021227   Debbarma G;Kunjaraj Singh M;Daya Ram (Extension Education Dep, College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural Univ, Imphal-795 004, Email: d.dram@rediffmail.com) : Extent of adoption behaviour of true potato seed cultivation technologies of the farmers in Khowai district of Tripura. Res Envir Life Sci 2016, 9(1), 4-7.

Potato is the most abundantly produced edible food in the world, next to cereal. Potato is a wholesome food. Apart from starch of which it is a rich source, it provides essential body-building substances such as vitamins minerals and protein. Potato is one of the richest sources of calories needed to main day-to-day output of human energy. The present study was carried out in Tripura during 2013-14. A Sample of true potato seed farmers comprising 150 respondents was selected on stratified random sampling with proportional allocation method. The primary data was collected using pre-tested structured interview schedule. All of the farmers used treated seeds because tuber lets were already treated by dealers and farmers are also aware of the benefits of treated seed. Majority 50 per cent of the respondents had medium extent of adoption followed by high level of adoption 45 per cent and low 5 per cent level of extension. This indicates that majority of the farmers were in medium and high level of adoption due having good knowledge and aware of high production as compare to tradition potato seed cultivation practices. Correlation coefficients between? Family size, Education, Annual income, Operational land holding Cropping intensity Innovation-proneness Economic motivation Risk orientation, Contact with extension staff, Mass media exposure and Sources of information were found to be positive and significant of personal, psychological & communication characteristics with adoption of TPS cultivation technology of the farmers.

4 tables, 16 ref

021226   Chhaya B (New Arts, Commerce, Science College, Shevgaon, Dist.-Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, Email: bhalshankarchhaya@gmail.com) : Growth response of Vigna unguiculata cultivated on organic manures and biofertilizers. Flora Fauna 2017, 23(1), 90-4.

Vermicompostis is a method of making compost with the use of earthworms. Neem cake is a seed residue left after extraction of oil used as a biopesticide and organic nitrogen fertilizer. Azotobacter bacteria are used as nitrogen fixing biofertilizer and Phosphate solubilizing bacteria. All these organic fertilizers and biofertilizers are managed to study their effect on yield of crop Vignaunguiculata. Treatments are given as VC, NC, Bio, NPK and control in randomized block design. Highest DM yield was shown inVC followed by NPK, BIO, and NC and lowest in CON.

2 tables, 7 ref

021225   Chaudhary A K;Gupta P K;Ashwani Kumar;Singh R K (Entomology Dep, N.D.U.A.&T., Faizabad-224 229, Email: abhichaudhary15@gmail.com) : Effect of biological and spinosad insecticide on larvae of okra shoot and fruit borer Earias vittella (fab). Res Envir Life Sci 2016, 9(1), 11-12.

The toxicity evaluated the Spinosad on four instars larvae of okra shoot and fruit borer Earias vittella (fab). In the study 3rd, and 4th instars larvae were exposed to different concentration of spinosad, Beauveria bassiana Trichoderma viridae and Bacillus thruingiensis under laboratory condition using dipping condition. The exposure times were 24, 48, and 72 hrs for oral trails. After treatment the samples were held under constant condition in a laboratory rearing room (25 + 20c 50 + 5% R H and 14 : 10 h L : D photoperiod). The maximum mortality rate for 3rd, and 4th instars larvae in 0.25%, 0.5%, 0,75 and 1% of spinosad 45Sc, Beauveria bassiana 2ng/mg Trichoderma viridae 9ng/mg and Bacillus thruingiensis 9ng/mg was achieved 100, 95.5 93.3. 93.3, 90.5, 88.7, and 85.6 after 72 h, respectively. In the present studies on the basis of observation in can be calculated that in the laboratory - 371 - condition treatment T₄ spinosad 45 SC 1% was the best effective in comparison than other treatment viz. Beauveria bassiana and Trichoderma viride were effective in Larval mortality. T₇ Spinosad 45SC 0.25% less effective and T0 control is not effective.

1 table, 15 ref

021224   Brar J S;Dhaliwal H S;Gill M S;Khehra S (Fruit Science Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: mandeepgill21@pau.edu) : Fruit yield and quality attributes of rejuvenated guava trees headed back and pruned at different intensities. Res Envir Life Sci 2016, 9(1), 72-7.

In order to rejuvenate the senile guava orchard, 20 year old guava cv. "Allahabad Safeda" trees were headed back at the height of 1.5 m, 2.0 m and 2.5 m from ground level keeping the senile trees as a control in the month of March. These headed back trees were again subjected to pruning intensity of 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% of total length of these newly emerged shoots after 5 months of heading back. The un-pruned headed back trees were treated as control. The observations revealed that there was significant improvement of number of fruits and fruit yield per tree with the age of heading back of senile trees. Although, the mean number of fruits per tree was lesser in headed back tree than senile tree during the period of 2010 to 2014, but, among headed back trees highest mean number of fruits per tree was recorded in plants headed back at 1.5 m. Similarly, fruit weight and yield per tree was also significantly higher in headed back trees than senile trees. Among headed back trees maximum average fruit weight and fruit yield was observed in 1.5 m headed back trees. Intensity of pruning also influenced the fruit yield and quality. The headed back trees pruned at 50 per cent level performed comparatively better than other pruning levels. Fruiting density was almost 2.5, 1.8 and 1.5 times higher in trees headed back at 1.5 m, 2.0 m and 2.5 m, respectively than senile trees. Total soluble solids and acidity of fruits was also improved with heading back of senile guava trees.

5 tables, 16 ref

021223   Binod Kumar;Singh G;Chandra Dev (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chandra Shekhar Azad Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Anaogi, Kannauj-209 733, Email: kvkbinodkr@gmail.com) : Effect of age of seedling, spacing and genotypes on growth and yield of paddy (Oryza sativa L.) under system of rice intensification. Res Envir Life Sci 2016, 9(1), 63-5.

Field experiments were conducted during two consecutive years of 2008-09 and 2010-11 at instructional farm of krishi vigyan kendra daleepnagar Ramabainagar formerly Kanpur Dehat UP India to study the effect of age of seedling, spacing and genotypes on growth and yield of Paddy (Oryza sativa L.) under system of rice intensification where genotype and age of seedling were assigned in main plot while spacing were allocated into sub plots under split plot design. Significant increase was observed for plant height, number of tillers/hill, days to 50 per cent flowering and panicle length with the use of 12 days old seedlings by PHB-71 genotype under 25 x 25 cm spacing. - 370 - Significantly higher growth attributes were obtained with the use of 12 days old seedlings of variety PHB- 71 under narrow transplanting as compared to rest of the treatments. Higher growth and yield attributing characters were resulted into significantly higher grain and straw yields of Paddy with the treatment combination of transplanting with 12 days old seedlings at 25 x 25 cm spacing under hybrid genotype and it was most remunerative and sustainable under Indo-gangetic plains of UP.

1 table, 18 ref

021222   Bain R P;Rai D P;Nayak S (NO, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, KATNI, Madya Pradesh, Email: rp_bain@rediffmail.com) : Role of information and communication technology (ICT) in agriculture for rural development. Flora Fauna 2017, 23(1), 3-8.

If authors want to convert our rural population into knowledge driven, progressive, self sufficient, self reliant, sustainable society, the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT's) cannot be ignored. Timely availability information is considered as most important factor in Indian agriculture. At present ICT is the technology of this millennium. Transferring the developed technology to all end users is time-consuming and tiresome task and is often not completed due to paucity of resources and lack of manpower. In India, agriculture and rural development has gained significantly from ICT due to its widespread extension and adoption. In this era of internet, ICT is committed to provide real, timely accurate authentic information to the farmers and rural peoples.

