008113   Anil Kumar;Sharma N;Sharma A;Mahajan A; Stanzen L (Agronomy Div, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Main Campus Chatha, Jammu-180 009, Email: anillau@gmail.com) : Bio-efficacy of halosulfuron methyl against Cyperus spp. in maize (Zea mays L.). Ann agric Res 2016, 37(2), 189-93.

A field experiment was conducted at research farm, Division of Agronomy SKUAST-Jammu to evaluate the efficacy of halosulfuron-methyl for the control of Cyperus and other weed species in maize. The treatments comprised of two different doses of halosulfuron-methyl post-emergence @ 52.5 & 67.5 g/ha, 2,4-D ethyl ester post-emergence @ 900 ml/ha, atrazine pre-emergence @ 500 g/ha, two hand weeding at 20 and 35 DAS and untreated control. The results revealed that the lowest density and dry weight of Cyperus spp. as well as higher weed control efficiency and grain yield of the maize crop were recorded with post-emergence application of halosulfuron-methyl @ 67.5 g/ha which was closely followed by 2, 4-D ethyl ester @ 900 ml/ha The herbicide doses evaluated in this study did not show any phytotoxicity and residual effect on succeeding wheat crop.

4 tables, 8 ref

008112   Amantayev M A;Gaifullin G Z;Kushnir V G; Nurushev S Z;Kravchenko R I (NO, S.Seifullin Kazakh Agro Technical Univ, Kazakhstan, 010000, Astana, Prospect Pobedy, 62) : Soil body formation in front of the rotary tillage tools. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2016, 13(4), 1983-8.

In this paper are presented the results of the experimental researches being carried out under controlled soil bin conditions to study the soil-free rolling rotary tillage tools interaction. There were investigated six different types of the rotary tillage tools. Observations showed that during the operation in front of the working surface of all rotary tillage tools the compacted soil bodies are built up. Cross section of the fixed soil bodies has the configuration of wedge of two types. The first type of the soil wedge is characterized by the apical angle equaled 90°-φ₁ where φ₁ is the soil internal friction angle. This type of soil bodies is built up on the working surface which is limited in height. Cross section of the soil bodies fixed in front of the interface of the solid tillage tools has the configuration of wedge of the second type; its parameters are widely varied depending on the sweep and tilt angles. The quality of the work and dynamics of the tillage implements depend on the generated soil body parameters rather than the design parameters of the tillage tools.

3 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

008111   Allaylay Devi C;Swamy G S K;Naik N (Fruit Science Dep, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidhyalaya, Raipur-492 012, Email: chongthamallaylaydevi@gmail.com) : Studies on storage and viability of jamun seeds (Syzygium cuminii skeels). Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2016, 13(4), 2371-8.

An experiment was conducted during 2015-2016 to study the storage and viability of jamun seeds (Syzygium cuminii Skeels). Studies revealed that the seeds possessed short viability due to recalcitrant. This could be overcome by finding a suitable storage temperature and container for storage of jamunseeds.This study showed significant differences among the various storage and treatments. The seeds stored at refrigerated (5øC) gave higher germination per cent at zero, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days after extraction (DAE)(78.56%, 73.52%, 43.33%, 60.41%, 60.09%, 53.76% and 54.36% respectively) compared to seed of other storage conditions. Seeds treated with Poly bag + Trichoderma harzianum (86.68%, 66.29%, 22.64%, 35.13%, 33.21%, 28.78% and 30.75% respectively)at zero, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days after extraction (DAE) gave higher germination followed by seeds kept in poly bag and seeds treated with Poly bag + Charcoal powder. Seeds stored at room temperature are not recommended for jamun seed storage because seed deterioration rate under such condition is higher within 15 days of extraction. The use of bio-control agents and moisture holding media are therefore recommended as an approach for extending the viability and potential to increase the germination of jamun seeds.

4 tables, 21 ref

008110   Allaylay Devi C;Swamy G S K;Naik N (Fruit Science Dep, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidhyalaya, Raipur-492 012, Email: chongthamallaylaydevi@gmail.com) : Studies on flowering and fruit characters of Jamun genotypes (Syzygium cuminii Skeels). Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2016, 13(4), 2085-8.

An experiment was conducted to know the variability on flowering and physical characters of jamun genotypes (Syzygium cuminii Skeels). Observation on the flowering and physical characters of fruits were recorded on six genotypes. Significant difference was observed among the genotypes for the characters studied. Genotype AJG-58 showed early initiation of flower (Late February), maximum number of panicles(94.00), number of flowers(2983.25) and minimum duration (80.75). Genotypes AJG-20 found to be recorded maximum number of fruit (1644), number of fruit harvested (882) and fruit length (33.32) whereas maximum fruit width was recorded in Konkan Bahadoli (21.62). Maximum fruit weight and pulp weight was recorded in AJG-85 (9.50 and 6.93, respectively). Seed length (17.93) and seed width (10.43) was found maximum in Konkan Bahadoli followed by AJG-20 (11.10 and 4.36, respectively). Maximum seed weight was recorded in AJG-20(2.40) followed by AJG-85 (2.37). These two genotypes can be utilised in making jamun seed powder which is of high medicinal importance for diabetic patients. These characters could be considered as important traits for breeding programme.

2 tables, 12 ref

008109   Ali S F;Mahna S K (Botany Dep, M.D.S. Univ, Ajmer, Rajasthan) : Study on growth characteristics of tree legume seedlings and nutrient status of their rhizospheric soil in arid and semi arid region of Rajasthan. Agric biol Res 2017, 33(1), 22-37.

An extensive survey was done to know the diversity of legume and non legume tree plant species growing at the selected experimental sites in arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan. Sampling for vegetative and nodular characters, seedlings of only two species viz., Leucaena leucocephala and Sesbania sesban was uprooted and their values for studied parameters was assessed. Nutrient status of randomly collected composite rhizospheric soil was also analysed. It was observed that in Bikaner region, Prosopis cineraria was found to be dominant tree compared to other legume trees followed by Albizia lebbeck, which was observed as co-dominant tree. No dominant tree legume was reported in Ajmer region. Acacia nilotica, Prosopis juliflora, Leucaena leucocephala and a non-legume, Azadirachta. indica were almost equally distributed in studied experiment siteSj Ajmer and Bikaner region soils were characterized as loose sandy on the basis of soil texture and bulk density. Relatively high proportion of available nitrogen and phosphate content were found in rhizospheric soils of Ajmer region as compared to Bikaner region. Overall comparison of the data pertaining to nodular and vegetative parameters of the Leucaena and Sesbania seedlings suggested that better nodular frequency and vegetative growth was shown by those collected from Parabatpura site in Ajmer region which might be correlated to the better nutrient status of that site soil compared to nutrient status of other site soil.

4 tables, 32 ref

008108   Akhoon Z A;Peer F U (NO, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Shalimar-191 121) : Prevalence of fascioliasis in district Srinagar of Kashmir valley. Vet Practnr 2016, 17(1), 66-8.

The prevalence of fascioliasis was studied from 1st January, 2001 to 15th December, 2002 in District Srinagar of Kashmir valley. Very scanty information was available on the prevalence of fascioliasis in the state of J & K. A total of 693 faecal samples were positive for liver flukes. Highest prevalence of about 54% was found in spring while lowest prevalence of 35% was found in winter. Year wise, month wise, season wise distribution of the disease was subjected to statistical analysis.

1 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

008107   Akhila G V;Dutta P;Boruah S;Pathak S; Manjarika S B;Kaushik H;Puzari K C (Plant Pathology Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat, Assam, Email: gvakhilaaloes@gmail.com) : Application of biosensor in food and agriculture. Int J Trop Agric 2016, 34(2), 463-70.

Biosensor technology is based on a specific biological recognition element in combination with a transducer for signal processing. Biosensors are detecting devices that rely on the specificity of cells and molecules to identify and measure substances at extremely low concentrations by producing an electronic signal which is proportional in magnitude or frequency to the concentration of a specific analyte or group ofanalytes, to which the biosensing element binds. Various studies conducted so far, proves that biosensor is more sensitive and helps in early detection of plant diseases like Karnal bunt, Late blight of potato, etc, than the conventional or traditional methods that are in use currently. Recent biological terrorism threats and outbreaks of microbial pathogens clearly emphasize the need for biosensors that can quickly and accurately identify infectious agents. The field, of biosensors is constantly evolving to develop devices that have higher sensitivity and specificity, and are smaller, portable, and cost-effective. The potential growth in the world biosensor industry is remarkable, the emerging Biosensor market is expected to grow at over nine percent in the coming years thus becoming one of the fastest growing sectors in the World.

