bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimates of genetic components and regression analysis for grain yield and various morphological traits in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Kumar Pradeep , Arya Vichitra Kumar , Kumar Ravi , Kerkhi S. A.
Published: April 2018

The present study was conducted to estimate the gentic components and regression analysis for grain yield and various morphological traits in bread wheat involving 10 parents and their 45 F1s (half diallel) during 2012- 13 and 2013-14. Significant additive (D) and dominance (H1) variance for the traits indicated that expression of these traits is control by both additive and dominance gene action. Average degree of dominance (H1/D)1/2 were more than unity for the traits (peduncle length, flag leaf area, productive tillers, biological yield, grain yield, harvest index) indicating the preponderance of over dominance gene action. The estimates of h2 were positive and significant for days to ear emergence, peduncle length, productive tillers, biological yield and grain yield indicated dominance of genetic components in F1s. Positive and significant values of F were estimated for days to ear emergence, days to 50% flowering, spike length, flag leaf area and grain yield in F1s indicating the preponderance of dominance and positive genes in the parents involved. The theoretical value (0.25) of (H2/4H1) for all the traits indicated asymmetrical distribution of positive and negative genes. The proportion of dominant and recessive alleles indicated presence of dominant alleles in the parents. The traits showing more than 30% narrow sanse heritability could be rewarding for further improvement in grain yield in bread wheat. Regression analysis indicated that the traits (days to ear emergence, days to 50% flowering, peduncle length, flag leaf area, productive tillers, harvest index, biological yield and grain yield) control by over dominance type of gene action. The parent RAJ 4246 contained maximum dominant genes for days to ear emergence and days to 50% flowering; HD 2733 for spike length and flag leaf area and HD 2824 for productive tillers, biological yield and grain yield used as donors in multiple traits breeding programme to develop high yielding wheat genotypes.
Impact of planting density on wheat crop grown under different tree species in tarai agroforestry system of central himalaya, India
Authors: Satyawali Kavita , Chaturvedi Sumit , Bisht Neema , Dhyani V.C.
Published: April 2018

A field trial based Agroforestry system was established at Pantnagar during Rabi season 2012-13 for predicting the effect of spacing on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Melia azedarach. The experiment was carried out in split-plot design consisting of two tree species in main plot, viz, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Melia azedarch and four spacing treatments in sub-plot viz, 3.0m×1.0m, 3.0m×1.5m, 3.0m×2.0m and 3.0m×2.5m with three replications. The wheat crop variety“UP-2338” was sown on December 06, 2012 and harvested on April 27, 2013. Among the tree species, the maximum (15.1 q /ha) and significantly higher grain yield with 21.8% increment was recorded under Melia as compare to Eucalyptus. Whereas, among the different spacings, the wheat growth in terms of dry biomass at 120 DAS (495.4/m2 ), yield attributes and yield in terms of grain (16.0 q/ha), straw (29.4 q/ha) and biological yield (45.4 q/ha) under Melia was significantly higher at 3 × 2.5 m spacing as compared to other planting density. The correlation coefficient (r) studies exhibited that wheat growth and yield attributing characteristics shows significantly (p<0.05) high degree (r=0.75 to 1) positive correlation with each other. The investigation was done to find out the proper planting density for intercropping of wheat with tree species without comprising the wheat growth and enhancing its sustainability.
Quantitative studies on heterosis and inbreeding depression in maize (Zea mays l.)
Authors: Kumari Ranju , Singh A. K. , Suman Sugandh
Published: April 2018

The present investigation was carried out for studying heterosis and inbreeding depression of twenty eight hybrids (F1 ? s) and their F2 ? s made by crossing of eight maize inbreds in all possible cross combinations excluding reciprocal. Observations were recorded on ten quantitative traits viz., plant height (cm), ear length (cm), ear girth (cm), number of kernel rows per ear, number of kernels per row, 100 kernels weight (g) yield per plant (g), days to 50 % tassel emergence, days to 50% silk emergence and days to 50% maturity. Variable magnitude of heterosis was observed for different cross combinations for all the traits. Based on higher mean performance (94.33 to 118.67 g/plant) and higher heterotic response (11.95 to 30.48%) eleven crosses were selected. Response of inbreeding depression was significant in positive direction for most of the traits. Among these eleven crosses five crosses CM 300 x CML 142, CM 300 x CML 144, CM 300 x CML 150, CM 300 x CML 176 and CML 150 x CML 144 were selected having high heterotic value (12.31 to 30.48%) and lower inbreeding depression (less than 15%) for their utilization in maize improvement programme for the development of superior inbred lines.
Stability factor and heterosis for yield and yield determinants over environments in Indian rapeseed, Brassica rapa var. yellow sarson
Authors: Singh A.K. , Mall A. K. , Singh P. K.
Published: April 2018

