Journal of Farm Sciences

Trait dynamics through association and path analysis across temperature regimes in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

A. N. GAGAN NARAYAN — 2024-12-30

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important food legume, grown across more than fifty countries in the world. There has been constant improvement on the yield levels of the crop, however, its yield potential is constrained by several stresses including heat, particularly during flowering and pod development. This study aimed to assess the trait dynamics through character associations along with direct and indirect effects of independent traits on yield under timely sown and late sown conditions. Forty genotypes were evaluated under two sowing regimes viz., timely sown (October) and late sown (January). Under timely sown condition, seed yield per plant had significantly positive correlation with number of pods per plant (0.734), plant biomass (0.684), total chlorophyll content (0.737), pollen viability (0.402) and canopy temperature depression (0.578). Path coefficient analysis indicated that plant biomass (0.2840) and number of pods per plant had the higher direct contributions to seed yield per plant. On the other hand, negative correlations were noted with days to maturity (-0.238) and plant height (-0.422). In the late sown condition, seed yield per plant showed significant positive correlation with pollen viability (0.686), number of pods per plant (0.757), canopy temperature depression (0.682), plant biomass (0.936) and total chlorophyll content (0.611) while Path analysis revealed substantial direct effect (0.3409) of plant biomass on yield, whereas days to fifty per cent flowering (-0.407), days to maturity (-0.625) and plant height (-0.361) had negative associations. These results highlight the critical role of key traits across different temperature regimes, with plant biomass and number of pods per plant contributing significantly under normal conditions, while pollen viability, canopy temperature depression and biomass were pivotal under heat stress in buffering productivity. The knowledge on such aspects might be very useful in breeding programmes aimed at climate resilience towards making informed and précised decisions.

Identification of promising transgressive segregants and trait association analysis in field pea (Pisum sativum L.)

SURYA CHARAN — 2024-12-30

Field pea (Pisum sativum L. var. arvense, 2n=14) is amongst the most important legume crops of India, belonging to family Fabaceae. In changing climatic conditions, the crop suffers from various abiotic and biotic stresses. Developing high yielding early genotypes is essential both for avoiding terminal stage stresses and also to suit for late sown conditions. The progenies derived from crossing contrasting parental lines with respect to flowering time and maturity, were evaluated for various morpho-phenological and productivity traits. The superior transgressive segregants for flowering and maturity of different classes were isolated. Among 315 progenies evaluated, 44 were early flowering and early maturity while 13 were late flowering with early maturity. Out of these, 21 segregants were better than best parent for productivity. Understanding the trait association not only helps to establish relationship among the traits but also to formulate selection indices. Trait associations among morpho-phenological and productivity traits through correlation coefficient analysis was carried out for 315 F3 progeny families. Seed yield per plant had positive significant correlation with number of pods per plant (0.82), hundred seed weight (0.44), number of seeds per pod (0.39), pod length (0.37), plant height (0.28), number of primary branches per plant (0.19) and number of pods per axil (0.15) while negative non-significant correlation with days to fifty per cent flowering (-0.10) and positive non-significant correlation with days to maturity (0.04). The phenological trait, days to maturity exhibited positive significant correlation with days to fifty per cent flowering (0.55), plant height (0.48), number of primary branches per plant (0.28), number of pods per axil (0.15), number of pods per plant (0.12) and pod length (0.12). The study revealed significant positive association of seed yield per plant with yield component traits, number of pods per plant, hundred seed weight and number of seeds per pod implying the importance of these traits while formulating selection criteria/index. The population is intended to isolate the transgressive segregants showing early maturity without significant compromise for yield and several such promising progeny families with varying maturity coupled with high productivity have been identified.

