TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

Diploma In Agri-Inputs

Syllabi 2016

Directorate of Open and Distance Learning

TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY,
Coimbatore-641003.
2016
 CONTENTS

Sl.No Title

1. Department distribution of courses

2. Syllabi for Agricultural Entomology

3. Syllabi for Agricultural Pathology

4. Syllabi for Agronomy

Syllabi for Soil Science and Agricultural
5.
Chemistry
6. Syllabi for Seed Science and Technology

7. Syllabi for Crop physiology

8. Syllabi for Nematology

9. Syllabi for Farm machinery

10. Syllabi for Agricultural Economics

Syllabi for Agricultural Extension and rural
11.
Sociology
12. Syllabi for Horticulture

13. Syllabi for Agricultural Micro biology

14. Syllabi for Water technology

15. Syllabi for Agribusiness Management

 DEPARTMENT DISTRIBUTION OF COURSES

Sl.No. Discipline Sessions Total sessions

1 Agricultural Entomology 16+1 17

2 Agricultural Pathology 16+1 17

3 Agronomy 9+2 11
Soil Science and Agricultural
4 9+2 11
Chemistry
5 Seed Science and Technology 6+2 8

6 Crop physiology 5+1 6

7 Nematology 3+1 4

8 Farm machinery 2+1 3

9 Agricultural Economics 2+0 2

Agricultural Extension and Rural
10 3+1 4
Sociology
11 Horticulture 3+1 4

12 Agricultural Micro biology 1+1 2

13 Water technology 2+1 3

Agricultural and Rural
14 2+0 2
Management
Total 80+15 94

Mid term 2 96
 AGRICULTURAL ENTOMOLOGY (16+1 sessions)

THEORY

Lecture Schedule

1. Importance of pest control in Agriculture and types of insect pests – harmful, beneficial
and pollinators
2. Types of insect injury to plants
3. Introduction to concepts of integrated pest management (IPM) - and agro ecosystem
analysis
4. Pest surveillance and forecasting
5. Cultural, mechanical methods of pest management
6. Physical, behavioural methods of pest management
7. Botanicals / Biopesticides methods of pest management
8. Biological control in pest management and production, release techniques of biocontrol
agents
9. Major insect pests of cereals and their management
10. Major insect pests of pulses and their management
11. Major insect pests of oilseeds and their management
12. Major insect pests of cotton and their management
13. Major insect pests sugarcane and their management
14. Major insect pests of mango, citrus, sapota and their management
15. Major insect pests of sapota, guava and their management
16. Major insect pests of banana, papaya, grapes and their management
17. Major insect pests of jack, amla, apple and their management
18. Major insect pests of tomato, brinjal and their management
19. Major insect pests of bhendi, chilli and their management
20. Major insect pests of cabbage, cauliflower and their management
21. Major insect pests of pumpkin, bitter gourd, snake gourd, ribbed gourd and their
management
22. Major insect pests of moringa and green leafy vegetables and their management
23. Major insect pests of potato, tapioca, sweet potato and their management
24. Major insect pests of carrot, beet root, raddish and their management
25. Major insect pests of onion, garlic and their management
26. Major insect pests of turmeric, ginger and their management
27. Major insect pests of curry leaf, coriander and their management
28. Major insect pests of pepper, cashew and their management
29. Major insect pests of coconut, arecanut and their management
30. Major insect pests of tea, coffee and their management
 31. Major insect pests of medicinal plants and their management
32. Major insect pests of flower crops and their management
33. Insect pests of stored products and their management
34. Non insect pests (mites, rodents, snails, slugs) and their management
35. Classification of pesticides, their mode of action
36. New generation pesticides
37. Pesticide formulation, Label information and scrutiny of pesticide containers
38. Harmonizing spray fluids for various sprayers, droplet size estimation for different
sprayers
39. Compatibility of pesticides and their phytotoxicity effects
40. Impact of pesticides on environment, Pesticide resistance, resurgence and residues
41. Pesticide residues, waiting period and decontamination methods
42. Basic precautions for safe use, storage and disposal of pesticides
43. Occupational exposure, use of protective clothing
44. Pesticide poisoning and first aid measures
45. Insecticide Act and quality control
46. Registration of Pesticides
47. Central Insecticides Board (CIB) banned restricted and recommended pesticides
48. Plant quarantine