1 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

021221   Ansari J;Sharma C P;Sagar A (Agricultural Microbiology Dep, Chandra Shekhar Azad Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur-208 002, Email: jamal.ansari21@gmail.com) : Interactive effect of bio-fertilizers viz. rhizobium, PSB and VAM on nitrogen, phosphorus and protein content in lentil (Lens culinaris L.) crop. Res Envir Life Sci 2016, 9(1), 66-8.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of biofertilizers viz. Rhizobium, PSB and VAM in lentil (Lens culinaris L.) crop, in the - 369 - department of microbiology. In this experiment five treatment were taken as Un-inoculated (T₁), Rhizobium (T₂), PSB + Rhizobium (T₃), VAM + Rhizobium (T₄) and Rhizobium + PSB + VAM (T₅). The experiment was carried out during Rabi 2010 in 2.0 m2 plot size at pot culture house. The result of this study revealed that the least nitrogen content in grain and straw was found in uninoculated micro plat (T₁) whereas maximum nitrogen content was noticed in Rhizobium + PSB + VAM treated field (T₅). Lowest phosphorous content in grain and straw was found in uninoculated micro plat (T₁) whereas maximum nitrogen content was noticed in Rhizobium + PSB + VAM treated field (T₅). Least nitrogen uptake in grain and straw was found in uninoculated micro plat (T₁) whereas maximum nitrogen uptake was noticed in Rhizobium + PSB + VAM treated field (T₅). The lowest phosphorus uptake in grain and straw was found in uninoculated micro plat (T₁) whereas maximum phosphorus uptake was noticed in Rhizobium + PSB + VAM treated field (T₅). Least protein content in grain and straw was found in uninoculated micro plat (T₁) whereas maximum protein content was noticed in Rhizobium + PSB + VAM treated field (T₅). Therefore it was recommended that the interactive use of Rhizobium, PSB and VAM in the field was more efficient, productive and accessible to marginal and small farmers.

2 tables, 12 ref

021220   Anop Kumari;Goyal R K;Choudhary M;Sindhu S S (Horticulture Dep, College of Agriculture, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: anopflori.25@gmail.com) : Efficacy of microbial inoculants on reducing the phosphatic fertilizer in chrysanthemum. Res Envir Life Sci 2016, 9(1), 84-8.

The present investigated was conducted to investigate the potential effect of biofertilizers (mycorrhiza and PSB) and different levels of phosphorus (0, 10, 15 and 20 g/m2) on growth, yield and quality of chrysanthemum. The interaction effect of phosphorous levels and biofertilizers on plant spread was found to be significant in first year, while it was non-significant in second year. In first year (2011-12), the maximum plant spread (19.12 cm) was recorded with the application of PSB in combination of phosphorus 15 g/m2. The interaction effect of phosphorous levels and biofertilizers on number of branches/plant, number of days taken for first flowering, number of days taken for 50% flowering and fresh weight of flower were found to be non-significant in both the years of investigation. The interaction effect of phosphorous levels and biofertilizers on duration of flowering was found to be significant in first year, whereas, it was non-significant in second year. The longest flowering duration (45.67 days) was obtained with PSB in combination of phosphorus 15 g/m2 in first year. The interaction effects of phosphorous levels and biofertilizers on flower size was observed significant in first year, whereas, it was non-significant in second year. In first year (2011-12), the biggest flower (4.50 cm) was obtained with PSB + phosphorus 20 g/m2, which remained at par with PSB + phosphorus 15 g/m2 (4.41 cm). The maximum flower yield per plant (61.96 and 61.31 g) was recorded with PSB application along with phosphorus 15 g/m2, however, in first year, it was at par with mycorrhiza along with phosphorus 15 g/m2 (57.92 g).

8 tables, 20 ref

020273   Zuniga R M;Sampaio P T B;Junior V F V (Tropical Silviculture Dep, Amazonas Federal Univ - UFAM, Manaus, Brazil, Email: rafaelmarrazun@gmail.com) : Use of ethephon in the extraction of resin in two species of Protium burm f. and evaluation of its effect on hexane extract composition in Protium strumosum daly. J essential Oil Res 2017, 29(5), 361-6.

The genus Protium Burm f. (Burseraceae) is characterized by having species with the property of exuding resin from tree trunks. These resins have several popular uses. Besides that, they are being used in the cosmetic industry and in scientific studies. Considering the growing demand and the potential of this forest product, it is necessary to develop a sustainable management technique that increases the amount of resin obtained, without altering its quality. This could avoid the product running low on the market and the improper exploitation of trees in the forest, and could turn into a new source of income for extractivist communities. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the chemical stimulant ethephon on the resin production in two species of Protium at Ducke Forest Reserve, in Manaus, Central Amazonia, Brazil. Another objective was to verify the variation on the chemical composition of the resin hexane extract in Protium strumosum Daly, caused by the use of stimulant, by GC-FID and GC-MS. The use of ethephon enabled the resin extraction in both species. However, P. strumosum produced about nine times more resin than Protium hebetatum Daly. For P. strumosum, there was no significant variation in the composition of hexane extract of the resins extracted with the use of ethephon.

2 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

020272   Yogesh Kumar;Singh R;Anil Kumar;Dhaka A K (Agricultural Meteorology Dep, College of Agriculture (COA), CCSHAU, Hisar-125 004, Email: yogeshgujjar62@gmail.com) : Effect of growth and yield parameters on indian-mustard genotypes under varying environmental conditions in western Haryana. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2093-100.

An experiment was conducted in Rabi season of year 2014-15 at Research Farm, Department of Agril. Meteorology, CCSHAU Hisar, Haryana and field area was adjacent to agrometeorological observatory at 29° 10' N latitude, 75° 46' E longitude and altitude of 215.2 m with Split Plot Design as main plot treatments consisted of three date of sowing viz.26thOctober, 5thNovember, and 15th November and sub-plots consisted of three varieties (Kranti, RH 406 and RH 0749) with four replications. Various growth and yield parameters such as plant height, LAI, dry matter accumulation, partitioning and yield attributes were higher in 26thOctober sown crop as compared to 5th and 15th November at all the growth intervals. The crop sown on 26th October (1870.3 kg/ha) produced highest seed yield as compared to 5th (1525.5 kg/ha) and 15th November (1099.8 kg/ha). Among varieties, RH0749 recorded highest seed yield because LAI, biomass accumulates were performed better as compared to RH 406 and Kranti. There was significant interaction between growing environment and varieties - 400 - with respect to growth and yield parameters. From the above study it was concluded that normal or early sowing of Indian mustard may be practisized for achieving higher seed yield and improved growth and yield attributes in western Haryana conditions.

8 tables, 17 ref

020271   Yashavanth B S;Singh K N;Paul A K (NO, ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: yashavanthbs@gmail.com) : Genetic algorithm approach for estimation of parameters of vector autoregressive models under heteroscedasticity. Int J agric statist Sci 2017, 13(2), 615-21.

Forecasting is one of the core focuses of statisticians working in agricultural research. Obtaining timely as well as accurate forecasts under all possible circumstances is the need of the hour. Most of the forecasting techniques make one or the other assumptions limiting their applications. Vector Autoregression is one such widely used multivariate forecasting technique where homoscedasticity of errors is assumed for estimation of parameters by ordinary least square (OLS) method. This study proposes genetic algorithm (GA), a heuristic search algorithm, which does not make any such assumptions for estimating the parameters under such situation. The developed methodology is empirically validated using simulated bivariate vector autoregressive model of order 1 under heteroscedasticity. The relative error of parameter estimates and Mean Absolute Percentage Error have shown that GA performs better than OLS estimation under heteroscedasticity. The proposed methodology is also tested under homoscedasticity using bivariate data of fish landings. The results indicated that both GA and OLS are equally efficient in estimating the parameters.

4 illus, 10 tables, 10 ref

020270   Yarrakula M B;Santhakumar R;Deepthi A;Dana S S (Fisheries Extension Dep, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, Email: maheshbabu011@gmail.com) : Impact of ornamental fish culture training programmes on empowerment of beneficiaries in Tuticorin district of Tamilnadu. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(4), 707-10.

