Indian Agricultural Research Institute

New Delhi-110 012

(Indian Council of Agricultural Research)

2013-142013-14Annual ReportAnnual Report

ISSN 0972-6136

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(Deemed University)

Indian Agricultural Research Institute

New Delhi - 110 012

Printed : June, 2014

Supervision and Guidance

Dr. H.S. Gupta

Director

Dr. K.V. Prabhu

Joint Director (Research)

Compilation Committee and Editorial Team

Dr. C. Viswanathan, Dr. Premlata Singh, Dr. S.K. Singh, Dr. Rashmi Aggarwal, Dr. S.S. Sindhu

Dr. K.M. Manjaiah, Dr. Vinod, Dr. U.K. Behera, Dr. Kehar Singh and Mr. D.K. Parashar

Correct citation : IARI. Annual Report 2013-14, Indian Agricultural Research Institute,

New Delhi - 110 012, India.

Copies printed : 1500

ISSN 0972-6136

IARI website : www.iari.res.in

Published by the Director, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi - 110 012, India, and printed at Venus Printers and Publishers, B-62/8, Naraina Indl. Area, Phase-II, New Delhi, Ph.: 45576780, 9810089097, E-mail: pawannanda@gmail.com

The Indian Agricultural Research Institute, continued to excel in research, education and extension.

During the year 2013-14, the Institute developed new hybrids and varieties of food, oilseeds and horticultural

crops with high yield and quality; and crop & resource management technologies which aim to minimize

Indian sector's global warming potential from agriculture.

IARI released 11 varieties in different field crops during the year. Three bread wheat varieties HD3086 (Pusa

Gautami), HD 3090 (Pusa Amulya) and HS 542 (Pusa Kiran) and a durum wheat variety HI 8713 (Pusa Mangal)

were released for cultivation in different agro-climatic conditions of wheat growing zones. The wheat variety

HD 2967 released only 3 years ago by IARI occupied about 6 mha of area during this year, and thus contributed

significantly to the food security of the nation by adding about 3.5 million tons of additional wheat over the

earlier varieties. A short duration Basmati variety Pusa Basmati 1509 which is superior to Pusa Basmati 1121 in

grain quality and yield, was released during the year. In addition to its higher yield over Pusa Basmati 1121, it

saves 4-5 irrigations. High yielding extra-long slender grain aromatic rice variety Pusa 1612, a near isogenic line

of Pusa Sugandh 5 pyramided with blast resistance genes through molecular breeding, was released for

cultivation in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir. It is expected to revolutionize in rice-potato

cropping system. In chickpea, large seeded Kabuli variety Pusa 2085 and green seeded variety Pusa Green 112

were released for Delhi state. High yielding low erucic acid Indian mustard varieties viz., Pusa Mustard 29 and

Pusa Mustard 30 were released for North Western Plains Zone and Central India, respectively. Soybean variety

Pusa Soybean 14 was released for cultivation in Delhi state. In vegetable crops,11 varieties and 10 hybrids with

high yield quality and disease resistance were developed in onion, carrot, cauliflower, ash gourd, bitter gourd,

cucumber, broccoli, garden pea and broad bean. In fruits, hybrids and selections of mango, sweet orange, acid

lime and grape were identified for release. In ornamental crops, 5 chrysanthemum varieties and 3 gladiolus

varieties were released. Protected cultivation technologies were developed for growing off-season vegetables

and flowers. Basic and strategic research programmes utilized omics-assisted computational biology tools to

decipher the mechanisms and identification of genes/QTLs for biotic and abiotic stress tolerance.

For crop protection options, novel chemical molecules and biocontrol agents were identified. Molecular

diagnostic protocols have been developed for various fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens which shall help in

early diagnosis for better management of crop diseases. A microarray chip with 1572 probe sets was developed

for detection of all the known plant viruses and viroids. The chip has been validated for detection of viruses and

viroids in cowpea, mungbean, urdbean, chilli, tomato and grapevine. RNAi transgenic technology was

developed to silence neuropepetide and esophageal genes of root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. An

international patent covering 148 countries has been filed for the nematode resistant transgenics developed

using this technology.

Reuse of sewage water for agriculture is gaining significance worldwide. However, conventional sewage

water treatment methods are costly and energy intensive. IARI has developed and operationalized an indigenous

innovative plant–microbe mediated wastewater treatment facility, which requires just 1% energy, 50-65% low

capital operational costs coupled with zero-chemical sludge generation. This system is a major breakthrough in

sewage water treatment and reuse for agriculture. Several farm machineries were developed and commercialized.

To mitigate global warming, several crop management technologies were developed. Study on green house gas

(GHG) emission and the contribution of different sources to the total GHG emission from agriculture revealed that

in recent years nitrous oxide emission from soil (23%) has exceeded the methane emission from rice fields (17%),

while livestock remained the highest contributor (56%) of GHGs. FACE (free air CO enrichment) studies on 2

response of wheat to elevated CO (550 ppm) revealed that elevated CO increased grain yield of wheat 2 2

significantly, but it decreased nitrogen content in grain and straw drastically. This suggests that optimization of

nitrogen management is required for maintaining the quality of wheat crop in future climate change scenario.

PREFACE

To demonstrate the utility of agricultural technologies in imparting food and livelihood security, the

Institute has adopted villages across drought prone areas in the Mewat district of Haryana. IARI technologies

were introduced for overall livelihood improvement. The Mewat experiment on agricultural technology

intervention for economic and social upliftment is a major success, and will serve as model for agricultural

development of similar areas. The Cyber Extension model was found to be an effective and successful means for

disseminating improved agricultural technologies to the rural areas in relatively less time and cost. The IARI-

Post office model of extension was extended to include more states, and the consequential dissemination of

seeds to new areas was welcomed by the farmers, who could be reached.

The IARI has also contributed significantly in providing excellent human resource to NARS and CGIAR

system. The 52nd Convocation of the Post Graduate School of IARI was held on February 21, 2014. Dr. Gurdev S.

Khush, World Food Laureate and Adjunct Professor, University of California (USA), who was the chief guest,

delivered the convocation address. During this year, a total of 95 M.Sc., 10 M.Tech., and 70 Ph.D. students were

awarded degrees. IARI takes pride in recognizing the immense contributions of Dr. G.S. Khush and Dr. S.K.

Vasal, World Food Laureates and they were conferred upon the Degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa). In

its true tradition, IARI conducted several trainings for capacity building of scientists, farmers, processing

groups, etc. from NARS, other farm sectors and abroad. I am confident that the technologies developed by the

Institute during this year will go a long way in enhancing the farm profitability as well as food and nutritional

security of the Nation.

The report was compiled by a multidisciplinary team of scientists of the Institute. I appreciate this and

compliment the editorial team for bringing out the report on time.

June 27, 2014 (H.S. Gupta)

New Delhi Director

Preface

IARI: An Introduction

Executive Summary

1. Crop Improvement

2.

3.

4.

5. Crop Protection

6. Basic and Strategic Research

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3

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1.1 Varietal performance at farmers’ fields 13

1.2 Cereals 14

1.3 18

1.4 19

1.5 Oilseed crops 22

1.6 Fibre crop 23

1.7 24

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2.1 28

2.2 Fruit crops 34

2.3 Flower crops 40

43

3.1 43

3.2 46

49

4.1 Agronomy 49

4.2 Soil management 52

4.3 Water management 55

4.4 59

4.5 60

4.6 Agricultural engineering 65

4.7 Post harvest technology 69

4.8 Microbiology 70

4.9

77

5.1 Plant pathology 77

5.2 Entomology 85

5.3 Nematology 89

5.4 Agricultural chemicals 90

5.5 Weed management 94

97

6.1 97

6.2 Plant biochemistry 100

6.3 Plant physiology 100

6.4 Genetics and genomics 105

6.5

Millet

Grain legumes

Seed science and technology

Vegetable crops

Crop genetic resources

Biosystematics and identification services

Nutrient management

Protected cultivation technology

Environmental science and climate resilient agriculture 74

Plant genomics and molecular biology

Agricultural physics, meteorology and environment 109

6.6 Phytotronics 113

Horticultural Science

Genetic Resources

Crop and Natural Resource Management for Sustainable Environment

CONTENTS

7. Social Sciences and Technology Transfer 115

7.1 Agricultural economics 115

7.2 Agricultural extension 120

7.3 Technology assessment and transfer 126

8.

9. Post Graduate Education and Information Management

10. Publications

11. Commercialization and IPR Activities

12. Linkages and Collaboration

13. Awards and Recognitions

14. Budget Estimates

15. Staff Position

16. Policy Decisions and Activities Undertaken for Benefit of the Differently Abled Persons

17. Official Language Implementation

18. Miscellany

Empowerment of Women and Mainstreaming of Gender Issues 136

8.1 Gender empowerment 136

8.2 136

8.3 137

138

9.1 Post graduate education 138

9.2 Information and database 140

9.3 Library services 141

142

10.1 Research/symposia papers 142

10.2 Books/chapters in books 142

10.3 Popular articles 142

10.4 In house publications 142

144

11.1 Technology commercialized 144

11.2 Intellectual property rights 146

11.3 Corporate membership 146

147

150

152

155

156

16.1 Policy decisions and activities undertaken for benefit of the differently abled persons 156

16.2 Number of beneficiaries among their percentage in relation to total number of beneficiaries 156

157

17.1 Parliamentary committee of official language inspected the progressive use of Hindi at the institute 157

17.2 Official language implementation committee 157

17.3 Award 158

17.4 Hindi workshops 158

17.5 Award schemes/competitions 158

17.6 Hindi chetna mas 159

160

Appendix 1: Members of Board of Management of IARI

Appendix 2: Members of Research Advisory Committee of IARI

Appendix 3: Members of Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for Challenge Programmes

Appendix 4: Members of Academic Council of IARI

Appendix 5: Members of Extension Council of IARI

Appendix 6: Members of Institute Research Council (IRC) of IARI

Appendix 7: Members of Institute Joint Staff Council (IJSC)

Appendix 8: Members of Grievance Committee of IARI

Appendix 9: Personnel

Vocational & farm trainings for technological intervention

Women’s participation in seed production

Appendices

1

Originally established in 1905 at Pusa (Bihar) withthe financial assistance of an American Philanthropist,Mr. Henry Phipps, the Indian Agricultural ResearchInstitute (IARI) started functioning from New Delhi since1936 when it was shifted to its present site after a majorearthquake damaged the Institute’s building at Pusa(Bihar). The Institute’s popular name ‘Pusa Institute’ tracesits origin to the establishment of the Institute at Pusa.

The Indian Agricultural Research Institute is thecountry’s premier national Institute for agriculturalresearch, education and extension. It has the status of a‘Deemed-to-be-University’ under the UGC Act of 1956,and awards M.Sc./ M.Tech. and Ph.D. degrees in variousagricultural disciplines.

The growth of India’s agriculture during the past morethan 100 years, is closely linked with the researches doneand technologies generated by the Institute. The GreenRevolution stemmed from the fields of IARI. Developmentof high yielding varieties of all major crops which occupyvast areas throughout the country, generation andstandardization of their production techniques, integratedpest management and integrated soil-water-nutrientmanagement have been the hallmarks of the Institute’sresearch. The Institute has researched and developed alarge number of agrochemicals which have been patentedand licensed and are being widely used in the country.Over the years, IARI has excelled as a centre of highereducation and training in agricultural sciences at nationaland international levels.

The mandates of the Institute are as follows:

● To conduct basic and strategic research with a viewto understanding the processes, in all their complexity,and to undertake need based research, that lead tocrop improvement and sustained agriculturalproductivity in harmony with the environment

● To serve as a centre for academic excellence in thearea of post-graduate and human resourcesdevelopment in agricultural sciences

IARI : AN INTRODUCTION

● To provide national leadership in agriculturalresearch, extension, and technology assessment andtransfer by developing new concepts and approachesand serving as a national referral point for qualityand standards

● To develop information systems, add value toinformation, share the information nationally andinternationally, and serve as a national agriculturallibrary and database

The present campus of the Institute is a self-contained sylvan complex spread over an area of about500 hectares. It is located about 8 km west of New DelhiRailway Station, about 7 km west of Krishi Bhavan, whichhouses the Indian Council of Agricultural Research(ICAR), and about 16 km east of Indira GandhiInternational Airport at Palam. The location stands at28.08o N and 77.12o E, the height above mean sea levelbeing 228.61m. The climate is sub-temperate and semi-arid. The mean maximum daily temperature during thehot weather (May-October) ranges from 32.2 oC to 40 oCand the mean minimum temperature from 12.2 oC to 27.5 oC.June to September are rainy months during which about500 mm of rainfall is received. Winter sets in from mid-November and is delightful. The mean maximumtemperature during winter (November-March) rangesfrom 20.1 oC to 29.1 oC and the mean minimumtemperature from 5.6 oC to 12.7 oC. During winter, a smallamount of rainfall (about 63 mm) is received.

The Institute has 19 divisions, 2 multi-disciplinarycentres situated in Delhi, 8 regional stations, 2 off-seasonnurseries, one krishi vigyan kendra at Shikohpur, 3 allIndia coordinated research projects with headquartersat IARI, and 18 national centres functioning under theall India coordinated research projects. It has a sanctionedstaff strength of 3035 comprising scientific, technical,administrative and supporting personnel. The revisedbudget estimates of the Institute constituted a totalamount of ` 32,228.78 lakh (Plan & Non-Plan) for theyear 2013-14.

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The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI),the flagship institute of the ICAR, continued tomaintain its leadership role in the research, academicsand development of agrotechnologies for farmers’profitability and food security, and best quality humanresources. The scientists’ teams published their researchin journals with impact in public domain to share thefindings with national and international scientificcommunities. Accelerated crop breeding programmesof the Institute have resulted in the release of 11varieties in field crops and several new varieties/hybrids in horticultural crops during 2013-14. Thewheat variety HD 2967 released earlier by IARIoccupied about 6 mha of wheat grown area, andBasmati rice varieties Pusa Basmati 1509 and PusaBasmati 1121 occupied > 90% of the Basmati rice grownarea during the period. The Institute has also developedseveral technologies for resource management, plantprotection, protected cultivation and food processing,and new farm machineries for enhancing inputuse efficiency, farm profit and environmentalsustainability. Natural wetland plants based novelsewage water treatment system developed by IARI wasa major breakthrough in sewage water treatmentand reuse for agriculture. Extension and trainingprogrammes achieved great success in transferringagrotechnologies and enabling youth and rural womento achieve livelihood security. The Mewat experimentin Haryana on agricultural technology intervention wasa major success for economic and social upliftment, andwill serve as a model for similar areas. The salientachievements of IARI in research, extension andeducation during 2013-14 are summarized below:

The crop improvement programmes of the institutedeveloped several improved crop varieties withenhanced productivity, quality and adaptability todifferent agro-ecosystems with inbuilt resistance tobiotic and abiotic stresses. A bread wheat variety HD3086 (Pusa Gautami) resistant to yellow and brown

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

rusts with superior quality and an average yield of 5.46t/ha was released for commercial cultivation undertimely sown, irrigated conditions of North WesternPlains Zone. Another bread wheat variety HD 3090(Pusa Amulya) resistant to leaf and stem rusts withsuperior quality and an average yield of 4.21 t/ha wasreleased for cultivation in late sown irrigated conditionsof Peninsular Zone. In addition, a bread wheat varietyHS 542 (Pusa Kiran) was identified for release underearly sown rainfed conditions of Northern Hills Zone.A durum wheat variety HI 8713 (Pusa Mangal) with anaverage yield of 5.23 t/ha and resistance to leaf andstem rust was also released for timely sown irrigatedconditions of Central Zone.

A short duration high yielding Basmati rice varietyPusa Basmati 1509 which matures in 120 days with non-lodging and non-shattering habit, and grain quality andyield superior to Pusa Basmati 1121 was released forcommercial cultivation in the Basmati growing regionsof Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Another rice variety Pusa1612, a near isogenic line of Pusa Sugandh 5 pyramidedwith blast resistance genes Piz5 and Pi54 derivedthrough molecular breeding route, was released forcommercial cultivation in the Basmati growing regionsof Punjab, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir and Delhi.Marker assisted selection was employed to improveBasmati varieties Pusa Basmati 1121 and Pusa Basmati1 for multiple disease resistance and introgression ofSaltol QTL for salinity tolerance.

In chickpea, a large seeded Kabuli variety Pusa 2085with 100-seed weight of 36 g and average yield of 2.0 t/haand a green seeded variety Pusa Green 112 possessinghigh degree of resistance to Fusarium wilt and droughttolerance with an average yield of 2.3 t/ha were releasedfor cultivation in Delhi and NCR. A low erucic acidmustard variety Pusa Mustard 29 with average seedyield of 2.17 t/ha was released for cultivation in Delhi,Haryana, Jammu, Punjab and northern Rajasthan,

4

while another low erucic acid variety Pusa Mustard 30with average seed yield of 3.13 t/ha was released forcultivation in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, MadhyaPradesh and eastern Rajasthan. A variety, Pusa Soybean14 with resistance to multiple diseases was releasedfor normal sown, irrigated conditions of Delhi andNCR.

The School of Horticultural Science developedseveral varieties and hybrids in important vegetable,fruit and ornamental crops. Ash gourd hybrids, namely,Pusa Urmi and Pusa Shreyali, bitter gourd variety PusaAushadhi and garden pea variety Pusa Shree wereidentified by AICRP-Vegetable Crops. In cauliflower,a snowball type CMS based F1 hybrid KTH-27 withdesirable head weight and tolerance to black rot, andhybrid DPCA-AL-215 with optimum curd weight andquality, and resistance to black rot and downy mildewdiseases were developed. F1 hybrid KTCBH-81 hasbeen identified for Zone-I, giving an average yield of43.5 t/ha in multi-location trials. Broccoli hybrids, 34Ax B-31, 32A x VCH and 30A x ASH were foundpromising with significant yield advantage.

Bitter gourd variety Pusa Rasdar suitable forcultivation under protected conditions and a muricatatype short fruited variety Pusa Purvi have beenidentified for release. In cucumber, Pusa Barkha wasreleased by Delhi State Seed Sub-committee (DSSC).Three sponge gourd selections, namely, DSG-43, DSG-48 and DSG-104 were found promising. In tomato,Solanum habrochaites (LA 1777) was identified as sourceof resistance for ToLCNDV and utilized for developinginter-specific hybrids. In paprika, two high yieldinggenotypes KTP-141 (20.43 t/ha) and KTP-131(18.84 t/ha)were identified. KTP-141 was found to contain 20.46%more β-carotene and 25.48% ascorbic acid than thecommercially grown variety KTPL-19. Carrot hybridPusa Vasuda, purple and pink fleshed radish varieties,Pusa Jamuni and Pusa Gulabi were released by DSSC.Using eight CMS (A) and nine pollinator (C) lines, 67experimental hybrids of carrot were developed and threehybrids KTCH-813 (22.09 t/ha), KTCH 861-9 (21.62 t/ha)and KTCH-1020 (21.56 t/ha) with yield higher than PusaNayanjyoti (16.63 t/ha) were identified. Onion varietiesPusa Riddhi and Pusa Soumya, and a broad bean varietyPusa Udit were released by DSSC.

Mango Hybrid-11-2 registered maximum fruitweight (353.93 g) followed by H-8-11 (319.86 g). Anopen-pollinated seedling of Amrapali (Sel. 1) withhigher fruit (242.11 g) than that of Amrapali wasidentified. Two sweet orange varieties Pusa Sharad andPusa Round with high juice content and a kinnowmandarin clonal selection No. 12EEA1/4 with fewerthan 10 seeds were identified. Acid lime selectionsALC-107 and ALC-2 were found promising for bearingin summer month. Grape hybrids Pusa Aditi and PusaTrishar were identified for release. A seedless hybridR2P36 (PoC x BS) with back color, high TSS (22.2°Brix),large bunch size (355 g) and high juice recovery (71.2%)was identified. Prunus japonica, an ornamental shrub,was standardized as a dwarfing rootstock for apricot,peach, plum, almond and cherry.

In ornamental crops, three rose hybrids HT-B5-R2,HT-B14-R10 and HT-B10-R1 were found suitable forgarden display. Two variants of rose cv. Grand Gala,namely, GG-1 and GG-2 were induced through in vitromutagenesis. In vitro mutagenesis protocol was alsostandardized in bougainvillea. Five chrysanthemumvarieties, namely, Pusa Aditya, Pusa Chitraksha, PusaSona, Pusa Kesari and TQP-06-01, and three gladiolusvarieties were released by the Government of NCT ofDelhi. Marigold selections Fr./R-2, Fr./R-5 and Fr./R-8(French type) and Af/SR-12-1, Af/SR-53 and Af/SR-15-1(African type) were found promising for meetingflower demand during October-November festiveseason.

The School of Crop Protection focused its researchefforts on diversity analysis, diagnostics and integratedmanagement of nationally important agricultural pestsand pathogens. Genetic diversity of importantpathogens such as Magnaporthe spp, Fusarium spp.Xanthomonas spp. and Ralstonia solanacearum wasanalyzed. Molecular diagnostic protocols have beendeveloped for various fungal, bacterial and viralpathogens which shall help in early diagnosis for bettermanagement of crop diseases. Improved strains ofbiocontrol agents were developed and potentialbiocontrol related genes were cloned from Chaetomiumglobosum and Trichoderma harzianum. Pathogen andbiocontrol agent induced host genes involved indefence mechanism were identified. Weather based

5

forecasting models were also developed for spot blotchof wheat and leaf folder pest. Metagenomics of guthomogenates of lepidopteran insect species has led tothe identification of a large number of bacterial speciesincluding Delftia, Stenotrophomonas, Pseudomonas,Bacillus, Acetobacter, Acinetobacter, Gamma proteobacterium,Lysinibacillus and Enterobacter which have potential rolein insecticide detoxification, nitrification and amidemetabolism.

A microarray chip with 1572 probe sets wasdeveloped for detection of all the known plant virusesand viroids. The chip has been validated for detectionof viruses and viroids in cowpea, mungbean, urdbean,chilli, tomato and grapevine. Next generationsequencing coupled with ELISA and RT-PCR hasunfolded etiology of urdbean crinkle disease andsuggested the association of Cowpea Mild Mottle Viruswith the disease. This study will help develop strategiesfor management of leaf crinkle disease in urdbean andmungbean.

RNAi technology has been successfully utilized formanagement of Meloidogyne incognita in brinjal.Transgenic brinjal events expressing flp18, flp14, msp1,msp18, msp20 and msp40 are in various stages ofdevelopment. RNAi transgenic technology wasdeveloped to silence neuropeptide and esophagealgenes of root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Aninternational patent covering 148 countries has beenfiled for the nematode resistant transgenics developedusing this technology. In addition, bacterial strainsfor management of nematode infestation havebeen identified. Entomopathogenic nematodes likeHeterorhabditis indica infecting Galleria mellonella wasidentified which has potential for biocontrol of whitegrubs. RNAi technology was also developed for insectpest control. RNAi inhibition of chitinase gene in thetobacco caterpillar S. litura and cotton bollwormHelicoverpa armigera was effective in the inhibition of thepests in the treated generation as well as their progenies.

Novel chemical molecules and essential oils withantifungal activities were identified. A novel schiff baseGS 21 was identified as potent systemic acquiredresistance (SAR) inducer for rice sheath blight control.Application of 500 ppm of GS 21 was four times moreeffective than commercial SAR inducer in restricting

sheath blight in rice var. Pusa Basmati 1. Various hydrogel based formulations like zeolite (for highermechanical strength) and boron (for slow release ofmicronutrient) were developed. Modified claysdeveloped for more efficient adsorption of pesticidesand heavy metals. Methods were developed andstandardized for estimation of pesticides andbioremediation. In weed management, efficient controlstrategies were developed for crops like chilli, garlic,potato and vegetable pea.

The national nematode collection of India wasaugmented by the addition of 88 type slides, thusbringing the total to 2,459 belonging to 199 genera and583 species. The wet collection was also augmented bythe addition of 24 suspensions, thus bringing the totalstrength to 3479. About 3,904 fungal culturesrepresenting Mastigomycotina, Zygomycotina,Ascomycotina and Deuteromycotina are beingpreserved and several fungal cultures were suppliedto different users of the country. Mapping of speciesdistribution of Melolonthinae and Rutelinae(Scarabaeidae: Coleoptera) were undertaken in fournorth Indian states, viz., Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand,Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. In HimachalPradesh, 31 species belonging to 12 genera with 3 newrecords and one new species were identified. UttarPradesh and Uttarakhand recorded 23 and 28 speciesunder 8 and 11 genera, respectively. Larval taxonomiccharacters of seven major Indian scarab species weredescribed. A new leafhopper species Cofana trilobata sp.nov was described from Barapani, Meghalaya. Explicitintra-specific variations observed in the forewingmorphology of noctuid moth, Odontodes aleuca, acomplex noctuid species distributed in the orientalregion could be grouped. Revisionary studies of tribeCoelidiini was completed with 15 new species of fourgenera, namely, Calodia, Olidiana, Mahellus and Taharanafrom Indian sub-continent.

The School of Natural Resource Managementdeveloped ecofriendly technologies of conservationagriculture, integrated nutrient management andresource conservation for enhancing water, nutrientand energy resource use efficiencies and soil health.Zinc sulphate (2.5%) coated urea application was found

6

to increase grain yield of rice by 17.8% as compared toprilled urea application. Grain and straw yieldsobtained from direct seeded system of wheatintensification (SWI-DS) were 46.1% and 53.2% higheras compared with conventional method of cultivation,and the net return was also highest from SWI-DS. Tofind out a profitable alternative to rice-wheat croppingsystem under conservation agriculture, crops such ascotton, pigeonpea, maize were evaluated to replace riceduring kharif season in north-western plains zone.Cotton-wheat system was superior to pigeonpea-wheatand maize-wheat systems in terms of systemproductivity, water and energy productivity and netreturns. These three crops performed better whengrown on zero-till permanent broad, flat and narrowbeds than in conventional-till flat bed.

A long term field experiment on organic nutrientmanagement involving rice-wheat and rice-wheat-mungbean cropping systems in a sandy clay-loam soilshowed that highest wheat grain yield was recordedwith vermicompost/FYM + crop residue + biofertilizersover all other sources of nutrients and control. Combineduse of crop residues either with FYM or vermicompostincreased the wheat grain yield significantly over theirsole use (FYM or vermicompost alone). Rice-wheat-mungbean system gave significantly higher (11.7%) grainyield of rice over rice-wheat system. Among the resourceconserving technologies tested in maize-wheat croppingsystem, sowing on raised-bed gave higher grain yield ofwheat as compared with that of zero tillage, butcomparable to conventional tillage.

Analysis of quality and stability of soil organicmatter under different land uses revealed that theseproperties of soil health were superior underorganically managed rice-wheat system that continuedfor 10 consecutive years in Inceptisol of IARI farm. Thesoil organic carbon stock in 0-60 cm profile depth washighest (36 Mg ha-1) in the treatment receiving Sesbaniagreen manure, FYM and blue green algae in rice, andLeucaena green leaf manure, FYM and Azotobacter inwheat. Phosphorus use efficiency, P availability,recovery efficiency and grain yield were enhanced inmaize-wheat cropping system with application of 50%of recommended P along with microbial inoculants(PSB+AM).

Innovative and eco-friendly wastewater treatmentfacility involving emergent wetland plants (such asTyphalatifolia) and native media and microorganismsthat mimics natural processes of wetland wasengineered at pilot scale. This system has the capacityto treat 2.2 million litres of sewage water with apotential to irrigate 132 ha of farmland in a day. Itrequires just 1% of the energy and zero-chemicalapplication and has significant pollutant reductionefficiency. The treated water is safe for irrigation, andis being used for irrigating IARI fields. This technologyholds promise for safe and healthy reuse of hugequantity of sewage water produced from urban areasfor periurban agriculture. This facility was chosen asone of good practices of wastewater reuse in agricultureat an international event organized by UN-Waters atTehran, Iran. In addition, a technology for managementand use of poor quality alkali for irrigation wasdeveloped through soil application of gypsum, and thistechnology enhanced wheat yield significantly.

Protected cultivation technologies were developedfor growing off-season vegetables and flowers. Insectproof net house cultivation method was developed toproduce virus free crops in the summer season undernorth Indian plains. Technologies for cultivation oflettuce, spinach and coriander under shade net-houseduring peak summer months and that of tomatocultivation under insect proof net house during Octoberto May developed. Forced ventilated polyhouse wasfound to be the best for maximum cucumber andcoloured capsicum production followed by naturallyventilated polyhouse (NVP) and insect proof net house.However, the cost benefit ratio was higher under NVPin comparison to other two methods. Methods forproduction of parthenocarpic hybrid cucumber,different colored capsicum hybrids and tomato hybridproduction with plastic mulch under protectedstructures were developed.

New farm machineries, namely, tractor operatedgarlic and carrot planter, and garlic and carrotharvester, Pusa solar powered knapsack sprayer, etc.,were developed and evaluated. The feed block makingmachine of IARI was successfully transferred anddemonstrated in remote and disadvantageous areasincluding Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh, Leh and

7

Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, and three tribaldistricts of Madhya Pradesh. Solar power operatedrefrigerator for rural households, greenhouse and Pusasolar powered knapsack sprayer were developed. FarmOperation Service Unit (FOSU) in collaboration withbiomass utilization unit efficiently used farm residuesand other biomass on the campus to produce compost/FYM. This has led to self-sufficiency in terms of totalcompost/FYM requirement of IARI experimental farmas well as resource generation.

Food processing techniques have been developedto produce nutritionally rich ready-to-eat pearl pop,soy-biscuits and aonla crackers. Ready-to-eat roastedflakes were prepared from black and yellow colouredsoybean. Value added products, sorghum-barley puffsfortified with horsegram and corn chips with less fatcontent were prepared using baking technology. Amethod for production of β-carotene rich pumpkinpowder (to develop cereal-pulse complementary food)was optimized. On the basis of nutritional parametersand sensory score complementary food mix developedwith 20% pumpkin powder fortification was foundsignificantly good in retaining protein, β- carotene,fibre, carbohydrate and antioxidants. A non-perforatedpolythene bag based packaging was standardized forstorage of loose flowers of marigold for a fortnightunder cold storage conditions with the minimumreduction in fresh flower weight with marketableflowers.

Significant achievements have been made inbioprospecting of microbes from extreme environ-ments for novel genes, development of bio-films/consortia of inoculants strains by use of fungal, bacterialand cyanobacterial matrix and microbial degradationof agrowastes. Microbial inputs-sustained organicfarming in rice-based cropping systems resulted insignificantly higher microbial biomass carbon andenzyme activities as compared to integrated nutrientmanagement and chemical fertilization. Trichoderma-Bacillus biofilm developed by the Institute proved tobe the most promising PGP and biocontrol agent. Ethylacetate extracts of Azolla microphylla was found to havebiocidal properties and probable disease suppressionpotential for management of X. oryzae pv. oryzae.Formulation of effective microorganisms (EM) for

production of enriched compost for peri-urbanagriculture was standardized. This formulation consistsof lignolytic fungi Phanerochaete chrysosporium (VV18),cellulolytic actinomycetes Streptomyces sp (C3),Lactobacillus isolate, yeast Candida tropicalis (Y6) andenriched photosynthetic bacterial and was effective forpaddy straw composting under outdoor conditionsduring summer and degradation was faster resultingin desirable C: N ratio of 13:1 within 60 days.

The trends of green house gas (GHG) emission andthe contribution of different sources to the total GHGemission from agriculture were assessed. From 1970to 2002, contribution of methane emission fromlivestock was the highest (52-57%) followed by ricecultivation (21-26%). Methane emission from livestockremained the highest contributor (56%), while nitrousoxide emission from soil (23%) has exceeded methaneemission from rice fields (17%) in recent years. Climateresilient agricultural technologies for mitigation andadaptation have been evolved. FACE (free air CO2

enrichment) studies on response of wheat to elevatedCO2 (550 ppm) revealed that elevated CO2 increasesphotosynthesis and grain yield of wheat cultivarssignificantly, while it decreases nitrogen content ingrain as well as straw drastically, suggesting thatoptimization of nitrogen management is required formaintaining the quality of wheat crop in future climatechange scenario. Leaf color chart (LCC) value <4 basedapplication of urea and replacement of urea with neem-oil coated urea (NOCU) have significant potential todecrease nitrous oxide emission and thus greatlyreduce global warming potential (GWP) of wheat.Conservation agriculture system of “summermungbean - direct seeded rice with mungbean residue– zero-till wheat with rice residue” was found tosignificantly increase system productivity and netreturns, and substantially reduce GWP.

Mitigation studies of greenhouse gases in rice-wheat systems revealed that growing of direct seededrice followed by zero tilled wheat can reduce the globalwarming potential by 53% as compared withtransplanted rice followed by conventional tilledwheat. Elevated ozone levels (ambient + 25-30 ppb)reduced the okra yield by 16%, while sub-ambientozone levels increased the yield by 22% over control.

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Studies on heavy metal distribution pattern in differentplant parts of field crops, namely, wheat, barley, maize,pearlmillet and sorghum showed differential patternof heavy metal accumulation and their distribution invarious edible and non-edible plant parts. Maximumproportion of the metals absorbed by the crop plantsaccumulated mainly in the root followed by leaf, stemand marginal level of metal contamination wasrecorded in edible parts of these crops.

The basic and strategic research programmes ofthe Institute focused on understanding the molecularbasis biotic and abiotic stress tolerance of crops,identification of donors, QTLs and genes foragronomically important traits, genetic trans-formationof crops, and GIS and remote sensing methods for cropand resource management. In wheat, conventionalphenotyping and modern phenomics methods wereemployed to phenotype wheat association panel fromCIMMYT and four different breeding populations forseveral physiological traits. Germplasm and breedinglines with important physiological traits for droughtand heat tolerance were identified. Molecular markeranalysis led to the identification of two SSR markersviz., gwm131 (for CTD) and gwm304 (for CTD and totalchlorophyll content) with significant marker-traitassociation under heat stress. By using C306 x WL711RIL population, major QTLs for delayed leaf senescencewere mapped on chromosomes 2DS, 3BS, 3DL, 4ALand 6BL in wheat. Isogenic lines of Pusa Basmati 1 withmajor blast resistance genes viz., Pi1, Pi2, Pi5, Pi9, Pi54,Pib and Pita were also developed. This will help fasterintrogression of these genes in Basmati varieties.MAS-derived lines of maize with QPM andprovitamin A enrichment were in advanced stages ofdevelopment.

RNA-seq approach was used for wholetranscriptome sequencing wheat genotypes withcontrasting heat stress tolerance resulted in assemblyof 23,470 non-redundant transcripts and identi-ficationheat stress regulated protein coding genes andmicroRNAs. Transcriptome analysis in maize revealeda number of differentially expressed genes and co-expression network modules with drought-specificgenes and transcription factors. Genome-wideassociation analysis with a panel of 240 subtropical

maize inbreds led to the identification of a total of 27SNPs in 14 stomatal closure genes, 5 SNPs in 3 rootdevelopment genes, and 25 SNPs in 12 ABA signallinggenes which were significantly associated to anthesis-silking interval and the yield component traits underwater-deficit stress. Proteomics approaches were usedto identify differentially expressed proteins in wheatflag leaves and grain and rice leaves under heat stress.RNA-Seq analysis of Amrapali led to the identificationof 46865, 40996 and 43771 CDS from fruit, malformedflower and leaf, respectively. These genomic resourceswill be useful for enhancing the pace of geneticimprovement for various traits in these crops.

Genome wide analysis of rice led to the identi-fication of 10 genes encoding stress hormone abscisicacid (ABA) receptors (ABARs). All the 10 potentialABARs were cloned from landrace Nagina 22, and geneconstructs for functional validation through stressresponsive overexpression and constitutiveoverexpression were developed. Rice T1 transgenicsexpressing ABAR6 under stress inducible AtRD29Apromoter exhibited enhanced drought tolerance duringvegetative stage. Another rice transgenics expressingAP2 transcription factor gene under AtRD29Apromoter exhibited higher contents of wax, proline,antioxidants, carotenoids and ABA, and exhibitedhigher MSI than WT plants under water deficit stress.These results suggest that these genes play key role indrought tolerance of rice.

Several new genes for biotic stress resistances weremapped in food and horticultural crops. Geneticanalysis identified a recessive gene on chromosome5DL and dominant gene on chromosome 2BL for stemrust resistance, while a leaf rust resistance gene wasmapped on chromosome 5BS in wheat. In addition,molecular markers were employed to transfer multipleresistance genes in to popular wheat varieties.Largescale phenotyping for adult plant resistance(APR) led to the identification of 266 lines carrying APRto leaf rust and 152 to stem rust and 19 line resistant toboth the rusts were identified. In soybean, two QTLsfor charcoal rot resistance and two SSR markers viz.,satt301 and GMHSP179 linked to yellow mosaic virus(YMV) resistance have been identified. In cauliflower,SCAR markers linked to black rot resistance were

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identified. Marker assisted selection was used toidentify tomato breeding lines resistant to ToLCNDV.Six novel CAPS markers were developed from thepotential SNPs from the genomic region of tomatopotentially associated with PepMV resistance and ofwhich two CAPS markers were found to be associatedwith PepMV resistance in tomato.

Metabolic engineering approach is being used todevelop soybean transgenics with low phytate contentin seeds. To silence the expression of myo-inositol-3-phosphate synthase (MIPS) and IPK2 genes involvedphytate synthesis, and MRPABCC5 gene for phytatetransport, RNAi transgenic lines of soybean weredeveloped. In an alternative approach, PHYTASE genewas overexpressed to catabolize phytate in seeds. Thesetransgenics were confirmed by molecularcharacterization and were advanced to next generationfor detailed biochemical characterization.

The National Phytotron Facility (NPF) at theInstitute catered to the needs of scientists from IARI,NRC on Plant Biotechnology, Delhi University, TERIand University of Madras during 2013-14. Severalstudies were conducted on novel genes and promoters,transgenics development for stress tolerance andquality improvement, off-season crossing andgeneration advancement, climate change, screening fordisease resistance and microbes for enhancing abioticstress tolerance of crops.

The root water uptake (RWU) patterns of cottongrown under different conservation agriculturalpractices in a cotton-wheat cropping system wereanalyzed using Hydrus-2D model. Use of permanentbroad beds with residue practice is recommended forcotton cultivation to maximize RWU and improve soilphysical health. The long-term impact of resourceconservation technologies (RCTs) such as bed plantingand zero tillage on structural properties of soils ofrecent alluvial plains of river Yamuna was studied infarmers’ fields of Rai block, Sonipat district, Haryana.It was found that by adopting suitable RCTs, soil carbonand aggregation can be improved and soil erosion canbe minimized. Irrigation water/cumulative panevaporation ratio of 0.8 based irrigation with integrateduse of urea and FYM in Trans Gangetic Plain Regionwas recommended to achieve higher water, nitrogen

and radiation use efficiency and saving of water andfertilizer nitrogen without any significant reduction ingrain yield in wheat.

To optimize irrigation in wheat using AQUACROPmodel, field experiments were conducted for two years(2011-12, 2012-13) with wheat at three levels ofirrigation and two sowing dates. Analysis of differentirrigation scenarios by AQUACROP model showedthat normal sown wheat yield can be maximized byapplying three irrigations of 80 mm each at 21, 85 and105 days after sowing (DAS), while its waterproductivity can be maximized by applying twoirrigations of 60 mm each at 21 and 105 DAS with someyield penalty. Analysis of Chl a fluorescence inductionkinetics in maize leaves under different nitrogen levels(0, 60, 120 and 180 kg N/ha) showed that among the 36different chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, Fv/Fmand DIo/RC as the best parameters to characterize thechanges in maize leaves in response to N application.Remote Sensing and GIS technologies were employedto monitor open paddy residue burning in the statesof Punjab and Haryana. Real time monitoring ofresidue burning was undertaken using the recentlyestablished satellite ground station at IARI. The dailythermal infrared images from MODIS and AVHRRsensors were used to determine a large anomaly in theland surface temperature (LST), an indicator of activefire. It was estimated that crop residue burninghappened in about 36959 sq km during the period.Using emission factors from experimental studies andarea estimate from satellite data, total GHG emissionand pollution load from crop residue burning couldbe estimated. A study was conducted to retrieve LAIof wheat crop from broadband reflectance datacorresponding to Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) LISS-3(Linear Imaging Self Scanner) sensor by means ofcanopy radiative transfer model PROSAIL5B. ThePROSAIL5B model was calibrated and validated withground measurements and can be used to obtainoperational crop biophysical product of LAI from IRSLISS-3 for various applications.

Remote sensing was used to delineate rabi fallowareas of Eastern India by analyzing temporal NDVIprofile. Among the states of Eastern India, 38% of totalrabi fallow area was found in Odisha (4.70 m ha)

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followed by Jharkhand having 26 % (3.31 m ha),Chattisgarh having 22 % (2.79 Mha) area. These areascan be effectively used for summer pulse or other cropsto enhance productivity and profitability. A webenabled Decision Support System (DSS) for real timecrop growth monitoring at district level was developedbased on multi-temporal satellite remote sensing data.This DSS can be accessed by all stakeholders fordifferent applications and used for decision making.Agro-met advisory bulletins are prepared on everyTuesday and Friday and sent to IMD for preparationof national bulletins and uploaded on the IMD and IARIwebsites. During 2013-14, 104 agro-advisory bulletinswere prepared in Hindi and English and 59,515 SMSwere sent to the farmers through farmers Kisan portal.

The School of Social Sciences focused their researchefforts on the nature and impact of growth anddevelopment initiatives in agriculture, and thedissemination and assessment of the technologiesgenerated by IARI. Widening gap between farm andnon-farm incomes was observed. The contribution ofmachine labour charges as a proportion of average costof cultivation in major rice and wheat growing statesof the country has increased tremendously in the recentyears, mainly due to widespread mechani-zation andfrequent increase of energy prices. The AgricultureGross State Domestic Product (AgGSDP) grew fasterthan the real wages in the states with high growth rates,whereas in some of the productive states, the wageshave grown more than the agricultural growth,indicating rising cost of labour and shrinking farmprofitability in these states. The composition ofinvestments in major states of the country during 2010showed that major and medium irrigation claims abouthalf of the resources followed by rural roads, electricity,minor surface irrigation and agricultural researchincluding education and extension. The contributionof public investment in agriculture does not appear tosuggest significant crowding in the private investment.

Studies have shown that the biggest pay off forreducing rural poverty and increasing growth camefrom investments in R & D and infrastructure.However, the policy shift towards raising capitalexpenditure in rural infrastructure and irrigationwould translate into economic gains, only if it is backed

by responsive institutions. The trend analysis of plantvariety protection clearly explains the pattern ofconcentration of PVP applications across the crops andsectors. Suitable policy measures have to be formalizedto monitor the trend in the seed market and takeappropriate measures to ensure farmers access toprotected varieties at affordable prices.

The Cyber Extension model was found to be aneffective and successful means for disseminatingimproved agricultural technologies to the rural areasin relatively lesser time and cost. The dissemination ofseeds through the post offices was perceived aseffective by the farmers. Capacity building of branchpost masters has in turn benefitted the farmers of thearea. Livelihood extension model was tested and foundeffective in climate change adaptation in Mewat andDhar districts of Haryana and Madhya Pradesh,respectively. Study on the success of the achieveragricultural entrepreneurs showed that majorfacilitative factors for success are seeking adequatetechnical knowledge from experts, innovativeness,ability to assess opportunities, optimum utilization ofresources and developing strong marketing linkages.Three training modules for skill improvement for self-help group (SHG) women were prepared, tested andvalidated. Majority of the respondents recommendedthat these trainings should be given to all SHGmembers.

Four model villages were developed in the NCRthrough integrated agricultural development. Theproductivity of different crops and income of farmersin these villages have been enhanced significantlythrough adoption of IARI technologies in the area.Under the National Extension Programme, IARIvarieties and technologies were disseminated through686 demonstrations of various cereals, pulses andvegetable crops in collaboration with five ICARinstitutes and 11 SAUs during rabi 2012-13 and kharif2013. Most of the IARI varieties showed significantlyhigher yield as compared with that of local varieties.In the innovative transfer of technology modelinvolving 25 voluntary organizations, a total of 1393demonstrations covering an area of 500 hectares weresuccessfully conducted for 35 varieties of 10 cropsduring rabi 2012-13 and a total of 1545 demonstrations

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on an area of 455 hectares at 22 locations wereconducted for 11 crops during kharif 2013.

The Institute has organized annual Pusa KrishiVigyan Mela during February 26-28, 2014, on the theme“Climate Resilient Agricultural Technologies forSustainable Production” showcased several agriculturaltechnologies developed by the Institute during this year.Besides IARI and its KVK, Shikohpur, a large numberof ICAR institutes, SAUs and private organizationsparticipated in the Mela. A unique feature of this yearMela was the participation of 5 Consultative Group onInternational Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Centres.More than one lakh visitors from 22 states across thecountry including farmers, farm women, extensionworkers, entrepreneurs and students visited the Mela.

The Agricultural Technology Information Centreof the Institute played a pivotal role in communicatingrelevant information to farmers and handling theirspecific problems related queries received from thefarmers who came in person as well as contactedthrough telephone on the Pusa Helpline. Advice wasalso provided through letters and e-mails. TheInstitute’s KVK at Shikohpur continued to play acatalytic role in combating unemployment of ruralyouth through technological empowerment andimproving the farmers’ awareness and farmproductivity. A total of 38 on-farm trials on differentfield/farm based problems and 359 FLDs on oilseeds,pulses, cereals and vegetable crops were conductedduring rabi 2012 and kharif 2013. A total of 108 trainingswere organized for the target groups in order togenerate opportunities for income and employmentand to provide technical know-how to practicingfarmers, in-service personnel, farm women and ruralyouth. The various interventions implemented by theKVK have significantly increased farm productivityand profitability in the area.

Several interventions were implemented forempowerment of rural women, who play a significantrole in agricultural development. The study on capacitybuilding of self help groups (SHGs) revealed thatsuccessful SHGs with income generating endeavors

were characterized with regular meetings, mutual trust,family support, internal motivation and hand-holdingmentorship and guidance as the major contributingfactors. The Institute is taking a lead in empoweringrural women by providing need-based training for selfemployment and income generating activities. Twentynine vocational trainings and other extensionprogrammes were organized through which 498women of different socio-economic strata werebenefitted. The formation of SHGs and adoption ofentrepreneurial activities by the groups helped therural women in gaining financial independence andthereby self confidence.

The 52nd Convocation of the Post Graduate Schoolof IARI was held on February 21, 2014. Dr. Gurdev S.Khush, World Food Laureate and Adjunct Professor,University of California (USA), who was the chiefguest, delivered the convocation address. At thisconvocation, a total of 95 M.Sc.,10 M.Tech. and 70Ph.D. students were awarded degrees. The WorldFood Laureates, Dr. G.S. Khush and Dr. S.K. Vasalwere honoured by the institute by conferring on themthe degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa). TheInstitute updated student amenities and alsoconducted several regular and short-term trainingcourses. Agri-information and bioinformatics weregiven due importance. The IARI library continued toprovide services to the students and the scientificcommunity of IARI and other institutions of thecountry. The Institute brought out several qualitypublications in the form of scientific peer reviewedresearch papers in high impact journals, symposiapapers, books/chapters in books, popular articles,technical bulletins, regular and ad-hoc publications,both in English and Hindi, to disseminate theinformation on the Institute’s mandated activities.With reference to protection of intellectual property,the Institute filed one new patent, applied forprotection of twenty two varieties of different cropswith PPV & FRA and commercialized 45 IARItechnologies. Many scientists, students and faculty ofthe Institute received several prestigious awards andrecognitions and brought laurels to the Institute.

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1. CROP IMPROVEMENT

The crop improvement programme of the institute is primarily targeted towards enhancing the productivityand nutritional quality of various field crops through use of both conventional and modern tools of molecularbreeding. A number of improved varieties with higher yield, better nutritional quality and tolerance to biotic andabiotic stresses suited to different agro-ecological conditions have been developed and released during thereporting period. Besides, a large number of genotypes in several crops are under various stages of evaluation inAll India Coordinated trials. The crop improvement programme was complemented by quality seed productionand progress in other relevant areas of seed science.

1.1 VARIETAL PERFORMANCE ATFARMERS’ FIELDS1.1.1 Phenomenal Performance of PusaBasmati 1509 - HD 2967 in Rice-WheatCropping System of North Western Plains

Release of varieties HD 2967 in 2011 and PusaBasmati 1509 in 2013 have provided the rice-wheatfarmers of Punjab with a unique combination of highreturn technologies in both wheat and basmati rice.Farmers could achieve returns of ̀ 3.00 lakh per hectareand ̀ 2.40 lakhs net profit by growing this combinationin many parts of Punjab and Haryana, in addition toextra earnings through use of the land for greengramor vegetables due to reduced growing period. Basmatirice (both Pusa Basmati 1121 and Pusa Basmati 1509received ̀ 35,000 to 42,000 per tonne) gave returns dueto increased market value while wheat variety HD 2967provided highest ever recorded average yields in widespread areas, despite less than favourable conditionsin rabi 2012-13.

Unprecedented area coverage by wheat variety HD2967 replacing PBW 343, the ruling variety during thelast decade. The genotype HD 2967 was released andnotified in 2011 for release in NWPZ timely sownirrigated conditions. This is the first variety that hasbeen able to significantly yield better than the longstanding rust susceptible PBW 343, for three years overthe entire zone. It is also significant to note that this

variety is resistant to all rusts including Ug 99 withminor gene based Adult Plant Resistance phenomeon,which is an answer to one of the 10 challenges thrownto NARS by ICAR. IARI has been able to successfullymeet the challenge, that too with significant yieldsuperiority. The genotype developed from IARIbreeding programme from the initial cross ALD/COC//URESH/HD 2160M/HD 2278 that has in its pedigreenative tall NP and C series varieties and lines. Thesuperior biomass, duration, grain quality, yieldingability, resistance to rusts made farmers adopt HD 2967

Wheat variety HD 2967 released for north western plains currentlyoccupy largest area in the country

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during years 2012-13 in more than 1.5 million hectares(within one year of release) and more than 5 millionhectares in 2013-14 (within two years, 67% in Punjab,more than 50% in Haryana and Western UP). Underevery situation of production condition, HD 2967performed better than every other alternative.

1.1.2 Impact of IARI Mustard VarietiesBased on breeders’ seed indent, the varieties of

Indian mustard bred by IARI cover around 56% areaunder mustard. A special effort to take breeders seedof 1,000 kg to north eastern hills of early maturingvarieties have a potential of spreading to over 50,000hectares next season, a big gain in terms of oilseedmustard productivity enhancement since an averageof 40-50% increase in productivity is expected to occurover the local toria varieties in the north east.

1.2 CEREALS1.2.1 Wheat1.2.1.1 Varieties released

HD 3086 (Pusa Gautami). A high yielding varietywith an average yield of 5.46 t/ha and potential yieldof 7.1 t/ha under timely sown irrigated conditions wasreleased for North Western Plains Zone (NWPZ) bythe Central Sub-Committee on Crop Standards,Notification and Release of Varieties for AgriculturalCrops. HD 3086 is resistant to yellow and brown rusts.This thermo tolerant variety has high protein content(12.5%), sedimentation value (37ml), Glu-1 Score (10/10)and extraction rate (70.5%). The variety is also suitablefor bread making.

HD 3090 (Pusa Amulya). An early maturing (101days), semi-dwarf (80 cm), thermo-tolerant wheatvariety with an average yield of 4.21 t/ha and geneticpotential of 6.31 t/ha was released for PeninsularZone (PZ) for cultivation under late sown irrigatedconditions. The variety has shown superior parametersfor most of the quality traits with protein content of13.3 percent. This variety is resistant to leaf and stemrusts at seedling as well as at adult plant stage.

HI 8713 (Pusa Mangal). A durum wheat variety HI8713 developed at Regional Station, Indore was releasedfor timely sown, irrigated conditions of Central Zone

(CZ). The variety produced an average yield of 5.23t/haand is resistant to leaf and stem rusts. It is rich inβ-carotene and micronutrients like iron and zinc.

1.2.1.2 Variety identified for releasePusa Kiran (HS 542). A bread wheat variety HS

542 was identified for release for early sown rainfedconditions of Northern Hills Zone. HS 542 producedan average grain yield of 3.29 t/ha which was 6.1 %higher than the best check variety VL 829 and 17.9%higher than the wheat variety HS 277 under rainfedconditions. It is resistant to leaf rust with maximumaverage coefficient of infection (ACI) 2.0. HS 542 hassuperior chapatti making quality.

1.2.1.3 Varietal advancement and evaluationA large number of wheat genotypes were evaluated

in All India Coordinated Trials under variousproduction conditions across the country. Bread wheatgenotypes, HD 3118 (NEPZ), HS 577 (NHZ) and durumwheat genotypes HI 8736 and HI 8737 (CZ) are underfinal year of testing. Eighty three entries are beingevaluated in various Trials of All India CoordinatedWheat Improvement Programme in various stages. Inaddition, 5 entries (HD 3175 to HD 3179) superior foryield and rich in zinc (more than 8 ppm above thecheck) were entered into the special trial SPL-BW-TSI-NWPZ-NEPZ-PZ on wheat biofortifcation and twoentries viz., HD 2932+Lr19/Sr25 and HD 2932+Sr26have been entered in a special trial of marker assistedbackcross breeding (MABB) under the All IndiaCoordinated Wheat Improvement Programme. Theseare the first set of entries in wheat in the country

Wheat variety HD 3090 released for late sown conditions ofpeninsular India

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developed through molecular breeding beingevaluated in the national trials.

1.2.1.4 Breeding for Ug 99 resistanceA set of 45 F3 cross bulks were sent to Njoro, Kenya

for evaluating them against stem rust race Ug 99.Progenies of some highly resistant crosses were KVP3, FLW 4 × FLW 7, FLW 4 × HS 375, FLW 1 × BWHS 70,BACANORA-T 88 × DBW 28, HD 2329 × DBW 14 andCBW 39 × DBW 17 which are being advanced andselections being carried out from this material have alsobeen planted at the hot spots.

1.2.1.5 Breeding for cropping system underconservation agriculture (CA) practices

Under multi-location testing for suitability underearly (October) planting, a variety bred for adaptationto conservation agriculture HDCSW 18 out yielded allnational checks including HD 2967, HD 2733, GW 366and DBW 17. The entry has thus provided scope forcropping intensification by putting moong immediatelyafter wheat harvesting in March. Three varieties, viz.,CSW 18 (for early seeding-mid of Oct), CSW 16 (fornormal time sowing) and HD 3117 (for late sowing)have been identified for different productionenvironment under conservation agriculture. Besides,CSW 16 and CSW 18 are under DUS testing.

1.2.3 Rice1.2.3.1 Varieties released

Pusa Basmati 1509. Pusa Basmati 1509 is highyielding Basmati rice variety with seed to seed maturityof 120 days. It has non-lodging and non-shatteringhabit with grain and cooking quality superior to PusaBasmati 1121. This variety was released by the CentralSub-Committee on Crop Standards, Notificationand Release of Varieties for Agricultural Crops forcommercial cultivation in the Basmati growing regionsof Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

It offers several advantages over other Basmati ricevarieties in the country such as 25-30 days earlinesscompared to popular Basmati rice variety Pusa Basmati1121, can help saving upto 5-6 irrigations (about 33%saving of irrigation water) and being short statured thisvariety produces almost half biomass and thus willreduce environmental pollution due to burning ofpaddy straw.

1.2.2. Barley1.2.2.1 Variety identified for release

Pusa Sheetal (BHS 400). A rust resistant barleyvariety BHS 400 with an average yield of 3.27 t/ha wasidentified for release for timely sown rainfed conditionsof Northern Hills Zone.

Pusa 1612 (Pusa 6). Pusa 1612-07-6-5 (IET 22290),is blast resistant near-isogenic line of Pusa Sugandh 5developed through marker assisted backcross breedingwherein two genes, namely, Piz5 and Pi54 conferringresistance to blast disease have been pyramided in thegenetic background of Pusa Sugandh 5, an extra-longslender grain aromatic rice variety widely cultivated

A new wheat variety HDCSW 18 suitable for early seeding underconservation agriculture

Recently released rice variety Pusa Basmati 1509 (left) matures 20days earlier than Pusa Basmati 1121 (right)

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in rice –potato cropping system. Pusa Sugandh 5 wasnotified for commercial cultivation in Punjab, Haryana,Jammu & Kashmir and Delhi.

1.2.3.2 Marker assisted improvement forresistance to bacterial blight, blast and sheathblight diseases in Basmati rice

In spite of possessing superior grain and cookingquality characters, improved Basmati varieties viz.,Pusa Basmati 1, Pusa Basmati 1121, Pusa Basmati 6,Pusa Sugandh 5, parental lines of Basmati quality ricehybrid Pusa RH10 are highly susceptible to diseasessuch as bacterial blight, blast and sheath blight. Basedon population dynamics of disease causing pathogensin the Basmati growing areas, the genes for diseaseresistance such as Xa13, Xa21, Xa33 and Xa38 forbacterial blight, Pi54, Piz5 and Pi9 for blast and qSB11-1 for sheath blight were identified to be most effectivegenes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs). A markerassisted backcross breeding program was initiated toincorporate multiple biotic stress resistance genes/QTLsinto the Basmati rice varieties viz., Pusa Basmati 1, PusaBasmati 1121, Pusa Basmati 6, Pusa Basmati 1509, PusaSugandh 5 and parental lines of aromatic rice hybridPusa RH 10. The improved genotypes with two geneseach for resistance to bacterial blight and blast in thegenetic background of Pusa Basmati 1121 and PusaBasmati 6, both blast and bacterial blight resistance inthe genetic background of background of Pusa Sugandh

5 have been identified from the station trial and testedfor resistance to bacterial blight and blast both byartificial inoculation as well as through testing underUBN under hotspot location, conducted in kharif 2013.

1.2.3.3 Marker assisted improvement for salinitystress tolerance in Basmati rice varieties PusaBasmati 1121 and Pusa Basmati 1

Pusa Basmati 1121 and Pusa Basmati 1 occupiesmore than 80 per cent of the total Basmati rice area inthe state of Haryana and Punjab, which have sizableproportion of rice lands affected by salinity. However,these varieties are sensitive to soil salinity, a majorconstraint to the production and sustainability ofBasmati rice cultivation. Therefore, marker assistedbackcross breeding program was initiated during 2009,to incorporate a major QTL ‘Saltol’ into the geneticbackground of Pusa Basmati 1121 and Pusa Basmati 1from a non-Basmati donor source FL 478 withouthampering the grain and cooking quality traits of theBasmati rice varieties. The improved genotypes withSaltol QTL governing salinity tolerance in thebackground of Pusa Basmati 1121 and Pusa Basmati 1have been identified from the station trial andconfirmed for salinity tolerance both underhydroponics and salinity microplots in kharif 2013.

Grain and cooking quality of Pusa 1612, a MAS derived blastresistant near isogenic line of Pusa Sugandh 5

Grain and cooking quality of blast resistant near isogenic lines ofPusa Basmati 1 with two genes Pi5 and Pi9

1.2.3.4 Development of a set of isogenic linescarrying seven major blast resistance genes inthe genetic background of Pusa Basmati 1

A total of 108 genes and several QTLs governingblast resistance have been mapped in several donor

Pi5+Pi9

Recipient parent Donor parents NILs

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sources. However, none of the genes/ QTLs werepresent in the Basmati germplasm. This posed a majorbottleneck in the breeding for resistance in the geneticimprovement of Basmati cultivars against blast disease.Utilizing the non-Basmati germplasm as a donorsource in the Basmati improvement program leadsto impairment in the quality traits. Therefore, it is achallenging task to reconstitute the Basmati qualitytraits. In order to address this issue, a marker assistedbackcross breeding program was initiated in 2007, withthe aim of developing a set of seven isogenic lines ofPusa Basmati 1 carrying seven different major blastresistance genes viz., Pi1, Pi2, Pi5, Pi9, Pi54, Pib andPita. The improved monogenic and pyramided lineswith different combinations of blast resistance geneshave been identified from the station trial and testedfor resistance to blast both by artificial inoculation aswell as through testing under UBN under hotspotlocation, conducted in kharif 2013.

1.2.3.5 Development of dwarf high-yieldingshort grain aromatic rice lines

Kalanamak is short grain aromatic rice variety fromeastern UP, which characterized by black husk, strongaroma and excellent grain and cooking qualityattributes. However, like traditional Basmati varieties,Kalanamak is also very late (160 days seed to seedmaturity), photoperiod sensitive, tall, prone to lodgingand low yielding. With a view to develop high yielding,dwarf, short grain aromatic rice varieties, on par withKalanamak in grain and cooking quality, Kalanamakwas crossed with a semi-dwarf short grain aromaticrice breeding line, Pusa 1176. As a result of rigorous

selection for earliness and dwarfness, several highyielding fixed lines with grain and cooking qualitysimilar to Kalanamak have been developed, which areat various stages of evaluation. One of the lines Pusa1638-07-48, which has grain dimensions, husk colourand cooking quality typical of Kalanamak, yielded 3.8t/ha compared to 2.0 t/ha in Kalanamak. Two improvedgentoypes were tested in AICRIP trials during kharif2013 and one of these lines was found to be significantlysuperior to all the checks in Uttar Pradesh.

1.2.4 Maize1.2.4.1 Experimental hybrids possessingtolerance to waterlogging

Out of the seven experimental hybrids showingconsistently good performance, three hybrids viz.,CML 425 × MGDU1, HKI 1105 × V 372 and HKI 1105 ×CML 425 have been performing consistently well understress conditions in the last two years. Seeds ofexperimental F1 hybrid CML 425 × MGDU 1 wasproduced at large scale during the kharif season andthe seeds of rest of the parental lines were produced atHyderabad in the rabi season (2013-2014) for large scalefield testing.

1.2.4.2 Development of quality protein maize(QPM) inbreds using marker assisted selection(MAS)

MAS-derived QPM version of HM 4, HM 8, HM 9,HM 10 and HM 11 were evaluated in a replicated trial

Grain quality variation in dwarf high-yielding short grain aromaticrice lines

KalanamakGrain and cooking quality of Saltol introgressed near isogenic linesof Pusa Basmati 1121

PB 1121 FL 478 P 1734-3 P 1734-26 P 1734-52 P 1734-66

Recipient parentDonor parent forsalinity tolerance Saltol introgressed near isogenic lines

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at New Delhi and Dharwad during kharif 2013. Thesehybrids were generated by crossing QPM version ofHKI 323, HKI 1105 and HKI 1128 with HKI 161, HKI163 and HKI 193-2. In each combination, promisinghybrids with higher endosperm tryptophan due tointrogression of opaque 2 allele were identified. Thesehybrids possess good yield potential, floweringbehavior and plant morphology that are comparablewith that of original hybrids.

1.2.4.3 Development of provitamin A enrichedinbreds through MAS

MAS- derived α-carotene enriched inbreds(VQL 1, VQL 2, V 335, V 345, HKI 1105, HKI 323 andHKI 161) were crossed to reconstitute hybrids in thegenetic background of Vivek QPM 9, Vivek Hybrid27, HM 4 and HM 8. These hybrids were evaluatedin replicated trials at New Delhi and Dharwadduring kharif 2013. While the original Vivek QPM 9possesses 2.0 µg/g of β-carotene, the improvedversions contain as high as 21.5 µg/g of β-carotenedue to presence of crtRB1 favourable allele. In caseof Vivek Hybrid 27, HM 4 and HM 8, MAS-derivedhybrids possess β-carotene as high as 14.2 to 19.3µg/g across combinations. The improved hybridsshowed comparable grain yield, flowering behaviorand morphological features similar to theircounterpart.

1.2.4.4 Development of sweet corn hybridsA set of experimental hybrids genotype su1su1 and

sh2sh2 were evaluated in a replicated trial withMadhuri, Priya and Win Orange (sweet corn varietyreleased from public sector) as checks. One hybrid eachfrom sugary and shrunken types were identified aspromising.

A promising hybrid entry of pearl millet Pusa 1404

two such hybrids suitable for early maturity andmedium maturity ecologies in zones A and B ofplant millet. Similarly, two composites PusaComposite 701 and 706 were advanced to zones Aand B respectively.

Ears of promising MAS-derived QPM version of (A) HM4 and (B) HM8

Ears of promising MAS-derived βββββ-carotene enriched hybrids (A)Vivek QPM-9 and (B) Vivek Hybrid-27

Promising super sweet corn (sh2sh2) hybrid. (A) green ear withhusk, (B) dehusked ear for consumption

1.3 MILLET1.3.1 Pearl Millet1.3.1.1 Development of advanced hybrids andpopulations

The bajra breeding programme initiated with newobjectives in 2009 progressed by development of newhybrids and populations. Pusa 1404 and Pusa 1405 are

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1.3.1.2 Development of male fertility restorersElite restorers with good combining ability were

used in hybridization programme to develop newrestorers with early flowering, good combining abilityand good spike characters. Four three-way crosses wereadvanced to next generation by selecting promisingplants. F2 of six crosses were advanced to nextgeneration and promising single plant progenies wereselected in F2 of each cross. One hundred sixty oneinbreds were selected at ICRISAT and were evaluatedfor their agronomic performance at Delhi.

1.3.1.3 Maintenance breedingSix hundred and nineteen elite inbred lines were

maintained by selfing. These inbred lines have beencharacterized for desirable traits like early maturity,thick spike, compact spike, disease resistance, goodtillering and overall agronomic superiority and willbe analyzed for combining ability.

1.3.1.4 Maintenance of cytoplasmic male sterilelines

One thousand nine hundred twentyone pairedcrosses (A/B) were attempted involving 54 cytoplasmicmale sterile (CMS) lines belonging to A1, A4 and A5

cytoplasms for maintenance. In addition, 1356 bulkcrosses were also made in 19 promising CMS lines forfurther utilization in developing hybrids with goodgrain and fodder yield.

1.3.1.5 Breeding material evaluated and advancedEfforts were made to generate new material in

pearl millet by crossing parents with desired charactersand objectives like high grain and fodder yield, staygreen trait, spike length and thickness, tillering, fertilityrestoration and high iron and zinc contents, etc. Anemphasis has been laid on the development of whitegrain material and 446 lines of white grain colour weredeveloped and evaluated.

