020231   Singh G;Virk H K;Singh S;Singh K;Singh S;Gill K K (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: singhguriqbal@pau.edu) : Thermal requirements, growth and yield of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] genotypes under different agroclimatic zones of Punjab. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2377-84.

A field experiment was carried out at four locations i.e. Ludhiana, Bathinda, Faridkot and Gurdaspur to study the influence of diverse environments on symbiotic traits, thermal requirements, growth in terms of plant height (cm) and yield (kg/ha) of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] genotypes under different agroclimatic zones of Punjab. Results indicated that crop sown on 15 May recorded the higher grain yield than later sowing dates of 1 June and 15 June at all the locations; 15 May sowing provided 23.3, 22.1 and 46.7% higher grain yield over 1 May, 1 June and 15 June sowing, respectively. Early sown crop acquired higher agro-climatic indices than delayed sowings. The crop sown on 15 May provided the maximum gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio as evident from the additional income of Rs 13599, 13040 and 22865 Rs/ha over 1 May, 1 June and 15 June sowing, respectively. Among the genotypes, AL 201 at Ludhiana and Gurdaspur, AL 1578 at Bathinda and PAU 881 at Faridkot resulted in the highest grain yield and maximum returns. The genotype AL 201 took more days to 50% flowering and maturity at all the locations. It can be concluded that 15 May is the optimum sowing date and AL 201 and PAU 881 are the promising genotypes for providing high productivity of pigeonpea under different agroclimatic zones of Punjab.

3 illus, 5 tables, 23 ref

020230   Singh A;Sharma S K;Chopra R;Mali H;Bajarang Bali (Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science Dep, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan-313 001, Email: ajeet.rajputsoil@gmail.com) : Nutrient content and nutrient use efficiency as influenced by drip fertigation in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis). Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(4), 744-7.

A present investigation was conducted at Horticulture Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur, during rabi season in 2013-14 and 2014-15. The experiments was laid out in - 382 - split plot design with 15 treatment combinations replicated three times in which included 3 levels of irrigation viz., 80%, 60% and 40% PE through drip irrigation and five levels of fertigation viz., 100% RDF, 75% RDF, 50% RDF, 75% RDF + 2 foliar spray of 1% urea phosphate, and 50% RDF + 2 foliar spray of 1% urea phosphate through fertigation. The results revealed that drip irrigation at 80% PE produced the highest curd yield (236.82 q ha^-1), nutrients content in plant & curd and nutrient use efficiency as compared to drip irrigation at 40% PE. The highest yield (244.02 q ha^-1) was found with 75% RDF through fertigation + 2 foliar spray of 1% urea phosphate as compared to 50 per cent RDF through fertigation. The maximum NPK content in curd and plant were obtained with 100% RDF through fertigation as other fertigation levels, while the highest nutrient use efficiency was recorded with 50% RDF through fertigation + 2 foliar spray of 1% urea phosphate than other treatments.

4 tables, 11 ref

020229   Singh A;Sharma M K;Sengar R S (Agriculture Biotechnology Dep, S. V. Patel Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut-250 110, Email: ashubiot25@gmail.com) : Osmolytes: proline metabolism in plants as sensors of abiotic stress. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2079-92.

Proline accumulation occurs in a large range of plant species in retaliation to the numerous abiotic stresses. An exclusive research pattern suggests there is a pragmatic relation between proline accumulation and plant stress tolerance. In this review, we will discuss the metabolism of proline accumulation and its role in stress tolerance in plants. Pertaining to the literature cited clearly indicates that not only does it acts as an osmolyte, it also plays important roles during stress as a metal chelator and an antioxidative defence molecule. Moreover, when applied exogenously at low concentrations, proline enhanced stress tolerance in plants. However, some reports point out adverse effects of proline when applied at higher doses. Role of proline gene in seed germination, flowering and other developmental programmes; thus creation of transgene overexpressing this gene would provide better and robust plants. In this context this review gives a detailed account of different proline gene over-expressed in all the trans-genic crops so far.

