bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rainfall trend analysis and its future projection over Gangetic West Bengal (GWB) region of India during post-monsoon and winter season
Authors: Chakraborty Pramiti Kumar , Das Lalu
Published: January 2019

Studying the variability of rainfall and its future projection during post-monsoon and winter season is important for providing the information to the farmers regarding crop planning. For evaluating rainfall scenario, long (1901-2005) and short term (1961-2005 and 1991-2005) rainfall data of nine selected IMD stations of South Bengalwas collected and subdivided into 30 year period up to 1990 and a 15 year period from 1991 to 2005. The data were subjected to trend analysis and available GCM data were compared with the observed rainfall data. The postmonsoon and winter rainfall changes during 1901-2005 were positive (except Krishnangar, -47.67 mm) and negative (except Alipore and Berhampur) respectively. During 1991-2005 all the stations recorded a positive change during post-monsoon, while reverse was true for winter. Among the different GCMs, INGV-ECHM4 estimated the postmonsoon rainfall at the best, whereas winter rainfall successfully estimated by MIROC-Hi. Future projection of both post-monsoon and winter rainfall over the region showed an increasing trend. This will help in policy formulation for water management in agriculture.
Effect of planting density and training on plant health and seed quality of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under protected conditions
Authors: Lal Manohar , Kanwar H.S. , Kanwar Rajesh , Lal Chaman
Published: January 2019

A study was conducted at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horti-culture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.), India during Kharif 2012 to evaluate the effects of the different planting densities and training systems on plant health (powdery mildew severity) and seed quality of bell pepper cv. Solan Bharpur under pro-tected conditions (polyhouse). Experiment was laid out in naturally ventilated polyhouse using three different planting densi-ties (S1 - 45×15 cm, S2 - 45×30 cm and S3 - 45×45 cm) and four training levels (T1 - single shoot, T2 - two shoots, T3 - three shoots and T4 - four shoots)with three replicates. The combination S2T2 (plants spaced at 45x30 cm and trained to two shoots) was found superior over all other treatments in terms of seed yields i.e. per plant and per hectare (18.00 g and 959.87 kg, respectively) and was at par with important quality characters. The treatment combination S3T1 (plant spaced at 45×45 cm and trained to single shoot) resulted in least powdery mildew severity (21.21 %) and performed best for seed qual-ity characters viz. 1000 seed weight, germination percentage, seedling length, seedling dry weight, seedling vigour index-I & II (6.32 g, 95.75%, 10.86 cm, 3.26 mg, 1039.77 and 312.34, respectively) but it gave lower seed yield and thus it is uneconomic. Therefore, planting density 45×30 cm in combination with two shoot training system can be recom-mended for commercial seed production of bell pepper under protected conditions.
Genetic architecture of biparental progenies for yi eld in Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)
Authors: Chauhan Aanchal , Chandel K. S.
Published: January 2019

The type of gene action for yield and its components was determined using biparental progenies devel-oped from the F2 generation of an intervarietal cross Swarna Pratibha × Hisar Shyamal (SP × H-8) of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) using North Carolina Design - 1. The experiment was conducted during the Kharif (April- November) 2012 and 2013. The biparental and F3 progenies differed. Biparental progenies were superior in mean performance than were F3’s generated by selfing. Dominance variances were greater than additive variance for most characters. For fruit diameter, plant height, branches per plant and total soluble solid, the additive component of genetic variance was of higher magnitude. The average degree of dominance was in over-dominance range for most traits. Plant height, branches per plant, fruit diameter and total soluble solids was in the partial dominance range. Heritability estimates were generally low to medium. Fruit weight exhibited moderate to high heritability. The pre-ponderance of additive and non-additive genetic components of variance for most traits indicated role for addi-tive and non-additive gene action for inheritance of marketable fruit yield and its component traits. These could be utilized through reciprocal recurrent selection and heterosis breeding for the development of high yielding and quality cultivars in eggplant.
Prevalence and morphological characterization of Aspergillus isolates of maize ear rot in Punjab
Authors: Singh Harpreet , Kaur Harleen , Hunjan Mandeep Singh
Published: January 2019

Among six fungal species viz.Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Penicillum spp., Rhizopus spp., Trichoderma spp. and Alternaria spp. isolated from maize ear rot samples collected from five different districts of Punjab, the incidence of A. flavus was highest (42.15%) followed by Penicillium spp. (20.75%). The maximum frequency of A. flavus (57.10%) was found in Hoshiarpur district, closely followed by Jalandhar. In all, thirty nine isolates of Aspergillus spp. (33 isolates of A. flavus and 6 isolates of A. niger) were characterized morphologically. Twenty isolates of A. flavus producing sclerotia were of L-type strains having sclerotia diameter >400 ?m. Isolates of A. flavusproduced yellowish green, dark green and light green colonies and isolates of A. niger produced dark black colonies. Sterigmata in all the isolates of Aspergillus spp. were of uniseriate type. Based on colony diameter and growth rate per day all the 39 isolates of Aspergillus spp. were grouped into fast, medium and slow growing categories. Based on multivariate cluster analysis, the isolates of A. flavus were grouped into three distinct clusters each having 13, 17 and 3 isolates respectively.In the present study, Aspergillus flavus was found predominantly associated species with the maize ear rot. Further, the morphological variation observed within Aspergillus flavus and A. niger indicated the need for proper surveillance and monitoring exclusively for the prevention of moulds in maize produce in Punjab before it reaches the consumer.
Propagation of Himalayan maple (Acer caesium Wall.) through seed and softwood cuttings
Authors: Sofi P. A. , Bhat Sajad A. , Masoodi T. H. , Islam M. A. , Bhat G. M. , Malik A. R.
Published: January 2019

