bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Relationship and Structural Analysis of Blast Resistance Associated Novel Osvwa36 and Osvwa37 Genes in Cultivated and Wild Species of Rice
Authors: Karkute Suhas Gorakh , Sevanthi Amitha Mithra , Solanke Amolkumar U.
Published: August 2023

Rice blast is a dreadful disease that causes enormous losses in rice production worldwide. To develop blast resistant rice cultivars, it is necessary to identify resistance and defence regulator genes and the underlying mechanism of resistance. A novel von Willebrand factor domain A containing genes OsvWA36 and OsvWA37 in Tetep cultivar of rice regulate response to Magnaporthe oryzae infection and provides significant resistance. Owing to the important role of these genes, their evolutionary relationship has been studied in cultivated and wild species of rice. There is significant diversity in the protein sequence of these genes among the relative wild rice species. The size of OsvWA36 protein varies from 501 aa to 698 aa whereas size of OsvWA37 protein varies from 295 aa to 1004 aa. The, OsvWA36 gene is evolutionarily more conserved than OsvWA37 among the different rice species indicating its critical role. Besides the global variation in protein sequence, the region of vWA domain is highly conserved among all the species. Interestingly, both the genes in Oryza barthii are fused to form a single gene encoding a large protein that indicates their origin in other species from a single gene. The good quality tertiary structures of both OsvWA36 and OsvWA37 proteins in cultivated germplasm cv. Tetep were also generated which can be utilized for protein structural and docking studies.
Screening for In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Leaves Extracts of Certain Selected Plants against Rhodococcus equi
Authors: Kumar Lalit , Sankhala Laxmi Narayan , Kant Lakshmi , Badsiwal Dinesh Kumar , Kumar Sanjay , Dedar Ramesh Kumar
Published: August 2023

In the present study, the research work was carried out during June 2018 to March 2019 at ICAR-NRCE-EPC (Indian Council of Agricultural Research, National Research Centre on Equines, Equine Production Campus), Jorbeer, Bikaner (Rajasthan), India. The study was conducted to investigate in vitro antibacterial activity of ethanolic, chloroformic and Sequentially Extracted Water Extract (SEWE) leaves extracts of Aegle marmelos, Morus alba, Nerium indicum, Cascabela thevetia (L.) Lippold, Plumeria alba L. and Azadirachta indica against Vap A and Vap C positive Rhodococcus equi. Fresh leaves of these plants were collected manually from campus of ICAR-NRCE-EPC, Jorbeer, Bikaner (Rajasthan). In initial screening ethanolic leaves extract of these plants except Azadirachta indica, were found non-active against Rhodococcus equi. Chloroformic leaves extracts of Azadirachta indica did not showed in vitro antibacterial activity against Rhodococcus equi. While ethanolic and Sequentially Extracted Water Extract (SEWE) leaves extracts of Azadirachta indica showed good in vitro antibacterial activity against Rhodococcus equi. Further, solvent based fractionation, Ethanol Soluble Fraction (ESF), Methanol Soluble Fraction (MSF) and Water Soluble Fraction (WSF) of polar compounds of SEWE did not showed in vitro antibacterial activity against Rhodococcus equi. On comparison with currently used antibiotics (azithromycin and rifampicin), required concentration of the leaves extract of Azadirachta indica was too high for their possibilities of in vivo use, so abundant availability of Azadirachta indica leaves and their activity against Rhodococcus equi suggests their potential for use as disinfectant against Rhodococcus equi.
Genotypic Variation with Respect to Post-harvest Losses of Potato on Storage under Ambient Temperature
Authors: Mishra Ashok , Kabi Pragati , Ghosal Debasish , Mohanty A. K. , Mishra Ananya , Das Swarnalata , Sasmal Arundhati
Published: August 2023

The experiment was conducted at All India Coordinated Research Project on Potato, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India during two different years (2016 and 2021) to study on the genotypic variation among 25 potato varieties with respect to post-harvest losses and storage. Approximately 5 kg potatoes of each genotype were kept inside perforated plastic containers under ambient temperature for this study. Rottage of tubers on number and weight basis were recorded at 30, 60, 75 and 90 days. Similarly sprouting of tubers in different genotypes was recorded at 75 and 90 days. It was observed that the percentage of tuber rottage on weight basis at the end of storage period (90 days) varied from 2.5% in Kufri Ashoka to 65.1% in Kufri Sinduri. There was also wide variation among different genotypes for sprouting at 75 and 90 days. Five genotypes did not sprout even at 90 days under storage at ambient temperature. Maximum storage loss of 86.9% was observed in Kufri Sinduri while minimum storage loss was recorded in Kufri Ashoka (8.5%). Highest direct effect on storage loss was exerted by percentage of rottage at 90 days. The direct effect of sprouting at 75 and 90 days on storage loss was very less clearly indicating its minor role. Weight loss of tubers of varying weights (20–40 g, 40–60 g and >60 g) in two varieties were also taken into consideration at 4, 7, 11, 18 and 26 days. The variety Kufri Pukhraj exhibited higher weight loss than Kufri Surya for all grades of tubers. The tubers weighing 20–40 g had the highest weight loss (1.22–2.81) among all the grades. However, the tubers of >60g showed the least weight loss in both the varieties.
Jasmonic Acid Mediated Management of Necrotrophic Pathogen Alternaria Leaf Spot in Soybean
Authors: Wasule D. L. , Ingle Y. V. , Shingote P. R. , Shinde R. M.
Published: August 2023

