectral signature that reflects its response to the incident radiation. However, the spectral signature can also vary depending on the season, the angle of the sensor, crop’s features, illumination intensity, weather phenomenon, and topography among other external factors (Parida et al., 2023).

Introduction

A thematic layer is defined as a layer with a set of logical feature data placed under single theme such as soil type, pH level, salinity, and water table. The features in these layers determine real world objects and are created using geometries such as points, lines and polygons (Tickoo 2017). Thematic layering is the spatial representation of analyzed data of elements that belong to the same type. Thematic maps are used to create these layers, which show how one or more specific data themes vary across different geographic areas.

Introduction

Spectral signature: A spectral signature is the unique pattern of reflection and emission of a target at different wavelengths. This difference helps to classify remote sensing images based on the spectral signatures of different objects.

Electromagnetic (EM) spectrum: The EM spectrum is the range of all types of EM radiation. Some examples are visible light from a lamp, radio waves from a radio station, microwaves, infrared light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Spectral response patterns: A spectral response pattern is the amount of energy that an object reflects or emits at different wavelengths. It shows how the object interacts with the EM radiation.

Introduction

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a system of satellites and ground stations that provide location and time information for any place on earth, regardless of the weather. GPS is a type of GNSS, which stands for global navigation satellite systems. GPS has many applications in precision farming, such as farm planning, field mapping, soil sampling, tractor guidance, crop guidance, variable- rate applications (VRAs) and yield mapping. GPS helps farmers work in low- visibility conditions such as rain, dust, fog, and darkness. India has its own GPS system called IRNSS or NavIC, which uses about seven satellites. GPS is owned and operated by the U.S. government, specifically the U.S.

Chapter Overview

This chapter provides an in-depth examination of Gender Budgeting in India, exploring its historical development, principles, and the tools used to promote gender-sensitive budgeting. It delves into the key concepts, institutional frameworks, and the necessity for gender budgeting. The tools for deepening gender budgeting, such as the Five-Step Framework and gender-sensitive checklists, are explained in the context of the Livestock sector. Furthermore, it elucidates the importance of valuing unpaid work and the role of gender budgeting in monitoring policy goals.

Chapter Overview

This chapter delves into the concept and application of gender mainstreaming within the context of animal husbandry and the livestock sector. Gender mainstreaming is a comprehensive strategy aimed at promoting gender equality by integrating a gender perspective into all aspects of policies, programs, and projects. It recognizes and addresses the distinct roles, needs, and contributions of women and men involved in animal husbandry. This chapter provides insights into why gender mainstreaming is essential in this sector and outlines practical approaches for its implementation.

Chapter Overview

The need for gender analysis in various contexts, including the livestock sector, is vital for understanding and addressing differences and inequalities between men and women. This chapter explores the crucial role of gender analysis in the context of the livestock sector, focusing on animal husbandry and related activities. It delves into the significance of understanding and addressing gender disparities in livestock farming, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities experienced by both men and women. The chapter emphasizes the need for equitable and sustainable development within the sector.

Chapter Overview

This chapter discusses the crucial concept of gender sensitization in the context of livestock production. Gender sensitization involves raising awareness about gender equality concerns, challenging stereotypes, and promoting equitable practices in the livestock sector. The chapter covers the stages of gender sensitization, offers guidelines for veterinarians and veterinary students, provides real-world examples, outlines a sensitization strategy, and underscores the pressing need for gender sensitization in livestock production.

Chapter Overview

In this chapter, we delve into the pivotal role of women in livestock production, particularly in the context of India. Women emerge as the backbone of livestock care, contributing significantly to rural communities’ well-being and the nation’s economy. We explore their diverse and indispensable contributions, from feeding and general management to health and breed management, processing, and marketing. Despite their crucial roles, women face numerous obstacles and constraints in livestock production, including limited access to resources, gender biases, and cultural norms.

Chapter Overview

This chapter provides a comprehensive understanding of the intersection of gender and animal husbandry, emphasizing the influence of culture, society, and history on our perceptions of gender and sex. It explores the interconnectedness of these concepts and their significance in shaping roles and expectations of the members of a society in livestock production. This chapter delves into the complex concepts of gender and sex, shedding light on their intricate nature and exploring their implications for animal husbandry.