Propagation of Himalayan maple (Acer caesium Wall.) through seed and softwood cuttings was investigated to standardize nursery techniques for mass production of the species. The seedlings were raised from viable seeds in different containers filled with different combinations of growing media. Vegetative propagation of softwoodcuttings was carried out by treating with different combinations of IBA and Willow leachate of different durations. The statistical analysis revealed the differential behaviour of various nursery stocks with respect to survival, growth and biomass. The growing media soil:sand:vermicompost (2:1:2) and container (root trainer 300 cc) showed maximum germination (61.00%), seedlings height (35.17 cm), collar diameter (5.07 cm), shoot:root ratio (1.24) and survival percentage (76.33%). Conversely, the cuttings treated with IBA @ 8000 ppm showed maximum sprouting (74.50%), rooting (66.75%), length of longest root (14.65 cm), no. of roots per cutting (33.00%), shoot length (13.90 cm) and survival percentage (41.50%). Hence, the seeds of the species should be grown in Rot trainer of 300 cc having soil:sand:vermicompost (2:1:2) to get good quality planting materials. However, the softwood cuttings should be given treatments with IBA @ 8000 ppm for mass production of plants vegetatively.
Studies on influence of modified atmospheric storage conditions on biochemical parameters in pigeonpea seeds
Authors: Manjunatha B. , Vasudevan S. N. , Umesha Umesha , Sravani Chintalapati
Published: January 2019

An experiment was conducted to study the influence of modified atmospheric storage conditions on biochemical parameters of pigeonpea seeds. The experiment was conducted at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Raichur, Karnataka. The seeds are exposed to various gaseous combinationsand stored in 700 gauge polyethylene bag for ten months during July-2012 to April- 2013. The results revealed that, the seeds exposed to gaseous combination of 40% N2+00% O2+ 60% CO2 showed less reduction in dehydrogenase enzyme activity and protein content (0.276 OD (optical density) value, 19.33 % respectively) as compared to the control (0.211 OD value and 18.13 % respectively) after ten months of storage. In addition less seed leachate (2.029 dSm-1) was recorded in gaseous combination of 40% N2+00% O2+ 60% CO2 as compared to control (2.207dSm-1). It indicates the potential use of modified atmospheric storage technology for maintenance of seed viability and vigour during storage in pulses.
G x E evaluation for feed barley genotypes evaluated in country by AMMI analysis
Authors: Verma R. P. S. , Kharab A. S. , Singh J. , Kumar Vishnu , Sharma Indu , Verma Ajay
Published: January 2019

AMMI analysis of feed barley genotypes exhibited highly significant effects of environments, genotypes and interactions for both the years. The major portion of the total variance was described by the environmental effects up to 45.6% and 42.3% in respective years. The genotypes effects contributed marginally as of only 8.6% and 6.9% of total variation. The significant interaction effects were partitioned into IPCA1, IPCA2 , IPCA3 and IPCA4; which explained upto 42.4, 18.3, 9.7 and 8.1% of the first year and 32.2, 20.3, 15.6 and 10.5% for second year. The cumulative effect of first two interaction principal components comes out to 60.7% and 52.3% respectively. Maximum genotype yield during study period varied from 49.8 to 48 whereas the lowest yield ranged from 37 to 36.4 q/ha. AMMI stability index identified genotypes G9(BH 972), G15(JB 274) for former and G23(DWRB 109) & G2(KB 1205) for latter year. AMMI distance marked G15(JB 274) & G7(NDB 1561) for first and genotypes G26(UPB 1034) & G23(DWRB 109) for the second year. Desirable genotypes for selection would be G11(PL 871), G27(PL 872) and G23(DWRB 109), G20(BH 946) for respective years a per the GSI score. Genotypes with IPCA-1 scores close to zero identified G1(PL 751), G9(BH 972) and G27(PL 872 ) for first year and G5(RD 2786), G4(NDB 1554) and G24 (UPB 1036) for second year would have wider adaptation to the tested environments as per AMMI graphical plots.
Bud take success, growth and foliage characters of different Prunus cultivars on Myrocal and Julior clonal rootstock
Authors: Sharma Ritu , Kumar Amit
Published: January 2019

The present study determined the effect of clonal rootstock of Prunus and their graft compatibility with peach, plum and apricot cultivars. Prunus scion cultivars were tongue grafted on respective Prunus clonal rootstocks in the last week of January, 2006. The study indicated that with respect to graft success, Myrocal exhibited higherbud take with apricot (66.67 %) than plums (63.89 %) with 1.15 and 1.20 stock/scion ratio, respectively. Julior exhibited higher bud take with plums (91.77 %) than peaches (86.11%) with 1.10 and 1.07 stock/scion ratio, respectively, whereas, Julior exhibited higher bud take with plum (91.77 %) than peaches (86.11 %) with 1.10 and 1.07 stock/scion ratio, respectively. Comparative studies indicate higher bud take of plum cvs Frontier (91.64 % ) and Red Beaut (91.84 %) on Julior as compared to Myrocal. Peach scion cultivars recorded more annual growth in terms of plant height (0.73 m) and plant spread (0.48 m x 0.62 m) than plum scion cultivars on Julior. Contrary to higher vigour recorded in nectarine scions compared to peach scions grafted on Julior, annual growth has been observed to be higher in peaches than in nectarines. Comparative studies indicate plant height, plant spread, trunk girth, internodal length and pruning weight of both plum cultivars to be higher on Myrocal than on Julior. With the present study, it is clear that Myrocal is more vigorous than Julior rootstock and both the rootstocks can be utilized for propagation with Prunus cultivars studied.
Assessment of genetic diversity using DNA markers among Brassica rapa var. yellow sarson germplasm lines collected from Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand hills
Authors: Harsha Harsha , Meena Jitendra Kumar , Bhajan Ram , Pant Usha , Talha Mohammed
Published: January 2019

