bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calibration, validation and application of AquaCrop model in irrigation scheduling for rice under northwest India
Authors: Sandhu S. S. , Mahal S. S. , Kaur Prabhjyot
Published: April 2018

A lot of research work regarding irrigation scheduling in rice has been carried out at global level with the objective of increasing irrigation water productivity (IWP) and sustaining grain yield. Under natural conditions rain disturb the planned irrigation treatments. One way to overcome this problem is to use rain shelters which is a costly affair, crop growth simulation models offer a good scope to conduct such studies by excluding the effect of rain. Very limited studies are available where FAO’s AquaCrop model has been used to develop irrigation schedule for crops. Therefore, a study was conducted using FAO AquaCrop model to develop irrigation schedule for rice having higher IWP. The model was calibrated and validated using the experimental data of field experiments conducting during 2009 and 2010, respectively. The model underestimated the above ground dry biomass at 30 days after transplanting (DAT) in the range of 21.60 to 24.85 %. At the time of harvest the model overestimated the above ground dry biomass within the range 11.58 to 14.34 %. At harvest the values of normalized root mean square error (15.54%) suggested a good fit for the above ground dry biomass and an excellent agreement (3.34%) between observed and model predicted grain yield. The model suggested to irrigate rice transplanted in puddled loamy sand soil on every 5th day to get higher IWP coupled with statistically similar grain yield as obtained with daily irrigation schedule.
Effect of rate of application on degradation of imazethapyr in groundnut and soil under tropical Indian condition
Authors: Babu C. , Janaki P. , Chinnusamy C.
Published: April 2018

Pesticides though formulated to be biologically degradable, few herbicides reported to cause surface and groundwater contamination which needs the monitoring of herbicide residues in environment continuously. Thus, to monitor the persistence and residues in crops, imazethapyr degradation studies were conducted in soil with groundnut cropping under Indian tropical condition. A groundnut field was treated with different doses of imazethapyr as early post emergence. Results showed that the degradation of imazethapyr in soil and groundnut plant followed first order reaction kinetics irrespective of the dose. The residue of imazethapyr persists in soil up to 60 days at higher rates of application while it persists up to 30 days in plant with the calculated half life of 2.8 to 7.4 days in soil and 5.1 to 5.9 days in plant. At the time of harvest, the residue of imazethapyr in soil, groundnut haulm or pods were below the detectable limit of 0.008 mg/kg across different doses of application. However, the continuous and inappropriate use in light textured soils may cause groundwater contamination and bioaccumulation in plant system. Hence, a pre harvest interval of 75 days must be allowed after the application of imazethapyr for the weed control in groundnut.
Studies on biochemical mechanism of resistance for the management of Marssonina leaf blotch of apple caused by Marssonina coronaria (Ellis & J. J. Davis) J. J. Davis
Authors: Phurailatpam S. , Sharma J. N.
Published: April 2018

To study the mechanism of resistance developed in three different cultivars of apple viz; Starking Delicious, Tydeman’s Early Worcester and Granny Smith against Marssonina coronaria , after treatment with SAR inducing chemicals salicylic acid (SA), dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4) and acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) contents of total phenol, reducing sugar, non -reducing sugar and activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and peroxidase (POD) were assayed at three sampling periods (48,72 and 96 hours). The results revealed that SA treated leaves of cultivar Granny Smith recorded highest amount of phenol (49,53.66,57.33 mg/g), reducing sugar (16,16.33,17.66 mg/g), non-reducing sugar (2.90,3.13,3.53 mg/g) content, peroxidase (30,29.33,36) and polyphenol (26,30,34) activity in all the sampling intervals followed ASM and K2HPO4 treated plants. When compared among the cultivars maximum production was observed highest in cultivar Granny Smith which was followed by cultivars Tydeman’s Early Worcester and Starking Delicious. The present study showed that application of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) chemical can induce resistance in apple plants against Marssonina blotch caused by M. coronaria showing strong correlation between the ability of elicitors to enhanced plant disease resistance and elicitation of defence related enzymes. Thus, using SAR chemicals to induce resistance to apple against Marssonina blotch caused by M. coronaria, may provide a practical supplement to an environmentally friendly disease management when it is combined with appropriate integrated disease management practices.
Evaluation of buprofezin 70 DF an insect growth regulator for eco-friendly management of jassid (Amrasca bigutulla bigutulla Ishida) in okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench
Authors: Maji T. B. , Goswami T. N. , Das A. K. , Purkait P. , Mukhopadhyay A. K.
Published: April 2018

Field experiments were carried out for two seasons in 2012 to evaluate the efficacy of a new formulation of buprofezin (buprofezin 70 DF) against jassid (Amarasca biguttula biguttula Ishida) in okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench. The insecticide was applied at 200 and 150 g a.i./ha at the ETL level of the insect (2 Jassids/leaf) and the performance of the same was compared with imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 20 g a.i./ha, acephate 75 SP @ 562.5g a.i./ha and an untreated control. Results revealed that both the dosages of buprofezin 70 DF were significantly superior over the untreated control at 5 % level of significance. Buprofezin 70 DF at 200 and 150 g a.i./ha performed better over the other treatments with 88.81 and 85.96 % reduction during first season and 89.60 and 84.73% reduction during second season, respectively. Buprofezin , an insect growth regulator which had less or no hazardous effects on human health and environment and thus it can be incorporated in Integrated Pest Management programme in okra cultivation.
District-wise trend analysis of rainfall pattern in last century (1901-2000) over Gangetic region in West Bengal, India
Authors: Pal S. , Mazumdar D. , Chakraborty P. K.
Published: April 2018

