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ICAR-NRCSSICAR-NRCSS NEWSNEWS LETTERLETTER

Vol 13 (5) Seed Spice News Letter September-December, 2020 From Director's Desk The period under report was very difcult as we all were CONTENTS struggling hard with pandemic. We have to perform our assigned role with utmost care and precautions. However, Director’s Desk 1 anything can wait but not agriculture, our institute Research Highlights 2 activities got momentum slowly with virtual mode of interaction and physical interaction was performed by Commercialization of technologies 6 taking social distancing and other precautionary measurements. Scientists of the institute were continue Transfer of technologies 6 with their research projects and technology transfer activities were carried Production of quality planting 10 out under various schemes like SCSP, TSP, NEH, MIDH and other externally materials of seed spices funded projects. Seminar/webinars were attended by the scientists in virtual HRD activities 10 mode while scientic meetings like RAC and IRC were also conducted in hybrid manner. Newly joined scientists were undergone for attachment Scientic meetings 12 training as part of their professional curriculum. During the reporting Events/days/programmes etc. 13 period proposals of three new varieties of seed spices were presented in Central Sub-Committee on Crop Standards, Notication and Release of Faculty achievements 14 varieties for Horticultural Crops for approval and notication. A good Promotion / new joining 14 number of research publications of institute scientists were appeared in national and international journals. Overall the institute is working towards Research publications 15 its commitment to seed spices stakeholders even in the harsh environment of Covid pandemic. TV/Radio Talks 16 Published by: Dr. S.N. Saxena, Director ICAR-NRC on Seed Spices, Tabiji, Ajmer-305 206 Phone: 0145-268401, Fax: 01452684417 Email:[email protected] Website: www.nrcss.res.in NRCSS App: seed spices info ICAR-NRCSS Newsleer September - December - 2020 2 Research Highlights First report of aphid, Aphis spiraecola (: ) on celery (Apium graveolens L.) in Rajasthan, India

The aphid species Aphis spiraecola was first described in 1914 by Edith Marion Patch as green citrus aphid. It is distributed almost throughout the world but predominant in the United States. Since then, the pest has been causing considerable losses in various host plants in many connents. In this report, the occurrence of this aphid species was reported on celery for the first me in semi-arid region of Rajasthan, India. Celery fields of experimental sites at research farm, ICAR-Naonal Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer were observed systemacally during Rabi season of 2019-20 and 2020-21 for pest infestaon. At this locaon, summers are extreme hot and winters are cold; the mean daily temperature 37 to 480C and 6 to 120C, respecvely and relave humidity 60-80 per cent recorded during the study period. Adult aphids infesng celery were collected and preserved for idenficaon and documentaon. Infestaon of A. spiraecola was iniated on celery plants in last week of December with 2-3 aphid/leaf and then its populaon slightly fluctuate low and high ll first week of February. Peak infestaon was recorded in last week of February with 19-32 aphid/umbel. Newly emerged nymphs are small, oval to pear shaped and greenish in colour. Adults are oval shaped, body length of aptera is about 1.2-2.4 mm and brighten yellow green in colour. A pair of visible appendages, the siphunculi or cornicles is clearly projected from the posterior part of the abdomen (Fig. 1). A tail like protrusion (cauda) is present on posterior end of the body just above rectal aperture. Alate adult has translucent two winged migraons with black thorax and two visible compound eyes (Fig.2). A. spiraecola also feeds on coriander (Coriandrum savum), carrot (Daucus carota), citrus (), sp. & (), Chilli (Capsicum annum) and some cucurbitaceous plants. Nymphs and adults colonize on underside of leaves along with midrib and suck the cell sap from the infested plant parts. Infested plants show leaf curling and white silvery patches appear on leaves. Early infestaon deteriorates plant growth and caused significantly yield loss. The crop was also received the infestaon of other aphid species viz., Myzus persicae, Aphis gossypii and Hyadaphis coriandri.

Fig. 1 A. spiraecola (Wingless adult) Fig. 2 A. spiraecola (Alate adult)

Management of aphids on celery is very difficult owing to their polyphagous habit and easily develops resistance against a number of chemical pescides, hence regular monitoring and sustainable management is only the way to minimize aphid infestaon. Apply field sanitaon, spray of azadirachn 0.03EC @ 5ml/lit followed by Vercillium lecani (1x108cfu/g) @ 6g/lit., and fipronil 5SC @ 1.6 ml/lit.

