eBook Chapters

Introduction

A system is a simplified version of reality and is defined as a collection of interrelated parts that work together. Most systems share certain common characteristics. These common characteristics include the following:
Systems have a structure that is defined by its parts and processes. Systems are generalizations of reality.
Systems tend to function in the same way as nature. This involves inputs getting changed in a process and realization of new outputs.
The various parts of a system have functional as well as structural relationships between each other.
Owing to the functional relationships that exist between the parts there is a flow and transfer of some type of energy and/or matter. In case of information systems there is a flow of information in the structure.
The parts that make up a system show certain degree of integration. In other words the parts work well together.

Abstract

The rapid development and integration of spatial technologies viz., Geographical Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS) along with Global Positioning Systems (GPS) provide functional alternatives to revolutionize the conventional entomological approaches like surveillance, spatial/temporal distribution of insect populations, pest distribution mapping and predictive modeling. Application of these technologies for insect problems is well established in the fields of forest, range land, medical and agricultural entomology elsewhere. Nevertheless, in India its field relevance in agricultural entomology is still limited owing to lack of proven field prototype studies and collaborative efforts among stakeholders. It’s time to gain real momentum to integrate these progressive technologies to formulate sustainable integrated pest management programs.

Key words: GIS, Remote Sensing, Insect Populations, Field Applications

impacts other speheres and that too on a distal place! This chapter explains how global warming affects remote places like highlands of Bhutan. Severe hot summers during the year 1994 led to excessive melting of glaciers in the higher Himalayas. The exceptional melting contributed enormous amount of melt water to the lake basins, which caused breach of the morainic dam and consequent enlargement of the outlet of the Luggye Tsho and the Tshopda Tsho, Bhutan. Floods followed the breach on October 7, 1994. These floods destabilized the slopes on either bank of the Pho Chhu near Tshopda Tsho outlet making them prone to landslides. The flash floods also eroded the left lateral moraine of the Raphstreng Tsho, which had disturbed the original angle of repose. The Raphstrcng area is also prone to ice avalanches, rock glaciers, surge of which can damage the rim and also cause spillover of water. Examination of geological, geomorphological, geotechnical, microclimatic and hydrographic information in and around the glacial lakes led to improved understanding of breach characteristics based on which mitigation measures were suggested and implemented in the years 1996-97. Since then the lakes have remained intact. From this case study and satisfactory performanceof mitigationmeasures suggest that similar integrated studies have to be conducted for thorough understanding of hazard prone areas based on which mitigation measures have to be implemented for successful reduction of impacts.

INTRODUCTION

The Lunana area, situated in the northern district of Gasa, is one of the most extensively glaciated terrains of Bhutan (Fig. 1). In response to the general global warming, these glaciers like those of other parts of the Himalaya are in a state of steady retreat, often leaving behind a chain of lakes. Though the glacial lakes endow scenic beauty, they also pose environmental hazards, due to frequent bursting of their morainic dams and consequent flash floods. The last lake-burst occurred on 7^th October 1994, leading to floods in the Pho Chhu River. Following floods, the Geological Survey of India in collaboration with the Royal Government of Bhutan, investigated the Lunana area to identify the causes and effects of the floods and suggest remedial measures. More than a decade had passed since the implementation of mitigation measures and there has been no such breach and flood despite continued Glacial Vetreat during to Global Warming. This chapter describes the characteristics of these glacial lakes, nature and results of the study and mitigation efforts.

Thrips : Taeniothrips simplex : Thripidae

Yellow coloured nymphs and black adults damage leaves and spikes by rasping tissues and sucking the sap.  Affected leaves and spikes develop silver streaks, turn brown, get deformed and dry when attack is severe.  Corms in storage are also attacked. Infested corms are sticky, get shriveled and produce weak plants.

Gladiolus is a flower of breathtaking beauty with a wide range of colours, size and form. Its magnificent inflorescence has won for it, a place of pride in gardens and value as a cut flower. Except true blue and green practically all colours are available in gladiolus. Flowers are long lasting and stand transport well. They are widely used in flower arrangements, bouquets and indoor decorations. It is estimated that gladiolus is grown throughout India over on area of 1270 ha (Arora et al. 2002).

Gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.) belongs to family Iridaceae and subfamily Ixioideae. Gladiolus is a Latin word, the diminutive of “gladius” meaning sword, sometimes called as sword lily. The plant is herbaceous perennial and semi-hardy. It is commonly grown from rounded, symmetrical corm, which is enveloped in several layers of brownish, fibrous tunics. The cultivated gladiolus is a complex assemblage of cultivars originating from complex ancestry of natural selection or hybridization involving several species. Modern garden gladiolus is a complex of at least twelve species (Raghava, 2000). It is an important commercial cut flower in both domestic and international markets.

Gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.) belongs to family Iridaceae and subfamily Ixioideae. Gladiolus is a Latin word, the diminutive of “gladius” meaning sword, sometimes called as sword lily. The plant is herbaceous perennial and semi-hardy. It is commonly grown from rounded, symmetrical corm, which is enveloped in several layers of brownish, fibrous tunics. The cultivated gladiolus is a complex assemblage of cultivars originating from complex ancestry of natural selection or hybridization involving several species. Modern garden gladiolus is a complex of at least twelve species (Raghava, 2000). It is an important commercial cut flower in both domestic and international markets.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

There are two main centres of distribution of Gladiolus species, one in Mediterranean basin and the other in southern and central Africa (Lewis et al., 1972 and Delpierre and Du Plessis 1974). Most of the species are native to Mediterranean region and tropical parts of the South Africa, particularly the region of the Cape of Good Hope (Raghava, 2000).