The aim of the present study was to estimate long-term trend in the amount of rainfall for Gangetic West Bengal (GWB) meteorological sub-division of India and each of the 13 districts under GWB separately. Monthly rainfall time series data of 100 years (1901-2000) were analyzed to measure monotonous trend of rainfall employing Sen’s slope estimator. Statistical significance of the trend was determined using non-parametric Mann-Kendall test. An important result derived from the analysis was that the GWB sub-division and South 24 Parganas (S24P) district showed significant increasing trend (mm/year) of annual rainfall measuring 2.025 and 4.99 respectively. An inclining trend of monsoon precipitation, which was significant, found in four districts viz. Bankura, North 24 Parganas (N24P), S24P and West Midnapore along with GWB itself. A major finding of the study revealed that six districts and GWB had significant increasing trend in September rainfall with a maximum value of 1.324 mm/year in S24P district. Contribution of rainfall in October and post-monsoon season as well increased considerably in Kolkata and S24P districts while in December, similar trend was observed for Birbhum and Howrah districts. Murshidabad, S24P and East Midnapore districts experienced significant rising trend of precipitation in July, August and November respectively. On the contrary, Burdwan and Nadia districts, in the month of May and pre-monsoon season, had considerable declining trend of rainfall. Significant decreasing trend (mm/year) of precipitation, a concern for Nadia district, with magnitude of 0.127 and 0.293, was observed in the months of March and April respectively.
Hybrid vigour for yield and quality traits in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.)
Authors: Vilas Chandanshive Aniket , Rana M. K. , Kamboj Naval Kishor , Yadav Neha
Published: April 2018

An experiment on heterosis for yield and other component characters of 50 F1 hybrids of tomato derived from the crosses between 10 lines and 5 testers through line x tester technique was conducted at Research Farm of the Department of Vegetable Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2012-13 and 2013-14. The analysis of variance indicated significantly higher amount of differences among treatments for all the characters studied, suggesting the presence of genetic variation among the studied genotypes. In this study, among crosses, the cross Punjab Varkha Bahar-2 x Hisar Lalit (0.400), EC 620383 x Palam Pink (0.383) and BBWR-10-3-18 x Hisar Lalit (0.382) showed higher early fruit yield per plant (kg) as compared to standard checks. The cross EC 620380 x Punjab Chhuhara (0.133 kg) produced the minimum early yield and the cross EC 620391 x Punjab Chhuhara (0.886 kg) the maximum total yield per plant, manifesting higher heterosis for yield per plant. The cross EC 620533 x Arka Meghali exhibited positive desirable heterosis over best parent for ascorbic acid content (30.58%) and the cross EC 620391 x Arka Vikas (54.25%) for total soluble solids . The cross EC 620380 x Arka Vikas showed the highest negative heterosis over best parent for acidity (-17.12%) and the cross Punjab Varkha Bahar-2 x Hisar Lalit (33.78%) exhibited the significantly highest positive heterosis over best parent for acidity.
Effect of different levels of customized fertilizer on soil nutrient availability, yield and economics of onion
Authors: Kamble B. M. , Kathmale D. K.
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different levels of customized fertilizer (CF) on soil nutrient availability, yield and economics of onion. The results revealed that the significantly highest plant height (57.77cm), stem diameter (6.03cm) and bulb diameter (15.13cm) at the time of harvest, fertilizer use efficiency,bulb yield (22.34 t ha-1) and benefit:cost ratio (2.56) of onion were recorded in 100 % recommended dose of NPK through CF in three equal split doses. The significantly highest available nitrogen (213 kg ha-1), phosphorus (14.42 kg ha-1) were recorded in 125 % recommended dose of NPK through CF in two equal split doses and available K (804 kg ha-1) in 100 % recommended dose of NPK through CF in three equal split doses over the rest of the other treatments. The application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (100:50:50 N:P2O5:K20 kg ha-1) either two or three splits through CF to onion appears to be improving soil fertility, yield and yield contributing character of onion and getting higher net monetary returns.
Efficacy of different oils used for the extraction of annatto colour from the seeds of Bixa orellana L.
Authors: Mehta A. A. , Behera L. K. , Tandel M. B. , Jadeja D. B. , Vashi B. G.
Published: April 2018

Annatto, a naturally obtained colour is a potential and valuable Non Wood Forest Product (NWFP). It is obtained from the seeds of plant species Bixa orellana L. The present experiment was carried out to find the efficacy of different oils used for annatto colour extraction. Experiment was started with the pretreatment of seeds of B. orellana with soaking in water at 0%, 50%, 100% and 150% (v/w) for 24 hrs at room temperature and colour extraction with castor oil at 100°C showed that maximum bixin (%) was found from the pretreated seeds with 50% (v/w) water soaking i.e., 0.46% bixin. Similarly for oil soluble annatto extraction method, the maximum extraction of bixin (0.99 %) was found with castor oil at 120°C for 1 hr and least bixin (0.03 %) was recorded with mustard oil at 60oC temperature for 1 hr. Sesame oil and ground nut oil were also showed better extractability. Out of different treatments, castor oil at 120°C for 1 hr gave better result with respect to bixin extraction as compared to others.
Characterization of finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] germplasm for morphological parameters under field conditions
Authors: Goswami A. P. , Prasad B. , Joshi V. C.
Published: April 2018