The genetic diversity and the relatedness among thirty-one germplasm lines of yellow sarson collected from eastern UP were evaluated using morphological characters and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Molecular parameters, viz. A total number of bands, average polymorphic band, average percent polymorphism, average polymorphic information content (PIC), Jaccard’s similarity coefficient, Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCA) and dendrogram generated using RAPD markers. A total of 148 different polymorphic amplification products were obtained using 10 selected decamer primers. The Jaccard similarity coefficient ranged from 0.557-0.899. Maximum polymorphism detected was 100 %.The range of amplification was from 190bp to 9 kb. Some unique bands were also reported with different primers that can be used for the identification of particular accession. PYSC-11-11 and PYSC-11-36 genotypes showed a maximum number of unique loci of different size. 31 germplasm lines grouped into two major clusters I and II based on RAPD profiling. Morphological characterization was done on the basis of leaf, petal and beak characteristics. The similarity value among the germplasm lines ranged from 0.222 to 1.000 using morphological descriptors. The dendrogram generated grouped the germplasm accession into two major groups at 44% similarity value. The cluster analysis was comparable up to some extent with Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCA) of two and three-dimensional plots. The variability revealed by morphological and molecular profile were found to be non-comparable. This study indicated the presence of high genetic diversity among collected yellow sarson germplasm, which could be used for developing for breeding and germplasm management purposes.
Optimization of recipe for development of Aonla squash- A Response surface methodology approach
Authors: Jain Akanksha , Gehlot Rakesh , Siddiqui Saleem , Jangra Mukesh R.
Published: January 2019

Central Composite Design (CCD) was employed for optimizing the recipe for development of Aonla squash with juice content (25 to 40%), acidity (1.00 to 1.10%) as independent variables and adjusting 50% total soluble solids. Thirteen different experimental combinations given by RSM design were used to investigate the effect of independent process variables on four product responses developed squash. RSM evaluated responses of the 13 squash recipes by second order quadratic equations and found that pH ranged from 2.69-3.00, ascorbic acid from 102-212 mg/100ml, browning from 0.428- 0.579 and overall acceptability scores from 6.25-7.75. ANOVA analysis showed that the product responses of beverages were significantly affected (at 5%) by changes in juice and acidity of the squash recipes. Overall acceptability scores of the beverage increased with the increase in proportion of juice content from 25 to 40%. The coefficient of determination i.e., R2 for all responses was higher than 0.95 and nonsignificant lack of fit was observed for all models; which was desirable. Through numerical optimization, standardized recipe selected by RSM for aonla squash was with 40% juice and 1% acidity getting highest desirability of 0.991. The pH, ascorbic acid, browning and overall acceptability for the optimum recipe predicted by the design were 2.96, 197.8 mg/100 ml, 0.557 and 7.7, respectively. Thus, present study was first in its kind to optimize aonla squash recipe by using RSM as a tool which gave advantage of not only selecting best recipe but also provided impression of the influence of ingredients used in squash’s preparation on its physico-chemical profile.
Studies on combining ability and gene action for yield and quality traits in Baby corn (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Kumari Hemlata , Kumar Nikhil , Kumar Mukesh , Kumari Rashmi
Published: January 2019

An investigation was carried out to assess the combining ability and nature of gene action in baby corn (Zea mays L.) genotypes, by making crosses of eight inbred lines namely, HKI 3209, SML 1, EC 595979, CM 128, VQL 1, G 18 seq C5 F 76-2-2-1-1-2-BBB, HKI 209, in diallel mating design (without reciprocal crosses) by following Griffing Model–I and Method–II during rabi season 2013-14 at the experimental farm of BAC, Sabour, Bhagalpur (Bihar). The crosses were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to assess the combining ability and nature of gene action. Based on general combining ability, parents CM 128 and VQL 1 were best parent forbreeding programme for yield and quality improvement. The specific combining ability also indicates that hybrid CM128 x VQL1 was best specific combiner for baby corn yield (4.11q/ha), fodder yield (50.91q/ha) as well as for better quality. The crosses CM 128 x HKI 209 recorded the high mean (7.35%) and SCA effects (2.57 ºBrix) for quality traits. The gene action analysis also revealed preponderance of non-additive gene action for yield and its contributing characters.
Development and storage characteristics of shrimp (Solenocera crassicornis) based snack food using extrusion technology
Authors: Baraiya K. G. , Zofair S. M. , Mulye V. B. , Lende S. R. , Khileri R. A. , Kadri R. M. , Jha A. K. , Patel M.R.
Published: January 2019

