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ThesisItem Open Access Standardization and quality evaluation of value added momos incorporated with ragi flour and colocasia leaves powder(Vanantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, 2023-10-30) Soumya Sucharita Sahoo; Agarkar, B.S.Nowadays, momos are one of the healthy street food preferred by people of all age groups, usualy prepared from refined wheat flour outer wrapper with inner stuffing of vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food stuffs and served hot. Ragi among the millets and colocasia leaves among the green leafy vegetables are mostly cheapest sources of high levels of various macro and micro nutrients. Ragi is rich in protein, dietary fibre, minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, iron, zinc and other vitamins also. Being gluten free is one of the most important nutritive attributes of ragi. Colocasia leaves that are commonly grown anywhere requiring no care, fertilizers and pesticides contain good amount of calcium, iron, phosphorous, dietary fibre. Thus, considering all these beneficial aspects, the present study was planned to prepare and evaluate value added momos incorporated with different levels of ragi flour and colocasia leaves powder.Both germinated roasted and unroasted ragi flour were incorporated at different levels (10, 20, 30 and 40 per cent each) during preparation of dough to make outer wrappers of momos along with the control prepared without incorporation of ragi flour. Sensory evaluation of prepared momos was conducted and then colocasia leaves powder at different levels (1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 per cent) was incorporated in the variation having highest overall sensory scores. All the variations of momos prepared with incorporation of ragi flour and colocasia leaves powder were evaluated for their sensory attributes. The highly accepted variation of momos i.e., the one incorporated with 30 per cent germinated roasted ragi flour and 2 per cent colocasia leaves powder was further undergone nutrient analysis and shelf life study. The results depicted that momos developed with addition of ragi flour and colocasia leaves powder contained higher quantity of nutrients such as dietary fibre, total ash, calcium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Momos can be kept in pet bottles and LDPE pouches at super-chilling temperature (-20C±0.50C) for 18 and 15 days, respectively without any spoilage. In frozen condition (-180C±0.50C), this time span can extend up to 21 and 18 days while stored in pet bottles and LDPE pouch, respectively. Hence, enriching street food items like momos with ragi flour and colocasia leaves powder can be proved to be concentrated with various essential nutrients and to be helpful in fulfilling the daily micronutrient need of consumers.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of fertigation schedules and mulching on growth, yield and profitability of Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)(Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, 2022-12-30) Kadam, Surekha Babasaheb; Gokhale, D.N.The present investigation entitled “Effect of fertigation schedules and mulching on growth, yield and profitability of Bt. cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)” was undertaken during kharif season, 2020 and 2021 at experimental farm, Department of Agronomy, V.N.M.K.V., Parbhani. The fertility status of the soil in the experimental plot reveals that it has a clayey texture, a slightly alkaline reaction, low levels of organic carbon, low levels of nitrogen that is readily available, medium levels of phosphorus and high levels of potassium that are readily available. Treatments consists of sixteen combinations comprising four different fertigation schedules (S1: 80:40:40 NPK kg ha-1, S2: 100:50:50 NPK kg ha-1, S3: 120:60:60 NPK kg ha-1 and S4: 140:70:70 NPK kg ha-1) in main plot and four mulching treatments (M1: No mulch, M2: Organic mulch, M3: Black polyethylene mulch and M4: Silver polyethylene mulch) as sub plot treatment were assigned in a split plot design with three replications. After land preparation, beds were prepared and mulching was applied as per the treatment. The cotton crop was sown on 04/07/2020 and 18/06/2021 by dibbling method during 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, respectively. Fertilizers were applied through drip to different plots as per the treatments and biometric observations on growth parameters, yield attributes and yield were recorded periodically. Inter-culture operations were also carried out as per the schedule. The climatic conditions were favourable during 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 for the growth and development of Bt . cotton which ultimately resulted in more accumulation of photosynthate in both seasons. Plant growth analysis, post-harvest studies, nutrient uptake, available soil fertility status after harvest of Bt. cotton and economics of Bt. cotton were also estimated during 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. Fertigation scheduling with higher fertilizer level of 140:70:70 NPK kg ha-1 has recorded higher growth attributes, dry matter accumulation and growth functions over 80:40:40 NPK kg ha-1. Fertigation scheduling with highest fertilizer level of 140:70:70 NPK kg ha-1 has increased seed cotton yield (2867 kg ha-1), GMR (1,31,882 D ha-1), NMR (58,149 D ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.79) significantly over fertigation scheduling with 80:40:40 NPK kg ha-1 and was comparable with fertigation scheduling with 120:60:60 NPK kg ha-1 and 100:50:50 NPK kg ha-1 for seed cotton yield and profitability. Harvest index was increased with increase in fertilizer level. The lint yield (kg ha-1) was significantly higher in fertigation scheduling with 140:70:70 NPK kg ha-1 over fertigation scheduling with lower levels. Fertigation scheduling with different fertilizer levels didn’t affect the major fiber parameters of Bt. cotton. Total uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by crop were significantly increased with fertigation scheduling with higher fertilizer level i.e., 140:70:70 NPK kg