004841   MALAKAR M, ACHARYYA P, BISWAS S (Horticulture Dep, Calcutta Univ, Kolkata- 700 019, Email: pinakihort2003@gmail.com) : Effect of silver nitrate and sucrose on the vase life of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii H. Bolus) cut flowers. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(2), 46-51.

Gerberas (Gerbera jamesonii H. Bolus) quite familiar in ‘Transvaal daisy’ name, a renowned cut flower since it has secured 5th position out of top ten commercially viable cut flowers of the world. Protracted durability for interior and vase decoration become mandatory, that’s why we had endeavored to find out the impact of silver nitrate (AgNo₃ ) at divergent concentrations of 1000, 500, 100 and 50 ppm along with sucrose 4% and deionized water (DW) both as pulsing and holding solution treatments on 3 gerbera cultivars namely ‘Rosalin’ (pink), ‘Dana Ellen’ (yellow) and ‘Sun Way’ (orange) gathered from a flower entrepreneur of Baruipur, South-24-Paraganas as it has moderate longevity. Out of 10 treatments, pulsing treatments consisted of AgNo₃ @1000 and 500 ppm duo with sucrose 4% had markedly extended the longevity of employed cut gerberas as compared to the untreated flowers. Besides, AgNo₃ @25 ppm+ sucrose 4% as holding solution also appreciably enhanced their vase-life. Among 3 cultivars ‘Dana Ellen’ registered utmost vase-life of 22.3 days followed by ‘Rosalin’ (21.5 days) and ‘Sun Way’ (19.9 days). Other vase-life characteristics manifested variable responses towards the treatments composed of preservative chemicals. Here, the yielded data of rest of seven treatment combinations exhibited their moderate efficacy in extending the vase-life while in some cases they adversely affected their longevity also. A strong correlation between the longevity of cut flowers and the amount of solution uptake was also established here.

4 tables, 30 ref

004907   SINGH P K, SADHUKHAN R (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Centurion Univ of Technology and Management, Paralekhmundhi- 761211, Email: singhpk.gpb@gmail.com) : Identification of variants induced by physical and chemical mutagens in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.). J Crop Weed 2019, 15(2), 40-5.

The present investigation was carried out at Horticultural Research Station, Mandouri, Nadia, West Bengal during the year 2014-16 to isolated some putative mutants in tuberose. Different doses of ⁶⁰Co gamma rays (to bulbs) and varied concentrations of EMS (to seeds) were applied to tuberose cv. Calcutta Double and Arka Nirantara respectively. Mutation having tall and branched spike and other almost one and half times taller (1.6 m) than the untreated control (1.01 m) could be scored from 10 kr gamma rays treatment. The third mutant scored from bulbs treated with 10 kr gamma rays was a unique chlorophyll variegated leaf mutant designated as Pranta Rekha that has green leaves with white margins. One dwarf and other with altered floral characteristics resulted from 1 % EMS treatment from the cv. Arka Nirantra. The branched mutant will provide the advantage of harvesting more number of flowers at a time and the leaf variegated mutant would have ornamental values. New mutant genes could be scored therefore from the mutagen treated population in tuberose. Gamma rays were exhibiting more mutagenic efficiency than EMS as far as commercial value is concern.

4 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

004900   SHIL S (ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Kolkata- 700 120, Email: sanjoycrijaf@yahoo.co.in) : Developing agro-morphological descriptors of mesta (Hibiscus spp. L.) varieties for germplasm evaluation and characterization as per DUS test guidelines. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(2), 25-39.

Mesta (Hibiscus spp. L.) is an important genus of bast fibre crop next to jute crop in the world. The mesta fibre can be obtained from the two species viz., roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) and kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) and both of them are being cultured for bast fibre production. A total of seventh varieties (7 varieties of kenaf and 10 varieties of roselle) have been characterized based on expression of thirty seven essential morphological variability and fibre quality traits as per National DUS (Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability) test guidelines. Out of thirty seven characters, five characters are monomorphic in nature, twenty characters are dimorphic and twelve characters are polymorphic in nature in the varieties of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) whereas eight characters are monomorphic in nature, twenty characters are dimorphic and nine characters are polymorphic in nature among the varieties of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) indicating their potentiality for varietal characterization.

4 tables, 15 ref

004883   ROUT S, DAS A, SUR B, UMAMAHESWAR N, SADHU S, GHIMIRAY T S, MONDAL H A, HIJAM L, CHAKRABORTY M, ROY S K (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, New Alluvial Zone Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari- 736 165, Email: suvendukumarroy@gmail.com) : Genetic divergence in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and Coss] under sub-Himalayan region. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(2), 18-24.

A study was carried out with 71 genotypes of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and Coss] under sub-Himalayan condition to examine the genetic diversity within them. All the 71 genotypes were tested in randomized complete block design with three replications during rabi 2017-18. The genetic divergence was studied among the genotypes of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss] using Mahalanobis D2 statistics followed by Rao (1952). Genotypes were found to be grouped into seven clusters. Cluster I had the largest number of genotypes (31) followed by cluster IV (21), V (12), II (two), III (two), VI (two) and VII (one). Maximum intra cluster divergence was found in cluster VI followed by cluster V, IV and I. Maximum inter cluster distance was found between cluster VII and V followed by cluster VII and VI, cluster VII and IV and cluster VII and I, which indicates that efficient breeding programme can be formulated to improve yield potential by hybridization between genotypes from these clusters. Based on the maximum intra cluster distance value the crosses could be made among the genotypes having the highest divergence like PHR-2, RNWR-09-3, Giriraj, Kranti, SKJM-05, DRMR-15-16, RW-85-59 and NPJ-194 from various clusters like IV, V, VI and VII to get desirable transgressive segregants. Cluster III having the highest seed yield (11.80 g plant-1) had not shown highest genetic divergence from the other clusters. However, other clusters like cluster IV, V, VI, and VII had shown higher genetic divergence among themselves. Plant height (18.71) contributed maximum towards genetic divergence followed by 1000 seed weight (18.35) as well as penetration force (18.35), aphid count (12.76) and seed yield per plant (10.62). For the characters like plant height,1000 seed weight, penetration force, seed yield and aphid count contributing substantially high to the total genetic divergence, it was found that genetically divergent clusters namely IV, V, VI and VII performed optimally and amongst these clusters only. Cluster VII was the poorest seed yielder. This clearly reflected that the genetically divergent genotypes were distributed in the different clusters like cluster IV, V, VI and VII.

6 tables, 24 ref

004932   VERMA A, KUMAR V, KHARAB A S, SINGH G P (ICAR- Indian Institute of Wheat & Barley Research, Karnal- 132 001, Email: ajay.verma1@icar.gov.in) : Parameters of AMMI model to analyse GxE of feed barley trials. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(2), 9-17.

Highly significant GxE interaction for feed yield was partitioned into signal 93.03 and noise 6.97per cent. AMMI model recommended usage of seven significant IPCAs accordingly Finally type 1 of AMMI measures (EV1, ASTAB1, SIPC1, D1), considered G19, G21, G13, G29 as desirable genotypes and G10 as of unstable performance; based on the type 2 (EV2, ASTAB2, SIPC2, D2 and ASV) G16, G21 were genotypes of choice and G10 as unsuitable; as per type 3 (EV3, ASTAB3, SIPC3 and D3), G16, G7, G5, G13 were stable genotypes and G26 of unstable type; according to the type 5 (EV5, ASTAB5, SIPC5 and D5), genotypes G23, G3, G5, G25 were of choice and G10 & G21 were not recommended; lastly based on the type 7 (EV7, ASTAB7, SIPC7 and D7), genotypes G4, G15, G2, G6 and G12 and G27 were detected as the unstable genotypes. AMMI based measures showed genotypes G25 and G13 had the good yield performance while the yield performance of G17 and G4 were of low yield. Clustering of measures with yield expressed three groups. Largest group I contains yield with SIPC1, SIPC2, SIPC3, SIPC5, SIPC7 as well as ASTAB2, ASTAB3 ASTAB5, ASTAB7 along with IPAC1 measures.

1 illus, 5 tables, 16 ref

004761   ARORA A, MALIK D P (Delhi Univ, Delhi-110 032, Email: arora.anchal@yahoo.com) : An overview of cotton seed industry in India : Policy implications and perspectives. J Cotton Res Dev 2019, 33(2), 303-13.

