bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of genetic variability, GCA and SCA effects for development of early and high yielding bell pepper hybrids suitable for protected cultivation
Authors: Devi Mayanglambam Bilashini , Pathania N.K. , Thakur Nisha
Published: April 2018

The present investigation involves 29 diverse bell pepper genotypes for variability studies and 14 promising lines (11 lines and 3 testers), 33 F1 and 1 standard check for combining ability studies. The objective of the study was to assess the nature and magnitude of genetic variability among the bell pepper genotypes for yield and other horticultural traits and to identify the potential parental lines and cross combinations suitable for the protected environment based on the estimation of general combining ability and specific combining ability. A wide range of variability was observed for most of the characters studied. The genotypes viz., Kashmir Sel-1 (L2), DARL-10 (L9) and UHFSP(Y)-11 (L11) for marketable fruit yield per plant and Kashmir Sel-1 (L2), UHFSP(Y)-11 (L11) and DARL-01 (L5) for earliness were good general combiners and these may be included for exploiting hybrid vigour or development of purelines. On the basis of specific combining ability effects and per se performance, the crosses viz., ARCH-19 (L1) × Solan Bharpur (T1), DARL-10 (L9) × California Wonder (T2) and UHFSP(Y)-11 (L11) × Yolo Wonder (T3) were the best cross combinations for marketable fruit yield per plant and number of marketable fruits per plant under protected environment. The cross combinations viz., DARL-10 (L9) × California Wonder (T2), DARL-01 (L5) × California Wonder (T2), LC (L10) × Solan Bharpur (T1) and Kandaghat Sel-9 (L7) × Solan Bharpur (T1) shows significant negative SCA for earliness and could be used for development of early hybrids.
Performance of pearl millet under agri-horti system as influenced by sowing methods and integrated nutrient management in Vindhyan region of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Verma S. K. , Yadav Ugrasen , Kumar Sushil , Lakra Kairovin
Published: April 2018

An experiment involving three sowing methods and four integrated nutrient management practices was undertaken at Rajeev Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University in factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of sowing methods and integrated nutrients management practices on performance of pearl millet under agri-horti system. The sowing methods and integrated nutrient management practices significantly (P=0.05) influenced performance of pearl millet. Adoption of ridge and furrow sowing method recorded higher growth [plant height (147.7 cm), dry weight (72.7 g), and number of tillers plant-1 (2.0)], yield attributes [effective tillers hill-1 (1.77), panicle length (17.9 cm), grains panicle-1 (1508.3), grains weight panicle-1 (13.9), and test weight (9.23 g)], yields [ grain yield (1412 kg ha-1 ), and stover yield (3972 kg ha-1 )], and economics [net returns (Rs. 36371 ha-1 ), and B:C ratio (1.79) than broadcasting and raised bed. Application of 50% recommended dose of fertilizer + 50% poultry manure resulted higher growth [plant height (151.9 cm), dry weight (79.7 g), and number of tillers plant-1 (2.22)], yield attributes[effective tillers hill-1 (2.0), panicle length (18.8 cm), grains panicle-1 (1615.6), grains weight panicle-1 (14.5), and test weight (9.76 g)], yields [ grain yield (1552 kg ha-1 ), and stover yield (4360 kg ha-1 )] and economics [net returns (Rs. 38227 ha-1 ), and B:C ratio (1.77) than remaining integrated nutrient management practices. The combination of ridge and furrow and 50% recommended dose of fertilizer + 50% poultry manure was adjudged to be better for pearl millet performance.
Effect of heavy metal, copper sulphate and potassium chromate on behaviour of “Tailless water flea” Simocephalus vetulus (Crustacea - Cladocera)
Authors: Mishra Anand , Shukla Sanjive , Chopra A. K.
Published: April 2018

Water fleas constitute major zooplankton population of fresh water aquatic ecosystem. Their population density is an indicative of well-being of aquatic bodies. Simocephalus vetulus (Crustacea - Cladocera) is a tailless water flea and is well suited lab model for environmental monitoring. Copper a Gray listed heavy metals despite being an essential micronutrient, becomes highly toxic when present in excess quantity in aquatic ecosystem thereby causing deleterious effects on aquatic flora as well as fauna. The water-flea exposed to acute 0.37 mg/l (96hr LC50), sub-acute 0.0925 mg/l (25% of 96hr LC50) value and chronic 0.037 mg/l (10% of 96hr LC50) value of copper sulphate and acute 0.16 mg/l (96 hr LC50), sub-acute 0.04 mg/l (25% of 96 hr LC50) value and chronic 0.016 mg/l (10% of 96 hr LC50) value of potassium chromate showed behavioural alterations like initial hyperactivity, fast appendage movements and in phototaxis, geotaxis and avoidance indices. At later stage erratic swimming and spinning, reduced activity, loss of balance, reduced feeding and darkening of cuticular coloration, reduced phototactic, geotaxis and avoidance indices were the major effects on its behaviour. The behavioural alterations of S. vetulus showed the most susceptible and foremost indication of potential toxic effects. Various behavioural parameters, used in present study may serve as better biomarkers about metal toxicity and monitoring of drinking water quality
Evaluation of thermotolerant rhizobacteria for multiple plant growth promoting traits from pigeonpea rhizosphere
Authors: Modi Ritika , Khanna Veena
Published: April 2018

