Latest news with #Jodhpur-based
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Leafhopper outbreak threatens cotton crop in North India: SABC
Bathinda: South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC), a scientific organisation, has flagged infestation of green leafhoppers (jassid), commonly known as "hara tela" on cotton across major cotton-growing districts of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. The infestation has impacted Mansa, Bathinda, Fazilka in Punjab; Hisar, Fatehabad, Sirsa in Haryana and Hanumangarh, Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan. SABC observed the outbreak during a field survey conducted under Project Bandhan by the Jodhpur-based centre, which has its research and development wing in Sirsa. The field team led by Dilip Monga, Bhagirath Choudhary, Naresh, Deepak Jakhar and K S Bhardwaj reported infestation levels of 12 to 15 leafhoppers per leaf, significantly above the economic threshold level (ETL). The field survey also reported cotton leaf injuries exceeding ETL based on the damage grading system. For the past three consecutive weeks, green leafhopper (jassid) populations have exceeded ETL, triggering yellowing of leaf margins and downward curling, classic symptoms of a jassid attack. The outbreak is being attributed to a confluence of weather conditions, including above average rainfall, an increased number of rainy days, persistent humidity and cloud cover, all of which have created ideal conditions for jassid proliferation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Patna: 1 Trick to Reduce Belly Fat? Home Fitness Hack Shop Now Undo Fields were graded from three to four, based on the ICAR-CICR infestation scale, indicating severe to extreme damage. "The leafhopper infestation has emerged at a time when overall conditions are significantly better than the past three to four years. The crop appears to be robust across the northern region, except in late-sown areas of Sri Ganganagar, where irrigation was unavailable during the sowing period", said Bhagirath Choudhary, director, South Asia Biotechnology Centre's high-tech R&D station, Sirsa. Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida) leafhopper is commonly referred to as an Indian cotton jassid or "hara tela". Leafhopper adults are very active, pale green in colour, measuring about 3.5mm in length, with two distinct black spots on forewings and vertex. They are readily identified by their characteristic diagonal movement on the leaves and are hence referred to as "leafhoppers". Population of leafhoppers occurs throughout the season but attains pest status during July-August. Up to 11 generations per season have been estimated to occur on cotton. Both nymphs and adults of leafhoppers suck the cell sap from cotton tissue and inject toxin, causing "hopper burn" symptom, characterised by yellowing, browning, and drying of leaves. The affected leaves show crinkling and curling symptoms. In extreme situations, there is reduced photosynthetic activity, browning and drying of leaves that can considerably hamper productivity of the cotton, and yield losses of up to 30%, if left unmanaged. PAU scientist Paramjit Singh said that there was no cause for alarm as the leafhopper was only a little above ETL. However, the survey team noted that failure to control the green leafhopper infestation promptly could lead to damage to the cotton crop in the coming days. Farmers must remain alert and take immediate action to manage the pest effectively to avoid potential yield losses. SABC has urged cotton farmers to adopt science-backed measures to effectively manage and control the growing menace of green leafhoppers (jassids). Such measures include regular field monitoring, accurate pest identification and assessment of infestation severity. Recommendations include use of neem-based bio-insecticides or other eco-friendly, organic pesticides to manage mild infestations and spray during early morning or late evening, when the wind is calm. It is important to ensure thorough coverage, especially on the underside of leaves, where pests usually hide. Farmers must also eliminate weeds within the field and along borders, since they serve as alternative hosts for leafhoppers and other pests. Pic: Survey in Sahnewali village in Mansa and Sirsa Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Leafhopper outbreak threatens cotton crop in region
