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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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ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF ECOFRIENDLY TECHNIQUES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF STEM BORERS, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) AND Sesamia inferens (Walker) IN MAIZE(Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2019) ANIL KUMAR, K; MADHUMATHI, TInvestigations on the effect of organic amendments at high and normal densities of maize on the incidence of stem borer, influence of morphological and biochemical plant characters of maize on the stem borer incidence, evaluation of organics and botanicals in the management of stem borer were conducted at College Farm and Department of Entomology, Agricultural College, Bapatla and a roving survey was conducted in Guntur and Krishna districts of Andhra Pradesh to ascertain the occurrence of maize stem borers. All these experiments were conducted for four consecutive seasons i.e., on kharif 2017-18, rabi 2017-18, kharif 2018-19 and rabi 2018-19 on Chilo partellus Swinhoe (in kharif) and Sesamia inferens Walker (in rabi) The two plant densities (main plots) of maize tested were on par with each other with regard to the stem borer infestation and organic amendments (sub plots) significantly differed from others with lowest per cent leaf infestation (12.23%), dead hearts (1.48%), stem tunneling (2.66%), number of exit holes (0.45), number of larvae (0.31) and number of pupae (0.18) observed in untreated control and highest leaf infestation (22.91%), dead hearts (5.36%), stem tunneling (16%), number of exit holes (1.55), number of larvae (1.00) and number of pupae (0.74) in RDF treatment against C. partellus during kharif 2017-18 & 18-19. Similarly during rabi the same trend was followed with lowest per cent leaf infestation (16.0%), dead hearts (3.25%), stem tunneling (8.52%), number of exit holes (0.93), number of larvae (0.63) and number of pupae (0.28) observed in untreated control and highest leaf infestation (29.54%), dead hearts (7.32%), stem tunneling (17.47%), number of exit holes (2.16), number of larvae (1.36) and number of pupae (0.75) in RDF treatment against S. inferens. However all the organic amendments alone treated plots are on par with untreated control having lower infestation levels and yields while organic manures + 75% RDF treated plots are almost on par with RDF treated plots in terms of infestation levels and yield of maize. xxii Correlations of morphological plant characters with stem borer incidence revealed that some of morphological characters have correlation with the stem borer infestation and showed significance in both normal plant density and high plant density of maize. During kharif 2017-18 & 2018-19 the morphological plant characters like number of nodes, plant height, cob height, leaf length and leaf width recorded nonsignificant positive correlation with leaf infestation and dead hearts by C. partellus. Significant positive correlations with leaf infestation and dead heart damage were observed with cob length, internodal length, stem diameter, 100 grain weight and dry matter. However, significant negative correlation was observed between leaf infestation, dead heart and trichome density. Similar results were also observed with high density planting. During rabi 2017-18 & 2018-19, the morphological plant characters like cob height, leaf length, leaf width recorded non-significant positive correlations while, number of nodes, plant height, cob length, internodal length, stem diameter, 100 grain weight recorded significant positive correlation with S. inferens leaf infestation and dead heart damage whereas, trichome density recorded significant negative correlation. At high density, the morphological characters like number of nodes, plant height, cob height, leaf length, leaf width, total dry matter of the plant, cob length recorded nonsignificant correlation with S. inferens leaf infestation and dead heart damage whereas 100 grain weight, internodal length and stem diameter showed significant correlation with both leaf infestation and dead heart damage. During kharif 2017-18 & 2018-19, at 45 days after sowing (normal plant density), the biochemical plant characters like nitrogen, carbohydrate and protein recorded significant correlation with leaf infestation of C.partellus while, phenols recorded non-significant negative correlation. Similar correlation results were observed at 75 days after sowing. During rabi 2017-18 & 2018-19, at 45 days after sowing (normal plant density), the biochemical plant characters like nitrogen, carbohydrate and protein recorded significant correlation with leaf infestation of S. inferens while, phenols recorded non-significant negative correlation. Similar correlation results were observed at 75 days after sowing. Survey conducted during kharif 2017-18 and 2018-19 revealed that in Guntur district, the least infestation of maize by C. partellus in terms of per cent leaf infestation (12.37%), dead heart percentage (8.64%), stem tunneling length (1.83), no. of larvae (0.32), no. of pupae (0.17) and no. of exit holes (0.33) was observed in Narasaraopet mandal. The highest per cent leaf infestation (23.39%), with high dead heart percentage (21.56%) recorded in Pedanandipadu mandal while, Ponnur recorded highest tunneling length (3.6) and found more no. of larvae (0.49), no. of pupae (0.29) and no. of exit holes (0.58) compared to other mandals surveyed. In Krishna district, Veerullapadu mandal recorded the least infestation of maize by C. partellus in terms of per cent leaf infestation (10.25%), dead heart percentage (6.67%), stem tunneling length (1.87) and found less no. of larvae (0.24), no. of pupae (0.11) and no. of exit holes (0.23) and Musunuru mandal recorded the highest per cent leaf infestation (22.66%), dead heart percentage (20.16%), tunnel length (3.00) and found more no. of larvae (0.42), no. of pupae (0.22) and no. of exit holes (0.48) compared to other mandals surveyed during kharif 2017-18 and 2018-19. More number of spiders and coccinellids were recorded in Pedanandipadu mandal (2.96 & 7.09) and xxiii least in Narsaraopet mandal (1.58 & 3.82) of Guntur district and in Krishna district more number of spiders and coccinellids were recorded in Musunuru mandal (3.53 & 7.33) and least in Veerullapadu mandal (1.40 & 3.68). During rabi 2017-18 and 2018-19, Narasaraopet mandal recorded the least infestation of maize by S. inferens in terms of per cent leaf infestation (18.28%), dead heart percentage (15.16%), stem tunneling length (2.66) and found less no. of larvae (0.39), no. of pupae (0.22) and Battiprolu mandal recorded the least no. of exit holes (0.38). However, Ponnur mandal recorded the highest per cent leaf infestation (28.05%) with stem tunneling length (5.71), Battiprolu mandal recorded highest dead heart percentage (22.66%) and no. of pupae (0.34), Pedanandipadu mandal recorded more no. of larvae (0.63), and no. of exit holes (0.48) compared to other mandals surveyed in Guntur district. In Krishna district, Veerullapadu mandal recorded the least infestation of maize by S. inferens in terms of per cent leaf infestation (15.33), dead heart percentage (12.97), stem tunneling