bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A field survey on abundance of biofuel plant species in Alur Taluk of Hassan District, Karnataka, India
Authors: Girish A.C. , Rangnath S.C. , Gowda Balakrishna
Published: April 2018

There are more than 150 species of plants that could be used for biofuel production. Important among them in Karnataka are Honge (Pongamia pinnata), Neem (Azadiracta indica), Hippe (Maduca latifolia), Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) and Simarouba (Simarouba glauca). A field survey was conducted in Alur taluk of Hassan District, (75º 9´ to 12º 9´) Karnataka, to know the abundance of biofuel plant species and to estimate resource availability for extraction of oil and production of Biodiesel. The number of Households in the study villages ranged from 120 to 600 with population ranging from 60 to 2,500 and number of productive Honge trees varied from 3 to 2,000 trees/village yielding on an average around 2 to 10 kg seeds per tree with very few Neem and Hippe trees but Jatropha plants were present in every village with very low yielding potential (50-100 grams per plant). Majority of the biofuel plants present were in vegetative stage and few were yielding. The yield of biofuel plant species is quite promising and the process of seed for oil extraction is possible and provides employment to the rural youth in the taluk. The substantial demand has been noticed in Alur taluk for Honge and Neem oil cakes and the availability is meager. Substantial scope is available for growing of biofuel trees, seed collection, processing and marketing providing additional employment to rural people. There is an increased demand for the biofuels and by utilizing the available resources the rural youth can start their own enterprise.
Effect of organic farming practices on soil and performance of soybean (Glycine max) under semi-arid tropical conditions in Central India
Authors: Aher S. B. , Lakaria B. L. , Kaleshananda Swami , Singh A. B. , Ramana S. , Ramesh K. , Thakur J. K.
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of organic farming practices on soil health and crop performance of Soybean (Glycine max).The crop cultivar JS-335 of soybean was grown with 30:26.2:16.6 kg ha-1 (NPK) recommended dose of fertilizers under three management practices viz., organic, chemical and integrated (50:50) in randomized block design, replicated three times. Soil organic carbon, available N, P and K, microbial enzymatic activities, total biomass, seed yield and harvest index (HI) were analysed during the study. It was observed that soil organic carbon (11.3 g kg-1), available N (125 mg kg-1), P (49.7 mg kg-1) and soil enzyme activities viz., dehydrogenase (DHA) (98.20 µ grams TPF/g soil/24 h) and alkaline phosphatase (178.2 µ grams p-nitro phenol/g soil/h) were found significantly higher in the plot managed organically while available K (320.1 mg kg-1) was not significant with respect to chemical and integrated practices. The total biomass (1927 kg ha-1) and seed yield (601 kg ha-1) of soybean was found highest in organic farming practices followed by integrated and chemical practices. Very poor microbial activities were observed in chemically managed plots. Thus, the study demonstrated that the organic farming practice improved soil health and performance of soybean crop.
Effect of rain simulation on Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae population density in guttation fluid and on the spread of bacterial blight in rice
Authors: Kiran R. , Singh P. P.
Published: April 2018

Bacterial blight of rice caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is most serious biotic constraint of rice production in Punjab, influenced mainly by environmental factors and nutritional factors applied to the rice crop. Present study aimed at observing the relationship between rain simulation and disease spread. More number of bacterial colonies was recovered from the susceptible rice cultivar (Pusa 1121) plants where no-rain was simulated as compared to those where rain was simulated. Mean bacterial log cfu in rain simulated plant was 4.88 as compared to 5.67 in non rain simulated plots after 1day of inoculation. The population densities of bacteria increased gradually in both the treatments. The log cfu of bacteria was 5.84 in rain simulated plots as compared to 6.28 in non rain simulated plots after 7 days of inoculation. However after 14 days of inoculation, the bacterial population in guttation fluid was foundto be non-significant at 5% level of significance in rain and non rain simulated plots but the bacterial population was found to be less as compared to that after 7 days of inoculation. Rain washed off the guttation fluid which resulted in decrease of bacterial load in the infected leaf. The significant difference at 5 % level of significance was observed between the per cent disease severity and disease spread was also observed in rain simulated plots and no rain simulated plots in cultivar Pusa 1121 which is a bacterial blight resistant cultivar.
Effect of Growth hormones for direct organogenesis in Bael (Aegle marmelos (L.) corr)
Authors: Kumari. R Usha , Lakshmi S.M. , Thamodharan G.
Published: April 2018

Aegle marmelos (L.) corr. commonly known as ‘Bael’ tree is included in the red- listed medicinal tree in South India. Riped and unripe fruits, root, bark and leaves of the tree are used in ayurvedic preparation for various ailments. This study was conducted to standardize the media for multiple shoot induction from different explants under in vitro condition. Among the various explants viz., meristematic tip, nodal bud, tender leaf, auxillary bud and cotyledon tried in different media, auxiliary bud had shown good response for shoot induction in 36 to 39 days. Among the various treatments viz., WPM supplemented with Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP) (0.5 to 3.0mg/lit), Kinetin (KN) (0.5 to 3mg/lit) and Indole acetic acid (IAA) (0.5 to 2mg/lit) for multiple shoot induction, the treatmental combination of WPM supplemented with BAP, KN and IAA, @ of each 0.5 mg/lit resulted in 7.75 shoots per cotyledon. The same combination, ½ strength of the medium with 1mg/lit BAP+2mg/lit NAA+ 1% AC resulted in root formation. Hence, as a means of in vitro conservation using cotyledon as explants microproagation is possible in bael.
Evaluation of fungicides, biocontrol agents and botanicals for management of damping-off in cabbage seedlings caused by Fursarium moniliforme sheld
Authors: Begum Salma , Devi R. K. Tombisana , Singh N. Iboton
Published: April 2018