In pigeonpea due to the prevailing high temperature, poor nodulation have usually been observed as a limiting factor in its productivity. Plant growth promoting traits of 5 pigeonpea rhizobacterial isolates out of 32, selected on the basis of maximum growth at 30, 40 and 50°C, were evaluated for their potential application in enhancing symbiosis and plant growth of pigeonpea. The level of IAA at 30, 40 and 50°C varied from 0.95-20.96 ?g/ml, 1.21- 34.82 ?g/ml and 0.16-17.34 ?g/ml in the presence of tryptophan respectively. Maximum flavonoid production and siderophore production was recorded bacterial isolates with S12p6 (6.68 ?g/ml) at 30°C and S1p1 (4.2 cm) at 40°C respectively. Isolates S1p1 and S12p6 showed relatively superior production of growth hormone, flavonoid-like compounds and siderophores can further be tested as co-inoculant with recommended Rhizobium for studying their efficacy under field conditions for symbiotic parameters and growth of pigeonpea.
Evaluation of integrated nutrient management on the performance of bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.]
Authors: Das R. , Mandal A. R. , Priya Anuj , Das S. P. , Kabiraj J.
Published: April 2018

The present investigation was conducted during 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 at Horticulture Research Station, Mondouri, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Monhanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, India, to find out the effect of organic manure, chemical fertilizers and bio fertilizers in an integrated manner for yield maximization and quality improvement in bottle gourd cv. Pusa Naveen. The experiment consisted of eleven nutrient based treatment combinations, including different level of applications of inorganic fertilizers (Urea, single super phosphate and muriate of potash), organic manure (vermicompost) and bio fertilizers (Azotobacter and PSB). Present investigation clearly indicated the beneficial effect of integrated nutrient management on yield and quality characters of bottle gourd. The maximum length of main vine (226.00 cm), branches per plant (5.67), fruit number (10.00), fruit weight (873.33 g), fruit length (21.07 cm) and fruit diameter (8.18 cm) were recorded in the treatment which received equal proportions of N from inorganic and organic sources along with bio fertilizers (Azotobacter and PSB). Quality characters namely, total soluble solids (TSS) and ascorbic acid in bottle gourd fruit were enhanced in the most favourable way due to application of 75% N from inorganic source and 25% N from organic source along with bio fertilizer (PSB). Keeping view on yield sustainability, balance in ecosystem, soil health improvement and good health of human beings, it may be suggested that vegetable growers particularly in new alluvial zone of West Bengal may supplement 25-50% recommended dose of nitrogen through vermicompost in bottle gourd cultivation along with bio fertilizers viz. Azotobacter and PSB.
Utilization of chlorophyll content index (CCI) to infer yellow rust severity in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Mishra C. N. , Kumar Satish , Gupta Vikas , Tiwari Vinod , Sharma Indu
Published: April 2018

Stripe rust caused by Puccinia striformis Westend. f. sp. tritici Eriks. (Pst) is a major constraint to wheat production in Northern India. In this study, 616 indigenous germplasm (IC) accessions of wheat were screened under field conditions against mixture of Pst isolates at DWR Karnal during 2012-13 crop season. Out of 616 accessions, 197 accessions were observed to be resistant (R), 115 moderately resistant (MR) to moderately susceptible (MS) and 304 as susceptible (S) against yellow rust. On the basis of days to heading, the accessions were grouped into four classes (early, medium early, medium late and late). Chlorophyll content index (CCI) recorded in flag leaf showed significant differences between resistant and susceptible lines in each classified group at 5% level of significance. The difference for CCI between resistant and moderately resistant plants was negligible, however in comparison with resistant plants, susceptible plants showed loss of 35-39% of chlorophyll. There was negative correlation (a correlation coefficient of – 0.60) between chlorophyll content and disease severity due to stripe rust in susceptible accessions.
Response of bio-regulators to yield and quality of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czernj. and Cosson) under different irrigation environments
Authors: Dadhich R. K. , Meena R. S. , Reager M. L. , Kansotia B. C.
Published: April 2018

A field study was conducted during rabi seasons of 2008 and 2009 to evaluated of productivity of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) by foliar spray of bio-regulators under different irrigation environments. Amongst treatments, the application of sufficient irrigation water (four irrigations) recorded the highest number siliqua per plant, higher number of seeds per siliqua, 1000 seed weight and yields as compared to all other irrigation treatments. Results show that an increased in seed yield of 92.40 and 39.37 % under sufficient irrigation and limitedwater condition in 2008 and 93.34% and 40.31% in 2009, respectively over deficient irrigation conditions, foliar sprays of 100 ppm thioglycollic acid at initiation of branching were recorded highest yield attributes and yields. Similarly, 500 ppm of thiourea at initiation of branching and flowering stages also gave second best highest yield attributes and yields as compared to all other bio-regulators spray stages. However, bio-regulators sprays were not recorded any significant effect on oil and protein content. The results were concluded that economic feasibility to improve productivity of Indian mustard with four irrigations levels and sprays of 100 ppm thioglycollic acid and 500 ppm of thiourea at initiation of branching and flowering stages under hyper arid environment.
Evaluation of genetic diversity for yield and quality parameters of different potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) germplasm
Authors: Datta Sanjay , Das Rajib , Singh Dhirendra
Published: April 2018