The study was conducted among trainees who were trained on the ornamental fish culture in Fisheries College and Research Institute, Thoothukudi. To study the socio-personal characteristics of the ornamental fish culture trainees this research was done in three blocks of the Thoothukudi district of Tamilnadu viz., Thoothukudi block, Srivaikundam and Alwarthirunagari. A sample size of 120 trainees was selected from these blocks by using Proportionate Random Sampling Technique. The respondents were interviewed by using the interview schedule consists of six independent variables. It was observed that about two-fifths of the respondents were found in the category of - 399 - middle aged. Regarding educational status, middle school level of education was the predominant category. A majority of the respondents had nuclear family and more than three- fourths had up to 5 members in their family. The majority of the trainees were unemployed, but their whole family income was considered. Among all the respondents, more than half of them had medium level income. Among all the respondents, more than half of them had medium level income. Most of the trainees were interested in watching television. In case of knowledge, a majority had medium level knowledge on ornamental fish culture.

4 tables, 10 ref

020269   Yadav S;Sharma H K;Siddiqui A U;Sharma S K (Nematology Dep, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap Univ of Agriculture, Udaipur-31300, Email: yadav91saroj@gmail.com) : In vitro mass production of Steinernema carpocapsae in different artificial media. Indian J Nematol 2016, 46(2), 203-4.

^ssc1 table, 5 ref

020268   Wani S A;Wani M A;Mehraj S;Padder B A;Chand S (Soil Science Div, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences a, Wadura, Sopore-193 201, Email: drsartajsoil@gmail.com) : Organic farming: Present status, scope and prospects in northern India. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2272-9.

Organic agriculture has emerged as an important priority area globally in view of the growing consciousness for safe and healthy food, long term sustainability and environmental concerns despite being contentious in history. Green revolution although paved way for developing countries in self-sufficiency of food but sustaining production against the limited natural resource base demands has shifted steadily from "resource degrading" chemical agriculture to "resource protective" organic agriculture. The essential concept remains the same, i.e., to go back to the arms of nature and take up organic farming to restore the loss. Organic farming emphasizes on rotating crops, managing pests, diversifying crops and livestock and improving the soil. The rainfed areas particularly north-eastern regions where least or no utilization of chemical inputs due to poor resources provides considerable opportunity for promotion of organic farming thereby reflecting its vast but unexplored scope. However, significant barriers like yield reduction, soil fertility enhancement, integration of livestock, marketing and policy etc., arise at both macroscopic and microscopic levels; making practically impossible the complete adoption of 'pure organic farming'; rather some specific area can be diverted to organic farming and thus a blend of organic and other innovative farming systems is needed. Adoption of Integrated Green Revolution Farming can be possible to a large extent, where the basic trends of green revolution are retained with greater efficiency and closer compatibility to the environment. This review paper attempts to present the recent global and regional scenario of organic farming particularly highlighting the scope, prospects and constraints in the northern areas.

1 illus, 1 table, 67 ref

020267   Vipin Kumar;Chaudhary V P;Dharmendra Kumar; Ajay Kumar;Sagar S;Chaudhary S (Plant Pathology Dep, Narendra Dev Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad-224 229, Email: vipinsre489@gmail.com) : Efficacy of botanicals and fungicides against Rhizoctonia solani inciting sheath blight disease in rice (Oryza sativa L.). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 1916-20.

Among the fungal diseases, sheath blight, caused by multinucleate Rhizoctoniasolani Kuhn (teleomorph: Thanatephorus cucumeris Donk), a ubiquitous pathogen, is an important fungal disease of rice ranking only after blast and often rivalling it. The potential losses due to sheath blight alone in India has been up to 51.3%. In this study an attempt was made to investigate the antifungal efficacy of botanicals viz., neem (Azadirachtaindica), tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), garlic (Allium sativum), onion (Allium cepa), ginger (Zingiberofficinale) and various fungicides namely mancozeb, propiconazole, hexaconazole, carbendazim, and copper oxychlorideagainst Rhizoctoniasolani in vitro by poison food technique. R. solani was allowed to grow at 5%, 10% concentrations of botanicals and at 200, 500, 1000ppm of fungicides amended potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. The effect of botanicals and fungicides on mycelial growth inhibition was recorded after 36, 48 and 72 post hrs inoculation (phi). It was observed that bulb extract of Allium sativum and rhizome extract of Zingier officinal suppressed the mycelial growth (80.19 and 76.32, respectively) @ 10% followed by leaf extract of Azadirachtaindica (72.78%) after 72 phi. Among the fungicides, the complete fungal growth inhibition was observed in propiconazole and carbendazim fungicides amended medium.

4 tables, 28 ref

020266   Vinod Kumar;Verma K K;Anil Kumar (Nematology Dep, Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: kkv1959@gmail.com) : Development of life cycle of Meloidogyne graminicola on scented and non-scented rice. Indian J Nematol 2016, 46(2), 172-4.

^ssc1 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

020265   Vikram Kumar;Hooda V S;Nandal D P;Sunil Kumar;Gupta G (Agronomy Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: vikgadi@gmail.com) : Influence of different transplanting date and weed management practices on yield and quality of basmati rice (pusa basmati-1509). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 1958-61.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2014 at students' farm of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, college of agriculture, Kaul (Kaithal). The experiment consisted of four transplanting dates (June 15, July 5, July 25 and August 15) in main plots and six weed control treatments in sub plots treatments consisted of pre-emergence - 397 - application of pretilachlor, oxadiargyl alone and sequential application of pre and post emergence herbicides viz., pretilachlor fb bispyribac, oxadiargyl fb bispyribac, weed free check and unweeded check. Based on research investigation it was observed that early transplanting dates (June 15 and July 5) produced taller plant, higher tillers/m² and crop dry matter accumulation at all growth stages. Early transplanting produced significantly higher number of effective tillers/m² (263) along with higher number of filled grain/ panicle (85) than delayed planting (July 25 and August 15). The 1000-grain weight was not affected by time of transplanting. The highest grain yield (4363 kg/ha) was recorded under June 15 transplanting which was statistically at par to the grain yield (4058 kg/ha) obtained under July 5 transplanting. Among the weed management practices tried, weed free check resulted in the highest values of plant height (104.2 cm), tillers/m² (305), crop dry matter accumulation (964 g/ m²), effective tillers/m² (271), grains length (8.5 cm), filled grains/panicle (86.3) as well as grain (4516 kg/ha) and straw yield (5506 kg/ha) which were however, comparable to pre-emergence application of oxadiargyl followed by bispyribac-sodium applied at 25 DAT and pretilachlor followed by bispribac-sodium at 25DAT.

2 tables, 5 ref

020264   Vikas Kumar;Dhaliwal R K;Singh C;Manmeet Kaur (Extension Education Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 001, Email: vikas0680@gmail.com) : Perception of farmers regarding the effect of climate change on agriculture. Indian J For 2016, 39(2), 117-20.

The present paper analyses the awareness of farmers regarding effects of climate change on agriculture and various suggestions strategies by them to overcome this effect in agriculture sector. The study was conducted in Punjab state ' and 270 farmers were selected for the study from the three different zones of the state. The data were collected through a well structured interview schedule. Majority of the farmers perceived to a Aware or Have you heard the word climate change, Do you know about the Occurrence of cold waves, heat waves, heavy fog, precipitation and change in temperature due to green house gases, Milk yield is reduced, The suggestion strategies as suggested by them included the. Environmental education to farmers, new irrigation techniques, Change in body temperature affects metabolic activity of the animals and Animal (Buffalo and Cow) growth is affected.

3 tables, 10 ref

020263   Vijay S;Bhuvaneswari K (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: entovijay@gmail.com) : Comparative development of sorghum, redgram and rice breeding population of Sitophilus oryzae (L.) feeding on cereals and split redgram dhal. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2507-10.

Rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L.) mainly attacks whole grains such as wheat, corn, barley and rice and have been found actively breeding in such foods. The host range of S. oryzae now extended to split pulses. An experiment was carried out at the Entomology Laboratory, TNAU, Coimbatore during 2014-2015 to study the comparative development of sorghum, redgram and rice breeding population of S. oryzae feeding on cereals and split redgram dhal. The assessed parameters were survival percentage, per cent mortality and F1 progeny. The per cent mortality was higher in sorghum breeding population while feeding on redgram (98.33%) and rice (44.67%). In case of redgram breeding population per cent mortality was maximum in rice (21.67%) and sorghum (19.67%). The survival percentage was maximum in sorghum population while feeding on sorghum (95%). F1 progeny emergence of sorghum breeding population was higher while feeding on sorghum (75.67%) and rice (36.67%). In case redgram breeding population F1 progeny emergence was maximum in redgram (62.33%) and sorghum (15.33%), whereas in rice breeding population maximum progeny emergence was observed in rice (72.33%) and sorghum (65.67%). The cereal bred population did not survive on redgram, whereas redgram bred population able to survive on cereals, but the progeny emergence and their development was affected.

1 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

020262   Vijay Kumar;Singh S K;Malik V K;Vishwakarma A K;Gupta V;Mahajan V (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: v.k9181@gmail.com) : Analysis of genetic diversity among tropical and subtropical maize inbred lines using SSR markers. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2427-33.

Genetic diversity of 24 tropical and subtropical elite maize lines was assessed at molecular level employ-ing 42 Simple Sequence Repeats. A total of 107 alleles with an average of 2.55 alleles per locus were detected. The Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) values of 42 SSR loci ranged from 0.08 (UMC1428) to 0.68 (UMC2189 and UMC2332) with the overall calculated PIC mean value of 0.44, whereas the Discrimination Rate (DR) value for SSR markers ranged from 0.09 (UMC2089) to 0.42 (UMC1311) with the average DR value of 0.26. Pair-wise genet-ic similarity (GS) values, calculated by Jaccard's coefficients, ranged between 0.25 and 0.78 with a mean genetic similarity of 0.63, indicating the existence of adequate amount of genetic divergence among the genotypes selected for the study. The cluster dendrogram separated all the inbred lines into six main clusters with sub clusters based on genetic similarity. Factorial analysis also confirmed a nearly similar pattern for grouping these inbred lines as pre-sented by cluster dendrogram. In this study, SSR markers were found to be powerful tool for detection of genetic diversity in maize inbred lines. These findings could provide information for effective utilization of these materials for development of maize hybrids as well as for genetic improvement of inbred lines.

3 illus, 2 tables, 39 ref

020261   Verma P;Maurya S K;Yadav H;Panchbhaiya A (Vegetable Science Dep, College of Agriculture, G.B. Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: priyankavrm10@gmail.com) : Determination of genetic divergence in - 395 - pointed gourd by principal component and non-hierarchical euclidean cluster analysis. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2421-6.

The present investigation was carried out at Vegetable Research Centre, Pantnagar to estimate the ge-netic divergence using Mahalanobis D² statistics for twelve characters on 35 genotypes of pointed gourd. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to identify the most discerning trait responsible for greater variability in the lines and on the basis of mean performance, genotypes were classified into different groups. Five principal components (PC) have been extracted using the mean performance of the genotypes and 83.23 per cent variation is yielded by the first five principal components, among them high mean positive value or higher weight age was obtained was obtained for days to first female flower anthesis and days to first fruit harvest among all the vectors, indicates that these traits are important component of genetic divergence in pointed gourd. Non- hierarchical Euclidean cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into seven clusters and the highest number of genotypes were found in cluster number IV i.e. eleven whereas maximum inter-cluster distance was found between the cluster III and VI i.e. 74.250, it indicates that a wide range of genetic divergence is present between the genotypes present among these two clusters. And as per contribution toward total divergence, traits like fruit yield per hectare and number of fruit per plant contributed 92.64% toward total divergence. The high diversity found in the genotypes showed its great potential for improving qualitative as well as quantitative traits in pointed gourd.

3 illus, 5 tables, 31 ref

020260   Verma A;Singh J;Kumar V;Kharab A S;Singh G P (Statistics and Computer center, ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal-132 001, Email: verma.dwr@gmail.com) : Non parametric measures to estimate GxE interaction of dual purpose barley genotypes for grain yield under multi-location trials. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2332-7.

GxE interaction of seventeen dual purpose barley genotypes evaluated at ten major barley locations of the country by non parametric methods. Non parametric measures had been well established and expressed ad-vantages over their counter parts i.e. parametric measures. Simple descriptive measures based on the ranks of gen-otypes i.e. Mean of ranks (MR) pointed towards RD2925 and BH1008 and standard deviation of ranks (SD) for KB1401 and UPB1054 whereas Coefficient of variation (CV) for JB322 and RD2925 as stable genotypes. Nonpara-metric measures based on original values (S_i¹, S_i², S_i³, S_i⁴, S_i⁵, S_i⁶, S_i⁷) indicated the stable performance of NDB1650, JB322 and UPB1054 while UPB1053, RD2715, RD2927 and RD2035 were observed of unstable nature. CS_i¹, CS_i², CS_i³, CS_i⁴, CS_i⁵, CS_i⁶ and CS_i⁷ measures based on the ranks of corrected grain yield identified JB322, RD2552, RD2925 and NDB1650 as stable genotypes. Spearman's rank correlation established highly significant positive correlation of yield with SD (0.67), S_i¹(0.65), S_i²(0.59), S_i⁵(0.68), S_i⁷(0.67) whereas negative association observed for CMR (Mean of corrected ranks) (-0.62), CMed (Median of corrected ranks) (-0.60). NP_i⁽²⁾ expressed negative correlation with CV(-0.32), S_i⁶ (-0.30), CMR(-0.34) and CMed(-0.48). More over NP_i⁽³⁾ maintained negative correlation with most of the measures though the magnitude was of low magnitude.

1 illus, 4 tables, 21 ref

020259   Venkatesh R;Yadav D K K;Chandraju S (Studies in Sugar Technology Dep, Sir M. Vishweshwaraya Post-graduate Center, Mysore Univ, Tubinakere, Mandya-571 402) : Quantitative estimation of reducing sugar by acid hydrolysis of sapota (Manilkara achras) peels by standard methods. Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(1), 44-7.

Sapota is a wonderful gift by the nature commonly called as chickoo, it having a combined flavour of brown and beat sugar. It has a short shelf life fruit but having several medicinal properties due to the presence of polyphenols, ascorbic acid, etc. sapota has been part of human diet but while consumption of these fruit some of them are through outer skin it may leads to environmental pollution. Sapota (Manilkara achras) is polysaccharide source that can be converted in to reducing sugar. In a temperature of 75°C it can be hydrolyzed using sulphuric acid. It was observed t hat the degradation has significant effect with respect by varying time (60, 90 minutes) and concentration of (Sulphuric acid and Hydrochloric acid). In turn sugar yield is around 40-50%, each which is estimated by Bertrand's, Benedict's, and Lane-Eynon methods.

4 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref

020258   Vaja A D;Patel J B;Daki R N;Chauhan S A (Seed Science and Technology Dep, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural Univ, (Junagadh-362 001vajaarpana9@gmail.com) : Effect of nitrogen and plant growth regulators on seed yield per plant and seed quality parameters in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2338-43.

The present investigation on effect of nitrogen [N₀ (Control), N₁ (50 kg N/ha), N₂ (100 kg N/ha), and N₃ (150 kg N/ ha)] and plant growth regulators [G₀ (Control), G₁ (50 ppm GA₃), G₂ (50 ppm NAA) and G₃ (500 ppm Cycocel)] on seed yield per plant and seed quality parameters in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) cv. GJB 3 was carried out at the Instructional Farm, Department of Agronomy, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during kharif 2015-16. The experiment was laid out in field as per randomized block design (Factorial) with three replications. The seed harvested from 16 different treatments combinations replicated thrice from the field were analyzed in the laboratory following completely randomized design (factorial) for various seed quality parameters. Application of nitrogen @ 150 kg N/ha recorded significantly (P<60>0.05) highest seed yield per plant, shoot fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot dry weight and vigour index - 2 (mass), while application of 100 kg N/ha resulted in significantly (P<60>0.05) highest germination percentage, root length, shoot length, root fresh weight and vigour index - 1 (length). Application of GA₃ at 50 ppm recorded significantly the highest seed yield per plant, germination percentage, root length, shoot length, root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, vigour index - 1 (length) and vigour index - 2 (mass). Among the 16 different treatment combinations, nitrogen @ 150 kg/ha and GA₃ 50 ppm noted the maximum seed yield per plant, shoot dry weight and vigour index - 2 (mass), while significantly the maxi-mum germination percentage, root length, shoot length, root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight and vigour index - 1 (length) were registered in treatment combination nitrogen 100 kg N/ha and GA₃ @ 50 ppm. Therefore, it is advised that application of 100-150 kg of N/ha as a nitrogenous fertilizer and spray GA₃ @ 50 ppm (G₁) at 45 days after transplanting helps in increasing the seed yield per plant and seed quality parameters in brinjal seed production.

