1. Introduction to Crop Science.............................................7
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Branches of crop science
1.3 Scope and importance of Crop science
2. Classification of Crops.....................................................17
2.1 Cereals – Rice, Wheat, Sorghum, Maize, Bajra, Ragi
2.2 Pulses – Pigeon pea, Moong bean, Chickpea, Black gram, Red lentils (Massor dal)
2.3 Fiber crops – Cotton, Jute, Hemp and Silk
2.4 Oilseeds – Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, Safflower, Mustard, Sesamum, and Niger
2.5 Cash crops – Sugarcane, Cotton, Tobacco, Tea
2.6 Fruit crops – Tomato, Mango, Banana, Grapes, Citrus, Guava,Pomegranate, Drumstick
2.7 Aromatic and Medicinal crop plants
2.7.1 Aromatic crop Plants: Lavender, Basil, Jasmine, Mint, Vanilla,
Geranium, Rose, Lemongrass and Citronella.
2.7.2 Medicinal crop plants - Aloe vera, Turmeric, Ginger, Curry leaf, Tulsi
3. Factors required for Crop Growth..............................66
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Climatic zones of India
3.3 Crop seasons
3.3.1 Kharif season (monsoon crops)
3.3.2 Rabi season (Winter crops)
3.3.3 Zaid season (short summer crops)
3.4 Edaphic (soil) factors
3.4.1 Types of soil - sandy, loamy, clayey, black, red soils, etc.
3.4.2 Physical and chemical properties of soil for crop growth
3.4.3 Soil water holding (retention) capacity and its effect on crop
growth and yield
3.4.4 Effect of soil pH, salinity and alkalinity on crop production
3.4.5 Soil nutrients availability
3.5 Climatic Factors
3.5.1 Temperature and Its Impact on Plant Growth
3.5.2 Rainfall: Water Supply its role in crop growth
3.5.3 Humidity
3.5.4 Wind velocity
3.6 Impact of water quality and irrigation practices on crop production
3.7 Impact of genetic traits, variety and cultivars on crop production
3.8 Effect of advanced agricultural technology on crop growth
4. Major Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, and Fiber crops of India........................................83
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Pulses: Pigeon Pea and Chickpea
4.3 Oilseeds: Groundnut, and Soybean
4.4 Fiber: Cotton
5. Major Fruit, Sugar, Industrial, Spices and condiments crops of India......................110
5.1 Fruit crops: Pomegranate and Guava
5.2 Sugar and starch crops: Sugarcane and Sweet potato
5.3 Industrial / commercial crops: Coconut
5.4 Spices and condiments: Chilli and Turmeric
