012226   Dar S A;Mir G M;Parry M A;Parry S H;Yaqob M; Khrusheed R (Entomology Dep, RTCPPPM-SKUAST-K, Srinager Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Science, Shalimar, Jammu and Kashmir-190 025, Email: showketdar@gmail.com) : Potential habitat value for wild bees in Kashmir valley. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 125-31.

The declines in honeybee populations in Indian have highlighted the importance of native bee conservation, and the need for research on the ecological requirements of native bees in various landscapes. In this study, we investigated the value of hedgerows as foraging habitat for native bees in mosaics of small scale agriculture and natural vegetation in the landscapes of Kashmir division. In the spring of 2013-14 we surveyed bees and flowers in four habitats: hedgerows, agricultural fields, grasslands, and native woodland. We investigated that how hedgerows varied compare to other available habitats in bee abundance and species richness; species composition in hedgerows compare to species composition in agricultural fields and woodland. We found that hedgerows were attractive foraging habitat for native bees, especially in early spring and summer. Cumulative species richness was highest in hedgerows, although cumulative species richness did not significantly differ among fields, hedgerows, and woodland. While bee faunas overlapped among habitats, bee assemblages in hedgerows were more similar to those in fields than to those woodlands. The flowering shrubs were important in attracting bees that were otherwise uncommon in the landscape, including some species that are potentially valuable pollinators of stone fruit crops such as peach, plum andrncherry.

1 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

012225   Chittappa B;Nisha R;Nickhil C (College of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering Dep, , Bangalore, Karnataka) : Development of improved intercultural Hoe. New Agric 2016, 27(1), 203-5.

The interculturing operation breaks the upper surface of the soil, uprooting the weeds, aerating the soil, making good mulch, so moisture inside properly retained from evaporation. In the animaldrawn hoe, the implement draft and the capacity of the animals to provide the required power will also affect performance, as will ergonomic considerations related to the comfort of the operator. A intercultural hoe could be easily handled, light, strong, durable, cheap, adjustable for different crops, and can be easily manufactured locally. The present bullock hoe consists occupied the space coverage of width 95 cm, total height of 102 cm, three number of tynes and angle 41 °. The shape of blade is rectangular and beam length of 236 cm. The field capacity of the implement was noted to be 0.27 hectares per hour which includes the turning losses, the field capacity was found to be 0.17 hectares per hour for the area of 10x20 m2, which gives the field efficiency of 81.43%.

2 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

012224   Chandra R;Karmakar H D;Chatlod L R;Rahman H ( NO, ICAR- Research Institute for NEH Region, Tadong, Gangtog-737 102, Sikkim, Email: drchandiraicar@yahoo.co.in) : Performance of New Zealand white rabbits in subtropical climate of Sikkim. Indian J Small Rumin 2017, 23(1), 26-9 .

The performance of New Zealand White rabbits was studied in the subtropical climatic conditions of Sikkim, India. Data from 96 litters collected over 5 years (1999-2003) were analyzed to find out the effect of non-genetic factors on growth and reproductive performance. Effects of year, parity, season on litter size at birth, litter weight at birth, litter size at weaning and litter weight at weaning, individual weight at 42, 90 and 120 days were studied. Year, season and parity had no significant effect on litter size at birth, litter weight at birth, litter size at weaning and litter weight at weaning. Sex also did not show any significant effect on body weight of male and female rabbits at 42, 90 and 120 days of age. However, the season had significant (P<0.05) effect on 90 and 120 days of body weight.

2 table, 17 ref

012223   Chakraborty B K;Haque S M;Sarker S;Tripura R (Fisheries Dep, Bangladesh Agricultural Univ, Bangladesh, Email: bborty@gmail.com) : Growth and yield performance of a sustainable aquaculture of a sustainable aquaculture of cuchia, Monopterus cuchia (Hamilton) under semi intensive aquaculture in Bangladesh. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 34-41.

Production potential of Monopterus cuchia in semi-intensive monoculture system was studied at a stocking density of 51 fingerlings m^-2, 42 fingerlings m^-2 and 33 fingerlings m^-2 fingerlings, in the treatment T₁ T₂ and T₃ for a period of 240 days at Bharhatta, 1, 2 3 Netrokona; sadar, Gopalgonj and Jinaigati, Sherpur, Bangladesh to find out a new culture technology on a sustainable aquaculture method of cuchia fish. About eight small ditches with an area of 33.45 m^-2 were selected for the experiment accommodating two replications for each treatment. At stocking, all fingerlings were of same age with a mean weight of M. cuchia 99.20±10.98g production in treatment T₁ T₂ and T₃ were 352.0±6.66, 377.0±5.24 and 376.0±3.82 kg.ditch^-1 respectively after 240 days. Food 1, 2 3 conversion ratio was significantly lower in T₁ (2.16±0.06) than T₂ and T₃. Relative growth (RG) was significantly higher in 1 2 3 treatment T₃ (2.56±1.02) than treatment T₂ and T₁. The mean differences of gross yield among different treatments were significant (P<60>0.05). The net monitory profit of treatment T₁ T₂ and T₃ were -3670, 18566 and 34890 Tk.ditch^-1 after 240 day, respectively. 1, 2 3 The mean differences of net monitory profit among different treatments were also significant (P<60>0.05). Despite the yield values, it is advocated that M. cuchia culture is a sustainable aquaculture technology to meet up the protein deficiency, earn foreign currency and socio-economic status of the general people of Bangladesh and extremely helpful towards the protection of M. cuchia from extinction as well as for its conservation.

3 illus, 4 tables, 44 ref

012222   Bhushan M;Mandal T;Aditya;Kumar K (NO, Bhola Paswan Shastri Agricultural College, Kasba Road, Purnea-854 301, Email: m.bhushan008@gmail.com) : Problems and prospects of organic farming in Samastipur district, Bihar, India. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 51-4.

Crop yields in Bihar, an Indian state, have been mostly stagnant in the last decades coupled with increased input costs, has led to reduced incomes and increased debts. There is an urgent need to study options to improve the sustainability of farming systems in the state which can lead to better livelihoods of the farmers. One of the strategies to stabilize agriculture in the state is possibly organic farming which is generally said to have less dependence on external inputs. Organic agriculture is one among the broad spectrum of production methods that are supportive of the environment. This study aims at examining the prospect of organic farming in a selected village of Bihar. For selection of district, block, village purposive sampling techniques was employed for selection of respondent. Out of 135 families, 100 farmers have been randomly selected from the village Srichandpur Kothia for the study. The data using appropriate statistical tools was analysed taking the support of the package SPSS (Ver. 19). The main issue identified was regarding the problems of certification. There is no facility for farmers for organic products certification and in absence of proper certification of their products farmers are not getting actual price of their produce. Also, the increased demand of food grains for the increasing population in the coming years would depend more on enhancing productivity through utilization of family labour and farm power per unit of land rather than expansion of area under cultivation which was mainly observed in the study. It can be concluded that organic farming can be a sustainable farming practice in Bihar depending on regional conditions and the crops cultivated. Policies stimulating organic farming and certification should therefore consider the farmer's preferences for sustainable livelihoods.

3 tables, 6 ref

012221   Belakud B;Bahadur V;Thomus N;Srivastava R ( Horticulture Dep, Allahabad School of Agriculture, Sam Higgibottom Institute of Agricult, Allahabad) : Performance of strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa Duch.) genotypes for yield, quality of fruit and runner production under Uttar Pradesh agro-climatic condition. New Agric 2016, 27(1), 117-20.

The present investigation was carried out at the Research field of the Department of Horticulture SHIATS, Allahabad. The experiment was laid out on 15 genotypes with three replications under Randomised Block Design during rabi season of 2013-14 and 2014-15. On the basis of results, it was concluded that out of 15 genotypes, the cultivar Chandler gave higher yield with highest number of fruits and produced the good number of runners per plant. On the basis of overall performance, it was found promising variety for commercial cultivation under agro-economic condition of Uttar Pradesh.

2 tables, 11 ref

012220   Behera P;Sharma D R (Entomology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: priyadarshini.behera18@gmail.com) : Comparative structure and morphometry of body of different aphids on various fruit crops in Punjab. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 200-2.

