eChapters

Crop yields and agricultural sustainability are inextricably linked to weather patterns. While optimal weather conditions facilitate robust growth and abundant harvests, extreme weather events pose significant threats, disrupting food systems and impacting livelihoods globally. The chapter, “Effect of Extreme Weather Conditions on Crops,” delves into the multifaceted ways in which deviations from ideal climatic norms compromise agricultural productivity. The Earth’s climate is characterized by increasing variability and the rising frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena. These include, but are not limited to, prolonged droughts, severe floods, heat waves, cold snaps, hailstorms, and unseasonal strong winds .Such events can occur suddenly or develop gradually over extended periods, each presenting unique challenges to different crop types at various stages of their life cycle. For instance, a sudden hailstorm can physically destroy crops, while a long-term drought can stunt growth, reduce yield quality, or lead to

Feedback

Feedback’s influence on learning is indisputable and undeniable and feedback’s varying roles in instruction are heavily researched concepts (Mory, 1992). Understanding how feedback facilitates, and, in some cases, hinders transfer of knowledge is essential to creating effective instruction.

Researchers have focused on the many aspects and roles of feedback in hopes of developing some synthesis that will increase learner performance and improve instruction. Researchers such as Bangert - Drowns, Kulik, Kulik and Morgan (1991), Brinko (1993), Clariana, R.B. and Lee, D. (2001), Clariana, R.B., Wagner, D. and Rohrer-Murphy, L.C. (2000), Kulhavy (1976), Kulhavy and Stock (1989), Kulik and Kulik (1988) and Mory (1992) to name only a very few, have sought to discern the complex role feedback plays in learning. While many studies have been convincingly conducted trying to ascertain how feedback best works in certain circumstances, a consensus has yet to be reached in most, if not all, areas and as Clariana (2000) writes, “There are a number of unanswered questions and perhaps even more unquestioned answers”.

Introduction

Abiotic stresses adversely affect growth, productivity and trigger a series of morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular changes in plants. Cold stress is a major environmental factor that limits the agricultural productivity of plants in hilly areas. Plants respond and adapt to this stress to survive under stress conditions at the molecular and cellular levels as well as at the physiological and biochemical levels. However, expression of a variety of genes is induced by different stresses in diverse plants.

Abstract

Egg is a nutrient dense food, containing high quality proteins and a wide range of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, PUFA, MUFA etc. Whole egg slices were prepared by boiling in water technique for a predetermined time i.e. 15 min. The egg slices were prepared with spice extract at different levels of 2%, 5%, 7% and 10%, out of which 5% was found acceptable by sensory evaluation. The egg slices with 5% spice extract were then subjected to frying in different oils such as mustard oil, rice bran oil, sunflower oil and soya bean oil. Among all of the fried egg slices and control (without any spice extract and frying), on sensory evaluation, fried egg slices with mustard oil was most preferred. Texture analysis results shows that hardness was increased on frying and highest in fried egg slices with rice bran oil. Also the values for other TPA component viz. adhesiveness, cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness were increased on frying as compared with control. Among the fried egg slices, highest values for adhesiveness, cohesiveness, gumminess was observed in egg slices with rice bran oil. However, chewiness of fried egg slices with sunflower oil was highest. It can be concluded from present study that the egg slices fried in mustard oil was organoleptically acceptable with good textural properties.

ABSTRACT

Attempts were made to induce variability by irradiation of axillary buds of rose cv. Folklore followed by in vitro culture. Axillary bud explants collected at different growth stages were subjected to gamma irradiation at different doses (20, 30 and 40 Gray). The in vitro induced micro shoots were sub cultured on a rooting medium (M.S. basal medium supplemented with IAA 1.00 mg/l + NAA 1.00 mg/l + activated charcoal 500 mg/l). The rooting percentage was the lowest in explants irradiated with 40 Gy. Rooting efficiency was severely affected when buds were collected at vegetative phase. Significant interaction between bud stages and gamma rays was noticed for days to root initiation and number of roots per culture. Gamma irradiation at 30 and 40 Gy significantly delayed root initiation at all stages of buds exposed. Significant reduction in number of roots/ culture, and root length was observed at higher doses of gamma exposure. The reduced rooting efficiency may be due to inhibition of cell division on account of chromosome damage.

Introduction Pulses are a vital source of protein (20-25%) in comparison to cereal proteins (10-12%); which cater to the most vegetarian population (Venkidasamy et al., 2019) and other countries which are scarcity of animal protein availability. In the category of pulse crop, chickpea is considered the second utmost significant crop, which is grown in almost 35 countries globally. Chickpea mainly contains carbohydrates, protein, minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber, folate, β-carotene and health-promoting fatty acids (Badshah et al., 2003; Tosh & Yada, 2010) and consuming these grains will repeatedly help in lowering the risk of chronic diseases (Jukanti, Gaur, Gowda, & Chibbar, 2012). Ozone is often regarded as a potent oxidant capable of penetrating the grain (Tiwari et al., 2010), and it can control the bio-agents such as insects, molds, and mycotoxins (Wang et al., 2016). Due to the fact that ozone gas is unstable, it convert back into oxygen without leaving any residues in short time (McClurkin, & Maier, 2010), so, it can be used as a fumigant without leaving any residue. The Food and Drug Administration (FAO) has approved it for fumigating grains, fruits, and vegetables.

The action of the gonadial hormone is not confined to the growth and development of the sexual organs alone, but the normal body growth as well as the growth of the skeleton are to a great extent influenced by these hormones. Of the female gonadial hormones, the action of estrogen and progesterone on skeletal growth has not been studied in detail. Some reports implicate estrogen deficiency in post menopausal osteoporosis and shows that estrogen replacement therapy can help to prevent that post menopausal stage of accelerated rate of bone loss. It’s reported that the progesterone treatment play a significant role in regulating cortical bone cell activity and as such, suggest that progesterone may play a part in the prevention and slowing down of cortical bone loss in females following menopause or oophorectomy. The effect of gonadotropic hormone on bone healing has not yet been studied in detail. The chapter is thus, undertaken to investigate the effects of gonadotropic hormone (Gn-rh)) on cortical bone healing in female rabbits.

