011278   Khobra R;Srivastava A;Raigond P;Joshi A;Dutt S;Singh B;Singh B P (NO, ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal-132 001, Email: rinkikhobra@gmail.com) : Exploring possibilities of enhancing water use efficiency in potato. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 836-45.

Climate change threatens the global agriculture sustainability. Among different kinds of abiotic stresses, water stress is the most devastating component which curtails potato crop productivity. Our recent knowledge is limited concerning water stress tolerance and water use efficiency in potato. Many efforts are being made by the scientific community to reduce water use and to produce "more crop per drop". This review elaborates quantitative and qualitative aspects of multiple stress mechanisms and their regulating system related to present scenario of water use efficiency (WUE) requirements. WUE can only be improved by using multidisciplinary promising research approaches like molecular breeding, high throughput genotyping, multi-gene transfer and bioinformatics applications to unleash the information needed to exploitation of required traits in potato.

^iia2 illus, 1 table, 111 ref

011277   Khating S S;Kabre G B;Shinde S R (Agricultural Entomology Section, College of Agriculture, Dhule-424 004) : Bioefficacy of certain insecticides and Verticillium lecanii againts sucking pests of okra. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(2), 124-7.

Studies on the bio-efficacy of some insecticides and Verticillium lecanii against sucking pests of okra were undertaken at the Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Dhule during Kharif 2015. The population of leafhoppers and aphids was minimum at 3, 7 and 14 days after spraying diafenthiuron 50% WP @ 300 g a.i./ha, which was found to be significantly superior over the rest of treatments. This was followed by the treatment with thiamethoxam 25% WG @ 280 g a.i./ha. the treatment with thiamethoxam 25% WG @ 280 g a.i./ha was significantly superior over rest of the treatments against whitefly. - 344 - 

1 table, 13 ref

011276   Kaushal A;Singh A;Jeena A S (Vegetable Science Dep, College of Agriculture, G.B. Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: anitasingh79@rediffmail.com) : Genetic diversity in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes revealed by simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 966-73.

Twenty five tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes were subjected to genetic diversity analysis using twenty SSR markers. Out of 20 markers used, 14 SSRs were polymorphic and a total numbers of 22 SSR alleles were generated by 14 SSR markers, out of which 19 were polymorphic and 3 were monomorphic, with an average of 1.57 alleles per locus. The range of amplified products was 100-400bp approximately. Jaccard's similarity coefficient varied from 0.65 between germplasm EC519821 and CO-3 to a maximum of 1.0 between genotypes EC519769 and DARL-66, with an average value of 0.83. Cluster analysis based on Jaccard's similarity coefficient using the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) revealed 2 distinct clusters, A and B, comprising 1 and 24 genotypes respectively and at 75 and 78 per cent similarity, respectively. The genotypes which showed similar morphological and genetic trends were grouped more or less together in both these cases were a few. Cluster A comprised most diverse germplasm (EC519821)belongs to pimpinellifolium wild species with similarity coefficient 0.65% and differentiated with other cultivated species.Cherry Tomato and Cherry-2 were trends in similar cluster similar with approximately 96% similarity.SSR markers were able in in differentiating the genotypes based on morphologically and genotypically.However, the grouping of 25 genotypes were independently of geographic distribution.The genetic distance information found in this study might be helpful to breeder for planning among these genotypes.

2 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

011275   Kaur V;Yadav R;Wankhede D P (Germplasm Evaluation Div, ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi-110 012, Email: Vikender.Kaur@icar.gov.in) : Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) genetic resources for climate change intervention and its future breeding. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 1112-8.

Linseed or flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), a multiple purpose crop valued for its seed oil, fibre, probiotic and nutraceutical properties, is adapted to different environments and agro-ecologies. Modern breeding techniques using only limited number of selected varieties have resulted in a loss of specific alleles and thus, reduction in total genetic diversity relevant to climate-smart agriculture. However, well-curated collections of landraces, wild linseed accessions and other Linum species exist in the gene banks and are important sources of new alleles. This review is primarily focused on the studies of genetic diversity of linseed species and evaluation related to tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress factors that could be useful for improving linseed through future promising breeding programs in addition to briefly discussing different morphotypes and nutraceutical importance. Wide diversity in linseed germplasm indicates a considerable potential for improving this crop for both agronomic and quality traits required for developing - 343 - climate-resilience tailored to specific environments. Recent release of the flax genome sequence coupled with wide range of genomic and analytical tools in public domain has furthered understanding of molecular mechanisms for detailed study of the genes underlying flax adaptation to stress and diversity in commercially important accessions. Important climate related traits and their constituent genes are presented and key developments for the future highlighted emphasizing the urgent need to increase the use of genetically diverse germplasm to meet the emerging challenges in agricultural production and to conserve valuable genetic resources for the future.

1 table, 70 ref

011274   Kaur S;Bains T S;Singh P (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: simransidhu331@gmail.com) : Creating variability through interspecific hybridization and its utilization for genetic improvement in mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 1101-6.

Interspecific hybridization is important for genetic enhancement of crop plants. The present study was conducted to study genetic variation in advanced interspecific lines of mungbean for yield and its component traits, to determine the association among different traits and their contribution towards seed yield through correlation and path coefficient analysis. A set of 64 genotypes including 51 advanced interspecific lines derived from mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) x urdbean (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) and mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) x ricebean (Vignaumbellata Thumb.) crosses and 13 parents (mungbean, urdbean and ricebean) was the experimental material for this study. The mean sums of squares for genotypes were highly significant for all the traits. Mean sum of squares for replications were also highly significant for all traits except days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and harvest index at 1% and 5% level of significance. This indicated substantial magnitude of diversity and variability in the interspecific lines and parents under study, which could be further exploited. High to moderate PCV and GCV along with high heritability and genetic advance was observed for biological yield per plant, seed yield per plant and plant height, indicating that these traits could be easy targets for phenotypic selection and consequently, may be improved genetically via simple plant selection methods. On the basis of correlation studies, it could be concluded that all the traits under investigation except number of seeds per pod and harvest index were important for selection for yield improvement. Path analysis further revealed that harvest index could also be one of the criteria of selection for higher yield in these interspecific lines.

4 tables, 26 ref

011273   Kaur J;Mahal S S;Amarjeet Kaur (Agronomy Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: jagmohanpau2@gmail.com) : Grain quality assessment of direct seeded basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) under different irrigation regimes in Indian Punjab. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 663-8.

Irrigation water, being a scarce resource, requires proper management for good quality aerobic basmati rice production. Field experiments were conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to evaluate the effect of different irrigation schedules on grain quality of direct seeded basmati rice `Pusa Basmati 1121'. Ten treatments comprising of conventional puddled transplanting and nine in direct seeding were tested in randomized block design with four replications. Direct seeding treatments comprised of combination of withholding first irrigation for 6, 9 or 12 days after sowing and follow up irrigations at 30, 50 or 70 mm cummulative pan evaporation (CPE). The milling quality characters of rice like brown, milled and head rice recoveries were highest in conventional transplanting (81.4, 70.9 and 52.4%, respectively) statistically at par with irrigation schedule of withholding first irrigation for 6 days and subsequent irrigations at 30 mm CPE (80.3, 69.9 and 51.1%,respectively) significantly better than rest of the treatments.The other quality characters like protein content, minimum cooking time, elongation ratio etc. were also significantly affected by different irrigation schedules at 5% level of significance. The maximum values of protein content (7.26%) and minimum cooking time (23.5 minutes) were obtained in irrigation schedule of withholding first irrigation for 6 days and subsequent irrigations at 30 mm CPE whereas elongation ratio was maximum in conventional transplanting (1.87). In Indian Punjab, good quality direct seeded basmati rice can - 342 - be obtained by holding the first irrigation for 6 days and then irrigating at 30 mm CPE with yields comparable to transplanted rice.