The Field trial was conducted during Kharif season for two consecutive years (July–October 2017 and 2018) at three different locations namely; Amravati, Yavatmal and Katol under Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth., Akola, Maharashtra, India. The nine treatments were designed in randomized block design replicated thrice to determine the potential use of an elicitor for Alternaria leaf spot management compared with standard fungicide. The treatments include two foliar sprays of either abiotic elicitors alone namely Salicylic acid (SA) @ 100 ppm, Benzoic acid @ 100 ppm, Humic acid @ 1%, Jasmonic acid @ 100 ppm, Potassium nitrate (KNO3) @ 1% or biotic elicitors Trichoderma viride @ 1%, Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 1% alone or recommended fungicide Propiconazole 0.1% alone at crop flower initiation stage and at 60 days after sowing.  Field trials results shows the Propiconazole 0.1% significantly superior in management of disease upto 44.72 % followed by Jasmonic acid @ 100 ppm in controlling the disease upto 40.01 % and was found at par with propiconazole 0.1% in respect to percent disease index, percent disease control and seed yield. Highest percent disease index and least percent disease control and yield recorded in control. Elicitor Jasmonic acids induce protective, therapeutic treatments reduced the severity of disease advocated suppressing necrotrophs pathogen Alternaria alternata, the eco–friendly alternatives to fungicides.
Impact of Weather Parameters on Population Fluctuation of Chilli Thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood
Authors: Mandal Laltu , Mondal Palash
Published: August 2023

Chilli var. Tejaswini was grown in three quadrates (5.0×6.0 m2) during pre-kharif season (January-June) of 2018 and 2019 at farmer’s field, Sriniketan, West Bengal, India to study the fluctuation of thrips population during the crop growing seasons under the influence of varying weather parameters. Population fluctuation of the thrips was recorded at weekly intervals starting from one week after transplanting till the last harvest. The insect first appeared on 6-8 leaves stages of the crop during both seasons and the population gradually reached to peak  at 14 MSW (10.95 thrips leaf-1) and 13 MSW (9.83 thrips leaf-1) during 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively. Correlation of thrips population with both previous and same meteorological standard week data showed different results. Significant negative correlation with relative humidity (r=-0.561*) but positive with sunshine hours (r=0.476*) recorded only during 2018 when correlations were studied with previous week weather data. Studies on multiple regression revealed that combined effect of weather parameters on the population build up of thrips had 26.0% (R2= 0.260) and 55.4% (R2=0.554) during 1st season while it was 40.6% (R2=0.406) and 18.9% (R2=0.189) during the 2nd season. Trend analysis revealed that during 1st season maximum and minimum temperatures around 35.0°C and 20°C found favourable for pest population build-up, while relative humidity (65% or higher), rainfall (6.0 mm), and bright sunshine (8 h) negatively affected the thrips population. A similar trend in insect population build-up was also recorded during the 2nd season.
Evaluation of Indigenous Strains of Entomopathogenic Nematodes, in Combination with Low-Toxicity Insecticides for Control of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae)
Authors: Kasi Indra Kumar , Waiba Kanchhi Maya , Singh Gurveer , Bhat Abhishek , Kashyap Hemanth Kumar , Rostami Elahe , Robin
Published: August 2023

A study was conducted during November, 2021 to evaluate the efficacy of local strains of Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora in combination with low-toxicity insecticides at low and high dosages to control fifth-instar larvae in under laboratory condition. The experimental location in Department of Entomology, Nematology Laboratory, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. The use of S. feltiae+Spinosad or chlorantraniliprole caused larvae mortality of over 90% at 96 h and H. bacteriophora+Spinosad or Chlorantraniliprole mortality caused of over 95% mortality at 96 h after treatment at the high dose and may be considered as a least toxic strategy to control fall armyworm. Our results showed that these strains of H. bacteriophora have high pathogenicity against S. frugiperda and have potential for biological control in integrated approaches causing even combination with low-toxicity insecticides at low and high dosages may be considered 90% mortality fifth instar larval of S. frugiperda at 96 h at the high dose as a least toxic strategy to control fall armyworm. The use of S. feltiae+Spinosad or chlorantraniliprole and H. bacteriophora+Spinosad or chlorantraniliprole caused larvae mortality of over 90% high dose and should be included as a least toxic strategy to control fall armyworm. Native strains of entomopathogenic nematodes are active against S. frugiperda shows potential alternative to the severe use of chemical insecticides to control fall armyworm population in corn plantations.
Variability Studies and Metroglyph Analysis in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.) for Grain Yield Characters
Authors: Toppo Anjali Manisha , Lavanya G. Roopa , Marker Shailesh
Published: August 2023