1 table, 13 ref

020257   Vaish S S;Pandey S K;Prasad L C (Mycology and Plant Pathology Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: shyam_saran@rediffmail.com) : Biomass of Meloidogyne graminicola and associated roots: a determinant to symptom production in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Indian J Nematol 2016, 46(2), 88-96.

The biomass of invading developing stages Meloidogyne grminicola (219μg) 27 days after sowing in variety JB-206 of - 393 - barley increased to 2743 μg on 79th day when adult females were in advance egg laying stage with an increase of approximately 125-fold. Such plants exhibited acute stunting without heading. The nematode-to-root biomass ratios were inversely proportional to the degree of symptoms. Plants died at a ratio of 1:227 with severe stunting, yellowing and wilting, whereas, symptoms changed markedly at ratios less than 1: 1878, however, the ratios greater than this did not show severe symptoms. Reduction in shoot biomass and its length was associated with symptoms advancement. Restriction of growth stages was also noticed with increase in nematode biomass and symptoms severity and it was up to seedling stage having high nematode biomass, although, comparatively healthy plants of the same age were advanced to tillering stage.

6 tables, 26 ref

020256   Usman J;Singh P K;Singh O P;Singh H P;Bakari U M (Agricultural Economics Dep, Institute of Agricultural sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: jalaluddeen4u@gmail.com) : Resource use efficiency of rain-fed maize in Jaunpur district, India. Int J agric statist Sci 2017, 13(2), 567-74.

Present study was an attempt to find out the resource use efficiency for rain-fed maize cultivation in Jaunpur district, India. Study uses primary data and data was collected from 140 randomly selected rain-fed maize growers using pre-tested schedule. Stochastic frontier production model was applied; using Cobb-Douglas production function to determine the production elasticity coefficients of inputs, technical efficiency (TE), allocative efficiency (AE) as well as the economic efficiency (EE). The study revealed that rain-fed maize output responds positively to increase infarm size, family labour, agro-chemicals and fertilizer. The mean TE was 77 per cent suggesting that farmers could still improve their technical efficiency by 23 per cent. While the mean AE was estimated at 64 per cent, indicating that an average farmer in the study area has scope for increasing allocative efficiency by 36 per cent in the short-run under the existing technology. In terms of economic efficiency, farmers were 49 per cent efficient. The inefficiency model shows that parameters such as family size, extension contact, availability of credit, farming experience and education have positive impact on efficiency. The study suggests that modern farm implements such as tractor should be used to reduce drudgery associated with simple farm tools and to increase farm size per farmer. Extension service unit should also be strengthened by employing and training more staff to reach out to farmers as this will increase farm yield.

6 tables, 18 ref

020255   Trombin-Souza M;Trombin-Souza M;Amaral W; Pascoalino J A L;Oliveira R A;Bizzo H R;Deschamps C (Graduate Program in Agronomy, Federal Univ of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil, Email: cicero@ufpr.br) : Chemical composition of the essential oils of Baccharis species from southern Brazil: a comparative study using multivariate statistical analysis. J essential Oil Res 2017, 29(5), 400-6.

Baccharis articulata Pers., Baccharis trimera (Less) DC., Baccharis milleflora DC., Baccharis oblongifolia Pers., Baccharis anomala DC., Baccharis calvescens DC., Baccharis uncinella DC., Baccharis axillaris DC., Baccharis mesoneura DC. and Baccharis myriocephala DC. essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation. Using gas chromatography/flame ionization detector (GC-FID), a total of 48 constituents were identified, representing for 70.3-96.7% of the chemical composition. The yield of essential oil from fresh leaf ranged from 0.02% (B. myriocephala) to 1.89% (B. uncinella). Limonene was the main constituent in all species, while α-thujene, α-pinene, sabinene, β-pinene, myrcene, p-cymene, limonene, (E)-β-ocimene, γ-terpinene, spathulenol and α- cadinol were identified in all samples. Principal Components Analysis and Cluster Analysis revealed that chemical similarity was highest for B. calvescens, B. myriocephala, B. trimera, B. milleflora, B. anomala, B. oblongifolia, B. articulata and B. uncinella.

2 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

020254   Thakur N;Thakur R;Khan M L (Zoology Dep, Akal college of Agriculture, Eternal Univ, Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, Email: neelam.panwar2@gmail.com) : Plant parasitic nematodes associated with carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) grown under protected condition in Himachal Pradesh. Indian J Nematol 2016, 46(2), 164-5.

^ssc2 tables, 6 ref

020253   Tewari A;Mittal A;Singh N (Forestry and Environmental Science Dep, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun Univ, Nainital, Uttarakhand, Email: amitforestry26@gmail.com) : Seed maturation timing in Quercus leucotrichophora A. camus along an altitudinal gradient maturation timing in Uttarakhand Himalaya. Envir Conserv J 2017, 18(3), 53-9.

Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus is a dominant forest forming species in Central Himalayan region between 1600 and 2100 m elevation. The species is under severe anthropogenic pressure and failing to regenerate in its natural environment. Climatic irregularities may further aggravate the problem as acorn ripening time may shift. Acorns of Q. leucotrichophora were collected from three sites located along the altitudinal limits of the species to determine the acorn maturation time. Across the sites the mean weight of acorns between the first and final collection ranged from 9.3±2.2 gm to 21.6±2.1. Inspite of variation in moisture content initial germination commenced at the same time across the sites. Maximum acorn germination was between 56.7±1.2 and 59.6±0.6%. The mean acorn size was larger at the lower elevation site than higher elevation site across the collection dates. The change in acorn colour from green to dark brown, the removal of acorns cap with ease and acorn moisture content between 36.4±0.8 - 37.6±1.2% at the time of maximum germination appear to be reliable indication of maturity. Comparison with an earlier study indicates that acorns are now maturing earlier which can be severely affects its regeneration potential.

1 illus, 3 tables, 28 ref

020252   Tavakoli S;Yassa N;Delnavazi M R;Akhbari M; Hadjiakhoondi A;Hajimehdipoor H;Khalighi-Sigaroodi F;Hajiaghaee R (Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran, Email: rhajiaghaee@yahoo.com) : Chemical composition and biological activities of the essential oils from different parts of Ferulago trifida Boiss. J essential Oil Res 2017, 29(5), 407-19.

As a result of GC and GC-MS analysis of the essential oils from different parts of Ferulago trifida Boiss., a total of thirty-three compounds were identified in - 391 - the flowers (Fl), stems (S), leaves (L) and fruits (Fr) essential oils, of which (E)-β-ocimene (Fl: 37.3, S: 20.7, L: 25.7, Fr: 30.5%), α-pinene (Fl: 16.3, S: 22.6, L: 19.6, Fr: 18.0%) and bornyl acetate (Fl: 9.4, S: 8.5, L: 16.7, Fr: 11.0%) were main compounds. Among the thrity-eight compounds identified in the roots essential oil, suberosin (20.7%), β-barbatene (6.6%) and cuparene (6.1%) were main compounds. All essential oils exhibited weak DPPH free radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀: 95-120 μg ml^-1). Among the tested samples flowers, fruits and roots essential oils by 72.1, 78.7 and 74.3% inhibition of Ach Enzyme, respectively, exhibited considerable AChE inhibitory effects in Elman method. They had moderate cytotoxic activity (IC₅₀: 15-55 μg ml^-1) on cancerous cell lines (MCF-7, A-549 and HT-29) in MTT assay.