PRACTICAL

1. Pesticide appliances and Traps in pest management

 AGRICULTURAL PATHOLOGY (16+1 sessions)

THEORY

Lecture Schedule

1) Plant Pathology – Introduction and Definition

2) History of Plant Pathology
3) Classification of plant diseases
4) Plant disease causing organisms- Fungi
5) Plant disease causing organisms-Bacteria
6) Plant disease causing organisms-Virus
7) Plant disease causing organisms- Phytoplasma and other agents
8) Symptoms of fungal diseases – Damping off, Late blight, Downy mildew, White rust
and Powdery mildews
9) Symptoms of fungal diseases- Leaf spot, Leaf blight, Wilt , root rot , Rust and smut
10) Symptoms of bacterial diseases
11) Symptoms of viral diseases
12) Symptoms of Phytoplasmal diseases
13) Symptoms of Phaenerogamic parasites
14) Symptoms of non parasitic diseases
15) Survival of Plant Pathogens- Fungi and bacteria
16) Survival of Plant Pathogens- Virus , Phytoplasma and others causative agents
17) Spread of Plant Pathogens- Fungi
18) Spread of Plant Pathogens- Bacteria
19) Spread of Plant Pathogens- Virus
20) Spread of Plant Pathogens- Phytoplasma
21) Fungicide - Copper fungicides – mode of action - classification
22) Copper fungicides- formulations -Trade names
23) Disease controlled by copper fungicides
24) Sulphur fungicides- mode of action and Trade names
25) Sulphur fungicides – classification and formulations
26) Disease controlled by Sulphur fungicides
27) Quinone , Heterocyclic N compounds- Formulations- Trade names -Disease controlled
28) Benzine- Formulations- Trade names -Disease controlled
29) Phythalamide group fungicides – Formulations- Trade names -Disease controlled
30) Systemic fungicides – classification and Mode of action.
31) Benziminazole groups, oxathiin derivatives- Formulations- Trade names -Disease
controlled
32) Furan derivatives, Benzonilide, phenil amide groups- Formulations- Trade names -
Disease controlled
33) Azole group fungicides – Formulations- Trade names -Disease controlled
 34) Pyrimidin,- formulations- Trade names - Disease controlled
35) Morpholine- formulations- Trade names - Disease controlled
36) OP compounds – formulations- Trade names - Disease controlled
37) Alkayl phosphonate- formulations- Trade names - Disease controlled
38) Acetamides, carbomates- formulations- Trade names - Disease controlled
39) Dicarboxymide, imidazole fungicides and phenol derivatives - formulations- Trade
names - Disease controlled
40) New generation fungicides - formulations- Trade names - Disease controlled
41) Antibiotics - formulations- Trade names - Disease controlled
42) Botanical fungicides and Antiviral principles
43) Deferences between pathogenic diseases and nutritional disorders
44) Bio-control agents – fungal and bacterial bio-control agents
45) Fungal biocontrol agents –usage- method of application- Disease controlled. Quality
control parameters
46) bacteria biocontrol agents –usage- method of application- Disease controlled. Quality
control parameters
47) Compatibility and Phytotoxicity of fungicides. Labeled claim fungicides/ bactericides as
per CIB, Faridabad.
48) Calculation of fungicide requirements and spray fluids- Methods of applications and
Special methods of application

PRACTICAL

1. Identification of fungal, bacterial, Viral and phytoplasmal diseases based on symptoms

and microscopic observation of causative agents.
2. Demonstration of Special methods of fungicide application of fungicides and biological
control agents. Preparation of Bordeaux mixture and Bordeaux paste.
 AGRONOMY (9+2 sessions)

