In light of the pervasive health threats posed by disease-carrying mosquitoes, such as
those transmitting malaria and dengue, there is a growing need for effective mosquito
repellents. Traditional repellents, including plant extracts, oils, and smoke, are
increasingly being replaced by safer and eco-friendly alternatives. This study explores
the development of moquito-repellent textiles by synthesizing TiO2 nanoparticles
from Ocimum basilicum (basil) plant extracts in both pre- and post-calcinated forms.
These nanoparticles were applied to cotton fabric through screen printing at two
different concentrations and characterized using particle size analysis, Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy.
The biosynthesis of calcinated nanoparticles resulted in an average grain size of 8.9
nm. Average sizes of 60-93 nm for calcinated nanoparticles and 113-146 nm for pre-
calcinated nanoparticles were found by SEM analysis. Mosquito-repellent efficacy,
assessed using cage tests with copper sulphate as a mordant, showed promising
results. The repelling efficacy of fabrics treated with 10% pre-calcinated nanoparticles
ranged from 90 to 96%; however, efficacy decreased following post-treatment. Wash
durability testing showed that fabrics containing 10% post-calcinated nanoparticles
performed their best after five wash cycles and were 50% effective after ten wash cycles.
Despite the promising outcomes, the study faced challenges related to the uniform
dispersion and adherence of nanoparticles during application, as well as the retention
of functional efficacy after repeated laundering. Nonetheless, this study contributes to
the growing body of knowledge on green nanotechnology by demonstrating the
potential of basil leaf extract in combination with TiO2 nanoparticles for developing
sustainable, eco-friendly mosquito-repellent textiles.

The present study investigates the effect of various auxin treatments on the rooting and
shooting behavior of semi-hardwood stem cuttings of Murraya paniculata (orange jasmine), a
valuable ornamental shrub in landscaping and floriculture. Conducted at Kittur Rani Channamma
College of Horticulture, Arabhavi, the experiment tested ten treatments comprising different
concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and their
combinations. Results indicated that the combination of IBA and NAA at 3000 ppm significantly
enhanced propagation success. This treatment led to the earliest shoot (15.33 days) and root
(28.33 days) initiation, longest shoot (10.33 cm) and root (7.90 cm) lengths, and the highest
shoot number (4.33), root biomass, rooting percentage (85%), and survival rate (80%). These
improvements are attributed to the synergistic effect of the auxins in promoting cell division,
elongation, and nutrient uptake. The study concludes that the application of IBA+NAA at 3000
ppm is an effective and practical method for mass propagation of Murraya paniculata,
facilitating its widespread adoption in ornamental horticulture.

Biotic stresses pose a significant challenge to global agriculture, severely affecting crop
productivity, quality and food security. In the present day, nanotechnology has emerged as a
promising and innovative approach to mitigating the detrimental effects of biotic stresses on
crops, offering novel strategies for enhancing plant resilience and protection. The utilization of
nanomaterials, including nanoparticles and nanocomposites, has shown substantial potential in
enhancing plant resistance against various biotic stressors, for instance, pathogens, pests, and
weeds. Key advancements in this field include antimicrobial nanoparticles, precision target
delivery systems for bio-pesticides, and nanoscale sensors that enable early detection of plant
diseases. Moreover, nanotechnology grants exclusive opportunities to improve the efficiency of
conventional agricultural practices while reducing environmental impact and fostering
sustainable farming. However, challenges in this context include limited field level validation,
variability in nanomaterial behavior under diverse agro-climatic conditions and a lack of long
term impact assessment. Despite these limitations, this work contributes by consolidating recent
innovations, identifying key areas of application and emphasizing the integration of
nanotechnology into precision agriculture. Nevertheless, contempt its auspicious aptitude, an
array of encounters and ethical apprehensions must be addressed for its accountable application
in agriculture. Main issues encompass nanoparticle toxicity, ecological significance, regulatory
agendas, and public insight, all of which necessitate thorough appraisal to warrant the nonviolent
and sustainable amalgamation of nanotechnological progressions. In the era of precision
agriculture, nanotechnology arises as a transformative invention with enormous capability to
redefine biotic stress management and pointedly advance the goal of sustainable global food
production.