3 illus, 1 table, 166 ref

020228   Singh A K;Joshi I;Anil Kumar;Kohli D;Jain P; Sirohi A (Nematology Div, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012, Email: anilsirohi@yahoo.com) : Aerial infection of southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) on Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh.. Indian J Nematol 2016, 46(2), 183-5.

^ssc2 illus, 6 ref

020227   Singh A;Brar J S (Entomology Dep, Univ of College of Agriculture, Guru Kashi Univ, Talwandi Sabo, Dist. Bathinda, Punjab, Email: entbrar@gmail.com) : First record of Trilocha varians (family : Bombycidae) a pest of Ficus benjamina (L.) and it's biology in Talwandi Sabo, dist Bathinda, Punjab. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(4), 711-13.

The occurrence of Trilocha varians (Bombycidae: Lepidoptera) larvae damaging the leaves of Ficus benjamina is reported for the first time from Talwandi sabo, district Bathinda, Punjab. The biology of Trilocha varians was studied on Ficus benjamina (L.) under the laboratory conditions. The results on different biological parameters showed that the fecundity of female ranged from 164 to 275 which increased its survival rate. It has five larval stages. The last instar changed its colour to dark reddish. The longevity of females was higher (10.3 ± 0.53 days) than the males (5.5±0.37 days). The information contained in this paper will lead to proper management practices during peak reproductive period of T. varians to avoid pest outbreak.

3 tables, 13 ref

020226   Shrvan Kumar;Singh D;Dhancholia S;Sinha A (Mycology and Plant Pathology, IAS, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: shrvankb@gmail.com) : Effect of wheat seed dressing fungicides, botanicals and bio-control agent on karnal bunt incidence in natural condition. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2211-13.

In the study the efficacy of four fungicides, three botanicals and one bio-control agent under field conditions revealed that all the treatments gave reduction of Karnal bunt over check at significant level (P=0.05). Maximum disease control was achieved with Tilt 25EC (48.72%) followed by Bavistin 50WP (47.08%), Vitavax 75WP (45.30%) and Raxil 2DS (37.61%). Among botanicals L. camara was adjudged best as it gave 41.88 per cent disease control. However, seed treatment of T. viride (Ecoderma) resulted in 28.21 percent disease control. In all treatments over all disease control level was ranged between 28.21 to 48.72 per cent. For effective disease management, source of primary inoculum must be destroy. Primary inoculum of Karnal bunt is present in seed. There-fore, eco-friendly seed treatment of wheat is necessary process for diseases management.

1 table, 21 ref

020225   Shiva Kumara T N;Phani V;Yadava D K;Rao U (Nematology Div, ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: umanema@iari.res.in) : Use of brassicas as bio-denematizer can be questioned by root-knot nematodes. Indian J Nematol 2016, 46(2), 189-93.

^ssc2 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

020224   Shashidhara K K (Agricultural Extension Education Dep, College of Agriculture, Agriculture Sciences Univ, Bheemarayangudi, Raichur, (Karnataka), Email: agrishashi@gmail.com) : Farmer's perception on ill effects of agro chemicals in north eastern part of Karnataka. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2158-64.

The present study was conducted in Yadgir district of Karnataka to know about the perception of farmers on the ill effects of agro chemicals. One hundred and twenty farmers were interviewed personally with the help of pre-structured schedule. The results revealed that a large number of respondents had perceived delay in ripening (70.83%), less resistance to diseases (76.66%), through emission of toxic gases (80.83%) and changes in soil organic matter decomposition (80.00%). Cent per cent respondents expressed resistance developed to pesticides by helicoverpa, spodoptera and parthenium and beneficial organisms like earth worms and predators were affected. Killing of natural enemies by pesticides affect Trichograma (80.00%) and lady bird beetle (75.00%), while handling agro chemicals cent per cent perceived it is going poison human body. The correlation indicates attitude towards chemical fertilizers, extension participation and mass media had shown positive highly significant at 1% level. Regarding factors influencing on agro chemicals land holding and education observe 50.63 per cent of variation. On the other hand farmers were suggested to make the availability of pest resistance variety by majority (83.33%) of the respondents.