4 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

008106   Ahmad M;Mir S D;Zaffar G;Lone A A;Rather M A; Dar Z A;Mehraj U;Mir M A (Genetics and Plant Breeding Div, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, Email: drmushtaqdardarskuastk@rediffmail.com) : Novel plant breeding techniques in wheat improvement. J Cell Tissue Res 2016, 16(2), 5719-25.

The augmentation of conventional breeding of wheat with the use of marker-assisted selection and transgenic plants promises to facilitate substantial increases in food production. However, knowledge of the physiology and biochemistry of plants will be extremely important for interpreting the information from molecular markers and deriving new and more effective paradigms in plant breeding. In particular, significant benefits will be derived through the transfer of genes important for crop protection and crop quality. However, rapid and cost effective development, and adoption of biotechnology-derived products will depend on developing a full understanding of the interaction of genes within their genomic environment, and with the environment in which their conferred phenotype must interact. Thus to keep winning the war on food front, the Green Revolution technologies need to be supplemented and complimented by the nascent gene revolution technologies. We need to develop and effectively utilise gene revolution technologies for ushering in an evergreen revolution.

2 tables, 25 ref

008105   Ahmad M;Mehraj M;Dar R A;Wani B A;Mehraj U; Maqbool A;Mir M A (NO, , Directorate of Agriculture) : Genetic response of plants to drought, cold and heat stress. J Cell Tissue Res 2016, 16(2), 5713-18.

The increased abiotic stresses were severe threat to world food security paving to hunger death. To combat this stress full situation crops with high tolerance should be developed. Crop improvement mainly depends on the study of traits that increase yield levels, simultaneously resisting abiotic stress. It is known that the expression of the trait is purely under control of gene whose expression is temporal, spatial and stimulus specific. The molecular dissection of each tolerance mechanism at transcriptional, post transcriptional, translational and signaling pathway level helps in easy understanding of the tolerance behavior of traits. The identification of functional markers associated with abiotic stress tolerance and manipulation of key functional or regulatory genes through molecular approaches like genetic engineering assist crop improvement with in short time. Hence, in this review we would summarize stimulus perception, signal transduction pathway (MAP kinase and ROS pathways), formation of regulatory protein, gene expression, synthesis of osmolytes (proline, glycine betain, fructans) and other event that takes place under drought, heat and cold stresses. The review also designed to makes reader any easy understanding of gene expression cascade under stress.

2 illus, 39 ref

008104   Ahlawat O P;Sinha P;Singh M (NO, irectorate of Mushroom (ICAR), Solan-173 213, Email: ahlawat22op@gmail.com) : Culture viability, commercial scale cultivation and shelf life studies on the silver-silk straw mushroom, Volvariella bombycina. J scient ind Res 2016, 75(9), 562-9.

The study covers viability of mycelial cultures and mycolytic enzymes activity in six strains of three different species of straw mushroom on storage at 4±2 øC, yield optimization and nutritional analysis of silver-silk straw mushroom, Volvariella bombycina vis-…-vis Chinese straw mushroom V. volvacea and shelf life of V. bombycina fruit bodies on storage at 4±2 øC. V. bombycina exhibited highest viability of mycelial cultures (76 days), followed by a strain of Volvopluteus earlei (50 days), which coincided with highest activity of protease and lowest of N-acetyl-á-glucosaminidase. Highest sporocarp yield was obtained from beds of 12 and 18 kg capacity prepared out of composted substrate of paddy straw + cotton ginning mill waste (1:1, w/w). V. bombycina exhibited acceptable keeping quality up to 7 days of storage at 4±2 øC with slight changes in weight (-5.80%) and nutritional attributes (± 4.17 to 6.95%), which makes it a good choice for industrial scale cultivation.

1 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

008103   Adak T;Singh V K;Kailash Kumar;Singh V K (Division of Crop Production, Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera, Lucknow-226 101, Email: tarunadak@gmail.com) : Soil properties in high density mango orcharding- a basis for orchard sustainability. GERF Bull Biosci 2016, 7(1), 10-6.

High density orchard plantation is a viable option for sustaining orchard productivity. Precision farming approaches are needed for maintaining the soil health in such a system. The present study was conducted in the density plantation system of mango cv Dashehari maintained since 1992 under subtropical climatic condition with six different spacing of 2.5 x 2.5, 2.5 x 5.0, 5.0 x 5.0, 5.0 x 7.5, 7.5 x 7.5 m and 10.0 x 10.0 m with 1600, 800, 400, 267, 177 and 100 plants per hectare respectively. The average yield at 18th year was recorded as 15.5 t ha^{-1. Changes in soil properties, estimation of organic carbon and micronutrients stock under long-term orchard management system were quantified. A range of 4.15 ± 0.26 to 8.27 ± 0.12 Mg ha-1 SOC stock was estimated across different density systems with 6.28 ± 0.36 Mg ha-1 in recommended medium density system. Fifty per cent of the total soil samples were estimated to have SOC stock in the range of 6.1 to 9.0 Mg ha-1 followed by 33 per cent in 5.1 to 6.0 Mg ha-1. Lowest (17%) was observed in 1 to 5 Mg ha-1 range. Majority of the Zn stock lies in the range of 1.1 to 2.0 kg ha-1 category while 21 to 30 kg ha-1 Cu stock had lowest percentage. A 21 to 40 kg ha-1 had highest percentage of Fe stock across different mango density system and Mn stock of 31to 40 kg ha-1.}

4 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

008102   Abou-Soufianou S;Sitou L;Diouf A;Salamatou A I;Mahamane A (Sciences du Sol et de Teledetection Dep, Universite Dan Dicko Dankoulodode Maradi, BP: 465 Maradi, Niger, Email: a.soufianou@yahoo.fr) : Land crisis and its impacts on agropastoral systems in the commune of Tibiri (Maradi region)/Niger. Int J pure appl Sci Technol 2016, 33(1)-37(2), 1-10.

In the region of Maradi, land blocking threat agropastoral systems and therefore the lives of rural producers. The objective of this study is to contribute to a better understanding of the dynamic property in the commune of Tibiri and its impact on crop-livestock production systems. Two approaches, mapping and socioeconomic helped highlight significant changes that have occurred over time in the study area. The results showed that the landscape of the commune of Tibiri purpose of this study was mutated under the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors between 1975 and 2013. Thus, the complete saturation of space, and degradation of rangelands accentuate the blocking of access to natural resources and the emergence of commercial transactions conducted by various actors with different logics and strategies lands. This dynamic exposes rural households to chronic food insecurity and extreme vulnerability resulting in the appearance of the landless and the abandonment of farming activities in favor of nonagricultural activities.

5 illus, 15 ref

008101   Abassi K;Nabizadeh E (Mahabad Salahaddin Dep Keshavarzi Bank, West Azar aijan, Iran, Email: nabizadeh@yahoo.com) : Study of the effect drought stress on qualitative and quantitative characteristics of different types of sugar beet. Int J Trop Agric 2016, 34(2), 479-87.

Droughtis one of the most important plants' growth and production limiting factors Marge areas of the world. In order to study the effect of drought on sugarbeet types, anexperiment was performe dinnormal conditions and drought stress based on factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. The results of data combined variance analysis showed the effect of the environment, variety and their mutual effect on the root productivity; pure sugar process percentage and productivity were significant. But the effect of the environment on pure and impure sugar percentage was not significant. In this study, drought stress decreased the amount of root and pure sugar productivity as much as 56 percent. Genotypes 1 and 2 with the highest root and pure sugar productivity and the highest values of indices MP, GMP, STI and HARM, and also a small amount to findex SSI are among drought tolerant genotypes and genotype 5 due to having small amount so findices MP, GMP, STI and HARM and high a mount of SSI index was identified as drought sensitive genotype. Correlation coefficients between root productivity under stress and non-stress conditions were positive and significant with indices of MP, GMP and STI.

5 illus, 5 tables, 23 ref

007216   Yadav V K;Pratheesh Kumar P M;Sivaprasad V (Agronomy Dep, Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, Srirampura, Mysore, Email: vinodkumarydv@gmail.com) : Effect of nitrification on physio-chemical properties, growth and yield attributes of mulberry (Morus spp.). Envir Conserv J 2016, 17(3), 1-9.

