023804   ALIREZA G (Gilan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Gilan, Iran.) : Analysis of synoptic showery rain falls contributing to the formation of flood within rivers of Gilan province. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(4), 1429-39.

Climate study and identification of weather phenomena, especially the cloudbursts have an important role in forecasting the floods and making flood warning plans. Therefore, this research has been conducted in order for Climate analysis of the cloudbursts leading to flood in west of Gilan Province. For this purpose, statistics of floods and local cloud bursts related to each flood in west region of Guilin were identified and drawn out since 2001-2011. Accordingly, during this period of time 13 floods and local clod bursts were identified, then in the next stage, serological isobar plans for sea level and 500 1000 hectopascal geopotential for pre –rainfall days and rainfall day received from NOAA diagram and was observed using isometropia analysis method And each one was analyzed using the GrADS software for mapping required at ground level. Curbing and reducing of flood damages has a special status in exhaustive management of watershed areas. Thus, precise identification of flood-prone regions on field level is extremely important and significant, since we can reduce flood-proneness level of the field using proper watershed procedures, either constructional or non-constructional, or a combination of both. In order to determine the hydrograph of the runoff resulting from precipitation under the fields, HEC- HMS mathematical model, in which precipitation’s change into runoff is done, based on hydrological methods, has been utilized. In the present research, the calibration and validation results of model HEC- HMS indicated that in case of presence of dry condition, initial damages coefficient in this field would be equal to 15.0, A coefficient for calculating the concentration time under the fields based on relation in Tamar field would be 4.0, and B coefficient for all subfields would be equal to 3.0 and the ratio of saving coefficient to concentration coefficient in Tamar field would be 4.0, based on which we can see that the observed and simulated hydrograph has high correlation. After calibrating and validating the model, prioritization of the subfields in terms of their participation in output flood (flood-proneness analysis) was examined. Based on flood-proneness studies in Tamar field we can conclude that upper subfields have had the greatest effect on flood-proneness level with regard to the selected floods in the field.

12 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

023803   KADIDAA B, SADIMANTRA G R, SAFUAN S L O, MUHIDIN (Postgraduate Program in Agriculture, Halu Oleo Univ, Kendari- 932 32, Email: budianti_kd@yahoo.co.id) : The Effect of organic fertilizer in the increasing of local upland rice production on marginal land in North Buton Indonesia. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(3), 1051-4.

Demand for rice as a source of food in Indonesia continues to increase in line with the growth of population, while the capacity to produce paddy rice increasingly limited. One of the efforts is to develop upland rice by utilizing the dry land with organic fertilizer application. The research was conducted in North Buton using split plot design. The main plot was the treatment of manure dosage consisting of 4 levels of treatment and the second factor of local upland rice cultivars as a subplot consisting of 22 cultivars. Production characters were observed and assessments are panicle length, grain number, number of grain content, wet grain weight, dried grain weight, grain weight per culm, and grain yield (t ha^-1). The results showed that the yield potency of local upland rice cultivar in North Buton ranged from 3.11- 4.97 t ha^-1 and the treatment of organic fertilizer can increase the yield components of upland rice.

2 tables, 13 ref

023802   SHARIFI P (Agronomy Dep, Urmia Univ, Iran) : The effect of plant growth promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), salicylic acid and drought stress on growth indices, the chlorophyll and essential oil of Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis). Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(3), 1033-42.

The side effects of chemical drugs and the human tendency to make greater use of natural products in order to keep their health as well as problems of modern medical system caused more attention of human to medicinal plants. Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a plant of the family Lamiaceae and is one of the most important medicinal plants containing essential oils. Despite of the other crops, medicinal plants are the plants that quality of materials compared to their quantity is much more important and necessary. Today using symbiotic microorganisms with plants as the bio-fertilizer for providing nutrients is considered. Among plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, Azospirillum, Pseudomonas and Bacillus can be pointed out. It was observed that using the bio-fertilizer Nitroxin and phosphate solubilizing bacteria on Chamomile increased vegetative yield, seed yield and essential oil yield. In order to study the effect of PGPR, salicylic acid and drought stress on growth indices, the chlorophyll and essential oil of hyssop, a factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications was conducted at the research greenhouse, Faculty of Agriculture, University, during 2013- 2014. Treatments were drought stress, salicylic acid and PGPR. Results showed that drought stress reduced the growth and physiologic characteristics and increased essential oil percent and accordingly Hyssop essential oil yield increased. Also, salicylic acid caused the increase in the yield, physiologic and essential oil traits and avoided stress injuries and compensated decrease in growth traits. Growth promoting bacteria by producing some metabolites such as growth regulators, or types of vitamins as well as improved access to nutrients were directly increase plant growth and development. Among used bacteria, Azospirillum had the greatest impact on improving the measured traits.

6 tables, 43 ref

023801   BAKOGLU A, KILIC O, DEMIR I (Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Univ of Bingol, Turkey, Email: omerkilic77@gmail.com) : Agricultural properties of some lines and varieties of common vetch from BingÖl ( Eastern Anatoila). Analyt Chem Lett 2017, 7(4), 545-55.

With this study, yield and some agronomical characteristics of twenty one different common vetch lines (Vicia sativa L.) were investigated under dry conditions of Eastern Anatoila Region of Turkey during the 2014 growing season. Research was established as a randomized complete block experimental design with three replications. The results of variance analyzes showed that there were statistically significant differences among some characters (seed number per pod, P?0.05); plant height, seed yield, crude ash, crude protein and NDF (Pd”0.01). In addition several quality traits, such as plant height, green herbage yield, dry herbage yield, pod number per plant, seed number per pod, seed yield, 1000 grain weight, crude ash ratio, crude protein ratio, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) were analyzed and important results were obtained.

3 illus, 3 tables, 33 ref

023800   DOSSOU E M, LOUGBEGNON T O, HOUESSOU L G, CODJIA J T C (National Univ of Agriculture, Benin Republic, Email: dossou.et@gmail.com) : Ethnozoological uses of common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) in Benin Republic (Western Africa). Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(1), 85-90.

Hippopotamus amphibius is the 3rd largest and heaviest terrestrial mammal after elephants (Loxodonta africana) and white rhinos (Ceratotherium simum) in Africa. This investigation conducted in the Benin Republic aims to assess the local inhabitants' traditional knowledge associated with hippo in different use categories (medicinal, cultural and spiritual). Data were gathered using ethnozoological questionnaires. One hundred and fifty informants from 13 ethnic groups in Benin were randomly selected and interviewed. Chi square test was used to analyze the answers given regarding the uses categories of hippo. Principal Correspondence Analysis was used to describe traditional beliefs associated with hippo according to the ethnic groups. Results revealed seven use categories for hippo. A significant difference was observed between age groups (2 = 27.537; p = 0.027; dF = 2) regarding use categories. But no significant differences were found between ethnic groups (x2 = 16.437; p = 0.057; dF = 12) for the use categories. The Principal Component Analysis revealed differences in traditional beliefs associated with hippo. For example, the male adult Yoruba and Adja regard hippo as cruel and diabolic animal. The Fon and old men from Idatcha, Aïzo, Mahi, Goun, Holly and Cotafon ethnic groups have considered hippo as saviour, protector and fetish.

3 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

023799   FAHAMIYA N, ASLAM M, JAVID K, SIDDIQUI A, SHIFFA M (Univ of Colombo, Sri lanka, Email: nfahamiya@gmail.com) : Althaea rosea L. ameliorates renal oxidative damage induced by gentamicin in rats. Indian J Tradit Know 2017, 16(4), 694-99.

Althaea rosea L. (AR) seeds are commonly used in renal disorders in Unani medicine. Hence, the present study was aimed to evaluate the nephroprotective activity of methanolic extract of AR seed ( ME-AR) and its chloroform soluble (CHSF) and insoluble (CHIF) fractions in gentamicin-induced renal oxidative damage in Albino rats. The rats were divided into five groups of six animals each. Group I served as control. All five groups were received 1 % CMC (10 mL/kg), orally for 8 days. In addition to this, the groups III, IV and V were received ME-AR 103 mg/kg, CHSF 70 mg/kg, and CHIF 35 mg/kg respectively, orally for 8 days. Gentamicin was injected subcutaneously (100 mg/kg) in neck region in the volume of 1 mL/kg for the last 5 days for the group II (Toxicant), III, IV and V. Following treatment, the nephroprotective effects were evaluated with level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) along with the histological observations among the experimental groups. Gentamicin intoxication induced changes of biochemical parameters were significantly prevented by test drug which was also evidenced by the histological observations.