4 tables, 35 ref

020223   Sharma R;Pal J;Rana S;Mohinder Kaur (Microbiology Section. Basic Sciences Dep, College of Forestry, Dr. YS Parmar Univ of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: ranjnassharma@gmail.com) : Suppression of soil borne fungal pathogens associated with apple replant disease by cyclic application of native strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2105-9.

Plant growth promoting fluorescent Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains An-E and An- F were used for the suppression of replant disease organisms which were isolated from replant site of apple in Shimla district of Hima-chal Pradesh. Full and half concentration of individual and consortial strains were used for the experiment. Among all the treatments, full concentration of compatible consortial strains were quite effective in decreasing the deleterious rhizobacterial (197-99 cfu/g) and fungal population (7-0 cfu/g). Total rhizobacterial count starts decreasing after each cyclic application of fluorescent P. aeruginosa strains An-E and An-F due to root colonization property of these plant growth promoting strains in the replant site of apple. Establishment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains at replant site was inversely correlated with decreasing deleterious bacterial and fungal population in the replant site. 70 per cent survival of apple rootstocks was recorded in full concentration of consortial treatment (An-E and An- F) as compared to control after three years of plantation. Four major fungal pathogens viz. Dematophor anecatrix, Phytophthora cactorum, Pythium ultimum and Fusarium oxysporum were isolated and identified from National centre for fungal taxonomy, New Delhi. These strains can be further - 380 - exploited and recommended for the management of replant problem of apple.

3 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

020222   Sharma M;Suneel Kumar;Anjani Kumar;Satish Kumar;Singh R;Pankaj;Sharma H K (Nematology Div, ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: pankaj_nema@yahoo.com) : Awareness of nematodes and their management with bio-pesticides among farmers in NCR Delhi. Indian J Nematol 2016, 46(2), 171-2.

^ssc1 illus, 3 ref

020221   Sharma H K;Choudhary S B;Anil Kumar A;Maruthi R T;Pandey S K (Crop Improvement Div, ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Barrackpore, Kolkata-700 120, Email: harrygpb@gmail.com) : Combining ability and heterosis analysis for fibre yield and quality parameters in roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa - 379 - L.). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2502-6.

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is second important bast fibre crop after jute in India. With an aim to ex-ploit non-additive genetic variance present experiment was designed to identify good general combining parents and specific cross combination for fibre yield and fibre quality parameters (fibre fineness, fibre tenacity) in roselle. A total of 11 parents were crossed in complete diallel fashion which resulted 55 F₁, 55 RF₁ (reciprocal F₁). Parents, F₁^s and RF₁^s were grown in randomized block design. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences (P<60> 0.01, P<60>0.05) among the parents and their hybrids. The parents AMV 1, AMV 5, GR 27 and AHS 160 were identified as good combiners since they recorded significant general combining ability (GCA) effects for fibre yield and quality parameters. Further, For fibre yield only three crosses (AMV 1 x AMV 4, AMV 1 x GR 27, HS 4288 x JRR 07) showed significant specific combining ability (SCA) effects from them hybrid AMV 1 x GR 27 (fibre yield=27.37g/ plant) exhibited positively significant best parent (Non bris 4, Mean fibre yield=21.16g/plant) heterosis (29.35%). Similarly, for fibre tenacity, hybrid GR 27 x JRR 07 (fibre tenacity=23.47g/tex) exhibited positively significant best parent (HS 4288; fibre tenacity=20.35g/tex) heterosis (15.30%).

