bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of botanicals and insecticides seed treatment and containers on seed longevity of black gram under natural ageing conditions
Authors: Amruta N. , Sarika G. , Umesha Umesha , Maruthi J. B. , Basavaraju G. V.
Published: April 2018

Good storage is the basic requirement in seed production programme as maintenance of high seed viability and vigour from harvest to planting is of utmost importance in a seed production programme. Therefore, inexpensive, simple and practicable technology to prolong the shelf life of seeds under ambient condition is immensely needed. Hence, an experiment was carried out to study the effect of seed treatment with neem oil, nimbicidin, emamectin benzoate 5 SG, deltamethrin 2.8 EC, novuluron EC on black gram seed quality under ambient conditions. The seeds without any seed treatment were included as control. The treated and untreated seeds were stored in cloth bag and polylined cloth bag. The results revealed that, botanicals and emamectin benzoate seed treatments were significantly superior in controlling the storage insect and maintaining higher seed quality up to 10 months of storage when compared to control. Among the chemicals, the emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 40 mg kg-1 of seed found better by recording significantly higher germination percentage (80.28), vigour index I (2124) and dry weight of seedlings (43.14 mg) and lower electrical conductivity (0.939 dSm-1) and seed damage (0.00 %) compared to control (78.78%, 2012, 38.90 mg, 0.942 dSm-1, respectively) at the end of 10th month of storage. The emamectin benzoate 5 SG and nimbicidintreated seeds stored in polylined cloth bags were considered as effective seed storage management approach in blackgram.
Growth, yield, yield attributes and economics of summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) as influenced by integrated nutrient management
Authors: Chaudhary J. H. , Ramdev Ramdev , Sutaliya Sutaliya , Desai L. J.
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was conducted at Sardarkrishinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University Sardarkrushinagar to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield attributes of summer groundnut in 2012. The soil of experimental field was loamy sand in texture, low in organic carbon (0.17 %) and available nitrogen (149 kg ha-1), medium in available P2O5 (29.3 kg ha-1) and rich in K2O (287 kg ha-1) status. Result revealed that the significantly highest pod yield (2650 kg ha-1), haulm yield (4633 kg ha-1), growth and yield parameters viz., plant height (43.9 cm), filled pods plant-1 (22.6), total pods plant-1 (31.4), pod weight plant-1 (22.3 g) and 100 kernel weight (43.9 g) were recorded under the treatment which received 125 % recommended dose of nitrogen through vermicompost. While in case of phosphorus application @ 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 recorded significantly higher pod (2824 kg ha-1) and haulm yield (4655 kg ha-1) over PSB only and 25 kg P2O5 ha-1 which was at par with the application of phosphorus @ 25 kg ha-1 + PSB for yield attributing characters viz., filled pods plant-1, total pods plant-1, pod weight plant-1. Maximum net realization of `1,13, 056 ha-1 with CBR 4.49 was obtained under application of 125 % RDN through vermicompost with 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 (V3P4). Vermicompost and phosphorus did not exert its interaction effects during course of investigation. This concludes that the groundnut crop should be inoculated with PSB culture @ 200 g per 8 kg seeds before sowing and crop should be fertilized with 125% RDN through vermicompost and phosphorus @ 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 loamy sand soil of North Gujarat agro-climatic condition.
Impact of Piriformospora indica, Pseudomonas species and Mesorhizobium cicer on growth of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Mansotra Pallavi , Sharma Poonam , Sirari Asmita , Sharma Sunita
Published: April 2018

The present study was conducted to examine synergistic interactions among Piriformospora indica (PI) with potential plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Mesorhizobium cicer (LGR33, MR) in two chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties viz. desi PBG1 and kabuli BG1053. Different PGPR species were used viz. native isolates of Pseudomonas argentinensis (LPGPR1), Pseudomonas sp. (LPGPR2) along with national check Pseudomonas sp. (LK884). Compatibility of MR, PI and differentPseudomonas spp. was studied by streak assay method and growth of fungal pellicle in-vitro. Consortium of MR+PI+LPGPR1 (0.605 g dry weight fungal pellicle/100ml nutrient broth) was found as the best compatible treatment. In vivo the synergistic effect of consortia was studied for improving dry weight of roots, nutrient acquisition, colonization and stress tolerance ability in chickpea. Significant improvement in dry weight of root was observed with MR+PI+LPGPR1 (1.316 g plant-1) in comparison to MR alone treatment (0.980 g plant-1) at 90 days after sowing (DAS). Percentage colonization of P.indica improved significantly with consortium MR+PI+LPGPR1 (75.5 and 78.3 %) treatment at 90 DAS. All the treatments significantly improved total soluble sugar content (12.2-26.9 %); amino N content (1.36-1.80 fold) and stress tolerance ability (4-6 fold) over the MR alone treatment. Reducing sugar content significantly improved with MR+PI+LPGPR1 (0.62 and 0.79 mg mL–1) over MR alone (0.42 and 0.58 mg mL–1) treatment in desiPBG1 and kabuli BG1053 chickpea, respectively. The tripartite combination MR+LPGPR1+PI can be explored as potent biofertilizer for improvment in chickpea productivity.
Biological and molecular evidences on host range of leaf curl begomovirus disease of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Vindyashree M. , Govindappa M. R. , Ghante V. N. , Aswathanarayana D. S. , Shankergoud I.
Published: April 2018

