004780   CHAVAN K A, SURYAVANSHI V P, PATIL A A (Agronomy Dep, Agriculture Coll, Latur, Maharashtra) : Effect of integrated weed management on growth of kharif French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 113-6.

A field experiment was carried out at experimental farm of Agronomy section, College of Agriculture, Latur during Kharif 2018 to study the effect of applications of pre emergence and post emergence herbicides on growth attributes of kharif French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with seven treatments and replicated thrice. Maximum Plant height plant^-1 (33.87 cm) at harvest were recorded with the weed free treatment (T₆) which was found at par with the Pendimethalin 30 % EC @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha^-1 (PE) (T₁), treatment Pendimethalin 30 % EC @1.0 kg a.i.ha^-1(PE) + One hoeing at 30 DAS (T₃) and Quizalofop-p-ethyl 5 % EC @ 100 g a.i. ha^-1 at 20 DAS + one hoeing at 30 DAS (T₄). Maximum mean number of branches plant^-1(10.10), Mean plant spread plant^-1 (46.23 cm) were recorded with the weed free treatment (T₆) which was found at par with the Pendimethalin 30 % EC @1.0 kg a.i.ha^-1 (PE) + One hoeing at 30 DAS (T₃) and Quizalofop-p-ethyl 5 % EC @ 100 g a.i. ha^-1 at 20 DAS + one hoeing at 30 DAS (T₄ ) . While, maximum total dry matter accumulation at harvest plant^-1(17.27 g), were recorded with the weed free treatment (T₆) which was closely followed by the Pendimethalin 30 % EC @1.0 kg a.i.ha^-1(PE) + One hoeing at 30 DAS (T₃) and Quizalofop-p-ethyl 5 % EC @ 100 g a.i. ha^-1 at 20 DAS + one hoeing at 30 DAS (T₄). A field experiment was carried out at experimental farm of Agronomy section, College of Agriculture, Latur during Kharif 2018 to study the effect of applications of pre emergence and post emergence herbicides on growth attributes of kharif French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with seven treatments and replicated thrice. Maximum Plant height plant^-1 (33.87 cm) at harvest were recorded with the weed free treatment (T₆) which was found at par with the Pendimethalin 30 % EC @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha^-1 (PE) (T₁), treatment Pendimethalin 30 % EC @1.0 kg a.i.ha^-1(PE) + One hoeing at 30 DAS (T₃) and Quizalofop-p-ethyl 5 % EC @ 100 g a.i. ha^-1 at 20 DAS + one hoeing at 30 DAS (T₄). Maximum mean number of branches plant^-1(10.10), Mean plant spread plant^-1 (46.23 cm) were recorded with the weed free treatment (T₆) which was found at par with the Pendimethalin 30 % EC @1.0 kg a.i.ha^-1 (PE) + One hoeing at 30 DAS (T₃) and Quizalofop-p-ethyl 5 % EC @ 100 g a.i. ha^-1 at 20 DAS + one hoeing at 30 DAS (T₄). While, maximum total dry matter accumulation at harvest plant^-1(17.27 g), were recorded with the weed free treatment (T₆) which was closely followed by the Pendimethalin 30 % EC @1.0 kg a.i.ha^-1(PE) + One hoeing at 30 DAS (T₃) and Quizalofop-p-ethyl 5 % EC @ 100 g a.i. ha^-1 at 20 DAS + one hoeing at 30 DAS (T₄).

4 tables, 14 ref

004923   SWETHA D, KAMALKUMARAN P R, PREMALAKSHMI V, VETRIVELKALAI P, SRITHARAN N (Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Heterosis studies on plant defence enzymes for root knot nematode resistance in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) F₁ hybrids. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 110-2.

The main aim of the present investigation was to study the heterosis of plant defence enzymes in six tomato hybrids that are bred in Line x Tester fashion. Exploitation of hybrid vigour through heterosis breeding by considering the induction of plant defence enzymes like total phenols, peroxidase, IAA oxidase and acid phosphatase in roots can be utilized. It was found that heterosis was appreciable in all the hybrids but it was more in the two hybrids viz., Arka Abha×HN2 and E812×HN2 for all the defence enzymes studied. These crosses can be selected for the exploitation of hybrid vigour and commercial utilization under root knot nematode infested areas.

3 tables, 7 ref

004772   BHUT J B, JETHVA D M (Entomology Dep, Junagadh Agricultural Univ, Junagadh, Gujarat) : Effect of different insecticides against leaf miner, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton infesting kagzi lime. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 103-5.

Field experiments on effect of different insecticides against leaf miner, Phyllocnistis citrella (Stainton) infesting Kagzi lime was carried out at Horticulture farm, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during 2015-16 and 2016-17. All the treatments were significantly superior over untreated check. Results of the experiment indicated that the lowest leaf damage percentage was observed in the treatment of spinosad 45 SC 0.0135 %, it was statistically at par with difenthiuron 50 WP 0.05 % and imidacloprid 17.8 SL 0.0072 % after seven and fifteen days of first spray and second spray of the both the season. The treatments of thiamethoxam 25 WG 0.0125 %, profenophos 40 + cypermethrin 4 EC 0.044 % and profenophos 50 EC 0.05 % as mediocre, whereas buprofezin 25 EC 0.025 % and nuvaluron 10 EC 0.01 % found the least effective.

2 tables, 12 ref

004902   SINGH A, PANDEY I B (Agronomy Dep, Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural Univ, Samastipur, Bihar) : Effect of crop establishment methods, nutrient levels and weed management on yield of hybrid rice. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 91-5.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif seasons of 2017 and 2018 at research farm of TCA, Dholi, Muzzafarpur a campus of Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar to evaluate the effect of three different establishment methods viz. puddled transplanting, unpuddled transplanting and dry direct seeded rice with three nutrient levels viz. 75 % RDF (recommended dose of fertilizer), 100 % RDF and 125 % RDF and four weed management practices viz. weedy check, hand weeding twice (20 and 40 DAS/T), bispyribac sodium (20 g ai/ha) + pyrozosulfuron (20 g ai/ha), and brown manuring on yield of hybrid rice. Amongst crop establishment methods, puddled transplanting produced maximum grain yield, straw yield, harvest index and grain: straw ratio which was found significantly superior over other method of sowing. Application of 125 % RDF recorded higher grain yield, straw yield, harvest index and grain: straw ratio but was found at par with 100 % RDF and the both produced significantly higher yield over 75 % RDF during both years. The weed management practices significantly influenced the grain yield, straw yield, harvest index and grain: straw ratio of rice during both the years. The maximum yield was recorded under hand weeding twice but was found at par with combined application of bispyribac-sodium + pyrazosulfuron and both had significantly higher than the application of brown manuring. The minimum grain yield, straw yield, harvest index and grain: straw ratio was recorded under weedy check which was significantly lower than weed management practices.

5 tables, 21 ref

004809   JAGADEESHA N, SRINIVASULU G B, KUSTAGI G, UMESH M R, RAVI KUMAR B, MADHU L, REDDY V C (Horticultural Sciences Univ, Bagalkot, Karnataka) : Response of organic manures on water use efficiency, yield and soil properties in finger millet under rainfed condition. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 75-9.

The present study was carried out to know the effective organic manures to substitute for chemical fertilizers in enhancing productivity of Fingermillet under rainfed condition with different organic manures viz., FYM, sewage sludge, poultry manure compost, urban garbage compost, enriched urban garbage compost and vermicompost at the rate equivalent to recommended nitrogen and comparison with inorganic fertilizers. Highest grain yield (1870 kg ha^-1 ) and straw yield (3105 kg ha^-1 ) of finger millet was recorded with application of sewage sludge followed by poultry manure compost (1833 and 3052 kg ha^-1 , respectively) over all other treatments. Maximum water use of efficiency (6.20 and 6.01 Kg ha mm^-1 , respectively) was noticed with use of poultry manure compost and sewage sludge. Application of sewage sludge recorded highest Soil microbial population viz., bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes population, microbial biomass carbon and microbial biomass N (17.00 q X 107 cfu/g, 23.29 X 104 cfu/g, 21.46 X103 cfu/g, 1862.2 mg/g and 217.6 mg/g of soil, respectively) followed by poultry manure compost and lowest in inorganic fertilizer. Organic sources of nutrients tended to improve soil physico-chemical properties viz, bulk density, water holding capacity, Porosity and organic carbon. The highest organic carbon content was noticed with the application of sewage sludge (0.64 %) followed by poultry manure.

4 tables, 22 ref

004817   JOSHI R, TIWARI S N (Entomology Dep, G. B. Pant Univ of Agriculture, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand) : Fumigant toxicity and repellent activity of some essential oils against stored grain pest Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius). J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(4), 59-62.

