bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic analysis for various yield components and gluten content in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Kumar Pradeep , Kerkhi S. A.
Published: April 2018

Genetic analysis was carried out in 55 genotypes (10 parents and 45 F1s) through diallel mating design excluding reciprocals in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Analysis of variance showed wide range of variability among the breeding material for all the traits under study. The highest value of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were recorded for grain yield (PCV= 9.07 and GCV= 8.08). Highest heritability with genetic advance was recorded for grain yield (h2=10.60 and GA=14.84), therefore selection will be effective based on grain yield for further study. Grains per spike (gr = 0.77 and pr = 0.67) and spikelets per spike (gr= 0.63 and pr = 0.52) were found significantly correlated (at <1 % level of significance) with grain yield whereas gluten content showed nonsignificant but positive correlation with grain yield at both genotypic as well as phenotypic level. Similarly, path coefficient analysis estimates for gluten content (g= 0.08 and p= 0.03) and grains per spike (g=0.36 and p=0.23) showed high positive direct effects on grain yield therefore these traits may be used as an index for selection to high yield in bread wheat genotypes.
Effect of sowing dates and varieties for higher productivity of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.)
Authors: Singh Abhinaw Kumar , Singh Hanumant , Rai O.P. , Singh Ghanshyam , Singh Ved Prakash , Singh Naveen Prakash , Singh Rajneesh
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, N.D. University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad during the Rabi season of 2011-12 to access the effect of sowing dates and varieties for higher productivity of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Treatments consisted of four dates of sowing viz. D1 (25th September), D2 (5th October), D3 (15th October) and D4 (25th October) was kept as main plot and five varieties viz.V1 (Rohini), V2 (Maya), V3 (Coral-437), V4 (Kranti) and V5 (PBR-357) was kept as sub plot replicated three under split plot design. Results revealed that all the growth, yield attributes and quality were increased significantly under 25th October sowing. The agronomical parameters like initial plant stand per running meter, plant height (cm), days taken to 50 % flowering, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation (g plant-1) and yield and yield attributes like number of siliquae plant-1, number of seed siliqua-1, length of siliqua (cm) and seed, stover yields (q ha-1) of mustard crop were significantly higher with variety Coral-437. The highest seed yield oil content % was computed under 25th October sowing with Coral-437 variety. 25th October sowing with Coral-437 variety proved the most remunerative and economically feasible for cultivation of Indian mustard under the agro climatic conditions of eastern U.P.
Virulence gene profile and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine mastitis in Kashmir, India
Authors: Nazir Nazima , Wani Shakil Ahmed , Nyrah Qazi , Farooq Shaheen , Hassan Mir Nadeem , Kashoo Zahid Amin
Published: April 2018

The Staphylococcus aureusis often responsible for a number of diseases in humans and animals, and it is considered as a main etiological agent of bovine mastitis. The pathogenicity of S. aureus is due to both its ability to resist antibiotics, and the production of toxins. This study investigated virulence genes, prevalence and antibiogram profile of S. aureus isolated from dairy cows suffering from mastitis in the Kashmir. A total of 70 S. aureus isolates were obtained from 250 mastitic milk samples collected from both organized (47/150) and unorganized (23/100) dairy farms. Five pathogenic factors including clfA, hld, seo, lukM, and coa and one resistance gene mecAgene were checked through PCR. Clumping factor gene (clfA) was found in most of the isolates with a percentage of 81.42 % whereas,hld, seo, lukM, and coa were present in 61.2, 54.28, 70, and 71 percent of isolates, respectively. However, amplification of coagene yielded DNA bands of two different sizes. A high percentage of antimicrobial resistance rates were observed, wherein, Ampicillin showed highest resistance with 85.7 %, followed by Kanamycin, Cefotaxime, Sulphadizine and Streptomicin showing 71.42 %, 54.28 %, 51.48 % and 42 %, respectively. A high frequency of Methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA 28.57 %) was observed in these isolates and all methicillin resistant isolates were found to be positive for mecA gene via PCR amplification. These results revealed that mastitis-associated S. aureus among bovines of Kashmir is able to accumulate different virulence factors and resistance to antimicrobials, making the treatment of infections difficult.
Evaluation of thermotolerant rhizobacteria for multiple plant growth promoting traits from pigeonpea rhizosphere
Authors: Kaur Gurmeet , Khanna Veena
Published: April 2018

PGPR strains exhibiting optimum functional traits at high temperature and are compatible with Rhizobium can be used in pigeonpea as biofertilizer. A total of 45 rhizobacterial isolates were isolated from 13 different locations of pigeonpearhizospheric soil of Punjab. Out of the 45 isolates, 5 isolates selected on the basis of maximum growth at 30°C and 40°C were morphologically and biochemically characterized, belonging to genera Pseudomonas (P-6, P-9) and Bacillus (P-30, P-31, P-32). Selected isolates were further evaluated for the production of IAA, GA, SA and flavonoids. IAA production was estimated in the range from 0.45-25.13 ?g/ml and 4.62-34.34 ?g/ml in the presence of tryptophan at 30 and 40°C respectively. Maximum gibberellic acid production was recorded with P-30 (108.99 ?g/ml and 112.12 ?g/ml) at 30 and 40°C respectively. Similarly maximum salicylic acid was also estimated with P-30 (157.2 ?g/ml) followed by P-31 (141.0 ?g/ml) at 40°C. All the isolates were also found to produce flavonoids ranged from 2.98 - 4.40 ?g/ml at 40 °C. Isolates P-30, P-31 showed superior production of growth hormones and flavonoid-like compounds can further be tested under the field conditions to enhance growth and yield of pigeonpea.
Mineralogy of soils of major geomorphic units of north-eastern Haryana, India
Authors: Dinesh Dinesh , Bhat Mohammad Amin , Grewal K. S. , Sheoran Hardeep Singh
Published: April 2018

