bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Alternaria solani (Early blight) on cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in North-eastern region of India and identification of early blight disease resistant tomato genotypes
Authors: Meitei Khaidem Malemnganba , Bora G.C. , Singh Senjam Jinus , Sinha Anjan Kumar
Published: April 2018

The present investigation was carried out to screen genotypes for resistance to Early blight disease of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) of North Eastern region of India. Field trial was conducted in the Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during the years 2012-13 and 2013-14 consecutively. The disease severity of tomato genotypes was assessed by 0-5 points scale, percent Disease Incidence (PDI). Of the total materials screened, Sel-35 (TLBRH-6 X Konbilahi) and Sel-19 (TLBRH-6 X Konbilahi) were highly resistant, 7 were resistant, 14 were moderately resistant, 16 were susceptible and 6 were highly susceptible under field condition after inoculation during both years. The genotype having high yield and resistant to early blight was 10/TOLCVRES-3. The genotypes resistant to early blight but having low yield (Sel-35, Sel-19, Sel-9 and Sel-16) may be utilized in future breeding programme for improving yield through selection for higher fruit weight and fruit diameter. Alternatively, they may be used as parents in hybridization or backcrossing programme in order to transfer the gene for resistance to early blight to already adapted high yield varieties.
Tree species diversity, distribution and population structure in a tropical dry deciduous forests of Chhatisgarh, India
Authors: Lal Chaman , Singh Lalji , Attri Varun , Sarvade S.
Published: April 2018

Tree species diversity, distribution and population structure of tropical forests of Bharnawapara wildlife sanctuary was investigated. The study analyzed the structure of a tropical dry deciduous forest in Chhatisgarh at different sites i.e. closed natural forest, open natural forest and plantation forests of teak. The study was conducted by laying 30 quadrats, each 10 m × 10 m in size at different sites. In total, 246 trees belonging to 28 species of 17 families were recorded from 0.3 ha sampling area. Density ranged between 520 to 990 trees ha-1 subsequently, basal area ranged between 21.50 to 47.30 m2 ha-1. The dominant tree species was Cleistanthus collinus with an importance value index (IVI) of 57.70. Other important species were Terminalia tometosa (IVI 47.10), Lagerstroemia parviflora (36.92), Diospyros melanoxylon (28.42) and Madhuca indica(26.03). The Shannon-Wiener index (H?) ranged between 0.19 to 3.35 and Simpson’s index (C) between 0.12 to 0.95 indicating high tree species diversity of tropical dry deciduous forests. It is evident from the study that natural forest has an edge over plantation forest in terms of species diversity, dominance and richness. Tree species diversity, distribution and population structure provide baseline information for conservation and management of tropical dry deciduous forests in India. Efforts are needed to conserve the natural forest for their diversity and existence. They can also be supplemented with plantation forests to lower the biotic pressure.
Field dissipation of pendimethalin and alachlor in sandy clay loam soil and its terminal residues in sunflower (Helianthus annus L.)
Authors: Janaki P. , Chinnusamy C. , Sakthivel N. , Nithya C.
Published: April 2018

Field experiments were conducted with sunflower as a test crop during 2010-11 to study the dissipation kinetics and the persistence of pendimethalin and alachlor in sandy clay loam soil and its terminal residues in sunflower. Herbicides were applied at recommended and double the recommended dose along with control and the treatments were replicated thrice in randomized block design. The soil and plant samples collected at periodical intervals for herbicides residue determination using GC equipped with ECD detector. Results shows that the degradation of both the herbicides in soil was faster at higher dose of application than at the lower dose and the concentration decreased with the advancement in crop growth. While pendimethalin persisted in soil for 60 – 90 days, the alachlor persisted in soil for 30 - 45 days depending on the quantity of application. Degradation of both the herbicides in soil followed first order kinetics with the mean half life of 14.6 and 9.8 days respectively for pendimethalin and alachlor. Residues of these herbicides were below 0.001 mg/kg at the time of harvest in soil, sunflower seeds and stalks showed that these herbicides a can be safely used for the control of weeds in sunflower cultivation.
Effect of planting dates and varieties on growth, fruit yield and quality of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Koner Sagar , Chatterjee Ranjit , Datta Suchand
Published: April 2018

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is highly sensitive to temperature variation and high temperature promotes flower drops and reduce fruit yield. An experiment was undertaken to identify suitable planting time of bell pepper and stable performed varieties for different plating dates during the winter season of 2011-12 and 2012-13 at U.B.K.V., Pundibari, West Bengal, India. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with 3 replications. Three planting dates (15th November, 30th November and 15th December) were allotted in sub plots while 4 varieties (Mekong, California Wonder, JK Peeyali and Asha) were placed in main plots. Bell pepper responded differently with the changes in planting dates irrespective of years. The 30th November planting date emerged best in terms of different and growth and yield attributes. Among the varieties, Mekong emerged as superior in terms of more number of fruits (10.24), fruit weight (65.50 g) and yield (670.76 g/plant and 18.11 t/ha) while maximum beta carotene and vitamin C were recorded in the variety California Wonder (0.071 ?g/100g fresh fruits, 154.80 mg/100g fresh fruits, respectively). The interaction effect showed that variety Mekong transplanted on 15th December resulted in many fold improvement in the form of highest leaf area (8.79 cm2), maximum number of fruits/ plant, fruit weight (86.93 g) and fruit yield (854.69 g/plant and 23.08 t/ha). The result established that 30th November is ideal for bell pepper planting and the variety Mekong is the most stable performing variety with respect to the different planting dates.
Genetic analysis of yield and heat stress related traits in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell) using microsatellite markers
Authors: Gupta Mamta , Chawla Veena , Garg Pankaj , Yadav Neelam , Munjal Renu , Sharma Bunty
Published: April 2018