The antagonistic effect of 10 fungicides, four biocontrol agents and 10 locally available botanicals in controlling the growth and sporulation of Fusarium moniliforme in vitro were tested. A pot culture experiment was also conducted to study the effect of seed treatment and soil treatment alone or in combination on germination and seedling vigour of cabbage. In vitro evaluation of ten fungicides by poisoned food technique showed that all the fungicides efficiently inhibited complete inhibition of the linear growth of the fungus was observed with Thiophenate methyl, Carbendazim, Mancozeb, Difenconazole, Propiconazole, Hexaconazole, Sixer and Tricyclazole. Sporulation was completely inhibited by all the fungicides evaluated. In dual culture technique of the fungus and biocontrol agents, of the four biocontrol agents evaluated the antagonists, T. hamatum completely overgrew the pathogen, T. harzianum colonized on half of the growth of the pathogen, T. viride remained locked with the fungus at the point of contact and P. citrinum formed inhibition zone with the fungus. Sporulation was completely inhibited by all the four antagonists. Among the ten locally available botanicals tested by poisoned food technique in vitro, garlic extract showed maximum fungitoxic propertyfollowed wild sage (Lantana camara), onion (Allium cepa), neem (Azadirachta indica), goat weed (Ageratum conyzoides) and marigold (Tagetes erecta) . In pot culture experiment, the least disease incidence was recorded in soil treatment with carbendazim (26%) followed by T. harzianum (29%) and P. glabrum (29.7%). However,considering the various drawbacks and hazardous effects resulting from use of chemicals, biocontrol agents and plant extracts can be recommended to use in raising healthy seedlings free from pre- and post-emergence damping-off.
Influence of egg parasitic fungus, Engyodontium aranearum against root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Muthulakshmi M. , Anita B. , Subramanian S.
Published: April 2018

The indigenous egg parasitic fungal isolates, Engyodontium aranearum was evaluated for its nematicidal potential against root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. The study revealed 53.75 per cent egg parasitization by the fungal isolate. Fungal colonies grew over the eggs and fungal hyphae penetrated the egg shells resulting in rupturing of egg shell layers, enzymatic digestion and empty eggs. The fungal culture filtrate was found to inhibit egg hatching by 83.42 per cent and caused upto 91.36 per cent juvenile mortality. This isolate also reduced the attraction of infective juveniles towards tomato root by 79.29 per cent. It seems to be a first report on the antinemic property of the fungus E. aranearum against root knot nematode, M. incognita and its effect was found comparable with Paecilomyces lilacinus which is known as an efficient nematode egg parasitic fungus.
Eco-friendly dyeing of wool and pashmina fabric using Quercus robur L. (fruit cups) dye and Salix alba L. (wood extract) mordant
Authors: Geelani Syed Maqbool , Ara Shoukat , Mishra Pradeep Kumar , Bhat S.J.A. , Hanifa Syed , Haq Shamsul , Jeelani Iqbal , Qazi Gazala , Sofi Asif H , Mir Shakeel A , Khan P.A. , Wani Sarfaraz A , Raja A S.M.
Published: April 2018

Study was conducted to investigate the dyeing potential of Quercus robur L. (fruit cups) dye and Salix alba L. (wood extract) mordant on wool and pashmina fabrics. The experiment was conducted keeping in view the environmental safety by using unutilized plant materials and excluding the usage of chemical agents. The dyeing was carried out individually including and excluding mordant adopting different mordanting methods. The parameters like percent absorption, colour coordinates, colour strength (K/S), relative colour strength and colour fastness with regard to washing, light and rubbing were investigated. The results revealed higher percent absorption of mordanted samples than unmordanted samples. Colour coordinates (L*a*b*, Chroma, hue and ?E) of dyed wool and pashmina fabric exhibited satisfactory results. The colour strength (K/S) and relative colour strength of pashmina fabric recorded higher than wool fabric. The fastness properties to washing, light and rubbing showed satisfactory grades including and excluding natural mordant. However, the grades of mordanted samples were found better than unmordanted samples. The dye and mordant in isolation and in combination showed beautiful colours and shades on selected fabrics with satisfactory retention properties, hence can be utilized commercially for coloration of wool and pashmina fabrics.
Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance estimates in maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines
Authors: Maruthi R. T. , Rani K. Jhansi
Published: April 2018

Forty three genotypes of maize were evaluated for eleven traits at the College Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad to study the genetic divergence and various genetic parameters. There was a significant (P<0.01) difference between genotypes for all the characters, which revealed wide range of variability and high heritability for all the characters. The genetic advance as percent of mean was high for grain yield per plant (73.19%), ear height (51.05%), number of kernels per row (44.40%), plant height (43.46%), 100 grain weight (42.88%), ear length (30.79%), number of kernel rows per ear (25.23%), and ear girth (22.37%) indicating additive gene action for these traits. D2 analysis partitioned the forty three genotypes in to six clusters. The maximum inter cluster distance (39.38) was observed between cluster I and cluster V. Grain yield per plant (38.43%), plant height (14.29%), 100 grain weight (12.85%) and number of kernels per row (12.07%) contributed greatly towards diversity.
Evaluation of different modules for the management of tomato fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera pest of tomato
Authors: Jakhar B. L. , Suman Suman
Published: April 2018