An investigation was carried out at Vegetable Research Centre, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar during spring-summer season 2011 and 2012 to study the genetic diversity using Mahalanobis’s D2 – technique among thirty five potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) germplasm for important yield attributing and quality traits. The D2 values were calculated and thirty five potato genotypes were grouped into nine clusters for growth characters and ten clusters for quality traits respectively. All the genotypes included in the present investigation, were indigenous, but their grouping in different clusters, suggested that genotypes did not follow the geographic distribution. The cluster I contained the maximum number of genotypes with respect to both yield attributing and quality traits. The inter cluster distance in most of the cases were higher than the intra-cluster distance indicating wider genetic diversity among the genotypes of different groups. Average tuber weight of potato plant contributed maximum (31.76%), followed by number of tuber per plant (27.56%), internodal length (14.45%) and plant dry matter content (13.61%) for growth characters. For quality characters, ascorbic acid content (24.70%), protein content of tuber (20.84%) and TSS of tuber (20.00%) contributed effectively towards genetic divergence. So, these traits will offer a good scope for improvement of yield and quality through rational selection of parental genotypes for future potato breeding. The findings indicated that use of parents selected from the same cross or from a cross involving a common parent should be avoided in hybridization. The results broadly showed there was no parallelism between geographical and genetic divergence.
Larval growth, silk production and economic traits of Bombyx mori under the influence of honey-enriched mulberry diet
Authors: Thulasi N. , Sivaprasad S.
Published: April 2018

The impact of honey on the silkworm, Bombyx mori was demonstrated with reference to the larval growth, silk gland proteins and economic parameters of sericulture. The honey works well at a concentration of 2% in distilled water. At this concentration it promotes growth rates in the silkworm larvae during fifth instar development. It positively reinforces the day-to-day larval growth rate by 4.75 additional percentile points, silk gland growth rate by 4.45 additional percentile points and the gland-body ratio by additional 6.64 percentile points. It stimulates silk protein synthesis in all the three segments of the silk gland, viz., the anterior, middle and posterior parts. Under its influence, the silk gland protein profiles grew significantly by 14.85 additional percentile points in the anterior silk gland (ASG), minimally by 8.68 additional percentile points in the middle silk gland (MSG) and maximally by 15.17 additional percentile points in the posterior silk gland (MSG), compared to their control values. It also stimulates the core shell protein synthesis by 18% and retards floss protein synthesis by ~25% in the three segments of silk gland. In doing so, it contributes to sericulture industry by causing improvements in profit making economic traits such as gland-body ratio, cocoon weight, shell weight, raw silk weight, denier and renditta and by reducing the production of floss, which contributes to loss in the sericulture industry. Honey is suggested as a profitable supplementary diet forsilkworm.
Productivity and economics of direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Kumar Anil , Kumar Suresh , Dahiya Kuldeep , Kumar Sundeep , Kumar Mukesh
Published: April 2018

A field study was conducted during Kharif season of 2011 and 2012, to evaluate direct seeded rice options as compared to transplanted rice with an objective to improve farm productivity and efficiency. Labour and cost saving of 97% and 80% were observed in direct seeded rice (DSR) as compared to manual puddled transplanted rice in sowing/transplanting. Tillage and crop establishment methods had a significant effect on rice yields. Yield of manual puddled transplanted rice was significantly higher (10-12%) than DSR during both the years. DSR consumed 12-17 percent less water as compared to puddled transplanted rice during 2011, whereas, it consumed 5-9 per cent more water as compared to puddled transplanted rice during 2012. When compared to manual puddled transplanted rice, a labour saving of 7-8 percent (overall) was observed in DSR during both the years. The B: C ratio was highest in DSR in zero till condition (1.74) as compared to manual puddled transplanted rice (1.62). The study showed that the conventional practice of puddled transplanting could be replaced with zero till DSR to save water and labour.
Assessment of knowledge of medicinal plants and their use in tribal region of Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Painkra V. K. , Jhariya M. K. , Raj A.
Published: April 2018

The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge of medicinal plants and their use in tribal region of Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh. Under the socio-economic profile, farmers of middle age (36-55 yrs) people showed the maximum percentage (78%) distribution and frequency, 50 per cent of respondents belonged to primary to middle school level of education and 63 per cent of respondents were having medium size of family (5 to 8 members). A total number of 50 medicinal plant species belonging to 29 families were recorded, in which Euphorbiaceae registered as the largest family with 4 plant species (8%). Shrub showed their maximum presence (34%) followed by tree (32%), herb (20%) and climber (14%). As per knowledge of respondents about medicinal plants Haldi and Bhui-neem is mostly use as medicinal purpose as 5.2% (n=40) followed by Harra, Munga, Karanj and Hadjod (3.9% each). This information through respondent (tribals) showed very diverse nature of medicinal flora, their usage in healing purpose with socioeconomic/ living standard upliftment. Therefore, it is needful aspect of conserving these biological resources for sustainable ecosystem.
Genetic variation and heritability estimation in Jatropha curcas L. progenies for seed yield and vegetative traits
Authors: Kaushik N. , Deswal R. P. S. , Malik Suman , Kumar Krishan
Published: April 2018

