bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal development of the lingual epithelium in goat (Capra hircus)
Authors: Dar Yousuf , Sarma Kamal , Suri Shalini , Devi Jonali
Published: April 2018

The present study was conducted on the tongue of 18 goat foetii divided into three prenatal age groups viz- Group I ( below 50 days of gestation), Group II ( between 50-100 days of gestation) and Group III ( above 100 days of gestation to up to full term) containing 6 number of foetii in each group to study the sequential events in regard to histological development of the same in goat foetii. The tongue was lined by 3-4 layered epithelium in the foetus at 40 days of gestation (CRL= 2.40cm). The lingual epithelium consisted of a basal layer of cuboidal cells with squamous to cuboidal shaped more superficial layers. At 62 days of gestation (CRL= 10.10 cm), the lamina epithelialis of the tongue of goat foetus was distinctly stratified. At this stage of development, the epithelial layers could be divided into dark basal and a light apical or superficial zones. At 80-84 days of gestation (CRL=15.3 to 16.0 cm), the stratified squamous epithelium of the tongue was better developed both on the dorsum and ventral surfaces. At 93 days of gestation (CRL= 20.6 cm), the stratified squamous epithelium of the tongue was well developed and all the layers of the epithelium could be observed. In the foetii of gestational age of 100 days onwards, the lingual epithelium of the tongue showed various degrees of keratinization. Thus, it was concluded that the tongue of goat was lined with 3-4 layers of epithelial cells. The degree of stratification increased with an increase in gestational age. Also with age there was an increase in the degree of keratinization. This research further implicated that with further advancement of age the basal layer of the epithelium comprised high cylindrical cells along with well defined basement membrane. The decrepancy of histogenesis and keratogenesis between different species may be due to difference in the duration of the gestation period.
Isolation, identification of Phytophthora nicotianae var. parasitica and screening of tomato parental lines for buckeye rot resistance
Authors: Shilpa Shilpa , Kaur Rajinder , Sharma Monica , Adarsh M. N.
Published: April 2018

Buckeye rot disease of tomato which is one of the most devastating diseases of tomato crop is caused by soil born fungus Phytophthora nicotianae var. parasitica. In present study, the pathogen was isolated, morphologically identified and its pathogenicity was proved on susceptible commercial variety Solan Lalima and resistant line EC-251649 of tomato. Isolation of pathogen from the infected tomato fruit was achieved on Corn Meal Agar (CMA) out of two different media viz., Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and CMA. Fungal inoculum was prepared on Corn Meal broth. Inoculation with 10 ml of inoculum was found optimum in plant parts namely, stem, leaves and fruits. Parental lines were inoculated to test their disease reaction to buckeye rot. Symptoms of infection appeared on leaves and fruits only. Solan Lalima was found to be highly susceptible to with disease severity of 92 % and 100 % disease incidence, while EC-251649 was found moderately resistant on the basis of 16 % disease severity and 10 % disease incidence to the disease. After confirmation of resistance and susceptibility, the parental lines were surveyed for polymorphism using 42 primers and 32 were recorded to be polymorphic revealing that the differences are present at DNA level also. This is the very first study which evaluated parental lines for buckeye rot disease reaction on morphological as well as molecular basis. These lines will be further used for quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis/gene tagging for buckeye rot and marker assisted selection to provide improved varieties to the farmers.
Evaluation of shelf-life of aonla (Emblica officinalis G.) cultivars during storage at room temperature
Authors: Kumari Poonam , Brar Archana , Kumar Jitender
Published: April 2018

ive aonla cultivars viz. Chakaiya, Banarasi, Hathijhul, Krishna and Kanchan were evaluated for shelf-life during storage at room temperature. PLW increased with increase in the period of storage in all cultivars (0-15 days). There was no decay loss up to 6th day of storage, however it was observed on 9th day of storage in all the cultivars and it increased up to 15th day of storage. Maximum PLW and decay loss was recorded in fruits of cv. Banarasi (8.14 % and 38.97 %, respectively) on 15th day of storage whereas fruits of cv. Chakaiya had minimum PLW and decay loss (5.83 % and 15.17 %, respectively) on same day of storage. Specific gravity and firmness decreased during the storage from 0-15 days in all the cultivars. Fruits of cv. Banarasi had minimum specific gravity (0.99) as well as firmness (10.83kg/cm2) whereas fruits of cv. Chakaiya had maximum specific gravity (0.93) and firmness (11.10kg/cm2) at the end of the storage. The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the different cultivars of aonla fruit for their biochemical and physiological behavior under room temperature storage and to find out the best among five cultivars for their shelf life under the Haryana agro-climatic conditions.
Effect of different orchard management practices on the growth and production of rejuvenated of pomegranates (Punica granatum L.) cv. Kandhari Kabuli
Authors: Sharma D. P. , Chakma Julius , Sharma N. , Singh Niranjan
Published: April 2018

