bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling phosphorus distribution under different fertigation strategies in onion (Allium cepa L.) crop
Authors: Satpute Sanjay T. , Singh Man
Published: April 2018

The understanding of soil and nutrient dynamics under drip fertigation is relevant for crop production as well as water and nutrient management. The aim of this study was to generate information about the distribution of phosphorus (P) under different fertigation strategies for onion production on sandy clay loam soil during 2007-2008 to 2008-2009. The study involved field experiment, laboratory analysis and modeling of P distribution. The phosphorus distribution data in the field were collected, analyzed and used to calibrate and validate the solute transport model HYDRUS-2D for sandy clay loam soil. The performance of HYDRUS-2D was evaluated by comparing its simulated values with the observed values of soil moisture and nutrient concentration. The coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) were used as model performance indicators. The range of R2 between 0.72-0.99 for water as well as nutrient distribution indicates good correlation between the observed and simulated values. The MAE and RMSE values for water and nutrient distribution were in between 0.0009 to 0.0039 which indicated the accuracy of the model. From these results, it can be concluded that the model is performing well for predicting the P concentration in the soil as well as the soil moisture distribution for onion crop grown under sandy clay loam. The model was also validated for water and phosphorus distribution with the observed values at the end of the crop season and found to be performing well. The HYDRUS-2D model may be used to carry out simulations for different soil types and with different fertigation and irrigation strategies for developing guidelines.
Phosphorus fertilizing potential of biomass ashes and their effect on bioavailability of micronutrients in wheat (Triticum aestivum. L)
Authors: Singh Inderpal , Thind H. S. , Sharma Sandeep , Singh Yadvinder , Bhat Mohammad Amin
Published: April 2018

Ashes from agricultural biomass in agro-based industries have been found to have most of the plant nutrients except nitrogen and sulphur but are treated as waste material. The present study was conducted to evaluate the potential of biomass ashes as source of P and their effect on bioavailability of micronutrients in wheat crop. We conducted the pot experiment at glass house of the Department of Soil Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India. The experiment consisted of combinations of four P sources [bagasse ash (BA), rice husk ash (RHA), rice straw ash (RSA), fertilizer P (Fert-P)] supplying P at three levels (10, 20 and 30 µg g-1) along with one zero-P control. This experiment was laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) having three replications. Application of P through RSA produced significantly higher grain yield (14.3 g pot-1) than BA (12.8 g pot-1) and RHA (12.9 g pot-1) but statistically at par with Fert-P (13.5 g pot-1). Grain Zn content decreased maximum than other micronutrients with application of P from all sources, hence maximum increased P/Zn ratio. Phosphorus applied from all the biomass ashes significantly increased biomass and yield over control. With increase in P application, micronutrients content in grain was significantly decreased, hence decreased bioavailability of micronutrients in wheat grain.
Effect of water dipping on separation techniques of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) arils
Authors: Hota Monalisa , Dahiya D. S.
Published: April 2018

For easy separation of arils, pomegranate fruits were subjected to hot water dipping and normal water dipping treatments. Minimum time of separation as 4.10 min/kg of fruit was observed in case of hot water (80±2°C) dip for 2 min which was at par with hot water (80±2°C) dip for 1 min as 4.7 min/kg. All treatments saved time over the traditional method but only hot water dipping was significant without any significant adverse effect on aril quality in comparison with traditional method except anthocyanin and phenols. Anthocyanin content reduced and phenols content increased in comparison to traditional method.
Heterosis study in Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] genotypes for pod yield attributes
Authors: Kumar Sujit , Singh A. K. , Yadav Hirdesh , Verma Alka
Published: April 2018

A study was conducted at Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agriculture Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi during Spring-Summer and Rainy season of 2012 and 2013 using 12 diverse parental lines of okra and their 66 F1 hybrids (through diallel cross-excluding reciprocals) with the objective to measure the extent of heterosis over better parent and standard commercial check varieties for the purpose of judging the extent up to which heterosis can be exploited in commercial okra breeding. The extent of heterosis for five best crosses over better parent and check (48.32 % to 82.42 % and 7.13 % to 35.66 %, respectively) for yield per hectare suggested the great scope of realizing higher yield in okra through heterosis breeding. Other economic traits also recorded moderate to high level of heterosis over the better parents. The cross combination IC -282280×EC – 329380showed high heterosis over better parent and standard check for pod yield (82.42 % and 35.66 %), number of pods per plant (62.82 % and 48.54 %) and respectively. This particular cross combination eventually resulted the height magnitude of heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for the most of the desirable growth parameters as well as yield attributing characters which may be taken for further breeding programme.
Assessment on performance and variability in different sweet orange (Citrus sinensis Obseck) cultivars under Punjab conditions
Authors: Baswal Arvind Kumar , Rattanpal H. S. , Uppal Gurteg Singh , Gill K. S.
Published: April 2018

