<div>Background: Mastitis is the most common and economically important disease of dairy cattle. Subclinical mastitis is a more important form in India than clinical mastitis. Subclinical mastitis (SCM) detection done by periodic examination of the udder health by evaluation of milk at the herd level or the individual cow level by milk somatic cell count (SCC), followed by culture of random milk samples. The presented study was undertaken by survey and sampling of milk from lactating crossbred cattle of unorganized dairy farms and farmer&rsquo;s dairy of the peri-urban region of middle Indo-Gangetic Plains. The objective of the study was to monitor the status of SCM in crossbred cattle and associated changes in milk constitutes and oxidative stress in milk.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: A total of 147 lactating crossbred cattle were screened for SCM using the modified California Mastitis Test (CMT) using detergent based CMT reagent and compared with conventional CMT reagent, followed by SCC, milk constituents, bacterial isolation and antibiotic sensitivity testing (ABST). General information was collected in pre-tested questionnaire. The data obtained were statistically treated to evaluate significance of the study. 
 
Conclusion: The overall prevalence of subclinical mastitis in peri-urban cross-bred cattle was 36.74% which varied with parity and stage of milking. Prevalence of subclinical mastitis was highest (55.77%) in cross-bred cattle in mid-lactation and Parity 3-5. The mean SCC was significantly higher (7.21&plusmn;0.27) in subclinical mastitis compared to CMT negative (3.66&plusmn;0.06) milk sample. Somatic cell count was positively and significantly correlated with CMT reactions using conventional CMT reagent (rs= 0.86) as well as modified CMT reagent (rs=0.815) attempted using Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient. The mean values of milk pH, fat and lactic acid acidity increased significantly (P&le;0.01) in SCM compared to the milk of healthy cattle, except lactose which decreased significantly in SCM milk. The common contagious bacteria responsible for SCM isolate were coagulase-positive Staphylococcus spp. (64.82%) isolates from these SCM milk followed by Streptococcus spp. ABST test conducted on random CMT positive milk sample indicated that gentamicin as most sensitive, followed by enrofloxacin. The present finding indicates the suitability of enrofloxacin as the most useful antibiotic for the treatment of subclinical mastitis in cross-bred cattle of the peri-urban area of middle Indo-Gangetic plains.</div>

Status of Subclinical Mastitis in Crossbred Cattle of Peri-urban Unorganized Herd of Middle Indo-gangetic Plains

This review paper aims to thoroughly analyse the economic viability and profitability of resource conservation technologies in the rice-wheat cropping system in India&rsquo;s Indo-Gangetic Plains. A thorough analysis of the body of current research has been considered as part of the manuscript preparation process. The utilization of resource-saving technology is crucial in maintaining and improving the rice-wheat system&rsquo;s productivity while lowering production costs. Zero tillage methods for wheat and DSR and FIRB methods for rice were found to be most commonly used resource conserving technologies in the Indo-Gangetic Plains. Additionally, data suggests that implementing resource conservation methods led to a notable increase in productivity, cost reduction and sustainability in the rice-wheat system. Adoption of resource-conserving technology decreased farmers&rsquo; costs per ha by 20-22 per cent and raised net income by 25-30 per cent in the wheat-rice system. The high cost of RCTs machinery, the lack of a comprehensive resource conservation agriculture package for different agro climatic regions, the scarcity of suitable varieties for RCT technology and the shortage of skilled agricultural laborers to effectively operate machinery were noted as barriers to technology access. Aside from improving technical efficiency, other important elements that positively impact the adoption of RCTs include financial availability, improved extension services and resource management training. The policies must be developed to promote and facilitate the broader use of these technologies accordingly. 
&nbsp;

Economic Efficiency and Profitability of Resource Conservation Technologies in the Rice-wheat Cropping System in India&rsquo;s Indo-gangetic Plains: A Review

Background: The continuing adoption of the rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) and indiscriminate use of inorganic fertiliser has led to a decrease in soil fertility, an increase in multiple micronutrient deficiencies, a decrease in the water table and excessive greenhouse gas emissions, especially in the Indo Gangetic Plains. Adoption of crop diversification strategies, including legumes in cropping systems with integrated use of organic and inorganic nutrient sources, could be a viable option for achieving higher fodder tonnage and sustainable crop production in aforesaid ecologies. 
 
Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the kharif, rabi and summer seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20 in a split-plot design comprising four cropping systems (CS) i.e., rice-wheat, rice-berseem, pearl millet-oats-moong bean and maize-cowpea-wheat in main plots; and four nutrient management (NM) practices i.e., 100% RDF (recommended dose of fertiliser), 100% RDF + cow urine (foliar spray), 100% RDF + PGPR (seed treatments) and 75% RDF + cow urine + PGPR were assigned in sub-plots with three replications of each treatment.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Investigations revealed that the significantly highest system productivity, net returns and higher nutrient availability were obtained under the rice-berseem cropping system with 100% RDF + PGPR treatment. The magnitude of increment in system productivity of the rice&ndash;berseem cropping system was 35.06, 57.87 and 87.29% over rice-wheat, maize-cowpea-wheat and pearl millet-oats-moong bean cropping system, respectively. The legume-based cropping system has strengthened and sustained crop productivity and profitability. The results of the present work confirmed that the adoption of legume-based crop diversification has significantly alleviated the crop yield of dairy-based farming systems.

Productivity and Profitability of Diversified Legume-based Cropping Systems in the Indo-gangetic Plains of India as Influenced by Nutrient Management

<div style="text-align: justify;">The present study was conducted to evaluation of production potential of different forage crops commonly gown by farmers. The experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design with eight treatments and three replications at research farm of Agronomy Section, ICAR-NDRI, Karnal (Haryana). Among eight treatments, two perennial forage crops napier bajra hybrid(NBH), guinea grass cultivated sole as well as intercropping with cowpea and four seasonal fodder crops (cowpea, sorghum, baby corn and maize) were tested for their physio-morphological, biomass yield responses and economic efficiency. Experimental results showed that among the different forage crops significantly highest green as well as dry fodder yield were revealed from NBH intercropped with cowpea 63.79 and 11.95 t/ha green biomass fodder yield (GBY) and dry fodder yield respectively;which were found at par with sole NBH treatment (60.69&amp;11.68 t/ha GBY and DFY). Amongs the different forage crops lowest GBY and DFY 33.1and 5.68 t/ha was produced by baby corn and cowpea respectively. The magnitude of the yield advantage was observed maximum and in the tune of 20.69% with guinea intercropped with cowpea against sole guinea. Highest net return was obtained from dual purpose baby corn (&sup1; 1.60 lakh/ha) with B: C ratio (5.26) and economic efficiency (&sup1; 2471/ha/day), followed by in NBH intercropped with cowpea. Based on the study, it is clearly indicated that dual purpose baby corn followed by NBH + cowpea intercropping could be feasible option for increasing the overall productivity of dairy farmers in Indo-Gangetic plains and elsewhere similar conditions prevails.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Productivity and Profitability of Cereal-Legume Forages Vis-a-Vis Their Effect on Soil Nutrient Status in Indo-Gangetic Plains</div>

<div>Background: Fusarium wilt in lentil (Lens culinaris L.) infected by Fusarium oxysporum is considered as one of the major biotic factors for low productivity in lentil. The present study was conducted to determine nine Fusarium isolates (W1-W8 and W10) which were isolated from different lentil growing fields of West Bengal, India and were characterized for their physio-morphological, biochemical and molecular traits in vitro.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Nine Fusarium infected lentil plant samples were collected from 9 different places of West Bengal. Pathogen was isolated from lentil samples using PDA media followed by cultural, morphological, pathogenic and molecular variability studies for all the isolates of Fusarium. Type of pigmentation, sporulation, conidia size of each isolate was recorded by observing culture plate after complete growth of the mycelium. Pathogenicity test were done to check the aggressiveness of all the 9 isolates of Fusarium in three varieties of lentil (Maitri, HUL-57 and BM-6). The isolated fungal DNA was amplified with specific primer pair, Forward primer ITS 1 and Reverse primer ITS 4. 
 