length (2.10) and found less no. of larvae (0.24), no. of pupae (0.18) and no. of exit holes (0.17) and Mylavaram mandal recorded the highest per cent leaf infestation (24.28), dead heart percentage (21.26) and musunuru mandal recorded highest tunnel length (3.81) and G. Konduru found more no. of larvae (0.51), Mylavaram mandal recorded more no. of pupae (0.33) and no. of exit holes (0.57). More number of spiders and coccinellids were recorded in Battiprolu mandal (2.42); Ponnuru mandal (4.74) and least in Narsaraopet mandal (1.39), Battiprolu (3.54) in Guntur district and more number of spiders recorded in Mylavaram mandal (2.69), coccinellids in Musunuru mandal (7.12) and least in Veerullapadu mandal (1.18; 2.58). During kharif 2017-18 and 2018-19 carbofuran 3G@ 12.5 kg ha-1 recorded 47.7 per cent mean reduction of leaf infestation of maize by C. partellus over untreated control (UTC), lowest per cent dead hearts (2.28%) followed by NSKE (5%) which recorded 35.2 per cent mean reduction of leaf infestation over UTC with 4.33% dead hearts. However, UTC recorded highest dead hearts (8.52%) by C. partellus. Similarly, during rabi 2017-18 and 2018-19 carbofuran 3G @ 12.5 kg ha-1 found to be the best over other treatments and recorded 45 per cent mean reduction of leaf infestation of maize by S. inferens over UTC, lowest per cent dead hearts (7.05%) followed by NSKE (5%) which recorded 33.7 per cent mean reduction of leaf infestation over UTC with 8.00% dead hearts. However UTC recorded highest dead hearts (13.96%). The data of stem tunneling, exit holes, larvae of C. partellus and S. inferens also followed the same trend. The results of benefit to cost ratio inferred NSKE (5%) as the best treatment in reducing the C.partellus infestation and increasing of yields with 3.89 in kharif and 2.99 in rabi. It was followed by carbofuran 3G @ 12.5 kg ha-1 with 2.53 in kharif and 2.35 in rabi. All other botanicals and organics tested proved to be ineffective and showed very low benefit to cost ratios. The pooled data (four seasons) pertaining to effect of botanicals and organics on natural enemies showed highest number of spiders in UTC (1.15), NSKE (5%) (1.10) and cow urine (10%) (1.06) and lowest number of spiders found in carbofuran 3G@ 12.5 kg ha-1 (0.38) and panchagavya (3%) (0.51). Similarly, highest number of coccinellids were recorded in UTC (1.38), NSKE (5%) (1.34) and cow urine (10%) (1.25) and lowest in carbofuran 3G@ 12.5 kg ha-1 (0.49) and panchagavya (3%) (0.61)ThesisItem Open Access EPIDEMIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OF FIELD BEAN ANTHRACNOSE INCITED BY COLLETOTRICHUM SPP.(Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2019) NARASIMHA RAO, S; SREE LAKSHMI, BField bean (Lablab purpureus var. lignosus) is a grain legume species and is known by several common names across the world. It is one of the most ancient crops among cultivated plants and is presently grown throughout the tropics, especially in South Asia and African countries. The crop is attacked by a wide range of diseases that infect leaf, stem, root, pod and seed. Among the fungal diseases, anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum is an important disease occurring throughout the world and infects all above ground plant parts including pods and seeds thereby adversely affecting the yield. Studies were conducted on collection of anthracnose pathogen in major field bean growing areas of Andhra Pradesh and cross infectivity was tested on different beans; variability among the collected isolates with respect to cultural, morphological and molecular characters; assessment of yield losses and influence of weather parameters on the progress of anthracnose and management of disease through botanicals, bioagents and fungicides both in vitro for pathogen and in vivo were assessed. Anthracnose was observed in all the major field bean growing areas of Andhra Pradesh. The causal organism infecting the field bean was isolated, purified and tentatively identified as Colletotrichum lindemuthianum based on cultural and morphological characters and further the pathogenicity was proved by spraying spore suspension (5 x 106) on to ten days old seedlings and confirmed that field bean anthracnose was incited by C. lindemuthianum. The pure culture of representative sample was characterized by slow to medium growth, olive brown to pinkish red colonies on Potato Dextrose Agar Petri plates. Conidia were hyaline, cylindrical and unicellular with obtuse ends, measuring about xxiii 12.00 x 4.35μm. Orange coloured acervuli were produced on 20 days old culture measuring about 120-330μm. Setae were light brown to dark brown in colour measuring about 74-118 x 2.3- 4.2μm with two oil globules. A total of thirty six anthracnose infected samples selected consisting of 24 from stem and four samples from each leaves and pods representing the agro-ecologically distinct bean growing areas of Andhra Pradesh in two types field bean viz., nineteen samples from pole types, ten samples from bush types and seven from semi bush types. Characteristic symptoms were observed on leaves, petioles, stems, pods and seeds. The lesions with small reddish-brown, slightly-sunken spots filled with many spores were present on the stem and pods. Large numbers of acervuli were found scattered all over the necrotic area and clearly evident by naked eye. Cultural traits of different Colletotrichum isolates were studied on PDA and mycelium of Colletotrichum isolates was branched, septate hyphae. The initial growth on PDA was slow and abundance sporulation occurred after 12 DAI. Among the 36 isolates, CI 33 and 32 had superior cultural characters, while morphological characters varied widely among the isolates with conidial length of 9.85 to 14.85 μm and width of 3.50 to 4.65 µm. Of the 36 isolates, 22 isolates (61.11%) recorded maximum mycelial growth (61.00 to 80.00 mm) and 27 isolates (75.00%) were classified as good (>4.0 to 9x 104 per 5mm disc in terms of sporulation. Conidial mass was whitish to brick red in colour. Conidia were hyaline, single celled, straight, cylindrical, dumb-bell shaped, oblong with rounded ends. The conidia contained zero to three oil globules, most of the isolates contained two oil globules per conidia. Molecular variability of twenty isolates of Colletotrichum by amplification of rDNA region by using ITS1 and ITS4 primers produced amplicons of 660bp. PCRRFLP with four restriction enzymes produced the different size bands. High degree of genetic diversity among the Colletotrichum isolates was noticed with Hinf1, while high similarity (polymorphism) was noticed with Taq1. Four solid media were tested for cultural and morphological variability among the isolates. PDA supported cultural characters, while host leaf extract agar supported the morphological characters. Cross pathogenicity of Colletotrichum isolates on different beans revealed that isolates C 8 from horsegram and C 4 from cowpea were most virulent, produced characteristic anthracnose symptoms in all the test hosts, except pole type beans like yard longbean, wingedbean, swordbean and clusterbean. Among the test plants, cowpea expressed the highest susceptibility to all Colletotrichum isolates, while clusterbean expressed the host specificity. Three times spraying of thiophanate methyl (0.1%) at 10 days interval resulted in lowest per cent disease index and area under disease progress curve, and thus highest green pod yield and cost benefit ratio. Highest avoidable losses of green pod yield due to the anthracnose infection were noticed in two sprays of thiophanate methyl (0.1%), which resulted in minimum disease severity and maximum profit. A strong negative correlation was detected between disease scores and green pod yield where, r = (-) xxiv 0.986 and (-) 0.989, and for test weight r = (-) 0.993 and (-) 0.994 during 2016-17 and 2017-18, respectively. Weather variables on field bean anthracnose indicated that disease severity was significantly influenced by dates of sowing. The PDI increased gradually and progressed up to the harvesting stage. The progress of PDI (weekly increase or decrease of PDI, logit and Gompertz transformation) in relation to the weather variables exhibited sigmoidal pattern of the curve in both the years irrespective of sowing dates. The comparative account of disease progress curves on two growth models (Logistic and Gompertz) revealed that Logistic model provided better fit and linearization of progress curves on the basis of high correlation co-efficients and least standard error of estimation. Correlation studies revealed that, the PDI had significant and positive correlation with maximum temperature and significant negative correlation with evening relative humidity; minimum temperature, sunshine hours and evaporation showed non significant positive, while rainfall expressed non significant negative correlated with PDI. Multiple correlation co-efficients indicated strong relationship between PDI and weather variables, contributing more than 95.10 per cent variation in PDI during 201617 and 93.90 per cent during 2017-18. Among five fungicides, propiconazole at 0.15 per cent inhibited mycelial growth as well as spore germination followed the thiophanate methyl. In case of botanicals, Lantana camara leaf extract at 10.0 % concentration was significantly superior to the rest of the concentrations and inhibited mycelial growth and also spore germination. Trichoderma viride was superior and found most effective with highest mycelial growth inhibition and inhibition of spore germination followed by Bacillus subtilis. Propiconazole was significantly superior in reducing the disease severity and rate of infection thereby increasing the yield followed by thiophanate methyl in management of anthracnose under field condition. Considering incremental cost: benefit ratio (ICBR), the most economical treatment, which recorded highest cost: benefit ratio was the fungicide carbendazim +mancozeb followed by thiophanate methyl and propiconazole. Fungicides were more effective followed by bioagents and botanicals in reducing the terminal PDI and increasing the per cent disease control of Field bean anthracnose.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON IMPACT OF WATER USERS ASSOCIATIONS IN KRISHNA DELTA OF ANDHRA PRADESH(Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2019) MEENA, D; MUKUNDA RAO, BThe shortage of water has raised due to the unbalances between the precipitation distribution and population and improper management practices. This situation has resulted in the need of the collective efforts of the farmers, intellectuals and other stakeholders to ensure store and distribute the water as efficiently as lead to the sustainable development in both agricultural and industrial sectors, these call for participatory approaches. So the government of Andhra Pradesh has introduced the participatory irrigation management as ―The Andhra Pradesh Farmers Management of Irrigation Systems (APFMIS) Act‖ in 1997. The legal framework created out of the APFMIS Act resulted in creation of farmers‘ organizations at different levels of irrigation system like Water User Associations (WUA), Distributory Committee (DC) and Project Committee (PC). The main role of Water Users Associations is to regulate and distribute water within its command area. A study on Impact of Water Users Association in Krishna delta of Andhra Pradesh was carried out during 2016 by selecting 240 respondents from Krishna delta region on proportionate random basis for the study. The dependent variables considered were opinion, direct and indirect changes. The Ex-post facto research design was followed to conduct the study and the data was collected using pre-tested schedule then followed by interview schedule. For the purpose of statistical analysis appropriate statistical tools were used and interpreted the data. The profile of the respondents revealed that majority of the respondents were middle aged, educated up to high school, having 4-10ha of land holding, medium in extension contact, high social participation and trained. Majority of the respondents were medium in perceived workload, information and communication behaviour, depends on WUA members, friends, irrigation officials and mobile phones for getting information regarding WUAs. Coming to psychological characteristics majority of the respondents were under medium level of decision making, innovativeness, risk orientation, achievement motivation, management orientation and high level of economic orientation. xxi The major functions performed by the Project Committee, Distributory Committee and Water Users Associations were maintain an inventory of irrigation system, resolve disputes, organization of meetings, water budgeting, social audit, preparation and implementation of warabandhi schedule, monitoring the flow of irrigation. The opinion scale was constructed with 22 statements by using summated rating scale developed by Likert. Majority of the respondents were having favourable opinion towards WUAs. Majority of the respondents had strong favourable opinion towards performance of WUAs in terms of increased crop yield, helps in restoring the confidence of farmers in the irrigation system and there was a need for conducting technical training programmes, particularly on efficient and effective water application practices and their impacts on environment. The study also focused on the impact of water users associations in Krishna delta in terms of direct and indirect changes. Majority of the respondents had medium level of direct changes. Availability of sufficient irrigation, water during crop growth period, creation of employment, implementation of warabandhi system, rehabilitation of water courses, equidistribution of irrigation water among head, middle and tail-end farmers, reduction of conflicts among farmers, maintaining good relations with irrigation and revenue officials, practicing avenue plantation along the bunds of the canals, enhancement of yields of paddy, sugarcane, turmeric, maize and pulses, magnification of average income, introduction of less water use rice production technologies like Direct Sown Rice (DSR) were the major direct changes as perceived by the farmers due to implementation of WUAs. The study revealed a detailed analysis on indirect changes were majority of them had medium level of indirect changes. Mechanization, increased wage rates, enhancement of land values, positive change in attitude, improved land use pattern, increased knowledge on water use efficiency, less water theft, change in knowledge, increased credit needs, increased