Experiments were conducted to assess the effect of urea amended with nitrification inhibitors. Application of urea amended with nitrification inhibitors were influenced physiochemical properties of soil such as pH (7.47) and electrical conductivity (6.25 μmhos/cm) were significantly low with neem oil coating as well as in DCD. Similarly the chemical properties such as available phosphorus (64.88 kg/ha) and potassium (299.88 kg /ha) were also significantly higher and on par due to coating with neeem oil or DCD as nitrification inhibitor. Significantly high soil physical properties such as porosity 45.69 % as well as water holding capacity and low bulk density was found low (1.14 mmhos/cm) were also found in soil treated with both neeem oil and DCD amended urea. The biochemical and physiological attributes v/z., chlorophyll, sugar, leaf protein, moisture content and moisture retention capacity of mulberry were found higher when neem oil or DCD used as nitrification inhibitor. The yield parameters such as number of shoot per plant (10), plant height (177 cm), length of longest shoot (180 cm), number of leaves/shoot (32.18) and total leaf yield (11353 kg/ha/crop) were observed at par with the use of DCD and neem oil as nitrification inhibitors.

2 illus, 3 tables, 39 ref

007215   Yadav U;Jadhav N (Zoology and Biotechnology Dep, Govt. Girls P.G. College, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Email: ulka.yadav@gmail.com) : Effect of different photoperiod on the weight of different larval instars of Eri silkworm (Philosamia ricini) L (Saturniidae: lepidoptera). Envir Conserv J 2016, 17(3), 53-5.

The effects of different photoperiod on the weight of different larval Instars of Kri Silkworm (Philosamia ricini) in gram were studied. I he experiments were performed in Zoology Department of Govt. P.G. M.V.M. Ujjain. The disease free laying (DFL'S) were collected from Govt. Sericulture Oept. Indore. Worms were reared under hygienic laboratory condition. The optimum temperature 25±2°C and relative humidity 75±5% were maintained during complete experiment. The IInstar larvae attained maximum weightat 12hr. light and 12hr. The II, III and IV Instars attained maximum weight in complete darkness and lowest weight in complete light. The V Instarlarvac attained maximum weight at 8hr. light and 16hr. dark.

1 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

007214   Yadav U;Bagdi A (Zoology and Biotechnology Dep, Govt. Girls' P.G. College, Ujjain, Email: ulka.yadav@gmail.com) : Supplementary effect of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on rearing performance of Eri silkworm (Philosamia ricini) in respect of some larval parameter. Envir Conserv J 2016, 17(1-2), 95-8.

Silkworm need higher protein & probiotic in their diet to help its body repair cell & to make fiber exclusively at V instar. Nutrition of silkworm is sole factor which at most individually quality and quantity of silk (Laskar and Datta, 2000). Hence in the present investigation an attempt is made to study the impact fortification of castor leaf with certain food probiotic microorganism Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae on some larval weight & larval length of Eri silkworm Philosamia ricini. Data is collected and subjected to the statical analysis. The results indicate that there is a better larval weight and larval length when yeast (probiotic) were used. Silkworm were fed 3 different doses of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) along with castor leaf (100ppm, 200ppm, 300ppm foliar spray) and one control at Once a day, Twice a day and Trice a day.

2 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

007213   Verma N K;Pal J;Verma H;Maurya S K;Upadhyay A D;Roy A K;Sanjeev Kumar (NO, Faculty of Fishery Sciences, Budherhat Roadm Chakgaria, P.O. Panchasayar, Kolkata-700 094, Email: fisheynarendra@gmail.com) : Assessment of reservoir fisheries resources of Uttar Pradesh. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(3), 685-89.

Uttar Pradesh is the India's most populous state also possessed vast underutilized fisheries resources like ponds, tanks, rivers and manmade reservoirs. The famous holy Ganga River also with rich fish biodiversity has large stretch in Uttar Pradesh. The rivers and canals constitute to 28,500 km and this is considered to be one of the most important fisheries resources of Uttar Pradesh. The state has a total of 4.3 lakh hectares confined water area, including 66 reservoirs distributed in 17 districts comprises 32% of total confined water area. Distribution of small medium and large reservoirs as per classification of Govt. of UP reveals that small reservoirs constitute 65% of the total water area followed by large (21%) and medium (14%). However the reported productivity of reservoir resources in UP is only 4.7 kg ha^{-1 year -1 as against 36.5 kg ha-1 year -1 in Andhra Pradesh 23.4 kg ha-1 year -1 in Kerala and 20.1 kg ha-1 kg ha-1 year -1 in the country as a whole. A large variation in fish productivity of reservoirs with respect to size and location were also observed. Analysis of time of series data of fish production and catch and effort data indicated the declining trend of production (y = 23.18x+317.9 R2 = 0.300) and a progressive decline in catch per effort (y = 3E-12 x3 - 7E-07x2 + 0.062x - 1447. R2 = 0.859).}

6 ref

007212   Ubalua A O;Ewa F;Okeagu O D (Plant Tissue Culture Unit, Biotechnology Research and Development Center, National Root Crops Research Institute(NRCRI) Umudike, P.M.B 7006 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria, Email: alfreduba@yahoo.com) : Potentials and challenges of sustainable taro (Colocasia esculenta) production in Nigeria. J appl Biol Biotechnol 2016, 4(1), 53-9.

During the past years, precisely 1965-1980, yam and taro reigned supreme in the Southern parts of Nigeria. Yam was the king and taro the queen. They were then the staple food of choice and were even offered to the gods. Their acceptance and ascendancy were challenged by the arrival and domestication of the easy growers (plantain, banana, maize and later cassava, tannia and sweet potato). The easy growers gained recognition and prominence as staple foods and subsequently replaced the earlier staples. Thus, cassava and sweet potato superseded yam and taro respectively. Nutritionally, taro has broader compliments of vitamins and nutrients compared to other root and tuber crops. The domestication of the new crops which are relatively more yielding and at the same time enjoys international leverage in research and development pose enormous challenges for the future of taro as a major crop. Strategic options for increase in taro production and consumption should be on consumer education and on its nutritional and health benefits. Increased attention on taro research will provoke a better understanding and contributions the crop can offer in the areas of food security, health and economic empowerment. The paper now reviews some of the nutritional and medicinal benefits of taro. Its contributions as an industrial crop will also be highlighted with special emphasis on the challenges facing taro crop cultivation in Nigeria and the possible approaches to enhance its sustainable production.

2 illus, 4 tables, 59 ref

007211   Thimmappaiah;Shobha D;Santhosh W G;Melwyn G S;Mohana G S;Nayak M G (ICAR-Directorate of Cashew Research, Post Darbe, Puttur-574 202, Email: thim12@yahoo.com) : Identification of unique subset of cashew germplasm using DNA marker analysis. Indian J Biotechnol 2016, 15(3), 363-74.

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is an important edible nut crop of India and other tropical regions. Its utility depends on characterization of germplasm resources by molecular and morphological markers. A study was initiated on 172 cashew germplasms to assess their genetic diversity and population variation based on a combination of both RAPD and ISSR markers. Using selected 9 and 10 primers of RAPD and ISSR, a total of 46 and 56 polymorphic bands with 86.9 and 91.8% polymorphism were generated, respectively. For better genetic differentiation, markers data from both (RAPD+ISSR) were combined and obtained a total of 107 bands, of which 96 bands (89.7%) were polymorphic with an average of 5.05 polymorphic bands per primer. High percentage of polymorphism (86.9-91.8%) observed with different markers indicated high level of genetic variation existing among the accessions. Co-efficient of genetic similarity (Jaccard's) between different pair of accessions varied from 0.43 to 0.94 in RAPD, 0.38 to 0.89 in ISSR and 0.38 to 0.86 with combined markers suggested a genetic diversity (dissimilarity) ranging 6 to 57%, 11 to 62% and 14 to 62%, respectively. An average diversity around 50% indicated moderate diversity existing among the accessions. The cluster diagram based on combined markers distinguished 172 accessions into 17 clusters. Some correspondence was observed between the molecular groupings and the morphological clusters. Among the accessions, NRC-432 and NRC-119 were highly divergent and NRC-216 and NRC-235 were highly similar. A 'Subset' of 63 accessions were identified, which included unique genotypes like CNSL free types, purple genotype, dwarf types, wild species and diverse genotypes, which need to be conserved and used. Population differentiation based on number of alleles, Shannon's information index and percentage of polymorphic loci indicated high genetic diversity in the collections and it was relatively more in Karnataka group, followed by Kerala and Andhra Pradesh; while genetic diversity was low in Orissa and West Bengal groups. Based on analysis of molecular variation (AMOVA), maximum (96%) genetic variation was observed within the population and least (4%) genetic variation was noticed between the populations (subsets). On the basis of present study, suggestions were made for the type of collections to be used for the conservation of cashew.

