bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and technical characteristics of shark gillnet operating in Mumbai coast
Authors: Dar Shabir A. , Thomas Saly N. , Chakraborty S. K.
Published: April 2018

This paper deals with design and general features of shark gillnets operated along Mumbai coast. A PA monofilament of 0.60 to 1.0 mm diameter and selvedge meshes of PE of 1 to 2 mm diameter were used for shark set gillnets along Mumbai coast. Mesh size of the main webbing ranged from 120 to 200 mm with average of 144.4 ± 10.83 mm and rigged with a hanging coefficient of 0.41 to 0.51 with average of 0.42 were commonly used. A hung length ranging from 40 to 105 m with mean of 59 ± 10.37 with total hung depth varying from 6.42 to 10.58 m with average of 8.15 ± 0.49 m. Shark gillnet had a total length of 260 to 456 m with mean of 350.71 ± 28.53 m. The nets were operated mostly at a depth up to 18 m very near to the shore and were of set type of gillnet. Polyamide (PA) monofilament netting of 0.16 to 0.32 mm diameter and of mesh size 26-200 mm were generally used for construction of gillnets throughout the Mumbai coast. Polyamide (PA) monofilament has completely replaced PA multifilament in all the nets except those targeted i.e. white sardine and seerfish.
Morphological characterization of forage sorghum genotypes for its various DUS traits
Authors: Bhusal Nabin , Pahuja S.K. , Vats Akshay Kumar , Srivastava Ashutosh , Kumar Ravi Shekhar
Published: April 2018

The present investigation was conducted to characterize 20 genotypes of sorghum {Sorghum bicolor (L.) moench} on the basis of 33 morphological characters provided by Protection of Plant Variety & Farmer’s Right Act (PPV&FRA) for Distinctiveness Uniformity and Stability (DUS) testing in sorghum. Experimental results revealed that maximum variation was found on the basis of glume colour among the genotypes i.e. G 46, HC 308, HJ 513 had green white, IS 3237, SSG 9, HC 171 had yellow white, SSG 59-3, COFS 29 had grayed purple, S 437-1, SGL-87, S 540-S, SSG (PSSG) had grayed yellow and remaining seven genotypes had grayed orange glume colour. The studied traits showed five genotypes had distinct state of expression. Genotype S-540 showed very high plant height upto the base of flag leaf, HC 136 had compact panicle density at maturity, COFS 29 had very long glume length, SSG 59-3 had distinct expression for days to panicle emergence (50 % of the plants with 50 % of anthesis) and COFS 29 and IS 18551 had short and very long leaf width of blade, respectively. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed principal Factor (PFI) and Principal Factor (PFII) with maximum variability (64.99 %). Classification of genotypes on the basis of DUS traits provided identification of key characteristics of various genotypes.
Monitoring of organochlorine pesticide residues from bovine milk in Patna (Bihar), INDIA
Authors: Sah S. B. , Gupta R. N. , Saha T. , Singh S. P.
Published: April 2018

The milk has high nutritional properties and is widely used as baby food in different forms. The present study was undertaken to evaluate pesticide contamination in bovine milk samples from Patna district of Bihar. Out of 24 samples analyzed during 2012, 18 samples (75 %) were found to be contaminated with HCH residues varying from ND-0.178 mg kg-1 (mean value 0.135 mg kg-1). Seven samples (29.2 %) had HCH exceeding MRL of 0.01 mg kg-1. DDT residues were detected in 20 samples (83.3 %) and ranged from ND-0.132 mg kg-1 (mean value 0.122 mg kg-1). Five samples (20.8 %) contained DDT residues above the prescribed MRL of 0.05 mg kg-1. Out of 24 samples of bovine milk analyzed during 2013, 16 samples (66.7 %) were found to be contaminated with HCH and 15 samples (62.5%) with DDT residues. The residues of HCH varied from ND-0.154 mg kg-1 (mean value 0.053 mg kg-1) and DDT from ND-0.120 mg kg-1 (mean value 0.122 mg kg-1). The residues of HCH and DDT were above MRL in four samples (16.7 %) and three samples (12.5 %) respectively. The management practices of animals and legal punishment on using banned pesticides are the alternatives to reduce pesticide contamination incidences in milk.
Biochemical assessment of nutritional status in Indian mustard
Authors: Kumari Nisha , Avtar Ram , Sharma Bunty , Rani Babita , Jain Veena , Sheoran R.K.
Published: April 2018

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the nutritional potential of five different Indian mustard genotypes. Fatty acid composition was determined in the oil, whereas seed meal was analyzed for limiting amino acids (tryptophan and methionine), protein content, glucosinolate content and antioxidant potential (DPPH free radical scavenging activity, total antioxidant activity and iron chelating activity). The monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were found to be maximum in RH 0749 (58.70 %) followed by RH (OE) 0801 (48.91 %), JM 6011 (47.03 %), EC 597328 and EC 597340 (45.77 %). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were observed maximum in EC 597340 (47.45 %).Glucosinolate content ranged from 42.80 (EC 597328) to 79.79 ?mole/g defatted seed meal (EC 597340). The methanolic seed meal extract exhibited a concentration dependent elimination of DPPH free radicals. All the five genotypes showed about 50 % inhibition in 3.0 mg of dry seed meal. The highest total antioxidant activity (20.41mg/g) and metal ion chelating activity (32.58 %) was observed in RH 0749. Protein content varied from 33.57 [RH (OE) 0801] to 38.01 % (RH 0749). Maximum methionine and tryptophan content were recorded in RH 0749 (0.99 and 1.01 g/100g protein, respectively). Thus, RH 0749 was observed as a potent variety in terms of total antioxidant activity, metal ion chelating activity, protein content, methionine and tryptophan content.
Validation of integrated pest management module against insect pests of pigeonpea, Cajanus cajan in Tarai region of Uttarakhand
Authors: Maurya R.P. , Agnihotri Meena , Tiwari S. , Yadav L.B.
Published: April 2018