Grain storage is an integral component of post-harvest management practices. In India approximately 10.0 per cent of food grain is lost during storage half of which is accounted for insect pests which may go up to 40 % losses in case of some insects. Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (lesser grain borer, Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) is major pest of stored grain in India, it may cause up to 40% of grain loss as compared to other stored grain pests. Although there have been certain insect management practices like use of synthetic pesticides but due to increasing concern of pesticide residue in grains has encouraged researchers to look for some other alternatives. In one such attempt fumigant toxicity and repellent activity of some essential oils derived from Murraya koenigii, Callistemon citrinus, Citrus limetta, Curcuma longa and Pinus roxburghii were tested against R. dominica. Insect was allowed to breed and feed for one month and then the number of adults emerged were counted. It was found that there was almost 100 % inhibition against this pest in all the essential oils when used in 0.1 % concentration. Different combinations were also prepared from these essential oils and then also it was observed that not less than 99.05 % inhibition was observed. High repellency was observed falling under class 4 and 5 when insect was tested against all the essential oils used in study. Thus the results observed indicates that these essential oils may revolutionize post-harvest management technology of grain storage by providing quality food and environmental friendly approach.

7 tables, 12 ref

003588   POONIA S P, JHORAR R K , JHORAR B S , PANKAJ Y K, MALI S, KUMAR P, PRAKASH N (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre, Patna- 844128, Bihar, Email: yaswantkumar19994@gmail.com) : Study on the various soil management practices on moisture conservation in soils considering semi-arid fruits. Indian J Soil Conserv 2019, 47(1), 96-101.

A field experiment was conducted at the RRS Balasmand and Dryland Agriculture Research Farm, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar in the year of 2016-2017. Runoff through sheet and rill erosion significantly increased with increasing level of pond silt, land slope percentage and rainfall duration. About -1 45 % of rainwater can be harvested at 8.2 cm hr^-1 rainfall intensity and 6 % soil slope amended with pond silt @ 300 t ha^-1 . Maximum soil loss was observed with 8.2 cm hr ^-1 rainfall intensity at 6 % slope amended with @ 300 t ha^-1 pond silt. Maximum soil moisture was conserved under polyethylene mulch as compared to other mulching practices i.e. residue mulch, soil mulch and control. Trenching with outward slope (5 %) and FYM in trench was found most suitable soil manipulation technique to improve the fruit yield and quality. The NO₃ -N concentration was maximum at the end 3 of water front, suggest that lower dose of nitrogenous fertilizer must be applied in sandy soil at one time.

12 tables, 9 ref

003584   PAUL S C, ACHARYA G C, PRADHAN A K (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Bihar Agricultural Univ, Bhagalpur- 813210, Bihar, Email: scpaul64@rediffmail.com) : Fly ash utilization and its potential benefits in agriculture: A review. Indian J Soil Conserv 2019, 47(1), 87-95.

Fly ash is the residue left behind after combustion of coal in thermal power plants which requires huge land area, water resources and energy for deposition. Fly ash continues to pose several unavoidable environmental, economic and social concerns. Therefore, its proper management is of utmost importance. This review paper attempts to give an elaborate idea on the importance, type, utilization, characterisation and exhaustive utilization of fly ash in agriculture. Fly ash is widely used in construction of bricks, blocks, tiles, cement, concrete, land reclamation, raising ground levels etc. It has immense potential in agriculture due to its natural characteristics and potential to modify soil health and crop performance. Various macronutrients except C and N, and micronutrients in fly ash increase soil fertility and crop productivity. Appropriate use of fly ash in agricultural soil as well as in plants as source of fertilizer and as soil conditioner, as pesticide or as carrier of insecticides has been included in this paper. Being alkaline in nature, fly ash, instead of lime can reduce net CO emission in 2 agriculture and thereby reduce global warming to a certain extent.

3 tables, 81 ref

003455   CHAND S, SINGH S, SRIVASTAVA R C (ICAR-National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research, Pusa, New Delhi, Email: scchand46@gmail.com) : Adoption determinants of soil and water conservation measures in Bay Islands: An analysis of farmer's perceptions for investment. Indian J Soil Conserv 2019, 47(1), 81-6.

The determinants for perception of farmers towards adoption of soil and water conservation (SWC) were studied in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair during 2011-13. The rate of adoption of SWC was largely affected by socio-economic condition of the farmers and biophysical factors. About 50 % farmers have adopted -1 SWC practices. The average landholding size was 2.5 ha households^-1 and family size 6-7 people. The logistic regression model indicates that age of head and family size had the negative influence on adoption but family headed by the female members found to be inclined toward adoption of adopt of soil and conservation measures. The level of education for head of family was significantly positive towards the adoption on conservation practices. The participation and trainings of farmers in different schemes of SWC had positive influence on their perception towards SWC likely to adopt. The study will be helpful in policy input to enhance the adoption rate of SWC in these Islands.

5 tables, 21 ref

003665   THAKUR J, KUMAR P, MOHIT, DHINDSA R K (Dr Y S Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, Email: jagritithakur001@gmail.com) : Influence of integrated nutrient management (INM) on soil physicochemical properties and nutrient uptake of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.). Indian J Soil Conserv 2019, 47(1), 74-80.

The present study was carried out with cauliflower cv. Pusa Snowball K-1 at the Experimental Farm of Department of Soil Science and Water Management, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, (Himachal Pradesh) during 2014-15 and 2015-16 in a randomized complete block design with the objective to develop an integrated plant nutrient supply system for higher productivity of cauliflower on sustainable basis. The experiment comprised of seven treatments viz., T₁ :100 % NPK + FYM, T₂ : 100 % NPK + FYM+ PGPR, T₃ : 100 % NPK+ 50 % FYM and 1 2 3 50 % VC on N equivalence basis + PGPR, T₄ : 75 % NPK+50 % FYM and 50 % 4 vermicompost (VC) on N equivalence basis, T₅ : 75 % NPK+50 % FYM and 50 % VC on 5 N equivalence basis+ PGPR, T₆ : 50 % NPK+ 50 % FYM and 50 % VC on N equivalence 6 basis and T₇ : 50 % NPK+ 50 % FYM and 50 % VC on N equivalence basis + PGPR. 7 Conjoint use of fertilizers, manures and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) significantly influenced soil nutrient status and nutrient uptake pattern of cauliflower crop. Treatment T₃ resulted in significantly maximum soil macro and micro-nutrient 3 contents which was found statistically at par with T₅ . From present investigation, it can 5 be concluded that above integrated combination of chemical fertilizers, organic manures (FYM, VC) and PGPR resulted in better nutrient status and uptake as evident by post fertility status of soil and plant analysis.

1 illus, 7 tables, 32 ref

003675   VALARMATHI M, SASIKALA R, RAHMAN H, JAGADEESHSELVAM N, KAMBALE R, RAVEENDRAN M (Plant Biotechnology Div, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Tamil Nadu- 641 003) : Development of salinity tolerant version of a popular rice variety improved White Ponni through marker assisted back cross breeding. Plant Physiol Rep 2019, 24(2), 262-71.

Salinity is one of the major abiotic stress limiting rice productivity under marginal environments. The progress in development of salinity tolerant rice varieties is slow due to complex nature of tolerance mechanisms determining performance under salinity. In the present study, efforts were taken to generate NILs of a popular rice genotype Improved White Ponni exhibiting increased tolerance against salinity through marker assisted introgression of ‘Saltol’, a major effect QTL of FL478. IWP-Satol NILs exhibited enhanced tolerance against salinity under hydroponic conditions. MABB approach accelerated the development of NILs with high recovery of recurrent parent genome within 2–3 backcrosses. Genotyping and phenotyping of BC₃F₁ progenies resulted in the identification of elite NILs of IWP harboring Saltol loci and possessing > 90 % of recurrent parent genome recovery. Selected NILs viz., 5-35, 5-36 and 5-45 that carried the Saltol loci were screened under field conditions for their agronomic traits. NIL # 5-36 exhibited superior agronomic performance (58 % increased yield over IWP under saline conditions) and superior grain/cooking quality traits than that of IWP.

5 illus, 7 tables, 44 ref

003439   BARIK J, KUMAR V, LENKA S K, PANDA D (Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources Dep, Central Univ of Orissa, Odisha- 764 021) : Genetic potentiality of lowland indigenous indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) landraces to anaerobic germination potential. Plant Physiol Rep 2019, 24(2), 249-61.

Poor germination and delayed seedling establishment under flooded soil are the major challenges for the wide adaptation of direct-seeded rice production in both rainfed and irrigated areas. So, in the present study 88 lowland indigenous rice landraces from Koraput, India were evaluated for their anaerobic germination (AG) potential and early seedling vigor traits under flooded soil for two consecutive years. Variations of seed characteristics such as grain size, weight and sugar content along with anaerobic germination as well as early seedling growth parameters were compared with tolerant and susceptible check variety. The morpho-physiological parameters were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis. The first five axes of the PCA showed 86.64 % of the total variation and indicated large variations among the landraces. Major traits, such as shoot length, root length, fresh weight, dry weight and anaerobic vigor index appeared to be important determinants of phenotypic diversity among the landraces. Three rice landraces (Bausaganthi, Patadhan and Basantichudi) showed superior AG potential compared to check genotypes. In addition, these landraces with higher activity of alcohol dehydrogenase with lower activity of amylase may help them for better seedling establishment underwater. The presence of AG associated primer either RM 3475 or RM 478, with PIC value 0.80 and 0.75, respectively was observed and thus, helpful in evaluating the genetic diversity of studied rice landraces for AG potential. These three landraces showed promising genetic potentiality for AG and could be useful in rice breeding programs.

