023162   Tariang J;Majumder D (School of Crop Protection, College of Post Graduate Studies, Central Agricultural University, Umiam-793 103, Email: janshame@gmail.com) : Characterization of Ralstonia solanacearum causing bacterial wilt solanaceous vegetables in Meghalaya. Envir Ecol 2016, 34(4B), 2203-7.

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (RS) is of common occurrence under the commercial cultivation of solanaceous vegetables in acidic soils of hill terraces in North East India. In Meghalaya the extent of damage ranges from 60-80% depending on crop variety and growing season. Although the farmers have been adopting cultural and chemical management practices, the disease is still being a major challenge for vegetable growers in the state. The pathogen is well known for its wide host range and diverse group (race and biovar) hence, the adoption of bacterial wilt cultivars in the region has not been found successful in management of the disease. The study of the pathogen will help to design effective management strategies. Fifty four bacterial isolates were obtained from 70 wilted solanaceous vegetable plants collected from 7 districts of Meghalaya viz., RI-Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills and North Garo Hills District, covering both mid and up hills of the state. Out of 54 isolates characterized based on cultural and biochemical properties, 30 isolates were tentatively designated as R. solanacearum. Isolates were further categorized into 2 biovars viz., biovar 1 and biovar 3 based on utilization of different source of carbohydrates. The study revealed that biovar 3 was most prevalent in both mid and uphill conditions of Meghalaya.

20 ref

023161   Tarannum T;Rao M;Sahijram L;Rao M (College of Horcitulrure, University of Horticulture Sciences, UHS Campus, GKVK (P), Bangaluru-560 065, Email: sarasiddiquamdg@gmail.com) : Mutagenesis in Crossandra (Crossandra infundibuliformis Nees.) using <. Envir Ecol 2016, 34(4B), 2185-92.

The genus Crossandra of family Acanthaceae consists of beautiful flowering shrubs, native to South India and Sri Lanka. It can be used as a potted flowering or landscape plant, as it is small in size and sports attractive flowers. The research program was initiated to create variations in crossandra varieties using mutation induction techniques. Thirty days old rooted cuttings of three crossandra varieties, viz., 'Akra Ambara', 'Arka Shreeya' and 'Arka Shravya' were irradiated with varying doses of gamma radiation. Initially plants were irradiated with 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 Gy then it was increased upto 18 Gy in all the varieties. Significant differences with respect to morphological and flowering parameters were obtained at higher dosage of gamma irradiation. The level of dose was increased (0, 30, 40 and 50 Gy) which shows phenotypic variation. At 40 Gy and Gy irradiated plants shows retarded growth, changes in leaf shape and size compared to the control plants.

3 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

023160   Tarannum T;Rao M;Sahijram L;Fakruddin B (College of Horticulture, University of Horticulture Sciences, UHS Campus, GKVK (P), Bengaluru-560 065, Email: sarasiddiquamdg@gmail.com) : Molecular characterization of induced mutagenesis through gamma radiation using RAPD markers in crossandra (Crossandra infundibuliformis Nees.). Envir Ecol 2016, 34(4B), 2177-84.

The objective of this study was to induce mutation in three Crossandra varieties viz., Arka Ambara, Arka Shreeya and Arka Shravya through in vivo mutagenesis and to apply RAPD analysis for the detection of genetic polymorphism among crossandra mutants and their parent. Initially rooted cuttings were irradiated with three doses (30, 40 and 50 Gy) gamma irradiation. The results revealed that plant height, plant spread, leaf length and leaf width, days to flower were affected and gave highly significant differences as influenced by irradiation level. The results indicated that irradiation dose 50 Gy was the most effective dose in inducing leaf shape and size mutations, whereas no change in flower color was observed. Molecular characterization of induced mutants with 40 (Arka Ambara) and 49 (Arka Shreeya and Arka Shravya) Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers, of which 24, 14 and 19 showed polymorphism in Arka Ambara, Arka Shreeya and Arka Shravya respectively. UPGMA based unrooted tree grouped all mutant lines and control plants into two major clusters which showed huge variation between irradiated and control plants. Thus, this integrated approach can be used for carrying out the mutation-assisted breeding and subsequent selection of desired mutants using molecular markers in Crossandra infundibuliformis.

6 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

023159   Talawar A M;Girish G;Channabasavanna A S; Kitturmath M S (NO, Agricultural Research Station, Malnoor-586 217, Email: talawaram@gmail.com) : Studies on genetic variability, correlation and path analysis in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) germplasm lines. Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(1), 75-7.

The 52 germplasm lines of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) were evaluated for eight quantitative characters with a view to study the genetic variability, correlation and path analysis. The High values of GCV, PCV and heritability estimates coupled with maximum genetic advance over mean were obtained for the characters like productive tillers per plant, grain yield per plant, seed weight, seed yield per ear head and panicle length traits. The results of correlation and path analysis revealed that grain yield per plant exhibited positive significant correlation with panicle length and panicle girth. The plant height, panicle girth and panicle length traits contributed the highest positive direct effect on grain yield.

3 tables, 10 ref

023158   Swathi G;Rambabu P;Gopikrishna T;Rao D V S; Rao V S (Agricultural Extension, Agricultural College, Bapatla-522 101) : Livelihood profile of tribal farmers in Andhra Pradesh. Indian J soc Res 2017, 58(3), 313-24.

The study was conducted in three districts of Andhra Pradesh i.e. Visakhapatnam, Chitoor and Khammam to identify the problems of tribal farmers and to find out appropriate suggestions to overcome the problems. A well structured and pre tested interview schedule was used to collect data. The statistics employed for data analysis were simple frequency and percentage. Findings revealed that majority of - 378 - the tribal farmers belonged to no schooling (48.75%) and marginal farmers in podu (70.00%) and normal (75.00%) cultivation, small family size (70.41%), non-primitive tribes (88.33%), occupation is Agriculture + wage work + Non Timber Forest Products (77.50%), whereas majority of them fell under medium category in terms of age (62.50%), farming experience in podu (55.83%) and normal (41.67%), one training undergone (48.33%), extension contact (47.50%), information source utilization (58.33%), religious belief (43.33%), economic orientation (59.58%), scientific orientation (56.25%), market orientation (64.58%) and low urban contact (62.08%).

1 table, 11 ref

023157   Sushil Kumar;Singh R;Yogi V (Agricultural Extension Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, Email: sushilnb29@gmail.com) : Analysis of the marketing effectiveness of the farmers. Agric Update 2016, 11(4), 351-8.

This research was aimed at assessing the effectiveness of marketing services. The study was conducted in Faridabad from Haryana, Hapur from Uttar Pradesh and North-West Delhi from Delhi selected purposively to explore the marketing extension system as they adequately represent the periurban agriculture. 90 farmers, 30 rice, wheat and tomato grower farmers from each district were selected to constitute the total sample size. Interview schedule were used in eliciting information from the farmers. Effectiveness were analysed using indicators specifically marketable surplus, producer share in consumer prices, middlemen share in consumer prices, marketing cost, marketing margin, price spread and marketing efficiency using Shepherd's equation. The study found that marketing cost is high when more intermediaries are involved in marketing of produce. Producer's share in consumer's price is high when produce is directly sold to consumer by producer. Marketing efficiency of cereals is high than vegetable crop because of heavy transport and post harvest losses occur in vegetables.

10 tables, 6 ref

023156   Sureshkumar P;Geetha P;Narayanan Kutty M C; Narayanan Kutty C;Pradeepkumar T (College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur-680 656, Email: sureshkumar.p@kau.in) : Fertigation - the key component of precision farming. J trop Agric 2016, 54(2), 103-14.