Acknowledgement: We are grateful to Dr. Sunil Joshi, Pr. Scienst & Head, Division of Germplasm Collecon and Characterizaon, ICAR-Naonal Bureau of Agricultural Resources, Bengaluru for idenficaon of aphid species. Photo source: hps://influenalpoints.com/Gallery/Aphis_spiraecola_spirea_aphid.htm is duly acknowledged

N. K. Meena, R. S. Meena, K. Kant and R. D. Meena- ICAR-NRCSS Newsleer September - December - 2020 3 Pescide free cumin producon through applicaon of bio-agents and botanicals Pescide free producon of cumin under “Pilot project on pescide free cumin producon through popularizaon of bio-agents and botanicals for plant health management” was under taken during 2020-21 at village Inana, Mundwa, district –Nagaur, Rajasthan. Under the project 25 farmers were selected for pescides free cumin producon in one hectare area each in the village. All input to raise good crop at farmer's field were given by ICAR-NRCSS as per the protocol of Good Agricultural Pracces (GAP) for cumin. For nutrient input of nitrogen phosphorus and potash was given inorganically through source from Urea, DAP and MOP at the rate of 30:20:20 kg/ha. Organic amendment by incorporang in form of compost was done 30 days prior to seed sowing and Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) and Azotobactor mulplied in compost for 15 days was given at the me of sowing.

Irrigaon and weeding was done as per the needs. There was 4 to 5 irrigaon given through sprinkler system and 2 to 3 manual weeding was carried out during the whole crop duraon. The pests and diseases management of the crop from seed sowing to crop maturity was monitored by the sciensts involved in the project and suitable non chemical products were given for effecve control. The pests and diseases of cumin was observed and treated successfully. The major pests and diseases were wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cumini), Blight (Alterneria burnsii), Powdery mildew (Erysiphe polygoni), nematode (Pratylenchus thornei ), thrips (Thrips tabaci), Aphids (Aphis gossypii and Myzus persicae). The bioagents/ botanicals applied as seed treatment, soil applicaon with FYM and as foliar spray to control of pests and diseases includes Trichoderma viridi, Trichoderma harzanium, Paecilomyces lilacinus, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus sublis, Vercillium lecanii , Botanical Inseccide and Azadirachn 10000ppm for wilt/root rot and nematode management at me of germinaon to early cumin crop growth. Trichoderma viride (1x108 CFU's/gm) was given @10g/kg of seed mixing of at the me of sowing and soil applicaon of Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Paecilomyces lilacinus were given as prepared with decomposed FYM and kept for 12-15 day under shade covered with gunny bag. During vegetave stage to crop maturity wilt (Fusarium oxysporum), Blight ( Alternaria sp.) and Nematode (Pratylenchus thornei) and Aphids ( Myzus persicae and Aphis gossypii) were managed by the applicaon of Bacillus sublis (1x108 bacterial cells / ml), Trichoderma viride (1x108 CFU's/gm), Paeceliomyces lilanicius (1x108 CFU's/ml), Azadirachn 10000ppm and Botanical Inseccides . There was 4 to 5 applicaon of above compound was given to the crop for complete protecon. -Krishna Kant, B. K. Mishra, S. N. Saxena, and S. R. Meena ICAR-NRCSS Newsleer September - December - 2020 4 Growing of seed spices in non-tradional area: A success story The farmers of Duddhi Tehsil under the district Sonbhadra, Uar Pradesh, mainly used to culvate paddy and wheat. The cost of paddy culvaon per hectare is high and the income is low. When there is a water crisis, paddy culvaon gets affected. In such a situaon, the economic condion of the farmers starts decline. To deal with this problem, farmers have now chosen a new way of farming. In Ajwain order to increase the income of farmers, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mr. Ramesh Kumar made a plan to connect the farmers of the area with the culvaon of spices and contacted the progressive farmers who wish to grow these spice crops. The farmers reported lack of quality seeds and technology to grow the seed spice crops. Looking to this problem, Mr. Ramesh Kumar contacted Dr. Arvind Kumar Verma, scienst of ICAR-Naonal Research Centre on Seed Nigella Spices, Ajmer, Rajasthan. He said that there are immense possibilies of seed spices culvaon in Sonbhadra district of Uar Pradesh and if the farmers will grow the high value low volume seed spices can earn a good income. Sub- Divisional Magistrate Mr. Ramesh Kumar made available the seeds of these seed spices with producon technology maers to the farmers through Dr. Arvind Kumar Verma. Dr. Cumin Verma made available the seeds and booklets of ten seed spices to the farmers through the Indian Postal Service. The farmers of the Tehsil have emphasized on the culvaon of spices along with pulses, oilseeds crops etc. Farmers of that area are bringing crop diversificaon to their fields so as to increase the net income. Some progressive farmers of Tehsil changed their mode of farming and grown some seed spices Celery like coriander, cumin, fennel, coriander, fenugreek, kasuri methi, celery, nigella, dill, anise and celery. Farmers Mr. Shushil Yadav, Mr. Ramesh Kumar, village Kewal and Mr. Gaurishankar Kushwaha, Mr. Umesh Kumar, village Ghiwhi grown these seed spices and looked very excited. All these crops grown were gave very good producon and the producvity of all these crops except cumin was more than the naonal average producvity. Farmers said that to Fennel

