024749   BAJPAI A, SHARMA N, SRIVASTAVA N, RAJAN S, MUTHUKUMAR M (ICAR- Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Uttar Pradesh- 226 101, Email: muthukumarbt@gmail.com) : Intra- cultivar variability endorsed by SSR markers in mango. Biosci Biotech Res Asia 2018, 15(1), 181-6.

Appreciable intra cultivar variation has warranted clonal selections, which has emerged as an important tool in mango breeding. This important source of morphological variability manifested in altered fruit and quality attributes has yielded improved clones in India and abroad, few of which were exposed to SSR based analysis. Statistical parameters viz., Polymorphic Information Content (0.319 in MiIIHR12 to 0.819 for MiIIHR26) and Gene Diversity (0.399 in MiIIHR12 to 0.839 for MiIIHR26), defined the ability of the chosen SSR markers to discriminate the intra cultivar variability, besides highlighting the extent of diversity captured by the improved clones. Furthermore, genetic relationship among the clones derived by Wards minimum variance, placed Himsagar and Langra clones in Cluster I and II respectively, Himsagar recording high genetic heterogeneity within its cluster, intra cultivar variability being 0.16-0.916, thus showing suitability for breeding by clonal selections. Even the use of limited SSR marker loci (6), could reveal and document the genomic variations accounting for the variations in the Dashehari clones as well as placing land race ‘Suraiyya’, as an out-group. The sampled clones of elite variety Chausa did not show any variation at the studied marker loci, thus exposing limited heterogeneity in the clones and demanding more explorations for breeding superior types targeting regularity in bearing.

2 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

024748   RACHAPUTI R C N, BEDANE G M, BROAD I J, DEIFEL K S (The Univ of Queensland, Australia, Email: rao.rachaputi@uq.edu.au) : Genotype, row spacing and environment interaction for productivity and grain quality of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) in sub-tropical Australia. Biosci Biotech Res Asia 2018, 15(1), 27-38.

The pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) is grown between the 45^oN and 45^oS as a summer food legume, and consumed by billions of people in the world. Recent renewed interest from Australian growers prompted the current study to evaluate high-yielding varieties and develop agronomic parameters for this crop. Performance of four selected pigeonpea genotypes were assessed under three row spacing (25, 50 and 100 cm) treatments and at one plant density (30 plants/m²) in two diverse Australian environments (Kingaroy and Gatton) in Queensland. Decreasing row spacing from 100 cm to 25 cm led to a linear increase in mean shoot dry matter (DM) at both sites. However, maximum grain yields of up to 2.9 t/ha were achieved at 50 cm row spacing but the yields declined at 25 cm spacing at both sites. Genotypic variation for radiation use efficiency (RUE) measured at Gatton site ranged from 1.40 to 1.76 g/MJ, which accounted for 76 % of variation in DM. There was a significant effect of site and genotype on grain N and 100-seed mass. The study demonstrated that pigeonpea could be grown as a legume break crop in subtropical Australia, with potential export market opportunities.

2 illus, 5 tables, 38 ref

024747   KIZILKAYA B, TAN E, BAHCECI D, ORMANCI H B, OZTEKIN A (Canakkale Onsekiz Mart Univ, Canakkale-17100, Turkey, Email: bayram342001@yahoo.com) : An investigation on the conversion of functional materials of fish bones as waste products using surface modification methods. Indian J Biotechnol 2018, 17(1), 57-64.

In this study, fish bones as a waste product in fish industry was investigated whether it is suitable to chemical modification. The surface modification on the surfaces of bone particles was made on two step using silanization and schiff base reaction. In brief, the fish bones were cleaned in order to make them ready for chemical proceeding. Chemical modifications were performed on the surface of fish bone particles. Firstly, free amine (-NH₂) group was obtained in molecule by silanization of the surfaces of fish bones with 3-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (S1). Afterwards, amine groups that exist on the surface of bones were reacted with 2-ethyl-2H-pyrazole-3-carbaldehyde (B₅) that includes aldehyde groups. The materials gained were analysed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy - energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and zeta for their potency. In SEM-EDS analysis, the band of silicon (Si) and nitrogen (N) elements of molecules modified can be clearly seen. Bruanaver Emmet Teller (BET) surface areas of the materials acquired were investigated. BET surface area of the unprocessed apatite is 5.6 m²/g and the surface area of apatite modified with B₅ is 1, 8 m²g. The amount of B₅ bonded on the surface of bone is calculated as 164 μ mol/g. According to the results, it can be said that waste fish bones are applicable for chemical processing and they can be used in various fields.

5 illus, 6 tables, 24 ref

024746   ASMELASH B, MAHLET D, BRHANE H (Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Coll, Ethiopia, Email: bruhasmelash@yahoo.com) : Livestock nutrigenomics applications and prospects. J Vet Sci Technol 2018, 9 (1), 506.

Livestock performance is thought to be affected by genotype (heritable) and environment (non-heritable). Nutrition is among the greatest environmental determinants. Genes are turned on and off according to metabolic signals that the nucleus receives from internal factors like hormones and external factors like nutrients. Currently, Nutrigenomics which encompasses the three crucial -omics stages (Transcriptomics, Proteomics and Metabolomics), is emerging in the area of livestock to develop feeds that can be matched to genotypes of animals for a better production, productivity and health. It deciphers how food ingredients and nutrition affect gene expression, metabolic pathways and diet-related disease development. Hence, Nutrigenomics makes clear that how gene interacts with nutrients and how DNA and genetic code affect the needs for certain nutrients and quantities which suggests the possibility to change the way we feed and manage livestock and poultry. The tools of molecular genetics are expected to have much more impact in the future. The interaction between diets and genes could be evaluated through DNA microarray techniques and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These profiling techniques are reported to allow examination of nutrient effects that was not possible in the past. Nutrigenomics is feasible to apply in livestock production but can only provide part of the solution in response to non genetic factors involved in livestock health and production. In this paper, the Principles, current status of its application in different areas, challenges and opportunities of livestock Nutrigenomics with emphasis to developing countries like Ethiopia has been thoroughly reviewed.

1 illus, 40 ref

024745   PANDEY G, RAJU C V, PAL J (Fish Processing Technology Dep, Fisheries Coll, Karnataka) : Effect of super chilling on the proximate composition of Indian Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) stored in solar operated refrigerated fish vending unit. J Ent Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 303-6.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of super chilling on the proximate composition of commercially important fish, Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta). The fish was procured from Mangalore landing centre in very fresh condition, washed in chilled water and then stored in solar operated indigenously developed refrigerated fish vending unit. The total storage period was of 12 days and the sampling was done in every alternate day during storage period. The crude protein, moisture, crude fat and ash content reached upto 15.31 %, 71.21 %, 3.45 %, and 1.11 % respectively on the 12^th day. The results showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) during the storage period.

4 illus, 31 ref

024744   GANAI S A, AHMAD H, BANDRAL R S, SHARMA S, KAUR R (Entomology Div, SKUAST-J, Jammu & Kashmir) : Evaluation of marigold varieties against red spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. J Ent Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 294-6.

The present experiment was conducted to screen eight varieties/genotypes of marigold for their resistance/tolerance to Tetranychus urticae Koch. under natural infestation in pesticide free open field at the University Research Farm, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology - Jammu, Main Campus, Chatha during 2014 and 2015. The study results revealed that none of the varieties/genotypes was found to be resistant. Varieties namely Desi Gutta and Garland Orange were found to be low (less) resistant with a score of 0.61-0.90. Pusa Narangi Gainda and Garland Yellow were found to be moderately resistant. Pusa Arpita and Pusa Basanti were found moderately susceptible with a score of 1.21-1.50, while as Jafri and Crack jack mix were categorized as low (less) susceptible.

3 tables, 11 ref

024743   SANGAMITHRA S, VINOTHKUMAR B, MUTHUKRISHNAN N, MANOHARAN T (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Tamil Nadu) : Evaluation of bioefficacy of flubendiamide 24 % w/v + thiacloprid 24 % SC w/v against shoot and fruit borer and its sucking pests and its safety to non-target organisms in brinjal. J Ent Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 245-9.

The present field experiment to evaluate bioefficacy of flubendiamide 24 % w/v + thiacloprid 24 % sc w/v against shoot and fruit borer and sucking pests and its safety to non target organisms in brinjal was conducted during July – October 2015 and January – May 2016 at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Results revealed that, among the treatments, flubendiamide 24 % + thiacloprid 24 % SC w/v @ 84 + 84 g a.i ha,^-1 had incredible reduction of shoot and fruit borer and sucking pests. The mean per cent reduction over control of two consecutive seasons was recorded as 96.62 and 98. 25 per cent, respectively for shoot and fruit borer in flubendiamide 24 % + thiacloprid 24 % SC w/v @ 84 + 84 g a.i ha^-1, followed by flubendiamide 24 % + thiacloprid 24 % SC w/v @ 72 + 72 g a.i ha^-1 (88.98 and 88.90 per cent, respectively) and thiaclorid 21.7 % SC w/w @ 180 g a.i ha^-1 (85.86 and 88.33 per cent, respectively). Regarding sucking pests, similarly the combination product @ 84 + 84 g ai ha^-1 was highly effective in reducing aphids, jassids and thrips population (95.60, 95.33 and 91.88 per cent, respectively) followed by flubendiamide 24 % w/v + thiacloprid 24 % SC w/v @ 72+72 (87.79, 87.72 and 84.45 per cent, respectively) and 64 + 64 g ai ha^-1 (80.89, 78.65 and 75.41 per cent, respectively). The highest fruit yield was recorded in flubendiamide 24 % w/v + thiacloprid 24 % SC w/v @ 84 + 84 g a.i. ha^-1 (47.92 t ha^-1) and also found relatively safer to non target organisms like spiders and coccinellids.