Eco-friendly management of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) in fodder maize

S. R. GANAVI — 2024-12-30

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E.Smith) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) is a highly destructive invasive insect pest and has become a serious pest on maize across India and other countries. It causes immense damage to leaf, so in order to manage this pest and to overcome health, environmental and resistance related problems due to indiscriminate use of insecticides effective and sustainable pest control eco-friendly approaches are tested here. Among the selected ecofriendly approaches Metarhizium. rileyi recorded least larval population with corresponding 51.35 and 60.60 per cent reduction over control in larval population during first and second spray, respectively and with least leaf damage of 27.92 per cent. This stood effective and superior to all the treatments in the trail. This was followed by Azadirachtin 3000 ppm, B. bassiana and pongamia oil. Comparatively lesser effectiveness was recorded in the treatment of sand and lime while highest larval population and leaf damage was recorded in untreated check.

Population dynamics of insect pests associated with broccoli, Brassica oleracea var italica L. during rabi

SIDDAMMA . — 2024-12-30

Studies on the population dynamics of major insect pests on broccoli was conducted at Saidapur farm, Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad during rabi 2022-23. The results revealed that the peak population of Spodoptera litura Fabricius was noticed during 52nd Standard Meteorological Week with population of 4.54 larvae per plant, Plutella xylostella Linnaeus reached its peak level during 2nd SMW (2nd week of January) with population of 4.31larvae per plant. The population of Trichoplusia ni Hubner and Helicoverpa armigera Hubner population were less predominant and reached their peak population of 1.82 and 1.68 larvae per plant, respectively. Myzus persicae Sulzer was persisted throughout the cropping period with maximum population (4.91/cm2) during 52nd SMW. Correlation of insect pests of broccoli with weather parameters resulted that aphid’s population was positively correlated (r=0.688) and defoliators like S. litura (r=-0.355) and P. xylostella (r=-0.123) were negatively correlated with maximum temperature.

Survey on insect pests of brinjal and their natural enemies in Haveri and Dharwad districts of Karnataka

K. S. MANOJ — 2024-12-30

The extensive roving survey was carried out at monthly intervals during rabi 2022-23 in Haveri and Dharwad districts of Karnataka to know the status of major insect pests and natural enemies occurring in brinjal crop. The results revealed an occurrence of six insect pest species and four natural enemies on brinjal crop. Among the insect pests, shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee; whitefly, Bemicia tabaci (Gennadius); leafhopper, Amarasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida) and aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover were found major insect pests that inflicted the significant damage to the crop. Among natural enemies, coccinellids (Coccinella transversalis F., Cheilomenes sexmaculata F. and Illeis cincta F.), green lacewing, Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi and spider fauna (Neoscona theisi Walckenaer and Mecaphesa sp.) and were major predatory fauna and Hymenopteran parasitoids, Tarthala flavoorbitalis (Cameron) and Bracon sp were recorded on brinjal. Amongst the various stages examined, the reproductive stage exhibited the highest incidence of all sucking pests when compared to the vegetative stage and the Dharwad district exhibited a higher prevalence of insect pests (sucking pests and shoot and fruit borer) and predatory population compared to the Haveri district in both vegetative and reproductive stage of the crop.

Evaluation of different management modules against fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) on fodder maize

B. S. SAHANA — 2024-12-30

The present study was conducted at the Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI), Southern Regional Research Station (SRRS), Dharwad, Karnataka, during the kharif season of 2023 to evaluate various management modules against fall armyworm.The findings indicated that all tested modules significantly out performed the untreated check, demonstrating lower larval counts, reduced leaf damage and increased yields of both green and dry fodder. Among the modules, the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach was found to be more effective than the bio-intensive module but less effective than the sole chemical control module. However, due to the potential risks associated with pesticide residues from the chemical module, which can adversely impact both animal and human health, its use is discouraged. The study recommends the adoption of the IPM module as a beneficial and environmentally safe alternative for farmers managing fall armyworm in fodder crops.

