014376   Singh S;Lal A A;Singh A;Yaduman R;Murmu R (Plant Pathology Dep, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad-211 007, Email: ssinghplantpathology@gmail.com) : Evaluation of some plant extracts in management of dry bubble (Verticillium fungicola) disease of white button mushroom [Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach]. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1205-9.

The study was undertaken to determine antifungal potentials of some plant extracts against dry bubble (Verticillium fungicola) disease of white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus). Twelve botanicals namely, Allium cepa, A. sativum, Saraca asoca, Aloe vera, Azadirachta indica, Lantana camara, Ocimum sanctum, Solanum ly-copersicum (Lycopersicon esculentum), Tagetes erecta, Psidium guajava, Catharanthus roseus and Aparagus ra-cemosus were evaluated in-vitro and in-vivo for their efficacy against both A. bisporus and V. fungicola, causing dry bubble disease of mushroom. The efficacy of botanicals was examined by poison food technique in in-vitro. The percent inhibition produced by botanicals against V. Fungicola recorded in-vitro was; A. cepa (25.87%), A. sativum (24.70%), S. asoca (12.35%), A. vera (22.35%), A. indica (35.11%), L. camara (28.48%), O. sanctum (20.59%), S. lycopersicum (20.34%), T. erecta (14.11%), P. guajava (15.11%), C. roseus (18.11%) and A. racemosus (13.52%). Among these plant extracts, A. indica was found best treatment followed by L. Camara and A. Cepa. Plant extracts showing maximum efficacy against V. fungicola and minimum inhibition against - 374 - mushroom were further evaluated against V. fungicola infection in mushroom crop room (in-vivo test). In in-vivo test, the polybags which receive A. indica show maximum mean increase in yield (43.46%) over control and exhibited minimum mean disease incidence (27.7%).

6 tables, 25 ref

014375   Singh S K;Singh R N;Ram U S;Singh M K (Agronomy Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Varanasi-221 005, Email: rupanksha.231302@gmail.com) : Growth, yield attributes, yield and economics of winter popcorn (Zea mays everta Sturt.) as influenced by planting time fertility level and plant population under late sown condition. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1438-43.

The field experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications, assigning in 27 treatment com-binations i.e. three sowing dates of Pop corn (Zea mays everta Sturt.) cv. V.L. Amber (15 Dec, 30 Dec and 15 Jan) arranged in main plots and three level of plant population (60000, 80000 and 100,000 plants ha-1) in sub plot. Three level of fertility (100:50:50, 150:65:65 and 200:85:85 kg of N: P₂O₅: K₂O ha-1) apportioned in sub-sub plots at the Re-search farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Varanasi (U.P.) during late winter (rabi) seasons of 2009-10 and 2010- 11 to study the influenced of planting time, fertility level and plant population on yield attributes, grain yield and economics of winter popcorn (Zea mays everta Sturt.) under late sown condition. The popcorn sown on 15th December recorded highest plant height, leaf-area index, dry matter, popcorn growth rate, yield attributes and yield of pop corn were significantly (p<60>0.05) affected and recorded highest benefit cost ratio (3.78). While, the maintenance of 80,000 popcorn plants/ha proved optimum for pop corn as it significantly (p<60>0.05) recorded highest number of kernel cob-1, grain yield (32.61 q/ha) and shelling percentage against density of 60,000 plants, while remained at par in straw yield over 100,000 plants. Application of 200: 85: 85 kg N: P₂O₅: K₂O/ha significantly (p<60>0.05) increased growth, yield attributes and grain yield over 100: 50: 50 and 150: 65: 65 kg N: P₂O₅: K₂O/ha and fetched the highest B: C ratio (3.14).

2 tables, 28 ref

014374   Singh S K;Saxena R;Porwal A;Neetu;Ray S S (Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre, Agriculture Dep, Cooperation and Farmers' Welfare, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012, Email: shibendu.ncfc@nic.in) : Assessment of hailstorm damage in wheat crop using remote sensing. Curr Sci 2017, 112(10), 2095-2100.

Heavy rainfall and hailstorm events occurred in major wheat-growing areas of India during February and March 2015 causing large-scale damages to the crop. An attempt was made to assess the impact of hailstorms in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh (UP), Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh (MP) using remote sensing data. Multi-year remote sensing data from Resourcesat 2 AWiFS was used for the purpose. Wheat crop map, generated by the operational FASAL project, was used in the study. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) deviation images were generated from the NDVI images of a similar period in 2014 and 2015. This was combined with the gridded data of cumulative rainfall during the period. The logical modelling approach was used for damage classification into normal, mild, moderate and severe. It was found that the northern and southern districts in Haryana were severely affected due to rainfall/hailstorm. Eastern Rajasthan and western MP were also highly affected. Western UP was mildly affected. Crop cutting experiments (CCE) were carried out in two districts of MP. The CCE data showed that the affected fields had 7% lower yield than the unaffected fields. Empirical yield model was developed between wheat yield and NDVI using CCE data. This model was used to compute the loss in state-level wheat production. This showed that there was a reduction of 8.4% in national wheat production. The production loss estimated through this method matched with the Government estimates.

6 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

014373   Singh R P;Singh R K;Mishra M K;Pratap N; Pandey R;Vishnoi R K (NO, C.C.S. (PG) College, Saifai, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh) : Predators screening insect-pests of cauliflower in eastern (U.P.), India. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 969-71.

To determine the importance of predators on the natural control of cauliflower insect-pests, experiments were carried out in 2009-10 and 2010-11. Mantis religiosa have maximum population 0.66 adult/10 plants was recorded in 50th at temperature range of 11.0-25.9°C and RH 64.4% during 2009-10. The population of Coccinella septumpunctata during maximum in 3rd standard week, 2.08/10 plants in 2009-10 and 2.75/10 plants in 2010-11. Oxyops sp. and Clubonina sp. were found associated with insect-pests of mid early season cauliflower crop and one arthropod of symbiotic group, Camponotus sp. was active in 50th SW during both the years.

1 illus, 2 tables, 4 ref

014372   Singh P;Singh J;Singh S (NO, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Amritsar) : Attitude of respondents towards on-campus and off-campus training programmes conducted by KVK Amritsar. J Agric Ext Mgmt 2016, 17(1), 71-6.

This study was undertaken with a view to ascertain the attitude of the trainees towards training programmes conducted by Krishi Vigynan Kendra, Amritsar. The study was conducted on 300 respondents, selected by random sampling technique, from 10 villages covering 5 blocks of the - 372 - district. The findings infer that the on-campus trainees have more favorable attitude than off-campus trainees. The data indicates that the exposure to KVK training programmes significantly changed the attitude of farmers in the desired direction. It is stated that policies and plans to improve the adoption of agricultural technologies in India should not overlook the importance of the need to change the incompatible outlook and views held by those farmers who are considered as traditional and conservative.

3 tables, 5 ref

014371   Singh P;Kumar A;Abidi A B;Yadav R S (Biochemistry & Biochemical Engineering Dep, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture Technology & Sciences, Allahabad-211 007, Email: priyasinghgautams@gmail.com) : Flubendiamide insecticide residue effect in carbohydrates & carotene contents on okra fruits. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 978-81.

Field experiments were conducted on okra crop (Variety: Pusa Sawani and Supper Green) at the Sam Higgnbottom Institute of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Allabahad, during summer season in years 2010-11 and 2011-12 following recommended agronomic practices. The flubendiamide insecticide in/on okra fruits following application of Belt 39.35% SC formulation at 24(I₁), 48(I₂), 96(I₃) & 192(I₄, g.a.i. ha^-1 at three sprays applied an interval of seven day on okra plants using Knapsack sprayer. Water was sprayed in the control plot. Among two year study of okra fruits different levels of flubendiamide insecticide the maximum carbohydrate and carotene contents were noticed in I₄(0.4%) followed by I₃(0.3%). Among these varieties the maximum carbohydrate content (6.51 mg) was found in Supper Green and the maximum interactions value of carbohydrate (6.71 mg) was noticed in I₄V₂, while minimum (6.15 mg) was found in I₀V₁. The maximum carotene content was noticed in I₄(0.4%) followed by I<>3(0.3%), among these varieties the maximum carotene (0.27 mg) was found Supper Green and among the maximum interactions value of carotene (0.28 mg) was noticed in I₄V₂ followed by I₃V₂, while minimum (0.20 mg) was found in I₀V₁. With Increased the concentration of flubendiamide insecticide respectively increase the value of total carbohydrates activity of okra plant.