The trial was conducted at the research block of Crop Improvement, GBPUAT, Hill Campus, Ranichauri using randomized block design (RBD) to characterize finger millet germplasm for morphological characters viz., plant height, flag leaf length, number of tiller plant-1, number of finger ear-1, ear length, no. of grain finger-1, no. of grain ear-1 and grain yield plant-1. Among all germplasms, number of finger ear-1, number of grain finger-1 and grain yield plant-1(g) had recorded highest in VL 149 which were 9.96, 150.66, 2.63 g respectively. The germplasm GEC 1406 attained lowest plant height (75.89 cm), GEC 961 had recorded higher flag leaf length (40.96 cm), GEC 268 had recorded maximum number of tiller plant-1 (3.30), GEC 199 had recorded higher ear length (9.20 cm), GEC 1044 had recorded maximum number of grain ear-1 (663) among all germplasm of finger millet. This study is helpful to identify superior germplasm so they can be used for further finger millet crop improvement programs.
Effect of organic and inorganic farming conditions on seed storage proteins in soybean based cropping system
Authors: Kaur P. , Sharma S. , Kumar P. , Singh G.
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi) seasons of 2011-13 to evaluate the effect of application of farmyard manure (FYM), recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF) and their combination on storage protein quality of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in soybean based cropping system in Punjab. Densitometric analysis of chromatograms revealed significant variations in relative densities of ?' subunit of ?-conglycinin protein in soybean in year 2011 and ? subunit of legumins in chickpea among different treatments whereas other subunits of glycinin and ?-conglycinin in soybean and legumins and vicillins in chickpea did not vary significantly. Maximum value of 11S/7S ratio was observed in treatment with FYM @ 10t ha-1 and FYM @ 10t ha-1+100% RDF in soybean seeds in year 2011 and 2012 respectively and with RDF in chickpea. In wheat, the relative quantity of 55.7, 48.8 and between 11-13 kDa bands increased significantly in combined treatment of organic or inorganic fertilizer than their individual treatments, whereas relative quantity of 40.7 kDa band was significantly low in FYM @10t ha-1 +100% RDF treatment as compared to other treatments. Combined treatments of organic and inorganic fertilizer resulted in presence of additional bands corresponding to 61.4 and 22.5 kDa and disappearance of subunit band corresponding to 16.4 kDa in wheat grains. It is concluded that combined organic and inorganic treatments did not change major storage protein fractions and can be used to improve fertilizer management practices.
Effect of higher salinities on growth and survival of pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931)
Authors: Ayaz M. , Sumara K. , Vadher Kailash H. , Ishakani Ajaj H.
Published: April 2018

The growth and survival of Litopenaeus vannamei post larvae was measured in controlled different salinities condition 35ppt (T1), 40ppt (T2), 45ppt (T3) and 50ppt (T4) were maintained. Group of Shrimp post larvae (weight 0.032 g ± 0.002) were stocked at a density of 35 nos. /aquarium in above salinity ranges. Animals were fed with commercial feed (35% Crude Protein) @ 5% of body weight four times a day. The results indicate that higher SGR was observed in T2 (1.99±0.08) followed by T1 (1.75±0.07), T3 (1.54±0.06) and T4 (1.49±0.17). Highest survival (100 %) was recorded in T1 followed by T2 (96.42%), T3 (94.99%) and T4 (74.21%). From the results of the present study it could be seen that higher salinity significantly reduced the growth and survival of L. vannamei but will also open study area of physiological adaption of animal at higher saline water in performance of organisms.
Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of inhabitant PGPR strains of Pseudomonas from apple orchards
Authors: Manorma Kumari , Sharma Shweta , Kaur Mohinder
Published: April 2018

Aim of present research was to isolate and characterize the Pseudomonas strains phenotypically and genotypically from the rhizospheric soil of apple orchard at Maggota (Shimla district) Himachal Pradesh. Phenotypic identification of the test isolates was based on morphological, physiological and biochemical characterization of the bacteria followed by genotypic analysis using rRNA gene sequencing and RAPD-PCR analysis. The fourteen Pseudomonas sp. isolates were screened out for various plant growth promoting activities such as siderophore production, antifungal activity, phosphate solubilisation, HCN and ammonia production, production of plant growth regulators and lytic enzymes. Isolates showed production of plant growth regulators (auxins, gibberellins and cytokinins) in the range of 19.67-83.33?g/ml, 21.00-58.67 ?g/ml and 12.33-43.33 ?g/ml respectively. Pseudomonas strains showed phosphate solubilising activity in the range of 12.33-63.33 Pi ?g/ml, 53.66-93.44 % SU siderophore production and 11.33-96.33mm (diameter) protease activity in plate assay. Five Pseudomonas isolates i.e. An-16-kul, An-1-mag, An-2-mag, An-3-mag and An-6-mag showed maximum antifungal activity against plant pathogenic fungi. Therefore, the aim of present investigation was to study multifarious plant growth promoting qualities of Pseudomonas sp. and to select more efficient PGPR strain of fluorescent Pseudomonas sp. which can be further used as biofertilizer.
Economic loss assessment on juvenile fish catch due to forced non-selectivity in a selective fishing gear, gillnet along Mumbai coast, India
Authors: Dar Shabir A. , Thomas Saly N. , Chakraborty S. K. , Sreekanth G. B. , Balkhi M. H.
Published: April 2018

