Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Karda

CO2 is a renewable carbon source and an eco-friendly chemical reagent. CO2 from greenhouses leads to global warming and is also used to convert valuable chemicals. Reduction of CO2 to useful fuels and organics leads to an area of interest over a few decades. CO2 is mainly used to convert into a useful fuel, which may become an alternative to unsustainable fuels. For this, there are several methods available, including thermochemical, sonochemical, electrochemical, photocatalytic, and hydrothermal. Among these, the most prominent research focuses on photosynthesis or solar energy to facilitate this conversion. Major Findings: This study demonstrates effective CO2 reduction using mono- and bimetallic nanoparticles in a photoreactor with polyamines, producing ethanol, methanol, and formic acid, as confirmed by ¹H NMR and GC analysis.

As part of its COVID-19 pandemic response, in April 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded 26 university-based Prevention Research Centers (PRCs) with a one-year award to raise vaccine confidence, demand, and uptake in diverse communities. The PRCs formed the Vaccine Confidence Network (VCN) to share information, resources, and strategies, and to collaborate. To support the VCN, CDC organized and facilitated numerous network activities, including hosting 14 virtual network meetings, a Slack channel, a resource library, and 4 office hours, disseminating 52 editions of a newsletter, and responding to 172 technical assistance requests from PRCs. These efforts aimed to increase meaningful and impactful collaborations over time so that PRCs' work benefited from their engagement in the VCN. We evaluated the VCN using two network surveys, an interim one at 6months and a final one at 16months, with 26 key informant interviews conducted during interim reporting to guide final survey tool development. The interim survey asked PRCs to report on the levels of collaboration and impact in their PRC-PRC relationships. The final survey repeated the interim survey's measurement and asked PRCs about the types of collaborations they engaged in with other PRCs, the types of impacts those collaborations had on their work, and how the collaborations came about (their origins). The number of reported undirected connections between the 26 PRCs grew by 72%, from 53 to 91 between interim and final measurements. The self-reported amounts of collaboration and impact increased over time. The most common type of collaboration was exchange of information, tools, and resources (in 64/91, 70% of undirected connections). While the most common type of impact was improved design (in 57/118, 48% of directed connections). Of collaborations whose origins PRCs reported, 86% (67/78) first connected during a VCN network activity, like chatting in a meeting or in Slack. The VCN example (i.e., its network practices and evaluation) could be useful to funders and self-organizing networks that are looking to enact coordinated responses to emergency and non-emergency public health and other issues.

The increasing popularity of direct seeded rice could be attributed to various benefits, including reduced labor costs, reduced water requirement, lower production cost, improved soil physical conditions and reduced methane emissions. It also provide a better option to fit in different cropping system. Yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas Walker causes considerable economic losses in India and is a dominant pest among the rice insect pests. The first line of defense against insect-pests is chemical control measures. However, because of the development of insecticide resistance, managing insect-pests has become more challenging. Among the different insecticides used against S. incertulas in rice has not effectively controlled this pest. Seed treatment is the most significant application mode for insecticides. Seed treatment requires much less pesticide than broadcast or spray, which also ensures no threats to human health or the environment. In this direction, a novel molecule i.e., chlorantraniliprole 625g/L FS as seed treatment was evaluated for the management of S. incertulas in direct seeded rice. The present research findings indicate that during the two study years, the most effective and best insecticidal treatment for minimizing S. incertulas damage proved to treat the seeds with chlorantraniliprole 625g/L FS @ 75 g a.i. ha-1 or 3.75 g a.i. kg-1 seed. This resulted in increased grain yield in both experimental seasons. Seed treatment with chlorantraniliprole 625g/L FS did not cause any phytotoxicity symptoms in the rice crop even at a high dose of 180 g a.i. ha-1. On a 0–10 scale, phytotoxicity was rated as 0, indicating the crop is completely safe. All doses of chlorantraniliprole 625g/L FS (67.5, 75.0, 82.5, and 90.0 g a.i. ha-1) were also proven to be harmless for natural enemies, such as mirid bugs, coccinellid beetles and spiders. During the 2019 and 2020 crop seasons, the maximum grain yield (42.05 & 40.21 q ha-1) was reported in the seed treatment with chlorantraniliprole 625g/L FS @ 90.0 g a.i ha-1, which was comparable to 82.5 & 75.0 g a.i. ha-1. The residues of chlorantraniliprole 625g/L FS @ 75.0 g a.i. ha-1 and 150 g a.i.ha-1 analyzed were below the quantification limit of 0.01 mg kg-1 in field soil, grain and paddy straw at harvest.