5 illus, 6 tables, 42 ref

020251   Tadigiri S;Chawla G;Krishnan P (Nematology Dep, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: gchawla@iari.res.in) : Effect of radiofrequency waves on root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Indian J Nematol 2016, 46(2), 126-39.

Thermal death kinetics of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita was determined using a hot-water bath at temperature range of 45-60°C. Minimum time required to kill 100% second stage juveniles (J2s) decreased with the increase in temperature; it was 2 min for 55°C and 1 min for 60°C treatments. Minimum hatching (1.02%) was recorded at 60°C for 4 min treatment. Treatment of egg masses and J2s to three radio frequencies (RF) viz. 13, 27 and 42 MHz showed that the effect of 27 and 42 MHz on inhibition of the egg hatch and mortality was statistically at par and better than that of 13 MHz treatment. The thermogram of tuberose after RF heating at 27 MHz showed that the rise of temperature was not uniform throughout the bulb tissues. Often the rise of temperature was more in the narrower part (point of emergence of shoot) of the bulbs compared to the broader equatorial region. RF heating also resulted in the higher temperature at the centre of the bulb compared to its peripheral regions. The bulbs of tuberose, treated at 27 MHz RF (1.2 kW power) for 8 and 10 min showed delayed germination and poor plant growth compared to untreated bulbs. Maximum 85% inhibition in hatching of eggs recovered from RF-treated infected-bulbs of tuberose could be achieved.

3 illus, 6 tables, 21 ref

020250   Swetha Kumari M;Rao P C;Padmaja G;Ramulu V; Saritha J D;Ramakrishna K (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, College of Agriculture Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultu, Telangana, Email: swethassac92@gmail.com) : Effect of bio and nano phosphorus on yield, yield attributes and oil content of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea. I). Envir Conserv J 2017, 18(3), 21-6.

Leguminous crops suffer severely in soils poor in phosphorus. The experiment was conducted in college form college of agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad to explore the effect of Bio and Nano P fertilizer (soil application of bio and nano P @65 kg ha^-1and foliar application of bio Phosphorus @2 and 4ml l^-1 and nano Phosphorus @1 and 2ml l^-1respectively) in terms of yield and yield attributes and quality of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L). DAP was applied as basal dose,while bio and nano phosphorus was applied according to the treatments.Concerning the main effects, bio phosphorus proved superior or equivalent to nano phosphorus gave the greatest values for yield and yield parameters.

4 tables, 13 ref

020249   Sunita Devi T;Mahanta B;Borah A (Nematology Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat-785 013, Email: bornalimahanta675@gmail.com) : Comparative efficacy of Glomus fasciculatum, Trichoderma harzianum, carbofuran and carbendazim in management of Meloidogyne incognita and Rhizoctonia solani disease complex on brinjal. Indian J Nematol 2016, 46(2), 161-4.

- 390 - ^ssc2 ta

020248   Suman;Verma U (Mathematics Dep, Statistics and Physics, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: vermas21@hotmail.com) : State space modelling and forecasting of sugarcane yield in Haryana, India. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2036-42.

Box and Jenkins' Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models are widely used for analyzing and forecasting the time-series data. In this approach, the underlying parameters are assumed to be constant however the data in agriculture are generally collected over time and thus have the time-dependency in parameters. Such data can be analyzed using state space (SS) procedures by the application of Kalman filtering technique. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the usefulness of state space models in sugarcane yield forecasting and to pro-vide some empirical evidence for its superiority over the classical time-series analysis. ARIMA and state space models individually could provide the suitable relationship(s) to reliably forecast the sugarcane yield in Karnal, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar and Panipat districts of Haryana (India). However, the state space models with lower error metrics showed the superiority over ARIMA models for this empirical study. The sugarcane yield forecasts based on SS models in the districts under consideration showed good agreement with State Department of Agriculture (DOA) yields by showing 3-6 percent average absolute deviations.

1 illus, 6 tables, 21 ref

020247   Sultan S M (NO, ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Regional Station Srinagar, Srinagar-190 007, Email: sheikhmsultan@gmail.com) : Genetic variability ini some agro-morphological traits of Brassica rapa L. (brown sarson) germplasm characterized under rainfed conditions of Kashmir, India. J appl nat Sci 0000, 9(4), 2344-9.

Thirty Six Brassica rapa L. (Brown sarson) genotypes were characterized during two successive seasons of 2013/14 and 2014/15 along with two national checks (Puas Kalyani and GSL-2) and one local check variety (Shalimar-1) to assess the extent of variability and amount of variation in agro-morphological traits of plant height, number of primary branches/plant, days to 50% flowering, number of seeds/siliqua, seed yield/plant and 1000-seed weight. Important traits of plant height varied from 58.35 cm - 95.36 cm, seed yield/plant from 3.840 g - 18.470 g and 1000-seed weight from 2.746 g - 4.377 g. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences at 0.05 level of probability among different genotypes for these characters during a particular year while differences were non-significant in all the traits excepting days to 50% flowering when data of the two years was compared. Highest variability, phenotypic coefficient of variation (33.89%) and genotypic coefficient of variation (30.99%) were recorded for the trait seed yield/plant. High heritability coupled with high to moderate per cent genetic advance was recorded for seed yield/plant and 1000-seed weight indicating that these traits can be improved through simple selection. Moderate heritability with low genetic advance was observed in all other traits suggesting greater influence of environment. Promising donor genotypes for all these traits have been identified for possible utilization in breeding programmes in the region.

6 tables, 24 ref

020246   Sudharshan Reddy R;Ramachandra C T (Processing and Food Engineering Dep, College of Agricultural Engineering, Univ of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka-584 104, Email: r.sudharshanreddy@gmail.com) : Physico-chemical properties of osmanabadi goat milk. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(4), 799-801.

The objective of the investigation was to study the physic-chemical properties of Osmanabadi goat milk. All these properties were analyzed using standard methods. The values of physico-chemical properties of Osmanabadi goat milk viz., moisture content, solids not fat, fat, protein, lactose, ash, pH, titrarable acidity, colour (L*, a* and b*) and water activity were 87.20 ±0.66%, 9.18 ±0.30%, 4.12 ±0.35%, 3.98 ±0.19%, 4.35 ±0.22%, 0.85 ±0.03%, 6.75 ±0.07, 0.15 ±0.01%, 86.43 ±1.04 (L*), -2.88 ±0.46 (a*), 9.03 ±0.46 (b*) and 0.95 ±0.01, respectively. The results of all these properties were good consistent with many studies.

1 table, 20 ref

020245   Subha Lakshmi C;Reddy A P K (Agronomy Dep, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, ANGRAU, Hyderabad, Email: cslagro2410@gmail.com) : Soil available nutrient status as influenced by organic sources and fertilizer levels in hybrid rice. Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(1), 40-3.

A two year field study was conducted at College Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad to study the effect of organic sources and fertilizer levels on soil available nutrient status at different stages of crop growth in hybrid rice during kharif 2009 and 2010.The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The treatments included organic manures (control - no organic manuring, subabul incorporation @ 5 t ha^-1, rice straw incorporation @ 2.5 t ha^-1) as main plot treatments and fertilizer levels comprising of N:K₂O kg ha^-1 (150:75, 175:50, 175:25, 200:50, 200:25, 225:0) as sub plot treatments. The results revealed that among the organic sources, incorporation of subabul @ 5 t ha^-1 recorded the highest available N P K status. Available N status was the highest with application of 225:0 N: K₂O kg ha^-1 while 150:75 N: K₂O kg ha^-1 recorded the highest available P and K status. Interaction effect was found significant on available nitrogen status. The highest available N status was recorded with incorporation of subabul @ 5 t ha^-1 + 225:0 N: K₂O kg ha^-1.

5 tables, 13 ref

020244   Srivastava A K;Singh A K (NO, SMM Town PG College, Ballia-277 001, Email: singhanil80@gmail.com) : Growth, yield and nutrient uptake of hybrid rice as influenced bny nutrient management modules and its impact on economic of the treatments. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2414-20.

