bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rooting potential of mature stem cuttings of some forest tree species for vegetative propagation
Authors: Oboho E. G. , Iyadi J. N.
Published: April 2018

The growing of trees could be hindered by seed dormancy problems or unavailability of sufficient quantities of seeds, hence vegetative propagation using simple propagules like stem cuttings is a valued option especially for resource poor farmers. The rooting potential of mature stem cuttings of Gambeya albida, Irvingia gabonensis, Annona muricata, Garcinia kola and Triplochiton scleroxylon was investigated in a humid tent propagator without enhancement by artificial hormones. Propagation indicative parameters were estimated using percentages. G. kola had the highest root-ability indices with cutting survival rate of 85%, callus formation (75%), leaf loss (35%), days to axial bud sprout (55 days), days to leaf loss (23 days) and number of new leaves produced (9) at termination of study. T.scleroxylon had no survivals; an axial bud sprouted at 51 days but withered off by the third day. Other species were between these two extremes. Root-ability potential categorization for the species on the basis of this investigation was: easy to root for: G.kola and A.muricata, moderately easy to root for I.gabonensis and G.albida,unable to root for T.scleroxylon.The use of artificial hormone, juvenile stem cutting and somatic embryogenesis trials has been suggested especially for the moderately easy and unable to root categories.
Effect of Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman infestation on Apis mellifera L. adults
Authors: Asha Asha , Gulati Rachna , Thakur Deepika , Giroh Monika
Published: April 2018

Maximum incidence of Varrosis on adults of Apis mellifera L. (8%) was recorded in second fortnight of May 2008 corresponds to the peak in V. destructor population. Percent deformity was calculated by observing 100 adult bees. Deformity in adult bees was low which ranged between 0.0 to 3.0 per cent with an average of 0.52 per cent. Significant positive correlation (r = 0.77) was calculated between per cent mite infestation and per cent bee deformity which revealed that with increase in mite infestation, there was a corresponding increase in deformity of bees.
Removal of COD and BOD from biologically treated municipal wastewater by electrochemical treatment
Authors: Sharma Arun Kumar , Chopra A. K.
Published: April 2018

The present investigation observed the effect of current density (CD), operating time (OT), inter electrode distance (IED), electrode area (EA), initial pH and settling time (ST) using Fe-Fe electrode combination on the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) from biologically treated municipal wastewater (BTMW) of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). The maximum removal of COD (92.35%) from BTMW was found with the optimum operating conditions of CD (2.82 A/m2), OT (40 mins.), IED (0.5 cm), EA (160 cm2), initial pH (7.5) and ST (60 min.), while the maximum removal of BOD (84.88%) was found with the ST (30 min.) at the same operating conditions. There was no need of pH adjustment of the BTMW during ET as the optimal removal efficiency was close to the pH of 7.5. Under optimal operating conditions, the operating cost was found to be 54.29 Rs./m3 / 1.08 US$/m3 in terms of the electrode consumption (78.48 x 10-5 kg Al/m3 ) and energy consumption (108.48 Kwh/m3).
Determination and sensory evaluation of soy flour-meat combinations in the production of meatballs
Authors: Odiase O. M. , Igene J.O. , Evivie S.E. , Ebabhamiegbebho P.A.
Published: April 2018

The increasing cost of animal protein has necessitated the need to investigate the use of cheaper and nutritive alternatives in various food formulations. The study was carried out to determine the appropriate level of soy flour inclusion in meatball production. The soy meat balls were formulated to contain 0%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% of full-fat soy flour which was combined with beef and some condiments. Treatments were analyzed in triplicates in a randomized complete block design. A 7-point hedonic scale was used to evaluate the sensory characteristics (colour, taste, texture and overall acceptance) of the products using a semi-trained taste panel. Nutrient proximate composition values and production cost were also determined. Results showed that on the average, soy flour inclusion in meatballs increased cooking yield by reducing weight loss from 27.33% to 12.96%. Meatballs with soy flour inclusions at 10% and 15% were most acceptable (very much liked). The 20% and 25% level of soy flour inclusion were moderately acceptable, thereby indicating acceptability up to 25% level of soy flour inclusion. Soy inclusion reduced production cost by N37.50 on the average at N5.00 per ball when compared with all meat products as well as, increasing the number of balls per mix from 64 balls (control) to an average number of 89.5 balls (soy meatball). It is recommended that further studies of the soy flour inclusion in meatballs production be carried out to ensure the availability of cheaper, nutritious and acceptable convenience food in the Nigerian market.
Fishes of the genus Olyra McClelland (Teleostei: Bagridae) from Indo-Bhutan hill streams of Assam, India
Authors: Pathak Sewali , Goswami Mrigendra M. , Sharma Nripendra Nath
Published: April 2018

The type specimens described in this communication are collected from two hill streams, Kanamakra and Langkhar flowing from the Bhutan foothills of the Himalaya through Amguri and Amteka respectively in the Indo- Bhutan border of Chirang district (26015’ 0” - 2700’ 0” N and 90030’ 0” - 90045’ 0” E) of Assam. The occurrence of three catfishes species of the genus Olyra, of which Olyra horae is recorded as a new report from the type locality of Assam. The taxonomic variables of O. horae are compared with other two species namely, O. kempi and O.longicaudata. The O. horae is distinguished from the other two congeners in having the caudal fin forked but not high, upper lobe slightly elongated with 10 rays and lower lobe with 9 rays. It can also be distinguished in having the higher range of the caudal peduncle length (16.9 - 20.0 % SL), pre-anal length (60.1 - 71.4 % SL), head width (81.3 - 81.6 % HL) and the lower range of snout length (21.7 - 24.3 % HL), outer mandibular barbel length (55.7 - 57.3 % HL) in comparison to the other two congeners.
A study on few biochemical parameters of clinically suspected and laboratory confirmed Leptospirosis cases
Authors: Zala D. B. , Khan Vikram , Das V. K.
Published: April 2018