The name gladiolus was coined by Pliny the Elder (A.D. 23-79) to describe the shape of the leaf which resembles that of sword (Latin word gladius meaning sword). It is native to South Africa. Most of the species scattered throughout South Africa, Zambesi River, Rhodesia, Mt. Kilimangero, Tanganyika, Natal and Cape of Good Hope, Republic of South Africa, Madagascar and Abyssinia (Ethiopia). Gladioli are said to be cultivated since the days of ancient Greece. As evidenced by a record in Lyte’s Nieeve Herball, it is known since 1578, first introduced in France and soon after spread to England, Germany, Holland and North America. No evidence is available that any species of gladiolus of South African origin was ever grown in Europe prior to 1700. Cornutus described Gladiolus aethiopion bearing light red-scarlet flowers and is from Cape region. In the middle of eighteenth century the South African species were introduced into Europe. Gladiolus tristis closely related to G. grandis was first introduced in Chelsea Physii Garden, UK in 1745 from Cape region and Walat. G. illyricus is native to Mediterranean region. In 1749, Gladiolus grandis was naturalized in Spain from South Africa.

By 1816, France, Holland and Belgium started raising hybrids, the first being Ghant Gladiolus, Gladiolus gandavensis, in 1841, by crossing G. cardinalis and G. psittacinus and vice-versa. Gladiolus primulinus having central petals with hooded characteristics was collected from its native place on the banks of Zambesi River near Victoria Falls in 1902. Victor Lemoine of France used G. primulinus for producing ‘Primulinus Hybrids’ during 1906-1908 while A.E. Kunderd of Indiana, U.S.A. in 1915 produced a similar race ‘Primulinus Grandiflora Hybrids’ by using same parentage as Lemoine. In 1907, first ruffled gladiolus with fimbriated and frilled petals was produced by the efforts of Kunderd.

Gladiolus is a potential flower crop for floriculture industry in India. Gladiolus is commercially grown in West Bengal, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Rajasthan. The area of the states of U.P., Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and H.P. and surrounding Delhi grow gladiolus mostly for Delhi flower market (Singh, 2006).

INTRODUCTION

Gladiolus is very popular bulbous flowering plant. It is an important commercial flower crop and having pivotal place as cut flower both in domestic and international market. Gladiolus was introduced into cultivation towards the end of the sixteenth century. It is relatively easy to grow and is ideal for bedding and exhibition. The fascinating spikes bear a large number of florets, which exhibit varying sizes and forms with smooth, ruffled or deeply crinkled tepals. Except true blue and green, practically all colours are available in gladiolus. The flowers are used in flower arrangement, in bouquets and for indoor decorations. Now it ranks next to tulip in the Netherlands and other European countries in trade for use as cut flowers of bulbous crops and fourth in international trade of ornamental for cut flowers. Its keeping quality makes it a very popular commercial cut flower after rose. Gladiolus occupies first place in terms of returns as compared to other cut flowers. Gladiolus, a potential floral crop forms part of Rs. 200 crores floriculture industry in the country. It is estimated that throughout India gladiolus is grown in about 1270 ha, producing about 127 million cut spikes. In India, gladiolus is commercially grown in West Bengal, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Punjab, Haryana, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Rajasthan. The area of the states of U.P., Uttaranchal, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and H.P. and surrounding Delhi grow gladiolus mostly for Delhi flower market. Important pockets of commercial gladiolus cultivation are Lucknow, Meerut, Bulandsahar, Ghaziabad and Uttaranchal. In Delhi market, gladiolus is available virtually throughout the year as growers stagger the corm planting from July to December to harvest the flowers from September to May. During the period between June to December, the supply of gladiolus spikes to Delhi market comes from Jammu and Kashmir, Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh. The high remuneration in this market is obtained from winter grown gladiolus.

Abstract: Gladiolus, commonly known as ‘sword lily’ is native to South Africa. Most members of genus are heteroploids. It has pivotal place as cut flower with novel phenotypes (Grandifloras, Primulinus, Butterfly, Miniature, Face Ups, Orchideola), cultivars available on world market. Modern types are evolved through conventional breeding and very few through mutation breeding. Their continued popularity has warranted extensive breeding and development of fragrant, winter hardy and disease resistant cultivars. Breeders have reported close linkages in variety of traits. Cross pollinating nature coupled with high heterozygosity makes heredity transmission unpredictable. Future crop idiotypes are proposed to continue transformation of this important crop during the next millennium.

Introduction

Gladiolus is an important commercial flower crop and is very popular as cut flower both in domestic and international market. It is a bulbous plant. Gladiolus was introduced into cultivation towards the end of the sixteenth century. The flowers are used in flower arrangement, in bouquets and for indoor decorations. In India gladiolus is commercially grown in West Bengal, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Rajasthan.

Genetics

Gladiolus commonly called Sword Lily belongs to family Iridaceae and subfamily Ixioideae. There are about 260 species of gladiolus. It has the basic chromosome number n=15. Most members of genus are heteroploids having very small chromosomes ranging from 2n=30 to 120 (Diploid, triploid, tetraploid, pentaploid, hexaploid, octaploid and hyperaneauploid).