fish/aquaculture, change in social life, improved communication behaviour and increased personal empowerment, enhancement of availability of water, autonomy in decision making, conjunctive use of canal water, ground water and drain water, change in skill, decrease in migration of farmers and development of self respect. The chi square tests revealed that variables such as social participation, perceived workload, information and communication behaviour, cropping pattern, decision making, achievement motivation and management orientation showed significant association with the opinion of the respondents. In case of direct changes the variables such as source of information, information and communication behaviour, cropping pattern, decision making and innovativeness showed significant association with the direct changes. Regarding indirect changes the variables such as social participation, source of information, information and communication behaviour, cropping pattern, decision making, innovativeness, achievement motivation and management orientation showed significant association with the indirect changes. The major strengths of WUAs as expressed by the respondents were involvement of water users associations; good support from the irrigation department officials; sufficient water is available during crop season; increased crop yields. Regarding weaknesses as perceived by the respondents were expressed were allocation of insufficient funds; inadequate training facilities; inadequate maintenance of drains; xxii poor quality of works. The possible opportunities for the WUAs as perceived by the respondents were empowerment of farmers to manage irrigation system; facilitates the effective implementation of warabandhi schedule; resolution of disputes among farmers. The major challenges faced by WUAs as perceived by the respondents were management of aquatic weeds; equal distribution of water among head middle and tailend areas; improving the drainage networks. The prime strengths of WUAs as perceived by the irrigation officials were involvement of WUAs in water management; good support from irrigation department official; improved the efficiency and performance of irrigation systems; sufficient water is available during crop season; increase in social relations among farmers. The major weaknesses as perceived by the irrigation officials were allocation of insufficient funds; non involvement of members of WUA in management of water users associations; inadequate maintenance of drains. The opportunities as perceived by the irrigation officials were WUAs facilitates the effective implementation of warabandhi schedule; improved decision making based on local knowledge; empowerment of farmers to manage irrigation system. The major challenges faced by WUAs as perceived by the irrigation officials were improving the drainage networks; equal distribution of water among head middle and tail-end areas; weak institutional set up; development of friendly relationship among water users associations; Finally the hypothetical strategies were developed for the sustainability of water users associations based on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges (SWOC) perceptions in which Garrett ranking technique was followed for SWOC and other results obtained from the study. The government should release sufficient funds timely, regular monitoring should be done during construction of works, to motivate all the members by conducting more trainings and meetings, institutional set up for irrigation department, WUAs should get their share of funds from water tax collected by revenue department and irrigation officials should take proper action to enhance the strengths and opportunities and to resolve the weaknesses and challenges of water users associations. The suggestions offered through the study, if followed, there would be possibility of improving the efficiency of water users associations and thereby socioeconomic conditions of farmers of Krishna delta of Andhra Pradesh.ThesisItem Open Access INFLUENCE OF POTASSIUM AND NICKEL NUTRITION ON WATER STATUS, BIOMASS PRODUCTION AND YIELD IN MAIZE UNDER HEAT STRESS(Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2019) GOWTHAMI, P; ASHOKA RANI, YA study entitled influence of potassium and nickel nutrition on water status, biomass production and yield in maize under heat stress was carried out at Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla during rabi 2017-18 and 2018-19 in split plot design, with three dates of sowing (December 20, January 10 and January 30) as main plots and eight treatments viz., S1: 100% RDK (Control); S2: 125% RDK; S3: 1 kg Ni ha-1; S4: 2 kg Ni ha-1; S5: S1+S3; S6: S1+S4; S7: S2+S3; and S8: S2+S4 as subplots in three replications. From the findings of the experiment it was revealed that increased mean maximum and minimum temperatures creates a heat stress for late sown crops resulting in significant influence on growth, biomass production, water status, leaf associated parameters, biochemical parameters, yield and yield components. Application of potassium and nickel also significantly affected the recorded parameters. Plant height was reduced by 14.7 to 24.6 per cent during 2017-18 and 9.6 to 20.7 per cent during 2018-19 in late sown crops whereas application of potassium and nickel enhanced the plant height by 6.7 to 33.6 per cent during 2017-18 and 5.6 to 28.2 per cent during 2018-19. During both the years, reduction in leaf area due to heat stress ranged from 7.9 to 17.1 per cent and 9.4 to 16.4 per cent respectively and an enhancement of 7.4 to 35.2 per cent and 7.8 to 38.3 per cent respectively was recorded with nutrient treatments. December 20 sown crop had taken maximum number of days to 50 per cent tasseling and minimum for 50 per cent silking. In January 30 sown crop it was observed that 50 per cent tasseling was hastened and silking was delayed. xviii Application of potassium and nickel enhanced the days to 50 per cent tasseling and reduced the days to 50 per cent silking resulting in reduced anthesis silking interval. Drymatter partitioning and total drymatter was greatly influenced by dates of sowing, potassium and nickel application. Higher leaf drymatter was observed at 60 DAS with a reduction of 10.7 to 24.1 per cent during 2017-18 and 10.2 to 22.5 per cent during 2018-19 due to heat stress under delayed sowing. Application of potassium and nickel enhanced the leaf drymatter to an extent of 4.4 to 21.7 per cent during 2017-18 and 1.9 to 20.4 per cent during 2018-19. Stem drymatter was reduced by 9.0 to 18.9 per cent during 2017-18 and 4.1 to 8.1 per cent during 2018-19 due to heat stress in late sown crops. The application of potassium and nickel increased it from 4.3 to 20.9 per cent during 2017-18 and 5.3 to 21.0 per cent during 2018-19. Reduction in root drymatter under delayed sowing ranged from 12.0 to 24.7 per cent during 2017-18 and 9.0 to 20.6 per cent during 2018-19. The increment with potassium and nickel application ranged from 6.8 to 33.6 per cent during 2017-18 and 3.4 to 22.6 per cent during 2018-19. Reproductive parts drymatter reduced to an extent of 5.6 to 13.3 per cent during 2017-18 and 4.7 to 8.2 per cent during 2018-19 due to heat stress under delayed sowing and with potassium and nickel application it was enhanced