A study on quantity and value of juvenile fish landings was carried out in the gillnet fishery of three selected landing centers along Mumbai coast viz., Versova, Cuff Parade and Mahim in India using Out board motors (OBM), Inboard motors (IBM) and non-motorised gillnetters respectively. The data on the quantity and value of landed juveniles were collected and analysed to reach a consensus on the gross economic loss on account of juvenile fishing. A bio-economic model was used to estimate economic loss due to juvenile fishing of 18 commercially important species of finfish and shellfish. A huge economic loss was recorded due to fishing of juveniles of 18 species by three different gillnet sectors. The analysis indicated that IBM gillnetters at Cuff Parade incurred maximum loss of Rs. 62.26 crores with major contribution from juveniles of seerfish followed by non-motorised gillnetter (Rs.29.98 crores) at Mahim and 25.33 crores in OBM gillnetters at Versova.
Combining ability and gene interaction study for yield, its attributing traits and quality in common wheat
Authors: Kumar Anil , Harshwardhan Harshwardhan , Kumar Amarjeet , Prasad Birendra
Published: April 2018

Combining ability and nature of gene interactions that contribute to yield and its attributing traits were investigated using 21 wheat hybrids developed by crossing 7 varieties in a half diallel mating design. Estimate of GCA effects exhibited that the parents UP2672, UP2526 and WH542 were identified as good general combiners revealing their ability in transmitting additive genes in desirable direction to their progenies. Hybrid viz., PBW 621 × UP 2425 (15.125) found to be the best specific crosses for grain yield plant-1, whether, WH 542 × HD 2967 (22.587) and UP 2526 × UP 2425 (14.490) had the highest SCA for biological yield plant-1 and harvest index, respectively. However, the best specific cross combinations for other characters were found for WH 542 × QLD 40 (-3.694) for days to maturity, PBW 621 × UP 2526 (-3.819) for plant height, HD 2967 × UP 2526 (7.527) for 1000 grain weight and WH 542 × UP 2672 (2.077) for sedimentation value. While crosses PBW 621 × UP 2425, UP 2526 × UP 2425 and QLD 40 × UP 2425 were found to be the best specific combiner for the characters number of productive tillers plant-1, grain yield plant-1, spike length, grain weight spike-1, harvest index, days to 75 % heading and protein content.
Assessment of ecological health of Baiyangdian lake in China using ecological health index
Authors: Kumar Amit , Mishra Saurabh , Sharma M. P.
Published: April 2018

An effective assessment of ecological health in aquatic ecosystems has become an important issue for researchers, policy-maker and environmentalist globally. The potential of thermodynamic oriented ecological indicators such as eco-exergy (Ex), structural eco-exergy (Exst), phytoplankton biomass (BA), and zooplankton biomass (ZA) in ecological assessment and management were used to calculate the ecological health and then correlated individually as well as multiply of Baiyangdian Lake located in the China. To establish a relationship between sub-EHI values of indicators to the overall EHI, data on thermodynamic indicators of the Baiyangdian lake were calculated from literature. The result indicates the ecological health of Baiyangdian lake is coming under the middle categories i.e. EHI= 40-60. A deeper analysis of the relationship between the thermodynamic parameters and EHI using mini tab software and the multiple regression revealed that the R2>0.9 for Baiyangdian Lake indicates that these correlations could be tentatively used to predict the ecological health of the Baiyangdian Lake in the future.
Effects of gamma rays on germination and growth in Jatropha curcas L.
Authors: Nayak Dileswar , Patil N. S. , Behera L. K. , Jadeja D. B.
Published: April 2018