Orchard management practices are the most important cultural tools for successful and sustainable cultivation of any fruit crop including pomegranate. Orchard management systems have an effect on growth, yield and fruit quality through their smoothening effects on the availability of nutrients, conservation of moisture and reduction of weed competition. Orchard management practices treatments viz., five orchard floor management treatments viz., T1: Grass mulch (10 cm thick), T2: Black polythene mulch, T3: Clean basin + Herbicidal treatment (Glyphosate 7ml/ litre), T4: Ridge basin + Grass mulch and T5: Control (No mulching). The results of the experiment, black several that polythene mulch proved to be most effective in increasing plant growth (51.80 cm), yield (13.05 kg/plant) of superior fruits and also in conservation of soil moisture. Grass mulch was better when compared to other orchard floor man-agement practices in terms of growth (47.00 cm) and yield (12.35 kg). The orders of the orchard floor management practices in moisture conservation are: black polythene mulch 13.51 %> grass mulch 12.38 % > ridge basin + grass mulch 9.31% > clean basin + Herbicidal treatment (Glyphosate 7 ml/litre) 9.20 %> control 7.64 %. Orchard floor management treatments did not exert any significant effect in controlling bacterial blight disease on leaf and fruit surface.
Development of cultivated and wild pomegranate mixed fruit jelly and its quality evaluation during storage
Authors: Thakur N. S. , Dhaygude G. S. , Sharma Anshu
Published: April 2018

The present study was undertaken for the development of jelly from cultivated and wild pomegranate fruit juice mix and its quality evaluation during storage of six months. A product with 55 % mixed fruit juice content (cultivated and wild pomegranate juice in 80:20 ratio) with 45 % sugar was found to be the best on the basis of sensory analysis of prepared jelly. Jelly could safely be stored for a period of half year under both the ambient and refrigerated conditions without much change in its various chemical attributes viz., total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, anthocyanins, pectin, total phenolics and sensory quality characteristics viz., colour, texture, flavour and overall acceptability. However, the changes in the quality characteristics of the jelly were slower in refrigerated storage conditions as compared to ambient conditions. Under refrigerated conditions, changes in TSS from 67.00 to 67.36 0B,titratable acidity from 0.75 to 0.71%, ascorbic acid from 9.18 to 7.35 mg/100 g, anthocyanins from 11.34 to 10.17 mg/100 g and total phenols from 63.10 to 60.06 mg/100 g were observed after 6 months of storage. Both the packaging material viz., polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and glass jars were found suitable with comparatively slower changes occurring in glass jars under refrigerated conditions.
Influence of AM fungi and its associated bacteria on growth promotion and nutrient acquisition in grafted sapota seedling production
Authors: Panneerselvam P. , Saritha B.
Published: April 2018

A study was undertaken to know the effect of co-inoculation of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and its associated bacteria on enhancing AM root colonization, growth promotion and nutrient acquisition in grafted sapota plants. The best mycorrhiza associated bacteria i.e. Pseudomonas putida (HM590707) isolated from Funneliformis mosseae spore was evaluated along with AM fungi for growth promotion and AM fungal colonization in grafted sapota plants. The combined application of P. putida along with AM fungi significantly increased plant height (39.67 %), stem girth (3.2 cm), total biomass (66.8 g plant-1), AM root colonization (73.4 %)and plant nutrient concentrations viz., N (2.52 %), P (0.18 %), K (2.90 %), Fe (428.4 ppm) and Zn (21.40 ppm) as compared to uninoculated control. This finding clearly demonstrated that grafted sapota plants can be successfully established by combined inoculation of AM fungi and its associated bacteria which have a greater impact on healthy grafted plants.
Analysis of seed protein diversity in Cicer arietinum L. genotypes with different seed coat colour using SDS-PAGE
Authors: Chittora M. , Sukhwal A. , Chandraveer Chandraveer , Verma G.
Published: April 2018

SDS-PAGE technique was used for the study of seed protein polymorphism among three genotypes of Cicer arietinum with different seed coat colour. A total of 24 polypeptide bands were recorded. Out of these 20 were common among all three genotypes and 4 (16.66%) were polymorphic. The data analysis using UPGMA clustering revealed that genotypes with C2 (dark brown) and C3 (black) were closer as compared to genotype with C1 (light brown) coat colour. Jaccard similarity coefficient value ranged from 0.87 to 0.92. The similarity matrix was subjected to UPGMA clustering to generate dendrogram. The most closely revealed genotypes were C2 (dark brown) and C3 (black) with the highest similarity index 0.92 whereas, C1 (light brown) showed minimum similarity index with C3 (black) genotype 0.87. Each of three genotypes of C.arietinum had some polypeptide bands which were peculiar to them only. This enabled distinguishing all three genotypes on the basis of specific polypeptide fragments using SDS-PAGE analysis.
Constraints in adoption of composite carp culture in central Brahmaputra valley zone of Assam - a perceptual framework
Authors: Bhuyan Pradip C. , Goswami Chandan , Kakati Bipul Kr. , Bhagawati Kaustubh
Published: April 2018

The study was conducted in Nagaon district under central Brahmaputra valley zone of Assam to find out the perceptual constraints of the fish farmers in adoption of composite carp culture practice. A representative sample of 60 fish farmers of the district was selected using random sampling. The levels of agreement of respondents in relation to 32 identified constraints in adoption of composite fish culture were determined using 5 point Likert scale. The mean value of degree of responsiveness to constraints was analyzed to find out the perception of the farmers and found lack of fish feed at cheaper rate (3.45) as major constraint followed by high initial cost of digging of ponds (3.28). Seven factors of constraints have been identified through factor analysis such as extension support system constraints, knowledge constraints, financial constraints,distribution constraints, infrastructural constraints, agro-climatic constraints and situational constraints. With the constraints as perceived by the farmers, some relevant strategies have been suggested such as integrated effort to provide better quality fish seed at proper time at pond site of farmers through judicious carp breeding and hatchery management and proper distribution system; strengthening research extension linkage; organizing need based short and long-term training programme and on farm demonstration programme on various aspects of fish culture practices both for farmers and extension workers; establishment of ‘One stop Aqua Shop’(OAS) as single outlet in strategic locations to make available all inputs required for fish culture; formation of fish producer’s consortium to provide a dependable market support and a suitable delivery system for providing inputs to the fish farmers in time and better provision of institutional credit.
Characterization and categorization of Indian mustard genotypes for agro-morphological traits
Authors: Neeru Neeru , Thakral N. K. , Avtar Ram , Kesh Hari
Published: April 2018