5 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

023798   CHOURASIA M, PATRA B C, PARIDA M, PRASAD S M, SETHY S (ICAR-National Rice research Institute, Cuttack, Odisha, Email: bcpatracrri@yahoo.com) : Inventorising the traditional rice germplasm in Cuttack district after five decades of green revolution. Indian J Tradit Know 2017, 16(4), 674-81.

Farmers of some localities of Cuttack district of Odisha, India still cultivate the traditional rice varieties even after five decades of introduction of semi-dwarf high yielding varieties in late 1960s and their rapid adoption and spread in the entire farming system. In present study, a total of 29 prominent rice landraces along with 2 released rice varieties were collected from 5 blocks of Cuttack district. The traditional rice growing farmers perceive with great conviction that these landraces are more tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses than any of the improved high yielding varieties and can give an assured yield even at the worst weather conditions. Therefore, it becomes imperative to conserve these natural resources for posterity. The DNA markers based diversity analysis was also carried out using 16 STMS markers. The mean number of alleles per locus was 3.13 showing 88.89 % polymorphism and an average polymorphism information content of 3.33. Cluster analysis based on microsatellite allelic diversity clearly demarcated all the 31 genotypes into two different groups which could be very much useful in rice improvement programs.

3 illus, 4 tables, 26 ref

023797   GARG N, RAM R A, PRITI (ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Uttar Pradesh, Email: neelimagargg@rediffmail.com) : Microbial properties of pigmented bacteria isolated from bioenhancer ‘Amrit pani’. Indian J Tradit Know 2017, 16(4), 669-73.

Amrit Pani (Nectar water) contains consortia of beneficial microorganisms, out of which two pigmented bacteria, Bi (yellow) and B2 (orange) were isolated. Colonies of these microbes were smooth, 1-3 mm in diameter and identified as both the bacteria were prohim in nature coulder Micrococcus luteus (B1) and Micrococcus varians (B2). Both the bacteria were aerobic in nature, could be grown successfully on medium containing pH 7- 8 at 30 °C temperature. Isolated bacteria exhibited UV resistance and high pectinase activity 2.23 and 2.66 IU/mL, respectively. These bacteria have shown antimicrobial activity against Colletotricum gloeosporioides and Fusarium solani and extracted pigments shown DPPH activity (free radical scavenging activity) 86.11 and 59.02 %, respectively. Based on above study, Amrit Pani can successfully be used for the management of soil born diseases and fermentation of organic wastes.

4 illus, 5 tables, 10 ref

023796   GOSHU G (Addis Ababa Univ, Ethiopia- 34, Email: ggoshu2000@yahoo.com) : Genetics of threshold characters and distribution cow calving traits in holstein friesian cattle at holeta bull dam station, Ethiopia. J Vet Sci Technol 2017, 8(6), 493.

Data collected from at Holeta Bull Dam Station from 118 sires and 902 dams were used to asses distribution of threshold traits as affected by sire variance and calving traits cows. The traits studied were type of birth (normal, abnormal), sex ratio, and female calves reached to age at first calving. Variance analyses were made to estimate effect of sire variances and repeatability of cows on the above threshold traits. The result showed that from the total of 1223 female births, 67.7% reached to productive age. Sire affected type of birth (P<0.05), sex ratio (P<0.01), and female calves reaching to productive age (P<0.0001). The distribution of calf production traits of cows showed that 30.8% of cows calved only once, 27.7% calved abnormal births at least once in their life time and 27.3% left the herd without producing any female progeny. The probability of a cow repeating abnormal birth, given the previous birth was abnormal, was very high (0.96). It is commendable to test semen for genetic disorder other than milk yield trait to expand dairy production in the country. The number of female calves reaching to productive age can be increased through introduction of sound reproductive management and improving survivability of calves.

3 tables, 20 ref

023795   KISSI L M, ASSEN A M (Wollo Univ, Ethiopia, Email: awolm8@gmail.com) : Prevalence, larvae burden and gross pathological lesion of cephalopina titillator in camels slaughtered at Addis Ababa abattoir Akaki branch, Ethiopia. J Vet Sci Technol 2017, 8(6), 490.

Cephalopina titillator (C. titillator) is an obligate parasite of the camel and causes nasal myiasis in camels throughout the world. The adult fly deposits larvae in the nasal cavity and these remain parasitizing the animal for a considerable period of time. A cross sectional study was conducted on randomly selected camels, Camelus dromedarius (C. dromedarius) slaughtered at Addis Ababa abattoir, Akaki branch, Ethiopia during the period from November 2016 to April 2017 to determine the prevalence of larvae infestation with associated risk factors and gross pathological lesions and larvae burden. Out of total 334 camel heads examined, 276 were infested by C. titillator larvae which give an overall prevalence 82.6%. Analysis of potential risk factors has revealed that the rate of infestation was significantly higher in older camels (88.2%) as compared with younger camel (76.8%) (P<0.05). The rate of infestation was also significantly higher in female camel (88%) than that of male camel (77.8%). On the other hand the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05) between parasitic infestation with origin and body condition score of camels. But relatively higher prevalence (84.3%) was recorded in camels originated from Borena as compared to those originated from Kereyu (80.4%). Moreover prevalence was relatively higher in camels with poor body condition (91.3%) as compared to that of camels with medium (81.8%) and good body condition score (80.3%). On average 126 C. titillator larvae were counted per animal, and abundant mucous secretion, congested mucus membrane, diffused petechial hemorrhage and development of multiple granuloma were among the major gross pathological lesions observed in nasal cavity, nasopharynx and turbinates. In conclusion the present finding has demonstrated that C. titillator was one of the highly prevalent myiasis in camel rearing area. Therefore further epidemiological investigation on the diagnosis, control and prevention method and its economic impacts are required.

1 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

023794   NASCIMENTO D C, PAULA C R, RUIZ L D S, DOMANESCHI C (Universidade Paulista (UNIP), Brazil, Email: djbiologico@gmail.com) : Cryptococcus albidus var. albidus isolated from turquoise-fronted parrots (Amazona aestiva: Psittacidae) kept in captivity: A probable reservoir ecological of fungal specimen. J Vet Sci Technol 2017, 8(6), 489.

A cross sectional study was conducted from November 2016 to April 2017 on 384 small ruminants brought for slaughter to Dessie Municipal Abattoir from Dessie and its surroundings. Coprological and postmortem examinations were employed. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of fasciolosis and associated risk factors, the test agreement between fecal examination by sedimentation and post mortem examination; and the direct financial loss due to liver condemnation. Of 384 fecal samples collected during ante mortem, 54 were positive for egg of Fasciola with an overall prevalence of 14.1% (54/384) based on coprological examination. The prevalence was 14.5% (50/294) in sheep and 10% (4/40) in goats. An overall prevalence of 18.8% (72/384) was found based onliver examination. There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in infection rate between the two species and sex. The difference in infection rate in body condition, age and fecal consistency was statistically significant (P=0.000, 0.034 and 0.031 respectively). The dominant species of Fasciola was F. hepatica 9.9%, followed by 3.39, 3.13 and 2.34% by immature Fasciola, F. gigantica and mixed infection respectively. The mean fluke burden was 28.28 ranging between 3 and 96 flukes per infected liver and the fluke burden was highest in animals with mixed infection followed by animals infected by F. hepatica. The sensitivity of the sedimentation technique to detect Fasciola eggs was 75% compared to postmortem examination of liver and a considerable agreement (kappa=0.830) was obtained between the tests. An annual loss of 25230 Birr loss was estimated in Dessie Municipal Abattoir. Study on public health implication of the parasites is recommended.

