Popular Article
Can Drones Reduce Plant Protection Costs in Agriculture? – An Experience Based Analysis
A. V. Ramanjaneyulu, N. Sainath, D. Swetha, B. Ramprasad, N. R. G. Varma, R. Uma Reddy, R. Jagadeeshwar and
T. Nagarjuna
- Page No: 161 - 165
- Published online: 15 Dec 2021
-
Abstract
avr_agron@rediffmail.com
The usage of drones for carrying out various need based operations in Agriculture has been increasing across several nations in the world including India. Changes in farm sector are needed to curtail the problem of green house gas emissions and mitigate ill effects of global climate change, thus, safeguard the environment. Drones are found to manage the resources on agricultural farms very efficiently. This uncrewed air vehicle technology can help reduce plant protection cost, save labour and time and improve farm efficiency. However, India is at infancy stage and yet to reap full benefits. Capacity building is required for drone operators in agriculture in order to upscale and outscale the technology. There is a need for promoting young entrepreneurs in drone technology through subsidies in order to provide employment as well as take the technology forward at a faster rate.
Keywords : Drone, farming, pesticide, spray, village adoption
-
Introduction
Performing various agricultural operations like seeding, application of pesticides and nutrients, monitor crop growth, mapping, loading and uploading from and to farm fields in order to reduce drudgery, improve human and farm efficiency, reduce production costs and enhance crop productivity is known as ‘Drone farming’. The drones are also called as ‘unmanned air vehicles’ . Though drones are widely used for different operations, they are popular for spraying pesticides in Agriculture. They are one of the most important technologies emerged out of fourth industrial revolution. They are widely used in precision agriculture (Pinter et al., 2003; Primicerio et al., 2012) especially for precision pest management (Filho et al., 2020). The global Agricultural drone market is expected to grow at 35.9% CAGR (cumulative annual growth rate) and reach $5.7 billion by 2025. In India, more than 150 startup companies are already working and the drone industry worth of USD 885 million, is expected to generate thousands of jobs (Luthra, 2020). In this paper, an experience based analysis was done with regard to drone based plant protection in an adopted village in Telangana.
-
About Adopted Village Ibrahimpur
The Ibrahimpur village falls under Narayanaraopet mandal in Siddipet district, Telangana state, India was adopted by Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Tornala, Telangana since October 2018. It is basically an agrarian village with a geographical area of 342 ha including 306 ha land under cultivation. Light textured soils are dominant accounting for 65% of cropped area. Though only 40% of the cultivated area (122 ha) was under various sources of irrigation in the yesteryears, the irrigated area increased to 240 ha (74%) during 2021 due to recharge of borewells following filling of irrigation tanks with water from lift irrigation projects and also incessant and heavy rainfall during 2020 and 2021. Hence, there exists heavy competition for labour for various operations including plant protection. At present, most of the farmers are using battery operated sprayers and to some extent motorized power sprayers for spraying plant protection chemicals. The village is facing acute labour shortage which led to high hiring cost depending on the activity (Rs. 350-500 man day-1).
-
Problems with Conventional Spraying in the Village
Ø Farmers with backpack sprayers carrying heavy spray fluids are spending hours together navigating rice and other crop fields in hot climate in order to control pest, disease and nutrient disorders, has become a labour intensive task
Ø The young educated countrymen in the village are less interested in performing various Agricultural operations including spraying as they are engaged in other allied enterprises and non-agricultural schemes
Ø High cost of spraying
Ø Lack of availability of labour at right time and increasing cost of labour due to ever increasing literacy, urbanization, migration of labour from villages to towns and cities and implementation of employment guarantee scheme
Hence, there was a search for modern and efficient methods of plant protection. The scientists of ARS, Tornala found drone as the fastest means of spraying plant protection chemicals and overcome labour shortage. Further, it is also a way to showcase a new technology to the village farmers.
-
Experience in Adopted Village
The Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Tornala, Telangana state, India has co-ordinated for spraying fungicides in rice fields on 08-10-2021 in its adopted village Ibrahimpur, Siddipet district, Telangana, as detailed below in Table 1. The fungicides viz., Propiconazole @ 1.0 ml lit-1 in 9.6 ha was sprayed against sheath rot (Acrocylindrium oryzae), sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani) and false smut (Ustilagonoidea virens) diseases and Tricyclazole @ 1.0 g l-1 in 2.4 ha against blast disease (Pyricularia oryzae), totalling 12 ha covering eight farmers in rice seed production (JGL-24423 and KNM-118 varieties) and commercial production (Telangana sona and IR-64 varieties) fields. Two drones from Marut drones’ tech pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad were employed. They were operated with Teejet-11002 model (cone jet) nozzle and 1.8 lit minute-1 discharge and at a speed of 2.7 m second-1. It took 50 minutes to spray in one ha area including landing, loading and taking off.