An update of mirid bug infestation in Bt cotton fields of Haveri and Dharwad districts of Karnataka, India

V. V. MAMATHA — 2024-12-30

Mirid bugs are important sucking insect pests of Bt cotton ecosystem in Karnataka. The substantial symptoms and damage inflicted by mirid bugs leads to significant economic losses to the cotton crop. To have an updated understanding about the pest, roving field surveys were conducted during 2023-24 in cotton ecosystem of Haveri (Ranebennur, Haveri, Bydagi, Savanur) and Dharwad (Dharwad, Hubballi, Kalaghatagi) districts, of Karnataka. The highest number of mirid bug incidence, square shedding, boll shedding, parrot beaked bolls and bolls with scars were noted in Haveri district (5.10 ± 2.52 bugs/ 5 squares), (1.90± 1.67 squares/plant), (1.54± 0.38 bolls/plant), (3.14± 0.75 bolls/plant) and (4.37± 0.52 bolls/ plant), respectively. However, the incidence of the pest in Dharwad district found significantly lower than the Haveri district (3.88±2.02 bugs/ 5 squares), (1.02±0.82 squares/plant), (0.89±0.29 bolls/plant), (2.38 ± 0.13 bolls/plant) and (3.07± 0.53 bolls/plant). Among different taluks, Haveri taluk cotton fields exhibited the highest incidence, followed by Byadagi and the lowest incidence was observed in Kalghatagi taluk. Across various cotton cultivars, the highest mirid bug incidence and associated damage was recorded in BGII cotton hybrid MRC-7351, while the lowest in US-7067. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted pest management strategies in cotton ecosystems to mitigate mirid bug incidence effectively.

Status of major insect pests of guava in Dharwad and Gadag districts of Karnataka

K. S. KRUTHIKA — 2024-12-30

To study the insect abundance, a roving survey was carried out during July- December 2023 in major guava growing areas of Dharwad and Gadag districts of Karnataka at monthly interval. During the roving survey conducted in two districts, the major pest species which includes tea mosquito bug, Helopeltis antonii; mealy bug, Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell); spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus (Russel); and fruit fly, Bactocera correcta were majorly documented. Also identified some of the natural enemies that play a vital role in mitigating the population of these pests. The result of the experiment showed that highest infestation of all the insect pests (sucking pests and fruit fly) were recorded in Gadag district compared to Dharwad district except for tea mosquito bug showing maximum incidence in Dharwad district.

Identification of potential resistant genotypes against defoliators in soybean

DIVYA . — 2024-12-30

Investigation was carried out at the All India Co-ordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Soybean, Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during kharif 2023. Among 22 soybean genotypes screened for the resistance against defoliators including Spodoptera litura (Fab.), Thysanoplusia orichalcea (Fab.) and Spilarctia obliqua (Walk.) the genotype SL 1311 was found to be a superior over rest of genotypes with least per cent defoliation (12.07) and categorized as highly resistant. It was followed by genotypes VLS 108 and AMS 2021-3 with comparatively least per cent defoliation (16.52 and 16.80%, respectively) and was classified as resistant. Moderately resistant genotypes included Himso 1696, DSb 40, NRC 258 and AS 34. Genotypes KDS 1203, NRCSL 5, MACS 1756, JS 24-34, MAUS 824, KDS 1188 and Pusa Nipani 433 were categorized as least resistant. Genotypes NRC 257, RSC 1172, MAUS 814 and DSb 39 were susceptible. Furthermore, the genotypes NRC 259, NRC 260, AMS 2021-4 and JS 335 showed the most severe levels of defoliation (33.03, 32.42, 32.41 and 34.41%, respectively) and categorized as highly susceptible. Correlation studies revealed that biophysical traits such as thicker leaves and higher trichome density were linked to greater resistance and reducing rate of defoliation.