Result: Morphological assessment of 9 isolates showed distinct identification characters and variability. The mycelia of all the isolates were septate, profusely branched with differential pigmentation, texture and margin.All the Fusarium isolates produced micro-and macro-conidia in pure culture within seven days after inoculation and showed different morphological characters in pathogenicity test, variety Maitri showed better germination (100% in W2, W4, W6, W7, W8 and W10) and less disease severity against most of the strains (75% in W1) as compared to other two varieties against and hence variety Maitri taken into consideration for greenhouse and field trials. Furthermore, identification of molecular variability was performed by sequence analysis of rDNA-ITS region of each isolate and sequencing of rDNA-ITS region supported the morphological study and confirmed the associated fungi at species level.&nbsp;</div>

Morpho-molecular and Pathogenic Variability of Wilt of Lentil from Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

<div>Background: Field experiments/ On Farm Trial (OFT) were conducted at Farmers field in village Hasanchak and Agwanpur under the ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Barh, Patna during the winter season (Rabi). The basic aim of experiment was to find out the effective method of weed control in Zero- tilled wheat through the application of herbicide.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The experiment was laid in Randomized Block design (RBD) in 2014-2015, replicated 4 times (Farmers field) with 5 treatments viz., 2,4-D, ethyl ester 2.00 kg ha-1 at 25 days after sowing (DAS) fb one hand weeding (Conventional tillage-Farmer practices) at 55 DAS, Sulfosulfuron 75% WP 25 g ha-1, Metsulfuron 20% WP @ 20 g ha-1 at 25 DAS, Sulfosuluron 75% WP + Metsulfuron 20% WP @ 40 g ha-1 at 25 DAS and control (Unweeded).&nbsp; 
 
Result: Sulfosuluron 75% WP + Metsulfuron 20% WP @ 40 g ha-1 at 25 days after sowing provided effective control of grassy and broadleaf weeds and recorded less dry weight and highest (91%) weed control efficiency (WCE). Herbicide Sulfosulfuron 75% WP 25 g ha-1 and Metsulfuron 20% WP @ 20 g ha-1 controlled only grassy and broadleaf weeds, respectively. 2,4-D, ethyl ester 2.00 kg ha-1 fb one hand weeding (Conventional tillage-Farmer practices) recorded higher weed dry weight and less weed control efficiency (WCE). Significantly higher grain yield (4280 kg ha-1) was recorded under Sulfosuluron 75% WP + Metsulfuron 20% WP @ 40 g ha-1 at 25 days after sowing followed by Metsulfuron 20% WP 20 g ha-1, Sulfosulfuron 75% WP 25 g ha-1, 2,4-D, 2.00 kg ha-1 fb one hand weeding (Farmer practices). Significantly higher net return (Rs. 48145 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.93) were recorded under Sulfosuluron 75% WP + Metsulfuron 20% WP @ 40 g ha-1 at 25 days after sowing.</div>

Efficacy of Herbicides on Weed Control in Zero-tilled Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Eastern Indo-gangetic Plains

<div>Background: Dairy farming is one of the oldest and well established subsidiary occupation and most widely adopted by all over farming community of Punjab state. Every farmer, if wish to start any entrepreneurship along with agriculture-First Think upon Dairy Farming. The latest training, new techniques and research work help in making this business work better. There is a need for substantial increase in the current yield of green fodder to provide complete and good quality feed to the animals. The current study aimed to study the effect of fly ash and phosphorous on the growth and fodder and grain yields of dual purpose oats.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Field experiments were conducted at Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda to study the effect of different levels of fly ash and phosphorous on growth and productivity of oats during rabi seasons in 2018-19 and 2019-20. The trial was laid out in split plot design with three levels of fly ash (0, 5 and 10 t ha-1) in main plot and four phosphorous levels (0, 10, 20 and 40 kg P2O5 ha-1) in sub plot, replicated thrice. 
 