The present investigation was conducted with 20 Foxtail millet genotypes including one check during kharif (July-October 2021) at the Crop Research Farm (CRF), Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, U.P., India. The objectives were to study the magnitude of variability for different traits among foxtail millet genotypes and to identify diverse parents for morphological and seed quality parameters in foxtail millet. The data were recorded on 12 quantitative traits. ANOVA revealed high GCV and PCV for test weight, flag leaf length, number of tillers plant-1, grain yield plant-1, number of productive tillers plant-1, flag leaf width and peduncle length. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean (h2 b) (>60%) were recorded for test weight, number of tillers plant-1, flag leaf length, grain yield plant-1, number of productive tillers plant-1, peduncle length, flag leaf width, flag leaf area, plant height and panicle length. Days to maturity, plant height, flag leaf area, peduncle length and panicle length were positively significant concerning grain yield plant- 1. Metroglyph analysis indicated significant variations among the 20 genotypes  for twelve characters. The maximum number of genotypes falls in cluster I (14) followed by cluster II (4), cluster III (1) and cluster IV (1). The genotypes recorded high grain yield plant-1 fell into cluster I. The genotypes that recorded high index scores fell into different clusters that can be crossed to have maximum variability of a good combination of characters. Thus, the use of these genotypes in a further breeding program is suggested.
Effect of Packaging System and Storage Conditions on Quality Retention of Shelled Walnut
Authors: Lal Shiv , Chand Lal , Kumawat K. L. , Sharma O. C.
Published: August 2023

Present study was carried out during 2017 and 2018 at Post-harvest laboratory of ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar to assess the effect of packaging condition and storage period on shelled walnut Kernels for enhancing shelf life and retaining  quality of shelled walnut. A total of 6 treatments (Traditional air packaging+light, Traditional air packaging+dark, Vacuum packaging+light, Vacuum packaging+dark, Vacuum packaging+Oxygen absorber+light, Vacuum packaging+Oxygen absorber+dark) were applied on shelled walnut kernels. Various observation on sensory attributes, change in fat content, and changes in a physiological loss in weight, firmness, and colour coordinates (kernel L*, a*, b*) was recorded at 0 days and 4 months, 8 months and 12 months. These sensory attributes and overall acceptability score revealed that the overall acceptability of walnut kernels was recorded as highest in T5 and slightly astringent in T6. The maximum decrease in fat content was also recorded in T1 followed by T2 and the least in T6 as the storage period advances similarly firmness index decreases as the storage interval increases in a similar pattern. The maximum mean increase in physiological loss in weight was observed in T1 followed by T2 and least in T6 as the storage period advances.The findings of this study revealed that at 12 months of the storage period, vacuum packaging+Oxygen absorber+Dark retained maximum shelf life and maintains the post-harvest quality as compared to traditional air packaging+light. Hence, walnut kernels could be stored in T6-Vacuum packaging+Oxygenabsorber+dark storage condition for maintaining the quality of walnut kernels for up to 12 months.
Screening of M5 Generation Mutant Lines for Charcoal Rot Resistance in Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]
Authors: Mohinuddin D. Khaja , Girish G. , Suvarna  , Badigannavar Ashok , Yogeesh L. N. , Govindappa M. R. , Kumar V. Anand , Kumar A. Ravi
Published: August 2023

This study was carried out in augmented design during rabi 2021 (November‒May) at Agriculture research station, Hagari, Karnataka, India to identify the charcoal rot resistant mutant line. Total 200 mutants and 7 checks were used to study the charcoal rot resistance in the present experiment. Charcoal rot is a major disease in the dry sorghum-growing regions of Asia, Africa, Americas and Australia. Charcoal rot disease is caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. It appears in severe form on the improved varieties in hot dry weather with soil moisture stress. The process of mutation is recognized as one of the driving forces of evolution. Induced mutation breeding is a relatively quick method of creating variability in quantitatively inherited traits between plants. The parameters used in charcoal rot studies were lodging per cent, mean number of nodes crossed, mean length of spread and Charcoal rot index (CRI). The screening results revealed that 66 mutant lines shown moderate resistant reaction compared to the resistant check DSV-4 (0.5) and E-36-1 (0.27), among them eight mutants had exact only one node crossed by the pathogen. These mutant lines exhibited comparatively lowest number of mean nodes crossed. 84 mutant lines shown moderate resistant response to charcoal rot index trait. These resistant lines can be used for further confirmation and also for future resistant breeding programme.
Effect of Non-Genetic Factors on Seminal Traits of Indigenous and Crossbred Bulls under Semi-arid Climatic Conditions
Authors: Meena Sunil Kumar , Sharma Prakash Chandra , Saini Samita , Gahan Mukesh Kumar , Swami Priyanka , Gurjar Devkishan , Chandra Vipin
Published: August 2023

