bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of silicate solubilizing bacteria and fly ash on silicon uptake and yield of rice under lowland ecosystem
Authors: Peera S. K. Pedda Ghouse , Balasubramaniam P. , Mahendran P. P.
Published: January 2019

A field experiment was conducted in sandy loam soils of eastern farm, Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Kumulur, Tamil Nadu, India to study the effect of silicon on yield and uptake of rice (var. BPT 5204) during Kharif season of 2010-11 by taking the treatment combinations based on graded levels of Fly Ash (FA), Silicate Solubilizing Bacteria (SSB) and Farm Yard Manure (FYM) at fixed fertilizer schedule. The experimental soil (0-15 cm) had pH 7.22; organic C 1.4 %; available Si 66.0 mg kg-1; available N 266.0 kgha-1; available P 14.42 kgha-1 and available K 107.50 kgha-1. The results of graded levels of FA show that all the growth and yield attributes were significantly influenced by silicon uptake. The mean silicon uptake at panicle initiation, straw and grain at harvest varied from 53.8 - 98.7, 105.5 - 197.2 and 21.4- 62.3 kgha-1 respectively, in rice. Number of filled grains per panicle and grain yield displayed conspicuous relationships with content of Si in grains. The highest mean grain yield of 3622 kg ha-1 was recorded by the addition of SSB+FYM followed by FYM (3530 kg ha-1), SSB (3310 kg ha-1) and control (3240 kg ha-1). The combined application of 25 t ha-1 FA with SSB+FYM was recorded the highest grain yield of 3710 kg ha-1 which was 16.3 per cent moreover yield of control. The results further show that 25 t ha-1 FA and SSB+FYM have been proved to be superior treatments for best management of silicon in coastal loamy sand soils under irrigated rice ecosystem.
Genetic variability studies in segregating generation for grain and nutritional quality traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Savitha P. , Kumari R. Usha
Published: January 2019

The experimental materials used were four traditional landraces and six improved high yielding varieties of Tamil Nadu raised in during kharif 2012-2014. Genetic variability parameters on F3 population (20 selected F3 plants) of two cross combination viz., IR 72 x Veeradangan and ADT 39 x Kavuni in F3 population depicted wide range of variability and its ranged from 6.46 to 10.39 mg/100 g while it was from 5.39 to 7.65 mg/100 g in IR 72 x Veeradangan F3 population. Calcium content for IR 72 x Veeradangan in selected F3 population recorded wide range of variability and its ranged from 61.43 to 97.63 mg/100 g with a mean value of 80.67 mg/100 g whereas, ADT 39 x Kavuni in F3 population revealed the low range of variability and its ranged from 53.38 to 94.25 mg/100 g with a mean value of 79.58 mg/100 g for magnesium content. For iron content, IR 72 x Veeradangan in F3 population showed wide range of variability and its ranged from 0.53 to 1.03 mg/100 g with a grand mean of 0.80 mg/100 g whereas, ADT 39 x Kavuni in F3 population ranged from 0.61 to 1.33 mg/100 g and from with a grand mean value of 0.97 mg/100 g. For zinc content, wide range of variability was found in ADT 39 x Kavuni (1.43 to 2.16 mg/100 g) and in IR 72 x Veeradangan (1.51 to 1.98 mg/100 g) in F3 population.
Assessment of nutrient ratios in the leaf of sugarcane grown in Theni district of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Jeevika K. , Pragadeesh S. , Haroon A. Mohamed
Published: January 2019

To assess the impact of nutrient ratios N/P, N/K and N/S on sugarcane productivity, a survey was conducted during its grand growth stage (October, November and December) influenced by various yield levels based on soil quality zones in Theni district of Tamil Nadu, India. The leaf samples were collected from cane yielding zones of the district was classified into three categories viz., low yielding (less than 75 t ha-1), medium (75 to 100 t ha-1) and high yielding (more than 100 t ha-1). Computation of nutrient ratios for sugarcane at its grand growth stage implied that the mean N/P, N/K and N/S ratios 8.31, 1.60 and 15.0 respectively in the third leaf of sugarcane in the high yielding zone resulted in maximum cane yields compared to relatively higher ratios in the top dewlap leaves from soils of low soil quality category which indicates that maintenance of high quality in sugarcane soils influences crop nutrient uptake, optimum nutrient ratios, the yield and quality of sugarcane.
Study of constraints analysis in organic farming cultivation in Sonipat and Hisar district of Haryana state, India
Authors: Shehrawat P. S. , Mukteshawar Rati , Saeed Nora Abu Baker
Published: January 2019

The present study was undertaken in two purposively selected districts, namely Sonipat and Hisar of Haryana state and a total no. of one hundred twenty farmers were selected and interviewed to study the prospects of organic farming and to assess the constraints in adoption of organic farming. The finding regarding farmers’ per-ception about input constraints in adoption of organic farming show that lack of knowledge and demand of bio pesticides (90.8%) was ranked first, the results regarding perception about technical constraints in adopting of organic farming reveals that non- availability of improved organic production technology and Lack of knowledge about weed management practices in organic farming were ranked first (94.2 %). The finding regarding farmers perception about marketing and economic constraints in adoption of organic farming showed that no separate market for organic produces and Weak marketing network /sale point both were ranked first with highest weight mean score (360). Absolutely hundred percent of the respondents had perceived it as most serious constraint in organic farming, the results show that transfer of technology constraints in adoption of organic farming namely, Data bank not available about consumers and demand was ranked first with highest weight mean score (2.98). Moreover 98.3 percent of the farmers had perceived it as most serious constraint in organic farming and the finding regarding farmers’ perception of certification constraints in organic farming shows that complicated process of organic certification was ranked first constraint (67.5 which in tern reflects the combersome procedure that may restrict the adoption of organic cultivation.
Characterization of wheat (Triticum aestivum) for stay green trait
Authors: Singh Naresh Pratap , Vaishali Vaishali
Published: January 2019