2 illus, 4 tables, 42 ref

003606   SAGHAFI D, GHORBANPOUR M, AJIRLOO H S, LAJAYER B A (Medicinal Plants Dep, Arak Univ, Arak- 38156-8-8349, Iran) : Enhancement of growth and salt tolerance in Brassica napus L. seedlings by halotolerant Rhizobium strains containing ACC-deaminase activity. Plant Physiol Rep 2019, 24(2), 225-35.

A greenhouse experiment was conducted with four (ACC) deaminase-producing halotolerant Rhizobium strains, R29 (Sinorhizobium mellilote), R103 (Sinorhizobium mellilote), R281 (Rhizobium legominozaroum bv. phaseoli) and R307 (Rhizobium legominozaroum bv. phaseoli) and evaluated for their efficiency in improving canola plant growth under salt stress (with (50 mM NaCl + MgCl₂) and control treatments), as factorial in randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed that with increasing salinity in compared to the negative control (0 mM salt), the overall reduction of growth of canola seedlings was around 21.3 %. However, Rhizobium strains inoculation significantly increase the shoot/root elongation, shoot/root dry weight, stem diameter, leaf numbers, RWC up to 15.3/27.5, 24.86/53.1, 18.4, 18.05 and 8.4 % respectively, compared to positive control (50 mM salt). Salt stress also caused 1.12-fold reduction in the root/shoot dry weight ratio compared to the absence of salt, while the salt tolerance index (ratio of biomass of salt stressed to non-stressed plant) was significantly increased (up to 1.26-fold) in inoculated plants compared to positive control. Furthermore, nutrient uptakes (N, P, K up to 56.14, 38.2 and 36.5 %) under salt stress by canola was significantly (P < 0.01) increased. In summary, this study indicates that the use of ACC-deaminase producing halotolerant Rhizobium bacteria mitigates the salt stress effects.

6 tables, 50 ref

003625   SHEKAFANDEH A, ASSAR P, TAGHIPOUR L (Horticultural Science Dep, Shiraz Univ, Shiraz- 65186-71441, Iran) : Cell membrane stability and water relations of different scions grafted onto Mexican lime under water stress conditions and recovery. Plant Physiol Rep 2019, 24(2), 182-91.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cell membrane stability and the tolerance of Washington Novell (WN) and Kino Mandarin (KM) grafted onto Mexican Lime (ML) under water stress condition and recovery. A factorial experiment was conducted in the completely randomized design with 4 replications in a plastic greenhouse. Two-years-old graft combinations of WN/ML, KM/ML, ML/ML and un-grafted ML were used as plant materials. The results showed that in water stress condition, KM/ML indicated the same level of cell membrane stability, malondialdehyde (MDA) and total chlorophyll as its control. However, WN/ML exhibited the highest amount of electrolyte leakage and MDA and lowest level of chlorophyll. KM/ML was able to regulate its osmotic potential with accumulating of proline and soluble carbohydrate both in the leaf and in the root and maintains the relative water content. In contrast, the rate of leaf proline and soluble carbohydrate of WN/ML decreased significantly compared to its control. It seems that in WN/ML the reduction of chlorophyll content in drought stress condition can be related to the structural oxidative damage of chloroplasts and the degradation of the pigments. So, ML can be recommended as a suitable rootstock for KM.

32 ref

003447   BHEEMANAHALLI R, HECHANOVA S, KSHIROD J K, JAGADISH S V K (Agronomy Dep, Kansas State Univ, KS- 66506, USA) : Root anatomical traits of wild-rices reveal links between flooded rice and dryland sorghum. Plant Physiol Rep 2019, 24(2), 155-67.

The root anatomical and morphological traits and their plasticity under water deficit are essential to improve adaptation of rice cultivars to water-limited conditions. We investigated wild-rice accessions along with a dryland cereal (Sorghum bicolor) for root related traits under non-stress and water deficit during panicle initiation and flowering. Wild-rices from GG genome (Oryza granulata and Oryza meyeriana) recorded high similarity with sorghum in key root anatomical parameters such as larger stele diameter in proportion to root diameter (SD:RD [%]) and more late metaxylem number (LMXN). Comparative analyses between wild-rice accessions and a diverse indica panel revealed narrow genetic variability in LMXN and SD:RD in Oryza sativa panel compared to O. granulata and O. meyeriana. Wild-rices from GG genome had a combination of favorable anatomy (larger SD:RD and more but smaller late metaxylem) and root morphology (thinner roots and higher root surface area) during panicle initiation and flowering compared to popular rice cultivar IR64. The above combination can help facilitate effective water use by regulating axial water flow under water-deficit conditions, while the opposite was noticed in the drought susceptible IR64. Novel sources for root anatomical traits identified from wild-rice accessions can be utilized in rice breeding programs to develop water-deficit stress tolerant rice cultivars.

48 ref

003626   SHERLIN R B B, NATARAJAN N, ELAIYABHARATHI T, KUMARAVADIVEL N (Plant Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore- 641 003, Email: kumaravadiveln@yahoo.com) : Entomofauna of sorghum. Indian J Entomol 2019, 81(2), 365-73.

Entomofaunal diversity at different growth stages (seedling, vegetative, flowering and maturity stage) of sorghum crop under irrigated condition was studied at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, during October 2017- January 2018. Observations on pests, natural enemies and innocuous insects made at weekly intervals were analysed to bring out the alpha diversity with four standard biodiversity indices, namely, Shannon-Weaver diversity index, Simpson’s dominance index, Pielou’s uniformity index and Margaleff’s richness index. A total of 78 species under 47 families and 11 orders were observed to be associated. The diversity and richness were observed to be more during the vegetative stage followed by maturity and flowering stages whereas the least was observed during the seedling stage.

1 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

003558   MISHRA V K, SINGH N N (Entomology and Agricultural Zoology Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi- 221 005, Email: premvijaybhu@gmail.com) : Screening for resistance to mustard aphid Lipaphis erysimi (kalt.). Indian J Entomol 2019, 81(2), 321-4.

Screening of 22 varieties/lines of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) for their resistance to mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) was carried out at the Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. The lines NDR08-14-1, NDR08- 1, MCN14-33, MCN14-31, NDR1-11, MCN14-24, MCN14-23, MCN14-27, and NDR07-2 were observed with the least aphid population and thus proved to be resistant. Variety/ lines NDR8501, MCN14-32, NDR-7, MCN14-25, MCN14-29 and VARUNA were observed to be moderately resistant, while NDRS 2010, DIVYA-33, MCN 14-30 were susceptible, with lines NDRS 9-2 and NDRS 2001-1 being highly susceptible. The maximum yield was obtained from the line NDR08-14-1 (13.14 q/ha) in comparison to the line NDRS2001-1 with the least yield (6.71 q/ha).

1 table, 22 ref

003610   SARAO P S, RANDHAWA H S (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, PAU, Ludhiana, Email: harpals_randhawa@pau.edu) : Efficacy of dinotefuran 20 % sg against major planthoppers of rice. Indian J Entomol 2019, 81(2), 312-6.

The efficacy of dinotefuran 20 % SG was evaluated against white backed planthopper (WBPH) and brown planthopper (BPH) in rice during 2016 and 2017. Doses of 30, 40 and 50 g a.i. along with imidacloprid 17.8 SL and quinalphos 25 EC @20 and 500 g a.i. ha^-1, respectively were compared. The results revealed that dinotefuran @ 40 and 50 g a.i. ha^-1 proved significantly better (1.70- 2.04 WBPH /hill; 2.02- 2.61 BPH/ hill) at 5, 7 and 10 days after spray as compared to imidacloprid (2.75- 4.29 hoppers/hill), quinalphos (3.32- 4.91 hoppers/hill) and untreated control (17.78- 26.67 hoppers/hill) across all locations evaluated. The grain yield ha^-1 was also significantly more with these treatments.

2 tables, 25 ref

003570   PALANICHAMY S, PADMANABAN B, VAGANAN M M, UMA S (ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana, Tiruchirapalli- 620 102, Email: ppoojabharathi@gmail.com) : Olfactory responses of banana pseudostem weevil Odoiporus longicollis Olivier to pheromone and host plant volatiles. Indian J Entomol 2019, 81(2), 306-8.

