\ews Vol 6 No. 3 I F I Y S I IHU

Dr. Y.S.R. HORTICULTURAL UNIVERSITY m Venkataramannagudem.West Godavari District - 534 101, Andhra Pradesh

J u l y -Sept . 2015

IN THIS ISSUE

News & Events

• Education

• Research

• Extension

• General

Human Resource Development

• Seminars/Symposia

• Filed Visits

• Honours & Awards

• Research Publications

^ Visitors

^ Radio Programmes

• TV programmes

From Vice - Chancellor's X>e$kJ£% HEALTHY SOIL FOR HEALTHY LIFE

India is the seventh largest nation in the world with a geographical area of 328.7 million ha. Agriculture contributes about 13.7 percent of GDP to the economy and provides a livelihood to nearly two thirds of the population. The net cultivated area has been about 140 million ha for the last 30 years but there has been a progressive increase in the gross cropped area as the cropping

intensity increased from 118 to 137 percent in the recent past to stabilize at 192 million ha of gross cropped area. India is a country of more than 1000 million people and expected to rise at 1400 million by 2025 with 300 million tonnes of food grains requirement which needs about 45 million tonnes of nutrients from various sources of plant nutrients i.e. fertilizers, organic manures and bio-fertilizers. The further increase in crop production will have to come from an increase in productivity as there is limited scope for increasing cultivated area. Green Revolution in India began in the 1960s with the introduction of high-yield crop varieties and application of modem agricultural techniques, and led to an increase in food production. The introduction of high yielding varieties and the increased use of chemical fertilizers led to the increase in production, but it also resulted in negative impacts like degradation of soils and decreased soil health. The unbalanced use of chemical fertilizers and reduced use of organic manures caused many problems like stagnation in productivity, soil sickness, wide spread deficiency of secondary and micro nutrients, spread in salinity and alkalinity etc. besides creating environmental pollution. Balanced nutrition is a key factor to enhanced crop yields which ensures increased quality of produce, maintenance of soil productivity and conservation of precious soil and water resources.

Soil works for you if you work for the soil by using management practices that improve soil health and increase productivity and profitability immediately and in the future. Improving soil health is essential to maximizing profitability. Management for soil health is mostly a matter of maintaining suitable habitat for soil organisms. This can be accomplished by disturbing the soil as little as

possible, maintaining proper microclimate conditions, keeping living plants in the soil more often, and balanced use of organic and inorganic source of nutrients.

Soil test based nutrient management ensures judicious use of fertilizers, organic and amendments. Developing integrated nutrient management models for various agro-ecological zones and cropping systems would be helpful in increasing fertilizer use efficiency and minimizing nutrient losses which are important factor and in maintaining soil health and getting maximum crop yields. It is suggested to apply organic manures like vermicompost, oil cakes, green manures, sheep and goat manure, poultry manure etc. to the soil which improves soil physico-chemical and biological properties. Bio-fertilizers offer a new eco friendly technology which would overcome short comings of the Conventional chemical based farming which enhance soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, mineralization of phosphorus and potash and restoring depleted nutrients of the soil.

The capacity of soil to function as living system, is considered as soil health. Soil Health is dependent upon how well the soil food web is fed. Providing plenty of easily accessible food to soi 1 microbes help to recycle nutrients that plants need to grow. Sugars from living plant roots, recently dead plant roots, crop residues, and soil organic matter all feed the many and varied members of the soil food web. Healthy soils maintain a diverse community of soil organisms that help to control plant diseases, insect and weed pests, and form beneficial symbiotic associations with plant roots, recycle essential plant nutrients, improve soil structure with positive repercussions for soil water and nutrient holding capacity, and ultimately improve crop production.

(B.M.C. Reddy) Vice-Chancellor J

Rytukosam Chandranna Rythukosam Chandranna' programme was organized in all the districts of Andhra Pradesh by the state government to enlighten the farmers about different government schemes available and also to give technical guidance on various aspects of agriculture and allied sectors. Scientists of

' 2 » « Dr.YSRHU, Venkatamanna gudem participated in "Rythukosam Chandranna" programme organized at Agricultural Market Committee, Tadepalligudem on 15th

September, 2015. 'Rythukosam Chandranna' programmes organized in different districts and extended their services in providing technical guidance on cultivation of horticultural crops to the farmers and also participated in the exhibition.