ha-1 (S4) over fertigation scheduling with lower fertilizer level (S1). The available status of soil nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium after harvest of Bt. cotton crop was not influenced by fertigation scheduling with different fertilizer levels. Highest values of growth attributes (plant height, number of functional leaves, dry matter accumulation per plant, leaf area, number of monopodia, number of sympodia etc.) were recorded when cotton crop was sown on silver polyethylene mulch as compared to no mulching. Sowing of cotton crop on silver polyethylene mulch also recorded highest values of yield attributes (number of picked bolls per plant, boll weight, seed cotton yield plant-1 etc.) seed cotton yield, lint yield, stalk yield and biological yield (kg ha-1) etc. as compared to no mulch treatment. Sowing of cotton crop with polyethylene mulch was not profitable in terms of NMR and B:C ratio. Fertigation scheduling with fertilizer level of 100:50:50 NPK kg ha-1 was found remunerative as it was on par with fertigation scheduling with higher fertilizer levels for monetary returns. Application of polyethylene mulch either silver or black has increased nutrient uptake over no mulch treatment. The soil NPK status after harvest of Bt. cotton crop was not influenced by mulching treatments.ThesisItem Open Access Exploration and quality evaluation of hadga (sesbania grandiflora) flowers and leaves in value added food products(Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, 2023-06-28) Bhokre, Chandralekha Kondiram; Gadhe, K.S.Plants have been one of the important sources of medicines since the beginning of human civilization. There is a growing demand for plant based medicines, health products, pharmaceuticals, food supplements and cosmetics. Sesbania grandiflora is commonly known as Hadaga. An indigenous medicinal plant in India, known as Sesbania and agathi in ayurvedic system of medicine which belongs to family Leguminosae. Sesbania grandiflora is a multipurpose tree with edible flowers and is a source of one of the medicinal products. S. grandiflora has unique medicinal properties and used as a herbal drug for its antibiotic, anthelmintic and anti-tumor properties. In view of the nutritional, therapeutic and medicinal value, efforts have made for value addition of S. grandiflora vegetable. In the present investigation efforts have made to standardise the process for preparation of S. grandiflora flower and leaves powder and its quality evaluation was done. Further value added products viz. noodles and crackers were prepared by incorporating S.grandiflora flower and leaves powder and their quality evaluation was carried out. For preparation of powder Sesbania grandiflora flower and leaves were prepared and subjected to different pretreatments (without blanching, blanching and blanching + sulphitation).The blanching + sulphitation treatment is most effective to reduce drying time and to enhance dehydration ratio for drying in preparation of powder and also improved the physical, functional, reconstitutional and organoleptic properties of powder. Though the untreated (control) flower and leaves powder sample found nutritionally superior among treatments but with respect to physical, functional and organoleptic parameter the powder sample prepared by blanching + sulphitation treatment found more acceptable. Hence powder prepared by blanching + sulphitation treatment were used for further product development viz.noodles and crackers. The noodles and crackers was prepared by replacing wheat flour at 5 percent, 10 percent and 15 percent level by Sesbania grandiflora flower and leaves powder. On the basis of organoleptic evaluation the Sesbania grandiflora flower and leaves powder incorporation up to 10 percent both in noodles ( NF2 and NL2 ) and crackers ( CF2 and CL2 ) was found acceptable. Further selected noodle and cracker sample was evaluated for proximate, minerals, vitamins, phytochemical content and amino acid analysis. It is concluded from present investigation that incorporation of Sesbania grandiflora flower and leaves powder enhances the protein, ash, fiber, mineral and vitamin content of noodle and cracker compared to control. Moreover the results demonstrated that the increase in all phytochemicals such as total phenol, total flavonoids, total carotenoids, kaempeferol and antioxidant activity of cracker and noodle by incorporating Sesbania grandiflora flower and leaves powder which improves neutraceutical value of it. The amino acid profile revealed that Sesbania grandiflora flower, leaves powder and its incorporated noodles, crackers are good source of all essential amino acids consists lysine, phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine , threonine, valine, methionine and tryptophan. The four months microbial study indicates that Sesbania grandiflora flower and leaves powder and its incorporated noodles, crackers have better shelf life and microbialy safe up to four month storage period. The cost of developed noodles and crackers incorporated with Sesbania grandiflora flower/leaves powder was affordable and also contain many vital nutrients and phytochemicals.ThesisItem Open Access Development of low-fat shrikhand enriched with dietary fiber(Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, 2022-12-29) Zine, Pravin Lahanu; Londhe, G.K.Shrikhand is a semi-soft, sweetish-sour, whole milk product prepared from lactic fermented curd. Milk lacks in dietary fiber, there is necessity to enrichment of dietary fiber in milk and milk products. Dietary fiber is gaining more importance in the human diet due to its important role in human health. As per WHO the requirement of dietary fiber in the human diet is 23-27 gm/day. Dietary fibers are the edible parts of the plants or analogous carbohydrates that are resistant to digestion and absorption in the human small intestine with complete or partial fermentation in the large intestine. The dietary fiber includes two major classes depending on their intestinal solubility soluble i.e. (pectins, mucilage and a large range of non-digestible oligosaccharides including inulin, psyllium and partially hydrolyzed gaur gum) and insoluble (cellulose, lignin). Hence considering the benefits of supplementation of dietary fiber in the diet with respect to its nutritional, medicinal value and technological properties, it is decided to undertake research work on “Development of Low–Fat Shrikhand Enriched with Dietary Fiber,” with below objectives. 