Enter records

ID: 66060
Title: Challenges and strategies for farmer-centric extension system in India
Author: R. Venkattakumar, P. Venkatesan, N. Vijay Avinashilingam, Surya Rathore, Mahantesh Shirur, Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Lalitha Navya Challa and Bhavana Dori
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (9) 1019-1028 10 Nov. (2024)
Subject: Challenges and strategies for farmer-centric extension system in India
Keywords: Challenges, farmer-centric extension system, strategies.
Abstract: India is an agrarian country with 160 million ha of arable land, wherein agriculture is predominantly (86%) practiced by small and marginal farmers with less than 2.00 ha area. The country’s public extension system, which has so far carried the maximum burden of catering to these farmers’ extension needs, is now seeking to explore new approaches and interventions to serve the farmers and address their changing needs efficiently. Both public and private extension systems and at times, the convergence efforts of both players, have been implementing many reforms to bring desirable impacts in agriculture, especially on farmers’ income and sustainability. These efforts need to be complemented by the development of farmer-centric models and approaches. This article captures the experiences and challenges of extension systems and discusses new approaches and interventions to empower the farmers and suggests strategies for rendering farmer-centric extension
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: All India Report on Agricultural Census, 2015–16. Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, 2020; https:// agcensus.da.gov.in/document/agcen1516/ac_1516_report_final-22- 0221.pdf Mayee, C. D., The Future of Indian Agriculture Export: A 2030 Scenario. Agrospectrum India, 2022
Literature cited 2: Babu, S. C., Joshi, P. K., Glendenning, C. J., Kwadwo, A. O. and Rasheed, S. V., The state of agricultural extension reforms in India: strategic priorities and policy options. Agric. Econ. Res. Rev., 2013, 26(2), 159–172. Srinivasa Rao, C., Gopinath, K. A., Prasad, J. V. N. S., Prasannakumar, S. A. and Singh, A. K., Climate resilient villages for sustainable food security in tropical India: concept, process, technologies, institutions, and impacts

ID: 66059
Title: The genetic rescue of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) population in Ooty, South India
Author: Pavithira Muthuswamy, Walter Devaa and U. Ramesh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (9) 1018-1018 10 Nov. (2024)
Subject: The genetic rescue of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) population in Ooty, South India
Keywords: None
Abstract: Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1792) are native to the North American region and their endemic range extended globally from 1874 (ref. 1). Today, rainbow trout are available in more than 99 countries except Antarctica. In the 19th century, the British found the cool water streams of the Ooty region in Nilgiris of South India, suitable for trout culture. The initial attempts to establish trout was done with brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) and loch Leven trout (Salmo levensis) in 1863 by Francis Day, but these efforts failed for four decades. In 1909, the rainbow trout (O. mykiss) was successfully introduced by Henry C. Wilson from New Zealand and a hatchery was constructed in 1910. In 1913, there was a decrease in size and number of the fish population due to high fishing pressure. To increase and enhance the fish population, further introductions were done between 1920 and 1997, and these efforts established the rainbow trout population successfully and they are growing till today in the Ooty region.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: MacCrimmon, H. R., J. Fish. Board Can., 1971, 28(5), 663–704. Gopalakrishnan, A., Lal, K. K. and Ponniah, A. G., Naga: ICLARM Q., 1999, 22(3), 16–19.
Literature cited 2: Devaa, W. and Ramesh, U., Curr. Sci., 2022, 122(4), 384–385. Devaa, W., Panneerselvam, V. and Uthanda kalaipandian, R., J. Genet., 2024, 103(1), 1–13.

