14

Ph. D. Syllabus in the Department of Agronomy

Sl. No. Course code Name of the course Credits

1 AGR 600 Research methodology and techniques 4+0

2 AGR 601 Crop production and system modelling 4+0

3 AGR 602 Advances in crop growth and productivity 4+0

4 AGR 603 Advances in soil fertility management 4+0

5 AGR 604 Advances in irrigation management 4+0

6 AGR 605 Advances in weed management 4+0

7 AGR 606

Integrated farming systems for sustainable agriculture

4+0

8 AGR 607

Soil conservation and watershed management

4+0

9 AGR 608 Stress crop production 4+0

10 Course III

Review of research work and written presentation of synopsis

4+0

AGR 600 Research methodology and techniques 4+0 Objectives: To familiarize students with basics of research and the research process, to enable the participants in conducting research work and formulating research synopsis and report, to familiarize participants with statistical techniques and interpretation of results, to impart knowledge for enabling students to develop data analytics skills and meaningful interpretation to the data sets so as to solve the research problem. Syllabus: UNIT I Definition, objectives and types of research; Research processes, Criteria of Good Research, Nature and scope of agronomic research. Defining research problems; Research Project Planning and Management. UNIT II Biometric observations; Analysis of crop growth – recording dry matter, measuring leaf area; Concept of growth analysis parameters – CGR, RGR, LAI, NAR etc; Economics and energetics of cop production. UNIT III Agro-meteorological observations – data recording, analysis, presentation and interpretation. Correlation studies of weather data and crop growth. UNIT IV Laboratory techniques involved in soil and plant analysis. Basic knowledge of working in laboratory. Basic principles of laboratory techniques commonly used in agronomic research. Collection of soil and plant samples and processing for laboratory analysis.

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UNIT V Basic principles of experimental design; Lay out of field plot experimental design; Data processing and analysis – multiple correlation and regression, analysis of variance and covariance. Test of significance – t test, z test, F test. UNIT VI Interpretation of result – concept of least significant difference (LSD), DMRT, contrast analysis, missing plot techniques; analysis of cropping system data – intercropping and sequential cropping. Graphical and tabular presentation of data. UNIT VII Importance and need of scientific temper, values and ethics in research: research integrity, research safety in laboratories, welfare of animals used in research, computer ethics, standards and problems in research ethics. UNIT VIII Computer application in agronomic research; Statistical analysis of data by using softwares. Learning Outcome: Upon successful completion of the course participants are expected to develop understanding on various kinds of research, objectives of doing research, research process, research designs and sampling, have basic knowledge on qualitative and quantitative research techniques, have basic awareness of analysis and presentation of data. AGR 601 Crop production and system modeling 4+0 Objectives: To familiarize the students about elementary models for crop growth, system approaches and to simulate yields and growth of crops under varied soil and weather conditions particularly under climate change with different management practices and their optimization. Syllabus: UNIT I Systems classification; flow charts, modeling techniques and methods of integration - state, rates and driving variables, feedbacks and relational diagrams. UNIT II Elementary models for crop growth based on basic methods of classical growth analysis. UNIT III Crop modeling methods for crop-weather interaction, climate change and variability components.

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UNIT IV Potential production: leaf and canopy CO2 assimilation, respiration, dry matter accumulation, crop phenology and dry matter distribution and development in different crops. UNIT V Production by moisture availability ,potential evapotranspiration, water balance of the soil, and production with nutrient and moisture limitations. UNIT VI Practical on Simulation of elementary models for crop growth, Simulation of potential, production, Simulation with limitations of water and nutrient management options, Sensitivity analysis using different climatic years and crop management practices Learning Outcome: Upon successful completion of the course students are expected to develop understanding on the techniques of development of elementary models for crop growth, simulation of crop growth and production under limited water and nutrient management options, production potentials and sensitivity analysis under various climatic and crop management practices. AGR 602 Advances in crop growth and productivity 4+0 Objectives: To impart in-depth ideas of the physiology of different crops under various environments in relation to the productivity, techniques of growth analysis, assessment of growth and yield and analysis of productivity trends in different agroecological situations. Syllabus: UNIT I of Plant density and crop productivity; plant and environmental factors, yield, plant distribution, strategies for maximizing solar energy utilization; leaf area; interception of solar radiation and crop growth; photosynthesis: the photosynthetic apparatus, factors essential for photosynthesis; difference in photosynthetic rates among and within species; physiological limitations to crop yield; solar radiation concept and agro-techniques for harvesting solar radiation. UNIT II Growth analysis: concept, CGR, RGR, NAR, LAI, LAD, LAR; validity and Limitations in interpreting crop growth and development; growth curves: sigmoid, polynomial and asymptotic; root systems; root-shoot relationship; principles involved in inter and mixed cropping systems under rainfed and irrigated conditions; concept and differentiation of inter and mixed cropping; criteria in assessing the yield advantages.

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UNIT III Competitive relationship and competition functions; biological and agronomic basis of yield advantage under intercropping; physiological principles of dry land crop production, constraints and remedial measures; heat unit concept of crop maturity: concept and types of heat units. UNIT IV Concept of plant ideotypes: crop physiological and new ideotypes; characteristics of ideotype for wheat, rice, maize, etc.; concept and types of growth hormones; their role in field crop production; efficient use of resources. UNIT V Source-sink relationships. Translocation of photosynthates and factors influencing transport of sucrose. Physiological and molecular control of sink activity – partitioning efficiency and harvest index. Crop growth models-empirical models testing and yield prediction. UNIT VI Practical on field measurement of root-shoot relationship in crops at different growth stages; Estimation of growth evaluating parameters like CGR, RGR, NAR, LAI etc., at different stages of crop growth; Measurement of light interception, light extinction coefficient, energy utilization efficiency based energy intercepted, and realized; Computation of harvest index of various crops; Assessment of crop yield on the basis of yield attributing characters; Construction of crop growth curves based on growth analysis data; Computation of competition functions, viz. LER, IER aggressivity competition index etc in intercropping; Senescence and abscission indices; Analysis of productivity trend in un-irrigated areas; Analysis of productivity trend in irrigated areas Learning Outcome: Upon successful completion of the course participants are expected to develop understanding on the techniques of growth analysis, prediction of crop growth and yield and development of optimum crop management strategies to achieve expected yield, analysis of productivity trends under irrigated and rainfed conditions. AGR 603: Advances in soil fertility management 4+0 Objectives: To impart in-depth knowledge on modern concepts of plant nutrient availability, fertilizer evaluation, nutrient use efficiency, soil fertility and its evaluation, soil productivity under long term intensive cropping and to apprise about the advances in the techniques of nutrient analysis in soil and plant samples. Syllabus: UNIT I Modern concepts of nutrient availability; nutrient response functions and availability indices. Importance of root morphology in nutrient availability.

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UNIT II Nutrient movement in soils; nutrient absorption by plants; mechanistic approach to nutrient supply and uptake by plants; models for transformation and movement of major micronutrients in soils. UNIT III Chemical equilibria (including solid-solution equilibria) involving nutrient ions in soils, particularly in submerged soils. UNIT IV Modern concepts of fertilizer evaluation, nutrient use efficiency and nutrient budgeting. UNIT V Modern concepts in fertilizer application; soil fertility evaluation techniques; role of soil tests in fertilizer recommendations; site-specific nutrient management for precision agriculture, Use of SPAD chlorophyll meter and LCC as tools of fertilizer N management. UNIT VI Monitoring physical, chemical and biological changes in soils; permanent manurial trials and long-term fertilizer experiments; soil productivity under long-term intensive cropping; direct, residual and cumulative effect of fertilizer use. UNIT VII Fertilizer use in problem soils; Fertilizers and environmental pollution; Soil health and quality; phytoremediation. UNIT VIII Practical on Design of soil fertility experiments; Collection and processing of soil and plant samples for nutrient analysis; Handling of common laboratory equipments used for soil and plant sample analysis; Analysis of soil samples for soil pH, organic carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available sulphur, lime requirement, electrical conductivity; Analysis of plant samples for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur; Soil fertility experimental data analysis and interpretations; Correlation and regression studies of plant nutrient and crop growth and yield; Determination of soil biomass carbon; Determination of micronutrients in soils and plants by AAS; Visit to long term fertilizer experiment stations. Learning outcome: Upon satisfactory completion of the course participants are expected to develop knowledge of fertilizer evaluation, nutrient budgeting in different crops according to soil condition, understand essentiality of plant nutrients and mechanism of nutrient transport to plant and factor affecting nutrient availability, to be able about procedure of soil testing and establish soil testing laboratory in future as an entrepreneur.

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AGR 604 Advances in irrigation management 4+0 Objectives: To impart in-depth knowledge about soil, plant water relationships, strategies of optimization of irrigation under limited water supply, consumptive use and water requirement of cropping systems under variable agroclimatic conditions. Syllabus: UNIT I Water resources of India, irrigation projects; irrigation needs, atmospheric, soil, agronomic, plant and water factors affecting irrigation need; water deficits and crop growth. UNIT II Soil-plant-water relationships, transpiration and evapotranspiration, significance of transpiration, energy utilization in transpiration, physiological process and crop productivity. UNIT III Infiltration; water movement under saturated and unsaturated conditions; management practices for improving water use efficiency of crops. UNIT IV Application of irrigation water, conveyance and distribution system, irrigation efficiency; agronomic considerations in design and operation of irrigation projects; irrigation management in principal crops and cropping system; quality of irrigation water and management of saline water for crop production. UNIT V Strategies of using limited water supply; factors affecting ET, control of ET by mulching and use of anti-transpirations; fertilizer use in relation to irrigation; optimizing the use of given irrigation supplies. UNIT VI Land suitability for irrigation, land irrigability classification; integrated water management in command areas, farmer’s participation in command areas, irrigation legislation. UNIT VII Practical on Determination of water infiltration characteristics and water holding capacity of soil profiles; Moisture extraction pattern of crops; Consumptive use, water requirement of a given cropping pattern for optimum / variable productivity; Crop planning at the farm and project level; Agronomic evaluation of irrigation projects, case studies.

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Learning Outcome: Upon successful completion of the course participants are expected to develop understanding on the techniques of irrigation management in major crops and cropping systems, strategies of optimum utilization of limited water supply and develop skill of agronomic evaluation of irrigation projects. AGR 605: Advances in weed management 4+0 Objectives: To impart advanced knowledge about causes and effect of changes in weed flora, advances in herbicide application techniques, use of new generation herbicides, their phytotoxicity, herbicide resistance and integrated weed management in different crops and cropping systems. Syllabus: UNIT I Crop weed competition in different cropping situations; changes in weed flora, various causes and effects; integrated weed management in major cropping systems. UNIT II Physiological and biological aspects of herbicides, their absorption, translocation, metabolism and mode of action; selectivity of herbicides and factors affecting them. UNIT III Climatic factors and phytotoxicity of herbicides; fate of herbicides in soil and factors affecting them, residue management of herbicides; adjuvants. UNIT IV Advances in herbicide application techniques; antidotes and crop protection; compatibility of herbicides of different groups; compatibility of herbicides with other pesticides, herbicide development, registration procedures. UNIT V Recent advances in herbicide resistance in weed and its management; development of transgenic herbicide resistant crops; invasive weeds, aquatic and parasitic weeds and their management; advances in weed utilization. UNIT VI Relationship of herbicides with tillage, fertilizer and irrigation; bioherbicides and herbal herbicides, allelochemicals, herbicide bioassays. UNIT VII Practical on Phytosociological analysis of weed flora in major cropping system; Studies on propagule production potential of major weeds; Determination of critical period of crop weed competition; Studies on mode of action of herbicides; Economic utilization of weeds; Herbicide bioassays. Expected Learning outcomes: Upon satisfactory completion of the course students will be able to develop comprehensive ideas about recent advances in the approaches of weed management, biology, ecology of major weeds, recent advances in the concept of

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herbicide selectivity, herbicide resistance, knowledge on selection of specific herbicides in different crops and cropping systems and planning for integrated weed management strategies. AGR 606 Integrated farming systems for sustainable agriculture 4+0

Objectives: To apprise about the new concepts and approaches of farming systems, efficient farming systems, selection of different enterprises suitable for different agroclimatic situations for sustainable agriculture. Syllabus: UNIT I Farming systems: definition, concept and scope; Components of farming systems in plains and hills; classification of farming systems according to type of rotation, intensity of rotation, degree of commercialization and mechanization, water supply, enterprises. Integrated farming systems. UNIT II Concept of sustainability in farming systems; efficient farming systems; natural resources - identification and management. UNIT III Production potential of different components of farming systems; interaction and mechanism of different production factors; stability in different systems through research; eco-physiological approaches to intercropping. UNIT IV Simulation models for cropping systems; agronomic management in different cropping systems; preparation of different farming system models; evaluation of different farming systems. UNIT V New concepts and approaches of farming systems and cropping systems and organic farming; case studies on different farming systems. Learning Outcome: Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to explain the concept of sustainability in farming systems, preparation of farming system models under different agroecological situations, develop knowledge of agronomic management of different cropping systems and have the exposure of different farming systems of various agroclimatic zones.