Gladiolus, commonly known as ‘Sword lily’ which derives its name from latin word Gladius meaning sword shape foliage. The name gladiolus was originally given by Pliny the Elder (A.D.23-79). It is an important florist crop, cut flower in the domestic and international flower trade. It is relatively easy to grow, suitable for cut flower, pots, hanging basket, bedding and exhibition. An engrossing cut spikes bear a large number of florets on rachis, which exhibit various sizes, forms, with smooth, ruffled, deeply crinkled or laciniated tepals. As a genus it was first proposed by Tournefort and which was accepted in botanical litreture by Linnaeus through his description “Species Plantarum” in 1753 and “Genera Planterum” in 1754. The gladioli are said to be cultivated since the days of ancient Greece. The genus Gladiolus, at present comprises with 255 species (Mishra et al.,1995; Goldblatt and Manning,1998) with wide distribution occurs in Central Europe, Mediterranean region, Central and South Africa are primary centre of origin. Campbell and Bower (2003) mentions about one more species Gladiolus scabridus- a new species 1978 from the mountains of northern Kwa Zulu- Natal and southern Swaziland, restricted to well- drained rocky habitat and where it is endemic. This species has enormous commercial potential have large number of pink flowers. So now number of recorded gladiolus species are more than 260. The gladiolus was brought into cultivation first during Greek period. Gladiolus has been documented in literature since 1578, as evidenced from the record Lyte’s Nievve herbal. This was first time introduced in France and soon after spread to England, Germany, Holland and North America. In India, its cultivation dates back to 19^th century as mentioned in the ‘Firminger’s Manual of Gardening in India (1863)’ that Mr. Charles Gray of Conoor grew some gladioli from corms and seeds at his garden. The European Union gladiolus importing countries are Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Spain, France, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Italy and Portugal.

Synonyms : Farcy, Pacin, Carn

Glanders is a contagious, acute or chronic, usually fatal anthropo-zoonotic disease of Equidae caused by Burkholderia mallei and characterized by serial development of ulcerating nodules that are most commonly found in the upper respiratory tract, lungs, and skin. The first recorded description of glanders is from the third century from Aristotle. In 1664, glanders was recognized as a contagious disease and in 1830, it’s zoonotic potential was suspected. In the late 1800’s, the Mallein test (1891) was developed for diagnosis of glanders. By 1910, the U.S., Canada and Great Britain all implemented glanders-control programs. B. mallei was eradicated from the United States in 1929.

5.1. Introduction

Glass is one of the oldest packaging materials used for food. The use of glass as a packaging material dates back to 3000 BC where it was the first object to be used for containing and carrying food objects. It is made by cooling a heated fused mixture of silicates, lime and soda. It is an amorphous material in which all the constituents individually form an irregular network at microscopic level. It means it has failed to form a definite crystalline structure during cooling. Glass is defined as “amorphous, inorganic product of fusion that has been cooled to a rigid condition without crystallizing (ASTM, 2010)”. It has no definite melting point.

Self Help Group (SHG) and micro finance may be said a recent movement and the literature on SHG and micro finance is relatively one of the youngest. Review of past works in the field of SHG and related issues since 1995 has been considered, which helps to identify the research gap. Therefore, studies related to SHGs were reviewed and presented covering various aspects comprehensively.
 
2.1 Profile of the SHG Members
 
Hemalatha (1995) conducted study in Haryana and found that majority of women taking up pottery activity were illiterate, Sirki making women’s education ranged from illiteracy to primary level and bakery unit were illiterate.

1. Key Forces Shaping Food Packaging • Changing Consumer Priorities • Modern consumers are increasingly choosing food packaging that aligns with values of health, convenience, and sustainability. The demand is growing for packaging options that are recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable. Consumers also expect transparency, with clean labels and QR codes providing details on ingredients and sourcing, which has become essential for building trust (Santeramo et al.,2022) • Environmental Sustainability • Sustainability remains a powerful influence on packaging innovation. Reducing single-use plastics, increasing recyclable options, and adopting circular economy principles are all priorities. Both consumers and businesses are actively seeking solutions that reduce environmental impact, such as renewable, compostable materials and designs that minimize waste ( Fao et al ., 2022)

8.1 Black Pepper Breeding

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L., family:Piperaceae), known as the ‘King of Spices’ and “Black gold”, is one of the important spices since time immemorial and perhaps the oldest spice regarded globally. It is a perennial climber grown for its fruits that are used as spice with plethora of medicinal properties. Black pepper is also very important in traditional medicine (Ravindran, 2000). However, it is mainly valued for its characteristic pungency and flavour, as an ingredient in food preparations and also as a condiment.

Genetic Resources

World’s largest collection of black pepper germplasm is maintained by the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) at Kozhikode, Kerala, containing local cultivars, wild forms collected from the area of origin and related species. At present there are about 3466 accessions, consisting of 1266 wild relatives, 2062 cultivars, in addition to 9 exotic collections maintained in India. These collections were characterized and evaluated to estimate the genetic diversity for various yield and quality characters. Cultivar diversity is one of the principal components of diversity in black pepper. The cultivars are evolved directly from the wild P. nigrum.

