014326   Sarkar S;Sarkar A;Zaman A (Agronomy Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741 252, Email: smritikanasarkar12@gmail.com) : Effect of irrigation and phosphorus fertilization on growth, yield and nodulation of broad bean (Vicia faba L.). Indian J agric Res 2017, 51(1), 69-73.

Field experiment was carried out during rabi seasons of 2009-10 and 2010-11 to study the effect of irrigation and phosphorus levels on growth, yield and nodulation of broad bean. Treatment receiving irrigation at Ψ = -0.03 MPa at 30 cm soil - 351 - depth (I₃) maintained its superiority with 5.11 and 34.97% higher seed yield compared to irrigation at Ψ = -0.05 MPa at 30 cm soil depth (I₄) and rainfed (I₁), respectively. Treatment receiving 75 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 (P₄) was significantly superior with 9.26 and 28.26% higher seed yield over 50 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 (P<>3) and 25 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 (P₂) treatments, respectively. Growth, yield attributing characters and nodulation also followed the trend of seed yield. The treatment combination receiving irrigation at = -0.03 MPa at 30 cm soil depth along with 75 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 (I₃P₄) proved as best treatment combination.

2 tables, 18 ref

014325   Sarita Kumari;Sarkar P K (Microbiology Laboratory, Botany Dep, North Bengal, Siligur-734 013, Email: pksarkar.nbu@gmail.com) : Quantitative risk assessment of human exposure to Bacillus cereus group associated with household refrigerated storage of pasteurised milk in India. Indian J Dairy Sci 2017, 70(2), 186-92.

A quantitative risk assessment model was developed using response surface methodology and Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate public health risks associated with the consumption of pasteurised milk contaminated with Bacillus cereus s.l. in district of Darjeeling, India. Thirty percent of the pasteurised milk samples stored in domestic refrigerators contained B. cereus with the level of contamination up to 5 log cfu/ml. The distribution of initial population of B. cereus in pasteurised milk ranged from 1.83 to 4.16 log cfu/ml with mean value of 3 log cfu/ml. The distribution of storage temperature in the refrigerators ranged from 3.54 °C to 12.84 °C with mean value of 8.2 °C; the probability of temperature being ≤7°C was only 25%. The storage time for milk in domestic refrigerators ranged from 0.76 to 3.55 days with the mean of 2.16 days. After optimisation of the results considering initial population of B. cereus to be 3 log cfu/ml, it was found that B. cereus s.l. cell count can reach the threshold level (<62>4 log cfu/ml) after 47.51 h, 45.54 h, 41.59 h, 35.26 h, 25.31 h and 24 h at 7 °C, 8 °C, 9 °C, 10 °C, 11 °C and 12-13 °C, respectively. If milk is stored for more than 24 h in domestic refrigerators, the chance of consumers being exposed to high levels of B. cereus s.l. is more which can lead to foodborne illnesses. Thus, the analysis of conditions reflective of current scenario in India indicates a high risk associated with consumption of pasteurised milk.

1 illus, 5 tables, 23 ref

014324   Sandeep V M;Rao B B;Bharathi G;Rao V U M; Pramod V P;Chowdhary P S;Patel N R;Kumar P V (NO, Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad-500 059, Email: vmsandeep@gmail.com) : Projecting future changes in water requirement - 350 - of grain sorghum in India. J Agrometeorol 2017, 19(3), 217-25.

The spatial distribution and trend in rainfall and crop water requirement for sorghum during different time periods viz. baseline (1981-2010) and two future climate epochs (2021-2050 and 2051- 2080) over all major sorghum (kharif and rabi) growing regions of India was studied using climate change projections data from NorESM-1M model of the CMIP-5 in RCP4.5 scenario. A significant decreasing trend in kharif season rainfall is noticed during 2021-2050 over Madhya Pradesh. Majority of the kharif and rabi sorghum growing regions may receive more rainfall during 2051-2080. Increasing trend is projected for crop water requirement over majority of sorghum regions in both seasons with significant increase over the core growing area of rabi sorghum. Regions were identified where moisture stress is likely to be severe during kharif and rabi seasons.

8 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

014323   Salve D M;Panchbhai D M;Badge S;Satar V (Horticulture Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur-440 001, Email: shalinibadge@gmail.com) : Growth and flower yield of chrysanthemum as influenced by varieties and pinching. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 826-8.

Field experiment was carried out at Horticulture Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur with objective to find out suitable variety and pinching time on growth and yield of chrysanthemum. Treatments comprising of five chrysanthemum varieties (Shubra, Heritage, Sonali Tara, Piwali Rewadi, and Pandhari Rewadi) and four pinching time (No pinching, pinching at 30 DAT, pinching at 45 DAT and pinching at 30 and 45 DAT) during kharif season of the year 2011-12. The experimental finding revealed that among chrysanthemum varieties, Padari revadi recorded maximum plant height whereas Sonali Tara recorded maximum number of branches, stem diameter, spread of plant and flower yield plant^-1 and ha^-1. Among the pinching treatments, plant pinched at 30 after planting was found to be best for improving vegetative growth parameters and flower yield.

1 table, 10 ref

014322   Salunke P B;Lande S S;Wadaskar R M (NO, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola-444 104, Email: pankajsalunke75@gmail.com) : Toxicological studies on Helicoverpa armigera in pigeonpea growing in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, India. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 492-6.

Insecticide resistance level in pigeonpea pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) to technical grade insecticides collected from major pigeonpea growing districts of Vidarbha viz., Akola, Amravati, Buldhana, Yavatmal and Washim was worked out. LDP indicated LD₅₀ of Cypermethrin in the range of 1.402 to 9.209 ppm with maximum in Yavatmal (9.209 ppm); LD₉₀ within range of 6.021 to 18.427 ppm. LD₅₀ of Quinalphos in the range of 1.303 to 4.789 ppm with maximum in Yavatmal (4.789 ppm); LD₉₀ within range of 3.150 to 14.194 ppm. LD₅₀ of Methomyl in the range of 1.297 to 3.792 ppm with maximum in Yavatmal (3.792 ppm); LD₉₀ within range of 4.993 to 16.737 ppm. LD₅₀ of Indoxacarb in the range of 0.521 to 2.709 ppm with maximum in Yavatmal (2.709 ppm); LD₉₀ within range of 2.819 to 20.947 ppm. LD₅₀ of Spinosad in the range of 0.713 to 2.408 ppm with maximum in Buldhana (2.408 ppm); LD₉₀ within range of 6.413 to 18.349 ppm. The resistance level is visibly high in cypermethrin, moderate to indoxacarb, quinalphos, spinosad and low to methomyl; Yavatmal and Washim strains expressed higher resistance level to cypermethrin, quinalphos and methomyl, whereas Yavatmal and Buldhana strains expressed higher resistance level to indoxacarb and spinosad. The investigation will help to track resistence level in Helicoverpa armigera to different groups of insecticides.

2 tables, 18 ref

014321   Saini T;Jaglan M S;Yadav S S;Jakhar P;Garg R (Entomology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: tsaini398@gmail.com) : Population dynamics of citrus whitefly, Dialeurodes citri (Ashmead) on Citrus reticulate (Mandarin) var. Kinnow as influenced by weather conditions. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1452-5.

A field study on population dynamics of citrus whitefly, Dialeurodes citri (Ashmead) on citrus mandarin (var. Kinnow) was carried out during 2014-15 at Centre of Excellence (COE) for Fruits situated in village Mangiana of district Sirsa, Haryana. The population of nymphs and adults of this pest was recorded from March 2014 to Febru-ary 2015 at weekly interval. The nymphal population of the pest was observed only between 12th to 47th meteorological standard weeks (SW) with two major peaks i.e. one during 16th SW with a population of 83.44 nymphs/ 20 leaves and the second during 40th SW with a population of 133.22 nymphs/20 leaves. The above said population dynamics confirmed that this pest remained inactive in pupal stage during winter i.e. 48th to 11th SW. Similar trend was ob-served in respect of adult population. Nymphal population showed significant positive correlation with morning relative humidity (r = 0.329) and sunshine hours (r = 0.362), while adult population was found to have positive correlation with sunshine hours only (r = 0.332). Multiple regression analysis of the pest population with environment variables indicated that out of 45 per cent variability in nymphal population, 37 per cent was due to relative humidity and sunshine hours. Out of the total variability of 30 per cent variation in adult population, 20 per cent was due to evening relative humidity, while 10 per cent attributed to sunshine hours. The other weather parameters were found to have no significant correlation with the pest population. Although study of population dynamics of this study were conducted elsewhere but this is first study of its kind in the state of Haryana. The population dynamics revealed by this study have far reaching significance in pest management strategy as integrated control measures may be focused only during the period wherein population - 349 - exceeds economic threshold level (ETL). The information on population dynamics of any insect pest in a given ecological niche should be considered as starting point for evolving eco - friendly pest management package.