Growing awareness of soil health and environmental quality has increased the emphasis on
sustainable agricultural practices that reduce ecological harm. Consequently, the farm
resources based natural and organic farming inputs have emerged as popular eco-friendly
options for crop production and nutrient management. This trend may be broader movement
toward harmonizing agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship. However, the
sustainability of nutrients supplying potential of acidic soil under these condition is critical
issue. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of these inputs, including
natural farming components, on nutrient availability and rice yield in an Alfisol under a rice-
maize cropping system. The study assessed five different treatments: T1 (control), T2
(complete natural farming), T3 (AI-NPOF- all India network programme on the organic
farming package), T4 (integrated crop management-1), and T5 (integrated crop management-
2). The results revealed that organic farming inputs significantly (p≤0.05) increased nutrient
availability, with available nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) levels rising by 27.8% and 33.7%,
respectively, compared to the control. Natural farming did not lead to any significant
(p≤0.05) increase in nutrient availability (N and P) compared to the other treatments, aside
from the control plots. However, available potassium in natural farming plots was 1.81% and
5.15% higher compared to ICM-2 and ICM-1, respectively. Organic farming exhibited the
highest DTPA-extractable zinc, while natural farming had the highest copper content. In
terms of yield, grain and straw yields, as well as harvest index, were significantly (p≤0.05)
higher under ICM-1, which recorded the highest grain yield (3.12 Mg ha⁻¹) and straw yield
(4.50 Mg ha⁻¹). Although natural farming improved grain yield over the control, it was
outperformed by both ICM-1 and ICM-2 treatments. Overall, ICM-1 showed the most
favorable results in terms of both yield and harvest index, while organic farming contributed
to higher soil organic carbon and micronutrient content. These findings underscore the
importance of crop management practices in enhancing soil health and improving rice
productivity, offering valuable insights into sustainable agricultural practices. In nutshell,
intregrated crop management with biopesticide based insect pest mangment may be most
suitable in acidic soil of humid subtropical climate for enhancing cabon content of soil, yield
of rice crop with proper soil helath status of the area.

Field screening studies against leaf webber and capsule borer, Antigastra catalaunalis, were carried out
with sixty sesame genotypes along with a resistant check, SI- 250, and susceptible check, TC 25. The results
revealed that, seven sesame genotypes, viz., JCS 3894, JCS 3594, JCS 3593, JCS 3265, SI 9050, JCS 3910, and
JCS 3605, were categorized as resistant based on grading, and 22 genotypes were moderately resistant; thirty-
one sesame genotypes were categorized as susceptible. Among different categories of genotypes, physical
parameters and biochemical constituents were assessed in selected genotypes. Physical parameters, trichome
density, showed a significantly negative correlation (-0.932) with per cent leaf damage, and capsule wall
thickness showed a significant negative correlation (-0.898) with per cent capsule damage caused by
A. catalaunalis. Biochemical constituents viz., chlorophyll (0.748), total sugars (0.745) showed significant
positive correlation, and phenols (-0.888) showed significant negative correlation with per cent leaf damage.
Regarding, chlorophyll (0.797), total sugars (0.886), and reducing sugars (0.814) showed significant positive
correlation, and phenols (-0.878) showed significant negative correlation with A. catalaunalis capsule damage.
The multiple step-down regression studies showed that, physical and biochemical factors together influenced the
leaf and capsule damage to an extent of 94 and 99 per cent, respectively.

