014026   Amanpreet Kaur;Johl P P;Sodhi H S (Microbiology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: preetamanpau@gmail.com) : Evaluation of casing variables for cultivation of Agaricus bisporus strain U3 in Punjab, India. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 305-10.

Casing is an important step during cultivation of button mushroom. It promotes a shift of vegetative mycelium to form pinheads leading to mature basidiocarps. Therefore, An experiment was planned at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana in which farm yard manure (FYM), biogas slurry (BS), burnt rice husk (BRH), spent compost (SC), coir pith (CP) and sandy soil (SS) were used in six combinations to evaluate their impact on yield of Agaricusbisporus strain U3. Casing mixtures were analyzed for the moisture, water holding capacity (WHC), bulk density, pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and mineral analysis. The moisture content of casing mixtures ranged between 33 to 56.3% with maximum in FYM+CP (1:1) and FYM+BS (1:1) which results in more water holding capacity with 160% and 100% for FYM+CP (1:1) and FYM+BS (1:1) respectively. The bulk density of different casing mixtures ranged between 33.3 to 83.3% and maximum for FYM+BS as well as the control FYM+SS (4:1). No significant variation in pH of casing mixture was observed while EC was significantly higher in FYM+BS (1:1) with 1.7 mmhos cm^-1. Microbial count of different casing mixtures was between 3.0-5.7 x 10⁵ which was statistically non-significant with respect to casing mixtures. A mixture of FYM+BRH (1:1) gave maximum yield of 15.1 kg with heavy fruit bodies. Number of fruiting bodies in casing mixture FYM+BRH (1:1) were 31.4, 26.4, 148.1,31.4 and 8.1 percent higher over FYM+CP (1:1), FYM+SC (1:1), FYM+BS (1:1), FYM and FYM+SS (4:1,control), respectively. The casing mixture FYM+BRH (1:1) with higher number of fruiting bodies with maximum fruiting bodies weight was the best alternate in mushroom growing industry.

4 tables, 23 ref

014025   Alkhatib M H;Nori D A;Al-Ghambi M A (Biochemistry Dep, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz Univ, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Email: mhalkhatib@kau.edu.sa) : Cardiotoxicity and hematoxicity of sorafenib-laoded nanoemulsion in ehrlich ascites carcinoma - bearing mice. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(1), 75-82.

Sorafenib (SOR), a chemotherapeutic agent, is a multikinase inhibitor that has a cardiotoxic and hematoxic effect which could limit its application in cancer therapy. In the current study, SOR was incorporated into a nanoemulsion (NE) containing flaxseed oil (SOR-NE) and its antitumor effect was examined in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing female Swiss Albino mice. Fifty mice were divided into five groups (n =10). Groups I and II served as untreated mice and untreated EAC-bearing mice, respectively, while groups III-V represented the EAC-mice administered orally with blank NE, SOR dissolved in Cremophor (SOR-Chremo) and SOR- NE, respectively. It has been found that SOR-NE group has lesser counts of white blood cells and decreased levels of cardiac enzymes and relatively normal heart tissue when compared to the SOR-Chremo group. Encapsulating SOR in NE has decreased its cytotoxicity on the heart and blood.

5 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

014024   Ali A;Singh B P (Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmi, Wadura Campus, Sopore-193 201, Email: anghort@gmail.com) : Effect of plant spacing and fertility level on leaf area variation at different phenological stages of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) grown in sodic soil. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 274-9.

Vegetative and reproductive growth in cape gooseberry (Physalisperuviana L.) proceed concomitantly during the greater part of the life cycle thereby foliar traits (e.g. leaf area) become important in photosynthetic action of the plant. In present study, the leaf area variation in cape gooseberry was studied at five phenological stages i.e. pre-flowering (30 DAT), start of flowering (60 DAT), early fruiting (120 DAT), peak fruiting (180 DAT) and late fruiting (240 DAT), grown at three spacings (60 x 75, 75 x 75 and 75 x 90 cm) and four NPK levels (control, 60:40:40, 80:60:60 and 100:80:80 kg ha^-1). Leaf area increased from per-flowering (73.51 cm²) to start of flowering (82.26 cm²) and thereafter, it was decreased gradually at later stages i.e. early fruiting (79.17 cm²), peak fruiting (73.15 cm²) and late fruiting (60.21 cm²). Spacing had no significant effect on leaf area at pre-flowering and start of the flowering, but at later stages, widest spacing (75 x 90 cm) exhibited significantly maximum leaf area at early fruiting (82.44 cm²), peak fruiting (78.22 cm²) and late and fruiting (65.31 cm²). Leaf area increased due to increased NPK levels with maximum values under 100:80:80 kg NPK ha^-1 at all the phenological stages: pre-flowering (78.99 cm²), start of flowering (90.97 cm²), early fruiting (88.47 cm²), peak fruiting (80.74 cm²) and late fruiting (67.22 cm²). Spacing x NPK Interactions was significant only at peak fruiting and late fruiting stages with maximum leaf area (75.22 and 71.02 cm², respectively) at 75 x 90 cm + NPK @ 100:80:80 kg ha^-1. These findings can be further helpful in leaf sclerophylly studies in cape - 212 - gooseberry.

1 illus, 4 tables, 40 ref

014023   Ahmed N;Singh J;Babita;Malik A;Chauhan H;Kour H;Gupta P (Post Harvest Technology Div, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Science and Technology, Udhywalla, Jammu-180 001, Email: ewsjammu@gmail.com) : Effect of osmo air drying method on nutritional quality of peach (Prunus persica (l) batsch.) cultivars during storage. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1214-18.

The present investigation was carried out with the objective to develop value added products and to as-sess the quality parameters of osmo air dried peach slices. The peach slices were dried by osmo air drying method. Dehydrated peach (Prunus persica (L) Batsch.) slices prepared were stored under ambient conditions in polythene packs and subjected to physico-chemical analysis at 45 days interval for a period of 135 days. The highest total sug-ars were observed in Flordasun 58.28% and reducing sugars (39.35%) in Shan-e-Punjab. The maximum acidity (1.84%) in Shan-e-Punjab, ash content (4.43%) in Early Grand were recorded. The maximum ascorbic acid content of 11.94 mg/100g was found in Shan-e-Punjab. During storage, an increasing trend was observed in total sugars (54.27-56.76%) and reducing sugars (38.08-39.38%), whereas, acidity (1.85-1.74), ascorbic acid (11.75- 9.81mg/100g), and ash content showed decreasing trend. It is thus concluded that Early Grand, Flordasun and Shan-e-Punjab, cultivars of peach can be suitably used for preparation of dehydrated peach product using osmo air drying methods.

4 tables, 27 ref

014022   Ahmad U;Begum U (Plant Protection Dep, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar-25120, Pakistan, Email: druzair94@gmail.com) : Weekly study on Bactrocera zonata S. and Bactrocera dorsalis H. (Diptera: Tephritidae) against methyl eugenol, raspberry essence and GF-120 in persimmon orchards from Kohat, Pakistan. Indian J agric Res 2017, 51(2), 176-9.

Study was conducted to find out the efficacy of the lures viz methyl eugenol, raspberry essence and GF-120 in baited fruit fly traps at persimmon orchards in Kohat district, KPK. Three treatments: T₁ (Methyl eugenol), T₂ (Raspberry essence) and T₃ (GF-120) with nine replications treatment^-1 were installed. Results revealed highest population density fro fruit flies in T₁ (382), following T₃ (197.2) while the least population density was revealed in T₂ (23.6). Population trend over time showed maximum population density for fruit flies at week 1, following week 2, week 4 week 3 and week 5. The number of fruit flies were observed with highest average number of Bactrocera zonata (700) in T₁ (week 1), whereas Bactrocera dorsalis (250) in T₁ (week 1), while the minimum average number of 08 in T₂ (week 5) and in T₂ (week 5) was recorded for B. zonata and B. dorsalis, respectively. Maximum average numbers of males were recorded 950 in T₁ (week 1), whereas the minimum average of males revealed 09 in T₂ (week 5). Average population density of fruit flies (gender) revealed 200.93 (male) while it revealed 0.0 for females.