4 tables , 33 ref

023793   AWEKE S, MEKIBIB B (Ethiopian Ministry of Animal health and Fisheries, Ethiopia, Email: sebaweke@gmail.com) : Major production problems of dairy cows of different farm scales located in the capital city addis ababa, Ethiopia. J Vet Sci Technol 2017, 8(6), 483.

The study deals with major production problem of selected dairy farms in Addis Ababa from November 2009 to April 2010. The study covered 31 farms grouped in to three production systems, namely 13 small scale (SS) with 260 cows, 9 medium scales (MS) (451) and 9 large scales (LS) (1543) dairy cows. Demographic characteristics of farm owners of studied farms was female dominated in SS (53.3%) while in MS (55.5%) and LS (77.8%) was male dominated. Farm owner's literacy rate was 100% in medium and LS farms while 92.3% in SS farm. In the studied farms, pure exotic cows were dominant in all types of scales; 61.5%, 55.6% and 88.9% in SS, MS and LS, respectively. The breeding systems used in the farms was commonly artificial insemination (AI) in SS (100%) and MS (77.7%) while in LS, both AI and the combination of AI and natural mating, each contributed 44.4%. Furthermore, the major reasons of culling were health related in both SS and MS accounted, 69.2% and 44.4%, respectively. However, in LS low productivity (77.8%) was dominant. Data on feeding management indicated that hay and wheat bran was dominant feed types in all types of scales in which most of them fed their animals twice a day. The survey also showed health problems encountered (from 2007/8 to 2009/10) in different scales as repeat breeding and mastitis more common in SS (25.8% and 25.4%) and MS (13.4% and 10.4%) while in LS, mastitis and hypocalcemia was more common (both accounted for 8%). The main prevention in the farm was vaccination. In conclusion, identification of the diary bottleneck is critical to solve and rise their production. So, most health and management problems encountered can possibly corrected with raising awareness and follow-up of farms with professionals before further damage on this emerging industry. 

7 tables, 28 ref

023792   TILAHUN S, FEKADU A, MEKIBIB B (Chiko Wereda Animal and Fishery Dep, Hawassa Univ, Ethiopia, Email: amenef@gmail.com) : Major causes of total organ condemnation and their direct financial impact in cattle slaughtered at hawassa municipality Abattoir, southern Ethiopia. J Vet Sci Technol 2017, 8(5), 56-60.

The study was conducted to identify major causes of total organs condemnation in cattle slaughtered at Hawassa city municipal abattoir and to estimate the associated direct financial losses. To this effect, a cross sectional active abattoir survey was conducted on 609 cattle from October 2015 to April 2016. During ante mortem examination, various types of abnormalities were detected in 39 (6.4%) cattle which includes rough hair coat 8(1.3%), teeth grinding 7(1.2%), dyspnea 5(0.8%), diarrhea 5(0.8%), lameness 4(0.7%), nasal discharge 2(0.3%), blindness 2(0.3%), early LSD signs 2(0.3%), dry muzzle 2(0.3%), paraphimosis 1(0.2%) and gangrenous testis 1(0.2%). On postmortem examination inspected, 96.1% (585) of the examined lungs (n=609) were condemned due to different disease conditions such as pneumonia (43.2%), hydatid cyst (24.8%), emphysema (18.9%), atelectasis (14.9%), and congestion (1%). Similarly, 63.1% of livers inspected were condemned due to fasciolosis (24.3%), calcification (15.3%), fibrosis (10.3%), fatty change (4.4%) and abscessation (1.8%). Heart and kidneys also had various abnormalities. The study further revealed that a total of 2,535,022.42 ETB (116, 611.03 USD) was lost due to the organs condemned during the active abattoir survey. To reduce organ condemnation rate and hence the associated financial loss and public health consequences, educating the public/the concerned bodies to avoid eating of raw meat, to improve canine health care and cattle management systems, to institute stray dog population management, to properly dispose condemned organs, and to implement regular deworming with effective anti-helminths are important. Moreover, proper and detail meat inspection at the abattoir and proper disposal or incineration of condemned organs are also recommended. 

4 tables, 27 ref

023791   SINGH P K, SINGH K K, GILL K K, NIWAS R, SINGH R S, SHARMA S (Agromet Service Cell, India Meteorological Dep, , New Delhi- 110 003, Email: pksingh66@gmail.com) : Dry biomass partitioning of growth and development in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop using CERES-wheat in different agro climatic zones of India. Curr Sci 2017, 113(4), 752-66.

The CERES-wheat crop growth simulation model has been calibrated and evaluated for two wheat cultivars (PBW 343 and PBW 542) for three sowing dates (30 October, 15 November and 30 November) during 2008-09 and 2009-10 to study partitioning of leaf, stem and grains at Ludhiana, Punjab, India. The experimental data and simulated model data were analysed on partitioning of leaf, stem and grains, and validated. It was found that the model closely simulated the field data from phenological events and biomass. Simulated biological and grain yield was in accordance with-field experiment crop yield within the acceptable range. The correlation coefficient between field-experiment and simulated yield data and biomass data varied significantly from 0.81 and 0.96. The model showed overestimation from field-experimental yield for both cultivars. The cultivar PBW 343 yield than cultivar PBW 542 on 15 November during both years. The model performance was evaluated and it was found that CERES-wheat model could predict growth parameters like days to anthesis and maturity, biomass and yield with reasonably good accuracy (error less than 8%) and also correlation coefficient between field-experimental and simulated yield data and biomass data varied from 0.94 and 0.95. The results showed that the correlation coefficient between simulated and districts yield varied from 0.41 to 0.78 and also significantly at all six selected districts. The results may be used to improve evaluate the current practices of crop management at different growth stages of the crop to achieve better production potential.

18 illus, 2 tables, 39 ref

023790   IMCHEN T, SAWANT S S, EZAZ W (CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, Email: timchen@nio.org) : Exposure of Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms to salt water and its implications. Curr Sci 2017, 113(3), 439-43.

In this article, we discuss the effect of salinity on the viability and decomposition of Eichhornia crassipes plant under normal photoperiod, dark condition and physiological response. Highest concentration of total organic carbon (27.43 mg C l^–1) was recorded in 15 psu salinity after 45 days. The TOC output was more in case of leaf (3.6 mg C l^–1) than petiole (2.39 mg C l^–1) under dark condition, after 21 days in freshwater. Salt stress was found to enhance the superoxide dismutase activity at 20 psu in both leaf and petiole. Enzyme activity declined when salt-stressed plants were transferred to nutrient enriched freshwater. This indicated that 20 psu could be a plant’s salt tolerance limit. The potential transfer test conducted in this study showed that Eichorrnia introduction through shipping activities is less likely.

5 illus, 30 ref

023789   SRIVASTAVA S K, CHAND R, SINGH J, KAUR A P (ICAR-National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research, Pusa, Email: shivendraiari@gmail.com) : Revisiting groundwater depletion and its implications on farm economics in Punjab, India. Curr Sci 2017, 113(3), 422-9.

The study identifies factors behind the groundwater depletion in Punjab (India) and examines the economics of groundwater irrigation across farm-size categories, varied groundwater levels and energy policy scenario. The farm-level evidences point out that farmers with smaller land holdings incur 2–3 times groundwater cost than those with larger land holdings. Also, small farmers are affected more adversely due to falling groundwater level. Further, financial expenses in extracting groundwater are borne equally by the society and the farmers. The withdrawal of energy subsidy is expected to reduce net returns, but at a varying rate across different crops. However, crop cultivation would still be profitable and desubsidization will result in 29–82% savings in existing groundwater use in different crops.

3 illus, 5 tables, 26 ref

023788   RAO G B, PUSARLA S (Agronomy Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Assam, Email: sekhar2486@gmail.com) : Silicon nutrition in Rice. J Ecofriendly Agric 2018, 13(2), 106-8.

Silicon (Si) is considered as a beneficial element for crop growth, especially for crops under Poaceae family. Rice is a typical silicon accumulating plant and it benefits from silicon nutrition. Si is absorbed in the form of monosilicic acid and its transportation is governed by three genes i.e. LSi1, LSi2 and LSi6. Silicon is deposited beneath the cuticle as cuticle-silicon double layer in the form of silicic acid. Highly weathered soils are low in available silicon mainly due to leaching loss. Its supply is essential for healthy growth and economic yield of the rice crop. Silicon interacts favourably with other applied nutrients and improves their agronomic performance and efficiency in terms of yield response. Also it improves the tolerance of rice plants to abiotic and biotic stresses. Hence, silicon management is essential for increasing and sustaining rice productivity.