Experiments on validation of integrated pest management (IPM) module against insect pest of pigeonpea in comparison with the Non-IPM (farmer’s practices) were conducted at N.E.B. Crop Research Centre, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar during Kharif 2014 and 2015. Adopted IPM module contained Seed treatment with Trichoderma spp. @10g/kg of seed, Sole crop, Bird perches @ 50/ha, need based insecticides spray (Chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC @ 30 g a. i./ha; Neem soap@10g/lit; Acetamiprid 20SP @ 20 g a. i./ha). The results indicated that minimum population of pod borers (Helicoverpa armigera,Maruca vitrata and podfly) and sucking insects (aphids, jassids, pod bug) was reported in IPM plots and maximum population of insects was observed in Non-IPM plots. Percent insect control over non-IPM was 50.98 % for H. armigera, 44.69 % for M. vitrata and 19.17 % for Maruca webbing were recorded. While, for sucking pest complex, insect control over non-IPM was 51.59 %, 40.36 % and 36.17 % against jassids, aphids and tur pod bug, respectively. Similarly, minimum pod borer damage (6.48 and 7.71 %) was recorded in IPM plots as compared to maximum pod borer damage (8.37 and 8.22 %) in non-IPM plots, respectively during 2014 and 2015. Whereas, pooled grain yield for IPM plots was 1286.5 kg/ha for both seasons as against 888 kg/ha in non-IPM plots with 1:2.89 benefit cost ratio. Hence, It is apparent that studied IPM module was able to increase the yield of pigeonepea with lower cost of production as against non-IPM thus it would be benefiting the farmers.
Effect of dates of sowing and varieties on yield and quality of cluster bean (Cyamopsistetra gonoloba L.)
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Luther M. Martin , Kumar Vikram , Hemalatha K.
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla (Andhra Pradesh), study the effect of different sowing dates on the yield and quality of different varieties of clusterbean. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design replicated thrice, six dates of sowing from 15th September to 1st December at fifteen days interval and two clusterbean varieties viz. RGC-936 and RGC-1003. Results revealed that growth parameters, yield attributes, yield (1568 kg ha-1) and quality parameters viz. gum content (31.6 %), protein content (30.1 %) and viscosity (3783 cP) were highest with RGC-1003 sown at 15thNovember, which was at par with 1st December sowing with same variety. The study results showed that the clusterbean crop can be grown successfully in non-traditional area as a rabi crop.
Induced chlorophyll mutations in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum)
Authors: Sood Sonia , Jambhulkar Sanjay , Singh Yudhvir , Gupta Nivedita , Sharma Saloni
Published: April 2018

An investigation entitled “Induced chlorophyll mutations in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum)” was conducted during kharif (summer-rainy season) 2012 and 2013 at Experimental farm of the Department of Vegetable Science and Floriculture, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, H.P., India. Healthy seeds of California Wonder of bell pepper were exposed to physical mutagen Gamma rays using 60CO as a source of radiation at Mutation Breeding Centre, Department of Biotechnology, BARC Trombay, Mumbai and chemical mutagen EMS (Ethyl Methane Sulphonate) to obtain the spectrum and frequency of chlorophyll mutations in M2 generation. The M1 generation was produced from these mutagen treated seeds. Several unique and interesting chlorophyll and viable mutants were obtained in M2 generation. In M2 generation, gamma rays induced higher proportion of chlorophyll mutants then EMS. A progressive increase in mutation frequency of chlorophyll mutations was observed with increasing doses/concentrations. Four different types of chlorophyll mutants namely xantha, yellow xantha, chlorina and viridis were induced. Out of these mutants, chlorina and viridis were most frequent and were produced even in lower doses/concentrations while yellow xantha was least frequent and produced only in higher doses. The highest frequency of chlorophyll mutations (18.8 %) was reported in the 22 kR of gamma dose, while the lowest (0.80 %) frequency of chlorophyll mutations was found in the treatment of 1.0 % EMS. There was a dose dependent increase in the spectrum and frequency of chlorophyll mutations. These chlorophyll mutants induced by gamma radiation and EMS could be used in mutation breeding programme for inducing viable mutations for improvement of bell pepper varieties.
Effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and IBA treatments on rooting in cuttings of apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) clonal rootstock Merton 793
Authors: Verma Pramod , Chauhan P. S. , Chandel J. S.
Published: April 2018

