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Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur

The Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU) was established on 12th June 1964 at Hyderabad. The University was formally inaugurated on 20th March 1965 by Late Shri. Lal Bahadur Shastri, the then Hon`ble Prime Minister of India. Another significant milestone was the inauguration of the building programme of the university by Late Smt. Indira Gandhi,the then Hon`ble Prime Minister of India on 23rd June 1966. The University was renamed as Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University on 7th November 1996 in honour and memory of an outstanding parliamentarian Acharya Nayukulu Gogineni Ranga, who rendered remarkable selfless service for the cause of farmers and is regarded as an outstanding educationist, kisan leader and freedom fighter. HISTORICAL MILESTONE Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) was established under the name of Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU) on the 12th of June 1964 through the APAU Act 1963. Later, it was renamed as Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University on the 7th of November, 1996 in honour and memory of the noted Parliamentarian and Kisan Leader, Acharya N. G. Ranga. At the verge of completion of Golden Jubilee Year of the ANGRAU, it has given birth to a new State Agricultural University namely Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University with the bifurcation of the state of Andhra Pradesh as per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act 2014. The ANGRAU at LAM, Guntur is serving the students and the farmers of 13 districts of new State of Andhra Pradesh with renewed interest and dedication. Genesis of ANGRAU in service of the farmers 1926: The Royal Commission emphasized the need for a strong research base for agricultural development in the country... 1949: The Radhakrishnan Commission (1949) on University Education led to the establishment of Rural Universities for the overall development of agriculture and rural life in the country... 1955: First Joint Indo-American Team studied the status and future needs of agricultural education in the country... 1960: Second Joint Indo-American Team (1960) headed by Dr. M. S. Randhawa, the then Vice-President of Indian Council of Agricultural Research recommended specifically the establishment of Farm Universities and spelt out the basic objectives of these Universities as Institutional Autonomy, inclusion of Agriculture, Veterinary / Animal Husbandry and Home Science, Integration of Teaching, Research and Extension... 1963: The Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU) Act enacted... June 12th 1964: Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU) was established at Hyderabad with Shri. O. Pulla Reddi, I.C.S. (Retired) was the first founder Vice-Chancellor of the University... June 1964: Re-affilitation of Colleges of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, Hyderabad (estt. in 1961, affiliated to Osmania University), Agricultural College, Bapatla (estt. in 1945, affiliated to Andhra University), Sri Venkateswara Agricultural College, Tirupati and Andhra Veterinary College, Tirupati (estt. in 1961, affiliated to Sri Venkateswara University)... 20th March 1965: Formal inauguration of APAU by Late Shri. Lal Bahadur Shastri, the then Hon`ble Prime Minister of India... 1964-66: The report of the Second National Education Commission headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, Chairman of the University Grants Commission stressed the need for establishing at least one Agricultural University in each Indian State... 23, June 1966: Inauguration of the Administrative building of the university by Late Smt. Indira Gandhi, the then Hon`ble Prime Minister of India... July, 1966: Transfer of 41 Agricultural Research Stations, functioning under the Department of Agriculture... May, 1967: Transfer of Four Research Stations of the Animal Husbandry Department... 7th November 1996: Renaming of University as Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University in honour and memory of an outstanding parliamentarian Acharya Nayukulu Gogineni Ranga... 15th July 2005: Establishment of Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University (SVVU) bifurcating ANGRAU by Act 18 of 2005... 26th June 2007: Establishment of Andhra Pradesh Horticultural University (APHU) bifurcating ANGRAU by the Act 30 of 2007... 2nd June 2014 As per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act 2014, ANGRAU is now... serving the students and the farmers of 13 districts of new State of Andhra Pradesh with renewed interest and dedication...

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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    ASSESSMENT OF IRRIGATION POTENTIAL UTILIZATION IN IRRIGATION PROJECTS USING REMOTE SENSING AND GIS
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2016) MADHUSUDHANA REDDY, K; SATYANARAYANA, T. V.
    Irrigated agriculture is increasing in India, enhancing irrigation potential by huge investments on irrigation projects. Andhra Pradesh is one of the states in which massive irrigation infrastructure is existing under more than 100 projects and huge irrigation potential is created (~40 Lakh ha) and many more projects are in progress. Monitoring of irrigation projects for the assessment of irrigation potential utilisation is essential on a regular basis to have a continuous performance evaluation. Remote sensing and GIS techniques are effective tools for monitoring irrigation projects on regular basis. Spatial and temporal monitoring of the projects during the crop seasons namely kharif, rabi and summer is necessary to monitor the irrigation potential utilization and take the necessary steps for interventions for improvement. This objective requires spatio-temporal information in synoptic view to know the progressive and problematic pockets in irrigated agricultural lands. Satellite data provides scope for synoptic coverage and multi-temporal datasets. Presently, there are number of satellites providing such datasets and many of them are available in public domains. Methodology was established for the use of public domain satellite datasets from Landsat 8 OLI (Operational Land Imager). The present study is focussed on investigation on assessment of irrigation potential utilization from public domain satellite datasets, development of methodology for assessment of irrigation potential utilization in major irrigation commands, assessment of analysis on irrigation potential creation and utilization scenario. Irrigation potential utilisation is estimated in 8 irrigation commands in the study covering the major irrigation systems in Andhra Pradesh like Nagarjuna Sagar Project right canal command and Kurnool-Cuddapah (KC) canal system, Irrigated delta systems like Pennar delta, Kanupur canal system and also smaller projects like Swarnamukhi, Thatipudi, Konam and Raiwada where the irrigation is through reservoir and also by use of smaller irrigation tanks. Cloud free Satellite data from Landsat 8 OLI representing kharif (September/October-December), rabi (February/ March) and summer (April/May) seasons were selected for these commands. The boundaries of study area were digitised from the guidance available in public domain ISRO-Bhuvan and India WRIS web sites. The software used for analysis of satellite images were ERDAS IMAGINE and Arc GIS. Satellite images were processed for generation of monthly crop masks using unsupervised image classification and NDVI for the irrigation command areas. Estimation of the irrigation potential utilisation in command area is demonstrated though grid (1 ha) based approach used to spatially extent over the entire command. Further seasonal crop maps were generated with spatial analysis of three season satellite data-derived crop masks. The information available from Government of Andhra Pradesh web sites was utilised for collection of base line information on selected pilot irrigation areas of and the ayacut details representing the cropping pattern and irrigation potential creation /contemplated. Irrigation potential utilisation in various irrigation commands is as follows: NSP Right Canal command: Kharif crop constitutes 78 per cent, rabi crop constitutes 32 per cent and summer/annual crops are about 4 per cent and two seasonal crops about 11 per cent of the ayacut designed during the year 2014-15 with irrigation intensity is 125 per cent. Total releases were about 157.25 TMC and irrigation potential utilised was 596699 ha and hence the water productivity 3794 ha per TMC and delta 0.74 m. Pennar Delta: Kharif crop constitutes 56 per cent, rabi crop constitutes 78 per cent and summer/annual crops are about 10 per cent of the ayacut designed and irrigation intensity is 144 per cent. Total releases are about 21.343 TMC and irrigation potential utilised was 144481 ha and hence the water productivity 6769 ha per TMC and delta 0.41 m. Kurnool Cuddapah canal: Kharif crop constitutes 74912 ha and rabi crop constitutes 38545 ha during the year 2014-15 and irrigation intensity is 151 per cent. Total releases are about 35.768 TMC and irrigation potential utilised was 112737 ha and hence the water productivity 3151 ha per TMC and delta 0.89 m. Kanupur Canal system: Kharif crop constitutes 65 per cent, rabi crop constitutes 50 per cent and summer/annual crops are about 6 per cent of the ayacut designed and irrigation intensity is 121 per cent. Total releases are about 5.467 TMC and irrigation potential utilised was 30913 ha and hence the water productivity 5654 ha per TMC and delta 0.49 m. Swarnamukhi Irrigation Project: Kharif crop constitutes 71 per cent (3328 ha), rabi crop constituted 126 per cent (5902 ha) and summer/annual crops were about 4 per cent (183 ha) of the ayacut during the year 2014-15 and irrigation intensity was 201 per cent, it includes self-catchment of Northeast rains. Total releases are about 2.17 TMC and irrigation potential utilised was 9413 ha and hence the water productivity 4338 ha per TMC and delta 0.65 m. Sri Vechalapu Palavelli Konam reservoir project: Kharif crop constitutes 89 per cent (4558 ha), rabi crop constitutes 6 per cent (292 ha) and summer/annual crops are about 23 per cent (1198 ha) of the ayacut during the year 2014-15 and irrigation intensity is 118 per cent. Total releases are about 1.54 TMC and irrigation potential utilised was 6048 ha and hence the water productivity 3927 ha per TMC and delta 0.72 m. Sri Varada Narayana Murthy Raiwada reservoir project: Kharif crop constitutes 68 per cent (4116 ha), rabi crop constitutes 24 per cent (1429 ha) and summer/annual crops are about 25 per cent (1523 ha) of the ayacut during the year 201415 and irrigation intensity is 117 per cent. Total releases are about 1.53 TMC and irrigation potential utilised was 5668 ha and hence the water productivity 3705 ha per TMC and delta 0.76 m. Thatipudi Irrigation project: Kharif crop constitutes 81 per cent (5057 ha), rabi crop constitutes 5 per cent (303 ha) of the ayacut designed ayacut during the year 201415 and irrigation intensity is 88 per cent. Total releases are about 1.39 TMC and irrigation potential utilised was 5486 ha and hence the water productivity 3946 ha per TMC and delta 0.71 m. The analysis over multiple irrigation commands gave an experience for attempting the methodology over a state / river basin and quick analysis can be taken up. The study indicated that the analysis at disaggregated level will be possible to address the micro level information at distributary / blocks. The limitations are the availability of cloud free satellite data especially during the kharif season. This can be over come, if several satellites are launched for increasing the frequency of observations. Satellite data availability in public domain has provided scope for cost-effective solution for acquiring the temporal satellite data at monthly interval over several irrigation commands. Cost free Landsat 8 OLI sensor which has spatial resolution of 30 m data are found to be very much suitable for the study at regional level as 16 days interval data are available from USGS (United States Geological Service) Earth archives in near real time. It was found that the methodology developed will be helpful for the quick analysis of cropping pattern in study area and also reporting the same for near real time analysis. Though the study is conducted in selected irrigation commands, the approach and the experience is useful for the extension of the same in several irrigation commands in Andhra Pradesh state.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    RESPONSE OF AEROBIC RICE ZERO TILLAGE MAIZE CROPPING SYSTEM TO SUB SURFACE DRIP FERTIGATION
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2016) PRASADA RAO, V; VENKATESWARLU, BALINENI
    A field experiment was carried out for two consecutive years (2012-13 and 2013-14) on a sandy loam soil of Jain Hi-Tech Agri Institute, Jalgaon, Maharashtra with an objective to study the response of aerobic rice-zero tillage maize cropping system to sub surface drip ferigation. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with four replications. Four irrigation schedules were taken as main plots and four nitrogen levels in sub plots in drip system for both rice and maize crops. Irrigation schedules for rice included I1: Sub surface drip irrigation (SDI) at 100% pan evaporation (Epan), I2: SDI at 125% Epan, I3: SDI at 150% Epan and I4: at 175% Epan with four nitrogen levels viz., N1: 90; N2: 120; N3:150; and N4:180 kg ha-1 through fertigation. For the subsequent maize crop irrigation treatments included I1: SDI at 75% Epan, I2: SDI at 100% Epan, I3: SDI at 125% Epan and I4: SDI at 150% Epan with four nitrogen levels i.e., N1:120; N2: 160; N3:200 and N4:240 kg ha-1 through fertigation. Outside the layout of the main experiment, two checks and one check were tested in rice and maize crops, respectively. The checks for rice crop included, check 1: Aerobic rice non-irrigated with 120 kg N ha-1, check 2: Aerobic rice with supplemental irrigation at IW/CPE ratio of 1.5 with 120 kg N ha-1 In maize crop, the check tested was surface irrigation at IW/CPE ratio of 1.2 with 160 kg N ha-1. The cultivars used for the study were ‘25P25’ (Pioneer Hybrid) and ‘Dekalb’ (Private hybrid) and maize (DKC-8101) crops, respectively. Growth parameters, yield