The importance of fertigation in increasing productivity with efficient and reduced consumption of water and nutrients with practically no pollution is emphasized. The concept of fertigation, including the concepts of wetted soil volume and the resultant root volume and their optimization are discussed. The necessity, principles, chemistry and interactive effects, advantages and limitations of fertigation are explained. The precautions to be taken are also enlisted. The response of different crops to fertigation in terms of yield, use efficiency of water and nutrients etc. are reviewed hereunder.

^iia10 tables, 26 ref

023155   Sunny Kumar;Sidana B K (Economics and Sociology Dep, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: sunnykumar@pau.edu) : Climatic variability and its impact on rice and wheat productivity in Punjab. J Agrometeorol 2017, 19(4), 359-62.

The annual and seasonal (kharif and rabi seasons) trends in temperature (maximum and minimum) and rainfall during 30 years (1986 to 2015) at five locations of Punjab (Bathinda, Faridkot, Ludhiaha, SBS Nagar and Patiala) has been analysed. The study revealed that during the last three decades most of the stations experienced significant increase in maximum as well as minimum temperatures in both kharif and rabi seasons. In kharif season maximum temperature positively deviated by 0.12 °C to 1.34 °C whereas in wheat growing period the deviation results was from 0.13 °C to 0.93 °C at all the locations. The rainfall during kharif season has decreased by 23.2, 27.6, 55.4, 185.4 and 199.6 mm - 377 - from normal at Bathinda, Faridkot, Ludhiana, SBS Nagar and Patiala districts, respectively in last three decades. Mann Kendall statistics showed increasing trend in maximum temperature and highlighted that the trend was highly significant in Faridkot, SBS Nagar and Patiala district. To know the impact of climate change quadratic form of regression was applied and the results revealed that the increase in minimum temperature during kharif and rabi season has negative effect on yield of rice and wheat crop in Punjab.

2 tables, 8 ref

023154   Sunita Kumari;Sharma F L (Extension Education Dep, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap Univ of Agricultural, Udaipur, Rajasthan, Email: sunitaladsar@gmail.com) : Adoption of recommended interventions of wheat among the respondents of RKVY. Agric Update 2017, 12(1), 122-8.

The present study was conducted in which two tribal (Jhadol and Sarada) and two nontribal (Bhinder and Mavli) panchayat samities of Udaipur district of Rajasthan. Four beneficiary villages and two non-beneficiary villages from each selected panchayat samiti were taken and 10 respondents were selected randomly from each selected village for the study. Data were collected through prestructured interview schedule. The findings revealed that majority of beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers belonged to medium adoption group. It was found that there was a significant difference in level of adoption between beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers about recommended wheat interventions.

8 tables, 8 ref

023153   Sunita Kumari;Sharma F L (Extension Education Dep, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap Univ of Agricultural, Udaipur, Rajasthan, Email: sunitaladsar@gmail.com) : Attitude of beneficiary respondents towards rastriya krishi vakash yojana. Agric Update 2017, 12(1), 71-4.

The study was conducted in which two tribal (Jhadol and Sarada) and two nontribal (Bhinder and Mavli) Panchayat samities of Udaipur district of Rajasthan. Four beneficiary villages and two non-beneficiary villages from each selected Panchayat samiti were taken and 10 respondents were selected randomly from each selected village for the study. Data were collected through prestructured interview schedule. The findings revealed that 11.87 per cent respondents had least favourable towards RKVY. On the other hand, 68.75 per cent respondents belonged to moderately favourable group. However, 19.38 per cent respondents had highly favourable attitude towards RKVY. It indicated positive impact of the project under study.

2 tables, 3 ref

023152   Sunil Kumar;Jha A K (Agronomy Dep, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur-813 210, Bihar, Email: sunilkumaragromet@gmail.com) : Impact of climate on biomass production of Azolla in Bihar. J Agrometeorol 2017, 19(4), 319-22.

Widely cultivated in the Asian regions, Azolla is either incorporated into the soil before rice transplanting or grown as a dual crop along with rice. To examine the feasibility of its use in flooded rice fields, the study was conducted during 2011-13 and 9 different species/strains of Azolla at BAU Sabour, to study the growth-development dynamics and the resistance/tolerance to extreme temperature which generally occurs in the area. Azolla biomass increased during February-April but suddenly decreased during May-June and again increased during July-September thereafter, biomass decreased during October-January. The correlation coefficient between biomass growth rate of strains A. faliculoides, A. microphylla and BAUAS-1 of Azolla and maximum temperature was found significantly positive. Significant positive correlation between biomass production of species A. faliculoides and strain BAUAS-1 with minimum temperature was found 0.70 and 0.62 respectively, which indicates that increase in minimum temperature up to limit, may increase the growth rate in these strain/spp. There was significant negative correlation (0.70, 0.63 and 0.68) between biomass production rate and relative humidity measured at morning, in the species/strain A. rubra, BAUAS-1, BAUAS-2 respectively. Biomass production rate of azolla species A. pinnata showed significant negative correlation - 376 - with relative humidity at evening. Significant positive correlation between biomass production and rainfall during the growth period in species A. faliculoides was found, which indicates rainfall or sufficient water increases the growth in Azolla.

3 tables, 8 ref

023151   Suman M;Vikas Kumar;Ashok Kumar (Social Science Div, ICAR- Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi-284 003, Email: manjusuman657@gmail.com) : Study of farmers' perception constraints for lesser adoption of fodder production technologies and ways to improve the adoption in Bundelkhand region. Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(2), 166-7.

The constraints regarding adoption of fodder production technology were studied in Bundelkhand region. A total of 180 respondents were selected from 4 districts of regions representing both UP and MP part of Bundelkhand in the study. It was found that 84.1% of farmer-respondents have shown that small land holding was the primary constraint for less adoption of fodder technology in these area, 78.87% of farmers have shown lack of irrigation was the second most important reason for less adoption of fodder technology. The main reason for less Knowledge of fodder production technologies were lack of awareness about improved technologies followed by lack of on-farm guidance/training, lack of lesser resources and lesser literacy. The correlation between knowledge gap and adoption gap was highly significant and positive.

3 tables, 6 ref

023150   Sujatha S;Bhat R;Chowdappa P (NO, ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod-671 124, Email: ssujatha@iihr.res.in) : Satus of arecanut production systems in India. Int J Innovative Hort 2017, 6(1), 7-24.

Arecanut (Areca catechu L.), which belongs to family Palmae, is a commercially and socially important non-food crop in south-east Asia. Sustainability issues are increasingly noticed in recent times in perennial crops as well due to climatic change, stagnant productivity trend and ecological imbalance. The sustainability issues are likely to increase in arecanut both in traditional and non-traditional areas due to impending problems like soil-plant nutrient imbalances, proliferation of pests and diseases, farmer's preference for monocropping, cultivation in contiguous areas and poor adaptability. Cropping/ farming systems approach is the prime requirement for development of sustainable arecanut production - 375 - systems. There are reports of imbalanced and excess soil fertility status in arecanut growing regions resulting from wide spread adoption of organic farming practices, depletion of soil K, poor soil aeration and blanket recommendations. Need based input use is most important for sustaining the production and reducing the cost of production. Besides, integrated approaches are required for soil and plant health management in arecanut production system. The economic sustainability of arecanut can be ensured in future by adopting suitable adaptation strategies like cropping systems, drip-fertigation and organic matter recycling and by taking up various value addition options as microenterprises.

^iia3 illus, 5 tables, 67 ref

023149   Suganthi N;Balasubramaniam P;Indumathy K; Rajashekaran R (Directorate of Centre for Agricultural and Rural Development Studies, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Email: suganthiextn@gmail.com) : Marketing behaviour of coleus growers. Agric Update 2016, 11(4), 401-5.