3 tables, 33 ref

024742   HASSAN B, SALEEM M, NADEEM M A, HASSAN I, MUNEER M A, RASHEED M R (Adaptive Research Farm, Sargodha, Pakistan) : Efficacy of pesticide seed treatments against wheat aphid and its effect on coccinellid predator and crop yield. J Ent Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 189-93.

Field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of two neonicotinoid insecticides alone and in combination with fungicide (Tebuconazole) as a seed dressing for the control of aphids and their effect on coccinellids and yield of two wheat cultivars (ARRI-2011, Millat-2011). Results showed that at each observation date staring from January to March, significantly more aphids were present in the plots having control treatment compared to the plots where crop was grown with pesticides treated seed. Imidacloprid and actara alone and in combination with tebuconazole showed non-significant difference from one another in term of management of aphids at each observation date on both varieties. Results also showed that the plots having seed treated with imidacloprid and thiamethoxam have less number of coccinellids compared to those which received imidacloprid and thiamethoxam mixture with tebuconazole at each observation date. Significant more germination of both varieties treated with Hombre (267.67, 272.12 per m^-2) and actara + tebuconazole (256.00, 260.44 per m^-2) was observed compared to the seeds treated with imidacloprid, actara and control. Seed dressing with Hombre and actara + tebuconazole significantly increases the grains per spike and 1000 grain weight of two cultivars of wheat sown during 2015-2016. The strategy of using Hombre and actara + tebuconazole combinations as a seed treatment allowed easy application of pesticides, gave satisfactory and reliable control of wheat aphids and found to be safer to non-target organisms compared to the foliar application of pesticides.

2 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

024741   HASSAN F, MIR M A (T.S.R.I Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of, J&K) : Effect of Glyphodes pyloalis Walker (Pyralidae: lepidoptera) infested leaves on the commercial characters of silkworm hybrid (NB4D2 X SH6) B. mori L.. J Ent Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 20 - 2.

The study was conducted on silkworm larvae fed with infested leaves of two mulberry varieties viz Kokuso 20 and Goshoerami and also another lot of larvae were fed with fresh leaves of these varieties as a control. Student's t-test was applied for analysis of data. Observations were made on some commercial characters like larval duration, larval weight, cocoon yield, single cocoon weight, single shell weight, shell ratio and filament length. In all these observations, it was found that there was a more negative impact on the traits when the silkworm larvae were fed with infested Kokuso 20 leaves as compared to infested Goshoerami leaves. The minimum (2.52 %) and maximum (22.47 %) increase in larval duration were recorded in silkworms when they were fed with the Glyphodes pyloalis Walker infested leaves of kokuso-20 and Goshoerami respectively.

2 tables, 18 ref

024740   SHARMA K, RAJ H (Plant Pathology Dep, Dr. Y. S. Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan- 173 230, Email: ks414173@gmail.com) : Use of local bioresources for post-harvest management of white rot of apple caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 491-9.

Post-harvest fungal pathogens are reported to cause 10 to 25 percent losses in apple. Among various pathogens, white rot caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea is one of the important post-harvest diseases. Incidence of white rot was recorded between 3.0-14.1 percent in important marketing yards of Himachal Pradesh. Golden Delicious variety of apple has been found to be most susceptible to white rot pathogen. Two botanical formulations by mixing equal quantity of leaves of Karu (Roylea elegans), Artemisia (Artemisia roxburghiana), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Bana (Vitex negundo), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and seeds of Darek (Melia azedarach) made in water and cowurine were evaluated against the white rot pathogen. Fruit dip for 30 minutes in cow urine based formulation did not allowed the disease development to form lesions in artificially inoculated apple fruits. Also, fruits dipped in cow urine based formulation followed by their storage in card board boxes at room temperature (25 ± 30C) for 30 days storage had minimum incidence (2.8 %) of white rot disease. Therefore, dip treatment of apple fruits with different bio-resources including water and cow urine based botanical formulation separately proved effective in the management of white rot (Botryosphaeria dothidea) of apple.

6 illus, 4 tables, 34 ref

024739   MAURYA A K, PRASAD L, KUMAR R (Narendra Deva Univ of Agri. & Tech. Kumarganj, Faizabad- 224 229, Email: vermalp@yahoo.com) : Length-weight relationship and condition factor of Pethia ticto (Hamilton, 1822) from Gomti river in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 487 - 90.

This study describes the length-weight relation (LWR) of small indigenous fish Pethia ticto from Gomti River, Aamghat, Haliyapur, Sultanpur district 26°29N and 81°44E, 751m (msl) Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 306 specimens were caught by random sampling method using traditional fishing gear as gillnet, cast net and dragnet of various mesh sizes from June 2016 to May 2017, once in a month. Total Length (mm) was measured from anterior-most part of the snout to the posterior-most part of the caudal fin and body weight (g) were taken by digital electronic balance. The analysis of data shows that the allometric coefficient is close to isometric value (3.0). Allometric growth indicates a more rotund population of fish when the values of growth coefficient are higher than 3.0 (b>3). If the value of growth coefficient is less than 3.0, the population of fish is known to be less rotund. Isometric growth indicates that the shape of fish does not change as it grows (b=3). The coefficient of determination (R²) was also found significant (=0.97). Fulton’s condition factor further supports the results obtained ranged from 1.041 to 1.660 shows the degree of well being of a fish. This study is helpful in providing relevant information in the assessment of stock and estimation of the fish condition about its environment.

3 illus, 25 ref

024738   VERMA S K, YADAV U, KUMAR S, LAKRA K (Agronomy Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi- 221 005, Email: sushilangrau@gmail.com) : Performance of pearl millet under agri-horti system as influenced by sowing methods and integrated nutrient management in Vindhyan region of Uttar Pradesh, India. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 482-6.

An experiment involving three sowing methods and four integrated nutrient management practices was undertaken at Rajeev Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University in factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of sowing methods and integrated nutrients management practices on performance of pearl millet under agri-horti system. The sowing methods and integrated nutrient management practices significantly (P=0.05) influenced performance of pearl millet. Adoption of ridge and furrow sowing method recorded higher growth [plant height (147.7 cm), dry weight (72.7 g), and number of tillers plant^-1 (2.0)], yield attributes [effective tillers hill^-1 (1.77), panicle length (17.9 cm), grains panicle^-1(1508.3), grains weight panicle^-1 (13.9), and test weight (9.23 g)], yields [ grain yield (1412 kg ha^-1), and stover yield (3972 kg ha^-1)], and economics [net returns (Rs. 36371 ha^-1), and B:C ratio (1.79) than broadcasting and raised bed. Application of 50 % recommended dose of fertilizer + 50 % poultry manure resulted higher growth [plant height (151.9 cm), dry weight (79.7 g), and number of tillers plant^-1(2.22)], yield attributes[effective tillers hill^-1(2.0), panicle length (18.8 cm), grains panicle^-1(1615.6), grains weight panicle^-1 (14.5), and test weight (9.76 g)], yields [grain yield (1552 kg ha^-1), and stover yield (4360 kg ha^-1)] and economics [net returns (Rs. 38227 ha^-1), and B:C ratio (1.77) than remaining integrated nutrient management practices. The combination of ridge and furrow and 50 % recommended dose of fertilizer + 50 % poultry manure was adjudged to be better for pearl millet performance.

4 tables, 11 ref

024737   SANDHU B S, DHALIWAL N S (Punjab Agricultural Univ, Punjab, Email: balkaransandhu@pau.edu) : Evaluation of different wheat cultivars under salinity stress. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 479 - 481.

A field experiment was conducted to study the response of different 11 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars under saline condition and by applying saline irrigation water during rabi 2016-17 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sri Muktsar Sahib (Punjab). Experiment site was chosen with high salinity condition (EC=1.87 dS/m) to check the response of particular cultivars in these conditions. The field was only irrigated with tube well water having very high EC (4630 micro mhos/cm). Results showed that the grain yield was recorded higher in KH 65 (5648 kg/ha), KRL 210 (5440 kg/ha), KRL 386 (5290 kg/ha) and DBW 246 (5048 kg/ha) as compared to lower grain yield recorded with KRL 384 (4353 kg/ha), KRL 19 (4423 kg/ha), KRL 370 (4538 kg/ha), DBW 248 (4608 kg/ha),WH 1316 (4838 kg/ha), DBW 247 (4860 kg/ha) and KRL 377 (4895 kg/ha). The experimental site was slightly saline in nature, so the cultivar KH 65, KRL 210, KRL 386 and DBW 246 are very suitable for the area as these were less affected due to salinity. Grain yield among these varieties were higher due higher number of effective tiller per unit area and due to large number of grains per ear. Whereas, KH 65, KRL 377 and KRL 386 also produced significantly higher straw yield from WH 1316, DBW 248, DBW 247, KRL 210, KRL 384, DBW 246, KRL 370 and KRL 19.