Vanamahotsavam Dr.B.M.C.Reddy, Vice-Chancellor along with Dr. B. Srinivasulu, Registrar, Dr J. Dilip Babu, Director of Research, Dr. M. Lakshmi Narayana Reddy, Dean of Horticulture, Dr. D. Srihari, Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. R.V.S.K.Reddy, Director of Extension, Sri PRP Raju, Estate Officer and Dr. A. Sujatha, Associate Dean, Staff and Students of HC&RI, Venkataramannagudem inaugurated the "Vanamahostham" programme on 10th, July, 2015 and planted 300 Silver oak saplings along the fence of HC&RI, Dr. YSRHU.

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ICAR Foundation Day and National KVK Conference During the ICAR 87 t h Foundation Day and 9th National KVK Conference were inaugurated by Sri Narendra Modi ji, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India on 25 , h July, 2015 at Patna, Bihar. Programme Coordinators of KVKs VR Gudem and Pandirimamidi also participated.

'Welcome 'DeleyxteA

87* ICAR Founfetion Day

Godavari Mahapushkarams-2015 On the Eve of Godavari Mahapushkarams a work shop on Agriculture and allied activities was organised by Govt, of Andhra Pradesh on 18 t h July, 2015 at Anam Kala Kendram, Rajahmundry. Scientists of the university participated in the workshop and interacted with the farmers during technical sessions. Students of Dr.Y.S.R. Horticultural University won six gold medals in essay writing and elocution competitions conducted at Adikavi Nannaya University, Rajahmundry on 9* July, 2015 on the eve. Ms. P.Asha Devi, 3rd year student of HC&RI, Venkataramannagudem won 4 gold medals and Ms. Niharika, 1st year student of Horticultural College & Research Institute, Anantharajupeta won 2 gold medals. Sri. Nara Chandra Babu Naidu garu, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh presented the medals and certificates on 23"1 July, 2015.

Dr. Y S R H U N E W S

Inauguration of Bio fertilizer Production Unit Bio fertilizer Production Unit was inaugurated on 15th

September, 2015 followed by Foundation stone for Bio fertilizer Production Unit building at Horticultural Research Station, VRGudem by Sri Prathipati Pulla Rao garu, Minister for Agriculture, Agri-Processing, Marketing & Warehousing, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries in the presence of Sri. Pydikondala Manikyala Rao garu, Minister for Endowments, Sri. Kinjarapu Atchannaidu garu, Minister for Labour & Employment, Factories, Youth & Sports, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Sri. Chintamaneni Prabhakar garu, Chief Whip, Sri. Ganni Veeranjaneyulu garu, MLA, Ungutur, Sri. Pithani Satyanarayana garu, MLA, Achanta, Sri. Badeti Kota Rama Rao garu, MLA, Eluru and Sri Bandaru Madhava Naidu garu, MLA, Narsapuram.Govt. of Andhra Pradesh and Sri. G. Ganga Raju garu, MP, Narsapuram. Dr. B.M.C.Reddy, Vice-chancellor along with all university officers welcomed the guests. The guests visited the Biofertilizer production and packing units, sapota orchard of Dr.YSRHU and Buffalo Research Station of S W U in the University premises. The unit has produced 8.95 tonnes of Bio-fertilizers until now.

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Establishment of Private Horticultural Polytechnics affiliated to Dr.YSRHU. A c o m m i t t e e u n d e r t h e C h a i r m a n s h i p o f Dr.M.Lakshminarayana Reddy, Dean of Horticulture and Dean PGS along with other committee members viz., Dr.D.Srihari, COE & Dean of Student Affairs, Dr.R.V.S.K. Reddy, Director of Extension and Dr. B.Prasanna Kumar, Principal Scientist(Hort) inspected the proposed private horticultural polytechnics in West Godavari, Kadapa, Kurnool, Guntur, Prakasam and Vizianagaram districts of Andhra Pradesh, consequently four Private Horticultural polytechnic Colleges were established and admissions were started during the academic year 2015-16.

Rythu Kosam project Attended workshop for consortium team members of 'Rythu kosam project' conducted at ICRISAT, Hyderabad on 20 t h August, 2015. Dr. J. Dilip Babu, Director of Research, Dr. R.V.S.K. Reddy, Director of Extension, Dr. B.V.K. Bhagwan, Zonal Head(Coastal Zone-I), Dr. L. Naram Naidu, Zonal Head (Coastal Zone-II), Dr. K. T. Venkataramana, Zonal Head(Rayalaseema Zone) attended the meeting and participated in group discussion intended to transform the agriculture and allied sectors through focus on primary sector.