Survey for severity of anthracnose disease of dolichos bean in major growing areas of Karnataka

H. MALLESH NAIK — 2024-12-30

Dolichos bean is an important pulse-cum-vegetable crop. Karnataka only contributes about 90 per cent of both area and production of Dolichos in India. It is an important crop when considering food, nutritional and economic security for poor and marginal farmers, ecosystem stability, climate change resilience and cultural diversity for local food habits. Dolichos beans are prone to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Among several diseases affecting dolichos bean, anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc. & Magn.) is an important disease throughout the world including India. A roving survey was conducted for the severity of anthracnose in major dolichos bean-growing regions of Karnataka during the kharif and rabi seasons of 2022. Out of eight districts surveyed, Kalaburagi district had the highest mean disease incidence of 37.92 per cent. The most affected villages in this district were Madanhipparaga and Srirampura, where Ashoka and Selection-D varieties recorded a disease incidence (PDI) of 51.1 and 40.0 per cent, respectively at pod setting stage. Keribosga and Bhimalli villages, where the Riya (D-14) variety was grown at the flowering stage had lower PDI of 33.3 and 27.3 per cent, respectively. In the Dharwad district, Malligwad and Garaga villages had moderate PDI of 38.8 and 30.0 per cent, respectively on the HA-4 variety at the pod setting stage. In contrast, the Bidar and Chikkamagaluru districts had the minimum mean disease incidence of 9.4 per cent on VNR and HA-4 varieties at the flowering stage, respectively.

Prevalence and population dynamics of whitefly transmitting horsegram yellow mosaic disease in northern Karnataka

SONAM R. PINJAR — 2024-12-30

Horsegram (Macrotyloma uniûorum (Lam.) Verdc.) is an underutilized multi-purpose legume crop with inherent stress tolerance, high seed protein, dietary fibre, micronutrients and nutraceutical properties. Yellow Mosaic Disease (YMD) poses a significant challenge to horsegram production in India, potentially resulting in complete yield loss. Accordingly, fixed plot survey for incidence of YMD in horsegram across northern parts of Karnataka during summer 2023-24 and population dynamics of whitefly transmitting YMD in horsegram at Dharwad was carried out. Survey indicated the present status of YMD of horsegram in four districts of northern parts of Karnataka during summer 2023-24. Highest disease incidence was observed in Agricultural Research Station, Bailhongal (48.72%), followed by Regional Agricultural Research Station, Vijayapura (40.18%), Main Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad (35.98%) and least disease incidence was observed in Agricultural Research Station, Bagalkot (20.47%). The whitefly population was highest during 11th and 10th Standard Meteorological Weeks (SMWs), with mean values of 81.2 and 70.3, respectively. The whitefly population buildup showed significant positive correlation with temperature and sunshine duration and negative correlation with relative humidity and rainfall. The whitefly population increased with the rise of maximum temperature and decline of rainfall.

Economic effectiveness of different management practices for the control of sugarcane root grub

SHREESHAIL HANJAGI — 2024-12-30

The primary objective of this study focuses on the economic effectiveness of various management practices for the control of sugarcane root grub. For the study we have selected Vijayapura district purposively and for the identification of sample snow ball techniques was employed. The study revealed that the farmers who have adopted cultural methods incurred an additional cost of `1,310 and added returns of `21,284. Farmers who have adopted mechanical method incurred an additional cost of `593 and realized additional returns of `17,211. The farmers who used Metarizhium anisopliae incurred an additional cost of `859 and added returns of `17695. Farmers who have adopted integrated approach incurred an additional cost of `7845 and realized additional returns of `43420. The study also revealed that during the management of root grub farmers were faced numerous problems especially non-availability of resistant varieties and unawareness about IPM.