Agricultural extension services are critical for the dissemination of knowledge, technologies and innovations among farmers, leading to improved agricultural productivity, sustainability and livelihoods. Different countries have adopted varied approaches to extension policies, reflecting their unique socioeconomic, political and agro-ecological contexts. Here’s an overview of
extension policies in different regions:
1. United States: In the United States, the Cooperative Extension Service, established under the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, is a nationwide, publicly funded network that connects land-grant universities with local communities. It provides educational programs, resources and advisory services to farmers, ranchers and rural residents. The U.S. model emphasizes partnerships between federal, state and local governments, as well as with the private sector, to deliver extension services.
2. India: India has a diverse and decentralized extension system comprising public, private and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET) is the central government’s flagship program that focuses on agricultural extension, including farmer capacity building, technology disseminationand knowledge management. Despite this, challenges such as inadequate funding, limited reach and poor coordination across agencies persist, leading to calls for reform and more innovative approaches like Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integration.

Introduction

The international monetary system refers to the operating system of the f inancial environment, which consists of financial institutions, multinational corporations, and investors. It encompasses a set of regulations and norms designed to facilitate global trade and facilitate the movement of capital and investment between nations. It involves a network of government and f inancial institutions that establish exchange rates for different currencies. The evolution of this system is remarkable, considering its origins centuries ago when currency relied on gold coins and people engaged in bartering goods for trade. It's incredible how far the financial system has come from the days centuries ago, when the only form of money was gold coins, and transactions required bartering of goods or products for cash. The international monetary system provides financial support to nations in order to help them overcome debt and poverty. Inflation is a phenomenon that occurs when there is an excess of supply relative to demand.

Evolution of the International Monetary System

Prior to 1870, there was a bimetallic international monetary system, in which coins made of both gold and silver could be used as means of exchange. Each currency's gold or silver content governed the exchange rates between them. There were certain nations that used the gold or silver standard.

The escalating global threat of drought, characterized by increasing frequency and severity, demands a comprehensive and coordinated response. These prolonged periods of water scarcity not only endanger human lives and erode livelihoods but also inflict lasting damage on fragile ecosystems. Recognizing the scale and complexity of this challenge, a multitude of global initiatives have emerged, uniting international organizations, governments, research institutions, and civil society in a collective endeavor. This chapter will delve into the landscape of these crucial efforts, exploring the key organizations driving change, the diverse strategies being implemented, and the pivotal role of technological advancements in mitigating the devastating consequences of drought. By examining the framework of these global collaborations, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing work to build resilience and ensure a more water-secure future for all.

Monsoons are vital atmospheric circulations that govern the climate and livelihoods of vast populations across the globe. Characterized by seasonal reversals in wind direction and associated shifts in precipitation patterns, these systems are critical for agriculture, water resources, and overall socio-economic stability in many regions. However, the delicate balance of monsoon systems is increasingly threatened by climate variability, leading to significant disruptions and challenges, particularly in the form of severe droughts. Recent years have witnessed the devastating impact of drought in numerous monsoon-dependent regions across the world. In India, heavily reliant on the summer monsoon, failures have caused significant water shortages and poor crop yields, particularly in vulnerable regions like southeastern Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The consequences extend to groundwater depletion and increased irrigation demands. The impact of recent droughts is not limited to Asia. The African continent has also faced severe consequences. The Horn of Africa experienced a particularly devastating drought from October 2020 to 2023, resulting in widespread harvest failures, livestock losses, and displacement, marking the worst drought in four decades. West Africa has similarly suffered from frequent droughts causing crop failures, rising food prices, and exacerbating income inequality. South America, too, has experienced significant impacts. Argentina faced a severe drought in late 2022 and early 2023, halving wheat and soy harvests and impacting exports. In Uruguay, this drought led to a lack of access to drinking water for thousands. Brazil has seen harvest failures and reduced agricultural GDP due to drought, also threatening its hydroelectric power generation. Furthermore, the Amazon rainforest has been affected by intensifying droughts, leading to increased tree mortality, a higher risk of forest fires, and significant impacts on biodiversity and local communities due to drastically reduced river levels. Recent years have witnessed the dual impact of extreme weather events in numerous monsoon-dependent regions. In India, while facing drought in many areas, heavy monsoon rains have also caused catastrophic flooding. In July 2021, the coastal regions of Maharashtra experienced severe flooding affecting millions and causing hundreds of deaths. Major events like the 2022 Assam floods and the 2023 North India floods further exemplify the destructive potential of intense monsoon rainfall. The African continent also experiences significant flooding during its monsoon seasons. In 2024, West and Central Africa, including countries like

Abstract
The rapid increase in global food demand, driven by fast population growth, has made it challenging to provide nutritionally balanced diets. Pulses offer a promising solution to these challenges by delivering significant nutritional and physiological benefits. Pulses such as chickpeas, green gram, peas, horse gram, beans, lentils, black gram, and others are excellent sources of protein (190-260 g kg−1), carbohydrates (600-630 g kg−1), dietary fibers, and bioactive compounds. The phytochemicals found in pulses, including flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, phytates, saponins, oxalates, peptides, and enzyme inhibitors, offer numerous health benefits. Pulses, essential to human diets for centuries, have seen historically low consumption levels due to underappreciation of their nutritional value. Recognizing their significance, the United Nations designated 10 February as World Pulses Day, and declared the year, 2016 as International Year of Pulses emphasizing their role in promoting healthy diets, sustainable food production, and food security. India is the largest producer of pulses in the world accounting for 25% of the global pulse production. The production and productivity of pulses have slightly decreased due to great emphasis to rice and wheat crops. To boost pulse production, India has implemented initiatives like the National Food Security Mission and policies to support farmers, including Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and welfare schemes integrating pulses. These efforts aim to enhance pulse cultivation, ensure food security, and improve farmer incomes, addressing the demand-supply gap and declining per capita availability of pulses.
Keywords: legumes, sustainable, oxalates, inhibitors, phytochemicals