attributes, yield, nitrogen uptake, water productivity, nitrogen use efficiency and economics of aerobic rice and zero tillage maize were influenced by irrigation schedules and nitrogen levels through fertigation. Plant height and tillers m -2 and drymatter production of aerobic rice were significantly higher in 175% Epan schedule compared to that of 100% Epan but comparable with that of 150% Epan. The number of panicles m-2 and filled spikelets panicle-1 increased from 100% Epan to 175% Epan while sterility of spikelets was higher with 100% Epan schedule. Higher grain and straw yield, nitrogen uptake, and economics were recorded with 175% Epan over the other three schedules. Irrespective of the irrigation schedules, growth parameters (plant height, tillers m-2 and drymatter accumulation), yield attributes (panicles m-2 and filled spikelets panicle-1) increased with level of N application from 90 to 180 kg N ha-1. The number of days taken to flowering was significantly lower with 180 kg N ha-1 while, sterility of spikelets was higher at 90 kg N ha-1compared to other doses. Grain yield, straw yield, nitrogen uptake and economic parameters were higher at 180 kg N ha-1. In general, growth parameters (plant height, drymatter accumulation) yield attributes (cobs plant-1, kernels cob-1, kernel weight cob-1) kernel yield, stover yield and nitrogen uptake of zero till maize increased with increase in irrigation schedule from 75% Epan to 150% Epan irrigation schedule in drip irrigation. Tasseling and silking was hastened in 150% Epan schedule compared to 75% Epan. Increase in the level of N application from 120 to 240 kg N ha-1 resulted in the increase of all the growth parameters, yield attributes, kernel yield, stover yield and nitrogen uptake. The economic indicators (gross returns, net returns and returns per rupee of investment) were higher with the irrigation schedule of 150% Epan and nitrogen dose of 240 kg N ha-1 applied through fertigation. Productivity of cropping system in terms of rice equivalent yield was the highest with the irrigation schedule of 175% Epan and 150% Epan and with the application of 180 and 240 kg N ha-1 to rice and maize crops respectively grown in the sequence. Water requirement increased with the increase in water input while, its productivity reduced correspondingly in both rice and maize crops and the cropping system as a whole. However, nitrogen use efficiency enhanced with the increase in water input and reduced with increase in the N level. The investigations conducted for two consecutive years, clearly indicated the benefit of fertigation at 175% Epan with 180 kg N ha-1 to rice and 100% Epan with 240 kg N ha-1 to maize crops in increasing the productivity and profitability of aerobic rice - zero tillage maize cropping system.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    PRODUCTION POTENTIAL AND ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF FOOD-FORAGE BASED CROPPING SYSTEMS UNDER IRRIGATION
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2016) DIVYA, V; CHANDRIKA, V
    The present investigation entitled “Production potential and economic viability of food-forage based cropping systems under irrigation” was carried out during 2014-15 and 2015-16 on sandy clay loam soils of Dryland Farm, S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati campus of Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications, consisting of ten food-forage based cropping systems viz., T1 - Napier bajra hybrid –Napier bajra hybrid – Napier bajra hybrid, T2 - Jowar (F) – Baby corn – Cowpea (F), T3 - Groundnut – Maize – Greengram, T4 - Maize – Lucerne – Lucerne, T5 - Groundnut – Maize (F) – Cowpea, T6 - Groundnut – Sweet corn – Greengram, T7 - Groundnut – Sweet corn – Cowpea , T8 - Groundnut – Baby corn – Greengram, T9 - Groundnut – Baby corn – Cowpea and T10 - Groundnut – Oat (F) – Greengram. Napier bajra hybrid as perennial fodder (T1) recorded higher system productivity during both the years of study. During kharif, groundnut in T3, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, and T10 cropping systems were comparable in recording higher equivalent yield of napier bajra and groundnut. Sweet corn as rabi component crop in T6 and T7 were on par in obtaining higher equivalent yield of napier bajra and groundnut. During summer, higher equivalent yield of napier bajra and groundnut was recorded with lucerne in T4 during both the years of experiment. Higher equivalent yield of napier bajra and groundnut was obtained with groundnut – sweet corn – greengram (T6) and was statistically on par with groundnut – sweet corn – cowpea (T7) during both the years of study. Among the component crops of kharif, groundnut crop of T3 and T10 cropping systems recorded higher value of sustainability yield index (SYI). Higher value of SYI was associated with sweet corn (T6 and T7) during rabi. Lucerne of T4 recorded maximum value of SYI during summer. T6 (groundnut – sweet corn – greengram) recorded higher SYI during both the years of investigation. Napier bajra hybrid as a component crop of T1 produced higher dry matter during kharif and summer. Accrual of higher dry matter was associated with fodder maize of T5 in rabi. T1 system (napier bajra hybrid – napier bajra hybrid – napier bajra hybrid) was superior in registering higher dry matter during both the years of experiment. During kharif, napier bajra hybrid in T1 occupied higher duration in the field. Maize as component crop of T3 in rabi recorded higher duration while, it was noticed with napier bajra hybrid in T1 during summer. The cropping system napier bajra hybrid – napier bajra hybrid – napier bajra hybrid (T1) occupied higher duration (higher land use efficiency) in the field during both the years of study. Groundnut – sweet corn – greengram (T6) recorded significantly higher system efficiency in terms of both napier and groundnut equivalent yield. Both T6 (groundnut – sweet corn – greengram) and T7 (groundnut – sweet corn – cowpea) systems were on par in registering higher production efficiency in terms of groundnut equivalent yield during both the years of investigation. Napier bajra hybrid (T1) and groundnut in T3, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9 and T10 cropping systems and maize of T3 required more number of irrigations during kharif. Maize as rabi component crop in T4 required more number of irrigations over other component crops tried. In summer more number of irrigations were required by cowpea (T5, T7 and T9) during the first year while, napier bajra hybrid in T1 received more number of irrigations during second year of study. More number of irrigations were required by groundnut – maize – greengram (T3) during the first year of study while, T1 (napier bajra hybrid – napier bajra hybrid – napier bajra hybrid) in second year. Among the component crops tested during kharif, fodder jowar in T2 recorded higher water productivity. Fodder maize of T5 registered maximum water productivity during rabi. Higher water productivity was noticed with napier bajra hybrid (T1) in summer. T2 (jowar (F) – baby corn – cowpea (F)) recorded higher water productivity during both the years of study. Maize of T4 required higher man-days during kharif over rest of