Chalky spot damage on red lentil is the most important problem waiting for a solution regarding plant health at lentil cultivation in Southeast Anatolia Region, Turkey. The stink bugs, Piezedorus lituratus (F.) and Dolycorus baccarum L. were subjected to trials in cages and in sprayed and unsprayed plot trials in open lentil fields and fields containing windrowed lentils after harvesting. The study revealed that P. lituratus and D. baccarum feeding on red lentil caused chalky spot damage. Average damage to lentil seeds caused by P. lituratus was 13% and 7.8% and by D. baccarum was 4.9% and 2% in 2010 and 2011, respectively. There was a positive relation between P. lituratus density and chalky spot damage (r =0.788, r2 =0.621, P=0.000). The study also showed that after the harvesting, the stink bugs gathered under windrowed lentils and continued feeding and causing chalky spot damage. The damage in unsprayed windrowed lentils (6.60%) was approximately 12-fold higher than that in sprayed windrowed lentils (0.57%). Study suggests conduction of future work on environmental friendly control methods of stink bugs and alternative harvesting methods.

Chalky spot damage caused by stink bugs on red lentil seeds&nbsp;in Southeast Anatolia Region, Turkey&nbsp;

<div>Composting is the most viable treatment for biodegradable solid waste. Numerous techniques have been developed by different agencies to carry out composting. The most common method is aerobic bin method carried out on small scale. Compost piles and windrow methods needs larger land area and are mainly carried out by industries. The total time for completion of composting depend upon the type of substrate and the methods employed. Moisture content, temperature, pH and C:N ratio are among the most important factors for carrying out composting. The present review emphasised on the estimation of time taken by different types of substrates under different methods of composting and the changes in temperature, pH and C:N ratio occurring therein.</div>

Duration of Composting and Changes in Temperature, pH and C/N Ratio during Composting: A Review

<div>Background: Mechanizing small-scale farming enhances productivity and reduces labor dependency for resource-limited farmers. To address these needs, an animal-operated onion digger was developed at IIHR, Bangalore, for rose onion varieties Arka Bindu and Arka Kalyan. Designed for digging, soil separation and windrowing in one pass, it offers a cost-effective, sustainable solution to reduce labor costs and worker fatigue in onion harvesting. 
 
Methods: The onion digger features a robust design with two digging blades, a 430 mm diameter main beam, hitch rods for yoke attachment, depth control wheels, lift rods and windrows. It was evaluated using two blade designs (flat and V-shaped) at rake angles of 16o, 23o&nbsp;and 30o, across twelve experimental plots. The key performance indicators assessed included harvesting efficiency, draft requirements, power consumption and field capacity. 
 
Result: The V-shaped blade at a 23&deg; rake angle achieved the highest harvesting efficiency (93.82%), closely followed by the flat blade (93.65%) at the same angle. The draft requirements ranged from 510 to 550 N, with power requirements of 0.21 to 0.25 hp. Field capacities were 0.10 ha/h and 0.11 ha/h for flat and V-shaped blades, respectively. Statistical analysis confirmed that the V-shaped blade at a 23o&nbsp;rake angle provided optimal draft values and maximum digging efficiency. The total cost of the digger is ₹ 6240, offering a practical and affordable solution for small-scale farmers. The animal-operated onion digger represents a transformative advancement in onion harvesting technology by significantly reducing labor costs, improving harvesting efficiency and alleviating worker fatigue.</div>

Chalky spot damage caused by stink bugs on red lentil seeds in Southeast Anatolia Region, Turkey

Duration of Composting and Changes in Temperature, pH and C/N Ratio during Composting: A Review

Design, Development and Performance Evaluation of Animal-Drawn Onion Digger