GPS stands for Global Positioning System, basically Navstar GPS is a radio based space aviation system developed by United state government which was operated by United State Air Force. It provides geographic location and time related information to GPS receivers under global navigation satellite from anywhere of earth where unobstructed line of sight to 4 or more GPS satellite co-ordinate (Anonymous, 2018). Even GPS not required any user for transmitting data, with working independently on any telephonic or internet receivers; through these technologies we can enhance usefulness of the GPS location based information. The GPS serves as critical positioning capacity to various fields like army operation, civil aviation, and commercial scope to wider scope in around world.

9.1 Geospatial Technology

It is an organized collection of computer hardware, software, geographic data, and personnel. It is designed to efficiently capture, store, update, manipulate, analyze, and display geographically referenced information. It includes typical Geographic Information System (GIS) software packages (ArcGIS, ArcExplorer, MapPoint, Google Earth), Remote Sensing (Collecting and interpreting information about the environment from a distance using satellite imagery, radar, or aerial photography), Global Positioning Systems (GPS) (A system of radio-emitting and receiving satellites used for determining positions on the earth) and many others (Lisa Kennaway, 2009). Geospatial technology can be used in pest monitoring and detection, data visualization/query, survey data collection, management and analysis, risk and pathway analysis, change detection and many others.

Introduction

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based navigation system that provides location and time information in all weather conditions, anywhere on or near the Earth where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. The system provides critical capabilities to military, civil, and commercial users around the world. The United States government created the system, maintains it, and makes it freely accessible to anyone with a GPS receiver. The US began the GPS project in 1973 to overcome the limitations of previous navigation systems, integrating ideas from several predecessors, including a number of classified engineering design studies from the 1960s. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) developed the system, which originally used 24 satellites. It became fully operational in 1995. Roger L. Easton, Ivan A. Getting and Bradford Parkinson of the Applied Physics Laboratory are credited with inventing it.
 
Advances in technology and new demands on the existing system have now led to efforts to modernize the GPS and implement the next generation of GPS Block IIIA satellites and Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX). Announcements from Vice President Al Gore and the White House in 1998 initiated these changes. In 2000, the U.S. Congress authorized the modernization effort, GPS III. In addition to GPS, other systems are in use or under development. The Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) was developed contem-poraneously with GPS, but suffered from incomplete coverage of the globe until the mid-2000s. There are also the planned European Union Galileo positioning system, China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, the Japanese Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, and India’s Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System.

Introduction

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

Abstract

Agriculture, which was once a livelihood for millions, is now turning into a not -so-profitable occupation. The interest has reduced especially among the youth because of its input intensive nature. Among all other  things, the most important input in profitable and sustainable agriculture is timely information. However, with the increasing value of the ratio of farmers to extension personnel, getting timely information is a challenge. Then again, rationally used, we are surrounded by communication devices and the most essential and affordable of all are mobile phones. They have made communication easier, faster, affordable and profitable. The boom in mobile based agro-advisory services in the developing countries around the world has found its own subscriber base among the bottom of the pyramid farmers in rural areas and has been developing their economic conditions. Their services range from crop information, market price alerts to holistic agricultural information which are available free of cost and under subscription.

ABSTRACT

Hydroponics is a plant growth system that provides a more precise control of growth media composition. It offers people the ability to grow food in places where traditional agriculture simply isn’t possible. As Fiji has a warm tropical climate, the development of the tropical fruit and vegetable industry through hydroponics farming to meet local consumption and export market is a lucrative opportunity. The potential for hydroponics farming is enormous and is in demand to sustain production at reliable and consistent level in Fiji. Potential areas for the setting up of hydroponic farms in Fiji include Savusavu, Nadi, Navua, Sigatoka Valley and Labasa. These areas have established theirlogistical status with the market. A wide range of commodities are grown through hydroponics technology which complements the need to harness the “too hot” and “too wet” weather of tropical Fiji. The pristine environment and availability of resources such as water and other hydroponic farming input are added bonus to establishment of such venture. Hydro nut Hydroponic farming system are constructed as simplest form made of bamboo and coconuts using coconut husk as a growing media and worm casting and humus tea are used as fertilizer. It offers some significant benefits over traditional farming, and as word about these benefits spreads, more people will turn to hydroponics for their agricultural needs. As hydroponics allows produce to be grown locally and requires fewer areas to import their crops, there is a reduction in both price and greenhouse gas emissions due to reduced transportation requirements. This saves time and produces healthier, disease and pest free, lusher plants in about half the time as traditional agriculture farming system.