The paper attempts to study overview of cotton seed industry in India in light of various policy decisions for easy accessibility of Bt cotton seed. Government of India had implemented various policy measures since 1963 that caused tremendous transformation in seed sector to access quality seed and planting material to farmers. Seed markets in India have transformed immensely from conventional to genetically modified (GM) seeds over the years. The adoption of Bt cotton hybrids has increased remarkably since 2002 (the year of its introduction) sharing more than 95 percent of total cotton area in India in 2015-2016. Bt cotton hybrids are mainly produced by private sector in India and contributed a lot in production and productivity of cotton. However, the price of Bt cotton hybrid is of serious concern and it has been reviewed periodically by state and central governments for better access of technology for resource poor farmers. In 2015, government of India notified a cotton seed price control order to reduce royalties by 74 percent i.e. from Rs.163 to Rs.49 /450 g packet and seed firms had challenged this order. In 2018, the seed prices have been further reduced to Rs 740 from Rs 800/450 g packet and the royalties have been slashed to Rs 39 / packet from Rs 49. It is argued that such a step hampers investment in innovative research and development and is contrary to the government’s ‘Make in India’ campaign to start business for production of seed in the country. In the light of this discussion, the paper suggests alternative government policies for better accessibility and wider adoption of new technologies for poor resource farmers in India.

2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

004875   RAJANI V V, DAVARA D K, DHADUK L K (Junagadh Agricultural Univ, Junagadh - 362 001, Email: vvrajani@jau.in) : Efficacy of seed dressing chemicals against seed and soil borne diseases of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L). J Cotton Res Dev 2019, 33(2), 297-302.

Effect of seed dressing chemicals on cotton seedling stand establishment against soil borne diseases and yield were assessed in field experiment conducted at Cotton Research Station Junagadh Agricultural University Junagadh during 2013, 2014 and 2015. Results of three years pooled data indicated that all fungicidal treatments increased germination as compared to control. Maximum seed germination per cent was recorded to given seed treatment of Carboxin (37.5 %) + Thiram (37.5 % DS) @ 4.5 g/kg seed against seedling diseases of cotton caused by Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium sp. The pooled mortality per cent was significantly minimum (5.70 %) in treatment Carboxin (37.5 %) + Thiram (37.5 % DS), 4.5 g/kg seed, followed by Carboxin (37.5 %) + Thiram (37.5 % DS), 3.5 g/kg seed (7.02 %) as compared to control (17.70 %). Significantly maximum seed cotton yield of 1754 kg/ha was recorded in treatment of Carboxin (37.5 %) + Thiram (37.5 % DS), 4.5 g/kg seed, followed by Carboxin (37.5 %) + Thiram (37.5 % DS), 3.5 g/kg seed (1712 kg/ ha) as compared to control (1205 kg/ha). Economical point of view the seed treatment of Carboxin (37.5 %) + Thiram (37.5 % DS) (Vitavax power) @ 3.5 g/kg seed was found effective in reducing the mortality percent of soil borne diseases and highest CBR (1:261.3) with net return of Rs 21212/ha. The most important variable in these experiments was maximum germination percent so that farmer can maintain plant population of cotton.

2 tables, 8 ref

004867   PRASAD B M V S, BHATTIPROLU S L, KUMARI V P, JAYALALITHA K (Plant Pathology Dep, Agricultural Coll, Bapatla - 522 101, Email: b.m.v.s.prasad56@gmail.com) : Progress of Alternaria leaf spot in cotton as affected by weather parameters, phenological stages and date of sowing. J Cotton Res Dev 2019, 33(2), 281-7.

The effect of weather parameters, phenological stages and time of sowing on the development of Alternaria leaf spot in Bt cotton hybrid, Jaadoo BG II was investigated at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Lam, Guntur, during 2016-2017. Weekly data on disease score at different phenological stages of the crop was recorded on randomly labeled plants and per cent disease intensity (PDI) was correlated with weather parameters. Disease appeared during vegetative stage and reached peak at boll formation to boll bursting stages. Correlation analysis of pooled PDI in three sowings indicated significant negative correlation with minimum temperature, RH II, RH I; significant positive correlation with the number of sun shine hr. Multiple linear regression of pooled PDI revealed that RH II, rain fall, number of rainy days, sun shine hr and evaporation significantly influenced the disease development while minimum temperature, wind speed and RH I showed partial influence on disease progress. It was observed that irrespective of time of sowing, number of rainy days, RH II, sunshine hr, wind speed and evaporation are critical parameters in determining the progress of Alternaria leaf spot.

1 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

004852   NIKAM T A, LATPATE C B, BHOSALE B B (Vasantrao Naik Marthwada Agriculture Univ, Parbhani- 431 402, Email: tukaramnikam.agri@gmail.com) : Estimation of yield losses due to sucking pests of Bt cotton under high density planting system. J Cotton Res Dev 2019, 33(2), 273-80.

Studies was carried out during Kharif 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 to yield losses due to sucking pests viz., aphid, leafhopper, thrips and whitefly. The unprotected treatments recorded significantly higher aphid population over protected ones with 14.81, 5.61, 15.08, 12.41 and 3.66, 1.90, 3.83, 1.81 sucking pests per three leaves, respectively, with 75.29, 66.13, 74.63 and 85.41 per cent overall increase in population in the unprotected treatments over protected treatments ones. Significantly more yield (18.67 q/ha) was obtained under protected condition as compared to unprotected condition (12.47 q/ha) with avoidable loss of 33.02 % per cent by unprotected condition over protected condition ones.

2 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

004808   JADHAV A S, WASKAR D P (Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani-431 402, Email: asjadhav31@rediffmail.com) : Response of pre seasonal Bt cotton under different dates of sowing and irrigation methods. J Cotton Res Dev 2019, 33(2), 251-5.

A field experiment was carried out during 2015-2016 to 2017-2018 at Cotton Research Scheme, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani to study the effect of date of sowing and irrigation methods on pre seasonal Bt cotton. The experiment was conducted in split plot design with two irrigation methods i.e. I₁ - drip irrigation and I₂ - flood irrigation in main plots while four sowing dates i.e. D₁ - 20 May,D₂ - 30 May,D₃ - 10 June and D₄ -20 June in subplots withfour replications. The pooled data analysis indicated that seed cotton yield (2310kg/ha), gross returns (Rs. 117460/ha) net returns (Rs. 69369/ha) and B:C ratio (2.4) was significantly highest with flood irrigation method as compared to drip irrigation. Bt.cotton sown on 20^th may and 30^th may recorded significantly highest seed cotton yield as compared to other sowing dates. Pre seasonal Bt cotton sowing at 30 May was found beneficial.

3 tables, 6 ref

004773   BRAR H S, SINGH P, SINGH S (Punjab Agricultural Univ, Bathinda-151 001, Email: hsbrar@pau.edu) : Evaluation of cotton hybrids for productivity potential, monetary and energy returns under varied agronomic manipulations. J Cotton Res Dev 2019, 33(2), 242-50.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2016 at Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Bathinda to evaluate performance of two American cotton hybrids (HHH 494 and CSHH 2012) under three spacing levels (67.5×60 cm, 67.5×75 cm and 67.5×90 cm) and three nitrogen levels (112.5, 150 and 187.5 kg/ha) in split split plot design and replicated thrice. Significantly higher number of bolls/ plant contributed to significantly higher seed cotton yield (SCY) of hybrid CSHH 2012 (2817 kg/ha) in comparison to HHH 494 (2468 kg/ha). CSHH 2012 had significantly higher irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) as well as monetary and energy returns. In case of planting geometries, SCY, IWUE, NUE, monetary and energy gain were higher under 67.5×75 cm. CSHH 2012 recorded significantly highest SCY under 67.5×75 cm (3059 kg/ha). While, HHH 494 recorded highest SCY under 67.5×60 cm (2776 kg/ha). Application of 187.5 kg N/ha resulted in higher SCY, IWUE, monetary and energy returns, which were at par with 150 kg N/ha and statistically lowest under 112.5 kg N/ha. Thus it was concluded that cotton hybrid CSHH 2012 performed best at a planting geometry of 67.5×75 cm and nitrogen level 150 kg N/ha in terms of significantly better productivity, profit and energy returns. While, SCY of HHH 494 was higher under planting geometry of 67.5×60 cm.

7 tables, 21 ref

004856   PANDOVE G, SINGH P (Punjab Agricultural Univ, Bathinda- 151 001, Email: gpandove@pau.edu) : Use of microbial inoculants in cotton: A review. J Cotton Res Dev 2019, 33(2), 224-41.

