bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Root architecture and rhizobial inoculation in relation to drought stress response in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris l.)
Authors: Sofi Parvaze A. , Saba Iram , Amin Zakir
Published: April 2018

The present study was aimed at assessing the root traits and rhizobial inoculation in relation to drought in common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris. Drought caused the largest decrease in shoot biomass followed by plant height, while an increase was recorded inroot/shoot ratio. Rhizobial inoculation caused largest increase in shoot biomass followed by root volume and root biomass and smallest increase in rooting depth. WB-216 and WB-185 had better rooting depth in all treatments. However, WB-83 (92.67) had highest rooting depth under irrigated conditions and SR-1 had highest rooting depth under irrigated conditions treated with rhizobium (108.50). Similarly, WB-216 had highest root/shoot ratio under drought (2.693) followed by WB-185 (1.285) while lowest value was recorded for Arka Anoop (0.373). In rhizobium treated drought condition, WB-216 recorded highest root/shoot ratio (5.540) followed by SFB-1 (1.967). Under irrigated conditions (both with and without rhizobium), WB-185 recorded highest root/shoot ratio while lowest was recorded for SR-1 (0.166). The mean squares due to root depth, root biomass and root volume were significant whereas the mean squares due to water and rhizobium were non-significant. Among interactions the genotype x water regime was significant for rooting depth (5 % level), genotype x rhizobia was significant for rooting depth and root volume (1 % level) and the interaction of genotype x water regime x rhizobium was significant for rooting depth, root biomass and root volume (1 % level). The results reinforce the need to further analyse the potential of other soil microbes in common bean rhizosphere in amelioration of the effects of water stress.
Study on effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.)
Authors: Pawar Rohit , Barkule Santosh
Published: April 2018

In order to investigate the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield components in Cauliflower, Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L., cv. Pusa snowball- 16, an experiment was conducted using Randomized Block Design with two replications. The experiment comprised of 14 different treatment combinations comprising of different sources of nutrients including organic, inorganic and bio-fertilizers. The growth parameters like height of plant (12.10, 23.50 cm), number of leaves per plant (9.10, 14.40) and diameter of stem (1.20, 2.10 cm) at 40 and 60 DAT respectively, the days required for curd initiation (62.00 days), days required for curd maturity (85.70 days) and staying period of curd (9.50 days) were observed maximum in treatment combination 75 % RDF + FYM + Azotobacter + Azospirillum (T6). The yield parameters like weight of curd per plot (17.50 kg/plot) and yield per hectare (180.04 q/ha) which was increased 44.10 per cent over RDF. From the studies it can be inferred that the application of 75 % RDF + FYM along with Azospirillum and Azotobactor was found to be the most effective treatment combination for getting enhanced growth and yield in cauliflower.
Impact of integrated nutrient management on some important physical and chemical attributes of soil vis-a-vis performance of bitter gourd
Authors: Chakraborty Soumyabrata , Kumar Gyanendra
Published: April 2018

An experiment has been conducted under AICRP on Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) at the Central Research Farm (Gayeshpur), Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal to find out the effect of integrated nutrient management in ArkaHarit variety of bitter gourd. The treatments contain different organic and inorganic fertilizer viz. Control (T1), NPK @ 90:60:60 kg/ha (T2), Vermicompost @ 12t/ha (T3), NPK+ Vermicompost @ 3t/ha (T4), FYM @ 25t/ha (T5), NPK+FYM @ 6.25t/ha (T6), Mustard oil cake (MOC) @ 7t/ha (T7), NPK+MOC @ 1.75t/ha (T8). Application of organic and inorganic sources in an integrated manner has resulted higher in yield, physical and chemical parameter such as seed yield (2815 kg/ha), aggregate ratio (0.69), mean weight diameter (0.593 mm), geometric mean weight diameter (0.679 mm), organic carbon (1.28 %), CEC (12.88 meq/100g), available nitrogen (208 kg/ha), phosphorus (62 kg/ha), potassium (167 kg/ha) in higher magnitude as compare to the single application of inorganic fertilizer. In maximum cases, the chemical parameters is highest in harvesting stage rather than other stage. Quality characters such as Vitamin A, C, crude fibre are nourished in favourable way due to integrated appli-cation of organic and inorganic fertilizers. Based on the performance, it was found that treatment combination of NPK+MOC @ 1.75t/ha (T8) was best among all treatments in most cases for yield, productivity and nutritional as-pects of ArkaHarit variety of bitter gourd.
Effect of seed coating, storage periods and storage containers on soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) seed quality under ambient conditions
Authors: Goswami Ajay Puri , Vishunavat Karuna , Mohan Chander , Ravi Sanjeev
Published: April 2018

Soybean seed is classified as “poor storer” as it loses viability under warm and humid conditions and is invaded by storage fungi. The seed of soybean variety PS 1347, obtained from Breeder Seed Production Centre, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar was used for storage study. Root length (cm), shoot length (cm), seedling fresh weight (g) and seedling dry weight (g) decreases with the increase in seed storage periods. Out of all chemical treatments, Flowable thiram @ 2.4 ml/kg (T2) and Polymer + vitavax 200 @ 2g/kg seed (T5) were found effective to maintain Seedling root length, shoot length, seedling fresh weight and seedling dry weight by producing vigorous seedlings. Seeds stored in cloth bags exhibited higher seed infection than in seed stored in polythene bags, irrespective of seed treatment and period of storage. Treatment T4 (Vitavax 200 @ 2 g/kg seed)and T5(Polymer + vitavax 200 @ 2 g/kg seed) exhibited minimum percent seed infection of Aspergillus flavus. Cloth bag was not found safe for longer storage of soybean seeds under ambient storage at Pantnagar.
A stochastic frontier and corrected Ordinary Least Square models of determining technical efficiency of canal irrigated paddy farms in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Vasanthi R. , Sivasankari B. , Gitanjali J.
Published: April 2018