Pineapple is a wonderful tropical fruit having exceptional juiciness, vibrant tropical flavour and immense health benefits. Pineapple contains considerable calcium, potassium, fibre, and vitamin C. It is low in fat and cholesterol. Vitamin C is the body’s primary water soluble antioxidant, against free radicals that attack and damage normal cells. It is also a good source of vitamin B1, vitamin B6, copper and dietary fibre. Pineapple is a digestive aid and a natural Anti-Inflammatory fruit. A group of sulfur-containing proteolytic (protein digesting) enzyme (bromelain) in pineapple aids digestion. Fresh pineapples are rich in bromelain used for tenderising meat. Bromelain has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects, reducing swelling in inflammatory conditions such as acute sinusitis, sore throat, arthritis and gout and speedy recovery from injuries and surgery. Pineapple enzymes have been used with success to treat rheumatoid arthritis and to speed tissue repair as a result of injuries, diabetic ulcers and general surgery. Pineapple reduces blood clotting and helps remove plaque from arterial walls. Studies suggest that pineapple enzymes may improve circulation in those with narrowed arteries, such as angina sufferers. Pineapples are used to help cure bronchitis and throat infections. It is efficient in the treatment of arterioscleroses and anaemia. Pineapple is an excellent cerebral toner; it combats loss of memory, sadness and melancholy. Pineapple fruits are primarily used in three segments, namely, fresh fruit, canning and juice concentrate with characteristic requirements of size, shape, colour, aroma and flavour.

SUMMARY

Plant tissue culture mainly comprises a set of in vitro techniques, methods and strategies that are part of the group of technologies called plant biotechnology. Tissue culture has been exploited not only to create genetic variability from which crop plants can be improved but also to improve the state of health of the planted material and to increase the number of desirable germ plasms available to the plant breeder through a shorter duration in cost effective manner. Tissue-culture protocols are available for most crop species, although continued optimization is still required for many crops, especially cereals and woody plants. Tissue culture techniques, in combination with molecular techniques, have been successfully used to incorporate specific traits through gene transfer. In vitro techniques for the culture of protoplasts, anthers, microspores, ovules and embryos have been used to create new genetic variation in the breeding lines, often via haploid production. Cell culture has also produced somaclonal and gametoclonal variants with crop-improvement potential. The culture of single cells and meristems can be effectively used to eradicate pathogens from planting material and thereby dramatically improve the yield of established cultivars. Large-scale  micropropagation laboratories are providing millions of plants for the commercial ornamental market and the agricultural, clonally-propagated crop market. With selected laboratory material typically taking one or two decades to reach the commercial market through plant breeding, this technology can be expected to have an ever increasing impact on crop improvement as we approach for the need of the hour .

Issue

2004-2005 saw an upsurge in seed industry takeovers and a shake-up in rankings. Today, the top 10 companies control half of the world’s commercial seed sales. With a total worldwide market of approximately US$21,000 million [$21 billion] per annum, the commercial seed industry is relatively small compared to the global pesticide market ($35,400 million), and it is positively puny compared to pharmaceutical sales ($466,000 million). But corporate control and ownership of seeds – the first link in the food chain – has far-reaching implications for global food security. This chapter examines seed industry consolidation and other recent trends in the commercial seed industry.

Particulate Matter

Anthropogenic emissions of particulate matter include fossil fuel (diesel and petrol) combustion from mobile and stationary sources (Rogge et. al., 1993a-c), biomass burning (Forest fires, landfills, agricultural activities and incinerators) (Oros and Simoneit, 1999) natural gas (Rogee et. al., 1993c), wood (McDonald et. al., 2000) and coal combustion (Mastral and Callen, 2000).

6.1 World Trade Organization (WTO) and Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)
6.1.1 Introduction
The globalization of trade and the rapid advancement in innovation—particularly in biotechnology—have necessitated the harmonization of intellectual property rights (IPR) across nations. The World Trade Organization (WTO), established in 1995, is the apex multilateral body that regulates international trade among member states. Within its legal framework, the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) plays a foundational role in setting minimum standards for IPR protection and aligning national laws with global trade norms.
In the realm of biotechnology, TRIPS has profound implications on patentability of life forms, technology transfer, public health, biodiversity, and traditional knowledge.
6.1.2 World Trade Organization (WTO): An Overview
• Established: January 1, 1995
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Membership: 164 members (as of 2024), including India
• Primary Objectives:
• Facilitate free and fair global trade
• Administer trade agreements
• Resolve trade disputes
• Monitor national trade policies
• Promote cooperation with other international organizations (e.g., WIPO, WHO)

Introduction

It is an eminent actuality that the diets of end users are being advanced globally; however, the patterns of food procurement and food safety protocols diverge across countries. The fundamental rationale of the trend is that the consumer awareness with regard to food safety, quality and variety has been proliferated greatly. Looking back to the history of food industry, it is unquestionable that the past has a full frame of misfortune, indignity and many disastrous incidents. Moreover, the entire muddle was not always related with microorganisms; numerous of them were associated with environmental problems, technological advancements or certain alterations in production protocols and management.

Global warming is the hottest issue facing life in our times. The gradual average increase in air temperatures near Earth’s surface over the past one to two centuries is leading to the phenomenon called global warming. It is this global phenomenon that triggers climate change, threatening the entire life on Earth. Earth’s climate has changed over all conceivable geological timescales, but that was all on account of the natural phenomenon. But, human activities are making the phenomenon more pronounced since the beginning of the Industrial Age, now emerging as a dominant triggering factor in influencing the overall climate fabric of the planet.