The study was conducted at Post Graduate Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (PGIVER), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India during July–December 2020 to evaluate the effects of non-genetic factors on semen characteristics of bulls. The data of 4608 ejaculates during the period of 2017–2020 from Tharparkar and its cross with Holstein, Jersey and its cross with Sahiwal cows was maintained at Frozen Semen Bank (FSB), India. The Semen characteristics were recorded and stored in Information Network for Animal Productivity & Health (INAPH) application maintained at FSB and National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The average semen volumes were estimated as 4.18±0.02 ml. Non-genetic factors viz. season, period, breed, ejaculation order and age of bulls showed significant effects on various semen parameters. Higher estimates of semen concentration, motility, Total Ejaculation Volume (TEV) and Post-thaw Motility (PTM) were recorded in Jersey Sahiwal crossbred bull whereas semen motility was observed as higher for Tharparkar bull. Seasonal analysis revealed that winter and autumn were favorable seasons for higher quantity and quality semen production. Age wise analysis presented significantly increased values with the increasing age except semen motility. Non-genetic factors under semi-arid climatic conditions revealed significant effects on semen characteristics of exotic, crossbred and indigenous genotypes and need to be accounted for quality semen production in a semen production centre. Present findings indicate that Jersey Sahiwal cross bulls were found better for quality semen production under semi-arid climatic condition than exotic and other crossbreed bulls.
Varietal Preferences in Large Cardamom with Respect to Yield and Profitability in the Hill Region of West Bengal
Authors: Rai Ushia , Mondal Sagar , Mondal Sabita , Ghosh Shrabantika , Banik Trishita , Rai Birat
Published: August 2023

The study was conducted during the year 2017–18 in Block II of Kalimpong District in West Bengal. The state, district and the block were selected purposively whereas the respondents were selected randomly. Data were collected randomly from 60 farmers from three different villages of Block II of Kalimpong district with the help of structured interview schedule. The four different varieties namely Ramsey, Golsey, Varlangey and Seremna were presented to the farmers in pairs, in 6 possible combinations. The farmers were requested to identify one variety over the other from each six pairs which they consider more profitable and high yielding. For analysis of the data, Method of Paired Comparisons was followed. It was found from the study that the majority of farmers preferred Varlangey cultivar more in terms of yield (Scale value 2.1) and profitability (scale value 2.0) because of its higher yield, early maturity, bigger capsule size, making it easy to harvest and higher productivity.  Ramsay variety occupied the second position in terms of yield (Scale value 1.6) and profitability (Scale Value 1.2). Whereas, Golsey variety occupied the third position in case of yield (Scale Value 1.0) and profitability (Scale value 0.16) followed by the variety Seremna whose scale value have been brought down to arbitrary zero. According to the respondents there is no significant difference between Golsey and Seremna with respect to their yield and profitability.
Agronomic Evaluation of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Genotypes for Tuber Yield and Yield Attributing Traits
Authors: Tsagaye Dasta , Fikre Demis , Fufa Nimona , Gebretensay Fekadu , Ali Awoke , Wegayehu Gizaw
Published: August 2023

The experiment was carried out under rain fed conditions for three consecutive years (2017–2019) from mid-June to mid-October at Bekoji and Kofele sub sites of Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia by using improved varieties to identify superior genotypes. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the presence of significant (p<0.05) differences among genotypes for all traits studied. Analysis of variance revealed that location by year effect had highly significant difference at (p<0.01) for all traits except specific gravity which showed significant difference at (p<0.05). Treatment by location showed significant difference except stem number plant-1, total yield, and specific gravity. Treatment by year showed significant differences except for days to flowering. The highest marketable tuber yield was obtained from genotype CIP 395037.107 followed by variety Belete and CIP 395015.6 genotype. Simple correlation analysis revealed that total tuber yield showed strongly and positively significant correlation with average stem number plant-1, stem height and marketable yield. Thus, it could be concluded that genotypes, year and location variations as well as their interaction had considerable influence on tuber yield and the potato’s attributes. The significant interaction effects of genotypes, location, year and positive and strong association between total yield and other traits indicates the need to test potato genotypes over season and location in order to select stable and high yielder genotypes.
Management of Mango Powdery Mildew through Potential Organic Products
Authors: Kulkarni Shripad , Chavan Tippesh , Vijaykumar K. N.
Published: August 2023

The present study was conducted at farmer’s field in Kyarakoppa village of Dharwad taluka, Karnataka, India during 2014–15 and 2015–16. Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is considered as one of the most important fruit crop for millions of people in the world, particularly in India where it is deemed to be the choicest of all indigenous fruits. Mango powdery mildew caused by Oidium mangiferae Berthet is a severe disease that infects all parts of mango trees except the fruits. Organic production has recently increased the demand for environmental friendly control programs to eliminate the risk of fungicide and pesticide resistance so, it is important to study the alternatives from natural extractions. Hence, the present investigation was carried to evaluate the use of some eco-friendly compounds as alternatives to control the powdery mildew of mango. The results revealed that out of ten different treatments evaluated, the treatment T4 involving panchagavya @ 1:10 dilution has resulted in least mean disease severity of 30.27% and maximum net returns (` 1,12,900) as against 61.00% disease severity and minimum net returns (` 50,000) in the control. The treatment T4 was statistically on par with recommended fungicide sulphur @ 3 g l-1 which has resulted in 28.96% Disease Index over the years. However, the taste and smell were found to be superior with panchagavya sprayed trees which has produced yield 6.75 t ha-1 with cost benefit ratio of 5.11 as compared to C:B ratio of triadimefon (6.86) and sulphur (6.37).
The Practical Model and Evidence of Organic Evolution Opposite to Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection and Sexual Selection (Human Evolution)
Authors: Ahad Md. Abdul
Published: August 2023