Bajra or pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is the third most important millet crop in the world in aspects of area and production, food and nutritional security. It is the fourth most important food crop grown in India, after rice, wheat and Maize. During 2019-2020, it covers an area of 6.93 million hectares with 8.61 million tonnes of average production and 1243 kg/ha productivity. The main problem of the pearl millet growers in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu state is getting low yields (16.71 q/ha) under rainfed conditions due to the non-availability of high-yielding varieties and lack of knowledge about good agricultural operations. The present research planned to study the growth and yield performance of different short-duration and high-yielding pearl millet varieties in the rainfed region of the Theni district of Tamil Nadu. The highest yield was recorded in CO 10 (33.64 q/ha), followed by AHB 1200. This was due to the highest number of productive tillers and longest ear head length in CO 10. CO 10 recorded a higher yield (33.64q/ha) which was 40.75 % and 49.06 % higher than AHB 1200 and ICMV 2217. Among the varieties, CO 10 recorded the highest net return of Rs. 54512. The benefit-cost ratio is the final and most impactful criterion from the farmer's side for adoption of the most benefitable technology and variety for sustainable livelihood.CO10 recorded a BCR of 4.31, followed by AHB 1200 (2.79). The farmer's practice (ICMV 2217) recorded the lowest BCR of 2.71. The field trial concluded that cultivation of the CO 10 pearl millet variety was highly suitable and a better choice for farmers in terms of better growth, higher yield and monetary return during the kharif season under rainfed conditions in Theni District, Tamil Nadu.

This study evaluates the performance of coconut shell ash as a corrosion-controlling agent in concrete. Reinforced concrete specimens with different dosages of coconut shell ash were cast and further exposed to an accelerated corrosion process. The corrosion activity was monitored with the help of the most commonly adopted electrochemical techniques viz - half-cell potential and Tafel extrapolation technique. The test results indicated that adding 5% coconut shell ash by the weight of cement in concrete hindered the corrosion activity and resulted in a decreased corrosion rate. The compressive strength of concrete with coconut shell ash was also enhanced compared to concrete without coconut shell ash. Thus, using coconut shell ash as an additive in concrete can be considered an eco-friendly solution as it helps resolve the issue of disposal of agricultural waste material and controls the corrosion activity in concrete. Major findings: The experimental results indicate that incorporating 5% Coconut Shell Ash (CSA) by weight of cement into concrete effectively reduces corrosion and enhances compressive strength. As a waste agricultural byproduct, CSA offers an environmentally friendly solution for agricultural waste disposal while mitigating corrosion in concrete.

Cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) is a major constraint for production of cotton (Gossypium sp.) in Northwest India. CLCuD is caused by a monopartite, circular ssDNA virus belonging to the genus Begomovirus in association with betasatellites and alphasatellites, and ttransmitted by a whitefly vector (Bemisia tabaci). To explore the genetic variability in betasatellites and alphasatellite associated with the CLCuD-begomovirus complex in Northwest India. A survey was conducted for successive three years of 2014 to 2016 and twig samples from symptomatic and healthy cotton plants randomly were collected. Total plant DNAs were isolated, subjected to rolling circle amplification (RCA), cloning and sequencing. Full-length genome of 12 betasatellites and 13 alphasatellites, those were obtained in the present study, were analyzed. Sequence analysis showed that all the present betasatellites shared 85-99 percent nucleotide identity (PNI) among themselves and 84-95 PNI with other members of Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMB) and fell into one genogroup along with CLCuMB. But in close observation the present betasatellites clustered into two phylogenetic subgroups under single CLCuMB. The present alphasatellites showed 72-100 PNI among themselves and fell under three alphasatellite species, Gossypium Darwinii symptomless alphasatellite (GDarSLA), Cotton leaf curl Multan alphasatellite (CLCuMA) and Cotton leaf curl Burewala alphasatellite (CLCuBuA). In the recombination analysis, all the present betasatellites and alphasatellites were found to be recombinants involving intra species recombination in betasatellite, and interspecies recombination in alphasatellite species. The present study indicated that the betasatellite and alphasatellite molecules associated with CLCuD-begomovirus complex in Northwest India are genetically diverse.

This research focuses on improving vehicle safety by developing a new spring-based energy absorption system for the front bumper of a Bolero vehicle. The goal is to reduce the severity of frontal collisions by absorbing a significant portion of the impact energy. The proposed system comprises a helical compression spring, a mounting bracket, and a chassis member. This design aims to absorb 30-35% of the energy impact, reducing the deceleration rate and minimizing the shock transmitted to the passenger cabin. To visualize the system and estimate its energy absorption capabilities, a 3D CAD model and analytical calculations have been performed. Further analysis using finite element methods will provide a more detailed understanding of the deformation behaviour of the bumper and spring, as well as the energy absorption capacity of the shock absorbing. Future work will involve refining the design, conducting detailed analysis, and evaluating the performance of the system through rigorous testing. This research has the potential to significantly enhance vehicle safety and mitigate the risks associated with frontal collisions. Major Findings: A novel spring-based impact energy absorption system was proposed to reduce the severity of frontal collisions by 30-35 %. Finite element analysis was conducted to assess the system's deformation behaviour and energy absorption capacity. The four-damper system demonstrated a 42.44% reduction in maximum deformation compared to a plain bumper. The proposed system has the potential to significantly enhance vehicle safety.