by 6.5 to 30.9 percent during 2017-18 and 4.4 to 23.1 per cent during 2018-19. During both the years a reduction of 8.3 to 18.4 per cent and 6.6 to 11.9 per cent was recorded in TDM due to the increased temperatures with delayed sowing and an increment of 6.5 to 31.5 per cent and 4.9 to 24.6 per cent was obtained with the application of potassium and nickel. Heat stress under delayed sowing resulted in 4 to 10.8 percent reduction in RWC. Potassium and nickel application increased the leaf water status and restored the normal conditions. Soil and canopy temperature were increased with increased temperature. Hence higher temperatures were recorded in M3 and application of potassium and nickel reduced the temperatures with the lowest values recorded in S8. Photosynthetic rate was declined by 5.5 to 11.1 and 4.5 to 9.0 m mol CO2 m-2 s-1 during 2017-18 and 2018-19 respectively due to heat stress induced by delayed sowing. An enhancement of 1.9 to 9.5 and 1.7 to 10.9 m mol CO2 m-2 s-1 during 2017-18 and 2018-19 respectively was observed with potassium and nickel application. Similarly stomatal conductance, internal CO2 and transpiration rate were also reduced with high temperatures and enhanced to some extent with nutrient treatments. xix Delayed sowing resulted in reduction of CSI to an extent of 6.1 to 14.2 percent due to increased temperatures. Potassium and nickel application enhanced the CSI by 3.7 to 19.3 per cent. An enhancement in MII (7.4 to 14.7 %) was observed in late sown crops with the increased temperatures, whereas with the application of potassium and nickel MII decreased by 2.5 to 13.5 per cent. Proline content was increased with enhanced temperatures by 11.6 to 20.7 percent during 2017-18 and 13.3 to 20.8 per cent during 2018-19. Potassium and nickel increased the proline content by 3.7 to 17.6 per cent and 2.7 to 18.3 per cent during 2017-18 and 2018-19 respectively. Enhanced activity of SOD (0.4 to 1.0 U mg-1 protein) and peroxidase (2.6 to 8.5 U mg-1 protein) was observed in late sown crops with the raise in temperatures. Application of potassium and nickel also increased the SOD and peroxidase activity. Yield components as number of rows per cob, number of kernels per row, test weight except number of cobs per plant were significantly reduced with increased temperatures in late sown crops and enhanced to some extent by potassium and nickel application, resulting in yield reduction by 18.0 to 50.2 per cent during 2017-18 and 16.6 to 48.8 per cent during 2018-19 and increment among the nutrient treatments except in S3 and S4 by 6.6 to 30.0 per cent during 2017-18 and 6.2 to 28.4 per cent during 2018-19. HUE was lowered by 18.7 to 48.8 per cent during 2017-18 and 18.0 to 47.5 per cent during 2018-19 in late sown crops indicating M1 produced greater yield per each heat unit absorbed. Nutrient treatments enhanced it by 6.6 to 30.2 per cent during 2017-18 and 6.0 to 28.3 per cent during 2018-19. Among the yield based stress indices except SSI all other as RHI, STI, GMP, MP and YSI were more in M2 than M3. Among the potassium and nickel all other treatments except S3 and S4 enhanced the stress indices with the highest values in S8 and S3 the lowest with high SSI.ThesisItem Open Access CROP RESIDUE AND NITROGEN MANAGEMENT IN PULSE-MAIZE SEQUENCE(Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2019) PADMA, S; SREE REKHA, MA field study on “Crop residue and nitrogen management in pulsemaize sequence” was conducted over two years (2017-18 and 2018-19) on clay soils of Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla. The experimental trial was conducted in split-split plot design, replicated thrice with P1-cowpea, P2blackgram, P3-greengram and P4-fallow as four main plots during kharif season. The main plots were divided into three subplots after the harvest of pulses viz., R1-residue retained, R2-residue incorporated and R3-residue removed. Each residue management sub plots were further subdivided into sub-sub plots with four nitrogen levels to maize i.e., N1-75% RDN, N2-100% RDN, N3-125% RDN and N4-150% RDN. Among pulses cowpea produced higher seed and haulm yields during the two years trial when compared to blackgram and greengram. The soil microbial count enhanced in the plots where pulses were included and the higher values were with cowpea. The undecomposed crop residue by litter bag method was lesser for blackgram and greengram as compared to cowpea and fallow. Residue retained plots had greater undecomposed matter than residue incorporated plots. The plant height at various stages of plant growth from 30 DAS till harvest for rabi maize was remarkably higher with preceding cowpea than blackgram-maize, greengram-maize sequence and fallow-maize plots. However, the plant height during 2018-19 at 90DAS and at harvest for rabi maize remained comparable for preceded cowpea and greengram. Dry matter accumulation was not affected by preceding pulses. The plant height and drymatter accumulation were enhanced in residue retention plots and remained xvi comparable with residue incorporated plots. Nitrogen @150% RDN has resulted marked increase in growth characters i.e plant height and drymatter accumulation. The interaction effect of preceding pulses and nitrogen levels has significant on drymatter at harvest during 2017-18. Days to 50% tasseling and days to 50% silking were not influenced by preceding pulses and residue management while 150% nitrogen resulted in earlier tasseling and silking. Leaf relative chlorophyll content (SPAD) was higher in maize preceded with cowpea, residue retained and 150% nitrogen at 50% tasseling and 50% silking during both the years of study. Cob length, number of kernel rows cob-1, number of kernels row-1, number of kernels cob-1, kernel weight cob-1 and 100- kernel weight of rabi maize were enhanced in cowpea as preceding crop and remained comparable with blackgram-maize and greengram-maize sequence than fallow-maize. Residue retention plots had higher values for all yield attributing characters and remained comparable with residue incorporated plots. Incremental enhancement in nitrogen resulted in remarkably increased values of yield attributing characters among which 150% RDN proved its significant and superior over other levels during both the years of study. Shelling percentage was not affected by preceding pulses, residue management and nitrogen levels. Kernel and stover yields of maize were markedly enhanced with preceding cowpea, residue retained plots and nitrogen @ 150%. Interaction for pulses (P) and nitrogen levels (N) during 2017-18 and interaction for residue management (R) and nitrogen levels (N) were found to be significant during 2018-19 for kernel yield of maize. The nitrogen content was influenced by nitrogen levels but not by preceding pulses and residue management. The uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by both kernel and stover along with total uptake were higher in maize preceding with cowpea, residue retained plots and nitrogen @ 150% RDN. Soil available N, P2O5 and K2O were higher in preceding pulse crops, residue retained and incorporated plots. Increased nitrogen levels (150% RDN) had higher values of post harvest soil available N, P2O5 and K2O during both the years of study. The total maize equivalent yield was higher in preceding blackgram during 2017-18 while it was with preceding greengram during 2018-19. 