Hybridization (breeding) is practical evidence and a model of Darwin’s theory. But it would be true, if hybridization between two plants or animal species is possible and produced a fertile, reproductively isolated offspring. However, hybridization between two plants or animal species is not possible due to structural, behavioural differences, and seasonal isolations. If imposed, the fertilization fails, if the fertilization is successful, the embryo may abort, or the young may die. If the hybrid is survived up to maturity, it must become sterile. However, a very rare case the hybrids become fertile but those produce so-called varieties /races only; those species that produce fertile hybrids (e.g. Indian cattle Bos indicus and European cattle Bos taurus) must merge into a species.to satisfy the modern definition of species. Moreover, the artificial selection is also a skilled sexual selection, as the breeders choose the fittest, most vigour, and most fertile/productive, beautiful, colourful ornamented organism. But breeders also failed to develop a reproductively isolated species/variety/race by Johnson’s pure line selection, cloning, genetic engineering and mutation breeding. Even, a new species is not evolved by the natural hybridization. Consequently, there is no evidence of evolution of a new species either artificially or naturally. So, recent research claims that sexual selection theory is fundamentally flawed and simply wrong. Hence, evolutionary biologists rejected sexual selection. Thus, sexual selection is opposite to the evolution of humans from the lower animal like a chimpanzee. It is assumed that macroevolution occurs through hybridization; so, such an assumption is not valid.
Assessment of Physicochemical Properties and Cooking Quality of Promising Rice Varieties
Authors: Naik M. Vinod Kumar , Pillai M. Arumugam , Saravanan S.
Published: August 2023

The study was carried out in AC and RI, killikulam, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu, India during Kharif 2017 to evaluate physiochemical and cooking properties of promising high yielding rice varieties of Tamil Nadu. Different physiochemical properties were studied in  Fifty-five rice varieties. The hulling percentage varied from IR 28 (88.85) to CO 39(62.5), milling percentage ranged between IR 28(79.6) to C0 39(59.35), HRR% varied from IR 28 (73.3) to CO 43 (42.5), grain length is highest in Pusa Basmati (8.85 mm) and lowest in short grain type TN 1 (4.05 mm), The grain breadth ranged between 1.5 mm (JGL 3855) – 2.4 mm (ASD 2). L/B ratio, varied from 5.72 (Pusa Basmati) to 1.84 (TN 1), grain length after cooking ranged from Pusa Basmati (14.7mm) to BRNS (WP) 5 (5.35mm). Whereas the highest grain breadth after cooking was observed in ASD 2 (4.75 mm) and the lowest observed in Pusa Basmati (2.05 mm), linear elongation ratio is ranged from 1.67 (Pusa Basmati) to 1.04 (TPS 3), breadth wise expansion ratio was varied from TPS 3(2.49) to Pusa Basmati (1.33), ASV recorded 4 , 7, 27,11 and 7 varieties for scale-2, scale-3,scale-4, scale-5, scale-6 respectively. gel consistency ranged from 99.55 mm (JGL 3855) to 55.5 mm (Swarna) and the amylose content varied from 39.45 (Abhya) to 13.55(ASD 17). The relationship between physicochemical and cooking properties was determined using Pearson’s correlation. Correlation was done for determining the nature of interaction among the characters.
Value Addition of Traditional Indian Dairy Products Using Herbs and Spices- An Overview
Authors: Maji Soma , Bumbadiya Mitul , Sao Khushbu
Published: August 2023

Natural antioxidants have positive effects on human well-being and various conditions of disease, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes and cancer. They have been attributed to several of their biological activity to scavenge reactionary oxygen species (ROS) with oxidative stress. Herbs and spices are the rich source of natural antioxidants. They also contain many phytochemicals (tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids), essential oils, phenols, saponins, vitamins and micro and macro minerals. They play a great role in food system as flavourings, antioxidant, preservative and also possess medicinal property. Milk products are the most promising and fascinating foods due to their potential antioxidant activities. To extend the shelf life and nutrition value of dairy products specially fermented dairy products, few herbs are very helpful owing to their antifungal and antibacterial effect. Traditional Indian dairy products such as paneer, chhana, sandesh, dahi, lassi, ghee, butter and so on are the most commonly consumed food in Indian. It is well known that, milk and milk products are the most promising and compatible vehicle for delivering nutritional, functional health benefits of different herbs and spices. In this short review use of some of the important herbs and spices in traditional Indian dairy products has been dealt. Fortification of different herbs and spices in dairy products strengthens their nutritional and therapeutic values. It also enables the development of value-added dairy products.
Effect of Different Natural Products Against Leaf Blight Diseases of Maize
Authors: Debnath Srabani , Biswas Sonali
Published: August 2023