Clinically healthy adult female New Zealand white rabbits (10) are divided equally into groups A and B each consisting of 5 animals. All animals are kept on standard diet and management throughout the experiment. In all animals midshafts simple transverse fracture is created in both the ulnae under thiopental (2.5%) anesthesia. In test group (group A) 0.1 ml of Gn-rh analogue is injected intramuscularly at 3 days interval up to 30 days post operatively.

Lateral and anterio-posterior radiographs are taken on days 0, 10, 20. 30. and 40-post fracture. These radiographs are observed for progress of fracture healing and complication, if any, at different intervals. The specimens for histopathological study are collected from the healed site of test bone immediately after euthanizing the animals on day 40. Every specimen consists of better healing site and adjacent host bone. The bone sections are preserved in 10% formalin for 9 to 10 days and then are decalcified using Goodling and Stewart’s solution (15% formic acid, 5% formalin and 80% distilled water). Completely decalcified bone sections are then processed routinely for H & E staining. These sections are observed for status of healing at fracture site.

Introduction

Oxygen uptake in fishes is affected not only by the abiotic factors of the environment but is also affected due to various biotic factors. Works on fish aggregation reveal that oxygen uptake of a fish is changed by the number of fishes mutually participating in respiration which has been demonstrated by various workers. The variation in oxygen uptake when fishes of either similar or different genera or species are kept in an association is known as the group effect. The variation in oxygen uptake due to the group effect is an established fact.

The investigation and approaches of Allee (1931); Schtefanesku (1958); Malyukina et al, (1962); Grigor’eva (1966); Umezawa and Watannbe (1979), Wares II and Igram (1979), Umezawa et al, (1981) Imabayshi and Takahashi (1987), etc. are worth mentioning and regarded as milestones in this field. Allee (1931), Shlaifer (1938); Geyer and Mann (1939), Job (1955); Delco (1963); Uematsu (1971); Parker (1973), Itazawa et al, (1978); Smatresk and Herreid (1980); Kanda and Itazawa (1981); Singh and Munshi (1985) and Jha (1995) have observed that grouping lowers down the oxygen uptake of fishes but the reverse relationship was also reported by Bowen (1932); Schuett (1934), Brett and Sutherland (1965), Umezawa and Kanikawa (1980), Ghosh et al, (1994), Krause and Ruxton (2002), Pandit and Ghosh (2007), Ward and Webster (2016). In due course, different aspects of grouping have been studied by various workers and many terms are proposed accordingly to explain the phenomenon.

Fracture healing is a specialized type of wound healing response in which the regeneration of bone leads to restoration of skeletal integrity. Though the process of fracture healing is usually considered to be biologically optimum; the healing of 5-10% is delayed or impaired. For management of these types of fractures, use of biological methods for the enhancement of fracture healing is essential. Furthermore, fracture-healing can be modified by almost any endogenous or exogenous factor that has an influence on the metabolic function of cells. These factors include transforming growth factor-beta, bone morphogenetic proteins, hormones, vitamins, prostaglandin and calcium containing feed supplement medicine.

Keeping in view the above, in this chapter, efficacy of herbal product-Magacal in promoting osteogenesis during fracture healing in experimental animals is discussed. Magacal optimizes absorption, bioavailability and utilization of dietary calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. It is claimed to have advanced chelating agent to form organic complex chelate with dietary Ca, P and Mg, besides containing natural Vitamin D metabolites in highly bioavailability organic form, naturally protected and stable biotin and modern delivery system for optimum translocation of Ca, P and Mg ions to the sites of requirements.

Clinically healthy, adult New Zealand White rabbits of either sex (10) are divided equally into two groups A and B each consisting of 5 animals. All animals are kept on standard diet and management throughout the experiment. In all animals, midshaft simple transverse fracture is created in both the ulnae under thiopental (2.5%) anaesthesia. In test group (Group A), Magacal is given @5ml/animal/ day, orally from day 5-20 post fracture, whereas, in group B, no drug is given which serve as control. Antibiotic dressing of the skin wound is done daily for one week with povidone iodine and himax ointment. All the animals are administered streptopenicillin @ 0.5 gm/animal/day for 5 days postoperatively. Skin sutures are removed on the10th postoperative day.

Clinically all the animals are observed for inflammation, pain and edema at the fracture site, surgical wound healing, appetite, general health, muscular atrophy of the limb, if any, at different intervals postoperatively.

Investigation of the effect of Various Hormones on Fat Synthesis from 14C Labelled Acetate in Chicken Adipose Tissue

(Method of OMea and Leveille, 1968, Folch, Less and Solane Stanley, 1957 and Vaughan, 1961)

Reagents
    1.    Krebs-Ringer calcium-free bicarbonate buffer 7.4
        100 parts 0.154M NaCI (0.9001 g in 100ml)
        4 parts 0.154M KCI (0.0459 g in 4 ml)
        1 part 0.154M  MgSO₄ (0.0380 g in 1 ml)
        (3 parts 0.110M CaCI₂)
        21 parts 0.100M NaHCO3 buffered to 7.41 by bubbling through CO₂

Nature has bestowed our country with diverse agro climatic and topographic conditions ranging from temperate to humid and from sea bed to snow line. The existing climatic conditions with a plenty of sunshine, nutrient rich soil, abundant water resources and reservoir of trained manpower, enable our country to grow various types of vegetables in tropical, subtropical, temperate, alpine and desert vegetation zones in one or the other seasons during the year.

Vegetables, the cheapest and nutrient-rich food source within the economic reach of poor man, play a vital role in human diet since they provide carbohydrates, protein, fat, minerals, vitamins, fibers and phytochemicals (non-nutrient bioactive compounds), which are essential for making the body immune system strong, detoxifying carcinogens, reducing muscular degeneration and protecting the body from infectious ailments. Vegetables besides having medicinal values also play an important role in nutritional security and national economy of the country since they are quick growing and short duration, and their yield per unit area per unit time is 5-10 times higher than the cereal crops.

Vegetable oils and fats play a very important role in our diet. They provide essential fatty acids which are precursors of important hormones such as prostaglandins. They control many physiological factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol and reproductive system [1]. Coconut oil is a popular vegetable oil obtained from kernel of fruit coconut (Cocos nucifera). It is liquid at room temperature and bland in taste. Coconut oil is extensively used in cooking purpose in coastal tropical regions although it has been used in abundance for its medicinal properties.

