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Background: Groundnut or peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is known as the "King of Oilseeds" which belongs to family Fabaceae (Leguminosae). It is highly susceptible to weed infestation because of its slow initial growth up to 40 DAS and small foliage cover. However, study on use of mechanical weed control methods with different fertility regimes for improving the productivity of groundnut was limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to find a suitable method for optimising the productivity of groundnut. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar for two consecutive years of 2020 and 2021. The field experiment comprised 16 treatment combinations of four weed management practices and four fertility levels. The weed management practice included W1- Pre-emergence (PE) application of pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg ha-1, W2- Pre-emergence (PE) application of pretilachlor @ 0.5 kg ha-1, W3- Manual weeding (20 and 40 DAS), W4-Twin wheel hoe at 20 DAS followed by (fb) hand weeding at 40 DAS and four fertility levels includes T1-100% RDF (20:40:40) (N: P205: K2O kg ha-1), T2- 75% RDF + 5 tonnes FYM ha-1, T3- 50% RDF + 10 tonnes FYM ha-1, T4- without fertilizer + without FYM. Result: Amongst the weed management practices, use of twin wheel hoe at 20 DAS followed by hand weeding at 40 DAS significantly reduced the weed density, weed dry weight, weed index and recorded the highest weed control efficiency (69.8%). Highest weed index (32.9) was recorded with the application of pretilachlor @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (PE), which was followed by weed index of (28.5) with application of pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg ha-1 (PE). The fertilizer management practice with application of 50% RDF + 10 tonnes FYM ha-1 gave the highest yield and considerably reduced the total weed density, weed dry weight and recorded the maximum weed control efficiency (71.8% at harvest). We suggest that weed management with twin wheel hoe at 20 DAS followed by hand weeding at 40 DAS along with application of 50% RDF + 10 tonnes FYM ha-1 as the most effective strategy for controlling the weed menace in groundnut with the highest weed control efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Incidence of fall armyworm in maize has been reported at a severe level since 2018 resulting in low yield and in extreme cases complete failure of the crop. In view of undesirable effects of unilateral reliance on chemicals, greener avenues like intercropping needs to be explored, which promise to subside pests, as well as, provide higher income to cultivators. Methods: Field experiment was conducted during 2019-2021, consecutively for three years to investigate the consequences of intercropping with legumes viz., red gram (Cajanus cajan L.), black gram (Vigna mungo L.), green gram (Vigna radiata L. ), cowpea (Vigna unguiuculata L.), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) on incidence of fall armyworm in maize and the cost economics involved. Result: Among the different intercrops studied, maize+cowpea recorded significantly lowest mean per cent infested plants (45.0 per cent) at 75 days after sowing which was statistically on par with maize+green gram (45.5 per cent). The next effective intercropping system was maize+black gram (55.7 per cent) followed by maize+red gram (58.2 per cent). Maize as a sole crop recorded the highest mean per cent infested plants (76.3 per cent) at 75 days after sowing. The system equivalent yield (SEY) of the intercropping systems under study ascertained that the maize+cowpea achieved highest SEY of 5230 kg per ha followed by maize+green gram (5160 kg per ha) followed by maize+black gram (4900 kg per ha). Upon comparison of the benefit cost ratio (BC ratio), the maize+cowpea proved to be highly profitable with BC ratio of 4.11 followed by maize+green gram (4.05) followed by maize+black gram (3.85), whereas, sole maize recorded minimum BC ratio of 2.87. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulse crops are commonly known as "rich man's vegetable". Blackgram is the most important pulse crops of Odisha after greengram. Poor productivity of blackgram in Odisha is due to soil related constraints such as organic matter and nutrient availability. Use of unbalanced and inadequate fertilizers accompanied by restricted use organic manures resulted decline in crop yield. Promising results of balanced fertilization was documented in various pulse crop but limited research was under taken in blackgram in East and South Eastern coastal plain zone of Odisha. Therefore, current experiment focused on improving productivity of blackgram with different source of nutrient. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at Institute of Agricultural Sciences of Siksha "O" Anusandhan (Deemed University), Bhubaneswar, during summer season of 2020 and 2021 to study the Influence of integrated nutrient management on productivity, nutrient uptake and soil fertility of summer blackgram (Vigna mungo L.). Blackgram variety 'LBG 787 (Tulsi)' was sown at a spacing of 25 x 10 cm under randomized block design (RBD) with 12 treatment combinations of FYM, inorganic and foliar fertilizer. Result: Application of 100% RDF + FYM + nutrient priming + 2% DAP spray twice at 30 and 45 DAS led to maximum pods per plant (18.5), pod length (4.5 cm), seeds per pod (7.0), test weight (52.0 g), seed yield (843 kg/ha), stover yield (1214 kg/ha) and harvest index (41.0%). Besides, it also recorded highest gross return (Rs 54,840/ha), net return (Rs 27,050/ha), B:C ratio (2.1), production efficiency (10.83 kg/ha/day), economic efficiency (360.67 Rs/ha/day) and was at par with 75% RDF + FYM + nutrient priming + 2% DAP spray. The later recorded 49.1% higher yield and 152.4% higher net return/ha, respectively than that of 100% RDF alone in East and South Eastern coastal plain zone of Odisha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Blackgrm is one of the most important pulse crops majorly cultivated in rainfed conditions of India. Soil moisture deficit, low and erratic rainfall, use of poor quality seeds, poor crop stand and improper crop management resulting in lower productivity in rainfed ecosystem. Reduced crop stand alone leads to 30% deficit in production. Availability of technology to overcome drought stress is one of the way to expand blackgram cultivation in dry tracks. Hydrophilic polymers may have great potential in restoration and reclamation, when used the polymers correctly and an ideal situations will have atleast 95% of their stores water available for plant absorption. There are N number of inorganic polymers available in the market, that can be applied in the form of soil application. Studies on Hydrophilic bio polymer seed coating to mitigate water stress is very megar or nil. Hence, the present study was formulated in blackgram as hydrophilic bio polymer seed coating on seed germination and field emergence. Methods: Seed coating experiment consists of seven hydrophilic biopolymers (Ethyl cellulose, Methyl cellulose, Carboxyl methyl cellulose, Agar, Gum Arabic, Xanthangum and Carrageenan); two coating methods (dry and dry powder concoction). The germination test conducted in sand media with 60% Water Holding Capacity of sand and PEG induced water stress and evaluated for seed quality parameters against uncoated seeds. Field experiments conducted with water stress periods of 10 days, 20 days and 25 days after life irrigation and observed for biometric and yield parameters. Result: Results revealed that blackgram seeds coated with bio polymerconcoctionof xanthan gum : carrageenan : Agar agar (4:1:1) @ 20 g/kg performed better in terms ofall seed quality parameters and withstand water stress upto 20 days after life irrigation with the yield increase of 53% over stressed control (Skipping irrigation for 20 days after life irrigation) and can be recommended as a pre sowing treatment for drought mitigation in blackgram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Salinity challenges legume production worldwide. To maintain the overall legume production, seed halopriming has been adopted as a cost-effective, farmer friendly technique, minimizing noxious effects of NaCl on plant growth. Methods: Nonprimed and haloprimed seeds were grown under different NaCl concentrations and harvested after 21 days. NaClinduced alterations on physio-biochemical attributes and DNA damage were studied. Result: NaCl exposure in nonprimed seedlings exhibited growth inhibition, depletion in water contents, increased accumulation of H2O2, MDA and proline causing DNA damage. Conversely, in primed seedlings, these toxic effects were altered and extent of DNA damage reduced. Decreased catalase activity in nonprimed seedlings failed to detoxify