Journal of Farm Sciences

Effect of nano silicon on the performance of transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.)

J. DHARMATEJA — 2024-12-27

A field experiment was conducted during summer season of 2020-21 at Agricultural Research Station, Gangavathi, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka to study effect of nano silicon on the performance of transplanted rice. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design consisted of nine treatments and replicated thrice. The results revealed that application of silicon in the form of orthosilicic acid 12 per cent effervescent tablets as foliar spray @ 1.0 g lit-1 at 25, 40, and 55 days after transplanting resulted in the maximum uptake of silicon and nutrients like N, P and K. Silicon application improved the growth parameters like plant height, number of tillers plant-1, functional leaf area and dry matter production of rice in turn resulted in best partitioning of dry matter into yield components such as a more number of panicles per sqm2, more number of filled spikelets panicles-1 and higher test weight which in turn have contributed for higher grain and straw yield, gross returns, net returns and b-c ratio than no silicon control and also other silicon treatments.

Influence of different dates of sowing on growth, yield attributes and yield of different sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor L.) genotypes

VENKATESH . — 2024-12-27

A field experiment was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Vijayapura, during rabi season of 2022-23, to study the response of rabi sorghum genotypes to different dates of sowing. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (factorial concept) with three replications. There were sixteen treatment combinations, which consist of four sowing windows viz., II FN (fortnight) of September, I FN of October, II FN of October and I FN of November and four genotypes viz., M 35-1, CSV-29R, BJV-44, and SPV-2217. Significantly higher grain yield of 2620 kg ha-1 and fodder yield of 3958 kg ha-1 was recorded when sorghum was sown during I FN of October. Further, it was found on par with sorghum sown during II FN of October which recorded grain yield of 2486 kg ha-1 and fodder yield of 3811 kg ha-1. Similarly, significantly higher yield attributes viz., panicle length, panicle weight, grain weight per panicle and test weight were recorded with sorghum sown during I FN of October. Among different rabi sorghum genotypes, CSV-29R recorded significantly higher grain yield (2509 kg ha-1) and fodder yield (3796 kg ha-1) followed by M 35-1as compared to other genotypes. The interaction effect due to different dates of sowing and genotypes had significant influence on sorghum yield. The genotype CSV-29R when sown during I FN of October recorded significantly higher grain yield of 2989 kg ha-1 and fodder yield of 4395kg ha-1. Further combination of these treatments recorded significantly higher gross returns (`1,25,541 ha-1), net returns (`83,266 ha-1) and B: C (2.97) as compared to other treatments combinations.

Quantification of field survival of Pectinophora gossypiella (Sanders) in Bt cotton across India and their resistance to cry toxins through diagnostic dose assays

SHANTHALA P. KARABASALLAVAR — 2024-12-27

The survival of pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypeilla (PBW) larvae in Bt cotton bolls is a serious concern. The field scale survival and associated Bacillus thuringiensis Cry toxin resistance has been quantified across 13 locations of India during 2018-19 representing major cotton growing areas. Damage was highest in Junagadh (Gujarath) with 0.89 boll occupancy index (BOI) and 91.42% infestation. Other locations having severe incidence were Surat (Gujarath), Guntur (Andhra Pradesh) Akola (Maharashtra), Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) with BOI of 0.76, 0.72, 0.71, 0.58, respectively. With low BOI of 0.13 and 0.16 PBW field scale damage appeared to be least in Faridkot (Punjab) and Sirsa (Haryana), respectively. Further, resistance in field strains of these 13 places could also differ in degree of resistance to Cry 1Ac and Cry 2 Ab toxins. The sensitivity of PBW larvae from Junagadh was least with 62.5 ± 5.55% survival to diagnostic dose of 5 μl/mL of Cry1Ac toxin in 21 days test. The places with higher level of resistance to Cry 1Ac were Akola, Surat, Parbhani, with 55.0 ± 4.98, 50.0 ± 2.88, 52.5± 4.78 per cent PBW survival, respectively. Similarly, resistance to Cry 2 Ab toxin to diagnostic dose of 5 μl/mL diet was higher in PBW strains from Junagadh, Akola and Surat with and 55.0 ± 1.96, 52.5±1.00 and 45.0 ± 1.49 survival. Contrarily with low survival the strains of Faridkot and Sirsa appeared to be sensitive to both Cry 1 Ac and Cry 2Ab. Thus, with higher boll occupancy and lower sensitivity Central and South Indian cotton zones appeared to have alarming status and North Indian PBW strains just acquiring resistance.