Among, six modules tested against Helicoverpa armigera on tomato, the IPM module I consisting interspersing of 1 row of african marigold after every 8 rows of tomato as well as on the periphery of the plot and spray of neem based formulation gromin 1 % EC @ 0.5 ml /l on appearance of the first instar larvae.IPM module II was interspersing of 1 row of african marigold after every 8 rows of tomato as well as on the periphery of the plot spray of neem based formulation gromin 1 % EC @ 0.5 ml /l on appearance of the first instar larvae and two spray of HaNPV @ 350 LE/ha alternated with neem oil @ 0.5 % + 0.1 % soap solution.IPM module III consisting interspersing of 1 row of african marigold after every 8 rows of tomato as well as on the periphery of the plot and two spray of Beauvaria basiana @ 40g/10 l at appearance of first instar larvae alternated with Nikuchhi @ 1.0 %. and IPM module IV are growing of african marigold after every 8 rows of tomato as well as on the periphery of the plot and two spray of HaNPV @ 350 LE/ha on appearance of first instar larvae followed by spray of Decidan 32.8% EC @ 15ml/10 litre. The IPM module V was alternate spray of Polytrin c 44 % EC @ 10ml/10 litre on appearance of first instar larvae and subsequent spray at 15 days intervals and Module VI was Control. IPM-IV module was found highly effective and economical for management of tomato fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera and it exhibited least tomato fruit borer damage (3.44%) and maximum tomato yield (257.25q/ha). This research gave the best result to farmers for the control of H. armigera in tomato crops.
Role of glucose in enhancing life and potency of Cirrhinus mrigala spermatozoa during cryopreservation
Authors: Betsy C. Judith , Kumar J. Stephen Sampath , Rajagopalasamy C. B. T.
Published: April 2018

Cryopreservation of fish gametes is an emerging technology and breeding with cryopreserved gametes is advancement in fish seed production. Success of cryopreservation is evaluated by the post - thaw motility of the spermatozoa, an for which energy is required. Cryopreservation is known to cause changes in the seminal plasma that would alter the energy supply for the motility of the spermatozoa. Therefore, energy supplementation is found to be useful during cryopreservation. Cirrhinus mrigala spermatozoa were cryopreserved along with glucose as a co-cryoprotectant after 1:100 dilutions with 0.85% physiological saline as extender and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) as cryoprotectant (85:15). The diluents contained glucose at four different concentrations, viz., T1 (0.25%), T2 (0.5%), T3 (0.75%) and T4 (1%). The diluted milt was equilibrated for 10 min at 5? C and loaded into 0.25 ml straws. The loaded straws were then frozen with LN2 vapour for 5 min and immersed in liquid nitrogen. Observations were made once in 7 days for 42 days on motility parameters based on which the duration, score, pattern and percentage were determined. The spermatozoa cryopreserved with glucose at 0.5% concentration showed the highest motility duration of 204±3.6 s whereas Control group showed motility duration of only 83.33± 4.5 s on 42nd day. The difference in motility duration was statistically significant (P>0.025).The present study revealed the benefits of adding glucose a t0.5% during cryopreservation as it could help in maintaining the motility duration and survival of spermatozoa.
Dynamics of potassium by the combined use of organic manures and inorganic potassium fertilizers on available nutrients of groundnut crop (Arachis hypogea) in Madukkur soil series
Authors: Nathiya K.V. , Sanjivkumar V.
Published: April 2018

A pot culture experiment was conducted to study the effect of combined use of organic manures with inorganic Potassium (K) fertilizers on available nutrients of groundnut crop under Madukkur soil series at Tamil Nadu Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai during kharif season of 2008-2009. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design (factorial) with two replications. Main pot treatments comprised of three types of manures viz., control (M0), pressmud @ 5 t ha-1 (M1), vermicompost @ 2 t ha-1 (M2), farmyard manure @12.5 t ha-1 ( M3 ) and sub pot treatment comprised of 4 levels of K viz., 0 (K0), 100 (K1), 75 (K2) and 50 kg of K2O ha-1 (K3) with a recommended dose of fertilizer respectively. The results revealed that the among the various levels of treatments, Among the nutrient level 100 kg K2O ha-1(K1) with pressmud @ 5 t ha-1 (M1) (K1M1) levels have recorded the highest values of available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (211.77, 12.76, and 256.87 kg ha-1) while the untreated control registered the lowest values. The available calcium and magnesium content was found highest (228.83 and 123.55 ppm) when applied with 100 kg K2O ha-1with pressmud @ 5 t ha-1( K1M1 ) respectively and the lowest value recorded in the control pot.
Statistical optimization of culture medium for yellow pigment production by Thermomyces sp.
Authors: Poorniammal R. , Gunasekaran S. , Murugesan R.
Published: April 2018