An attempt was made to develop nutrient rich extruded snacks from lesser utilized protein rich shrimp (Solenocera crassicornis) flour using twin screw extruder. The extruded were in order to fried and packed in to High Density Polyethelene (HDPE). The extruded were analyzed for physical, texture profile, proximate composition and sensory characteristics at the interval of 10 days for 50 days of storage (DOS). The experiment shows the physical property like expansion ratio (mm) and texture profile characteristics such as hardness (gmF) and crispiness (gm) were not affected at the end of storage period. Among the different studies, the product made from rice/shrimp T1 based extruded scored as higher as 5 (out of 5) by sensory evaluation for all attributes. Consequently, all the extruded were maintained the physical properties, nutritional quality and overall acceptability. This research demonstrated that shrimp flour at 15% can be successfully incorporated for development of extruded were: expansion ratio 3.32, 2.75 and 3.06 (mm), crispiness 291, 252 and 210 (gm), protein 12.69, 18.74 and 15.09 (%), enegy value 540, 489 and 524 (Kcal), TPC 0.36, 0.34 and 0.34 (log cfu/gm) in rice T1, wheat T2 and corn T3 based extruded respectively. Overall, the quality assessment of extruded were not changed significantly (P>0.05) throughout study.
Effect of metabolized polyethylene terephthalate, vacuum packaging and storage temperature on shelf life of papaya pulp Kalakand (Indian cookie)
Authors: Patel Kartik M. , Patel Jignesh M. , Patel Dharmesh C. , Patel Navin B. , Raval Jeetendra K. , Vihol Priti D.
Published: January 2019

The dairy plants are looking for newer products for diversification and value addition. There is scope for the dairy industry to introduce newer products as healthy, convenience and ready to eat foods for capacity utilization and value addition, but because of complex biochemical composition and high water content, milk and milk products act as an excellent culture medium for growth and multiplication of varieties of microorganisms. Vacuum packaging reduces product shrinkage, trim losses by eliminating oxidation and freezer burn resulting it can enhance product quality. Now a day metabolized polyethylene terephthalate (MET PET) with vacuum packaging have a promising role in storage of various value added milk product. The developed value added Kalakand product (Indian cookie) could be stored successfully for 5 days in MET PET packaging material at 4±1°C and when the product was packaged under vacuum the shelf life increased up to 10 days at 4±1°C.
Partial acidulation of phosphate rock for enhanced phosphorus availability in alluvial soils of Bihar, India
Authors: Beura Kasturikasen , Padbhushan Rajeev , Pradhan Amit Kumar , Mandal Nintu
Published: January 2019

The present study was undertaken to fractionate partially acidulated phosphate rock (PAPR) and evaluate its effect on Phosphorus availability in alluvial soils. For this purpose, low grade phosphate rock was collected from Udaipur, Rajasthan and acidulated at different degrees with sulphuric acid (H2SO4) (v/v)Results from an incubation study showed that the available fraction of P [Water soluble (WSP) and Citrate soluble (CSP)] increased with increasing degree of acidulation. The maximum WSP was obtained at 50% H2SO4 (52.30% of total P) and the maximum CSP was obtained at 80% H2SO4 (49.54% of total P). 50 % dissolution of rock phosphate was the best treatment and found to be at par with that of 60% and 80% but was significantly superior to rest of the treatments. The maximum WSP in the soil samples was obtained after acidulation with 50 %H2SO4 and the maximum Olsen’s P by the 14th day of incubation. An increasing trend was found at initial stages of incubation (7-14 days) with a notable decrease in the later stages. WSP demonstrated the maximum correlation at 40% dissolution(r = 96* for first order reaction, r =95* for second order reaction) while for Olsen’s P, the maximum correlation was found in initial rock phosphate sample (r =88* for first order reaction, r =94* for second order reaction). Kinetics analysis of the obtained rock phosphate demonstrated that the PARP has more influence on phosphorus release pattern as compared to the inorganic P (SSP).
Genetic variability in sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) genotypes through inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers
Authors: Rao Vivekanand P. , Singh Sanjay , Chaudhary R. , Sharma M. K. , Sengar R.S. , Singh Uma M. , Sharma Vinay
Published: January 2019

In the present study, 14 sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) genotypes were used for genomic diversity analysis based on nineteen inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR). These nineteen sets of ISSR markers generated a total of 164 discernible and reproducible bands including 109 polymorphic and 55 monomorphic bands. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA) analysis revealed three distinct clusters: I, II and III within the 14 genotypes. The polymorphic information content (PIC) value per locus ranged from 0.14 (UBC811) to 0.53 (ISSR1) locus with an average of 0.42 for all loci. The range of genetic distance or coefficient of similarity among sugarcane genotypes varied 0.14 - 0.78. The analysis of these similarities matrix revealed that greater similarity between CoS03234 and CoSe1424 (0.78), and lowest similarity between CoS03234 and Co0118 (0.14). The knowledge gained in this study would be useful to future breeding programs for increasing genetic diversity of sugarcane varieties and cultivars to meet the increasing demand of sugarcane cultivation for sugar and bio energy uses.
Survey, documentation and identification of entomofauna of cocoa, Theobroma cacao L. in major cocoa growing regions of South India
Authors: Srinivasnaik S. , Suganthy M. , Kumar S. Mohan , Jegadeeswari V.
Published: January 2019