Stay green trait is one of the major character of the crops like wheat, rice etc. to sustain under abiotic stresses. In the present study, 10 wheat varieties were collected to develop the stay green genotype by treating them with 0.5% Ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) for 60 minutes. The various morphological and physiological characteristics such as: plant height, leaf area, numbers of productive tillers/plant, seeds per spike, 1000 grain weight, related water content (RWC), chlorophyll content etc. were recorded under controlled and treatment conditions. Exceptionally, K 7410 and RAJ 3765 varieties showed better value of all morpho-physiological characters among all the ten wheat varieties in control and treatment like 1000 grain weight 58.50 to 60.89g and 56.89 to 58.07g etc. Such mutants of these two varieties may be considered as stay green mutants and can perform better under abiotic stress conditions like drought, high temperature.
A competent protocol for large scale production of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) through meristem culture
Authors: Udhutha J. , Mali S. C. , Sahare H. A.
Published: January 2019

A rapid micro propagation and acclimatization response of two different varieties of sugarcane Co86032 and CoN 04131(Saccharum officinarum L.) was obtained in this study. The shoot apical meristem of different sizes wascultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of ben-zylaminopurine and kinetin either alone or in combination with each other alongwith GA3. Best shoot formation response in Co 86032 was obtained on MS medium containing 1.5mg/l BAP while in CoN 04131 the combination of 0.5 mg/l BAP with 0.25 mg/l Kinetin showed best shoot formation response from apical meristem. Meristem of 3.0 mm size proved to be the best size for micropropagation of sugarcane. Excellent multiplication response of In vitro formed shoots was obtained when the concentration of BAP was decreased to 1.0 mg/l in Co 86032and 0.25 mg/l BAP and Kin in CoN 04131 (i.e. 0.25 mg/lBAP + 0.25 mg/l Kinetin. MS medium containing 1.0 mg/l NAA and 2.0 mg/l IBA showed 100% rooting response of In vitro regenerated shoots of both the varieties of sugarcane within eight days of inoculation. Best hardening response was obtained in sand+ soil + pressmud (1:1:1) media.
Agro-metrological investigation of bumper apple productivity in Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Rana Ranbir Singh , Singh Manmohan , Ramesh Ramesh , Aditya Aditya , Pathania Ranu
Published: January 2019

The study aimed to investigate the productivity and weather relationship for the apple growing areas of Himachal Pradesh viz., Kalpa, Bhuntar and Shimla in district Kinnaur, Kullu and Shimla, respectively. The results revealed that pre bloom period (November to February) in the year 2009-10 remained cooler. The minimum temperature of 0.4 to 0.9, 1.0 to 1.1°C and 1.9 to 2.2°C and maximum temperature of 6.7, 1.0 to 1.1 and 1.7°C were lower in Shimla, Bhuntar and Kalpa region, respectively compared to 1995-2009.. The maximum temperature for the chill accumulation months of November, December, January and February during 2009-10 showed 13 to 19 per cent lower compared to 1995-2009. The average pre bloom rainfall during 2010 was 39 to 57 per cent higher than 1995-2009 indicating sustainable bloom period. The 3 to 4°C temperature rise during March 2010 (19 to 24°C) as compared to 1995-2009 (16 to 21.4°C) coupled with 52 per cent higher precipitation benefited the crop in profuse flowering and hence good fruit set. The average maximum temperature during the post bloom period (May-June) in 2009-10 was 1°C higher compared to the previous years coupled with 23 per cent higher rainfall resulting in an highest productivity. The highest productivity (8.57 MT/ha) during 2010 which was 58 per cent higher than the previous years can be ascribed due to the favorable low temperature in pre bloom period and increase in the temperature inthe month of March along with adequate rainfall in the bloom and post bloom period.
Management of purple blotch and Stemphylium blight of onion in Tarai and Bhabar regions of Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Nainwal Deepa , Vishunavat Karuna
Published: January 2019

Purple blotch [Alternaria porri] (Ellis) Cif.) and Stemphylium blight [Stemphylium vesicarium] (Wallr.) E. Simmons) of onion cause serious problems in onion seed crop in Tarai and Bhabar region of Uttarakhand. In present study different bio agents and fungicides have been evaluated in vivo against both the diseases. The severity of both purple blotch and Stemphylium blight varied in both Tarai and Bhabar region and even more pronounced in Tarai region than in Bhabar region. A correlation was observed in between the severity of both the diseases with the yield in seed crop. The minimum disease severity of purple blotch and stemphylium blight with the foliar spray of mancozeb (@ 0.3%) + monochrotophos (@ 0.05%) were observed 2.67% and 2.57% respectively with the total yield of seed was1844.44 kg/ha over check 893.33 kg/ha in 2011. While with the foliar spray of neembicidine (@ 0.3%) disease severity of both the diseases were 5.57% and 4.78% respectively providing a yield of 1827.78kg/ha in seed crop of onion in 2011. Amongst the applied bio-agents, the foliar spray of Trichoderma harzianum (@ 1%) the disease severity of purple blotch and stemphylium blight were recorded 15.44% and 13.11% respectively which was found to be most effective in delaying the disease appearance and providing a yield of 1134.44kg/ha in 2011. However, all the treatments helped to reduce both the diseases in comparison with check.
Efficacy of some weed control methods in soybean during kharif season
Authors: Das R. , Patra B. C. , Mandal M. K. , Pathak A. , Dolai A. K.
Published: January 2019