2 tables, 27 ref

011272   Kasane A P;Badhe P L;Borole D N (Agricultural Botany Dep, College of Agriculture, Dhule-424 004) : Character association analysis in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). Bioinfolet 2017, 14(2), 134-7.

Character association and path analysis between yield and its contributing traits were studied in 40 sesame genotypes for the characters, days to flower, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height at maturity (cm), number of primary branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, 1000 seed weight (g), seed yield (g) and oil content (%). Analysis of variance revealed existence of significant difference among the genotypes for almost all characters studies. Seed yield was positively correlated with number of capsule per plant, 1000 seed weight, number of primary branches per plant and number of seeds per capsule. Path coefficient analysis indicated that 1000 seed weight, number of capsules per plant and number of primary branches per plant were important traits to be considered for improving the yield of sesame.

illus

011271   Kannan B;Ragunath K P;Kumaraperumal R; Jagadeewaran R;Krishnan R (Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: balajikannan@tnau.ac.in) : Mapping of coconut growing areas in Tamil Nadu, India using remote sensing and GIS. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 771-3.

Importance of remotely sensed data for inventorying, mapping, monitoring and for the management and development planning for the optimum utilization of natural resources has been well established. Though, a lot of applications have been attempted using remote sensing tool, mapping of coconut growing areas has not been attempted at a regional level. Hence, this study was envisaged to map the coconut growing areas in Tamil Nadu, India using Survey of India Toposheet grid (1:50,000 scale) and Digital Globe data. The temporal window of these datasets ranged from March 2012 to June 2014. The data sets have a spatial resolution of 41 cm. It has been observed that Coimbatore has largest area under coconut among all districts of Tamil Nadu, followed by - 341 - Tiruppur, Thanjavur and Dindigul. In terms of percentage of coconut area to the total geographical area of the district, Tiruppur, leads the list, followed by Kanyakumari, Coimbatore and Thanjavur. On comparing the area obtained by this study with the area as per Coconut Development Board using a paired t-test, a p-value of 0.005 was obtained and hence, there is no significant difference between the two. Hence, it can be said that geospatial technologies like remote sensing and geographical information system are the best tools for accurate assessment and spatial data creation for crop mapping and area assessment.

1 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

011270   Kakde A M;Patel K G;Bhosle B B (Entomology Dep, N.M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navasari-396 450) : Larval parasitism of rice yellow stem borer by braconid, Apanteles sp. in relation to conventional and SRI methods of planting. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(2), 186-7.

The parasitism of yellow stem borer by Apanteles sp. was highest during second and fourth week of September (21.59 and 19.44% respectively). However, under SRI (System of Rice Intensification) method, the values were 31.67 and 28.57% respectively.

2 table, 3 ref

011269   Kakde A M;Patel K G;Bhosle B B (Entomology dep, N.M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari-396 450) : Egg parasitism of rice yellow stem borer by eulophid, Tetrastichus schoenobii in relation to conventional and SRI methods of planting. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(2), 184-5.

The egg parasitism of yellow stem borer by Eulophid, Tetrastichus schoenobii was initiated after the start of yellow stem borer damage and reached highest during initiation of flowering and reached up to 33.04% under conventional and to 38.10% under SRI method in second week of September.

2 table, 4 ref

011268   Kadam P;Narute T K;Shrivastava S;Ambore G; Saha S (Plant Pathology and Agricultural Microbiology Dep, College of Agriculture, Pune-411 005, Email: sujoyta@gmail.com) : Effect of liquid biofertilizers on the yield of button mushroom. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(2), 135-41.

The use of liquid biofertilizers viz., Azolobacterchroococcum and Bacillus megaterium either alone or in combination were found significantly effective in improving growth and yield of button mushroom.Significantirnprovement in number of fruits per bed, biological efficiencyand average weight of fruit body were observed by supplementation of bioferilizers. Biofertilizersinoculated treatments showed an increase of yield and biological efficiency in the range of 17.40 % to 64.19%and19.97% to 27.93 % respectively. Nitrogen content in Azotobacter chroococcum inoculated treatments and phosphorus content in Bacillus megaferiuminoculated treatment were low as compared to control

9 illus, 6 tables, 16 ref

011267   Jopir O;Bera B K (Agricultural Economics Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741 252, Email: ojopir@yahoo.in) : Study on analysis of yield gap in pulses of Nadia district of West Bengal, India. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 646-52.

The study on yield gap in pulses (Lentil) of West Bengal revealed that the technology gap is accounted to be 346.23 kg/ha and technology index and the index of realised potential yield are estimated to 22.56 and 77.44%, respectively. The extension gap and the index of realized potential farm yield are 215.12 kg/ha and 81.9%, respectively. Lentil cultivation generates a net return of Rs. 47083.07/ha from an investment of Rs. 29640.30/ha in experimental field whereas an expenditure accounting Rs. 23240.76 and Rs. 18559.71/ha are made in demonstration and actual farmer`s field to realize a net return of Rs. 36171.44 and Rs. 30096.79/ha. Although, the most viable alternative crop, rape and mustard has marginal advantage over lentil economically, considering the long term beneficial effects of pulses soil fertility, programmes need to be taken to motivate farmers to allocate more area to pulses. Low productivity and non-availability of quality occupy the first and second position with 82.73 and 71.25% Garrett`s score constructed based on the perception of sample farmers. Development of improved seeds responsive to modern crop production technology is the most vital for long term solution of the present crisis in pulses, but for the time being, programmes for technology dissemination and adoption through various extension methods is necessary in bridging the extension gap to improve the pulses situation of West Bengal.

7 tables, 24 ref

011266   Jayanthi D;Shanthi D;NarendraBabu R; Senthilkumar P;Kalaikannan A (NO, Mecheri Sheep Research Station, TANUVAS, Pottaneri, Salem-635 464, Email: jayanthidrsdl@gmail.com) : Effect of different packaging methods on microbial quality of chevon. Indian vet J 2017, 94(2), 31-3.

Chevon packed under modified atmosphere (80 % O₂ + 20 % CO₂), vacuum and aerobic packaging and stored at 4 ± 1°C up to 21 days were investigated. The results revealed that the total viable and coliform count were significantly lower in Modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) than vacuum and aerobic packaging. There was no significant difference in lactic acid bacteria between different packaging methods; however vacuum packaging had higher counts than other methods. Streptococcal, Staphylococcal, Lactobadllus, Anaerobic, yeast and mould counts differed significantly between storage periods. The findings revealed that chevon could be preserved safely up to twenty one days in MAP and fourteen days in aerobic and vaccum packaging.

1 table, 14 ref

011265   Jakkeral S A;Kamath S;Hanumantappa M (NO, Zonal Agricultural & Horticultural Research Station, Udupi Taluk, Brahmavar-576 213) : Study of performance of red rice landraces and varieties in coastal region of Karnataka. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(2), 194-201.

Among the red rice varieties, Prathaysa was semi-dwarf (98 cm), short duration (100-110 days), medium tillering, non-photosensitive variety with long bold red kernelled grains. Varieties Athira and Karuna were late maturing (140-145 days). Harsha red rice variety was very susceptible to lodging. Highest seed weight was recorded in cultivar Pavithra (24.3 g/1000 seeds), a mid duration (115-125 days) crop having red medium bold seeds. It was resistant to gall midge, and was found to be well suited to both kharif and rabi seasons, and even for third crop. Its - 339 - yield was around 55 q/ha. IRGA-318-11-6-9-2B from Philippines was mid duration (135 days) variety with long red bold seeds, erect flag leaf. It was 110 cm tall and was resistant to gall midge. The speciality of this line was submergence tolerant (up to 8-10 days). Non-sattering type with owned land races were submergence tolerant (Karekagga and Belekagga) collected from Kumata region. Present study indicated that there was enough genetic diversity among the landraces and germplasms, which can be helpful to the breeders to choose suitable parents for crop improvement.

5 table, 5 ref

011264   Jagroop Kaur J;Bons H K (Agronomy Dep, Punjab Agriculture Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: jagroopsekhon@pau.edu) : Mulching: a viable option to increase productivity of field and fruit crops. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 974-82.