2 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

007210   Thimmappa V;Srinivasa Reddy M (Agronomy Dep, Agricultural college, Mahanandi, ANGRAU, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: vaddethimmappa@gmail.com) : Response of Kharif maize (Zea mays L.) to nitrogen levels and plant densities. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(3), 501-3.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season, 2012 to study the influence of different levels of nitrogen and plant densities on growth parameters, yield parameters and economics of maize. Progressive increase in yield attributes like cob weight (9492.12 kg ha^{-1), cob girth (14.90 cm), number of rows per cob (14.21), number of grains per row (34.38) and 100-grain weight (30.61 g) was observed due to increased nitrogen levels from 150 to 250 kg ha-1 and highest cob length (17.82 cm) and shelling percentage (64.79%) was recorded at 200 kg N ha-1. Application of 250 kg N ha-1 produced significantly higher grain and stover yield over 150 and 200 kg N ha-1. With regard to plant densities, yield attributes like longest cobs (18.37 cm), highest cob girth (14.97 cm) and maximum number of grains per row (35.88) were obtained at a spacing of 75 X 20 cm which was on par with 75 X 15 cm and 45 X 30 cm and higher cob yield, grain yield was obtained at a spacing of 75 X 15 cm.}

6 ref

007209   Tewari T;Ajit Kumar;Chaturvedi P;Singh N K (Biological Sciences Dep, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: tewari87@gmail.com) : Impact of ioizing radiation on biological parameters of french marigold (Tagetes patula L.). Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(3), 525-28.

To shorten the time required for breeding new cultivars of Tagetes patula L., a better understanding of radiation mutagenesis by heavy ions is required. The present investigation aimed at estimating the influence of gamma rays on germination of different varieties (Bonanza, Safari Red, Guljafri Yellow, Nana Patula Yellow and Guljafri Orange) of Tagetes patula L. (French marigold). Their seeds were exposed to gamma rays ranging from 2.5 KR to 25 KR using ^{60CO gamma radiations at National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow. The seed germination percentage was decreased with increased in the concentration/doses when compared to control. The LD₅₀ (Lethal dose) value was determined based upon the seed germination percentage. The 50 percentage of seed germination and reduction was observed in 20 kR of gamma rays. The statistic results revealed that the percentage of germination had decreased after irradiation and the effect becomes stronger with increase of gamma doses except nana patula yellow (94.57 %) followed by safari red (85.37 %) at 25 kR. Parameters such as germination percentage, speed of germination, germination value had significantly decreased with increased irradiation doses. The study clearly indicated increase in the deleterious effects of gamma irradiation at regular intervals, with attainment of LD₅₀ at a dose 15 KR.}

15 ref

007208   Tanweer A M;Thimmappa V;Adinarayana M;Bindhu K G;Prasad Babu G;John S (NO, , SLDKVK-Kalyandurg, Email: ahmedtanweer6@gmail.com) : Sources of farm informations to the farming community - SLDKVK-study. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(3), 520-24.

The study was conducted in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh state covering about randomly selected six mandals under Shreemati Lakshmi Devi Krishi Vigyana Kendra, Kalyandurg viz., Kalyandurg, Beluguppa, Kambadur, Brahmasamudram, Settur and Kundurpi during 2015-16 to assess the sources of farm information to the farming community. Research design used for the study was ex-post-facto technique. A total number of 180 farmers were interviewed for the purpose. The results revealed that 83.34 percent of the farmers were literates and remaining 16.66 percent of the farmers were illiterates. With reference to overall sources of information, 95.55 % of the farmers used input dealers as one of the sources of information followed by friends (95.00%), neighbors (88.33%), progressive farmers (81.11%), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) (43.33%). With reference to the comparison between adopted and non adopted villages of KVK it was found that 80.00 and 36.00 % of respondents used KVK as one of the source of information in adopted and non adopted villages respectively, 93.33 and 96.00 % of respondents used input dealers as one of sources of information in adopted and non adopted villages respectively. Regarding information sought by the farmers, it was elicited that 97.22 % of respondents sought information on crop protection followed by vegetable cultivation (83.33 %), dairy management (44.44%), fruit cultivation (43.33%), flower cultivation (28.88 %), sericulture (25.00 %), and poultry (16.66 %). With respect to preferred source of information, 35 % of respondents preferred input dealers as the source of information followed by KVK (22.22 %), progressive farmers (19.44%), AEOs (9.44 %), MAOs (8.33%), friends and neighbors (2.77 %) and opinion leaders (2.77%).

15 ref

007207   Tantray A K;Dar S A;Bashir I;Shahnawaz A;Bhat S A (NO, Govt. Degree College Sopore, J&K) : Gonadotrophic effect of synthetic and phytoascorbate on the silkworm, Bombyx mori L. Pharma Innovation 2017, 6(1), 23-5.

Daily gonad weight increase and gonad tissue somatic indices of two commercial silkworm hybrids viz., CSR2 x CSR4 and PM x CSR2 were studied after dietary supplementation of botanical based and synthetic ascorbic acid. It was observed that both the sources of ascorbic acid exerted significant improvement on gonad weight of 5th instar larva. In general, the gonad weight was more in females (16.44 to 17.22%) than males (13.58 to 16.32%) over their respective controls though male gonad appeared bigger visually in all the sources of ascorbic acid. But the opposite trend was observed in case of tissue somatic index. Male had more tissue somatic index than the females.

23 ref

007206   SSivananth C;Kanchana S;Esakkimuthu M (NO, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Madurai, Email: esakkimuthu418@yahoo.com) : Farm status and knowledge level in guava post harvest system. Envir Conserv J 2016, 17(3), 11-17.

Post harvest handling of guava is the stage of crop production immediately following harvest, including cooling, cleaning, grading, packing and marketing. Post harvest handling largely determines final quality, whether a crop is sold for fresh consumption, or used as an ingredient in a processed food product. Post harvest sector includes all points in the value chain from production in the field to the food being placed on a plate for consumption.

2 tables, 19 ref

007205   Srivastava A K;Singh A K (Soil Science Dep, Narendra Deva Univ of Agriculture and Technology, (Narendra Nagar) Kumarganj, Faizabad-224 229) : Improved physiological parameters, yield, elemental composition and quality of hybrid rice through nutrient management modules. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(3), 604-10.

The field investigation was carried out to evaluate the impact of various nutrient management modules on physiological parameters, yield, elemental composition and quality of hybrid rice during 2004-05 and 2005-06 at Instructional Farm of Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. The experiment comprised of eighteen treatments and tested in randomized block design and replicated three times. The maximum leaf area index and chlorophyll content was recorded under treatment having 100% NPK along with 5 t pressmud. Significantly higher grain yield was recorded under treatment having 100% NPK + 5 t pressmud over all the treatment except treatment T1, T2, T4, T5 and T6 which were at par. Maximum N content at tillering, panicle initiation and at harvest stage in grains and straw was determined under treatment having 100% NPK + 5 t pressmud and observed significantly superior over 50%, 75% and 100% NPK alone. P and K content in rice at tillering, panicle initiation and harvest stage in grain and straw improved with increasing levels of NPK either alone or in combination with FYM and pressmud. Hulling, milling percentage and protein content increased significantly under all nutrient management modules consisting either 10 t FYM or 5 t pressmud along with inorganic levels of fertilizer over inorganic levels (100%, 75% and 50% NPK) of fertilizer alone. Reduction in inorganic fertilizer doses of NPK causes significant reduction in hulling, milling and protein content. Highest hulling, milling and protein content were estimated with treatment combination of 100% NPK + 5 t pressmud ha^-1.

24 ref

007204   Srinivasan J;Vijayakumar A;Srimathi P (Seed Science and Technology Dep, Adhiparasakthi College, Kalavai) : Influence of seed treatment, storage containers and storage periods on storability of the female parent of tomato coth 2. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(3), 674-9.

A laboratory experiment was conducted in department of Seed Science and Technology, Tamilnadu Agricultural University to evaluate the effect of different seed coating materials and storage containers on germination, seedling vigour and suitability of packaging material for tomato seed. Seed of tomato hybrid COTH2 was used for coating purpose with 5 coating treatments viz., T1 (control), T2 (Polymer coating i.e. Polykote @ 3 ml kg^{-1 of seed diluted with 5 ml of wate Coating the seed with Polymer (Pink poly coat @ 3g kg-1 + 2 ml of water) [P]), T3 ([P] + Slurry treatment with Carbendazim (Bevistin) @ 2 g kg-1 of seed using 5 ml water), T4 ([P] + Slurry treatment with Imidachloprid @ 2 ml kg-1 of seed using 5 ml of water), T5 ((P) + Slurry treatment with Carbendazim (Bevistin) + Imidachloprid @ 2 g + 2 ml kg-1 of seed using 5ml of water). The treated seeds was stored in three types of containers i.e Polyethylene bags (300 gauge), Plastic containers, Poly laminated aluminum foil pouches and the monthly observation on germination and seedling vigour were recorded. Among the seed treatments maximum germination percentage was recorded in T5 ((P) + Slurry treatment with Carbendazim (Bevistin) + Imidachloprid @ 2 g + 2 ml kg-1 of seed using 5ml of water), which was significantly higher than rest of the treatments. After 10 months of the storage Polythene laminated aluminum foil pouches recorded the maximum germination percentage and vigour index.}

15 ref

007203   Srinivasan J;Srimathi P (Seed Science and Technology Dep, Adhiparasakthi, Agricultural College, Kalavai) : Standardization of seed treatment and potting mixture for production of tomato seedlings in portray nursery. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(3), 669-73.