ID: 66058
Title: Human–elephant conflicts in Assam, and its impact on regional food and nutrition security
Author: Kusum Priya, Manisha Choudhury and Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (9) 1017-1018 10 Nov. (2024)
Subject: Human–elephant conflicts in Assam, and its impact on regional food and nutrition security
Keywords: None
Abstract: The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) has been sharing resources with humans for thousands of years1 . Nonetheless, during the past 40 years, more and more documentation of human–elephant conflict (HEC) has surfaced. HEC is a form of such conflict, resulting from negative interactions between people and elephants2 . Crop raiding (when elephants consume or destroy crops), property damage, injuries, and fatalities of people and elephants are frequent outcomes of these confrontations. An estimated 300 people die and 8–10 million hectares of crops are damaged annually in India as a result of HEC3 . Recently, Kerala declared the HEC as a natural disaster, a significant step aimed at addressing the growing issues related to wildlife interactions in the region4 . Other states in northeast India are being encouraged to consider similar measures, recognizing the increasing frequency of HEC and their impact on both communities and elephant conservation efforts5
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Talukdar, N. R., Choudhury, P. and Ahmad, F., Biodivers. Conserv., 2024, 33(6), 2231–2245. Munyao, M., Siljander, M., Johansson, T., Makokha, G. and Pellikka, P., Glob. Ecol. Conserv., 2020, 24, e01382
Literature cited 2: Kar, A., Goswami, N. K. and Saharia, D., PARIPEX Indian J. Res., 2016, 5(2), 188– 190. Kerala to declare man–animal conflict as a state-specific disaster: What it means. The Indian Express, 2024; https://indianexpress. com/article/explained/kerala-man-animal conflict-state-specific-disaster-explained 9201527/ (accesed on 20 August 2024)

ID: 66057
Title: Rhodophytes (seaweed): a promising alternative source of potash fertilizer
Author: N. D. Yogendra, Arup Ghosh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (9) 1007-1008 10 Nov. (2024)
Subject: Rhodophytes (seaweed): a promising alternative source of potash fertilizer
Keywords: None
Abstract: Potassium plays a vital role in the complete life cycle of all plants and animals, supporting a range of essential biological processes. Ranking as the seventh most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, potassium is essential for a wide range of ecological and physiological processes. In soils, potassium concentrations typically range from 0.04% to 3%, reflecting its varying availability in different soil types and conditions. In the top 20 cm of most agricultural soils, potassium concentrations typically range from 1% to 2% . This variability underscores the importance of monitoring and managing potassium levels to ensure optimal growth and productivity in agricultural practices. The distribution of potassium (total) in the soil is as follows, available K (1–2%), fixed K (1–10%) and mineral K (over 90–98%). In terms of plant availability, the order is solution K > exchangeable K > fixed K > mineral K .
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Swarup, A. and Ganeshmurthy, A. N., Fert. News, 1998, 43(7), 37–50. Sparks, D. L., Adv. Soil Sci., 1987, 6, 1–63.
Literature cited 2: Kirkman, J. H. et al., N. Z. J. Agric. Res., 1994, 37, 207–227. Kumar, M. et al., J. Appl. Phycol., 2011, 23(5), 797–810.

ID: 66056
Title: Recurrence of branch albinism in Tabernaemontana divaricate
Author: R. Lekshmi Rajesh Panduranga Gunaga, N. S. Thakur S. A. Huse H. T. Hegde
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (9) 895-897 10 Nov (2024)
Subject: Recurrence of branch albinism in Tabernaemontana divaricate
Keywords: None
Abstract: In plants, chloroplast is responsible for producing pigments that captures solar energy and generates various metabolites for growth and development. Mutation whether natural or that occur through tissue culture multiplication/propagation may cause poor or cease differentiation of proplastids to chloroplast and result in the formation of albinos. Mostly, genetic change in plants result in leaf colour mutants and are of different types: total chlorophyll increased type and chlorophyll deficient types – total a and b (ref. 1). Albinos are leaf colour mutant having reduced chlorophyll content. Mutation of any of 15 enzymes of chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway can result in chlorophyll deficiency. These mutation can result in complete albino and partial albino, generally known as chimeras. Chimeras are the results of chloroplast DNA mutation, generating heteroplastidic cell containing both albino or mutant and normal plastids. U
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Falbel, T. G. and Staehelin, L. A., Physiol. Plant., 1996, 97, 311–320. Gunaga, R. P. and Vasudeva, R., J. NTFPs, 2011, 18, 337–340
Literature cited 2: Peirce, G. J., Studies on the Coast Redwood, Sequoia sempervirens, University of Michigan Library, Michigan, 1901, pp. 83–106. Pittermann, J., Cowan, J., Kaufman, N., Baer, A., Zhang, E. and Kuty, D., PLoS ONE, 2018, 13, e0191836