Mulching plays an important role in production of agricultural and horticultural crops in the current scenario of declining water table, soil degradation and climate change. The main objectives of mulching are to prevent loss of water by evaporation, prevention of soil erosion, weed control, to reduce fertilizer leaching, to promote soil productivity, to enhance yield and quality of field and fruit crops. So, mulching is useful to save our underground water resource, soil and environment for sustainable crop production. In this review paper, the literature clearly shows pronounced effects of mulching on soil health by improving the soil structure, soil fertility, biological activities, avoid soil degradation in addition to moisture conservation, regulating temperature, encouraging change in favourable micro-climate, check weed growth and ultimately increasing the productivity, quality, profitability and sustainability of crops and cropping systems irrespective of the system/situation.

100 ref

011263   Jadhav S S;Bhamburdekar S B (P.G. Dep of Botany, Plant Physiology Section, Krishna Mahavidyalaya, Rethare(Bk), Dist, Satara, Maharashtra) : Effect of boron on leaf area and relative water content in Sweet sorghum C. V RSSV-09. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(2), 209-10.

Present study deals with the effect of boron on leaf area, leaf area ratio and relative water content in the leaves of sweet Sorghum c. v. RSSV-9. For this purpose different boron concentrations were used and its effect on Sorghum was measured 75 days after sowing. The leaf area ratio (LAR) increased with the increase in leaf relative water content(RWC) due to the treatment with 50 ppm boron. However further increase in the boron concentration reduced LAR and RWC in Sorghum.

1 table, 7 ref

011262   Ilhe S S;Bhawar T D;Tandale A (Agronomy Dep, College of Agriculture, Dhule) : Performance of BT cotton + leafy vegetable intercropping. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(2), 167-8.

A field experiment was undertaken during Kharif 2015 at Post Graduate Research Farm, Agronomy Section, College of - 338 - Agriculture, Dhule. The experiment consisted of eleven treatments laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The yield contributing characters like plant height, leaf area, number of monopodial and sympodial branches plant^-1, boll weight (4.65 g), number of picked bolls plant^-1 (38.34), seed cotton yield (25.19 q ha^-1) were obtained under the treatment of sole Bt cotton (T₁). Intercropping system cotton + dil in 1: 3 row ratio (T₉) recorded significantly higher cotton equivalent yield.

1 table

011261   Hota M;Dahiya D S (Horticulture Dep, Choudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: monalishant86@gmail.com) : Effect of water dipping on separation techniques of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) arils. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 763-6.

For easy separation of arils, pomegranate fruits were subjected to hot water dipping and normal water dipping treatments. Minimum time of separation as 4.10 min/kg of fruit was observed in case of hot water (80ñ2øC) dip for 2 min which was at par with hot water (80ñ2øC) dip for 1 min as 4.7 min/kg. All treatments saved time over the traditional method but only hot water dipping was significant without any significant adverse effect on aril quality in comparison with traditional method except anthocyanin and phenols. Anthocyanin content reduced and phenols content increased in comparison to traditional method.

2 tables, 23 ref

011260   Gurmeet Kaur;Khanna V (Microbiology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 001, Email: gk45332@gmail.com) : Evaluation of thermotolerant rhizobacteria for multiple plant growth promoting traits from pigeonpea rhizosphere. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 920-3.

PGPR strains exhibiting optimum functional traits at high temperature and are compatible with Rhizobium can be used in pigeonpea as biofertilizer. A total of 45 rhizobacterial isolates were isolated from 13 different locations of pigeonpearhizospheric soil of Punjab. Out of the 45 isolates, 5 isolates selected on the basis of maximum growth at 30øC and 40øC were morphologically and biochemically characterized, belonging to genera Pseudomonas (P-6, P-9) and Bacillus (P-30, P-31, P-32). Selected isolates were further evaluated for the production of IAA, GA, SA and flavonoids. IAA production was estimated in the range from 0.45-25.13 æg/ml and 4.62-34.34 æg/ml in the presence of tryptophan at 30 and 40øC respectively. Maximum gibberellic acid production was recorded with P-30 (108.99 æg/ml and 112.12 æg/ml) at 30 and 40øC respectively. Similarly maximum salicylic acid was also estimated with P-30 (157.2 æg/ml) followed by P-31 (141.0 æg/ml) at 40øC. All the isolates were also found to produce flavonoids ranged from 2.98 - 4.40 æg/ml at 40 øC. Isolates P-30, P-31 showed superior production of growth hormones and flavonoid-like compounds can further be tested under the field conditions to enhance growth and yield of pigeonpea.

2 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

011259   Gupta R;Tripathi U N;Singh A;Basu M (Botany Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002, Email: ranjanagupta1001@gmail.com ) : Diverse host records of genus Ganoderma from Allahabad. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(2), 201-5.

Periodic survey and collection of Basidiomycetous fungi in Allahabad and its adjoining areas were carried out during the period from 2002 - 337 - to 2011. in Allahabad the survey sites were area of Allahabad University campus, Company garden, Khusaro Bagh etc. and around Allahabad the survey sites were Naini, Jhunsi, Bamrauli, Nehru Park, Phoolpur, Phaphamau etc. it was observed that Ganoderma lucidum was quite predominant fungus among the other members of Basidiomycetes. It is a dangerous pathogen causing white rot in plants. On the other hand it has been used as an herbal remedy for health, recuperation and longevity for centuries in Asian traditional medicine. During the survey it was found that it was growing mainly at the base of some host plants such as Casuarina equisatifolia, Eucalyptus citriodora, Grevillea robusta, Hamelia patens etc.

1 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

011258   Gupta K N (PC Unit (ICAR) AICRP on Sesame and Niger, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur-482 004) : Occurence, molecular diagnosis and detection of citrus greening disease in sweet orange. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(2), 122-3.

PCR amplification of citrus greening bacterium was observed from Jan 2007 to April and October to December 2007. However, during April to September, PCR amplification was not observed. Thus the greening bacterium could be detected more reliably between Octobers to March, when the temperature was relatively low. However, Citrus mosaic virus was detected throughout the year. The technology of PCR detection of Citrus mosaic virus and greening bacterium developed using NCM based DNA template during present investigation has been validated during present investigation.

1 illus, 5 ref

011257   Guleria C;Vaidya M K;Kireeti K;Negi C (Social Sciences Dep, College of Forestry, Dr. Yaswant Singh Parmar Univ of Horticulture and, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, Email: guleriachandresh88@gmail.com) : People's participation in joint forest management in higher hills of Himachal Pradesh. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 1129-34.

Joint Forest Management (JFM) is an effort which involved people to participate for the protection, conservation and rehabilitation of forests whilst safeguarding the rights of forest dwellers. Women and other marginalized sections of the community need to be empowered to ensure their participation in JFM (Aggarwal and Chauhan, 2015). Such programmes while ensuring the conservation of flora and fauna, also provided stability for the agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and local cottage industries and thus, help in all round economic development (Bhatia, 2000). The present study analysed the people's participation in different stages of JFM programmes in the higher hills of Himachal Pradesh (Sundernagar and Kullu forest division). The results showed that people of age group 40-60 years participated most in the JFM programme. The participation of the general category people was found highest followed by scheduled caste, other backward class and scheduled tribe. The literacy rate of the respondents was found to be 98.51 percent while the literacy index was found to be 2.51 representing level of education in between middle class and higher secondary. In both the regions participation of people was found maximum during maintenance stage followed by planning stage and implementation stage. The overall participation index was found to be 61.91 per cent. The capacity building through training and awareness can help in safeguarding livelihood and conservation efforts of JFM.

1 illus, 5 tables, 16 ref

011256   Goudar P;Ramachandrappa B K;Thimmegowda M N; Sahoo S (Agronomy Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, GKVK, Bengaluru-560 065, Email: pavankg77@gmail.com) : Influence of rotation and sources of nutrients on soil properties and productivity of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 680-7.