A study on influencing factors and constraints for natural farming in Belagavi District

S. P. AISHWARYA — 2024-12-30

The present study was conducted to determine the factors influencing adoption and non-adoption of natural farming and constraints in practicing natural farming in the study area. The study was conducted during the agricultural year 2023-24. The multi-stage purposive random sampling technique was adopted to select natural farming farmers in the study district. The study was purely based on primary data related to both factors influencing adoption, non-adoption and production constraints in natural farming, were identified based on the opinion survey from 60 sample respondents. For determination of factors descriptive statistics, was used in this method farmers were asked to rank them based on the frequency of occurrence and Garett’s ranking technique was used to evaluate the problems encountered by respondents in the study area. In this method, the farmers were asked to rank the given constraint according to the magnitude of the problem. In Belagavi district, in adoption of natural farming low cost, improved yields, increase in soil fertility, assured premium price, small holdings, benefits from government schemes and less credit requirement were the major factors and high labour requirement, initial low yields, no assured market, laborious and costly certification process, lack of awareness, no standardized procedure for preparation of inputs and pest and disease control were difficult were the major nonadoption factors. The major production constraints in practicing natural farming were non-availability of specialized market followed by labour intensive, non-remunerative prices for produce, low yields in initial level, lack of adequate information, difficulty in control of pest and diseases and limited and irregular power supply.

Effect of electrostatic field on enhancing seed quality parameters of chilli (Capsicum annum L.)

NABA FATHIMA — 2024-12-30

Chilli (Capsicum annum), a vital spice and vegetable crop in Indian cuisine, offers numerous health benefits hidden in its seeds. However, seed quality often suffers due to harsh post-harvest handling and storage. To mitigate these losses, seed enhancement techniques are employed, with physical seed treatment being particularly favoured for its cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and environmental safety. This paper presents an experiment conducted in 2023 at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, UAS, Dharwad, Karnataka. Chilli cv (Rudra) seeds with a minimum germination standard of 60% and medium to low vigor were subjected to pre-sowing electrostatic field treatment at five different power capacities and two exposure durations, along with an untreated control group. The results showed a steady increase in seed germination with higher power capacities, peaking at 91% germination at 5 kV for 90 seconds, compared to an initial 63%. Seedling vigor indices, mean seedling length, and seedling dry weight were all highest at 5 kV for 90 seconds. All parameters showed improvement with increased power capacity compared to untreated seeds. Additionally, the percentage of diseased and abnormal seeds decreased with higher power treatments. The most effective treatment was found to be 5 kV for 60 to 90 seconds, improving seed germination by 31%, making the seeds more cost-effective and reliable

Seed germination studies in endemic, medicinal plant-Achyranthes coynei Santapau

VASANTHA C. LAMANI — 2024-12-30

Achyranthes coynei (family Amaranthaceae) is a perennial shrub reported to be a rare medicinal and endemic plant species from India. Locally it is known as “Kempu Uttarani”. Different parts of the plant were used to treat variety of disorders by traditional practitioners. The species is reported to contains triterpenoids which are known for anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the seed germination under different pre sowing treatments. Total ten pre sowing treatments were used to check the effect on Achyranthes coynei seed germination collected from Belagavi and Dharwad districts. The germination parameters were noted along with growth attributes. The seeds of the species show germination of 79.33 per cent in control. The maximum germination percentage (91.00%) and mean daily germination (7.58) were recorded in the seeds treated with 25 ppm gibberellic acid (GA3). The maximum peak value (14.67) and germination value (106.09) were recorded in the seeds treated with 1 percent Potassium nitrate (KNO3). Hot water treatment at 100°C for 2 minutes resulted in no germination in Achyranthes Coynei. The study suggests that treatments with GA3 (25 ppm) and 1 per cent KNO3 are the most effective in improving germination percentage and seedling vigor. Conversely, hot water at 100°C, are detrimental to seed viability. Chilled water treatment and higher concentrations of KNO3 and GA3 show less pronounced benefits, highlighting the importance of optimizing treatment conditions for the best germination outcomes.