ID: 66055
Title: Influence of climate on the distribution of slender-billed vulture Gyps tenuirostris in Arunachal Pradesh, India
Author: Talo Biju, Apoli Misaya and Daniel Mize
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (8) 982-987 25 Oct (2024)
Subject: Influence of climate on the distribution of slender-billed vulture Gyps tenuirostris in Arunachal Pradesh, India
Keywords: Climate change, conservation, endangered species, slender-billed vulture, spatial distribution.
Abstract: The slender-billed vulture (Gyps tenuirostris) is a critically endangered species found in South and Southeast Asia, experiencing drastic population declines in recent decades. This study examines the impact of climate on its spatial distribution in Arunachal Pradesh, North East India. Conducted between 2016 and 2020, the study combined field surveys, GIS analysis (QGIS) of environmental data and satellite imagery to understand how climate affects G. tenuirostris distribution in the region. The findings demonstrate a positive correlation between vulture occurrence and both temperature (rs = 0.61) and rainfall (rs = 0.29). Conversely, there is a negative correlation with relative humidity (rs = –0.49). This indicates that G. tenuirostris favours areas with higher temperature and rainfall, while avoiding regions with high relative humidity. These results shed crucial light on the role of climate in shaping the distribution of this vulture in Arunachal Pradesh. Understanding these factors is critical for assessing the potential impacts of climate change on vulture populations in the region and, ultimately, for guiding and enhancing conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding this critically endangered species.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Thakur, M. L., Kataria, R. C. and Chauhan, K., Population decline of vultures and their conservation: scenario in India and Himanchal Pradesh. Int. J. Sci. Nat., 2012, 3, 241–250. Ogada, D. L., Keesing, F. and Virani, M. Z., Dropping dead: causes and consequences of vulture population declines worldwide. Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci., 2012, 1249, 57–71.
Literature cited 2: Ali, S. and Ripley, S. D., Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan together with those of Nepal and Ceylon, Compact Edition, Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK, 1983. Mawdsley, J. R., O’Malley, R. and Ojima, D. S., A review of climate-change adaptation strategies for wildlife management and biodiversity conservation. Conserv. Biol., 2009

ID: 66054
Title: Variation in cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content during degradation of Saccharum officinarum L. litter
Author: Shivangi Pandey, Tirthesh K. Sharma and Sippy Dassani
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (8) 979-981 25 Oct (2024)
Subject: Variation in cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content during degradation of Saccharum officinarum L. litter
Keywords: Cellulose, degradation, hemicellulose, lignin, litter, Saccharum officinarum.
Abstract: Biodegradation has always been an important phenomenon in the functioning of every ecosystem. The present study was undertaken to assess the variations in cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content of Saccharum officinarum L. cultivated around Sonagir area, Datia district, Madhya Pradesh, India during degradation. It was observed that a large number of fungal genera had colonized over leaf litter during its biodegradation. When the same was analysed for loss in dry weight of litter in terms of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content per gram of dry weight, it was found that there was significant reduction in the cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content. When the samples were analysed, it was found that initially, there was 0.603, 0.382 and 0.412 g/g dry weight in terms of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content respectively. At the end of the study, i.e. after 300 days of incubation in 2 × 2 × 2 ft pits, it reduced to 0.026, 0.012 and 0.008 mg/g of dry weight, i.e. 98.6%, 96.8% and 92.4% respectively.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Masarin, F. et al., Chemical composition and enzymatic digestibility of sugarcane clones selected for varied lignin content. Biotechnol. Biofuel., 2011, 4, 55. Sanjuan, R., Anzaldo, J., Varagus, J., Turrado, J. and Patt, R., Morphological and chemical composition of pith and fibers from Mexican sugarcane bagasse. Eur. J. Wood. Wood. Prod., 2011, 59, 447–450.
Literature cited 2: Fengel, D. and Wegener, G., Wood – chemistry, ultra structure, reaction. J. Polym. Sci. Polym. Lett. Ed., 1985, 23(11), 601–602. Albersheim, P. and Dravill, A. G., Oligosaccharins. Sci. Am., 1985, 253, 58–65.