THEORY
Lecture Schedule

1. Agro-ecological situations - Over view of Agricultural production systems- Agriculture

in Indian economy-Farmers category-Number of holdings-Production and productivity of
important crops in India and Tamil nadu.
2. Agro-ecological situation and Agro-ecosystem approach-Agro-ecology and agro-
ecosystem - Dryland - irrigated dryland and wetland ecosystems- Dry land farming
systems
3. Weather parameters and their impact on Agriculture- Season – seasons of Tamil Nadu-
Agro-climatic zones
4. Suitable cropping systems for the existing Agro-ecological situation- opportunity for new
cropping system
5. Relevance of Agro-meteorological information for crop production- Climate change –
increase in temperature-varying quantity and distribution of rainfall – change in pest and
disease occurrence
6. Rainfed farming - Rainfall - quantum and distribution - monsoon seasons - Growing
period opportunity - single, double and long duration crop
7. Importance of water management in crop production - Farm ponds - water - conservation
- irrigation methods- time and quantity - protective irrigation.
8. Natural resource management for dryland agriculture-Soil and moisture conservation
techniques- – contingency crop plan
9. Integrated water shed management - water shed - water conservation - improved
cultivation
10. Irrigated agro ecosystems- Irrigated Crops – inputs requirement – components
11. IFS for garden land and wetland ecosystems
12. Nutrient management Concepts and practices of nutrient management in agro-
ecosystems Nutritional requirement of crops
13. Micro-nutrients- micro nutrient fertilizers-recommendations for different crops.
14. Time and Method of fertilizer application
 15. Weed management - Importance of weed management and their effects on growth and
yield reductions in crops
16. Types of weeds - annuals, perennials, wetland, gardenland and dryland weeds persistent
and aquatic problem
17. Parasitic weeds.
18. IWM in crops
19. IWM in cropping systems
20. Chemical methods – herbicides classification - herbicides in the market-Formulations-
High and low volume herbicides- Herbicides applications
21. Herbicide active ingredients - sprayers- adhesives and adjuvant etc., in increasing the
efficiency - types of nozzles and types of high volume – Working out herbicide doses –
22. Crop production technology of the major crops of the region - Working out the major
agronomic inputs (Seed and fertilizers) required for production of different crops
23. Cereals- Rice and rice ecosystems-Nursery management-SRI technique - Sorghum, Pearl
millet – Maize
24. Pulses - Red gram, Greengram, Blackgram and Bengalgram
25. Oilseeds - Groundnut Sesamum, Safflower, Sunflower, Soybean and Castor
26. Commercial crops- Cotton, Chillies, Sugarcane, Turmeric
27. Organic farming – Concepts and principles – organic inputs

PRACTICAL

1. Visit to Meteorological observatory –Temperature – rainfall – humidity, wind velocity,

solar radiation.
2. Identifications of wet, dry, irrigated dry ecosystems weeds, aquatic and parasitic weeds
and Practicing Skill development on herbicide application techniques, spray equipments
and spray fluid calibration
 SOIL SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY (9+1 SESSIONS)

THEORY
Lecture Schedule

1. Soil a three phase system.

2. Physical, chemical and biological properties of soil.
3. Major soils of Tamil Nadu.
4. Essential nutrients and their role in crop plants.
5. Deficiency and toxicity symptoms of nutrients in crop plants.
6. Corrective measures for the deficiency of nutrients in crop plants.
7. Soil physical problems and their management.
8. Soil chemical problems (salt affected soils) and their management - I.
9. Soil chemical problems (acid soils) and their management – II.
10. Types of fertilizers.
11. Properties of fertilizers and their nutrient content.
12. Reactions of fertilizers in soils.
13. Types of liquid fertilizers.
14. Properties of liquid fertilizers and their nutrient content.
15. Reactions and efficiency of liquid fertilizers in soils.
16. Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) – its importance and regulations.
17. Specifications and fertilizer storage standards of important fertilizers.
18. Procedure for obtaining license/registration as manufacture/dealer in fertilizers and
conditions to be fulfilled for trading thereof, etc.
19. Organic manures - definition, difference between manures and fertilizers.
20. Classification of manures with suitable examples.
21. Importance of manures in soil fertility management
22. Soil health - concepts
23. Assessment of soil health and its indicators.
24. Management of soil health.
25. Soil testing – objectives and procedures for soil sampling.
 26. Chemical methods for estimating available nutrients.
27. Quality of irrigation water and Indian standards for water quality.