A total of sixty genotypes and germplasm lines were evaluated and characterized for 14 quantitative and 8 qualitative traits in Brassica juncea. Observations were recorded on the basis of scores given in the DUS descriptor. Majority of accessions were very late in maturity and medium in flowering. No variability was observed for leaf length and leaf width. On the basis of branches, most of the genotypes were classified under intermediate category. Long main shoot length (31), medium number of siliquae on main shoot (46), medium density on main shoot (52), short siliqua length (51), very tall plant height (38), few numbers of seeds per siliqua (33), medium 1000-seed weight (38), medium seed yield per plant (32) and low oil content (40) were observed in most of the genotypes. For qualitative traits, most of the genotype showed dark green leaf color, sparse hairs, dentation of leaf margin lyrate type, open leaf growth habit, yellow petal color, semi-appressedsiliqua angle with main shoot and intermediate siliqua surface texture. Wide (Yellow, Dull grey, Reddish brown, Brown and Black) diversity has been observed for seed color.
Impact of different levels of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of preseasonal sugarcane ratoon in Inceptisols
Authors: Ghube N. B. , Kadlag A. D. , Kamble B. M.
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was conducted at soil test crop response (STCR) correlation project farm of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri Maharashtra.The result showed that individual application of nitrogen (N), phosphorus(P),potassium(K) or organic nutrient sources (Farm yard manure) recorded less value of preseasonal sugarcane ratoon but the integration of both the sources showed significantly improved all the growth, yield and quality parameters of preseasonal sugarcane ratoon. The maximum number of internodes were ranged between 21-30 with mean of 25.42, number of leaves 6-10 with mean of 7.21, length of internodes 12.50-16.80 cm with mean of 14.41 cm, girth of internodes 11.30-13.10 cm with mean of 12.15 cm and height of millable cane 335-385 with mean of 351.75 cm, respectively were found higher with application of residual effect of 30 t ha-1 farm yard manure (FYM). However, the quality traits viz., brix ranged from 18.70 to 22.80 with mean of 19.87, pol per cent ranged from 15.81 to 18.41 per cent with mean of 17.53 per cent and commercial cane sugar (CCS) per cent from 9.39 to 12.09 per cent with mean of 10.76 per cent. The CCS yield was ranged between 9.58-16.30 MT ha-1 with mean value of 14.13 MT ha-1were enhanced considerably with residual 15 and 30 t FYM ha-1 blocks over without FYM. The application of organic and inorganic fertilizers will not only enhance the growth, yield and quality of preseasonal sugarcane ratoon but also conserve agro-ecosystem for sustainable crop production.
Evaluation of economical and rapid method of plant DNA extraction for PCR analysis of different crops
Authors: Sinha Sweta , Kumar Amarendra
Published: April 2018

In the recent genomic era, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has become a basic tool in molecular studies and the success of PCR depends upon the template DNA. PCR technique is quite robust and often unnecessary to extract high quality of DNA and hence crude DNA can be used as template for amplification. Therefore, we have evaluated NaOH-Tris DNA extraction method for PCR analysis because this is very simple, time saving and safe without the need to use expensive or rare materials and laboratory apparatus. This method only requires a small amount of leaf tissue, NaOH, Tris, micro tube and plastic pestle. The amplified PCR products showed clear, sharp and uniform bands gave similar results as compared with the modified CTAB method. The DNA obtained is crude contains impurities like protein, RNA but these impurities did not affect PCR amplification. This DNA extraction method is evaluated for brinjal (Solanummelongena L.), chilli (Capsicum annuum L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.) and tomato (Solanumlycopersicum L.) crop. Many other crop plants could also be amplified using the same DNA extraction method for molecular analysis of large samples. Thus, the use of NaOH-Tris method will allow researchers to obtain DNA from plant quickly for use in molecular studies.
Evaluation of rapeseed-mustard cultivars under late sown condition in coastal ecosystem of West Bengal
Authors: Banerjee Hirak , Chatterjee Soumitra , Sarkar Sukamal , Gantait Saikat , Samanta Subhasis
Published: April 2018