A field experiment was conducted at the All India Co-ordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru during kharif 2013-14. The experiment was laid out with 20 treatment combinations with three factors using factorial RBD with two replications comprised of on a permanent manurial trial with 35th crop cycle. Application of FYM at 10 t ha^-1 has recorded significantly higher grain yield (1.76 t ha^-1), maximum water holding capacity (MWHC) of 43.85% and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) of 357.60æg TPF g-1 24 h-1 obtained after harvest of the crop as compared to application of maize residues at 5 t ha^-1 (1.37 t ha^-1, 42.27% and 193.0æg TPF g-1 24 h-1 respectively) due to improved growth and yield parameters of finger millet. However, finger millet-groundnut rotation has given significantly higher grain yield (1.78 t ha^-1), MWHC (43.66%) and DHA (298.48æg TPF g-1 24 h-1) after harvest of the crop over mono cropping of finger millet (1.34 t ha^-1, 42.46% and 252.12æg TPFg-1 24 h-1respectively ). Among different nutrient sources, application of organic matter with 100% RDF have given significantly higher grain yield (2.74 t ha^-1), MWHC (45.86%) and DHA (431.13æg TPF g-1 24 h-1) after harvest of the crop compared to absolute control (0.28 t ha^-1, - 336 - 41.76% and 133.67æg TPFg-1 24 h-1 respectively). The 100% recommended dose of fertilizer + organic matter significantly increased yield attributes because of improved soil physical and chemical properties and increased microbial activity of the soil with continued application of organic matter.

5 tables, 13 ref

011255   Gokila B;Saravanapandian P;Sivagnanam S (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: singh_gokila@rediffmail.com) : Evaluation of micronutrient status of sandy clay loam as influenced sulphur fertilization on blackgram. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 669-73.

Secondary nutrient deficiency especially sulphur (S) in blackgram has imparted poor grain setting percentage and yield as well. Interest on S availability in soils has increased due to acute shortage production of quality blackgram. Therefore, an attempt was made to assess the three SO4-2- S sources (Gypsum, Ammonium sulphate and Potassium sulphate) and two S levels (10 and 20 kg S ha^-1) under irrigated condition. This experimental trial was replicated three times along with randomized block design at farmer field of Thenamallur village, T. Kallikudi block, Madurai district. S treatments were also evaluated by two methods of fertilizer amendment such as, soil application (as basal dose) and foliar spray (0.5% K2SO4) on 30th and 45th days after sowing and its combinations. Soil analysis is good method to assess the S nutritional status of soil under tropical areas. The results revealed that the S and micronutrient content was low in single soil application or foliar spray and irrespective of source and level. Foliar spray treatment plants recovered limited S concentration. We could found that the better higher S concentration among the combination treatments. Soil application of K2SO4 @ 20 kg ha^-1 + foliar spray was increased the soil available S and DTPA - extractable Micronutrient (Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu) status. Our study explains that the treatment combinations had synergistic effect and it may be concluded that the combinations (soil + foliar spray) are increased soil available S and micronutrient status. Further, future studies are required to confirm the results of S fertilizers in alkaline soil.

1 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

011254   Ghube N B;Kadlag A D;Kamble B M (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, College of Agriculture, Naigaon (Bz)-431 709, Email: bmkamble2007@rediffmail.com) : Impact of different levels of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of preseasonal sugarcane ratoon in inceptisols. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 812-20.

A field experiment was conducted at soil test crop response (STCR) correlation project farm of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri Maharashtra.The result showed that individual application of nitrogen (N), phosphorus(P),potassium(K) or organic nutrient sources (Farm yard manure) recorded less value of preseasonal sugarcane ratoon but the integration of both the sources showed significantly improved all the growth, yield and quality parameters of preseasonal sugarcane ratoon. The maximum number of internodes were ranged between 21-30 with mean of 25.42, number of leaves 6-10 with mean of 7.21, length of internodes 12.50-16.80 cm with mean of 14.41 cm, girth of internodes 11.30-13.10 cm with mean of 12.15 cm and height of millable cane 335-385 with mean of 351.75 cm, respectively were found higher with application of residual effect of 30 t ha^-1 farm yard manure (FYM). However, the quality traits viz., brix ranged from 18.70 to 22.80 with mean of 19.87, pol per cent ranged from 15.81 to 18.41 per cent with mean of 17.53 per cent and commercial cane sugar (CCS) per cent from 9.39 to 12.09 per cent with mean of 10.76 per cent. The CCS yield was ranged between 9.58-16.30 MT ha^-1 with mean value of 14.13 MT ha^-1were enhanced considerably with residual 15 and 30 t FYM ha^-1 blocks over without FYM. The application of organic and inorganic fertilizers will not only enhance the growth, yield and quality of preseasonal sugarcane ratoon but also conserve agro-ecosystem for sustainable crop production.

7 tables, 14 ref

011253   Ghube N B;Kadlag A D;Kamble B M (Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry Dep, College of Agriculture, Naigaon (Bz)-431 709, Email: bmkamble2007@gmail.com) : Soil test crop response based integrated plant nutrition system for desired yield - 334 - target of preseasonal sugarcane ratoon on inceptisols. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 799-804.

Studies on Soil Test Crop Response based Integrated Plant Nutrition System (STCR - IPNS) were conducted adopting the Inductive cum Targeted yield model onInceptisols (VerticHaplustepts) in Rahuri, District Ahemadnagar, Maharashtra, India in order to develop fertilizer prescriptions through IPNS for the desired yield targets of preseasonal sugarcane ratoon. The field experiments were carried out with maize as gradient crop for plant cane and after harvest of plant cane, pre-seasonal sugarcane ratoon as test crop. Using the data on yield, initial soil test values on available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), doses of fertilizers and farmyard manure (FYM) applied and NPK uptake, the basic parameters viz., nutrient requirement, contribution from soil, fertilizers and FYM were computed. It was found that 1.56 kg N, 0.58 kg P and 1.04 kg K were required for producing one tonnemillable cane of preseasonal ratoon sugarcane. The per cent contributions of N, P and K from soil and FYM for preseasonal sugarcane ratoon were 37.65, 85.88 and 19.82 per cent and 11.83, 10.88 and 12.24 per cent, respectively. Making use of these basic parameters, fertilizer prescription equations were developed for pre-seasonal sugarcane ratoon (var. C0-94012) and an estimate of fertilizer doses formulated for a range of soil test values and desired yield targets under NPK alone and IPNS (NPK plus FYM).

5 tables, 21 ref

011252   Ghritlahre S K;Rao M;Pavani S L;Singh V;Singh U S;Sandhya;Singh P K (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi, Email: pksbhu@gmail.com) : Estimation of yield and grain qualities of marker assisted backcross derived lines of submergence rice against sheath blight disease. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 1042-8.

Sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani is one of the most devastating diseases of rice (Oryza sativa) and causes enormous yield losses over the world after blast, the disease can cause yield loss upto 50 per cent in advanced stage and adversely affects quality of straw. Breeding for resistant varieties is the only viable option to combat the disease efficiently. In this study, our findings showed a significant increase in number of spikelet's per panicle (3.45%), test weight (0.62%) and grain yield (0.72%) compared to recurrent parent Swarna sub-1. The range of mean performance of 18 BC2F1 selected improved lines varied for per cent disease severity from 26.75 to 43.58 at 16 days after inoculation. Among the 18 improved lines, only four lines (Swarna sub-1-6, Swarna sub-1-32, Swarna sub-1-13 and Swarna sub-1-29) showed resistance score of 1-3. The remaining fourteen lines showed moderate resistance with a score of 3-5. Hence, the resistance line could be exploited in sheath blight resistance breeding programme and the same line can also be released as a variety against sheath blight of rice after testing over multilocation trails.

2 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

011251   Ghorpade G S;Jadhav Y R (Agronomy Section, College of Agriculture, Kolhapur-416 004) : Effect of integrated nitrogen management on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of upland paddy (Oryza Sativa L.). Bioinfolet 2017, 14(2), 188-90.