The study was carried to determine the mineralogy of soils of different geomorphic units for providing the more detailed information needed to improve agricultural production in north-eastern part of Haryana. The soils of the study area were slightly acidic to strongly alkaline in reaction (6-9.4). The cation exchange capacity and electrical conductivity varied from 3.10-26.80 cmol (+) kg-1 and 0.16-1.20 dSm-1, respectively. In general, the soils were siliceous in nature with SiO2 ranging from 68.60 to 87.90 percent. The soil samples from surface and subsurface diagnostic horizons were studied through X-ray diffraction. In fine sand, quartz was the dominant mineral followed by feldspars, muscovite, hornblende, tourmaline, zircon, biotite, iron ores and sphene. In silt fraction, quartz was the dominant mineral followed by mica, feldspars, chlorite, kaolinite, interstratified and traces of smectite and vermiculite. Semi-quantitative estimation of clay fraction indicated that illite was the single dominant mineral in the clay fraction of these pedons, however, its quantity was less in alluvial plains (28-30 %) compared to Shiwalik hills (36-49 %). Next to illite, a high amount of smectite (14-20 %) and vermiculite (11-17 %) were observed in clays of alluvial plains of Ghaggar (recent and old) whereas in Shiwalik hills (top and valley) these minerals were detected in small amount (6-11 %). Fairly good amount of kaolinite (10-17 %) and small amount of chlorite (4-11 %) were uniformly distributed in soil clays irrespective of geomorphic units showing their detrital origin. Medium intensity broad peaks in higher range diffractograms (14-24 AËš) indicated the presence of regular and irregular interstratified minerals in old alluvial plains of Ghaggar.
Bioefficacy and dissipation of ?-cyfluthrin against white fly Bemisia tabaci Genn.) in okra (Abelomoschus esculentus L.)
Authors: Deepak S. , Reddy C. Narendra , Shashibhushan V.
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different insecticides viz., bifenthrin, flubendiamide, fipronil, quinalphos, pronofos and ?-cyfluthrin against white fly (Bemisia tabaci) of okra (Abelomoschus esculentus) by spraying twice. Among the insecticides evaluated, ? cyfluthrin at 18.75 g a.iha-1 was found to be the effective by registering 57.00 and 54.21 per cent reduction of whitefly (B. abaci) during first and second sprays, respectively. Further ?-cyfluthrin at 18.75 g a. i ha-1 was subjected to dissipation studies by collecting okra (A. esculentus) fruit samples at interval of zero, one, three, five, seven, 10 and 15 days after last spray. Results of the dissipation studies showed that the initial deposits of ?-cyfluthrin (18.75 g a.iha-1) in okra (A. esculentus) fruit sample was registered to be 0.11 mg kg-1 and dissipated to below detectable level (BDL) within five days after spray.
Piperine content variation in different Piper longum germplasms of North East India determined through RP-HPLC method
Authors: Khound A. , Barua P.C. , Saud B. , Saikia A. , Kumar S.
Published: April 2018

The present experiment was conducted at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat with ten accessions including check variety of Piper Longum germplasm collected from different states of North Eastern region during 2013-14 and 2014-15.The piperine, a major alkaloid used in different therapeutic treatment, per cent content was determined from dried plant materials. Deionised water was used throughout the experiment and the chromatographic separation was carried out in an isocratic elution mode on RP-18 column with 5?m particle size, 4.6mm internal diameter and 250mm length. The mobile phase was a mixture of methanol and water (80: 20). The solvent flow rate was 1.0 ml/minwith injection volume 20 µL. The photo diode array detector wavelength was set at 342 nm for the identification of piperine in all extracts. The per cent piperine content in extract was found to be 42.36 per cent in germplasm PLJ-30.The highest per cent piperine content in fruit was recorded in PLJ-11(7.85%) followed by germplasm PLJ-9 (7.64) and significantly superior over check variety“Viswam”(5.15%). The descending order of piperine content in fruits among germplasm was PLJ-11?PLJ-09?PLJ-30?PLJ-17? PLJ-03? PLJ-19? check variety?PLJ-01? PLJ-20 and PLJ-16. It can be revealed from the present experiment that piper germplasm with high piperine content has a great scope for commercial cultivation as alkaloid piperine has high demand in pharmaceutical use.
Component traits influencing seed yield in recombinant inbred lines of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)
Authors: Kumar Alok , Gill R. K. , Singh Sarvjeet
Published: April 2018