2 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

014370   Singh P;Aravindakshan K;Maurya I B;Singh J; Singh B;Sharma M K (Vegetable Science Dep, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Agriculture Univ, Kota, Jhalawar-326 023, Email: hortiveg511@gmail.com) : Effect of potassium and zinc on growth, yield and economics of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) cv. CO-34. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 291-7.

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different levels of potassium and zinc on growth, yield and economics of sweet potato. The experiment was laid out on clay and loam soil by adopting randomized block design with factorial technique (FRBD). The sixteen treatments consisted of combination of four levels of po-tassium (0, 80, 100 and 120 kg/ha through muriate of potash and four levels of foliar zinc (control i.e. water spray, 10, 20 and 30ppm) through zinc sulphate. The individual application of potassium 120 kg K2O/ha - 371 - significantly in-creased the number of tubers per plant (4.60), average weight of tuber (275.31 g), length of tuber (16.77 cm), diam-eter of tuber (5.69 cm), tuber yield per plot (9.71 kg), tuber yield per hectare (49.04 t) respectively as compared to control. With the foliar application of zinc (30 ppm) significant increase in number of tubers per plant (4.18), average weight of tuber (234.73 g), length of tuber (18.12 cm), diameter of tuber (5.16 cm), tuber yield per plot (8.33 kg) and tuber yield per hectare (42.05 t) was recordedas compared to control. The treatment combination (120 kg K2O+30ppm Zn) recorded the maximum yield parameters i.e. chlorophyll content (37.00 mg/100 g), average weight of tuber (302.17 g), length of tuber (19.82 cm), diameter of tuber (5.97 cm), maximum tuber yield per plot (11.02 kg), tuber yield per hectare (55.67 t) and benefit-cost ratio (B: C ratio) of 4.22:1.While, the treatment (120 kg K2O+30ppm Zn) had the maximum number of tuber (4.86), minimum number of tuber was recorded in control. From the experi-ment, it appeared that application of potassium and zinc can be used to improve yield and higher net monetary re-turns of sweet potato.

3 tables, 35 ref

014369   Singh N;Sonal T;Italiya A P;Rajkishore Kumar; Shirgire S (Soil Science & Agril. Chemistry Dep, N.M. College of Agriculture, NAU, Navsari-396 450, Email: narendra_singh@yahoo.in) : Effect of rate and frequency of micronutrient application on micronutrient content and uptake of banana cv. grand naine. Green Fmg 2016, 7(5), 1216-9.

The field experiment was carried out using banana as a test crop during 2012-2013 (plant) and 2013-2014 (ratoon) at Soil and Water Management Research Unit, NAU, Navsari. Nutrients viz., Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu content and uptake at harvest by leaves, pseudostem and fruits were found to increases in treatment T₇ (T₁ + M₃S₂) in both plant and ratoon banana compared to control. The uptake pattern of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu was similar to that observed with dry matter yield and fruit yield of banana crop of both the years (plant and ratoon). From the distribution point of view, most of the nutrients were accumulated more in pseudostem than fruit and leaves and it was pronounced in the case of Fe uptake. In plant banana (2013-14) the Mn content in fruit, leaf and pseudostem is 72.17, 440.36 and 196.41 mg kg^-1 respectively, in plants treated with T₇ treatment. Mn uptake was 53%, 44% and 45% more in T₇ treatment as compared to control in 2012-13(plant banana) in fruit, leaf and pseudostem respectively. The treatment T₆ was found at par with treatment T₇ in content and uptake of micronutrient viz., Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu in banana fruit, leaf and pseudostem. The iron content was more in the pseudostem followed by leaves and fruits. On contrary, the zinc and manganese contents were higher in the pseudostem followed by and fruits and leaves. The micronutrient contents were in the order of Mn <62> Fe <62> Zn in the leaves, Fe <62> Mn <62> Zn in the pseudostem and Fe <62> Mn <62> Zn in the fruits. Therefore, it was concluded that micronutrient application in soil through different rate and frequency brought improvement nutrient content and uptake in different parts of plant.

4 tables, 14 ref

014368   Singh M;Kumar B;Minz P S (Mayank Singh, Bikram Kumar and PS Minz, Dairy Engineering Dep, ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132 001, Email: psminz@gmail.com) : Process modification for commercial production of rice kheer. Indian J Dairy Sci 2017, 70(3), 308-16.

An investigation was carried out with an attempt to modify the conventional process for production of rice kheer. Mechanized in-line production system consisted of single stage scrapped surface heat exchanger (SSHE) in combination with conical process vat. SSHE was used for intensive heat treatment necessary for rapid concentration thus exploiting its high heat transfer characteristics and conical process vat (CPV) was employed for imparting desirable texture and flavour at low temperature heating for rice starch gelatinization. Trials for kheer production were conducted at different process parameter i.e. initial concentration of milk in SSHE (20%, 24%, 28%) and conical vat steam pressure (1.5, 2.0, 2.5 kg/cm²). The effect of process parameters was studied on different responses viz acidity %, viscosity of milk serum, hardness of cooked rice - 370 - grain, sensory attribute (9 point hedonic scale) and processing time. Results showed that process parameters had no effect on acidity. The lower hardness (2.82-5.15 N) of cooked rice indicated proper cooking of rice. Viscosity of kheer was in the range of 0.17533 to 0.20133 Pa.s. Kheer prepared from concentrating milk upto 24% TS in SSHE and processed in CPV at 2 kg/cm² was found best with maximum overall acceptability score. Production time of kheer can be reduced from 63 min in conventional system to 33.5 min in mechanized inline system.

9 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

014367   Singh K K;Chouhan J S (Horticulture Dep, Chauras Campus, H.N.B. Garhwal Central University, Srinagar, Garhwal-246 174, Email: forekrishna@gmail.com) : Effect of different times collecting cutting, growing conditions and auxin treatments of the rooting in phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.) stem cutting under vally condition of Garhwal. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 781-8.

Study was carried out to determine the effect of different times collecting cutting and auxin treatments of the rooting in phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.) stem cutting under different growing condition was studied in the Horticulture Research Center, Department of Horticulture, Chauras Campus, H.N.B. Garhwal Central University, Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand, India during the year 2012. The treatments included Six Time of Planting (January, February, March, June, July and August), two growing condition (Shade bouse and Mist chamber) and three IBA concentrations (1000, 1500, 2000 ppm) alongwith a control (distilled water). For preparing the rooting media, sandy soil and farm yard mannure (FYM) in ratio of 1:1 by v/v were mixed thoroughly, cleaned for stones and grasses, then the mixture was filled in root trainers. The experiment was laid out in Split Split Plot Design (SSPD) with three replications. Phalsa (Grewia asetica L.) propagated through hardwood cutting show maximum success of cutting in August month planting time and mist chamber growing condition while, IBA 2000 ppm gives most effective success rate of cuttings.

10 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

014366   Singh H;Harleen Kaur;Hunjan M S (Plant Pathology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: harleenkaur@pau.edu) : Prevalence and morphological characterization of Aspergillus isolates of maize ear rot in Punjab. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1229-34.

Among six fungal species viz. Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Penicillum spp., Rhizopus spp., Tricho-derma spp. and Alternaria spp. isolated from maize ear rot samples collected from five different districts of Punjab, the incidence of A. flavus was highest (42.15%) followed by Penicillium spp. (20.75%). The maximum frequency of A. flavus (57.10%) was found in Hoshiarpur district, closely followed by Jalandhar. In all, thirty nine isolates of As-pergillus spp. (33 isolates of A. flavus and 6 isolates of A. niger) were characterized morphologically. Twenty iso-lates of A. flavus producing sclerotia were of L-type strains having sclerotia diameter <62>400 - 369 - μm. Isolates of A. flavus produced yellowish green, dark green and light green colonies and isolates of A. niger produced dark black colonies. Sterigmata in all the isolates of Aspergillus spp. were of uniseriate type. Based on colony diameter and growth rate per day all the 39 isolates of Aspergillus spp. were grouped into fast, medium and slow growing categories. Based on multivariate cluster analysis, the isolates of A. flavus were grouped into three distinct clusters each having 13, 17 and 3 isolates respectively.In the present study, Aspergillus flavus was found predominantly associated species with the maize ear rot. Further, the morphological variation observed within Aspergillus flavus and A. niger indicated the need for proper surveillance and monitoring exclusively for the prevention of moulds in maize produce in Punjab before it reaches the consumer.