Six aphid species have been studied for their proportion and morphometry, especially on different fruit crops like citrus, peach and pear in Punjab using Scanning Electron Microscope. In fourth nymphal instar and alate adult, body length was the maximum in M. persicae (2.04 ± 0.03 mm) on peach followed by on citrus during spring season. The minimum body length of nymph was observed in B. helichrysi (1.37 ± 0.03 mm) while that of alate in A. gossypii.

2 tables, 9 ref

012219   Bandyopadhyay S;Kundu C K;Kundu A; Bandyopadhyay P K;Banerjee S;Bera P S (Agronomy Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741 252, Email: sahuji.ag@gmail.com) : Studies on bio-efficacy and phytotoxicity of 2, 4-d ethyl hexyl ester 60. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 192-5.

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2012-13 to study the bio-efficacy of 2,4-D Ethyl Hexyl Ester 60% EC in wheat at Regional Research Sub-station of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal. The results indicated that 2,4-D Ethyl Hexyl Ester 60 per cent EC @ 0.576 kg a.i. ha^-1 and 2,4-D Ethyl Hexyl Ester 60 per cent EC @ 0.432 kg a.i. ha^-1 recorded effective weed control in terms of least weed density and weed dry weight and there by higher weed control efficiency followed by two manual weeding treatment. In case of yield, 2,4-D Ethyl Hexyl Ester 60 per cent EC @ 0.576 kg a.i. ha^-1 resulted better yield over manual weeding, which was statistically at par with aforesaid treatments. 2, 4-D Ethyl Hexyl Ester 60% EC tested at different doses for phytotoxicity has also revealed that there was no phytotoxic symptoms observed in any of the doses and the tested new formulation is safe to the wheat crop.

2 tables, 11 ref

012218   Ashok Maharshi V;Murugan A;Rao K S;Joseph I; Vijayanand P;Anbarasu M;Rao G H;Nazar A K A;Gopakumar G (NO, Mandapam Regional Centre of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research In, MarineFisheries Post, Mandapam Camp-623 520, Email: maharshi_cmfri@yahoo.co.in) : Length weight relationship of cobia, Rachycentron canadum from hook and line fishery at gulf of Mannar region, South East coast of India. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(1), 107-110.

Length weight relationship of Rachycentron canadum landed by hook and line fishery in Gulf of Mannar coast during February 2010 to March 2012 was estimated. A total of 330 fishes were examined from hook and line fishery consisting of 130 males and 170 females. Total Length (TL) for males ranged between 53 and 144 cm with a mean length of 98.12 ±22.87 cm, and the weight ranged from 1 to 31 kg with a mean of 11.15±7.73kg. In the case of female the Total length observed was between 43 and 148.1 cm with a mean length of 95.84±24.11 cm and the weight observed was between 0.25 to 35.2 kg with a mean weight of 10.37 ± 8.38 kg. This present study suggests that the values of the slope b were 3.12 and 3.36 for male and female cobia respectively which showed positive allometric growth rate (b<62>3), suggesting that they are fast growing fishes.

3 illus, 36 ref

012217   Anwar Bhat M;Hussain A;Ganai M A;Jehangir I A;Teli N A (NO, Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agric, Khudwani, Anantnag-192 102) : Bioefficacy of pyrazosulfuron and bensulfuron methyl in combination with pretilachlor against weeds in transplanted rice (Oryza sativa l.) under temperate conditions of Kashmir. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 178-82.

Field experiment entitled "bioefficacy of pyrazosulfuron and bensulfuron methyl in combination with pretilachlor against weeds in transplanted rice under Kashmir conditions" was conducted at Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops, Sher-e- Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir during kharif 2014 and 2015. The experiment comprised of six treatments (W₁:Pretilachlor+Bensulfuron methyl, W₂:Pretilachlor+ pyrazosulfuron, W₃:Butachlor, W₄ : Hand weeding twice (15 and 30 DAT), W₅ : Weed free and W₆ : Weedy check) replicated four times in a randomized block design. The results revealed that application of Pretilachlor+Bensulfuron methyl, on an average caused a reduction of 7.44 and 79 per cent in weed population as compared to butachlor and weedy check, respectively. Pretilachlor+pyrazosulfuron application also proved effective in controlling the weeds and reduced their density by 10.25 per cent compared to commonly used butachlor. Among the tested herbicides, lowest weed dry matter of 9.45 (3.22) g m^-2 was recorded with Pretilachlor+pyrazosulfuron application. Application of Pretilachlor+Bensulfuron methyl exhibited a superiority of 11.09 per cent in reducing the dry weight of weeds as compared to Butachlor and the corresponding figure for Pretilachlor+pyrazosulfuron was 17.06 per cent. Combination application of Pretilachlor+pyrazosulfuron recorded considerably higher grain yield (7.27 t ha^-1) than butachlor (6.74 t ha^-1) and weedy check (4.17 t ha^-1). The superiority exhibited by Pretilachlor+pyrazosulfuron over butachlor was 7.35 and 7.76 per cent during 2014 and 2015, respectively.

2 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

012216   Ansari M H;Yadav R A;Siddiqui M Z;Ansari M A; Khan N (NO, Chandra Shekhar Azad Univ of Agriculture and Technology , Kanpur-208 002, Email: mhansari.csa@gmail.com) : Efficacy of sesbania brown manuring and weed management approaches to improve the production and weed control efficiency in transplanted rice. J Crop Weed 2017, 13(1), 142-50.

In Central India, rice is the important crop and occupies maximum area. However, the favorable environment for the growth of wide spectrum of weeds is the main reason of reduced productivity of crop. Therefore, effective weed management approaches is essential for higher productivity in rice. Keeping this in view, a field experiment was conducted to find out the efficacy of Sesbania brown manuring and weed management efficacy in suppression of weed dynamics and improvement of production and control efficiency under transplanted rice. The experiment was conducted at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh during kharif season for two consecutive kharif seasons of 2013 and 2014. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with two crop establishment techniques [Transplanted Rice, Transplanted Rice + brown manuring (Sesbania)] in main plots and four treatments of weed management practices (weedy check, Bispyribac sodium 25 g ha^-1 + (Chlorimuron + metsulfuron) 4 g ha^-1, Bispyribac sodium 25 g ha^-1 + (Chlorimuron + metsulfuron) 4 g ha^-1 followed by one hand weeding at 45 DAT and two hand weeding at 20 DAT and 45 DAT) in sub-plots with three replication. Among the crop establishment methods, weed density and weed biomass at 30 and 90 DAS was recorded minimum in transplanted rice (TPR) with brown manuring (BM) as compared to TPR without BM. Similarly, among weed control approaches, the minimum weed density and weed biomass was recorded under two hand weeding at 20 DAT and 45 DAT followed by Bispyribac sodium 25 g ha^-1 + (Chlorimuron + metsulfuron) 4 g ha^-1 followed by one hand weeding. Consequently, weed control efficiency, yield, production efficiency were maximum under the same treatment.

1 illus, 5 tables, 14 ref

012215   Ansari K G M T;Lyla P S;Khan A (Faculty of Marine Science, Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: ansari.cas@gmail.com) : New distributional records of free-living marine nematodes from Indian waters III.Microlaimids and Laptolaimids. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(1), 155-62.

Free-living marine nematodes were found to be higher abundant taxan in the benthic realm. Among these marine nematode community Chromadorids were the most dominant order collected from the southeast continental shelf region of India during FORV "Sagar Sampada" Cruise no. 260 consisting 91 out of 192 species. Among these, following six species namely Calomicrolaimus honesutus, Microlaimus conothelis, Microlaimus robustidens, Leptolaimus ampullaceus, Laptolaimus elegans and Laptolaimus papilliger coming under family Microlaimidae and Laptolaimidae are found to be new distributional records for the Indian waters.

6 illus, 35 ref

012214   Anand M;Reddy P S R (Marine and Coastal Studies Dep, Madurai Kamaraj Univ, Madurai-625 021, Email: anandm21@yahoo.com) : Reproductive biology of the rabbitfish (Siganus canaliculatus) in the Gluf of Mannar region, India. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(1), 131-40.

Rabbitfish, Siganus canaliculatus were collected from the Mandapam area of the Gulf of Mannar region between November 2000 and October 2002. Mean sex - ratio was dominated by the females throughout the year except in September and October. Frequency distribution of mature males and females in different length groups showed that 50 % of males and females attain maturity at 132 mm and 139 mm of total length respectively. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) and condition factor (Kn) values revealed that the spawning takes place between November and March with a peak in January. Regression analysis of Fecundity (F) with total length, total body weight and ovary weight was - 872709.4 + 5940.21 TL (r = 0.9916), - 30839.4 + 3155.7 BW (r = 0.9998), - 116711.19 + 50566.9 OW (r = 0.9949) respectively.