The present study was conducted to identify the alternate hosts of new leaf curl virus disease of sunflower. In the present study several crops and weed hosts were cross inoculated with leaf curl virus of sunflower under laboratory through insect vector whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), further all inoculated samples were retested (3-4 weeks after inoculation) by molecular based Polymerse chain reaction diagnosis for the presence of virus. The results revealed that the causal virus of the disease was successfully transmitted from sunflower to sunflower (Helianthus annuus), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L) and weed hosts such as Acanthospermum hispidum, Amaranthus viridis and Parthenium hysterophorus in a short incubation period (2-3 weeks after inoculation), while on other hosts Chilli (Capsicum annuum L) and Datura stramonium, infection occurs in delayed incubation period. Further molecular analysis thorough polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic technique using virus specific primers also confirmed the presence of coat protein (CP) of leaf curl begomovirus invirus inoculated hosts viz., chilli, sunflower, tomato, and tobacco and weed hosts such as Acanthospermum hispidum, Amaranthus viridis, Datura stramonium and Parthenium hysterophorus. Thus, findings substantiate that the above hosts are major sources of the virus inoculum and served as potential alternate hosts of the disease during the off season.
Evaluation of CSM-CERES-wheat in simulating wheat yield and its attributes with different sowing environments in Tarai region of Uttarakhand
Authors: Pal R. K. , Rawat K. S. , Singh J. , Murty N.S.
Published: April 2018

Crop Environment Resource Synthesis (CSM-CERES)-Wheat model was used to simulate responses of two wheat varieties with various sowing environments. In this context, during the year 2007-08 and 2008-09, experiments on three sowing dates viz. November 20, December 15, and January 9 and two varieties (PBW-343 and WH-542) with three replications were conducted at the Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar (29°N, 79.29°E with 243.80 m above msl). Soil, plant, management and climatic data were collected from the experimental field. The data of 2007-08 and 2008-09 were used for model calibration and validation, respectively. Results revealed that the for model outputs were in good agreement with their corresponding observed values with 20th November sown crop than other sowings of crop in terms of phenological events, biomass accumulation and grain yields. However, variety PBW-343 showed close proximity between simulated and observed outcomes with all sowing dates. The percent root mean square error (% RMSE) values ranged from 5.9 – 15.6%, 2.2 – 7.6% for days to attain anthesis and physiological maturity, respectively. Moreover, %RMSE and t-value ranged from 5.7–12.2% (t= -4.5 to 1.8), 1.6 – 3.3% (t= -4.1 to 4.5) and 1.9 – 5.8% (t= -3.7 to 1.5) for product weight, vegetative weight and product harvest index, respectively. Inspite of that, model fails to simulate maximum leaf area index having % RMSE from 53.2 – 62.9%. These results indicate that CERES-Wheat model can be used as a tool to support decision-making for wheat production in Tarai region of Uttarakhand.
Comparative study of medicinal plants on feeding behaviour of seven day old larvae of Tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura (Fab.) and Bihar hairy caterpillar, Spilarctia obliqua (Walk.)
Authors: Sharma Preeti , Gaur Neeta , Pandey Renu
Published: April 2018

Eight medicinal plants viz., Sinduri, Bixa orellana (Bixaceae); Dalchini, Cinnamomum zelanicum (Lauraceae); Camphora, Cinnamomum camphora (Lauraceae); Gular, Ficus racemosa (Moraceae); Arjun, Terminalia arjuna (Combretaceae); Nagkesar, Messua ferrea (Calophyllaceae); Sarpgandha, Rauwolfia serpentina (Apocynaceae); Putranjeeva, Putranjeeva roxburghii (Euphorbiaceae) at 5% and 10 % concentrations were tested for the feeding against larvae of Spodoptera litura and Spilarctia obliqua. At 10% conc. C.camphora (hexane, diethyl ether, and acetone) was found extremely antifeedant against the larvae of both insects (S.litura and S.obliqua) while C.zeylanicum (hexane, diethyl ether, and acetone) and P.roxbughii (diethyl ether, and acetone), B.orellana (Acetone) showed extremely antifeedant activity only against the larvae of S.litura. At 5% concentration, the same plants were also effective against the larvae but their efficacy was less than at 10% concentration. The observation showed promising results with these plant extracts against the feeding and management of these two insect pests of agricultural importance.
Effect of head decapitation and planting density on quality seed production of sprouting broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.)
Authors: Mehta D.K. , Singh Tarun , Kanwar Rajesh
Published: April 2018

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of head decapitation and planting density on plant growth, seed yield and quality of sprouting broccoli, Brassica oleracea var. italica L. using cultivar ‘Green Head’. The twenty treatments comprised of combinations of four head decapitation methods viz., D1 (decapitation of primary head at appearance and harvesting seeds from secondary heads), D2 (decapitation of primary head at marketable stage and harvesting seeds from secondary heads), D3 (removal of secondary heads at appearance and harvesting seeds primary head) and ‘D4’ (No decapitation- control) and five planting densities viz., S1 (60x60 cm), S2 (60x45 cm), S3(45x45 cm), S4 (60x30 cm), and S5 (45x30 cm). Decapitation of primary head at appearance and harvesting seeds from secondary heads (D1) and planting density S3 (45x45 cm) independently as well as in combination gave highest seed yield per plot and per hectare. This combination was also found comparable to other combinations for other characters like days to 50% flowering, days to seed harvesting, plant height at harvesting (cm), number of branches per plant, number of siliqua per plant, siliqua length (cm), number of seeds per siliqua and seed quality parameters. Therefore, it is suggested that decapitation of primary head at appearance and harvesting seeds from secondary heads (D1) in combination with plant spacing of 45x45 cm i.e. D1S3 can be recommended for commercial seed production of sprouting broccoli.
Maize (Zea mays L.) response to subsoil compaction and nitrogen fertilization under semi-arid irrigated conditions
Authors: Singh Jagdish , Hadda M. S.
Published: April 2018