The experiment was conducted at Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, CCS Haryana
Agricultural University, Hisar, during the Rabi season of 2021-22 and 2022-23. It consisted of
11 treatments. Sole barley, Sole field pea, Sole linseed, barley + field pea (3:3), barley + field
pea (4:4), barley + field pea (5:5), barley + field pea (6:6), barley + linseed (3:3), barley +
linseed (4:4), barley + linseed (5:5) and barley + linseed (6:6). The experiment was laid out in
randomized block design with three replications. All the yield attributes were recorded
maximum under sole cropping of different crops when compared with their respective
intercropping systems in various row ratios. Intercropping of barley with field pea (6:6) was
found most economical as compared to barley+linseed and sole cropping of barley, field pea
or linseed. The maximum barley equivalent yield of 71.37 and 66.09 q ha -1 was recorded in
barley+fieldpea intercropping having 6:6 or 5:5 rows, respectively. Barley crop produced
significantly highest number of tillers/m 2 (122.2) and test weight was 47.4g when grown as a
sole crop followed by barley + field pea (6:6). Barley with field pea (6:6) fetched maximum
net returns and B:C of 87111 Rs./ha and 3.39, respectively. Intercropping experiments face
challenges related to complex management because it requires careful planning besides
considering the crop compatibility and resource allocation.

Quality planting material plays a pivotal role in attaining maximum productivity and quality of
any flower crop. Considering this, an experiment to study the effect of nutrient management in
rose rootstock (Rosa multiflora & Natal Briar) and scion (Arka Savi & Arka Swadesh) mother
plants for propagation was carried out in the research block of the Division of Flower and
Medicinal Crops, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru during the year 2022-23 and 2023-24. The experiment
was laid out according to Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with two rootstocks
(Rosa multiflora & Natal Briar), four different nutrient combinations (400:200:200 kg (control),
600:200:700 kg, 450:150:525 kg and 300:100:350 kg NPK/ha/year) in five replications. Among
the rootstocks, Natal Briar recorded the maximum plant height (185.81 cm) and maximum
number of secondary branches per plant (15.95). Among different nutrient combinations tried,
the application of 450:150:525 kg NPK/ha/year to the mother plants recorded maximum plant
height (183.23 cm). Among the interaction effects, application of 600:200:700 kg NPK/ha/year
to the Natal Briar rootstocks recorded maximum plant height (215.78 cm) and Rosa multiflora
rootstock supplied with 450:150:525 kg NPK/ha/year recorded the maximum number primary
branches per plant (12.74). Among the different type of scion highest plant height was noticed in
scion variety Arka Swadesh (107.37 cm), however Arka Savi was recorded maximum number of
primary branches/plant (4.48) and maximum number of secondary branches/plant (28.91).
Among different type of nutrient concentrations, at the nutrient 450:150:525 kg NPK/ha/year
recorded the significantly maximum plant height (109.18 cm). However, the nutrient
combination 600:200:700 kg NPK/ha/year was recorded the maximum number of primary
branches/plant (4.61). These findings could be used for large-scale production of healthy and
vigor rootstock and scion bud for the steady production of quality planting materials in rose.