8 illus, 3 table, 48 ref

012213   Ahamd M;Mahto D (Animal Genetics and Breeding Dep, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Birsa Agricultural, Ranchi-834 006, Email: maroofahmad786@yahoo.co.in ) : Growth pattern and management practices of black bengal goats in tribal area of Jharkhand. Indian J Small Rumin 2017, 23(1), 101-3.

2 table, 5 ref

012212   Agarwala B K;Bhadra P (Ecology and Biodiversity Laboratories, Zoology Dep, Tripura Univ, Suryamaninagar-799 022, Email: bagarwala00@gmail.com) : Identification of generalist and specialist phenotypes of the peach-potato aphid Myzus persicae (Insecta : Hemiptera : Aphididae) in agroecosystem of northeast India. Curr Sci 2017, 112(3), 635-41.

Different phenotypes of the peach-potato aphid, Myzus persicae, with prominent differences in ecological and biological performances were identified on mustard, eggplants and potato plants in the agroecosystem of Tripura, north east India. Asexual clones of M. persicae on mustard plants were consistently light green in colour and their adults were heavier than the greenish yellow to light pink coloured aphids of this species that occurred on eggplants and potato plants in the same geographical area. Life history traits, like population growth rate, carrying capacity of respective plants, mean relative growth rate, intrinsic rate of increase and net reproductive rates differed between the three plant species. Differences in life history traits persisted in reciprocal host plant transfer experiments; aphid clones from mustard plants when transferred to eggplants and potato plants did not survive but those from the latter two plant species survived and colonized well on mustard plants. Results showed that M. persicae in the agro-ecosystem of Tripura consisted of at least two distinct phenotypes, the 'specialist' phenotypes from mustard plants and the 'generalist' phenotypes from eggplants and potato plants. These resulls may have significant implications for designing crop-specific measures for the management of M. persicae.

10 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

012211   Aditya Kumar;Krishnamurthi V V (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003) : Impact of NPK fertilizers on growth attributes and micronutrient uptake patterns of hybrid sunflower. New Agric 2016, 27(1), 41-5.

This study was undertaken to know the impact of different levels of NPK fertilizers on growth and micronutrient uptake pattern of hybrid sunflower under irrigated condition. For this purpose a field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Bhavanisagar, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Experiment comprised of macronutrient treatments consisted of five levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 Kg N/ha), four levels of phosphorus (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg P₂O₅ /ha) and four levels of potassium (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg K₂O /ha). Increasing levels of NPK increased growth parameters like plant height, leaf area index, dry matter production, crop growth rate, Net assimilation rate and relative growth rate. Yield components and oil content also increased with increasing levels of NPK. Maximum seed yield (2006 Kg ha^-1) and oil content (42.4%) was recorded with NPK @ 120:90:90 kg/ha (T₇). Cu, Fe and Mn uptake was observed maximum in T₇ but Zn uptake was observed higher with NPK @ 120:60:60 kg/ha (T₆).

2 tables, 15 ref

011362   Yadav U;Tiwari R (Entomology Dep, College of Agriculture, G.B. Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: ruchis03@gmail.com) : Eco-friendly management of Sitophilus oryzae and Rhyzopertha dominica in stored wheat at Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 736-43.

The laboratory experiments were conducted to study the efficacy of some indigenous products such as plant products (chopped neem leaves ajwain seed powder, garlic capsules, saw dust), animal derivedproducts ( cow dung cake powder, cow urine) and inert materials ( ash powder, sand, talcum powder, salt) @ 2g/100g of wheat grains against rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (Linn.) and lesser grain borer, Rhyzoper thadominica (Fab.) on stored wheat by undertaking various parameters viz., percent adult emergence, percent seed damage, per cent weight loss and per cent germination after six months of storage during April to October 2015. After 180 days of treatments, the minimum number of adults weevils of S. oryzae( 4.00, 6.00,7.67, 9.00, 9.67 and 10.33) were emerged in wheat grains treated - 382 - with ash powder, sand, cow dung powder, talcum powder, ajwain seed powder and neem leaf powder, respectively with minimum grain damage (7.33%, 8.67%,11.67% and 12.00%) was observed on ash powder, sand, ajwain seed powder and talcum powder, respectively, whereas minimum weight loss (2.67%, 3.67%, 5.67% and 6.67%) was recorded on ash powder, sand, cow dung powder, talcum powder and ajwain seed powder, respectively. Similarly, the minimum number of adult beetles of R. dominica were emerged (2.00,2.33, 6.67,7.00 and 8.33) in ash power, sand, talcum powder, cow dung cake powder and ajwain seed powder, respectively with minimum grain damage (4.00%,8.00%. 8.67% and 12.67% and weight loss (1.33%, 4.00%, 7.33% and 11.67%) in sand, ash powder, talcum powder and cow dung cake treated wheat grains, respectively. It has been clearly observed that seed germination was not affected adversely in any treatment during six months of storage. The present study clearly revealed that these naturally occurring indigenous products could be used to manage the storage insect pests in wheat.

3 tables, 33 ref

011361   Yadav P;Deswal S;Singh A (Vegetable Science Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: preetiyadav436@gmail.com) : Association analysis for yield and related traits in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) under different environmental conditions. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 1176-81.

Sixteen diverse genotypes of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) were grown in five (E1 to E5) environments which were created by different date of sowing during the rabi seasons at the Vegetable Farm of CCS HAU, Hisar. (29ø15'N, 75ø69'E) during 2012-13. Observations were recorded on ten randomly selected plants from each genotypes in each replications for characters viz. field emergence index, days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of pods per plant, number of branches per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length, seed yield (q/ha), test weight, seed germination, seed vigour index-I and II. The estimation of genotypic and phenotypic coefficients (GCV and PCV) variation in all the environments was consistently decreasing with the delaying in sowing date for all the character studied except plant height and test weight indicating that the environmental influence was comparatively more pronounced for these characters in expressing the phenotypic performance of different genotypes. Highest GCV and PCV was estimated as 50.36% and 55.93%, respectively for seed vigour index-I in E1. High value of heritability estimated for characters seed yield, seed vigour index-II, seed germination and branches per plant (above 70%) in E1 revealed that these were less influenced by environment and low heritability estimated for days to 50% flowering in E2, plant height in E2, seeds per pod in E3, field emergence index in E5 indicated high influence of environment. Based on environmental indices, the environment E2 was most favourable for all the characters studied except field emergence index.

4 tables, 18 ref

011360   Yadav N;Dhankhar S K;Chandanshive A V;Vikash Kumar (Vegetable Science Dep, CCS HAU, Hisar, Haryana, Email: nehayadav67.ny@gmail.com) : Genetic divergence in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 1032-5.

A study of genetic divergence in 40 brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes for various characters to study the diversity based on qualitative and quantitative characters. Significant variations were observed among the brinjal lines for all the parameters under study. Based on D2 values, the accessions were grouped into seven clusters. Average intra- and inter-cluster D2 values among 40 genotypes revealed that cluster II showed a minimum intra-cluster value of 3.793, indicating that the genotypes within this cluster were similar, while the cluster I showed maximum intra-cluster D2 value (4.681) revealing the existence of diverse genotypes in these clusters. The inter-cluster D2 values ranged from 4.657 to 7.174. The minimum inter-cluster D2 value was observed between cluster III and IV (4.657), indicating the close relationship - 381 - among the genotypes included in these clusters. The maximum inter-cluster value was observed between cluster V and II (7.174), indicating that the genotypes included in these clusters had maximum divergence. Hence, hybridization between the genotypes included in these different clusters may give high heterotic responses and thus better segrigants are greatly suggested for selection and improvement of brinjal crop with good consumer preference and high fruit yield.

2 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

011359   Vikash Kumar;Pawan Kumar;Chattopadhyay T (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Bihar Agricultural College, Bihar Agricultural Univ, Sabour, Bhagalpur-813 210, Email: tirthartha@gmail.com ) : A rapid and reproducible method for isolating genomic DNA from a few crop plants suitable for polymerase chain reaction-based genptyping. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 1119-22.