The preliminary studies on the effect of different strains of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) alone and in combination with IBA at 1000 ppm on rooting in cuttings of apple clonal rootstock Merton 793 were carried out during 2012-13. The PGPR strains (RG (1)3 – Bacillus sp.), B6 – Bacillus licheniformis and R3 (3) – Sirretia sp. alone failed to induce rooting response in cuttings of apple clonal rootstock Merton 793. The results revealed that IBA 2500 ppm recorded the maximum rooting (65 %), number of primary roots (5.00), length (28.43 cm) and diameter (3.25 mm) of primary roots, fresh (3.67 g) and dry weight (2.59 g) of roots, length of main shoot (134.14cm), diameter of main shoot (8.18 mm), fresh (30.40 g) and dry weight (22.60 g) of shoots in cuttings of Merton 793. However, the PGPR strains RG (1)3 – Bacillus sp., B6 – Bacillus licheniformis and R3 (3) – Sirretia sp. in combination with IBA 1000 ppm showed improvement in rooting of cuttings to the extent of 10, 15 and 5 per cent rooting, respectively and growth of the rooted plants. IBA at 2500 ppm resulted better rooting and growth of rooted plants. Hence, this treatment is suggested for commercial propagation of apple clonal rootstock Merton 793 through cuttings.
Effect of growth stages and fertility levels on growth, yield and quality of fodder oats (Avena sativa L.)
Authors: Kaur Gurjeet , Goyal Meenakshi
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the yield and quality parameters of oats (Avena sativa L.) at forage research farm in Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Four different nitrogen levels viz. 0 (control), 50, 75 (recommended) and 100 Kg N/ha were applied in the form of urea. Samples were collected at three different growth stages i.e. 30, 45 and 60 DAS. As the growth of plant continued decrease in total nitrogen (45%), non protein nitro-gen (37%), ether extract (13%), ash content (24%) and digestibility (23%) was observed. But increase in free amino acids (48%) and cell wall constituents i.e. ADF (19%), NDF (31%) and CF (34%)with plant’s growth was reported. The interactive effect of varying levels of inorganic fertilizer application on the chemical composition of the plant at various growth stages revealed an increase in total nitrogen (18%), non protein nitrogen (26%), ether extract (18%), free amino acids (32%), ash content (13%) and digestibility (7%) with increase in fertilizer level however ADF (7%), NDF (2%) and CF (3%)content decreased with increased levels of nitrogen fertilization. Correlation studies showed that significant negative correlation was present forin vitro dry matter digestibility with acid detergent fiber (r= -.861**), neutral detergent fiber (r= -.891**) and crude fiber (r= -.740**) at recommended dose of N fertilization. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different doses of nitrogen fertilization at different growth stages on quality components in oats fodder.
Risk of cardiovascular diseases and gastrointestinal tract disorders in relation to the impact of shift work among male workers of textile mills in Pali district of Rajasthan, India
Authors: Ranawat R. , Srivastava R.
Published: April 2018

he present study was conducted in textile mill of Pali city with the objective to study the risk of cardiac and gastric problems in relation to shift work among male workers. The results showed significant difference between Body Mass Index (?2=14.2, p=0.0008) and waist hip ratio (?2=5.2, p=0.0226) of shift and non shift workers. Results on food intake showed comparatively more deficient daily intake of nutrients like fiber (7.21 g), ? carotene (1842.89 ?g), and folic acid (99.03 ?g) in shift workers with respect to recommended dietary allowances and an overconsumption of fats (37.72 g). Alcoholism (?2=17.3, p=0.0001) and smoking habit (?2=14, p=0.0029) was found to be significantly higher among shift workers. Comparatively higher segment of shift workers suffered from hypertension (56.0%), disturbed appetite (87.50%), stomach upsets (90.0%), nausea (88.50%), heartburn (85.0%) and breathlessness (34.0%). Shift workers also had higher mean levels of lipid profile fractions and relatively more subjects fell into the category of high risk (20.50%) of CVD. Longer duration of involvement in shift work also influenced the occurrence of gastric and cardiac problems like disturbed appetite (?2=9.96, p=0.0411), stomach upsets (?2=9.73, p=0.0452), stomach ache (?2=10.1, p=0.0389), constipation (?2=9.88, p=0.0424), dizziness (47.37%), breathlessness (50.0%) and swollen feet (44.74%). The study concludes that shift work affects food intake, BMI, WHR, BP, alcohol intake, smoking habits and lipid profile of the subjects, thus increasing the risk of health problems like cardiovascular and gastric diseases.
Estimation of genetic diversity among sugarcane (Saccharum species complex) clones
Authors: Bisht Rashmi , Jeena A. S. , Koujalagi Deepak , Singh S. P. , Khan K. A.
Published: April 2018

he experimental materials consisted of 36 sugarcane clones including two checks (Co Pant 97222 and Co Pant 3220). Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among all the clones for all the traits under study namely no. of millable canes, cane height, single cane weight, juice sucrose percent , purity percent , cane yield and CCS yield except cane thickness, juice brix and juice extraction percent. The divergence studies through Mahalanobis D2 statistics grouped the 36 genotypes into eleven clusters. The maximum numbers of genotypes (21) were grouped in clusterI and the lowest (1) in cluster VI,VII,VIII,IX,X and XI. Members of cluster VII and XI (46.48) were found to be genetically most diverse on the basis of their inter cluster difference as opposite to clusters I and II (10.77) which are closely related. Cane height contributed maximum (15.397%) towards genetic divergence followed by Single cane weight (14.762%) and no. of millable cane (13.016%). These characters were considered to be most important for the genetic diversity. Lowest contribution was made by juice purity percent (4.286%) followed by Cane thickness(7.301%),Juice extraction percent (7.619%). Genetic diversity is important for sustainable production since greater losses of characteristics in any population limits its chances of survival. Little to no genetic diversity makes crops extremely susceptible to widespread biotic and abiotic stresses. Genetic diversity can be assessed by Mahalanobis D2 statistic, which is a morphometric method and a powerful tool in quantifying the degree of divergence at genotypic level.
Additions to the thrips (Thysanoptera) fauna of Odisha, India
Authors: Rachana R. R. , Varatharajan R.
Published: April 2018