One hundred and thirty five RILs (Recombinant Inbred Lines) developed from a cross between an indigenous and exotic line of lentil (Lens culinarisMedik.)were evaluated for seed yield and component traits during rabi 2012-13 and 2013-14. Pooled analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the RILsfor all the traits studied. This suggested that there was ample scope for selection of promising RILs for yield improvement in lentil. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were high for pods per plant(32.49% and 26.75%) followed by biological yield per plot(24.38% and 21.28%). Genetic advance was highest for 100-seed weight(47.75%)followed by pods per plant(45.39%). Estimation of phenotypic correlation coefficients indicated that seed yield per plot expressed highly significant and positive correlation with biological yield per plot(0.634), harvest index(0.300) and seeds per pod(0.156). Path coefficient analysis revealed that the traits; biological yield per plot , harvest index, number of pods per plant, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity , plant height and primary branches per plant had positive direct effect on seed yield per plot. The selection of these traits would be helpful for further yield improvement in lentil.
Comparative analysis of life tables of Bactrocera tau (Diptera: Tephritidae) collected from different geographical regions of North India
Authors: Thakur Priyanka , Sharma K.C. , Bakshi Deepali
Published: April 2018

The tomato fruitfly, Bactrocera tau (Walker) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the most important pests of the family Cucurbitaceae. Toinvestigate local adaptation, we measured the variations in life-histories and life-table parameters among populations from five different geographical regions of North India, Ludhiana (262 mt amsl), Solan (1,502 mt amsl), Hisar (215 mt amsl), Pantnagar (344 mt amsl) and Jaach (733 mt amsl). The principal components analysis showed the life-history and life-table parameters of B. tau differed among the five geographical populations. The highest fecundity of 233.20 eggs/female was recorded in the Jaach population and was statistically at par with Hisar (209.21 eggs/female) followed by Solan (202.60 eggs/female), Pantnagar (178.60 eggs/female) and Ludhiana population (105.88 eggs/female). The total developmental period among the five populations of B. tau was the longest for the Pantnagar population (16.20 days) followed by Solan (13.90 days), Hisar (12.60 days), Ludhiana (12.30 days) and Jaach (11.60 days). The true intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) was 0.120, 0.138, 0.140, 0.116 and 0.153 for the respective geographical regions while the finite rate of increase (?) was 1.13, 1.15, 1.15, 1.12 and 1.16, thus indicating that the fruit fly from Jaach location is more reproductive than the other five geographical regions of North India. Since the study will be useful in knowing the multiplication rate of fruit fly in specific area, accordingly the management practices for this species can be formulated on the bases of these studies. The results thus indicated the geographical variations among different populations of B. tau.
Development of fragrant microcapsules for woven cotton fabric
Authors: Kumari Poonam , Rose Neelam M , Singh Saroj S. Jeet
Published: April 2018

A consumer-oriented twenty first century challenges garment and fabric producers to come up with innovations which result from the technological advancements to not only help in strengthening the existing product line but also to diversify and flourish in new areas. Many fragrant fabrics have been developed nowadays due to the reason of enjoying a healthy life style, and these novel products often possess additional functionalities which are good for human health. Not only does plant essential oil give off a pleasant smell but also the functions of antiseptic, antiphlogistic and emotional calming. In the present study, microencapsulation of geranium oil was carried out on cotton woven fabric. Geranium oil was selected as the core material and gum acacia as wall material for encapsulation using complex coacervation technique and ratio of 1:4:4 of oil, gum and gelatin, at a temperature of 50°C with initial and final pH 4.5 and 9.0 respectively was optimized for microencapsulation process. Microencapsulation helped in controlling the release rate of aroma and imparted durable fragrance finish on textiles
Genetic divergence in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)
Authors: Yadav Neha , Dhankhar S. K. , Chandanshive Aniket V. , Kumar Vikash
Published: April 2018

A study of genetic divergence in 40 brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes for various characters to study the diversity based on qualitative and quantitative characters. Significant variations were observed among the brinjal lines for all the parameters under study. Based on D2 values, the accessions were grouped into seven clusters. Average intra- and inter-cluster D2 values among 40 genotypes revealed that cluster II showed a minimum intra-cluster value of 3.793, indicating that the genotypes within this cluster were similar, while the cluster I showed maximum intra-cluster D2 value (4.681) revealing the existence of diverse genotypes in these clusters. The inter-cluster D2 values ranged from 4.657 to 7.174. The minimum inter-cluster D2 value was observed between cluster III and IV (4.657), indicating the close relationship among the genotypes included in these clusters. The maximum inter-cluster value was observed between cluster V and II (7.174), indicating that the genotypes included in these clusters had maximum divergence. Hence, hybridization between the genotypes included in these different clusters may give high heterotic responses and thus better segrigants are greatly suggested for selection and improvement of brinjal crop with good consumer preference and high fruit yield.
Estimation of yield and grain qualities of marker assisted backcross derived lines of submergence rice against sheath blight disease
Authors: Ghritlahre S. K. , Rao Mahesh , Pavani S. L. , Singh Vineeta , Singh U. S. , Sandhya Sandhya , Singh P. K.
Published: April 2018

Sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani is one of the most devastating diseases of rice (Oryza sativa) and causes enormous yield losses over the world after blast, the disease can cause yield loss upto 50 per cent in advanced stage and adversely affects quality of straw. Breeding for resistant varieties is the only viable option to combat the disease efficiently. In this study, our findings showed a significant increase in number of spikelet’s per panicle (3.45 %), test weight (0.62 %) and grain yield (0.72 %) compared to recurrent parent Swarna sub-1. The range of mean performance of 18 BC2F1 selected improved lines varied for per cent disease severity from 26.75 to 43.58 at 16 days after inoculation. Among the 18 improved lines, only four lines (Swarna sub-1-6, Swarna sub-1-32, Swarna sub-1-13 and Swarna sub-1-29) showed resistance score of 1-3. The remaining fourteen lines showed moderate resistance with a score of 3-5. Hence, the resistance line could be exploited in sheath blight resistance breeding programme and the same line can also be released as a variety against sheath blight of rice after testing over multilocation trails.
Creating variability through interspecific hybridization and its utilization for genetic improvement in mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]
Authors: Kaur Simranjeet , Bains T. S. , Singh Pritpal
Published: April 2018

Interspecific hybridization is important for genetic enhancement of crop plants. The present study was conducted to study genetic variation in advanced interspecific lines of mungbean for yield and its component traits, to determine the association among different traits and their contribution towards seed yield through correlation and path coefficient analysis. A set of 64 genotypes including 51 advanced interspecific lines derived from mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) × urdbean (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) and mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) × ricebean (Vignaumbellata Thumb.) crosses and 13 parents (mungbean, urdbean and ricebean) was the experimental material for this study. The mean sums of squares for genotypes were highly significant for all the traits. Mean sum of squares for replications were also highly significant for all traits except days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity and harvest index at 1 % and 5 % level of significance. This indicated substantial magnitude of diversity and variability in the interspecific lines and parents under study, which could be further exploited. High to moderate PCV and GCV along with high heritability and genetic advance was observed for biological yield per plant, seed yield per plant and plant height, indicating that these traits could be easy targets for phenotypic selection and consequently, may be improved genetically via simple plant selection methods. On the basis of correlation studies, it could be concluded that all the traits under investigation except number of seeds per pod and harvest index were important for selection for yield improvement. Path analysis further revealed that harvest index could also be one of the criteria of selection for higher yield in these interspecific lines.
Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) genetic resources for climate change intervention and its future breeding
Authors: Kaur Vikender , Yadav Rashmi , Wankhede D.P.
Published: April 2018

Linseed or flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), a multiple purpose crop valued for its seed oil, fibre, probiotic and nutraceutical properties, is adapted to different environments and agro-ecologies. Modern breeding techniques using only limited number of selected varieties have resulted in a loss of specific alleles and thus, reduction in total genetic diversity relevant to climate-smart agriculture. However, well-curated collections of landraces, wild linseed accessions and other Linum species exist in the gene banks and are important sources of new alleles. This review is primarily focused on the studies of genetic diversity of linseed species and evaluation related to tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress factors that could be useful for improving linseed through future promising breeding programs in addition to briefly discussing different morphotypes and nutraceutical importance. Wide diversity in linseed germplasm indicates a considerable potential for improving this crop for both agronomic and quality traits required for developing climate-resilience tailored to specific environments. Recent release of the flax genome sequence coupled with wide range of genomic and analytical tools in public domain has furthered understanding of molecular mechanisms for detailed study of the genes underlying flax adaptation to stress and diversity in commercially important accessions. Important climate related traits and their constituent genes are presented and key developments for the future highlighted emphasizing the urgent need to increase the use of genetically diverse germplasm to meet the emerging challenges in agricultural production and to conserve valuable genetic resources for the future.
Nitrogen release kinetics of organic nutrient sources in two benchmark soils of Indo-Gangetic plains
Authors: Mavi Manpreet S. , Sekhon B. S. , Singh Jagdeep , Choudhary O. P.
Published: April 2018

An understanding of the mineralization process of organic amendments in soil is required to synchronize N release with crop demand and protect the environment from excess N accumulation. Therefore, we conducted a laboratory incubation experiment to assess nitrogen mineralization potential of crop residues (rice and wheat straw) and organic manures (poultry manure, farmyard manure, cowpea and sesbania) in two benchmark soils (Typic Haplustept and Typic Ustifluvents) of semi-arid region of Punjab, India, varying in textureat field capacity moisture level at a constant temperature of 331°C. Mineralization was faster during first 7 days of incubation in Typic Haplustept and upto 14 days in Typic Ustifluvents which subsequently declined over time. In both soils, net N mineralization continued to increase with increasing period of incubation (expect with crop residues) and was significantly higher in Typic Ustifluvents (54-231µg g-1) than Typic Haplustept (33-203 µg g-1). Compared to unamended soils, percent N mineralized was highest is sesbania (35-40 %) followed by cowpea (32-37 %) and least in wheat (10-11 %) after 42 days of incubation. Thus, sesbania and cowpea may preferably be used to meetthe large N demand during early period of plant growth. Further, mineralization rate constants (k) also indicated that availability of mineral N was significantly higher with application of organic amendments than unamended control treatments in both soils. Therefore, it may be concluded that considerable economy in the use of inorganic N fertilizer can be employed if N mineralization potential of organic inputs is taken into consideration.
Determination of heavy metal pollution index of ground water of village Wallipur in Ludhiana district
Authors: Chetan Singla , Satpute Sanjay T. , Sunil Garg
Published: April 2018