An experiment was undertaken at the C block research farm of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, to find out the efficacy of some weed control methods in soybean (cv. Bragg) during kharif season of 2011 -12 and 2012-13. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design (RBD) with 8 treatments in 4 replications. Treatments comprised of two different kinds of mulching (paddy straw @ 5 t ha-1 and polyethylene), two herbicides (Flumioxazin @ 30 g a.i. ha-1 as pre-emergence and Quizalofop-ethyl @ 50 g a.i. ha-1 as post-emergence) alone and in combination, twice hand weeding at 25 and 50 days after sowing (DAS), integrated approach of Flumioxazin @ 30 g a.i. ha-1 as pre-emergence along with one hand weeding at 25 DAS and one weedy check treatment. Among the weed control treatments, twice hand weeding at 25 and 50 DAS resulted the highest control of weeds (5.91 gm-2, 6.09 gm-2 at 30 DAS and at harvest respectively) and produced the highest grain yield at harvest (2797 kg ha-1), followed by Flumioxazin @ 30 g a.i. ha-1 as pre-emergence along with one hand weeding at 25 DAS, straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1, polyethylene mulch and combination of Flumioxazin @ 30 g a.i. ha-1 as pre-emergence + Quizalofop-ethyl @ 50 g a.i. ha-1 as post-emergence.
Estimation of wheat crop evapotranspiration using NDVI vegetation index
Authors: Adamala Sirisha , Rajwade Yogesh Anand , Reddy Y.V. Krishna
Published: January 2019

The evapotranspiration of the wheat crop grown in Tarafeni South Main Canal (TSMC) irrigation command area of West Bengal, India was estimated based on Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from LANDSAT images. The crop evapotranspiration (ETc) of wheat crop was estimated using the crop coefficient (Kc) maps and the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) in the TSMC irrigation command area. The ETo was estimated from the well known temperature based ETo estimation method, i.e. FAO-24 modified Blaney-Criddle method using measured maximum and minimum air temperatures data during January 2011 in the command area. The Kc maps were mapped in ARC GIS software using procured LANDSAT images for the study period. The area under wheat crop was clipped from land use/land cover map generated from LANDSAT image of January, 2011 for winter season. Further, the crop evapotranspiration map was obtained by multiplying Kc map with the estimated ETo value i.e., 5.76 mm/day for a particular day. The maximum crop evapotranspiration computed for Rabi crop was 5.57 mm/ day, whereas minimum was 1.59 mm/day for the TSMC command area.
Character association and path coefficient analysis for grain yield of parents and hybrids in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Srijan A. , Kumar S. Sudheer , Raju Ch. Damodar , Jagadeeshwar R.
Published: January 2019

An experiment was conducted to study the inter-relationships, direct and indirect effects of various yield attributing characters towards grain yield per plant, at Rice Research Centre, Rajendranagar. Grain yield per plant had significant positive correlation with productivity per day (0.97), panicle weight (0.71), number of filled grains per panicle (0.57), panicle length (0.46), number of productive tillers per plant (0.34), days to 50 per cent flowering (0.23) and plant height (0.16).Path analysis revealed that productivity/ day (0.91) was the major contributor for grain yield followed by, days to 50 per cent flowering (0.19), grain length (0.05), number of productive tillers per plant (0.04), panicle weight (0.04) and number of filled grains per panicle (0.04). It can be concluded from the study that, the above characters can be used as the selection criteria in any rice yield improvement breeding programmes.
Effect of heavy metals on the survival, growth and development of earthworm Eisenia fetida
Authors: Kaur Gaganmeet , Hundal S.S.
Published: January 2019

The present laboratory study was carried out to determine the effect of the metal contaminated soil on the survival, growth and development of Eisenia fetida. Metal contaminated soil samples were collected from five different sites of Ludhiana city which is an industrial hub of Punjab. Maximum heavy metal concentrations were recorded in soil sample taken from hambran around the Buddha Nullah and minimum concentration of heavy metal from haibowal. The level of heavy metals chromium and nickel (347 ppm and 189 ppm) were higher than permissible limits according to CCME (2001), whereas lead (42.6 ppm) was within permissible limits. Adult E. fetida were exposed to different concentrations of heavy metals in artificial soil for 28 days. Significant effects were observed on growth and reproduction of the tested organisms. There was 100% survival of E. fetida in soil amended with lead, chromium and nickel along with morphological abnormalities such as extrusion of coelomic fluid. It was observed that the worms in the low and high doses of heavy metal treated substrate produced cocoons with a one week and two week delay, respectively, vis-a-vis the control group. Furthermore, the emergence of hatchlings started one week earlier in control than in soil treated with medium and high concentration of metals. It is safely concluded that presence of heavy metal in soils adversely affects the growth, reproduction and development of E. fetida. Results ofthe study indicated that reproduction was more sensitive to higher concentrations of heavy metal contaminated soil than survival or weight change.
Role of morphological factors of pigeonpea in imparting resistance to spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata Geyer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)
Authors: Wubneh Wasihun Yaregal , Taggar Gaurav Kumar
Published: January 2019