5 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

014320   Saikia H;Bhowmick B C;Halim R A (NO, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785 001, Email: saikia.hemchandra@rediffmail.com) : Analysis of month-wise variation of energy use in crop production - a case study in Golaghat district in Assam. Indian J agric Res 2017, 51(2), 180-3.

Energy is a very key component in every sphere of our life, be it a crop production or any other field. Again seasonality is a very common phenomenon in crop production and due to this there exist slacks and peak season of various sources of energy use and production. Present study was conducted in Golaghat district of Assam to highlight the month-wise energy use and also to know the energy output-input and benefit-cost ratio. Sampling method used for the study was Three Stage Sampling method. Result from the study revealed that the cropping intensity of the study area was 119.57 per cent. The most dominant energy consuming months were July, August, November, and December using 30.64, 18.90, 13.12 and 7.65 per cent of the total energy used in crop production in per hectare of groww cropped area. The energy output-input and benefit-cost ratio of the study area were 10.84 and 1.64 respectively. From the study it was found that there is vast scope to boost the production, productivity and profitability of crop production in study area by providing all the necessary infrastructures in due space and time in adequate amount and proper quality.

3 tables, 6 ref

014319   Sai elangovan S;Gauns M (Biological Oceanography Div, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa-403 004, Email: gmangesh@nio.org) : New species of ciliates (Genus: Strombidium sp.) from hypoxic waters of the Bay of Bengal, northern Indian ocean. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(4), 686-91.

The study describes a new species of Strombidium (oligotrich ciliates) found in the cold sub-surface (125m below surface) oxic-hypoxic boundary of the Bay of Bengal. We name it as Strombidium mansai and describe its morphology.

3 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

014318   Sahu V K;Nair S K;Vishwakarma A K;Verulkar S B;Chandel G (Plant Molevular Biology and Biotechnoplogy Dep, COA, IGKV, Raipur-492 012, Email: ghchandel@gmail.com) : QTL hotspots detected for yield contrubuting traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.) using composite interval mapping analysis. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(1), 329-41.

QTL hotspots are the genomic regions influencing several traits by harboring important regulators. Therefore in the present study F5 mapping population was used to map the novel genomic regions and genomic hotspots by composite interval mapping. In all 130 QTLs were identified for grain yield and its attributing traits. Out of 130 QTLs, 36 QTLs were major effects QTLs and 8 QTLs were found stable over the locations. We identified strong major effects QTL for flag leaf length (qFLL3.1) with 46% phenotypic variance. In this study 6 known QTLs (qph3.1, qnt3.1, qnt3.2, qTGW3-4, qTGW4-1, qPPP4-2) were also validated and co-localized in chromosome 3 and 4 along with currently identified QTLs genomic regions. These genomic regions consist, hotspots of 15 major and 23 minor effects QTLs, which encompasses <62>3000 genes. Selection for advantageous allele underlying major robust QTLs will be useful to break genetic barriers of yield to sustained food security.

3 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

014317   Saha M;Rana R S;Adhikary B;Mitra S (All Indian Network Project on Jute and allied fibres, ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Barrackpore, Kolkata-700 120, Email: mitrasaby@gmail.com) : Screening of bacterial strains for pectate lyase production and detection of optimal growth conditions for enhanced enzyme activity. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 370-4.

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.

7 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

014316   Sadeghi-Shoae M;Taleghani D F;Habibi D (Sugar Beet Seed Institute (SBSI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran, Email: sadeghishoae@sbsi.ir) : Some reactions of physiological and morphological characteristics to foliar application of paclobutrazol in autumn sugar beet (Beta vulgaris). Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(1), 225-231.

Water is the most important limitation factor in Iran agriculture. Replacing autumn beet to spring beet is one solution to save water resources. Bolting control is essential to improve autumn beet in region with moderate winter. This experiment was designed to determine genotypes and different levels of paclobutrazol on bolting of autumn sugar beet in Moghan- Iran. Thus, a split plot test under randomized complete block design with two factor was performed in which the first factor was paclobutrazol with three levels (control, 150 and 300 ppm) and second factor was six genotypes (Eudora, Giada, Jawaher, Levante, Vico and (FC607*474)*Pool-PC.F2-HSF60-P.3). Some traits Contains giberelic acid, percentage of bolting, height of bolted stem, percent of flowering, white sugar yield and root dry matter percentage were analyzed. The overall results showed that was significant differences in genotypes and different levels of paclobutrazol for giberelic acid, percentage of bolting, height of bolted stem, white sugar yield and root dry matter percentage. The least amount of gibberellic acid and percentage of bolting content between on levels of 150 and 300 ppm paclobutrazol, in order for gibberellic acid, with 65.71 and 64.57 nano moles per gram of fresh tissue and for percentage of bolting with 16.97 and 16.86% respectively. The highest white sugar yield was obtained in levels of 150 and 300 ppm of paclobutrazol, respectively with 8.15 and 8.37 tons per hectare. The interaction effects between genotypes and paclobutrazol in traits of giberelic acid and percentage of bolting were significant. The least percentage of bolting obtained in variety Eudora and 300 ppm paclobutrazol consumption about 2 percent.

2 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

014315   Sabesan T;Saravanan K;Satheeshkumar P (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, , Annamalai University, Email: sabavani@gmail.com) : Heterosis, inbreeding depression and residual heterosis for fruit yield and its components in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 669-74.

Experiment was conducted to study the presence of heterosis, inbreeding depression and the extent of residual heterosis in three cross combinations of okra namely, Akra Anamika x Parbhani Kranti, Akra Anamika x MDU 1 and Parbhani Kranti x MDU 1 involving five generations viz., P₁, P₂, F₁ and F₂ and F₃. The extent of relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis was eseimated for assessing the hybrid value for nine quantitative characters viz., - 346 - days to first flower, plant height, inter node length, number of nodes per plant, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight and fruit yield per plant. The cross Akra Anamika x Parbhani Kranti showed favorable significant relative heterosis and standard heterosis for days to first flower, plant height, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit weight and fruit yield per plant. The same cross also recorded high residual heterosis for days to first flower, plant height, fruit weight and fruit yield per plant along with low inbreeding depression for these traits. Presence of hybrid vigour for fruit yield per plant in F₂ and F₃ generations may be attributed to additive and additive x additive gene interaction and such cross was expected to give superior segregants, which may be handled through pedigree breeding method. Inbreeding depression was high in good performing hybrids. High yielding F₁ hybrids performed poor in the subsequent generation due to inbreeding depression, while moderate performance of F₁ and F₂ hybrids could be a good indicator to identify the most promising populations to be utilized either as F₂ hybrids or as a resource population for further selection in advanced generations.

2 tables, 30 ref

014314   Ruth C;Naik M T (Plant Pathology Dep, Dr. YSR Horticultural University, Horticultural College and Research I, Anantharajupeta, YSR District, Andhra Pradesh) : Evaluation of prochloraz 26.7%+ teburconazole 13.3% EW against fruit rot, dieback and powdery mildew on chilli. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 869-77.

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important cash crop among the spices and belong to family Solanaceae of dicots. Field trials were conducted to determine the evaluation of Prochloraz 26.7%+ Tebuconazole 13.3% EW anainst fruit rot, die back and powdery mildew diseases of chilli. Experimental findings indicate that foliar sprays with Prochloraz 26.7%+ Tebuconazole 13.3 EW was found most effective treatment against fruit rot, die back and powdery mildew which exhibited lowest disease severity and maximum yield as compared to other fungicides viz. Tebuconazole 25.9%EC, Azoxystrobin 23%SC, Myclobutanil 10%WP. So, it is evident from the present investigation that foliar spray with Prochloraz 26.7%+ Tebuconazole 13.3%EW was found effective against fruit rot, die back and powdery mildew diseases of chilli @ 100 ml/ha and recorded excellent yield with higher cost - benefit ratio among all the treatments.

9 tables 21 ref

014313   Roy K;Rathod A;Devi M S (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741 252, Email: roy_ento@rediffmail.com) : Bio-efficacy of bifenthrin 8 SC against shoot and fruit borer and red spider mite of okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) MOench. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 344-50.