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AGR 607 Soil conservation and watershed management 4+0 Objectives: To apprise about different soil moisture conservation techniques, watershed management, concept of alternate landuse systems, techniques of preventing soil erosion, drainage and agronomic management for enhancing the agricultural productivity through holistic approach. Syllabus: UNIT I Soil erosion: definition, nature and extent of erosion; types of erosion, factors affecting erosion. UNIT II Soil conservation: definition, methods of soil conservation; agronomic measures - contour cultivation, strip cropping, cover crops; vegetative barriers; improved dry farming practices; contingent crop planning; mechanical measures - bunding, gully control, bench terracing; role of grasses and pastures in soil conservation; wind breaks and shelter belts. UNIT III Watershed management: definition, objectives, concepts, approach, components, steps in implementation of watershed; development of cropping systems for watershed areas. Farming systems in watershed areas. UNIT IV Land use capability classification, alternate land use systems; agro-forestry; ley farming; jhum management - basic concepts, Drainage and agronomic management; Measures to prevent soil erosion. UNIT V Practical on Study of different types of erosion; Field studies of different soil conservation measures; Run-off and soil loss measurements; Laying out run-off plot and deciding treatments; Identification of different grasses and trees for soil conservation; Visit to a soil conservation research centre, demonstration and training centre. Learning Outcome: Upon successful completion of the course participants are expected to develop understanding on the techniques soil moisture conservation, watershed management, preventing soil erosion, drainage and agronomic management for enhancing the agricultural productivity through holistic approach and development of suitable farming systems in watershed areas. .

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AGR 608 Stress crop production 4+0 Objectives: To impart detailed ideas about various types of abiotic stresses and environmental pollution in relation to crop production and practical ways and means to overcome stresses and prevent environmental pollution. Syllabus: UNIT I Stress and strain terminology; nature and stress injury and resistance; causes of stress, Response of plants to abiotic stresses: Abiotic stresses affecting plant productivity. UNIT II Low temperature stress: freezing injury and resistance in plants, measurement of freezing tolerance, chilling injury and resistance in plants, Tolerance mechanism-crucial role of membrane lipids, practical ways to overcome the effect of low temperature tress through, soil and crop manipulations. UNIT III High temperature or heat stress: meaning of heat stress, heat injury and resistance in plants, Tolerance mechanisms- role of membrane lipids and HSPs, practical ways to overcome the effect of heat stress through soil and crop manipulations. UNIT IV Water deficit stress: meaning of plant water deficient stress and its effect on growth and development, water deficit injury and resistance, practical ways to overcome effect of water deficit stress through soil and crop, manipulations. UNIT V Excess water or flooding stress: meaning of excess water stress, its kinds and effects on crop plants, excess water stress injury and resistance, practical ways to overcome excess water stress through soil and crop manipulations. UNIT VI Salt stress: meaning of salt stress and its effect on crop growth, salt stress injury and resistance in plants, practical ways to overcome the effect of salt stress through soil and crop manipulations. UNIT VII Environmental pollution: air, soil and water pollution, and their effect on crop growth and quality of produce; ways and means to prevent environmental pollution. Heavy metal stress: Aluminum and cadmium toxicity in acid soils. Role of Phytochelatins (heavy metal binding proteins). UNIT VIII Practical on Determination of electrical conductivity of plant cell sap and soil water; Determination of osmotic potential and tissue water potential; Measurement of transpiration rate; Measurement of stomatal frequency; Determination of proline content of plant parts; Determination of Relative Leaf water content of plants;

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Quantification of anti oxidative enzymes like Super oxide desmutase (SOD); Determination of membrane injury index(MII); Determination of chlorophyll stability index (CSI); Studying the role of growth regulators in amelioration of abiotic stress effects in plants; Determination of soil water potential and content by psychrometry and other systems; Studies on effect of osmotic and ionic stress on seed germination and seedling growth

Learning outcome: Upon successful completion of the course participants are expected to develop understanding on causes and effect of various abiotic stresses and environmental pollution in relation to crop production and to develop suitable strategies for adaptation and mitigation of stresses and to prevent environmental pollution for successful crop production. Course III Review of research work and written presentation of synopsis 4+0 Objectives: To apprise the participants about evaluation and synthesis of the relevant literature within a specific field of research, the current state of thinking on the selected research topic and to identify research gaps and articulates how a particular research project addresses the gap. Learning Outcome: Upon satisfactory completion of the course participants are expected to evaluate and synthesis the current existing literature on the selected research topic, finalize and prepare synopsis of the proposed research work.

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Ph. D. Syllabus in the Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry

Course

code Course title Credit

SSC 600 Research methodology and techniques 4 +0

ACH 601 Advances in chemistry of pesticides 4 +0

SSC 601 Advances in soil physics 4 +0

SSC 602 Advances in soil fertility 4 +0

SSC 603 Advances in soil chemistry 4 +0

SSC 604 Advances in soil biology and biochemistry 4 +0

SSC 600 Research methodology and techniques 4+0

Objective:

The students are expected to gain knowledge on different aspects of research

methodology and techniques like objectives, types, approaches of research, design of

experiments, precaution and safety measures to be taken in laboratory, working

principle of different instruments like Absorption Spectroscopy, pH meter etc. and

principle of chromatography etc.

Syllabus:

Research - Meaning, objectives, types, approaches, selection of problems, design.

Laboratory hygiene and safety, laboratory accidents and their management. Human

safety and protection, handling and storage of flammable, volatile, health hazardous

and corrosive chemicals, glassware safety, emergency response. Precaution and safety

while carrying out reactions and reaction wastes. Hydrodistillation, steam distillation,

supercritical fluid extraction, extraction of volatile substances by Clevenger apparatus

and solid phase extraction. Theory, principle and instrumentation of different

Absorption Spectroscopy, such as, UV, Visible, IR and Atomic Absorption

Spectrophotometry, pH meter. Separation science and technology : Paper, column, thin

layer chromatography, ion exchange and flash chromatography, principle, adsorbents,

their separation properties, mechanism of relation and application in isolation of

different compounds and elements. Introduction to laboratory equipments and cleaning

of glasswares, purification of solvents, crystallization, identification and sublimation.

Extraction chromatography : paper, TLC, column, ion-exchange. Steam distillation,

elemental analysis, practical use of Stirrer, pump, shaker and presentation,

determination of pH of samples by pH Meter, preparation of buffer solution.

Learning Outcome:

Students will acquire detailed knowledge on research methodology and techniques.

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ACH 601 Advances in chemistry of pesticides 4+0

Objective:

The students are expected to gain detailed and in-depth and advanced knowledge

on classification, formulation, movement, fate, persistence, transformation, chemistry,

mode of action of various pesticides, fungicides, nematicides etc.

Syllabus:

General aspects – definition, objectives, process, product spectrum, classification,

formulation codes etc. Solid and liquid formulations including the latest developments

– preparation, properties, specification, use situation etc. Formulants – carrier /

diluents, surfactants, synergists, safeners, encapsulants, antioxidents, stabilizers etc.

highlighting chemistry, classifications, properties, uses etc. formulation – toxicant

interaction, pesticides mixture. Machinery and equipments, packaging and labelling,

decontamination etc. Precaution in use of pesticides, bio-efficacy – basic consideration

and applied aspects, physico-chemical basis pesticide antidotes. Movement and fate of

pesticides in the environment : Drift, volatilization, adsorption, disorption, leaching,

run-off etc. Soil-pesticide interactions movement and plant, animal and other living

systems : penetration, transformation, excretion etc. (Highlight the role of physico-

chemical parameters). Persistence - factors affecting (physical, chemical, biochemical

etc.), primary and secondary metabolites in plans and animals with examples. Biotic and

abiotic transformation, bio-chemical transformation in living systems. Photochemical

transformation of pesticides : Introduction to photochemistry, direct and indirect

photolysis, photosensitisers, quenchers, light filters, quantum yield.

Phototransformation products and their significance, other abiotic factors transforming

xenobiotics. Chemical transformation of xenobiotics – effect of pH, eH, moisture,

environmental gases etc. Conventional natural insect control agents such as pyrethroids,

rotenones, nicotine, ryanodine, isobutyl acides, drimane, sesquiterpenoids,

withanolides, clerodanes, quassinoids and limonoids – sources, isolation,

characterization, synthesis, application and mode of action. Insect behaviour modifying

chemicals (semiochemicals) – pheromorus (sex, alarm, trail, territorial, aggregation etc.),

Allelochemicals – allomones, kairomeones, synomones, apheumones. Insect hormones

– JH (Juvenile Hormone) anti-JH, JH-mimics, feeding deterrents and repellents – both

natural and synthetic : source, chemistry, mode of action etc. Chemistry, use and mode

of action of natural fungicides, nematicides including photoactivated pesticides like α -

terthieyl. Pesticides of tetraractin, avermectins, milbinycins and spinosad. Herbicides

like biolaphos and phosphonothricin, phytotoxins like Alternaria alternate toxin,

tentoxin, cornexistin, hydantoxidin. Allelochemicals and chemical ecology, application

of biotechnology in pest management (ex Bt). Extraction by hydrodistillation, isolation

of pure compounds, their characterization, extaction of tobacco leaves, isolation of

nicotine and its identification, extraction of neem seed kernels, enrichment of

azadiractin, analysis of azadiractin and its analysis. Preparation of metabolites,

photodegradation of pesticides, leaching of pesticides, biological degradation in soil.

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Learning Outcome:

Students will acquire detailed knowledge on different aspects of pesticides chemistry.

SSC 601 Advances in soil physics 4+0

Objective:

The students are expected to gain in-depth and advanced knowledge or modern concept

on different aspects of soil physics like soil water potential, free energy and

thermodynamics, fluid flow, Poiseuilles law, Darcy’s law, theories of infiltration, mass

flow and diffusion of soil air, thermal properties of soil, soil crust, soil conditioners,

evapotranspiration, Atterberg limits. Aggregate analysis, soil-moisture characteristic

curve, hydraulic conductivity and so on.

Syllabus:

Soil-water interactions, soil water potential, free energy and thermodynamic basis of

potential concept, chemical potential of soil water and entropy of the system.

Fundamentals of fluid flow, Poiseuilles law, Laplace’s equation, Darcy’s law in

saturated and unsaturated flows; development of differential equations in saturated and

unsaturated water flow, capillary conductivity and diffusivity; limitations of Darcy’s

law; numerical solution for one dimensional water flow. Theories of horizontal and

vertical infiltration under different boundary conditions. Movement of salts in soils,

models for miscible-immiscible displacement, diffusion, mass flow and dispersion of

solutes and their solutions through differential equations; break-through curves. Soil air

and aeration, mass flow and diffusion processes; thermal properties of soil, heat transfer

in soils, differential equation of heat flow, measurement of thermal conductivity of soil.