Introduction 
Chapter 16, “Global Warming and Food Security” delves into the intricate relationship between global warming and food security. The chapter opens by defining the multifaceted concept of food security, which includes availability, access, utilization, and stability. It emphasizes the critical importance of these components in ensuring a stable and reliable food supply. The chapter then explores various challenges to food security, highlighting the impact of rapid population growth, climate change, land and water scarcity, poverty, inequality, and conflicts. It underscores how these challenges are compounded by global warming, which exacerbates environmental stressors such as rising temperatures, altered weather patterns, and extreme weather events. The implications for agriculture are profound, affecting crop yields, livestock health, and overall food production. The section on the causes and consequences of global warming outlines key phenomena such as risi ng temperatures, changing weather patterns, melting glaciers, and ocean acidification. It illustrates how these factors disrupt agricultural systems and food distribution networks, leading to increased food insecurity. To address these issues, the chapter discusses various strategies for enhancing food security in a changing climate. These include adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, diversifying crop and livestock systems, developing climateresilient crop varieties, and implementing efficient water management strategies. It also highlights the importance of policy and institutional interventions, supportive measures for smallholder farmers, and research and development initiatives. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the need for collaboration and partnerships among various stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, and the private sector, to effectively address the dual challenges of global warming and food security. Global warming, a consequence of human-induced climate change, has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges of our time. As the Earth’s average temperature continues to rise, it brings about far-reaching impacts that extend to various sectors, including food and agriculture. The intricate relationship between global warming and agriculture is of paramount importance, as agricultural systems are both vulnerable to climate change and significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding the impacts of global warming on

11.1 Global Warming

Definition : Global warming is defined as an increase in the earth’s temperature due to the use of fossil fuels and other industrial processes leading to a build-up of green house gases (CO2, methane, ozone, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons) in the atmosphere.

11.2 Who Coined the Term Global Warming?

The principle of global warming was first put fourth by S. Arrhenius in his paper on “the influence of carbonic acid in the air upon the temperature of the ground” in 1869. This concept gained ground in the late 1980s and early 1990s when it was found that the earth’s temperature had warmed over the past century, because of increased carbon dioxide emission.

1.1. Background Introduction

We live in a world with “throw-away” societies that are involved in a pattern of consuming packaged products that don’t even last past a single use or even a year and discarding the waste. This lifestyle generating waste is negatively impacting public health, environment and imposing socio-economic problems on us. The waste is continuously consuming our land, resources, and energy for storage, management, treatment, and disposal. Solid waste was an urban issue initially but has reached every corner nowadays. 

The weather parameters that may occur outside India will also play a dominant role on weather conditions in India. Such weather parameters are called as global weather parameters and were found to play very important role on weather even in most parts of the world. During normal conditions in the Pacific Ocean, trade winds blow west along the equator, taking warm water from South America towards Asia. To replace that warm water, cold water rises from the depths-a process called upwelling. These global parameters are popularly known as El Ni?o, La Ni?a, Southern Oscillation, and ENSO (combination of El Ni?o and Southern Oscillation).

Building upon the foundation laid in earlier chapters, perhaps exploring local weather dynamics and regional climate patterns, the present chapter “Global Weather Parameters and Teleconnections,” takes a significant step back to examine the Earth’s weather systems on a truly planetary scale. Here, we shift our focus to the fundamental forces and patterns that orchestrate the global climate ballet. We will delve into the key global weather parameters – think of these as the vital signs of our planet’s atmosphere – such as the overall distribution of temperature across latitudes and altitudes, the major global pressure belts that drive air movement, and the resulting large-scale wind systems that circulate heat and moisture around the globe. These parameters, born from the interplay of solar radiation, the Earth’s spherical shape, and its continuous rotation, are the primary drivers of our planet’s diverse climates. Beyond these fundamental parameters, this chapter will illuminate the fascinating world of teleconnections. Imagine the atmosphere and oceans as an intricate network, where events in one distant region can have a ripple effect on weather patterns thousands of kilometers away. Teleconnections represent these long-range linkages, acting as the “threads” that connect seemingly disparate weather phenomena. We will explore prominent examples like the El Niño- Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which has profound impacts on rainfall and temperature across the Pacific and well beyond, including potential influences on the Indian monsoon – a topic likely of particular interest given your previous research. Similarly, we will examine phenomena such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), influencing weather across Europe and North America, and the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), a traveling wave of thunderstorms in the tropics that can affect global circulation. For those interested in agricultural meteorology, the understanding of global weather parameters and teleconnections is paramount. These largescale patterns and their interconnections play a critical role in shaping regional climate variability, influencing the onset and intensity of droughts and floods – events you’ve extensively researched – and impacting crop yields and water availability. By grasping these global drivers, we can enhance our ability to forecast seasonal weather patterns, anticipate potential climate-related risks to agriculture, and develop more informed strategies for long-term agricultural planning and adaptation in a changing world. This chapter aims to provide you

Introduction

Globalization, as defined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), refers to the increasing economic interdependence among nations, characterized by rising volumes and diversity of cross-border transactions in goods and services, international capital flows, and the more rapid dissemination of technology worldwide.

Key Characteristics of Globalization

1. Expansion opportunities for businesses globally.

2. Elimination of distinctions between domestic and international markets.

3. Freedom to buy and sell products and services across any country.

4. Production and distribution facilities are established based on economic feasibility at optimal locations worldwide, rather than national priorities.

5. Product planning and development are influenced by global market conditions.

6. Sourcing raw materials from across the globe to maximize efficiency.

7. Global strategies, organizational structures, cultures, and management practices.

8. Viewing the world as a unified market.

Abstract: Gomphrena, indigenous to India, is popular choice for borders, edging, making crafts and potpourris. Only few species are cultivated under tropical and sub-tropical regions. A little work has been done in its improvement. Research should be focused on varietal development for long photoperiod cultivation, tolerant to high temperature stress and medicinal values of the crop. Prospects of hybridization and mutation breeding need to be explored.