Wax moth infestation levels in Indian honey bee hives at Dharwad

B. S. DHARSHAN — 2024-12-27

A study was conducted to assess the wax moth infestation under different levels of frames in Indian bee hives, from December 2023 to June 2024 at Biodiversity Park, College of Agriculture, Dharwad. Indian honey bee colonies in 8-frame hives showed a higher infestation of wax moths, while those in 6-frame hives experienced significantly lower infestation. Additionally, both 6-frame and 8-frame hive colonies had notably higher wax moth incidences during the honey bee dearth period compared to other times of the year at Dharwad location.

Bioefficacy of different insecticides on pink bollworm against Bt cotton

S. RAKHESH — 2024-12-27

The field trial for evaluation of various against cotton pink bollworm was conducted at Main Agricultural Research Station (MARS), Raichur during 2020-21. Among all the treatments, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC (150 ml/ha) sprayed plots showed significant reductions in pink bollworm larval incidence and green boll damage of 74.32 and 77.34 per cent over the untreated control, respectively. Similarly, highest seed cotton yield (16.86 q/ha) was recorded in the Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC sprayed plots with highest net returns (35327 `/ha) and B: C ratio of 1.47 followed by Emamectin benzoate sprayed plots with net returns of 26208 `/ha and B: C ratio of 1.42. Overall, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC followed by Emamectin benzoate 5 SG demonstrated effective pest control and emerged as the most economically viable option, considering its higher net returns and better B:C ratio. Hence present findings are helpful for decision making while managing pink bollworm with insecticides.

Effect of staggered sowing on shoot fly, Atherigona soccata Rondani (Muscidae: Diptera) and stem borer, Chilo partellus Swinhoe (Crambidae: Lepidoptera) in parching sorghum genotype

RACHANA JAKATI — 2024-12-27

Parching/Hurda sorghum is one of the special sorghum varieties. This special variety of sorghum grains are suitable for making good quality hurda and well fit it into commercial utility. Field experiment was carried out at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Vijayapura, to study the effect of staggered sowing on shoot fly and stem borer in SMJ-1 hurda sorghum genotype. The present study revealed that, among different sowing dates, hurda genotype (SMJ-1) sown on 1st fortnight (FN) of September had highest number of shoot fly eggs (3.80/plant) and dead heart (70.47%). With late sowing in 1st fortnight of November the shoot fly incidence was declined by recording lowest number of eggs (0.37/ plant) and dead heart (17.44%). The stem borer dead heart percentage is relatively consistent ranging from 1.51 to 2.14 per cent. The correlation studies indicated that, dead heart per cent due to shoot fly and stem borer revealed a significant negative correlation with plant height, grain and stover yield. Plant growth and yield parameters recorded optimal yields during 2nd fortnight of September and 1st fortnight of October with minimum pest damage.

Integrated management of Cercospora leaf spot of niger under field condition

P. MANIKCHANDRA — 2024-12-27

Niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.) is an important minor oil seed crop grown in dry areas mostly in tribal and interior places as a lifeline of the tribal segment. Keeping in view the destructive nature of Cercospora leaf spot and its economic loss, the present investigation was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of fungicides and bioagents against Cercospora leaf spot of niger. Results revealed that all the treatments showed significant differences over the untreated check. Among the treatments evaluated for Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora guizoticola) of niger, seed treatment with Trichoderma harzianum at 3g/kg followed by two sprays of carbendazim 50% WP at 0.1 per cent at 15 days interval during capitulum and pre-harvest stage recorded least per cent disease index (23.60), highest yield (8.90 q/ha) and seed test weight (4.85 g) which was found statistically on par with seed treatment with T.harzianum at 3g/kg followed by two sprays of (carbendazim 12% + mancozeb 63% WP) at 0.2 per cent at 15 days interval during capitulum and pre-harvest stage which recorded per cent disease index of 25.57, a yield of 8.10 q/ha and test weight of 4.76 g.