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect integrated nitrogen management on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of upland paddy at College of Agriculture, Kolhapur during kharif, 2014. For this purpose the organic manures such as FYM, vermicompost, castor cake, neem cake were combined with inorganic fertilizers and applied to the crop as a source of fertilizer. Application of 75% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through inorganic fertilizer + 25% N through castor cake recorded significantly higher values of growth and yield attributing characters resulting into higher grain and straw yields, and nutrient uptake by paddy. The treatment was at par with the application of 75% RDN through inorganic fertilizer + 25% N through vermicompost and recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF).

3 table, 5 ref

011250   Ekka A A;Dileep Kumar;Singh A P;Singh A (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Email: dileepdixit.bhu@gmail.com) : Variation in physico-chemical properties of soil under different agri-horti system in Vindhya region. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 1187-93.

Adoption of unsuitable production system may lead to deterioration of soil physico-chemical properties. Hence, it becomes important to assess the impact of various production systems. For this purpose, a study was carried out to find out variation in physico-chemical properties of soil in agri-horti system based four orchards of Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University, Mirzapur, India. Soil samples were collected from the orchards of custard apple (Annona reticulate), guava (Psidium guajava), bael (Aegle marmelos) and crane berry (Carissa carandas) from two depths (0-15 and 15-30 cm) separately within canopy and out of canopy of different plants. The results of the study revealed that all the agri-horti systems were effective in bringing gradual improvement in the physico-chemical - 333 - properties of the soil. Among different orchards tried, the custard apple system resulted in the highest improvement in temperature (27.16 oC), moisture (24.53%) and water-holding capacity (41.80%), whereas crane berry based system recorded better result in case of bulk density, porosity, electrical conductivity, pH, organic carbon, available N (187.55 kg ha^-1) and K (193.46 kg ha^-1). Custard apple based system recorded highest DTPA extractable micronutrients (Zn 0.54, Fe 17.23, Cu 0.88 and Mn14.72 mg ka-1).

3 tables, 48 ref

011249   Dolgopolova S Y;Sadykulov T S;Adylknova S R; Toktarbaeva A M (NO, Faculty "Technology anf Bioresources "The Dep, Livestock and fish products "Kazakh National Agrarian Univ, Iran) : Meat yield and nutrional evaluation of lambs meat of different interbreed types of Dejaresco sheep breed. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2016, 13(3), 1373-7.

In this article we can see the results of researches on studying of meat productivity of four monthly lambs of different interbreed types of Dejaresco breed of sheep. The experimental part of this work was conducted in the new environmental conditions for Dejaresco breed of sheep of the foothill zone in "MADI" breeding farm of Zhambyl district of Almaty region. Animals produce two types of wool: white semifine (I infrabreed type) and white semi-coarse, and fleece of a light gray color (II zonal - type). The aim of the research was the study of meat productivity of young animals of different types of inbreeding Dejaresco breed of sheep. It was found that rams of Dejaresco sheep breeds at the age of 4 months have relatively high indices of meat efficiency. The weight of steam carcass of rams of the I and the II interbreed types was 19.1 and 18.2 kg, the slaughter weight was 19.6 and 18.7 kg and carcass yield was 50.0 and 49.6%, respectively. The rams of the I interbreed type according to the main indicators of meat productivity have minor advantages over peers of the II type on carcass weight, pulp weight, slaughter weight on 2,6; 3,9; 5,7 and 4,8% (P = 0.90), respectively. Were obtained the results of a study of the chemical composition and caloric content of rams meat. Were found the relatively low levels of cholesterol in the meat of rams of the I (1.56 mmol/l) and the II groups (1,67 mmol/l), that is slightly lower than in the comparative literature (2,36), and the content of cholesterol in the blood serum of the Dejaresco rams was 1.55 and 1.68 mmol/l, respectively. Overall, it should be noted that in the foothill zone of Southeast of Kazakhstan, i.e. in the breeding farm "MADI" there are quite favourable conditions for breeding of Dejaresco fat-tailed sheep. While in young Dejaresco sheep both with semifine and semi-coarse wool were obtained carcasses with high meat productivity indexes.

1 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

011248   Dinesh;Bhat M A;Grewal K S;Sheoran H S (Soil Science Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: dineshtomarhau@gmail.com) : Mineralogy of soils of major geomorphic units of north-eastern Haryana, India. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 924-34.

The study was carried to determine the mineralogy of soils of different geomorphic units for providing the more detailed information needed to improve agricultural production in north-eastern part of Haryana. The soils of the study area were slightly acidic to strongly alkaline in reaction (6-9.4). The cation exchange capacity and electrical conductivity varied from 3.10-26.80 cmol (+) kg-1 and 0.16-1.20 dSm-1, respectively. In general, the soils were siliceous in nature with SiO2 ranging from 68.60 to 87.90 percent. The soil samples from surface and subsurface diagnostic horizons were studied through X-ray diffraction. In fine sand, quartz was the dominant mineral followed by feldspars, muscovite, hornblende, tourmaline, zircon, biotite, iron ores and sphene. In silt fraction, quartz was the dominant mineral followed by mica, feldspars, chlorite, kaolinite, interstratified and traces of smectite and vermiculite. Semi-quantitative estimation of clay fraction indicated that illite was the single dominant mineral in the clay fraction of these pedons, however, its quantity was less in alluvial plains (28-30%) compared to Shiwalik hills (36-49%). Next to illite, a high amount of smectite (14-20%) and vermiculite (11-17%) were observed in clays of alluvial plains of Ghaggar (recent and old) whereas in Shiwalik hills (top and valley) these minerals were detected in small amount (6-11%). Fairly good amount of kaolinite (10-17%) and small amount of chlorite (4-11%) were uniformly distributed in soil clays irrespective of geomorphic units showing their detrital origin. Medium intensity broad peaks in higher range diffractograms - 332 - (14-24 Aø) indicated the presence of regular and irregular interstratified minerals in old alluvial plains of Ghaggar.

14 illus, 3 tables, 35 ref

011247   Dhamsaniya H B;Parmar S C;Jadav S J;Pansuriya D V;Patel A S (Sabarmati Ashram Gaushala, Ahmedabad region, H.Q. Bidaj, Kheda-387 120, Email: dr.sanjayparmar@yahoo.in) : Effect of GnRH and phosphorus in delayed pubertal surti buffalo heifers. Explor Anim med Res 2016, 6(1), 80-8.

The study was - 331 - conducted on eighteen delayed pubertal Surti buffalo heifers, divided into three equal groups (6 in each) to evaluate the efficacy of GnRH alone and in combination of phosphorus. The buffalo heifers in Group-I and Group-II were treated with Buserelin acetate (5 ml, IM). Buffalo heifers in Group-II also received additional injection of Toldimphos sodium (10 ml, IM) at 3 day interval for 4 times, while buffalo heifers in Group-III served as control. The percentage of induced estrus was highest (83.33%) in each treated groups as compared to control group (50%). The mean estrus induction intervals were significantly (P<60>0.05) shorter in Group-I (20.20 ± 2.18 days) and Group-II (18.80 ± 2.32 days) as compared to control group (30.24 ± 0.81 days). The conception rate at induced estrus was highest in Group-II (50%) followed by Group-I (33.33%). The plasma progesterone levels being significantly lowest on the day of estrus (less than 0.5 ng/ml) as compared to pre-treatment days in all groups. The mean total protein and triglycerides levels were differed significantly between the groups on the day of estrus and being significantly higher in Group-II as compared to Group-I and III on that day. A significantly higher level of cholesterol in both treatment groups as compared to the control group during different intervals and also being higher on the day of estrus as compared to pre-treatment days. The mean plasma glucose levels were differed nonsignificantly between and within the treatment and control groups. It is concluded that estrus can be successfully induced in delayed pubertal heifers with the use of GnRH alone and in combination with phosphorus.