A field study was conducted to evaluate the relative bio-efficacy of bifenthrin 8 SC @60g, 80g, 100g,120g, 140g a.i./ha against shoot and fruit borer and red spider mite of okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench cv. OH -152 at the Central Research Farm of BCKV, Nadia, West Bengal, for two consecutive seasons. Cypermethrin10 EC @70g a.i./ha and dicofol 18.5 EC @500g a.i./ha were used as standard treated check in the experiment. Population of beneficial insects like spider, predatory mites and Braconid parasitoid were also recorded during the time of observation on pests' infestation. Among treatments, bifenthrin 8 SC @ 100 to 140g a.i./ha was found significantly(p=0.05) superior over treated check cypermethrin 10 EC @ 70g a.i./ha and dicofol 18.5 EC @ 500g a.i./ha tobring down Earias vittella and red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) population, respectively, on okra. Bifenthrin 8SC @ 140g a.i./ha recorded maximum fruit yield (82.3 q/ha during kharif 2012 and 53.1q/ha during rabi 2012-13) ofokra. Also, foliar application of bifenthrin 8 SC did not reveal any significant (p=0.05) adverse effect on population of spider, predatory mite and Braconid parasitoid in okra crop ecosystem. These findings will facilitate the selection of bifenthrin 8 SC as an effective acaro-insecticides for effective control of shoot and fruit borer and red spider mite of okra.

10 tables, 9 ref

014312   Rolaniya M K;Khandelwal S K;Choudhary A;Jat P K (Horticulture Dep, S.K.N. Agriculture Univ, Jobner, Jaipur-303 329, Email: manojetawa91@gmail.com) : Response of african marigold to NPK, biofertilizers and spacings. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 593-7.

A field experiment on African marigold (Tagets erecta L.) was conducted during winter season of 2014-15 to study the effect of NPK, biofertilizers and plant spacings on growth and yield of African marigold (Tagetes erecta Linn). The treatment combinations F6 100% RDF of NPK + Azotobacter + PSB recorded the maximum longevity of intact flower (27.93), average diameter of flower (7.37 cm), average weight of flower (8.96 g) number of flowers per plant (56.54), yield of flowers per plant (515.62 g), per plot (11.93 kg) and highest flower yield ha (184.13 q). The spacing D3 (60x 60 cm) registered significant (5%) maximum longevity of intact flower, larger size flower (7.80 cm), average weight of flower (9.14 g) and highest flower yield per plant (456.22 g). Highest flower yield per plot (10.19 kg), number of flower per plant (52.22) and per hectare flower yield (157.29 q/ha) with 60x 45 cm. These results are conclusive that application of 100% RDF of NPK + Azotobacter+ PSB and plant spacing (60x 45 cm) may positively increase the growth and flowers yield parameters of marigold.

2 tables, 22 ref

014311   Robin Kumar;Singh S P;Vivak Kumar;Mishra A; Rajiv Kumar;Pardeep Kumar;Dwivedi A (NO, Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research (ICAR), Meerut-250 110, Email: ashishdwivedi842@gmail.com) : Monitoring of soil properties and crop performance under different micro irrigation systems and tillage methods in direct seeded rice. Green Fmg 2016, 7(5), 1143-7.

A thrice replicated field trail was carried out during kharif season of 2010 on sandy loam soil under (IRRI-SVPUA&T Meerut, Uttar Pradesh) collaborative research project to evaluate soil properties under different micro irrigation systems and tillage methods under direct seeded rice in a split plot design by using F test. Above study had showed that different micro irrigation system save almost half amount of water as compare to traditional flood irrigation system. The sprinkler irrigation system performance better in the line of producing 7.0, 4.0 and 3.8% more yield over flood irrigation, Drip & Chaplin respectively, besides achieving more plant height and yield attributes. Moreover flood irrigation under interaction of both zero as well as reduce tillage improved water intake. While the effect of different irrigation systems and tillage practices on soil properties (pH, EC, P, K &TC) was found non-significant. But it was not clear from data which irrigation system with tillage practice is best because most of interaction effect comes non-significant. Micro irrigation system could be batter option for rice growing particularly in those areas where ground water declivity was rapidly. For study of micro irrigation system and tillage options on soil properties may be require long term experiments.

8 tables, 10 ref

014310   Rimpika;Sharma N;Sharma D P (Fruit Science Dep, Dr. Y.S. Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: rimpikathakur@yahoo.in) : Effect of chemical thining, gibberellic acid and pruning on growth and production of nectarine (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch var. nucipersica) cv. May fire. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 332-7.

The investigation was carried out on 12-year old trees of nectarine (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch var. nucipersica) cultivar May Fire raised on wild peach seedling rootstocks, Farmer's orchard at Kotla- Barog in District Sirmour during the years 2014 and 2015. In this experiment, experimental trees were subjected to seventeen different treatments; T₁: Pruning to retain 60 fruiting shoots tree-1 (control), T₂: Pruning to retain 50 fruiting shoots tree-1, T₃: Pruning to retain 40 fruiting shoots tree^-1, T₄: NAA 40 ppm, 2 WAPF (week after petal fall), T₅: Ethrel 300 ppm, 2 WAPF, T₆: GA₃ 100 ppm, 4 WAPF, T₇: GA₃ 200 ppm, 4WAPF, T₈: GA₃ 100 ppm, 6 WAPF T₉: GA₃ 200 ppm, 6 WAPF, T₁₀: Pruning to retain 50 fruiting shoots tree^-1 + NAA 40 ppm (T₄), T₁₁: Pruning to retain 50 fruiting shoots tree^-1 + Ethrel 300ppm (T₅), T₁₂: Pruning to retain 50 fruiting shoots tree^-1 + GA₃100 ppm (T₆), T₁₃: Pruning to retain 50 fruiting shoots tree^-1 + GA₃ 100 ppm (T₈), T₁₄: Pruning to retain 40 fruiting shoots tree^-1 + NAA 40 ppm (T₄), T₁₅: Pruning to retain 40 fruiting shoots tree -1 +Ethrel 300 ppm (T₅),T₁₆: Pruning to retain 40 fruiting shoots tree -1 + GA₃ 100 ppm (T₆), T₁₇: Pruning to retain 40 fruiting shoots tree -1 + GA₃ 100 ppm (T₈), pertaining to alternative approach to chemical thinning, chemical thinner were more effective in improving the production of superior grade fruits than reducing the crop load directly by pruning or indirectly by GA 3 (Gibberellic Acid) treatments. Treatments with NAA (naphthalene acetic acid) at 40 ppm when applied two weeks after petal fall reduced the crop load to the greatest extent and improve the yield of superior grade fruits and increase the leaf to fruit ratio and decrease the fruit drop. Pruning to retain 40 fruiting shoots tree^-1 + NAA 40 ppm, 2WAPF increased the shoot growth (160.80, 170.20cm), tree height (3.70,4.50 cm), tree spread (2.84,3.60), leaf area (42.71, 40.63 cm) during both the year. However, effect of chemical were less pronounced on trees subjected to severe pruning.

4 tables, 11 ref

014309   Rimpika;Sharma N;Sharma D P (Fruit Science Dep, Dr. Y.S. Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: nsharma.sol@gmail.com) : Growth and production response to chemical fruit thinning in nectarine cv. May fire at two different locations. Green Fmg 2016, 7(5), 1248-51.

An experiment on bearing trees of nectarine cultivar May Fire raised on wild peach seedling rootstocks was undertaken at the experimental orchard of Horticulture Research Station, Kandaghat, District Solan and Farmer's orchard at Kotla-Barog in District Sirmour during the years 2014 and 2015, to - 343 - investigate the influence of locations on the efficacy of different fruit thinning chemicals. Experimental trees were subjected to nine different treatments viz., NAA at 40 ppm and 60 ppm; Ethrel at 200 and 300 ppm applied one and two week after petal fall and control with three replications in Randomized Block Design. The thinning percentage, shoot growth, tree height and spread, leaf area, leaf to fruit ratio, photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content and yield of "A" and "B" grade fruit were higher and fruit drop lower in trees treated with NAA 40 ppm, two week after petal fall at both the location and in both the year, Howerver, this treatment was more effective at Kandaghat, in respect of all these parameters. The induction of fruit abscission was higher during 2014 compared to 2015. In the study, vegetative growth, leaf area, leaf to fruit ratio, photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content were noted significantly lower and production of "C" grade fruit higher in control.

6 tables, 11 ref

014308   Renuka D M;Sadashiva A T (Horticulture Dep, , COH Bagalkot, Email: renukamuttappanavar@gmail.com) : Heterosis for growth, yield and quality traits in cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. Cerasiforme). Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 654-8.