1.4 GRAIN LEGUMES1.4.1 Chickpea1.4.1.1 Varieties released

Pusa 2085. A large seeded Kabuli chickpeavariety possessing 100- seed weight of 36 g, average

yield of 2.0 t/ha and a genetic yield potential of morethan 3.0 t/ha was released by SVRC for NCR region.It has multiple disease resistance against dry rootrot and stunt; moderate resistance to wilt andbotrytis gray mold and tolerance to collar rot. Pusa2085 has significantly out yielded all the checkvarieties over the years and has a high protein(23.6%) and hydration capacity (0.40). The seeds arebeige coloured, uniform, attractive and shinning.Pusa 2085 has been developed using multiplehybridization having diverse parents for widergenetic base, stability and adaptability.

Pusa Green 112. Green seeded chickpeas are ingreat demand in urban areas for culinary and tablepurposes. Pusa Green 112 is a high yielding desi greenseeded chickpea variety having high degree ofresistance to Fusarium wilt and drought tolerance. Thevariety has been released by SVRC for NCR region.Its average yield is 2.3 t/ha and has a yield potential of

A green seeded chickpea var. Pusa Green 112

2.7 t/ha. Seeds are dark green, uniform and excellentfor cooking and culinary purpose. It will be boon formarginal farmers as it has resistance to multiplestresses.

A large seeded Kabuli chickpea var. Pusa 2085

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1.4.1.2 New varieties in final stages of testingBased on their performance in the season 2013-14,

eighteen chickpea lines developed by the programmewere in different stages of evaluation under the AICRPChickpea Programme. The lines, BG 3022 and BG 3028are in final year of testing in the extra large seededKabuli varietal trial. Twnety nine lines are in varioustrials of AICRIP.

1.4.1.3 Chickpea genotypes identified for rustresistance

Out of 50 genotypes evaluated for two years (rabi2012-13 and 2013-14) under late sown with artificialepiphytotic conditions, two genotypes ICC 1558 andICC 1745 were identified as tolerant to rust caused byUromyces ciceri-arietini.

1.4.1.4 Variation for herbicide tolerance inchickpea

Three hundred germplasm/breeding lines ofchickpea were screened for tolerance to herbicideImezathapyr (@75g/ha) during rabi 2013-14. Widevariation for tolerance to herbicide Imezathapyr

lines ICCV 92311, ICCV 10315, ICCV 00102, ICCV10318, ICCV 07304, ICCV 2 and ICCV 09302 have beenputatively identified as tolerant to seedling salt stress.

1.4.2 Mungbean1.4.2.1 Hybridization and breeding

Mungbean yellow mosaic virus disease is a seriousdisease that prevents productive kharif mungbeanproduction. It has however been difficult to breedvarieties resistant to the disease. However, IARI has beensuccessful in identifying sources of tolerance to MYMVand 44 new breeding populations have been generatedwith an aim to combine along with tolerance to MYMV,earliness, bold seed size and abiotic stress resistance. Atotal of 1040 single plant progenies of differentgenerations have been tested and selections effected.

1.4.2.2 Evaluation for aluminium toleranceCompared the impact of aluminium toxicity in

mungbean (Pusa 0672 and Pusa Vishal) and urdbean(MASH 114 and MASH 218) genotypes based ongrowth, seed yield and physiological parameters,urdbean genotypes showed minimum reduction ingrowth parameters, chlorophyll content, seed yieldand higher antioxidant activities and minimumaccumulation of aluminium and callose as comparedto mungbean. This indicates that urdbean is moretolerant to Al than mungbean. Transfer of aluminiumtolerance from urdbean (Vigna mungo) to mungbean(Vigna radiata) is under progress.

1.4.3 Lentil1.4.3.1 Hybridization and breeding material

A total of 253 new crosses were made with theobjective to combine earliness, seed size, rust resistance,wilt resistance, abiotic stress resistance, high Fe andZn content. In addition, 60 F1 crosses were raised.

1.4.3.2 Aluminium tolerance in lentilAluminium tolerant lines, L 4602, L 7903 along

with check (L 4076) were evaluated at variouslocations of Central Agricultural University, Imphal(Manipur) and ICAR Research Complex for NEHregion, A.P. Centre, Basar, (Arunachal Pradesh). LineL 7903 could record 11.0%, 13.1%, and 15.7%, 17.7%higher yield than check variety at Krishi Vigyan

was observed from tolerance to high degree ofsensitivity. Tolerant genotypes would be used fordevelopment of high yielding herbicide tolerantchickpea lines.

1.4.1.5 Screening for seedling salt tolerance indesi chickpea

Out of the 160 desi lines evaluated for seedlingsalt tolerance, 35 were found to be highly susceptiblefor seedling salt stress and failed to germinate. Seven

Screening of chickpea germplasm for herbicide tolerance

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Kendra, Imphal East, Andro under CentralAgricultural University, Imphal (Manipur) andICAR Research Complex for NEH region, BasarCenter (Arunachal Pradesh), respectively. Similarly,line L 4602 also recorded 18.5% and 25.7% higheryield than check variety at Andro farm underCentral Agricultural University, Imphal (Manipur)and ICAR Research complex for NEH region, BasarCenter (Arunacal Pradesh), respectively. Thesegenotypes were tested under the most severeconditions of soil acidity (<pH 5.0). The highertolerance of L 7903 and L 4602 is the result of thebetter growth of the root and shoot systems, higherantioxidant activities, minimum accumulation ofaluminium and callose as compared to sensitivegenotypes (BM 4 and L 4147). Mode of inheritancepattern indicated that aluminium tolerance iscontrolled by a monogenic dominant trait based onroot re-growth and fluorescent signals (calloseaccumulation).

1.4.4 Pigeonpea1.4.4.1 Varieties in coordinated trial

One entry Pusa 2012-1 with mean maturity periodof 137 days and 100- seed weight of 8.4 g waspromoted into AVT-1(Early) in NWPZ . This entry hadgiven zonal mean yield of 2.70 t/ha and had 7.68%increase over the check in the IVT (Early) trial. Basedon consistent superior performance in station trialover two years, two entries, namely, Pusa 2013-1 andPusa USA 2013-2 were nominated to coordinated IVT(Early) trial.

1.4.4.2 Seed multiplication of released varietiesand pipe line varieties using isolation

Six released varieties, namely, Pusa 84, Pusa 855,Pusa 991, Pusa 992, Pusa 2001 and Pusa 2002 alongwith 11 promising lines are in pipeline, namely, Pusa2012-1, Pusa 2013-1-2, Pusa 2013-2, Pusa dwarf EEprogeny, RG-DT-SP-4, RG-11-Dwarf N 14, Pusa2008-1, High branch Sel. -3, Df EE -2, High branchSel. -2 and IDTSP 16 were grown in isolation usingDaincha as a barrier crop.

1.4.4.3 Development and evaluation ofexperimental hybrids

One hundred and thirty experimental hybridsbetween A and R lines produced in the previousseason were evaluated in augmented design alongwith checks. The lines which were significantlysuperior to the checks and heterotic over parents willbe evaluated in replicated large trial in the comingseason. The experiment for evaluation of six hybridsreceived from PDKV, Akola viz., AKPHE 02002,AKPHE 02345, AKPHE 04376, AKPHE 04178,AKPHE 05002 and AKPHE 02178 along with 7checks, six high yielding compact erect lines and twopromising lines Pusa 2008-1 and Pusa 2012-1 in atrial revealed that all the hybrids along with checkAKT 881 were very late and were not suitable forthe replacement of rice in the rice-wheat croppingsystem. However, two advanced lines PAS 147-2 andPAS 157-1 have shown promise and matured earlyto enable growing of following wheat crop.

1.4.4.4 Search for new restorers250 selections from advanced inter-specific

cross derived lines of pigeonpea derived from crossC. scarbaeoides x Pusa 33 were identified for malefertility with suitable plant type and short duration.Some of these lines possess very profuse bearing offlowers and very good pollen load. Some of thesemale fertile genotypes with good pollen load weretest crossed to various A lines. These hybrids shallbe evaluated in the kharif season of 2014 to confirmthe restoration of male fertility in the hybrids.Moreover, superior male fertile recombinants withrespect to plant type and earliness were selectedfrom F2 population and F3 families of the crosses

Shoot and root growth of aluminium tolerant lentil varieties,L-7903 & L-4602; and check L-4076

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between A and R lines. These shall be furtherdeveloped into R lines.

1.5 OILSEED CROPS1.5.1 Brassicas1.5.1.1 Varieties released

Pusa Mustard 29 (LET 36). It is a single zero (<2%erucic acid) variety of Indian mustard recommendedfor Delhi, Haryana, Jammu, Punjab and northernRajasthan. It gave an average seed yield of 2.17 t/ha,with a potential seed yield of 3.0 t/ha. It matures in 143days. Its seeds are dark brown in colour, small in size(4.0 g/ 1000 seeds) with 37.2% average oil content acrosslocations.

for Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh andeastern Rajasthan. Its average seed yield is 1.82 t/hawith potential seed yield of 3.13 t/ha. It is mediummaturity variety of Indian mustard which matures in137 days. Its seeds are dark brown in colour, mediumin size (5.38 g/ 1000 seeds) with 37.7% average oilcontent across locations.

1.5.1.2 Hybridization and pre-breedingA total of 212 crosses including 68 backcrosses were

attempted which included 72 crosses for yield and yieldimproving traits involving homozygous advance linesand elite entries in local and coordinated trials ofdifferent durations. To create larger selectable geneticvariation and assemble favourable alleles, 22 multiplecrosses were also attempted using F1s and fixed lines.

1.5.1.3 Hybrid breedingDevelopment of CMS lines. To develop CMS lines,

back crosses were attemted in paired fashion to transferthe nuclear genome of 26 genotypes to sterile cytoplasmviz., Moricandia arvensis (mori), Diplotaxis erucoides (eru)and Diplotaxis berthautii (ber).

Development of restorers. Paired crossing was doneto transfer fertility restoration in 27 genetic backgrounds,which restores fertility in mori/eru/ber sterilecytoplasms. Three pairs each of 15 BC2 and 60 BC1 wereattempted for this purpose. To transfer fertility restorergene(s) to five genetic background viz., NPJ 93, NPJ 112,SEJ 8, Pusa Jagannath and Pusa Agarni, 60 paired crosses(BC2) were attempted in phytotron to develop restorersfor mori, eru and ber cytoplasms and BC3 crosses wereattempted in main season.

1.5.1.4 Breeding material evaluated andadvanced

A total of 1172 selections were made from earlysown (288 single plants and 15 bulks involving 72crosses), timely sown (560 single plants and 19 bulksinvolving 136 crosses), low erucic acid (207 singleplants and 8 bulks involving 27 crosses) and doublelow (137 single plants and 3 bulks involving 9 crosses)breeding material from F2 – F7 populations/ progeniesfor further evaluation and advancement. Two hundredsixty eight F1s of the crosses attempted for identificationof good combiners, yield and its attributes, diseases

Low erucic acid mustard var. Pusa Mustard 29 released fornorthen plains

Low erucic acid mustard var. Pusa Mustard 30 released for northwestern and central plains

Pusa Mustard 30 (LES 43). It is a single zero (<2%erucic acid) variety of Indian mustard recommended

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resistance, quality, etc. were also evaluated for 11morphological traits. Likewise 44 BC1s were alsogrown for selections and genetic studies for seedsize, pigmentation, etc.

1.5.1.5 Short duration advance materialOut of 31 genotypes tested in station trial, three

genotypes, viz. MSTE-13-8 [SEJ-8 x RGN-48 (1705 kg/ha in 106 days)], MSTE-13-27 [NPJ-102 x Laxmi (1660kg/ha in 95 days)] and MSTE-12-9 [DHR-991/PA (1616kg/ha in 108 days)] out yielded best short durationcheck variety Pusa Mustard 25 (1458 kg/ha in 108 days).Based on oil content and seed size, two genotypes willbe advanced for testing in the national trials for shortduration B. juncea. All these genotypes were tested forheat tolerance at seedling stage for last two years andshowed high degree of thermo-tolerance.

1.5.1.6 Evaluation of double zero breeding linesSixteen double zero genotypes from advance

generations were raised in replicated trials with fourchecks (low erucic acid and conventional variety) fortheir yield evaluation. Out of these three genotypes viz.,PDZ 1, PDZ 2 and PDZ 3 were found to be promisingand agronomically suitable and P DZ 1 and PDZ 2 thegenotypes were advanced to AICRP Rapeseed Mustardtrials. Another station trial on Double Zero comprisingof 13 Indian mustard genotypes has been constitutedand being evaluated.

1.5.2 Soybean1.5.2.1 Variety released

Pusa Soybean 14 (DS 2614) was released for NCR,Delhi for normal sown irrigated conditions. Its averageseed yield is 2.21 t/ha and seeds are of medium size (9.93g/100 seeds) which contain high oil content (20.26%). Itis resistant to a number of serious diseases of soybeanviz., yellow mosaic virus (YMV), Rhizoctonia arial blight(RAB), and bacterial pustule (BP). The variety has verygood germination and field emergence capacity.

1.5.2.2 Genotype identifiedSoybean genotype DS12-5 was identified for North

Plain Zone during 43rd Annual Group meeting ofsoybean workers at Assam Agriculture University,Jorhat held on May 1-3, 2013.

1.5.2.3 Genotypes in pipelinesOne line, DS 2708 and two lines viz., DS 2706 and

DS 2708 are in final and second year of testing,respectively, besides the three lines in first year oftesting.

1.5.2.4 Evaluation for iron deficiency chlorosisA set of 100 soybean genotypes were tested in

hydroponic solution for tolerance to iron deficiencychlorosis (IDC). Based on visual score and SPAD-score,three genotypes viz., PK 1169, UPSV 27 and EC 439608were identified as IDC tolerant. These genotypes hadvigorous root growth as compared to the sensitivegenotypes. The leaves remained green relatively forlonger period in tested solution. Based on genomesequences, QTL-specific markers were designed andtested in the genotypes. The genotypes can be used asdonor for IDC tolerance in soybean breeding.

1.6 FIBRE CROP1.6.1 Cotton1.6.1.1 Development and evaluation of OPvarieties

Genotype P 2151 was evaluated in advanced trialBr 03(b) in south zone and in Br 04(b) in central zoneunder rainfed conditions. This genotype ranked 2ndin central zone with 21% and 15.3% higher seed cottonyield than zonal check and local checks, respectively.Another genotype P 5430 ranked 1st in national trialBr 02(a) in central zone under irrigated conditions andgave 21.8% and 24.5% higher yield than local and zonalcheck, respectively, under irrigated conditions and waspromoted to Br 03(a). The genotype P 5760 gave highyield and ranked 1st for jassid resistance in north zonein trial Br 03(a) under irrigated conditions. P 131 waspromoted to Br 03(a) in north zone for evaluation underirrigated conditions. The genotypes P 5629 and P 5643were sponsored for evaluation in national trials Br 02(a) under irrigated conditions and in Br 02(b) underrainfed conditions.

A total of 45 promising genotypes were evaluatedin three station trials. The highest yield of 1.76 t/ha wasrecorded in genotype P 5610 followed by P 5615 (1.595t/ha) as against 0.74 t/ha in local check. In another

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preliminary station trial II, 14 genotypes wereevaluated against local check P 8-6. Highest yieldobserved was 1.54 t/ha in P 5633 followed by P 5634(1.45 t/ha) and P 5630 (1.44 t/ha) as compared 1.16 t/hain local check P 8-6.

1.7 SEED SCIENCE ANDTECHNOLOGY1.7.1 Development of Hybrid Seed ProductionTechnology in Wheat

Hybrid seed production study was initiated inthree sets of A x R crosses having better combinationalong with A x B cross. Two sets each of CMS 2019 Ax T 2003R, CMS 2019A x 955R and CMS 2019A x 939Rwere planted in two ratios, i.e., 1:2 and 1:3. Theparental lines and crosses exhibited synchronizedflowering. The flowering, sterility status and pollenproduction was recorded in each combinations.Considerable variation in pollen production in threerestorer lines was recorded; being higher in T2003Rfollowed by 955R and lower in 939R. Higher fertilepollens were recorded in the middle of spike in allthe restorers.

In the CMS line stigma receptivity was recordedup to 5 days. It was recorded that yield may be higherwhen material was planted perpendicular to winddirection. In addition, higher seed yields were recordedin case of 1:2 planting ratio compared to others. Theseed quality of the restorer lines was maintained evenafter one year of storage.

1.7.2 Self–incompatibility and ProtogynySystem in Indian Mustard

In protogynous (Pg) plants, flowers took 10 days toopen and shed floral parts within one or two days afteropening while in non-Pg plants, flowers took 3-4 daysto shed after opening. Different cross combinations, i.e.,PgxGp60 x Pusa Tarak, (Pg x Gp60) x Pusa Mahak, and(Pg x Gp60) x Pusa Bold about 50% plants showedprotogynous flowers in F4 and F5 generations. Pollenfrom flowers of Pg-SI lines and Non-Pg genotypes withdifferential maturity were studied to determine pollenviability, indicated that pollen from flowers of Pg-SI linesexhibited higher viability. Pollens collected from two

and three days old Pg-SI flowers showed successfulfertilization of the ovules and recorded maximumnumber of seeds/pod while seed set in CMS lines underself-pollination was negligible. It was observed thatpollen from 3rd and 4th day old flowers were fullydeveloped and mature and stained brightly and pollenfrom this flowers showed higher seed set compared tothat in others. Pollen from Pg-SI line showed lowviability and in vitro germination in sucrose basedmedium (with and without stigma extracts from Non-Pg flowers). The scanning electron microscopy studiesof pollen grains and stigma of freshly opened Non-Pgand Pg-SI plants showed ultra-structural changes andwas mainly attributed to differences in developmentalstages.

Stigma receptivity of protogynous flower of (PgxGp60) x PusaMahak was validated using both bakers and H2O2 procedure

1.7.3 Improving Planting Value in Field CropsRice. Rice being an albuminous seed, in which,

galactomannan hydrolysing enzymes (β-mannanase,β-mannosidase and α-galactosidase) play an important

25

role in loosening of the tissue surrounding embryo(endosperm) and speed of germination. The effect ofgibberellins (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) on enzymeactivity was studied and it was observed that activitiesof these enzymes were initiated even in the dry seedwhich increased during germination. GA couldpromote the activities of all the three enzymes thatreduced the time taken by the germinating seed toreach the stage of lemma rupture and radicleemergence. On the other hand, ABA had anantagonistic effect on the activities of these enzymesand enhanced the time taken by the germinating seedto reach the stage of radicle emergence. However, nochanges were observed with respect to time taken forlemma rupture, which corroborate that lemma rupturecould be due to expansion of embryonic axis or cellelongation.

In addition, remobilization of non-structuralcarbohydrate (NSC) to developing grain/seed wasrecorded in drought tolerant maize and rice varieties,i.e., maize hybrid Parakash and rice variety Vandana.This has increased 1000-seed weight and harvest indexin maize and higher ³- amalase and protease activitiesduring seed germination in rice.

Maize. Maize seeds were primed with waterimbibitions for 17h at 25oC and dried back to theoriginal moisture content. This was followed by drydressing with Thiram (3g/kg of seed). Field emergencewas tested under sub-optimum temperature duringlate rabi and early spring sowing seasons. This hasimproved field emergence, speed of emergence,early vegetative and root growths and the finalproductivity. Also, this has ensured early induction,i.e., by 2 to 3 days, and synchronized flowering ascompared to non-treated seed. The results of flowcytometric analysis also demonstrate that hydro-priming treatment can influence the cell cycle in theseed. The distribution of nuclei peaks, with DNAcontents expressed as C values, in fully mature seedsdiffered in particular genotypes. In addition, 2Csignals and histograms of certain embryonic cells gavevarious combinations of C values ranging from 2C to8C. For each genotype, the proportion of cells with acertain C value varied.

Also, hydropriming for 30 h accelerated maizeseeds germination and induced changes in the proteinprofiles of maize embryos. Comparative proteomicanalysis identified protein spots which markedlychanged in abundance between the primed and non-primed seeds. Between the hydroprimed and non-primed seeds, only few specific embryo protein spotsfor each genotype exhibited substantial difference inabundance, while the abundances of approximately98% spots were almost the same.

Histograms of flow cytometric analysis of nuclei from embryonicmaize seed portions

Heat maps of proteins arranged in order on levels of theirexpression in both primed and unprimed seeds of maize hybridand its parental lines

Female Line (CM 150)

Prot

ein

Spot

s

Male Line (CM 151) Hybrid (CM 5)

Brassica . In Brassica juncea var. Pusa Vijay, a studywas conducted to identify the molecular markersassociated with seed priming, wide variation inproteomics such as changes in protein accumulationin primed seeds (16 hr soaking followed by drying backto same moisture content) was recorded. This indicatedthat priming response in Brassica seed was exhibitedby the interplay of proteins molecules which may leadto identification of the molecular marker (s).

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Soybean . About 200 genotypes were grown in thefield and characterised for various morphological,physiological and biochemical traits associated withseed storability. Based on the study four genotypes,i.e., DS 12-13, DS-2614, SL-799 and SL-255 wereidentified as good stores. Changes in seed hardinessand volatile aldehydes were identified as convincingindices of soybean seed quality. In addition,recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were maintained in F4generation for the use in association mapping for seedlongevity.

Chickpea. The efficacy of botanicals and bio-agents was evaluated for enhancing the seed qualityof two chickpea varieties, namely, Pusa 5028 (desi)and Pusa 1108 (Kabuli); seeds were treated withthiram @ 2.5 g/kg, Hydration +thiram @ 2.5 g/kg,Cruiser @ 5ml/kg, Kalisena (AN 27) @ 10 g/kg,Ecoderma (Trichoderma harzianum) @ 10 g/kg,Trichoderma viride @ 0.5%, Trichoderma viride @ 0.5%+ Kaolin, turmeric extract @ 2.5 g/kg, garlic extract@ 2.5 g/kg, marigold extract @ 3.0 g/kg, ascorbic acid@ 1000 ppm and magnetic treatment @ 1000 G (2 h.).The results revealed wide variation in the fieldperformance of the both the varieties with respect todifferent seed treatments. A significant increase inseedling length, fresh weight, dry weight and fieldemergence was recorded in seeds treated withTrichoderma strains in desi chickpea. However, thenodulation was highest, followed by garlic extract,turmeric extract and hydration treatments. Though,seeds treated with thiram exhibited higher valuesfor germination, field emergence and vigour index Iin Kabuli chickpea, it was found to inhibit nodule

formation. Maximum fresh and dry weights wererecorded in turmeric extract treated seeds of Kabulichickpea as compared to control. The root analysisof seedlings was done by WinRhizo software forprecise measurements of the root morphologicalparameters (length, surface area and volume), whichindicated that seed treatment with thiram, magneticfield and garlic extract in desi chickpea, andTrichoderma strains, hydration +thiram, turmericextract and ascorbic acid in Kabuli chickpea performedsignificantly better over all other treatments. The seedhealth tests indicated a lower fungal incidence inseeds treated with thiram, turmeric, Ecoderma andgarlic in both types of chickpea. The germinationpattern of seeds treated with botanicals and bio-agentsunder sub-optimal conditions (moisture, salinityand low temperature stress) revealed faster speedof radicle emergence as compared to chemicaltreatments and control.

1.7.4 Molecular Techniques for TestingPurity of Cotton Hybrid Seeds

The off type percent of 0.47, 3.28 and 0.85 in SB(YF) 425 (F), DCH 32 (H), DS 28 (M) and 1.89, 0.60 and2.04 in RAH 101-52 (F), RAHB 87 (H), RAB 5 (M),respectively, in GOT of two interspecific cotton hybridswas observed which was confirmed by six of theidentified SSR markers viz., (BNL 840, BNL169, BNL2544, BNL 2895, BNL 2572 and BNL3441. Thus theseSSR markers can be used for the genetic purity testingof the cotton hybrids as it is accurate, rapid and withoutany influence of environment.

Effect of seed treatment on plant establishment in chickpea

Hybridity testing in cotton hybrid RAHB 87 (left) and DCH32 (right)

1.7.5 Seed Production of Field CropsThe Seed Production Unit (Delhi) and regional

stations of IARI at Karnal, Indore and Pusa producednucleus, breeder and IARI seed of different field cropsduring the year.

TreatedUntreated

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Production of seeds (t)

Crop group Nucleus seed Breeder Seed IARI seed Total seed

Seed production Unit, Delhi

Cereals - 95.454 188.62 284.074

Millet (Pearl Millet) - 0.1518 - 0.1518

Pulses 4.693 1.314 5.609 11.616

Oilseeds - 0.418 6.759 7.177

Regional Station, Karnal

Cereals 2.899 121.846 275.042 399.787

Pulses 0.007 2.737 1.792 4.536

Forages 0.043 0.886 0.5597 1.4887

Oil seeds 0.0086 2.198 1.021 3.2276

Regional Station, Indore

Cereals - 159.9 - 159.9

Regional Station, Pusa

Cereals - 65.615 + 110.864* 19.486 195.965

Pulses - 0.07 5.317 5.387

Green Manure Crop (Dhaincha) - - 0.698 0.698

Total 7.6506 561.4538 504.9037 1,074.0084

* Foundation seed

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2. HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE

Considering the increasing role of horticultural crops in food, health and nutritional security and theircontribution to the economic growth of agriculture sector in India, the School of Horticultural Science was createdin 2013 be reorganizing the School of Crop Improvement, to which the disciplines of horticultural researchbelonged. The focused attention was related to technological innovations in the form of genetic enhancement,efficient production and resource management strategies. A number of improved varieties in different horticulturalcrops having not only yield gains but also with added traits to economize production cost like biotic and orabiotic stress tolerance, enhanced nutraceautical properties and processing attributes were developed. Severalgenotypes were identified in different crops for their possible release at Delhi state levels. Technologies for qualityplanting material and seed production have also been developed.

2.1 VEGETABLE CROPS2.1.1 Cole Crops2.1.1.1 Cauliflower

Variety identified. One snowball type F1 hybrid,KTH-27 was identified by IARI Variety IdentificationCommittee for cultivation in NCR region. This is thefirst CMS based F1 hybrid in cauliflower. The hybridhas self-blanching snow white, very compact curd withaverage weight of 1.52 kg. It is tolerant to black rot(Xanthomonas campestris cv. campestris).

KTH-13-05 (61.5 t/ha), KTH-27 (56.2 t/ha) and KTH-52(55.3 t/ha) were found to be promising both at Delhiand Katrain. High heterosis for ascorbic acid,carotenoids and anthocyanins was recorded in CMSbased F1 hybrids in snowball type cauliflower. Fourgenotypes, namely, Kt-59-2, Palam Kanchan, PusaHimjyoti and Sel-28 were identified for very high anti-oxidant capacities.

Transfer of four male sterile cytoplasms, viz.Trachystomaballii, Diplotaxixcatholica, Diplotaxix-berthauttii and Brassica tournefortii from oilseed Brassicainto nuclear background of snowball cauliflower is inprogress through embryo rescue technique. Thebehavior of these cytoplasms was studied in thebackground of vegetable brassicas and it was found that

Development of new promising material. Out of70 F1 hybrids based on seven CMS (Ogura) linesdeveloped for various horticultural traits, hybrids

Cauliflower lines with Trachystomaballii and Diplotaxiscatholicamale sterile cytoplasms developed through embryo rescue

Snowball cauliflower F1 hybrid, KTH-27

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none of the lines expressed any undesirable deformitiesas in case of Ogura cytoplasm. For introgression of blackrot resistance genes from A and B genomes of brassicasinto C genome (B. oleracea), F1 plants involving crosseswith B. carinata and B. juncea have been developedthrough embryo rescue. These F1 plants are highlyresistant to black rot.

In early group, of the 48 self incompatibility (SI)hybrids and 99 cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) basedhybrids which were evaluated along with 33 hybridsfrom private companies, 16 SI and 14 CMS F1 hybridswere found promising having optimal marketable &curd weight and quality. Of the 29 CMS hybridsevaluated in mid-early group, 6 were promising. Inmid-late group, 29 SI hybrids and 100 CMS hybridswere evaluated of which 15 SI and 24 CMS F1 hybridswere found promising. In resistance breedingprogramme, 20 inbred genotypes and 6 hybrids werescreened and evaluated for resistance against black rotand downy mildew. Hybrid DPCA-AL-215 hadoptimum curd weight and quality with resistance toblack rot and downy mildew diseases.

2.1.1.2 CabbageHybrid identified. Cabbage F1 hybrid, KTCBH-81

has been identified for release during the XXXI GroupMeeting of the AICRP (VC) held at CSKHPKV,Palampur for Zone-I. The hybrid has dark green, 12-14non-wrapping waxy leaves, plant height is 22-25 cm,head is round, very compact and covered with the outerleaf. It matures in 60-65 days after transplanting andhas very good field staying capacity (25-30 days) afterhead formation. It has given an average yield of 43.5

t/ha in multi-location trials. Another CMS based F1hybrid, ‘KTCBH-84’ has been promoted and evaluatedin AVT-I.

Development of new hybrids. Seventy new F1hybrids based on CMS and SI system were evaluated.The hybrids 9A x 83-5-8, 9A × C-9, 9A × AC-208, S-208× C-122, S-681 × AC-208 and S-681 × S-645 were foundpromising. Source of CMS is being diversified bytransferring cytoplasm of Diplotaxiscatholica andTrachystomaballi through Brassica juncea into promisingcabbage lines. BC2 and BC3 plants were produced byemploying the embryo rescue technique. Transfer ofCMS (ogura) through backcrossing programme to 15promising varieties/lines was attempted in BC6 stageafter making selection for superior horticultural andreproductive traits.

Sixteen cabbage hybrids along with Pusa CabbageHybrid-1 and 5 private company hybrids wereevaluated at Katrain. The marketable yield ranged from32.96 (KTCBH-8204) to 81.85 t/ha (KTCBH-851).Hybrids KTCBH-84, KTCBH-121, KTCBH-122,KTCBH-851 and KTCBH-921 were found promisingwith uniform & compact heads and recording 9.97 to61.89% heterosis for marketable yield over PusaCabbage Hybrid-1 and private company hybrids Varun(Advanta), Goodyball-65 (Advanta), Sumitra-92(Advanta) and Kranti (Mahyco), respectively.

2.1.1.3 BroccoliIn broccoli, 35 CMS based experimental hybrids

were evaluated. The hybrids, 34A x B-31, 32A x VCHand 30A x ASH were found promising for yield. A kalevariety KTK-64 has been advanced and evaluated inAVT-II under the AICRP (VC) trials. It has given thehighest leaf yield of 46.0 t/ha at the station. KTK-64had highest contents of CUPRAC activity, phenols,anthocyanin, ascorbic acid, chlorophylls andcarotenoids (lycopene, β-carotene) when compared todifferent cabbage and knol khol varieties.

2.1.2 Cucurbitaceous Crops2.1.2.1 Ash gourd

Varieties identified. Ash gourd var. Pusa Urmani(DAGH-16) is identified for kharif season cultivationin Zones VI (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Delhi)Cabbage F1 hybrid, KTCBH-81

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and VIII (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala). Its vinesare medium long (7.5 m). Fruits are oblong ellipsoidwith greenish-white rind and white flesh. Average fruitweight is 10.0 kg and average fruit number is 4.6 perplant. The average fruit yield is 41.1 t/ha from ZonesVI & VIII.

Another ash gourd var. Pusa Shreyali (DAGH-14)is also identified for cultivation in Zone IV (Punjab,UP, Bihar and Jharkhand). Its vines are medium long(7.0 m). Fruits are oval in shape with white rind andwhite flesh. Average fruit weight is 9.0 kg and averagefruit number is 4.1 per plant. Average fruit yield is 47.0t/ha. It is ideal for easy packing and long distancetransportation.

2.1.2.2 Bitter gourdVariety identified. Bitter gourd variety Pusa

Aushadhi (Sel-1) developed as a selection from thebackcrossed population with a gynoecious inbredline developed as the recurrent parent and PusaDomausmi as the donor, was identified for cultivationin Zones VI (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Delhi).It has higher female: male ratio (3:1) compared tocommercial variety, Pusa Domausami (1:9). Its fruitsare light green, medium long and medium thick with7-8 continuous narrow ridges. Fruits mature in 48-52days, average fruit weight 85 g with an average yieldof 12.8 t/ha.

Development of new genetic materials. Onegynoecious line (PVGy-201) in the back ground of Pusa

Vishesh was licensed as DBGy-201 to Ankur Seeds,Nagpur (M.H.) through ZTM&BPD Unit of theInstitute. A new gynoecious line PDMGy-201 in thebackground of Pusa Domausami was also developedand maintained.

Hybrid seed production. Pusa Hybrid 1 and 2delivered good results when hand pollination (once/flower) was followed by exhibiting maximum fruitsetting though the stigma receptivity varied during twodifferent seasons of cultivation. It was up to one day insummer and more than one day in kharif. In addition,stigma receptivity was recorded highest between 8 and10 a.m. and decreased thereafter. Thus based on twoyears data hybrid seed production technology in nethouse was up-scaled, validated and demonstrated.

Pusa Urmani

Differential staining patterns of stigma of bittergourd flower at8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 noon (left to right, first row), 2 p.m., 4 p.m.,6 p.m. (left to right in second row)

2.1.2.3 CucumberVariety released. The cucumber variety Pusa

Barkha, an early and high yielding variety withdesirable marketable attributes, was released by DelhiState Seed Sub-committee, Government of NCT, Delhi.

Promising genotypes. During spring-summerseason of 2013, DC-54 and DC-78 yielded 17.6 and 16.9t/ha showing an increase of 12.8 and 8.4% over checkPusa Uday (15.76 t/ha, respectively). Tropicalgynoecious lines DGC-3, DGC-102 and DGC-103showed stable performance at higher temperatureunder net house. During kharif season, selections DC-70, DC-77 and DC-83 showed highly tolerant diseasereaction to downy mildew, besides having high yieldand other desirable horticultural traits. Theparthenocarpic lines, namely, Sel. DPaC-6, DPaC-9 andDPaC-10, predominantly, gynoecious line DC-128 andgherkin lines DG-5, DG-8 and DG-11 were found verypromising. During spring-summer season of 2013, out

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of 28 F1 hybrids evaluated, DCH-6, DCH-9 andDGCH-15 yielded 20.2, 20.8 and 21.3 t/ha, whichwere 18.8, 22.3 and 25.3% higher than the check PantSankar Khira-1 (17.0 t/ha), respectively. During kharifseason, out of 19 F1 hybrids evaluated DCH-16 (20.8t/ha) and DCH-19 (19.6 t/ha) were found promisingwith high yield and tolerant to downy mildewdisease.

2.1.2.4 LuffaThree sponge gourd selections DSG-43 (14.5 t/ha),

DSG-48 (14.1 t/ha) and DSG-104 (13.5 t/ha) were foundto be promising and showed an increase of 17.9, 14.6and 9.7%, respectively over check Pusa Sneha (12.3 t/ha). Sponge gourd F1 hybrids DSGH-3 (15.8 t/ha) andDSGH-9 (16.2 t/ha) were found to be very promisingand showed an increase of 28.4 and 31.7% yield,respectively over check Pusa Sneha (12.3 t/ha). Ridgegourd selection DRG-74 and F1 hybrid DRGH-4 werefound promising with an average yield of 16.8 and 18.7t/ha, respectively.

2.1.2.5 PumpkinNew pumpkin genotypes were generated

among which, three selections DPU-48, DPU-12 andDPU-37 significantly yielded better withproductivity of 45.2, 42.6 and 40.2 t/ha with anincrease of 32.32, 24.71 and 17.68 % over check PusaVishwas (34.16 t/ha), respectively. These potentialseletions will be further evaluated for consistencyof performance.

2.1.2.6 MuskmelonIn muskmelon, superior genotypes with respect

to yield and fruit quality attributes were selectedas DM-154 (21.2 t/ha), DM-159 (20.9 t/ha) andDM157 (20.6 t/ha). Four hybrids, namely, DMH-3,DMH-5, DMH-9 and DMH-12 were foundpromising for yield and quality traits. Selections,DMM-148 and DMM-151 were identified asFusarium wilt tolerant. Selections DSM-11-2 andDSM-12-4 were selected from snap melon lines assource of resistance against Fusarium wilt. Theinheritance for resistance to Fusarium wilt studiedin cross between DSM-11-2 and Hara Madhu underfield conditions was found to be governed by singledominant gene.

2.1.2.7 Other cucurbitsThe performance of summer squash selection

DS-8 (Pusa Pasand) was presented before IARIvariety identification committee for recommendationto SVRC. Long melon selections DLM-27, DLM-34and DLM-8 yielded 29.34, 26.19 and 24.84 t/ha,showing an increase of 62.19, 44.78 and 37.31 % overcheck Punjab Long melon (18.09 t/ha), respectively.Round melon selections DRM-26 and DRM-44yielded 6.91 and 6.67 t/ha, showing an increase of57.04 and 51.59% over check Punjab Tinda (4.40 t/ha),respectively.

2.1.3 Solanaceous Crops2.1.3.1 Brinjal

Sel. DBR-190 (round, green fruited) and DBSR-195were found promising with yield of 41.6 and 34.8 t/ha,respectively. Among 35 F1 hybrids evaluated, DBHL-211 (purple long), DBHR-49 (purple round), DBHR-38(purple round) and DBHL-155 (white oblong) withyield potential of 53.3, 54.8, 51.5 and 50.4 t/ha,respectively were found promising.

Diagnostic molecular markers for testing hybridpurity. The codominant microsatellite markersspecific to a parental combination involved in thehybrid development were identified for testing thepurity of brinjal hybrids (PH- 5, PH- 6, PH -9, DBHL- 20,Kashi Sandesh and Kashi Komal) for unambiguousdetection of the hybrid and detection of level of purityin the hybrid seed. Six markers for PH 5, 4 for PH 9, 2for DBHL 20 and 10 for Kashi Komal were validatedfor their utility as diagnostic markers for the particularhybrids.

2.1.3.2 TomatoNinety six genotypes (46 F1s and 50 lines/

varieties) were evaluated for heat tolerance underopen field condition during summer 2013. SeveralF1 crosses involving Pusa Sadabahar as one parentwere found tolerant to heat stress (night temperature26-29oC and day temperature 35-40oC. Two crosses,namely PSH x PS and PR x PS have been selected forheat stress. Temperature ranged from 35-40oC duringday and 26-29oC during night at flowering and fruitsetting. Three early genotypes, namely, EC 717586,

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EC 717587 and EC 717589 of Solanum pimpenellifoliumwere found to be early fruiting under low temperatureconditions.

Tomato genotypes TH 348-9, TH 348-11, TH 348-16, TH 348-17, TH 348-25, TH 348-3-7, TH 348-4-1 andTH 348-4-5 were identified as moderately tolerant(<25%), while EC 687094 was highly tolerant (<5%) toToLCNDV. Among AICRP (VC) entries, Tomato/ToLCV/ Hyb/ Res6 was found to be tolerant (<20%)against tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV). Five breedinglines carrying Ty genes obtained from AVRDC,Taiwan, namely, EC 687094, EC 687095, EC 687096,EC 687097 and EC 687098 were screened for ToLCV(during July to December, 2013) of which the lineEC687094 was found to be highly tolerant (<5%) andwas used for transferring Ty1, 2 and 3 genes in thevariety Pusa Rohini.

Solanum habrochaites genotype LA 1777 wasidentified as source of resistance for tomato leaf curlNew Delhi Virus (ToLCNDV) and utilized fordevelopment of new inter-specific hybrids with PusaRohini and Pusa 120. These crosses have been furtheradvanced for development of backcross population.The tomato genotype EC 687094 was found to behighly tolerant under field conditions during kharifseason and used for crossing with Pusa Rohini.Selection from S. pimpinellifolium (EC 521083-7-4) wasidentified for high lycopene content (21.7 mg/100 g)and was used for transfer of this trait in cultivatedvarieties. F2 population of inter-specific cross withPusa Rohini is being evaluated using single seeddecent method. Screening of smaller population ofF2 and BC1 of inter-specific cross between LA 1777and Pusa 120 showed the possibility of resistanceagainst leaf curl virus due to presence of trichomeson the plants, which interferes with white flies.Segregating population for resistance to ToLCNDVwas characterized phenotypically during summer(March-June) 2013 and 15 genotypes were identifiedas resistant. Their progenies were evaluated duringkharif (Aug-Jan) and three of them recorded lessthan 20% infection which was considered resistant,while 8 showed moderate resistance and 4 weresegregating.

2.1.3.3 ChilliCytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines along with

their maintainers have been collected which are nowunder seed multiplication stage. F1 crosses have beendeveloped involving one of the lines showing toleranceto LCV (reported from earlier experiments) and 10other parents with good fruit characters but showingextreme susceptibility to LCV. Evaluation of indigenouslines for yield and yield related parameters as well asresponse to LCV attack and low temperature stress isunder progress. The three trials (IET, AVT I and AVTII) each of variety and hybrids of AICRP wereundertaken.

2.1.3.4 CapsicumIn capsicum and paprika, a total of 55 lines were

evaluated, maintained and purified for importanthorticultural traits. The genotypes KTC-131 (19.66 t/ha),KTC-141 (18.75 t/ha) and KTC-132 (18.15 t/ha) werefound promising. In paprika, genotypes KTP-141 (20.43t/ha) and KTP-131 (18.84 t/ha) were ranked first andsecond for fruit yield/ha. Genotype KTP-141 had20.46% more β-carotene and 25.48% ascorbic acidcontents than commercially grown variety KTPL-19.Out of 25 hybrids evaluated, three namely, KTCH-141(28.56 t/ha), KTCH-142(27.75 t/ha) and KTCH-1(26.65 t/ha) were found to be outperforming KT-I foryield and its contributing traits. These cross combi-nations also possess desirable parameters, i.e. mediumsize, green and bell shape fruits.

2.1.4 Root and Bulbous Crops2.1.4.1 Carrot

Hybrid released. Hybrid Pusa Vasuda, the firstpublic sector tropical carrot with high carotenoidslycopene and TSS, was released by Delhi State SeedSub-committee.

New genetic material developed. Among the 28inbreds evaluated for heat tolerance, IPC 7-2-4 BPP-8(260 g), IPC-98a-15 BPP2 (200 g) and IPC-35 BPP3 (200 g)are some promising inbreds with good root weight.Nineteen hybrids evaluated under heat stressconditions. The promising hybrids with good rootweight under stress were IPC-7 x IPC-25 Red, HT-2 x25 Red and HT-2 x 85 Red with 200 g each.

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Fifty seven inbreds were evaluated and some ofthe potential inbreds with good root weight identifiedwere IPC-123 Red (310 g), IPC-34 Red BPP6 (250 g) andIPC 4 Red BPP1 (320 g). Among 124 hybrids, IPC- 53 xIPC- 13 Red (285 g), IPC- 11 x IPC- 116 P11 (290 g),IPC- 11 x IPC- 123 pl-7 (275 g) and IPC- 126-6 x IPC-16Red (300 g) were promising. Eight CMS lines were alsoevaluated, among which IPC-53a-16-8-4 x IPC- 53a-8pl-6 (300 g), IPC- 7-3-7 x IPC - 7-2-2 pl-14 (210 g) andIPC- 11 Orange-7-6 x IPC- 11 orange -3 p-1 pl-2 (230 g)were found most promising. CMS system wasestablished in 11 promising genetic backgrounds,maintained and 7 CMS lines are being exploited forhybrid development.

At Regional Station, Katrain, 67 experimentalhybrids were developed by using eight CMS (A) andnine pollinator (C) lines. These hybrids were evaluatedfor yield and desirable horticultural traits along withthe hybrid Pusa Nayanjyoti as check during rabi 2013.The hybrid KTCH-813 gave the highest marketableyield (22.09 t/ha) followed by KTCH 861-9 (21.62 t/ha)and KTCH-1020 (21.56 t/ha) with yield increase of 32.8,30.0 and 29.6% respectively over that of the hybrid PusaNayanjyoti (16.63 t/ha). The hybrid KTCH-1020 hasbeen consistently performing well for last four years.Thirty two hybrids and 10 CMS lines were evaluatedfor various quality related traits. Hybrids KTCH-7xNKand KTCH x NK recorded the highest contents ofCUPRAC (4.816 and 4.17 µmoltrolox, respectively),FRAP (3.536 and 3.596 µ g moltrolox, respectively)and anthocyanins (0.645 and 0.534 mg/100 mg,respectively).

2.1.4.2 RadishVarieties released. Radish varieties Pusa Jamuni, a

purple fleshed unique trait nutritionally rich and PusaGulabi, entire pink fleshed unique trait variety havinghigh carotenoides and enthocyanins, were released byDelhi State Seed Sub-committee.

2.1.4.3 OnionVariety released. Onion varieties Pusa Riddhi, a

pungent and rich in antioxidant variety suitable forkharif & rabi seasons, and Pusa Soumya, a bunchingtype onion variety suitable for round the year production,were released by Delhi State Seed Sub-committee.

New genetic material developed. In rabi seasononion, bulbs were harvested in the month of Mayand Sel. 153-1(33.39 t/ha) (AVT-I stage), Sel. 157(30.51 t/ha) and Sel. 106 (26.92 t/ha) were foundsuperior. Short day CMS based hybrid combi-nations, Sel. 121 (A) × Sel. 157 (45.45 t/ha), Sel. 121(A) × Sel. 131 (42.86 t/ha) and Sel. 121 (A) × Sel. 102(37.50 t/ha) were found superior. In kharif onion,bulbs were harvested in the month of December andSel-131 (22.38 t/ha), Sel-106 (19.52 t/ha) and EG(20.2.4 t/ha) were found promising with respect toyield attributes. During rabi season, trials involving33 open-pollinated onion varieties, 18 hybrids and14 garlic entries were undertaken under All IndiaNetworking.

2.1.5 Leguminous Crops2.1.5.1 Garden pea

Variety identified. Pusa Shree (GP-17) is an extra-early Fusarium wilt resistant garden pea variety. It isalso tolerant to high temperature stress prevalent innorth Indian plains at the time of early sowing, i.e. lateSept to early October. Pods become ready for firstharvest in 48-52 days after sowing in early October,which is 8-10 days earlier than Arkel. The pods are darkgreen in colour with 6-7 seeds/pod. Average pod yieldis 5.2 t/ha during early sowing in October incomparison to 2.4 t/ha of Arkel.

An extra-early Fusarium wilt resistant garden pea var. Pusa Shree

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New genetic material developed. Bulkedgenotypes, GP 904, GP 912 (early maturity) and GP 909,GP 915 and GP 916 (medium maturity) were foundpromising & highly resistant to powdery mildew.While, GP 1101 and GP 1102 were bulked as new earlylines. Two snap pea lines GPE-1 (medium sized), GPE-4 (long and bold) and GPE-3 (snow pea) were foundpromising for fresh consumption and also recorded ashighly resistant to powdery mildew. A total of 75 linesincluding 35 genotypes and 40 F2 (s) were sown in firstweek of October for screening against Fusarium in wiltsick plot. Based on screening in Fusarium wilt sickplot, GP-17, GP-6, GP-55, GP 48, EC 677211, 212, 213,EC 598540, GP 904 and 3 F2 populations showedresistance to wilt. Highly resistant genotypes identifiedwere GP-6, GP-473, VP-233, GP 901, GP 902, GP 904,GP 906, GP 909, GP 910, GP 911, GP 912, GP 915, GPE1, GPE 3 and GPE 4.

2.1.5.2 Other legumesVariety released. Pusa Udit, a dual purpose broad

bean variety suitable for packing and transport, wasreleased by the Delhi State Seed Sub-committee.

New genetic material developed. Nine dolichoslines were selected, viz., DB-7 (dark green with purplesutures), DB-10 (long white straight pod), DB-14 (pinkmedium) and DB- 15 (Pink long), DB-3 (long green podwith purple suture), DB-5 (purple-red pod), DB-12(light green), DB-9 (long green straight pod). A newdwarf line, DB Sel-1 having purple colour stem, flowerand pods was selected from bush type Arka Jay (greenplant and pod). In cow pea, CP 5, CP 11 (Pole types)and CP 55, CP 56 and Pusa Sukomal (Dwarf types) wereidentified as promising lines. Besides, CGMV resistanceCP 5, CP 11 (Pole types) and CP 55, CP 56 and PusaSukomal were also identified.

2.1.6 Malvaceous Crop2.1.6.1 Okra

Out of 62 lines (parental and advance line)evaluated for yield, fruit quality and YVMV resistance,DOV-66 and DOV-12 recorded yield of 18.5 and 17 t/hayield, respectively. DOV 66 and DOV-12 were 100% freefrom YVMV, whereas Pusa Sawani (SC) and ArkaAnamika (RC) recorded 100 and 90% YVMV incidence,

respectively after 90 days of sowing. Ten new selections,namely, DOV-26, DOV-27, DOV-29, DOV-62 and DOV-64 having dark green fruits, high yields with moderateto high resistance to YVMV disease under fieldconditions, were identified for further purification andmultiplication. A total of 28 F1 cross combinations wereevaluated and two F1 combinations, namely DOVH-1and DOVH-2 were selected for earliness in 50%flowering (39 days), dark green fruits with heavy fruiting(yielded 20 and 21 t/ha) and moderate resistance toYVMV. Wild okra, namely A. tetraphyllus, A. moschatusand A. caillei have been crossed with Pusa A-4 and willbe evaluated in kharif season.

2.1.7 Leafy VegetablesTwenty three amaranth genotypes were evaluated

for leaf yield and quality traits. Pusa Lalchaulai, Co-1and Co-3 were found better in yield and nutritionalquality. Pusa Lalchaulai recorded 50 t/ha yield and highlevel of antioxidant (18.8 μ moltrolax/g CUPRACmethod) and phenols (1,110 μg GAE/g). In spinach, outof 8 genotypes, Palak Sel-GS was found high yieldinglate bolter 80 days after sowing. In chenopodium, outof 20 genotypes evaluated, Bathua Sel-2 and BathuaSel-3 recorded higher leaf yields of 350 and 378 q/ha,respectively with dark green leaves and late boltinghabit. These selections have multi-cut quality and yieldpotential higher than Pusa Bathua-1.

In addition, growth regulators, i.e., GA3, NAA,Ethrel and Cycocel were studied for their effectivenessin increasing the number of female flowers, fruitssetting and fruit quality attributes, foliar applicationof GA3 @ 50 ppm and NAA @ 100 ppm was foundeffective to increase number of pistillate flowers andfruit length significantly.

2.2 FRUIT CROPS2.2.1 Mango2.2.1.1 Evaluation of mango hybrids

Forty eight mango hybrids resulting from differentcross combinations were evaluated for differentphysico-chemical parameters. Out these, fruits of 15hybrids namely, H-1-5, H-2-14, H-1-8, H-5-7, H-3-7, H-13-1, H-3-6, H-3-9, H-1-1, H-4-9, H-10-9, H-12-5, H-2-14,

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H-8-11 and H-11-2 weighed more than 200 g. Hybrid-11-2 registered the maximum weight (353.93 g) followedby H-8-11 (319.86 g). Pulp quantity was maximum inH-1-5 (71.21%) followed by H-5-14 (71.09%), H-1-8(70.98%) and H-11-2 (70.68%). Similarly, the pulp: stoneratio ranged between 1.89 (H-12-7) to 8.06 (H-11-2).Among the hybrids, H-11-2 had the maximum redpigmentation on the fruit surface along the length.

2.2.1.2 Identification of a superior open-pollinated Amrapali seedling

An open-pollinated seedling of Amrapali (Sel. 1)was evaluated and found to have average fruit weightof 242.11g better than Amrapali. Fruits werecomparable with Amrapali on different physico-chemical parameters.

2.2.1.3 Transcript sequence analyses in mangohybrid Amrapali

The next generation sequencing run for WTA wasperformed on IlluminaMiSeq platform with 2 x 250reads chemistry. The raw data of fruit, malformedflower and leaf samples (all Amrapali) was used forbioinformatics analysis. Approximately ~4.3 Gb, ~2.6Gb, and ~2.1 Gb high-quality reads were used for de-novo assembly for fruit, malformed flower and leafsamples, respectively. From the CLC GenomicsWorkbench assembler we obtained 67,355 transcriptcontigs encoding for fruit sample, 53,509 transcript

Heat-map showing highly up and down regulated genes betweenfruit and malformed flower in Amrapali mango

Promising new mango hybrid H-1-5 (top left), H-8-11 (top right),H-2-14 (bottom left) and H-11-2 (bottom right)

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contigs encoding for malformed flower sample and47,935 transcript contigs encoding for leaf samples, andthen CDS prediction was carried out for all these threesamples. The predicted CDS for all the samples wereannotated against the green plant database using blastxprogram, resulting in the annotation of 46,865 and40,996 and 43,771 CDS with e-value 1e-5 for fruit,malformed flower and leaf, respectively.

The distribution of transcript contigs had co-linearity with their length (upto 999 bp), whereas after1000 bpcontig length the co-linearity of transcript contigshad variation in all the three samples. The annotatedCDS of fruit and malformed flower samples were shownwith maximum similarity with Theobroma cacao. Theannotated CDS of leaf sample were shown significantsimilarity with Citrus clementina. GO assignments wereused to classify the functions of the predicted CDS. Thetranscription factor was found to have maximumsimilarity with C3H transcription factor family. In

conclusion we found that all the three samplessequenced were having maximum similarity with C3Htranscription factor family, indicating their functionalsimilarity apart from the variation in data generation.

The differential gene expression studies werecarried out for Amrapali fruit vs. malformed flower,fruit vs. leaf and malformed flower vs. leaf samples,based on Log2 fold change value and p-value (<0.05).Based on the abo parameters we obtained 2,326, 1,854and 1,327 up-regulated CDS encoding for fruit vs.malformed flower, fruit vs. leaf and malformed flowervs. leaf samples respectively. We also obtained 5,327,1,952 and 2,547 down-regulated CDS encoding forAmrapali fruit vs. malformed flower, fruit vs. Amrapalileaf and malformed flower vs. leaf samples respectivelyfrom the differential gene expression analysis.

2.2.2 Citrus2.2.2.1 Identification of new sweet orange varieties

Pusa Sharad has uniform bigger sized fruits (227.6 g)and higher juice content (50.12%). The plants aremoderately-vigorous. Yield is about 2.6-times higherthan popular variety Jaffa and 1.8-times than Valencia.It also has high TSS content (9.20%) and freedom fromcitrus granulation. Pusa Round has uniform biggersized fruits (268.7 g) and higher juice content (48.26%).Yield is about 3.5-fold higher than Jaffa and 2.4-foldhigher than Valencia (popular varieties). It also has highTSS content (10.14%).Top blast hit species distribution for Amrapali fruit

Range of transcript contigs Amrapali fruit Malformed flower Amrapali leaf

200d” transcript contigs d” 299 12532 9963 9374300d” transcript contigs d” 399 8587 6228 10206400d” transcript contigs d” 499 7609 5899 5741500d” transcript contigs d” 599 6185 4580 4139600d” transcript contigs d” 699 4749 3720 3710700d” transcript contigs d” 799 3698 2969 3286800d” transcript contigs d” 899 2992 2375 2851900d” transcript contigs d” 999 2537 1998 22601000d” transcript contigs d” 1499 8895 7442 49541500d” transcript contigs d” 1999 4887 4277 10062000d” transcript contigs d” 2499 2347 2022 2522500d” transcript contigs d” 2999 1001 893 963000d” transcript contigs 1336 1143 60

Distribution of transcript contigs in Amrapali mango according their length

11671215

1331

Theobroma cacao

Vitis viniferaPopulus trichocarpa

Ricinus communis

Prunus persicaCocumis sativus

Glycine max

Fragaria vesca Sub sp.Others

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2.2.2.2 Collection of low-seeded Kinnow cloneClonal selection No. 12EEA1/4 collected from Sri

Ganganagar (Rajasthan) came in to maiden bearingwith few seeds (<10) per fruit as compared to Kinnowmother plant (25-35 per fruit). The fruits had betterphysico-chemical traits including high TSS (13.10°Brix)and high juice recovery (48%).

collections, the fruit weight varied from 27.6 g (ALC-103) to 48.7 g (ALC-107), while juice recovery rangedfrom 26.0% (ALC-108) to 48.8% (ALC-96). Allcollections had acidity more than 5.5%; however,maximum was recorded in ALC-108 (6.91%) andminimum in ALC-102. TSS ranged from 6.5°Brix (ALC-105) to 8.26°Brix (ALC-86). Similarly, nine clonal acidlime collections were evaluated against KonkanSeedless as check variety. The average fruit weightvaried from 23.3 g (ALC-11) to 49.8 g (ALC-2).However, juice recovery was found to be the highestin ALC-40 (64.5%) followed by ALC-13 (56.6%), ALC-17 (54.1%) and ALC-24 (53.2%). The ascorbic acidcontent was recorded highest in ALC-21 (61.2 mg/100ml juice). Selection ALC-2 had the maximum numberof fruits/tree (500) followed by ALC-24 (180.0) andKonkan Seedless (150.0).

2.2.2.5 Performance of grapefruit cultivarsSeven grapefruit cultivars, namely, Marsh Seedless,

Red Blush, Imperial, Foster, Duncan, Star Ruby andRuby Red and five variants were evaluated for theirgrowth behaviour, yield and quality parameters. Themaximum plant height was found in GS-2 (3.95 m),whereas the highest canopy volume was recorded inGS-1 (333.2 m3). The yield was observed highest in StarRuby (0.40 kg cm-2 TCSA) and lowest in GS-3 (0.06 kgcm-2 TCSA). Fruit weight was recorded maximum inStar Ruby (530.8 g) and lowest in Redblush (304.1 g).Juice recovery was found maximum in GS-5 (62.0%)which was non-significant with Marsh SL, Redblush,Ruby Red, GS-1, GS-2, GS-3, GS-5 and GS-6. Star Rubyhad the maximum seeds/ fruit (48.3). Marsh Seedlesshad the lowest acidity (0.94%), while TSS was highestin Ruby Red (9.17°B).

2.2.2.6 Effect of Nitrogen Sources and NitrificationInhibitors on Kinnow

Application of ammonium sulphate along withnitrification inhibitor (dicyandiamide @ 5% was foundeffective to retains NH4-N (44.1 mg kg-1 soil) as comparedto control (12.3 mg kg-1 soil) and ammonium sulphateapplied alone (30.9 mg kg-1 soil). It also improved theleaf chlorophyll content (3.35 mg g-1 FW) andphotosynthetic rate (5.06 µmol m-2s-1). It had significantlyincreased microbial biomass in the rhizosphere.

Fruits of the Kinnow clonal Sel. No. 12EEA1/4

2.2.2.3 Evaluation of Tangerine cultivarsTangerine cultivars Dancy, Murcott and Itaborai

entered into bloom after three years of planting. Theindividual fruit weight was recorded maximum inMurcott (211.6 g) with higher juice content (58.9%).Further, seed content was found lowest in Itaborai (9.7seeds/fruit) as compared to >20 seeds per fruit inKinnow. The TSS was higher in Dancy (11.43°Brix).

2.2.2.4 Clonal selection in summer bearing acid limesFifteen acid lime collections were brought from

Fatehpur and Varanasi districts of Uttar Pradesh; andGwalior district of Madhya Pradesh to find out theirsuitability for summer season bearing. In these

Promising new sweet orange vars. Pusa Round (left) and PusaSharad (right)

38

2.2.2.7 Effect of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungiand helper bacteria in lemon

In Kagzikalan lemon, application of Glomusin-traradices + Azotobacter+ PSB was found effective toimprove yield (7.39 kg/tree), mycorrhizal rootcolonization (40%), fruit weight (94.3 g), juice recovery(64.63%), acidity (4.62%) and vitamin C content (75.06mg/100 ml of juice). Control plants recorded fruitweight of 90.5 g with low juice content (58.5%).

2.2.3 Grape2.2.3.1 Varieties identified

Pusa Aditi - a hybrid between ‘Banqui Abyad’ x‘Perlette’. It is early maturing (1st week of June),seedless having large round berry (2.7 g), yellowish-green in colour, firm pulp with good TSS (19.3°Brix). Itis tolerant to anthracnose and powdery mildew. Grapebunches and berries are GA3 responsive. The fruits aregood for table purpose and juice making. Pusa Trisharis a three way cross hybrid (‘Hur’ x ‘Bharat Early’) x‘Beauty Seedless’. It is moderately tolerant toanthracnose and powdery mildew. It matures by 10th

June under Delhi conditions. Berries are round (2.15 g),yellowish-green in colour, with good TSS (18.4°Brix)and firm pulp. The bunches and berries are GA3

responsive. The fruits are good for table use and juicemaking.

2.2.3.2 Promising extra-early maturing grapehybrids

Four hybrids were found extra-early in maturity(harvest in last week of May). The most promisinghybrid was R2P36 (PoC x BS) having high TSS(22.2°Brix), large bunch size (355 g), high juice recovery(71.2%), black in colour and seedless. The yield perplant was 6.5 kg on head system of training.

2.2.3.3 Screening of grape germplasm for anthracnoseForty five diverse grape genotypes including

rootstock, wine making and table purpose werescreened for their field reaction to anthracnose disease.Disease severity index (DSI) calculated during the peakdisease incidence, i.e. 1st week of September showedthat Dog Ridge, Male hybrid and H-144 were extremelyresistant (DSI = <5.0); St. George, SO4, and 110-R ashighly resistant; Salt Creek, Pusa Navrang and BlackPrince as resistant; Sauvignon, Ugni Blanc andCentennial Seedless as susceptible; Anab-e-Shahi,Fakri, Kishmish Beli and Cardinal as highly susceptible,while Hur, Hybrid 70-56, Perlette and Alumwick wereextremely susceptible (DSI = >85.0). The concentrationsof total phenols and proline were higher in resistantgenotypes with increase in activities of defence relatedenzymes like peroxidase (POX), polyphenol oxidase(POD), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), andmalondialdehyde (MDA) content upon diseaseinfection. The genotypes, Black Prince, Pusa Navrang,Chardonnay, Merlot, Tempranillo and Chenin Blancwere identified as good donor parents.

2.2.3.4 Grape berry quality improvement throughGA3 application

Gibberellic acid (GA3) at 60 ppm when applied at50% bloom and fruit set was found most effective inincreasing bunch length and weight, berry length andweight, and seedlessness in grape genotypes, viz., Pusa

New grape hybrid identified: Pusa Trishar (top left), Pusa Aditi(top right) and ER-R2P36 (bottom)

39

Aditi, Pusa Trishar, Pusa Urvashi, Pusa Seedless,Perlette and Beauty Seedless. In bunches treated withGA3, the maximum firmness was recorded in PusaAditi (0.85 N) as compared to Perlette (0.63 N). Theberry elongation was mostprominent in Pusa Aditi,Pusa Trishar and Pusa Urvashi.

2.2.4 Papaya2.2.4.1 Screening of papaya germplasm

Twenty genotype(s)/varieties were evaluated fordwarfness, early fruiting, fruit maturity and otherdesirable traits. The earliest flowering, fruit set, fruitmaturity and ripening were observed in ‘Goa-1’followed by ‘Tripura Local’ and ‘Pusa Nanha’. Theminimum plant height was recorded in ‘Goa-1’followed by ‘Pusa Nanha’ and ‘Pusa Dwarf’. Themaximum fruiting zone was recorded in ‘P-7-9’ (129cm) followed by ‘P-7-15’ (122 cm); whereas it was lowestin Pusa Nanha (78 cm). The total soluble solids werefound maximum in ‘P-7-9’ (12.0°Brix) followed by P-7-2(11.7°Brix) and Red Lady (11.7°Brix). The maximumfruit yield was recorded in ‘P-7-9’ (51.2 kg/plant)followed by RCTP-1 and TGP-7 (49.2 kg/ plant), Psl-3(45.0 kg/plant), P-7-2 (44.5 kg/plant), Sinta (39.8 kg/plant) and Pusa Nanha (32.5kg/plant). The P-7-2, P-7-9and Sinta were least affected with low winter seasontemperatures.

was in P-7-9 followed by P-7-15 (122 cm). The fruitmaturity was recorded earliest (129 days) in P-7-15followed by Goa-1 (132 days), P-7-9 (141 days). Thetotal soluble solids were maximum in P-7-15 (12.2°Brix)followed by P 7-9 (11.8°Brix) P-7-2 (11.5°Brix), Goa-1(11.4°Brix) and Goa-2 (11.0°Brix). The most ideal fruitweight was recorded in P-7-2 (915 g) followed by Goa-1(1050 g) and P-7-15 (1110 g). The maximum fruit yieldper plant was recorded in Goa-1 (52.4 kg) followed byP-7-2 (48.5 kg), P-7-9 (48.2 kg), P-7-15 (46.5 kg) and Goa-2(43.5 kg).

Twenty four new papaya germplasm lines wereevaluated at IARI Regional Station, Samastipur forphenotypic and genotypic variations using morpholo-gical and molecular markers. Maximum fruit yield/plant was observed in PS-3 (63.7 kg), followed by PSR(61.1 kg) and PN 13-87 (59.8 kg), while the lowest wasobserved in Farm Selection H (5.4 kg). Maximum fruitweight was 2.0 kg in PS-2, followed by 1.7 kg in PS-1and 1.7 kg in PS-3, while minimum was 0.50 kg in FarmSelection. Flesh thickness was highest in PS-2 (3.7 cm),followed by PS-1 (3.6 cm), while minimum wasobserved in Pusa Majesty (2.5 cm). The highest TSS wasobtained in PM 13-67 (15.0oB), followed by PL Gandak(14.0oB) and PL 13-96 (13.5oB), while the lowest wasobtained in PSR 1-11 (7.4oB). Flesh colour varied fromyellow to orange to pinkish.

Use of RAPD and ISSR markers showedpolymorphism (84.32 and 84.67%, respectively).Jaccard’s genetic similarity value of RAPD and ISSR wasfound in the range of 0.30-0.99 (average 0.65) and 0.26-0.95 (average 0.61), respectively suggesting moderatelevel of genetic diversity within the papaya group. Sevenof the 15 RAPD primers and five of the 11 ISSR primerswere also able to generate cultivar specific amplicons,which may be used for identi-fication of germplasm. Adendrogram generated based on UPGMA separated allthe selections into four main clusters in which fivegenotypes PL 13-96, PN 13-87, Farm Selection, PLGandak and CO-7 were found superior from the rest ofthe papaya germplasm. Similarity between Pusa Dwarf,Pusa Nanha, Pusa Delicious and Pusa Majesty furtherconfirmed the importance of these markers fordistinguishing these papaya cultivars.