The present investigation was carried out at the Forestry Research Farm, Navsari Agricultural University; Navsari to evaluate the gamma rays at 10 kR, 20 kR and 30 kR induced variability in Jatropha curcas L. on germination, growth and yield for seven Jatropha genotypes (Phule J-1, Urlikanchan, Hansraj, SKN Big, Chhatrapati, Hansot and MPJ-55). The significantly maximum germination percentage (66.96%), seedling survival (74.18%), seedling collar diameter (0.958cm), shoot length (49.442cm), number of leaves per seedling (7.757) and leaf area (37. 58)was observed in Chhatrapati genotype during nursery stage. While low rate of gamma rays treatment (10 kR) had stimulatory effect for germination percentage, seedling survival, seedling collar diameter, shoot length, number of leaves per seedling and leaf area. However, higher gamma rays doses (30 kR) drastically reduced all studied characters. The interaction effect of genotype and gamma rays were significant for number of leaves per seedling. Further, it was not significant in other traits like germination percentage, seedling survival, seedling collar diameter, shoot length and leaf area.
Effect of seaweed saps on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and economic improvement of maize (sweet corn)
Authors: Pal Ashok , Dwivedi Sanjay Kumar , Maurya Pradip Kumar , Kanwar Poolchand
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2012-13 at Research cum Instructional Farm of Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (Chhattisgarh) to study the effects of seaweed saps on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and economic of maize (sweet corn) in Matasi soil of Chhattisgarh. The foliar spray of two different species (namely Kappaphycus and Gracilaria) was applied thrice at different interval of crop with different concentrations (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 15% v/v) of seaweed extracts. Foliar applications of seaweed extract significantly enhanced the growth, yield, nutrient uptake and B:C ratio parameters. The green cob yield (189.97 q ha-1) and fodder yield (345.19 q ha-1) were recorded highest under treatment (T8) 15% G Sap + recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) which was significant similar with treatment 15% K Sap + RDF (185.24 q ha-1) in case of green cob yield. The highest N, P and K uptake by green cob and fodder were observed under 15% G Sap + RDF (T8). Treatment 15% G Sap + RDF (T8), recorded maximum gross return (Rs. 2,07,230 ha-1), net return (Rs. 1,38,756 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.0), which was followed by treatment 15% K Sap + RDF (T4) with net return (Rs. 1,33,199 ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.95). Treatment 15% G Sap + RDF (T8) gave Rs. 45,996 ha-1 more as compared to Water spray + RDF (T9).
Scope of ornamental fisheries in snow fed rivers of Uttarakhand - Overview
Authors: Anita Anita , Khati Akansha , Dubey Maneesh Kumar , Pandey N. N.
Published: April 2018

Upland rivers of hills of Uttarakhand are unique in its ecosystem and biodiversity. These waters possess various varieties of ornamental fishes. The present study focuses on Scope of ornamental fisheries in snow fed rivers of Uttarakhand, along with challenges and opportunities. Besides the availability of resources peoples are not that much aware of ornamental fisheries of this region and these resources are yet not developed. The use of destructive fishing methods, habitat destruction leads to diversity destruction of hills stream fishes. As theseresources does not comprise fisheries of commercial importance due to sparse biota and low thermal scale, slow growth and very low natural food availability So, Directorate of Cold Water Fisheries is actively working in the field of survey and brood stock management of ornamental fish resources of cold water. Four hundred live cold water fishes including exotic gold and koi carp are being maintained at DCFR main complex for study and breeding trials. The recreational activities by fisheries department like ranching, sport fisheries development and development of ornamental fisheries of this region can lead to socioeconomic upliftment of hilly people and development of cold water ornamental fisheries in the state.
Molecular breeding for resilience in maize - A review
Authors: Gazal Asima , Dar Z. A. , Lone A. A. , Abidi I. , Ali G.
Published: April 2018

Abiotic and biotic constraints have widespread yield reducing effects on maize and should receive high priority for maize breeding research. Molecular Breeding offers opportunities for plant breeders to develop cultivars with resilience to such diseases with precision and in less time duration. The term molecular breeding is used to describe several modern breeding strategies, including marker-assisted selection, marker-assisted backcrossing, marker-assisted recurrent selection and genomic selection. Recent advances in maize breeding research have made it possible to identify and map precisely many genes associated with DNA markers which include genes governing resistance to biotic stresses and genes responsible for tolerance to abiotic stresses. Marker assisted selection (MAS) allows monitoring the presence, absence of these genes in breeding populations whereas marker assisted backcross breeding effectively integrates major genes or quantitative trait loci (QTL) with large effect into widely grown adapted varieties. For complex traits where multiple QTLs control the expression, marker assisted recurrent selection (MARS) and genomic selection (GS) are employed to increase precision and to reduce cost of phenotyping and time duration. The biparental mapping populations used in QTL studies in MAS do not readily translate to breeding applications and the statistical methods used to identify target loci and implement MAS have been inadequate for improving polygenic traits controlled by many loci of small effect. Application of GS to breeding populations using high marker densities is emerging as a solution to both of these deficiencies. Hence, molecular breeding approaches offers ample opportunities for developing stress resilient and high-yielding maize cultivars.
Effect of ethylene on physiological and biochemical parameters in different crop plants - A review
Authors: Pahwa Kanchan , Ghai Navita
Published: April 2018

A phytohormone may be defined as an organic substance other than a nutrient active in very minute amounts which is formed in certain parts of all plants and which is usually translocated to other sites, where it evokes specific biochemical, physiological and morphological responses. The gaseous plant hormone ethylene modulates many internal processes and growth responses to environmental stimuli. Ethylene is known to exert its effects by altering gene expression both at transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. Ethylene has long beenrecognized as a growth inhibitor, but evidence is accumulating that ethylene can also promote growth. Therefore, the concept of ethylene as a general growth inhibitor needs reconsideration. Different authors screened various concentrations viz. 100 ppm, 150 ppm which promotes the plant growth in groundnut, soybean, mustard, barley, pigeonpea etc. The lower concentration of ethylene (100ppm) has increased the yield by 17 percent in pigeonpea. It increased the yield by manipulating source-sink relationships and flower retention The present study highlights the various processes of growth stimulated by ethylene and its use in enhancing yield of various crop species. It could be inferred that lower concentration of ethrel sprayed at pre-flowering stage promoted the growth and yield of various crops (barley, corn, groundnut, pigeonpea, soybean etc.).
Plant sterols for human health- A review
Authors: Jain Tanu , Bathla Shikha
Published: April 2018