The present investigation was carried out to access the optimal N dose and its impact on growth, yield and yield attributes of hybrid maize (Zea mays. L) under subsoil compaction condition. The experiment was conducted at Research Farm, Department of Soil Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during the summer seasons of the year 2012 and 2013. The experiment comprised three subsoil compaction treatments in main plots and three nitrogen levels in sub plots following split-plot design with three replications. Plant height, leaf area index and dry matter accumulation were negatively affected by subsoil compaction. However nitrogen fertilization mitigates the negative effect of subsoil compaction on growth of maize. Cob length was recorded lower with higher cob barrenness under higher degree of subsoil compaction. The grain yield was reduced by 13-16 per cent and biomass yield by 10-17 per cent due to subsoil compaction. The total N uptake was 14.6 and 18.2 per cent higher under C0 treatment than that in highly compacted subsoil (C2), while N2 treatment had improved the total N uptake by 18.6 and 14.9 per cent as compared to N0 treatment during the year 2012 and 2013, respectively. The results revealed that N1 fertilization level can be recommended under subsurface compacted soils as compared to N0 and N2 rates. This study further suggests the management option should be explored in addition to deep tillage to maximize yield of maize.
Spatial autocorrelation analysis in plant population: An overview
Authors: Mathur Manish
Published: April 2018

Analysis of spatial distribution in ecology is often influenced by spatial autocorrelation. In present paper various techniques related with quantification of spatial autocorrelation were categorized. Three broad categories namely global, local and variogram were identified and mathematically explained. Local measurers captures the many local spatial variation and spatial dependency while global measurements provide only one set of values that represent the extent of spatial autocorrelation across the entire study area. Global spatial autocorrelation measures the overall clustering of data and it included six well defines methods, namely, Global index of spatial autocorrelation, Joint count statistics, Moran’s I, Geary’s C ration, General G-statistics and Getis and Ord’s G. The study revealed that out of the six methods Moran’s I index was most frequently utilized in plant population study. Based on their similarity degree, local indicator of spatial association (LISA) can differentiate the neighbors in to hot and cold spots. Correlogram and variogram approaches are also given.
Effect of feed supplemented exogenous bacteria, Lactobacillus sporogenes on the growth and body composition of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings
Authors: Prasad Laxmi , Rangacharulu P. V.
Published: April 2018

Probiotics are known to improve the growth rate of aquatic organisms. Little experimentation has focused on supplementation of live colony forming units ofL.sporogenes in Cirrhinus mrigala to access the growth performance. A feeding trial was conducted for 50 days to study the effects of Lactobacillus sporogenes on growth and body composition of Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton-Buchnan, 1822) fingerlings. Fishes were fed with five experimental feeds containing 3.31x105 colony forming units (CFU)/100g-1 of L. sporogenes in diet D2 , 1.65×106 CFU/ 100g-1 in diet D3, 3.31×106 CFU/100g-1 in diet D4 and 4.96×106 CFU/100g-1 in diet D5. Control diet D1 was kept devoid of L. sporogenes. The diets prepared were containing 0.0% (D1), 0.1% (D2), 0.5% (D3), 1.0% (D4) and 1.5%(D5) of live cells of L. sporogenes CFU/100gm-1 of feed. Increasing trend of weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) improved food conversion ratio (FCR) was observed in treatments fed with probiotic added feeds than control feed. Best growth performance was found in the treatment fed with D4 of L. sporogenes containing 3.31×106 CFU 100g-1 of feed. At increased level 4.96×106 CFU 100g-1 of L. sporogenes inclusion the growth performance was dropped. Tissue protein content was also observed to be higher in animals fed with D4 feed. The lipid content was significantly (P<0.05) higher in fingerlings fed with control feed (D1). In short, L. sporogenes addition to a level of 3.31×106 CFU 100g-1 in feed improved growth performance of C. mrigala fingerlings. Therefore, it is evident that 3.31×106 CFU 100g-1 of feed of L. sporogenes can be considered as suitable concentration for attaining good growth in C.mrigala fingerlings.
Phytoplanktonic diversity in lake Jaisamand, Rajasthan (India)
Authors: Balai Vijay Kumar , Sharma L. L. , Ujjania N. C.
Published: April 2018

The present study describes the diversity of phytoplankton in the lake Jaisamand of Rajasthan (India). Results depict that phytoplankton was contributed by six major groups which comprised total 85 species. Out of which 13 belongs to Myxophyceae, 5 to Euglenophyceae, 38 to Chlorophyceae, 3 to Xanthophyceae, 1 to Cryptophyceae and 23 to Bacillariophyceae. Thus, Bacillariophyceae and Chlorophyceae turned up as the dominant groups in terms of density (159-554 numbers per liter and 24-485 numbers per liter) and species number (23 and 38), respectively. It was revealed that Jaisamand Lake maintained fairly good population of phytoplankton which is indication of providing broad base for achieving high productivity in this water body.
Development of value added Pasta with incorporation of malted finger millet flour
Authors: Tripathi Jaya , Prasad Ranu , Gupta Alka , Puranik Vinita
Published: April 2018