14 ref

023787   SAIKIA J (Horticulture Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Assam, Email: jsbaruah5@ gmail.com) : Morphological traits in indigenous ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis) genotypes of N.E. region of India. J Ecofriendly Agric 2018, 13(2), 102-5.

An experiment was carried out at the Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat to study the morphological traits in ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis) genotypes collected from different parts of Assam and other North Eastern States (Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Nagaland) during the summer season. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The qualitative traits were recorded through visual observation as per NBPGR descriptor. Morphological characterization of 2 2 genotypes revealed significant variation among the genotypes.

1 table, 2 ref

023786   AKILAN M, NANTHAKUMAR S (Adhiparasakthi Agricultural Coll, Kalavai-632 506, Email: drakilanm@gmail.com) : Impact of agricultural practices on earthworm biodiversity in different agroecosystems. Agric Sci Digest 2017, 37(3), 244-6.

The diversity of Earthworms in agro-ecosystems is less studied and the modern agriculture which involve different agricultural practices like crop rotation, tillage and application of synthetic fertilizer leads to pollute the soil ecosystem as a result highly sensitive soil micro and macro faunal diversity is in threaten condition. This investigation was an attempt to assi the diversity of different native species of earthworms from five different agro-ecosystems. The diversity of earthworm reveals that the diversity of earthworms from rice field recorded higher number followed by turmeric field. Eiesnia foetida and Periyonx excavates were the local earthworm species recorded during the entire investigation. The investigation reveals the impact of different agricultural practices on the soil faunal diversity and its importance in the context of so organic matter.

2 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

023785   CHOUDHARY S, YADAV J P (Extension Education Dep, Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture Univ, Jobner-303 329, Email: badhalaskn@gmail.com) : Adoption gap of improved mung bean production technology by beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers in Nagpur district of Rajasthan. Agric Sci Digest 2017, 37(3), 241-3.

Pulses are the main source of protein particularly for vegetarians. Mungbeans can be consumed solely, or combined with rice to make khichari, or combined with vegetables and greens to make hearty soups or grind into flour to be used to make crepes or added to breads. Turmeric, cumin, dried ginger and coriander are some spices that work very well with mungbeans. The latest concept in this series is “Front Line Demonstration” which is new concept of field demonstration evolved by the ICAR with the inception of the technology mission on oilseed and pulses crops in mid nineteen eighty. The study was conducted in 12 FLD villages of four panchayat samiti namely, Nagaur, Degana, Didwana and Merta panchayat samities of Nagaur district, adopted by the KVK, Nagaur were included and a sample of 75 beneficiary's farmers were selected randomly. Similarly, 75 non-beneficiary farmers from 12 another non FLD villages from nearby areas of the adopted villages. It was found that the beneficiary farmers possessed maximum adoption gap regarding “Plant protection measures”, while least adoption gap was observed about the practices “Sowing of seed and spacing” of improved mungbean production technology. Whereas, the non-beneficiary farmers possessed maximum adoption gap regarding “Organic manure and fertilizer management”, whereas, the least adoption gap was found about “Sowing of seed and spacing” of improved mungbean production technology.

1 table, 4 ref

023784   KUMAR P G, BABU G P (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Guntur-522 309, Email: gkperneti@gmail.com) : Perceived benefits and constraints analysis of 'VASAT' an 'ICT' initiative in India. Agric Sci Digest 2017, 37(3), 237-40.

Present day Indian farming community is facing a multitude of problems to maximize crop productivity. ICTs play an important role in information between and among stake holders in agriculture. There is huge potential to harness ICT for agriculture development. VASAT (Virtual Academy for Semi-Arid Tropics) was initiated in Mahboobnagar district of Andhra Pradesh by ICRISAT. Exploratory research design was adopted to know perceived benefits and constraints in utilizing the project services by the farmers. Web based agro advisory service was important service that was ranked first with cent percent accessibility. Agro advisory through video conference was ranked second with 52 per cent accessibility. Other services are accessible but less often. In terms of utility web based agro advisory was utilized by 64 per cent followed by agro advisory through video conference utilized by 28 percent. Overall satisfaction of farmers towards services of VASAT was rated low by 50 per cent and as very low by another 40 percent.

4 tables, 5 ref

023783   SINGH Y V, SINGH B B, MASSEY P, SINGH P K (Vegetable Science Dep, Coll of Agriculture, Pant Nagar-263 145, Email: dr.yvsingh@rediffmail.com) : Short duration cowpea varieties for cultivation as a niche crop in various cropping systems for enhanced pulse production. Agric Sci Digest 2017, 37(3), 232-36.

Agriculture must become nutrition-smart. Food security without nutrition security is not enough. Our basic food system have to be optimized to provide the greatest amount of nutrients per square meter per unit time, especially in the face climate change. Majority of the Indian people are vegetarian and they depend primarily upon grain legumes for diet protein. Unfortunately the production of grain legumes in India has remained stagnant since 1950 causing declining capita availability and widespread malnutrition. This is because most of the good lands have gone to the green revolution led 'wheat-rice' and 'rice-rice' cropping systems and food legumes have been pushed to marginal lands. Also, the traditional food legume varieties are late in maturity with low yield potential. This has led to inadequate protein and minerals in diets of rural and urban masses on one hand and imbalanced soil fertility due to cereal-cereal rotation on the other hand. Therefore, increased cultivation of pulses is urgently needed. How can this be achieved with the limited land is one of major challenges of agricultural research. The only answer is to breed and cultivate short duration food legumes in existing niches between cereal-cereal systems. Wheat is harvested in March-April and rice is transplanted in July leaving about 80-90 days gap in which a short duration food legume can be grown. A number of photo-insensitive and heat tolerant '60-day cowpea' varieties have been recently developed by Pantnagar University which were tested under farmer participatory on-farm trials and All India Multi-location Coordinated Trials with the support from Harvest Plus Project of CGIAR These varieties can be grown as a niche crop in the wheat-rice cropping system of northern India which has a potential area of over 10 million ha. and also fit well in rice fellows in southern India.

5 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

023782   ALI J, BAFANDA R A, KHANDI S A, KACHROO J (Agricultural Economics and ABM Div., Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Chatha-180 009, Email: jahangirdar64@gmail.com) : An analysis on consumer behaviour towards meat consumption in Jammu. Agric Sci Digest 2017, 37(3), 216-20.

The present study analyses the consumers meat consumption behaviour in Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir. After preparing the comprehensive list of meat markets operating in Jammu district, three meat markets were selected, and from each selected meat market ten retail meat shops were randomly chosen. From each randomly selected retail meat shop, a list of consumers was prepared. Out of the list four consumers were selected randomly to make a sample size of 120 consumers. Data were collected through a well structured interview schedule. The data were coded, classified, tabulated and analyzed using the software; Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS 16.0). The presentation of data was done to give pertinent, valid and reliable answer to the specific objectives. Frequencies, percentage, mean and standard deviation were worked out for meaningful interpretation. It was found that majority of consumers started meat consumption in early childhood and any change in the meat consumption habit was insignificant. Most of the consumers preferred chicken meat twice a week and consumption was enhanced during winter and rainy seasons while due to religious sentiments some consumers avoided consuming meat on specific days. Visual examination and fresh and disease free meat were the most prominent indicators and desired meat quality by 100% respondents.A significant proportion of respondents showed reduction in the consumption of chicken and eggs due to the fear of bird flu outbreak.

17 tables, 13 ref

023781   KUMAR A, GODARA A K (Extension Education Dep, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: anilkhas1974@gmail.com) : Knowledge and attitude of farmers towards Zero-Tillage Technology in Haryana. Agric Sci Digest 2017, 37(3), 203-8.