ICAR-NRCSS Newsleer September - December - 2020 5

increase the income from these spices, next year, they will do it on a large scale. For the area expansion of seed spice crops, the climate of Sonbhadra district of Uar Pradesh is very suitable and the producon of all these crops has been very good during first year itself. This iniave being made for the farmers to become self-reliance has become a topic of Anise discussion in the area at the moment. Taking this link forward, the demand for leafy coriander in the market is very high in the summer season and its price is also high so, farmers can easily get Rs 100–200 per kg. For culvaon of coriander for the leaf purpose, 2 kg seed has been sent from Ajmer center which has been distributed to 10 farmers and all these farmers will grow it under shade net on trial basis. If the test is successful, it will be grown on more area during Coriander the summer season so that farmers can get more income in less me. Mr. Ramesh Kumar also said that a team of farmers will soon be sent for training at ICAR- Naonal Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer. Dr. S.N. Saxena, Director, ICAR- Naonal Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer, says that the center will provide all possible help to farmers of Sonbhadra, Uar Pradesh who want to culvate seed spices. Kasuri Methi Arvind K. Verma, S.N. Saxena, Ravindra Singh, Various seed spice crops grown on farmers' fields B.K. Mishra and Krishna Kant

ICAR-NRCSS Newsleer September - December - 2020 6 Commercializaon/licensing/MoUs of ICAR- NRCSS Technologies To promote and speedy wider disseminaon of ICAR-NRCSS, Ajmer developed improved variees in different seed spices growing regions, licenses have given to different private firms for producon of quality seeds in larger quanty and further sale to different stakeholders. The details of MoU's are given below:

Name of Mode of Date of Technology/ Know- Name of Contracting Party Partnership** Licensing How Bella Seeds, A-2/3,Gate No. 104/ 107, Ambe Vailey, Jaulke Dindori, Ajmer Dill-2 (AD-2) MoU for Licensing th Mumbai- Agra Road, Nasik 20 Nov, 2020. Maharashtra, India

Jayant Chavan c/o Chavan Seeds Company Ajmer Dill-2 (AD-2) Near Savana Phata, MOU/ Licensing 20th Nov, 2020. Buldhana Maharashtra

Ajmer Fenugreek –5 Chavan Seeds Company, th (AFg-5) Near Savana Phata, Buldhana, (MH) Non exclusive MoU 20 Nov, 2020.

Ajmer Coriander-2 GPS Hybrid Seeds Pvt. Ltd. (ACr-2)and Krushi Audyogik, Sahakari Sangh, st Ajmer Dill-2 Non exclusive MoU 1 Dec, 2020 Ganeshpeth Nagar, Nagpur (MH) (AD-2)

Transfer of technologies acvies under various schemes/programmes New iniaves in good agricultural pracces GAPs in seed spices

To promote Good Agricultural Pracces (GAPs) in cumin and Kasuri methi culvaon through parcipatory approach and front line demonstraons at farmers fields, a new iniave was under taken in project “Department of Biotechnology (DBT) Sponsored project on “Good Agriculture Pracces (GAP) in selected Seed Spices in Western Dryland Region under Biotech Kisan Programm”. The following acvies/events were organized under this programme:

Workshop on “Promong GAP & IPM based Cumin Producon System”

ICAR-Naonal Research Centre on Seed spices in collaboraon with Spice Board India, South Asia Biotechnology Centre and State Agriculture Department, Govt. of Rajasthan organized workshop on “Promong GAP & IPM based Cumin Producon System” on Saturday, 04th November, 2020. The workshop was aended by more than 35 cumin growers from Ajmer and Nagour districts of Rajasthan. Parcipants were imparted with knowledge on Good Cumin Producon System, Integrated pest and disease management, market opportunies, and Bio-Package of Pracces in cumin. ICAR-NRCSS Newsleer September - December - 2020 7

Brainstorming session on “Nagouri Pann Methi: Origin, Domescaon, Crop improvement and Producon system”

On 3rd December, 2020 ICAR-Naonal Research Centre on Seed spices in collaboraon with South Asia Biotechnology Centre and State Agriculture Department, Govt. of Rajasthan organized Brainstorming session at Department of Agriculture, Nagour (Rajasthan). The session was aended by 55 Nagouri Pann Methi farmers from Nagour district and sciensts from above departments. The parcipants discussed regarding history, origin and domescaon of Nagouri Pann Methi. Sh. Harjiram and Sh. Shanker Ram Siyak from state department provided details regarding this crop in the district. The facts were noted for filling Geographical Indicator of Nagouri Pann Methi so that farmers can get premium price for their produce.