As most of the molecular markers in crop molecular breeding programmes are successful based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the isolated genomic DNA must be suitable for the same. Though PCR is a robust method and in most of the cases requires only a minute amount of genomic DNA as template, removal of potential PCR-inhibitory factors is quite important. The present work reports the optimization of a rapid genomic DNA isolation method, suitable for PCR-based genotyping of plants. As very minute amount of the genomic DNA isolated in this rapid method was found to be sufficient for PCR, a researcher is capable to go for several hundred independent PCR from single isolation. The method was validated in 4 different crops (wheat, tomato, brinjal and cauliflower) using different PCR-based molecular markers. In case of wheat, genomic DNA isolated in this method was found to be suitable PCR using the specific marker for the detection of the Lr34 gene. For tomato, genomic DNA isolated in this method was successfully used with the molecular markers for the detection of resistance alleles for yellow leaf curl disease and root knot disease. In case of brinjal, the isolated genomic DNA was found to be suitable for simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker assay. In a similar way, genomic DNA isolated in this method from cauliflower leaves was observed to be suitable for amplifying a gene of ~1.5 kb length. Thus, this method will be quite helpful to expedite marker assisted selection of plants in plant molecular breeding programmes.

2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

011358   Vijaykumar P V;Shivshankar P C (Entomology Dep, Post Graduate Institute, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar-413 722, Email: pashte.vrushali@gmail.com) : Monitoring on impact of insecticides on mortality of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) in front in beehives. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 905-11.

The present study investigated effect of pesticide usage and public awareness on honey bee mortality. The experiments were conducted at three different sites at Maharashtra, India with domesticated bee hives of Apis mellifera L. The maximum bee mortality during 51st week of 2012-13 (1559.10 bees/hive/week) clearly indicated towards the direct and indirect - 380 - effect of insecticides in general at study site I (Case I). Similar experiments were repeated at other two different sites during 2013-14. Farmers (Case II and III) were aware of beekeeping and ill effects of pesticides. Farmers followed some precautionary measures to combat with the bad effect of insecticides on bees. As a result there was less mortality of bees. The experiments revealed that farmers should be aware of bee conservation and precautionary measures to combat with the bad effect of insecticides on bees.

1 illus, 5 tables, 30 ref

011357   Vijayakumar M;Santhi R;Jalaluddin S M (Regional Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Paiyur, Krishnagiri-635 112, Email: vijayagri1985@gmail.com) : Refinement of fertilizer recommendation based on soil test crop response technology for rice under system of rice intensification. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 855-9.

A study on Soil Test Crop Response based Integrated Plant Nutrition System (STCR - IPNS) were conducted adopting an Inductive cum Targeted yield model in non-calcareous sandy loam soils of Lithic Haplusteptat Regional Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Paiyur, Tamil Nadu during Kharif 2013 in orderto develop fertilizer prescriptions equation (FPEs) through IPNS for the desired yield targets of rice under SRI technique. A ready reckoner of fertilizer doses at varying soil test value, for attaining 6 to 9 t ha^-1 target grain yield of rice has been worked out. Using these equations a validation trial was conducted on Kharif 2014 at this station. The grain yield of rice ranged from 2.54 t ha^-1 in absolute control to 8.65 t ha^-1 in STCR-IPNS-9 t ha^-1. The STCR-IPNS @ 8 t ha^-1 was effective and economical as compare with any other treatments. The deviation recorded in the achievement of targets aimed was within the range of ñ 10 per cent (90 - 110%) proving the validity of the FPEs. The STCR treatments recorded relatively higher response ratio (RR) and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) over blanket and farmer's practice and STCR-IPNS treatments recorded relatively higher RR and BCR over STCR-NPK alone treatments. Post-harvest soil tests for NPK revealed that there was maintenance of soil fertility. The STCR-IPNS @ 8 t ha^-1 was effective and economical as compare with any other treatments. Thus, the Inductive cum Targeted yield model used to develop fertilizer prescription equations provides a strong basis for soil fertility maintenance consistent with high productivity and efficient nutrient management for sustainable and enduring Agriculture.

2 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

011356   Vijay;Dalal R P S;Beniwal B S;Saini H (Horticulture Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: shotreturns@gmail.com) : Effect of foliar application of potassium and its spray schedule on yield and yield parameters of sweet orange (Citrus sinensi Osbeck) cv. jaffa. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 786-790.

An investigation to evaluate the effect of foliar application of potassium and its spray schedule on yield and yield parameters in sweet orange cv. Jaffa was undertaken at experimental orchard, Department of Horticulture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during the year 2014-15. The results revealed that the foliar application of potassium nitrate at the rate of 2 and 4% and potassium sulphate at 1.5 and 3.0% significantly improved average fruit weight, fruit diameter, percentage of medium and large fruits, and fruit yield of sweet orange cv. Jaffa over control (water spray). The trend was vice-versa on the percentage of small fruits. The number of fruits per plant could not differ significantly due to various treatments. Among K sources and doses, foliar application of KNO3 at 4% exhibited superiority over other treatments with respect to yield and yield - 379 - parameters followed by KNO3 at lower dose (2%) or K2SO4 at higher dose (3%). Among various spray schedules, application of three sprays of K in the last week of April, May and August were found superior or at par in improving yield and yield parameters with 2 sprays in the last week of April and August. The fruit yield was recorded the highest (76.90 kg/plant) with a combination of the foliar application of KNO3 at 4% and 2 sprays in the last week of April and August which was non-significant with KNO3 with an additional spray in the last week of May. The findings signify the importance of K spray in improving yield and yield parameters of sweet orange under semi-arid climatic conditions of north western India.

5 tables, 19 ref

011355   Verma R;Ranwah B R;Bharti B;Ramesh Kumar; Kunwar R;Diwaker A;Meena M (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Maharana Pratap Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur-313 001, Email: rajaniverma84@gmail.com) : Characterization of sorghum germplasm for various qualitative traits. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 1002-7.

Present study was performed to characterize 750 germplasm lines with 4 checks namely CSV17, CSV20, CSV27 and CSV21F for various qualitative traits of Sorghum. These 754 genotypes were sown in augmented RBD with 30 replications during Kharif 2014 at Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur. Majority of the accessions showed poor early plant vigour (40.2%), dark green leaf (88.6%), non- tan leaf sheath pigmentation (60%), drooping leaves (100%), white midrib colour (51.6%), senescence (60%), loose panicle density (31.5%), elliptical panicle shape (66.5%), straw glume colour (48.2%), 3/4 glume coverage (42.9%), absence of awns (59.5%), creamy straw seed (39.9%), oval grain shape (48.8%), medium seed size (43.7%), non-lustrous seed (62.0%), intermediate endosperm texture (50.3%) and bicolor race (49.6%). Very good early plant vigour, tan type leaf sheath pigmentation, drooping leaf orientation, straw glume colour, « glume covering, oval grain shape, intermediate endosperm texture appeared in all the 4 check. The results of this study indicated that considerable genetic diversity exists among the sorghum accessions.

1 table, 33 ref

011354   Verma P;Chauhan P S;Chandel J S (Fruit Science Dep, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: verma.pramod92@gmail.com) : Effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and IBA treatments on rooting in cutting of apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) clonal rootstock Merton 793. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 1135-8.

The preliminary studies on the effect of different strains of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) alone and in combination with IBA at 1000 ppm on rooting in cuttings of apple clonal rootstock Merton 793 were carried out during 2012-13. The PGPR strains (RG (1)3 - Bacillus sp.), B6 - Bacillus licheniformis and R3 (3) - Sirretia sp. alone failed to induce rooting response in cuttings of apple clonal rootstock Merton 793. - 378 - The results revealed that IBA 2500 ppm recorded the maximum rooting (65%), number of primary roots (5.00), length (28.43 cm) and diameter (3.25 mm) of primary roots, fresh (3.67 g) and dry weight (2.59 g) of roots, length of main shoot (134.14cm), diameter of main shoot (8.18 mm), fresh (30.40 g) and dry weight (22.60 g) of shoots in cuttings of Merton 793. However, the PGPR strains RG (1)3 - Bacillus sp., B6 - Bacillus licheniformis and R3 (3) - Sirretia sp. in combination with IBA 1000 ppm showed improvement in rooting of cuttings to the extent of 10, 15 and 5 per cent rooting, respectively and growth of the rooted plants. IBA at 2500 ppm resulted better rooting and growth of rooted plants. Hence, this treatment is suggested for commercial propagation of apple clonal rootstock Merton 793 through cuttings.