The five promising gynodioecious lines (P-7-2, P-7-9, P-7-15, Goa-1 and Goa-2 were evaluated to developinbred lines in nethouse. The earliest flowering wasobserved in P-7-2 (65 DAP) followed by Goa-1 (68DAP). The earliest fruit set was observed in Goa-1followed by P-7-2. The highest fruiting zone (129 cm)

Promising gynodioecious lines of papaya: Goa-1 (left), P-7-9(centre) and P-7-2 (right)

40

2.2.5 Temperate FruitsPrunus japonica - an ornamental shrub was

standardized as a dwarfing rootstock for apricot, peach,plum, almond and cherry. It was precocious and gavefruiting in the same year of grafting. Survey of differentparts of Himachal Pradesh resulted in collection of wildrelatives of strawberry, pomegranate, apricot andapple. One Kagzi type walnut was also identified fromfarmer’s field. Walnut genotypes Sakarpara, SuffaidaOblonga, St. Ambroise, Charmagz, Nari Kinnaur andKaisha Kinnaur were rated the best in organoleptic testsand suitable for drying purposes because of high T.S.S.and high dry matter content.

2.2.5.1 Organic production package for applenursery

Application of apple nursery with FYM,vermicompost and fortified compost (Bacillus spp.,Pseudomonas spp., Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus

awamori, Trichoderma viride and Phanerocheate chry-sosporium). The growth of seedlings treated withfortified compost was better with respect to shootlength, stem girth, number of leaves and internodesand root growth and also had resistance to nurserydiseases like powdery mildew, wooly aphid andhairy root.

2.2.5.2 Managing bitter pit in appleApplication of calcium chloride as pre-harvest

spray or post-harvest dip treatment reduced bitter rotpost-harvest disorder and increasing shelf-life of apple.A minimum of three sprays (0.5%) applied at monthlyintervals beginning in last week of May or 1st week ofJune gave better control and enhanced shelf-life of tenapple cultivars. A 60 second dip in a 2% (for YellowNewtown) or 3% (for Granny Smith) solution gavegood result for controlling bitter pit and increasingshelf-life.

2.3 FLOWER CROPS2.3.1 Varieties Released and Registered

Five chrysanthemum varieties, namely, PusaAditya, Pusa Chitraksha, Pusa Sona, Pusa Kesari andTQP-06-01 and three gladiolus varieties, namely,Pusa Red Valentine, Pusa Manmohak and PusaVidushi were released by the State Variety ReleaseCommittee of Government of NCT of Delhi. Ingladiolus, Melody Open and P-16-1 x Eurovisionhave been identified for registering at NBPGR,New Delhi.

2.3.2 In vitro Multiplication of BougainvilleaShoot tip and nodal segments were found to be

suitable explants for multiplication of cv. Mahara.Surface sterilization with as 0.05% HgCl2 for 5 min.followed by 3-4 washings with sterile double-distilledwater was found to be optimum. The mediumconsisting of Murashige and Skoog’s basal medium +5 mg/l BAP + 0.05 mg/l NAA resulted is good cultureestablishment. Shoot proliferation was most effectiveon MS medium supplemented with double strengthof Fe-Na EDTA and organic components + BAP (5 mg/l)+ GA3 (0.5 mg/l) + sucrose @ 40 g/l. The basal MSmedium along with GA3 (1.0 mg/l) resulted in

UPGMA dendrogram (A) and 2-D plot (B) of 24 genotypes of (C)papaya generated based on combined morphometric, RAPD andISSR data

41

elongated micro-shoots. Rooting was most efficient onmedium comprising of 1/2 strength MS +NAA (3.5 mg/l)+ IBA (3.5 mg/l) + sucrose (50 g/l). The rooted plantletswere hardened and transferred to in- vivo conditionsin glasshouse.

2.3.3 Germplasm EvaluationRose. Three hybrids and two seedlings were

evaluated on Rosa indica var. odorata rootstock. Thehybrids (HT-B5-R2, HT-B14-R10 and HT-B10-R1)were found suitable for garden display. Thethornless seedling SD-3 was found to be highlyfloriferous (79.00 flowers/plant) and was foundsuitable for garden display and loose flowerproduction.

Gladiolus. Evaluation of 56 gladiolus hybridsincluding one check revealed that Melody Openproduced the earliest flowering, i.e. 75.33 days and itwas delayed in Pink Parassol Open (111.66 days), whichalso recorded maximum plant height (137.0 cm). Thespike length (119.33 cm) and rachis length (62.66 cm)were highest in P-16-1 x Eurovision. The maximumnumber of florets per spike was produced by hybridMayur x Green Willow (21.33) followed by AVE xMayur (20.33), Suchitra x Melody (18.33), Berlew Open(18.00), White Oak x Mayur (17.33) and Cignet x RTS(17.00) as compared to check.

Marigold. Thirty five marigold selections (Africanand French types) were evaluated during rainyseason. Selections Fr./R-2, Fr./R-5 and Fr./R-8 (French

type) and Af/SR-12-1, Af/SR-53 and Af/SR-15-1(African type) were found very promising as theyflowered during festive season (October-November).Fifteen marigold selections (African type) wereevaluated during winter season, selections Af./w-3-1and Af./w-4 were found promising in terms of flowercolour, size and yield and good for bedding as wellas for loose flower production. The flowers of sel. Af/w-1 contained the highest amount of carotenoids(909.45 mg/100 g) when compared to Pusa NarangiGainda (374.52 mg/100 g)

2.3.4 Induction of In-vitro MutagenesisRose. Two novel variants, namely, GG-1 and GG-2

were induced in rose cv. Grand Gala through in vitromutagenesis. Mutant GG-1 induced by 20 Gy gammaray dose, produced red purple coloured petals (59 A-RHS colour chart) as compared to red coloured petals(46 A-RHS colour chart) in parent cv. Grand Gala.Mutant GG-2 induced from irradiated axillary budexplants by 30 Gy gamma ray dose produced redcoloured petals with pink stripes (46 A-petal colourwith N 66-A-stripe colour) as compared to dark redcoloured petals (46 A-RHS colour chart) in parentcultivar.

Bougainvillea. Stem cuttings of bougainvillea cv.Blondie were treated with physical mutagens at thedoses of 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 kr including one control.After seven months of planting, results revealed nonoticeable variegation on the leaf or bracts. Explantsurvival was recorded maximum 49.60% in controltreatment followed by 0.25 kr (39.60%), whereas, it wasminimum (25.80%) in treatment 0.75kr. Treatment of0.20 kr also recorded maximum number of branches,leaf length, and leaf width as compared to control. Twomutants, one from Golden Glow and one from LMBalong with one natural bud sports of Dr. Bhabha havebeen evaluated.

2.3.5 Seed Production of Horticultural CropsThe Seed Production Unit (Delhi) and regional

stations of IARI at Karnal, Indore, Pusa and Katrainproduced nucleus, breeder and IARI seed of differenthorticultural crops during the year.

Stages of in vitro multiplication of bougainvillea cv. Mahara

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Production of seeds (kg)

Crop group Nucleus seed Breeder seed IARI seed Total seed

Seed production Unit, Delhi

Vegetables 10.00 934.70 3,515.00 4,459.70

Flower (Marigold) 0.80 - 75.00 75.80

Regional Station, Karnal

Vegetables 52.30 2,194.00 1,683.00 3,929.30

Regional Station, Indore

Fruit (Papaya) - - 8.00 8.00

Regional Station, Pusa

Vegetables - - 94.80 94.80

Fruit (Papaya) - - 40.00 40.00

Regional Station, Katrain

Vegetables 47.20 32.10 2,228.30 2,307.60

Total 110.30 3,160.80 7,644.10 10,915.20

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3. GENETIC RESOURCES

The Institute has an active programme in different crops for collection, characterization and utilization ofgermplasm for crop improvement. A large set of germplasm lines including wild species were collected, evaluatedand maintained as active germplasm and utilized in pre-breeding and genetic enhancement in various crops.The chapter also includes biosystematics and identification services related to fungi, insects and nematodes toexplore, conserve and enrich the culture collection.

3.1 CROP GENETIC RESOURCES3.1.1 Wheat

About 600 germplasm lines were maintainedand characterized for biotic stresses and somemorphological characters. A set of 64 diverse lines wereevaluated for grain and quality traits. About 250accessions of wild relatives of wheat which includeddiploid, tetraploid and hexaploid species weremaintained. Some of these wild species are being usedin various pre-breeding activities.

3.1.2 Rice3.1.2.1 Germplasm characterization, maintenanceand conservation

A set of 230 rice genotypes, including megavarieties, short grain aromatic rice, NPTs, newlyidentified potential rice restorers and lines collectedfrom different parts of country were evaluated for yieldand yield components such as number of tillersper plant, plant height, panicle length, days to 50%flowering, days to maturity and some other traits likenumber of filled grains/panicle, spikelet fertility, yield/plant and 1000 – grain weight during kharif 2013. Inanother experiment, a set of 556 aromatic ricegermplasm lines were characterized for agro-morphological traits and genotyped with 35 UCGMmarkers for assessment of genetic diversity. Further thegenotypes were assessed with gene based/ linkedmarkers for fertility restorer genes, Rf3 and Rf4 foridentification of potential restorers and maintainers. Aset of 72 germplasm lines were evaluated in UBN at 7different locations and based on screening results, some

lines were identified as potential source for resistancegenes against rice blast.

3.1.3 Maize3.1.3.1 Maintenance of important germplasm lines

Maize lines received from CIMMYT, India andSehgal foundation during the last season weremaintained at IARI research fields and are beingused in breeding programs. A KRN maize mutantwas received from Cold-Spring Harbor Lab, USAand the germplasm is being used in maizebreeding program.

3.1.3.2 Development of sweet corn stocksA set of promising su1su1/sh2sh2 segregants

developed earlier were further selected for kernelsweetness, germination % and agronomicperformance. The newly identified stocks possessbetter germination as compared to the initially

Improved double recessive (su1su1/sh2sh2) mutants developed.(A) Double mutant with low to moderate germination, (B, C, D &E) double mutants with high germination

44

developed mutants. These double recessivemutant stocks were distinctly different from eitherof the single mutant stocks and possess moresweetness. These new mutant stocks hold promisein sweet corn breeding for further enhancementof kernel sugar.

3.1.4 Pearl Millet3.1.4.1 Maintenance of germplasm

A total of 855 germplasm lines of pearl milletincluding cytoplasmic male sterile lines, maintainersand restorers are being maintained at IARI. The traitsinclude early flowering, high tillering, thick spike,bristled spike, long spike, variations in compactnessof the spike, grain colour, etc.

3.1.5 Chickpea3.1.5.1 Pre-breeding and germplasm enhancement

Hundred land races received from ICARDA and79 ICARDA landraces received through IIPR, Kanpurin 2012 under the DAC-ICAR-ICARDA pre-breedingprogramme were evaluated for yield parameters.Considerable variation was observed for all the traitscharacterized suggesting their usability as pre-breedingmaterial. Among the 179 land races, high variabilityfor days to flowering (DTF) was observed with a meanvalue 105 days. The DTF varied from a minimum valueof 42 days (IG5987, IPCY 02-99, KAK 2, KRIPA) tomaximum of 125 days (ILC 8666). Early flowered landraces took 100 to 106 days from 50% flowering tomaturity while late flowered land races took only 25to 30 days from 50% flowering to maturity. There wasconsiderable variation for seed index with a mean value20.03g, minimum value of 6.6g (ILC 211) and amaximum value of 45.6g (IPCK 02). There was anegative correlation between 100 - seed weight andyield, i.e., the land races having high 100 - seed weighthad lower yield while those having lesser seed weighthad higher yield. Pre-breeding for base broadening isan important aspect to increase the diversity andgenetic base of Indian chickpea lines. Further wildspecies also serve as an important source of resistanceto wilt, Aschochyta blight and also drought (ILWC 118)as evidenced from previous studies. Five crosses madelast year after confirmation were advanced and 7 new

3.1.4.2 Biofortification in pearl milletDevelopment of pearl millet cultivars with elevated

levels of micronutrients is one of the approaches toprovide sustainable solution to various health problemsassociated with micronutrients malnutrition, especiallyin India.

Efforts have been initiated at IARI to develophigh iron and zinc parental lines, and thus to developbiofortified hybrids to achieve this goal. Largeamount of variability has been observed in pearlmillet for grain iron and zinc content. Iron (Fe)content of the seed varied from 24 to 140 mg/kg(ppm) and Zn from 15 to 95mg/kg (ppm). Newbreeding lines have been developed with high grainiron and zinc contents.

Maintenance of germplasm lines of pearl millet

Breeding lines with high iron and zinc contentsBreeding line Fe (ppm) Zn (ppm)

PPMI 901 111.7 82.5PPMI 902 119.8 82.7PPMI 905 112.9 79.4PPMI 912 108.6 85.7PPMI 923 115.6 84.4PPMI 936 140.1 92.9

Variability for seed shape in Pusa 1053 x C. reticulatum (ILWC 118)

45

crosses attempted in pre-breeding programme usingthese identified sources and Indian entries. Further, twomapping populations using ILWC 118 ( highly droughttolerant wild C.reticulatum), KAK 2 and Pusa 1053 arebeing advanced and F2 has been raised.

3.1.5.2 New source of rust resistance in chickpeaBased on two years data, the genotypes ICC 1558

and ICC 1745 were identified as tolerant to rust causedby Uromyces ciceri-arietini.

3.1.6 Germplasm Stocks in Pulses andOilseeds

Among the pulses, 440 germplasm lines weremaintained in mungbean, 519 in lentil and 262 inpigeonpea, These lines were evaluated andcharacterized for various traits of value to breedingobjectives. In the case of oilseed mustard, total 749germplasm lines including B. juncea (439), B. carinata(170), B. napus (38), B. rapa (42), B. oleracea (6,) B. nigra(14), B. tournifortii (4), B. caudatus (3), R. caudatus (1), R.sativa (1), S. alba (2), Eruca sativa (6), Crambe spp. (2),Lapidium spp. (1), Camellina spp. (1) and wild species(19) were maintained by selfing and used in crossingprogramme. Soybean programme maintained 800germplasm lines put together for 8 traits such as grainprotein content, oil content, storability and viability,etc.

3.1.7 Fruit CropsSeven genotypes in mango, 24 in citrus, 48 in grape

and 5 genotypes in guava were collected from differentsources. Sixty genotypes in mango, 74 in citrus (Sweetorange: 19; Acid lime: 39; Lemon: 04; Grapefruit: 07 &Tangerine: 05), 48 in grape, 24 in papaya and 20 gauvagermplasm were maintained. The IARI RegionalStation, Shimla maintained a collection comprising of38 Malus sp., 14 Prunus sp., 7 Pyrus sp., 23 apricot, 15pears, 69 apples, 96 strawberry, 15 of cherry, 12 of peachand 6 cultivars of Chinese gooseberry. One Kagzi typewalnut identified from farmer’s field, and one dwarfingrootstock for temperate stone fruits was also multipliedand maintained in field gene bank.

3.1.8 Vegetable CropsCauliflower. Eighty fertile inbreds, 17 CMS lines

& 9 SI lines in early group; 104 fertile in-breds, 63 CMSlines & 10 SI lines in mid group (mid-early & mid-late)were purified and maintained through selfing and sib-pollination. At Regional Station, Katrain, 110 newcauliflower germplasm received from NBPGR wereevaluated. Among them 5 promising lines weremaintained. Ninety nine snowball cauliflower linesalong with 11 CMS lines and their maintainers werealso maintained.

Cabbage. At Regional Station, Katrain, 34 new EClines of cabbage received from NBPGR, New Delhiwere evaluated. Lines EC 616602, EC 616657 and EC616649 were found superior for yield and horticulturaltraits. One hundred four germplasm, 9 self-incom-patible and 15 CMS lines along with their respectivemaintainers were maintained.

Broccoli. Ten lines were evaluated and promisingselections were advanced for further evaluation at NewDelhi while, 15 germplasm and 5 CMS lines along withtheir maintainer lines were purified and maintained.

Tomato. Eighty germplasm lines were maintained.For seed multiplication and evaluation, 102 accessionsof Solanum peruvianum and S. pimpenellifolium weregrown under field conditions.

Brinjal. One hundred thirty five workinggermplasm maintained in the previous years werepurified, evaluated and maintained. Wild brinjalMaintenance of Brassica germplasm

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species, Solanum aethiopicum, S. incanum, S. gilo, S.insanum, S. indicum, S. torvum, S. khasianum and S.integrifolium were maintained.

Chilli. Thirty six lines from USA and hundred linesfrom AVRDC, Taiwan have been collected. Thisincludes Capsicum annuum, C. frutescens, C. chinense, C.baccatum and C. chacoense species. Six CMS lines andtheir maintainers have also been collected.

Pepper. A total of 199 Capsicum accessions werecollected from United States Department of Agriculture(USDA). Fifteen Capsicum lines that include five CMSlines were imported from World Vegetable Centre(AVRDC), Taiwan.

Carrot. Twelve CMS lines and 56 fertile inbredswere evaluated and selected roots were planted formaintenance and seed multiplication at IARI, NewDelhi., while at Katrain, 12 exotic germplasm lines and2 Kuroda lines of temperate carrot were collected. Fortysix germplasm lines and 26 CMS lines along with theirmaintainers were maintained.

Garden pea. Eighty germplasm consisting ofFusarium wilt and powdery mildew resistance lineswere evaluated and maintained.

Cucumber. One hundred thirty eight and 143germplasm /advance breeding lines were evaluatedduring spring-summer and kharif seasons, respectively,and promising lines were maintained. Fortyfive germplasm/ breeding lines of gynoeciousparthenocarpic cucumber, gherkin, carotene richcucumber, Cucumis hytivus and other exotic lines withnovel characters were evaluated under polyhouseduring winter season.

Luffa. Sixty four and 59 germplasm/advancebreeding and virus resistant lines of sponge gourd wereevaluated during spring summer and kharif season,respectively, and promising lines were maintained. Inridge gourd, 35 and 56 germplasm/ breeding linesincluding Satputia and its genetic stocks wereevaluated during spring summer and kharif season,respectively, and promising lines were maintained.

Pumpkin. Fifty four germplasm/ advancedbreeding lines of pumpkin were evaluated andmaintained.

Muskmelon, watermelon and snapmelon. Onehundred seventy eight lines of muskmelon wereevaluated and maintained. Two hundred thirty twolines of muskmelon, watermelon and related specieswere introduced from USDA, USA for search of novelgenes for different traits including resistance todifferent diseases. Twenty five snapmelon lines werealso maintained.

Minor cucurbits. Twenty one, 35 and 20 germplasm/advance breeding lines of summer squash, long melonand round melon, respectively, were evaluated andmaintained.

Onion. Plants and seeds of A. hookeri (8 accessions),Allium fasciculatum (3 acc.), A. albidum, A. fistulosum(4 accessions) and A. royleii were obtained. A total of49 collections including A. fasciculatum, A. tuberosum,A. hookerii, A. chinense, A. macranthum, A. cepa var.aggegratum and A. ampeloprasum were collected fromArunachal Pradesh and Assam.

Okra. One hundred forty one cultivated and 21wild accessions of okra were maintained.

Minor leafy vegetables. Twenty lines of Chenopodium,8 lines of palak, 11 lines of spinach and 23 lines ofAmaranth were maintained.

Minor Legumes. Sixty five genotypes of cowpeaand 25 genotypes of Dolichos bean were maintained.

3.1.9 Flower CropsSix rose cultivars, 9 chrysanthemum cultivars, 1

gladiolus cultivar, 19 marigold genotypes and 24bougainvillea varieties were collected and added to theexisting germplasm. Six new collections in tulip,namely, Tulip Yellow, Tulip Golden, Tulip Yellow Red,Tulip Orange, Tulip Black and JT Schepes wereevaluated. Twenty existing germplasm weremaintained and multiplied.

3.2 BIOSYSTEMATICS ANDIDENTIFICATION SERVICES3.2.1 Indian Type Culture Collection

About 3,904 fungal cultures representingMastigomycotina, Zygomycotina, Ascomycotina andDeuteromycotina are being preserved. An attempt has

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been initiated to revise the taxonomy of several fungisuch as Curvularia, Pestalotiopsis, Ustilago, Sporisoriumand Penicillium. Seventy two new fungal cultures wereadded. As for national service, a total of 345 fungalcultures that belong to Zygomycetes, Hyphomycetes,Ascomycetes, Penicilli, Aspergilli, Coelomycetes andFusaria were supplied to the various users. Besides,244 cultures/specimen were identified up to specieslevel, which represented Hyphomycetes, Coelomycetesand Zygomycetes.

3.2.2 Insect BiosystematicsMapping of species distribution of Melolonthinae

and Rutelinae (Scarabaeidae: Coleoptera) in four northIndian states, viz., Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand,Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan was done based onsurveys. Thirty one species belonging to 12 genera with3 new records and one new species were documentedin Himachal Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhandrecorded 23 and 28 species under 8 and 11 genera,respectively, with melolonthines dominating in theformer and rutelines in the latter. Species diversity wascomparatively less in Rajasthan with 16 species under8 genera. Melolonthine species dominated in allstates except Uttarakhand where rutelines werepredominant. Spatial resource partitioning wasobserved among the different species. The dominatingspecies in Uttar Pradesh was Holotrichia nagpurensisfollowed by H. consanguinea, whereas it was Anomaladimidiata and A. cantori in Uttarakhand. In HimachalPradesh and Rajasthan, the dominating species wereBrahmina coriacea, H. longipennis and H. consanguineaand Maladera insanabilis.

Larval taxonomic characters of seven major Indianscarab species viz., H. nagpurensis, H. longipennis, H.sikkimensis, Lepidiota mansueta, M. insanabilis, A.bengalensis and A. dimidiate of Melolonthinae andRutelinae were described based on importantdiagnostic characters like larval raster pattern, shapeof anal slit, anal lobes, legs, epipharynx, maxillae,mandibles, stridulations and stridulatory teeth.

A new leafhopper species Cofana trilobata sp. nov.was described from Barapani, Meghalaya, withall distinguishing charactors. Taxonomic studiesconducted on family Halictidae resulted in several new

records from India, viz., Nomia (Acunomia) strigataand Nomoides fortunatus from Tamil Nadu andHalictusfimbriatus from Jammu & Kashmir and Shimlaand numerous new distribution records within India;cataloging of all the known 198 species under 13 generain this sub-family from India with their synonyms,revisionary details and zoogeographic distribution;taxonomic accounts of a total of 27 species under 8 generahave been standardized to an uniform format withadditional characters, morphometric ratios, colouredphotographs and line diagrams. Four new species ofgenus Sycobiaviz., S. nigra, S. benjamina, S. pasighatensisand S. madani have been described as new to science.Further a key for the identification of all the six Indianspecies including the new ones has been formulated.

Explicit intra-specific variations observed in theforewing morphology of noctuid moth, Odontodesaleuca, a complex noctuid species distributed in theOriental region could be grouped under five patterngroups viz., i) antemedial line double, irregularlywaved and protruding outwards centrally; medial linedouble, excurved and widely separated fromantemedial line; postmedial line double, arising fromapex obliquely passing to the lower angle of cell;subterminal line dentate, inner side with brownishdentate markings; ii) prominent black shade originatingfrom base of costa and ending behind medial line;similar black shade present on postmedial lineoriginating from apex and ending at Cu vein; sub-terminal line dentate with blackish dentate markingson inner side; iii) similar to (ii) but with ¾ part blackishbrown and ¼ whitish grey; antemedial line, medial line,post medial line double but visible distinctly in analwhitish grey area; sub-terminal line grayish-whiteinterrupted by brownish grey dots; iv) forewingsuffused with white except for anal and terminal areas;brownish black shade originating from base of costaending below the reniform spot; anal region withblackish scales joining with black shade betweenmedial line and post medial line; and v) forewing withgreyish basal field with irregular greyish patches; innerantemedial line defined by white inner side; postmedialline filled with white on inner side; subterminal linedefined on outer side by white except towards apex;blackish brown between medial line and postmedialline.

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3. 2. 3 Nematode BiosystematicsThe cereal cyst nematode is one of the major

problems in wheat in northern region. Threepopulations from Delhi, Kangra (Himachal Pradesh),Leh ( J&K) were studied. Delhi population wasidentified as Heterodera avenae, Kangra population asH. filipjevi and not as H. iri (as previously reported byKaushal, 1989), whereas Leh population was a newpopulation showing much smaller ITS region of 626characters.

A new leafhopper Cofana trilobata sp. Nov, from Meghalaya

Sycobia benjamina sp. nov. (A. habitus, B. head frontal view), S.madani sp. nov. (C. habitus, D. head frontal view), S. nigra sp. nov.(E. habitus, F. head frontal view) and S. pasighatensis sp. nov.(G. habitus, H. head frontal view)

Intra-specific variations in the forewing morphology of Odontodes aleu

Compendium on morphological and morpho-metric characters of 60 Meloidogyne species wasprepared. Information on juveniles, males and femalesof Meloidogyne was stored in a database for easyaccess. Compendium of Hirshmannniella spp. wasupdated with 7 additional species information. Onehundred thirty specimens from species in typecollection, including a specimen of male (whereveravailable) and female were digitized. The NationalNematode Collection of India (NNCI) was augmentedby the addition of 88 type slides thus, bringing thetotal strength to 2,459 Type slides belonging to 199genera and 583 species. The Wet Collection was alsoaugmented by the addition of 24 suspensions thus,bringing the total strength to 3479.

A. B.

C. D.

E. F.

G. H.

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Development, management and utilization of crop, soil and environment resources, have been well addressedthrough the research programmes in various divisions of the School of Natural Resource Management.Conservation agriculture, integrated nutrient management and various resource conserving technologies areevolved and evaluated to enhance use efficiencies of resources (water, nutrient, energy) and improving soil health.Divisions are actively involved in developing environmentally sound and economically viable technologies onbalanced usage of chemical fertilizers, organic manures, crop residues and biofertilizers for sustainable highproductivity of cropping systems involving cereal, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables and flowers. Management practicesfor wastewater and poor quality irrigation water in crop production have been evolved. Protected cultivationtechnologies were developed for growing off-season vegetables and flowers. New farm machineries viz., tractoroperated garlic planter and harvester, carrot planter and harvester, Pusa Solar Powered Knapsack Sprayer, etc.were developed and evaluated. Post harvest technologies were evolved for value addition to farm produces, ledto vertical crop diversification. Bioprospecting of microbes from extreme environment for novel genes,development of bio-films/consortia of inoculants strains by use of fungal, bacterial and cyanobacterial matrixand microbial degradation of agrowastes are important achievements. Climate resilient agricultural technologiesand mitigation and adaptation strategies to climate change have been evolved.

4. CROP AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FORSUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT

4.1 AGRONOMY4.1.1 Evaluation of Zinc Coated Urea inAromatic Rice

In a field experiment conducted on rice varietyPusa Sugandh 5, a significant increase in rice grain yieldwas observed with 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5% coating of ureawith zinc sulphate and zinc oxide compared to prilledurea. All these zinc coated ureas were equally effectivein increasing the grain yield of rice except 0.5% Zncoated urea. The highest grain yield (5.61 t ha-1) wasrecorded with application of 2.5% Zn coated urea asZn sulphate. The increase in the grain yield of rice dueto application of Zn coated ureas varied from 3.99 to17.8%, the highest being in 2.5% of Zn coated urea asZn sulphate. The difference between two zinc coatingmaterials was not significant. Percentage increase ingrain yield over uncoated urea was, however, generallymore with zinc sulphate coated urea compared to Znoxide coating. Application of Zn coated urea at all thelevels, significantly increased the harvest index of ricecompared to prilled urea.

4.1.2 Evaluation of Wheat EstablishmentMethods

In a field experiment conducted during threeconsecutive winter seasons consisting of six methodsof wheat cultivation viz., Conventional ImprovedPractices (CIP), Furrow Irrigated Raised Bed System(FIRBS), System of Wheat Intensification-directseeded (SWI-DS), System of Wheat Intensification-transplanted (SWI-T), Modified ConventionalImproved Practice with irrigation as in SWI (MCIP-I)and Modified Conventional Improved Practice with 20x 10 cm spacing (MCIP-II).

During second year of experiment, the yieldattributes, i.e., yield and economics returns weresignificantly affected by different methods ofcultivation. Significantly more effective tillers wereobtained from MCIP-II as compared to FIRBS and SWI-D. However, spikelets and grains per earhead weresignificantly higher in SWI-DS over conventionaltillage. No significant difference in 1000-grain weightwas observed in SWI-DS, SWI-T and FIRBS, however,

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pigeonpea, maize) during kharif season in north-western plains zone, a study was being carried outfor four consecutive years (since 2010) in three majornon-rice cropping systems, viz., cotton-wheat,pigeonpea-wheat and maize-wheat with suitableconservation agriculture (CA) practices (namely, zero-till permanent narrow bed (70 cm), broad bed (140cm) and flat bed with both season crop residue).Among the three kharif crops, cotton was consistentlysuperior to pigeonpea and maize in terms of maizeequivalent yield in all four years, and cotton-wheatsystem superior to pigeonpea-wheat and maize-wheatsystems in terms of system productivity and netreturns, and water and energy productivity inprevious three years. These three crops performedbetter when grown on zero-till permanent broad, flatand narrow beds than in conventional-till (CT) flatbed. Crop residue retention during both seasons washighly superior to no residue treatment, irrespectiveof the broad, flat or narrow beds. In first three years,the ZT permanent broad bed (PBB) with residueresulted in 3.1 tonne higher wheat equivalent yield/ha/year than that of conventional till flat bed (CT-flat).It has 48% more mean system water productivity thanCT-flat, and 36 and 13% more income than CT-flat andpermanent narrow-bed plots, respectively. Zero-tillpermanent broad-bed with residue resulted insignificantly higher SOC, particularly in the surface0-5 cm layer. This cotton-wheat system underpermanent ZT broad bed with residue out-performedthe conventional rice-wheat system and could be apotential alternative to rice-wheat system.

1000-grain weight from SWI-DS was significantlyhigher than remaining methods. Grain and strawyields obtained from direct seeded system of wheatintensification was significantly higher compared toall other methods. A yield advantage of 46.1% and53.2% of grain and straw, respectively, was recordedfrom SWI-DS over conventional improved methodof cultivation. Highest cost of cultivation wasinvolved in SWI-DS followed by SWI-T. The FIRBSmethod of cultivation needs minimum cost, whichwas slightly close to CIP. The highest net returnswere obtained from SWI-DS despite higher cost ofcultivation.

Yield attributes and yield of wheat under different methodsof cultivation

Treatment Effective Grains Test wt. Grain yield Straw yieldtillers (m-2) earhead-1 (g) (t ha-1) (t ha-1)

CIP 363 67.0 28.9 4.75 7.24

FIRBS 345 71.0 32.7 4.58 6.96

SWI-DS 363 78.0 33.5 6.94 11.09

SWI-T 256 70.3 32.0 3.68 5.40

MCIP-I 369 68.0 30.6 4.17 6.25

MCIP-II 377 69.1 29.6 4.75 7.16

4.1.3 Conservation Agriculture (CA) inWheat-based Cropping Systems forEnhanced Productivity and Resource-useEfficiency

With an objective to replace rice in the rice-wheatcropping system under irrigated conditions with aprofitable alternative non-rice crop (e.g. cotton,

Maize equivalent yield (MEY) of cotton, pigeonpea and maize (t/ha) in wheat-based cropping systems in 2013

Treatment Cotton-wheat (t/ha) Pigeonpea-wheat (t/ha) Maize-wheat (t/ha)

Yield MEY Yield MEY

CT flat bed (farmers’ practice) 2.26 6.39 1.63 5.35 4.85

ZT permanent narrow-bed 3.31 9.35 1.72 5.67 5.23

ZT permanent narrow-bed with residue 3.78 10.67 1.86 6.12 5.57

ZT permanent broad-bed 3.45 9.73 1.67 5.47 5.43

ZT permanent broad-bed with residue 3.80 10.73 1.82 5.96 6.23

ZT flat-bed 3.36 9.49 1.66 5.43 5.97

ZT flat-bed with residue 3.74 10.57 1.85 6.06 6.17

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4.1.4 Enhancing Water Stress Tolerance inSoybean through Anti-transpirants andMulches under Rainfed Conditions

It was revealed from a two-year study that strawmulching (5 t/ha) and anti-transpirants reducedmoisture and heat stress effects and improved growth,yield attributes, and seed, stover, oil and protein yieldsof soybean grown under rainfed conditions. Soil-moisture content recorded at various crop growthstages was significantly higher in mulched (5 t/hastraw) than without mulch plots. Application of anti-transpirants improved soil moisture regimes byreducing transpiration loss of water. Application ofstraw mulch reduced surface soil (0-15 cm) temperatureby 1.38-2.340C and canopy temperature by 0.8-2.450 C.Anti-transpirants, MgCO3 (5%) and KNO3 (1%)recorded equal soybean seed yields (1.5 t/ha in 2012and 2 t/ha in 2013), which were significantly higherthan other anti-transpirants and control (water). Useof mulch (5 t/ha) increased oil yield by 25.2% in 2012and 12.3% in 2013. Anti-transpirants, MgCO3 (5%) andKNO3 (1%) enhanced oil yield by 24.3 and 23.0% in2012 and by 33.5 and 31% in 2013, respectively, overcontrol. On an average, protein yield increased by17.5% due to application of 5t/ha straw mulch. Anti-transpirants, MgCO3 (5%), KNO3 (1%) and Glycerol @5% increased protein yield by 33.1, 14.4 and 32.4%,respectively, over control (541 kg/ha) principally dueto higher seed yield. Gross returns and net returns from

mulched plots were significantly higher than that ofwithout mulch plots. MgCO3 (5%) application gave thehighest net returns (`16,000/ha in 2012 and `37,000/hain 2013) due to its low cost and greater yieldimprovements than other anti-transpirants.

4.1.5 Evaluation of Rice EstablishmentMethods under North Eastern Plains Zone

Three rice establishment methods viz., directseeded rice (DSR), system of rice intensification (SRI)and puddled transplanted rice (PTR)) in main plots,five varieties involving one hybrid, Arise 6444 and fourconventional varieties of this zone, namely, PS 5,Rajendra Subhashini (scented), PNR 381 and Pusa 834(non scented) in sub plots were evaluated under lowland condition. SRI method of rice establishmentrecorded the highest grain yield (6.29 t/ha), followedby PTR (6.07 t/ha) and DSR (5.81 t/ha), but thedifferences were non significant.

4.1.6 Yield Penalty Under Extra-early Sowingof Wheat in Central India

Most of the irrigation sources in central India dryout by December-January, and hence, farmers tend tosow wheat extra-early during October first week forthe maximum utilization of available irrigation water.However, under these conditions, the reproductivephase is induced early due to prevailing warmtemperatures during October-November leading tograin yield reduction. Hence, a study was conductedto assess the extent of yield penalty under extra-earlysowing of wheat. Ten wheat varieties including threedurums- HI 8663, HI 8713 and HI 8627, and seven breadwheats, HI 1531, HD 2987, GW 366, MP 3288, Lok 1,GW 273 and HI 1544 were evaluated under extra early-sown (Date of sowing: 5th October) and timely sown(5th November) conditions during rabi 2012-13. Inaddition to come-up irrigation (given immediately afterdry-sowing to facilitate germination), five and threeirrigations were provided to extra-early and timelysown plots, respectively. Last irrigation was given onJanuary 10 to simulate the duration of availability ofirrigation water in the region. Average grain yield oftimely sown plots was 4.69 t/ha, compared to 3.62 t/haof the extra-early sown ones. Thus, the extra-earlysowing of wheat resulted in yield penalty to the tuneEffect of mulching and anti-transpirants on seed yield of soybean

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of 22.8% despite receiving two additional irrigations,compared to the timely-sowing. Yield reduction wasconsiderably higher in varieties recommended fortimely sowing (November sowing), compared tovarieties recommended for early sowing (October 15-30).Hence, extra-early sowing of wheat in central India justfor the sake of utilization of available irrigation water,particularly of the varieties recommended forNovember sowing, should be avoided.

4.1.7 Energy Consumption and EconomicAnalysis of Rainfed Sorghum (Sorghumbicolor L. Moench) under ConservationTechnology at Different Nitrogen Levels

Field experiments were conducted to quantify theresponse of tillage, land management practices andnitrogen level on sorghum crop (var. CSH 14) in fieldto develop best management practice under rainfedconditions. The energy consumption analysis indicatedthat fertilizers were the most energy-consuming, with50.1 and 48.2% of total energy inputs, respectively, forthe two seasons. Total energy used for producingsorghum was 6.94×103 and 7.21×103 MJ/ha-1, the netenergy gained was 90.27×103 and 77.45×103 MJ/ha-1,output-input energy ratio was 14.0 and 11.7 and energyproductivity was found to be 0.22 and 0.16 kg/MJ-1,respectively, for the two crop growing seasons. Themaximum values of energy and economic indices wererecorded in the ridges and furrows method of plantingin conventional tillage under 100% recommended doseof fertilizer. The total expenditure for production was7.51×103 and 7.92×103 ̀ ha-1, the gross production valuewas 17.51×103 and 14.49×103 ̀ ha-1, net return gained was10.00×103 and 6.57×103 `ha-1, and the benefit-cost ratiowas 2.33 and 1.83, respectively, for the two seasons.

4.1.8 Water Use Efficiency and CropGeometry of Bottle Gourd

A field experiment on determination of cropgeometry and water use efficiency of bottle gourdvariety Pusa Naveen under different irrigation systemswas conducted. The experiment consists of 2 irrigationsystems (Ridge and furrow and basin) and 3 cropgeometries. Ridge and furrow method of irrigationwith crop geometry 3m x 0.5m resulted in highest wateruse efficiency (410 kg/ha-cm) and fruit yield 27.8 t/ha

as compared to crop geometry 2m x 0.75m (23.0 t/ha)and crop geometry 1m x 1.5m (24.0 t/ha) under boththe irrigation systems.

4. 2 SOIL MANAGEMENT4.2.1 Quality and Stability of Soil OrganicMatter under Different Land Uses

The stocks of soil organic carbon and its qualitywere assessed under organically managed rice-wheatsystem that continued for 10 consecutive years on aninceptisol of IARI farm. The soil organic C stock in0-60 cm profile depth was highest (36 Mg ha-1) in thetreatment receiving Sesbania green manure (SGM),FYM and Blue Green Algae (BGA) in rice, and Leucaenagreen leaf manure, FYM and Azotobacter in wheat.Organic C stock was under unmanured-control (25 Mgha-1). The co-benefits of carbon sequestration wereclearly evident in decreasing soil bulk density, and inenhancing hydraulic conductivity and dehydrogenaseactivities in soil. FTIR spectrum indicated the presenceof various organic functional groups in greater amountunder organic treatments over control, implying that

Long-term impact of various organic treatments on FTIR spectraof humic acid extracted from soil under organically managed rice-wheat system; (a) control (b) SGM + FYM + BGA to rice and LGLM+ FYM + Azotobacter to wheat

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organic inputs improved the quality of humic acidfractions of soil organic matter.

In another study, clay-humus stability in atoposequence in Almora district of Uttrakhand wasassessed through CO2 evolution method. Temperatureplayed a very important role in the decomposition oforganic carbon with more decomposition at 35 oCcompared to 25 oC. The stability of clay-humus washigher in broad valleys and side-slopes of thetoposequence than that of the narrow valleys and hilltop.

4.2.2 Permissible Limit of ExtractableCadmium in Soils in Relation to HumanHealth Hazard

Permissible limit of cadmium (Cd) in soil wasestablished based on i) solubility of Cd in soil, ii) Cduptake by spinach, and iii) human health hazardassociated with intake of Cd through consumption ofspinach. For this purpose, a series of pot experimentswere conducted with metal-contaminated soilscollected from sewage and industrial effluent irrigatedagricultural lands of different locations. Integratedsolubility-free ion activity model was used to predictCd uptake by spinach as a function of EDTA-extractableCd, pH and organic carbon (OC) content in soils. Riskassessment to human for intake of these metals throughconsumption of Indian spinach grown on metalcontaminated soils was done following USEPAprotocol. The safe limit of Cd intake by human fromall sources was used as 0.001 mg kg-1 day-1. Critical limitof hazard quotient was used as 0.5 for fixing maximumpermissible limit of EDTA-extractable Cd in soils,

which varied with pH and OC. For example,permissible limit of EDTA extractable Cd would be 0.5mg kg-1, if soil pH and Walkley-Black organic C are 6.5and 0.5%, respectively. At the same level of soil organicC, EDTA-extractable Cd would be 0.9 mg kg-1, if pH is7.5.

4.2.3 Long-term Effect of Fertilizers andManures on Crop Yield and Soil Fertility

A long-term experiment is being carried out at IARIfrom the 1971-72 crop season at IARI farm under theaegis of AICRP on Long Term Fertilizer Experimentswith maize-wheat cropping system. In continuation,ten treatments comprising sub-optimal (50% ofrecommended) to super-optimal (150% of reco-mmended) NPK, NP or N alone, NPK supplementedwith FYM (5.0 t ha-1), S (45 kg ha-1) or Zn (10 kg ha-1),and unfertilized-control were evaluated. Resultsindicated that long-term intensive cropping withrecommended fertilizer use either maintained ormoderately increased soil organic C compared with theinitial content (0.44%), although organic C content washighest (0.56%) under NPK+FYM treatment. The grainyield of maize and wheat revealed that application of5 t FYM ha-1 along with recommended NPK or thesuper-optimal NPK out-yielded all other treatments.The yields in these treatments were significantly greaterthan 100% of recommended NPK, underlining thenecessity of upward revision of the fertilizerrecommendations. The yield difference between NPKSand NPK, NPK and NP, and that between NP and Nalone exhibited a significant response to S, K and Pfertilization, respectively.

4.2.4 Use of Sewage-sludge as NutrientCarrier

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate theperformance of sewage-sludge based enriched-compost on soil health and crop productivity undermaize-wheat cropping system. Application of 50% ofrecommended NPK with 10 t ha-1 sewage-sludge basedenriched-compost produced similar yield as obtainedwith100% of recommended NPK. In anothergreenhouse study on enrichment of the edible portionof baby corn with Zn revealed that there was only amarginal increase in Zn content from 31.0 (control) to

Permissible limit of EDTA-extractable Cd in soils in relation topH and organic C content

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34.3 mg kg-1 in baby corn grown on sludge-amendedsoil, where 50% of fertilizer N was substituted bysludge.

4.2.5 Soil Test Crop Response (STCR)Correlation-based Fertilizer Prescriptions forCowpea

Integrated plant nutrient supply (IPNS)recommendation for N, P and K in cowpea (cv. PusaSukomal) were developed using Ramamoorthy’s“Targeted yield model”. Based on the data on greenpod yield, soil test values and nutrient uptake, the basicparameters i.e., NR (Nutrient requirement in kg pertonne of green pod production), % CS (% contributionof nutrients from soil) and % CF (% contribution ofnutrients from fertilizer) and % CFYM (% contributionof nutrients from FYM) were computed for developingnutrient prescription equations. Ready reckoners werealso developed for a range of soil test values and yieldtargets. For example, 12.4 kg N + 42.4 kg P2O5 + 60.3 kgK2O ha-1 along with 10 t FYM ha-1 was required forobtaining 6.0 t ha-1 green pod yield of cowpea grownon a soil having 250, 20 and 200 kg ha-1 of available N,P and K, respectively.

Fertilizers (N, P2O5 and K2O) prescription equations fortargeted yield (green pods) of cowpea (var. Pusa Sukomal)

Fertilizer option Fertilizer prescription equations

Fertilizer NPK alone FN = 23.2 T - 0.47 SN

FP2O5 = 40.9 T - 2.57 SP

FK2O = 43.4 T - 0.75 SK

Fertilizer NPK + FYM FN = 23.2 T - 0.47 SN - 0.21 FYM

FP2O5 = 40.9 T - 2.57 SP - 0.54 FYM

F K2O = 43.4 T - 0.75 SK - 0.61 FYM

FN= Fertilizer nitrogen (kg ha-1), F P2O5= Fertilizer phosphorus(kg ha-1), FK2O = Fertilizer potassium (kg ha-1), T = Yield target(t ha-1) and SN, SP and SK = Soil test values of available nutrient(kg ha-1), FYM t ha-1

4.2.6 Synthesis and Characterization ofNanoclay Polymer Composites Loaded withUrea and Nitrification Inhibitors

Nanoclay polymer composites (NCPCs) weresynthesized and loaded with urea and nitrification

inhibitors. The NCPCs were characterized withFTIR, XRD, SEM, SEM- EDX and TEM. Resultsshowed that the acrylic acid monomer wassuccessfully intercalated into the bentonite layersand banded together with them. The bentonitelayers were exfoliated and basically dispersed in thecomposite on a nanoscale after the polymerization.Urea and bentonite incorporated into thesuperabsorbents were evidenced through FTIR andSEM- EDX.

4.2.7 Release of Zinc and Boron fromNanoclay Polymer Composites in Water andSoil

In view of developing slow-release micro-nutrient fertilizers, protocol for preparation of nanoclay polymer composites (NCPCs) with varyingamount of clay, zinc (Zn) and boron (B) wasdeveloped. Modes of Zn and B loading wereevaluated and standardized. Results indicated thaton an average, only about 6% Zn was released inwater during a period of 8 days. Also the release ofZn decreased with an increase in the amount of clayin NCPC. This is a desirable property of NCPCs,which will be useful in developing slow-release Znfertilizers. Incubation study indicated that additionof Zn through NCPC was more effective as comparedto that of ZnSO4 in maintaining higher level of DTPA-extractable Zn in an Inceptisol. On an average,

Release of Zn at 25 oC from an alluvial soil treated with Zn (2.5mg/kg) using NCPC and ZnSO4

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release of B from the polymer composite (withoutclay) in water was about 90%, which was reduced to50% in case of NCPC with 30% clay. Hence, thisformulation may be an effective precursor fordevelopment of slow-release B carriers.

4.2.8 Effect of Rock Phosphate Enriched-Compost on Soil Properties

Three enriched-composts were prepared using ricestraw, mustard stover and tree leaves with low-graderock phosphate (RP) at Biomass Utilization Unit ofIARI. Cattle dung was added as natural inoculant forfaster decomposition of the composting mass. Effectof enriched-composts on soil properties was evaluatedin a field experiment under wheat-greengram rotaion.Greengram was grown on residual fertility followingwheat. Results showed that soil organic C, mineral N(NH4

+-N and NO3--N), P, K and S status improved

significantly due to application of enriched-compostsas well as fertilizers over control. Significant effect ofintegrated use of enriched-compost and 50% inorganicfertilizer on soil fertility status was also recorded aftergreengram harvest. Effect of combined application ofenriched compost and inorganic fertilizers wasmore pronounced on biological properties viz.,dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and acidphosphatase activities than their sole application.

4.2.9 Enhancing Phosphorus Use Efficiencyin Maize-Wheat Cropping System

A field experiment comprising fertilizer P rates(0, 33, 50 and 100% of recommended P) and microbialinoculation options i.e., un-inoculated, P solubilizingbacteria (PSB; Pseudomonas striata) and Arbuscularmycorrhizae (AM) consortia consisting of Glomas,Gigaspora and Acualospora sp., and PSB + AMinoculation established with maize-wheat croppingsystem during 2012-13 was continued for second year.Results obtained in second year confirmed thatapplication of 50% of recommended P alongwith microbial inoculants (PSB+AM) enhanced Pavailability, recovery efficiency and grain yields,which was on a par with 100% P fertilizer application.This implies that microbial inoculation may help incurtailing fertilizer P demands by mobilizing nativeand applied P.

4.3 WATER MANAGEMENT4.3.1 Development of Optimal Crop ProductionPlan for Biwan Watershed in Mewat, Haryana

A linear programming model was used to obtainan optimal crop production plan considering areaunder different land quality classes, crop response tosalinity levels, irrigation water availability, costs andreturns from the different crops grown in the Biwanwatershed, Mewat, Haryana. Results showed that theremunerative commercial crops gained more acreageat the expense of pearl millet and sorghum in kharifseason and wheat in rabi season. Pearl millet area wasfound to be 850.5 ha (70.3 %) which was reduced to673.4 ha (55.7%) after optimization of the cropproduction plan. Maize, pigeon pea, green gram,cluster bean (guar) and vegetables recommended forsoil type 1 (EC <2 ds/m) in kharif season. Tomato, brinjaland other vegetables were found to be the mostremunerative crops recommended for soil type I in rabiseason. Optimization results indicated shifting ofwheat (534.5 ha) and mustard (346.3 ha) to soil type 2(EC 2-4 ds/m) and soil type 3 (EC 6-8 ds/m) in rabiseason, respectively. Non-availability of sufficient areaof good quality soil (soil type I) was the major constraintfor growing remunerative crops in Mewat.Recommending salt tolerant sorghum and cottonduring kharif on soil type 2 and wheat and mustardduring rabi season in soil type 3 would enhance farmers’income in the region.

4.3.2 Generation of Geospatial Map of TubeWell Locations, Sub-watersheds of IARIFarm and Estimation of Annual WaterDemand

The geospatial map of IARI farm with tube welllocations were generated and the protocol of extractingthe DEM of IARI farm from the SRTM data wasdeveloped. The SWAT model Interface in ArcGIS wasused to delineate sub watersheds and the naturaldrainage network in the IARI farm. Annual waterdemand of crops grown during kharif and rabi seasonsin IARI farm was estimated to be 1.33 Mm3 using theavailable data and standard estimation procedures.Besides this the variability map of ground water

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discharge from 21 measured tubewells were generatedusing geo-statistical approach. The crop coefficient andthe length of growing season for different crops wereused to estimate the crop evapotranspiration for cropsgrown during kharif and rabi seasons in IARI farm. The

irrigation water demand for different crops wasestimated assuming water use efficiency of groundwater irrigation to be 60%.

4.3.3 Effect of Resource ConservationTechnologies and Irrigation Scheduling onWater Use and Productivity of Maize–WheatCropping System

The practice of resource conserving technologiesand scheduling of irrigation were tested in maize-wheat cropping system to improve productivity andwater use efficiency of individual crop and croppingsystem. It was observed that sowing on raised-bedresulted in higher grain yield of wheat than zerotillage but comparable to conventional tillage.Similarly crop residue of kharif left on the surface hadfavorable effect on succeeding wheat than residueremoved. Irrigation either based on 40 or 60%depletion of ASM (DASM) or 6 irrigations as percritical crop stages resulted in similar grain yield butthe WUE was higher with 60% DASM. Maize plantedon raised beds gave higher yield than flat bed andzero tillage planting methods. However, differentirrigation schedules had no significant effect on grainyield of maize due to sufficient and uniform rainfallduring the crop season.

Water productivity of maize cultivar HQPM-1 under different sowing dates, irrigation regimes and rainfed situations

Spatial variability map of tube well discharge

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4.3.4 Effect of Varying Discharge Rate onFurrow Irrigation Efficiency

Experiment was conducted to study the effect ofinflow rate on the water application efficiency in furrowirrigation. The discharge rates considered were 1, 1.5and 2 lps under different furrow lengths of 20, 25, and30 m. The flow in to the furrow was cut off as soon asthe water front reached the 80% length of furrows ineach treatment. The crop was carrot (var. PusaYamdagni). Water application efficiency of furrowswith 20 metre length was observed to be 90% for streamsize of 1 lps, whereas it was only 40% to 45% for furrowlength of 25 m and 30 m. In contrary to the abovefinding, the application efficiency for the discharge rate2.0 lps was found to be 75% for 30 m length furrow.However, under the same discharge rate of 2.0 lps, theapplication efficiency was reduced to 40% and 45% forfurrow lengths of 25m and 20m, respectively.

4.3.5 Effect of Varying Doses of PusaHydrogel and Irrigation on Grain Yield ofDifferent Maize Varieties

In non-rainy period during kharif 2013, irrigationat grain formation stage had significant influence onmaize grain yield. However, the varying doses of PusaHydrogel @ 2.5, 3.5 and 5.0 kg/ha had no significanteffect on grain yield in HQPM 1 and BIO 9467(Maharaja) varieties of maize. The water use efficiencyfor grain yield varied from 18.3 to 23.3 kg/ha-mm.Water use efficiency for grain yield was significantlyhigher with irrigation but unaffected by the varyingdoses of Pusa Hydrogel application.

4.3.6 Variability Mapping of Crop WaterRequirement and Assessment of VirtualWater Content of Crops in Betwa and GomatiSub-basins

Knowledge about variability in crop waterrequirement and virtual water content of crops isessential for realistic assessment of crop water footprint.Land use, soil map and agro-ecological regions inBetwa and Gomti sub-basins were delineated usingremote sensing data, HWSD soil raster data andNBSSLUP agro-ecological maps. Based on soil types,climate and district boundaries, the Gomti and Betwa

basin were divided into 21 and 27 AgricultureProduction Units, respectively. The variability mapshowed significant regional differences in crop waterrequirement within the basin suggesting thatassessment of crop water footprint with average valueof crop water requirement for entire basin will not beappropriate. The average crop water requirement(ETc)of major crops in Gomti basin such as paddy,wheat and sugarcane was 545.5, 345.3 and 1505.4 mmwith virtual water content of 2609.2, 1336.4 and 288.9m3/ton, respectively. Virtual water contents of othercrops were also estimated.

4.3.7 Wastewater Management and Reuse inAgriculture

Agricultural reuse of wastewater, under freshwaterscarcity, is fast becoming popular worldwide becauseit closes the loop between water demand andwastewater disposal and enhances fertilizer securityof resource poor farmers. However, due to lack ofproper treatment facilities and awareness in developingcountries, unplanned application of raw waste watersis increasing the risk of agricultural sustainability andconsumer/ environmental health. Considering thesituation, a state of the art innovative eco-friendlywastewater treatment facility involving emergentwetland plants (such as Typhalatifolia) and native mediaand microorganisms that mimic natural processesoperative in any natural wetlands was engineeredat pilot scale since 2009. This up-scaled and

Pollutant reduction efficiency of up-scaled wastewater treatmentfacility of IARI

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operationalized system has the capacity to treat 2.2million litres of Krishi Kunj colony sewage waters witha potential of irrigating 132 ha of IARI farmland. Ascompared to the conventional wastewater treatmentplants, it requires just 1% energy and zero-chemicalapplication. Monitoring since last 1.5 years revealedits exceptional pollutant reduction efficiencies in termsof the major pollutants such asturbidity (99%),biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) (87%), nitrate(95%), phosphate (90%), lead (81%) and iron (99%). Thetreated waters were fit for land application, therefore,used for irrigating IARI fields. The harvested biomassfrom three waste water treatment cells (12 tonnes perannum per cell) could be successfully transformed tothe particle board (9000 sq. meters), thus generatingcash of `18 lakh from trash and making the facilitycompletely self sustained. The facility was chosen asone of the good practice examples on “Economics,Resource Recovery and Reuse” of wastewater inagriculture by UN-Waters at Tehran, Iran and waswidely demonstrated to a number of beneficiaries fromAsian, MENA, Sub-Saharan African, Latin Americanand Caribbean regions.

4.3.8 Management of Alkali Water inSorghum-Wheat and Sequential Release ofExchangeable and Non-exchangeableSodium and Potassium

A field experiment was conducted to manage theadverse effects of alkali water irrigation having residualsodium carbonate (RSC) levels from 0, 5 and 10 meq l-1

by using low cost amendments (Farm yard manure,press mud, fly ash, rice husk ash (RHA), gypsumapplied through irrigation water and soil and control)in sorghum, wheat on sandy loam soil. In case of nonRSC irrigation water, application of 10 tons of FYM ha-1

resulted in highest fodder yield of 61 t ha-1 comparedto 56 t ha-1 in control (no amendment). Because of 1200mm of rainfall received during the kharif, fodder yieldsof sorghum were not adversely affected with alkaliwater irrigation, thereby no impacts of appliedamendments. Grain yields of wheat ranged from 4.3 to5.9 t ha-1. Yields were significantly reduced at 10 meq l-1

RSC compared to control (no RSC). Amongst differentamendments, soil application of gypsum was found to

be best in mitigation of adverse effects of alkali waterand resulted in highest grain yield.

Release pattern of exchangeable and non-exchangeable potassium and sodium were alsomonitored through sequential extraction. In the firstextraction, exchangeable K was the maximum (100 mgkg-1) in treatments receiving press mud followed byrice husk and FYM and minimum in case of control(no amendment). The release of exchangeablepotassium was stabilized to 1-3 mg kg-1 after fourthextraction. Magnitude of non-exchangeable K extractedwas the highest in plots receiving press mud, whereasrelease of both K and Na was the minimum in case ofgypsum applied plots.

4.3.9 Modelling Salt Dynamics in the RootZone and Yield of Wheat Crop underIrrigated Saline Regimes

Crop modelling has played an important role informulating agricultural policies and measures toreduce yield losses. SWAP (Soil Water AtmospherePlant) model was used to simulate the salt dynamicsand yield of three salt tolerant and one salt non-tolerantwheat varieties under varying saline water irrigationregimes. The experiment was conducted at IARIresearch farm located in a semiarid monsoon climaticregion. Four irrigation treatments viz., ground water(S1) salinity varying from 1.5 to 1.7 dSm-1, and salinewater levels of 4 dSm-1 (S2), 8 dSm-1 (S3), 12 dSm-1 (S4)were used for irrigating the crop. The model wascalibrated and validated using the experimentgenerated data of rabi 2009-10 and 2010-11, respectively.The model performance indicators, i.e., modelefficiency (ME) and degree of agreement (d) was 0.76and 0.93 for root zone soil salinity and 0.96 and 0.99for relative wheat yield of calibrated model,respectively. Furthermore, root mean square error(RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) for predictionof relative yield during calibration was 4% and 3% andduring validation was 9.6% and 8.3%, respectively. Thevalidated model performed well for salt dynamics inroot zone and relative yields that were corroboratedby prediction error statistics R2 of 0.96 and 0.95, ME of0.95 and 0.75 besides degree of agreement (d) of 0.98and 0.93, respectively. It was observed that the model

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performed better for prediction of relative yield of salttolerant varieties as compared to the salt non tolerantvariety under different saline irrigation water regimes.

4.4 NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT4.4. 1 Nutrient Management in Organic Rice-Wheat System for Sustainable Yield, Profitsand Soil Health

A long term field experiment (initiated duringkharif 2003) was conducted on organic nutrientmanagement of rice-wheat and rice-wheat-mungbeancropping systems in a sandy clay-loam soil. Initial threeyears up to kharif 2006 were considered as conversionperiod. The objectives of the experiment were tocompare the effect of rice-wheat and rice-wheat-mungbean cropping systems on grain yield of rice andwheat under organic farming, and to determine theoptimum combination of organic manures, cropresidues and biofertilizers for meeting nutrientrequirement of rice-wheat and rice-wheat-mungbeansystems. Treatments (14) consisted of sevencombinations of organic manures, crop residues andbiofertilizers in two sets of cropping systems (Rice-wheat, Rice-wheat-mungbean). Manurial treatmentsconsisted of control, farmyard manure andvermicompost equivalent to 60 kg N ha-1, FYM + cropresidue of preceding crop, vermicompost + cropresidue, FYM + crop residue + biofertilizers andvermicompost + crop residue + biofertilizers. Forbiofertilizers, blue green algae (BGA) and PSB in rice,Azotobacter and PSB in wheat and Rhizobium + PSB inmungbean were used. Results indicated that the grainyield of wheat was not affected significantly bycropping system. Nutrient sources, however, had asignificant impact on the grain yield of wheat. Thehighest wheat grain yield was recorded withvermicompost + crop residue + biofertilizers, which wason a par with FYM+ crop residue + biofertilizers, butboth these treatments made a significant improvementin wheat grain yield over all other sources of nutrientsand control. Combined use of crop residues either withFYM or vermicompost increased the wheat grain yieldsignificantly over their sole use (FYM or vermicompostalone).

Rice-wheat-mungbean system gave significantlyhigher grain yield (11.7%) of rice over rice-wheatsystem. In rice-wheat-mungbean cropping system thevalues of yield attributes of rice viz., panicles m-2, filledgrains panicle-1 and panicle weight were significantlyhigher than under rice-wheat cropping system. Thehighest grain yield of basmati rice was recorded withvermicompost (VC) + crop residue (CR) + biofertilizers(BF) nutrient source, which was on a par withFYM+CR+BF, and both recorded significantly higherrice grain yield than other nutrient sources.

4.4.2 Iron Management in AerobicallyGrown Rice

In a study related to iron (Fe) management inaerobic rice, cv. Pusa 33 produced the highest biomassunder both Fe-sufficient (+Fe) and Fe-deficient (-Fe)nutrient solution, and measured the highest shoot Fe,Fe deficiency recovery index (37.7%) and Fe deficiencytolerance index (0.86) amongst the investigatedgenotypes. On the other hand, lowest values for allabove attributes were observed for cv. ADT 39. Irondeficiency tolerance of Pusa 33 was related to the higherrelease of phytosiderophores by roots and efficienttranslocation of Fe from root to shoot. Further, Fedeficiency tolerant (Pusa 33) and susceptible (ADT 39)genotypes were tested for their response to applied Fe.Rice genotypes responded differently to Femanagement. In a pot culture study, Pusa 33 alsoperformed better than ADT 39 in respect of iron

Performance of Fe-deficiency tolerant (Pusa 33) and susceptible(ADT 39) cultivars of rice

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content, chlorophyll content, leaf greenness (SPAD)index, grain and straw yield. Foliar spray (0.5% Fe-EDTA) was effective in amelioration of Fe deficiencyin aerobically grown rice.

4.4.3 Isotopic Studies on Efficient Use ofNitrogen, Zinc and Water for EnhancingCrop Productivity in Rice, Wheat and Maize

Impacts of conservation agriculture on change intotal soil organic C (SOC), relationship between Caddition and storage and total soil N storage in asandy loam soil were studied. Cotton (Gossypiumhirsutum L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropswere grown during the first three years (2008-2011)and in the last year, maize (Zea mays), wheat and greengram (Vignaradiate L.) were cultivated. Althoughconventional tillage under bed planting (CT-B) andzero tillage with flat planting (ZT-F) had similar maizeaboveground biomass yields, CT-F treated plotsyielded 16% less maize biomass than CT-B plots.However, both wheat and greengram yields were notaffected by tillage. Plots under C/M+W RES had ~17,13, 13 and 32% higher mean cotton, maize, wheat andgreen gram aboveground biomass yields than N RESplots, yielding ~16% higher estimated root (andrhizodeposition) C input in the 0-30 cm soil layer thanN RES plots. About 10% of the added C was retainedin the 0-30 cm layer under conservation agriculture(CA). In the micro-plots, zero tilled plots with residueretention had better surface (0-15 cm) soil aggregation,higher surface residue N and higher residual 15N insoils than conventionally tilled & residue removalplots (CT). The plots under zero tillage + residueretention had about 9% higher total soil N (TSN) inthe 0-15 cm soil layer than CT plots. Plots (where bothmaize and wheat residue were added and earliercotton and wheat residues were added) had higherlabile N in surface soil layer than no residue treatedplots. However, tillage and residue management hadno effect on non- labile N pools in all soil layers. Theunaccounted N data under conservation agriculturalplots were similar to CT plots after four years. Thus,the adoption of ZT in permanent beds with cropresidue addition is a better management option forimprovement of soil N (and thus possibly a reduced

dose of fertilizer N can be adopted in the long run),as the management practice has the potential toimprove soil aggregation, C retention and with greateraccumulation of TSN within macro-aggregates, andthis trend would most likely have additive effects withadvancing years of same management practices.

4.5 PROTECTED CULTIVATIONTECHNOLOGY4.5.1 Vegetable Crops4.5.1.1 Parthenocarpic cucumber productionunder different protected structures

Three parthenocarpic cucumber hybrids, namely,Isatis, Kian and Hilton were evaluated under naturallyventilated polyhouse (NVP), Forced ventilatedpolyhouse (FVP) and Insect Proof net house (IPNH) atthree times of transplanting i.e., 1st week of August, 3rd

week of October and 3rd week of February on raisedbeds along with plastics mulch and drip fertigationsystem. Isatis produced maximum cucumber yield(inclusive of three crops per year) with plastic mulchacross the protected structure as compared to Kian andHilton. The FVP was found best for maximumcucumber production (28.5 kg/m2/year) followed bynaturally ventilated polyhouse (26.8 kg/m2/year) andIPNH (24.6 kg/m2/year) with mulch. However, the costbenefit ratio was higher under NVP (1:2.90) comparisonto other two methods.

4.5.1.2 Coloured capsicum production underdifferent protected structures

Early and Off-season coloured capsicumcultivation is very difficult in open conditionsparticularly in northern parts of the country. Twocapsicum hybrids viz., Swarna (yellow colour) andIndra (red colour) were evaluated during August toMay under the forced ventilated polyhouse (FVP),naturally ventilated polyhouse (NVP) and Insect proofnet house (IPNH). One month old seedlings weretransplanted on raised bed with and without silvercoloured plastic mulch along with drip-irrigation. Themaximum yield was produced by Swarna with mulchas compared to hybrid Indra irrespective of protectedstructures. The FVP showed highest yield of Swarna

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Field view of experiment on lettuce under shade nets and open

(14.20 kg/m2) followed by NVP (11.90 kg/m2). However,the maximum cost benefit ratio (1:2.60) was foundunder NVP as compared to FVP only due to lowrunning cost.

4.5.1.3 Performance of indeterminate tomatohybrid with plastic mulch under differentprotected structures

An indeterminate tomato hybrid (GS 600) wasevaluated under three different structures, namely,forced ventilated polyhouse (FVP), naturallyventilated poly-house (NVP) and Insect proof nethouse (IPNH) with and without plastic mulch laid onraised beds installed with drip fertigation. Highestyield of fresh fruits were recorded with mulch underFVP (24.5 kg/m2) followed by NVP (19.3 kg/m2) andIPNH (15.5 kg/m2).