A comparative study between Stochastic frontier production function and corrected Ordinary Least Square (OLS) were estimated to determine technical efficiency in paddy production. Further, the study has assessed the effect of farm specific socio economic factors affecting the technical efficiency. This study was conducted in Cauvery delta zone of seven taluks about canal irrigation. The number of farmers in canal irrigated region about 109 from seven taluks is considered. The data were obtained from the cost of cultivation scheme of Tamil Nadu centre. The results of Cobb Douglas stochastic production function indicated that fertilizer, seed, pesticide and machine hours significantly influenced yield of paddy. The results also indicated that it will be highly profitable to increase the use of seed, and need to rationalize the labour use and pesticide usage. The effect of qualitative variable namely age and education of the farmer would indicate that the older farmers technical efficiency become less compared to the younger farmer, and also implying that investments on human capital take away their participation from agriculture. As a comparative study in general, COLS produced the lowest mean technical efficiency with 85 percent while the Stochastic frontier analysis produced the highest mean technical efficiency with 90 per cent.
Seasonal variation in food and feeding habit of Indian major carp (Labeo rohita Ham.1822) in Vallabhsagar reservoir, Gujarat
Authors: Soni Nandita , Ujjania N. C.
Published: April 2018

The gut content analysis provides the information on food components and feeding habit of fish which is an important aspect for fisheries management. In present study, the qualitative and quantitative analysis of gut content of Indian major carp rohu (Labeo rohita Ham. 1822) from Vallabhsagar reservoir (Gujarat), were conducted during June 2013 to May 2014. The results on gut content shows that qualitative changes in food component were not found but quantitative changes were observed during the study period. In the gut of fish, food contents i.e. phytoplankton (32.52 %), plant materials (25.07 %), Insects (13.39 %), decay matter (13.39 %) and zooplankton (11.42 %) were observed. The quantitative changes of food contents were also verified by the analysis of gasrosomatic index (GaSI) and it was maximum (5.582 ± 0.106) during post breeding season and minimum (3.589 ± 0.150) during breeding season as fish feeds voraciously to compensate the energy loss due to sexual maturity. On the basis of these results, it was concluded that studied fish (rohu) was herbivorous and mainly fed on phytoplankton and plant materials.
Characterization of Sorghum germplasm for various qualitative traits
Authors: Verma Rajani , Ranwah B. R. , Bharti Baudh , Kumar Ramesh , Kunwar Ram , Diwaker Ayush , Meena Monika
Published: April 2018

Present study was performed to characterize 750 germplasm lines with 4 checks namely CSV17, CSV20, CSV27 and CSV21F for various qualitative traits of Sorghum. These 754 genotypes were sown in augmented RBD with 30 replications during Kharif 2014 at Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur. Majority of the accessions showed poor early plant vigour (40.2 %), dark green leaf (88.6 %), non- tan leaf sheath pigmentation (60 %), drooping leaves (100 %), white midrib colour (51.6 %), senescence (60 %), loose panicle density (31.5 %), elliptical panicle shape (66.5 %), straw glume colour (48.2 %), 3/4 glume coverage (42.9 %), absence of awns (59.5 %), creamy straw seed (39.9 %), oval grain shape (48.8 %), medium seed size (43.7 %), non-lustrous seed (62.0 %), intermediate endosperm texture (50.3 %) and bicolor race (49.6 %). Very good early plant vigour, tan type leaf sheath pigmentation, drooping leaf orientation, straw glume colour, ½ glume covering, oval grain shape, intermediate endosperm texture appeared in all the 4 check. The results of this study indicated that considerable genetic diversity exists among the sorghum accessions.
Effect of cold stress on boro rice seedlings
Authors: Kumari Priyanka , Jaiswal H. K.
Published: April 2018

Cold stress at seedling stage is a major constraint in boro rice production. Nine boro rice lines were crossed in diallel fashion excluding reciprocals to obtain 36 crosses. All the 36 crosses along with parents were grown in nursery in three seasons (boro-2014, kharif-2015 and boro-2015). Performance of seedlings for survival per cent, chlorophyll content, relative water content, membrane stability index was recorded just before transplanting in all the three seasons. Scoring for cold tolerance was done in both boro seasons. Gautam showed highest survival rate over three seasons. Among crosses, IR 64 x Krishna Hamsa showed highest survival (84%) in boro-2014, MTU 1010 x Jaya (86.33%) in boro-2015 and MTU 1010 x Krishna Hamsa (95.67%) in kharif-2015. Jaya x Krishna Hamsa was most cold tolerant cross over both boro seasons. Significant positive correlation was observed among survival per cent, chlorophyll content, relative water content and membrane stability index over seasons.
A review on bacterial stalk rot disease of maize caused by Dickeya zeae
Authors: Kumar Adesh , Hunjan Mandeep Singh , Kaur Harleen , Rawal Roomi , Kumar Ajay , Singh P.P.
Published: April 2018