The aim of the article was to review phytosterols as functional food and its significance in lowering cholesterol as well as its specific effect on human health. Phytosterols has been known for its cholesterol lowering action long time back but the uprising of phytosterols in form of functional foods gained the interest once again. Fatty food matrix provides optimal solubility but fortification of phytosterols with other food matrices like low fat fermented milk, bread, juice are showing positive results. A dose of 2 g/day of either steryl or stanyl esters has been prescribed for an optimum effect which has been confirmed by FDA and EC. A number of studies have documented the safety and the efficiency of phytosterols. But there is still a big question mark on the use of it because of their adverse effect on body in form of Phytosterol oxidation products (POPs). It needs further investigation to elucidate effect of POPs within body.
In vitro studies of inhibitory activity of plant extracts and cow urine on mycelial growth of stem rot, Sclerotimoryzae of rice
Authors: Prakash Nishant , Sinha A.P.
Published: April 2018

Soil borne phytopathogen Sclerotiumoryzae significantly affect rice production. To reduce load of chemical pesticides, antifungal activity of plant extracts and cow urine against mycelial growth of S.oryzaewere tested using poisoned food technique under in vitro condition. Plant extracts of 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5% and 10% concentration was prepared from Allium cepa, Azadirachtaindica, A. sativum, Ricinuscommunisand Syzygiumcumini. Inhibition of mycelial growth of S.oryzaewas recorded only in case of A. sativum and A. cepa while Azadirachtaindica, Ricinuscommunisand Syzygiumcumini did not show any inhibition of mycelial growth as compared to control. A.sativum plant extracts showed maximum inhibition of mycelia growth of 68.88% at concentration 10% followed by 32.96%, 22.96% and 18.88% at concentration 7.5%, 5.0% and 2.5% resepectively. 22.60%, 19.62%, 17.77% and 8.88% inhibition of mycelial growth as compared to control was recorded at 10%, 7.5%, 5.0% and 2.5% concentration of plant extracts of A.cepa. All the concentration of cow urine inhibited the mycelial growth of S. oryzae. Cow urine at the concentration 5, 7.5 and 10.0 per cent resulted in 100 per cent inhibition of mycelia growth of test pathogen as compared to control. Maximum inhibition of 98.14 per cent was observed at 2.5 per cent concentration followed by 1.25 per cent (63.7%) concentration. This study showed that A.sativum and A.cepa and cow urine possess antifungal activity under in vitro condition. It can also be tested for antifungal activity under in vivo condition.
A study of infection stages among anemic, non-anemic children and women living in rural areas of Ludhiana district of Punjab, India
Authors: Bains Kiran , Kaur Harpreet , Bajwa Navjot
Published: April 2018

The effect of iron deficiency on infection stages in 312 women (15-45 years) and 312 children (6-59 months) belonging to the families of agricultural labourers and of small and marginal farmers residing in rural areas of Ludhiana district of Punjab was assessed. The blood hemoglobin levels were below normal in 50.64% of women and 55.77% of children. No significant difference in the mean values of C-Reactive protein (CRP) and Alpha-1acid glycoprotein (AGP) was observed among non-anemic and anemic women and children, however the average total leukocyte count was significantly (p?0.01) higher in anemic as compared to non-anemic women and children. CRP indicating acute stage of infection was raised in 10.58% of women while AGP representing chronic infection was higher in 8.65% of the women. The CRP values were high in 7.7% in children, however AGP values were higher in 23.4% of the children. On the basis of combined levels of CRP and AGP, 11.7% of non-anemic and 15.3% of anemic women were detected with infections while 18.8% of non anemic and 26.0% of anemic children were in infection state. The results suggest that iron deficiency is quite frequent in children and women. The blood picture showed that more number of anemic women and children were in acute or chronic infection stages as compared to non-anemics, hence, a comprehensive research on the role of iron deficiency anemia in immunity is needed as lower immunity is one of the significant factor of malnutrition which is the most important nutritional challenge for the global community.
Combining ability studies for yield, associated traits and quality attributes in rice for South Gujarat (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Gahtyari Navin Chander , Patel P. I. , Choudhary Rakesh , Kumar Sudhir , Kumar Naveen , Jaiswal J. P.
Published: April 2018

Line x tester analysis using a set of four females, ten males and their forty hybrids was carried out to esti-mate the general combining ability of parents and specific combining ability of hybrids for yield and ten other associ-ated components in rice (Oryza sativa L.) in a Randomized Block Design during Kharif 2011. GCA variances for females (s2f) were significant at 0.1% level of significance for plant height (40.8), no. of grains per panicle (505.9), grain yield per plant (29.1), test weight(17.9), straw yield per plant (61.3) and kernel L/B ratio (0.2) whereas specific combining ability (SCA) variances for f x m interactions were highly significant for all the characters. Non-additive gene action was prevalent in all characters (Range: 0.03 in amylose content to 0.88 in kernel length breadth ratio) except plant height (1.33) as evident by low GCA to SCA ratio. None of the parents were good general combiner for all traits, however, female IR-28 and male AMT-119 and PNR-546 were good general combiners for a maximum number of traits i.e. five traits out of eleven.. The general combining ability for grain yield per plant for female parent Gurjari (6.19) and NVSR-178 (5.29); and male parents AMT 119 (2.73) and PNR 546 (2.44) makes them a good choice for improving yields in a hybridization programme as these female and male parents are also having signifi-cant GCA effects for maximum number of yield associated traits i.e. four and five traits out of eleven for female and male parents respectively. A vis-à-vis comparison of top three specific combining ability crosses with their mean performance showed correlation and these crosses were having at least one good general combining ability parent.
Studies on physico-mechanical properties of W. Murcott mandarin
Authors: Rehal Jagbir , Kaur Gagan Jyot , Bons Harsimrat K.
Published: April 2018