Visit of ML A, Parchuru Sri. Yeluri Sambasiva Rao garu, MLA, Parchuru, basically a post graduate in horticulture and a progressive farmer visited Dr.YSRHU Campus, Venkataramannagudem on 25"" July, 2015. He interacted with Dr.B.srinivasulu, Registrar, Dr.J. Dilip Babu, Director of Research, Dr. M.B.Nageswara Rao, DIIP and Dr.D.Srihari, Dean of Student Affairs and visited KVK Farm, Research plots at HRS, VRGudem and HC&RI, VRGudem.

Dr. S.Raghuvardhan Reddy, Former Vice-chancellor and Dr. N. Sreerama Reddy, Former Dean of Agriculture, ANGRAU along with Dr. J.Dilip Babu, Director of Research visited tissue culture lab, experimental plots at Horticultural Research Station, Kowur on 10th August, 2015. Also visited HC&RI, HRS and KVK at VRGudem Campus along with the Dr. B.M.C. Reddy, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. R.V.S.K. Reddy, Director of Extension and discussed about the technical programmes and inputs available to the farmers.

Visit of DDG,ICAR Dr. N.K.Krishna Kumar, Deputy Director General (Horticultural Sciences), ICAR, New Delhi a c c o m p a n i e d b y Dr. B . M . C . R e d d y , Vice-C h a n c e l l o r , D r . Y S R H U Dr.P.Chowdappa, Director, ' CPCRI, Kasaragod, Kerala and Dr P.Kalidas, Acting Director, Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, Pedavegi visited HRS,. Kovvur on 22 n d August, 2015 and interacted with the scientists. Visit of Commissioner of Horticulture Sri. Chiranjiv Chaudhary, IFS, Commissioner of Horticulture visited Horticultural Research Station, Ambajipeta on 24 th

September, 2015. He was briefed about the ongoing research activities of the station and mass multiplication of parasitoids. The Commissioner addressed RAWEP students to leam the first hand knowledge on cultivation of various horticultural crops and problems faced by the farmers. Later, visited the tissue culture lab and experimental fields at HRS, Kovvur along with Department of Horticulture officials. Visit of NRC-Litchi Scientist to HRS, Chintapalli Dr Rajesh Kumar, Principal Scientist, NRC on Litchi, Muzaffarpur, Bihar visited and planted litchi plants (three varieties viz.,, Shahi, China and Bedana) at HRS, Chintapalli on 30 September, 2015. He also identified the existing litchi tree as China variety and demonstrated the methodology of plant propagation through air layering. He also interacted with tribal farmers and Government officers regarding the potential of litchi cultivation in Chintapalli agency area.

D r . Y S R H U N E W S

SKPP Horticultural Polytechnic, Ramochandrapuram EDUCATION

Teachers Day Celebrations

SSPG Horticultural Polytechnic, Madakasira

Teachers' day was celebrated on 5th September, 2015 in commemoration of 128th birth anniversary of Sri. Sarvepalli Radha krishnan at all constituent colleges of Dr.Y.S.R. Horticultural university.

Guest Lectures Dr. K. Venu, Professor and Director, Centre for Integrated Biological and Env i ronmen ta l Research at Delaware State University, Dover visited the campus on 16* July, 2015 and delivered a guest lecture on "A model to study disease resistance and epigenetics using the bean-bean interaction" for the benefit of staff and students at HC&RI, VRGudem. Dr. A. Narsimha Murthy, Seed, Plant Genetic Resources & Biodiversity, FAO delivered a guest lecture on collection and conservation of seed and plant genetic resources in agricultural and horticultural crops to the scientists and students at HC & RI, VR Gudem on 7* August, 2015. Dr. G. Subbi Reddy, former Dean of Student Affairs, Dr YSRHU delivered a guest lecture on "The Earth, Solar Radiation and Seasonal Changes" on 7* August, 2015 for the benefit of scientists and students at HC&RI, VR Gudem. Dr N. N. Reddy, Principal Scientist, CRIDA, Hyderabad delivered a guest lecture on "Dry land Horticulture" for the scientists and students at HC&RI, VR Gudem on 11 "August, 2015. Dr. C.V. Sarveswara Sarma, President, Konaseema Science Parishad, Amalapuram delivered a guest lecture on "How to achieve goals" to UG students on 17th August, 2015 and guest lecture on "Development of Research Skills" to PG students on 18 th August, 2015 at HC&RI, VR Gudem. Dr. Y. N. Reddy, retired Professor and University Head (Horticulture), ANGRAU, Hyderabad delivered a guest lecture on