Studies were conducted with tomato cv.CO3 on evaluation of seed and nursery management techniques for production of elite seedlings for transplanting. Studies on individual performance of seed fortification technique, seed coating technique, media and biocontrol agents and biofertilizers for portray nursery and their combination of the best revealed that seed designed as ZnSO4 (1%) priming and coated with pink polymer (3%) along with pesticides viz., bavistin@ 2g+ imidachloprid (1ml) and sown in portrays filled with mixture of vermicompost + coirpith (in equal volume) and added with pseudomonas + Azophos @ 10g per kg of seed produced elite seedlings which had 19% and 16.5% higher germination and biomass production.

10 ref

007202   Sravanthi S;Ramana A V (Agronomy Dep, Acharya N.G Ranga Agricultural Univ, Agricultural College, Naira-532 185) : Yield, nutrient uptake and economics of zero till maize (Zea mays L.) as influenced by nutrient management practices in north coastal zone of A.P. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(3), 553-6.

A field experiment was conducted during rabi, 2014-15 at Agricultural College Farm, Naira, Srikakulam (A.P) on sandy loam soils to assess the performance of maize under zero till conditions. The experiment was laid out in split plot design, consisting of three nitrogen levels (S₁: NPK @ 120-60-60 kg ha^{-1, S₂: NPK @ 180-60-60 kg ha-1, S₃:NPK @ 240-60-60 kg ha-1) and seven micronutrient management practices (supplied through foliar application at 20 & 40 DAS viz., F₁: Zn @ 0.2%, F₂: B @ 0.2%, F₃:Zn and B @ 0.2%, F₄ : Mn @ 0.2%, F₅ : Mn and B @ 0.2%, F₆ : micronutrient mixture (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Mo and B) @ 0.2% and F₇ : vermiwash), each replicated thrice. Application of 240 kg N ha-1 significantly increased yield attributes and yield. Among the micronutrient management practices, the highest yield structure and yield were noted with foliar feeding of micronutrient mixture. Among interaction effects, application of 240 kg N ha-1 and supplemented with foliar application of micronutrient mixture recorded the highest kernel yield (8165 kg ha-1) however it was on a par with same micronutrient management practice at 180 kg N ha-1. With regard to uptake of nutrients by kernel and stover, significantly higher values for N, and micro nutrients were registered with application N @ 240 kg ha-1 and supplemented with foliar feeding of micronutrient mixture. Maximum net returns (Rs. 86773 ha-1) and B: C ratio (2.1) were also obtained with the same treatment combination, which was however, on a par with 180 kg N ha-1 and supplemented with foliar feeding of micronutrient mixture.}

5 ref

007201   Sravani D;Ravindra Babu V;Rajendar Reddy M; Dayakar Reddy T;Sharat Kumar Reddy Y;Madhubabu P (Genetics & Plant Breeding Dep, Telangana State Agricultural Univ, Rajendrasnagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: dsravanireddy@gmail.com) : Studies on genetic relation between grain yield and protein content under different agro-climatic locations of Telangana in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Res Crop 2016, 17(2), 342-6.

This experiment was conducted in three locations representing three agro-climatic zones of Telangana state involving 28 cross combinations generated by mating eight parents by diallel fashion as per Griffing's Method II (excluding reciprocals) to know the association among grain yield, its attributes, protein content and kernel characters as well as the direct and indirect contribution of these characters in grain yield. This study revealed that the attributes viz., number of productive tillers per plant, plant height, kernel breadth and kernel length possessed both positive association and high positive direct effects in grain yield suggesting that selection of these traits will be useful for the improvement of grain yield. However, protein content showed significant negative association along with negative direct effect on grain yield.

2 tables, 11 ref

007200   Sivakumar T;Ambika S;Balakrishnan K (NO, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai-625 104, Email: sivashreedurga@gmail.com) : Biopriming of rice seed with phosphobacteria for enhanced germination and vigor. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(3), 566-8.

Rice seeds cv. MDU 6 were bioprimed with Phosphobacteria (Concentration: 10, 15 and 20 %; Duration: 6, 12, 18 and 24 h). The seeds were also hydroprimed for 6, 12, 18 and 24 h. The nonprimed seeds served as control. The study revealed that biopriming with Phosphobacteria 20 % concentration for 24 h expressed high values for all the parameters studied namely speed of germination, germination (%), root length (cm), shoot length (cm), dry matter production (g/ seedlings^{-5) and vigour index which accounted for 36, 14, 12, 24, 30 and 28 % respectively increase over nonprimed seed.}

18 ref

007199   Sivabalan K C;Swaminathan B;Anandaraja N; Boopathi N M (Agricultural Extension Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003) : Leveraging ICT interventions for pathology extension services (PES) among tomato farmers in Tamil Nadu. Indian J soc Res 2016, 57(3), 323-32.

India is the second largest producer of the fruits and vegetables. Though Tomato has strong potential for income generation, major problems encountered are perishability, market price fluctuation and cost of cultivation (especially disease and pest management). The early studies revealed that the disease occurrence is the potential risk for tomato growers where crop failure may go up to 80-86 percent by viral diseases. The cost of disease management inputs plays a crucial role in realizing the value for the vegetable growers. The majority of vegetable growers belong to the small and marginal farmers are still facing difficulties in accessing the information in time. Thereby a research study was necessitated on awareness level of begomovirus among tomato growers in Tricky district of Tamil Nadu. A sample 300 tomato growers were interviewed to document the adoption of viral management strategies for tomato crop. Findings revealed that the majority of tomato growers (56 percent) were unaware of viral disease management advisories given through mass media channels and farmer call centre. The study also revealed that 32 percent of farmers were in low adopter group and 27 percent of farmers were in high adopter categories, where as 41 percent of the respondents were in medium adopter categories of integrated viral disease management practices of tomato crop.

5 tables, 7 ref

007198   Singh H;Bhalla J;Rampal V K (Extension Education Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 001) : Satisfaction of trainees of horticulture supervisor training course organised by department of horticulture, PAU, Ludhiana. Indian J soc Res 2016, 57(3), 399-406.

Present study was conducted to study the satisfactions of trainees regarding different aspects of Horticulture Supervisor Training course for trainees. A list of trainees of HST course was obtained from the department of horticulture. All the trainees of this course were the respondents of this study. The result of the study also revealed that majority of the respondents were satisfied with the size of the class, topic covered and timings of training course, sequence of lectures, time devoted to each topic. Regarding presentation trainees were not satisfied with the speed and pitch of voice. The study also revealed that the majority of trainees were satisfied with ventilation and lighting arrangement. Regarding lodging and recreational facilities majority of the trainees were satisfied. Trainees were not satisfied with boarding and transportation facilities. Majority of the trainees suggested that there is need to increase in the duration of training, need to distribute the written materials before the lecture, and relevance of the course content to the field problems, updating latest technology and addition of computer subjects in curriculum, more time to field demonstrations and group. discussion sessions. The trainees also suggested that inclusion of topics related to hybrid seed production and marketing and detailed information about bee-keeping were added in the course for future improvement and effective functioning of training course.

3 tables, 7 ref

007197   Singh G;Joshi V K;Chandra S;Bhatnagar A;Dass A (Agronomy Dep, G.B. Pant Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: guruagronomy@gmail.com) : Spring maize (Zea mays L.) response to different crop establishment and moisture management practices in north-west plains of India. Res Crop 2016, 17(2), 226-30.

