The fisheries and livestock sectors capture the highest share of protein-rich animal food and dem... more The fisheries and livestock sectors capture the highest share of protein-rich animal food and demonstrate accelerated growth as an agriculture subsidiary. Environmental pollution, climate change, as well as pathogenic invasions exert increasing stress impacts that lead the productivity momentum at a crossroads. Oxidative stress is the most common form of stress phenomenon responsible for the retardation of productivity in fisheries and livestock. Essential micronutrients play a determinant role in combating oxidative stress. Selenium, one of the essential micronutrients, appears as a potent antioxidant with reduced toxicity in its nanoscale form. In the present review, different methods of synthesis and characterization of nanoscale selenium have been discussed. The functional characterization of nano-selenium in terms of its effect on growth patterns, feed digestibility, and reproductive system has been discussed to elucidate the mechanism of action. Moreover, its anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant potentiality, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory efficacy, and fatty acid reduction in liver have been deciphered as the new phenomena of nano-selenium application. Biologically synthesized nano-selenium raises hope for pharmacologically enriched, naturally stable nanoscale selenium with high ecological viability. Hence, nano-selenium can be administered with commercial feeds for improvising stress resilience and productivity of fish and livestock.
Recent trends and future demographic projections suggest that the need to produce more food and f... more Recent trends and future demographic projections suggest that the need to produce more food and fibre will necessitate effective utilization of salt-affected land and saline water resources. Currently at least 20 per cent of the world's irrigated land is salt affected and/or irrigated with waters containing elevated levels of salts. Several major irrigation schemes have suffered from the problems of salinity and sodicity, reducing their agricultural productivity and sustainability. Productivity enhancement of salt-affected land and saline water resources through crop-based management has the potential to transform them from environmental burdens into economic opportunities. Research efforts have led to the identification of a number of field crops, forage grasses and shrubs, aromatic and medicinal species, bio-fuel crops, and fruit tree and agroforestry systems, which are profitable and suit a variety of salt-affected environments. Several of these species have agricultural significance in terms of their local utilization on the farm. Therefore, crop diversification systems based on salt-tolerant plant species are likely to be the key to future agricultural and economic growth in regions where salt-affected soils exist, saline drainage waters are generated, and/or saline aquifers are pumped for irrigation. However, such systems will need to consider three issues: improving the productivity per unit of salt-affected land and saline water resources, protecting the environment and involving farmers in the most suitable and sustainable crop diversifying systems to mitigate any perceived risks. This review covers different aspects of salt-affected land and saline water resources, synthesizes research knowledge on salinity/sodicity tolerances in different plant species, and highlights promising examples of crop diversification and management to improve and maximize benefits from these resources.
Knowledge of agro-climatic features at micro level helps in adoption of climate smart management ... more Knowledge of agro-climatic features at micro level helps in adoption of climate smart management practices by the farming community. It enables the decision makers at local level in scientific crop planning, better risk preparedness, formulating appropriate contingency plans and reaping higher amount of agri-produce through minimisation of the impacts of climatic variability. Climate of a place, in broader terms, not only includes the averages or normals of the weather variables but also information on other aspects such as frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and quantumof exchanges of energy and trace gases between vegetation and the atmosphere. Agro-climatic characteristics and rainfall pattern widely varies within Pune district of the western Maharashtra region. Though the Baramati taluka falls under the scarcity agro-climatic zone (AZ 95/MH-6), highwater demanding sugarcane farming forms the backbone of its economy.Hence, any change in its climatic conditions is li...