A study was conducted in two districts i.e. Fatehabad from South-West zone and Karnal from North-East Zone of Haryana state. A list of all the villages (Zero tillage technology users) in each selected village was prepared. Twenty farmers (having small, medium and large size of land holdings) were selected by using random sampling techniques from each village. Therefore, the sample constituted for the proposed study was one hundred and forty farmers/respondents to collect the information for the purposively study. To measure the knowledge and adoption level of ZTT users, they were asked to reply different questions on recommended aspects/practices of ZTT users. The correct answers were awarded a score and incorrect reply was given zero score. The scores obtained under various aspects/practices were summed up with both respondent wise and as well as component wise. The computing low, medium and high knowledge level on the basis of socio economic status. The study revealed that Mean knowledge score of the respondents was 62.75%. High socio-economic status farmers were found to have high level of knowledge in all practices i.e. pre sowing (72.26%), after sowing knowledge (74.66%) and fertilizer knowledge (74.16%) medium and low socio-economic status farmers had found poor or medium knowledge about ZTT. Pooled farmers (57.85%) had favoural attitude towards ZTT. High socio-economic status farmers (63.63%) had better attitude under favourable conditions than medium (32.09%) and low (24.32%) farmers. The SES farmers, having pre sowing adoption (66.80%) and fertilizer adoption (55.50%), after sowing adoption (50.66%) the medium and low SES. Farmers. High SES farmers than (63.63%) had better attitude under favourable condition than medium (32.09%) and low (24.32%) farmers.

5 tables, 30 ref

023780   PODDAR P K, MIAH M A M, UDDIN M N, DEV D S (Agricultural Extension Education Dep, Bangladesh Agricultural Univ, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh, Email: dev.agext@bau.edu.bd) : Conservation agriculture: A farm level practice in Bangladesh. Agric Sci Digest 2017, 37(3), 197-202.

Conservation agriculture (CA) is one of the alternative practices of agricultural development in Bangladesh. In the present study is investigated to determine the extent of practice of conservation agriculture by the farmers and to explore the factors related to practice of conservation agriculture. Eighty (80) farmers of four villages of Gurudaspur upazila of Natore district, Bangladesh were interviewed. Maximum farmers belonged to medium practice of conservation agriculture while very few of them had low or high practice. Zero tillage found to be the most practiced conservation technique. Out of nine independent variables, only level of education, extension media contact and organizational participation of the farmers had showed positive significant relationship with conservation agriculture practice. Extension media contact and organizational participation influence the extent of CA practices at farmers' field as confirmed by the backward linear regression model. Growing more weeds in case of zero and/or minimum tillage and lack of available information about conservation agriculture at block level were the major problems hindering conservation agriculture practice. To popularize the CA practices, Government should organize more training and demonstration activities on CA involving block level extension workers as well as farmers plus strengthening research-extension-farmers linkage.

7 tables, 24 ref

023779   DASH A, DHAKRE D S, BHATTACHARYA D (Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati Univ, Bolpur-731 235, Email: abhidash2stat@gmail.com) : Fitting of appropriate model to study growth rate and instability of mango production in India. Agric Sci Digest 2017, 37(3), 191-6.

The growth rate and instability of mango production is studied for the period 1992-93 to 2013-14. For studying the growth rate, linear and compound models are fitted with and without spline. Spline model is fitted to take care of abrupt jumps in the data and evaluate the change in the trend of time series data. The entire period of study is divided into two sub-periods, 1992-93 to 2002-03 as sub period-I and 2003-04 to 2013-14 as sub-period-II as there is maximum percentage change in area, production and yield of mango in the year 2002-03. The best fitted model is selected by considering the model evaluation criteria, such as, Adj. R2 and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The compound model without spline, compound model with spline and linear model with spline was found to be best fit forarea, production and yield respectively. The growth rate in area, production and yield is found by using the best fit model. The growth rate for area is found to be positive and significant but for yield it is found to be significantly negative for each sub period and for the entire period of study. For this, though the production shows positive growth rate but it is insignificant for sub-period-Iand also for the whole period. The instability in mango production is studied with the help of coefficient of variation. As coefficient of variation is affected by long term trend, it is computed after eliminating trend from the data. From study of instability, it is found that area under mango in India shows lesser instability than production and yield. Though there is increase in production of mango but the increase is mainly due to the positive growth in area under mango. The yield of mango is declining at a significant rate. Decomposition analysis carried out by hazel's decomposition technique reveals that change in mean area made a great positive contribution towards the change in mean production, whereas, change in mean yield and change in area - yield interaction both made negative contribution towards change in mean production from sub-period I to II.

4 illus, 6 tables, 4 ref

023778   SHARMA K, RAWAT G S, GAUR D, SHARMA A (Agronomy Dep., Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Gwalior-474 002, Email: kalpana724sharma@gmail.com) : Effect of post-emergence herbicides on weed control, growth and yield of cluster bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] in M.P. Agric Sci Digest 2017, 37(3), 179-84.

A field experiment was undertaken to evaluate the performance of different weed control treatments in cluster bean during kharif, 2015 in RBD with three replications. Treatment of weed free check was found best by recording highest values of yield attributes, seed (20.97 q/ha), stover (65.68q/ha) with maximum weed control efficiency at successive stages. Among different herbicides treatments, Imazethapyr + Imazamox @ 40 g/ha (PoE) at 20 DAS showed highest values of yield attributes, seed yield (19.59 / ha), stover yield (63.83 q/ ha), WCE (91.84, at 60 DAS) and minimum WI (6.0). In monetary terms significantly highest net return (Rs.86883 /ha) were obtained from weed free check, followed by imazethapyr + imazamox @40 g/ha (PoE) at 20 DAS (Rs.85398 / ha) and imazethapyr @ 75 g/ha (PoE), at 20 DAS (84394 Rs./ha). The maximum B:C ratio of 6.57 was recorded with treatment imazethapyr @ 75 g/ha (PoE), followed by imazethapyr+ imazamox @ 40 g/ha (PoE) 6.37.

2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

023777   TOPPO H, SHARMA R N, THAKUR A (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur,Chattisgarh, Email: hemant35toppo@gmail.com) : Path analysis for quality traits in field pea (Pisum sativum L.). Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(4), 324-6.

The present experiment was conducted during November 2014-March 2015. The experiment was done to estimate the variability and character association of different qualitative characters on seed yield of 29 field pea genotypes in a randomised complete block design (RCBD). The analysis of variance revealed that the sufficient variability was present in the material studied for almost all the qualitative characters. Among the different quality parameters the moderate genotypic coefficient of variation was for swelling index. Among the quality parameter, high heritability coupled with high genetic advance was not recorded for any quality character indicating non-significant additive genetic variance in genetic control of these traits. The correlation analysis revealed that seed yield plant exhibited a significant positive association with protein at genotypic level. Path coefficient analysis for seed yield and its components showed that protein content had the negligible positive direct effect on seed yield. Direct selection for quality characters would likely not be effective in increasing or decreasing seed yield in field pea.

4 tables, 7 ref

023776   YENAGI B S, NADAF H L, HEGDE M G, GOUDAR I V (All India Coordinated Research Project on Groundnut, Main Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad, Karnataka, Email: yenagibs@uasd.in) : Response of new groundnut entry K 1641 to spacing and nutrients in vertisol during rainy season under rainfed farming. Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(4), 320-3.

A field experiment was conducted during rainy season of 2014 under All India Coordinated Research Project on Groundnut at University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka to find out the effect of spacing and nutrient on AVT groundnut cultivar K 1641 in black soils under rainfed condition. The highest pod yield (3578 kg/ha) was found in the K 1641 as compared to check variety TGLPS 3(3194 Kg/ha). A plant spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm gave the highest pod (3845 Kg/ha) as compared to wider intra row spacing (30 cm x 20cm) (2927 kg/ha). Among the nutrient management practices, recommended dose (100%) of NPK resulted in significantly higher pod yield (3488 kg/ha) as compared to 50% recommended dose of NPK (3120 kg/ha) and failed to respond to higher level (150%) of recommended dose of NPK (3549 kg/ha). Whereas, Cultivar K 1641 responded to higher dose of nutrient application i.e. Application of FYM @ 7.5 t ha^-1 + 150 % RDNPK (37.5 kg N, 112.5 kg P₂O₅ and 37.5 kg K₂O ha^-1) and registered higher net monetary returns (Rs.103013 ha^-1) and B:C ratio (2.88).