Result: Fly ash @ 10 t ha-1 recorded highest plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index, number of effective tillers/m row length, number of seeds/spike, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, straw yield and biological yield than control and 5 t ha-1. The per cent increase of grain yield in fly ash @ 10 t ha-1 was 8.69 and 18.11 over 5 t fly ash ha-1 and control, respectively. Phosphorous @ 40 kg P2O5 ha-1&nbsp;resulted in higher growth characters, yield attributing characters and productivity of oats. Phosphorous @ 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 (21.35 q ha-1) and 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 (20.87 q ha-1) treatments produced statistically similar grain yield of oats. Phosphorous @ 20 and 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 recorded 20.29 and 23.05% higher grain yield than 0 kg P2O5 ha-1, respectively. Application of P2O5 @ 40 kg ha-1 along with application of fly ash @ 5 and 10 t ha-1 produced statistically similar fodder yield of oats. The highest grain yield (22.97 q ha-1) was recorded in plots treated with the application of P2O5 @ 40 kg ha-1 along with the application of fly ash @ 10 t ha-1 and it was statistically at par with 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and application of fly ash @ 10 t ha-1. The highest grain yield (22.97 q ha-1) was recorded in plots applied with P2O5 @ 40 kg ha-1 along with fly ash @ 10 t ha-1 and it was statistically at par with 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and fly ash @ 10 t ha-1.</div>

Growth and Productivity of Oats (Avena sativa L.) as Influenced by Fly Ash and Phosphorous Levels in Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

<div style="text-align: justify;">The study was conducted to evaluate long-term effect of legume intensified maize based crop rotations and contrasting tillage practices and a experiment was laid out in split plot design with three tillage practices i.e. zero tillage (ZT), permanent bed (PB) and conventional tillage (CT) as main plot treatments and four legume intensified crop rotations (MWMb - maize-wheat-mungbean, MCS - maize-chickpea-Sesbania, MMuMb - maize-mustard-mungbean and MMS - maize-maize-Sesbania) as sub-plot treatments. Adoption of CA based tillage practices (ZT/PB) significantly improved maize protein yield (MPY). ZT/PB gave 7.7-14.2% higher MPY(Maize protein yield and 7.4-13.0% higher MPYA (maize protein yield for adults) &nbsp;over CT. Similarly, the MPY and MPYA under legume intensified cereal based rotations were invariably higher in MCS and MWMb systems compared to MMuMb and MMS rotations.The total soil nitrogen (TSN) content increased by 15.4-17.4 and 20.32-20.91% with ZT and PB over CT in 0-15 and 15-30 cm soil depths, respectively. However, among the legume intensified rotations the maize planted under MCS and MWMb rotations registered 11.3-18.0% (0-15cm) and 8.4-11.0% (15-30cm) higher TSN over MMuMb and MMS rotation. Similarly, adoption of the CA practices (ZT/PB) resulted into significant improvement in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks compared to CT. ZT and PB among the tillage practices and MCS crop rotations among the sub-plot treatments registered higher Leaf area index (LAI) and net assimilation rate (NAR) compared to other management practices. Interaction effect of tillage practices and crop rotations were significant for MPY, MPYA, TSN and SOC stocks and all these parameters were reported maximum with ZT-MCS. Thus, our study suggests that CA based crop management with legume diversified maize based rotations (MCS and MWMb) can be advocated as sustainable intensification strategy in north-western India and other similar agro-ecologies of South Asia.</div>

Impact of legume intensified crop rotations and tillage practices on maize productivity vis-&agrave;-vis C and N dynamics of a sandy loam soil in north-western Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