In recent years several plant pathological laboratories have been using molecular techniques for identification of the fungal plant pathogens isolated from the diseased plants. These are specifically used for the confirmation of the pathogen identified based on their cultural and microscopic characteristics. With the help of fungal genomic studies, not only the genus but also the species of the pathogen is identified based on the genomic sequences available with NCBI, and provide the accurate identification of the fungal isolate. This identification method involves the following steps:a

The pioneering German microbiologist, Robert Koch, identified a set of four conditions that need to be satisfied to establish that a particular organism is the causative agent of a particular disease. These conditions, known as Koch’s postulates, are:

1. The suspected pathogen must be found associated with the disease in all the diseased plants examined.

2. The organism must be isolated from the diseased tissue and grown in pure culture on nutrient media, with its characteristics described (non obligate parasites) or in a susceptible host plant (obligate parasites), and its appearance and effects recorded

12.1. Routine Media for Fungal Isolation

In recent years commercially available readymade culture media have been used in research laboratories for the isolation of fungal plant pathogens. These culture media are standardized and they are in different types. Some media are used for general purposes while some others are used for the isolation and growth of specific pathogens e.g.

11.1. Fruit Rots

11.1.1. Alternaria

Please refer “Alternaria” section in Chapter 10.

11.1.2. Colletotrichum

Please refer “Colletotrichum” section in Chapter 9.

11.1.3. Fusarium

Please refer “Fusarium” section in Chapter 10.

Introduction

In 1928, Alexander Fleming, a Scottish bacteriologist, made a significant observation while studying bacterial cultures. He noticed that colonies of bacteria on a culture plate had been negatively impacted by the presence of a mold called Penicillium notatum, which had accidentally contaminated the culture. Around a decade later, a team of researchers including British biochemist Ernst Chain and Australian pathologist Howard Florey successfully isolated the active compound responsible for this effect and named it penicillin (Lalchhandama, 2021).

Introduction

Complex mixtures of synthetic and/ or natural ingredients are used to create f lavors through flavors and aromas. These ingredients can either be mixtures, like vanilla bean extract, or single substances, like benzyl acetate, depending on the application to enhance the flavor of (processed) food products. The introduction of the first synthetic flavor and scent chemicals, Vannillin and Coumarin, in 1868 marked a significant milestone in the food industry's ability to create flavors artificially.

Introduction

Biosecurity includes a set of standard scientific measures, adopted to exclude pathogens from culture environments and hosts and, more broadly, limit the establishment and spread of pathogens” (Mohan et al., 2003; Moss et al., 2012). Biosecurity is an emerging concept, and the phrase is changing as usage differs across nations and among different professional groups. A holistic approach to addressing biological risks associated with food and agriculture is what is widely referred to as "biosecurity.

Introduction

Aquaculture production is mainly reliant on the availability of high-quality seed and achieving mass production of superior juveniles is impeded by limited knowledge regarding their nutritional needs. Moreover, understanding the physiological aspects of larval nutrition is imperative for effectively substituting live food with inert micro diets. In India, the hatchery survival rate of carp larvae remains relatively low at around 40% (Warnecke and Pluta, 2003). The primary cause of this early larval mortality can be attributed to insufficient knowledge of the larval nutrient requirements and challenges in managing the transition to exogenous feeding.

Introduction

The global aquaculture and fishery industry is a substantial business, valued at USD 281.5 billion, yielding an impressive 122.6 million tons of aquatic products in 2020 (FAO, 2022). Asia is the largest aquaculture producer, contributing to almost 91.6% of the world's total production (FAO, 2022). Forecasts indicate that aquatic animal production is poised to grow by an additional 14% by 2030 (FAO, 2022). Despite this growth, there remains a pressing need for technological advancements to address critical challenges like water pollution, disease outbreaks, the quality of breeding stock and juvenile fish, and inadequate management practices (Fearghal, 2019; Michael, 2019).

Introduction

Numerous low-value fish are underutilized for several reasons, including appearance, colour, presence of intermuscular spines, odour, flavour, and taste, as well as size and texture. Creating value-added products from such fish, including surimi and other restructured products, will raise their market value and bring more significant profits. At the same time, the fishing pressure on the commercially important fishes can also be reduced and results in the complete utilization of fish landing. One of the most effective methods for utilizing f ish at a low cost is surimi technology.