Bacterial stalk rot of maize caused by Dickeya zeae previously known as E. chrysanthemi pv. zeaehave economic importance of reduced crop yield up to 98.8%. The disease is more prevalent in rainy season in India. The bacterium prefers high temperature and moisture for their growth result is plant toppled down within week. The pathogen has wide host range (maize, rice, tomato, chilli and brinjal etc.) which help to pathogen for long survival in soil. The bacterium characterized by biochemical and molecular tactics. In present, Pel gene and rDNA specific primers are frequently used for D. zeae characterization. The pathogen significantly controls under in vitro and in vivo condition via bleaching powder (drenching of 100 ppm) and antibiotics. The present studies generated data on pathogen nomenclature, etiology, epidemiology, host range, pathogen survival, biochemical, physiological and molecular characterization, germplasm evaluation and disease management.
Insecticidal effects of aqueous extracts of wild pomegranate peel and seed (Punica granatum L.) against rose aphids, Macrosiphum rosaeformis
Authors: Gupta Garima , Dharma Kriti , Kumar Neelima R.
Published: April 2018

Efficacy of wild pomegranate (Punica granatum Linn.) fruit peel and seeds aqueous extract was evaluated for the control of common insect pests aphids (Macrosiphum rosaeformis) and for its influence on useful non-target predators viz., Coccinella septempunctata. Lethal doses of daru peel and seed suggested these became more toxic to aphids after 24 hr of exposure. A significant difference was obtained in percentage aphids reached to untreated leaves over peel extract treated leaves (23:57 and 23:77) and seed extract treated leaves (7:80 and 17:80) at 90 and 180 min time intervals in food choice assays. No significant effect was observed against Coccinella. LC50 values of daru peel and seed extracts along with mixture of three flavonoids (Kaempferol, Quercetin and Myricetin) were assessed at 48 hr values were 34.9, 4.7 and 0.6 mg/ml and at 72 hr these were 16.1, 0.000001 and 0.00001 mg/ml, respectively. In both the cases field bioassays showed affectivity till 7 DAT. Field data indicated that only X1(1 mg/ml) and X2 (0.1 mg/ml) concentrations of mixture were effective till 11 days after treatment. These are the first reports of the toxic effect of wild pomegranate (daru) fruit peel aqueous extract against M. rosaeformis, hence the study suggests possible usage of Punica granatum peel for the control of rose aphids.
Effect of planting techniques and weed control treatments on growth and yield of wheat
Authors: Devi Sudesh , Hooda V.S. , Singh Jagdev , Kumar Anil
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different planting techniques (conventional drill sowing at 16, 18 and 20 cm row spacing and bed planting with two and three rows in main plots) and weed control treatments (pinoxaden 50 g/ha, ready-mix (RM) of carfentrazone and metsulfuron 25 g/ha and pinoxaden 50 g/ha + RM of carfentrazone and metsulfuron 25 g/ha in subplots) on growth and productivity of wheat. The grain yield under row spacing 18 cm (53.30 q/ha), and 20 cm (52.02 q/ha), and three rows bed planting (51.96 q/ha) were recorded statistically at par with each other and significantly higher than 16 cm (49.37 q/ha) row spacing and two row bed planting (48.53 q/ha). Gross returns (Rs. 95637/ha) and net returns (Rs. 43929/ha) and B:C ratio (1.85) were record-ed higher under 18 cm row spacing compared to other planting techniques. Tank mixed application of pinoxaden 50 g/ha + RM of carfentrazone and metsulfuron 25 g/ha applied at 35 days after sowing (DAS) controlled both grassy and broad leaved weeds effectively with lower values of weed dry matter accumulation (7.67 g/ha) and produced growth parameters, yield attributes and yield (53.16 q/ha) at par with weed free treatment. In light of the results to maximise productivity, 18 cm row spacing may be practiced and tank mix application of pinoxaden (50 g/ha) + RM of carfentrazone and metsulfuron (25 g/ha) is recommended to reduce losses due to complex weed flora in wheat.
Morphological and cultural characterization of Phyllosticta zingiberi (Ramkr.) causing leaf spot disease of ginger
Authors: Rai Barun , Bandyopadhyay Sekhar , Thapa Avisak , Rai Adeetya , Baral Deewakar
Published: April 2018

Isolation of ginger (Zingiber officinale) leaf spot pathogen form the UBKV farm field was done in the laboratory. The isolated pathogen was identified as Phyllosticta zingiberi on the basis of morphological characters as documented in taxonomic keys. The microscopic observation revealed that the pycnidia were globose to subglobose with dark brown colour measuring 124.16 ?m × 2.35 ?m in average. The pycnidio spores were hyaline, oval to bullet shaped, monoguttulate measuring 4.02 ?m × 2.35 ?m in average. Among the different media tested for growth highest growth was recorded in Oat meal agar (26.44 cm2) followed by malt extract agar (24.04 cm2) which was statistically at par. The temperature of 25?C favoured maximum growth (24.20 cm2). However, higher sporulation was observed in 30?C. Among the different carbon source tested, mannitol supported the highest growth of the pathogen (27.67 cm2).
Haematological alterations due to lung diseases in sheep and goats of Jammu region
Authors: Dutta Nishchal , Rahman Shafiqur , Azmi Shagufta , Dar Muneer Ahmad
Published: April 2018