4.5.1.4 Studies on off- season lettuce productionunder shade net v/s open field conditions

Three lettuce varieties viz., Red Revolution,Yellow Bergamo and Ice-berg were evaluated onraised beds equipped with drip fertigation systemunder black colour shade net structure (30% shadingintensity) and open field during December to March.Leafy type lettuce variety Yellow Bergamo washarvested 15-20 days earlier than heading typevariety Ice-berg under shade net. However,harvesting duration was prolonged by 20 days undershadenet (70 days). The highest yield (2.50 kg/m2)was recorded by Ice-berg (dark green heading type)

followed by 2.20 kg/m2 of Yellow Bergamo (lightgolden green leafy type) and 1.8 kg/m2 of RedRevolution (red colour leafy type) in shade netagainst 2.10 kg/m2, 1.70 kg/m2 and 1.40 kg/m2 in opencondition, respectively.

4.5.1.5 Off-season evaluation of leafy vegetablesunder shade nets and open field conditionsduring summer

Leafy vegetables, namely, spinach and corianderwere evaluated under different colour shade nets viz.,black, green, white and red, of 50 % shade and openfield. It was observed that the colour shade-nets

Comparative studies on yield and profit of coloured capsicum under different protected structures

Protected Hybrid Yield Net income C:B Ratiostructure (kg/m2) (`̀̀̀̀/m2/year)

Without mulch With mulch Without mulch With mulch Without mulch With mulch

FPP Swarna 12.50 14.20 315 380 1:2.00 1:2.15

Indra 9.80 12.30 180 285 1:1.60 1:1.70

NVP Swarna 10.20 11.90 305 370 1:2.50 1:2.60

Indra 8.50 10.60 220 305 1:2.10 1:2.35

IPNH Swarna 6.70 8.50 46 80 1:1.30 1:1.46

Indra 6.10 7.90 28 62 1:1.18 1:1.35

FVP= Forced ventilated polyhouse, NVP= Naturally ventilated polyhouse, IPNH=Insect-Proof-net-houseSale price `50/kg (`30/kg for IPNH produce only)

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promoted early harvesting (5-20 days) with amaximum yield of spinach under red (125.5 kg/100m2) and coriander under green (78.5 kg/100m2).However, spinach and coriander, both exhibited apoor germination (40.5 % and 35.5%, respectively)and yield (20.2 kg/100m2 and 35.5 kg/100m2,respectively) with a negative cost benefit ratio of1:0.30 and 1: 0.26, respectively, under open fieldconditions.

4.5.1.6 Variability for horticultural traits inindeterminate tomato germplasm underprotected conditions

Seventy germplasm of tomato includingcherry tomato (21) were evaluated for importanthorticultural traits to identify promising linessuited for cultivation in greenhouses. Forty threelines (30 tomato and 13 cherry) of indeterminatenature were selected for further evaluation ofyield performance. Among tomato lines, widerange was observed for average fruit weight (35-181g), flesh thickness (3.5-9.0 mm), number oflocules (2-7) and TSS (2.7-6.0 0Brix). The range offruit color was red, deep red, plum red, orangeand yellow. Two lines viz., SPT 1 having fruitweight (100g), flesh thickness (7mm), TSS (5.2)and SPT 2 with fruit weight (90g), flesh thickness(6mm) and TSS (6.0) were recorded as promisingand showed resistance to viral disease underpolyhouse.

4.5.1.7 Evaluation of cherry tomato lines underprotected structure

Among three cherry tomato lines evaluated forhorticultural traits, Pusa Sel-1 produced highest yield(6.06 kg/plant) and average number of fruits per cluster(130) against a private hybrid, Seminis-cherry (3.26 kg/plant).

Off-season evaluation of leafy vegetables under shade net (different colours) and open field conditions during summer

Shade Net (colour) Crop Germination (%) Duration of crop (days) Yield (kg/100m2) Cost benefit ratio

Black Spinach 70.70 95 75.50 1:1.52

Coriander 65.60 85 63.50 1:1.92

Green Spinach 65/90 110 105.20 1:2.33

Coriander 63.60 100 78.50 1:2.52

White Spinach 55.50 95 60.50 1:1.22

Coriander 50.70 90 40.70 1:1.23

Red Spinach 68.60 85 125.50 1:3.03

Coriander 65.60 80 65.70 1:2.25

Open field (control) Spinach 40.50 75 20.20 1: 0.30

Coriander 35.50 70 10.50 1:0.26

A promising indeterminate line of tomato SPT 2 suitable forprotected cultivation

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Performance of Pusa Sel-1, cherry tomato under greenhouse

Variety/Selections Plant Clusters/ Fruits/ Av. Fruit Fruit weight/ Fruit length Fruit width Fruit yield/height (m) plant cluster weight (g) cluster (g) (cm) (cm) plant (kg)

Pusa Sel. 1 (red) 7.85 14.3 130.0 3.5 448.1 1.90 1.92 6.06

Pusa Sel. 2 (yellow) 6.40 17.0 32.0 7.8 249.6 2.48 2.50 4.14

Seminis (red) 4.35 18.0 26.3 6.3 165.3 2.21 2.34 3.26

4.5.2 Flower Crops4.5.2.1 Evaluation of chrysanthemum varietiesfor cut flower production under low costpolyhouse and opens fields

Four varieties of chrysanthemum, namely,Zembla, Thai Chen Queen, White Star and PusaCentenary were evaluated for cut flower productionand found that the varieties could produce betterquality cut flowers under open field as comparedto the low cost polyhouse. However, Zemblaproduced maximum stem length (107.5 cm), stemdiameter (1.27 cm) and flower size (16.7cm diameteracross), followed by Pusa Centenary and Thai Chenqueen.

4.5.2.2 Regulation of plant growth andflowering in short day planted chrysanthemum

A significant increase in plant height (22.5 cm to84.7 cm) and flower size (7.4 cm to 18.3 cm) in plantsof Thai Chen Queen was recorded due to GA3applied @ 50,75,100,125,150 175 and 200 ppm ascompared with the control. However, the GA3applied at 150-200ppm could produce desirable stemlength.

4.5.2.3 Evaluation of carnation and gerberavarieties for cut flower production undernaturally ventilated (NV) greenhouse

Among four varieties of carnation, namely,Guadina, Liberty, Ambrose and White Libertyevaluated for growth and flowering characteristicsunder naturally ventilated greenhouse, Ambroseproduced quality cut flowers with stem length(81.5 cm), stem diameter (0.72 cm), flower diameter(5.20 cm), followed by Guadina and Liberty.However in a comparative evaluation of differentvariet ies of gerbera done under natural lyventilated polyhouse it was found that varietyBalance produce good quality stalk (56.90 cm) alongwith a flower diameter of 10.25 cm followed bySalvadore as compared with varieties, namely,Rosalin, Dune and Danna Ellen.

Evaluation of carnation varieties under NV greenhouseResponse of chrysanthemum to different doses of GA3

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4.5.3 Drip Irrigation and Fertigation4.5.3.1 Energy budgeting and techno-economicfeasibility of solar powered greenhouse

In a solar power operated greenhouse of 200m2 areaequipped with a 2.0 kW capacity solar panels, totalenergy consumption varied from 300-800 kW/h onmonthly basis. However, the maximum energyconsumption of 800 kW/h was recorded in June andtotal annual energy cost estimated remained ` 24,400/to meet the energy requirement of 6100 kW/h. The totalcost of 200 square meter semi-climate controlledgreenhouse is estimated ̀ 0.75 lakhs with 75% subsidy.The total cost of 2.0 kW solar panel with battery andinverter is ̀ 1.40 lakhs with 30% subsidy. The total fixedcost of the 200 m2 solar powered greenhouse system is` 2.15 lakhs. The total running cost of the system is` 0.35 lakhs including the cost of fertilizer, chemicals,and seeds and grows bags. The total cost of the systemis ` 2.50 lakhs. The net profit earned is ` 1.0 lakh bytaking one crop each of capsicum or cucumber per year.Therefore, a payback period for solar powered 200 m2

greenhouse is 2.5 years over a possible life of the solarpanels being 20-25 years.

from 300 ml in the month of July to the peakrequirement of 900 ml in the month of Oct. Thetota l crop water requirement for 200 m 2

greenhouse varied from 150 liter in the month ofJuly to the maximum of 450 liter in the month ofOct. The number of irrigation and irrigationinterval varied from 6-10 per month and 3-5 days,respectively, throughout the growing period. Theirrigation duration or time of irrigation variedfrom 20 min to 55 min with the inline dripper of1 liter per hour capacity installed in the 16 mmdrip lateral line.

4.5.3.3 Studies on climatic parameters interactionfor solar greenhouse

The solar radiation inside solar greenhouse islower than open field during the entire year fordifferent months. The solar radiation for open fieldgradually increased from Jan to July and then itdecreased gradually up to Dec. Similarly the solarradiation of solar greenhouse gradually increasedfrom Jan to Aug and then it decreased graduallyup to Dec. The open field and solar greenhousesolar radiation at 10 AM varied from 550-910 watt/m 2 and 225-375 watt/m 2. The average solarradiation for open field and solar greenhouse solarradiation at 10 AM was 290 and 750 watt/m2,respectively.

Capsicum in soil-less grow bags

Open field v/s solar greenhouse radiation at 10 a.m.

4.5.3.2 Fertigation scheduling for cucumbergrown in soil-less grow bags

The crop water requirement per plant forcucumber grown in soil-less grow bag varied

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4.5.3.4 Evaluation of Dichondrarepens L, aground cover performance under differentshade nets

In order to promote better growth, chlorophyllretention and expression in DichondrarepensL., a studywas undertaken to understand the role of differentcoloured shade nets, namely, green, black, red andwhite (50% all). The sprigs were planted duringOctober, 2013 in four replications. The morphologicaldata was recorded from November, 2013 to March,2014. The morphological evaluation during Marchrevealed that the number of shoots /25 cm2 (217) andleaf width (2.42 cm) were more under green shade netfollowed by red shade net. However, the shoot length(12.42 cm) and leaf length (2.15 cm) were foundmaximum under black shade net. The maximum rootlength (6.77 cm) was observed under green shade netfollowed by red (6.59 cm). A perusal of the lightintensity recorded under different shade nets at thecanopy level indicated that the light intensity wasmore under white shade net at 9.00 a.m. (21175 lux),2.00 p.m. (53400 lux) and 5.00 p.m. (6450 lux) whencompared to other coloured shade nets.

4.6 AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING4.6.1 Development and PerformanceEvaluation of Tractor Operated GarlicPlanter

A prototype garlic clove planter was developed bythe Institute. The prime mover of the prototype planteris 35HP tractor. Vertical cup type metering system wasused for planting garlic cloves in nine rows. Verticalmetering plates, reversible tyne furrow openers andseed tubes are attached with the main frame of theprototype. The metering system is powered by a

ground wheel of diameter 380 mm and powertransmission is by a set of chains and sprockets.

The developed planter plants cloves with a row torow spacing of 150 mm and desired plant spacing of75 mm. Test results of vertical plate metering systemover sticky belt is satisfactory with high singulationpercentage. The quality of feed index was computedas 88%. The miss index and multiple index were 2%and 10%, respectively. No visible clove damage wasrecorded in the laboratory testing. Performanceevaluation of the prototype was carried out in theexperimental farm of the Institute. The actual fieldcapacity and field efficiency of the planter is 0.2 ha/hand 74%, respectively, at a working speed of 2kmph.

4.6.2 Development and Performance ofPrototype Garlic Harvester

A 4-row tractor operated garlic harvester wasdeveloped and field evaluated. The working width ofthe harvester is 0.6 m and power requirement is 4.54kW, which a small/ medium size tractor can easilyoperate. Matured garlic plants are harvested with highharvesting percentage (96.12%) and low bulb damagepercentage (5.94%). Soil separation index wascomputed as 0.26 with field capacity of 0.24 ha/h. Toimprove soil separation, the harvester was modifiedby increasing the area of soil separator. The rake anglewas also increased to reduce bulb damage percentage.Operational cost of the machine was found to be 55 %lower than that of manual harvesting.

Field evaluation of prototypegarlic planter

Plan of prototype planterPrototype garlic harvester

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4.6.3 Technologies for Raised Bed CarrotPlanting and Harvesting

The technologies for mechanization of carrotplanting and harvesting were developed. The raisedbed carrot planter is useful for precise planting of carrotseeds and the harvester for damage free harvesting ofcarrots on raised bed. The raised bed carrot planter wasfurther evaluated in the field to have input forimprovement. The inclined plate metering mechanismused for precise metering of carrot seeds for differentvarieties was designed. The ridger was improved forsmooth ridge making. The ridge was of trapezoidalshape having top and bottom width of bed 350 mmand 700 mm, respectively. The average depth of seedplacement was 2.25 -2.50 cm. The planter was able toplant carrot seeds on two beds with four rows on theeach bed with adjustable row to row spacing. The fieldcapacity of the machines is 0.5 ha/h.

A two bed carrot harvester was developed forharvesting carrot grown on raised bed. A mechanicalcarrot harvester was developed for easy harvesting ofthe carrot. The harvesting machine has a single cuttingblade with blade angle of 15°. The single cutting bladeconsists of equally spaced three v-type cutting edges.The pitch of the cutting blade is 43 cm. The cuttingblade assembly is mounted on hitching frame assembly.The carrot harvester blade makes a cut below the rootof the carrot and loosens the soil of the two bedssimultaneously. Finally the carrot is picked upmanually. The loosening of the soil facilitates uprootingof carrots. The width of coverage of the carrot harvesteris 1.3 m. The field capacity of carrot harvester is 0.5 ha/h and can be operated by a 45 hp tractor.

4.6.4 Development of Ridge Profile PowerWeeder

Presence of weeds is considered as one of the majorconstraint in crop production. In India, weeding isperformed manually with traditional hand tools likekhurpi, which is time consuming and arduous. Availableweeders are mostly used for flat surface planted crops,and thus, plants cultivated on ridges pose a specialproblem. A ridge profile power weeder was developedwith 2.20 kW petrol-start kerosene-run engine as primemover. The M.S square main frame of the weeder hadlength, height and width of 53 cm, 20 cm and 35 cm,respectively. The diameter of rotor shaft was 1.8 cm withlength of 20 cm to cover complete ridge surface. Theblades of the rotor were C-type with 2.5 cm width and0.6 cm thickness. The weeding efficiency, plant damage,field capacity were 91.37%, 2.66%, and 0.08 hah-1,

Raised-bed carrot planting

Raised-bed carrot harvester in operation Ridge profile power weeder

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respectively. Saving of time with ridge profilepower weeder was 92.97% as compared to manualweeding.

4.6.5 Development of Solar PoweredRefrigerator for Rural Households

Solar energy has been considered as a huge sourceof energy and also an economical source of energybecause it is freely available. A solar panel of 400W(100W each solar module, open circuit voltage 17V) wasused to generate the power. The DC power of the solarpanel was converted into single phase AC power withthe help of a 1400VA inverter. A battery (24V, 150Ah)was used to provide back up to the system in theabsence of solar energy. With the above system arefrigerator (90W) was operated successfully. Inaddition to operation of refrigerator (90W) for 24 hours,a fan (50W) and tube lights (28W, 3 nos.) can also beoperated for 18 hours and 6 hours, respectively, as perthe requirement of rural households. In addition, thissystem can also be used for operation of other smallelectrical gadgets.

load of 304 W consisting of two exhaust fans (132 Weach) and a cooling system pump (40 W) was operatedsuccessfully. The system can pave the way forsustainable cultivation in self-sustained greenhouseseven in remote areas where probability of gettingconventional grid power is scarce.

4.6.7 Pusa Solar Powered Knapsack SprayerKnapsack sprayers are widely used by small and

marginal farmers to spray plant protectants byoperating lever at 16-20 stroke/minute which inducesfatigue to workers along with greater variation in spraypressure causing inconsistency in droplet size and inturn adversely affecting application. A solar poweredspraying system has been developed which hasadvantages of uniform pressure and reduced humanefforts. It has a lead acid battery which can be chargedby 60W, SPV panel, can operate the sprayer for 6 hour

Solar panels (4x100 W) with inverter and batteries for operation ofdifferent appliances

4.6.6 Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) PoweredVentilation and Cooling System of aGreenhouse

Solar power from solar photovoltaic system wasused for operation of exhaust fans and a cooling systempump of a 24 m2 greenhouse. A solar panel of 600 W(solar module 100 w each, open circuit voltage 17V)was used to operate the system. The DC power of thesolar panel was converted into AC power with the helpof a 24V/1250VA inverter. A 24 V, 150 AH batteries wasused to provide back up to the system in the absenceof solar energy. With the AC output from this system a

SPV powered exhaust fans and Fan-pad cooling system of thegreenhouse

Pusa solar powered knapsack sprayer with 60W SPV

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continuously. It is fitted with diaphragm type pumpwhich has 4 kg/cm2 pressure without pulsation,sufficient for fine and uniform spray. The estimatedcost of the system is ̀ 13200. An MOU has been signedfor commercial production.

4.6.8 Development of an EvaporativelyCooled Cart for Mobile Retail Vending ofFruits and Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables need to be preservedby controlling the environment around them while instorage. A mobile vending Cart (Rehri) has beenassembled in the divisional workshop and modifiedto house an evaporatively cooled chamber to store freshvegetables safely for short duration. Suitablemodifications in the design of the cart have been madeto give an additional storage area of more than 8.0 cubicfeet below the main platform and between the fourwheels of the cart. The available space of 1120*480*450mm on the existing cart is utilized for this purpose.Provision have been made for arrangements for makingthe lower section evaporative cooled so that fruits andvegetables can be kept safely for a longer period of timeat the retail vendor’s level. Provision of cooling padsand water channels for water application anddistribution around the additional 8.0 cu ft. storagespace for vegetables and fruits has been made. Also,on top of the platform, provision has been made toapply water to the pads through two stationary funnels-bucket arrangements.

Preliminary testing of the evaporatively cooledvending cart was carried out initially without Load i.e.,without storing any vegetable or fruit in the storagearea with cooling pads. The temperature and relativehumidity variation was measured with the help of handheld temperature and humidity measuring device. Theminimum and maximum temperature drop in thestorage chamber was recorded as 5°C and 10°C,respectively, whereas rise in relative humidity wasfound to be between 5% and 15% during the monthsof March-April. Tomato, cabbage, cauliflower, carrotsand Methi (leafy vegetable) were stored in the cart. Theresults show that these vegetables could be safelystored for 7 days (except Methi) and their quality wasfound to be acceptable. The cart has been modified torun with solar energy with fan and lighting system.

4.6.9 Farm Operation ServicesThe farm operation service unit (FOSU) managed

all field operations including field preparations to cropsowing, harvesting and threshing in 750 acres of IARIfarm using indigenous and imported machines.Services were provided for timely tillage, fieldpreparations, laser levelling, sowing, inter-culture andharvesting of the experimental fields during rabi andkharif seasons. Irrigation facilities were provided forexperiment and seed multiplication programme to allIARI fields by linking 18 tube wells to two big waterreservoirs of 10 lakh gallons capacities each. FOSU haseliminated the dependence on canal water for irrigationby redeveloped two dad tube wells and by connectingother two tube wells with channel of canal water toTop Block. For efficient distribution of irrigation andto save irrigation water, the rain gun irrigation systemhas been installed in 20 acre area of IARI farm. FOSUhas collected biomass using Biomass Grabber duringkharif & rabi seasons to the tune of about 1500 numbersof trollies from various fields of IARI farm. Thisbiomass/ crop residue was transported to the site of“Biomass Utilization Unit”, for preparing of FYM. ThisFYM (Farm Yard Manure) was also distributed to allthe users at IARI experimental farms by FOSU.

4.6.10 Biomass Utilization UnitBiomass Utilization unit prepared about 5000

tonnes of good quality composts during 2013-14.Approximately 2000 tonnes of FYM and residue mixedcompost and about 800 tonnes of leaf compost has beendistributed in different divisions and units of Institute.The approximate value of material distributed in theInstitute is about ̀ 36 lakhs. Besides, the unit has earnedabout ` 5.0 lakhs by sale of the surplus compost toprivate costumers and other ICAR Institutes. Sievingplant is fully operated and unit sieved and distributed

Vegetable vending cart Solar Powered vending cart

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about 1000 tonnes of leaf compost. The unit hasprovided training on different type of composting tothe farmers, students, small scale entrepreneurs, NGOsand officials from agricultural departments of stategovernments.

4.7 POST HARVEST TECHNOLOGY4.7.1 Development of Sorghum-Barley PuffsFortified with Horsegram

Effect of different extrusion variables (moistureand temperature) on sorghum-barley puffs fortifiedwith horsegram was evaluated for their physicalcharacteristics, antioxidants, mineral, texture,microstructure, glycemic index and sensory properties.Three composite blends of sorghum and barley with afixed ratio of horsegram (10%) were subjected to four

was flattened to the desired thickness between rollersin a flaking machine and then roasted in roastingmachine up to desired crispness. The flaked androasted product was subsequently spiced and packed.The product is rich in quality protein and fat. Theantioxidant and flavanoids are high in the product.The TIA has been reduced to less than 10% in theproduct. It has moisture content of about 3-4%.

4.7.3 Development of Baked Corn ChipsCorn chips were prepared using baking technology

so as to reduce the fat content. The developed producthad an average of 5% less fat content as compared tothe commercial sample. Fibre from various wastes,namely, rice bran, chickpea bran, soy okara and wheatbran were incorporated in corn chips to increase theirnutritional profile. They were incorporated @ 10-40 %.The developed product was subsequently spiced andpacked. Product developed with upto 30% fibreincorporation was found to be acceptable in all caseswith an enhanced total phenolic content andantioxidant activity.

Roasted flakes from soybean

different extrusion variables with varyingtemperature and moisture combinations. Hightemperature-low moisture extrusion significantly(p<0.05) reduced piece density, improved theexpansion volume, bound phenolics, and antioxidantactivity. Low glycemic index and high sensory qualityof developed snack demonstrates its potential as agrazing snack for children, dietetics and diabeticpatients.

4.7.2 Ready-to-Eat Roasted Flakes fromSoybean

Ready-to-eat roasted flakes were prepared fromblack and yellow coloured soybean. Soaked soybean

Sorghum-barley puffs fortified with horsegram

Corn chips prepared by baking

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4.7.4 Effect of Enzyme Incorporation onDough Rheology and Crackers Quality

Low calorie protein rich crackers incorporatingfibre, antioxidants and minerals from aonla, beetroot,red capsicum pomace powder, drumstick leaves,fingermillet were developed. The effect of incorpo-ration of enzymes (amylase, cellulase, viscozyme,papain, laccase, glucose oxidase) on the creep-relaxation rheological properties of dough meant formaking crackers were measured and modelled usingnon-linear regression method using Burger’s model. Itwas observed that oven spring of crackers is correlatedto dough springiness and hardness. Cracker hardnessis correlated to dough adhesiveness and cohesiveness,while crispness of the crackers correlates to doughspringiness. Cellulase incorporation had the mostsignificant beneficial effect in improving the crackerscrispness, softness and rise in oven.

4.7.5 Development of βββββ-carotene Rich WeaningMix Incorporating Pumpkin Powder

An investigation was carried out to find outoptimum proportion of β-carotene rich pumpkinpowder to develop cereal-pulse complementary foodfortified with different concentrations of pumpkinflour. The standard weaning mix was developed bycombining sorghum, gram and rice flour in the ratioof 2: 1: 1. The three variations of the mix were preparedby addition of 10%, 20% and 30% pumpkin flour to thestandard. On the basis of nutritional parameters andsensory score complementary food mix developed with20% pumpkin powder fortification was foundsignificantly good in retaining protein, β-carotene,fibre, carbohydrate and antioxidants levels.

4.7.6 Packaging of Loose Flowers of MarigoldThe experiment was conducted to standardize

packaging materials for loose flowers of Africanmarigold. The variety utilized for the experiment wasPusa Narangi Gainda. The 12 different packagingmaterials, namely, Gunny bags, Nylon bags, Muslincloth bags, 200 gauge Polythene bags (perforated andnon perforated), Brown paper bags (perforated and nonperforated), White paper laminated bags (perforatedand non perforated), Bamboo baskets, Bamboo basket +newspaper lining and Carton boxes were used for theexperiment both at ambient and cold storage conditions(6.0 oC). It was revealed that there was continuousincrease in reduction in fresh weight of flowers with theadvancement of experimental days in all the treatmentsand flowers retained more freshness under cold storageas compared to ambient conditions. The best results wereobserved under cold storage conditions and theminimum reduction (1.98%) in fresh flower weight withmarketable flowers was recorded in polythene bags (nonperforated) followed by white paper laminated nonperforated bags (4.70%) on 12th day of experiment.However, the maximum reduction in fresh flowerweight was observed in Nylon bags (52.64%) on 5th

experimental day under ambient conditions.

4.8 MICROBIOLOGY4.8.1 Diversity Analysis of Microbes inExtreme Environments and Bioprospectingfor Novel Molecules and Genes4.8.1.1 Cloning, sequencing and expressionanalysis of dnaK from Bacillus pumilus inhabitinghot water springs

A set of thermotolerant strains isolated from hotsprings of Manikaran and Bakreshwar (India) wereselected with an aim to isolate dnak gene which encodesDnaK/Hsp 70 protein. The gene dnaK along with itsflanking region was successfully amplified from 5different strains (4 from Bakreshwar and one fromManikaran). Restriction fragment length polymorphism(RFLP) revealed that amplicons were almost identicalin sequence. The dnak gene from one representative,Bacillus pumilus strain B3 isolated from Bakreshwar hotsprings was successfully cloned and sequenced. The

βββββ-carotene rich weaning mix and pumpking powder for feedinginfants

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dnaK gene was 1842 bp in length encoding apolypeptide of 613 amino acid residues. Calculatedmolecular weight and pI of the protein were 66,128.36Da and 4.72, respectively. The deduced amino acidsequence of this gene shared high sequence homologywith other DnaK proteins and its homologue Hsp 70from other microorganisms, but possessed 36substitutions and two insertions, as compared to DnaKprotein of Bacillus subtilis. The dnaK gene of Bacilluspumilus was successfully expressed in Escherichiacoli BL 21 (DE3) using pET expression systems.Heterologous expression of dnaK of Bacillus pumilus inE. coli BL 21 (DE3) allowed for the growth of E. coliup to 50 °C and survival up to 60 °C for 16 hours,suggesting that dnak from Bacillus pumilus impartstolerance to host cells under high temperature. Thisnovel gene can be an important component for possibleutilization in abiotic stress management of plants.

percent normal pupation as well as pupal weightof the surviving larvae and significant increase inlarval period. In field trials only SEN recordedsignificantly lower number of leaves damaged/plot.All the treatments recorded significantly higherweight of cabbage heads as compared to controlplots. SEN treated plots recorded nearly 23%increase in yield due to reduction in damage causedby pests. Insect population data indicatedsignificant decrease in S. obliqua population withinthree days of spraying. SEN treated plots recordednearly 45% decrease in pest population. No harmfuleffect of spraying of these entomopathogens on ladybird was observed, indicating them to be safeagainst beneficial insects.

4.8.1.3 Developing microbial consortium forbiotransformation of pentachlorophenol

Thirteen pentachlorophenol (PCP) degradingbacterial isolates obtained from pulp and paper milleffluent contaminated site were selected for theirability to grow at different concentrations of PCP. Outof 13 isolates, 8 isolates could grow even at 700 ppmof PCP. These isolates belonged to different speciesof Pseudomonas such as P. aeruginosa, P. citronellolis, P.putida and P. plecoglossicida. PCP degradation byEnsifer adhaerens and Lysinibacillus fusiformis isreported for the first and might represent newchlorophenol-degrading taxa.

Isolate Lysinibacillus fusiformis (PCP 156) showedsignificantly higher % PCP removal than other isolatesafter 5 and 10 days of incubation followed byPseudomonas putida (PCP 1) and Ensifer adhaerens (PCP 4).The batch culture experiments and HPLC analysisrevealed the decrease in PCP concentration of theMS medium and formation of intermediates-tetrachlorohydroquinone (TeCH) and dichloro-phenols(DCP) indicating that isolates were able to degradePCP via reductive dehalogenation and hydrolyticdehalogenation. A consortium of Ensifer adhaerens(PCP 4), Pseudomonas putida (PCP 1) and Lysinibacillusfusiformis (PCP 156) was developed and validated forPCP degradation in soil. The detection of intermediatesduring 30 days incubation confirmed degradation ofPCP. Hence, this consortium can be tested further atlarger scale to strengthen the findings of the study.

4.8.1.2 Bioprospecting for chitinolytic micro-organisms and their potential in insect bio-control

Three chitinolytic bacteria (SEN, IPR-1 and STS)were used for bioassay against Spirlactia obliqua.Larval mortality ranged between 50-56%. Treatmentwith sublethal doses of these entomopathogenicbacteria resulted in reduction in larval weight,

SDS-PAGE of crude cell extracts of transformants a. Proteinmolecular mass marker; b. E.coli transformant (uninduced); c. E.colitransformant induced (cell lysates collected 1 hr after induction);and d. E.coli transformant induced (cell lysates collectedimmediately after induction)

a b c d

72 KDa Expressed protein

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4.8.2 Microbes for Nutrient Management4.8.2.1 Development of formulation of Trichodermabased biofilms for enhanced shelf life

A set of six carriers (Multani mitti, vermiculite,paddy straw compost, combination of paddy strawcompost with vermiculite / multani mitti, soil: charcoal)were screened for developing formulation of novelTrichoderma based biofilmed biofertilizers and evaluatethem in terms of their shelf life and metabolic activity.Trichoderma viride- Bacillus subtilis biofilm was selectedas a representative for evaluating the suitability ofcarrier material. The population counts of the selectedbiofilm, with partners - Trichoderma and Bacillus weretaken on specific media (PDA and Nutrient broth,respectively) and activity of hydrolytic enzymes (β-1, 3and β-1,4 endoglucanases and chitosanase) in theaqueous extracts of the formulations were recordedafter 30, 60 and 90 d of incubation at room temperature.The extracts of the formulations were tested for theirfungicidal activity against Macrophomina phaseolina andRhizoctonia solani. Compost: vermiculite (1:1) provedto be the most promising carrier in terms of high inoculaload of partners, fungicidal activity and activity ofhydrolytic enzymes, tested after 30, 60 and 90 d.Persistence of the partners in the biofilmedformulations and consistent values of metabolic activityillustrated the promise of the selected carrier.

4.8.2.2 Profiling of Azolla in relation to enhancingits utility in crop production

In the present study the efficacy of Azolla extractsprepared using ethyl acetate solvent system wasevaluated under glasshouse conditions in themanagement of X. oryzae pv. oryzae. Rice plants afterchallenge inoculation with the pathogen and treatedwith ethyl acetate extracts at different time intervalsresulted in reduced disease incidence ratio and delayedappearance of the symptoms. This was evidenced bythe development of symptoms in the untreated controlas compared with plants applied with extract clip-inoculated with the pathogen. In plants challenged withpathogen and treated with the extracts significantincrease in the ascorbate, proline, total phenolic contentand peroxidase activity was observed as compared totheir control. The results indicate induction of probable

defense due to extract application resulting in delayedappearance of the symptoms. Further analysis of theextracts by various spectroscopic techniques such asFTIR helped in the identification of the presence ofvarious functional groups and LC/MS analysisconfirmed the presence of several compounds in theextracts with antimicrobial activity. The findings ofthe present study demonstrate that the aquaticpteridophyte A. microphylla is a rich source of com-pounds with biocidal properties and probable diseasesuppression potential.

4.8.2.3 Genotypic influence on chickpea RhizobiumInteraction

Chickpea genotypes, collected from differentchickpea growing zones, were grouped into high (BG256, BG 371 & BG 1053) and sparsely nodulatinggenotypes (ICC 4948, DCP 92-3 & Vijay) based on theirnitrogen fixing potential. The distribution pattern offlavonoids, amino acids, sugars and organic acids inthe root exudates of these genotypes were estimatedto look for biochemical basis of nodulation potential.Variations were observed in the concentration offlavonoids (formononetin, genestin); amino acids(asparagine, alanine and arginine); sugars (fructose,mannose, ribose, lactose and galactose) and organicacids (oxalic, citric and succinic acid) content.Therefore, root exudates profiling can be used as a toolfor selecting genotypes with high nodulating potentialas these compounds play important role in chemotacticbehaviour of Mesorhizobium ciceri in the rhizosphericsoil.

4.8.3 Microbial Degradation of Agrowaste4.8.3.1 Development of a formulation of effectivemicroorganisms for production of enrichedcompost for peri-urban agriculture

Effective Microorganisms formulation consistingof lignolytic fungi Phanerochaete chrysosporium (VV18),cellulolytic actinomycetes Streptomyces sp (C3),Lactobacillus isolate, yeast Candida tropicalis(Y6) andenriched photosynthetic bacterial was evaluated forpaddy straw composting under outdoor conditions andcompared with Pusa Compost inoculant both duringsummer and winter seasons. The EM consortiaperformed better during summer and degradation was

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faster resulting in desirable C: N (13:1) ratio within 60days. Field level evaluation of EM Compost vis-à-visrecommended package of practices was undertaken fortomato crop. An increment of 32% in tomato yield wasrecorded with the combined use of EM compost andchemical fertilizers (N50P30K25 + EM compost @ 5 t/ha-1).Similarly, fruit quality was improved in terms oflycopene content (35.52%), antioxidant activity (24-63%) and defense enzymes activity (11-54%), intomatoes for this treatment as compared to full doseof fertilizer control (N100P60K50). Significant correlationamong fruit quality parameters with soil micro-biological activities revealed the positive impact of EMcompost which may be adapted as an eco-friendlystrategy for production of high quality food.

4.8.3.2 Rapid composting technology at lowtemperatures

Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Aspergillus nidulans,Aspergillus awamori, Trichoderma viride, Eupenicilliumcrustaceum and Paceliomyces sp. were used as fungaland Bacillus atropheus and Bacillus sp. as bacteriallignocellulolytic microbial strains; applied in consortiafor low temperature composting. Application of 1.0%inoculums (v/w) per ton of waste was found to besufficient for degradation of lignocellulolytic waste andratio of all fungi is kept 1:1 while P. chrysosporium waskept double. The consortium was evaluated at differentlocations in northern India, namely, Aterna (Sonepat),Nangalbhoor (Pathankot), Kohali and Kotla (Amritsar)and Dhanda (Shimla) and the substrates used variedfrom paddy straw, corn stover, citrus waste fruits,leaves and Himalayan forest floor waste residues. Cornstover was degraded within 60 days and unchoppedpaddy straw in 90 days at Aterna village; fruit wasteand leaves degraded in 45 days at Nangalbhoor; citrusfruit wastes and leaves at Pathankot with in 60 daysand Oak leaves and forest floor waste at Shimla in 90days. Perusal of composting results demonstrated theefficacy of consortia for rapid biodegradation oflignocellulolytic residues at low temperatures.

4.8.3.3 Phytate mineralizing fungi and their rolein P nutrition

Phospho-compost was prepared from paddy strawamended with cattle manure/ poultry manure/ farm

yard manure, each added separately as nitrogensource. The composting mixture was inoculated withphytate mineralizing fungal consortium consistingof Aspergillus and Trichoderma. The three types ofcomposts with phosphorus (P) content ranging from0.7-1.0 % and C: N ratio of 18-20:1 was evaluated fortheir agronomic performance under wheatcultivation. The availability of soil phosphorus wasaffected with type of compost and stage of cropgrowth. Though, both poultry manure and FYMamended-paddy straw compost contributedsignificantly towards improving the availability ofsoil P but the former was most efficient as early Preleaser (190 µg g-1 at 60 days) compared to the latter.However, at 120 days of crop growth, individualcompost improved the availability status of soil Pby 21 % compared with chemical fertilization (CF).The peak phosphatase activity coincided with lowestavailable P values, indicating that under P deficientconditions, mineralization of P is induced bysynthesis of phosphatase. The three differentcomposts improved the organic carbon content ofsoil by 15-20 % compared with chemically fertilizedsoil. Both FYM and poultry manure amendedcompost showed higher harvest index of 0.465 and0.484, respectively, compared with 0.418 recorded inCF soil. The experimental results exhibited thatapplication of phospho-compost can save 35-40 %of chemical P input without compromising with thewheat crop yield.

4.8.4 Bioprospecting Microbes for Productionof Biodiesel and Bioethanol4.8.4.1 Growth profile and lipid productivity ofBotryococcus

Botryococcus, a green algae was selected earlierbased on its high lipid content. Growth profile andlipid productivity of Botryococcus sp. MCC30 wascompared when grown in flask, photobioreactor andraceway. Maximum biomass was obtained 14 days,15 days and 24 days in flask grown cultures,raceways and photobioreactor, respectively. Growthand lipid content of Botryococcus under outdoorraceway pond was comparatively higher than therest of the two systems. FAME profile of racewaygrown culture showed hexadecanoic acid methyl

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ester to be most abundant (38.66%). The total contentof octadecanoic acid, octadecenoic acid, octadeca-dienoic acid and octadecatrienoic acid was over35.22%.

4.8.4.2 Production of βββββ-glucosidaseIn conversion of biomass to ethanol, enzymatic

saccharification of cellulose is the most costsensitive step and involves hydrolysis by β-glucosidase. The fungi like Trichoderma, which havebeen extensively exploited for commercialproduction of cellulases produce very less β-glucosidase and it makes only about 1% of thewhole extracellular cellulase complex. Yeastcultures isolated from vegetable waste and spoiledfruit juice and identified as Rhodotorula and Candidaby 16SrDNA sequencing were found to be superiorβ-glucosidase producers. The extracellular β-glucosidase produced had specific activity of 0.0531as compared to the cell associated fraction (Enzymeactivity- 0.071 IU/ml, Specific activity- 1.05) whengrown on M9 minimal media supplemented withcarboxy methyl cellulose (CMC 1%) and yeastextract (0.1%).

Localisation studies showed that major fraction(>70%) of the enzyme is expressed on cell surface asthe highest β-glucosidase activity was found in thecell debris obtained after sonication (10.034 IU/ml).Culture conditions were optimized for maximalβ-glucosidase production by one factor at a timeapproach (OFAT) and later by Response surfaceMethodology. Amendment with 0.1% cellobiose(C source), soybean meal (N source) had stimulatoryeffect on β-glucosidase production. Tween-80 wasmost efficient among all the surfactants used. Theoptimum temperature and pH was found to be 50 ΟCand pH 6. One of the most significant finding of thisstudy was the glucose tolerance ability of theβ-glucosidase enzyme obtained from Rhodotorula.Inhibition caused by 0.1 M glucose was 48.68% ascompared to commercial cellobiase (85.98%). Thus,the β-glucosidase activity expressed by Rhodotorulawas constitutive and mostly cell surface expressed. Itwas glucose tolerant and had properties compatiblewith commercial cellulases.

4.9 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCEAND CLIMATE RESILIENTAGRICULTURE4.9.1 Fertilization Effect of CO2 onPhotosynthesis, Yield and N Content inWheat

Four promising wheat cultivars ,namely, HD2285, HD 2932, HD 2967 and WR 544 were subjectedto elevated CO2 level of 550 ppm under free air CO2

enrichment (FACE) in order to assess the varietalresponse of wheat to elevated CO2 concentration.Photosynthesis and grain yield of all four wheatcultivars enhanced markedly, while nitrogen contentin grain as well as straw decreased drastically byelevated CO2 in the air. Yield increase was mainlyattributed to marked increase in the number ofspikes/m2 without major changed in other yieldcomponents.

Effect of CO2 fertilization on yield of wheat cultivars

4.9.2 Effect of Low Radiation Stress on RiceProductivity

Ten promising rice cultivars/hybrids of basmatiand non-basmati groups subjected to low radiationstress showed differential growth and yield responseto low radiation. Among the cultivars, Pusa 44recorded highest grain yield under low radiationstress followed by PRH 10, Taraori and PS 5. However,local basmati variety Taraori registered highest degreeof low light stress tolerance as compared to othercultivars.

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4.9.4 Mitigation of Greenhouse Gases inRice-Wheat Systems

Measurement of methane, carbon dioxide andnitrous oxide was carried out from mitigationtechnologies like, intermittent flooding, direct seededrice, zero tillage, with and without residue retention,and neem oil coated urea from soils in rice-wheatsystem for mitigating greenhouse emissions. Directseeded rice followed by zero tilled wheat resulted inlowering the global warming potential by 53%.

Effect of low radiation on yield of rice cultivars

4.9.3 Changing Greenhouse Gas (GHG)Emission Scenario in Indian Agriculture

The trends of GHG emission in Indian agricultureand the contribution of different sources wereassessed. From 1970 to 2002, contribution of methaneemission from livestock was the highest (52-57%)followed by methane from rice field (21-26%). But inrecent years, though methane emission from livestockis the highest contributor (56%), but nitrous oxideemission from soil (23%) has exceeded the share ofmethane emission from rice fields (17%). The trend islikely to continue raising concern about increasedGHGs emission due to increased N fertilizer use inIndian agriculture. Nitrogen fertilizer plays a crucialrole in food security and also for climate change. Ithas warming as well as cooling effects on theatmosphere.

Trends in greenhouse gas emissions from different sources inIndian agriculture

Mitigating global warming potential in rice-wheat system withconservation agriculture practices

4.9.5 Impacts of Elevated Ozone onVegetable Productivity and their Mitigation

Field experiments on okra under different levelsof surface ozone were carried out in open-top chambers(OTCs). Growth and yield attributes and biochemicalparameters were recorded at key growth stages. Thepresence of elevated ozone (ambient + 25-30 ppb)reduced the okra yield by 16%. Under sub ambientozone levels the yield increased by 22% over control.

Impacts of elevated ozone on okra yield

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4.9.6 Bio-fuel Production from Agri-residuesEthanol produced from agri-residue, is an

alternative to fossil fuels. Pretreatment is the step thatconverts polysaccharides in the agri-residue biomassto monomeric sugars. The toxic products especiallyfurfural and HMF produced during pretreatment,pose significant problems in ethanol production.Pretreatment of wheat straw was carried out in thermomicrowave, using 1-4% (w/v) dilute sulfuric acid atdifferent temperatures ranging from 100 to 220 oC. Thefurfural and HMF production were ranged from 0.5-39 ppm and 0.5-30 ppm, respectively. The higheramount of furfural and HMF production frompretreated wheat straw were observed at 180 to 220 oC,using 4% (w/v) dilute sulfuric acid. Delignification ofhydrolysate using 5% (w/v) activated charcoal reduces73.9 to 84.2% furfural and 28.5 to 76.3% HMFconcentration in filtrate. No sugar losses were detectedafter detoxification processes, even a slight increase insugar concentration was observed during theseexperiments. The effect of the biomass hydrolysatedetoxification process vs. without detoxification onethanol fermentation by Pichia stipitis was also studied.The results showed positive effects on the fermentationprocess and ethanol yield produced by Pichia stipitisstrains following biomass hydrolysate detoxificationprocess as compared to without detoxification. Theseresults showed that the biomass hydrolysatedetoxification before fermentation is necessary in orderto produce ethanol efficiently.

4.9.7 Heavy Metal Distribution Pattern inDifferent Plant Parts of Field Crops

Different field crops, namely, wheat, barley, maize,pearlmillet and sorghum were grown in soilcontaminated with lead, cadmium, nickel, chromiumand mercury in order to examine the differential

distribution pattern of metals between differentvegetative and reproductive plant parts so as see thesuitability of different metal contaminated soils fordifferent crops. Different crops showed differentialpattern of heavy metal accumulation and theirdistribution in various edible and non-edible plantparts. Maximum proportion of the metals absorbed bythe crop plants accumulated mainly in the root followedby leaf, stem and marginal level of metal contaminationwas recorded in edible parts (grain) of these crops.

4.9.8 Gamma Irradiation for Extension ofShelf Life of Hybrid Tomato

Firmness, color, weight loss, activity of antioxidantenzymes, hydrogen peroxide production andmicronutrients were measured in gamma irradiatedfruits of tomato varieties PH 8 (hybrid) and Pusa Rohiniover different days of storage at 28 ± 2 oC. Radiationadvantage in protecting fruit firmness and mass duringstorage was evident. High H2O2 content of radiationtreated fruits was matched with an increased activityof their scavenging enzyme i.e., peroxidase. Nosignificant change in catalase and SOD activity wasobserved. Radiated fruits showed a delayed ripeningbehavior. Fruits of both varieties showed a betterquality characteristics at 1 kGy even after prolongedstorage (beyond 10 days), the advantage being greaterfor Pusa Rohini than PH 8.

Effect of gamma irradiation of tomato fruits on greenness score offruits at different days of storage at 28±2 oC

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Climate change and changing cropping patterns have resulted in a change in the pests and disease scenario inthe tropical agricultural production zones of the country influencing the yield and quality of the produce. Thedestructive potential of various biotic stresses (insect pests, nematodes, weeds and diseases caused by fungal,bacterial and viral infections) has increased in the intensified agricultural systems of the country. Correct diagnosisis the prime requirement, besides looking into the perpetuation, spread and diversity in the pests /pathogenspopulation. During the year under report, genetic diversity analysis and race profiling of major pathogens hasbeen undertaken besides developing diagnostic protocols for various diseases. All integrated managementstrategies including host resistance, biological control and newly developed chemical molecules having no residualeffects have been developed to enhance production and productivity and to bring about economic benefits

5. CROP PROTECTION

5.1 PLANT PATHOLOGY5.1.1 Pathogen Diversity, Race Profiling andNew Diseases

Magnaporthe spp. Magnaporthe isolates chara-cterized using multilocus sequence typing, revealed adeletion polymorphism in calmodulin gene withinMagnaporthe species complex. Based on the sequenceanalysis individual isolates were resolved in two clades;O2 Type (ACTT deletion) and Non O2 Type (presenceof ACTT), O2 type being the predominant infecting ricein India.

Fusarium spp. Vegetative compatibility grouping(VCG) analysis of 39 isolates of F. oxysporum f. sp. cicerisdivided them into three classes, namely nit1 (73.3%),nit3 (15.6%), and nitM(9.5%), and most of the isolatesbelonged to single VCG and were self compatible. DNAbarcode based on tef-1 and ND6 regions of the genomewas identified for Fusarium species identification.

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. Raceprofiling of X. campestris pv. campestris using a set ofdifferential hosts revealed prevalence of race 1, race 4,and race 6 in India.

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. Race profiling ofXanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae using a set ofNILSrevealed prevalence of 6 races in India. Race 4 and 6were predominant in North-western India while race2 and 3 were prevalent in North-eastern India.

Ralstonia solanacearum. A unique and highlyvirulent indigenous race 4 strain of Ralstonia solanacearumwas genome sequenced. High quality 24, 47,107 readswere mapped on R. solanacearum GMI1000 genomeusing GSM mapper. The sequence was submitted toGenBank (http://www.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/genome/490?project_id=203439). Fifteen isolates of Ralstoniasolanacearum causing bacterial wilt of solanaceous cropscharacterized showed the dominance of Race 1/Biovar3/PhylotypeIin India.

Banana streak MY virus (BSMYV). Full genomesequences of three episomal Banana streak MY virus(BSMYV) isolates sampled from triploid bananahybrids grown in North, East and South India showedlow genome wide variation among them.

Leek yellow stripe virus (LYSV). Leek yellow stripevirus (LYSV) was detected in 4 cultivars of garlic andfull length CP gene (864bp) showed 83% identity withLYSV isolate VN/L3 from Vietnam (Gen Bank accessionNo. DQ 925453) and 90% amino acid sequence identitywith a LYSV isolate from Myanmar (Gen Bank accessionNo. BAJ 04729). This finding prompts the need forevaluating the impact of LYSV on Indian garlic cultivarsand for producing virus-free garlic plants.

Viral disease in soybean. A polyphasic approachinvolving ELISA, PCR and RT-PCR revealed 71Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) in 71accessions, Tobacco streak virus (TSV) in 60 accessions,

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Groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV) in 39 accessions,Black gram mottle virus (BMoV) in 35 accessions,Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in 23 accessions, Beanyellow mosaic virus (BYMV) in 21 accessions, Cowpea mildmottle virus (CPMMoV) in 6 accessions and phytoplasmain two accessions.

Leaf curl in rapeseed-mustard and turnip.Characterization of the virus revealed the presence ofa begomovirus, Croton yellow vein mosaic virus (CYVMV)and a beta satellite, Croton yellow vein mosaic beta satellite(CroYVMB) with the symptomatic samples. Agro-inoculation of the infectious clones of CYVMV-CroYVMB in different species of rapeseed-mustard andNicotiana benthamiana indicated that CYVMV alone cancause the typical symptoms of the disease while betasatellite aggravates the disease symptoms and causessevere stunting.

Chilli viruses. Microarray chip based detectionrevealed occurrence of two begomovirus- Mesta yellowvein mosaic virus, and Bhindi yellow vein Maharashtravirus; a Cryptovirus- Pepper cryptic virus and aFabavirus-Patchouli mild mosaic virus on chilli.

Large cardamom chirke virus. The 3' terminalgenome sequence of 5961 nucleotides of largecardamom chirke virus (LCCV) having polyproteingenes of 1346 aminoacids shared the maximumsequence identity of 41.4% and 69.2% with Cardamommosaic virus (CdMV) and other maclura-viruses,respectively. LCCV shared phylogenetic relationshipswith the macluraviruses, CdMV, Alpinia mosaic virus,and Chinese yam necrotic mosaic virus.

Etiology of leaf crinkle disease of black gram andgreen gram. Next generation sequencing technologybased sequencing of small RNAs from crinkle affectedblack gram (urdbean) and green gram (mungbean)revealed the association of Cowpea mild mottle virus(CPMMV), which was confirmed by DAS-ELISA, RT-PCR and sequence analysis of CP gene.

Phytoplasma.Yellow leaf disease of areca palm andsugarcane leaf yellows disease in India was found tobe caused by 16Sr I-B subgroup of phytoplasma.Similarly, sugarcane grassy shoot was found to becaused by a member of 16Sr XI group of phytoplasma.Among four delphacid leafhopper species viz., Cofana

unimaculata, Exitianus indicus, Sogatella kolophon andHishimonus phycitis, only E. indicus tested positive forthis phytoplasma. The causal organisms for sesamephyllody (SP) and witches broom (WB) were confirmedto belong to either ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’(16SrI) or Peanut witches broom group (16Sr II). Thisis the first report of subgroup level characterization ofSP & WB phytoplasma isolates in India. Besidesan asteraceae weed, Sclerocarpus africanus Jacq(SA)was confirmed as natural alternative host andHishimonus phycitis (Distant) was identified as vector.Brachycome LY and WB disease was found to be causedby ‘Ca. P. asteris’ strain of phytoplasma. A phytoplasmacausing a disease in Petunia hybrida characterized byflattened stem symptoms was identified as ‘CandidatusPhytoplasmaasteris’ on the basis of 16S rDNA basedsequence.

5.1.2 Molecular DiagnosticsA microarray based multi-virus detection chip: A

microarray ACPV chip on Affymetrix platformdeveloped for the detection of more than 1200 plantviruses and viroids for which sequences were known.The chip carries 1572 probesets and each set havingmultiple probes totaling 17292 probes.

PCR assay for Puccinia striiformis. A quick andreliable PCR-based diagnostic assay has been developedto detect P. striiformis for its rapid monitoring in wheatgrowing areas. Primer set PSTKe to F1_30 / PSTKetoR1_1547 amplified a fragment of 1518 bp specificto P. striiformis races which distinguished them clearlyfrom other Puccinia spp. races and other fungalpathogens. The primer pair can detect as little as 10 pgof DNA template and can also detect the presence ofpathogen before symptom expression.

Agarose gel showing specificity of PST Keto F1_30 / PSTKetoR1_1547 primer set to P. striiformis (race 78S84) using genomicDNAs of different isolates of Puccinia spp. and other genera. Lanes(from left to right): M, 1 kb molecular marker (Fermentas); 1- DNAtemplates of P. striiformis race 78S84; 2- P. graministritici (40A);3- P. triticina (77-5); 4-Aspergillus niger; 5- A. parasiticus; 6- Erysiphegraminis; 7- Fusarium graminearum 3437; 8- Tilletia indica KB-1;9- Epiccocum purpurescens3673; 10- Rhizoctonia solani 4505;11- wheat leaf DNA; 12- sterile water

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PCR assay for Puccinia graminis tritici. Genomicregions unique to Puccinia graminis tritici was identifiedand developed into a specific marker from fullysequenced genome of Puccinia graminis tritici strain CRL75-36-700-3, race SCCL. The primers such as histonedeacetylase (HAD~1200bp) and fructose bisphos-phatealdolases (FBA ~1000bp) were found to amplifytheir respective target genes in P. gramini stritici whilethese primers did not amplify Puccinia triticina, Pucciniastriiformis, wheat and rice indicating its specificity.

PCR marker for Rhizoctonia solani causing wetroot rot of chickpea. A SCAR marker was developedfrom a 1700bp amplicon obtained from primer OPA11,to identify R. solani which amplified 285bp specificband.

amplify 769 bp in X. campestris pv. campestris. Of the136 black rot disease infected samples of cauliflowerand cabbage plants indexed, 94.1% showed positivereaction.

Immuno-assay for Banana streak MY virus.Polyclonal antisera against a purified fusion proteinencoded by CP coding region (P37) was raised andthe specificity of this antisera was confirmed inwestern blots, immunosorbent electron microscopy(ISEM) and direct antigen coated-enzyme linkedimmunosorbent assay (DAC-ELISA) for detection ofBanana streak MY virus. The antiserum (1:2000)successfully detected BSMYV in field and tissueculture raised banana plants.

Immuno-assay for Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV).The polyclonal antiserum (purified IgG) preparedagainst coat protein of LMV was able to detect LMV at1:1000 dilution in lettuce accessions.

Immuno-assay for Cardamom bushy dwarfvirus. An expression construct of the coat proteingene of cardamom bushy dwarf virus (CBDV)causing foorkey disease of large cardamom wasdeveloped and a ~19 kDa protein was expressed inthe rosetta E. coli (DE3) strain. The PAb generatedagainst the recombinant antigen detected the CBDVCP in crude and purified preparations at a dilutionof 1:800. The antibody was validated in ELISA withfield samples of large cardamom from Darjeeling andSikkim hills.

5.1.3 BiocontrolAgents and their BioprospectingGenetic improvement of fungal biocontrol agent,

Chaetomium globosum. Real time quantitative PCRbased population estimation of genetically improvedC. globosum CgH6 was conducted in order to assessthe competitive saprophytic ability. The populationfitness of genetically improved strain CgH6 wassignificantly superior over wild type parent, Cg2.Furthermore, the population size of CgH6 significantlyincreased in the presence of pathogen, B. sorokinianaindicating its competitive fitness in rhizosphere.Interestingly, the population of B. sorokinianadecreased in soil within 21 days revealing thesuppressive action of the genetically improved CgH6on the pathogen.

Agarose gel showing 285 bp amplification products from PCR ofgenomic DNA of R. solani using the sequence amplifiedcharacterized region (SCAR) primer pair SCAR GM F and R. Lanes1-5 AG 1, 6-7 AG 2-2, 8-10 AG 2-2LP, 11-16 AG 2-3, 17-30 AG 3, 31-34 AG 4, 35-44 AG 5, AG 45-50 (undetermined AG), 51- Rhizoctoniabataticola, 52- Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, 53- Fusarium oxysporumf.sp.ciceris, 54- Pythium aphanidermatum, 55- NTC and M-100 bpladder

PCR assay for Xanthomonas campestris pv.campestris. A reliable post enrichment bio-PCR-baseddetection method was developed for indexing seedsof cabbage for X. campestris pv. campestris. Primersspecific for X. campestris pv. campestris was found to

Validation of hrpF gene based primer for detection ofXanthomonas campestris pv. campestris from naturally infecteddifferent parts of cauliflower and cabbage plants through PCR.Lanes M: 100bp DNA Ladder, 1:Positive (Xcc-26 DNA), 2: Negative,3: cabbage leaf (Uttar Pradesh), 4: cauliflower leaf (Uttarakhand),5: cauliflower leaf (West Bengal), 6: cauliflower stem (West Bengal),7: cauliflower leaf (Delhi), 8: cauliflower root (Jammu & Kashmir),9: cauliflower stem (Jammu & Kashmir), 10: cauliflower leaf(Meghalaya), 11: cabbage leaf (Madhya Pradesh), 12: cauliflowerroot (West Bengal), 13: cauliflower leaf (Karnataka), 14: cauliflowerleaf (Jammu & Kashmir), 15: cauliflower leaf (Maharastra), 16:cauliflower leaf (Rajasthan), 17: cauliflower root (Delhi), and 18:cauliflower stem (Delhi)

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Bioprospecting in Chaetomium globosum.Aputative gene participating in secretion of fungistaticmetabolite was identified from C. globosum having ORFof 666bp showing 100% sequence homology with C.globosum. Besides, a xylanase gene (750bp) was alsosequenced from C. globosum that showed similarity withC. globosum CBS 148.51 endo-beta1, 4-xylanase A(CHGG_02074) partial mRNA.

Trichoderma harzianum endochitinase ech-42.Chitinase gene from T. harzianum was cloned andhetrologously expressed in M15 E. coli. Therecombinant protein of 42 kDa was purified fromcloned plasmid pQE-30 with Ni-NTA affinity columnchromatography. The purified enzyme was active overbroad range of pH (2.0-8.0) and temperature (10-60°C)with the peak activity at pH 5 (0.50 μg/ml) and 20°Cwith enzyme activity value (0.49 μg/ml). The purifiedprotein fractions caused necrotic lesions, segmentation,

branching and hyphal bursting on Fusariumoxy-sporumf.sp. lycopersici, Sclerotioum rolfsii, Alternaria brassicae andAlternari brassicicola.

5.1.4 Evaluation of Crop Genotypes forDisease Resistance

Wheat. Among the PDSN wheat genotypes (520)evaluated for rusts resistance, twenty one entries, viz.,DL 1672, DL 1798, WBM 3472, WTN 0545, HG 25, PS1097, PS 1098, CL 3512, CL 3513, CL 3530, CL 3537, CL3579, CL 3582, CL 3595, CLY 1215, DL 1668, DL 1675,HG69, HAS 1115, PS 1097 and PS 1098 were free fromall three rusts at adult plant stage across test locations.Out of 177 CVT wheat genotypes evaluated for leaf,stem and stripe rusts at seedling (SRT) and adult plant(APR) stage, 7 entries, viz. ID 1221, ID 1225, ID 1228,HW 3608, WBM 2424, WBM 3440 and WBM 3448showed resistance to all three rusts at both growthstages. With regard to yellow rust resistance of CVTgenotypes, thirty entries, viz. ID 1225, WBM 2436, DW1515, SBP 12-02, SBP 12-03, PS 1083, IND 341, IND 342,DW 1525, DW 1526, IND 352, HD 2985, ID 1206, ID1209, ID 1210, WR 2227, PS 1098, IND 355, SBP 12-30,ID 1228, HW 3620, WBM 2416, HW 3607, HW 3608,HW4215-1, HW 5047, WBM 3439, WBM 3440, WBM3447 and WBM 3448 were identified to be highlyresistant (rust score upto TR) at both growth stages (SRTand APR). Race specific (78S84 and 46S119) adult plantresistance (APR) response of AVT IInd and Ist yearwheat entries (200) revealed that some of the wheatgenotypes, viz. WH 1098, WH 1105, NIDW 295, HPW381, HS 578, DBW 101, HD 3121, PBW 681, WH 1139,

Quantification of Chaetomium globosum (Cg2, M1 and CgH6) (a)and Bipolaris sorokiniana (b) at different time intervals in wheatrhizosphere using real time PCR based assay

Heterologous expression of endochitinase in E. coli after 5 hofinduction with IPTG and enzyme purification through Ni-NTAcolumn

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WH 1137, MACS 3915 and UAS 447 possess highdegree of resistance to yellow rust. Evaluation of wheatgenotypes of IPPSN (1533), PPSN (645), EPPSN (110)and MDSN (99) revealed 272, 247, 7 and 7 entries,respectively to be resistant against leaf rust. Of l282entries of wheat screened against karnal bunt pathogen,42 showed disease incidence up to 5% and 156 entriesremained free from Karnal bunt disease.

Genetic diversity for leaf rust resistance in durumwheat.Inheritance studies involving crosses withsusceptible parental line ‘Local Red’ showed thepresence of a single dominant gene in HD 4672, twodominant complementary genes in GW 1114, and twoindependent dominant genes each in MPO 615 and Raj6562 for seedling resistance to leaf rust pathotype 12-5(29R45). Allelic tests revealed that these genes weredifferent from each other. Thus, a total of seven diverseleaf rust resistance genes were identified among theaforesaid four resistant durum genotypes. These genesare different from Lr23, the leaf rust resistance genemost commonly postulated among Indian durum wheatgermplasm, as Lr23 is ineffective against 12-5, one ofthe most virulent leaf rust pathotypes on durum wheatin India.

pathogen, three accessions i.e. Oryza rufipogon 336687,O. rufipogon 336719 and O. rufipogon 336723 were foundto be resistant. Germplasm (320 lines) evaluated forbacterial blight, with two races showed that R-genes,Xa1, Xa2 were less effectivecompared to Xa4, Xa11,xa13, and Xa21.

Maize. Out of 321 maize genotypes evaluated, 192exhibited resistance to MLB disease (Bipolaris maydis),132 against BLSB disease (Rhizoctonia solani) and 98entries against both the diseases. Among the 140inbreds evaluated against MLB and BLSB, 38 entriesshowed resistant reaction against MLB and 12 inbredsagainst BLSB disease. Five entries, viz., Code B6, B58,B60, b93 and B140 were resistant to both MLB and BLSBdiseases. Of the 65 DQL lines tested for MLB resistance,13 entries [DQL 506, DQL 564a, DQL 570, DQL 597,DQL 769, DQL 770, DQL 772, DQL 787, DQL 788, DQL1010, DQL 1020, DQL 1021 and DQL 1025] were foundpromising. Out of 183 entries developed by IARIbreeders, 13 and 16 entries showed resistance to MLBand BLSB respectively and only two entries wereresistant to both the diseases.

Legumes. Out of 254 chickpea genotypes,18genotypes, namely, GL 27104, H 09-96, GJG 1010, IPC06-77, IPC 2009-21, GL 28186, BG 3036, SKUA-C-23311,BG 3004, IPC 07-56, IPC 08-68, IPC 08-11, IPCK 09-40,PBG 5, JG 552476, ICCV 98505, ICC 11322 and ICC 5003were found resistant against wilt pathogen. Out of 204genotypes, 7 genotypes, namely, DKG 1030, JGK 21,IPC 104, IPCK 79, IPC 93, GL 23094 and DKG 989showed resistance to moderate resistant againstAscochyta blight. Out of 25 accessions genotypes ofwild species of Cicer evaluated against wilt, 8genotypes, namely, ILWC 4, ILWC 38, ILWC 46, ICC185,ILWC 249, ILWC 288, ICC 17159 and IG 136796 werefound to be resistant.Twenty six mungbean and 28urdbean genotypes when evaluated against majordiseases as cercospora leaf spots, Macrophomina blightand yellow mosaic virus showed 2 entries, namely, P17 and P 20 of mungbean and 3 entries of urdbean PU2,PU 10 and PU 20 showed multiple disease resistance.

Mustard. Out of 32 mustard germplasm screenedfor stem rot 3 lines, viz., MST-13-13, MST-13-11 andMST-13-12 showed resistance.

Rice. Blast resistance (R) - genes such as Pi54, Pita2,Pizt, Pi9, Piz, Piz5 and Pi12(t) showed maximumresistance to basmati rice blast isolates, while Pita2, Pi9,Pi12(t) and Piz5 were highly effective for non-basmatirice growing region. Of 489 rice genotypes evaluatedagainst sheath blight, 14 entries (1905, 1916, 1917, 702,1711, 1712, 1107, 1120, 2501, 1/106. 28/110, 35/109, 101,9/117) were moderately susceptible. Out of 218 wildrice accessions evaluated against sheath blight

Rice leaves of IRBB21 (left) and IRBB13 (right) showing differenttypes bacterial blight reactions upon inoculation with six Xoo races

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Screening of papaya cultivars for PRSV resistance.Out of 24 papaya cultivars/ lines screened for resistance/ to PRSV, two lines Local Selection-2 (11.11%) andCO-7 (22.22 %) showed low incidence of PRSV. Out ofa total of 22 papaya germplasm when mechanicallyinoculated with PRSV-P strain, wild papaya speciesshowed a negative to very low virus titer for PRSV inELISA. In farmers field in Kanzara, Tq. Murtizapur,Distt. Akola (Maharashtra) the severity of PRSV inMarch, 2013 planted papaya was 35.69% in PS-3 ascompared to70.66% in Red Lady. There were 18% maleplants in PS-3. This line has been registered withNBPGR, New Delhi. F2 generation of a cross betweenCarica papaya cv. Red Lady and Vasconcellea cauliflorashowed field tolerance for Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV)infection with good fruit quality.

Vegetables. The cabbage genotypes AC-204 andKinner Red were free from black leaf spot, downymildew and bacterial leaf spot with partial resistanceto black rot. Cauliflower genotypes DC-5, KT-18, DB1387, KT-2MR, Lawayana old and Pusa Meghna-exhibhited partially resistance to black rot andresistance to Alternaria black spot and downy mildew.Capsicum lines Dark paprika, CV-1 Red, SSP-2, Cherrypepper, PRSM-1 and SP 901 were found promisingwith low dieback, wilt & Phytophthora incidence underfield evaluation. Cabbage genotypes, AC-208, AC-204,Sel-6 and MR-1 were found resistant to Sclerotinia-sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary in in-vitro evaluation atgrowth and flowering stages.

Large cardamom. Out of 68 collections of healthylarge cardamom screened for Micromyzus kalimpongensis,Varlangey and Churumpa cultivars were foundsusceptible, followed by Sawney and Seremna. It wasconfirmed that Micromyzus kalimpongensis canacquire and transmit foorkey virus in healthy plants.

5.1.5 Epidemiology and Disease ManagementDevelopment of forecasting model for spot blotch

of wheat. A forecasting model for prediction andmonitoring of spot blotch disease was developed basedon temperature (T), 18-34 °C and most favorablehumidity period (D). A simulation analysis to assessimpact of temperature rise throughout Indo-Gangeticplains revealed that eastern plains are highly conducive

to spot blotch infection, and western plains are alsounder the risk of epidemics.