Survey, monitoring and documentation of entomofauna of cocoa was carried out in three cocoa growing states viz., Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh during 2014-2015. Results revealed that a total number of 23 species of insect pests and 13 species of natural enemies were documented and identified. Among the insect pests, 14, 2 and 7 species were sucking pests, borers and defoliators, respectively. Among the natural enemies, 7 species of predators and 6 species of parasitoids were documented and identified on different insect pests of cocoa. Among the insect pests, sucking pests were found to be predominant and maximum number of entomofauna were recorded in major coco growing areas of Tamil Nadu. From the results it was concluded that the list of entomofauna documented can enhance the knowledge on diversity of the entomofauna associated with cocoa in three different cocoa growing states. Sucking pests were found to be predominant and caused huge yield loss in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. While in Andhra Pradesh pod borer and bark eating caterpillar were found to be predominant causing severe yield loss. This information provides a base for development of location specific Integrated Pest Management module.
Impact of cropping systems on soil properties, nutrient availability and their carbon sequestration potential in Shiwalik hills of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Loria Nancy , Bhardwaj S. K. , Ndungu Charles K.
Published: January 2019

The impact of cropping systems on soil properties, nutrient availability and their carbon sequestration potential was studied during the years 2014 and 2015 in Shiwalik hills of Himachal Pradesh. The four commonly occurring cropping systems namely vegetable, fruit, cereal crop and agroforestry were selected. Uncultivated land in the region was considered as control. In total, there were five treatments which were replicated six times under randomized block design. The study indicated that the cropping systems in the Shiwalik hills varied significantly (P=0.05) with respect to their impact on soil properties, nutrient availability and carbon sequestration potential. The pH and EC was in the range of 6.04 to 6.90 and 0.094 to 0.138 dSm-1, respectively and were normal in range. Organic carbon and bulk density in surface soils ranged from 8.06 to 9.70 g kg-1 and 1.19 to 1.34 Mg m-3, respectively. The available NPK was highest (267.21, 19.99, 172.42 kg ha-1) under vegetable based cropping system as compared to other systems. Carbon density in surface soil ranged from 11.33 to 15.39 Mg C ha-1 and total carbon sequestered upto 30cm soil depth ranged from 601.96 to 12646.29 Gg. The study indicated that in Shiwalik hills of Himachal Pradesh, the commonly occurring cropping systems did not influence the soil properties and nutrient availability adversely. Agroforestry based cropping system is having highest potential of sequestering soil carbon in Shiwalik hills. Therefore to adapt to changing climatic situation and to mitigate its effect in the region, agroforestry based cropping system need to be encouraged.
Abundance and foraging behaviour of major insect pollinators on seed crop of broccol (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck) LPH-1
Authors: Devi Suman , Ombir Ombir , Sumit Sumit , Singh Yashdev
Published: January 2019

The studies were carried out at the Vegetable Research Farm, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2013-2014. The main aim of the study was good seed setting and it is done by bee pollination which improves the yield and quality of crops. The results shows revealed that Apis mellifera (5.96) was the most abundant visitor and highly significant over A. florea (4.46), syrphid fly (2.97), A.dorsata (2.62) and A.cerana (1.66) visitor. Irrespective of species, abundance of bees was the lowest at 0700-0900 h (0.73 bees/m2/5 minutes) and the highest at 1100-1300 h (6.29 bees/m2/5 minutes). The result of foraging speed, maximum for A. florea (37.44) and highly significant over followed by A. dorsata (5.24), A. mellifera (4.52 ), A. cerana (3.58) and syrphid fly (2.67). The result of foraging rate, maximum for syrphid fly (17.42) and highly significant over A. cerana (10.27), A. mellifera (10.00), A. dorsata (7.77) and A. florea ( 1.71). Due to bee pollination, seed set in caged condition was very less as compared to uncaged condition and quality of seeds was also good in uncaged condition.
Additions to the terebrantian (Insecta: Thysanoptera) fauna of Kerala, India
Authors: Rachana R.R. , Varatharajan R.
Published: January 2019

Extensive surveys were carried out in Kerala in order to explore the thysanopteran fauna since the state has hardly been studied for the fauna of thrips after Dr. T.N. Ananthakrishnan’s era of Indian thysanopteran taxonomy. Nine species of terebrantian thrips, one in the family Aeolothripidae and the remaining eight in the familyThripidae are being listed as new to Kerala state records collected from different hosts. Diagnostic features, distribution and data on material studied for these species are given. The number of known species of terebrantian thrips in Kerala is thus increased to forty two.
Heterosis for yield and quality traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Waza Showkat A. , Jaiswal Hemant K. , Sravan T. , Bano Dilruba A. , Priyanka Kumari , Umesh Umesh
Published: January 2019

Twenty F1 hybrids from three CMS lines and eight pollen parents were evaluated to study the heterosis for various yield and quality traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The findings suggested that the magnitude of heterosis differed from character to character and cross to cross. Majority of the hybrids recorded desirable heterosis for grain yield. Among the rice hybrids exhibiting high heterosis for grain yield, IR-68897A x Pusa Sugandh-3, IR-58025A x HUR-JM-59221 and IR-58025A x Pusa Sugandh-5 were top performers. The hybrid, IR-68897A x Pusa Sugandh-3 recorded highest yield per plant, and was among the best three performers for traits, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and number of effective tillers per plant. Thus, IR-68897A x Pusa Sugandh-3 may be considered as the best heterotic combination for yield and yield traits. Among the three high yielding hybrids, IR-58025A x Pusa Sugandh-5 was found to be relatively better performing for majority of the quality traits. Thus, IR-58025A x Pusa Sugandh-5 may be considered as the best cross combination if both yield and quality traits are taken into consideration.
Factors affecting people’s participation in joint forest management programmes in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Lal Chaman , Guleria Chandresh , Prasher R.S. , Sharma Ravinder
Published: January 2019