-
Feed Back from Beneficiary Farmers
Infact, the farmers were thrilled after witnessing the completion of task (spraying) with in a short time. As it is the first time that the drone was used in the entire district in general and village in particular, many farmers enthusiastically visited the sites and enquired about the use and advantages of using drones. Many of them evinced interest and expressed readiness to employ drones on their own from ensuing season onwards. They expressed that drone is saving time, labour cost and drudgery of carrying sprayers and walking across muddy fields and contamination with toxic chemicals. The saved time could be utilized for carrying out other allied activities. The benefits expressed by the villages are detailed below.
Ø Less cost: Though cost of spraying with drone varied from Rs. 1000-1250 ha-1 against Rs. 1125 ha-1 with manual conventional spraying, but, drone saved time, reduced risk and drudgery
Ø Labour: Only the farmer can manage mixing of chemical and water in case of drone spraying, while, two labour are required for spraying in manual spraying method
Ø Less time: 50 minutes ha-1 with drone against 7.5 hours ha-1 with battery sprayer and 4.25 hours ha-1 with power sprayer
Ø Less water: Only 20 litres water for drone spraying against 200 litres water per acre is required in manual spraying. So, drone spraying is a boon for water scarce areas in rainfed Agriculture as it is saving 90% water
Ø Less risk: No need for movement of labour across the crop (s) area. Drone can be operated from the crop field bunds. No problem of fatigue for the operator. Drone can reach inaccessible areas which is not possible with manual labour
Ø Uniform spray: Uniform spray is possible with proper operation of the drone by standing or sitting at a particular place in the field
Ø Drift problem: Drift problem is meager as drones help in spraying plant protection chemicals by applying some pressure while on running at 1.0 meter above over crop height
-
Advantages of Plant Protection through Drones
Ø Possibility to quickly reach the targeted place in a short time
Ø Very easy to complete spraying chemicals in all geographical areas in general and hilly and slopy areas in particular
Ø No problem of soil compaction or crumpling of crop plants
Ø Most useful for spraying over a larger cropped area
Ø No labour exposure to harmful pesticides as there will be less contact during spray except while mixing the chemical in liquid and filling the spray tank. Thus, the risk of poisoning operators (farmers/labour) with pesticides is meager
Ø Proper and uniform application and spread of chemicals is possible as the stream of air from the drone rotors causes penetration of chemical drops into the crop canopy
Ø Drift problems are less
Ø Nearly 30% pesticide is saved mainly due to high degree of atomization. Usage of drones helped to reduce herbicide use by 52% in soybean crop during 2018-19 in Germany. Hence, the drone based spraying has gained popularity and momentum across the word due to faster and safer application of pesticides and nutrient solutions in comparison with conventional spraying methods
Ø Drone led spraying requires less water (10%) thus reduces the total spray volume vis-a-vis human led spraying
Ø Field efficiency is 20 times higher than conventional manual spraying
Ø Conservation of fuel is possible by replacing diesel with an electric power in drone. Though it is possible with conventional sprayers also, but, per unit area power consumption is less with drones
Ø At times when cost of inputs including chemicals is increasing and there is no chance and control to reduce their prices, reducing the plant protection cost through drones is the need of the hour
Ø These unmanned air vehicles are the best means of controlling the pest during outbreaks (Filho et al., 2020). For eg. locust (Schistocerca gregaria) attack on various crops and fall army worm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in corn. India has become the first country in the world to use Drone operations for anti-locust operations.
Ø The drone can cover 8-10 ha in a day depending on it’s capacity and is 10 times more than the traditional knapsack sprayer
Ø Spraying can be done irrespective of crop stage which otherwise difficult with conventional sprayers. For eg. in a fully grown corn crop infested with fall army worm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and pigeonpea with lepidoperan larvae
Ø Drones are highly useful for spraying immediately after cessation of heavy rains too which otherwise it will be a herculian task for manual spraying in a muddy and slushy fields
Ø The agricultural drone are made rugged so they have low maintenance cost and a long lifespan. However, drones with the features of an automatic filling tank designed to match respective size of the spray areas, maintaining a constant distance above fields, flying and landing automatically and detecting and avoiding obstacles during mid-flight are preferred
-
Constraints
The drone technology has multiple problems as detailed below in Table 2.
