012276   Nityanand B;Ekambaram B;Punya Kumari B;Suresh J (Animal Genetics and Breeding Dep, College of Veterinary Science , Tirupati-517 502, Email: dr_ekambaram@rediffmail.com) : Cytogenic characterization of Macherla brown sheep of Andhra Pradesh. Indian J Small Rumin 2017, 23(1), 77-80.

1 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

012275   Narula H K;Patel A K;Chopra A;Mehrotra V (NO , ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Bikaner-334 001, Rajasthan, Email: hknarula@yahoo.co.in) : Influence of environmental factors on production traits and heritability estimates of Magra sheep in arid region. Indian J Small Rumin 2017, 23(1), 21-5.

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of non-genetic factors on growth and wool traits of 1482 Magra sheep spread over a period of five years (2008-12) maintained at the Arid Region Campus, ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Bikaner. The least squares means for body weight at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age were 3.18±0.02, 16.12±0.14, 23.72±0.20, 28.37±0.21 and 31.88±0.25 kg, respectively. The average daily gain in body weights during 0-3, 3-6 and 6-12 months of ages were 143.45±1.43, 84.23±1.35 and 40.22±1.13 g, respectively. For greasy fleece weight at first, second and third clips, least squares means were 567.18±5.16, 628.08±4.97 and 640.01±5.45 g, respectively. Least squares analysis of variance revealed significant (P<60>0.01) effect of year of birth and sex on all the traits. The fixed effect of parity had significant (P<60>0.01) effect only on birth weight. Dam's weight at lambing was a significant (P<60>0.01) source of variation for all the body weight traits, except average daily gains during 3-6 and 6-12 months of age. Greasy fleece weights at first, second and third clips were affected significantly (P<60>0.01) by lamb's age at shearing. Heritability estimates for body weight at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age and average daily gain during 0-3, 3-6 and 6-12 months of age and greasy fleece weight at first, second and third clips were 0.17±0.06, 0.31±0.08, 0.33±0.09, 0.35±0.10, 0.59±0.14, 0.28±0.08, 0.23±0.07, 0.62±0.14, 0.52±0.11 and 0.32±0.10 and 0.11±0.09, respectively. Heritability estimates for all the growth traits was moderate to high, suggesting further scope for genetic improvement in the flock.

3 table, 15 ref

012274   Mythili JB;Rajeev PR;Vinay G;Nayeem A ( Biotechnology Dep, Indian Institute of Horticulture Research, Hessaraghatta, Bangalore-560 089, Email: jbm@iihr.res.in) : Synergistic effect of silver nitrate and coconut water on shoot differentiation and plant regeneration from cultured cotyledons of Capsicum annuum L. . Indian J expl Biol 2017, 55(3), 184-90.

Chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) ranks among the most important vegetable crop belonging to the family Solanaceae that is consumed both as vegetable and spice throughout the world. C. annuum, as crop, in order to meet the target yield, demands improved variety that could overcome environmental challenges viz., biotic and abiotic stress. Cultivar improvement essentially requires an efficient in vitro regeneration protocol. In the present study, we investigated the influence of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and coconut water, individually as well in combination, on in vitro shoot elongation and plant regeneration from cotyledon explants of C. annuum cv G-4. Shoot buds were induced on shoot bud induction medium supplemented with either 44.38 μM 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) or 9.0 μM thidiazuron (TDZ) along with 5.77 μM gibberellic acid (GA₃) and 14.7 μM phenyl acetic acid (PAA). Elongation of shoot buds was obtained on elongation medium containing 8.87 μM BA or 0.45 μM TDZ, 5.77 μM GA₃ and 14.7 μM PAA followed by rooting in 9.8 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). All the media were supplemented with 30 μM AgNO₃ and/or coconut water (10% v/v). The presence of coconut water in the elongation media enhanced the regeneration of well developed shoots from differentiating explants on TDZ media while AgNO₃ resulted in enhanced production of rooted shoots with greater influence on emerging shoots from BAP media upon transfer to rooting media. There was synergistic response with further enhancement of elongated shoots/elongated rooted shoots on the combined use of coconut water and AgNO₃. The elongation media produced significantly higher total shoots when AgNO₃ was used synergistically with coconut water (59.0%) as against AgNO₃ alone (38.0%). While in rooting media, there was significantly higher production of elongated rooted shoots when coconut water was used synergistically with AgNO₃ (47.2%) as against the coconut water alone (14.4%).

4 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

012273   Mughal M N;Bashir S;Anwar A (Plant Pathology Div, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar-190 025) : Comparative efficacy of botanical extracts against rice sheath blight (Thanatephorus cucumeris). New Agric 2016, 27(1), 63-9.

Aqueous leaf extracts of five wildly growing plants viz., artimesia (Artimesia indica), cannabis (Cannabis sativa), datura (Datura stramonium), nettle (Urtica dioica) and lavender (Levendulla officinalis) were evaluated in-vitro and in-vivo against rice sheath blight (Thanatephorus cucumeris) under Kashmir conditions. The in-vitro evaluation of aqueous leaf extracts of these botanicals through poisoned food technique at five different concentrations viz., 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 per cent revealed that all the botanicals tested at all the test concentrations significantly inhibited the mycelial growth and sclerotial germination of T. cucumeris. Artimesia was most efficacious and resulted in highest inhibition of mycelial growth and inhibition of sclerotial germination of 94.16 and 60.60 per cent followed by datura with 87.44 and 57.33 per cent, respectively. Nettle and lavender resulted in inhibition of mycelial growth of 85.39 and 83.32 per cent and inhibition of sclerotial germination of 56.73 and 49.06 per cent, respectively. Among the tested botanicals, cannabis was least effective and resulted in inhibition of mycelial growth and inhibition of sclerotial germination of 79.43 and 30.86 per cent, respectively. Three foliar sprays of aqueous leaf extracts of each botanical at 50 per cent concentration, separately applied at tillering, booting and post flowering stages of rice cv K-448 (Jhelum) during Kharif 2005 and 2006, revealed that artimesia was most effective in reducing the mean disease incidence and intensity to 20.50 and 7.07 per cent from 39.75 and 18.65 per cent in control, respectively. Datura and lavender resulted in mean disease incidence of 28.50 and 31.25 per cent and disease intensity 10.51 and 12.69 per cent, respectively. Nettle and cannabis were least effective and resulted in mean disease incidence of 34.00 and 35.75 per cent and disease intensity of 14.65 and 16.95 per cent, respectively. Artimesia resulted in highest mean grain yield (6.10 t/ha), followed by datura (5.90 t/ha) and lavender (5.65 t/ha) while nettle and cannabis resulted in lowest mean grain yield of 5.35 and 5.30 t/ha, respectively, as against 5.05 t/ha in check. Artimesia resulted in highest increase in grain yield (20.79%) followed by datura (16.83%) and lavender (11.88%), while nettle and cannabis resulted in lowest increase in grain yield of 5.94 and 4.95% yield over control, respectively.

2 tables, 16 ref

012272   Moinuddin G;Jash S;Sarkar A;Dasgupta S (NO, Regional Research Station, Jhargram, Midnapore, West Bengal, Email: moinuddin777@rediffmail.com) : Response of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) to foliar application of macro and micronutrients in the red and lateritic zone of West Bengal. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 185-8.

A field experiment was carried out in the red & lateritic soil of Regional Research Station, Jhargram, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal during the rabi season of 2015 to evaluate the response of potato crop to foliar application of macro and micronutrients. The treatments comprised of T₁-Foliar application of zinc (Zn)(Zn-EDTA) @ 1 g.l^-1, T₂- Foliar application of boron(B) (20%) @ 1.5 g.l^-1, T₃- Foliar application of iron (Fe)(FeSo ) @10 g.l^-1, T₄- Foliar application of manganese (Mn)(MnSo ) @ 5 g.l^-1, T₅- Foliar application of NPK(19-19-19) @ 10 g.l^-1, T₆- Foliar application of mixture of Zn, B, Fe, Mn, T₇- Foliar application of mixture of Zn, B, Fe, Mn and NPK, T₈-Control(water spray). Among the treatments, foliar application of micronutrients mixture i.e. mixture of Zn, B, Fe, Mn along with NPK(19-19-19) produced the highest tuber yield of 22.45 t ha^-1 which was 32.01 per cent higher than control plot yield.