1 table, 19 ref

024736   SINGH C, SRIVASTAVA P, SHARMA A, KUMAR P, CHHUNEJA P, SOHU V S, BAINS N S (ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, Haryana, Email: n_charansingh@hotmail.com) : Stability analysis for grain yield and some quality traits in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 466-74.

The present study was conducted to assess the genetic diversity and stability for grain yield (GY), 1000-grain weight (TGW), protein content (PC), grain iron (Fe) and grain zinc (Zn) concentration under three varied environmental locations using 28 diverse wheat genotypes (including three checks i.e., WH1105, DPW621-50, and HD2967). The material was sown at three locations during Rabi 2015-2016. Pooled analysis of variance revealed highly significant variance due to environments for all the traits studied indicating differential response of the genotypes. The genotype BWL 3584 exhibited stable performance across the environments for grain yield and grain zinc concentration under un-favorable environment also shows potential for high grain yield and high grain zinc concentration. After further confirmation, genotype BWL 3584 could be utilized as potential donor in hybridization programme to improve grain yield and grain zinc concentration. Further, genotype SABW 225 showed consistent performance across the environments for TGW and PC content. Whereas, PBW 744 was found to be suitable for GY (6142 kg/ha), coupled with PC (12.09 %) and Zn (52.18 ppm) across the locations followed by PBW 725 (6094, 12.26 and 46.96) and BWL 3584 (5219, 12.63 and 50.23) GY, PC and Grain Zn, respectively) and BWL 3584 (5219, 12.63 and 50.23) could be utilized as a donor in routine breeding programme to improve grain yield and quality traits in bread wheat.

6 tables, 23 ref

024735   KAMBOJ G, KUMAR P, SINGH D (Crop Improvement Div, Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal- 132 001, Email: pradeeptaliyan231@gmail.com) : Estimates of genetic parameters for grain yield, various yield components and some quality traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.). J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 459-65.

A study was conducted during two crop season (Kharif, 2011-12 and 2012-13) for estimating the genetic parameters by involving 10 parents and their 45 F₁s in rice crop. The estimates of h ² (overall dominance effects) were positive and significant for days to 50 % flowering (9.11), days to maturity (0.24), plant height (2.95), panicle length1(39), productive tillers per plant (3.22), branches per panicle (5.61), flag leaf area (5.50), 1000-grain weight (0.27), biological yield (7.35) and amylose content (1.03) which indicated dominance of genetic components in F₁s crosses. The theoretical value (0.25) of (H₂/4H₁) for all the traits except kernel length and amylose content indicated the asymmetrical distribution of positive and negative genes in the parents. The proportion of dominant and recessive alleles for panicle length, productive tillers, branches per panicle, 1000 grain weight, biological yield, kernel length and L/B ratio reflected more dominant alleles, whereas for days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity, plant height, grains per panicle, flag leaf area, grain yield, harvest index, kernel breadth, kernel length after cooking, elongation ratio, amylose content and hulling %, reflected more recessive alleles in the parents. The estimates of specific combining ability (SCA) effects revealed that the cross Vallabh Basmati 21 x Pusa 1121 could be an excellent candidate for improving grain yield (1.52 **), harvest index (1.86 **) and flag leaf area (6.20 **) whereas Pusa 1121 x CSR 10 is excellent candidate for panicle length (0.89 **) and amylose content (1.54 **). The characters showing more than 60 % narrow sense heritability along with positive and significant correlation with each other and also with grain yield could be rewarding for further improvement of yield and quality in rice. Therefore, these parental lines can be used as donors in future by following bi-parental mating and the diallel selective mating system could be the best breeding method in an early segregating generation for improvement in these traits in rice crop.

3 tables, 15 ref

024734   MATHPAL B, SRIVASTAVA P C, SHANKHDHAR S C (Lovely Professional Univ, Phagwara - 144 411, Email: bhupendra.20525@lpu.co.in) : A comparative study of Zn and Fe distribution in two contrasting wheat genotypes. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 448 - 53.

Effect of zinc and iron interaction on their distribution was examined in two wheat genotypes (UP262 and UP2628) under foliar application of 0, 0.25 and 0.50 % ZnSO₄ solution tagged with 925 KBq of Zn ⁶⁵ pot^-1 for Zn and 0, 0.5 and 1.0 % FeSO₄ solution tagged with 925 KBq of Fe⁵⁹pot^-1 for Fe at 30, 60 and 90 days after planting. Maximum grain yield of UP2628 (2.7 g pot^-1) was recorded at 0.5 % ZnSO₄ + 0 % FeSO₄ while that of UP262 (2.63 g pot^-1) was recorded at 0.5 % ZnSO₄ + 1.0 % FeSO₄. The highest straw yield of UP2628 (2.75 g pot^-1) was noted at 0.5 % ZnSO₄ + 1.0 % FeSO₄ while that of UP262 (2.91 g pot^-1) with 0.5 % ZnSO ₄ + 0.5 % FeSO₄. Application of 0.5 % and 1.0 % FeSO₄ reduced the accumulation of ⁶⁵Zn in all parts of both the varieties. Regarding the ⁵⁹Fe accumulation, it was found to be decreased with the increased application of ZnSO₄ solution from 0.25 % and 0.5 % as compared to without application of Zn. On comparing translocation efficiencies of both the varieties, UP2628 showed better translocation thus accumulated higher zinc and iron. Therefore, variety UP2628 can be used further for crop improvement programme.

2 illus, 4 tables, 23 ref

024733   AHALAWAT N K, ARYA V K, KUMAR P, SINGH S K (Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal- 132 001, Email: aryavichitra@gmail.com) : Genetic divergence in forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 439-44.

Thirty genotypes of forage sorghum were studied for generating information on nature and magnitude of genetic variability and diversity for designing breeding programme. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design in three replications. The data were recorded on days to 50 % flowering, plant height, leaf breadth, leaf length, leaf area, stem girth, leaves per plant, leaf stem ratio, total soluble solids, protein content and green fodder yield. Analysis of variance revealed a substantial amount of variability among the genotypes for all the characters under study, indicated a wide spectrum of variability among the genotypes. Highest estimates of the phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation were observed for plant height, leaf breadth, leaves per plant, leaf stem ratio and green fodder yield. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for plant height, leaf area, stem girth, leaves per plant, leaf stem ratio and green fodder yield. Based on D² –Statistics, 30 genotypes were grouped into six clusters. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster III and VI followed by IV and VI, indicating genotypes included in these clusters had wide genetic diversity. Genetic divergence and cluster mean indicates maximum heterosis and good recombinants may be achieved in crosses between genotypes of clusters III, IV and VI in varietal improvement programme. Thus, crossing between genetically diverse genotypes of cluster III with genotypes CSV 15, PC 1001, SPV 462, PC 3, SSV 84, PC 8 and cluster VI with genotype HJ 513 are expected to exhibit high heterosis and good recombinants with desired traits.

5 tables, 21 ref

024732   UMASHANKAR H G, PATEL V N, NAGARAJA T, VIJAYKUMAR L, SUGEETHA S (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Bengaluru, Karnataka, Email: umashankarhg21@gmail.com) : Evaluation of new insecticide molecules for their effectiveness in the management of sugarcane early shoot borer, Chilo infuscatellus (Snellen). J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 434 - 8.

An experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, V.C farm, Mandya (Karnataka), India during 2015, to assess the chemical control of sugarcane early shoot borer (Chilo infuscatellus). Nine insecticides namely, Fipronil 0.3G, Chlorantraniliprole 0.4G, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, Spinosad 45SC, Flubendiamide 39.35SC, Cartap hydrochloride 4G, Phorate 10G, Carbofuran 3G, Chlorpyriphos 20EC, and compared with untreated (Check plot) using randomized block design with three replications. Significant differences were noticed among the treatments. Chlorantraniliprole 0.4G recorded lowest cumulative incidence (2.79 %) and highest per cent reduction over the control (85.78 %) which was followed by Cartap hydrochloride 4G (5.37 % and 72.65 %), Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC (5.95 % and 75.62 %), Flubendiamide 39.35SC (6.64 % and 66.19 %) and Fipronil 0.3G (6.83 % and 65.22 %) were found significantly superior in reducing the cumulative incidence of C. infuscatellus. In Co 86032 Cartap hydrochloride 4G was found to be the best insecticide in getting a highest cost benefit ratio (1:12.39). Other insecticides such as Fipronil 0.3G (1:8.84), Chlorantraniliprole 0.4G (1:6.96), Flubendiamide 39.35SC (1:5.42) and Spinosad 45SC (1:4.16) have also recorded better cost benefit ratio. Since Cartap hydrochloride 4G does not have crop label so we can recommend Fipronil 0.3G or Chlorantraniliprole 0.4G for the management of sugarcane early shoot borer.

5 tables, 10 ref

024731   DEKA P M, TAMULI K K, DUTTA M P, PHUKAN B, BAISHYA S (Assam Agricultural Univ, Assam- 782 103, Email: duttamax@gmail.com) : Effects of different doses of pig dung on the growth performance of Catla, Catlacatla (Hamilton, 1822). J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 425-9.