Based on morphological characterization, the performance of eighteen sweet orange, (Citrus sinensis Obseck) cultivars were evaluated. On the basis of two year data, the maximum mean fruit weight (316.25 gm) was recorded in Moro, while the maximum mean fruit diameter and mean fruit length was recorded in Mosambi and Olinda Valencia (87.32 mm and 81.33 mm, respectively). Albedo thickness was recorded maximum in Ruby Nucellar (3.42 mm). Highest total soluble solids was recorded in cultivar Moro (11.450 brix), while the titratable acidity was recorded maximum in Valencia Calizonida (1.21 %). Fruit axis diameter and Fruit rind thickness were recorded maximum in Rhode Red Valencia and Vernia (15.12 mm and 8.11 mm, respectively). In the variability studies, the maximum genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) was recorded maximum for titratable acidity (27.88 and 27.94, respectively) followed by albedo thickness (23.77 and 23.78, respectively) and fruit weight (21.52 and 21.67, respectively). Genetic advance per cent of mean was recorded for titratable acidity (57.31%) followed by albedo thickness (48.96 %) and fruit weight (44.03 %) suggesting that further selection will be effective for improvement in these traits.
First report of tar spot of Toona (Toona ciliata) in India
Authors: Chandel Sunita , Kumar Vijay
Published: April 2018

A new foliar disease of toona tree has been reported during continuous surveys conducted at Solan district of Himachal Pradesh during August, 2015 to December, 2015. On the basis of morphological characteristics of the fungus, the fungus was identified as Rhytisma acerinum, which produces symptoms on upper surface of the leaves as numerous small, superficial and blackish lesion which later gives the similar appearance as given by tar. Tar spot of the toona tree produces the ascomata whose size ranges from 14-16 µm with average of 15µm, asci length varied from 60-80 x 9.5-10.2 µm and size of ascospores varied from 52-58 x 1.8-2.0 µm. Tar Spot disease of leaves of Toona in Himachal Pradesh is the first report of its occurrence and more work is needed so that the disease could remain in manageable level.
Effect of foliar application of potassium and its spray schedule on yield and yield parameters of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) cv. Jaffa
Authors: Vijay Vijay , Dalal R. P. S. , Beniwal B. S. , Saini Hemant
Published: April 2018

An investigation to evaluate the effect of foliar application of potassium and its spray schedule on yield and yield parameters in sweet orange cv. Jaffa was undertaken at experimental orchard, Department of Horticulture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during the year 2014-15. The results revealed that the foliar application of potassium nitrate at the rate of 2 and 4 % and potassium sulphate at 1.5 and 3.0 % significantly improved average fruit weight, fruit diameter, percentage of medium and large fruits, and fruit yield of sweet orange cv. Jaffa over control (water spray). The trend was vice-versa on the percentage of small fruits. The number of fruits per plant could not differ significantly due to various treatments. Among K sources and doses, foliar application of KNO3 at 4 % exhibited superiority over other treatments with respect to yield and yield parameters followed by KNO3 at lower dose (2 %) or K2SO4 at higher dose (3 %). Among various spray schedules, application of three sprays of K in the last week of April, May and August were found superior or at par in improving yield and yield parameters with 2 sprays in the last week of April and August. The fruit yield was recorded the highest (76.90 kg/plant) with a combination of the foliar application of KNO3 at 4 % and 2 sprays in the last week of April and August which was non-significant with KNO3 with an additional spray in the last week of May. The findings signify the importance of K spray in improving yield and yield parameters of sweet orange under semi-arid climatic conditions of north western India.
Detection of Aflatoxin B1 through indirect ELISA from fresh grains obtained from three maize growing zones of India
Authors: Kumar Shrvan , Sinha Asha , Shekhar Meena , Singh Vimla
Published: April 2018

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is most frequently found in plant substrates, which has shown the highest toxigenic potential. Based on previous studies, the IARC has classified AFB1 as a class 1A human carcinogen. Several impacts on consumers, such as loss of human and animal lives; health care and veterinary care costs; contaminated foods and feeds disposal costs; and investment in research and management of the myco-toxin problem. Fourteen maize seed samples comprising of recommended and local varieties were collected from three maize growing zones (Zone I- Almora, Kullu, Bilaspur, Dhaulakuan, Kangara, Saharanpur, Zone II- Karnal, Ludhiana, Pantnagar, New Delhi and Zone III- Begusarai, Varanasi, Sabour-1 and Sabour 2). In our studies AFB1 toxin range were noticed Zone-I (0.0294- 153.5081 ppb), Zone-II (0.1761- 161.0537 ppb ppb) and Zone-III (3.8366- 53.1256 ppb) collected seed samples.This indicate that ELISA technique could be applied to the monitoring of Aflatoxin contamination in a lot of samples in a cost, accuracy, simplicity and time effective manner.
Exploring possibilities of enhancing water use efficiency in potato: A review
Authors: Khobra Rinki , Srivastava Ashutosh , Raigond Pinky , Joshi Alka , Dutt Som , Singh Brajesh , Singh Bir Pal
Published: April 2018