4 tables, 19 ref

014021   Ahmad M S;Zargar M Y;Wani M A;Wani S A;Kausar S (Faculty of Agriculture, Basic Sciences and Humanities Div, NRM Div, , SKUAST-K, Wadura, Sopore, Baramulla, 193201, Email: malik.sajadahmad@yahoo.com) : Soil health indicators of rhizospheric soils of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) variety delicious in Himalayan Kashmir. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(1), 431-43.

Rhizospheric soils are rich sources of nutrients, enzymes, proteins, beneficial microbes responsible for sustainable growth of the plants. They supply principal elements to the plant and also promote microbial activity in the soil and improve its structure, aeration, and water holding capacity, which in turn improve the soil capabilities to respond to inputs. This discourse deals with the evaluation of thirty composite soil samples collected from different apple orchards of Baramulla district of Kashmir valley and analyzed for soil characteristics (organic carbon content, total available N, P, K, S; EC, pH, total viable bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes count) which in turn were used as chemical and microbial indicators of rhizospheric soil health of apple orchards in Himalayan Kashmir. It was observed that the soil characteristics were significantly correlated.

3 tables, 18 ref

014020   Ahmad L;Parvaze S;Parvaze S;Kanth R H (Agronomy Div, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Science and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar (J&K)-190 025, Email: drlatief_Skuastk@hotmail.com) : Reference evapotranspiration and crop water requirement of apple (Malus pumila) in Kashmir valley. J Agrometeorol 2017, 19(3), 262-4.

Reference evapotranspiration is a significant agrometeorological parameter used for estimation of crop water requirement and irrigation scheduling. The present study was undertaken to determine the reference evapotranspiration and crop water requirement for apple cultivation in the Kashmir valley. Reference evapotranspiration (ET₀) was determined for seven major apple producing districts of Kashmir valley, viz. Srinagar, Budgam, Kupwara, Pulwama, - 210 - Baramulla, Anantnag and Shopian. The average ET₀ for apples cultivation in Kashmir Valley was 912 mm. The mean water requirement (ET_c) was minimum during the initial stage being 69 mm and maximum during the mid-season stage being 668 mm. The mean water requirement during the late-season stage was 175 mm. The minimum annual ET_c was observed at Baramulla (846 mm) and the maximum annual ET_c at Srinagar (953 mm). Different stations showed variations in water requirement due to differences in altitude and local weather conditions.

1 illus, 2 table, 5 ref

014019   Ahangar M A;Bhat Z A;Sheikh F A;Dar Z A;Lone A A;Hooda K S;Reyaz M (Mountain Crop Research Station, Sagam, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir-191 121, Email: mashrafjs@gmail.com) : Pathogenic variability in Exserohilum turcicum and identification of resistant sources to turcicum leaf blight of maize (Zea mays L.). J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1523-9.

Turcicum leaf blight of maize incited by Exserohilum turcicum (Pass.) Leonard and Suggs is the major limiting factor of maize production in temperate agro-ecologies. Disease management through host plant resistance is the most effective strategy. In the present study among 26 maize genotypes which were initially screened for re-sistance against E. turcicum under field conditions, 8 genotypes viz., PS 39, CML 451, CML 470, CML 472, VL 1030, VL 1018140, VL1018527 and SMI178-1 were found resistant when screened against twelve isolates of E. turcicum under artificial epiphytotic conditions. Eight genotypes viz., PS45, CML165, CML459, VL1249, VL0536, SMC-5, SMC-3 and KDL 211 were found moderately resistant with disease grade ranged from 2.1-2.5. These maize genotypes possess resistance to turcicum leaf blight can be used successfully in developing high yielding early maturing varieties for high altitude temperate agro-ecologies. The fungus E. turcicum is highly variable in nature. Variability studies on pathogenicity were conducted on twelve isolates of E. turcicum on eleven putative differential maize lines. During the present study a wide pathogenic variation was observed among the twelve isolates of E. turcicum. Cluster analysis on the basis of similarity or dissimilarity in reaction types exhibited by the differential hosts, clustered the isolates into 6 pathogenic groups. The isolates belonged to higher altitudes (Kti 10, Kti11, Kti5) were found to be more aggressive as compared to the isolates of low altitude areas.

2 illus, 4 tables, 19 ref

014018   Agarwal P K;Ajay Kumar (NO, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University, Ranchi-834 008, Email: punitagriculture@gmail.com) : Socioeconomic study on pros and cons of SRI method of paddy cultivation in Ormanjhi block of Ranchi district, Jharkhand, India. Indian J agric Res 2017, 51(1), 74-7.

Rice is a staple food for more than half of the world's population. World rice production nearly doubled since the 1960s to the 1980s, mainly due to the green revolution. A major issue with the traditional system of paddy production, particularly green revolution technology is input intensive and favors cash rich farmers. Increasing prices of agricultural inputs prevent poor farmers from completely adopting modern production technologies. Water demand by rice farmers were also continue increasing under such circumstances, any strategy that could produce higher rice yields with less water and less expenditure is the need of the day. Under - 209 - such circumstances the system of rice intensification (SRI) method was suitable and followed by the farmers. System of rice intensification is a method for increasing the productivity of rice cultivation while at the same time reducing inputs, including seeds and fertilizers, and water requirements. The present study was conducted in Ormanjhi block of Ranchi district, to study the socio-economic profile of paddy growers, perception and constraints confronted by paddy growers under SRI method of skilled labour, nursery management, and drudgery in cono-weeder uses. The major perception regarding SRI method of paddy cultivation were low demand of water, higher yield, remuneration from government, low seed requirement, low costs of input uses.

5 tables, 7 ref

014017   Aditya J P;Bhartiya A (Crop Improvement Div, ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora-263 601, Email: jayprakashaditya@gmail.com) : Estimation of combining ability for yield and yield component traits in upland rice (Oryzae sativa L.) of Uttarakhand hills. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 406-14.

Combining ability for grain yield and its component characters in rainfed upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) were studied during Kharif 2014 using half diallel involving ten parents viz., VL Dhan 221, Vivek Dhan 154, VL 30240, VL 7620, VL 30560, VL 8116, VL 8549, VL 8724, VL 8732 and Sukradhan1. Both general combining ability (gca) and specific combining ability (sca) variances were found to be highly significant for the characters viz., plant height (gca=85.42; sca=23.12), days to 50% flowering (gca=101.61; sca=42.61), days to maturity (gca=90.37; sca=37.73), tillers per plant (gca=4.63; sca=1.38), panicle per plant (gca=2.36; sca=0.90),kernel length (gca=28.88; sca=23.61), kernel width (gca=1.64; sca=1.92),1000 grain weight (gca=3.60; sca=4.91), grain yield per plot (gca=8.57; sca=3.03), fertile grains per panicle (gca=690.67; sca=300.95) and grains per panicle (gca=1050.58; sca=437.75) indicating the importance of additive and non-additive gene actions in the expression of these traits. However, predominance of non-additive gene action was recorded for all the characters. Parents VL Dhan 221, VL 7620, VL 30560, Sukradhan 1 were good general combiners for grain yield and related characters. VL Dhan 221 and Vivek Dhan 154 were good general combiners for plant height and earliness. On the basis of specific combining ability effects, cross combinations Vivek Dhan 154 x VL 8549, VL 7620 x VL 30560, VL 8549 x VL 8732, VL 30560 x VL 8116 and VL 30240 x VL 8116 were the best specific combiner for grain yield per plot and other associated characters viz., plant height, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, kernel length and kernal width.

5 tables, 11 ref

014016   Adesh Kumar;Hunjan M S;Harleen Kaur;Rajwinder Kaur;Singh P P (Plant Pathology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: adeshpp@gmail.com) : Evaluation of management of bacterial stalk rot of maize (Dickeya zeae) using some chemicals and bio-agents. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1146-51.