The present study was conducted for evaluation of haematological parameters in sheep (330) and goat (230) having various lung affections that were slaughtered routinely as a source of food in Jammu region (Gujjar Nagar, Dogra Hall, Bishnah and Nagrota). About 25.75% (85) and 21.30% (49)of lungs examined in sheep and goats respectively were found to have parasitic infestation of Hydatidosis, Myiasis and Mulleriuscapillaris. Furthermore about 31.81% (105) and 29.13% (67) of selected lungs had pathological conditions of pneumonia, abscess and haemorrhage in sheep and goats respectively. Diseased sheep and goats reflected significant decrease in haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and erythrocytes (RBC) in parasitic infestation of Myiasis as compared to control while non significant alteration in these parameters was observed in conditions of Hydatidosis, M. capillaris, pneumonia, abscess and haemorrhage. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) decreased significantly in Myiasis of sheep and haemorrhagic lungs of goats while no significant change was observed in mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values. Significant increase in leucocytes (WBC), neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils were observed in both sheep and goats affected with various parasitic and pathological lung disesases with no significant change in basophilic count. Lymphocytic count decreased in all these adversed lung conditions as compared to healthy ones. Parasitic infection though not mixed one especially that of Myiasis comparatively has significant affected on blood parameters. The present study signifies the complementary importance of ante -mortem examination with that of post-mortem inspection in various parasitic and pathological affections of lungs.
Performance studies on millet processing machinery for tribal livelihood promotion
Authors: Ambrose Dawn C. P. , Annamalai S. J. K. , Naik Ravindra , Dubey Anurag Kumar , Chakraborthy Subir
Published: April 2018

A Millet Processing Centre for processing of minor millets in a tribal village in Tamil Nadu, has been established with the following millet processing machinery viz., Destoner, Millet Mill, Grain Polisher, Pulveriser, Flour Sifter and Packaging Machinery for enhancement of tribal livelihood. Performance studies on the machinery for processing minor millets viz., little millet, foxtail millet and finger millet grown in the tribal area were carried out. Based on the performance evaluation, the output capacity of destoner cum cleaner was found to be 230 kg/h and 233 kg/h for little and foxtail millet respectively with a cleaning efficiency of 89 and 90% respectively for the above millets. The performance of millet mill revealed that the output capacity was 90-92 kg/h for little and foxtail millet with a dehulling efficiency of 86 and 87% respectively with small percentage of brokens (< 5 %). The capacity of grain polisher was 60-61 kg/h with a polishing efficiency of 85% & 86% respectively for little and foxtail millet. The pulveriser was evaluated for finger millet flour making whereby the output capacity of the machine was 75 kg/h with a milling efficiency of 90% respectively. The cost economics revealed that the tribal farmers could save 85% of the processing cost. The benefit cost ratio was found to be 2.05.The total profit to the tribal Society through Millet Processing Centre was Rs. 21,000/- during the first harvesting season of millets. The above studies have paved way for satisfactory functioning of the Millet Processing Centre in the tribal area.
Effect of long - term integrated nutrient management on crop yield, nutrition and soil fertility under rice-wheat system
Authors: Kumari Richa , Kumar Sunil , Kumar Rajkishore , Das Anupam , Kumari Ragini , Choudhary C. D. , Sharma R.P.
Published: April 2018

Long-term effect of nitrogen substitution (25 to 50%) through different organics, viz., FYM (farm yard ma-nure), GM (green manure) and WS (wheat straw) on crop yield, nutrition and physico-chemical properties of soil was studied under rice-wheat system. The data of long term experiment revealed that maximum grain yield of 46.83 qha-1 in wheat was obtained when 100% RDF applied through mineral fertilizers after 50% N of RDF being substituted with FYM in rice. Grain yield of wheat declined under control and sub-optimal fertilizer inputs (50% or 75% recommended fertilizer NPK), whereas positive yield increment was observed under treatments receiving organic supplements. The analysis of soil samples showed that soil pH reduced from initial value of 7.40 to 7.22, organic carbon build-up from 0.46% to 0.76%, available N from 194.00 to 225.95 kgha-1 available P2O5 from 23.60 to 49.54 kgha-1 and available K2O from 155.00 to 189.95 kgha-1 However, available Sulphur and DTPA-Zn increased from 7.74 to 14.41 kg ha-1 and 0.75 to 1.37 mg kg-1 respectively due to long-term (29 years) integrated nutrient management practices under rice-wheat system in alluvial soil. In conclusion, substitution of 50% and 25% N of RDF to rice through organics either FYM / Green manure / Wheat straw significantly increased the crop yield and nutrient uptake of wheat as well as build up the organic carbon, available N, P2O5, K2O, Sulphur, DTPA extractable Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn of post harvest soil after 29 years of the experiment.
Development of mobile phone based agro-advisory system through ICT mediated extension approach in North-eastern himalayan region of India
Authors: Lahiri Biswajit , Borah Swapnali , Marak Natasha R. , Anurag Thiruchirapalli Sudarshan
Published: April 2018

To achieve gainful development in agriculture to ensure food security in the north-eastern Himalayan region of India, an initiative was taken to develop mobile phone based agro-advisory system with the objective to empower the farmers by providing right information at right time through Information and Communication Technology mediated extension approach. 2000 farmers and farm women were selected as beneficiaries through snowball sampling method based on certain criteria. The major features of the system to deliver the farm advices (Pull Based) and information services (Push Based) through toll free Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS), Smart Phone Application, Mobile phone and Web based agriculture advisory system. It was found that on an average almost 200 advisories were provided every month, which even shoot up to almost 300 calls per month in the peak Kharif seasons as bulk of the advisories were provided during the months of May to November as most number of calls from the farmers came during the period. Majority of the advisories were provided on fishery management practices (17.32%), source of seed (9.95%), livestock management (9.18%), disease and pest management of crops (8.75%), training information (9.35%), rural development schemes (7.76%) etc. Moreover, the inclusion of need based training component and convergence with different extension functionaries helped to develop an ICT based Stakeholder Interface (Experts-Line Departments-Agripreneurs-Farmers) in the field of agriculture in the region. This alternate extension system also helped to develop better rapport with the farmers and can be replicated in other hilly region of the world.
Cell membrane stability- an important criterion for selection of heat tolerant genotypes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Islam Anzer Ul , Chhabra Ashok K. , Dhanda Satyaveer S. , Munjal Renu
Published: April 2018