Climate change threatens the global agriculture sustainability. Among different kinds of abiotic stresses, water stress is the most devastating component which curtails potato crop productivity. Our recent knowledge is limited concerning water stress tolerance and water use efficiency in potato. Many efforts are being made by the scientific community to reduce water use and to produce “more crop per drop”. This review elaborates quantitative and qualitative aspects of multiple stress mechanisms and their regulating system related to present scenario of water use efficiency (WUE) requirements. WUE can only be improved by using multidisciplinary promising research approaches like molecular breeding, high throughput genotyping, multi-gene transfer and bioinformatics applications to unleash the information needed to exploitation of required traits in potato.
Canopy temperature, excised leaf water retention, productivity and quality of wheat as affected by various nutrient sources in Pearl millet-wheat cropping system
Authors: Babli Babli , Kumar Pawan , Nanwal R. K.
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was conducted during the year 2013-14 at Agronomy Research Farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (India). The experiment consisting of twelve treatments was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Grain yield of pearl millet (3012 kg/ha) was recorded highest in T6 (50 % RD-NP + 50 % N through FYM). Yield contributing characters were recorded highest in T6 (50 % RD-NP + 50 % N through FYM in pearl millet and 100 % RD-NP in wheat) in wheat crop. In wheat crop, treatment T6 recorded highest growth characters and yield contributing characters. Similarly, highest grain as well as biological yield was recorded in T6. Highest protein content, protein yield, sedimentation value and hectoliter weight was also recorded in T6. Highest grain yield of both pearl millet and wheat (5582 kg/ha) in pearl millet-wheat cropping system was obtained with the application of 50 % RD-NP + 50 % N through FYM in pearl millet and 100 % RD-NP in wheat while lowest yield of pearl millet (976 kg/ha) and wheat (1190 kg/ha) was recorded in T1 (control).
Endophytic microorganisms of tropical tuber crops: Potential and perspectives
Authors: Nayak Shubhransu , Mukherjee Archana , Samanta Soma
Published: April 2018

Endophytic microorganisms which include both bacteria and fungi colonise almost every plant species. In order to colonize the plant and compete with other microorganisms, they produce a plethora of secondary metabolites, including toxins, enzymes, antibiotics, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antifungal compounds. Endophytic fungi can have profound impacts on plant communities which include abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, increase of biomass, decrease of water consumption and alteration of resource allocation, nitrogen fixation, increased drought resistance, thermal protection, survival under osmotic stress and degradation of pollutants. Though tuber crops are the second most important group of crop plants providing food energy to humans after cereals, less attention has been paid to the these traditional crops in general. Investigations regarding the association of endophytes with the tuber crops have been sparsely studied though in some tuber crops like cassava, sweet potato and yams, presence of endophytes have been reported. Hence from the scarcely available literature, in the current review an attempt was made to put light on the various beneficial activities of endophytes on tuber crops. These reports glorified many symbiotically associated endophytes to have antagonistic properties against many plant pathogens like Rhizoctoniasolani, Pythiumaphanidermatumand Sclerotiumrolfsii. Species like Rahnellawas resilient to cold shock, UV irradiation and antibiotics. Many diazotropihic and non-diazotropihicendophytic bacteria were involved in nitrogen fixation. Actinomycetesendophytes were novel sources of industrially important thermostableamylolytic enzymes. However, inspite of all these profound beneficial effects endophytic associations are still to be studied in many tuber crops like taro, elephant foot yam, greater yam etc. So this review put forward the urge to carry out comprehensive research on these important microbes on such important crops.
Biochemical composition of promising leaves genotypes of buckwheat grown in Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Dogra Diksha , Awasthi C. P.
Published: April 2018

Buckwheat originated from China and being cultivated all over the world, and has become a prominent pseudocereal. Among the pseudocereals (amaranthus, buckwheat and quinoa), buckwheat plant is economically important primarily due to their carbohydrate and protein rich grains, short growth span; besides foliage being used as a green vegetable and commercial source of the glycoside rutin used in medicine. In the present study, an attempt was made to evaluate the biochemical constituents of nutritional and nutraceutical significance of fourteen promising leaves genotypes of common buckwheat grown in Sangla region by following standard procedures. Wide variations in moisture content, crude protein, fat, ash, crude fiber, carbohydrates, ascorbic acid, oxalate and in vitro protein digestibility were observed to range from 87.4 to 92.2 %, 22.4 to 30.4 %, 1.8 to 3.7 %, 10.6 to 15.4 %, 12.0 to 13.9 %, 34.8 to 42.4 %, 25.0 to 29.2 mg/100g, 1375 to 1390 mg/100g and 53.4 to 65.1 % in that order. The content of minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese and copper varied from 1767.5 to 2035.0 mg/100g, 808 to 910 mg/100g, 394 to 409 mg/100g, 232.0 to 248.2 mg/100g, 3.1 to 6.1 mg/100g, 20.4 to 29.8 mg/100g and 0.2 to 1.4 mg/100g respectively. Based on cumulative grading done in respect of nutritionally desirable quality i.e., protein, ash, crude fiber, carbohydrates, ascorbic acid, in vitro protein digestibility, calcium, phosphorus, iron and oxalate content, the genotype IC-323731 followed by Kullugangetri and VL-27 emerged out to be overall superior versatile cultivars for cultivation under dry temperate climate.
Effect of nitrogen and foliar spray of potassium nitrate and calcium nitrate on growth and productivity of yellow sarson (Brassica campestris L. var yellow sarson) crop under irrigated condition
Authors: Raj Amrit , Mallick R. B.
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2007-’08 and 2008-’09 to study the effect of calcium nitrate {Ca (NO3)2} and potassium nitrate {KNO3} at 50 % flowering stage and soil applied nitrogen {N: (0, 40 and 80kg N/ha)} on growth, productivity and economics ofyellow sarson at farmers field under irrigated old alluvial soil of West Bengal. Highest leaf area index (LAI) values at 40 days of crop age (1.748 and 1.592), dry matter accumulation (1404.3 and 1288.8 gm-2) at 80 days and crop growth rate (C.G.R) (27.87 and 25.68 g m-2 day-1) in between 40 to 60 days were obtained at Nitrogen application at the rate of 80 kg / ha and mixed spray of 0.203 % Ca (NO3)2 + 0.25 % KNO3 respectively. Soil application of 80 kg N/ ha along with foliar spray of 0.203 % Ca (NO3)2 + 0.25 % KNO3 resulted increase in seed yield (1.68 t ha-1) by 12 % over 80 kg N/ ha with only water spray (1.5 t ha-1). Foliar spray of 0.203 % Ca (NO3)2 + 0.25 % KNO3 improved the yield components and seed yield over their sole application. Application of 80 kg N/ha along with 0.203 % Ca (NO3)2 + 0.25 % KNO3 at 50 % flowering stage was found to be the most effective in increasing yellow sarson production in old alluvial soil.
Integration of biocontrol agents with fungicide, weedicide and plant growth regulator for management of stem and root rot of jute
Authors: Bhattacharyya S.K. , Sen K. , De R.K. , Bandopadhyay A. , Sengupta C. , Adhikary N.K.
Published: April 2018