the ROS generated under salinity inducing DNA damage whereas in NaCl-treated haloprimed seedlings, improved catalase activity helped to overcome such adversities favouring improved growth of all tested legume varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Haricot bean is the most important food legumes in Ethiopia. However, low productivity is the major problem in South Gondar zone, which is mainly associated with lack of recently released high yielder varieties in the areas. The aim of this study was an attempt to identify suitable high yielder haricot bean varieties for the study areas and similar agro ecologies. Methods: This study was conducted during the rainfed season of 2021 and 2022 at Ebinat and Tach Gayint districts in South Gondar zone, Ethiopia. Four haricot bean varieties with one local check were used as a treatment and laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Result: Analysis of variance showed a highly significant variability among the varieties for days to maturity, pod length, pods per plant, seeds per pod, grain yield and 100 grain weight. All these traits showed a highly significant difference by location variations. Variety by location interaction also showed a significant variation on days to maturity, pods per plant,100 grain weight and grain yield. SER119 was found the highest yielder variety with mean yield of 2861.00, 2887.50 and 2231.59kg ha-1 at Burkoch, Fenta and Balarb locations, respectively. This variety has a respective yield advantage of 59.41%, 47.01% and 38.70% over the local check. Whereas, Awash mitin showed a highest yield at Daka (2285.70 kg/ha) and Anseta (1995.50 kg ha-1) locations with respective yield advantage of 33.96% and 39.95% as compared to the check cultivar. Therefore, SER119 and Awash mitin varieties could be recommended for Ebinat and Tach Gayint districts and similar agro-ecologies to each location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Blackgram is being cultivated as an indispensable pulse crop and a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Though the requirement for blackgram is high, the productivity is low. The ultimate aim of any plant breeder in a crop improvement program is to increase seed yield/ productivity. With this background, the current study was focused to investigate genetic variability/effects on important yield and its contributing traits of blackgram. Methods: The research material comprised of P1, P2, F1, F2 and F3 obtained from a cross between CO 6 and LBG 17 varieties in blackgram. Observations on nine biometrical traits were recorded from all these five populations for generation mean analysis. By employing Mather and Jinks (1971) scaling test of C and D, the suitability nature of the simple additive-dominance model can be identified. Following Hayman (1958) perfect fit solution, the mean of five generations (P1, P2, F1, F2 and F3) was utilized to calculate five parameters. Result: Fitted genetic model revealed as important yield and yield contributing traits governed by dominance and epistasis in this study, it indicates the selection may be postponed to later generations with greater homozygosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A soil suitability evaluation of Kanamadi South sub-watershed in the Northern Dry Zone of India was carried out during April 2019 to define the soil fitness for the production of pigeonpea, chickpea, greengram and cowpea the four major pulses that are widely grown in the area. Methods: A detailed soil survey of Kanamadi South sub-watershed was carried out using IRS P6 LISS-IV image and Vijayapura district toposheet. The soils of Kanamadi south sub watershed were grouped into 19 mapping units based on studied 50 profiles. The studied physical and chemical properties were evaluated using the FAO (1976) framework for land evaluation was followed in the evaluation of soil-site suitability for major crops grown in Kanamadi South sub-watershed. This classification recognized two orders of land suitability, order 'S' (suitable) and order 'N' (not suitable) which are further subdivided into land suitability classes. Result: The studied 19 mapping units were moderately (S2) to marginally suitable (S3) for pigeonpea and greengram having marginal to severe limitations of rainfall and soil physico-chemical properties and none to slight limitation of land form characteristics. The mapping units were moderately suitable (S2) to marginally suitable (S3) for chickpea and cowpea having moderate to severe limitation of temperature, rainfall, depth and pH and none to slight limitation of land form characteristics. The suitability of the study area for all the pulses were said to be moderately suitable (S2) for growing pulse crop for improving productivity and improving biological nitrogen fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In rainfed agriculture, lentil is considered an important legume crop. But in rainfed conditions adequate soil moisture condition is a major obstacle that leads to reduced germination percent, slow down growth of the seedlings and finally reduction in yield. Seed priming is an alternative which can improve the germination percentage and seedling establishment of lentil. Methods: The present work, deals with the lentil (Lens culinaris L.) cv. HUL 57 where seeds were primed with different concentrations/ combinations of boric acid (H3BO3) and zinc sulphate heptahydrate (ZnSO4.7H2O). The parameters taken into consideration was germination percentage (ranging from 18 to 96 h), radicle and plumule length, fresh and dry weights of radicle and plumule at different time intervals (ranging from 48 to 96 h) during both the consecutive years i.e., 2014-15 and 2015-16. Result: Among all the priming treatments, priming with 4 mM boric acid (B2), 2 mM zinc sulphate heptahydrate (Zn1) and 2 mM of zinc sulphate + 4 mM of boric acid (T1) significantly improved the germination percentage, plumule and radicle lengths, fresh and dry weights of lentil seedlings over other treatments in both the consecutive years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chickpea is an important pulse crop. The area, production and productivity of Kabuli chickpea are very low as compared to Desi type chickpea. While, worldwide chickpea production is predominated by Desi type (80%) compared to Kabuli type (20%). One of constraints limiting the Kabuli chickpea seed production is the fast seed deterioration process as, they possesses thin and fragile seed coat which makes it more susceptible to infestation of pulse beetle and storage fungi. In addition, the day by day increase in usage of chemical pesticides and increase in health awareness among the people and demand towards organic based products necessitate a new alternative method of seed storage than the routinely used storage methods. Modified atmosphere storage is an alternative method to avoid chemical fumigants, which are said to cause residual effect on seed material and development of resistance by storage pest against insecticides. Methods: The present investigation on modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) was carried out at the Department of Processing and Food Engineering, College of Agricultural Engineering, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur during March 2017. Further, its storage and seed quality assessment were conducted at Seed Quality and Research Laboratory of National Seed Project (Crops), Seed Unit, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during March 2017 to May 2018. Result: The results revealed that the Kabuli chickpea seeds stored in the gaseous atmosphere with the combination of CO2 (80%) +N2 (20%) + O2 (0%) [C2] have maintained the maximum germination (92%) followed by Vaccum Packaging [C2] by using 700 gauge polyethylene bag for 14 months under ambient conditions above the Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most important factor that affects the crop production in terms of nutritional content of foliar plants is the global climate change. Herbivore's growth, development, survival and geographical distribution all are determined by elevated CO2 and temperature. The interactions between herbivores and plants have changed due to increasing level of CO2 and temperature. The effect of high CO2 and temperature on grain legume plant which change in to plant physiology (e.g., nutritional content, foliage biomass) and how it change in herbivory metabolism rate and food consumption rate. Plant injury is determined by two factors viz. resistance and tolerance and both are influenced by greater CO2 and temperature. Legumes are an important source of food and feed in the form of proteins and also improve the soil environment. The repercussions of the abiotic factors mentioned above needs discussion among the scientific community. We may able to limit the negative repercussions of stated