Soil crust and clod formation; structural management of puddled rice soils; soil

conditioning- concept, soils conditioners - types, characteristics, working principles,

significance in agriculture. Solar and terrestrial radiation measurement, dissipation and

distribution in soil-crop systems; prediction of evapotranspiration using aerodynamic

and canopy temperature-based models; canopy temperature and leaf diffusion

resistance in relation to plant water deficit; evaluation of soil and plant water status

using infra-red thermometer. Mechanical analysis by pipette and international methods.

Measurement of Atterberg limits. Aggregate analysis - dry and wet. Measurement of

soil-water content by different methods. Measurement of soil-water potential by using

tensiometer and gypsum blocks. Determination of soil-moisture characteristic curve

and computation of pore-size distribution. Determination of hydraulic conductivity

under saturated and unsaturated conditions. Determination of infiltration rate of soil.

Determination of aeration porosity and oxygen diffusion rate. Soil temperature

measurements by different methods. Estimation of water balance components in bare

and cropped fields

Learning Outcome:

Students will acquire detailed and advanced knowledge on different aspects of soil

physics.

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SSC 602 Advances in soil fertility 4+0

Objective:

The students are expected to gain in-depth and advanced knowledge or modern concept

on different aspects of soil fertility like nutrient availability, nutrient response functions

and availability indices, nutrient movement in soils, nutrient absorption by plants,

chemical equilibria involving nutrient ions in soils, nutrient use efficiency and nutrient

budgeting, fertilizer application; soil fertility evaluation techniques, long-term fertilizer

experiments, soil and plant analysis etc.

Syllabus:

Modern concepts of nutrient availability; soil solution and plant growth; nutrient

response functions and availability indices. Nutrient movement in soils; nutrient

absorption by plants; mechanistic approach to nutrient supply and uptake by plants;

models for transformation and movement of major micronutrients in soils. Chemical

equilibria (including solid-solution equilbria) involving nutrient ions in soils,

particularly in submerged soils. Modern concepts of fertilizer evaluation, nutrient use

efficiency and nutrient budgeting. Modern concepts in fertilizer application; soil fertility

evaluation techniques; role of soil tests in fertilizer use recommendations; site-specific

nutrient management for precision agriculture. Monitoring physical, chemical and

biological changes in soils; permanent manurial trials and long-term fertilizer

experiments; soil productivity under long-term intensive cropping; direct, residual and

cumulative effect of fertilizer use. Extraction and determination of available plant

nutrients in soil. Soil fertility evaluation by chemical and biological methods. Analysis

of plants for essential elements.

Learning Outcome:

Students will acquire detailed and advanced knowledge on modern concepts of soil

fertility.

SSC 603 Advances in soil chemistry 4+0

Objective:

The students are expected to gain in-depth and advanced knowledge on different

aspects of soil chemistry like colloidal chemistry, clay organic interaction, clay minerals,

cation exchange equilibria - thermodynamics, diffuse double layer theory (DDL),

thermodynamics of nutrient transformations in soils, cationic and anionic exchange and

their models, adsorption/desorption isotherms, solubility equilibria, chemistry of acid

soils and salt affected soils etc.

Syllabus:

Colloidal chemistry of inorganic and organic components of soils – their formation, clay

organic interaction. Classification, structure, chemical composition and properties of

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clay minerals; genesis and transformation of crystalline and non-crystalline clay

minerals; identification techniques; amorphous soil constituents and other non-

crystalline silicate minerals and their identification; clay minerals in Indian soils.

Predictive approaches for cation exchange equilibria - thermodynamics, empirical and

diffuse double layer theory (DDL) - relationships among different selectivity

coefficients; structure and properties of diffuse double layer. Thermodynamics of

nutrient transformations in soils; cationic and anionic exchange and their models,

molecular interaction. Adsorption/desorption isotherms - Langmuir adsorption

isotherm, Freundlich adsorption isotherm, normalized exchange isotherm, BET

equation; selective and non-selective adsorption of ions on inorganic surfaces and

organic surfaces of soil materials (citation of utility in agricultural system). Common

solubility equilibria - carbonates, iron oxide and hydroxides, aluminum silicate,

aluminum phosphate; electrochemical properties of clays (citation of examples from

agricultural use). Chemistry of acid soils; active and potential acidity; lime potential,

chemistry of acid soils; sub-soil acidity. Chemistry of salt-affected soils and

amendments; soil pH, ECe, ESP, SAR and important relations; soil management and

amendments. Determination of CEC and AEC of soils. Analysis of equilibrium soil

solution for pH, EC, Eh by the use of Eh-Ph meter and conductivity meter.

Determination of point of zero-charge and associated surface charge characteristics by

the serial potentiometric titration method. Potentiometric and conductometric titration

of soil humic and fulvic acids. (E4/E6) ratio of soil humic and fulvic acids by visible

spectrophotometric studies and the Ä (E4/E6) values at two pH values. Adsorption-

desorption of phosphate/sulphate by soil using simple adsorption isotherm.

Construction of adsorption envelope of soils by using phosphate/fluoride/sulphate

and ascertaining the mechanism of the ligand exchange process involved.

Determination of titratable acidity of an acid soil by BaCl2-TEA method. Determination

of lime requirement of an acid soil by buffer method. Determination of gypsum

requirement of an alkali soil

Learning Outcome:

Students will acquire detailed and advanced knowledge on different modern concepts

of soil chemistry.

SSC 604 Advances in soil biology and biochemistry 4+0

Objective:

The students are expected to gain in-depth and advanced knowledge on different

aspects of soil biology and biochemistry like soil microbial ecology, soil microbial

biomass, microbial interactions, phyllosphere, soil enzymes, microbial transformations

of soil nutrients, soil organic matter, biodegradation of pesticides, manures,

biofertilizers, soil microbial processes etc.

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Syllabus:

Soil biota, soil microbial ecology, types of organisms in different soils; soil microbial

biomass; microbial interactions; un-culturable soil biota. Microbiology and biochemistry

of root-soil interface; phyllosphere; soil enzymes, origin, activities and importance; soil

characteristics influencing growth and activity of microflora. Microbial transformations

of nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, iron and manganese in soil; biochemical composition

and biodegradation of soil organic matter and crop residues, humus formation; cycles

of important organic nutrients. Biodegradation of pesticides, organic wastes and their

use for production of biogas and manures; biotic factors in soil development; microbial

toxins in the soil. Preparation and preservation of farmyard manure, animal manures,

rural and urban composts and vermicompost. Biofertilizers – definition, classification,

specifications, method of production and role in crop production. Determination of soil

microbial population. Soil microbial biomass. Elemental composition, fractionation of

organic matter and functional groups. Decomposition of organic matter in soil. Soil

enzymes. Measurement of important soil microbial processes such as ammonification,

nitrification, N2 fixation, S oxidation, P solubilization and mineralization of other micro

nutrients. Study of rhizosphere effect.

Learning Outcome:

Students will acquire detailed and advanced knowledge on different modern concept

of soil biology and biochemistry.

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Ph. D. Syllabus in the Department of Agricultural Entomology

Sl. No. Course code Name of the course Credits

1 ENT 601

Advanced Economic Entomology and Integrated Pest Management

4+0

2 PPT 601

Research Methodology and Techniques in Plant Protection

4+0

3 PPT 602 Research Prelims 4+0

ENT 601 Advanced Economic Entomology and Integrated Pest Management 4+0

Objective:

To enable the students to get acquainted with the advanced parts of applied entomology

related to commercial entomology, Integrated Pest Management modules for various

agriculturally important crops, their assessment through statistical analysis etc. they

will also learn about the various management strategy especially eco-friendly means of

control.

Syllabus:

General account (importance, seasonal history, biology, nature of damage and

symptoms) of the pests of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fibre and stored grain pests. General

account (importance, seasonal history, biology, nature of damage and symptoms) of the

pests of vegetables, fruits and plantation crops. A brief account of Industrial

Entomology (Sericulture, Apiculture and Lac culture). Principles of sampling and

surveillance; database management and computer programming, simulation

techniques and system analysis and modelling. Studies on parasites, predators,

parasitoids and entomopathogens. Colonization, conservation and augmentation of

natural enemies. Genetic engineering and new technologies – their progress and

limitations. Scope and limitations of bio-intensive and ecological based IPM

programmes. Application of IPM to farmer’s real time situations. Penetration and

distribution of insecticides in insect systems; insecticide selectivity; factors affecting

toxicity of insecticides. Bio-chemical and physiological target sites of insecticides in

insects. Developments in bio-rational, bio-pesticides and newer molecules; their modes

of action and structure – activity relationships; activation, synergism and potentiation.

Joint action of insecticides; activation, synergism and potentiation. Problems associated

with pesticide use in agriculture; pesticide resistance mechanisms and resistant

management strategies (IRM); Pest resurgence and outbreaks; persistence and

pollution; health hazards and other side effects. Identification of different insect-pests,

natural enemies. Isolation and mass multiplication of natural enemies and

entomopathogens. Bioassays of recent insecticidal molecules and botanicals. Rearing of

mulberry silkworm. Growth and development study.

Learning Outcome:

32

After the successful completion of the course the students will be able to get acquainted

with the different techniques of management of crop pest in an integrated way. They

will also learn about the ecofriendly means of insect pest control and commercial

entomology.

PPT 602 Research Prelims 4+0

Objective:

Collection of literature and preparation of two review articles. Preparation of synopsis

of research topic. Final registration seminar (including methodology of trial and

experiments). Data analysis and preparation of MS for thesis

Syllabus:

Collection of literature and preparation of two review articles. Preparation of synopsis

of research topic. Final registration seminar (including methodology of trial and

experiments). Data analysis and preparation of MS for thesis

Learning Outcome:

The students will get an idea about writing an abstract and synopsis which will further

help them in writing their thesis and perform data analysis.

PPT 601 Research Methodology and Techniques in Plant Protection 4+0

Objective:

To enable the students to solve a research problem systematically

and acquainting them how to prepare a holistic plan of work for research. Also to

provide training in choosing methods materials, scientific tools and techniques relevant

to the solution of the problem including application of suitable statistical analysis

Syllabus:

*Module A is compulsory and any one of Module B or C depending on problem to be

allocated in the specialized area.

Module A: 1+0

Research – Concept and classification; Categories of research and societal needs;

Agricultural Research Systems in India as well as other developing countries; Plant

Protection Societies and International Plant Protection. Methodologies for recording and

collection of data, data analysis and interpretation of data; graphical representation of

data. Use of mathematical and statistical tools for analysis of data. Maintenance of

pathogen cultures and pests, vectors etc. Statistical methods relevant to plant protection

experiments

33

Module C: Agricultural Entomology 3+0

Study of different abiotic and biotic factors influencing the pest’s population. By

establishing different co-efficient of correlations (r) for different combinations of

parameters, analysis of multiple co-relation among the significant parameters,

determination of Adjusted ‘R2’. Formulation of mathematical simulated models and

regression models for predicting the peak period based on weather parameters and

ultimately to develop forewarning or forecasting models with regard to key pests on

different crops. Survey and Surveillance. How to conduct roving survey, fixed plot

survey and retrospective survey. Qualitative and quantitative survey. Sampling:

Unrestricted random sampling, stratified random sampling, Sequential sampling and

sampling procedure. Measurement of pest population. Absolute estimate and relative

estimates, population indices; different dispersion parameters and their significance, the

nature of simple, size of sample and number of samples. Release and capture methods

(Linchon Index). Determination of different biodiversity indices with relation to insect-

pest management. Richness indices, diversity indices and evenness indices. Calculation

of Gain threshold, EIL, ETL, Life tables (age specific and stage specific) and

determination of key mortality factors and manoeuvring them in the recent pest

management technology. Behavioural study of different insect-pests like, fruit flies,

pulse beetle, tetranychid mites etc.

Learning Outcome:

After the completion of the course the students will be able draw the objectives of the

research work, their plan of work, proper training methods and tools which are

adequate for reaching out the objectives.

34

Ph. D. Syllabus in the Department of Agricultural Statistics

Course No.

Title Credit

AST 601 Research methodology and techniques 4+0

AST 602 Advanced courses on statistical inference 4+0

AST 604 Reviewing of published research work and presentation of

synopsis

4+0

AST 601 Research methodology and techniques 4+0

Objective:

The course has been designed to give ideas about research and its various steps and

designs. Data being the core of any research, this course will also give ideas on data

classification and their collection, sampling techniques and concepts of parametric and

nonparametric test procedures.