Farmers in peri-urban areas of developing countries depend on wastewaters for their livelihood bu... more Farmers in peri-urban areas of developing countries depend on wastewaters for their livelihood but with grave health and environmental risks. An 8-year field experiment compared food grain (FGPS), agroforestry (AFS), fodder (FPS) and vegetable (VPS) production systems and quantified responses to fertilizers (NP 25-100%) when irrigated with sewage (SW; EC 1.3 ± 0.3 dS m −1 BOD 82 ± 11, NO 3 -N 3.2 ± 0.4, NH 4 -N 9.6 ± 0.5, P 1.8 ± 0.3, K 6.4 ± 0.4 mg L −1 ) vis-à-vis groundwater (GW). Productivity improved with SW by 14-28% while trends were negative with sub-optimal NP under GW. Partial factor productivity (PFP) averaged 18.0, 11.1, 157 and 149 kg kg −1 NP with GW in FGPS, AFS, FPS and VPS, respectively. Counter figures were 13.8, 8.8, 96 and 56 kg kg −1 NP with SW. Paddy-wheat equivalent yields were 5.5, 1.8 and 19.9 fold under AFS, FPS and VPS with SW. About 40, 33, 75 and 20% of fertilizer NP with SW was sufficient for similar production as with recommended NP and GW in FGPS, AFS, FPS and VPS, respectively. Quality of produce improved in terms of crude protein and the micronutrients in edible parts with SW while toxic metals were within the permissible limits. However, the keeping quality of vegetables was lowered due to faster decay with pathogens contamination (Aerobic bacterial plate counts 5 × 10 5 -4.2 × 10 8 cfu g −1 and Escherichia coli <2 × 10 2 -7 × 10 5 ). Thus, the sewage proved as a vital resource in improving productivity, sustainability and saving fertiliser costs but this may pose health risks because of pathogenic infestation that need to be regulated.
Farmers in peri-urban areas of developing countries depend on wastewaters for their livelihood bu... more Farmers in peri-urban areas of developing countries depend on wastewaters for their livelihood but with grave health and environmental risks. An 8-year field experiment compared food grain (FGPS), agroforestry (AFS), fodder (FPS) and vegetable (VPS) production systems and quantified responses to fertilizers (NP 25-100%) when irrigated with sewage (SW; EC 1.3 ± 0.3 dS m −1 BOD 82 ± 11, NO 3 -N 3.2 ± 0.4, NH 4 -N 9.6 ± 0.5, P 1.8 ± 0.3, K 6.4 ± 0.4 mg L −1 ) vis-à-vis groundwater (GW). Productivity improved with SW by 14-28% while trends were negative with sub-optimal NP under GW. Partial factor productivity (PFP) averaged 18.0, 11.1, 157 and 149 kg kg −1 NP with GW in FGPS, AFS, FPS and VPS, respectively. Counter figures were 13.8, 8.8, 96 and 56 kg kg −1 NP with SW. Paddy-wheat equivalent yields were 5.5, 1.8 and 19.9 fold under AFS, FPS and VPS with SW. About 40, 33, 75 and 20% of fertilizer NP with SW was sufficient for similar production as with recommended NP and GW in FGPS, AFS, FPS and VPS, respectively. Quality of produce improved in terms of crude protein and the micronutrients in edible parts with SW while toxic metals were within the permissible limits. However, the keeping quality of vegetables was lowered due to faster decay with pathogens contamination (Aerobic bacterial plate counts 5 × 10 5 -4.2 × 10 8 cfu g −1 and Escherichia coli <2 × 10 2 -7 × 10 5 ). Thus, the sewage proved as a vital resource in improving productivity, sustainability and saving fertiliser costs but this may pose health risks because of pathogenic infestation that need to be regulated.
The common cutworm, Spodoptera litura, has become a major pest of soybean (Glycine max) throughou... more The common cutworm, Spodoptera litura, has become a major pest of soybean (Glycine max) throughout its Indian range. With a changing climate, there is the potential for this insect to become an increasingly severe pest in certain regions due to increased habitat suitability. To examine this possibility, we developed temperature-based phenology model for S. litura, by constructing thermal reaction norms for cohorts of single life stages, at both constant and fluctuating temperatures within the ecologically relevant range (15-38°C) for its development. Life table parameters were estimated stochastically using cohort updating and rate summation approach. The model was implemented in the geographic information system to examine the potential future pest status of S. litura using temperature change projections from SRES A1B climate change scenario for the year 2050. The changes were visualized by means of three spatial indices demonstrating the risks for establishment, number of generati...