2 tables, 34 ref

011246   Dhal S K;Mishra S;Ray S;Sahoo L;Sahoo G;Dash S K (Animal Breeding and Genetics Dep, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Orissa Univ of Ag, Bhubaneswar-751 003, Email: soumyendra.dhal@gmail.com) : Genetic studies on reproduction traits in crossbred Jersey cattle in western Odisha. Explor Anim med Res 2016, 6(1), 68-74.

The study was conducted on 412 crossbred (Jersey X Deshi) cows sired by 24 bulls, maintained over the period from 2005 to 2014. The economic traits studied were age at first calving (AFC; months), calving interval (CI; days), dry period (DP; days) and service period (SP; days). The averages for AFC, CI, DP and SP were 34.46 ± 0.22 months, 505.95 ± 3.24, 224.20 ± 3.31 and 228.26±3.21 days, respectively. Effect of management system was significant for all the economic traits (AFC, CI and DP) except SP. It may be inferred that rearing crossbred Jersey cows under intensive system of management may be advocated to utilize the maximum genetic potential of crossbred cattle for all the traits. Semi-intensive system may help moderate exploration of the traits. But exclusively pasture dependent management should be avoided for rearing crossbred Jersey cows. Heritability estimates for AFC, CI and DP were found to be 0.462 ± 0.179; 0.062 ± 0.088; 0.270 ± 0.138, respectively. Genetic correlations of AFC with CI and SP were high and positive. For maximum genetic improvement and their correlated response, it is necessary to include all the economic traits with differential weightage for achieving accuracy in selection programs.

2 tables, 23 ref

011245   Dhal A;Beura S K;Tripathy L;Dash S K;Sethi D (AICP on Groundnut, Orissa Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar-751 003, Email: arabindadhalouat@gmail.com) : Field performance of tomato cultivars in relation to early blight disease in east and south east coastal plain zone of Odisha. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(2), 217-19.

Field experiments were conducted for three consecutive seasons of Rabi 2010-11, 2011-12 - 330 - and 2012-13 in the farmer's field of Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha in order to study the performance of eighteen cultivars of tomato such as BT-106, BT-317, BMZ-21, LE-626, LE 1-2, Megha tomato-2, Utkal Pallavi, Utkal Dipti, BT-218, H-62, H-63, LE-66, Swarna Lalima, LE-474, CO-3, Utkal Raja, Utkal Shravani and BT-17 in relation to early blight disease in coastal zone of Odisha. The trial was laid out in Randomized Block Design and three replications with individual plot size of 8.1 m²(3.0 x 2.7m). The planting was made with a spacing of 60cm x 40cm with recommended dose of fertilizer such as 125:60:100 Kg N₂:P₂O₆:K₂O/ha. Among the 18 varieties of tomato screened against Early blight incidence, yield potential and ancillary yield attributing characters in tomato; none of the varieties were found to be immune to the disease. Maximum fruit yield was obtained from the variety BT-17 (450.3 q/ha) followed by Utkal Shravani (436.2q/ha), Utkal Raja (412.8q/ha), BT 218 (408.9q/ha), Utkal Pallavi (400.4q/ha) and Utkal Dipti (398.5 q/ha). Utkal Pallavi, Utkal Shravani and BT-17 recorded moderate incidence of 12.4.18.6 and 21.5 per cent disease incidence respectively in an increasing rate. Keeping in view the disease incidence, yield and ancillary characters like plant height, number of branches, fruit length, fruit girth and net fruit weight; varieties like Utkal Pallavi, Utkal Dipti, BT-218, Utkal Raja, BT-17, Utkal Shravani, Megha tomato-2 and BMZ-21 Were found promising under the East and South East Coastal Plain Zone of Odisha.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

011244   Deepak S;Reddy C N;Shashibhushan V (Entomology Dep, Agricultural College, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: deepaksihimoge@gmail.com) : Bioefficacy and dissipation of β-cyfluthrin against white fly Bemisia tabaci Genn.) in okra (Abelomoschus esculentus L.). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 950-3.

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different insecticides viz., bifenthrin, flubendiamide, fipronil, quinalphos, pronofos and β-cyfluthrin against white fly (Bemisia tabaci) of okra (Abelomoschus esculentus) by spraying twice. Among the insecticides evaluated, β cyfluthrin at 18.75 g a.iha^-1 was found to be the effective by registering 57.00 and 54.21 per cent reduction of whitefly (B. abaci) during first and second sprays, respectively. Further β-cyfluthrin at 18.75 g a. i ha^-1 was subjected to dissipation studies by collecting okra (A. esculentus) fruit samples at interval of zero, one, three, five, seven, 10 and 15 days after last spray. Results of the dissipation studies showed that the initial deposits of β-cyfluthrin (18.75 g a.iha^-1) in okra (A. esculentus) fruit sample was registered to be 0.11 mg kg-1 and dissipated to below detectable level (BDL) within five days after spray.

3 tables, 17 ref

011243   Das S;Pradhan C R;Mishra S K;Swain R K;Mishra P C;Sahoo G;Sethy K;Chichilichi B (Livestock Production and Management Dep, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Orissa Univ of Agric, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Email: sgr.sahoo@gmail.com) : Incidence of infertility and biochemical profile or crossbred cows in Cuttack district of Odisha, India. Explor Anim med Res 2016, 6(2), 224-30.

The incidence of infertility and biochemical profile of crossbred cows in Cuttack district of Odisha, India was studied. The survey on reproductive disorder distribution revealed, that the incidence of reproductive problems were 33.4% in cross bred cows and 51.2% - 329 - in heifers. Out of the total reproductive disorder cases, 26.62%, 2.52% and 4.32% of cases were recorded as repeater, anoestrus and others, respectively in crossbred cows and the corresponding reproductive disorders were recorded as 12.24%, 37.41% and 1.36%, respectively among the crossbred heifers. Among anoestrus animals the percentage of non-functional ovary was found in 44.0% cows. The presences of sub active ovary percentages were 50.66 among anoestrus cows and 27.96 among repeat breeding cows. The average levels of serum glucose, ranged from 52.57 ± 1.76 to 59.40 ± 2.32 mg/dl, serum cholesterol ranged from 118.30±3.38 to 129.10±6.98 mg/dl, total protein ranged from 6.63 ± 0.31 to 7.32±0.24 g/dl, serum albumin ranged from 2.64±0.27 to 3.23 ± 0.06 g/dl, serum globulin ranged from 3.40±0.30 to 4.37±0.32 g/dl, serum urea ranged from 24.80 ± 2.14 to 29.70 ± 2.22 mg/dl, triglyceride ranged from 77.58±2.45 to 83.36±2.02 mg/dl, SGPT ranged from 15.58 ± 0.26 to 16.43 ± 0.22 U/L, SGOT ranged from 76.38±3.41 to 77.69±2.17U/L, ALP ranged from 126.62 ± 4.94 to 128.42 ± 3.72 U/L. No significant (P<0.05) difference was observed in studied biochemical parameters, except serum glucose, globulin and phosphorus between cyclic and other reproductive disorder cows.

4 tables, 26 ref

011242   Das R;Nath R;Dikshit H K (Plant Pathology Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Regional Research Sub-Station, Sekhampur-731 129, Email: rajudas05@gmail.com) : Host resistance of lentil genotypes against stemphylium blight caused by Stemphylium botryosum Wallr. in lower gangetic alluvial zone of West Bengal, India. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(2), 169-72.