Monitoring of field level demonstraons

Demonstraons on Fenugreek, Cumin and Nogouri Pan methi were given in the Jhunjhunu, Nogour and Ajmer districts under DBT Sponsored project on “Good Agriculture Pracces (GAP) in selected seed spices in Western dryland region under Biotech kisan programme”. The team comprised of sciensts from ICAR-NRCSS regularly monitored the demonstraons fields at Ajmer and Nogure districts. The farmers were advised with good field management and pest and disease management pracces at their own fields.

ICAR-NRCSS Newsleer September - December - 2020 8 Input distribuon under scsp programme

Input distribuon programme for FLDs of seed spices under SCSP was organized on 15 September 2020 at Sangramgarh, Bhilwara. Seeds of improved variees of fenugreek, nigella, Ajwain and fennel were distributed among the beneficiaries. This programme was aended by 67 SC farmers and coordinated by Dr. Shiv Lal, Dr. R. D. Meena and Dr M. D. Meena. The programme was organized in collaboraon with Agriculture department, Sambhugarh, Bhilwara, Govt. of Rajasthan.

Input distribuon for FLD's in different villages of Ajmer district was organized on 08 October 2020. Monitoring of demonstraon and ulizaon of green shed net for raising seed spice crops for leaves purpose and other vegetables crops was done by nodal officer SCSP scheme Dr. Shiv Lal and other sciensts of ICAR_NRCSS Ajmer. A total of 41 farmers parcipated and got benefied in this programme.

Conducng Field Day

A field day was organized at Sangramgarh on 30/12/2020 at the field of one of the SCSP FLD beneficiary. In this field day a total of 35 SC community farmers were parcipated and got benefied. During the field day programme various crop management issues like management of aphids, downy mildew and irrigaon were discussed with farmers and possible management were suggested. In this programme inputs like botanical inseccide soap of ICAR-NRCSS, Ajmer and Kisan torch were distributed among the beneficiaries. The method of applicaon and preparaon of botanical inseccide soap was also briefed among the farmers. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Shiv Lal, Sr. Scienst (Horculture), Dr. R.D. Meena, Scienst (Plant pathology) and Sh. S.R. Balai, technical assistant.

Field monitoring of FLDs

Field monitoring of 12 FLDs (8 fenugreek, AFg-4; 2 fennel, AF-2; Coriander, ACr-2) was done at farmer's field at different locaon of Sangramgarh village of Bhilwara district on 30/12/2020. In one of the fenugreek FLD incidence of downy mildew was observed, however, at another locaon weed infestaon was higher. The necessary measures for weed management, irrigaon and plant protecon etc. were suggested to FLDs beneficiaries. It was also suggested to use minimum chemical pescides and maximum use of organic plant protecon measures. Monitoring was carried out by Dr. Shiv Lal, Sr. Scienst (Horculture), Dr. R.D. Meena, Scienst (Plant pathology) and and Sh. S.R. Balai, Technical Assistant.

ICAR-NRCSS Newsleer September - December - 2020 9 TSP programme of ICAR- NRCSS Ÿ Three trainings for farmers were organized on “Improved producon technologies of seed spices” during 7th -9 th Nov., 2020 at KVK- Pratapgarh, KVK- Slumber and KVK Dungarpur along with distribuon of FLD inputs. FLD input was also given to the farmers of KVK-Banswara and Pratapgarh. In these prograammes a total of 100 tribal farmers were parcipated and benefied.

Ÿ Under Tribal Sub Plan, one day farmers training programme was organized on 5th Nov., 2020 at Kevalpura, Chiorgarh. In this prograammes a total of 40 tribal farmers were parcipated and

Ÿ Organized one day training on & Good Agriculture Pracces in Seed Spices and distributed of input (Power Spray Machines) to the farmers at KVK, Chiorgarh on 30.12.2020 under TSP Programme.