"Post harvest physiology and c o n t r o l l e d / m o d i f i e d atmospheric storage of fruits a n d v e g e t a b l e s " a n d "Preparation of wine from grapes and banana fruits" for the benefit of staff and PG students at HC & RI, VR Gudem on 23 t h September, 2015 Combined UG counselling Dr.D.Srihari, Controller of examinations attended counselling for allotment of U.G seats under NCC& CAP quota on 20* September, 2015 and also attended the second combined counselling for UG Courses in three universities viz, ANGRAU, Dr.YSRHU and S W U organised by ANGRAU on2s,and22ndSeptember,2015 at RARS, Lam, Guntur. P.G. Admissions A total of 51 students (36 regular, 4 other state, 10 ICAR and one in-service) admitted into M.Sc. (Hort) programme at two constituent colleges of Dr.YSRHU. A total of 9 students (6 regular and 3 in-service) admitted into Ph.D(Hort) programme at HC&RI, VRGudem. Three new PG programmes viz. M.Sc in Horticultural Entomology, M.Sc in Horticultural Pathology, M.Sc(Hort) in Post Harvest Technology were initiated in Dr.YSRHU from the academic year 2015-16. Further, M.Sc. in Horticultural Entomology and M.Sc. Horticulture in Post Harvest Technology are being offered at HC & RI, VRGudem. M.Sc. Horticultural Pathology and M.Sc (Hort) in Post Harvest Technology are being offered at HC&RI, Anantharajupeta. Polytechnic admissions A total of 103 students got admitted into Diploma in Horticulture in four constituent colleges of Dr.YSRHU and 42 students admitted into newly established private polytechnics (affiliated polytechnics

of Dr. YSRHU) for the year 2015-16. Workshop on Value chain development A Work shop on Value Chain Development and Promotion of Exports of Mango, Banana, Tomato & Chillies from Andhra Pradesh was organised by Dept of Horticulture, Govt of Andhra Pradesh on 6th July, 2015 at Hotel Golkonda, Hyderabad. The workshop was inaugurated by Sri. Prathipati Pulla Rao garu, Hon'ble Minster for

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Dr. Y S R H U N E W S

Agriculture, Horticulture and Sericulture in the presence of Smt. V.Usha Rani , C o m m i s s i o n e r of Hor t i cu l t u r e and Dr.B.M.C.Reddy, Vice-Chancellor, Dr.YSHRU. Dr.J.Dilip Babu, Director of Research, Dr.R.V.S.K,Reddy, Director of Extension, Dr.L.NaramNaidu, Principal Scientist (Hort) & Head, HRS, Lam andDr.B.V.K.Bhagawan, Principal Scientist (Hort)&Head, HRS, Kovvur chaired the group discussions and interactive sessions on value chain development and promotion of exports in mango, banana, tomato & chillies with all the stake holders - Scientists, Farmers, Exporters, Processors and Consultants. Collaborative research programmes Dr.D.K.Sharma, Director, ICAR-CSSRI, Karnal and Dr. T.Damodaran, Senior Scientist, ICAR-CSSRI RRC, Lucknow visited HRS, Kovvur on 27 t h August, 2015 to discuss about the collaborative research programme to be carried out for inducing tolerance to Fusarium wilt in banana and explained the programme to be implemented.

Initiation of research on vegetables at HRS, V.R.Gudem Research on vegetable crops was initiated at Horticultural Research Station, VRGudem by collecting germplasm of tomato, brinjal, spine gourd, dolichos bean etc., from NBPGR, AVRDC and from different parts of Andhra Pradesh. In addition to that paid up trials were also initiated in corps like brinjal, tomato, cucumber, ridge gourd, bottle gourd, cluster bean, cabbage, cauliflower etc. New orange fleshed sweet potato genotype A new orange fleshed sweet potato genotype was identified by Dr. P. Ashok, Scientist (Hort.), AICRP on Tuber Crops, HRS, VRGudem from the open pollinated seedlings raised from poly cross progenies of white and orange fleshed sweet potato genotypes. This new genotype is having deep purple vine and has luxuriant growth habit compared to the variety Kiran. The average leaf width ranged from 12 to 14.5 cm. This genotype is under evaluation for its yield performance along with multiplication of planting material.

