Chapters authored
Management of Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne Incognita Dreaded Invading in Pointed Gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.) Crop Prone to Eastern U.P of India
Pointed gourd belongs to cucurbitaceae family and is extensively cultivated in eastern Uttar Pradesh (10000 Hectares), Bihar (14000 hectares), West Bengal, Assam, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujrat. Its plants are perennial in nature and can survive for several years even if left uncared. This crop occupies large area of land in India. The system of cultivation varies from region to region such as trained on pandals or ardours especially during the rainy season in southern and western India. However, it is most susceptible to root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, the population level or density of root-knot nematodes were found in the range of 15–100 per cent of the root and soil samples. This nematode induces severe damage to pointed gourd on coarse-textured sandy soils, particularly during droughts stress. Crop failure is noticed at earlier stage of vines. In view of fact it is necessary to evolve the integrated strategies for management of root-knot nematode in this viny crop.
Part of the book: Nematodes
Perspective Chapter: Mechanization in Agricultural Production from Horizontal and Vertical Perspective
The mechanization of agricultural system, both horizontal and vertical cultivation, is imperative for judicious application of resources, reduction in drudgery of workforce, amelioration of productivity and improvement in competitiveness of the produce. However, the reduction in per capita land availability has triggered a mass migration towards vertical cultivation system with heavy reliance towards automation, Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence. The vertical system of cultivation and protected cultivation system is essential to overcome the limitations of small land holdings, particularly in developing countries and combat global climate change. With the result, the concept of hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics is gaining momentum at a rapid pace. The horizontal and vertical system also demands the preparation of organic fertilizer through advanced machinery for bolstering the soil fertility and enhancement in productivity of agricultural crops.
Part of the book: Urban Horticulture - Sustainable Gardening in Cities
Biological Control of Diseases of Bottle Gourd
Biological control of plant diseases is an important component of disease management, particularly in the today’s’ world of environmental consciousness and awareness. It is particularly preferred method of disease management under organic production system. Biological control is successful in almost all the crops against a number of diseases but soil borne diseases are most responsive to bio-control methods. The agents of biological control, known as bio-control agents (BCAs) belong to a vast group of micro-organisms, particularly fungi (Trichoderma, Ampelomyces, etc), bacteria (Pseudomonas, Bacillus, etc) and actinomycetes. Bottle gourd is an important vegetable crop belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. It suffers from a number of diseases like anthracnose, powdery mildew, downy mildew, wilt, etc. The present review shall be an attempt to review the biological control of the major diseases of bottle gourd.
Part of the book: Biological and Abiotic Stress in Cucurbitaceae Crops