The post-harvest physico-mechanical properties of fruits is important in adoption and design of varioushandling, packaging, storage and transportation systems. These are important for sizing and grading the fruit beforemarketing as well as demarcate their end use. Geometric, gravimetric and textural properties were determined forthe fresh samples of W. Murcottmandarin. The results show that W. Murcottfruit diameter varies from 81.82-68.97mm, equatorial length varies from 86.51-68.43 mm, and length varies from 61.33-52.08 mm. The specific mean areais 57.591 with the sphericity of 0.90. The L, a, b values were 53.37, 42.9 and 49.68 respectively. The firmness variedfrom 1.351-1.650 kgf. These physical attributes can be taken into consideration while designing the grading andprocessing equipment.
Effect of date of transplanting and mulching on growth, yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L.) cv. Nasik Red
Authors: Prasad Bhagauti , Maji Sutanu , Meena Kamal Ram
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was conducted during rabiseason of 2014-2015 at Department of Applied Plant Sci-ence (Horticulture), Baba saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow-226025 (U.P.) India to find out the effect of different dates of transplanting and mulching on growth, yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L.) cv. Nasik Red. There were 16 treatments comprising 4 dates of transplanting (15th November, 1st, 15th and 30th December) and 3 mulching (saw dust, rice husk and wheat straw) while, without mulching as control and laid out under two factor RBD with three replications. The study clearly revealed that there were significant effects of all treatments on vegetative growth, yield and quality attributes of onion. Plant height (65.34 cm), number of leaves per plant (8.89), length of leaves (56.07 cm), neck thickness (18.75 mm), yield (5.166 kg/plot and 387.46 q/ha) were found maximum at 1st December planting with wheat straw mulching (T7). The best quality bulb in respect of maximum neck thickness (12.35 mm), basal diameter (13.61.mm), diameter of bulb (54.41 mm polar and 64.15 mm equatorial), length of bulb (65.17 mm), number of scales per bulb (9.24), bulb moisture (85.06 %) T.S.S. (13.84 oBrix), ascorbic acid (10.47 mg/100g), total sugars (10.39 %) etc. were also obtained when mulching was done with wheat straw and transplant-ed on 1st December (T7) followed by T6 (planted on 1st December and mulching with rice husk). The study clearly concluded that i.) mulching is good for production of onion, ii.) late transplanting on 30th December showed very poor performance irrespective of mulching and iii) transplanting on 1st December and mulching with wheat straw was the best combination for getting good quality yield of onion.
Nitrogen management of wheat cultivars for higher productivity - A review
Authors: Kaur Harwinder , Ram Hari
Published: April 2018

The increased population pressure has led to the maximum use of chemical fertilizers especially in the major crops such as rice, wheat and maize production. India has an ever growing population needing food and also the growing urban middle class with higher standards of living is on the lookout for better quality product. The introduction of improved seeds increases the utility of traditional inputs and their consumption as well. Because of genetic variation, BVC 223, Qingnong 8, IPA99, CT 01217, Luomai 8, Seher 06, Sistan, Punjab 2011, Rasco 2005, PBW 343, Halna, HP 1744, VL Gehun 892, WH 1022, PBW 621, and PBW 550 cultivars of wheat crop differ in growth and development behaviour and respond higher to different nitrogen management practices. However, ever increasing prices of Nitrogen (N) fertilizers and possibilities of environmental pollution and groundwater contamination warn for their judicious and efficient use. The application of essential plant nutrients particularly N nutrient in optimum quantity (120-150 kg/ha) and right proportion (3-4 splits) through correct methods and time of application (LCC and green seeker based) is the key to increased and sustained crop production. The increase in quality due to nitrogen fertilization (120-330 kg/ha) may be due to its role in activation of cells division, metabolic and photosynthesis process and nutritive status of wheat plant. Keeping in view above all facts in mind, performance of wheat cultivars as influenced by different nitrogen rates will be discussed in this review.
Screening of efficient rhizobacteria associated with cauliflower (Brassica oleraceavar. botrytis L.) for plant growth promoting traits
Authors: Bhardwaj Sonal , Dipta Bhawna , Kirti Shruti , Kaushal Rajesh
Published: April 2018