The experiment was carried out to study the effects of different doses of pig dung on the growth rate of Catlacatla during the summer season. Rate of application of pig dung doses were 10000 kg ha^-1yr^-1,15000 kg ha^-1yr^-1, 20000 kg ha^-1yr^-1 and 25000 kg ha^-1yr^-1. The experiment was carried out in a Completely Randomized Block Design. There were four replicates for each treatment where pig dung was applied at 10000 kg ha^-1yr^-1 (T₁), 15000 kg ha^-1yr^-1 (T₂), 20000 kg ha^-1yr^-1 (T₃) and 25000 kg ha^-1yr^-1 (T₄) and control. The control pond did not receive pig dung. After 10 days of application of pig dung, Catla was stocked at the rate of 8,000 nos./ha in the fish ponds. Sampling was done at 15 days interval to study the growth rate and health status of the fishes. At the end of 3 months period, the fishes were harvested, and the performance of growth, survival and total production was recorded viz. 72.92 ± 6.41g. The results of the study clearly indicated that in the indirect integration system of pig-fish farming, where fresh pig dung contains 0.61 % nitrogen, 0.50 % phosphate-phosphorus (PO₄-P), the dung load of 20000 kg ha^-1yr^-1 is optimum for satisfactory growth of catla, which yield an average production of 5354.00 kg ha^-1yr^-1.

3 tables, 30 ref

024730   CHAUDHARY U C, SINGH A, AHLAWAT T R, TATTE S (Floriculture and Landscape Architecture Dep, ASPEE Coll of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari- 396 450, Email: dralkasinghdhaka@gmail.com) : Effect of various levels of nitrogen on quantitative and qualitative parameters of Rose var. ?Top Secret? under poly house condition. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 417 - 20.

Study was conducted to find out the effect of various levels (100, 150, 200, 250,300 mg/plant/week) of nitrogen on growth parameters in terms of qualitative and quantitative traits of rose var. Top Secret. Plant growth in general increased with increase in nitrogen levels. Among various levels of nitrogen application, 300 mg nitrogen per plant per week significantly increased all vegetative growth parameters and showed maximum plant height (117.45 cm), leaf area (98.91 cm²) and a number of leaves (62.50). Further, flowering parameters like stalk length (83.53 cm), bud diameter (2.45 cm), bud length (2.55 cm), number of flowers per plant (7.30) as well as per square meter (53.05) were also significantly maximum in plants given nitrogen @ 300 mg per plant per week. Leaf N (2.94 %), P (0.19 %), K (1.87 %) and chlorophyll content in leaves (4.41 mg/g) was also higher with 300 mg N per plant per week. Vase life (10 days) and anthocyanin content in petal tissue (2.09 mg/g) were found the maximum in plants given nitrogen @ 250 mg per plant per week, which was at par with the treatment of nitrogen @ 300 mg per plant per week. Nitrogen should be applied at the rate of 300 mg/plant/week under protected cultivation as the optimum dose for good plant growth and qualitative flower production in rose var. Top Secret under protected cultivation.

3 tables, 28 ref

024729   DEVI M B, PATHANIA N K, THAKUR N (Horticulture Div, ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Email: bilashini1712@gmail.com) : Estimation of genetic variability, GCA and SCA effects for development of early and high yielding bell pepper hybrids suitable for protected cultivation. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 410-6.

The present investigation involves 29 diverse bell pepper genotypes for variability studies and 14 promising lines (11 lines and 3 testers), 33 F₁ and 1 standard check for combining ability studies. The objective of the study was to assess the nature and magnitude of genetic variability among the bell pepper genotypes for yield and other horticultural traits and to identify the potential parental lines and cross combinations suitable for the protected environment based on the estimation of general combining ability and specific combining ability. A wide range of variability was observed for most of the characters studied. The genotypes viz., Kashmir Sel-1 (L₂), DARL-10 (L₉) and UHFSP(Y)-11 (L₁₁) for marketable fruit yield per plant and Kashmir Sel-1 (L₂), UHFSP(Y)-11 (L₁₁) and DARL-01 (L₅) for earliness were good general combiners and these may be included for exploiting hybrid vigour or development of purelines. On the basis of specific combining ability effects and per se performance, the crosses viz., ARCH-19 (L₁) × Solan Bharpur (T₁), DARL-10 (L₉) × California Wonder (T₂) and UHFSP(Y)-11 (L₁₁) × Yolo Wonder (T₃) were the best cross combinations for marketable fruit yield per plant and number of marketable fruits per plant under protected environment. The cross combinations viz., DARL-10 (L₉) × California Wonder (T₂), DARL-01 (L₅) × California Wonder (T₂), LC (L₁₀) × Solan Bharpur (T₁) and Kandaghat Sel-9 (L₇) × Solan Bharpur (T₁) shows significant negative SCA for earliness and could be used for development of early hybrids.

7 tables, 23 ref

024728   CHAWALA K, KAHLON M S (Soil Science Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana- 141 004, Email: dr.mskahlon@rediffmail.com) : Effect of land management practices on soil moisture storage characteristics. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 386-92.

A field study was conducted to evaluate moisture storage in soil profile under four tillage-residue management practices namely conventional tillage, no-tillage without residue, no-tillage with residue and deep tillage along with three irrigation regime based on IW/PAN-E ratio 1.2, 0.9 and 0.6 in maize with three replications in split plot design. Significant differences were observed in steady state infiltration rate and cumulative infiltration among different land management practices with maximum value in deep tillage (4.9 cm hr^-1 and 33.1 cm) followed by no tillage with residue (4.1cm hr^-1 and 28.6 cm), no tillage without residue (4.0 cm hr^-1 and 23.0 cm) and conventional tillage (2.8 cm hr^-1 and 19.4 cm), respectively. The highest mean weight diameter and water stable aggregates were found under no tillage with residue (0.64 mm and 49.7 %) and lowest under deep tillage (0.3 mm and 21.8 %), respectively. Higher volumetric soil water content and soil profile moisture storage were recorded under no tillage with residue at different days after sowing. Among different tillage-residue management practices, maximum leaf area index and relative leaf water content were observed in no-tillage with residue. Under moisture stress conditions, no-tillage with residue retention was suitable land management option for reducing evaporation losses and enhancing moisture storage in the soil profile.

5 illus, 1 table, 58 ref

024727   PATIL D H, SHANKAR M A, SHADAKSHARI Y G, KRISHNAMURTHY N (Agronomy Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Bangalore- 560 065, Email: dhpatil_uas@rediffmail.com) : Studies on site specific nutrient management (SSNM) on hybrid sunflower seed production in Southern Karnataka. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 379-85.

A field experiment was conducted at the Main Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Hebbal, Bangalore, to know the effect of Site Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) on growth (plant height (cm), Leaf area (cm²), leaf area index (LAI) and dry matter production (g plant^-1) and yield (capitulum diameter (cm), No. of filled seeds, 1000 seed weight (g) and seed yield (kg ha^-1) of hybrid sunflower seed production. The study indicated that significantly higher growth parameters viz., plant height (155.4 cm), leaf area (1293.10cm^-2), leaf area index (0.69) and total dry matter accumulation (88.16 g plant^-1) were recorded with SSNM for 1.2 tons ha^-1 + Farm Yard Manure (FYM) as compared to recommended practice (Recommended Dose of Fertilizer 62.50:75:62.50 kg NPK ha^-1). The application of fertilizers based on SSNM for a target yield of 1.2 t ha^-1 + FYM resulted in significantly higher yield and yield attributes compared to the only application of RDF + FYM. The important yield parameters recorded that were significantly higher were viz., head diameter (19.89 cm) number of filled seeds per head (353.24), seed weight per plant (19.76 g), 1000 seed weight (43.72 g), hybrid seed yield (1003 kg ha^-1).

4 tables, 39 ref

024726   SHARMA D P, SINGH N (Fruit Science Dep, Dr. YS Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan- 173 230, Email: niranjangautam@gmail.com) : Effect of rejuvenation pruning on the growth, productivity and disease incidence in declining trees of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Kandhari Kabuli. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 358-62.

Pruning of fruit trees is an important aspect for the improvement of fruit quality and to minimize the pests and disease attack. Pruning was performed in the month of December in seven year old unpruned trees of Punica granatum cv. Kandhari Kabuli having many interfering branching and a heavy infestation of bacterial blight orchard. The pruning treatments viz., T₁: Retention of 15cm fruiting shoot length, T ₂: Retention of 30 cm fruiting shoot length, T ₃: Retention of 45 cm fruiting shoot length, T₄: Retention of 60 cm fruiting shoot length and T₅: control (No heading back and no thinning) plant. The results of the present investigation revealed that among different pruning treatment, the best results in terms of shoot extension (56.34 cm), fruit size (Diameter 9.66 cm and Length 9.65 cm, fruit weight (278.50 g), marketable yield (10.25 kg) and fruit qualities were in fruits from T₁ and T₂ where retention of 15 cm fruiting shoot length respectively and retention of 30 cm fruiting shoot length were maintained. However, maximum fruit set (54.73 %) was recorded in control, and it decreased with increasing pruning intensity. The pruning treatments also proved beneficial in controlling bacterial blight on fruit (12.86 %) and leaf surface (26.60 %) to some extent.

4 tables, 19 ref

024725   PRATIMA P, SHARMA N, BELSARE C (Fruit Science Dep, Dr Y. S. Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan -173 230, Email: preetepitome@gmail.com) : Effect of water stress on leaf nutrient status and frequency of irrigation in various cultivars of kiwifruit. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 339-46.