A comparative analysis of constraints faced by NARI Suwarna and local sheep rearing farmers in Karnataka

RAHUL MOOGANUR MOOGANUR — 2024-12-27

The present study was conducted to identify the constraints faced by NARI Suwarna and local sheep rearing farmers in Karnataka.The study was conducted during the year 2022-23. For collection of primary data, exponential nondiscriminative snow ball sampling method was used for NARI Suwarna sheep farmers and random sampling method was used for local sheep farmers. In the first stage, major four districts (Chitradurga, Tumkur, Belgaum, Bagalkot) were selected based on highest population of sheep according to 20th livestock census, 2019. In the second stage, 15 local sheep farmers were selected randomly from each district and 60 NARI Suwarna sheep farmers were selected in Karnataka by snow ball sampling technique. Thus, the total sample size for the study was 120. The data was analysed by using the Garrett’s ranking technique. Results indicated that the major constraints faced by NARI Suwarna sheep farmers were the high initial cost for construction of shed and animals which ranked first with mean Garrett’s score of 61.35, followed by high-risk involvement in rearing of sheep (55.83), difficulty in getting pure breed of sheep (54.13), high cost for feed concentrations (54.03) and lamb mortality (50.00).Whereas in case of local sheep farming, poor community grazing lands was the major constraint with mean Garrett’s score of 61.23 because of the decline in area under community grazing lands, followed by high disease incidence in sheep (61.03), lamb mortality (57.50) and limited awareness towards insurance for sheep (50.03) were the other constraints.

Financial feasibility analysis of drip irrigation technology in banana: A case of south Gujarat

DEEPA B. HIREMATH — 2024-12-27

The present study attempted to make a comparative assessment of the economic feasibility of drip irrigation technology against conventional irrigation technology in banana.120 banana growers each practicing drip and conventional irrigation technology from Bharuch and Narmada districts were purposively selected there by making a total sample size of 240. The financial feasibility measures used for analyzing the investment in these technologies were Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) and Pay Back Period (PBP). The results revealed that drip irrigation system in banana was found to be financially more feasible and economically more viable compared to conventional irrigation since all the criteria of project evaluation like discounted BCR, NPV and IRR were higher and PBP value was lower in case of drip irrigation compared to conventional irrigation as a result of higher net cash flows. Hence, awareness needs to be created about the benefits of this technology among the farming community through extension functionaries, NGOs, SAUs etc by the coordinated efforts of both public and private sectors.

Study on grassland dependent communities of Amrit Mahal Kaval, Karnataka State

ROOPIKA T. SAJJAN — 2024-12-27

A research study was conducted in Chitradurga district during 2022-23 using a Retrospective survey design. Data was collected by personal interview using pre tested standardized schedule through ODK collect software using tablets with sample size constituted of 300 farmers. The findings revealed that nearly half of the respondents (46.26%) belonged to middle age group (31-50 years), 27.05 per cent were illiterates and 34.52 per cent of them belonged to backward caste. Majority (72.95%) of the respondents lived in nuclear family, more than half of the them (51.96%) belonged to the medium family size (5-8 members) category, had medium level of farming experience (63.35%) and had two farmers in their family engaged in farming (57.65%). Regarding landholdings, nearly half of the respondents (48.35% and 56.63%) had marginal rainfed and irrigated landholdings respectively. More than half of the respondents (56.23%) belonged to high income category and nearly half of the respondents’ incomes from livestock (42.35%) fall under low category. More than half of the respondents (66.90%) kept herd size below 6 ACU and owned diverse combinations of livestock. Most of the respondents (56.23% and 41.99%) had low mass media media and social participation respectively. Cotton, ragi, maize and groundnuts were the main crops grown by the respondents and long duration crops grown were arecanut and coconut. Significant differences were observed in all the socio-economic parameters of grassland dependent communities over the period of 20 years as observed by paired ‘t’ value showing significance at 0.01 level except for the number of small ruminants possessed by the respondents where the differences were insignificant.

Factors influencing farmers decision to participate in e-auction: A case of Electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) in Punjab, India

CHIDANAND PATIL — 2024-12-27

This study aimed to analyze farmers’ perceptions and the factors influencing their decision to participate in eauctions in Punjab. Primary data were collected through interviews with 250 farmers and analyzed using logistic regression and SMOTE Tomek techniques. The study revealed that the average age of the farmers was 46 years, and the average annual income was `5.2 lakh. Only 12.40 percent of farmers were aware of e-NAM. While 68.80 percent of farmers knew about the electronic quality assaying process, only 36.00 percent could interpret the assaying report, and just 20.40 percent considered the assaying report for price determination.Majority of farmers (90%) reported selling Basmati rice through e- NAM, followed by cotton (84.80%), potato (76.40%), kinnow (28.80%), and green peas (16.80%). All farmers checked commodity prices before bringing their produce to the market, primarily relying on commission agents (100%) for price information, followed by fellow farmers (98.40%) and media/social media (18%). Most farmers (94.40%) owned a smartphone, while 5.60% had a simple phone. All farmers indicated that the open auction method was used at APMC, with the price determination process taking 3 to 5 minutes (60%) or more than 5 minutes (39.2%).After being informed about the eauction process of e-NAM, 89.6% of farmers preferred e-auction over open auction. Payment settlements were mainly handled by commission agents, with cash being the preferred method, and payments were typically received within 3 to 5 days after the sale. Major constraints faced by farmers in using e-NAM included lack of guidance, fear of losing commission agents’ assistance, absence of grading facilities, and complexities in the selling process. Key parameters predicting farmers’ preference for open auction over e-auction were their loan sources, family background, education, family size, annual income, and age.