ID: 66053
Title: Identification and quantification of risks associated with rice-based production system: an empirical evidence from Odisha, India
Author: Saddam Hossen Majumder, Nivedita Deka and Biswajit Mondal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (8) 970-978 25 Oct (2024)
Subject: Identification and quantification of risks associated with rice-based production system: an empirical evidence from Odisha, India
Keywords: Farm-gate price, minimum support price, rice production, risk.
Abstract: In this study, we identify and quantify various types of risks associated with the rice-based production system in Odisha using both secondary and primary data. The data was collected from 240 farmers selected from East and South Eastern Coastal Plains zones of Odisha, where rice cultivation and climatic-related hazards are widespread. Results showed that farmers faced many adverse climatic environments, such as floods, drought, cyclones, and infestation of pests and diseases, which pose severe threats to crop cultivation practices and farmers’ income levels in the study area.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Hardaker, J., Huirne, R. B. M., Anderson, J. and Lien, G., Coping with risk in agriculture, 2004; 10.1079/9780851998312.0000. Shashikiran, A. S. and Umesh, K. B., Willingness to pay for crop insurance premium: a study on maize farmers in India. In Conference of International Association of Agricultural Economists, Milan, Italy, 9–14 August 2015 (No. 1008-2016-80222), 2015, pp. 1–13
Literature cited 2: Birthal, P. S., Negi, D. S., Khan, M. T. and Agarwal, S., Is Indian agriculture becoming resilient to droughts? Evidence from rice production systems. Food Pol., 2015, 56, 1–12. Birari, K. S., Nawadkar, D. S. and Kasar, D. V., Crop insurance scheme as a livelihood security in rainfed agriculture in western Maharashtra. Agric. Econ. Res. Rev., 2002, 15 (Conference Issue), 63–69.

ID: 66052
Title: Behavioural and electroantennographic responses of female fall armyworm moth, Spodoptera frugiperda to maize plant volatiles
Author: C. Gargi, J. S. Kennedy , P. D. Kamalajayanthi , T. D. Jayabal and M. Muthukumar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (8) 963-969 25 Oct (2024)
Subject: Behavioural and electroantennographic responses of female fall armyworm moth, Spodoptera frugiperda to maize plant volatiles
Keywords: Antennal response, fall armyworm, host plant volatiles, insect–plant interaction, maize cultivation.
Abstract: The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a devastating invasive pest recently introduced in India in 2018. The fall armyworm infestation has significantly impacted maize cultivation in the country. Identifying the host plant volatiles (kairomones) that are attractive to S. frugiperda from its highly preferred host plant, i.e. maize will help developing eco-friendly management strategies against this nefarious pest. Gas chromatography electroantennogram detector (GC-EAD) analysis revealed that a total of 18 compounds in maize headspace volatiles and 17 in maize leaf extract elicited an antennal response in female moths of S. frugiperda. Olfactometer bioassays of GC-EAD active plant volatile compounds revealed that heptanoic acid, 2,5-ditert butyl-1,4-benzoquinone and n-hexadecane were the most preferred plant volatile compounds and 50 : 50 ratio blend of heptanoic acid and 2,5-ditert butyl-1,4-benzoquinone was found to be the most attractive kairomone blend for S. frugiperda.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ganiger, P. C., Yeshwanth, H. M., Muralimohan, K., Vinay, N., Kumar, A. R. V. and Chandrashekara, K., Occurrence of the new invasive pest, fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in the maize fields of Karnataka, India. Curr. Sci., 2018, 115(4), 621–623. Sharanabasappa et al., First report of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), an alien invasive pest on maize in India. Pest Manage. Hortic. Ecosyst., 2018, 24(1), 23–29.
Literature cited 2: Chormule, A., Shejawal, N., Sharanabasappa, C. M., Asokan, R. and Swamy, H. M. M., First report of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) on sugarcane and other crops from Maharashtra, India. J. Entomol. Zool. Stud., 2019, 7(1), 114–117. Montezano, D. G. et al., Host plants of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the Americas. Afr. Entomol., 2018, 26(2), 286–300.