Cell membrane stability, grain filling rate, grain filling duration, canopy temperature and grain yield were used to evaluate performance of 100 diverse bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes under timely sown and late sown heat stress conditions for two cropping season. The genotypes differed significantly for all the traits show-ing considerable variation for improvement of characters. The genotypes WH1165 had significant high grain yield (14.6* g and 11.4g) and (11.3* g and 11.4* g) followed by cell membrane stability under timely sown and heat stress conditions, respectively indicating potential tolerance against heat stress. Correlation coefficients revealed that cell membrane stability (0.451**) and (0.639**) in timely sown and in late sown conditions, respectively were the most important trait followed by grain filling rate (0.882** and 0.744**) under timely sown and late sown conditions respec-tively. Results revealed that bread wheat genotypes which had high value of cell membrane stability had high grain yield showed potential photorespiration and high grain filling rate under heat stress condition. Twenty two genotypes WH1021, WH1155, VL803, WH787, NW1014, Raj3765, HD1869, 2042, WH1124, HD2285, WH1133, HUW234, 4066, Sonak, UP2425, UP2473, PBW503, PBW373, PBW533, SGP13, HD2643 and WH789 were identified as heat tolerant genotypes based on their relative performance in yield components, grain yield and heat susceptibility indi-ces. These genotypes were found to be ideal candidates to be used in developing heat tolerant wheat varieties. Canopy temperature, membrane thermostability and grain filling rate have also shown strong correlation with grain yield. Because of this association, these traits constitute the best available ‘tool’ for genetic improvement of wheat suitable for cultivation under heat stressed environments. Thus, these could be used as indirect selection criteria for developing heat tolerant wheat genotypes that would provide sufficient yields to meet the ever increasing wheat demand.
Effect of organic source of nutrients and biofertilizers on growth, yield and quality of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)
Authors: Datta S. , Jana J. C. , Bhaisare P. T. , Nimbalkar K. H.
Published: April 2018

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) being a long crop duration, rhizomatous nature and high productivity it re-quires heavy input of fertilizers. Keeping this in view, an experiment was conducted at the Instructional farm of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal during 2009-10 and 2010-11 to study the effect of organic source of nutrients and biofertilizers on growth, yield and quality of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). The results revealed that application of green leaf manure (from Glyricidia maculata) @ 12tonnes/ha along with rock phosphate @ 0.2 tonnes/ha, wood ash @ 1 tonnes/ha, Azospirillum @ 5kg/ha + PSB @ 5kg/ha (T5) gave the sig-nificantly highest fresh (29.27 tonnes/ha) and dry yield (7.81 tonnes/ha) followed by vermicompost 5 tonnes/ha along with Azospirillum @ 5kg/ha + PSB @ 5kg/ha (T4) (26.30 tonnes/ha and 6.99 tonnes/ha, respectively) which was statistically at par with sole application of 30 tonnes/ha farm yard manure (T2) ( 26.00 tonnes/ha and 6.77 tonnes/ha, respectively). Next highest dry yield (6.40 tonnes/ha) was recorded in control plots (T6) of recommended dose of fertilizers at the rate of 80:80:120 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ ha along farm yard manure @ 15 tonnes/ha. The lowest fresh yield of 19.31 tonnes/ha and dry yield (5.26 tonnes/ha) was recorded in the treatment of sole application of FYM @ 15 tonnes/ha (T1). Somewhat higher dry recovery percentage was recorded in case of all the organic treatments compared to control treatment (T6). Maximum dry recovery (27.22%) and curcumin content (5.24%) was recorded in the treatment of sole application of FYM @ 15 tonnes/ha (T1). It may be concluded that the application of green leaf manure (from Glyricidia maculata) @ 12tonnes/ha along with rock phosphate @ 0.2 tonnes/ha, wood ash @ 1 tonnes/ha, Azospirillum @ 5kg/ha and PSB @ 5kg/ha was the best treatment followed by application of Vermicompost @ 5 tonnes/ha + Azospirillium @5 kg/ha + PSB @ 5 kg/ha and application of farm yard manure @ 30 tonnes/ha treatments for dry yield and quality of turmeric.
Biology of pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens (Walker) on maize, Zea mays
Authors: Sharma Hemant , Jaglan Maha Singh , Yadav S. S.
Published: April 2018