The five cultivars of kiwifruit viz., Allison, Hayward, Abbott, Monty and Bruno during the years 2011 and 2012 in the Department of Fruit Science, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. Two irrigation treatments i.e. standard irrigation (at 80 % field capacity) and deficit irrigation (at 60 % F C) were applied to these cultivars from March to October with three replications in Randomized Block Design (RBD). The leaf nutrient content (%) and frequency of irrigation (irrigation interval in days) were investigated in kiwifruit in response to these irrigation treatments. The leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg) contents varied with cultivars under two irrigation regimes. The leaf N content and Ca content (%) was observed highest in cultivar Monty; P content in Allison; K content in Hayward; Mg content (%) in Abbott and Monty under standard irrigation treatment. These nutrient contents reduced significantly at 0.05 % level of significance with deficit irrigation treatment in different cultivars. The % reduction in these nutrients with deficit irrigation treatment was found to be highest in cultivar Hayward and the least in Bruno. The total number of irrigation applied under standard and deficit irrigation were 16 and 10 respectively, during both the years. The response of Bruno cultivar in terms of leaf nutrient content under water deficit condition is much better in comparison to all other cultivars. Bruno is considered to be drought tolerant cultivar and Hayward to be drought sensitive. Thus, the Bruno cultivar should be preferred for cultivation in water scarce regions.

5 illus, 7 tables, 27 ref

024724   KAKATI B K, SARMA P, AHMED S, GOSWAMI U C (Fisheries Engineering Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Nagaon- 782 103, Email: bkkakati@gmail.com) : Nutritional, microbial and sensory quality evaluation of fermented Puntius sophore Hamilton, 1822 (Puthi shidal) marketed in North-east India. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 316-22.

Biochemical, microbiological and sensory qualities of Puthi shidal from the markets of North-east India were studied. Puthi shidal was found as a good source of protein (38.35 %). Its pH and moisture content was found to be 6.1 and 33.44 %, respectively. It was rich in lysine (11.8 ± 1.9 g 100g^-1) among essential amino acids, whereas glutamic acid was the highest (21.4 ± 3.6 g 100g^-1) in non-essential amino acids group. The major saturated fatty acids were palmitic acid (14.0 ± 1.5 mole %) and stearic acid (17.0 ± 2.3 mole %). The oleic acid (19.1 ± 1.5 mole %) was the prominent monounsaturated fatty acid. The dominant polyunsaturated fatty acids were of the n-6 series. The major polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) found chiefly in linoleic acid (11.0 ± 1.4 mole %) in the sample. The microbial load (log cfu/g) of Puthi Shidal comprised of total plate count (5.4 ± 0.35), Staphylococcus aureus (2.4 ± 0.30) and Streptococcus spp. (1.1 ± 0.1), indicating unhygienic handling practices during preparation and storage. The physico-chemical analysis i.e. total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) (116.20 mg %), non protein nitrogen (NPN) (2.50 %), per-oxide value (PV) (39.12 milliequivalent O₂ /g of fat), free fatty acids (FFA) (64.50 % as oleic acid) and overall acceptability (6.9 ± 0.59) revealed that the product was of acceptable quality. Though the product was found to have high nutritional value, strict hygienic measures should be adopted right from the preparation of raw materials, processing methods and during storage, in order to safeguard the health of the consumers.

2 illus, 5 tables, 40 ref

024723   KUSHWAHA S K, KUMAR S, CHAUDHARY B (Plant Pathology Dep, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur- 482 004, Email: sanjeevcoa@gmail.com) : Efficacy of Trichoderma against Sclerotium rolfsii causing collar rot disease of lentil under in vitro conditions. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 307-12.

Three biocontrol agents viz., Trichoderma viride, T. virens and T. harzianum were evaluated to test the antagonism against Sclerotium rolfsii under in vitro conditions. All the three antagonists’ viz., T. viride, T. virens and T. harzianum have shown the potential of parasitizing the growth of Sclerotium rolfsii in vitro. The rate of inhibition was fastest in T. harzianum (63.60 %) followed by T virens (51.5 %). Least inhibition was recorded in T. viride (50.85 % ) after 72 hours of incubation. However, T. viride showed the highest (91.31 %) reduction in sclerotia formation followed by T. harzianum (84.92 %) and T. virens (84.29 %) after 15 days of incubation. The volatile compounds from Trichoderma viride were found most effective in suppressing the mycelial growth (51.11 %) and sclerotia production (95.90 %) of the target pathogen. The culture filtrate from both T. harzianum and T. viride (15 % concentration) was found very effective in inhibiting the radial growth (57.46 and 49.62 %) and sclerotia formation (98.20 and 99.83 %) of Sclerotium rolfsii. The antagonists such as T. harzianum and T. viride can be used as a bio-control agent against S. rolfsii under field condition.

3 tables, 28 ref

024722   GILL P K, AULAKH C S (Agronomy Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana- 141 004, Email: gillsimran.pau@gmail.com) : Effect of integrated nitrogen management on NPK uptake in basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.). J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 258-61.

A field experiment entitled NPK uptake influenced by integrated nitrogen management in basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during kharif 2010. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with 13 treatment combinations of chemical fertilizer, green manuring (GM) with Crotalaria juncea, farmyard manure (FYM) and organic preparations [OP (Jeevamrit and Panchagavya)] in four replications. The highest grain yield (34.9 ± 0.54 q ha^-1) was obtained with combined application of FYM and 50 per cent of recommended nitrogen (RN) followed by GM + FYM + OP (33.7 q ha^-1) and GM + FYM (33.4 ± 0.99 q ha^-1). Straw yield (63.1 q ha^-1) increased significantly (P < 0.01) in treatment where FYM combined with 50 per cent of RN was applied. Among different nitrogen management treatments, the maximum N, P and K uptake in grain and straw were observed under treatment T8 (FYM + 50 per cent of RN) viz. integrated nitrogen treatment followed by T11 (GM + FYM + OP) and T9 (GM + FYM). Thus, combined application of FYM @ 19.76 t ha^-1- with reduced fertilizer dose (50 % of RN) increased the yield and NPK uptake in basmati rice.

2 tables, 15 ref

024721   SINGH A, JHORAR R K, KUMAR S, KUMAR N (Soil and Water Engineering Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar- 125 004, Email: singhamandeepmt@gmail.com) : Performance evaluation of border irrigation method for cotton field. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 222-9.

Performance evaluation of Border irrigation method was carried out for cotton field in village Kirarkot, Sirsa (Haryana). Water application, storage and distribution efficiency were estimated using measurements of soil moisture (%), infiltration rate (cm/hr), water advance and recession time (minute) during different irrigation events. The advance time increased during the growing season due to increased infiltration rate and increased resistance to flow by the growing crops. The water application efficiency of cotton field was 100 per cent as average applied depth (8.26 cm for canal irrigation and 9.06 cm for tubewell irrigation) of irrigation was less than the average required depth (10.30 cm for canal irrigation and 10.98 cm for tubewell irrigation) throughout the field plots. The observed water storage efficiency in different cotton fields varied from 72.92 - 90.08 per cent indicating under irrigation. Water distribution efficiency of cotton fields (97.8 -99.2 per cent) indicated a relatively high degree of uniformity of water application. Stratified soil profile (sandy loam: 0-30 cm and sandy clay loam: 30-120 cm) of the selected fields reduced the infiltration rate to relatively very low value after 10-15 minutes creating favourable condition for uniformity of water application under border irrigation.

7 illus, 4 tables, 9 ref

024720   VETRIVEL T, LAKSHMANAN V, JAWAHARLAL M (Imayam Institute of Agriculture and Technology, Trichy- 621 206, Email: thnivesa@gmail.com) : Correlation and path analysis studies in Gladiolus (Gladiolus hybrids Hort.). J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 216-21.

Correlation and path analysis were carried out in 12 varieties of gladiolus for different yield attributing traits at the Horticultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Yercaud. The results indicated that the Rachis length was positive and significantly correlated with mother corm weight (g), plant height at 60^th days after planting (DAP) (cm), number of leaves per plant at 60^th (DAP), length of spike (cm), weight of daughter corm (g) and vase life (days). But, it is negative and significantly correlated with number of days taken for first floret opening (rg: -0.714 & rp: -0.664), number of daughter corms per plant (rg: -0.826 & rp: -0.724) and marketable spikes per plant (rg: -0.561 & rp: -0.418) at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. For path analysis the residual effect was 0.174 and it was evident that the highest direct effect on length of rachis was observed in case of mother corm size (0.951) and weight of the daughter corm (0.943), followed by number of daughter corms per plant (0.859), number of florets per spike (0.849), length of first floret (0.832), marketable spikes per plant (0.385), number of leaves per plant at 60^th DAP (0.384), diameter of first floret (0.374) and length of spike (0.221) under Shevaroys conditions.

3 tables, 18 ref

024719   CHATRATH R, GUPTA V, KUMAR S, PARKASH O M, SINGH G P (ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal -132 001, Email: r.chatrath@gmail.com) : Evaluation of biofortified spring wheat genotypes for yield and micronutrients. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 210-5.