In the current study, a total of 25 isolates were isolated from the rhizosphere and roots of cauliflower (Brassica oleraceavar. botrytis L.) from the vicinity of Una district of Himachal Pradesh. The isolates were tested in vitro for their ability to solubilise phosphorous and produce siderophore, indole acetic acid (IAA), hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and antifungal metabolites against the soil borne pathogens. Results revealed that out of 25, only 4 rhizospheric isolates (SB5, SB11, SB8 and SB10) have maximum plant growth promoting attributes. The isolates were identified as Bacillus sp. on the basis of Bergey’s manual of systematic bacteriology. The isolate SB11 recorded highest phosphate solubilizing efficiency in solid medium (109.09%) and in liquid medium (350?g/ml). Maximum production of IAA (51.96?g/ml), siderophore (91.41%) and HCN were also observed for the same isolate. Further-more, the isolate SB11 produced highest antifungal metabolite production against Rhizoctoniasolani(37.11%), Sclerotiniasclerotiorum(41.11%), and Pythium sp. (71.11%) causing root rot, stalk rot and damping off diseases in cauliflower, respectively. The selected isolate (SB11) showed optimum growth at a pH of 7.0, 35°C temperature and 2% NaCl. On the basis of multifarious PGP-traits the SB11 isolate has tremendous potential to be used as a bioferti-lizer/bioprotectant for growth promotion and natural protection of cauliflower under low hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh.
Genotypic correlation and path coefficient analysis for yield and yield contributing traits in released varieties of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under partially reclaimed saline sodic soil
Authors: Kumar Arun , Kumar Jaydev , Bharti Baudh , Verma P. N. , Jaiswal J. P. , Singh G. P. , Vishwakarma S. R.
Published: April 2018

This research sought to determine the correlations between grain yield and its contributing traits and to measure the direct and indirect effects on grain yield in barley. Sixty four released varieties were grown under par-tially reclaimed saline- sodic soil, under irrigated conditions during rabi 2010-11. The grain yield per plant showed highly significant and positive correlation with 1000 grain weight (0.517), plant height (0.460), length of main spike (0.459), fertile tillers per plant (0.385), and grains per main spike (0.366). On the basis of relationship of grain yield with yield contributing traits, we can select the best genotype and can be utilised in breeding program.
Evaluation of air pollution tolerance index of certain plant species grown alongside Parwanoo to Solan National Highway-22 in Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Kaler Navjot Singh , Bhardwaj S. K. , Gupta R.K.
Published: April 2018

The study examined the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) of selected plant species growing along national highway-22 from Parwanoo to Solan, falling in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Four species namely Grewiaoptiva, Toonaciliata, Melia azedarach and Woodfordia floribunda of uniform size, age, spread and common in occurrence on both sides of the highway are selected. Leaf samples were collected from selected spe-cies and used to estimate four physiological and biochemical parameters, namely; leaf relative water content (RWC), ascorbic acid content (AA), total leaf chlorophyll (TChl) and leaf extract pH were used to compute the APTI values. The trend of APTI recorded for various species was Melia azedarach (18.37) >Grewiaoptiva(8.77) >Woodfordia floribunda (7.43) >Toonaciliata(6.82). The APTI also varied with seasons of the year. The highest APTI was noticed in rainy followed by winter and summer season. The study indicated Melia azedarach as most tolerant and Toonaciliataas most sensitive species to air pollution.
Effect of different storage conditions and seed treatments on seed viability in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]
Authors: Patel J. B. , Sondarva Jyoti , Babariya C. A. , Rathod R. R. , Bhatiya V. J.
Published: April 2018

The present investigation was carried out in laboratory of the Department of Seed Science and Technolo-gy, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh from the April 2013 to April 2015, wherein two kg of freshly harvested quality seed of soybean cv. Gujarat Junagadh Soybean 3 having high germination percentage and low moisture content (below 8%) was taken for each repetition and for each combination of treat-ments. The treatment consisted of two storage conditions (C) viz., C1 (Ambient temperature) and C2 (Cold storage at 7oC + 2oC), and five seed treatments (S) viz., S1 = Control, S2 = Carbendazim @ 2g/kg seed, S3 = Mancozeb @ 2g/ kg seed, S4 = Neem leaf powder @ 10g/kg seed, and S5 = Neem Oil @ 5 ml/kg seed. The experiment was carried out using Completely Randomized Design (Factorial) repeated three times. After proper mixing or smearing the seeds as per the treatments, seeds were packed in cloth bag and kept in laboratory under two different storage conditions. Observations were recorded at 90 days interval on germination (%), root length (cm), shoot length (cm), seedling dry weight (g), seed vigour index I, seed vigour index II and seed moisture content (%). The results revealed that storage condition (C) and seed treatments (S) exhibited significant differences almost for the all the traits for germination and seedling parameters after 2 years of storage. The results of soybean seed stored in two different storage conditions showed that on an average, the seed stored under cold storage (70C + 20C) noted higher values for all the traits studied except seed moisture content after 2 years of storage. Among the seed treatments, on an average, after 2 years of seed storage, significantly (P<0.05) higher values were recorded by all the seed treatments over the control. However, seed treated with Mancozeb @ 2g/kg of seed recorded the significantly highest germination percentage (71.50 %) and it was at par with Neem leaf powder @ 10 g / kg seed (70.67%) and Carbendazim @ 2g /kg seed (69.67%) after 2 years of storage. The germination percentage noted in control treatment was 33.17 per cent after 2 years of storage. An ISTA standard for germination in soybean is 70 per cent. Most of the interactions effects were found significant (P<0.05) for all the traits studied.