In present study, Thermomyces sp. were able to produce high yield of yellow pigments screened. Pigment production by Thermomyces sp was optimized by employing factorial design and response surface techniques in submerged fermentation. The variables evaluated were the concentrations of, sucrose, yeast extract, ammonium sulphate, magnesium sulphate and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate having as response pigment production. One factor at-a-time method was employed for the optimization of media components. Response surface methodology (RSM) optimized these nutrient parameters for maximum yellow pigment production (1387 OD units), which resulted at 35.5 g/L sucrose 5.5 g/L yeast extract, 2.5 g/L NH4SO4, 0.3 g/L MgSO4 and 1.0 g/L K2HPO4 in the medium. Response surface methodology (RSM) was further used to determine the optimum values of process variables for maximum yellow pigment production. The fit of the quadratic model was found to be significant. A significant increase in yellow pigment production was achieved using RSM.
Genetic diversity assessment using RAPD primers in insecticide resistant populations of diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (Linn.)
Authors: Sunitha V. , Singh T.V. K. , Babu V. Ramesh , Satyanarayana J.
Published: April 2018

Genetic diversity in acephate, spinosad and Cry2Ab resistant Plutella xylostella collected from three states of India was assessed by RAPD markers. The DNA extracted from larvae was subjected to polymerase chain reaction using 10 RAPD primers. The highest number alleles (7) were produced by primer ABA-13, followed by six alleles each by primers ABA-2, 7, 8, 11, 14; five alleles each were produced by ABA-4, 9, 10, 12. UPGMA analysis clustered the acephate, spinosad and Cry2Ab treated P.xylostella populations into two groups with overall similarity level of 33%, 27% and 34% respectively. Cluster A consisted 11 samples while Cluster B consisted only F1 of acephate and spinosad treated Karnataka population. In Cry2Ab treated population Cluster B comprised 11 samples and Cluster A had out grouped singly i.e. F0 generation from Karnataka. The genetic variability between the acephate, spinosad and Cry2Ab treated populations ranged from 33 to 69%, 27 to 56% and 34 to 69% respectively. Acephate and spinosad treated F1 population and Cry2Ab treated F0 population from Karnataka were out grouped from rest of the populations.
Development and evaluation of nutritionally enhanced potato rice papads (Indian cookie)
Authors: Kaur Sukhpreet , Aggarwal Poonam
Published: April 2018

The present study was carried out to develop papads (Indian cookie) from potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and rice (Oryza sativa) blends and to analyze them for organoleptic, physicochemical, phytochemical and shelf life quality. Two processing cultivars (Kufri Chipsona-1, Kufri Chandramukhi) and one commonly grown cultivar (Kufri Pukhraj) were evaluated for processing into papad. Based on preliminary sensory trails, papads with boiled potato mash (60%) and gelatinized rice (30%) level of supplementation were found to be most acceptable and these papads were subjected to nutritional evaluation. Results were compared with rice papads (control). Protein content and yield was significantly (p<0.05) higher in control papads compared to potato supplemented papads. Oil uptake significantly (p<0.05) increased on supplementation with potato. Bioactive compounds including ascorbic acid, totalphenolics and total antioxidant activity measured as DPPH radical scavenging activity increased significantly (p<0.05) on incorporation of potato. Between the cultivars, papads enriched with Kufri Pukhraj, a table variety which is considered unfit for processing, displayed the highest phytochemical content and total antioxidant activity. Sensory evaluation indicated higher overall acceptability scores of potato enriched papads compared to control. During storage of papads at room temperature for up to 3 months, significant (p<0.05) changes in the moisture content, phytochemical content and antioxidant activity were observed. Storage studies showed that the potato supplemented papads can be stored safely for 3 months of storage at ambient temperature.
Measuring homogeneity of ethno-medicinal knowledge related with different corporeal system: A top down approach
Authors: Mathur Manish
Published: April 2018

In the present study the top down approach has been utilized to quantify homogeneity of ethno-knowledge, frequency of species utilized for a disease related to a specific system as well as identification of corporeal system that are outliers with aim to identify the species and their usefulness for a specific disease that make the system as outlier. The study was carried out for medicinal plants of arid and semiarid region of the Indian Thar area. Three statistical parameters namely, evenness, frequency distribution and regression and residual value analysis were utilized. The study revealed that ethno-medicinal knowledge about 136 species were related with 12 different corporeal systems and frequency distribution classified these 136 species and 12 corporeal systems under 9 different classes. Maximum numbers of taxa are recorded for skeletal, muscle and connective tissues (114) followed by the digestive system (111) and skin and sub-cutanuous system (89). Homogeneity of ethnic- knowledge are restricted for few corporeal systems like respiration, fever, blood and hematopoietic organ, central nervous system, genito-urinary system and circulatory systems, while random and clumped types knowledge distribution were recorded for other corporeal systems. Platykurtic and leptokurtic types of distributions were observed for different corporeal systems. Through use of standard residuals analysis of medico-ethnic-knowledge, digestion system was designated as positive outliers while fever and genito-urinary systems were the negative outliers. Further regression analysis has revealed that with in this region ethnic knowledge about the medicinal properties of a species is largely associated with the regional abundance of taxa.
Effect of Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation on little millet (Panicum sumatrense)
Authors: Pampangouda Pampangouda , Munishamanna K. B. , Gurumurthy H.
Published: April 2018