Medicinal plants gain significance because of their contribution to local health support systems, generation of local income, foreign exchange earnings and contribution to bio-diversity. Medicinal plants, if cultivated properly, it can contribute significantly to the economic rural development. This study was conducted in Salem district of Tamil Nadu, from the selected district four villages were taken for the study. The medicinal plants selected for the study purpose was coleus which is cultivated in Salem district of Tamil Nadu. Regarding the export of medicinal plants India's contribution to the international market is increasing rapidly (Kumar, 2004). This can be achieved through increased cultivation of medicinal plants. At this juncture, marketing behaviour of the medicinal plant growers was considered important and analysed. The finding concluded that they existed low marketing behaviour among the growers.

2 tables, 6 ref

023148   Sugani Devi;Singh S;Ratna Preeti Kaur;Singh A K;Singh R K (NO, ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Jalandhar-144 003, Email: sugani.ars15@gmail.com) : Effect of canopy management practices on growth and yield of potato in net house. Potato J 2017, 44(2), 126-9.

1 table, 4 ref

023147   Subba S K;Chattopadhyay S B;Mondal R;Dukpa P (Vegetable Crops Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741 252, Email: satishsubba6@gmail.com) : Carrot root production as influenced by potassium and boron. Crop Res 2017, 52(1-3), 41-4.

A field experiment was conducted during 2014-15 season. Mineral potassium fertilizer of 0, 50, 75 and 100 kg/ha and boron at 0, 5, 10 and 15 kg/ha with a uniform dose of nitrogen and phosphorus at 80 and 50 kg/ha, respectively. The highest mean vegetative parameters (plant height, number of leaves per plant, fresh weight and dry weight of leaves) were from a treatment combination of 100 kg N and 15 kg Band yield and yield were maximum from a treatment combination of 75 kg N and 10 kg B. Application of potassium and boron at higher doses positively affected carrot root production.

2 tables, 14 ref

023146   Ssebaggala G L;Kibwika P;Kyazze F B (Extension and Innovation Studies Dep, Makerere Univ, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda, Email: pkibwika@cases.mak.ac.ug) : Contextual mismatch of interventions for reduction of postharvest losses in rice: Farmer perceptions, practices and innovations in Eastern Uganda. Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(2), 132-6.

Over 70% of the postharvest losses occur at the farm level. Efforts to curb postharvest losses (PHLs) have to target farmers 'practices and innovations. A survey of 150 farmers complemented by focus group discussions was conducted in Eastern Uganda to establish why farmers engage in practices that sustain high PHLs in rice. Farmers are aware of the extent and nature of PHLs but most cannot use the practices and technologies recommended due to high costs involved, lack of knowledge and skills required, or inappropriateness to farmers 'context. Rather than promoting such technologies, a starting point is to engage with farmers to change mindsets and adapt their practices to innovate. Market incentives like significant price differentiation for quality are critical to accelerate the change in practices and innovations for reduction PHLs.

3 tables, 24 ref

023145   Srivastava R;Singh D (Botany Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow, Email: ritu2864@rediffmail.com) : Insecticidal potential of phytogenic grain protectants against stored grain pests of wheat in different storage structures. J Ecofriendly Agric 2017, 12(1), 58-61.

Investigations of affectiveness of grain protectants, containing Eucalyptus citriodora and Rauwolfia serpentina, in protecting wheat grain from insect pests under storage (S. oryzae, R. dominica and T. castaneum) for longer duration showed that the grain protectant (4:1 ratio) @ 1.25% w/w could suppress stored grain insect pests infestation up to 95.0-99.0 and 86.0-98.0 per cent over a period of six and twelve month, respectively, in different storage receptacles. Significance of viability indicated that the treated grain stored in different structure was more viable even after twelve month's storage as compared to untreated grain. The rate of increase in weight loss in treated grains due to insect infestation, was also observed very slow i.e. from 0.00 to 0.06 percent in jute bag, 0.07 percent in polythene lined jute bags, 0.19 percent in cotton, 0.08 percent in polythene bags and 0.03 percent in plastic jar after twelve months.

4 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

023144   Srinivas M V;Reddy B S L;Reddy Y B V (Agricultural Extension Dep, Univ of Agricultural Sciences, G.K. V.K., Bengaluru, Karnataka, Email: patraseena@rediffmail.com) : Marketing - 373 - behaviour of vegetable growers. Agric Update 2016, 11(4), 434-7.

Production of vegetables is very good source of income and employment. Vegetable production was dominant in the economy of the Kolar district. For the study 120 vegetable growers were selected from the four taluks of the Kolar district by simple random sampling technique. The findings reveal that, 48.33 per cent used tempo to transport their produce,46.67 per cent used plastic crates as packing material, majority of the farmers sold their produce immediately after harvest in the nearby markets. Where as 71.67 per cent farmers opinioned that, they receive full payment on the spot after sale. Commission agents (95.83%) and neighbours/relatives (66.67%) were the important source of market information. Major problems in marketing were price fluctuation (97.50%), followed by high hamli charges (66.67%) and high transport charges(64.17%).

3 tables, 10 ref

023143   Sreedevi K;Tyagi S;Sharma V (Entomology Div, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi-110 012, Email: kolla.sreedevi@gmail.com) : Species diversity of white grubs (coleoptera: scarabaeidae) in the sub-himalayan and northern plains of India. Curr Sci 2017, 113(2), 322-9.

White grubs belonging to subfamilies Melolonthinae and Rutelinae of Scarabaeidae (Coleoptera) are ubiquitous pests. Studies during 2013 and 2014 document the species diversity of white grubs in the subHimalayan and northern plains of India. Surveys conducted in four states, viz. Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan revealed high species diversity representing 65 species under 16 genera. The species richness, evenness and composition varied among the states. Higher species diversity was recorded in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh of the sub-Himalayan region when compared to Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan of the northern plains. The species abundance distribution followed log normal distribution in all places except Uttarakhand, where the curve skewed to the left due to overweight of species with low abundance. The species dominance and abundance patterns in different regions are presented. The new distributional records, Anomala pictipes Arrow and Popillia macclellandi Hope from Uttarakhand, Anomala propinqua Arrow and Popillia marginicollis Hope from Himachal Pradesh and Anomala stenodera Arrow from Uttar Pradesh are provided.

3 illus, 4 tables, 34 ref

023142   Sonit Kumar;Prasad R;Singh D;Yadav S P;Vipul Kumar (Mycology and Plant Pathology Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, Email: dalelsinghbhu@gmail.com) : Screening of Brassica germplasm and breeding material against Erysiphe cruciferarum causing powdery mildew of rapeseed mustard under artificial condition. Envir Ecol 2016, 34(4B), 2139-42.

Powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe cruciferarum is one of the most important diseases of rapeseed mustard crops. Forty two cultivars/genotypes of rapeseed-mustard group (Brassica juncea, Brassica campestris, Brassica carinata, Brassica napus, Eruca sativa and B. rapa) were carried out during rabi of 2011-12 under artificial conditionss UDN-11-32 (5.8.0% leaves) genotype was found resistant against Powdery mildew. The present study indicates that B. napus, B. juncea and B. carinata were better source of resistance in comparison to Brassica campestris. UDN-11-32 (5.8.0% leaves) genotype was found resistant against Powdery mildew. Whereas UDN-11-03 (16.70% leaves), UDN-11-28 (28.0% leaves) and UDN-11-26 (20.0% leaves) were rated as moderately resistant to the disease.