Disruption of the cellular or anatomical continuity of the normal organ structure is known as wound. Healing involves migration, infiltration, proliferation and differentiation of several cell types like keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, macrophages, and platelets which are culminate as an inflammatory response, new tissue formation and wound closure. Healing of the wound starts from the moment of the injury and can continue for varying periods of time depending on the extent of wound. The process of wound healing involves coagulation, inflammation, formation of granulation tissue, matrix formation, remodeling of connective tissue, collagenization and acquisition of wound strength.

Chitosan is a -1, 4-linked polymer of glucosamine (2-amino-2-deoxy—D-glucose) and lesser amounts of N-acetylglucosamine. It is a derivative of chitin (poly-Nacetylglucosamine) which is the second most abundant biopolymer after cellulose. Chitosan is first discovered in 1811 by Henri Braconnota, a French chemist and pharmacist. Later in the century, chitin is found in crustaceans (such as crabs, lobsters, shellfish and shrimp). Chitosan is a biodegradable polymer and it accelerates wound healing. It has been reported that chitosan permits regeneration of tissue elements in skin wounds and has positive application effects on wound healing.

Introdoction

Tillage is a prime activity carried out prior to sowing of a crop with an objective to bring the soil to a favorable tilth to provide a congenial environment for crop growth and yield. The operation of ploughing once and left out for a few weeks followed by a broadcasting of rice seeds by hand and then ploughing and raking together at the same time once gave highly significant rice grain yield (Srisa-ard, 2008). Adoption of the “Sawah” system (bunded, puddle and leveled) in inland valleys in Ghana lead to significant improvement in soil and water management; enhancement in rice grain yield and made sustainable production. Even the practice of Sawah system of cultivation increased local rice production by over 300% because of the mechanisms with intrinsic resistance to erosion (better water control and nutrient management (Buri et al., 2012).

ABSTRACT

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is the major constraint for cultivation of tomato in Kerala. Biocontrol of plant pathogens is becoming an important component of integrated disease management. Among the various antagonists tested against R. solanacearum of tomato, fungi were more effective than bacterial and actinomycetes organisms. Among them, Trichoderma virens, T. viride (Ozhalapathy and Vellanikkara) and T. pseudokoningii were the effective ones, recording the maximum antagonism index (AI) value of 6000 under in vitro condition. They inhibited the pathogen completely by the mechanism of both lysis and overgrowth. In pot culture study, T. viride and T. pseudokoningii and commercial Pseudomonas fluorescens gave maximum protection against wilt incidence. Under field condition, T. viride (Ozh), T. pseudokoningii and P. aeruginosa showed the lowest wilt incidence of 50.0, 58.3 and 58.3 respectively against cent per cent incidence in the control plot.

Experimental mutagenesis is an important unconventional source to produce mutations in high frequencies in cultivated plants. It makes possible the achievement of desired breeding objectives or atleast decisive progress in this direction through selection of mutants. By establishing extensive collection of mutants based on productive varieties excellent sources of valuable material for theoretical studies and for breeding work can be provided. The induced mutagenesis helps in diversifying varieties and in internal rectification. The simultaneous realization of different breeding objectives may be possible through induced mutagenesis especially in leguminous crops.

Stubbe (1959) stated that mutation breeding as a modern method of plant breeding has proved its justification. It mutation breeding, basic information is a prerequisite on the type of spectrum of induced mutations and relative effectiveness and efficiency of different mutagens.

Mould growth in raw materials or finished feeds result in production of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are a large group of toxic chemicals causing wide range of pathological and physiological effects in animals. Symptoms depend on the amount of toxin present in the feed, the period for which the feed is ingested, the nutritional status of the feed and the susceptibility of the animal. Feed efficiency, growth rate and production are affected in animals consuming sub-acute doses.

Ruminants are generally considered less susceptible to mycotoxins than monogastric animals because of degradation of mycotoxin in rumen by rumen microorganism. However, certain mycotoxins resist rumen degradation and cause clinical mycotoxicosis. In high yielding dairy animals, during transition period, animals who are in negative energy balance (NEB), low body condition score and decreased resistance to infectious agents cause adverse effects in animal health with exposure of mycotoxins present in animal diet.

Effect of mycotoxin in ruminants

In cattle during metabolism, mycotoxin present in stored or ensiled feeds produce microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) which are responsible for mouldy odour, reduced feed intake and increased feeding times. This insufficient feed intake further produces negative energy balance (NEB).

The ingestion of mycotoxin-contaminated feedstuffs by animals leads to adverse effect on animal health and the effects are more serious in monogastric animals depending on the species and the susceptibility to toxins within the species. Ruminants are less susceptible to mycotoxins than monogastric animals because of biotransformation of mycotoxins to non-toxic metabolites in rumen by rumen microbiota (Fink-Gremmels, 2008).

4.1 Introduction

More and more industrial applications require self cleaned surfaces, water repellent, anti-dirt pickup and many other specific surface requirements. Introduction of nanotechnology has changed the coating scenario drastically. Hard, anti-scratch, hydrophobic coatings are achieved by the addition of small amounts of nano-pigments which help in creating hydrophobic surface. It is also possible to grow certain nano-fibers which on chemical treatment give surfaces which can either attract water or repel it. It is also possible now to create self healing coatings which can repair surface once they are damaged by scratch. Capacitance coupler pads have been devised to reach those corroding areas which are not covered by other corrosion protection methods. Stringent requirements of many modern industrial application resulted in developing coatings which can give special surface properties such as high hardness, scratch resistance, hydrophobicity, anti-dirt pickup etc.  This brief article presents a few new researches which provide one or more special properties to the surface.

Standard postoperative management of animals with fractures includes the use of nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drug inhibits inflammatory responses by blocking prostaglandin (PG) synthesis via the Cyclooxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism. However, PG is important factor in early phase of bone healing. A local increase of PG concentration is a response of bone to trauma and PG (particularly PG₂) may stimulate differentiation and proliferation of osteoprogenitor cells during early bone healing. It has been reported that NSAID, such as Diclofenac acid, ibuprofen, indomethacin, aspirin, salicylic acid decreased ingrowths of bone into porous coated implants and decreased mineral content in rabbits. In view of the above fact, this chapter is undertaken to investigate the effects of one potent NSAID (Flunixin Meglumine) on fracture healing.