^ssc2 tables, 14 ref

012271   Mohanchander P;Rahman M A U;Kadharsha K;Lyla P S;Khan S A (Faculty of Marine Science, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: lailanair3@gmail.com) : First report of Harlequin sandperch Parapercis maculata (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) (Perciformes: Pinguipedidae) from Parangipettai waters, Southeast coast of India. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(1), 203-05.

Harlequin sandperch, Parapercis maculata is reported for the first time in Parangipettai waters. It was collected from the trawl catches landed at Mudasalodai. Morphmetric and meristic measurements were made. Specimens collected ranged from 119 to 122mm in standard length. It is known to be distributed in subtropical and temperate waters of the Western Indian Ocean (Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf). However its distribution along the coasts of Bay of Bengal is rare.

1 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

012270   Modgil M;Parmar S;Negi N P (Biotechnology Dep, Dr.YS Parmar Univ of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni, Solan-171 230, Email: manju_modgil@yahoo.com) : RAPD analysis of long term micropropagated rootstock plants of apple malling 7. Indian J expl Biol 2017, 55(3), 178-83.

Apple is the most dominating fruit crop of Himachal Pradesh, constituting about 40 per cent of total area under fruit crops and about 90 per cent of the total fruit production. Plant tissue culture has encouraged production of quality planting material which is disease free and true to type. Due to current trends in favour of high density apple plantations and to fulfill the requirement of planting material from the farmers, commercially viable in vitro propagation method of semidwarf clonal apple rootstock Malling 7 (M7) was developed by axillary branching, initially developed from shoot tip explants. A few thousand plants were transferred to field conditions. In order to check any tissue culture induced variation in these long term micropropagated plants, the genetic fidelity was assessed using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Out of the 20 primers screened, 12 generated a total of 44 scorable and distinct bands with an average of 3.7 bands per primer. All the banding patterns for each primer were highly uniform and monomorphic across in vitro multiple shoot clusters and field transplanted micropropagated plants as well as comparable to the field grown mother clone from which the cultures had been established. Our results have shown that the micropropagation protocol developed by this study is appropriate and applicable for clonal propagation of apple rootstock M7 on large scale over a long period without any risk of genetic instability.

1 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

012269   Mishra U S;Dhakar R (Natural Resource Management Dep, Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya , Chitrakoot, Satna, Madhya Pradesh) : Response of linseed (Linum usitatissimum) to sulphur and boron application under rainfed condition. New Agric 2016, 27(1), 181-4.

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2010-11 at Chitrakoot, Satna (M.P.) to asses the effect of sulphur (0, 20, 40, and 60 kg/ha) and boron (no spray, 1 ppm and 2 ppm boron sprays) levels on productivity, nutrient content and their uptake by linseed (Linum usitatissimum). Each successive increase in sulphur level upto 60 kg/plant, harvest index, seed yield and stover yield, but in most of the cases increase was not significant beyond 40 kg S/ha. Foliar spray of boron showed significant increase in capsules/plant, seed capsule, seed weight/plant and harvest index over no spray of boron, but difference between 1 ppm and 2 ppm sprays was not significant in any case. Seed and stover yields could not be influenced by boron spray significantly. Sulphur application increased S-content in seed and stover significantly with upto 60 kg S/ha while S and B uptake registered significant increase with up to 40 kg S/ha. Boron spray reduced S-content but increased B-content in seed and stover significantly over no boron spray. B-uptake was highest with 2 ppm spray, but S-uptake was not affected by boron spray significantly.

2 tables, 8 ref

012268   Mishra M;Bhavyashree S;Girisha G C ( Agricultural Statistics Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohapnur-741 252, Email: mmishra02sep@gmail.com) : Comparative study of feed-forward neuro-computing with multiple linear regression model for predicting mulberry leaf yield. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 93-6.

In this study, the data of 16 mulberry genotypes for a year was collected from Department of Sericulture, UAS Bangalore. The results from multi-regression analysis using stepwise method for leaf yield showed that 3 variables (fresh leaf weight, number of leaves per plant and moisture content) having significant impacts. The main objective of this work is to compare the accuracy of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) models for prediction of leaf yield. We have compared MLR with ANN of two layer feed-forward network with sigmoid hidden neurons (10) using Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm. The performance of ANN was found to be better than the MLR model for leaf yield prediction with maximum value of R-square and minimum value of root mean square error.

3 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

012267   Mathukia R K;Panara D M;Sagarka B K;Savaliya N V (Agronomy Dep, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural Univ, Junagadh-362 001, Email: rkmathukia@jau.in) : Effectiveness of herbicides for weed management in pre-monsoon groundnut (Arachis hypogaea). J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 175-7.

A field experiment was conducted during monsoon seasons 2012 to 2014 at Junagadh (Gujarat) to study the integrated weed management in pre-monsoon groundnut. Pendimethalin and oxyfluorfen as pre-emergence, while quizalofop-ethyl, imazethapyr and oxadiargyl as post-emergence were tested alone and in integration with hand weeding and interculturing. The results revealed that pre-plant incorporation of pendimethalin 38.7 per cent CS 0.75 kg ha^-1 or pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 30 per cent EC 0.9 kg ha^-1 supplemented with IC and HW at 40 DAS were found equally effective to the weed free check in controlling weeds and improving growth and yield attributes and ultimately pod yield (1580 and 1538 kg ha^-1) and haulm yield (2533 and 2472 kg ha^-1) of groundnut. These treatments also recorded higher WCE (92.40 and 87.93%) and B:C ratio (1.87 and 1.81), therefore, these integrated weed management practices could become effective and economical under south Saurashtra agro-climatic conditions of Gujarat.

2 tables, 6 ref

012266   Mathews G;Raj K D;Rajesh S;DineshKumar P; Edward J K P (NO, Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute, 44-Beach Road, Tuticorin-628 001, Email: mathews.gilbert@gmail.com) : First record of Turbinaria patula (Scleractinia) from Palk Bay, India. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(1), 190-1.

A new patch coral area has been recorded first time during a recent survey by Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Insti-tute (SDMRI) Reef Research Team (RRT) in the northern region of Palk Bay near Thamodharanpattinam fishing village which is about 70 km away from Pamban. Among the four species recorded in the patch coral area, Turbinaria patula is a new record for the Palk Bay and has been listed as vulnerable in IUCN red list. The current findings provide an insight in to more new coral patches and probably new species in Palk Bay which are to be explored yet.

1 illus, 8 ref

012265   Mani B R;Deshpande S K;Suresh P G;Preetha S ( Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Dharwada-580 005) : Genetic variability and divergence studies in maize (Zea mays L.) inbreds under moisture stress condition. New Agric 2016, 27(1), 11-18.

The current study was conducted during summer 2015, at Dept. of GPB, UASD. Aim of the experiment was to assess the amount of genetic variability and divergence found in 98 maize inbreds under moisture stress situation in comparison with four tolerant checks. Occurrence of wide range of statistically significant variability has been confirmed by the analysis of variance. Traits associated with moisture stress tolerance such as, ASI, Chlorophyll content, RWC and yield parameters had exhibited high heritability combined with high GAM thus, selection based on these parameters could be recommended to improve stress tolerance. ASI, PHT, CHT, CLN and kernel rows per cob exhibited Positive and significant correlations with grain yield in stress. While, Kernals per row followed by Shelling percentage and Fodder yield per plant had showed direct and positive effect on grain yield in stress environment. Diversity analysis using Mahalanobi's statistics, has clustered the study material into eight clusters of which Cluster I was the largest with 55 inbreds and Cluster V, VII & VIII were solitary, inferring the existence of wide range of diversity in the materials considered for the study. Large inter cluster distance was observed between the Cluster IV and Cluster VI suggesting crossing between the members of such clusters to exploit maximum heterosis in terms moisture stress tolerance. Among the eight different clusters, mean values favorable to enhance yield in stress environment were found in Cluster II for the traits ASI, CWT, KRPC and SP and Cluster V for PHT, CLN, CGR and kernals per row. Lines from these two clusters can be selected for improvement of respective traits. The current study has found out the prevalence of huge variability and diversity required for initiating any crop improvement programme. Therefore, it would be recommended to utilize some of the better inbreds like PDM 6529, PDM4641, PDM6549, PDM6563, PDM 6541 and few others in enhancing stress tolerance.