Microsatellite markers were used for genetic analysis of terminal heat tolerance in F2 (PBW373 × WH1081) population of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell). Two parents were evaluated in field under normal sown and late sown conditions. For genotyping DNA from both parents PBW373 and WH1081 was amplified using 200 SSRs. Only 22 SSRs produced polymorphic bands, of size between 100 to 300 bp and an average of 1.45 alleles. The single marker analysis identified 19 markers indicating the putative QTLs for yield, its components and heat stress related physiological traits. The number of markers on these 16 linkage groups varied from one to four. On A genome 13 QTLs on B genome 5 QTLs and on D genome 9 QTLs were identified, respectively. The A, B and D genomes had 1360.3 cM, 272.4 cM and 919.5 cM of linkage coverage with average interval distances of 104.63 cM, 54.48 cM and 102.16 cM/Marker. A total of nine QTLs were resolved following composite interval mapping, one QTL was detected at a LOD score equal to threshold value of 2.5 while eight at LOD scores above the threshold value. All the nine QTLs were shown to be on definitive location on chromosome 3A (QDh.CCSHAU-3A, QDa.CCSHAU-3A and QPm.CCSHAU-3A), chromosome (QBm.CCSHAU-5A, QCtd.CCSHAU-5A and QCl.fl.CCSHAU-5A), chromosome6A (QPh.CCSHAU-6A) and chromosome3B (QTgw.CCSHAU and QMts.CCSHAU-3B). Use of these markers save times, resources and energy that are needed not only for raising large segregating populations for sveral generations, but also for estimating the parameters used for selection.
Effect of storage temperature and duration on sugar content and sensory acceptability of strawberry pulp
Authors: Bishnoi C. , Sharma R. K. , Godara A. K. , Sharma V. K. , Kundu S. S.
Published: April 2018

Experiment was conducted to study the effect of different treatments on preservation of strawberry pulp at ambient and low storage temperature condition. The samples were pasteurized at 100°C for 15 minutes (T1), sodium benzoate 250 ppm (T2) and sodium benzoate 500 ppm (T3). The respective samples were stored for two months at room (25±5°C) and low (7±2°C) temperature conditions and reducing sugars; total sugar and sensory evaluation were recorded at three days of interval period. The results showed that the total sugar (%) increased in pulp sample maximum in T6 (5.9%) and minimum in T1 (4.8%), the maximum value regarding reducing sugars was recorded in T6 (4.9%) and minimum in T1 (1.4%) after 60th days of storage. However, reducing sugars and total sugar decreased in the stored pulp at room temperature and spoiled completely on 18th day of storage. The acceptability of organoleptic score decrease with the duration of storage in both ambient and low temperature. Among different treatments, sodium benzoate @ 500 ppm was found most effective and maintained the qualitative characteristics of preserved pulp at low (7±2°C) temperature condition. In future, these experimental results may prove very useful for storage of strawberry pulp for longer duration in better quality.
Evaluation of thiamethoxam 70% WS as seed treatment against early sucking pests of tomato
Authors: Maurya S. K. , Maurya R. P. , Singh D.
Published: April 2018

The present investigation was carried out at Vegetable Research Centre, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand during the 2013 and 2014 to evaluate the effectiveness of thiamethoxam, used as seed treatment against the sucking insects of tomato. The seed treatment with thiamethoxam protected tomato seedlings from aphids and thrips at the early season from the onset of seed planting. There was a fast initial effect against the pests then gradually decreased to reach a moderate effect. Data revealed that Thiamethoxam 70% WS @ 4.2 g a.i./kg of seed showed the significant pest reduction followed by Thiamethoxam 70% WS @ 3.85 g a.i./kg of seed. Highest yield was recorded by Thiamethoxam 70% WS @ 4.2 g a.i./kg of seed (28.25 t/ha) closely followed by Thiamethoxam 70% WS @ 3.85 g a.i./kg of seed (25.00 t/ha) as compared to untreated check (20.91t/ha). Percent increase in yield over control was highest (35.10%) in Thiamethoxam 70% WS @ 4.2 g a.i./kg of seed followed by Thiamethoxam 70% WS @ 3.85 g a.i./kg of seed (19.56%). The percent reductions of predators by Thiamethoxam, used as seed treatment, in both the seasons ranged from 1.65- 2.58% which was very minimum. Hence, it was concluded that the seed treatment of tomato with Thiamethoxam 70% WS @ 4.20 g a.i/kg of seed reduced the early season insect-pests (aphid and thrips) and had very less effect of natural enemies population ascompared to control and also increased the fruit yield significantly than other treatments.
Diversity, abundance and pollination efficiency of insect pollinators of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller) and effect of abiotic factors on insect pollinator activity
Authors: Bharti Vikas , Ahlawat Dilbag Singh , Sharma Surender Kumar , Singh Naveen Vikram , Jitender Jitender , Singh Nachhatar
Published: April 2018

