Background: Second-generation issues facing by Indian agriculture today are changing water tables, nutrient and disease imbalances, contamination of the environment and declining output from agriculture so there is a urgent need to enhance crop productivity to ensure food security. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: In this field study, groundnut and sweet corn were used as a test material under ten treatments, including sole groundnut; sole sweet corn; groundnut + sweet corn in 1:1; 2:1 and 3:1 row ratio in both replacement and additive series; mix sowing of groundnut 80% + sweet corn 20% and groundnut + sweet corn in (2:1) with paired row (30-60-30 cm) at Regional Rice Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Vyara, Gujarat (India) during the summer season of the year 2020-21 and 2021-22. Data on growth attributes, yield attributes and yield of both the crops were recorded. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The results showed that significant reduction in growth, yield attributes and yield of groundnut were observed under mix/intercropping systems as compared to sole groundnut. Among the mix/ intercropping systems, intercropping of groundnut + sweet corn in (2:1) with paired row (30-60-30 cm) was found superior in terms of the pod yield as well as haulm yield, the productivity and biological efficiency of these systems in terms of groundnut pod equivalent yield (3221 kg/ha), land equivalent ratio (1.88) and area time equivalent ratio (1.75). Crop intensification through groundnut + sweet corn in (2:1) with paired row (30-60-30 cm) or groundnut + sweet corn in (3:1) in additive series could be adopted for obtaining higher groundnut pod equivalent yield.

Growth Attributes, Yield Attributes and Yield of Groundnut as Influenced by Intensification Through Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)- Sweet Corn (Zea mays var. saccarata) Intercropping System&nbsp;

<div>Background:&nbsp;Productivity of cowpea in our country is very low. So, there is need to take proper agronomic practices to enhance the productivity of cowpea and foremost important among them is foliar application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients exploiting genetic potential of crop. This is considered to be an efficient and economic method of supplementing part of nutrient requirement at critical growth stages of the crop. Foliar application is credited with the advantage of quick and efficient utilization of nutrients, elimination of losses through leaching, fixation and regulating uptake of nutrients by the plant. In view of above consideration, the experiment entitled &ldquo;Influence of foliar application of different organic sources on growth, yield and quality of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) under varying levels of fertilizer&rdquo; was conducted with objectives to study the effect of different levels of fertilizer on growth, yield and quality of cowpea, to study the effect of foliar application of different organic sources on growth, yield and quality of cowpea, to study the interaction effect of different levels of fertilizer and foliar application of organic sources and to study the economics of different treatments. 
 
Methods:&nbsp;The field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Farm, College of Agriculture, Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri (M.S.) during Rabi 2019-20. Field experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design. The fertilizer levels comprised of three levels viz., F1: 100% RDF, F2: 75% RDF and F3: 50% RDF and foliar application consisted of five different organic sources viz., S0: Control, S1: Panchagavya @ 3%, S2: Vermiwash @ 10%, S3: Cow urine @ 5% and S4: Vasant urja @ 0.5%. There were 15 treatment combinations replicated three times. 
 
Result:&nbsp;It can be concluded that for growing cowpea, it should be supplied with 100% RDF and sprayed with panchagavya @ 3% or cow urine @ 5% foliar application, so as to obtain higher yield and economic returns.</div>

Effect of Foliar Application of Different Organic Sources and Levels of Fertilizer on Growth Attributes, Yield Attributes, Yield, Quality and Economics of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)

<div>Background: This study assessed the perceived influence of agricultural extension on cassava production in southern Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to; ascertain the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, identify the perceived influence of agricultural extension on cassava production in the study area and constraints in the production of cassava by farmers in the study area.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The study adopted a multi-stage sampling technique. Stage one was a purposive selection of municipalities in Southern Nigeria due to its endowment with cassava production. Stage two involved a random selection of five (5) municipalities in Southern Nigeria namely; Uyo, Calabar, Umuahia, Abakaliki and Owerri. Stage three equally involved a random selected of twenty (20) respondents from each of the municipals, giving a total of hundred (100) respondents used for the study. Data were obtained from primary sources using structured interview schedule. Objectives were analysed using descriptive statistics such as; percentage, frequency, mean, rank and standard deviation. 
 