the component crops tested. Maize in T3 required higher man days in rabi. Greengram (T3, T6, T8 and T10) required maximum man days during summer. T3 system required higher total man days during the first year whereas, T2 system required maximum man days in second year of experimentation. Among the component crops during kharif, groundnut (T3, T5, T7, T6, T7, T8, T9, and T10 systems) recorded higher crude protein content but, higher crude protein yield was noticed with napier bajra hybrid of T1. Lucerne of T4 recorded higher crude protein content and yield during both rabi and summer. T1 system recorded significantly higher crude protein yield during both the years of study. During both the years of investigation, among the component crops tested, maize of T4 cropping system recorded higher crude fibre content during kharif. Maximum crude fibre content was noticed with maize of T3 during rabi. Napier bajra hybrid in T1 obtained higher crude fibre content during summer. In both the years of study, groundnut (T5, T3, T6, T7, T8, T9 and T10 cropping systems), sweet corn (T6 and T7) and lucerne (T4) realized higher monetary returns and B:C ratio during kharif, rabi and summer, respectively. T6 and T7 systems were comparable with each other in recording higher net and gross returns, benefit-cost ratio, monetary returns use efficiency and system profitability during both the years of experimentation. During kharif, napier bajra hybrid as a component crop of T1 recorded higher input and output energy but, higher energy balance, energy ratio and energy productivity were registered with fodder jowar of T2. Higher energy input was recorded with sweet corn (T7 and T6) among the component crops tested during rabi while, higher energy output and energy balance were recorded with baby corn of T2, T8 and T9 cropping systems. Napier bajra hybrid in T1 during summer, recorded the highest input energy, output energy and energy balance whereas, lucerne of T4 registered higher energy ratio and energy productivity during both the years of experiment. Among the cropping systems tested during the two years of study, higher total input energy and energy output recorded with T1, while T2 recorded the highest energy balance, energy ratio and energy productivity. Higher uptake of nitrogen was recorded with maize of T4 during kharif. Sweet corn (T7 and T6) recorded higher nitrogen uptake during rabi while, it was registered with fodder cowpea of T2 during summer. T6 and T7 cropping systems were on par in recording higher nitrogen uptake during both the years of study. xx In kharif, maize in T4 foraged higher phosphorus. Lucerne of T4 recorded higher uptake of phosphorus during rabi. Higher uptake of phosphorus was registered with lucerne of T4 during summer. Among the food-forage cropping systems, maize – lucerne – lucerne (T4) recorded higher phosphorus uptake during both the years of experiment. Higher uptake of potassium was associated with napier bajra hybrid in T1 during kharif. Lucerne of T4 recorded higher uptake of potassium during rabi whereas, in summer, higher potassium uptake was observed with fodder cowpea of T2. In both the years of experiment T4 cropping system recorded significantly the highest uptake of potassium. Different food-forage based cropping systems tried under the study did not exert any significant variation on soil bulk density, pH at the end of second year of the experiment. The cropping systems tested during the two years significantly influenced the electrical conductivity and organic carbon in soil after completion of cropping cycle. Lower electrical conductivity and higher organic carbon were observed in soil after harvest of T4 system during both the years of investigation. Cropping systems did not exert any significant effect on soil available nitrogen and phosphorus except on available potassium during the first year of study. Whereas, significant effect on all the available nutrients was observed during second year. Higher availability of nitrogen and phosphorus was noticed under T4 cropping system. While, available potassium was higher with T8 cropping system. Net gain in soil available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compared to initial soil status was observed under each cropping system at the end of two years of investigation except under T1 and T4 systems where net loss in soil available potassium over initial status was recorded during both the years of experiment. From the above results, it can be concluded that intensification of food cropping systems with fodder crops may enhance the productivity, profitability, sustainability, employment generation and soil fertility to maximum extent. Based on production efficiencies and monetary returns groundnut – sweet corn – greengram/cowpea cropping system was found to be more remunerative, economically viable, profitable and sustainable foodforage based system under irrigation for Southern Agro-Climatic Zone of Andhra Pradesh closely followed by groundnut – baby corn – greengram/ cowpea over other cropping systems.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS, BIOLOGICAL AND GENETIC DIVERSITY OF Tobacco streak virus
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2016) SUNIL KUMAR, M; SARADA JAYALAKSHMI DEVI, R
    Tobacco streak virus (TSV) belongs to the genus Ilarvirus of family Bromoviridae and its virions were characterized by quasi-isometric particles measuring about 27 – 35 nm in diameter. TSV was found to be a serious production constraint in several field and horticultural crops. A study was undertaken to characterize and develop suitable management strategies against TSV. Survey conducted during Kharif 2014-15 and 2015-16 in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka revealed disease incidence of 9-28 per cent in groundnut, 6-18 per cent in sunflower and 5-22 per cent in cucumber. TSV infected samples collected from groundnut (GNAP7), sunflower (SFAP17), cucumber (CUKA13) and parthenium (PHAP15) was maintained on cowpea for biological and molecular characterization. TSV isolates (GNAP7. SFAP17, CUKA13 and PHAP15) maintained on cowpea were cross inoculated on five popularly grown cultivars of groundnut (JL-24, K-6, Prasuna, K-9, Kadiri harithandra), sunflower (KBSH-44, DRSH1, NDSH-1012, Mordent, Sunbred-275) and cucumber (Long green, Swarna poorna, Swarna ageti, Swarna sheetal, Pusa uday). Incubation period required for the initiation of local and systemic symptoms varied among different hosts and cultivars. Local symptoms of veinal necrosis, leaf yellowing and wilting, petiole necrosis, chlorotic spot, tip necrosis and systemic symptoms of mosaic, wilting, necrotic streaks on stem, bud necrosis, axillary shoot proliferation were observed in different hosts and cultivars. Out of 23 plant species tested against TSV by sap inoculation, 14 plant species were susceptible to TSV, which included Beta vulgaris, Abelmoschus esculentus, Cicer arietinum, Solanum melongena, Ricinus communis, Phaseolus vulgaris, Gerbera jamesonii, Macrotyloma uniflorum, Vigna unguiculata ssp. unguiculata, Tagetus erecta, Allium cepa, Phaseolus coccineus, Solanum lycopersicum and Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis. Complete genome sequence of