In our present report, we evaluated seven rapeseed mustard cultivars at coastal saline zone of West Bengal, India under rice-mustard sequence in a triplicated randomized block design for 14 traits to study their performance under late sown (2nd December) condition. The cultivars were sown at 30 cm × 10 cm spacing during winter of 2013?14 and 2014?15. The soil was clay in texture and had the following key properties for the 0?30 cm layer: pH 5.84, electrical conductivity (EC) 1.55 dS/m, available nitrogen (N) 155.24 kg/ha, available phosphorus (P) 105.76 kg/ha, available potassium (K) 365.86 kg/ha and available B 2.63 kg/ha. Among the seven cultivars, Kranti produced significantly (p?0.05) higher seed yield (1.33 t/ha) closely followed by the hybrids PAC-409 (1.23 t/ha) and Pusa Bold (1.21 t/ha). Seed yield showed significant (p?0.05) positive correlation with all the independent variables (plant height, R2=0.88; dry matter, R2=0.42; days to 50 % flowering, R2=0.27; number of siliqua/plant, R2=0.38; seeds/siliqua, R2=0.48; except number of fertile plants/m2, R2=-0.06; number of secondary branches/plant, R2=-0.97 and length of siliqua, R2=-0.07). However, number of secondary branches/plant had significant (p?0.05) and negative correlation with seed yield of mustard (R2=-0.97). Plant height revealed the highest degree of correlation (R2=0.88) with seed yield followed by siliqua per main branch (R2=0.77), days to harvest (R2=0.75) and 1000-seed weight (R2=0.52). The results indicated that selection of suitable rapeseed mustard cultivars based on these traits would be more effective in improving seed yield in mustard.
Genetic diversity in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes revealed by simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers
Authors: Kaushal Ashish , Singh Anita , Jeena Anand Singh
Published: April 2018

Twenty five tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes were subjected to genetic diversity analysis using twenty SSR markers. Out of 20 markers used, 14 SSRs were polymorphic and a total numbers of 22 SSR alleles were generated by 14 SSR markers, out of which 19 were polymorphic and 3 were monomorphic, with an average of 1.57 alleles per locus. The range of amplified products was 100-400bp approximately. Jaccard’s similarity coefficient varied from 0.65 between germplasm EC519821 and CO-3 to a maximum of 1.0 between genotypes EC519769 and DARL-66, with an average value of 0.83. Cluster analysis based on Jaccard’s similarity coefficient using the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) revealed 2 distinct clusters, A and B, comprising 1 and 24 genotypes respectively and at 75 and 78 per cent similarity, respectively. The genotypes which showed similar morphological and genetic trends were grouped more or less together in both these cases were a few. Cluster A comprised most diverse germplasm (EC519821)belongs to pimpinellifolium wild species with similarity coefficient 0.65% and differentiated with other cultivated species.Cherry Tomato and Cherry-2 were trends in similar cluster similar with approximately 96% similarity.SSR markers were able in in differentiating the genotypes based on morphologically and genotypically.However, the grouping of 25 genotypes were independently of geographic distribution.The genetic distance information found in this study might be helpful to breeder for planning among these genotypes.
People’s participation in joint forest management in higher hills of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Guleria Chandresh , Vaidya Manoj Kumar , Kireeti K. , Negi Chaman
Published: April 2018

Joint Forest Management (JFM) is an effort which involved people to participate for the protection, conservation and rehabilitation of forests whilst safeguarding the rights of forest dwellers. Women and other marginalized sections of the community need to be empowered to ensure their participation in JFM (Aggarwal and Chauhan, 2015). Such programmes while ensuring the conservation of flora and fauna, also provided stability for the agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and local cottage industries and thus, help in all round economic development (Bhatia, 2000). The present study analysed the people’s participation in different stages of JFM programmes in the higher hills of Himachal Pradesh (Sundernagar and Kullu forest division). The results showed that people of age group 40-60 years participated most in the JFM programme. The participation of the general category people was found highest followed by scheduled caste, other backward class and scheduled tribe. The literacy rate of the respondents was found to be 98.51 percent while the literacy index was found to be 2.51 representing level of education in between middle class and higher secondary. In both the regions participation of people was found maximum during maintenance stage followed by planning stage and implementation stage. The overall participation index was found to be 61.91 per cent. The capacity building through training and awareness can help in safeguarding livelihood and conservation efforts of JFM.
Integrated nutrient management of rapeseed (Brassica campestris L. var. yellow sarson) grown in a typic haplaquept soil
Authors: Majumder Sayan , Halder Tapas Kumar , Saha Dipankar
Published: April 2018

The present investigation was conducted to study the influence of integrated nutrient management on fertility build up in a Typic Haplaquept soil as well as its effect on yield and quality parameters of rapeseed (Brassica campestris L. var. yellow sarson). Treatments comprised of recommended doses of N, P and K fertilizers (RDF) in presence and absence of FYM along with different doses of S and Zn either alone or in combination. Results revealed that in general, available N, P, K, S and Zn in soil decreased with increase in the period of crop growth. Addition of FYM increased organic carbon content in soils (upto 104.98 g kg-1increase over initial value). Application of elemental S and Zn-EDTA increased SO4-2 content (upto 101.03 kg ha-1 increase over initial value) in S-treated and DTPA extractable Zn content (upto 0.3 mg kg-1 increase over initial value) in Zn-treated systems respectively. Combined application of higher doses of S and Zn along with FYM and recommended doses of N, P and K fertilizers increased N, P, K, S and Zn uptake by rapeseed crop. Highest seed yield (14.2 q ha-1) as well as oil (43.2 %) and protein contents (21.82 %) were recorded in rapeseed which received comparatively higher doses of S and Zn along with FYM and RDF.
Effect of different organic inputs and transplanting dates on seed quality parameters of radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
Authors: Singh D. P. , Verma S. C. , Sharma H. K. , Mehta D. K. , Thakur K. S. , Bharat N. K.
Published: April 2018