EXTENSION Programmes conducted Training for coconut climbers Dr. N.B.V. Chalapathi Rao, Senior Scientist (Ento), Dr. A. Snehalatha Rani, Scientist (PI. Path) and Smt. E. Padma, Scientist (Hort) started training to 9 t h batch of coconut climbers (20 Nos.) under Friends of Coconut Tree (FOCT) programme for one week from 28 t h September to 3 r d October, 2015 at Horticultural Research Station, Ambajipeta. Training on furtigation in Oil Palm Horticultural Research Station, Vijayarai, conducted one day training programme to 250 oil palm farmers on fertigation in oil palm on 1 s t August, 2015 at HRS, Vijayarai. Dr. J. Dilipbabu, Director of Research and department of | l horticulture officials participated and 31 explained about the importance of micro mm irrigation and fertigation in oil palm crop for yield improvement. I * 4

Training programme on Cocoa A three day training programme on Cocoa cultivation was conducted by HRS, Ambaj ipeta at FTC, Vizianagaram during 2 n d -4 , h July, 2015. Sri. M.M.Naik, District Col lector inaugura ted the t ra in ing programme. Dr.RV.S.KReddy, Director of Extension attended the training programme as [ special Guest. Scientists of HRS, Ambajipeta | delivered lectures on various topics. A booklet i on 'Cacoa saagu-melyna yajamaanyam' was released during this programme. Training programme on Plant protection in Oil Palm KVK, Venkataramannagudem conducted training under FFS programme on "Plant protection in Oil Palm" at Telikicherla village with the collaboration of IIOPR, Pedavegi on 29 , h July,

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2015. In this programme Dr.P.Kalidas, Principal Scientist (Plant Protection) delivered a lecture on various pest management practices in oilpalm followed by field diagnostic visit and identified chaffer beetle in oil palm. Training programme on Vegetables D r . E . K a r u n a s r e e , P r o g r a m m e C o o r d i n a t o r , KVK, Venkataramannagudem organized a training programme on "Pest and disease management in vegetable crops" at Telikicherla village on 10 th September, 2015. Smt. P.Sunitha, Scientist(Ento) participated as resource person and delivered a lecture on "Integrated pest and disease management in vegetable crops". Training on grafting techniques As a part of workshop on "Horticultural Farms Development" for Horticultural Officers and Assistant Directors of Horticulture, Department of Horticulture, Government of Andhra Pradesh Dr.M.Rajasekhar, Senior Scientist (Hort) & Head, HRS Venkataramanna gudem explained about grafting techniques in Fruit crops and shown various grafting methods to the participants on 1st July,2015. A training programme was conducted on "Integrated nutrient management in cashew and cotton" by KVK, VRGudem at Kamaikunta village of Buttaigudem mandal on 22 n d August, 2015. Sri RSuryanarayana, Project Officer, ITDA, KR.Puram participated as guest of honour and explained about collaborative activities of KVK and ITDA for the improvement of living standards of tribal families. Dr.RVSK Reddy, Director of Extension explained about the importance of soil health cards and to calculate the dosage of fertilizers and to know the soil health states to improve the soil quality by the suggestions made in the card based on crop specific recommendations.

Training on Oil palm Training on grafting Techniques Training on INM in cashew & cotton

Dr. Y S R H U N E W S

Field demonstrations under TSP by KVK, Pandirimamidi Dr.R.V.S.K.Reddy, Director of Extension expressed his views on importance of sorghum cultivation in drought prone and rainfed situations in agency area. Sorghum is suitable under drought situation in late kharif with a minimum rainfall. It is suitable for Kondapodu in hilly areas as mixed crop with redgram, pulses and other crops (2:1) in tribal areas and distributed inputs viz., sorghum seed var. CSV-15 and fertilizers to tribal farmers on 17 th

July, 2015 under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) to conduct 200 demonstrations in agency villages of Rampachodavaram.

Collection of soil samples by KVK, Venkataramannagudem Colleted soil samples pertaining to the selected farmers to demonstrate Integrated Nutrient Management in cashew and cotton in Tribal Sub Plan areas at Bandamgudem and Pandugudem villages of Buttaigudem mandal on 16 July, 2015. Distribution of vegetable kits to tribal woman to promote multi nutritional gardens in their backyards was also taken up. Farmers field school on Oilpalm Conducted training programme on "Disease management in Oil Palm" at Telikicherla village in collaboration with IIOPR, Pedavegi as a part of farmers field school programme on 13 August, 2015. Dr.R.V.S.K.Reddy, Director of Extension, Dr.M.V.Prasad, Principal Scientist, Dr.Praveena Deepti, Scientist, IIOPR, Pedavegi and Dr.E.Karunasree, Programme Coordinator, KVK, Venkataramannagudem participated and explained about importance of clean cultivation and management of diseases in oil palm.