Ten thrips species in ten genera of two families (Phlaeothripidae and Thripidae) of suborders Tubulifera and Terebrantia (Order Thysanoptera) are newly added to the fauna of Odisha, India. These species collected from various host plants are being reported for the first time from Odisha; three species in Phlaeothripidae and seven in Thripidae. Three species, Panchaetothrips stepheni, Scirtothrips bispinosus and Elaphrothrips greeni are recorded as new distribution reports from North India whereas, Crotonothrips polyalthiae has been newly reported from India. This survey reports newly added nine genera viz.,Astrothrips, Panchaetothrips, Selenothrips, Neohydatothrips, Den-drothripoides, Megalurothrips, Elaphrothrips, Crotonothrips and Karnyothrips and two subfamilies Panchaetothripi-nae and Idolothripinae to the fauna of Odisha. Diagnostic features, distribution and data on material studied for the-se species are given. The number of known species of thrips in Odisha is thus increased to 23.
Gene action and combining ability estimates of newly developed CMS based heterotic rice hybrids (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Madhuri R. , Shivakumar N. , Bindhu K. G. , Lohithaswa H. C. , Pavan R.
Published: April 2018

An insight knowledge nature and relative magnitude of gene actions involved and combining ability is useful for a breeder to assess nicking ability in self-pollinated crops. In this connection, an attempt was made to esti- mate the gene action and combining ability of 70 newly developed CMS based heterotic rice hybrids developed from ten newly developed CMS lines and seven testers were evaluated for grain yield and its components at Hybrid rice scheme, ZARS, V. C. Farm, Mandya. Among the lines, CMS 2 had significant gca effects at 1% level of significance in desired direction for four traits viz., panicle weight, pollen fertility, spikelet fertility and number of spikelets per pan- icle. Out of seven testers, KMR 3 found to be good general combiner for five traits viz., days to 50 per cent flower- ing, plant height, number of tillers per plant, number of panicles per plant and grain L/B ratio. Among the 70 hybrids, CMS1 × KMR3 was good specific combiner for grain yield per plant and grain L/B ratio. It further revealed that SCA variances were higher than the GCA variances for all the characters which indicated preponderance of non-additive gene action. Hence, CMS 2 and KMR 3 are identified as promising lines which can be used in further breeding pro- gramme.
Jute seed production as influenced by dates of sowing and topping in red and laterite zone of West Bengal
Authors: Patra Bikas Chandra , Dinda Nirmal Kumar , Chowdary Korla Aditya , Kundu Milan Kanti
Published: April 2018

An experiment was carried out during thekharif season of two consecutive years 2014 and 2015 at Regional Research Sub-station, Raghunathpur, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Purulia, West Bengal with the view to maximise the jute seed yield by manipulating certain non-monetary techniques like dates of sowing and topping associated with crop production. The Capsularis variety Bidhan pat-3 was sown in three different dates (1st-25th June, 2nd-15th July and 3rd-5th August) with 3 topping (clipping of apical portion) practices at 30, 45 and 60 days after sowing (DAS) as separate treatment with no topping as control. These different agronomic practices significantly (at 5 % probability level) influenced the performance of the crop in various aspects. The 1st date of sowing showed its supremacy in terms of expression of the crop in the field in all the aspects achieving a seed yield of 709.50 kg ha-1 and 737.85 kg ha-1 during first and second year respectively, whereas, the last date of sowing showed its inferiority obtaining a seed yield of 590.10 kg ha-1 and 647.13 kg ha-1all through the first and second year respectively.1stdate of sowing also recorded higher net return(Rs. 33721.50 ha-1& Rs.35989.50 ha-1 during first and second year) and benefit: cost ratio (1.46 and 1.56 in first and second year) over the other two date of sowing. How-ever, maximum seed yield was achieved when the crop was topped on 45 DAS (728.80 kg ha-1 and 773.57 kg ha-1 during first and second year) irrespective of the date of sowing.
Genetic variability for grain yield and water use efficiency in blackgram genotypes
Authors: Lakshmi N. Jyothi , Vanaja M. , Yadav S. K. , Prasad Ch. Ram , Sathish P. , Kumar Vijay , Vagheera Vagheera , Salini K. , Maheswari M.
Published: April 2018

Transpiration efficiency (TE, g biomass kg-1 water transpired) is the preferred measure for examining po- tential genetic variation in crop water use efficiency (WUE). TE was assessed gravimetrically from sowing to grain harvest in fifteen blackgram accessions, two checks and two local varieties under well-watered conditions during kharif season. TEbiomass varied from 2.87 - 5.27 g kg-1 and TEseed varied from 1.10 - 2.03 g kg-1 among genotypes. High coefficient of variability was observed for seed yield and TEseed.Total biomass, TEbiomass, HI and water transpired recorded medium coefficient of variability. High heritability in broad sense was observed for seed yield, TEseed and total biomass. High genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for seed yield, TEseed, total biomass and TEbiomass. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for seed yield, total biomass and TEseed.TEseed is significantly positively correlated with TEbiomass (0.883**), seed yield/ plant (0.805**), HI (0.757**) and biomass (0.572*). TEbiomass, seed yield per plant, total biomass and HI were the important components of TEseed as revealed by correlation studies.D2 analysis partitioned the nineteen genotypes in to five clusters. The maximum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster II and V (24.94) and III and IV (22.6). Genotypes IC436665, IC343952 and Local II (Cluster III) had high mean values for TEbiomass and TEseed along with total biomass and seed yield. These genotypes should be useful in future breeding programs for higher water use efficiency.
Evaluation of periphyton quantity on different natural substrates in Earthen lined pond
Authors: Santhiya A. Anix Vivek , Athithan S. , Ahilan B. , Stephen J. , Kumar Sampath , Srinivasan A.
Published: April 2018