10.1. Black Tip

The black tip of grain infection is mostly observed on the wheat grains.

The fungal pathogen involved in causing the black tip of grain includes the species of the fungal genus Alternaria and Helminthosporium.

10.1.1. Alternaria

The genus stands distinct from other genera by its transversely and longitudinally septate (muriform) conidia. The conidia are usually formed in chains. These are dark brown, typically obclavate with a distinct oval body and beak.

9.1. Fruit Spot and Blisters

9.1.1. Colletotrichum

The pathogen forms papery or watery brownish areas at the site of infection, with a large number of acervuli on the infected parts. In the acervulus, the conidiophores are slightly curved, short, and club-shaped. The conidia are hyaline and falcate, borne singly on the conidiophores. Numerous black colored and thick-walled setae are also produced in the acervulus. In culture, most isolates produce cottony, fluffy, or suppressed colonies (Fig. 9.1).

8.1. Malformation

8.1.1. Fusarium

The classical example of Fusarium infection is Fusarium moniliforme which induces malformation in inflorescence, causing mango malformation disease.

The fungal mycelial morphology may vary significantly on different media, and the descriptions here are based upon growth on potato flakes agar (PFA) at 25° C with on and off fluorescent light cycles of approximately 12 h each. The mycelial colony has rapid growth.

7.1. Die-Back

7.1.1. Colletotrichum

The pathogen forms a large number of acervuli on the infected parts. The conidiophores are slightly curved, short, and club-shaped. The conidia are hyaline and falcate, borne singly on the conidiophores. Numerous black colored and thick-walled setae are also produced in acervulus. In culture, most isolates produce cottony, fluffy, or suppressed colonies (Fig. 7.1).

6.1. Leaf Spot, Blight, and Blast

Leaf spots are irregular or round blemishes found on either side or both sides of the leaves. A typical spot is “zonal,” meaning it has a definite edge and a darker border. When lots of spots are present, they can grow together to cover the larger areas of the leaves. Different fungi are responsible for the leaf spots and sometimes a particular fungus causes a peculiar type of leaf spot and includes the fungi.

5.1. Gummosis

5.1.1. Phytophthora\

Phytophtora citrophthora, Phytophtora nicotianae, Phytophtora syringae are the phytophthora species associated with citrus gummosis; while Phytophtora pistaciae sp. nov. and Phytophtora melonis are the principal causes of pistachio gummosis.

4.1. Damping Off

4.1.1. Pythium

Pythium has filamentous (thread-like), hyaline, and coenocytic (non-septate) mycelial growth. The asexual or vegetative stage of Pythium produces sporangia (that germinate directly to produce a hypha or indirectly to give rise to a vesicle outside the sporangium, within which zoospores are formed) and sometimes hyphal swellings (spherical sporangia-like structures that do not give rise to zoospores).

3.1. Terminology Used in the Description of the Fungal Pathogen

3.1.1. The Mycelium

The hypha or mass of hyphae that make up the body of a fungus.

3.1.1.1. Coenocytic or aseptate mycelium

For visualization and identification of fungal specimens into their genus and species, the staining of the fungal specimens and their microscopy are necessary. The simple binocular microscope can be used for microscopy of the fungal specimens.

2.1. Stains to be Used in Microscopy

1. Methylene blue stain

2. Lacto phenol cotton blue stain

3. Crystal violet stain

4. Safranin

Fungi have been known to cause plant diseases in crops and plants of economic importance to humans since time immemorial. Ancient agriculture witnessed these plants’ sufferings but thought it was due to the curse of God on humans. The curiosity to know the causes of these crops and plant suffering developed the science of plant pathology and enlightened our understanding of the causes of these diseases. Among different plant pathogens, fungi occupy the prime position to cause plant diseases.

Introduction

Since shrimp aquaculture became a big commercial enterprise in the 1970s, disease has had a significant influence on the industry. Major diseases of farmed shrimp have been identified as those caused by viruses, true bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. Nowadays, chemotherapeutics, regular sanitization, and enhanced culture procedures are employed to treat many bacterial, fungal, and protozoan-caused illnesses. Shrimp farming continues to be impacted by diseases, and their avoidance necessitates the development and use of a biosecurity policy unique to each facility, culture system, and sanitary zone.