Programmes participated Dr. M. Raja Naik, Asst. Professor (Hort.), HC&RI, Anantharajupet attended a training programme on 21 s t September, 2015 at KVK, Kadapa as resource person and delivered a lecture on "Propagation techniques in important fruit crops". Sri. S.Narasimha Rao, Scientist (Pl.Path.), Horticultural Research Station, Darsi attended a training programme on "Nursery management in vegetables" at Cheruvukommupalem as resource person on 10 th July, 2015 and explained about seed treatment, management of pests and disease in vegetable nurseries. Dr. Ch.Chandra Sekhar, Scientist(Hort) & Head, HRS, Chintapalli conducted two training programmes on "Cultivation of commercial flower crops" to the tribal farmers of Visakhapatnam district at Chintapalli on 14th July, 2015 and on 16*July,2015 atAraku. D r . E . K a r u n a s r e e , P r o g r a m m e Coord ina to r , KVK, Venkataramannagudem participated in women farmers training on "Nutritional Security through Kitchen gardening" at Bapulapadu village on 9* September, 2015.

Dr. L. Mukundalakshmi, Scientist (Hort.), Smt. G. Sarada, Scientist (Ento) and Dr. T. Rajasekharam, Scientist (PI. Path.) attended training programme in Kadapa on 27 t h August, 2015 organized by Department of Horticulture as resource persons and educated the farmers on various plant production and protection techniques in sweet orange cultivation. Dr. L. Mukundalakshmi, Scientist (Hort) attended a training programme at KVK, Kalikiri on 31 * August. 2015 and delivered a lecture on "Production technology of coconut" Dr.C.Sarada, Senior Scientist(Hort) attended a training programme at Guntur on 19* August, 2015 on "Varshabhava paristhithulu — Prathyamnaya pantala saagu" organized by Retired Officers Association Dr.C.Sarada, Senior Scientist(Hort) attended a training programme at Yedlapadu on 21" August, 2015 and delivered a lecture on "Good agricultural practices in chilli" organized by Spices Board Dr.C.Venkata Ramana, Scientist(Hort) and Dr. K.Giridhar, Scientist (Hort) attended field visit cum training programme on 26* August, 2015 to field Officers of Spices Board at HRS, Lam Mrs P.Sunitha, Scientist (Ento), HRS, Venkataramannagudem & Co-PI of CRP on Borers project attended a round table meeting on 'Semiochemicals for borer pest management organized by Consortia Research Platform on Borer Pests, IIHR, Bengaluru held at NBAIR, Bengaluru on 6* August, 2015 and presented a brief report on mango fruit borer (Deanolis albizonalis (Hampson)) in Andhra Pradesh. Diagnostic visits A total of 36 field diagnostic visits were conducted during this quarter by the scientists working in various Horticultural Research Stations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras of the university and suggested amelioration measures.

1. foot rot caused by Phytophthora. 2. bunchrot in Oilpalm in West Godavari district 3. Nematode infestation in Citrus orchards in Nellore District 4. Ervinia rot in banana in kadapa district 5. Introduction of parasitoids in Coconut gardens against black

headed caterpillar 6. Drying of mango leaves due to high EC and salts in irrigation

water in Rayalaseema horticulture nursery Exposure visit About 40 farmers of "Nandi Rythu Samakhya", Nandyal, K u r n o o l d i s t r i c t v i s i t e d D r . Y S R H U c a m p u s , Venkataramannagudem on 8 t h July, 2015. An interaction meeting was organized at KVK, Venkataramannagudem and Dr.R.V.S.K.Reddy, Director of Extension, Dr.YSRHU, Dr.M.Rajasekhar, Senior Scientist (Hort.) & Head, Dr .E .Karunas ree , P r o g r a m m e Co-ordina tor , KVK,

[6] Dr. Y S R H U N E W S

Venkataramannagudem interacted with farmers during the visit. Dr.B. Ramesh Babu, Scientist(Hort) and Sri Ch.Kiran Kumar, SMS(SSAC) explained about improved cultivation practices in vegetables, Crop regulation and disease management in papaya, Pest and disease management in chilli, Improved varieties of pulses and fodder crops. The Scientists of Horticultural Research Station, Anantharajupet explained about cultivation of horticultural crops to the farmers from Karnataka State as a part of skill development programme organized by KVK, Kolar. Feasibility study on Introduction of Black Bengal Goat in agency area Black Bengal Goat is a small sized breed with tight structure whose adult male weighs 25 to 30 kg and female weighs 20 to 25 kg. This goat b r e e d a t t a i n s

sexual maturity quickly and the female goat becomes pregnant twice in a year giving birth to 3- 4 baby goats every time. This breed can adopt to various environments easily and it is having high disease resistance. It produces high quality meat and skin. KVK, Pandirimamidi is conducting demonstrations on "Black Bengal Goat" in Rampachodavaram division of East Godavari district with the financial support from ATM A and ITDA. Alluri Sitaramaraju Jayathi Utsavalu Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Pandirimamidi arranged an exhibition during Alluri Sitaramaraju Jayanthi Utsavalu on 04 t h July, 2015 organized by ITDA- Rampachodavaram.