-
Conclusions and Future Perspectives
Drones have multifarious uses in Agriculture, but, there is a need to finalise standard doses for using different chemicals in different crops for safe and sustainable management of resources and effective management of abiotic and biotic stresses in this era of climate change. Studies are needed on biological effectiveness. India has to be careful while implementing the technology keeping in view of complete ban in Canada and European Union and restrictions in Switzerland and United States of America (USA).
Ibrahimpur village, Siddipet district
Drone aided aerial view of Ibrahimpur village, Siddipet district
Table 1: List of farmers’ fields selected for “Pesticide spraying with Drone” at Ibrahimpur, an adopted village of ARS, Tornala
Officials and Drone team
Drone for spraying in rice in Ibrahimpur village
Table 2: Problems/Constraints with drone aided plant protection and possible solutions
Table 2: Continue...
Ibrahimpur village, Siddipet district
Drone aided aerial view of Ibrahimpur village, Siddipet district
Table 1: List of farmers’ fields selected for “Pesticide spraying with Drone” at Ibrahimpur, an adopted village of ARS, Tornala
Officials and Drone team
Drone for spraying in rice in Ibrahimpur village
Table 2: Problems/Constraints with drone aided plant protection and possible solutions
Table 2: Continue...
Ibrahimpur village, Siddipet district
Drone aided aerial view of Ibrahimpur village, Siddipet district
Table 1: List of farmers’ fields selected for “Pesticide spraying with Drone” at Ibrahimpur, an adopted village of ARS, Tornala
Officials and Drone team
Drone for spraying in rice in Ibrahimpur village
Table 2: Problems/Constraints with drone aided plant protection and possible solutions
Table 2: Continue...
Ibrahimpur village, Siddipet district
Drone aided aerial view of Ibrahimpur village, Siddipet district
Table 1: List of farmers’ fields selected for “Pesticide spraying with Drone” at Ibrahimpur, an adopted village of ARS, Tornala
Officials and Drone team
Drone for spraying in rice in Ibrahimpur village
Table 2: Problems/Constraints with drone aided plant protection and possible solutions
Table 2: Continue...
Ibrahimpur village, Siddipet district
Drone aided aerial view of Ibrahimpur village, Siddipet district
Table 1: List of farmers’ fields selected for “Pesticide spraying with Drone” at Ibrahimpur, an adopted village of ARS, Tornala
Officials and Drone team
Drone for spraying in rice in Ibrahimpur village
Table 2: Problems/Constraints with drone aided plant protection and possible solutions
Table 2: Continue...
Ibrahimpur village, Siddipet district
Drone aided aerial view of Ibrahimpur village, Siddipet district
Table 1: List of farmers’ fields selected for “Pesticide spraying with Drone” at Ibrahimpur, an adopted village of ARS, Tornala
Officials and Drone team
Drone for spraying in rice in Ibrahimpur village
Table 2: Problems/Constraints with drone aided plant protection and possible solutions
Table 2: Continue...
Ibrahimpur village, Siddipet district
Drone aided aerial view of Ibrahimpur village, Siddipet district
Table 1: List of farmers’ fields selected for “Pesticide spraying with Drone” at Ibrahimpur, an adopted village of ARS, Tornala
Officials and Drone team
Drone for spraying in rice in Ibrahimpur village
Table 2: Problems/Constraints with drone aided plant protection and possible solutions
Table 2: Continue...
Reference
-
Anonymous, 2020. Technical discussion paper on Drone usage for agrochemical spraying. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), New Delhi-110 001.
Debangshi, U., 2021. Drones-Applications in Agriculture. Chronicle of Bioresource Management 5(3), 115–120.
Filho, F.H., Heldens, W.B., Kong, Z., de Lange, E.S., 2020. Drones: innovative technology for use in precision pest management. Journal of Economic Entomology 113(1), 1–25.
Luthra, R., 2020. Importance of Drone technology in India. FICCI committee on Drones, New Delhi, India.