The objective of the study was to reveal the seasonal variations in the groundwater quality with respect to heavy metals contamination near Buddha Nullah in Ludhiana district. To get the extent of trace metals contamination, groundwater samples from tube wells were randomly collected from 16 different points on both sides along the course of Buddha Nullah from areas of Bhamian Kalan, Khasi Kalan and Wallipur Kalan villages of Ludhiana district during first fortnight of June (Pre-monsoon), first fortnight of November (Post-monsoon) and first fortnight of January (Winter season) during the year 2013-14. The concentrations of toxic and heavy metals such as metalloids B, As, Pb; alkaline earth metals Mg, Ca; alkali metals Na, K; transition metals Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd and nonmetal S were determined. The heavy metal pollution index (HPI) was calculated. Most of the parameters were found within permissible limit of BIS, 2004. The average values of concentration of Ca, Cr, Mn, As and Pb for pre-monsoon season was higher than average concentration of post-monsoon and winter season. Overall HPI calculated based on the mean concentration of the heavy metals was found to be 18.11, 15.32 and 16.10 for pre-monsoon, post-monsoon and winter season, respectively, which was below the critical pollution index value of 100. The study recommended proper treatment to the sewage water which is being discharged into the Buddha Nullah.
Effect of planting geometry and training on growth and seed yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Ansari Gulshan , Lal Manohar , Kanwar H. S. , Kanwar Rajesh , Verma Rohit
Published: April 2018

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of planting geometry and training on growth and seed yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) using cultivar Solan Lalima during Kharif 2013 at Experimental Farm of Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.). The treatments comprised of four training levels i.e. Y1 (single stem), Y2 (double stem), Y3 (unpruned with horizontal string) and Y4 (unpruned bush stakes (control)) and eight plant densities viz. S1 (60×15 cm), S2 (60+30×15 cm), S3 (60×30 cm), S4 (60+30×30 cm), S5 (90×15 cm), S6 (90+30×15 cm), S7 (90×30 cm) and S8 (90+30×30 cm). Analysis of variance showed that the treatment combination Y1S7 (single stem and plant spaced at 90×30 cm) resulted in maximum ripe fruit length and width (5.86 cm and 5.06 cm, respectively), maximum number of seeds/fruit (110.67), minimum days to ripe fruit harvest (71.00) and maximum harvest duration (59.84 days) but gave the low seed yield. The combination Y2S5 (double stem and 90×15 cm) resulted highest seed yield i.e. 519.71 kg per hectare. Therefore, planting density S5 (90x15 cm) in combination with training system Y2 (double stem) may be recommended for commercial seed production of tomato.
Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi inoculation on enzymatic activity and zinc uptake under direct seeded rice system
Authors: Kumar Ranjeet , Singh Mahendra
Published: April 2018

The application of treatment T3 (Glomus mosseae + 100 % RDF NK) produced significantly more root volume by 72.60 %, 17.80 %, 12.25 %, 14.13 % over the application of treatment T1 (Control), treatment T5 (Glomus coronatum+ 100 % RDF NK), T6 (Gigasporadecipein + 100 % RDF NK) and T7 (BAU AM-1(Glomus sp + 100 % RDF NK), respectively. Similar trend shows at harvesting stage, here the maximum root volume (23c.c) was recorded by the application of T3 (Glomus mosseae + 100 % RDF NK). Maximum AM colonization and spore count was observed at panicle initiation stage with the application of treatment T3 (Glomus mosseae + 100 % RDF NK). This treatment also gave maximum dehydrogenase activity (55.86 µg TPF g-1 24 hr-1), acid phosphatase activity (0.299 mg PNP g-1 hr-1) and alkaline phosphatase activity (0.54 mg PNP g-1 hr-1) at panicle initiation stage. Application of treatment T3 (Glomus mosseae + 100 % RDF NK) significantly increased DTPA extractable Zn in soil and Zn content in plant when compared with all the treatments except treatment T6 (Gigasporadecipien+ 100 % RDF NK). The maximum zinc uptake (0.056 mg pot-1) by grain was recorded under treatment T3 (Glomus mosseae + 100 % RDF NK) followed by application of treatment T6 (Gigasporadecipien + 100 % N and K). Highest grain yield (14.08 g pot-1) was found with the treatment T3 (Glomus mosseae + 100 % RDF NK). As evident from the results, the AM fungal inoculation can effectively modify the soil microbe population and community structure by increasing the soil enzymatic activities and significantly increased the zinc uptake by grain in direct seeded rice (DSR).
Influence of rice varieties and fertility levels on performance of rice and soil nutrient status under aerobic conditions
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Kour Sarabdeep , Gupta Meenakshi , Kachroo Dileep , Singh Hari
Published: April 2018

