Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University

The present study was undertaken to identify and analyse the major problems encountered by beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers in the adoption of mustard production technologies under Cluster Front Line Demonstrations (CFLD). The problems perceived by the respondents were categorized into five major dimensions, viz., input, financial, technical, environmental and marketing problems. Data were collected using a structured schedule and responses were obtained on a two-point continuum. The Mean Percent Score (MPS) was computed to prioritise the severity of problems, and rank correlation was used to examine the similarity in ranking patterns between beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers. The findings revealed that non-availability and high cost of critical inputs, inadequate technical knowledge, climatic aberrations during critical crop stages, and marketing constraints such as low prices and poor market access were the major impediments in effective adoption of recommended mustard production technologies. Overall, the study highlights the need for timely input supply, strengthened extension support, climate-resilient interventions and improved marketing infrastructure to enhance adoption and productivity of mustard under CFLD programmes.

Cluster Front Line Demonstrations (CFLDs) play a pivotal role in enhancing farmers’ knowledge and adoption of improved crop production technologies. The present study assessed the knowledge level of beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers regarding mustard production technologies demonstrated under CFLDs in Bikaner district of Rajasthan. The study was conducted in two panchayat samitis, namely Bikaner and Kolayat, under the jurisdiction of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bikaner. A total sample of 160 respondents was selected, comprising 80 beneficiary farmers who participated in CFLDs and 80 non-beneficiary farmers cultivating mustard without CFLD exposure. Knowledge was measured using a structured test, and respondents were categorized into low, medium and high knowledge levels based on mean and standard deviation. The results revealed that a majority of respondents (51.87%) possessed a medium level of knowledge. Beneficiary farmers exhibited significantly higher knowledge levels compared to non-beneficiaries, particularly in seed rate and spacing, irrigation management and nutrient management. Aspect-wise comparison indicated statistically significant differences in knowledge levels for nine out of ten aspects, with harvesting being the only non-significant aspect. A strong and positive rank correlation (rs = 0.95) was observed between beneficiary and non-beneficiary respondents. The findings clearly demonstrate the positive impact of CFLDs in enhancing farmers’ knowledge of mustard production technologies and emphasize the need for strengthening extension interventions in weaker knowledge areas.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), an important oilseed crop, requires genetic improvement to ensure food security. Exploitation of a small fraction of genetic diversity is a major limiting factor for this crop. ICAR-NBPGR holds a large sesame base collection (6,000 unique accessions), originating from India and other countries. The study aims at the characterization of a sesame germplasm collection and development of working core set representing the variability of entire germplasm collection in the National Genebank. Characterization was carried out in an Augmented Block Design (ABD) under multi-environmental conditions (six locations representing five agro-ecological zones of India) for two consecutive years based on 33 agro-morphological traits, different levels of biotic stress (phyllody, dry root rot), abiotic stress (water logging, drought), and seed quality parameters (oil, protein, lignan, fatty acids). For core set preparation, the coincidence rate (CR%) for range and the variable rate (VR%) for coefficient of variation were maximum. Levene’s test and Newman-Keuls tests were performed to compare the entire and core collection. Diversity between the two (entire and core collection) was compared using Shannon–Weaver diversity index. We developed a sesame core set of 773 accessions, which consists of 12.88% of the entire collection. Developed core set exhibited a Coincidence rate (CR)% of 99.8% and a variable rate (VR%) of CV 103.59%. A multipurpose core set of sesame germplasm was assembled to benefit the plant breeding community (for trait introgression), farmers, and researchers to develop climate-resilient sesame cultivars.

One of the most serious threats to global crop productivity and sustainable weed management in present scenario is herbicide resistance. Dependency on repeated application of herbicides with similar modes of action, simple cropping systems and reduced diversity among agronomic practices turns out to be major reason for evolution of resistant weed populations across different agroecosystems. Currently, around 260 weed species have been reported to be resistant to one or more site of action, leading to increased yield losses, production cost and environmental concerns. Resistant weed populations usually evolve through different mechanisms such as target-site resistance, which mainly occurs due to genetic mutations at the specific herbicide binding site, and non-target-site resistance, which includes different mechanisms like enhanced herbicide metabolism, reduced translocation or sequestration. To delay or avoid the development of herbicide resistance and restore sustainability we have to implement agronomic mitigation strategies which include crop diversification, cultural and mechanical interventions, use of integrated weed management practices (combination of chemical, cultural, mechanical and biological methods) and precise use and application of herbicides Globally, herbicide resistance has started to become a wide spread problem in controlling the weeds. Studies have reported that resistant weed species can easily cause around 20–70% yield losses, depending on the crop, weed species and infestation level. To delay or avoid the development of herbicide resistance and restore sustainability we have to implement agronomic mitigation strategies which include crop diversification, cultural and mechanical interventions, use of integrated weed management practices and precise use and application of herbicides. It proper and timely solution of this problem is not developed or left unchecked than it can cause uncontrolled losses to crop yield.