TSV isolates, groundnut (GNAP7), sunflower (SFAP17), cucumber (CUKA13) and parthenium (PHAP15) was done and submitted to Genbank, NCBI and showed high level of diversity at nucleotide and amino acid level. Phylogenetic analysis of RNA1, RNA2 and RNA3 genes revealed that TSV isolates under present study (Groundnut, Sunflower, Cucumber and Parthenium) clustered into one group along with other Indian TSV isolates. A total of eleven recombination events in RNA1, eight recombination events in RNA2 and six recombination events in RNA3 were identified. The motif distribution and secondary structures (α helix, β strand and coiled region) in replicase protein, RNA dependent RNA polymerase protein, movement protein and coat protein of groundnut, sunflower, cucumber and parthenium isolates showed high level of variability among TSV isolates. For quick diagnosis of TSV, various molecular diagnostic techniques like IC-RT-PCR, RT-LAMP and IC-RT-LAMP were standardized. Cucumber fruits from sap inoculated plants and from naturally infected plants (fruits collected from cucumber plants with parthenium as border crops) were collected and found positive for TSV in immature seeds. Among different treatments or modules used to study Integrated Disease Management (IDM) of TSV in groundnut during Kharif 2014-15 and 2015-16, Treatment 3 (T3) (improved practice) (Border crop (4 rows of Jowar) + seed rate @ 200 kg ha-1 + seed treatment with Imidacloprid, Gaucho 600 FS @ 2 ml kg-1 seed and Mancozeb @ 3 g kg-1 seed + spraying of Thiocloprid 480 SC @ 150 ml ha-1 at 20 DAS followed by Acetamiprid 20 SP @ 100 g ha-1 at 35 DAS.) was found to be effective with lowest PSND disease incidence and thrips damage at 7 and 14 days after 1st and 2nd spraying and with more yield parameters followed by Treatment 2 (T2) (recommended practice) (Border crop with Jowar, 4 rows around the field + Seed rate @ 200 kg ha-1 + Seed treatment with Imidacloprid 600 FS @ 2 ml kg-1 seed and Mancozeb @ 3 g kg-1 seed + foliar spray of Dimethoate @ 2 ml l-1 of water at 20 days after sowing) which were significantly different from each other.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    REGENERATION AND EVALUATION OF SOMACLONAL VARIANTS FOR TOLERANCE TO YELLOW LEAF DISEASE (YLD) IN SUGARCANE
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2016) PRAVEEN, K; HARIPRASAD REDDY, K
    The present investigation was carried out to regenerate and evaluate somaclonal variants for tolerance to yellow leaf disease (YLD) in two popular YLD susceptible varieties of sugarcane; 2003V46 and Co86032 using four chemical mutagens [Ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS), sodium nitrate (SN), sodium azide (SA) and 2, 4 dichloro phenoxy acetic acid (2, 4 D)] at three levels of concentration (SA @ 0.5 mg l-1, 1.0 mg l-1, 1.5 mg l-1; SN @ 3mg l-1, 5mg l-1, 7mg l-1; EMS @ 0.6 µM l-1, 0.8 µM l-1, 1.0 µM l-1 and 2, 4 D @ 4mg l-1, 5mg l-1, 6mg l-1) taking leaf rolls as explants. The results indicated that 2, 4 D @ 4 mg l-1 was found to be the best among different concentrations of mutagens in both the sugarcane varieties in regenerating plantlets from calli. It had shown good performance in all the stages of culture viz., callusing, shooting, rooting and hardening except for minimum mean number of days taken for shoot initiation and root initiation. A total of 2,458 seedlings obtained from tissue culture after hardening were evaluated for virus resistance through aphid vector transmission studies and presence or absence of virus was xiv observed through visual screening and RT-PCR method. Out of 2,458 plants, 386 plants did not show visual symptoms of YLD in field evaluation. The 386 plants were screened for the presence of virus coat protein ORF3 and ORF4 through RT-PCR after artificial inoculation in green house using 613F and 613R primers. A total of seven somaclones was obtained in which virus coat protein band was absent. Out of seven somaclones, three (16T6, 16T7 and 16T15) from 2003V46 and four (16T22, 16T23, 16T29 and 16T31) from Co86032 were found to be resistant to YLD. However, for many yield contributing characters, most of the resistant somaclones were inferior to their parent varieties. Thus, none of the YLD resistant clones can be used directly as commercial canes as they possesses undesirable features along with low yield and brix per cent. Tissue culture seedlings showing variations for other traits were also observed in most of the treatments. Somaclones 16T18 and 16T24 with high HR brix and NMC per stool and somaclone, 16T32 with higher cane weight were observed to be superior to their parents. Nineteen somaclones (16T1, 16T3, 16T4, 16T5, 16T8, 16T9, 16T10, 16T12, 16T13, 16T14, 16T15, 16T16, 16T17, 16T19, 16T21, 16T28, 16T30, 16T33 and 16T35) recorded high fibre per cent compared to parents. Somaclones; 16T1, 16T2, 16T9, 16T10, 16T12, 16T14, 16T15 and 16T17 showed sparse hairs on the leaf sheath in contrast to its parent 2003V46. However, they had many undesirable features including susceptibility to YLD. It can be concluded that somaclonal variation created by using mutagenic chemicals is effective in developing YLD resistance. Among all the chemical mutagens, SA @ 1.5 mg l-1 followed by EMS @ 1.0 µM l-1 were effective in creating YLD resistant clones in both varieties. Growth hormone 2, 4 D at higher concentration created variation but not YLD resistance. More number of somaclones were created with EMS @ 1.0 µM l-1 in 2003V46 and SA @ 1.5 mg l-1 in Co86032. As these somaclones could not be used directly as commercial varieties, they have to be utilized in hybridization programmes, crossed with commercial varieties to impart YLD resistance ultimately yielding agronomically superior YLD resistant varieties.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    SPECIES DIVERSITY AND MANAGEMENT OF ROOT GRUBS IN GROUNDNUT CROPPING SYSTEMS IN RAYALASEEMA REGION OF ANDHRA PRADESH
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2016) SUNIL KUMAR, KORRAPATI; MURALI KRISHNA, T
    The present studies on “Species diversity and management of root grubs in groundnut cropping systems in Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh” were carried out at laboratory and experimental farm, Agricultural Research Station, Utukur, Kadapa during kharif, 2014 and 2015. Survey and exploration of root grub species, biology, taxonomic identification of species collected, estimation of damage caused by predominant root grub and management of predominant root grub with different insecticides as seed treatment and soil application were studied. Scarabaeidae beetles collected from the light traps installed in major groundnut growing tracts of Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh during kharif, 2014 and 2015 consisted of seventeen species under nine genera of three subfamilies viz., Melolonthinae, Rutelinae and Dynastinae. Out of 1557 adult beetles collected 67.22 per cent belonged to subfamily Melolonthinae followed by Dynastinae (17.72%) and Rutelinae (15.06%). Holotrichia reynaudi (34.19%) was the predominant species followed by Phyllognathus dionysius (17.53%), Holotrichia serrata (16.34%), Brahmina mysoorensis (9.05%) and Anomola dorsalis (8.83%) associated with groundnut in