Syllabus:

Unit I

Concept and meaning of research-Purpose of research in social science-characteristics

of research in behavioural science

Theories of research- Construction of theories –Steps in research-Selection of problems-

Formulation and testing of hypotheses- generalization.

Research Design- types of research designs-Recent trends of behavioural research and

its research designs.

Details of sampling procedures-Probability sampling-simple random sampling

techniques-multistage sampling-pps sampling- stratified sampling- cluster sampling-

systematic sampling—Non probability sampling-quota sampling-spatial sampling-

representative sampling-Survey procedures, Sampling errors.

Sources and types of data- Different formal and informal methods of data collection-

Construction of structured schedule and questionnaire-pilot study and pretesting-

logistic arrangements of data collection.

Variables –classification and oprationalization of different types of variables relevant to

behavioural science.

Unit II

Introduction to testing of hypotheses, Simple and composite hypotheses-Parametric and

Nonparametric approaches- Concepts of errors-levels of significance

Standard parametric (univariate and bivariate Populations) test related to dependent

populations. Some standard nonparametric test procedures and their applications.

Learning Outcome:

Skills of doing research will be increased and the power of drawing valid conclusions from the analysis of research data will be enhanced.

35

AST 602 Advanced courses on statistical inference 4+0

Objectives:

Idea on different procedures of statistical inferences will be given. Different estimation procedures to estimate the population parameters of interest and different procedures of testing of hypothesis will be covered.

Syllabus:

Unit I

Estimation: point and interval estimations, properties of estimators, Mean square error

(MSE), and minimum mean square error estimator, unbiasedness and minimum

variance unbiased estimator, Rao-Cramer lower bound variance

Unit II

Methods of estimation: method of moments, method of maximum likelihood

Unit III

Introduction to testing of hypotheses, Parametric and Nonparametric Approaches,

Simple and Composite hypotheses, concept of errors, level of significance of a test,

standard parametric (univariate and bivariate populations) tests related to two

independent populations, tests related to correlation coefficient. Some standard

nonparametric test procedures.

Learning Outcome:

Expected to learn different techniques of statistical inferences, so that valid conclusion

can be drawn having analysis of data.

AST 604 Reviewing of published research work and presentation of synopsis 4+0

Objectives:

The course will basically training on how to write a thesis and how to present the

research findings in seminar.

Syllabus:

Unit I Meaning of Thesis –Some basic dimensions and formality of submission-

Components of thesis and their importance

Unit II Presentation and writing of synopsis

Unit III Developing Seminar presentation

Unit IV Writing the introduction-Conducting review of literature - Developing

theoretical orientation and framing conceptual model-Organizing research

methodology chapter-writing the findings and discussion chapter- drawing the

summary and conclusion – writing implications and framing empirical model-citing

the references and appendices

Learning Outcome:

Expected that student will learn different aspect of writing a Ph. D. thesis. Enough skills will be developed in writing different components of a thesis like introduction, review of literature, research methods, bibliography etc.

36

Ph. D. Syllabus in the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding

Course No.

Title Credit

GPB 1 Research methodology and techniques 4+0

GPB 2 Advances in plant breeding and genetics 4+0

GPB 3 Review collection and presentation of synopsis 4+0

GPB 1: Research methodology and techniques 4+0

Objectives:

This course is aimed at understanding the concepts of research, helping students to develop their analytical skills for data processing and analysis.

Syllabus: Concepts of research, Research ethics: research integrity, research safety in laboratory,

standards and problems in research ethics. Defining research problems and

technologies involved; research designing. Basic principles of experimental designing,

field plot techniques and biometric observations. Handling of data, Logistic

arrangement of data, Data processing and analysis, Interpretation and presentation of

results; Testing of hypothesis, Test of significance etc. Data management: Data

organization, tabulation, spreadsheet operation, tables and graphs; MS Word, MS

Power Point, MS Access and Excels. Statistical and biometrical analysis using different

software and interpretation of results. Internet: Internet protocol, online

communication. Web page designing, internet security etc.Safety measures while in

Lab; Handling of chemical substances; use of separatory funnel; condensers and

micropipettes, washing, drying and sterilization of glassware. Weighing and

preparation of solutions of different strengths and their dilution; Handling techniques

of solutions; preparation of different agro-chemical doses in field and pot applications.

Use and handling of microscope, laminar air flow, vacuum pumps, viscometers,

thermometer, magnetic stirrer, micro-ovens, incubators, sand-bath, water-bath, oil-bath.

Preparation of media and methods of sterilization; tissue culture of crop plants.Growing

of plant for hybridization purpose, staggered planting/sowing, techniques of

hybridization and precautions. Different field plot techniques for germplasm

evaluation, assessment of variability, estimates of heterosis and inbreeding depression,

generation mean analysis, line X tester analysis, diallel analysis, divergence analysis,

stability analysis, inheritance studies.

Learning Outcome:

i.understand the concepts of research, research designing. ii. Data processing and analysis iii. Use and handling of microscope, laminar air flow, vacuum pumps, viscometers, thermometer, magnetic stirrer, micro-ovens, incubators, sand-bath, water-bath, oil-bath. iv. Different field plot techniques for germplasm evaluation.

37

GPB 2: Advances in plant breeding and genetics 4+0

Objectives: This lesson deals with heredity and the reasons behind the variation among individuals of the same species. To impart knowledge to the students on the principles and procedures of plant breeding in self and cross pollinated crops to develop the high yielding varieties / hybrids. It also includes the concept of molecular genetics.

Facts about plant breeding before the discovery of Mendelism. Evolutionary concepts

of genetics and plant breeding. Recent advances in a) self-incompatibility and sterility

b) heterosis breeding.Population formation by hybridization – Types of populations –

Mendelian population, gene pool, composites, synthetic etc.; principles and procedures

in the formation of complex population. Genetic basis of population

improvement.Selection in a self-fertilizing crops; creation of genetic variability selection

methods – selection methods: mass selection, pure line selection, pedigree method

(selection in early generation vs advanced generations), backcross, poly-cross and test

cross.Selection in cross fertilizing crops – Polycross and top-cross selections, Mass and

recurrent selection methods and their modifications – Mass selection: Grided mass

selection, ear to row selection, modified ear to row selection; Convergent selection,

divergent selection; recurrent selection and its modifications (restricted phenotypic

selection, selfed progeny selection and full sib recurrent selection) – Recurrent selection

for general combining ability (GCA) – Concepts and utilization – Recurrent selection for

specific combining ability (SCA) – usefulness in hybrid breeding programmes –

Reciprocal recurrent selection (Half sib reciprocal recurrent selection, Half sib reciprocal

recurrent selection with inbred tester and Full sib reciprocal recurrent selection);

selection in clonally propagated crops – assumptions and realities.Gene regulation:

process and mechanisms in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; transcriptional, translational

and post-translational gene regulation; signal transduction; stress-induced gene

expression; Recombinant DNA technology, transgenes, method of transformation,

selectable markers and clean transformation techniques, vector-mediated, gene transfer,

physical methods of gene transfer. Production of transgenic plants in various field

crops.Biochemical and molecular markers: morphological, biochemical and DNA-based

markers (RFLP, RAPD, AFLP, SSR, SNPs, ESTs etc.) Marker assisted section and

molecular breeding; genomics for crop improvement.

Learning outcomes :

ii. apply the principles of inheritance to plant breeding iii. acquaint with the fundamentals of selection procedures iv. learn breeding procedures in self and cross pollinated crops v. understand exploitation of heterosis utilizing male sterility and other methods vi. know about the various population improvement programmes vii. study about the fundamentals of molecular markers and their role in crop improvement

38

GPB 3: Review collection and presentation of synopsis 4+0

Objectives: This lesson deals with review collection and presentation of synopsis.

Syllabus:

Identification of research problem. Searching of literature for the past research works

pertinent to research problem from different sources through various techniques /

methods. Defining the scope of research work to be carried out in the light of past

research work. Preparation and presentation of synopsis on the proposed area/title of

research.

Learning Outcome:

ii. learn about research problem iii. acquaint with the scope of research. v. understand synopsis presentation of proposed area.

39

Ph. D. Syllabus in the Department of Horticulture

Course code

Name of the course Credits

HOR 600 Research methodology for horticultural science 4+0

HOR 602 Advances in production of fruit crops 4+0

HOR 603 Advances in vegetable production 4+0

HOR 661 Course on thesis writing etc. 4+0

HOR 600 Research methodology for horticultural science 4+0

Objective:

Students are expected to know the detail about ethics of research, aspects of data and

statistical approaches, experimental design, laboratory techniques, scientific writing

methods, research project formulation etc.

Syllabus:

UNIT I

Concept of research, values and ethics in research, copy right, plagiarism etc; research

methodology.

UNIT II

Nature and scope of horticultural research; defining research problems and technologies

involved; research designing.

UNIT III

Sources and types of data, methods of data collection, logistic arrangement of data, data

processing and analysis, Testing of hypothesis, parametric and non-parametric

approaches, concept of error, test of significance. Data interpretation and presentation

of result.

UNIT IV

Basic principles of experimental designing, field plot techniques and biometric

observations.

UNIT V

Basic principles of laboratory techniques commonly used in horticulture research.

Laboratory safety.

UNIT VI

Technique of scientific writing; abstract on a research article, review of literature,

citation technique; literature search in library and internet.

UNIT VII

National and international agricultural research and development system, concept of

patent, intellectual property and its management etc.

UNIT VIII

Formulation of research project.

UNIT IX

40

Lay out of field plot experimental design; biometric observation recording, data

analysis, interpretation, graphical and tabular presentation of data; statistical analysis

of data using software; collection of soil and plant samples and processing for

laboratory analysis; Common lab techniques used in horticultural research; literature

search in library and internet; development of concept note on research problem;

handling of presentation media (camera, OHP, LCD etc.); seminar preparation and

presentation.

Learning Outcome:

Students will gather the knowledge of ethics of research, aspects of data and statistical

approaches, principles of experimental design, laboratory techniques used in

horticultural research, scientific writing methods (vig. abstracts, reviews, research

papers), research project formulation etc.

HOR 602 Advances in production of fruit crops 4+0

Objective:

Students are expected to gain the knowledge on recent advances in propagation and

rootstock management, high density planting, precision farming, crop regulation,

modern approaches of water and nutrient management with special reference to

different major tropical, subtropical and temperate fruits.

Syllabus:

National and International scenario in fruit production, Recent advances in propagation

- root stock influence, planting systems, High density planting, crop modeling ,

Precision farming, decision support systems - aspects of crop regulation- physical and

chemical regulation effects on physiology and development, influence of stress factors,

strategies to overcome stress effects, integrated and modern approaches in water and

nutrient management, , Total quality management(TQM) - Current topics.

Crops

UNIT I: Mango and banana

UNIT II: Papaya, grapes and citrus

UNIT III: Guava, sapota and aonla

UNIT IV: Pineapple, avocado and jack

UNIT V: Apple, pear, plums, strawberry, peach, apricot, cherries and nut crops

UNIT VI:

Survey of existing fruit cropping systems and development of a model cropping system,

Estimating nutrient deficiency- estimation of water use efficiency, soil test-crop

response correlations, practices in plant growth regulation, studying physiological and

biochemical responses, quality analysis.

Learning Outcome:

Students will gather the advanced knowledge on different types of propagation and

management of rootstock, high density planting, precision farming, crop regulation,

41

modern approaches of water and nutrient management with special reference to

different major tropical, subtropical and temperate fruits.

HOR 603 Advances in vegetable production 4+0

Objective:

Students are expected to gather details on advances in nutritional and economical value,

edaphic factors of production, choice of variety, nursery management, water, nutrient

and weed management, protected and year round cultivation, export oriented

production etc.