Visit to High tech Nurseries at Raipur, Chattisgarh Dr.B.M.C.Reddy, Vice-Chancellor along with Dr. J. Dilip Babu, Director of Research and Dr. R.V.S.K.Reddy, Director of Extension visited Hi-tech vegetable nurseries to see the production of grafted vegetable seedlings by Department of Horticulture, Chattisgarh and also visited VNR farms and interacted regarding multiplication of guava grafts and high density planting in Taiwan guava on 8" August, 2015.

Independence day celebrations Sixty ninth Independence Day was celebrated at Dr.Y.S.R. Horticultural University Campus and all its affiliated Institutions. Dr. B.M.C.Reddy, Vice-Chancellor hoisted the National flag at administrative office of the university in the presence of University Officers, Teaching and Non-teaching staff.

Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu Jayanthi 14 3 r d Jayanthi of Andhra kesari Sri Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu was celebrated at Administrative office of Dr.YSRHU and HC&RI, V.R. Gudem on 23 r d August, 2015.

World coconut day celebrations World coconut day was celebrated at Swarna vedika, Vijayawada by Coconut Development Board and Department of Horticulture, Andhra Pradesh. Sri Thota Narasimham garu, Member of Parliament, Kakinada and Member, Coconut Development Board was the Chief guest. Sri Koneru Sreedhar, Mayor, Vijayawada Municipal Corporation, Dr.B.M.C.Reddy, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Dr.YSRHU were guests of honour for the function. About 500 coconut farmers across the country participated in the programme on 2 n d September, 2015. Scientists of HRS, Ambajipeta and KVK, Venkataramannagudem attended the function as resource persons and arranged an Exhibition. HRD conference/work shops. International symposium Dr.M.Rajasekhar, Senior Scientist (Hort) & Head, Horticultural Research Station, VRGudem attended 3 r d ISHS SoutheastAsia symposium on 'Quality management in post harvest systems' at Siem Reap, Cambodia from 13-15* August, 2015 and presented research papers on Changes in ethylene and polyamine levels and shelf life of polyamine treated tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and Storage behaviour of aqueous 1-MCP treated tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in modified atmospheric package. Dr. C. P. Vijji , Assistant Professor (Entomology), HC&RI, VR Gudem attended International workshop on "Parasitic Hymenoptera- How and where they are?" held at Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu from 2 Is' to 25 t h September, 2015. Smt. K.Mamatha, Scientist (Hort) attended mid term review meeting of on going programmes of AICRP on Tuber Crops at CTCRI,Thiruvunanthapuram from 24 thto 25* September, 2015.

Dr.YSRHU NEWS

Dr. R.V.S.K.Reddy, Director of Extesnion along wi th D r . E . K a r u n a s r e e , P r o g r a m m e Coordinator, KVK, Venkataramannagudem and Dr.A.Srinivas, Programme Coordinator, KVK, Pandirimamidi attended Rabi Action Plan 2015-16 - interaction meeting of KVKs (Zone-V) at Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Hyderabad. Dr.G.Ramanandam, Principal Scientist (Hort) & Head, HRS, Ambajipeta participated in one day workshop on "Development of Coir industry in Andhra Pradesh" at Rajahmundry organized by Department of Horticulture, Govt, of Andhra Pradesh and Coir Board on 28 , h