Pathak, H., Kumar, G.A.K., Mohapatra, S.D., Gaikwad, B.B., Rane, J., 2020. Use of drones in agriculture: potentials, problems and policy needs, Publication no. 300, ICAR-NIASM, pp. 13+iv.
Pinter, P., Hatfield, J., Schepers, J., Barnes, E., Moran, M., Daughtry, C., Upchurch, D., 2003. Remote sensing for crop management. Photogrammetry Engineering and Remote Sensing 69, 647–664.
Primicerio, J., Di Gennaro, S.F., Fiorillo, E., Genesio, L., Lugato, E., Matese, A., Vaccari, F.P., 2012. A flexible unmanned aerial vehicle for precision agriculture. Precision Agriculture 13, 517–523.
Sizhe, Z., Jie, M., Wenshen, J., Hengzhi, Z., 2017. Development prospect of the plant protection UAV in China. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), Annual International Meeting, 16–19.
Cite
Ramanjaneyulu, A.V., Sainath, N., Swetha, D., Ramprasad, B., Varma, N.R.G., Reddy, R.U., Jagadeeshwar, R., Nagarjuna, <./. 2021. Can Drones Reduce Plant Protection Costs in Agriculture? – An Experience Based Analysis . Chronicle of Bioresource Management. 5,1(Dec. 2021), 161-165. DOI:.
Ramanjaneyulu, A.V.; Sainath, N.; Swetha, D.; Ramprasad, B.; Varma, N.R.G.; Reddy, R.U.; Jagadeeshwar, R.; Nagarjuna, <./. Can Drones Reduce Plant Protection Costs in Agriculture? – An Experience Based Analysis . CBM 2021,5, 161-165.
T Nagarjuna .2021. Can Drones Reduce Plant Protection Costs in Agriculture? – An Experience Based Analysis . Chronicle of Bioresource Management 5(1), 161-165. .
A. V. Ramanjaneyulu, N. Sainath, D. Swetha, B. Ramprasad, N. R. G. Varma, R. U. Reddy, R. Jagadeeshwar, and <. /. Nagarjuna, " Can Drones Reduce Plant Protection Costs in Agriculture? – An Experience Based Analysis ", CBM, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 161-165,Dec. 2021.
T Nagarjuna .." Can Drones Reduce Plant Protection Costs in Agriculture? – An Experience Based Analysis ". Chronicle of Bioresource Management 5, no. 1 (15 Dec, 2021): 161-165. Accessed February 9, 2022. http://www.pphouse.org/cbm-article-details.php?cbm_article=53.
Ramanjaneyulu AV, Sainath N, Swetha D, Ramprasad B, Varma NRG, Reddy RU, Jagadeeshwar R, Nagarjuna
doi = {},
url = {},
year = 2021,
month = {Dec},
publisher = {Puspa Publishing House},
volume = {5},
number = {1},
pages = {161--165},
author = { A V Ramanjaneyulu, N Sainath, D Swetha, B Ramprasad, N R G Varma, R Uma Reddy, R Jagadeeshwar ,
T Nagarjuna and },
title = { Can Drones Reduce Plant Protection Costs in Agriculture? – An Experience Based Analysis },
journal = {Chronicle of Bioresource Management}
}
DO -
UR -
TI - Can Drones Reduce Plant Protection Costs in Agriculture? – An Experience Based Analysis
T2 - Chronicle of Bioresource Management
AU - Ramanjaneyulu, A V
AU - Sainath, N
AU - Swetha, D
AU - Ramprasad, B
AU - Varma, N R G
AU - Reddy, R Uma
AU - Jagadeeshwar, R
AU - Nagarjuna,
T
AU -
PY - 2021
DA - 2021/Dec/Wed
PB - Puspa Publishing House
SP - 161-165
IS - 1
VL - 5
People also read
Scientific Correspondence
Crop Residue Management in Cotton
A. V. Ramanjaneyulu, B. Ramprasad, N. Sainath, E. Umarani, Ch. Pallavi, J. Vijay and R. JagadeeshwarCotton residue, burning, pollution, management, multicrop shedder
Published online: 04 Mar 2021
Popular Article
Broomrape (Orobanche sp.) Management in Indian Mustard
Tanmay Das, Teekam Singh and Prakash SonnadBroomrape, mustard, parasitic weeds
Published online: 28 Mar 2023
Scientific Correspondence
Brahmi - A Promising Medicinal Herb
Rathod Sridhar and Narayan Chandra SarkarBrahmi, growth, health benefits, nutrients, yield
Published online: 31 Dec 2021
Popular Article
Trianthema decandra L. - An Uncultivated Green Leafy Vegetable
Kanneboina Soujanya, B. Anila Kumari, W. Jessi Suneetha and E. JyothsnaMedicinal plants, pharmacological properties, Trianthema decandra, uncultivated
Published online: 29 Nov 2021
Popular Article
Black Rice Cultivation in India – Prospects and Opportunities
Sanjoy Saha, S. Vijayakumar, Sanjana Saha, Ashirbachan Mahapatra, R. Mahender Kumar and R. M. SundaramAnthocyanin, Black rice, Forbidden rice, Nutritional value, Prospects