4 tables, 18 ref

011353   Vasanthi R;Sivasankari B;Gitanjali J (NO, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam-628 252, Email: vasanthi@tnau.ac.in) : Stochastic frontier and corrected ordinary least square models of determining technical efficiency of canal irrigated paddy farms in Tamil Nadu. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 658-62.

A comparative study between Stochastic frontier production function and corrected Ordinary Least Square (OLS) were estimated to determine technical efficiency in paddy production. Further, the study has assessed the effect of farm specific socio economic factors affecting the technical efficiency. This study was conducted in Cauvery delta zone of seven taluks about canal irrigation. The number of farmers in canal irrigated region about 109 from seven taluks is considered. The data were obtained from the cost of cultivation scheme of Tamil Nadu centre. The results of Cobb Douglas stochastic production function indicated that fertilizer, seed, pesticide and machine hours significantly influenced yield of paddy. The results also indicated that it will be highly profitable to increase the use of seed, and need to rationalize the labour use and pesticide usage. The effect of qualitative variable namely age and education of the farmer would indicate that the older farmers technical efficiency become less compared to the younger farmer, and also implying that investments on human capital take away their participation from agriculture. As a comparative study in general, COLS produced the lowest mean technical efficiency with 85 percent while the Stochastic frontier analysis produced the highest mean technical efficiency with 90 per cent.

3 tables, 17 ref

011352   Thakur P;Sharma K C;Bakshi D (Entomology Dep, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: thakurento29@gmail.com) : Comparative analysis of life tables of Bactrocera tau (Diptera: taphritidae) collected from different geographic regions of North India. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 998-1001.

The tomato fruitfly, Bactrocera tau (Walker) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the most important pests of the family Cucurbitaceae. Toinvestigate local adaptation, we measured the variations in life-histories and life-table parameters among populations from five different geographical regions of North India, Ludhiana (262 mt amsl), Solan (1,502 mt amsl), Hisar (215 mt amsl), Pantnagar (344 mt amsl) and Jaach (733 mt amsl). The principal components analysis showed the life-history and life-table parameters of B. tau differed among the five geographical populations. The highest fecundity of 233.20 eggs/female was recorded in the Jaach population and was - 377 - statistically at par with Hisar (209.21 eggs/female) followed by Solan (202.60 eggs/female), Pantnagar (178.60 eggs/female) and Ludhiana population (105.88 eggs/female). The total developmental period among the five populations of B. tau was the longest for the Pantnagar population (16.20 days) followed by Solan (13.90 days), Hisar (12.60 days), Ludhiana (12.30 days) and Jaach (11.60 days). The true intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) was 0.120, 0.138, 0.140, 0.116 and 0.153 for the respective geographical regions while the finite rate of increase (?) was 1.13, 1.15, 1.15, 1.12 and 1.16, thus indicating that the fruit fly from Jaach location is more reproductive than the other five geographical regions of North India. Since the study will be useful in knowing the multiplication rate of fruit fly in specific area, accordingly the management practices for this species can be formulated on the bases of these studies. The results thus indicated the geographical variations among different populations of B. tau.

1 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

011351   Sushree A;Prasad R;Biswas S K;Santosh Kumar (Plant Pathology Dep, Orissa Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar-751 003, Email: santosh35433@gmail.com) : Cultural and morphological variability of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in rapeseed-mustard. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(2), 179-82.

The stem blight disease caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary earlier was of minor importance. But with changing scenario of climatic parameters it has become important in India causing considerable damage to the crop. In the present studies sclerotia have been collected from different species of diseased Brassica plants. A total of five different isolates were collected. The growth rate, colony characters, mycelial growth, number, shape and size of sclerotia of different isolates were examined. The isolate 2 isolated from Brassica napus was found to be fast growing followed by isolate land the least aggressive was found to be isolate 3 isolated from Brassica carinata. Isolate 2 yielded as high as 70 sclerotia after 28 days of inoculation followed by isolate 1 with 60 sclerotia after 28 days. Size of sclerotia differed significantly from one isolate to another ranging from 2mm (Bharatpur) to 7mm (Brassica carinata) in length and 2mm (Bharatpur) to 3mm (Brassica juncea) in width. The mycelium colour in all isolates was white, fluffy and forming abundant aerial masses. But the mycelium of isolate 3 (Brassica carinata) was slightly greyish in colour and produced sclerotia of maximum size among all the isolates. The difference in such cultural characteristics will be helpful for identification and adoption of effective management practices for the pathogen.

4 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

011350   Surjeet Kumar;Biswas S K;Virendera Kumar;Lal K;Narender Kumar;Surender Kumar (Plant Pathology Dep, C.S. Azad Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur-208 002, Email: biswas.csa@gmail.com) : Influence of calcium chloride (CaCl₂ as inducers on growth, yield and severity of late blight of potato. J mycopathol Res 0000, 55(2), 173-8.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the induced resistance in potato against Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans. Tuber treatments with Calcium chloride (CaCI₂) stimulate the tuber germination and increased plant height of potato which was maximum in T₈ (tuber treated with 2g CaCI₂/100g tuber for 12 h + spraying with CaCI.) treatment with the value of 16.74 cm against 10.94 cm in case of control at 30 days age of plant. The maximum yield with 400.01 g was also obtained from T₈ treatment which was followed by T₇ treatment at 386.67 g. The disease severity was found minimum in T₈ treatment, showing 22.65% followed by T₇ (23.35%) against control (57.00%).

1 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

011349   Sunil Kumar;Luther M M;Vikram Kumar;Hemalatha K (Agronomy Dep, Agricultural College, Bapatla-522 101, Email: skumar21787@gmail.com) : Effect of dates of sowing and varieties on yield and quality of cluster bean (Cyamopsistetra gonoloba L.). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 1081-4.

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla (Andhra Pradesh), study the effect of different sowing dates on the yield and quality of different varieties of clusterbean. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design replicated thrice, six dates of sowing from 15th September to 1st December at fifteen days interval and two clusterbean varieties viz. RGC-936 and RGC-1003. Results revealed that growth parameters, yield attributes, yield (1568 kg ha^-1) and quality parameters viz. gum content (31.6%), protein content (30.1%) and viscosity (3783 cP) were highest with RGC-1003 sown at 15th November, which was at par with 1st December sowing with same variety. The study results showed that the clusterbean crop can be grown successfully in non-traditional area as a rabi crop.

3 tables, 10 ref

011348   Sundeep Kumar;Pradeep Kumar;Kerkhi S A (NO, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut-250 110, Email: pradeeptaliyan231@gmail.com) : Genetic analysis for various yield components and gluten content in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 879-82.

Genetic analysis was carried out in 55 genotypes (10 parents and 45 F1s) through diallel mating design excluding reciprocals in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Analysis of variance showed wide range of variability among the breeding material for all the traits under study. The highest value of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were recorded for grain yield (PCV= 9.07 and GCV= 8.08). Highest heritability with genetic advance was recorded for grain yield (h2=10.60 and GA=14.84), therefore selection will be effective based on grain yield for further study. Grains per spike (gr = 0.77 and pr = 0.67) and spikelets per spike (gr= 0.63 and pr = 0.52) were found significantly correlated (at <1% level of significance) with grain yield whereas gluten content showed nonsignificant but positive correlation with grain yield at both genotypic as well as phenotypic level. Similarly, path coefficient analysis estimates for gluten content (g= 0.08 and p= 0.03) and grains per spike (g=0.36 and p=0.23) showed high positive direct effects on grain yield therefore these traits may be used as an index for selection to high yield in bread wheat genotypes.

5 tables, 12 ref

011347   Sujit Kumar;Singh A K;Yadav H;Verma A (Vegetable Science Dep, College of Agriculture, G.B. Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: sujittca5001@gmail.com) : Heterosis study in okra [Abelmoshchus esculentus (L.) Moench] genotypes for pod yield attributes. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 774-9.