Biology of pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was conducted during 2015-16 in laboratories of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Karnal on HQPM 1 (hybrid) and HKI 1128 (inbred) for two generations at room temperature. Results on biology of S. inferens in the first generation revealed that incubation period varied from 10-14 days on HQPM 1 and 11-15 days on HKI 1128. The larval duration lasted for 21-37 days on HQPM 1 and 24-39 days on HKI 1128. The adult longevity of male and female ranged from 6-7 days and 7-8 days on HQPM 1 and 5-7 days and 6-7 days on HKI 1128, respectively. The total life span ranged from 63-72 days for female and 45-58 days for male on HQPM 1 and 65-74 days for female and 49-62 days for male on HKI 1128, respectively in the first generation. The total life span in second generation ranged 94-107 days for female and 83-96 days for male on HQPM 1 and 98-112 days for female and 86-101 days for male on HKI 1128. The biology of an insect pest is a condition precedent to find out its management strategies. The biology of S. inferens on maize has not yet been studied in north western part of the country. Having regards to the fact that no systematic work on this aspect has been carried out, studies were conducted on biology of this pest for developing efficient pest management strategies.
Biological relationship of Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) infecting cowpea with leguminous plant species
Authors: Manjunatha N. , Rangaswamy K. T. , Nagaraju N. , Reddy M. Krishna , Prameela H. A. , Manjunath S. H.
Published: April 2018

Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) associated with cowpea mechanically inoculated to different legumi-nous plants. Out of nineteen including cowpea Var.C-152, the virus was easily transferred to ten different legumi-nous hosts. All other hosts assessed for the presence of BCMV were found to be uninfected. The number of days taken for symptom expression and symptoms were varied within plant species. Pole bean expressed mosaic symp-tom after long incubation period (15-18 days) whereas, shorter incubation period was observed in common bean and rice bean (7- 10 days). BCMV produced chlorosis, mosaic, leaf distortion, puckering, vein banding, vein clearing and vein netting on cowpea(C-152). A typical virus symptom, mosaic was observed in green gram, common bean, lime bean, rice bean and yard long bean, whereas, leaf rolling and leaf distortion was observed in black gram, pole bean and snap bean. The virus-host relationship was confirmed by back inoculation test to C. amaranticolor. Further symptomatic plants were subjected for Reverse Transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for molecular confirmation using BCMV coat protein (CP) specific primer pair. A PCR fragment size of 439bp was amplified for the symptomatic plants. The results generated indicated the ability of a plant to support virus expression and host speci-ficity of BMCV within the leguminous plant species.
Role of trichomes on leaves and pods for imparting resistance in chickpea [Cicer arientinum (L.)] genotypes against Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner)
Authors: Brar Husandeep Singh , Singh Ravinder
Published: April 2018

In chickpea, trichomes provide a potential resistance mechanism against Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner). The present study was conducted to evaluate the trichome density and trichome length on leaves and pods on nine genotypes of chickpea. Two types of trichomes were observed, i.e. non-glandular (on leaves) and glandular (pods). Few glandular trichomes were observed on leaves and a very few non-glandular trichomes were observed on pods. Highest number of non-glandular trichomes on leaves (33.66 trichomes/mm2) were observed in chickpea genotype 5282. Minimum number of glandular trichomes were observed on pods of genotype GL 25016 (12.66 glandular trichomes per mm2). In case of leaves, genotypes ICCL 86111 and GL 25016 recorded maximum non-glandular trichome length of 347.23 and 301.53 ?m, respectively. However, genotypes GL 25016, RSG 963 and 5282 rec-orded maximum glandular trichome length of 538.33, 564.97 and 432.61 ?m, respectively in pods. Density of non glandular trichomes on leaves showed significant and negative correlation with number of eggs, larval population, larval survival and per cent pod damage. However, density of glandular trichomes on pods showed significant and positive correlation with number of eggs , larval population of H. armigera, larval survival and pod damage. Length of non-glandular trichomes on leaves and glandular trichomes on pods showed non-significant and negative correlation with number of eggs, larval population of H. armigera, larval survival and pod damage. Hence, genotypes with more pubescent leaves, lesser pubescent pods and longer trichomes (both on leaves and pods) should be preferred for developing H. armigera tolerant chickpea genotypes.
The morphological and phenological performance of different cotton genotypes under different plant density
Authors: Kumar Arvind , Karunakar A. P. , Nath Anil , Meena Bolta Ram
Published: April 2018

The field experiment conducted with different plant density and different Genotypes showed significant differences in their morphological characters and phenological characters. Among the genotypes, AKA-7 possessed higher plant height (116.4 cm), No. of sympodia (19.27 plant-1) and leaf area index (3.628) compared to other geno-types but leaf area (33.02 dm-2) and dry matter weight (103.21g/plant) were recorded higher with genotype Balwan. However, Normal plant density (100%) was registered higher plant height (102.6 cm), no of sympodia (17.33 plant-1), leaf area (27.02 dm2) and dry matter weight (58.13 g/plant) but higher leaf area index (3.430) was recorded with higher plant density (200%). Among the genotypes, AKH-081 was comparatively earlier in phenological characters i.e. first square (47.9 days), first flower (67.9 days), first boll burst (116.1 days), first picking (128.7 days) and final picking (178 days). However, Higher planting density (200%) was recorded earlier in first square (49.3 day), first flower (67.8 days), first boll burst (116.9 days), first picking (130.6 day) and final picking (179.7 days). On the basis of this experiment, genotype Balwan and normal planting density level (100%) recorded higher morphological development wherever phenological development recorded earlier with the each respective phenophase in the Gen-otype AKH-081 and highest planting density level (200%).
Regional analysis of maximum rainfall using L-moment and TL-moment: a comparative case study for the north East India
Authors: Bora Dhruba Jyoti , Borah Munindra
Published: April 2018

In this study it has been tried to develop a suitable model for maximum rainfall frequency analysis of the North East India using best fit probability distribution. The methods of L-moment have been employed for estimation of five probability distributions, namely Generalized extreme value (GEV), Generalized Logistic (GLO), Pearson type 3 (PE3), 3 parameter Log normal (LN3) and Generalized Pareto (GPA) distributions. The methods TL-moment have been used for estimating the parameters of three probability distributions namely Generalized extreme value (GEV), Generalized Logistic (GLO) and Generalized Pareto (GPA) distributions. PE3 distribution has been selected as the best fit distribution using L-moment and GPA distribution using TL-moment method. Relative root mean square error (RRMSE) and Relative Bias (RBIAS) are employed to compare between the results found from L-moment and TL-moment analysis. It is found that PE3 distribution designated by L-moment method is the most suitable and the best fit distribution for rainfall frequency analysis of the North East India. Also the L-moment method is significantly more efficient than TL-moment.
Response of growth regulators and micronutrients on yield and physico-chemical quality of Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk) cv. BAU Kul-1
Authors: Majumder Indrani , Sau Sayan , Ghosh Bikash , Kundu Subhasis , Roy Debjit , Sarkar Sukamal
Published: April 2018

Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.) is an indigenous delicious, nourishing fruit grown widely throughout the India but faces heavy fruit drop due to several biotic and abiotic stress factors resulted in declining trend of ber pro-duction over the year. Keeping these facts in foreground, replicated field experiment was conducted during 2013-14 and 2014-15 at HRS, Mondouri, BCKV, West Bengal with eleven treatments consist two different levels of NAA, GA3, 2,4-D, ZnSO4 and H3BO3 along with a control (water spray). Results of investigation revealed that application of 2,4-D @ 10 mg/l recorded highest fruit set (48.80%). Maximum fruit retention (42.83%) and total no. of fruits/tree (514) were obtained with the application of NAA @ 20 mg/l. Application of GA3 @ 20 mg/l recorded significantly (p?0.05) higher yield (30.67 kg/tree), fruit weight (60.5 g), fruit length (5.8 cm), fruit breadth (5.1 cm), pulp to seed ratio (13.9) and specific gravity (1.104) as well as economic returns over control during both the year of experiment. Among the treatments H3BO3 at 0.4% recorded the highest TSS (11.7°Brix), total sugar (8.33%), reducing sugar (5.21%) and TSS: Acid (107.36) ratio with lowest fruit acidity (0.10 %) whereas highest vitamin-C content of fruit was recorded with GA3 at 20 mg/l (64.68 mg / 100 g) followed by NAA at 20 mg/l. Results suggest that twice spraying of GA3 @ 20 mg/l and H3BO3 at 0.4% is vital for optimizing yield components, yield and quality of ber (cv. BAU Kul-1) in trans-Gangetic plains of West Bengal.
Development and sensory evaluation of gluten free bakery products using quinoa (Chenopodium Quinoa) flour
Authors: Kaur Sukhmandeep , Kaur Navjot
Published: April 2018

Quinoa based gluten free bakery products were prepared by supplementing roasted quinoa flour in oats and rice flour at different substitution levels and were organoleptically evaluated using eight point hedonic rating scale for sensory attributes by a semi – trained (including Professors and Assistant Professors not a professionally sensory panel) panel of 10 judges. Substitution of roasted quinoa flour at 5, 10 and 15 percent levels showed significant difference (p? 0.05) at 10 percent levels for all the products namely cookies, cakes, muffins, pies and tarts for overall acceptability. The products with 10 percent level of supplementation of roasted quinoa flour (10%) with rice (45%) and oats flour (45%) were found to be highly acceptable and the scores for overall acceptability for cakes (7.54), cookies (7.46), muffins (7.32), pies (7.78) and tarts (7.56) were achieved. The pies with 10 percent level of supplementation of roasted quinoa flour were considered as best product by the judges in terms of all the sensory attributes such as appearance, colour, texture, flavour, taste and overall acceptability. It may be concluded that roasted quinoa flour can be utilized successfully up to 10 percent level to prepare gluten free bakery products with high nutritional value without imposing negative impact on sensory attributes which may prove a boon to celiac patients.
Evaluation and diversity analysis in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.] germplasm accessions on the basis of principal component analysis
Authors: Avtar Ram , Manmohan Manmohan , Jattan Minakshi , Rani Babita , Kumari Nisha , Thakral N. K. , Sheoran R. K.
Published: April 2018

Principal component analysis was carried out with 20 morphological traits (including quantitative as well as qualitative) among 96 germplasm lines of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.]. Principal factor analysis led to the identification of eight principal components (PCs) which explained about 70.41% variability. The first principal component (PC1) explained 16.21% of the total variation. The remaining PC’s explained progressively lesser and lesser of the total variation. Varimax Rotation enabled loading of similar type of variables on a common principal factor (PF) permitting to designate them as yield factor, maturity factor and oil factor etc. Based on PF scores and cluster mean values the germplasm accessions viz., RC2, RC32 and RC51 (cluster I), RC95 and RC96 (cluster X) were found superior for seed yield/plant and yield related factors like primary and secondary branches/plant; while the accessions RC34, RC185 and RC195 (cluster III) and RC53 (cluster VIII) were found superior for oil content. These accessions may further be utilized in breeding programmes for evolving mustard varieties having high seed yield and oil content. Hierarchical cluster analysis resulted into ten clusters containing two to 26 accessions. The results of cluster and principal factor analyses were in confirmation of each other.
Seni Lukis Sebagai Refleksi Ketidakberdayaan dan Keterpinggiran Cokek
Authors: Adam Sarnadi
Published: April 2018

