Research Activities:

1. Two ad-hoc research project, Viz. “Identification of prevailing races in puccinia helianthus incitant of sunflower rust in India” funded by ICAR New Delhi and “ Investigations on Sunflower necrosis disease ” funded by State government of Maharashtra were completed and research achievements were published in separate research bulletin form.
2. In on going research project project is ICAR funded ad-hoc project “ Genetic enhancement in Sunflower against alternation blight ” is started in function since last two years.
3. The IPM verification experiment on farmer’s field on cotton through survey was conducted during 1998 – 99 to 2000 – 01. The average technological gap index and cost of cultivation of cotton using IPM technology and farmer’s practices were worked out. It was observed that 30 – 40 per cent of total expenditure was incurred on fertilizers plant protection followed by labors and bullock labors. Under IPM technology cost of cultivation was lowest ( Rs. 11725 / ha. ) with maximum seed cotton yield ( 10.75 qtls / ha ) whereas under farmer’s practices it was Rs.13257 / ha with 8.06 qtls / ha seed cotton yield.
4. In study on investigation on functional models for fertilizer response, different mathematical models were tested for its efficiency. The results revealed that the model quadratic surface design with factorial effects is found advantageous.

5. In the investigation study of methodology for effect of weather parameters on fruit crops, studies on impact of weather parameters on Sigatoka disease of Banana was conducted using different methodologies. The results revealed that the increase in rainfall with increase in number of rainy day increases the incidence of Sigatoka disease incidence on banana.
6. Looking to the importance of integrated Pest management in different crops a small unit of production of important biotic agents is established at this department. This includes the production of one of the important host insects, viz. Corcyra cephalonica, for the production of trichogramme chilonis. Similarly, HaNPV a bio-pesticide against gram podborer Helicoverpa armigera is also produced to some extent at this department. Recently the culture of Zygogramma bicolorata, a predator of pantheism weed is brought from directorate of Biological control, Bangalore and the same is maintained in this department. The multiplication of red cotton bug is also carried out at this department which will be used for dissecting out its mouth parts while conducting the practical classes of one of the entomological courses.
7. Crop performance trials are conducted to provide unbiased relative performance data for breeders, growers and extension personnel. This paper presents a study that provides a criterion level of precision for rejection of data. In the present study using historical data on sunflower crop were used to determine relationship between productivity and error variance by regression log (variance) and log (mean) for the variable of primary interest. A non-significant relationship dictates a suitable criterion for rejection of the doubtful experimental data from the pooled analysis point of view. In the study of sunflower the results indicated that if its observed EMSS is greater than 40584.4, then the data from such experiments should not be used with the other sets of data and is worth to discard it to avoid misleading conclusion.

a) 2003-04: Crop Diversification in Agriculture:

During last two decades, due to participation in WTO, agricultural scenario has been changed. Due to change in market infrastructure, the attitude of farmers can also be towards more remunerative crop selection rather than the crops required for food consumption. The results of study indicated that the crops sugarcane followed by soybean and arhar were availed benefits of crop diversification.

b) 2004-05: Rejection Procedure for Experimental Data

Crop performance trials are conducted to provide unbiased relative performance data for breeders, growers and extension personnel. This paper presents a study that provides a criterion level of precision for rejection of data. In the present study using historical data on sunflower crop were used to determine relationship between productivity and error variance by regression log(variance) and log(mean) for the variable of primary interest. A non-significant relationship dictates a suitable criterion for rejection of the doubtful experimental data from the pooled analysis point of view. In the study of sunflower the results indicated that if its observed EMSS is greater than 40584.4, then the data from such experiments should not be used with the other sets of data and is worth to discard it to avoid misleading conclusion.

c) 2005 - 06: Yield and price risks in crop Production for Social Security
(The committee of four agricultural universities Research Review Committee and Government of Maharashtra accepted Recommendation of this Project)

A social security of the extent of 8.42, 18.5, 8.50, 10.30, 13.50, 5.80 and 6.00 percent of MSP for sorghum, Arhar, Gram, Rabi sorghum, Bajra, Groundnut, Wheat and rice are recommended over and above MSP for the farmers to safeguard them against price and yield risk.

d) 2006 - 07: Yield Gap and Constraints in Crop Production

In this project the magnitude of yield gaps in potential yield (Yp), Potential farm yield (Yd) and farmer's yield (Ya) were studied. Probability of crop failure for kharif sorghum in Marathwada was in the range 0f 0.27 to 0.40. Total yield gap was 41.41% of research yield and 33.91% of demonstration plot yield. Input gap with recommended inputs was to the tune of 44% for FYM and the gap in respect of N, P, and K was 38.33%, 31.43% and 67%.
Probability of crop failure for Arhar in Marathwada was in the range 0f 0.33 to 0.46. The farmer's yield gap over research yield and demonstration plot yield were 61.24% and 46.78% respectively. Input utilization gap with recommended inputs FYM, N, P, and K was 49.24%, 35.92% and 58.54% and 83.54% respectively.