This experiment was conducted during kharif seasons (June to September) of 2016 and 2017 at District Seed Farm, Kalyani Simanta of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India. The objective of the study was to find out the performance of natural products against maydis leaf blight of maize under artificial epiphytotic condition. The eleven natural products were namely; Neem leaves, Karanj leaf, Milkweed / Calotropis leaf, Datura leaf, Parthenium leaf, leaves of Umbelanterna / Lantana camara, leaves of False Ashoka, leaves of tulsi, bulb of garlic, cow urine and Hexaconazole as standard check. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with 12 treatments with three replications. The extracts of Plant products at 10% concentrations were then applied by spraying to plants in the field just after 24 h of inoculation. 2nd inoculation was done seven days after first inoculation. Severity was calculated for each replication of each treatment by using the Percent Disease Index (PDI). Allium sativum (garlic) bulb @ 10% resulted lowest Percent Disease Index i.e. 28.4% against the Maydis leaf blight and 25.8% against Turcicum leaf blight of maize with the concurrent 61.13% and 65.08% control of diseases. Cow urine @ 50% resulted 29.8% and 28.6% PDI which was statistically equally effective with Allium sativum (garlic) bulb @ 10%. Likewise, this Allium sativum (garlic) bulb @ 10% also produced highest yield (2910 kg ha-1) which was 34 higher than the chemical, Hexaconazol used for these diseases.
Antimicrobial Efficacy of Biogenic Silver Nanocomposite against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Chandnani Y. , Roy M. , Sannat C. , Roopali B. , Roy S. , Mishra O. P. , Parveen K.
Published: August 2023

The present study was conducted during 2019−2020 to characterize the Carica papaya leaf synthesized silver nanoparticles and to know the MIC of Carica papaya leaf extract along with silver nanoparticles synthesized using Carica papaya leaf extract against MRSA by broth dilution method. Aqueous extract and silver nanoparticles of Carica papaya leaves was prepared using freshly collected disease free leaves. Characterization of C. papaya aqueous leaf extract synthesized silver nanoparticles (CPAgNP) was done by UV-VIS spectra analysis, SEM analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis and Zeta potential and Particle Size Analysis. A single, strong and broad SPR peak in UV–visible spectrum of the green synthesized silver nanoparticles using the Carica papaya extract was observed at 400 nm. FTIR spectrum revealed the band set at 3465.80 cm-1, 3136.95 cm-1, 2917.61 cm-1, 1625.08 cm-1, 1511.51 cm-1 and 1384.81 cm-1 respectively. Electron microscopy showed that Carica papaya aqueous leaf extract crystalline nanoparticle had definite particle size. The MIC of AECPL against MRSA was found to be 31.25 mg ml-1 while MIC of CPAgNPs against MRSA was found to be 62.5 µg ml-1. MIC of CPAgNPs was reported quite lower as compared to that of AECPL, thus it could be assumed that antibacterial activity of AECPL might potentiate the antibacterial property of Ag-NPs. Therefore, CPAgNPs could be employed as therapeutic agent against bacterial infection.
Pheno-Genotypic Screening of Medium Slender Rice Genotypes for Bacterial Leaf Blight (BLB) Disease Resistance
Authors: Reddy Vishal , Mahantashivayogayya K. , Pramesh D. , Diwan J. R. , Tembhurne B. V.
Published: August 2023

The bacterial leaf blight of rice caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is an economically important and one of the most destructive disease of rice in both irrigated and rainfed environments in Asia. In particular, in recent years, the occurrence of abnormal climate and warming phenomena has produced a good environment for bacterial leaf blight. The rice yield continues to decrease, causing 30 to 50% yield loss. Since bacterial pathogen is difficult to manage by other means effectively, developing host plant resistance is the most effective way to control this disease. So, the study was carried out during rain-fed season (July–November 2019) at Agricultural Research Station (ARS) Gangavati, Karnataka, India to identify the bacterial leaf blight resistance reaction among 22 medium slender genotypes of rice by both phenotyping and genotyping by using molecular markers linked with resistance governing bacterial leaf blight genes. Alongside TN-1 was used as susceptible check and screening was done by artificial clip inoculation method. The disease reactions were recorded one week after inoculation, with Standard Evaluation Scale (SES) for BLB ranging from 0–9, when the susceptible check (TN-1) was completely killed. None of the genotypes showed a resistant reaction, but three genotypes viz. IET-27904, IET-25520 and Rp Bio-226 showed resistant reaction against BLB. The six major BLB resistant genes genetic frequencies varied from 42.85% to 14.28% in the molecular evaluation of promising genotypes for major BLB resistant genes using three Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) and Sequence Tagged Sites (STS) markers respectively.
Wet and Dry Spell Analysis for Crop Planning in Central Plain Zone of Punjab Using Markov Chain Method
Authors: Chand Shivani , Dhaliwal L. K.
Published: August 2023

A study was conducted during 2017–2018 at department of climate change and agricultural meteorology, PAU, Ludhiana to find out the initial and conditional probability of occurrence of wet and dry spell of rainfall at different locations of Punjab, the analysis was carried out using Markov Chain Method (MCM). The historical data of rainfall for three locations of Punjab viz. Amritsar (1971–2017), Ludhiana (1971–2018) and Patiala (1971–2018) were collected from the Department of Climate Change and Agricultural Meteorology, PAU, Ludhiana and Met Centre, India Meteorological Department, Chandigarh. At Amritsar the chances of occurrence of wet spell were highest during 28th SMW i.e., 72% followed by 68% during 30th and 31st SMW respectively. The conditional probability calculated at Ludhiana showed that the probability of wet spell followed by wet spell was highest (71%) during 28th SMW followed by 66 per cent during 30th and 32nd SMW. At Patiala the probability of wet spell was highest (69%) during 33rd week followed by 63% during 29th SMW. The conditional probability also showed that dry spell followed by dry spell occurred more frequently than wet spell followed by wet spell.
Effect of Rubber Seed Meal (Hevea brasiliensis) on Blood Biochemical Parameters and Enzyme Profiles of Broiler Birds
Authors: Debbarma Gourab , Samanta A. K. , Buragohain Rajat , Das Biren Kumar , Behera Parthasarathi , Debbarma Merion , Paul Akash
Published: August 2023