2 illus, 6 tables, 8 ref

012264   Malshe K V;Salvi B R;Gawankar M S (Mango Research Sub-Centre, Rameshwar, Tal. Deogad, Dist. Sindhudurg-416 806) : Evaluation of different varieties of aonla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn) under hard lateritic rocky conditions of South Konkan coastal zone of Maharashtra. New Agric 2016, 27(1), 135-8.

Six varieties of aonla viz; NA-6, NA-7, NA-10, Krishna, Kanchan and Chakayya were evaluated for their yield and quality at Mango Research Sub-Centre, Rameshwar, Tal. Deogad, Dist. Sindhudrg, Maharashtra state in nine years old aonla plantation. The location is under south Konkan coastal agroclimatic zone having unique condition as hard lateritic rocky situation. In October harvest, significantly maximum fruit weight (41.00 g) was recorded by Kanchan variety and in May harvest, Krishna recorded highest fruit weight (38.65 g) while the mean fruit weight in both harvests was highest (39.78 g) in Krishna variety. The maximum yield (6.14 kg/tree and 1.70 t/ha in October harvest and 12.09 kg/tree and 3.35 t/ha in May harvest) was recorded by Kanchan variety. The annual (Cumulative) yield was also highest (18.23 kg/tree and 5.05 t/ha) in Kanchan variety followed by NA-10, NA-7 and Krishna. NA-6 variety recorded the highest T.S.S. (10.68°B and 12.50°B) and acidity (2.18% and 2.83%) in both harvests. The ascorbic acid content was maximum in NA-10 (426.5mg/100g and 434.8mg/100g) followed by Kanchan (388.4mg/100g and 396.1mg/100g) in both the harvest. However, minimum ascorbic acid content was recorded Krishna ((426.5mg/100g) in October harvest and 326.1mg/ 100g in NA-6 variety in May harvest.

2 tables, 9 ref

012263   Mahapatro GK;Debajyoti C;Gautam RD ( Entomology Division, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: gagana_gk@rediffmail.com) : Indian indigenous traditional knowledge (ITK) on termites: Eco-friendly approaches to sustainable management. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2017, 16(2), 333-40.

Despite playing significant role as agricultural pests, termites attracted less attention of researchers in India; on both fronts - traditional and frontier techniques. Present paper is an attempt to collect and compile Indian Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) from various sources on termite management aspects in light of various key-components (cultural, physical, mechanical, biological, etc.) of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) under the aegis of Integrated Crop Management (ICM). We undertook a comprehensive review of farmers' ITK across India especially in seventeen states in detail, in an effort to outline the underlying principles for termite management. This review confirmed existence of affluent knowledge of local inhabitants/aborigines on termite and their management. Various ITK in termite control is used across India. Review analysis revealed that in some places of India, termites are being used as indicator of various environmental aspects, viz. anticipated rainfall, soil fertility, etc., soil of termite mounds were reported to be used in low risk farming strategies. Use of locally available plants for termite control was a common practice in Indian subcontinent since ages. No doubt ITK have strong potential, but are yet unexplored because of their limitation in scientific scrutiny and authenticity. Even though Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) included many such farmers' ITK, lack of critical scientific validation has limited their use in wider scale.

1 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

012262   Mahajan G (AICRP on Small Millets, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Rewa-486 001) : Effect of kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum) based intercropping system on yield and economics of kodo millet under rainfed conditions. New Agric 2016, 27(1), 121-4.

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2014 at the Research Field of All India Coordinated Research Project on Small Millet farm of College of Agriculture, Rewa of Madhya Pradesh to find out the suitable crop for intercropping with kodo millet under rainfed conditions. The results clearly showed that the highest grain and straw yield under intercropping system was obtained when pigeon pea was intercropped with kodo millet it was closely followed by intercropping with black gram. The kodo millet grain equivalent yield was computed to be in the range of 19.5 - 54.8 qt/ha. The highest values for KMGEY were obtained with pigeon pea intercropping, whereas intercropping with guar resulted in lowest KMGEY. The sole cropping of kodo millet recorded highest B:C ratio of 1.51 followed by Intercropping system where pigeon pea was intercropped with kodo millet having B:C of 1.42.

2 tables, 7 ref

012261   Mahajan G (Agronomy Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh) : Effect of different agronomic inputs on the soil health and productivity of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt.). New Agric 2016, 27(1), 97-102.

Maize occupies a prominent place among cereals and after rice and wheat ranks first in terms of productivity and third in total area and production. It was found that economic returns of the crop are directly related to its yield also, inadequate supply of nutrients and without proper plant geometry, sweet corn plants are undernourished and gives poor yield. Thus, for obtaining higher yield, economically sustained sweet corn should be supplied with sufficient amount of nutrients, while, maintaining proper plant geometry. Increase in kernel yield to the tune of 25.9% and 26.3% was observed over the lowest yielding treatment F₁ during both the years of experimentation. Hence, concluded that for obtaining better yield of sweet corn and to sustain the soil health, the crop should be grown with the fertility level of 160-80-60 N-P₂O₅-K₂O kg/ha maintaining a plant population of 50,000 plants/ha and application of 40 kg/ha sulphur.

3 tables, 8 ref

012260   Libini C L;Idu K A A;Manjumol C C;Kripa V; Mohamed K S (Pearl Oyter Laboratory, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Fisheries Training Centre, Marine Hill, Port Blair 744101, Andaman and Nicoabar Islands, Email: linoylibini@gmail.com) : Microalgal size, density and salinity gradients influence filter feeding of Pinctada margaritifera (Linnaeus 1758) spat. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(1) , 48-54.

Present study has revealed the feeding performance of pearl oyster P. margaritifera spat was comparatively better in salinities ranging from 28 to 37 ppt among the tested salinities. But a perfect feeding performance was noticed with a salinity between 31 to 34 ppt. Clearance rate, ingestion rate and retention efficiency of different sized algae showed that in these salinities spat can able to do a normal feeding activities in all the tested seston concentrations. these parameters were better in the optimal algal concentration of 50 x 10³ cells.ml^-1. Clearance rate and ingestion rate lower with diatoms than flagellates. Salinity, size of the food particle and its concentrations are also important factors influence the ingestion rate. The ingestion rate was proportionally increased with food concentration but the retention efficiency was inversely proportional. The smaller sized Chlorella marina and Nanochloropsis oculata showed a less retention than that of the other larger algal species, Pavlova salina, Isochrysis galbana and Chaetoceros calcitrans. The study has revealed that the best live feed for the blacklip pearl oyster spat should have a size of above 3 μm with cell concentration of 25 to 50 x10³ cells.ml^-1 required for nursery rearing.

2 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

012259   Laishram M;Ghosh S N (Fruits and Orchard Management Dep, Faculty of Horticulture, Bidhan Chandra krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741 252, Email: profsnghish@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of intercropping on plant and soil of Jackfruit grown in new alluvial soil of West Bengal. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 55-9.