Forty-four yellow sarson hybrids developed by line x testers mating design (3 pistillate lines x 9 male parents) were studied along with parents and a standard check for heterosis of yield determinant characters in two environments [Genetics and Plant Breeding Farm (E1), Kumarganj and CRS, Masodha (E2)]. Significant desired heterobeltiosis ranged from 4.52 to 44.86 per cent in E1 and 13.42 to 62.07 per cent in E2 while, standard heterosis ranged from -6.64 to 23.01 per cent in E1 and -6.30 to 21.85 per cent for seed yield plant-1 . Other characters also showed considerable heterosis over better parent and standard check. The crosses L2 x T1 and L3 x T1 were identified as potential for commercial exploitation of heterosis both for seed yield plant-1 and oil content. High heterotic hybrids in both the environments viz., L8 x T1 and L9 x T1 showed stability in performance for nine characters including seed yield plant-1 where as among parent NDYS-141 showed near unity ratio of stability factor for five characters. L9 x T1 followed by L8 x T1 could be identified as most promising crosses on the basis of stability, per se performance, standard heterosis, high GCA and significant SCA effects.
Mortality caused by aqueous extract of the leaves of Datura stramineus to goat biting louse, Bovicola caprae (Phthiraptera)
Authors: Rashmi Archna , Ahmad Aftab , Saxena A. K.
Published: April 2018

Extensive and indiscriminate use of organic lousicides is leading to environmental hazards i.e. persistence of residues, development of resistance and targeting of non-target beneficial organism. Hence, phytotherapy is emerging as effective tool for louse control, due to ecofriendly and biodegradable nature of plant extracts. In the present study the mortality and repellency caused by five concentration of aqueous extract of the leaves of commonly available Datura stramineus were tested against goat biting louse, Bovicola caprae. Fifteen percent concentration of extract prepared from leaves of aforesaid plant imparted 77% mortality and 66% repellency to goat biting louse.
Screening of maize germplasm for Turcicum leaf blight resistance
Authors: Wani T. A. , Bhat G. N. , Ahmad Mushtaq , Anwar A. , Zaffar Gul
Published: April 2018

: A study was conducted during Kharif 2012 and 2013 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar Campus Srinagar with the objective of screening sixty maize genotypes against Turcicum leaf blight caused by Exserohilum turcicum (Pass.) Leonard and Suggs. Field experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. In order to ensure establishment of infection, artificial inoculation of E. turcicum on test genotypes was made twice at 30 and 40 days after sowing with two different methods of inoculation (spraying on foliage of maize with spore suspension of pathogen @ 5x104 spores/ml at 30 DAS and by whorl drop inoculation of pathogen multiplies on sorghum grains at 40 DAS). Disease severity on test entries was scored at silk drying stage and studies revealed that two inbred lines, viz., NAI-112 and NAI-147, and one hybrid, viz., HQPM-1 were found resistant with pooled disease intensity of 4.12 per cent, 4.04 per cent and 4.38 per cent, respectively. Four inbred lines, viz., KDM 381 A, KDM 918 A, NAI-152 and NAI-167 were found susceptible with pooled disease intensity of 52.82 per cent, 51.02 per cent, 58.58 per cent and 61.33 per cent, respectively. The remaining genotypes were moderately resistant to moderately susceptible.
Natural regneration of plant species as affected by biotic disturbances in Hastinapur forest of North West Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Khurana Poonam Sharma
Published: April 2018

In the present study various phytosociological attributes like frequency, density and abundence of woody vegetation were analysed along the disturbance gradient in tropical dry deciduous forest of Hastinapur region of North west Uttar Pradesh, India. Three sites were analysed for floristic composition, distribution pattern, species diversity and dominance (i.e. Hillock,Block-1 and Block-2)Hillock was highly disturbed, while Block-1 and Block-2 were moderately and least disturbed sites respectively. Maximum number of tree, seedlings and saplings were recorded for Block-2 and minimum for Hillock. Number of shrub species was maximum on Hillockbecause of open forest canopy due to disturbances, which provide favourable conditions for growth of shrubs and other weeds. Most of species except shrubs were regular followed by random in distribution pattern. The value of CD and H’for trees 0.01 on Block-1 to 0.035 on Hillock and 0.00 on Block-2 to 0.014 on Hillock respectively. These low values clearly indicate aridity of the area and habitat destruction. Phytosociological study of this area indicates that there is an urgent requirement of conservation practices
A study on phenological traits of Abies pindrow (Royle) Spach. in the different sites of Garhwal Himalayas, India
Authors: Masoodi Haseeb U. R. , Rana Dipika , Thapliyal Manisha , Singh V. R. R.
Published: April 2018

Phenology, the timing of various events in a species life cycle, is an important life history trait for both plants and animals. Dharali site situated in the highest altitudinal range i.e. 2800-3300 m above msl and showed the initiation of all the phenological characteristics i.e. leaf fall, leaf emergence, appearance of male and female strobili, pollination, cone maturation and seed dispersal in advance as compared to all the other sites. The comparison of the two years phenological data in all the sites (Mundali, Bhukki, Dheoban, Dharali) showed that in the year 2013 early leaf emergence, prolonged cone maturity and early seed dispersal were observed. Rise in temperature and change in climate in mountainous regions has caused the tree line to advance to higher elevations as temperatures have increased over the past few decades. In addition to changing their spatial distributions, plants are also chang-ing their temporal niches.
Biochemical evaluation of dent corn (Zea mays L.) genotypes cultivated under rainfed conditions in the hills of north western Indian Himalayan state of Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Sultan Sheikh Mohammad , Dikshit Nilamani , Mohanty Chandra Sekhar , Rout Prasant Kumar , Rout Prasant Kumar , Raina Susheel Kumar
Published: April 2018

