<div>Background: Increasing demands of food, depleting land, degrading land resources and changing climate are some of the important factors driving the cropping systems of any agro-ecological zone in the world. Cropping systems have been traditionally structured to maximize crop yields. Now, there is a strong need to design cropping systems which take into consideration the emerging social, economical and ecological or environmental concerns. Legumes can provide opportunities for increased productivity to be sustained because of their adaptability to various cropping patterns and ability to fix nitrogen. Legume-based crop rotation helps to conserve organic matter, maximise soil nitrogen, balance soil nutrients, maintain soil physical properties and break soil-borne disease cycles. Moreover, with increasing fertilizer prices and emphasis of the government for doubling the farmer&rsquo;s income by reducing cost of cultivation, the current trend is to explore the possibility of supplementing chemical fertilizer with the organic ones, more particularly organic manures and bio-fertilizer of microbial origin. The current study is aimed to increase small and marginal farmer&rsquo;s income and to reduce cost of cultivation through legume based vegetable cropping systems and to find out best farming practices. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: Field experiments were conducted at Organic Farm Holta, Department of Organic Agriculture and Natural farming, CSK HPKV, Palampur (H.P.) during kharif and rabi seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20 on silty clay loam soil to study the performance of different farming practices in legume based cropping system under mid- hills of H.P. Himalayas. The experiment was laid out under Split plot design with three replications comprising of three sequences in legume vegetable-based cropping systems i.e., &ldquo;Soybean-Onion&rdquo;, &ldquo;Okra-Pea&rdquo; and &ldquo;Mash-Garlic&rdquo; under different farming practices i.e., Organic farming, Natural farming, Inorganic and Integrated farming practices. For comparison of different crops soybean equivalent yield and pea equivalent yields were calculated in kharif and rabi seasons, respectively. 
 
Result: In kharif seasons okra crop attained highest soybean equivalent yield followed by soybean and mash crop. In rabi seasons garlic crop attained highest pea grain equivalent yield followed by onion and pea crop. During both kharif seasons organic farming practices attained highest yield and was at par with integrated farming practices. Significantly highest yield was attained from integrated farming practices and was at par with organic farming practices in both rabi seasons. Highest net returns, net returns per rupee attained was in inorganic farming system. Highest cost of cultivation was found in organic farming practices.</div>

​Performance of Different Farming Practices in Legume based Cropping System under Mid-hills of H.P. Himalayas

<div>Background: Pulses are rich in their nutritional values, but having lower yield as compared to cereals. For increasing yield parameters, various crop improvement programmes were used, which mainly depends on the genetic architecture of the crop and the type of gene action helps in deciding the breeding strategies. Keeping under consideration, the present study therefore, is important. 
 
Methods: Eighty one triple test cross progenies developed by crossing 27 lines with three testers viz., HPBU-111, Him Mash-1 and their F1s cross between (HPBU-111 x Him Mash-1). F1 seeds were produced by cross between HPBU-111 x Him Mash-1 during Kharif 2015. By crossing these three testers with 27 lines (females), 81 hybrids were developed during Kharif 2016. The eighty one F1 hybrids along with 27 lines and 3 testers were sown during Kharif 2017 in a randomized block design with three replications. 
 
Result: Epistasis was found to be an integral part of genetic variations for the traits viz., days to 50% flowering, days to 75% maturity, plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, pod length (cm), number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, seed yield per plant (g), biological yield per plant (g), 100 seed weight, harvest index (%) and protein content (%). i type epistatic interactions (additive x additive) had significant effects for all the traits except, plant height (cm), pod length (cm), number of seeds per pod and protein content (%). In addition to i (additive x additive), j+l (additive x dominance + dominance x dominance) type epistatic interactions was observed for all of the traits. Both additive and non-additive gene actions are important for most of the traits studied hence, simple selection procedures in the immediate progenies will not be so effective for achieving improvement in these traits.</div>

<div>Detection of Epistasis for Biometrical Traits in Urdbean [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] under Mid-hill Conditions of Northwestern Himalayas</div>

<div>Background: Seed yield is a very important trait for selection but shows low heritability and hence is difficult to improve. Since the productivity of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) in India as well as Himachal Pradesh is low in comparison to other major linseed growing countries and states, improvement in cultivars for grain yield is a must. Therefore, the present study was aimed for studying the character associations in linseed genotypes for seed yield over locations. 
 