A study on biochemical parameters in clinically suspected and laboratory- confirmed leptospirosis cases was conducted in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Out of 50 clinically suspected samples of leptospirosis, 38% were positive from both ELISA IgM and rapid card test. In the present study, liver markers such as bilirubin, Serum Glutamate Oxalo acetic Transaminase (SGOT) and Serum Glutamate Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT) encountered elevation 68%, 100% and 89% respectively in leptospiosis positive patent while 89% and 48 %of positive patients showed elevation in kidney marker, creatinine and blood urea. On the basis of liver and renal functions, a hospital can develop its own clinical algorithm to suspect the case of leptospirosis.
Quantitative variations in ovarian follicles of female Sprague Dawley rats after exposure to low dose gamma radiation
Authors: Singh S. , Sharma J. , Goyal P. K.
Published: April 2018

In the present experiment, an attempt was made to assess the genetic risk of low dose radiations in mammals. For this purpose female Sprague Dawley rats, 11-12 weeks old, were irradiated with whole body Co 60 gamma rays in three fractionated doses of 0.10 Gy (cumulative dose 0.30 Gy) given at an interval of one month at two different dose-rates (0.00368 Gy/min. and 0.0589 Gy/min.). Ovaries were studied for quantitative evaluation of follicles at 1, 4, 12, 28 and 52 weeks after last fractionated exposure. Quantitation revealed lower number of ovarian follicles in irradiated animals than in controls. The follicular number decreased with the advancement of time after last exposure (i.e. 2 months) and reached a peak level on 28 weeks. After that the recovery was evident but the number remained below 25% of total follicles even at 52 weeks autopsy interval, which indicated an irreversible damage in ovarian tissue. Primary follicles were found to be the most radiosensitive among the various types of follicles. The highest loss in these follicles was noted at 12 weeks after exposure with the high dose-rate, where only 10.61% of them were scored. Dose-rate exhibited an inverse relationship with the number of surviving follicles. At the higher dose-rate (0.0589 Gy / min.), depletion in the total follicular number was significantly higher than at the low dose-rate (0.00368 Gy/min.) used.
Gender based participatory approach for sustainable small holder farming in developing countries
Authors: Singh Sucheta , Jukaria Sudha , Sharma A.K.
Published: April 2018

Dairying at the household level is largely the domain of women. They are contributing for more than 90% of household activities. In livestock management activities, males are contributing only about 10% in form of fodder arrangement, livestock management such as, vaccinations, artificial insemination and selling milk. Considering women’ participation in dairy production system, their different needs and widening gaps the need was felt to have a study on this aspect. The paper describes rationale and importance of the participatory rural appraisal (PRA) approach. The methodology involves the following sequential components: site selection, site description and categorization, planning for PRA, diffusion of results. In this paper, the planning and implantation of integrated interventions have been made to assess women empowerment in dairy production system and improve dairy productivity. The Neeli ravi breed of buffalo was giving higher yield of milk (average 8 liters per day) over the indigenous breed (average 6-7 liters per day). Among the cow the cross bred was giving an average milk yield of 10 lt/day which was more than the 5-6 lt/day given by the indigenous breed. The occurrence of diseases was mainly June to September and the management practices were carried before their onset in May-June only. But, it should be carried out throughout the year for various diseases. The matrix ranking of technology adoptions for buffalo breeds were found to be 34 points against the 26 points for the indigenous breeds.
Germination response of Treculia africana (Dacne) seeds in relation to moisture content, storage method and its duration
Authors: Oboho E. G. , Ngalum E. L.
Published: April 2018

Edible seeds of forest tree crop may be unavailable in sufficient quantity for tree planting projects and so there is need for storage. The germination response of Treculia africana seeds to storage method, duration and moisture content was investigated. Three storage methods were used namely; open basket, jute bag and air-right bottle. Moisture content over time under the storage regimes was investigated for five weeks while the storage aspect was monitored for 20 weeks. The experimental layout was completely Randomized design with threetreatments and three replications. Data was analysed using one way ANOVA at 5% level of significance. Fresh seeds had 100% germination. After first week of storage, this valued decreased to 73.3% and 83.3%, and drastically reduced to 3.3% and 13.3% for seeds stored in the open basket and jute bag respectively. The air-tight bottle maintained values of between 93.3-100% throughout the investigation period. There was statistical difference between storage method and duration. The moisture content of freshly extracted seeds was 36.95% and air-tight bottle maintained steady values were between 35.95 – 35.98%; the values for the open basket and jute bag dropped to 18.97 and 20.13% respectively within five weeks and the critical moisture content of < 24.16% was attained in three weeks after which there was no further germination. It is recommended that fresh seeds of T. africana be sown and where long term storage is needed, the air-tight bottle should be used, but resource poor farmers may employ the jute bag to store the seeds for only two weeks if seeds are meant for sowing. Further research is needed in getting appropriate storage devices for large scale storage of seeds for this important crop.
A study on biochemical composition of the sting gland (poison gland) and the reservoir (poison sac) of the dwarf honey bee Apis florea F. workers
Authors: Kumar Neelima R. , Devi Anita
Published: April 2018