2 illus, 4 tables, 18 ref

014365   Singh G;Sharma M;Manan J;Singh G (NO, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kapurthala, Punjab) : Role of plant diagnostic laboratory for identification and management of insect pests of paddy in Kapurthala district. J Agric Ext Mgmt 2016, 17(2), 53-61.

Paddy is grown under different agro-climatic conditions and the crop is damaged by more than 100 species of insect pests and infested by varied diseases. These insect pests cause enormous grain yield losses, which may vary from 20 to 50 per cent if not managed in time. During the last 3 years i.e. from 2013 to 2015, a record of all the visiting farmers was maintained in the plant health diagnostic laboratory at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, in which complete details of the farmer with address and contact number was maintained. It was noticed that majority of the farmers (80.5%) visited during the month of April and only 19.5 per cent visited in the month of May as sowing of paddy nursery starts from the first week of May every year. The crop was also found to be prone to micro nutrient deficiency and showed deficiency symptoms in iron and zinc. It was inferred that before the sowing and harvesting of the crop, the farmers queries were maximum due to the fact that majority of insect pest attack takes place near maturity of the crop which results in huge loss, if not taken seriously. As Krishi Vigyan Kendra imparts short duration training to farmers from time to time, it can be concluded that KVK staff should provide training relating to the above mentioned technological problems in a particular month.

2 tables, 2 ref

014364   Singh D;Thakur A;Kumar K;Rana J C;Bhoyar M G; Chauhan N (Fruit Science Dep, Dr YS Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: fruitbreeder@rediffmail.com) : Performance of some apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) germplasm accessions for fruit quality traits in Himachal Pradesh. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 351-6.

The present investigation was carried out in field gene bank of NBPGR Regional Station Phagli, Shimla during the year 2014-15. Twenty accessions of Prunus armeniaca L. namely St. Ambroise, Wenatchee, Nugget, Stirling, Nari, Harogem, Rakovslik, Viva Gold, IC-432145, Erevani, Safed Perchinar, KS-1, AS-1, AS-2, NJ-A96, Jordan Early, Vitillo, Shahib, Kalola and Anglo Arsani were evaluated for their tree, foliage, floral and fruit characters. St. Ambroise recorded maximum tree height (10.10 m) whereas minimum (2.47 m) was in Stirling. Shedding of leaf started from 29 th October (Nugget) and extended till 27 th November (Vitillo). Time of full bloom extended from 16 th March in Shahib to 23 rd March in Safed Perchinar. The longest duration (22 days) of flowering was recorded in Erevani and shortest (9 days) in - 368 - Wenatchee. Time of fruit maturity was early (25 th May) in Shahib and late (26 th June) in Vitillo. Largest and heaviest fruits were observed in St. Ambroise (77.59 g) whereas smallest and lightest fruits were in Viva Gold (19.37 g). Maximum pulp to stone ratio was recorded in Safed Perchinar (33.21) and minimum in Nari (15.57). TSS content was maximum (19.56 °B) in Nari whereas minimum (10.73°B) in Anglo Arseni. Titratable acidity was recorded maximum (1.86%) in AS-1 and minimum (0.76%) in IC 432145. Total sugar content ranged from 8.40 per cent in Anglo Arseni to 16.53 per cent in Nari. Total phenol content was maximum (89.57 mg/100 g) in AS-1 and minimum (70.41 mg/100 g) in IC432145. From the present investigation it may be concluded that St. Ambroise, Nari and Shahib can be used for gene source for developing new hybrid cultivars and St. Am-broise may be suggested for cultivation in wet temperate condition of Himachal Pradesh for its better quality.

3 tables, 20 ref

014363   Singh D;Rajendra Kumar;Walia S S;Brar A S; Singh R (Agronomy Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: davinderbuttar@gmail.com) : Productivity and economics of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) in response to nitrogen applied through different sources in conjunction with bio-fertilizer consortium. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 497-501.

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 <126> 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.

2 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

014362   Singh A;Pradhan D;Goyal C (Dairy Microbiology Div, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132 001, Email: zaqidprd@gmail.com) : Characterization of antibiotic resistance in dairy Lactococci. Indian J Dairy Sci 2017, 70(3), 324-30.

The study was carried out to check the prevalence of antibiotic resistance amongst the dairy lactococci strains. A total of 65 lactococcal strains were isolated from dairy samples such as cheese, raw milk, local market milk etc. Further, 34 unique strains alienated from typical RAPD profiles were subjected to antibiotic resistance testing by disc diffusion method against a total of 23 clinically relevant antibiotics. Most of the isolates were found to exhibit resistance against commonly used antibiotics such as trimethoprim, aminoglycosides, quinolones, and some of the β-lactams groups of antibiotics. Variable resistance against Lincosamides, Bacitracin, Novobiocin, Teicoplanin, - 367 - Erythromycin and Tetracycline were observed. However, all the isolates were susceptible to Ampicillin and Vancomycin (except one). Isolates exhibiting resistance to as many as 18 antibiotics out of 23 tested antibiotics were also observed in the study. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using broth microdilution method was also performed for 14 highly resistant isolates. The results of the disc diffusion method correlated well with the broth microdilution method and all strains exhibited MIC values for ampicillin within the breakpoint. However, all strains crossed the MIC breakpoints for kanamycin and streptomycin, and majority of the isolates for gentamycin and clindamycin. Comparatively lower numbers of strains were seen to cross the microbiological breakpoints for Chloramphenicol, Erythromycin and Tetracycline. The study clearly demonstrates the prevalence of high level of antibiotic resistance in dairy lactococci, which hints us to more careful use of these bacteria in food and feed industry.

2 illus, 2 tables, 46 ref

014361   Simhachalam P;Gautam R K;Birah A;Baskaran V; Roy S D (Horticulture and Forestry Div, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Island-744 105, Email: sim1965@rediffmail.com) : Butterfly diversity and distribution in bloomsdale research farm of ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair, South Andaman. Indian J agric Res 2017, 51(1), 32-7.

Complete floral and faunal information is required to preserve the biodiversity of research fields and adjacent forest. In this respect, a preliminary study of butterfly diversity of the proposed research farm and adjacent forest area in Bloomsdale Research Farm, South Andaman was carried out during 2011-12. A total of 40 species of butterflies belonging to 35 genera of five families were recorded. The distribution of 40 species of butterflies in different families was found in the sequence of Nymphalidae followed by Lycaenidae, Pieridae, Papilionidae and Hesperiidae.

3 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

014360   Shukla N;Chavan A;Mishra D K (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, J.N. Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur-482 004, Email: arun.agricos@gmail.com) : Heterosis and combining ability analysis for yield attributing traits in desi and quality protein maize (Zea mays L.). Green Fmg 2016, 7(5), 1040-4.

The experimental material comprised of 10 most diverse parents selected on the basis of molecular characterization from the available germplasm and 45 hybrids were generated through 10 x 10 diallel mating design. Observations were recorded for major yield attributing traits.Significant interaction between combining ability effects were observed for all the traits. Four parental lines viz. JLM 7, JML 22, VL 101123 and VL 1031 were the best general combiners whereas, crosses JLM 22 x VL 101123, JLM 22 x VL 1031, JLM 7 x VL 101123, JLM 7 x CML 472, VL 101123 x VL 1031 and JLM 2 x VL 101123 revealed positive significant desirable sca, heterobeltosis and standard heterosis for seed yield per plant, biological yield per plant, harvest index, yield kg per ha, 1000 kernel weight, ear height, number of rows/ear, ear weight, stem girth and cob diameter. These crosses might be useful for future breeding programme.

2 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

014359   Shukla N (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Email: niharikas86@gmail.com) : Genetic variation and association study for grain yield in germplasm accessions of maize (Zea mays L.). Indian J agric Res 2017, 51(2), 120-7.