In this study, experiment was conducted on sandy loam soils poor in organic carbon and water holding capacity in southern Haryana, India to determine the best progenies of Jatropha curcas for bio-diesel production. Fifty progenies raised from seed sources collected from nine states of India were evaluated after five years of plantation for growth, seed and oil content traits. The progenies showed significant (P> 0.05) differences for all the traits studied. Maximum seed yield/plant (879.37 g), number of capsules/plant (522.67) and plant height (408.33 cm) was recorded in P-44. Maximum oil content observed in P-37 (36.08%) followed by P-5 (35.64%). The magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters studied. Heritability was highest for oil content (95.49%) and 100-seed weight (87.75%) followed by seed yield (75.54%). Total capsules/plant exhibited highest genetic advance (92.69%) followed by number of branches per plant (64.32%). Hierarchical Euclidean cluster analysis of all 50 progenies using D2 statistics was done where the D2 analysis grouped the progenies into five clusters. The intra cluster distances ranged from 1.33 to 2.72. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster II and V (6.43) followed by I and V indicating greater divergence among progenies belonging to these clusters and an attempt to cross the progenies in these clusters should bring out desirable gene combinations. These progenies showed considerable potential which can be tapped for planting and selecting the improved varieties.
Economic evaluation of biorational and conventional insecticides for the control of maize stem borer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) in Zea mays
Authors: Kumar Ravinder , Jindal Jawala
Published: April 2018

Maize borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) is the chief limiting factor for higher corn production. Field trials to assess the efficacy of different insecticides against C. partellus were carried in district Ropar, Punjab. It was observed that significantly lesser leaf injury incidence was recorded in biorational treatment T1: chlorantriniliprole 18.5 SC (3.43 & 4.23) in comparison to broad spectrum conventional insecticide treatment T3: Deltamethrin 2.8 EC (4.63& 5.36) and T4 :Farmer’s practice 4.43 and 6.93. Whereas in plots with parasitoid application (T2), the leaf injury incidence was recorded to be 6.56 & 7.86 during 2012 and 2013, respectively. Though T2 was statistically superior to control, however it was not at par with insecticide treatments. Furthermore similar trend was observed for dead hearts reduction in different treatments. It was recorded to be 3.16 and 3.90, 3.33 and 3.96, 3.53 and 3.96 in insecticide treatment plots T1, T3 and T4 respectively. The economic returns on the basis of marketable grain yield in insecticide treated plots was more in T1 followed by T3 and T4 (51.99, 49.58 and 48.51) in comparison to control (40.44) and biological control plots (46.75). Therefore experimental data revealed overall superiority of biorational pesticide in comparison to conventional insecticides for reduction in pest damage and economic returns. Hence the option of biorational for the control of maize stem borer not only justify safety to environment but also offers effective control of borer population in maize ecosystem due to its distinct chemical class and unique mode of action.
Effect of integrated nutrient management on nitrogen dynamics in soil of rice -potato based cropping sequence
Authors: Pal Biplab , Pati Sajal , Badole Shrikant , Malothu Venkateshwarlu , Patra P. K.
Published: April 2018

The integrated nutrient management (INM) has profound influence on sustaining crop productivity and fertility status of soil. The manurial field experiment was conducted at Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal for evaluating the performance of chemical fertilizer and organic manure on nitrogen availability in different forms in soil and also on the content of nitrogen in different parts of rice (Oryza sativa cv. Annada) and potato (Solanum tuberosum cv. Kufrijyoti) during different growth stages. Application of FYM and RDF150 in combination had good impact on nitrogen dynamics related to crop growth among other treatment combinations. FYM and RDF150 alone also imparted good impact on nutrient availability and yield of two experiment crops (rice and potato). Experiment revealed that incorporation of commercial concentrated organic manure with RDF150 exerted good impact besides FYM combination with inorganic fertilizers.
Accumulation of lead in the muscle of brackish water fish (Boleopthalmus dussumieri)
Authors: Surana Ranjana , Gadhia Mohini , Ansari Ekhalak
Published: April 2018

Lead is highly toxic, impairing biological functions of aquatic animals. In vitro, static test was performed to find out the accumulation of lead in the muscle of brackish water fish (Boleopthalmus dussumieri). Fish were maintained in experimental aquaria with lead nitrate solution having known lead concentration of 1.48 and 14.8 mg/l, respectively. The experiments were performed in triplicate. Two fishes from each exposed aquarium were sampled on zero hour, 96 hours and 192 hours. Muscle was removed and processed prior to analysis of lead concentration by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The amount of lead accumulated in muscle of experimental fish increased steadily with the period of exposure. The lead accumulated in fish muscle was 29.60±6.62 ?g/g at 96 hours of exposure and accumulated up to 72.48±14.18 ?g/g in 192 hours of exposure period at the highest concentration. Significant relationship between accumulation and exposure period as well as exposed concentration (p < 0.05) at the significance level of 95 % was recorded. The present study indicated that the fishes living in mudflats of brackish water bodies receiving industrial as well as anthropogenic waste water containing an assortment of heavy metals can accumulate them in considerable concentrations.
Nutritional assessment of mutants of Calocybe indica produced by protoplast mutagenesis
Authors: Kaur Jatinder , Sodhi Harpreet S. , Jaswal Ravinder K. , Kapoor Shammi
Published: April 2018