Rayalaseema region. The studies on species diversity and relative abundance of Pleurosticti scarabaeidae revealed higher species diversity, richness and evenness in Melolonthinae followed by Rutelinae and Dynastinae. The alpha diversity and species richness were high in Chittoor district followed by YSR Kadapa, Kurnool and Ananthapuramu. The species evenness was high in Kurnool followed by Chittoor, YSR Kadapa and Ananthapuramu. All the grubs collected during roving surveys in groundnut fields were reared to adults. The highest number of H. reynaudi (45.61%) adults emerged from the grub collection followed by P. dionysius (16.89%), B. mysorensis (11.49%), H. serrata (7.77%) and A. dorsalis (1.35%). xviii H. reynaudi and H. serrata were the most predominant species in YSR Kadapa and Kurnool districts whereas in Chittoor, Brahmina mysorensis and H. reynaudi were abundant. Phyllognathus dionysius is reported for the first time as major species in Ananthapuramu district of Andhra Pradesh. Schizonycha impressa, Anomola ruficapilla, Adoretus flavus, Adoretus fusiceps and Allisonotum piceum are also reported for the first time in groundnut ecosystem of Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. Seasonal incidence of root grub beetle catches in light trap installed at Agricultural Research Station, Utukur during kharif, 2015 revealed that, emergence started during third week of May (20th Standard Week) with pre-monsoon shower. Peak emergence of H. reynaudi was reported in fourth week of June (25th Standard Week) and peak emergence of H. serrata was observed in last week of August (34th Standard Week). Light trap catches of adult beetles of H. reynaudi and H. serrata showed significant positive relationship with evening relative humidity and rainy days whereas maximum temperature and minimum temperature exhibited negative influence. Influence of all weather parameters on adult population of H. reynaudi and H. serrata trapped in the light trap was 65.0 and 71.2 per cent respectively. Studies on the biology of the root grub, H. reynaudi revealed that each female laid 18.68 ± 3.77 eggs with 76.95 ± 10.55 per cent of hatchability. The duration of I, II and II instars were 15.40 ± 0.52, 17.36 ± 0.36 and 33.84 ± 0.55 days respectively. Total grub period was 66.62 ± 0.48 days. The total life cycle from egg to adult lasted for 114.81 ± 1.16 days under laboratory conditions. The average mating period was recorded as 48 minutes and the average sex ratio of male to female was 1:1.30. Morphological and taxonomic traits for identification of major root grub species H. reynaudi, H. serrata, B. mysoorensis, P. dionysius were studied and described. Diagnostic keys were developed for identification of white grub species associated with groundnut ecosystem in Rayalaseema region, Andhra Pradesh. Estimation of damage caused by root grub, H. reynaudi in groundnut sown on three different dates revealed that, in June II FN sown crop, the average per cent plant mortality m-2, number of grubs m-2 in unprotected and protected plots were 23.36%, 2.23 grubs m-2 and 6.20%, 0.39 grubs m-2 respectively. In July FN sown they were 21.20%, 2.08 grubs m-2 and 5.41%, 0.37 grubs m-2 and in July II FN sown crop they were 20.46%, 1.95 grubs m-2 and 5.14%, 0.34 grubs m-2. The pod yield in June II FN sown unprotected and protected plot was 1063.50 kg ha-1 and 1680.50 kg ha-1, in July I FN sown, it was 1148.50 kg ha-1 and 1745 kg ha-1 and in July II FN sown, it was 1175 kg ha-1 and 1771 kg ha-1. In June II FN sown crop, the per cent loss in yield was higher (36.74%) followed by July I FN sown plot (34.19%) and July II FN sown plot (33.65%). Evaluation of different insecticides as seed treatment and soil application against root grub, H. reynaudi in groundnut conducted in microplots revealed that all the insecticides were statistically superior over untreated check (36.31% cumulative plant mortality and 65 kg ha-1 pod yield). Imidacloprid 600 FS @ 2 ml + 2 ml water per kg seed was found to be best treatment with lowest cumulative per cent plant mortality per plot of 3.26%, highest per cent protection over control 91.03%, with highest costbenefit ratio of 1:1.61 and highest pod yield of 1613 kg ha-1.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    COMPATIBILITY OF NEWER INSECTICIDES AND FUNGICIDES AND THEIR EFFECT ON MAJOR INSECT PESTS AND DISEASES OF RICE
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2016) PULLAM RAJU, K; RAJASEKHAR, P
    The present studies were carried out in the laboratory of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nellore and field studies at Agricultural Research Station, Nellore during rabi, 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 with an objective to evaluate physical compatibility, phytotoxic incompatibility and bio-efficacy of pesticides combinations against pests and diseases of rice. The physical compatibility of five insecticides viz., flubendiamide, rynaxypyr, cartap hydrochloride, buprofezin and profenophos and three fungicides viz., tricyclazole, hexaconazole and propiconazole along with pH were evaluated with jar compatibility test. Out of the 15 combinations of insecticides and fungicides tested, neither foaming nor sedimentation occurred indicating that all the 15 combinations were physically compatible. The pH of pesticide combinations slightly varied with some combinations, showing slightly alkaline reaction, some showing slightly acidic reaction, while remaining neutral in reaction. The phytotoxic incompatibility due to combination of insecticides and fungicides on rice showed no phytotoxic symptoms such as injury to leaf tip, yellowing, wilting, necrosis, vein clearing, epinasty and hyponasty of leaves. Name of the author K. PULLAM RAJU Title of the thesis “Compatibility of newer insecticides and fungicides and their effect on major insect pests and diseases of rice” Degree to which it is submitted Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture Faculty Agriculture Department Entomology Chairperson Dr. P. RAJASEKHAR University Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University Year of submission 2015 The bio-efficacy of insecticide and fungicide combinations against leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis and stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas revealed that the insecticides flubendiamide and rynaxypyr were highly effective against these pests and their combinations with fungicides in no way undermined the efficacy when mixed indicating their compatibility. The per cent disease index (PDI) of leaf and neck blast was effectively reduced by tricyclazole, while sheath blight and stem rot were effectively controlled by hexaconazole and propiconazole. Even the combination with insecticides does not reduce the effectiveness indicating compatible reaction. The detrimental effects of insecticides, fungicides and their combinations were tested by observing most occurring predators like spiders and coccinellid beetles, which revealed that straight and combination treatments had no effect on natural enemies population. The most effective treatments of insecticide and fungicide namely, flubendiamide, rynaxypyr, flubendiamide + tricyclazole, flubendiamide + hexaconazole, flubendiamide + propiconazole, rynaxypyr + tricyclazole, rynaxypyr + hexaconazole and rynaxypyr + propiconazole along with herbicide, cyhalofop-Butyl were tested for physical compatibility, phytotoxic incompatibility and bio-efficacy under field conditions, which revealed that they were highly compatible with no phytotoxic effects.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF Zn APPLICATION ON PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFICIENCY, PARTITIONING AND GRAIN ZINC FORTIFICATION IN RICE (Oryza sativa L.) CULTIVARS