A virulent strain (M-13) of Dickeya zeae causing bacterial stalk rot of maize, isolated from Hoshiarpur district of Punjab was tested against different antimicrobial agents. Five antibacterial chemicals viz., stable bleaching powder, streptocycline, cristocycline, blitox, kocide and one bioagent (Pseudomonas fluorescens) were evaluated against D. zeae under in vitro and in vivo condition. The chemicals were tested with different concentrations i.e. 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 and >1000 ppm and bioagent supernatant used as such without any dilutions. All the test chemicals and bioagent (P. fluorescens strains) reduced the log cfu/ml of D. zeae. Amongst chemicals, stable bleaching powder with 100 ppm concentration showed most effective antibacterial activity which reduced the popu-lation of D. zeae with 6.35 log cfu/ml and - 208 - amongst P. fluorescence strains, MPF-5 strain showed effective result with 8.07 log cfu/ml. In field condition bleaching powder also showed good result to reduce the disease severity with in-creased the crop yield when used as both methods (drenching and dusting). However, post inoculation drenching with 100ppm concentration showed minimum mean of disease severity (7.13%) with high yield (7.4 kg) in all three maize cultivars (Dekalb Double, Punjab Sweet Corn-1 and PMH-1). The increase yield per cent as compared to control was 52.4% in Dekalb Double, 64% in Punjab Sweet Corn-1 and 57.9% in PMH-1 maize cultivars.

2 illus, 4 tables, 23 ref

014015   Adesh Kumar;Chahal T S;Hunjan M S;Harminder Kaur;Rawal R (Punjab Agricultural Univ, Fruit Research Station, Jallowal- Lesirwal, Jalandhar-144 303, Email: adeshfrs@gmail.com) : Studies of alternaria black spot disease of pomegranata caused by Alternaria alternata in Punjab. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 156-61.

Alternaria black spot of pomegranate caused by Alternaria alternata pose significant economic losses in India as it reduce the crop yield. Farm survey was undertaken at Punjab Agricultural University, Pomegranate Research Block, Fruit Research Station, Jallowal- Lesriwal Jalandhar during 2015. Among all the five cultivars highest disease incidence (70%) and severity (30%) was registered in cultivar Bhagwa. Twenty two isolates of A. alternata were recovered from infected fruits and clustered using UPGMA (unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averages) on the basis of disease score produced in five cultivars (Ganesh, Ruby, Bhagwa, Jyoti and Mridula). It was revealed that five isolates namely AL14, AL15, AL20, AL21 and AL22 were highly virulent on almost all the pomegranate cultivars. Two cultivars viz. Bhagwa and Mridula were found to be most susceptible as 45.45% isolates were found to be highly virulent on them.Thein vitro antifungal effects of the six fungicides on mycelial growth were investigated. Based on the inhibition of mycelial growth, all the fungicides showed most toxic reaction with 50% effective concentrations (EC₅₀) of <60> 1 ppm. However, they varied in EC90 values. 10 ppm cocentration of Tilt (azole group) showed 90% effective concentration (EC₉₀). Folicur also showed approximately same results as Tilt while EC₉₀ value of Natio and SAAF was <60>25 ppm and <62> 20 ppm. However, two fungicides namely Dithane Z-78 and Bavistin showed less toxicity against Alternaria alternata as compared to other with EC₉₀ value at concentrations <60>50 ppm and <62> 25 ppm. Azole group fungicides (Tilt and Folicur) were found most effective to inhibit the pathogen growth.

5 illus, 6 tables, 22 ref

013383   Vir O;Singh A K (National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Regional Research Station, Jodhpur-342 003, Email: omvir2007@rediffmail.com) : Analysis of morphological characters inter-relationships in the germplasm of mungbean [Vigna radiate (L.) Wilezek] in the hot arid climate. Legume Res 2016, 39(1), 14-19.

The 38 indigenous and exotic accessions of mungbean were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replicates during summer and kharif seasons of fragile climate of Rajasthan to estimate the presence of genetic variability, inter-characters associations, to identify a suitable short duration accession for cultivation during summer and to compare the relative performance of the genotypes in two seasons. The high degree of genetic variability was estimated during both seasons for seed yield per plant (g), 100-seed weight (g.), number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant, number of pods per cluster, number of branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, plant height (cm.), number of days to 50% flowering and number of days to maturity. The moderate to high heritabilities coupled with moderate to high expected genetic advance were observed for all studied traits. Number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant, number of pods per cluster, number of clusters per plant, days to 50% flowering and days to maturity had positive and significant correlations with seed yield per plant. The accession IC 39289-P4 had been identified to be of short duration of 50 days. The accessions PLG 62, EC 520035, IC 305291, IC 39383, IC 39333, IC 39403 during summer season and EC 511379, PLM-14, IC 324021, EC 511371, IC 370497 during kharif seasonexhibited superiority in terms of seed yield over best check.

3 tables, 16 ref

013382   Venkateswarlu V;Sridhar J;Baswaraj R; Jeevalatha A;Malik K;Bhatnagar A;Neelam Kumari;Sharma S;Nagesh M; Singh B P;Chakrabarti S K (NO, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla-171 001, Email: venkiiari@gmail.com) : Uniplex and duplex RT-PCR protocols for detection of PVY and PLRV in APHIDS from potato fields. Potato J 2016, 43(2), 146-52.

Myzus persicae is the principal vector of economically important potato viruses, especially Potato virus Y and Potato leaf roll virus. Uniplex and duplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays were standardized and validated to detect PVY and PLRV in field collected populations of M. persicae using primers specific to coat protein. Results revealed that an annealing temperature of 62°C was found optimum for amplification of both viruses. Uniplex assay developed in this study could detect PVY in M. persicae samples of Modipuram, Jalandhar, Solan, Patna and Shillong. Duplex assay could successfully detect both viruses in M. persicae samples of Kodaikanal and Shillong. PCR products of PVY and PLRV were direct sequenced and got desired nucleotides of 380 and 492 bp, respectively which further confirmed the robustness of the protocols. Therefore, these protocols could be helpful to detect PVY and PLRV in M. persicae for healthy potato seed production.

4 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

013381   Upadhyay R G;Anita Singh (Organic Agriculture Dep, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, Email: drrgupadhyay11@gmail.com) : Effect of nitrogen and zinc on nodulation, growth and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguculata). Legume Res 2016, 39(1), 149-51.

A pot experiment was conducted to determine the effect of zinc and nitrogen on growth, nodulation pattern and yield of cowpea. The treatments were four levels of nitrogen (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg/ha) and four levels of zinc (0, 5, 10 and 15 kg/ha). Application of various levels of nitrogen significantly increased dry matter production/plant, plant height number of branches/ plant, effective nodules/ plant, total nodule / plant, effective nodules weight /plant, pods/plant, seeds/pod and grain yield. Similarly zinc significantly increased plant height, branches / plant, number of leaves/plant, dry matter /plant, effective nodules weight /plant and grain yield. There was no significant interaction between nitrogen and zinc on grain yield.

2 tables, 7 ref

013380   Uma M S;Hegde N;Hittalmani S (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, College of Agriculture V.C. Farm, Mandya-571 405, Email: umauas@gmail.com) : Identification of SSR marker associated with rust resistance in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) using bulk segregant analysis. Legume Res 2016, 39(1), 39-42.

Bulked segregant analysis was undertaken to tag gene(s) controlling rust resistance using molecular markers in cowpea, to permit rapid selection of superior desirable rust resistant genotypes in the breeding program. For this purpose, the C-152, cultivated variety with high yielding, semi determinate plant type, good protein content and highly rust susceptible was crossed with genotype IC202778, the landrace from Himachal Pradesh, India having determinate, semi spreading and rust resistant characters. The parental genotypes were analyzed with 92 SSR markers for detection of polymorphism and only 13 markers showed polymorphism between the parents. Using each of these 13 SSR primers, we carried out bulked segregate analysis on F₂ plants representing two extremes of rust disease resistance and susceptible trait. Three SSR markers VuUGM02, VuUGM08 and VuUGM19 were found to be associated with rust resistance. This was further confirm through selective genotyping. The co-segregation data on these molecular markers and rust resistance on F₂ plants were analysed by means of single-marker linear regression approach. Significant regression suggested linkage between VuUGM02 and rust resistance gene.