Present investigation aimed to find out the association among yield and its components and to sort out the traits that are directly or indirectly contributing towards yield in landraces of maize genotypes. The eighty eight (88) maize germplasm collections were used in present study during Kharif - 2012 and Kharif - 2013 in RCBD design. Pooled data and standard statistics were employed (means, ranges, GM±SE, standard error and coefficient of variation etc.) for analysis of the seventeen quantitative traits to have a reflection of the level of genetic variability. A considerable amount of variability was found among germplasms for various important traits viz. plant height, ear weight, ear length, 1000 kernel weight similarly grain yield per plant etc. grain yield exhibited positive and highly significant correlation with ear height, days to female flower initiation, days to 50% male flower initiation, days to 50% female flower initiation, days to maturity, 1000 grain weight, ear weight at genotypic and phenotypic level. Maximum phenotypic correlation coefficient was recorded by cob diameter (0.955) followed by days to female flower initiation (0.758), plant height (0.718*) and days to male flower initiation (0.679). Path plant (0.408), harvest index (0.328), days to female flower initiation (0.32), prop root (0.149) and 1000 kernel weight (0.136), so such traits may be rewarding and they should be given importance while practicing selection, aimed at improving grain yield per plant in maize. The genotypes JLM 22 was to be found best for high yield by considering all yield contributing - 366 - traits followed by JLM 51, HKI 1344, CML 429, CML 470, JLM 30, JLM 2 and these can be utilized in further breeding programmes for producing single cross hybrid in Maize.

4 tables, 18 ref

014358   Shruthi V H;Ramachandra C T;Nidoni U; Hiregoudar S;Naik N;Kurubar A R (Processing and Food Engineering Dep, College of Agricultural Engineeri, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur-584 104) : Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) as a source of natural colour. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 515-22.

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Roselle) is a medicinal plant grown in Africa, South East Asia, Central America in Mexico, it is known as Jamaica flowers, Sorrel and Karkdah (in Egypt), belongs to the Malvaceae family. It has been reported to use as a flavouring for sauces, jellies, marmalades and soft drings or to use as a colourant for foods, which Roselle appear to be good and promising sources of water soluble natural red colourants. Anthocyanins, which are flavonoids are water-soluble natural pigments. Aqueous extracts of Roselle or Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyces have characteristic intense red colouration due to the presence of anthocyanins, which could be utilised as colouring agent in pharmaceutical products. It has been reported that the Anthochanins found in the calyces of H. sabdariffa contain delphinidin-3-sambubioside, cynidin-3-sambubioside, delphinidin-3-monoglucoside and cynidin-3-monoglucoside. The present paper is an overview on its potential use as a natural colour and its health benefits reported in the literature.

2 tables, 64 ref

014357   Shruthi G;Rao B D;Seema (NO, PJTSAU, Rajdneranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: shruthigadhe152@gmail.com) : Competitiveness of Karimnagar milk producers company ltd., vis-a-vis other dairies. Indian J Dairy Sci 2017, 70(3), 378-80.

The study revealed that the factors influencing the milk producers to prefer for selling their milk is price paid and credit facility provided by Karimnagar Milk Producing Company Ltd (KMPCL). Quality and Shelf life are the major factors influencing the consumers for preferring the KMPCL products when compared with Mulkanoor and Priya dairy products.. Overall, KMPCL was competitive over other dairy brand in areas like awareness, price, and transportation and credit facilities from the milk supplier/producers point of view. The KMPCL was competitive over other dairy company in - 365 - taste, flavor, brand name and offer given by company from the consumer point of view. Similarly, the KMPCL has advantage over other company in margin and price receives by the milk dealer.

4 tables, 5 ref

014356   Shirale S T;Kausadikar H K;Patil V D (AICRP on Long-Term Fertilizer Exp. Soil Sci. & Agri. Chemistry Dep, V.N.M. Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani-431 402, Email: shirale_1s@rediffmail.com) : Long-term nutrient management through different sources on grain quality, yield and soil properties under soybean-safflower crop sequence in vertisol. Green Fmg 2016, 7(5), 1156-9.

The long-term fertilizer experiment was started in 2006-07 at Dept. of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani to study the effect of manures and fertilizers on yield and soil properties under Soybean-Safflower crop sequence up to 2011-12 on Vertisol (Typic Haplusterts). The results of pooled mean indicated that the 100% NPK + FYM recorded highest grain yield of soybean (2674 kg ha^-1) and safflower (1874 kg ha^-1) which was statistically at par with 150% NPK, 100% NPK + 25 kg ZnSO4 treatments in both the crops. Maximum straw yield of soybean (3351 kg ha^-1) was recorded by the treatment 100% NPK + FYM, where as in safflower (4991 kg ha^-1) recorded by the treatment 150% NPK. The highest soybean grain equivalent (4678 kg ha^-1) was recorded by the treatment 100% NPK + FYM where as maximum benefit cost ratio (1.93) found in the treatment receiving 150% NPK followed by 100% NPK + Zn (1.88) and 100% NPK + FYM (1.86). In grain quality parameters protein, oil percentage and oil yield was recorded maximum by the treatment 100% NPK+FYM. Soil properties were improved by the treatment 100% NPK + FYM, as well as FYM @ 10 t ha^-1. The soil pH got reduced from its initial value of 8.10 to 8.02 where as organic carbon increased from its initial value 5.50 to 6.60 g kg-1 after sixth years of experimentation due to use of organic manures i.e. FYM @ 10 t ha^-1. No addition of fertilizer or manure (control) or application of only nitrogen treatment led to the significant reduction in available sulphur and DTPA Zn in comparison to balanced use of fertilizers and organic manures combined with inorganic fertilizer.

4 tables, 10 ref

014355   Shinde P;Doddagoudar S R;Vasudevan S N (Seed Science and Technology Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Dharwad-580 005, Email: srdsst@gmail.com) : Effect of seed polymer coating with micronutrients and foliar spray on seed quality parameters of resultant seed in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1623-8.

A laboratory experiment was carried out in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur to study the effect of seed polymer coating with micronutri-ents and foliar spray on the resultant seed quality parameters of chickpea. Among the seventeen different treat-ments, resultant chickpea seeds obtained from treatment polymer coated seeds (@ 6 ml/kg of seed) along with the combination of micronutrients viz.,ZnSO4 + Boron + Ammonium molybdate + FeSO4 ( each @ 2 g/kg of seed ) and two foliar sprays (0.5% + 0.2% + 0.1% + 0.5%, respectively, except ZnSO4 and FeSO4 in EDTA form) at an - 364 - interval of 10 days during flowering stage (50 and 60 days after sowing) recorded significantly highest hundred seed weight (25.9 g), germination (97.00%), speed of germination (18.50), shoot length (8.43 cm), root length (19.80 cm), seed-ling dry weight (43.30 mg) and seedling vigour index (2738) compared to all other treatments and control (23.6 g, 92.05%, 13.74, 5.48 cm, 16.30 cm, 34.00 mg and 2004, respectively) and hence above treatment combinations can be used in order to produce good quality seeds.

1 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

014354   Shilpa;Rajinder Kaur;Sharma M;Adarsh M N (Biotechnology Dep, Dr Y S Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: shilpachaudhary05@gmail.com) : Isolation, identification of Phytophthora nicotianae var. parasitica and screening of tomato parental lines for buckeye rot resistance. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 562-7.

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.

9 illus, 4 tables, 18 ref

014353   Shetta N D (Forestry and Wood Technology Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria Univ, Alexandria, Egypt, Email: n.shetta@yahoo.com) : Influence of inorganic fertilizer addition and inoculation methods on nodulation and growth of two introduced Acacia species. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(1), 233-243.

Authors studied the influence of different inorganic fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium) on nodulation and growth of two introduced Acacia species grown under nursery condition. Two Acacia species were treated with combinations of N, P, and K fertilizers and two inoculation methods. Nodulation status (nodule number and nodules dry weight) in roots and plant growth parameters (seedling length, collar diameter, and shoot and root dry weight) were recorded 120 days after sowing. Soil inoculation with Rhizobium in combination with fertilizer significantly affected growth and nodulation compared with soil inoculations alone. Seeds inoculated with PK+ Rhizobium performed better than other treated seeds and resulted in seedlings with the most growth and root nodules. The Rhizobium strain LLR14 was highly - 363 - effective in both Acacia seedlings. Acacia ampliceps was more responsive than A. salicina to Rhizobium inoculation in combination with fertilizer treatments. The use of fertilizers and inoculation in the nursery may facilitate the production of superior seedlings with high growth potential, reducing the time needed to achieve canopy closure. A. ampliceps and A. salicina seedlings inoculated with Rhizobium and treated with P or K fertilizer may facilitate afforestation and reforestation programs, particularly in the arid lands of the Riyadh regions.