An intercropping trial was conducted on 8 years old jackfruit orchard planted at 10 x 10m spacing and grown under rainfed new alluvial soil to indentify the suitable and profitable intercrops during 2011-13. The intercrops grown were black gram, cowpea, chick pea, french bean and lentil. The results from investigation indicated that fruit yield was highest in jackfruit withy cowpea followed by chick pea. Maximum fruit weight was with cowpea followed by french bean. Fruit quality did not vary significantly except total sugar content which was highest in fruit of the trees intercropped with chickpea. Nitrogen content in leaves of jackfruit was highest with cowpea intercropping but P and K content did not vary among the treatments. Soil P and K content in different intercropped plots also not varied significantly. However, nitrogen content in soil was higher in all the intercropped plots as compared to sole plot. Highest bio-mass was obtained from cowpea (44.18 q ha^-1) followed by French bean (40.88 q ha^-1). Highest net return was calculated from jackfruit with cowpea (Rs. 1, 35,911.00 ha^-1) followed by French bean (Rs. 1,01,293.00 ha^-1).

4 tables, 6 ref

012258   Kundu A;Kundu C K;Khan R;Roy S S;Majumder A; Mukherjee D;Lamana M C L (NO, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya , Mohanpur-741 252, Email: arindamkundu89@gmail.com) : Effect of 2, 4-D ethyl ester 80. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 203-5.

A field experiment was conducted during winter at Regional Research Station, BCKV, Chakdaha of West Bengal with eight - weed control treatments viz. four different doses of 2, 4 - D EE 80 per cent EC @ 0.225, 0.450, 0.675 and 0.900 a.i. kg ha^-1, 2, 4-D EE 38 per cent EC @0.450 a.i. kg ha^-1, Metsulfuron methyl 20 per cent WP@ 0.004 a.i. kg ha^-1, hand weeding twice at 25 and 45 DAS and unweeded control - in a randomized block design replicated thrice. The post emergence application of 2, 4-D EE 80 per cent EC @ 0.900 a.i. kg ha^-1 - resulted in effective weed control, recording the least weed density and weed dry weight among the chemical weed control treatments. Hand weeding twice produced highest grain yield followed by 2, 4-D EE 80 per cent EC @ 0.900 a.i. kg ha^-1. No phytotoxicity symptoms were observed throughout the observations.

2 tables, 7 ref

012257   Kumari S;Chattopadhyaya N;Mandal J;Singh M ( Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Bihar Agricultural Univ , Sabour-813 210, Email: jajati.bckv@gmail.com) : Integrated nutrient management boost the soil biological properties in rice rhizosphere. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 116-24.

A field experiment was carried out during kharif season in the year 2013 and 2014 in to assess the impact of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on soil biological properties in rice (Oryaza sativa). The experiment consists of nine treatments viz., T₁-Control, T₂- 100 per cent RDF, T₃- 50 per centRDF + 50 per cent N by green manure (GM), T₄ - 50 per cent RDF + 25 per cent N by GM +25 per cent N by Vermicompost (VC), T₅ - 50 per cent RDF+25 per cent N by (VC)+25 per cent N by Azolla T₆- 50 per cent RDF + 25 per cent N by GM + 25 per cent N by Azolla, T₇ - 50 per cent RDF + 25 per cent N Azolla + 25 percent N by BGA, T₈- 25 per cent RDF +25 per cent N by BGA + 25 per cent N by Azolla + 25 per cent N by GM and T₉ 25 per cent N by GM + 25 per cent N by VC +25 per cent N by Azolla + 25 per cent N by BGA + PSB. The results revealed an enhancement of total bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi and phosphate solubilizing bacteria in all stages of growth and irrespective of all the treatments in comparison with initial density of respective microorganism justifying the higher rhizosphere effect and keeping with a line of organic carbon content increment. Soil dehydrogenase, acid and alkaline phosphatase activities alongwith microbial biomass carbon also increased with the gradual growth phase of the rice plan.

12 tables, 23 ref

012256   Kumari P;Bordolui S K;Sadhukhan R (Seed Science and Technology Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyala, Mohanpur, Nadia, Email: sanjay_bordolui@rediffmail.com) : Seed quality deterioration of some winter flowers during storage. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 164-9.

India has immence potential for generating gainful employment among small and marginal farmer. In the recent years it has emerged as a profitable agri-business in India and worldwide as improved standards of living and growing consciousness among the citizens across the globe to live in environment friendly atmosphere has led to an increase in the demand of floriculture products in the developed as well as in the developing countries worldwide. Production of flower seeds is one type of preservation of germplasm. Seed propagated genotypes are maintained by keeping selected amount of seeds for next season or next year. Flowering annuals have become very popular because they can be grown conveniently from seeds. With the above consideration, the present investigation has been undertaken to evaluate of ten flower crops such as Candytuft, Flox, Dimorphotheca, Saponaria, Dianthus, Cornflower, Annual chrysanthemum, Scorodynum, Lupin and Poppy and document there storabilty during 2014- 2015 at Seed testing laboratory, BCKV, West Bengal, India. Immediately after harvesting among the winter annuals Cornflower was highest germination percentage (90%) and no germination was found in annual Chrysanthemum and poppy. After viability test it can be confirmed that Chrysanthemum and poppy have the dormancy. Both Annual Chrysanthemum and Poppy dormancy period is two months, confirmed it after TZ test. Five months after harvesting highest germination percentage was found in cornflower (72.667), lowest was found in Saponaria and Lupin (64.667). The significant variation among the flower crops for the trait germination percentage. Highest pool germination percentage over season was found in cornflower (81.883) and lowest was found in annual chrysanthemum (46.722). Highest pooled vigour index over season was recorded in acroclynium (659.046) and lowest was found in poppy (222.558). According to seed standard of flower crops the minimum germination percentage is 60%. From the experiment it has been observed that all the ten winter annuals have germination percentage maintained 60% up to five months of storing (i.e next sowing season) in desiccators.

2 illus, 7 tables, 3 ref

012255   Kumar V;Singh V K;Rani T (Radha Foundation, Varanasi, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ghazipur, Email: vijaykumar0517@yahoo.com ) : Influence of nitrogen, potassium and their interaction on growth and phenology of papaya cv. Pusa dwarf. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 60-3.

Papaya is one of the important fruits being grown in Indo- Gangetic plain and is a good source of vitamin A, riboflavin, thiamin and mineral nutrients. The productivity of papaya is low due to lack of nutrient management. Keeping the view a field experiment was made to evaluate the effect of nitrogen, potassium and their interaction on growth and phenology of papaya cv, Pusa Dwarf. Application of 200g nitrogen pit-1 increased plant vigour (height and girth). However, N0 and N₃₀₀ g depicted earlier flowering and fruit set respectively, while application of K₃₀₀ g exhibited significantly greater plant height and delayed flowering along with fruit set and incorporation of K₅₀₀ g per pit showed broader stem girth. Fruit ripening was delayed by both the nutrients providing more time for fruit set. The interaction study revealed that the plant height and stem girth were found significantly maximum for N₂₀₀ K₃₀₀ and N₂₀₀ K₅₀₀ combination respectively, while statistically least values were observed for N0 K0 interaction. However, significantly least time taken for first flowering and fruit set was noted for N0 K0 treatment, while maximum days observed for N₃₀₀ K₃₀₀.

4 tables, 9 ref

012254   Kumar P;Ghosh D K (Spices and Plantation Crops Dep, Faculty of Horticulture, B.C.K.V., Mohanpur, West Bengal-741 252, Email: pranay.pma@gmail.com) : Studies on the influence of plant growth regulators on growth and yield of turmeric (curcuma longa L.). J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 183-4.

An experiment was conducted to find out the effect of growth regulators on growth and yield of turmeric with four treatments of growth regulators viz. G (Cycocel 1000ppm), Grn(6- BA 5 ppm), G (NAA 20 ppm) and G (Control) which where replicated three times. Among the growth regulators used G (NAA 20 ppm) recorded maximum (80.84cm) plant height, number of leaves per tiller (26.32) and other vegetative parameters, yield per clump (295.41g), yield per plot (8.08kg) and yield per hectare (18.08 t/ha)at 180 DAP.

