Academy of Agriculture Journal

Ajay Tomer, Ramji Singh, Prashant Singh

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Mass multiplication and longer shelf life with higher population dynamics of biocontrol agents have been a challenge for plant pathologists. Several low cost substrates have been evaluated from time to time, but one or other associated demerits have interrupted the pace of success in this direction. Talc and millet’s grain based carrier have also been evaluated. During present investigation, de-oiled cakes of four tree Born Oilseed’s (TBOs) i.e. neem, jatropha, mahua and karanja, sorghum grain and wheat brawn were tested in different combination to select a best performing substrate for higher population dynamics with longer shelf life of T. harzianum. A substrate resulting from the mixture of all four cakes with sorghum grains and wheat bran was found to be the best for supporting a very high level of population dynamics and quite longer shelf life of T. harzianum i.e. for 150 days. This combination not only supported the highest population dynamics of T. harzianum (86.17×10⁶ at 30 days period only) rather also supported longer shelf life  i.e. 150 days in vitro. However Neem, Jatropha, Mahua and Karanja cakes alone could support the longevity of T. harzianum up to 105 days only with comparatively lower population dynamics than mentioned above. On the basis of these findings, de-oiled cakes of Neem, Jatropha, Mahua and Karanja with sorghum grains and wheat bran can be used for mass multiplication of T. harzianum and P. fluorescens and also for longer shelf life of around 150 days. Presence of de-oiled cakes of neem+sorgum grains and de-oiled cakes of jatropha + sorghum grains in any substrate/mixture   ensured the viability of T. harzianum . Presence of these substances i.e.de-oiled cakes of neem, de-oiled cakes of jatrofa, and sorghum grains in any mixtures also ensured comparatively higher population dynamics than those where these substances were absent.

K.Rajalakshmi, G. Bhaskaran, K. Gobinath

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Water is a vital natural resource which is essential for all the activities. Water resources are developed primarily for irrigation, domestic use, power generation and industrial use. In a watershed basin the seasonal modeling of ground water fluctuations is very useful in planning and management of both the surface water and ground water resources. Due to industrialization and urbanization, there is a great demand for water from the recent past. As groundwater is the only major source of water for agricultural and domestic purposes in Vellore district, Water resources, as a while in Vellore district are sustainable but however regional, seasonal and spatial distribution is uneven. Geologically the entire district is underlain by hard rock formations except few isolated patches of sedimentary formation. Hence, it is important to know the effect of geological formations and agricultural/industrial activities on groundwater chemistry. Vellore district is broadly classified into hilly terrains and plain regions.  Generally sub–tropical climate prevails over the district. The normal average annual rainfall from four seasons is received.  There are approximately 117 well locations in the district.  Storage of ground water is dependent on three factors viz Geology, Topography and Climate.  Water level responds to monsoon and indicates a steady rise and fall.  Water quality is studied based on the ground water samples collected from wells of the Vellore district.  Water quality is fluctuated due to large number of tannery units located in Vellore district.  The causes and nature of pollution in the river basin is due to the tanneries and industries which determines the impact on application of fertilizers in agricultural fields.  Water samples are collected and analysed for specific parameters.  The basic water quality elements   PH, TDS, EC, Chloride, Sulphate, Nitrate, Carbonate, Bicarbonate, metal ions, trace elements have been estimated.  The salinity level of water is high in the foot hills and river bed areas.  There are three major classifications like low, medium, high level of water contamination observed in Vellore district.  The highest levels of chemical contamination are found in the eastern part of the region. The contribution of manmade activities to major iron compositions in ground water is limited in comparison to trace metals.  Qualitatively, ground water also changes with time and space depending upon Geologic environment and water table fluctuation.  The quality of water is generally good in Vellore district except in areas where there is acute pollution due to the discharge of effluents from tanneries into the river alluvial belt.  Recommendations for optimum utilization could be made only at the rate of natural replenishment as ground water has become a scarce commodity

Niharika Arora

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School going children were educated through presentations about the healthy food choices, importance of physical activity, and nutritious food for staying healthy. Subjects were also informed that the television advertisements, not always give the right information and advertisements should not affect their buying behaviors. Before educating the children their pre knowledge about these topics were tested and after delivering the education post results were recorded.