The glands associated with the sting apparatus of worker honey bee Apis florea produce Venom which is known to be composed of a wide spectrum of biomolecules ranging from biogenic amines to peptides and proteins. The Venom apparatus showed the presence of two important associated exocrine glands i.e. Venom gland and Dufors gland. The secretions of both glands are apocrine and are released into the lumen to be stored in the venom sac. The presence of some exocrine cells in the distal part of venom sac which is otherwise known to only store the component of Venom gland led to the present study. The present study that there were considerable differences in the biochemical composition of Venom gland and Venom sac secretions of Apis species The concentration of lipids (Sting gland =1.423±0.0001 and Reservoir = 1.21±0.0067), proteins (Sting gland=0.440±0.0226, Reservoir = 0.390± 0.032), activity of acid phosphatase (Sting gland=112.09±21.100, Reservoir=22.63±1.467) and hexokinase (Sting gland=20.7±4.016, Reservoir=10.66±2.465) was found to be more in case of Venom gland while cholesterol(Sting gland=0.138±0.0161 reservoir=0.324±0.00323), glucose (Sting gland=189±1.31, Reservoir=321±7.19), free amino acids, and activity of alkaline phosphatase (Sting gland=21.03±0.195 Reservoir=22.4±0.685) was more in Venom sac. Glycogen was absent in both Venom gland and Venom sac of Apis species as confirmed by the absence of glucose-6-phosphatase activity. It is established from the present study that Venom sac also secretes various biochemicals and enzymes which are added to the total Venom.
Some lesser known fiber yielding weeds used by Gujjar and Bekarwal tribes of District Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Singh Amandeep , Dangwal L.R. , Singh Tajinder
Published: April 2018

The present communication pertains to some lesser known fiber yielding weeds used by Gujjar and Bekarwal tribe of district Rajouri (J&K). The study was based on extensive and intensive field surveys conducted in 6 blocks of district Rajouri i.e. Budhal, Rajouri, Thanamandi, Manjakote, Nowshera and Sunderbani. Three sites were selected in each block which was densely inhabited by Gujjar and Bekarwal tribe to document traditional knowledge on fiber yielding weeds. The botanical names of the reported weed species with family, local names and part used have been documented in the present work. During the study period a total of 17 fiber yielding weeds belonging to 2 monocot and 8 Dicot families were reported. Out of total 10 angiospermic families of fiber yielding weeds, the predominance was shown by family Malvaceae having 6 weed species followed by family Tiliaceae and Urticaceae each representing 2 fiber yielding weeds. The study would not only help in documenting the traditional knowledge, it would also help in removal and management of weed species and in promoting growth of major crops.
Damage potential of Tetranychus urticae Koch to cucumber fruit and foliage: Effect of initial infestation density
Authors: Tehri Kanika , Gulati Rachna , Geroh Monika
Published: April 2018

Field trials were conducted to assess the damage potential of two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) on cucumber (Cucumis sativus Linnaeus). Young cucumber plants were artificially infested with different densities of T. urticae (5, 10, 15 and 20 mites/ grown up leaf) while uninfested plants acted as control. Post infestation, the plants differed in their support to mite density in accordance with initial infestation density and observation period. Grown up leaves were found to be the most susceptible to mite infestation (5.86 mites/ sq. cm leaf). The number of feeding (chlorotic) patches on cucumber leaves significantly increased from 1.38/sq cm at a pre-count of 5 mites per grown up leaf to 1.71/sq cm leaf at a pre-count of 20 mites as compared to no patch recorded in control. Highly significant negative correlation was recorded between mite population and photosynthetic pigments. Total chlorophyll, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b and carotenoids decreased to a maximum of 40, 43.63, 45.45 and 47.27 percent at the highest infestation density as compared to control. Results revealed differences among various treatments in terms of yield attributes of cucumber. The per cent reductions from 6.15 to 12.42 in number of fruits, 0.59 to 1.56 in fruit length and 0.93 to 3.28 in fruit width at different inoculums of T. urticae were recorded over uninfested plants. The cumulative effect led to the ultimate reduction in average fruit weight in the range of 10.16 to 17.19 per cent in the infested plants.
Occurrence of the genus Amblyceps Blyth (Teleostei: Amblycipitidae) from the Indo-Bhutan streams of the Brahmaputra drainage of Assam, India
Authors: Pathak Sewali , Goswami Mrigendra M. , Sarma Nripendra Nath
Published: April 2018

Three species of the genus Amblyceps, namely, A. apangi, A. arunachalensis, A. mangois are described from Kanamakra and Langkhar (26°45?0? ? 26°48?0?N and 90°35?0? ? 90°40?0?E) hill streams of Chirang district of Assam. The torrent catfishes are distinguished within the genera on the basis of their general appearance of the body and the caudal fin structure, adipose fin, eye diameter, inter-orbital space, fold on lip and number of vertebrae. The caudal peduncle height for A. apangi (12.36 ? 12.73% SL), A. mangois (14.25 ? 15.36% SL) and A. arunachalensis(10.01 ? 11.42% SL), caudal peduncle length for A. apangi (20.29 ? 20.87% SL), A. arunachalensis (22.00 ? 22.11% SL) and A. mangois (19.09 ? 19.31% SL) and other taxonomic details of the congeners with their distributional status are discussed.
In vitro mass multiplication of Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) through axillary bud culture
Authors: Behera L.K. , Nayak M. R. , Nayak D. , Jadeja D.B.
Published: April 2018