^ssc1 table, 6 ref

012253   Kirar S S;Gupta A K;Kulhade A (Faculty of Agriculture, Technology Transfer Dep, KGCGVV, Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh) : Comparative on yield of traditional and SRI methods of paddy cultivation in district Katni (M.P.). New Agric 2016, 27(1), 185-8 .

The study was conducted in district Katni. It was found that the change in yield (53.21%) followed by area effect (34.83%) and interaction effects (11.96%) were the major output of paddy in SRI method over traditional method of cultivation.

2 tables, 13 ref

012252   Kichar J P;Gahlot G C;Kiran;Agarwal V K; Gahlot K (Animal Genetics and Breeding Dep, Rajasthan Univ of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner-334 001, Email: jai4me007@gmail.com) : PCR-SSCP analysis of Exon 2 of myostatin (MSTN) gene in marwari goats. Indian J Small Rumin 2017, 23(1), 81-3.

2 illus, 13 ref

012251   Khan M A;Chander M;Bardhan D (Vety. and A.H. Extension Education Dep, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Chhattisgarh Kamdh, Anjora, Durg, Email: drameeronline@gmail.com) : Status of cattle and buffalo insurance scheme in Gorakhpur district, Uttar Pradesh. Indian J Dairy Sci 2017, 70(1), 112-15.

The livestock insurance though introduced in 1971 has not operated in a significant way till date and still evolving in terms of scope, spread and structure. The present study has focused on the situation of livestock insurance in present scenario and proposed some policy implication for insurance in livestock sector. This study included 120 cattle and buffalo owners who insured their dairy animals in different insurance schemes operated in Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh. The primary data was collected by both qualitative and quantitative methods using interview schedule, questionnaire, focus group discussion and observation method. The study revealed that most of the dairy animal owners had buffalo as a main dairy animal in their herd. All the indigenous cows were insured through government schemes whereas, crossbred animals were insured under NLIS. More than two third of the policies for crossbred cows and buffaloes were long term. Crossbred cows were insured more than other milch animals because farmers perceived that more risk was associated with these animals. More than 50% claims were reported in case of crossbred cows and buffaloes insured under government schemes. Public insurers frequently experienced high claim ratio due to frauds by the insurers. The livestock insurance scheme should be revised from the current practices and make it more farmer friendly.

5 tables, 12 ref

012250   Kazmi A;Wani S A;Sofi A H;Mir M S;Khan H M ( Livestock Products Technology Dep, Sher-e-kashmir Univ of Agricultural Science and Technology of Kashmir, Shuhama, Srinagar-190 006, Email: sofihassanasif@yahoo.co.in) : Effects of sex and body region on the wool characteristics of Bhakarwal sheep. Indian J Small Rumin 2017, 23(1), 97-100.

2 table, 7 ref

012249   Kashyap S;Shukla M K;Pandey S K;Prasad P;Jha G (Agronomy Dep, College of Agriculture, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh) : Response of different levels of nitrogen on growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties in direct seeded upland condition . New Agric 2016, 27(1), 173-80.

In order to study the effect of rice varieties with different levels of nitrogen in direct seeded upland condition a field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2008 on silty clay loam soil at Agriculture College Farm, Rewa (M.P.). The experiment was laid out in split plot Design with 3 levels of nitrogen [N₁, 40 kg/ha; N₂, 80 kg/ha; N₃, 120 kg/ha] in main plots and 7 varieties (V₁, 'IET-20144'; V₂, 'IET-19836'; V₃, 'Annada'; V₄, 'Govinda'; V₅, 'Narendra-97'; V₆, 'Tulsi' and V₇, 'JR-201 Local') in subplots comprising 21 treatments combinations with 3 replications. The different treatments were allocated randomly in each replication. The soil was low in available nitrogen, medium in phosphorus and high in available potassium. The pH of the soil was nearly neutral. Combination of variety 'JR-201 Local' and 120 kg N/ha was found best in respect of most of the growth and yield attributing characters along with grain yield followed by N3V4 ('Govinda' sown with 120 kg N/ha). Variety 'Govinda' under 40 and 80 kg N/ha and variety 'JR- 201 Local' under 120 kg N/ha produced highest grain yield over rest of the varieties and treatment combination N3V7 ('JR-201 Local' and 120 kg N/ha) resulted in significantly highest grain yield (40.47 q/ha) followed by N3V4 ('Govinda' sown with 120 kg N/ha) (40.20 q/ha) and N3V2 ('IET- 19836' sown with 80 kg N/ha) (39.77 q/ha).

4 tables, 17 ref

012248   Karthikeyan S;Prathima A (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Syed Ammal Engineering College, Ramanathapuram-623 502, Email: skarthikeya74@gmail.com) : Application of cedarwood oil methyl ester with carbon nano wires in marine engine studies. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(1) , 111-15.

Present study is focused to improve biodiesel from Cedar Wood Oil (CWO) and appraise its effect on the engine performance and emission. Cedarwood is found to be appropriate for biodiesel production on a large scale. CWO extraction was done by combination of expeller and solvent extraction method. Transesterification method was carried out by addition NaOH and methanol to form fatty acid methyl ester of cedarwood oil. Further, experimental investigation was conducted in a single cylinder naturally aspirated direct injection compression ignition engine coupled with eddy current dynamometer. Engine was improved for better performance and reduced emissions.

9 illus, 9 ref

012247   Kanawjia A;Saravanan S (Horticulture Dep, ITM Univ, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh) : Studies on genetic variability and character association in Gladiolus sp.. New Agric 2016, 27(1) , 139-44.

The present research was conducted in the Research Farm of Horticulture Department, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad. The experimental design used in the trial was randomized block design with three replications. The results revealed that most of the characters under study exhibited moderate to low phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the respective genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters studied indicating thereby high environmental influence. The highest heritability was observed in number of cormels per plant (96.42%) followed by spike length (95.93%), diameter of corm (95.29%), days to spike emergence (93.18%), days to first floret open (92.34%). Plant height exhibited highly significant and positive correlation with florets open at a time (0.714), number of floret per spike (0.577), diameter of floret (0.686), rachis length (0.773), durability of spike (0.598), spike length (0.904), Number of florets per spike exhibited highly significant positive correlation with diameter of floret (0.707), rachis length (0.824), durability of spike (0.820), spike length (0.631). The highest positive direct effect over spike length was exerted by plant height (1.0340), number of florets per spike (0.7966) and diameter of corm (0.1026).The direct selection for these characters would be beneficial for crop improvement since most of these characters also show significant positive correlation coefficients

3 tables, 14 ref

012246   Kalita H;Chakrabarty R (Regional Agricultural Research Station, Assam Agricultural Univ, Shillongani, Nagaon-782 002, Email: ranjana_74@yahoo.co.in) : Performance of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) varieties under different seed rates rice (Oryza sativa) - utera situations. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 113-15.

A field trial was conducted at RARS, Shillongani, Nagaon to study the performance of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) varieties (Ratan, Nirmal, Prateek and Mahateora) under varying seed rates (50, 55 and 60 kg ha^-1) in winter rice (Oryza sativa L.) relay cropping situations during Rabi 2014-15 and 2015-16. The varieties were sown on November 15 and 17 in respective years in standing rice field (15 days after 50% flowering of the rice crop) when the soil was in moist conditions. Among the varieties, 'Prateek' performed very well under rice-utera conditions. It gave the highest grain yield (863.89 kg ha^-1 in 2014-15 and 791.67 kg ha^-1 in 2015-16). Seed rate 60 kg ha^-1 accrued in better crop stand and thus, the highest grain yield (895.83 kg ha^-1 in the first year and 842.36 kg ha^-1 in the second).When seed rate was increased by 5 kg from 50 kg ha^-1, the yield increase was 14.2 (average) per cent. Further 5 kg increase in seed rate resulted in an average yield advantage of 13.2 per cent. Interaction of variety with seed rate showed that 'Nirmal' with 60 kg seed ha^-1 (969.44 kg ha^-1) recorded the highest grain yield, closely followed by 'Prateek' with 60 kg seed ha^-1 (955.55 kg ha^-1) in 2014-15. However, in the second year, 'Prateek' sown using 60 kg seed rate produced the highest grain yield (986.11 kg ha^-1), closely followed by 'Ratan' with 60 kg seed/ha^-1 (877.78 kg ha^-1). Soil moisture conservation and microbial population build-up were considerably better under 'Prateek' and 'Nirmal' sown using the seed rate of 60 kg ha^-1. Higher populations of fungi (49 x 10⁴ and 43 x 10⁴ cfu/g^-1 soil) and bacteria (52 x 10⁷ and 48 x 10⁷ cfu g^-1 soil) at harvest were recorded in soil where 'Prateek' was grown by seed rate of 60 kg ha^-1 in both the years of experimentation. In this variety aphid and wilt incidence were the lowest.