factors in future breeding projects by harnessing the practical favourable impacts and by including such influences of elevated CO2 and temperature on pulses productivity. The extensive research is necessary to overcome the negative effects of high CO2 and temperature on insect-plant interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pigeonpea is second most important pulse crop grown after chickpea in India. Pigeonpea is versatile crop can be grown in vast agro climatic condition with low inputs. However, the yield is very low as compared to the potential yield as grown in rainfed condition, the drip fertigation and mulching can increase resource use efficiency. Both these techniques are resource saving and realized maximum yield by reducing the nutrient and water losses as compared to conventional practices. Methods: The experiment was laid out in factorial complete randomized block design and replicated thrice. The experiment consisted of two levels of irrigation (0.50 CPE and 0.75 CPE) as one factor and three fertility levels (100% RDF, 75% RDF and 50% RDF) as second factor and two levels of mulching (without mulching and with plastic mulching 25 micron) as third factor. Result: The results revealed that higher level of irrigation (0.75 CPE) with 100 per cent RDF and with plastic mulching recorded significantly higher growth rate, seed yield and uptake of nutrients by the pigeonpea crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) is an important pulse crop occupying a unique position in Indian agriculture and it stands fourth in area and production among the pulses. The popularity of this pulse is due to its nutritional and industrial values. Blackgram crop is attacked by a number of insect pests from sowing to harvest in the field as well as in storage condition. Among these insectspests pod borers i.e. spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Geyer) and gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) are serious insect-pests of black gram causing seed and pod damage. Therefore, keeping these views in mind, the present study was conducted. Methods: Present investigations were carried out during Kharif season of 2018 and 2019 to identify the resistant cultivars that are less susceptible to spotted pod borer and gram pod borer in black gram. Result: Fifteen black gram genotypes were screened against pod borers i.e. M. vitrata and H. armigera. When the data of both years were pooled, the two genotypes viz., KU-99-05 and Azad Urd-1 were found with minimum pod infestation of 7.67 and 9.67 per cent, respectively and categorized as resistant (R) against M. vitrata. The four genotypes KU-99-05, Azad Urd-1, Shekhar-2 and PU-6 were classified as resistant (R) against H. armigera with minimum pod infestation of 5.83, 6.17, 8.50 and 9.83 per cent, respectively during both the consecutive seasons (Kharif, 2018 and 2019). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulse crops are known as an important dietary source of proteins for a major part of the vegetarian population across the globe; especially in India. Legume crops help restoration of soil fertility through symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Spatial distribution is an important aspect as it interprets the interaction between individuals of the species and their habitat. The biological reason of aggregation is highly unpredictable and it depends on behavioural pattern of the insect; therefore, spatial distribution accounts for informative description of organisms. Methods: In order to study the spatial distribution of sucking pests of cowpea, a field trial was laid out during Zaid and Kharif separately at the Instructional Farm of Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur in 2019 and 2020. Cowpea variety Pusa Komal was cultivated in 6 plots each of 3 m x 3 m with the row to row and plant to plant spacing of 50 cm and 10 cm, respectively. Different distribution pattern were used to determine spatial distribution pattern of species of insect fauna associated with cowpea during the summer and monsoon season. Result: The spatial distribution for most the insect pest complex was contagious during both the respective seasons. All positive IDM (index of clumping) values confirmed the clumping of the pest during the season. The mean crowding index was more than unity, indicated clumped interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The cork oak is the major forest element of northern Tunisia, especially in Kroumirie. It is a species of greatecological, economic and social value, with a natural distribution limited to the western Mediterranean basin. Following serious biotic and abiotic problems, oak forests have been greatly affected and their natural regeneration has become very difficult, even almost absent these last years marked by last climatic changes. The association of cork oak with autochthonous plant species such as leguminous is an original research to resolve this problem. As part of this reflection, the association of the cork oak with Cytisusvillosus could positively influence its growth and productivity by providing the nutrients necessary for its survival in the face of climatic constraints. Methods: The study was conducted in two sites in the Kroumirie (Ain Draham and El Feija forests). In each site two populations of the same bioclimatic stage are chosen: a population of only cork oak and a cork oak population associated with Cytisusvillosus. Several parameters were measured on trees at each population: morphological (height, circumference, leaf area index LMA) ecophysiological (photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration) and cork quality (porosity, humidity, quality) parameters. Result: The oaks with legumes in both Ain Drahem and Feija sites showed highly significant differences compared to the other two populations without association; for morphological and ecophysiological parameters. In the same way, statistical analysis has shown that the cork oak trees in Feija population with Cytisus have better cork quality than other populations. We can conclude that the cork oak behaves better and have higher growth and better cork quality in the presence of legumimous species like Cytisusvillosus. Such results could encourage the reintroduction of this legume especially in degraded areas of cork oaks for their maintenance and preservation especially in the current climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) an important and commonly grown kharif pulse crop in India for vegetable, grain, forage and green manuring. Considering the adverse effects of chemical fertilizers, bio-inoculants should be encouraged as natural nutrient source. Methods: Three indigenous bio-inoculants viz., Rhizobium sp., Bacillus megaterium and Glomus mosseae were evaluated in a field experiment which was conducted during kharif season 2020 to study the influence of bioinoculants on growth and yield of cowpea. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RCBD) with ten treatments replicated thrice. Result: The application of microbial consortia significantly influenced the number of pods bearing branches, number of nodules, fresh weight of nodules, chlorophyll content, plant nitrogen and phosphorus content and microbial activities in the cowpea rhizosphere. The present study concluded that combined application of bio-inoculants (Rhizobium, PSB, AM fungi) can save 25 per cent of recommended dose of fertilizer by sustaining the crop yield and improving the soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maize-wheat is the predominant cropping system of dryland ecology of Jammu region, but due to their comparatively higher input requirements especially of nutrients and water under the fragile ecology of these dry lands an untenable threat has been posed to their factor productivities. Therefore, all cropping sequences that suit and sustain better on the natural resources of the dryland ecosystems for a longer period of time needs to be explored. Methods: The treatments consisted of two oilseeds i.e. mustard) and gobhi sarson and two pulse crops i.e. chickpea and field pea taken during rabi were followed by two oilseed i.e. soybean and sesame and two pulse crops i.e. green gram and black gram grown during kharif. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replications. Result: Significantly higher chickpea equivalent yield of green gram was observed with field pea-green gram sequence (10.26 q/ha) which was at par with the chickpea - green gram and field pea - black gram system. The available nitrogen status was significantly influenced and recorded highest (166.82kg/ha) under field pea-green gram system. Further overall nutrient mining by this system was quite low as compared to other systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In peninsular India, the frequency of climate-related risks is significantly lowering agricultural productivity and farmers' standard of living. Reducing losses in the agriculture sector requires precise and timely weather information, weather based advisories on crop production, protection and post-harvest. Disseminating agromet advisories directly to the farmers using ICT tools allows farmers to adopt appropriate corrective measures, minimize loss and ensure climate resilient agriculture. In this sense, the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University established an Automated Agromet Advisory Web cum Mobile App (TNAU-AAS) in 2018, which sends location, crop and stage specific agromet advisories directly to farmers' mobile App. Methods: TNAU-AAS App was evaluated in pulse crops as "Piloting pulse produce support system through ICT enabled services" between 2019 and 2021 in three TNAU centers under three different eco systems namely irrigated (Coimbatore), rice fallow (Aduthurai) and rainfed (Kovilpatti). Pulse growing farmers were registered in this smartphone application for agromet advisory based response farming. Result: The TNAU-AAS App had delivered approximately 10-12 advisories to each farmer, tailored to their unique crop and stage during the cropping period. Survey results inferred that the farmers received timely notifications on their mobile phones, 2-3 days in advance, which assisted them in preplanning. Occurrences of pests and diseases were well aligned (68-83%) with TNAU-AAS recommendations and the climate vulnerability of non AAS farmers is more than AAS farmer. According to partial budget analysis, the irrigated, rice fallow and rainfed black gram farmers have gained Rs. 2800, Rs. 2300 and Rs. 1900 per ha, respectively. It is concluded that the ICT-enabled agromet advisory system guarantees timely alerts, boosts labor and land productivity, lowers input loss and shields crops from weather-induced pests and diseases as well as climatic variability risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legumes are an important source of protein and provide a health-rich diet for human beings. It contains essential amino acids. It mainly plays a significant role in soil enrichment. Due to their role in agriculture and human nutrition, scientists have made efforts to develop new traits. The genetic enhancement of legumes was achieved using traditional breeding over the years however, the progress is very slow. Recent developments in genome editing technologies, specifically CRISPR-Cas technology, have improved key agricultural traits in legumes and offer a wealth of opportunities for studying traits like improved seed nutrient content, enhancing productivity and resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses recently introduced in legumes. So far, the genome editing technology has been effectively used in various legume crops, mainly soybean, peanut, cowpea and chickpea. Still, the transformation and regeneration of other legumes have remained a significant hurdle to the implementation of gene editing. This review mainly highlights the use of different gene editing technologies in legumes, progress and updates of CRISPR/Cas9 tools in legumes and challenges of legume crops face during production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulse crops are crucial for human nutrition not only because of their rich source of proteins but also for their dietary fibres, complex carbohydrates, resistant starch, vitamin complex and minerals. Pulse crops include mungbean, urdbean, redgram, bengalgram, adzuki bean and cowpea which are agriculturally and economically important crops in tropical and subtropical regions. Bruchid beetles, [Callosobruchus chinensis (L.)] and [C. maculatus (F.)] are the most serious insect pests of Vigna crops especially during storage. Infestation starts in the field and carried to storage godowns, where sometimes it causes total destruction of the seeds within six months. The damage is caused by the grubs, which feed on the entire grain contents leaving only the shell behind. The seeds thus loss its viability and they are rendered unfit for human consumption. Use of resistant cultivars is the best way to manage the bruchids. Hence, the resistant accessions can be effectively used as promising donors for developing bruchid resistant varieties which would ensure food security by reducing postharvest losses under storage conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global food production is seriously threatened by salinity stress, which is becoming more severe due to human activity. For the majority of people worldwide, mungbean is a significant pulse crop and a rich source of protein and calories and hence is rightly marked as "Poor man's meat" and "rich man's vegetables". Salt stress, on the other hand, negatively affects the productivity of the mungbean since it causes decreased germination, reduced growth and development, interrupted photosynthesis, hormonal imbalance and eventually decreased yields. Consequently, developing mitigation strategies to deal with salt stress requires a greater understanding of how plants respond to salinity stress. The present review highlights the detrimental effects of salt stress and the physiological and biochemical tolerance mechanisms in mungbean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulses are commonly known as food legumes, next to cereals in production and consumption in India. India is the leading producer of pulses in the world. In spite of being a leading producer, India is still importing pulses to meet consumer demand, due to low productivity of pulses due to various reasons. Hence, there is a need to improve the productivity in pulses. Potassium application in pulse crops have been paid less attention, among different nutrients. Methods: A field experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with factorial concept (FRBD) during Rabi, 2021-22 to enhance the productivity and quality of blackgram with potassium fertilization. Result: The present study revealed that among different potassium levels, soil application of 40 kg K2O ha-1 improved the growth parameters, yield attributes, seed and haulm yields and economic returns of blackgram, which was statistically at par with soil application of 30 kg K2O ha-1. With regard to different foliar sprays tried, foliar application of 1% KH2PO4 at flowering and pod development stages recorded higher growth parameters, yield attributes, seed and haulm yields, protein content and economic returns of blackgram, which was statistically on par with foliar application of 1% KCl or 0.5% KNO3 at flowering and pod development stages. The interaction effect between soil application of potassium and foliar fertilization of potassium could not exert any significant influence on any of the parameters studied in the present investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, there is growing demand for pulses in Tamil Nadu and the government has implemented various schemes and programmes to promote cultivation. However, the evaluation and categorization of soils for pulse production is crucial in determining the suitability of land for pulse cultivation and offer improvement through the adoption of improved crop management practices. Methods: A systematic soil quality assessment survey was taken up during 2020-2022 in the major pulse growing blocks of Virudhunagar district viz., Sattur, Aruppukottai and Thiruchuli based on past ten years yield data and it was classified into three categories viz., low yielding (< 400 kg ha-1), medium (400 to 700 kg ha-1) and high yielding (>700 kg ha-1) categories. Three hundred samples were collected from these zones. Result: The positive effects of soil physical, chemical and biological qualities on the yield of pulse crops were justified through the yield data of the high yielding zone which ranged from 769 to 989 kg ha-1 with an average pulse yield of 880 kg ha-1. This may be attributed tothe favourable soil physical environment in terms of soil texture (sandy clay loam), higher mean percentage of water stable aggregates (51%) and an optimum pH of 7.52. These parameters coupled with lower bulk density (1.23 Mgm-3), optimum infiltration rate (1.76 cm hr-1) and maximum mean organic carbon status (1.38 mg kg-1) contributed to higher range of soil cation exchange capacity (28.7 to 47.2 cmol p+ kg-1). In addition, the soil respiration rate with mean respiration rate of 4.48 mg CO2 kg-1 d-1 in high yield category compared to that of 2.34 mg CO2 kg-1 d-1 in low yield category. Therefore, this study formulates a clear understanding of the variations in soil quality parameters for adopting efficient nutrient management practices towards obtaining maximum productivity of pulse crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Blackgram is an important pulse crop consumed in the form of fermented cuisines especially in south India. Yield