1. To standardize the process for preparation of shrikhand enriched with dietary fiber 2. To study physico-chemical and sensory qualities of shrikhand enriched with dietary fiber 3. To study the microbiology of shrikhand enriched with dietary fiber 4. To study the textural properties of shrikhand enriched with dietary fiber 5. To study shelf life of developed shrikhand enriched with dietary fiber at refrigerated temperature 6. To study the cost structure of developed low-fat shrikhand In the present investigation RSM software was used for optimization of the levels of different dietary fibers viz. inulin, psyllium and PHGG with three (min, middle and max) levels each. For inulin 2%, 4% and 6%, psyllium 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% and PHGG 2.5%, 5% and 7.5%. The software suggested 20 formulations for above three dietary fibers. The software suggested only one solution upon analysis of sensory data of 20 formulations. Only one formulation comparing inulin 3.93%, psyllium 0.66% and 4.62% PHGG was suggested by the design expert software and predicted sensory score was rated 8.6 for flavour, 8.3 for body and texture 8.1 for colour and appearance and 8.3 for overall acceptability. The optimized formulation was used in comparison with the market shrikhand samples for sensory, physico-chemical, textural profile study, microbial analysis, and colour parameter and storage study. The mean values of flavour score of shrikhand collected from Parbhani market samples M I, M II, M III and M IV were found to be 8.31, 8.22, 8.36, 8.23 respectively and optimized O1 scored 8.75. The mean values of color and appearance score for M I, M II, M III and M IV were found to be 8.33, 8.20, 8.30, 8.30 respectively and optimized O1 scored 8.40.The mean values of body and texture score for M I, M II, M III and M IV were found to be 8.00, 8.21, 8.37, 8.25 respectively and optimized O1 scored 8.61. The mean values of overall acceptability score for M I, M II, M III and M IV were found to be 8.22, 8.21, 8.34, 8.26 respectively and optimized O1 scored 8.58.The mean pH value of optimized and market samples was 4.37, 4.08, 4.12, 4.43 and 4.55 per cent in O1, M1, M2, M3 and M4, respectively. The mean titratable acidity content of optimized and market samples was 1.10, 1.02, 0.97, 1.03 and 0.98 per cent in O1, M1, M2, M3 and M4, respectively. The mean value of viscosity content of optimized and market samples were 54.22, 49.65, 50.55, 49.06 and 49.76 per cent in O1, M1, M2, M3 and M4, respectively. The mean value of moisture content of optimized and market samples were 39.05, 42.32, 45.60, 43.12 and 44.11 per cent in O1, M1, M2, M3 and M4, respectively. The mean value of fat content of optimized and market samples were 6.10, 6.30, 6.57, 6.30 and 6.76 per cent in O1, M1, M2, M3 and M4, respectively. The mean value of protein content of optimized and market samples were 7.33, 6.49, 6.81, 6.99 and 7.07 per cent in O1, M1, M2, M3 and M4, respectively. The mean value of sucrose content of optimized and market samples were 36.33, 41.74, 37.56, 40.54 and 38.60 per cent in O1, M1, M2, M3 and M4, respectively. The mean value of lactose content of optimized and market samples were 2.14, 2.48, 2.32, 2.21 and 2.34 per cent in O1, M1, M2, M3 and M4, respectively. The mean of total solid of optimized and market samples were 60.95, 57.52, 54.20, 56.83 and 55.94 per cent in O1, M1, M2, M3 and M4, respectively. The mean ash content of optimized and market samples were 3.48, 0.53, 0.94, 0.93 and 0.99 per cent in O1, M1, M2, M3 and M4, respectively. The mean of dietary fiber content of optimized and market samples were 7.70, 0.00, 0.00, 0.00 and 0.00 per cent in O1, M1, M2, M3 and M4, respectively. The mean of L* value of optimized and market samples were 85.91, 82.53, 80.57, 82.67 and 82.04 per cent in O1, M1, M2, M3 and M4, respectively.the lightness of market sample were less than the optimized sample. The mean of a* value of optimized and market samples were 0.34, -1.05, 0.67, 0.77 and -1.10 per cent in O1, M1, M2, M3 and M4, respectively. The mean of b* value of optimized and market samples were 17.09, 15.85, 15.80, 18.80 and 20.19 per cent in O1, M1, M2, M3 and M4, respectively. The mean of hardness value of optimized and market samples were 0.201, 0.161, 0.183, 0.193 and 0.183 kg in O1, M1, M2, M3 and M4, respectively. The mean of cohesiveness value of optimized and market samples were 0.240, 0.517, 0.600, 0.581 and 0.589 kg.sec in O1, M1, M2, M3 and M4, respectively. The mean of adhesiveness value of optimized and market samples were -0.134, -0.106, -0.107, -0.109 and -0.114 kg.sec in O1, M1, M2, M3 and M4, respectively. The mean of springiness value of optimized and market samples were 6.813, 8.705, 8.641, 8.765 and 8.846 mm in O1, M1, M2, M3 and M4, respectively. The mean of gumminess value of optimized and market samples were 0.0483, 0.0807, 0.1075, 0.100 and 0.101 kg in O1, M1, M2, M3 and M4, respectively. The mean of total plate count of optimized and market samples were 1.44, 1.025, 1.225, 1.405 and 1.625 cfu/gm in O1, M1, M2, M3 and M4, respectively. The mean of total plate count of optimized and market samples were 0.25, 0.32, 0.27, 0.65 and 0.62 cfu/gm in O1, M1, M2, M3 and M4, respectively. Lastly storage study was conducted on the basis of sensory quality, textural study, color parameter and microbial study the product was best for 21 days.ThesisItem Open Access Attitude of the farmers towards organic farming in Marathwada region(Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, 2022-12-29) Londhe, Shital Madhukar; Kadam, R.P.The present study was undertaken in Marathwada region of Maharashtra state during the year 2021-22. In purposively selected three districts on viz., Aurangabad, Beed and Nanded districts of Marathwada region of Maharashtra state on the basis of maximum number of farmers following organic farming practices were found in these three districts. The