Interrelationship between temperature index and South-West monsoon rainfall: Historical analysis and future projections

B. S. THANUSHREE — 2024-12-27

The South-West monsoon also known as Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM), which is part of the South Asian monsoon system, is one of the largest global phenomena of the general circulation that has its impacts on the global weather and climate. In this study the spatial and temporal correlations were analysed with a Rainfall and Temperature based Index namely, T_Index. This index is developed by taking the product of the Near Surface Air Temperature, Latent Heat Flux and Mean Sea Level Pressure, to understand the inter-annual variability of the ISM rainfall for both the historical (1991-2020) and projected (2021-2050) periods. The monthly data were downloaded from Copernicus website, Coupled Model Inter Comparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) with a resolution of 0.5º x 0.5º. The data were processed by using the FERRET and CDO software in the LINUX platform. The results showed that in the historical period (1991-2020), there was a highly positive correlation between T_Index and rainfall throughout India except during 1991 to 2000 period in central and eastern parts of India. For the projected period (2021-2050), there likely to be positive correlation between the T_Index and rainfall throughout India except for north-eastern regions of India.

Production status of cross bred cattle and its contribution to livelihood security of dairy farmers in Karnataka

D.V. KOLEKAR — 2024-12-27

Cross bred cattle have major contribution in fulfilling the demand of milk by the growing population of India. Among various categories of dairy animals, the productivity was higher in crossbred cattle. The present study was carried out in eight KVK jurisdiction area four each from south and north in Karnataka. From each KVK jurisdiction area 30 dairy farmers were selected randomly, making the total sample size of 240 farm households. Data were collected through interviews schedule and analysed. The study revealed that the sample households had more number of milking cross bred cattle (2.08) in south Karnataka as compared to north (1.96). Total feed cost and expenditure per animal was more in case of north Karnataka (`116.83 and 161.92, respectively) than south (`111.86 and 156.93 respectively). South Karnataka dairy animals were producing more milk (9.64 L/anim./day) as compared to north (9.48 L/day). Net return/day per animal (`111.73) was more in case of south Karnataka as compared to north (`103.34). Net return/day per litre (`11.09) and per farm (`236.186) was more in south Karnataka as compared to north (` 9.83 and 210.13, respectively).

Economic analysis of scented geranium cultivation in Northern Karnataka

P. S. POOJA — 2024-12-27

India possesses an extensive array of aromatic flowers, herbs, oils, spices and woods that play a crucial role in the formulation of globally renowned fragrances. Among these, scented geranium stands out, with its essential oil ranking among the top 20 essential oils worldwide. Nevertheless, given the potential market demand and lucrative price for scented geranium oil, there has been a noticeable surge in geranium cultivation, particularly in Northern Karnataka regions like Belagavi, Bagalkot and Bidar. Despite the increased production in the study area are grappling with various challenges in scented geranium cultivation. To address this, the current study aimed to evaluate the costs and returns associated with cultivating scented geranium in Northern districts of Karnataka. The findings are exclusively based on data collected from a primary survey conducted during the agricultural year 2023-24. This research employed descriptive analysis and tabular presentation for the analysis of the data. The study revealed that total cost of cultivation of scented geranium per year was approximately `1,30,000 per ac. and average total yield per acre was recorded to be 31.46 tonnes leaving the net returns of `22,194 per ac with the return per rupee of expenditure was 1.16.