6 tables, 7 ref

012245   Jyoti Devi;Bakshi P;Wali V K (Fruit Science Dep, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu) : Rooting behavior and shoot growth of cutting raised plantlets of of phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.) as influenced by plant growth regulators and dates of planting. New Agric 2016, 27(1), 19-23.

Role of some auxins, indol-3-butyric acid (IBA) and a-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) has been examined for their stimulatory effects on adventitious root formation in stem cuttings of Phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.) under different planting dates. Concentration of IBA (300 ppm) was found to be the most effective treatment as it not only induced maximum rooting (72.57%) but also enhanced total number of roots, length of root, diameter, fresh and dry weight of root. Further, the growth performance of these cutting raised plantlets, under different planting dates, was compared. It was found that planting of phalsa cuttings on 30th July resulted in morphologically healthy plants in terms of the length of longest sprout, fresh and dry weight of stem along with partitioning coefficient of stem. Therefore, it was concluded that IBA treatment not only improve the per cent rooting but also improve the subsequent shoot growth of the plantlets of Phalsa.

2 tables, 15 ref

012244   Jribi I (Life Sciences Dep, Sfax Faculty of Sciences, Univ of Sfax, PO Box 1171, Sfax 3000, Tunisia, Email: imed.jribi@fss.rnu.tn) : Loggrhead turtle Caretta caretta nesting activity in Chebba (Centre Tunisa): Assessment, problems and recommendation. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(1), 163-9.

As the presence of loggerhead turtle nests has occasionally been reported in Chebba (Tunisia), study carried out a survey in "Essir" and "Sidi Messaoud" beaches during summer 2013 to assess the actual state of the nesting population. We report ten nesting events by loggerhead sea turtles. In comparison to past records, this number is relatively high and suggests that Chebba may host a much higher nesting activity than previously thought and higher monitoring effort is recommended, especially in certain beaches. Results indicate that beaches monitored so far are suitable for development, resulting in high hatching and emergence success; incubation durations indicate that majority of hatchlings produced are males.

2 illus, 1 table, 41 ref

012243   Joshi S;Rameshkumar A (Insect Systematics Div, ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Post Bag No.2491, H.A. Farm Post, Bellary Road, Bengaluru-560 024, Email: sunjoshi.pdbc@gmail.com) : Silent foray of three soft scale insects in India. Curr Sci 2017, 112(3), 629-35.

This study documents three scale insects, viz. Kilifia acuminata (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Coccidae), Trijuba oculata (Bain) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) and Protopulvi-naria longivalvata Green (Hemiptera: Coccidae) from India as new entrants. All these insects are poly-phagous and attack several economically important plant species. K. acuminata has been reported from important plant genera like Artocarpus, Eugenia, Psidium, Syzigium, Passiflora, Coffea, Citrus, Litchi and Manilkara, while T. oculata has been reported to infest Annona, Ficus and Vitis. P. longivalvata has been recorded on important crops, viz. Mangifera, Psidium, Syzigium, Piper, Coffea, Citrus and Camelia. Brief diagnostic characters in live and mounted condition are provided. Information about host range, distribution and natural enemies of these scale insects is also furnished. New plant host records for scales and new host-parasitoid association have been documented. Possibilities of these scale insects becoming serious pests and a threat to economically important plants are also discussed.

4 illus, 38 ref

012242   Jean Jose J;Thangaraj M;Alex L;Lipton A P ( Zoology Dep, St. Gregorios College, Kottarakara-691 531, Kerala, Email: jeanlincy@gmail.com) : Population genetics of Oithona similis Claus, 1866 (Crusracea: Cyclopoida) in Arabian sea: preliminary evidence of haplotype sharing in two population. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(1), 147-54.

Present study examined two populations (Vizhinjam and Calicut) of O. similis distributed in the Arabian Sea based on the comparative analysis of the 28S rDNA sequence variation and to know the population variation between two large marine ecosystems, Atlantic Ocean and Arabian Sea population. The data's were compared in detail. DNA sequence variation clearly resolved and discriminated the populations, and revealed low levels of intrapopulation variation among Atlantic Ocean and Arabian Sea. The 28S rDNA region was thus shown to provide an accurate and reliable means of identifying the species throughout the sampled domain.

4 illus, 4 table, 37 ref

012241   Jana B R (ICAR-RCER, Research Center for Makhana, Basudeopur, Darbhanga, Bihar-846 004, Email: brjana.ars@gmail.com ) : Impact of water depth on growth of gorgon nut and associated weed under wetland ecosystem of north Bihar province in India. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 77-82.

A field experiment was conducted at ICAR -RCER, Research Centre Makhana, Darbhanga, Bihar during 2015-16 for standardization of water depth for gorgon nut or makhana cultivation and associated weed control. The makhana crop was grown at different depth of water bodies ranging from 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 cm and <62> 50 cm following randomized block design and observation taken on weed appearance and their control. It had been found that more the depth of water accounted for more vigorous vegetative growth of makhana plant. Makhana growing in field system, where growths of plant were significantly reduced which were the positive traits for horticultural practices due to reduction in water column. At field having 30 cm water produced the medium leaf diameter (104.84 cm) and pod having (82.50) bold seeds. The maximum test weight of the raw seed was 97.12 g found in 30 cm water containing plot. The maximum number of fruits (12.66) and yield of 23.83 Q ha^-1 were found in field having 30 cm water. Weed population were increased in shallow depth of water. The common weeds at Darbhanga were Cyperus defformis, Cyperus rotundous, Hydrilla verticillata, Aeschynomene aspera and Sagittaria guayanesis. Weed management was excellent when field was well pulverized with rotavator followed by application of castor and neem cake in equal poportion [2T (50:50) ha^-1]. Butachlor spraying was ineffective for aquatic weed control as irrigation of 30-40 cm water was given after herbicide application. We concluded from the present study that Makhana performed well under field condition giving yield of 23.83Q ha^-1 when 30 cm water column was maintained throughout its life span and when weeds were controlled by the application of organic cakes (2tha^-1).

2 illus, 25 ref

012240   Islam MA;Shah SSG S (Faculty of Forestry, Sher-e-kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmi, Wadura, Sopore-193 201, Email: ajaztata@gmail.com) : Traditional wicker handicraft by the Shaakhsaazi communities of rural Kashmir. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2017, 16(2), 350-5.

Wicker handicraft, the technique of basket and furniture weaving, is a well-known forest based cottage industry of Shaakhsaazi communities, playing an eminent role in the socio-economy and cultural heritage of Kashmir. The study is an attempt to document the indigenous knowledge pertaining to wicker handicraft practices. Multi-stage random sampling was employed to select one hundred Shaakhsaazi households from twenty sample villages in district Pulwama of Kashmir. The data were collected using ethnographic research methods, interviews, observations and discussions. In all, the historical and socio-religious aspects of Shaakhsaazi communities, collection of wicker species, processing practices, tools used in weaving, weaving techniques, livelihood mainstay, problems and prospects and gender analysis in wicker handicraft are discussed.