Mission on Integrated Development of Horculture (MIDH) of ICAR- NRCSS Ÿ Distributed seeds of fennel (AF-2) and ferlizer for conducon of frontline demonstraons (FLDs) at farmers' fields in Karauli and Bharatpur Districts. Ÿ Distributed seeds of coriander (ACr-1) and trichoderma for conducon of frontline demonstraons (FLDs) at farmers field in Kota and Baran Districts. Ÿ Monitored frontline demonstraons (FLDs) of fenugreek at farmers' fields in Sikar. The Scienst interacted with the farmers about performance of the improved variety (AFg-3) of fenugreek and package of pracces adopted for execuon of FLDs. Sciensts observed overall performance of crops including insect-pests and disease incidence during the field visit. Input (Neem based botanicals) was also given to the farmers of Sikar. Ÿ Monitored frontline demonstraons (FLDs) of fennel at farmers' fields in Karauli and Bharatpur Districts. The Scienst interacted with the farmers about performance of the improved variety (AF-2) of fennel and package of pracces adopted for execuon of FLDs. Input (Neem based botanicals) was also given to the farmers of Karauli and Bharatpur Districts. Ÿ Monitored frontline demonstraons (FLDs) of coriander at farmers' fields in Kota and Baran Districts. The Scienst interacted with the farmers about performance of the improved variety (ACr-1) of coriander and package of pracces adopted for execuon of FLDs. Input (Neem based botanicals) was also given to the farmers of Kota and Baran Districts. Ÿ Monitored frontline demonstraon of cumin at farmer field in Ajmer District. The Sciensts interacted with the farmer about performance of the improved variety (GC-4) of cumin and package of pracces adopted for execuon of FLD. ICAR-NRCSS Newsleer September - December - 2020 10 Farmers Parcipatory Seed Producon Programm for producon of improved seed spice variees Truthfully Labeled (TFL) seed producon of different seed spice crops was undertaken at farmer's field under parcipatory mode. The Programme was taken at various locaons in Bharatpur, Ajmer, Pali and Nagaur districts of Rajasthan. A team of sciensts constuted for regular monitoring of farmers field to ensure the specificaons and requisite parameters of seed producon visited at specific interval and guided the parcipang farmer for strict compliance of seed producon procedure. Monitoring of cumin (Var. GC-4) seed producon field at Budhwada, Ajmer, Fennel (Var. AF-2) seed producon at Rol, Nagaur, Ajwain (var. AA-2) seed producon at Gangwana, Ajmer and Coriander (Acr-2) seed producon at Rohisi, Nagaur was carried out by expert team.

HRD acvies (Training/Workshop/seminar/Virtual meet/Webinar conducted/aended by NRCSS facules)

S.N. Name of Programme Organized By Date Participant

ASSOCHAM, 1. Local to Global: Spices of India 1-09-2020 Dr. Gopal Lal New Delhi

Nagar Rajbhasha Nagar Rajbhasha karynvayan sami karynvayan sami 2. 23-9-2020 Dr. Gopal Lal (NRKS) ki 78 online meeng (NRKS), DRM office , Ajmer

Review meeng of Horculture division 3. ICAR, New Delhi 22/23- 9-2020 Dr. Gopal Lal Chaired by MOS Sh. Kailash Choudhary

Dr. Gopal, Lal, 4. 31st AICRP on Spices Workshop IISR, Calicut 29/30-09-2020 Dr Y.K. Sharma, Dr. R. Singh ICAR- IP & TM Unit, 12-28 5. Virtual workshop-cum-training on "Intellectual Property New Delhi & Naonal September, Dr. B.K. Mishra Rights in Agricultural Research & Educaon in India". Agricultural Higher 2020 Educaon Project ICAR-NRCSS Newsleer September - December - 2020 11

1-9 Naonal webinar on boosng immunity SHRD, Ghaziabad September, Dr. B.K. Mishra 6 through horculture (U.P.) 2020

Interface with Key 7 Webinar on Establishing an Integrated Value Chain Stakeholder Seed 27th Oct., Dr. Gopal Lal, for Export of Seed Spices Spices from 2020 Dr. S. S. Meena Jodhpur Online VAIBHAV SUMMIT - Agro-Economy & ICAR- IARI, 8. Food Security on session Theme - 10-10- 2020 Dr. B.K. Mishra New Delhi. "Microbial Resources for Sustainable Agriculture”.

Global Summit on Responsible AI for Social Dr. Sharda 5-9th Oct. 2020 9. Empowerment (RAISE 2020)" held virtually Choudhary

28th meeng of Central Sub-Commiee on Crop ICAR, 10. Standards, Noficaon and Release Krishi Bhawan, 28-10- 2020 Dr. Gopal Lal of variees for Horcultural Crops New Delhi.