Morphological characters of eleven test genotypes of pigeonpea, such as growth habit, pubescence of pods and leaves, pod angle and pod wall thickness were studied in order to work out the relationship of these traits vis-à-vis resistance/susceptibility to Maruca vitrata. It was observed that genotype AL 1747 possessed significantlyhighest trichome density on leaves and pods (177.33 and 43.33 trichomes/4.6cm2, respectively), whereas MN 1 possessed lowest trichome density (47.33 and 7.66 trichomes/4.6cm2, respectively). Trichome length on leaves and pods was significantly highest in AL 1747 (66.26 and 180.83?m, respectively) and lowest in MN 1 (33.53 and 43.25?m, respectively). Genotype AL 1747 recorded significantly highest pod angle (65o), whereas MN 1 recorded lowest pod angle (18.66o). There was significant negative correlation between trichome density on leaves and pods with larval weight gain (r = -0.71 and -0.69, respectively) as well as with per cent pod damage ( r = -0.75 and -0.75, respectively) and between trichome length on leaves and pods with larval weight gain (r = -0.81 and -0.81, respectively) as well as with per cent pod damage (r = -0.87 and -0.87, respectively). Pod angle was found to be significantly negatively correlated with both larval weight gain and per cent pod damage. Thus, early maturing pigeonpea genotypes with indeterminate growth habit, higher leaf and pod pubescence with wider pod angles should be preferred for breeding M. vitrata tolerant lines.
Effect of pre harvest application of boron and zinc on post harvest quality and vaselife of carnation
Authors: Raj Likhitha , Siddappa Siddappa , Varalakshmi S. , Vikas H. M. , Girjakumari C. H.
Published: January 2019

The study was conducted to determine the effect of pre harvest spray of micronutrients like boron, zinc and its combination on post harvest quality and vase life of carnation. Post harvest quality of flowers like flower stalk length (65.61 cm) was maximum in the plant treated with zinc (0.3 per cent), and calyx splitting (3.12 per cent) was minimum in the plants treated with boron (0.1 per cent). Flower diameter (6.64 cm) was highest with boron (0.1 per cent) + zinc (0.3 per cent) treatment. Plants without micronutrient treatment produced poor quality flowers. Regarding vase life studies maximum water uptake and minimum transpiration loss from first day to sixteenth day was resulted in the flowers which are obtained from the plant treated with boron (0.1 per cent). The maximum fresh weight of the flower was noticed in combination of boron (0.1 per cent) + zinc (0.3 per cent) from first to sixteenth day. The foliar spray of boron (0.1 per cent) recorded maximum vase life (11.05 days). So the good quality of flowers can be improved by the foliar spray of zinc, calyx splitting can be controlled by boron foliar spray and vase life of the flower can be maintained by foliar spray of boron. It is confirmed that the foliar application of micronutrient is very much helpful for the improvement of post harvest quality and vase life of carnation.
Evaluation of IPM modules for the management of fruit borer and fruit rot diseases in tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Miller
Authors: Sharma S. D. , Devlash R. , Kumar Jitender , Bala Brij , Jamwal R. S.
Published: January 2019

Among, five IPM modules tested against tomato fruit borer and fruit rot on tomato, the IPM module (M3) consisting of use of pheromone traps (@ 12 traps/ha) just after transplanting the tomato crop , Lycopersicon esculentum Miller for monitoring the population of Helicoverpa armigera . followed by three foliar sprays commencing with a mixture of lamba-cyhalothrin 5EC @ 0.8ml/L(0.04%) and Dithane Z-78 (Zineb) @ 2.5g/L (0.25%) after 10 days of appearance of moths in the traps (after 30 days of transplanting) followed by spray with a mixture of Helicide (Ha NPV) 100 LE @ 0.5ml/L+ Indofil M-45 @ 2.5g/L (0.25%) + Gur (0.05%) + Tween 80 (0.05%) after 15 days of first spray followed by spray with a mixture of lamba-cyhalothrin 5EC @ 0.8ml/L(0.04%) and moximate (cymoxanil + mancozeb) @ 0.25% after 15 days of the second spray was found to be most effective in minimizing the infestation of fruit borer and fruit rot diseases with 50.00% and 63.45% reduction over control, respectively. This module was also found to be most economic resulting in highest marketable fruit yield (255.94q/ha) and maximum net returns (Rs.10.36) per rupee spent. The present findings are of immense utility as there will be reduction in number of sprays resulting in the cost of production of tomato crop.
Biological control of downy mildew of maize caused by Peronosclerospora sorghi under environmentally controlled conditions
Authors: Sireesha Y. , Velazhahan R.
Published: January 2019

Downy mildew disease, caused by Peronosclerospora sorghi, is one of the most serious diseases of maize. The disease is currently managed by seed treatment with metalaxyl fungicides. However, problems regarding environmental pollution resulting from the use of fungicides and development of fungicide resistance within populations of P. sorghi are of increasing concern. Assuming that biological control by means of using antagonistic microorganisms may be an alternative for the management of this disease, the efficacy of biocontrol agents viz., Bacillus subtilis G1, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B2, Brevibacillus brevis 57 and Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf1 for the management of downy mildew of maize and for promoting plant growth was evaluated. The results indicated that seed treatment with B. subtilis G1 and B. amyloliquefaciens B2 significantly (P = 0.05) increased the germination percentage and seedling vigour of maize as assessed by roll towel method. Among them, B. subtilis G1 was the most effective and recorded 9% and 31% increases in germination percentage and seedling vigour of maize respectively, as compared to the control. A talc- based powder formulation of B. subtilis G1 when applied through seed at the rate of 10 g/kg reduced the downy mildew incidence up to 54% under greenhouse conditions. Results of this study suggest that B. subtilis G1 is a promising bioagent for the management of downy mildew of maize and for promoting plant growth. This antagonist could be further exploited for commercial scale up for ecofriendly management of downy mildew of maize under localized climatic conditions.
Effect of nutrients sprays on growth, yield and fruit quality of apple under cold desert condition of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Sharma L. K.
Published: January 2019