Advanced wheat genotypes were tested for agronomic as well as grain iron and zinc content traits. The analysis of variance indicated variation for all traits except iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). The grain Fe content ranged from 39-58 mg/kg whereas grain Zn ranged from 32-47 mg/kg among the tested lines. A significant positive correlation (0.45) was observed between grain Fe and Zn content. There was no association between yield and grain Fe and Zn content indicating that improvement in these micronutrients will not have any undesirable affect on yield. The data was further analysed for principal component analysis and genotype by trait association. The first five principal components viz., PC1 (0.3149), PC2 (0.2198), PC3 (0.1461), PC4 (0.10) and PC5 (0.0923) accounted for 0.87 of the total variation. The major traits contributing to the PC1 are days to heading, days to maturity, grain iron content and yield. The cluster analysis revealed significant variation among the tested germplasm thus providing opportunities for increasing the micronutrient content along with yield through hybridization with high micronutrient content lines.

2 illus, 6 tables, 23 ref

024718   SULTAN S M, DIKSHIT N, MOHANTY C S, ROUT P K, RAINA S K (ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Srinagar- 190 007, Email: sheikhmsultan@gmail.com) : Biochemical evaluation of dent corn (Zea mays L.) genotypes cultivated under rainfed conditions in the hills of north western Indian Himalayan state of Jammu and Kashmir. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 196-201.

The aim of present study was to investigate protein, oil and fatty acid composition in 11 maize (Zea mays) genotypes collected from diverse locations in the hills of north western Indian Himalayan state of Jammu and Kashmir in order to get an idea about the extent of variability in these biochemical traits in the local germplasm. The study revealed significant variation in these quality traits. The protein content among the genotypes ranged from 10.7 % to 18.7 % while oil content varied between 2.26 % and 4.80 %. Higher protein content in some of the genotypes especially IC-0617877 (18.7 %) and IC-0617880 (17.6 %) is noteworthy. The saturated fatty acids of palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), arachidic (C20:0) and unsaturated fatty acids of oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:1) and elaidic (C18:1) were detected and quantified in these genotypes. Considerable variation has been recorded in fatty acid composi-tion; 13.8-33.4 % for palmitic acid, 21.5-48.1 % for linoleic acid, 19.2-39 % for oleic acid, 0.2-2.4 % for elaidic acid, 2.5-8.5 % for stearic acid and 0.1-6.6 % for arachidic acid. Higher oleic acid content recorded in all the genotypes excepting IC-0617881 is a useful trait. Strikingly, highest oil (4.80 %), palmitic acid (33.4 %), stearic acid (8.5 %) and arachidic acid (6.6 %) contents have been recorded in this remarkably cold tolerant genotype with reddish yellow seeds containing moderate protein content of 13.8 %. The appreciable variation in these quality traits could be exploited in breeding programmes for improvement of this crop and opening up new opportunities for its food and industrial end uses

4 tables, 30 ref

024717   RAM H, SINGH G, AGGARWAL N, SEKHON H S (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana- 141 004, Email: hr_saharan@yahoo.com) : Effect of sowing methods, nutrients and seed rate on mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) growth, productivity and water-use efficiency. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 190-5.

A experiment comprising of 18 treatments i.e. two sowing methods (flat bed - 30 cm spacing, and raised-bed with two mungbean (Vigna radiata) rows bed^–1 on 67.5 cm including 30 cm furrow), three seed rates (10, 15 and 20 kg ha^–1) and three nutrient treatments (6.25 + 20.0, 9.38 + 30.0 and 12.5 + 40.0 kg N+P₂O₅ ha^–1) was conducted at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India during kharif 2007 to 2009. The mungbean grain yield recorded in 2008 was similar in 2009 but higher than 2007. The increase of 3.94 % in grain yield was recorded in raised-bed than in flat bed. The grain yield recorded with seed rate of 20 kg ha^–1 was higher than with 10 kg ha^–1 but similar with 15 kg ha^-1 in 2006 and 2008. The grain yield recorded with 12.5 kg N + 40 kg P₂O₅ ha^–1 was higher (p < 0.05) than other treatments. Raised-bed planting with 33.3 % lesser irrigation water used recorded 3.91 % lesser water use than flat bed planting and 9.77 % higher water use efficiency (WUE) (p < 0.05) as compared to flat bed planting. Seed rate of 20 kg ha^–1 recorded 35.9 and 8.9 % higher (p < 0.05) WUE than with 10 and 15 kg ha^-1. The highest WUE was recorded with 12.5 kg N + 40 kg P₂O₅ ha^–1 which was higher (p < 0.05) than 6.25 kg N + 20 kg P₂O₅ ha^–1 but at par with 9.38 kg N + 24 kg P₂O₅ ha^–1.

2 illus, 5 tables, 29 ref

024716   ANKUSH, SINGH V, KUMAR V, SINGH D P (Soil Science Dep, CCS HAU, Hissar - 125 004, Email: ktankdhanda@gmail.com) : Impact of drip irrigation and fertigation scheduling on tomato crop - An overview. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 165-70.

The primary objective of this review study was to determine the best irrigation and fertilizer scheduling practice in order to achieve maximum yield with maximum water and fertilizer use efficiency and highest nutrient uptake. It is found nutrient use efficiency could be as high as 90 per cent in fertigation as compared to 40 to 60 per cent in conventional methods. The amount of fertilizer lost through leaching can be as low as 10 per cent in fertigation whereas it is 50 per cent in the traditional system. It is observed that irrigation and fertigation scheduled at 75 % ET and at 75 % RDF, respectively could be a good alternate for saving water and nutrients with enhanced nutrient uptake, growth, yield and quality of crops. In this paper, the literature pertaining to the different aspects of fertigation and irrigation scheduling are reviewed.

44 ref

024715   UPRETI P, CHAUHAN R S (Aquaculture Dep, G. B. Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263 145, Email: rikhi812chauhan@gmail.com) : Effect of leaf powder of Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) in fish feed on survival and growth of post larvae of Catla catla. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 144-8.

The study was designed to evaluate the effect of leaf powder of Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) in fish feed on survival and growth of post larvae of Catla catla. The experiment consisted of five treatments (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5) in triplicate. The artificial feed was prepared from de-oiled groundnut cake (49.5 %), de-oiled rice bran (49.5%) and vitamin – mineral mixture (1 %). The leaf powder of giloy was incorporated into larval feed at various rates. In treatment T1 (control), no leaf powder was incorporated in the feed. In T2, T3, T4 and T5 leaf powder was mixed at the rate of 0.25 %, 0.5 %, 0.75 % and 1 %, respectively. One hundred post larvae of C. catla of uniform size (7.3 mm length, 1.5 mg weight) were stocked in each of 5×3=15 tanks. The larvae were fed twice in a day. The water quality parameters were regularly monitored. The survival rate of post larvae in T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 were recorded as 95.3, 94.3, 97.0, 98.6 and 100 %, respectively. Post larvae fed with diet incorporated with 1 % leaf powder achieved significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) specific growth rate (6.97 %), feed conversion ratio (2.41) and gross conversion efficiency (0.415). The study revealed that giloy leaf powder has very good growth promoting potential in raising post larvae of carp. Thus, it is recommended that the leaf powder of giloy may be incorporated in fish feed upto 1 % for enhancing growth and survival of post larvae of carp fishes up to fry stage.

4 tables, 26 ref

024714   BISWAS U, MANDI G, BANDYOPADHYAY S, SAREN B K, MURMU K (Agronomy Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal- 741 252, Email: kanumurmu@gmail.com) : Effect of varietal performance on growth attributes and yields of lentil varieties under red and lateritic soil of West Bengal. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 133-7.

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2013-14 and 2014-15 at Agriculture Farm of Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture), Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, West Bengal to find out the varietal performance of different promising entries of lentil on growth attributes and yield. Ten different varieties viz. Subrata, Asha, Ran-jan, HUL 57, BM 6, BM 7, PL 406, KLS 218, Moitree and PL 6 was studied in a randomized block design (RBD), replicated thrice. Different growth and yield attributes were measured in the experiment to find out the suitable varie-ty of lentil for the red and lateritic soil zone of West Bengal. The lentil variety PL-406 showed maximum growth potentiality among the other varieties just followed by another long duration lentil variety KLS-218. The lentil variety PL-406 showed maximum growth potentiality among the other varieties just followed by another long duration variety KLS 218. Highest grain yield was obtained from the variety Ranjan (789 kg ha^-1) followed by the variety PL 406 (785 kg ha^-1) and KLS 218 (783 kg ha^-1) respectively. From the result of the present experiment, it can be concluded that the variety PL 406 gave maximum vegetative growth, whereas the variety Ranjan produce maximum yield and found most potential variety among other lentil varieties under red and lateritic soil of West Bengal.

2 tables, 16 ref

024713   KARUPPASAMY K, KINGSTON S D, JAWAHAR P , AANAND S, VENKATARAMANI V K, VIDHYA V (Fisheries Coll and Research Institute, TNFU, Tuticorin, Email: karuppasamymfsc@gmail.com) : Population dynamics and stock assessment of Delegoa threadfin bream, Nemipterus bipunctatus (Nemipteridae), from the Wadge Bank, South India. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 59-63.