2 tables, 7 ref

023775   RAJA W, DAR S A, HUSSAIN Z (Dryland Agriculture Research Station, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu-181 102, Email: waseemra1@gmail.com) : Agronomic evaluation of mungbean genotypes under delayed sowing conditions. Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(4), 317-9.

High yielding varieties and suitable sowing time are the most important factors affecting the mungbean yield. Field experiments were carried out during kharif 2013 and 2014 at Dryland Agricultural Research Station, Budgam, Sher-e Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Kashmir, India to find out the suitable genotype of mungbean under delayed sowing conditions. The early sowing (first fortnight of June) recorded higher yield contributing characters (seeds/plant and 100 seed weight) and seed yield than delayed sowing. Among genotypes ‘SKUA-M-365' recorded higher 100-seed weight and seed yield in early sowing as well as under delayed sowing conditions.

3 tables, 9 ref

023774   GOPAL T, YADAV R A, SINGH A (Agronomy Dep, Chandra Sekhar Azad Univ of Agriculture Anand Technology, Kanpur-208 002, Email: agabhi92@gmail.com) : Comparative study of herbicides on yield and economics of wheat. Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(4), 314-6.

A field experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 2012-2013 in Chandra Sekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur (U.P.). Grain and straw yield varied significantly due to different herbicide and herbicidal combination. Twice hand weeding plot recorded significantly higher grain as well as straw yield. However, the sole application of herbicides, sulfosulfuron and carfentrazon-ethyl did not differed significantly from each other in respect of grain and straw yields but these obtained significantly higher grain and straw yield in sole application of metsulfuron-methyl and Clodinafop. The higher net income (Rs 57061/ha) and B:C ratio (2.25) were found with the application of sulfosulfuron (25g a.i. / ha) + Carfentrazon (10g a.i./ha) followed by application of sulfosulfuron (25g a.i. / ha) and carfentrazon-ethyl (15g ai/ha) net income (Rs 56519/ha) and B : C ratio (2.24).

1 table, 3 ref

023773   BHARGAVI G, RAO V S, BABU R, RAO K L N (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Agricultural Coll, Bapatla-522 101, Email: bharu0713@gmail.com) : Genetic variability studies in virginia bunch groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(4), 310-3.

An investigation was carried out in 10 Virginia bunch groundnut genotypes to assess the variability, heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean for nineteen characters. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters studied. The PCV was generally higher than the GCV for all the characters studied, which indicate that the variation was not only due to genotypes but also due to influence of environment on the trait. The results revealed that high PCV and GCV was observed for oil yield per hectare (q). High heritability accompanied with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for biological yield per plant (g), pod yield per plant, kernel yield per plant (g) and 100 kernel weight (g) indicating the preponderance of additive gene action which may be exploited through simple selection procedures.

3 tables, 10 ref

023772   SHREEDEVI B C, PATIL N A, NAIK S (Univ of Agriculture Sciences, Dharwad-580 005, Email: shric5666@gmail.com) : An economic analysis of augmentational trends in production and productivity in Karnataka: A case of cotton. Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(4), 306-9.

Cotton plays an important role in the national economy in terms of generation of direct and indirect employment in the Agricultural and Industrial sectors. It is traditional and important commercial crop has been in cultivation in India for more than five thousand years. About 74 per cent of the total area and produc-tion of cotton in the country is contributed by four states of Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Punjab. The study revealed that annual growth rate of area was less than the annual growth rate of productivity in Karnataka, which clearly shows that positive annual growth in cotton production was due to increase in productivity rather than increase in area, which was due to the fact that adoption of improved technologies like IPM, IRM, introduction of Bt cotton and low insect pest pressure in major cotton growing tracts has enabled this transformation in production and productivity. Introduction of Bt cotton was the major factor expressed by most of the farmers with a mean score of 67.2. So this factor got assigned first rank because it's giving double yield as compared to the traditional cotton varieties and it's also covers the resistance pest like helicovarpa armizera and other sucking pests.

2 tables, 4 ref

023771   LALRINZUALI R, GOHAIN T (Agronomy Dep, School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Medziphema-797 106, Email: tankeswar1968@gmail.com) : Response of local rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars to different nitrogen levels under rainfed upland conditions of Nagaland. Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(4), 302-5.

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2014 to assess the response of local rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars to different levels of nitrogen under rainfed upland conditions of Nagaland. Treatments consisted of factorial combination of 5 nitrogen levels viz., 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 N kg/ha and 2 cultivars viz., “Apaghi' and 'Inglongkiri'. The results of the study showed that increasing levels of nitrogen significantly enhanced growth characteristics and increased yield attributes of the upland rice cultivars. Application of 80 kg N/ha significantly enhanced plant height, number of green leaves per plant, number of tillers per running meter, crop growth rate (CGR), leaf area index (LAI) and root volume. The nitrogen dose at 80 kg/ha also recorded maximum number of grains per panicle, length of panicle, weight of panicle and the overall grain yield of 3197.00 kg/ha. Between the cultivars tested, the cultivar “Apaghi' was found to be superior recording significantly higher panicle length and weight, number of grains per panicle and test weight ultimately recording the highest grain and straw yields of 3139.69 kg/ha and 4318.33 kg/ha respectively over the cultivar Inglongkiri.

3 tables, 14 ref

023770   SINGH A K, PHURAILATPAM A K, SINGH S, RABHA A, PANDEY A K (Coll of Horticulture & Forestry, Central Agricultural Univ, Pasighat-791 102, Email: romensenjam@yahoo.com) : Physiochemical and protein profiling of Bacaurea ramiflora (Burmese grape)- an underutilized fruit crop in Arunachal Pradesh. Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(4), 298-301.

A survey was conducted in the Napit, Pekung and Runne village of East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India during the period 2015-2016 for the documentation on the variability of Bacaurea ramiflora (Burmese grape) in this region. These plants are found wild or in the homestead garden. From the investigation two types of morphotype could be identified in this region (mild acidic and sweet type). Study on its different physical and quality parameters revealed that the sweetness ranges from 12.5 to 16.5° Brix and the fruit parameters like fruit weight, pulp weight, fruit juice, TSS, total sugar and acidity are found to be significant among the genotypes. However, the biochemical marker (SDS PAGE) revealed monomorphic banding pattern and no variable is found in among the genotypes which can be confirmed using molecular marker in the near future.

5 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

023769   THAKURIA K, SAUD R K, THAKURIA C (Agronomy Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat-785 013, Email: thakuria_k@yahoo.com) : Performance of rice varieties with types of seedling under late planted lowland situation. Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(4), 294-7.

A field experiment was conducted under late planted lowland situations during wet seasons of 2012 and 2013 at Jorhat to evaluate the performance of 3 late planted sali (kharif) rice varieties (Prafulla, Gitesh and Monoharsali) under 3 planting dates (10, 20 and 30 September) with 2 types of seedling (Nursery seedling and double planted seedling). Results revealed that delaying planting dates from 10 September to 30 September significantly and consistently reduced both grain and straw yields along with all the yield attributing characters during both the years. On an average, the grain and straw yield reduction being 58.3 and 19.3 per cent, respectively. Among the varieties tested, rice variety ‘Monoharsali' outyielded the variety, ‘Prafulla' and 'Gitesh”. Double planted seedlings of 60 days (30 + 30 days) old recorded significantly higher yields and all the yield attributes over the use of 60 days nursery seedling. The highest net return and benefit-cost ratio was recorded when rice variety, ‘Monoharsali' was transplanted on 10 September using 60 days (30 + 30 days) double planted seedling.

4 tables, 8 ref

023768   KAUR K, KAUR A (Horticulture Dep, Khalsa Coll, Amritsar-143 001, Email: dr.amarjitkaur 30@gmail.com) : Papaya performance under various growing conditions cv.Red Lady 786. Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(4), 290-3.