ID: 66051
Title: Engineering considerations for designing processing machinery for Asparagus racemosus roots
Author: Ambrish Ganachari, Rekha , P. F. Mathad , Udaykumar Nidoni , Sunil Shirwal and Mallikarjun Reddy
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (8) 957-962 25 Oct (2024)
Subject: Engineering considerations for designing processing machinery for Asparagus racemosus roots
Keywords: Asparagus racemosus, design considerations, engineering properties, physical characteristics, processing machinery.
Abstract: The present study explores the engineering considerations for designing processing machinery for Asparagus racemosus roots, important medicinal plant known for its therapeutic potential thus aligning with achieving the sustainable development goal (SDG) 3 of the United Nations (good health and well-being). Physical, frictional and textural characteristics essential for the design and operation of processing machinery were determined for technological advancements in processing and value addition. The length, width and thickness of whole roots were determined to be 351 ± 56, 5.14 ± 3.95 and 4.93 ± 3.76 respectively, and 253.94 ± 117.30, 6.893 ± 3.705 and 6.39 ± 3.62 mm for trimmed roots. The aspect ratio and sphericity were found to be 35.51 ± 1.12 and 0.093 ± 0.003 respectively, describing an oblong shape. The determined weight variability (8.613–17.432 g), surface area (1529.08–2140.28 mm2 ) and projected area (890–3340 mm2 ) of the roots influence the ease of peeling and drying process. Bulk density and true density were estimated to be 298.64 and 604.48 kg/m3 respectively, with porosity of 50.50%. The angle of repose and internal friction coefficient were 33.25 ± 0.303° and 1.03 respectively, whereas external friction against mild steel (0.92) and stainless steel (0.61) helped enhance the understanding of handling characteristics of the roots. The texture of this tuber was found to be softer compared to other tubers, with firmness ranging from 22.43 to 39.34 N and cutting force from 36.18 to 54.79 N. These findings aid in designing efficient processing machinery in alignment with achieving the various SDGs to promote sustainable development and well-being.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bopana, N. and Saxena, S., Asparagus racemosus – ethnopharmacological evaluation and conservation needs. J. Ethnopharmacol., 2007, 110(1), 1–15; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2007.01.001. Alok, S., Jain, S. K., Verma, A., Kumar, M., Mahor, A. and Sabharwal, M., Plant profile, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): a review. Asian Pac. J. Trop. Dis., 2013, 3(3), 242–251.
Literature cited 2: Kohli, D., Champawat, P. S., Mudgal, V. D. and Rautela, I., Engineering and bio‐chemical properties of asparagus roots (Asparagus racemosus L.). J. Food Process Eng., 2023, 103(5), 2239–2250; https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.12358. Negi, J. S., Singh, P., Joshi, G. P., Rawat, M. S. and Bisht, S. K., Chemical constituents of asparagus. Pharmacogn. Rev., 2010, 4(8), 215–220; https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.70921