Maize cultivation for green cobs during the spring season is a remunerative proposition for the farmers in the north Indian plains. However, high evapo-transpiration demand of spring maize exerts considerable pressure on already depleting water resources. Thus, a two-year field experiment was conducted at GBPUA & T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India to determine the effect of rice residue mulch, earthing-up, alternate furrow irrigation and crop establishment methods on productivity, profitability and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) of spring maize. Results revealed that application of rice straw mulch (6 t/ha) enhanced plant height, number of green leaves, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index and yield attributes. Reproductive stage set in advance in mulch treated plots compared to plots under other treatments. Green cob yield from mulched plot was the highest that was 37% higher over the flat planting alone. Broad bed planting and flat planting followed by earthing-up treatments produced the second and third highest cob yield, respectively. Planting on broad bed registered the highest IWUE (352.5 kg/ha-cm). Mulch treatment also earned higher net returns and B: C ratio than remaining treatments.

3 tables, 10 ref

007196   Singh C B;Kahlon M S;Sekhon N K (Soil Science Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana, Punjab, Email: mskahlon@rediffmail.com) : Influence of farm yard manure and inorganic N fertilization on performance of garlic under different irrigation regimes. Envir Conserv J 2016, 17(3), 117-23.

Results of two years field study revealed that farm yard manure improved bulb circumference, bulb weight, number of cloves, bulb yield, N uptake, crude protein content and irrigation water use efficiency. Irrigation based on irrigation water/pan evaporation (IW/PAN-E) =1.6 and 1.2 produced significantly higher garlic bulb yield and bulb weight than that obtained with IW/PAN-E=0.8, but 1W/PAN-K =1.2 used less irrigation water than that with IW/PAN-E =1.6. Garlic yield significantly increased with N application upto 125 kg ha^{-1. Fertilizer N increased bulb size, weight and irrigation water use efficiency. Crude protein content increased with farm yard manure upto 150 kg ha-1 of N and IW/PAN-E =1.6, while upto 125 kg ha-1 of N and IW/PAN-K =1.2 without farm yard manure. Water use efficiency decreased with irrigation frequency.}

5 tables, 18 ref

007195   Singh A;Kahlon M S;Singh C B (Biotechnology Dep, Stella Maris College, Cathedral Road, Chennai-83) : Effect of irrigation regimes and cultivars on crop biomass and root length density of direct dry-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.). Envir Conserv J 2016, 17(1-2), 99-107.

The direct seeded rice is considered as an alternative to control ground water depletion and reducing cost of labour. To test this hypothesis the field investigation was carried out at research farm of the Department of Soil Science, Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana, Punjab, India. The experiment comprised of 12 treatments combination viz; three cultivars in main plot (PR 114, PR 115 and PR 120) and four irrigation regimes (10, 20, 30 kPa and fixed 6 days interval) in sub plots. I. At 60 days after sowing (DAS) the average biomass across irrigation treatments was significantly higher in PR 120 and PR 115 over the cultivar PR 114. The biomass recorded with PR 120 was about 2.5 times and PR 115 was about 1.6 times higher than the PR 114 which recorded 0.98 t ha^{-1. The average biomass decreased progressively with increasing soil matric suction and it was lowest in 6 DI plots (0.9 t ha-1) and highest in 10 kPa plots (2.5 t ha-1). The cultivar PR 120 registered significantly highest number of tillers m-2 (492 No's) than the cultivar PR 114 (452 No's) and PR 115 (432 No's). The numbers of tillers m-2 in different irrigation treatments varied from 425 to 481. The grain weight was significantly highest (22.1 g) in PR 120 as compared to PR 115 and PR 114 which were at par. The straw yield of rice varied from 6.5 t ha-1 to 7.3 t ha-1 in various irrigation regimes. The cultivar PR120 recorded significantly highest straw yield. The root length density (RLD) was highest (28.8 cm x 106 cm-3) in PR 120 followed by PR 115 (21.6 cm x 106 cm-3) and PR 114(19.2 cm x 106 cm-3). The RLD was highest in 6 DI plots followed by 10, 20 and 30 kPa plots in the surface layer. However, the trend reversed in 15-30 cm soil layer where it was highest in 10 kPa plots and lowest in 6 DI plots.}

4 illus, 5 tables, 23 ref

007194   Singh A K;Singh P K;Khare R;Singh A;Singh N K;Singh U S (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: anilbhu987@gmail.com) : Identification of blast and sheath blight resistant genes in rice (Oryza sativa L.) through SSR markers. Indian J Biotechnol 2016, 15(3), 325-33.

Blast and sheath blight are the most devastating diseases of rice, causing major yield losses every year worldwide. It has been shown that using resistant rice varieties would be the most effective way to control these diseases. The present study was undertaken with the objective to identify blast and sheath blight resistance genes among the 60 upland rice genotypes using SSR markers. The genetic frequencies of the 8 major rice blast and sheath blight resistance genes were ranged from 1.67 to 61.67% and 26.67 to 56.67%, respectively. The genotypes PKSLGR-1, PKSLGR-8, PKSLGR-27, PKSLGR-35 and IC362206 were found to have the maximum 5 blast resistance genes. The genotypes PKSLGR-1 harboured all the 8 identified sheath blight resistance genes; while genotypes PKSLGR-38 and IC426017, in each, possessed 7 sheath blight resistance genes.

2 illus, 3 tables, 32 ref

007193   Shekara G V C;Ashwani Kumar;Lavanya V;Rehman S K (Entomology Dep, SASF, Rai Technology Univ, Bangalore, Karnataka) : Efficacy of certain chemicals and neem products against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). J Ent Zool Stud 2017, 5(2), 1-5.

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2014-2015 at the central research farm of Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Deemed-to-be-University, Allahabad to evaluate the efficacy of certain chemicals and neem products against pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) The occurrence of pod borer commenced from 6th standard week (February second week) with an average population of 0.25 larvae/plant. The pod borer population increased and gradually reached its peak level of 6.25 larvae/plant at 13th standard week (March last week) there after declined trend was observed as temperature increased. It was observed that the temperature between 27-35 °C favored the multiplication of gram pod borer. The per cent population reduction of gram pod borer H. armigera on third, seventh and fourteenth days after spraying revealed that all treatments are superior over control. Among the treatments spinosad 45 SC found superior over all the treatments followed by cypermethrin and indoxacarb after first and second sprays, respectively. Highest reduction in larval population (72.12%) was observed with spinosad 45 SC @ 0.5 ml/l. Minimum pod damage of 11.98% and highest yield of 1745 Kg/ha was registered in spinosad. Highest cost benefit ratio (C:B) was recorded in spinosad (1:2.36) followed by cypermethrin (1:1.94), indoxacarb (1:1.84), chlorpyriphos (1:1.60), profenophos (1:1.34), NSKE (1:1.20) and neem oil (1:0.90).

4 tables, 10 ref

007192   Sharma V K;Chandel C;Kumar R;Meena R D; Mawliya M (Regional Station, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Katrain-175 129, Email: vkmodgil@gmail.com) : Influence of planting time and fruit maturity stage on antioxidant activity, phenols and anthocyanin contents in sweet pepper. Res Crop 2016, 17(2), 360-8.

The field experiment was carried out to determine the effect of planting time and fruit maturity stage of antioxidant activity. The results show that the fruit maturity stage and planting time significantly (P<0.005) influenced the antioxidant activity in sweet pepper. Each planting time presented significant differences in antioxidant compounds depending on the maturity stage, but we could recommend 2nd week of May as the optimal planting time if fruits are to be harvested for greater antioxidant activity for CUPRAC, phenols and anthocyanin, while FRAP contents were recorded second highest during this period. From the nutritional point of view, the red state was the most appropriate state of maturation, since red peppers had the highest levels CUPRAC, FRAP and anthocyanin. The concentration of these phytochemicals except total phenolic contents increased as the peppers reached at mature red stage. These results will definitely be prove useful to sweet pepper growers, especially in their selection of planting time and stage of fruit maturity with high antioxidant activity so as to meet the increasing consumer demand for healthy food.

4 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

007191   Sharma U;Subehia S K;Rana S S (Soil Science Dep, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, Email: upender.35@gmail.com) : Long term effect of integrated nutrient management on yield and economics of rice (Oryza sativa L.) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) system in north-western Himalaya. Res Crop 2016, 17(2), 173-7.