Biodiversity of insect pollinators on fennel cv. HF-143 (Foeniculum vulgare Miller), was studied in Hisar, Haryana, India. Twenty-five insect species belonging to fifteen families of five orders were recorded from fennel flowers, in which, seven belong to order Lepidoptera, nine to Hymenoptera, five to Diptera, three to Coleoptera and one to Odonata. Among the insect pollinators, Apis florea F., A. cerana indica F., A. mellifera L. and A. dorsata F. were the most frequent visitors. Among different bee species, the maximum mean population observed in case of A. florea (9.23 bees/m2/5 min) followed by A. mellifera (3.62 bees/m2/5 min) and A. dorsata (3.21 bees/m2/5 min), whereas, the least abundance was observed in case of A. cerana indica, i.e., 1.82 bees/m2/5 min. The pollination index of A. dorsata was highest (19715210) followed by A. florea (13888381), A. mellifera (13845052) and A. cerana (5586381). Hence, it was observed that A. dorsata was the most efficient pollinator followed by A. florea, A. mellifera and A. cerana on fennel cv. HF-143 flowers under agro ecological conditions of Hisar (Haryana). Hence, insect pollinators were essential to get good returns in this seed crop. The activity of different bee species on fennel varied with different abiotic factors and had significantly positive correlation with bright sun shine hours (BSS) and temperature (TEMP) in different hours of the day during foraging but had negative correlation with relative humidity (RH). It was observed that the effect of wind velocity on foraging of different bee species was not significant. Thus, the impact of abiotic environmental factors may decide the foraging activity of different insect pollinators.
Evaluation of stem rot disease in jute (Corchorus olitorius) germplasm caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid
Authors: Meena P. N. , De R. K. , Roy A. , Gotyal B. S. , Satpathy S. , Mitra S.
Published: April 2018

This study was aimed to identify more sources of resistance in jute germplasm (Corchorus olitorius) against deadly disease of stem rot. Thirteen C. olitorius jute germplasm including one standard check (JRO-524) were evaluated against stem rot disease at Barrackpore, Coochbehar and Bahraich location for two consecutive years 2012-2013. Out of thirteen germplasms of jute, six germplasms OIN-853, OIN-651, OIN-154, OIN-125, OEX-27 and OIN-467, with disease rating scale (1.1-5) were found moderately resistant against the stem rot disease at Barrackpore and Bahraich location. Whereas, OIN-270, OIN-932, OIN-270, OIJ-52, OIN-270, OEX-15 and OIN-853 with disease rating scale (5.1-10.0) were found moderately susceptible at all the three location. Rest of the lines were either susceptible or highly susceptible. These germplasm lines OIN-853, OIN-651, OIN-154, OIN-125, OEX-27 and OIN-467, possessed good degree of resistance against stem rot of jute and were found moderately resistant under natural epiphytotic condition at Barrackpore and Bahraich location that would be further exploited for resistance breeding programme against this deadly disease.
Vegetation indices mapping for Bhiwani district of Haryana (India) through LANDSAT-7ETM+ and remote sensing techniques
Authors: Bala A. , Rawat K. S. , Misra A. , Srivastava A.
Published: April 2018

This study describes the VIs Vegetation Condition Index in term of vegetation health of wheat crop; with help of LANDSAT-7ETM+ data based NDVI and LAI for Bhiwani District of Haryana states (India) and gave the spatial development pattern of wheat crop in year 2005 over the study area of India. NDVI is found to vary from 0.3 to 0.8. In northern and southern parts of study area NDVI varied from 0.6 to 0.7 but in western part of Bhiwani showed NDVI 0.2 to 0.4 due to fertility of soil and well canal destitution. LAI showed variation from 1 to 6 accordingto the health of crop as the same manner of NDVI because LAI VI is NDVI dependent only change the manner of representation of vegetation health, due to this fact relation curve (r2=) between NDVI and LAI of four different growing date of sates are in successively increasing order 0.509, 0.563, 0.577 and 0.719. The study reveals that VIs can be mapped with LANDSAT-7ETM+ through remote sensing, which can be further used for many studies like crop yield or estimating evaptranspiration on regional basis for water management because satellite observations provide better spatial and temporal coverage, the VIs based system will provide efficient tools for monitoring health of crop for improvement of agricultural planning. VIs based monitoring will serve as a prototype in the other parts of the world where ground observations are limited or not available.
Oil content and fatty acid composition of soybean (Glysine max L.) genotypes evaluated under rainfed conditions of Kashmir Himalayas in India
Authors: Sultan Sheikh Mohammad , Dikshit Nilamani , Vaidya Umesh J.
Published: April 2018

Soybean (Glycine max), a multipurpose crop with much appreciated nutritional and functional properties, has generated a lot of interest during last few decades for improving its cultivation and characteristics. Besides having a great potential of energy-protein malnutrition eradication, it can contribute greatly to edible oil pool in the region. This study investigates some agro-morphological characters, besides seed oil content and fatty acid composition of two local soybean genotypes labeled as S/D-18 and S/D-22 grown under rainfed conditions of Kashmir Himalayas in India. The genotype S/D-22 matured earlier than that of S/D-18. Seed yield/plant of 18.5 g (S/D-18) and 20.1g (S/D-22) was recorded in these genotypes with 100-seed weight of 14.3 g and 14.7 g respectively. Seeds of genotype S/D-18 yielded an oil content of 19.54% while in genotype S/D-22 oil content of 19.74% was recorded. Fatty acids of myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linoleinic were detected and quantified in the oil extracted from the seeds of these genotypes. Saturated fatty acids constituted 11.88%(S/D-18) and 11.42%(S/D-22) while unsaturated fatty acids constituted 88.12% (S/D-18) and 88.58% (S/D-22) of the oil. The study has thus, revealed that under dry land conditions, although soybean seed yield/plant is lesser, percentage oil content and fatty acid composition essentially remained unaltered and that significant differences can occur in individual fatty acid contents between genotypes.
Toxicity of some insecticides against seven day old larvae of Bihar hairy caterpillar, Spilarctia obliqua Walker
Authors: Sharma Preeti , Geetanjly Geetanjly , Rai Vijay Laxmi
Published: April 2018