Combination of chemical fungicides (viz., Carbendazim 50 WP and Tebuconazole 250 EC) and biocontrol agents (viz., Pseudomonas fluorescens Psfl1, P. striata Pst1, Azotobacter chrococcum Azbc3, Bradyrhizobium japonicum Brj4, Trichoderma aureoviridae S12, T. harzianum JTV2, T. virens JPG1, Aspergillus niger AN15 strains respectively either singly or in consortium) were used to counteract Macrophomina phaseolina, the causal organism of stem and root rot of jute. In addition, suitable plant growth regulator viz., Indole-3-acetic acid (100-1.0 µg/ppm) and herbicide Quizalofop ethyl 5 % EC were used to augment the activity of Trichoderma. T. aureoviridae strain S12 was found to be the best among the eight isolates screened for tolerance against the two fungicides and herbicide at a concentration of 10000 - 500 µg respectively as well as against M. phaseolina (Inhibition=72.33 %) in-vitro. This strain showed best compatibility with other strains and highest tolerance to fungicide i.e., Carbendazim 50 % (up to 500 ?g). Highest number (13.7×106) of active spores was recorded at a concentration of 25 ppm of IAA under in-vitro condition. S12 recorded a biocontrol efficiency of 61.8 % against stem rot of jute along with significant plant growth promotion and fibre production. Plant biomass also increased up to 7.5-12.1 % and fibre production 37.0-39.9 % with fungal and bacterial consortium + carbendazim seed dressing and soil drenching. These biocontrol fungi and PGPR consortium with high tolerance to fungicide, weedicide and plant growth regulator up to certain extent may be potentially exploited in IDM which may be a low cost technology in jute and allied fibre crops.
Monitoring on impact of insecticides on mortality of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) in front of beehives
Authors: Vijaykumar Pashte Vrushali , Shivshankar Patil Chidanand
Published: April 2018

The present study investigated effect of pesticide usage and public awareness on honey bee mortality. The experiments were conducted at three different sites at Maharashtra, India with domesticated bee hives of Apis mellifera L. The maximum bee mortality during 51st week of 2012-13 (1559.10 bees/hive/week) clearly indicated towards the direct and indirect effect of insecticides in general at study site I (Case I). Similar experiments were repeated at other two different sites during 2013-14. Farmers (Case II and III) were aware of beekeeping and ill effects of pesticides. Farmers followed some precautionary measures to combat with the bad effect of insecticides on bees. As a result there was less mortality of bees. The experiments revealed that farmers should be aware of bee conservation and precautionary measures to combat with the bad effect of insecticides on bees.
Pesticides induced oxidative stress and histomorphological changes in liver and kidney of female Bandicota bengalensis and Tateraindica
Authors: Kalra Shasta , Sangha Gurinder Kaur
Published: April 2018

The liver and kidney of female Bandicota bengalensis and Tatera indica rats collected from Bathinda region of south west region of Punjab were used to investigate the toxic effects of these pesticides. Levels of total proteins decreased in all the rats collected from study area. Activity levels of different OS parameters: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidise (GPx) were differentially altered and the product of oxidation namely, malondialdehyde increased in liver (11.05±0.18, 9.02±0.26 in control rats increased to 11.60±0.10, 9.43±2.58 in study area B. bengalensis and T. indica rats respectively) and kidney (10.03±0.44, 8.68±0.24 in control rats increased to 10.18±0.72, 8.92±4.34 in study area B. bengalensis and T. indica rats respectively) of rats collected from study area as compared to control rats. Histomorphological studies further revealed number of abnormalities as infiltration, vacuolization, enlarged sinusoids and necrosis in liver of Bathinda rats, while renal histo architecture of kidney showed high degeneration of glomeruli. The results infer that environmental contaminants mainly pesticides leads to number of pathophysiological conditions in the liver and kidney and for altering antioxidant defence system in rats inhabiting south- west region of Punjab.
Characterization of volatile secondary metabolites from Trichoderma asperellum
Authors: Bhardwaj Nitish Rattan , Kumar J.
Published: April 2018