This study considers the replacement of Semolina with malted finger millet flour containing wide range of nutrients in enrichment of pasta. The changes in nutritional constituents and bioactive compounds (TPC, Radical Scavenging Activity) of pasta were examined by adding malted finger millet flour to the pasta formulations at the level of 0 (T0), 10 (T1), 20 (T2), 30 (T3), 40 (T4) and 50 (T5) per cent flour replacement. The results indicated that T4 sample of finger millet flour added pasta contained more protein content i.e. 12.65 g compared to that of control pasta (T0) i.e. 7 g. Same way the calorie content of value added pasta was higher i.e. 409.94 Kcal/100 g as compared to control pasta (T0) i.e. 324.40 Kcal/100 g. Calcium content of value added pasta was comparatively very high i.e. 170.4 mg/100 g as compared to 15.3 mg/100 g of control. As far TPC content & DPPH % were considered, T4 sample of pasta have higher amount of both i.e. 220 mg Gallic acid eq. & 53.38 % as compared to control pasta (T0) i.e. 220 mg Gallic acid eq. & 17.59 % respectively. Pasta and related products are the most popular are the most popular food worldwide. Usually pasta and other extruded products are high in starch but low in dietary fiber, minerals and vitamins. The present study clearly indicates that the use of malted finger millet flour will improve nutritional quality of pasta in terms of antioxidant activity.
Enhancement of post harvest fruit quality and leaf curl disease tolerance in tomato through hybrid breeding
Authors: Pandiarana N. , Durwas Shende Varun , Seth Tania , Chatterjee Soumitra , Dutta Subrata , Chattopadhyay Arup
Published: April 2018

Development of hybrids tolerant to leaf curl virus disease along with good post harvest/processing traits is the major thrust areas in tomato breeding now-a-days. A study was undertaken following 7 × 7 half diallel mating design utilizing four exotic and three indigenous lines to identify potential donors and crosses, to study the extent of heterobeltiosis and dominance behaviour, and to assess the genetic control of post harvest quality traits along with disease tolerance in tomato. Breeding strategies to improve characters governed by different types of gene action are discussed. Two parental lines, CLN 2777F and CLN 2777E could be utilized further in tomato breeding programme as they were identified as the most promising general combiners for fruit yield, processing quality and ToLCV tolerance. The maximum extent of heterobeltiosis (104.17%) was found in pericarp thickness followed by fruit yield plant-1 (63.57 %) and PDI of ToLCV disease (-60.00 %). The hybrids also exhibited various degrees of dominance effects. The study could also able to identify a promising cross ‘CLN 2777E × CLN 2777F’ which could be recommended for commercial exploitation after critical study in leaf curl disease prone areas of the tropics and sub-tropics.
Studies on processing technology and cost estimation of fig (Ficus carica L.) fruit powder enriched Burfi (Indian cookie)
Authors: Khapre A. P. , Satwadhar P. N. , Syed H. M.
Published: April 2018

The present article was designed with the aim to develop processing technology for preparation of fig (Ficus carica L.) fruits powder (Deanna variety) and the prepared fig powder was subsequently utilized in value added product like burfi (Indian cookie). In contrast to fig pulp and dried figs, the fig powder was found to be superior in terms of yield and ease of processing technology. Fig powder also open further fields of application that may promote fig powder processing at industrial scale in future. The products prepared by processing of figs viz. fig powder and fig burfi were chemically and sensorial assessed and also assessed for their economical feasibility and compared with market samples. Fig powder incorporated burfi was nutritionally rich in terms of fiber (3.7 %), potassium (0.464 %) and protein (13.12 %). The prepared product was found to be low cost as compared to the similar market products.
Insect cellulolytic enzymes: Novel sources for degradation of lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Taggar Monica Sachdeva
Published: April 2018

Alternative and renewable fuels derived from lignocellulosic biomass offer the potential to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate global climate change. Cellulose is one of the major structural components in all lignocellulosic wastes and enzymatic depolymerization of cellulose by cellulases is an essential step in bio-ethanol production. Wood-degrading insects are potential source of biochemical catalysts for converting wood lignocellulose into biofuels. Cellulose digestion has been demonstrated in more than 20 insect families representing ten distinct insect orders. Termite guts been have considered as the “world’s smallest bioreactors” since they digest a significant proportion of cellulose (74-99%) and hemicellulose (65-87%) components of lignocelluloses they ingest. The lower termites harbor protistan symbionts in hindgut whereas higher termites lack these in the hind gut. Studies on cellulose digestion in termites and other insects with reference to ligno-cellulose degrading enzymes have been well focused in this review. The studies on insect cellulolytic systems can lead to the discovery of a variety of novel biocatalysts and genes that encode them, as well as associated unique mechanisms for efficient biomass conversion into biofuels.
Effect of body cooling systems on micro-climatic variable in semi -loose house for animals during hot-dry and hot-humid conditions of costal india
Authors: Patel N. B. , Fulsoundar A. B. , Rao T. K. S. , Singh R. R. , Patel J. M.
Published: April 2018