The study is conducted in ten clinically healthy adult New Zealand White rabbits of either sex divided into two groups (A and B) consisting of five animals each. In all animals, mid-shaft simple transverse fracture is created in both the ulnae under thiopental (2.5%) anaesthesia. In animals of group A, 0.25ml (12.5 mg) Flunixin Meglumine (Ilium Flunixil) is injected intramuscularly on alternate days from day 5-20 postoperatively whereas, in group B no drug is given. Lateral and anterio-posterior radiographs are taken on day 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 post-fracture. The radiographs are observed for progress of fracture healing and complication, if any, at different interval. The specimen for histopathological study is collected from the healed site of test bones immediately after euthanizing the animals on day 40. Every specimen is consisted of both healing and adjacent host bone. The bone sections are preserved in 10% formalin for 9-10 days and then are decalcified using Goodling and Stewart’s solution (15% formic acid, 5% formalin and 80% distilled water). Completely decalcified sections are then processed routinely for H&E staining. These sections are observed for the status of healing at the fracture site, at cellular level.

Introduction

The water potential plays an important role on growth of bacteria. If the medium has higher concentration of solute, it is said to be hypertonic. Due to this, the cytoplasm dehydrates and shrinks, resulting in inhibition of growth of bacteria. If solute concentration is less, the medium is hypotonic and hence maximum osmotic pressure on the cell.

Requirements

1. Cultures of E.coli and Bacillus
2. Nutrient agar
3. Sodium Chloride (stock solution at 5 M concentration)
4. Inoculating loop
5. BOD incubator

Procedure

Abstract

The study with different inorganic phosphorus doses and their combination with phosphorus solublizing microbes (PSM) had significant effect on growth, total microbial population of the soil and leaf nutrient status of Walnut cv. Govind. The treatment T₁₁ consisting of 84.37g P₂O₅ + PSM (80g culture) had maximum growth (16.87 cm) and also have a significant improvement in total microbial count (12,126) of the soil and leaf nutrient status of Walnut cv Govind.

Abstract

The effects of packaging materials, temperature and dressers on onion (Allium cepa, L.) seed storage, at the end of 24 months, revealed maximum test weight (3.67 g) in poly jar x refrigerator x cow dung. Maximum seed germination was observed in cloth bag x refrigerator x thiram. Maximum germination of 87.33 per cent at the end of 21 months was recorded in poly bag x room temperature x thiram which declind to 77.33 per cent by the end of 24 months. Similarly (seed vigour) SV-I, SV-II (up to 21 months) and stress test (up to 18 months) were maximum which showed a declining trend after this period. It can be inferred that the onion seed germination and vigour can be maintained for 21 months when packed in poly jar, stored in deep freezer (-20°C) after treating with thiram (0.3%).

Abstract

The effects of packaging materials, temperature and dressers on bell pepper (Capsicum annuum, L.) seed storage, at the end of 24 months, revealed maximum test weight (5.15 g) in poly jar x refrigerator x cow dung. Maximum seed germination was observed in polythene bag x refrigerator x thiram. This combination resulted in slow but gradual decrease in germination from 3rd month (95.33%) to 24th month (75.33%). The same combination of treatments also extrapolated maximum SV-I (15-24 months) and  (Seed Vigour)SV-II (18-24 months). Stress test was maximum (50.01%) in poly jar x refrigerator x thiram. Thus, it was inferred that bell-pepper seed germination and vigour can be maintained for 24 months after treating the seeds with thiram, packing in polythene bag and then storing in refrigerator, after harvesting the crop.

For most people in their right mind, parasites are disgusting little creatures. The mention of them evokes images of tiny crawlers entering the body of innocent victims by devious means, encrusting themselves within various organs (often with very unpleasant effects), living off their host’s tissues, and then exiting the body, sometimes through scatological avenues, leaving behind hosts that are incapacitated, if not mere shells of their former selves (as is literally the case for some insects). The true facts are not always that gruesome (after all, parasites that have to spend a long time inside a host do not benefit if this host kicks the bucket, because then they die as well) but often enough parasitic reality is not pretty. Ask biology students about their parasitology course, and they will tell you that attending class is like visiting a little shop of horrors. I, for one, came out of my parasitology course with newly developed phobias (mercifully temporary) of such innocuous activities as eating meat and bathing in streams – they represent ways of transmission for some parasites. But students will also tell you that parasites are fascinating because of the complexity of their life cycles and the intricate ways in which they complete these cycles. So fascinating, in fact, that many students eventually become parasitologists and devote their entire lives to studying the little critters. Most of these people work with parasites of livestock or humans, but a few with an equal taste for ethology and ichthyology pursue the more esoteric questions that occupy this page: how fishes avoid getting parasitized, and how fishes alter their behaviour once they get parasitized (Barber et al., 2000)

Full thickness burn wound will not heal spontaneously which need early excision and adequate coverage to prevent fluid loss and risk of infection. Major portion of the skin is lost during burn injury which is the active layer for protecting the entry of micro organism from outside environment. So far, meshed autologous skin graft is regarded as the gold standard for treating extensive full thickness burns. However, their frequent use may be hampered by several impediments such as limited availability, donor site morbidity, associated with additional scarring. Severe burn patients invariably lack additional skin donor site. Moreover, creation of donor site in burned patient is equivalent to second degree burn and which further increase the total body surface area affected (TBSA). In past decades, numerous biomaterials have been investigated for the use as a dermal skin substitute for burn patients but none give promising results. The innovative tissue engineered bioactive materials offer potential tissue regeneration and prevent the tissue deterioration.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) derived naturally from mammalian tissue have been successfully used as scaffold for tissue reconstruction and wound management in clinical applications. ECM can be derived from various tissue or organs of different species but most commonly, porcine small intestinal submucosa and urinary bladder have been successfully used as scaffold for reconstruction. ECM is obtained by process of decellularization that involves the use of various ionic and non ionic detergents, acids, enzymatic solutions and mechanical/physical methods.