The present investigation examined the various factors affecting people's participation in the planning, implementation and maintenance of JFM programmes in the tribal distrct (Kinnaur) of Himachal Pradesh. In total, 10 factors were identified that influence people’s participation in Joint Forest Management (JFM) activities in the study area, which were independently affecting in all of three development blocks. District as a whole factors affecting in decreasing order were Lack of awareness about participatory forest management (66%), lack of co-ordination with forestry officials (64%), non availability of routine funds (56%), lack of training and visit programme (56%), clash between agriculture and JFM activities (54%), lack of emphasis on quick economic activities (49%), improper usufruct sharing (43%) etc. were some of major factors that influenced people’s participation. Policy and development emphasis on these factors, particularly taking into consideration the geography and need based activity in the various development blocks will increase the people’s participation in similar kind of projects.
Effect of water regimes on seed quality parameters of rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown under aerobic and wetland conditions
Authors: Ranjitha H. P. , Paramesh R. , Shashidhar H. E. , Amruta N. , Kiran S. P.
Published: January 2019

A field experiment was conducted to know the effect of water regimes on seed quality parameters of rice and the was conducted by using factorial randomized complete block design, with two genotypes (BI-33 and Jaya) and two planting methods (Aerobic and Wetland). The resultants seeds were taken to conduct laboratory experiments pertaining to seed quality attributes and the studies revealed that the BI-33 under aerobic condition had shown a significantly higher seed quality with respect to germination (99%), mean seedling length (26.75cm), seedling dry weight (10.42 mg), SVI-I (2648) and SVI-II (1032) , highest total dehydrogenase activity (0.53 OD @ 480nm), highest amylase activity (14.67 %), highest total soluble protein content (7.15%) and recorded less EC (70.95 ?Sm-1/ppm). The experimental results revealed that both the genotypes and method of planting contribute for seed quality of the genotypes which were grown under different water regimes. The genotype grown under aerobic condition was better in seed quality parameters compared to wetland condition.
Effect of growth regulators and stages of spray on seed yield and seed quality parameters of ridge gourd [Luffa acutangula (Roxb) L.]
Authors: Jyoti Sondarva , Patel N. B. , Patel J. B.
Published: January 2019

The experiment was undertaken to study the influence of different growth regulators on seed yield and seed quality parameters in ridge gourd [Luffa acutangula (Roxb) L.]. There were 30 treatment combinations comprising of two factors; plant growth stage as main plot treatment, and plant growth regulators as sub plot treatment embedded in a split plot design. The results indicated that significantly the highest average fruit weight (32.76 g), matured fruit yield per plant (65.84 g), 100 seed weight (13.41 g) and seed yield per plant (12.79 g) was recorded with spraying of 500 ppm ethereal, whereas significantly the maximum fruit length (20.89 cm) and fruit diameter (5.15 cm) with 25 ppm GA3. Significantly the highest seed germination (69.22 %) was recorded with spraying of 250 ppm ethereal, while application of NAA at 50 ppm recorded significantly the highest vigour index I (2737.85) and vigour index II (5029.33). Spraying of PGR at two to four leaf stage recorded the higher fruit length (20.19 cm), fruit yield per plant (47.49 g), 100 seed weight (13.18 g) and seed yield per plant (11.98 g) as well as highest germination (60.90%), vigour index I (2460.80) and vigour index II (4377.66). It is concluded that spraying of 500 ppm etherel at two to four leaf stage increased the higher fruit length, fruit yield per plant, 100 seed weight and seed yield per plant as well as highest germination, vigour index I and vigour index II.
Growth in demand and supply of pulses in India-A normative approach
Authors: Shivagangavva P. D. , Reddy B. S.
Published: January 2019

The changing scenario of consumption and production of pulses will have significant influence on the demand- supply prospects of pulses in India. The country as whole, production of redgram had increased marginally (0.45%) during 1980-2012(Overall study period), though there is positive and significant growth in production(2.86%) during 1980-90 (Period-I), mainly due to lower growth during 1991-2012(period-II). The significant growth in production (1.39%) and productivity (1.04%) of bengalgram in the entire period except area (0.35%) was observed. However, growth in greengram production (1.14%) and productivity (1.21%) was found almost similar. In case of blackgram, positive growth rate in area, productivity and production in both the periods have ultimately resulted higher growth rates in the overall period. The growth in total pulses production indicated that growth in area (-0.10%) was negative while it was positive both in production (1.49%) and productivity (1.59%) during period-I. Similar pattern of growth was observed during period-II and in the overall study period. The estimated demand for pulses were 183.62 lakh tonnes over supply of 148.66 lakh tonnes indicating deficit of 34.96 lakh tonnes during 2001 –2011. Further, demand for pulses expected to reach 225.36 and 255.16 lakh tonnes in the year 2020 and 2030 respectively. Whereas, supply of pulses will reach 218.50 and 237.00 lakh tonnes in the same period indicating narrow gap between demand and supply in the future.
Biology and feeding potential of Coccinella septempunctata (Linn.) against Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt) at different temperature regimes
Authors: Varshney Richa , Rachana R. R. , Bisht R. S.
Published: January 2019