Study of fruit morphometric traits from Syzygium malaccense

K. S. NIKHIL — 2024-12-30

Syzygium malaccense L. (Myrtaceae) is a fruit bearing tree, locally known as “Jambe hannu” (Kannada) and commonly known as Malay apple. In India, the tree is distributed in southern parts reported from Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu states. These trees are grown along the boundaries of horticulture crop plantations or home gardens as a fruit species all along the tropical sites of Western Ghats. The present study was aimed to understand the variation in morphological traits of S. malaccense growth, fruit and seed parameters from 25 sites in Uttara Kannada district. The study measured tree height, girth at breast height (GBH), fruit length, width, weight, shape, and colour, as well as seed length, width, weight, and number of seeds per fruit. A total of 750 fruits from 50 trees were sampled. Tree heights ranged from 6 to 22 meters and GBH varied between 61 to 128 cm, with significant differences between sites. Fruit length ranged from 41.39 mm to 63.40 mm and fruit weight from 31.73 g to 74.20 g, showing substantial variability. Three fruit shapes were identified, viz., pyriform (96.53%), oblong (2.53%) and round (0.93%). The predominant fruit colour was white striped crimson (56.40%), followed by reddish pink (31.47%) and white (12.13%). Seed length varied between 7.30 mm to 21.32 mm, while seed weight ranged from 1.63 g to 7.33 g. The study observed single-seeded or seedless fruits in few sites. These morphological variations highlight significant diversity in S. malaccense. The results underscore the species potential for addressing nutritional security and enhancing biodiversity in tropical regions.

Effect of stump diameter and nutrient application on shoot growth attributes of Tectona grandis Linn.f.

B. L. CHETHAN — 2024-12-30

Teak is one of the most important tropical hardwood species and high-quality timber extracted from both natural forest and Plantations. The growth and development of seedlings play a crucial role in the successful establishment of tree species. Understanding the factors that influence seedling growth is important for optimizing plantation practices and ensuring the long-term sustainability of teak forests. One such factor that can significantly impact seedling growth is the diameter thickness of the stump. An experiment was conducted with the objective of studying the effect of stump diameter thickness and integrated nutrient management on the growth attributes of Tectona grandis. Experiment was conducted at Shivaram karanth forest nursery Yadaguppa village, Banavasi, Sirsi. Experiment was laid out in Factorial randomized block design with three main treatments and ten sub treatments with three replications.Results revealed that larger stump of greater than 0.9cm and the nutrient treatmentof 1gN:2gP:1gK significantly improved growth metrics such as plant height, collar diameter. The study emphasizes the importance of stump size and balanced nutrient supplementation for optimal teak growth, with larger stumps and specific nutrient treatments promoting the most robust development.This study indicates that selecting larger stumps having size more than 0.9cm and1gN:2gP:1gK/seedlings can significantly enhance the growth of Tectona grandis seedlings. These findings highlight the necessity of different nutrient management and appropriate stump selection to maximize the productivity and health of teak plantations.

Constraints faced and suggestions given by the fisher women involved in post-harvest activities of marine fisheries in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka

GADDE SRI HARSHA — 2024-12-30

The marine fisheries sector in Karnataka plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of coastal communities, where women contribute significantly in post-harvest activities. Despite their vital role, fisherwomen face numerous challenges that hinder their socio-economic advancement. The study aims to identify the constraints faced by fisherwomen involved in marine fisheries in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. A sample of 120 respondents were selected through random sampling method. Study revealed the general, employment-related, and marketing constraints faced by the fisherwomen. High debt, lack of infrastructure, seasonal employment exploitation by middlemen, educational illiteracy, lack of storage and transportation facilities were the major constraints faced by the fisherwomen. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions and policies to address these challenges, thereby enhancing the economic empowerment and wellbeing of fisherwomen in the region.