Experiments were conducted in outdoor earthen lined pond to study periphyton quantity on three types of natural substrates such as split bamboo pole, coconut coir and coconut shell, which was placed inside the earthen lined pond filled with seawater for duration of 45 days. Observations were made in every 15th day for growth of periphyton both qualitatively and quantitatively on the three natural substrates and physico-chemical properties of selected pond water such as transparency, water temperature, salinity, pH, Dissolved oxygen, Ammonia (NH3-N), Nitrite (NO2-N), Nitrate (NO3-N), BOD and Chlorophyll ‘a’ were recorded during periphyton samplings. The periphy-ton quantity (34562 ± 671 cells / cm2) observed for coconut coir was higher than the split bamboo pole (33104 ± 810 cells / cm2), and coconut shell (21194 ± 872 cells / cm2) in the final day of the experiment. One way ANOVA of the data collected clearly affirmed that significant differences were observed (P < 0.05) in periphyton quantity among the three substrates tested. A total 16 phyto-periphytic microalgae (Bacillariophyceae – 10 types, Dinophyceae – 4 types and Cyanophyceae – 2 types) and 10 Zoo-periphyton (Copepod- 4 types, Meroplankton – 4 types and Tintin-nidae – 2 types) were recorded from these three substrates. Among the different phyto-periphytic microalgae, Bacil-lariophyceae group were found to be more (Split bamboo pole – 72%, Coconut coir – 73% and Coconut shell – 71%) on three substrates studied. Further, coconut coir was found to be best substrate than split bamboo pole and coconut shell, which can be utilized by fin and shellfishes as natural food.
Comparative evaluation of Doolittle, Cupkit and Karl Jenter techniques for rearing Apis mellifera Linnaeus queen bees during breeding season
Authors: Dhaliwal Navneet Kaur , Singh Jaspal , Chhuneja Pardeep K.
Published: April 2018

Comparative evaluation of Doolittle, Karl Jenter and Cupkit techniques of Apis mellifera Linnaeus queen bee rearing was done during spring (mid February- mid April 2013) breeding season. The highest acceptance of cell cups (66.00 %), queen cells raising (64.00 %), their sealing (60.67 %) and emergence of gynes (54.67 %) was recorded in Cupkit apparatus. Maximum weight of newly emerged gyne was recorded in Doolittle method in plastic cell cups (212.36 mg), while the mean weight was 184.96 mg in case of Cupkit apparatus. Overall, Cupkit proved to be the best option for queen bee rearing because of its better performance in terms of acceptance of larvae (66.00 %) and the number of successfully produced gynes i.e. 16 queens/colony/cycle of 12 days.
Effect of plant growth regulators on growth, yield and fruit quality of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) under protected conditions
Authors: Thakur Yash , Chandel J. S. , Verma Pramod
Published: April 2018

A field trial was conducted during 2015 and 2016, to study the effect ofgrowth regulators on growth, flowering, yield and fruit quality of strawberry cv. Chandler. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with 16 treatments viz.CPPU at 1, 2 and 4 ppm, GA3 at 25, 50 and 75 ppm, Promalin at 2, 4 and 6 ppm, GA4+7 at 5, 10 and15 ppm, NAA at 10, 20 and 30 ppm and control (water spray) and each treatment was replicated thrice. The results revealed that the plants sprayed with 15 ppm GA4+7 two weeks before flowering significantly reported highest plant height (33.43 cm), leaf area (239.70 cm2), number of flowers (31.94), fruit set (87.45 %), number of fruits per plant (29.02), yield (540.01 g/plant), fruit length (53.63 mm) and fruit diameter (37.19 mm) and fruit weight (23.70 g) as compared to control. This treatment resulted in 196.36 % increase in yield and 56.22 %in fruit weight over control. Plants sprayed with 6 ppm promalin also showed significant improvement in vegetative growth, fruit size, yield and fruit quality, which resulted in 137.92 % increase in yield and 51.81 % increase in fruit weight over control. Hence, it is concluded that foliar spray of 15 ppm GA4+7 applied 2 weeks before flowering is beneficial in improving growth, yield and fruit quality of strawberry plants.
Statistical investigation through stratified random sampling for apple production in Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Sharma Anju , Mahajan P. K. , Belwal O. K.
Published: April 2018

The present study focuses on standardization of sampling technique and comparison of different types of sample allocation methods in combination with various stratification tools (optimum strata boundaries, number of strata and optimum sample size etc.) for obtaining efficient estimators of area and production of apple in Himachal Pradesh. Forth is purpose, various aspects involved in optimum stratification with reference todata collected from the selected or chardists in district Shimla, during the year 2011-12 have been analyzed. The variable "Area under Apple" was chosen as the stratification variable as it had high correlation(r=0.96) with the estimation variable "Production of Apple". Four methods of construction of strata viz., equalization of strata total, equalization of cumulative of ?f(y) , equalization of cumulative of ½{r(y)+f(y)} and equalization of cumulative of were used and their relative efficiencies for estimating total production of apple in the study district of the state have been analyzed. The critical examination of the result revealed that with the increase in number of strata from 2 to 4 and sample size from 10 to 40, equalization of cumulative of method along with Neyman allocation resulted in least variance (0.89) and maximum percentage gain in efficiency (20418.16). Thus, equalization of cumulative of method with L>2 can profitably be applied for the estimation of apple production in the study district of the state Himachal Pradesh, India.
Assessment of genetic variability among different genotypes of Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) in India
Authors: Kumar Vikash , Sahay Sanjay , Nirgude Vishal , Kumari Amrita , Singh Ravi S. , Mir Hidayatullah , Mahesh Shiv S. , Kumar Vinod
Published: April 2018