Many Trichoderma isolates are known to secrete several secondary metabolites with different biological activities towards plants and other microbes. The production of such compounds varies according to the strain. In the present study, volatile secondary metabolites from the culture filtrate of Trichoderma asperellum strain were characterized using Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results of GC-MS detected 43 secondary metabolites in the T. asperellum strain including many important volatile secondary metabolites such as 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, 2-butoxy-2-oxoethyl butyl ester (peak area-3.59%), 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid dibutyl ester (peak area-2.02 %), 2H-Pyran-2-one (peak area-66.63 %), palmitic acid (peak area-2.86 %), several phenolic isomers, methyl cyclohexane etc., all reportedly having effective pesticidal activity. The results indicated that these secondary metabolites could be useful for biological control applications of T. asperellum strain against diverse plant pathogens.
Mulching: A viable option to increase productivity of field and fruit crops
Authors: Kaur Jagroop , Bons Harsimrat K.
Published: April 2018

Mulching plays an important role in production of agricultural and horticultural crops in the current scenario of declining water table, soil degradation and climate change. The main objectives of mulching are to prevent loss of water by evaporation, prevention of soil erosion, weed control, to reduce fertilizer leaching, to promote soil productivity, to enhance yield and quality of field and fruit crops. So, mulching is useful to save our underground water resource, soil and environment for sustainable crop production. In this review paper, the literature clearly shows pronounced effects of mulching on soil health by improving the soil structure, soil fertility, biological activities, avoid soil degradation in addition to moisture conservation, regulating temperature, encouraging change in favourable micro-climate, check weed growth and ultimately increasing the productivity, quality, profitability and sustainability of crops and cropping systems irrespective of the system/situation.
Dynamics of inter-district developmental disparities in Haryana
Authors: Hooda Ekta , Hooda B. K. , Manocha Veena
Published: April 2018

The present study deals with the development disparities in districts of Haryana according to their level of development. The study utilized data over three points of time, viz. 1991-92, 2001-02, and 2011-12. Assessment of development in agricultural, industrial, infrastructural and socio-economic sectors has been studied using composite indices based on forty indicators. Out of the forty indicators, 19 were directly concerned with agricultural development, 4, 8 and 9 respectively reflected the progress of development in industrial, infrastructural, and socio-economic sectors. Sector-wise indices were combined to obtain weighted index for the overall development. The study indicated wide disparities in level of development among districts of Haryana in all the periods of study.The district of Mahendragarh lagged behind in almost all the sectors considered for this study. The districts of Faridabad and Gurgaon lagged behind in agriculture while the district of Karnal excelled in agriculture in all the three periods. The districts of Ambala, Faridabad and Gurgaon ranked first in overall development in 1991-92, 2001-02 and 2011-12, respectively, whereas Mahendragarh ranked last in 1991-92 and 2001-02 and the newly formed district Mewat in 2011-12. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to study relationships among sectoral developments. Kruskal Wallis test indicated significant changes in development level of industry and infrastructure sectors over the periods 1991-92, 2001-02 and 2011-12.
Economic analysis of application of phosphorus, single and dual inoculation of Rhizobium and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus)
Authors: Singh Narinder , Singh Guriqbal , Aggarwal Navneet
Published: April 2018

This study investigates the economic returns of lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) by the use of phosphorus and biofertilizers [Rhizobium and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)] in Indian Punjab. The field experiments were conducted during Rabi 2013-14 and 2014-15 with combinations of four levels of phosphorus (0, 20, 30 and 40 kg P2O5 ha-1) and two/four biofertilizer treatments [uninoculated control and Rhizobium (LLR 12) + PGPR (RB 2)] in 2013-14, and uninoculated control, Rhizobium, PGPR and Rhizobium + PGPR in 2014-15) by replicating thrice. The use of 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 provided the highest gross returns whereas net returns and B:C were highest at 30 kg P2O5 ha-1. The combination of Rhizobium + PGPR + 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 provided the highest gross returns (Rs. 45902) whereas Rhizobium + PGPR+ 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 provided the highest net returns (Rs 20620). Furthermore, the integrated use of Rhizobium + PGPR + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 provided higher net returns (Rs 20620) and B:C (1.88) as compared to sole application of 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 (Rs 18792 and 1.72). Thus, there was a net saving of 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 with the use of Rhizobium + PGPR inoculation without sacrificing the economics returns.
Performance of wool type angora rabbits under temperate conditions of Kashmir (J&K), INDIA
Authors: Assad Nafis I. , Khan N. N. , Alam Safeer , Chakraborty Dibyendu
Published: April 2018

An attempt has been made to determine the production and quality performance of wool type Angora rabbits and screen out the best suitable breed under temperate conditions of Kashmir. A total of 202 records of French Angora and German Angora rabbit breeds maintained for 3 years (2009-2011) were evaluated to estimate the performance of quality and production traits in relation to genetic and non-genetic factors. For French Angora rabbits, the overall body weight gain (adult weight), annual wool yield (AWY), staple length (SL), medullation percentage (MP) and fiber diameter (FD) were found to be 2.506 ± 0.0432 kg, 303.575 ± 0.316 gms, 5.161 ± 0.0183 cms, 2.228 ± 0.0217 % and 12.289 ± 0.0178 µ, respectively. In case of German Angora rabbits, the values of 2.506 ± 0.033 kg, 605.96 ± 0.474 gms, 6.219 ± 0.0279 cms, 2.513 ± 0.0348 % and 12.347 ± 0.0265 µwere observed for the respective traits. The breed was found to reveal significant effect (P<0.01) on birth weight, weaning weight, annual weight, annual wool yield, staple length and medullation percentage and non-significant effect on fiber diameter. The sex was found to exhibit non-significant effect on all the traits under study. Based on present study, it can be concluded that German Angora breed of rabbit is most suitable for angora wool production and quality under temperate climatic conditions of Kashmir region.
Biocontrol of toxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus isolated from the root tubers of safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. F) using its rhizospheric mycoflora
Authors: Chauhan Yashasvita
Published: April 2018