Mushrooms are rich source of protein, minerals and antioxidants. Nutritive value of mushrooms differs not only among genus but also among species. Nutritional content of mushrooms are being constantly reported. In present study, emphasis is laid on effect of mutational study on nutritional parameters of mushroom. A total of seven mutants of Calocybe indica obtained through physical and chemical mutagenic treatment were subjected to nutritional evaluation. Five mutants (CMU-5, CMN-9, CMN-11, CMN-2 and CMB-4) indicated higher protein content while ash content was also found more for all the mutants except CMN-9. Tocopherol content was also higher for all the mutants except CMN-3. ?-carotene was more from 2 mutants, CMU-2 and CMN-9. Lycopene content was better in CMU-2, CMN-9, CME-2 and CMB-4 while ascorbic acid content for CMU-2 and CMN-3 was better than that of the parent. Fat content was found to be significantly low only in mutant CMN-9 (1.24g/100g). CMN-9, mutant obtained through NTG treatment, was found better than the parent, Ci-3, not only in protein content but also in amount of vitamin A, C and E. It is indicated from the study that mutagenesis which leads to genotypic variation has effect on biochemical aspects as well. Therefore, various genetic manipulations can be exploited for nutritional enhancement aspects which need to be emphasized keeping in view the need of food quality in today’s scenario.
A framework for refining soil microbial indices as bioindicators during decomposition of various organic residues in a sandy loam soil
Authors: Sharma Sandeep , Kaur Jatinder , Thind H. S. , Singh Yadvinder , Sharma Neha , Kirandip Kirandip
Published: April 2018

Assessment of soil quality is an invaluable tool in determining the sustainability and environmental impact of agricultural ecosystems. Soil microbial indices like microbial biomass and microbial activity are important criteria for the determination of soil quality. Laboratory incubation study was undertaken to examine the influence of eight crop residues widely varying in biochemical composition on the periodic changes in important soil microbial indices {(microbial (Cmic: Corg), metabolic (qCO2), carbon mineralization (qC) and microbial biomass change rate (qM) quotients)} at 28 days and 63 days after incubation (DAI) in a sandy loam soil. A. sativa amended soil showed maximum soil respiration rate (14.23 mg CO2-C g-1 soil day-1) whereas T. aestivum amended soil showed maximum microbial biomass C (790 µg/g). The metabolic quotient among different crop residues ranged from 11.1 to 19.8 ?g CO2-C ?g-biomass-C-1 h-1 at 63 DAI. The results indicate that incorporation of different crop residues has positive effect on microbial flora and their activity. Microbial quotient (Cmic:Corg) was significantly positively correlated with microbial biomass carbon (MBC), qC and qM. The study suggests that the biochemical composition of different crop residues seems to be of better option for long term sustainable crop production with maintenance of soil quality in a sandy loam soil.
Management of early blight of potato using bio control agents and plant extracts
Authors: Murmu Sahar , Dey S. , Chakraborty A.
Published: April 2018

The early blight of potato is mainly controlled by using chemical fungicides but chemical fungicides have got some adverse effect on environment as well as human beings. Keeping this in mind an experiment was conducted to test the efficacy of four plant extracts (tea, garlic, onion and neem leaf extract) and four bio-control agents (Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas fluorescence, Streptomyces graseoviridis and Bacillus substilis) in controlling early blight of potato under field and in in vitro condition. These antifungal compounds were applied 3 times at 7days interval after first appearance of the disease in the field. Among the bio control agents T. viride was found highly effective in per cent disease reduction (52.39%) of disease over control treatment. The tuber yield (25.51 t/ ha.) was also highest in this treatment compared to control treatment (19.53 t/ha). This was followed by treatment T2 i.e. P. fluorescens where per cent incidence and intensity of disease were (65.00%) and (19.10%) respectively with 38.97% reduction of disease over control with tuber yield 23.65 t/ha. It was followed by S. graseoviridis where per cent incidence and intensity of disease were (68.00%) and (22.90%) respectively with 26.30% reduction of disease over control with tuber yield 21.07 t/ha. Among plant extracts, only neem leaf extract exhibited per cent reduction of disease (33.18%) over control treatment in field condition and inhibition of radial growth (59.85%) and spore germination (81.95%) in in vitro condition. Therefore both T. viride and neem can be used for managing the early blight of potato.
Deficiency of magnesium in maize (Zea mays L.) induced by high potassium level in a micaceous soil of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Debnath Sovan , Narayan Raj , Kumar Anil , Attri Brij Lal , Kishor Arun
Published: April 2018

A field observation was undertaken in a farmer’s field sown with maize at Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand to record whether K rich micaceous soil can cause Mg deficiency. The crop was fertilized with nitrogen and phosphorus only. The visible effect of Mg-deficiency initiated after 20-25 days of maize sowing as interveinal chlorosis in older leaves along the margins running the full length of the leaves parallel to the veins. In later stage, necrosis of older leaves occurred particularly at the tip of the leaves. The leaf and soil sample collected at 45 days after sowing (DAS) revealed an extremely low content of Mg in soil (4.32 mg kg-1) and plant (0.11%). The soil analysis also revealed that the soil was acidic in nature (pH 5.07) with low cation exchange capacity (9.7 cmol kg-1). However, the soil was having a very high level of water soluble (18.2 mg kg-1), exchangeable (262.3 mg kg-1) and available K (280.5 mg kg-1), which has resulted in an imbalanced exchangeable K: Mg ratio (60.7:1) rendering reduced uptake of Mg by maize. Therefore, it was concluded from the study that magnesium deficiency can occur in maize in conditions like acidic, sandy, mica rich soils with high level of K combined with low Mg content, even without K fertilization. Hence, the farmers may use dolomitic lime and/or Mg-containing fertilizers to correct Mg deficiency under such conditions for sustainable agricultural production systems.
Development and evaluation of multi millet thresher
Authors: Singh K. P. , Poddar Rahul R. , Agrawal K. N. , Hota Smrutilipi , Singh Mukesh K.
Published: April 2018