1 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

012239   Hijam L;Sarkar K K;Mukherjee S (Genetic and Plant Breeding Dep, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari-736 165, Email: lakshmihij52@gmail.com) : Inheritance and association of yield and its attributing traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.). J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 64-71 .

Rice is the primary food crop of half of the world's population and improving its productivity by the genetic selection is crucial. Fifty genotypes of rice were evaluated during 2011 and 2012 on the basis of eleven yield and its attributing traits following Randomized Block Design with three replications with the objectives to study the different genetic parameters and their association among various yield attributing traits. High estimates of GCV and PCV were obtained for grain yield per plant, harvest index, l: b of rice grain, filled grains per panicle and 1000 grain weight. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was reported for plant height, days to 50 per cent flowering and filled grains per panicle indicating preponderance of additive gene action and through simple selection on the basis of these characters considerable improvement in rice could be perceived. The correlation coefficient at genotypic level was in general higher than their phenotypic correlations. The characters number of effective tillers per plant, filled grains per panicle, grain breadth and 1000 grain weight exhibited significant positive association with yield per plant. Path coefficient analysis revealed days to 50 per cent flowering, number of effective tillers per plant, filled grains per panicle, grain breadth, grain l: b ratio and harvest index had positive direct effect on yield. Based on overall magnitudes of heritability, genetic advance, correlation and path analysis, number of effective tillers plant^-1, filled grains panicle-1, grain breadth and 1000 grain weight should be given emphasised for selecting high yielding genotypes.

5 tables, 13 ref

012238   Heisnam P;moirangthem A;Singh N I;Singh A H; Singh L N (NO, Central Agricultural Univ, Imphal, Email: anuheisnam@gmail.com) : Study on economic feasibility of some promising weediciedes on shallow land transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.) under rainfed conditions. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 170-4.

The study on the economic feasibility of some promising weedicides reveals that among the different herbicides tested T₇ {2,4-D Ethyl Ester 30 per cent EC (Champion)} was found better during earlier growth stages up to 60 DAT, producing taller plants but at later stages T₄ (Fenoxoprop-P-ethyl 6.7% w/w EC (Rice star)) was found to be the most effective to control weed in terms of total weed biomass production (18.76 g m² fresh weight and 8.67 g m² dry weight), weed control efficiency (71.81%) and herbicide use efficiency (56.10%). The application of weedicides T₈ {Metsulfuron Methyl 10% + Chlorimum Ethyl 10% (Almix)} helped to acieve the highest grain yield (68.98 q ha^-1 which was an increase of 20.29% over control. Treatment T₈ was found to be economically feasible with the highest net return of Rs. 83121 per hectare, and benefit: cost ratio of 2.21, while for control, the corresponding values were accounted to be Rs.45,599 per hectare and 1.22 respectively. This was closely followed by the application of Pyrazo Sulfuron 50% EC (Saathi) @50g a.i. ha^-1 as early Post-emergence in terms of grain yield and economic parameters.

4 tables, 8 ref

012237   Haque A;Imam H;Hana H K;Islam S;Ganim D;Haque R (Pharmacy Dep, Pabna Univ of Science and Technology, Pabna-6600, Bangladesh, Email: hasan.imam@primeasia.edu.bd) : Maintenance and optimization of culture/fermentation media to acheive maximum bioactive metabolites from marine Strptomyces sp. and their cytotoxic effects. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(1), 170-5.

Marine soil and sediment samples were collected from different locations of mangrove forest Sundarbans, Bangladesh, the largest tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world. On the basis of morphological, cultural and biochemical studies, the strain HAN-10 appeared as Streptomyces sp. Optimum cultural composition and fermentation parameters of this marine Streptomyces sp. was determined by the amount of metabolites released and consequently the inhibitory zone diameter measurement by disc diffusion method against Bacillus cereus. Maximum bioactive metabolites was observed when a broth medium containing glucose as carbon source, potassium nitrate, and 3.5% NaCl. Metabolites production was started after four days of incubation, reached its maximum levels after eight days, sustained upto ten days and thereafter gradually decreased. 37o C temperature and 6-7 pH was maintained for its optimum growth and metabolite release.

8 illus, 22 ref

012236   Hamed M R;Givianrad M H;Moradi A M (Marine Chemistry Dep, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Tehran, Iran, Email: givianradh@yaho.com) : Green synthesis of silver nanoparticle using marine sponge Axinella sinoxia. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(1), 125-30.

Silver nanoparticles synthesis using dry and fresh marine sponge Axinella sinoxia. Experimental parameters such as time duration, pH, and temperature are studied. Optimizations for silver nanoparticles were carried out. The optimum syntheses of silver nanoparticles were achieved within 4 hours at pH 8.5, 70°C and 1mM AgNO₃. Characterizations of silver nanoparticles were applied based on UV-Vis spectrophotometry around 420 nm. The sizes of synthesized nanoparticles (23-38nm) were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) crystallography expounded the silver nanoparticles crystalline nature. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) shows that the functional groups are hydroxyl, carbonyl, amide, amine, alkyl halide, and phenolic compounds of extract of Axinella sinoxia are entangled in the reduction of aqueous silver nanoparticles. This method of Ag-NPs synthesis does not use any toxic reagents and thus has potential for use in biomedical, pharmaceutical and agricultural application.

8 illus, 25 ref

012235   Halder M Ray P;Saha S;Chatterjee S;Adhikary S;Mukhopadhyay S K (AICRP on Integrated Farming System, BCKV, Kalyani-741 235, Email: manabbckv@gmail.com) : Effect of balanced nutrition on productivity, economics and soil fertility of rice (Oryza sativa L.) - greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] cropping system under coastal West Bengal. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 89-92.

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) and summer season of 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 at farmers' field of Mandirbazar and Kakdwip blocks of South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal to study the response of rice (Oryza sativa L.) - greengram cropping sequence to balanced nutrition. The experiment consisted of 7 treatments combinations, viz. absolute control, recommended N alone, recommended N and P, recommended N and K, recommended N, P and K, recommended NPK with ZnSO₄ in rice along with NPK in succeeding greengram, and farmers' practice, were replicated in 24 farmers' field. Application of 80 kg ha^-1 N, 40 kg ha^-1 P and 40 kg ha^-1 K along with 25 kg ha^-1 ZnSO₄ to rice recorded significantly higher grain (4.51 t ha^-1) as well as straw (6.48 t ha^-1) yield and in the same plot in succeeding greengram application of 20 kg ha^-1 N, 40 kg ha^-1 P, 40 kg ha^-1 K also recorded significantly higher seed (0.92 t ha^-1) yield. Similarly the maximum system rice equivalent yield (8.81 t ha^-1) and productivity (24 kg ha^-1 day-1) were also achieved under this nutrient combination. Significantly higher cost of cultivation (62,704 ha^-1), gross return (1, 90,699 ha^-1), net return (46,994 ha^-1), B: C ratio (1.76) and sustainable yield index (0.83) for rice-greengram cropping system were also recorded with the same treatment combination. This nutrient combination also responsible for higher fertility build up.

3 tables, 10 ref

012234   Ghosh A;Tripathy B;Mukhopadyay A (Zoological Survey of India, , M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700 053, Email: abhijna.ghosh@gmail.com) : Ecology of two sympatric Nassariid gastropods [Nassarius (Niotha) stolatus (Gmelin) and Nassarius (Zeuxis) foveolatus (Dunker)along the northern east coast of India. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(1), 93-101.

The present study traces the ecology of two sympatric Nassariid species namely Nassarius(Niotha)stolatus (Gmelin) and Nassarius(Zeuxis)foveolatus (Dunker) distributed along the north-east coast of India. The seasonal abundance, population fluctuation of the two species has measured in selected study sites. The physico-chemical parameters of water and soil and their inter- relationship with the population fluctuation have also measured. There are spatiotemporal variations among the studied Nassariid species along the north east coast of India.