The aim of present study was to investigate protein, oil and fatty acid composition in 11 maize (Zea mays) genotypes collected from diverse locations in the hills of north western Indian Himalayan state of Jammu and Kashmir in order to get an idea about the extent of variability in these biochemical traits in the local germplasm. The study revealed significant variation in these quality traits. The protein content among the genotypes ranged from 10.7% to 18.7% while oil content varied between 2.26% and 4.80%. Higher protein content in some of the genotypes especially IC-0617877 (18.7%) and IC-0617880 (17.6%) is noteworthy. The saturated fatty acids of palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), arachidic (C20:0) and unsaturated fatty acids of oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:1) and elaidic (C18:1) were detected and quantified in these genotypes. Considerable variation has been recorded in fatty acid composition; 13.8-33.4% for palmitic acid, 21.5-48.1% for linoleic acid, 19.2-39% for oleic acid, 0.2-2.4% for elaidic acid, 2.5- 8.5% for stearic acid and 0.1-6.6% for arachidic acid. Higher oleic acid content recorded in all the genotypes excepting IC-0617881 is a useful trait. Strikingly, highest oil (4.80%), palmitic acid (33.4%), stearic acid (8.5%) and arachidic acid (6.6%) contents have been recorded in this remarkably cold tolerant genotype with reddish yellow seeds containing moderate protein content of 13.8 %. The appreciable variation in these quality traits could be exploited in breeding programmes for improvement of this crop and opening up new opportunities for its food and industrial end uses.
Effect of harmones on callus induction in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Malini N. , Anandakumar C. R. , Gnanam R. , Ramakrishnan S. Hari
Published: April 2018

Callus induction from explants is a critical process in regeneration, micropropagation and transformation of maize (Zea mays L.) plants. Formation of callus from plant tissues on culture is affected by several factors. This study revealed to establish the effect of genotype, source of explants and auxin concentration on callus induction from five genotypes UMI 757 (G1), UMI 615 (G2), UMI 112 (G3), UMI 285 (G4) and CO 1 (G5) and one hybrid CO H (M) 5 (G6). Callus induction of the six maize varieties was investigated using immature embryos (E1), leaf bits (E2), root tips (E3), hypocotyls (E4) and seeds (E5) as explants with different concentrations of hormones. In this study, immature embryo was taken from 10 to 12 days after pollination (DAP) to get maximum response. The highest percentage of callus induction was observed (99.10) in immature embryo culture and seed culture gave the highest percentage of rhizogenic callus formation when compare to immature embryo. Among the genotypes tested, CO H (M) 5 recorded the highest callus induction percentage on (2D2K2) medium composition.
Effect of Indole 3-butyric acid (IBA), rooting media and their interaction on different rooting and growth characteristic of air-layers in guava (Psidium guajava L. cv. L-49)
Authors: Parmar J.P. , Tiwari Rajesh , Gautam Keshav K. , Yadav L. , Upadhyay N.
Published: April 2018

The present investigation was undertaken to study the effect of different concentrations of Indole 3-butyric acid (0, 2000, 4000, 8000 and 10000 ppm), different types of rooting media (i.e. sphagnum moss, coco peat, vermicompost, sphagnum moss + coco peat and sphagnum moss + coco peat + vermicompost) and the interaction of these in different combinations on rooting and growth characteristic of guava, cv. L-49. The results revealed that the exogenous application of Indole 3-butyric acid (IBA) 8000 ppm with media combination of sphagnum moss + coco peat + vermicompost (I3M5) significantly increased the root characters i.e. success percent of air-layers (83.3 %), callus formation (23.7), number of primary roots (24.21) and secondary roots (32.57); and growth characters i.e. number of leaves (48.17), branches (7.92) and sprouts (8.48) and survival percentages (83.18) over the other treatments and control. Among the rooting media, the combination of sphagnum moss + coco peat + vermicompost (M5) produced the highest rooting percentage (71.27), root characters and growth characters during months of July and August.
Development of screening technique for artificial creation of false smut in rice
Authors: Kaur Yesmin , Lore J. S. , Pannu P. P. S.
Published: April 2018

False smut (Ustilaginoidea virens (Cooke) Takahashi) of rice is an emerging disease and a potential threat to rice growers in different countries due to reduction in yield, quality and production of mycotoxins. Development and cultivation of resistant varieties is desirable approach for its management. Different inoculation techniques viz. spray inoculation, syringe inoculation and dusting method were evaluated for creating artificial epiphytotic conditions in susceptible variety PR116 under natural as well as artificially provided humidity conditions. Spray inoculation method produced more number of smut balls per plant (3.21) and per cent infected panicles (33.44%) followed by syringe inoculation (2.00 and 26.57%, respectively) and dusting method (0.33 and 6.67%, respectively). However, syringe inoculation method produced more spikelet sterility (14.82%) in rice panicles. More disease occurrence was reported in plants provided with artificial humidity after inoculations (51.12% infected panicles) than the plants grown under natural conditions (13.33% infected panicles). Late transplanted crop developed higher disease severity (18.17% infected panicles and 3.34 smut balls/plant) which might be attributed by slight decrease in temperature and increase in relative humidity conditions (up to 88% RH) at time of infection from boot to early flowering stage of the rice crop.
Sensory and nutritional evaluation of beverages developed using malted ragi (Eleusine coracana)
Authors: Bansal Megha , Kaur Navjot
Published: April 2018