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) is a valuable human food and one of the oldest known protein rich food legumes which is also known as poor men's meat. Owing to biotic and abiotic stresses, the crop yield is below attainable levels which are mainly attributed to pathological factors especially Stemphyliumblight caused by Stemphylium botryosum Wallr. It causes severe leaf drop, resulting in defoliated plants which sometimes causes even 100 per cent crop loss. A field experiment was carried out during rabi season of 2016-17 at the District Seed Farm (AB Block), Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India to evaluate the host resistance of lentil genotypes against Stemphylium blight. Eighty six lentil genotypes were screened. Percent disease severity ranged from 0.00 % to 57.58 %. Only three entries (P3235, LL1122, ILL10832) were found Immune (Disease grade-0) and forty five entries (P2127, P3205, P3206, P3216, P8103, P8110, P8111, P8115, P13122, P13128, P13129, P13130, P13131 etc.) gave Resistant reaction (Disease grade-1). Thirty two entries (L830, L4076, L4147, L4149, L4602, L4603, L4594, L4649, L5227, L6183, P2113, P2118 etc.) showed Moderately resistant (Disease grade-3) and five entries (L4605, L5120, L7818, K-75, Asha) were found Moderately susceptible (Disease grade-5). Only one entry (IPL81) showed Susceptible (Disease grade-7) and none of the entry was found highly susceptible (Disease grade-9). These immune and resistant genotypes can be used as good donor for evolving resistant varieties against Stemphylium blight in lentil.

1 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

011241   Das R;Banerjee A;Maji S;Nath R (Plant Pathology Dep, Regional Research Sub-Station (Red & Laterite Zone), Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Sekhampur-731 129, Email: rajudas05@gmail.com) : Fungicidal management of stemphylium blight (Stemphylium botryosum Wallr.) of lentil (Lens culinaris medik). J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(2), 191-3.

Lentil (Lens cullnaris Medik) is a valuable human food and one of the oldest known protein rich food legumes which is also known as poor - 328 - men's meat. Owing to biotic and abiotic stresses, the crop yield is below attainable levels which are mainly attributed to pathological factors especially Stemphyliumblight caused by Stemphylium botryosumWallr. A field experiment was carried out during rabi season of 2015-16 atthe District Seed Farm (AB Block), Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal to evaluate the efficacy of fungicides in controlling Stemphylium blight of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.). Six fungicides were evaluated under high disease pressure of Stemphylium blight. Two times foliar spray with Captan 70 % + Hexaconazole 5% WP @ 1 g/litre of water at 10 days interval reduced 63.89% disease severity and increased yield of lentil by 32.86 % with highest net incremental cost-benefit ratio (1:9.8). The fungicide may be recommended to control of Stemphylium blight of lentil.

3 tables, 7 ref

011240   Dar S A;Thomas S N;Chakraborty S K (NO, Faculty of Fisheries, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences an, Kashmir-190 006, Email: shabirdar777@rediffmail.com) : Design and technical characteristics of shark gillnet operating in Mumbai coast. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 851-4.

This paper deals with design and general features of shark gillnets operated along Mumbai coast. A PA monofilament of 0.60 to 1.0 mm diameter and selvedge meshes of PE of 1 to 2 mm diameter were used for shark set gillnets along Mumbai coast. Mesh size of the main webbing ranged from 120 to 200 mm with average of 144.4 ñ 10.83 mm and rigged with a hanging coefficient of 0.41 to 0.51 with average of 0.42 were commonly used. A hung length ranging from 40 to 105 m with mean of 59 ñ 10.37 with total hung depth varying from 6.42 to 10.58 m with average of 8.15 ñ 0.49 m. Shark gillnet had a total length of 260 to 456 m with mean of 350.71 ñ 28.53 m. The nets were operated mostly at a depth up to 18 m very near to the shore and were of set type of gillnet. Polyamide (PA) monofilament netting of 0.16 to 0.32 mm diameter and of mesh size 26-200 mm were generally used for construction of gillnets throughout the Mumbai coast. Polyamide (PA) monofilament has completely replaced PA multifilament in all the nets except those targeted i.e. white sardine and seerfish.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

011239   Clement Ebenezer Henry A;Lurthu Reetha T; Paramasivam A;Mehala C (NO, TANUVAS-Regional Research Centre, Industrial Estate Post, Pudukottai-622 004, Email: clemyvet@yahoo.com) : Effect of axolla supplementation on production performance of Nandanam-II Turkey growers. Indian vet J 2017, 94(2), 28-30.

A study was carried out in Nandanam - II turkey growers from 7 to 16 weeks of age. Two hundred numbers of 6 weeks old turkey poults were randomized into four treatment group of 50 each T₁ (control), T₂ (10g Azolla/bird/day), T₃ (20g Azolla/bird/day) and T₄ (30g Azolla/bird/ day) with two replicates of 25 each. In this study, the biweekly body weight of T₃ and T₄ are higher than control. The feed consumption has been considerably reduced in groups fed with Azolla supplemented diet. The feed efficiency of turkey growers in T₂ (3.31), T₃ (3.10) and T₄ (2.93) is better when compared to T₁ (3.53). From this study, it is concluded that supplementation of Azolla improves feed efficiency without affecting the production performance of the turkey birds.

3 table, 9 ref

011238   Chowdhury S;Mitra J;Sarkar S N;Panda S;Bakshi S;Mukherjea R (NO, Institute of Animal Health & Veterinary Biologicals (R&T), 37 Belgachia Road, Kolkata-700 037, Email: drsumit07@rediffmail.com) : Prevalence of Bovine Herpes Virus - 1 in organized farms of West Bengal, India. Explor Anim med Res 2016, 6(1), 113-18.

Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis, caused by Bovine Herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1) maintains latency in trigeminal nerve ganglia of bovine. The sero-positive bull infected with BoHV-1 secretes the virus through semen intermittently, when the immune system is compromised. Sera from bulls housed at different bull stations were analyzed using gE protein specific IDEXX Kit, which showed 78.69% positivity. Each batch of semen from sero-positive bull was investigated further for presence of virus in semen by Real Time-PCR technique for validation of presence of virus - 327 - in the frozen semen doses using gB specific primers and probe, which showed 0.968 % semen batches positive. This study showed that despite high sero prevalence in bull, the semen excretes very negligible amount of the virus indicating the subtypes circulating in farms of West Bengal, India is assumed to be respiratory type.

1 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

011237   Chowdhury A K (Plant Pathology Dep, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Coochbehar-736 165, Email: akc_ubkv@rediffmail.com) : Wheat disease dynamics in south east Asia under changed climate scenario. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(2), 119-27.

Wheat is cultivated in the world over a large area and under varied climatic conditions ranging from sub -tropical to temperate climate. Spot blotch caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana is a major disease of wheat in warm humid area. Earlier this disease was confined to North East Plain Zone of India and now it is also spreading towards western part of south Asia because of global warming and erratic behaviour of rains in winter. Considering the crop loss due to this disease and future threat, the disease management by different approaches like seed treatment, cultural and biological methodshave been discussed. Finally, an integrated approach, with host resistance as a major component, has been advocated for controlling the disease. Beside spot blotch, the importance of wheat blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum in Indian subcontinent and its containment strategy has also been discussed.

75 ref

011236   Chittora M;Sukhwal A;Chandraveer;Verma G (Dairy and Food Microbiology, College of Dairy and Food Science Technology, Maharana Pratap Univ of, Udaipur-313 001, Email: mnshchittora@yahoo.co.in) : Analysis of seed protein diversity in Cicer arietinum L. genotypes with different seed coat solour using SDS-PAGE. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 706-9.

SDS-PAGE technique was used for the study of seed protein polymorphism among three genotypes of Cicer arietinum with different seed coat colour. A total of 24 polypeptide bands were recorded. Out of these 20 were common among all three genotypes and 4 (16.66%) were polymorphic. The data analysis using UPGMA clustering revealed that genotypes with C2 (dark brown) and C3 (black) were closer as compared to genotype with C1 (light brown) coat colour. Jaccard similarity coefficient value ranged from 0.87 to 0.92. The similarity matrix was subjected to UPGMA clustering to generate dendrogram. The most closely revealed genotypes were C2 (dark brown) and C3 (black) with the highest similarity index 0.92 whereas, C1 (light brown) showed minimum similarity index with C3 (black) genotype 0.87. Each of three genotypes of C.arietinum had some polypeptide bands which were peculiar to them only. This enabled distinguishing all three genotypes on the basis of specific polypeptide fragments using SDS-PAGE analysis.