The on farm trial was carried out to study the effect of nutrients sprays on growth, yield and fruit quality of apple cv. Royal Delicious under cold desert condition of Himachal Pradesh. Treatments comprised spray of boric acid (0.1%), urea (0.5%), boric acid (0.1%) + urea (0.5%), multiplex (250 ml/100 litre of water) and no use of nutrients (water spray). The highest growth in terms of shoot length was observed with spray of urea at 0.5% and the highest fruit set and yield were recorded with boric acid (0.1%) + urea (0.5%) followed by boric acid at 0.1%. The lowest growth, fruit set and yield were observed with control. The combination of boric acid (0.1%) + urea (0.5%) resulted in the highest fruit length, breadth and weight. The highest total soluble solids were recorded with boric acid 0.1% and the reducing and total sugars were the highest with control. The acidity was found maximum while total soluble solids, reducing and total sugars were recorded lowest with spray of urea 0.5%. The treatment comprising of boric acid (0.1%) + urea (0.5%) proved to be best in terms of fruit set, yield and quality parameters of apple followed by boric acid at 0.1% concentration.
Growth pattern of Celastrus paniculatus Willd. in two different habitats of district Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand (India)
Authors: Dangwal L. R. , Singh Amit
Published: January 2019

Tehri Garhwal is one of the most important hilly district of Uttarakhand state, which is located at the foot hills of Himalayan mountain ranges has a rich and diverse form of vegetation along with medicinal and aromatic plants. Traditionally the folk people and the local inhabitants utilize the vegetation from their contiguous in the form of medicine, timber, food, fiber etc. Among these useful plants population of the some useful plants are becoming rare and threatened due to unsustainable utilization, overexploitation, construction of roads, over grazing, pilgrims, construction of large dams, forest encroachment, landslides and natural calamities, modernize agriculture etc. Out of these medicinal plants, a very important and threatened medicinal plant is C. paniculatus (Malkangni). The present study deals with conservation and cultivation practices of C. paniculatus in two altitudinal sites i.e. site 1st - village Budogi lying on the altitude of 2000m asl. and site 2nd - S.R.T. Campus Botanical Garden, Badshahithaul (Tehri Garwal), upto 1600m asl. Measurements of the plant height, number of leaves, size of veins etc. was compared at two altitudinal zones. The samples parameters from site 2nd showed maximum growth rate of C. paniculatus i.e. 8.4± 0.86 cm, 9.01± 2.0 and 2.63± 0.23 cm for plant height, number of leaves and size of veins respectively as compared to site 1st i.e. 5.19±0.52 cm, 4.85±0.85 and 2.27±0.1 cm. Thus, C. paniculatus showed best growth rate at an elevation up to 1600m. The cultivation practice will provide reliable information for cultivation of this species in a particular altitudinal range.
Efficacy of different bio-pesticides against sucking pests of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)
Authors: Sarkar Suraj , Patra Sandip , Samanta A.
Published: January 2019

The field experiment was carried out in the pre-kharif season of 2013 at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India to evaluate the efficacy of different bio-pesticides against sucking pests of okra. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications for each treatment. The treatments viz. annonin 1% EC, karanjin 2% EC, Azadirachtin 1% EC, Metarrhizium anisopliae, Verticillium lecanii , Beauveria bassiana , Bacillus thuringiensis var Kurstaki, spinosad 45 % SC and imidacloprid 17.8% SL were applied at 15 days interval starting from seedling stage when whitefly and jassid infestation started. Results revealed that the overall best performance of insecticides against whitefly was recorded in imidacloprid treated plots with lowest mean population of whitefly (3.91 whitefly/15 leaves) followed by karanjin (4.16 whitefly/15 leaves) and azadirachtin (5.16 whitefly/15 leaves while the order of efficacy aginst jassid were imidacloprid (15.27 jassids/15 leaves) > karanjin (33.91jassids/15leaves)>azadirachtin(40.38jassids/15leaves). Effectiveness of test insecticides on the yield of okra wasspinosad>Bt>B. bassiana>azadirachtin>imidacloprid>annonin>karanjin>M. anisopliae.
Assessment of Penicillium bilaii inoculation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for improving growth, yield and phosphorus availability in Mollisols of India
Authors: Bhatt Santosh Chandra , Debnath Sovan , Pareek Navneet
Published: January 2019