talukas also selected purposively on the basis of maximum number of farmers following organic farming practices. So, from Nanded district two talukas were selected namely, Loha, and Billoli, from Beed district two talukas namely, Parali V., and Ambajogai were selected and from Aurangabad district two talukas namely, Gangapur and Paithan were selected. Thus, total six talukas were selected. From each selected taluka 3 villages were selected purposively on the basis of maximum number of farmers following organic farming practices for that purpose list obtained from Organic Farming Research and Training Centre, VNMKV, Parbhani, and State Department of Agriculture, Maharashtra hence eighteen villages were selected for conducting the study. The list of organic following farmers was obtained from Organic farming research and training centre, VNMKV, Parbhani, and State Department of Agriculture, Maharashtra. So from each village ten respondent organic following farmers were selected randomly from that list and we considered them as respondents, thus making a sample of 180 respondents. Ex-post facto research design was adopted in this study. The data were collected with the help of pretested interview schedule from the respondents as per their convenience at their home or farms. The independent variables namely, education, size of family, occupation, land holding, area under organic cultivation, annual income, farming experience, social participation, mass media exposure, scientific orientation, economic motivation, innovativeness and knowledge were selected for study. Attitude towards organic farming selected as dependent variable for study. The method of summated rating suggested by Likert (1932) was used to develop and standardize a scale to measure attitude of the farmers towards organic farming. The statistical methods and tools such as mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage, Pearson’s coefficient of correlation, multiple regression analysis and path analysis was used for the analysis of data. The study shows that, more than one third (34.45%) of the respondents educated up to higher secondary school (11th to 12th), majority (52.22%) of the respondents had small sized families having up to 4 members in their respective families, majority (96.11%) of the respondents had agriculture as a main occupation, near about half (49.45%) of the respondents belonged to small category of land holding i.e. 1.01 to 2.00 ha., near about half (47.77%) of the respondents had annual income between Rs. 1,26,667 to Rs. 2,13,332/-, majority (60.56%) of the respondents had small area under organic cultivation i.e. up to 0.67 ha., more than three fourth (71.66%) of the respondents were having up to 8 years of farming experience, more than half (60.55%) of the respondents belonged to medium category of the social participation, more than three fifth (61.11%) of the respondents belonged to medium category of the mass media exposure, near about two third (63.89%) of the respondents belonged to medium category of the scientific orientation, majority (62.22%) of the respondents belonged to medium category of the economic motivation, more than two third (69.44%) of the respondents belonged to medium category of the innovativeness and majority (65.55%) of the respondents belonged to medium category of the knowledge. It was observed that, majority (60.00%) of the respondents had favourable attitude towards organic farming. Regarding correlation analysis it was observed that, independent variables namely, education, annual income, social participation, mass media exposure, scientific orientation, economic motivation, innovativeness and knowledge were having positively and high significantly related with the attitude towards organic farming while area under organic cultivation was having positive and significant relationship with the attitude towards organic farming. It was revealed that, co-efficient of determination (R2) of the independent variables was 0.5840. It means that 58.40 per cent of the total variation in the attitude towards organic farming was explained by the selected 13 independent variables.The regression coefficient (t) of annual income, social participation, mass media exposure, scientific orientation, economic motivation, innovativeness and knowledge variables were 6.1805, 1.3135, 0.6481, 0.4633, 0.4727, 0.6029, and 0.6959 respectively, which indicates that one unit change in the variable viz., would affect 6.1805, 1.3135, 0.6481, 0.4633, 0.4727, 0.6029, and 0.6959 unit change in attitude of the farmers towards organic farming, respectively. From path analysis, it was observed that, education, annual income, mass media exposure, scientific orientation, economic motivation, knowledge and innovativeness were important variables in absence of which independent variables are not able to influence the attitude of the farmers towards organic farming. Regarding constraints it was observed that, 92.77 per cent of the respondents faced constraint of non-availability of package of practices about organic farming practices, 91.66 per cent faced constraint of non-availability of organic inputs, 89.44 per cent of them faced constraint of high risk and uncertainty of returns, 88.88 per cent faced constraint of large quantity of input required for organic farming. It was revealed that, 90.55 per cent of the respondents suggested that package of practices about organic farming practices should be provided, 83.33 per cent of the respondents suggested that certification process should be made easy, 75.55 per cent respondents suggested that training programmes should be arranged at village level, 61.66 per cent of the respondents suggested the arrangement of intensive campaign programmes for promotion of organic farming.ThesisItem Open Access Consequences of farmer producer company on its beneficiaries in Marathwada region(Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, 2022-12-30) Lade, Ashish Homraj; Ahire, R.D.The present study was conducted in Aurangabad and Latur districts of Marathwada region of Maharashtra state which was selected purposively for the research study on the basis of maximum number of Farmer Producer Company. Ex-post facto