ID: 66050
Title: Potentiation of entomopathogenic fungi with low doses of insecticides for managing Himalayan white grubs
Author: Suman Sanjta, Pawan Kumar Mehta, Ravinder Singh Chandel and Kuldeep Singh Verma
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (8) 950-956 25 Oct (2024)
Subject: Potentiation of entomopathogenic fungi with low doses of insecticides for managing Himalayan white grubs
Keywords: Beauveria bassiana, Brahmina coriacea, chemicals, Holotrichia longipennis, interaction, Metarhizium anisopliae.
Abstract: The potential of entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae was studied in combination with the commonly used insecticides, viz. clothianidin 50 WDG, imidacloprid 17.8 SL and chlorpyriphos 20 EC, against grubs of Brahmina coriacea (Hope) and Holotrichia longipennis (Blanchard). Clothianidin, imidacloprid and chlorpyriphos were applied at 50, 75 and 100 ppm respectively, and both the fungi were applied at 107 conidia/ml. Synergistic interactions were consistent across all the combinations and calculated values of χ2 ranged from 4.2 to 5.73 in both the species of white grubs. The grubs of H. longipennis exhibited a higher degree of synergism than B. coriacea as observed from the mortality data. Among entomopathogenic fungi, M. anisopliae showed more synergism than B. bassiana against both species. This study will also help reduce insecticidal pollution and the cost of interventions for the management of white grubs in a sense that application rates of chemical insecticides and synergists will be reduced. This practice may be incorporated in integrated pest management, and further study of the synergistic interactions will guide how entomopathogenic fungi and insecticides can be combined to combat environmental pollution effectively.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Chandel, R. S., Pathania, M., Verma, K. S., Bhatacharyya, B., Vashisth, S. and Kumar, V., The ecology and control of potato whitegrubs of India. Potato Res., 2015, 58, 147–164. 2. Pathania, M. and Chandel, R. S., Life history strategy and behaviour of white grub, Brahmina coriacea (Hope) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) an invasive pest of potato and apple agro-ecosystem in northwestern India. Orient. Insects, 2017, 51(1), 46– 69.
Literature cited 2: Pathania, M., Chandel, R. S., Verma, K. S. and Mehta, P. K., Diversity and population dynamics of phytophagous Scarabaeid beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in different landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, India. Arthropods, 2015, 4(2), 46–68. Sreedevi, K., Chandel, R. S., Pathania, M. and Stanley, J., Species distribution and larval diagnostic characters of white grub species, Holotrichia longipennis (Blanchard), H. sikkimensis (Brenske) and H. rosettae Frey. Current Biotica., 2014, 8(2), 151–156.