The stomach toxicity of some insecticides viz., Cypermethrin, Lambda cyhalothrin and Chlorpyriphos were determined against 7d old larvae of Spilarctia obliqua by leaf dip method. Cypermethrin was found to be the most toxic insecticide during observation at 18, 24, 48 and 72 HAF. On the basis of LC50 values at different time intervals the order of toxicity was, Cypermethrin > Lambda cyhalothrin > Chlorpyriphos and the LC50 (%) values being 0.003, 0.054, 0.107 at 24 HAF, 0.002, 0.045 and 0.101 at 48 HAF, 0.016, 0.039 and 0.085 at 72 HAF respectively. A comparative dose mortality (50%) response expressed in terms of relative toxicity indicated that RT values for Cypermethrin, Lambda cyhalothrin, and Chlorpyriphos were 35.66, 1.98 and 1.00 at 24HAF, 50.5, 2.24 and 1.00 at 48 HAF, 5.31, 2.17 and 1.00 at 72 HAF. Chlorpyriphos in particular, showed very low RT value indicating far less stomach toxicity to S. obliqua as compared to Cypermethrin and Lambda-cyhalothrin. These findings can be helpful for the selection of suitable insecticides for effective pest management under field condition.
Bioefficacy of Bacillus subtilis against root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood in tomato
Authors: Roy Subhalaxmi , Rathod Arun , Pramanik Aniruddha
Published: April 2018

An investigation was conducted for the management of root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood infesting tomato through the application of bio-control agent like Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens. Experiment result revealed that minimum no. of galls/25seedlings (17.50) and maximum seedling height (27.6cm) were observed in Bacillus subtilis @50g/m2 in nursery bed + B. subtilis @ 5kg along with 2.5 tons of FYM/ ha. The highest weight/25seedlings (69.50g) was noticed in the B. subtilis @50g/m2 in nursery bed + B. subtilis 2.5kg along with 2.5 tons of FYM/ha. The highest growth of the plant at 45 DAT (49.2cm) and at harvest (81.2cm) and maximum fresh (711.3g) and dry weight (265g) was found in B. subtilis @50g/m2 in nursery bed + B. subtilis 2.5kg along with 2.5 tons of FYM/ha. B. subtilis @50g/m2 in nursery bed + B. subtilis 2.5kg along with 2.5 tons of FYM/ha exhibited lowest gall index (1.2/plant) and highest reduction of nematode population and provided highest yield of tomato fruits (335.75q/ha).
Population dynamics of potential bioagents of mustard aphid, Lipaphiserysimi(Kaltenbach) on different cultivars of rapeseed-mustard
Authors: Varshney Richa , Rachana R. R. , Bisht R. S.
Published: April 2018

Field experiment was conducted to study the population dynamics of potential bioagents of mustard aphids on 9 different cultivars which included: Brassica alba cv. PSB-I, Eruca sativa Mill cv. T-27, Brassica campestriscv. BSH-I, Brassica napuscv. Sheetal, B. carinataBraun cv. CCN-06- 1, B. junceaL. cv. Varuna, B. nigraKoch. cv. PBR-I, Brassica campestriscv.YST-151 and Brassica campestriscv. PT-30. Population of aphid and natural enemies was recorded at weekly intervals. The results indicated that the first appearance of coccinellids and syrphids has been observed during 4th standard week, which gradually build up population and attained peak during 9th (pooled mean 1.42 coccinellids/ plant and 0.122 syrphid larva/plant) and 8th standard week (pooled mean 3.96 coccinellids/plant and 0.228 syrphid larva/plant) in 2008-09 and 2009-10 respectively, followed by a declining trend in the following weeks. Similarly first appearance of parasi-tization has been found to occur from 4th standard week followed by a gradual increase in the following weeks with maximum parasitization on PT-30 (33.32%) and BSH-1 (35.25%) during 2008-09 and 2009-10 respectively. Correlation between abiotic factors and these natural enemies was also studied. It has been observed that with the increase of aphid population the population of natural enemies also increased. The population dynamics of mustard aphids and its natural enemies var-ied according to climatic situations and between host plant species. So by computing population trends of both natu-ral enemies and aphids with meterological records would generate information on relative abundance and would certainly help in formulating sound pest management strategies against mustard aphid.
Ground water quality assessment for irrigation in Palwal block of Palwal district, Haryana, India
Authors: Gagandeep Gagandeep , Prakash Ram , Kumar Sanjay , Rajpaul Rajpaul , Satyavan Satyavan , Sharma S. K.
Published: April 2018

The present study examined the quality of groundwater for agriculture purpose in a 49785 ha region comprising Palwal block of Palwal district of Haryana state by focusing on spatial variability of electrical conductivity (EC), cationic and anionic composition of CO32-, HCO3-, Cl-, SO42-, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+ of the ground water. It was found 75% of the samples showed EC values up to 4 dS/m and the maximum value of EC was found as 10.55 dS/m. Out of one hundred thirty three ground water samples 34.8 % were of good quality, 49.2 % saline and 16.0 % alkali in nature. Out of the saline water, 24.2, 1.5 and 23.5 % were marginally saline, saline and high SAR saline, respectively. In alkali group, 2.3, 2.3 and 11.4 % were marginally alkali, alkali and high alkali, respectively. Residual sodium carbonate (RSC) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) varied from nil to 5.50 me L-1 and 2.50 to 23.41 (m mol L-1)½, respectively. Counter map maps of EC, SAR, RSC and water quality of groundwater used for irrigation in the block were prepared through GIS to study spatial variability.
Fast protocol for high frequency in vitro cloning of Banana (Musa acuminata) cv. Grande Naine
Authors: Parida S. R. , Beura S. , Rout S. , Beura R. , Jagadev P. N.
Published: April 2018