Abstract

Garden peas of two cultivars (Pb-87 and Pb-88) were procured. Pods were shelled manually, grains were blanched and dehydrated. Other lot of peas of both the varieties was allowed to mature on the plant till the plant foliage dried up, harvested, pods were dried in shade for few days, shelled manually and grains were further dried in shade. Grits were prepared by grinding rice and pea (dhal) in a laboratory grinder to pass through 20 mesh sieve. Blends were prepared by mixing rice and pea grits in the ratio of 100:0, 85:15 and 70:30. The blends were subjected to extrusion cooking using Brabender single screw extruder. The extruder die pressure, specific energy consumption (SEC), expansion ratio, density, water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI) and organoleptic characteristics were studied. Addition of pea grits resulted in a decrease in die pressure in all the blends. Addition of pea grits showed a significant effect on SEC. A decrease in expansion with increase in the level of pea grits in blend was observed. The extrudates having lower expansion showed higher density values and vice versa. Effect of replacement of rice grits with pea grits on WAI was found to be significant. Level of pea grits significantly affected the WSI. Incorporation of pea grits in the rice grits significantly affected the sensory characteristics. Replacement of rice grits with mechanically dried pea grits resulted in deterioration of acceptability score, but addition of field dried pea grits improved the same.

The availability of wide range of pesticides though has been responsible for increasing crop production through regulating arthropod (insect and mite) pest populations in agricultural and horticultural crop production systems but unfortunately, improper and excessive use of pesticides has resulted into a number of potential ecological problems including pest resistance, resurgence, residues in food, feed and fodder, environmental contamination, direct hazards to the users and mainly destruction of beneficial organisms including natural enemies. The most important group of natural enemies is entomophagous insects i.e. insect predators and parasites. Predatory insects are usually much larger than their prey and are generally voracious feeders that kill and eat a wide variety of insects as they grow and reproduce. Many predators are active in both their immature as well as adult stage. Insect parasites/ parasitoids are often tiny, non-stinging wasps. Parasitic wasps are free-living in the adult stage, but in the larval stage are parasitic on specific insects. The parasitic larvae eat their hosts from within, ultimately resulting in the death of the host insect. The compatibility of natural enemies with pesticides is essential as both these management strategies are important part of Integrated Pest Management programs designed to regulate arthropod pest populations and minimize plant damage.

Though the pesticide application represents viable solution to pest control, however indiscriminate use poses threat to target as well as non-target crops. The side effects of pesticides therefore have to be considered based on their use and on the agricultural system to which particular pesticide is used. Studies should be implied on effects and persistence of pesticides in crops and is consequent effects on soil microbial flora and associated nitrogen metabolism. Safe alternate methods like development of relatively cheaper biopesticide should be encouraged. More efficient methods have to be developed and validated for dissipation of pesticide residues in food grains. Human health and environment has gained great importance in the modern world. The widespread use of insecticides has resulted in problems caused by its interaction with the natural biological systems. Study showed that higher amounts of acetamiprid have some negative effects on corn plant physiology. Thus, the use of pesticide should be controlled following the standards of developed countries to protect health and the environment.

The modern improved crop varieties are responsive to fertilizers and demand higher fertilizer application rates to sustain high grain yields. With higher fertilizer inputs, the pest problems have become prominent and endangered the yields necessitating the large scale use of agrochemicals. Some of these chemicals are purposefully released or they may be accidentally released into the environment as waste water or residues from industrial manufacturing and processing of fields.

Soil is one of the most dynamic sites of biological interactions in nature, serving as a growth medium for vegetation and as a habitat for microorganisms and thus has a major role in determining the overall quality of our environment. The physicochemical properties of soil strongly influence the growth, activities and population dynamics of microorganisms in soil and also modify the effects of chemicals on the microbial community. Microorganisms are scavengers in soil. Due to physiological variability, they degrade a variety of chemical substances including insecticides, fungicides and herbicides in soil to derive energy and other nutrients for their growth and metabolism (El- Shahaat et al., 1987; Bhuyan et al., 1993). As a result, the population density of the active microorganisms increases which favorably influences the biological transformation of nutrient elements in the soil (Rangaswamy and Venkateswarlu, 1993; Jana et al., 1998). On the other hand, there are many pesticides which exert adverse effect on growth of soil microorganisms (Martinez-Toledo et al., 1992). However, no definite conclusions can be made on the effects of different pesticides on the growth and activities of microorganisms in soil since different groups of insecticides exhibit manifold variations in toxicity. The degree to which a pesticide affects microbial population and their activities is largely dependent upon the chemical, its dosage and the particular physicochemical parameters of the environment such as soil type, temperature, water content, pH, method of application and other factors. Soil physicochemical factors are particularly important and probably account for the variations in toxic effects often seen with the same compound. Some of the soil microorganisms and soil microbial processes appear to be more sensitive to pesticides than the others. For example nitrification appears to be highly sensitive whereas N-mineralization is relatively resistant. These results reflect the diversity of microorganisms mediating these processes. The present effort has been made to review briefly the effects of pesticides on microorganisms and their activities.

Introduction

The pH (hydrogen ion concentration) of the environment provides the maximum effect on the growth of bacteria. Each organism grows at its optimal pH. Due to variation in other factors such as temperature, osmotic pressure etc marked changes in pH have also been observed.

Requirements

1. Erlenmeyer flasks (100 ml)
2. Culture of E. coli
3. Pipettes
4. Spectrophotometer
5. pH meter

Procedure

Abstract

In the present study, effect of phloroglucinol on the rooting behaviour of three Pyrus rootstocks viz. wild pear [P. pyrifolia (Burm F.) Nakai], kainth (P. pashia Buch. Ham.), shiara (P. serotina  Rehd.) and two scion cultivars viz. Patharnakh (P. pyrifolia (Burm F.) Nakai) and Punjab Beauty (P. pyrifolia x P. communis?) was studied. Supplementation of rooting medium (solid or liquid) with phloroglucinol (PG) had a stimulatory effect on the rooting response of wild pear, but on liquid medium the plants were vitrified with very small roots.  However, in solid medium fortified with NAA + IBA (0.25 mg l-1 each) and PG (160 mg l-1), 86.29 per cent rooting was obtained.  In kainth, Punjab Beauty and shiara supplementation of solid medium with PG had inhibitory effect on root induction.  In liquid medium, PG stimulated root initiation in kainth at 40 and 80 mg l-1, but at 160 mg l-1, it was ineffective.  In Punjab Beauty and shaira, liquid medium fortified with 40 mg l-1 PG was ineffective, whereas, at higher levels (80 and 160 mg l-1), it inhibited root induction.  Patharnakh failed to root at any of the PG level. One week culture of kainth microshoots on ½ MS solid medium supplemented with IBA (0.5 mg l-1) and PG (160 mg l-1) in dark followed by transfer to ½ MS basal liquid medium for three weeks in light resulted in 76 per cent rooting.  While, 58.70 per cent rooting was obtained in Patharnakh with similar treatment, except when IBA (0.5 mg l-1) was replaced by NAA (0.5 mg l-1).

