Neem : Taxonomy [By, Aditya, Tejal, Diksha]

 Neem :

1. Taxonomy:
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Clade: Angiosperms
• Clade: Eudicots
• Order: Sapindales
• Family: Meliaceae
• Genus: Azadirachta
• Species: Azadirachta indica

SN	1
Flora	Neem
Em(IM)blem
MapLocat(ions)	https://maps.app.goo.gl/2keafQtLZ2ujptF18	https://maps.app.goo.gl/WGeiBaNb76MVgDaP8	https://maps.app.goo.gl/XpNZjgr6aX4FepYY8
Address(s)	Right front to Girls’ hostel	Left front to Boys hostel	Front to college canteen
Classification	https://krishiprabha.blogspot.com/2024/03/neem-taxonomy.html
InfoLite	https://krishiprabha.blogspot.com/2024/03/neem-infobase.html
Cataloging	NO
InfoBase Status	YES

Taxonomically, Neem belongs to the family Meliaceae, which includes several other economically important plants. It is a member of the order Sapindales, which encompasses a diverse array of plant families.

Success Story of NutriCapsules: An Innovative breakthrough (by PB Kale)

Success Story of NutriCapsules: An Innovative Breakthrough in Plant Nutrition and Hydration (By Dr. Prashant B Kale)

Background: 

A team of visionary biotechnology students from VNGCAB, Yavatmal designed NutriCapsules to revolutionize plant care by offering an eco-friendly and controlled method for delivering nutrients and water to plants. These capsules, engineered for gradual/ sustain water release along with nutrients vitamins plant growth regulators. This minimize the risk of abiotic stress, ensuring plants receive optimal nutrition and hydration. The solution not only enhances plants resilience but also reduced water wastage, marking a significant advancement for sustainable agriculture.

The innovative product has shown impressive results in lab trials, contributing to healthier, faster-growing plants while conserving resources.

Key Highlights:

- Controlled Release: Capsules slowly release water and nutrients to support plant growth consistently.

- Eco-friendly: Reduces the need for excessive watering, minimizing environmental impact.

- Field Success: Applied in various agricultural trials with remarkable improvement in plant health and yield.

- Innovation by Students: Created by the students of the Biotechnology department, demonstrating the application of academic research to real-world problems.

Success Story of NutriSeeds: An Innovative Breakthrough in Plant Seeds Conservation

**Preserving Heritage: A Legacy of Seed Conservation**

(Dr. Prashant Bhaskar Kale)

### Introduction:

Late **Laxmibai C. Kale**, my grandmother, was an extraordinary woman whose love, care, and dedication left an indelible mark on our family and community. Her passion for preserving seeds of various crops, vegetables, flowers, and fruits not only ensured biodiversity but also inspired future generations. Today, this noble legacy is carried forward by my mother, **Mrs. Vijaya B. Kale**, who has embraced this responsibility with equal zeal through the art of kitchen gardening. This article reflects on the journey of seed conservation in our family and its implications for sustainable agriculture.

### Cherished Memories and Events:

My grandmother had a remarkable way of integrating her caring nature and resourcefulness into everyday life. During the winter season, she would prepare warm and hearty soups using whole grain millets and *hurda* (roasted tender sorghum seeds), enhanced with a groundnut *tadka* that left an unforgettable taste. She also maintained chickens and goats as a source of secondary income, showcasing her multifaceted approach to self-sustenance.

Hydroponics: हायड्रोपोनिक्स (मातीविना शेती) Definition, History, Key Components, Scope, Advantages, and Limitations

Hydroponics: Definition, History, Key Components, Scope, Advantages, and Limitations

Author: Prashant B. Kale (Ph.D.)

Hydroponics: Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, utilizing a water-based nutrient solution to provide essential minerals directly to the plant roots. This soilless cultivation technique allows for precise control over environmental factors, promoting efficient nutrient absorption and faster plant growth.

The word hydroponics comes from two Greek words ‘hydro’ meaning water and ‘ponos’ meaning labor. This word was first used in 1929 by Dr. Gericke, a California professor who began to develop what previously had been a laboratory technique into a commercial means of growing plants.

Some notable authors and researchers in the area of hydroponics include:

Problems in Crop improvement in INDIA (Author: Prashant B. Kale (Ph.D.))

Crop improvement involves various categories of problems

Author: Prashant B. Kale (Ph.D.)

1. Genetic and Breeding Problems:

1.1. Genetic Diversity: Limited genetic diversity can hinder the development of new crop varieties, making crops vulnerable to pests, diseases, and environmental changes.

1.2. Inbreeding Depression: Repeated use of closely related individuals in breeding programs can lead to a decrease in vigor and overall plant health.

1.3. Heterosis or Hybrid Vigor: Achieving and maintaining hybrid vigor can be challenging, as it often requires crossing two genetically diverse parents.

1.4. Genetic Barriers: Crossbreeding between species or genera can be technically challenging, limiting the expansion of genetic diversity.

Notes: Crop Improvement in India (Author: Prashant B. Kale (Ph.D.))

Status of Crop Improvement in India

Author: Prashant B. Kale (Ph.D.)

Crop improvement in India has a long-standing history dating back to ancient agricultural practices. Over the years, this essential sector has evolved significantly, adopting modern techniques and technologies to meet the growing demand for food, fiber, and industrial raw materials. This comprehensive report provides an overview of the present status of crop improvement in India, emphasizing the importance of this sector, the key stakeholders involved, the current challenges, and the innovative approaches being used to enhance crop yields, nutritional value, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.

1.     Introduction Crop improvement in India is a crucial component of the country's agricultural sector, which plays a vital role in the overall economy and the livelihoods of millions. This report explores the various aspects of crop improvement in India, focusing on the current status, strategies, challenges, and the role of different stakeholders.

"Microtomy and Microscopy in Plant Histology: Techniques and Applications" (Author: Prashant B. Kale (Ph.D.))

 "Microtomy and Microscopy in Plant Histology: Techniques and Applications"

Author: Prashant B. Kale (Ph.D.)

A microtome is a specialized precision cutting instrument, which accurately and repeatedly slices sections from a block of embedded tissue. Different kinds of microtomes are used to section paraffin and plastic-embedded tissues as well as the specialized microtomes used to section frozen tissues.

In the case of plants, microtomy is used to prepare thin sections of plant tissues for analysis, particularly for microscopic examination of cells and sub-cellular events. Basic steps for creating microtome sections for plant tissue analysis are explained as: (figure: microtome and cryotome instruments with important parts)

Materials and Equipment:

1. Plant specimens
2. Microtome (a specialized instrument for cutting thin sections)
3. Embedding medium (e.g., paraffin wax or resin)
4. Razor blades or microtome blades
5. Glass slides
6. Microscope
7. Staining solutions (optional)