The present investigation was conducted for mass multiplication of Jatropha curcas L. through axillary bud culture. For this nodal segment from 3-5 months old nursery grown plants were used as explants for axillary bud culture. The sterilization treatment involving dipping explants in 0.1 per cent HgCl2 solution for 5 minutes resulted in minimum contamination and maximum establishment of nodal explants. The treatment MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L BAP and 1.0 mg/L IAA was the best for culture establishment, shoot proliferation and multiplication of the axillary buds which exhibited highest value in each parameter like establishment (76.1%), number of days taken for shoot initiation (3.1 days), length of longest shoot (6.8 cm), number of leaves on main shoot (7.1) and number of shoots per explant (6.3). Among different treatments for root initiation, half MS media fortified with 1 mg/L IBA, 3 mg/ L NAA and 0.25 g AC gave best result in maximum number of rooting percentage (60) with minimum time taken for root initiation (13.3 days), produced maximum number of roots per shoots (5.1) and length of longest root (4.9 cm) when established shoots were treated with it. Such produced plantlets showed nearly cent per cent survival after hardening and acclimatization. It showed that explants surface sterilized with 0.1 per cent HgCl2 solution for 5 minutes inoculated in MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L BAP and 1.0 mg/L IAA and half MS media fortified with 1 mg/L IBA, 3 mg/L NAA and 0.25 g AC were best in shoot establishment and root development respectively for mass multiplication of J. curcas L. through axillary bud culture.
Optimization of machine parameters of Parvatiya Sugam motorized thresher using response surface methodology
Authors: Singh Divya , Vinay Deepa
Published: April 2018

A Parvatiya Sugam Thresher was designed and developed at College of Home Science GBPUA & T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India. It is a low cost motorized machine for threshing paddy crops especially for hill region, it is user friendly and more efficient in its working. The machine performance was evaluated for optimal design parameters viz, height 755 mm, time 5.1 minutes and crop load 1.5 kg. Comparative performance tests between the newly developed (Parvatiya sugam thresher) and existing thresher were conducted to the optimization. Test result indicates that Parvatiya sugam thresher gives better result compared to existing thresher. It was inferred that ½ hp motor was introduced to have optimum drum speed and threshing performance of paddy thresher.
Analysis of rainfall data for storage and irrigation planning in humid south-eastern plain of Rajasthan in India
Authors: Singh Bhim , Arya C.K. , Singh Jitendra , Mourya K.K.
Published: April 2018

A study was carried out to analyze the rainfall data for storage and irrigation planning under humid south-eastern region of Rajasthan using a time series record for 32-year (1980-2011) periods. It was observed that most of the years under observation were having adequate rainfall for all round the year crop production provided the water were collected during the rainy season. The area received 921.5 mm annual rainfall out of which 92% occurred during southwest monsoon (June-September) season. Of the total study period of 32 years, 19% were drought years, 66% were normal years and the remaining 15% were the abnormal years. The annual rainfall during the period showed negative trend (-6.955 mm/year). It showed decreasing trend (-7.782 mm/year) during the month of August and positive trends with 0.864, 3.909 and 1.192 mm/year, respectively, during month of June, July and September. The analysis generally showed that water deficit appeared during the period of November up till May and rain water was excess during the period of June up till September. During these months, rain water can be stored with the help of rainfall harvesting system. If only 50% of total rain water is collected, it forms approximately 44.16 lacs litres of water on a unit hectare basis of land. This rainfall water will be adequate for all rounds the year crop production with conservation of rain water and judicious use of rain water resources.
Development and evaluation of the retail cuts, yields and sensory properties of smoked grasscutter (Tryonomys swinderianus)
Authors: Ebabhamiegbebho Peter Akhere , Igene John Oamen , Evivie Smith Etareri
Published: April 2018

The study was carried out to develop retail cuts, evaluate the effect of the method of pelage (removal/scalding) on the yield and organoleptic quality of smoked grasscutter (Tryonomys swinderianus). Sixteen grass cutters were purchased from Abico bush meat market in Benin City, Nigeria. The pelages were removed by water and fire scalding. Some were brined in 15% salt solution for 3 hrs while others were not. The carcasses were cut into seven retail cuts. All samples were smoke-dried for 6 hrs. Sensory evaluation was done by a 12-man panelusing a 5-point hedonic scale. The results showed that there were significant differences (P<0.05) in the yield of fresh salted and non-salted grass cutter samples. There was also significant difference (P<0.05) in the smoked yield of salted smoked grasscutter with WSS giving the highest yield of 1.03 kg. The method of pelage removal did not have any significant effect (P>0.05) but there was significant effects in the smoked yields. Sensory evaluation showed significant differences (P<0.05) in the colour, tenderness, juiciness, flavor and overall acceptability. Salted samples had the highest scores all organoleptic properties. It was recommended that further studies be carried out to evaluate the effects of salting and smoking on economic and sensory parameters of other sources of bush meat in Nigeria.
Variation in morphometric and meristic traits of Aspidoparia morar from Brahmaputra and Barak Rivers of Assam, India
Authors: Borah Simanku , Landge Asha T. , Bhattacharjya Birendra K. , Chakraborty Sushant K. , Ramteke Karankumar K. , Barman Jyotish , Bhagawati Kaustubh , Saud Bhaskar J.
Published: April 2018