Distribution of viruses in Darjeeling mandarinand large cardamom. Survey conducted in differentcitrus orchards of Darjeeling-Sikkim hills and Terai-Dooars region, showed 90% samplespositive for CTV.All trifoliate, kumquat and pomelowere CTV negative.Pomelo was found resistant against both mild andsevere isolates of CTV by vector as well as grafttransmission. In case of large cardamom incidence ofChirkey (4-16%) and Foorkey (20-55%) was recorded.

Management of root rot and damping off inFrenchbean. Formulations of Trichoderma andPseudomonas (IBSD-P137) when evaluated separatelyagainst root rot and damping off of Frenchbeanas seedand soil application showed that seeds treated with Pusa5 SD (T. harzianum-IARI P4) in combination with IBSDisolate of Pseudomonas (P-137) gave the highest seedgermination, shoot and root lengths, dry plant weightand pod yield along with the lowest disease incidence.

Management of fungal wilts. Carbendazim andTrichoderma based bioformulations tested against wilt(Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici) of tomato showedhighest shoot and root lengths, plant dry weight, numberof fruits and their weight along with the lowest wiltincidence in Carbendazim tested plants followed byPusa 5SD (T. harzianum, IARI-P4). Multilocation diseasemanagement trial with Pusa 5SD (T. harzianum) +Vitavax power revealed lowest wilt and root rotincidence ranging from 3.4 to 31.2% and the highestgrain yield ranging from 728.5-1280 kg/ha at ninedifferent locations. The pooled analysis of threeyear (2010-2013) results clearly indicated that Pusa5SD alone and in combination with Vitavax powerfollowed by carbendazim + thiram reduced the wiltincidence and enhanced the grain yield of chickpea.

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Management of urdbean leaf crinkle. The combinedapplication of seed treatment with imidacloprid(gaucho) 4 g/kg + Vitavax power 2 g/kg + Pusa 5SD(T. virens) 4 g/kg and foliar spray with Spinosad 0.04 %provided the highest grain yield along with the lowestleaf crinkle and yellow mosaic in urdbean under fieldconditions.

Management of bacterial wilt of tomato. A field trailon bacterial wilt management in Chorgaliya, Nainital,Uttarkhand indicated that Pseudomonas fluorescens +Trichoderma harzianum treated plants showed minimumwilt incidence (22.1%) followed by P. fluorescens alone(28.73%), while untreated plants showed 48.8 %.

Integrated sustainable management of majordiseases in rapeseed - mustard in NEPZ. Seed treatmentwith metalaxyl @ 6.0 g/kg seed and removal of 04 lowerleaves at 60 days after sowing plus one spray ofpropiconazole @ 1ml/l at 70 DAS was found effectiveagainst Alternaria blight and white rust disease ofmustard. However, application of ZnSO4, boron, sulphurand seed treatment with metalaxyl @ 2.5g/kg seed andremoval of 4 lower leaves at 60 days after sowing plusone spray of propiconazole @ 1ml/l at 70 DAS resultedsignificantly in lower per cent disease incidence andhigher yield per plot in comparison to control.

5.1.6 Host Microbe/Virus InteractionAlternaria brassicicola/A. brassicae-Crucifer. The

cauliflower-A.brassicicola and mustard-A.brassicae

interactions through light and scanning electronmicroscope revealed that A. brassicicola penetratedthrough leaf epidermis while A. brassicae throughstomata.

Wheat-B. sorokiniana. Mitogen activated proteinkinase (MAPK) cascades are universal signaltransduction modules that play crucial role in resistanceresponse of plants against biotic stresses. Threemapkinases, MAPK1 (1429 bp), MAPK FLRS (1048 bp)and TaMAPK2 (2043 bp) were isolated, cloned andsequenced from wheat genotype Chiriya 7. Theexpression analysis of MAP kinases at different timeperiods using semi-quantitative and qRT-PCR, uponchallenge with B. sorokiniana showed expressionof TaMAPK1, TaFLRS and TaDSPK at 19 h postinoculation in incompatible interaction indicatingtheir role in disease resistance.

Scanning electron micrograph showing penetration peg ofA. brassicae through stomatal opening

Agarose gel electrophoresis for identification of the putative MAPkinases amplified through touchdown PCR. Lane M:1kb DNAladder; lane MAPK2 - putative MAPK2 gene of 2043kb; LaneMAPK1 -putative MAPK1 of 1429kb; and Lane MAPK FLRS -putative MAPK FLRS of 1084 bp gene

M MAPK 2 MAPK 1 MAPK FLRS

2043bp

1429bp

1084bp

Identification of Pseudomonas and Bacillusinduced plant genes. Differentially expressed genesanalysed in Arabidopsis thaliana upon colonization byendophytic Pseudomonas putida BP25 revealed 88 genesdifferentially expressed genes. Sixteen defense relatedgenes like AtRLP 22, WRKY33, AtRLP 19, anac 036, TIR,PDF1.4, ATL2, ATEXO70B2, pEARLI, AtMC2, RPS2,LUG, NHL3, CBP60G, PLA2A,WAKL2 were found to

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be up regulated. Similarly, differentially expressedgenes in Arabidopsis thaliana upon colonization byendophytic Bacillus megaterium BP17 also showed 80genes which were up regulated and some of whichincluded genes related to nutrient uptake, growth,development, etc.

Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV)-papaya . Tounderstand the role of proteosomal components inplant defense mechanism during viral infection, twoalpha subunits of 20S Proteasome complex frompapaya, designated as Proteasomal alpha subunit A(PAA) and Proteasomal subunit E (PAE) wascharacterized. The PAA and PAE shares 81% and74% similarity with its Arabidopsis homologuerespectively. PAA protein was expressed in bacterialsystem but PAE protein was only expressed in yeastexpression system giving a 27 and 26 kDa protein,respectively.

Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) -Carica papayainteraction. Microarray analyses of miRNAs, isolatedfrom the leaves of both healthy and PRSV infectedpapaya leaves revealed that PRSV infectionsignificantly deregulated the miRNA profiling

represented by 15 different groups of miRNAs whichwere altered more than two fold. These miRNA familiesare found to be involved in defense response, hormonalsignalling and developmental pathways in plant.Among these fifteen miRNAs, eleven miRNAsexpression has also been validated by quantitative PCR.RNA gel blot analysis of these miRNAs confirmed itspresence in papaya and also suggested its alteredexpression levels during PRSV infection.

Plant-mixed virus interaction. Synergisticinteraction of N-O strain of potato virus Y (PVY) andan asymptomatic strain of potato virus X (PVX) onmodel plant, Nicotiana spp was observed. Both mixedand single infection by the strains PVY and PVX causedsevere necrosis and death of N. benthamiana plantswhereas single infection of these viruses in N. tabacumshowed mild symptoms but mixed infection causedmore severe symptoms. Viral synergism and aconsequent plant symptoms were more pronouncedunder low temperature (5-25°C) conditions than at hightemperature (26-40°C).

In low temperature conditions, the coat protein(CP) level of PVX in N. benthamiana was twofoldhigher than PVY and both the viruses reached atpeak at 28 dpi in single virus infection but whenPVY and PVX inoculated together, the CP levels ofboth the viruses increased and reached to the peakearlier (within 7-14 dpi). The level of p25 suppressorgene was higher than HC-Pro in single inoculation,however, under mixed inoculation, expression ofp25 declined to the level of HC-Pro when the CPlevels of both the viruses also observed to decline.The expression pattern of CP and suppressor genewas different in plants when mixed infection wascreated by inoculation of one virus followed by theother.

Virus and vector interaction in citrus and largecardamom. Survey conducted in a wide area ofDarjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars region, revealed thatincidence of Toxopteracitricida was more in loweraltitudes (below 700m) whereas T. aurantii wasrecorded in higher altitudes with low temperature.Citrus maxima (Pomelo) was recorded as non-preferredhost for T. citricida.

Cloning and expression of proteasomal alpha subunit 1 (PAA) andproteasomal alpha subunit 5 (PAE) from papaya in yeast (strainAH 109). A: Electrophoretic pattern of pGBDT7paa and pae gene(i) PCR amplification and (ii) restriction digestion with EcoR1 andBamH1 enzymes of paa (lane 1) and pae (lane 2) with 1 Kb plusmarker (M). B: Expression analysis of the protein in 12% SDS PAGEand western blotting with anti c-myc primary antibody for PAE(lane 1) and PAA (lane 2) with pre stained protein marker M

A.M 1 2 M 1 2

3 kb

1.5 kb

500 bp

3 kb

1.5 kb

500 bp

72 kDa

45 kDa

72 kDa

45 kDa

B.

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5.2 ENTOMOLOGY5.2.1 Insect Pest Management5.2.1.1 Cereals

Pest management in rice: Evaluation of ricegermplasm against brown plant hopper (BPH). Sixteenrice genotypes, possessing different resistant genes,were evaluated against brown planthopper (BPH)Nilaparvatal ugens under greenhouse conditions on 0-9damage scale in the presence of TN-1 as susceptiblecheck. Four lines, Ptb33, RP 2068-18-3-5, RathuHeenatiand T-12 were found to be moderately resistant (3-5damage score), while IR 64 and OM 4498 were rated asmoderately susceptible (5-7 damage score). Remaining10 lines, Swarnalatha, Pokkali, MUT NS 1, Milyang 63,IR 710333-121-15,IR 65482-7-216-1-2-B, IR 36, Chinsaba,Babawee, and ASD7, were rated as susceptible (7-9damage score).

Key-mortality factor analysis in BPH population.Life table of BPH was studied under glasshouseconditions and subsequently adapted to field situationwith inclusion of pertinent biotic mortality factors. Thelife table analysis of six cohorts showed that around70% of BPH mortality occurred during 2nd nymphalinstar, which resulted in type A survivorship curve. Keyfactor analysis by graphical and regression methodrevealed 2nd nymphal instar to be the key-mortalitystage in BPH life cycle. Regression coefficients (b) ofegg (KE) and 1st to 5th nymphal instar (KN1 to KN5), werefound to be 0.061, 0.034, 0.826, 0.027, 0.0002 and 0.165,respectively. The highest b value (0.826) for 2nd nymphalinstar indicated it to be the major contributor to BPHmortality. Mortality factors of BPH population wereaccounted to be egg infertility, egg and nymphalpredation, mechanical injury to nymphs during exitfrom hatching site, dispersal, wrong selection offeeding site by nymphs, and unfavourable humidityand temperature. Type A survivorship curvessuggested that in order to take advantage of naturalmortality factors, pest management against BPH neednot be applied before completion of 3rd nymphal instarespecially in first generation during the crop season.Afterwards, timely management interventions can beensured through continuous monitoring of BPHpopulation on the crop.

Forewarning of BPH outbreak. Following BPHoutbreak during kharif 2008, analysis of 10-year weatherdata (1999-2008) had indicated likely contributoryfactors to be i) early onset of summer rainfall, and ii)intermittent rainfall with more number of rainy days.The BPH outbreak recurred in NCR during kharif 2013.Weather parameters during 2008-2013 were thusanalysed to validate role of rainfall pattern on pestoutbreak. Data for different years indicated Junerainfall, rainfall frequency and mean daily humiditywere maximum in 2013 followed by 2008, while totalrainfall was highest in 2013 followed by 2010 and 2008.Early onset of rainfall followed by more frequent rainsthat led to higher humidity and moderate temperaturefavoured fast multiplication of BPH during 2013playing a role in its outbreak.

Development of leaf folder population-weathermodel. Peaks of leaf folder light trap catches (LFTC)during 5 years (2008-2012) at Ludhiana (Punjab)showed significant relationship with maximumtemperature (Tmax), morning relative humidity (RH1),evening relative humidity (RH2) and sunshine hours(SSH) of 28th standard meteorological week (SMW).Weather-based prediction model was developed byregressing square root-transformed peak leaf foldertrap catch observed during different years againstmean values of aforesaid weather parameters of 28th

SMW.

√LFTC = -72.559+2.007Tmax28smw + 0.019RH128smw+0.042RH228smw+0.362SSH28smw (R2=0.99, P<0.0001). Themodel was validated with weather and peak leaf foldertrap catch observed during 2007.

Host-plant relationship in maize. The studies ondevelopmental biology of stem borer, Chilopartellus onselected maize genotypes CPM 2, CPM 8, CPM 13, CPM15, CPM 18 and CML 334 showed significantdifferences in the larval weight at 30 days after feeding.The larval weight of C. partellus was significantly loweron CPM 15 (white type), while the pupal weight onCPM 18 was significantly lower.

The Gas Chromatography (GC) profiling ofthesemaize genotypes, viz., CPM 2, CPM 8, CPM 13,CPM 15, and CPM 18 along with resistant check CML334 vis-à-vis the C. partellus larvae fed on these

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genotypes for different fatty acids revealed that thecontents of myristic acid, palmitic acid, margaric acid,linoleic acid, stearic acid, methyl 11-eicosenoate, andeicosanoic acid were comparatively lower in the testmaize genotypes as compared to the C. partellus larvaefed on them. However reverse was the trend for methyl3-methoxy tetradecanoate.

5.2.1.2 VegetablesInsect pest management schedule with focus on

conservation of natural enemies developed atexperimental plots in IARI farm was validated incollaboration with NCIPM. Maximum natural enemypopulation was observed in plots where maize wassown as an intercrop with okra while population ofleafhoppers (3.25/ 3 leaves) and white fly (2.20/ 3leaves) was low. Seed treatment with imidacloprid @5 g/kg seed, intercropping with maize and one sprayeach of spinosad @ 75 g a.i./ha and chlorantraniliprole@ 20 g a.i./ha thirty days after sowing was best. Spidersand coccinellids conserved by intercropping withmaize were found feeding on leaf hoppers in maincrop okra.

In an evaluation trial of insecticide mixtures inokra, leafhoppers population was minimum in thetreatments of spraying by triazophos + deltamethrin @

360 g a.i./ha (12.33/15 leaves) followed by treatmentwith profenophos + cypermethrin @ 440 g a.i./ha (15.33/15 leaves) as against control (28.67/ 15 leaves) at 7th dayafter spray.

In the trial on brinjal novel insecticides, i.e., fipronil(80% WG), thiacloprid (21.7% SC), diafenthiuron (50%WP) and chlorantraniliprole (18.5% SC) in comparisonto acephate, chlorfenapyr, abamectin, alpha cyper-methrin with 3 sprays of each insecticide at fortnightlyinterval. Results indicated that fipronil (50 g a.i./ha)was most effective followed by thiacloprid (20 g a.i./ha).

Under field conditions cabbage genotypes,RRM-16, S-645, RCGA had lowest aphid incidence. Among21 cabbage lines, Kinner red, Red cabbage, Red rockmammoth and KGMR-1 recorded less head borerinfestation and differed significantly with lines Goldenacre. Out of 20 cauliflower lines, viz., DC-924 (0%);DCH 903 (0%); DCH-310 (6.73%) DCH-1076 (5.71%),DC-5 (23.06%), recorded less DBM damage. Incapsicum out of 60 lines evaluated for sucking pestresistance under natural condition lowest incidence ofpest was recorded on dark paprika, CY-1 red, SSP-2,Cherry pepper, PRSM-2. The incidence of aphid incabbage was lowest when sprayed with neem cakepetrol extract (3.73 aphids/ five plants) followed by

Fatty acid profiling of seedlings of stem borer resistant maize genotype (CPM 8)

Fatty acid profiling of Chilopartellus larvae fed on seedlings of stem borer resistant maize genotype (CPM 8)

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neem soap (3.87 aphids/ five plants). No head borerwas found in the crop treated with neem seed powderextract. Aphid prediction model was developed forcapsicum pests under field condition (R2 = 0.99, P=0.031;RMSE=1.691). Out of five weather variables tested,minimum temperature alone contributed about 61%variability (R2 = 0.618; P=0.036) to aphid predictionmodel.

5.2.1.3 SoybeanOut of 154 soybean lines evaluated against stem

fly and yellow mosaic virus (YMV) diseasestransmitted by white fly,varieties DS 2705, DS 2706,DS 2806, SL 958, SL 979 and SL 982 were found to behighly resistant.

5.2.1.4 PulsesAmong 54 chickpea lines screened against pod

borer, Helicoverpaarmigera, 4 entries, viz., CE2 (4.0%),CE 41 (5.2%), CE 70 (6.5%), CE 98 (7.2%) were found tobe highly tolerant with less pod damage.

Weather based population model for legumepod borer, Marucavitrata on pigeon pea was developed(y = -31.6 + 0.52Tmax – 0.58Tmin + 0.10RF + 0.31RH +1.09SSH) and validated.

5.2.1.5 CottonLike last year, field trial was conducted in kharif

2013 to evaluate different levels of refugia (non-Btcotton) by using refuge-in-bag concept for the one-toxin Bt cotton (JKCH 1947 expressing only Cry1Actoxin) and the two-toxin Bt cotton (JKCH 1947 BGIIexpressing Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab). When evaluatedshowed no effect on sucking pest incidence. Topshoot damage due to spotted/spiny bollworms,Earias spp. showed positive relationship withincrease in non-Bt cotton refuge in Bt cotton. One-toxin Bt cotton without any damage yielded highestthan non-Bt cotton, but in case of two-toxin Bt cotton,this relationship did not exist.

5.2.2 Storage EntomologyNinety seven green gram cultivars when

screened against three species of pulse beetle, viz.,Callosobruchusmaculatus, C. chinensis and C. analisshowed that incase of C. maculatus,cultivars M 75, M

254, M 509, M 1376 and Pusa 9531 were resistant withless than 40% adult emergence; in C. chinensis, cultivarsM 64, M 190 and M 1460 were resistant. Ninteencultivars were identified most susceptible for C.analiswhereas fivecultivars, viz., M 294, M 316, M 804,M 1460 and Pusa Vishal were resistant.

Among 8 different varieties of wheat, viz., HD 2894,HD 2967, HD 2932, UAS 315, PB 621, WR 544, PBW 17and PBW 550 evaluated against the larval damage ofalmond moth Cadracautella and rice moth Corcyracephalonica after 90 days of storage, maximum weightloss was observed in WR 544 followed by HD 2967infested with C. cautella. Maximum weight loss withinfestation of C. cephalonica was recorded with UAS 315followed by WR 544.

5.2.3 Biological ControlCorcyra egg cards treated with tomato leaf extracts

from reproductive, vegetative and seedling stage of thecrop when exposed to Trichogramma brasiliensis andT. japonicum for parasitisation showed up to 83.33%parasitisation in case of tomato extracts fromreproductive phase as compared to vegetative andseedling stage by both the species. In Y-tubeolfactometer studies, T. brasiliensis and T. japonicumwere attracted more towards flowering plants than theother two stages. The leaf volatile profiles of the tomatoseedling, vegetative and reproductive phase revealedthe presence of 19 different hydrocarbons at varyinglevels and the level of heptadecane being more inreproductive phase. The whole body washes of H.armigera attracted T. brasiliensis and T. japonicum. Theantennae of T. brasilensis showed significantly betterresponse to the extracts of reproductive phase of tomatoand body wash of H. armigera in EAG.

In another Y-tube olfactometer study mustardflowers infested with aphids attracted 76.6% of theCoccinella septumpunctata population. The response ofalate forms of mustard aphid was 62.2% towards leaveswith flower than only leaf (29.0 %) or flower (7.2 %).

Bioassay of imidacloprid, profenofos andthiodicarb against the adults of Aenasius bambawalei, aparasitoid ofmealy bugs indicated that the Gujarat(Kalawad) population was more tolerant to profenofos

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Expression profile of dsRNA-mediated silencing of the chitinasegene on1.2% agarose gel. 1:Helicoverpa armigera A- 4 day aftertreatment of neonates, B- 5 day after treatment of last instar, C-Malformed pupae and D- Malformed Adults; and 2: Spodopteralitura A - 4 day after treatment of neonates, B- 5 day after treatmentof last instar, C- Malformed pupae and D- Malformed Adults (M-Marker; C- Control; NTC- Non-target Control; ICA- InternalControl Actin and ICT-Internal Control Tubulin)

and Tamil Nadu (Tholuthur) population was moretolerant to thiodicarb than five other populations. Allsix populations of A. bambawalei were equallysusceptible to imidacloprid. Dharwad population ofA. bambawalei showed higher fecundity and longevityat high temperature of 38 oC.

Among the eight isolates of Beauveria bassiana andMetarhizium anisopliae screened against adults ofBactrocera dorsalis, larvae of C. cephalonica and Spodopteralitura 4 isolates ITCC No. 6628, ITCC No. 6645 and B.NCIPM were found pathogenic to fruit flies causing100% mortality within 6 days.

5.2.4 Insect PhysiologyThe mode of inheritance of resistance to Bt toxins

Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab in the Pectinophora gossypiellashowed that the resistance in both cases was semi-dominant and autosomal in nature. Further, associationof alkaline phosphatase with Cry2Ab resistance wasobserved.

Chloramphenicol, kanamycin, tetracycline andstreptomycin exhibited highinhibition againstculturable bacteria isolated from mid gut of Bactrocerazonata in vitro.

The chitinase specific dsRNA affected larval growthand development of H. armigera and S. litura with feedingof neonates and last instar larvae @ 0.50 µg/g and 0.50µg/insect, respectively. The phenotypic effects involvedlarval-larval, larval-pupal, pupal-adult deformities.Interference with fecundity and fertility in eggs of nextgeneration.Expression profiling was also observedshowed reduction in levels of chitinase transcripts indsRNA treated samples. Decrease in titres was alsodetected in malformed pupae, malformed adults as wellas in next generation (1st instar larvae) showing persistenteffect of siRNA and dsRNA treatment.

The 16sRNA analysis revealed the presence ofdiverse group of gut bacterial genera including Delftia,Stenotrophomonasp, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Acetobacter,Acinetobacter, Gamma proteobacterium, Lysinibacillus andEnterobacter in three lepidopteran insects H. armigera,Plutellaxylostella and Antherarea assamensis which havepotential role in insecticide detoxification, nitrification,amide metabolism. Metagenomic analysis of gut

homogenates of these lepidopteran insect species ledto the identification of about 5846 OperationalTaxonomic Units (OTUs) in the three species. Alphaand beta diversities of gut bacterial strains were foundto be significantly higher in P. xylostella in comparisonto other two species.

5.2.5 Insect ToxicologyField populations of S. litura collected from Delhi,

Sonepat and Varanasi differed in terms of relativetoxicity to new insecticides. All the three populationswere found to be most susceptible to chlorant-raniliprole. However, no definite trend of resistancedevelopment was observed.

The effect of four different larval diets(cauliflower, soybean, castor and artificial diet) oninsecticide (profenophos and cypermethrin)susceptibility to S. liturashowed that the larvae rearedon castor and artificial diets were susceptible to boththe insecticides than those reared on cauliflower andsoybean.

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Pesticide-Risk-Analysis (PRA) of termiticides(imidacloprid 17.6%SL, chlorpyriphos 20% EC, andfipronil 0.3% G) revealed that in harvested commoditiesof wheat, barley, gram and lentil residues were belowdetectable level.

5.3 NEMATOLOGY5.3.1 Management through TransgenicApproach

Host delivered RNAi of flp18 gene of Meloidogyneincognita using brinjal indicated about 50% reductionin penetration and 70% reduction in nematodereproduction. All the T1 plants of different independenttransgenic events have been analyzed by qPCRfordsRNA expression and generation of siRNAs of flp18in the transgenic plants was confirmed by northern blotanalysis. Furthergene silencing was demonstratedthrough reduced transcript levels of flp18 in the femalesextracted from the transgenic brinjal plants. These T1

plants were advanced to T2 generation and bioefficacyanalysis of these plants resulted in about 60-70%reduction in reproduction of M. incognita. About 31neuronal genes including interneurons, motor neuronsand sensory neurons associated with flp18 gene of M.incognita have been cloned. Similarly, transgenic brinjalsexpressing flp14,msp1, msp18, msp20 and msp 40 havealso been generated and confirmed for transgeneintegration and expression. Similarly, RNAi based inplanta approach in tomato (Pusa Ruby) to silence twoRKN parasitism genes (AY 134442 & AY 134444)specifically expressed in the esophageal glands resultedin reduced nematode penetration and about 60% lessroot galling.

Nematode genomics. For the first time in the world,both the trancriptome and whole genome sequence oftwo most important cereal nematodes, rice root knot,Meloidogyne graminicola and wheat cyst nematode,Heterodera avenae has been done and comparativeanalysis revealed that despite having close phylogeneticrelationship with other root-knot nematodes, thedifferent gene families and the contents were quitevariable between M. graminicola and M. incognita,particularly related to genes for parasitism. Some uniquegenes like GH1, glycosyl hydrolase which is responsible

for host specificity and infection have been identified.Further the entire RNAi pathway genes have beenmapped, cloned and one new gene not revealed by thetranscriptome has also been detected. The transcriptomeanalysis of two stages of H. avenae i.e ,pre parasiticinfective juvenile and adult stage, have generated 27,765contigs with N50 of 1,028 base pairs, of which 10,452were annotated. Comparative analyses has shown 4,431transcripts common to H. avenae and the free livingnematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and 9,462 common withmore closely related potato cyst nematode, Globoderapallida. 1,280 transcripts were found to have secretorysignature, presence of signal peptide and absence oftransmembrane. In a comparison of genes expressed inthe pre-parasitic juvenile and feeding female stages,expression levels of 30 genes with high RPKM (readsper base per kilo million) value were analysed by qRT-PCR which confirmed the observed differences in theirexpression levels. In addition, A user-friendly resource,Heterodera transcriptome database (HATdb) has beendeveloped for public access of the data generated in thisstudy. Plant parasitic nematode in silico resource has beendeveloped on IARI website by providing structural andfunctional genetics/machinery of the economicallyimportant parasites. Presently the website is hosting twotranscriptome BLAST severs one each for Heteroderaavenae (HATDB) and Meloidogyne graminicola (MGT-DB).This is the first of its kind globally exclusively for plantparasitic nematode genomic database.

5.3.2 Management of Root-knot Nematode,Meloidogynegraminicola in rice

A two year field trial rice -wheat cropping systemto study the effect of green manure crops, on rice yieldand Meloidogyne graminicola infestation showed thatincorporation of Crotolaria juncea in soil at 60 DASincreased plant growth of rice and its yield comparedto mungbean incorporation. It also decreased plantparasitic nematode population (M. graminicola andTylenchorhynchus vulgaris) by 24-35%.

5.3.3 BioagentsThe cell free filtrates of eleven bacterial isolates

when bioassayed at 10ppm, in immobility andmortality in J2s of Meloidogyne incognita revealed thattwo isolates belonging to Bacillus pumiplus and

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Lysinibacillus showed significant nematode mortalitywithin 24 h; two isolates, B. licheniformis andStanotrophonum sp. caused significant mortality after48 h and one isolate, B. megaterium caused sluggishnessin nematodes within 24 h.

5.3.4 Entomopathogenic NematodesApplication of Galleria mellonella cadavers infected

with Heterorhabditis indica was found promising forthe management of white grubs in sugarcane inwestern UP. Galleria cadavers @ 5000 cadavers/acre insugarcane fields in 12 villages of District Amrohareduced the white grub population by 75%. Sugarcaneyield increased by 6-7 q/acre in cadaver treated fieldas compared to conventional control measures.Theemergence of nematodes in polymer coated cadaverscould be prolonged up to 80 days with 37.5%reduction in emergence over control without the lossof virulence to insects.

Comparative proteomics of the two bacterialstrains P. luminiscens ssp. laumondii and P. lumi-nescens ssp. akhurstii using 2D gel electrophoresisidentified at least 44 unique proteins, whichare expected to be involved in host specificityin Photorhabdus. In addition, three high-temperaturetolerant Steinernema strains identified previously wereextensively tested for virulence on Galleria andSpodoptera. Kerala strain was found most virulentcompared to others with LC50 of 5.5 IJs/larva, and LT50

value of 36 h for 10 IJs/larva. These strains are beingcommercialized through ZTMU.

5.4 AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS5.4.1 Chemo and Bio-prospecting forAgrochemicals through Design, Discoveryand Development of Novel Processes andProducts5.4.1.1 Chemical profiling and antifungal assayof essential oil from Melaleuca bracteata

Essential oil extracted from Melaleuca bracteataleaves showed twenty-eight compounds contributingto about 95% of total oil content. Methyl eugenol wasthe major constituent (73.8%). Bioefficacy of oil againstSclerotium rolfsii and Rhizoctonia solani was studied andLC50 was found to be 27.41mgL-1and 75.07 mgL-1,respectively.

5.4.1.2 Isolation of zerumbone from essential oilof Zingiber zerumbet

Pure zerumbone (>98%) isolated from thezinziberoil showed efficacy against Callosobruchuschinensis causing mortality (EC50 at 108 mg) andinhibition of adult emergence (LD50 17.3 mg). It showedpromising antifungal activity against Macrophominaphaseolina (EC50, 147.4 ppm), Rhizoctonia solani (EC50, 39.6ppm) and Sclerotium rolfsii (EC50, 59.3 ppm). Further, itaffected germination and shoot and root lengths ofPhalaris minor (66.5±1.5, 2.31±1.1 and 1.53±0.7) ascompared to control (93.3±0.5, 5.25±2.5 and 4.68±1.6)at 1000 ppm and less or no effect on the germination ofwheat seeds.

5.4.1.3 Bioefficacy of leaf extracts of Paederiafoetida

Leaves of Paederia foetida was extracted withhexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water and wereevaluated for antifungal activity against Macrophominaphaseolina, Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotium rolfsii. ED50

values ranged between 123.2-325.4 ppm against M.phaseolina, 145.6-298.4 ppm against R. solaniand 196.4-403.7 ppm against S. rolfsii.Coating of Galleria cadavers infected with H. indica

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5.4.1.4 Extraction and characterization of naturalcolorant from Monascus pupureus

Fungal culture was extracted with ethyl acetate toget red coloured powder out of which four majorcompounds were characterized as monascin (m/z 358),ankaflavin (m/z 386), monascorubin (m/z 382) andphytol (m/z 296). Antioxidant activity was reported as0.8 mol TE/mole, 20.4 mg VCE 100g-1 by ABTS, 26.6mg VCE 100g-1 by DPPH. Production of citrinin wasnot reported.

5.4.1.5 Isolation and characterization of redcabbage anthocyanins

Anthocyanin were extracted from red cabbageand were identified using LC-MS. Five mono anddiacylatedcyanidin glycosides were identified andamong them cyan-3(sin)-triglu-5-glu (m/z 1141),cyan-3(sin)-soph-5-glu (m/z 979) and cyan-3(sin)(sin)soph-5-glu (m/z 1185) constituted themajor portion. The anthocyanin was encapsulatedin maltodextrin for enhancing its stability.Anthocyanins inclusion complex was also developedusing β-cyclodextrin.

5.4.1.6 Synthesis of halogen based Schiff basesNovel Schiff bases were synthesized by the

condensation of 5-fluoro-2-hydroxy acetophenonesand 3,5-dicloro-2-hydroxy acetophenones withdifferent alkylamines and newly formed moleculeswere characterized by IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMRspectro-photometric techniques. The Schiff bases werescreened for antifungal activity against Rhizoctoniasolani and Sclerotium rolfsii. Compound with leastnumber of C-atoms was found to be most effective (LC50

24.21 and 34.79 mgL-1respectively)

5.4.1.7 Field evaluation of nitrification inhibi-tors coated urea

Potent nitrification inhibitors were synthesizedand utilized for the preparation of coated urea. Fivekg of urea-aldehyde adduct, a slow release urea, wasalso preparedand evaluatedin the fields of baby corn,pearl millet and rice crop. Eight different coated ureaformulations prepared utilizing natural nitrificationinhibitors were evaluated by Directorate of WheatResearch (DWR), Karnal for increased growth,

productivity and N recovery and all these resulted inbetter yield and higher N uptake as compared toprilled urea. The grain yields for the nitrificationinhibitors coated ureas in the pearl millet was 2.31-2.61 t/ha as compared to 2.14 t/ha in prilled ureatreated plot.

5.4.1.8 Synthesis of Eugenol based hydroxylamines

Eugenol, one of the key components of A.indicaoil, was converted to eugenol epoxide bytreating with m-perchlorobenzoic acid andsubsequently treated with different alkyl amines (n=6 - 18) in presence of Porcine Pancreatic Lipase (PPL)for the resolution of chiral epoxide. The process ledto the formation of chiral hydroxyl amines andunreacted chiral epoxides. The synthesizedcompounds were characterized using spectroscopictechniques (viz., 1H NMR, 13C NMR and IR).

5.4.2 Innovations in Agricultural Formu-lations and Application Technology forSafety and Efficacy5.4.2.1 Development of zeolite based hydrogelcomposites with enhanced water absorptionproperties

Zeolite based hydrophilic polymer compositeswith water absorbency (550 to 600 g/g of dry gel) wereprepared. With higher mechanical strength (specificpower: 22.03 x 10-7 Watt/g) than zeolite free hydrogel(specific power: 9.93 x 10-7 Watt/g). The kinetics of waterabsorption and release by zeolite hydrogel compositesshowed that the water release mechanism followedpure Fickian diffusion irrespective of chemical networkstructure, implying that the deswelling mechanismtotally depends on the Donnan equilibrium.

5.4.2.2 Development of superabsorbent polymerbased micronutrient (boron) formulation

A slow release hydrogel based micronutrient(boron) formulations with boron loading efficiencyranging beween 67.7 and 92.2% prepared having waterabsorption capacity of 35 to 60 g/g of dry gel formulationand mechanism of boron release was Fickian diffusionwith diffusion exponent ranging from 0.11 to 0.32.

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5.4.2.3 Hydrogel based Trichoderma harzianum(bio control agent) and micronutrient (boron)combo-formulation

A combo-formulation of Trichoderma harzianum andboron was prepared with different polymers and it wasobserved that borax did not hampered shelf life ofTrichoderma, and dry formulations maintained moreviable cell as compared to wet formulation.

5.4.2.4 Development of new polymers forformulating the agrochemicals

PLA-PEG based block polymers using lactic acidand stannous chloride di hydride as catalyst wereprepared and characterized by using 1H NMR, 13NMRand IR spectroscopy. Micellar sizes of the polymersranged from 394-698 nm and are for use used ascontrolled release vehicles for pesticide delivery forefficient pest management in different crops.

5.4.2.5 Residue and bioefficacy evaluation ofcontrolled release formulations of thia-methoxam as seed treatment against major pestsof soybean (Glycine max)

Controlled release (CR) formulations ofthiamethoxam and commercial formulation(Thiamethoxam35FS) when revalidated under naturalincidence of the major pests of soybean, namely,whitefly, Bemisiatabaci and stem fly, Melanagromyza sojaeshowed that CR formulations of thiamethoxam (4.0) gavesignificantly better control of white fly, which transmitYellow mosaic virus(YMV), compared to commercialformulation (5.33). Similarly, yield of soybean werehigher using CR formulations. Residues of thia-methoxam in seed and soil at harvest were below thedetection limit of 0.25 μg ml-1 for both CR andcommercial formulations.

5.4.2.6 Bioefficacy evaluation of controlledrelease formulations of imidacloprid andthiamethoxam

CR formulations of imidacloprid and thiametho-xamreduced BPH population ranging from 19.4-45.3%over untreated control after 3 days of application.Imidacloprid formulations, both CR and commercial,in general caused more reduction than thiamethoxamformulations.

5.4.2.7 Bioefficacy evaluation of controlledrelease formulation of thiram

Controlled release (CR) formulation of thiram onsoyabean coated seeds performed better with respectto seed vigour (15%) over commercial formulation.The polymers acted as barriers to moisture reducingthe rate of seed deterioration and checked thedegradation of thiram.

5.4.2.8 Optimization of the network charac-teristics of zinc loaded hydrogels

The zinc release study of prepared hydrogels inwater indicated the monomer concentration and kaolinbackbone ratio as the most significant reaction factorscontributing to controlled release characteristics.Higher filler content in the feed mass led to slow releaseproducts with low fluid absorption characteristics(WAC 2490-4500 % w/w). Chemical modification of ricehusk ash led to hydrogels with higher yields (>80%)and high water absorption patterns (WACmax 750 g/g).

5.4.3 Food safety, Risk Assessment ofCropProtection Products and ResidueManagement5.4.3.1 Pesticide risk assessment

Persistence of cypermethrin and chlorpyriphos oncabbage. The residues of cypermethrin in cabbage weredetected till 3 and 5 day after application at therecommended and double the dose. Residues in cabbagewere below detectable limit (< 0.05 mg kg-1) at 5 and 7days, after application of cypermethrin @ 500 and 1000 ga.i. ha-1. The residues of chlorpyrifos in cabbage weredetected till 7 and 15 days after application at therecommended and double dose. Residues in cabbagewere below detectable limit (< 0.005 mg kg -1) after 10 and20 days, after application of chlorpyrifos @ 500 and 1000g a.i. ha-1. The Codex limits (MRL) of cypermethrin onBrassica vegetables is 1 mg /kg and UK MRL ofcypermethrin on cabbage is 0.5 mg/kg, therefore, theschedule is safe from consumers’ point of view.

5.4.4 Environmental Fate of Pesticides5.4.4.1 Studies on environmental fate ofpyraclostrobin

The Distribution coefficient (Kd) values in threetest soils ranged from 4.91-18.26 indicating moderate

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to high adsorption. Desorption was greatest in Delhisoil followed by Hyderabad and Thrissur soil. Kd valuesin organic carbon and clay removed Delhi soils were3.57 and 2.83, respectively, indicating that organiccarbon and clay content play a major role in adsorption-desorption of pyraclostrobin in soil. Leaching studiesin intact soil columns in Delhi soil suggested that evenunder high rainfall (800 mm) conditions >99% ofpyraclostrobin remained in the 0-5 cm soil profile.

Pyraclostrobin dissipation was found to be fasterin organic matter and clay rich Hyderabad soil (T1/2 21.8days) as compared to Delhi soil (T1/2 28.7 days). Sludgeamendment enhanced dissipation (T1/2 9.2days) in IARIsoil. Increased organic matter in the soil leads toincreased microbial activity which in turn enhances therate of dissipation of pyraclostrobin.

5.4.4.2 Effect of elevated CO2 level on dissipationof neonicotinoids

Effect of atmospheric CO2 on dissipation of fourneonicotinoid insecticides, namely, acetamiprid,imidacloprid, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam studiedat 1 μg g-1 fortification level in Inseptisol soil in OpenTop Chambers (OTC)revealed that all the fourneonicotinoids dissipated at a faster rate underelevated CO2 condition (T1/2 8.9-20.1 d) than underambient CO2 condition (T1/2 11.6-30.1 d). Furtheracetamiprid showed fastest dissipation at both thelevels (T1/2 8.9-11.6 d) whereas imidacloprid showedslowest dissipation (T1/2 20.1-30.1 d).

5.4.4.3 Preparation of modified clays andscreening for removal of pesticides and heavymetals from water

Modified commercially adsorbed pesticides as wellas heavy metals. Three clay materials were found to bemore efficient in adsorption of both contaminantsgiving 14-15% removal of cadmium, 73-83% lead,91-94% butaclor, ~98% methyl parathion and ~99%chlorthalonil from water.

5.4.5 Analytical Methods5.4.5.1 Development and validation of methodfor estimation of pesticides in basmati rice

A multi-residue method of 38 compoundsconsisting of 20 organo-chlorines and 18 synthetic

pyrethroids was developed in Gas Chromatography– Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) in Selective IonMonitoring mode. A modified QuEChERS method, adispersive solid phase extraction method, wasdeveloped for extraction and cleanup of the abovementioned pesticides from Basmati rice matrix. Limitof detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ)was 0.01 µg/g and 0.05 µg/g, respectively, for organo-chlorine pesticides and 0.1 µg/g and 0.5 µg/g,respectively, for synthetic pyrethroid pesticides. Therecovery of all the pesticides ranged from 72.5 to100.3%, except dicofol and tetramethrin which showed60% recovery.

5.4.6 Remediation5.4.6.1 Effect of ozonization on pesticide removalviz-a-viz nutritional quality

Ozonation technique was tried to removeimidacloprid residues from French beans &okra fruits and CIP from potato. Thirty minuteozonozation of vegetable samples resulted in up to99% of insecticides in comparison to 55.5 -63%removal by washing with water. Howeverozonization affected the vitamin C (ascorbic acid)content of these vegetables and reduction was morein potato and okra than in beans. Total phenolcontent also decreased up to 50% on ozonation invegetables while negligible loss of these nutrientswas observed by washing with water.

5.4.6.2 Degradation of atrazine in soil andmineral salts medium using atrazine degradingenrichment culture

Studies on ability of atrazine degradingenrichment culture suggested that atrazinedegradation was influenced by the composition of themedium used. Fastest atrazine degradation wasobserved in the medium without C and N sourcewhere atrazine concentration reached to non-detectable levels on 4th day. This suggested thatenrichment culture used atrazine as the sole sourceof carbon and nitrogen. Biuret was detected as the onlymetabolite of atrazine. Enrichment culture degradedatrazine in an alkaline alluvial soil and was able towithstand high concentrations of atrazine (110 µg/g)

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in soil. Developed mixed culture having ability tocompletely degrade the atrazine has application indecontamination of atrazine from water and soil.

5.5 WEED MANAGEMENT5.5.1 Integrated Weed Management inConservation Agriculture (CA)-basedDirect-seeded Rice

Weed management is most crucial for the successof direct-seeded rice (DSR). Weed caused asignificantly higher reduction in DSR yield, but theadopted weed control treatments such aspendimethalin 1.5 kg/ha (pre-em) + bispyribac-Na25 g/ha at 25 DAS + hand weeding (HW) at 45 DAS

and pendimethalin 1.5 kg/ha (pre-em) + bispyribac-Na 25 g/ha at 25 DAS resulted in 321.4% and 278.6%increase in rice yield, respectively over that in weedycheck. Among CA-based DSR treatments, a systemof DSR with summer mungbean residue (SMB) - riceresidue (RR) retention in ZTW–summer mungbean(SMB) gave paddy yield almost similar with that inTPR- ZTW. This also resulted in lower weed dryweight than in other DSR –wheat systems, but wascomparable with TPR-CTW or ZTW in this regard.

5.5.2 Optimization of the Brown ManuringTechnology for Weed Management in Maize

Sesbania aculeata L. (dhaincha) brown manuring as aconservation agriculture practice has been adopted in

Weed dry weight and paddy yield in Direct-seeded rice (DSR) system with CA practices

Treatment Weed dry weight (g/0.25 m2) at 70 DAS Paddy yield (t/ha)

CA-based DSR-wheat systemDirect-seeded rice(DSR) – zero-till wheat (ZTW) 78.27 2.65DSR – rice residue (RR) + ZTW 70.49 2.88DSR + brown manuring (BM) - ZTW 66.20 2.97DSR + BM – RR+ ZTW 56.37 3.08Mungbean residue(MBR) + DSR- ZTW- summer mungbean (SMB) 52.83 3.25MBR+DSR- RR+ZTW- SMB 42.80 4.05Transplanted puddled rice (TPR) - ZTW 24.59 4.15TPR-conventional till wheat (CTW) 36.41 3.85LSD (P=0.05) 4.35 0.11Weed control treatmentWeedy check 127.05 1.12Pendimethalin 1.5 kg/ha (pre-em.) + bispyribac-Na 25 g/ha (25 DAS) 29.33 4.24Pendimethalin 1.5 kg/ha (pre-em.) + bispyribac-Na 25 g/ha (25 DAS) + hand weeding (HW) at 45 DAS 4.11 4.72LSD (P=0.05) 4.92 0.23

Effect of brown manuring on population (no./m2) and dry weight (g/m2) of weeds and maize yield (t/ha)

WFC

Maize yield Weed population Weed dry weight Maize yield Weed population Weed dry weight Maize yield Weed population Weed dry weight

15 kg/ha 35 kg/ha UWC WFC 25DAS 35DAS UWC WFC 2.4-D 2.4-D In situdhainch

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(a) Sesbania seed rate (kg/ha) (b) Time of spraying of 2.4-D (DAS) (c) 2.4-D application & mulching

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direct-seeded rice and there is a need to optimize Sesbaniaseed rate, and time and dose of 2,4-D application forkilling Sesbania in maize. Therefore, a study comprisingof two levels of dhaincha seed rate (15 & 25 kg/ha), twotimes of application of 2,4-D (25 & 35 DAS) and threelevels of mulching/herbicide application (2,4-D @ 0.25& 0.50 kg/ha and in situ dhaincha grown and mulched)along with pre-emergence pendimethalin at 1.0 kg/haapplied to all treatments as common herbicide, revealedthat 25 kg dhaincha seed was slightly superior to 15 kg/ha; mulching dhaincha/spraying 2,4-D at 25 DAS superiorto that at 35 DAS, and 2,4-D @ 0.50 kg/ha superior to2,4-D @ 0.25 kg/ha or in situ dhaincha grown and mulchedin terms of broad-leaved and grassy weed control, andmaize grain yield.

5.5.3 Efficient Weed Control in Chilli (Capsicumannuum)

Integrated weed management in chilli revealed thattillage practices like zero tillate (ZT) with residue gave5.2% (~0.4 t/ha) higher yield over conventional tillage(CT). Pendimethalin 0.5 kg/ha + imazethapyr 0.075 kg/ha pre-em tank-mix resulted in significant reductionin weed population and dry weight and gavesignificantly higher chilli yield.

5.5.4 Efficient Weed Control in Garlic (Alliumsativum)

In the field experiment comprising ofconventional tillage flat bed (CTFB) and furrow-irrigated raised bed (FIRBS) combined with sevenweed control treatments FIRBS resulted insignificantly higher garlic yield compared to CTFB,although there was no significant difference found onweed growth. It caused an increase in yield by 8.1%(~0.77 t/ha) over CTFB. All the herbicides wereselective to garlic. Pendimethalin 0.5 kg/ha +imazethapyr 0.075 kg/ha pre-em tank-mix resulted insignificant reduction in weed population and dryweight and gave significantly higher garlic yield.

5.5.5 Herbicidal Weed Management in WheatOn-farm studies conducted during rabi 2012-13

at farmers’ field in the villages of national capitalregion to study the effect of different herbicides on theproductivity of wheat and weed control indicated that

combined post-emergence application of carfentrazone(15 g/ha) + clodinofop (60 g/ha) resulted in maximumwheat grain and straw yield at Badarpur Said andthe treatment combination clodinofop (60 g/ha) +metsulfuron methyl (4 g/ha) remained statisticallyon a par with it. At Rajpur, tank mix application ofclodinofop + metsulfuron methyl resulted in maximumwheat grain and straw yield whereas it remainedstatistically on a par to clodinofop + carfentrazone, butsignificantly superior over sulfosulfuron and farmers’practice.

5.5.6 Impact of Planting Time and WeedManagement in Potato

All weed control treatments significantly reducedthe population of weeds, thereby resulting significantincrease in tuber yield than weedy check. Amongstherbicide treatments, pre-emergence application ofmetribuzin @ 0.5 kg/ha and atrazine @ 0.5 kg/ha werefound equally effective in controlling weeds whichhowever was found at par with farmers’ practice (Handweeding + earthing up).

5.5.7 Weed Management in Vegetable PeaThe integrated weedthat the integrated weed

management practices viz., pendimethalin (750 g/ha)fb 1 conoweeding at 40 DAS, 1 HW at 20 DASfbimazethapyr (75 g/ha) at 40 DAS and oneconoweeding at 20 DAS fbquizalofop (75 g/ha) at 40DAS were equally effective in integrated weedmanagement in vegetable pea. Pre-emergenceapplication of metribuzin at 50-100 g/ha was foundselective against pea.

5.5.8 Weed Management in Transplanted RiceAmongst herbicide treatments, post-emergence

application of azimsulfuron at 40 g/ha at 25 daysafter transplanting caused the highest reduction inweed density which however was found at par withits application at early post-emergence (15 DAT)and its lower dose application at 25 DAT and alsowith post-emergence application of bispyribacsodium @ 30 g/ha at 25 DAT. Highest efficacy ofbispyribac sodium was observed against dominantweeds of rice namely Echinochloacrusgalli andEchinochloacolona.

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5.5.9 Bioefficacy of Herbicides in Rice,Wheat and Tuberose

Bioefficacy of herbicides in Pusa Basmati 1509under transplanted conditions. The dominant weedflora in the experimental field consisted of mainlygrassy weeds and sedges, viz., chinochloa crusgali,Echinochloa colona, Leptochloa chinensis, Cyperus iriaand Cyperus deformis. Pre emergence application ofPretilachlor at 650 and 750 g/ha and Byspyribac-Na 25 g/ha (25 DAT) recorded significantly lowerweed dry weight. There was reduction in seed yieldto the tune of 27.9% in weedy check compared toweed free.

Bioefficacy of different herbicides on weeds as soleand tank mixture application in wheat. Tank mixapplication of Clodinafop and Pinoxaden withcarfentrazone and metsulfuron were effective oncomplex weed flora, accumulated lower weed drymatter and increased the seed yield over their soleapplication. Sole application of pinoxaden both at 50and 75g/ha and clodinafop 60g/ha was found effectiveonly on grasses whereas both carfentrazone (20g/ha)and metsulfuron (4g/ha) showed selectivity towardsbroadleaf weeds and these treatments recorded lower

weed control efficiency compared to tank mixapplication of pinoxaden and clodinafop withcarfentrazone and metsulfuron. Both metsulfuron andcarfentrazone were compatible with pinoxaden andclodinafop and there was no adverse effect on theefficacy of both the herbicides. Tank mix of clodinafopand pinoxaden with broadleaf herbicides recorded seedyield at par with weed free treatment. There wasreduction of 41.3% in yield under uncontrolled weedyconditions.

Bio efficacy and selectivity of herbicides for weedcontrol in tuberose. Four herbicides, namely, Atrazine,Pendimethalin, Imazathapyr and Metribuzin alongwith residue were used to for weed control, growthand flowering of tuberose cv. Prajwal and resultsrevealed maximum sprouting (98.14%) was observedwith Pendimethalin (1 kg a.i/ha) + residue (5 t/ha).Maximum plant height, number of flowers, spikelength, no. of flowers open at one time, duration offlowering was observed with a combination of Atrazine(1.0 kg a.i/ha)+ residue (5 t/ha). Minimum average weedfresh and dry weight, weed population per quadrate(50 cm × 50 cm) was also observed with Atrazine(1.0 kg a.i/ha)+ residue (5t/ha).

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6. BASIC AND STRATEGIC RESEARCH

The basic and strategic research at IARI during this year was focused on characterization of genetic andnatural resources,development of molecular markers, mapping of genes for economically important traits, thephysiological basis of crop yield, deciphering the molecular basis of biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, mitigationstudies on climate change, development of remote sensing and GIS techniques for assessment and managementof crops and natural resources. This section briefly covers some of the significant achievements in these areas.

6.1 PLANT GENOMICS ANDMOLECULAR BIOLOGY6.1.1 Transcriptome Analysis of AbioticStress Tolerance in Crops6.1.1.1 Heat stress responsive transcriptome inwheat

To identify the genes regulated by heat stress inwheat, transcriptome sequencing of root, stem, leaf andspike tissues of wheat cvs. HD2985 and HD2329 underheat stress was carried out. De novo assembly of 47.9million high-quality reads resulted into 23,470 non-redundant transcripts with an average length of 746bp. Expression analysis with 2 fold threshold and <0.01FDR value revealed that heat stress upregulated 785genes and downregulated 431 genes. Among differentfunctional classes, secondary metabolite biosynthesispathway genes were found to be upregulated by heatstress. Of the 16 expression clusters of the differentiallyexpressed genes, 6 clusters consisted of more than 100genes with co-expression under heat stress. Sequencingof small RNA library of wheat cv. HD 2985 usingIllumina (HiSeq 2000) platform led to the identificationof 37 novel and >600 conserved microRNAs. These datasets will be useful in identification of specific pathwaysand genes for heat tolerance in wheat.

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled withMALDITOF/MS, nLC/MS and MS2 was used toidentify differentially expressed proteins in the flag leafof wheat cv. HD 2985 at milky-ripe stage under heatstress. Seventy-two differentially expressed proteinswere identified including HSP 70, Oxygen evolving

enhancer protein, Calmodulin, Hypothetical protein,Rubiscoactivase, etc. From this, genes encodingRubiscoactivase, HSP17, HSP70, HSP90, CDPK, SODII,SODI, CAT and transcription factors (TF3174, TF514,TaHSF3) were cloned for functional analysis

6.1.1.2 Proteomic changes in rice leaves underhigh temperature stress

High temperature stress tolerant cv. Nagina 22 wassubjected to 28°C (control) and 42°C (high temperaturestress) at flowering stage using the free air temperatureincrement (FATI) technology. The proteomes of leaveshad about 3000 protein spots, reproducibly detectedon 2-D electrophoresis gels with 573 proteinsdifferentially expressed between control and hightemperature treatments. Using MALDI-TOF MS inconjunction with the MASCOT protein databasesearch, 25 of the proteins that appeared only in the leafproteome under high temperature stress werepositively identified. Putative physiological functionssuggested five categories such as growth (15.4%), heatshock proteins (7.7%), regulatory proteins (26.9%),redox homeostasis proteins (11.5%) and energy andmetabolism (38.5%) related proteins. This studyrevealed complex cellular network of leaf proteomeunder high temperature stress.

6.1.1.3 Drought responsive transcriptomes of maizeGenome-wide transcriptome analysis revealed that

the number of differentially expressed genes wasgreater in drought tolerant and stay-green maizegenotype HKI 1532 as compared with drought sensitivegenotype PC 3. The global co-expression network ofthe stress responsive transcriptome of the two

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genotypes differed significantly with respect to thenumber of modules and the co-expression patternwithin the modules. Module 1 of the tolerant genotypeevolved as an important module since it contains mostof the drought-specific genes and transcription factors.A set of 174 drought-responsive genes was selectedfrom HKI 1532 and a specific co-expression networkof these selected genes explained key correlationsbetween different adaptive pathways, each cluster ofthe network representing a specific biological function.Transcription factors related to ABA-dependantstomatal closure, signalling, and phospho-proteincascades genes work in concert to economize the wateruse and induce cellular tolerance. Under stress, the

genes involved in osmotic adjustments and transporterproteins were found to be co-expressed to maintainthe water balance, and those involved in cell wallmodification and protein and lipid metabolism tomaintain the metabolism. The expression level and co-expression pattern helped in understanding the complexregulation of genes under drought stress in maize.

6.1.2 Cloning and Characterization of Genesfor Abiotic Stress Tolerance of Crops6.1.2.1 Cloning and functional validation ofgenes for drought tolerance in rice

An AP2/ERF transcription factor geneisolated fromdrought tolerant rice cv. Nagina 22 was cloned under

Expressed gene groups and functional interactions of drought stress responsive transcriptome in maize

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constitutive promoter and used for genetictransformation of Arabidopsis. Southern analysis ofT2transgenics showed single copy integration of thegene. These transgenics showed higher wax, proline,carotenoids and ABA contents, and higher capacity toscavenge ROS and thus, higher MSI under water deficitstress as compared to that of wild type plants. Rice cv.Pusa Sugandh 2 was transformed with this AP2 genecloned under AtRD29A stress responsive promoter.Similar to Arabidopsis transgenics, rice transgenics(T1)also exhibited higher contents of wax, proline,antioxidants, carotenoids and ABA, and exhibitedhigher MSI than WT plants under water deficit stress.

To decipher the molecular basis of stress hormoneabscisic acid (ABA) signalling in biotic and abioticstress response of rice, genome wide analysis wascarried out and potential ABA receptors (ABARs) wereidentified. All the 10 members of ABAR family werecloned and sequenced from rice cv. Nagina 22. Ricetransgenics (T0) expressing ABAR6 under stressinducible AtRD29A promoter were developed andadvanced to T1 generation. T1 transgenics wereconfirmed by transgene specific and selection markerspecific PCR and RT-PCR analyses. Physiologicalanalysis of T1 transgenic lines expressing RD29A::ABAR6 showed that these lines were hypersensitive toABA during germination and early seedling growthsuggesting that ABAR6 overexpression enhanced theABA perception in these transgenics. Work is inprogress to assess abiotic stress tolerance of thesetransgenic rice lines and develop transgenics to validatethe function of other ABARs.

6.1.2.2 Salt overly sensitive (SOS) pathway genesfor salt tolerance of wheat

Higher expression levels of Salt Overly Sensitive(SOS) pathway genes were found to be associated withsalt tolerance of Kharchia 65. The full length CDS ofSOS1(plasmamembrane Na+/H+antiporter) fromKharchia 65 and WR704 were cloned understress-inducible RD29A promoter in a modifiedpCAMBIA1300 vector for functional validation. SOS1promoter (2kb upstream to ATG) of Kharchia 65 wasalso cloned and a SOS1 promoter-GUS reporter geneconstruct was made for identification of cis-elements

associated with salt stress responsive expression ofSOS1. Further, full length CDS of SOS3, the calciumsensor protein that regulate SOS pathway, was clonedfrom wheat genotypes with different levels of salttolerance. Comparison of nucleotide sequence of SOS3from Kharchia 65 with that of WL 711, HD2687 andHD 2009 revealed only few synonymous SNPs,suggesting that the genotypic differences in salttolerance in associated with expression levels of SOS3but not with protein activity. Three copies of SOS3gene were found in wheat genome (http://urgi.versailles.inra.fr/Seq-Repository/BLAST) withone copy each on long arm of chromo-somes 1A, IBand 1D, respectively.

High-affinity potassium transporter (HKT2;1,HKT2;3 andHKT1;4) genes were cloned from salt-tolerant wheat genotype KRL210. Expressionprofiling revealed that HKT2;1 and HKT2;3 areexpressed in both root and shoot, while HKT1;4expresses in roots only. However, HKT2;1 and HKT2;3genes were upregulated in root but downregulatedin shoot under salt-stress in the tolerant wheatgenotype. Real-time qRT-PCR analysis showed theupregulation of HKT2;1and HKT2;3 genes in root, butdown regulation in shoot under salt-stress in thetolerant wheat genotype.

6.1.3 Development of Bt Transgenic CauliflowerTransformation protocol for two varieties of

cauliflower and one of cabbage with two explants viadirectly and callus was standardized. Constructs withtwo Bt genes, namely, Cry1B and Cry1C were mobilizedinto two varieties of cauliflower and one of cabbagevia Agrobacterium mediated transformation.

Real time RT-PCR expression analysis of HKT2;1 and HKT2;3genes. Expression in root (A) and shoot (B) of salt sensitive WH542(WH) and salt- tolerant KRL 210 (K) genotypes at 12 days under150 mMNaCl stress. Error bars represent standard deviations (n=3)

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6.2 PLANT BIOCHEMISTRY6.2.1 Metabolic Engineering for Low PhytateSoybean

To enhance nutritive value of soybean, metabolicengineering approach is being used to develop soybeantransgenics with low phytate content in seeds. Tosilence the expression of myo-inositol-3-phosphatesynthase (MIPS) gene involved phytate synthesis,RNAi transgenic lines of soybean were developed. Inan alternative approach, PHYTASE gene was overe-xpressed to catabolize phytate in seeds. Molecularcharacterization of soybean transformants(T1-T3) forMIPSihp(RNAi) and PHYTASEoverexpressionrevealed down-regulated expression of MIPS and up-regulation of phytase expression in the transformants.

A full-length GmIPK2 cDNA was cloned andcharacterized from developing soybean seed. The senseand the antisense fragments spanning intron were usedto construct an intron spliced hairpin (ihp) cassette. Thisihp cassette driven by a seed specific vicilin promoterwas subcloned into binary vector pCWAK for RNAimediated silencing of GmIpk2. Agrobacterium mediatedtransformation of cot-node of soybean was carried outand putative transformants were analyzed by PCRusing bar gene-specific primers. For down-regulationof MRPABCC5 transporter gene, involved in phytatetransport, was cloned from soybean. Plant transformationvector pORE vector for seed specific RNAi silencingof this gene was constructed.

6.2.2 Biochemical Basis of Off-flavour inSoybean6.2.2.1 Biotic elicitors for off-flavour reduction

Biotic elicitors (chitosan, jasmonic acid and salicylicacid) were used as post-harvest treatment of seeds ofsoybean genotypes (SL 525 and EC 109514) withcontrasting off-flavour generation potential. Bioticelicitor treatments significantly reduced off-flavorgeneration indices such as LOX activity, TBA numberand protein oxidation in soybean. Further, thesetreatments significantly increased the molecules withanti-off-flavour potential such as bound and freephenolics, trypsin inhibitor and total tocopherol.Jasmonic acid was found to be the most effective elicitorand the black color seeded EC 109514 genotype betterresponse to the treatment.

6.2.2.2 Role of oleosin proteins in off-flavourgeneration

Although soymeal contains negligible levels offree polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), theprincipal contributors to off-flavour generation, itproduces strong off-flavour. To analyze the causes forthis, oleosin protein complexes were isolated andcharacterized. Two low molecular weight (18 kDa and24 kDa) oleosin proteins were identified and theseproteins showed phospholipase A2 activity, whichmay be responsible for off-flavour generation byreleasing free PUFAs from phospholipids present inthe soymeal.

6.3 PLANT PHYSIOLOGY6.3.1 An Improved Method of Net Assimi-lation Rate (NAR)

The NAR of crops are commonly estimated byusing the equation, NAR = [(W2-W1)*(lnL2-L1)] /[(t2-t1)*(L2-L1)]. This is based on the assumption of alinear relationship between leaf area (L) and total drymatter (W). The major limitation of the above equationis that Leaf Area Ratio (LAR) is assumed to be same atboth the harvests. Experiments with wheat and barleyrevealed non-linear relationship between leaf area anddry matter, although their logarithmic transformationwas found to be linear.

Soybean transformation and PCR confirmation of GmIPK2transgenic plants

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Hence, a general log-log linear equation betweenW and L was formulated as lnW = a + b lnL. The aboveequation can alternatively be expressed as allometricpower function W = ea * Lb Based on these equations,NAR was derived. The NAR can be alternativelyexpressed as (bea/t2-t1) x [(L1L2b-L2L1b)/L1L2(b-1)],where ea is allometric constant andit can be expressedbetween two harvests as

ea = W1 / L1b , or W2 / L2

b, or (W2 - W1) / (L2b - L1

b )

This provides an allometric basis for estimation ofNAR and is useful when the LAR between two harvestsis not the same or there is a larger time interval betweentwo harvests.

6.3.2 Physiological Trait-based Phenotypingfor Abiotic Stress Tolerance6.3.2.1 Phenotyping for drought and hightemperature tolerance in wheat

One hundred forty six lines received fromCIMMYT wheat physiology programme was evaluatedfor physiological and morphological traits undermoisture stress conditions. Two hundred ninetyfourgenotypes of wheat association panel fromCIMMYT physiology programme were phenotyped forcanopy temperature, relative water content and otherphysiological traits under drought and hightemperature stress. Four F4 crosses with 200 progenieseach were phenotyped for physiological, morphologicaland other characters as per the trait dictionary fromGCP at four locations viz., Delhi, Ludhiana, Pune andPowarkheda. One hundred forty six lines from

Generation Challenge Programme core physiology setand 120 lines from four populations were evaluated inthe controlled and field phenomic facility.

6.3.2.2 Phenotyping of rice genotypes for heattolerance at anthesis

Twenty five rice genotypes were phenotyped forhigh temperature tolerance under field conditionsduring Kharif 2013 to investigate the effect of post-anthesis heat stress (both day and night) on yield andits components. Plants were raised under normalconditions till anthesis, and heat stress (>3-4oC meanmaximum and >7-8oC mean minimum temperaturesabove ambient temperature) was imposed in the fieldimmediately after panicle exertion stage, by enclosingthe crop with specially designed polythene chambers.IET-22116, IET-23275 and IET-23299 showed bettertolerance to heat tolerance measured as heatsusceptibility index of yield as compared with the checkNagina22. Tolerance to combined drought and heatstress was analyzed with rice genotypes Anjali,Shahbhagidhan, Vandana, Swarna, IR-64, PB-1, PS-5, CR262-4, Nerica L-44 and Nagina 22. Only NericaL-44 andNagina 22 exhibited tolerance to combined stresses.

6.3.3 Hormonal Regulation of Abiotic StressTolerance6.3.3.1 Spikelet sterility in rice is associated withstress-induced reduction in endogenous auxin

Spikelet sterility is one of the major causes of yieldreduction in rice under abiotic stresses in rice, but thecauses are poorly understood. Since auxin plays a key

Field phenomics for drought and heat tolerance in wheat

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role in reproductive development, we analyzed theassociation between endogenous auxin levels andpollen sterility of rice genotypes under drought andheat stress. Heat and drought stresses down regulatedthe expression of genes for IAA biosynthesis andsignalling. These stresses also reduced endogenousIAA content, which was correlated with spikeletsterility in rice. Exogenous IAA application minimizedthe stress induced spikelet sterility under drought andheat stresses.In addition to its direct role in repro-ductive development, IAA appears to enhance thespikelet fertility by minimizing stress inducedoxidative stress in spikelets. This suggests that geneticmodification of auxin synthesis and signalling is apotential target to minimize the yield losses under thesestresses in rice.

6.3.3.2 Interactive role of ethylene andpolyamines on drought tolerance in wheat

Ethylene and polyamine biosynthetic pathwayscompete for the precursor, S-adenosyl-L-methionine(SAM), during senescence of plants. Increase in S-

adenosyl-L-methionine decarboxylase (SAMDC)activityincreases polyamine biosynthesisand decreasesethylene synthesis. Analysis of change in theendogenous levels of these plant hormones in the flagleaves of wheat genotypes subjected to water deficitstress revealed that ethylene to polyamine (putrescine,spermidine and spermine) ratio was high in susceptiblewheat cv. HW4059 as compared with tolerant wheatcv. HW4022. A similar trend was also observed inthe expression level of ethylene and polyaminebiosynthesis genes at transcript levels. The tolerantwheat cultivars showed higher expression of SAMDCand polyamine biosynthetic genes as compared withethylene biosynthetic genes. These results suggest thatgenetic manipulation of these hormone pathways forenhanced polyamine accumulation and reducedethylene accumulation can provide better droughttolerance in wheat.

6.3.3.3 High temperature stress response in wheatthrough free air temperature increment (FATI)technology

Experiments were conducted to characterize theeffects of high temperature stress on growth and yieldof ten wheat cultivars grown under FATI and thetraditional temperature gradient tunnel(TGT). Wheatcultivars were exposed to 2oC above ambienttemperatures. Plants exposed to high temperaturesstress under FATI showed more decrease in LAI andplant height and less decrease in grain weight thanthose grown under traditional TGT technology. Thesedifferences in the response of wheat crop between thetwo methods of high temperature treatment may beattributed to reduced light penetration, restricted aircirculation, and other associated changes in themicroclimatic environment inside TGT. Since suchchanges are minimal or null in FATI technology,it canbe used to study the effect of high temperature stresson growth and yield of crops.