The fermentation of little millet (Panicum sumatrense) carried out by probiotic yeast (Saccharomyces boulardii) and lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus). The germinated little millets grains were fermented for 5 days grains were dried and grounded in a grinder and sieved. The sieved flours were analyzed for proximate composition, minerals and phytic acid content. The results showed that the little millet fermented by combined inoculation of Saccharomyces boulardii and L. acidophilus significantly enhanced protein content (10.95%) and decreases the fat (2.61%) and carbohydrate (82.01%) and single inoculation with L. acidophilus decreased the fibre (1.05%) and ash (2.30%). Single inoculation of L. acidophilus enhanced the minerals content Ca (41.44mg), Mg (141.08 mg), phosphorus (238.43mg), Fe (7.98 mg) and Zn (4.69mg) and over dual inoculation and control treatments. Similarly, Single inoculationof Lactobacillus acidophilus showed significant reduction in phytic acid (114.76 mg) content over dual inoculation (126.49 mg) and control (188.95 mg) treatments. The results indicated that fermentation of little millet by L. acidophilus enhanced mineral contents and reduction in phytic acid content.
In-Vitro androgenesis in papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv. Pusa Nanha
Authors: Gyanchand Gyanchand , Sharma Manoj Kumar , Kumar Sandeep , Sagar Sushma , Kumar Vinay , Kumar Mukesh
Published: April 2018

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is an economically important fruit crop of tropics and subtropics. It has high nutritional value, as well as medicinal and industrial applications. Papaya is a polygamous species with three sex types male, female, and hermaphrodite. Conventional methods of papaya breeding are time consuming and needs advent of anther culture which may be effective for shortening of breeding cycles. The present study on in vitro androgenesis in papaya cv. Pusa Nanha observed the highest embryo induction rate (8.0%) when anthers werecultured on agar medium with 0.1 mg/L BA and 0.1 mg/L NAA after incubation in liquid MS medium with 2.0% sucrose for 7 days at 35ºC. The high temperature (35ºC) was more suitable for embryo induction in papaya than slightly low temperature (25ºC). At these both temperatures longer incubation of anthers in water reduced embryo induction rate. Sugar starvation results were ambiguous. Shoots were also developed in the media when used in liquid form. The highest rooting (75.0%) was observed at 2.0 mg/L IBA. Increasing IBA concentration reduced rooting. All well rooted plants were hardened in hardening chamber and successfully transferred to field. The present findings indicated that anther culture can be efficiently contributed for the direct micro-propagation of papaya plants. This study would also be helpful to the researchers to develop more efficient anther culture protocols for further improvement of papaya through in vitro androgenesis.
Incidence of resistant mastitis in dairy cows in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Chandrasekaran D. , Nambil A. P. , Thirunavukkarasu P. S. , Venkatesan P. , Tirumurugaan K. G. , Vairamuthu S.
Published: April 2018

The incidence of resistant mastitis in dairy cows in Tamil Nadu, India was 56.l %. The predominant resistant causative pathogen was Escherichia coli (50.64 %) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (44.25 %) and Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (5.11 %). Incidence of resistant mastitis was high in Holstein Friesian cross breed followed by Jersey cross breed and non descript. Highest incidence was observed in early stage of third lactation. In vitro antibiotic sensitivity test revealed the E. coli, S. aureus and MRSA organisms showed more sensitivity to enrofloxacin, amoxicillin+sulbactam, gentamicin and ceftriaxone and had highest resistant to penicillin followed by amoxicillin, oxytetracycline and methicillin. The study highlights the need for preventing the indiscriminate use of antibiotics.
Antioxidant potentials and quality aspects of Jamun (Syzygium cumini L.) supplemented unleavened flat bread (Indian chapatti)
Authors: Kapoor Swati , Ranote Pushpinder Singh , Sharma Savita
Published: April 2018

Enriched chapattis prepared by supplementing whole wheat flour with Jamun (Syzygium cumini L.) pulp at 5, 10 and 15% were assessed for antioxidant activity and quality. Jamun pulp supplementation enhanced the bioactive composition of chapatti in terms of increased anthocyanins, total phenols and antioxidant activity. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity increased 99.73% and 44.38%, respectively after incorporation of Jamun pulp (15%) to whole wheat flour Indian chapatti. Anthocyanins were not observed in control chapatti and in Jamunsupplemented chapatti the range was 1.41-2.64 mg/100g content for 5-15% supplementation level. Qualitative evaluation revealed non-sticky behavior of dough supplemented with Jamun at 5 and 10% level and slight stickiness at 15% level. Chapattis exhibited full puffing at all supplementation levels. Sensory scores were highest for 10% Jamun supplemented chapatti. Crude fiber content improved significantly (13.77% increase) in chapattis on supplementation of Jamun pulp. The study concluded that supplementation of wheat flour with Jamun pulp improved nutritional and antioxidant status of chapatti.
Scanning electron microscopic studies on tongue of open-nesting honey bees Apis dorsata F. and Apis florea F. (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Kumar Neelima R. , Nayyar Kalpna , Sharma Ruchi , Anudeep Anudeep
Published: April 2018