September, 2015. Dr.M.Rajasekhar, Senior Scientist(Hort)& Head and Dr. B. Ramesh Babu, Scientist (Hort), HRS, VRGudem attended National consultation meeting on sapota at Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat and presented a paper on 'Status of sapota cultivation in Andhra Pradesh' on 29* September, 2015. Dr.P.Rama Devi, Scientist (Pl.Path) Smt. P.Sunitha, Scientist (Ento), AICRP on MAP & Betelvine, HRS, VRGudem attended Annual group meeting of medicinal and aromatic plants & betelvine from 28 l h to 30* September at Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants & Betelvine, Anand, Gujarat. Trainings attended Dr.E.Karunasree, Programme Coordinator, KVK, Venkataramana gudem participated in three days training programme on "Processing and Value Addition" at KVK, Utukuru, Kadapa from 23 r d to 25* August, 2015. Dr. T. Suseela, Assistant Professor (Hort), HC&RI, V.R.Gudem attended ICAR sponsored 10 days training programe on "Processing machineries, product diversification and entrepreneurship development in tuber crops" from September 14th to 23 r d September, 2015 at Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), Thiruvunanthapuram, Kerala Sri VGovardhan Rao, SMS (Plant Pathology), Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Pandirimamidi has undergone training programme on "The master trainers on natural farming/organic farming" from 28 l h Septemebr, 2015 to 2 n d October, 2015 at SAMETI, Hyderabad organized by State Department of Agriculture, Andhra Pradesh. Research /Popular articles published B.Prasanna Kumar, Effect of chemicals and growth regulators on Post Harvest shelf life and quality in papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv.Red lady. (2014) Journal ofHorticultural Sciences, Vol.9(l): 1-4 PP.66-73. Anindita Roy, B. Prasanna Kumar, DV Swamy and P. Subbaramamma (2015) Value addition of cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale L.)by blending with mango, pineapple and sapota juice, Green Farming Vol-6 (5)pp-858-860. C H Rohit, C. Chandra Sekhara Rao, K. Usha Kumari and P. Subbaramamma (2015) Effect of micronutrients and GA3 foliar sprays on growth, flowering, yield and quality parameters in African marigold (7ageteerectaLjGreenFarmingVol-6(4)pp-893-896. SK Shaheel, D. V. Swamy, B. Prasanna Kumar and K. Uma Krishna (2015) Effect of storage period on chemical properties of RTS prepared from karonda (Carissa carandas L.) blended juices: Plant Archives vol.l5No.lpp35-40.

SK Shaheel, D. V. Swamy, B. Prasanna Kumar and K. Uma Krishna (2015) Effect of blending of Karonda (Carissa carandas L.) juice with guava, papaya and pineapple juices on RTS quality and organoleptic evaluation: PlantArchivesvol.l5No.l pp 187-192. SK Shaheel, D. V. Swamy, B. Prasanna Kumar and K. Uma Krishna (2015) Effect of storage period on physical and organoleptic properties of RTS prepared from Karonda (Carissa carandas L.) blended juices: Plant Archives vol. 15 No. 1 pp 241 -246. L.Mukunda Lakshmi, K.T.V. Ramana, K.Gopal and G.Sarada (2015) have published Sukshama moggantu vidanam dwara cheeni antu mokala uthpathi Sedyaphalam on 24 t h to 26 t h July, 2015. K.Giridhar, S.Surya Kumari, G.Satyanarayana Reddy, L.Naram Naidu has Published an article on "Nigella: a seed spice of blessing" in Spice India, Vol: 28, No:8, August, 2015. M.B.N.Rao, Ch.Bindu, V. Sudha Vani & P. Subbaramamma (2015). Dormancy, Sex and phenotypic ratios in Kakrol (Momordica dioica roxb.). Abstract published (SCP 25) in the proceedings of Third International Symposium on under util ized plant species (held on 5th _8*August2015) P.No.229. M.B.N.Rao, Ch.Bindu, V. Sudha Vani & P. Subbaramamma (2015). Growth & Yield of Kakrol(Momordica dioica.roxb). Abstract published (SCP 27) in the proceedings of Third Internationa Symposium on Under utilized Plant Species (held on s" _8* August, 2015) P.No.230. M.B.N.Rao(2015).'Jonnalarsi'& 'Pillalakodi' the two under utilized under exploited East Coast Coconut micros, under extinct. Abstract published (SCP29) in the proceedings of Third International Symposium on Under utilized Plant Species (held on 5*8* August, 2015)P.No.231. M.B.N.Rao(2015)'Post Harvest' utilization of Cassava Leaves, Stems & Tubers for Improving the Economy of Tribals & Upland Farmers. Abstract accepted for oral presentation for International Symposium on "Next Generation Approaches for Sustainable Development of Hill and Upland Horticulture" during Technical Session VIII on 7-11-15, organized by Department of Horticulture & School of life Science, Sikkim University.

Best AICRPCentreAward for HRS, Ambajipeta Dr. G. Ramanandam, Principal Scientist (Hort) and Head, HRS, Ambajipeta received Chaudhary Devilal outstanding AICRP award, 2014 for best AICRP centre from Sri Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Union Minister for Agriculture at Patna on 26 lh

July, 2015. Condolences Tributes were paid to Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, Former President of India on 27* July, 2015 by Dr.B.M.C.Reddy, Vice-Chancellor, all the University Officers, staff of Administrative Office, Staff and Students of all Colleges, Staff of all Research Stations and KVKs of Dr. YSRHU on his sudden demise.

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