PRACTICAL

1. Hand on experience on soil sampling. Identifying deficiency and toxicity nutrients symptoms
and their management in crop plants – using VDK soft ware. Hand on experience in
interpretation and advice based on soil test results – using DSSIFER soft ware.
2. Visit to problematic soils. Visit to Fertilizer / Biofertilizer / Vermicompost production unit.
 SEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (6+2 sessions)

THEORY
Lecture Schedule
1. Seed quality, classes and seed production planning - Importance of quality seeds in crop
production - characteristics of quality seeds.
2. Difference between seed production and grain production - classes of seed - generation
system of seed multiplication.
3. Planning for seed production - seed demand assessment and factors influencing seed
demand and supply.
4. Principles and methods of seed production- Principles of seed production - genetic and
agronomic principles.
5. Genetic and physical contaminants - identification and removal of off types and other
contaminants - maintenance of genetic and physical purity during seed production.
6. Types of hybrids - methods of varietal and hybrid seed production.
7. Seed certification and organic certification - Seed certification procedure - field
inspection and counting methods - field and seed standards.
8. Organic seed production - basic requirements - methods of production
9. Organic certification procedures.
10. Seed quality control and testing- Role of seed certification officers, seed inspectors and
seed analysts in seed quality control.
11. Penalties - Appellate Authority - rules and regulations related to seed quality control.
12. Seed testing procedures - seed sampling methods physical purity analysis - germination
test - quick viability test - moisture estimation methods.
13. Seed processing, treatment and storage techniques- Post harvest handling of seeds - seed
processing - methods and steps in seed processing - cleaning, grading and upgrading
techniques.
14. Seed treatment - importance - pre-sowing, pre-storage and mid storage seed treatment
methods - seed health management.
15. Seed storage - methods - packaging materials - seed storage godown sanitation - seed
validity period and revalidation procedures.
 16. Seed Act, seed legislation and policies- Salient features of The Seeds Act (1966), Seed
Rules (1968) and Seed Control Order (1983)
17. Features of Seed Export and Import Policy and PPV&FR Act (2001).
18. Seed Bill (2004) and New Seed Bill (2011) - Salient features and benefits of these acts to
farmers and seed traders.

PRACTICAL
1. Seed identification, treatment and testing- Identification of different classes of seeds;
Hands-on experience on seed treatment, germination test etc.
2. Visit to seed production field and seed processing unit - Field visits to seed production
plots and identification of off types and other contaminants; Visit to seed processing unit.
 CROP PHYSIOLOGY (5+1 sessions)

THEORY

Lecture Schedule

1. Crop Physiology - An Introduction - Role of Crop Physiology in Agriculture: an

overview
2. Physiological processes during crop growth and development
3. Applied Crop Physiology
4. Stress Physiology - Water stress: Physiological changes and management techniques
5. Temperature stress: Physiological changes and management
6. Salinity stress: Physiological changes and management techniques
7. Nutrio-physiology - Classification and functions of macro and micronutrients
8. Foliar diagnosis, symptoms and remedy in agricultural crops
9. Foliar diagnosis, symptoms and remedy in horticultural crops
10. Physiological disorders-Physiological disorders: causes and changes in crops
11. Physiological disorders in major fruit crops
12. Physiological disorders in major vegetables, plantation and flower crops
13. Plant Growth Regulators- Introduction, classification and role of hormones
14. Use of plant growth regulators in agricultural crops
15. Use of plant growth regulators in horticultural crops

PRACTICAL

1. TNAU Crop Boosters and application techniques

 NEMATOLOGY (3+1 sessions)

THEORY

Lecture Schedule

1. Introduction to plant parasitic nematodes – Difference between plant parasite and

beneficial or saprophytic nematodes
2. Major plant parasitic nematodes and their host plants – Economic yield loss caused by
nematodes in various crops
3. Diseases caused by nematodes – Diagnostic symptoms caused by nematodes in plants
both above ground and below ground
4. Nematode fungal / bacterial pathogen interaction – Management of diseases caused by
nematodes – Integrated nematode management
5. Classification of chemical nematicides – Mode of action – Active ingredient and dosage
calculation – Residual toxicity – Newer nematicide molecules
6. Methods of application of nematicides – Environmental Impact of chemical nematicides.
7. Bionematicides – Fungal and bacterial antagonists - Classification –
8. Formulations - Mode of action – Quality control
9. Storage and virulence - Dosages and application - Environmental Impact of
bionematicides.