Taste stimuli play vital role in the life of honey bees. Sensory structures observed on tongue of the honey bees with the help of Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have become an important tool in analyzing honey bee biodiversity which offers an advanced diagnostic tool to study honey bee biogeography and determine adaptive variations to native flora. Tongue of honey bees present a high geographic variability in regard to the floral resources visited by the bees. The present study has determined to determine differences in the tongue ofopen-nesting bees by scanning electron microscopy of Apis dorsata and Apis florea. The two bees showed distinct morphological variations with respect to the lapping and sucking apparatus. It was observed that the ridges on the proximal region exhibited rough surface on A.dorsata whereas spinous in case of A.florea. Moreover, the arrangement of hair in the middle part of the tongue also differed in the two species. The shape of flabellum differed in the two species reason being the influence of native flora. It was observed that the shape of flabellum was oval in A.dorsata whereas in A.florea it was triangular. These differences indicated for the role of native flora and honey bee biodiversity.
Effect of cultivars and seed size on field performance of potato micro-tubers in North Eastern Himalayan region in India
Authors: Srivastava A. K. , Yadav S. K. , Diengdoh L. C. , Rai R. , Bag T. K.
Published: April 2018

The present study was carried out at Central Potato Research Station, Shillong during 2013 and 2014 to assess the growth and yield performance of three grades of in-vitro produced micro-tubers viz. >8 mm, 4-8 mm and <4 mm of two potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars namely Kufri Girdhari and Kufri Megha under field planting conditions. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design with four replications using a common spacing of 50 × 20 cm. The larger grade micro-tubers generally exhibited better physiological growth as well as yield parameters. The larger sized micro-tuber (>8 mm) showed significantly superior plant survival, canopy cover, plant height, number of compound leaves per plant, number of stems per plant and plant vigour followed by 4-8 mm grade and <4 mm grade micro-tubers. Similar trend was observed for all the yield parameters. Among varieties, Kufri Girdhari out performed Kufri Megha in all the growth and yield parameters in all the micro-tuber grades. Thus both micro-tuber size and genotype influenced the field performance. The overall finding indicates that micro-tubers irrespective of the size for both the varieties can produce mini-tubers successfully under direct field conditions in the NEH region which will facilitate quality seed production.
Influence of crop geometry on yield, yield attributes and glycoside yield of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni
Authors: Rashid Zahida , Inamullah Suhail , Peer Quadri Javeed Ahmad , Rashid Mudasir , R. Souliha
Published: April 2018

Field experiments were conducted in a loamy sand soil during 2006 and 2007 at Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana to evaluate the performance of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni under varying planting geometry. The studies revealed that in case of row to row spacing, highest number of leaves per plant (533.0, 447.6), leaf area (8113.1, 6322.6 cm2/plant), leaf area index (5.1, 8.7) and dry matter accumulation per plant (86.0, 76.9 g/plant) during 2006 and 2007, respectively were found under wider row spacing of 75 cm. Which was significantly higher than narrower row spacing of 60 cm and 45 cm. Whereas, the fresh biomass yield (9861 and 11801 kg/ha), dry biomass (2080 and 2550 kg/ha), leaf yield (6129 and 4414 kg/ha) and stem yields (7611 and 5447 kg/ha) during 2006 and 2007, respectively and glycoside yield were registered higher under closer row spacing of 45 cm than the wider row spacing of 60 cm and 75 cm. In plant to plant spacings, the maximum number of leaves (5681.3 cm2/plant) was recorded under plant spacing of 45 cm which was statistically at par with plants spaced at 37.5 cm and 30.0 cm but significantly higher than 22.5 cm and 15.0 cm plant spacing, leaf area and dry matter accumulation per plant were highest with than other closer plant spacings.Whereas, the fresh and dry biomass, leaf and stem yields and glycoside yield were recorded highest under closer plant spacing of 15 cm which was statistically at par with 22.5 cm plant spacing.
In vitro screening of white Jute (Corchorus capsularis L) against salinity stress
Authors: Naik M. Ramesh , Kumar Mukesh , Barman D. , Meena P.N. , Kumar A. Anil , Kundu D. K.
Published: April 2018

The environmental stress such as salinity of soil or water is serious threat for field crops in the world, especially in arid and semiarid regions. To study salinity stress on jute (Corchorus capsularis), an experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design keeping nine capsularis varieties (JRC-698, JRC-321, JRC-517, JRC-7447, JBC-5, JRC-212, JRC-80, JRC-532 and UPC-94) as one factor and four levels of salt concentrations i.e. control (Distilled H2O), 100, 160, 240 and 300 mM NaCl with three replications. Adverse effect of salinity increased with increasing concentration of sodium chloride. Among nine jute varieties the highest germination percentage (89.5%), root length (0.6 cm), shoot length (1.2 cm), fresh weight (93 mg) and dry weight (9.5 mg) of seedling were observed in ‘JRC-698’ at salt concentration at 160 mM NaCl as compared with other salt concentration. All growth parameters were recorded higher in control than other treatments. All growth parameters were decreased up to 240 mM NaCl concentration and it was completely inhibited at 300 mM NaCl. Variety ‘UPC-94’ was the most susceptible to salinity stress. Hence, white jute varieties, JRC-698 and JRC-517 can be grown at 160 mM NaCl concentration.
Efficiency of letrozole loaded PLGA nanoparticles on sex reversal of Poecilia reticulata (Peters, 1859)
Authors: Joshi Harshavardhan D. , Ghode Gajanan S. , Gore Sandeep B.
Published: April 2018