Field experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm of Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad to develop nutrient management modules for efficient cultivation of hybrid rice. Results showed that growth and yield characters viz. plant height, number of tilers and panicles per hills were high-est under nutrient management module of 100% NPK + 5 t press mud (T₃). Significantly higher grain and straw yield was recorded under treatment T₃ over all the treatment except treatment T₁, T₂, T₄, T₅ and T₆ which were recorded on par. Uptake of NPKS and Zn was significantly improved under treatments having organic manure along with inorganic levels (100%, 75% and 50% NPK) of fertilizer over alone levels of - 388 - inorganic fertilizer. NPKS and Zn uptake was higher in treatment module T₃ followed by treatment T₂ (100% NPK + 10 t FYM ha^-1). The net return Rs. 27373.70 ha^-1 and 26087.0 ha^-1 and benefit: cost ratio (1.53 and 1.45) was maximum in treatment T₃ closely followed by T₂. Findings of this study warranted that treatment module T₃ resulted higher growth and yield of rice crop. Net return was also higher in this treatment.

5 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

020243   Srinivasan J;Vijayakumar A;Srimathi P (Seed Science and Technology Dep, Adhiparasakthi Agricultural College, Kalavai, Email: basavanneppa6@gmail.com) : Influence of seed treatment, storage containers and storage periods on storability of the female parent of tomato coth 2. Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(1), 143-9.

A laboratory experiment was conducted in department of Seed Science and Technology, Tamilnadu Agricultural University to evaluate the effect of different seed coating materials and storage containers on germination, seedling vigour and suitability of packaging material for tomato seed. Seed of tomato hybrid COTH2 was used for coating purpose with 5 coating treatments viz., T1 (control), T2 (Polymer coating i.e. Polykote @ 3 ml kg^-1 of seed diluted with 5 ml of water Coating the seed with Polymer (Pink poly coat @ 3g kg^-1 + 2 ml of water) [P]), T3 ( [P] + Slurry treatment with Carbendazim (Bevistin) @ 2 g kg -1 of seed using 5 ml water ), T4 ([P] + Slurry treatment with Imidachloprid @ 2 ml kg^-1 of seed using 5 ml of water), T5 ((P) + Slurry treatment with Carbendazim (Bevistin) + Imidachloprid @ 2 g + 2 ml kg^-1 of seed using 5ml of water). The treated seeds were stored in three types of containers i.e Polyethylene bags (300 gauge), Plastic containers, Poly laminated aluminum foil pouches and the monthly observation on germination and seedling vigour were recorded. Among the seed treatments maximum germination percentage was recorded in T5 ((P) + Slurry treatment with Carbendazim (Bevistin) + Imidachloprid @ 2 g + 2 ml kg^-1 of seed using 5ml of water), which was significantly higher than rest of the treatments. After 10 months of the storage Polythene laminated aluminum foil pouches recorded the maximum germination percentage and vigour index.

3 tables, 7 ref

020242   Srinivasan J;Srimathi P (Seed Science and Technology Dep, Adhiparasakthi Agricultural College, Kalavai, Email: basavanneppa6@gmail.com) : Standardization of seed treatment and potting mixture for production of tomato seedlings in portray nursery. Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(1), 138-42.

Studies were conducted with tomato cv.CO₃ on evaluation of seed and nursery management techniques for production of elite seedlings - 387 - for transplanting. Studies on individual performance of seed fortification technique, seed coating technique, media and biocontrol agents and biofertilizers for portray nursery and their combination of the best revealed that seed designed as ZnSO₄ (1%) priming and coated with pink polymer (3%) along with pesticides viz., bavistin @ 2g+ imidachloprid (1ml) and sown in portrays filled with mixture of vermicompost + coirpith (in equal volume) and added with pseudomonas + Azophos @ 10g per kg of seed produced elite seedlings which had 19% and 16.5% higher germination and biomass production.

6 tables, 9 ref

020241   Solanki P D;Patel M S;Prajapati N N (Centre for Crop Improvement, S.D. Agricultural Univ, Sardarkrushinagar-385 506) : Heterosis for grain yield components in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L) R.Br]. Gujarat Agric Univ Res J 2017, 42(2), 60-5.

An experiment comprised of 70 genotypes consisting of 54 hybrids resulting from Line x Tester mating design involving 15 parental line and standard check (GHB-558) was conducted at Center for Crop Improvement, S.D.Agricultural University, Saradarkhushinagar (Gujarat) during kharif-2014 for studying the extent of hybrid vigour in F₁ for grain yield and its components. The hybrid ICMA-96333 X J-2454 show significant positive relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for harvest index and protein content and also showed significant positive standard heterosis for Zn content and hybrid JMSA-20072 x J-2512 showed significant positive standard heterosis for Fe content. The significant economic heterosis in desirable direction was observed in most of the high heterotic hybrid of a grain yield per plant number of effective tillers per plant and Zn content which indicating that the maximum contribution of this character towards yield heterosis.

2 tables, 22 ref

020240   Solanki K;Singh V;Bhadauria S (Botany Dep, R.B.S. College, Agra, Email: kavitas_11@rediffmail.com) : Comparative response on the growth of the tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) under fertilizer treatment based on on-site soil testing. Envir Conserv J 2017, 18(3), 39-44.

With the ever increasing demand for increasing the productivity per unit area and the narrowing cost benefit ratio has made the farmer more sensitive to the soil fertility status and soil health. Focus on the existing soil testing methods used to test the soil all over the India. This paper is an integrated approach of formulating a complete and a balanced fertilizer recommendation was tested in the field with tomato as the crop. This soil test kit is enabling the farmer himself to do the analysis in field and apply fertilizers as per soil test value. This soil test kit has been formulated and fabricated in such a simple mode so that an illiterate farmer can also test his soil of his field.

2 tables, 13 ref

020239   Soibam H;Ayam V S;Mitra S (Botany Dep, Rajiv Gandhi Univ, Rono Hills, Doimukh-791 112, Email: victor_ayamsingh@yahoo.com) : Morphological characteristics of yam cultivars at different stages of growth, development and harvesting. Int J agric statist Sci 2017, 13(2), 499-505.

A study on the morphological characteristics of twelve yam cultivars belonging to Dioscorea alata and Diocorea rotundata, cultivated at the field of All India Coordinated Research Project on Tuber Crops, BCKV, Horticulture Research Station, Mandouri, W.B. was carried out. The physical parameters of the cultivars such as length and breadth of the leaves, inter-nodal length, length and girth of the tubers and tuber yield (weight per hill), leaf base overlapping young leaves and the qualitative characters (stem, leaf and petiole colours) were recorded during growth, development and harvesting stages (after 9 - 386 - months' growth period) following standard descriptions.The cultivars show that tuber yield of the cultivars are more related to the quantitative (physical) characters than the qualitative characters. Statistical analysis shows the yield of the tubers to be positively correlated more to the girth (r = 0.34) followed by length (r = 3.2) of the tuber. While the yield was negatively correlated to the internode length (r = - 0.37), followed by the leaf length (r = -0.34) at p <60> 0.2. From the multiple regression of the quantitative characters, the yield of the tuber per hill can be predicted by using the formula, Yield per hill (Kg/hill) = Tuber girth (cm) x 0.38 + Tuber length (cm) x 0.05 + (-3.65).

5 tables, 10 ref

020238   Smija M K;Devi A R S (NO, Mary Matha Arts & Science College, Mananthavady, Wayanad-670 645, Email: arsudhadevi@yahoo.co.in) : Seasonal and moult related changes in spermatogenesis of Travancoriana schirnerae. Fish Technol 2016, 53(1), 1-8.

The study examined the seasonal and moult related changes in spermatogenic process of the freshwater crab Travancoriana schirnerae using histo-logical methods. The annual spermatogenic process revived during March/April with gonadal proliferation and division of spermatocytes and attained its peak in May/June with acini containing mature sperms. A decline in activity was detectable during July/August, that corresponded to the mating season with inactive and resting secondary spermatocytes and spermatozoa. From September to February, the testis remained inactive, enclosing pycnotic gonia, spermatocytes and degenerating residual sperms. The premoult and postmoult testes exhibited inactivity with pycnotic gonia, spermatocytes and residual sperms whereas the intermoult testes appeared active with gonial proliferation, meiotic spermatocytes and mature spermatozoa. It has also been observed that there exists an antagonism between growth and reproduction in this species.