Five milk based beverages were developed by supplementing malted ragi and were organoleptically evaluated for sensory attributes by semi-trained panel of 10 judges. Control samples were developed by using milk, fruits (banana, kiwi, strawberry, papaya and mango) and honey and in test samples malted ragi was added at different levels ranging from 5-15 percent. Results revealed that banana based malted ragi beverage supplemented with 5 percent malted ragi was overall highly acceptable in terms of all sensory attributes. The most accepted level was chemically analysed for proximate composition, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, available carbohydrates and antinutritional components by using standard methods. The most acceptable malted ragi beverage was estimated to have 11.78±0.06 g crude protein, 6.81±0.51 g of crude fat, 1.21±0.07 g of crude fibre, 27.44±1.03 g of carbohydrates, 594.3±4.5 mg of tryptophan, 517.6±23.2 mg of methionine, 372.3±8.5 mg of lysine, 172.6 mg of calcium, 3.73 mg of iron, 102.2 mg of phosphorus and 0.596 mg of zinc per 100 ml. The anti-nutritional components were 155.8±11.3 mg of phytates, 15.4±2.3 mg of total phenols and 0.32±0.01 mg of trypsin inhibitor activity. Total sugars were found to be 5.44±0.21 g, 3.16±0.15 g of reducing sugars, 2.28±0.14 g of non-reducing sugars and 1.06±0.05 g of starch. It may be concluded that malted ragi can be utilized successfully up to 5 percent level to prepare beverages with high nutritional value without imposing negative impact on sensory attributes which may prove a boon to osteoporotic patients.
Extraction, purification and characterization of hyaluronic acid from Rooster comb
Authors: Kulkarni Sachin S. , Patil Shital D. , Chavan Deepali G
Published: April 2018

Hyaluronic acid, is extract by different procedures from various sources like pig, rabbit, oxes and human are available, but these processes have certain imitations like low yield, and also it requires the killing of these animals which is against the experimental ethics. In the present study, we have carried out the extraction of hyaluronic acid from cock’s comb which was further analyzed with qualitative test, viscosity, UV absorption, endotoxin detection assay. Also, the protein contamination of extracted hyaluronic acid was determined by using SDS-PAGE of hyaluronic acid was studied for checking the protein contaminants and it was noted that there were no bands observed in the well loaded with extracted hyaluronic acid sample indicating that the final extract of hyaluronic acid is not contaminated with the protein. The extraction and purification of hyaluronic acid by using the method reported here give pure hyaluronic acid. The viscosity of extracted hyaluronic acid was found to be 2.55 poise which is economical and can be used for industrial production of hyaluronic acid having clinical applications
Career development of women in the hotel industry: An Overview
Authors: Kumara Y.A. D. R. Ranjith
Published: April 2018

This paper focuses on factors affecting career progression of women in the hotel industry as discussed by researchers in different geographical locations in the world and to investigate whether women are indeed blocked in the process of advancing in their career. It is also focused to explore the mechanism adopted by the hospitality companies to mitigate the issue related to women’s career progression. An in-depth study was carried to by reviewing twenty-two articles related to the hotel industry and twenty-eight articles related to hospitality industry. It was revealed that specific factors are common to the industry irrespective of the geographical locations such as networking, gender discrimination, segregation, long and irregular working hours and work and family balance. However, factors like cultural barriers, taking risks on non-linear assignments and significance of finding a sponsor were limited to individual countries. Irrespective of the economic and social developments of the countries concerned covering America, Europe, Australia, Africa, Middle Eastern countries, Far East Asia and South Asian regions, the issue of lack of women leaders in the hotel industry has been a significant issue. The Glass ceiling effect on career development for women was widely discussed and confirmed the existence in many countries irrespective of legal frameworks of equal opportunities. Few uncommon issues were also publicised in the study in the USA commenting few challenges and barriers such as the importance of having a sponsor, making lateral moves with new opportunities and being a ‘”token” in a male-dominated executive table.
Effect of water stress on leaf nutrient status and frequency of irrigation in various cultivars of kiwifruit
Authors: Pratima Preet , Sharma N. , Belsare Chaitanya
Published: April 2018

The five cultivars of kiwifruit viz., Allison, Hayward, Abbott, Monty and Bruno during the years 2011 and 2012 in the Department of Fruit Science, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. Two irrigation treatments i.e. standard irrigation (at 80% field capacity) and deficit irrigation (at 60 % F C) were applied to these cultivars from March to October with three replications in Randomized Block Design (RBD). The leaf nutrient content (%) and frequency of irrigation (irrigation interval in days) were investigated in kiwifruit in response to these irrigation treatments. The leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg) contents varied with cultivars under two irrigation regimes. The leaf N content and Ca content (%) was observed highest in cultivar Monty; P content in Allison; K content in Hayward; Mg content (%) in Abbott and Monty under standard irrigation treatment. These nutrient contents reduced significantly at 0.05 % level of significance with deficit irrigation treatment in different cultivars. The % reduction in these nutrients with deficit irrigation treatment was found to be highest in cultivar Hayward and the least in Bruno. The total number of irrigation applied under standard and deficit irrigation were 16 and 10 respectively, during both the years. The response of Bruno cultivar in terms of leaf nutrient content under water deficit condition is much better in comparison to all other cultivars. Bruno is considered to be drought tolerant cultivar and Hayward to be drought sensitive. Thus, the Bruno cultivar should be preferred for cultivation in water scarce regions.
Ultrastructural study on morphology of Schistosoma spindale by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
Authors: Sudhakar Kommu , Murthy G.S.S. , Kumar. M Udaya , Reddy. Y Narasimha , M Lakshman. , Gaddam Rajeshwari
Published: April 2018