In tribal areas of India, traditional methods of threshing of minor millets like little millet (Panicum sumatrense), M1, kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum), M2, foxtail millet (Setaria italica), M3, proso millet (P. miliaceum), M4, barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumantacea), M5, finger millet (Eleusine coracana), M6 is done of beating by sticks or treading out the crop panicle under the feet of oxen. This operation is most time consuming, labour intensive, drudgery prone, uneconomical, lower output and obtain low quality products. A thresher for these millet crops was developed and optimization of the operating parameters with little millet was done by using Response surface methodology (RSM). The optimized parameters were 7.79% (d.b) moisture content, 105 kgh-1 feed rate, 625 rpm cylinder speed, 5 mm threshing sieve size which gave maximum threshing efficiency of 95.13% and cleaning efficiency of 94.12%. After optimization of parameters the thresher was tested for threshing of all the six minor millets with proper adjustments of sieve. Threshing capacity of M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 and M6 were obtained as 89, 137, 140, 91, 88 and 99 kg/h, respectively with more than 96% threshing efficiency and less than 2% broken grain.
Perceptions, attitudes and preferences in agroforestry among rural societies of Kashmir, India
Authors: Islam M. A. , Masoodi T. H. , Gangoo S. A. , Sofi P. A. , Bhat G. M. , Wani A. A. , Gatoo A. A. , Singh Amerjeet , Malik A. R.
Published: April 2018

People’s perceptions, attitudes and preferences in agroforestry have become fundamental elements of sustainable agroforestry management. The study examined the multiplicities and dimensions of people’s perceptions about agroforestry values, attitudes towards agroforestry benefits and resources preferences in agroforestry and their socioeconomic determinants in rural societies of Kashmir. The data were collected from 142 households of 5 villages selected employing multi-stage random sampling. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used for the data analysis. Results indicated that the material values (rank 1st to 3rd) of agroforestry were perceived as the most important while the perception of the non-material values (rank 4th to 10th) were adjudged moderately important. People’s attitudes towards the tangible benefits (rank 1st to 3rd) of agroforestry were highly favourable whereas attitudes towards intangible benefits (rank 4th to 10th) were indifferent. The rural people expressed higher preferences for fuel wood, fodder, vegetable, fruit, and timber (rank 1st to 5th) while moderate or low preferences for medicine, cottage industry/ handicrafts, fiber/ floss, oilseeds and animals/ birds/ insects etc. (rank 6th to 10th). F statistics (p < 0.05) showed significant differences between the material and non-material values, tangible and non-tangible benefits and resources groups. Correlation co-efficients (r) confirmed the importance of socioeconomic attributes in influencing people’s perceptions, attitudes and preferences in agroforestry. The findings will help to refine and enrich the knowledge-base to provide an effective framework for decisions and policy making to sustain and maintain agroforestry health and services. The integration of people’s socio-psychological conditions in sustainable agroforestry management will be effective strategy commensurating the current development and future challenges.
Increase in wheat production through management of abiotic stresses : A review
Authors: Kajla Mamta , Yadav Vinaya Kumar , Khokhar Jaswant , Singh Samar , Chhokar R. S. , Meena Raj Pal , Sharma R. K.
Published: April 2018

About 9% of area on earth is under crops out of which 91% is under various stresses. On an average, about 50% yield losses are due to abiotic stresses mostly due to high temperature (20%), low temperature (7%), salinity (10%), drought (9%) and other abiotic stresses (4%). As there is no scope for increasing area under agriculture, the increased productivity from these stressed land is a must to meet the ever increasing demand. Further, the severity of abiotic stresses is likely to increase due to changing climate leading to adverse effect on crops. Therefore, abiotic stresses like drought, salinity, sodicity, acidity, water logging, heat, nutrient toxicities/ deficiencies etc need to be effectively addressed through adoption of management practices like tillage and planting options, residue management, sowing time, stress tolerant cultivars, irrigation scheduling and integrated nutrient management to conserve natural resources, mitigating their adverse effect and sustainable wheat production.
Effect of stem reserve mobilization on grain filling under drought stress conditions in recombinant inbred population of wheat
Authors: Srivastava Ashutosh , Srivastava Puja , Sharma Achla , Sarlach R. S. , Bains N. S.
Published: April 2018