The field experiment was carried out at the research farm of Horticulture Garden, Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour, Bhagalpur during 2014-15 for assessment of genetic variability among different genotypes of cape gooseberry in India. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications having twelve genotypes. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for all the traits studies which suggesting sufficient variability for yield and quality parameters. The overall values of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were higher than those of genetic coefficient of variation (GCV). Higher magnitude of GCV and PCV were recorded for fruit per plant percent (33.30 and 36.61) followed by fruit diameter, fruit weight and flowers per branch. The maximum GCV (33.30) and PCV (36.61) were recorded in fruits/plant respectively. The high values of GCV are the indication of excess variability among the genotypes and thus the scope for crop improvement depends on the selection of superior parents for crossing to get better parents for hybridization. In present study, the magnitude of heritability ranged from 37% to 98% indicating that these traits are controlled by additive gene action which is very useful in selection. The traits like plant girth, plant height, inter nodal length, appearance of 50% of flowering, bud break to full bloom, number of flowers per branch, number of fruits set per branch, duration of fruit set to maturity, fruit weight, fruit diameter and number of fruits per plant with high GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance as percentage of mean, indicating that these characters are under additive gene effects and more reliable for effective selection.
Integrated management of late blight of potato
Authors: Lal Mehi , Yadav Saurabh , Sharma Sanjeev , Singh B. P. , Kaushik S. K.
Published: April 2018

Late blight of potato is the major biotic constraint responsible for reduction in yield and quality of the pota-to crop. Globally, late blight is managed through application of multiple fungicidal chemical sprays affecting both human health and environment. Now a days, methods of biological control are gaining importance as these are non-toxic and also environment friendly. However, Phytophthora infestans multiplies very fast; therefore, biological con-trol method alone is not a viable option to manage late blight. Hence, integration of both methods is essential. Eleven treatments consisting of biocontrol agents and fungicides were evaluated against the late bight in three consecu-tive seasons (2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14) at ICAR-CPRIC, Modipuram. Meerut. The results revealed that the treat-ments ( T1 to T10) are effective for managing the disease up to certain level; however, lowest average disease se-verity (27.89%) was recorded in treatment when Bacillus subtilis (B5-0.25%) + Trichoderma viride (TV-0.7%) was applied before disease appearance followed by cymoxanil8+mancozeb 64%WP (0.3%) at onset of late blight and one more spray of B5+ TV after seven days. The next best treatment was application of B5+ TV before appearance of disease followed by metalaxyl 8+mancozeb 64%WP (0.25%) at onset of late blight and one more spray of B5+ TV against control (average disease severity 91.94%) with higher yield also except the treatment of three spray of mancozeb 75% WP (0.2%). These treatments could be integrated in farmer practices.
Bio-efficacy of pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10% wp against weeds in transplanted rice
Authors: Ramesha Y. M. , Kumar M.Y. Ajay , Bhanuvally Manjunath , Gaddi Ashok Kumar
Published: April 2018

An experiment was conducted during Kharif 2012 and 2013 at Agricultural Research Station, Dhadesu-gur, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka, India, to evaluate the phytotoxicity and bio efficacy of pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10 % WP (wettable Powder) @ 5, 10, 15 and 20 g a.i./ha against the weeds in transplanted rice. Sprays of Saathi (Market Sample) @ 15 g a.i./ha (gram active ingredient/hectare), Pretilachlor 50% EC @ 500 ml a. i/ha, hand weeding at 15 and 40 days after planting (weed free check) and a weedy check (untreated check) were also maintained. The dominant weeds were Echinochloacolona, Panicum repens, Cynodondoctylon, Lud-wigiaparviflora, Leptochloachinensis and Cyperus sp. Application of pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10 % WP @ 20 g a.i./ha was recorded significantly higher grain yield (6266 kg/ha) by controlling the associated weeds in transplanted rice without any phytotoxic effect.
Assessment of heavy metals in brands of canned fishes stored in vegetable oil marketed in Benin city, Nigeria
Authors: Odiko Andress Edowaye
Published: April 2018

This study was undertaken to ascertain the safety level of consuming canned fish as it relates to metals. Seven commonly consumed canned fish brands stored in vegetable oil sold in Benin-City were bought from super stores and in the open markets and stored at ambient temperature between January to September, 2015. A total of 106 samples were collected and analysed in triplicates for iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni) and vanadium (V); which were detected in all the canned fish samples but V had an average of 0.024mg/kg value during the study which was just a detection level. The heavy metal variation ranged between 2.21-21.38mgFe/kg, 5.41- 52.35mgZn/kg, 0.05-0.72mgMn/kg, 0.42-7.00mgNi/kg and 0.02-0.16mgV/kg respectively during the period of study. Generally, heavy metal concentration increased with increasing storage time especially Fe and Zn. There was significant difference in the mean concentration of the heavy metal levels evaluated during the period of study in the different brands ((p>0.05). The Laser, Soil and Titus sardines were significantly higher. However, all the metal concentrations were not significantly different (p>0.05) from the permissible set limits by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO) and European Union (EU) legislation for fish except for nickel. Effort must therefore be made to comprehensively and intermittently monitor metal levels on arrival and during long time storage of canned fish. As this will not only help to safeguard the health of the citizenry but the point at which metal contamination occurs can be effectively deduced and appropriate measures could then be taken to prevent metal contamination.
Occurrence and distribution of black pod rot of Cocoa (Theobromae cocoa L.) in southern transition zone of Karnataka
Authors: Jayalakshmi K. , Adivappar Adivappar , Nagarajappa Nagarajappa , Raju J. , Narasimhamurthy H. B. , Narayanaswamy P. , Shivanna S. , Ravindra H.
Published: April 2018