Introduction
India with a population of 1.30 billion people is highly focusing on “Development”i.e. good food, better health & living conditions for everyone. With the increase in the incomes, people can now afford better nutrition in the form of poultry egg and meat, now poultry industry has transformed from a mere backyard activity into a major commercial activity in just four decades. India is now the world’s 3rd largest egg producer and the 5thlargest producer of broilers. The Indian poultry market witnessed an increasing trend over the past five years, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.6% (DAHD, 2023). Poultry sector in India is valued at about Rs. 1,50,000 crore (2022-23) broadly divided into two sub-sectors – one with a highly organized commercial sector with about 80% of the total market share (say, Rs. 1,20,000 crore) and the other being unorganized with about 20% of the total market share of Rs. 30,000 Crore. (DAHD, 2023). Poultry production in India has become a profitable and most popular income generating sector for the educated unemployed youth. Most of the poultry farmers are interested in broiler production due to its quick returns, less space requirement and higher weight gains. The productive potential of poultry in India has not been fully exploited due to deficit feed resources and unutilization of available improved technologies for getting high productivity from the poultry at economical rate. Hence, it is essential to further enhance the feeding value of available feed resources so as to improve the efficiency of feed utilization and minimize the cost of feed per kilogram live weight gain. The use of antibioticas growth promoters in poultry has been banned due to concern about their residues in tissue and induction of bacterial resistance. Due to these concerns, recently many feed additives has been investigated for alternatives tofeed antibiotics. The international feed industry is facing the challenge of the awareness among the consumers of meat on the risk of bringing about antibiotic resistance in pathogenic microbiota through antibiotics used in animal and poultry feeds. It has directed them towards the non-antibiotic feed additives. Among them, the feed additives of plant origin, called as Phyto-additives or Phytogenic Feed Additives (PFA) or Phytobiotics are considered to be a better alternative as non-antibiotic growth promoters, even though there are well established non antibiotic growth promoters such as organic acids and probiotics. The Phytogenic feed additives also vary widely in their botanical origin, processing and composition. They have been used in solid, dried and ground forms or as extracts or essential oils.It is reported that aromatic plants may increase feed intake and may improve secretion of endogenous digestive enzymes. It has been shown thatthe dietary incorporation of herbs may provide beneficial effect on poultry performance and health due to the antimicrobial activity of their phytochemical components. Phytobiotics have gained increasing interest as natural growth promoting feed additives in broiler production in recent years. These have wide range of medicinal properties with no residual side effects and are best alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters (Chaudhary et al., 2018, 2019, Rahman et al., 2014). Beneficial effects of these substances in poultry nutrition are due to their high content of pharmacologically active compounds stimulating appetite and feed intake, improving endogenous digestive secretion and activating immune responses (Nouzarian et al., 2011 and Toghyani et al., 2010).

Toxic elements like Cadmium (Cd), Fluoride (F), heavy metals, radioactive metals are associated with mainly rock phosphates, other organic wastes like sewage sludge and pollutants. Their chemistry is similar to plant nutrients and replace them in their physiology leading to reduced uptake of nutrients, productivity and contaminated food chain.

Seed is the primary and essential starting point of a wide range of crops, including the majority of vegetables except those vegetative propagated (e.g- potato and sweet potato). Seedling emergence and field stand establishment is one of the problems facing the growers, especially in early planting where adverse conditions are prevailed (low temperature and high soil moisture). Seed germination and seedling emergence are affected by many factors such as: seed genotype, seed quality (seed viability and seed vigor) and the environmental conditions (moisture and temperature) prevailing during seed germination and subsequent seedling emergence, assuming that the seed is not dormant.

Introduction In latest years, there has been an upsurge in customer situation over using artificial colorants in foods, especially on the subject of healthiness and safety issues (Amchova, Kotolova, & Ruda-Kucerova, 2015). Dietary colorants have been banned or regulated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and various other national authorities throughout the world because to their confirmed or suspected link to enhanced cancer progression or adverse reactions. For the same motives, various pigments are being investigated and are most effective provisionally authorized at this time. Consequently, the use of natural additives in food production is becoming increasingly popular among food companies (Schwartz, Joachim, & Giusti, 2007). Red C-PE is the most extensively used colour and has various application in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries; however, because they are rare in nature, they must be synthesized. Therefore, the food sector is expressing an increasing interest in the finding, application, and stabilizing of natural red colorants, which are currently in high demand. A growing number of commercial companies are turning to cyanobacteria for colour extraction, including Spirulina sp. for the extraction of Phycoerythrin, Haematococcus sp. for the extraction of astaxanthin pigments, and Dunaliella sp. for the extraction of beta-carotene pigments (Sharma et al., 2021).

Bone healing is an extraordinary process involving not only an inflammatory reaction and formation of callus but also reconstruction of the defect to regain its original biomechanical strength. Bone healing can be modified by variety of endogenous or exogenous factors that affect the metabolic function of bone cells. Prostaglandins (PG), a family of cycled derivation of unsaturated long chain fatty acids, are intimately associated with bone metabolism, and are important as locally active agents with significant effects on bone and bone cells in vitro. In some experimental studies, it is suggested that the local increase of prostaglandin in response to trauma may act to stimulate differentiation and proliferation of osteoprogenitor cells during fracture healing, whereas, specific prostaglandin antagonists, indomethacin, inhibited fracture healing. The objective of this chapter is to investigate the effects of locally (defect-site) administered prostaglandin (PGE₂) on cortical bone healing in rabbit model.

Clinically healthy adult New Zealand White rabbits (10) of either sex are divided equally into groups A and B, consisting of 5 animals each. They are kept on standard diet and management throughout the experiment. In all the animals, mid-shaft single transverse fracture is created in both the ulnae under thiopental (2.5%) anaesthesia.