Pre-anthesis carbon assimilation of stem reserves is considered as an important source for grain filling during post anthesis drought stresses that inhibit photosynthesis. 175 RILs from cross (C518/2*PBW343) along with check cultivars were evaluated for stem reserve mobilization under irrigated and rainfed conditions. These two cultivars belonging to distinct adaptation mechanism, offer several morpho -physiological and biochemical con-trasts. C 518 is tall and adapted to low input rainfed conditions whereas PBW 343 is semi -dwarf and input re-sponsive. Further C 518 is known for better stem reserves on account of larger peduncle and strong commitment to grain filling due to effective stem reserve mobilization. The parents and the RIL population was tested for stem reserve mobilization by defoliation of flag leaf and second leaf at anthesis under irrigated and rainfed environments. Evaluated entries differed significantly (p<0.001) for reduction in 1000 grain weight under defoliation (TGWL). Percent reduction in 1000 grain weight ranged from 4.4 % to 39.6 % under irrigated environment and 3.2 % to 35.0 under rainfed condition. A significant positive correlation (r = +0.357) between stem reserve mobilization and peduncle length was observed under rainfed condition. Tested RILs vary individually for stem reserve mobilization when subjected to removal of flag leaf and second leaf inhibiting the photosynthesis. The genotypes with better stem reserve mobilization based on 1000 grain weight in the absence of photosynthesis may also provide relative tolerance to drought.
Enrichment on quality of aonla (Emblica officinalis G.) fruit bars by blending
Authors: Deepika Deepika , Panja Payel
Published: April 2018

The main objective of the study was to standardize enrichment of aonla pulp to develop fruit bars. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 10 treatments. Aonla pulp was blended with 25 to 75% of different fruit (mango, papaya and jackfruit) pulp viz. Aonla pulp, Aonla with mango, papaya and jackfruit in different proportion of 3:1, 1:1 and 1:3 each fruit respectively. The initial moisture content was higher in aonlapulp enriched with mango pulp in 1:3 proportions. Enrichment of aonlapulp with fruit pulp of mango, papaya and jackfruit reduced the ascorbic acid, titratable acidity and tannin content of the resultant fruit bars compared to that from pure aonla pulp, which is an indication in the reduction of astringency. Enrichment also resulted in an increase in total soluble solids, reducing, non-reducing and total sugars of the resultant fruit bars. Enrichment of aonla pulp with fruit pulp of provitamin A rich fruits like mango, papaya and jackfruit showed a rise in total carote-noids and reduced astringency and acidity, thereby resulting in fruit bars with altered palatability and enhanced nutrition. Enriched fruit bars contained three vital antioxidants viz. Vitamin C, carotenoids and polyphenols of all the treatments, enriched fruit bar containing 25 % aonlaand 75 % mango (T4) was found superior in organoleptic evaluation.
Evaluation of different doses of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on the rooting, survival and vegetative growth performance of hardwood cuttings of Flordaguard peach (Prunus persica L. Batch)
Authors: Kaur Sukhjit
Published: April 2018

The present study was conducted on the evaluation of different doses of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on the rooting, survival and vegetative growth performance of hardwood cuttings of Flordaguard peach (Prunus persica L. Batch) during the years 2012-13 and 2013-14 at Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Gurdaspur. The hardwood cuttings of 10 years old Flordaguard peach plant having 15-20cm in length and 0.8-1.2cm in diameter with 6-7 buds were prepared in the first fortnight of January .The basal portion of the cuttings was dipped in different doses of IBA viz. 1000ppm, 2000ppm, 3000ppm, 4000pppm, 5000ppm and control (without IBA treatment) for 1-2 minutes and planted in an open field conditions by following the recommended cultural practices for nursery raising. It was noticed that hardwood cuttings of Flordaguard peach treated with 3000ppm of IBA for 1- 2 minutes significantly took the minimum number of days to sprouting (7.05), rooting (6.0) with highest sprouting percentage (98.45%), survival percentage (90.55%), plant height(195.45cm), plant girth(10.50cm), number of branches(13.50) ,number of leaves (260.4), leaf length (19.55cm), leaf breadth (4.12cm), leaf weight (2.0gm), per-cent rooting (94.45%), number of roots (75.83), root length (38.0cm), root girth (0.98 cm) and root weight (13.50gm).Therefore, the application of 3000 ppm IBA was found to be best in terms of rooting, survival and vegeta-tive growth of hardwood cuttings of Flordaguard peach (Prunus persicaL. Batch). The beneficial effect of present work develop protocol which can be reliably used to develop the rootstock plant of Flordaguard which is resistant to nematodes through cutting which become ready for budding/grafting in the field in one year instead of two years as raised through seed
Tannery effluent effect on the haematological parameters of freshwater fish, Channa punctatus
Authors: Parveen S. , Singh D. , Bharose Ram , Rout S. , Khan M. A. , Ansari E. F.
Published: April 2018

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the tannery effluent toxicity stress symptoms in fish blood during a long term of exposure period. The effect of tannery effluent on various haematological parameters were evaluated exposing fresh water fish, C. punctatus to different concentration i.e., [Control, 5% Tannery effluent (TE), 10% TE and 20% TE] of tannery effluent. Exposed of fish to tannery effluent showed a significant decrease in the haemoglobin (Hb) content (9.16± 0.08), red blood cells (3.32 ± 0.12), packed cell volume (34.66 ± 0.33) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) values, whereas significant increase in the white blood cells (WBC), erythro-cyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and clotting time was recorded with increase in exposure periods as compared to control respectively. Hb, RBC and MCHC values showed fluctuating results. The haematological parameters were decreases from 15th days of exposure periods to 45th days of exposure period. The decrease in haematological parameters clearly indicates that the exposed fishes have become anemic due to tannery effluent exposure.
Effect of plant spacing and fertility level on leaf area variation at different phenological stages of cape gooseberry (Physalisperuviana L.) grown in sodic soil
Authors: Ali Angrej , Singh B. P.
Published: April 2018