being a complex trait, is highly influenced by environment. Studies on environmental influence on batter quality are rare. Hence, the current study was taken up to identity stable genotypes over environments with respect to yield and batter quality traits. Methods: In the present study, 32 blackgram genotypes were evaluated for yield performance and batter quality traits during kharif 2019, rabi 2019-20 and summer 2020 at National Pulses Research Centre, Vamban. Pooled analysis of variance and stability analysis was performed by AMMI and GGE biplot. Result: From stability analysis, it was evident that the genotypes, ACM BG 17-001, ACM BG 17-006 and ACM BG 18-010 expressed high mean value and stability for seed yield. In case of idly batter volume, the genotypes, ACM BG 17-001 was stable hence may be recommended for all season cultivation. The trait, vada batter volume was found to be with non-significant GxE interaction and hence do not interact with the environment. Among the environments under study, summer season was the most favourable environment for seed yield. However, for idly batter quality, kharif season was the most favourable environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Jack bean is an under-exploited legume species, a source of food, medicine and cover crop. By virtue of its adaptive nature to low fertility soils, it is one of the few pulses that grow well on highly leached, nutrient depleted, lowland tropical soils. But, in India, crop improvement work is very little done. Stability of yield is a major criterion for farmer's acceptability of any variety and there are several methods to estimate the stability and G × E interaction effects of a genotype across seasons. Among these, AMMI analysis is the most recent and widely exploited in different crops for the identification of stable genotypes. In this context, yield stability of 10 accessions of jack bean is studied to identify the stable genotypes. Methods: The experiment was conducted with 10 Jack bean genotypes in RCBD with two replications under rain fed conditions during 2017-2020 in Kharif for four seasons. The data was subjected to analysis of variance and then taken for AMMI and GGE analysis for identification of stable genotypes. Result: The combined analysis of variance revealed that there was highly significant variation (p<0.01) in grain yield and environments and genotype interaction among the genotypes. The average bean yield of the genotypes was 533.1 grams per plant. The highest and the lowest mean yield was recorded in PSR-12202 and CHMJB-02 respectively which was corroborated by the AMMI bi-plot as well. Similar to the AMMI bi-plot, the GGE bi-plot also confirmed that PSR-12202 was the stable genotype across the environments, whereas, G1, G2, G3, G4, G6, G7 and G8 were the other genotypes with low yields in some or all the environments. Kharif, 2018 and Kharif, 2020 are discriminating environments and are declared as the most representative than Kharif, 2017 and Kharif, 2019. Generally, PSR-12202 was the ideal genotype with higher mean yield and relatively good stability; G5 was the moderately good yielding genotype and the most unstable genotype; Whereas, G1, G2, G3, G4, G6, G7 and G8 were the poorly yielding and unstable genotypes. Both AMMI and GGE bi-plot are able to establish the genotypic stability and these models can be exploited for judging the genotypes for their GEI in other crops as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dolichos bean occupies a unique position among the legume vegetables of Indian origin for its high nutritive value and wider climatic adaptability. Despite its wide genetic diversity, no much effort has been undertaken towards genetic improvement of this vegetable crop. Knowledge on genetic variability is an essential pre-requisite as hybrid between two diverse parental lines generates broad spectrum of variability in segregating population. The current study aims to assess the genetic diversity in dolichos genotypes to make an effective selection for yield improvement. Methods: Twenty genotypes collected from different regions were evaluated during year 2016-17 and 2017-18. Data on twelve quantitative traits was analysed using principal component analysis and single linkage cluster analysis for estimation of genetic diversity. Result: Principal component analysis revealed that first five principal components possessed Eigen value > 1, cumulatively contributed > 82.53% of total variability. The characters positively contributing towards PC-I to PC-V may be considered for dolichos improvement programme as they are major traits involved in genetic variation of pod yield. All genotypes were grouped into three clusters showing non parallelism between geographic and genetic diversity. Cluster-I was best for earliness and number of cluster/plant. Cluster-II for vine length, per cent fruit set, pod length, pod width, pod weight and number of seed/pod, cluster III for number of pods/cluster and pod yield/plant. Selection of parent genotypes from divergent cluster and component having more than one positive trait of interest for hybridization is likely to give better progenies for development of high yielding varieties in Dolichos bean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mungbean is an ancient pulse crop widely cultivated under different agro-ecological situations in India. It is the potential source of protein, essential minerals and vitamin-B (vitamin-C in sprouting grains). Pulses offer an alternative for diversification of agricultural system but poor yield renders them poor competitors of cereals, oilseeds and cash crops. So it is necessary to screen and identify phenotypically stable genotypes which could perform more or less uniformly under different conditions. The current study aimed to identify the high potential stable genotype and appropriate sowing time for mungbean cultivation in hot arid zone of Rajasthan. Methods: A field experiment was conducted with 35 mungbean genotypes over four environments created by four different dates of sowing in RBD with three replications at SKRAU, Bikaner during summer-2019 and Kharif-2019 using the model of Eberhart and Russell (1966). Result: Stability parameters revealed that genotype IC-39269 exhibited stable performance for number of seeds per pod, biological yield per plant and harvest index across the environments; whereas, IPM 02-3, MH 2-15 and RMG-344 exhibited stable performance for seed yield under favourable environment i.e. Kharif season and genotype IC 103059 for stressed environment i.e. summer season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The production of pulses recorded a negative growth rate due to stagnation in expansion of pulse growing area and very slow progress in the improvement of productivity of important pulses. Therefore, there is urgent need to increase the area under pulse crops by promoting them into new areas and seasons. Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] is third most important pulse crop both in acreage and production in India and hence, identification of high yielding dual season (kharif and summer) stable blackgram genotypes is very crucial for horizontal expansion of crop, which in turn leading to increased production. The present study was thus envisaged to identify stable, high yielding dual season (kharif and summer) genotypes. Methods: Twenty-five blackgram genotypes were evaluated at three different locations during kharif and summer seasons to identify high yielding, stable and suitable for dual season. The data obtained from six environments was subjected to stability analysis as per Eberhart and Russell (1966). Result: Analysis of variance for stability revealed that variance due to genotypes, environment and environment + (genotype × environment) were highly significant for all the characters. The genotypes viz., TRCRU-136, BDU-20, BDU-18, AKU-15 and TRCRU-22 were found early maturing with wider adaptability to unfavourable environments. While, BDU-18 and LBG-465 were found stable in expression with high mean performance across the six environments for 100-seed weight. From the present study, six promising stable genotypes viz., BDU-17, TRCRU-22, BDU-18, TRCRU-339, TRCRU-18 and IC 436778 were identified for cultivation during kharif as well as summer seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek], commonly recognized as green gram, is the most significant and advanced pulse crop grown in Rajasthan. Dry root rot is one of the important diseases of mungbean caused by M. phaseolina, which is responsible for 30 to 40 per cent disease incidence with huge yield loss during seedling to mature stages. Methods: The experiments were conducted for two consecutive years during kharif 2020 and 2021 for managing the disease through organic amendments, plant extracts and bio-agents viz., Trichoderma harzianum (10 