Fishery, population characteristics and stock estimates of Nemipterus bipunctatus were studied during June 2015 to May 2016 from Wadge Bank, South India. This region is characterised by rich biodiversity and has a conducive influence of the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. The asymptotic length (L∞), growth coefficient (K) and arbitrary origin of growth (t0) were estimated as 30.5 cm, 0.85 / year and 0.18 respectively. The mortality parameters, total mortality rate (Z), fishing mortality rate and natural mortality rate (M) were estimated as 2.20, 0.95 and 1.25 respectively. Exploitation ratio (E) was found to be 0.57 which showed marginal over exploitation of the species at Wadge Bank. This species has two recruitment seasons, one major season from October to December and another minor season in August. The length structured Virtual population analysis revealed heavy fishing pressure on the length group 24 to 28 cm and hence the delegoa threadfin bream was not found to suffer due to recruitment over-fishing in Wadge Bank. Estimated total stock, Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) and annual catch were 5625.9348 tonnes, 1935.321 t, 2419.152 t respectively. Present level of Exploitation rate (U) and Exploitation ratio (F/Z) were estimated to be 0.43 and 0.57 respectively. The study infers the cod end mesh size of the trawls operated at Wadge Bank coast has to be increase from 10 to 25 mm to increase the yield per recruit, the effort could also be maintained as the exploitation ratio of 0.50 to have maximum yield per recruit. The study suggests reducing the present level of effort by 8 percent may be needed to sustain the stock of N. bipunctatus in Wadge Bank, South India.

7 illus, 6 tables, 20 ref

024712   KUMAR M, YADAV R K, BEHERA T K, TALUKDAR A, KOUR M (Vegetable Science Div, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi- 110 012, Email: imanishkumar91@gmail.com) : Assessment of genetic divergence for quantitative traits in thermo tolerant tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 55-8.

In the present study, 21 thermo tolerant tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes were evaluated to delineate the extent of genetic diversity through 10 quantitative traits. The genotypes were categorized into 4 distinct clusters using D² statistics. Cluster IV had the maximum number (10) of genotypes, where all heat tolerant genotypes grouped together, followed by cluster I (5). Intra cluster analysis revealed that the cluster IV had highest distance, while the inter cluster distance was maximum between cluster III and cluster IV (6.53) indicating the presence of wide range of variability among genotypes of the cluster. Cluster IV recorded maximum cluster mean for yield (579.0), average fruit weight (33.33) and fruit set per cent (54.8) and the cluster III recorded highest mean value for days to 50 percent flowering (67.33). Principal component analysis showed that the first two principal components (PC’s) accounting for 77.6 per cent of total variation. On the basis of inter cluster distance, cluster mean and principal component analysis observed in the present study, a crossing programme involving genotypes from cluster IV will be promising one for developing heat tolerant tomato hybrids.

2 illus, 5 tables, 14 ref

024711   LALL J G, SANTRA A K, SAHU S S (Livestock Production Management Dep, Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry Coll, Chhattisgarh, Email: Shambhutisahu1987@gmail.com) : Effect of storage period on internal and external parameters of Deshi Chicken fowl. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 41-4.

The fresh eggs were collected and evaluated to effect of storage periods on internal and external characteristics in local chicken eggs. The mean value of the egg weight, egg width, shape index, albumin height, albumen weight, albumen percentage, albumin index, yolk height, yolk weight, yolk percentage, yolk index, shell thickness, shell weight, shell %, albumin pH, albumin protein and Haugh Unit are 58.60 ± 0.84 g, 4.08 ± 0.02 cm, 76.39 ± 1.02, 5.40 ± 0.16 mm, 33.67 ± 0.37g, 58.07 ± 0.55%, 6.76 ± 0.49, 18.20 ± 0.29 mm, 18.33 ± 0.43 g, 44.27 ± 0.91 %, 44.27 ± 0.91 %, 0.29 ± 0.02, 6.06 ± 0.22, 10.39 ± 0.25, 7.82 ± 0.02, 11.77 ± 0.07 and 72.63 ± 1.34 in local chicken eggs. The data from current study indicates that with increase in storage period, a significant (P < 0.01) decline was observed in various parameters like percentage weight loss, albumen height, yolk height, egg width, albumen index, yolk index, Haugh unit, albumen %, albumen weight, shell thickness and albumen protein. Contrary to this, albumen pH (P < 0.01) was found to escalate with increase in storage period. Egg length, shell % and yolk % have significantly differed at (P < 0.01) level. Shape index and shell weight showed no significant differences.

3 tables, 16 ref

024710   DHIMAN B, DUTT B (Forest Products Dep, Forestry Coll, Solan- 173 230, Email: bandana.dhiman18@gmail.com) : Evaluation of Acorus calamus L. rhizome extract as a bio preservative against wood fungal decay. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 37-40.

Wood is most preferred structural material throughout the world and is considered as a complex biological composite with ubiquitous nature. Throughout the world there is an immense pressure on primary durable timbers due to their ever increasing demand. To reduce pressure on the primary species like; Teak, Sal and Deodar etc. one has to look for the other lesser known or secondary species as an alternative. Durability of these species can be enhanced with application of different preservatives and for this one of the best approach is to use herbal based ecofriendly preservatives rather than hazardous chemicals. In this study, the antifungal activity of Acorus calamus rhizome extract was tested on less durable local wood species. The results showed that average growth of Polyporus fungus on taken wood samples were retarded up to 69.44 % after applying 2 % concentration of rhizome extract and act as suitable bio-preservative for non durable wood species.

1 table, 23 ref

024709   SATYAWALI K, CHATURVEDI S, BISHT N, DHYANI V C (Govind Ballabh Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar- 263 145, Email: kavita.satyawali19@gmail.com) : Impact of planting density on wheat crop grown under different tree species in Tarai agroforestry system of Central Himalaya, India. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 30-6.

A field trial based Agroforestry system was established at Pantnagar during Rabi season 2012-13 for predicting the effect of spacing on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Melia azedarach. The experiment was carried out in split-plot design consisting of two tree species in main plot, viz, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Melia azedarch and four spacing treatments in sub-plot viz, 3.0m × 1.0m, 3.0m × 1.5m, 3.0m × 2.0m and 3.0m × 2.5m with three replications. The wheat crop variety “UP-2338” was sown on December 06, 2012 and harvested on April 27, 2013. Among the tree species, the maximum (15.1 q /ha) and significantly higher grain yield with 21.8 % increment was recorded under Melia as compare to Eucalyptus. Whereas, among the different spacings, the wheat growth in terms of dry biomass at 120 DAS (495.4/m²), yield attributes and yield in terms of grain (16.0 q/ha), straw (29.4 q/ha) and biological yield (45.4 q/ha) under Melia was significantly higher at 3 × 2.5 m spacing as compared to other planting density. The correlation coefficient (r) studies exhibited that wheat growth and yield attributing characteristics shows significantly (p < 0.05) high degree (r=0.75 to 1) positive correlation with each other. The investigation was done to find out the proper planting density for intercropping of wheat with tree species without comprising the wheat growth and enhancing its sustainability.

2 illus, 4 tables, 35 ref

024708   SINGH G, KUMAR P, KUMAR R, GANGWAR L K (Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal- 132 001, Email: pradeeptaliyan231@gmail.com) : Genetic diversity analysis for various morphological and quality traits in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 24-9.

The present investigation was carried out during 2011-12 in a randomized block design (RBD) with 35 diverse wheat genotypes to assess the genetic diversity for various morphological and quality traits. The analysis of variance for grain yield and its contributing components namely days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity, productive tillers, plant height, spike length, spikelets pet spike, grains per spikelet, biological yield, harvest index, 1000 grain weight, grain yield and gluten content showed highly significant differences (at < 1 % level of significance) among the genotypes under present study. High heritability along with high genetic advance and high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for grain yield (g), biological yield (g), harvest index (%), spike length (cm) and 1000 grain weight (g) indicated substantial contribution of additive gene action in the expression and thus selection would be effective for genetic improvement of these traits for improving grain yield in wheat. On the basis of multivariate analysis, 35 genotypes were grouped into ‘6’ clusters based on genetic divergence (D2) value. The compositions of clusters revealed that the Cluster IV contained the highest number of genotypes (9) followed by Cluster II (8), Cluster VI (8) and Cluster III (7). The highest inter cluster values were recorded between cluster III and V (8357.19) followed by cluster IV and V (7513.88), cluster IV and VI (6009.44) and cluster III and VI (5530.40) exhibiting wide genetic diversity. Among different traits, biological yield (32.12 %), productive tillers (28.74 %), harvest index (26.71 %), plant height (24.20 %), grain yield (19.23 %) and grains per spikelets (14.89 %) had maximum contribution to total genetic divergence, therefore may be used as selection parameters in transgressive segregants. Selection of genotypes from the clusters may be used as potential donors for further hybridization programme to develop genotypes with high yield potential in wheat crop.

5 tables, 18 ref

024707   JANA K, DAS S K, ROY D C, KUNDU M K, KUNDU A, SATHISH G (Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia - 741 235, Email: kjanarrs@gmail.com) : Seed yield of linseed varieties grown as ?paira? crop as influenced by dates of sowing. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 17-23.