PRACTICAL
1. Symptoms caused by nematodes in various crops – Above ground and below ground
symptoms caused by nematodes in vegetables and fruit crops – Nematode symptoms in
ployhouse crops - Application of chemical nematicides to various crops – Seed / sucker
treatment methods – Soil application of nematicides – Different methods of nematicidal
application – Formulations and method of application of bionematicides.
 FARM IMPLEMENTS AND MACHINERY (2+1 sessions)

THEORY

Lecture Schedule

1. Farm mechanization scope and importance – Issues and limitations – Types of power
sources – Human and Animal energy - Mechanical energy – Tractor and Power tillers –
Makes and models - Small engines – other energy sources – advantages and
disadvantages.
2. Primary Tillage implements – Mould Board plough, disc plough and chisel plough.
Secondary tillage implements – cultivators, disc harrows, rotavators, levellers, puddlers,
ridgers and bund formers– Sowing machinery – seed drills and seed planters-calibration.
Drum seeders and transplanters.
3. Intercultivation machinery-Manual and power operated weeders – Plant protection
machinery - sprayers, dusters and their operation - calibration and
maintenance..Harvesting machinery for cereals and other crops. Threshing machinery and
crop dryers.
4. Power sources for stationary water lifting and other operations on farm. Availability of
machinery – sources and cost of machinery. – Adjustments and operations - Possible
repairs during operation – Periodical maintenance of implements and machinery
including power sources.
5. Area coverage and field efficiency of farm implements and machineries – Cost of
operation - Fixed cost and variable cost calculation - Breakeven point and custom hiring
charges.
6. Identification of package of machinery for crop specific – Establishment of custom hire
centres – fixing of hire charges-operational issues ,limitations etc.

PRACTICAL
1. Practice in handling farm implements and machinery. Visit to custom hiring centres and
to progressive farmers field / mechanized farms
 AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS (2+0 sessions)

THEORY

Lecture Schedule

1. Institutional Lending Agencies – NABARD and Commercial Banks - their Credit

Programmes.
2. Institutional Lending Agencies – Co-operatives and Regional Rural Banks – their Credit
Programmes – Issues in Rural Lending.
3. Microfinance – Role of Lending Agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations
4. Self Help Groups in Poverty Alleviation through Microfinance.
5. Crop Insurance – Yield based Insurance Programmes – Advantages and Disadvantages
6. Crop Insurance - Weather based Insurance Programmes – Advantages and Disadvantages
 AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION (3+1 sessions)

THEORY

Lecture Schedule

1. Extension Approaches and Methods - Communication skills: meaning, types,

communication models (Berlo, Leagans, Rogers & Shoemaker) – elements and their
characteristics; barriers in communication.
2. Extension Methods - classification, merits and demerits; Audio-Visual aids –
classification ; Training – definition, types, purpose and procedure, training functions of
FTC, KVK, EEI, MANAGE, NAARM; Demonstration - types, purpose and procedure,
Exhibition - purpose and procedure, Kisan melas - purpose and procedure.
3. Cyber Extension: concept, various Agricultural information sources - Community Radio,
Internet, cyber cafes, video and teleconferencing, Interactive Multimedia Compact disk
(IMCD), Agri portals, Information Kiosks, Kisan Call Centre (KCC), Kisan Mobile
Advisory Services (KMAS), Expert System, Village Knowledge Centre (VKC),
consultancy clinics
4. Extension Reforms - Orientation on Training and Visit system, Concept of ATMA
model, organizational mechanism, multi agency extension strategies involving input
dealers.
5. Market – led Extension: purpose / objective, market intelligence, DEMIC, role of input
dealers in promoting linkages of farmers groups, markets and processors.
6. Schemes related to Agricultural Sector – Major flag programmes of central / state
governments related to agricultural development. Title, purpose / objectives components,
who are eligible beneficiaries and benefits.
7. Behavioural Skills - Negotiation : meaning, process, interpersonal negotiation skills and
its importance
8. Motivation: concept, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation,
techniques of motivation, importance of motivation in extension.
9. Counseling: meaning, skills, Client-centered counseling approach and convincing the
farmers for better adoption of technologies. Stress management : Meaning, cause and
effects of stress, techniques to manage stress.