Published online: 27 May 2022
Scientific Correspondence
Management of Neck Injury with Tracheal Perforation Due to Rubber Band in Monkey: A Case Report
Reshma Jain, B. P. Shukla, Astha Chaurasia and Nishant ShuklaMonkey, rubber band, tracheal perforation
Published online: 13 Mar 2021
.Advances in Agrotechnology I
A V Ramanjaneyulu, N C Sarkar and Ratikanta Maiti
Overview
Advances in Agro-technology (vol I), editors have looked to offer readers an account of the state of the art in some of the areas of major interest and concern by agricultural researchers around the world. These areas include diverse aspects of applied plant biology such as salinity tolerance in crops; new developments in basic physiology of photosynthesis; success in breeding of root systems adaptation to salinity and drought stress; use of feed additives, growth promoters and probiotics in animal production; crop management trends including pesticide use, integrated farming systems, practices in organic agriculture, application of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and biological nitrogen fixation. The advances in Agrotechnology reported in this volume are intended to provide the scientist and the student in agricultural sciences with a close insight - hopefully a motivating glimpse - into the recent realization that the frailty of natural or man-made ecosystems faced with a threat such as that posed by global climate change is no different from the frailty of any sort of human material prosperity. Interestingly, the diversified areas of the book will definitely bring a new look in the advances of agricultural research with through discussion on the aspect.
A Guide to Plant Anatomy
Ratikanta Maiti, Desari Rajkumar and Allam Ramaswamy
Overview
The present book on Plant Anatomy depicts anatomical aspects of the plant that will help a reader for basic understanding in the evolution of different plant communities. It plays an important role for adaptation of plant to different biotic and abiotic stress. It has been documented that some glands, trichomes, epicuticular wax are resistant to insect pests. Similarly, the presence of trichomes epicuticular wax, compactly arranged palisade tissue, collenchyma and sclerenchyma induces drought resistance. So it is necessity of all scientists, especially for breeder, plant physiologist to have the thorough knowledge on plant anatomy for the selection of adaptable cultivars and also for better management of crops. This book covers all the aspects of internal structures of plant with its high resolution microscopic images and drawings of plant parts. The anatomical studies of plants organs are being presented here, as we believe that the morphological characters alone cannot project the adaptations in the plant. They can be better understood when supplemented with the anatomical characteristics, unique to individual type of crop. This text book would be of great help to faculties and scholars in plant as well as agricultural sciences and scientific communities in general as a good source of information and references
Accounting Principles
Samares Kumar Das
Overview
As per the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) syllabus, accounting is a part of BVSc & AH course in the discipline of extension education. However, there is a dearth of text book on this course written or verified by an expert in accounting.This book is expected to fill this gap. The book consists of seven chapters covering the VCI-syllabus on accounting with exercise, and summary at the end of each chapter. Besides, glossary and model questions covering all chapters with answers to the objective questions are appended to the end of the book. The book may not only benefit the students pursuing BVSc&AH degree but also the teachers engaged in the teaching of the course in veterinary colleges and universities in India. Besides, the farm businessmen and those interested in accounting may also find the book useful.