Seven diverse genotypes of cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) were crossed in a half diallel fashion during kharif 2011. The resulting twenty-one hybrids along with 7 patients were tested during rabi 2012 for their mean performance and heterosis. The study revealed that on the basis of mean performance the parents IIHR-2754, IIHR-2864 and IIHR-2863 were superior for all characters of total inflorescences (48), number of fruits per kg (96.67), number of fruits per plant (498.67), acidity (0.459 mg/100g) average fruit weight (31.05 g), yield per plot (53.33 kg), ascorbic acid (38.67 mg/100g), total carotenoids (15.024 mg/100g) and Lycopene (6.97 mg/100g). However, the conclusion of result is crosses IIHR-2754 x IIHR-2866 and IIHR-2754 x IIHR-2860 were the best heterotic hybrids with respect to yield and yield related characters.

2 tables, 10 ref

014307   Rejula K;Lijo T;Rajeev P (Agricultural extension, ATARI- VIII, HA farm Post: Hebbel, Bangalore) : Production system and technology adoption profile of black pepper cultivation in Kerala. J Agric Ext Mgmt 2016, 17(2), 35-42.

Within India, Kerala is the spice garden. However, the pepper cultivation system in Kerala is now handicapped by a number of problems. The yield of this crop has declined mainly due to senile plantations and minimum input use, on account of declining market price and declining profit margin. The present study was undertaken covering three districts of Kerala through a sample survey to study the features of the production system and track major shifts, study the technology adoption profile of the farmers and identify major constraints as perceived by the farmers. Around 38 per cent of the farmers adopted organic production system and technology adoption profile showed a less input intensive approach. Even though 60 per cent of farmers practiced rain fed cultivation, 15 per cent fully irrigated and 25 per cent adopted irrigation partially. Majority of the farmers were holding land between 80 cents to 4.5 acres. Around 40 per cent of the total vine population was in the pre-bearing stage. There is slow and gradual increase in adoption rate of improved varieties and majority of the farmers sourced new planting material from own fields, showing less dependence on public and private nurseries. The major field problems reported by the farmers are pre-bearing loss of the vines, and many biotic problems like pest and disease incidence and environmental problems like shifts in climate especially rainfall.

2 illus, 5 tables, 10 ref

014306   Reddy P S S;Satyaraj Kumar A;Mahender B (College of Horcitulcure, Dr. YSR Horticultural University, Anantharajupet, YSR-516 105, Email: rajkumargpbr08@gmail.com) : Evaluation of influence of rhizome size and plant spacing on growth and yield attributes of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) cv. maran in mango-ginger inter cropping system. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 575-9.

Investigation was carried out at the experimental farm, College of Horticulture, Anantharajupet (A.P.) during 2014-15 to Evaluate the effect of rhizome size and plant spacing of ginger (Zingiber officinale) cv. maran under intercropping system in mango. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design comprising of three seed rhizome sizes (R₁=2-, R₂=30 and R₃=40 g) and five plant spacings (S₁=25x15, S₂=25x25, S₃=30x20, S₄=40 cm x 20 cm) with three replications under the mango cropping system. Rhizome size and spacing showed significant differences on growth and yield parameters of ginger. Maximum plant height at harvest (97.93 cm), highest number of leaves per plant (137.47), Leaf length (23.71 cm), Leaf breadth (2.46 cm), Leaf area index (4.57), Rhizome length (17.63 cm), Rhizome breadth (17.16 cm), Yield^-1 plant (206.88 g) and Yield^-1ha. (25.69 t) were reported with 40 g rhizome size. The maximum yield 25.77 t/ha) was reported with 25x15 cm spacing and minimum yield (20.04 t/ha) was recorded with 40x20 cm spacing. The best treatment combination found in case of higher yield is rhizome - 342 - size of 40 g with 25x15 cm spacing.

4 tables, 6 ref

014305   Reddy I J;Mishra A;Mondal S;Suresh P A;David C G;Gorti R K;Awachat V B (NO, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Hosur Road, Adugodi, Bangalore) : Red LED lighting in poultry facilities improves egg production - a field study. J Agric Ext Mgmt 2016, 17(1), 21-8.

The objective of this study was to design a novel LED bulb and to establish the effects of different wavelengths of light on egg production in White Leghorn hens. From 28 to 72 weeks of age (woa), 20000 White Leghorn birds were divided into two groups consisting of 10,000 birds in each group (control=10000 and treated n=10000). The birds were housed in cages under a three-tier battery system with free access to ad libitum water. All White Leghorn birds were fed on the same layer ration as per the standard recommendations and were provided 16 h light and 8 h darkness. In the treated group the White Leghorn layers were exposed to red LED light (650nm) whereas in the control group, the birds were exposed to white incandescent light (450nm of wavelength). Daily egg production was recorded for both the groups at the same time for a period of 45 weeks. Feed intake in the treated group was low, but not significantly (P<60>0.05) affected by the treatment. The mean percentage of egg production was 88.20 in the treated group as against 85.82 in the control group. Egg production increased significantly increased significantly (P<60>0.05)in White Leghorn hens exposed to red LED lights relative to the birds exposed to incandescent light. The red LED is highly cost effective. The cost economics were calculated based on an anticipated gain in egg production by 0.5% at 85% egg production over 10000 White Leghorn birds from 28 woa to 72woa. By utilizing red LED light and taking advantage of the unique spectral requirements of poultry, farmers can reduce stress and mortality, regulate circadian rhythm, and substantially increase the production of eggs with increased revenue while reducing energy use and other input costs.

1 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

014304   Reddy G P D;Bahadur V;Reddy P S S;Keddy A M N;Reddy G C (Horticulture Dep, SHIATS, Allahabad-211 007, Email: reddyz.datta822@gmail.com) : Evaluation and characterization of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) genotypes for growth, yield and quality parameters. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 602-6.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] genotypes were evaluated and characterized for growth, yield and quality parameters. All the parameters showed significant differences among all the genotypes under study. Among the different growth parameters studied, the highest vine length was recorded by the genotype Sabarmati (444.40 cm); while the genotype 2012/COPBVAR-1 (24.27) recorded the highest number of primary branches per plant. The genotype 2012/COPBVAR-5 (300.80) recorded the highets number of leaves per plant. With regards to flowering behaviour, the genotype BG-12 showed the earliness with minimum days for first flowering (61.38 days) and lowest days to fifty per cent flowering is recorded in genotype 2012/COPBVAR-6 (70.85 days). Regarding the yield and yield attributes the genotype BG-12 showed earliness in first harvest. The highest number of pods per plant was recorded in genotype GREENFALL (158.00), whereas the maximum pickings were recorded in genotype LOBIYA VAR. BLACK (15.67). The highest pod yield per plant, yield per plot and yield per ha were recorded with KUR-MOHINI (1033.33 g, 10.33 kg and 38.27 tonnes) respectively. The genotype GREENFALL recorded the highest pod length (58.20 cm). The genotype YB 07(LOBIYA) recorded highest number of seeds per pod (21.33). The genotype 2012/COPBVAR-6 recorded highest pod weight (15.55 g). Regarding the chemical composition, The highest T.S.S content was observed in genotype LOBIYA VAR. BLACK (7.27°B) and The highest value for the ascorbic acid content was recorded in the genotype 2012/COPBVAR-6 (17.21 mg).

3 tables, 11 ref

014303   Reddy G C;Hebbar S S;Reddy G P D (Vegetable Crops Div, Indian Institute of Horticulture Research, Hessaraghatta, Bengalore-560 089, Email: hebbar@iihr.res.in) : Effect of plastic mulch and non mulch on growth, yield and quality of red chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) under drip fertigation. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 563-7.

Field study was carried out to determine the effect of different sources of fertilizes on growth, yield, and quality of red chilli during Kharif season 2015-16 at the Division of vegetable crops, IIHR-Hessaraghatta, Bengalore. The Experiment was laid out in Randomized complete Blok design with 3 replications and 9 treatments combinations involving fertigation and polythene mulching. The results revealed that significantly higher growth, yield and quality attributes viz., plant height, number of branches per plant (cm), leaf area and leaf area index, number of fruits per plant, length of the fruit (cm), girth of the fruit (cm), fruit weight (g) dry fruit yield per plant (g), dry fruit yield per hectare (t) were observed by the treatment T₁ viz., application of water soluble fertilizers 100 per cent RDF using urea, 19:19:19, KNO₃ through fertigation with mulching, followed by Normal fertilizers 100 per cent RDF using Urea, DAP, MOP through fertigation with mulching. Similarly, the same treatments were found to register significantly higher caroteniods content and pungency levels. From this investigation it is concluded that water soluble fertilizers as well as normal fertilizers fertigation with mulching ideal for maximum growth, yield and quality of the chilli crop.