7 illus, 47 ref

020237   Sisodia B V S;Yadav R R;Rai V N (Agricultural Statistics Dep, N.D. Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad-224 229, Email: bvssisodia@gmail.com) : Application of principal component analysis in developing statistical models for - 385 - pre-harvest forecast of pigeon-pea yield. Int J agric statist Sci 2017, 13(2), 483-8.

Application of principal component analysis in developing statistical models for forecasting pigeon-pea yield has been demonstrated. The time series data on pigeon-pea yield and weekly data on eight weather variables viz., Minimum and maximum temperature, Rainfall and number of Rainy days, Relative Humidity at 7hr and 14hr, Sun-Shine hours and Wind-Velocity pertaining to the period 1990-91 to 2011-12 in Faizabad district of Uttar Pradesh have been used in this study. Weather indices have been constructed using weekly data on weather variables [Agrawal et al. (1983)]. Total six models have been developed using principal component analysis of weather indices. The forecast yields have been found to be very close to the actual yield except in one or two cases. The per cent standard errors of forecast yield obtained from the model-2 and 5 have been found below 5.50 per cent in comparison to other models. Therefore, the model-2 and 5 have been found to be most appropriate on the basis of values of R², per cent deviation of forecast, per cent root mean error (%RMSE) and per cent standard error (PSE) for the reliable forecast of pigeon-pea yield two and half months before the harvest of the crop.

3 tables, 17 ref

020236   Sisodia A V;Bijoy V M;Harikrishnan M (School of Industrial Fisheries, Cochin Univ of Science and Technology, Kochi-682 016, Email: mahadevhari@hotmail.com) : Haematological assessment of toxicity of fungicide hexaconazole on post larvae of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de man). Fish Technol 2016, 53(1), 64-8.

The objective of the study was to determine the LC₅₀ (96 h) of the fungicide Taqat (Captan, Hexaconazole) on post larvae of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man). Prawns of average length 1.98 cm were exposed to taqat at concentrations of 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06 and 0.08 mg L^-1. The LC₅₀ of Hexaconazole at 96 h was found to be 0.064 mg L^-1. Total haemocyte count (THC) of prawns in response to exposure to sublethal concentrations of taqat increased in test groups (7.87±5.96 to 1877.5±1622.3) were noticed. Significant changes in physiological and behavioural patterns were noticed. Differential haemocyte count (DHC) showed elevated agranulocytes (63.66±6.60 to 81.76±1.60) when compared to granulocytes (5±1.7 to 34.72±3.6) in experimental groups. Changes in blood clotting time (30.00±2.32 to 166.66±2.88) were also noticed between control and test groups indicating possible signs of stress in exposed animals. Present results demonstrate the risks involved in farming of M. rosenbergii near rice farms where these fungicides are routinely used.

1 illus, 1 table, 35 ref

020235   Singhal D K;Yadav J;Meena S S;Kala D C (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistr Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Email: meenashiva20@gmail.com) : Effect of rice husk biochar, carpet waste, farm yard manure and plant growth promoting rhizobium on the growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2043-6.

The present investigation was aimed for improving growth and yield of crop using waste products of differ-ent activities and also useful in ecological stability of soil environment. This objective is not only an economic option for poor farmer but also an effective strategy for increasing yield. The experiment was conducted in the organic farm-ing plot of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Varanasi during kharif season of rice crop in 2014. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with 10 treatments and three replications. Application of graded level of biochar, carpet waste farm yard manure (FYM) and plant growth promoting rhizobium (PGPR) was found to significantly enhance the grain and straw yield of rice by 57.70% and 56.08% over control, respectively.

3 tables, 17 ref

020234   Singh S;Upasana Rani;Tiwana U S;Singh D P; Sirari A (Plant Pathology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Luchiana-141 004, Email: simran.badhan27@gmail.com) : Investigation of optimum conditions for the growth of Fusarium solani EGY1 causing root rot of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2249-54.

Guar gum (Galactomannan) is extracted from Guar (Cluster bean), which is extensively used in petroleum, food and pharmaceutical industry. Root rot of guaris caused by Fusarium solani EGY1 under Punjab, having sub-tropical climatic conditions. This study was undertaken to evaluate different culture media, grain substrates (sorghum, maize, cowpea, guar and pearl millet), temperatures (20, 25, 30, 35°C), pH levels (5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0), light and darkness for the identification of optimum conditions for the growth and sporulation of the fungus. Czapek's dox media was found to be best for growth (84.65 mm) and sporulation (1.8 x 10⁴microconidia and 3.0 x 10⁴ macro conidia) of fungus. For mass multiplication of the fungus, sorghum grains proved to be the best substrate. The fungus showed maximum radial growth at - 384 - temperature of 25°C (84.36 mm) and pH of 6.0 (84.43 mm) whereas sporulation was highest at 30°C (2.0 x 10⁴ microconidia and 3.2 x 10⁴ macroconidia) and pH of 8.0 (1.8 x 10⁴ microconidia and 3.1 x 10⁴ macroconidia) respectively. Continuous light favoured radial growth (84.62 mm) whereas sporulation (1.8 x 10⁴ microconidia and 3.1 x 10⁴ macroconidia) was favoured by darkness.

2 illus, 5 tables, 21 ref

020233   Singh O P;Singh R;Lakra K;Srivastava A K; Singh P K (Agricultural Economics Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: ompsingh@gmail.com ) : Role of rotavator on wheat production and CO₂ emission : a case study from Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Int J agric statist Sci 2017, 13(2), 489-97.

Rotavator is playing an important role in reduction of cost of tillage for wheat production in the study area. Results of the study suggest that major sources of information about rotavator were private dealers, NGO and farmers in same village. The farming experience and land holding size were the major influencing factors for adoption of rotavator. Per hectare cost of wheat cultivation was lower for rotavator adopters as compared to non-adopters. Per hectare wheat yield, net income was higher for rotavator adopter as compared to non-adopter. Per hectare incremental wheat yield for rotavator adopters was 7.12 quintal over the non-adopters. Per hectare economic benefit due to adoption of rotavator was estimated to be Rs 26, 130.17. After adoption of rotavator, the carbon emission from the wheat field was reduced by 37.34 kg per hectare as compared to non-adopter. The agronomic and net economic benefit was higher than the non-adopter. The most important reason for adoption of rotavator in the study area was reduction in cost of land preparation for wheat crop. Most important condition for adoption of rotavator in the study area was if farmers get higher subsidy on the purchase of rotavator. Therefore government should provide more subsidy on the purchase of rotavator. It will enhance the availability of rotavator in the study area and it will reduce the cost of hiring rotavator and availability of rotavator on time.

9 tables, 14 ref

020232   Singh J;Sharma D K;Jasreet Kaur (Entomology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: jasreetgill21@gmail.com) : Efficacy of traditional products on the biochemical aspects of stored mungbean infested with Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2110-13.

The effect of traditional products viz. turmeric powder, turmeric grits, garlic powder along with standard check (7 cm layer of sand on the top of stored seed) was evaluated on the biochemical aspects of stored mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.)] infested with Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius). Treatments with garlic powder at 1.5% concentration recorded significantly less egg laying (2.00), less larval penetration (5.00%), less adult - 383 - emergence (1.02%) as compared to other treatments. Alcoholic acidity increased significantly from 0.51 to 0.59, 0.46 to 0.55 and 0.38 to 0.49% by turmeric powder at 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% concentration, respectively, as compared to control samples. Garlic powder was found to be most effective in checking uric acid at concentration of 1.5% during four months of storage, followed by turmeric powder @ 2.0% and turmeric grits @ 1.0%. Order of effectiveness of used traditional products was garlic powder> turmeric powder<62>turmeric grits.

3 tables, 14 ref