The present study was planned to evaluate the long term effect of legume intensified maize based crop rotations and tillage practices on productivity, profitability of maize vis-a-vis soil health. The experiment consisted of three tillage practices i.e. zero tillage (ZT), permanent bed (PB) and conventional tillage (CT) as main plot treatments and four crop rotations (MWMb; maize-wheat-mungbean, MCS; maize-chickpea-Sesbania, MMuMb; maize-mustard-mungbean, MMS; maize-maize-Sesbania) as sub plot treatments. Results revealed that ZT and PB resulted into significantly (P&lt;0.05) improvement in grain (7.7-14.2%) and stover yield (7.4-13.0%) of maize over CT. Similarly, maize grain and stover yield were invariably higher in MCS and MWMb systems compared to MMuMb and MMS rotations. The total soil carbon (TSC) content increased by 15.4-17.4 and 20.32-20.91% with ZT and PB over CT in 0-15 and 15-30 cm soil depths, respectively. However, MCS and MWMb rotations registered 11.3-18.0% (0-15 cm) and 8.4-11.0% (15-30 cm) higher TSC over MMuMb rotation. Similarly, ZT and PB resulted into significantly (P&lt;0.05) improvement in available soil nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) compared to CT. ZT/PB under &nbsp;MCS crop rotations registered higher net returns and BC ratio compared to rest of the treatment combinations. Interaction effect of tillage and crop rotations were significant (P&lt;0.05) for stover yield, net returns, BC ratio and TSC and all these parameters were reported maximum with ZT-MCS. Thus, the present study suggests that CA based crop management practices can be advocated as sustainable intensification strategy in north-western India.

Long term effect of legume intensified crop rotations and tillage practices on productivity and profitability of maize vis-a-vis soil fertility in North-Western Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

<div style="text-align:justify">
<div style="text-align:left">Background: Multi environmental trials (MET) is central activity in crop improvement programs for identification of superior genotype across environment before release as a variety. The aim of the present study was to select faba bean genotypes having high seed yield and most stable performance across different environments in gangetic plains of India.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align:left"> 
Methods: The material for the study consisted of set of 11 genotype of faba bean subjected to multi-locational seed yield trials for three years (2015-2018) at four locations. The test of significance for genotype x environment (GE) interaction and eight non-parametric measures of stability analysis were used to identify high yield stable genotype across the five environments. A new approach Combined Stability Index based on yield stability performance calculated based on the ranking of the used stability measures of all the genotypes.</div>

<div style="text-align:left"> 
Result: Based on low value of Combined Stability Index, HB-12-37, (CSI(i) = 10) HB-11-15, (CSI(i)&nbsp;= 11),&nbsp;HB-11-32&nbsp;(CSI(i) = 14)&nbsp;&nbsp;were&nbsp; identified as the most stable genotypes with high yield potential. These non-parametric measures were observed to be associated with high mean seed yield. The simple rank correlation coefficient, calculated using the ranks was used to measure the association among the eight stability statistics and mean seed yield. The nature of relationships among the non-parametric measures was assessed and these stability measures are categorized in three groups. The genotype HB-12-37 (G3) fall in section 1 were the most favourable genotype due to high seed yield as well as high stability performance according to plot of&nbsp; all non-parametric measures with seed yield.&nbsp; HB-12-37 (G3) which had higher seed yield (25.19 q / ha) and high protein content (24.85%) with better stability across the environments could be used in further breeding programmes of faba bean and recommended for release as variety for plains of India.</div>
</div>

Status of Subclinical Mastitis in Crossbred Cattle of Peri-urban Unorganized Herd of Middle Indo-gangetic Plains

Economic Efficiency and Profitability of Resource Conservation Technologies in the Rice-wheat Cropping System in India’s Indo-gangetic Plains: A Review

Productivity and Profitability of Diversified Legume-based Cropping Systems in the Indo-gangetic Plains of India as Influenced by Nutrient Management

Productivity and Profitability of Cereal-Legume Forages Vis-a-Vis Their Effect on Soil Nutrient Status in Indo-Gangetic Plains

Morpho-molecular and Pathogenic Variability of Wilt of Lentil from Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

Efficacy of Herbicides on Weed Control in Zero-tilled Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Eastern Indo-gangetic Plains

Growth and Productivity of Oats (Avena sativa L.) as Influenced by Fly Ash and Phosphorous Levels in Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

Impact of legume intensified crop rotations and tillage practices on maize productivity vis-à-vis C and N dynamics of a sandy loam soil in north-western Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

Long term effect of legume intensified crop rotations and tillage practices on productivity and profitability of maize vis-a-vis soil fertility in North-Western Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

Non-parametric Measures for Yield Stability in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Advanced Line in Gangetic Plains of India