Penelitian ini didorong oleh kerinduan peneliti pada Tari CokekÂ  sebagai bagian dari lingkungan budaya pada masa silam untuk menjadi inspirasi seni lukis. Setelah dilakukan studi literatur, observasi, wawancara dan pendokumentasian, ditemukan fakta, bahwa masyarakat pendukung Cokek telah semakin menurun, sehingga kesenian ini tidak berdaya untuk mempertahankan eksistensinya, ditandai dengan terpinggirnya Cokek dari pusat Jakarta ke Tangerang. Para pelaku Cokek mengalami dilema atau berada dalam pilihan yang sulit: untuk bertahan, penanggap telah semakin langka, sedangkan untuk beralih profesi mereka tidak memiliki keahlian lain karena kecintaannya pada Cokek. Dilema tersebut, khususnya pada problem ketidakberdayaan dan keterpinggiran Cokek, menjadi sumber inspirasi utama untuk menciptakan 7 (tujuh) lukisan pasca penelitian. Adapun metode penciptaannya meliputi: eksplorasi ide, bentuk, dan teknik. Hasilnya, sebagai temuan penciptaan, adalah seni lukis dekoratif nostalgis, ialah seni lukis bercorak dekoratif yang mengaktualisasikan rasa rindu dan rasa iba pada Cokek sebagai bagian dari budaya Betawi masa silam yang kini semakin menghilang.This research is motivated by the longing of researchers at Cokek Dance as part of the cultural environment in the past to become an inspiration of painting. After the study of literature, observation, interviews and documentation, it was found that Cokek's supporting societies had declined, so that this art tradition was powerless to maintain its existence, marked by the marginalization of Cokek from central Jakarta to Tangerang. Cokek actors are in a dilemma or are in a difficult choice: to survive, the responders have become scarce, while to switch professions they have no other skills because of their love of Cokek. The dilemma, particularly on the powerlessness and marginalization of Cokek, became the main source of inspiration for creating 7 (seven) post-research paintings. The method of creation includes: the exploration of ideas, forms, and techniques. The result, as the invention of creation, is a nostalgic decorative art, is a decorative patterned painting that actualizes the longing and pity of Cokek as part of Betawi culture which is now disappearing.
Statistical Analysis of Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity of the Distribution of Air Quality and Dominant Air Pollutants and the Effect Factors in Qingdao Urban Zones
Authors: Zhao Xiangwei , Gao Qian , Sun Meng , Xue Yunchuan , Ma RuiJin , Xiao Xingyuan , Ai Bo
Published: April 2018

Air pollution has impacted people’s lives in urban China, and the analysis of the distribution and driving factors behind air quality has become a current research focus. In this study, the temporal heterogeneity of air quality (AQ) and the dominant air pollutants across the four seasons were analyzed based on the Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test method. Then, the spatial heterogeneity of AQ and the dominant air pollutants across four sites were analyzed based on the Wilcoxon signed-rank test method. Finally, the copula model was introduced to analyze the effect of relative factors on dominant air pollutants. The results show that AQ and dominant air pollutants present significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity in the study area. AQ is worst in winter and best in summer. PM10, O3, and PM2.5 are the dominant air pollutants in spring, summer, and winter, respectively. The average concentration of dominant air pollutants presents significant and diverse daily peaks and troughs across the four sites. The main driving factors are pollutants such as SO2, NO2, and CO, so pollutant emission reduction is the key to improving air quality. Corresponding pollution control measures should account for this heterogeneity in terms of AQ and the dominant air pollutants among different urban zones.
Enhanced Global Monsoon in Present Warm Period Due to Natural and Anthropogenic Forcings
Authors: Chai Jing , Liu Fei , Liu Jian , Shen Xinyong
Published: April 2018

In this study, we investigate global monsoon precipitation (GMP) changes between the Present Warm Period (PWP, 1900–2000) and the Little Ice Age (LIA, 1250–1850) by performing millennium sensitivity simulations using the Community Earth System Model version 1.0 (CESM1). Three millennium simulations are carried out under time-varying solar, volcanic and greenhouse gas (GHG) forcing, respectively, from 501 to 2000 AD. Compared to the global-mean surface temperature of the cold LIA, the global warming in the PWP caused by high GHG concentration is about 0.42 °C, by strong solar radiation is 0.14 °C, and by decreased volcanic activity is 0.07 °C. The GMP increases in these three types of global warming are comparable, being 0.12, 0.058, and 0.055 mm day−1, respectively. For one degree of global warming, the GMP increase induced by strong GHG forcing is 2.2% °C−1, by strong solar radiation is 2.8% °C−1, and by decreased volcanic forcing is 5.5% °C−1, which means that volcanic forcing is most effective in terms of changing the GMP among these three external forcing factors. Under volcanic inactivity-related global warming, both monsoon moisture and circulation are enhanced, and the enhanced circulation mainly occurs in the Northern Hemisphere (NH). The circulation, however, is weakened in the other two cases, and the GMP intensification is mainly caused by increased moisture. Due to large NH volcanic aerosol concentration in the LIA, the inter-hemispheric thermal contrast of PWP global warming tends to enhance NH monsoon circulation. Compared to the GHG forcing, solar radiation tends to warm low-latitude regions and cause a greater monsoon moisture increase, resulting in a stronger GMP increase. The finding in this study is important for predicting the GMP in future anthropogenic global warming when a change in natural solar or volcanic activity occurs.