2 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

014302   Ray M;Sahoo K C;Patro H;Biswasi S (NO, Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station [RRTTS] (OUAT), Koenjhar-758002, Odisha, Email: monikarayouat@gmail.com) : Drought management in upland rice. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 497-504.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most ancient crops being cultivated in 117 countries. It is the main item of the diet of 3.5 billion people, but the productivity of rice in India is low due to number of factors like soil moisture stress, delayed sowing, heavy weed infestation, poor native soil fertility status and poor spread of improved upland cultivars have been identified as important constraints in realization of enhanced productivity levels under rainfed upland situations. The major cause of unsuitability of upland rice is due to mismatch between the environment rhythm especially rainfall pattern and crop growth rhythm. Manupulation of sowing time may help the crop to avoid the coincidence of stress at critical period. Considerable genetic variations exist in upland rice varieties with respect to their morphological traits which enable them to escape, tolerate or resist and recover from moisture stress. Poor crop stand due to improper seed placement, insufficient soil moisture for germination and severe weed competition is the major bottleneck in upland rice production. Moisture stress at initial stage adversely affects the emergence of seedlings. Seed hardening or priming is a low cost technique to avert the soil moisture stress at initial stage. Split application of nitrogen helps the crop to sustain yield in weather abberations and tide over moisture stress.

82 ref

014301   Ravi Kumar M;Gabriel K;Sasidhar P V K (Scientist, Buffalo Research Station, Venkataramannagudem, Andhra Pradesh) : Training evaluation of field veterinarians: implications for scaling UP. J Agric Ext Mgmt 2016, 17(2), 71-80.

This paper presents the evaluation findings on effectiveness of gynecological training programmes organized for field veterinarians in Andhra Pradesh. The key evaluation questions were on training methodology, relevance of course content, knowledge and skill improvement, utility of the topics and overall effectiveness of the programmes. The findings indicated a high relevance of the contents with overall increase of 29.03 per cent knowledge and skill gain by the participants. The findings also suggested that field veterinarians' competencies have been improved using a combination of theoretical, practical and field exposure sessions in an organized way. It is recommended to standardize the curriculum and scale-up training programmes to all field veterinarians as open education resources to update their competencies.

2 tables, 13 ref

014300   Rao V Prasada;Venkateswarlu B;Yadav B Rao A S;Rao K L N;Rani P (Agronomy Dep, Agricultural College, Bapatla-522 101, Email: vanaprasadarao@gmail.com) : Effect of sub surface drip fertigation on water productivity, nitrogen use efficiency and economics of aerobic rice. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 855-8.

Field experiment was carried out for two consecutive years (2012-13 and 2013-14) on a sandy loam soil of Jain Hi-Tech Agri Institute, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India with an objective to study the response of aerobic rice to sub drip ferigation. In - 339 - aerobic rice, water productivity and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) enhanced with the increase in water input from 100% Epan to 175% Epan through drip irrigation during both the years of study and net return, gross returns and return per rupee investment were significantly the highest with irrigation schedule at 175% Epan compared to that of 100% Epan, water productivity and nitrogen use efficiency decreased with increasing N fertifation levels at same irrigation schedule. Net return, gross returns and return per rupee investment were significantly increased with the increase in N level from 90 to 180 kg N ha^-1 and maximum values were registered with 180 kg N ha^-1.

2 tables, 9 ref

014299   Rao V P;Singh S;Chaudhary R;Sharma M K;Sengar R S;Singh U M;Sharma V (Agriculture Biotechnology Dep, College of Agriculture, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Univ of Agriculture &, Meerut-250 110, Email: raovivekanand4@gmail.com) : Genetic variability in sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) genotypes through inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1404-9.

In the study, 14 sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) genotypes were used for genomic diversity analysis based on nineteen inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR). These nineteen sets of ISSR markers generated a total of 164 discernible and reproducible bands including 109 polymorphic and 55 monomorphic bands. The un-weighted pair group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA) analysis revealed three distinct clusters: I, II and III within the 14 genotypes. The polymorphic information content (PIC) value per locus ranged from 0.14 (UBC811) to 0.53 (ISSR1) locus with an average of 0.42 for all loci. The range of genetic distance or coefficient of similarity among sugarcane genotypes varied 0.14 - 0.78. The analysis of these similarities matrix revealed that greater simi-larity between CoS03234 and CoSe1424 (0.78), and lowest similarity between CoS03234 and Co0118 (0.14). The knowledge gained in this study would be useful to future breeding programs for increasing genetic diversity of sugar-cane varieties and cultivars to meet the increasing demand of sugarcane cultivation for sugar and bio energy uses.

4 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

014298   Rao P G;Reddy K M;Naresh P;Chalapathi V V; Indiresh K M (Vegetable Crops Div, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta-560 089, Email: gangadhararao.pulipati@gmail.com) : Combining ability and standard hterosis in bell pepper (Capsium annuum L.) for yield and yield attributing traits. Green Fmg 2016, 7(5), 1024-8.

The combing ability and standardard heterosis studies involving 11 lines and three testers were carried out for 12 characters in bell pepper. The variances due to SCA and GCA showed the non-additive gene action was predominant though the additive component was also significant. Among testers, Arka Mohini was good general combiner for no. of fruits/plant (1.77), yield/plant (kg) (0.58), average no. of locules/plant (0.26), average fruit weight (g) (24.98), pericarp thickness (mm) (0.45). Among lines, IIHR-3341 was good general combiner for yield/plant (1.05) and fruit weight (50.08). The cross Arka Gaurav X IIHR-4103 was shown highest sca for plant height (11.57), the cross Arka Mohini X IIHR-4034 was shown highest sca for no. of fruits/plant (2.50) and the cross Arka Mohini X IIHR-3341 was shown highest sca for both yield/plant (1.05) and fruit weight (51.0). The findings on standard heterosis revealed that the crosses Arka Mohini x IIHR-4103, Arka Mohini x IIHR-3341, Arka Mohini x IIHR-4107 and Arka Basant x IIHR-4096 were identified as the best heterotic cross combinations.

4 tables, 15 ref

014297   Rao K V R;Gangwar S;Bajpai A;Chourasiya L; Soni K (Precision Farming Development Centre, ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal-462038, Email: kvaramanarao1970@gmail.com) : Influence of growth, yield and quality of guava (Psidium guajava L.) by drip irrigation and fertigation. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 642-5.

A study was conducted during 2010-2015 at Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal, to find out effect of irrigation and fertigation scheduling on growth, yield and quality of guava (Psidium guajava ). The ex-periments were laid out in factorial randomized block design with six treatment combinations which include three irrigation level (100, 80 and 60%) along with two fertigation level (100 and 75% water soluble fertilizers) and replicated thrice. The nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers were applied through fertigation as well as soil application to test various attributes of five six old guava cv. L-49. The investigation indicated that the maximum plant height, Periphery of rootstock, yield per plant (kg/plant) and yield (t/ha) were higher under D1F1 (100% irrigation with 100% fertigation) followed by D2F1 (80% irrigation with 100% fertigation) and minimum under D3F2 (60% irrigation with 75% fertigation). Interaction effect was non-significant at 0.05% level due to plant height (3.90 m) and Periphery of rootstock (26.26 cm) but significantly influenced by yield per plant (27.65 kg/plant) and yield (7.65 t/ha). Physico-chemical properties like fruit diameter (6.76 cm), fruit weight (182.10 g) and pulp weight (134.38 g) were significantly at 0.05% due to different irrigation and fertigation level as well as interaction effects but fruit length (7.45 cm), TSS (13.22%) and ascorbic acid (54.32 mg/100 g pulp) were non-significant due to different level of irrigation and fertigation as well as interaction effect.

3 tables, 11 ref

014296   Ranjitha H P;Paramesh R;Shashidhar H E;Amruta N;Kiran S P (Seed Science and Technology Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, GKVK, Bengaluru-560 065, Email: ranjuranjitha91@gmail.com) : Effect of water regimes on seed quality parameters of rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown under aerobic and wetland conditions. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1546-50.

A field experiment was conducted to know the effect of water regimes on seed quality parameters of rice and the was conducted by using factorial randomized complete block design, with two genotypes (BI-33 and Jaya) and two planting methods (Aerobic and Wetland). The resultants seeds were taken to conduct laboratory experiments pertaining to seed quality attributes and the studies revealed that the BI-33 under aerobic condi-tion had shown a significantly higher seed quality with respect to germination (99%), mean seedling length (26.75cm), seedling dry weight (10.42 mg), SVI-I (2648) and SVI-II (1032), highest total dehydrogenase activity (0.53 OD @ 480nm), highest amylase activity (14.67%), highest total soluble protein content (7.15%) and re-corded less EC (70.95 μSm-1/ppm). The experimental results revealed that both the genotypes and method of planting contribute for seed quality of the genotypes which were grown under different water regimes. The geno-type grown under aerobic condition was better in seed quality parameters compared to wetland condition.