The present investigation a was conducted in the Department of Horticulture, Khalsa college, Guru Nanak Dev Univ in sub tropical climate of Amritsar during 2016-2017. The seedlings of papaya cv. Red Lady 786 were transplanted second week of August with a spacing of 1.6 x 1.6 m in net house and open field at the same time. The investigatic laid out in CRD with two treatment combinations replicated thrice. Results of the study revealed that the plants und house showed an increase in fruit length (22.68 cm),breadth (11, 93 cm), weight (874.32 g) and fruit volume (895.16 cc). Among bio-chemical characters maximum TSS (11.13° Brix), minimum peel weight (539.42 g) and organoleptic rating were also observed under net house conditions while maximum juice percentage (83.36 %), and pulp weight(184.13 g) were registered in the plants of open field. Plants under net house showed an increase in the yield (45.39 kg/pla compared to the plants under open conditions. Hence plants of papaya cv. Red Lady 786 can be successfully cult under protection of net house with good yield and fruit quality respectively.

4 tables, 21 ref

023767   JAMES N S, DEVI N, KRISHNAN S (Olericulture Dep., Kerala Agriculture Univ, Thrissur-680 656, Email: nimishasarajames@gmail.com) : Combining ability in bacterial wilt resistant chilli (Capsicum annum L.) genotypes. Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(4), 285-9.

The experiment was conducted with five bacterial wilt resistant genotypes viz. Ujwala. Anugraha, VKC 2, VKC 11 and VKC 76 were crossed in diallel design without reciprocals to obtain ten F₁ hybrids. The good general combiner for the number of fruits per plant and yield was Anugraha. Ujwala and Anugraha were found to be good general combiners for the content of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and beta carotene. VKC 11 showed high general combining ability in fruit length, fruit girth, magnesium, iron, vitamin C and beta carotene. All the cross combinations showed earliness in flowering, Ujwala x VKC 11 were found best specific combiner for fruit width, fruit girth, average fruit weight, vitamin C and antioxidant activity. Ujwala x Anugraha was identified as best specific combiner for number of fruits per plant and green yield. The general and specific combining ability revealed that there was preponderance of non-additive gene action for plant height, number of branches, days to flower, days to harvest, days from flowering to harvest, fruit width, fruit girth, average fruit weight, yield per plant, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron and antioxidant activity. Number of fruits per plant, capsaicin, vitamin C and beta carotene were governed by additive gene action. All the hybrids were found resistant to bacterial wilt in the field as well as when inoculated artificially with the pathogen.

3 tables, 20 ref

023766   TALUKDAR D, DAS B C (Plant Pathology Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat, Assam, Email: talukdardiganggana@gmail.com) : Screening of rapeseed and mustard genotypes against Alternaria blight in Assam. Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(4), 280-4.

Screening of thirty genotypes of rapeseed-mustard against Alternaria blight during 2012-13 and 2013-14 at Instructional cum research farm, AAU, Jorhat, Assam revealed four genotypes as moderately resistant while none was highly resistant. Nine genotypes were susceptible, sixteen moderately susceptible and the control (TS 38) was highly susceptible. Lowest number of spots/leaf was found in Pusa Mustard 25 at 80 DAS while; in Pusa Mustard 28, it was at 60 DAS. Highest number of spots/leaf was in TS 38 at 80 DAS. Lowest and highest number of spots/pod was found in NRCDR 601 and TS 38 at 100 DAS respectively. NRCDR 601 exhibited lowest number of spots/pod and TS 38 the highest at 100 DAS. The smallest and largest spots on leave were found in Pusa Mustard 28 and TS 38 at 80 DAS respectively. Smallest spot in pod was observed in Pusa Mustard 27 and the largest in TS 38 at 100 DAS.

3 tables, 20 ref

023765   SAIKIA H, SAUD R K (Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat-785 013, Email: saikia.hemchandra@rediffmail.com) : An analysis of the livestock rearing pattern of farm-households and its future potentials-A case study in Golaghat district of Assam. Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(4), 275-9.

The present study was an attempt to analyze the present status of livestock rearing in Golaghat district of Assam and also to examine the future scope and potentiality for its further improvement. Methodology used was Three Stage Stratified Random Sampling Methods. Study revealed that the average availability of farm animals (consisting of bullock, buffaloes, dairy cows and goat) was 5.63 per farm household and 97.73 per cent of farm animals reared was of indigenous type and only 2.27 per cent was of improved type of breed. The average number of farm birds which consisted of indigenous type of poultry, ducks, and goose was 5.26. The average per day milk production of local cow was 0.47 litre per animal and the average egg laying capacity of farm birds were very low. The average net return from livestock rearing was Rs.3610.81 per farm and its benefit-cost ratio was 1.08. The present study revealed that there was vast scope for increasing the production, productivity and profit in livestock rearing through the very adoption of suitable improved methods and commercial level of livestock rearing followed by efficient processing and marketing technology in due space and time.

7 tables, 6 ref

023764   LOVELY B, KUMAR V (Kerala Agricultural Univ, Thrissur-680 656, Email: lovelybethel@yahoo.co.in) : Estimates of generic variability, heritability and generic advance for yield and yield component traits in ash gourd [Benincasa hispida (Cogn.)] genotypes. Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(4), 270-4.

Twenty-five diverse genotypes of ash gourd were evaluated to estimate variability, heritability and genetic advance mean for fruit yield and yield component characters. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for almost all the characters. High genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for fruits per plant, mean fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, fruit length, fruit girth and flesh thickness, which indicate that there exists high genetic variability and better scope for improvement of these characters through selection. The characters node to male flower, vine length, fruits per plant, mean fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, fruit length, fruit girth, flesh thickness, 100-seed weight, seeds per fruit and matter content had high heritability coupled with high genetic advance suggesting improvement of those characters through selection due to additive gene action. In the present study high heritability and low genetic advance was noted for days to first male and female flower indicating dominant gene action.

1 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

023763   SINGH N, SINGH G (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Punjab, Email: singhguriqbal@pau.edu) : Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and Rhizobium combinations are the key to reduce dependence on phosphorus fertilizers in lentil. Agric Rev 2018, 39(1), 76-81.

Improved agricultural technologies are helping in meeting the foodgrain needs of growing global population while the arable land is shrinking. So, the excessive and continuous use of chemical fertilizers has ensured the high crop production and productivity of foodgrains. However, continuous application of inorganic fertilizers has created many problems related to biosphere i.e. environmental, soil and human being. In recent years, the scientists are concerned about biosphere hazardous; thus, reducing the extra burden of inorganic fertilizers by using microbial inoculants for integrated nutrient management. The microbial inoculations supplement the plant growth and yield by direct ways (increase in supply of nutrients i.e. nitrogen, production of metabolites such as auxins, cytokinins and gibberellins as well as through the solubilization of phosphate and other minerals) and indirect ways (biofertilizers eliminate the pathogens by the production of cyanide, siderophores, chitinase etc.). The microbial inoculation stimulates the plant to use applied as well as fixed nutrients i.e. phosphate efficiently, thus helps to reduce the fertilizers input. Secondly, biofertilizers are considered as economically feasible and environmentally safe.

66 ref

023762   KUMAWAT N, KUMAR R, SINGH M, TOMAR I S, MORYA J, YADAV R K, SAHU Y K, SINGH A K (All India Coordinated Research project on Maize, Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Jhabua-457 661, Email: kumawatandy@gmail.com) : A study on chemical weed management in boro rice. Agric Rev 2018, 39(1), 69-75.

Characteristically boro rice is winter season, photo-insensitive, transplanted rice cultivated on supplemental irrigation, often under conditions, where farmers' are not able to take any other rabi season crop. Butachlor, pretilachlor, bispyribac sodium and anilofos are the most commonly used herbicides for control of weeds in boro rice. Weed competition is one of the prime yield limiting biotic constraints resulting in yield reduction to the tune of 28 to 45%. Echinochloa spp., Cynodon dactylon, Portulaca quadrifida and Cyperus spp. are the major weeds responsible for yield reduction in boro rice. However, continuous and indiscriminate use of herbicides for a longer period may result in buildup of problematic weeds and also development of herbicide resistance in weeds. It is therefore, necessary to review the performance of promising herbicides for chemical weed management to improve the production and productivity of boro rice under the climate change scenario.