g/kg seeds), garlic extract (15%), neem cake (0.5 t/ha) and mustard cake (0.5 t/ha) alone and in combinations through seed as well as soil applications. Result: Our investigations cleared that the maximum disease reduction and highest seed yield were reported by treating the seeds with T. harzianum @10 g/kg seed + soil application of mustard cake @ 0.5 t/ha followed by seed treatment with T. harzianum @ 10 g/kg seed + soil application of neem cake @ 0.5 t/ha. In view of consumer health, present findings may be helpful for growers to get extra benefits by producing organic mungbean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lectins are carbohydrate binding proteins which perform diverse roles in plants. One important role is in plant defense. These proteins hold great potential as entomotoxic proteins as a part of integrated pest management. Methods: Lectins were purified and characterized from seeds of two legumes, Glycine max-Soybean and Lens culinaris-Lentil, employing ammonium sulfate fractionation and ion exchange chromatography. Bioefficacy of the purified lectins was evaluated against mustard aphid. Result: Lectins isolated from seeds of soybean (Glycine max agglutinin GMA-I, II) and lentil (Lens culinaris agglutinin LCA-I) were purified upto 9.30 (GMA-I), 4.60 (GMA-II) and 8.70 (LCA-I) fold, respectively. Lectin characterization revealed that soybean agglutinin and lentil agglutinin were specific towards D-Galactose and D-mannose, respectively. Insect bioassay was carried out with five different concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 µg/ml) of purified lectins of soybean and lentil against mustard aphid. The lethal concentration LC50 value for GMA-I was obtained as 32.1 µg/ml with a 95% confidential interval of 18.2 to 40.5 µg/ml and that of LCA-I was 19.1 µg/ml with a 95% confidential interval of 9.3 to 26.8 µg/ml. Lentil lectin (LCA-I) with lower LC50 value, was found to be the potential candidate for integrated pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The increasing demand for food and feed necessitates the adoption of suitable crop production practices to enhance production while ensuring sustainability and conservation of scarce natural resources under the harsh environmental conditions in arid and semiarid regions. The mixed cropping of cereals and legumes is a critical component in sustainable agricultural system with improved forage yield. In addition, forage production with improved water use efficiency is vital in arid regions with limited irrigation water resources. The study investigated the combined effect of cereal-legume (barley-alfalfa) mixed cropping and deficit irrigation on the forage growth, dry matter yield and water productivity. Methods: The experiment was conducted at the KISR Station for Research and Innovation, Kuwait. Barley was mixed cropped with alfalfa in three different seed rate combinations (1:3, 1:1, 3:1) in addition to the sole cropping of component crops under three different irrigation regimes, corresponding to full irrigation (100% ET0) and two deficit irrigation (75% and 50% ETo of full irrigation) for two growing seasons (2017-2018 and 2018-2019). Result: The barley-alfalfa mixed cropping under deficit irrigation enhanced water productivity and dry matter yield under arid environmental conditions. The plant height, number of tillers per meter square, number of nodes, dry matter yield and water productivity were significantly affected by irrigation application rates. The mixed cropping of barley and alfalfa in 1:1 followed by 1:3 seed rate ratio and sole cropping of alfalfa under 75% irrigation revealed better performance in terms of dry matter yield and water productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pigeonpea is second most important pulse crop of India after chickpea and it is necessary to identify its high yielding and stable genotypes to feed the increasing population of country. Methods: The present study was laid down in a randomized block design with three replications during kharif season of 2016-2019 at GBPUAT, Pantnagar using twenty genotypes of pigeonpea with an aim to identify the high yielding and stable genotypes. The hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) based on mean seed yield and Average of Sum of Ranks (ASR) of all measures (Parametric and nonparametric) was used in present study. Result: The pooled ANOVA revealed the presence of significant differences among genotypes, environments and G x E interaction effects. The results of hierarchical cluster analysis indicated the genotypes PA 622 (yield=1774.85 kg/ha, ASR=2.00), PA 620 (yield= 1579.92 kg/ha, ASR=2.18), UPAS 120 (yield=1268.57 kg/ha, ASR=2.87), PA 626 (yield=1571.40 kg/ha, ASR=5.56), PUSA 992 (yield= 1331.17 kg/ha, ASR=5.68) and PA 628 (yield= 1271.50 kg/ha, ASR=7.06) as most stable and high yielding and hence these genotypes can be recommended for pigeonpea improvement programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Green gram (Vigna radiata), the third most important pulse crop, is grown in tank-fed, command areas after the harvest of paddy. In such areas, legume trees like Delonix regia and Peltophorum pterocarpum are commonly found and tree parts often fell in watercourses and were flown to crop fields along with irrigation water. Hence, it is necessary to study whether any allelopathic effect is present in these parts of trees which may affect the growth and development of green gram grown in farmland crops. Methods: Collected different tree parts viz., bark, leaf and fresh flower, a matured pod of Delonix regia and Peltophorum pterocarpum, cleaned and soaked distilled water at weight/volume ratio of 1:10 for 24 hrs. Aqueous extracts were filtered and tested for inhibition of green gram. Pot culture experiments were conducted with 10 treatments and four replications. Germination (%), shoot length (cm), root length (cm), fresh weight (mg), dry weight (mg), seedling vigour index-I and vigour index-II in green gram were recorded and the magnitude of inhibition versus simulation in bioassay was compared through response index. Result: Among the plant parts, Delonix regia flower and Peltophorum pterocarpum matured pods suppressed germination (45.00 and 60.00%), shoot length (13.87 and 13.39 cm), root length (4.27 and 10.49 cm), seedling vigour index-I (624.15 and 803.40) and seedling vigour index-II (960.75 and 948.00) respectively in green gram. This might due to presence of inhibitory chemicals in flowers of Delonix regia and matured pods of Peltophorum pterocarpum compared to other plant parts of trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses. Biofertilizers, a low cost input, help in increasing the crop productivity by way of biological nitrogen fixation, increased availability or uptake of nutrients through solubilization or increased stimulation of plant growth through the synthesis of growth promoting substances such as indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellins, auxins, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide and siderophore production. Furthermore, biofertilizer inoculation helps to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. These are environmentally friendly and play a significant role in boosting the pulse crop production. In this review paper, literature regarding different types of biofertilizers and their effect on different pulse crops has been studied. The effect of application of biofertilizer inoculation on biological nitrogen fixation, growth, symbiotic traits, productivity, quality, soil fertility, residual effect and economic benefit has been reviewed and summarized under different headings. Application of biofertilizers increases the plant growth, symbiotic traits (nodule number, nodule weight) and grain yield over no inoculation in different pulse crops without producing any adverse effect on the environment. Moreover, seed inoculation with biofertilizers provides economic benefits over without inoculation. Furthermore, single or dual inoculations of biofertilzers improve the nutrient status of soil and ultimately increase the nutrient uptake by crop along with improvement in protein content. Seed inoculation with biofertilizers also increases organic carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium and microbial count in the soil after the crop harvest over un-inoculated control. The nitrogen amounts fixed as a result of inoculation leave a net positive N balance in the soil. Thereby, biofertilizers inoculation helps in achieving higher profits while maintaining the agricultural sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Marginal land is dry land which has limited nutrient content so it has relatively low productivity. The development of marginal land use can be optimized with an ecosystem approach strategy through improving soil fertility. Planting leguminous plant species that can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere can increase soil fertility. Methods: This research was conducted to determine the ability of plants (A = Corn; B = Peanuts; C = Green Beans; D = Soybeans) to increase soil fertility and plant productivity. The experiment was designed in a randomized block design consisting of four treatments, each treatment was repeated four times. Soil fertility analysis was carried out before planting (pH, Carbon (%), Nitogen (%) and C/N) and after planting [pH, Carbon (%), Nitogen (%) and C/N]. Productivity [straw (kg/ha), seeds (kg/ha] and effective nodules. Result: The experimental results showed that the planting of legumes had a significant effect on increasing soil fertility and forage productivity, nodulation but lower legume seed production compared to maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the important cereal crop and its demand is increasing due to its versatile use but the productivity in India is still low. The basic requirement for improving the crop productivity is soil fertility and it is highly related with soil organic matter. Due to unavailability of organic manure and their higher cost, cheaper the organic source available at farm should be explored to meet the requirement. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at College Agronomy Farm, B.A. College of Agriculture, AAU, Anand during summerkharif seasons of years 2017 and 2018 to examine the impact of legume crop residue and nitrogen levels on maize crop. Experiment comprised of three legume crops grown in summer season viz., green gram, groundnut and cluster bean, two residue management treatments viz., residue removal and incorporation and three nitrogen levels in kharif maize viz., 100%, 75% and 50% recommended dose of nitrogen. Result: Results indicated that cluster bean-maize sequence provided the highest leaf area and leaf area index at 60 days after sowing, chlorophyll content and dry matter production at 30 and 60 days after sowing and crop growth rate for of maize crop. Incorporation of legume residues also had significant effect on plant height, dry matter production and chlorophyll content; leaf area and leaf area index at 60 days after sowing and crop growth rate and absolute growth rate of maize crop. Application of 100% RDN beneficially affected all the growth parameter and indices. Overall, summer legume cropping with their residue incorporation and higher nitrogen levels favourably impacts on various growth parameters and growth indices of maize crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Greengram Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek, is an important legume crop that serves as a low-cost source of protein. The bruchid (Callosobruchus spp.) is a serious storage pest affecting greengram and other pulse crops. Thus, a study was designed to investigate bruchid resistance (Callosobruchus chinensis) in inter sub-specific derived lines of greengram and to identify chemical compounds responsible for resistance. Methods: The experimental material comprised of 200 inter sub-specific derived lines of F9 generation of VBN (Gg) 2 (susceptible to bruchid) x Vigna radiata var. sublobata/2 (resistant to bruchid) and a susceptible check variety. The bruchid screening experiment was carried out in completely randomized design and replicated twice with 50 seeds in each replication by adopting no choice test. Out of 200 lines evaluated for bruchid screening, seed damage due to bruchid was less than 20 per cent in 11 lines, identified as resistant. However, three resistant lines viz., GGISC 124, GGISC 140 and GGISC 150 were taken for further confirmation for bruchid resistance and GC-MS analysis to discover the chemical compounds conferring resistance (Clarus SQ 8C, Perkin Elmer). Result: In confirmation screening, seed damage due to bruchid (Callosobruchus chinensis) on 30th day was less than 20 per cent in three inter sub-specific lines viz., GGISC 124, GGISC 150 (17.00%) and GGISC 140 (18.00%), whereas the susceptible check [VBN (Gg) 2] reached 100 per cent adult emergence. The three inter sub-specific lines recorded susceptibility index of 0.046 (GGISC 124), 0.047 (GGISC 140) and 0.048 (GGISC 150) and classified as resistant. The susceptible check [VBN (Gg) 2] recorded the susceptibility index of 0.085. GC-MS study was carried out in resistant lines GGISC 124, GGISC 140, GGISC 150 and susceptible check VBN (Gg) 2. The results revealed that the existence of three compounds viz., 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester; Hexadecanoic acid, 1- (hydroxymethyl)-1, 2-ethanediyl ester and Hexadecanoic acid, 2-oxiranyl methyl ester in resistant lines conferred resistance against C. chinensis in greengram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Legume crops are an essential component of global agriculture and are widely supplied for human consumption, livestock feed and soil improvement due to their vital nutritional nature. The economic and nutritional significance of legumes is threatened by a multitude of diseases that can cause substantial yield losses. Traditional methods for disease detection, relying on visual inspection, are often subjective and inefficient, leading to delayed intervention. Methods: This study investigates the utilization of machine learning algorithms for the early identification of diseases affecting legume crops. A comprehensive evaluation is conducted on machine learning algorithms, namely Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) with respect to the domain of disease detection. Through a comparative analysis of their performance across different environmental conditions and phases of crop development, this study also explores their strengths and weaknesses. Result: The findings and comparative examination offered significant perspectives on the potential of machine learning algorithms in the realm of early legume crop disease detection. In addition to enhancing crop health and disease management, the research provides support for sustainable agricultural practices and possesses the capacity to augment environmental sustainability and food security through the application of machine learning techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chickpea is a second most important pulse crop grown in 56 countries and India rank first in production which shares 61.4% of the total world chickpea production however, productivity is very low as compared to other countries. Therefore, varietal development with inherent tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress is the prime objective to improve component productivity traits to get better yield in rainfed agro-climatic conditions. Methods: Ninety germplasm accessions of chickpea along with four check viz., JG 14, JG 16, JAKI 9218 and Radhey were evaluated in augmented block design at experimental research farm of Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India. Phenotypic data were subjected to study the genetic parameters and association analysis of yield and its component traits using SPAR 2.0 Package and Windostat Version 9.2. Result: The significant variation was observed for all the traits except number of secondary branches, number of pod per plant, number of seeds per pod among the genotypes. The maximum GCV and PCV was observed for height of first pod (35.28 and 39.29), followed by seed yield per plant (29.77 and 40.32) and number of primary branches (25.63 and 31.44). The high magnitude of heritability with genetic advance was estimated for seed index (96.61%), while the high genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for first pod height (65.27%). The positive and significant association of seed yield with number of pods per plant, seed index, number of seeds per pod, number of secondary branches, number of primary branches and height of first pod indicating the importance of these traits in selection criteria. Path analysis identified that number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plants, seed index and number of secondary branches per plant as highly desirable component for direct effect on seed yield per plant. The genotypes ICVT-181106 had highest selection indices for seed yield followed by ICVT-181107, PUSA-1053, JG-218, GNG-1999, ICVT-181102 and HC-5. Therefore, high GCV and PCV, significant positive direct and indirect correlation and high estimate of selection indices for grain yield can be directly and indirectly used for chickpea breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bundelkhand region of India is primarily agrarian, vulnerable to natural calamities with low levels of industrialization and urbanization. Poor crop productivity, declining and irregular rainfall pattern and poor income levels make livelihood uncertain in the region. Pulse crops assume a special significance to the farm economy in