A field experiment was conducted at Agriculture Research Sub Station Samdari, Balotra (Rajasthan) during Kharif season of 2024. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications. Total 12 treatment combinations consisted of two varieties RMO-435 (V1) and CAZRI Moth-5 (V2) three plant to plant spacing 10cm (P1), 15cm (P2) and 20 cm (P1) and two row to row spacing 30 cm (R1) and 45 cm (R2).The results revealed significant varietal differences in yield and quality of moth bean. Results indicated that the variety CAZRI Moth-5 recorded significantly higher seed yield (642 kg/ha), straw yield (2531 kg/ha) and biological yield (3173 kg/ha), protein content and protein yield (23.26% and 149 kg/ha, respectively). Among planting geometries, 45 × 15 cm spacing resulted in the highest seed yield (kg/ha), biological yield ((kg/ha)), straw yield ((kg/ha)), protein content (%) and protein yield ((kg/ha) to a better balance between plant population and individual plant performance. Interaction effects showed that CAZRI Moth-5 at 45 × 15 cm spacing was the most remunerative treatment, optimizing yield and quality. The study suggests that adopting proper planting geometry can significantly enhance moth bean productivity in arid regions.

The present study examines the effects of a solar park on agriculture, livelihood, employment, livestock, and the local environment in Kawni village of Rajasthan. The study is a descriptive, survey-based field methodology which is mainly based on primary data, collected from 60 respondents using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal distinct trade-offs associated with solar park development. A substantial majority of respondents (90%) reported a reduction in agricultural land, while 73% indicated restricted access to farmland and 70% reported a decline in grazing land availability. At the same time, the solar park generated notable economic benefits, with 93% of households reporting improved income, 75% acknowledging local employment generation, and 90% indicating increased non-farm employment opportunities, leading to reduced dependence on agriculture (82%). Environmental concerns were also prominent, with 50% of respondents reporting increased competition for irrigation water, 54% perceiving increased soil dryness, and 82% reporting higher local temperatures. Overall, the study highlights a clear tension between short-term economic gains and long-term agricultural and environmental sustainability in an arid region. It concludes that while solar energy development contributes to rural income security and renewable energy goals, integrated and inclusive planning approaches like agrivoltaics, water management, or livelihood safeguards etc are essential to minimize ecological impacts and support sustainable rural livelihoods.

The present investigation was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, utilizing seven mandarin genotypes—Mudkhed seedless, Nagpur Seedless, Nagpur mandarin, Kinnow Mandarin, Coorg Mandarin, Khasi Mandarin, and Darjeeling Mandarin—grafted onto Rough lemon rootstock laid out in a randomized block design featuring three replications. Data collected over a four-year period were analyzed to evaluate genetic variability, heritability, and phenotypic correlations among various morphological and fruit-quality traits. Notable variation was detected among the genotypes concerning plant height, canopy volume, stem girth, fruit weight, fruit yield, total soluble solids (TSS), and the TSS/Acidity ratio, indicating a significant level of genetic diversity. High genotypic (GCV) and phenotypic (PCV) coefficients of variation were observed for fruit weight and fruit yield, corroborated by exceptionally high heritability estimates (H² > 0.98), implying that these traits are primarily influenced by additive gene action and can be effectively enhanced through selection. Moderate variability along with high heritability was noted for TSS and the TSS/Acidity ratio, suggesting reliable inheritance to subsequent generations. Correlation analysis indicated strong positive relationships between fruit yield and fruit weight (r = 0.983) as well as TSS (r = 0.921), indicating that simultaneous enhancement of yield and quality traits is achievable. In summary, Kinnow Mandarin demonstrated outstanding performance in terms of canopy volume, fruit weight, TSS, and overall productivity, underscoring its potential as a high-yielding genotype in semi-arid environments.

A field experiment was conducted at Agriculture Research Sub Station Samdari, Balotra (Rajasthan) during kharif, season of 2024. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications. Total 12 treatment combinations consisted of Two varieties RMO-435 (V1) and CAZRI Moth-5 (V2) three plant to plant spacing 10cm (P1), 15cm (P2) and 20 cm (P1) and two row to row spacing 30 cm (R1) and 45 cm (R2). The results revealed that variety CAZRI Moth-5 recorded significantly higher plant height, number of branches, nodules per plant and nodule biomass compared to RMO-435. Closer plant spacing resulted in taller plants due to increased competition, while moderate spacing improved branching and nodulation. A plant-to-plant spacing of 15 cm was found optimum for better growth attributes and nodulation. Similarly, 45 cm row spacing performed better than 30 cm in terms of growth parameters. Economic analysis showed that both varieties incurred similar cost of cultivation. CAZRI Moth-5 recorded higher gross return, net return and benefit–cost ratio than RMO-435. Among planting geometries, 15 cm plant spacing and 45 cm row spacing resulted in maximum economic returns. Interaction effects between plant-to-plant and row-to-row spacing were found to be non-significant.

Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Petersen) is an important predator used in biological control of soft-bodied pests like aphids. This study assessed its developmental performance on two prey types i.e. factitious (Corcyra cephalonica) and natural (Myzus persicae) under controlled laboratory conditions (25±1°C, 65±5% RH, and 16:8 h L:D photoperiod). The incubation period of M. persicae (4.47±0.13 days) was longer than C. cephalonica (3.27±0.09 days) while, the third larval instar period was shorter in M. persicae (4.10±0.10) than C. cephalonica (5.60±0.10 days). Total developmental duration was slightly longer in M. persicae (22.63±0.32 days) compared to C. cephalonica (21.87±0.19 days). Despite marginal delays, M. persicae supported successful predator development. The results confirm its suitability for field-level IPM programs targeting aphid pests.