An investigation was carried out during two consecutive years (2014-15 and 2015-16) at experimental farm of Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-273230 (H. P.). The experiment was conducted on effect of different organic inputs like vermicompost, FYM, Azotobactor, PSB and PGPR and transplanting dates on seed quality attributes of radish (RaphanussativusL.). The transplanting was done on three different dates during both years. There were seven treatments including control and each treatment was replicated thrice. The data was analysed in factorial randomized block design. The study revealed that all the seed quality parameters like germination % (95.08), seedling length (24.46 cm), shoot length (13.02 cm), root length (13.04 cm), seedling dry weight ( 0.110 mg), seed vigour index I (2329.07) and seed vigour index II (10419.25) were found maximum with treatment Vermicompost (@ 50 q ha-1) + Azotobacter (root dip @ 2.5 Kg/ ha-1) + PSB (root dip @ 2.5 Kg/ ha-1) + NSKE (5 %) and maximum 1000 seed weight (12.52 g) was found with treatment FYM @100 q ha-1 + Azotobacter @ 2.5 kg ha-1 (root dip) + PSB @ 2.5 kg ha-1 (root dip) + NSKE @ 5 % in 4th November transplanting. All parameters showed a decreasing trend as sowing date was delayed.
Effect of pre-harvest spray of calcium nitrate, boric acid and zinc sulphate on storability of Nagpur mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco)
Authors: Meena Manish Kumar , Jain M. C. , Singh Pravin
Published: April 2018

An investigation was carried out at Fruit Research Farm, Department of Fruit Science at College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar during 16 September, 2014 to 1 March, 2015 to study the individual effect of Pre-harvest spray of Calcium nitrate, Zinc sulphate and Boric acid as well as their interaction on Storability of Nagpur mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) after fruit set stage. Among different pre-harvest treatments, T27 treatment (Ca 3.0% + B 0.6% + Zn 0.6%) treated fruits had the longest shelf-life of 15 days at ambient conditions with lowest PLW (9.27 %), decay per cent (15.23 %) and better organoleptic ratting (8.41/10) and higher retention of juice percent (39.12 %) till end of storage period.
Genetic variability, characters association and path analysis for yield and fruit quality components in Brinjal
Authors: Koundinya A.V.V. , Das A. , Layek S. , Chowdhury R. , Pandit M. K.
Published: April 2018

The experiment was done at AB District Seed Farm, BCKV, Kalyani Simanta, West-Bengal, India during autumn-winter 2013-14 and 2014-15. The characters that exhibited higher Phenotypic and Genotypic Co-efficient of variation values were number of fruits per plant (76.86, 75.63%), fruit weight (43.88, 41.34%), harvest index (23.57, 22.29%), fruit yield per plant (53.61, 51.17%), anthocyanin in peel, total phenols and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-l-picryl hydrazyl) free radical scavenging (FRS) capacity indicating that a greater amount of genetic variability was present for these characters which provide greater scope for selection. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for the characters like plant height, days to 1st flowering, days to 50% flowering, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, harvest index, fruit yield per plant, total sugar, anthocyanin in peel, total phenols and DPPH FRS capacity depicting that these traits were under the strong influence of additive gene action and hence simple selection based on phenotypic performance of these traits would be more effective. Fruit yield per plant showed highly positive significant correlation with number of primary branches per plant, number of fruits per plant, harvest index, vitamin-A and total phenols and significant negative correlation with days to 1st flowering, TSS, total sugars and total protein. Number of fruits per plant imparted the highest positive direct effect on yield followed by harvest index, fruit weight, days to 50% flowering and anthocyanin in peel. Number of fruits per plant and days to flowering were emerged as the main casual factors for positive or negative association of several characters with fruit yield per plant. Therefore, selection for fruit yield per plant based on these characters would be reliable.
Mushroom diversity in the Biligiri rangana hills of Karnataka (India)
Authors: Akash D. , Earanna N. , Subramanya S.
Published: April 2018

Evergreen forests of Biligiri rangana hills (BR hills) spread over an area of 540 sq. KM over eastern most edge of Western Ghats in Karnataka. Climatic conditions are more favorable for establishment of mushrooms and complete their life cycle. In this study, fourteen mushroom species were collected from BR hills region during monsoon (June through September 2013) with the help of Solega tribe inhabited the region since many years. Of the fourteen mushrooms, two mushrooms were identified as Ganoderma lucidum and Polyporous flabelliformis based on their phenotypic characters. The other 12 mushrooms were identified by ITS (Internal Transcribed spacer)region sequence homology as Termitomyces sp. (BRM-3)., Auricularia delicate (BRM-4), Termitomyces microcarpus (BRM-5), Amanita sp. (BRM-6), Podoscypha petalodes (BRM-7), Agaricaceae sp. (BRM-8), Macrolepiota sp.(BRM-9), Calvatia holothurioides (BRM-10), Gymnopillus crociphyllus (BRM-11), Coprinus comatus (BRM-12), Gyrodontium sacchari (BRM-13) and Clitocybeafffellea (BRM-14). Among the fourteen mushrooms, three species viz., Termito-myces species, Auricularia delicate and Termitomyces microcarpus were edible. The others were non edible/poisonous species. This study reports the diverse mushroom species as addition to biodiversity at BR hills.
Study the effect of scouring time on Grewia asiatica (Phalsa) fibres properties
Authors: Upreti Monika , Jahan Shahnaz
Published: April 2018