An investigation was conducted on Fast Protocol for High Frequency in vitro cloning of Banana (Musa acuminata) cv. Grande Naine at the Biotechnology-cum-Tissue Culture Center, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, during the year 2012. This has helped to determine the best media compositions for shoot multiplication and rooting of cv. Grande Naine, so as to get optimum results with a minimized cost of production. MS medium supplemented with 4.0 mg/1 Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 2.0 mg/1 Kinetin gave the highest number of shoot/explants (11.33) in 30 days. However, MS medium when supplemented with 6.0 mg/1 BAP produced a maximum number of leaves (19.07) with a maximum height 2.73 cm. Among various concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) for rooting. Half MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/1 IBA was found to be ideal for early rooting and producing more number of roots in 21 days. However, MS basal medium was found to be the best treatment to support the formation of long roots. This protocol can be very useful to the future research worker and as well as entrepreneurs for mass production of banana (Musa acuminata) cv. Grande Naine.
Effect of different treatments of ethrel on ripening behaviour and post- harvest quality of mango (Mangiferaindica L.) during storage
Authors: Kaur Sukhjit
Published: April 2018

An experiment was done to assess the effect of various post -harvest treatments of ethrel on ripening behaviour and post -harvest quality of mango cv. Amrapali (Mangiferaindica L.) during storage at Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Gurdaspur during the years 2013-14 and 2014-15. The experiment was planned under completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The treatment units was six fruits per replication. Total five treatments and control were applied. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of various concentrations of ethrel (500 ppm, 750 ppm, 1000 ppm,1250 ppm, 1500 ppm and control ) on shelf life of mango fruits when stored under ambient conditions. The treated fruits were assessed for physiological changes fruit colour, flavour/aroma, organoleptic taste, marketability, ripening, specific gravity, moisture loss, decay, physiological loss in weight (PLW), total soluble solids (TSS), acidity and sugars. The observations were recorded at 5, 8 and 11 days after storage. At 11th day of storage these mangoes exhibited deep yellow fruit colour with excellent flavour, organoleptic taste and highly acceptable marketability at 1000 ppm ethrel treatment as compared to other ethrel doses. Fruit ripening (100%), specific gravity (0.84), TSS(23°Brix) and sugars(20.65%) were highest in the fruits treated with 1000ppm ethrel as compared to rest of treatments at 11th day of storage. Lowest moisture loss (8.5%), decay (1%), PLW(12.50%) and acidity(0.12%) were observed in the fruits treated with 1000ppm of ethrel as compared to rest of treatments at 11th day of storage. The beneficial effect of the present study is to overcome the problem of uneven and late ripening of Amrapali mango by postharvest treatment of ethrel at 1000 ppm at their mature green stage to develop typical fruit flavour with excellent fruit quality.
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria induced resistance in Jatropha curcas through phenyl propanoid metabolism against Rhizoctoniabataticola
Authors: Kumar S. , Singh M. , Sharma Sushil
Published: April 2018

The root rot disease in Jatropha curcas L. caused by Rhizoctonia. bataticola (Taub.) Butler has been recorded in causing 10-12 per cent mortality of 20-30 days old seedlings of Jatropha curcasin southern Haryana. The incidence of this disease has also been observed from other parts of Haryana too. Induction of systemic resistance in host plants through microbes and their bioactive metabolites are attaining popularity in modern agricultural practices. Studies on the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria induced resistance in Jatropha curcas through phenyl propanoid metabolism against Rhizoctoniabataticola were undertaken at Chaudhary Charan Singh, Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Bawal. Three plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) viz., Pseudomonas maltophila, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis were evaluated for their potential to induce systemic resistance in Jatropha against root rot. The maximum increase of 97 per cent in total phenols, 120 per cent in peroxidase, 123 per cent in polyphenol oxidase, 101 per cent in phenylalanine ammonia lyase and 298 per cent in tyrosine ammonia lyase was detected in plants raised with Pseudomonas fluorescens+ Rhizoctoniaba-taticola inoculation in Jatropha curcas at 10 days post inoculation against control except total phenols where it was maximum (99%) at 30 DPI. There was slight or sharp decline in these parameters with age irrespective of inoculations. The pathogen challenged plants showed lower levels of total phenols and enzymes. The observations revealed that seed bacterization with Pseudomonas fluorescens results in accumulation of phenolics and battery of enzymes in response to pathogen infection and thereby induce resistance systemically.
Rearing performance of tropical Tasar silkworm (Antheraea mylitta Drury) on Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) and its commercial silk properties
Authors: Vanitha K. , Javali U. C. , Bhat P. S.
Published: April 2018

Tasar silkworm, Antheraeamylitta Drury (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) is one of the commercially exploited non-mulberry silkworms mainly reared outdoor on many wild plants. The ecorace of tasar silkworm occurring in cashew (Anacardiumoccidentale L.) plantations of Puttur was identified as A. mylitta KE-02. Pooled egg, larval and pupal period of tasar silkworm upon indoor rearing on cashew recorded were 6.43, 28.69 and 25.36 days, respec-tively, with the effective rate of rearing of 40 %. The average cocoon weight, pupal weight and shell weight recorded were 6.24 g, 5.30 and 1.18 g, respectively. The high shell ratio of 22.26 %, shows a healthy trend for high yielding tasar rearing on cashew. The commercial silk properties of cashew reared cocoons were assessed in comparison to silk properties of cocoons reared on Terminalia paniculata. Average filament length, average non-breakable filament length, denier, strength and elongation were found 547.2 m, 1231.6 m, 8.92 D, 1.57 gpd and 16.9 %, respectively on cashew and 518.2 m, 161.94 m, 9.13 D, 1.73 gpd and 18.7 % , respectively on T. paniculata. The present study has documented the biology of tasar silk worm on cashew and also the commercial silk properties of cocoon reared on cashew at preliminary level.
Influence of seed polymer coating with Zn and Fe nanoparticles on storage potential of pigeonpea seeds under ambient conditions
Authors: Korishettar Pradeep , Vasudevan S. N. , Shakuntala N. M. , Doddagoudar S. R. , Hiregoudar Sharanagouda , Kisan B.
Published: April 2018