2 tables, 9 ref

023141   Soni A;Kawdeti K;Awasthi M K;Nema R K;Tiwari Y K (Soil and Water Engineering Dep, College of Agricultural Engineering, Jawaharal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vid, Jabalpur-482 004, Email: abhi.soni168@gmail.com) : Yield gap analysis through demonstration in wheat crop under tribal area of Jabalpur, India. Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(2), 157-9.

Demonstrations (Improved Practice-IP) on wheat variety GW-273 were conducted on farmers 'fields in Villages Bichhua and Sanjari of Kundam Block of Jabalpur district during rabi season of the year 2014-15. Prevailing farmers 'practices were treated as control for comparison with recommended practices. About 29.98 per cent higher grain yield was recorded under demonstrations over the farmers - 372 - 'practices (Farmer Practice-FP). The average extension gap, technology gap and technology index were observed to be 7.34 q ha^-1, 11.41 q ha^-1 and 0.25, respectively. The study found, the yield of wheat in IP under irrigated conditions ranges from 24.20 to 42.20 q/ha whereas in FP it ranges between 16.72 to 38.93 q ha^-1. The per cent increase in yield with IP over FP was recorded in the range of 0.05 to 76.68. The extension gap and technological index were ranging between 0.02-17.62 q/ha^-1 and 0.06-0.46, respectively.

2 tables, 8 ref

023140   Smitha K;Sunil K M (College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur-680 656, Email: shimi5566@gmail.com) : Influence of growing environment on growth characters of cucumber (Cucumis sativus). J trop Agric 2016, 54(2), 201-3.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is one of the most important cucurbitaceous vegetable crops grown extensively in tropical and sub-tropical parts of India. It is considered as the fourth most important vegetable crop after tamato, cabbage and onion. A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala during 2014-2015. The study was conducted in polyhouse, rain shelter and open field simultaneously in a split plot design with 3 replications with six dates of planting i.e., 15th, 25th January and 5th February 2015 and 1st, 10th and 20th of June 2015. Higher plant height (272.7 cm), leaf area index (2.77) and biomass at the time of last harvest (1.4 Mg ha^-1) were recorded inside the polyhouse crop compared to open field and rain shelter.

^ssc1 table, 6 ref

023139   Siwach M;Singh B;Kundu K K (Economics Dep, Chaudhary Devi Lal Univ, Sirsa-125 055, Email: manojsiwach70@gmail.com) : Critical analysis of existing crop insurance scheme in the light of PMFBY with special reference of Haryana. Ann Agri Bio Res 2017, 22(1), 93-8.

Indian agriculture has turned - 371 - out to be synonymous with hazard and uncertainty on the ground that near about 90% of the variations in production are brought by changes in natural factors i.e. flood, drought and adverse weather conditions, etc. The low productivity, less income and large amount of loans taken by farmers for agriculture are compelling some of our agriculturists to commit suicide. The Government of India introduced new crop insurance scheme i. e. Pardhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) with the help of Agricultural Insurance Companies to protect farmers from agricultural irregularity in production caused by natural disasters, pests or diseases. The present paper highlights the advancement of all existing crop insurance policies in the light of PMFBY at national level and with special reference to state of Haryana. It reveals that only 4% of the rabi crop and 11% of the risk-prone kharif crop holding are insured so far (Mahto, 2016). NCIP has an anticipated focus of 50% coverage of farmers by the terminal year of 12th Plan (i. e. 2016-17). The Government of India has made necessary improvement in the segment of plans of MNAIS, WBCIS and CPIS of agricultural insurance. The next section explains the salient features of the PMFBY along with necessary guidelines for implementation of the scheme. The last section critically analyses some shortcomings of the new insurance policy and gives some practical suggestions addressing the long standing demands of farmers. The Government must devote more resources (money, manpower and time) to design the insurance products best suited to farmers according to the distinct agro-environmental regions rather than following one-size-fits -all strategy.

4 tables, 7 ref

023138   Singh V;Sharma K C;Thakur N (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Bajaura-175 125, Email: vickybanyal143@gmail.com) : Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of garlic (Allium sativum L.) cv. GHC-1. Crop Res 2017, 52(1-3), 45-8.

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2014-15 to investigate the effect of different levels of biofertilizers (Azotobacter and PSB) in combination with three levels of NPK fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of garlic 'GHC-1'. The application of biofertilizers alone and in combination resulted in significant improvement in plant height, number of leaves per plant, average bulb weight, bulb diameter, number of cloves per bulb, average clove weight, clove length, clove diamter, bulb yield, total soluble solid and dry matter of bulb over un-inoculated control. The increased bulb yield was to the tune of 25.86, 12.99 and 9.81% with the combination of biofertilizers (Azotobacter+PSB), PSB and Azotobacter, respectively, over un-inoculated control. The application of NPK fertilizers significantly increased all the growth, yield and quality along with bulb yield over control with each incremental level of NPK. The interaction effects showed that bulb yield was increased in a linear manner with the application of bio-inoculants integrated with increasing levels of NPK fertilizers. The highest bulb yield (20.89 t/ha) was recorded when the plots were supplemented with 100% NPK+seedlings dipping of both the inoculants. Furthermore, it was observed that the yield (20.09 t/ha) obtained with the application of 75% NPK+Azotobacter+PSB was at par with that of recommended NPK (100%), thus resulting in net saving of 25% NPK fertilizers.

2 tables, 13 ref

023137   Singh S P;Singh J P;Bhatnagar A;Amit Kumar; Yadav A;Usha Kumari;Verma G (Agronomy Dep, GBPUAT, Pantnagar, Email: satyender4321@gmail.com) : Weed management practices: There influence on weed control, nutrient removal and yield of soybean crop. Ann agric Res 2017, , 163-9.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2014 at N. E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre of G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) to find out the weed management practices: there influence on weed control, nutrient removal and yield of soybean crop. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with four replications to evaluate ten treatments viz. sulfentrazone 48% SC @ 300 g a.i/ha pre-emergence (PE), sulfentrazone 48% SC @ 360 g a.i/ha (PE), sulfentrazone 48% SC @ 360 g a.i/ha (PE) + hand weeding (HW) at 40 DAS, sulfentrazone 48% SC @ 300 g a.i/ha (PE) + HW at 40 DAS, pendimethalin 30 EC @ 750 g a.i/ ha (PE), pendimethalin 30 EC @ 1000 g a.i/ha (PE), pendimethalin 30 EC @ 750 g a.i/ha (PE) + HW at 40 DAS and pendimethalin 30 EC @ 1000 g a.i/ha (PE) + HW at 40 DAS, weed free (Hand weeding as and when required) and weedy check. Weed free plot recorded higher grain yield and weed control efficiency (WCE) followed by PE application of sulfentrazone 48% SC @ 360 g a.i/ha + HW at 40 DAS. The lowest total number of weeds, lowest total dry weight of weeds, nutrients removal by weeds and weed index was recorded under PE application of sulfentrazone 48% SC @ 360 g a.i/ ha + HW at 40 DAS. PE application of sulfentrazone 48% SC @ 360 g a.i/ha + HW at 40 DAS could be the recommended weed control option for managing weeds in soybean crop.

1 table, 16 ref

023136   Singh S P;Rawal S;Dua V K;Sharma S K (NO, ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Gwalior-474 020, Email: drshivpratapsingh@yahoo.co.in) : Weed control efficiency of herbicide sulfosulfuron in potato crop. Potato J 2017, 44(2), 110-16.