Scarcity of water resources in India is limiting the production of flooded rice crop. A field experiment was conducted in factorial RBD with sixteen treatment combinations including four rice varieties viz. V1: PR-115, V2: DRRH-3, V3: PAC-837 and V3: PR-121 and four fertility levels viz. F1: control (N0P0K0), F2: N, P2O5, K2O at 90: 45: 22.5 kg ha-1, F3: N, P2O5, K2O at 120:60:30 kg ha-1 and F4: N, P2O5, K2O at 150: 75: 37.5 kg ha-1 replicated thrice. The results revealed that among the different varieties, PAC-837 recorded highest plant height and number of tillers m-2 at all the growth stages. All yield attributes viz. number of effective tillers m-2, number of seeds per panicle, 1000-grain weight, spikelet sterility and grain yield, straw yield and harvest index significantly differed in different varieties and were recorded highest in PAC-837 which were however, statistically at par with DRRH-3 except grain yield and effective tillers m-2. Rice variety PAC-837 recorded highest grain yield of 45.65 q ha-1 and straw yield of 59.98 q ha-1. Among the fertility levels, number of effective tillers m-2 significantly increased up to 120: 60: 30 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1 thereafter nonsignificant differences were noticed. The grain and straw yield increased up to 150: 75: 37.5 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1 and recoded grain yield of 52.78 q ha-1 and straw yield of 73.85 q ha-1 with application of 150:75:37.5 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1. Nutrient application of 150: 75: 37.5 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1 recorded highest available N (238.16 kg ha-1), P (16.18 kg ha-1) and K (163.25 kg ha-1) in soil after harvest of the crop. Higher available nitrogen (235.28 kg ha-1), phosphorus (16.38 kg ha-1) and potassium (154.24 kg ha-1) n soil were recorded with PR-121 and lowest available major nutrients were recorded with variety PAC-837. This study would help to introduction and adaptation of new rice variety PAC-837 with application of 150: 75: 37.5 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1 under aerobic conditions in Shiwalik foothills region of North-Western Himalayas.
Response of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to fertigation by irrigation scheduling in drip irrigation system
Authors: Ankush Ankush , Singh Vikram , Sharma S. K.
Published: April 2018

Drip irrigation technique has proved its superiority over other methods of irrigation due to direct application of water and nutrient in the vicinity of root zone. A field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of irrigation and fertigation scheduling through drip irrigation in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) during Rabi season of 2015-16 at Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur. There were three irrigation levels and five fertilization levels in split-plot design with three replications. Nutrient content in plant and fruit was found higher under the application of drip irrigation at 100 % PE (I1) and at 100 % RDF through fertigation (F1). Maximum nutrient uptake by tomato i.e. nitrogen (166.83 kg ha-1), phosphorus (41.59 kg ha-1) and potassium (183.08 kg ha-1) was recorded with treatment combination of drip irrigation at 75 % PE (I2) + 75 % RDF through fertigation + 2 foliar spray of 1 % urea phosphate (F3). Similarly, significantly maximum yield and growth attributes i.e. fruit yield (201.25 q ha-1), plant height (67.43 cm) and number of branches (12.33) were registered with treatment combination of drip irrigation at 75 % PE and 75 % RDF through fertigation + 2 foliar spray of 1 % urea phosphate. Drip fertigation method has proved to be very significant in improving nutrient uptake which finally resulting in enhancement of growth and yield of tomato crop.
Variation in physico-chemical properties of soil under different agri-horti system in Vindhyan region
Authors: Ekka Akankasha Ankita , Kumar Dileep , Singh Anand Prakash , Singh Awtar
Published: April 2018

Adoption of unsuitable production system may lead to deterioration of soil physico-chemical properties. Hence, it becomes important to assess the impact of various production systems. For this purpose, a study was carried out to find out variation in physico-chemical properties of soil in agri-horti system based four orchards of Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University, Mirzapur, India. Soil samples were collected from the orchards of custard apple (Annona reticulate), guava (Psidium guajava), bael (Aegle marmelos) and crane berry (Carissa carandas) from two depths (0-15 and 15-30 cm) separately within canopy and out of canopy of different plants. The results of the study revealed that all the agri-horti systems were effective in bringing gradual improvement in the physico-chemical properties of the soil. Among different orchards tried, the custard apple system resulted in the highest improvement in temperature (27.16 oC), moisture (24.53 %) and water-holding capacity (41.80 %), whereas crane berry based system recorded better result in case of bulk density, porosity, electrical conductivity, pH, organic carbon, available N (187.55 kg ha-1) and K (193.46 kg ha-1). Custard apple based system recorded highest DTPA extractable micronutrients (Zn 0.54, Fe 17.23, Cu 0.88 and Mn14.72 mg ka-1).
Combining ability analysis and gene action of grain quality traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.) using line × tester analysis
Authors: Santha S. , Vaithilingam R. , Karthikeyan A. , Jayaraj T.
Published: April 2018

In rice, twelve lines were crossed with five testers in a line × tester mating design and the resultant 60 hybrids along with their parents were evaluated for their combining ability effects for 15 grain quality traits. The results revealed that the ratio of GCA: SCA variances computed for all the fifteen grain quality traits showed the predominance of non-additive gene action. Among the lines, ADT (R) 47 showed significant desirable gca effects at 1% probability level (p = 0.01) for 11 grain quality traits viz., hulling percentage, milling percentage, head rice recovery percentage, kernel breadth, kernel breadth after cooking, breadth wise expansion ratio, gelatinization temperature, amylose content, gel consistency, water uptake and volume expansion ratio. Among the testers, Pusa 1460 showed significant desirable gca effects at 1% probability level (p = 0.01) for 10 grain quality traits viz., kernel length, kernel breadth, kernel length/breadth ratio, kernel length after cooking, kernel breadth after cooking, linear elongation ratio, gelatinization temperature, amylose content, water uptake and volume expansion ratio and hence they were adjudged as the best combiners for the improvement of the respective traits. Among the hybrids, the hybrids CO 47/Imp., Samba Mahsuri, ADT (R) 47/IRBB 21 and ADT (R) 46/IRBB 21 were identified as best hybrids for exploitation of grain quality traits since they revealed significant sca effects at 1% probability level (p = 0.01) for eight, eight and five grain quality traits, respectively.
Participatory rural appraisal and farmers’ perception about common bean varieties in temperate Kashmir
Authors: Sheikh Fayaz A. , Sofi Parvez A. , Khan M. Nisar , Sofi Najeeb. R. , Wani Shabir H. , Bhat M. A.
Published: April 2018