To study the effect of cooling system on microclimate variable three treatments based on animal body cooling systems i.e., shelter without cooling system (control, T1),with fogging (T2) and with showering (T3) in semi-loose house were designed. Common environmental variables like maximum and minimum temperature and relative humidity were recorded during hot-dry and hot-humid conditions. The maximum temperature (oC) was found significantly (P< 0.05) lower during hot-dry condition under fogging system (T2- 32.28 ± 0.23) than other treatments (T1- 33.89 ± 0.29 and T3-33.17 ± 0.26). Moreover, during hot-humid condition showering (T3-31.09 ± 0.16) was also significantly (P< 0.05) effective. Overall average maximum microclimatic temperature (oC) in T1, T2, and T3 was lower as compared to open macroclimatic. Relative humidity (%) was significantly (P< 0.05) higher in hot-humid as compared to hot-dry condition in respective treatments, (T1-79.09 ± 1.09 Vs 65.53 ± 1.00, T2-85.10 ± 0.86 Vs. 76.84 ± 0.73, T3-80.58 ± 1.05Vs. 67.83 ± 0.95 and open 79.94 ± 1.12 Vs 55.64 ± 1.07). During afternoon (2:30 PM) the per cent THI was found significantly (P< 0.05) lower under fogging (T2-80.22 ± 0.20) and showering (T3- 80.38 ± 0.21) as compared to control (T1-82.43 ± 0.21) during hot-dry condition. Overall result of treatments showed that the afternoon percent THI was significantly (P< 0.05) lower under showering (T3-80.65 ± 0.17) than other treatments (T1-83.31 ± 0.17 and T2-81.94 ± 0.15) and it was significantly (P< 0.05) different within cooling treatments like T2 and T3. This study showed significant effect of cooling system. Moreover fogging was better as it utilized less water, as compared to showering during hot dry condition.
A study on pathological aspects of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris causing black rot of cabbage under red lateritic zone of West Bengal
Authors: Maji Atit , Nath Ranjan
Published: April 2018

Cabbage, is one of the most important crops of the cole group of vegetables. In India it ranks next to cauliflower in acreage and first in production among cole crops occupying an area of 3,72,000 ha with annual production of 8534,000 tons. It covers about 4.3% area under vegetable crops in India. In West Bengal cabbage covers 78200.00 ha of area and the total production is 2197400.00 MT. Black rot is a major disease of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) . The disease has been observed in all cabbage growing areas of Bolpur, Birbhum, West Bengal. The present study was carried out on the pathology of black rot disease of cabbage. Morphological, cultural, biochemical, and physiological characteristics of the pathogen were studied. The bacterium produced small, yellow, circular, entire, smooth and shining colonies in the culture medium. The optimum temperature for the growth was found 300C and white light supported maximum growth of the bacterium. Nutritional studies revealed that sucrose gave maximum growth followed by maltase, lactose, dextrose and fructose as the carbon source in the nutrient broth. Black rot of cabbage pathogen also infected other crops of crucifereae family such as Cauliflower, Knol khol, Mustard, Radish and Rape seed. These findings regarding the pathogen may help to formulate the more appropriate way and judicious application of different management options against the diease in this zone.
Co-efficient of variation, heritability, genetic advance and variability for ricebean (Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) genotypes under mid hill conditions of Uttarakhand
Authors: Pandey Geeta , Prasad Rajendra , Prasad Birendra , Chauhan Priyamvada
Published: April 2018

The present investigation was carried out to estimate the genetic parameters for ten traits in ricebean genotypes. Fourteen genotypes of ricebean (Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) were collected from different regions of country were evaluated for yield and its components. The study revealed that the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all traits. The value of PCV and GCV was higher for seed yield/plant, 100 seed weight and number of pods/plant. Heritability values were high for all the traits except leaflet size and pod length. High genetic advance was observed for days to 50% flowering, number of pods and seeds /plant, days to maturity, suggest that scope for improvement of these characters through selection. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was registered for 50% flowering, number of pods and seeds /plant indicate that the genetic variance for these traits are probably owing to their high additive gene effect and thus there is better scope for improvement of these traits through direct selection. Therefore selection based on these characters will bring the desired improvement in seed yield of ricebean. With respect to mean performance of genotype, PRR-2, PRR-1 and PRR-2011- 1 was found superior among all the genotypes.
Efficiency of aluminum and iron electrodes in removal of colour, turbidity and total suspended solid from biologically treated municipal wastewater
Authors: Sharma Arun Kumar , Chopra A.K.
Published: April 2018

The present investigation was undertaken to observe the effect of different combinations of aluminium and iron (Al-Al, Al-Fe, Fe-Fe and Fe-Al) electrodes on the removal of colour, turbidity (TD) and total suspended solids (TSS) of biologically treated municipal wastewater ( BTMW) using applied potential (V), operating time (OT) and initial pH. The maximum removal of colour (98.7 %) and TSS (96.89 %) was found with the use of Al-Al combination with optimum operating conditions (Voltage: 40 V; OT: 40 mins.; IED: 1.0 cm; EA: 160 cm2; initial pH: 7.5 and ST: 30 mins). It was interesting to note that TD of BTMW was completely removed at these optimal operating conditions. The economic evaluation of electrode combinations was observed to be in the order of Fe-Al (1.17 US $/m3)> Al-Fe (1.11 US $/m3)> Fe-Fe (1.08 US $/m3) >Al-Al (1.01 US $/m3) in terms of energy and electrode consumption. Thus, the BTMW can be effectively treated with the Al-Al electrode combination in comparison to other electrode combinations (Al-Fe , Fe-Fe and Fe-Al).
Genetic analysis of agronomic and biochemical variables among different tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) accessions
Authors: Meena Om Prakash , Bahadur Vijay , Jagtap Ashok , Saini Pawan
Published: April 2018