Cotton is an important cash crop and plays a vital role in the economic and social affairs of the world. In Punjab during the year 2016-2017, desi cotton was grown on 7 thousand ha where as american cotton was grown on 2.78 lakh ha. Nevertheless, organic cotton production holds a minor percentage of the cotton growing area and is slowly gaining momentum in the global cotton market. Organic farming devoids the use of noxious and persistent fertilizers and pesticides. Furthermore, Gossypium arboreum has been documented to have medicinal properties and for medicinal use, organic cotton ought to be preferred as it is devoid of chemical fertilizers and pesticides as huge amount of synthetic fertilizers are used for conventional production of cotton, especially hybrid cotton which occupies 95 per cent of the total cotton area in India. Thus, sustainable agricultural production requires new approaches to reduce the application of polluting agrochemicals. Minerals, organic components and microorganisms are three major solid components of the soil. They profoundly affect the physical, chemical, and biological properties and processes of terrestrial systems. The microbial inoculants could play a pertinent role in integrated nutrient management as well as organic farming. The present review will feature various aspects of microbial inoculants like mechanism of action; need to apply microbial inoculants, advantages and disadvantages, application of various microbial inoculants in cotton crop, disease control by use of microbial inoculants and commercially available microbial inoculants for cotton. The realization attained from literature assessed herein will help to understand the role of microbial inoculants in cultivation of cotton.

1 table, 100 ref

004861   PATIL S S, PATIL T R, PATIL S C (Oilseeds Research Station, Jalgaon- 425 001, Email: sanjivspatil@gmail.com) : Heterosis in diploid cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.) under rainfed conditions. J Cotton Res Dev 2019, 33(2), 221-3.

The investigation was undertaken to estimate heterosis with an objective of exploring possibilities of its commercial utilization under rainfed conditions. The experimental material comprised of 9 crosses along with one standard check (JLA505), grown at Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Oilseeds Research Station, Mamurabad Farm, Jalgaon in randomized block design with three replications. Observations were recorded for characters namely, seed cotton yield (kg/ha), bolls/plant, average boll weight(g) and ginning percentage. The standard heterosis was calculated over standard check variety JLA505. Marked economic heterosis was observed for most of the characters studied. Among all the cross combinations the maximum heterosis for seed cotton yield of JLA0603 x CINA363(55.28%), bolls /plant JLA505 x Phule Anmol (46.67%), for average boll weight JLA0603 x CINA-363(14.29%), For ginning percentage none of the cross recorded positive heterosis. However, the cross JLA802 x Gbav 109 recorded at par ginning percentage as compare to standard check. Wherever cross combination involving JLA505 and JLA0603 as a female parent, recorded significant positive heterosis for most of the yield contributing characters. Thus, the female parent JLA505 and JLA0603 may be used for exploitation of heterosis under rain fed conditions. There are several diploid hybrids and varieties under cultivation, this indicates there are much more scope of development of hybrids in diploid cotton and efforts are being taken through this study.

2 tables, 4 ref

004888   SANGWAN S, SANGWAN O, PUNDIR S R, JANGID K (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar- 125 004, Email: osanwan@gmail.com) : Characterization of elite Asiatic cotton (Gossypium arboreum) lines on the basis of DUS traits. J Cotton Res Dev 2019, 33(2), 214-20.

Field studies were carried out to study the varietal characterization of various DUS characters of 40 elite lines of Asiatic cotton. The experiment was conducted in the experimental area of the Cotton Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar in kharif, 2015 in a randomized block design with three replications. results revealed that hypocotyl pigmentation, leaf shape, leaf petiole pigmentation, leaf nectarines, leaf pubescence, leaf colour, plant stem pigmentation, plant stem hairiness, flower male sterility, pollen colour, flower petal spot, anther filament colouration, flower stigma position, flower petal colour, days to first flower, boll shape, boll surface, boll opening, prominence of tip in boll, boll weight, boll colour,seed fuzz colour, seed fuzz, seed size or seed index, ginning out turn , fibre strength, fibre uniformity (%), fibre length, fibre fineness, fibre colour and fibre maturity proved to be useful and stable diagnostic characters which could classify the genotypes based on the phenotypic traits. This investigation reveals that classification of genotypes on the basis of DUS traits provided identification of key characteristics of various genotypes which can be used to distinguish them from others and also further investigation of these characters may help in crop improvement programme.

1 table, 8 ref

004884   SAGAR, NIMBAL S, SANGWAN R S, KUMAR P, JANGID K, BANKAR A H (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: snimbal@gmail.com) : Combining ability analysis for different morphological traits in diallel crosses of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). J Cotton Res Dev 2019, 33(2), 208-13.

A diallel analysis was carried out to study combining ability for different morphological traits in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Nine parental genotypes were involved in this study and these were crossed in half diallel mating design during kharif, 2016. The F1 crosses along with their parents were sown during kharif, 2017 to study combining ability analysis for different morphological traits. For inheritance of traits both additive and non additive gene actions are important but in the present study there was pre ponderance of non additive gene action for all the characters studied. On the basis of GCA estimates parents H 1353 and H 1098i were the best general combiners for seed cotton yield/plant, whereas on the basis of SCA estimates best specific combiners for seed cotton yield/plant were H 1465 × H 1226, H 1300 × H 1226 and H 1490 × H 1464.

2 tables, 7 ref

004878   RATHINAVEL K, KAVITHA H, PRIYADHARSHINI C (Central Institute for Cotton Research, Coimbatore- 641 003, Email: krathinavelus@gmail.com) : Genetic diversity among the extant reference varieties of tetraploid cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). J Cotton Res Dev 2019, 33(2), 197-207.

An experiment conducted for maintenance of tetraploid extant reference cotton varieties has explicated the genetic variability, association and diversity among them for yield and fiber improvement during 2017-2018 at CICR, Regional station, Coimbatore. The highest variation was observed for seed cotton yield /plant and bolls /plant. The traits such as seed cotton yield/plant, bolls /plant, seed index, boll weight and plant height recorded high heritability along with high genetic advance as per cent of mean. Studies on correlation of traits have shown, highly significant positive association of boll/plant, boll weight and seed index with seed cotton yield /plant. The path analysis has shown, highly significant and positive direct effect for bolls/plant and boll weight. Therefore, these traits can directly be used for selection of progenies for improvement. The Principal Component Analysis of data extracted with four significant components (PCs) that had Eigen value >1 and these values accounted for a cumulative variation of 73.744%. In PC I, the traits like seed index, fiber strength, plant height, sympodia, bolls, boll weight, fiber length and seed cotton yield /plant showed considerable positive factor loadings. The cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into three clusters. Among them, cluster III accompanied the maximum genotypes and have contributed much towards yield and yield attributing traits. These highly divergent genotypes have ample scope for utilization in cotton crop improvement.

2 illus, 7 tables, 20 ref

004779   CHANDRA M, SREENIVASAN S (Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai- 400 019, Email: matishchandra@gmail.com) : Studies on races of cotton species Gossypium arboreum L- : Fibre quality. J Cotton Res Dev 2019, 33(2), 180-96.

The inherent hardiness of the species Gossypium arboreum has always been a cause of interest and often attracts the attention of agricultural scientists. The present study was intended to strengthen the case of this forgotten indigenous hardy species of cotton. In this paper attempt has been made to analyse the qualitative status of races of species Gossypium arboreum from the view point of fibre technologist and generate awareness towards protecting and popularising this important, invaluable indigenous genetic resource.

3 tables, 22 ref

004834   KUMARAN A K, ANIS K V (St. Joseph’s Coll, Thrissur, Kerala, Email: srashachf@gmail.com) : Integrated pest management programs with special emphasis on livestock production in India: A review. J Commun Dis 2019, 53(3), 167-72.

Ticks are blood-feeding ectoparasites considered as a great role in medical  and  veterinary  science.  However,  they  can  transmit  a  wide  variety of infectious agents that significantly impact animals’ health and product performance, which negatively reflects the livelihood of resource-poor farming communities, especially in India because 80 % of the human population depends on income from dairy farms. This review focused on the problems associated with TBDs and integrated tick control strategies, emphasizing livestock farming systems in India. Developments discussed in the review in the controlling measures such as the efficacy of acaricides, biological control, and recent advances in vaccine development.

33 ref

004858   PATEL R, RAHA P, LAXMI S, PAUL A (Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi- 221 005, Email: rubypatelssac@gmail.com) : Effect of antitranspirants on rice (Oryza sativa) grown under submerged and water stressed condition in an inceptisol of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 100-6.