A field study was carried out at ICAR-CPRS, Gwalior during two cropping seasons (2013-14 and 2014- 15) to evaluate the effectiveness of sulfosulfuron as post-emergence herbicide in potato crop in west central region of India. The weed flora mainly included Chenopodium murale (Kharbathua), Chenopodium album (Bathua), Celosia argentea (white cock's comb) and Echinochloa crusgallis (Sanwa). Application of sulfosulfuron herbicide was very effective in reducing weed count. Sulfosulfuron (25 g a.i./ha) had comparable weed dry weight (11 g/m²) to weed free treatment (7 g/m^-2). Weed control index was also comparable in sulfosulfuron treatment applied at 25 g a.i./ha (93) with weed free plot (96). Shoot number per plant were not affected by sulfosulfuron levels, however irrecoverable photo-toxicity symptoms were observed after application of sulfosulfuron on potato which caused stunted growth of potato plants and reduced tuber yield. At 60 days revealed that plant height (39.5 cm) was significantly lower with sulfosulfuron (25 g a.i./ha) as compared to weed free plot (46 cm) and total tuber yield was also significantly less (23.9 t/ha) than weed free plot (29.4 t/ha). Weed control efficiency (62) and herbicide efficiency index (3) were lower, but statistically comparable to weed free check. Although sulfosulfuron (25 g a.i./ha) was highly effective in controlling different weeds in the present study, its application had no effect on tuber yield (23.9 t/ha), which was at par with that under weedy check (20.7 t/ha) due to phyto-toxic effect. Significant reduction in yield does not favour its use as post-emergence herbicide in potato crop.

2 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

023135   Singh R;Singh M K;Singh A K;Singh C (Agricultural Economics Dep, N.D.U.A. & T. Kumarganj, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Pulses production of India: issues and elucidations. Pharma Innovation 2018, 7(1), 10-13.

Most of the people in India is at a standstill vegetarian in dietary habit and depends upon vegetative source to meet out its daily nutritional requirement. Pulses are grown across the country with the highest share coming from Madhya Pradesh (24.00%), Uttar Pradesh (16.00%), Maharashtra (14.00%), Andhra Pradesh (10.00%), Karnataka (7.00%) and Rajasthan (6.00%), which together share about 77.00% of the total pulse production, while the remaining 23.00% is contributed by Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Orissa and Jharkhand. There are several issues related to pulse production like inauspicious weather condition, anomalous soil, several agronomic limitations, pests and diseases, blue bull problem and policy constraints, credit and marketing of pulses, which were discussed here. There is need to adopt all the components of supporter technology as a unit which help to overcome several complications in soil health hazards and poor response of technology in high production of pulses in India.

3 tables, 21 ref

023134   Singh R N;Mukherjee J;Sehgal V K;Bhatia A; Krishnan P;Das D K;Vinod Kumar;Harit R (Agricultural Physics Div, ICAR-Indian Agriculture Research Institute, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi-110 012, Email: mjoydeep2k@yahoo.com) : Effect of elevated ozone, carbon dioxide and their interaction on growth, biomass and water use efficiency of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). J Agrometeorol 2017, 19(4), 301-5.

Global climate change has a major impact on growth and sustainability of agro-ecosystem. Keeping in view the importance of rising O₃ and CO₂ concentration in atmosphere, a field experiment was conducted on chickpea (variety: Pusa 5023) in the experimental farm in Free Air Ozone and Carbon dioxide Enrichment (FAOCE) facility at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi under four ozone and carbon dioxide treatments (ECO: elevated CO₂ (550 ±10 ppm) + elevated O₃ (70±10 ppb); EC: elevated CO₂ (550±10 ppm ppm) + ambient O₃ (30±10 ppb); EO: elevated O₃ (70 ±10 ppb) + ambient CO₂ (400 ±10 ppm) and AMB; ambient CO₂ (400 ±10 ppm) + ambient O₃ (30 ±10 ppb) during rabi season of 2016-17. The results revealed that the plant height, above ground biomass, CGR and RGR and seed yield of chickpea was significantly highest in elevated CO₂ (EC) treatment followed by ECO treatment and lowest in elevated O₃ (EO) treatment. Elevated ozone had negative impact whereas elevated carbon dioxide had positive impact on growth, biomass and WUE of chickpea and when both are combined the negative impact of elevated ozone were counteracted by elevated carbon dioxide.

3 illus, 4 tables, 10 ref

023133   Singh R;Kaur N;Gill K K;Gill R I S (Agronomy Dep, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Email: kkgill@pau.edu) : Radiation interception and thermal requirement of wheat cultivars under Burma dek (Melia composita Willd.) in central Punjab. J Agrometeorol 2017, 19(4), 369-71.

^ssc1 illus, 3 tables, 7 ref

023132   Singh R A;Singh A;Yadav D;Singh J;Pal S B (NO, C.S. Azad Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Email: rasinghcsau@gmail.com) : Potato production through telecounselling mode of extension education. Agric Update 2016, 11(4), 423-6.

There are several modes are available for teaching to the farmers through distance training system, out of which telecast of video programme, broadcast of audio programmes, telecounselling etc. are eco-friendly modes, solving the farmers problems. The telecounselling is a ecofriendly and easy system of distance training, which is available in rural area in the form of mobiles and landline. The experiment on telecounselling for - 368 - improvement of potato yield was tried in the villages Bhawanipur and Daipur of district Kannauj and Rajpura, Baghauli, Jasharau and Shaidpur of district Mainpuri for the first time. The soil of experimental site was sandy loam with poor fertility. There is certain drawback in the cultivation of potato. The farmers are not using the recommended agronomic practices, resulting in, the low yield obtained from potato. The farm families of potato growers were linked with C.S.Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur and KVK, Kannauj. The growers put up their problems of potato cultivation before the scientists through telecouselling mode of distance training as and when required. The scientists solved their problems immediately with same mode of distance training. The cultivation of potato was recommended with three varieties i.e. Kufri Bahar, Kufri Pukhraj and Kufri Pushkar through telecounselling mode. Cultivars Kufri Bahar, Kufri Pukhraj and Kufri Pushkar gave tuber yield by 331.55 q/ha, 354.22 q/ha and 383.71 q/ha, respectively. The growth and yield traits were concordant to yield obtained from potato cultivars. The highest net return Rs. 123569/ha and BCR 1:2.15 were obtained from adoption of cultivation of cultivar Kufri Pushkar closely followed by the net return Rs. 106031/ha and BCR 1:2.00 available from the cultivation of Kufri Pukhraj.

1 table, 12 ref

023131   Singh P K;Singh K K;Singh P;Balasubramanian R;Baxla A K;Kumar B;Gupta A;Rathore L S;Kalra N (Agro Advisory Service Div, Indian Meteorological Department, New Delhi-110 003, Email: pksingh66@gmail.com) : Forecasting of wheat yield in various agro-climatic regions of Bihar by using CERES-Wheat model. J Agrometeorol 2017, 19(4), 346-9.

Forecasting yield of crops is important for planners in taking tactical decisions for ensuring food availability. Crop simulation models are useful tool to forecast the crop yield. The CERES-wheat model calibrated and validated with experimental data was used to predict the district wise yield in Bihar. Based on the areas under different dates of sowing and crop cultivars, a correction factor was applied on simulated yield to predict the district wise and regional wheat yield. The simulation yield were higher than the actual yield in all the three agro-climatic zones, while the forecasted yields were very close to actual. The percentage deviation of the forecasted yield from the actual ±4.0%. The results clearly indicated that the CERES-Wheat model can be used to regional production estimates of wheat in Bihar.

2 illus, 3 tables, 6 ref

023130   Singh M K;Gupta S K;Choudhary S K (Agronomy Dep, Bihar Agricultural Univ, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar) : Unique technique of finger millet production under SRI system for higher yield potential in eastern India. Agric Update 2016, 11(4), 454-8.