52 ref

023761   KUMAR A, KAMBOJ M L, CHANDRA S, KUMAR C, SINGH D, RATHER H A (ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132 001, Email: subhashchandra20july@gmail.com) : Physiological parameters of cattle and buffalo in different seasons under different housing modification systems. Agric Rev 2018, 39(1), 62-8.

Shelter management is the manipulation of microclimate of the animals to suit best to their welfare reducing climatic stress without affecting much to cost of construction. House should be designed to meet the requirements health and comfort to the animals, convenience and comfort of the operator, efficiency of labour and materials handling and compliance with applicable health regulation. Problems related with the cost of housing, ventilations, scare resources, hygiene, manifestation of disease, behavioural concerns etc. Amelioration of these problems could be achieved by management intervention with respect to various components of housing and installation of cooling system to reduce heat. The major physiological changes involved in this acclimation and acclimatization while animals do acclimatize by gradually adapting to such stressors within their natural environment. During extreme weather condition open sides of shed can be covered temporarily with gunny bags, plastic sheet, bamboo mats, straw panels etc. Area-wise housing strategies for different kinds of the animals can be indentified and evaluated of new housing design to suit for different local condition based on locality available resources in this context could be explored. Also some modification in loose house can be very useful for example, in summer the thatch roofing succeeded in ameliorating heat stress but in winters, modification of floor with sand or rubber mat improved productive performance of dairy animals. Mist foggers, mist fogger with heavy duty dairy fans and ceiling fans are used to reduce thermal load during ambient temperature when body thermoregulation mechanism are not able to maintain normal physiological parameters.

71 ref

023760   GANGWAR O P, SINGH A P K (ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Shimla-171 002, Email: gangwarop@gmail.com) : Trichoderma as an efficacious bioagent for combating biotic and abiotic stresses of wheat. Agric Rev 2018, 39(1), 48-54.

Several environmental stresses are the major hindrances in achieving the attainable yield in wheat crop. The actual losses due to biotic stresses is estimated in the range of 26-29%, however, abiotic stresses have more adverse effects on crop yield and are responsible for about 70% of yield reduction worldwide. Agrochemicals are widely considered as an effective management strategy for wheat crop diseases and insect pests but they adversely affect the human and animal health due to accumulation of chemical residues in the soil, plant tissues and grains. Hence, there is a need for alternate management strategies to protect crop plants against various stresses. Species of the genus Trichoderma are economically important as biocontrol agents, serving as a potential alternative to agrochemicals for overcoming the biotic and abiotic stresses. The importance of Trichoderma in alleviating the myriad of biotic and abiotic stresses of wheat is discussed in this review article.

1 illus, 52 ref

023759   SINGH A K, PATHAK S K (Advisory Dep, Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Jorhat-785 008, Email: ssteaboard@gmail.com) : Potassium in tea (Camellia sinensis(L) O. Kuntze) cultivation from soil to cup quality. Agric Rev 2018, 39(1), 40-7.

Tea (Camellia sinensis (L) O. Kuntze) plants require comparatively higher quantity of potassium for production and quality of produce. After nitrogen, potassium is the second major nutrient for tea plant. Potassium plays vital role in enzyme activation, water relation, photosynthesis protein and starch synthesis. It offers abiotic as well as biotic stress toleration in tea plants and also improves biochemical parameters and organoleptic quality of tea. However, owing to the climatic conditions and soil mineralogical compositions, tea soils are predominantly poor in their potash content. Thus, the need based adequate supply of potash through inorganic or organic sources as soil application or foliar nutrition in tea growing soils of India is essential to realize the optimum economic yield with desired quality. Furthermore, the possibilities of development of potassium solubilizing biofertilizer with identification of native strains of microbes and development of potassium efficient tea genotype need to be explored. Such attempts minimize the cost of cultivation, sustain soil fertility and prevent environmental pollution.

1 illus, 1 table, 89 ref

023758   SINGH Z, SINGH G (Plant Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: singhguriqbal@pau.edu) : Role of Rhizobium in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) production. Agric Rev 2018, 39(1), 31-9.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the major food legume. It belongs to family Fabaceae (Leguminosae) and is widely grown for its nutritional benefits. In the present scenario, sustainability of agriculture has become a major issue of global concern as the intensive use of chemical inputs has an adverse impact on the environment. Use of biofertilizers such as Rhizobium can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and decrease adverse environmental effects. The studies have shown positive effect of Rhizobium (Mesorhizobium) inoculation on growth attributes, symbiotic parameters, yield and yield components, nutrient uptake and quality in chickpea. Fluctuations in various environmental factors viz. pH, nutrient availability, temperature, moisture, salinity and herbicides greatly influence the growth, survival, and metabolic activity of nitrogen fixing bacteria and plants, and their ability to enter into symbiotic relationship.

1 table, 98 ref

023757   REDDY S R, NAYAK P (Agronomy Dep, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural Univ, Tirupati-517 502, Email: sramireddy32@gmail.com) : Crop production with limited irrigation. Agric Rev 2018, 39(1), 12-21.

When water supplies are restricted, so that full evapotranspiration demands cannot be met, limited irrigation is practised. Management strategy of limited irrigation is to optimise production per unit of applied water rather than to maximise yield per unit of land. Principles that help to facilitate limited irrigation strategies can be broadly grouped into three: agricultural water management, crop considerations and agronomic options. When anticipating low water year, choose crops which maximise production with limited water. In decreasing order of efficiency, short season indeterminate and long season indeterminate crops should be chosen judiciously. Deficit irrigation practices, localised irrigation methods, reducing water losses, conjunctive use of water resources etc can help minimise yield losses due to soil moisture stress. Additional agronomic management options that can maximise production include conservation tillage, advancing or delaying planting dates in order to coincide the crop's critical period with water availability, decreasing plant competition by reducing seeding density and controlling weeds. Available options to address the challenge of limited irrigation have been briefly presented.

4 illus, 3 tables, 48 ref

023756   KUMAR S, BHARTI N, SARAVAIYA S N (Vegetable Science Dep, Navsari Agricultural Univ, Navsari-396 450, Email: drsksony@nau.in) : Vegetable grafting: A surgical approach to combat biotic and abiotic stresses. Agric Rev 2018, 39(1), 1-11.

Vegetables are nutritionally rich, high-valued crops and remunerative enough to replace subsistence farming. However, vegetables are highly sensitive to climatic vagaries and sudden irregularities in weather factors at any phase of crop growth can affect the normal growth, flowering, fruit development and subsequently the yield. Grafting in vegetable has emerged as a promising surgical alternative over relatively slow conventional breeding methods aimed at increasing tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. It provides an opportunity to transfer some genetic variations of specific traits of rootstocks to influence the phenotype of scion. Thus, genetic potential of various rootstocks in vegetable crops has proven to be a better alternative to chemical sterilants against many soil-borne diseases. The higher physiological activities like antioxidant content, lipoxygenase activity, osmotic adjustment, membrane selectivity, development of adventitious root and aerenchymatous tissue in plants grafted onto potential rootstocks provide broad insight into stress response mechanisms and thus, grafting is proposed to mitigate the adverse impact of climate change on productivity and quality of vegetables crops.

5 tables, 101 ref

023755   KAVITHA V, CHANDRAN K (Agricultural Economics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu, Email: Kavi_economics@rediffmail.com) : Organic farming in conserving bio diversity in India. Agric Rev 2017, 38(4), 316-20.

The intensification and extension of modern agriculture is amongst the greatest threats to worldwide biodiversity and thereby food security. Promotion of genetic uniformity in the name of agricultural development cannot lead to sustainable agriculture and it has devastating effect on food security of next generation. Monoculture and replacement of traditional varieties by improved or exotic varieties has led to the decline of many traditional varieties in crops such as paddy, wheat, pulses, oil seeds and cotton in India. Thousands of varieties of rice, cotton, minor millets, pulses, and other crops are no longer in use. Besides, to sustain the yield under monocropping system, heavy pesticide applications were given to crops. This in turn affects the soil microbial population and insect diversity and questions the stability and sustainability of Indian agriculture. Sustainable farming systems such as organic farming act as a possible solution to this continued loss of biodiversity. This paper assesses the impacts of organic farming, relative to conventional agriculture on biodiversity, through a review of comparative studies of the two systems.

29 ref