An experiment was conducted at Department of Animal Nutrition in C.V.Sc. & A.H., C.A.U., Aizawl, Mizoram, in the month of September to November, 2022 to assess the effect of feeding rubber seed meal (Hevea brasiliensis) on biochemical parameters and enzyme profiles of broiler birds. 200 one-day old broiler chicks were purchased from commercial broiler chick distributor of Aizawl city, Mizoram. The chicks were distributed randomly into four experimental groups in a Completely Randomized Block Design. 50 birds of each group were further divided into five replicate with ten chicks in each replicate. The Group-1, Group-2, Group-3 and Group-4 were fed with standard basal ration formulated as per BIS (2007), standard basal ration with 10%, 15% and 20%  replacement of maize with rubber seed meal, respectively. Overnight water soaked rubber seed was dried and incorporated in the diet of broiler birds as replacement of maize. The rubber seed were collected from Tripura and were subjected to grinding followed by water soaking for overnight, sun drying for 5–7 days and incorporated in the diet of the broiler birds. Feeding trial was conducted for 42 days. Blood biochemical parameters did not show any significant difference (p>0.05) between different treatment groups. ALT and AST values were not found significantly different (p>0.05) among different treatment groups. It can be concluded that rubber seed meal can be incorporated in the diet as a replacement of maize up to 20% without adversely affecting blood biochemical and enzyme profiles of broiler chickens
Standardization of Methodology to Determine Nitrogen, Total Reducing Sugar, Crude Lipid and Urea Content in Panchgavya Formulation
Authors: Maji Soma , Rao Priyanka Singh , Ramu N. , Arora Sumit , Sharma Vivek
Published: August 2023

The present study was conducted ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India during the year 2016−2020 to standardize the methodology to analyse the composition of panchgavya. Direct raw ingredients (milk urine and dung) were collected from live stock research centre, NDRI Karnal while indirect raw ingredients curd and ghee were prepared in laboratory. Panchgavya was prepared in three ratios i.e. RA, RB and RC by changing the level of urine and dung in final formulation. The methods for determination of nitrogen, crude lipid, reducing sugar and urea in panchgavya formulation were standardized. For all the analysis first theoretical value was calculated based on their percent in raw materials and experimental value was compared with it. Effect of sample weight and different methods to analyse composition was compared. In conclusion, it was found that Kjeldahl method for nitrogen content, Mojonnier acid digestion method for crude lipid, colorimetric method for lactose and DMAB (p- dimethyl amino benzaldehyde) for urea can be used as standard methods in the panchgavya formulation.
Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Ferrous Sulphate on the Blood Biochemical Attributes and Development of Digestive Organs of Turkey Poults
Authors: Sharma A. , Bhattacharyya A. , Shukla P. K. , Yadav B. , Singh V. K.
Published: August 2023

The present study was conducted during February–April, 2020 in the Department of Poultry Science, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go-Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India to assess the effect of dietary supplementation of ferrous sulphate on the blood biochemical attributes of turkey poults. Nighty six straight run day old turkey poults were placed into four treatment groups, each with three replicates and eight turkey poults in each replicate. The poults were kept in a system with deep litter. The experiment was carried out on turkey poults aged 0 to 8 weeks. In the experiment, (control) basal diet, supplemented with FeSO4 @ 80 mg kg-1 diet, supplemented with FeSO4 @ 120 mg kg-1 diet, and supplemented with FeSO4 @ 160 mg kg-1 diet were provided to the poults. Blood was collected at the end of the experiment. Length and weight of different digestive organs were measured separately at 8 weeks of age after sacrificing birds. Plasma was separated and stored in refrigerator (-20°C) until analyzed. The data obtained showed that there was no significant difference in plasma total proteins, uric acid, ALT, AST, ALP, plasma cholesterol, plasma HDL, SOD, ROS, LPO values and development of digestive organs among different treatment groups. Further studies can be done by assessing the effect on blood biochemicals and digestive organ development of poultry birds by supplementing organic Fe chelates.
Green Forage Productivity, Crude Protein Yield, Seed Yield and Production Economics of Dual Purpose Ricebean (Vigna umbellata) as Influenced by Different Organic Sources of Nitrogen
Authors: Bhagyasri G. , Kundu C. K. , Jana K.
Published: August 2023