ID: 66049
Title: Ultrasonic bund detection system for header of combine harvester
Author: Davinder Singh, Ritu Dogra , Baldev Dogra , Derminder Singh and Rashmi Arora
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (8) 940-949 25 Oct (2024)
Subject: Ultrasonic bund detection system for header of combine harvester
Keywords: Combine harvester, header height, linear actuator, soil bund detection, ultrasonic sensor.
Abstract: There are appreciable physical losses to the header of a combine harvester operating in the fields during harvesting. To reduce these losses, it is desirable to effectively control the header height of the combine harvester. In the present study, a soil bund detection system has been developed for the header of the combine harvester using an ultrasonic sensor and tested under field conditions. In the laboratory, the best among five ultrasonic sensors (HC-SR04, US-100, JSN-SR04T, GY-US42 and MB-7092) was selected based on accuracy and response of the sensor operated for 27 treatments of soil bund height, sensor height and stubble density. Consequently, the soil bund detection system was developed using the US-100 sensor, Arduino UNO R3 microcontroller and two relays to control the actuator on prototype. The results showed that during sensor selection, the US-100 sensor had a maximum accuracy of 84.83% in BH3SH1SD1 treatment and a maximum response of 91.38 readings/sec in BH2SH2SD3 treatment. Furthermore, the developed system showed a maximum accuracy of 88.89% and 85.58% without the actuator in the field and with the actuator under laboratory conditions respectively. The highest response of 64.68 and 62.70 readings/sec was recorded for systems without the actuator in the field and with the actuator under laboratory conditions respectively. The study reveals that the increase in stubble density and sensor height causes a decrease in the accuracy, while the increase in bund height significantly increases the accuracy of the system. Moreover, an increase in vehicle speed causes a decrease in the response of the system, whereas with increasing bund height and stubble density, there is an increase in the response.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: O’Neill, A., India – Total Population 2016–2026; https://www. statista.com/statistics/263766/total-population-of-india (accessed on 16 May 2021). Mehta, C. R., Chandel, N. S., Jena, P. C. and Jha, A., Indian agriculture counting on farm mechanization. AMA-Agric. Mech. Asia Af., 2019, 50(1), 84–89.
Literature cited 2: Mehta, C. R., Chandel, N. S. and Senthilkumar, T., Status, challenges and strategies for farm mechanization in India. AMA, 2021, 45(4), 43–50. Singh, M. K., Singh, S. P., Kushwaha, H. L., Singh, M. K. and Utpal, E., Combine harvester: opportunities and prospects as resource conservation technology. RASSA J. Sci. Soc., 2020, 2(1), 53–57.

ID: 66048
Title: Building resilience to floods in India: human development, income, inequality and forest cover
Author: Chandra Sekhar Bahinipati, Unmesh Patnaik and Asis Kumar Senapati
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (8) 931-937 25 Oct (2024)
Subject: Building resilience to floods in India: human development, income, inequality and forest cover
Keywords: Floods, forest cover, human development, income, Indian states, inequality, resilience
Abstract: Enhancing the resilience of disaster-affected communities is always a prime concern for policymakers. Empirical evidence reveals that many socio-economic indicators determine the resilience capacity of an entity. Although several studies in India have investigated the role of socio-economic and generic adaptation measures in reducing impact, there is a lack of studies concerning human development, inequality, and forest cover in reducing vulnerability to extreme events like floods. By considering data related to state-wise losses and damages from floods between 1980 and 2011, we study them in enhancing the resilience capacity of Indian states. Employing Poisson fixed effects with a clustered standard error model, we find: First, human development matters for reducing mortality, but it enhances people affected and houses damaged, and the relationship is expected to have an inverted-U shape for later outcomes. Second, in contrast to the anticipation, variables like inequality are negatively associated with houses damaged and human fatalities, i.e. the latter declines with increasing former. Third, the confounder, like forest cover, is found to be negative for all loss and damage indicators. Fourth, most of these variables are found to be statistically insignificant. Given that developing resilient infrastructure is the need of the hour, this study suggests the inclusion of climate risks in development planning to address the adaptation deficit and avoid possible maladaptation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: . Government of India, Disaster Management in India. Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi, 2011. Bahinipati, C. S., Patnaik, U. and Viswanathan, P. K., What causes economic losses from natural disasters in India? In Handbook of Research on Climate Change Impact on Health and Environmental Sustainability, IGI Global, Hershey PA, USA, 2016, pp. 157–175.
Literature cited 2: . Chowdhury, J. R., Parida, Y. and Goel, P. A., Does inequality adjusted human development reduce the impact of natural disasters? a gendered perspective. World Dev., 2021, 141, 105394; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2021.105394 Parida, Y., Dash, D. P., Bhardwaj, P. and Chowdhury, J. R., Effects of drought and flood on farmer suicides in Indian states: an empirical analysis. Econ.