A study was conducted at Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agriculture Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi during Spring-Summer and Rainy season of 2012 and 2013 using 12 diverse parental lines of okra and their 66 F1 hybrids (through diallel cross-excluding reciprocals) with the objective to measure the extent of heterosis over better parent and standard commercial check varieties for the purpose of judging the extent up to which heterosis can be exploited in commercial okra breeding. The extent of heterosis for five best crosses over better parent and check (48.32% to 82.42% and 7.13% to 35.66%, respectively) for yield per hectare suggested the great scope of realizing higher yield in okra through heterosis breeding. Other economic traits also recorded moderate to high level of heterosis over the better parents. - 375 - The cross combination IC -282280xEC - 329380showed high heterosis over better parent and standard check for pod yield (82.42% and 35.66%), number of pods per plant (62.82% and 48.54%) and respectively. This particular cross combination eventually resulted the height magnitude of heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for the most of the desirable growth parameters as well as yield attributing characters which may be taken for further breeding programme.

2 tables, 14 ref

011346   Sood S;Jambhulkar S;Singh Y;Gupta N;Sharma S (Vegetable Science and Floriculture Dep, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, Email: soniasood2005@rediffmail.com) : Induced chlorophyll mutations in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 1085-9.

An investigation entitled "Induced chlorophyll mutations in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum)" was conducted during kharif (summer-rainy season) 2012 and 2013 at Experimental farm of the Department of Vegetable Science and Floriculture, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, H.P., India. Healthy seeds of California Wonder of bell pepper were exposed to physical mutagen Gamma rays using 60CO as a source of radiation at Mutation Breeding Centre, Department of Biotechnology, BARC Trombay, Mumbai and chemical mutagen EMS (Ethyl Methane Sulphonate) to obtain the spectrum and frequency of chlorophyll mutations in M2 generation. The M1 generation was produced from these mutagen treated seeds. Several unique and interesting chlorophyll and viable mutants were obtained in M2 generation. In M2 generation, gamma rays induced higher proportion of chlorophyll mutants then EMS. A progressive increase in mutation frequency of chlorophyll mutations was observed with increasing doses/concentrations. Four different types of chlorophyll mutants namely xantha, yellow xantha, chlorina and viridis were induced. Out of these mutants, chlorina and viridis were most frequent and were produced even in lower doses/concentrations while yellow xantha was least frequent and produced only in higher doses. The highest frequency of chlorophyll mutations (18.8%) was reported in the 22 kR of gamma dose, while the lowest (0.80%) frequency of chlorophyll mutations was found in the treatment of 1.0% EMS. There was a dose dependent increase in the spectrum and frequency of chlorophyll mutations. These chlorophyll mutants induced by gamma radiation and EMS could be used in mutation breeding programme for inducing viable mutations for improvement of bell pepper varieties.

2 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

011345   Soni N;Ujjania N C (Aquatic Biology Dep, Veer Narmad South Gujarat Univ, Surat-395 007, Email: nanditasoni17@yahoo.in) : Seasonal variation in food and feeding habit of Indian major carp (Labeo rohita Ham. 1822) in Vallabhsagar reservoir, Gujarat. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 871-4.

The gut content analysis provides the information on food components and feeding habit of fish which is an important aspect for fisheries management. In present study, the qualitative and quantitative analysis of gut content of Indian major carp rohu (Labeo rohita Ham. 1822) from Vallabhsagar reservoir (Gujarat), were conducted during June 2013 to May 2014. The results on gut content shows that qualitative changes in food component were not found but quantitative changes were observed during the study period. In the gut of fish, food contents i.e. phytoplankton (32.52%), plant materials (25.07%), Insects (13.39%), decay matter (13.39%) and zooplankton (11.42%) were observed. The quantitative changes of food contents were also verified by the analysis of gasrosomatic index (GaSI) and it was maximum (5.582 ñ 0.106) during post breeding season and minimum (3.589 ñ 0.150) during breeding season as fish feeds voraciously to compensate the energy loss due to sexual maturity. On the basis of these results, it was - 374 - concluded that studied fish (rohu) was herbivorous and mainly fed on phytoplankton and plant materials.

3 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

011344   Sonawane R B;Deokar C D;Chimote V P (Plant Pathology and Agril. Microbiology Dep, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722) : Isolation and characterization of sulphur oxidising bacteria from the soils of Maharashtra and molecular diversity. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(2), 138-41.

During present investigation, attempts were made to isolate sulphur oxidizing microbes from one hundred and fifty rhizosphere soil samples from different regions of Maharashtra state, India. Out of the total samples tested, twenty two samples showed the presence of sulphur oxidizing bacteria. Eight isolates were identified as Acidithiobacillus sp. which produced small yellow coloured colonies on thiosulphate agar medium. They were Gram negative, short rods with size ranging from 0.3-0.7 x 0.9-1.6 μm. RAPD analysis of Acidothiobacillus thiooxidans isolates was undertaken and those were subjected to 3D scatter plot analysis.

illus

011343   Singh S P;Kushwaha A K (Botany Dep, D.B.S. College, Kanpur-208 006, Email: anilrania@gmail.com) : Prevalence of seed mycoflora from different varieties of maize. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(2), 211-13.

Seed-borne fungi of Maize in Kanpur region were surveyed. A total of 25 seed samples of eight different varieties from various locations, collected were tested, using the blotter and agar plate methods. Thirty two fungal species of twenty one genera appeared in the seeds of eight different variety of Maize. In untreated seeds of the entire varieties maximum incidence was of Rhizoctonia solani. Treated seeds showed complete absence of Botrytis cinerea, A. n/dulans, Alternaria alternata. In Agar plate method was found to be favorable for the maximum counts of saprophytic fungi and also favorable for detection of some specific fungi. Presence of many pathogenic fungi in considerable number of seed samples indicates the need of field surveys for these and other pathogens.

^ssc2 tables, 2 ref

011342   Singh N;Singh G;Aggarwal N (Agronomy Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: nsbamra90.pau@gmail.com ) : Economic analysis of application of phosphorus, single and dual inoculation of Rhizobium and plant growth promiting rhizobacteria in lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 1008-11.

This study investigates the economic returns of lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) by the use of phosphorus and biofertilizers [Rhizobium and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)] in Indian Punjab. The field experiments were conducted during Rabi 2013-14 and 2014-15 with combinations of four levels of phosphorus (0, 20, 30 and 40 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1) and two/four biofertilizer treatments [uninoculated control and Rhizobium (LLR 12) + PGPR (RB 2)] in 2013-14, and uninoculated control, Rhizobium, PGPR and Rhizobium + PGPR in 2014-15) by replicating thrice. The use of 40 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 provided the highest gross returns whereas net returns and B:C were highest at 30 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1. The combination of Rhizobium + PGPR + 40 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 provided the highest gross returns (Rs. 45902) whereas Rhizobium + PGPR+ 20 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 provided the highest net returns (Rs 20620). Furthermore, the integrated use of Rhizobium + PGPR + 20 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 provided higher net returns (Rs 20620) and B:C (1.88) as compared to sole application of 40 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 (Rs 18792 and 1.72). Thus, there was a net saving of 20 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 with the use of - 373 - Rhizobium + PGPR inoculation without sacrificing the economics returns.

3 tables, 11 ref

011341   Singh N P;Vaishali (Biotechnology Dep, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Email: naresh.singh55@yahoo.com) : Effect of EMS on morpho-physiological characters of wheat in reference to stay green traits. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 1026-31.

To feed the ever growing world population, the demand of food supply must be increased by 70% of major cereal crops like wheat, rice etc. It was predicted that the detrimental effect of abiotic stresses like drought, heat, salt etc. on yield would be decreased by genetic improvement in terms of photosynthetic response, long green leaf duration and delayed leaf senescence. `Stay green' is a vital trait of all crops which is directly associated with the capacity of the plant to maintain CO2 assimilation, photosynthesis and chlorophyll content. The present study was conducted to develop the stay green mutants genotype by using 1.5% Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (EMS). The variety K 7410 showed highest leaf area 37.34 cm2, seeds per spike 65.47, 1000 grain weight 62.03 g after treatment of EMS among morphological characters observed. Among physiological characters of wheat variety Sonalik showed lowest RWC (21.48%), HD 2135 showed lowest chlorophyll content (33.53 æg/cm2) and C 306 showed lowest photosynthetic rate (15.05 æmol/m2sec) after treatment of EMS. But varieties K 7410, VL 401 and RAJ 3765 varieties showed higher value of physiological characters after the treatment. The results suggested that the stay green trait had been developed by mutation (EMS) in these three wheat varieties and they can exhibit better tolerance under abiotic stress conditions like drought, high temperature. Such results would prove useful for further research and crop management in stress affected areas or under unfavourable climatic conditions.