Present investigation was undertaken during 2012 to 2014 in which 54 genotypes, both pole and bush type of Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) were selected among a number of germplasm lines, land races and research material in order to generate information on the farmer’s’ perception about the Common bean varieties. Participatory rural appraisal was conducted in 32 villages of Kashmir through a broad questionnaires comprising of questions pertaining to the socio-economic conditions, farming systems, production constraints and varietal preferences of the common bean. The Participatory Rural Appraisal results revealed that common bean is generally grown as a rainfed crop (70 %) and is intercropped with maize/ potato/vegetable and merely as sole crop (20.66 %). Low yielding varieties and diseases (68.27 %) are considered as major challenges in the success of common bean crop, while as red colour with kidney shaped types (50 %) are highly being preferred as a pulse crop. The exercise of Participatory Rural Appraisal was carried out to generate basic information by assessing the need based constraints and devise the target breeding approach, by taking into consideration all constraints and also devise future breeding programme. A successful PRA provides the information needed to specify the characteristic in a new variety regarding its physical environment and the existing varietal diversity. For a breeding program, well applied Participatory Rural Appraisal techniques or customer profiling results in better client orientation and makes possible efficient goal setting or product design. Successful PRA provides everything that could be included in the full design specification of a new crop variety.
Assessment of change in cervical and shoulder posture due to carriage of different weight of backpack
Authors: Malik Manisha , Vinay Deepa , Pandey Kumkum
Published: April 2018

Present experimental research was planned to measure the percentage change in angle of cervical and shoulder posture of students due to carriage of different weights of backpack. For the above purpose total 30 students (15 boys and 15 girls) from the CBSE affiliated school of Meerut were selected by using the random and purposive sampling method. All the students were from the 7th class and belonged to the age group of 10-13 years. To measure the percentage change in cervical and spinal angle in terms of extension, flexion and range of motion (ROM), six experimental conditions were planned. These experimental conditions were as (1) change in cervical and spinal region in unloaded state without backpack, (2) with backpack on right shoulder, (3) with backpack on the both shoulder, (4) with backpack of 10 % reference body weight, (5) with backpack of 15 % reference body weight and (6) with backpack of 20 % reference body weight. These experiments were conducted by using by using inclinometer (Dualar IQ). Furthermore results were analyzed by using the mean, standard deviation (SD), range and ANOVA test.In result, it was found that the value of cervical and spinal region angles in static condition was increased with increase in weight of back pack i.e. 10 %, 15 % and 20 % of reference body weight in the girls and boys. Whereas, the angle of deviation of spinal and cervical region especially flexion and extension of boys and girls in dynamic condition was found to be decreasing with increase in 10 %, 15 % and 20 % body weight of backpack. Based on current study results, a schoolbag should not be more than 5% or body weight among the girl students and 10 % of body weight among boy students. Otherwise, it will be a risk factor for postural problems either immediately or during adulthood that needs to be cured urgently.
Dyeing of cotton yarn with marigold (Tagetes erecta) petals: An emphasis on pre-treatments and mordants
Authors: Vastrad Jyoti V. , Walmiki Leela N. , Goudar Giridhar
Published: April 2018

Natural dyes and eco-friendly finishing of textile fabrics is gaining popularity because of the consciousness of people in saving the ecology. Widely available resources in India have encouraged researchers in experimenting on extraction and application of dyes for textile colouration. The aim of the present experiment was to standardize a protocol for optimization of pre-treatment, mordanting and dyeing of cotton yarn with African marigold flower petals. Myrobolan, pomegranate rind and tamarind hull were utilized in different concentrations for pre-treatment. Effect of different mordants and pre-treatment concentrations on colour strength (K/S, L, a* and b*) parameters of the cotton yarn is was studied. Optimised pre-treatment concentrations, mordants and dyeing techniques on colour fastness parameters are also presented. Myrobolan followed by pomegranate rind pre-treatment produced darker and even shades on cotton yarns. Metallic salts viz., Stannous Chloride, Copper Sulphate and Ferrous Sulphate proved to produce shades with good to excellent colour fastness properties.
An improved foolproof device for eggs’ sterilization of Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton)
Authors: Singh Surender Kumar , Kumar P.
Published: April 2018