Finger millet is a staple food crop in dryland, tribal areas and Diayara areas. It is cultivated both for grains and 'fodder. SRI principles have been creatively adopted to suit the cultivation practices for finger millet, making it possible to produce 3-4 times more crop yield than with farmers' traditional practices, without depending on new varieties. It does use small amounts of purchased inputs along with mostly organic inputs. It is cultivated mainly in Asia and Africa. It is staple food crop in many hilly regions of the country and it is grown both for grain and forage. In Northern hills, grains are eaten in the form of chapaties and in South India, grain flour is used for preparing gruel, cakes or unleavened bread, puddings, porridges, sweets etc. Germinating grains are malted and fed to infants and good for pregnant woman. It is considered as nutritive food for adults of different ages. Grains contain 9.2 per cent protein, 1.29 per cent fat, 76.32 per cent carbohydrates, 2.24 per cent minerals 3 per cent ash and 0.33 per cent Ca. It also contains vitamins A and B with small amount of P. It is good for persons suffering from diabetes. Green straw is suitable for making silage.

3 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

023129   Singh M;Batra S C (Economics Dep, Baba Mastnath Univ, Asthal Bohar, Rohtak-124 021, Email: mohinderr@gmail.com) : Economic analysis of guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] production in Haryana. Ann Agri Bio Res 2017, 22(1), 76-9.

The study was conducted in three districts of Haryana i. e. Bhiwani, Hisar and Sirsa during 2015-16 with the objective to study the cost of production of guar and constraints. Nine villages were selected i. e. three villages per district with 25 farmers per village with a total of 225 farmers for the study. The total cost of production of guar was estimated at Rs. 41806.82/ha. The total yield was 9,89 q/ha. The gross returns were Rs. 36790.41 and net returns were negative with loss of Rs. 5016.41/ha. The: variable cost was Rs. 20254.01/ha. The net returns over variable costs were Rs. 16536.39/ha. The improved package of practices of guar production like use of certified seed was done by 24.00% of farmers, seed treatment was followed by 27.11% of farmers, line method of sowing was adopted by 64.00% of farmers, weed management practices were adopted by 69.33% of farmers, - 367 - proper disease management was done by 76.44% of farmers and insect management was done by 57.78% of farmers in Haryana.

2 illus, 4 tables, 5 ref

023128   Singh K;Dangi K L;Singh N (NO, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sangaria, Hanumangarh-335 063, Email: kuldeep2006singh@yahoo.com) : Knowledge of kinnow growers with respect to the recommended practices including post harvest technology. Ann agric Res 2017, 38(2), 246-50.

The study was conducted in Sri Ganganagar and Sri Karanpur panchayat samities of Sri Ganganagar district. The majority of respondents (63.30 per cent) were from medium knowledge category, while 17.30 per cent placed under high category. The proportion of respondents the low knowledge was 19.33 per cent. The extent of knowledge of big farmers were found to be substantially higher than the small farmers about recommended practices of kinnow cultivation. Results indicated that there was significant difference in knowledge between small and big farmers regarding recommended practices of kinnow cultivation in the study area.

3 tables, 7 ref

023127   Singh G;Walia S S;Singh S (Livestock Farms Dep, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: gurbrinder-coaagr@pau.edu) : Effect of integrated nutrient management on agroclimatic environment and yield of baby corn (Zea mays L.) in Punjab, India. J Agrometeorol 2017, 19(4), 355-8.

The experiment was conducted at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2013 and 2014 on sandy loam soil to study the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on microclimatic variations, yield and yield attributes of baby corn (Zea mays L.). Results showed that the microclimatic parameters as well as yield and yield attributes of baby corn were significantly influenced by the treatments. At 60 days after sowing the maximum photosynthetically active radiation interception (93.2%) and lowest soil and canopy temperature (29.8 and 32.0 °C) was recorded by the application of N-P-K 75-15-11.3 kg ha^-1. The corn yield and attributes, LAI and chlorophyll content were also significantly higher in this treatment.

2 tables, 9 ref

023126   Singh G;Sharma R B;Singh M;Sharma S K (Animal Science, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Tonk - 304 022, Email: gitamsingh@yahoo.com) : Utilisation of agricultural wastes in participatory poultry farming with women under climatic conditions of Tonk district of Rajasthan. Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(1), 60-3.

The study was conducted at 6 tehsils (Newai, Tonk, Uniara, Todarai singh, Deoli and Malpura) of Tonk district of Rajasthan. One thousand and two hundred chicks of six weeks age were purchased from Maharana Pratap University, Udaipur, Rajasthan. Two groups of ten farmers each were sekected from each tehsil. 10 chicks were provided to each farmer which was broiler and layer mixed. The average increased weight of broiler was 3.66±19.34 kg under Akodia village group and 3.94±19.34 kg was under Talibpura village group. Akodia village group was slowly gaining weight compare than Talibpura village group because they were providing vermin waste which contained more amounts of proteins. The findings of Harnoda village group in I, II, II, IV, V and VI month was found to be 480±22g, 480±14g, 640±09g, 710±22g, 720±20g and 730±21g fed crop waste to the poultry chicks and other essential contents of diet were similar with other groups. In case of meat it was slowly growing compare than Fuleta village group because Fuleta village group was providing Fish waste which contained more amounts of vitamins and minerals. Harnoda village group reported the number of egg was 06±01, 07±02, 09±01, 10±02, 09±01 and 09±02 respectively in six months with an average of 8.33±02. The performance of Harnoda village group was better than Akodia and Fuleta village group but poor in comparison with Talibpura, Panwar and Barbas village group because of difference in feeding, locally available sources of feed and water quality. Talibpura village group reported that the number of egg was 08±02, 10±02, 11±01, 11±02, 10±02, 11±02 and 11±03 respectively in six - 366 - months with an average of 10±02. It was best performance of this study due to improved feeding, water quality and managmental factors. Environmental factors may affect the production of broiler and layers.

1 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

023125   Singh D (NO, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (S.K.N.A.U), Kumher, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, Email: dilipsingh.1970@rediffmail.com) : Impact of front line demonstrations on productivity of pea cv. AZAD PEA-1 in Dholpur district of eastern Rajasthan. Agric Update 2017, 12(1), 105-8.

The present study was carried out at Dholpur district of Eastern Rajasthan during 2012- 13. Pea is one of the most important vegetable crops of the country. The development of the Agriculture is - 365 - primarily depends on the application of the scientific technologies by making the best use of available resources. One of the major constraints of traditional pea farming is low productivity because of nonadoption of advanced technologies. To increase the production, productivity and quality of agricultural produce, Front Line Demonstrations are being conducted at various farmer's field. All the recommended Practices were provided to the selected farmers. The data related to the cost of cultivation, production, productivity, gross return and net return were collected as per schedule and analyzed. Result of the present study revealed that the high yielding variety of Pea Ajad Pea-1 recorded the higher yield (69.5 q/ha) as compared to local check (54.5 q/ha) traditionally grown by the farmers. The percentage increase in the yield over local check 27.52 was recorded.The technology gap in terms of productivity (5.5q/ha) were computed. The technology index values 7.33 per cent was recorded.The result of the study indicated the gap existed in the potential yield and demonstration yield is due to soil fertility and weather conditions. By conducting front line demonstration (FLDs) of proven technologies, yield potential of pea can be increased upto great extent. This will substantially increase the income as well as the livelihood of the farming community.

2 tables, 13 ref

023124   Singh D (NO, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (S.K.N.A.U.), Kumher, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, Email: dilipsingh.1970@rediffmail.com) : Impact of front line demonstrations on productivity of fennel cv. R.F.-143 in Bharatpur district of eastern Rajasthan. Agric Update 2016, 11(4), 385-9.