A field experiment was conducted at Central Research Farm, Gayeshpur, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, West Bengal, India during kharif (June–September, 2019 and 2020) to evaluate the influence of different organic nitrogen sources on growth, quality, yield and yield parameters and production economics of dual purpose ricebean (Vigna umbellata) of Bidhan ricebean-2 variety. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The organic nitrogen sources used in the experiment were vermicompost, farm yard manure and biocompost. Experiment results revealed that application of 50% RDN through FYM+50% RDN through Vermicompost gave significantly higher leaf–stem ratio and drymatter accumulation. Among other treatments, with application of 50% RDN through FYM+50% RDN through vermicompost significantly highest green forage yield, dry matter yield was observed. Highest seed yield and yield attributes like pods plant-1, seeds pod-1 was observed with application 50% RDN through FYM+50% RDN through vermicompost. Application of 50% RDN through FYM+50% RDN through Vermicompost recorded highest quality parameters like crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre and crude protein yield when compared to other treatments. With respect to economics of different organic and inorganic nitrogen sources, application of 50% RDN through FYM+50% RDN through vermicompost recorded higher gross returns and net returns but higher B-C ratio was noticed with application of 100% RDN through inorganic fertilizers.
Field Evaluation of In Vitro Derived Mutants of Different Varieties of Banana on Fruit Quality Parameters
Authors: Kirankumar K. H. , Prakasha D.P. , Kulapati H. , Prabhuling G. , Basavarajappa M.P. , Sanjeevraddi G. R. , Jameel J.
Published: August 2023

A field experiment was conducted on field evaluation of in vitro derived mutants of different varieties of banana during (October–September), 2018–19 and (September–August), 2019–20 at the Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India. The one thirty-eight (138) in vitro derived banana mutants both physical and chemical mutagens treated plants along with check were planted. The experiment was laid out in augmented block design with 6 blocks and 26 subplots each block having 23 in vitro mutant lines and three checks. The cultivars used for the experiment were viz., Yelakki bale, Rajapuri bale and Nanjangud rasabale. Among 138 in vitro derived mutants in plant crop, there was no significant difference noted in pulp weight, pulp to peel ratio and fruit firmness. Among different mutants in pulp weight parameter the maximum pulp weight was recorded in NR45Gy-09 (86.45 g), peel weight, RAJ45Gy-14 (20.00 g) pulp to peel ratio YB35Gy-05 (6.70) flavour acceptance, YB40Gy-03 (7.82) fruit firmness, YB40Gy-12 (18.82 N) and shelf life YB40Gy-14 (8.10 days). in ratoon crop, the maximum pulp weight was recorded in NR45Gy-09 (86.45 g), peel weight, RAJ45Gy-14 (25.00 g) pulp to peel ratio, YB35Gy-24 (7.36) flavour acceptance, RAJ45Gy-03 (7.48) fruit firmness, YB40Gy-11 (16.50 N) and shelf life YB45Gy-08 (9.00 days).
Suitability of Different Extractants for Estimation of Cationic Micronutrients in Lateritic Soils of West Bengal
Authors: Nisab Mohammed C. P. , Ghosh G. K.
Published: August 2023

The present study was conducted at Institute of Agriculture (Palli Siksha Bhavana), Visva-Bharati West Bengal, India during 2019–20 to evaluate the extractability of different extractants for extraction of cationic micronutrients in lateritic soils of West Bengal under rice based cropping system. Fifty surface (0‒15 cm) samples were collected from rice-based cropping systems from five different blocks of Birbhum district. The pH of the soil was found extremely acidic to slightly acidic. The organic carbon content (%) were low to medium range. Among major nutrients available phosphorus and sulphur showed deficiency under study area. The micronutrients cations were extracted from the soils using five different extractants, namely, Mehlich 3, HCl, AB-DTPA and the conventional extractant DTPA. The greatest mean concentration for all the micronutrients was obtained by Melich 3 extractant followed by HCl whereas the lower values were obtained when DTPA extractant used. Themagnitude of extraction for all cationic micronutrients was Mehlich 3>HCl>AB-DTPA>DTPA. Melich 3 has a higher extractability due to its high pH and ability to displace exchangeable cations due to the presence of the NH4+ ion in the extractant. The low extractability of the DTPA extractant may be due to disruption of metal-chelate equilibria in acidic soils. A higher positive significant correlation observed among the extractants from the study indicated that, they were able to extract the micronutrients from remarkably similar pools.
Phenology of Terminalia chebula tree in the Dry Deciduous Forest of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, Southern India
Authors: Kailash B. R. , Harisha R. P. , Siddappa Setty R. , Kadirvelu K. , Manimekalan M. S. , Samrat Abhishek
Published: August 2023

The study was conducted at Cauvery wildlife sanctuary, Karnataka, India from 2015 to 2019. This study intended to understand the periodic events in biological life cycles concerning changes in the timings of seasonal events. It includes leafing, flowering, and fruiting patterns among the selected tree species of Terminalia chebula Retz., which is an important non-timber forest product (NTFPs) species in the Cauvery wildlife sanctuary. A total of 32 adult individual trees, from two transects at different places were selected and were observed at thirty days intervals. It was observed that there was a species-specific phenological relationship between the deciduous period and the initiation of seasonal rainfall and warm periods. Leaf maturity peak was in August. Leaf fall activity was in January before the arrival of an intense dry period. The reproductive phenology like flowering, fruiting, and fruit obsession was significantly varied across the different seasons among the observed tree species. The majority of tree species (56%) revealed synchronous flowering with Leaf flush activity. The results indicate that Leafing (58%) and flowering phenology (75%) occur during the dry period before the onset of first rains and fruiting, fruit fall timing was in consequence to utilize the growing season. Thus, species specificity was recorded concerning flowering and fruiting and was found to be with the seasonal rainfall distribution and in turn soil moisture availability in the study area. The results of the study would help in better management of fruiting tree species in natural forests.