Bundelkhand region as well as daily diets of local habitants. Chickpea, lentil, field pea, urdbean, mungbean and pigeon pea are the major pulse crops cultivated in the region. Data from Department of economics and statistics, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, New Delhi and the studies on pulses development of Bundelkhand region of India were analyzed. Pulses account for 32% of total agriculture produce and occupy about 33.6% of gross cropped area in the region. However, decline in area coverage of pulses has been observed in the region, in contrast to overall increase in gross cropped area in the region. The paper discusses about the various challenges confronting pulses cultivation in the region along with the possible intervention points for bringing out an enhanced pulse production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to distinct agro-climatic, geological and edaphic characters in hilly region of Uttarakhand owing the large genetic diversity of crop species, vegetation and indigenously developed land races. Due to less water and other external inputs requirement traditional legume crops are well suited to rainfed condition of hilly region of Uttarakhand. These traditional legume crops are rich in taste, odour, colour, nutritional values, medicinal and soil fertility enhancement characteristics. But due to increased population pressure, changed food habit, lack of innovative agricultural technology, environment conservation policies and increased market forces a shift from traditional to modern intensive agriculture system during the past few decades resulted in decline in area and production of traditional legume crops. For increasing the area and production (61.18 thousand ha and 53.63 thousand ton) of traditional legume crops, a suitable long-term strategies and management practices for strengthening the distribution facilities for produce and availability of market for conservation of traditional legume crops needs to be worked out in the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Blackgram is an important pulse crop grown in India. The creation of new variability through hybridization or mutation breeding will produce novel segregants for important yield attributing traits. The selection from the population will be effective if the traits have good genetic variability estimates. Methods: The present investigation was conducted on analysing genetic variability parameters in F2 populations of the blackgram crosses CO 5 × VBN 9 and CO 6 × VBN 11 which were evaluated during rabi, 2022. Result: Based on the coefficient of variations, it was found that sufficient amount of genetic variability and high to moderate heritability with high genetic advance were present in the populations for the traits viz., plant height, number of branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per cluster, number of pods per plant and seed yield per plant indicates the presence of additive gene action which can be improved by simple selection in the earlier generations. The positive skewness was observed for the traits viz., number of branches per plant, number of pods per cluster, number of pods per plant, hundred seed weight and seed yield per plant in F2 population of CO 5 × VBN 9 and number of clusters per plant, number of pods per cluster, number of pods per plant and seed yield per plant in the F2 population of CO 6 × VBN 11. The above traits could be improved by intensive selection for rapid improvement. The leptokurtic nature of the distribution for the trait hundred seed weight in CO 5 × VBN 9 population and the traits viz., number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod and seed yield per plant in CO 6 × VBN 11 population indicates that these traits are controlled by few minor genes. Hence, the good segregants could be selected from these two populations for yield improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The importance of grain legumes in world food sustainability cannot be overemphasized. Minor legumes on the other hand, contribute to agricultural strengthening, especially in the context of sustainable crop and livestock production systems. In the context of assessing different legume species for crop improvement and identification, twenty (20) accessions of Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet collected to determine the degree of trait variability and to identify accessions with potentials, which can contribute to grain and forage production. Methods: The present study involved the evaluation of twenty (20) accessions of Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet from IITA, Ibadan. The accessions were grown in the experimental plot and DNA from young and healthy leaves were isolated for determination of genetic diversity using ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcL). The accessions were also categorized into groups based on the performances and the highest discriminating traits that accounted for greater variability using principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) respectively. Result: Cluster analysis grouped all the twenty accessions into three clusters, where cluster I, cluster II and cluster III comprised of eight, seven and five accessions respectively. The PCA revealed hundred seed-weights, number of pod per plant and seed length as the most discriminating trait that accounted for greater variability in the lablab accessions considered and they should be considered in the hyacinth bean improvement programs. Based on diverse level of phenotypic traits, accessions from each cluster were selected for barcode identification and comparison with other cultivars from other region. Results of the molecular analysis showed two clusters and authenticated the use of universal primers, ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcL) for DNA barcoding for successful amplification, identification and discrimination of Lablab purpureus (L). This revealed diversity of the considered accessions and provided information on relatedness to other accessions from other region of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulses constitute the major source of dietary protein; therefore, it has ability to fulfil required protein recommended dietary allowance for vegetarian population of India. Pulse crop attack more than 200 insect pests and inflicting heavy damages at different growth stages that lead to significant economic losses to the farmers. The studies were conducted on green gram to find out the effective control measure of different crop stages against insect pests complex in green gram. Methods: The field experiment was laid out in a randomized block design and the consist 12 treatments with seed treatment and foliar sprays of insecticides at 50 per cent flowering stages then these treatments were replicated thrice at both years 2017 and 2018. Result: The experiments concluded that the reduction of sucking pests population like thrips, jassid and whitefly and larval population of Maruca vitrata and Helicoverpa armigera was found in seed treated with imidacloprid 48 FS and spray of flubendiamide at 50 per cent flowering stage in green gram with Rs. 10,678 net profit and 1:1.42 cost-benefit ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pigeonpea is the major pulse crop of India. In reproductive stage pigeonpea is exposed to biotic pests causing damage to flowers, pods and grains. Pod bugs, Clavigralla gibbosa Spinola are one of the major biotic constraints in reducing productivity of pigeonpea. Nymphs and adults suck the sap from pods and cause loss of seed yield. Chemical residues will remain in the grains affecting health of the consumer. Eco-friendly molecules are best alternatives to manage pod bugs. Methods: Efficacy test of biopesticides viz., Lecanicillium lecanii, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, NSKE 5%, Neemazol 1% and Sasyarakshak against C. gibbosa was conducted in pigeonpea during Kharif 2017-18 and 2018-19 at Agricultural Research Station, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India under field conditions with seven treatments including control in three replications. Two sprays were taken at tender pod stage and population was recorded. Pod damage and grain damage was assessed at harvest. Result: NSKE 5% was superior in reducing pod bug population, pod damage and grain damage followed by L. lecanii and neemazol 1%. M. anisopliae was found to be ineffective in reducing the population, pod damage and grain damage. The average grain yield of 1229.10 kg/ha was highest in NSKE 5% followed by L. lecanii (1223.48 kg/ha) and neemazol 1% (1199.53 kg/ha). The B:C was 2.45 in NSKE 5% and 2.43 in L. lecanii were higher than other treatments. Therefore, these two biopesticides can be used for effective management of pod bug in pigeonpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]