Present laboratory experiment was conducted with an objective to know the effect of seed polymer coat-ing with Zn and Fe nanoparticles (NPs) in comparison to their bulk forms on storage potential of pigeonpea seeds. Results revealed that seed polymer coating with Zn and Fe NPs had significant effect on storability of pigeonpea seeds. Among the treatments Zn NPs at 750 ppm was found to be superior in all the studied parameters viz., seed germination (96.00, 88.67 and 81.67 %), seedling length (25.67, 22.57 and 18.60 cm), seedling dry weight (85, 81.45 and 78. 45 mg), field emergence (89.67, 77.67 and 63.33 %), seedling vigour index (2556, 2001 and 1519), alpha amylase and dehydrogenase enzymes activities at 0, 6 and 10 months, respectively and it was statistically on par with Zn NPs at 500 ppm and Fe NPs at 500 ppm. The nanoparticles treatment didn’t affect the seed moisture content (%) and insect infestation (%), however the significant difference was observed between polymer coated and uncoated seeds. In over all, the results of the study demonstrated the possibility of application Nanotechnology in Seed Science Research.
Forecasting phenology of mustard crop in North-western Himalayas
Authors: Rana Ranbir Singh , Vaijinath Bhosale Arjun , Kumar Sanjay , Pathania Ranu
Published: April 2018

Field experiments were conducted during rabiseason of 2007-08 and 2008-09 to study the phenology, thermal indices and its subsequent effect on dry matter accumulation of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) varieties viz., RCC-4, Kranti and Varuna grown under varying environmental conditions of Himachal Pradesh. The early sown (10th October) crop varieties took maximum average growing degree days for flower initiation (492±1), 50% flower-ing (682±1), pod initiation (742±1), 90% pod formation (811±4) and maturity (1394±8) which decreased with subse-quent delay in sowing time and recorded lowest under late sown (9th November) crop. The accumulated helio-thermal units and photo-thermal units decreased from 9824 to 7467 oC day hour and 19074 to 15579 oC day hour, respectively. High heat-use efficiency was obtained under late sown condition on 30th October. The heat-use efficiency (HUE) was high at 90% pod formation stage as compared to other stages in all the varieties and sowing dates (except 9th November sowing). The early sown (10th October) crop had maximum calendar days and cumula-tive pan evaporation (158 days and 448.2 mm) followed by normal (20th and 30th October) (153 days and 434 mm) and late (9th November) (138 days and 403.1 mm) sown crop indicating higher water requirement under early sow-ing. The predictive regression models explained 83-85% variation in dry matter yield in three varieties of mustard. The agro climatic indices are important determinants for temperature, radiations and photoperiods behaviors of crop. The accurate predictions of crop phenology are useful inputs for crop simulation modeling and crop management, and used for climate change assessment and simulated adaptations in present scenarios.
Productivity, water use efficiency and economics of system of rice intensification (SRI) in Nichabanadhi sub basin of southern Tamil Nadu
Authors: Paramasivan M. , Selvarani A.
Published: April 2018

Four hundred and sixteen on-farm demonstrations on system of rice intensification (SRI) were carried out in 350 hectares of farmer’s fields in Sankarankovil, Vasudevanallur and Kuruvikulam blocks of Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu from 2008-09 to 2010-11 under Tamil Nadu – Irrigated Agriculture Modernization and Water Bodies Restoration and Management (TN-IAMWARM) project. Two methods viz., SRI and conventional were compared. The results revealed that the adoption of SRI favorable influenced yield attributes and yield of rice. The maximum grain yield (8222 kg ha-1) obtained from SRI which was higher than conventional method (6534 kg ha-1). Higher grain yield coupled with substantial water saving to the tune of 37.1 per cent resulted in higher water use efficiency of rice under SRI method. The best net income ( Rs. 50, 587) and benefit: cost ratio (3.64) were also associated with SRI than conventional method of rice cultivation. The cost of cultivation was comparatively lesser in SRI which re-sulted in gaining an additional income of Rs. 8080 ha-1 as compared to conventional method of rice cultivation. The system of rice intensification (SRI) proved its benefits in this basin.
Performance of some apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) germplasm accessions for fruit quality traits in Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Singh Dinesh , Thakur Ankush , Kumar K. , Rana J. C. , Bhoyar M.G. , Chauhan Nirmla
Published: April 2018

