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Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar
After independence, development of the rural sector was considered the primary concern of the Government of India. In 1949, with the appointment of the Radhakrishnan University Education Commission, imparting of agricultural education through the setting up of rural universities became the focal point. Later, in 1954 an Indo-American team led by Dr. K.R. Damle, the Vice-President of ICAR, was constituted that arrived at the idea of establishing a Rural University on the land-grant pattern of USA. As a consequence a contract between the Government of India, the Technical Cooperation Mission and some land-grant universities of USA, was signed to promote agricultural education in the country. The US universities included the universities of Tennessee, the Ohio State University, the Kansas State University, The University of Illinois, the Pennsylvania State University and the University of Missouri. The task of assisting Uttar Pradesh in establishing an agricultural university was assigned to the University of Illinois which signed a contract in 1959 to establish an agricultural University in the State. Dean, H.W. Hannah, of the University of Illinois prepared a blueprint for a Rural University to be set up at the Tarai State Farm in the district Nainital, UP. In the initial stage the University of Illinois also offered the services of its scientists and teachers. Thus, in 1960, the first agricultural university of India, UP Agricultural University, came into being by an Act of legislation, UP Act XI-V of 1958. The Act was later amended under UP Universities Re-enactment and Amendment Act 1972 and the University was rechristened as Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology keeping in view the contributions of Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant, the then Chief Minister of UP. The University was dedicated to the Nation by the first Prime Minister of India Pt Jawaharlal Nehru on 17 November 1960.
The G.B. Pant University is a symbol of successful partnership between India and the United States. The establishment of this university brought about a revolution in agricultural education, research and extension. It paved the way for setting up of 31 other agricultural universities in the country.
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ThesisItem Open Access Development of Ensembled Probabilistic Machine Learning models on Agri-Climatic data(G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263145, 2023-07) Mathpal, Tanuja; Rajput, Ravinder SinghMathematical models serve as formal representations of real-world phenomena, employing mathematical equations, symbols, and logical relationships. They are indispensable tools for describing, analyzing, and predicting the behaviour of complex systems using mathematical principles and techniques. This study investigates deterministic and probabilistic mathematical models, including Logistic Regression, Naïve Bayes Classifier Models, Hidden Markov Models, Artificial Neural Network Models with a SoftMax output layer, Decision Tree Models, and K Neighbors Models, for rainfall prediction based on agri-climatic data. The models are trained using secondary data obtained from the NASA POWER database, specifically the Agriclimatology database related to Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. The dataset consists of 4,383 rows and 14 columns, representing daily data from 2010 to 2021. Model validation is conducted using data from the year 2022, and performance evaluation utilizes standard measures commonly employed in machine learning studies. The results indicate that the probabilistic models, particularly Logistic Regression, Hidden Markov Models, Naïve Bayes Classifier Models, and Artificial Neural Network Models with a SoftMax output layer, exhibit promising performance for rainfall prediction. Ensemble models are developed using averaging, max voting, and stacking techniques, effectively combining multiple models to enhance prediction accuracy. Among the ensemble models, the stacking model demonstrates the highest accuracy, followed by the Max Voting model and the averaging model.ThesisItem Open Access Combining Ability Analysis for Yield and Yield Components in Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.(G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263145, 2023-06) Ansari, Raees; Verma, S. K.Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) is a major pulse crop grown in the rabi season, which contributes significantly to the nutritional security of the country. The present investigation was undertaken at Pulse Breeding Block of N. E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India, during rabi 2020-21 and 2021-22 crop season to estimate combining ability and gene action, to determine the magnitude of heterosis and to study the morphological and molecular diversity among the lentil genotypes. Eight genotypes were used as parents and were crossed in all possible combinations in a half diallel fashion (excluding reciprocals) to produce 28 F1 hybrids during the rabi crop season of 2020-21 and evaluation of 28 F1 hybrids, along with eight parents and one check DPL 62 during the rabi crop season of 2021-22. The observation on seven different morphological characters were recorded on five randomly selected plants from each replication and the appropriate statistical methods were used to draw the conclusion. ANOVA for diallel analysis resulted in significant mean sum of square due to parents and hybrids revealing the presence of considerable variability among them. The estimates of σ² SCA were found to be higher than the σ2 GCA for days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity and number of primary branches, while for rest of the characters σ2 GCA were higher as compared to σ² SCA. Higher SCA than the corresponding GCA indicates the presence of dominance gene action or non-additive gene effects. The Parent PL 7 was found to be good general combiner for maximum number of six characters including seed yield per plant (g). The cross PL 7 x LH 84-8 had good SCA effects for a maximum five number of traits including seed yield per plant (g). Among twenty-eight hybrids, nine hybrids i.e., PL 8 x PL 7 (41.50%), PL 8 x PL 5 (30.28%), PL 8 x PL 406 (27.10%), PL 8 x L 4147 (18.13%), PL 8 x PL 4 (17.94%), PL 8 x PL 639 (15.70%), PL 5 x PL 7 (14.21%), PL 7 x LH 84-8 (12.90%), PL 7 x L4147 (11.21%) revealed positive and significant standard heterosis over check DPL 62. Mahalanobis D2 statics, grouped 25 genotypes of lentil into five different clusters. The cluster I is the largest cluster contain 15 genotypes followed by cluster II and cluster III (4 genotypes each), whereas cluster IV and V each retained one genotype. Based on the inter-cluster distance, genotypes present in cluster III (DPL 62, IC 201798, EC 1 and ILWLS 118-1) and cluster V (PL 406) were recognized as genetically most divergent. Therefore, these genotypes can be hybridized and superior transgressive segregants can be obtained in segregating generations. Based on the cluster means genotypes present in cluster V (PL 406) was identified as a potential donor to obtain superior recombinants concerning seed yield and its contributing traits. Molecular diversity among 25 elite genotypes was carried out using 20 SSR markers. Out of these 20 SSR markers, four markers were found polymorphic. Polymorphic information content (PIC) value ranged from 0.855 (SSR 107) to 0.538 (SSR 156) respectively. The analysis of dendrogram revealing the relationship among 25 lentil genotypes. Jaccard similarity coefficient ranged from 0.45 to 0.82 among 25 genotypes. The super cluster is divided into two sub clusters A and B at Jaccard similarity coefficient of 0.45. Cluster A is further divided into two cluster A1 and A2 at Jaccard similarity coefficient of 0.59, each containing 12 genotypes. Cluster B contains only one genotype IC 201798, which found to be most diverse from rest of the genotypes. There is no direct relationship between morphological and molecular diversity as the genotypes those are grouped in same cluster on the basis of morpholog ical diversity, grouped into different clusters on molecular diversity basis.ThesisItem Open Access Genetic analysis for grain yield and morphophysiological traits in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.em. Thell)(G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263145, 2023-07) Mehra, Ayushi; SwatiThe present investigation was conducted to study the genetic diversity, combing ability, and heterosis for grain yield and its components using phenotypic and molecular screening of wheat genotypes. Thirteen lines and three tester were crossed in Line × Tester mating design during the Rabi season 2021-2022 in Norman E. Borlaug Crop research center of G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. In the Rabi season 2022-2023, field experiment with 45 genotypes comprising 13 parents, 30 F1, and two check variety viz. HD2967 and DBW 187 were laid down in a randomized block design with three replications. Nineteen characters were taken under study i.e., days to 75 % heading, days to maturity, NDVI, canopy temperature, chlorophyll content, flag leaf area, spike length(cm), peduncle length(cm), plant height (cm), number of productive tillers/ plant, awn length(cm), number of spikelets per spike, 1000 grain weight(g), biological yield/plant(g), grain yield/plant(g), harvest index, number of grains per spike, grain weight per spike, and leaf orientation value. Genotypes were phenotypically screened for disease reactions under epiphytotic conditions, along with molecular screening to detect the presence of major Yr genes. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference among the genotypes for all characters. Variance due to sca was higher than that due to gca for all the characters, indicating the predominance of non-additive gene action. DWAP 182 emerged as a good general combiner for the maximum number of traits (eight): days to 75 % heading, CTD at anthesis, chlorophyll content after 15 days of anthesis, number of productive tillers per plant, biological yield per plant, grain yield per plant, harvest index, and number of grains per spike. Among the testers, DBW 222 showed a significant gca effect on chlorophyll content after 15 days of anthesis, flag leaf area, biological yield per plant, number of grains per spike, and grain weight per spike. DWAP 182 × UP 2938 and UP 2993 × DBW 222 turned out to be good specific combiners for the maximum number (10) of traits. DWAP 182 × UP 2938 emerged as a good specific combiner for NDVI after 15 days of anthesis, CTD after 15 days of anthesis, flag leaf area, number of productive tillers per plant, thousand grain weight, biological yield per plant, grain yield per plant, number of grains per spike, grain weight per spike, and leaf orientation value, whereas UP 2993 × DBW 222 turned out to be a good specific combiner for CTD after 15 days of anthesis, chlorophyll content at anthesis, number of productive tillers per plant, awn length, biological yield per plant, grain yield per plant, harvest index, number of grains per spike, grain weight per spike, and leaf orientation value. UP 2993 × DBW 222 found to be the best specific combiner with significant gca for chlorophyll content at anthesis, number of productive tillers per plant, biological yield per plant, grain yield per plant, and grain weight per spike. For NDVI after 15 days of anthesis, canopy temperature depression after 15 days of anthesis and 1000 grain weight, cross DWAP 182 × UP 2938 was considered to be the best specific combiner. WH 1251 × UP 2903 appeared to be the best specific combiner with the highest significant sca values for leaf orientation value, whereas HI 1612 × DBW 222 emerged to be the best specific combiner with significant sca effect for spike length and number of spikelets per spike. Relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis, and standard heterosis were estimated for all the characters. DWAP 182 x UP 2938 emerged out to be the best cross which had shown significant positive heterosis over mid parent, better parent and checks HD 2967 and DBW 187 for NDVI at 15 days after anthesis, canopy temperature depression at 15 days after anthesis, number of grains per spike, biological and grain yield per plant whereas, UP 2993 x DBW 222 emerged out to be the best cross which had shown significant positive heterosis over mid parent, better parent and check. HD 2967 and DBW 187 for chlorophyll content at anthesis, flag leaf area, number of productive tillers per plant, awn length, number of grains per spike, grain weight per spike, biological and grain yield per plant. Based on the ACI under artificially inoculated field conditions, all genotypes were classified as resistant, intermediate, or susceptible. Molecular analysis using linked SSR primers Xwmc175 revealed the likely presence of the Yr5 gene in Avocet/Yr5, DBW 233, DWAP 182, HD 3337, and UP 2993. These five genotypes also showed resistance response in field conditions. After further investigation, these genotypes could be used as donor parents in rust- resistance breeding programme.ThesisItem Open Access SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF BIO-SYNTHESIZED SILVER NANOPARTICLES WITH SOME BIOCONTROL AGENTS AGAINST Spilarctia obliqua (Walker) INFESTING GREENGRAM(G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263145, 2023-07) Maheshwari, Sourabh; Purwar, J. P.Nanotechnology for plant protection is an emerging research field that offers new methods to amid nanomaterials as Nanopesticide. The present study was conducted to evaluate the compatibility of AgNPs with egg Parasitoids, Trichogramma