PRACTICAL

1. Extension Approaches and Methods Hands on experience in using computers for

accessing agriculture and market information : Visit to e- Extension centre to access
agriculture and market information.
2. Hands on experience in organizing extension methods: Preparation for conduct of
training, demonstration and exhibition.
 HORTICULTURE (3+1 sessions)

THEORY
Lecture Schedule

1. Floriculture - Production technology of -Rose (cut & loose flower), jasmine and tuberose -
Soil and climate- Propagation- Planting- Nutrition- Special horticultural practices- Weed
management- Pest and disease management- Harvesting- Value addition.
2. Principles of landscape gardening -Lawn making– Land preparation -Selection of grass–
establishment methods – nutrition – weed management-irrigation - special operations
(aeration, top dressing, rolling, raking and mowing).
3. Vegetables - Varieties/ Hybrids – Soil and climate - Season of sowing - Nursery bed
preparation - Seed rate-Seed treatment – community nursery - Field preparation - Spacing –
Mulching - Weed control- Irrigation - Layout and planting for drip irrigation and fertigation –
Manuring - Fertigation - Growth regulators - Training - Micronutrients - physiological
disorders - Plant protection - harvest and yield.
Crops: tomato, brinjal, chilli
4. Varieties/ Hybrids – Soil and climate - Season of sowing - Seed rate - Seed treatment –
Community nursery - Field preparation - Spacing – Mulching - Weed control- Irrigation -
Layout and planting for drip irrigation and fertigation – Manuring - Fertigation - Growth
regulators - Training - Micronutrients - Plant protection - harvest and yield.
Crops: onion, cabbage and bhendi
5. Varieties/ Hybrids – Soil and climate - Season of sowing - Seed rate - Seed treatment –
Community nursery - Field preparation - Spacing – Mulching - Weed control- Irrigation -
Layout and planting for drip irrigation and fertigation – Manuring - Fertigation - Growth
regulators - Training - Micronutrients - Plant protection - harvest and yield.
Crops: bitter gourd, ash gourd and annual moringa
6. Fruit crops - Climate and soil – varieties - propagation methods - planting and cropping
systems - after care- water, nutrient and weed management - Special horticultural techniques
- plant growth regulation- important disorders – maturity indices and harvest - post harvest
management of Mango and Banana.
7. Climate and soil – varieties - propagation methods - planting and cropping systems - after
care- water, nutrient and weed management - Special horticultural techniques - plant growth
regulation- important disorders – maturity indices and harvest - post harvest management of
Grapes, Guava and Papaya.

8. Production technology of Gloriosa, Senna and Coleus - Soil and climate - varieties -
Propagation- Planting- Nutrition- Weed management- Pest and disease management-
Harvesting- post harvest handling.
9. Organic production – Biomanures – Biopromoters – Bioinputs – Biofertilizers – organic
certifications

PRACTICAL

1. Introduction to all asexual propagation methods like grafting, budding, layering, cuttings –
pot mixture preparation, selection of root stocks and preparation of scion – preparation of
planting material in banana.
 AGRICULTURAL MICRO BIOLOGY (1+1 sessions)

THEORY
Lecture Schedule

1. Biofertilizers -Types and significance

2. Mass production- bacterial, fungal and algal biofertilizers; Carrier and liquid biofertilisers
3. Quality control of biofertilisers; Method of application; Storage

PRACTICAL
1. Mass production of bacterial biofertilisers-visit to biofertiliser production unit
 WATER TECHNOLOGY (1+1 sessions)

THEORY
Lecture Schedule

1. Basic principles in irrigation

2. Water Use Efficiency System and Methods of Irrigation
3. Installation and management of irrigation systems(Sprinkler & Drip Irrigation

PRACTICAL
1. Budget requirement for installation of Micro irrigation Systems
 AGRI BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (2+0 sessions)

THEORY
Lecture Schedule

1. Management Accounting- Basic accounting concepts and records

2. Preparation and understanding the Financial Statement and performance
3. Guidelines for preparation financial information for projects.
4. Business Management - Business plan preparation
5. Business Feasibility Analysis
6. Export and Import procedure.