A pot experiment was carried out to determine the impact of application of antitranspirants, viz. Kaolin and Green Miracleon growth, yield and nutrient content of rice (HUR-105) under both submerged and water-stressed condition grown in an Inceptisol of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The Kaolin (0%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) and Green Miracle (0.0%, 0.15%, 0.3%, and 0.6%) water suspension / solution respectively, were sprayed twice viz.during vegetative-stage and panicle initiation stage. The plant parameters including plant height, number of leaves, tillers numberwere taken at tillering, panicle initiation and grain filling stages. The nutrient concentration including N, P, K and S in grain and straw were analyzed. Results indicated that antitranspirants treatments have positive effect on the plant growth parameters and dry matter production of rice. Plants treated with long chain fatty alcohol (Green Miracle) and kaolinite (Kaolin) produced higher i.e. 6.7% to 19.3% dry matter than untreated (control) plants.

2 illus, 4 tables, 19 ref

004915   SULTANA S, THAKURIA D, HANDIQUE P J (Central Agricultural Univ-Imphal, Umiam- 793103, Email: thakuria.dwipendra@yahoo.co.in) : Functional attributes and antagonism of root-associated bacteria of different rice cultivars from acid soil. J Biol Engg Res Rev 2019, 6(2), 5-18.

This study evaluated root endophyte bacteria and rhizobacteria in terms of multifaceted plant growth promotion (PGP) traits and antagonistic potential against major fungal pathogens of rice (viz. Rhizoctonia solani, Bipolaris oryzae, Pyricularia oryzae, Ustilaginoidea virens and Sarocladium oryzae). Twenty bacterial isolates from each group (viz. endorhiza and rhizosphere) were isolated from different rice types of North East India. Cultivated rice types were Upland rice (Mima, Kochi and Minil), Lowland HYV rice (Ranjit and Jaya) and Lowland scented rice (Keteki Joha and Kunkuni Joha). The population of rhizospheric bacteria was higher than the endophyte isolates. The population counts of endophyte bacteria were the highest in scented rice cultivar (Kunkuni Joha) and for rhizobacterial isolates; the population density was maximum in the lowland HYV rice (Jaya). The endophytes were more efficient than the rhizobacteria in terms of the activity of cellulase, pectinase, ACC-deaminase, production of IAA- like substances, solubilization of zinc and mineralization of organic phosphates. In contrast, the rhizobacterial isolates were more efficient in solubilization of inorganic phosphates and antagonism against major rice fungal pathogens. Through 16S rDNA sequence analysis, the promising rhizobacterial isolates showing antagonism against all the fungal pathogens were identified as Brevibacillus reuszeri 12R, Lysinibacillus xylanticus 48R, Bacillus megaterium 58R and Serratia marcescens 79R. These results suggest that the root bacterial endophytes and rhizobacteria characterized in this study could be successfully used to promote plant growth and induce fungal resistance in rice plants and can be used as bioinoculants for enhancing rice growth in the acid soil regions.

5 tables, 97 ref

004784   CHOKAMI K N, ABDOSSI V, SAMAVAT S, MOGHADAM A L, MORADI P (Horticulture Science Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Tehran, Iran, Email: abdusivahid@gmail.com) : Effect of different polyamines on some physiological traits, growth, and development of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in salt stress under hydroponic culture conditions. J Appl Biol Biotechnol 2019, 7(4), 7-13.

As basil occurs in the arid and semi-arid regions, the drought and salinity decrease the vegetative growth and leaf area. This research was carried out in Pakdasht private greenhouse to evaluate the effect of putrescine, spermine, and spermidine on quality and quantity of basil under conditions of salt stress. This research was done as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized block design with three replications. The treatments included application of putrescine, spermine, and spermidine at four levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg/l), salinity stress at four levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM), and control treatment. The results showed that the interaction effects between polyamines, salinity, and concentration on plant height, fresh/dry shoot weight, fresh/dry weight of root, fresh/dry leaf weight, leaf chlorophyll content, catalase, peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase antioxidant enzymes, the ratio of K/Na ratio, ion leakage, and proline were statistically significant at 1 % level. Interaction and simultaneous exposure of 150 mg/l spermidine and low salinity had a positive effect on all the studied plant traits. In addition, the results showed that the concentration of 150 mM sodium chloride solution reduced the mentioned traits. However, spermidine improved this condition, and symptoms of stress and damages were less observed in spermidine-treated plants. Therefore, it can be used to withstand the oxidative stress of plants.

13 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

004816   JOSHI R, GAUR N (Entomology Dep, GB Pant Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, Email: rashmipandey.hdw@gmail.com) : First report of Blister beetle, Mylabris pustulata Thunberg (Meloidae: Coleoptera) in maize fields from Sarson village of Almora District, Uttarakhand (India). J Appl Nat Sci 2019, 11(3), 752-4.

Orange banded blister beetle, Mylabris pustulatais an important species of Blister beetles and has been found to cause economic damage due to its polyphagous nature. In the present study, M. pustulatawas found to be feeding on maize crop from Sarson village of Almora, Uttarakhand which is located on a ridge at the southern edge of the Kumaon Hills of the Himalaya range. This article brings into notice the damage by M. pustulata first time on maize from the specified area. The morphological features such as characteristic wing pattern, mouthparts, antennae etc. and feeding on sap or solid matter of floral or fruit in a similar manner as described in earlier texts revealed the similarity of test insect with M. pustulata.

2 illus, 10 ref

004770   BHAT G M, ISLAM M A, MALIK A R, RATHER T A, KHAN F A S, MIR A H (Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Ganderbal- 191 201, Email: ajaztata@gmail.com) : Productivity and economic evaluation of Willow (Salix alba L.) based silvopastoral agroforestry system in Kashmir valley. J Appl Nat Sci 2019, 11(3), 743-51.

Performance of two fodder crops namely, sorghum (Sorghum vulgare L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) was investigated with Willow (Salix alba L.) to evaluate productivity and economics of the silvopastoral agroforestry system in Kashmir valley. The experiment was laid out by planting two year old willows at 2.0 m × 2.0 m spacing and dividing the main plot into sub-plots of size 8 m × 2 m each with 5 replications in randomized block design (RDB). The intercrops of sorghum and maize were maintained at 20 cm × 10 cm spacing and supplied with recommended doses of fertilizers. The economics of the willow plantation intercropped with fodder crops was compared with sole willow farming by the benefit-cost ratio and net present worth. The study revealed the differential behaviour of Salix alba regarding growth parameters (height, diameter and girth) by different intercrops and various fodder intercrops with respect to yield, above ground biomass, dry matter production and soil nutrient status (pH, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and po-tassium). The willow based silvopastoral system was estimated to have benefit-cost ratio of 2.71 with maize and 2.68 with sorghum, while as sole crop the willows accrued a benefit-cost ratio of 2.66. The study is useful in discovering growth of willows, productivity of fodder crops and soil nutrient status under various silvopastoral agroforestry systems for maximizing economic gains. The findings envisaged evidences in favour of adopting wil-low based silvopastoral agroforestry instead of sole tree farming and the knowledge of interactions will be helpful in proper management of the system for sustained multiple productions.

9 tables, 51 ref

004835   KUMARI R, SINGH R, KUMAR N (Soil and Crop Management Div, ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI), Karnal- 132 001, Email: renuchoudhary.choudhary48@gmail.com) : Effect of crop residue management on soil organic carbon, soil organic matter and crop yield: An overview. J Appl Nat Sci 2019, 11(3), 712-7.

Soil is a very important factor of the plant growth and crop yield. But now a days, very small area of the soil can actually be fertile for agriculture, and if we manage improperly it can be depleted. So the big problem, how we manage and increase the fertility of soil. It has been reported that soil organic carbon and soil matter is the most important indicator of soil quality and soil health. It is also beneficial for agricultural sustainability. In this re-view, we summarized how crop residue management affects soil organic carbon (SOC), soil organic matter (SOM), soil aggregation, effect of residue burning and crop productivi-ty in different cropping system. Proper use of crop residue can increase or maintain the physical and chemical properties of SOM and improve the quality of soil. Manure or crop residue alone may not be adequate to maintain SOC levels. Knowledge and assessment of changes (positive or negative) in SOC and SOM with time is still needed to evaluate the impact of different management practices.

52 ref

004885   SAINI J, BHATT R (Panjab Univ, Chandigarh, Punjab, Email: jhanvisaini12345@icloud.com) : Climate smart agricultural technologies in rice-wheat water stressed regions of Punjab, India-A review. J Appl Nat Sci 2019, 11(3), 698-703.