In the present study, thirty accessions of tomato were evaluated for estimation of correlation and path analysis among various quantitative and qualitative characters related to fruit yield. There were highly significant differences among the accessions for all the characters studied as per the analysis of variance. Genotypic correlation coefficients were generally similar in nature and higher in magnitude than the corresponding phenotypic correlation coefficients. The results revealed that the fruit yield plant-1 was significantly and positively correlated with number of fruits plant-1 (0.3119 and 0.3184) followed by fruit set percentage (0.2434 and 0.2499), fruit weight (0.6766 and 0.6731), polar diameter of fruit (0.4687 and 0.4635) at genotypic and phenotypic level, respectively, indicating that effective improvement in fruit yield plant-1 through these characters could be achieved. Fruit weight showed positive and significant genotypic and phenotypic correlation with fruit yield plant-1 by having greatest positive direct effect (1.1298 and 1.1116) on fruit yield plant-1 at both levels, indicating the true relationship between them and the feasibility to exploit the potentiality of this trait for effective direct selection to improve fruit yield plant-1.
Different approaches on pre harvest forecasting of wheat yield
Authors: Garde Y. A. , Dhekale B. S. , Singh S.
Published: April 2018

Agriculture is backbone of Indian economy, contributing about 40 per cent towards the Gross National Product and provide livelihood to about 70 per cent of the population. According to the national income published in Economic survey 2014-15, by the CSO, the share of agriculture in total GDP is 18 percent in 2013-14. The Rabi crops data released by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics recently indicates that the total area coverage has declined; area under wheat has gone down by 2.9 per cent. Therefore needs to be do research to study weathersituation and effect on crop production. Pre harvest forecasting is true essence, is a branch of anticipatory sciences used for identifying and foretelling alternative feasible future. Crop yield forecast provided useful information to farmers, marketers, government agencies and other agencies. In this paper Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) Technique and discriminant function analysis were derived for estimating wheat productivity for the district of Varanasi in eastern Uttar Pradesh. The value of Adj. R2 varied from 0.63 to 0.94 in different models. It is observed that high value of Adj. R2 in the Model-2 which indicated that it is appropriate forecast model than other models, also the value of RMSE varied from minimum 1.17 to maximum 2.47. The study revealed that MLR techniques with incorporating technical and statistical indicators (Model 2) was found to be better for forecasting of wheat crop yield on the basis of both Adjusted R2 and RMSE values.
Vegetative propagation of Karanja (Pongamia pinnata L. Pierre ) through stem cuttings
Authors: Rout S. , Nayak S.
Published: April 2018

The present study on vegetative propagation of Karanja ( Pongamia pinnata L.Pierre ) through stem cuttings showed maximum sprouting (100%), rooting (90%), rooting length (28.33 cm), root number (24.66), fresh biomass (63.66 g), dry biomass (34.38 g) in semi hard wood cutting of 25 cm length treated with 1000 ppm IAA, hard wood cutting of 25 cm length treated with 800 ppm IBA, hard wood cuttings of 15 cm length treated with 1000 ppm IAA, hard wood cutting of 25 cm length treated with 2000 ppm IAA, semi hard wood cuttings of 25 cm length treated with 200 ppm IBA, and hard wood cutting of 25 cm length treated with 1000 ppm IAA, respectively. It showed that hard wood cuttings of 25 cm length treated with IBA promotes better sprouting, rooting percent, root number and biomass than IAA. For production of healthy seedlings the semi hard wood cutting of 25 cm length should be treated with 200 ppm IBA.
Relationship of photosynthesis and related traits to seed yield in oilseed Brassicas
Authors: Sharma Pushp
Published: April 2018

The physiological basis of yield in oilseeds Brassicas needs to be investigated, and the contribution of these traits to its yield is difficult to decipher. Eight cultivars of Brassica belonging to 3 species viz. B. juncea, B. napus and B. carinata - based on significant differences in yield were tested over two years. Net photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance and water use efficiency were investigated on 3rd and 4th fully expanded leaf on the main stem and related to yield. Average photosynthetic efficiency (umolm-2s-1) was higher in RLC1 (36.1), GSC6(36.3) and PC5 (33.8) cultivars. Impact of environment was inconspicuous. However interactions (GxY) were significant for the studied photosynthetic traits except Pn. Lower transpiration rates were associated with higher water use efficiency in RLC1 (5.69), GSL1 (5.44) and GSC6 (5.40). Positive correlation between SY and Pn (0.385) was recorded for the first time in Brassicas although the magnitude of association was low. Quality mustard cultivar (RLC1, B. juncea) and amongst B. napus GSC6 (canola) and Hyola PAC401 (hybrid, canola) were higher yielders due to relative high Pn, more efficient utilization of water and chlorophyll content. Indeterminate growth habits of the cultivars indicated highest contribution to Pn by leaves during flowering as compared with early siliquae formation. Environment had a profound impact on the yielding ability and the photosynthetic traits.
Combining ability analysis for various yield and quality traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Waza Showkat A. , Jaiswal H. K. , Sravan T. , Priyanka Kumari , Bano Dilruba A. , Rai Ved P.
Published: April 2018