In test group A, 0.1 ml (25 µg) prostaglandin (PGE₂) is injected at fracture site on alternate day for 30 post operative days, whereas, group B is served as control. In both the groups lateral and antero-posterior radiographs are taken on days 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 postoperatively to observe progress of fracture healing and complication, if any at different intervals.

Abstract

The experiment, conducted at research farm of Central Arid Zone Research Station, Bikaner during 2009 on sandy loam soil. The study revealed that in agri-horti system different irrigation levels significantly affected the growth parameters (plant height, stem girth and tree canopy) of fruit trees which was highest at 80% ETc irrigation level in intercropping of moth bean and cluster bean and it was significantly higher over no intercropping. Intercropping of sonamukhi gave 24.8% lower plant height of citrus over no intercropping. Highest fruit yield of citrus was recorded (40% fruiting) with intercropping of moth bean at 80% ETc irrigation level which was 51% higher over intercropping of sonamukhi.

Abstract

Noodles are widely consumed throughout the world and their global consumption is second only to bread. In the study, response of reducing agents (cysteine hydrochloride and sodium metabisulphite) and oxidizing agents (potassium bromate and benzoyl peroxide) at 10 and 20 ppm levels on the farinographic and amylographic curve characteristics as well as on the noodle making properties of durum and commercial wheat semolina were investigated according to the AACC (1990) procedure. The farinographic curve characteristics revealed that water absorption was enhanced with increasing levels of reducing agents but decreased with addition of oxidizing agents. However there was no significant change in Dough Development Time in case of durum semolina on addition of reducing agents, but commercial semolina recorded significant changes at 20 ppm level of reducing agent. The best reducing agent for durum and commercial semolina was thus sodium metabisulphite and cysteine hydrochloride respectively. Addition of oxidizing agent potassium bromate at 20 ppm level enhanced stability and was thus chosen as the best oxidizing agent for durum semolina and benzoyl peroxide for commercial semolina. Addition of reducing and oxidizing agents improved yield, appearance, elasticity and extensibility characteristics of instant fresh noodles. The best levels were used in the preparation of noodles on the Italian extruder (NAMAD).

This practical in continuation of the practical no.10 explore the effects of screen sizes on different varieties. The screen sizes vary not with crops but with varieties also. To know the effect of screen sizes among the varieties we need to take the top and middle screens as standard or as recommended. These methods can be applied to any crop and to different varieties.

ABSTRACT

Anursery experiment was conducted to study the effect of solarization, selected native antagonists viz., T. viride and T. longibrachiatum and the standard culture of T. harzianum for assesseing the growth enhancement and management of Phytophthora rot in black pepper nursery. The experiment was laid out at College of Horticulture with 20 different treatments and replicated thrice. The sprouting percentage of cuttings in different treatments was worked out at different intervals, which showed significant difference. In general, it was observed that the maximum sprouting percentage was noticed in treatments where solarized potting mixture and biocontrol agents were used. The population of soil microflora viz., fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes in different treatments were also estimated. The study indicated a fluctuation in the population of soil microbes in various treatments at different periods of observation. The observations on height and number of leaves of pepper cuttings in different treatments were recorded. It was noticed that cuttings raised in solarized potting mixture incorporated with native antagonists, especially T. viride, exerted a significant effect in increasing the height of cuttings. With regard to total number of leaves, it was also observed that addition of native antagonists in solarized potting mixture had a positive effect in increasing the leaf production. Thus, the effect of solarization enhanced the growth parameters in crop plants by making available the required nutrients. The increased growth response of plants by soil application of Trichoderma spp. may be due to the production of growth promoting substances by the antagonists. Thus, the nursery experiment revealed that, in general, soil solarization and incorporation of antagonists had a favourable effect in promoting the growth of pepper plants besides checking the Phytophthora rot in black pepper nursery.

Abstract

The treatments showed significant differences for the characters under study in all the years. The maximum curd yield of 186.91, 180.24 and 192.83 q/ha (Av.186.66 q/ha) was recorded during the year 2002,2003 and 2004, respectively with early planting (30th Aug) and closer spacing (45x30 cm)  found significantly superior to other treatments. Similarly, maximum plant height of 75.06, 69.53 and 60.67 cm (Av. 61.47 cm) during the years 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively was also recorded in the same treatment. Whereas maximum plant spread of 59.13, 78.97 and 65.45 cm (Av. 67.85 cm) was recorded during the year 2002, 2003 and 2004. respectively with second date of transplanting (15th Sept) and wider plant spacing of 45x45 cm. From the results of three year study it can be inferred that the early planting (30th Aug) and closer plant spacing (45x30 cm) is most suitable for obtaining higher curd yield of broccoli under Kashmir conditions.

Abstract

Paddy seeds of variety PR - 116 were obtained from the PAU seed farm. These seeds were cleaned with commonly used seed processing equipment. Samples were divided into 2 parts. One part was kept as such for taking the observations of feed (control) and the remaining part was passed through specific gravity separator for its refinement. The various fractions obtained were recovery, middlings, and rejections. These graded fractions as well as the feed were packed in 5-kg cloth bags and stored under ambient conditions. Different quality parameters viz. moisture content, physical purity, thousand grain weight, percent germination, root/shoot length, vigour index and speed of germination were recorded at 30 days interval. The physical purity, thousand grain weight, percent germination, root length, shoot length and vigour index were found to be higher in recovery and minimum for rejections while moisture content was highest for rejection as compared to all other fractions. Germination, root/ shoot length, vigour index and speed of germination increased with the duration of storage while moisture content, thousand-grain weight and physical purity followed a reversed trend. Compared to feed, the recovery had higher quality attributes after 4 months of storage viz. moisture content decreased by 0.3%; physical purity increased by 0.67%; thousand grain weight increased by 2.97 gm/ thousand grain, germination increased by 8%; vigour index increased by 481.1 points; speed of germination increased by 3.2 seedlings per day. The grading resulted in improvement in overall quality of sunflower seed.

Most of the starch sources are cereals (40 to 90%), tubers (65 to 85%), roots (30 to 70%), legumes (25 to 50%) which contain nearly 70% of starch on dry basis (Santana & Meireles, 2014). Major application of starch is seen in food production, where it is used as a thickening agent, for stabilization, adsorption, gelling, for binding aromatic compounds and as a film forming agent as well (Subaric et al., 2007). About 0.8-3.2 tons of CO2 per ton of plastic can be saved by using starch-based plastics (Patel 1999).