150% RDN with residue retention had higher values of total maize equivalent yield. The higher gross return, BCR, net return and return per rupee investment were noticed with cowpea-maize sequence wherein residue retained plots with nitrogen application @ 150% RDN to maize. From the above, it can be inferred that maize with preceding cowpea residue retention can be adopted in Krishna agro-climatic zone of Andhra Pradesh for higher profitability along with nitrogen @150% RDN to maize.ThesisItem Open Access RESPONSE OF RICE-SORGHUM CROPPING SEQUENCE TO PREVAILING WEATHER AND NITROGEN LEVELS(ACHARYA N G RANGA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, GUNTUR, 2019) VIBHAJAM SAGAL KIRAN, B; RADHA KRISHNA MURTHY, VA field experiment entitled “Response of rice sorghum cropping sequence to prevailing weather and nitrogen levels” was conducted for two consecutive years (2017-18 and 2018-19) on clay loam soils of Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla. The soil pH was slightly alkaline in reaction, medium in organic carbon, low in available nitrogen, medium to high in available phosphorus and high in potassium. The kharif experiments on rice consisted of three varieties viz., NLR145(V1), BPT-5204(V2) and NLR-34449(V3); as main plot treatments. Four nitrogen levels to rice viz., 60 kg N ha-1 (N1), 80 kg N ha-1 (N2), 100 kg N ha-1 (N3) and 120 kg N ha-1 (N4) as sub plot treatments. All the treatments were randomly allocated in three replications in a split plot design for kharif seasons. The rice crop was sown as direct seeded rice. The kharif imposed treatments were evaluated rabi seasons with RBD design in both the years of study on sorghum grown as sequence. Data collected on growth parameters, yield attributes, yield, nutrient uptake of rice and economic returns were subjected to statistical analysis which indicated that all the characters studied were significantly higher with the rice variety BPT-5204 with the application of 120 kg N ha-1. Whereas, significantly lower values were observed with rice variety NLR-34449 with application of 60 kg N ha-1 during both the years of study and in pooled data. xxiv A significant interaction between varieties and levels of nitrogen in rice was observed for drymatter accumulation at 90DAS during both the years, number of panicles m-2 during 1st year of study and grain yield during both the years with the treatmental combination of variety BPT-5204 and 120 kg N ha-1 and significantly superior to other treatmental combinations. Higher values of all weather health indices/climatic normals viz., GDD, HTU, PTU, TPR, HUE, HtUE, PtUE, PTI and RUE were recorded with variety BPT-5204(V1) followed by NLR-145 and NLR-34449 during both the years of study. Among the nitrogen levels, application of 120 kg N ha-1 recorded the optimum values of all weather health indices during both the years of study. The influence of weather health indices was found to be optimum to produce highest yields. Significant linear relationship was observed for drymatter and grain yield of all the three varieties and four nitrogen levels tested with weather health indices viz., GDD, HTU, PTU, TPR, HUE, HtUE, PtUE, and PTI during both the years of study. These regression equations could be applied to predict rice growth and yield using daily information on temperature, photoperiod, day length and sunshine hours during the crop season, to predict rice yields grown under different N levels. Significant and negative correlation was observed with the rice grain yield and micrometeorological parameters viz., canopy air temperature, canopy temperature and soil temperature for both the years of study and regression equations could be applied to predict rice yields under different nitrogen levels Growth parameters, yield attributes, grain yield, stover yield, nitrogen uptake and economic returns of zero till sorghum were influenced significantly by sorghum crop sown after the harvest of rice variety NLR-34449 and was on par with the variety NLR-145 and among the residual effect of nitrogen levels indicated that 120 kg N ha-1 resulted significantly superior over to residual treatments. The availability of N, P and K status after harvest of sorghum decreased due to high uptake of nutrients during both the years of study. The rice crop in both the years experienced 27.10C- 32.20C and 1 to 6 hrs day-1 bright sunshine hours during vegetative stages; 26.60C-29.80C and 1 to 6 hrs day-1 bright sunshine hours during reproductive phase and 22.40C26.30C and 4 to 6 hrs day-1 bright sunshine hours during maturity phases. The sorghum crop in both the years experienced 21.80C- 23.70C and 4 to 7 hrs day-1 bright sunshine hours during vegetative stages, 22.80C-28.10C and 6 to 8 hrs day-1 bright sunshine hours during reproductive phase and 27.60C-29.30C and 8 to 9 hrs day-1 bright sunshine hours during maturity phases. These are found to be most congenial and optimum for rice–sorghum crop sequence. The production potential was higher in rice-sorghum cropping sequence under the above weather conditions with early date of sorghum sowing and 120 kg N ha-1 residual nitrogen. xxv Path coefficient analysis indicated that there is a direct and indirect effects of morphological parameters on grain yield of rice varieties. Step down regression analysis indicated significant relation for high yields of three rice varieties with maximum temperature at vegetative stage, relative humidity in the morning at maturity, relative humidity in the evening at vegetative stage, sunshine hours at reproductive stage and rainfall at reproductive and maturity. These are: Y = -70894.95+610.29(RH13)+358.19(RH21)-28.43(RF2) for NLR-145 Y = -456495.33-8517.20(MAT1)+9233.55(RH11)+20.87(RF3) for BPT-5204 Y = 73989.44-1866.96(MAT1)-1214.78(SSH2)-19.41(RF3) for NLR-34449ThesisItem Open Access MOLECULAR AND BIOCHEMICAL VARIABILITY OF CERTAIN BRINJAL GENOTYPES AGAINST SHOOT AND FRUIT BORER Leucinodes orbonalis (GUENEE) (LEPIDOPTERA: PYRALIDAE(ACHARYA N G RANGA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, GUNTUR, 2019) CHINNABBAI, CHETTUBATHINA; DAYAKAR, SThe present investigations on “Molecular and biochemical variability of certain brinjal genotypes against shoot and fruit borer Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)” were carried out at college of Horticulture, Venkataramannagudem during both Rabi and Kharif seasons of 2016-17 and 2017-18, 2017-18 and 2018-19. Studies on screening of genotypes against shoot and fruit borer revealed that none of the genotypes showed complete resistance to shoot and fruit borer. Significantly lowest shoot infestation (9.01 %), as well as fruit infestation (12.73 %) were recorded with IC 136061.The highest infestation of shoot (34.99 %) and fruit (46.77 %) was recorded on Dommeru Local.The shoot infestation on remaining genotypes ranged from 11.34 % to 30.96 % and while the same for was 15.39 % to 43.79 %. Based on per cent fruit infestation genotypes fourteen genotypes viz., IC 136061 (12.73%), IC 136148 (15.39%), IC 135912 (16.08%), IC 136299 (16.14%), IC 136041(16.23%), IC 136296 (16.94%), IC 154517 (17.18%), A.Nidhi (17.18%), IC 203589 (17.23%), IC 213564 (17.46%), S.Pratibh (17.54%), IC 137751(19.06%), IC 144525 (19.42%) and