Intensively cultivated rice-wheat cropping sequence of Punjab, India responsible for many sustainability issues viz. declining underground water, declining soil health, arising micro-nutrient deficiencies etc. Around 1.3 M ha-m additional withdrawal of water from the ground is being taken place annually in Punjab and mainly it is used for the rice crop which is not a traditional crop of the region. Puddling, seepage and percolation losses are the main sources of water loss from the rice based cropping systems in the Indo-Gangetic plains (IGPs) and many Resource Conservation Technologies (RCTs) have been recommended for water saving. The real water saving techniques are those which hinder the water from going into those sinks from where it cannot be reused (Evaporation, E) and diverted greater fraction of water of ET toward transpiration (T) which is desired as greater transpiration, greater the inflow of water and nutrients and which ultimately increase the grain yield with the lesser consumption of irrigation water as interval in between two irrigation increases, which further increase the water productivity. Among different RCTs, short duration crop varieties and delaying transplanting time are the real water saving techniques for the regions where water table is already declining down, however other RCTs may be suitable for the regions facing water logging problems as these cut down the drainage losses and these energy saving rather than water saving techniques.

1 table, 55 ref

004872   RAI A K, DAS H, BASU A K (Odisha Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Malkangiri- 764 045, Email: anuj.ouat@gmail.com) : Response of Bio-priming in okra for vegetable production. J Appl Nat Sci 2019, 11(3), 687-93.

The field experiment was conducted at District Seed Farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal in summer season of 2011 and 2012. Pre-sowing bio-priming was done with Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens with an un-primed control to assess the trend of okra varieties viz., Lalu, Arka Anamika, Ra-mya, Satsira, Lady Luck,Debpusa Jhar, Japani Jhar and Barsha Laxmi due to bio-priming of seeds towards vegetable production Significant variation among the varieties was noted for all the characters studied. Okra variety Lalu gave highest vegetable yield per plant in both years and it was statistically at par with Arka Anamika. Vegetable yield per plant was increased by 4.33 to 20.08 % in first year and 3.68 to 19.60 % in second year with T. virideas compared to P. fluorescens and unprimed control. Individual varieties indicated that vegetable yield per plant was maximum with Lalu when priming was made with both the bio-inoculants followed by Arka Anamika during both years. Hence, Lalu and Arka Anamika may be recommended for experimental region for higher yield and pre-sowing seed bio-priming may be recommended with both T.viride and P.fluorescens for enhanced vegetable yield of okra.

4 tables, 35 ref

004825   KHOUND A, SHARMAH D, BARUA P C (Krishi Vigyan Kendra (ICAR), South Tripura, Tripura, Email: dasharmah@gmail.com) : Variation in spike initiation in some Piper longum germplasms of North East India. J Appl Nat Sci 2019, 11(3), 684-6.

The risk of adverse reactions in herbal remedies is less and has become popular to be used traditionally for treating various diseases. The species associated with genus Piper are important medicinal plants used for preparation of herbal medicines. The present investigation was carried out in the Experimental farm, Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13 during 2013-14 and 2014-15 to investigate the flowering variation of some Piper longumgermplasms of North East India. A total of 16 Piper longum germplasms including "Viswam‟ as check variety were evaluated and experi-mental data revealed significant difference in spike initiation time among the germplasms with shortest spike initiation period (245.30 days) that recorded in germplasm PLJ-19 while the check var. recorded 287.40 days. Significant and shortest period for spike initia-tion to maturity was recorded in germplasm PLJ-19 (61.04 days) followed by PLJ-01 (61.00 days), PLJ-11 (61.38 days) and check var. (70.03 days).The number of flowering spike per plant ranges in between 58.53-113.73. The highest number of flowering spike per plant 113.73 was observed in germplasm PLJ-19 followed by PLJ-01 (109.40), PLJ-11 (104.11), PLJ-16 (100.33) and were found to be superior over check var. (92.07). The present findings has a significant contribution in determination and identification of germplasm having shorter spike formation period with higher number of flowering spike as the variation in piperine content depends on both the characters also.

2 tables, 12 ref

004873   RAJ A B, RAJ S K (Agronomy Dep, Kerala Agricultural Univ, Vellayani- 695 522, Email: sheejakraj70@gmail.com) : Zinc and boron nutrition in pulses: A review. J Appl Nat Sci 2019, 11(3), 673-9.

Zn plays major role in many physiological processes viz., chlorophyll formation, pollen formation, fertilization, protein synthesis, cell elongation, nodule formation etc. Hence, Zn nutrition favourably influences the growth, yield, physiological parameters and nodule formation in pulses. Similar to that of Zn, B also plays a major role in the functioning of reproductive tissues, structural integrity of plasma membrane, sugar transport, nodule development etc. Boron nutrition reduces the flower drop, increases the pod setting in pulses and also increased nodulation in pulses. The review elaborates the effect of Zn and B nutrition on the physiological, growth and yield parameters and yield of pulses and their effect on nodule formation and uptake of nutrients in pulses.

84 ref

004898   SHARMA R, ARAVIND T, SHARMA R (Plant Pathology Dep, G.B. Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Udham Singh Nagar-263145, Email: aravindtherthala@gmail.com) : Sustainable agriculture: Trends and opportunities for 21^st Century. J Appl Nat Sci 2019, 11(3), 666-72.

The green revolution has been a major boost to the agriculture sector throughout the world including India. The food production of the country increased by many fold during the 1960s and 1970s and has continued to increase since then. But, the boom of green revolution could not last long as we witnessed stagnation in the productivity of our farm lands along with soil and crop health degradation. This forced the scientific and farming community to look for efficient and ecologically safe farming systems which led to the evolution of the concept of 'sustainable agriculture'. Sustainable agriculture is a holistic concept of agriculture which helps in meeting the needs of the present generation without affecting the future generation. It helps in maintaining optimum crop production along with maintaining soil health, conservation of natural resources and preserving ecological balance and biodiversity in agroecosystems. This review aims to create a paradigm for future studies on new and innovative techniques for sustainable crop production.

44 ref

004855   PANDIT T K, MOOKHERJEE S, HEMBRAM T K, KARFORMA J (Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Dakshin Dinajpur- 733 133, Email: tapas_pandit@rediffmail.com) : Performance of Toria (Brassica campestrisvar. toria) on sulphur nutrition and soil test based nutrient management practice in farmers’ field of West-Bengal Himalayan range. J Appl Nat Sci 2019, 11(3), 657-60.

An on-farm trial was conducted in the farmers’ field during 2013-14 and 2014-15 to assess the technology of application of sulphur on Toria (Brassica campestrisvar. toria) along with soil test-based nutrient management practice under rainfed condition at brown forest soil of the Himalayan range of West Bengal. The experiment was conducted at the seven villages namely Bong Busty, Charkhol, Sangsey, Bungku-lung, Sakyong, Pudung, Didabling of Kalimpong district at an altitude ranged between 1210 m to 1300 m . Significantly higher values of no. of primary branches (9.78); no. of siliquaplant^-1 (82.12); no. of seeds siliqua^-1(35.51) as well as seed yield (1023 kg ha^-1) were recorded with soil test based nutrient management practice along with soil application of sulphur (80 %) @ 20kg ha^-1 as basal compared to the farmers’ practice. The soil application of sulphur and soil test based nutrient management practice also fetched higher return per rupee invested (1.61) compared to the other treatments. No remarkable change was observed in soil fertility status after two years of experimentation. As it was an adoptive trial with the participation of farmers, the necessity of soil test based nutrient management practice and application of sulphur have been well realized by the participating farmers.

4 tables, 13 ref

004930   VADIVEL V, PITCHAMUTHU S (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar- 608 002, Email: senvalavan_m2002@yahoo.co.in) : Accumulation efficiency of sunflower for lead and cadmium along with sustainable crop productivity under soil stress. J Appl Nat Sci 2019, 11(3), 636-44.

By nature coastal saline soils having several constraints in crop production in addition to that of heavy metals contamination deteriorate the soil productivity. To restore these contaminated soils, various remediation techniques in practices must be revamped. The pre-sent study was conducted to enhance the accumulation of heavy metals lead and cadmium in sunflower and improve the crop productivity using organic and inorganic soil amendments along with NPK fertilizers in completely randomized design. Soil samples were admitted to estimating soil physico chemical properties and DTPA extractable lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) and plant samples analyzed for DTPA extractable Pb and Cd concentrations under ICP-OES. The physico-chemical properties and DTPA extractable Pb and Cd concentrations were significantly influenced by amendments. Sunflower exhibited significant differences concerning accumulation of Pb and Cd against amendments tested along with higher biomass production. Higher shoot and root concentration of Pb (0.72,0.81 and 0.94,0.97 mg kg^-1) and Cd (1.78, 2.32 and 0.35,0.32 mg kg^-1) were recorded in the treatment RDF + EDTA, which was followed by RDF + Potassium humate and RDF + Zeolite application at 45 DAS and at harvest. Remediation efficiency of sunflower increased by application of RDF + EDTA through enhanced solubility of Pb and Cd in soil and thus increased Pb and Cd accumulation in root and shoot of sunflower. Whereas, the application of RDF+ FYM or press mud reduced the bioavailability of Pb and Cd in soil and thus restricted the accumulation of Pb and Cd by sunflower. Further, application of NPK fertilizers maintained the availability of nutrients and enhanced the yield of sunflower. The application of EDTA along with NPK fertilizer enhanced the bioaccumulation of lead and cadmium by sunflower without yield loss. Since, there is a possibility to cause leaching of HMs to ground water by EDTA. Hence, RDF plus Potassium humate or Zeolite can be recommended for lead and cadmium removal by sunflower in coastal saline soils with no loss in crop productivity.