A field experiment was carried out with an aim to study the influence of two strains of Penicillium bilaii (PB -201 and PB-208) inoculation along with superphosphate application on growth, yield and P uptake of wheat (cv. PBW-343) and, also to examine the inoculation effect on P availability, forms of P and soil properties in Mollisols of Uttarakhand, India. The results showed that both strains of P. bilaii effectively solubilized tri-calcium phosphate in Pikovskaya agar medium, which was much higher over native fungal isolates. Wheat seed inoculation with P. bilaii strains along with superphosphate levels significantly influenced shoot height, shoot dry weight, number of total and effective tillers, yield attributes, yield components, tissue content and uptake of P. The treatment T7 (P. bilaii, strain PB-208 + 50% P) has resulted into the highest amount of shoot height (87.9 cm at 90 DAS), shoot dry weight (1.5 and 3.8 g at 60 and 90 DAS, respectively), grain (66.8 q ha-1) and straw yield (42.7 q ha-1) and P uptake (26.5 kg ha-1). The Olsen-P, organic carbon, dehydrogenase activity and fungal populations also increased in soil inoculated with P. bilaii strains combined with superphosphate application compared to the control soil. The conjoint use of the fungal strains with or, without P fertilization has developed an antagonistic interaction that has caused decline in yield, tissue content and uptake of P and its availability in soil. In conclusion, it is possible to reduce the rate of soluble P-fertilizer added by 50% without reducing yield, if wheat is inoculated with P-solubilizing fungi like P. bilaii.
Studies on production potential of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) in sodic soil under varying agronomic manipulations
Authors: Ali Angrej , Singh B. P.
Published: January 2019

Present study aimed to evaluate the production potential of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) in sodic soil (pH 8.56) under varying plant spacing and soil fertility levels. The spacing treatments were S1-75 x 60 cm, S2-75 x 75 cm and S3-90 x 75 cm, while native soil fertility was manipulated through the application of NPK fertilizers i.e. F0-control (no NPK fertilizers), F1 - 60:40:40, F2 - 80:60:60, and F3 - 100:80:80 kg NPK ha-1. Two year’s data from the study revealed that spacing and NPK treatment had significant effect on vegetative growth and fruit yield during both the years. Closest spacing (75 x 60 cm) resulted tallest plants (103.41 and 100.35 cm) and maximum fruit yield (86.69 and 83.56 q ha-1), but this treatment was statistically at par with 75 x 75 cm spacing. Widest spacing (90 x 75cm) resulted maximum number of branches (34.14 and 32.49 plant-1), number of leaves (167.31 and 162.70 plant-1) and average fruit weight (9.26 and 9.18 g), but was statistically at par with 75 x 75 cm spacing. Amongst the fertilizer treatments, application of NPK @100:80:80 kg ha-1 resulted maximum plant height (114.88 and 11.65 cm), number of branches (35.78 and 34.82 plant-1), number of leaves (174.82 and 172.55 plant-1), fruit weight (9.62 and 9.57 g) and fruit yield (101.08 and 98.08 q ha-1). Biochemical quality of fruits (TSS, ascorbic acid, acidity, and reducing, non-reducing and total sugars) was increased due to increased fertility level and recorded maximum with the application of 100:80:80 kg NPK ha-1. These findings will be helpful in exploring cape gooseberry cultivation in sodic soils (pH 8.56) through suitable agronomic manipulations in plant spacing and soil fertility levels.
Induction of reactive oxygen species in brain of Etroplus maculatus after exposure to bisphenol A
Authors: Rejitha R. , Asifa K. P. , Chitra K. C.
Published: January 2019

The present study was aimed to investigate that bisphenol A, an environmental estrogen, exposed at 648 ?g/ L concentration for 96 h could induce reactive oxygen species in brain of cichlid fish, Etroplus maculatus. Evaluation of antioxidant enzymes as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase showed a reductionin the activities at 5% level of significance with concomitant increase in the level of hydrogen peroxide generation (from 1.546 ± 0.426 (control), 1.506 ± 0.217 (DMSO) to 1.888 ± 0.368 (24 h), 5.332 ± 0.589 (72 h), 2.392 ± 0.341 (96 h)) and lipid peroxidation (from 2.805 ± 0.33 (control), 2.401 ± 0.309 (DMSO) to 3.596 ±0.373 (24 h), 5.65 ± 0.306 (72 h), 3.834 ± 0.236 (96 h)). The brain marker enzyme, acetylcholinesterase decreased at 24, 72 and 96 h in time-dependent manner than that of control groups. The present findings summarize that the increased production of oxygen free radicals due to the exposure of an environmental estrogen, bisphenol A at sub lethal concentration (648 ?g/ L) for 96 h inhibited the activities of antioxidant enzymes thereby induced oxidative stress in brain of fish. The decreased activity of brain marker enzyme, acetylcholinesterase reflect the neurotoxicity of bisphenol A in brain of fish, Etroplus maculatus and this could be one of the possible mechanisms of bisphenol A-induced neurodevelopmental disorders in fish.
Influence of active packaging on quality attributes of dried wild pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) arils during storage
Authors: Sharma A. , Thakur N. S.
Published: January 2019

Wild pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is the only wild fruit of foothills of Himalaya which has got commercial importance in North India because of the high acidic nature of its arils. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate best packaging material for storage of mechanical cabinet dried wild pomegranate arils. The freshlyextracted arils were pre-treated to check the browning and dried in mechanical cabinet drier at 60 + 2 oC. Dried arils packed in different packaging material with or without moisture absorbers (salt or sugar sachet) were stored under ambient conditions (18 to 28 oC) for 6 months. Although the slight changes in quality attributes of dried arils during storage were observed but the arils packed in Aluminium Laminated Pouch (ALP) containing salt (humectant) showed minimum increase in moisture (8.82 %), non enzymatic browning (0.05 OD), hydroxy methyl furfural (2.85 ppm), furfurals (20.11 ppb) and retained highest amount of titratable acidity (10.92 %), total sugars (24.20 %), ascorbic acid (11.75 mg/100g), anthocyanins (30.81 mg/100g) and phenols (112.38 mg/100g) among all packaging material. So, ALP can be used as a packaging material for the packaging of dried arils (anardana, Indian spice) on commercial scale. Putting of moisture absorber along with the arils inside the pouch as an active packaging system will be an additional advantage to retain the quality of anardana during storage.
Process optimization of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction parameters for extraction of deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ) from mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves
Authors: Ramya V. , Nidoni Udaykumar , Hiregoudar Sharangouda , Ramachandra C. T. , Ashoka J. , Lavanya V.
Published: January 2019