The present study was undertaken to investigate the detailed morphological features along with morphometry of different structures of Schistosoma spindale (Adult flukes) which were recovered by a perfusion technique and visualized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The length of spines on the oral sucker and ventral suckers were 2.6 µm and 2.5 µm, respectively. The measured width of aspinose area beneath the ventral sucker, rim of the ventral sucker and tegumental papillae were 5.4, 22.5 µm and 3 µm, respectively. Males have a welldefined gynaecophoric canal, originating just below the ventral sucker and extending up to the posterior end of the body, continued as a marked conical projection. The ventral surface of the oral sucker was completely covered with numerous spines. The ventral sucker was pedunculated, round, thick-rimmed and the inner side contained numerously pointed spines directed towards the center of the ventral sucker. The tegument surface of S. spindale showed ridged layers with large uniciliated and pit like papillae which were recorded more in posterior end. Thus, Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM) provided indepth ultrastructural morphological details of Schistosoma spindale which was in accordance with that of previous studies, would be applicable for its differentiation with other species (S. mansoni, S. bovis, S. haematobium, S. japonicum).
Effect of rejuvenation pruning on the growth, productivity and disease incidence in declining trees of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Kandhari Kabuli
Authors: Sharma D. P. , Singh Niranjan
Published: April 2018

Pruning of fruit trees is an important aspect for the improvement of fruit quality and to minimize the pests and disease attack. Pruning was performed in the month of December in seven year old unpruned trees of Punica granatum cv. Knadhdri Kabuli having many interfering branching and a heavy infestation of bacterial blight orchard. The pruning treatments viz., T1: Retention of 15cm fruiting shoot length, T2: Retention of 30cm fruiting shoot length, T3: Retention of 45cm fruiting shoot length, T4: Retention of 60cm fruiting shoot length and T5: control (No heading back and no thinning) plant. The results of the present investigation revealed that among different pruning treatment, the best results in terms of shoot extension (56.34 cm), fruit size (Diameter 9.66 cm and Length 9.65 cm, fruit weight (278.50 g), marketable yield (10.25 kg) and fruit qualities were in fruits from T1 and T2 where retention of 15cm fruiting shoot length respectively and retention of 30cm fruiting shoot length were maintained. However, maximum fruit set (54.73%) was recorded in control, and it decreased with increasing pruning intensity. The pruning treatments also proved beneficial in controlling bacterial blight on fruit (12.86%) and leaf surface (26.60%) to some extent.
Studies on site specific nutrient management (SSNM) on hybrid sunflower seed production in Southern Karnataka
Authors: Patil D. H. , Shankar M. A. , Shadakshari Y. G. , Krishnamurthy N.
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was conducted at the Main Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Hebbal, Bangalore, to know the effect of Site Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) on growth (plant height (cm), Leaf area (cm2 ), leaf area index (LAI) and dry matter production (g plant1 ) and yield (capitulum diameter (cm), No. of filled seeds, 1000 seed weight (g) and seed yield (kg ha-1 ) of hybrid sunflower seed production. The study indicated that significantly higher growth parameters viz., plant height (155.4 cm), leaf area (1293.10cm-2 ), leaf area index (0.69) and total dry matter accumulation (88.16 g plant-1 ) were recorded with SSNM for 1.2 tons ha-1 + Farm Yard Manure (FYM) as compared to recommended practice (Recommended Dose of Fertilizer 62.50:75:62.50 kg NPK ha-1 ). The application of fertilizers based on SSNM for a target yield of 1.2 t ha-1 + FYM resulted in significantly higher yield and yield attributes compared to the only application of RDF + FYM. The important yield parameters recorded that were significantly higher were viz., head diameter (19.89 cm) number of filled seeds per head (353.24), seed weight per plant (19.76 g), 1000 seed weight (43.72 g), hybrid seed yield (1003 kg ha-1 ).
Effect of various levels of nitrogen on quantitative and qualitative parameters of Rose var. “Top Secret” under poly house condition
Authors: Chaudhary U. C. , Singh Alka , Ahlawat T. R. , Tatte Sumathi
Published: April 2018

Study was conducted to find out the effect of various levels (100, 150, 200, 250,300 mg/plant/week) of nitrogen on growth parameters in terms of qualitative and quantitative traits of rose var. Top Secret. Plant growth in general increased with increase in nitrogen levels. Among various levels of nitrogen application, 300 mg nitrogen per plant per week significantly increased all vegetative growth parameters and showed maximum plant height (117.45 cm), leaf area (98.91 cm2 ) and a number of leaves (62.50). Further, flowering parameters like stalk length (83.53cm), bud diameter (2.45cm), bud length (2.55 cm), number of flowers per plant (7.30) as well as per square meter (53.05) were also significantly maximum in plants given nitrogen @ 300 mg per plant per week. Leaf N (2.94 %), P (0.19%), K (1.87%) and chlorophyll content in leaves (4.41mg/g) was also higher with 300 mg N per plant per week. Vase life (10 days) and anthocyanin content in petal tissue (2.09 mg/g) were found the maximum in plants given nitrogen @ 250 mg per plant per week, which was at par with the treatment of nitrogen @ 300 mg per plant per week. Nitrogen should be applied at the rate of 300 mg/plant/week under protected cultivation as the optimum dose for good plant growth and qualitative flower production in rose var. Top Secret under protected cultivation.
Effect of biofertilizers on horticultural and yield traits in french bean var. Contender under dry temperate conditions of Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Thakur Seema , Thakur Rajesh , Mehta Devinder Kumar
Published: April 2018