2 tables, 9 ref

014295   Rani S;Benbi D K;Rajasekaran A;Chauhan S K (NO, Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Panthaghati, Shimla-171 009, Email: a.rajsekaran@gmail.com) : Litterfall, decomposition and nutrient release patterns of different tree species in Tarn Taran district of Punjab, India. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1260-6.

The present investigation was attempted to assess the leaf litter production, decomposition rate and amount of major nutrient return in Populus deltoides, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Tectona grandis and Pyrus pyrifolia based agroforestry land use systems in Taran Taran district which falls in the north western agro-climatic zone of the Punjab state, India. The litter production in selected tree species was quantified using litter traps and decomposition pattern of leaf litter was investigated by litter bag technique. Litterfall in the selected tree species varied significantly (5% level of significance) during different months of the study period. Among the four species, P. deltoides exhibited highest leaf litter production (7.8 tons/ha) followed by T. grandis (1.83 tons/ha) and E. tereticornis (1.77 tons/ha) whereas, lowest leaf litter production was observed in P. pyrifolia (0.34 tons/ha). The present study also showed that temperature as compared to rainfall play a significant (5% level of significance) role in litter decomposition. In case of P. pyrifolia, P. deltoides and T. grandis decomposition take place 100 per cent, 98 per cent and 99 per cent re-spectively after 10 months whereas in E. tereticornis 87.7 per cent leaf decomposed after 10 months. The nutrients percentage through litter fall was maximum of nitrogen (2.27%) followed by potassium (1.90%) and phosphorous (0.32%). Maximum and minimum N input through leaf litter was in P. deltoides (2.27%) and P. pyrifolia (1.15%). The K input (%) was maximum in leaves of T. grandis (0.32) and minimum in E. tereticornis (0.21). The maximum input of P (%) through leaf litter was in P. deltoides (1.90) whereas, minimum value was observed in E. tereticornis (1.27). Tree based agroforestry land use systems improve soil nutrient status as compared to traditional wheat and paddy based land use systems under this region of Punjab. Therefore tree based land use systems need to be pro-moted over the traditional field crops for realizing better environmental benefits in this region.

3 illus, 3 tables, 32 ref

014294   Rani K U;Reddy T N;Shah S (Center for Women, Household Food and Nutritional Security, Urban Agriculture & Edible Gr, Hyderabad) : Urban agriculture: experiences of practitioners of rooftop gardening. J Agric Ext Mgmt 2016, 17(1), 1-11.

A study on urban agriculture was conducted in selected urban areas of Hyderabad City. Fifty respondents who were practicing rooftop gardening were selected for the study. Vegetables, fruits and flowers were the commonly grown plants found in these rooftop gardens. It was found that majority of the practitioners were growing these plants organically and they were able to meet their household requirements except during the summer season. However, poor access to technical advice, non availability of services and quality inputs at reasonable price, potential leakages, lack of training and follow-up etc. were the major hindrances found in sustaining the practice.

7 tables, 3 ref

014293   Rana R S;Vaijinath B A;Sanjay Kumar;Pathania R (Centre for Geo- Informatics Research and Training, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, Email: ranars66@rediffmail.com) : Forecasting phenology of mustard crop in North-Western Himalayas. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 230-6.

Field experiments were conducted during rabiseason of 2007-08 and 2008-09 to study the phenology, thermal indices and its subsequent effect on dry matter accumulation of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) varieties viz., RCC-4, Kranti and Varuna grown under varying environmental conditions of Himachal Pradesh. The early sown (10th October) crop varieties took maximum average growing degree days for flower initiation (492±1), 50% flower-ing (682±1), pod initiation (742±1), 90% pod formation (811±4) and maturity (1394±8) which decreased with subse-quent delay in sowing time and recorded lowest under late sown (9th November) crop. The accumulated helio-thermal units and photo-thermal units decreased from 9824 to 7467 °C day hour and 19074 to 15579 °C day hour, respectively. High heat-use efficiency was obtained under late sown condition on 30th October. The heat-use efficiency (HUE) was high at 90% pod formation stage as compared to other stages in all the varieties and sowing dates (except 9th November sowing). The early sown (10th October) crop had maximum calendar days and cumula-tive pan evaporation (158 days and 448.2 mm) followed by normal (20th and 30th October) (153 days and 434 mm) and late (9th November) (138 days and 403.1 mm) sown crop indicating higher water requirement under early sow-ing. The predictive regression models explained 83-85% variation in dry matter yield in three varieties of mustard. The agro climatic indices are important determinants for temperature, radiations and photoperiods behaviors of crop. The accurate predictions of crop phenology are useful inputs for crop simulation - 336 - modeling and crop management, and used for climate change assessment and simulated adaptations in present scenarios.

5 tables, 19 ref

014292   Ramteke V;Scahin A J (Fruit Science Dep, ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, N.A.U., Navasari-396 450, Email: ramtekeviks@gmail.com) : Salinity influence in tropical fruit crops. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 505-09.

Salinity remains one of men's oldest environment and horticultural problems and challenging to scientist for production and productivity in our country. Fruit crops are moderately to high susceptible to salt stress and their production adversely affected due to accumulation of salt. Salinity is caused by various factors such as mineral weathering, use of faulty irrigation water, poor rainfall, high evaporation rates, etc. but canal irrigation has been held more responsible Salinity affects plant growth and development in various ways through its impact on photosynthesis, water relations and nutrient absorption. The ability of plants to tolerate salts is determined by many biochemical pathways which enable acquisition of water, protect chloroplast functions and maintain ion homeostasis. The present review focuses on effect of salinity levels on growth, physiological, biochemical response and nutrient accumulation with mechanisms of salinity stress tolerance in tropical fruit crops.

^iia1 table, 28 ref

014291   Ramchander S;Pillai M A (Rice (CPBG) Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: rubulochander_009@yahoo.co.in) : Semi-dwarf narrow rolled leaf mutant in rice: photosynthetic efficiency and physiological response to gibberellic acid (GA₃). J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1312-16.

Leaf is the major component for fixation of carbondioxide to produce more photoassimilates and main-tains source sink relationship in plants. The present investigation was carried out to study the photosynthetic effi-ciency and physiological response of GA3 of semi-dwraf narrow rolled leaf mutant. Semi-dwarf narrow rolled leaf mutant exhibited reduced plant height, reduced leaf width, reduced panicle length and number of grains per panicle when compared to wild type. Photosynthetic efficiency study revealed that the mutant showed higher photosynthetic efficiency than wild type. Complementation test with GA3 clearly revealed that this mutant is sensitive to GA3 and revert to normal plant height. Scanning Electron Microscope study revealed that mutant had exhibited minimum number of inter-veins between veins, minimum distance between midrib and has slightly larger cell size. Hence, this loss of function mutant is very useful to map the regions associated with panicle length, number of grains - 335 - per panicle and other traits related to enhancement of yield. The result provides an important clue for further understanding the mechanism of rice leaf development and plant architecture.

2 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

014290   Ramakrishna K;Suneetha Devi K B;Vani K P; Sailaja V (Agronomy Dep, College of Agriculture, Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural Univ, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: ramagronomy@gmail.com) : Influence of organic nutrient management on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and soil nutrient status of groundnut. Green Fmg 2016, 7(5), 1160-4.

Field experiment was conducted during kharif season, 2014 at College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad to study the effect of four organic manures (phosphorus enriched vermicompost with rock phosphate 3 per cent, vermicompost prepared with mushroom spent substrate, vermicompost and FYM) at two levels of nitrogen (100 per cent RDN 30 kg ha^-1 and 75 per cent RDN 22.5 kg ha^-1) along with control (No NPK but gypsum @ 500 kg ha^-1 at flower initiation) and absolute control (no NPK and gypsum) on yield and nutrient uptake of organically grown table purpose groundnut. Phosphorus enriched vermi compost using rock phosphate 3% has more phosphorus content (2.15%) and vermi compost prepared from mushroom spent substrate has more potassium content (2.74%).The results showed that growth parameters, yield and yield attributes and nutrient uptake of (N, P, K, Ca and S) groundnut were higher with application of 100 per cent RDN through vermicompost enriched with rock phosphate 3 per cent and was at par with 100 per cent RDN through mushroom spent substrate based vermicompost. Bulk density, pH and EC of soil was not significantly influenced by the organic nutrient management. However availability of OC, N, P, K, Ca, S in the soil was significantly higher with application of 100 percent RDN through vermicompost enriched with rock phosphate and was at par with 100 per cent RDN through vermicompost prepared from mushroom spent substrate.