Abstract The present study investigated the growth, flowering and yield performance of China aster {Callistephus chinensis (L) Ness} varieties (Arka Archana, Arka Shashank, Arka Kamini and Phule Ganesh Pink) cultivated on rice bunds in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, over two winter seasons (2018-19 and 2019-20). A randomized block design with four replications was utilized. Data were collected on plant height, number of branches per plant, plant spread, days to first bud appearance, days to 50 per cent flowering, flower weight per plant and number of flowers per plant and per hectare. Significant varietal differences were observed across all assessed parameters. Phule Ganesh Pink consistently demonstrated superior performance in plant height (64.10 cm), number of branches per plant (18.70) and plant spread (29.30 cm2) and also yielded the highest flower weight per plant (165.90 g). Arka Archana was noted for producing the highest number of branches (19.50) and the earliest to flower, with first bud appearance at 63.20 days and 50 per cent flowering at 73.40 days. Arka Archana and Phule Ganesh Pink also produced the highest number of flowers per plant (53.90 and 51.70 respectively) and per hectare (337,265.60 and 322,937.50 respectivley). Arka Shashank generally exhibited the lowest performance across most growth and yield parameters, while Arka Kamini displayed intermediate characteristics. The findings suggest that Phule Ganesh Pink and Arka Archana are particularly promising varieties for cultivation on rice bunds, offering potential for enhanced productivity and diversified income for small and marginal farmers in the region.

Gyapotgenotípusok termeléstechnológiai tesztelését végezték el 2024-ben a MATE Karcagi Kutatóintézetben. Az utolsónak kiadott, 1951-es, minisztériumi agrotechnikai útmutatót hasonlították össze az aktuális termesztési lehetőségekkel. A laboreredmények alátámasztották, hogy a gyapottermesztés melléktermékének tartott magtermés kimagasló nyersfehérje tartalmú. Az irodalmak alapján a gyapotmaggal kiegészített kukorica szilázs etetése igazoltan kevesebb kiürülő rostot eredményez a tejelő tehenek takarmányozása során. Az extrahált gyapotmag 43% nyersfehérjét tartalmaz, ezért megfontolásra érdemes szója-helyettesítő lehet. Aminosav összetétele alapján elsősorban kérődzők számára lehet receptúra alkotó. Tapasztalataik alapján, a korai érésű, alacsonyabb szármagasságú genotípusokat célszerű hazai viszonyok között termesztésbe vonni.

Organic farming is increasingly recognized for its environmental benefits and role in promoting sustainability, biodiversity, and long-term soil health. This agricultural approach, which prioritizes ecological balance, minimizes synthetic inputs, and relies on natural processes for nutrient cycling, offers substantial advantages for soil structure preservation and carbon sequestration. Practices such as composting, crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage enhance soil organic matter, promote microbial activity, and improve water retention, ultimately contributing to the overall sustainability of farming systems. However, organic farming faces several challenges, particularly when compared to conventional farming. One of the primary limitations is nutrient availability, as organic systems depend on slower-releasing organic fertilizers, which can result in nutrient deficiencies during critical crop growth stages. In contrast, conventional farming provides immediate nutrient availability through synthetic inputs, leading to more predictable crop performance. Furthermore, organic farming tends to be more labor-intensive, requiring significant manual effort for weed management, compost application, and pest control due to the prohibition of chemical herbicides and pesticides. This increased labor demand can raise production costs, making it difficult for organic farmers to compete with conventional systems that benefit from mechanization and chemical inputs. Economic challenges also arise from market access and the high cost of organic certification, which can be prohibitive for small-scale farmers, limiting their ability to sell products at premium prices. Additionally, consumer willingness to pay higher prices for organic produce may fluctuate, affecting profitability. Organic farming often faces yield gaps, particularly during the transition period, as soils adjust to new management practices and nutrient cycles stabilize. These lower yields in the short term are a significant barrier to wider adoption of organic practices. Nevertheless, long-term studies suggest that organic systems can achieve comparable yields over time while offering enhanced resilience to environmental stresses like drought and pest outbreaks. As innovations in organic inputs, precision farming, and supportive policies evolve, the future of organic farming holds potential for expanding its role in creating sustainable, resilient agricultural systems that mitigate climate change and conserve natural resources.