Banana pseudostem weevil Odoiporus longicollis Olivier (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an important pest of banana. In this study, its male produced aggregation pheromone was identified as 2-methy-4- heptanol (2M4H) which attracts both male and female. In order to achieve maximum attraction for field trapping, an aggregation pheromone (2M4H), host plant extract (HPE) and combination of 2M4H + HPE were evaluated under laboratory conditions with wind tunnel bioassay. Maximum weevil attraction was observed in the descending order of: 2M4H + HPE > 2M4H > HPE, suggesting a better synergistic effect of host plant extract on pheromone.

1 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

003519   KAMMAR V, PRABHULINGA T, KUMAR K P, SHASHANK P R, CHAKRAVARTHY A K, SINGH S (Entomology Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Bengaluru- 560 065, Email: 4547vk@gmail.com) : Genetic diversity of Conogethes (lepidoptera: crambidae) species complex infesting castor and cardamom. Indian J Entomol 2019, 81(2), 293-8.

Genetic diversity of Conogethes spp. infesting castor and cardamom was studied using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene. Phylogenetic analysis of Conogethes populations collected from different locations gave two distinct clades. The pairwise genetic distance analysis between the individuals varied from 0.000 to 0.076, and this indicates the presence of high genetic divergence within the Conogethes populations. The maximum intraspecific pairwise distance in Conogethes bred on castor was 0.010 when compared to the maximum intraspecific distance of Conogethes bred on cardamom was 0.072. The nearest neighbour distance between Conogethes bred on castor and cardamom was 5.23 %, indicating wide genetic variability between the two populations. Two distinct phylogenetic clades and higher genetic divergence of more than 5 % between the Conogethes population on castor and cardamom were obtained. This clearly suggests that the variation in Conogethes populations breeding on castor and cardamom are genetically heterogeneous and are two different species. It is now confirmed that C. sahyadriensis infests cardamom and C. punctiferalis infests castor.

2 illus, 18 ref

003500   JADHAV R D, KADAM D R, JADHAO P B, KANGALE G K (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Vasantarao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra, Email: jranjit21@gmail.com) : Seasonal incidence of whitefly Bemisia tabaci in brinjal. Indian J Entomol 2019, 81(2), 291-2.

The experiment was conducted at AICRP on Water Management, VNMKV, Parbhani, to study the seasonal incidence of whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) on brinjal during 2^nd to 13^th meteorological weeks (MW) of summer 2014 and 50th to 9th meteorological weeks of summer 2015. The results indicated that the population was at its peak from second week of January to last week of March (2^nd to 13^th MW) and third week of December to first week of March (50^th to 9^th MW). The first peak of 23.00 whitefly/ plant occurred during 7th MW (12 to 18 February) in summer 2014 and during summer 2015, with the maximum population of 23.50 whitefly/ plant being observed during 6 to 12 February.

2 illus, 1 table, 3 ref

003498   JADHAO P B, KADAM D R, JADHAV R D, KANGALE G K (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Vasantarao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra, Email: pbjadhaohh203@gmail.com) : Efficacy of insecticides against pomegranate thrips Scirtothrips dorsalis (hood). Indian J Entomol 2019, 81(2), 286-90.

A field trial was conducted to evaluate insecticides against the pomegranate thrips Scirtothrips dorsalis (Hood) at the Central Horticultural Nursery, Department of Horticulture VNMKV, Parbhani, Maharashtra. The insecticides evaluated include spinosad 45 SC, fipronil 5 SC, lamda cyhalothrin 5 EC, clothianidin 50 WDG, thiamethoxam 25 WG, imidacloprid 17.8 SL, nitenpyram 10 WSG, acetamiprid 20 SG, thiacloprid 21.7 SC and dinotefuran 20 SG. The study revealed that all these were superior, of which the most effective was spinosad followed by fipronil and lamda cyhalothrin, and dinotefuran was the least effective, though significantly superior over control.

3 tables, 9 ref

003568   PADMAJA P G, SHWETHA B L, KALAISEKAR A, ELANGOVAN M, TONAPI V A (ICAR- Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad- 500 030, Telangana, Email: padmaja@millets.res.in) : Effect of sorghum grain quality on progeny emergence of Sitophilus oryzae L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Indian J Entomol 2019, 81(2), 280-5.

In this study, twenty sorghum- Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench germplasm lines had been evaluated for their resistance to the stored grain pest, Sitophilus oryzae (L.). Observations were made on grain damage and weight loss, inhibitory effect of gut α-amylases, adult mortality and progeny emergence. The results reveal that grain weight loss and α-amylase inhibitory effect are the most significant factors that influence the progeny emergence. The resistant germplasm line IS 920 exhibited minimum grain weight loss (8.2 %) and maximum α-amylase inhibitory effect resulting in significantly lesser progeny emergence along with least grain damage (17  %). The inhibitory effect of enzyme inhibitors isolated from sorghum, when examined on gut α-amylase, it was observed that amylase inhibitors inhibited S. oryzae α- amylases appreciably; maximum inhibition being for IS 920 (82.8 %) indicating that these α-amylase inhibitors could be used in IPM. The two parameters viz., grain weight loss and α-amylase inhibitory effect could be relied upon for selecting the resistant genotypes against S. oryzae in sorghum.

1 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

003520   KANGALE G K, KADAM D R, JADHAO P B, JADHAV R D (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Vasantarao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra, Email: Jranjit21@gmail.com) : Efficacy of insecticides against mango hoppers and their predatory coccinellids. Indian J Entomol 2019, 81(2), 277-9.

An experiment conducted at the AICRP on Water Management, VNMKV, Parbhani, during 2014 and 2015 evaluated the efficacy of insecticides against mango hoppers Amritodus atkinsoni L. and their natural enemies. Amongst the eight insecticides evaluated thiamethoxam, clothianidin and dinotefuran were found to be effective. Flonicamid, acetamiprid and imidacloprid were found to be moderately effective, and buprofezin and dinotefuran were the least effective. Flonicamid, buprofezin and thiamethoxam were observed to be comparatively safe to lady bird beetles.

1 table, 8 ref

003577   PANDI G G P, CHANDER S, SOUMIA P S, SUJITHRA M (Entomology Div, ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi- 110012, Email: guruagri@gmail.com) : Validation of coupled brown planthopper- infocrop rice simulation model and yield loss under elevated CO₂. Indian J Entomol 2019, 81(2), 271-6.

Coupled brown planthopper (BPH)- ICAR-InfoCrop rice simulation model was validated with BPH population and crop yield under elevated CO₂ vis-à-vis ambient CO₂ experiments during 2013 and 2014. Under ambient CO₂, simulated BPH number varied from 13 to 118/ hill compared to observed population of 11 to 92/ hill; while in simulated varied from 19 to 177/ hill in comparison to the observed 16 to 168/ hill under elevated CO₂ during 2013. Likewise, during 2014 simulated BPH population ranged from 9 to 68/ hill compared to observed population of 10 to 65/ hill under ambient CO₂, whereas simulated one was found to be between 15 to 88 compared to 9 to 80/ hill observed under elevated CO₂ . Simulated and observed BPH number were thus found to be proximal under elevated CO₂ (R² = 0.96; p<0.0001) and ambient CO₂ (R² = 0.89; p<0.0001) during the first year as well as during second year under elevated CO₂ (R² = 0.93; p<0.0001) and ambient CO₂ (R² = 0.85; p<0.0001), reflecting appropriate validation of the BPH population dynamics model. Simulated yield loss during 2013 was 19.6 % compared to observed yield loss of 23.1 % under ambient CO₂ , with corresponding losses of 34.5 and 38.5 % under elevated CO₂ . In 2014, simulated yield loss was 11.7 % in contrast to 14.4 % observed under ambient CO₂ , whereas simulated and observed yield loss was 25.2 and 29.91 %, respectively under elevated CO ₂ . The modelling approach presented herein provides an outline for future risk of rice yield loss due to BPH in India under climate change scenarios.

4 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

003654   SOUMIA P S, DILIPSUNDAR N, KARUPPAIAH V, PANDI G G P, SINGH M (ICAR- Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune- 410 505, Maharashtra, Email: soumiaps@gmail.com) : Archips machlopis (Meyrick) (Tortricidae: Lepidoptera) - occurrence on garlic. Indian J Entomol 2019, 81(2), 269-70.

The present observations on the occurrence of Archips machlopis (Tortricidae: Lepidoptera) on garlic (Allium sativum) is a new host record and it was observed during rabi 2018 at Pune. Larvae were observed tying the adjacent leaves of plants and feed from within, and hence referred to as leaf-tiers. Larva has a brown prothoracic shield, and a narrow white line that demarcates the head capsule. Adult moths are cryptically coloured, with forewings grey, brown, rust, or tan coloured, have a prominent round-pointed apex with wings held in a characteristic a flattened roof fashion at repose. Pupa dark brown to black with cremaster elongate and tapered, enclosed within a dense web of silk. Mild to moderate level of infestation (5-8 % damage) with typical leaf-tying and scraping symptom was observed.

1 illus, 10 ref

003586   PHATAK S V, BHAMARE V K (Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani - 431402, Maharashtra, Email: swapnilphatak007@gmail.com) : Lifetables of Aproaerema modicella deventer on soybean and soybean intercropped with pigeonpea. Indian J Entomol 2019, 81(2), 255-60.

Field lifetables were prepared for determining mortality factors of leaf miner Aproaerema modicella Deventer on sole soybean and soybean intercropped with pigeonpea during kharif 2015. It was observed that the A. modicella completed three regular overlapping generations on sole soybean and as well on soybean intercropped with pigeonpea. Lifetable of field collected life stages revealed that late instar larval and pupal stages were the most vulnerable ones for mortality due to unknown reasons (predation and adverse climatic factors). The natural enemies viz., Apanteles sp. and Goniozus sp., also contributed some degree of mortality in larvae. Maximum larval parasitisation was observed with intercropped soybean. The negative values of trend index (<1) during the second and third generations showed that the mortality factors were effective in causing decline. The generation survival rate on sole soybean was 0.65, 0.70 and 0.63 which got reduced to 0.53, 0.69 and 0.62 on intercropped soybean, in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation, respectively. Thus, soybean intercropping with pigeonpea exhibited positive significant impact on key mortality factors of A. modicella.

6 tables, 24 ref

003551   MEENA A K, CHHANGANI G, KUMAR A, SWAMINATHAN R (Entomology Dep, Maharana Pratap Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan, Email: akmeenaentomology@gmail.com) : Incidence of the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) at Udaipur in maize. Indian J Entomol 2019, 81(2), 251-4.

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) incidence on maize during the monsoon season was confirmed at Udaipur, and its infestation was 19 ± 3.35 to 20 ± 5.59 plants/ 100 m² . The spatial distribution pattern of the larvae was uniform or close to random, rather than aggregated. The mean crowding index ranged from 9.63 to 25.27 and the Lloyd’s index was close to 1.0.

3 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

003573   PANDEY S, JAGLAN R S, JOOD S, SINGH R (Agriculture Univ, Mandor, Jodhpur, Email: pandeyshalini80@gmail.com) : Assessment of losses caused by sesame leaf webber and capsule borer Antigastra catalaunalis (duponchel). Indian J Entomol 2019, 81(2), 242-6.

A study was conducted during kharif seasons of 2016 and 2017 at the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to study the quantitative and qualitative losses by the infestation of sesame leaf webber and capsule borer, Antigastra catalaunalis in HT-1 and HT-2 variety of sesame. The experiment was conducted under both protected and unprotected conditions in paired plot design with three replications. Plot size was kept 2.7 x 1.8 m² and distance between row and plant was maintained at 30 and 10 cm during each season. Pooled data of both years revealed that pod damage in both the varieties varied from 19.72 to 21.62 % under unprotected condition while in protected condition it varied from 3.02 to 3.12 %. Maximum yield was recorded in HT-2 (921.42 kg/ha) under protected condition while minimum yield was observed in HT-1 (521.48 kg/ha) followed by (555.27 kg/ha) under unprotected condition. Avoidable yield loss due to A. catalaunalis was 35.16 and 39.73 % in the varieties HT-1 and HT-2, respectively after three sprays of quinalphos. Total protein and crude fat contents of seeds obtained from damaged pods were significantly lower in both varieties viz., HT-1 and HT-2 as compared to seeds obtained from undamaged pods. This is a big impact on the nutritional quality. However, fibre, ash and moisture contents were not affected to that extent.

2 tables, 11 ref

003601   REDDY D S, MADHUMATI C, NAGARAJ R (DRYSRHU, Ananthrajupeta- 516 105, Andhra Pradesh, Email: dsr2020@gmail.com) : Evaluation of certain new insecticide molecules against Idioscopus clypealis on mango cv. Alphonso. Indian J Entomol 2019, 81(2), 235-8.

This study compares the efficacy of certain new insecticide molecules of neonicotinoid and pyrethroid insecticides against the mango hopper Idioscopus clypealis on the cultivar Alphonso in on farm trial at Railway Kodur, YSR Kadapa District during 2015-16 and 2016-17. The results reveal that though all the treatments were significantly superior, maximum reduction in hopper population was obtained after 10, 15 and 21 days after spray with buprofezin 25 SC compared to imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, lambda cyhalothrin, bifenthrin, pymetrozine thiamethoxam 12.6 %+ lambda cyhalothrin 9.5 ZC, except at 1 and 7 days after spray. Thus, buprofezin is consistent in reducing hoppers population for a longer duration.

1 table, 14 ref

003664   TANDA A S (Western Univ, NSW- 2142, Australia, Email: drtanda101@gmail.com) : Entomophilous crops get better fruit quality and yield: An appraisal. Indian J Entomol 2019, 81(2), 227-34.

Insect pollinators are a key stone process in both human managed and natural terrestrial ecosystems. Bees are very important in determining the yield and quality in crops. Solitary bees, bumble bees and honey bees are the biggest groups of insects for pollination because of their sufficient body hair and their behaviour patterns. Beekeeping is an important component of agriculture that promotes rural diversification and is an alternative source of income. The role of beekeeping is providing nutritional, economic and ecological security to rural communities at the household level. This is non-land-based activity of mixed farming and does not compete with other resource demanding. Although pollination improves crop yield, there is still few studies in Punjab, India, Sydney, Australia that links its role to the economic benefits gained by farmers.

55 ref

003686   WORKU M, AZEREFEGNE F (Plant and Horticultural Sciences Dep, Hawassa Univ, Hawassa, Ethiopia, Email: mintie1976@gmail.com) : Efficacy of insecticides against Apion clavipes gerst on mungbean. Indian J Entomol 2019, 81(2), 223-6.

A field experiment conducted at the ShewaRobit research site, Debre-Birhan, Ethiopia during 2015 and 2017 evaluated the efficacy of insecticides against Apion clavipes Gerst. Lambda cyhalothrin and deltamethrin were observed to be superior resulting in reduced infestation, seed damage and increased yield followed by profenophos and spinosad. In terms cost benefits lambda cyhalothrin was the best.

3 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

003688   ZAKARI O A, BAOUA I, AMADOU L, DANNON E, TAMÒ M, MAHAMANE S, PITTENDRIGH B R (Entomology Dep, Dan Dicko Dankoulodo De Maradi Univ, BP 465, Maradi, Niger, Email: baoua.ibrahim@gmail.com) : Incidence of Maruca vitrata f. on cowpea in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Niger. Indian J Entomol 2019, 81(2), 217-22.

The incidence of the key insect pest of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp), the legume pod borer Maruca vitrata F., was investigated with light trap in the Sudano- Sahelian zone of Niger in 2014 and 2015. The results revealed that the first larvae appeared in August (0.03 ± 0.03 to 2.48 ± 0.32 larvae /flower and pod, respectively). Incidence varied between the seasons, and the yield losses were 20.25 % in 2014 and 82.32 % in 2015, when there was 435 and 496 mm total rainfall, respectively. Lifecycle in the laboratory revealed a duration of 26.42 ± 0.14 days, with females living for 16.38 ± 0.56 days with fecundity of 599.74 eggs.

4 illus, 34 ref

003441   BEHERA S K, BASTIA D K, PANDA M R (Odisha Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Phulbani- 762 001, Kandhamal, Email: subrat_behera@rediffmail.com) : Integrated Farming System (IFS) approach for rural livelihood security in Kandhamal District of Odisha. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2019, 34(1), 66-9.

Integrated farming system (IFS) approach aims at increasing income and employment from small holdings by integrating various farm enterprises and recycling crop residues and by-products within the farm itself. This paper entails information on IFS adopted by 3 farmers in the Phulbani block of Kandhamal district of Odisha promoted by All India Coordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture (AICRPDA), Phulbani under Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) for three consecutive years (2015-16 to 2017-18). The data collected from the 3 IFS models of the 3 farmers’ were analyzed for both existing conventional components and modified IFS components. In case of IFS model 1, the net profit from IFS was ₹ 1,12,000/- with a B:C ratio of 2.24 and employment generation of 515 man-days from 1.6 ha of land. In this model, the farmer realized 124 % increase in net returns than the traditional farming system. In case of IFS model 2, the net profit was ₹ 1,54,000/- with a B:C ratio of 2.17 and employment generation of 523 man-days from 2.8 ha of land. Similarly in case of IFS model 3, net profit of ₹ 1,13,500/- was obtained with a B:C ratio of 2.13 and employment generation of 458 man-days from 2.0 ha of land. By adopting IFS model, the farmers of IFS model 2 and 3 realized 120 and 89 % increase in net returns, respectively than the traditional farming system.

4 tables, 10 ref

003611   SARAVANAKUMAR S (ICAR-KVK, Erode- 638 453, Tamil Nadu, Email: agrisarwan@gmail.com) : Impact of frontline demonstration technologies on groundnut yield in Erode District. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2019, 34(1), 63-5.

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oilseed crop cultivated over 20,000 ha in Erode District of Tamil Nadu. The yield was drastically reduced in the groundnut cultivable area due to the compound problems of diseases and micro nutrient deficiencies. Attempts were made by ICAR-KVK, MYRADA to manage the diseases and micronutrient deficiencies in ground nut by conducting frontline demonstrations on integrated disease and micronutrient management during 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17. The technologies comprised of seed treatment with Pseudomonas flourescens @ 10 g kg^-1 seed, foliar application of 10 % calotropis leaf extract, need based mancozeb spray @ 1 kg ha^-1 and groundnut rich @ 5 kg ha^-1. Adoption of integrated disease management practices reduces the disease incidence by 6.15 % which was significantly superior to the conventional method of disease management practices as it was recorded as 16.74%. The results revealed that, foliar application of groundnut rich micronutrients resulted in increase in pod filling percent and 33.48 filled pods recorded in demonstrated plots whereas 25.75 pods recorded in the control plots. The farmers harvested an average yield of 25.82 q ha^-1 with an yield advantage of 18.53% over the farmers’ practices. The average extension gap, technology gap and technology index were 4.04 q ha^-1, 3.88 q ha^-1 and 13.06%, respectively. The integrated crop management practices gave the higher benefit cost ratio of 2.16 compared to the conventional methods. The results indicated that, the adoption of integrated disease and nutrient management techniques reduces the disease incidence and increases the productivity at farmers’ field level.

5 tables, 11 ref

003452   BODHANKAR S, GROVER M, REDDY G (ICAR- Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad- 500 059, Telangana, Email: minigt3@yahoo.co.in) : In planta screening of maize seed endophytic bacteria for potential applications under dryland conditions. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2019, 34(1), 53-62.

Seeds harbor endophytic bacteria is capable of vertical transmission to next generation. These contribute to host plant’s growth and adaptation to stress conditions. Such bacteria need to be developed for improving crop productivity. The present investigation was aimed at selecting promising maize seed endophytic bacteria (MSEB) for plant growth promotion under drought conditions through multilevel screening approach. Two levels of pot screening conducted using sterile soil helped in selecting eleven (out of eighty) promising isolates based on their positive influence on plant growth and biochemical parameters of maize under drought conditions. The third level pot screening was conducted using unsterile soil to evaluate the performance of selected 11 isolates under drought conditions. Pre-treatment of the seeds with MSEB isolates exhibited positive influence on plant growth and physiological parameters of maize under drought stress. Treatment with Corynebacterium hansenii MSEB 3 was found to be best in improving chlorophyll content (18.07 %), relative water content (29.88 %), and leaf proline (143.47 %) besides improving other growth parameters over uninoculated control. Whereas, pretreatment with Bacillus subtilis MSEB 78 was found to be superior in improving shoot fresh weight (33.12 %) and dry weight (54.36 %) over control treatment. Significant positive correlations were observed between chlorophyll content and shoot fresh biomass, proline and relative water content, indicating its importance as a screening parameter for drought tolerance. Further, soil moisture content also showed significant positive correlation with shoot length, shoot fresh biomass and shoot dry biomass. The isolates selected in the present investigation can be exploited for agricultural benefits and can also add to the knowledge on plant-endophyte interactions under stress conditions.

4 illus, 4 tables, 45 ref

003596   RAM S N, ROY A K, SHUKLA A K (Grassland and Silvipasture Management Div, ICAR- Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi- 284 003, Uttar Pradesh, Email: ramshivnath@yahoo.com) : Moisture content, soil nutrients status, productivity and economics of hardwickia binata based silvopasture system under moisture conservation practices and grasses. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2019, 34(1), 42-6.

A field experiment was conducted during 2009 to 2013 on sandy loam soil at Central Research Farm of Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi to study the effect of moisture conservation practices and grasses on improvement of moisture content, soil nutrients status, productivity and economics of Hardwickia binata Roxb based silvopasture system under semiarid rainfed conditions. The treatment consisted of establishment of three grasses viz. Cenchrus ciliaris, Chrysopogon fulvus and Panicum maximum in intercropping with Stylosanthes hamata in association with H. binata and construction of three moisture conservation practices viz. staggered trenches, bund and control (without bund and staggered trenches). Construction of staggered trenches recorded significantly higher green top feed (0.93 t ha^-1) and fire wood (0.70 t ha^-1) of H. binata as compared to control treatment-without trenches and bund in 4th years of study. Among grasses intercropping of P. maximum and S. hamata in association with H. binata produced significantly higher green pasture yield (17.67, 27.96, 30.59 and 33.18 t ha^-1) as compared to C. fulvus- S. hamata and C. ciliaris- S. hamata intercropping system during 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th years, respectively. Construction of bund recorded maximum moisture content (9.28, 8.01, 7.79 and 8.35 % at 15 cm soil depth and 11.73, 9.24, 8.03 at 30 cm soil depth during October-April) closely followed by staggered trenches. Available nutrients (N-212.53, P-7.76 and K-206.20 kg ha^-1 and OC-0.540 % was also significantly improved where bund was constructed than control treatment. Intercropping of P. maximum with S. hamata in association with H. binata recorded maximum net return (` 9432 ha<sup>-1</sup>) and B:C ratio (1.47) followed by C. ciliaris- S. hamata intercropping system (` 7684 ha^-1 and 1.38). Intercropping of P. maximum with S. hamata in association with H. binata along with construction of bund across the slope produced maximum pasture yield closely followed by staggered trenches. In H. binata construction of staggered trenches resulted in highest top feed and fire wood.

3 tables, 15 ref

003458   CHARY G R, SHARMA K L, REDDY K S, HIRPARA D S, AKBARI K N, LAL M, GOPINATH K A, NARSIMLU B, OSMAN M, SRINIVAS K, ET AL. (ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad-500 059, Telangana, Email: kl.sharma@icar.gov.in) : Effect of cropping sequences and nutrient management practices on soil quality under rainfed semiarid (hot dry) vertisol soils of Western India. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2019, 34(1), 27-37.

In order to study the effect of cropping sequences grown under different practices of nutrients management on soil quality, a long term experiment was conducted at research centre of All India Coordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture (AICRPDA), Targhadia, Rajkot falling under the jurisdiction of Junagadh Agricultural University. The experiment was conducted in a two-factor randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The cropping sequences followed were: Sesamum-cotton, Sesamum-sesamum, Sesamum-groundnut, Bajra-groundnut, Bajra-bajra, Bajra-cotton, Castor-cotton, Castorcastor, Castor-groundnut, Cotton-groundnut, Cotton-cotton, Groundnut-groundnut. The nutrient management practices were: i) control without fertilizer, ii) recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), iii) integrated nutrient management (INM) and iv) sole organic sources of nutrients. The results of the study indicated that the organic carbon was found to be medium (5.3 to 7.4 g kg^-1) across the cropping sequences. The application of sole organic sources resulted in highest available N (197.9 kg ha^-1) followed by INM treatments (182.3 kg ha^-1). Available P was found highest under cotton–groundnut cropping sequence (24.72 kg ha^-1). Cotton-cotton cropping sequence recorded significantly highest available K (449.1 kg ha^-1) and also available Zn, Fe, Cu, B to the extent of 1.06, 25.0, 3.36, 0.52 µg g^-1 respectively. Among the nutrient treatments, application of sole organic sources resulted in significantly highest amounts of available Zn, Fe, Mn and B. Significantly highest dehydrogenase activity was observed under sesamum-sesamum sequence, MBC under sesamum-cotton and labile carbon under castor-castor system. Application of sole organic sources of nutrients recorded significantly highest dehydrogenase activity (DHA), Microbial Biomass Carbon (MBC) and labile carbon followed by INM treatments. The relative order of performance of the cropping sequences in terms of relative soil quality indices (RSQI), when averaged over nutrient management treatments was as follows: Cotton-cotton (1.00) >Cotton-groundnut (0.93) > Castor-castor (0.88) > Bajra-groundnut (0.86) > Sesamum-sesamum (0.8) > Bajra-cotton (0.68) > Groundnut-groundnut (0.68) > Sesamum-groundnut (0.66) > Sesamum-cotton (0.64) > Castor-cotton (0.64) > Castor-groundnut (0.6) > Bajra-bajra (0.56). But when averaged over cropping sequences, the order of superiority of the treatments in terms of RSQI was: sole organic (1.00) > INM (0.72) > RDF (0.47). The results of the present study will be highly useful for improving the soil quality by using suitable combinations of crop sequences and nutrient management.

3 illus, 10 tables, 31 ref

003453   BORAH P, SAILAJA V (Assam Agricultural Univ, Biswanath-784 176, Assam, Email: palakshib03@gmail.com) : Effect of conjunctive use of inorganic potassium, potassium humate and triacontanol on chlorophyll, carotenoid and nutrient uptake by tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in an alfisol of Telangana State. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2019, 34(1), 22-6.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2011 on sandy clay soil to study the effect of individual and integrated use of inorganic potassium, potassium humate and triacontanol on chlorophyll, carotenoid and nutrient uptake by tomato. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with sixteen treatments replicated thrice. The soil samples were collected from the experimental site and analysed for their salient characteristics and the plant samples were analysed for chlorophyll, carotenoid, nutrient content and uptake. Tomato (ArkaVikas) responded significantly to potassium application. The leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid content were found significantly higher in treatment receiving 60 kg K₂ O ha^-1 along with foliar application of potassium humate @ 0.5 L/acre at flowering and triacontanol @ 1 µM with the corresponding values of 52.41SPAD units and 0.743 mg g^-1 respectively. The nutrient content and uptakes by the crop were found to be significantly influenced by the treatment receiving 60 kg K₂ O ha^-1 along with foliar application of potassium humate and triacontanol which was significantly superior to the recommended dose of K.

3 tables, 10 ref

003627   SHETE M H, MURUMKAR D R, INDI D V (Agriculture Coll, Pune- 411 005, Maharashtra, Email: murumkardr@yahoo.co.in) : Multilocation screening of drought tolerant Azotobacter chroococcum strains on growth parameters and yield of rabi sorghum. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2019, 34(1), 15-21.

A field experiment was conducted for three consecutive years in four different locations to evaluate the effect of drought tolerant Azotobacter chroococcum strains on grain and stover yield of rabi sorghum under dryland conditions. Among different inoculation treatments, seed inoculation with MPKV Azotobacter chroococcum strain No.4 + 75 % recommended nitrogen + 100 % recommended P₂O₅ recorded highest grain yield (20.37 q ha^-1), stover yield (67.34 q ha^-1) and thousand grain weight (29.56 g) and was found at par with the treatment of 100 % recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus in respect of grain and stover yield of rabi sorghum. The results indicated saving of 25 % chemical nitrogen fertilizer for rabi sorghum under dryland conditions. The MPKV Azotobacter chroococcum strain tested was found superior to the private Azotobacter chroococcum strain.

6 tables, 16 ref

003620   SHARMA K L, CHARY G R, REDDY K S, SINGH A P, ABROL V, SHARMA A, DADHICH H, LAL M, GOPINATH K A, NARSIMLU B, ET AL. (ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad- 500 059, Telangana, Email: kl.sharma@icar.gov.in) : Effect of integrated nutrient management on soil quality indicators and soil quality indices in hill and mountainous inceptisol soils in Northern India under maize (Zea mays) - black gram (Vigna mungo) system. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2019, 34(1), 1-8.

A long term study was conducted in the rainfed Inceptisol soils at All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRPDA), Rakhdhiansar (J&K) from 1998 to 2005. The main objectives of the present study were to quantify the long-term effects of conjunctive nutrient management on soil quality parameters, to identify the key indicators of soil quality using data redundancy technique and to compute integrated soil quality Index (SQI) and relative soil quality Index (RSQI) as influenced by long term INM treatments in Hill and mountainous Inceptisol soils in Northern India under maize - black gram system. Six INM treatments were considered for the study viz., T₁: Control; T₂: 100% N (inorganic); T₃: 50% N (inorganic); T₄: 25 kg N (compost); T₅: 15 kg N (compost) + 10 kg N (inorganic) and T₆: 15 kg N (compost) + 20 kg N (inorganic). After eight years of study, results revealed that the soil organic carbon was significantly higher with the long term application of 25 kg N (compost) (5.20 g kg^-1) and 15 kg N (compost) + 20 kg N (inorganic) (5.19 g kg^-1). Among the macronutrients, available N and P were significantly influenced by the integrated nutrient management treatments while available K was not influenced much. Significantly highest available N content of 156.5 kg ha^-1 was observed with the application of 25 kg N through compost and significantly highest available P of 36.7 kg ha^-1 was recorded with the application of 15 kg N (compost) + 20 kg N (inorganic). Among the secondary nutrients, irrespective of their significant influence, the content of both exchangeable Ca and Mg, varied from 2.47 to 3.76 cmol kg^-1 and 0.43 to 0.52 cmol kg^-1 respectively. Available S, being significantly influenced by the nutrient management treatments was observed to be highest under application of 25 kg N through compost (22.7 kg ha^-1). Among the micronutrients, available Zn and B were conspicuously influenced by the management treatments while Fe, Cu and Mn were not influenced. Among the biological parameters viz., DHA, microbial biomass carbon (MBC) as well as labile carbon were significantly influenced by the management treatments. Application of 15 kg N (compost) + 20 kg N (inorganic) recorded significantly highest DHA (2.79 µg TPF hr^-1g^-1) as well as labile carbon (355.0 µg g^-1 of soil) while application of 25 kg N (compost) recorded significantly highest MBC of 162.0 µg g^-1 of soil. Among the physical soil quality parameters, both bulk density as well as mean weight diameter were significantly influenced by the management treatments. Soil quality assessment studies indicated that available N, exchangeable Ca, available Zn, & B, MBC and bulk density were found to be the key indicators of soil quality under maize-black gram. Among all the treatments practiced under maize-black gram system, application of 25 kg N through compost had significantly highest RSQI of 0.97 which was at par with application of 15 kg N (compost) + 20 kg N (inorganic) (0.94) ( P=0.05). The order of performance of the treatments in terms of soil quality was : 25 kg N (compost) ( 0.97) >15 kg N (compost) + 10 kg N (inorganic) (0.87) > T 100 % N (inorganic) (0.83) > 50 % N (inorganic) (0.81) > Control ( 0.63).

7 illus, 6 tables, 31 ref

003687   YUAN T, LU P, LI Z, CHENG S (Jiangsu Vocational Institute of Architectural Technology, Xuzhou, 221116, China) : Attachment of Cryptosporidium-sized microspheres by holly plant roots. Nat Environ Pollut Technol 2019, 18(2), 629-32.

In order to prevent the outbreak of cryptosporidiosis, understanding the pathogenic parasite Cryptosporidium transport mechanism in the surface water body is critical. Cryptosporidium transport from soil to surrounding water bodies is a main source of pollution and impacted with the attachment by soil and plants. However, the attachment of Cryptosporidium by soil or plants is not clear. In this study, Cryptosporidium attachment by holly plant (Ilex spp.) roots and the impact factors were studied. Results showed that holly plant roots could attach the Cryptosporidium-sized microspheres and low soil pH and high sodium ion intensity can promote the attachment. But high-level Cryptosporidiumsized microspheres lead to the decreased attachment. It concluded that holly roots reduced the migration of Cryptosporidium due to the attachment.

7 illus, 9 ref

003491   HIMALINI S, RAZIA M (Biotechnology Dep, Mother Teresa Women’s Univ, Kodaikanal, 624 101) : Nutrient analysis of agriculture and forest soil in high altitude of Kodaikanal. Nat Environ Pollut Technol 2019, 18(2), 619-22.

Soil is a principal source of nutrients essential for plant growth. The purpose of this study is to estimate pH, texture, electrical conductivity, soil organic carbon, and macro and micronutrients in agriculture and forest soils of Kodaikanal. Nutrient rank in agriculture soil is higher when compared to the forest soil. In agriculture lands, soil quality is based on the parent material, and here the usage of fertilizers and manures in the soil are reflected in the nutrient availability. Forest soil had an adequate amount of nutrients; nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as 94 mg/kg, 24 mg/kg and 123 mg/kg, respectively, due to the presence of microorganisms, recycling and metabolism of wastes, whereas agriculture soil had 492 mg/kg, 115 mg/kg and 593 mg/kg of NPK. It was shown that there was an abnormal increase in the amount of nutrients in agriculture soil due to the extensive usage of fertilizers, which on the other hand leads to the decrease in soil fertility

4 tables, 16 ref

003537   KUMAR P, SIDDIQUE A, THONGBAM S, CHOPRA P, KUMAR S (Agronomy Dep, Lovely Professional Univ, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144 411) : Cadmium induced changes in total starch, total amylose and amylopectin content in putrescine and mycorrhiza treated sorghum crop. Nat Environ Pollut Technol 2019, 18(2), 525-30.

The current investigation was carried out to evaluate the ameliorative effect of polyamines and mycorrhiza in the induced toxic effect of cadmium at 30, 60 and 90 DAS old of sorghum variety CSV15. The significant hazardous effects and oxidative damage of cadmium nitrate (70 ppm and 150 ppm) were evidenced by decreased content of total starch, total amylose and amylopectin content (mg.g^-1 fresh weight). The reverse responses were observed by the application of putrescine and mycorrhiza dose on the plants.

3 illus, 16 ref

003478   EL-AMINE I M, HASSINA M, KADDOUR D (Science Dep, Ecole Nationale Supérieure Agronomique, El-Harrach, 16200 Alger (Algérie)) : Electromagnetic induction prediction of soil salinity by extrapolated calibration model in m’sila (Algeria). Nat Environ Pollut Technol 2019, 18(2), 387-94.

The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the in situ estimation of salinity by using the external calibration equations (ex situ) between the electrical conductivity measured laboratory (ECm) and the apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) measured by EM38. Results showed that EM38 data from apparent soil electrical conductivity are highly correlated with salinity. The experiment was conducted on four sandy soils A, B, C and D located at M’Sila (Algeria). Calibration equations for converting ECa into electrical conductivity calculated (ECc) were derived using the simple linear regression (SLR) (ECm = f (ECa)). The results show that the average deviation between ECm (in situ) and ECc of site A calculated by B, D and G equations of the SLR model (ex situ) are low (0.32 dS/m and 0.66 dS/m) except for site C. Moreover, except the map C, maps B, D and G of site A realized by SLR model (ex situ) differ slightly from map A carried out by SLR (in situ), hence the significance of this approach, which can be generalized to wider areas provided the pedological context is fairly homogeneous.

3 illus, 9 tables, 18 ref

003564   NARAYAN R, SINGH D B, KISHOR A, MER M S (ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Nainital (Uttarakhand) 263 138, Email: rajnarayan882013@gmail.com) : Studies on genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in long day onion (Allium cepa L.) genotypes. Progressive Horticulture 2019, 51(1), 92-8.

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a globally famous vegetable and is used in a variety of ways, including eaten fresh, added as a spice or prepared as a main ingredient in cooking. Pungent and sweet taste, texture, and several other qualities are required for onions to be suitable as processing ingredients. In this study the evaluation of onion genotypes for growth, yield and quality in hill condition in order to achieve more production and productivity objective. However, there is great potential for increasing area, production and productivity of this crop in the hill region, and hence, there is an urgent need to evaluate different long day onion genotypes. Therefore, significant variation among the 50 genotypes of onion was observed for all the traits viz., plant height, leaf length, number of leaves/plant, polar and equatorial diameter of bulbs, average bulb weight, total soluble solids, percentage of grade (A, B and C) of bulb, total yield (q/ha) and % weight loss after 2 month of storage. It was also observed that moderate for bulb weight was positively associated with polar diameter and length of bulb. For improving bulb yield component traits in onion, the generation of genetically broad base population using diverse genotypes in breeding programme is advocated. The highest bulb yield (1061.30 q/ha) was recorded in genotypes ON-15-33, followed by 911.70 q/ha and 889.10 q/ha in ON-14-23 and OLR-1343, respectively. The weight loss % after 2 months of storage recorded minimum in genotypes ON-1388 (3.33 %). Estimates of heritability in number of leaves/plant (18.60 %) and total bulb yield q/ha (99.00 %). The average bulb weight and yield/m² is positively correlated with bulb yield (q/ha).

3 tables, 28 ref

003575   PANDEY V , RANJAN R, PANDEY H, DWIVEDI S K, BALA M (Defence Institute of Bio Energy Research, Pithoragarh-262501 (Uttarakhand), Email: vpandeybeenu@rediffmail.com) : Performance evaluation of local landraces of leafy vegetables of Kumaon Himalayas. Progressive Horticulture 2019, 51(1), 85-91.

Local strains of four leafy green vegetables, viz., Fenugreek, Spinach, Coriander and Garden Cress were evaluated for their marketable yield and seed yield at Defence Institute of Bio Energy Research, Field Station, Pithoragarh in 2017-18 in randomized block design in three replications. In fenugreek, Kuseri Local gave maximum green leaf yield (10.440 kg/plot=174.0q/ha) and Bhimtal Local produced maximum seed (0.406 kg/plot= 13.5 q/ha). In Spinach, maximum green leaf yield was given by Kumdyar Local (9.715 kg/plot=194.30 q/ha) and highest seed yield per plot was exhibited by Ladhiaghati Local (0.513 kg/plot=17.10 q/ha). In Coriander crop, Dhata Champawat Local exhibited maximum green leaf yield (7.0 kg/plot=140.0 q/ha) and maximum seed yield was given by Mudd Local (0.253 kg/plot=8.4 q/ha) In Garden Cress, Jajurali Local gave Maximum (10.735 kg/plot=214.70 q/ha) green leaf yield and Mudd Local gave maximum seed yield (0.453 kg/plot=15.1q/ ha). Results indicate that local strains of these leafy green vegetables showed good potential for adaptability and increased productivity in this region. Hence, there is good scope of leafy vegetable cultivation for green leaf production and seed production in Kumaon Himalayas.

5 tables, 16 ref

003428   AGARWAL A, PRAKASH O, SAHAY D, ARYA S, DWIVEDI S K, BALA M (Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER), DRDO, Haldwani-263139, Uttarakhand, Email: ankurdr@rediffmail.com) : Performance of lettuce (Lectuca sativa) under different soil-less cultures. Progressive Horticulture 2019, 51(1), 81-4.

The present study was carried out at DIBER (DRDO) Haldwani, Uttarakhand (India) to study the effect of three different growing conditions, viz., soil grown system, soil-less and hydroponics system on productivity and quality of lettuce. Considering the shrinking land resources and water scarcity problem, techniques with efficient use water, space and nutrient are getting popular. Soil-less cultivation is one such technique. Experimental findings have revealed that soil-less system offers better productivity of lettuce crop to the tune of 3-4 times higher than soil grown system with better quality produce. Lettuce crop under hydroponics system developed profuse root system with average root length of 31.0 cm and fresh weight of 1.12 kg whereas under soil grown system the average root length was the minimum (10.0 cm) with minimum fresh weight of roots (0.152 kg). Ascorbic acid was the highest in the hydroponically grown crop of lettuce (11.2 mg/100 g). Crop grown under soil-less vertical system exhibited the highest phenol content. Flavonoid content was at par among the hydroponics and soil-less system but was quite low in the soil grown lettuce.

1 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

003634   SINGH A, JAISWAL M, VIBHUTE M, KUMAR S (KVK, Burhanpur (M.P.), Email: kvkburhanpur@rediffmail.com) : Impact of mulching on growth and yield of water melon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.) Cv. Madhuri. Progressive Horticulture 2019, 51(1), 77-80.

An experiment was conducted during 2013-14 at farmer’s field of village Dhaba by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Burhanpur to evaluate the impact of mulching on growth and yield of water melon variety Madhuri. The study revealed that water melon under different mulching showed significant response over control in respect of growth and yield parameters. Plants without mulch resulted poor growth and low yield as compared to black polythene and straw mulch. Black polythene mulch followed by silver mulch exhibited highest yield 55.60 t/ha and 53.80 t/ha respectively over sugarcane dried leaves (48.68 t/ha) and control (44.86 t/ha). Besides above quality of the fruit is also improved over control and the treatments also increased the moisture content which save the water and increased the crop yield.

2 tables, 15 ref

003503   JAISWAL M, SINGH A, VIBHUTE M (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, Email: kvkburhanpur@rediffmail.com) : Backyard nutritional kitchen garden for combating malnutrition and raising the additional income. Progressive Horticulture 2019, 51(1), 72-6.

Malnutrition and poor health condition is one of the common problems in rural areas of our country. It retards growth, increases the risk and duration of illness, reduces work output and slows social and mental development. The main cause of malnutrition is lack of balance nutrients in the diet. For poor households, vegetables and fruits are often the only sources of micronutrients in the family diet. Vegetables help combat malnutrition and diversify diets. Mostly rural people depend on grains for food; less consumption of vegetables, green vegetables; fruits and milk are the reasons for malnutrition. Kitchen gardening is one of the world’s most ancient food production practices and is practiced throughout the world. Homestead production of fruits and vegetables provides the households with direct access to important nutrients that may not be readily available or within their economic rich. Dietary diversification balances the diet by enhancing supply of essential micro-nutrients leading to improved health, enhanced thinking ability and increased efficiency. Improved vegetable nutrition garden is better than traditional homestead vegetable garden. The improved model involves many crops that can be repeatedly harvested to meet a family’s vegetable needs throughout the year. Therefore, present study was conducted to see the impact of kitchen gardening in improving the nutrional security and economic status of households in rural areas. The demonstration was conducted among 20 farm women’s in Nutri Smart Village Morghira and Bijaori of Burhanpur district of M.P. The total population of village Morghira and Bijauri was 4961, out of which 13 were found malnourished which has decreased to 03. Farmers were producing sufficient food but consumption was not up to the mark. After interventions, there was a significant increase in availability and consumption. Observation recorded that production of vegetables on beneficiaries field increased 76% which resulted in increased profit up to 69% worth Rs. 2700. The cost benefit ratio was 1:2:4.

4 tables, 7 ref