Kinnaur district is known as the dry temperate zone of Himachal Pradesh and is known for off season and quality production of vegetables.In this district of Himachal Pradesh, Natural farming is mostly done with the minimum use of chemical fertilizers. Farmers are unaware of the judicious use of farm yard manure, and biofertilizers due to which yield of the french bean is very low (50-70 q/ha). French bean is one of the most important vegetables intercropped with apple in Kinnaur District. An experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2011 at the Experimental Farm of Vegetable Research Station, Kalpa, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh to study the effect of Rhizobium and Phosphorus Solublizing Bacteria (PSB) on the horticultural and yield traits in french bean var. Contender. Six treatments comprising seed treatments (with and without Rhizobium), seed treatment (with and without PSB) along with the combination of 60 % dose of recommended quantity of Calcium Ammonium Nitrate and 75 % dose of recommended quantity of Single Super Phosphate and organic matter were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The results revealed that T5 treatment, i.e. Rhizobium+ PSB+ Organic matter resulted in more number of pods per plant (20), pod length (18 cm) and pod yield/ha (140 q/ha) .
Dyeing of protein fabrics exploring locally available weed plants
Authors: Bhandari Babita , Rani Anita
Published: April 2018

In the present study weed plants i.e. Lantana camara, Solanum nigrum, Eupatorium adenophorum, Tridax procumbens, Parthenium histerophorus, Sida acuta, Ipomea cairica, Rumex nepalensis, Eclipta prostrate, Girardinia diversifolia, Erigeron bellidioides, Bidens pilosa and Athatoda vasica available in hilly as well as Tarai regions of Uttarakhand were collected, dried and powdered. The powdered dye materialswere extracted in distilled water. Subsequently dyeing of wool and silk fabrics was carried out. It was found that various plants like E. adenophorum, R. nepalensis and B. pilosa gave acceptable colour on silk and wool fabric. Therefore some weed plants can be used for textile dyeing which will provide a scope for management of weed plants as well as safety of other useful indigenous plants
Colonization behaviour of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorus uptake pattern of mycorrhizal sensitive upland paddy using hydroponics culture
Authors: Kumar Swapan , Datta Ashim , Pal Arunabha , Das Aniruddha
Published: April 2018

Three upland rice cultivars namely Vandana, Brown Gora and Kalinga collected from the Central Rainfed Upland Rice Research Station (CRURRS), Hazaribag, Jharkhand of the Central Rice Research Institute, are mycorrhiza sensitive genotypes. Their affinity towards mycorrhizal colonization varied. The cv. Kalinga had the highest colonization followed by Vandana and Brown Gora. Variation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi affinity of the rice genotypes might be due to the variable demands of phosphorus nutrition of the different genotypes. To justify these variable demands of phosphorus among these three cultivars of rice, four different doses of phosphorus (5, 10, 15 and 20 ppm) were imposed to them in a system of hydroponics. Overall, among the three cultivars, the highest uptake efficiency (34% at 30 days, 57% at 45 days, 68% at 60days and 70% at 75 days interval) throughout the growth period was noticed in the cv. Brown Gora, followed by Kalinga and Vandana. The physiological demands of phosphorus of these cultivars were finally estimated as the contribution of uptake phosphorus to the total dry matter production of the plants with respect to available phosphorus. The overall results of these estimations gave the highest value in cv. Kalinga followed by the cv. Vandana and Brown Gora. Therefore, the cultivars Brown Gora and Kalinga could be recommended for the cultivation of the vast upland rain-fed areas of the country for higher yield and increased phosphorus use efficiency which could ultimately contribute significantly to the food grain production of the country.
Effects of different plant growth regulators on in vitro callus induction in physic nut (Jatropha curcus L.)
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Kumar Virendra , Sharma Manoj Kumar , Kumar Narendra , Kumar Anil , Tomar Kushal Pal Singh , Sharma Sarjeet Kumar , Singh Mukesh Kumar , Sengar R. S. , Jaiswal Nidhi
Published: April 2018

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) is an oil bearing crop growing in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of different plant growth regulators on in vitro callus induction in physic nut (J. curcus). In the present study, it was observed that all the explants viz., leaf lamina, petioles, nodal segments and cotyledonary nodes showed good callus induction responses on various culture media thus tried. Leaf lamina and petioles showed 100.0% callus induction responses on different MS media supplemented with auxins and cytokinins alone or in combinations whereas, nodal segments and cotyledonary nodes showed maximum 89.6% and 83.9% callus induction respectively. The presence of 2, 4-D in culture media with auxins or cytokinins was essential for good callus growth. Among different explants tried, leaf lamina was the best responding explants and MS-13 media supplemented with 5×10-6 M NAA and 10-5 M 2, 4-D is the best callusing and growth supporting medium. However, the regenerative competence of the callus tissues can differ depending on the type of explants used because certain types of plant tissues have more favorable regeneration responses than others. Callus induction rate from all explant types was highest than other reports. The results obtained in the present study would facilitate the high callus induction and regeneration responses in J. curcus for its improvement using biotechnological tools.
Statistical relationship between date of sowing and the sorghum shootfly (Atherigona Soccata, Rondani L)
Authors: Kumar S. T. Pavan , Havaldar Y. N. , Shekharappa Shekharappa , Kamei Adam
Published: April 2018