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2016) SHARATH KUMAR REDDY, Y; RAJA RAJESWARI, V
    The present investigation entitled “Effect of Zn Application on Physiological Efficiency, Partitioning and Grain Zinc Fortification in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Cultivars” was conducted in two consecutive years during kharif 2013 and 2014 at RC puram farm, (International Crop Research Institute for Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, Hyderabad, Telangana. The experiment was laid out in factorial RBD and replicated thrice with four genotypes (Improved Chittimuthyalu (V1), VRB-MS(V2), RP-Bio-226 (V3) and IR-64 (V4)) as main treatments, six zinc treatments viz., Control (T1), Soil application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 as basal (T2), Soil application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 as basal + 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at panicle initiation stage (T3), Soil application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 as basal + 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at grain filling stage (T4), Soil application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 as basal + 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at panicle initiation stage + 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at grain filling stage (T5) and 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at panicle initiation stage + 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at grain filling stage (T6) as sub treatments. Crop response to different treatments were measured in terms of various quantitative and qualitative indices viz., physiological, yield and its attributes and zinc partitioning among plant parts. Among the individual effects genotype VRB-MS (V2) recorded significantly higher values for physiological, yield and its attributes, zinc partitioning among plant parts and grains in content followed by RP-BIO-226 (V3), Improved Chittimuthyalu (V1) and IR-64 (V4) in both kharif 2013 and kharif 2014. However, grain quality parameters viz., hulling, milling, kernel length, kernel breadth, L/B ratio and grain chalk percent were higher in IR-64 (V4), while grain biochemical parameters like alkali spreading value, gel consistency, intermediate amylose and higher protein values were recorded in VRB-MS (V2) and RP-BIO-226 (V3). Among xviii the zinc application treatments ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 as basal + 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at panicle initiation stage and 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at grain filling stage (T5) recorded significantly higher growth, yield, quality and grain zinc content followed by only foliar spray of 0.2% ZnSO4 at panicle initiation stage and grain filling stage . The interaction effects revealed that the drymatter production and growth parameters which represent sink activity Viz., Crop Growth Rate (CGR), Net Assimilation Rate (NAR) and sink capacity viz., Leaf area Index (LAI), Leaf Area Duration (LAD), SCMR were significantly higher in VRB-MS (V2) genotype with ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 as basal + 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at panicle initiation stage and 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at grain filling stage (T5) followed by RP-BIO-226 (V3T5) in both kharif 2013 and kharif 2014. Data on different growth parameters viz., plant height, number of productive tillers hill-1, panicle length revealed that VRB-MS (V2) genotype with ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 as basal + 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at panicle initiation stage and 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at grain filling stage (T5) recorded highest, plant height (cm), number of productive tillers hill-1, panicle length (cm) and lowest no. of days for 50% flowering and maturity. Highest number of total grains panicle-1 and filled grain panicle-1 with lowest spikelet sterility were recorded with basal application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 followed by 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at panicle initiation stage and 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at grain filling stage in VRB-MS (V2T5) compared to all other interaction effects. Maximum grain yield, straw yield and harvest index were recorded in V2T5 treatment compared to all other interactions during both years of testing. Among the interaction effects of grain physical characters, basal application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 followed by 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at panicle initiation stage and 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at grain filling stage in VRB-MS (V2 × T5) recorded higher hulling and milling values, while kernel length, kernel breadth, L/B ratio and grain chalk per cent values were higher with basal application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 followed by 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at panicle initiation stage and 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at grain filling stage on IR-64 (V4T5). Highest zinc uptake and partition values in roots, stems, leaves, husk, brown rice and polished rice in both the years was recorded with basal application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 followed by 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at panicle initiation stage and 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at grain filling stage in VRB-MS (V2T5). The lowest values for zinc uptake and partition in roots, stems, leaves, husk, grain at harvest were recorded in control i.e., no zinc treatment during kharif 2013 and kharif 2014. Based on results obtained from the present study, it is evident that the genotype VRB-MS and RP-BIO-226 were found effective for physiological efficiency, yield attributes, partitioning efficiency and grain biochemical characters, while IR-64 recorded better grain physical characters. Among the zinc treatments basal application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 + 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at panicle initiation stage and grain filling stage proved better in effective translocation, partitioning and fortification of zinc in grains followed by only foliar spray at panicle initiation stage and grain filling stage @ 0.2% ZnSO4. Highest Zn fortification in rice grain observed in VRB-MS genotype applied with ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 as basal + 0.2% ZnSO4 spray at panicle initiation stage as well as at grain filling stage.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    INVESTIGATIONS ON EFFICACY OF NANOSCALE NUTRIENTS ON GROWTH AND BIOETHANOL PRODUCTIVITY OF SWEET SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2016) NASEERUDDIN, R; SUMATHI, V