2 tables, 53 ref

011340   Singh I;Thind H S;Sharma S;Singh Y;Bhat M A (Soil Science Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 001, Email: inderpal.ipsingh@gmail.com) : Phosphorus fertilizing potential of biomass ashes and their effect on bioavailability of micronutrients in wheat (Triticum aestivum. L). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 744-53.

Ashes from agricultural biomass in agro-based industries have been found to have most of the plant nutrients except nitrogen and sulphur but are treated as waste material. The present study was conducted to evaluate the potential of biomass ashes as source of P and their effect on bioavailability of micronutrients in wheat crop. We conducted the pot experiment at glass house of the Department of Soil Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India. The experiment consisted of combinations of four P sources [bagasse ash (BA), rice husk ash (RHA), rice straw ash (RSA), fertilizer P (Fert-P)] supplying P at three levels (10, 20 and 30 æg g-1) along with one zero-P control. This experiment was laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) having three replications. Application of P through RSA produced significantly higher grain yield (14.3 g pot-1) than BA (12.8 g pot-1) and RHA (12.9 g pot-1) but statistically at par with Fert-P (13.5 g pot-1). Grain Zn content decreased maximum than other micronutrients with application of P from all sources, hence maximum increased P/Zn ratio. Phosphorus applied from all the biomass ashes significantly increased biomass and yield over control. With increase in P application, micronutrients content in grain was significantly - 372 - decreased, hence decreased bioavailability of micronutrients in wheat grain.

7 tables, 48 ref

011339   Singh D P;Verma S C;Sharma H K;Mehta D K; Thakur K S;Bharat N K (Seed Science and Technology Dep, Entomology and Vegetable Science, Dr. Y.S. Parmar Univ of Horticulture, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: d.p.singhag@gmail.com) : Effect of different organic inputs and transplanting dates on seed quality parameters of radish (Raphanus sativus L.). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 1203-7.

An investigation was carried out during two consecutive years (2014-15 and 2015-16) at experimental farm of Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-273230 (H. P.). The experiment was conducted on effect of different organic inputs like vermicompost, FYM, Azotobactor, PSB and PGPR and transplanting dates on seed quality attributes of radish (RaphanussativusL.). The transplanting was done on three different dates during both years. There were seven treatments including control and each treatment was replicated thrice. The data was analysed in factorial randomized block design. The study revealed that all the seed quality parameters like germination% (95.08), seedling length (24.46 cm), shoot length (13.02 cm), root length (13.04 cm), seedling dry weight ( 0.110 mg), seed vigour index I (2329.07) and seed vigour index II (10419.25) were found maximum with treatment Vermicompost (@ 50 q ha^-1) + Azotobacter (root dip @ 2.5 Kg/ ha^-1) + PSB (root dip @ 2.5 Kg/ ha^-1) + NSKE (5%) and maximum 1000 seed weight (12.52 g) was found with treatment FYM @100 q ha^-1 + Azotobacter @ 2.5 kg ha^-1 (root dip) + PSB @ 2.5 kg ha^-1 (root dip) + NSKE @ 5% in 4th November transplanting. All parameters showed a decreasing trend as sowing date was delayed.

1 table, 39 ref

011338   Singh D;Mishra A;Singh J;Khattik V K;Meena B (Floriculture and Landscaping Dep, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Agriculture Univ, Kota, Jhalarapatan, Jhalawar-326 023, Email: dharasingh444@rediffmail.com) : Correlation coefficnet analysis in twelve gladiolus (Gladiolus hybrids Hort.) genotypes. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 710-14.

Study was undertaken to analyses the correlation co-efficient for twenty seven characters in twelve genotypes of gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridusHort.) grown atthe Instructional Farm, Department of Floriculture & Landscaping, College of Horticulture & Forestry, Jhalarapatan, Jhalawar. Spike length had highly positive association with rachis length (rg:0.92, rp:0.88), floret diameter (rg:0.94, rp:0.0.74), spike diameter (rg:0.66, rp:0.50), duration of flowering (rg:0.71, rp:0.42), number of florets per spike (rg:0.89, rp:0.84), number of cormels per plant (rg:0.69, rp:0.65), diameter of corm (rg:0.48, rp:0.41), weight of corm (rg:0.44, rp:0.40), weight of cormels per plant (rg:0.20, rp:0.19), size index of corms (rg:0.41, rp:0.38), florets remaining open at a time in vase (rg:0.56, rp:0.33). At both genotypic and phenotypic levels it had negative correlation with number of spikes per plot (rg:-0.56, rp:-0.48), number of corms per plant (rg:-0.72, rp:-0.50), number of corms per plot (rg:-0.60, rp:-0.54) and florets remaining unopened (rg:-0.39, rp:-0.37). It was - 371 - observed that for most of the characters genotypic correlation coefficients were higher than phenotypic correlation coefficients.

2 tables, 15 ref

011337   Singh A K;Singh H;Rai O P;Singh G;Singh V P; Singh N P;Singh R (Agronomy Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: dr.singhak99@gmail.com) : Effect of sowing dates and varieties for higher productivity of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 883-7.

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, N.D. University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad during the Rabi season of 2011-12 to access the effect of sowing dates and varieties for higher productivity of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Treatments consisted of four dates of sowing viz. D1 (25th September), D2 (5th October), D3 (15th October) and D4 (25th October) was kept as main plot and five varieties viz.V1 (Rohini), V2 (Maya), V3 (Coral-437), V4 (Kranti) and V5 (PBR-357) was kept as sub plot replicated three under split plot design. Results revealed that all the growth, yield attributes and quality were increased significantly under 25th October sowing. The agronomical parameters like initial plant stand per running meter, plant height (cm), days taken to 50% flowering, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation (g plant-1) and yield and yield attributes like number of siliquae plant-1, number of seed siliqua-1, length of siliqua (cm) and seed, stover yields (q ha^-1) of mustard crop were significantly higher with variety Coral-437. The highest seed yield oil content% was computed under 25th October sowing with Coral-437 variety. 25th October sowing with Coral-437 variety proved the most remunerative and economically feasible for cultivation of Indian mustard under the agro climatic conditions of eastern U.P.

3 tables, 19 ref

011336   Shrvan Kumar;Sinha A;Shekhar M;Singh V (Mycology and Plant Pathology, IAS, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: shrvankb@gmail.com) : Detection of aflatoxin B_{1 through indirect-ELISA from grains obtained from there maize growing zones of India.} J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 796-8.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is most frequently found in plant substrates, which has shown the highest toxigenic potential. Based on previous studies, the IARC has classified AFB1 as a class 1A human carcinogen. Several impacts on consumers, such as loss of human and animal lives; health care and veterinary care costs; contaminated foods and feeds disposal costs; and investment in research and management of the myco-toxin problem. Fourteen maize seed samples comprising of recommended and local varieties were collected from three maize growing zones (Zone I- Almora, Kullu, Bilaspur, - 370 - Dhaulakuan, Kangara, Saharanpur, Zone II- Karnal, Ludhiana, Pantnagar, New Delhi and Zone III- Begusarai, Varanasi, Sabour-1 and Sabour 2). In our studies AFB1 toxin range were noticed Zone-I (0.0294- 153.5081 ppb), Zone-II (0.1761- 161.0537 ppb ppb) and Zone-III (3.8366- 53.1256 ppb) collected seed samples.This indicate that ELISA technique could be applied to the monitoring of Aflatoxin contamination in a lot of samples in a cost, accuracy, simplicity and time effective manner.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

011335   Shinde V V;Ghavale S L;Maheswarappa H P (All India Coordianted Research Project on Palms, Regional Coconut Research station, Bhatye, Ratnagiri(M.S), Dapoli-415 712) : Intercropping flower crops a best option in coconut based cropping system of Maharastra. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(2), 142-5.