Syllabus:

Present status and prospects of vegetable cultivation; nutritional and medicinal values;

climate and soil as critical factors in vegetable production; choice of varieties; nursery

management; modern concepts in water and weed management; physiological basis of

growth, yield and quality as influenced by chemicals and growth regulators; role of

organic manures, inorganic fertilizers, micronutrients and biofertilizers; response of

genotypes to low and high nutrient management, nutritional deficiencies, disorders and

correction methods; different cropping systems; mulching; containerized culture for

year round vegetable production; low cost polyhouse; net house production; crop

modeling, organic gardening; vegetable production for pigments, export and processing

of:

UNIT I

Tomato, brinjal, chilli, sweet pepper and potato

UNIT II

Cucurbits, cabbage, cauliflower and knol-khol

UNIT III

Bhendi, onion, peas and beans, amaranthus and drumstick

UNIT IV

Carrot, beet root and radish

UNIT V

Sweet potato, tapioca, elephant foot yam and taro

UNIT VI

Seed hardening treatments; practices in vegetable growing and organic gardening;

portrays and ball culture; diagnosis of nutritional and physiological disorders; analysis

of physiological factors like anatomy; photosynthesis; light intensity in different

cropping situation; assessing nutrient status, use of plant growth regulators; practices

in herbicide application; estimating water requirements in relation to crop growth

stages, maturity indices; dryland techniques for rainfed vegetable production;

production constraints; analysis of different cropping system in various situation like

cold and hot set; vegetable waste recycling management; quality analysis ;marketing

survey of the above crops; visit to vegetable and fruit mals, farm and packing houses.

Learning Outcome:

42

Students will acquire advanced knowledge in nutritional and economical value,

edaphic factors of production, choice of variety, nursery management, water, nutrient

and weed management, protected and year round cultivation, export oriented

production etc.

HOR 661 Thesis writing 4+0

Objective:

Students are expected to know the basics of research designing and synopsis writing,

methods of collection of review of literature, identification of research problem, framing

research methodology as well as acquire the concepts of thesis and its preparation

techniques including seminar preparation.

Syllabus:

UNIT 1

Components of thesis and their importance.

UNIT II

Defining research problems, research designing and synopsis writing.

UNIT III

Origin of research problem and writing introduction; developing theoretical orientation

and conducting review of literature; framing research methodology; writing result and

discussion chapter; drawing summary and conclusion; future scope of work related to

the research problem.

UNIT IV

Citing the references and appendices.

UNIT V

Seminar preparation.

UNIT VI

Copy right, plagiarism etc.

Practical

Practice in writing the Introduction, Review of literature, Methodology, Result and

Discussion, Summary and Conclusion, References and Appendices. Seminar

presentation.

Learning Outcome:

Students will gather the basic knowledge of designing and writing synopsis, methods

of collection of review of literature, identification of research problem, framing research

methodology as well as they will acquire the concepts of thesis and its preparation

techniques including seminar preparation.

43

Ph. D. Syllabus in the Department of Plant Pathology

Course code

Name of the course Credits

PPT 601 Research Methodology and Techniques in Plant Protection 4+0

PPC 601 Fungal Plant Pathology 4+0

PPC 604 Mushroom and Commercial Mushroom Production Technology

4+0

PPC 606 Advanced Virology 4+0

PPT 601 : Research Methodology and Techniques in Plant Protection 4+0 *Module A: Compulsory and any one of Module B or Module C depending on problem to be allocated in the specialized area

Objective: To provide fundamental knowledge about the dimension of agricultural research, methodology, data analysis and interpretations, pathometry, maintenance of plants pathogens and their management.

Syllabus:

Module A Research Concept and Classification; Categories of research and Societal needs; t', Agricultural Research systems in India as well as other developing countries; Plant Protection Societies and International Plant Protection, Methodologies for recording and collection of data, data sis and interpretation of data; graphical representation of data; Use of mathematical and statistical tools for analysis of data; .Maintenance of pathogen cultures and pests, vectors etc. ;Statistical methods relevant to plant protection experiments Module B Study of plant growth and crop growth parameters and modelling; Loss assessment in crops and cropping system; Pathometry; Study of growth of plant pathogens and some basic techniques essential for Plant Pathology; Basic knowledge on different groups of plant pathogens; Management of Plant Pathogens for sustainable production of crops; Practicals relevant to collection of data, data analysis and interpretation of data; Use of mathematical tools and statistical package; Pathometry and loss assessment by different techniques; Selected exercise on plant pathogens; Basic laboratory techniques Learning Outcome: Help the researcher to understand the basic techniques required for plant pathological research, help them to identify the niche areas of research and make them competent enough for individual research.

44

PPC 601: Fungal Plant Pathology 4+0 Objective:

To provide detail knowledge about the fungal pathogens their ecology and host pathogen interactions, development of diseases and their epidemics and management through various approaches.

Syllabus: Advanced taxonomic principles and modern system of classification of fungi; Host — pathogen recognition and specificity including nature; Study of offence systems among fungal plant pathogens (details of each type ); Defense systems known in plants against obligate, and facultative plant pathogens and parasites; Induction of defense systems in plants — biological and chemical pathway and methods; Changes in host physiology during and after infection; Ecology of fungal plant pathogens; Epidemiology — Pathosystems and advanced methodologies; Plant Pathology and WTO , Risk assessment; Integrated disease management against fungal plant pathogens and their associations with other agents ( General and specific case study).Fungal diseases of the concerned crop or cropping systems. Study of the characteristics of important genera with taxonomic details for identification; Morphogenesis. Sporulation and spore germination of concerned fungus/fungi; Selected exercise on assay on toxin, characterization of toxin, Effect of growth regulators on healthy and diseased plants; Study of WTO rules and implementation of SPS; Analysis of epidemics- selected experiments as required for the thesis work; In vitro ecological experiments and analysis of an ecosystem; Identification of fungal diseases of concerned crops. Learning Outcome: Developed tangible idea about the fungi and their different dimensions in relation to ecology, disease and management among the researchers which help to initiate research in fungal plant pathology. PPC 604: Mushroom and Commercial Mushroom Production Technology 4+0 Objective: To provide detail knowledge about the macro-fungi (mushrooms), edible fungi and important cultivated mushrooms, their cultivation technology ,and small and large scale production. Syllabus: Mushroom — History, Development of commercial cultivation , present status; Economic importance and medicinal value; Taxonomy and classification of mushroom fungi ; edible and poisonous mushrooms; Reproduction and Life cycle of cultivated mushrooms; Maintenance of pure culture and strain improvement; Spawn production and establishment of commercial spawn production laboratory; Preparation of substrate for mushroom cultivation; Composting of substrate — long, short and indoor methods, formulae of different composts and computation thereof; qualities and testing of compost; uses of spent mushroom compost and substrate; Mushroom Farm — Establishment; seasonal and environmental control for commercial cultivation;

45

Ventilation and C02 Maintenance of Temperature and RH. Commercial cultivation technology of Agaricus bisporus , Pleurotus spp., Volvariella spp. Calocybe indica, Lentinus edodes, Auricularia sp. and Ganodermalucidum; Insect pests , diseases and abnormalities of cultivated mushroom and their management; Economics and Extension in mushroom cultivation; Postharvest processing and value addition in mushrooms; Biotechnology and mushroom cultivation; Preparation of spawn and compost; Spawning, casing harvesting; Postharvest handling of edible mushrooms; Identification of various pathogens; Competitors of various mushrooms. Learning Outcome: Generate knowledge about the mushrooms, their biology and cultivation techniques among the researchers for conducting individual research on mushroom and entrepreneur development.

PPC 606: Advanced Virology 4+0 Objective: To provide detail knowledge about the plant viruses their ecology, host-vector-environmental interactions, assay techniques, viral diseases and their epidemics and management through various approaches. Syllabus: Virus architecture and genome organization among different groups of plant viruses Detail study of concerned family, group or species; Virus replication and assembly of plant viruses; Host virus interaction. ultrastructural changes due to Virus infection, molecular mechanism of host virus interactions; Variation, mutation and virus strains; Use of monoclonal antibodies in identification of viruses and their strains; Polymerase Chain Reaction.Immunology - Immunoglobulin structure and functions of various domains, methods of immunodiagnosis; hybridoma technology and monoclonal antibodies production. Gene expression and regulation, viral promoters, virus induced gene; Important insect vectors and their characteristics; mouth parts and feeding processes of important insect vectors. Relation between viruses and their vectors; Efficiency of transmission; molecular mechanism of vector transmission, symptom expression. Transmission of plant viruses by plant pathogenic fungi, nematode and mites; Transmission ofmycoplasma by different vectors; Subviral particles - viroids, virusoids, satellite viruses and RNA,s and prions l l . Biotechnology of plant viruses - Genetic engineering, potential and exploitation as of viruses as vectors, genetically engineered host resistance. transgenic plants. ; Techniques and application of tissue culture; Epidemiology and management of virus diseases; Identification of common vectors of plant pathogens- aphids, leafhoppers, whiteflies, thrips, beetles. nematodes; demonstration of virus transmission through vectors- aphids, leafhoppers; Detection of plant viruses; Selected exercise on management of plant virus diseases. Learning Outcome: To develop overall idea about the plant viruses and different techniques associated with plant virus research among the students.

46

PPT 602 : Research Prelims 4+0

Objective: To provide fundamental knowledge about the collection of literature and reviews, arrangements of data, analysis and their interpretation, preparation of dissertation and research articles.

Syllabus: Collection of literature and preparation of two review articles: Collection of thesis related review articles (2 objectives ) from various sources, system of collection, processing of reviews, compilation, arrangement of reviews arrangement of references in bibliography. Preparation of synopsis of research topic: Collection of background history, selection of methodology, setting and arrangement of experiments. Making of timing frame of research, probable outcome of research and compilation of whole experiments with proper objectives. Final Registration Seminar (including methodology of trial and experiments): Preparation of ppt slides, content compilation, methods of presentation, question answering etc. Data analysis and preparation of MS for Thesis: Analysis of data, tabulation, preparation of manuscript by experimental findings and discussions. Preparation of short abstract. Learning Outcome: Help the researcher to understand the basic principles for writing experimental findings, dissertation, research articles etc.

47

Ph. D. Syllabus in the Department of Agricultural Engineering

Course Code Course Title Credits

AEG 600 (course-I)

Research Methodology and Techniques 4

AEG 601 Course-III

Review of Research Work and Written Presentation of Synopsis

4

AEG 602 (course - II)

Advances in Food and Agricultural Process Engineering 4

AEG 603 (course-II)

Advances in Farm Machinery and Power 4

AEG 604 (course-II)

Advances in Soil and Water Conservation Engineering 4

AEG 605 (course-II)

Advances in Bio-Energy Recourses 4

Students can choose any Course-II depending on their M.E/M.Tech (Ag. Engg) specialization

AEG 600 Research methodology and techniques 4+0

Objective: To acquaint and equip the students with various research methodologies and statistical techniques for their future research work.

Syllabus:

UNIT-1

Research-definition, objectives, research problems, research process, literature review,

Characteristics and classification, research methods and techniques; Experimental &

quasi-experimental research; sampling techniques.

UNIT-II

Formulation of research problem and hypothesis; Research design; Principles of

experimental design; Analysis and statistical techniques; Correlation and regression

analysis; Analysis of variance and covariance; Test of significance.

UNIT-III

Optimization software-GAMES applications, image analysis software-applications;

general computational software for research-MATLAB-applications; Report writing-

interpretation of data style, scientific writing techniques, format of report writing and

presentation techniques.

48

UNIT-IV

Research ethics-scientific temper, research integrity, research safety in laboratories,

basic knowledge of working in laboratory, recent experimental techniques, computer

ethics, standards and problems in research ethics.

Learning Outcome:

This course enables the students to make their experimental designs, statistical analysis,

and error estimation etc. for their research work. The students will also able to work

with the standard statistical software such as SPSS, R and MATLAB etc.

AEG 602 Advances in food and agricultural process engineering 4+0

Objective: To acquaint and equip the students with various engineering principles and technologies in food and agricultural processing and application of mathematical modeling techniques in food processing operations.