The present study was based on the available data of eleven years for shoot fly from 2000-2010 for kharif season. Different models viz., linear and non linear were tried to fit, Amongst, the linear, quadratic and cubic models produced better coefficient of determination and the models viz., EGG(Shoot fly Egg) =3.760+0.196(DOS) (R2 =0.892) and EGG(Shoot fly Egg) =1.077+1.195(DOS)-0.087(DOS^2), which produced highest R2 (0.896 at p=0.05) with less standard error (0.419) and quadratic model was also the best fit model in determining the oviposition of shoot fly, which explained 89.6 per cent variation in the oviposition of shoot fly for the 7 days after emergence of the sorghum crop. For the dead heart development (14 DAE), the model %DH (% Dead Heart) =3.535+3.104(DOS) found best fit with highest coefficient of determination of 0. 856 and exhibited significant positive relationship with the date of sowing and during 21 DAE the cubic model %DH (% Dead Heart) =10.619+10.115(DOS)-3.466(DOS^2)+0 .321(DOS ^3) had significant coefficient of determination value of 0.988 with least standard error 0.885. The quadratic model during the 28 days after emergence of the crop %DH (% Dead Heart) =-6.234+22.858(DOS) -1.399 (DOS^2) found best fit and produced significant R2 (0.929 at 5 per cent level) and showed better relationship with the date of sowing. It was found that, both linear and non linear relationship exists between dates of sowing and shoot fly of sorghum during kharif season.
Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among handloom weavers of Uttarakhand : an ergonomic study
Authors: Naz Heena , Kwatra Seema , Ojha Pragya
Published: April 2018

Long hours of static work with awkward working postures at traditionally designed looms can cause high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among handloom weavers. Because of incompatible working situations handloom weaver in textile industries are confronting with many work related musculoskeletal problems related to pain and discomfort in upper and lower extremities. Keeping this in view, the present study was planned to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and postural discomfort among handloom weavers. For this study, 64 (male and female) handloom weavers aged 20-55 years were selected randomly from Almora and Nainital districts of Uttarakhand state. To collect the information, standardized Nordic questionnaire was used to assess pain and discomfort in different body regions of handloom weavers. It was observed that those workers worked continuously in awkward postures during weaving activities. Consequently they suffered from high discomfort in their different body parts. High rate of pain and musculoskeletal disorder was most prevalent in right wrist, left wrist, hip/thigh, neck and lower back of the workers. The data reveled that since last 12 months, total 76.56 percent workers were suffered with pain and discomfort in right hand and 73.44 percent workers had pain and discomfort in both elbows. During last month, 73.44 percent workers were suffered with pain and discomfort in upper back because of awkward working postures whereas during 7 days, total 59.38 percent workers had pain in lower back. The study indicates that the traditional handloom weaving demands immediate ergonomic intervention in the workstation and process design.
Traditional practices of utilization and conservation of non-wood forest products by Adi tribes of Arunachal Pradesh
Authors: Kumar Naresh , Kumar Sanjeev , Singh Bikram , Mishra B. P. , Singh Barun , Singh Vikas
Published: April 2018

The survey was carried out during 2009-11 to collect the information of Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) utilized by the Adi tribes of East Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh. It was observeds that Adi tribes used to collect different NWFPs such as wild fruits (Artocarpus heterophyllum Lam., Castanopsis indica (Roxb. ex Lindl.) A. DC., Canarium strictum Roxb. etc.), vegetables (Bauhinia variegata L., Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp., Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw., Moringa oleifera Lam. etc.), spices (Cinnamomum tamala Nees & Eber.,Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume. and Piper longum L.), fibres (Calamus flagellum Griff. ex Mart., Dendrocalamus hemiltonii Nees et Arn. ex Munro, Pandanus nepaulensis H. St. John and Sterculia villosa Roxb.), floss (Bombax ceiba L.,), broom grass (Thysanolaena maxima (Roxb.) Ktze.), thatching material (Livistona jenkinsiana Griff.), various bamboo and cane species, and other miscellaneous products from the forests and community lands. NWFPs played a significant role in supporting the livelihood of Adi tribes as it has been observed that 32.50 %, 56.67 % and 10.83 % people were earning < Rs. 3000, Rs. 3000 - 6000 and > Rs. 6000, respectively from the sale of different NWFPs. Majority of respondents (80.83 %) were having the opinion that the availability of different NWFPs has declined considerably and maximum (85 %) respondents advocated that the availability of these products would further decrease in future also. Further, Adi tribal community is playing an important role in conservation of different NWFPs yielding species by domesticating them in their home gardens.
Soil quality indicators based recommendation to maximize sugarcane productivity in Theni district of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Jeevika K. , Saliha B. Bakiyathu , Vijayakumar M.
Published: April 2018