Linseed is an industrial crop cultivated for its seeds, fibres and oil purpose. Linseed crop can met their requirement i.e. moisture and nutritional demand from stored soil moisture and residual fertility status in ‘utera’ or ‘paira’ system of cropping. On the basis of this fact an experiment was conducted on “Seed yield of linseed varieties grown as paira crop as influenced by dates of sowing” in red and laterite zone of West Bengal during rabi season of 2012-13 and 2013-14 at Rice Research Station, Bankura, West Bengal, India. Poor in organic matter content, available phosphate and bases, hard structure of iron and aluminium patterned as honeycomb are present in the sub-surface regions of the profiles and kaolinite is the predominant clay minerals of red and lateritic zone (western part) of West Bengal. This experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications and compared two factors (dates of sowing and linseed varieties). Objective was identifying the optimum date of sowing and suitable linseed varieties grown as, ‘paira’ crop under changed climate in red and laterite zone of West Bengal. The experimental results revealed that the highest seed yield (534 kg ha^-1 as pooled value) was recorded from the treatment D₁ i.e. linseed sown on 15^th November. The lowest seed yield (489.2 kg ha^-1 as pooled value) was obtained with treatment D₃ i.e. linseed sown on 29^th November. Among linseed varieties, T-397 has yielded highest seed yield (573.4 kg ha^-1 as pooled value). Lowest seed yield (409. 3 kg ha^-1 as pooled data) was recorded from Neela variety. From the present study it may be concluded that linseed sown on 15^th November is the best time and T-397 is the suitable linseed variety grown as ‘paira’ crop under changed climate in red and laterite zone of West Bengal.

2 illus, 2 tables, 33 ref

024706   KUMARI A, PATEL N, MISHRA A K (Agricultural Engineering Div, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi- 110 012, Email: kumariarti995@gmail.com) : Response of drip irrigated Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) in different irrigation levels and frequencies at field level. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 12 to 6.

Geometric increase in population coupled with rapid urbanization, industrialization and agricultural development are causing increased pressure on global water resources. Agriculture is the largest consumer of fresh water resources, thus the scope of enhancing water productivity in agriculture is taken to be the priority area of research. The right amount and frequency of irrigation is essential for optimum use of limited water resources for crop production as well as management. A field experiment with split plot design was carried out during November to February 2015-16 at PFDC (Precision Farming Development Centre), Water Technology Centre, IARI, New Delhi to study the effect of different irrigation levels and frequencies on Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) under drip irrigation. The experiment included three levels of irrigation frequencies: N₁ (once every day), N₂ (once every 2 days) and N₃ (once every 3 days) with different irrigation levels of 100, 80 and 60 % of crop evapotranspiration (ETc). Results revealed that drip irrigation frequency significantly (p < 0.05) affected the broccoli yield. The maximum yield (24.46 ± 0.18 t/ha) was obtained with 80 % of ETc with once in 2 days irrigation followed by 100 % of ETc with once in 2 days. Lowest yield (16.53 ± 0.1 t/ha) was obtained at 60 % of ETc at once in 3 days irrigation. Overall, it was ob-served that irrigation on 80 % of ETc with once in two days is an appropriate cycle for optimum yield of broccoli.

5 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

024705   KUMAR S, KUMAR P, ARYA V K, KUMAR R, KERKHI S A (Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal- 132 001, Email: pradeeptaliyan231@gmail.com) : Estimates of genetic components and regression analysis for grain yield and various morphological traits in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 6 - 11.

The present study was conducted to estimate the gentic components and regression analysis for grain yield and various morphological traits in bread wheat involving 10 parents and their 45 F₁ (half diallel) during 2012-13 and 2013-14. Significant additive (D) and dominance (H₁) variance for the traits indicated that expression of these traits is control by both additive and dominance gene action. Average degree of dominance (H₁/D)^1/2 were more than unity for the traits (peduncle length, flag leaf area, productive tillers, biological yield, grain yield, harvest index) indicating the preponderance of over dominance gene action. The estimates of h² were positive and significant for days to ear emergence, peduncle length, productive tillers, biological yield and grain yield indicated dominance of genetic components in F₁s. Positive and significant values of F were estimated for days to ear emergence, days to 50 % flowering, spike length, flag leaf area and grain yield in F₁s indicating the preponderance of dominance and positive genes in the parents involved. The theoretical value (0.25) of (H₂/4H₁) for all the traits indicated asymmetrical distribution of positive and negative genes. The proportion of dominant and recessive alleles indicated presence of dominant alleles in the parents. The traits showing more than 30 % narrow sanse heritability could be rewarding for further improvement in grain yield in bread wheat. Regression analysis indicated that the traits (days to ear emergence, days to 50 % flowering, peduncle length, flag leaf area, productive tillers, harvest index, biological yield and grain yield) control by over dominance type of gene action. The parent RAJ 4246 contained maximum dominant genes for days to ear emergence and days to 50 % flowering; HD 2733 for spike length and flag leaf area and HD 2824 for productive tillers, biological yield and grain yield used as donors in multiple traits breeding programme to develop high yielding wheat genotypes.

1 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

024704   JATOTHU J L, KUMAR A A, CHOUDHARY S B, SHARMA H K, MARUTHI R T, KAR C S, MITRA J (Crop Improvement Div, ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, West Bengal, Email: anil.arroju@gmail.com) : Genetic diversity analysis in tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) germplasm lines. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 1 - 3.

An experiment was conducted to examine the magnitude of genetic diversity and characters contributing to genetic diversity among 81 tossa jute genotypes. Cluster analysis based on Euclidean squared distances and ward’s method, the genotypes were grouped into ten distinct clusters. Analysis reveals that stick weight contributes maximum to the phenotypic diversity (65.52 %) followed by green weight (13.64 %) and fibre yield (10.10 %). Among the clusters Cluster IX recorded highest mean fibre yield (19.91 g) followed by Cluster VII (18.94 g) and these clusters also recorded high mean values for plant height, basal diameter, green weight and stick weight. The highest inter-cluster distance was 186.80 (between clusters II and X) followed by 161.26 (between clusters IV and X), indicating the wide genetic diversity among these clusters. The highest intra-cluster distance was observed in cluster II (20.34) and the lowest in cluster X (3.17). The average inter-cluster distances were higher than the average intra-cluster distances, which shows the presence of wide genetic diversity among the genotypes of different clusters than those of the same cluster. The first two principal components, whose Eigen values are greater than one, accounted for 74 % of the total variation among the five characters. The information obtained from diversity analysis is useful in planning further breeding programme for tossa jute improvement.

3 tables, 16 ref

024703   SINGH R (Kwazulu-Natal Univ, Durban- 4001, South Africa, Email: rshnsingh1@yahoo.com) : The progresses in fishery sciences and fisheries in South Africa and overseas. Bulletin Pure Appl Sci- Sec A 2018, 37A(1), 39-41.

In South Africa and overseas, the progresses in fishery sciences and fisheries are known. However, these progresses are advancements often seen at a broader scale in scientific literature. Fishery science is a wide field of study encompassing water-dwelling, or waterliving, mammals, fish and other fish-like creatures. Although many study fishery sciences, or an allied discipline in biology, the ideas on these organisms and crustaceans, gained from fisheries, are different. It is imperative to compare these findings with scientific discoveries in order to validate these progresses. The present and future finds in fishery sciences and fisheries would form the skeleton of this paper, with example of water-living organisms, such as teleosts, octopus and crabs, forming the key part of the discussion.

8 ref

002332   KUMAR P, SIDDIQUE A, THAKUR V, SINGH M (Agronomy Dep, Lovely Professional Univ, Jalandhar, Punjab) : Effect of putrescine and glomus on total reducing sugar in cadmium treated sorghum crop. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2019, 8(2), 313-6.

The present study 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 older 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 reducing sugar content (mg g^-1 fresh weight). The reverse responses were observed by the external application of putrescine (2.5 and 5.0 mM) and mycorrhiza (Glomus; 150 inoculants per kg of soil).

1 illus, 17 ref

023806   DURANI A, TRIPATHI S, SINGH N, RAJKISHOR, NAIK J R (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural Univ, Gujarat) : Characterization of enriched rock phosphate, bio-compost and partitioning study of micronutrient in maize crop under south Gujarat. Int J Multidiscipl Res Dev 2017, 4(12), 3 to 8.

An investigate was carried out with different rate of rock phosphate enriched compost and single supper phosphate fertilizer alone or combined with vascular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) applied to rabi maize in the year 2015-16 and 2016-17. Concentration of iron Fe (674.8 mg kg^-1 ) significantly increased the in maize straw in pooled analysis. Manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) in maize cover, silk and Zinc content and maize cover and grain significantly higher in 75% P as RP+ AM (T8) treated plots and also Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu content in the different part of maize numerically increased over control plots which was statistically non significant. Rock phosphate and SSP alone or combined with AM increased the micronutrients concentration, in the different part of maize.

6 tables, 22 ref

023805   VERMA M K, SACHDEVA G K, YADAV A K, PRAKASH C, VERMA A K (Dairy Cattle Breeding Div, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132 001, Email: monojvet550@gmail.com) : Factors affecting average milk protein percentage in Sahiwal cattle and Murrah buffalo. Envir Ecol 2017, 35(2), 611-3.

India is a mainly agriculture country. In Indian agriculture, the vast and diverse livestock population plays a vital role in the rural economy. The present investigation was carried out using data on performance records spread over a period of 6 years (2005-2010), on 188 Sahiwal cows and 94 Murrah buffaloes maintained at ICAR-NDRI, Karnal, Haryana. The research was conducted to study the effect of various factors on average milk protein percentage in Sahiwal cows and Murrah buffaloes. Least squares analysis was carried out to assess the effect of non-genetic factors namely season, period and parity on average milk protein percentage. The effect of season was found significant in Sahiwal cows whereas non-significant in Murrah buffaloes; the effect of period was found to be significant in both species; the effect of Parity was found to be non-significant in both species.

2 tables, 11 ref