Performance of flower crops was assessed at All India Coordinated Research Project on Palms, Regional Coconut Research Station Bhatye, Ratnagiri during 2013 to 2015. The yield of coconut incresaed to 165 nuts/palm/year due to intercropping, as against 96 nuts/palm/year in monocropping (coconut alone). According to two years of data (2014 to 2015) the average yield of flower crops revealed that the Lily crop recorded 168381 numbers of spikes/hectare, Jasminum multiflorum recorded 48656 kg/hectare, Heliconia spp. recorded 96982.5 number of spikes/hectare. Jasminum sambac recorded 1123.2 kg/hectare follwed by Michelia champaka recorded only 12690 number flowers. In respect of economics, Coconut +Lily spp. system recorded the highest net return of Rs. 12, 19, 962/-per hectare followed by Rs. 7, 63, 197/-in Coconut + Jasminum multiflorum system, Coconut + Heliconiaspp. recorded Rs. 6, 37, 495.25, Coconut +Jasminum sambac recorded Rs. 553102.53, Coconut + Michelia champaka Rs. 12690.00, net income realised in the monocropping of coconut was Rs. 65, 025/-per ha only. Coconut nut to get additional income depending upon market. The results indicated the possibility of growing Lily and Jasminum multiflorum as intercrops in coconut fields.

4 table, 10 ref

011334   Sheikh F A;Sofi P A;Khan M N;Sofi N R;Wani S H;Bhat M A (Genetics and Plant Breeding FoA Div, , Wadura Sapore, Baramulla-193 201, Email: shabirhussainwani@gmail.com) : Participatory rural appraisal and farmers' perception about common bean varieties in temperate Kashmir. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 1256-63.

Present investigation was undertaken during 2012 to 2014 in which 54 genotypes, both pole and bush type of Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) were selected among a number of germplasm lines, land races and research material in order to generate information on the farmer's' perception about the Common bean varieties. Participatory rural appraisal was conducted in 32 villages of Kashmir through a broad questionnaires comprising of questions pertaining to the socio-economic conditions, farming systems, production constraints and varietal preferences of the common bean. The Participatory Rural Appraisal results revealed that common bean is generally grown as a rainfed crop (70%) and is - 369 - intercropped with maize/ potato/vegetable and merely as sole crop (20.66%). Low yielding varieties and diseases (68.27%) are considered as major challenges in the success of common bean crop, while as red colour with kidney shaped types (50%) are highly being preferred as a pulse crop. The exercise of Participatory Rural Appraisal was carried out to generate basic information by assessing the need based constraints and devise the target breeding approach, by taking into consideration all constraints and also devise future breeding programme. A successful PRA provides the information needed to specify the characteristic in a new variety regarding its physical environment and the existing varietal diversity. For a breeding program, well applied Participatory Rural Appraisal techniques or customer profiling results in better client orientation and makes possible efficient goal setting or product design. Successful PRA provides everything that could be included in the full design specification of a new crop variety.

12 ref

011333   Sharmah D;Rahman S (NO, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ICAR South Trupura-799 144, Email: dasharmah@gmail.com) : Management of the major pests of french bean through development and validation of certain IPM modules, Assam, India. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 674-9.

The present investigation was carried out in the ICR farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during 2013-14 and 2014-15 for management of the major pests through development and validation of certain IPM modules. Lesser per cent incidence of aphid (0.60%) was seen in Module-I than Module-III (2.58%) and Module-II (6.0%) and has significant at 5% probability level. But highest percentage of aphid incidence (13.40%) was registered in Module-IV. The mean population of thrips varied from 1.0 to 10.0 per cent among the modules. Module-I was found to be superior by recording significantly less incidence of thrips (1.04%) than Module-III (2.6%) and Module-II (4.0%). Considerably higher per cent incidence of thrips was observed in Module-IV (10.0%). The per cent population of mite was least (1.0%) in Module-I compared to Module-III (3.0%) and Module-II (7.6%). Maximum incidence of mites was recorded in Module -IV (9.0%). Whitefly incidence was recorded to be minimum (1.2% in Module -I compared to Module-III (2.80%) and Module-II (4.0%). The highest percent incidence of whitefly was registered in Module -IV (10.8%). Module-I was found to be superior by recording significantly less incidence of pod borer (0.40%) and was significantly differed from Module-III (3.2%) and Module-II (5.8%). The highest healthy green bean yield ha^-1 was achieved in Module-I (13.99 tha^-1) followed by Module-III (13.91 tha^-1), Module-II (13.56 tha^-1) and Module-IV (9.88 tha^-1). The effectiveness of IPM Modules in respect to B:C ratio were obtained to be 2.06, 1.95 and 1.97 from Module-I, II and III respectively. The present experimental findings can be used as alternative for chemical pesticides at farmer's field and will certainly be reduce the detrimental effect of insecticides application.

2 illus, 2 tables, 37 ref

011332   Shailbala;Amarendra Kumar (Plant Pathology Dep, G. B. Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: kumaramar05@gmail.com) : Eco-friendly management of late blight of potato. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 821-35.

Late blight of potato caused by fungus Phytophthora infestans responsible for Irish famine in the year 1845, is one of the most dramatic episode caused by plant pathogen in human history. One million people died due to famine in Ireland. So eco-friendly management of potato late blight disease is a necessary goal to be accomplished.During last many years, management strategies solely relied upon the application of fungicides due to rapid development of late blight epidemics. However, indiscriminate use of fungicide posesses a serious threat to the environment and human health. It is also responsible for built up of resistance in the pathogen and have adverse effect on beneficial organisms such as nitrogen fixers, resident antagonism and mycorrhizal fungi. So to minimize the fungicide use, eco-friendly means for late blight management are required on a priority basis. In recent years, significant changes in isolates of late blight fungus have been recorded including changes in aggressiveness to the crop also. Since, late blight is a community disease so, effective eco-friendly management must be adopted by the all producers, farmers, gardeners and growers with the help of government agencies, extension specialist and crop consultants etc. The strategy to control late blight is the prevention of - 368 - establishment of Phytophthorainfestans in potato crop. In this context, disease management by cultural practices is the first line of defense while forecasting system, physiological strategies, biological control, host plant resistance and bio-technological approach are essential for efficient, effective and eco-friendly management of late blight of potato.

^iia15 ref

011331   Shaikh S M;Pagarkar A D;Shaikh A M;Patil S S (NO, College of Fisheries and MBRS, Shrigaon, Ratnagiri-415 629, Email: pagarkarau@gmail.com) : Organoleptic, biochemical and microbiological quality of dressed fish using different methods of fish dressing operation in seafood industry. Indian vet J 2017, 94(2), 53-5.

In present study an ergonomical intervention in fish dressing operation was conducted by adopting different methods of fish dressing operation. The quality parameters viz; organo-leptic, biochemical and microbiological quality were compared in fresh and dressed fish, with traditional, modified method with different type of hand protection devices used during fish dressing operation. Dressing of fish using surgical gloves was observed to be very clean with higher capacity, less time, better organoleptic, biochemical and microbiological quality as compared to other methods.

8 ref

011330   Shaikh S A;Umate S M;Khan R;Deosarkar D B (NO, , ) : Genetic divergence analysis in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) genotypes under irrigated condition. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(2), 156-9.

The nature and magnitude of genetic divergence were estimated in 40 rice genotypes using Mahalanobis D²-statistics by considering 10 quantitative characters. Analysis of variance revealed the presence of considerable variability among the genotypes. The genotypes were grouped into 6 clusters. Cluster I consisted maximum genotypes (18 genotypes) followed by cluster V (13 genotypes) and cluster VI (3 genotypes). The clustering did not followed any particular pattern with respect to the origin of the genotypes. The highest inter cluster divergence was recorded between Clusters VI and IV (45.80), and hence, there fore the genotypes from these clusters may be used in hybridization program. The highest inter cluster divergence was recorded between Clusters VI and & Cluster-IV (45.80), whereas maximum contribution towards genetic divergence was recorded for yield per plant.

3 table, 6 ref

011329   Shaikh N B;Pawar R D;Rajenimbalkar V M; Badgujar C D (NO, Banana Research Station, Jalgaon, Maharashtra) : Effect of different mulches on growth, yield and quality of banana C V. Grand naine. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(2), 146-8.

A field experiment was undertaken to observe the effect of different mulches on growth, yield and quality in banana at Banana Research Station, Jalgaon (MS) during 2011-2014. The experiment was conducted with two organic and two synthetic mulches along with without mulch as control. The growth and yield was found to be significantly superior under Silver black polyethylene mulch, while soil properties were found to be better under organic mulching.

2 table, 10 ref