2 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

013379   Tyagi R;Kathpalia J;Subhash Chander (Sociology Dep, C.C.S.H.A.U., Hisar-125 004, Email: rt64064@gmail.com) : Socio-economic problems of women labourers - a sociological study. Int J agric statist Sci 2017, 13(1), 227-32.

Women workers in India are faced with lot more challenges then their - 412 - counterparts in the other countries. Besides so many efforts from past years, female section of society is deprived as compared to male section. They are not given first priority in social and economic decisions in her own family. A gender bias creates an obstacle at the recruitment stage itself. When, it comes to remuneration, though the law proclaims equality, it is not always practised. The study was conducted in Hisar district of Haryana State. From this district, Agroha block was selected randomly. Two villages namely Kirmara and Shamsukh were drawn from the selected block. Nearly half of the respondents (48.00%) were facing medium level of socio economic problems followed by low (31.33%) and high (20.67%). Significant association was found between age of respondents and socio economic problems faced by the respondents.

2 tables, 10 ref

013378   Todmal R S;Kale V S (Geography Dep, Vidya Pratishthan's ASC College, Baramati-413 133, Email: todmalrahul@gmail.com ) : Monsoon rainfall variability and rainfed agriculture in the water-scarce Karha basin, western India. Mausam 2016, 67(4), 927-38.

Recent climate projection models indicate that the semi-arid regions of the world are most vulnerable to the impact of climate change. Hence, the understanding of rainfall variability and availability of water resources in water-scarce regions is crucial for planners to formulate annual plan for judicious utilization and distribution of water. In the present study, an attempt is made to evaluate the hydro-meteorological characteristics of the Karha Basin, located in the rain shadow zone of the Western Ghat. Trends in monsoon rainfall, dam storage and the area under some principal crops were analyzed to ascertain their interrelationship. The analyses indicate high inter-annual variability in monsoon rainfall and distinct episodes of above - and below-average monsoon rainfall. There is enough evidence for enhanced monsoon variability during the recent decades and a tendency for weaker monsoons to be associated with El Nino events. The study also provides evidence of changes in the area under major crops with the multi-year fluctuations in monsoon rainfall and dam water storage. The relationship, however, is not as strong as expected and the pattern gets more erratic and confusing in the most recent decades, partly on account of increasing dependence on irrigation. The Karha Basin is already suffering from severe water scarcity. Increasing monsoon variability, seasonality and dependence on groundwater is likely to threaten agriculture and food security. Climate change related impacts are likely to further add to already difficult water management challenges in the basin. It is therefore necessary to plan for new challenges under climate change scenarios.

6 illus, 19 ref

013377   Tewari H;Rekha Rani;Singh H P;Singh R;Singh P K (Agricultural Economics Dep, Institute of Agril. Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, Email: harshitatewari18@gmail.com) : Comparative study of biofortified and non-biofortified wheat in Uttar Pradesh, India: combating nutritional security through biofortification. Int J agric statist Sci 2017, 13(1), 365-70.

Biofortification is the process - 411 - of enriching the staple food crops with nutrients and a way towards more nourishing future. India ranks number one in terma of low birts weight infants at an estimated 7.4 million undernourished kitds. Mild to moderate zind deficiency (ZnD) is common in India because the commonly consumed staple foods have low zinc contents. The prevalence of zinc deficiency is reported 48.1 per cent among under five years children in Uttar Pradesh. The present study is carried out to assess the health benefits of biofortified wheat in Uttar Pradesh by using Disability-adjusted Life Years (DALYs) method. The current burden of ZnD in Uttar Pradesh is estimated to be 0.91 million DALYs lost, out of which 888517 DALYs from mortality and 24538 DALYs due to morbidity. The comparative economics between biofortified and non-biofortified wheat variety revealed that there is no significant difference in the cost of cultivation and other characteristics like cooking quality, taste, appearance of the varieties. The zinc biofortification was found to be very cost-effective as the cost of saving ond DALYs range from Rs. 79 to Rs. 177. Therefore, the zinc biofortification is a promising tool to achieve the goal of nutritional security in Uttar Pradesh as well as India.

5 tables, 12 ref

013376   Tabassum S;Khan W (Agricultural Economics and Business Management Dep, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-202 002, Email: shazz_tab@yahoo.co.in) : Adoption of soil conservation practices among pulse farmers of India. Int J agric statist Sci 2017, 13(1), 115-22.

Resource degradation has been rampant owing to the intensive practices of the farmers. Often soil health is by-passed with impunity. Pulses being endowed with unique ability of maintaining ecological security are viewed are viewed as long term benefit for soil conservation. So, this study attempted to explore the factors influencing the adoption decisions of the pulse producers of India. The questionnaire was structured across social, physical, institutional, marketing and attitudinal factors to elicit farmers' responses. The logistic model revealed that amongst pulse farmers; are, education and labor availability was statistically significant. In attitudinal factor, farmers who perceive soil erosion as risk are likely to adopt conservation agriculture. Policies targeting soil conservation practices, building an organized environment for farmers, working towards land tenure security, enhancing skills of civil servants and knowledge dissemination, can work towards increasing the uptake of soil conservation measures.

1 illus, 6 tables, 36 ref

013375   Snehdeep;Sisodia B V S;Mourya K K;Rai V N (Agricultural Statistics Dep, N.D. University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad-224 229, Email: bvssisodia@gmail.com) : Trend and growth analysis of rapeseed and mustard production in Uttar Pradesh. Int J agric statist Sci 2017, 13(1), 273-7.

The present study attempts to study the trend and growth rates of rapeseed and mustard production in Uttar Pradesh. The time series data on area, production and productivity of rapeseed and mustard pertaining to the period 1980-81 to 2010-11 were used for the study. The area has decreased by about 50 per cent in 2010-11 since 1980-81. The production has also decreased by about 17 per cent during the same period in spite of increase in its productivity by about 64 per cent. This means decrease in area has been major factor for low production of rapeseed and mustard in the State. The productivity has been found more stable than area and production during the entire period of study. The growth rate of area, production and productivity have been worked to be -2.47, -0.10 and 1.96 per cent, respectively, for the period under study.

5 tables, 7 ref

013374   Singh R K;Dubey S K;Singh R K;Singh S N; Buckseth T;Singh A K (NO, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla-171 001, Email: headseedcpri@gmail.com) : Farmer participatory seed potato production through krishi vigyan kendra networking: an action research for enhanced availability of seed potatoes in India. Potato J 2016, 43(2), 193-9.

Use of poor quality seed has been envisaged as one of the major causes of low productivity of potato in India. Keeping these facts under consideration, a trial on raising the quality seed potatoes using "Seed Plot Technique" was taken up at five locations in the Lucknow district of Uttar Pradesh, India involving a small group of farmers cultivating potato as cash crop. The complete package under "Seed Plot Technique" was assessed and capacity building interventions were also implemented. Performance of "Seed Plot Technique was compared with the conventional/ commonly followed practices of seed potato production in the region. Technical and socio-psychological impact as well as the sustainability of this techniquewas ascertained on the established indicators. Results showed that Seed Plot Technique was highly effective in improving the quality of seed potatoes as it reduced the aphid population by 73.7 to 74.1%, white fly population by 68.1 to 86.9%, and mosaic incidence by 71.0 to 75.8.0%, besides, achieving bumper crop yield with an increase of 10.3 to 16.3% over the conventional system). - 410 - The technique was also found to be cost effective with higher B: C ratio of 2.6 and sustainable score(80) over the conventional system (B: C ratio=2.0; score 53). These, findings have wider implication for establishment of replicable and remunerative agri-business model of commercial seed potato production at the farmer's level in the plains of Uttar Pradesh using the innovative seed plot technique.

1 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

013373   Singh O P (Agricultural Economics Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, Email: ompsingh@gmail.com) : Sustainable groundwater management and enhancing wheat yield through resource conservation technologies: empirical evidences from different agro-climatic zones of Uttar Pradesh, India. Int J agric statist Sci 2017, 13(1), 67-73.