The present study was carried out at Bharatpur district of Eastern Rajasthan during Rabi 2015-16. Fennel is one of the most important seed spice crops of the country. The development of the agriculture is primarily depends on the application of the scientific technologies by making the best use of available resources. One of the major constraints of traditional fennel farming is low productivity because of non-adoption of advanced technologies. To increase the production, productivity and quality of agricultural produce, front line demonstrations were conducted at various farmer's field. All the recommended practices were provided to the selected farmers. The data related to the cost of cultivation, production, productivity, gross return and net return were collected as per schedule and analyzed. Result of the present study revealed that the high yielding variety of fennel R.F. -143 recorded the higher yield (19.21 q/ha) as compared to farmers practice (16.50 q/ha) traditionally adopted by the farmers. The percentage increase in the yield over farmers practice 16.42 was recorded.The technology gap in terms of productivity(1.79 q/ha.) was computed. The technology index values 8.52 per cent was recorded.The result of the study indicated the gap existed in the potential yield and demonstration yield is due to soil fertility and weather conditions. By conducting front line demonstration (FLDs) of proven technologies, yield potential of fennel can be increased upto great extent. This will substantially increase the income as well as the livelihood of the farming community.

2 tables, 14 ref

023123   Singh B V;Phool Kumari;Anant Kumar;Singh S K (NO, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Parwha, Auraiya (UP), Email: brijvikas@gmail.com) : Participation of farm women in livestock management in Auraiya district of Uttar Pradesh. Ann agric Res 2017, 38(2), 242-5.

India occupies the fore most position in the world in respect of livestock contributing nearly about 1/4 of the world total bovine population and women are - 364 - the critical input in livestock management. Involvement of women in livestock management is a long standing tradition in India, where domestic animals have been an integral part of the family system. Although most of the work related to dairy farming is carried out by the women but their role has been ignored, Hence, the study on analysis of different roles performed by the rural women and the factor affecting them are of paramount importance to the planners/decision makers (Government and extension workers) involved in the presses of rural development. Keeping this fact in view, the present study has, therefore, been premeditated and undertaken in Auraiya district of Uttar Pradesh with specific objectives. The frequency of involvement of farm women was found highest in watering and feeding of animal followed by cleaning the cattle shed, cutting and bringing of fodder and compost making. The result indicated that with increasing the age of the farm women their involvement in livestock management was decreasing. Whereas the education of the farm women was negatively significant (-0.8868) with their involvement in livestock management

3 tables, 4 ref

023122   Singh A;Jhorar R K;Sanjay Kumar (Soil & Water Engineering Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: singhamandeepmt@gmail.com) : Performance evaluation of border irrigation method for wheat field. Ann Agri Bio Res 2017, 22(1), 49-54.

On-farm irrigation water losses are important components of the total losses from the irrigation systems. These losses are function of different site specific factors such as matching stream discharge with design parameters (length/width) of basin/ border, variability of soil infiltration rate, field roughness (due to different stages of crop growth) and operational aspects such as discharge and duration of water application. Therefore, evaluation of the surface irrigation methods is essential to identify various management practices to improve the irrigation efficiency and/or uniformity of the system. Performance evaluation of border irrigation method was carried out for wheat field in village Kirarkot, Sirsa (Haryana). Water application, storage and distribution efficiency were estimated using measurements of soil moisture, infiltration characteristics, water advance and recession time 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 different wheat fields varied from 79.37-95.68% indicating different degrees of deep percolation losses. The water application efficiency increased with increasing value of advance ratio suggesting the need to incorporate the concept of advance ratio in the design process of border irrigation. The observed water storage efficiency in different wheat fields was 100% as applied depth of irrigation was more than the required depth throughout the field plots. Water distribution efficiency of wheat field (82.26-96.13%) indicated a relatively high degree of uniformity of water application.

5 illus, 4 tables, 9 ref

023121   Shukla D N;Tiwari P;Srivastava J P (Plant Pathology Dep, Narendra Dev Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Incidence of karnal bunt in eastern Uttar Pradesh and its effect on seed quality. Pharma Innovation 2018, 7(2), 21-6.

Karnal bunt caused by Tilletia indica Mitra (Neovossia indica Mitra (Mundkur) was first recorded in April, 1930 from Botanical Research Station, Karnal (Haryana) on wheat cultivar, foundation and Punjab A. The disease was - 363 - prevalent in the sub continent since long, infecting native wheats grown over North Western India but it never caused serious yield reduction. However, the disease appeared in serious proportions in early 1970s with the introduction of dwarf Mexican Wheat Varieties into India and Pakistan. Till 1974-75 the disease remained restricted to Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Tarai region of Uttar Pradesh. In some places, it appeared in the epidemic form in different years. In the absence of strict domestic quarantine regulation it spreaded to new areas in North Western Wheat belt. However, Madhya Pradesh, southern Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Peninsular India are free from Karnal bunt due to high temperatures. It is also reported from Nepal, Iran, Mexico, United States, South Africa, Brazil, Afganistan, Syria, Turkey, Lebnan, Sweden, Poland, Itlay.The pathogen is floral infecting organism that partially infects seeds of bread wheat, duram wheat and also the triticale. Not all the spikes on a plant are infected and within a spike only a few spikelets are bunted.

3 tables, 25 ref

023120   Shubhashree K S;Ravishankar C R;Raveendra H R;Madhusudhan K (All India Coordinated Research Project on Small Millets, Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Mandya, Karnataka, Email: ks.shubhashree@gmail.com) : Economic impact of front line demonstrations on finger millet yields. Agric Update 2017, 12(1), 169-71.

A study was conducted for two years during 2014-15 and 2015-16 involving 30 and 15 farmers at Tumkur and Ramanagara districts, respectively. The improved finger millet variety KMR-301 and KMR-204 were used to demonstrate the improved production technology on finger millet in the farmer's field. The data revealed that during 2014 by the introduction of new technology the grain yield was increased by 36 per cent over farmers practice and during 2015, at Ramanagara district the yield improvement was to the tune of 16 per cent.

2 tables, 3 ref

023119   Shubha S;Marenna;Krishnabeni;Santosh G P; Gundappagol R C;Satyanarayanarao (Agrilcultural Microbiology Dep, Organic Farming Research Institute, Univ of Agriculutral Sciences, College of Agriculture, Raichur-584 104, Email: mmgujarani@gmail.com) : Evaluation of dye decolourization ability of native lignin degrading fungi and bacteria from organic farm fields of Hyderabad-Karnataka region. J Ecofriendly Agric 2018, 13(1), 33-6.

Dyedecolourization was used as substrate to evaluate ligninolytic activity in lignin degrading fungi and bacterial strains isolated from organic farming fields of Hyderabad-Karnataka region. Eleven fungal and eight bacterial strains were selected and tested for their capacity to degrade lignin by subjecting them to the Bavendamm test using malt extract tannic 'acid medium (META), low nitrogen agar with methylene blue [LNAM (MB)] and low nitrogen agar with phenol red media [LNAM (PR)]. Eleven fungal strains viz., KGST-1, KGST-2, KGSA, KKST, KKSU-1, KKSP, BKST, RLST-1, RLSP-1, RMSP and KKSU-2 and eight bacterial strains viz., KGSB-1, KGSP, KGSB-2, KKSB-2, BKSB, RMSP-1, RMSP-2 and RMSB were positive on all the three media. The ability of the strains to decolourize different indicators Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR), Methyl Green (MG), Methylene Blue (MB) and Congo Red (CR) of the respective indicator on NA and PDA agar plates was tested. The fungal isolates KGST-1, KGST-2 and KKSP could decolourize RBBR and Congo Red even better than the reference strains. KGSA and RMSP could efficiently decolourize methylene green along with RBBR. Among the bacterial isolates KGSB-1 and RMSP-2 could decolourize RBBR even better than native isolates and reference strains.