Males of Poecilia reticulata showed extreme diversity in color, particularly of their fins, while the females lack the bright colors and are largely whitish. Such extreme variability of color and finnage lead to demand of males in the markets. The aim of present work was to develop a new Letrozole (LTZ)-loaded PLGA nanoparticles for effective delivery of the masculinization drug, letrozole, as an alternative to commercially available masculinization agents. The LTZ-loaded PLGA NPs were prepared by solvent displacement technique. The particle size of LTZ-loaded PLGA NPs was analyzed using LICOMP particle size analyzer and was found to be in the range of 72 nm to 520 nm with average size of 221.5±63.3 nm. Zeta potential was estimated to be about 21.35 mV with loading efficiency of 43.63±4.63 %. In the present study, a series of experiments were carried out to induce masculinization using LTZ-loaded PLGA nanoparticles during the sex differentiation period. Guppy (P. reticulate) fry were treated with LTZ-loaded PLGA nanoparticles at dosages 5, 25, 50 and 100 ppm/kg diet for 10, 15 and 30 days. The gonopodium index and GSI showed increasing order in male and female respectively with dose of LTZ-loaded nanoparticles. The results indicated an increase in the proportion of males with dosage and duration of treatment. This has been done for the first time using nanotechnology efficiently which has shown an increase in the male population of Poecilia reticulata with lesser dose of nano-encapsulated Letrozole (LTZ)-loaded PLGA nanoparticles drug as compared with naked control Letrozole (LTZ) drug delivery.
Biomass production, carbon sequestration and economics of on-farm poplar plantations in Punjab, India
Authors: Chauhan S. K. , Sharma R. , Singh B. , Sharma S. C.
Published: April 2018

Six years poplar plantations were assessed for productivity, carbon storage and economics in comparison to sole cropping. Wheat grain yield was significantly higher in control plots (4.55 t/ha) than boundary plantation (3.28 t/ha) and block plantation (2.03 t/ha). Similar trend was recorded for straw yield (6.61 t/ha in control plots, 4.83 t/ha in boundary plantation and 3.5 t/ha in block plantation. The boundary plantation produced higher DBH (24.23 cm) than the block plantation (19.71 cm). The crown spread itself followed the same trend but both the planting methods had almost similar plant height. However, the total tree biomass was higher with block plantation (96.31 t/ha) than boundary plantation (30.14 t/ha) but per tree biomass was more in boundary plantation than block plantation. The total carbon storage was higher in block planting method (55.43 t/ha) than in boundary plantation (32.70 t/ha) and lowest total carbon storage in sole cropping system (31.20 t/ha). The heat from biomass combustion and carbon storage from coal substituted of timber was also higher in the block plantation (18.67t C/ha) as compared with boundary plantation (4.43t C/ha). Agro forestry systems likely had a greater capacity to sequester C in the longterm than the annual cropping systems because of their diverse configurations. The economic benefits were also higher in block plantation than boundary and sole cropping of rice-wheat (B : C ratio of 3.30, 1.90 and 1.61, respectively). Adoption of on-farm poplar plantations will develop new opportunities for enhanced income in addition to employment and environmental amelioration.
Effect of mutagens on regeneration and growth of in vitro grown epicotyl segments of rough lemon seedlings (Citrus jambhiri Lush.)
Authors: Kaur Sukhjit
Published: April 2018

The present study on the effect of mutagens on regeneration and growth of in vitro grown epicotyls segments of rough lemon seedlings (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) was carried out during the years 2009- 2010 and 2010- 2011 in the Tissue Culture Laboratory, Department of Fruit Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Developmental characteristics of the in vitro grown epicotyls segments on regeneration media were treated employing gamma radiation in Gray(Gy) at 0, 5,10,15, 20,25,30,35,40 and 45 Gy; the alkylating agent ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) and methyl methane sulfonate (MMS) each at 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4,0.5 and 0.6% (v/v) were evaluated. Epicotyl segments from one month old in vitro grown seedling were cultured in regeneration medium (MS+BAP 1.0 mglit-1) under controlled laboratory conditions (25±2? C, 16 hr photoperiod, 2000 lux light). LD50, the dose required to kill half of the tested population corresponded to 35Gy for gamma radiation, 0.3% each for EMS and MMS treatments. Number of days taken for regeneration increased with increasing dose of gamma irradiation, EMS and MMS. Percent regeneration, number of buds, number of shoots, shoot length, number of leaves, internodal length, primary root length and number of secondary roots decreased with increasing dose of gamma radiation , EMS and MMS. The study would be beneficial to induce desirable variations in plant growth characteristics of rough lemon by the use of mutagens treatment.
Inhibitory effect of bacterial antagonists on the growth of Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi.) Goid. Causing charcoal rot of sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) invitro
Authors: Reetha A. Karmel , Mohan S.
Published: April 2018

Charcoal rot caused by Macrophominaphaseolinais a major disease causing in sunflower plant. The pathogen invasion occurs from the seedling to maturity stage. To overcome this problem in vitro, sensitivity of M. phaseolina was determined through inhibition zone technique to various isolates of antagonistic bacteria like seven isolates of Pseudomonas fluorescens (EPf2, EDPf3, APf4, CPf5, MPf6, KPf7 and Pf1)and seven isolates Bacillus subtilis (EBs1, EDBs2, ABs3, CBs4, MBs5, KBs6 and Bs10) amended into PDA medium. The results showed that the entire bacterial antagonist were effective against the fungus M. phaseolina and exhibited appreciable amount of inhibition. Among these bacterial antagonist significantly compared to the control P.fluorescens (Pf1) proved to be the most effective (71.49 %) with an inhibition zone of 5.00 mm reducing the colony growth of M. Phaseolina followed B. subtilis (65.92 %)inhibition zone of 17.80 mm respectively over control. However, from these studies it is concluded that an isolate of various antagonist can vary in its sclerotia producing ability on root.
Pretreated rice straw as an improved fodder for ruminants-An overview
Authors: Malik Kamla , Tokkas Jayanti , Anand Ramesh Chander , Kumari Nisha
Published: April 2018