Miraculous herb safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. F), family liliaceae, is well recognized for its immense potential as an aphrodisiac. The root tubers of this herbal drug were found to be invested with Aspergillus flavus during field and storage. Therefore, the present study was designed to explore the ability of 26 co-existing rhizospheric mycoflora to inhibit A. flavus invasion and subsequent aflatoxin contamination of safed musli. The interaction of these moulds with highly toxigenic strain (CB55) of A. flavus was evaluated by dual culture method and type of interaction was graded. Most likely antagonistic effects were shown by fifteen (15) moulds, out of which Type ‘C’ interaction was evidenced in the case of six moulds; A. clavatus, A. terreus, Botryotrichum piluliferum, Candida albicans, Cephalosporium acremonium, and Cunninghamella sp. Further, ‘D’ type interaction was displayed by seven moulds which include A. niger, Colletotrichum sp., Drechslera sp., Mucor haemalis, Mycelia sterilia, Rhizopus arrhizus and Stachybotrys atra and ‘E’ type interaction was noted in the case of Trichoderma viride and Trihcothecium roseum. Regarding human health it is critical to use an ecofriendly approach to control the invasion of toxigenic moulds with root tubers of safed musli.
Effect of storage conditions, packing materials and seed treatments on viability and seedling vigour of onion (Allium cepa l.) seeds
Authors: Patel J. B. , Babariya C. A. , Sondarva Jyoti , Ribadiya K. H. , Bhatiya V. J.
Published: April 2018

The present investigation was carried out from July 2013 to July 2015, wherein 100 g of fresh quality seed of onion cv. GWO 1 was having high germination percentage and moisture content below 8 per cent. The treatment consisted of two storage conditions (C) viz., C1 (Ambient temperature) and C2 (Cold storage at 70C + 20C); two packing materials (P) viz., P1 = Cloth Bag and P2 = Polythene Bag (500 gauge = 125 µ), and five seed treatments (S) viz., S1 = Control, S2 = Carbendazim @ 2g/kg seed, S3 = Mancozeb @ 2g/kg seed, S4 = Thirum @ 3g/kg seed, and S5 = Neem leaf powder @ 10g / kg seed. After proper mixing or smearing the seeds as per the treatments, seeds were packed and stored as per treatments. Observations were recorded at 90 days interval on viability and vigour parameters. The results revealed that seed stored under cold storage (7±2 °C) and in polyethylene bags (500 gauge) noted significantly higher values for all the characters even after two years of storage. All the treatment combinations of seed stored under cold storage gave more than 70 per cent germination (As per ISTA standard) even after two years of storage, of which, seed treated with thirum @ 3g/kg seed was the best treatment. Therefore, it can be concluded that seed of onion can be stored up to two year in cold storage packed in polyethylene bag without or with seed treatment without deterioration in germination and seedling vigour.
Effect of agro-input management practices on yield of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) under vertisols of Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Patel Rajkamal , Dwivedi Sanjay K. , Patel R. K.
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of agro-input management practices on yield of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) at the Instructional cum Research Farm, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, (C.G.) during Rabi 2015-16. Different agro input management practices had significant (P=0.05) effect on growth, yield attributes and yield of linseed. However, seed rates did not give significant influence on seed yield. Whereas, application of RDF + FYM placement in rows @ 5 t ha-1 (N3) recorded significantly (P=0.05) higher growth parameters viz. plant height (88.44 cm), primary branches plant-1 (3.83), secondary branches plant-1 (23.39), dry matter accumulation (6.76 g plant-1) and yield attributes viz. capsules plant-1 (30.86), seeds capsule-1(7.63), seeds plant-1 (235.32), seed yield (2100 kg ha-1) and stover yield (4885 kg ha-1). In case of foliar spray, application of 2 % urea at 15, 40, 65 and 90 DAS (F3) gave significantly higher growth parameters viz. plant height (88.37 cm), primary branches plant-1(3.82), secondary branches plant-1 (23.68), dry matter accumulation (6.59 g plant-1) and yield attributes viz. capsules plant-1(31.74), seeds capsule-1(7.63), seeds plant-1 (241.38), seed yield (2089 kg ha-1) and stover yield (4772 kg ha-1). Interaction among seed rate 30 kg ha-1 (S2) X RDF 60:30:30 N: P: K kg ha-1 (N1) with foliar application of 2 % urea at 15, 40, 65 and 90 DAS (F3) (S2 XN1X F3) recorded the highest benefit-cost ratio (4.39). Line placement of FYM was better than broadcasting in terms of seed yield; and foliar application of urea was economical than Nitrobenzene.
Potential of Inula racemosa root extract and its fractions to suppress root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Kaur Ramandeep , Chahal K. K. , Dhillon N. K. , Bhardwaj Urvashi
Published: April 2018