Straminipile genus Phytophthora cause significant disease losses to global cocoa production. Phytopthtora palmivora is one of the major constraints in cocoa production causes significant pod losses. P. palmivora has a complex disease cycle involving several sources of primary inoculum and several modes of dissemination of secondary inoculum. This results in explosive epidemics during favorable environmental conditions. Highest severity of Seedling blight was observed in raised bed nurseries as compared to poly bag nurseries in Shivamogga district (59.26%) followed by Chikkamagluru (53.85%) of the state Karnataka , respectively. Further, the highest incidence of 72.00, 70.83 and 70.00% of black pod rot disease was recorded in Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Shivamogga district followed by Chikkamagaluru (65.22%), Kodagu (64.00%) and Davanagere (55.56%) district respectively. Due to continuous rain fall or high moisture conditions and the crop was grown as intercrop with arecanut is vulnerable for the attack of pathogen due to the presence of pathogenic variability.
Cone and seed maturity indices in Pinus wallichiana under temperate conditions of Kashmir Himalayas, India
Authors: Bhat G. M. , Mughal A. H. , Malik A. R. , Khan P. A. , Sofi P. A. , Islam M. A.
Published: April 2018

Pinus wallichiana (Blue pine) does not have a good seed every year and hence it becomes necessary to collect abundant quantity of seed during good seed year. It becomes necessary to know the exact time of seed ma-turity. To overcome this problem, the present investigation was conducted in Kashmir valley at four different altitudes and locations i.e. (1,600-2,000 masl–KFD), (2,000-2,400 masl -LFD), (2,400-2,800-PFD) and (2,800-3200 masl– SFD). The results revealed that seed collection clearly showed wide variation in the maturity of cones. Cone colour served as an indicator of maturity and it changed from light green to green and green with brown patches at maturity-ty. Seed colour changed from whitish to light brown and dark brown at maturity. The mean cone weight (118.67- 88.17gm) and specific gravity (1.13-0.90) decreased as the cones proceeded towards maturity. The mean seed weight of 21.79 to 57.13gm increased at all altitudes as the cones advanced towards maturity. Cone length, cone diameter and germination percent differed (P?0.05) significantly between altitudes and increased when the cones advanced towards maturity. The germination per cent was recorded more at altitudinal range of 1,600-2,400 masl (67.25-70.26%) at maturity, while as it was recorded lower at higher altitudes (42.12-47.25%). It is concluded that the altitudinal range of 1,600-2,400 masl is best sites for collection of phenotypically superior seeds in terms of maxi-mum cone length (18.18cm), diameter (5.23mm) and weight (108.94gm), number of seeds per cone (117.72), seed weight (79.99) and germinability (68.75).
Osmolytes: Proline metabolism in plants as sensors of abiotic stress
Authors: Singh Ashu , Sharma Manoj Kumar , Sengar R. S.
Published: April 2018

Proline accumulation occurs in a large range of plant species in retaliation to the numerous abiotic stresses. An exclusive research pattern suggests there is a pragmatic relation between proline accumulation and plant stress tolerance. In this review, we will discuss the metabolism of proline accumulation and its role in stress tolerance in plants. Pertaining to the literature cited clearly indicates that not only does it acts as an osmolyte, it also plays important roles during stress as a metal chelator and an antioxidative defence molecule. Moreover, when applied exogenously at low concentrations, proline enhanced stress tolerance in plants. However, some reports point out adverse effects of proline when applied at higher doses. Role of proline gene in seed germination, flowering and other developmental programmes; thus creation of transgene overexpressing this gene would provide better and robust plants. In this context this review gives a detailed account of different proline gene over-expressed in all the trans-genic crops so far.
Efficacy of traditional products on the biochemical aspects of stored mungbean infested with Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius)
Authors: Singh Jagtar , Sharma D. K. , Kaur Jasreet
Published: April 2018

The effect of traditional products viz. turmeric powder, turmeric grits, garlic powder along with standard check (7 cm layer of sand on the top of stored seed) was evaluated on the biochemical aspects of stored mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.)] infested with Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius). Treatments with garlic powder at 1.5 % concentration recorded significantly less egg laying (2.00), less larval penetration (5.00%), less adult emergence (1.02%) as compared to other treatments. Alcoholic acidity increased significantly from 0.51 to 0.59, 0.46 to 0.55 and 0.38 to 0.49 % by turmeric powder at 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 % concentration, respectively, as compared to control samples. Garlic powder was found to be most effective in checking uric acid at concentration of 1.5 % during four months of storage, followed by turmeric powder @ 2.0 % and turmeric grits @ 1.0 %. Order of effectiveness of used traditional products was garlic powder> turmeric powder>turmeric grits.
Effect of proline and salicylic acid on germination and antioxidant enzymes at different temperatures in Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) seeds
Authors: Kaur Sandeep , Gupta Namarta
Published: April 2018