2 tables, 11 ref

023118   Shruthi G;Rao B D;Devi Y L;Masih J (NO, Indian Institute of Millets Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: shruthi.iabm@gmail.com) : Analysis of area, production and productivity of groundnut crop in Telangana. Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(2), 151-3.

India is the fourth largest oilseed producing country in the world. The present study was carried on based on the secondary data collected from varies websites and directorate of economics and statistics. The results reveled that the compound growth rate of area and production of groundnut in India shows a negative trend while the productivity was positive over the years. In pre bifurcated Andhra Pradesh the annual average production of groundnut during 2011-12 was 1231 thousand tons and the annual average yield per hectare was 873 kg/ha. The area and production of - 362 - groundnut was high in Rayalaseema region compared to other regions of the state. The area, production and productivity of groundnut in Mahabubnagar district of Telangana was increase over the study year. The annual average production of groundnut crop during 2013-14 was 220 thousand tonnes and annual average yield per hectare during the same period was 1751 kg/ha.

3 tables, 6 ref

023117   Shreevani G N;Sreenivas A G;Beladhadi R V; Janagoudar B S (Agricultural Entomology Dep, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur-584 104, Email: agsreenivas@gmail.com) : Environmental change and the phenology of Bt cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover. J Agrometeorol 2017, 19(4), 312-18.

Climate change in terms of increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide and temperature has impact on agriculture including insect pests that minimize the crop yields. To address these impacts, biological studies on aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover on Bt cotton was conducted for six generations during 2013-14 and 2014-15 under different climate change conditions. The results revealed that the biometry of aphid was influenced by increased carbon dioxide (550 ppm CO₂) and temperature (rise in 2 °C of prevailing temperature). This was evidenced by decrease in nymphal developmental time (3.67 ± 0.21 days), longevity of adult (9.43 ± 0.41 days), increased fecundity (32.46 ± 0.95) and reduced life cycle (12.28 ± 0.23 days) in the elevated conditions (both 550 ppm CO₂ with 32 °C as well as in 550 ppm CO₂ + 34 °C). However, morphometry of aphid showed slight variations in all the treatments but, aphids under elevated conditions showed reduced body size which indicated that the fitness of aphid was effected in the enriched carbon dioxide (CO₂) and temperature conditions.

3 tables, 16 ref

023116   Showkath Babu B M;Jagadeesh B N;Ramesh S; Keerthi C M;Shivakumar M S;Chandrakant N (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendr, Bengaluru-560 065, Email: showkgpb@gmail.com) : First and second degree statistics-based genetics of quantitative traits in dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus L.). Envir Ecol 2016, 34(4B), 2109-13.

Most attempts to unravel genetics of quantitative traits are restricted to either first (Mean) or second degree (variance) statistics but rarely both. The use of both first and second degree - 361 - statistics provide dependable information on true properties of genes controlling quantitative traits in crop plants. An investigation was carried to unravel genetics of fresh pod yield and its component traits at first and second degree statistics levels in dolichos bean, one of the important food grain legume extensively grown in India. The results indicated the importance of both additive and dominance with a predominance of dominance genetic effects in the inheritance of most of the traits. The estimates of additive genetic variances (σ²_A) and hence narrow sense heritability (ns-h²) were higher for all the characters in F₂ and F₃ generations derived from two crosses. The study indicated comprehensive and mutually complementary information on the mode of action of genes controlling fresh pod yield and its component traits based on first and second degree statistics. One or two cycles of biparental mating in F₂ and/or F₃ generations followed by recurrent selection are advisable to reduce dominance genetic effects and enhance the frequency of favorable genes in the segregating populations to increase the effectiveness of selection for desired combination of traits.

1 table, 8 ref

023115   Shivran H;Sanjeev Kumar;Bijarnia A L; Choudhary M (Agronomy Dep, C. S. Azad Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur-208 002, Email: hansrajshivran90@gmail.com) : Effect of various irrigation schedules and sulphur levels on productivity and water use efficiency in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Ann Agri Bio Res 2017, 22(1), 17-20.

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2013-14 on sandy loam soil of Students' Instructional Farm (SIF) of C. S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur (U. P.) to study the effect of various irrigation schedules and sulphur levels on productivity and water use efficiency of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The pH of soil of experimental field was 7.3 with available N₂129.0,P₂O₅ 17.1 and K₂O 187 kg/ha. The treatment consisting of six irrigation stages IR₀ (no sown irrigation), IR₁ (30-35 DAS), IR₂ (flowering), IR₃ (30-35 DAS and flowering), IR₄ (30-35 and siliqua development) and IR₅ (30-35, flowering+siliqua development) in main plot and three levels of sulphur S₀ (no sulphur), S₁ (20 kg/ha) and S₂(30 kg/ha) in sub-plot were tested in slit plot design (SPD) with three replications. Results showed that the maximum seed yield was observed with the three irrigation levels IR₅ (30-35+F+SD) which were higher by 20.47,25.51,47.01,54.65 and 123.90% over IR₄, IR₃, IR₂, IR₁ and IR₀, respectively. In case of sulphur, the maximum seed yield was observed in S₂ treatment which was higher by 4.36 and 11.71% than S₁ and S₀, respectively.

3 tables, 9 ref

023114   Shirinzadeh A;Abad H H S;Nourmohammadi G; Haravan E M;Madani H (Agronomy, Science and Research Branch Dep, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran, Email: H.heidari1871@hotmail.com) : Closing the gap between actual and potential yield of wheat at farmers' fields in Moghan, north-west of Iran. Crop Res 2017, 52(1-3), 21-5.

Wheat in Iran is important due to increasing consumption by the population. Much of the wheat in Iran produced in irrigated farm lands, which cover about 50% of the total irrigated land. Since the irrigated land is limited, the productivity has to be increased. Wheat production is - 360 - constrained by different managements, abiotic and biotic. To determine the production constraints for wheat in Moghan in the Province of Ardabil in north-west of Iran, survey was conducted in the 58 wheat fields in the region. In this suvrey, through identifying management factors that cause wheat yield gap to improve yield production to quantifying the highest smallholder farm yield of the study area and identifying the factors that cause yield gap in the region. The aim of this survey was to identify the large gaps between highest wheat yield on smallholder farms and average yield for five wheat cultivars. In 2015 and 2016, yield gap constraints were identified through the stepwise regression method. Management factors, including timing of planting, nitrogen and phosphorus rates, crop rotation, weeds and pest control and wheat cultivars being the main factors for the wheat yield gap in the region. Year-to-year variability in response to late planting is not unusual, but many experiments suggest that, on average, yield will peak when flowering occurs around 15 May, and will fall sharply if flowering occurs after 25 May (equivalent to a late planting i.e. after 15 December).

5 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

023113   Shinde V V;Malshe K V;Ghavale S L (ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project on Palms, CPCRI, Kasaragod, Kerala) : Response of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cv. parbhani kranti to pre-sowing seed treatment with gibberellic acid. J Ecofriendly Agric 2018, 13(1), 37-8.

The field experiment was carried out at Agricultural Research Station, Awashi Tal-Khed Dist-Ratnagiri during summer 20013-14 to study the effect of pre-sowing seed treatment of GA₃ on growth and yield of okra. The treatments involved five concentrations of GA₃ (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm). The results indicated that the maximum plant height, number of branches per plant, number of fruits per plant, yield per plant (g) and yield per (q ha¹) were recorded in the treatment T₄ (75 ppm GA₃). The growth parameters and yield increased with increasing GA₃, concentration up to 75 ppm and reduced in the treatment T₅ (100 ppm GA₃), which was at par with treatment T₂ (25 ppm GA₃).

1 table, 5 ref