The minor carp, Aspidoparia morar is a benthopelagic fish belonging to the sub-family Danioninae under the family Cyprinidae. It has emerged as the single most dominant species in the river Brahmaputra in Assam. In the present study, 240 specimens were collected from Guwahati and Tezpur in the Brahmaputra River and Silchar in the Barak River to investigate the morphometric and meristic variation among the populations. For this a total of 20 morphometric traits and 11 meristic traits were studied. The mean lengths for most of the morphometric traits were higher for the Barak River except eye diameter, inter orbital length and anal fin length which were significantly higher on the Brahmaputra River, while the post orbital length and pelvic fin length were found to be almost equal. The regressions of standard length with all the morphometric traits except pelvic fin length, pelvic fin base, pectoral fin length, dorsal fin length, anal fin length, pre orbital length, post orbital length, inter orbital length and eye diameter showed significant variation between the rivers. Two meristic traits viz. branched rays in anal fin and gill rakers on the first gill arch also showed significant variation in the samples of the rivers.
A study on heavy metals accumulation and its uptake by Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] fertilized with Sugar mill effluent and DAP treatment in two cropping seasons
Authors: Srivastava Sachin , Chopra A.K.
Published: April 2018

A study was performed under natural environment to compare heavy metal accumulation in soil and Vigna unguiculata L. (Cowpea) irrigated with five rates of SME viz. 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100% concentrations and DAP treatment (applied @100Kg/ha i.e. 0.7g / per 5 Kg) and control (Bore well water) separately in both the rainy (Kharif) and summer (Zaid) seasons for 90 days. Results revealed that among various concentration of SME and DAP treatment, irrigation with 100% SME concentration significantly (P<0.001) increased Zn (323.07-341.02 %), Cu (371.23-389.04%), Ni (3666.66-4133.33%), Cd (525.00-725.00%), Cr (1444.4-1477.77%) and Fe (224.08-244.89%) in the soil. In case of V. unguiculata irrigated with different SME concentrations, maximum range of heavy metals such as Zn (2.43-2.98 mg Kg-1), Cu (2.39-2.73 mg Kg-1), Ni (0.55-0.91 mg Kg-1), Cr (1.01-1.21 mg Kg-1), Cd (0.13- 0.17 mg Kg-1), and Fe (5.54-6.18) were observed at 100% concentration of SME than that of DAP treatment in both the cultivated seasons. However, the concentration of all the metals Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd, Cr and Fe in soil and plant were lower than toxicity threshold i.e. within the permissible limit. Enrichment factor (Ef) for soil/V. unguiculata was recorded maximum with Ni (37.66-42.33) / (24-30.33) and minimum with Fe (3.24-3.44) / (2.28-2.52) after 90 days of SME irrigation than DAP in both the cropping seasons of Kharif and Zaid. The minimum accumulation of Fe in both soil and crop showed that metals with completely filled d orbitals (d8, Fe) were least incorporated into the V. unguiculata crop.
Influence of operating conditions on the electrolytic treatment for the removal of color, TSS, hardness and alkalinity using Al-Al electrode combination
Authors: Sharma Arun Kumar , Chopra A. K.
Published: April 2018

The present investigation observed the effect of current density (CD), operating time (OT), inter electrode distance (IED), electrode area (EA), initial pH and settling time (ST) using Al-Al electrode combination on the removal of color, total suspended solids (TSS), hardness (HR) and alkalinity (ALK) from biologically treated municipal wastewater (BTMW) of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), Jagjeetpur, Haridwar, India. The maximum removal of color (99.86%), TSS (98.7%), HR (78.9%) and ALK (43.69 %) from BTMW was found with the optimum operating conditions of CD (2.65 A/m2), OT (40 mins.), IED (0.5 cm), EA (160 cm2), initial pH (7.5) and ST (60 min.). However, the maximum removal of ALK was found with the optimum operating conditions of CD (1.68 A/m2), OT (40 mins.), IED (1.0 cm), EA (80 cm2), initial pH (7.5) and ST (90 min.) The electrolytic treatment ( ET) brought down the concentration of HR and ALK to the desirable limit of the BIS standards of drinking water. There was no need of pH adjustment of the BTMW during ET as the optimal removal efficiency was close to the pH of 7.5. Under optimal operating conditions, the operating cost was found to be 1.01 $/m3 in terms of the electrode consumption (23.71x 10-5 kg Al/m3) and energy consumption (101.76 Kwh/m3). The study revealed that BTMW can be effectively treated with the Al-Al electrode combination for color, TSS, HR and ALK removal.
Dimensional stability and strength properties of wood plastic composites produced from sawdust of Cordia alliodora (Ruiz and Pav.)
Authors: Izekor D. N. , Mordi M. E.
Published: April 2018