The present investigation was carried out to study the integrated effect of nutrient management on rice and wheat yield and its economics in an on-going long term fertilizer experiment initiated during kharif 1991 at CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur. Eight treatments comprising control, 100% NPK (inorganic) and conjoint use of 50 and 75% NPK with 50 and 25% N substitution either through FYM, wheat straw or green manure Sesbania aculeata to rice (June-October) followed by 100 and 75% NPK through inorganics to wheat (November-May), respectively, were imposed since the inception of the experiment. Grain and straw yields of both the crops were recorded after 20th and 21st cropping cycles (2010-11 and 2011-12). The omission of chemical fertilizers and organics for last 20 years (control) resulted in significantly lower yield in comparison to rest of the treatments. Continuous substitution of 50% N through green manure with 50% NPK produced maximum rice grain (7.37 t/ha) and straw (6.21 t/ha) yield which was 16.8 and 14.8% higher over 100% NPK alone. In case of wheat, highest grain yield (3.64 t/ha) was recorded in treatment where 50% N was substituted through FYM to rice crop every year. The data further revealed that application of (i) 50% NPK+50% N through FYM to rice followed by 100% NPK to wheat, (ii) 100% NPK to both the crops and (iii) 50% NPK+50% N through green manure to rice followed by 100% NPK to wheat gave significantly higher net returns (193, 170 and 163%, respectively) over control. The highest benefit: cost (B: C) ratio of 1.40 was recorded in treatment where 100% NPK was applied to both the crops followed by 1.22 in treatment where 50% NPK+50% N through FYM to rice followed by 100% NPK to wheat was applied.

2 tables, 10 ref

007190   Sharma M;Sangwan S S;Singh S P;Gautam;Sarita (Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education Dep, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai Univ of Veterinary and, Hisar-125 004, Email: vetsmonika@gmail.com) : Impact of scientific dairy farming trainings on farmers knowledge about breeding and feeding practices. Haryana Vet 2016, 55(1), 23-6.

A study was undertaken on 60 participants and 60 non-participants dairy farmers selected from two villages of Hisar district of Haryana state to assess the impact of training on knowledge level of farmers about scientific dairy farming practices. A well structured pre-tested interview schedule was developed for this purpose and data were collected from them through personal interview during 2014-15. The study revealed that majority of respondents of both categories possessed medium level of knowledge about breeding and feeding practices. However, the participant farmers had higher knowledge of breeding practices in comparison to non-participants. The farmers had more knowledge about gestation period of buffaloes, treatment of repeat breeders and anestrous, period of heat cycle, high yielding varieties of fodder and disadvantage of overfeeding whereas they had poor knowledge about prominent breeds of dairy animals, pregnancy diagnosis, method of hay or silage preparation, necessity of green fodder and quantity of concentrate to pregnant animals. The correlation analysis further revealed that mass media exposure, economic motivation, attitude towards dairy farming and market orientation of farmers had positive and significant relationship with their knowledge about breeding and feeding practices.

4 tables, 11 ref

007189   Sharma M P;Singh S;Sharma S K;Ramesh A;Bhatia V S (NO, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soybean Research, Indore-452 001, Email: mahaveer620@gmail.com) : Co-inoculation of resident AM fungi and soybean rhizobia enhanced nodulation, yield, soil biological parameters and saved fertilizer inputs in vertisols under microcosm and field conditions. Soybean Res 2016, 14(2), 39-53.

Interaction effect of native AMF (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) and root nodulating soybean rhizobia was evaluated on soybean growth and associated soil biological parameters under microcosm (sterilized and un-sterilized) and field conditions. Treatments under microcosm experiment consisted of two rhizobial strains [Bradyrhizobium japonicum (5a) and Bradyrhizobium liaoningense (17c)] and one AMF (mixed culture of Glomus intraradices, G. mosseae and G. geosporum) alone and in combination with 50 per cent of recommended dose of NPK fertilizers (20:26.2:16.6 kg N:P:K/ha) and control. For field trial, only B. japonicum (5a) was included with AMF and fertilizers. Under both the conditions, bradyrhizobial and AMF inoculation at 50 per cent RDF produced significantly higher nodules, nodule dry weight and grain yield when compared to control plants and was found to be comparable with plants grown with RDF. The two-way ANOVA analysis revealed that interaction effect of soil conditions and inoculation treatment was significant on nodulation and yield. Irrespective of soil conditions, co-inoculation of AMF and Bradyrhizobium with or without 50 per cent RDF proditbed comparatively higher nodulation, N uptake, had higher AM colonization and grain yield than other treatment combinations and was found significantly higher over [control plants. It means Bradyrhizobium inoculation is favoring AMF colonization. AMF spore density in soil and per cent root length colonized by AMF and the background population enhanced in presence of Bradyrhizobium both under microcosm and field evaluation. Soil enzymes activities of AMF and Bradyrhizobium inoculated samples had higher alkaline and acid phosphatase activity over other treatments. Inoculation of AMF alone and Bradyrhizobium with 50 per cent showed higher activity of acid and alkaline phosphatases indicating the release of P from organic pool. Moreover, inoculation of AMF either used singly or in combination also enhanced ft- glucosidase and fluorescein diacetate (FDA). Overall, higher soil enzymes particularly alkaline phosphatases in AM-mediated rhizosphere of Bradyrhizobium and 50 per cent RDF combination was found to be efficient in producing higher yield and N uptake at reduced dose of NPK fertilizers.

3 illus, 43 ref

007188   Shantveerayya;Mansur C P;George A (Agronomy Dep, Univ of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580 005, Email: shantuagricos@gmail.com) : Quality of malt barley genotypes as influenced by integrated nutrient management and in situ moisture conservation practices. Res Crop 2016, 17(2), 210-18.

A field experiment was conducted during rabi seasons of 2013-14 and 2014-15 in farmers' field at model watershed, Neeralkatti village, Dharwad district of Karnataka to study the quality of malt barley genotypes as influenced by integrated nutrient management and in situ moisture conservation practices in rainfed condition. The treatments comprised two main plots as land management practices viz., L₁: Broad bed and furrow (BBF) and L₂: Farmers' practice (flat bed); two genotypes viz., G₁: DWRB-73 and G₂: BH-902 as sub-plots and sub-sub plots consisted of five integrated nutrient management practices viz., N₁: RDF (50: 25: 0 N: P₂O₅: K₂O kg/ha+7 t/ha FYM), N₂: 75% N through urea+25% N2 through FYM and recommended P through inorganic, N₃: 50% N through urea+50% N through FYM and recommended P through inorganic, N₄: 75% N through urea+25% N through vermicompost and recommended P through inorganic and N₅: 50% N through urea+50% N through vermicompost and recommended P through inorganic. Significantly higher protein content (10.4%), protein yield (220.4 kg/ha), higher malt recovery (88.5%), higher malt yield (1879 kg/ha) and higher reducing sugar content were observed from grains harvested with genotype DWRB-73 grown on broad bed and furrow along with application of RDF (50: 25: 0 N: P₂O₅: K₂O kg/ha+7 t/ha FYM) compared to rest of the treatments. However, genotype DWRB-73 raised on flat bed with the application of RDF (50: 25: 0 N: P₂O₅: K₂O kg/ha+7 t/ha FYM) recorded significantly higher total free phenol content (2.98 mg/g) compared to rest of the treatments.

1 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

007187   Sellamuthu K M;Santhi R;Maragatham S;Dey P (NO, Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, Email: kmsella75@gmail.com ) : Soil test and yield target based balanced fertilizer prescription for rainfed maize on an alfisol. Res Crop 2016, 17(2), 231-9.

A field experiment was conducted on a Typic Ustropept (Irugur soil series) soil of Western Zone of Tamil Nadu to refine the existing fertilizer prescription equation for rainfed maize adopting the inductive-cum-targeted yield model, and fertilizer requirements were quantified for rainfed maize based on soil test and yield target. The basic parameters viz., nutrient requirement (NR) and contributions of nutrients from soil (C_s), fertilizer (C_f) and farm yard manure (C_fym) were computed from the field experimental data. Using the basic parameters, fertilizer prescription equations were developed based on integrated plant nutrition system (IPNS), and nomograms were formulated for the desired yield target of rainfed maize for the given soil test values. The extent of saving of inorganic fertilizers for rainfed maize was computed using the fertilizer prescription equations under IPNS with the application of FYM @ 12.5 t/ha (32% moisture and 0.50, 0.21 and 0.49% of N, P and K, respectively, was 22, 17 and 20 kg of fertilizer N, P₂O₅ and K₂O, respectively, when applied along with the N, P and K fertilizers as per soil test and desired yield target. To validate the fertilizer prescription equations developed for rainfed maize under IPNS, field experiments were carried out during 2013-15 in three locations. The per cent achievement of the targeted yield of all the three verification trials was within ±10% variation proving the validity of the equations for prescribing integrated fertilizer doses for rainfed maize.

7 tables, 24 ref

007186   Satoute G K;GIreesh C;Shivakumar M;Arya M; Kumawat G;Patel R K;Gupta R;Husain S M (NO, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soybean Research, Indore-450 001, Email: shivaiari9683@gmail.com) : Genetic variability and association studies in new soybean germplasm accessions. Soybean Res 2016, 14(2), 77-83.