10 table, 15 ref

012233   Garg H S;Kumari P;Bhattacharya C;Panja S; Kumar R (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya Mohanpur, Nadia-741 252, Email: hsgarh.pusa24@gmail.com) : Genetic parameters estimation for yield and yield related traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.) with drought tolerance trait under stress condition. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 83-8 .

Drought is a major abiotic stress that causes severe yield loss in rice, a staple food crop, affecting 20 per cent of the total rice growing area in Asia. Keeping these in view, the present investigation was carried out to assess the extent of genetic variability for yield and yield related traits and to estimate heritability and genetic advance in rice genotypes for drought tolerance. The genotypes exhibited high variability for the characters like number of grains per panicle and plant height under both condition. The traits like plant height, flag leaf area, chlorophyll content, leaf drying at vegetative stage, and seed yield per plant showed high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean under both stress and normal conditions. Hence, the direct selection of these characters may be useful for future improvement of genotypes under respective environment for improvement of drought tolerance and highergrain yield.

3 tables, 28 ref

012232   Ganie N A;Kamili A S;Sahaf K A;Murtaza I;Dar K A;Malik M A (Temperate Sericulture Research Institute, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmi, Jammu-181 002, Email: imz_murtaza@hotmail.com) : Comparative analysis of digestive amylase activity in some tropical and temperate breeds of Mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori L.. Curr Sci 2017, 112(3), 624-9.

In the current study amylase activity was carried out by analysis of digestive fluid in diapausing and non-diapausing strains of mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori L. Six different breeds, viz. Pure Mysore, Nistari, NB₄D₂, SH₆, SKAUR₆ and SKUAST₂₈were selected for the study. The average digestive amylase activity was found highest in Nistari during spring (664.82 μg) and summer (993.97 μg) seasons. However, among the bivoltine breeds SKUAST-28 with the average amylase activity during spring (148.47 μg) and summer (144.04 ng) seasons was found to be a superior breed with respect to this parameter. The amylase activity in tropical non-diapausing breeds is higher than that in the bivoltine breeds of silkworm which is responsible for their higher survival rate under unfavourable conditions.

1 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

012231   Dutta A;Banerjee H;Das R;Dewanjee S;Sarkar A; Mandal S (NO, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741 252, Email: amitavapors@gmail.com) : Performance of yellow coated mustard (Brassica juncea L.) mutants under West Bengal condition. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 110-12.

An experiment on the performance of various mustard mutants developed at Bhaba Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai was carried out at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal during the winter season of 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 at 13 locations across four agro climatic zones. Among the test entries, two yellow coated mustard TM-204 and TM-143 were included in the trial. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design having four replications, with 5 rows of 5 m length. Statistical analysis of the data showed significant differences for all the parameters except days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity and 1000 seed weight. Based on three years trial TM 204 showed 10-15 per cent yield advantage and TM 143 showed 7-12 per cent yield advantage over two check varieties Kranti (National Check) and Pusa Bold (Zonal Check).

2 illus, 2 tables, 3 ref

012230   Dubey S;Dwivedi P K (NO, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Raisen) : Popularization of improved black gram production technology through front line demonstration in Vindhyan paltu of M.P.. New Agric 2016, 27(1), 103-6.

Black gram is an important food legume widely consumed in India. It also plays an important role in sustainable agriculture enriching the soil through biological nitrogen fixation. The study was carried out during Kharif 2007-08 to 2010-11 at farmer's field of adopted village of Raisen District. Front line demonstration on black gram crop was conducted in an area of 20 ha with active participants of 48 farmers with the objective to demonstrate the latest technology of black gram production potential, analysis of extension gap, technology gap, technology index, economic benefit of improved technology. The Result revealed that maximum grain yield 9.75 q/ ha was recorded during Kharif 2010-11 with an increase in 40.29% over local check (6.95 q/ ha). Improved technology of black gram recorded progressively increased average grain yield during four year of study from 7.56 q /ha to 9.75 q /ha with a range of 29.23 to 40.29 percent increase over farmer practices. In addition to increase in yield of black gram, mean extension gap, technology gap, technology index, was found 2.18, 3.34 q ha and 27.81 percent respectively. The additional cost of Rs 1410 to Rs 1755 gave additional net return it was ranged from Rs 2865 to Rs 5245 per ha. With 1:2.01 to 1:2.98 incremental benefit: cost ratio.

3 tables, 11 ref

012229   Dhuware S R;Singh Y K;Pande A K;Akhilesh Kumar;Meshram V (JNKVV, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Balaghat) : Extent of adption of 'system of rice intensification' technology by the farmers. New Agric 2016, 27(1), 71-6.

Rice is the main cereal for a majority of the population in India. The yield level of rice is comparatively low at present need to be increased substantially. Higher rice production can be achieved by adoption of `System of Rice Intensification' (SRI) by large number of farmers. Keeping this in view, an attempt has been made to know the overall adoption of rice technologies. The study was conducted in Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh during 2011-12. Majority of respondent (36.75) were found to be high level of adoption, 33.25 per cent medium adoption and 30. 00 per cent low adoption of SRI management technologies. Further, the result of study revealed that age, level of education, economic motivation, size of land holding, social participation, scientific orientation, extension participation, cosmopoliteness and mass media exposure were found positively significant at 0.01 level of probability with their level of knowledge of SRI technology. Whereas, Socio-economic status was non significantly associated with their level of knowledge of SRI technology.

5 tables, 9 ref

012228   Datta M K;Kundu C K;Singharoy S;Sarkar S K ( Agronomy Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741 252, Email: meetmadhabonline@gmail.com ) : Effectiveness of 2,4-D ethyl ester 80. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 196-9.

A field experiment was conducted at regional research station of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Chakdaha, Nadia, West Bengal in 2014 to study the effectiveness of weeds control in Kharif paddy by the application of 2,4-D Ethyl Ester 80 per cent EC. The predominant weed flora found in the experiment viz. Echinochloa colona, Echinochloa crussgalli, Cyperus difformis, Cyperus iria, Eclipta alba, Ludwigia parviflora etc. 2,4-D EE 80 per cent EC @ 3.40 kg a.i. ha^-1 and 2,4 -D EE 80 per cent EC @ 1.70 kg a.i. ha^-1 recorded the higher weed control efficiency compared to hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAT. Among yield parameters, the application of 2,4-D EE 80per cent EC @ 3.40 kg a.i.ha^-1 plots found better results after hand weeding twice (20 & 40 DAT) plot. It was also revealed that 2, 4-D EE 80per cent EC @ 3.40 kg a.i. ha^-1 was at par with other different doses of herbicide treatments.

2 tables, 12 ref

012227   Das S S;Das A K;Mazumder A;Debnath M K ( Agricultural Statistics Dep, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Coochbehar, West bengal-736 165, Email: soumitradas30@gmail.com ) : Different methods for judging the normality assumption for univariate and bivariate data and its remedial measure. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1) , 7-16.

Methods of finding density functions for statistics often lead to intractable mathematical expressions but the calculations are relatively simple and a good deal of work has been done using the basic assumption of normality. The most popular tests among practical Statisticians are tests which depend on normality in the parent population. When there is grave doubt about the assumption, non-parametric tests should be used, even at some sacrifice of power. Parametric tests like t-test, t-test and F-test are applied under the assumption that the data are normally distributed. One should test the data whether they follow normal or not before conducting the parametric tests. If there is reason to suspect non-normality, it is advisable to try a transformation. In this work different methods for testing the normality are discussed and eight data sets are taken and they are tested for normality. The data sets 2 and 5 are found normal. The other data sets i.e.3,4 and 6 are non-normal. The bivariate data set 7 is normal where as bivariate data set-8 is non-normal. Box-Cox- power transformation is used for all non-normal data and it is found that all the transformed data follow normality. But it is not necessary that the Box-Cox-power transformation will always makes the data normal.

4 illus, 6 tables, 12 ref