Estimation of standing volume of natural forest across different forest types in Yellapur forest division

RACHANA . — 2024-12-27

Forest plays a vital role in mitigating the climate change. Forest can act as a carbon sink and carbon source. The estimation of volume in different forest types act as an important variable to estimate the biomass accumulation and carbon sequestration potential of forests. The objective of the study was to estimate the standing volume in different forest types of Yellapur forest division by laying permanent plot. The total of 9 permanent plots, three plots each in dry, moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forest, each of 1ha (100 ×100 m) were laid out. The trees having girth at breast height30 cm within the plots were given number using paint. The total of seven sub plots in each forest types were selected from permanents plots for the enumeration. The observations on growth parameter (tree height, girth at breast height and girth at base), were recorded. The findings of the study indicated that the highest number of stems were recorded in semi evergreen forest (578 stems ha-1) and lowest was recorded in moist deciduous forest (439 stems ha-1). The study revealed that the maximum average height was recorded in moist deciduous forest (13.61 m). It was observed that higher basal area (47.21 m2 ha-1) and volume (612.33 m3 ha-1) was recorded in semi evergreen forest and the lowest volume was recorded from dry deciduous forest (269.86 m3 ha-1). There was a significant difference in basal area and volume across different vegetation types in Yellapur forest division.

Assessment of land use and vegetation in Yellapur forest division, Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka

GOWRI B. GOWDA — 2024-12-27

The study Land use land cover classification of different forest types was conducted in the Yellapur forest division of Uttara Kannada district, geographically positioned between 74° 25' to 75° 6' East longitudes and 14° 44' to 15° 7' North latitudes. The 2023 Land Use Land Cover (LULC) analysis, based on Landsat-8 data, provides valuable insights into the condition and distribution of vegetation across various land categories through Google Earth Engine. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values ranged from -0.07 to +0.70, reflecting diverse levels of vegetation health. Higher NDVI values indicate healthier vegetation, while lower values correspond to non-vegetated areas, such as water bodies. Vegetation, including forests, plantations, and other green spaces, covers 1,61,976 hectares (81.68%) and is crucial for supporting biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. In contrast, built-up areas cover 17,413 hectares (8.83%) of the land, signalling ongoing urban expansion and infrastructure development. The overall accuracy of the Land Use Land Cover (LULC) analysis reached 95.45 per cent, with a Kappa coefficient of 0.94, indicating a high level of precision and reliability in classifying land cover types.

Assessment of host trees on heartwood and oil content in fourteen-year-old sandalwood plantations in Chitradurga district of Karnataka

L. VENKATESH — 2024-12-27

A study was conducted during the year 2018-2021 at College of Forestry, Sirsi for studied on Assessment of host trees on heartwood and oil content on fourteen year old sandalwood plantations in Chitradurga district of Karnataka. The important objectives of this study was screening of secondary host plants on heartwood and oil content of sandalwood tree in different agroforestry systems of Karnataka in Chitradurga district, the results revealed that 32.54 per cent increase in clear bole height of sandalwood tree with Melia dubia followed by 31.20 per cent in Emblica officinalis as a host plant in fourteen year old sandalwood plantation. Sandal tree volume of main stem was improved 41.50 per cent increased with Emblica officinalis followed by Casuarina equisetifolia (34.84%). 42.48 per cent enhancement in sandal heartwood content with Punica granatum over 40.28 per cent in Emblica officinalis. 31.69 per cent increased in oil content was observed with Melia dubia followed by 21.55 per cent in Acacia nilotica and 21.55 per cent in Dalbergia latifolia as a secondary host plants for sandalwood trees. Significantly higher oil content was noticed with Swietenia mahogani (2.22%) on par with the other secondary host of Psidium guajava (2.38%), Murraya koenigii (2.40%) and Emblica officinalis (2.45%) as compared to other field hosts.

Influence of seed source variations for seed morphometric traits in Sapindus emarginatus Vahl.

B. L. MAHESHNAIK — 2024-12-27

Sapindus emarginatus is an important non-timber forest product (NTFP) tree species of central and southern states of India, that has saponin and fatty oil content in its pericarp and seed respectively. Ecologically species distribution is random pattern in natural habitat contributing for green cover and tree outside the forests. In the present context of the study, was performed with selected ten different locations seed sources of S. emarginatus covering its entire natural population distribution of central western ghat of Karnataka viz., (T1) Athani, (T2) Kalghatgi, (T3) Dandeli, (T4) Hangal, (T5) Sagara, (T6) Mudigere, (T7) Putturu, (T8) Madikeri, (T9) Saraguru, (T10) Gundlupete.Coefficient of variation (C.V.) between seed sources shown 18.82 per cent for tree mean girth and 11.40 per cent for tree height. Seed morphometric traits was assessed by collected different seed source’sgeographical locations indicated significant variation. (T5) Sagara source was found to be superior with respect to seed morphometric traits viz.,Seed length (13.70 mm), seed diameter (12.10 mm), 100 seed weight (159.50 g) and 100 kernel weight (94.40 g). In nutshell, seed sources of Sapindus emarginatus collected from (T5) Sagara and (T1) Athani performed well in morphometric traits to facilitate for future breeding and tree improvement programme.