Nematicidal potential of chloroform root extract of Inula racemosa and its fractions was investigated on egg hatching and mortality of root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Egg masses and second stage juveniles (J2) of M. incognita were exposed to different concentrations (0.1-8.0 mg ml-1) of I. racemosa root extract and its fractions. Observations on egg hatch were recorded on 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th day and those of mortality studies were recorded on 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th day, respectively. Significant mortality as well as egg hatch inhibition was observed for all the tested components at 5 %. The root extract was found to be most effective in controlling egg hatching as complete inhibition was observed at 8.0 mg ml-1 concentration on 1stday of treatment and nonpolar fraction was most effective in causing mortality of J2 of M. incognita as 100 % inhibition was observed at 6.0 and 8.0 mg ml-1 concentration on 2nd day of treatment. Maximum inhibition of egg hatching was observed for root extract at 8.0 mg ml-1 concentration and 100 % mortality was observed for root extract as well as nonpolar fraction at the same concentration. The nonpolar fraction was most effective in causing mortality as maximum mortality was observed at 6.0 and 8.0 mg ml-1 concentration throughout the exposure time. Polar fraction was least effective among all the components both in egg hatch inhibition and J2 mortality of M. incognita. Both the activities showed concentrations as well as time dependence. Results show different role of tested components on egg hatching and mortality of root knot nematode. The root extract of I. racemosa and its fractions showed a potential to develop new nematicide.
Effect of weed management on yield and nutrient uptake in mustard (Brassica juncea)
Authors: Bamboriya Sumitra Devi , Kaushik M.K. , Bamboriya Shanti Devi , Kumawat Priyanka
Published: April 2018

Field investigation was carried out during rabi season of 2014-15 at Udaipur to evaluate the effect of different weed management practices on yield and nutrient uptake of mustard. The maximum seed yield was registered with two hand weeding (1955.25 kg ha-1) except weed free check and was at par with fluazifop-p-butyl 0.055 kg ha-1 10 DAS + hoeing 40 DAS and fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 0.075 kg ha-110 DAS + hoeing 40 DAS. The highest amount of total N, P and K (112.61, 25.31 and 76.90 kg ha-1, respectively) was removed by mustard in weed free treatment followed by two hand weeding while the lowest N, P and K with the values of 70.11, 16.05 and 51.86 kg ha-1, respectively was removed by weedy check followed by isoproturon 0.75 kg ha ha-1. Among the weed management practices, the total uptake of N, P and K by weeds was found significantly less in all the weed management practices as compared to weedy check(5.87, 0.86 and 5.51 kg ha-1, respectively). The least nutrient depletion by weeds was registered with the hand weeding twice (0.52, 0.08 and 0.49 kg ha-1, respectively) followed by fluazifop-p-butyl 0.055 kg ha-1 10 DAS + hoeing 40 DAS and fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 0.075 kg ha-110 DAS + hoeing 40 DAS. Use of post emergence herbicides of ‘fop’ group such as fluazifop-p-butyl, quizalofop-p-ethyl, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (which are mostly used in soybean and groundnut crop) in indian mustard found most effective in controlling grassy weeds in early stage whereas at latterly, one hoeing 40 DAS was found effective in controlling grassy as well as broad leaved weeds under irrigated conditions.
A rapid and reproducible method for isolating genomic DNA from a few crop plants suitable for polymerase chain reaction-based genotyping
Authors: Kumar Vikash , Kumar Pawan , Chattopadhyay Tirthartha
Published: April 2018

As most of the molecular markers in crop molecular breeding programmes are successful based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the isolated genomic DNA must be suitable for the same. Though PCR is a robust method and in most of the cases requires only a minute amount of genomic DNA as template, removal of potential PCR-inhibitory factors is quite important. The present work reports the optimization of a rapid genomic DNA isolation method, suitable for PCR-based genotyping of plants. As very minute amount of the genomic DNA isolated in this rapid method was found to be sufficient for PCR, a researcher is capable to go for several hundred independent PCR from single isolation. The method was validated in 4 different crops (wheat, tomato, brinjal and cauliflower) using different PCR-based molecular markers. In case of wheat, genomic DNA isolated in this method was found to be suitable PCR using the specific marker for the detection of the Lr34 gene. For tomato, genomic DNA isolated in this method was successfully used with the molecular markers for the detection of resistance alleles for yellow leaf curl disease and root knot disease. In case of brinjal, the isolated genomic DNA was found to be suitable for simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker assay. In a similar way, genomic DNA isolated in this method from cauliflower leaves was observed to be suitable for amplifying a gene of ~1.5 kb length. Thus, this method will be quite helpful to expedite marker assisted selection of plants in plant molecular breeding programmes.
Association analysis for yield and related traits in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) under different environmental conditions
Authors: Yadav Preeti , Deswal Sumit , Singh Avtar
Published: April 2018