This research work was carried out to investigate the influence of treatment time period on physical properties of water retted Grewia asiatica (Phalsa) fibres. The extracted fibres were subjected to chemical scouring with sodium hydroxide (20g/l) and ammonium oxalate (5g/l) at 100º C for 30 mins. and 60 mins. and their effect on tensile strength, elongation and fibres fineness was studied. It was found that as the time period for scouring increased from 30 mins. to 60 mins. elongation and fineness improved, whereas in case of tenacity for 30 mins. treatment, tenacity improved but 60 mins. scouring decreased the tenacity of the fibres.
Egg parameters of the Red Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus) in agricultural ecosystem of Punjab
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Khera K. S.
Published: April 2018

The Red Wattled Lapwing is an important bird of the agro-ecosystem of the Punjab state, feeding on insects, seeds and nectar. The present study was carried out to gather information on the egg parameters (morphometry and its components), which is lacking for this species. The eggs were observed in the nest construct-ed in the agricultural fields of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, Punjab. Egg length, width and weight were measured using vernier caliper and portable weighing balance, respectively, in laboratory. The egg parameters like egg volume, specific gravity and shape index were also calculated. Weight of egg components (yolk, albumen and shell) were also measured using weighing balance. Results revealed that average values of egg breadth, length and shape index were: 30.05±0.331 (mm), 41.29±0.573 (mm) and 72.83±0.930, respectively. Whereas whole egg weight, albumen weight, yolk weight, shell weight, albumen percentage, yolk percentage, shell percentage, egg volume and specific gravity were 17.49±0.634(gm),7.17±0.374 (gm), 9.05±0.233 (gm), 1.26±0.070 (gm), 40.84±0.941 (%), 51.92±0.830 (%), 7.22±0.280 (%), 17.07±0.531(cm3) and 1.02±0.009 (gm/cm3), respectively. This study pro-vides important information that can help the avian taxonomists in species classification, as bird’s egg diverges widely in shape, volume, weight and percentage of albumen, yolk and shell. Therefore, we can use the egg parameters as additional information in bird systematic.
Determination of economic threshold level for the timely management of cotton jassid Amrasca bigutulla (Ishida) on okra vegetable crop
Authors: Kaur Sandeep , Kaur Amandeep , Kaur Gurpreet , Dhawan A.K.
Published: April 2018

A field study was carried out at Vegetable Research Farm PAU, Ludhiana to determine the economic threshold level for the timely management of cotton jassid Amrasca bigutulla (Ishida) on okra vegetable crop. It was observed that significantly lowest jassid nymphal count per leaf in the pooled data (0.96 nymphs/leaf) were registered in the treatment where spray against jassid were given at 2 nymphs/leaf stage and first injury grade that is curling and yellowing of leaf margin as compared to others spray stages (1.54-1.72 nymphs/leaf) and unsprayed control (1.75 nymphs/leaf) significantly lowest jassid injury grade was also observed when spray stared at 2 nymphs/ leaf (0.58) and second spray stage curling and yellowing of leaf margin (0.65 nymphs/leaf) as against other spray stages (1.13 – 1.60 nymphs/leaf) and unsprayed control (1.63 nymphs/leaf). Maximum plant (110.33-110.44 cm) was also recorded as against other treatment (90.80 – 108.46 cm) and control (90.13cm). Total highest fruit yield (120.40-120.75) quintal /ha was also registered in these two treatments. Economic threshold level estimated for the management of cotton jassid on okra crop will help to develop an ecologically safe pest management practices against this pest.
Combining ability, gene action and heritability analysis for early blight resistance, yield and quality traits in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: M. V. Bharathkumar , A. T. Sadashiva , R. Punith Kumar
Published: April 2018

Nine tomato genotypes were crossed in Line ×Tester fashion to develop 18 hybrids, which, along with their parents and checks were evaluated for early blight resistance, fruit yield and quality of tomato (Solanum lyco-persicum) to know extent of combining ability for the same. IIHR1816 was found to be the best general combiner with significant highest GCA (General Combining Ability) in desirable direction for per cent disease index (-15.71), carotenoids (3.46), lycopene (2.43) and yield (13.13); while, for plant height (3.94), average fruit weight (25.93), fruit length (0.54), fruit breadth (0.63) and pericarp thickness (1.71), the line IIHR2848 was best general combiner. The tester IIHR2852 was a best general combiner for traits like days to 50% flowering (-0.83) and fruit firmness (0.51).The crosses viz., IIHR2891 × IIHR2853 (11.61), IIHR2850 × IIHR2852 (11.40) and IIHR2892 × IIHR2890 (11.19) were found to be superior specific combiners for yield. IIHR2892 × IIHR2852 was a superior specific combin-er for fruit quality traits like fruit firmness (0.98), total carotenoids (6.95) and lycopene (4.52).Best specific combiners for early blight resistance were IIHR2850 × IIHR2852 (-9.58), IIHR2891 × IIHR2890 (-9.58) and IIHR2892 × IIH-R2890 (-6.82). The experiment helped in identifying these superior general combiners and specific combiners for early blight resistance, coupled with good yield and quality of the crop, which can be used in further breeding under-takings.
Studies on plasma treatment and priming of seeds of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Nalwa Cherry , Thakur Ashok K. , Vikram Amit , Rane R. , Vaid A.
Published: April 2018