6 tables, 45 ref

004775   BUKHARI R, SINGH K P, SHAH R H (Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir) : Non: Mulberry sericulture. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 311-23.

India has witnessed an increasing trend in production of Tasar, Eri and Muga from 2002-03 to 2015-16. The maximum annual growth in production of Tasar of 890 (51.47 %) metric tonne was recorded in the year 2013-14 during the period under consideration. The maximum annual growth in production of Eri of 1121 (35.98 %) metric tonne was recorded in the year 2013-14 during the period under consideration. The maximum annual growth in production of Muga of 29 (24.37 %) metric tonne was recorded in the year 2013-14 during the period under consideration. Total production of raw silk in India was 28523 metric tonne during 2015-16; out of which 8045 (28.21 %) metric tonne was vanya silk. Out of these 8045 metric tonne produced vanya silk; production of Tasar, Eri and Muga was 2819, 5060 and 166 metric tonne respectively during the year. We have seen a growth of 15.82 %, 7.07 % and 5.06 % in production of Tasar, Eri and Muga respectively during 2015-16 over 2014-15. Total production of raw silk in India was 28708 metric tonne during 2014-15; out of which 7318 (25.49 %) metric tonne was vanya silk. Out of these 7318 metric tonne produced vanya silk; production of Tasar, Eri and Muga was 2434, 4726 and 158 metric tonne respectively during the year. We have seen a growth of -7.06 %, 11.54 % and 6.76 % in production of Tasar, Eri and Muga respectively during 2014-15 over 2013-14.

11 tables, 70 ref

004827   KULKARNI S, RAJA (Plant Pathology Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Raichur, Karnataka) : Assessment of grain and stalk yield losses due to anthracnose of green gram caused by Colletotrichum truncatum (Schw.) Andrus and Moore in Northern Karnataka. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 307-10.

Studies were conducted to assess the grain and stalk yield losses due to anthracnose of greengram using carbendazim 50 WP in susceptible variety Chinamung. Comparatively lower disease index with increase in grain and stalk yield and also maximum BCR was recorded in plots receiving two sprays of Carbendazim. The average grain yield loss of 39.98 per cent and stalk yield loss of 47.19 per cent were noticed due to anthracnose in unsprayed plots, yield loss models using simple linear regression functions.

3 tables, 16 ref

004767   BABU P, RAGHAVENDRA S, TAMADADDI B L (Horticulture Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Dharwad, Karnataka) : Physico-chemical characterization of Jamun (Syzygium cumini Skeels) seedling genotypes. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 300-3.

Jamun seedling genotypes were evaluated to study the naturally existing variations. The genotypes were classified in to early, mid and late season genotypes and their bearing potential wise grouped in to heavy, average and poor bearers. Further, fruits of all the genotypes subjected for physic-chemical characterization. There exists lot of variations for physical parameters like fruit length, diameter and weight, seed length, diameter and weight, pulp weight, pulp to seed ratio, per cent pulp and per cent seed and also for chemical characteristics like pH, titrable acidity, vitamin C, reducing and non-reducing sugars, total sugars, total protein and phenol content of jamun fruits.

3 tables, 13 ref

004903   SINGH B N, KUMAR R, TIWARI R C (Agronomy Dep, N. D. Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh) : Evalution of irrigation methods, moisture regimes and integrated nitrogen management in potato (Solanum tuberosum L). J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 270-2.

The experiment entitled Effect of moisture regimes and integrated nitrogen management on the yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) was conducted during 2017-18 at Agronomy Research Farm of Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.). The treatments included two irrigation methods ie M₁ (Regular furrow irrigation method) and M₂ (alternate furrow irrigation method), three moisture regimes ie I₁ 0.8 IW/CPE, I₂ 1.0 IW/CPE and I₃ 1.2 IW/CPE with 6 cm water depth and three nitrogen management ie N₁ (100 % N through Urea), N₂ (75 % N through Urea + 25 % N through compost) and N₃ (50 % N through compost. Regular furrow irrigation M1 with 1.0IW/CPE (I₂) and integrated nitrogen management 75 % N through urea + 25 % N through compost was found better for potato yield performance. Treatment combination M₁I₂N₂ given the highest net return of T 126255 ha^-1 with B-C ratio of 1.92 during investigation.

2 tables, 5 ref

004853   PAL V, BOHRA J S (Agronomy Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh) : Influence of different tillage, cropping sequence, mulching and fertility levels on microbial population. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 259-62.

The field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Farm BHU Varanasi during Kharif, Rabi and summer season 2012-13 and 2013-14 to evaluate the microbial population under two tillage practices (reduced tillage and conventional tillage) four cropping sequence; (rice-wheat, rice-potato-green gram, maize-mustard-green gram and DSR-maize-green gram), two mulching treatments; (mulching during rabi and no mulch) and two fertility levels (75 % RDF +25 % N through FYM and 100 % RDF) with three replications in Split Plot Design. The results revealed that reduced tillage significantly increased the population of Bacteria ×10⁵ CFU g^-1, Actinomycetes ×10⁵ CFU g^-1 and Fungi ×10⁵ CFU g^-1 in soil over the conventional tillage. Significant increase of Bacteria ×10⁵ CFU g^-1, Actinomycetes ×10⁵ CFU g^-1 and Fungi ×10⁵ CFU g^-1 in soil under maize-mustard-green gram cropping sequence were noticed over rest of the cropping sequences. Mulching significantly increased the population of Bacteria ×10⁵ CFU g^-1 , Actinomycetes ×10⁵ CFU g^-1 as well as Fungi ×10⁵ CFU g^-1 as compared to No mulch. Similarly, INM comparing 75 % RDF + 25 % N through FYM significantly improved the population of Bacteria ×10⁵ CFU g^-1, Actinomycetes ×10⁵ CFU g^-1 as well as Fungi ×10⁵ CFU g^-1 over 100 % RDF during both the years, all these practices improved soil fertility, soil health as well soil quality.

1 table, 12 ref

004769   BANSODE M D, SURYAVANSHI V P, CHAVAN K A (Agronomy Dep, Latur Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra) : Production constraints analysis of kharif French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in vertisols. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 252-4.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2018 - 2019 at Experimental farm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Latur (MS) to study the effect of production constraints on growth and yield of French bean. The results indicated that adoption of full package of practices (fertilizer + weeding + insect pest management) resulted in significantly higher seed yield (1111 kg ha^-1 ). Among the various single factor production constraints fertilizer application was found to be most crucial factor caused yield losses up to 34 % followed by insect pest management (24 %) and weeding (13 %). Regarding the combination of two factor production constraints the treatment where fertilizer application and weeding was not done resulted in reduction in French bean yield by 53 % as compared to full package of practices and found to be as a major resource constraints in French bean production, followed by combined constraint weeding + insect pest management and fertilizer+ insect pest management which caused yield losses upto 52 % and 45 %, respectively.

2 tables, 10 ref

004887   SANDHYA, KOLI N R, KUMAR M (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Agricultural Univ, Kota, Rajasthan) : Studies on sustainability index for selecting stable genotypes of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) in south-eastern plain zone of Rajasthan. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 249-51.

An experiment was conducted during Rabi (2014-2018) season to determine the sustainability index and genotypic stability of seven released linseed varieties under condition of South-Humid plane Zone of Rajasthan. The highest sustainability index (%) and high mean yield was recorded in variety PA-2 (92.35 % and 15.41 q/ha) followed by KB-3 (89.79 % and 12.57 q/ha), KB-4 (88.88 % and 10.61 q/ha.) and PA1 (82.36 % and 12.81 q/ha), whereas moderate sustainability index was observed in T-397 (74.06 %) and Meera (70.30 %). Based on high yield performance and sustainability index, varieties viz., PA-2 (Pratap Alsi-2), PA-1 (Pratap Alsi-1), KB-3 (Kota Barani Alsi-3) and KB-4 (Kota Barani Alsi-4) can be used as parent in future breeding programme.