Method: The experiment was conducted during rabi 2019-2020. The experimental material for the present investigation comprised of 52 linseed genotypes grown over three locations in Himachal Pradesh i.e. Linseed Experimental Farm, CSK HPKV, Palampur (1290 m amsl), Shivalik Agricultural Research and Extension Centre, Kangra (700 m amsl) and Hill Agricultural Research and Extension Centre, Dhaulakuan (468 m amsl). Randomized block design with three replications was used. Phenotypic and genotypic correlation coefficients were worked out as per the procedure outlined by Burton and De Vane (1953) and Johnson et al. (1955). Direct and indirect effects of component traits on grain yield were worked out using correlation coefficient of various traits as suggested by Wright (1921) and elaborated by Dewey and Lu (1959).&nbsp; 
 
Result: Correlation studies indicated highly significant positive correlation for seed yield with 1000 seed weight (0.965**) followed by harvest index (0.801**), secondary branches (0.585**) and a significant correlation with biological yield (0.269**). Seed yield exhibited a non-significant positive correlation with seeds per capsule. However, a negative significant correlation was observed for seed yield with days to 50 per cent flowering and number of primary branches. The path coefficient analysis indicated that 1000 seed weight exhibited maximum positive direct effect with seed yield (0.741) while others had a low direct effect. The significant positive correlation of number of secondary branches and harvest index with seed yield was mainly due to indirect effect via 1000 seed weight indicating that 1000 seed weight is the most important trait for the improvement of grain yield in linseed as per the present study.</div>

Studies on Correlation and Path Analysis in Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) Over Locations in Mid-hills of North-Western Himalayas

<div>Background: Bumble bees play a crucial role in pollination of North West Himalayas. Bumble bees successfully thrive in the harsh environmental conditions of Himalayas. The present study aimed at taxonomic and zoogeographic studies of Bumble bees belonging to genus Bombus along with altitudinal variation of one species leading to its new record.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The collections surveys were conducted from the year 2017 to 2019 from altitude of 1000 to 3500 meters above sea level in North-West Himalaya. A total of 43 specimens belonging to three species were collected. These specimens were preserved as per standard techniques in Hymenoptera and identified following keys of eminent workers. 
 
Result: The detailed taxonomy of three species of Bumble bees from North West Himalaya i.e., Bombus trifasciatus Smith, Bombus tunicatus Smith and Bombus simillimus Smith has been studied. The important taxonomic characters of different castes of these bee species have been elaborated and illustrations of morphological characters (including genitalia and sterna of male) of different castes i.e. queen, worker and male for each species are provided. The general foraging behaviour and altitudinal distribution along with floral preferences has been discussed in all the three species. The list of nectar food plants is provided under each species. B. trifasciatus has been recorded for the first time from Phey in cold desert in UT of Ladakh, which is being reported as new record in the Trans Himalayan region.</div>

Taxonomic and Bio-geographical Studies of Three Bombus Species (Hymenoptera: Bombus) from North-West Himalaya with New Record from Trans Himalaya

<div>White clover (Trifolim repens L.) is one of the most nutritious and widely grown forage legumes in the world. &nbsp;It is also a common component of cool season perennial grass pastures in Indian Mid-Himalayas. Being an important component of temperate grassland, diminutive efforts have been made in genetic improvement of white clover through comprehensive evaluation of germplasm collection. In present study, total 258 germplasm accessions of white clover were characterized under field conditions for the genotypic variation in twenty five agro-morphological traits. Characterized germplasm showed sufficient variation among the populations for qualitative traits, biomass yield and seed yield as revealed by range and coefficient of variation. Association analysis showed that dry matter yield was positively correlated with seed yield components traits. Principal component analysis revealed that first seven principal components accounted more than 60% of total variation. Out of 258, ten high biomass producing populations were selected and further evaluated for biomass yield, crude protein and seed yield potential. Average biomass yield of three populations viz., RRCPL-13 (15.74 q/ha/year), RRCPL-19 (17.25 q/ha/year), RRCPL-27 (18.79 q/ha/year) were better than the check variety Palampur Composite-1 (14.99 q/ha/year). Results of this study will help in designing future strategy in white clover improvement program for the development of new varieties.</div>

<div>Evaluation of White Clover (Trifolium repens L.) Germplasm for Different Agro-Morphological Traits Diversity in Mid-Himalayan Region</div>

Background: Quantifying the growth patterns, biomass production and carbon storage capability of different forest types has gained more attention in recent decades due to the global focus on climate change and carbon budgeting. Depending on their condition, age, species makeup and management techniques, forests can be both generators and sinks of carbon. Significant carbon reservoirs can be found in the North-Western Himalayan broadleaf forests, which are frequently distinguished by their multi-layered canopies and abundant understory vegetation. 
 