4 tables, 12 ref

007185   Sathya Priya R;Chinnusamy C;Janaki P (Directorate Crop Management, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: sathyapriyaagri@gmail.com) : Post emergence herbicide combination of water hyacinth and its impact on fish in tank culture experiment. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(3), 529-32.

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms has become a major weed of rivers and dams and a problematic weed in Southern part of India. Water hyacinth has much adverse impact on waterways, which includes reducing species diversity, habitat for insect borne disease vectors, interfere with fishing, change sediment chemistry and reduce water storage capacity in reservoirs. Hence, a study was initiated to quantify the characteristics of water hyacinth and to evaluate the effect of post-emergence herbicides on water hyacinth and its impact on herbivorous fishes in tank culture in the Department of Agronomy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu during 2011-2012. Although the post-emergence herbicides provided effective control on the aquatic weeds in some areas, it could not provide the sustainable inhibition on the aquatic weed population, while it would lead to pollution in water at various levels. Herbicides could be a suitable alternative to discourage or eliminate the regeneration of water hyacinth. However, there is growing need for suitable herbicides with no harmful effects to aquatic life. The result of the experiment showed that the water hyacinth mother plants grew very fast from one week after inoculation upto six weeks, later which the growth rate decreased and it was involved in seed maturation, senescence and ramet production. Application of post-emergence herbicide combination of glyphosate at 10 ml/lit + carfentrazone at 4 mg/lit reduced the wet and dry weight of water hyacinth without any regeneration. There was no mortality of fingerlings were observed with all the tested herbicides with different concentrations except spraying of glyphosate at 10 ml/lit + 2,4-D Na salt at 2.5 g/lit.

11 ref

007184   Sarita;Singh S P;Sangwan S S;Gautam;Sharma M (Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education Dep, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai Univ of Veterinary and, Hisar-125 004, Email: spsingh.vet@gmail.com) : Knowledge of dairy farmers about animal welfare in Haryana : A pathanalysis. Haryana Vet 2016, 55(1), 31-6.

The present study was conducted on 120 dairy farmers randomly selected from four villages of Hisar district, Haryana to explore their knowledge level about animal welfare legislation. A knowledge schedule based on Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960) was developed. The results revealed that majority of the respondents had low to medium level of knowledge about animal welfare laws. Maximum knowledge (95%) was possessed by the dairy farmers about 'Act of performing mutilation on any animal is banned in our country' followed by 'The amount of fine is different in 1st and subsequent offences' (92%) whereas minimum knowledge (50.5%) was possessed by the farmers about 'It is punishable to keep any animal chained or tethered upon an unreasonably soft or unreasonably heavy chain or cord for an unreasonable time under this act (50.5%) and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960) extends to the whole of the country except the state of J&K (50.5%). The correlation equation between dependent and independent variables further indicated that educational qualification, extension contact and mass media exposure of dairy farmers had positive and significant relationship with knowledge of dairy farmers regarding animal welfare laws. All the nine independent variables had jointly explained about 60 to 70% variation towards knowledge of dairy farmers of different categories. The overall analysis revealed that social participation and mass media exposure had positive and direct effect on knowledge of the respondents.

5 tables, 19 ref

007183   Saremi Z;Golparvar A (Agronomy and Plant Breeding Dep, College of Agriculture, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch Islamic Azad Univ, P.O. Box:81595-158, Email: dragolparvar@gmail.com) : Regression and path analysis of seed and oil yields in soybean (Glycine max L.) lines. Res Crop 2016, 17(2), 351-3.

This study was performed to identify genetic diversity of soybean lines, to determine the best parents for crossing to improve the yield and to find out more effective genetic characteristics in Khoramabad, Lorestan province, Iran. Field experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design. Our present results implied that the lines had significant effects for all the studied traits except days taken to physiological maturity, days taken to full maturity and oil percentage. The results of correlation coefficients showed that grain yield positively correlated with number of grains per pod, harvest index and seed filling rate at the 1% possibility level and oil percentage at the 5% possibility level. The step-wise regression results illustrated that grain filling rate, grain filling duration and days taken to physiological maturity had significant effects on the grain yield variations. Grain filling rate and grain filling duration also justified variations of oil yield. On the base of the regression analysis, grain filling rate and period and days taken to physiological maturity were the most important traits for improving the seed and oil yields of soybean lines. Path analysis indicated that grain filling rate and period had a significant positive effect on seed yield. Moreover, grain filling rate also had a significant positive effect on oil yield. The results of path analysis and regression analysis suggested that grain filling rate was the effective trait to improve the seed and oil yields of soybean lines.

4 tables, 9 ref

007182   Santra S;Sinha A;Mondal C (Engineering Dep, Jadavpur Univ, Jadavpur) : Effect of herbal plant (garlic) against common disease in gold fish, Carassius auratus (Linn. 1758). Int J latest Technol Engng Mgmt appl Sci 2016, 5(3), 42-4.

The Herbs (medicinal plants) are widely used by the traditional medical practitioners for curing various diseases in their day-to-day practice. These herbal plants are easily available in our surrounding area. Generally it is found, Gold fishes are frequently effected from microbes, bacterial, fungal, parasite etc. Disease fish were collected from ornamental Fish Farm. Collected fishes were feed with garlic supplemented feed and normal feed. Separately Garlic (Allium sativum) paste was added to normal feed and prepared feed was applied the aquarium containing disease-affected Gold fishes (Carassius auratus L.). Experimental trial was continued for 8 weeks consecutively to observe the development of immunity against the common pathogens. Result shows that the after treatment fish were healthy and energetic..

2 tables, 8 ref

007181   Sant S;Mandal M K (Vety. & A.H. Extensioon Dep, C.O.V.Sc. & A.H. Extentsion, C.OV.Sc. & A.H., Mhow, Madhya Pradesh) : Economic contribution of tribal women in various animal husbandry practices. Indian J soc Res 2016, 57(3), 407-14.

Recently, there has been a growing realization of the active participation and substantial economic contributions of women in various facets of rural life. The house work performed by the women and family members is totally unpaid everywhere in the World. They are treated as unproductive creatures in the society. The tribal women, in that sense, are not different from farm women. Evidently, the livestock rearing and management related activities still continues predominantly to be the responsibility and domain of the tribal women. Therefore, it is imperative that productive works performed by tribal women at home is essential to the community but invisible to the economy, be quantified and evaluated in monetary terms. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the role performance and contribution of tribal women in A.M. practices. The study was conducted in randomly selected four villages of Anuppur block of Anuppur district. Data were collected through a structured interview schedule from 100 respondents by personal interview method. Coefficient of correlation ('r') was computed to test relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Time spent pattern of the tribal women in various A.H. activities in descending order, were in feeding (76.40 man days/yr.), management (61.32 man dayslyr.), health care (8.51 man dayslyr.), marketing (4.53 man days/yr.) and breeding practices (3.63 mandays/yr.). The invisible economic contribution in monetary terms made by tribal women was Rs. 15439/year.

3 tables, 3 ref

007180   Sangwan S K;Dhaka S S;Yadav A S;Singh S K (Animal Genetics and Breeding Dep, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai Univ of Veterinary and, Hisar-125 004, Email: zuludhaka@gmail.com) : Genetic evaluation of murrah sires using test day milk records. Haryana Vet 2016, 55(1), 56-8.

The present study was conducted on performance records of 397 Murrah buffaloes; progeny of 49 sires maintained at the Buffalo Research Centre of the University. The records were distributed over a period of 20 years from 1992 to 2011. The breeding value of sires estimated by using best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) procedure for monthly test day milk records and first lactation milk yield (FLMY) indicated that five top sires share their ranks in the uppermost positions, irrespective of test day milk record used. Model for BLUP included year and season of calving as fixed effect and sire as random effect. Result for FLMY revealed that sire number 49 had the highest genetic merit (353.54) and sire number 21 had the lowest genetic merit (-332.5). The rank and product moment correlations between the sires calculated among test days ranged from 0.2151(TD₁ and TD₇) to 0.7941 (TD₂ and TD₃) and 0.2560 (TD₇ and TD₁₀) to 0.8299 (TD₅ and TD₆) respectively and for first lactation milk yield varied from 0.4007 (FLMY and TD₇) to 0.8039 (FLMY and TD₆) and 0.4362 (FLMY and TD, to 0.7871 (FLMY and TD₉), respectively. Rank and product-moment correlations had higher values between adjacent test days. The high values of product moment and rank correlations were found between the estimated breeding values of sires for test day milk records of mid lactation i.e. second to fourth test day milk records. Selection of sires could be based on mid lactation test days milk records to enhance genetiv improvement in milk production per unit of time in this breed.

3 tables, 6 ref