Syllabus:

UNIT-I

Heat preservation of foods-thermo bacteriology, process calculation and selection, low

temperature preservation, microbiological aspects; Application of heat and ultrasound-

electrical resistance heating, ohmic heating, heating models; High voltage pulse

technique-influence on microorganisms, food ingredients; Surface heat treatment-

decontamination of microorganisms.

UNIT-II

Principles of transport processes-mass, energy and momentum transfer, differential

equations of continuity, dimensional analysis in momentum transfer. Heat transfer in

non-Newtonian fluids and its coefficients; Unsteady state heat conduction, thermal

processing and sterilization; Mass transfer and diffusion-molecular diffusion in gases,

liquids, biological solution, gels and solids.

UNIT-III

Low temperature food preservation-cold storage, freeze concentration and membrane

process, methods of preservation; Aseptic processing and packaging, Hurdle

technology and applications; Food irradiation and its applications; Hydrostatic pressure

treatment of food processing and effect on microorganisms; Extrusion cooking-

methods, equipment, design of extruders.

49

UNIT-IV

Food texture-classification, measurements; Sensory methods of texture; Sensory

evaluation and correlation between subjective and objective measurements of foods;

Rheological and viscoelastic properties of foods and their associated mathematical

models; Mathematical models and their application along with pipeline design and

pump selection for non-Newtonian fluids.

UNIT-V

Mathematical modelling-correlative and explanatory models, probability models, linear

and series mathematical approximation; Stochastic finite element analysis of thermal

food processes; Application of mathematical modelling techniques in food processing

operations like parboiling, convective drying, pasteurization, dehydration, shelf-life

prediction, fermentation, moisture diffusion, infrared heating.

Learning Outcome:

This course enables the students to develop research skill in advanced technology in

food and agricultural processing viz. thermal and non-thermal processing, extrusion,

ultrasound, infrared, low temperature, aseptic processing, hurdle technology,

irradiation, hydrostatic pressure, food texture, etc.

AEG 603. Advances in farm machinery and power 4 +0

Objectives:

To familiarize students with new and advance machinery for farm operations and

emphasis on reducing the use of traditional energy sources in farm activities.

Syllabus:

UNIT-I

Farm machinery system and its characteristics evaluation - dynamic characteristics of

related components of engine and agricultural machines; Mechanism of dynamic

elements and analysis of forces in tractor implement combinations under two and three

dimensional conditions. Vibrations, transmissibility and effect of damping on various

agricultural machine systems.

UNIT-II

Farm machinery scheduling - selection of size and power level of machinery, economy

decisions on equipment; Systems approach - operational constraints, power constraints,

weather constraints; Engineering economics - Incremental, differential costs, economic

efficiency, time value, operation costs, production costs, uncertainty probability

concepts and functions.

50

UNIT-III

Soil-Machine-Plant relationship - tillage effects on soil physical properties, soil-water

retention characteristics, hydraulic conductivity; Changes in soil physical properties by

traction devices. Mechanical confinement - application of classical and critical state soil

mechanics, modeling tillage effects; Draft force requirement – modeling soil structure

after soil machine interaction; Interaction of soil tilth, seed and roots.

UNIT-IV

Ergonomics in farm machinery - human limits and differences, sensing, the body and

performance; Cognitive processing and performance - perception, decision making,

memory, motivation, problem solving; Basic design and human factors - interface

design, human/machine interface, human/computer interface, supporting human

performance, selection criteria.

UNIT-V

Simulation modeling in farm machinery – simulation for system modeling, system

performance and modeling methodologies; Formulations of simulation model -

validation and testing of the simulation model; Sensitivity of models, scale factors;

Similitude in tillage tool studies - prediction models for traction devices; Mathematical

modeling and programming through ordinary differential equation of first and second

order and partial differential equation.

Learning Outcome:

This course will encourage student to use modern and efficient tools and equipments in

place of traditional equipment and practices. This will encourage the students to design

small equipments to fulfil local requirements.

AEG 604 Advances in soil and water conservation engineering 4+0

Objective: To acquaint and equip the students with various engineering principles and technologies in soil and water conservation including soil erosion, soil loss estimation, groundwater recharge, hydrology, hydrodynamics in flow, reservoir, well hydraulics, etc.

Syllabus:

UNIT-I

Mechanics of soil erosion by water and wind; Design of water and wind erosion control

measures; Computation of soil erosivity and erodibility index. Universal soil loss

equation; theory of particle movement, sediment transport and deposition process;

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Estimation of sediment suspended load using empirical formulae, sediment yield

models; Composition of reservoir sedimentation by sounding method.

UNIT-II

Systems engineering for water management; Complexity of resources management

process, system analysis; Rainfall, runoff and infiltration models, Simulation methods,

structure of a water balance model; Channel flow simulation, stream flow statistics,

surface water storage requirement. Flood control, reservoir capacity and surface water

allocations.

UNIT-III

Groundwater movement and storage-ground water models, hydrologic models,

uncertainity in hydrological event; Well hydraulics-two dimensions flow, steady and

unsteady state flow in confined, unconfined and semi-confined aquifers, steady flow in

sloping aquifers, analysis of multi-aquifers and determination of aquifer parameters.

Flow analysis in interfering wells.

UNIT-IV

Concept of different types of for simulation of hydrologic problems. Groundwater

modelling for water resources, planning and techniques for groundwater recharge,

frequency analysis. Co-relation, regression analysis and probability distribution of

hydrological variables. Formulation of various steps of statistical models and their

application in hydrology.

UNIT-V

Hydrodynamics in flow through porous media, hydrodynamic dispersion, diffusion;

Analytical and numerical models of contaminant transport in unsaturated soil profile

and ground water; water quality management in lakes, reservoirs and groundwater;

hydrologic and chemical budgets, bio-geochemical processes of pollutants; Biological

wastewater treatment; Modern stream pollution problem and environment impact

assessment.

Learning Outcome:

This course enables the students in advances in soil and water conservation engineering

such as soil loss, sedimentation, rainfall models, channel flow, groundwater modelling,

well hydraulics, hydrologic models, hydrodynamics in flow, biological wastewater

treatment, etc.

AEG 605. Advances in bio-energy resources 4 +0

Objectives:

To acquaint and equip the students with alternative energy sources for carrying out farm activities and importance

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Syllabus:

UNIT-I

Environmental waste recycling - handling, composting, biological processing, energy

recovery; Recycling of industrial/agro-industrial wastes – waste from industries like

sugar, dairy, rice milling, fruit processing; Bio-waste energy utilization - waste heat

recovery, heat generation, heat pump; Gaseous pollutants - absorption, regeneration

systems; Thermal pollution – discharge, cooling towers; Solid waste pollution;

Environment assessment at power sites.

UNIT-II

Biochemical conversion of organic wastes - high solid digestion of biomass, collection,

storage, utilization, sludge treatment, methane production, alcohol production -

cellulose degradation; Gasohol – pretreatment, kinetics of conversion; Thermo chemical

conversion of organic wastes - biomass characterization, fluidized bed gasification, fixed

bed gasification, pressurized gasification; Liquefaction - types and analysis.

UNIT-III

Biomass Pyrolysis - simplified models for pyrolysis, pyrolysis regimes, stages heating,

numerical computations, kinetic evaluation of effect of particle size, partial pressure;

Time Temperature variation of surface area, random pore model of pyrolysis zone,

moving boundary model of pyrolysis, effect of radiant heat flux, thermo gravimetric

study; Heterogeneous reactions -fluidized bed reactors, mathematical models, bubble

assemblage model.

UNIT-IV

Solar energy system analysis - solar thermal power, flat plate and parabolic collectors,

desiccant; Photovoltaics - thermodynamic limitations of photo cells, amorphous thin

film applications, Thermophoto voltaics - generator system, cogeneration, technology

assessment, commercial development; Solar Applications - multi green house, solar

irrigation system, combination grain dryer, industrial application, micro processor

based control and instrumentation.

UNIT-V Wind energy system analysis - wind speed, velocity, power, frequency curves, energy factors, estimation of annual energy, and variations of wind speed with time, reliability and economics of wind flow hills, effect of altitude, frictional drag, wind structure; Wind rotors - gust forces acting on the blade system, influence of structure on the design of wind rotors, dynamic behavior of straight blades, effect of speed, turbulence and induced loads on rotor; Power plants – electric generator for industrial applications. Learning Outcome:

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The students will able to use their skill in using alternative energy sources such as

biomass gasifier, solar panel, bio-fuel, biogas plant, wind energy for carrying out farm

activities. It also reduces the use of traditional energy sources such as petroleum

products, coal etc.

AEG 601 Review of Research Work and Written Presentation of Synopsis 4+0 Unit I Meaning of thesis –Some basic dimensions and formality of submission-Components of thesis and their importance Unit II Presentation and writing of synopsis Unit III Developing Seminar presentation Unit IV Writing the introduction-Conducting review of literature - Developing theoretical orientation and framing conceptual model-Organizing research methodology chapter-writing the findings and discussion chapter- drawing the summary and conclusion-writing implications and framing empirical model-citing the references and appendices.

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Ph. D. Syllabus in the Department of Agricultural Economics

Course code Name of the course Credits

AEC 600 Research methodology and techniques 4+0

AEC 602 Advanced economic theory 4+0

AEC 603 Advanced course on agricultural economics 4+0

AEC 604 Courses on thesis writing 4+0

AEC 601 Research methodology and techniques 4+0 Objectives To develop a way in relation to systematically solve a research problem relating to agricultural economics. It is stated that how research is done scientifically and it also aims to give the work plan of research. It provides training in choosing methods materials, scientific tools and techniques relevant to the solution of the problem of agricultural economics. Syllabus: Unit I Concept and meaning of research-Purpose of research in social science-characteristics of research in behavioural science Theories of research- Construction of theories –Steps in research-Selection of problems- Formulation and testing of hypotheses- generalization. Research Design- types of research designs-Recent trends of behavioural research and its research designs. Details of sampling procedures-Probability sampling-simple random sampling techniques-multistage sampling-pps sampling- stratified sampling- cluster sampling- systematic sampling—Non probability sampling-quota sampling-spatial sampling- representative sampling-Survey procedures, sampling errors. Sources and types of data- Different formal and informal methods of data collection- Construction of structured schedule and questionnaire-pilot study and pretesting- logistic arrangements of data collection. Variables –classification and operationalization of different types of variables relevant to behavioural science. Unit II Analysis and interpretation of data-- Basic concepts of econometrics - Regression equations and Models-programming techniques-linear and non-linear programming. Learning Outcome Students can develop a theoretical concept regarding the subject research methodology and can able to understand the possible application in the field of agricultural economics. AEC 602 Advanced economic theory 4+0 Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles and models of modern economics in depth, and be able to apply them to economic and social issues.

• Be able to use mathematical models to analyse behaviour. • Be able to apply advanced, modern econometric methods to the analysis of data.

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• Have a deep mastery of the subject area in two fields of concentration. • Be able to conduct scholarly research. • Be able to describe and critique economic research to both technical and non-

technical audiences. • Be able to explain economic principles, models and methods to others. • Be prepared for employment in academic and/or non-academic institutions.

Syllabus: UNIT I Definition, nature and scope of agricultural economics. Role of agriculture in economic development. Problems of agriculture in India. UNIT II Theory of Consumer Behaviour – Utility, Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility. Applications of Indifference curve approach - Income effect and substitution effect. Revealed Preference Hypothesis. Theory of Demand – Determinants of Demand, Elasticity of Demand and Consumer surplus. UNIT III Theory of Production - Production functions, Returns to scale and economies of scale. Theory of Costs – Cost curves. Law of Supply – Determinants of Supply, Elasticity of Supply and Producers’ surplus. UNIT IV Market- Meaning, concepts and types. Behavior of Firms – Perfect Competition and Monopoly. UNIT V National Income - Concepts and measurement. Classical theory of Employment and Say’s Law. Modern theory of Employment and Effective Demand. UNIT VI Consumption function- Investment and savings. Concept of Multiplier and Accelerator. Output and Employment - Classical theory Vs Keynesian theory. UNIT VII Money and classical theories of Money and Price. Keynesian theory of money and Friedman Restatement theory of money. Supply of Money and Demand for Money. Inflation- Nature, Effects and control. UNIT VIII Business cycles. Foreign Trade – Balance of Payment, Free trade versus Protectionism, Tariff, Producer Subsidy, Export Subsidy, Import Quota, Exchange Rate, Terms of Trade and Trade Blocks. Learning outcome Develop the ability to explain core economic terms, concepts, and theories. o Explain the function of market and prices as allocative mechanisms. o Apply the concept of equilibrium to both microeconomics and macroeconomics. o Identify key macroeconomic indicators and measures of economics change, growth,

and development. o Identify and discuss the key concepts underlying comparative advantage. o Identify and explain major types of market failures. Demonstrate the ability to employ the “economic way of thinking.” o Discuss the application of marginal analysis.