Rice straw, a by-product of the rice production is mainly used as a source of feed for ruminant livestock is the major forage in rice-producing areas in India. The disposal of the rice straw is a serious problem in areas where it is the major agricultural product. It is rich in polysaccharides and has a high lignin and silica content, limiting voluntary intake and reducing degradability by rumen microbes. By rice straw treatment, its quality and digestibility can be improved and enhanced the protein content. Several methods have been used to improve the utilization of rice straw by ruminants or supplemented by other ingredients to increase digestibility and nutrient value before it can be considered a suitable animal feed. In recent years, biological treatments have been investigated for improvement in nutritional value of rice straw. The use of ligninolytic fungi and their extracellular ligninolytic enzymes for treatment of rice straw results in degrading cellulose and hemicelluloses contents which improve its nutritional value. The use of fungi and enzyme treatments is expected to be a practical, cost-effective and environmental-friendly approach for enhancing the nutritive value and digestibility of rice straw. Therefore, the treated rice straw has a good potential as feed for ruminants.
Identification of a seed-borne rice bacterium, Burkholderia glumae using cultural, morphological and biochemical methods
Authors: Singh Deepali , Vishunavat Karuna
Published: April 2018

Burkholderia glumae is a seed-borne rice bacterium that causes bacterial panicle blight (BPB), which is a promising disease in many rice-growing areas around the world. The bacterium has been successfully grown on King’s B agar medium (KBM) at 280C for 48 hrs. It is Gram negative, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped with cell size 0.5 to 0.7 - 1.5 to 2.0 ?m with rounded ends. The colony appears as grayish white or yellow due to the pigment. The bacterium gave positive test in gelatin liquefaction, KOH solubility and nitrate reduction and while negative test in starch hydrolysis, oxidase reaction, levan production and arginine dihydrolase test. The bacterium utilized different carbon sources viz., sugars, amino acids, sugar alcohols and organic acids when examined through BiologTMGN2 Microplate System. This study would help in control and management of seed-borne bacterial plant pathogen B. glumae.
Effect of the size of cuttings (length and diameter) on rooting in cuttings of apple clonal rootstock Merton 793
Authors: Verma Pramod , Chauhan P. S. , Chandel J. S. , Thakur Manish
Published: April 2018

The study was conducted in net house conditions of fruit Nursery block of Department of Fruit Science, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Nauni, Solan H.P. during 2012-2013 in order to evaluate the effect of size of cuttings (length and diameter) on rooting in cuttings of apple clonal rootstock Merton 793. Cuttings of length (L) viz. 15 cm, 25 cm, 35 cm, 45 cm and diameter ranges (D) viz. 0.75 cm – 1.00 cm, 1.00 cm – 1.25 cm, 1.25 – 1.50 cm were taken. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (factorial). The cuttings were treated with 2500 ppm IBA (Indole – 3 – butyric acid) as quick dip (10 – 15 seconds) before planting. The results revealed that the cuttings with treatment combination of length (35 cm) and diameter (1.25 cm – 1.50 cm) recorded the highest rooting of cuttings (65 %), number of primary roots (5.00), length of primary roots (28.43 cm), diameter of primary roots (3.25 mm), fresh weight of roots (3.67 g) and dry weight of roots (2.59 g). Hence it is concluded that cuttings of length of 35 cm and diameter of 1.25 cm to 1.50 cm was most suitable for propagation. However, the cuttings of shorter length and diameter, are also able to result in rooting with lower success, therefore, these cuttings would be helpful in case of scarce availability of propagating material.
Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of gamma rays in snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina l.)
Authors: Sidhya P. , Pandit M.K.
Published: April 2018

The present experiment was undertaken to determine the mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of gamma rays on different biological parameters in snake gourd. The research was conducted in two generations namely M1 and M2 during spring-summer season (mid- February) of 2012 and 2013 at the Horticulture research station, Mondoury, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya. The parent material, selfed seeds of BCSG-28 variety were irradiated with 100 Gy, 150 Gy, 200 Gy, 250 Gy and 300 Gy doses of gamma rays. The seeds along with control were space planted for raising M1 generation. Each M1 plant was harvested separately and desirable M1 individual plant progeny rows were laid in RBD for raising M2 generation. The effectiveness and efficiency of the mutagen used was assessed from the data on biological damage in M1 generation. In M1 generation, results showed a dose dependent retardation in biological parameters like seed germination, plant survival and 200 Gy was depicted as LD50 indicating less damaging effect at lower doses on genetic material. In M2 generation, Lower doses 100 Gy (28.80 effectiveness, 21.58 efficiency) and 150 Gy (18.33 effectiveness, 8.68 efficiency) treatments were found as effective and efficient and a wide range of induced variability was observed in almost all traits. The mutants with short fruit, higher fruit diameter and reduced vine length were isolated in M2 generation.