Result: The result on the house hold size showed that 39% had between 6-10 persons, while 27% had 11-15 persons, 21% had 1-5 persons. Also 13% had 16 and above number of persons. The result also revealed that the respondents observed help in reducing soil compartment, training of farmers on pest/disease control, production practices, processing and marketing with mean scores of <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.43, <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.27,&nbsp;<img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 1.92,&nbsp;<img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 1.86 and <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> =1.69 respectively; as perceived influence of extension on cassava production. This implied that extension workers had no significant influence on cassava production in the study area, this may be attributed to inadequate funding of extension services in Nigeria. Majority (60%) believed that language barrier and unfavourable attitude of farmers with mean of <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.43 and <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.42 respectively were the constraints of agricultural extension workers in enhancing cassava production in the study area. This implied that influence of extension agents in the area may not be significant. This may be due to ineffectiveness of extension services in Nigeria. the study concluded that, rural farmers need to be involved in the mainstream of extension services in order to identify and prioritize their production activities. The study therefore, recommended that agricultural extension workers should be involved in all areas of agricultural production and not on cassava production alone, so as to improve on the gross domestic production of the nation.</div>

Perceived Influence of Agricultural Extension on Cassava Production by the Farmers in Southern Nigeria

<div style="text-align: justify;">A field experiment was conducted at Central Farm Unit situated in Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Killikulam during Rabi 2011-12 to evaluate the effect of spacing (120&times;30cm, 120&times;20 cm, 90&times;30 cm and 90&times;20 cm) and fertilizer levels (12.5:25:12.5, 18.75:37.5:18.75, 25:50:25, 31.25:62.5:31.25 kg N, P2O5, K2O/ha and control) on yield attributes of Dhaincha. The results revealed that spacing adopted with 120&times;30 cm significantly recorded higher number of pods/plant (53.7), pod length (19.94 cm), number of seeds/pod (28.52) and seed yield (585 kg/ha) of Dhaincha. In respect of different fertilizer levels, application NPK @ 31.25:62.5:31.25 kg/ha perceived higher yield attributes (number of pods/plant (48.8), pod length (17.98), number of seeds/ pod (29.28) and seed yield (609 kg/ha). Combination of spacing (120&times;30 cm) with fertilizer levels of 31.25:62.5:31.25 kg/ha significantly recorded higher seed yield of 705 kg/ha.</div>

Effect of spacing and fertilizer level on yield attributes of Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata)

<div>Background: The selection of breeding bulls based on the association of sexual behaviour, seminal attributes and conception rate are more important and economical. However, information on association of sexual behaviour and seminal attributes with fertility in buffaloes particularly with reference to Jaffarabadi buffalo bulls is meager.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The study was carried out to assess the association of sexual behaviour and seminal attributes with first service conception rate (FCR) of Jaffarabadi buffalo bulls. A total of 192 semen ejaculates were evaluated and cryo-preserved. First AI conception rate (FCR) was carried out on 800 Jaffarabadi female buffaloes inseminated with frozen-thawed semen and pregnancy was confirmed by per rectal palpation at 2 months post-insemination.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results indicated that both sexual behaviour and seminal attributes were associated with fertility in Jaffarabadi buffalo bulls.</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

Sexual Behaviour and Seminal Attributes Associated with Fertility of Jaffarabadi Buffalo Bulls

<div style="text-align: justify;">Chicken jalebis- a new snack was prepared by incorporating 23% non meat ingredients(Black gram flour, Bengal gram flour, corn flour, rice flour, semolina flour) at different proportions with 55% chicken (Broiler meat) to find out the best formulation without affecting the physico-chemical, microbial and organoleptic qualities of the product. Non meat ingredients were fermented for 24 hrs with curd at room temperature. Chicken was collected from local market, deboned, minced and processed. Different formulations of chicken jalebi batter were prepared by mixing broiler minced meat with fermented non meat ingredients, spices, oil, salt and ice to form a stable emulsion. The batter is then stuffed in a conical shaped plastic packet and pressed in such a manner to give a jalebi shape and then fried in sunflower refine oil at 180&plusmn;50C for 5-10mins. One part of the chicken jalebis was immersed in tomato sauce, prepared from tomato magi sauce with little modification and other part was kept as such and then sensory attributes were evaluated and it was found that chicken jalebi containing rice flour was highly accepted by the consumers.</div>

Technology of preparation of chicken jalebi and its sensory attributes

The present study was conducted to measure the reproductive attributes of Naga local pigs (Votho) in Kohima, Peren and Phek district of Nagaland. The reproductive parameters were measured through field survey and reproductive records of owner. The reproductive parameters such as age at first fertile service (AFFS), age at first farrowing (AFF), gestation length, farrowing interval, litter size at birth, litter size at weaning, litter weight at birth, litter weight at weaning, mortality rate and stillbirth rate were measured. The result revealed that there was a significant difference among the different districts of Nagaland in AFFS, AFF and litter weight at birth. Parameters such as AFFS, AFF and litter weight at birth were significantly higher and gestation length, farrowing interval, litter size at weaning, litter weight at birth, litter weight at weaning were non-significantly higher in Kohima than in Peren and Phek District. Similarly, parameters such as litter size at birth, mortality rate were non-significantly higher in Peren district and stillbirth was non- significantly higher in Phek district than other districts of Nagaland. These reproductive attributes analyses may be useful in selection of breeding stock for future parents and select the place for breeding programme for indigenous local Naga pigs.