To investigates the impact of biostimulants and organic mulch on enhancing the growth,
flowering, and yield of the strawberry cv. ‘Katrain Sweet’, an experiment was carried out in the
Garden, Department of Fruit Science, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and
Technology, Kanpur, during two subsequent years i.e.,2022-2023 and 2023-2024 is randomized
block design using13 treatments (T 1 -Azotobacter (5g/plant) + Trichoderma harzianum (5g/plant)
+ paddy straw, T 2 -Azotobacter (8g/plant) + Trichoderma harzianum (6g/ plant) + paddy straw,
T 3 -Azotobacter (5g/plant) + Trichoderma harzianum (5g/plant) + dried leaves, T 4 -Azotobacter
(8g/plant) + Trichoderma harzianum (6g/plant) + dried leaves, T 5 -Azotobacter (5g/plant) + PSB
(5g/plant) + paddy straw, T 6 -Azotobacter (8g/plant) + PSB (8g/plant) + paddy straw, T 7 –
Azotobacter (5g/plant) + PSB (5g/plant) + dried leaves, T 8 -Azotobacter (8g/plant) + PSB
(8g/plant) + dried leaves, T 9 -Azotobacter (5g/plant) + PSB (5g/plant) + Trichoderma harzianum
(5g/plant) + paddy straw, T 10 -Azotobacter (8g/plant) + PSB(8g/plant) + Trichoderma harzianum
(6g/plant) + paddy straw, T 11 -Azotobacter (5g/plant) + PSB (5g/plant) + Trichoderma harzianum
(5g/plant) + dried leaves, T 12 -Azotobacter (8g/plant) + PSB (8g/plant) + Trichoderma harzianum
(6g/plant) + dried leaves, T 13 -Control), each replicated at least three times. The results showed
substantial enhancements in vegetative and reproductive characteristics along with yield when
Azotobacter, Trichoderma harzianum and Phosphorous Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB)were applied
in combined with organic mulch, particularly in treatment T 12 -Azotobacter (8g/plant) + PSB
(8g/plant) + Trichoderma harzianum(6g/plant) + dried leaves, the maximum influence was
recorded for these parameters. The findings underscore the potential for the use of biostimulants
and organic mulches to enhance strawberry production, offering a sustainable approach for
improving yield and plant growth.

Pummelo [Citrus grandis (L.)] Osbeck, is an important underutilized fruit crop grown mainly in the
states of the North Eastern region of India. The juice of pummelo fruit is an excellent source of
antioxidant and health-promoting compounds. However, it is not very popular among consumers due
to its unbearable bitterness. This bitter taste is due the presence of bittering compounds (limonin and
naringin) which gets extracted during juice extraction. It is the main reason for the poor organoleptic
attributes and acceptability of pummelo juice among the consumers. It is also one of the limiting
factors for commercial production and processing of pummelo based fruit juices. This investigation
was therefore, aimed at reducing bitterness by reducing the concentration of bittering compounds
(limonin and naringin) by using an adsorbent, Amberlite XAD-16, and optimization of the same in
terms of quantity (mg/100 mL) and reaction time (seconds) for debittering purposes using response
surface methodology (RSM). The impact of independent variables (quantity of adsorbent and
reaction time) on dependent variables (quantity of limonin and naringin) and the extent of reduction
in bitterness of pummelo juice were studied. Effects of quantity of adsorbent and reaction time were
found to be significant (p < 0.05) for dependent variables. The Amberlite XAD-16 resin was found
to be very effective in reducing limonin and naringin as it reduced limonin by 88% and naringin by
40% in the juice resulting in reduced bitterness in pummelo fruit juice.

Cyclanthera pedata (L.) Schrad also known as Pahadi karela reported to be naturalized in hilly states of
India. This species of Cucurbitaceae family have medicinal properties like anticholesterolemic, anti-
inflammatory and hypoglycemic properties. Despite these characteristics, it is underexploited
vegetable grown in the wet temperate zones of Himachal Pradesh. In this study, we aimed to
investigate the morphological variability of C. pedata fruits and their locations variability grown in
Seeraj Valley of the state. The study included seven locations and a total of 31 genotypes, on which
eight fruit morphological traits were analysed. The highest fruit length (11.80 cm), fruit width (3.84
cm), average fruit weight (360 gm) and fruit yield per plant (4.30 kg) was recorded in L2 location.
Among seed traits, L7 (16.18mm), L4 (8.54 mm, 3.77 mm) and L2 (13.60 gm) observed the highest
values for seed length, seed width, seed thickness and 100 seeds weight, respectively. Highest values
for fruits size and yield traits of C. pedata were found at the high altitudinal gradient. Collection of
cultivars/landraces by surveying, and their maintenance could aid to the genetic improvement,
breeding for sustainable and commercial production and popularization of the underutilized yet very
important cucurbitaceous vegetable crop, C. pedata.