Irrigation is one of the important and scarce natural resources used for crop production. It helped farmers to enhance their cropping pattern and crop yield. This affects overall betterment of socio-economic condition of the farmers in different regions of the country. Due to uncontrolled use of irrigation water for crop production many Indian regions facing acute scarcity of water. Resource conservation technologies (RCTs) have potential to enhance crop yield and saving irrigation water. Present study was an attempt to find out the impact of RCTs on irrigation water use and wheat yield. Study was based on primary data and it was collected from six agro-climatic zones of Uttar Pradesh by using snowball method. Results suggest that after adoption of zero-tillage/rotavator, per hectare cost of cultivation, irrigation water used for wheat cultivation was reduced and crop yield, gross and net income, agronomic productivity and net economic productivity was more than the non-adopters in the study area. As per our estimate, total irrigated area under wheat cultivation in six agro-climatic zones of Uttar Pradesh was 5.68 million hectare using 14717 Millian Cubic Meter (MCM) of irrigation water. If 25 percent wheat area put under the zero-tillage and rotavator, the incremental wheat yield would be 8.61 million quintal and 668.34 MCM water can be saved. If 50 per cent wheat area put under the zero-tillage and rotavator, the incremental wheat yield would be 17.22 million quintal and 1336.68 MCM water can be saved. For achieving this, government should provide subsidy on the purchase of zero-tillage and rotavator machine, as economic condition of farmers in the study area is poor.

7 tables, 12 ref

013372   Singh M;Rakesh Kumar;Satish Kumar;Virender Kumar (Agronomy Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 001, Email: manipal.mehla@gmail.com) : Critical period for weed control in field pea. Legume Res 2016, 39(1), 86-90.

Field studies were conducted during 2008-09 and 2009-10 at Hisar, India to assess the effect of weed competition on crop growth and yield of field pea. Weed density increased up to 60 days and then decreased at later stages of crop growth. Seed yield of field pea was decreased by 50% when weeds were allowed to compete for the entire season. The critical period for weed control was 21-63 days in year 1 and 20-70 days in year 2 to achieve 95% of weed-free yield. It is therefore concluded that, to minimize yield loss due to weed competition in field pea, weed control measures should be targeted to avoid weed competition between 20-70 days after sowing.

2 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

013371   Singh C M;Mishra S B;Pandey A (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Rajendra Agricultural Univ, Pusa (Samastipur)-848 125, Email: cmsingh.gpb@gmail.com) : Correlation and regression analysis in mumgbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]. Legume Res 2016, 39(1), 20-5.

A study was carried out with 104 mungbean accessions including four checks in augmented design during summer 2012-13 to identify the yield determinants and contribution of pubescence traits towards seed yield. The investigation revealed that pubescence traits were not contributed directly towards the seed yield but the traits harvest index, biomass, seed index, pods per cluster and branching behaviour were identified as yield determinats for yield improvement in mungbean.

5 tables, 13 ref

013370   Singh A;Mehera B;Singh A K;Mishra S R;Mishra A N;Khare N;Singh A (Environmental Science Dep, School of Forestry & Environment, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (Fo, Allahabad-211 007, Email: asmausam@gmail.com) : Studies on crop weather relationship of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) crop in Allahabad region. Int J agric statist Sci 2017, 13(1), 333-5.

Present investigations were on five varietgies and tried in randomized block design with four replications. Five varieties namely Yellow gold, Parasmani, SCM-565, Varuna and SRM-777 were used in experiment. The soil of experimental plot was loamy sand in texture, low in organic carbon and available nitrogen, phosphorus and available potassium. The result of the present investigation indicated that the maximum germination, flowering and maturity was recorded in varieties SRM-777 and minimum in Yellow gold. The maximum number of pod development was noted in varieties SRM-777 and minimum in Parasmani. The weather parameter was recorded in average range to all varieties.

2 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

013369   Shobha M S;Shiva Kumar D (Microbioloy Dep, Maharani's Science College for Women, JLB Road, Mysuru-575 005) : Study on soil and vegetable characteristics of agricultural areas of Mysore district. Int J appl Sci Engng Res 2016, 5(3), 177-88.

Since the industrial revolution in the current century, heavy metals have become a seriously pervasive pollutant in environment, through industrial effluents and landfill leaching, mining activities, fertilizer and pesticide use in agriculture, the burning of waste and fossil fuels, and municipal waste treatment. Emissions of heavy metals from the industries and vehicles may be deposited on the vegetable surfaces during their production, transport and marketing. The uptake of heavy metals in plants and vegetables are influenced by some factors such as climate, atmospheric depositions, the concentrations of heavy metals in soil, the nature of soil on which the vegetables are grown and the degree of maturity of the plants at the time of harvest. Vegetable samples were collected and samples were classified as fruits, green - 408 - vegetables, leafy vegetables. Samples were collected during different months of study period and analyzed the characteristics of soil and heavy metals such as Cadmium, Nickel, Lead, Cobalt and Chromium. The analyzed samples have been showed the quality of soil is in good condition for the agricultural practices and the accumulation of heavy metals including Cadmium in the minute concentration.

3 table, 47 ref

013368   Sharma R K;Sharma S K;Yadav C M (Dryland Farming Research Station (MPUAT), Arjia, Bhilwara-311 001, Rajasthan, Email: rksdfrs@yahoo.co.in) : Impact analysis of front line demonstrations on horsegram in Bhilwara district of Rajasthan (India) under rainfed condition. Legume Res 2016, 39(1), 145-8.

During the period from 2006 to 2011, 80 frontline demonstrations were conducted on the horsegram production technology to transfer the technologies among the farmers of Bhilwara district in semi-arid region of south Rajasthan with the objective to evaluate the economic feasibility of technology transfer and adoption. Adoption of improved technology had significant impact on seed yield vis-a-vis yield gaps in horsegram. Improved technology enhanced horsegram yield from 294 kg/ha (farmer's practice) to 537 kg/ha (improved practice), an overall increase of 40.83%. There was a wide yield variation between potential and demonstration yields of horsegram mainly due to technology and extension gaps. Extension yield gaps varied to the extent of 96 to 180 kg/ ha whereas technology yield gaps varied from 288 to 413 kg/ ha. Technology index varied from 34.91 to 50.06%, which indicate for further scope of improvement in productivity of horsegram in the region. The marginal difference between benefit-cost ratio of improved practice and farmer's practice proves of adoption of improved technologies by the farmers. However, to further bridge up the gap between technology developed and technology transferred, there is a need to strengthen the extension network besides emphasis on specific local recommendations.

3 tables, 10 ref

013367   Sharma N C;Chandel J S;Rana V S;Thakur M (Fruit Science Dep, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: naveenuhf@gmail.com) : Comparative performance of some walnut varieties under rainfed conditions of north western Himalayan region of India. Int J agric statist Sci 2017, 13(1), 153-7.

The studies were undertaken to evaluate the performance of some exotic walnut varieties (Lara, Meylannaise and Ronde de Montignac) and local selections (Pratap, Govind and Kothai Selection) for tree growth, yield and nut quality characteristics under rainfed conditions of high hills of North Western Himalayan region of India. All the varieties under study different significantly with respect to growth, yield and nut quality characters. The maximum annual increase in tree height was recorded in Ronde de Montignac, however, maximum annual increase in tree spread was exhibited by cultivar Govind. Trees of Pratap had highest annual increase in trunk cross sectional area. The maximum yield efficiency (66.08 g/cm² TCSA) was recorded in exotic variety Lara. Among the nut quality characters, maximum nut length, breath and weight (45.09 mm, 38.77 mm and 17.35 g, respectively) were obserced in Pratap followed by Kotkhai selection and Lara. However, - 407 - maximum kernel recovery (57.09%) was recorded in Lara. Exotic variety Meylannaise had least shell thickness (1.42 mm) and highest fat content (56.72%). The flowering time of different varieties varied from 1st week of May and Govind as well as Kotkhai Selection were earliest to flower. Time of nut harvest differed from 2nd week of August to 3rd week of September and Kotkhai Selection was earliest. The colour of the kernel in different varieties varied from medium to very light and kernel removal was very easy in varieties Pratap and Kotkhai Selection. Among the different varieties Pratap, Kotkhai Selection and Lara were found promising and suitable for cultivation in rainfed conditions of high hills of North Western Himalayan region of India.