Advance in Agrotechnology I
Humberto G. Rodriguez, A V Ramanjaneyulu, N C Sarkar and Ratikanta Maiti
Overview
This second volume is a sequel to the first volume of Advances in Agrotechnology. Significant advancement has been taken place across the world in the arena of managing the natural resources. Editors have tried to focus on the areas viz., management of problematic soils, rainfed dry lands and weeds, efficient utilization of water through construction of farm ponds and adoption of micro irrigation with due care for water quality, integrated nutrient management for conjunctive use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrition with a view to sustain the soil fertility and improve the soil productivity, use of modern tools like remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) for preparation of prediction models and reduce the cost of cultivation with due consideration to climate. The book also covered another interesting topic on cost effective biofortification with main emphasis on micronutrient management with an objective of addressing the problem of alleviating micronutrient malnutrition. Further, precision farming chapter which covered technology for the developed as well as developing countries is another important one. The elicit discussion on biological control of diseases is the value addition of the book around the scope of the context. In this era of advancements in information and communication technologies, huge amount of information generated is available to readers. However, it is a matter of confusion to the readers to select best out of it. The resource persons and editors have made sincere efforts to pen the chapters by reviewing the global research published in international and national journals/periodicals/ monographs in an orderly and simple manner for easy understanding.
Advances in Agro-technology- II
Humberto G. Rodriguez, N C Sarkar, A V Ramanjaneyulu and Ratikanta Maiti
Overview
This second volume is a sequel to the first volume of Advances in Agrotechnology. Significant advancement has been taken place across the world in the arena of managing the natural resources. Editors have tried to focus on the areas viz., management of problematic soils, rainfed dry lands and weeds, efficient utilization of water through construction of farm ponds and adoption of micro irrigation with due care for water quality, integrated nutrient management for conjunctive use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrition with a view to sustain the soil fertility and improve the soil productivity, use of modern tools like remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) for preparation of prediction models and reduce the cost of cultivation with due consideration to climate. The book also covered another interesting topic on cost effective biofortification with main emphasis on micronutrient management with an objective of addressing the problem of alleviating micronutrient malnutrition. Further, precision farming chapter which covered technology for the developed as well as developing countries is another important one. The elicit discussion on biological control of diseases is the value addition of the book around the scope of the context. In this era of advancements in information and communication technologies, huge amount of information generated is available to readers. However, it is a matter of confusion to the readers to select best out of it. The resource persons and editors have made sincere efforts to pen the chapters by reviewing the global research published in international and national journals/periodicals/ monographs in an orderly and simple manner for easy understanding.
Advances in Agro-technology- II
Humberto G. Rodriguez, N C Sarkar, A V Ramanjaneyulu
Overview
This second volume is a sequel to the first volume of Advances in Agrotechnology. Significant advancement has been taken place across the world in the arena of managing the natural resources. Editors have tried to focus on the areas viz., management of problematic soils, rainfed dry lands and weeds, efficient utilization of water through construction of farm ponds and adoption of micro irrigation with due care for water quality, integrated nutrient management for conjunctive use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrition with a view to sustain the soil fertility and improve the soil productivity, use of modern tools like remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) for preparation of prediction models and reduce the cost of cultivation with due consideration to climate. The book also covered another interesting topic on cost effective biofortification with main emphasis on micronutrient management with an objective of addressing the problem of alleviating micronutrient malnutrition. Further, precision farming chapter which covered technology for the developed as well as developing countries is another important one. The elicit discussion on biological control of diseases is the value addition of the book around the scope of the context. In this era of advancements in information and communication technologies, huge amount of information generated is available to readers. However, it is a matter of confusion to the readers to select best out of it. The resource persons and editors have made sincere efforts to pen the chapters by reviewing the global research published in international and national journals/periodicals/ monographs in an orderly and simple manner for easy understanding.
APPLIED BOTANY
Ratikanta Maiti, Humberto G Rodriguez, Ashok K Thakur and N C Sarkar
Overview
With new discoveries and inventions in science, application of botany has attained many dimensions. Besides the conventional application of botanical sciences, forensic botany; nanobotany; phytoremideation and phytominimg; environmental impact assessment, seed quality enhancement through priming are the new dimensions of applied botany. The industrial applications of botany are in paper pulp, rubber, dye and gum industries. At social front, besides providing the livelihood and employment through cultivation of crops, the branches of botany like community forestry are playing major role in the upliftment of folks. Use of mechanisms of carnivorous plants in plant protection; and management of invasive plants for economic gains and conservation of biodiversity are new challenges in applied botany.