This study evaluates the effects of densities and mixing ratio on the physical and mechanical properties of wood plastic composites boards at mixing ratio of 1:1 to 1:1.4 and nominal densities of 700kg/mm3 and 800kg/mm3. The quantity of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and saw dust used in the production of Wood Plastic Composites (WPCs) was weighed to a nominal density of 700kg/mm3 and 800kg/mm3. The materials were thoroughly mixed and fed into a neatly primed oil mould with a dimension of 300 x 300 x 10 mm. Test samples used for physical and mechanical properties determination were collected from each board produced from the mould. The results showed that WPCs board produced from mixing ratio 1:1 had the highest Modulus of Rupture (MOR) and Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) values of 6.52 mm N-2 and 564.95 mm N-2 respectively. Water absorption, thickness swelling and linear expansion of WPCs produced from wood/plastic ratio of 1:1.4 had the lowest mean values of 6.67, 0.83, 0.68% and 21.61, 1.33, 5.35% respectively after 2 hours and 24 hours of water immersion test. Analysis of variance carried out at 0.05% probability level showed that the effect of density and mixing ratio were significant on the physical and mechanical properties of wood plastic composites boards.
Differential response of phosphorus utilization efficiency in rice by tracer technique using phosphorus-32 under phosphorus stress environment
Authors: Sanjivkumar V. , Malarvizhi P.
Published: April 2018

In most soils, soil and fertilizer Phosphorus (P) are easily bound by either soil organic matter or chemicals and thus are unavailable to plants unless hydrolyzed to release inorganic phosphate. Therefore, the development of P-efficient rice varieties that can grow and yield better with low P supply is a key to improve crop production. P efficient plants play a major role in increasing crop yields due to shortage of inorganic P fertilizer resources, limited land and water resources and increasing environmental concerns. Based on the P uptake efficiency, four rice genotypes viz.,TNRH 180, CB08504, CB06732 and ADT 47 were selected from the field experiment and used in pot culture experiment with three levels of P using radio isotope technique to quantify the P acquisition efficiency (PAE) and P use efficiency (PUE) and also to determine the native P supplying power of the soils using 32P in low P soils. Growth and yield parameters, grain and straw yield and major nutrients uptake of rice genotypes were increased with enhanced level of phosphorus application. Among the four genotypes, TNRH 180 recorded the highest grain yield and uptake. Increasing the P application rate from 25 to 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 increased the %Pdff in grain and straw for all the genotypes. The mean per cent phosphorus utilization (PPU) ranged between 18.74 and 23.72. The PPU of the genotypes followed the order TNRH 180 (23.72 %) > CB08504 (23.36 %) > CB06732 (20.54%) > ADT 47 (18.74%). The PPU values were higher at lower level of P application (25 kg P2O5 ha-1) for the genotypes TNRH 180, CB08504 and CB06732. From this study showed that rice genotypes have the ability to utilize the both available and unavailable form of phosphorus by secreting some organic acids in the root portion to solubilize. Hence rice genotypes indicated above have the ability to increase phosphorus utilization efficiency.
Optimization of fermentation conditions for producing Indian rock bee (Apis dorsata) mead using response surface methodology
Authors: Srimeena N. , Gunasekaran S. , Murugesan R.
Published: April 2018

Mead is a traditional drink which results from the alcoholic fermentation of diluted honey carried out by yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae KF233529). The present investigation was carried out for the optimization of fermentation parameters for maximizing the yield of ethanol. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based central composite design was employed to obtain best combination of temperature, fermentation time and total soluble solids (TSS). The optimum conditions for ethanol yield were temperature 28°C, TSS 15°Brix and 6 days after fermentation. The model showed that the value of R2 (0.9998) was high and p- value of interaction of variance was <0.0001. Hence the model can be said to be of highly significant.
Effect of anthropogenic disturbances on biomass and carbon storage potential of a dry tropical forest in India
Authors: Pawar G. V. , Singh Lalji , Jhariya M. K. , Sahu K. P.
Published: April 2018

The forests of Chhattisgarh are very well known for its species richness, diversity, biomass, carbon stock and productivity. The present study was carried out at Katghora forest division under Bilaspur circle of Korba district, Chhattisgarh considering three sites viz., least, moderately and highly disturbed site to estimate biomass and carbon storage in relation to anthropogenic disturbances. For collection of data quadrats were selected under stratified random sampling design. For enumeration of tree and saplings ten quadrats of 10 m × 10 m were laid and each species counted separately. The tree density varies from 100-510 stems ha-1 across study sites. Total biomass in the present study was between 127.69 t ha-1 and 227.71 t ha-1. Total above ground biomass was between 111.20 t ha-1 and 199.42 t ha-1, whereas total below ground biomass varied from 16.49-28.29 t ha-1, respectively. The total carbon storage across the sites were ranged from 55.125 to 98.548 t C ha-1 found higher under least disturbed site and lowest under medium disturbed site. Carbon storage pattern according to girth class followed the similar trend of distribution as was in the case of biomass. It has least proportion in small girth class and maximum storage under the higher girth class. It is evident from the study that disturbances have significant impact on density, vegetation diversity, biomass accumulation and carbon storage pattern. Conservation affords are required to control on disturbances and for the natural recovery of forest ecosystem.
Specific identification, biology and symptoms of whitefly species infesting sunflower in South India
Authors: Ghante V. N. , Chowdary L. Rajesh , Govindappa M. R. , Bheemanna M. , Hosamani Arunkumar
Published: April 2018