IC 136231(19.89%) were categorized as moderately resistant due to low level of fruit infestation (11-20 %). In the remaining genotypes, twenty four were categorized as tolerant (20.00 to 30.00 % fruit infestation), twenty as susceptible (30.00 to 40.00 % fruit infestation) and five genotypes as highly susceptible (above 40.00 % fruit infestation). Genotype IC 136061 recorded highest fruit yield (1.484 kg plant-1) whereas VR 02 recorded lowest fruit yield (0.211 kg plant-1). The fruit yield in the remaining genotypes was ranged from 0.279 to 1.089 kg plant-1. IC 136148 (1.089 kg plant-1), A.Nidhi (1.070 kg plant-1) and IC 135912 (1.051 kg plant-1) were the other promising moderately resistant genotypes with low per cent shoot and fruit infestation and higher yield. xix The influence of physicomorphic and biochemical factors of shoot and fruit on the infestation of shoot and fruit borer revealed that per cent shoot infestation showed positive and highly significant correlation with shoot thickness (r = 0.9403), significantly high negative correlation with trichomes on leaf lamina (r = - 0.9755), significantly high negative correlation with trichomes on shoot (r = - 0.9484), non significant correlation with plant height (r = 0.1899), number of branches (r = 0.2395) and plant spread (r = 0.0557). The per cent fruit infestation showed positive correlation with fruit length (r = 0.9403), fruit diameter (r = 0.9755), pedicel length (r = 0.0009), number of branches (r = 0.1921), plant spread (r = 0.0379) while a significant and negative correlation with calyx length (r = - 0.3298). The per cent shoot infestation showed negative and highly significant correlation with phenol content in shoot (r = - 0.9587), highly significant and negative correlation with peroxidase content in shoot(r = - 0.9645), highly significant and negative correlation with PAL content in shoot (r = - 0.9692). Highly significant and positive correlation was observed between phenol content of shoot with peroxidase (r = 9937) and PAL (r = 0.9776). Peroxidase and PAL also showed highly significant and positive correlation (r = 0.9911). The per cent fruit infestation showed negative and highly significant correlation with phenol content in fruit (r = - 0.9717), highly significant and negative correlation with peroxidase content in fruit (r = - 0. 9586), highly significant and negative correlation with PAL content in fruit (r = - 0.9719). Significant and highly positive correlation was observed between phenol content of fruit with peroxidise (r = 0.9628) and PAL (r = 0.9758). Peroxidase and PAL also showed highly significant and positive correlation (r = 0.9643). The highest PIC was recorded in the SSR marker 133 (0.5911), while it was found to be lowest for the marker 120 (0.3504). SSR marker 139 recorded the highest heterozygosity of 0.5801 while the lowest in 133 (0.2217). All the genotypes under the present investigation were found to have unique allelic profiles with SSR loci.The ten selected SSR primers amplified alleles across the 60 genotypes and 3 checks with varying degrees of polymorphism. High level of polymorphism was observed with as many as 3 alleles per locus with 131,133 and 134 primers. The high level of polymorphism obtained with SSRs in the present study is consistent with their known characteristics that they were more variable and revealed greater diversity. The similarity index based on 10 SSR markers ranged from 0.200 to 1.000 Out of the seven modules evaluated against shoot and fruit borer, M1(moderately resistant genotype) found effective by recording low mean shoot infestation (11.76%), fruit infestation (15.05%) and was significantly superior over other modules. M7 (farmers practice) was the next best performer with 14.28% and 19.51% of shoot and fruit infestation respectively and was followed by M6 (17.69%, 31.34%), M5 (20.61% and 36.33%), M4 (23.24% and 39.75%), M3 (25.82% and 43.55%) and M2 (29.23%, 50.45%). In overall mean fruit infestation on weight basis also M1 showed significant superiority in performance over other modules. xx In terms of marketable fruit yield, M7 (farmers’ practice) effective as it recorded significantly highest marketable fruit yield (31692.27 kg ha-1) followed by M1 (31315.20 kg ha-1), M6 (25603.20 kg ha-1), M5 (23654.40 kg ha-1), M4 (19159.47 kg ha-1), M3 (17808.00 kg ha-1) and M2 (15052.80 kg ha-1). Observations on yield and cost economics of different IPM modules revealed that module M7 showed superiority over other modules in terms of yield ( 31692.27 kg ha-1), cost of production (Rs. 121750.00 ha-1) and gross returns (Rs.380307.20 ha-1). Module M1 produced 31315.20 kg ha-1 fruit yield, incurred low production cost (Rs.93137.00 ha-1) with gross returns of Rs. 375782.40 ha-1. The highest B: C ratio of 4.03:1 was registered with M1 and next best was M7 with 3.38:1. From the above investigation conducted for two years, it was concluded that selection of a moderately resistant variety and adoption of IPM methods are more effective in the management of shoot and fruit borer and was economically profitable.ThesisItem Open Access TRADE COMPETITIVENESS AND EXPORT PERFORMANCE OF SHRIMPS IN INDIA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ANDHRA PRADESH(Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2019) KUMARI SIRISHA, K. J. V.; SUBBA RAO, D.VAquaculture in India is an important sector of food production, providing nutritional security to the food basket, besides contributing to the exports. It employs fourteen million people in different activities in the country. The total fish production during 2017-18 was 12.60 million tons of which nearly 65% was from inland sector. The total seafood exports during the period 2017-18 was 13.8 lakh tonnes as compared to 11.3 lakh tonnes in the previous year 2016-17. In rupee terms exports were valued at Rs. 45,106.89 crore in 2017-18 as against Rs. 37,870.90 crore in 2016-17, indicated of 21.35 per cent growth. Frozen shrimp maintained its position as the key contributor to the seafood export basket, accounting for 41 per cent in quantity and 68.46 per cent of the total dollar earnings. This indicates that major part of income from marine fishery flows from the export performance of shrimps. The Government of Andhra Pradesh created a policy for the rapid growth in fisheries and aquaculture for the period 201520, with a vision of promotion of “Andhra Pradesh as the Aqua hub of India”. Hence the present research work on “Trade competitiveness and export performance of shrimps in India with special reference to Andhra Pradesh” was undertaken with the following objectives: 1. to study the growth rates of shrimp production and exports in India and Andhra Pradesh 2. to analyze the direction and structural stability of Indian shrimp exports 3. to analyze the trade competitiveness of India’s shrimp exports in the world market 4. to analyze the factors influencing the export performance and trade competitiveness of shrimps in Andhra Pradesh. xx The secondary data on aqua products and shrimps in terms of quantity and value for India and Andhra Pradesh were collected from Marine Product Export Development Authority MPEDA, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and trade Map data base developed by International Trade Centre (ITC), Geneva, Switzerland. Primary