    The present investigation entitled “Investigations on Efficacy of Nanoscale Nutrients on Growth and Bioethanol Productivity of Sweet Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)” was carried out under four experiments during 2014 and 2015 at S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati campus of Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University of Andhra Pradesh. Nanoscale ZnO was prepared using oxalate decomposition technique, whereas CaO and MgO were prepared using solgel method. The prepared particles were in nanoscale range, confirmed by characterization techniques viz., UV-Vis spectrophotometer, zeta potential analyzer, XRD and SEM. The synthesized nanoscale ZnO, CaO and MgO mean size was 25.0, 46.5 and 33.17 nm, respectively. An in vitro study was conducted to record its effect on seed germination, seedling vigour index. The germination percentage and seedling vigour index was higher with 500 ppm of bulk MgSO4 and CaNO3, while, same parameters were higher with 10 ppm of bulk ZnSO4. Further, 100 ppm of each ZnO, CaO and MgO nanoparticle recorded significantly higher percentage of germination, length of the shoot and root and seedling vigour index. A pot culture study was carried out to see the effect of different concentrations of nanoscale and bulk nutrients on potted sweet sorghum plants. Taller plants, higher drymatter, SCMR and Chlorophyll content was observed with bulk ZnSO4, CaNO3 and MgSO4 each @ 500 ppm followed by 1000 ppm. The concentration of 100 ppm each nanoscale ZnO, CaO and MgO particles were found to be superior for the same parameters, during both the years of experimentation. xx Based on the invitro and pot culture study, concentrations of 500 ppm each for bulk ZnSO4, CaNO3 and MgSO4, whereas, 100 ppm each for nanoscale ZnO, CaO and MgO was identified as optimum dose for field evaluation. The field experiments were conducted during two consecutive seasons of kharif, 2014 and 2015 at S.V. Agricultural College, dryland farm, Tirupati. The experiments were laid out in randomized block design with three replications and nine treatments. The treatments comprised of RDF alone coupled with foliar spray of zinc, calcium and magnesium either alone or in combination with nano and bulk forms at 40 and 60 DAS. The growth parameters of sweet sorghum viz., plant height, leaf area index and total drymatter production was recorded higher with the application of RDF along with foliar spray of nanoscale ZnO, CaO and MgO in combination. Foliar application of nanoscale and bulk nutrients had a promising influence in improving the yield components and yield of sweet sorghum. Application of RDF followed by foliar spray of nanoscale ZnO, CaO and MgO in combination resulted in higher number of grains panicle-1, 1000 grain weight and grain yield. The foliar application of nanoscale and bulk nutrients to sweet sorghum noticeably altered the green forage yield, cane yield and juice yield. Application of RDF along with foliar spray of nanoscale ZnO, CaO and MgO in combination resulted in superior position, compared to other treatments in recording above parameters, during both the years of investigation. The sugar yield and juice extraction of sweet sorghum was significantly influenced with foliar application of nanoscale and bulk nutrients. The highest sugar yield and juice extraction was noticed with the application of RDF followed by foliar application of nanoscale ZnO + CaO + MgO. The quality parameters of sweet sorghum juice (pH, brix, sucrose content, reducing sugars and total sugars) were significantly influenced with foliar application of nanoscale and bulk nutrients. These parameters were higher with application of RDF along with combination of three nanoscale nutrients, except pH, which is not influenced by foliar application of nanoscale and bulk nutrients. The foliar application of nanoscale and bulk calcium, magnesium and zinc significantly influenced the uptake of nutrients by sweet sorghum crop. Application of RDF along with nanoscale nutrients in combination resulted in higher uptake of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium and zinc, during both years of study. The quality parameters of green fodder of sweet sorghum (crude protein, crude fibre, total ash and fat) were found superior with application of RDF along with foliar spray of three (ZnO, CaO and MgO) nanoscale nutrients in combination. The higher gross and net returns were realized with foliar application of nanoscale nutrients in combination along with RDF, whereas RDF along with nanoscale ZnO recorded higher B : C ratio, during both the years of experimentation. The poor growth, low productivity and a lesser amount of returns in sweet sorghum crop was as usual with the crop not received any form of bulk and nano nutrients, during both the years of study. xxi Post harvest laboratory study was conducted to see the effect of nanoscale nutrients addition during fermentation of sweet sorghum juice. The ethanol content and ethanol yield estimated at 24 hours successive intervals from start of the fermentation experiment showed the influence of addition of nanoscale CaO and MgO at different concentrations on altering the ethanol content by enhancing the rate of fermentation compared to bulk CaNO3 and MgSO4 addition. Based on the screening of different concentrations, the optimum dose for nanoscale CaO and MgO was 10 ppm and 20 ppm, respectively. Further, these identified nanoscale nutrient optimum doses were added either single or in combination during fermentation of sweet sorghum juice extracted from field experiment. The highest ethanol content and ethanol yield was obtained with combined addition of nanoscale CaO at 10 ppm and 20 ppm of nanoscale MgO, where maximum sugars were converted into ethanol, during both the years of experimentation. The carryover effect of nanoscale and bulk nutrients applied to sweet sorghum on fermentation was also recorded. The highest values of ethanol content, ethanol yield and lower total sugars were noticed with the crop received RDF + nanoscale ZnO, CaO and MgO along with addition of nanoscale CaO + MgO during fermentation, during both the years of investigation. Based on the outcome of the pre experimental laboratory and pot culture studies, it could be inferred that 100 ppm of concentration is optimum for foliar spraying of nanoscale nutrients of ZnO or CaO or MgO. The field investigations concluded that for obtaining maximum grain yield, juice yield, improved quality of juice and fodder with higher monetary returns, the sweet sorghum crop should receive 100:60:40 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1 as RDF followed by foliar spray of 100 ppm each of nanoscale ZnO, CaO and MgO in combination on 40 and 60 DAS on standing crop. The post experimental laboratory analysis concluded that maximum ethanol productivity is possible when fermentation juice received 10 ppm nanoscale CaO and 20 ppm of nanoscale MgO.