Botany of Vegetable Crops
Ratikanta Maiti, P. Umashankar, D. Rajkumar, A. Ramaswamy and P. Vidyasagar
Overview
The present book, Botany of Vegetable Crops, is different from other books on vegetable crops. It contains 12 chapters with emphasis on major vegetable crops like Tomato, Chilli, Egg plant / Brinjal, Okra / Bhendi, Water melon, Bottle gourd, Bitter gourd, Cucumber, Ridge gourd, Sponge gourd, Cabbage and Coriander. It discusses on the morphology and anatomy of a few common vegetable plants. Morphological characters help in identifying the plant. It also gives an idea of the different adaptive modifications in the plant. It even mirrors the habitat, the climatic conditions under which it can be cultivated. The anatomical studies of each of the vegetable plant are also being presented here as we believe the morphological characters alone cannot project the adaptations in the plant. They can better be understood when supplemented with the anatomical characteristics unique to individual type of crop. Glossary added in this book can help readers to understand some related terminologies and bringing clarity of the content. We expect that this book would be of great help to a student of plant sciences, to a research scholar for reference and a good source of information, to a plant breeder, and to the scientific community in general.
Botany of Vegetable Crops
Ratikanta Maiti, P. Umashankar, D. Rajkumar, A. Ramaswamy
Overview
The present book, Botany of Vegetable Crops, is different from other books on vegetable crops. It contains 12 chapters with emphasis on major vegetable crops like Tomato, Chilli, Egg plant / Brinjal, Okra / Bhendi, Water melon, Bottle gourd, Bitter gourd, Cucumber, Ridge gourd, Sponge gourd, Cabbage and Coriander. It discusses on the morphology and anatomy of a few common vegetable plants. Morphological characters help in identifying the plant. It also gives an idea of the different adaptive modifications in the plant. It even mirrors the habitat, the climatic conditions under which it can be cultivated. The anatomical studies of each of the vegetable plant are also being presented here as we believe the morphological characters alone cannot project the adaptations in the plant. They can better be understood when supplemented with the anatomical characteristics unique to individual type of crop. Glossary added in this book can help readers to understand some related terminologies and bringing clarity of the content. We expect that this book would be of great help to a student of plant sciences, to a research scholar for reference and a good source of information, to a plant breeder, and to the scientific community in general.
Horizon of World Plant Fibers: An Insight
Ratikanta Maiti, Humberto Gonzalez Rodriguez and Pratik Satya
Overview
The present book contains 19 chapters emphasizing on fiber crops namely; Jute (Corchorus capsularis and C. olitorius), Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus and H. sabdariffa), Flax (Linum usitatissimum), Ramie (Boehmeria nivea), Hemp (Cannabinus sativa), Urena (Urena lobata and U. sinuata), Sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea), Abaca (Musa textilis), Yucca (Yucca spp.), Lecheguilla (Agave lecheguilla), Sisal (Agave sisalana), Henequen (Agave fourcryodes), Cabuya (Furcraea cabuya), Zacaton (Muhlenbergia macroura) and other minor fibers. It discusses origin, distribution, botany, physiology, cultivation, and production and use of fiber with research achievements in all the sectors. Here, emphasis have been given on understanding research direction and research needs in the major fiber crops, which are enriched by authors' experience and expertise in the field of fiber crops. A number of crops have been discussed which are marginal and endemic, but has the potential to be cultivated in large areas. The authors have also discussed in detail the techniques for screening better crop genotypes using anatomical features of fiber crops, the histochemistry of fibers and the potential role of these techniques in crop improvement. It is expected that the book will find a place among the researchers, academicians, students and policy makers for a ready reference as well as for retrieving detailed information on these crops.
Horizon of World Plant Fibers: An Insight
Ratikanta Maiti, Humberto Gonzalez Rodriguez and Pratik Satya
Overview
The present book contains 19 chapters emphasizing on fiber crops namely; Jute (Corchorus capsularis and C. olitorius), Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus and H. sabdariffa), Flax (Linum usitatissimum), Ramie (Boehmeria nivea), Hemp (Cannabinus sativa), Urena (Urena lobata and U. sinuata), Sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea), Abaca (Musa textilis), Yucca (Yucca spp.), Lecheguilla (Agave lecheguilla), Sisal (Agave sisalana), Henequen (Agave fourcryodes), Cabuya (Furcraea cabuya), Zacaton (Muhlenbergia macroura) and other minor fibers. It discusses origin, distribution, botany, physiology, cultivation, and production and use of fiber with research achievements in all the sectors. Here, emphasis have been given on understanding research direction and research needs in the major fiber crops, which are enriched by authors' experience and expertise in the field of fiber crops. A number of crops have been discussed which are marginal and endemic, but has the potential to be cultivated in large areas. The authors have also discussed in detail the techniques for screening better crop genotypes using anatomical features of fiber crops, the histochemistry of fibers and the potential role of these techniques in crop improvement. It is expected that the book will find a place among the researchers, academicians, students and policy makers for a ready reference as well as for retrieving detailed information on these crops.