Abstract

Re-constituted rice-premixes made by extrusion, has been successfully formulated for the fortification of market rice with vitamin A (retinyl palmitate and betacarotene) and iron. The statistics of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) are alarming in the developing world, particularly in India. In fact, India is second largest producer as well as consumer of rice in the world, so fortification of rice with vitamin A and iron seems to be a successful solution to reduce the VAD and IDA in India. In order to design the final formulation, eight formulations containing target micronutrient profile were tested for vitamin A (both retinyl palmitate and beta-carotene) and iron retention for a period of six months under ambient (24-26 ⁰C) and elevated temperature (40 ⁰C) conditions. Nonsignificant iron loss was observed during six months of storage time under both ambient and elevated conditions. The higher retention of retinyl palmitate and beta-carotene was observed in formulation 5 and 8 respectively. In F5, the retention of retinyl palmitate was 73% and 66% and in F8, retention of beta carotene was 70% and 63% under ambient and elevated temperature conditions respectively after six months of storage. Substituting the original, vegetable shortening with palm shortening resulted in increased retention of retinyl palmitate and beta carotene in formulation 5 and 8. Thus, increased antioxidant effect of natural antioxidants in palm shortenings contributed to stability of micronutrients.

Introduction Noodles have received importance worldwide due to their particular taste, flavor, convenience, consumer acceptance, and low cost. The noodles generally come under the category of unhealthy and junk food because of high carbohydrate content and low vitamins, minerals, and fiber content (Park et al., 2011). Due to the increasing popularity of instant noodles, many people are becoming more prone to various health problems. The substitution of various ingredients to wheat flour noodles is increasing by incorporating different pulses, cereals, and pseudocereals to improve the nutritional properties and also make them health food. Among the pseudocereals, the use of amaranth and chia seeds in food products has been increasing because of their high nutritional value and good health benefits. Their proteins have well-balanced amino acids with a high content of essential amino acids and also good bioavailability (Lopez et al., 2019). These pseudocereals are also gaining importance due to their high content of phytochemicals and other macromolecules. The amaranth (Amaranthus sp) seeds are spherical and small, having approximately 1 mm diameter with a creamish to light reddish color. The composition of amaranth flour includes amylose (7.05%), proteins (15.27%), fat (7.33%), crude fiber (2.04%), and ash (2.93%) (Siwatch et al., 2019).

In India after rice wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the second most important cultivated food crop belonging to family poaceae. Total production of wheat was 760 million tons in India during 2016-2017 (FAOSTAT, 2017) which is second largest in the world after china. In India highest producing state of wheat is Uttar Pradesh followed by Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan etc. Wheat is categorize into seven commonly known wheat classes those are hard red spring, hard red winter, soft red winter, hard white, soft white, durum and mixed wheat (Khamis, 2014). 

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Mechanized Commercial Farm, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh (Gujarat) during the Kharif-Rabi seasons of 2006, 2007 and 2008 to study the effect of tillage practices on yield of rainfed castor (Ricinus communis). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with four replications. The six treatments comprised viz., T_1- Conventional tillage (Cultivator + blade harrowing), T_2-Ploughing followed by cultivator and blade harrowing, T_3-Tillage through rotavator, T_4-Furrow opening through sub-soiling, T_5-Furrow opening through V-notch cultivator and T_6-Zero tillage (pre and post emergence herbicides + 2 hand weeding). Among the different treatments, the different growth and yield attributing parameters viz., plant height, number of spikes per plant, length of main spike, number of capsules per spike and test weight, seed and stalk yields, higher gross and net returns were recorded when field was prepared by ploughing followed by cultivator and blade harrowing. It also improved soil moisture content which was closely followed by tillage through rotavator (T₃) and furrow opening through sub-soiling (T₄).

Bone healing can be modified by variety of endogenous or exogenous factors that affect the metabolic function of bone cells. The Food and Drug Administration is approved the use of low-intensity ultrasound for the accelerated healing of fresh fractures in October 1994 and for the treatment of established nonunion in February 2002. The first regulatory approval is based primarily upon two rigorous, double - blind, placebo controlled clinical trials, which shows that the rate of healing of fresh fracture is accelerated by treatment with ultrasound. Therapeutic ultrasound has been able to improve functional activity, reduce post-ambulatory period, alleviate suffering and restore the animal’s health early. It has been used frequently for acceleration of healing in various musculotendinous injuries in animal. However, the role of ultrasound therapy in different dose levels in fracture healing has not been elucidated properly. In view of the above fact, this chapter is undertaken to investigate the effects of therapeutic ultrasound in two different doses, on cortical bone healing in rabbits.

Twelve clinically healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits of either sex are divided equally into three groups A, B and C, and kept on standard diet and uniform management. In all animals, mid-shaft simple transverse fracture is created in both the ulnae under thiopental (2.5%) anaesthesia. All the animals are administered broad-spectrum antibiotic and analgesic and surgical wounds are dressed daily with povidone iodine and antibiotic cream for 4 days postoperatively. Group A animal is received pulsed ultrasound therapy @ lW/ cm² (1:1) whereas, group C animals is received continuous ultrasound therapy @ 3 W/cm², starting on day 4 after the creation of fracture. Ten treatments, each consisting of 5 min duration, are given on alternate days. Group B animals are served as control. In both the test groups (A and C), the transducer head of the ultrasound machine is moved in a linear fashion along the length of the bone after applying ultrasound gel.

In recent years the importance of VAM fungi for plant growth in most soils has been accepted and acknowledged by soil chemists, agronomists, horticulturists and farmers. Ever since it was shown that VAM could increase nutrient uptake and water uptake from soil in plants, researchers have been trying to extend and manipulate this effect of mycorrhiza in improving the growth and productivity in various groups of plants. Mycorrhizasts of the country have also explored the possibility of utilizing this tool for improving the performance of various crops including cereals, millets, pulses, vegetables, oilseeds and fruit crops. In addition, they have tried to explore the possibility of utilizing this biotool also for improving the growth of various types of trees including forest trees. Following account is related to the work done by the mycorrhizasts of the country on the effect of VA mycorrhiza on the growth and productivity of various groups of plants including cultivated crops.