6.3.3.4 Chlorophyll fluorescence to characterizethe nitrogen-deficiency stress in maize

To investigated the effects of nitrogen stress on Chla fluorescence induction kinetics in maize leaves,polyphasic chlorophyll a fluorescence transient wasmeasured in maize grown under different nitrogen

Auxin (IAA) mitigates reactive oxygen species accumulation inspikelets of rice under drought and heat stresses. Spikelets of ricewere stained for assessing the accumulation of reactive oxygenspecies (C = well watered control, D = drought, D+I = plants underdrought were sprayed with IAA, HT = heat, HT+I = plants underheat stress were sprayed with IAA)

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levels (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg N/ha). Among the 36different chlorophyll fluorescence parameters tested,Fv/Fm and DIo/RC were observed to be the bestparameters to characterize the changes in maize leavesin response to N application. The relative variablefluorescence is not only directly proportional to thenumber of closed reactions centers (RCs), but alsolinearly related to the rate at which RCs are closed. Asthe nitrogen stress increased, a dramatic decline in FvDFm was observed, which may be due to the physicalseparation of the PSII RC from associated antennaepigment, resulting in blocked energy transfer to thePSII.

6.3.3.5 Bioregulators minimize adverse effectof water-deficit in chickpea by regulatingphotorespiration

To understand the mechanism of bioregulatormediated yield enhancement in chickpea, the effectof foliar application of thiourea (TU; 1000 ppm),benzyladenine (BA; 40 ppm) and thidiazuron (TDZ;10 ppm) on the expression of genes encodingphotorespiratory pathway enzymes were analyzedin Pusa 362 (desi) and Pusa 1108 (Kabuli) under water-deficit stress. Application of synthetic cytokinins (BAand TDZ) enhanced the expression of glycolateoxidase and glycine decarboxylase H subunit genesunder water-deficit stress conditions suggesting thatcytokinins protect photosynthetic machinery byinducing photorespiration during water-deficit stress.

6.3.4 Magnetopriming Improves CarbohydrateMetabolism under Salinity in Wheat

Seed priming with static magnetic field is a seedenhancement method for stress management in cropsthat ensures synchronized field emergence of the cropunder stress. Wheat seeds of HD 2967 (salt sensitive)and Kharchia 65 (salt tolerant) were magnetoprimedwith static magnetic field dose of 50 mT for 2h andsubjected to NaCl stress from germination to maturity.Magnetopriming enhanced the rate of germination andseedling growth under different salinity levels. Themagnetoprimed seeds showed increase in α-amylaseand β- amylase activities that explained the increasedrate of germination. Further, magnetoprimingenhanced raffinose content in the seeds of HD 2967under saline conditions during the initial stages ofgermination. Thus, increased amylase activities andhigher ratio of raffinose to sucrose in germinating seedshelped in early establishment of seedlings undersalinity stress in wheat.

6.3.5 Post Harvest Physiology6.3.5.1 Regulator of carbohydrate metabolism incold-induced sweetening (CIS) of potato

Cold-induced sweetening (CIS) in potato is causedby accumulation of reducing sugars and asparagine(Asn) during cold storage. This leads to generation ofcarcinogenic acrylamide at high frying temperatures.To understand the role of thioredoxins (TRX), regulatorof the activity of enzymes involved sucrose metabolism,expression of TRX1 gene was analyzed in CIS tolerantand sensitive potato genotypes stored under room

Relative changes in chlorophyll fluorescence parameters atdifferent nitrogen doses in maize

Real-time qRT-PCR expression analysis of Thioredoxin h (TRXh1)gene in tubers of potato. Samples of tubers stored for 60 days underroom temperature (RT), 4°C or 10°C were used for expressionanalysis (* P ≤≤≤≤≤ 0.05)

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temperature (RT), 4°C or 12°C for 60 days. Storage at4°C induced TRXh1and the induction was significantlyhigher in CIS sensitive cultivars. This suggests thathigher expression of TRXh1at 4°C is one of the causesof high reducing sugar accumulation in the CISsensitive genotypes. Expression of RFP1, ring fingerprotein involved in proteolysis of enzymes forcarbohydrate metabolism, was higher in CIS tolerantpotato genotypes (Kufri Chipsona 3 and Kufri Frysona).

6.3.5.2 Association between allelic variations incarbohydrate metabolism genes and CIS on potato

It was shown earlier that UGPase expression is highin CIS tolerant genotypes as compared with CISsensitive genotypes. To decipher the molecular reasonsfor differential expression, the promoter of UGPase from

CIS tolerant Kufri Chipsona 3 and CIS sensitive KufriPokhraj were cloned by using genome walking PCRmethod. The promoter of Kufri Chipsona 3 showed 49and 6 base deletion as compared with Kufri Pokhraj.Based on this InDels, a PCR marker was developed andvalidated in 38 potato genotypes. In addition, allelicvariation in UGPase, Apoplastic Invertase and InvertaseInhibitor genes were analyzed in 36 potato genotypesusing gene specific markers. The results revealed thatthese four molecular markers can be used to identifypotato genotypes with CIS tolerance.

6.3.6 Growth Regulator for InducingDwarfness in Bougainvillea

Three cultivars of bougainvillea i.e., Partha,Zakiriana and Singapore Red were treated with various

InDel variation in UGPase promoter of potato genotype with contrasting CIS. A) Pair-wise sequence alignment showing InDel variation,B) Gene specific marker for identification of genotypic differences in UG Pase promoter. The upper band indicates normal allele and thelower band indicate allele with deletion in the UGPase promoter

Induction of dwarfing in bougainvillea cv. Zakiriana (A) and cv. Singapore Red (B)

A B

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concentrations of growth retardants at one monthinterval. It was observed that the application ofpaclobutrazolin the drench (50 ppm) controls the plantheight by reducing internodal distance, and could beused for dwarfing.

6.4 GENETICS AND GENOMICS6.4.1 Wheat6.4.1.1 Identification of QTLs for delayed flagleaf senescence under water deficit stress

Wheat, C306 x WL711, RIL population wassubjected to water deficit stress at post anthesis stage.The response of the RIL population to drought wassimilar to WL711 for biomass and grain number, whilefor 1000-grain weight and harvest index, the responseswere similar to that of C 306. Major QTLs for delayedleaf senescence (green flag leaf area at 30 Days afteranthesis) were mapped on chromosomes 2DS, 3BS,3DL, 4AL and 6BL.

6.4.1.2 Identification of markers associated withterminal heat tolerance

Among 38 bread wheat genotypes evaluated, 12genotypes viz., HD 2733, CL 3125, HD 2189, C 306,DBW 14, WR 544, PBW 373, HD 2932, Kundan, HD2997, HD 2697 and DW 1512 showed terminal heattolerance with heat susceptibility index value of <0.5.Sixteen markers associated with terminal heat stresswere used for validation in Indian geneticbackgrounds. Of these, only two SSR markers viz.,gwm 131 (for CTD) and gwm 304 (for CTD and totalchlorophyll content) showed significant marker-traitassociation.

6.4.1.3 MARS to improve the water-use-efficiencyand heat tolerance

Twenty four genotypes were studied for parentalpolymorphism with microsatellite primers –cfd, cfa,cfb, barc, gwm, gdm and wmc series. About 650microsatellite markers covering a minimum of 10cMdistance and distributed over different arms of allthe 21 chromosomes were analyzed and 200polymorphic markers were identified. Thesepolymorphic markers are being screened on theMARS populations to identify progenies withknown

QTLs for drought and heat tolerance. These are alsobeing used for recovery of background genome inbackcross populations.

6.4.1.4 Alien gene introgression for rust resistanceA novel APR leaf rust resistance gene was

transferred from wild relative of wheat Aegilopsmarkgrafii. Cytological analysis of Ae. markgrafii derivedintrogression line ER1 revealed 2n=42 chromosomewith most of the PMCs showing 21 bivalents, whilesome line had quadrivalents. ER1 showed high degreeof resistance to both leaf and stripe rust at adult plantstage.

6.4.1.5 Mapping and marker assisted selectionfor rust resistance

Genetic analysis of WR95 revealed presence of arecessive gene on chromosome 5DL and anotherdominant gene on chromosome 2BL for stem rustresistance. Similarly, a leaf rust resistance gene inTriticum durum genotype Trinakria was mapped onchromosome 5BS. In addition, molecular markerswere employed to transfer multiple resistance genesLr19/Sr25, Lr24/Sr24 and Yr15 into wheat varietyHD2733. Marker assisted foreground selection forSr26 was employed in a population of HD2932containing Lr19 and Yr10 in homozygous state butsegregating for Sr26 and plants containing three genes(Lr19, Sr26 and Yr10) in homozygous state wereidentified. Marker assisted foreground selection wasconducted to identify leaf rust resistance genes Lr24and Lr34 in the background of HD2932 in BC4 andBC1, respectively, Plants containing targeted geneswere backcrossed with HD 2932 to develop BC5 andBC2 generations, respectively. Foreground selectionwas also conducted for stripe rust resistance gene Yr15in BC4 generation of HD 2932 and plants containingtargeted gene were backcrossed again with HD 2932to develop BC5 generation.

6.4.1.6 Characterization of adult plant resistance(APR)

To identify APR genes, >1500 germplasm lines weretested both at seedling and adult plant stage and lineswhich were susceptible as seedlings but resistant atadult plant were classified as APR lines. As a result

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266 lines carrying APR to leaf rust and 152 to stem rustand 19 to both the rusts were identified. This set ofgermplasm with confirmed APR can be used for basicstudies and varietal development.

6.4.1.7 Improvement of wheat for bread makingquality

To understand the nature of gene action for glutenstrength, a major indicator of bread making quality,generation mean analysis using micro-sedimentationtest was carried out. Among the different epistaticcomponents, dominance × dominance effect had themaximum contribution and was acting in the negativedirection in the two crosses. Analysis of both the crosscombinations using Castle-Wright’s equation for‘number of effective genes/blocks’ revealed that at leastone major gene block, besides several minor genescould be involved for the micro-sedimentation volume.Physico-chemical and rheological properties of Indianwheat cultivars varying in HMWGS were evaluated.Cultivars having subunits of 20 (Glu-B1), and 2+12 (Glu-D1) exhibited very weak dough stability i.e., 1.7 to 1.9min., while other combinations such as 2+12 with 7+9(Glu-B1) or 5+ 10 ) Glu-D1) with 7 or 7+9 were weak(2.2-4.4 min) and 17+18 (Glu-D1) with 2+12 or 5+10 or7+8 (Glu-B1) with 5+10 were strong (8.8 to 13.8 min).Thus, 5+10 and 17+18 subunits were found to exertmaximum influence on dough stability.

6.4.2 Maize6.4.2.1 Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) -trait association in subtropical maize

The genome-wide association signals across apanel of 240 subtropical maize inbreds under water-deficit stress and the consistency of these associationsvaried across traits, locations, and models. A total of64 strong SNP associations were identified for water-defict stress that constituted 17 false discovery rate-corrected associations among traits and locations. Atotal of 27 SNPs were associated with 14 stomatalclosure genes, 5 SNPs with 3 root development genes,and 25 SNPs with 12 ABA signalling genes that weresignificantly associated to anthesis-silking intervaland the yield-related traits under water-deficitstress. The ABA signalling and a gene for epigeneticregulation were co-associated for anthesis-silking

interval under water-defict stress suggesting that theepigenetic and ABA-dependent pathways regulateflowering. The SNPs associated with drought-tolerantgenes will be useful to develop drought-tolerantcultivars in crop development. F2 mappingpopulations were developed to validate the resultsfrom association mapping.

6.4.2.2 Conversion of haploid inducer linesHaploid inducer lines (HIL) obtained from UoH,

Germany was used in haploid induction fordevelopment of inbred lines in shorter time period.Along with maintenance of original lines, the haploid

Genes for drought tolerance and functional roles identified fromassociation mapping in maize

Development of haploid-inducer lines in tropical maizebackground

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inducer allele of HILs is also being maintained in HKI1135 and HKI 1532 backgrounds to use these lines intropical environment. Segregating progenies wereselected based on pollen production ability, expressionof morphological marker based on R-nj locus and otherdesirable agronomic characters.

6.4.3 Pearl Millet6.4.3.1 Phenotyping for heat tolerance

A total of 250 lines of pearl millet were pheno-typed for various physiological traits for heat stresstolerance at seedling and flowering stage in fieldconditions.

6.4.3.2 Development of mapping populations(RILs)

Seven populations for mapping genes/QTLs forthe following traits were advanced to differentstages of RIL development ranging from F3:4 toBC2F3.

Thirty superior mutants in M4 were identified havingdesirable plant type, seed characters and plant yield.These are being evaluated further in normal and rainfed conditions. In mungbean, inheritance studyshowed that resistance to MYMV is digenic recessive.Genetic analysis of rust resistance in lentil revealed thatrust resistance is governed by single dominant gene.QTLs for seed yield components (pods/plant, podbearing length, primary branches per plant and plantheight) in short duration pigeonpea were identified bygenotyping and phenotyping of 300 RILs derivedfrom the cross Pusa Dwarf x H 2001-4. Further,QTLsreported earlier for plant height and earlinesswere validated.

6.4.5 Brassicas6.4.5.1 Selection for double low/ single low traits

For introgression of low glucosinolates in two lowerucic acid varieties, out of 1662 single plants selectedon morphological resemblance to their respective

S. No. Pedigree Generation Size Objective

1. WGI 148 x ICMR 09999 BC2F4 370 Downy mildew Rajasthan isolate2. WGI 52 x WGI 148 BC2F4 311 Downy mildew Gujarat isolate3. WGI 148 x WGI 52 BC2F4 346 Downy mildew Delhi isolate4. PPMI 683 x PPMI 627 F5:6 369 High iron5. PPMI 627 x PPMI 813 F5:6 352 High iron6. 5054 x TPR 14 F4:5 321 Thick spike7. 5141 x TPR 14 F4:5 298 Thick spike

6.4.3.3 Fertility restoration in different cytoplasmicresources

Five restorers were evaluated for their restorationability on fourteen female parents belonging to A1, A4and A5 male sterile cytoplasms. It was found that therestorers D23, PPMI 761 were acting as completerestorers for A1 cytoplasm, partial restorer andmaintainer for A4 and A5cytoplasms, respectively. SixF1s and six BC1 F1s were developed for studying theinheritance pattern of fertility restoration for A1cytoplasm.

6.4.4 PulsesChickpea cv. ICC 4958 was mutagenized with

0.2 % EMS and 10000 TILLING lines were developed.

recurrent parents during 2012-13, 39 single plants oftwo BC4F2s (LES-39 x EC 597325 and LES-1-27 x EC-597325) and BC3F3 generated through MABB wereselected based on genotypic and phenotypic data.Three thousand seven hundred three leaf sampleswere collected for genotyping for glucosinolates.Selfed seed from all 3703 plants has been taken forfurther quality analysis.

6.4.5.2 Phenotyping for identification of ‘0’ and‘00’ genotypes

For maintenance breeding and development of ‘0’and ‘00’ breeding material, biochemical analysis forvarious fatty acids was carried out and the genotypeswere categorized based on erucic acid content as follows:

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Year Erucic acid Total

2013-14 0 -2% 2-5% 5 -10% 10-20% >20%

5018 354 246 524 829 6971

Five thousand seven hundred seventy two singleplants with low erucic acid (<2%) from breeding material,mapping populations and advanced lines were screenedfor their glucosinolate content using spectrophotometerand 993 plants possessing <30 ppm glucosinolate wereidentified. Four mapping populations for mappinggenes/ QTLs for erucic acid, glucosinolate and droughttolerance were advanced for developing RILs which arein different stages from F4 to F7.

S. No. Pedigree Generation Size Objective

1. LES-1-27 x EC-597325 F6:7 496 Glucosinolate

2. NPJ-93 x LES-1-27 F6:7 150 Erucic acid

3. LES-39 x Heera F4:5 310 Glucosinolate

4. RGN-73 x Bio-YSR F4:5 495 Rainfed

6.4.6 Disease Resistance in SoybeanTwo QTLs for resistance to charcoal rot disease

in soybean was mapped using F2 populations. A setof 4 segregating generations developed by crossingyellow mosaic virus (YMV) resistant (DS9712,DS9814) and susceptible (JS335, PI542044) genotypeswere tested in hot spot field conditions. The plantssegregated in 3 resistant : 1 susceptible fashion.Statistical analysis confirmed the involvement ofsingle dominant gene controlling YMV resistancein soybean. Two SSR markers viz., satt301 andGMHSP179 linked to YMV resistance have beenidentified. Further analysis in F2 population deve-loped by crossing DS9712 x PI542044, led to theidentification of two new SSR markers viz., Satt528and Sat_326 linked with the gene for YMV resistance.The gene locate on chromosome 17 has beententatively christened as Ymv-IV (IV for India virus,the strain that cause yellow mosaic disease in Delhi).Through virus-strain specific markers, it has beenfound that the strain of begomovirus causing yellowmosaic disease in soybean in IARI, Delhi campus isMungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV). Themarker was designed using the genome sequences ofthe various strains of begomoviruses.

6.4.7 Cauliflower6.4.7.1 Black rot resistance

BC1 plants from B. carinata and B. oleracea wereraised following embryo culture and BC2 crosses weremade and advanced in vitro. A genetic polymorphismsurvey with 196 SSR markers led to the identificationof 48 SSRs that will be useful for mapping resistanceto black rot. One hundred twenty F2 population (PusaHimjyoti x BR-161) was genotyped using SCARmarker ScXca1bo. The marker segregated in 3(R):1(S)Mendelian ratio in the F2 population. The developedSCAR marker was validated in 17 inbred lines ofcauliflower and was able to identify resistantgenotypes (AL 15, BR 207 and BR 1).

6.4.7.2 Establishment of CMS systemOgura CMS system was established in Indian

cauliflower in 17 early and 40 mid - group geneticbackgrounds and exploited in hybrid combinations.For transferring sterile cytoplasm from alien speciesinto Brassica oleracea, crosses were attempted withDiplotaxis catholica, D. sifolia, D. erucoides and D.berthaultii and are being advanced through embryoculture. BC1 embryo cultured plants of cauliflowercarrying male sterile cytoplasm from Trachystoma balliiand Anand cytoplasm were raised and BC2wasattempted and embryo culture was carried out. BC3was attempted with elite BC2 selections carrying Orgene in early and mid-season cauliflower. Alsosibmating of alike plants was carried out. Forforeground selection with SCAR marker SA-4 wasvalidated and new marker A designed was also foundpositive for donor gene. For background selection, 520SSR primers were screened, of which 70 primers werefound polymorphic.

6.4.8 TomatoEighteen markers reported in the region of

introgression of Ty1/Ty3 from L. chilenseare being usedfor genotyping of tolerant lines against ToLCNDV.Three lines were identified with presence of all 3 lociin homozygous condition and having high level ofresistance to ToLCNDV. Six novel CAPS markers weredeveloped from the potential SNP markers from thegenomic region of tomato potentially associated with

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PepMVresistance and these were utilized tocharacterize the 200 F2 population. Two CAPS markersassociated with resistance locus for PepMV wereidentified.

6.4.9 Bitter GourdSixty four EST-SSRs were used to investigate

genetic diversity in bitter gourd genotypes and 27 EST-SSRs revealed polymorphism. One hundred fifty SSRprimers were screened of which 10 were foundpolymorphic in diverse genotypes of bitter gourd.Among these, three markers showed parentalpolymorphism between S 2 (long fruited line) and DBG34 (short fruited line).

6.4.10 DrosophillaAmong the Drosophila Wnt genes, the function of

Wnt6 and Wnt10 are poorly understood. RNAisilencing of UAS DWnt10 in AL7 mutant backgroundresulted in reduction of cuticle number and size. Stocksare being synthesized for knockdown of DWnt6. Stockfor knockdown of wingless using RNAi has beenverified by expressing UAS WgRNAi in wild typebackground.

6.5 AGRICULTURAL PHYSICS,METEOROLOGY ANDENVIRONMENT6.5.1 Soil Physics6.5.1.1 Least-limiting water range (LLWR) of soils

LLWR is an indicator of structural quality anddefined as the range of soil water content within which

soil water, soil air and mechanical impedance pose leastlimitation to plant growth. Split-split plot design withtillage (chisel and no chisel) as main treatmentsand water application (rainfed and irrigated) as sub-treatments and dhaincha @5t/ha and hydrogel @3kg/ha(in seeded rows and no amendment) as sub-subtreatments was carried out with soybean. Resultsindicated that under both chisel and no chisel, θap

decreased, while θ2MPa increased with increase in bulkdensity (BD). The LLWR was greater in chisel,indicating better soil structural condition and higherwater availability.

6.5.1.2 Crop simulation analysis of wheat yieldunder drought and heat stresses

Experiments were conducted to characterizethe changes in growth parameters of wheat grownunder different temperature at grain filling (T1 ≈14, T2 ≈ 15, T3 ≈ 17, T4 ≈ 19 and T5 ≈ 21 oC) andmoisture-deficit stress (IW/CP ratio of 1.0, 0.8, 0.6and 0.4) conditions in temperature gradient tunnel(TGT) and free air temperature increment (FATI)(2 oC above ambient) . Three different cropsimulation models DSSAT-wheat, INFOCROP-wheat, and APSIM-wheat were evaluated tounderstand their ability to simulate moisture-deficit and temperature stress response of wheat.The performance (r2 of simulated vs observed) ofthe models decreased when simulated underhigher levels of moisture-defici t and hightemperature stress conditions. These observationsshowed the need for improving the performanceof the crop simulation models to simulate droughtand heat stress effects accurately.

Temporal variation of LLWR of sub-surface (15-30 cm) layer under chisel and no chisel

Tillage Days after sowing BD Soil water content (% m3 m-3) LLWR

(Mg m-3) θθθθθap θθθθθfc θθθθθ2MPa θθθθθwp (% m3 m-3)

Chisel 30 1.32 40.19 25.33 7.35 8.05 17.28Chisel 60 1.52 32.64 25.37 8.43 9.92 15.45Chisel 90 1.67 26.98 24.65 10.89 10.57 13.76No chisel 30 1.45 38.23 24.23 8.67 9.23 15.00No chisel 60 1.65 30.38 22.56 10.69 8.76 11.87No chisel 90 1.74 25.22 21.45 12.11 9.66 9.34

θap, θfc, θ2MPa and θwp refer to water contents at air-filled porosity, field capacity, 2MPa soil resistance and wilting point, respectively

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6.5.1.3 Modeling soil water movement and rootwater uptake under conservation practices

The root water uptake (RWU) patterns of cottongrown under different conservation agriculturalpractices in a cotton-wheat cropping system wereanalyzed using the numerical model Hydrus-2D.The treatments investigated were conventionaltillage (CT), zero tillage (ZT), permanent narrowbeds (PNB), permanent broad beds (PBB), ZT withresidue (ZT+RES), PNB with residue (PNB+RES) andPBB with residue (PBB+RES). Wheat and cottonresidues were retained in the residue treated plots.Results in the third cropping cycle indicated thatsurface bulk densities in both PNB and PBB weresimilar to CT. CT had greater root proliferation dueto higher irrigation water (flood irrigation) than PNBand PBB (furrow irrigation) during initial stages ofcrop growth. In ZT, root growth was less due tosurface compaction. Predicted soil water content(SWC) of initially saturated soil during a dryingcycle showed high correlation (r2 =0.80) with actualfield measured data. Cumulative RWU (cm)were in the order: CT (10.9) >PBB+RES (10.36)>PNB+RES(10)> ZT+RES (9.5) @PNB (9.4) =PBB (9.4)>ZT(8.5). In PNB, PBB and ZT treatments, residueretention improved root growth and hence RWU.Thus, PBB+RES practice might be adopted for cottoncultivation in this region as it maximized RWU andimproved soil physical health.

6.5.1.4 Effects of different resource conservationtechnologies (RCTs) on soil structure

A study was conducted in farmers’ fields of Raiblock, Sonepat district, Haryana to study the long-term impact of two RCTs (bed planting and zerotillage) on structural properties of soils of recentalluvial plains of river Yamuna. Aggregate meanweight diameter by dry and wet sieving (DS-MWDand WS-MWD) under different RCTs were studiedto compare structure of the soils under continuoususe of these technologies. Other important structuralindices such as dispersion ratio (DR), colloidmoisture equivalent ratio (a measure of ease ofpercolation; CMER), erosion ratio (ER), stabilityindex (SI), soil organic carbon (SOC), clay ratio (CR)

were also studied to monitor the susceptibility ofsoil to erosion in the study area. Results revealedthat in the surveyed villages under conventionaltillage (CT), the mean magnitude of DR and ER were0.58 and 0.82, respectively, and CMER was <1,which indicated the erodible nature of these soils.Analysis of data of bed and conventional systemsrevealed that on an average, there was about 19.08%increase in SOC in bed planted system as comparedto conventional system. The decrease in averagemagnitude of DR, ER and CR from 0.66, 0.52 and4.25 under CT to 0.42, 0.28 and 2.38 under bedsindicated reduction in eroding tendency of thesesoils under bed planting. Comparison of soil dataof ZT and CT showed improvement (33.19 %) inSOC, and reduction in bulk density and penetrationresistance under ZT plots compared to CT.Thedecrease of average DR, ER and CR from 0.74, 0.63and 5.99 under CT to 0.6, 0.46 and 3.8 under ZTindicated improved aggregation under ZT.Similarly increase in CMER and SI from 0.66 and9.21 under CT to 0.7 and 20.4 under ZT alsoindicated improved soil structural condition byadoption of zero tillage. Thus, it was concluded thatby adopting suitable RCTs, soil carbon andaggregation were improved and soils became moreresistant to erosion.

6.5.1.5 Influence of irrigation and nitrogen onwater, nitrogen and radiation use efficiency inwheat

Study was conducted on wheat cv. PBW 502 with4 levels of irrigation (0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 IW/CPE, IW=6 cm) and three nitrogen management strategies (120kg N/ha as urea, 60 kg N/ha as urea + 60 kg N/ha asFYM and 120 kg N/ha as FYM) to optimize irrigationschedule and N management. It was found that wheatcan be grown with 0.8 IW/CPE irrigation level withintegrated use of urea and FYM in sandy loam soils ofTrans Gangetic Plain Region to achieve higher water,nitrogen and radiation use efficiency and saving ofwater and fertilizer nitrogen without any significantreduction in grain yield as compared to the fulldose of irrigation (1.0 IW/CPE) and fertilizer nitrogen(120 kg N/ha as urea) application.

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6.5.2 Agricultural Meteorology and Environment6.5.2.1 Use of AQUACROP model to optimizingirrigation in wheat

Field experiments were conducted for two years(2011-12, 2012-13) on wheat cultivar PBW502 with threelevels of irrigation and two sowing dates to calibrateand validate the AQUACROP simulation model. A highvalue of R2 above 0.8, normalized root mean square errorbelow 15% and D-index above 0.8 between simulatedand observed values of profile moisture, biomass andyield showed high accuracy of model predictions for awide range of wheat treatments. Analysis of differentnumber and amount of irrigation scenarios for normalsown wheat by AQUACROP model showed that normalsown wheat yield can be maximized by applying threeirrigations of 80 mm each at 21, 85 and 105 days aftersowing (DAS), while its water productivity can bemaximized by applying two irrigations of 60 mm eachat 21 and 105 DAS with some yield penalty.

6.5.2.2 Effect of colour shade nets on micro-environment and biophysical parameters inspinach

To study microenvironment under different colourshade nets (white, black, red and green)and itsinfluence on biophysical parameters of spinach (PusaBharti), an experiment was conducted during summerand rainy season. The air temperature, wind speed,soil temperature, canopy temperature, light intensity,radiation and different accumulated heat indices suchas GDD, PTU, HTU, PTI were lower, while RH andsoil moisture were higher under different colour shadenets as compared to that under control. The percentagereflectance, NDVI, VI and heat use efficiency were morein green shade net. Biomass, leaf area, chlorophyllcontent, yield as well as radiation use efficiency andwater use efficiency was found to be higher undercolour shade net. The yield was found highest undergreen and red shade nets followed by white, black andcontrol. These results suggest that colour shade netscan be used to enhance productivity in spinach.

6.5.2.3 Influence of crop row direction onmustard aphid infestation

Observations on aphid infestation at weeklyintervals in mustard revealed that aphid infestation

started in 50th SMW (mid-December) and reached thepeak in 2nd SMW, then declined during 3-4 SMW dueto low temperature (Tmin<8 oC), and increasedthereafter due to rise in temperature. A second peakwas observed in 5th SMW and declined thereafter dueto high rainfall during 6th and 7th SMWs. The highestaphid population was observed in V1-EW and lowestin V3-NS treatment across the cultivars. The aphidsdisappeared completely after 9th SMW due to rise oftemperature (Tmax>30 oC) and the crop reached seedfilling to physiological maturity stage. In general, aphidpopulation was higher in north-south(N-S) sown cropduring flowering stage (50th SMW) across the cultivars,probably due to early flowering in NS sown crops. Butduring the pod formation and early seed filling stage,EW sown crops were infested by more number ofaphids than that of NS sown across the cultivars.

6.5.3 Remote Sensing and GIS6.5.3.1 Monitoring of crop residue burning inPunjab and Haryana

In October and November after the harvest ofpaddy, open crop residue burning is a common practiceby the farmers in the states of Punjab and Haryanawhere mechanized harvesting of Basmati paddy byCombine harvesters is prevalent. Real time monitoringof residue burning between Oct. 10 and Nov. 20, 2013using satellite data available from recently establishedsatellite ground station was undertaken. The dailythermal infrared images from MODIS and AVHRRsensors were used to determine a large anomaly in theland surface temperature (LST), an indicator of activefire. Fire intensity was also estimated based on theextent of LST anomaly and the fire map was overlaidwith wind speed and direction to indicate a likely areareceiving pollutant’s load. Though residue burning wasdetected as early as Oct. 16, the majority of burninghappened between Oct. 25 and Nov. 3, 2013. Maximumarea of 14205 sq km with active fire was detected onNov. 3, 2013. After accounting for overlapping areaswith burning on different dates, it was estimated thatcrop residue burning happened in about 36959 sq kmduring the period. Using emission factors fromexperimental studies and area estimate from satellitedata, total GHG emission and pollution load from cropresidue burning could be estimated.

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6.5.3.2 Retrieval of wheat leaf area index fromsatellite remote sensing

This study was conducted on retrieval of wheatLAI from broadband reflectance data correspondingto Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) LISS-3 (Linear ImagingSelf Scanner) sensor by means of canopy radiativetransfer model PROSAIL5B. The PROSAIL5Bmodel was calibrated and validated with groundmeasurements in experimental fields and farmers’fields for two years. Three inversion techniques toinvert PROSAIL5B model tried were a look up tablewith best solution (LUT-I), a look up table with best10% solutions (LUT-II) and an artificial neural network(ANN). All the three techniques could estimate thebiophysical variables, accuracy assessment by targetdiagram showed the superiority of LUT-II over othertwo approaches indicating that a set of best 10%solutions is a better strategy, while ANN was worstperformer showing highest bias. The LUT-II inversionapproach of PROSAIL5B model was implemented forIRS LISS-3 image of 5.2.2012 for Sheopur district,Madhya Pradesh and retrieved the LAI of wheat crop.The satellite image was preprocessed for geometric andradiometric corrections. Software codes in IDL werewritten for generation of LUT and for performinginversion of the model. The majority of wheat LAIvaried between 1.5 and 3.5. The comparison with

ground observations showed that the model inversionunder estimated LAI with an RMSE of 0.56 thoughestimated LAI showed a very high R2 of 0.86 (p<0.01).The results of study imply that we can generateoperational crop biophysical product of LAI from IRSLISS-3 for various applications.

6.5.3.3 Prototype web based regional crop monitoringsystem

A web enabled Decision Support System (DSS) forreal time crop growth monitoring at district level wasdeveloped based on multi-temporal satellite remotesensing data. Satellite derived weekly land surfacetemperature (LST), normalized difference vegetationindex (NDVI) and daily rainfall products weregenerated for crop pixels and averaged in each districtfor a period of 2001-2014. A web-interface was createdwhich allowed for selection of state and district fromIndia map. The interface provided selection ofparameter (rainfall, LST and NDVI), season (kharif orrabi) and year. This web-interface was linked todatabase of parameters which fetched the related dataof current season and compared it with parameter ofsame season in previous year and with long termaverage. The temporal profile of parameter of currentyear and its comparison with that of previous year andlong term average was visualized graphically as well

Wheat LAI map of a part of Sheopur district (Madhya Pradesh) (A) and its comparison with ground measurements (B)

Observed LAI

1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

5.0

Linear (Retrieved LAI)

Linear (1:1 Line)

Sheopur Wheat

Ret

riev

ed L

AI

Y=0.9149x -0.2234R2 = 0.8685

RMSE = 0.56

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as in tabular format. The anomaly in parameter forcurrent period from long term average was alsocomputed, then categorized into 5 classes andvisualized as a map. The parameter database was keptupdated with new real time data as it became available.The system was used to monitor the crop conditionduring kharif and rabi seasons of 2013-14. Beingweb-enabled, it can be accessed by all stakeholdersfor different applications and used for decisionmaking.

6.5.3.4 Delineation of rabi fallow areas of easternIndia using remote sensing

To delineate rabi fallow areas of eastern region ofIndia comprising of eastern U.P., Bihar, Jharkhand,Chattisgarh, West Bengal and Odisha, temporalsatellite data products (i.e., 36 data sets of 10 daysMVC) of NDVI of SPOT4 with one km spatialresolution was used for agricultural calendar year,June 2012 to May 2013 to capture the dynamics of cropgrowth and agricultural land use over an area.Temporal NDVI profile was analyzed for identifyingmajor agricultural land use pattern. Among the statesof eastern India, 38% of total rabi fallow area wasfound in Odisha (4.70 m ha) followed by Jharkhand

having 26 % (3.31 m ha), Chattisgarh having 22 % (2.79Mha). Minimum rabi fallow area was found in easternU.P. and Bihar states (4%). Among the soil orders,maximum rabi fallow area is coming under Alfisols(43%), followed by Inceptisol (39%), Entisols (12 %)and Vertisols (6%).

6.5.4 Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa-Delhi UnitAgro-met advisory bulletins are prepared on every

Tuesday and Friday based on the past weather data,current weather data and weather forecast received fornext five days on different weather parameters viz.,maximum and minimum temperature, rainfall, cloudcover, wind speed and wind direction from RegionalMeteorological Centre, India Meteorological Depart-ment and Agromet Advisory Unit, Safdarjung,New Delhi. These advisories are sent to IMD forpreparation of national bulletins and uploaded on theIMD website (www.imdagrimet.gov.in) in both Hindiand English. The bulletins are also sent to ATIC, KVKShikohpur, KVK Ujawa, IKSL, NGO, ATMA, StateAgriculture Department, e-choupal, Krishi Darsan, AllIndia Radio and local Hindi Newspaper through e-mailfor wider dissemination among farmers. Theseadvisories along with real time weather data andmedium range weather forecast is uploaded on theIARI website (www.iari.res.in). During 2013-14, 104agro-advisory bulletins were prepared in Hindi andEnglish and 59,515 SMS were sent to the farmersthrough farmers Kisan portal.

6.6 PHYTOTRONICSA total of 133 experiments were conducted at the

National Phytotron Facility (NPF) by scientists fromIARI, NRC on Plant Biotechnology, Delhi University,TERI and University of Madras during 2013-14.Among different schools of IARI, School of cropprotection, School of crop improvement, School ofbasic sciences and School of natural resourcemanagement conducted 23, 19, 12 and 11 experiments,respectively, in NPF. Almost all the experiments onidentification of genes and promoters from modelplant Arabidopsis and transgenic development invarious crops for biotic and abiotic stress tolerance

Distribution of rabi fallow under different soil orders ineastern India

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and quality improvement utilized the NPF. The typesof experiments conducted and purpose include genemapping for various economically important traits,generation advancement and making new crosses inthe off-season, physio-logical analysis of cropresponse to climate change, transgenic development,

cloning and characterization of new genes,containment studies on plant-pathogen interaction,controlled environment screening for importantdiseases in various crops, studies on the use ofbeneficial microbes for enhancing abiotic stresstolerance of crops, etc.

Studies on the effect of RH and temperature on false smut of rice

Transgenic soybean for reducing phytate content in seed at different stages of growth in NPF

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7. SOCIAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

The research programmes in the social sciences school have been focused on economic and policy researchon all issues related to agricultural technologies, and on transfer of the technologies to the user groups. Currently,economic and policy research on technology assessment, public and private investment in agriculture, energyuse in agriculture, rural non-farm employment, market reforms and FDI in retail, innovations in credit deliveryand farmers access to institutional credit, plant variety protection and impact of changing trade regimes onagricultural exports are the major priority areas of research. The Agricultural Extension and Technology Transferprogrammes have concentrated on the demonstration and evaluation of the technologies and varieties developedby the Institute, and also on developing innovative models for technology transfer. Some of the priority areasinclude cyber extension, analysis of alternative extension models, constraints in adoption of improved technologies,entrepreneurship development, gender empowerment, and market-led extension. The other initiatives includefrontline demonstrations, participatory seed production, training of farmers, farm women and rural youth, andcollaboration with various agencies including farmers’ groups, ICAR institutes, SAUs and voluntary organizations,etc. Besides, on-farm testing, farm advisory services, publications, Single Window-Delivery System, Pusa Helpline,Pusa Agricom and Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela are also of prime importance.

7.1 AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS7.1.1 Agricultural Growth, Wages and RuralEmployment

The share of agriculture in the gross domesticproduct (GDP) came down to nearly 14 per cent in 2011-12, but the share of workforce engaged in agriculturehas not declined proportionately and still more thanhalf of the workforce is engaged in agriculture.Although the agricultural growth is appreciable, stillit is below the target growth rate (4%), and it differssignificantly across the states and many states failingto achieve even 3 per cent growth. The growth patternat the state level in the past six years shows thatChhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, AndhraPradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan have a productivitylevel, in terms of Agriculture Gross State DomesticProduct (AgGSDP) per ha , less than the nationalaverage (`36,622/ha at current prices) despite theirgrowth rate being more than 4 per cent. On the otherhand, the states like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu &Kashmir, Kerala, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh,Uttarakhand and West Bengal achieved productivity

level more than `36,622/ha but their growth remainedbelow the national average (3.4%).

The state-wise growth rates for real wages andAgGSDP during the periods 2002-2012 and 2007-12showed that the real wages grew comparatively fasterduring XI Plan (except in Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthanand Gujarat) and it was true for both agricultural andnon-agricultural wages. In contrast, AgGSDP recordeda little higher growth rate during 2002-2012 than thatduring XI Plan period except in few states (Rajasthan,Bihar, Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh).Agricultural real wages showed a reasonably highergrowth (6.7%) against a moderate growth in non-farmreal wages (3.8% for mason) in XIPlan (2007-12). In thestate of Rajasthan, a robust growth was observed forAgGSDP (9%) but a poor growth was seen foragricultural wages (0.9%) and the trend was similar inMadhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Assam during XI Plan.On the contrary, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odishaand Punjab recorded a reasonably higher growth foragricultural wages and a low growth in AgGSDP. Itimplies that AgGSDP grew faster than the real wagesin the high growth states, whereas in some of the

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productive states, the wages have grown more thanthe agricultural growth, indicating rising cost of labourand shrinking farm profitability in these states.

The employment effect on the rural non-farm(RNF) sector has not been the same for rural maleand female workers. Despite steady structuraltransformation in the rural economy during the 1980sand 1990s, non-farm employment available to ruralhouseholds was limited. The analysis indicated that atall India level, households self-employed in agricultureand agricultural labours decreased from 35 per cent to28 per cent and from 15 per cent to 11 per centrespectively, during the period 2004-05 to 2009-10. Onthe other hand, households self-employed in non-agriculture and other households increased from 22 percent to 24 per cent and from 28 per cent to 36 per cent,respectively. Most of the states showed a similardistribution. The households self-employed in non-agricultural sector increased marginally, and theincrease was found to be more in Assam and WestBengal (6% each) and the least was in the states ofGujarat and Madhya Pradesh. It is noteworthy tomention that the highest shift happened towards otherhouseholds indicating casualization of labour force inrural areas.

7.1.2 Energy Use in Indian AgricultureThe study showed that expenses on farm inputs

have registered a phenomenal increase since the 1990s.The contribution of machine labour charges as aproportion of average cost of cultivation in major riceand wheat growing states of the country has increasedtremendously in the recent years and these form thesecond largest component after wages, mainly due towidespread mechanization and frequent increase ofenergy prices. The machine labour charges, which wereless than 4 per cent of the operational cost in 1970-71,rose tremendously to reach 24 per cent in 2009-10 incase of wheat. On the other hand, fertilizer chargeswhich used to be the second largest component of theoperational cost, though increased in absolute terms,its per cent contribution has decelerated over time. Inview of the increasing share of energy in the cost ofcultivation, agriculture is vulnerable to the rise inenergy prices. If the direct and indirect energy prices

increase by 10 per cent, then the total cost would behigher by 3 per cent. This would imply a directreduction in farm income. In the long-run, a sustainedrise in energy prices may affect input use andproduction practices. On the output side, it will raisethe output prices which have far more seriousimplications for food security, poverty alleviation andthe cost of industrial production.

The analysis of changing pattern of energy useindicated substantial increase in the use of tractors andcultivators, especially on small and marginal farmswhich constitute four-fifth of the total number ofoperational holdings in the country. There was 54 percent increase in the use of tractors and cultivators onmarginal farms. The intensity of tube-wells (numberof tube wells/ 1000 ha of operational holdings) was alsohigher on small farms. The intensity of tube wells onmarginal farms, which was four-times of that on largefarmers in 1995-96, increased to five-times in 2005-06.A similar disparity was observed for both electric anddiesel operated tube wells. However, in the northernregion where large farmers have size advantage in farmmechanization, the intensity of electric tube wells wasthree-times compared to marginal farmers in 2005-06.These results show higher energy-use both directly andindirectly on smaller farms and reaffirm the inverserelationship between-farm size, inputs-use andproductivity in the Indian agriculture. The studyindicated that high-productivity states like Punjab andHaryana use energy more than seven-times ascompared to the low-productivity states like Odisha(4GJ/ha). The increasing use of energy-intensive inputsand its positive correlation with agricultural output willcertainly increase the demand for commercial energyin the coming years. In order to achieve the nationalaverage of energy-use for the entire cropped area (192Mha) of the country, the total energy requirement willbe 43.18 million tonnes of oil equivalent (MTOE)constituting the electricity and diesel demands as 29.23MTOE and 13.96 MTOE, respectively. Essentially, toachieve the national average of energy-use, the energyrequirement in Indian agriculture will be double of thecurrent consumption. This energy demand has notincluded the energy required for agro-processingsector.

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(mainly by farm households and corporate sector) alsoshowed an upward momentum during the 1900 andthe 2000s, enabling total investment (public-private)to grow at the rate of 11 per cent during the period1990-2010. Annual private investment for agriculture,twice of the public investments in TE 1995, grew muchfaster as its size expanded to four times of the latterduring TE 2010. The analysis though, confirms a co-movement between the public and private investmentsin the long-run, but depicts a weak bi-directionalcausality between them during 1990-2010. Thus, thecontribution of public investments for agriculture doesnot appear to suggest significant crowding in of theprivate investment. Inclusion of AgGDP in the modelshowed a positive relationship between AgGDP andinvestments in the long run and also exhibited causalityrunning from AgGDP to the investment.

Growth rate in the number of farm equipment used between 1996-97 & 2006-07 (per cent)

Farm-size groups Power-operated Wells and Tractors and Power- driven Power-drivenplant protection irrigation cultivators tillage and harvesting and

equipment equipment planting threshingequipment equipment

Marginal (<1 ha) 19.6 8.5 54.0 9.7 14.9Small (1-1.99 ha) 13.2 4.7 29.2 13.7 18.7Semi-medium (2-3.99 ha) 8.6 2.2 15.7 8.3 15.5Medium (4.0-9.99 ha) 5.2 -0.1 7.3 6.1 11.2Large (10 ha & above) 3.4 -3.1 2.1 2.2 4.1All groups 14.2 4.5 30.4 17.6 14.5

Source: Based on the input survey data

7.1.3 Agricultural Investments During theLast Two Decades

The real public investment for agriculture (2004-05prices) has grown three and a half times since 1990, from`140 billion in triennium ending (TE) 1995 to ̀ 456 billionin TE 2010, though its share in gross capital formationof overall economy has still remained low (6%). The perannum growth in public investment for agriculture was8.7 per cent as against 6.9 per cent of gross capitalformation based on Central Statistical Organisation(CSO) series during the period 1990 and 2010. A perusalof the broader series of public investment, which includeinvestment for agriculture, though confirms relativelyslow growth during the nineties (5%), which rosesignificantly to 15 per cent during the period 2003-2009.The composition of investments in major states of thecountry during the TE 2010 still shows that major andmedium irrigation claims about half of the resourcesfollowed by rural roads, electricity, minor surfaceirrigation and agricultural research including educationand extension. Even though the growth in investmentfor agriculture increased from 6.23 per cent in the 1900sto 9.77 percent in the 2000s, many of the states could notsustain investment growth momentum of the 1990sfurther except Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh,Karnataka, Kerela and Himachal Pradesh. All the statesexperienced higher investment intensity in the year 2010as compared to 1995, except Bihar, Punjab, Rajasthanand West Bengal. Again, Andhra Pradesh andMaharashtra attained substantially higher investmentintensity as compared to poverty stricken states of WestBengal, Rajasthan and Bihar. The private investment

Enhanced public investment is justified tostrengthen infrastructure and also attract privateinvestment leading to high payoffs as the region is wellendowed with natural resources. The other issue relates

Investment in agriculture during the last two decades

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to prioritization of public resources towards thosesectors and regions where presence of market failuresor core distributional concerns exist. The risingGovernment spending under revenue account on agri-inputs and farm support services can also have acrowding out effect on private investment. The policyshift towards raising capital expenditure in ruralinfrastructure and irrigation would translate intoeconomic gains only, if it is backed by responsiveinstitutions.

7.1.4 Innovations in Credit Delivery toFarmers’ Access to Institutional Credit

The analysis of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Schemein Tamil Nadu revealed that in case of paddy, sugarcaneand groundnut crop, the beneficiary farmers realizeda net income of `10,485, `89,268 and `13,987,respectively. The increase in income of beneficiaryfarmers over that of non-beneficiary farmers rangedfrom 15-23 per cent. The increase in the income wasinfluenced by improvement in quality, quantity andtimeliness of use of inputs in the cultivation process.

7.1.5 Market Reforms and FDI in RetailDuring the period 2000-01 to 2011-12, the total

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to India has increasedfrom US$ 4 billion to US$ 46.8 billion (increasing at anannual compound rate of 29.6 per cent). With this,India’s share in the global FDI has increased from about0.3 per cent to more than 2.0 per cent. The largest flowof FDI over the period of March 2000 to March 2012was received from Mauritius (38%), Singapore (10%)and United Kingdom (9%). At sectoral level, financialand financial related services ranked first in cumulativeinflow during April 2000 to October 2012, accountingfor a little over 19 per cent of total FDI inflows. Inagriculture related services, food processing industryhas received the cumulative inflow of US $1663 millionduring the period which accounted for less than oneper cent of the cumulative FDI inflow. Agriculturalservices accounted for the next largest FDI inflow inthe agricultural sector. The opening up of the multi-brand retails offers a mixed bag of experiences. Theproducer farmers may stand to gain from two sources-one, the direct purchase made by the retailers throughcontractual purchase agreements; and two, throughincreased demand for fresh farm produce fromsuppliers of processed and semi-processed foodproducts. Global experiences suggest that price gainto farmers ranges between 20 to 50 per cent as theyenter organised food retail supply chain. Consumersmay get a price saving of 10-15 per cent from organisedretailers, an increase in quality and efficiency inservices. The growth of the organised retail will leadto greater vertical integration in the supply chain tomutual benefit of all the players. However, there aresome concerns as follows: the companies may imposeadherence on certain restrictions on usage of agro-chemicals, seeds, etc.;organised multi-brand retailwould drive out the local small shops and kirana stores;worsening of market imperfections in terms ofmonopolistic activities of organised retailers andformation of cartels; and the larger flow of employmentopportunities and price gains to foreign countries dueto sourcing of material from such countries. Thiswarrants adherence to regulatory mechanism with anintention to distribute larger social gains to India byprotecting the interests of producers, consumers anddomestic industry.

The estimation of Cobb-Douglas productionfunction for paddy crop showed that the inputs likeseed, fertilizer, irrigation and use of machine werefound to have positive impact on productivity. Theimpact of quality of loan assessed through the dummyvariables for KCC, crop loan, jewel loan as against noloan indicated that the KCC loan is perceived to be ofbest quality because of various inbuilt features leadingto reduction in transaction cost, being valid for fiveyears, etc. The coefficient of crop loan is positive andsignificant and thus has highest impact on theproductivity. The crop loan which is issued by thecooperatives has ‘kind’ component for items like seedsand fertilizers that ensures preventing the incidenceof diversion of loan by the beneficiary farmers.

Net returns from major crops by beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers of Kisan Credit Card Scheme in TamilNadu (`̀̀̀̀ /ha)

Crop Non-beneficiary Beneficiary % increase

Paddy 8,495 10,485 23Sugarcane 75,549 89,268 18Groundnut 12,134 13,987 15

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7.1.6 Resource Use and Productivity in theRice-Wheat System

Inputs use and productivity difference across farmsize and the states show that paddy yield of large farmerswas lower than other farmers in West Bengal and UttarPradesh, showing inefficiency in crop management andlack of care. The total NPK use was 228.6 kg/ha in AndhraPradesh and 201 kg/ha in Punjab, whereas it was muchlower in West Bengal (141 kg/ha) and Uttar Pradesh(169 kg/ha). However, fertilizer-use did not differsignificantly across farm sizes in all the four states. Thepercentage share of hired irrigation hours decreasedwith the increase in holding-size. Similarly, percentageshare of hired machine hours in all the four statesdecreased with the increase in farm size, indicating lackof access of small farmers to own machinery for farmoperations. Consequently, input cost on small farmsincreased. On the other hand, net returns from paddycultivation varied significantly across the states andfarm-sizes. The low returns on small and marginalfarmers are due to high cost on machine hours anddiseconomies of scale in case of irrigation (tube-well)on small farmers. As there was not much difference inyield across land-sizes, accessibility and cost of inputsinfluenced the net return across farm sizes.

7.1.7 Plant Variety Protection in IndiaThe study indicated thatthere has been a positive

response to PVP from all the stakeholders and thenumber of PVP applications filed steadily increasedover time. The ownership rights have been issued to l3per cent of the applications within a short period(7 years) of the establishment of the PPV & FRA. Thetrend analysis clearly explains the pattern ofconcentration of PVP applications across the crops andsectors. Both public and private sectors were activeplayers in PVP, but the private sector mostlyconcentrated on commercial crops, especiallyvegetables and cotton. The PVP applications fromfarmers were mainly for rice. About `70,000/- isincurred by an innovator for protection of a variety inIndia and 40 per cent of the cost is incurred for internalmanagement of the company, which includespredominantly staff and travel costs. The estimationof economic returns from the protection of plant

varieties using the premium price for seed obtainedusing the hedonic pricing model indicated that thevarieties with higher yield and large market were likelyto be protected as there was 11-15 per cent pricepremium for these varieties. This implies thatprotection of plant varieties may also pave the way forsurge in seed prices in India. Therefore, suitable policymeasures should be formalized to monitor the trendin the seed market and take appropriate measures toensure farmers’ access to protected varieties ataffordable prices.

7.1.8 Trade in Agricultural ProductsComposition of exports in a free market economy

reveals competitive advantage of commodities ininternational markets. India’s agricultural exports as ashare of total national exports ranged from 10 to 20per cent since 1990-91. While the share of agriculturalimports in the total national imports is less, in the pastthree years the performance of agricultural exports isspectacular with share in total exports raised from 10.5per cent in 2010-11 to 13.5 per cent in 2012-13. As perWorld Trade Organization (WTO), International TradeStatistics, 2012 (based on trade in 2011), global exportand import of agricultural and food products is US $1.66 trillion and US$ 1.82 trillion, respectively. India’sshare in this is 2.07 per cent and 1.24 per cent,respectively. India has improved its position inagricultural and food exports to 10th position globally.

Exports

The significantly large share of agricultural exportsin total exports (13.54%) in India reveals its comparativeadvantage in production and export of agriculturalcommodities in international markets. The total exportvalue was `221,130 crore in 2012-13. India’s exportbasket is highly diverse with ‘guar’ gum meal, cottonraw, basmati rice, marine products, meat and products,oil meals, spices and rice (other than basmati)contributing significantly higher share. In the comingyears, the share of food grain exports may reduce dueto the implementation of National Food Security Act,but there is likely possibility of rise in exports ofcommercial crops like ‘guar’ gum meal, cotton raw,basmati rice, meat, oil meals and spices. In internationalmarkets, demand for processed agricultural products

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like meat products and dairy products, processed fruitsand juices, and vegetables is rising although from lowerbase. The rising demand for processed products needsto be addressed through investing in the state-of the-art post-harvest processing facilities. For Indian ‘guar’gum meal major export destinations were the USA,China, Germany, Canada, Russia and Australia. Forcotton, major importing countries were China,Bangladesh, Pakistan and Vietnam. For basmati rice,Iran, Saudi Arab, UAE, Iraq and Kuwait were the majorimporting countries. For marine products the majorimporting countries were the USA, Vietnam, Japan,China and Spain. Within marine products frozenshrimp and fish are major export items. For meatproducts Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Saudi Arabwere the major importing countries. Within meatproducts, buffalo meat is major contributor in exports.For oil meal, Iran, Vietnam, Japan and Thailand werethe major importing countries. For spices, China, USA,Vietnam and Singapore were major export destinationsfrom India. There is a possibility of growing demandfrom within Asia especially from China and from theUSA with the revival of the economy, from Arabcountries for commodities like basmati rice.

Imports

Share of agricultural imports in India’s totalimports is much smaller at 3.8 per cent. India’sagricultural imports were `101286 in 2013, of whichonly edible oils contributed about 60 per cent andpulses contributed another 13 per cent. Fruits, cashewnuts, natural rubber also had significant share inimports. India also imports fertilizers in large quantitiesevery year. It imported 24089 thousand tonnes offertilizer by spending ̀ 47694 crore of foreign exchangein the year 2012-13.

There are number of Government initiatives forexport promotion, prominently agriculture exportpromotion zones, basmati export developmentfoundation, technology mission on cotton, etc. Thehigher share of edible oils and pulses in imports needsto be addressed through both policy and technologicalinterventions. The potential solutions include bridgingthe yield gaps, cultivation of pulses on rice fallow lands,tapping potential of non-conventional sources of edibleoils, etc.

7.2 AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION7.2.1 Cyber Extension Model for AgriculturalDevelopment : An Action Research

The cyber extension model was envisaged fordeveloping effective mechanism for communication offarm information and dissemination of technology tothe farmers. The contents regarding cultivationpractices of red gram and mustard, information relatedto various existing schemes of state departments oneducation, health, training, etc., were updated in webportal to meet the information needs of farmers andextension personnel. SMS facility regarding cropcultivation practices, market intelligence and weatherforecasting is being extended to project locations.Majority of the farmers (82%) were using the internetfor information related to subject matter, new techno-logical information and market price. Information accessthrough internet and mobile has increased by 4-5 timesin the project area. Wheat yield increased by 25 per centand paddy by 40 per cent in the project villages. Cropdiversification has occurred in the project village throughcultivation of vegetable crops. Majority (69%) of thefarmers perceived that availability of information iseconomical and 74 per cent users perceived the contentnot being made available in vernacular language asconstraints.

IARI Post Office Linkage Extension Model wasvalidated in five locations including Sitapur (UP), Buxar(Bihar), Sheopur (MP), Sirohi (Rajasthan) and Jammu(Jammu & Kashmir) for effective dissemination of farminformation to the remotely located farmers. BranchPost Masters emerged as a major source of information.A national workshop was organised on IARI Post OfficeLinkage Model: Experience Sharing and Mechanismfor Expansion” on April 11, 2013 at Division ofAgricultural Extension, IARI. Presently the model isbeing implemented covering 110 branch post officesin partnership with KVKs in 55 districts. The modelemerged as an alternate extension mechanism fordissemination of technology (branch post masters ascommunity based extension agents). It was observedthat more than 90 per cent of the farmers received theseed of above crops sent through post office within4 - 6 days of despatch. Yield of major cereals, oilseeds

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and vegetables increased by 11-30 per cent. Seeds ofIARI improved varieties of paddy, mustard, wheat andvegetables were sent to 2000 farmers through postoffice. Total 560 farmers were covered in kharif 2013.Farmers preferred Pusa 44 and PS 5 in comparison toJD13. The high yielding wheat seeds of IARI varieties,namely, HD 2967, HD 2985 and HD 2733, and mustardJD 6, Pusa Mustard 26 and Pusa Mustard 27 weredisseminated to 1210 farmers covered under onehundred ten post offices in 55 districts during rabi 2013-14. Vegetable seeds of bottle gourd (20 kg), pumpkin(5 kg), okra (15 kg), vegetable pea (5 kg) were disse-minated under eighteen selected post offices to 230farmers. IARI marigold variety Pusa Narangi Gaindawas sent to one post office in Jammu (J & K). Most ofthe farmers (73%) were satisfied with this newextension model in delivering agro-technology andinformation services.

7.2.2 Extension Models and Strategies forSustainable Livelihoods

A study of ATMA revealed that more than 90 percent of the line department officials in Wardha, Nagpurand Akola districts of Maharashtra affirmed thebenefits of ATMA as a platform of convergence, jointprogramming, fund flow and extended outreachto farmers. Assessed on a five-point rating scale,participatory and bottom-up planning (mean score 4.3),inclusions of farmer’s voice and choice (mean score 4.5),planning of need based interventions (mean score 4.1),and spurt to extension activities of line departmentswith fund flow and grassroots network (mean score3.8) emerged as the salient benefits of ATMA. However,ATMA officials shared lack of proactiveness among theline departments and high rate of attrition ofcontractual staff (block technology managers) as themajor constraints in upscaling of ATMA interventions.Lack of motivation (more than 37% of block technologymanagers had motivational index below 0.5) andcontractual nature job were the major reasons forattrition. Exposure visits were rated as the most salientfeature of ATMA by the farmers.The beneficiaryfarmers under ATMA, Pune revealed that FarmersField School (FFS), Farmers Interest Groups (FIGs),Custom Hiring Centres, exposure visit and farmers’friend approach/interventions adopted by the ATMA

were found effective in enhancing the profitability ofthe farmers.

Livelihood extension model was tested and foundeffective in climate change adaptation in Mewat andDhar districts of Haryana and Madhya Pradeshrespectively. Integration of mushroom unit helped togenerate employment for 3 months and additionalincome of ` 24,500 in Mewat. Case analysis revealedexposure visit, training and technological back-stopping, initial financial support and networking assalient drivers for uptake of livelihood enterprise.

An assessment study of Krishi Vigyan Kendra,Baramati (Maharashtra) revealed it to be the majorsource of agricultural information to the farmersfollowed by their neighbors. Exposure visit was foundto be the highest motivating factor. Regular availabilityof seeds, planting materials, and innovative agriculturaltechnology at modern KVK farm were the majorattraction for majority of the respondent farmers. Instudy of three Krishi Vigyan Kendras in West Bengal,farmers reported 22.5 per cent yield increment in theFront Line Demonstration of KVK, Burdwan in WBL81 variety of lentil whereas farmers observed 33 percent increase in yield by adopting SRI technology inMTU 7029 variety of rice. Farmers from adoptedvillages of Coochbehar, KVK reported a B: C ratio of2.80 for the demonstrated technology of black gramagainst the B: C ratio of 2.18 for local technology ofblack gram. Azolla cultivation has been popularizedby the KVK for last five years. The findings of casestudy showed that in the first year, the milk productionincreased to 1.3 l/day (cows fed with azolla) againstthe 1.13 l/day for cow fed without azolla. The farmersfrom South 24 Pargana also reported that thedemonstration of kharif paddy variety IET 565 recordedup to 5.25 t/ha against the local check of 4.5 t/ha. Thecropping pattern of the whole villages has beenchanged due to the intervention of KVK. Now, farmersare growing kharif and rabi vegetable, oilseed likesunflower, mustard, pulses like green gram, animalhusbandry (poultry, dairy), fishery, etc., beside growingtraditional cereal, i.e., paddy. The use of bio-fertilizershas increased from 1500 kg/ha in 2005-06 to 2800 kg/ha in 2013-14. Similarly use of knapsack sprayer, SRI,IPM and INM practices have also increased in the study

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area. Farmers’ Mall, Paddy Task Force and CompactArea Group Approach are the innovations of KVK,Kannur, Kerala.

A study of Sharada Krishi Vahini, a communityradio station (CRS) operational under KVK, Baramati,block of Pune district of Maharashtra revealed that amajority of the farmers (67%) preferred agriculturalsuccess story program followed by live interactiveprogram (62%), and phone in programme (57.50%). Amajority of the farmers opined that content ofcommunity radio program was very much useful tothem and they were interested in programmes likerainfall prediction, agricultural news, disease and pestpredictions and inputs availability. Long termsustainability and low CRS range were the majorconstraints perceived by the CRS staff.

The effectiveness of extension model of ParadeepPhosphates Ltd. (PPL), Bhubaneswar (Odisha) underPublic Private Partnership (PPP) mode as perceived bythe farmers was studied. The effectiveness of variousextension activities was measured on a continuum of1-5. The mean score values of each of the activities onthe effectiveness scale was calculated. The 3-topextension services in rank order were: Navratna, KrishiVikas Project (4.83), Mobile Soil Testing Laboratory (4.77) and Farmers Training School (4.72). Some of theinnovative interventions of PPL were identification andmotivation of star dealers from amongst prominentchannel partners to adopt villages called NavratnaStarDealer Villages. Mobile Soil Testing Laboratory to act ason the spotagri-clinic, recognition of best farmer in thebatch of trainees as area representative under Farmers’Training School and regular feedback mechanism fromfarmers through a questionnaire distributed along withquarterly magazine, Navratna Samachar.

7.2.3 Constraints in Adoption of ImprovedTechnologies and Yield Gap in SelectedPulses and Cereals

During kharif 2013, a total of 30 demonstrations ofpaddy variety Pusa Basmati 1121 (0.4 ha each) and 30demonstrations of pigeonpea variety Pusa 991 (0.4 haeach) were conducted. The yield in the paddydemonstration field ranged from 4.10 t/ha to 4.15 t/ha.

The yield gap-I and yield gap-II was 0.25-0.30 t/ha and0.45–0.65 t/ha, respectively. Whereas in case ofpigeonpea 1.25 t/ha to 1.30 t/ha yield was recorded andthe yield gap I and yield gapII was 0.50 – 0.65 t/ha and0.15- 0.35 t/ha, respectively. Forty profitabilitydemonstrations (1 demonstration = 0.40 ha) of wheat(HD 2733 and HD 2967) were conducted duringrabi 2012-13 at Jassaur Kheri & Nilothi of Jhajhar districtand Tainti Gaon of Mathura district to analyse yieldgap in wheat at micro level. The average yield of HD2967 was 5.50 t/ha, whereas HD 2733 yielded 5.10 t/ha.Two chick pea varieties, Pusa 1053 (Kabuli) and Pusa547 (desi), were demonstrated at 26 farmers’ field atJassaur Kheri & Nilothi of Jhajhar district and TaintiGaon of Mathura district. The demonstration yield was1.23 t/ha to 1.52 t/ha. The profitability analysis of wheatand chickpea showed that B:C ratio of chickpea wasmore in comparison to wheat. However, wheatcultivation was more profitable than chickpea inabsolute terms.

The NFSM interventions increased the number offarmers adopting soil testing, use of thio urea, increasednumber of sprinklers, INM practices and introductionof IPM practices in the areas of two adopteddistricts(Churu and Nagaur) of A3P component ofNFSM of Rajasthan state (high potential- high gapstate). The major constraints reported from highpotential-high gap areas included the poor availabilityof critical inputs like seeds, bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides,secondary and micronutrients in productivity zone. Theissue of non-availability of quality irrigation water forchickpea and more profitability in the competing cropslike cumin, fennel and fenugeek in Nagaur district wasreported to be the major hindering factor in increasingarea under chickpea.

Eighty two farmers of village Nilothi, Jhajhar weretrained in pulse production technology and the gainin knowledge was recorded in various farm practicesincluding seed treatment with rhizobium culture,insecticide and fungicide, line sowing, pest monitoringthrough pheromone trap and recommended varieties.Impact of earlier trainings imparted to farmers revealedenhanced adoption of scientific production technologyin terms of plant protection practices and recommendedvariety selection.

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7.2.4 Enhancing Entrepreneurship amongRural Youth

In-depth case studies of eight achiever agriculturalentrepreneurs revealed that the major facilitativefactors for agripreneurship development were: seekingadequate technical knowledge through interaction withexperts, farmers’ entrepreneurial competenciesincluding innovativeness, their ability to assessopportunities, optimum utilization of availableresources, market demand for quality products anddeveloping effective marketing linkages. Other factorscontributing to agri-entrepreneurial developmentwere: perseverance, family support, nearness to citiesoffering huge marketing opportunities, brandestablishment through quality enhancement andencashment of promotional avenues available. Theirperception regarding major inhibitive factors were: lackof entrepreneurial competencies, non-availability ofcritical inputs in time, non-availability of technicalguidance at the opportune time, lack of informationabout market, lack of adequate marketing avenues andlack of rural infrastructure. The study revealed bestpractices followed by achiever agri-preneurs such as:opportunity recognition, abundance of availableresources, capitalizing on one’s own prior knowledgeor skills, hygienic and strict adherence to qualitystandards, unique products having niche market andencashing promotional marketing strategies for brandvisibility. As per the action interventions undertakenfor enhancing entre-preneurial skills among farmers,farm women and youth training courses wereorganised, follow up and mentoring of the trainedyouth was done and linkages initiated with supportiveinstitutions and agencies. Showcasing of IARI scientifictechnologies for enterprise uptake was done. Trainedyouth have launched their agri-enterprises of turmericpowder production, floriculture, vermi-composting,mushroom production, seed production, protectedcultivation of vegetables and opening up of an Agri-Input outlet. Replication effect of mobilization for agri-entrepreneurial activities was noticed in adjoiningvillages as well. For the purpose of creating effectivenetworks for enhanced farm income, a one dayinteraction meet of all stakeholders was held on“Linking Farmers to Market: An Initiative for

Maximizing Farm Profitability” on June 1, 2013 in theDivision of Agricultural Extension. Marketing agencies,viz., Mother Dairy, Bharti – Walmart, Pepsico, CII,FICCI, APMC, Reliance Fresh, etc., along with twentytwo progressive farmers from eight IARI projectvillages in NCR Delhi participated in the meet. TwoEntrepreneurial Technical Information Packages(ETIPs) on Protected Cultivation and Apiary Enterprisewere developed based on the information collectedfrom practicing entrepreneurs. Data for ETIP on BabyCorn cultivation was validated on parameters ofrelevancy for potential entrepreneurs and expertopinions.