research design was adopted in the present investigation. From each district, four FPCs were purposively selected which is established five or three years back. Total to the sum of 8 FPCs were selected for the present study. From each selected FPC, Two villages were selected purposively for the study on the basis of maximum number of beneficiaries working under FPC. Fifteen beneficiaries were selected from each Farmer Producer Company randomly comprising total sample of 120 beneficiaries and 120 non-beneficiaries were selected total to the tune of 240. The findings with regard to the selected profile characteristics of the beneficiaries indicate that near about two third (60.84%) of the beneficiaries were belonged to middle age, more than one fourth (28.33%) of the beneficiaries were include in middle school education. Sixty per cent (60.00%) of the beneficiaries were found in medium annual income, near about fifty per cent (49.16%) of the beneficiaries were in small land holding and more than one third (38.33%) of the beneficiaries were found in farming occupation. Fifty per cent (50.00%) of the beneficiaries had medium social participation. About 56.67 per cent of the beneficiaries had medium information seeking behaviour, slightly more than half (51.67%) of the beneficiaries were having medium economic motivation, fifty five per cent (55.00%) of the beneficiaries had medium risk preference, 58.33 per cent of the beneficiaries were include in medium mass medium utilization, more than one third (39.16%) of the beneficiaries attended one training programme. More than two fourth (55.00%) of the beneficiaries were having medium innovativeness, 55.83 per cent majority of the beneficiaries were include in medium scientific orientation, fifty five per cent (55.00%) of the beneficiaries had medium market orientation and more than half (53.33%) of the beneficiaries had medium knowledge, respectively. Summate rating scale by likert (1932) and Edwards (1957) was used to developed and standardize a scale for measuring consequences of farmer producer company on its beneficiaries. It was observed from the study that significance difference was observed in risk management (Z value 2.11*)) among the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries at 0.05 per cent level. As per as cooperation (‘Z’ value 2.71*) was concern a significance difference was seen among the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries at 0.01 per cent level of significance. Study also shows that the coordination (Z value 2.13*) was significant at 0.05 per cent level of significance, time management as an important variable as per as FPCs are concern the Z value 2.95** shows that there is significant difference as per as beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries concern. While operation effectiveness (Z value 2.60**), saving pattern (Z value 3.40**) and market orientation (Z value 2.81**) are concern it is seen that they were significant at 0.01 per cent level of probability indicating that there was significant difference among the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Study also shows that there was significant difference between the beneficiaries and non- beneficiaries as per psychological behaviour (‘Z’ value 2.46*) and socio-economic status (Z value 2.50*) at 0.05 per cent level of significant. Whereas overall consequences is concern the Z value was 3.63** indicating the significance difference between the beneficiaries and non- beneficiaries at 0.05 per cent level of significant. Correlation analysis showed that annual income, social participation, information seeking behavior, mass media utilization, training received, economic motivation, risk preference, innovativeness, scientific orientation, market orientation and knowledge were positively and highly significantly related with consequences of farmer producer company while education, land holding and occupation were positively and significant with consequences of farmer producer company. However age could not establish any significant relationship with consequences of farmer producer company. Multiple regressions, it was observed that co-efficient of determination (R2) of the independent variable was 0.77. It means that 77.00 per cent of total variation in the overall consequences farmer producer company on its beneficiaries was explained by the 15 independent variables. As per as path analysis in concern it was observed that education, social participation, economic motivation, innovativeness, market orientation and knowledge were important variable in the absence of which, independent variable are not able to influence the overall consequences of farmer producer company. From the study it was found that, the data related to crop production constraints, more than sixty per cent (62.50) of the beneficiaries were belonged to lack of timely availability of farm labour constraint, followed by lack of irrigation facilities (51.66%). The data related to market constraints depicted that, slightly more than fifty per cent (50.83%) of the beneficiaries were belonged to fluctuation in market price for farm produce constraint, followed by Lack of storage facility for farm produce at village level (48.33%). The data related to financial constraints reveled that, slightly more than seventy per cent (70.83%) of the beneficiaries were belonged to high cost of farm inputs constraint, followed by low price to farm produce (60.83%), The data related to technical constraints indicate that fifty five per cent (55.00%) of the beneficiaries were belonged to lack of awareness about new technology constraint, followed by lack of awareness about processing, packaging and labelling of farm produce (50.83%). The data related to participation in an enterprise found that, more than half (53.33%) of the beneficiaries were belonged to lack of importance about various extension programmes organised by Farmer Producer Company constraint, followed by ignorance of beneficiaries about annual group meeting (51.66%). The data related to communication constraints reveled that slightly less than half (49.16%) of the beneficiaries were belonged to lack of liaisons between management committee and beneficiaries farmers constraint, followed by lack of awareness extension agencies/ sources of information (48.33%), respectively. Suggestion was also studied in the present investigation indicated that, more than ninety per cent (93.34%) of the beneficiaries suggested that FPCs should facilitate crop insurance to the members, followed by provision of financial support to the members (91.67%), up to ninety per cent (88.34%) of beneficiaries suggested that FPCs should provide storage facilities, while 85.83 per cent expressed that FPCs should provide various inputs at reasonable rates, whereas 79.16 ,78.33 ,71.67 and 69.16 per cent expressed that FPCs should organize seed production activity, establishment of customer hiring centers for farm machineries at reasonable rates, establishment of linkages with various financial institutes, organization of various training propgramme timely at FPC centers respectively.ThesisItem Open Access Impact of high density planting and weed management practices on growth and yield of Bt. cotton. (Gossypium hirsutum L.)(Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, 2022-12-29) Mane, Sudhir Govind; Karle, A.S.The present investigation “Impact of high density planting and weed management practice on growth and yield of Bt cotton. (Gossypium hirsutum L.)” was undertaken during Kharif season of 2020-21 and 2021-22 on clayey soil at experimental farm, AICRP on Integrated Farming Systems, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani (M.S.) The soil of the experimental plot was clayey in texture, low in available nitrogen , medium in available phosphorus and high in available potassium and slightly alkaline in reaction. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three planting densities that is S1-120 cm × 45 cm (18518 plants ha-1), S2- 80 cm × 60 cm (20833 plants ha-1) and S3- 90 cm × 45 cm (24691plants ha-1) and four weed management practices that is W1 - Stale seed bed technique + PoE Pyrithiobac Sodium 10% EC @ 62.5 g ha-1 + Quizolfop-ethyl 5% EC @ 50 g ha-1 + Straw mulching, W2 - Stale seed bed technique +PoE Glufosinate ammonium 13.5% SL @ 0.7 kg ha-1 + Hand weeding, W3 - Weed Free and W4 - Weedy Check. Recommended fertilizers dose of 120:60:60 NPK kg ha-1 was applied and biometric observations on growth parameters, yield attributes and yield were recorded. The Bt. cotton was sown by dibbling method on 05-07-2020 and 02-07-2021 during year 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, respectively Study revealed that the plant spacing of 120 cm × 45 cm recorded significantly increased growth attributes i.e. number of functional leaves, leaf area (dm2), dry matter per plant (g), number of monopodial and number of sympodial branches per plant and yield contributing characters i.e. number of picked bolls per plant, boll weight (g), seed cotton yield per plant (g) as compared to plant spacing of 80 cm × 60 cm and 90 cm × 45 cm. The significantly taller plants were recorded with plant spacing of 90 cm × 45 cm as compared to other plant spacing’s. Similarly maximum seed cotton yield (2076 kg ha-1), stalk yield (4060 kg ha-1), biological yield (6107 kg ha-1), gross monetary returns (₹ 172681), net monetary returns (₹ 96331) and benefit to cost ratio (2.26) was recorded with plant spacing of 90 cm × 45 cm than plant spacing’s of 80 cm × 60 cm and 120 cm × 45 cm. Plant densities did not evident any significant impact on cotton quality parameters. The growth parameters were influenced by various treatments of weed management practices. The growth parameters like plant height, numbers of monopodial and sympodial branches plant-1, numbers of functional leaves plant-1, leaf area plant-1 and total dry matter accumulation plant-1 were significantly higher in weed free (W3) than other treatments and however, it was at par with the Stale seed bed technique + PoE Pyrithiobac Sodium 10% EC @ 62.5 g ha-1 + Quizolfop-ethyl 5% EC @ 50 g ha-1 + Straw mulching (W1) Similar results were obtained in case of yield attributes like numbers of picked bolls plant-1, and seed cotton yield plant-1 were significantly higher in weed free (W3). The weed free (W3) recorded higher seed cotton yield (2336 kg ha-1), stalk yield (4244 kg ha-1) and biological yields (6580 kg ha-1) than other treatments and however, it was at par with Stale seed bed technique + PoE Pyrithiobac Sodium 10% EC @ 62.5 g ha-1 + Quizolfop-ethyl 5% EC @ 50 g ha-1 + Straw mulching(W1). Boll weight was not influenced by weed management practices. Also, significantly higher gross monetary returns (₹193427), net monetary returns (₹108122) and benefit to cost ratio (2.26) was found in weed free (W3) treatment. Post-harvest parameters such as ginning percentage, seed index and lint index, as well as fiber quality parameters like staple length, bundle length, fiber fineness, oil percentage and uniformity ratio were not significantly influenced by planting density and weed management practices during both years of the study.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of fertilizer levels on growth and yield of turmeric (curcuma longa L.) + sweet corn (zea mays saccharata L.) intercropping system(Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, 2022-12-30) Thombre, Santosh Vitthalrao; Asewar, B.V.The present investigation entitled ‘Effect of fertilizer levels on growth and yield of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) + Sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata L.) intercropping system’ was conducted during two consecutive years of 2020-21 and 2021-2022 at Experimental farm, Department of Agronomy, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani in Marathwada region of Maharashtra state. The topography of the experimental field was uniform, levelled and well drained. The soil of experimental site was clayey in texture. The chemical composition of soil was low in organic carbon, available nitrogen and available phosphorous and very high in available potassium. The soil was moderately alkaline in reaction. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The present investigation consisted of twelve treatment combinations. Treatments details consist of (intercropping systems) in main plot – i.e. I1- Sole Turmeric, I2- Sole Sweet corn, I3- Turmeric + Sweet corn (2:1), I4- Turmeric + Sweet corn (1:1) in main plot and in sub plot three fertility levels- i.e. F1-100% RDF (200:100:100 NPK kg ha-1), F2-125% RDF (250: 125: 125 NPK kg ha-1) and F3-150% RDF (300: 150: 150 NPK kg ha-1). The treatments were allotted randomly in each replication. The turmeric and sweet corn were sown on 11-07-2020 and 15-06-2021 during year 2020-21 and 2021-22, respectively. Biometric observations on growth parameters, yield attributes, fresh rhizome yield, dry rhizome yield of turmeric, growth attributes, yield attributes and yield of sweet corn and growth attributes, yield attributes and yield of chickpea was also recorded. The various economics indices in respect of monetary returns and benefit to cost ratio, turmeric equivalent yield, land equivalent ratio, area time equivalent ratio, aggressivity and competition ratio were also calculated during 2020-21 and 2021-22 respectively. The results of investigation revealed that during 2020-21 and 2021-22, among intercropping, sole turmeric recorded higher growth attributes viz., pseudo stem height (cm), number of functional leaves plant-1, leaf area (dm2), number of tillers plant-1, dry matter accumulation plant-1 (g) and leaf area index. Yield attributes like number of mother rhizomes, number of primary rhizomes, ratio of primary to mother rhizomes, fresh weight of rhizome plant-1 and yield i.e. fresh rhizome yield (t ha-1), dry rhizome yield (t ha-1) which was significantly superior in sole turmeric over other intercropping systems. However, Turmeric equivalent yield, GMR, NMR, B:C ratio and intercropping indices like LER, ATER, aggressivity and CR was higher in turmeric + sweet corn (2:1) intercropping systems. During both the years of investigation, among fertilizer levels, application of 150% RDF-300:150:150 NPK kg ha-1 (F3) recorded significantly superior growth attributes viz., pseudo stem height (cm), number of functional leaves plant-1, leaf area (dm2), number of tillers plant-1, dry matter accumulation plant-1 (g) and leaf area index. Yield attributes like number of mother rhizomes, number of primary rhizomes, ratio of primary to mother rhizomes, fresh weight of rhizome plant-1 and yield i.e. fresh rhizome yield (t ha-1), dry rhizome yield (t ha-1) and economics i.e. GMR, NMR, B:C ratio which was significantly superior over 125% RDF-250:125:125 NPK kg ha-1 (F2) and 100% RDF- 200:100:100 NPK kg ha-1 (F1), but at par with application of 250:125:125 NPK kg ha-1 (F2). The lower growth attributes, yield attributes, yield and economics was recorded with application 100% RDF-200:100:100 NPK kg ha-1 (F1).ThesisItem Open Access Studies on effect of copper and silver nanoparticles on trichoderma spp.(Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, 2022-12-19) Deore, Pankaj Bhatu; Navgire, K.D.The beneficial soil microorganisms are important in maintaining soil health. The novel nano-pesticides and nano-fertilizers are introduced in agriculture to enhance crop production and productivity but after their use, they are leached out in the soil. Many researchers have reported the toxic effect of nanoparticles on various microorganisms and plants but very little data is available on the effect of NPs on beneficial microorganisms. Therefore the present investigation was carried out to explore the effect of Cu and Ag NPs on beneficial microorganisms such as Trichoderma. The green synthesis of Cu and Ag NPs were carried out by using Azadirachta indica leaf extract as a precursor and 1 mM aqueous solution of CuSO4.5H2O and AgNO3 respectively as a reducing agent in 1:5 proportion and incubated at 26 oC for 12 hrs and 24 hrs respectively. The color change reaction confirmed the formation of NPs. The NPs were purified by repeated washing and dried at 60 oC for 2 hrs. The powder form CuNPs and AgNPs were of coffee brown and dark gray color respectively. The green synthesized CuNPs and AgNPs were characterized by SEM, EDX, DLS and Zeta potential. The CuNPs and AgNPs appeared as nanoclusters crowded together with biomolecules but under higher magnification, they appeared spherical. The average particle size distribution of CuNPs and AgNPs was in the range of 141.8 to 3091 nm and 11.70 to 58.77 nm respectively with an average size of 1202 nm and 107.9 nm respectively. The green synthesized CuNPs were moderately polydispersed (0.286 PdI) and AgNPs were broadly polydispersed (0.602 PdI). The elemental composition of green synthesized CuNPs and AgNPs included 6.11 per cent of Cu and 48.63 per cent of Ag on a weight basis and 1.73 per cent of Cu and 15.14 per cent of Ag on an atomic percent basis. The green synthesized CuNPs and AgNPs were negatively charged with Zeta potential -6.54 mV and -4.38 mV respectively. The green synthesized CuNPs and AgNPs were evaluated against T. viride and T. harzianum. The CuNPs doses of 1-1000 ppm/L not affected the linear growth of T. viride and T. harzianum. The minimum inhibitory concentration of green synthesized AgNPs against T. viride was 100 ppm/L and 90 ppm/L against T. harzianum. The growth rate of T. viride was hampered by 1-1000 ppm/L doses of CuNPs in the initial growth period up to 48 hrs but later on, no effect of CuNPs was observed while AgNPs doses affected the growth rate erratically at 24 hrs, 48 hrs and 72 hrs. The 1-1000 ppm/L doses of Cu and Ag NPs variably affected the colony zone length of T. viride and T. harzianum but different doses of NPs not showed a consistent effect on colony zone length. The CuNPs and AgNPs doses variably affected the colony zone color of T. viride at 72 hrs (3rd day) and 96 hrs (4th day) as compared to the untreated control. The CuNPs doses not affected the colony zone color of T. harzianum at 72 hrs but at 96 hrs, only the productive zone showed variation in color as compared to the untreated control. In T. viride and T. harzianum at 96 hrs, the fuzziness gets increased in extending zone and productive zone respectively with an increase in CuNPs dose. The AgNPs doses affected the colony zone color of T. viride and T. harzianum at 72 hrs except extending zone of T. harzianum. At 96 hrs, only the fruiting zone of T. viride was not affected the colony zone color by 25 ppm/L, 50 ppm/L, 100 ppm/L, 250 ppm/L and 750 ppm/L doses of AgNPs but in T. harzianum only fruiting zone at 750 ppm/L and 1000 ppm/L and ageing zone at 1 ppm/L doses of AgNPs were unaffected the colony zone color. The CuNPs and AgNPs doses affected some cultural characteristics of T. viride and T. harzianum but not affected the colony form/shape, elevation, margin/border, opacity, conidiation and exudates on the colony at 72 hrs and 96 hrs. The 1-1000 ppm/L doses of CuNPs affected the colony color of T. viride but not affected the colony color of T. harzianum at 72 hrs and 96 hrs. All the doses of AgNPs affected the colony color of T. viride at 72 hrs but at 96 hrs, only 25-250 ppm/L doses not affected the colony color of T. viride while in T. harzianum only 1 ppm/L dose of AgNPs not affected the colony color at 72 hrs but at 96 hrs all the doses of AgNPs affected the colony color. The colony surface texture of T. viride and T. harzianum was woolly and not affected by any CuNPs at 72 hrs and 96 hrs but in T. harzianum, woolliness was increased at 96 hrs with an increase in the dose of CuNPs from 100 ppm/L to 1000 ppm/L. In T. viride, the AgNPs not affected the colony surface texture at 72 hrs but at 96 hrs only 1 ppm/L, 100 ppm/L, 750 ppm/L and 1000 ppm/L doses of AgNPs affected the colony surface texture while in T. harzianum, the 100-1000 ppm/L doses of AgNPs only affected the colony surface texture at 72 hrs but at 96 hrs, all the doses (1-1000 ppm/L) of AgNPs affected the colony surface texture of T. harzianum. The pigmentation of T. viride and T. harzianum was affected by 250-1000 ppm/L doses of CuNPs and 500-1000 ppm/L doses of AgNPs. Only the sporulation of T. viride was affected at 72 hrs by 1-1000 ppm/L doses of AgNPs. The colony ring formation in T. viride and T. harzianum was unaffected by 1-1000 ppm/L doses of CuNPs. The colony ring formation at 72 hrs was affected by some doses of AgNPs at 72 hrs in T. viride and T. harzianum. The colony ring formation at 96 hrs, was not affected by AgNPs in T. harzianum but in T. viride, 25 ppm/L, 100 ppm/L and 250 ppm/L doses of AgNPs only affected the colony ring formation. The colony reverse color of T. viride was affected by all the doses (1-1000 ppm/L) of CuNPs and AgNPs but 250-1000 ppm/L the doses of CuNPs and AgNPs affected the colony reverse color of T. harzianum. The 10-1000 ppm/L dose of CuNPs recorded the colony surface and back grooves in T. viride and 1 ppm/L dose of CuNPs in T. harzianum but the colony surface and back grooves of T. viride and T. harzianum were not affected by AgNPs. The CuNPs and AgNPs showed an inconsonance and consonance effect respectively on conidia production and conidia viability of T. viride and T. harzianum. In T. viride, 1 ppm/L, 25 ppm/L and 500 ppm/L doses of CuNPs and in T. harzianum, 1 ppm/L, 10 ppm/L, 50 ppm/L and 100 ppm/L doses of CuNPs hampered the conidia production and conidia viability as compared to untreated control while rest of all CuNPs doses promoted the conidia production and conidia viability in T. viride and T. harzianum. In T. viride and T. harzianum, the AgNPs affected the conidia production and conidia viability and with the increase in the dose of AgNPs, conidia production and conidia viability got decreased. The CuNPs and AgNPs showed a random effect on the volatile compound production of T. viride and T. harzianum which leads to the inhibition of FOL. The serial increase in the doses of NPs didn’t show any cumulative or noncumulative effect on the volatile compound production of T. viride and T. harzianum. The volatile compound production in T. harzianum was markedly get enhanced as compared to T. viride by the treatments of CuNPs and AgNPs. The volatile compound production of T. harzianum was enhanced by 1-1000 ppm/L doses of CuNPs while 1000 ppm/L, 750 ppm/L, 250 ppm/L, 25 ppm/L and 10 ppm/L dose of CuNPs only enhanced volatile compound production of T. viride. The volatile compound production of T. viride and T. harzianum was enhanced by the treatment of AgNPs as compared to the control except doses 25 ppm/L and 250 ppm/L in T. viride and 750 ppm/L in T. harzianum. The different doses of CuNPs and AgNPs showed a variable effect on the non-volatile compound production of T. viride and T. harzianum. An increase in the concentration of culture filtrates of T. viride and T. harzianum in each NP treatment showed a decrease in the linear growth of FOL and increased inhibition of FOL. In T. viride, the 1 ppm/L dose of CuNPs recorded the highest inhibition of FOL at 5 per cent, 10 per cent and 50 per cent concentration of culture filtrates and 10 ppm/L dose of CuNPs at 1 per cent and 25 per cent concentration of culture filtrates while 50 ppm/L dose of AgNPs recorded the highest inhibition of FOL at 1 per cent, 5 per cent, 10 per cent, 25 per cent and 50 per cent concentration of culture filtrates. In T. harzianum, the 750 ppm/L dose of CuNPs recorded the highest inhibition of FOL at 1 per cent, 5 per cent, 10 per cent, 25 per cent and 50 per cent concentrations of culture filtrates but at 25 per cent and 50 per cent concentration of culture filtrates all the CuNP treatments recorded lower inhibition of FOL than the untreated control while, 1 ppm/L dose of AgNPs recorded the highest inhibition of FOL at 1 per cent, 5 per cent, 10 per cent, 25 per cent and 50 per cent concentrations of culture filtrates. The CuNPs and AgNPs showed a variable effect on the antagonistic activity and inhibition zone of T. viride and T. harzianum. The CuNPs showed an increase in the antagonistic activity of T. viride and the highest inhibition of FOL was observed at 1000 ppm/L dose of CuNPs while only 1 ppm/L, 50 ppm/L and 250 ppm/L doses of AgNPs recorded an increase in the antagonistic activity of T. viride. The AgNPs recorded decreased antagonistic activity of T. harzianum while only 750 ppm/L, 1000 ppm/L and 10 ppm/L doses of CuNPs recorded an increase in the antagonistic activity of T. harzianum. The present investigations find out the effect of Cu and Ag NPs on T. viride and T. harzianum but further detailed investigations are needed to clearly understand the interactions of Cu and Ag NPs with T. viride and T. harzianum.