ID: 66047
Title: Analysing the synthesis and characterization of semi-organic compound tartaric acid ammonium chloride by slow evaporation method
Author: T. L. Berlin Beno, M. Maria Lenin and R. S. Abina Shiny
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (8) 923-930 25 Oct (2024)
Subject: Analysing the synthesis and characterization of semi-organic compound tartaric acid ammonium chloride by slow evaporation method
Keywords: Antifungal and antibacterial activity, nonlinear optics, semi-organic compounds, single crystal, slow evaporation method
Abstract: Single crystal synthesis, growth and characterization pose challenges such as impurities, temperature control issues and mechanical stress. The present study aims to address these issues by synthesizing and exploring the physico-chemical properties of a nonlinear semi-organic crystal, tartaric acid and ammonium chloride (TAAC). The crystal growth occurred via the slow evaporation method at ambient temperature using double-deionized water as a solvent. Physico-chemical properties were tested, and characterization included X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and photoluminescence to analyse structure, purity and morphology. Additionally, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-visible spectra and micro hardness methods were employed to analyse the optical properties and determine band-gap energy. Antifungal and antibacterial activities against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were evaluated using the agar-well diffusion method. TAAC demonstrated superior structure and characteristics compared to potassium dihydrogen phosphate crystals across all parameters.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: . Ravindran, B., Shiny, R. A., Beno, T. B. and Lavanya, N., Studies on the growth and characterization of L-Arginine potassium iodide crystals by slow evaporation solution growth method. Mater. Today: Proc., 2023, 80, 3634–3637. Gounden, D., Nombona, N. and Van Zyl, W. E., Recent advances in phthalocyanines for chemical sensor, non-linear optics (NLO) and energy storage applications. Coord. Chem. Rev., 2020, 420, 213359.
Literature cited 2: Shanmugan, S., Saravanan, N., Chithambaram, V., Deepanraj, B. and Palani, G., Investigation on single crystal by tartaric acid– barium chloride: growth and characterization of novel NLO materials. Bull. Mater. Sci., 2020, 43(1), 202. Zang, D., Tarafdar, S., Tarasevich, Y. Y., Choudhury, M. D. and Dutta, T., Evaporation of a droplet: from physics to applications. Phys. Rep., 2019, 804, 1–56.

ID: 66046
Title: Rooted resilience: harnessing rootstock diversity in cucurbit prosperity
Author: Yogajanma Sahoo, C. Indu Rani, R. Neelavathi, M. Kavitha , A. Subramanian and M. Sudha
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (8) 916-922 25 Oct (2024)
Subject: Rooted resilience: harnessing rootstock diversity in cucurbit prosperity
Keywords: Cucurbits, grafting, quality, rootstock diversity, stress
Abstract: Cucurbits, vital for global economy, confront myriad stresses impacting yield and quality. Rootstocks offer vital stress tolerance, enhancing crop performance. The present review explores rootstock diversity in cucurbit cultivation, different grafting methods and various rootstock–scion combinations, assessing their roles in stress mitigation and quality improvement across cucurbits. Assessing diverse stressors like drought and diseases reveals rootstocks with genetic variability, providing viable solutions. Crucial for sustainable production, these rootstocks improve crop vigour, yield stability and fruit quality. Future research should delve into rootstock-mediated stress tolerance mechanisms to optimize agricultural benefits.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Lutaladio, N., Burlingame, B. and Crews, J., Horticulture, biodiversity and nutrition. J. Food Compos. Anal., 2010, 23(6), 481. Brewster, J. L., Onions and Other Vegetable Alliums, CABI, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK, 2008, p. 22.
Literature cited 2: Olarewaju, O. O., Fajinmi, O. O., Arthur, G. D., Coopoosamy, R. M. and Naidoo, K., Effect of climate change on the production of Cucurbitaceae species in North African countries. J. Agric. Food Res., 2023, 14, 100742. Garg, S., Kaul, S. C. and Wadhwa, R., Cucurbitacin B and cancer intervention: chemistry, biology and mechanisms. Int. J. Oncol., 2018, 52(1), 19–37.