Relationship between marital satisfaction and fertility quality of life among women undergoing in vitro fertilization

K. RAMYA — 2024-12-27

Infertility is a serious public health concern since the desire for motherhood is high in every society. Infertile women are most concerned about losing their married life; nonetheless, marital contentment is a crucial component of a couple’s marriage existence. Hence, the present study aims to explore the relation of marital satisfaction with quality of life among women undergoing in vitro fertilization. A case control research design was conducted during 2022-24. A sample of 284 women (142 IVF and 142 natural pregnancy women) recruited through purposive sampling technique snowball sampling method from Telangana and Karnataka region. Self-structured questionnaire to elicit demographic information, Socio-Economic Status (SES) Scale assess socio economic status of participants, Couple satisfaction index to assess the satisfaction in marital relationship and Fertility quality of life (FertiQoL) questionnaire measures a person’s overall sense of wellbeing were the tools used in the study.The findings revealed that majority of women were fairly satisfied (54.92% Vs 9.85%) in IVF group compared to women with natural pregnancy. Women in IVF and natural pregnancy had moderate (68.30% Vs. 54.22%) and high (31.69% Vs. 45.77%) quality of life. A significant difference between women with IVF and natural pregnancy by marital satisfaction (M=116.45) and fertility quality of life (M=70.87). Furthermore, significant association was found between marital satisfaction and quality of life among women in IVF group. Therefore, the study advocates to educate the family members especially the spouse for providing emotional support and strength to the women undergoing IVF.

Emotional availability of working parents and its correlates among Karnataka high school children

BOJJAGANI BABITHA — 2024-12-27

Emotional availability refers to the capacity of parents to be emotionally present and responsive towards their children despite of their work commitments. Emotional availability is crucial in parent-child relationship as it forms the foundation for healthy emotional development and attachment bonds. Due to work, pressure and lack of time parents are unavailable to their children, which is affecting child’s behavior. Hence, the study was undertaken to study the emotional availability of working parents. The study was conducted in Dharwad taluk of Dharwad district with a sample of 165 high school children whose both parents were working. The data was collected through general information schedule, socioeconomic status was measured by using the scale developed by Kuppuswamy (2020).In order to know the child’s perception on parent’s emotional availability, Lum Emotional Availability scale was used. The data was analyzed through descriptive statistics, chi-square, t-test, ANOVA correlation and regression. The findings of the study revealed that mothers were highly (74.12) emotionally available compared to fathers (68.04) and the difference was found to be significant at 1 per cent level. A significant association was found between father’s emotional availability with age, gender, standard of the child, father’s education, occupation and socio-economic status. Further, a significant difference was observed with age groups (2.01*), gender (1.96*), standard (3.05**) of the child, father’s education (2.07*) and socio-economic status (4.39**). Similarly, a significant association was found between mother’s emotional availability with child’s age, standard, mother’s age, education and socio-emotional status. A significant mean difference in mother’s emotional availability was also observed with respect to child’s age (2.62**), standard (3.05**), mother’s age (2.71*) and socio-economic status (2.64*). The study concluded that fathers were low in emotional availability compared to mothers.

Nematode disease complexes and their management

S. LINGARAJU — 2024-12-27

The interactions between plant parasitic nematodes and plant pathogenic microbes like fungi and bacteria hold a lot of significance vis-à-vis plant health. It is a fascinating and an emerging area of research in Plant Pathology. Disease complexes impact adversely the crop yields in agricultural as well as horticultural crops. It is imperative that disease complex situations are diagnosed well and early to devise proper management measures. A new approach involving the use and exploitation of disease ‘resistance-holding’ cultivars for the management of disease complexes is highlighted in this article. Proper selection of naturally occurring potent microorganisms which can inhibit all the participating pathogens in a particular disease complex situation to harness diseases’ (due to nematode as well as fungus/bacterium) suppression (along with plant growth promotion) is emphasized. Also, the prospective role of new generation nematicides is anticipated for possible disease complex management.