Production and Post-harvest Technology of World Vegetable and Tuber Crops
Ratikanta Maiti and Humberto G. Rodriguez
Overview
The book is the compilation of comprehensive study of vegetable and tuber crops Worldwide. In the changing scenario of climate, it is well understood that merely agronomic management practices starting from sowing to nutrient, water, pest and disease management will not be able to produce potential harvest. In present days, growth limiting factors like drought, heat, cold shock, chilling stress, salinity, metal stress, allelopathy have posed alarming threat against successful crop production. So, physiological basis of crop growth and productivity must be well versed to formulate appropriate counter measures to overcome such constraints. Moreover, the productivity of the crop is guided by various physiological processes like efficient seedling growth, photosynthesis and translocation of photosynthates, sucrose accumulation, growth regulators, ABA, ethylene, brassinoid and balanced mineral nutrition etc. Authors have tried to concentrate all these aspects in lucid manner reviewing the up-to-date research investigation. The book widely covers solanaceous crops like chilli, potato, tomato and eggplant; cucurbit vegetables- squash, pumpkin, cucumber, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, muskmelon and watermelon; cole crops- spinach, coriander, parsley, celery, lettuce; root and tuber crops- carrot, turnip, beet root, radish, turmeric, colocasia, cassava, yam, sweet potato; bulb crops- onion, garlic, leeks; leguminous crops- cluster bean, snap bean, green peas, broad bean; other crops like okra, sparagus, shallot, rhubard. It will definitely be a rare book to the global readers.
Production and Post-harvest Technology of World Vegetable and Tuber Crops
Ratikanta Maiti and Humberto G. Rodriguez
Overview
The book is the compilation of comprehensive study of vegetable and tuber crops Worldwide. In the changing scenario of climate, it is well understood that merely agronomic management practices starting from sowing to nutrient, water, pest and disease management will not be able to produce potential harvest. In present days, growth limiting factors like drought, heat, cold shock, chilling stress, salinity, metal stress, allelopathy have posed alarming threat against successful crop production. So, physiological basis of crop growth and productivity must be well versed to formulate appropriate counter measures to overcome such constraints. Moreover, the productivity of the crop is guided by various physiological processes like efficient seedling growth, photosynthesis and translocation of photosynthates, sucrose accumulation, growth regulators, ABA, ethylene, brassinoid and balanced mineral nutrition etc. Authors have tried to concentrate all these aspects in lucid manner reviewing the up-to-date research investigation. The book widely covers solanaceous crops like chilli, potato, tomato and eggplant; cucurbit vegetables- squash, pumpkin, cucumber, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, muskmelon and watermelon; cole crops- spinach, coriander, parsley, celery, lettuce; root and tuber crops- carrot, turnip, beet root, radish, turmeric, colocasia, cassava, yam, sweet potato; bulb crops- onion, garlic, leeks; leguminous crops- cluster bean, snap bean, green peas, broad bean; other crops like okra, sparagus, shallot, rhubard. It will definitely be a rare book to the global readers.
Research Advances in Vegetable Science
Humberto Gonzalez Rodriguez and Ratikanta Maiti
Overview
The book Research Advances in Vegetable Crops is an outstanding contribution of the authors in the field of advancement of the vegetable researches all over the World. The book entitles from the seed germination and its necessity of establishment in the new environment where physiological responses are influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors. Priming is a simple technique that not only helps in proper germination but aid in seedling establishment. Phonotypical and physiological responses of different vegetable crops are of significant importance in relation to factors like nutrients, salinity, disease-pest attacks. Physiological and biochemical basis of tolerance to salinity is very important that may help in the evaluation and selection of pipeline hybrids and parents lines using a novel technique. Biotic factors are major constraints in crop production, so proper management strategies and control measures must be taken for potential outcome. In this book, a special emphasis was given on food value and food chemistry of different vegetable crops. Major aspects like nutritional value of fresh vegetable as well as food value, post-harvest physiology and processing, storage and food quality, medicinal values, food chemistry and food biotechnology have been discussed in lucid manner. Further, research advances in biotechnology of different crops will guide authors in formulating the direction of future research.