Whitefly species related to sunflower was identified as Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). Further the identified whitefly species was confirmed to be indigenous B. tabaci on molecular basis by using B-biotype specific SCARs and biological silver leaf assay on sensitive pumpkin (cv Big variety). None of the whitefly samples could positive for the presence of B biotype. The results of the study on the pest life cycle under the laboratory conditions showed that, B. tabaci passed through four nymphal instars before the adult stage. The mean duration values of these stages were 5.6, 4.2, 4.4 and 5.6 days respectively. The total duration of the life cycle of B. tabaci ranged from 23- 42 days at the temperature of 29±2°C with a mean of 34.5. The damage to sunflower crop caused by the whitefly species is discussed with a special emphasis on its ability to transmit leaf curl viral disease.
Effect of nitrogen and sulphur nutrition on yield parameters and protein composition in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill].
Authors: Sharma A. , Sharma S.
Published: April 2018

Accumulation patterns of various protein fractions in seed, yield and protein quality parameters of soybean cultivar SL 525 harvested at different stages of development from plants grown under different treatments viz., nitrogen (urea @ 31.25 kg N ha-1), sulphur (gypsum @ 20 kg S ha-1) and combined application of nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) were investigated. Application of S alone or combined with N significantly increased plant height, number of seeds per pod and total seed yield. Sulphur-containing amino acids viz., methionine and cysteine increased significantly (P?0.05) by all the treatments in comparison to control and maximum increase of 1.3 fold was observed by urea application. The contents of different protein fractions viz., albumin, globulin and glycinin (a subfraction of globulin) increased under the effect of N and S applied alone or in combination from 30 DAP to maturity with maximum accumulation at maturity as compared to control (without N or S application). Gypsum @ 20 kg S ha-1 resulted in higher accumulation of glycinin (11S) relative to ?-conglycinin (7S) fraction of globulin protein in soybean seed thereby increasing 11S:7S ratio indicating improvement in soybean seed quality. The current study showed that improvement of soybean nutritional quality can be achieved by application of gypsum @ 20 kg S ha-1 along with recommended N doses under agroclimatic conditions of Punjab.
Effect of variety and planting date of rice on population of natural enemies of brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stal)
Authors: Tetarwal A. S. , Ram Lakhi , Singh Ram , Jat Manoj Kumar
Published: April 2018

The present study on the effect of variety and planting date of rice on population of natural enemies of brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) showed that during August, the mean population of spiders was statistically on par on CSR 30 and PR 114. The population differed with dates and was significantly (p=0.05) higher (9.0/10 hills) in D2 during 2011 only. There was no significant difference in the population of spiders on two varieties and dates of transplanting during September 2011 only. However, significantly higher population of spiders was recorded in variety PR 114 (21.65/10 hills) and D2 (20.52/10 hills) than on CSR 30 (13.67/10 hills) and D1 (14.80/10 hills) during September, 2012. The mean population of spiders did not differ significantly with the dates during October, 2011 and 2012. However, it was significantly higher on variety PR 114 (27.65/10 hills) than on CSR 30 during both the crop seasons. Mirid bugs did not appear in the month of August, 2011 and 2012 whereas during September 2011, the variety CSR 30 and D1 registered significantly higher population than other variety and date. However, a reverse trend was observed with varieties and dates during 2012. The mean population of coccinelid, carabid and staphylinid beetles remained very low on both the varieties in the month of August during 2011 and 2012. However, the population of these predators was influenced significantly by the varieties and dates during 2012. The population of nymphal-adult parasitoids also remained very low during both years and was not influenced by varieties and dates.
Induction of water stress tolerance of mustard plants using Trichoderma as biological seed treatment
Authors: Sharma K. K. , Singh U. S.
Published: April 2018

Water scarcity is one of the main consequences of changing climate which adversely affects the plant growth and productivity. Enhanced root development results in increased surface area of active absorption for water and nutrient uptake which helps in tolerating abiotic stresses including drought in plants. Trichoderma is well known for its biocontrol and growth promontory effect in plants in addition to alleviate abiotic stress. In our study, thirty isolates of Trichoderma were grown on sterilized cow dung at different moisture content ranges from 5 to 30 percent to investigate their ability to grow and multiply under water stress condition. Mustard plants were grown under glass house condition by treating seeds with selected isolates of Trichoderma subjected to water stress subsequently. All isolates of Trichoderma grew upto 20% moisture whereas only eleven isolates exhibited growth at 10% moisture. Isolate PB23 was only isolate which was able to grow and resulted in 1.0 x109 cfu/g air dried cow dung even at 5% moisture content and induced the tolerance of mustard plants under water stress conditions when applied as seed treatment before sowing.
Cultural and morphological characterization of rhizospheric isolates of fungal antagonist Trichoderma
Authors: Sharma K. K. , Singh U. S.
Published: April 2018

The genus Trichoderma contains species that are of a great economic importance due to their ability to act as biological control agents against a large variety of fungal plant pathogens. In the present investigation thirty isolates of the Trichoderma sp. were obtained from the rhizosphere soils of different plants at different locations at Nainital, Almora, Udham Singh Nagar, Derhadun, Haridwar and Tehri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand (India). The isolates were characterized on the basis of their cultural and morphological characteristics. The cultural characteristics included linear growth, colony colour, pigmentation and growth pattern. Morphological characteristics studied were structure, shape and arrangement of conidiophores, phialides and conidia. Out of thirty isolates, 6 isolates namely PB10, PB13, PB23, PB26, PB27 and PB28 were identified as T. virens and remaining 24 isolates as T. harzianum.
Burkholderia sp. from rhizosphere of Rhododendron arboretum: Isolation, identification and plant growth promotory (PGP) activities
Authors: Nailwal Shweta , Anwar Md. Shahbaz , Budhani Kamal Kant , Verma Amit , Nailwal Tapan Kumar
Published: April 2018