Effect of different seed treatments hydration, warm water, proline (10mM and 20mM) and salicylic acid (0.1mM and 0.5mM) was investigated on percent germination and activity of antioxidant enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX) at different temperatures in Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) seeds. It was observed that lower temperature (20ËšC) had decreased seed germination and activity of various anti-oxidant enzymes. Various seed treatments increased percent germination and activity of these enzymes as com-pared to control at both the temperatures. Proline 20mM (96.6) and SA 0.1mM (91.6) showed better results as com-pared to proline 10mM (95.0) and salicylic acid 0.5mM (86.6) respectively. Thus, proline and salicylic acid play an ameliorating role on low temperature stress by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and scavenging the free radicals.
Effect of dormancy breaking chemicals on microtuber production potential under in vivo conditions of central India
Authors: Sadawarti Murlidhar J. , Pandey K. K. , Samadhiya R. K. , Singh Y. P. , Singh R. K. , Singh S. P. , Roy S.
Published: April 2018

The present study was carried out at ICAR -Central Potato Research Station, Gwalior during 2012-13 to assess the effect of dormancy breaking chemicals, their dip duration and microtuber size on growth and yield parameters. The three different size >4-6mm, >6-8mm and >8mm of variety Kufri Sindhuri were given dip treatment with six types of growth regulators/ dormancy breaking chemicals viz 1ppm gibberelic acid, 0.5 ppm gibberllic acid, 1% thiourea, 0.5 % thiourea, 1ppm gibberllic acid + 1% thiourea and 0.5 ppm gibberllic acid + 0.5 % thiourea along with water control for 30 min, 45 min and 60 min. All the treatments exhibited better growth and yield parameters over water control but significantly best at 5% was 0.5 ppm gibberllic acid treatment for growth parameters and 0.5 ppm gibberllic acid + 0.5 % thiourea treatment for yield parameters. All the dip duration 30 min, 45 min and 60 min had not significant at 5% level effect for both growth and yield parameters. The larger sized micro-tuber (>8 mm) showed significantly superior plant emergence, plant height, number of compound leaves per plant, number of stems per plant both at 50 and 75 days after planting followed by 4-8 mm grade and <4 mm grade micro-tubers. Similar trend was observed for all the yield parameters. The overall mean finding indicates that micro-tubers treated with 0.5 ppm gibberllic acid in combination with 0.5 % thiourea gave highest yield (226.0 q/ha tuber), among micro-tuber size of >8mm (295.0 q/ha tuber) and among dip duration 30 min (206.67q/ha) and 45 min (210 q/ha) resulted in significantly higher yield parameters under nucleus seed production in in vivo conditions of central India.
Influence of knolkhol on quality characteristics of chicken meat balls
Authors: Khursheed Ifrah , Bandral Julie Dogra , Sood Monika , Ahmed Naseer
Published: April 2018

Poultry meat is a major source of high biological value protein. The incorporation of fiber in meat helps to enhance its nutritive value with added health benefits that demonstrates a relationship between a diet containing an excess of energy- dense food rich in fats and sugar and the emergence of a range of chronic disease and several others. While studying the effect of fiber incorporation on the functional parameters it was observed that cooking yield (%) and emulsion stability (%) significantly decreased and the values were 91.94 % and 91.13 % in control and 87.28 % and 87.01 % in case of T7 (18% KnolKhol powder). The physico chemical analysis revealed that with addition of Knolkhol powder (3%) level, the pH decreased from 6.31 to 6.26, TBARS from 0.39 to 0.33 (mg malonaldehyde /Kg), ash content from 2.60 to 2.52 % crude protein 17.15 to 17.10 %, whereas moisture increased from 66.06 to 67.11 %, crude fiber from 0.58 to 0.65 %. Coliform were not evident in the stored samples up to 30 days of storage, however psychrophyll count was found after 30 days of storage. The total psychrophillic count in control samples was 0.36 (log cfu/g) which increased to 0.81 (log cfu/g) with addition of 25% Sweet Corn paste.
Development of appetizer (spiced squash) from mulberry (Morus alba L.) and its quality evaluation during storage
Authors: Hamid Hamid , Thakur N. S.
Published: April 2018

The present investigations were conducted to develop a commercial appetizer (spiced squash) from mul-berry and its quality evaluation during storage. Different combinations of juice (20, 25, 30, 35 and 40%) and TSS (40 and 45 oB) were tried to standardize proper combination for appetizer. Out of 10 different treatment combinations of juice and TSS tried, appetizer recipe (A5) prepared with 40% juice, 40 oB TSS and 1.30% acid was found to be best on the basis of sensory and some physico-chemical characteristics of the product. The appetizer prepared by follow-ing the best selected recipe was packed in glass and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles and stored for six months under ambient (20-25 oC) and refrigerated temperature conditions (4-7 oC). Overall effect shows that various quality characteristics like TSS, apparent viscosity, reducing sugars, and total sugars of appetizer increased from 40.00 to 40.63, 185.08 to 193.75, 28.37 to 31.80, 37.12 to 38.53 and other chemical characteristics like acidity, ascorbic acid, anthocyanins, total phenols and sensory characteristics scores of colour, body, taste, aroma, overall acceptability score decreased from 1.30 to 1.21, 5.18 to 3.75, 8.60 to 5.75, 58.22 to 49.23, 8.15 to 7.52, 8.00 to 7.30, 8.20 to 7.26, 8.00 to 7.03, 8.10 to 7.15, respectively during storage. However, quality of the product was retained better in glass than PET bottles under refrigerated condition as compare to ambient storage condition.