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o Explain the use of benefit/cost analysis. o Explain the contribution of economics to the analysis of non-market social issues. Demonstrate awareness of global, historical, and institutional forces. o Assess the role of domestic and international institutions and norms in shaping

economies. Apply economic theories and concepts to contemporary social issues, as well as formulation and analysis of policy. o Describe how economic trade-offs and social values impact public/private social

policy, and the success or failure of policies to achieve intended outcomes. Recognize the role of ethical values in economic decisions. o Distinguish between normative and positive economics. o Identify the limits of economic analysis. o Compare and contract efficiency and equity. Skill Areas Apply both oral and written communication skills within the discipline. o Present economic arguments in non-quantitative form. o Synthesize the arguments found in both academic and popular economic media. o Discuss economic concepts in an articulate manner in a classroom. Demonstrate quantitative reasoning skills. o Present an economic argument in quantitative terms. o Demonstrate ability to solve systems of equations. o Be able to conduct economic analysis using equations and graphs. Demonstrate the ability to collect, process, and interpret data, including statistical inference. o Recognize how to use scientific method in economics. o Formulate empirically testable hypotheses. o Construct a data set of economic variables. o Calculate, present, and discuss descriptive statistics. o Conduct a regression analysis. o Critically assess the statistical analysis of other researchers. Demonstrate computer proficiency within economics. o Access, download, and use electronic databases. o Use standard software packages. Be able to use critical thinking skills within the discipline of economics about economic matters. o Present viewpoints and alternative hypothesis on economic issues. o Recognize underlying assumptions in economic models. o Demonstrate ability to use the economic tools of analysis. AEC 603 Advanced course on agricultural economics 4+0 Objectives Various economic principles and business management concepts which are involved in the decision-making process when organizing and operating a farming/ranching operation. Includes production economics, record keeping systems, financial budgets and analysis, crop and livestock enterprise analysis, leasing arrangements, depreciation, farm business organizations, farm investment analysis, pasture/rangeland management, and production efficiency indicators.

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Syllabus UNIT I Theory of consumer behaviour –Measurement of Income Effect and Substitution Effects. Applications of consumer theory. Demand- demand functions and demand models – Linear Expenditure System, Almost Ideal Demand System. UNIT II Market- Perfect competition, Monopoly, Monopolistic competition and Oligopoly. Models- collusive and non-collusive models of oligopoly; Cournot model, Chamberlin model, Stackleberg solution. UNIT III Welfare Economics - Concepts, problems, approaches and limitations of Welfare Economics, Pareto conditions of maximum welfare and Pareto Optimality – Criteria for social welfare - Social Welfare functions, Social versus Private costs and benefits. UNIT IV Review of Macro Economics concepts. Keynesian versus Classical theory. Consumption Function and Theories of Consumption. Saving Function and Theories of Saving. UNIT V IS & LM frame work. General Equilibrium of product and money markets. Monetary policy and Fiscal policy- Effectiveness of Monetary and Fiscal policy. Central banking. UNIT VI Unemployment-Theory of Unemployment, Phillips Curve controversy. Inflation- Meaning, causes and theories. UNIT VII Social Accounting Matrix Framework. General Equilibrium Analysis. Concept of Multiplier and Acceleration. UNIT VIII Balance of Payment & Adjustment Policies. Foreign Exchange Policy. Capital and Current Account. Impact of WTO on Indian Economy. Learning outcome After completion of this course students may have the skills to succeed in a business, agency, or academic environment and use agricultural economic concepts to quantify and analyze issues as directed by their employer. AEC 604 Courses on thesis writing 4+0 Objectives 1. Learn the structure of paragraph. 2. Use various strategies to write the lead-in and introduction. 3. Write a clear thesis statement and essay map 4. Write an essay that demonstrates unity, coherence, and completeness. 5. Support general statements with effective examples. 6. Develop examples with specific details to illustrate a point. 7. Proofread for minor/major grammar and mechanical errors. Syllabus: Unit I Meaning of Thesis –Some basic dimensions and formality of submission-Components of thesis and their importance

58

Unit II Presentation and writing of synopsis Unit III Developing Seminar presentation Unit IV Writing the introduction-Conducting review of literature - Developing theoretical orientation and framing conceptual model-Organizing research methodology chapter-writing the findings and discussion chapter- drawing the summary and conclusion – writing implications and framing empirical model-citing the references and appendices Learning Outcome Student may develop knowledge about the art of thesis writing after completion of this course.

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Ph. D. Syllabus in the Department of Agricultural Extension

Course No.

Title Credit

AEX 601 Research methodology and techniques 4+0

AEX 602 Advances in Extension education 4+0

AEX 604 Courses on thesis writing 4+0

AEX 601 Research methodology and techniques 4 + 0

Objectives:

To orient the scholars regarding various concepts and techniques of research

methodology in agricultural extension

Syllabus

Unit I

Concept and meaning of research-Purpose of research in social science-characteristics

of research in behavioural science

Theories of research- Construction of theories –Steps in research-Selection of problems-

Formulation and testing of hypotheses- generalization.

Research Design- types of research designs-Recent trends of behavioural research and

its research designs.

Details of sampling procedures-Probability sampling-simple random sampling

techniques-multistage sampling-pps sampling- stratified sampling- cluster sampling-

systematic sampling—Non probability sampling-quota sampling-spatial sampling-

representative sampling-Survey procedures, Sampling errors.

Sources and types of data- Different formal and informal methods of data collection-

Construction of structured schedule and questionnaire-pilot study and pretesting-

logistic arrangements of data collection. Variables –classification and oprationalization

of different types of variables relevant to behavioural science.

Unit II

Test and Measurement applied to extension education –Levels of measurement-

Reliability and validity-types and measurement- Objective test and scales- some

important scaling techniques relevant to extension research –Construction of Index-

sociometric technique –Content analysis.

Learning Outcome: The learners are expected to develop expertise on different concepts and techniques of

research methodology in agricultural extension

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AEX 602 Advances in Extension education 4+0

Objectives:

To orient the scholars regarding various advance concepts and issues of extension education, communication, extension management, project management and development communication in the field of agricultural extension

Syllabus

Unit I Extension Education: concept, principles, typology and dimension. Evolution of extension Concept across time and space. Unit II Communication concept -Principle and typology- methods- genesis and evolution of

application of communication extension- recent trends in application of communication

extension and development-indigenous communication –some modern group and mass

methods of communication.

Unit III

Application of Management Concept in extension- human resource management-

organization management and marketing management- case studies

Unit IV

Project Management – Project - Concept; Characteristics; Life Cycle; Types. Project

management process, Logical Framework Approach. Networking – Meaning, Network

analysis, PERT, GERT, CPM.

Unit V

Development of communication plan for a specific area/project-Development of

management case studies in extension- Appraisal of ongoing project – development of

new project

Learning Outcome:

The learners are expected to develop expertise on different concepts and issues of extension education, communication, extension management, project management and development communication in the field of agricultural extension

AEX 604 Courses on thesis writing 4 +0

Objectives:

To orient the scholars regarding various concepts and issues of thesis writing,

presentation and writing of synopsis and seminar presentation

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Syllabus

Unit I

Meaning of Thesis –Some basic dimensions and formality of submission-Components

of thesis and their importance

Unit II

Presentation and writing of synopsis

Unit III

Developing Seminar presentation

Unit IV

Writing the introduction-Conducting review of literature - Developing theoretical

orientation and framing conceptual model-Organizing research methodology chapter-

writing the findings and discussion chapter- drawing the summary and conclusion –

writing implications and framing empirical model-citing the references and appendices

Learning Outcome:

The learners are expected to develop expertise on different concepts and issues of thesis

writing, presentation and writing of synopsis and seminar presentation

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Ph. D. Syllabus in the Department of Crop Physiology

Course No.

Title Credit

CPH 600 Research methodology and techniques 4+0

CPH 601 Physiology of growth and yield modelling 4+0

CPH 602 Advances in stress physiology 4+0

CPH 603 Hormonal regulation of plant growth and development

4+0

CPH 604 Seed physiology 4+0

CPH 605 Molecular approaches for improving physiological traits

4+0 CPH 600: Research methodology and techniques 4 +0 Objectives: To orient the scholars regarding various growth analysis parameters, agro-meteorological observations, to handle about different laboratory equipments. Syllabus: UNIT-I Definition, objectives and types of research; Research process; Criteria of Good Research; Nature and scope of crop physiological research; Defining research problems; Research Project Planning and Management. UNIT II Biometric observations; Analysis of crop growth – recording dry matter, measuring leaf area; Concept of growth analysis parameters – CGR, RGR, LAI, NAR etc. UNIT III Agro-meteorological observations – data recording, analysis, presentation and interpretation. Correlation studies of weather data and crop growth. UNIT-IV Laboratory techniques used physiological research; Basic knowledge of working in laboratory; Basic principles of laboratory techniques commonly used in physiological research; Recent experimental techniques to study various physiological processes. UNIT-V Basic principles of experimental design; Data processing and analysis – multiple correlation and regression, analysis of variance and covariance. Test of significance – t test, z test, F test. UNIT-VI Interpretation of result – concept of least significant difference (LSD), DMRT, contrast analysis, missing plot techniques; Graphical and tabular presentation of data. UNIT-VII Research ethics and need of scientific temper: research integrity, research safety in laboratories, welfare of animals used in research, computer ethics, standards and problems in research ethics.

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UNIT-VIII Computer application in crop physiological research; Use of different softwares for statistical analysis of data. Learning Outcomes: Students will understand about different methodologies of plant physiological research;

students will understand the principles of different laboratory equipments; the

knowledge in research methodology acquired by the students will be useful for carrying

out research in the subject

CPH 601 Physiology of growth and yield modelling 4+0

Objectives:

To orient the scholars regarding applications in crop physiological research;

physiological basis of yield variation in crop plants and know about yield modelling.

UNIT I

Plant density and crop productivity; plant and environmental factors, yield, plant

distribution, strategies for maximizing solar energy utilization; leaf area; interception of

solar radiation and crop growth; photosynthesis: the photosynthetic apparatus, factors

essential for photosynthesis; difference in photosynthetic rates among and within

species; physiological limitations to crop yield; solar radiation concept and agro-

techniques for harvesting solar radiation.

UNIT II

Growth analysis: concept, CGR, RGR, NAR, LAI, LAD, LAR; validity and Limitations

in interpreting crop growth and development; growth curves: sigmoid, polynomial and

asymptotic; root systems; root-shoot relationship; principles involved in inter and

mixed cropping systems under rainfed and irrigated conditions; concept and

differentiation of inter and mixed cropping; criteria in assessing the yield advantages.

UNIT III

Competitive relationship and competition functions; biological and agronomic basis of

yield advantage under intercropping; physiological principles of dry land crop

production, constraints and remedial measures; heat unit concept of crop maturity:

concept and types of heat units.

UNIT IV

Concept of plant ideotypes: crop physiological and new ideotypes; characteristics of

ideotype for wheat, rice, maize, etc.; concept and types of growth hormones; their role

in field crop production; efficient use of resources.

UNIT V

Source-sink relationships. Translocation of photosynthates and factors influencing

transport of sucrose. Physiological and molecular control of sink activity – partitioning

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efficiency and harvest index. Crop growth models-empirical models testing and yield

prediction.