2 illus, 4 tables, 43 ref

014352   Sheoran H S;Duhan B S (Soil Science Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: sheoranhardeep2008@gmail.com) : Interaction effect of nitrogen and vermicompost in the presence of herbicide (Clodinafop propargyl) on nitrogen transformation in a sandy soil. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1181-7.

A laboratory experiment with three levels of nitrogen (0, 100 and 200 mg kg^-1), two levels of vermicompost (0 and 1% on dry wt. basis) and two levels of herbicide (0 and 60 g a.i. ha-1) was conducted with sandy soil of Hisar to study the interaction of nitrogen and vermicompost in the presence of herbicide (clodinafop propargyl) on nitrogen transformation during 2014. NH₄⁺-N contents increased upto the 14th day in soil and then declined up to 56th day under control. NO₃^--N content in soil increased significantly throughout the incubation study under control. With con-junctive use of nitrogen along with vermicompost, NH₄⁺-N contents increased significantly in the soil upto 14th day of incubation with an increase from 44.49 to 73.22 mg kg^-1 and 64.00 to 102.87 mg kg^-1, whereas NO₃^--N content in soil significantly increased throughout the incubation study over control and the increase was from 13.68 to 101.36 mg kg^-1 and 23.19 to 115.48 mg kg^-1. However, NH₄⁺-N and NO₃^--N decreased significantly at all incubation periods with the application of herbicide alone and in presence of nitrogen as well as vermicompost. The study revealed that judi-cious use of N, leads to more availability of N to crop and prevents the environmental pollution. Higher levels of N application may increase the risk of ground water pollution due to more availability of NO₃^- ion which can be sub-jected to leaching losses. Vermicompost proved to be the important source of nutrients as it has narrow C:N ratio and decompose more quickly than other organic manures such as FYM etc. Among commonly used herbicides, clodinafop propargyl is most commonly used herbicide and may have negative impact on the microbial population and thus may hinder the transformation processes particularly in sandy soils which have low organic matter content and thereby affecting the availability of nutrients to crop and play decisive role in crop yields.

7 tables, 21 ref

014351   Shende V D;Seth T;Mukherjee S;Chatopadhyay A (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia-741 252, Email: chattopadhyay.arup@gmail.com) : Selection of parental lines among round fruited brinjal for hybridization aiming at export promotion. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 451-5.

Selection of parental lines for considering export trade in hybridization programme is a new approach in brinjal breeding. Eight quantitative characters were taken to estimate genetic variation and relationships among twenty seven genotypes of round fruited brinjal, and to identify potential donors for the development of recombinants suitable for export. Analysis of variation revealed considerable level of variability among the genotypes. High broad sense heritability (<60>80%) and genetic advance as per cent of mean (<60>20%) were observed for the maximum number of traits under study. Among the yield components, only number of marketable fruits per plant showed positive and significant correlation (r = 0.771 and 0.725 at genotypic and phenotypic level, respectively) with marketable fruit yield per plant. However, number of marketable fruits per plant (1.24) followed by average fruit weight (0.834) ex-hibited maximum positive direct effects on marketable fruit yield per plant suggesting to give emphasis on these traits while imposing selection for amenability in fruit yield of round fruited brinjal. Principal component analysis showed the amount of variation by principal components 1 to 4 viz., 26.75, 49.98, 69.81 and 84.28%, respectively. Divergence analysis based on various yield component traits grouped 27 brinjal genotypes into nine main clusters. Dendrogram based on hierarchal clustering grouped genotypes based on their yield component traits rather than their geographic origin. Based on averages and principal component analysis, six genotypes (BCB-30, Deshi Makra, Gujrat Brinjal Round, 09/BRBWRes-3, BCB-10, 10/BRRVar-2) appeared to be promising donors for use in - 362 - export oriented breeding programme.

2 illus, 6 tables, 20 ref

014350   Shashi Prabha;Yadav A;Ashwani Kumar;Yadav A; Yadav H K;Sujit Kumar;Yadav R S;Kumar R (NO, U.P. Council of Agricultural Research, Lucknow-226 010, Email: rajendrak64@yahoo.co.in) : Biopesticides - an alternative and eco-friendly source for the control of pests in agricultural crops. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 902-6.

Chemical pesticides have strongly both the abiotic and biotic components of the environment. Due to the side effects of chemical pesticides, sustainable crop production through eco-friendly management is essential required in the current scenario. Biopesticides are alternatives source of chemical pesticides and offer potent tools to create a new generation of sustainable agriculture products. Biopesticides are employed in agricultural and use for the purposes of insect control, disease control, weed control, nematode control and plant physiology and its productivity. Biopesticides are pesticides derived from microorganisms, natural sources and genetic modified plants. With the rapid development of new techniques such as molecular biology, genetic engineering, protein engineering and other techniques are gradually improving the biopesticides productions that destroy crop pests. The development of biopesticides stimulates modernization of agricultre. Globally, the use of biopesticides has steadily increased by about 10% per year. This review paper describes different types of biopesticides and the potential use of biopesticides for the control of pest at global level.

33 ref

014349   Sharma S;Singh R;Gill C K (Entomology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana, Punjab, Email: sudhendhu@pau.edu) : Efficacy of anthranilic insecticide E2Y45 20 SC (Chlorantraniliprole) against Plutella xylostella L. in cabbage, Brassica oleracea var. capitata. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1584-8.

Experiments were conducted at farmer's cabbage fields to evaluate the bioefficacy of anthranilic insecti-cide i.e. E2Y45 20 SC (Chlorantraniliprole) having novel mode of action against the diamondback moth Plutella xy-lostella L. E2Y45 20 SC was applied @ 25.0, 37.5 and 50.0 ml/ha and was compared with Padan 50 SP (cartap hydrochloride) @ 500 g/ha and the untreated control. Lowest mean larval population after two sprays was recorded in higher dose of E2Y 45 20 SC i.e. @ 50.0 ml/ha (0.08 larvae/plant) at 7 days after treatment followed by medium and lower dose of E2Y 45 20 SC i.e. @ 37.5ml/ha (0.10 larvae/plant) and 25.0 ml/ha (0.33 larvae/plant). The larval population in these treatments was significantly lower than standard check, Padan 50 SP (2.56 larvae/plant), and untreated control (9.73 larvae/plant). The highest marketable yield (262.89 q/ha) was recorded in E2Y 45 20 SC @ 50.0 ml/ha which was significantly higher than Padan 50 SP (239.65 q/ha). Lowest yields were recorded in untreated control (106.00 q/ha). Conclusively, medium (37.5 ml/ha) and higher (50.0 ml/ha) dose of E2Y 45 20 SC (chlorantraniliprole) significantly reduced the larval population of P. xylostella and increased the cabbage yield.

3 tables, 16 ref

014348   Sharma S;Chandel S (Plant Pathology Dep, Dr. Y. S. Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: sushsharma1987@gmail.com) : Disease status and combined effect of biological control and organic amendments in managing stem rot disease of carnation caused by Rhizoctonia solani. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1680-4.

The present study was carried out to know the effect of different soil amendments and biological control on disease incidence, different plant growth and flower parameters. Incidence of stem rot was found serious in almost all the locations surveyed, maximum incidence being recorded at Berthin (33.7%) in district Bilaspur followed by Rajgarh (32.0%), Solan (27.3%) and Matnali (27.1%) in district Sirmour in contrast to lowest incidence (11.2%) of stem rot in Shimla. Integration of Melia azedarach seed (powder) along with Trichoderma viride as well as Neem cake with T. viride and T. harzianum gave maximum reduction (75.67%) in disease incidence of stem rot with minimum disease incidence (6%), in comparison to 24.67 per cent in control followed by Bacillus subtilis + Melia azedarach (8%). These treatment also improved the plant growth and flower quality parameters by giving the average plant height to 82.32 cm, 81.05 cm, stem length (76.64 cm, 75.91 cm), number of flowers per plant (3.79, 3.68), flower size (7.20 cm, 7.17 cm) and took less number of days to first flowering. Disease management practice alone is not sufficient until integrated with other components, as disease is a complex phenomenon governed by many factors. The integration of effective management practices such as plant oils, botanicals and antagonists would be important for the successful management of plant diseases, thus showing its practical applicability in field in mitigating the losses caused by disease in carnation.