Mass rearing of numerous biological control agents depends on large amounts of eggs of factitious hosts like rice meal moth, Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) (Lepidoptera : Pyralidae). Corcyra eggs sterilization is required before they are used for parasitisation by Trichogrammatids. To meet the requirement of eggs sterilization of this insect, a new innovative device was invented, fabricated and studied. It consisted of an enclosed structure having semi-circular shaped drawer. An ultra violet (UV) tube of 30 W is fixed on the centre of its ceiling to maintain a uniform distance of 35 cm from the eggs to be sterilized. An exposure of 10 minutes to eggs of C. cephalonica was required to get optimum sterilization. As whole body of the device was an enclosed structure, hence, there was no exposure of UV rays to the laboratory workers. The different sized-models (150,100, 50 of “egg cards” required for Trichogrammatids) can be fabricated to meet the diverse requirements. Irradiated eggs were found having no any adverse effects on the abilities of Trichogrammatids parasitisation and its emergence. It can also used for UV sterilization of laboratory materials like glassware, plastic ware, clothes, cotton etc. The period of exposure to the UV light was set using timer. This innovative UV chamber had numerous advantages i.e., the UV rays used had damaged the host embryo. The damaged embryo could not develop into next stage, at the same time damaged embryo found suitable for parasitization of Trichogrammatids. The whole body of the device was made-up of an enclosed struc-ture; hence, there was no exposure of UV rays to the laboratory workers. The different sized-models (150,100, 50 of “egg cards” required for Trichogrammatids) can be fabricated to meet the diverse requirements of clients. As the UV chamber was made up of metal and ply boards, hence, it was durable. The longitudinal flanges provided in the drawer of the device prevented the host egg bearing cards to glide one over other from curved surface. The device was found safe and effective for sterilization of Corcyra eggs and easy to operate.
Screening a set of tomato parental lines and their hybrids for resistance to early blight (Alternaria solani) by detached leaf method
Authors: M. V Bharathkumar , A. T Sadashiva , M. Anjanappa , Amarananjundeshwara Amarananjundeshwara
Published: April 2018

Nine parental lines and 18 hybrids derived by crossing them in Line × Tester fashion were screened against the early blight pathogen Alternaria solani along with a resistant, susceptible and a commercial check in the form of Arka Rakshak, IIHR2202 and Abhinava respectively. Parental lines and the resistant and susceptible checks were screened over two seasons and results obtained were almost similar with the line IIHR1816 exhibiting resistance with the disease severity of 25 % in both the trials, while the line IIHR977 was found to be resistant in the first season with PDI of 25 % and moderately resistant in the second season with the slightest increase in the disease severity up to 25.6 %. None of the hybrids were found to be resistant except, whereas about eight hybrids were found to be moderately resistant. IIHR2892 x IIHR2853 was found to be highly susceptible with severity of 68.75 %, which is on par with the susceptible check IIHR2202 (70.50 %). The results obtained from the detached leaf method of screening should be confirmed by the field or greenhouse screening methods before using them in further breeding programmes.
Variance components of combining ability for different morpho-physiological traits for heat tolerance in bread wheat
Authors: Kumar Amarjeet , Swati Swati , Singh N. K. , Prasad Birendra , Kumar Anil
Published: April 2018

To estimate the level of heat tolerance for different genotypes of bread wheat with respect to morphological characters under studied grains/ spike, grain weight/spike, grain filling duration (duration between the anthesis stage and the physiological maturity), 1000-kernel weight and grain yield/plant for yield. Physiological traits like relative injury (RI %), chlorophyll content, canopy temperature depression (CTD), were used in present investigation to contribute toward capability of plants to tolerate heat stress of the yield contributing traits during heat stress.The findings of present investigation had clearly explained that influences of environments on morpho physiological characters i.e. grain yield per plant (14886.15) and its attributing traits i.e. spike length (459.7), tillers per plant (622.34), spikelets per spike (278.1), 1000 kernel weight (13262.39), grain weight per spike (177.89) and number of grains per spike (2898.44) in wheat were highly significant and positive. Among the parent and their crosses had handsome amount of variations across the environment. The results of interaction for environments with parents, lines, testers and their crosses with respect to morpho physiological characters in wheat was found significant for some characters while variation was absent for other characters studied. Physiological traits like relative injury per cent, chlorophyll content and CTD were vital parameters to quantify the degree of heat stress to develop tolerant genotypes which is urgent and present need under changing climate scenario.
Effect of bending of shoots on flowering, yield and quality of guava cv. Khaja
Authors: Nandi P. , Roy D. , Ghosh B. , Kundu S.
Published: April 2018

The study of the effect of bending of shoots in different months in guava cv. Khaja was carried out at

Horticulture Research Station, Mondouri of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya to find out suitable bending time for improving flowering, yield and quality of guava. The experiment consists of seven treatments with three replications in a randomised block design. The different treatments were bending in October (T1), November (T2), March (T3), April (T4), May (T5), June (T6) and untreated control (T7). Bending in June (T6) resulted early emergency of new shootlet (15.0 days), flower initiation (40.33 days) and fruit set (48.33 days) from the date of bending as well as the same treatment showed maximum fruit weight (197.67 gm), fruit length (8.00 cm), fruit diameter (7.16 cm) and pulp thickness (2.20 cm). Higher fruit quality in terms of total soluble solids (11.04 0brix), total sugar (7.0 %) and ascorbic acid content (197.96 mg/100g pulp) was noted when bending was done in May (T5) and June (T6). Bending in the month of October (T1) resulted in maximum C: N ratio of leaf with maximum flowering shootlets in a branch and yield (63.67 kg/plant). So, time of bending may be standardized in the month of October or June for higher profit.