2 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

011235   Chavan P U;Shinde V V;Haldavanekar P C; Ghavale S L (Horticulture Dep, College of Agriculture, Dapoli, Mahrashtra) : Effect of spacing and clipping on performance of amarnath (Amaranthus tricolor L.) CV. Konkan Durangi. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(2), 152-5.

The field experiment on response of amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) cv. Konkan Durangi under Konkan agro-climatic conditions of Maharashtra was undertaken at Agricultural Research Station, Awashi, Tal. Khed, Dist. Ratnagiri, (M.S.), during 2014-15 in Split Plot Design with three replications. There were two factors viz. spacing and clipping. The spacing's (S₁, S₂, S₃ and S₄) were treated as main plot treatment while clippings (C₁, C₂, C₃ and C₄) were treated as sub plot treatment. The growth parameters viz., plant height, stalk diameter, number of branches per plant, number of nodes, inter-nodal length, green herbage yield (g/plot), seed yield (g)/plant, seed yield (kg/plot) and seed yield (t/ha) were evaluated. Row spacing (line sowing) had significant effect on most of the parameters studied. With the increase in row spacing there was increase in plant height, stalk diameter, number of branches, number of nodes and inter nodal length. Sowing of the plants in 40 cm apart rows, with clipping at 30 days after sowing showed significantly higher seed yield of Amaranthus tricolor L. The variation in yield was significant due to the clipping, as well as its interaction with row spacings.

1 illus, 3 table, 11 ref

011234   Chauhan Y (Mycology Research Lab, Botany Dep, Agra College, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Email: yashasvita.tulip@gmail.com) : Biocontrol of toxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus isolated from the root tubers of safed musli (Chlorophytym borivilianum Sant. F) using its rhizospheric mycoflora. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 1049-53.

Miraculous herb safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. F), family liliaceae, is well recognized for its immense potential as an aphrodisiac. The root tubers of this herbal drug were found to be invested with Aspergillus flavus during field and storage. Therefore, the present study was designed to explore the ability of 26 co-existing rhizospheric mycoflora to inhibit A. flavus invasion and subsequent aflatoxin contamination of safed musli. The interaction of these moulds with highly toxigenic strain (CB55) of A. flavus was evaluated by dual culture method and type of interaction was graded. Most likely antagonistic effects were shown by fifteen (15) moulds, out of which Type `C' interaction was evidenced in the case of six moulds; A. clavatus, A. terreus, Botryotrichum piluliferum, Candida albicans, Cephalosporium acremonium, and Cunninghamella sp. Further, `D' type interaction was displayed by seven moulds which include A. niger, Colletotrichum sp., Drechslera sp., Mucor haemalis, Mycelia sterilia, Rhizopus arrhizus and Stachybotrys atra and `E' type interaction was noted in the case of Trichoderma viride and Trihcothecium roseum. Regarding human health it is critical to use an ecofriendly approach to control the invasion of toxigenic moulds with root tubers of safed musli.

7 illus, 1 table, 43 ref

011233   Chandel C;Vijay Kumar (Plant Pathology Dep, Dr Y S Parmar Univ of Hosticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230) : First report of tar spot of toona (Toona ciliata) in India. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 784-5.

A new foliar disease of toona tree has been reported during continuous surveys conducted at Solan district of Himachal Pradesh during August, 2015 to December, 2015. On the basis of morphological characteristics of the fungus, the fungus was identified as Rhytisma acerinum, which produces symptoms on upper surface of the leaves as numerous small, superficial and blackish lesion which later gives the similar appearance as given by tar. Tar spot of the toona tree produces the ascomata whose size ranges from 14-16 æm with average of 15æm, asci length varied from 60-80 x 9.5-10.2 æm and size of - 325 - ascospores varied from 52-58 x 1.8-2.0 æm. Tar Spot disease of leaves of Toona in Himachal Pradesh is the first report of its occurrence and more work is needed so that the disease could remain in manageable level.

3 illus, 14 ref

011232   Chakraborty A;Roy R (AICRP on Potato, Directorate of Research, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani-741 235, Email: ashis21chakraborty@yahoo.co.in) : Evaluation of fungicide pre-mixture, kresoxim methyl 15. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(2), 207-9.

A field trial was conducted to evaluate fungicide premixture Kresoxim Methyl 15% + Chlorothalonil 56% WG against late and early blight of potato. Based on results of two crop seasons it was found that the fungicide premixture @ 1000g/ha was highly effective in controlling both late and early blight disease of potato in terms of percent intensity of the disease and tuber yield as compared to stand alone products Kresoxim methyl 500 SC and Chlorothalonil 75% WP.

^ssc2 tables, 5 ref

011231   Bulbule S V;Pawar P S;Bhite B R (Horticulture Dep, All India Cooordinated Research Project on Fruits, Mahatma Pule Krishi, Rahuri-413 722) : Biological indexing of citrus orchards for detection of Citrus tristeza virus. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(2), 181-3.

Biological indexing tests were performed on fourteen sweet orange trees using standard set of indicator hosts (sour orange, acid lime and grape fruit) to detect the presence of virus. The results indicated presence of tristeza virus in sweet orange orchard.

2 table, 7 ref

011230   Buhroo Z I;Malik M A;Ganai N A;Kamili A S;Mir S A (Temperate Sericulture Research Institute, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar-190 025, Email: zafar.buhroo1985@gmail.com) : Evaluation of some potential silkworm Bombyx mori L. genotypes during different seasons under temperate conditions. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 1264-71.

In the present study twelve potential bivoltine silkworm Bombyx mori L. genotypes were evaluated for their performance at 25ñ1 0C temperature and 75ñ5% relative humidity for twelve different traits during spring and summer seasons of 2012 and 2013, respectively. The data generated in respect of different traits was pooled separately, analyzed statistically and subjected to multiple trait evaluation indexes. The genotypes were ranked as per the cumulative score and the value of a particular trait in a particular genotype was compared with the ranking. Out of twelve genotypes, six genotypes viz., SKAU-R-1, SKAU-R-6, SKUAST-31, NB4D2, SH6 and SKUAST-28 were shortlisted for spring season and eight genotypes viz., SKAU-R-1, SKAU-R-6, NB4D2, SH6, SKUAST-31, CSR18, DUN6 and DUN22 for summer season. These genotypes scored higher E I values (>50) and were identified as promising genotypes hence recommended for rearing under temperate climatic conditions to push up silk productivity in the valley. Furthermore, the genotypes viz., SKAU-R-1, SKAU-R-6, SKUAST-31, NB4D2, SH6, and DUN6 performed significantly better irrespective of the seasons and scored higher E I. values (>50). Hence, these genotypes can be recommended for both seasons to boost bivoltine silk production in temperate region.

6 - 324 - tables,

011229   Brindha N;Rao V A (Livestock Product Technology Dep, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai-600 007, Email: brindha26887@gmail.com) : Proximate composition, bio-chemical and microbial quality of pet food prepared from chicken byproducts by incorporating cauliflower wastes. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(2), 767-70.

A study was under taken on preparation of pet food from chicken head (20%), feet meal (15%) and cauliflower waste meal (10%). The proximate composition, chemical and microbial qualities were analysed. The proximate composition (%) viz., crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, total ash, nitrogen free extract and metabolizable energy (K Cal/100g) of pet food on dry matter basis were 26.63, 18.52, 1.38, 10.29, 43.17 and 422.28, respectively. The thiobarbituric acid from 0.46 to 2.52 mg MA/kg, tyrosine value 35.53 to 77.36 mg/100g and total viable count log 3.46 to 5.90 cfu/g were increasing significantly (P<0.01) and yeast and mould count was not detected up to 50 days of storage period. The pets were fed with prepared pet food and evaluated by pet owner gave score for appearance, consistency, odour which were in normal range and overall acceptability was good.

3 tables, 19 ref