4 tables, 21 ref

014347   Sharma R L;Abraham S;Bhagat R;Om Prakash (NO, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gariyaband-493 889, Email: kvkgariaband@gmail.com ) : Comparative performance of integrated farming system models in Gariyaband region under rainfed and irrigated conditions. Indian J agric Res 2017, 51(1), 64-8.

Two farming system research models were laid out on farm at KVK Gariyaband during 2014-15 and 2015-16 with an aim to study the economic viability and employment generation of the models. Model I was laid out in 3.5 acre area under rainfed conditions and Molel II was laid out in 1.5 acre under irrigated conditions. IFS Model II under irrigated conditions proved to be more renumerative with highest average net returns of Rs. 452096 indicating better economic viability and better employment generation capacity as compared to IFS Model I under rainfed conditions.

2 illus, 8 tables, 15 ref

014346   Sharma R;Amit Kumar (Fruit Science Dep, Horticultura and Forestry Univ, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: reet_libra21@yahoo.co.in) : Bud take success, growth and foliage characters of different Prunus cultivars on myrocal and julior clonal rootstock. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1326-32.

The present study determined the effect of clonal rootstock of Prunus and their graft compatibility with peach, plum and apricot cultivars. Prunus scion cultivars were tongue grafted on respective Prunus clonal rootstocks in the last week of January, 2006. The study indicated that with respect to graft success, Myrocal exhibited higher bud take with apricot (66.67%) than plums (63.89%) with 1.15 and 1.20 stock/scion ratio, respectively. Julior exhib-ited higher bud take with plums (91.77%) than peaches (86.11%) with 1.10 and 1.07 stock/scion ratio, respectively, whereas, Julior exhibited higher bud take with plum (91.77%) than peaches (86.11%) with 1.10 and 1.07 stock/ scion ratio, respectively. Comparative studies indicate higher bud take of plum cvs Frontier (91.64%) and Red Beaut (91.84%) on Julior as compared to Myrocal. Peach scion cultivars recorded more annual growth in terms of plant height (0.73 m) and plant spread (0.48 m x 0.62 m) than plum scion cultivars on Julior. Contrary to higher vig-our recorded in nectarine scions compared to peach scions grafted on Julior, annual growth has been observed to be higher in peaches than in nectarines. Comparative studies indicate plant height, plant spread, trunk girth, inter-nodal length and pruning weight of both plum cultivars to be higher on Myrocal than on Julior. With the present study, it is clear that Myrocal is more vigorous than Julior rootstock and both the rootstocks can be utilized for propagation with Prunus cultivars studied.

3 tables, 30 ref

014345   Sharma P K;Mishra D P;Pandey A (Vegetable Science Dep, Narendra Dev Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Faizabad-224 229, Email: pravinveg@gmail.com) : Genetic variability studies for yield and its contributing traits in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1634-7.

The experiment comprising 30 okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) genotypes were grown and analysed for yield and its attributing traits at the Department of Vegetable science, Kumarganj, Faizabad during Zaid (2011) pe-riod. All the characters studied showed a wide range of variation. The variability for yield among the - 359 - accessions evaluated was also remarkable. The magnitude phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than genotypic coeffi-cient of variation for all traits. Both phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were high for plant height (11.10 and 10.60, respectively). Fruit weight exhibited low value of GCV (2.31) and PCV (4.74) and likely to show less response under selection. High heritability (91.3) with high genetic advance (26.74) was recorded for plant height, whereas, ridges per fruit had high heritability (97.0) with moderate genetic advance (18.45). This study aimed to evaluate okra genotypes for variability with a view to providing information on the development of high yielding genotypes to meet the growing food demand of the populace.

3 tables, 22 ref

014344   Sharma P (Bioscience Dep, D.A.V. (PG) College, Muzaffarnagar-251 001) : Cypermethrin pesticides impacts on morphological characters of Solanum melongena Lin.. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 941-5.

Pesticides have become necessary evil for agricultrue. The term pesticides is a composite term that include all chemicals that are used to kill or control pests. We studied cypermethrin pesticides impacts in different concentration viz. 0.01%, 0.15%, 0.25% and 1.00% on morphological parameters i.e. root length, shoot length, total number of brances/plant, total number of flowers/plant, total number of leaves/plant, leaf area, height of plants of Solanum melongena Lin. We found resulted the cypermethrin pesticides showed maximum stimulation at lower concentration and showed maximum inhibition at higher concentration of pesticides on all types of parameters of Solanum melingona Lin.

7 tables, 15 ref

014343   Sharma M K;Sengar R S;Chand P;Singh R;Gupta S;Yadav M K;Singh A (Agriculture Biotechnology Dep, Genetic Engineering, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Univ of Agriculture & Te, Meerut-250 110, Email: manojmeerut94@gmail.com) : Optimization of culture conditions for high frequency in vitro shoot multiplication in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1565-9.

The study deals with the optimization of various culture conditions for initiating high frequency in vitro shoot multiplication in two early maturing high yielding sugarcane genotypes namely Co98014 & Co89003. On the behalf of the findings of this study, it was concluded that the temperature, photoperiod and culture media pH affected the frequency of in vitro shoot multiplication in both sugarcane genotypes at a significant level. In both geno-types high frequency shoot multiplication was recorded at growth room temperature 25°C, 16h/8h light/dark photo-period and culture media pH 6.0. Genotype Co89003 exhibited highest shoot regeneration and multiplication under various culture conditions. The present study suggests the necessity of investigation of these culture conditions separately upon individual sugarcane genotypes prior to develop efficient in vitro plant regeneration protocol for commercial purposes.

1 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

014342   Sharma I;Bala R;Satish Kumar;Bains N S (NO, ICAR - Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal-132 001, Email: kumarsatish227@gmail.com) : Development of near isogenic lines (NILS) using backross method of breeding and simultaneous screening against Karnal bunt disease of wheat. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1138-45.

Karnal bunt of wheat caused by Tilletia indica can be a hindrance to wheat trade as the fungal disease is known to affect the quality of the grain. As a breeding strategy, a set of eight near isogenics lines (NILs) and back-cross derived recombinant inbred lines (micro-RILs) were developed in the background of PBW 343 and WH542 for Karnal bunt resistance over a period of time. The donor stocks resistant to Karnal bunt used in the study were ALDAN ' S' / IAS 58, CMH 77.308, H567.7I, HD29, HP1531, - 358 - W485 and their derived lines KBRL 22 and KBRL 57. Effective method for screening to Karnal bunt was standardized and used for identification of resistant lines across many seasons. Some of the identified lines evaluated for yield were found to be equivalent to the high yielding par-ents and the commercially grown check varieties. These developed lines will serve as a basic material for production of Karnal bunt free wheat.

9 tables, 27 ref

014341   Sharma D P;Chakma J;Sharma N;Singh N (Fruit Science Dep, College of Horticulture, Dr. YS Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forest, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: niranjangautam@gmail.com) : Effect of different orchard management practices on the gowth and production of rejuvenated of pomegranates (Punica granatum L.) cv. Kandhari Kabuli. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 577-81.

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.

5 tables, 17 ref

014340   Sharad Mohan;Upadhyay A;Srivastava A;Sreedevi K (Nematology Div, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: sharad@iari.res.in) : Implantation of Heterorhabditis indica-infected Galleria cadavers in the soil for biocontrol of white grub infestation in sugardane fields of western Uttar Pradesh, India. Curr Sci 2017, 112(10), 2016-20.