1 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

004870   PURAD P B, USHA NANDHINI DEVI H, ARUMUGAM T, KARTHIKEYAN M (Vegetable Crops Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Growth and performance of different chilli genotypes for yield and yield attributing characters. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 210-3.

The field experiment was carried out in June 2018 to October 2018. Fifty-nine (59) genotypes were studied for seven (7) different characters using Randomized Block Design with two replications. All the genotypes showed significant difference for all the characters. However, the maximum plant height was observed in genotype Sankaran kovil local (75.43 cm), maximum number of branches per plant was observed in CA-45 (14.02), maximum number of fruits per plant was observed in CA-7 (128.71 / plant), maximum fruit length was observed in M-106 (15.14 cm), maximum fruit girth was observed in Ramnad local (2.31 cm), maximum single fruit weight was observed in M-106 (17.88 g/ fruit) and maximum fresh fruit yield was observed in CA-7 (369.24 g/ plant) followed by CA-116 (356.03 g/ plant) and F-410 (342.56 g per plant), while, the minimum fresh fruit yield was observed in Sankaran kovil local (37.46 g/ plant) though it was found to be the tallest plant among all. Among the fifty-nine genotypes evaluated, three (3) genotypes, such as CA-7, CA-116 and F-410 were found to be promising based on yield. Therefore, these lines can be used in further breeding programmes as parental.

3 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

004822   KERKETTA A, SHUKLA C S, SINGH H K (Horticulture Coll and Research Station, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh) : Evaluation of different casing materials for growth and yield of button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus (L.) Sing.). J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 207-9.

Six different casing materials (alone and combination) were evaluated for growth and yield of button mushroom. Casing materials viz., cocopeat, vermicompost + cocopeat (1:1), vermicompost + soil (1:1), cocopeat + soil (1:1) vermicompost + cocopeat + soil (1:1:1) and soil + FYM + sand (1:1:1) were used as casing materials and analysed for pH, EC (Electrical conductivity) and WHC (Water holding capacity). The results revealed that the pinhead initiation was significantly fastest in cocopeat + soil and it was delayed in soil + FYM + sand. Yield attributing characters like stalk length, stalk diameter and pileus diameter did not differed significantly with respect to casing materials and it varied form 2.63-3.45 cm, 1.58-1.76 cm and 3.99-4.50 cm respectively. Number of fruiting bodies and yield were also found insignificant and ranges from 8.66-19 and maximum yield (355 g) was obtained in cocopeat + soil with highest biological efficiency 11.83 %. pH, EC and WHC found in ranges from 5.4-7.5, 0.55-1.98 ds/m and 59.44-271.10 % respectively. When it correlated with yield, the maximum yield was obtained in casing material (cocopeat + soil) which has 5.6 pH, EC 1.98 ds/m and WHC 238.97 % whereas, the minimum yield was found in the casing material (soil + FYM + sand) which has pH 7.5, EC 0.55 ds/m and WHC 59.44 %.

2 tables, 13 ref

004863   PAVITHRA K, JANAKI P, GOMADHI G, RATHIKA S, EJILANE J (Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Trichy, Tamil Nadu) : Effect of nitrogen levels and herbicides on major nutrients uptake and recovery by finger millet in sodic soil. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 200-6.

Finger millet is an essential diet on everyday intake. It’s the third most food crop among millets. It requires less water to produce the yield and is recommended as a tolerant crop for sodic soil. Hence, an experiment was conducted with application of various herbicides in combination as subplots and two nitrogen levels viz., 100 % RDF and 125 % N RDF in split plot design to study their individual effect and their interaction. The results showed that application of 125 % N RDF, PE oxyfluorfen + EPOE bispyribac sodium and 125 % N plus PE oxyfluorfen + EPOE bispyribac sodium recorded higher primary nutrients uptake. The utrients recovery was also arrived and found to be higher comparatively in pendimethalin plots. Results revealed that the application of pre- emergence and post emergence herbicides have higher recovery of N, P and K in finger millet due to the maintainenence of weed free condition for longer extent along with 125 % N level through boosting the crop growth and improving the nutrients absorption.

2 illus, 6 tables, 23 ref

004895   SHAMAD A, MAURYA K R, DEVI B, SINGH M K (Horticulture Dep, AKS Univ, Satna, Madhya Pradesh) : Effect of phosphorus levels and Rhizobium culture on growth, yield and quality of early varieties of Garden pea (Pisum sativum L.). J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 196-9.

The present investigation entitled “Effect of phosphorus levels and Rhizobium culture on growth, yield and quality of early varieties of Garden pea (Pisum sativum L.)” was carried out at the Horticulture Research Farm, A.K.S University, Satna (M.P). The field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2017-2018. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with (factorial) 3 replications. The maximum pod yield 46.08 q/ha was obtained by the effective use of phosphorus @ 60 kg P₂O₅/ha. Outstanding pod yield ie 47.50 q/ha was obtained when Jawahar matar-3 was evaluated. Interactive use of V₂Rh₁P₂ (Jawahar matar-3 + with Rhizobium inoculation) produced a large quantity of pod yield ie 48.50 q/ha which was significantly outstanding among rest of the combinations. Shelling percent and protein content was found to be significantly more and it was 43.68 % and 7.15 % due to individual use of phosphorus @ 60 kg P₂O₅/ha respectively.

1 table, 9 ref

004874   RAJ M A, MAHESHWARAN P, MANSINGH M D I, VIGNESH S, ARAVINTHAM M (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Theni, Tamil Nadu) : Studies on effect of foliar nutrition of macro and micronutrients on growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 188-91.

A field experiment was conducted at Demo field of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Theni, Tamil Nadu from 2018 to 2019. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design and replicated thrice with following eight treatments; T₁ - Control (RDF), T₂ - 100 % RDF+ foliar spray of WSF and IIHR vegetable special, T₃ - 90 % RDF + foliar spray of WSF and IIHR vegetable special, T₄ - 80 % RDF + foliar spray of WSF and IIHR vegetable special, T₅ - 70 % RDF + foliar spray of WSF and IIHR vegetable Special, T₆ - 60 % RDF + foliar spray of WSF and IIHR vegetable special, T₇ - 50 % RDF + foliar spray of WSF and IIHR vegetable special. T₈ - 40 % RDF + foliar spray of WSF and IIHR vegetable special. Different levels of recommended dose of fertilizer were applied at the time of field preparation as a basal dose. Watersoluble fertilizers (19:19:19) and IIHR vegetable special were applied @ 0.25 % (2.5 g L^-1 ) at different stages of growth, i.e., flowering and fruit-development stage. Among the different treatments tried application of 80 % RDF + foliar spray of WSF and IIHR vegetable Special (T₄) resulted higher growth characters, viz., plant height (128 cm), number of leaves per plant (87.05), number of branches per plant (4.55), number of flowers per plant (64.01) and yield attributes viz., number of fruits per plant (44.06), fruit weight (65.04 gm), fruit diameter (4.90 mm), fruit yield per plant (3.20 kg plant^-1 ) and fruit yield per ha (48.06 t ha^-1 ). Based on the experimental results, it could be concluded that foliar spray of WSF and IIHR vegetable special along with 80 % of recommended dose of fertilizer could be considered as a better option for achieving higher productivity and profitability and improved quality of Tomato.

2 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

004820   KARMAKAR S, PRAKASH P (Plant Physiology Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh) : Ameliorative effect of zinc and vermicompost on physiological and yield attributes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under arsenic toxicity. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 180-3.

The present study illustrates the phytotoxicity of arsenic (As) on wheat (HUW-234) seedlings and preapplication of zinc sulphate and vermicompost for mitigating toxic effects of As. Seedlings of HUW-234 genotype of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were raised in pot soil culture using eight treatment combinations viz., Control, Vermicompost @ 15 t.ha^-1 , ZnSO₄.7H₂O @ 20 ppm Zn, Vermicompost @ 15 t.ha^-1+ ZnSO₄.7H₂O @ 20 ppm Zn, Na₂HAsO₄.7H₂O @ 30 ppm As, Na₂HASO₄.7H₂O @ 30 ppm As + Vermicompost @ 15 t.ha^-1 , Na₂HASO₄.7H₂O @ 30 ppm As + ZnSO₄.7H₂O @ 20 ppm Zn and Na₂HASO₄.7H₂O @ 30 ppm As + Vermicompost @ 15 t.ha^-1 + ZnSO₄.7H₂O @ 20 ppm Zn. Perusal of data indicated that arsenic @ 30 ppm treated pots showed decrease in plant height, leaf area and shoot dry matter as compared to pots with no arsenic treatment. Zinc @ 20 ppm and Vermicompost @ 15 t.ha^-1 alone resulted in increase in plant height, leaf area and shoot dry matter. The highest plant height, leaf area and shoot dry matter in arsenic treated pots were found in treatment supplemented with Zinc @ 20 ppm and Vermicompost @ 15 t.ha^-1 , whereas, least of above parameters were recorded in pots without zinc and vermicompost supplementation.