The present investigation was carried out in field gene bank of NBPGR Regional Station Phagli, Shimla during the year 2014-15. Twenty accessions of Prunus armeniaca L. namely St. Ambroise, Wenatchee, Nugget, Stirling, Nari, Harogem, Rakovslik, Viva Gold, IC-432145, Erevani, Safed Perchinar, KS-1, AS-1, AS-2, NJ-A96, Jordan Early, Vitillo, Shahib, Kalola and Anglo Arsani were evaluated for their tree, foliage, floral and fruit characters. St. Ambroise recorded maximum tree height (10.10 m) whereas minimum (2.47 m) was in Stirling. Shedding of leaf started from 29 th October (Nugget) and extended till 27 th November (Vitillo). Time of full bloom extended from 16 th March in Shahib to 23 rd March in Safed Perchinar. The longest duration (22 days) of flowering was recorded in Erevani and shortest (9 days) in Wenatchee. Time of fruit maturity was early (25 th May) in Shahib and late (26 th June) in Vitillo. Largest and heaviest fruits were observed in St. Ambroise (77.59 g) whereas smallest and lightest fruits were in Viva Gold (19.37 g). Maximum pulp to stone ratio was recorded in Safed Perchinar (33.21) and minimum in Nari (15.57). TSS content was maximum (19.56 °B) in Nari whereas minimum (10.73°B) in Anglo Arseni. Titratable acidity was recorded maximum (1.86 %) in AS-1 and minimum (0.76%) in IC 432145. Total sugar content ranged from 8.40 per cent in Anglo Arseni to 16.53 per cent in Nari. Total phenol content was maximum (89.57 mg/100 g) in AS-1 and minimum (70.41 mg/100 g) in IC432145. From the present investigation it may be concluded that St. Ambroise, Nari and Shahib can be used for gene source for developing new hybrid cultivars and St. Am-broise may be suggested for cultivation in wet temperate condition of Himachal Pradesh for its better quality.
Biochemical changes in cotton plants due to infestation by cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)
Authors: Nagrare V. S. , Sheeba J. Annie , Bhoyar Paresh , Naikwadi Bhausaheb
Published: April 2018

The study on biochemical changes in cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum L.) due to infestation by cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) was conducted at CICR Nagpur during 2014-15. Total protein contents estimated from the shoots of the healthy plants (4.29 mg/g) indicated 50.5% increase over the healthy plants (2.85 mg/g). Total phenol content increased by 185.7% in the mealybug infested plants (0.20?g/g) over the healthy plants (0.07?g/g). Insignificant difference in the level of total soluble sugar was observed in mealybug infested plants (1.00?g/g) as compared to healthy plants (0.90?g/g). Total reducing sugar was found to be unaffected with the mealybug infestation. Although there was depletion in all the photosynthetic pigments viz., chlorophyll a (19.1%), chlorophyll b (23.7%), total chlorophyll (21.2%) and carotenoids (20.8%) due to the mealybug infestation, these values were not statistically different in the healthy plants. This is the first report on biochemical changes in cotton plant due to infestation of P. solenopsis.
Analysis of aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxigenic mold in commercial poultry feeds in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Sireesha Y. , Keerthana J. Vimal , Sarathchandra G. , Velazhahan R.
Published: April 2018

A total of 48 commercial poultry feed samples collected from different poultry feed manufactures in Tamil Nadu, India were examined for the contamination of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and Aspergillus flavus. AFB1 in the samples was estimated by sandwich ELISA and the presence of A. flavus was detected by Real-Time PCR assay. Real-Time PCR analysis using A. flavus- specific omt primers confirmed the presence of A. flavus in all the samples tested. ELISA results indicated that the AFB1 contents in the poultry feeds ranged from 1.0 to18.7 ppb, which were below the permissible safe limits for poultry bird consumption and health. The results suggest adoption of good man-ufacturing practices by the commercial poultry feed manufacturers during procurement of feed ingredients, handling, storage and processing which might have suppressed the growth of A. flavus and aflatoxin contamination.
Development of unique buttermilk by incorporation of Moringa
Authors: Patel Binjan K. , Patel Sunil M. , Pinto Suneeta V.
Published: April 2018

The present investigation was aimed at formulating a fermented beverage with incorporation of Moringa Pod Powder (MPP) to develop therapeutic buttermilk. Dahi (prepared from standardized milk) mesophilic/ thermophilic dahi culture. Optimisation of the product formulation was done by using Response Surface Methodolo-gy (RSM) with central composite rotatable design (CCRD) with varying levels of MPP, total milk solids (TMS) in but-termilk and acidity of dahi. It was found that 5.60 % TMS, 0.90 % acidity of dahi and 1.92 % MPP gave the most acceptable product with a desirability of 0.917 which is very high. From amongst various stabilizers, it was found that a blend of 0.04 % pectin and 0.015 % carrageenan most suitable and addition of salt, sugar and spices blend @ 0.5 %, 4.0 %, 0.5% respectively were most acceptable. The proximate chemical composition of Moringa Pod Buttermilk (MPBM) was 11.77 % total solids, 1.51 % protein, 1.84 % fat and 0.89 % ash. One serving size (300 g) of MPBM could be an "excellent source of calcium" having 21 % Daily Value (DV). The product could be labelled as "a good source of Vitamin A, calcium and iron" providing 10, 18 and 11 % DV respectively. MPBM was found to have consid-erable amount of Potassium and Vitamin C and fiber (9.0, 9.0 and 6.5 % DV respectively). The shelf-life of the prod-uct was 20 days under refrigeration (7±2?C). The developed product is rich in fiber and iron, that is conventionally deficient in milk and hence makes the developed product complete food.
Response of african marigold to NPK , biofertilizers and spacings
Authors: Rolaniya Manoj Kumar , Khandelwal S. K. , Choudhary A. , Jat Priynka Kumari
Published: April 2018