An assessment study was conducted in five sugarcane yielding blocks of theni district viz., Jeyamangalam, P.C.Patti, Chinnamanur, Andipatti and Usilampatti.The cane yielding zones of the district was classified into three categories viz., low yielding (less than 75 t ha-1), medium (75 to 100 t ha-1) and high yielding (more than 100 t ha-1). The key physico-chemical and biological indicators of soil were assessed in the surface (0-15 cm) and subsurface (15-30 cm) soils samples of each zone. The indicators assessed in the low cane yielding zone reflected slightly acidic pH (6.70), lower CEC (11.9 cmol (p+) kg-1) and low organic carbon (0.14 percent). The positive effects of soil physico - chemical and biological indicators on the sugarcane yield was well proved through the yield data of the high yielding zone. Almost 93 percent of the farms surveyed in the high yielding zone registered an average cane yield of 120 t ha-1. This may be attributed to a neutral pH of 7.21, non-saline soil with an average EC of 0.36 dSm-1, maximum organic carbon status (0.59 percent) and higher range of soil Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) (20 to 58.0 cmol (p+)kg-1) which resulted in maximum cane productivity. It was concluded that application of organic matter, amendments rich in calcium and magnesium in acidic soil and application of gypsum and other amendments rich in sulphur in alkali soils of low cane yielding zone can maximize productivity of sugarcane.
Growth and ectomycorrhization of banj oak plants co-inoculated with Scleroderma bovista and mycorrhizosphere bacteria
Authors: Yadav Anurag , Dubey R.C. , Yadav Kusum
Published: April 2018

Effect of composite treatment of ectomycorrhizal fungus (EMF), Scleroderma bovista, along with mycorrhizosphere bacterial inoculants was studied for nine months on Quercus leucotrichophora plants grown in nursery glasshouse. Seven treatments comprising of one uninoculated control; two bacterial controls, Bacillus subtilis MB14 and Pseudomonas fluorescens MB 9, respectively; EMF control, S. bovista; two combinations of two bacterial treatments with EMF and one triple treatment of two bacteria with EMF, were used in the study. The ninth month of sampling showed that triple treatment of two strains of bacteria with EMF maximally enhanced root length (38.86 cm), dry weight (6.746 g), short roots (351.6), lateral roots (24.8) and EMF colonization (34.8%) of banj oak plant, which was fairly higher than uninoculated and bacterial controls. Bacteria treated plants showed no plant growth enhancement, whereas EMF treatment fairly enhanced plant growth. The co-inoculation practice can help oak plant in achieving the mycorrhization rate even with lower EMF doses. These findings will be beneficial for achieving the effective banj oak replantation in the Himalayan region.
Disease and pest management in apple: Farmers' perception and adoption in J&K state
Authors: Beigh M. A. , Peer Quadri Javeed Ahmad , Kher S. K. , Ganai N. A.
Published: April 2018

Diseases and pests are one of the limiting factors for low productivity of the fruit crops in Kashmir valley, India. A study on management of resources with respect to disease and pest management of apple and extent of adoption of recommended plant protection technology was undertaken for increasing apple production in Kashmir valley of J and K State. District Baramulla was selected purposively on the basis of maximum area and production under apple crop. A sample size of 200 apple growers 50 each from 4 villages were selected randomly. The study revealed that the perception index regarding attributes of technology recommended in two diseases viz. San Jose Scale and Apple Scab was 68.88% and 80.76% in respect of profitability (83.97%), simplicity-complexity each 63.57% and 54.27 % for practicability attributes of technology. The data further showed that the farmers adoption level under Chemical control was high at silver tip to green tip stage (80%) and fruit let pea size stage (78%) and medium adoption was observed at pink bloom (bud) stage (74%), petal fall stage (74%) walnut size apple stage (70%) on Apple Scab similarly, the extent of adoption was low (45%) for mechanical and no chemical control measures under clean cultivation. In case of San Jose Scale the farmers adoption level regarding name of chemical, its dose, quantity of water required per acre for preparing spray solution and time of spray at late dormant spray, (feb, March) was high (80%). The findings will help to improve the level of farmers’ knowledge to increase apple production in Kashmir valley.
Evaluation of Ganoderma lucidum strains for the production of bioactive components and their potential use as antimicrobial agents
Authors: Kaur Harsimran , Sharma Shivani , Khanna P.K. , Kapoor Shammi
Published: April 2018

In the present study, mycelial biomass of Ganoderma lucidum strains was produced in mushroom complete media under optimized culture conditions of temperature, pH, agitation and the fruiting bodies were raised on wheat straw supplemented with 5 per cent rice bran. Maximum biomass (16.39 mg ml-1) was recorded in strain GL-3 and minimum (10.99 mg ml-1) was observed in strain GL-1 after 28 days of incubation period. Maximum biological efficiency of 13.1 per cent was obtained in 57 days in GL-2 strain. Moreover, weight of fruiting bodies was highest (91 g bag-1) in 5 per cent wheat bran supplemented bags in strain GL-2. Polysaccharides were extracted, characterized and analysed. The maximum yield of polysaccharides was obtained from fruiting bodies (30.06- 63.70%), followed by mycelial biomass (7.61- 21.32%) and culture filtrates (0.86- 2.86%). Non-reducing sugars were the main fraction of sugars which constituted 69.82- 70.39 per cent in fruiting body extracted polysaccharides, 62.08- 83.39 per cent in biomass and 59.75- 77.54 per cent in crude extracts. The extracts from fruiting bodies and biomass of G. lucidum strains also exhibited antibacterial effect against some pathogenic bacteria, Staphylococcus sp. and Enterobacter sp. The present study clearly indicated that variations existed among G. lucidum strains with respect to the production of bioactive molecules, yield and antimicrobial activity. Bioactive components from G. lucidum strains are promising antimicrobial agents that can be harnessed as potent antimicrobial toxicant.