Browsing by Author "R. Manasa"

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Chemical elicitors- a mitigation strategy for maximize crop yields under abiotic stress
(Elsevier, 2023) Ch L.N. Manikanta; P. Ratnakumar; R. Manasa; Brij B. Pandey; P.R. Vaikuntapu; Akankhya Guru; Arti Guhey; R. Beena; K. Ramesh; Yogeshwar Singh
Plants in their innate environment are challenged by several abiotic stresses viz., extremes of water and temperatures in general and in certain specified environments, salinity, heavy metal, and UV radiations either alone or in combination leading to crop yield penalty worldwide. Breeding approaches either through conventional or non-conventional have significantly contributed to the development of stress tolerant varieties, but not for unforeseen combination of multiple stresses. Therefore, there is a necessity to achieve long term protection to manage stresses. One such promising strategy is the application of low molecular weight chemical elicitors for tapping the innate potential of crops through activation of several defense-related genes and accumulation of phytoalexins. These chemical elicitors are either a natural or synthetic compounds known to act at very low concentrations as messenger molecules activating the signaling pathway via binding to the receptor molecules. This chapter is an attempt to provide an insight into the potential role, classification, and mode of action of the major chemical elicitors as a mitigating strategy against abiotic stress for sustainable yields. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Improving Water Storage through Effective Soil Organic Matter Management Strategies under Dryland Farming in India
(CRC Press, 2024) C. Srinivasarao; S. Rakesh; G.Ranjith Kumar; M. Jagadesh; K.C. Nataraj; R. Manasa; S. Kundu; S. Malleswari; K.V. Rao; J.V.N.S. Prasad; R.S. Meena; G. Venkatesh; P.C. Abhilash; J. Somasundaram; R. Lal
With the rise in global population, food demand is increasing particularly in densely populated South Asia. In India, rainfed area covers about 55% of the net sown area (139.42 million ha) and about 61% of the farmers are cultivating crops under the rainfed region. Almost 80% of small and marginal farmers of the country depend on the rainfed farming for their livelihoods. Rainfall is the main source of water in drylands. Coping with the extreme variability in rainfall, high-intensity storms, and high frequency of dry spells are the key challenges in rainfed agriculture as it is complex, highly diverse, and risk prone. Soil organic carbon (SOC) has a critical role in soil plant water relationships and contributes to drought mitigation. Increasing SOC by 1% may increase the available water holding capacity (AWHC) by 2 to >5%. Soil organic matter content (SOM) is also vital to soil processes like nutrient dynamics, water interactions, and for maintaining the biological and physical health of soil. The low level of SOC content in rainfed drylands is due to rapid decomposition of added organic matter, loss of carbon through soil erosion and use of inappropriate crop management practices. Thus, improving SOC in drylands contributes to productivity enhancement and stability due to higher available water retention during mid-season droughts while improving other soil productivity factors. Therefore, intensive implementation of site-specific available C enrichment technologies in different agro-ecosystems can maintain the overall productivity functions of soil even under adverse conditions. Thus, the present chapter aims to cover the SOC status of rainfed drylands, drought management with improving SOC technologies along with various national programs which address to improve SOC content and stocks in agroecosystems of India. © 2024 selection and editorial matter, Rattan Lal; individual chapters, the contributors.