UNIT VI

Practical on Field measurement of root-shoot relationship in crops at different growth

stages; Estimation of growth evaluating parameters like CGR, RGR, NAR, LAI etc., at

different stages of crop growth; Measurement of light interception, light extinction

coefficient, energy utilization efficiency based energy intercepted, and realized;

Computation of harvest index of various crops; Assessment of crop yield on the basis of

yield attributing characters; Construction of crop growth curves based on growth

analysis data; Computation of competition functions, viz. LER, IER aggressivity

competition index etc in intercropping; Senescence and abscission indices; Analysis of

productivity trend in un-irrigated areas; Analysis of productivity trend in irrigated

areas.

Learning Outcome: Students will understand about different aspects of crop growth analysis and their applications in crop physiological research; students will understand the physiological basis of yield variation in crop plants; the knowledge in yield modelling acquired by the students will be useful for predicting yield of crops.

CPH 602 Advances in stress physiology 4 +0

Objectives: To impart basic knowledge about different aspects of stress physiological processes and their applications in agricultural research; to impart knowledge the physiological and molecular basis of abiotic stress tolerance in plants and climate resilient crops

Syllabus:

UNIT I

Stress and strain terminology; nature and stress injury and resistance; causes of stress,

Response of plants to abiotic stresses: Abiotic stresses affecting plant productivity.

UNIT II

Low temperature stress: freezing injury and resistance in plants, measurement of

freezing tolerance, chilling injury and resistance in plants, Tolerance mechanism-crucial

role of membrane lipids, practical ways to overcome the effect of low temperature tress

through, soil and crop manipulations.

UNIT II

High temperature or heat stress: meaning of heat stress, heat injury and resistance in

plants, Tolerance mechanisms- role of membrane lipids and HSPs, practical ways to

overcome the effect of heat stress through soil and crop manipulations.

UNIT III

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Water deficit stress: meaning of plant water deficient stress and its effect on growth and

development, physiological processes affected by drought; Drought resistance

mechanisms: Escape Dehydration postponement (Drought avoidance), Dehydration

tolerance and characteristics of resurrection plants, Osmotic adjustment,

Osmoprotectants, Stress proteins; Practical ways to overcome effect of water deficit

stress through soil and crop, manipulations.

UNIT IV

Excess water or flooding stress: meaning of excess water stress, its kinds and effects on

crop plants, physiological consequences, excess water stress injury and resistance,

practical ways to overcome excess water stress through soil and crop manipulations.

UNIT V

Salt stress: meaning of salt stress and its effect on crop growth, salt stress injury and

resistance in plants, species variation in salt tolerance. Salinity effects at – Cellular and

whole plant level, practical ways to overcome the effect of salt stress through soil and

crop manipulations.

UNIT VI

Environmental pollution: air, soil and water pollution, and their effect on crop growth

and quality of produce; ways and means to prevent environmental pollution. Heavy

metal stress: Aluminum and cadmium toxicity in acid soils. Role of Phytochelatins

(heavy metal binding proteins).

UNIT VII

Global warming; Climate change and its impact on crop growth and development;

Carbon sequestration

UNIT VIII

Practical on Determination of electrical conductivity of plant cell sap and soil water;

Determination of osmotic potential and tissue water potential; Measurement of

transpiration rate; Measurement of stomatal frequency; Determination of proline

content of plant parts.; Determination of Relative Leaf water content of plants;

Quantification of anti-oxidative enzymes like Super oxide desmutase

(SOD);Determination of membrane injury index(MII);Determination of chlorophyll

stability index (CSI);Studying the role of growth regulators in amelioration of abiotic

stress effects in plants; Determination of soil water potential and content by

psychrometry and other systems; Studies on effect of osmotic and ionic stress on seed

germination and seedling growth.

Learning Outcome: 1. Students will understand about different aspects of stress physiological processes and their applications in agricultural research 2. Students will understand the physiological and molecular basis of abiotic stress tolerance in plants 3. The knowledge in stress physiology acquired by the students will be useful for

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development of climate resilient crops

CPH 603 hormonal regulation of plant growth and development 4+0

Objectives:

To provide basic information about different aspects of phytohormones and plant growth regulators and their applications in agriculture; physiological functions and mechanism of action of various plant hormones and knowledge in plant growth regulation acquired by the students will be useful for achieving higher productivity of crops

Syllabus:

UNIT I

Definition and classification of plant growth regulators- Hormones, endogenous growth

substances and synthetic chemicals, Endogenous growth regulating substances other

than hormones. tricontanol, Phenols –polyamines, jasmonates, concept of death

hormone.

UNIT II

Site of synthesis, biosynthetic pathways and metabolism and the influence on plant

growth development of individual group of hormones- Auxins, Gibberllins, cytokinins,

Abscisic acid and Ethylene Brassinosteroids.

UNIT III

Hormone mutants and transgenic plants in understanding role of hormones.

UNIT IV

Signal perception, transduction and effect at functional gene level of different

hormones-Auxins- cell elongation, Gibberellins-germination of dormant seeds,

Cytokinins-cell division. Retardation of senescence of plant parts, Abscisic acid-

stomatal closure and induction of drought resistance, Ethylene- fruit ripening.

UNIT V

Interaction of hormones in regulation of plant growth and development processes.

Rooting of cuttings-Flowering. Apical dominance, molecular aspects of control of

reproductive growth and development.

UNIT VI

Synthetic growth regulators- Classification, their effect on plant growth and

development. Practical utility in agriculture and horticulture.

UNIT VII

Practical on Quantification of Hormones- Principles of bioassays, physico chemical

techniques and immunoassay, Extraction of hormones from plant tissue. Auxins-

bioassays- auxins effect on rooting of cuttings, abscission, apical dominance,

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Gibberellins- bioassays-GA effect on germination of dormant seeds, cytokinin-

bioassays- estimation using immunoassay technique cytokinin effect on apical

dormance and senescence, ABA bioassays estimation using immunoassay technique.

ABA effect on stomatal movement, Ethylene bioassays, estimation using physico

chemical techniques- effect on breaking dormancy in sunflower and groundnut.

Learning Outcome: 1.Students will understand about different aspects of phytohormones and plant growth regulators and their applications in agriculture 2. Students will understand the physiological functions and mechanism of action of various plant hormones 3. The knowledge in plant growth regulation acquired by the students will be useful for achieving higher productivity of crops

CPH 604 Seed physiology 4+0

Objectives:

To impart knowledge different aspects of seed physiology and their applications in agricultural research; understand the physiological and biochemical basis of dormancy and seed germination.

Syllabus:

UNIT I

Seed and fruit development, seed and fruit abortion, proximate mechanism of seed and

fruit abortion. Hereditary and environmental effect on seed development. Gene

imprints and seed development.

UNIT II

Importance of seeds, seed structure and function, physiological and biochemical

changes, environmental influences, physiology of seed and fruit development; seed and

fruit abortion and means to overcome it; proximate mechanisms of seed and fruit

abortion.

UNIT III

Structure of seeds and their storage resources, seed developmental patterns and source

of assimilates for seed development.

UNIT IV

Pathway of movement of assimilates in developing grains of monocots and dicots,

Chemical composition of seeds, Storage of carbohydrates, proteins and fats in seeds and

their biosynthesis.

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UNIT V

Seed respiration, mitochondrial activity, Seed ageing, Mobilization of stored resource in

seeds, Chemistry of oxidation of starch, proteins and fats, Utilization of breakdown

products by embryonic axis.

UNIT VI

Control processes in mobilization of stored resources, Role of embryonic axes,

Gibberellins and α-amylase and other hydrolytic activity. Seed maturation phase and

desiccation damage, Role of LEA proteins.

UNIT VII

Seed viability, Physiology of and means to prolong seed viability, Seed vigour: concept,

importance, measurement; invigoration: methods and physiological basis of it, Seed

dormancy, types and regulation, Means to overcome seed dormancy.

UNIT VIII

Practical on Determination of seed storage proteins, Sink drawing ability of ovules,

empty ovule technique, Alpha-amylase activity in germinating seeds, Role of GA in

inducing amylase activity, Role of embryo in GA induced α-amylase activity, Protease

and lipase activity in germinating seeds, Seed viability test and accelerated ageing test.

Seed hardening/osmotic priming of seeds, Seed respiration rates, and Seed viability

losses through membrane leakage studies.

Learning Outcome: 1.Students will understand about different aspects of seed physiology and their applications in agricultural research 2. Students will understand the physiological and biochemical basis of dormancy and seed germination. 3. The knowledge in seed physiology acquired by the students will be useful for achieving higher crop stand

CPH 605 Molecular approaches for improving physiological traits 4+0

Objectives:

To provide knowledge about various aspects of plant physiology and molecular biology; different techniques of molecular biology and knowledge about climate ready crops.

Syllabus:

UNIT I

Importance of Molecular Breeding for complex multi-gene controlled physiological

traits and its relevance in augmenting trait based breeding. Physiological traits with

relevance to growth, development, abiotic stress tolerance, nutrient acquisition,

Approaches for accurate phenotyping oflarge germplasm accessions and/or mapping

populations.

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UNIT II

The advantages of “Trait based” breeding approaches. Concept of segregation,

independent assortment and linkage. The concept of molecular markers, various types

of Dominant and Co-dominant marker systems.

UNIT III

Relevance and development of mapping populations and genetic analysis using marker

systems. Advantages of association mapping and the concept of linkage, LD decay and

population structure.

UNIT IV

Statistical analysis to assess the variance in phenotypic traits and molecular data.

Assessment of genetic parameters such as heritability, genetic advance etc.

UNIT V

Strategies for QTL introgression and Marker Assisted Selection (MAS). Map based

cloning of novel genes and alleles. Allele mining

UNIT VI

Transgenic approach in improving physiological processes- Introduction to GMOs and

application in crop improvement; gene mining, sequence structure & function analysis

using bioinformatics tools, identification of candidate genes for various physiological

process associated with specific traits (such as stress tolerance) and their potential

benefits in transgenic crops.

UNIT VII

Cloning full-length candidate genes, stress inducible promoters, strategies to clone and

characterize and make constructs for specific crops, gene stacking strategies, tissue

specific expression and functional validation of genes.

UNIT VIII

Transformation of crop plants-Agrobacterium and use of other organisms for

transformation-particle gun transformation and other methods. Selection of

transformants- molecular analysis on the basis of qRT-PCR, Southern, Northern analysis

and immunoassays; estimation of copy number. Concept of desirable number of

independent events.

UNIT IX

Evaluation of transgenics on basis of empirical/physiological/biochemical process

under specific conditions on the basis of gene function. Generation of T1 populations,

event characterization and generation of molecular data as per the regulatory

requirements.

UNIT X

Issues related to Biosafety and Registration of Transgenic Agricultural Organisms,

methods to detect GMOs from agricultural products.

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UNIT XI

Practical on Phenotyping approaches for the different physiological traits. Genotyping

options using gene-scan systems. Development of SSR, SNP and SCAR markers,

resolution of polymorphism on agarose gels and PAGE, genotyping using a DNA

sequencing machine, scoring of gels and assessment of polymorphism, Statistical

approaches to assess genetic variability, heritability and other parameters, Phylogenic

analysis, Principal component analysis and construction of dendrograms. Construction

of Linkage map, QTL maps, population structure, LD decay etc leading to identification

of QTLs, Bioinformatics – sequence analysis, structure analysis, Molecular biology -

genomic/plasmid DNA isolation, RNA isolation. Full-length gene cloning, vector

construction with specific promoter, gene stacking & transient assays. Transformation

in model system, Crop transformation - Agrobacterium mediated transformation (in

planta & invitro), particle-gun transformation, Evaluation of transgenics –

semiquantitative & quantitative RT-PCR, southern blot, northern blot, western blot and

ELISA, biochemical/physiological assay based on the function of gene & testing LOD.

Learning Outcome:

1. Students will understand various aspects of plant physiology and molecular biology 2. Students will be able to know about different techniques of molecular biology 3. The knowledge in molecular biology acquired by the students will be useful for development of clime ready crops.