Methods: The current investigation was carried out in the broad leaf forest of Solan district in Himachal Pradesh from 2020-21 to 2021-22. The study region belongs to subtropical to sub temperate climatic zone. The identified research area was split into five replicates of 10 &times; 10 m each. All of the trees in each replication were chosen and counted. A total of 41 trees from the broad leaf forest were chosen and the tree species included. Bauhinia variegata, Grewia optiva, Pinus roxburghii, Toona ciliata and Quercus leucotricophora. Tree biomass and growth at the study site were counted. The following growth metrics were measured: total tree height, crown length, crown spread, crown index and Dbh. Volume equations were used to estimate biomass. Growth and biomass metrics were averaged (Mean+S.E.). 
 
Result: Present study provided the information about growth of broad leaf forest, its biomass and capacity to sequester carbon in the mid-hill Himalayas. With a height of 18.33 metres, Pinus roxburghii dominated the forest tree stand while- Bauhinia variegata had height and crown spread of 5.06 m and 0.57 m, respectively. The calculated total biomass of broad leaf forest was 407.48 Mg/ha/year, that might have contributed to the total carbon stock of 183.36 Mg/ha/year. Carbon was sequestered by broad leaf forest at a rate of 672.95 Mg/ha/year. The findings indicated that excellent management methods are necessary for such forests to have improved soil and carbon-storing capacity.&nbsp;

Growth, Biomass and Carbon Sequestration Potential of Broad Leaf Forest in North-West Himalayas

<div style="text-align: justify;">he aim of the present paper was to investigate the efficiency of different progestagen treatment methods in combination with Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophin (PMSG) in Merino ewes outside the breeding season. A total of 78 ewes (2 to 4 years old) with a mean bodyweight of 58.4 kg and an average body condition score (BCS) of 3.5 were used in the trial. The ewes were randomly divided into 3 equal groups [n= 26]. Intravaginal progestagen sponges containing Fluorogestone Acetate (FGA; 30 mg) were inserted intravaginally for different periods (7_days: short-term; 10_days: mid-term, 14_days: long-term). In all cases, 500 IU PMSG was administered intramuscularly at sponge withdrawal. The oestrus response, lambing rate, multiple birth rate, fecundity and litter size were [65.4, 61.5, 18.8 %, 0.77 and 1.25] in the short-term group; 80.8, 88.5, 34.8 %, 1.31 and 1.48 in the mid-term group; and 96.2, 92.3, 62.5 %, 1.50 and 1.63 in the long-term group, respectively. Oestrus manifestation and multiple birth rate were greater in long-term than in mid- and short-term groups, whereas for lambing rate, fecundity and litter size, better results were obtained in long- and mid-term than in short-term protocol. In conclusion, in Merino ewes, oestrus synchronisation outside the breeding season with long and mid-term progestagen treatment was found to be more effective than short-term treatment.</div>

The effects of short-mid-long term intravaginal sponge application on reproductive performance of karacabey Merino ewes in the anestrous season

<div>Background: White Pekin ducks can be reared under intensive rearing system for meat and egg production. Depending upon the availability, duck farmers use different types of cereals for feeding their ducks. Therefore, a study was conducted to find out the performance of White Pekin ducks during mid phase of layingfed on wheat and/or broken rice based diets under intensive rearing system.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: White Pekin laying ducks (45; 41 weeks old) were divided into three groups. Three types of diets without (BR-0) and with broken rice (BR), replacing 50 (BR-50) and 100 (BR-100) per cent of wheat were prepared and offered randomly to the above three groups till the ducks attained 52 weeks of age under standard feeding and management practices.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The total egg production (dozen) and duck day egg production (DDEP) % were higher in BR-50 group (4.51 and 64.44) than the BR-100 group (3.85 and 55.00); however, both were similar to BR-0 group (4.09 and 58.49). The total feed intake (12.55-13.80, kg) and feed conversion ratio (feed consumed in kg per dozen eggs produced) (2.93-3.31) were similar among the groups. The cost (Rs.) per egg was lower in BR-50 group (7.79) than the BR-0 group (8.32) and BR-100 group (8.71). The egg weight in BR-50 group (76.61 g) was higher than the BR-0 group (75.42 g); however, both were similar with BR-100 group (76.19 g). There was no significant difference in the egg shape index (68.22-69.69), albumen index (0.13-0.14) and yolk index (0.42-0.44) among the groups. The However, the Haugh unit in BR-100 groups (87.32) was lower than BR-0 group (89.90); but both were similar with BR-50 group (89.56). There were no significant differences in the percentage of albumen (55.09-55.71), yolk (31.75-32.38) and shell (12.45-12.63) among the groups. Similarly, the shell thickness with membrane (0.50-0.52, mm) and without membrane (0.43-0.44, mm) were also similar among the groups. It can be concluded that White Pekin ducks can be raised on wheat and/or broken rice-based diets during mid phase of laying under intensive rearing system; however, mixture of wheat and broken rice in equal ratio increased the performance and was economical.</div>