Farm women who have been trained earlier havelaunched their pickle making, dalia making, wheat flourmill and grinding of spices enterprise named “SunharaLalpur” and “Neelraj”. Handholding and mentoringactivities were undertaken to establish their enterpriseson a strong footing. Linkages with other agencies wereestablished for finance requirements, marketing andcertification purposes. Under collaborative trainingcourse by IARI and RUDSET Institute, twenty eightwomen entrepreneurs from three project villages ofHapur were trained in baby corn cultivation & itsprocessing, post-harvest processing of soyabean, bajrapuffs, crackers, etc., value addition of vegetables/fruits,and floriculture and dry flower technology forenterprise uptake.

7.2.5 Capacity Building of Self Help Groupsfor Gender Empowerment

Among the factors which contributed to success/failure of SHGs across the states, social processes werefound to be most crucial factor, which are vital forsustainability and effectiveness. Data on facilitating andhindering social processes within successful and notso successful groups in Hapur (Uttar Pradesh) andSonepat (Haryana) were collected for group processeslike competition, conflict, cooperation, accommodationand assimilation on a self anchoring scale of 1-5, withminimum score of 1 and maximum of 5. Data analysisrevealed that there were more of cooperation (4.7),accommodation (4.3) and assimilation (3.7) processesin successful groups, whereas in not so successfulgroups there was domination of conflict (4.8) andcompetition (4.7) among members and elements for

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2932) were organised. Variety HD 2932 recorded10-12 per cent and HD 2894 recorded 18 per centincrease in yield over the local check Raj 3077 in Sirohidistrict. On-farm demonstrations of vegetables,spinach (Pusa Bharti), pea (Pusa Pragati) and tomato(Pusa Rohini) recorded 15-25 per cent yield increaseover the prevalent varieties of the region. Seedproduction of improved wheat variety HD 2932 wastaken up at farmers’ field (5.67 tonne seed produced).During kharif 2013, on-farm demonstrations (100) onpaddy (P 2511, PRH 10) in 25 ha at Banswara districtwere conducted. Due to interventions of IARIimproved paddy varieties, the paddy productivity ofBanswara and Dungarpur showed two fold increase.Paddy variety P 2511 became popular among thefarmers for better yield and higher market price. On-farm demonstrations on vegetables – ridge gourd(Pusa Nutan) and sponge gourd (Pusa Sneha) atDungarpur district were carried out and farmersearned net return of `76,500/- to `1,78,480/- per hafrom vegetable cultivation. Seed production of brinjal(Pusa Shyamla) was conducted in 1 ha at Dungarpurdistrict. Total 200 on-farm demonstrations (2000 sq.m each) on mustard variety Pusa Mustard 26 (NPJ113) were laid out in four clusters of Udaipurdistrict, Rajasthan and 700 on-farm demonstrations(2000 sq. m each) of Wheat (HD 2932) in fourclusters of Udaipur district, Rajasthan wereconducted. Five thousand vegetable nutri-gardenwere established in Udaipur, Dungarpur, Banswaraand Sirohi districts of Rajasthan. Seed packets forvegetable nutri-garden included seeds of brinjal,tomato, chilli, spinach, methi, cabbage, cauliflower,vegetable mustard, onion, radish, carrot, peas, frenchbean, okra, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, sponge gourd.In total, 600 demo-nstrations of Pusa Hydrogel (2000sq. m each) in wheat, mustard and vegetables (tomato,cauliflower etc.) were carried out. Ten on-farmtrainings for farmers were organised on hydrogelapplication in Udaipur district of Rajasthan and 50demonstrations on Pusa Hydrogel in summervegetables like okra and chilli were conducted.Training on promotion of post-harvest value additionof horticultural crops was organised at Divisionof Agricultural Extension, IARI from December 17 to21, 2013.

cooperation and accommodation were very less (1.9).A medium level of competition processes (2.8) wasfound to be present in successful groups also.

Training modules for skill improvement amongSHG women, selected on the basis of training needsassessment(TNA) of women SHGs members weretested and validated in the following areas critical forsustainability of SHGs; managerial skills (conflictmanagement, life skills, decision making, monitoringand evaluation), financial management (savings,record keeping, linking with banks), operationalskills for use of Information and CommunicationTechnologies (computer applications, mobileapplications and operating mechanism of internet).The modules were validated with 76 women SHGmembers from Pilibhit (U.P.), Chitrakoot (M.P.), Patna(Bihar) and Kinnaur (H.P.), Baghpat (U.P.) andSonepat (Haryana). The testing of modules revealedvery high relevance of content (4.8), usefulness (4.9),interest created (4.8), motivated for learning (4.8),quality (4.6), sequencing of content (4.7) andparticipative nature (4.9). Majority of the respondents(96.3%) recommended that these trainings should begiven to other SHGs.

7.2.6 Developing Agricultural Entrepreneursin Vegetable Seed Production

Farmer Based Entrepreneurial Ventures ofVegetable Seed Production under NABARD fundedIARI research project have been initiated. Farmers offour villages, two each in Haryana and Delhi, weremobilized to take up seed production as an enterprise.Seed production of hybrid brinjal (PH1 and PH 2),bottlegourd (Pusa Naveen) and tomato (PED)weretaken up. On-site training programmes were organizedin the villages. The buyback process with National SeedCorporation (NSC) was streamlined for vegetable seedproduced under NABARD funded research projectwith facilitation of an agreement between seedproducing farmers and NSC.

7.2.7 Livelihood &Nutritional Security ofTribal Dominated Areas

During rabi 2012-13, 50 on-farm demonstrations onimproved wheat varieties (HD 2967, HD 2894 and HD

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7.2.8 Strategies to Enhance AdaptiveCapacity to Climate Change in VulnerableRegions

Capacity building and provisioning of initialsupport helped three farmers adopting mushroomcultivation and twenty-one families took up goatery.Sirohi breed of goats (46) were provided to twenty-one families in Mewat, which helped in ensuringper day availability of 1-1.5 litres of milk in the family.Trainings were organized in areas of protectedcultivation of vegetables, IPM, azolla cultivation forbuffalo feed, animal health management, and mobilebased advisory. Through public-private partnershipwith TCS, mKRISHI led advisory service was upscaledwith introduction of IVR services in project villages ofMewat. Farmers’ 3929 queries through mKRISHIregular and 861 through mKRISHI lite (IVR) wereresponded by which they could take informed decisionabout management practices. Village Resource Centrewas strengthened in project villages with facilities ofcustom-hired farm implements, seed banks, stitchingand training centre, information service, etc. Twostakeholders’ workshops were organized (one regionalworkshop at Mewat and one national workshop atIARI) for sharing the outcomes of the project forupscaling and outscaling. The line department officialswere sensitized about climate change and adaptationmeasures. They expressed their willingness to spreadthe climate change adaptation measures in theirrespective areas.

7.2.9 National Initiative for Climate ResilientAgriculture

Climate resilient technologies were demonstratedand promoted in project villages of Gurgaon (Haryana)and Bulandshar and Baghpat in U.P. In total 37 trainingprogrammes, 20 field visits, 4 field days and 7kisangoshthies were organized. The various demons-trations included zero-tillage in wheat in 51.2 ha with110 farmers; summer moong in 3.8 ha with 9 farmers,Direct Seeded Rice in 10 ha with 25 farmers; SRI in 6.8ha with 17 farmers; green manuring in 16 ha with 40farmers; low tunnel system of vegetable cultivationin 2 ha with 7 farmers; raised bed and plastic mulchingin vegetables in 2 ha with 7 farmers, use of pheromone

traps in paddy in 23.6 ha with 59 farmers, bio-fertilizer(BGA) in 16 ha with 40 farmers; pheromone traps invegetables in 3 ha with 12 farmers; and laser levelingin 20 ha with 30 farmers. IARI–TCS partnership ledmKRISHI services were introduced in NICRA clustervillages under which 18 farmers of Pusa Chetna KrishakClub were provided mobile hand set by TCS, Mumbaion cost-sharing basis. The 50 per cent cost was sharedby the farmers and rest 50 per cent by TCS. Trainingswere organized on various technologies like protectedcultivation of vegetables, conservation agriculturepractices, etc. Custom hiring centre was initiated inNICRA village with farm machineries (zero-tillmachine, conoweeder, sprayers, leaf colour chart, etc.).

7.2.10 Validation and Promotion of Bio-pesticides (IPM technology and SlNPV) forCrop Management in Paddy-Vegetable Agro-ecosystem

The study was initiated in two villages ofFaridabad district, viz., Badarpur Said and Jasanasince September, 2013. An awareness programme forbio pesticides (IPM &SlNPV) was launched in themonth of October, 2013 in which 75 farmers from thetwo villages were selected. Thus, five groups offarmers having 30 farmers each were registeredas project farmers or IPM farmers. Two trainingprogrammes were arranged at the project site wherefarmers were detailed about the importance of IPM.Thereafter for the selected project farmers, nurserytreatment to vegetable-nurseries (seasonal vegetables)was done with Trichoderma. Then application of bio-pesticide was done on the vegetable fields in thevillages and the comparative data recorded for boththe control as well as those treated with Bio-pesticides.

7.2.11 Developing an Extension Strategy forBotswana

As part of Dr. C. V. Raman Post Doctoral Fellowshipfor African Researchers, the comparative studyrevealed that India has a highly evolved extensionsystem being facilitated by the wide range oftechnologies generated. In contrast, Botswana as asmall country is restricted but has not generatedany models that serve its farmers’ needs to raise

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productivity. Even in the current policy review ofBotswana, weak extension has been highlighted as aproblem. It implies that there is an opportunity tointervene and assist the country to develop both anextension policy and to experiment on three mostpromising Indian models- ATIC, KVK and ATMAwhich will help in building extension system inBotswana. The study recommends adoption of twomain models, the first, an integrated model based onsingle window system (ATIC) in conjunction withKVK model for R&D institutions. The Ministry ofAgriculture of Botswana may act as a leadinginstitution in agricultural research and extension whereit should consider adopting a model similar to that ofATMA in India. There is a need for the Ministry toestablish a NARS at Ministry of Agriculture. It isnecessary for the Ministry to develop an extensionpolicy that will give rise to a strong extension systemin Botswana.

7.3 TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENTAND TRANSFER7.3.1 Assessment and Promotion ofAgricultural Technologies and DevelopingMarket-led Extension Models

This Project was implemented in four villages ofNCR, namely, Badarpur Said in Faridabad, Rajpur inSonepat, Dhani Kumbhawas in Gurgaon and Soodanain Hapur district with the purpose to develop thesevillages through integrated agricultural developmentwhich will act as ‘model villages’ for surrounding area.As a result productivity of different crops and incomeof farmers was enhanced significantly throughadoption of IARI technologies. Further, IARItechnologies have also been diffused to neighbouringvillages. Under this programme during rabi 2012-13,421 demonstrations were conducted on wheat,mustard, spinach, berseem, cauliflower, onion, pea,carrot and lentil covering an area of 142.70 ha. Duringkharif 2013, 280 demonstrations were conducted onvarieties of paddy, arhar, sorghum, muskmelon, bhindi,bottle gourd and sponge gourd covering an area of157.75 ha in all the four adopted model villages. Someof the major experiences of technology diffusion inthese villages are as follows:

i) Large scale acceptance of carrot variety PusaRudhira

• The yield of carrot variety Pusa Rudhira was upto39.375 t/ha which is about 1 t/ha higher than thelocal popular variety. It provided a net return of` 2,64,286/ha, which was 37 per cent higher thanthat of local variety.

• Pusa Rudhira got more preferences in market thanprevailing variety from private firm because of itsdeep red colour inside, more sweetness and betterrate in market than Sungro variety.

• Farmers procured three cleaning machines forfaster washing of carrot.

ii) Assessment of rice variety Pusa Basmati 1509• No incidence of Bakani disease.• Yield obtained was upto 5.2 t/ha compared to PB

1121 (upto 4.2 t/ha).• Duration was 18-20 days earlier to PB 1121.• Farmers earned premium dividend of ` 80,000/-

from 2 tonne (seed).

iii) Profit enhancement through Muskmelon PusaMadhuras

• Average weight obtained ranged from 700 to 900 g.• Average diameter obtained ranged from 6-8 inches.• Shape, size and taste are liked in market.• Farmers earned net profit of ̀ 75,000/- in 3 months.

7.3.2 Strengthening Extension EducationProgramme for Developing InnovativeModels and Techniques for HigherProductivity and Profitability in Agriculture

Assessment and speedy transfer of IARItechnology in different parts of the country is underoperation through collaboration with five ICARinstitutes and eleven SAUs for faster diffusion of IARIvarieties and production technologies. The strength ofthis model is its cost effectiveness, use of manpowerand resources of the partner Institutes. The resultsrevealed better performance of IARI technologies atdifferent locations. During rabi 2012-13 a total numberof 350 demonstrations were conducted covering an areaof 106.91 ha across 15 locations for wheat, mustard,lentil, pea, spinach and onion. Similarly during kharif2013, 336 demonstrations on 22 varieties of paddy,

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sorghum, bottlegourd, cauliflower, carrot, pigeon pea,pearl millet and okra were conducted.

• Wheat variety HD 2643 performed well under latesown conditions at IIVR, Deoria. Farmers prefer itfor its bold grain attractive size and colour andgood chapati making quality. No lodging wasobserved in the demonstrated variety.

• Wheat variety WR 544 was appreciated by farmersdue to its high yield (3.563 t/ha) in comparison tothe local check (3.075 t/ha).

• Lentil variety L 4076 was preferred for bold seedsize, high yield, low water requirement and highermarket price in Uttar Pradesh.

• In Ranchi region, mustard variety Pusa Jaikisanwas liked by the farmers due to high yield andmore oil content.

• Onion variety Pusa Red performed well atBangalore and it gave an average yield of 19 t/hawhich was 18.75 per cent higher than the localcheck (16 t/ha).

• Spinach variety Pusa Bharti performed well atBangalore and gave 25 per cent higher yield of(10 t/ha) as compared to local check (8 t/ha).

• Pusa Rudhira variety of carrot is preferred for itsgood quality as there is no pith, more juice, goodin taste and high yield. It fetched 20-25 per centhigher price in the market in Bharatpur area.Farmers are producing seeds of this variety as it isin good demand.During kharif 2013, a total of 336 demonstrations

of paddy, sorghum, pigeon pea, pearl millet, bottleguard, cauliflower, carrot and okra were conducted atICAR institutes/SAUs. All demonstrated varieties ofIARI showed significantly higher yield in comparison

to local varieties at all locations except one or twoinstances.

• Pusa Sugandh 2511 performed well in the directsowing and transplanting. The variety is preferredfor fine quality grain, less water requirement, highyield and it fits well in the double cropping systemwith timely sown wheat.

• Paddy variety PRH 10 performed well across thelocations. This variety is preferred for high yield,short duration and fine grain quality.

• Okra A-4 gave 67 per cent higher yield (1.2 t/ha)compared to local variety (7.2 t/ha).

7.3.3 Participatory Seed Production ofImproved varieties of IARI

Under Participatory Seed production ofimproved varieties of wheat, during rabi 2012-13, HD2733 (50 t), HD 2967 (4.0 t) and HD 2985 (4.0 t), seedwas produced at PRDF, Gorakhpur (U.P.); and53.75 t seed of HD 2967 and 12.5 t of HD 3043 wasproduced at YFAP, Rakhra (Punjab). During kharif2013 paddy seed (49.848 t of Pusa 44, 6 t of Pusa 1401,14.8 t of Pusa 1121, and 5.8 t of Pusa 1460) wereproduced at Rakhra (Punjab).

7.3.4 Front Line Demonstrations on wheat (incollaboration with DWR)

During rabi 2012-13, 15 FLDs on wheat atvillages Sandal Kalan (Sonepat) and Badarpur Said(Faridabad), Haryana, and Soodna (Hapur) andBhoorgarhi (Ghaziabad), U.P. were conducted onnewly released varieties of wheat (HD2967 andHD 3043), zero tillage and use of bio-fertilizer(Azotobacter + PSB).

Results of FLDs on wheat conducted by CATAT in collaboration with DWR

Technology demonstrated Variety No. of Area Yield obtained in Demonstrations Av.yield (t/ha) Per centdemo. (ha) (t/ha) and Name of Increase

Maximum Minimum Average Check variety in yield

Newly Released Wheat Variety HD 2967 4 3.00 6.50 4.80 5.650 4.562 23.84(PBW343,DBW17)

HD 3043 2 1.00 4.95 3.90 4.425 4.375 1.14Zero-Tillage HD 2967 5 3.00 5.15 4.50 4.850 4.755 2.00

(HD2967)Use of Bio-fertilizer HD 2967 4 3.00 6.72 4.75 5.367 5.055 6.27(PSB+Azotobacter) (HD2967)

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7.3.5 Innovative Transfer of TechnologyModel: Partnership between IARI and Non-Government Organizations for EffectiveTransfer of Agricultural Technologies to theFarmers

During rabi 2012-13 a total of 1393 demonstrationscovering an area of 500 hectare, over 28 locations using35 varieties for wheat, mustard, lentil, pea, spinach,onion, gram, maize, barseem and barley wereconducted. During kharif 2013, 1545 demonstrationswere conducted on paddy, pigeon pea, maize, bottlegourd, brinjal, okra, cauliflower, spinach, green gram,sponge gourd and amaranthus covering an area of455.17 ha and a total of 29 varieties at 22 VOs locations.All demonstrated varieties of IARI showed significantlyhigher yield in comparison to local varieties at alllocations except one or two instances.

Field demonstration on mustard

Technologies for Sustainable Production” from February26 to 28, 2014. Honourable Union Minister forAgriculture and Food Processing Industries, Shri SharadPawar inaugurated the mela. The programme alsoincluded the announcement ceremony of establishmentof Rani Laxmi Bai Central Agricultural University inBundelkhand region with Head Quarter at Jhansi. Thesession was presided over by Sh. Pardeep Jain Aditya,Hon’ble Minister of State for Rural Development,Government of India and Sh. Anand Singh, Hon’bleMinister of Agriculture, Government of Uttar Pradesh.Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE and Director- General,ICAR was the guest of honour. On this occasion, threepublications; "Mela Souvenir", "Technological Optionsfor Enhanced Productivity and Profit" and "Prasar Doot"were released. In recognition of the outstandingcontribution in technology development and disse-mination in partnership with IARI, three farmers werebestowed with 'IARI Fellow' award.

Economic Impact of FLDs on wheat conducted by CATAT in collaboration with DWR

Technology demonstrated Variety Average cost of Average gross Average net B:C Ratiocultivation `̀̀̀̀/ha return `̀̀̀̀/ha return `̀̀̀̀/ha

Demo. Check Demo. Check Demo. Check Demo. Check

Newly Released Wheat Variety HD2967 34667 29521 88915 73203 54248 43682 2.56 2.47HD3043 34667 29521 72040 70679 37373 41158 2.07 2.39

Zero-Tillage HD2967 39661 43373 78147 76609 38486 33236 1.97 1.76Use of Bio-fertilizer HD2967 39445 39485 86295 81253 46850 41768 2.18 2.05(PSB+Azatobactor)

7.3.6 Pusa KrishiVigyan Mela-2014The Institute organized its annual Krishi Vigyan

Mela on the theme ‘’Climate Resilient Agricultural

Hon’ble Union Minister for Agriculture and Food ProcessingIndustries, Shri Sharad Pawar lighting the lamp at the inauguralfunction of IARI Krishi Vigyan Mela

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Feedback of farmers on demonstrated varieties of crops under IARI -VO collaborative programme (Kharif 2013)

Crop Variety Location Feedback

Maize Pusa composite 3 CinI, Dahod (Gujarat) Variety has poor germination. Farmers suggested supply of good seeds,and only after checking of viability

Pusa composite 3 CinI, Dahod (Gujarat) It has stay green character with long ears and yellow flint grain. Problemof lodging and reduced production in heavy rainfall situation

Pigeon Pea Pusa 991 CinI, Dahod (Gujarat) High potential for adoption as wheat crop can be taken after earlymaturing pigeon pea

Paddy Pusa 2511 CinI, Dahod (Gujarat) High yield, long grain size, fragrance and taste is very good and marketprice is higher as compared to local varieties

ITC (U.P.) Very good variety, premium rate in excess of `200 than other variety, sold@`34000/- tonne far better than normal variety. Plot gets ready for potato

Jaldi Dhan 3 CinI, Dahod (Gujarat) Suitable in rainfed areas because of its early maturity, bold grain

Pusa 44 CinI, Dahod (Gujarat) High yield, bold grain as compared to GR 11 (Gujrat Rice 11)

Pusa 44 SHDA Gorakhpur High yielding, medium grain size. This variety can replace the Sarju52(U.P.) because of its good taste and yield in eastern U.P.

PNR 381 SHDA Gorakhpur (U.P.) Good production and adoption for vegetable growers

PRH 10 VARDANChhapara In Chhapra region, PRH 10 is preferred by the farmers because this(Bihar) variety is short in duration. Cooked rice of PRH-10 is better in taste and

has good aroma as compared to local variety

JD 13 PRDF Gorakhpur (U.P.) Short duration, suitable for upland area and can be grown in sandy loamsoil successfully. Very early, suitable for multiple cropping

Pusa 44 PRDF Gorakhpur (U.P.) Good in taste, gave more yield compared to local variety (Saryu 52)

Pusa Basmati 1509 ITC, (U.P.) Good variety for premium class paddy with short window. Shortduration variety, good yield and very good for potato / mustard farmer.Grain quality is very good. Got good market price, and sown potato afterpotato sown wheat. Farmers will use it as seed for next season

Vegetables Okra (A4), MVS Bilaspur (H.P.) As an impact of our VO’s programme, farmers started growingCapsicum, vegetables. The seasonal vegetables like okra, capsicum and earlyCauliflower (Pusa cauliflower were remunerative and thus the earnings can improve theirKartik Sankar) livelihood

and sale of their farm produce. Farmers were providedfree of cost agricultural consultancy services at the melasite by various agricultural experts.

More than 1,00,000 persons from different parts ofthe country including farmers, farm-women, extensionworkers, entrepreneurs, students and others visited themela. Seeds of high yielding varieties of different cropsworth `40.54 lakh were sold through Pusa Seed SaleCounter during the mela. Revenue generated throughstall bookings, sponsorship and advertisements were`8,40,500, `1,64,000 and `2 lakh, respectively.

During the mela, a large number of exhibits weredisplayed in 296 stalls. Farm technologies developedby the Institute for enhanced productivity and incomewere displayed in a huge thematic pandal. Besides 48stalls of different divisions of IARI and 5 stalls of IARIregional stations, 44 ICAR institutes, 13 SAUs, 10 KVKs,5 CGIAR, 66 private companies, 1 newspaper, 24 NGOsand 21 public sector undertakings also participated inthe mela to demonstrate their technologies/products fordisplay or sale. In addition to this, fifty progressive andnine innovative farmers from extension operationalareas of the Institute also put-up their stalls for display

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7.3.7 Off-campus ExhibitionsA total of 18 exhibitions were organized in various

states across the country including Parabhani(Maharashtra), Meerut (Uttar Pradesh), Hisar(Haryana), Patiala (Punjab), Patna (Bihar), Dharwad(Karnatka), Almora (Uttrakhand), Kullu (HimachalPradesh), New Delhi, etc., for effective communicationof farm information and widespread dissemination oftechnology to the farmers.

7.3.8 Training Programmes OrganisedIn all, 18 on-campus training programmes were

organised for agricultural officials, extension workersand progressive farmers of different States. Theseprogrammes were attended by 415 participantsfrom Bihar, Assam, Rajasthan and NCR of Delhi. AModel Training Course on “Innovations in Transfer ofTechnology“ sponsored by the Directorate of Extension,Govt. of India was organized in which 16 trainees from14 states from the state departments of agriculture/horticulture/ home–science/dairy/veterinary andfishery participated.

7.3.9 Pearl Millet Field DayA field day was organized on 6th September, 2013

to display the promising hybrids of pearl milletdeveloped by Division of Genetics, IARI. Privatecompanies like Rasi Seeds (P) Ltd, Krishi Dhan,Kohinoor Seed Fields India Pvt. Ltd, Mahyco andSyngenta participated in this event and selected 19promising hybrids to further take up MoU with IARI.

7.3.10 Transfer of Precision FarmingTechnology through Farmers Training andAwareness Programmes

Micro-irrigation technology for enhancing waterproductivity was disseminated to 288 farmers ofRajasthan and Haryana through 12 trainingprogrammes during 2013-14. Besides this, threefarmers’ field days on gender empowerment throughprecision farming technology in horticulture inGujuki, Alwar, Rajasthan; enhancing productivity ofhorticulture crops through precision farmingtechnology in Jhajjar, Haryana; and fertigationopportunities and challenges in Manoli, Sonipat,Haryana were organized to disseminate the technologyto 750 farmers. One day awareness programme onprecision farming technology for enhancing cropproduction was conducted at 24 different locations ofthe country with participation of 720 farmers incollaboration with ATMA, CARD (NGO) and stategovernment departments. Two technical workshops onmicro- irrigation for sugarcane and orientationprogram for field inspection on micro- irrigation underNational Mission on micro- irrigation was organizedfor 170 officers from different organizations.

7.3.11 Agricultural Technology InformationCentre (ATIC)

ATIC is effectively providing products,technological knowledge and services along with otherinformation to the different stake holders through the‘Single Window Delivery System’ approach. Besidesfarm advisory services at ATIC, farmers are given farmadvice through Pusa Helpline (011-25841670), PusaAgri Com (1800-11- 8989), exhibitions, farm literaturesand letters. A second Level of Kisan Call Centre (1800-180-1551) has also been established at ATIC forproviding remedial measures of the problems / queriesof farmers of Delhi state. Information & advisory needsof the visitors are also being catered through Touchpanel kiosks, revolving scrollers, illuminated posters,information museum, plant clinic, farm library andexhibits related to agriculture implements and samplesof seeds & bio-fertilizers displayed at the centre.

A total number of 29,821 farmers/entrepreneurs,development department officials, students, NGOrepresentatives etc from 25 states of India visited ATICand its stalls during the year for farm advisory,diagnostic services, purchase of technological inputs/A view of pearl millet field day

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(Indra), Sem (Pusa Sem1), okra (Pusa Long Green),chillies (P. Sadabahar), pumpkin (Pusa Vishwas), bottlegourd (Pusa Naveen), sponge gourd (Pusa Sneha), cowpea (Pusa Sukomal), etc., were grown to demonstratevegetable production all the year around.

Medicinal plants Garden, Nutrition garden andfruit orchard are also maintained at ATIC. Dripirrigation system has been installed to demonstrate itsuse in fruit orchard and nutritional garden in cropcafeteria for the benefit of the visitors. High densityfruit trees orchard planted with lemon (Kagzi Kalan),Mango (Arunima, Pratbha, Amrapali), Guava(Lucknow -49, Allahabadi Safeda and Lalit), Ber(Banarasi Karaka and Gola) and Grapes (Urvashi andNavrang), Pomegranate and Karonda are alsomaintained. For awareness of farmers the medicinalplants, small plots of aloevera, Ashwagandha, Satavar,Coleus, Giloe, Mushkdana, Sadabahar, Konch, Mint,Tulsi (Basil), Lemon grass, Java citronella, etc., havebeen demonstrated.

ATIC regularly publishes a bi-monthly farmmagazine, "Prasar Doot" which is popular amongst thefarming communities.

ATIC is providing a mechanism for getting directfeed back from the technology users to the technologygenerators. The feed back strengthened the ATICactivities and provides a ground for need basedtechnology generation. ATIC has been strengthenedwith following initiatives:

• A mango orchard of 29 m x 30 m dimension hasbeen established using varieties Pusa Arunima andPusa Pratibha. Intercropping in mango orchardwas done using chinese cabbage, broccoli,cauliflower, purple and green cabbage and garlic.

• Compost was prepared in compost pits usingbiomass generated from the crop cafeteria mixedwith slurry from the gobar gas plant therebydemonstrating utilization of farm resources for thispurpose.

• To demonstrate the “Push-pull technique” formanagement of termite damage in wheat throughuse of maize stalks and root biomass produced inplots grown with maize- baby corn, was organisedin collaboration with National fellow project ofDivision of Entomology, IARI. Maize stubs ofnearly 1ft length were kept after every threerows of wheat sown with ‘Gaucho’ treated seeds

IARI officials attending calls at Kisan Call Centre

products and trainings. Maximum number of farmersvisited ATIC to purchase / enquire seeds / varieties(15,327). This was followed by horticultural andmedicinal plants related information (3354), plantprotection (2327), agro-based enterprises (1782), farmliterature (4435), dairy (233), agricultural implements(942), visitors at ATIC stall (9392) and others (743). Statewise, out of total farmers who visited ATIC, U.P. (26%)ranked first followed by Haryana (25%), Delhi (17%),Rajasthan (12%), Punjab (11) and others (9%). Besides,8,391farmers / entrepreneurs from 18 states were ableto get information on various aspects of agriculturethrough Pusa Agricom[A toll free Help Number-1800-11-8989), Pusa Helpline (011-25841670) and Kisan CallCentre (1800-180-1551)]. Purpose wise maximum callswere made by the farmers related to seed availability(3350) followed by production technology (2936), plantprotection (2397), agro-based enterprises (965),literature (345), biofertilizer (475) and others (548).Seeds and publications worth about ` 22,76,285/- and` 2,63,620/- respectively were sold by ATIC. Totalrevenue generated was ` 25, 39,905/-.

Field crop demonstrations are being organized inCropping System Mode involving paddy followed bywheat and mustard in rabi followed by green gram insummer in rotation in the same field. Demonstrationwere also organized on push pull strategy for termitemanagement in wheat using intact root mass and maizestubble and use of Hydrogel to reduce irrigation inwheat varieties HD 3043, HD 2987. In vegetables,cauliflower (PSBK-25, Pusa Sharad, Pusa hybrid-2),cabbage (Golden Acre), broccoli (KTS-1), red cabbage,chinese cabbage, tomato (Rohini, Utsav), spinach (PusaAll Green), Amaranthus (Pusa Lal Cholai), brinjal (PusaUttam, Pusa Shyamla, Pusa Purple Cluster), capsicum

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of HD 2967 (Pusa Sindhu Ganga) in rows spaced20 cm. apart. It worked on the principle of “Push-pull technique” of pest management where thexylophagous termites were arrested in left overmaize biomass and were refrained from consuminginsecticide treated wheat seed.

• One demonstration on use of Pusa Hydrogelapplied at sowing using two cultivars HD-3043(Pusa Chaitanya) and HD 2987 (Pusa Bahar) waslaid out. Hydrogel was applied by mixing anappropriate quantity of Hydrogel (@ 1 kg/acre)mixed with dry soil (@ 5-10 kg/acre) and eithermixed with fertiliser and drilled below the seed ormixed with seed and drilled separately in two plotsalong with a third control plot of each of the twocultivars to demonstrate the efficacy of thehydrogel in reducing irrigation requirementwithout reduction in wheat yield.

• A module video film of 10 minutes duration wasproduced on ATIC and its activities for the benefitof visitors at ATIC.

7.3.12 IARI Krishi Vigyan Kendra Shikohpur,Gurgaon (Haryana)7.3.12.1 On-farm testing

A total of 40 On-farm trials (38 on different field/farm based problems and 2 were conducted on animal

based problems) were conducted. The break-up ofOFTs during rabi 2012-13 and kharif 2013 was 31 and 9,respectively. These OFTs included varietal evaluationin wheat, INM in wheat, management of wilt in gram,management of DBM in cauliflower, assessment ofchemicals to control powdery mildew in ber, varietalevaluation in pigeon pea, leaf blight management inmarigold, effect of different ecto-parasiticides oncontrol of ecto-parasites in animals, and efficiency ofmineral mixture, herbal hormones and vitamin AD3Eon reproductive performance in buffalo, etc.

7.3.12.2 Front line demonstrationsA total of 359 FLDs (rabi 2012-13 & kharif-2013),

covering 116.98 ha on oilseeds, pulses cereal and

Results of FLDs organized at the farmers’ field during rabi 2012-13

Season Crop Varieties No. of Area Av. yield (t/ha) %demo. (ha) Demo Local increase

FLD Under KVK Scheme Mustard Pusa Vijay 50 20.00 1.870 1.725 (Krishna) 8.41Wheat HD 2967 10 4.00 5.810 5.282 (WH 711) 9.94

HD 2894 10 4.00 5.765 -do- 9.08HD 2733 03 1.20 5.728 -do- 8.38

Peas Pusa Pragati 30 6.00 8.925 7.520 (Jawahar2 10.31Gram Pusa 547 14 4.00 1.785 1.660 (HC 1) 7.53Onion A.D.R 10 2.00 2.734 2.515 (N 53) 8.70

Total 127 41.20 — — —FLD Under NEP Mustard Pusa Vijay 09 4.00 1.865 1.720 (Krishna) 8.43(Model village) programme Wheat HD 2987 10 4.00 5.590 5.170 (WH 711) 8.12

HD 2932 09 3.60 5.540 -do- 9.09HD 2967 05 2.00 5.720 -do- 10.64

Palak All green 09 0.50 9.425 8.580 (Local) 9.85Total 39 14.10 — — —

(C) Sponsored FLD Wheat HD 2967 24 9.60 5.715 5.175 (PBW 343) 10.43Total 24 9.60 — — —

Total (A+B+C) 190 64.90 — — —

FLD on paddy var. PB 1401

FLDCrop- Paddy

Variety-PB 1401

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Results of FLDs organized at the farmers’ fields during kharif 2013

Name of Variety No. of Area Av. yield (t/ha) IncreaseCrop Demo. (ha) Demo Local in yield

Avg. Avg. (%)

FLDs under KVK Paddy PB 1121 17 6.67 3.925 3.475 (PB 1) 12.95

scheme PB 1401 17 6.67 3.785 3.475 (PB 1) 8.92

PPB 1509 12 4.67 3.870 3.475 (PB 1) 11.37

Arhar P 2001 11 4.00 1.665 1.545 (Manak) 7.77

P 2002 11 4.00 1.645 1.545 (Manak) 6.47

Summer moong SML 668 22 4.00 0.837 — —

Kharif Pusa Vishal 17 7.13 0.705 — —

Guar HG563 23 7.60 1.625 1.530 6.21

Total 130 44.74 — — —

Vegetables

Bottle gourd Pusa Samradhi 14 1.80 27.370 25.740 (Aditya ) 6.33

Sponge gourd Pusa Sneha 02 0.20 14.890 13.870 (Nutan) 7.35

Cauliflower Pusa Meghna 03 1.20 10.285 9.450 (Kuwari) 8.84

Pusa Kartik Sankar 01 0.40 10.360 -do- 9.63

Total 20 3.60 — — —

FLDs under NEP Sorghum (F) PC9 05 0.24 60.600 — —

Scheme (Model Village) Paddy Pusa B-1121 04 1.60 4.220 3.570 (PB-1) 18.21

Bottlegourd Pusa Naveen 02 0.20 27.580 25.200 (Kirti) 9.44

Bhindi Pusa A-4 02 0.50 11.200 9.600 (H. Unnat) 16.7

Muskmelon Pusa Madhuras 02 0.40 8.400 — —

Cauliflower Pusa Meghna 02 0.40 9.925 9.450 (Kuwari) 5.02

Pusa Kartik Sankar 02 0.40 10.300 -do- 8.99

Total 19 3.74 — — —

Total (A+B) 169 52.08 — — —

vegetable crops under different schemes wereorganized.

7.3.12.3 Trainings for different target groupsA total of 108 trainings were organized in order to

generate the opportunities for income and employmentand to provide technical know – how to the practisingfarmers and farm women and to update the knowledgeof in-service personnel. These training programmesincluded vocational trainings for rural youth and girls’;day long on/off campus trainings for practicing farmersand farm women; in-service (refresher course) trainingsfor field extension functionaries; and collaborative /sponsored trainings. A vocational training on “Vermi-compost”

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7.3.12.4 Agricultural extension activities andfarm Advisory services

For speedy dissemination of technologiesamong the farming community, the KVK celebrated /organized various extension activities including fielddays, group meetings, women in Agriculture Day,Honey Day, Field visit of SMSs in farmers fields, farmadvisory services on telephone, radio and TV talks,method demonstration, agriculture camp, animalcamp, analysis of soil and water samples, exhibitions,diagnostic service, (animals), press releases, quarterlynews letters, SMSs sent to farmers through kisan mobileservices, etc.

7.3.13 Transfer of Technology through IARIRegional Stations

Regional Station (Tutikandi Centre), Shimlaorganized fivefront line demonstrations in differentvillages of Himachal Pradesh for popularizing newlyreleased rust resistant wheat variety among thefarmers. A farmers’ day was organized at TutikandiCentre, IARI, RS, Shimla for a group of 30 farmers.The wheat and barley varieties developed at theCentre were demonstrated to the farmers and weregiven technical know-how about cultivation ofrecently released stripe rust resistant wheat varietiesviz. HS 507 and HS 490 for increasing the productivityin the region. Extension bulletins of the station weredistributed to the farmers and visitors. RegionalStation Shimla (Cereals & Horticultural Crops)organized various extension programmes includingNursery Day & Farmer’s training camp at Darlaghat,Strawberry Day and AnarDay, Training on Pruning& Propagation of temperate fruit crops at Horticultural

Research Farm, Dhanda. Regional Station Katrain(Kullu Valley) HP organized 50 field demonstrationsof the different vegetables at the farmer’s fields andthe varieties/hybrids showed 17-26 per cent increasein yield over check in kharif, 2013. Also, 50 fielddemonstrations were conducted in rabi, 2013-14. Inaddition, the improved vegetable productiontechnologies developed at the station were alsodemonstrated to the visitors.

Regional Station, Karnal (Haryana) continued seedvillage programme sponsored by DAC, Ministry ofAgriculture, Government of India during kharif 2013and rabi 2013-14 in 16 ha area for farmer-to-farmerhorizontal spread of seeds of popular varieties ofdifferent crops in kharif 2013, for paddy PB1121 in twovillages, and 27.2 ha area during rabi 2013-14 for wheatvariety HD 2967 in six villages, and 5.6 ha area forberseem cv. BL 42 in four villages under seed productionfor increasing the availability of quality seeds in theirvillages itself. Under seed village programme resourcepoor farmers and women farmers were given trainingat the station as well as at farmer’s field on variousaspects of quality seed production. Under participatoryseed production programme, 264.56 t seed of differentcrop varieties was produced at farmers’ fields includingwheat HD 2967 (94.88 t), berseem BL 42 (0.559 t), gramBG 1103 (0.634 t) and garden pea P 89 (0.9 t) seed duringrabi 2012-13; and seeds of improved varieties of paddyPusa 44 (93.48 t), PB 1121 (33.37 t), PB 1(2.44 t) and PB1509 (38.3 t) were produced during kharif 2013. BasmatiDiwas’ (scientists-exporters-farmers-interface meeting)and ‘Basmati BeejDiwas’ were also organized by thestation.

Sl. Type of training with target groups No. No. of beneficiariesNo. Male Female Total

1. Vocational trainings for rural youth and girls: 23 365 198 563

2. Day long On/Off campus trainings for practising farmers and farm womenOn-campus 30 487 41 528

Off-campus 45 547 232 779

3. In-Service (refresher course) trainings for field extension functionaries 07 135 22 157

4. Collaborative /sponsored trainings 03 11 49 60

Total 108 1545 542 2087

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Regional Station, Pusa (Bihar) conducted 13front-line demonstrations (FLDs) under the IARIOutreach Programme. The seed of kharif paddy wasdistributed among 19 KVKs of Bihar, three KVKs ofWest Bengal and two KVKs of Jharkhand topopularize IARI varieties among the farmers. Apaddy trial of four varieties (Pusa 44, PNR 381,Sugandh 5 and Pusa 1176) was conducted with240 farmers. The response of farmers was veryencouraging for the scented varieties of paddy,especially for Sugandh 5 and short grain scentedvariety, Pusa 1176. The seed of Pusa 1176, BhagalpurKatarni and Sabour Surbhit was also distributedamong 100 farmers under four KVKs (Patna,Khagaria, Samastipur and Jamui) for state release ofPusa 1176. In paddy hybrid varietal demonstration,PRH 10 was distributed among 125 farmers of Bihar.Farmers rated PRH 10 as the best scented hybrid

variety in comparison to the other hybrid varietiesof paddy. Seed for 40 demonstrations of pigeon pea(var. Pusa 9) was distributed in four districts of Bihar.In rabi 2013-14, seed for 840 demonstrations of wheatwas distributed to 17 KVKs of Bihar, two each in WestBengal, Jharkhand, and two NGOs (Parivartan Siwanand Gramin Vikash Kendra, Nalanda). The regionalstation participated in several transfer of technologyprogrammes in Bihar and other states of the country.IARI Regional Station, Indore, conducted 35 FLDscomprising of 11 wheat varieties in 12 hectares areain 7 villages of Dhar and Sehore districts of M.P.Overall increase in yield was 1.5 t/ha, i.e., 53 per centin these demonstrations. A total 121 short trainingswere organized for more than 2800 farmers, seedproducers, State Department and NGO extensionworkers on “Wheat and Wheat Seed ProductionTechnology”.

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8. EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN AND MAINSTREAMINGOF GENDER ISSUES

The importance and role of women is being increasingly realized in agriculture. In this context, the importanceof women empowerment gets highlighted through capacity building initiatives in farm and non-farm alternatives.The initiatives to promote collective action among farm women to enhance income and livelihood security throughSelf-Help Groups (SHGs) occupy a prominent place in the overall strategy of women empowerment. In thisbackground several special activities and interventions were planned and implemented for empowering womenin the villages.

8.1 GENDER EMPOWERMENTThe KVK, Shikohpur is taking a lead in identifying

women from villages of Gurgaon district who want toadopt some entrepreneurial activity for incomegeneration, either to support their family or to gainfinancial independence. During the year 2013-14, threeSelf Help Groups from three different villages wereformed. They were given training and then motivatedand supported to start their own enterprise. The detailsof SHGs are as follows:

The formation of SHG and adoption ofentrepreneurial activity by the group is a step towardsincome generation which has ultimately helped thewomen in gaining financial independence and thusself-confidence. The group is continuously exploringthe market to increase the reach of their product amongcustomers. The women as a result of being exposed tothe world outside their family, has starting takingdecisions to solve the problems from time to timewhether it is regarding purchase of raw material,deciding MRP and whole sale price of the product and

Sl. Name of SHG Entrepreneurial activity adopted Duration Income generation (`̀̀̀̀)

1. Kshitiz Soy nut 6 Months 55,000/-2. Arzoo Spices & aonla 3 Months 25,000/-3. Prayas Preserved products of seasonal fruits and vegetables 3 Months 10,000/-

An interaction meet was arranged between SHGwomen members and successful entrepreneurs to givethem a view of various problems faced while startingown enterprise and precautions needs to be taken careoff. They also guided them related to the market forraw material, proper packing and labeling and gettingthe license for the product and marketing strategy,etc. The group was supported by KVK for directmarketing of their products in farmers fair/exhibitionorganized by state government and other institution.In addition, the group was linked to local shopkeepers,schools, malls etc. for indirect marketing of theproducts.

convince the customer about the goodness of theproduct and thus their decision making power hasimproved drastically.

8.2 VOCATIONAL & FARM TRAININGSFOR TECHNOLOGICALINTERVENTION

The Institute KVK, at Shikohpur is playing a vitalrole in empowering rural women of Gurgaon districtby organizing various need based self employment andincome generating activities and other extensionprogrammes for creating the awareness about scientific

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farming and disseminating the technology in wide area.The important programmes and activities organizedfor rural women during the period (April, 2013 toMarch, 2014) are as under:

• Vocational training courses for self employmentand income generation.

• One day training in villages for updating the farmknowledge/skills.

• Exposure visit of rural women to agriculture fairsand exhibitions.

• Front line demonstration for disseminatingimproved farm technologies.

• Celebration of “Women in Agriculture Day”.

• T.V. talks, advisory services on phone, publicationof literature on technical know-how on foodprocessing and dairy management, etc.

• Formation of women Self Help Group in villagesand motivating them to start their own enterpriseand linking them to market.

In all, 29 programmes were organized throughwhich 498 women of all social classes and income stratawere benefited.

Activity wise participation of rural women

S. Name of activity Duration No. of programmes/ Number ofNo. activity beneficiaries

A Vocational training programmes• Kitchen/Nutrition gardening 1 week 01 15• Dress designing and tailoring 2 months 02 60• Preparation of soy nut 1 week 01 10• Value addition on soybean and pearl millet 1 week 01 30• Preservation of seasonal fruits and vegetables 1 week 03 78Total 08 193

B Agriculture extension and farm advisory service• Day long training in villages 1 day 10 185• Celebration of women in agriculture day 1 day 01 25• Exposure visit of rural women to agricultural fairs 1 day 04 28• Front line demonstrations — 02 20• Formation of women SHGs — 03 30• Interaction meet of SHG women with successful entrepreneurs 1 day 01 17Total 21 305Grand Total 29 498

Vocational training on “Value Addition in Soybean and Pearl Millet”

8.3 WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION INSEED PRODUCTION

Thirteen farm women during kharif 2013 and thirtyseven farm women during rabi 2013-14 from differentvillages of Karnal district, Haryana were selected underseed village programme organised by IARI RegionalStation Karnal, (Haryana). They were given trainingon various aspects of quality seed production of paddy(Pusa Basmati 1121), wheat (HD 2967) and berseem(BL 42), respectively. Through active participation inthe trainings, their level of knowledge for importanceof quality seed has increased.

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9. POST GRADUATE EDUCATION ANDINFORMATION MANAGEMENT

The Indian Agricultural Research Institute has a rich legacy of excellence in research, teaching and extension.The Post-Graduate School of IARI continues to provide national and international leadership in Human ResourceDevelopment by awarding Post Graduate degrees in 24 disciplines. So far, 3560 M.Sc./M.Tech. and 4402 Ph.D.students have been awarded degrees including 338 international students.

9.1 POST GRADUATE EDUCATION9.1.1 Admission during the AcademicSession 2013-14

The PG School continues to attract a large numberof students seeking admission to 24 PG Courses in allfive streams of admission, namely, open competition,faculty up-gradation, ICAR in-service nominees,departmental candidates and foreign students. Theadmissions to the Ph.D. programme are based onnational level entrance examination conducted indifferent parts of the country followed by an interviewand academic record. While the admissions to the M.Sc.programme are based on an ‘All-India Entrance Test’conducted by the Education Division of the IndianCouncil of Agricultural Research. The foreign studentsare admitted through DARE, Ministry of Agricultureand are exempted from the written test and interview.During the academic year 2013-14, 112 students(including 2 physically handicapped and 1 UPScategories) were admitted to M.Sc. and 142 students(including 2 physically handicapped, 5 ICAR in serviceand 6 under faculty upgradation scheme) to Ph.D.courses. In addition 13 international students (8 M.Sc.& 5 Ph.D.) from 9 foreign countries were also admitted.

Students admitted to M.Sc. and Ph.D. in 2013

Category M.Sc. Ph.D. Total

Open competition 112 142 254

International students 8 5 13

Total 120 147 267

At present, the total number of students on roll is816 (235 M.Sc. and 567 Ph.D.) including 37 internationalstudents (17 M.Sc. & 20 Ph.D.) representing 17countries, namely, Afghanistan, Botswana, Cameroon,Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Libya, Nepal, Nigeria,Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Turaj, Vietnamand Zambia.

9.1.2 ConvocationThe 52nd Convocation of the Post Graduate School

of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) washeld on February 21, 2014. Most renowned rice breederand World Food Laureate, Dr. Gurdev S. Khush,Adjunct Professor, University of California (USA),delivered the convocation address as Chief Guest. Inhis address, the chief guest presented the challengebefore the young generation which could be addressedby increasing the yield potential of crops, narrowingthe existing yield gaps and management of naturalresources. Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE &Director-General, ICAR presided over the function.Dr. H.S. Gupta, Director, IARI presented his report onthe significant research achievements made by Instituteduring 2013. Dr. R.K. Jain, Dean & Joint Director(Education), IARI highlighted the significantachievements in the field of education and trainingactivities of the Institute.

At the Convocation, Dr. Gurdev S. Khush, andaccomplished maize breeder and World Food LaureateDr. S.K. Vasal were awarded the degree of Doctor ofScience (Honoris Causa) for their outstandingcontributions in the field of agricultural research

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acclaimed internationally. A total of 175 students(95 M.Sc., 10 M.Tech. and 70 Ph.D.) including 11 foreignstudents were awarded degrees. Mr. Pradip Basak(Agricultural Statistics) and Dr. B.L. Manjunatha(Agricultural Extension) were awarded the ‘BestStudent of the Year’ awards for M.Sc. and Ph.D.,respectively. In addition, five students each of M.Sc.and Ph.D. received ‘IARI Merit Medals’ for theiroutstanding academic performance.

On this occasion, the Chief Guest released threeIARI publications, namely, The Insight of GreenEducation, PG School Annual Report 2012-13 and PusaAgri Science Vol. 36 (2013). Eighteen varieties ofdifferent crops developed by the Institute were alsoreleased during the Convocation.

As a part of the convocation programme, the 44th

Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial Lecture was deliveredby Prof. K. Vijayragavan, Secretary, Department ofBiotechnology, Govt. of India on February 20, 2014 onthe topic ‘Lysenko and Ideology in the Ruin of Biologyin the Soviet Union: Lessons for Today’s India’. Prof.V.L. Chopra, former Member, Planning Commission,Govt. of India presided over the function.

9.1.3 Special LecturesDr. B.P. Pal Memorial Lecture. The 20th Dr. B.P.

Pal Memorial Lecture was delivered by Dr. K.Kasturirangan, Member, Planning Commission,Govt. of India on May 27, 2013 on the topic ‘Spacefor Information Needs in Agriculture’. Prof. AbhijitSen, Member, Planning Commission, Govt. of Indiapresided over the function.

Teachers’ Day Lecture. On September 5, 2013, theTeachers’ Day Lecture 2013 was delivered by Dr. R.B.Singh, former Director, IARI and President, NationalAcademy of Agricultural Sciences, New Delhi on“Asymmetries in Agricultural Sciences”. Dr. S.

A Ph.D. student receiving his degree from chief guest

Five faculty members, namely, Dr. V.C. Mathur(Agricultural Economics), Dr. Premlata Singh(Agricultural Extension), Dr. Suman Gupta(Agricultural Chemicals), Dr. Ajay Arora (PlantPhysiology) and Dr. Manish Srivastav (Fruits andHorticultural Technology) received the ‘Best TeacherAward’ for their outstanding contribution toteaching.

The 18th Dr. Sukumar Basu Memorial Award forbiennium 2011-12 was awarded to Dr. Y.S. Rajput,Head, Division of Animal Biochemistry, National DairyResearch Institute, Karnal. The 14th Hari Krishna ShastriMemorial Award for the year 2013 was awarded jointlyto Dr. P.K. Ghosh, Director, Indian Grassland & FodderResearch Institute, Jhansi and Dr. A.K. Saxena, Head,Division of Microbiology, IARI. The 2nd Dr. A.B. JoshiMemorial Award for biennium 2013-14 was awardedto Dr. N.N. Goswami, former Dean & Joint Director(Education), IARI and Vice-Chancellor, CSAUA&T,Kanpur.

Dr. N.N. Goswami, former Dean & Joint Director (Education), IARIreceiving the 2nd Dr. A.B. Joshi Memorial Award

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Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE and Director General,ICAR, New Delhi chaired the function.

National Agricultural Education Day Lecture. OnNovember 13, 2013, the National AgriculturalEducation Day Lecture was delivered by Prof. G.K.Chadha, President, South Asian University, NewDelhi on a very interesting topic ‘Emerging Problemsand Challenges of Higher Education and Researchin India’. Shri Tejendra Khanna, former Lt. Governor,NCT of Delhi presided over the function.

applying corrections to the extent of 10% ofdownloads, CeRA has enabled a cost saving whichworks out to more than ` 50 crores for NARS; not tomention the easy online availability. Also, analysesreveal that there is improvement in the qualityand quantity of research publications after theestablishment of CeRA to the extent of 10% comparedto Pre-CeRA period for institutes under Crop ScienceDivision, ICAR.

Nearly 2424 on line journals are available for fulltext from nine publishers. In addition to on-line access,the library is providing document delivery services to143 institutions (including SAU’s) under NARS.Photocopies provided (13,315 pages) against 2162articles from the holding of library. Eighty two articleswere received from different institutes and deliveredto concerned students and faculty. Online documentsdelivery service was provided to 492 users.

9.2.3 Rice Knowledge Management Portal(RKMP)

Based on the end users feedback, the RKMP portalof IARI was updated for northern region. Ricebioinformatics related activities were also added inthis portal through which proteomic annotation canbe performed including rice protein chain, color,molecular composition, amino acid composition.Online bioinformatics tool suits (program forretrieving and analysis from biological database) havebeen developed. This contains different tools likeDNA Global Alignment, DNA Molecular Weight,DNA Pattern Finder, DNA Statistics, DNA Translator,EMBL to FASTA Converter, GenBank to FASTAConverter. This has been developed under ASP.NET(C #).

9.2.4 e-Granth: Strengthening of DigitalLibrary and Information Management underNARS

As a subcomponent of ICDS (Information andcommunication and dissemination System) ofcomponent – I of NAIP, e-Granth was started from May2009 with 12 Libraries of ICAR Institutes and SAUs’ asconsortia partners and IARI as the lead center. Underthe project, 677 books were directly catalogued in

Prof. G.K. Chadha, President, South Asian University, New Delhidelivering National Agricultural Education Day Lecture

9.2 INFORMATION AND DATABASE9.2.1 Bioinformatics

Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identifiedin chloroplast genome of wheat using MISA perlscript. Based on the study, it was observed that thenumber of SSRs in non-coding region were more ascompared to coding region and frequency ofmononucleotides was highest followed by di-nucleotides in chloroplast genome.

9.2.2 Consortium for e-Resources inAgriculture (CeRA)

Under the NAIP subproject on CeRA, thewebsite of CeRA (http://cera.iari.res.in and http://jgateplus.com - revised version of http://cera.jccc.in)have been updated. During 2013–14, more than 35lakhs out of the total of 85.68 lakhs (during 2008-2013)full text articles and more than 15,000 out of total of77,000 (during 2008-2013) articles have, respectively,been downloaded and distributed among researchersin CeRA. Based on downloads of full text articles and

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WorldCat through Connextion Software of OnlineComputer Library Center (OCLC) which are accessiblein WorldCat (catalogue of 71,000 libraries of the world).IARI Library is also selected to digitize importantinstitutional repositories including old and rarepublications and 37,09,163 pages were scanned duringreported period. Two hundred ninety two publicationswere uploaded in Krishikosh. Quality check of PDF andmetadata of 3019 publications consisting of total 5,78,470pages were digitized under e-Grtanth Project of NAIP.

9.3 LIBRARY SERVICESIARI Library is one of the largest and the finest

agro- biological libraries in South East Asia housinglarge collection of publications including books/monographs, journals, reports, bulletins, post graduatetheses and other reference materials. The Libraryfunctions as the depository of Food and AgriculturalOrganization (FAO), and Consultant Group ofInternational Agricultural Research (CGIAR) institutes’publications. A training programme was conducted onKOHA software.

9.3.1 Acquisition Programme9.3.1.1 Books

During the period of report, the Library procured298 publications which include 143 in Hindi and 155in English costing ̀ 13,21,828. The Library also acquired120 gift publications and 169 PG Students’ theses fromIARI.

9.3.1.2 SerialsThe Library procured 540 journals/serials through

subscription, gifts and exchanges. It subscribed to 129foreign journals (out of which 33 online access) and 280Indian journals, advances, and annual reviews. Exchangerelationship was maintained with 67 institutions globallyand nationally by sending 100 annual reports, ICARjournals and society publications. Eighty three annualscientific/technical reports of different institutions and 38bulletins were received in the Library during reportperiod. The expenditure on serial acquisition from planand PG strengthening scheme was ` 1,97,47,427. Fortyseven titles of Indian periodicals for 10 regional stationswere subscribed during period of report.

9.3.2 Documentation Activities9.3.2.1 AGRIS project

IARI Library is declared as an input center forNational Agricultural Research Database (NARD)under AGRIS Project. The Library is assigned the jobof scanning articles from 10 most important Indianjournals. The input was done in ISO format usingAGRIN methodology. During the reported period, 140articles were scanned, processed and sent to DKMA,ICAR for inclusion in AGRIS Index.

9.3.2.2 Development news in agricultureFourteen newspapers were scanned and news

items pertaining to IARI as well as ICAR were sent tothe Directorate, Principal Scientist (PME) and CATAT.

9.3.2.3 Document processingIn all, 677 documents consisting of 232 books, 162

IARI post-graduate and RFT theses, and 283 Hindi bookswere processed (classification and cataloguing). Twohundred ninety two articles were loaded in Krishi Kosh.

9.3.3 Resource Management9.3.3.1 Reference, circulation and stackmaintenance

Apart from approximately 2000 registeredmembers, the Library served everyday approximately150 to 200 users, who consulted about 2000 to 2500documents. During the period under report, 1850publications were issued and 1810 publication returnedto its members. In all, 28 documents were issued underInter Library Loan System to various institutions.

9.3.4 CD-Rom workstationThree prominent international databases on

agricultural aspects were subscribed amounting to` 44,99,669 to provide CD-ROM services. Ten userterminals were provided to users in CD-ROMworkstation of the library. These databases areaccessible to scientists/students/users through LAN.In all, 14,103 references were downloaded by thescientists and students of IARI and research scholarsfrom all over India. The cost based referencesdownloaded were 6,049 which generated revenueamounting to ` 8,522.

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An important mandate of the Institute is to develop an information system, add value to information andshare the information nationally and internationally. Publications in the form of research papers in peer reviewedjournals, books/ book chapters, popular articles, etc. are an integral component of the information system. Duringthe reported period, the Institute scientists brought out quality publications both in English and Hindi. Apartfrom these publications, the Institute brought out several regular and adhoc technical publications both in Englishand Hindi. The details of these publications are given below:

10. PUBLICATIONS

10.1 RESEARCH/SYMPOSIA PAPERSa) Research papers (NAAS rating 6 and above)

published in journals 545b) Symposia/conference papers 360

10.2 BOOKS/CHAPTERS IN BOOKSa) Books 55b) Chapters in books 437

10.3 POPULAR ARTICLES 294

10.4 IN HOUSE PUBLICATIONS10.4.1 Regular Publications (English)● IARI Annual Report 2012-13 (ISSN: 0972-6136)● IARI NEWS (Quarterly) (ISSN: 0972-6144)● IARI Current Events (Monthly) (Available only on

IARI website)

10.4.2 Technical Publications (English)● Vulnerability of Agriculture to Climate Change:

District-Level Assessment for the Indo-GangeticPlains (ISBN 978-81-88708-97-0)

● Measurement of Greenhouse Gas Emission fromCrop, Livestock and Aquaculture (ISBN 978-81-88708-98-7)

● Integrated Farming systems for LivelihoodSecurity of Small and Marginal Farmers (ISBN 978-81-88708-99-4)

● HCIO-Herbarium Cryptogamae Indiae OrientalisCheck List of Puccinia species (ISBN 978-93-83168-00-2)

● HCIO-Herbarium Cryptogamae Indiae OrientalisCheck List of Puccinia species (an e-publication)(ISBN 978-93-83168-01-9)

● Irrigation Water Management –A Practical Manual(ISBN 978-93-83168-02-6)

● A Practical Manual on Dry land Farming andWatershed Management (ISBN 978-93-83168-03-3)

● Crop Ecology and Agrometeorology – A PracticalManual (ISBN 978-93-83168-04-0)

● A Training Manual on “Crop Protection” (ISBN978-93-83168-05-7)

● Natural Resource Management for SustainableAgriculture (ISBN 978-93-83168-06-4)

● Methodological and Analytical Agronomy (ISBN978-93-83168-07-1)

● Advances in Field Crop Production (ISBN 978-93-83168-08-8)

● Training Manual of Teaching of Post-graduateCourses in Horticulture (Fruit Science) (ISBN 978-93-83168-09-5)

● Training Manual of Teaching of Post-graduateCourses in Horticulture (Vegetable Science) (ISBN978-93-83168-10-1)

● Training Manual of Teaching of Post-graduateCourses in Horticulture (Floriculture & LandscapeArchitecture) (ISBN 978-93-83168-11-8)

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● Extension Education: A Handbook (an e-publication)(ISBN 978-93-83168-12-5)

● Technological Options for Enhanced Productivityand Profit (ISBN 978-93-83168-14-9)

● A Practical Manual of Plant Virology (ISBN 978-93-83168-15-6)

● Principles and Practices of Integrated PestManagement (TB-ICN: 116/2013)

● Seed Standards and Seed Testing Protocol ofMedicinal Plants (TB-ICN: 117/2013)

● Emerging Paradigms in Seed Production, PlantVariety Protection, Value Addition and QualityAssurance for Enhancing Productivity andSustainable Crop Production (TB-ICN: 118/2013)

● Technologies for Conservation of EnvironmentalResources (TB-ICN: 119/2013)

● Developing Agricultural Entrepreneurs inVegetable Seed Production (TB-ICN: 120/2013)

● Assessment of Plant Response to Air Pollutants(TB-ICN: 121/2013)

● Soil and Water Erosion (TB-ICN: 122/2013)● Environmental Resources Management for

Sustainable Agriculture (TB-ICN: 123/2013)● Plant Biophysical Parameters (TB-ICN: 124/2013)● Training Manual on “Integrated Farming Systems

for Enhancing Resource Use Efficiency andLivelihood Security of Small & Marginal Farmers”(TB-ICN: 125/2013)

● Seed Quality Assurance (TB-ICN: 126/2014)● Entrepreneurship Development to Ensure

Vegetable Seed Quality (TB-ICN: 127/2014)● Bioethanol Analysis (TB-ICN: 128/2014)● Value Addition in Flowers for Income Generation

and Women Empowerment (TB-ICN: 129/2014)● Characterization and Crop Planning of Crop

Fallows Using Remote Sensing and GIS – A KeyComponent for Bringing Green Revolution inEastern India (BGREI) (TB-ICN: 130/2014)

● Seed Production and Quality Evaluation (TB-ICN:131/2014)

● Recent Advances in Planting Material Productionof Fruit Crops (TB-ICN: 132/2014)

● An Approach Paper on Greenhouse Gas Emissionfrom Indian Agriculture: Trends, Mitigation andPolicy Needs (TB-ICN: 133/2014)

10.4.3 fu;fer izdk’ku ¼fgUnh½

◆ okf"kZd fjiksVZ 2012&13 (ISSN 0972-7299)

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10.4.4 rduhdh izdk’ku ¼fgUnh½

◆ mPp mRikndrk ,oa ykHk gsrq mUur Ñf"k izkS|ksfxfd;ka(ISBN 978-93-83168-13-2)

◆ YkkHknk;d Qly iz.kkfy;ka (ICN : H-130/2013)

◆ fMªi flapkbZ }kjk o"kZ Hkj csch dkuZ dh [ksrh (ICN : H-131/2013)

◆ de ykxr esa vf/kd mRiknu ysus gsrq uohure xsgwamRiknu rduhd (ICN : H-132/2014)

◆ tSfod [ksrh dh vksj c<+rs dne (ICN : H-133 /2014)

◆ lCth Qlyksa dh mUur [ksrh (ICN : H-134 /2014)

◆ [kjhQ Qlyksa dh [ksrh (ICN : H-135/2014)

◆ jch Qlyksa dh mUur [ksrh (ICN : H-136/2014)

◆ jk;k ljlksa iztuu ,oa vkuqoaf'kd o/kZu esa Hkkjrh;Ñf"k vuqla/kku laLFkku ds ;ksxnku ds ikap n'kd (ICN :H-137/2014)

◆ vkyw ,oa 'kkdHkkth Qlyksa dk cht mRiknu (ICN : H-138/2014)

◆ mRre cht mRiknu ,oa lqjf{kr Hk.Mkj.k (ICN : H-139/2014)

◆ [kjhQ Qlyksa esa cht mRiknu ,oa Ñ"kd vf/kdkj(ICN : H-140/2014)

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11. COMMERCIALIZATION AND IPR ACTIVITIES

The mandate of the Institute Technology Management Unit (ITMU) and Zonal Technology Management &Business Planning and Development (ZTM&BPD) Unit relate to registration of patents, facilitation of contractresearch projects and consultancies by the Institute scientists, intellectual property rights, and interaction withthe agri-business industry. During the period, the Units have organised following activities:

11.1 TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZEDRevenue generated through licensing of the technology

S.No. Name of the technology Licensee LicenseNo. Name fees (`)

1. PB 1509 1. Ecological Products Industries, New Delhi 5,00,000.002. M/s Kamboj Export, Bangalore 5,00,000.003. Metahelix Life Sciences Limited, Bangalore 5,00,000.004. Ajeet Seeds Ltd., Aurangabad 5,00,000.005. Kaveri Seed Company Ltd, Andhra Pradesh 5,00,000.006. KRBL Ltd., Delhi – 110006 5,00,000.007 M/s Sriyanshi Hybrid Seeds Company Private Limited, Mathura (UP) 5,00,000.008. BioseedResearch India, New Delhi 5,00,000.009. Kohinoor Seed Fields India Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi 5,00,000.0010. Ganga Kaveri Seeds Pvt Ltd, Hyderabad 5,00,000.0011. VNR Seeds Pvt. Ltd., Chhattisgarh 5,00,000.0012. Shakthi Seeds, Hyderabad 5,00,000.00

2. HD 3059 13. Bhawani Seed and Biotech, Mathura 40,000.00

3. HI 1563 14. Syngenta India Limited, Pune 3,90,000.004. HI 1544 15. 6,45,000.00

5. Pusa Soya Nuts 16. KAD Bioresource Pvt. Ltd., Gujarat 50,000.0017. M/s Shree Krishna Pickles Pvt. Ltd., Delhi 50,000.00

6. Capsicum salsa 18. Integrated Unit for Mushroom Development 50,000.00

7. Anthocyanin extraction from 19. Vaishnavi Biotech Limited ( Group company of Prathista Industry 2,00,000.00Black/ Purple Carrot Limited), Secunderabad-500010

8. Carotenoid extraction from 2,00,000.00Capsicum

9. Lycopene extraction from 2,00,000.00Tomato

10. Steviol glycoside extraction 2,00,000.00from Stevia leaves

11. Liquid formulation of Zinc 20. Kirti International, New Delhi 1,50,000.00solubilizing bacteria

12. Blue green Algae Bio-fertilizer 21. Eco Inputs, Ludhiana 25,000.0013. Liquid Biofertilizer for Azotobacter 1,00,000.00

14. Azotobacter carrier based 50,000.00

15. VAM technology (Arbusculur 22. Eco Inputs, Ludhiana 50,000.00Mycorrhiza) 23. Prathista Industries Limited, Secundrabad 50,000.00

24. Vaishnavi Biotech 50,000.00

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S.No. Name of the technology Licensee LicenseNo. Name fees (`)

16. Nano sulphur (Monoclinic 25. Coromandel International Ltd, Coromanmdel House, 20,00,000.00sulphur) Sardar Patel Marg, Secunderabad-500003

17. Nano sulphur (Orthorhombic sulphur) 20,00,000.0018. Nano sulphur (Nanohexaconazole) 20,00,000.00

19. Cut Flower 26. M/s Saveer Biotech Ltd. 3,00,000.0020. Pusa Centenary21. Kesari22. Arunoday23. Anmol pot variety24. Pusa Aditya25. Chitraksha26. Pusa Unnati

27. Red Valentine 27. M/s Bhawani Seeds & Biotech 20,000.0028. Pusa Manmohak

29. Gynoecious line of bitter gourd 28. M/s Ankur Seeds Pvt. Ltd. (Maharashtra) 3,00,000.00

30. Fruit and vegetable grader 29. M/s Varsha Associate, Karnataka 25,000.0031. Power Operated Winnower 25,000.0032. Pusa Aqua Ferti Seed Drill 1,50,000.0033. Hydrogel Applicator 50,000.0034. Safety Gadgets for Chaff Cutters 10,000.00

35. STFR Meter 30. M/s Genesis Agritec, New Delhi 2,00,000.0036. PSB- Carrier based Bio 31. M/s HBPL, Madhya Pradesh 1,12,360.00

Formulation for Soil Pathogen37. Azotobacter carrier based Bio

Formulation for Soil Pathogen

38. Pusa Nemagel 32. Rallis India, Mumbai 7,00,000.00

39. Nano-nutrient Phosphorus 33. Prathista Industries Limited, Secunderabad 25,00,000.0040. Nano-nutrient Zinc41. Nano-nutrient Iron42. Nano-nutrient Magnesium43. Nano-induced polysaccharide powder

44. Biocontrol agent – Tricoderma harzanium 34. Government of Rajasthan 5,00,000.00

45. Solar Powered Sprayer 35. M/s Crystal Crop Protection Pvt. Ltd. 25,000.00

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11.2 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYRIGHTSA. Patent Filed

1. Pusa Basmati Rice Thresher.

B. Applications for Protection of PlantVarieties under PPV&FRA

Varieties protected under PPV&FRA

S. No Crop Denomination Application No. Date of filing Inventors (Name and address)

1. Cauliflower Pusa Kartik Sankar REG/2013/292 30/4/2013 Dr. Pritam Kalia, Division of Vegetable Science2. Brinjal Pusa Shyamla REG/2013/291 30/4/2013 Dr. Pritam Kalia, Division of Vegetable Science3. Brinjal DBL 02 REG/2013/303 17/05/2013 Dr. Pritam Kalia, Division of Vegetable Science4. Brinjal DBHL 20 REG/2013/304 17/05/2013 Dr. Pritam Kalia, Division of Vegetable Science5. Onion Pusa Riddhi REG/2013/419 01/08/2013 Dr. Pritam Kalia, Division of Vegetable Science6. Mustard VSL 5 REG/2013/536 04/10/2013 Dr. D.K. Yadava, Division of Genetics7. Mustard Pusa Agrani REG/2013/522 04/10/2013 Dr. D.K. Yadava, Division of Genetics8. Mustard Pusa Karishma REG/2013/528 04/10/2013 Dr. D.K. Yadava, Division of Genetics9. Mustard Pusa Mahak REG/2013/529 04/10/2013 Dr. D.K. Yadava, Division of Genetics10. Mustard Pusa Mustard 21 REG/2013/523 04/10/2013 Dr. D.K. Yadava, Division of Genetics11. Mustard Pusa Mustard 22 REG/2013/527 04/10/2013 Dr. D.K. Yadava, Division of Genetics12. Mustard Pusa Mustard 24 REG/2013/534 04/10/2013 Dr. D.K. Yadava, Division of Genetics13. Mustard Pusa Mustard 25 REG/2013/535 04/10/2013 Dr. D.K. Yadava, Division of Genetics14. Mustard Pusa Mustard 26 REG/2013/524 04/10/2013 Dr. D.K. Yadava, Division of Genetics15. Mustard Pusa Mustard 27 REG/2013/525 04/10/2013 Dr. D.K. Yadava, Division of Genetics16. Mustard Pusa Mustard 28 REG/2013/526 04/10/2013 Dr. D.K. Yadava, Division of Genetics17. Mustard Pusa Vijay REG/2013/532 04/10/2013 Dr. D.K. Yadava, Division of Genetics18. Mustard Pusa EJ-9912-13 REG/2013/533 04/10/2013 Dr. D.K. Yadava, Division of Genetics19. Mustard Pusa Swarnim REG/2013/538 04/10/2013 Dr. D.K. Yadava, Division of Genetics20. Mustard Pusa Aditya REG/2013/537 04/10/2013 Dr. D.K. Yadava, Division of Genetics21. Mustard Pusa Mustard 29 REG/2013/531 04/10/2013 Dr. D.K. Yadava, Division of Genetics22. Mustard Pusa Mustard 30 REG/2013/530 04/10/2013 Dr. D.K. Yadava, Division of Genetics

11.3 CORPORATE MEMBERSHIPOne hundred fifty new corporate members were

registered with ZTM & BPD Unit of the Instituteduring the period under report raising themembership to a total of 500.