An investigation was undertaken to assess the combining ability for yield and quality traits in rice. Three WA cytoplasmic male sterile lines of rice i.e., IR-58025A, IR-68897A and Pusa 6A were crossed with six restorer genotypes i.e., Sanwal Basmati, Pusa Sugandh-2, Pusa Sugandh-3, Pusa Sugandh-5, Pusa 2517-2-51-1 and HURJM- 59221 in line x tester design to generate 18 hybrids. Among the female parents, IR-58025A revealed significant desirable value of GCA effect for yield per plant and most of the quality traits. Among the pollen parents, Pusa Sugandh-3 revealed significant desirable value of GCA effect for most of the yield traits. However, Pusa Sugandh-5 revealed significant desirable value of GCA effect for most of the quality traits. Pusa 6A x Pusa Sugandh-2 evinced the highest significant value of SCA effect for grain yield followed by IR-58025A x Pusa Sugandh-5. However, IR- 68897A x Pusa 2517-2-51-1 followed by IR-58025A x Sanwal Basmati revealed the significant desirable value of SCA effect for most of the quality traits. For both yield and quality traits, IR-58025A x Pusa Sugandh-5, IR-68897A x HUR-JM-59221 and Pusa 6A x Pusa Sugandh-2 were found to be relatively better performing. Thus, present study aims to develop hybrids performing better for both yield and quality traits.
Effect of different packaging materials on the efficacy of sweet flag rhizome powder (Acorus calamus L.) treated sorghum against Sitophilus oryzae
Authors: Latha H. C. , Naganagoud A.
Published: April 2018

An experiment was conducted to know the effect of different packaging materials and sweet flag rhizome on seed quality of sorghum. The graded seeds were packed in six containers viz., polythene cover, mud container, cloth bag, gunny bag, glass container and steel container and seeds were treated with two percent of sweet flag rhizome powder before storage. The different observations viz., number of live adults, seed damage (%) by Sitophilus oryzae and germination (%) of seeds were recorded. The results revealed that the sweet flag rhizome treated seeds packed in steel container, recorded lowest seed damage percentage (32.00%), number of live adults (5.11) and highest seed germination (76.00%) after nine months of treatment. Hence seeds treated with sweet flag rhizome stored in steel containers reduces the insect infestation and steel containers can be effectively used for maintaining seed quality of sorghum during storage.
Soil microbial communities and enzymes as affected by herbicides of rice-wheat and soybean- wheat cropping system
Authors: Sarathambal C. , Singh V. P. , Barman K. K.
Published: April 2018

A field study was conducted to study the long term impact of continuous use of herbicide on microbial activity in rice-wheat and soybean- wheat cropping system. In the present investigation, non herbicide treatments such as hand weeding and weedy check showed higher activity as compared with herbicide receiving treatments. In rice, among the two herbicides, application of butachlor had less adverse effect when compared to the application of anilophos on soil microorganisms. Actinomycetes population maintained stable after the application of herbicides. Among the different herbicide application practices, maximum dehydrogenase activity (27.7µg TPF/g soil/24hrs) and urease activity (44.5µg NH4/g soil/24hrs) was observed in anilophos and butachlor treatment respectively. The treatment preceding wheat crop did not influence the microbial and enzyme activities. In soybean, highest population of total bacteria (3.34×106cfu/g) and actinomycetes (2.47×103 cfu/g) were observed in one hand weeding treatment. The treatment preceding wheat crop did not influence the basic microbial activities. However, it positively influenced dehydrogenase activity in all the three rabi season herbicides. This study clearly indicated that herbicide application had not significant effect on the soil microbial population and soil enzymes.
Isolation, characterization and morphological study of Azotobacter isolates
Authors: Upadhyay Sandeep , Kumar Narendra , Singh V. K. , Singh Anshuman
Published: April 2018

Among the diazotrops, great attention has been paid to the genus Azotobacter and its role in increasing the growth and health of plants. In the present study, forty two strains of Azotobacter were isolated from soil. These strains were purified and characterized through microscopical and biochemical test for cell shape, pigmentation, colony size, Gram reaction and catalase activity were identified as Azotobacter sp These strains showed wide variability to these characters. Among 42 isolates, 7 were single cocci, 7 coccidal chain and 4 were cocci in clumps. Majority of isolates i.e. 24, were small, medium and large rod shaped. Thirty two isolates were Gram –ve, catalase positive and 10 were Gram +ve, catalase negative. Finally from these isolates, twenty two were confirmed as Azotobacter strains on cyst formation. The carbon-source utilization pattern revealed that out of 22 strains that 16 strains resembled the characters of A. chroococcum, 3 matched with A. vinelandii and 3 with A. beijerinckii. All 22 isolates were analyzed for its nitrogen fixing ability by using Microkjeldhal method. The highest amount of N2 (18.88 mg g-1 sucrose) was fixed by Azo-SBT 72 while lowest (6.04 mg g-1 sucrose) by Azo-SUR 25 strain. However, injudicious and hazardous use of chemical fertilizers have degraded the soil health and there is need of ecofriendly management of soil by screening and hunting of potential nitrogen fixing strains to protect the soil environment and health. In this context, biofertilizers hunting natural environment is the need of soil to ensure better health of future generations.
Community participated management of chaur (floodplain) fisheries: A case study of mahisar chaur in Samastipur district of Bihar, India
Authors: Kumar Raushan , Kumar Nalini Ranjan , Kumar Manoj
Published: April 2018