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is beneficial bacteria that colonize plant roots and enhance plant growth by wide variety of mechanism like phosphate solubilisation, etc. Use of PGPR has steadily increased in agriculture and offers an attractive way to replace chemical fertilizers, pesticides and supplements. The present research work was designed to isolate and characterize the PGP activity of Burkholderia sp. For this purpose rhizospheric soil from Rhododendron arboreum of Kumaun Himalaya was collected and efficient bacterial strain was screened on the basis of phosphate solubilization. Further, assessment of various parameters of plant growth promotion activity was done and enhanced production of IAA (16.4 ?gml-1) and (20.8 ?gml-1) was observed in the presence of 250?gml-1 and 500 ?g ml-1 of tryptophan, respectively. Correspondingly, in respect of 7.8 ?g ml-1 IAA without tryptophan, and their confirmation was executed by TLC. A remarkable change in color from green to reddish-brown zone on CAS plates, suggests the positive result for siderophore production, and finally the seed germination and pot trial experiment depicted the growth index of wheat plant. Therefore, the present study suggests that Burkholderia sp. is beneficial for plant growth promotion.
Growth status and site quality of different seed production areas of teak (Tectona grandis L. f) in Karnataka, India
Authors: Gunaga Rajesh P. , Kanfade Avinash M. , Vasudeva R.
Published: April 2018

In the present study 20 SPAs of teak distributed in southern, central and northern parts of Karnataka, India are selected. Phenotypic parameters of standing trees of different SPAs were recorded. Further, seed yield was also recorded and compared with site quality and stand growth parameters. Result showed that there was a greater variation among SPAs for phenotypic growth characters as well as site quality. The overall growth of SPAs of Madikeri zone (Southern region) was found to be superior with respect to tree height, clear bole height and DBH.SPAs belonged to Dandeli (Northern region) recorded more DBH and nearly round stem. SPAs of Yallapur seed zone showed comparatively less growth over Madikeri zone. SPA of Dandeli zone recorded the more tree volume and top height, followed by SPA of Madikeri zone. Considering site quality of different SPAs, all the studied SPAs of Karnataka are growing under relatively poor site conditions. Sixteen out of twenty SPAs, nearly 80% were growing in areas with site quality classes IV and V. Interestingly, none of the studied SPAs belonged to either class I or II. Association study showed that tree height (r=0.403) and clear bole height (r=0.412) showed positive relationship with seed yield. Furthermore, site quality showed a weak positive relationship with seed yield (R2 =0.052) among SPAs indicating poor site quality could be a major factor for low seed yield. It is concluded that SPAs of Madikeri and Dandeli zones performed better in growth and stem form. Therefore, it is suggested to collect quality seeds from these seed zones.
Combining ability and heterosis for yield, its component traits and some grain quality parameters in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Priyanka Kumari , Jaiswal H. K. , Waza Showkat A.
Published: April 2018

The experiment was conducted to estimate combining ability and heterosis for yield, yield attributing traits and few grain quality parameters in rice. The crosses were made among three CMS lines i.e., IR58025A, Pusa6A and IR68897A and seven pollen parents viz., Sarjoo-52, Jaya, Sasyashree, Swetha, HUR 5-2, PR-106 and BPT 5204. Twenty one hybrids were generated in line x tester design. The superior hybrids were identified on the basis of combining ability effect and heterosis. Cross combination IR68897A/Jaya and IR68897A/BPT 5204 exhibited good x good parental GCA effects suggesting that there is additive x additive type of gene action. The cross IR68897A/Jaya showed highest positive SCA effect. The higher magnitude of heterosis for all the yield and quality traits were not expressed in a single hybrid combination. It varied from cross to cross due to diverse genetic background of their parents. The two crosses IR68897A/Jaya and IR68897A/BPT 5204 were found to be heterotic for yield and yield traits as well as the grain quality characteristcs.
Effects of metal contaminated soils on Eisenia fetida (Savigny) at Ludhiana (Punjab), India
Authors: Kaur Kulwinder , Sangha Gurinder Kaur
Published: April 2018

The soil in the vicinity of stream of Buddah Nullah in Ludhiana, Punjab has been found to be contaminated with heavy metals. The objective of this paper was to conduct studies with earthworm Eisenia fetida (Savigny) exposed to five soil samples collected from different sites around the stream of Buddah Nullah, since no such work has been done using earthworm as bio- indicator of soil pollution in that area to check the hazardous effects of heavy metals on soil organisms. Metal levels were recorded higher in contaminated soil samples than threshold concentration in soil of campus field. Adult E. fetida were exposed for a period of 80 days to evaluate the effects of elevated levels of heavy metals i.e.0.29 ppm, 4.18 ppm and 2.29 ppm for cadmium, lead and nickel respectively on survival, growth, morphology and reproduction. Significant effects were observed on survival, growth and reproduction of the tested organisms along with various morphological abnormalities such as tail shedding, body fragmentation and extrusion of coelomic fluid. But no such deformity was observed in worms reared in reference soil of university campus field. Detrimental effects on rates of cocoon production and hatchling emergence were observed and a significant delay was also recorded in production of cocoons and emergence of hatchlings. Results of the study indicated that reproductive end points were more sensitive to elevated metal levels in contaminated soil than survival or weight change.