1 2 Bathinda: The South Asia Biotechnology Centre, a scientific organisation, has revealed an infestation of green leafhoppers (jassid), commonly known as 'hara tela', on cotton across major cotton-growing districts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The impact is notable in Mansa, Bathinda, and Fazilka in Punjab, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa in Haryana, and Hanumangarh and Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan. SABC observed the outbreak during a field survey conducted under Project Bandhan by the Jodhpur-based centre, which has its research and development centre at Sirsa. The field team, led by Dilip Monga, Bhagirath Choudhary, Naresh, Deepak Jakhar, and KS Bhardwaj, reported infestation levels of 12-15 leafhoppers per leaf, significantly above the Economic Threshold Level (ETL). The field survey also reported cotton leaf injuries exceeding ETL based on the damage grading system. For the past three consecutive weeks, green leafhopper (jassid) populations exceeded ETL, triggering yellowing of leaf margins and downward curling, classic symptoms of jassid attack. The outbreak is attributed to a confluence of weather conditions, including above-average rainfall, an increased number of rainy days, persistent humidity, and cloud cover, all of which created ideal conditions for jassid proliferation. Fields were graded 3 to 4 based on the ICAR-CICR infestation scale, indicating severe to extreme damage. "The leafhopper infestation emerged at a time when the overall conditions are significantly better than the past three to four years. The crop appears robust across the northern region, except in late-sown areas of Sri Ganganagar, where irrigation was unavailable during the sowing period," stated Bhagirath Choudhary, director of the South Asia Biotechnology Centre's High-Tech R&D Station, Sirsa. Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida), commonly referred to as the Indian cotton jassid or 'hara tela', is a season-long sucking pest of cotton. Leafhopper adults are very active, pale green in colour, measuring about 3.5mm in length with two distinct black spots on forewings and vertex, readily identified by their characteristic diagonal movement on the leaves, hence referred to as 'leafhoppers'. The population of leafhoppers occurs throughout the season but attains pest status during July-August. Up to 11 generations per season have been estimated to occur on cotton. Both nymphs and adults of leafhoppers suck the cell sap from the cotton tissue and inject toxins, causing the 'hopper burn' symptom, characterised by yellowing, browning, and drying of leaves. The affected leaves show crinkling and curling symptoms, and in extreme situations, result in reduced photosynthetic activity, browning, and drying of leaves, which can considerably hamper the productivity of the cotton, leading to yield losses of up to 30% if unmanaged. Leafhopper ≥5 plants showing damage grade II/III/IV, grade II shows minor crinkling, curling, and yellowing in lower leaves, grade III is observed with leaf crinkling, curling, and crinkling across the plant; stunted growth, grade IV with severe bronzing, crinkling, curling, and drying of leaves. If ≥5 plants per 20 sampled show grade II or above damage, immediate action is necessary, said Research Scientist Deepak Jakhar. However, PAU Scientist Paramjit Singh said there is no alarming situation as the leafhopper is only slightly above ETL. The survey team noted that failure to control this green leafhopper infestation promptly could lead to damage to the cotton crop in the coming days. Farmers must remain alert and take immediate action to manage the pest effectively to avoid potential yield losses. SABC has urged cotton farmers to adopt science-backed measures to effectively manage and control the growing menace of green leafhoppers (jassids), such as regular field monitoring, accurate pest identification, and assessing infestation severity. It has been recommended to use neem-based bio-insecticides or other eco-friendly, organic pesticides to manage mild infestations. Spray during early morning or late evening when the wind is calm. Ensure thorough coverage, especially on the underside of leaves, where pests usually hide. Eliminate weeds within the field and along borders, as they serve as alternative hosts for leafhoppers and other pests. MSID:: 123021342 413 |
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Rajasthan Table Tennis Association president Mukul Gupta demands action against TTFI secretary Kamlesh Mehta and Ranjeet Malik
Jaipur: All is not well in the Rajasthan table tennis fraternity. The intense fight between the two factions has put a break on the progress of sport in the region for the last couple of years. The president of the Rajasthan Table Tennis Association (RTTA) Mukul Gupta has alleged that the other faction - led by Ranjeet Malik -- is trying to create problems and hampering the game despite a proper elected body being formed in the elections held on February 11, 2023. "During the last elections, observers from Table Tennis Federation of India (Gulanan), Rajasthan State Sports Council (Bhiya Ram Choudhary) and Rajasthan Olympic Association (Arun Saraswat and Shankar Lal) witnessed the proceedings in Jodhpur under the supervision of election officer Mahesh Saini. However, despite the fair elections, we still did not get the affiliation letter from the RSSC," said Mukul Gupta while addressing a press conference here on Sunday. Mukul Gupta alleged that after the 2023 elections, Ranjeet Malik approached TTFI secretary Kamlesh Metha and formed another group which forced the national governing body of TT to withdraw the powers of the elected body. Thereafter, two teams of Rajasthan (TTFI 1 and TTFI 2) are participating in the Nationals. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like for Working Pros BITS Pilani Digital Apply Now "Ranjeet Malik joined hands with his friend Kamlesh Mehta for his personal gains and made a mockery of the elections held according to the constitution of the RTTA. It is a big conspiracy and ruining the game in the region. Paddlers of Rajasthan are suffering as they are not getting valid certificates from the TTFI. It not only affects their chances of representing the country but also not helping them secure jobs in the government or private sectors," alleged Jodhpur-based Mukul Gupta, who was elected as the RTTA president for a four-year tenure in February 2023. The Mukul Gupta-led RTTA has three demands to restore the game in the region and seeks urgent attention of the state government. "There should be a proper action against Kamlesh Mehta and Ranjeet Malik. We should get an affiliation letter from the RSSC as soon as possible. Mention of Rajasthan on the certificates of players who compete in the national-level tournaments," demanded Gupta. One of the RTTA vice-presidents and Jaipur District TT Association president Lalit Singh added that they approached state sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and RSSC chairman Neeraj K Pawan several times but did not get justice so far. "Sports minister said formation of an ad hoc body is the answer to this problem and asked the chairman to resolve the issue. We are ready to hear our oppositions' views in the meeting for the benefit of state players," said Lalit Singh.
Fashion Value Chain
03-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Orange Tree Launches Immersive 6th Store in Raipur
Jodhpur-based lifestyle brand Orange Tree has opened its 6th experiential store in Raipur, marking a key milestone in its expansion journey. Nestled amid greenery on Devpuri Road, the 2,000 sq ft store brings together contemporary aesthetics and India's rich artisanal heritage under one immersive retail experience. This new space is more than just a showroom — it's a curated experience. Every section, from living and dining to bedroom displays, is designed to evoke a home-like ambiance, allowing customers to easily envision Orange Tree's lighting, furniture, and décor in their own spaces. The journey begins with a Wall of Fame, showcasing the evolution of Orange Tree's parent company, Basant, followed by a captivating Décor Wall and a Material Library presenting an array of woods, metals, stones, fibres, and marbles in diverse finishes. The Craftsmanship Wall spotlights traditional techniques interwoven into modern designs, underscoring the brand's commitment to artistry, sustainability, and innovation. One of the highlights is the Lighting Section, where Orange Tree's luminous creations blend function with form — with standouts like the Abascus Collection, known for its artisanal detailing, and the Andaman Collection, reflecting refined modern elegance. Founder Gaurav Jain commented, 'Raipur's emergence as an economic and cultural hub presents exciting opportunities. We're thrilled to bring globally inspired designs rooted in Indian craftsmanship to this dynamic city.' The Raipur store reflects Orange Tree's mission to offer modern artisanal living, creating a sensory-rich shopping experience that celebrates both creativity and culture.
Fashion Value Chain
19-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Fashion Value Chain
Orange Tree's ‘Lunora': Chandeliers Inspired by the Moon
Orange Tree, the Jodhpur-based lifestyle brand known for sustainable craftsmanship, introduces 'Lunora', its first chandelier collection inspired by the moon's mystique. The five-piece collection reimagines ambient lighting as sculptural art, combining wood, metal, and glass with celestial design sensibilities. Each chandelier mimics the moon's glow through asymmetrically arranged orbs, merging kinetic form with functional beauty. The Noir Chandelier Smoked stands out with its smoky, cratered glass textures, while Kellan evokes the moon's fluid movement and romantic essence. The Cici Chandelier strikes a minimalistic note, with entwined arcs and frosted globes casting a warm glow. Billow expresses nature's poetry through a constellation-like design, while Asher floats geometrically, radiating calm moonlight. With 'Lunora,' Orange Tree blends design innovation and artisanal depth to create lighting that transforms both residential and commercial spaces into serene, moonlit sanctuaries.