Biology and feeding potential of Coccinella septempunctata (Linn.) were studied in laboratory on 3rd instar nymphs of mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kalt.) at two different temperature regimes. At 30± 20C, fecundity, oviposition period, hatchability of eggs, male and female longevity (232±70.46, 12.8±3.91, 82.87±6.66, 22.70 ± 2.21and 26.60 ± 4.45, respectively) were higher and incubation period, pre-oviposition period, total grub duration and pupal duration (2.6±0.51, 6.5±3.53, 8.7 ± 1.63 and 5.1 ± 1.10, respectively) were lesser in comparison to 25± 20C where fecundity, oviposition period, hatchability of eggs, male and female longevity, incubation period, preoviposition period, total grub duration and pupal duration were 169.8±61.12, 7.9±1.37, 71.68±4.08, 16.2 ± 1.31 and 21.50 ± 1.95, 2.9±0.73, 7.7±2.49, 11.1 ± 1.52 and 5.8 ± 0.918, respectively . At 27± 2 0C, total mustard aphid consumption by a grub of C. septempunctata during the whole life span, was 424.4±2.78 mustard aphids in comparison to 272.64±1.79 mustard aphid at 23± 20C. Similarly an adult male and female consumed 103.2±1.52 and 116.6 ±1.46 aphids per day respectively at 27± 2 0C in comparison to 65.6 ± 1.02 and 71.8 ± 1.60 at 23± 20C. Thus, at both temperatures aphid consumption increased gradually till 4th instar and 30±20C was found to be most suitable temperature as compared to 25±20C for the life history of C. septempunctata. Hence, it could be concluded that C. septempunctata might play a suitable role in biointensive Integrated Pest Management programme because of better longevity and high predatory potential against the mustard aphid.
Mining bee Andrena (Agandrena) agilissima (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae): A new record from India with morphological and molecular notes
Authors: Makkar Gurpreet Singh , Dey Debjani , Chhuneja Pardeep K.
Published: January 2019

The mining bee Andrena agilissima (Scopoli, 1770), is recorded for the first time in India from the western agro-climatic zone of its Punjab state. This is the first account of morphological and molecular characteristics of A. agilissima. This new record now increases the number of mining bees known in India to 21. Taxonomic commentsand metric values of 40 morphological characters have been presented. The mean values for body length, head width, compound eye length, median ocellus diameter, forewing length and hamuli number were 14.04±0.04 mm, 4.26±0.003 mm, 2.327±0.008 mm, 0.255±0.005 mm, 12.75±0.022 mm and 17.00±0.00, respectively. Using thestandard barcoding protocols, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 marker (standard DNA barcode region) based 658 bp DNA barcode sequence of the species has been established, as a first step towards the DNA barcode library of solitary bees of Punjab. The barcode sequence generated for the species has been registered by Gen- Bank, National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) under accession ‘KT960836’ and Barcode of Life Data (BOLD) Systems under Barcode Index Number ‘BOLD:AAY6909’. The floral sources for A. agilissima in Punjab are also provided. The results can be used to further study the races/ecotypes in different parts of country, habitat management studies, plant-pollinator interactions and in conservation programmes for the species. Further, the precise identification of A. agilissima and the inventory of its foraging plants would provide new opportunities for its potential use as pollinator of crops.
Effect of fertility levels on growth, yield and soil fertility status of maize (Zea mays L.) in vertisol of Maharashtra
Authors: Kwadzo Keteku Agbesi , Narkhede W. N. , Khazi G. S.
Published: January 2019

A field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm, AICRP on Integrated Farming Systems, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani during 2014-15 to assess the nitrogen, phosphorus and zinc requirement for maize crop. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design using eight treatments with three replications. The main plot consists of three levels of Nitrogen i.e., 100 kg ha-1(N1), 125 kg ha-1(N2),150 kg ha-1(N3) with two Zinc levels viz.,25 kg ha-1(Z1), 35 kg ha-1(Z2) and sub plot comprised of three levels of 50 kg ha-1(P1), 75 kg ha-1(P2)and 100 kg ha-1(P3). Application of 150 kg N ha-1, 100 kg P ha-1 and 35 kg Zn ha-1 recorded significantly higher growth at 5% level of significance attributes viz., plant height (218.64), no. of functional leaves (11.30), leaf area plant-1 (65.07 cm2), total dry matter plant-1 (269.08) and grain yield (6705.8 kg ha-1), husk yield (1378.2 ha-1), spindle yield (1642.6 ha-1), stover yield (7161.0 ha-1) and biological yield (13866.8 ha-1). The nutrient status after harvest of maize was highest in the treatment combination of N3P3Z2 receiving 150 kg N ha-1, 75 kg P ha-1 and 35 kg ZnSO4 ha-1. But the result were at par with the treatment combination N2P2Z1 which received 125 kg N ha-1, 75 kg P ha-1 and 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1. From the results, it was concluded that the maximum growth, yield, & post harvest nutrient status could be achieved by judicious application of chemical fertilizers (N, P & Zn).
Influence of salicylic acid on biochemical parameters and antioxidant system in mashbean plants grown under salt stress conditions
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Ghai Navita , Kaur Jagmeet , Singh Inderjit
Published: January 2019