In the present study, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) technology was applied to extract deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ) from mulberry leaf powder using carbon dioxide (CO2) as major extraction solvent with ethanol as cosolvent, and extraction parameters such as pressure (100, 150 and 200 bar), temperature (40, 50 and 60 °C) anddynamic extraction time (40, 60 and 80 min) were systematically investigated by full factorial design to obtain the optimum extraction efficiency and extraction yield. Under optimized conditions (pressure of 200 bar, temperature of 50 °C and dynamic extraction time of 80 min), DNJ enriched extract was obtained with high extraction efficiency (96.46 %) and extraction yield (13.41 %), enabling this product to use for nutraceutical purpose. The results indicated that SC-CO2 extraction is a promising and alternative process for recovering the bioactive compounds from mulberry leaves.
Effect of chemical vis-a-vis non-chemical pest management on predatory spiders in paddy-ecosystem
Authors: Goswami Tarak Nath , Yadav Munna , Anil Anil , Ray Shree Niwash
Published: January 2019

Spiders act as one of the most important defenders in paddy ecosystem and there are several families of those with different habits. The question on the effect of chemical application in comparison to the non chemical option on different spider families in the zone under study was attempted for getting answer. For that purpose, the field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2014 for studying spider abundance in chemical versus non-chemical treatments. Chemical based treatment consisted of the application of Phorate 10G at 10 days after transplanting (DAT), followed by spraying with Imidacloprid 17.8 SL at 45 DAT, and dusting of Methyl Parathion 2D at 80 DAT. Transplanting of rice following skip row technique, sowing of okra, cowpea, sesame & balsam on the surrounding bunds, retention of weeds on the bunds, single inoculative release of Trichogramma chilonis @ 1,00,000 at 35 DAT, and use of pheromone (Scirpophaga incertulus lure)-cum -light trap @ 10 traps ha-1 were integrated together in nonchemical based treatment. The results revealed that the population of wolf spiders and long jawed spiders were statistically higher during all the seven dates of observation in non-chemical based approach. Amongst Araneid spiders, non-chemical based approach recorded significantly higher population at 60, 75 and 90 DAT. On the basis of overall mean, the non-chemical treatment had significantly higher population of spiders belonging to most of the families except Thomisidae. The mean population of spiders across the families varied from 1.06 to 12.0 and 0.54 to 6.66 per double sweep per sub plot in non-chemical based and chemical based treatment, respectively. Thus, the study confirms the safety of the non-chemical based approach in maintaining significantly higher level of spider population.
Evaluation of fungicides for the control of Sclerotinia stem rot of Indian mustard caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary
Authors: Rakesh Rakesh , Rathi A.S. , Kumar Anil , Singh Hawa
Published: January 2019

The current investigation was carried out under -in vitro and under sick plot conditions of the Department of Plant Pathology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to test the efficacy of different fungicides against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The experiment was carried out through poison food technique under in vitro conditions andthrough foliar sprays under sick plot conditions. Efficacy of fungicides in vitro against S. sclerotiorum showed that carbendazim and hexaconazole completely inhibited mycelial growth up to 100 per cent at 50 ppm concentration. Propiconazole inhibited 96.39 per cent mycelial growth at 50 ppm and 100 per cent at 1000 ppm, while tricyclazole failed to inhibit mycelial growth up to 100 ppm, however, at 1000 ppm concentration, there was 100 per cent mycelial inhibition. Mancozeb and captan completely inhibited up to 100 per cent mycelial growth at 500 ppm concentration. Copper oxychloride and pencycuron were not effective at lower concentrations but had inhibited 45.28 and 22.50 per cent mycelial growth at 1000 ppm. Field experiment was conducted to test the efficacy of those fungicides which were found best under in vitro conditions. All the four fungicides tested significantly controlled Sclerotinia stem rot disease and increased the seed yield as compared to untreated control. Two Foliar sprays with hexaconazole @ 0.05% at 45 and 60 days after sowing was found most effective in controlling disease incidence up to 78.3 per cent and increasing seed yield up to 37.6 per cent as compared to untreated control.
Seed polymer coating with Zn and Fe nanoparticles: An innovative seed quality enhancement technique in pigeonpea
Authors: Korishettar Pradeep , Vasudevan S. N. , Shakuntala N. M. , Doddagoudar S. R. , Hiregoudar Sharanagouda , Kisan B.
Published: January 2019

A laboratory study was undertaken to know the effect of seed polymer coating with Zn and Fe nanoparticles (NPs) at different concentration (10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 ppm) in pigeonpea at Department of Seed Science and Technology, UAS, Raichur. Among the treatments seed polymer coating with Zn NPs at 750 ppm recorded significantly higher seed germination (96.00 %), seedling length (26.63 cm), seedling dry weight (85.00 mg), speed of germination (32.95), field emergence (89.67 %), seedling vigour index (2556), dehydrogenase activity (0.975 OD value) and ?-amylase activity (25.67 mm) and lowest abnormal seedlings (2.50 %) over their bulk forms and control followed by Fe and Zn NPs at 500 ppm. However, in contrast to beneficial effects, these NPs also shown inhibitory effect on germination and seedling growth at higher concentration (nano Zn >750 ppm and nano Fe > 500 ppm). Hence, from the results it is concluded that Zn NPs at 750 ppm can be used to enhance quality of the pigeonpea seeds.
Biochemical estimation and cultivation of Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach on different casing materials and bio-inoculant Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Murmu Rakhi , Lal Abhilasha A.
Published: January 2019