2 tables, 10 ref

013366   Sharma A;Thakur D R;Chandla V K (NO, CSKHPKV, Palampur-174 023, Email: anupam_ihbt@hotmail.com) : Isolation, characterization and evaluation of entomopathogenic fungi from Brahmina coriacea beetles. Potato J 2016, 43(2), 162-72.

White grub, Brahmina coriacea is one of the most important pests of potato in North western hills of India. In this study, B. coriacea beetles were trapped and investigated for fungal pathogens of this pest. Three fungi were consistently isolated from the infected beetles. Based on partial sequencing of 18S rRNA, ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2 and a partial sequence of 28S rRNA, the isolates were identified as Beauveria bassiana strain CPRI16, Aspergillus flavus strain CPRI18 and Fusarium oxysporum strain CPRI15. Additionally, insecticidal activity of these isolates was determined on B. coriacea grubs, eggs and beetles by testing spore concentration of 1 v 108 spores/ml. The highest mortality of second (92.59%) and third instar grubs (81.85%) was obtained from B. bassiana after 60 days of treatment. All the isolates resulted in 100% mortality of adults. Egg laying and percent hatching of eggs was observed minimum due to A. flavus.

3 illus, 4 tables, 53 ref

013365   Sharma A K;Pandey K K;Vinor Kumar (NO, ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Kufri-171 012, Email: ashwanicpri@gmail.com) : Effect of in vitro plantlet age on growth and production of potato mini-tubers. Potato J 2016, 43(2), 211-13.

2 tables, 8 ref

013364   Sengupta A;Gunri S K;Basu T K (Faculty of Agriculture, Agronomy Dep, , Mohanpur, Email: amritasenbckv@gmail.com) : Performance of short duration groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) variety (TG 51) as influenced by nutrient management strategy under new alluvial zone of West Bengal. Legume Res 2016, 39(1), 91-5.

To study the effect of nutrient management strategy on production potentiality of short duration high yielding summer irrigated groundnut variety TG 51, field experiments were conducted during summer seasons of 2011 - 406 - and 2012 at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal. Results revealed that, application of 100% RDF + 7.5 t/ha FYM as basal increased growth and yield attributes that led to significantly higher productivity (pod yield 3320 kg/ha) besides enrichment of soil available nutrients after harvest of the crop. Pod yield decreased with further increase in NPK fertilizer above 100% RDF. However, maximum haulm yield (3979kg/ha) was recorded with 150% RDF + 7.5t/ha FYM as basal. Maximum net return: cost ratio (3.43) was found with 100% RDF which was closely followed by that of 100% RDF + 7.5 t/ha FYM.

3 tables, 15 ref

013363   Sarker M A H;Khan M A S;Rashid M H;Islam M A (Dairy Science Dep, Bangladesh Agricultural Univ, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh) : Effect of Azadirachta indica and Annona reticulata leaf as natural anthelmintics and their effects on performances of zebo cow under subsistence farming condition in Bangladesh. Int J pharm chem biol Sci 2016, 6(1), 16-21.

This work was done to appraise the anthelmintic properties of Azadirachta indica (locally known as Neem) and Annona reticulata (locally known as Ata) leaf and their effects on milk production and body weight of zebu cattle (Bos indicus). Twenty cows were selected based on the age (4 to 5 years) and the severity of gastrointestinal parasitic infection (<62>300 eggs per gram of faeces/cow). The animals were grouped into four, namely-Neem, Ata, Albendazole and control group. The basal diet was composed of rice straw, road side grass and rice polish. Powder of Neem and Ata leaf was supplemented @ 200 mg/kg live weight of the animal where the Albendazole group received Albendazole Tablet (600 mg/Tab, 7.5 mg/ Kg live weight). Data were collected weekly on egg per gram (EPG) of faeces, body weight (Kg) of cows and their daily milk yield (L). It was observed that with the progress of the experimental period, Neem leaf, Ata leaf and Albendazole had significant (p<60>0.01) effect in reducing EPG. The commercial Albendazole ended 100% reduction in the faecal egg count which was 6 and 15% more than that of the Neem leaf and Ata leaf, respectively. Similarly, within days, the effectiveness of the anthelmintics was Albendazole <62>> Neem leaf <62> Aata leaf. The differences in average milk yields turned out to be significant (p<60>0.01) after 28 days. The body weight was found similar in all the groups (p<62>0.05).

1 illus, 6 tables, 20 ref

013362   Sanjeev Kumar;Singh P;Khar S;Sharma M (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, SKUAST, Poonch-185 101) : Variability and association studies and screening of genotypes against pea seed borne mosaic virus (psmv) in lentil (lens culinaris medik) under NW-Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir. Legume Res 2016, 39(1), 26-30.

The phenotypic expression and - 405 - heritability of quantitative traits vary due to genotypic differences and environmental influences. Maximum heritability was found in number of pods/plant (99.43%) followed by seed yield/plant (99.06%) and number of primary branches/plant (98.74%). The presence of considerable degree of genotypic variances among tested genotypes under different environments suggests that success in lentil breeding could possibly be achieved through direct phenotypic selection. Seed yield showed highly significant positive correlation with number of pods/plant and pod length. Maximum direct effect on seed yield was observed for pod length. There was a wide range of variability in disease reaction among the genotypes. Pea seed borne mosaic virus is basically a disease of pea has been found to be transmitted to lentil. It is suggested that these two crops should not be planted near each other. Therefore, number of pods/plant, pod length, days to maturity and number of seeds/pod was emphasized as primary seed yield.

4 tables, 20 ref

013361   Sahu V K;Nair S K;Vishwakarma A K;Verulkar S B;Chandel G (Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Dep, COA, I.G.K.V., Raipur-492 102, Email: ghchandel@gmail.com) : Evaluation of F₅ inbreed lines for esaimation of genetic parameters, correlation and path analysis for yield and yield contributing traits in rice at two locations. Int J agric statist Sci 2017, 13(1), 243-51.

To meet the future food demands rice varieties with increased yield potential have to be developed for sustainable crop production across wide range of environments and over the years. Therefore, present research aimed to estimate the genetic variability and path analysis with eighty five lines of mapping population derived from cross between Swarna and IR86931B-6 at two locations. The F₅ RILs exhibited a wide and significant variation for yield and its contributing traits evidenced by high range and mean performance. The transgressive variation was noticed for all the traits and it was noticed in both directions. Considerably high genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance were observed for total tiller, hundred grain weight and grain yield per m² in both locations. In all the cases, PCV was higher than GCV indicating the influence of environment on the characters. High heritability coupled with high GA was observed for TT, HGW and YLD in both locations. The highest phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was recorded for the harvest Index (HI), hundred grain weight (HGW), effectives tiller per m² (ET) and number of filled grains/panicle and yield per m² in both locations. Association study revealed that significant correlations were found between yield and yield related traits. Grain yield per m² showed significant positive correlation with ET, HGW, spikelet fertility (SF) and HI at genotypic and phenotypic both level. Harvest index (0.472 and 0.324) exerted maximum positive direct effects both genotypic and phenotypic level along with significant positive correlation with grain yield in both locations. In the populations, the lines having these characteristics will be used for breeding programme for development of high yielding rice genotypes.

1 illus, 4 tables, 27 ref

013360   Reddy Y S;Talukdar A;Dikshit H K;Singh V P; Rana M;Chand D (NO, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012) : Genetic improvement of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) through introgression of yield enhancing traits and estimation of genetic parameters. Legume Res 2016, 39(1), 7-13.

Enormous genetic variability was created as expressed in terms of range, mean and the coefficient of - 404 - variations in all F₂ populations studied. The crosses viz., L-830 x P-1117, JL-3 x P-22211 and SKL-259 x P-22211 produced higher percentage of transgressive segregants with desirable traits. Days to 50% flowering and days to maturity manifested high heritability, coupled with low genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) and genetic gain, indicating requirement of selections for several successive generations for their improvement. Low to medium heritability accompanied by high coefficients of variation and genetic advance for seed yield indicates complexity of the character improvement through simple selection. High heritability accompanied by moderate to high GCV and genetic gain were observed for other yield components studied, which could be improved by simple selection in early generations. Thus, the study exhibited the possibilities of improving lentil genotypes through introgression of useful traits from exotic and indigenous germplasm.