Vigyan Bhawan, Dr. Gopal Lal, Rajbhasha Parliamentry Commiee meeng 31-10- 2020 11. New Delhi Dr. B. K. Mishra

Webinar on “Harnessing entrepreneurship Spice Board of India, 27-11-2020 Dr. M. D. Meena 12. opportunity in spices in India”. Calicut

3rd meeng of TASK FORCE of PPVFRA ICAR- NRCSS, Dr Gopal Lal, (Protecon of plant Variees and Farmers’ 13. Ajmer 20-11- 2020 Dr. R.S. Meena Rights Authority)

Professional Aachment Training (PAT) on “Study Department of 5th August, of the release behavior and distribuon of 2020 to 14. Soil Science, Dr. C.K. Jangir, Fe and Zn fracons in soils & basic nutrient studies CCSHAU, 4th Nov., 2020 of Seed Spices Hisar (Haryana) (3 months). ICAR-Indian Instute of Online Naonal workshop on Intellectual Property Agricultural 28-11-2020 Dr. B. K. Mishra 15. Management in Agriculture Biotechnology, Ranchi, Jharkhand

Annual Conference of Agriculture Economics Research GKVK, 16-18th Dec., 16. Dr. M. D. Meena Review virtually held at GKVK, Bangalore. Bangalore. 2020

India seed net meeng finalized the breeder seed 17. indent of vegetable spice and tuber Seed net.gov 22nd Dec., 2020 Dr. R. S. Meena crop for Kharif- 2022

ICAR-NRCSS Newsleer September - December - 2020 12 Scienfic Meengs

Research Advisory Commiee (RAC) Research Advisory Council of ICAR- Naonal Research Centre on Seed Spices (NRCSS) Tabiji, Ajmer was held during 19th of the September, 2020. This was the 3rd and final meeng of VI RAC was held under chairmanship of Dr. B.S. Chundawat, Ex. Vice- Chancellor, SDAU Sardar Krishinagar, Danwada, Gujarat. Looking to the situaon of Covid-19 and travel restricon five members of RAC commiee aended the meeng through online, while Chairman, RAC, Dr. Chundawat and Dr. Ramavtar Sharma including member secretary, physically aended the meeng.

Hon'ble Chairman Dr. B.S. Chundawat in his opening remarks asked the sciensts to do research on the basis of field level surveys/ feedback of farmers and problems faced by the growing community. He expressed his sasfacon on new research iniaves on the basis of previous recommendaons of RAC. He also suggested that the instute should properly address the mandate and objecves in appropriate manner to solve the problems of farming community. He also emphasized on the need of quality producon and value addion in seed spices. Dr. Krishna Kant, Member Secretary, presented the acon taken report of the 2nd meeng of VI- RAC which was held during 14-15 May, 2019 under the Chairmanship of Dr. B.S. Chundawat. The suggeson was approved by the council and implemented the various recommendaons in different research programme of the Instute.

Instute Research Council (IRC): The XX Instute Research Council (IRC) meeng of ICAR- NRCSS, Ajmer was held under the chairmanship of Dr. Gopal Lal, Director during 25-26 Sept., 2020 to review the progress of ongoing Instuonal Research Projects at ICAR-NRCSS, Ajmer. In the meeng, new project proposals were also discussed thoroughly and were formally approved by the house. At the outset, I/c PME Cell Dr. Y.K. Sharma, welcomed the Chairman and other members of IRC. He indicated the number of ongoing research projects to be discussed in IRC. The acon taken report of XIX IRC meeng was presented by I/c PME Cell. The same was discussed in the house. During the meeng, progress of the ongoing sub-projects was presented by individual scienst working in different secons i.e., Crop Improvement and Basic Sciences, Crop Producon, Crop Protecon and Social Sciences. The progress of each projects were reviewed and thoroughly discussed in the house. The meeng ended with the formal vote of thanks proposed by I/c PME Cell to the chair and all members.

ICAR-NRCSS Newsleer September - December - 2020 13 Events / days / programmes Constuon Day ICAR-NRCSS celebrated Constuon day on 26th November 2020. This funcon was held in Dr. R.S. Paroda Auditorium of NRCSS. Dr Y.K. Sharma chaired the programme as Director I/c and delivered opening remarks followed by voluntary speeches by staff persons. All the Officers/Staff Members were also joined the Hon'ble Prime Minister's speech on preamble of the constuon.

PM Samman Nidhi programme Live telecast of PM Samman Nidhi programme and Hon'ble Prime Minister's interacon with farmers was witnessed by staff of ICAR-NRCSS, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) on 25 Dec., 2020..

Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi 150th birth anniversary commemoraon period and celebraon of birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi ” was celebrated from 26 September 2020 to 2 October 2020 at ICAR-NRC on Seed Spices, Ajmer at a grand level using online media following the COVID-19 guidelines.