5 tables, 11 ref

014289   RamaDevi P;Prasadji J K;Srinivas T;Rani Y A; Rao G R (Horticultural Research Station, VRGudem, Dr.YSRHU, Email: ramadevipuvvada@yahoomail.com) : Tomato early blight progress and it's severity in relation to weather parameters in coastal Andhra Pradesh. J Agrometeorol 2017, 19(3), 280-2.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

014288   Ram B;Sharma K C;Devi N;Chandel V G S (Entomology Dep, College of Horticulture, Dr YS Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestr, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: brnegi.entomology@gmail.com) : Studies on intra-specific variations in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: yponomeutidae) under different geographical regions. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1629-33.

Studies on intraspecific variations in insect pests are an important tool for preparation of management strategy in different geographical regions. In this paper we tried to establish that these variations are also found in the diamondback moth (P. xylostella) populations under north Indian conditions with respect to reproductive biology. The pest populations were collected from five different geographical regions viz. Hisar (800feet), Kangra (2200feet), Solan (4200 feet), Theog (7500feet) and Kinnaur (9000feet) and then reared under laboratory conditions at 25±1°C on cauliflower. The life table analysis revealed that the female from the Kangra population laid maximum eggs (332.16 eggs/female) whereas the number of eggs laid by the female from the Hisar, Solan, Theog and Kinnaur population was 189.53, 207, 252 and 270 eggs/female, respectively. The doubling time (DT) was observed to be the lowest for Kangra (3.12 days) and maximum for the Hisar (4.59 days) population, whereas weekly multiplication rate was minimum for the Solan (2.252) and maximum for the kangra (4.73) population. The true generation time was the lowest for the Kangra (18.54 days) and highest for the Hisar (24.38 days) population. The true intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was found to be maximum (0.222 female progeny/female/day) for the Kangra whereas for the Kinnaur, Theog, Solan and Hisar population it was 0.203, 0.202, 0.182 and 0.151 female progeny/female/day thereby indicating that the Kangra population is more prolific as compared to the population from other geographical regions. The results are indicative of geographical variations among different populations of P. xylostella.

5 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

014287   Rakshit R;Patra A K;Purakayastha T J;Singh R D;Dhar S;Pathak H;Das A (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: rajiv.ssaciari@gmail.com) : Effect of super-optimal levels of fertilizers on soil enzymatic activities during growth stages of wheat crop on an inceptisol. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1398-1403.

A field experiment was conducted during 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 to investigate the effect of optimal (100% NPK) to super-optimal doses (200% NPK) of mineral fertilizers on soil enzymes such as dehydrogenase (DHA), acid phosphatase (Ac-PA), alkaline phosphatase (Alk-PA), fluorescien diacetate hydrolysis (FDA), urease and nitrate reductase (NRA) at - 333 - three physiological stages (CRI, anthesis and maturity) of wheat crop on an Incepti-sol. Dehydrogenase activity was reduced by 28-37% when fertilizer application was at super-optimal dose (200% NPK), whereas, urease and NRA responded positively in the range of 43-44% and 213-231% respectively. Alk-PA was 7.3-7.9% higher in treatments receiving 125% NPK as compared to control (100% NPK); whereas, Ac-PA de-clines in the plots receiving 175 and 200% of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) as compared to 150% NPK lev-els. Addition of 175% RDF increased the FDA to the tune of 46-53% as compared to 100% NPK. A significant (P=0.05) positive interaction between fertilizer treatments and physiological stages of wheat growth was observed on soil enzyme activities (except urease and NRA) being highest at the anthesis stage of wheat. Correlation matrix analysis showed that DHA was correlated with the studied enzyme activities except Ac-PA and FDA; whereas, strong correlation was observed between urease and NRA (r=0.981, P=0.01). This study provides theoretical and practical base for avoiding super optimal application of fertilisers which hinders the enzyme activities and vis-a-vis sustainable nutrient enrichment under rhizosphere.

8 tables, 28 ref

014286   Rajesh L;Rao A V D D;Bhaskar V V (NO, College of Horticulture, Venkataramannagudem, West Godavari District-534 101) : Quality of corms as influenced by corm weight at various levels of nutrition in gladiolus cv. American beauty. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 1011-8.

Effect of mother corm weight and NPK levels was found to be significant on quality of daughter corms and cormels in gladiolus cv. American Beauty. The number of corms per mother corm was at the highest when the mother corms with more than 35 g average weight were planted. The weight of corms per mother corm obtained by planting of mother corms with a weight range of 25 g to 35 g was maintained on par with the planting of heavier mother corms (above 35 g) by increaesing NPK level from 30N:20P:9K g m^-2 to 40N: 30P: 13.5K g m^-2. Similarly, the combination of 25 g to 35 g mother corm weight + application of 40N: 30P: 13.5K g m^-2 was on par with heavier mother corms (above 35 g) + 30N:20P:9K g m^-2.

2 illus, 5 tables, 19 ref

014285   Rajesh L;Rao A V D D (NO, College of Horticulture, Venkataramannaguden, West Godavari District-534 101) : Effect of corm weight at different NPK levels on growth and flowering in gladiolus. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 997-1004.

Effect of mother corm weight and NPK levels was found to be significant on growth and flowering in gladiolus cv. American Beauty. The earliest sprouting and maximum number of sprouts per mother corm was obtained from the corms weighing above 35 g and NPK level of 40N : 13P : 13.5K g m^-2. The values of plant height and leaf area per plant were at highest with these treatment combinations only. Similarly, the high grade corms and the highest NPK level in the present study was earliest to initiate flowering, possessed prolonged duration of flowering and recorded maximum number of spikes per mother corm and per ha.

3 illus, 5 tables, 10 ref

014284   Rajasingh R S;Lourduraj A C (Agronomy Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: stevesingh10@gmail.com) : Effect of integrated nutrient management on yield attributes and yield of maize and growth, yield of succeeding cowpea. Green Fmg 2016, 7(5), 1080-5.

A field experiment was conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University during 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 on a maize-cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) cropping system. Split plot design with three replications was adopted in maize and the main plot treatments comprised of three organic sources viz., FYM @ 12.5 t ha^-1, biochar @ 5 t ha^-1 and vermicompost @ 5 t ha^-1. The sub-plot treatments comprised of seven fertilizer levels with foliar spray treatments. Split-split plot design was adopted for the succeeding cowpea crop and two fertilizer levels were tried in cowpea viz. F₁- 100 per cent RDF (25:50:25 kg NPK ha^-1 ) and F₂ - No fertilizer in the sub-sub plot. The results of the study revealed that application of vermicompost @ 5 t ha^-1 significantly increased the yield attributes and yield of maize followed by FYM 12.5 t ha^-1. Among the fertilizer level with foliar spray treatments, application of 100 percent RDF with foliar spray of 2% poly feed spray significantly enhanced the yield attributes and grain yield. The interaction effect between organics and fertilizer levels with foliar spray on maize grain yield was significant. In both the years of study, vermicompost application along with soil application of 100% RDF with 2% poly feed as foliar spray recorded the highest grain yield of 9293 and 8830 kg ha^-1 and stover yield of 13403 and 12802 kg ha^-1, during 2011-12 and 2012-13, respectively. From the result of the study, application of vermicompost @ 5 t ha^-1 along with 100 percent RDF(150:75:75 kg NPK ha^-1) with foliar spray of 2% poly feed on 30th and 45th DAS may be recommended for increasing hybrid maize yield. In cowpea, the results showed application of either FYM or vermicompost to maize had significant residual effect on the succeeding cowpea crop and significantly influenced yield of succeeding cowpea in both the years of study. Among the residual - 332 - effect of different fertilizer levels along with foliar spray in maize, irrespective of foliar spray tried, application of 100 per cent RDF to maize significantly increased yield of succeeding cowpea compared to 75 per cent RDF to maize. Between the two fertilizer levels tried in cowpea the grain and haulm yield of cowpea were significantly higher due to application of recommended dose of fertilizer compared to no fertilizer application. Thus, application of FYM 12.5 t ha^-1 or vermicompost 5 t ha^-1 with RDF to maize (150:75:75 kg NPK ha^-1) and application of RDF (25:50:25 kg NPK ha^-1) to succeeding cowpea crop can be recommended for enhancing the grain and haulm yield in the succeeding cowpea crop.