Performance of White Pekin Ducks Fed Wheat or Broken Rice based Diets during Mid Phase of Laying under Intensive Rearing System

<div>Background: Himachal Pradesh (India) lying in North West Himalayas were studied for their morphological, physical and chemical properties. Himachal Pradesh, is a mountainous region spread over an area of 55,673 km&sup2; with elevation ranging from 350 to 6,500 meters above mean sea level noticeably increased from west to east and south to north. For agricultural planning, development and the sustainable use of natural resources.&nbsp; The state has been categorized into four agro-climatic situations viz. low hills, mid hills sub humid, high hills temperate and high hills dry temperate. However, considerable variations exist within each zone, owing to soil type and local preferences resulting into diversified farming situations.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: A six profile sites of soils were collected randomly from vegetable and cereals growing areas falling under midhill zone. After collecting soil samples, these were air dried and analyzed for physical and chemical properties. The study determined the level of availability of nutrients and know the fertility status of studied areas. 
 
Result: The results show that soils are deep, well drained, silty loam to silty clay loam with dark brown to brownish yellow in colour. No gravels were noticed upto 0.6 m depth and the soil consistency was firm to loose. Few to many black brown concretions were observed only in rice growing soils. Silty loam was the dominant texture of the soils irrespective of soil depth. Coarse sand fraction was more in all soil profiles. Macro and micronutrients contents were higher under the vegetable growing soils than paddy and maize growing soils. In none of the soils except Dhangu, illuviation of clay had been observed. The values of bulk density, particle density and porosity were variable depending upon organic carbon and other soil characteristics. The soils were slightly acidic to neutral in reaction, medium to high in organic carbon and moderate in available N, P and K status. The DTPA-extractable Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn were also high in these soils. Similarity in the colour and texture in most of the soils indicated the dominant influence of parent material.</div>

Status of Morphological and Physico-chemical Properties of Balh Valley Soils of Mandi District of Himachal Pradesh in North Western Himalayas India

<div style="text-align: justify;">The aim of this work was to study the effect of nitrogen fixing cover crops on soil organic carbon fractions and nutrient status in apple orchard soils in a chronosequence in north-west Himalaya of Kashmir, India. The experiment include six phases of chronosequence (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50) years under three landscapes. Soil of lower altitudes with no cover crop grown in the orchard floor, the mid altitude soils with berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) as a cover crop and in the higher altitudes with the alfalfa (Medicago sativa) grown as nitrogen fixing cover crop. There is a perceptible temperature difference across these landscapes. In addition to the apple yield and nutrients content, physical properties and soil organic fractions were investigated. Compared to the sites where no nitrogen fixing cover crops were grown there was 51% and 92% increase in the apple yield over other sites with inclusion of berseem and alfalfa. &nbsp;There was significant increase in yield up to 40 years and declined with advancement of stand age. Higher contents of all soil organic carbon pools were found in the higher altitudes with alfalfa grown as a cover crop in the orchard floor. Lower bulk densities were observed in the sites with cover crops grown in the apple orchard which might have synergistic role on nutrient cycling. There was significant increase of N, K, S, Mg, Fe and Mn and no discernible difference were observed for B, Cu, P and Zn. There was significant increase of the nutrients up to 40 years and afterwards significant drop was observed. Our result suggests that there was significant decrease of the nutrients from vertical soil depth of 0-90 cm. &nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Effect of nitrogen fixing cover crops on fertility of apple (Malus domestica Borkh) orchard soils assessed in a chronosequence in North-West Himalaya of Kashmir valley, india</div>