World Soil Day World soil day was celebrated at ICAR-NRCSS, Ajmer. On this occasion, Director's messaged to make agriculture sustainable and profitable, we have to manage our resources in such a way to keep them producve for an indefinite me. Dr. O. P. Aishwath, Prinicipal Scienst also spoke on soil biodiversity and how to keep the soil alive. This is a hidden world beneath our feet. We have to keep a healthy ecosystem and human beings by bringing awareness, encouraging government organizaons, communies, and individuals around us to proacve in improving soil health.

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or Naonal Unity Day This event was celebrated on 31 December 2020. A pledge taking ceremony was organized to mark the occasion. All officials and staff members of ICAR-NRCSS were joined the event on Zoom meet (online)

Vigilance Awareness Week Vigilance Awareness Week-2020 was observed during 27 October to 2 November, 2020. All officials and staff members of ICAR-NRCSS were parcipated in the various events organized in this week through virual mode.

Swaccha Bharat Abhiyan ICAR-Naonal Research Centre on Seed Spices observed “Swachhata Pakhwada-2020” programme from 16th December to 31st December 2020. Various swachhata related acvies were undertaken during this programme. NRCSS officials were engaged themselves in different cleanliness acvies of farm, guest house, residenal area, office building. To create awareness among the farm workers about the importance of swachhata, many farm

ICAR-NRCSS Newsleer September - December - 2020 14 workers were explained during this programme. KISAN DIWAS celebraon was also conducted during this programme. NRCSS officials were taken swachhata pledge administered by the Director, NRCSS, Ajmer. All the officials of NRCSS were acvely parcipated in “Swachhata Pakhwada-2020” programme.

Faculty Achievements Ÿ Dr. Vasundhara Sharma, Scienst successfully completed Professional Aachment Training from 01/07/2020 to 16/10/2020 at ICAR-CAZRI, RRS, Bikaner.

Ÿ Dr. C.K. Jangir successfully completed a Professional Aachment Training (PAT) on “Study of the release behavior and distribuon of Fe and Zn fracons in soils & basic nutrient studies of Seed Spices” under the supervision of Dr. P. S. Sangwan (Senior Scienst) at Department of Soil Science, CCSHAU, Hisar (Haryana) from 5th August, 2020 to 4th November, 2020. Promoon/New Joinings Promoon Ÿ Dr. N.K. Meena promoted from post of Sr. Scienst (Agricultural Entomology) RGP 8000 to Sr. Scienst RGP 9000, Level 13A w.e.f. 8th January, 2019.

Ÿ Mr. Sanjeev Sharma: Selected as Administrave Officer at Naonal Instute of Design, Kurukshetra, Hariyana.

New Joinings

Ÿ Dr. Shyam Sunder Meena, Principal Scienst, Plant Breeding and Genecs has joined the ICAR- NRCSS, Ajmer on 8 Dec. 2020 on transfer from ICAR-IGFRI regional centre, Avikanagar, Tonk. ICAR-NRCSS Newsleer September - December - 2020 15

Ÿ Dr. Sanjay, Scienst, Seed Science and Technology has joined the ICAR-NRCSS, Ajmer on 09.11.2020 on transfer from ICAR-IGFRI, Jhansi.

Research Publicaons 1. Aishwath, O.P. and Lal, R. 2020. Soil Compacon and wetness effects on efflux of greenhouse gases. Journal of Soil Water Conservaon. 19 (3): 244-253. DOI: 10.5958/ 2455-7145. 2020. 00033.86.

2. Asangi , H., Saxena, S.N., Kamani, K.N. Kulkarni, M.S. Kokal, Y.K. Masholi, A.B. Jameel Jhalegar M.D. & Siddappa R. (2020). Genec Variaon in Essenal Oil Constuents of Ajwain (Trachyspermumammi L. Sprague) Variees at Varying Nitrogen Levels under Semiarid Tropics of Northern Karnataka, India. Journal of Essenal Oil Bearing Plants, 23:6, 1324-1333

3. Hoakip, I.C., Premalatha, R.P., Homeshwari, M., Jangir, C.K., Sunil, B.H., Kundu, S., Surekha, K. And Roa, C.S. 2020. Climate change adaptaon and migaon through soil management. ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad, India.

4. Krishna Kant, Y.K. Sharma, B.K. Mishra, S.N. Saxena, N.K. Meena and S.R. Meena. (2020). Farmers level adopon of eco-friendly plant protecon techniques for Seed Spice crop. Annals of Plant Protecon Sciences, 28 (3): 216-219.