INTRODUCTION

Gloriosa is commonly known as glory or gloriosa lily. Gloriosa lilies have assumed an important place in flower trade and are widely grown for cut flower and tuber production both in USA and Europe. Gloriosa lily is the national flower emblem of Zambia. Their cut flower stems last well in summer heat and their buds take lon time to open after picking. The bright vibrant and intense, red, gold, lemon and pink flower colours and the lush green leaves of gloriosa lilies bring a sense of the tropics or festivity to room. They combine well with many other flowers from roses to heliconias. Gloriosa blooms make perfect posies for the office desk, bedside cabinets or small tables and shelves. The stiff stems of gloriosa and their ability to hold their form out of water for a longer time make them ideal for out of water floral installation work. They are light climbers and are suitable for training on low walls or trellis. With proper trailing they can also be grown in pots. Its flowers are fascinating and its tubers and seeds have great medicinal value. The tubers are rich in alkaloids. Colchicine has been obtained from various plant parts viz., young leaves, flowers, old leaves, tubers, seeds and stems.

5.1. Origin and distribution

• Native of tropical Asia and Africa.

• Tropical India, from North-west Himalayas to Assam and Deccan plateau.

• In Karnataka, it is grown along Western Ghats.

• Important species in India - Gloriosa superba and G. rothschildiana.

• Tamil Nadu leads in production of glory lily in India

• State flower of Tamil Nadu

5.2. Economic importance

• Economic part: Seed

• Rhizomes are used as a tonic, antiperiodic, antihelminthic and also against snake bites and scorpion stings.

• Used for promoting labour pains and an abortifacient.

VIVEK M. PATIL

Antivirus software : Programs specifically designed to detect and disable viruses and other harmful software that can invade the computer system and damage it.

Applications/Application software : Programs designed to perform a specific function directly for the user or for another application program, using the services of the computer’s operating system and other supporting programs. eg. word processors, spreadsheet programs, database programs; image editing programs etc.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) : The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. These processes include learning (the acquisition of information and rules for using the information), reasoning (using the rules to reach approximate or definite conclusions), and self-correction.

Aspect ratio : The ratio of the number of horizontal dots (pixels) to the number of vertical dots on the computer screen.

Backup : A method of copying one of more files/folders from a hard drive on the computer to other external storage devices like a CD/DVD, external hard drive, flash drive etc. so as to have an additional copy of the data in case the original is damaged/lost.

Bandwidth : In computer networks, bandwidth is often used as a synonym for data transfer rate - the amount of data that can be carried from one point to another in a given time period (usually a second). This kind of bandwidth is usually expressed in bits per second (bps).

A

Abdomen: Area between the keel and the pubic (hip) bones.

Abdominal capacity: The distance between the two public bones (width) and between the pubic bones and the tip of the keel (depth).

Addled: An egg where the contents are decomposing.

Air cell: The air space between the two shell membranes, usually at the large end of the egg.

Albumen: The white of an egg.

Alektorophobia: The fear of chickens.

Allantois: A sac connected to the embryo’s abdomen and involved in embryo respiration.

Amnion: A sac surrounding the embry filled with amniotic fluid which protects the developing embryo from shock and provides a medium for the develop embryo to exercise their muscles.

Antibody: A natural substance in the blood that recognizes and destroys foreign invaders and that causes an immune response to vaccination or infection.

Anticoccidial: An anticoccidial drug used to treat or prevent coccidiosis.

Antigen: A foreign protein in the blood that differs from nautral body proteins and, as a result, stimulates the natural production of antibodies.

Artificial insemination: The introduction of semen into the female oviduct by methods other than by natural mating.

As hatched: Description of a group of chicks that have not been sorted.

Animal Fibers                   The animal materials like wool, hair, fur, mohair and silk used for weaving, knitting or felting into a fabric are                                                      generally termed as animal fibers. Animals used for the purpose are sheep, goat, llama, alpaca, camel, vicuna                                                and silk worm.

Apparel wool: Any wool utilized for the creation of garments, excluding carpet and pulled wool, is referred to as apparel wool.
Bale: A bale is a wool package that contains a designated minimum weight of wool. The wool is compactly packed into bales, entirely covered with new gunny cloth, and secured with multiple iron hoops. Each bale typically weighs between 100 kg and 200 kg, which is considered a standard commercial weight.
Belly wool: Belly wool is the wool that grows on the underside of sheep. Black wool: Black wool encompasses any wool that is black, brown, or gray in colour.
Blending: The process of combining various grades and/or lengths of wool in either their raw or semi-compressed state to produce a specific type of yarn is known as blending.
Blood grade: Blood grade initially indicated the percentage of Merino (fine wool) genetics present in a fleece.
Break: A break is a noticeable weak point along the locks in fleeces, resulting from a decrease in the diameter of the wool fibers. This condition is usually caused by illness, fever, or significant stress.
Bright wool: Bright wool is grease wool that is almost white and exhibits minimal yellow coloration due to excess yolk. Britch or breech wool: Britch or breech wool pertains to the wool harvested from the hindquarters of sheep, which is generally the coarsest section of  the fleece.
Buck fleeces: Buck fleeces are those obtained from mature rams. They are usually longer and coarser than ewe wool from the same breed and possess a distinct ram odour.
Burr: Burr denotes vegetable matter, such as twigs and straw, that can be found in wool.