The present investigation was carried out at Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan during the year 2014 -2015 to study the “Effect of cold plasma treatment and priming on bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cultivar California Wonder) for seed germination and seedling vigour. The seeds were ex-posed to various durations of oxygen plasma treatment using glow discharge technique at FCIPT, Institute for Plas-ma Research, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. Seeds were pre-treated with power of 100 W for treatment durations of 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 minutes for 0, 4, 8 and 12 month durations. The changes in surface morphology of plasma treated seeds were studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Contact Angle Goniometer. Along with plasma treatment, seeds were also treated with standard priming method i.e osmoprimng for comparison. Results showed that plasma treatment alone as well as in combination with osmoprimng up to 6 minutes duration had positive effects on seed germination and seedling vigour. Germination and vigour indices significantly increased by 21.75% and 90.71% respectively. Characteristics of germination percentage, speed of germination, seedling vigour index-I & II, significantly increased by 13.92%, 1.39 cm, 0.38 mg, 322.07 respectively, compared with control. And it was found that immediately after plasma exposure the germination (84.41%) and vigour (228.50) was highest and it was reduced to (73.54%) and (174.27) after 12 months of storage. These results indicated that cold plasma treatment might promote the growth and modify the speed of germination i.e. higher speed of germination was observed in seeds exposed to plasma treat-ment for 6 minutes (59.82%), whereas, lowest germination speed (40.76%) was observed in untreated control.
Compatibility of biocontrol agents and N fixing organisms with post emergence pre-mix herbicide-bispyribac sodium + metamifop 14 % SE
Authors: Raj Sheeja K , Syriac Elizabeth K , Anith K. N. , Meenakumari K. S.
Published: April 2018

he experiments were conducted in vitro in the Agricultural Microbiology laboratory at College of Agricul-ture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India to evaluate the compatibility of biocontrol agents Pseudomonas fluorescens and Tricoderma viride and N fixing organisms Azospirillum lipoferum and Azotobacter chroococcum to bispyribac sodium + metamifop 14 % SE, a new broad spectrum post emergence pre-mix herbicide mixture used for weed control in rice. The experiments were conducted in completely randomized block design with seven different concentrations of herbicide viz., 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200 and 220 ?L L-1 corresponding to field doses of 50, 60, 70, 80 90, 100 and 110 g ha-1 and a control (0 ?L L-1). All the tested concentrations of the herbicide mixture were highly compatible with P. fluorescens, A. lipoferum and A. chroococcum. The radial colony diameter of T. viride was significantly influenced by different concentrations of the herbicide. The field dose of bisspyribac sodium + met-amifop up to 90 g ha-1 (180 ?L L-1) is harmless to T. viride, since it recorded a growth inhibition of only 22.96 per cent but higher doses (100 and 110 g ha-1) which recorded a growth inhibition of 31.48 and 37.04 per cent respectively were slightly harmful to the antagonistic fungus. The compatibility results revealed the possibility of using bispyribac sodium + metamifop for weed control at recommended doses (70, 80 or 90 g ha-1) under bio intensive disease management programme involving P. fluorescens / T. viride and nutrient management programme involving A. liopferum / A chroococcum.
Genetic diversity and character association analysis based on pomological traits in olive (Olea europaea L.)
Authors: Lal S. , Sharma O. C. , Singh D. B.
Published: April 2018

Thirteen exotic genotypes of olive (Olea europaea L.) were studied for the genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis for fruit quality, yield and yield contributing traits at experimental farm of ICAR-CITH, Srinagar during 2009-2013. Maximum variability was recorded for fruit yield and oil content, however, low differ-ences between the phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variations indicated low environmental influences on the expression of these characters. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was obtained with fruit yield per plant, acidity, fruit pulp weight, fruit weight and stone weight. Fruit weight (r=0.329), stone weight (r=0.405) and oil content (r=0.841) were the most important traits, which possessed significant positive association with fruit yield per plant. Path coefficient analysis revealed that among the different yield contributing characters oil content (0.875), fruit weight (0.797) followed by acidity (0.501), peroxides value ( 0.199) and fruit length (0.054) influenced fruit yield per plant directly. The direct effects of these characters on fruit yield were found positive and considerably very high.The selection based on fruit weight, stone weight oil content and yield per plant will be effective for enhancing the fruit and oil yieldand making future olive breeding strategies.
Integrated nutrient management for high productivity and net returns in lentil (Lens culinaris)
Authors: Singh Guriqbal , Virk Harpreet Kaur , Khanna Veena
Published: April 2018

The experiment was conducted to study the integrated nutrient management for high productivity and net returns in lentil. Results revealed that nodulation was significantly (P?0.01) enhanced in treatments comprising of Rhizobium and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) along with recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), farmyard manure (FYM) and vermicompost. Treatments comprising of Rhizobium + PSB along with RDF, 50% RDF, FYM and vermicompost showed higher nodule dry weight as compared to the treatments without biofertilizers. Pods plant-1 was highest in RDF + Rhizobium + PSB. Combination of different organic sources with RDF resulted in significantly (P?0.001) higher grain yield than RDF only. RDF + 5 t ha-1 FYM resulted in 26.3 and 6.7 per cent higher grain yield over control and RDF alone, respectively. RDF + Rhizobium + PSB recorded the highest net returns (Rs 40321 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.78). It can be concluded that supplementing the recommended dose of nutrients (12.5 kg N + 40 kg P2O5 ha-1) with 5 t ha-1 FYM or 2 t ha-1 vermicompost or Rhizobium + PSB inoculation help in obtaining high grain yields and net returns in lentil.
Spatial distribution of Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) in Cabbage in mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Verma S. C. , Sharma P. L. , Bhardwaj R. K.
Published: April 2018