Over the past 10 years, farmers of Uttaranchal and western Uttar Pradesh, India have been fighting a losing battle against the white grub (Coleoptera : Scarabaeidae) infestation of sugarcane crop. Pesticides have failed to address the problem as evident from the observed infestation levels of 10-24 grubs/m². During 2008-2014, the Division of Nematology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi launched a biocontrol project involving treatment of the white grub-afficted fields with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs)-infected treatment of the white grub-afflicted fields with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs)-infected Galleria mellonella cadavers. This initiative, spread over the districts of Ghaziabad, Meerut, Amroha, Saharanpur, Gajraula, - 357 - Bulandshahar and Hapur, was undertaken in collaboration with a non-governmental organization - the Foundation for Resources Management and Environmental Remediation - and local sugar mills, and by enlisting the active participation of the farming community. It was perceived that this technology had a greater possibility of evolving into a long-term, sustainable biocontrol strategy if the EPN-infected Galleria were sourced in each village. Capacity-building programmes were undertaken in the villages with special focus on empowering women, and small and marginalized farmers by educating them on rearing and infecting Galleria. This initiative has resulted in an average reduction of 69.1% in the white grub population and an average increase of 60.49 q/acre in sugarcane yield over untreated control.

2 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

014339   Shamsuzzaman M M;Xiangmin X;Islam M M;Alam M W;Karim E (Environmental & Resources Protection Law, School of Law & Political Science, Ocean Univ of China, Qingdao-266 100, China, Email: sakilimsf@gmail.com) : Sustainable marine fisheries resources of Bangladesh: a strategic response for economic security. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(4), 757-65.

Bangladesh is posing a serious threat to the sustainability of marine fisheries. Lack of recent stock assessment program, the influence of climate change and pollution on the valuable nursery habitats such as mangroves and estuaries have considerable impacts on marine fisheries productivity. If overfishing continues at the current alarming trend, then time will come when important fishery will reach a point of no return jeopardizing the whole industry. Therefore, the present status of marine fisheries resources and its future potential need to be framed out to establish a comprehensive plan for sustainable conservation, management, and exploitation of these resources.

3 illus, 8 tables, 26 ref

014338   Seshagiri S V;Raju P J (NO, Andhra Pradesh State Sericulture Research and Development Institute (A, Kirikera, Hindupur, Andhra Pradesh) : Impact of training programs among sericulturists of Andhra Pradesh through technology demonstration and validation. J Agric Ext Mgmt 2016, 17(1), 29-36.

India, the largest consumer of raw silk in - 356 - the world, has been mainly concentrating on production of large quantity of quality raw silk to avoid import of silk from China. Sericulture in Andhra Pradesh is a sustainable farm based economic enterprise positively favouring the rural poor in the unorganized sector because of its relatively low requirement of fixed capital and higher returns. The changes in employment and income opportunities in rural areas may be brought about by selecting a highly labour intensive and high income yielding cropping pattern and sericulture has been identified as one such sector which plays a vital role in generating gainful employment opportunities. The less skillful labour intensive activities in both cocoon production and reeling activities of sericulture compel sericulturists to hold subordinate status and hence are kept out of the interventions made for augmenting knowledge and skills and limited to lowly paid traditional activities. This scenario warrants the up-gradation of skills and knowledge of sericulturists through training on varying activities so as to enable them to harvest sustainable cocoon crop with higher income. Feedback / impact analysis carried out after the training, indicates that the training programs were quite useful and as such are to be frequently arranged for updating their knowledge and to help them gain confidence in sericulture.

2 tables, 8 ref

014337   Sendilkumar R;Arya S (Agricultural Extension, Kerala Agricultural Univ, CCBM, Vellanikkara, Thrissur) : Inclusive strategy for small and marginal farmers in tapioca production, processing and marketing. J Agric Ext Mgmt 2016, 17(2), 43-52.

This study was conducted to explore the post-harvest value addition opportunities tapioca, identify the constraints faced by small and marginal farmers in processing and to suggest a strategy. Primary data from 60 tapioca farmers of Elamadu Grama Panchayath of Kollam district, Kerala were collected through interview schedule. Expert opinion was collected from the Scientists of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), KVK, and CTCRI etc. to screen the appropriate technology for tapioca value addition. The data obtained were analysed using percentage analysis, SWOC and COWS analysis. It was found that a number of farmers were involved in tapioca cultivation and could produce marketable surplus, but were not engaged in any post-harvest value addition activities. Indeed, farmers have expressed their willingness to start value addition jointly as a group. The technocrats opined that tapioca snacks and chips are better options for value addition at farm level. The study highlighted the need for an exclusive organisation for tapioca cultivation, marketing and processing. Initiating farmer driven producer organisations and consumer linked value chain would be a promising strategy for livelihood of small and marginal farmers of tapioca.

6 tables, 2 illus

014336   Senapati S R;Praveen Kumar G;Singh C B;Xavier K A M;Chouksey M K;Nayak B B;Balange A K (Post-Harvest Technology Dep, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai-400 061, Email: amjadbalange@cife.edu.in) : Melanosis and quality attributes of chill stored farm raised whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 626-31.

Loss of market value of shrimp is mainly due to the formation of black spot called melanosis. A study was conducted for 14 days to determine the extent of melanosis and quality changes during that period of freshly har-vested whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) under chilled storage (2<60>C). Among quality parameters, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBAR-S), were varied from 13.17 mg% to 44.50 mg% and 0.04 to 2.57 mg malondehaldehyde/kg of fat respectively whereas melanosis score and metric chroma (C) exhibited significant increases during chilled storage (p<60>0.05). There was a slight increase in moisture, crude fat and pH from 73.96% to 74.57%, 1.05% to 1.14% and 6.52 to 7.60 respectively at 14th day of storage. Loss of protein from 22.51% to 21.28% may be due to decrease in available amino acids during chilled storage and total plate count (TPC) showed gradual increase of bacterial load up to 1.73*107 log CFU/g at the end of chilled storage. The sensory analysis by panellists indicated, the acceptability of white leg shrimp was up to 6 days in chilled condition and formation of black spot is one of the major parameter for rejection by the panellists.

2 illus, 4 tables, 36 ref

014335   Sellappa J;Kumar S (Economics Dep, Government Arts College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Assessment studies with reference to farm profile and farm practices of scheduled tribe farmers. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 859-66.

Present study was conducted to determine Farm Profile and Farm Practices with reference to Scheduled Tribe Farmers in Karamadai, Periyanaicken Palayam and Anaimalai Blocks of Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu (India) during the period from May 2014 to March 2015 by using pre-tested questionnaire. The major occupation of these tribal people is field work as farmers. They live anomadic life and only a meager share of the tribal population live in one place and for them agriculture is the major occupation. A majority of land holdings of tribes (34 per cent) were medium farmers (5-10 acres), 33.60 per cent were small farmers (2.50-5.00 acres), 17.40 per cent were marginal farmers (less than 2.50 acres) and 15 per cent were large farmers (above 10 acres). A majority of the sample respondents have a farm experience of 15-20 years. The cropping intensity is found to be higher among the small, medium and large farmers while it is negligibly lower in the case of marginal farmers. Most of the cultivable area (around 90 per cent) was cropped during kharif season. Since, the cultivation is carried out in the hilly areas of Western Ghats, only limited crops like, maize, ragi, oilseeds and horse gram are cultivated in these rainfed areas.

14 tables, 4 ref

014334   Satheeshkumar P;Saravanan K;Sabesan T (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, , Annamalai University) : Heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for yield and yield component traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown in irrigated saline low land of Tamil Nadu, India. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 642-6.

An experiment was conducted to estimate the heterosis for yield attributing traits in rice. In the present investigation, line tester analysis involving eleven parents were used. The trail was conducted at Plant Breeding Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University during 2011. For grain yield per plant, the cross AURC 22 x ADT 43 observed lowest value of heterobeltiosis - 27.60 per cent and standard heterosis - 6.19 per cent, while the cross AURC 14 x TRY 1 recorded highest value of heterobeltiosis 34.74 per cent and standard heterosis 43.92 per cent. Among the hybrids, AURC 14 x TRY 1 and AURC 10 x ADT 43 were identified as superior hybrids as they recorded high magnitude of standard heterosis for number of productive tillers per plant, panicle length, filled grains per panicle, grain length, grain L/B ratio, kernel length, kernel L/B ratio and grain yield per plant. These heterosis will be exploited through selection of superior and trait specific genotypes in the segregating generations for the evolution of high yielding varieties.

2 tables, 14 ref

014333   Satar V P;Panchbhai D M;Badge S;Shivankar S (Horticulture Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur-440 001) : Growth and flower yield of annual Chrysanthemumas influenced by nitrogen and phosphorus levels. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 523-6.