Vegetative and reproductive growth in cape gooseberry (Physalisperuviana L.) proceed concomitantly during the greater part of the life cycle thereby foliar traits (e.g. leaf area) become important in photosynthetic action of the plant. In present study, the leaf area variation in cape gooseberry was studied at five phenological stages i.e. pre-flowering (30 DAT), start of flowering (60 DAT), early fruiting (120 DAT), peak fruiting (180 DAT) and late fruiting (240 DAT), grown at three spacings (60 × 75, 75 × 75 and 75 × 90 cm) and four NPK levels (control, 60:40:40, 80:60:60 and 100:80:80 kg ha-1). Leaf area increased from per-flowering (73.51 cm2) to start of flowering (82.26 cm2) and thereafter, it was decreased gradually at later stages i.e. early fruiting (79.17 cm2), peak fruiting (73.15 cm2) and late fruiting (60.21 cm2). Spacing had no significant effect on leaf area at pre-flowering and start of the flowering, but at later stages, widest spacing (75 × 90 cm) exhibited significantly maximum leaf area at early fruiting (82.44 cm2), peak fruiting (78.22 cm2) and late and fruiting (65.31 cm2). Leaf area increased due to increased NPK levels with maximum values under 100:80:80 kg NPK ha-1 at all the phenological stages: pre-flowering (78.99 cm2), start of flowering (90.97 cm2), early fruiting (88.47 cm2), peak fruiting (80.74 cm2) and late fruiting (67.22 cm2). Spacing × NPK Interactions was significant only at peak fruiting and late fruiting stages with maximum leaf area (75.22 and 71.02 cm2, respectively) at 75 × 90 cm + NPK @ 100:80:80 kg ha-1. These findings can be further helpful in leaf sclerophylly studies in cape gooseberry.
Screening of bacterial strains for pectate lyase production and detection of optimal growth conditions for enhanced enzyme activity
Authors: Saha Monidipta , Rana Rajib S. , Adhikary Biswanath , Mitra Sabyasachi
Published: April 2018

In the present study, the pectatelyase production by fifty two bacterial strains isolated from ramie grown soils were studied and the strain RDSM01 showed maximum pectate lyase activity. According to sequence homology of Genbank, the strain RDSM01 was identified as Bacillus subtilis (Genbank Accession No. KX035109). Maximum pectate lyase activity of the strain was observed when 1.5% (v/v) inoculum was added to the growth medium and was incubated for 48 hours at 34-370C and at pH 7.0. The relative activity of the strain was 19% higher when apple pectin was used as carbon source compared to citrus pectin. Maximum enzyme production (149.1 – 153.4 IU/ml) was recorded when ammonium chloride or ammonium sulphate at 0.4% concentration was used as nitrogen source. Thus, B. subtilis strain RDSM01 possessing high pectate lyase activity may be effectively utilized for removal of gum from ramie fibre, which is primarily made of pectin and hemicellulose.
Performance of summer sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrids under different nutrient management practices in coastal Odisha
Authors: Pattanayak Sarthak , Behera A. K. , Das Priyanka , Nayak Manas Ranjan , Jena S. N , Behera S.
Published: April 2018

The field experiment was conducted at Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar during summer 2014 to find out appropriate hybrids and nutrient management practices for summer sunflower. Application of recommended dose of Fertiliser(RDF) i.e. 60-80- 60 kg N, P2O5-K2O ha -1 + ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha -1 recorded the maximum capitulum diameter (15.60cm), seed yield (2.17 t ha -1 ), stover yield (4.88 t ha -1 ) and oil yield (0.91 t ha -1 ), while application of RDF + Boron@ 1 kg ha-1 recorded the highest number of total seed (970) and filled seed per capitulum (890) with the lowest unfilled seed (80) and sterility percentage (9.0%). The hybrid ‘Super-48’ recorded the highest seed and oil yield of 2.17 and 0.91 t ha -1 , respectively, at recommended dose of fertiliser + ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha -1 . Experiment was conducted in evaluating the new hybrids in addition to evaluate the response of variety to different nutrient management practices.
Productivity and economics of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) in response to nitrogen applied through different sources in conjunction with bio-fertilizer consortium
Authors: Singh Davinder , Kumar Rajender , Walia S. S. , Brar Amandeep S. , Singh Roopinder
Published: April 2018

A Field investigation was carried out to study the effects of organic (FYM) and inorganic nitrogen alone or in combination with bio-fertilizer consortium (Azotobacter, PSB and PGPR) on growth, yield attributes, yield and economics of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) during 2012-13 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The treat-ments were comprised of 75, 100 (25 t ha-1 FYM ~ 125 kg N ha-1) and 125 per cent of recommended N and control. Results revealed that application of organic manure (FYM) had beneficial effects on the growth, yield attributes and yield of turmeric. The maximum yield of 204.4 q ha-1 was obtained with application of 125 per cent of recommended organic manure combined with the bio-fertilizers, which was statistically at par with that of 100 per cent of recom-mended organic manure alone or in combination with the bio-fertilizers. Application of bio-fertilizers improved the growth and yield of turmeric to some extent.