4 tables, 17 ref

014283   Raj Kumar;Bhatia A K;Singh D (Vegetable Science Dep, College of Agriculture, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: rajdharival@gmail.com) : Efficency of different herbicides alone and their combination with optimum time of application to control weeds in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Haryana. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(1), 453-60.

The experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2013-14 to study the efficacy of different herbicides alone and their combination to control weeds in potato crop. Among the different herbicides studied pre-emergence application of atrazine @250 g/ha alone have been found more efficient in controlling both monocot and dicot weeds with higher weed control efficiency (99.1%) as compared to atrazine @125 g/ha with metribuzin@175 g/ha as pre-emergence and with paraquat@35 g/ha as post-emergence. The maximum potato yield, nutrient uptake by potato crop and minimum nutrient uptake by weeds was recorded in weed free (425.8q/ha) while pre-emergence application of atrazine @250 g/ha gave higher significant results followed by pendimethalin@1000g/ha as pre-emergence. However, maximum nutrient uptake by weeds was recorded with weedy check. The highest benefit: cost ratio was noticed in atrazine @250 g/ha pre-emergence (2.72) compared to other herbicides and conventional weed management practices.

5 tables, 15 ref

014282   Rahul Kumar;Singh R N;Tiwari A;Choudhary T; Chandrakar D K (Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry Dep, College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur-492 006, Email: rahulsoilgkv@gmail.com) : Influence of crop residues under rice planting & nutrient management on physical and physiological properties of vertisol under chickpea. Green Fmg 2016, 7(5), 1138-42.

Field experiment was conducted during rabi season 2014-2015 at Research farm of IGKV, Raipur Chhattisgarh to study the Influence of crop residues under rice planting & nutrient management on physical and physiological properties of Vertisol under chickpea. The experiment consisted of twelve treatments, each replicated three times in split plot design. The three rice establishment methods viz., transplanting and direct seeded rice and four nutrient management practices viz., Rainfed- Farmer practice, Rainfed -Improved practice, Farmer practice with life saving irrigation and improved practice with life saving irrigation. The effect of rice establishment on chickpea grain yield (1890 kg/ha) was found higher in transplanted rice under rice-chickpea. Among nutrient management practices viz improved practice with life saving irrigation was found significantly higher yield (1997 kg/ha). The different stage of cracks volume found significantly increased under puddled transplanting rice under rice-chickpea. Soil strength found significantly higher in unpuddled transplanting rice under rice-chickpea at different depth due to increases compaction of soil. The two stages of microbial dynamics, initial and growth stage (flowering) of chickpea like Dizotrophs, (3.39 CFU/gm of soil) Rhizobium, (7.79 CFU/gm of soil) Phosphorus solublizing bacteria (5.23 CFU/gm of soil), and Dehydrogenage activity (74.52 μgTPF/soil/day) significantly increased both grain yield and soil health under transplanted rice field.

4 tables, 23 ref

014281   Raghuraja J;Madhumathi M (Subject Matter Specialist (Agri. Extension), ICAR-KVK, Davangere) : Awareness of paddy growers regarding neem coated urea in Davangere district. J Agric Ext Mgmt 2016, 17(1), 47-52.

The study was conducted in Davangere district of Karnataka state using Expost-facto research design. One hundred paddy growers from 10 villages representing two taluks of the district constituted the sample for the study. The data were collected through personal interview method using structured interview schedule. The findings reveal that 57.00 per cent of paddy growers had heard about Neem Coated Urea (NCU), while 72.00 per cent of them were not aware of its benefits. Majority (69.00%) of the paddy growers did not use NCU in crop production and 88.00 per cent were not aware that less quantity of NCU is required for better crop production than usage of plain urea. Only 19.00 per cent of the growers felt that plain urea should be completely replaced by NCU. The results imply that extension personnel should play a larger role in creating awareness about NCU among the farming community. Higher the usage of NCU by the farmers, greater will be the savings for the national exchequer ensuring a win-win situation for both farmers and Government.

4 tables, 2 ref

014280   Rafiq S M;Sunil Kumar B;Prasada Rao U (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar-608 002, Email: smrafiq123@gmail.com) : Combining ability studies using diverse cytoplasm for grain yield and its components in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 588-93.

Investigation was carried out to study the combining ability of different (A₁ A₄and A₅) cytoplasms of alloplasmic isonuclear lines of pearl millet. The results revealed that the lines with A₄ cytoplasm are significantly better general combiner for grain yield per plant, panicle weight, 1000 grain weight and productive tillers per plant than the lines with A₁ and A₅ cytoplasm. Among male parents NB 527 was the best general combiner followed by NB 799, NB612 for grain yield per plant. A₄ cytoplasmic hybrids are more heterotic than A₁ and A₅ cytoplasm. The A₄ cytoplasm hybrids ICMA0566xNB647, ICMA0566xNB812 and ICMA0566xNB827 best specific combiner for grain yield per plant followed by CMA07999xNB652 and ICMA9944xNB526 belongs to A₅ cytoplasm respectively. They produced significant and desirable SCA effects for most of the traits studied, indicating potential for exploiting hybrid vigour using diverse cytoplasm lines - 330 - in breeding programme.

3 tables, 14 ref

014279   Puneet;Beernnavar B;Raghuraja J (PG student, Agricultural Extension Dep, UAHS, Shivamogga) : Motivational factors and constraints of dairy farmers trained by Krishi Vigyan Kendra. J Agric Ext Mgmt 2016, 17(2), 63-70.

The study was conducted in Shivamogga district of Karnataka state to analyse the motivational factors, constraints and to enlist suggestions of farmers trained on dairy management practices by KVK, Shivamogga. In all 120 trained farmers from 12 villages constituted the sample for the study. The findings revealed that the factors viz., to increase income from dairy by learning new practices (76.66%), to have contact with the extension agency (55.00%), to get self-employment by attending training programmes (44.16%) motivated the respondents to attend the training. The trained farmers expressed that constraints such as, financial problems (71.67%), shortage of green fodder during summer season (59.17%), low price for the milk (44.17%) and inadequate veterinary services (39.17%) are adversely effecting the dairy enterprise. Majority of KVK trained farmers sought more number of extension activities to be organized based on the needs of the farmers (75%), followed by, remunerative price for milk (72.50%).

4 tables, 3 ref

014278   Pujari K H;Maishe A V;Zagade V V;Shedge M S (NO, Post Graduate Institute of Post Harvest Management, Killa, Roha) : Effect of swell (CPPU) on fruit retention, fruit quality - 329 - and yield of "Alphonso" mango. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 649-53.

Present investigation was carried out during 2012-13 to 2013-14 season on "Alphonso" mango trees (Mangifera indica L.). To improve yield and fruit quality the trial was conducted at Dr. Balasahed Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Dist-Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India on effect of Swell (CPPU) on fruit retention, fruit quality and yield of "Alphonso" mango, in a three location university orchard at Konkan region, Swell (CPPU) was sprayed @(1,2,3 and 4 ppm) at peanut and marble stage and water as control. The obtained results significantly indicated the superiority of 3 and 4 ppm Swell (CPPU) foliar application at fruit set on the testes parameters. The effects of Swell (CPPU) on the fruit biochemical characteristics such as total soluble solids, titratable acids and sugar contents were not significant.

3 tables, 17 ref

014277   Priyanka G;Sujatha M;Senguttuvel P; Subramanyam D (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, College of Agriculture, Prof. Jayashankar Telgana State, Agricultural, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: priyankagade225@gmail.com) : Standard-parent heterosis for grain yield in rice (Oryza sativa L.) hybrids under aerobic conditions. Green Fmg 2016, 7(5), 1053-7.

Improving yield is the major component of any breeding programme. Enhancing yield heterosis under aerobic conditions is prime objective of the present study. A field experiment was conducted to study the magnitude of heterosis among twenty four cross combinations developed through line x tester mating design derived from three lines and eight aerobic rice testers. Highest heterotic effect for grain yield per plant was exhibited by hybrid APMS6A/HHZ12-SAL2-Y3-Y2-1 (30.94%) followed by APMS6A/HHZ12-Y4-DT1-Y3 (17%) and IR58025A/HHZ17-Y16-Y3-Y1 (13.46%). In comparison with aerobic standard check CR Dhan 201, hybrids showed relatively better yield heterosis. From present study observed that heterotic response for grain yield per plant was mainly due to high heterotic response observed for productive tillers per plant, panicle length, number grains per panicle, biomass and harvest index. It is clear that yield attributing characters plays a major role in yield maximization simultaneously, best performing parental lines such as APMS6A and IR 58025A could be the potential source of breeding material in development of aerobic hybrids for improvement under aerobic conditions.

4 tables, 20 ref