data was collected from Andhra Pradesh because it is the hub of aquaculture in India along Visakhapatnam, Nellore and West Godavari districts were selected based on export potential and processing of shrimp. Thirty exporters were selected randomly. The growth rates registered for shrimp exports were positive and significant in both India and Andhra Pradesh. In India the observed registered growth rate in shrimp exports were 7.03 per cent in terms of quantity and 10.73 per cent in terms of value during the period 1995-96 through 2017-18. In Andhra Pradesh during the observed registered growth rate in shrimp exports were 12.4 per cent in terms of quantity and 14.8 per cent in terms of value during the same period. The instability is increasing in nature for both seafood exports and shrimp exports in India and Andhra Pradesh respectively during the overall period, 1995-96 to 2017-18 i.e. 0.11 and 0.3 seafood and shrimp exports respectively in India, 0.47 and 0.52 seafood and shrimp exports respectively in Andhra Pradesh. The average unit price for Indian shrimps in USA market was higher than Japan, South East Asia, EU markets and Middle East. The share of shrimp exports during 2009-10 to 2017-18 was 7.8 per cent of the total world shrimp exports. The direction of trade indicates that the European Union and other pooled countries were found to be highly loyal markets for Indian shrimp. Followed by USA, Japan and South East Asia, whereas China and Middle East were found be most unstable markets for Indian shrimp exports. The Indian shrimp has relatively better comparative advantage in South East Asia and Middle East markets, whereas it was low in developed markets like European Union, USA and Japan. However there is a need to improve export competitiveness of Indian shrimp in developed markets like EU, USA and Japan to achieve high unit price realization. The shrimp exports from Andhra Pradesh had a significant comparative advantage in India. It reflects greater scope for the expansion of seafood export industry. The shrimp exporters they give most preferences to those attributes which influence the shrimp exports in Andhra Pradesh are, the raw (frozen) form is a major influence on exports than other forms like value added products. This is due to the greater demand from South East Asian countries for raw (frozen) products. Certification and labeling plays a vital role in promoting the export of shrimps. Price attribute has a strong influence on exports if the quality of shrimp increases. The exporters are highly preferable for exporting large sized shrimps. In case branding foreign buyers’ brand had major influence on exports than own branding. Apart from these translucent with dusky bands colour with strong marine odour shrimps are more preferable for the exports. xxi Years of experience in shrimp processing, BAP star rating and quantity of exports from A.P. were positively significant on revenue of shrimp industry in Andhra Pradesh whereas business operation was negatively significant. The availability of quality raw material was the most important constraint for the exporters followed by high cost of investment, lack of diversified products, poor technical advancement, uncertainty in prices, lack of research and development and competition among the exporters.ThesisItem Open Access MANAGEMENT OF SPOTTED STEM BORER, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) THROUGH ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING IN MAIZE(Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2019) RAVI KUMAR, V; MADHUMATHI, TExperiments were conducted at Agricultural college farm, Bapatla during kharif and rabi 2017-18 and 2018-19 with objectives to identify suitable leguminous intercrops and gramineous trap crops in maize for the management of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe). Among the leguminous intercrops evaluated, maize-cowpea intercropping system supported with higher number of coccinellid beetles (0.93 /plant) and spiders (1.02/plant) than maize sole crop, which recorded 0.53 coccinellid beetles and 0.71 spiders /plant. These natural enemies suppressed C. partellus damage in maize that resulted in reduced foliage damage (15.18%), dead hearts (4.79%) and larval density (0.81/plant) when compared to maize sole crop i.e., 26.80 per cent, 8.80 per cent and 1.48 per plant, respectively. Results indicated that maize-green gram and maize-black gram intercropping systems were the next best treatments in suppressing C. partellus incidence. Influence of cowpea intercropping on C. partellus incidence in maize was clearly reflected on grain yield. Maize-cowpea intercropping system produced higher grain yield (5643 kg/ha) over maize sole crop (4553 kg/ha). Studies pertaining to evaluation of suitable gramineous trap crops for the management of C. partellus revealed the glory of napier grass. Maize trap cropped with napier grass treatment recorded with least foliage damage (9.62%), dead hearts (1.99%) and larval density (0.35larave/plant) found significantly superior to maize xiv sole crop which had shown highest foliage damage (29.30%), dead hearts (8.83%) and larval density (1.14 larvae/plant). Yield parameters clearly indicated the influence of napier grass in suppressing C. partellus incidence by showing highest grain yield of 5813 kg/ha compared to maize sole crop that recorded 4585 kg/ha. Sorghum and sudan grass were found to be next best trap crops while bajra was ineffective in managing C. partellus. Ovipositional studies revealed the effectiveness of napier grass as a trap crop against C. partellus. Results from dual-choice tests indicated that female moths of C. partellus preferred to oviposit on napier grass instead of maize. Significantly higher number of egg batches (4.5/plant) and total number of eggs (354.6/plant) were laid on napier grass than maize (2.3 egg batches/plant and 148 eggs). Larval survival and development studies indicated the greater mortality of C. partellus larvae occurred within five days on napier grass. None of the C. partellus larvae survived upto pupation in napier grass while 38.80 per cent larvae pupated in case of maize. Integration of different pest management approaches for the management C. partellus revealed that cultural+biological+chemical method of treatment reduced foliage damage (8.19%), dead hearts (2.40%) and larval density (0.38/plant) over untreated control. The per cent stem tunnelling was least (2.70) in case of cultural+biological+chemical method of treatment where as untreated maize crop recorded highest tunnelling length (9.21). Cultural method alone was on par with cultural+biological+chemical method in suppressing C. prtellus incidence which indicated its importance in integrated pest management practice. Highest grain yield (6096 kg/ha) was observed in cultural+biological+chemical method of treatment than remaining combinations of pest management and least grain yield in untreated control (4596 kg/ha). Higher net profits were observed in cultural method (Rs 23015/-), cultural+biological method (Rs 21619/-) and cultural+biological+ chemical method (RS 21429/-). The incremental benefit cost ratio was higher in cultural method (6.67) followed by cultural+biological (3.84), cultural+chemical (3.65) and cultural+biological+chemical method (2.70).