A field experiment on African marigold (TagetserectaL.) was conducted during winter season of 2014-15 to study the effect of NPK, biofertilizers and plant spacings on growth and yield of African marigold (Tagetes erecta Linn). The treatment combinations F6 100 % RDF of NPK + Azotobacter + PSB recorded the maximum longevity of intact flower (27.93), average diameter of flower (7.37 cm), average weight of flower (8.96 g) number of flowers per plant (56.54), yield of flowers per plant (515.62 g), per plot (11.93 kg) and highest flower yield ha (184.13 q). The spacing D3 (60× 60 cm) registered significant (5 %) maximum longevity of intact flower, larger size flower (7.80 cm), average weight of flower (9.14 g) and highest flower yield per plant (456.22 g). Highest flower yield per plot (10.19 kg), number of flower per plant (52.22) and per hectare flower yield (157.29 q/ha) with 60× 45 cm. These results are conclusive that application of 100 % RDF of NPK + Azotobacter+ PSB and plant spacing (60× 45 cm) may positively increase the growth and flowers yield parameters of marigold.
Influence of rotation and sources of nutrients on soil properties and productivity of finger millet (Eleusinecoracana L. Gaertn.)
Authors: Goudar Pavankumar , Ramachandrappa B. K. , Thimmegowda M. N. , Sahoo S.
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was conducted at the All India Co-ordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru during kharif 2013-14. The experiment was laid out with 20 treatment combinations with three factors using factorial RBD with two replications comprised of on a permanent manurial trial with 35th crop cycle. Application of FYM at 10 t ha-1 has recorded significantly higher grain yield (1.76 t ha-1), maximum water holding capacity (MWHC) of 43.85 % and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) of 357.60?g TPF g-1 24 h-1 obtained after harvest of the crop as compared to application of maize residues at 5 t ha-1 (1.37 t ha-1, 42.27 % and 193.0?g TPF g-1 24 h-1 respectively) due to improved growth and yield parameters of finger millet. However, finger millet-groundnut rotation has given significantly higher grain yield (1.78 t ha-1), MWHC (43.66 %) and DHA (298.48?g TPF g-1 24 h-1) after harvest of the crop over mono cropping of finger millet (1.34 t ha-1, 42.46% and 252.12?g TPFg-1 24 h-1respectively ). Among different nutrient sources, application of organic matter with 100 % RDF have given significantly higher grain yield (2.74 t ha-1), MWHC (45.86 %) and DHA (431.13?g TPF g-1 24 h-1) after harvest of the crop compared to absolute control (0.28 t ha-1, 41.76 % and 133.67?g TPFg-1 24 h-1 respectively). The 100 % recommended dose of fertilizer + organic matter significantly increased yield attributes because of improved soil physical and chemical properties and increased microbial activity of the soil with continued application of organic matter.
Yield and weed density of Blackgram (Vignamungo (L.) Hepper) as influenced by weed control methods
Authors: Sahoo S. , Dhanapal G.N. , Goudar Pavankumar , Sanjay M.T. , Lal M.K.
Published: April 2018

The study conducted with pre-emergent herbicides alone and with sequential application of post-emergent herbicides at All India Co-ordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Weed management, Gandhi KrishiVignyan Kendra (GKVK), Bangalore in late rabi season of 2013 revealed the predominance of grasses over broad leaved weeds in blackgram. Interculture @ 20 days after sowing (DAS) and hand weeding @ 40 DAS resulted in higher yield (1182 and 5873 kg ha-1 seed and haulm yield, respectively) and least weed density of 41.33 m-2 during harvest. Uncontrolled weed growth recorded maximum population (70.00 m-2). During initial days pendimethalin 30 EC @ 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1 and alachlor 50 EC @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 recorded significantly least weed population of 29.33 m-2at p< 0.05 level of significance. Uncontrolled weed growth resulted in maximum reduction in yield of 65.64 per cent.
Proximate composition, bio-chemical and microbial quality of pet food prepared from chicken byproducts by incorporating cauliflower wastes
Authors: Brindha N. , Rao V. Appa
Published: April 2018

A study was under taken on preparation of pet food from chicken head (20 %), feet meal (15 %) and cauliflower waste meal (10 %). The proximate composition, chemical and microbial qualities were analysed. The proximate composition (%) viz., crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, total ash, nitrogen free extract and metabolizable energy (K Cal/100g) of pet food on dry matter basis were 26.63, 18.52, 1.38, 10.29, 43.17 and 422.28, respectively. The thiobarbituric acid from 0.46 to 2.52 mg MA/kg, tyrosine value 35.53 to 77.36 mg/100g and total viable count log 3.46 to 5.90 cfu/g were increasing significantly (P<0.01) and yeast and mould count was not detected up to 50 days of storage period. The pets were fed with prepared pet food and evaluated by pet owner gave score for appearance, consistency, odour which were in normal range and overall acceptability was good.
Eco-friendly management of late blight of potato– A review
Authors: Shailbala Shailbala , Kumar Amarendra
Published: April 2018

Late blight of potato caused by fungus Phytophthora infestans responsible for Irish famine in the year 1845, is one of the most dramatic episode caused by plant pathogen in human history. One million people died due to famine in Ireland. So eco-friendly management of potato late blight disease is a necessary goal to be accomplished.During last many years, management strategies solely relied upon the application of fungicides due to rapid development of late blight epidemics. However, indiscriminate use of fungicide posesses a serious threat to the environment and human health. It is also responsible for built up of resistance in the pathogen and have adverse effect on beneficial organisms such as nitrogen fixers, resident antagonism and mycorrhizal fungi. So to minimize the fungicide use, eco-friendly means for late blight management are required on a priority basis. In recent years, significant changes in isolates of late blight fungus have been recorded including changes in aggressiveness to the crop also. Since, late blight is a community disease so, effective eco-friendly management must be adopted by the all producers, farmers, gardeners and growers with the help of government agencies, extension specialist and crop consultants etc. The strategy to control late blight is the prevention of establishment of Phytophthorainfestans in potato crop. In this context, disease management by cultural practices is the first line of defense while forecasting system, physiological strategies, biological control, host plant resistance and bio-technological approach are essential for efficient, effective and eco-friendly management of late blight of potato.