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12. LINKAGES AND COLLABORATION

The Indian Agricultural Research Institute haslinkages with various national and internationalinstitutes/organizations. At national level theInstitute has close linkages with almost all field andhorticultural crops research institutes, centres,project directorates, coordinated projects as well asa few other selected institutes of the ICAR. Similarlinkages exist for natural resource and socio-economic research institutes. Collaboration existswith almost all state agricultural universities (SAUs),selected conventional universities, several of theinstitutes of the CSIR and departments of Ministryof Science and Technology such as the Departmentsof Biotechnology, Space Research, Meteorology, andseveral other ministries/departments/organizations/banks of the Government of India, besides someprivate organizations/banks.

IARI is the lead centre to coordinate theaccelerated crop improvement programme forbreeding rust resistant wheat varieties involving 10centres, improving quality in maize which hasenabled several SAUs and ICAR institutes to upgradeand update themselves with new tools andtechniques. Under the NAIP and NFBSFARA, IARI islead centre to develop state of art facilities andinfrastructure on food science and phonemics ledsciences. The NICRA programme of ICAR performedsignificantly by developing new genotypes forminimizing the negative impact of climate change inwheat by recombining more than 4 QTL combinationsfor drought and heat tolerance apart from documentingthe mitigation and adaptation phenomena to changingclimate in rice and wheat.

In lieu with the consortia mode of project of ICAR,the institute has been encouraging linkages andprofessional collaborations among national institutesto work on major research focus on ‘Molecularbreeding’ for improvement of tolerance to biotic andabiotic stress, yield and quality traits in crops, and

‘Hybrid technology’ for higher productivity inselected field and horticultural crops. The Institutealso identified some of the priority research areasthrough other ICAR Consortium Research Platformsas Mega seed platform, Genomics platform,Diagnostic and Vaccines, Energy platform, Waterplatform, Conservation Agriculture Platform, Farmmechanization and Precision farming etc.

Strong linkages start from the grass root level atthe institute. The institute has strong inter-Divisional-Regional Station linkages. Shuttle breeding isregularly being taken of by direct linkage betweenheadquarters and regional stations in wheat, rice,maize, chickpea and vegetables. For example, theDivision of Vegetable science at IARI has closeresearch linkage with Regional Station, Katrain andhas an institute research project entitled “HybridDevelopment in Vegetable Crops” in which IARIRegional Station, Katrain is also associated fordevelopment of hybrids in snowball cauliflower,cabbage and temperate carrot. The hybrids of theabove crops developed by IARI regional station,Katrain are evaluated at IARI research farm and vice-versa. The regional stations of Karnal, Pusa, Bihar,Indore, Katrain, Pune and Dharwad have beenintegrated with the Division of Seed Science andTechnology in respect of seed production progrmmesand also the research on seeds in selected areas asenvisaged. Similarly Division of Genetics has closelinkages with the Regional Stations, Indore, Pusa,Wellington, Tutukandi and off-season nurseries atDharwad and Aduthurai for screening, evaluation,characterization of germplasm and breeding lines andadvancement of breeding material of cereals andpulses. Divisions of FHT and Entomology havelinkage and coordination with IARI Regional Station,Shimla. The research programme of Advanced Centrefor Plant Virology (ACPV) and IARI Regional StationsPune and Kalimpong are well-knit.

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On public private partnership mode, the role andparticipation of private sector in agricultural servicesis increasing in different forms and capacities. Thisunderlines the need for ensuring effective public-private partnerships and linkages besides improvingthe structural and operational efficiency andgovernance of the institutions to make them farmer-friendly. Keeping this in view, the institute has plannedto forge collaboration with the advanced centres ofresearch in other countries, as well as with some of theprivate seed sector having strong R&D base andexpertise in seed quality enhancement.

The institute has extended liaison with privatecompanies for commercialization of technologies.Commercialization of many IARI technologies withprivate and public enterprises has taken place.

The linkage system is being studied forstrengthening extension under IARI NGO Partnershipprogramme as well. Linkage with post offices as a newextension model was developed by IARI. The IARI hasinitiated an innovative extension programme fortechnology dissemination in partnership with selectedNGOs for feasibility trails and promotion ofagricultural technologies in their operational areas.Dissemination of technology has been an importantcomponent and hence a team of five scientists fromDivisions of Genetics, Agronomy, Soil Sciences,Entomology and Plant Pathology has been identifiedas members of “Production Unit” to assist Joint Director(Extension) to ensure effective linkages with farmersand flow of technology.

On Post Graduate Education, the Institute hasrecently approved a collaborative programme withUniversity of Nebraska from USA for strengtheningPG education. Efforts are being made to have suchprogrammes with more universities on bilateralbasis. The Institute is playing a very important rolein institution building in other countries, namely, inthe establishment of (i) Afghan National Universityof Agricultural Sciences and Technology,Afghanistan; and Advanced Centre for AgriculturalResearch and Education at Yezin AgriculturalUniversity, Myanmar. Further linkages extendtowards establishment of IARI off-campus inselected ICAR Institutes. The classic examples are

start of Ph.D. programmes at IIHR, Bangalore andCIAE, Bhopal.

In the arena of training, the centres of excellenceat IARI have established linkages with differentnational institutions through their regular trainingprogrammes and also through other programmesoffered through Centre of Advanced FacultyTraining.

At the International level, the Institute has closelinkages with some of the CGIAR’s InternationalAgricultural Research Centres (IARCs), viz., ICRISAT,CIMMYT, IRRI, and ICARDA. It also has linkages withother international organizations, viz., FAO, IAEA,USAID, UNDP, WMO, UNIDO and UNEP. Severalbilateral research linkages involving developed anddeveloping countries also exist. These include linkageswith USDA, selected universities in USA, Canada,Australia, World Bank, Rockefeller Foundation,European Commission, JAICA, JIRC, JSPS, ACIAR,AVRDC (Taiwan), etc.

The CGIAR set up of generation ChallengeProgramme of wheat rolled into its last phase alongwith China and Australia by successfully implementingthe marker assisted recurrent selection improving fourpopulation of wheat through multi institutionalinvolvement of Punjab Agricultural UniversityJawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya,Agricultural Research Institute Pune.

The ICAR-ACIAR programme on molecularbreeding of wheat was able to identify gene forresistance to stem rust and tag it with molecularmarkers. A major programme on prediction technologyfor weather conditions with the University of Nebraska,USA has been launched during the year.

The ICARDA-IARI, CIMMYT-IARI programmeof pulse and wheat improvement, conservationagriculture have led to development and validation oftechnology suitable for vulnerable areas of agriculturalproduction primarily under drought stress.

The number of externally funded projects inoperation during the period from 1.4.2013 to 31.3.2014are as follows:

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Name of funding agency No. of projects

Within India

DBT, DST, ICAR, CPRI (Mini Mission - HP), CSIR, NCPA, Ministry of 177

Water Resources, Ministry of Environments & Forest, Ministry of Earth

Sciences, Bill Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), DAC, NABARD,

Space Applications Centre (SAC), Indian Meteorological Department

(IMD), National Horticultural Mission, BARC, PPV&FRA, NFBSFARA

(ICAR), NAIP (ICAR), etc.

Revolving Fund, National Fellow Scheme of ICAR and ICAR Niche Area Project 06

Outside India

IPNI India Programme, USAID, UKIERI, CIMMYT, University of Sydney & 05Indo-Australian Programme

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13. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Indian Agricultural Research Institute got firstrank (AAAA+) among the AgriculturalUniversities in India and also included in the top

Dr. K.V. Prabhu receiving the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award fromHon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture and Food ProcessingIndustries, Shri Sharad Pawar

100 Universities of the BRICS countries(CAREERS 360, Outstanding Universities Survey,March 2014).

Dr. K.V. Prabhu, Joint Director (Research) receivedRafi Ahmad Kidwai Award 2012 for his contri-bution in the field of wheat, rice and mustard.

Dr. Indra Mani, Professor, Agricultural Engineeringreceived ICAR Bharat Ratna C. SubramaniamOutstanding Teacher Award.

Dr. Radha Prasanna, Principal Scientist, Division ofMicrobiology received ICAR Panjabrao DeshmukhOutstanding Woman Scientist Award 2012.

Dr. U.K. Behera, Principal Scientist, Division ofAgronomy was elected Fellow, National Academyof Agricultural Sciences.

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Dr. A.K. Saxena, Head, Division of Microbiologyreceived XIV Hari Krishan Shastri MemorialAward 2013.

Dr. D.V.K. Samuel, Head, Agricultural Engineeringreceived Ram Nath Singh Award.

Dr. T.K. Dutta, Scientist, Division of Nematologyand Dr. Partha Saha, Scientist, Division of VegetableScience received Jawaharlal Nehru Awards of ICARfor outstanding post-graduate doctoral research.

Dr. H. Pathak, Professor, CESCRA was nominatedas DARE/ICAR’s Coordinator for climatenegotiations in the UNFCCC.

Dr. Charanjit Kaur, Professor, Food Science andPostharvest Technology received Dupont Awardto Innovative ingredient ‘Poshak Rang’ Power ofShunya: Challenge for Zero.

Dr. A.K. Singh Principal Scientist, IARI-RegionalStation, Indore received Shri A.K. Singh MemorialGram Sanskriti Agri-technology Award 2012.

Dr. R.R. Sharma, Principal Scientist, Food Scienceand Postharvest Technology received EducationAward of MHRD, Govt. of India for expansion andextension of horticultural science in Rajbhasha.

Dr. Nithyashree, M.L., Scientist, Division ofAgricultural Economics received Dr. R.T. DoshiAward of AERA.

Dr. Vaibhav Kumar Singh, Scientist, Division ofPlant Pathology received Dr. R.S. Paroda Medal-2014 by BRIAT, Allahabad, Integral University,Lucknow and UP Council of Science & Technology.

Dr. Swati Saha and Dr. Arpita Srivastava, Scientists,Division of Vegetable Science received DwarikaNath Memorial Gold Medal Award.

Dr. P. Nallathambi and Dr. Atul, Division of Seed Scienceand Technology received Young Scientist Award.

Institute’s ZTM & BPD Unit honored by an Awardfor commercialization of an NAIP Technology ofhighest value during Agri-Tech Investors Meetorganized by NAIP.

In addition, a large number of our scientists wererecognized by their peer groups (i) by electing/nominating to the various positions in the societiesand governmental and inter-governmentalcommittees, and (ii) by inviting the scientists tovarious conferences, meetings, symposia, seminarsand workshops, etc.

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14. BUDGET ESTIMATES

Statement showing Budget Estimates (B.E.) & Revised Estimates (R.E.) for the year 2013 - 14 and BudgetEstimates for 2014 - 15 under Plan

PLAN BUDGET ESTIMATE `̀̀̀̀ in lakhs

Sl. Name of the Head B.E. R.E. B.ENo. 2013-14 2013-14 2014-15

  Grants for creation of Capital Assets (CAPITAL)1. Works        A. Land        B. Building        i. Office building 1,410.00   1,000.00  ii. Residential building        iii. Minors Works      2. Equipments 1,200.00 256.40 1,045.003. Information & Technology      4. Library Books & Journal 299.99 251.50 250.005. Vehicles & Vessels      6. Livestock      7. Furniture & Fixtures 50.00   70.008. Others A. Total- CAPITAL (Grants for creation of Capital Assets) 2,959.99 507.90 2,365.00  Grants in Aid-Salaries (REVENUE)1. Establishment Expenses   A. Salary   i. Establishment charges 0.00 0.00 0.00  ii. Wages        iii. Overtime allowance 0.00 0.00 0.00 Total-Establishment Expenses (Grants in Aid-Salaries) 0.00 0.00 0.00  Grants in Aid-General (REVENUE)1. Pension & Other Retirement Benefits 0.00 0.00 0.002. Traveling Allowance   A. Domestic/Transfer T.A. 103.66 97.00 100.14  B. Foreign T.A Total-Traveling Allowance 103.66 97.00 100.143. Research & Opeational Expenses   A. Research Expenses 600.00 566.00 600.00  B. Operational Expenses 250.00 331.25 400.00 Total Research & Operational Expenses 850.00 897.25 1,000.004. Administrative Expenses   A. Infrastructure 300.00 300.00 225.00  B. Communication 0.00 0.00 0.00  C. Repair & Maintenance        i. Equipments, Vehicles & Others 150.00 159.45 200.00  ii. Office building 0.00 0.00 0.00

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Sl. Name of the Head B.E. R.E. B.ENo. 2013-14 2013-14 2014-15

  iii. Residential building 0.00 0.00 0.00  iv. Minor Works 0.00 0.00 0.00  D. Others (exc.TA) 260.00 220.45 223.93 Total-Administrative Expenses 710.00 679.90 648.935. Miscellaneous Expenses   A. HRD   1.00 50.93  B. Other Items (fellowships) 40.00 75.00 84.00  C. Publicity & Exhibitions 300.00 0.00 0.00  D. Guest House-Maintenance 0.00 0.00 0.00  E. Other Miscellaneous 100.00 65.85 200.00 Total-Miscellaneous Expenses 440.00 141.85 334.93B. Total Grants in Aid-General 2,103.66 1,816.00 2,084.00

Total Revenue (Grants in Aid-Salaries + Grants in Aid-General) 2,103.66 1,816.00 2,084.00 TOTAL (CAPITAL + REVENUE) 5,063.65 2,323.90 4,449.00

Tribal Sub Plan Expenditure 30.61 35.00 215.00NEH Expenditure 66.71 30.60 0.00

  GRAND TOTAL 5,160.97 2,389.50 4,664.00

Statement showing Budget Estimates & Revised Estimates for the year 2013-14 and Budget Estimates for2014-15 under Non -Plan

NON-PLAN BUDGET ESTIMATE `̀̀̀̀ in lakhs

Sl. Name of the Head B.E. R.E. B.E.No. 2013-14 2013-14 2014-15

Grants for creation of Capital Assets (CAPITAL)1. Works      A. Land   B. Building   i. Office building   ii. Residential building   iii. Minors Works 2. Equipments 40.00 95.37 35.003. Information & Technology   50.60  4. Library Books & Journal 3.00 5.00 5.005. Vehicles & Vessels   63.57  6. Livestock      7. Furniture & Fixtures 30.00 23.23 30.008. Others   7.23  A. Total-CAPITAL (Grants for creation of Capital Assets) 73.00 245.00 70.00  Grants in Aid-Salaries (REVENUE)1. Establishment Expenses   A. Salary   i. Establishment charges 13,300.00 13,903.00 14,530.00  ii. Wages        iii. Overtime allowance 4.00 4.00 4.00 Total-Establishment Expenses(Grants in Aid-Salaries) 13,304.00 13,907.00 14,534.00  Grants in Aid-General (REVENUE)1. Pension & Other Retirement Benefits 9,261.45 9,650.00 9,700.002. Traveling Allowance   A. Domestic/Transfer T.A. 38.00 38.00 33.00

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Sl. Name of the Head B.E. R.E. B.E.No. 2013-14 2013-14 2014-15

  B. Foreign T.A       Total-Traveling Allowance 38.00 38.00 33.003. Research & Opeational Expenses   A. Research Expenses 200.00 220.00 220.00  B. Operational Expenses 280.00 290.00 270.00 Total Research & Operational Expenses 480.00 510.00 490.004. Administrative Expenses   A. Infrastructure 1,500.00 1,800.00 1,600.00  B. Communication 40.00 43.38 40.00  C. Repair & Maintenance        i. Equipments, Vehicles & Others 120.00 167.16 170.00  ii. Office building 550.00 1,272.38 300.00  iii. Residential building 300.00 506.67 300.00  iv. Minor Works 170.00 276.85 140.00  D. Others (exc.TA) 700.00 843.56 750.00 Total-Administrative Expenses 3,380.00 4,910.00 3,300.005. Miscellaneous Expenses   A. HRD   2.55 1.00  B. Other Items (fellowships) 250.00 250.00 275.00  C. Publicity & Exhibitions 15.00 22.85 20.00  D. Guest House-Maintenance 50.00 43.00 50.00  E. Other Miscellaneous. 204.55 199.35 200.00 Total-Miscellaneous Expenses 519.55 517.75 546.00 Total Grants in Aid-General 13,679.00 15,625.75 14,069.00B. Total Revenue (Grants in Aid-Salaries + Grants in Aid-General) 26,983.00 29,532.75 28,603.00 TOTAL (CAPITAL + REVENUE) 27,056.00 29,777.75 28,673.00C. Loan & Advances 17.00 61.00 60.00 GRAND TOTAL 27,073.00 29,838.75 28,733.00

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Category No. of posts

Sanctioned Filled

A. SCIENTIFIC STAFF1) Research Management Personnel 6 52) Principal Scientist 65 230 (49)3) Senior Scientist/Scientist (S.G.) 170 110 (123)4) Scientist 337 98 (266)

Total 578 443*

B. TECHNICAL STAFF1) Category III 23 172) Category II 294 2393) Category I 381 2864) Auxiliary - 1

Total 698 543

C. ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF1) Group A 19 172) Group B 276 2003) Group C 163 133

Total 458 350**

D. SKILLED SUPPORTING STAFF 1301 917

Note: * For scientific staff, the figures shown out of parentheses represent the number of scientists working in the particular grade (by assessment/directrecruitment/induction). The figures shown in the parentheses represent the number of scientists initially appointed by direct recruitment/induction in the grade(i.e., excluding assessment)** Three vacancies are excess filled, i.e., Sr.F & AO, Security Officer, and Assistant Manager (Canteen).

15. STAFF POSITION(As on 31.03.2014)

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16. POLICY DECISIONS AND ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKENFOR BENEFIT OF THE DIFFERENTLY ABLED PERSONS

16.1 POLICY DECISIONS ANDACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN FORTHE BENEFIT OF THEDIFFERENTLY ABLED PERSONS

The decisions and activities undertaken for thebenefit of the differently abled persons are as follows:

The benefits to the differently abled candidates inservice matter as per instructions of ICAR/DOPT.Govt. of India as the case may be are followed.

Three per cent of the total number of seats in eachscheme of admission open to Indian nationals arereserved for differently abled candidates subjectto their being otherwise suitable as per the normsof ICAR/Govt. of India. During the year 2013-14,two students each in M.Sc. and Ph.D. were

admitted against the reserved seats for differentlyabled candidate. However, in the event of therebeing no eligible suitable PC candidates in theearmarked discipline, to fill up the mentionednumber of seats, such unfilled seats shall betransferred to other disciplines, where eligiblesuitable PC candidates are available for filling theseseats.

16.2 NUMBER OF BENEFICIARIESAMONG THEIR PERCENTAGE INRELATION TO TOTAL NUMBER OFBENEFICIARIES

The number of beneficiaries with disabilities andtheir percentage in relation to total number ofbeneficiaries are as follows:

Administrative Technical Skilled support staff

Total number of beneficiaries 348 550 1301Number of beneficiaries in differently abled persons category 10 9 8Percentage of the beneficiaries from differently abled persons category 2.87 1.6 0.61

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17.1 PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEEOF OFFICIAL LANGUAGE INS-PECTED THE PROGRESSIVE USE OFHINDI AT THE INSTITUTE

The second Sub-Committee of the ParliamentaryOfficial Language inspected the progressive use ofHindi in IARI on September 27, 2013 at NASCComplex, New Delhi. The Director and other seniorofficials of the Institute attended the meeting. TheCommittee reviewed the progressive use of Hindiat the Institute and gave suggestions for furtherimprovements. On this occasion, Deputy Chairmanof the Committee and Honourable Member ofParliament, Dr. Prasanna Kumar Patsani releasedtwo Hindi publication of the Institute entitled‘Phal Vriksho Ki Saghan Bagwani’ and ‘KrishiMashinikaran Upyogi Yantra, Unka Rakh-RakhavAvam Uplabdhata’ .

17. OFFICIAL LANGUAGE IMPLEMENTATION

17.2 OFFICIAL LANGUAGE IMPLE-MENTATION COMMITTEE

An Official Language Implementation Committee(OLIC) was constituted under the chairmanship of JointDirector (Research) and the Committee ensurescompliance of policy and rules of O.L. Act 1963 andO.L. rules of 1976. All the Joint Directors, Head ofDivisions, Comptroller are ex-official members of OLICand Deputy Director (O.L.) is its member - secretary.During the reporting period, the meeting of thisCommittee was organized regularly in each quarter andnecessary suggestions and instructions were given forpromoting the use of Hindi in various official/researchactivities and the effective implementation of OfficialLanguage. To ensure follow up action on the decisionstaken in these meetings, sub-committees were alsoconstituted in different Divisions, Regional Stations andthe Directorate.

17.2.1 Rajbhasha Nodal OfficerTo make better coordination, a Rajbhasha Nodal

Officer was nominated in each of the Divisions/Centres/Units as well as in Hindi Section resulting in significantprogress in Rajbhasha Implementation in the Institute.To motivate the Rajbhasha Nodal Officers, anOutstanding Rajbhasha Nodal Officer Award Schemewas initiated.

17.2.2 Inspection of the Progressive Use ofOfficial Language

As per the recommendation of OLIC and to achievethe targets fixed in the annual programme ofDepartment of Official Language, Ministry of Home

According to Article 343 of the Constitution, Hindi shall be the Official Language (OL) of the UnionGovernment. To implement the objectives in letters and spirit, IARI is making consistent progress in use ofOL in agricultural research, education, extension, technology assessment and transfer as well as inadministration.

Parliamentry Committee of Official Language releasing Hindipublication of the Institute

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Affairs, Govt. of India, an Official LanguageInspection Committee was constituted in the Instituteunder the chairmanship of Dr. R.D. Rai, Head,Division of Biochemistry. The Committee inspectedthe progressive use of O.L. in all the Divisions, Units,and other establishment of Institute. The committeealso visited regional stations, viz., Karnal and Pusa(Bihar), and inspected the progressive use of OL. Thecommittee gave necessary suggestions for making thedesired progress of OL implemantation in theconcerned Division/Centre, etc. and submittedinspection reports.

17.3 AWARDThe Institute was awarded the Best Institute Award

for the outstanding implementation of OfficialLanguage by Rajbhasha Academy, New Delhi duringthe Rajbhasha Seminar cum Workshop held at Puri,(Orissa) on January 10, 2014.

17.4 HINDI WORKSHOPSIn order to motivate staff members in different

categories and to do maximum work in Hindi, fourHindi workshops were organized at the IARI, NewDelhi during the year 2013-14.

● Two-day workshop was organized for scientists ofthe Institute on June 20-21, 2013 on the topic“Quality Science Writing in Hindi: Problems &Solutions” (60 scientists participated).

● Two-day workshop was organized foradministrative staff of the Institute on August 26-27, 2013 (60 employees of the administrative staffparticipated).

● Two-day workshop was organized on December10-11, 2013 on the topic “Takniki Shabdabali NirmanPrakriya” (60 technical cadre officers participated).

● One-day workshop cum power point presentationcompetition was organized for the scientists/technical staff of the Institute on March 7, 2014.On this occasion, a power point presentationcompetition was also organized on the topic‘Climate Changes and Indian Agriculture’.Successful participants were given cash awards onthe spot.

Besides the above, Hindi workshops were alsoorganized at different IARI Regional Stations, namely,Karnal, Pusa (Bihar), Pune, Kalimpong, Katrain, Indore,Shimla & Wellington.

17.5 AWARD SCHEMES/COMPETITIONS

During the year 2013-14, many competitions/awardschemes were implemented to motivate the employeesto do their maximum work in Hindi. The followingactivities were organized:

17.5.1 Award Scheme for Doing MaximumOfficial Work in Hindi

This award scheme of the Department of OfficialLanguage, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India wasimplemented as per the directives of the Departmentand 10 employees of the Institute were given cashawards for doing their maximum official work in Hindiduring the year under report.

17.5.2 Hindi Vyavahar PratiyogitaHindi Vyavahar Pratiyogita was organized amongst

the different Divisions and Sections of the Directorateseparately and winners were awarded chal shield fordoing maximum work in Hindi during the reportedyear. Regional Station, Karnal amongst the Divisions/Regional Stations, Centres, etc. and Personnel-II amongstthe sections were given chal shield.

Dr. S.S. Atwal, Head & other Staff of Regional Station, Karnalreceiving the chal shiled for Hindi Vyavahar Pratiyogita fromDr. Narendra Kohli, the chief guest of the Annual Hindi PrizeDistribution function (second from right)

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17.5.3 Rajbhasha Patra Vyavahar PratiyogitaRajbhasha Patra Vyavahar Pratiyogita was organized

for promoting maximum correspondence in Hindi. TheCentre for Protected Cultivation Technology andDivision of Nematology were given first and secondprize, respectively. The prizes carry chal shields.

17.5.4 Awards for Popular Science Writingin Different Journals

A competition for Popular Science Writing wasorganized for scientists/technical officers of the Instituteand winners were awarded first, second and thirdprizes carring a cash award of ` 5,000/-, ` 3,000/- and` 2,000/-, respectively, for their published articles indifferent journals.

17.5.5 Dr. Ram Nath Singh Award for BookWriting in Agriculture

Dr. Ram Nath Singh Award for Book Writing inAgriculture for the biennium 2011 and 2012 was givento Dr. D.V.K. Samual, Head, Division of AgriculturalEngineering for his book entitled “Krishi AbhiyantranKe Siddhant”. The award carries a cash prize of ` 10,000/-,and a certificate.

17.6 HINDI CHETNA MASThe Institute celebrated Hindi Chetna Mas from

September 16 to October 15, 2013. During this period,different competitions, viz., Poetry, Dictation, Debate,Noting and Drafting, Essay Writing, Word Processing,Shabdgyan, Quiz and General Knowledge for skilledsupport staff were organized. Hindi week/Hindi daywas also organized in different divisions and regionalstations of the Institute.

During the inauguration of Hindi Chetna Mas,Hindi Annual Report 2012-13 of the Institute was

released. The Institute became the first amongst thedifferent institutes of ICAR for releasing its AnnualReport in Hindi.

17.6.1 Annual Hindi Prize DistributionFunction

Annual Hindi Prize Distribution Functionwas organized on October 19, 2013 at Dr. B.P. PalAuditorium. All the winners of different competitionsconducted during Hindi Chetna Mas were awardedprizes during the function, Dr. Narendra Kohli,famous Hindi Litterateur was the Chief Guest and Dr.Malavika Dadlani, Joint Director (Reaserch), IARIpresided over the function. Annual progress reportwas presented on this occasion and Institute’s AnnualRajbhasha Patrika, Pusa Surabhi released by the ChiefGuest.

Hasya play “Hanso Hanso Jaldi Hanso” was alsoplayed on this occasion which brought cheers andsmiles to the audience.

Dr. Narendra Kohli, chief guest of Annual Hindi Prize DistributionFunction releasing the Institute’s Annual Rajbhasha Patrika, PusaSurabhi

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18. MISCELLANY

I. On-going Projects at IARI as on 31.03.2014(A) In-house Research Projects 102

School of Crop Improvement 21School of Horticultural Sciences 13School of Crop Protection 19School of Natural Resource Management 31School of Basic Sciences 06School of Social Sciences 12

(B) Outreach Programmes 10(C) Challenge Programmes 05

II. Scientific Meetings Organizeda) Workshops 25b) Seminars 5c) Summer institutes/Winter school 10d) Farmers’ day (s) 42e) Others 104

Total 186

III. Participation of Personnel in ScientificMeetingsIndiaa) Seminars 195b) Scientific meetings 260c) Workshops 174d) Symposia 83e) Others 140

Total 852Abroada) Seminars 16b) Scientific meetings 16c) Workshops 14d) Symposia 9e) Others 14

Total 69

IV. Suggestions Given / Decisions Taken atthe Meetings of Senior ManagementPersonnelBoard of Management Replacement of equipment approved under EFC

by the various divisions of IARI. Appointment of Authorized Medical Attendant

(AMA) at IARI Regional Station, Katrain, HimachalPradesh.

Condemnation of vehicles Project on “Evolution of high yielding and nutrient

rich oats variety suitable for the value addition andEvaluation of Zinc, boron and sulphur coated urea/fertilizer in rice, wheat and maize crops”.

Change the name of IARI Regional Centre forPulses Improvement, Dharwad.

Academic Council Approval of the introduction of Ph.D. programme

in the discipline of Bioinformatics from theacademic year 2014-15.

Approved creation of School of Horticulture andthe independent position of Professor of Fruits &Horticultural Technology and Floriculture &Landscaping Divisions.

Approved the institution of a Divisional award inthe name of Dr. E.A. Siddique, the illustriousalumnus of IARI.

Approved the conditions of a temporary relief tothe students of Ph.D. programme (Split Ph.D.Program) for accepting employment.

Memoranda of Understanding have been signedwith four other ICAR institutes and a privateinstitution M/s. Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. Somescientists of these ICAR Institutions have also beeninducted into the IARI faculty and the students willbe able to carry out research work at Central

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Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE),Bhopal; Indian Institute of Horticultural Research(IIHR), Bangalore; Central Institute of Post HarvestEngineering and Technology (CIPHET), Ludhiana;and Directorate of Wheat Research (DWR), Karnal.

Research Advisory Committee1. School of Crop Improvement Breeding of wheat varieties for improved yield,

quality and terminal heat tolerance to be givenmajor focus.

Suitable alternatives to the existing rice-wheatsystem for higher productivity and better WUE belooked into by developing short duration and highyielding varieties of pigeonpea and soybean. Moreresearch effort in this direction be henceforth made.

Major thrust needs to be given to the developmentof rust free (especially yellow rust) varieties ofwheat for North India. Inter-regional collaborationwithin Central Asia, particularly for identificationof new races of yellow rust will be desirable.

Ways and means to increase the productivity ofsoybean and canola to be worked out.

2. School of Horticultural Sciences School needs to focus on a few important diseases

of national importance in horticultural crops in aproblem solving mode.

Studies on water budgeting in protectedcultivation, taking into account the waterrequirement on per plant basis over a period oftime need to be given priority.

More number of agronomical interventions are tobe integrated with the breeding strategies invegetable crops for higher productivity and diseaseresistance.

Concerted efforts are needed for improvement inthe productivity and quality of papaya.

Marigold varieties for summer /early season needto be developed.

Major thrust be given to Urban Horticulture andFood Technology during the XII plan.

Studies to be undertaken with respect to the lossof - carotene and changes in microbial activitiesin the - carotene powder during storage.

The process for formal release of fruit varietiesneeds to be streamlined in consultation with thecouncil.

3. School of Natural Resource Management Work on waste water management be strengthened

further and popularized for the benefit of end user. Emphasis be given to efficient water management

strategies at the IARI farm with focused studieson ground water recharge and augmentation.

Sensor based precision agriculture be adopted onIARI farm.

Research studies on solar energy utilization forstorage structures of fruits / vegetables in rural areasneed to be taken up by the Division of AgriculturalEngineering, involving other concerned disciplines.

Recommendations on use of best alternativecrops, which yield maximum returns with lesswater use under drip irrigation, be published andpopularized on priority.

Equipments / farm implements developed by theInstitute viz., Basmati Rice Thresher, compostturner-cum-mixer and knapsack sprayer etc.should be placed in the respective KVKs fordemonstration, farmers awareness and theirdemand in future.

More work is needed on the assessment ofconsumer health hazard with respect to heavymetal contamination.

The orchards on IARI farm should be put underdrip irrigation at the earliest.

In addition to the identified site in IARI farm forlong term conservation agriculture (CA) studies,more long term experiments on conservationagriculture needs to be carried out at differentexperimental sites for confirming their replicability.An economist must be included in the team foreconomic analysis of the benefits of CA.

The technology on the use of effectivemicroorganisms (EM) for composting need to bepopularized. Efforts should also be made toproduce enriched vermicompost in large quantityusing EM for the benefit of farmers.

Efficient biofilms that help in mobilizing theunavailable phosphorus in the soil needs to bedeveloped, validated and popularised.

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While studying the effect of weedicides onfloriculture crops, the quality, vaselife andmarketability of the flowers need to be assessed.

Scientists should get more international exposurewith respect to the technological innovations in theniche areas of research.

Mature technologies should go in the form ofoperational research projects. Technology spreadneeds to be demonstrated on a large scale inpartnership with KVKs.

Provision for extending the advisory services withrespect to the hyper spectral remote sensing workbe made for the benefit of local farmers.

A separate interactive site on the IARI websiteneeds to be created for addressing the queriesraised by the farmers with respect to improvedagricultural technologies.

Efforts should be made to upscale the Hydrogeltechnology developed by the Institute in arid andsemi arid areas.

4. School of Crop Protection More focus is needed on the research programmes

on diseases of national importance, targeting a fewpriority crops in tandem with the breedingprogramme.

A project needs to be developed to address themango malformation, involving inter- disciplinaryapproach.

The protocol for pesticide residue removal /decontamination from fruit crops, specially forhuman consumption, needs to be published andpopularized through media.

Management of soil borne diseases be given amajor thrust.

Work done with respect to the biocontrol agentsneeds to be published and popularised.

Efforts should be made to impart training to thefarmers for multiplication of virus free plantingmaterial.

5. School of Basic Sciences Prioritization and reorientation of the existing

research activities of the School is needed, targetinga few crops, keeping in view the goals set for XIIplan.

Deliverable products to be identified, especially inthe area of transgenic development. Work on thedevelopment of chickpea / pigeon pea transgenicsbe given due emphasis.

More focused studies on improved droughttolerance in crops are needed, involving inter-disciplinary approach.

Manpower needs to be strengthened on priority.

6. School of Social Sciences Effective models for studying the impact

assessment of IARI technologies need to bedeveloped.

A detailed study highlighting the scope ofexport of Indian agriculture products (crops /commodities) and the benefits accruing thereof beundertaken.

Linkages with SAUs be continued andstrengthened further for effective spread of IARItechnologies.

More trials with respect to the extension modelsneed to be carried out on cropping systems, insteadof varieties alone.

A holistic assessment of the ATMA model underdifferent farming systems, taking into account thedissemination losses be made.

A short video film highlighting the salientachievements of the project be made and given duepublicity through media.

The capital investment and the economic returnsaccruing from the implementation of the projectneed to be highlighted.

Post Graduate School Activities Major thrust needs to be given to quality human

resource development and capacity building offaculty during XII plan. Provision should be madeto utilize the HRD funds for imparting advancedtrainings to the young bright scientist in the newand frontier areas of research at the best institutionsaboard.

Additional programmes for higher educationneeds to be developed in collaboration withinternational universities / research institutes.

Efforts should be made in creating most moderninfrastructural facilities in the hostels for attracting

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foreign students for post graduate programmes.In this context, rennovation of the existing hostelbuildings and construction of a new internationalstudent’s hostel be given high priority.

Provision should also be made to test theproficiency in English speaking by the foreignstudents prior to their admission in the Institute.Tenure of the Ph.D. fellowship should also beincreased from the present 3 years to 5 years.

Administrative and Financial Activities More efforts are needed to improve the efficiency

of the working staff. In this regard, due emphasisbe given to computerization of the entireadministrative and financial system.

Filling of the technical positions be given high priority.

V. Resource Generation1) Consultancy & other servicesConsultancy services ` 3,95,700Contract research ` 7,600Contract service -Training -Total (A) `̀̀̀̀ 4,03,3002) Revolving fund Sale Proceeds

Revenue Generated(a) Seed ` 1,87,92832(b) Commercialization ` 4,48,3514(c) Prototype manufacturing ` 3,03,788Total (B) ` 2,35,80,1343) Post Graduate School receiptTraining Programme(a) Foreigners & Indians -M.Sc./Ph.D. Programme(b) Institutional economic fee from ` 33,55,837

foreign scholars under Work Plan(c) Receipt from Registrar ` 64,78,631(A) Account No.5432(9029.201.4314) :all fees except institutionaleconomic fee, including saleof information bulletinthrough D.D.

(d) Cash transferred from Syndicate ` 16,27,525Bank to Director’s Account No.C-49 (9029.305.17) from sale ofinformation bulletin(e) Receipt deposited in Director’s ` 2,16,176 +Account No. C-49 (9029.305.17) US$ 50for theses evaluation, PDC &Misc. (does not include refundof IARI scholarship bystudents)Total (C) `̀̀̀̀ 1,16,78,169+ US$50Grand Total (A+B+C) `̀̀̀̀ 3,56,61,603+ US$50

VI . Infrastructural Development A proteomics laboratory was established in the

Division of Biochemistry for research work relatedto protein characterization.

Developed state-of-the-art infrastructure(administrative block, training hall, library cummeeting room) and core research facilities onplant tissue culture, transgenic, Biotechnology,Microbiology and Post Harvest Technology at ZTM& BPD Unit.

Underground pipe line irrigation systems in WTCfarm area was laid and made operational. Officerooms, laboratories and washrooms of WTCbuilding were renovated.

New seed store ‘Godawn’ with 10,000 tonnescapacity was made functional in the SeedProduction Unit.

At IARI Regional Station, Pune new office-cum-laboratory building of the research station wasmade functional.

At the Division of Food Science and PostharvestTechnology Special infrastructure developedinclude: installation of Brabender extruder andmicrobial identification system, Pilot plant facilityfor supercritical fluid extraction of bioactivecompounds, Spray drying system with ultrasonicnozzles for encapsulation of bioactive ingredients.

Renovation of three laboratories in the Division ofNematology.

Establishment of tissue culture laboratory,renovation of floors, washrooms and parking areain the Division of Vegetable Science.

164

In the Division of Entomology, Power Back upsystem for Insect Proof Climate Control Chamber,Stereo microscopes with accessories and InsectGrowth Chambers developed.

VII. All India Coordinated Research Projectsin Operation during the year April 1, 2013 toMarch 31, 2014Project Headquarters1. All India Coordinated Project on Plant Parasitic

Nematodes with Integrated Approach for theirControl

2. All India Network Project on Pesticide Residues3. All India Coordinated Research Project on Honey

Bees and Pollinators

National Centres Functioning at IARI under AllIndia Coordinated Research Projects1. All India Network Project on Soil Biodiversity

- Biofertilizers (Erstwhile All India CoordinatedResearch Project on Biological NitrogenFixation)

2. All India Coordinated Project on Long-TermFertilizer Experiments

3. All India Coordinated Research Project on Soil TestCrop Response Correlations

4. All India Coordinated Research Project onFloriculture Improvement

5. All India Network Project on Pesticide Residues6. All India Coordinated Research Project on

Renewable Energy Sources for Agriculture andAgro-based Industries

7. All India Coordinated Research Project onBiological Control of Crop Pests and Weeds

8. All India Coordinated Research Project on Soybean9. All India Coordinated Research Project on Sub-

Tropical Fruits10. All India Coordinated Research Project on N.S.P.

(Crops)11. All India Coordinated Research Project on Mustard12. All India Coordinated Research Project on Wheat13. All India Coordinated Research Project on Rice14. All India Coordinated Research Project on Pulses15. All India Coordinated Research Project on

Vegetable16. All India Coordinated Research Project on

Pearlmillet17. AINP on Whitegrubs and other Soil Arthropods

(AINPWOSA)18. All India Coordinated Wheat & Barley Improvement

Project (AICW&BIP)

165

VIII. Foreign Visitors during April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014S. No. Visitor (s) Date of visit

1. A 10-member delegation led by Mr. YBhg. Datuk Haji Oman Bin Abd. Rahman, Deputy Secretary General 2.4.2013(Management), Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia

2. A delegation of three senior level officers in the leadership of Director (Human Resources) of the Afghan 3.04.2013Ministry

3. A high level delegation from Kansas State University, U.S, International Agricultural Programmes. 22.04.20134. Fiji’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Forests and Rural Maritime Development, H.E. Mr. INIA 5.05.2013 to

BATIKOTO SERUIRATU and accompanied delegates 9.05.2013 5. His Excellency Mr. Mohanad Salman Al-Sady, Minister of Water Resource, Iraq and delegates 20.05.20136. A 4-member delegation of Ist India- South Africa Joint Working Group Meeting on Agriculture 24.05.20137. Visit of European Union delegation 29.05.20138. Visit of Delegation from Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development, 29.05.2013

Ministry of Agriculture, Vietnam9. A 5- member delegation from BINA, Bangladesh 5.06.201310. A 3-member delegation from Sri Lanka Council of Agricultural Research Policy (SLCARP), Sri Lanka 12.06.201311. A 6-member delegation led by Dr. Richard Howard Linton, Dean, North Carolina State University 17.7.2013

(NCSU), USA12. Dr. Hassan Said Kashoob, Vice Chancellor, Dhofar University in Salalah, Sultanate of Oman and 27.08.2013

accompanied delegates13. A 40-member farmers delegation from Mandalay and Sagaing Region of Myanmar 30.09.201314. Fiji’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Forests and Rural Maritime Development, H.E. Mr. INIA 03.10.2013

BATIKOTO SERUIRATU and accompanied delegates15. Three officials- Mr. Rouini Imadeddine, Mr. Bourkrym Imbrahim and Mr. Mouaaid Abdelali, from 25.10.2013

Agricultural Extension Services (AES) in OCPF/ INRA, Morocco16. A 6-member delegation led by Professor Mahendra Singh, Board Member, University Ground 1.11.2013

Commission Kathmandu, Nepal17. A 8-member delegation consisting of officials from the Ministry of Agricultural Development, Govt. 29.11.2013

of Nepal18. A 6-member delegation from University of Saskatchewan, Canada including Dr. Roger Beachy and 12.12.2013

Dr. Jerome Konescni to deliver a lecture19. A delegation of Guinea-Bissau led by Mr. Nicolau dos SANTOS, Minister of Agriculture, Republic of 07.01.2014

Guinea-Bissau20. His Excellency Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein, President of Zanzibar 04.02.201421. His Excellency Mr. Joseph Made, Minister of Agriculture, Mechanization and Irrigation Development, 05.02.2014

Republic of Zimbabwe22. Hon’ble Ministers from Seychelles and Namibia 06.02.201423. Meeting with representatives of the University of Szeged, Faculty of Engineering 05.03.2014

Dr. H.S. Gupta, Director IARI, introducing Dr. Richard Howard Linton,Dean, NCSU, USA to the officials of IARI

ChairmanDr. H.S. GuptaDirector, IARI

MembersDr. R.K. JainDean & Joint Director(Education), IARI

Dr. K.V. PrabhuJoint Director (Research), IARI

Dr. K. VijayaraghvanJoint Director (Extension), IARI

Dr. Ravinder KaurProject Director, WTC

Dr. D.V.K. SamuelHead, Division of AgriculturalEngineering

Dr. A.N. MishraHead, Regional Station, Indore

Dr. Jagdish KumarHead, Regional Station, Shimla

Dr. B.S. DwivediHead, Division of Soil Science &Agricultural Chemistry

Dr. C. ViswanathanHead, Division of Plant Physiology

Dr. Pritam KaliaHead, Division of Vegetable Science

Appendix 1Members of Board of Management of IARI

(As on 31.3.2014)

Dr. MruthyunjayaEx-National Director, NAIP (ICAR)A-701, Vasundhara Apartment,Plot No. 16, Sector-6, Dwarka,New DelhiDr. Chanda NimbkarDirector,Animal Husbandry Division,Nimbkar Agricultural ResearchInstitute, P.O. Box No. 23, Phaltan,MaharastraDr. K.E. LawndeVice ChancellorDr. Bala Saheb SawantKonkanKrishi Vidyapeeth,Maharastra - 415523Agriculture CommissionerDeptt. of Agril. and Cooperation,Ministry of Agriculture, Krishi Bhawan,New DelhiDevelopment CommissionerDelhi AdministrationGovt. of NCT of DelhiDirector (Finance) ICAR,Krishi Bhawan, New DelhiDr. R.K. SinghDirector, IVRI, Izatnagar, BareillyDr. R.P. DuaADG (FFC), ICAR, Krishi Bhawan,New Delhi

Dr. K.V. PeterTC-12/1309, Post Office Mannuthy,Thrissur, Kerala

Dr. S.S. Acharya33, Shashi Complex, Sector-11,Udaipur-313001 (Rajasthan)

Member - SecretaryShri B.N. RaoRegistrar & Joint Director (Adm.),IARI

Appendix 2Members of Research Advisory Committee of IARI

(As on 31.3.2014)

ChairmanDr. R.S. ParodaFormer DG, ICAR &Chairman, Trust for Advancementof Agricultural SciencesIARI CampusNew Delhi-110012

MembersProf. S.L. MehtaFormer Vice Chancellor (MPUAT)71, Gokul NagarUdaipur-313001 (Rajasthan)

Prof. A.N. MukhopadhyaySangini, 151 AkankshaUdhyan II, Raibareilly RoadLucknow-226025, U.P.

Dr. M. VelayuthamFormer DDG (NRM)6A, Gardenia Apartment275, Kilpauk Garden RoadKilpauk, Chennai-600010

Dr. G.L. KaulFormer National DirectorNAIP & Ex-VC, AAUKA- 59 A, KaushambiGhaziabad-201012 U.P.

Dr. MruthyunjayaFormer National Director, NAIPA-701, Vasundhara ApartmentsSector 6, Plot No. 16,Dwarka, New Delhi-110075

Dr. Swapan Kumar DattaDeputy Director General(Crop Science),ICAR, Krishi BhavanNew Delhi-110001

Sh. Rajendrakumar Shantilal PatelVed Wali KhadkiKhambholaj-388330Tal & District Anand (Gujrat)(Up to November, 2013)

Sh. M.J. UmmenMangaiathuparambilHouse: ArivilanjapoyilP.O. : Alakode, Via. Kannur DistrictKerala-670571 (Up to November,2013)

Dr. H.S. GuptaDirectorIARI, New Delhi

Member-SecretaryDr. K.V. PrabhuJoint Director (Research)IARI, New Delhi

Appendix 3Members of Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)

for Challenge Programmes(As on 31.1.2014)

ChairmanDr. H.S. GuptaDirector, IARI, New Delhi

Co-ChairpersonDr. K.V. PrabhuJoint Director (Research),IARI, New Delhi

MembersDr. I.P. AbrolEx-DDG (NRM) andDirector, Centre for Advancementof Sustainable Agriculture, NASCComplex, DPS MargNew Delhi-110012

Prof. S.L. MehtaFormer Vice Chancellor, (MPUAT)71 Gokul NagarNear Bohra Ganeshji TempleUdaipur-313001, Rajasthan

Dr. Gautam KallooEx-DDG (Crop Science)and Vice Chancellor, JNKV,Jabalpur (M.P.)

Dr. P.K. AggarwalFormer National Professor, ICARRegional Facilitator, ChallengeProgram on Climate Change,Agriculture & Food Security, IWMIIndia Office, NASC Complex,DPS Marg, New Delhi-110012

Prof. R. BanerjeeHead,P.R. Sinha Centre for BioenergyIIT, Kharagpur-721301 (W.B.)

Appendix 4Members of Academic Council of IARI

(As on 31.3.2014)

ChairmanDr. H.S. GuptaDirector, IARI

Vice-chairmanDr. R.K. JainDean & Joint Director(Education), IARI

MembersDr. Arvind KumarDDG (Education)ICAR, Krishi BhawanNew Delhi

Dr. K.C. BansalDirector, NBPGR

Dr. U.C. SudDirector, IASRI

Dr. SrinivasanDirector, NRC on PlantBiotechnology

Dr. K.V. PrabhuJoint Director (Research)

Dr. K. VijayragavanJoint Director (Extension)

Dr. S. EdisonFormer Director (CTCRI, ICAR)(Eminent Scientist/Educationists)Trivandrum

Prof. Deepak PentalDirector, CGMCP(Eminent Scientist/Educationists)New Delhi

Dr. S.M.VirmaniAdvisor, INRIMTHouse No. 811 A, Road No. 41,Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad-500033(AP)

Dr. MruthyunjayaFormer National Director, NAIPA-701, Vasundhara Apartments,Sector-6, Plot No.16, Dwarka,New Delhi-110075

Dr. Ravinder KaurProject Director, WTC

Dr. O.P. YadavProject Director DMR, New Delhi

Dr. Ramesh KumarProject DirectorDirectorate of Floriculture,New Delhi

Dr. H. PathakProfessor, Environmental Sciences

Dr. A.D. MunshiProfessor, Vegetable Science

Dr. Charanjit KaurProfessor, Food Science &Postharvest Technology

Dr. A.K. SinghHead, Fruits & HorticulturalTechnology

Dr. T. JankiramHead, Floriculture & Landscaping

Dr. Pritam KaliaHead, Vegetable Science

Dr. Jitender KumarProfessor, Agricultural Chemicals

Dr. Alka SinghProfessor, Agricultural Economics

Dr. Indra ManiProfessor, Agricultural Engineering

Dr. Premlata SinghProfessor, Agricultural Extension

Dr. Rajender ParsadProfessor, Agricultural Statistics

Dr. K.S. RanaProfessor, Agronomy

Dr. Pramila AggarwalProfessor, Agricultural Physics

Dr. Archna SachdevProfessor, Biochemistry

Dr. Anil RaiProfessor, Bio-Informatics

Dr. P.K. MalhotraProfessor, Computer Application

Dr. K.V. PrasadProfessor, Floriculture andLandscaping

Dr. V.V. RamamurthyProfessor, Entomology

Dr. S.K. SinghProfessor, Fruits and HorticulturalTechnology

Dr. Dolly Wattal DharProfessor, Microbiology

Dr. SrinivasanProfessor, Molecular Biology &Biotechnology

Dr. Sudarshan GangulyProfessor, Nematology

Dr. I.S. BishtProfessor, Plant Genetic Resources

Dr. Pratibha SharmaProfessor, Plant Pathology

Dr. V.P. SinghProfessor, Plant Physiology

Dr. S.K. JainProfessor, Seed Science &Technology

Dr. R.D. SinghProfessor, Soil Science &Agricultural Chemistry

Dr. Man SinghProfessor, Water Science &Technology

Dr. A.K. SinghProfessor, Genetics

Dr. Anil SirohiMOHR

Ms. Usha KhemchandiIncharge, Central Library

Dr. B.S. TomarPrincipal Scientist, Division ofSeed Science and Technology

Dr. S.K. YadavSenior Scientist, Division of SeedScience and Technology

Mr. Roaf Ahmad ParrayPresident, PGSSU

Mr. Chaitanya Prasad NathStudent’s Rep. to the AC

Sh. Radhey ShamComptroller

Dr. K.M. ManjaiahOfficer Incharge, AIM Cell

Member- SecretaryShri B.N. RaoRegistrar & Joint Director (Adm.)

Appendix 5Members of Extension Council of IARI

(As on 31.3.2014)

ChairmanDr. H.S. GuptaDirector

MembersDr. K. VijayaragavanJoint Director (Extension)

Dr. K.V. PrabhuJoint Director (Research)

Sh. B.N. RaoRegistrar & Joint Director (Adm.)

Dr. R.K. SharmaActing Head, Division of Genetics

Dr. A.K. VyasHead, Division of Agronomy

Dr. Pratibha SharmaActing Head, Division of PlantPathology

Dr. Suresh PalHead, Division of Agril. Economics

Dr. S.S. PariharActing Head, Division of SS & T

Dr. D.V.K. SamuelHead, Division of Agril. Engineering

Dr. B.S. DwivediHead, Division of SS & AC

Dr. G.T. GujarHead, Division of Entomology

Dr. Ravinder KaurProject Director, WTC

Dr. A.N. MishraHead, IARI Regional StationIndore (M.P.)

Agril. Commissioner Deptt. ofAgriculture and CooperationMinistry of AgricultureKrishi Bhawan, New Delhi

Dr. A.P. SainiJoint Director (Agriculture)Govt. of NCT of DelhiMSO Building, 11th FloorIP Estate, New Delhi

Dr. Khajan SinghPrincipal Scientist (DairyExtension), NDRIKarnal (Haryana)

Director (FI)Directorate of Extension, DACKrishi Vistar SadanBehind Agronomy DivisionIARI Campus, New Delhi

Dr. K.D. KokateDDG, Extension,ICAR, KAB, New Delhi

Member-SecretaryDr. J.P. SharmaHead, Agricultural Extension

Appendix 6Members of Institute Research Council (IRC) of IARI

(As on 31.3.2014)

ChairmanDirector, IARI

Co-ChairmanJoint Director (Research), IARI

MembersDeputy Director-General(Crop Science), ICAR

All Project Directors/ProjectCoordinators of IARI

All Heads of Divisions / RegionalStations of IARI

All Principal Investigators of IARI

Member-SecretaryPrincipal Scientist (PME), IARI

Appendix 7Members of Institute Joint Staff Council (IJSC)

(As on 31.3.2014)

ChairmanDr. H.S. GuptaDirector

Members (Official Side)Dr. K.V. PrabhuJoint Director (Research)

Dr. S.S. AtwalHead, IARI Regional StationKarnal

Dr. A.K. SinghPrincipal ScientistDivision of Nematology

Dr. A.N. MishraIncharge, IARI Regional StationIndore

Shri Radhey ShamComptroller

Secretary (Official Side)Shri B.N. RaoRegistrar & Joint Director (Adm.)

Members of the Staff Side(Elected)Ms. Santosh GautamAssistant, Audit, Directorate, IARI

Shri Radhey Krishn ThakurUDC, Audit, Directorate, IARI

Shri Yogesh KumarAssistantDivision of Plant Pathology, IARI

Shri Ganesh RaiSenior Technician, Division ofEntomology

Shri Veer Pal SinghSenior Technical Assistant, CPCT

Shri Bhagat SinghTechnical Assistant, FOSU

Shri Atiq AhmedTechnical Assistant, Division ofAgricultural Physics

Shri Umesh ThakurSSS, Audit, Directorate

Shri Desh PalSSS, Directorate

Shri Bijender SinghSSS, CATAT

Shri Dharm SinghSSS, Division of SS & AC

Secretary (Staff Side)Shri Satyendra KumarAAO, P-V SectionDirectorate

Appendix 8Members of Grievance Committee of IARI

(As on 31.3.2014)

ChairmanDr. K. VijayaraghvanJoint Director (Extension)

Members (Official Side)Dr. V.T. GajbhiyeHead, Agricultural Chemicals

Shri Dinesh NagpalSr. Adm. Officer

CF&AO

Dr. Prachi SharmaScientistDivision of Plant Pathology

Members of the Staff Side(Elected)Dr. Premlata SinghPrincipal Scientist, AgriculturalExtension

Shri Brahm DuttAssistant Chief Technical Officer

Shri Satyendra Kumar, AAO,Directorate

Mohd. AzamSSS, CESCRA

Member-SecretaryShri Umesh Chand SharmaAAO, Directorate

Appendix 9Personnel

(As on 31.3.2014)

DirectorateDirectorDr. H.S. Gupta

Joint Director (Research)Dr. K.V. Prabhu

Dean & Joint Director (Education)Dr. R.K. Jain

Joint Director (Extension)Dr. K. Vijayaragavan

Joint Director(Admn.) & RegistrarMr. B.N. Rao

Joint Director (Admn.-II)Mrs. Shashi Prabha Razdan

Principal Scientist (PME)Dr. I. Sekar

Principal Scientist (ITMU)Dr. Archna Suman

ComptrollerMr. Radhey Sham

Chief Administrative OfficerMr. Pushpendra Kumar

Agricultural ChemicalsHeadDr. V.T. Gajbhiye

ProfessorDr. Jitendra Kumar

Network Project CoordinatorDr. K.K. Sharma

Agricultural EconomicsHeadDr. Suresh Pal

ProfessorDr. Alka Singh

Agricultural Engineering

HeadDr. D.V.K. Samuel

ProfessorDr. Indra Mani

Agricultural Extension

HeadDr. J.P. Sharma

ProfessorDr. Premlata Singh

Agricultural Physics

HeadDr. Ravender Singh

ProfessorDr. Pramila Aggarwal

Agronomy

Head (Acting)Dr. K.S. Rana

ProfessorDr. K.S. Rana

Biochemistry

HeadDr. R.D. Rai

ProfessorDr. Archna Sachdev

Entomology

HeadDr. G.T. Gujar

ProfessorDr. V.V. Ramamurthy

National FellowDr. G.K. Mahapatro

Floriculture and LandscapingHeadDr. T. Janakiram

ProfessorDr. K.V. Prasad

Fruits and HorticulturalTechnologyHeadDr. A.K. Singh

ProfessorDr. S.K. Singh

GeneticsHead (Acting)Dr. R.K. Sharma

ProfessorDr. A.K. Singh

Microbiology & CCUBGAHeadDr. A.K. Saxena

ProfessorDr. Dolly Wattal Dhar

NematologyHeadDr. Uma Rao

ProfessorDr. Sudershan Ganguly

Project CoordinatorDr. R.K. Jain

Plant PathologyHead (Acting)Dr. Pratibha Sharma

ProfessorDr. Pratibha Sharma

National FellowDr. Rashmi P. Aggarwal

Plant PhysiologyHeadDr. C. Viswanathan

ProfessorDr. V.P. Singh

Food Science and Post HarvestTechnologyHead (Acting)Dr. Vidya Ram Sagar

ProfessorDr. Charanjit Kaur

Seed Science and Technology

Head (Acting)Dr. S.K. Jain

ProfessorDr. S.K. Jain

Soil Science and AgriculturalChemistry

HeadDr. B.S. Dwivedi

ProfessorDr. R.D. Singh

Vegetable ScienceHeadDr. Pritam Kalia

ProfessorDr. A.D. Munshi

Centre for Environment Scienceand Climate Resilient Agriculture(CESCRA)*

Head (Acting)Dr. S.D. Singh

ProfessorDr. Himanshu Pathak

Water Technology CentreProject DirectorDr. Ravinder Kaur

ProfessorDr. Man Singh

Centre for Agricultural TechnologyAssessment and Transfer

InchargeDr. Ambrish Kumar Sharma

Centre for Protected CultivationTechnology

InchargeDr. Shri Dhar

Agricultural Knowledge Man-agement Unit (AKMU)

InchargeDr. H. Chandrasekaran

Agricultural Technology InformationCentre (ATIC)

InchargeDr. Monika Wasan

Farm Operation Service Unit

InchargeDr. Man Singh

National Phytotron Facility

InchargeDr. K.V. Prabhu

Seed Production Unit

InchargeDr. Sanjay Kumar

Zonal Technology Management& Business Planning and Devel-opment (ZTM & BPD) Unit

InchargeDr. Neeru Bhooshan

IARI Library

Incharge (Library Services)Ms. Usha Khemchandani

IARI Regional Station, Shimla

HeadDr. Jagdish Kumar

IARI Regional Station, IndoreHeadDr. A.N. Mishra

IARI Regional Station, Kalimpong

InchargeDr. Dipak Nayak

IARI Regional Station, Karnal

HeadDr. S.S. Atwal

IARI Regional Station, Katrain

HeadDr. Raj Kumar

IARI Regional Station, Pune

HeadDr. V.V. Datar

IARI Regional Station, Pusa

HeadDr. I.S. Solanki

IARI Regional Station, Wellington(The Nilgiris)

HeadDr. M. Sivaswamy

IARI Rice Breeding & GeneticsResearch Centre, Aduthurai

InchargeDr. M. Nagarajan

IARI Centre for Improvement ofPulses in South, Dharwad

InchargeDr. B.S. Patil

IARI Krishi Vigyan Kendra,Shikohpur, Gurgaon

InchargeDr. Anjani Kumar

*Formerly Division of EnvironmentalSciences and including Nuclear ResearchLaboratory.

Indian Agricultural Research Institute

New Delhi-110 012

(Indian Council of Agricultural Research)

2013-142013-14Annual ReportAnnual Report

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