Physical properties and cooking quality of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) ready-to-eat chakli

H. THEJASWINI — 2024-12-30

Buckwheat is pseudo cereal belonging to the Polygonaceae family, highly valued for its gluten-free protein, wellbalanced amino acids and health-promoting flavonoids, making it a promising crop for the future. The main aim of the study is to evaluate physical properties and cooking quality of buckwheat chakli. The results showed that the width of buckwheat and rice chakli before and after frying varied from 52.23 to 52.77 mm and 52.29 to 52.83 mm respectively, similarly diameter of buckwheat and rice chakli before and after frying varied from 2.66 to 2.77 cm and 3.50 to 3.58 cm, respectively. Width of chakli strands in buckwheat chakli and rice chakli were varied from 5.02 to 5.09 mm and 5.52 to 5.54 mm before and after frying. The L*, a*, b* value of rice chakli and buckwheat chakli were 85.95, 32.03, 0.94 and 86.06, 31.50, 0.95, respectively. Texture was analyzed for hardness and fracture ability. Cooking parameters like water for dough preparation, dough weight, frying time, frying temperature, oil absorption and final product yield were analyzed for rice chakli and buckwheat chakli. For rice chakli and buckwheat chakli preparation70 and 80 ml water was used, frying was done for 180sec at 1830C. Absorption of oil was 75 and 79 ml in rice and buckwheat chakli, respectively. In sensory analysis buckwheat chakli has acceptability index of 91.60 per cent.

Knowledge and its relationship with characteristics of guava growers

N. HARISH — 2024-12-30

The present study was conducted in Dharwad district of Karnataka state during 2021-22. To study the profile characteristics, knowledge and its relationship with characteristics of guava growers “Ex-post facto” research design was employed. A total sample size of 120 guava growers were selected for the study. The required information was collected by using structured interview schedule and simple random sampling technique. The important findings of the study were, two fifth (40.00%) of the guava growers had medium land holding, cent per cent of them belonged to high annual income group, two fifth (40.00%) of them had 2.01 to 4.00-acre area under guava cultivation and majority (61.66%) of the guava growers belonged to low market accessibility category. Overall knowledge of recommended cultivation practices shows that nearly half (48.33%) of the guava growers belonged to medium knowledge category and 32.50 per cent belonged to high knowledge category. The correlation analysis highlighted that knowledge of recommended cultivation practices of guava was positively and significantly related with education, extension participation, extension contact, mass media exposure, economic motivation and innovativeness. Fluctuation in market prices (100.00%), high wage rates (91.67%), exploitation by middlemen (77.50%) and lack of storage facilities (66.67%) were major constraints faced by guava growers. The major suggestions expressed by guava growers were fixing of minimum support price for guava (94.16%), establishment of processing units (71.67%), creating storage facilities (61.67%) andstrengthening the marketing support by providing adequate market information (53.33%).

Factors influencing utilization of postnatal care services among postpartum mothers of Vijayanagara district, Karnataka

N. H. SUNITHA — 2024-12-30

The present study was conducted to determine the factors influencing adoption and non-adoption of naturalfarming and constraints in practicing natural farming in the study area. The study was conducted during the agricultural year2023-24. The multi-stage purposive random sampling technique was adopted to select natural farming farmers in the studydistrict. The study was purely based on primary data related to both factors influencing adoption, non-adoption andproduction constraints in natural farming, were identified based on the opinion survey from 60 sample respondents. Fordetermination of factors descriptive statistics, was used in this method farmers were asked to rank them based on thefrequency of occurrence and Garett’s ranking technique was used to evaluate the problems encountered by respondents inthe study area. In this method, the farmers were asked to rank the given constraint according to the magnitude of theproblem. In Belagavi district, in adoption of natural farming low cost, improved yields, increase in soil fertility, assuredpremium price, small holdings, benefits from government schemes and less credit requirement were the major factors andhigh labour requirement, initial low yields, no assured market, laborious and costly certification process, lack of awareness,no standardized procedure for preparation of inputs and pest and disease control were difficult were the major nonadoptionfactors. The major production constraints in practicing natural farming were non-availability of specializedmarket followed by labour intensive, non-remunerative prices for produce, low yields in initial level, lack of adequateinformation, difficulty in control of pest and diseases and limited and irregular power supply.