The fisheries and livestock sectors capture the highest share of protein-rich animal food and dem... more The fisheries and livestock sectors capture the highest share of protein-rich animal food and demonstrate accelerated growth as an agriculture subsidiary. Environmental pollution, climate change, as well as pathogenic invasions exert increasing stress impacts that lead the productivity momentum at a crossroads. Oxidative stress is the most common form of stress phenomenon responsible for the retardation of productivity in fisheries and livestock. Essential micronutrients play a determinant role in combating oxidative stress. Selenium, one of the essential micronutrients, appears as a potent antioxidant with reduced toxicity in its nanoscale form. In the present review, different methods of synthesis and characterization of nanoscale selenium have been discussed. The functional characterization of nano-selenium in terms of its effect on growth patterns, feed digestibility, and reproductive system has been discussed to elucidate the mechanism of action. Moreover, its anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant potentiality, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory efficacy, and fatty acid reduction in liver have been deciphered as the new phenomena of nano-selenium application. Biologically synthesized nano-selenium raises hope for pharmacologically enriched, naturally stable nanoscale selenium with high ecological viability. Hence, nano-selenium can be administered with commercial feeds for improvising stress resilience and productivity of fish and livestock.
Recent trends and future demographic projections suggest that the need to produce more food and f... more Recent trends and future demographic projections suggest that the need to produce more food and fibre will necessitate effective utilization of salt-affected land and saline water resources. Currently at least 20 per cent of the world's irrigated land is salt affected and/or irrigated with waters containing elevated levels of salts. Several major irrigation schemes have suffered from the problems of salinity and sodicity, reducing their agricultural productivity and sustainability. Productivity enhancement of salt-affected land and saline water resources through crop-based management has the potential to transform them from environmental burdens into economic opportunities. Research efforts have led to the identification of a number of field crops, forage grasses and shrubs, aromatic and medicinal species, bio-fuel crops, and fruit tree and agroforestry systems, which are profitable and suit a variety of salt-affected environments. Several of these species have agricultural significance in terms of their local utilization on the farm. Therefore, crop diversification systems based on salt-tolerant plant species are likely to be the key to future agricultural and economic growth in regions where salt-affected soils exist, saline drainage waters are generated, and/or saline aquifers are pumped for irrigation. However, such systems will need to consider three issues: improving the productivity per unit of salt-affected land and saline water resources, protecting the environment and involving farmers in the most suitable and sustainable crop diversifying systems to mitigate any perceived risks. This review covers different aspects of salt-affected land and saline water resources, synthesizes research knowledge on salinity/sodicity tolerances in different plant species, and highlights promising examples of crop diversification and management to improve and maximize benefits from these resources.
Knowledge of agro-climatic features at micro level helps in adoption of climate smart management ... more Knowledge of agro-climatic features at micro level helps in adoption of climate smart management practices by the farming community. It enables the decision makers at local level in scientific crop planning, better risk preparedness, formulating appropriate contingency plans and reaping higher amount of agri-produce through minimisation of the impacts of climatic variability. Climate of a place, in broader terms, not only includes the averages or normals of the weather variables but also information on other aspects such as frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and quantumof exchanges of energy and trace gases between vegetation and the atmosphere. Agro-climatic characteristics and rainfall pattern widely varies within Pune district of the western Maharashtra region. Though the Baramati taluka falls under the scarcity agro-climatic zone (AZ 95/MH-6), highwater demanding sugarcane farming forms the backbone of its economy.Hence, any change in its climatic conditions is li...