Introduction

With global population expansion, there is an increase in demand for high quality protein, especially from aquatic sources which have been achieved to some extent through enhanced management, nutrition, genetic improvement of production traits, disease diagnostics and therapeutics. The increasing role of aquaculture during the past decade has forced fishery managers to begin to address many problems associated with the intensive management of small populations. Any fishery operation which uses the limited number of broodstock fish for the production of next-generation can lead to a constriction in the gene pool of that population (Kincaid,1983).

Introduction

Plants are the principal producers of phytochemicals, which are compounds with biological activity. Plants serve as the primary source of many active compounds in the pharmaceutical business. Their pharmacological character istics make them useful in the treatment of fungal and bacterial infections, as well as degenerative conditions such as diabetes and cancer that progress over time. Pharmacologically, it has specific effects on human health, including anti-inflammatory properties, antiallergic, antioxidant compounds, antimicrobial, antifungal, antispasmodic, chemopreventive, hepatic-protective, hypolipidemic, neuroprotective, hypotensive, antiaging, bone density loss, DNA damage, cancer, and heart diseases.

Introduction

The maritime industry, a cornerstone of global trade and commerce, has always been a complex and challenging domain. With the vastness of the world's oceans and the diversity of activities that take place within them, effective monitoring and management of maritime activities are crucial. This is where Systems for Monitoring Vessels come into play. VMS are a form of satellite based surveillance system designed to monitor the location, course, and speed of vessels. They provide real-time data to maritime authorities, contributing to the safety, security, and sustainability of marine operations.

Introduction

Mangroves are commonly characterized as halophytic arboreal plant groups that are found in tropical and subtropical coastal regions (Biswas et al., 2012). As stated by Tomlinson (1986), a genuine mangrove species is characterized by its unwavering commitment to the mangrove ecosystem, its capacity to establish exclusive populations, its possession of distinct morphological and physiological traits that facilitate adaptation to the mangrove habitat, and its typical taxonomic separating from terrestrial counterparts.

Introduction

The initial information of marine litter in the oceans during 1970s drew minimal attention of the scientific community. (Carpenter et al., 1972; Carpenter and Smith, 1972; Coe and Rogers, 1996; Colton and Knapp, 1974). In recent years, with actual primary and secondary data on environmental and ecological consequences of marine and associated debris, this theme established an increased attention on research (Andrady, 2011).

Introduction

Corals, those captivating creatures of the underwater world, belong to the enchanting realm of Cnidaria—a diverse group of invertebrate animals. Among its mesmerizing members are jellyfish and sea anemones, which might have caught your eye in tide pools or along the shoreline. These creatures come in an astonishing array of hues, forms, and sizes, yet they all share a unique trait: a simple stomach sporting a solitary mouth encircled by tentacles armed with stinging cells.

Introduction

Age determination, a fundamental discipline within fisheries biology and ecology, is a critical tool for unraveling the life histories and population dynamics of aquatic species. The ability to accurately estimate the age of individual fish holds immense value in various scientific, management, and conservation contexts.

Introduction

Fertilizers are natural or man-made compounds applied on the plant ,soil or water for enhancement of natural soil or water nutrients for improvement of growth , fertility of soil (Edgerton 2009) or water. These make accessible vital macro-nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sulfur, and magnesium) together with various micronutrients (zinc, copper, iron, boron, and molybdenum) to plants (Alley and Vanlauwe 2009) and animals.

Introduction

Over the past two decades, seafood consumption and popularity have gradually increased. However, creating high-quality items necessitates paying close attention to the product's quality and safety as well as creating new products employing modern technologies. Through a variety of modern biotechnology advancements such as biomagnetism, biosensors, biomarkers, and bioassay methods are used to analyze and assess the quality of various seafood by f inding concentrations of compounds including allergens, nutritional and non-nutritional components, antioxidants, and the presence of microbial contaminants, biotoxins, and other contaminants significantly effective in food safety evaluation.

Introduction

Brood Fish are the mature parent fish that are used in hatcheries for breeding purposes, they are mature enough to give sperm and egg, and their size is usually large. Generally, 2-3 years of old fishes weighing about 2-3 kg are used as brood fish. Brood fishes usually show gonadal maturity to give ovum or sperm and its management means the act of running and controlling brood f ishes. Broodstock nutrition is one of the most vital constituents for many cultured fish species. The changeable and erratic reproductive performance is an important limiting factor for the maturation, fecundity, and survival of larvae.