The investigation was undertaken during 2009-10 at Horticulture Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur with four levels of nitrogen viz., 0 kg (N₁), 100 kg (N₂), 150 kg (N₃) and 200 kg (N₄) and four levels of phosphorus - 354 - viz., 0 kg (P₁), 50 kg (P₂), 75 kg (P₃) and 100 kg (P₄) ha^-1 in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The study revealed that nitrogen 200 kg ha^-1 and phosphorus 100 kg ha^-1 significantly increased plant height, number of primary brahches, diameter of main stem, plant spread, number of flower plant^-1, yield plant^-1 and ha^-1.

3 tables, 8 ref

014332   Satapathy S;Shukla S P (NO, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Seven Bungalows, Versova-400 061, Email: spshukla@cife.edu.in) : Application of a marine cyanobacterium Phormidium fragile for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Indian J Biotechnol 2017, 16(1), 110-13.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using dry biomass of a marine cyanobacterium Phormidium fragile was investigated. The silver nanoparticles showed absorption maxima at 410 nm due to a shift in plasmon resonance during the process of bioreduction. The silver nanoparticles produced by the above process were of the monodisperse type with a size range of 5-6.5 nm. The zeta potential of synthesized nanoparticles was -15.96 mV, which shows a moderate stability of nanoparticles in the environment. Geometrically, the nanoparticles exhibited a phase centred cubic symmetry, evident from the intense peaks for (200) plane in the XRD-spectrum. Overall, this report provides evidence for the biopotentialities of cyanobacteria for nanotechnological applications.

5 illus, 12 ref

014331   Sarwan Kumar (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhaina-141 004, Email: sarwanent@pau.edu ) : Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) of brassicaceae and their role in plant defense against insect herbivores. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 508-19.

The genus Brassica includes economically important oilseed and vegetable plants. A number of insect pests are known to infest these crops and cause significant losses in yield. The plants in the family Brassicaceae have multiple defense mechanisms to overcome or reduce the damage by these pests including defensive biochemicals. These Plant Secondary Metabolites (PSMs) involve myrosinase-glucosinolate system, different volatile com-pounds, lectins, phytoalexins and phytoanticipins. While some of the compounds are always present in the plant system, the others are synthesized after herbivore attack. These compounds can either directly protect the plant by having effect(s) on insects' biology/behaviour or indirectly by attracting the natural enemies of the pests. Because of these secondary compounds, Brassicas have the potential to be used in pest management such as biofumigation against soil pests, as trap crops and cover crops and hence, can be a part of push-pull strategy. An attempt has been made to review these compounds in Brassicas, their role in defense against insects and potential in pest management.

^iia1 table, 135 ref

014330   Sarvade S;Gautam D S;Kathal D;Tiwari P (NO, College of Agriculture, Balaghat Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa, Vidyalaya, Jabalpur-482 004, Email: somanath553@gmail.com) : Waterlogged wasteland treatment through agro-forestry. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 44-50.

India covers 147.75 mha degraded area, whereas 6.41 mha area confined to waterlogging problem in Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Rajasthan and few other states. The transpiration principle of plants is used in bio-drainage treatment to reclaim such problematic areas sustainably. Evergreen broad leaved species recorded high transpiration rate and contribute highly in reclamation of waterlogged saline soils. Short rotation fast growing tree species like Salix, Eucalypt, Acacia, Albizia, Terminalia, Prosopis, Populuswere the suitable species for such areas. Agri-silviculture, agri-horti- silviculture, silvi-pasture, multipurpose woodlots, strip plantation and boundary plantations were widely used for reclamation of saline-waterlogged conditions of India. In agri-silviculture system, Eucalypt based agroforestry systems are widely used for - 353 - reclamation of waterlogged areas as compared to other woody plant based systems. 0.84-0.86 m total drawdown of ground water in 3 years Eucalypt tree species. The vertical and horizontal root spreading of tree species is one important character for capturing and transpiration of excess water from waterlogged area. From the present investigation, longest root system was recorded from Prosopis cineraria (20-60 m) species.

^iia1 illus, 5 tables, 52 ref

014329   Sarvade S;Gautam D S;Bhalawe S;Bisen P K (NO, College of Agriculture, Balaghat-481 331, Email: somanath553@gmail.com ) : Overview of potential multipurpose agroforestry tree species, Syzygium cuminii (L.) skeels in India. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1714-19.

Jamun (Syzygium cuminii L.) Skeels is evergreen MPTs (Multipurpose Tree species) widely grown in traditional agroforestry systems (agri-silviculture and agri-horticulture) of India, except very dry areas. It produces excellent nutritious fruits, which contains carbohydrates, dietary fibre, fat, protein, vitamins like B1, B2, B3, B6 and C with trace minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium). The seed and bark is used to control dysentery and hyperglycaemia, and in diabetic patients. Leaves of the Jamun are used in strengthening the teeth and gums, whereas fruits used in relief for colic, stomach-ache and enlarged spleen. It may accelerate work towards food security through extra food production from degraded and waste areas. The species is widely used for reclamation of salt affected soils and waterlogged areas. Their contribution in environmental conservation through biomass production and carbon sequestration processes. It also helps in conserving biodiversity in traditional agro-forestry systems and natural forest areas.

3 tables, 40 ref

014328   Saroj S K;Vishwakarma M K;Mishra V K (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, Email: sandeepsaroj@gmail.com ) : Morphological and molecular characterization of Cajanus scarabaeoides and Cajanus cajanifolius related CMS lines in pigeonpea. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 580-7.

With the aim to quantify diversity among 12 genotypes comprising six stable CMS lines and their maintainers derived from inter-specific crosses viz., C. scarabaeoides x C. cajan and C. - 352 - cajanifolius x C. canan. These lines were assessed with morphological features and 20 genic microsatellite markers. The selected SSR primers showed a high level of polymorphism, as their corresponding polymorphism information content value ranging from 0.58 to 0.72 with average PIC of 0.68. All the 12 genotypes representative of wild and cultivated species, clustered into five distinct major groups mostly based on the interspecific differences. This study showed ICPA 2043 and ICPB 2043 were most similar with 0.00 distances. While GT 33A was showed high distance with all other genotypes. This study would accelerate the hybrid breeding program and improvement of both varieties and hybrids in pigeonpea. Particularly, this study would be helpful to restorer identification through marker assisted breeding as well as exploitation of cytoplasmic male sterile lines with three line breeding system in pigeonpea.

3 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

014327   Sarker U K;Uddin M R;Sarkar M A R;Salam M A; Hasan A K;Park S U (Agronomy Dep, Bangladesh Agricultural Univ, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh, Email: supark@cnu.ac.kr) : Crop performance and water productivity of irrigated rice under different water management systems. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(1), 105-114.

Increment of rice production to feed the growing population under increasing water scarcity is of great concern for recent days. Moreover, the water is a very limiting input for the crop production and its efficiency is relatively low. Physiological attributes and yield performance of high yielding (HYV) rice cultivars need to be evaluated by minimizing water loss. Therefore, thefield experiment was conducted during November, 2015 to May, 2016 under irrigated conditions in Bangladesh to investigate the impact of cultivars and water management on growth dynamics, yield and water productivity. Five HYV boro (dry season irrigated) rice cultivars viz. BRRI dhan28, BRRI dhan29, BRRI dhan60, Binadhan-8 and Binadhan-10 along with four water management systems such as continuous saturation (CS), water application at 8, 10 days after disappearance of ponded water (DAD) and BRRI management irrigation systems(AWD) were included in the study. This study aimed to determine suitable cultivar and water management system for better production of rice. The study revealed that cultivars Binadhan-10 had highest value of leaf area index (LAI), number of effective tillers hill^-1, and number of grains panicle^-1. Growth and yield were increased with water application up to 8- DAD after which these factors declined with increasing water stress at 10- DAD and AWD. The result also showed that the crop grown at CS condition did not increase the yield, rather caused the wastage of irrigation water. The water productivity was the highest (0.240 t ha^-1cm^-1) in 10- DAD treatment, obviously due to minimum water use but highest yield was observed in 8- DAD because of optimum use of water and non-stress condition. Therefore, the present study was useful for the selection of the most efficient cultivar, which could be strongly recommended to rice growers to improve crop yield and reduce the use of water.

3 illus, 4 tables, 32 ref