Farmers in peri-urban areas of developing countries depend on wastewaters for their livelihood bu... more Farmers in peri-urban areas of developing countries depend on wastewaters for their livelihood but with grave health and environmental risks. An 8-year field experiment compared food grain (FGPS), agroforestry (AFS), fodder (FPS) and vegetable (VPS) production systems and quantified responses to fertilizers (NP 25-100%) when irrigated with sewage (SW; EC 1.3 ± 0.3 dS m −1 BOD 82 ± 11, NO 3 -N 3.2 ± 0.4, NH 4 -N 9.6 ± 0.5, P 1.8 ± 0.3, K 6.4 ± 0.4 mg L −1 ) vis-à-vis groundwater (GW). Productivity improved with SW by 14-28% while trends were negative with sub-optimal NP under GW. Partial factor productivity (PFP) averaged 18.0, 11.1, 157 and 149 kg kg −1 NP with GW in FGPS, AFS, FPS and VPS, respectively. Counter figures were 13.8, 8.8, 96 and 56 kg kg −1 NP with SW. Paddy-wheat equivalent yields were 5.5, 1.8 and 19.9 fold under AFS, FPS and VPS with SW. About 40, 33, 75 and 20% of fertilizer NP with SW was sufficient for similar production as with recommended NP and GW in FGPS, AFS, FPS and VPS, respectively. Quality of produce improved in terms of crude protein and the micronutrients in edible parts with SW while toxic metals were within the permissible limits. However, the keeping quality of vegetables was lowered due to faster decay with pathogens contamination (Aerobic bacterial plate counts 5 × 10 5 -4.2 × 10 8 cfu g −1 and Escherichia coli <2 × 10 2 -7 × 10 5 ). Thus, the sewage proved as a vital resource in improving productivity, sustainability and saving fertiliser costs but this may pose health risks because of pathogenic infestation that need to be regulated.
Farmers in peri-urban areas of developing countries depend on wastewaters for their livelihood bu... more Farmers in peri-urban areas of developing countries depend on wastewaters for their livelihood but with grave health and environmental risks. An 8-year field experiment compared food grain (FGPS), agroforestry (AFS), fodder (FPS) and vegetable (VPS) production systems and quantified responses to fertilizers (NP 25-100%) when irrigated with sewage (SW; EC 1.3 ± 0.3 dS m −1 BOD 82 ± 11, NO 3 -N 3.2 ± 0.4, NH 4 -N 9.6 ± 0.5, P 1.8 ± 0.3, K 6.4 ± 0.4 mg L −1 ) vis-à-vis groundwater (GW). Productivity improved with SW by 14-28% while trends were negative with sub-optimal NP under GW. Partial factor productivity (PFP) averaged 18.0, 11.1, 157 and 149 kg kg −1 NP with GW in FGPS, AFS, FPS and VPS, respectively. Counter figures were 13.8, 8.8, 96 and 56 kg kg −1 NP with SW. Paddy-wheat equivalent yields were 5.5, 1.8 and 19.9 fold under AFS, FPS and VPS with SW. About 40, 33, 75 and 20% of fertilizer NP with SW was sufficient for similar production as with recommended NP and GW in FGPS, AFS, FPS and VPS, respectively. Quality of produce improved in terms of crude protein and the micronutrients in edible parts with SW while toxic metals were within the permissible limits. However, the keeping quality of vegetables was lowered due to faster decay with pathogens contamination (Aerobic bacterial plate counts 5 × 10 5 -4.2 × 10 8 cfu g −1 and Escherichia coli <2 × 10 2 -7 × 10 5 ). Thus, the sewage proved as a vital resource in improving productivity, sustainability and saving fertiliser costs but this may pose health risks because of pathogenic infestation that need to be regulated.
The common cutworm, Spodoptera litura, has become a major pest of soybean (Glycine max) throughou... more The common cutworm, Spodoptera litura, has become a major pest of soybean (Glycine max) throughout its Indian range. With a changing climate, there is the potential for this insect to become an increasingly severe pest in certain regions due to increased habitat suitability. To examine this possibility, we developed temperature-based phenology model for S. litura, by constructing thermal reaction norms for cohorts of single life stages, at both constant and fluctuating temperatures within the ecologically relevant range (15-38°C) for its development. Life table parameters were estimated stochastically using cohort updating and rate summation approach. The model was implemented in the geographic information system to examine the potential future pest status of S. litura using temperature change projections from SRES A1B climate change scenario for the year 2050. The changes were visualized by means of three spatial indices demonstrating the risks for establishment, number of generati...
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Papers by P S MINHAS