Reproductive attributes of local pig (Votho) of Nagaland, India

<div>Background: Optimum sowing time which enables the utilization of all the available resources is prerequisite to achieve the potential crop yield. Quantifying nitrogen requirement of a crop is important as nitrogen directly influences the crop yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate sowing time and nitrogen levels on proso millet yield and yield attributes. 
 
Methods: The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with three replications having four times of sowing [II FN of June (S1), I FN of July (S2), II FN of July (S3) and I FN of August (S4)] as main plots and four nitrogen levels [0 kg N ha-1 (N1), 20 kg N ha-1 (N2), 40 kg N ha-1 (N3) and 60 kg N ha-1 (N4)] as sub plots.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Among the sowing times tried, II FN of June (S1) sown crop resulted in the higher yield attributes, grain and straw yield. While their lowest were with the crop sown during I FN of August (S4). Significantly higher yield attributes, grain and straw yield were observed with the application of 60 kg N ha-1 (N4) than with 40 kg N ha-1 (N3). Reduced yield attributes, grain and straw yield were observed with no nitrogen application (N1).</div>

Effect of Times of Sowing and Nitrogen Levels on Yield and Yield Attributes of Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.)

<div style="text-align:justify">A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of organic manures and industrial by-products on cane productivity. The soil type of experimental site was sandy loam. The treatments consisted of T1 &ndash; Seasoned pressmud @ 25 t ha-1, T2 &ndash; T1 + Lignite flyash @ 25 t ha-1, T3 &ndash; T1 + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1, T4 &ndash; Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Lignite flyash @ 25 t ha-1, T5 &ndash; Biocompost @ 5 t ha-1, T6 &ndash; T5 + Lignite flyash @ 25 t ha-1, T7 &ndash; FYM @ 10 t ha-1, T8 &ndash; NPK alone (RDF). The results revealed that yield attributes and cane yield improved in addition of organic manures and industrial by-products. The addition of integrating Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Seasoned Pressmud @ 25 t ha-1 along with RDF (T3) significantly recorded yield attributes of (125.83 &acute; 1000) of millable cane ha-1, 2.57 cm of cane girth, 27.82 internodes cane-1, 1.37 kg of individual cane weight and cane yield of 165.18 t ha-1. It was observed that vermicompost, seasoned pressmud and chemical fertilizers enhanced yield attributes and yield of sugarcane.</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Organic Manures and Industrial by-Products Influence the Yield Attributes and Yield of Sugarcane</div>

<div>Background: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the third most important pulse crop grown all over the world. Chickpea is infested by an average of about 60 insect-pests, of which gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is known to be the key pest. The migratory nature, polyphagous, short life cycle, multivoltine and resistance to insecticides makes H. armigera&nbsp;very difficult to control. In order to develop the resistance chickpea genotypes against H. armigera it is very important to understand the interrelation between the chickpea biochemical constituents and their effect on insect growth and development. 
 
Methods: The biological performance of H. armigera on different chickpea genotypes was studied using detached leaf method and the test genotypes were also evaluated for field level resistance to H. armigera under natural conditions. Different biochemical constituents viz., reducing sugar, protein, total phenol and tannins content in chickpea genotypes were estimated at 30 days after sowing. The relationship between biological attributes of H. armigera reared on different chickpea genotypes and biochemical constituents of chickpea genotypes was computed using simple correlation co-efficient. 
 
Result: Among the test genotypes, the lowest larval weight, prolonged larval duration and pupal duration were observed in GL-13042. The lowest pupal weight and percent of adult emergence was observed in NBeG-786 while the lowest fecundity was observed in GL-13001. The percent pod damage, pest susceptibility/ resistance per cent and PRSR on different chickpea genotypes in the field condition varied from 25.9 to 47.84%, 12.91 to 45.86 and from 4 to 5. In the biochemical constituents, the highest total phenol and tannin content were observed in NBeG-786 whereas the lowest protein and reducing sugar content were observed in GL-13042. Relationship between biological attributes of H. armigera and biochemical constituents in different chickpea genotypes revealed that reducing sugars, protein, total phenols and tannins content showed negative association with biological attributes of H. armigera reared on chickpea genotypes.</div>