Abiotic stress factors affect almost every aspect of physiology and biochemisrtry of a plant. The present study investigates the role of salicylic acid (SA) in inducing plant tolerance to salinity. The application of 0.5 mM and 1.0 mM SA to mashbean (Vigna mungo L.) plants provided protection against 30mM or 45mM NaCl stress throughelevated antioxidant system. The genotypes KUG 363, KUG 310, (salt sensitive), KUG 502 and KUG 529 (salt tolerant) along with UL 338 (as check) were subjected to salt stress. Relative leaf water content (61%) decreased under 45mM salt stress in salt tolerant genotype KUG 529 as compared to control (85%). Leaf water potential was also recorded at 50 DAS in salt tolerant genotype KUG 529 (-2.66 mpa) and in salt sensitive genotype KUG 363(-3.76 mpa) .All the genotypes showed higher accumulation of Reactive Oxygen Species under salt stress. A remarkable decrease was shown in antioxidant enzymes like catalase (179 micro mole/min/g FW) and ascorbate peroxidase (1617 n moles/min/g FW) in KUG 529 . The level of antioxidant system was enhanced catalase (184 micro mole/min/g FW) and ascorbate peroxidase (1853 n moles/min/g FW) in mashbean plants under NaCl stress following SA applications . Thus SA helped in conferring stress tolerance to mashbean plants through enhanced antioxidant system. However, tolerant genotypes responded better than sensitive ones and lower concentration of SA (0.5mM) was more effective.
Bioefficacy of Imidacloprid 350 SC against sucking insect-pests in chilli (Capsicum annum L.)
Authors: Rana B. S. , Ahir K. C. , Sonkamble M. M. , Desai S. D.
Published: January 2019

A field experiment was conducted in a RBD at Horticulture farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur to evaluate the bioefficacy of Imidacloprid 350 SC at 100, 125 and 150 ml/ha against sucking pests of chilli during Kharif, 2013 and 2014. The highest reduction in the population of aphid, jassids and thrips in chilli was recorded in case of two spray of Imidacloprid 350 SC at 150 ml/ha and also recorded highest marketable yield of 161.25 and 164.88 q/ha during 2013 and 2014, respectively. It was found at par to Imidacloprid 350 SC at 125 ml/ha.
Identification and description of Indian parasitic bee genus Sphecodes Latreille 1804, (Halictidae: Hymenoptera)
Authors: Rajkumar M. Balaji , Dey Debjani
Published: January 2019

The present study provides an updated knowledge on taxonomy of three important species of Sphecodes Latreille, 1804 which were collected from different parts of India. Three species viz., Sphecodes iridipennis Smith 1879, S. gibbus Smith 1853, S. crassicornis Smith 1879 are redescribed with illustrations, genitalic features and measurements of their morphological features. An annotated checklist of species Sphecodes from India also provided.
Combined effect of land preparation methods and planting geometry on the performance of machine transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Negalur R. B. , Halepyati A. S. , Masthanaredy B. G.
Published: January 2019

Field experiment on effect of land preparation methods and planting geometry on growth and yield of machine transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.) was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Gangavathi, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka during kharif, 2012 and 2013 in clay soil under irrigated condition.Pooled mean indicated that, among the different land preparation methods and planting geometry puddling with rotovator fb levelling with spike tooth harrow and planting geometry of 30 x 21 cm recorded significantly higher growth parameters viz., Leaf area index ( 2.87 and 1.56, respectively) , dry matter accumulation in leaves (13.44 and 14.43 g plant-1, respectively), dry matter accumulation in stem (26.25 and 29.31 g plant-1 , respectively), dry matter accumulation in panicles ( 37.21 and 41.38 g plant-1 , respectively), total dry matter accumulation in plant (73.82 and 85.12 g plant-1, respectively), thousand grain weight (18.17 and 18.71,g respectively), grain yield (4906 and 5192 kg ha-1 , respectively), straw yield (6247 and 6508 kg ha-1, respectively), gross returns (Rs. 87,733 and 92779 ha-1, respectively), net returns (Rs. 46329 and 50007 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.14 and 2.20 ). Puddling with rotovator fb levelling with spike tooth harrow and 30 x 21 cm spacing were found better for transplanting of rice by self propelled mechanical transplanter. Land preparation would be helpful as one of the important pre requirement in machine transplanting of rice, which in turn will decide the time (time required for settling of soil particle) and type of machine to be used for transplanting of rice.
Effect of bio-composts on soil fertility status and productivity of organic farm: An approach to promote sustainable agriculture
Authors: Rana Dipika , Masoodi Haseeb U. R.
Published: January 2019

The findings of this research provide information on various approaches to manage and maintain soil fertility for organic crop production through composting. The initial recorded data pertaining to various conventional farming practices showed very low soil fertility status, low productivity before the initiation of organic farming. In the year prior to 2006 pH was low (4.10) and it increased to 5.40 by 2006-07. Organic carbon percentage increased to 1.35 in 2006-07 and the value of phosphorus was very low in the previous year but increased in the year 2006-07 (6.00 Kg/ha) while Potassium value increased in the year 2006-07 (395.00 Kg/ha). Input use pattern of various composts was also evaluated and it was observed that higher rates of FYM was used in case of maize-wheat+gram (614.31q/ha) in 2006-07 while higher rates of vermicompost was used in case of soybean-pea system i.e 111.11 q/ha for the year 2006-07. It was found that in the year 2006-07, among the cereals, yield of wheat was the highest (15.56 q/ha), among pulses soybean dominated (13.04 q/ha). The yield of potato (74.88 q/ha) was the highest among vegetable crops. For the year 2007-08, the yield of wheat+ lentil was the highest (10.86 q/ha). Among the pulses again yield of soybean was the highest (6.14 q/ha) and potato showed the highest yield among vegetables (73.88 q/ha). It showed that the application of compost had direct effect on productivity as the application of compost in the year 2007-08 decreased the productivity decreased subsequently as compared to initial year i.e 2006-07.