Mahisar chaur, situated in north-eastern part of Samastipur district of Bihar, is spread over 607.29 ha area with an average water depth of 2.5-3 m. The chaur was flood prone and remained inundated with water for most part of the year and hence was not suitable for agriculture. With collective efforts of land owners, a drainage canal along with sluice gate was constructed to manage the flow of water in the chaur to take up both the agriculture and fishery enterprises in the chaur. Now the chaur is being successfully utilized for fishery by a cooperative society of land owners during the period of water logging (June/July to October) and for agriculture, by individual farmers during November to April. The present study investigated into income and employment generation and management practices of chaur (floodplain) in Samastipur (Bihar), India for suggesting suitable measures to improve production and productivity from the resource. For the purpose, primary data was collected from 60 sample respondent by personal interview method with the help of pre-tested questionnaire specially designed for the study. Fishery and agriculture was the two enterprises undertaken by land owners in the chaur. During rainy season when entire chaur isinundated with water fisheries is practised with community participation while agriculture is practiced during rabi season by individual farmers on their land holdings. Cropping intensity in chaur was 199.05 percent which indicate about two time use of same area for different economic activity. The overall net income from both the agriculture and fishery in chaur was INR 43,041.94 (US$ 791.08) per hectare per annum and employment generation was 78.11 man days per hectare per annum. The contribution of agriculture in total income was 69.52 percent while that of fisheries was 30.48 percent. Retention of water in central part of the chaur for rearing of juveniles caught during draining out of chaur may improve fish productivity which in turn may increase income and employment opportunity and share of fisheries in total income.
Genetic diversity analysis using molecular marker in Terminalia chebula
Authors: Ranjini T. N. , Bhanuprakash K. , Suryanarayana M. A. , Yamuna B. G.
Published: April 2018

Terminalia chebula is an important medicinal plant, extensively used in Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathic medicines. The present study was aimed to reveal its genetic diversity based on molecular markers from twelve T. chebula accessions. Molecular diversity was studied using RAPD markers. A total of 8 polymorphic primers produced 314 polymorphic bands and 195 monomorphic bands. Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPMGA) dendrogram divided the accessions into 2 major clusters. Accession IIHRTc2 and IIHRTc10 showed maximum genetic diversity with 55% similarity. This characterization based on molecular markers will help in identification of economically useful accessions for further crop improvement programme.
Combining ability and heterosis for grain yield, fodder yield and other agronomic traits in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]
Authors: Kumar Sushil , Chand Pooran
Published: April 2018

Forty five hybrids derived from a diallel mating design of ten parents and one standard check PUSA CHARI-121 were evaluated for general and specific combining ability effects and standard heterosis for grain yield/plant, dry fodder yield/plant, days to 50 per cent flowering, plant height, number of leaves/plant, leaf length, leaf breadth and 100- seed weight of Sorghum bicolor. The mean square due to general and specific combining ability was significan for Days to 50% flowering, Days to maturity, Plant height (cm),No of Leaves/plant, Leaf length (cm), Leaf width (cm), seed yield/plant (g), Fodder yield/plant (q/ha) and 100-seed weight (g) for all the characters. Both additive and non additive genetic effects were present in the material under study. However the ratio of ?2gca/ ?2sca suggested that the preponderance of non additive gene action in expression of all the characters under study. Out of the nine parents PUSA CHARI-121, PANT CHARI-4, MP CHARI, PANT CHARI-6 and PANT CHARI-5 identified as good general combiner for grain yield/plant, dry fodder yield/plant and other agronomical traits. The hybrid HC-136 x PANT CHARI-4 and PANT CHARI-4 x PUSA CHARI-121 for grain yield/plant and hybrid MP CHARI x PANT CHARI-6, PANT CHARI-5 x SPV 1616 and HC-136 x PANT CHARI-4 for dry fodder yield/plant exhibited higher magnitude of positive significant specific combining ability effect with highest standard heterosis and per se performance. These hybrids were also found suitable for two or three yield contributing traits. In general, close association between specific combining ability effects and standard heterosis was observed among the best hybrids identified on the basis of specific combining ability effects for grain and dry fodder yield.
Comparative assessment of microbial enzyme activity with compost and sewage sludge amendment
Authors: Kaur Jatinder , Sharma Sandeep , Singh Hargopal
Published: April 2018

Changes in soil microbial activities were investigated to examine the effect of aerobically digested sewage sludge (SS) and compared with compost under incubation conditions over 63 days. Sandy soil was amended with 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 % w/w of compost and sewage sludge. Enzyme activity (dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, phytase and urease) were examined at an interval of 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42 and 63 days. At the end of the experiment the change in organic carbon, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus was also recorded.Results indicated that enzyme activities were substantially enhanced in presence of both amendments for first few days and the higher increases were measured at 1.5% of compost and sewage sludge amendment. Then an overall decrease in enzyme activity was recorded. Both the amendments also significantly increased the organic carbon, nitrogen and potassium of the soil while increase in available phosphorus was only recorded in treatment receiving compost. The present experiment indicated that addition of compost and sewage sludge have positive effect on soil microbial activity and can be safely used as soil amendment without having any adverse effect. Though, a previous examination of sewage sludge to be used must be made for heavy metals and pathogens.