Introduction

Traditionally, diagnosing diseases in aquatic animals has involved identifying the infectious agent directly using molecular methods like in situ hybridization or PCR or culture-based methods. Rarely is serological testing used to diagnose f ish. Serological tests have been widely utilized in surveillance programs for terrestrial animals to confirm suspected cases, establish absence of infection or progress toward eradication, estimate infection prevalence, certify individual animals prior to import or export, and show the effectiveness of vaccination.

Introduction

A delicate balance between human sustenance and ecological preservation has always been at play in the vast expanse of our oceans and freshwater bodies. The world's fisheries have long served as a critical source of nourishment and economic livelihood for millions, yet the sustainability of these resources faces ever-increasing challenges. As fish populations dwindle due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and the looming uncertainties of climate change, innovative solutions are more urgently required than ever before. Enter Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS), a groundbreaking technology that is poised to revolutionize the realm of fisheries management and aquaculture.

Introduction

Food demand is rising at an unprecedented rate as the world's population continues to rise. Meeting this rising demand is a significant challenge that requires innovative and sustainable solutions. While traditional agriculture has long been the backbone of food production, alternative methods such as aquaculture have gained recognition for their vital contribution to global food security. The projected global population of over 9 billion by 2050 presents a significant challenge in meeting the nutritional demands of an ever-expanding populace. Seafood represents a crucial source of animal protein, essential nutrients, and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a dietary staple for millions of individuals globally, particularly in coastal regions and developing nations.

Introduction

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) play a vital role in the rapidly developing field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. CNTs, discovered by Ijima in 1991, are another allotrope form of carbon with a cylindrical graphite structure (Iijima, 1991). They exhibit excellent mechanical, electronic, thermal, optical and chemical properties, which have revolutionised the state of the art in nanotechnology (Arora and Sharma, 2014). CNTs have been categorised into single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), double walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) and multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs).

Introduction

Water resources, both freshwater and marine, are abundant and diverse in our nation, India. The nation is traversed by 14 significant perennial rivers. Our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is 2.02 square kilometers, and our coastline reaches a maximum length of 8129 km. All of this gives us many options to exploit aquatic resources sustainably. In terms of fish production globally, India comes in second. She is ranked second globally in both aquaculture production and inland capture fisheries. Over 1.60 crore people get their livelihood from the fishing industry.

Introduction

Fish serves as a particularly significant source of protein and important micronutrients for all demographic groups in the population, and it is also a cheap and accessible food. A significant portion of the populace relies on f ish resources (both marine and inland) for sustenance, employment, and income. In India, thousands of people have relied on the fish trade as a source of income, with women making up the majority of fish vendors. Contrary to men, whose work is primarily restricted to the sea, river, or lake, fisher women vendors must travel with their goods to markets.

Introduction

Fisheries

For millions of people, fishing and aquaculture continue to be vital food sources, nutrition, money, and livelihood. Fish is a good and economical source of animal protein, offering a solution to the nation's problems with hunger and malnutrition. The Indian fishing industry underwent progressive development throughout the years and developed into a significant socioeconomic factor for the country. India is the third-largest producer of fish and aquaculture, contributing roughly 16% of all inland fish production and 5% of all marine f ish production worldwide, (Department of Fishery, 2023).

Introduction

The oceans account for 72% of Earth's total surface area and sustain the lives of billions of people. The oceans contain an abundance of both living and nonliving materials, and their depths contain aspects that have yet to be discovered. The oceans significantly affect our everyday weather and climate patterns, as well as the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink. At this time, our understanding of the oceans is limited to relatively shallow depths. Exploration of the deep sea, which requires specialized modern equipment that is not commercially accessible at the moment, is necessary due to global security concerns involving oceans.

Introduction

Fish play an important role in meeting current and future food needs within the global food system. Fish farming holds tremendous promise in responding to the surging demand for food, which is taking place due to increasing population. Fish now accounts for almost 17 percent of the global population's intake of protein, and in some coastal and island countries, it can top 70 percent. Aquaculture has been identified as an important solution to address the challenges to global food security arising from climate change and the projected world population of 9.5 billion by 2050. However, the challenges facing this sector, including overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change, necessitate international cooperation and coordination.