This study was carried out during 2012-2014 to determine the effect of locally available casing materials with association of bio-inoculant Pseudomonas putida. Six different combinations of casing mixtures were amended for evaluating its effect on yield, biological efficiency, protein and carbohydrate contents of Agaricus bisporus. A mixture of FYM + GLS + Vermi-compost + P. putida gave higher mushroom yield, biological efficiency, protein and carbohydrate content. It gave better yield (1306 g), biological efficiency (28.7%), protein (34.07%) and carbohydrate content (5.07%) respectively when compared with other treatments. In addition, waste tea leaves took minimum period (33.00 days) for initiation of pin head when compared with others. Locally available casing materials along with P. putida incorporated in the casing soil can be an important factor to obtain maximum and assured yield in mushroom cultivation.
Economic evaluation of conservation tillage options for deciding the feasibility of their adoption
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Aggarwal Pramila , Kumar Amarendra
Published: January 2019

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate two important conservation tillage practices namely zero tillage in wheat and bed planting for growing vegetables for deciding the economic feasibility of their adoption in Gohana and Kharkhoda block of Sonipat district in Haryana. In first scenario, comparison were made between Puddled transplanted rice followed by conventional tilled wheat (PTR – CTW), and puddled transplanted rice followed by zero till wheat (PTR – ZTW). In second scenario, conventionally tilled Jowar in kharif followed by conventionally tilled wheat system (CTJ – CTW) was compared with vegetables on beds in both seasons (BV-BV). Sowing of wheat by zero till drill in PTR – ZTW system, decreased cost of cultivation by 21% over its value of Rs 20688 in PTR – CTW treatment; increased grain yield by 5% over the grain yield of 5.99 t ha-1 in PTR – CTW treatment. The B: C ratio of PTR – ZTW was 4.65 while that of PTR – CTW treatment was 3.24, which indicated economic viability of zero tillage practice. While in case of cauliflower in BV-BV system, the total cost of cultivation was estimated at Rs 51500/ha and net returns of Rs 38072/ha i.e an increased net return of 5.8 times over the net return of Rs 46223.5 in CTJ – CTW treatment. The B: C ratio of BV-BV was 5.21, while that of CTJ – CTW treatment was 2.35. Thus, it was concluded that in rabi season, cauliflower on beds and zero till wheat are most economically viable options in this temporary waterlogged regions of Yamuna basin.
Isolation and screening lactic acid bacteria for riboflavin production and their use for bioenrichment of curd
Authors: Chaya Chaya , Patil S. , Jagadeesh K. S. , Nawaz A. S. Noor
Published: January 2019

As many as 47 lactic acid bacteria were isolated from various vegetables and fruits and raita collected from local households and characterized. All of them were Gram positive and catalase negative. The isolates were screened for riboflavin production. The riboflavin production varied from 0.86 to 10.90 mg L-1. The isolate Ra1 produced the highest riboflavin (10.90 ppm). Incidentally, it also produced 5.6 per cent lactic acid and 21.4 ppm exopolysaccharide (EPS). Similarly, N2 and F2 isolates produced 10.90 and 10.20 ppm riboflavin and 21.17 and 21.24 ppm EPS, respectively. These three selected isolates were used for preparing a functional curd andevaluated. The curd produced by inoculating N2 and Ra1 were of very good quality with excellent flavor, taste and texture and smooth cutting quality. Ra1 produced a functional curd with the highest riboflavin content (13.97 ppm). N2 and RA1 resulted in very high acceptability index of 95.37 and 94.44 per cent, respectively. The betterorganoleptic parameters of the functional curd may also be due to high lactic acid and exopolysaccharide production by these isolates. Thus, by inoculating riboflavin synthesizing LAB isolates to curd, riboflavin-enriched functional curd with enhanced consumer appeal, can be produced.
Effect of different modes of pollination on yield parameters of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) in India
Authors: Rani D. Devika , Yadav Sunita , Kaushik H.D. , Kumar G. Narendra
Published: January 2019

Effect of different modes of pollination, viz., without insect pollination, hand-pollination, open-pollination and open-pollination + hand-pollination on yield parameters of 4 summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) hybrids viz., Parikrama, Chandra, Chamatkar and Gold Queen was studied at Research Farm of the Department of Entomology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2014. Irrespective of different hybrids, the treatment openpollination + hand-pollination and open-pollination produced the maximum number of fruits per plant (73.50 and 71.25%, respectively) followed by hand-pollination (59.08%) and no fruits were observed (0% fruit set) under without insect pollination treatment. Average fruit weight, fruit polar diameter and equatorial diameter were maximum (135.30 g, 3.74 cm and 3.47 cm, respectively) under open-pollination + hand-pollination, while these were minimum (94.81 cm, 2.14cm and 2.48 cm, respectively) under hand-pollination treatment. These results indicate that honey bees as well as wild pollinators are utmost essential for pollination of summer squash flowers and thus increasing fruit size and yield. Therefore pollinators conservation practices should be followed in summer squash growing areas for getting higher yield and returns.