3 tables, 26 ref

004859   PATIL C B, KARLE A S, GOKHALE D N (Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural Univ, Parbhani, Maharashtra) : Comparative productivity and profitability of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) based intercropping systems under protective irrigation on vertisol. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 176-9.

An experiment was conducted at the Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani during rabi seasons of 2016-17 and 2017-18. Sixteen intercropping treatments including sole crops were tested in randomized block design. Safflower crop and intercrops viz., sorghum, wheat, chickpea, lentil and linseed were tested in 1:3 and 2:4 row proportions in replacement series. Safflower variety PBNS-12, sorghum variety Parbhani Moti, wheat variety Trimbak, chickpea variety Akash, lentil variety JL-3 and linseed variety PKVNL-260 were used. Pooled results revealed that safflower + chickpea (2:4) intercropping system recorded highest Safflower Equivalent Yield (2214 kg ha^-1 ) followed by sole chickpea (2144 kg ha^-1 ), sole safflower(2125 kg ha^-1 ) and safflower + chickpea (1:3) intercropping system (2099 kg ha^-1 ). Gross Monetary Returns, Net Monetary Returns and B: C ratio followed the similar trend. It can be concluded that safflower + chickpea (2:4) intercropping system is beneficial among all safflower based intercropping systems under protective irrigation on vertisol followed by sole chickpea, sole safflower and safflower + chickpea (1:3) intercropping system.

3 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

004929   UPADHYAY V, AGRAWAL S K, PANDE A K (Extension Education Dep, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) : Impact assessment of national food security mission with respect to change in area, production and productivity of chickpea of different categories of chickpea growers in Madhya Pradesh. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 173-5.

Government of India had launched Centrally Sponsored Scheme, ‘National Food Security Mission’ in August 2007 with the objective to increase production and productivity of wheat, rice and pulses on a sustainable basis so as to ensure food security of the country. In order to promote pulse production in the country, National Food Security Mission -Pulses programme was started in 2007-08. The NFSM- Pulses scheme is also running in Madhya Pradesh. The study was conducted in selected district Narsinghpur of Madhya Pradesh during 2016-2017. Regarding the change in area, production and productivity of chickpea of different categories (small, medium and large farmers) of chickpea growers by the intervention of NFSM, they had significant difference with each other. The mean value of area of small farmer, before was 0.32 while after was 0.76, medium farmer before was 0.76 while after was 1.14, and large farmer before was 1.17 while after was 2.21. In case of change in production, the mean value of production of small farmer before was 5.12 while after was 14.42, medium farmer before was 14.22 while after was 28.23, and large farmer before was 24.55 while after was 48.20. In case of change in productivity, the mean value of productivity of small farmer before was 10.05 while after was 18.75, medium farmer before was 18.06 while after was 20.21, and large farmer before was 20.02 while after was 21.26. The study revealed that there is significant difference between change in area and production of chickpea of different categories of chickpea growers before and after the intervention of National Food Security Mission.

2 tables, 4 ref

004937   YADAV D K, BARIK B R, PRADHAN G, SINGH R K, PRASAD S K (Agronomy Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh) : Responses of crops plant to drought and its management for crop water availability: A review. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 167-72.

The drought prone area are seen frequently worldwide and increasing 14.30 % during the period of 1902– 1949 and 1950–2008 Wang et al. (2014) while Zhang et al., (2017b) also reported that the semi-arid region of Northern China are also facing drought frequently as the variability of annual and decadal precipitation and temperature. Harb et al. (2010) documented that due to the drought induced to plant resulting as changes at cellular level showing acclamatory responses through proliferation of cell wall in Arabidopsis thaliana as an early cop-out strategy under water scarcity. Drought induced plant having decrease in their specific leaf area resulting as reduction of cell expansion and finally thinner leaves (Liu and Stützel, 2004). A common finding reported from drought studies area as the enhancement of rootshoot ratio and finding the enhancement of more root biomass compare to shoot biomass under the water limited condition (Blum, 1996). Such finding are also reported by Erice et al. (2010) under water stress conditions as maintaining higher root-shoot ratio in alfalfa. The reason behind it as accumulation of solutes on the root tip in water limited condition and resulting as variation in potential between the surrounding soil and root hairs, which in turn attract more water to these root hairs/ root tips therefore able to maintain root turger pressure and growth (Liu and Stützel, 2004). Moreover reduction in the leaf area of Jatropha curcas L. seedling as 28 % of total leaf biomass produced under water scarcity (Achten et al., 2010).

1 illus, 1 table, 58 ref

004806   HIBAH SHAHIN FATHIMAA H, NALINA L, RAJAMANI K, BALACHANDER D, THIRIBHUVANAMALA (Medicinal and Aromatic Crops Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Effect of different media and bioinoculants on growth and yield characters of vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty). J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 145-8.

The present study was conducted with the principal aim to identify a suitable medium for sustainable vetiver production. The essential oil of vetiver is globally known for its use in perfumery and cosmetic industry. The roots are the economic part of this crop. Harvesting of vetiver from open field results in detainment of the core roots and reduction in root yield. About 40 % of the roots are retained in the soil after harvest. This can be prevented by either maintaining a loose textured soil or by growing the plants in grow bags, which facilitates easy harvesting. In order to study the effect of different medium on growth and biomass of vetiver, the slips were grown in bags containing combinations of media components supplemented with organic manures. The medium was also supplemented with a consortium of bioinoculants (VAM, Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria). The highest morphological and biomass parameters were obtained in the treatment M3B2 (FYM + red earth (1: 4) + biofertilizers) resulting in increased root yield per plant. However, the highest oil content was observed in M1B2 (Coir + red soil + vermicompost (2:2:1) + neem cake (175g/ 25 kg of medium + bioinoculants)

1 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

004925   TIWARI R, SHARMA Y M, DWIVEDI B S, MITRA N G, KEWAT M L (Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) : Nutrient content and uptake by soybean as influenced by continuous application of fertilizer and manure in black soil. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 140-4.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of long term application of inorganic fertilizers and farmyard manure on pattern of nutrient content and nutrient uptake of soybean in black soil. The field experiments was conducted on the Research Farm of Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, JNKVV, Jabalpur during 2017-18 and 2018-19 with ten treatments i.e. 50 % NPK, 100 % NPK, 150 % NPK, 100 % NPK+HW, 100% NPK+ Zn, 100 % NP, 100 % N, 100 % NPK+FYM, 100 % NPK-S and control. The highest content and uptake pattern of nutrient in soybean ware associated with integrated application of fertilizer along with Farmyard manure (100 % NPK + FYM). While, the lowest value was found in control as well as 100 % N alone. But supplementation of fertilizer P with N (100 % NP) enhanced the content uptake in soybean. Moreover, applied 150 % NPK observed the higher value as compared to 100 % NPK and 50 % NPK. However, in general higher content and uptake of nutrients were found in grain as compared to straw.

4 tables, 20 ref

004886   SAMINATHAN V R, MATHIYALAGAN S, GEETHA K (Horticultural Coll and Research Institute, Trichy, Tamil Nadu) : Pheromone traps: An effective tool to manage rhinoceros beetle and red palm weevil in coconut ecosystem. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 137-9.

Red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera: Rhynchophoridae) and Rhinoceros beetle Oryctes rhinoceros Linn. (Coleoptera: Dynastidae) are most destructive pests in young coconut palms. As application of insecticides and implementation of mechanical or physical methods of pest management are very difficult, use of pheromone technology is the best option in coconut garden. To create awareness about this technology, front line demonstrations were conducted by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Vamban during 2013-14 in Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu. Rhinoceros beetle trap with rhinolure and red palm weevil trap with ferrolure were erected in the established coconut garden. In six months period, 362 rhinoceros beetles and 266 red palm weevils were trapped in respective traps. At the end of six months, per cent trees with red palm weevil symptoms and rhinoceros beetle symptoms were 24.28 and 15.71 in demonstration and 44.28 and 22.80 in control respectively. Demonstration plot had 21.72 per cent yield increase over control. Net return was Rs. 86,150 in demonstration with BCR of 3.28 as against Rs. 66,190 with BCR of 2.85 in control. The pheromone trap based control measures demonstrated in the coconut garden significantly reduced the tree damage and new infestation was very minimum besides increased yield and income.

2 tables, 12 ref