5. Lal, G., Chaudhary, N., Lal, S., Saxena, S.N., Shekhawat, N., Choudhary, M.K. and Choudhary, G.R. 2020. Effect of different drying methods on essenal oil contents and composions of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citrates). Internaonal Journal of Seed Spices 10(2):25-30

6. Lal, G., Lal, S., Choudhary, M.K., Meena, R.S. and Shekhawat, N. 2020. Growth, yield and essenal oil of coriander (Coriandrum savum L.) variety ACr-2 as influenced by various nutrient levels and crop geometry. Internaonal Journal of Chemical Studies 8(4): 2749-2752

7. Lal, G., Meena, S.S. and Lal, S. 2020. Nigella (Nigella sava L.), a novel herb can cure many diseases: A review. Internaonal J. Seed Spices 10(1):1-10

8. Meena, M. D., Lal, G., Khan, M. A., Meena, R. S., Meena, R. D. and Mishra, B. K. 2020. Cumin and coriander culvaon: An economic analysis. Internaonal Journal of Seed Spices 10(2): 74-79.

9. Meena, S.S., Lal, G., Sharma, Y.K., Lal, S., Meena, R.D. and Meena, M.D. 2020. Genec divergence and character associaon analysis based on growth, yield and yield contribung traits in ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L.). Internaonal Journal of Seed Spices 10(2):46-50

10. Meena,S.S., Lal, G., Sharma,Y.K., Meena, M.D. and Lal, S. 2020. Effect of spacing and ferlizer levels on growth, yield and yield aributes of different ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L.) genotypes. Internaonal J. Seed Spices 10(1):47-51

ICAR-NRCSS Newsleer September - December - 2020 16 11. Mir, J.I., Jan, A., Rashid, M., Singh, D.B., Raja, W.H., Sharma,O.C., Sharma, A., Lal, S., Kumawat, K.L., Nabi, S.U. and Lal, C. 2020. Genec diversity in various morphological and quality traits in apple. Indian Journal of Horculture 77(22):227-236.

12. Mishra, B. K. and Barolia, S. K. 2020. Quality Assessment of Microbial Inoculants as Bioferlizer. Int. J. Curr. Microbiol. App. Sci. 9(10):3715-3729. doi: hps://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2020.910.428

13. Mishra, B.K., Saxena, S.N. and Krishna Kant (2020). Abioc stress tolerance in horcultural crops by phyto- beneficial microbial inoculants: a review. MOJ Food Processing & Technology. 8(4):126-130

14. Sharma, N., Jat, B.L. and Aishwath, O.P. 2020. Uptake kinecs of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) with nitrogen input. Annals of Plant and Soil Research, 22(4): 354-360 (DOI10.47815/apsr.2020.10004).

15. Singh, D.K., Kumar, S., Khan, M. A., and Khak, P. 2020. Garlic based producon system of seed spices-A success story. Internaonal Journal of Seed Spices 10(2): 94-97

16. Verma, M.K., Sharma, V.K., Lal, S., Mir, J.I., Sofi, A.A., Singh, D.B., Pandit, A.H., Mir, M.A., Mir, A. and Bhat, H.A. 2020. Quality profiling of Indian walnut (Juglans regia) from Kashmir valley. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 90(3):573-576 TV/Radio Talks 1. Dr. Ravindra Singh parcipated on Live in programme "Bijiye Mashala Phoshalo ki Buwai ke liye tayari" and answered farmers queson from 6:00-7:00 pm live telecast by DD Kishan on 28-09-2020

2. Television programme telecast on 08 Dec., 2020 by DD- Rajasthan, Jaipur Centre on “Bijeeye Masalo me samnvit keet prabandhan” a talk delivered by Dr. Krishna Kant, Pr. Scienst, ICAR-NRCSS, Ajmer.

3. Television programme telecast on 18 Dec., 2020 by DD-Rajasthan, Jaipur Centre on “Bijeeye Masalo Me Sukshamjivo Ka Upyod” a talk delivered by Dr. B. K. Mishra, Principal Scienst, ICAR-NRCSS, Ajmer.

4. A documentary film on acvies of ICAR-NRCSS was prepared by DD Kisan Channel under “Krishi shiksha aur anusandhan” and telecasted on Nov 12, 2020, online link: hps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2UV9emEcOo

EDITORIAL BOARD

Chief Editor : Dr. Shiv Lal Editor : Dr. O. P. Aishwath Editor : Dr. B. K. Mishra Editor : Dr. A. K. Verma

ICAR-NRCSS Newsleer September - December - 2020 ICAR-NRCSS Newsleer September - December - 2020 ICAR-NRCSS Newsleer September - December - 2020