Sixteen diverse genotypes of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) were grown in five (E1 to E5) environments which were created by different date of sowing during the rabi seasons at the Vegetable Farm of CCS HAU, Hisar. (29°15?N, 75°69?E) during 2012-13. Observations were recorded on ten randomly selected plants from each genotypes in each replications for characters viz. field emergence index, days to 50 % flowering, plant height, number of pods per plant, number of branches per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length, seed yield (q/ha), test weight, seed germination, seed vigour index-I and II. The estimation of genotypic and phenotypic coefficients (GCV and PCV) variation in all the environments was consistently decreasing with the delaying in sowing date for all the character studied except plant height and test weight indicating that the environmental influence was comparatively more pronounced for these characters in expressing the phenotypic performance of different genotypes. Highest GCV and PCV was estimated as 50.36 % and 55.93 %, respectively for seed vigour index-I in E1. High value of heritability estimated for characters seed yield, seed vigour index-II, seed germination and branches per plant (above 70 %) in E1 revealed that these were less influenced by environment and low heritability estimated for days to 50 % flowering in E2, plant height in E2, seeds per pod in E3, field emergence index in E5 indicated high influence of environment. Based on environmental indices, the environment E2 was most favourable for all the characters studied except field emergence index.
A study on the causes for depletion of Kalayat wetland in Haryana province, India and its winter migratory birds’ diversity
Authors: Kaushik Tirshem Kumar , Gupta Rohtash Chand , Vats Parveen Kumar
Published: April 2018

Kalayat wetland is a historical and religious natural lake having direct connection with a sage, writer, namely, “Kapil-Muni” who is revered in the echelons of Hindu thought as a authority of literary predicament and his epical compositions were composed on the moorings of this very wetland. The objective of this research work is to singularly emphasize on the silently ongoing process of depletion of age-old wetland on a very fast rate in Haryana province of India. In the present research work, a total of 57 species of wetland birds belonging to 8 orders and 15 families were recorded. Out of the 57 species of wetland birds, 29 species of birds were winter migratory, 18 species resident and 7 species were Local migratory. The major causes of extinction of this historical lake of immense universal importance includes its renovation and supposedly rejuvenation by constructing cemented brick wall and consequently destroying the age old aquatic plants and animal, purely decimating the trophic structure. In addition, land filling deliberate and subsequent encroachment has spelled havoc with vast sheet of water. Resultantly, migratory birds coming in winter to Kalayat Wetland from far off places like Ladakh, Siberia, Russia and central Asia have stopped coming.
Foraging behavior of major insect pollinators on pumpkin, Cucurbita moschata (Duch.ex Lam)
Authors: Lalita Lalita , Kumar Yogesh
Published: April 2018

Foraging activity period of different honey bee species on C. moschata (C-1076) flowers at different day hours during August-September (2013) revealed that A. dorsata, A. mellifera, A. cerana and A. florea initiated their activity early in the morning at 0530, 0615, 0625 and 0630 h, respectively and stopped their activity at 1030, 1020, 1025 and 1030 h of the day, respectively while on C. moschata (C-1106, A. dorsata, A. mellifera, A. cerana and A. florea initiated their activity early in the morning at 0535, 0615, 0620 and 0625 h, respectively and ceased their activity at 1045, 1025, 1015 and 1040 h of the day, respectively. The mean foraging speed (time spent per flower) in seconds on flowers of pumpkin (C-1106) was maximum of A. florea (181.72), followed by A. mellifera (7.15), A. cerana (6.05) and A. dorsata spent least time (5.83) and in pumpkin (C-1076), foraging speed was maximum in case of A. florea (178.71), followed by A. mellifera (7.63), A. cerana (6.24) and A. dorsata spent least time (6.06). The mean foraging rate (flowers visited per minute) on flowers of pumpkin (C-1106) was maximum in case of A. dorsata (5.13), followed by A. cerana (4.30), A. mellifera (4.16) and A. florea visited least flower (0.32) and in pumpkin (C-1076), foraging rate was maximum in case of A. dorsata (4.96), followed by A. cerana (4.19), A. mellifera (4.02) and A. florea visited least flower (0.33). Present study advises the farmers that they should not apply the pesticide when the activityof honey bee is on the peak period because pesticides application at the time of bee activity in the field crop causes mortality of bees.
Effect of nano based seed treatment insecticides on seed quality in Pigeonpea
Authors: Raghu B.N. , Gowda Basave , Vasudevan S. N. , Macha Sangeeta I. , Hiregoudar Sharan Gouda , Hosmani Arun Kumar
Published: April 2018

A laboratory experiment was conducted to know the effect seed treatment with nano insecticides on seed quality of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) cv. TS3R. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of macro and nano insecticides on seed germination and vigour of Pigeonpea. Different recommended seed treatment insecticides viz, malathion, fenvalerate, emamectine benzoate, thiodicarb, sweet flag and neem seed kernel powder insecticides were synthesized to nano form using high energy planetary ball mill. The Pigeonpea seed were treated with different nano insecticides i.e., 10-90 per cent reduction in actual dosage. Among the different treatments studied, seed treated with nano malathion 50 per cent lesser than normal dosage, fenvalerate 60 per cent lesser, thiodicarb 10 per cent lesser, emamectine benzoate 30 per cent lesser, sweetflag 70 per cent lesser, neem seed kernel powder 40 per cent lesser than actual recommended dosage gave significantly higher seed germination (98.0, 98.67, 98.67, 97.0, 99.0 and 98.67 percent) ,less number of abnormal seedlings (1.0, 0.33, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0 and 0.33 per cent) , shoot length (10.13, 9.00, 11.47, 9.50, 10.90 and 10.87 cm), root length (12.56, 12.93, 12.83, 12.60 11.50 and 13.00 cm), seedling dry weight (85.73, 87.40, 88.47, 87.70, 88.60 and 88.27 g) and seedling vigour index (2223, 2164, 2397, 2143, 2217 and 2354) as compared to untreated seeds and macro insecticides. Therefore, it is very clear that nano based insecticides has a significant (0.1 %) impact on the seed quality improvement.