2 tables, 18 ref

013359   Ramesh T;Rathika S;Parthipan T;Ravi V (NO, Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, (TNAU) Aduthurai-612 001, Email: agronramesh@gmail.com) : Productivity enhancement in black gram through refinement of nutrient management under rice follow condition. Legume Res 2016, 39(1), 106-9.

Field experiment was conducted during rice fallow season (January-March), 2011 and 2012 to study the effect of DAP application to preceding rice in last irrigation and foliar nutrition to black gram on the productivity and profitability of black gram(ADT 3) under rice fallow condition. The results indicated that application of DAP at 50 kg/ha to preceding rice in last irrigation and foliar spray of DAP (2 per cent) and KCl (1 per cent) at 30 and 45 days after sowing to black gram registered higher plant height (24.6 cm) at 20 DOS number of pods per plant (18.4), grain yield (639 kg/ha), net returns (Rs.22290/ha) and additional income (Rs. 7563/ha). Application of DAP at 50 kg/ha in last irrigation to preceding rice produced significantly higher grain yield of succeeding black gram (613 kg/ha.) over control (488 kg/ha) which was comparable with foliar application of 2 per cent DAP and 1 per cent KCl to black gram. With reference to return per rupee invested, application of DAP at 50 kg/ha to preceding rice in last irrigation registered higher benefit cost ratio of 3.56 in black gram.

3 tables, 4 ref

013358   Rajarathinam A;Vetriselvi R (Statistics Dep, Manonmanjam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli-627 012, Email: arrathinam@yahoo.com) : Modelling and monitoring of paddy (Oryza sativa L.) production in southern district of Tamil Nadu. Int J agric statist Sci 2017, 13(1), 181-90.

Present investigation was carried out to study the trends in the production paddy crops grown in southern districts of Tamil Nadu State during the period from 1985-86 to 2009-2010 using the linear, ARIMA and non-parametric models. The non-parametric model with auto-correlated error model was found to be an appropriate model for studying the trends in paddy production. Decrease in paddy production has been observed in the Sivagangi, Dindigul and Ramanathapuram districts, whereas increas in trend has been observed in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts. Neither increasing nor decreasing trends has been observed in Virudhunagar district.

15 illus, 7 tables, 6 ref

013357   Qureshi F;Bashir U (Sand and Environment Science Dep, Allahabad Agricultural Institutye, Allahabad-211 007, Email: foziasoil@gmail.com) : Effect of integrated nutrient management sustainable production and profitability of field pea (Pisum sativum L.) and soil fertility in sub tropical conditions. Legume Res 2016, 39(1), 101-5.

Field experiment was conducted on a sandy clay loam to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on yield, nutrient content in seed, nutrient uptake and nutrient availability for field pea cv. Rachna under subtropical conditions. The yield of 30 q ha^-1 was - 403 - observed in the treatment in which Rhizobium inoculated seeds were used in conjunction with 50 per cent recommended dose of NPKS and 20 t FYM ha^-1. Maximum gross return (Rs 36000.0 ha^-1) net returns (Rs 19,352.90 ha^-1) and B:C ratio (2:16) were also observed in the same treatment. The highest nutrient content and uptake in seed were noticed with the application of 50 per cent NPKS + 20 tFYM ha^-1 + 20 g Rhizobium kg^-1 seed compared to other treatments. The available N, P, K and S increased with the application of 100 per cent NPKS + FYM 20 t ha^-1 with biofertilizer.

1 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

013356   Pulok A I;Roy T S;Bhuiyan S R;Haque N; Nur-unnahar (Institute of Seed Technology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural Univ, , Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh, Email: sumon2539@gmail.com) : Effect of potassium and mulches on growth, yield and economics of potato. Potato J 2016, 43(2), 200-10.

8 tables, 43 ref

013355   Patel J B;Partel H;Sharma S C;Acharya S (Centre of Excellence for Research on Pulses, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural Univ, Sardarkrushinagar-385 506, Email: jbpatelvasai38@gmail.com) : Genetic of seed related attributes in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]. Legume Res 2016, 39(1), 1-6.

An investigation to study the genetics of seed related attributes was undertaken in cowpea. Three crosses (GC 2 x PGCP 5, GC 2 x PGCP 13 and GC 516 x PGCP 1) along with its parental seed, F₂, BCI and BCII made the complete set of six generations (P1, P2, F1, F₂, BCI and BCII) for genetic analysis. The experiment was laid out in a Compact Family Block Design with three replications during kharif 2011. A single replication comprised of one row of parents and F1, two rows of the backcrosses generations, BCI and BCII and four rows of the F₂. Genetics of seed related attributes, viz., flower colour, seed colour, seed surface, pod beak colour, calyx pigmentation and pod colour at maturity, were studied following Chi-square test of statistical significance. The results evident that flower colour in all the three crosses studied appeared to be controlled by single gene inheritance with violet flower colour dominant over white flower colour. Similarly, seed surface, pod beak colour and calyx pigmentation also appeared to be controlled by single gene inheritance, in which smooth seed surface dominant over rough seed surface, green pod beak colour dominant over red pod beak colour and green calyx pigmentation dominant over red calyx pigmentation. The inheritance of seed colour and pod colour at maturity appeared to be controlled by two gene interactions with supplementary gene action, with dominance of black seed colour over brown and white seed colour, and black pod colour dominant to red and brown colour. Dominance expression of different characters could be utilized as a good marker for different breeding activities.

6 tables, 10 ref

013354   Nushair A M;Saha A K;Rahman M A;Mohanta M K; Haque M F (Zoology Dep, Univ of Rajshahi, Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh, Email: drfazlul@ru.ac.bd) : Characterization of indigenous rhizobium strain isolated from lentil in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Asian J Adv Basic Sci 2017, 5(1), 21-5.

Rhizobium spp. was isolated from root nodules of lentil (Lens culinaris L.), and its morphological, cultural, physiological and biochemical characteristics were studied. It was observed that the colonies were circular, light pink, convex, entire and opaque. The bacterium was gram negative, rod shaped, aerobic, non-spore forming and motile. Isolates were positive for Catalase, Citrate utilization test, Urea hydrolysis, Congored test, Nitrification test, Oxidase test, Triple sugar iron test, MacConkey agar test and, Motility tests. The samples were found negative for Methyl Red (MR), Voges-Proskauer(VP), Indole, Starch hydrolysis test, Hydrogen-sulfide production and Hofer's alkaline test. The isolate can ferment sucrose, glucose, fructose, mannitol and produce acid. Screening for antibiotic resistance in this study revealed that the - 402 - strain were resistant to Ampicilin, Erythromycin, Gentamicin, Amoxycillin, Penicillin, Streptomycin and Nalidixic acid. The isolate grew optimally at pH 7.0 and temperature 28°C. Moreover, the isolate was sensitive to the higher concentration of NaCl (<62>1%). Based on 16S rDNA sequence, the isolate was identified as Rhizobium sp. SOY12 strain. The results also revealed that Rhizobial inoculation induced significant changes in plant growth characteristics.

1 illus, 2 table, 22 ref

013353   Narendra Kumar;Hazra K K;Nadarajan N (NO, Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur-208 024, Email: nkumar.icar@gmail.com) : Efficacy of post-emergence applicatin of Imazethapyr in summer mungbean (Vigna radiata L.). Legume Res 2016, 39(1), 96-100.