chilonis, Entomopathogenic Nematode, Steinernema abbasi strain PN-01 and Entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana along with study on Synergistic effect of AgNPs with Beauveria bassiana alone and in combination against Spilarctia obliqua under laboratory and net house conditions. The biosynthesis of Silver nanoparticles was performed with neem leaves extract and its characterization was done with UV-Vis spectrophotometer, DLS, SEM and FTIR. The shape of the NPs was observed to be spherical and the average size was 66.63 nm. It was observed that at highest concentration of AgNPs (40 ppm), there was only 47.67 percent Adults of T. chilonis emerges from the eggs shell and 51.27 percent reduction in eggs hatching over control was recorded at 3rd day after treatment. The Probit data analysis shows that S abbasi was sensitive to AgNPs with LC50 0.37 ppb. In compatibility test, all the concentrations of AgNPs were found compatible and harmless except 20 ppm and 40 ppm for the growth of B. basssina as per Hassan’s classification index. The LC50 and LT50 values recorded under laboratory condition for combination of AgNPs and B. bassiana was 11.16 ppm and 77.31 hours, respectively against 6 days old larvae of S. obliqua. The combination was found 2.85 times more toxic than AgNPs alone. Under net house conditions, 100 percent probit mortality of S. obliqua was recorded on 8th day after treatment when combination was used, while 42.85 and 53.57 percent probit mortality was recorded for individual treatment of B. bassiana and AgNPs (40 ppm). This study reveals that AgNPs with biological control agents turn to be promising cradle of nontoxic pesticides that shows synergistic effect in controlling noxious insect pests. Further, this technique will be a valuable tool in the integrated pest management system.ThesisItem Open Access STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF ROOT KNOT NEMATODE (Meloidogyne graminicola Golden & Birchfield, 1965) AND OTHER PLANT PARASITIC NEMATODES ASSOCIATED WITH RICE (Oryza sativa L.) IN ALMORA AND NAINITAL DISTRICTS OF UTTARAKHAND(G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263145, 2023-07) Kumar, Abhishek; Kumay, SatyaAn extensive survey was conducted in Nainital and Almora districts of the Uttarakhand to identify the status, distribution, and prevalence of Plant Parasitic Nematodes (PPN) associated with the rice. Total of 139 villages were surveyed and from each village 3 samples were taken, each from the different rice field. GIS software was used for the location mapping. Microscopic morphological studies revealed the presence of 11 genera of PPN’s viz., Meloidogyne spp., Hirschmanniella spp., Heterodera spp., Helicotylenchus spp., Tylenchorhynchus spp., Hoplolaimus spp., Ditylenchus spp., Pratylenchus spp., Tylenchus spp., Criconemoides spp. and Xiphinema spp. In Nainital district, the most prevalent nematodes genera were Meloidogyne spp., Helicotylenchus spp. and Pratylenchus spp. These nematodes were showing 100 per cent frequency of occurrence in all three blocks that were surveyed. The highest population of Meloidogyne spp. was recorded in the village Bailpadav of Kotabagh in Nainital district (49669 J2/ gm of root and 6547 J2/ 200 cc of soil). In Almora district predominant genera were Meloidogyne spp., Hirschmanniella spp., Helicotylenchus spp., Ditylenchus spp. and Tylenchorhynchus spp. The highest population of Meloidogyne spp. in Almora district was recorded in village Chaunada of Takula block (32350 J2/ gm of rice root and 3216 J2 / 200 cc of soil). The highest population of Hirschmanniella spp. was recorded in village Kunal banga of Hawal bagh block (654 individuals/ 200 cc of soil). Heterodera spp. was only identified in the Almora district and was prevalent above 1000 m (MSL). In correlation study, it was seen that PH and soil temperature in negatively correlated with the population of Criconemoides spp., Ditylenchus spp., Hoplolaimus spp., Helicotylenchus spp., Hirschmanniella spp., Meloidogyne spp. and Pratylenchus spp. while soil carbon and soil moisture showed positive correlation with the population Criconemoides spp., Ditylenchus spp., Hoplolaimus spp., Helicotylenchus spp., Hirschmanniella spp. and Meloidogyne spp. Heterodera spp. showed positive correlation with altitude in Almora district. The analysis of the genera of plant parasitic nematodes in the Almora district produced a Shannon-Wiener diversity index of 0.959 and Pielou's J Species evenness of 0.219 whereas The analysis of the genera of plant parasitic nematodes in the Nainital district produced a Shannon-Wiener diversity index of 1.046 and Pielou's J Species evenness of 0.255. Based on survey, it can be inferred that occurrence of rice root knot nematode is a serious threat to rice cultivation and it may emerge as the serious endemic pest in Uttarakhand. Instant attention of the administrators and researchers is required to take appropriate decision for planning strong domestic quarantine regulation to limit their further spread.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on Bipolaris oryzae (Shoemaker), the Incitant of Brown Spot of Rice and its Management(G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263145, 2023-07) Maurya, Nimsha; Kumar, BijendraRice (Oryza sativa L.) is the major crop cultivated all around the world and considered as the staple food. The cultivation is impeded by a number of insect-pests and diseases causing a huge economic loss. Brown spot of rice caused by Bipolaris oryzae (teleomorph : Cochliobolus miyabeanus) is one of the major fungal disease leading to significant reduction in quality and quantity of produce. The present investigation was carried to study the variability in the pathogen, in-vitro and field management of the disease and activity of defence related enzymes in response to application of bio-agents. The morphological and molecular variability was studied in isolates obtained from different tehsils of Udham Singh Nagar district. A significant variability was resulted from the isolates of the pathogen in a district. For the management of disease, seven fungicides and four biocontrol agents were tested both under in-vitro and field conditions. Among the fungicides, Tebuconazole 25.9%EC resulted to be the best by inhibiting the maximum mycelial growth under in-vitro conditions and leading to maximum reduction of disease index under field conditions. However, under in-vitro conditions T. harzianum (Pant bioagent-1) was found to the most effective bioagent followed by P. fluorescens (Pant bioagent-2) and under field conditions, the minimum disease index and maximum yield was obtained with the combination of T. harzianum and P. fluorescens (Pant bioagent-1 and Pant bioagent-2). The activity of three defence related enzymes i.e., Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), Peroxidase (POD) and Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was found to be maximum in the treatment with spray application of T. harzianum. An integrated management approach with use of effective bioagents and fungicides should be recommended for the disease management.ThesisItem Open Access Heterosis and combining ability studies for yield and its component traits in Lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus(G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263145, 2023-04) Kelwal, Tripti; Verma, S. K.The present investigation was undertaken at Pulse Breeding Block of N. E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India, during rabi 2021-22 and 2022-23 crop seasons to estimate combining ability, gene action and heterosis; genetic parameters and genetic diversity in lentil. A half diallel involving eight parents were used to produce 28 F1’s during rabi 2021-22. All the 37 genotypes including 8 parents, 28 F1’s and one check variety, PL 9 were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block design (RBD) with three replications during rabi crop season of 2022-23. The observation on 8 different morphological characters were recorded and the appropriate statistical methods were used to draw the conclusion. ANOVA for diallel analysis resulted in significant mean sum of square due to parents and hybrids revealing the presence of considerable variability among them. The estimates of σ² SCA were found to be higher than the σ2 GCA for the traits days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height and number of primary branches per plant, while for rest of the characters σ2 GCA were higher as compared to σ² SCA estimates. Higher SCA than the corresponding GCA indicates the presence of dominance gene action or non-additive gene effects as SCA is a function of dominance effect whereas, high GCA indicating the preponderance of additive gene action. The parent DPL 62 was found to be a good general combiner for five traits viz., days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), 100-seed weight (g) and seed yield per plant (g). The hybrids PL 4 x PL 8 and PL 8 x L 4147 had good SCA effects for maximum seven characters viz., days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of primary branches, number of pods per plant, 100- seed weight and seed yield per plant. The standard heterosis for seed yield per plant over the check PL 9 ranged from -46.85% (PL 4 x L 4076) to 30.45% (PL 8 x DPL 62). Among the 28 hybrids, only five hybrids revealed significant and positive standard heterosis over the check variety PL 9 i.e., PL 8 x DPL 62, PL 8 x L4147, PL 8 x DPL 15, PL 8 x LH 84-8 and PL 8 x L 4076. Genetic variability, inter-character association, path coefficient analysis and genetic divergence were studied in 25 lentil genotypes during rabi 2022-23. High PCV and GCV estimates were recorded for characters viz., seed yield per plant, primary branches/ plant, 100 seed weight, seeds per pod and pods per plant. High estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were observed for the traits plant height, primary branches per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod, 100-seed weight and seed yield per plant which may be attributed to the preponderance of additive gene action and possess high selective value and thus, selection pressure could profitably be applied on these characters for their rationale improvement.The traits plant height and number of pods per plant had positive significant association with seed yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic level.These traits can be enhanced by selection, which will ultimately improve the economic yield per plant. Path coefficient analysis suggested that the trait pods per plant had high direct effect and positively correlated with seed yield. Mahalanobis D2 statics, grouped 25 genotypes of lentil into five different clusters. The cluster I is largest containing 12 genotypes followed by cluster II with 10 genotypes and cluster III, IV and V with a single genotype each. Maximum inter-cluster distance was recorded between Cluster I and V (36.108) indicating that genotypes from these clusters were highly divergent meriting their consideration in selection of parents for hybridization. Based on the cluster means genotypes present in cluster II (PL-07, PL234, LL931, LL875, PL-05, K75, PL639, PL12, PL11 and KLS218) showed that the genotype in these cluster can be selected as early maturity in lentil breeding programme. Molecular diversity among 25 elite lentil genotypes was carried out using 20 SSR markers. Out of 20 markers, five markers were found to be polymorphic. SSR 156 was found to be most informative marker as it recorded maximum PIC value of 0.696 and can be utilized for diversity analysis in lentil. The analysis of dendrogram revealing the relationship among 25 lentil genotypes. Jaccard similarity coefficient ranged from 0.45 to 0.94 among 25 genotypes. Clustering patterns obtained from the dendrogram clearly resolved the 25 genotypes into four distinct clusters. Cluster III was the largest cluster having 13 genotypes, followed by Cluster IV (7 genotypes), Cluster I (3 genotypes) and Cluster II (2 genotypes). There is no direct relationship between morphological and molecular diversity as genotypes those are grouped in same cluster on the basis of morphological diversity, grouped into different clusters on molecular diversity basis.ThesisItem Open Access Phytochemical Analysis and Possible Synergistic Interactions of Vitex agnus-castus L., Vitex negundo L., and Piper longum L. Essential oils on Pesticidal Activities(G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263145, 2023-07) Bargali, Pooja; Kumar, RavinderThis study focused on the phytochemical analysis and possible synergistic interactions of EOs from Piper longum L., Vitex negundo L., and Vitex agnus-castus L. on pesticidal activities. The plant material was collected from the Tarai region of Uttarakhand. The EOs were extracted through hydro-distillation using a Clevenger type of apparatus. The EOs yields obtained from 0.04% to 0.42%. The phytochemical analysis of the EOs was done by GC and GC-MS. The GC-MS analysis of PLAO, VNAO, and VACAO identified 37, 97, and 47 compounds constituting 98.8%, 98.8%, and 99.8% of the total EOs. The major compounds identified in PLAO were β-pinene, cis-nerolidol, 2-heptyl acetate, α-pinene, (E)-caryophyllene, limonene, 2-undecanone, b-eudesmol, linalool, camphene, etc. Viridiflorol, β-caryophyllene, labd-8-en-15-oic acid, ethyl ester, 5-(1-isopropenyl-4,5- dimethyl bicyclo[4.3.0]nonan-5-yl)-3-methyl-2-pentenol acetate, caryophyllene oxide, 2- trans-octenol, trans-β-ocimene, 4-terpineol, and phytol, etc. were identified as major compounds in VNAO. Similarly, 1,8-cineole, (E)-β-ocimene, α-terpinyl acetate, terpinen-4- ol, (Z)-β-ocimene, α-terpineol, β-caryophyllene, trans-β-farnesene, g-terpinene, etc. were identified as major compounds in VACAO. The recovered EOs were blended in binary and ternary mixtures at equal ratios to analyze their synergistic interactions on pesticidal activities. The nematicidal and antifungal activities of the EOs were evaluated using standard protocols. The nematicidal activity of the individual EOs and their combinations was assessed against root-knot nematodes M. incognita at different concentrations (0.25, 0.5, and 1 μL/mL). The antifungal activity of pure and blended EOs was also tested against two phytopathogenic fungi, Rhizoctonia solani, and Sclerotinia rolfsii, using the discdiffusion technique at different concentrations (40, 60, and 80 μL/mL). Furthermore, a molecular docking study was conducted on the major compounds of the EOs to investigate their interactions with target proteins in comparison with standard inhibitors physostigmine (AChE), ethacrynic acid (GST-1), and 14 α-demethylase enzyme (CYP51). Overall, this study provides valuable information into the nematicidal and antifungal potential of PLAO, VNAO, VACAO, and their binary or ternary combinations. The results of our investigation confirm synergistic interactions among the tested EOs. These findings will be implications for sustainable agriculture and the development of natural products with pesticidal properties.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on the Nematicidal Potential of Weeds for the Sustainable Management of Meloidogyne javanica (Treub, 1885) Chitwood, 1949 in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)(G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263145, 2023-07) Joshi, Ayushi; Rawat, ShilpiTomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), the most widely grown horticultural crop in the world has a globally expanding market but its production is adversely affected by both biotic and abiotic factors. Of the total yield losses incurred globally, 50% are caused by pests, of which about 12.3% is contributed to by plant parasitic nematodes, and Meloidogyne spp. including Meloidogyne incognita and Meloidogyne javanica are economically the most important amongst them. Over the years management of plant parasitic nematodes has been brought about by the use of chemical nematicides and fumigants. However, the harmful impact of their prolonged and indiscriminate usage on environment as well as on humans, is well known, which makes it imperative to look for safer and sustainable management alternatives. Plant derivatives and botanicals have been widely used in ancient folk medicine as herbal remedies to ailments and thus have also been evaluated for their nematostatic and nematotoxic properties. Agave americana L., Artemisia vulgaris L., Calotropis gigantea (L.) Dryand., Datura innoxia Mill. and Solanum virginianum L. are few globally abundant weeds which are well known for their inherent toxic nature, and thus, the present research was conducted to screen these five weeds for their antinemic potential against Meloidogyne javanica on host crop Tomato. After the precise identification of the root-knot causing species via morphological characters, management studies were initiated against Meloidogyne javanica. Aqueous leaf extracts of the five weeds were evaluated in vitro against egg-hatching and larval mobility of M. javanica. Agave americana ALE at 10% concentration exhibited highest nematicidal activity at 96 hour exposure period with 87.33% egg-hatch inhibition and about 79.33% inhibition of larval mobility followed by Solanum virginianum ALE applied at the same concentration. Under in vivo trials on tomato cultivar Pant T-3, Agave americana ALE at 20% concentration applied as double drench emerged as the best treatment resulting in complete inhibition of nematode growth, absence of both knots on roots and nematode population in soil and improved plant growth characters, all of these results being at par with the chemical check (Nimitz). Qualitative phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, resins, phenols and triterpenes which are secondary metabolites responsible for antimicrobial, antioxidant, insect-pest repellent and deterrent activities in the plants. Today, when the world is moving rapidly towards sustainable development, and ensuring food security is a major global concern, it is pertinent for agroecosystems to evolve and incorporate environment friendly practices. Nematode management is a major focus area for reducing food losses and hence the present study provides a scope for large scale evaluation of abundantly available weeds such as Agave americana as a solution to solving emerging nematode problems in agriculture.