Investigations were carried out during two consecutive Rabi seasons of 2014 and2015 at the Experi-mental Farm of the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and For-estry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India to study the spatial distribution of Brevicoryne brassicae in cabbage. One month old cabbage seedlings were planted in the field in the month of November during both the years. Distri-bution pattern of any insect population is an important aspect as it represents the interaction between individuals of the species and their habitat. Spatial distribution is useful for designing efficient sampling programmes for population estimation and development of population models. Spatial distribution is also important to understand the bioecology of the pest and to determine the sampling protocol for that species. In the present study variance to mean ratio (s2/X),mean crowding (X*), ratio of mean crowding to mean (X*/X), ‘k’ of negative binomial, Taylor’s power equation(s2 = 0.9099X1.55 during 2014 and s2 = 2.9861X1.1949 during 2015), Iwao’s patchiness regression and optimum number of samples (Nopt) required to achieve the desired precision were calculated for different densities. Cabbage aphid, B. brassicae appeared in the fourth standard week i.e last week of January( 26.2 aphids/ plant during 2014 and 0.30 aphids/ plant during 2015) and persisted upto thirteenth standard week i.e last week of April ( 18.4 aphids/ plant during 2014 and 18.2 aphids/ plant during 2015) and followed a negative binomial distribution during both years. Optimum number of samples (Nopt) required varied with mean density as well as precision level. The present study will serve as basic information to develop a sampling plan of B. Brassicae in cabbage for its monitoring and management.
Chlorophyll and carotenoid content of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings under heat stress as affected by trehalose application
Authors: Kaur Aparjot , Thind S. K.
Published: April 2018

Presently, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were evaluated under control (25±2°C), heat stress (35±2°C and 40±2°C) and interactive effect of heat stress and trehalose in six wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes (HD2967, PBW175, C306, PBW343, PBW621 and PBW590). Trehalose an osmoprotectant, at concen-tration of 1mM and 1.5mM was applied at 7 days after sowing (DAS) followed by heat stress of 35±2°C (moderate) and 40±2°C (severe) on 8DAS for 4 and8 hours. As chloroplast thylakoid membranes, are highly vulnerable to heat stress, the chlorophyll content decreased with increased temperature stress in all selected genotypes. Heat stress significantly reduced (P< 0.05) the carotenoid content in all genotypes. Severe heat stress (8 hours) more adversely affected these mentioned parameters. The application of Trehalose @ 1.5mM as compared with 1mM concentration was found more effective to ameliorate the adverse effect of heat stress on chlorophyll and carotenoid contents to sustain photosynthetic process.
RNA interference- a novel approach for plant disease management
Authors: Puyam Anita , Sharma Shikha , Kashyap Prem Lal
Published: April 2018

RNA interference (RNAi) is an incredible revolution in the field of functional genomics, a breakthrough in plant molecular genetics. This technology will generate enormous potential for engineering control of gene expres-sion. The success of managing biotic stress using RNAi technology will prove to be biologically and environmentally safe. It is therapeutic in approach as the resistance induced by RNAi is triggered by ds RNA that results in silencing of specific genes before being translated in a homology dependent manner. Over the time, RNAi is significantly proving it as one of the most promiscent management strategy which eliminates certain risks associated with the development of transgenic plants. This review gives an insight into the probability of management of plant diseases caused by various biotic agents viz. fungi, bacteria and viruses using RNA interference technique and host-pathogen related targeted sites.
Effect of ethrel spray on the ripening behaviour of mango (Mangifera indica L.) variety 'Dashehari'
Authors: Gurjar P. S. , Verma A.K. , Dikshit Abhay , Shukla D. K.
Published: April 2018

An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of post harvest spray of different concentrations (100, 200, 400, 600 and 800 ppm) of ethrel (2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid) on ripening and colour development in ‘Dashehari’ mango fruits harvested in second week of June, 2015. The treated fruits were assessed for physico-chemical parameters such as physiological loss in weight (%), firmness (Kg/cm2), TSS (°Brix), titrable acidity (%), total carotenoids (mg/100g) and peel chlorophyll (mg/100g) and observations were recorded at 2 days interval during 8 days storage at ambient temperature. Changes in total soluble solids (8.5 to 23.23° Brix), total carotenoids (0.807 to 7.12 mg/100g) and PLW (14.58%) showed increasing trends up to 8 days during storage whereas fruit firmness (8.5 to 0.68 Kg/cm2), titrable acidity (1.26 to 0.08%) and total peel chlorophyll (5.2 to 0.14 mg/100g) showed decreasing trends. At the end of the storage period for 8 days, Ethrel spray at 600 ppm induced uniform ripening with attractive yellow colour within 4 days while untreated control fruits failed to ripen uniformly and remain light green even after 8 days of storage. Ripening advances by 4 days in fruits sprayed with 600 ppm ethrel com-pared to unsprayed control fruits.