Imazethapyr is a now emerging post-emergence (PoE) herbicide for pulses. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years (2011-12) to assess the efficacy of imazethapyr in summer mungbean (Vigna radiate L.) in a mild alkaline soil of Kanpur, India. Treatment comprised of five different doses of Imazethapyr [0 (Weedy check), 40, 60, 80, 100 g ha^-1] along with weed free treatment. Results revealed that summer mungbean yield was reduced up to 38.6% due to weeds infestation. Post-emergence application of imazethapyr significantly reduced the (P<60>0.05) weed population and weed biomass and the herbicide effectiveness was increased up to the dose of @ 80 g/ha. The relative suppression effect of imazethapyr was in the order of grassy weed>Sedges>broad-leaf weeds. However, the study suggest that the dose of 100 g/ha is needed for suppressing the Cyperus spp. to a significant extent. The weed control efficiency (WCE) of imazethayr was more than 40 per cent at a dose of 100 g/ha and the corresponding value of weed control index (WCI) was more than 60 per cent. The highest average grain yield of summer mungbean was recorded in weed free plot (926 g/ha) which was on a par with imazethapyr @ 100 g/ha (920 kg/ha) and imazethapyr @ 80 g/ha (883 kg/ha). The increase yield under imazethapyr treated plots was mainly due to the increase in plant biomass, nodule number, root weight, number of seed per plant and number of pod per plant. Although, the net return was highest under imazethapyr @ 100 g/ha (Rs. 24, 880/ha) the marginal rate of return was higher in imazethapyr @ 80 g/ha (627%).

3 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

013352   Namita Kaur;Sarin V (Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara-144 411, Email: vishal.sarin09@gmail.com) : Comparative advantages and competitiveness of Indian agricultural products exports to ASEAN in context of India's lood east polity. Int J agric statist Sci 2017, 13(1), 159-67.

Strengthening trade relations with East Asian countries has always been a matter of priority for two reasons. First, India want to reduce dependence on developed countries as far as her trade was concerned and second, India want to exploit large potential of growth lying with East Asian countries. In this direction, most coveted "Look East Policy" came into existence and India got her first free trade agreement in the form of India-ASEAN free trade agreement (AIFTA). But owing to her heavy reliance on agriculture, India never enjoyed a convinding position in - 401 - agriculture products trade with ASEAN countries in particular and world, in general. This research paper measures the Indian export competitiveness vis-a-vis ASEAN countries in case of agriculture products and found that the products which India exported to ASEAN countries from 2001-15 showed a little change in the comparative advantage and competitiveness.

1 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

013351   Nagaraj B T;Jahagirdar S (Plant Pathology Dep, AICRP on Soybean, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580 005, Email: shamaraoj@gmail.com) : Novel approaches in integrated management of anthracnose of soybean caused by Colletotrichum truncatum (Schw.) Andrus and Moore. Int J agric statist Sci 2017, 13(1), 285-8.

Field screening of new fungicide molecules against soybean anthracnose Colletotrichum truncatum (Schw.) Andrus and Moore was taken up during kharif growing season 2012-13 at the Main Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad. The twelve treatments (combination of fungicides) were tested under natural epiphytotic conditions of anthracnose severity. The results revealed that among the treatments imposed, seed treatment with carboxin + thiram @2 g per kg of seed followed by foliar spray of trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole (0.1%) at 55 days after sowing recorded minimum per cent disease index of 9.94 followed by seed treatment with captan @2 g/kg of seed + foliar spray of trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole (0.1%) at 55 days after sowing (12.42 PDI) and the treatments viz., seed treatment with carboxin + thiram @2 g/kg of seed, carbendazim @2 g/kg of seed and foliar spray of Hexaconazole (0.1%) at 55 days after sowing recorded with a mean PDI of 18.29, 18.60 and 18.19, respectively. Seed treatment with carbendazim @ 2 g/kg of seed + foliar spray of Hexaconazole @1.01%) and foliar spray of trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole @0.1% recorded mean PDI of 16.50 and 16.03 PDI, respectively. These treatments were significantly superior over untreated control (29.56 PDI). The reduction in PDI, increase in seed yield and B:C ratio was observed in above said treatments. Thus, seed treatment with carboxin + thiram @2 g/kg of seed followed by foliar spray of trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole @0.1% or trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole @0.1% either alone or in combination with seed treatment option were found effective in the management of soybean anthracnose.

1 table, 9 ref

013350   Muthuraj R;Singh B P;Buckseth T;Singh R K; Singh S;Sharma A K (NO, ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram-695 017, Email: drmuthuraj29@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of micro-plants hardening on aeroponic potato seed production. Potato J 2016, 43(2), 214-19.

4 tables, 16 ref

013349   Munir N;Moazzam S;Haq R;Saleem F;Naz S (Biotechnology Dep, Lahore College for Women Univ, Lahore, Pakistan, Email: neelma.munir@yahoo.com) : Analysis of nutritional components of peas after sterilization treatment with gamma radiation. Legume Res 2016, 39(1), 43-7.

In the present study, peas were exposed to three different doses of gamma radiation i.e. 1, 1.5, 2.5 kGy. The nutritional value of peas after radiation was analyzed to determine the effect of gamma radiation on proximate composition. In the light of results, it was found that 1 kGy is optimized dose that has little effect on the - 400 - nutritional value of peas. At 1 kGy the sensory properties remain unchanged and the shelf life of peas was increased up to 9 days at room temperature.

2 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

013348   Mahobia R;Sharma J;Meshram P N (NO, Govt Model Science College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) : Fish diversity of Narmada river at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2016, 5(2), 27-32.

The fish community of the Narmada River at Jabalpur region was studied by monthly sample taken from Nov. 2014 to Oct. 2015. Narmada River is the largest Westward flowing river of India. It is also referred as the life line of Madhya Pradesh. Present study was aimed to generate information on the fishes of Jabalpur region of river Narmada.49 fish species identified during the study period belong to Cyprinidae 24 Species of fishes followed by Bagridae 4 species, Siluridae and Ophiocepalidae with 3 species, Claridae, Notopteridae and Mastacembellidae with 2 species and Schielbeidae, Clupeidae, Belonidae, Centropomidae, Nandidae, Gobioidae and Anabantidae with 1 species of fish in each family.

1 table, 13 ref

013347   Mahobia R;Sharma J;Meshram P B (NO, Govt Medical College, Jabalpur, Madhya pradesh) : Diversity of fishes of Gour river at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2016, 5(2), 33-7.

The present study deals with the survey of fish fauna of Gour River at Jabalpur from Nov.2014 to Oct.2015. Jabalpur is one of the famous district in Madhya Pradesh and Gour River is one of the important river at Jabalpur which flows from Niwas village of Mandla district and joins Narmada River at Jabalpur. This river receives dairy effluents, agricultural runoff, sewage disposal as well as washings of cloths and animals and other daily activities. Paunikar S. et al., (2012). 40 Species of fish were revealed from selected zones of the Gour river belonging to 6 Orders and 13 families.

1 table, 9 ref

013346   Luitel B P;Lama L;Khatri B B;Choudhary D;Giri R K;Kadian M S;Arya S;Dhakal R;Bonierbale M (National Potato Research Programme (NPRP), Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), Lalitpur, Nepal, Email: binodsan@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of micro-nutrient rich potato genotypes in temperate conditions of Nepal. Potato J 2016, 43(2), 138-45.

A collaborative study was undertaken on eighteen - 399 - micro-nutrient rich potato genotypes to evaluate their yield performance at Agriculture Research Station (ARS, Horticulture Farm) Rajikot as an on-station and at farmers' field of Patmara and Talium as on-farm in Jumla District of Nepal during 2013-2014. Mean marketable tuber weight/plot over on-station and on-farm trials in both the years was highest (9.2 kg) in clone CIP 395112.32 and total tuber number/plant was highest in Jumla Local (10.0) and Kufri Jyoti (9.0). The average marketable yield of on-station and on-farm experiments of two years recorded the highest in clone CIP 393073.179 (22.6 t/ha) and Kufri Jyoti (22.1 t/ha). CIP 395112.32 and CIP 394611.112 produced the average highest yield (21.9 and 20.4 t/ha, respectively). Participatory evaluation of organoleptic traits exhibited that tubers of CIP 393073.179, CIP 395112.32 and CIP 394611.112 had acceptable quality for appearance, taste and texture. These potato clones can be recommended to farmers for commercial production to solve the malnutrition and food insecurity problems.

1 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref