025947   DEVI P, SOOD V K, DEVI R (Crop Improvement Dep, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, Email: poojakalsi6242@gmail.com) : Evaluation of morphological and genetic determinants of fodder yield as a selection criterion in F₂, F₃ and F₄ generations of oat (Avena sativa L.). Forage Res 2018, 44(1), 1-7.

A field experiment was conducted as Fodder Section Farm of Department of Crop Improvement, CSK HPKV, Palampur during 2015-27 to estimate the direct and indirect effects of twelve morphophysiological traits towards fresh fodder yield in F₂, F₃ and F₄ generations of oat cross PLP-1 × HJ-8 which revealed that tillers per plant, leaves per plant, dry matter yield per plant and crude protein yield per plant plays chief role as major forage yield component in both early and late generations, therefore selection of these traits would offer the scope for improvement in fresh fodder yield and also the significant correlation between these traits in F₂, F₃, and F₄ generations indicated that these traits are mostly governed by additive gene action and also the suitability of these traits for selection on individual plant basis in the advanced generations of segregating populations which would ultimately help to achieve higher total green fodder yield in oats. In the evaluation of F₂, F₃ and F₄ generations along with parents, about 14.33, 18.44, and 22.89 % transgressive segregants, respectively, were obtained for most of the traits which indicated the importance of PLP-1 and HJ-8 as parents in the future breeding programme for improving fodder yield in oats.

3 tables, 16 ref

025925   VIKAS, GANGAN S S, JAISWAR A K, LAL D M (Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Dep, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai-61, Email: akjaiswar@cife.edu.in) : Taxonomic study of flatheads (Family: Platycephalidae) occurring along the west coast of India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(5), 1023-8.

A total of thirty-one morphometric and meristic characters were measured, counted and compared among the species along with their respective proportions, like standard length and head length. Among ten meristic characters, six did not show any difference. However, four characters viz. number of gillrakers, black spot on 1st dorsal fin, increasing size of backwardly directed lateral line spines towards posterior end and preopercular spine revealed variations. The proportional measurements with their head length (HL) viz. snout length: head length (SnL: HL, Inter orbital width: head length (IOL: HL), and maximum eye diameter: head length (MED: HL) also revealed significant difference among the species.

4 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

026012   SAINI K S, BRAR N S (Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Punjab - 141 004, Email: navjotbrar11@yahoo.co.in) : Crop and water productivity of sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris) under different planting methods and irrigation schedules. Agric Res 2018, 7(1), 93-7.

A field experiment was carried out at Ludhiana during Rabi (winter cropping season) 2013–14 to study the performance of sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) under different planting methods and irrigation schedules. Highest Root yield and water productivity was recorded under planting method 2R/Bed (70.67 t ha^-1 and 17.6 Kg m^-3) and under irrigation scheduling I_0.8 (67.29 t ha^-1 and 18.8 Kg m^-3). The interaction between planting methods and irrigation scheduling shows that the planting method 2R/Bed with irrigation schedule of I_1.0 and 2R/Bed with I_0.8 recorded the highest root yield (77.87 t ha^-1 & 75.40 t ha^-1) and water productivity (19.5 Kg m^-3 & 21.5 Kg m^-3). It is concluded that planting sugarbeet as 2 rows per Bed and scheduling irrigation at IW/CPE ratio 0.8 and 1.0 produce maximum yield and water productivity.

1 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

026011   SAFARPOOR M, FARAJI M, KAMALI M, SHARIFIFAR A, SAHAMI B, SADEGHIANFAR P, NAZARI M (Tehran Univ, Karaj, Iran, Email: sharififar1988@gmail.com) : Effect of biofertilizers and metribuzin on weeds and yield of tomato. Agric Res 2018, 7(1), 89-92.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the biofertilizers Azotobacter chroococcum and Pseudomonas fluorescens with metribuzin in soil on growth and development of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in competition with weeds. An experimental design of randomized complete blocks with 13 treatments and 3 replicates was performed. Three levels of metribuzin including 500, 1000 and 1500 g ha^-1 were soil inoculated. The results reveal that tomato could better grow (considering the morphological and physiological characteristics) in competition with weeds when the biofertilizers and low doses of metribuzin are used interactively. The biofertilizers decreased the environmental stress of competition with weeds on tomato and showed no significantly positive effect on the dry weight of weeds. All the crop characteristics were significantly influenced by the biofertilizer treatments. It could be concluded that tomato survives better under the stress derived from weeds competition when biofertilizers and lower doses of metribuzin are applied.

2 tables, 14 ref

026010   ALI A M, IBRAHIM S M, EL-HADY Y A A, SAYED A S A (Soil Fertility and Microbiology Dep, Desert Research Center, Cairo - 11753, Email: alimohamed1982@gmail.com) : Assessment of bioavailability of some heavy metals to wheat and Faba bean in Sahl el-tina, Egypt. Agric Res 2018, 7(1), 72-82.

Accumulation of heavy metals viz., Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Co, Cd and Cr in soils and commonly grown crop plants (wheat and faba bean) was studied in the fields in Sahl El-Tina, located in the Northwestern Sinai Peninsula, Egypt. Irrigation water at different sites was slight to moderately saline with no sodium hazard. About 50 % of irrigation water samples revealed salt combinations consisting of NaCl, MgCl₂, MgSO₄, CaSO₄ and Ca(HCO₃)₂, thereby indicating marine salt pollution. The results also revealed that heavy metals in irrigation and drainage water were within the recommended levels. The total contents of Ni, Pb, Co and Cd in subsoil samples were higher than the levels in topsoil samples, suggesting strong evidence of indigenous supply. However, total contents of Mn, Zn, Cu and Cr in topsoil samples were higher than the levels in subsoil samples, implying anthropogenic source of contamination. The highest single-element pollution index value in soil was found for Cd, which ranged from 0.289 to 3.763, indicating low to high contamination levels. Except for Zn and Pb which showed low contamination level, other elements showed low to moderate contamination levels in soil. The combined pollution index ranged from 0.238 to 1.688, indicating low to moderate multi-element contamination levels in soil. Except for Zn and Cd, the levels of heavy metals in wheat and faba bean were greater than the permissible limits. The highest transfer coefficients of metals from soil to plant were found for Zn and Cd in wheat. On the other hand, the highest coefficients in faba bean were found for Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu. Faba bean showed the ability to accumulate heavy metals in higher amounts than wheat. It was evident that there is a multi-element pollution source for the growing crops in Sahl El-Tina that could be due to the anthropogenic activities in respect of some elements but inherently for others.

8 tables, 43 ref

026009   BAGHERZADEH A, GHOLIZADEH A (Agriculture Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Mashhad, Iran, Email: abagher_ch@yahoo.com) : Assessment of soil fertility for sugar beet production using fuzzy AHP approach and GIS in the northeastern region of Iran. Agric Res 2018, 7(1), 61-71.

Assessment of soil fertility seems to be a crucial step in appropriate site-specific management for crop production especially for sugar beet cultivation in the Northeastern region of Iran. For preparing the soil fertility zonation map for sugar beet production, the most important soil chemical parameters and nutrient elements affecting soil fertility in 0–30 cm soil depth were analyzed and mapped. Implementing fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP) approach, the S-shaped fuzzy membership function was defined for each factor to fuzzify soil fertility parameters. The soil fertility map was prepared by weighing factor layers through AHP approach, the summation of factor layers, and subsequently inverse distance weighted interpolation function in geographic information system. The values of soil fertility in the scale of 0–1 ranged from 0.13 to 0.39, classified the study area in low (1205.41 km² ) and very low fertility (1366.59 km² ), which comprises 46.9 and 53.1 % of the surface area, respectively. It was revealed that there is a high correlation (R² = 0.98) between soil fertility values and sugar beet yield area, which validate the zonation mapping of soil fertility in the study. With respect to the findings obtained in our study, the fuzzy AHP approach may clearly apply in similar regions in estimating soil fertility index for a specific crop.

7 illus, 5 tables, 37 ref

026008   SOFI J A, RATTAN R K, WANI A A, MIR S A, DAR I H, SOFI K A (Soil Science Div, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar - 190 025, Email: ahmadsofi12@gmail.com) : Nitrogen-fixing cover crops and chronosequential effects on fertility of apple orchard soils. Agric Res 2018, 7(1), 51-60.

The aim of this work was to study the effect of nitrogen-fixing cover crops and chronosequential impact on physical, chemical and biological properties on the apple orchard ecosystem in the northwest Himalaya of Kashmir, India. The experiment includes six phases of chronosequence (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50) years grown under three altitudes: soil of lower altitudes with no cover crop grown on the orchard floor, the mid-altitude soils with berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) as a cover crop and in the higher altitudes with the alfalfa (Medicago sativa) grown as nitrogen-fixing cover crop. Zero stand age groups of apple trees along with no cover crop act as control for treatment comparison. All the soil indicators essential for soil health were measured. Compared to the sites where no nitrogen-fixing cover crops were grown, there was 51 and 92 % increase in the apple yield over other sites with inclusion of berseem and alfalfa. There was significant increase in yield up to 40 years and declined with advancement of stand age. Higher contents of all soil organic carbon pools were found in the higher altitudes with alfalfa grown as a cover crop in the orchard floor. Lower bulk densities were observed in the sites with cover crops grown in the apple orchard which might have synergistic role on nutrient cycling. There was significant increase in N, K, S, Mg, Fe and Mn, and no discernible difference was observed for B, Cu, P and Zn. There was significant increase in the nutrients up to 40 years, and afterward, significant drop was observed. Our result suggests that there was significant decrease in the nutrients from vertical soil depth of 0–90 cm.

1 illus, 10 tables, 31 ref

026007   WANG N, GAO Y, LI X, WANG Y (Jiangnan Univ, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China, Email: gyshxy@jiangnan.edu.cn) : Efficiency analysis of grain production inputs: Utilization in China from an agricultural sustainability perspective. Agric Res 2018, 7(1), 37-50.

Agricultural input surpluses cause severe environmental pollution and natural resource depletion; thus, the need to improve the utilization efficiency of agricultural inputs has become urgent. For this purpose, a data envelopment analysis was used to analyze the technical efficiency of agricultural inputs for major grain production in 13 grain-producing provinces at a macrolevel; farmers’ behavioral characteristics with regard to input application were subsequently determined at a microlevel. The results indicated that most provinces had lower technical efficiency scores. Liaoning (0.697) and Jiangxi (0.724) had much lower technical scores for rice production; Hebei (0.758), Jiangsu (0.720), Anhui (0.719), Shandong (0.762) and Henan (0.702), which had larger yields, tended to have lower technical efficiency for wheat production. Finally, Neimenggu (1), Liaoning (1), Jilin (0.868) and Heilongjiang (0.976), which had higher maize yields, had much higher technical efficiency scores for maize production. Many provinces were operating on decreasing returns to scale and the need to decrease planting scale systems. The regions with larger grain output or lower technical efficiency scores tended to have higher optimal savings of agricultural inputs. Respondents in the main grain-producing area had higher ages and lower education levels. The respondents lacked knowledge regarding environmental regulations and input safety usage standards. Most farmers thought that it was important to apply agricultural inputs properly, but they continued to operate as they usually did with such behaviors as ignoring instructions or changing the dosages casually. Moreover, the farmers rarely adopted eco-friendly production technologies. Therefore, it is necessary to promote scientific-technical progress, improve technology extension services, highlight market-based decisions, and improve supportive policies.

3 illus, 8 tables, 46 ref

026006   MAHAWAR M K, SAMUEL D V K, SINHA J P, JALGAONKAR K (Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology, Abohar, Punjab, Email: manojmahawar362@gmail.com) : Optimization of hydropriming of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) seeds using response surface methodology. Agric Res 2018, 7(1), 25-36.

This research study was envisaged to evaluate the effect of parameters, viz. initial germination percentage (IGP), soaking duration (SD), temperature, rotation speed (rpm) and air flow rate (AFR) for hydropriming of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) seeds. Three different seed lots based on their moisture content and germination percentage were chosen in this study. Moisture content and germination percentage of the selected lots varied from 11.33 to 16.89 % (d.b.) and 50 to 80 %, respectively. Accelerated ageing was performed at 40 ± 1 $°$C, 100 % relative humidity to obtain required lots from available seed sample. Response surface methodology was adopted using a five factor three-level Box–Behnken design with soaking duration (4, 5 and 6 h), temperature (20, 25, 30 $°$C), rotation speed, (320, 340, 360 rpm), air flow rate, (2.192, 2.740, 3.288 m³ /min) as the main process parameters. The effect of process affecting parameters was observed on responses, viz. moisture content, germination percentage, seedling length, seedling dry weight, vigour index-I, vigour index-II, electrical conductivity and radiography. Models were found to be significant for all the process responses with the optimal solution as 73 % (IGP), 6 h (SD), 23 $°$C temperature, 330 (rpm) and 2.50 m³ /min (AFR).

9 illus, 4 tables, 30 ref

026005   SHOKRGOO A, MADANDOUST M (Agronomy Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Iran, Email: mehdimadandoust@yahoo.com) : Effect of harvest time on essential oil content and chemical composition of Origanum vulgare (L.) from Iran. J Essent Oil Bear Plants 2018, 21(6), 1682-6.

Origanum vulgare (L.) is one of the famous and ancient medicinal plants of Iran. This field experiment was conducted in the region of Fasa (28°443 N, 53°393 E). The experiment was conducted based on randomized complete blocks design with four replications. The effect of harvest times on vegetative characteristics of Oregano, the essential oil percentage and its compounds were determined. The essential oil of Oregano was obtained by hydro distillation method for 3h and then the composition of essential oil was determined by GC-MS. The results indicated that pre-flowering harvest increased essential oil percentage of O. vulgare significantly and the oil yield was 0.46-0.47 % (v/w). Twenty nine compounds were identified and linalyl acetate (20.10-24.01 %) and γ-terpinene (11.82-14.52 %) were two major compounds of the essential oil.

3 tables, 21 ref

026004   KESHAVARZ H, MODARRES-SANAVY S A M, AFRA M M (Agronomy Dep, Tarbiat Modares Univ, Tehran, Iran, Email: modaresa@modares.ac.ir) : Organic and chemical fertilizer affected yield and essential oil of two mint species. J Essent Oil Bear Plants 2018, 21(6), 1674-81.

Two species of mint Mentha piperitha (peppermint) and M. arvensis (Japanese mint) are widely cultivated in Iran but have not been evaluated their response to fertilizer regimes. A field experiment were conducted to investigate the effects of different organic and chemical fertilizer treatments [Control, 100 % urea (95 kg N ha^-1), 75% urea (71.25 kg N ha^-1) + 25 % Vermicompost (3.3 ton ha^-1), 50 % urea (47.5 kg N ha^-1) + 50 % Vermicompost (6.75 ton ha^-1), 25 % urea (23.75 kg N ha^-1) + 75 % vermicompost (10.1 ton ha^-1) and 100 % vermicompost (13.5 ton ha^-1)] on essential oil contents, yield and morphological parameters of two species of mint (peppermint and Japanese mint) at Tarbiat Modares University during 2015 growing season. Peppermint provided higher plant height, number of internodes, number of leaves and oil percentage than Japanese mint. The results indicated that, irrespective of mint species, plant treated with chemical and organic fertilizers together presented taller plant, higher oil contents and oil yield compared with solo chemical or organic fertilizers. Oil percentage and essential oil yield of mint increased significantly up to 25.75 kg/ha urea + 10.1 t/ha. Plant height and number of leaf increased along the replacement of organic fertilizer with chemical fertilizers. The results showed that there was positive and significant correlation with leaf number and essential oil yield. Application of vermicompost combined with chemical fertilizer increased plant height, oil percentage and essential oil in both species suggesting that organic and chemical fertilizer combination improves performance and environmental sustainability.

4 tables, 23 ref

026003   HOSSAIN F, MUTHUSAMY V, PANDEY N, VISHWAKARMA A K, BAVEJA B, ZUNJARE R U, KARASU N T, SAHA S, MANJAIAH K M, PRASANNA B M, GUPTA H S (ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi- 110 012, Email: fh_gpb@yahoo.com) : Marker-assisted introgression of opaque2 allele for rapid conversion of elite hybrids into quality protein maize. J Genet 2018, 97(1), 287-98.

Maize is a valuable source of food and feed worldwide. Maize endosperm protein is, however nutritionally poor due to the reduced levels of two essential amino acids, lysine and tryptophan. In this study, recessive opaque2 (o2) allele that confers enhanced endosperm lysine and tryptophan, was introgressed using marker-assisted backcross breeding into three normal inbred lines (HKI323, HKI1105 and HKI1128). These are the parental lines of three popular medium-maturing single cross hybrids (HM4, HM8 and HM9) in India. Gene-based simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers (umc1066 and phi057) were successfully deployed for introgression of o2 allele. Background selection using genome-based SSRs helped in recovering > 96 % of recurrent parent genome. The newly developed quality protein maize (QPM) inbreds showed modified kernels (25–50 % opaqueness) coupled with high degree of phenotypic resemblance to the respective recipient lines, including grain yield. In addition, endosperm protein quality showed increased lysine and tryptophan in the inbreds to the range of 52–95 % and 47–118 %, respectively. The reconstituted QPM hybrids recorded significant enhancement of endosperm lysine (48–74 %) and tryptophan (55–100 %) in the endosperm. The QPM hybrids exhibited high phenotypic similarity with the original hybrids for morphological and yield contributing traits along with responses to some major diseases like turcicum leaf blight and maydis leaf blight. The grain yield of QPM hybrids was at par with their original versions under multilocation testing. These elite, high-yielding QPM hybrids with improved protein quality have been released and notified for commercial cultivation, and hold significant promise for improving nutritional security.

1 illus, 7 tables, 36 ref

026002   YI Q, LIU Y, ZHANG X, HOU X, ZHANG J, LIU H, HU Y, YU G, HUANG Y (Sichuan Agricultural Univ, China, Email: Yubihuang@sohu.com) : Comparative mapping of quantitative trait loci for tassel-related traits of maize in F_2:3 and RIL populations. J Genet 2018, 97(1), 253-66.

Tassel architecture is an important trait in maize breeding and hybrid seed production. In this study, we investigated total tassel length (TTL) and tassel branch number (TBN) in 266 F_2:3 families across six environments and in 301 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) across three environments, where all the plants were derived from a cross between 08-641 and Ye478. We compared the genetic architecture of the two traits across two generations through combined analysis. In total, 27 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) (15 in F_2:3; 16 in RIL), two QTL × environment interactions (both in F_2:3), 11 pairs of epistatic interactions (seven in F_2:3; four in RIL) and four stable QTLs in both the F_2:3 and RILs were detected. The RIL population had higher detection power than the F_2:3 population. Nevertheless, QTL × environment interactions and epistatic interactions could be more easily detected in the F_2:3 population than in the RILs. Overall, the QTL mapping results in the F_2:3 and RILs were greatly influenced by genetic generations and environments. Finally, fine mapping for a novel and major QTL, qTTL-2-3 (bin 2.07), which accounted for over 8.49 % of the phenotypic variation across different environments and generations, could be useful in marker-assisted breeding.

2 illus, 5 tables, 81 ref

026001   SINGH R K, RAI N, SINGH A K, KUMAR P, CHAUBEY T, SINGH B, SINGH S N (Crop Improvement Div, ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR), Varanasi - 221 305, Email: nrai1964@gmail.com.) : Elucidation of diversity among F₁ hybrids to examine heterosis and genetic inheritance for horticultural traits and ToLCV resistance in tomato. J Genet 2018, 97(1), 67-78.

Genetic diversity during prebreeding or postbreeding programme, is the key pillar to characterize the valuable traits and gene of interest. Whereas, superior or inferior heterotic performance of F₁ depend on the diverse nature of their pedigree. Therefore, the aim of this study was to see the diversity between the interspecific crosses and effect of heterosis, and inheritance for the morphological traits and ToLCV resistance. All the 24 F₁ interspecific crosses were classified into four clusters on the basis of morphological traits as well as simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Among the F₁ hybrids, 23 were grouped into clusters II, III and IV with different phylogeny, while PBC× EC 521080 was individual with cluster I. On the basis of visual observation of fruit colour, deep red and green colours in the crosses of S. pimpinellifolium (EC 521080) and S. habrochaites (EC 520061) exhibited dominant effects. In context of heterosis breeding, the crosses which were made using Solanum pimpinellifolium (EC 521080), S. chmielewskii (EC 520049) and S. cerasiforme (EC 528372) were better for yield capacity and the crosses of S. habrochaites (EC 520061) exhibited low and negative heterosis for ToLCV resistance. The F₂ progenies were segregated in various Mendelian ratio as follows 3:1, 1:2:1, 1:3, 13:3, 15:1, 12:3:1 and 9:6:1 for ToLCV disease reaction of incidence, plant growth habit and fruit colour appearance, respectively. Therefore, these interspecific crosses can be utilized for developing high yield, impressive fruit colour combiners and resistant hybrids/varieties of tomato.

2 illus, 4 tables, 42 ref

026000   SENJAM P, SENAPATI B K, CHTTOPADHYAY A, DUTTA S (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur - 741 252, Email: puspasenjam@gmail.com.) : Genetic control of yellow vein mosaic virus disease tolerance in Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench. J Genet 2018, 97(1), 25-33.

Okra’s (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) commercial cultivation is threatened in the tropics due to high incidence of yellow vein mosaic virus (YVMV) disease. Okra geneticists across the world tried to understand the inheritance pattern of YVMV disease tolerance without much success. Therefore, the inheritance pattern of YVMV disease in okra was revisited by employing six generations (P₁, P₂, F₁, F₂, BC₁ and BC₂) of four selected crosses (one tolerant × tolerant, two tolerant × susceptible and one susceptible × susceptible) using two tolerant (BCO-1 and Lal Bhendi) and two susceptible (Japanese Jhar Bhendi and PAN 2127) genotypes. Qualitative genetic analysis was done on the basis of segregation pattern of tolerant and susceptible plants in F₂ and backcross generations of all the four crosses. It revealed that a single dominant gene along with some minor factors governed the disease tolerant trait in both the tolerant parents used. However, it was observed that genes governing disease tolerance identified in both the tolerant variety used was different. It could be concluded that the gene governing YVMV disease tolerance in okra was genotype specific. Further, duplicate gene action as evident from an approximate ratio of 15 : 1 (tolerant : susceptible) in the F₂ population in the cross of two tolerant varieties gave a scope of increasing the tolerance level of the hybrid plants when both the tolerant genes are brought together. However, generation mean analysis revealed involvement of both additive and nonadditive effects in the inheritance of disease tolerance. Thus, the present study confirms that a complicated genetic inheritance pattern is involved in the disease tolerance against YVMV trait. The major tolerance genes could be transferred to other okra varieties, but the tolerance breaking virus strains might not allow them to achieve tolerance in stable condition. Therefore, accumulation of additional genes may be needed for a sustainable tolerance phenotype in okra.

6 tables, 18 ref

025999   MUTURI E J, RAMIREZ J L, ZILKOWSKI B, FLOR-WEILER L B, ROONEY A P (Agriculture Dep, Agricultural Research Service, Peoria, Illinois, Email: Ephantus.Muturi@ars.usda.gov) : Ovicidal and larvicidal effects of garlic and asafoetida essential oils against west Nile virus vectors. J Insect Sci 2018, 18(2), 43.

We examined the chemical composition of garlic and asafoetida essential oils and their individual and combined toxicity against larvae of Culex pipiens Linnaeus and Culex restuans Theobald (Diptera: Culicidae). The effect of the two essential oils on egg hatch was also examined. Ten and 12 compounds, respectively, were identified in garlic and asafoetida essential oils. Allyl disulfide (49.13 %) and diallyl trisulfide (31.08 %) were the most abundant compounds in garlic essential oil accounting for 80.2 % of the total oil. In contrast, (E)-sec-butyl propenyl disulfide (30.03 %), (Z)-sec-butyl propenyl disulfide (24.32 %), and disulfide, methyl 1-(methylthio)propyl (21.87 %) were the most abundant compounds in asafoetida essential oil. Allyl disulfide accounted for 7.38 % of the total oil in asafoetida essential oil and was one of only three compounds found in both oils. For both mosquito species, garlic essential oil was more toxic than asafoetida essential oil with Cx. restuans (LC₅₀: garlic = 2.7 ppm; asafoetida = 10.1 ppm) being more sensitive than Cx. pipiens (LC₅₀: garlic = 7.5 ppm; asafoetida = 13.5 ppm). When combined, the two essential oils had antagonistic effects. The majority of Culex egg rafts exposed to garlic (73.1 %) or asafoetida (55.8 %) essential oils failed to hatch and larvae of the few that did hatch mostly died as first instars. Allyl disulfide exhibited strong ovicidal and larvicidal activity suggesting its important contribution to the overall toxicity of the two essential oils. Thus, garlic and asafoetida essential oils are potent mosquito ovicides and larvicides but if used jointly, they could undermine vector control programs.

1 illus, 3 tables, 47 ref

025998   PRAJAPATI D, BARELIYA P K, YADAV R R, SINGH R P, KUMAR P, VISHNOI R K (Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior) : Screen out the less preferred variety of chickpea against pulse beetle on the basis of orientation and oviposition. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 577-80.

The egg deposition on different varieties under free choice condition ranged from 13.0 to 21.0 eggs with significant differences among different varieties. Minimum egg deposition on varieties JG-11 and JG-16 and under forced condition ranged from 45.0 to 115.3 eggs with significant differences among them. The minimum egg was deposition on variety RVS-201. The egg deposition on variety JG-16 under forced condition was significantly higher, whereas under free choice condition the egg deposition was significantly less, this indicated that JG-16 was most preferred for oviposition and less preferred for orientation. The survival percentage of pulse beetle on different varieties ranged from 26.3 to 44.6 % and the minimum survival percentage in variety JG-6 indicated less suitability

6 tables, 14 ref

025997   RAZAQ M K, KADHIM R E (Biology Dep, University of Babylon, Iraq, Email: rihabedan@gmail.com) : Effect of different concentrations of nickel chloride in an imbibition, physiological and molecular parameters of Cucumis sativus L. seeds. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 566-70.

The effect of different concentrations of Ni (0, 1*10^-5, 5*10^-5, 1*10^-4, 2*10^-4, 4*10^-4, 8*10^-4, 1*10^-3, 0.1 M) was studied. These concentrations affected on imbibition process by masseur the fresh weight of seed through different periods. The germination, growth and molecular parameter of Cucumber sativus L. seeds measured. All concentrations caused increasing in fresh weight of seeds with increasing in concentration and with increasing the periods too. The highest reading was at 1*10^-5 M with fourth period and the lowest reading was at 0.1 M with fourth period which is no significant change with control. Ni had significant decreasing ingermination at high concentration; there was a decrease in growth parameters, such as length of shoot and root, fresh and dry weights for shoot and root and for leaf area. Also, there was increased in the parameters of DNA damage by comet assay. The decreasing in all these parameters was proportional reversely with increasing of Ni concentrations.

1 illus, 3 tables, 27 ref

025996   GORE A, KASAL Y G, SHINDE S (Lovely Professional Univ, Phagwara - 44 411) : Field evaluation of self propelled reaper binder in wheat crop. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 551-4.

Field performance of reaper-binder was assessed in wheat crop. The testing of self propelled Reaper binder was carried out for harvesting of wheat crop on the university farm, Dr. P D K V, Akola. The effective field capacity of the reaper-binder was found 0.716 ha h^-1 with a field efficiency of 88 per cent at an average operating speed of 5.38 kmph. The fuel consumption was found 4.73 l ha^-1. The harvesting losses for mechanical harvesting were 1.70 per cent.

2 tables, 6 ref

025995   NUAIMI N Z K R A, KHUZALE J H R A (Kufa Univ, Iraq) : Effect of different concentration of Ivermectin drug on the growth and vitality of eggs and adult liver worm Fasciola gigantica in Rabbits. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 539-45.

The present study was conducted for the period from November 2016 to June 2017, which aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Ivermectin drug on the growth and vitality of the parasite Fasciola gigantica inside and outside the body of rabbits. The drug Ivermectin used outside the body in three concentrations (0.10, 0.05, 0.01)% g / ml for both of egg and adults of giant liver worms and inside the body was (10, 5, 1 mg/kg) in the rabbits infected with this parasite. The results showed that the concentration (0.10) was the most effective in hatching of eggs had rate percentage of hatch eggs was (10.2) and the rate of the percentage for destruction of worms was (91.2) where the signification difference was (1.9) for the weight mean infected liver organ which treated with Ivermectin when compared to the infected rabbits also. The weight mean spleen organ was the signification difference (2.4) when compared with the infected rabbits. The weight mean of kidney organ was the signification difference (1.1) when compared with the infected rabbits. Also, the results of the study within the body showed that dose of 10mg / kg of the ivermectin are the most effective in inhibiting the number of worms in the infected and treatment rabbits when compared to the infected and not treatment rabbits. The total number of worms in control positive of Ivermectin drug (14.8) while it was (12.9, 5.4, 1.1) at concentrations 0.1, 0.05 and 0.10 mg / kg respectively. Also concluded that the percentage of Fasciola gigantica was decreased when the concentration of Ivermectin increased and increase the percentage rate of destruction worms you when increased the concentration of Ivermectin outside the body, and increase in the weight of infected organ with cercaria in positive control only when compared with the weights of infected organs with cercaria and treatment with different concentrations of Ivermectin.

8 illus, 4 tables, 30 ref

025994   MONPARA J K, CHUDASAMA K S, THAKER V S (Biosciences Dep, Saurashtra Univ, Rajkot- 360 005, Email: kiranchudasama@gmail.com) : Effect of heavy metal cadmium on Triticum aestivum: Determination of peroxidase as biomarker. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 515-22.

The environment is constantly being polluted by the accumulation of heavy metal contaminants and it adversely affects the health of humans and animals. These contaminants also pose a major threat to agricultural sector. Cadmium (Cd) is extensively used in electronic and other industries as an important heavy metal. The present investigation was conducted to determine the phytotoxic effect of heavy metal cadmium on Triticum aestivum L. seedling. The different concentration of cadmium (25 ppm; 50 ppm; 75 ppm and 100 ppm) was used. Various physio-biochemical parameters, fresh weight, dry weight, water content and length chlorophyll content, protein, peroxidase enzyme and phenolic content were studied. Further peroxidase of shoot and root was characterized by Native-PAGE. Dose dependent decrease in Dry weight, water content, length and chlorophyll content was observed while peroxidase and phenol induction increased with Cd concentration.

6 illus, 2 tables, 49 ref

025993   VISHWAKARMA S K, KUMAR A (Floriculture Dep, N. D. Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Faizabad- 224 229, Email: akmnduat@yahoo.com) : Effect of nitrogen, planting distance and bulb size on vase life of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) Cv. Hyderabad double. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 512-4.

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of nitrogen, planting distance and bulb size on vase life of tuberose (Polyanthes tuberosa L.) cv. Hyderabad Double. Results revealed that higher levels of nitrogen enhanced percent increase in spike length (1.69 & 1.71) and (1.80 & 1.82), percent opening of florets per spike (24.82 & 25.20) and (41.90 & 42.52), drooping of florets observed minimum (1.79 &1.82) and (5.36 & 5.44) at 4^th and 8^th days of spike kept in vase solution in consecutive year of experiments 2012-13 and 2013-14. Maximum spike life (8.33 & 8.45 days) was reported with nitrogen applied 300 kg/ha. In two year of experiments. Wider spacing (30 × 30 cm) promoted the percentage increases in spike length (1.32 & 1.34) and percentage of opening of florets per spike (29.52 & 29.96) at 4^th day while 8^th day could not responses significantly in both the year of experiments. Drooping of florets minimum was observed at 4^th and 8^th day (1.64 & 1.66) and (4.64 & 4.70) however spike life was noticed (8.77 & 8.90 days) respectively in two successive years of experiments. Bigger bulb size also left significant responses on various study of vase life of tuberose. Percent increases in spike length (1.35 & 1.37) and (1.53 & 1.56), percent opening of florets per spike (28.16 & 28.58) and (41.43 & 42.05), drooping of florets (1.90 &1.93) and (4.81 & 4.88) observed minimum at 4^th and 8^th days in both the year of experiments. Maximum spike life (8.77 & 8.90) days were recorded in spike obtained from bigger size bulb kept in vase solution in consecutive year of experiments.

1 table, 16 ref

025992   DUBEY N, AVINASHE H A, SHRIVASTAVA A N (Plant Breeding Dep, Lovely Professional Univ, Punjab- 144 411, Email: havinashe@gmail.com) : Principal component analysis in advanced genotypes of soybean [Glycine Max (L.) Merrill] over seasons. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 501-6.

In present study, PCA was performed for economic traits of soybean. Out of eighteen, only five principal components (PCs) exhibited more than 1.00 Eigen value and showed about 73.44 % variability among the traits studied. First principal component recorded the highest variation 37.13 % followed by 13.02 % (second PC), 10.17 % (third PC), 6.88 % (fourth PC) and 6.24 % (fifth PC). Total variation of five PCs was recorded as 73.44 %. Rotated component matrix revealed that the PC1, which accounted for the highest variability (37.13 %) was mostly related with traits such as days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of nodes per plant, number of pods per plant, number of pods per node, number of seeds per plant, biological yield per plant and seed yield per plant. In second PC the traits viz., number of seeds per plant and number of seeds per pod, harvest index and seed yield per plant were more related. The PC3 was dominated by single trait i.e. number of seeds per pod. The fourth component was more related to protein content, whereas PC5 was closely related to 100 seed weight. On the basis of PCA most of the important yield and yield attributing traits were present in PC1 and PC2. The characters viz., days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of nodes per plant, number of pods per plant, number of pods per node, number of seeds per plant, biological yield per plant, harvest index and number of seeds per pod are more important yield contributing traits, and putative genotypes identified as JS 20-89, JS 20-115, JS 20-108, JS 20-122, JS 20-79 and JS 20-121 on the basis of principal component analysis.

1 illus, 6 tables, 9 ref

025991   ALTAEY D K A (Horticulture Dep, Al-Qasim Green Univ, Iraq) : The role of GA and organic matter to reduce the salinity effect on growth and leaves contents of elements and antioxidant in pepper. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 479-88.

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important agricultural crop, because of its economic importance and the nutritional value of its fruits; it is an excellent source ofnatural colors, vitamin C and antioxidant compounds worthy for human health. The salinity of soil is among the most important abiotic stresses which limit agricultural productivity worldwide, effects of salinity on growth. Significant differences in fruit-set, yield, photo synthetic rates, stomatal conductance, total chlorophyll content, proline. In general, salinity affects almost every aspect of the physiology and biochemistry of plants. A field experiment was conducted during the agriculture season in the first of 15th- Oct- 2015 to 15th- Feb- 2016) In agriculture collage fields of Al Qasim Green University (Babylon, Hilla) to study the effect of irrigation water quality and organic fertilization and, gibberellin on growth and yield of pepper, the experiment included 24 treatments as a result of the combination between the factors , salinity of irrigation water (W) was imposed at (1.1 a or 6.5 ds m^-1), organic (poultry) litter (O) at (0 % or 25 %), the gibberellin was applied at (0 or 250 mg.L^-1 ) , the water salinity increased electrical conductivity of the soil, peroxidase activity in leaves and sodium and proline contents in leaves, resulting in decreased growth and leaf contents of NPK. The poultry and gibberellins applications alleviated negative effects of saline water by increasing (dry weights of shoots, root fruit weight, and NPK contents in leaves with a slight reduction of peroxidase activity in leaves and greater reduction of sodium and proline contents in leave. Its possibility of mitigated environmental stress like salinity with any exogenous application, the GA₃ and organic matter led to improve pepper growth under salt stress, the GA & poultry application improved the growth and it has alleviated to salt stress, which was exerted by saline irrigation water.

13 illus, 5 tables, 51 ref

025990   RAUT R L (Horticulture Dep, J.N.K.V.V, Jabalpur– 482 004, Email: rshn_raut71@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of various intercrops in guava orchard. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 466-8.

Guava is an important sub-tropical fruit crop and has good nutritive value. Intercropping in guava orchard gives additional income to the growers in juvenile phase of the plant. The plant growth characters, height and girth were influenced by intercrops (paddy, blackgram, ginger and pigeonpea). Intercrops blackgram and pigeon pea gave positive response. The yield and economics of various intercrops were discussed and ginger was found most profitable among others used as intercrops in guava orchards. The soil properties were also improved by the use of intercrops.

3 tables, 6 ref

025989   LAITONJAM N, SINGH R, YUMNAM A, KALAI K, MEENA N K (CAU, Umiam, Meghalaya, Email: nivelaitonjam@gmail.com) : Rice production in India : Decomposition and trend analysis. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 435-8.

The present study assess the contribution of area, yield and their interaction to growth in production of rice as well as the compound annual growth rate in area, production and yield of rice in India. Time series data on area, production and yield of rice for the period 1980-2014 were collected from different secondary sources like Agricultural Statistics at a Glance, FAOStatistical Year book. Decomposition model proposed by Sharma (1977) was used to examine the contribution of area, average yield and their interaction towards rice production. The compound annual growth rates of area, production and yield were worked out using the formula recommended by Dandekar (1980). The study revealed that over the year from 1980-2014, yield effect has the highest contribution to the change in the production of rice in India. In India both production and yield of rice increased at the compound annual growth rate of nearly 5 per cent and 4 percent per annum, respectively. However, amarginal increase of 0.48 per cent per annum was recorded in case of area under the crop over the time period of 34 years (1980-2014).

3 tables, 7 ref

025988   YADAV S P, YADAV S (U.P. Council of Sugarcane Research, Shahjahanpur, Email: drshriprakashyadav@gmail.com) : Improved management strategies for sustained sugarcane productivity and sugar production in India. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 398-400.

The sustainable sugarcane and sugar production is yet another viable, economical and environmentally sound approach based on the principles of “more with less” in agriculture. This also improves the productivity of water, land, labour status of cane growers in the country. Strategies for achieving these objectives involves usage of less seeds, less water and optimum utilization of fertilizers, land with organics and biofertilizers. This is also an alternate to conventional seed, water and space intensive sugarcane cultivation. Management strategies also involves raising of cane crop in problematic soils and water with minimum tillage practices also creates micro catchments for water harvesting. Trench method of cane planting with wider spacing (120–150 cm) by raising plantlets through space Transplanting method (STP) is a part of management strategies have been followed at U.P. Council of Sugarcane Research, Shahjahanpur, U.P. This provides more number of millable canes per unit area with better possibilities of multi – ratooning saving about 30 % cost of cultivation as compare to plant cane. By this practices seed cost can be reduced upto 75 % and water saved upto 40-45 % ( j 30 to 35000 per ha both). It is also easy to transport the young seedlings for longer distances with least mortality rate (1-2 %). With these objectives an experiment during 2014 – 16 in spring season have been conducted at research farm of U.P. Council of Sugarcane Research, Shahjahanpur,U.P. funded by All India Co – ordinate Research Project (AICRP) on sugarcane. Two years mean data of the experiment revealed that application of 10 t/ha FYM/compost + recommended NPK fertilizers on soil test basis + biofertilizers (Azotobacter+ P.S.B.) @ 10 kg/ha each recorded significantly better cane yield (113 t/ha) . Soil health and physico - chemical parameters were also improved by this treatment as compare to the treatment in which only recommended NPK fertilizers were applied through inorganics.

1 table, 7 ref

025987   PATEL S K, RAJESWARI B, KRISHNAVENI D (Plant Pathology Dep, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural Univ, Hyderabad- 500 030, Email: shyamkishorpatel@gmail.com) : Weed host range of rice Tungro virus disease. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 382-6.

Out of twenty weed host species tested through forced feed inoculation with viruliferous leaf hoppers (Nephotettix virescens), thirteen weed host species were found positive reaction for tungro disease viz., Cynodon dactylon, Digitaria sanguinalis, Echinocloa colonum, E. crusgalli, Leptochloa chinensis, Panicum repens, Cyperus rotundus, Fimbrystylis miliaceae, Dinebra aratica, Brachiaria ramosa, Paspalum dilatum, Leersia hexandra and Paspalum hydrophilum and exhibited leafyellowing, stunting, reduction in number of tillers and interveinal chlorosis with typical symptoms of tungro disease asexpressed in rice crop. The virus was also recovered from the seven virus infected weed host species viz., E. colonum, E. crusgalli, Panicum repens, C. rotandus, Paspalum dilatum, P. hydrophilum and Leersia hexandra. Weed hosts viz., Paspalum dilatum and Paspalum hydrophilum exhibited prominent symptoms of the tungro disease.

2 tables, 14 ref

025986   NAIK M T, SRIHARI D, DORAJEERAO A V D, SASIKALA K, UMAKRISHNA K, SUNEETHA D R S (Horticultural Research Station, Venkataramannagudem) : Influence of spacing and nutrition on pod characters in promising varieties of cluster bean under Mahanandi conditions. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 375-81.

The effect of planting geometry and nutrition on growth and flowering of seed guar cultivars viz., HG 365 and HG 563 was analysed under Mahanandi conditions. The pod characteristics like number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod width(cm), dry pod yield per plant(g) were recorded significantly the highest values in the variety HG 365 planted at the spacing of 30 cm × 20 cm and applied with the fertilizer dose of 45N: 60P: 60K: 30S kg per ha.

4 tables, 10 ref

025985   MADANE D A, MANE M S, KADAM U S, THOKAL R T, NANDGUDE S B, PATIL S T, DHEKALE J S (Soil Science Dep, Lovely Professional Univ, Phagwara- 144 411, Email: dnyaneshwar.22722@lpu.co.in) : Study on pulse irrigation (drip) influencing through different irrigation levels on growth, yield and quality parameters of white onion (Allium cepa L.). Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 365-71.

The field experiment was conducted during two rabi seasons from 12th November, 2014 to 26th April, 2015 and 23rd November, 2015 to 4th May 2016, on sandy clay loam soil. The experiment was arranged in twelve treatment combinations with strip plot design as horizontal factor (main treatment) one continuous irrigation (P₁), two pulses (P₂), three pulses (P₃) and four pulses(P₄), while vertical factor (sub treatment) as irrigation levels viz. I1 (0.80 ETC), I2 (1.0 ETC) and I3 (1.20 ETC) treatments. It was revealed that the average seasonal water applied to white onion under pulse irrigation (drip) through different irrigation levels varied from 283.3 mm for I1 (0.8 ETC) to 417.5 mm for I3 (1.2 ETC) irrigation levels. The interaction effect revealed that geometric mean diameter (59.51 mm), average bulb weight (112.05 g) and yield (38.52 t.ha^-1) of white onion was found in treatment combination I2P₄ followed by I3P₄. Average water use efficiency was found maximum for I1P4 (11.93 q.ha^-1.cm^-1) treatment combination followed by I1P3 (11.33 q.ha^-1.cm^-1) and I2P4 (10.99 q.ha^-1.cm^-1) treatment combination. It was concluded that use of 100 percent crop water requirement with four pulse irrigation (drip) found superior under agronomic and climatic conditions of Dapoli in Konkan region of Maharashtra, India.

6 tables, 27 ref

025984   SACHAN S, CHOUDHARY S, SINGH H L (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Lovely Professional Univ, Phagwara - 144 411, Email: sharad.indianeconomist@gmail.com) : Regional growth analysis of pulses production in Uttar Pradesh, India. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 291-6.

The study was conducted in the state Uttar Pradesh, which was selected purposively for the present study. Keeping in mind, the agro climatic conditions of the state was divided into nine agro-climatic zones. The methodology used was based on dynamicity of time and regionalization of area, production and yield of major pulses crops grown in the state. The study reveals that there was positive growth of area, production and productivity of urd bean, pea and moong bean whereas rest crops showed mixed trend. Variability of pulses was on higher side for production and productivity. There was decrease in production of pulses though increase in productivity was noticed due to reduction in area under pulses cropping. The future projection shows that we are lagging behind the production of pulses crops as it decreasing every year which forced to malnutrition for majority of the population in the state.

6 tables, 7 ref

025983   GOWTHAMI L, NAGESWARARAO M B, UMAJYOTHI K, UMAKRISHNA K (Dr. Y. S. R. Horticultural Univ, Andhra Pradesh, Email: floriglori8@gmail.com) : Effect of different levels of nitrogen and potassium on yield attributes of crossandra (Crossandra infundibuluformis L.). Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 275-8.

The results of the experiment indicated that, the application of nitrogen + potassium @ 150 kg + 60 kg followed by 100 kg +120 kg significantly improved yield parameters viz., spike length, spike girth, number of spikes/plant, floret length, floret girth, number of florets/spike, flower yield/plant, weight of 100 flowers.

7 tables, 14 ref

025981   VISHWAKARMA S K, KUMAR A (Floriculture and Landscape Dep, N.D. Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Faizabad- 224 229, Email: akmnduat@yahoo.com) : Effect of nitrogen, planting distance and bulb size on bulb and bulblets production of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Hyderabad double. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 271-4.

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of nitrogen, planting distance and bulb size on bulb and bulblets production of tuberose (Polyanthes tuberosa L.) cv. Hyderabad Double. Results revealed that higher levels of nitrogen enhanced number and yield of bulb and bulblets per hectare. Nitrogen at (300 kg/ha) resulted maximum number of bulbs (14.93 & 15.16 per plant) and (20.54 & 21.57 lacks/ha), weight of bulb (186.15 & 188.95 g/plant) and yield of bulb (258.19 &265.93 q/ha), likewise maximum number of bulblets (9.95 & 10.10 per plant) and (13.73 & 14.14 lacks/ha), weight of bulblets (99.38 & 100.87 g/plant) and yield of bulblets (137.51 & 141.64 q/ha) were reported in two consecutive years of experiments.Wider spacing (30 × 30 cm) promoted the number and yield of bulb and bulblets per plant but increases number and yield of bulb and bulblets per hectare. Number of bulbs and bulblets (13.45 & 13.65) and (9.96 & 9.09) per plant and weight of bulbs and bulblets (166.42 & 168.92 g) and (84.92 & 86.20 g) per plant were recorded in wider spacing in two consecutive years of experimentation, while number of bulbs and bulblets per hectare (19.94 & 20.93 lacks) and (13.99 & 14.41 lack) and yield of bulb and bulblets (264.44 & 272.38 q/ha) and (133.41 & 137.41 q/ha) were obtained in closer spacing. Bigger bulb size induced more number and higher yield of bulb and bulblets in both the year of experiments. Number of bulb and bullets (13.13 & 13.33) and (8.98 & 9.12) per plant, (18.09 & 19.00 lacks) and (12.36 & 12.73 lacks) per hectare were counted in bulb size used greater than 2.00 cm, while weight and yield of bulbs (165.81 & 168.30 g/plant) and (229.65 & 236.54 q/ha) and bulblets (84.06 & 85.33g/plant) and (115.91 & 119.39 q/ha) were counted in bulb used greater than 2.00 cm in 2012-13 and 2013-14 of experiments respectively.

1 table, 20 ref

025980   PRABHU T, KUMAR P S, KAMRAJ A (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar- 608 002, Email: a.kamaraj@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of presowing chemical and organic seed hardening on seed quality, growth and yield characters in rice cv. IR 36. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 266-70.

Rice cv. IR 36 seeds were given chemical and organic seed hardening treatment with 1 % CaCl₂, l % KCl, 1 % KNO_3, l % NaCl,10 % Cow dung and 3 % Panchakavya of seed. The hardened seeds were evaluated initially both under laboratory and field experiments for seed quality, growth and yield attributing characters along with control. The results reveals that seeds hardened with 1 % CaCl₂ recorded higher values for initial seed quality characters such as germination percentage, speed of germination, root length, shoot length, seedling length, dry matter production, vigour index I and vigour index II under laboratory evaluation and the same treated seeds sown in field condition recorded higher values in growth and yield characters.

3 tables, 31 ref

025979   SACHAN S, CHOUDHARY S, SINGH H L (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Lovely Professional Univ, Phagwara - 144 411, Email: sneh618@gmail.com) : Sources of growth in cereals production in Uttar Pradesh, India. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 223-9.

The study was conducted in the state Uttar Pradesh, which was selected purposively for the present study due to my personal interest. Keeping in mind the agro climatic conditions of the state was divided into nine agro-climatic zones. The methodology used was based on dynamicity of time and regionalization of area, production and yield of major cereal crops grown in Uttar Pradesh viz., rice, maize, pearl millet, sorghum, wheat and barley. The study reveals the positive growth in area, production and productivity of rice, wheat and maize whereas other crops showed the mixed trend. The variability was found highest in production followed by productivity and area throughout the years. The total production of cereals as per the study was due to the increase in production, area and its interaction with other factors. The estimation of future requirement shows that we are self sufficient in the case of cereals production and no need to borrow from other state or import for the consumption.

6 tables, 6 ref

025978   VERMA S, KUMAR A (Floriculture & Landscape Dep, Narendra Deva Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Faizabad- 224 229, Email: akmnduat@yahoo.com) : Effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and their interaction on vegetative growth and flower yield of snapdragon. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 220-2.

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and their interaction on snapdragon at the Main Experiment Station, Department of Floriculture & Landscape, Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Narendra Nagar (Kumarganj), Faizabad (U.P.) during winter season in the year 2016-2017. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design (Factorial) with 12 treatment combinations and three replications to assess the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and their interaction on snapdragon. Results reveal that the application of nitrogen 60 kg per hectare (N₂) proved maximum plant height (33.51 cm), plant spread (21.72 cm), number of branches/plant (17.70) and yield of spike per hectare (343.39 q) however number of leaves (193.97) was obtained by application of nitrogen 90 kg/ha. Spike initiation and opening of first floret were earliest (107.36 & 121.31 days) in control in both the cases of fertilizers. Application of phosphorus had also responses well on vegetative growth and yield of snapdragon. Phosphorus at 60 kg per hectare resulted maximum plant height (32.14 cm), plant spread (21.3. cm), number of branches per plant (16.88), number of leaves (185.28) and yield of spike per hectare (308.07 q). The interaction effect of nitrogen and phosphorus left significant response only on vegetative growth.

1 table, 12 ref

025977   LATHA E S, SHARMA H C (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru - 502 324) : Differences in susceptibility of chickpea (Cicer arietinum Linn.) genotypes to Helicoverpa armigera (hub.) under no-choice caged conditions and towards washed and un-washed chickpea leaves. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 211-9.

The chickpea genotypes were grown in the glasshouse to test the feeding preference by the H. armigera larvae. Under no choice caged glasshouse conditions the resistant genotypes recorded reduced damage rating; low larval survival and larval growth indicated that antibiosis is one of the components of resistance. The chickpea genotypes were grown in the glasshouse are used to test the feeding preference by the H. armigera larvae on washed and unwashed leaves. Greater feeding in washed leaves compared to unwashed leaves in ICC 12475, ICC 12478, ICC 12479, ICC 14876, ICC 12495 and ICC 12494 suggested that water-soluble compounds in the leaf exudates (malic and oxalic acid) of chickpea were primarily responsible for the resistance of the genotypes to H. armigera.

6 tables, 13 ref

025976   SASMAL S, SINGH R, SHARMA R L (Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur- 492012, Email: drsasmal@gmail.com) : Effect of nutrient rich feeds in the initial stages of Catla fry rearing in nursery ponds under phased fertilization condition. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 195-8.

Small seasonal nursery ponds were used to determine the effect of nutrient rich feeds for rearing of initial stages Catla fry under phased fertilization condition at KVK fish farm. Raw cowdung and mustard oil cake were used as organic manure. Single Super Phosphate was used as inorganic manure. Ponds were stocked Catla catla spawn @ 10 million / ha. Egg yolk and soybean milk were used as supplementary feeds in the initial stages (first 5 days) of fry rearing. After five days, the fry was fed twice a day with a mixture of finely ground mustard oil cake and rice bran in the ratio of 1:1. The highest growth (27 mm and 232 mg) and survival rate (80.5 %) were observed in treatment T₁ (Egg yolk). Physico-chemical and biological parameters were found within the productive range for all the treatments.

2 tables, 5 ref

025975   CHAND T, PRASAD V M, LAL B (Horticulture Dep, Sam Higgins Bottom Univ of Agriculture, Allahabad- 211 007) : Effect of micronutrients spray on growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.). Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 177-89.

A field experiment was conducted to find out the effect of micronutrients spray on growth and yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.) during 2012-13 and 2013-14 on tomato variety Pusa Rohini (DT – 39) at the vegetable research farm of the Department of Horticulture, Allahabad School of Agriculture, Sam Higgin Bottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad. The results based on two years mean revealed that out of twenty seven different treatments, the combined application of Boron (100 ppm) x Zn (100 ppm) x copper 100 ppm resulted in maximum Plant height per plant (37.07 and 36.16 cm @ 100 ppm Boron x Zn @ 0 ppm Copper @ 100 ppm), (47.43 cm and 46.42 cm), (51.67 cm and 49.98 cm), Plant spread per plant (45.17 cm and 44.55 cm), (55.30 cm and 54.22 cm), (62.58 cm and 61.24 cm), Number of branches per plant (4.90 cm and 4.56 cm), (5.50 cm and 5.19 cm), (6.7 cm and 6.49 cm), Number of leaves per plant (18.77 cm and 18.35 cm), (32.67 cm and 32.05 cm), (34.00 cm and 33.68 cm), Length of longest leaf (16.20 cm and 15.95 cm), (22.20 cm and 22.05 cm), (27.67 cm and 27.57 cm), Width of longest leaf per plant (10.35 cm and 10.22 cm), (20.67 cm and 20.25 cm), (25.00 cm and 24.77 cm) at 30, 60, 90 DA, Leaf area index (2.87 cm and 2.95 m2/m2) at flowering stage with application of Boron @ 250 ppm, Zn @ 100 ppm and Copper @ 100 ppm whereas minimum under control as well as other treatments. Days taken to fruits initiation per plant (81.53 days and 79.47 days), Number of fruits per plant (42.39 with application of Boron @100 ppm) x Zn @100 ppm x copper @ 100 ppm and 40.11 with application of Boron @ 250 ppm x Zn @ 0 ppm x copper @ 100 ppm), Weight of one fruit (0.085 g and 0.082 g), Weight of fruits per plant (3.04 kg and 2.98 kg), Weight fruits per plot (8.21 kg and 8.64 kg), with application of Boron @ 100 ppm x Zn @ 100 ppm x copper @ 100 ppm) , Weight of fruits per ha (263.60 q and 261.73 q) with application of Boron @ 250 ppm x Zn @ 250 ppm x copper @ 250 ppm) recording fruit yield differed significantly from the control as well as other treatments.

10 tables, 11 ref

025974   SANDHYA N, KANDIBANE M (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Coll of Agriculture and Research Institute, Puducherry- 609 603, Email: Kandibane2005_ent@yahoo.co.in) : Biology of brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (guenee) (pyralidae : Lepidoptera) in Karaikal district ( u.t.) of Puducherry. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 173-6.

Biology of the brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee) was studied during October - and November 2016 under laboratory condition. Mating of adult moths were observed on the same day of emergence or a day after emergence. Female moths started to layeggs on the same day of mating or a day after mating. During October - and November 2016, the average pre-oviposition period of 1.52 ± 0.37 and 1.62 ± 0.28 days, post oviposition period of 0.78 ± 0.30 and 0.89 ± 0.27, oviposition period of 3.44 ± 0.19 and 3.68 ± 0.35, fecundity of 185.10 ± 24.08 and 190.20 ± 36.45 eggs/female, incubation period of 4.29 ± 0.92 and 4.79 ± 1.33 days, larval period of 12.42 ± 1.16 and 12.86 ± 1.08 days were recorded. The pupal period of female and male were 8.12 ± 0.64,8.52 ± 0.44 days and 7.54 ± 0.48, 7.78 ± 0.70, respectively, in both the months. During October - and November 2016, the male average developmental period was recorded to be 20.94 ± 3.27 and 22.68 ± 3.19 days, where as the female average developmental period was observed to be 23.94 ± 3.06 and 24.26 ± 2.94 days, respectively. The male and female longevity period were 2.56 ± 0.24,2.60 ± 0.41 days and 3.68 ± 0.45, 3.84 ± 0.49 days, respectively, in both the months.

1 table, 12 ref

025973   SINGH S, SASIDHARAN N, KALYANRAO (Seed Science and Technology Dep, Anand Agricultural Univ, Anand-388 110, Email: agrisangram@gmail.com) : Assessment of genetic diversity in chickpea (Cicer arietanum L.) through morphological characterization. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 167-72.

Genetic diversity analysis of 40 Chickpea (Cicer arietanum L.) genotypes belonging to different geographical areas of India was conducted using Jaccard’s similarity coefficient and dendrogram generated using Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Average (UPGMA). Out of 20 morphological characters studied, eight characters were found to show distinctiveness among genotypes viz. ICC 1076, ICC 15854, ICC 15851, ICC 12646, ICC 10140, ICC 10953, ICC 16703 and GJG-3. UPGMA cluster analysis of morphological data distinguished the genotypes in to three clusters viz. A, B and C. However the genotypes viz. Pant G-186 and PKV Kabuli-2 were found to be completely out rooted from the three clusters indicating their uniqueness and diversity.

1 table, 6 ref

025972   SHYAM R, SINGH R P (Biochemistry Dep, N.D. Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Faizabad- 224 229) : Studies on physical and biochemical characteristics of Kodo millet germplasm [Paspalum scrobiculatum L.]. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 144-6.

Millets are one of the oldest foods known to humans and cultivated since time immemorial. Kodo millet [Paspalum scrobiculatum L.] is nutritious, healthy and versatile and hence would be a worthy addition to one’s diet. Significant differences in nutrient composition and physico-chemical characteristics were observed of kodo millet. Moisture content of kodo millet seed was observed on the range 7.25 to 10.03 percent. Diameter of seed (1.71-1.97mm). kodo millet exhibited excellent cooking attributes The cooking time ranged from 9.61 -12 .21 minutes. Amino acids namely methionine was recorded (72.79 to 94.34 mg/g), Trypto Phane found in range (25.55 to 33.27 mg/g) and lysine was recorded (135.17 to 179.17 mg/g). The reducing sugar was found in the range (1.27 to 1.72 %) and non reducing sugar was recorded between (1.02 to 2.65 %). Followed by germplasm K-7 (2.21 %). On the basis of overall germplasm were found superior K-2, K-6, K-8, K-9 and k-10 and utilized in further research work.

20 ref

025971   MISHRA R S, TIWARI A (Agronomy Dep, N.D. Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj- 224 229, Email: drramsumanmishra@gmail.com) : Effects of polythene covering on stem gall disease and yield of coriander (Coriander sativum L.). Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 126-8.

Coriander faces severe management issues from fungal diseases such as stem gall, wilt, blight and powdery mildew. A broad array of fungicides is used to control fungal diseases by the growers. These control agents are used injudiciously, Coriander is being of export commodity fungicides residue are very much conscious. Keeping this issues, experiment on solar heating of soil by polythene were conducted from 2014-15 to 2016-17 for the management of stem gall disease and yield of coriander. The minimum disease severity (4.6 to 21.3 %) was recorded in Soil solarization + Plastic mulching + seed treatment and foliar spray of 1 % neem oil followed by Seed treatment with propiconazole (6.3-22.5 %), plastic mulching + seed treatment and foliar spray of neem oil (4.9-24.2 %), Soil solarization + Plastic mulching (9.0-22.8 %) and Soil solarization (5.3-23.3 %). The highest seed yield of coriander was also recorded in Soil solarization + Plastic mulching+ seed treatment and foliar spray of neem oil (11.17 q/ha).

1 table, 11 ref

025970   BAJPAI D, VERMA S, SINGH R (Zonal Agriculture Research Station, Hoshangabad, Email: deepali.bajpai2007@gmail.com) : Effect of garlic planter on efficiency and ergonomic parameters for farm women involved in garlic sowing. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 106-8.

The present study “Effect of garlic planter an efficiency enhancement of farm women involved in garlic sowing” was undertaken in adopted village, Semari Harchand block Sohagpur of KrishiVigyan Kendra, Hoshangabad for performing sowing efficiency of farm women by use of garlic planter. Hence, the present study was undertaken to introduce garlic planter and assessing its acceptability among the farm women. Reduction of women’s drudgery with the use of garlic planter was asses in the term of energy expenditure. Ergonomic cost was calculated by measuring heart rate, energy expenditure, and total cardiac cost of work. The results indicate that the 20 labours/ha required by hand sowing whereas 2 labour / ha required through bullock drawn garlic planter with total saving of 18 labour/ ha and efficiency 500 sqm / day and 10000 sqm/day respectively.

2 tables, 5 ref

025969   MUTHURAM T, KRISHNAN R, BARADHAN G (Gandhigram Rural Institute–(DU), Gandhigram – 624 302, Email: agrimuthuram@gmail.com) : Productivity enhancement of irrigated green gram (Vigna radiata L.) through integrated weed management. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 101-5.

A field investigation was carried out during Rabi seasons of 2014 at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Killikulam to study the Integrated weed management in greengram (Vigna radiata L.) Co 6 (Gg) under irrigated condition. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted at three different spacing viz., (25 × 25 cm, 30 × 30 cm and 30 × 10 cm) weed free plot and an weeded control. The results revolved that integration of chemical, mechanical and cultural methods of weed control markedly influence the yield and economics of green gram. The analysis of grain yield data revealed that T₈ pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha^-1 (3 DAS) followed by early post-emergence application of quizalofop-ethyl and imazethapyr @ 50 g a.i. ha^-1 (15 DAS) in 30 × 30 cm higher grain yield of 1006 kg ha^-1 and highest benefit cost ratio respectively.

2 tables, 15 ref

025968   VERMA S, KUMAR A, KUMAR A (Floriculture & Landscape Dep, Narendra Deva Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Faizabad- 224 229, Email: akmnduat@yahoo.com.) : Effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and their interaction on flower quality and vase life of snapdragon. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 62-4.

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and their interaction on snapdragon at the Main Experiment Station, Department of Floriculture & Landscape, Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Narendra Nagar (Kumarganj), Faizabad (U.P.) during winter season in the year 2016-2017. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design (Factorial) with 12 treatment combinations and three replications to assess the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and their interaction on flower quality and vase life of snapdragon. Results reveal that the application of nitrogen 60 kg per hectare (N₂) proved maximum duration of flowering (50.27cm days), length of spike (45.35 cm), number of spike/plant and per hectare (4.48 & 7.57 lack) and vase life (14.33 days) number of florets per spike (45.16), however number of florets per spike (36.10) was obtained by application of nitrogen 90 kg/ha. Application of nitrogen delayed the spike initiation. Application of phosphorus had also responses well on flower quality and vase life of snapdragon. Phosphorus at 60 kg per hectare resulted maximum duration of flowering (48.57 cm days), maximum length of spike (40.82 cm), number of florets per spike (33.51), number of spike/plant and per hectare (4.48 & 7.54 lack), and vase life of spike (13.78 days).The interaction effect of nitrogen and phosphorus left significant response on duration of flowering, number of floret per spike.

1 table, 12 ref

025967   PATEL M, TANK R V, BHANDERI D R, PATIL H M, PATEL V, DESAI M (Fruit Science Dep, Navsari Agricultural Univ, Navsari- 396 450, Email: manolipatel77@gmail.com) : Response of soaking time and chemicals on germination and growth of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.). Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 51-6.

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of soaking time and chemicals on germination and growth of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) at Regional Horticultural Research Station, ASPEE College of Horticulture & Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari during the year 2016. The treatment comprised of two soaking time viz., 12 hours and 24 hours and nine different seed treatment chemicals viz., KNO₃ @ 1 and 2 %, GA₃ @ 100 and 200 mgl^-1, NAA @ 100 and 200 mgl^{- 1}, Thiourea 2 % and 4 % and Control (without chemical). The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design with two factors repeated three times. The experimental findings revealed that soaking the seeds in GA3 @ 200 mg l^-1 for 24 hours recorded minimum number of days for germination (9.83, 13.59 days), maximum germination percentage (94.17, 84.26 %). Similarly maximum seedling height (71.33, 56.92 cm), number of leaves per seedling (62.33, 47.48), number of leaflets/leaf (1216.67, 904.63), stem diameter (3.92, 3.57 mm), leaf area (1116.42, 831.12 cm2), fresh weight of shoot (26.37, 21.56 g), fresh weight of root (6.90, 6.12 g), dry weight of shoot (8.67, 6.22 g), dry weight of root (5.07, 3.19 g), longest root length (40.67, 35.49 cm), root : shoot ratio (3.82, 3.54), vigour index-I (10548.33, 7861.63 cm), vigour index-II (1293.17, 804.85 g), and survival percentage (100.00, 96.93 %) at 180 days after sowing was also observed with GA3 @ 200 mg l^-1 for 24 hours.

2 tables, 17 ref

025966   MAGENDRA N S, VERMA V (Agricultural Economics Dep, IGKVV, Raipur, Email: itsneel12@gmail.com) : Innovative practises of soyabean cultivation for yield increment in Bemetara district of Chhattisgarh. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 49-50.

An experiment was carried on farmers field out during Kharif 2016-2017 at Bansapur village of Bemetara district of Chhattisgarh to explore the potential of Soybean productivity; reduce cost of cultivation by using Soybean ridge planter; to save Soybean crop against water logging by adopting ridge furrow method and to protect Soybean crop from pest infestation by space planting. for this purpose was conducted in one block of Bemetara district of Chhattisgarh. Study revealed that in the production of Soybean, if we reduce quantity of seeds by half of the scientifically recommended quantity i.e. 30 kg per hectare, productivity of the plants got double. If spacing is 10-12 cm plant to plant and 45 cm among rows, then plant gets more space to grow and hence profuse growth of root system occurs. More branches generally 9 branches per plant as a result of good growth in root system. More number of pods per plant i.e., 150 per plants appeared as a result of more number of branches. Cultivation of Soybean in ridge furrow system not only helped plants to with stand against water logging conditions but also to grow rigourously. Yield recorded was 25-30 quintals per hectare which is more than 15 quintals per hectare in normal field conditions.

1 table, 6 ref

025965   MEHTA C M, SIRARI K (Lovely Professional Univ, Phagwara- 144 411, Email: chandra_m_mehta@yahoo.com) : Comparative study of aerobic and anaerobic composting for better understanding of organic waste management : A mini review. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 44-8.

Present day world is giving preference to organic produce over inorganic because of their awareness about the hazards of chemical produces. However, a limited supply of organic produce in the market is creating a huge gap among the costs of these produces. Major portion of organic produce is based on application of compost instead of applying microbial inoculants into the field. Previous studies reveal the benefits of compost application over chemical fertilizer in terms of quality produce and soil nourishment. Therefore, there is a need for better understanding of composting process so that the supply of organic produce can reaches upto the demand. In this review we are comparing two different types of composting process i.e. aerobic and anaerobic composting. A comparative analysis of these two types of composting can reveal the advantage of one over other and their limitations under natural/environmental conditions. Therefore, this review will be very useful in better understanding towards composting process.

37 ref

025964   CHORMULE S R, CHANGADE N M, PATEL J B (Seed Science and Technology Dep, Junagadh Agricultural Univ, Junagadh– 362 001, Email: sagarjau555@gmail.com) : Effect of seed treatments on storability of vegetable seeds: A Review. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 28-32.

Seed treatment is the application of physical, chemical and biological agents to the seeds during seed storage in order to suppress, control or repel pathogens, insects and other pests that attack seeds and reduce the vigour and viability of seeds during storage. Seed micro flora is mainly responsible for the degradation of protein, carbohydrates and other food reserves resulting in reduction of vigour and germination. In order to prevent the quantitative and qualitative losses due to several biotic factors during storage, several methods are being adopted such as seed treatment with suitable chemicals or plant products. The effect of seed treatments on storability of vegetable crops is reviewed herewith, which may help to the researchers in planning their research very precisely and in right direction to get more fruitful results.

37 ref