1 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

020220   Sharma H;Jaglan M S;Yadav S S (Entomology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: sharmahemant0608@gmail.com) : Biology of pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens (walker) on maize, Zea mays. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 1994-2003.

Biology of pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was conducted during 2015-16 in laboratories of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Karnal on HQPM 1 (hybrid) and HKI 1128 (inbred) for two generations at room temperature. Results on biology of S. inferens in the first generation revealed that incubation period varied from 10-14 days on HQPM 1 and 11-15 days on HKI 1128. The larval duration lasted for 21-37 days on HQPM 1 and 24-39 days on HKI 1128. The adult longevity of male and female ranged from 6-7 days and 7-8 days on HQPM 1 and 5-7 days and 6-7 days on HKI 1128, respectively. The total life span ranged from 63-72 days for female and 45-58 days for male on HQPM 1 and 65-74 days for female and 49-62 days for male on HKI 1128, respectively in the first generation. The total life span in second generation ranged 94-107 days for female and 83-96 days for male on HQPM 1 and 98-112 days for female and 86-101 days for male on HKI 1128. The biology of an insect pest is a condition precedent to find out its management strategies. The biology of S. inferens on maize has not yet been studied in north western part of the country. Having regards to the fact that no systematic work on this aspect has been carried out, studies were conducted on biology of this pest for developing efficient pest management strategies.

1 illus, 10 tables, 22 ref

020219   Sharma H;Jaglan M S;Yadav S S (Entomology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: sharmahemant0608@gmail.com) : Population dynamics of pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens (walker) on maize as influenced by weather conditions. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 1975-80.

A field study on population dynamics of - 378 - pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens (Walker) on maize was carried out during rabi, 2015-2016 at the research farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Karnal. Studies on population dynamics revealed that the maximum number of egg masses was observed during 46th SW (standard week), 2015. The larval population increased after 45th SW and reached the maximum during the 49th SW, 2015 and then declined till 7th SW, 2016. Maximum plant infestation by larvae was recorded 19.5 per cent in inbred HKI 1128 and 21.0 per cent in hybrid HQPM 1 during the 7th SW, 2016. No larval activity of S. inferens, plant infestation and dead hearts were observed during 2nd SW to 4th SW of 2016 (second week to last week of January). It could be due to the fact that insect might have entered the hibernation. Correlation of S. inferens population with various environmental factors revealed that larval population had a significant negative correlation with maxi-mum temperature (Tmax.) and minimum temperature (Tmin.), rainfall (RF) (r= -0.4992, -0.5183 and -0.5698) on HKI 1128 and (r= -0.4872, -0.4717 and -0.5242) on HQPM 1, respectively. Multiple regression analysis of S. inferens population with weather parameters showed that there was 80 per cent (HQPM1) and 82 per cent (HKI 1128) variability in larval population due to various environmental factors. The population dynamics revealed by this study have far reaching significance in pest management strategy as integrated control measures may be focused only during the period wherein population exceeds economic threshold level (ETL).

5 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

020218   Sharma D;Yadav S;Yadav S (Entomology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: sunitayadav10@rediffmail.com) : Biointensive integrated management of Lipaphis erysimi Kalt. (Homoptera: aphididae) in Brassica spp.. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2132-6.

Field experiment was conducted at Regional Research station, Samargopalpur, Rohtak (Haryana) during Rabi season of the year 2015-2016 to evaluate bioefficacy of various treatments against mustard aphid, Lipaphis-erysimi on Indian mustard. Treatments were: T₁-Verticillium lecanii @ 10⁸ CS/ml, T₂-Beauveria bassiana @ 10⁸ CS/ml, T₃ - Neem seed kernel extract @ 5%, T₄ - Neem seed methanol extract @ 5%, T₅ - V. lecanii @ 10⁸ CS/ml + Clipping of infested twigs, T₆ - B. bassiana @ 10⁸ CS/ml + Clipping of infested twigs, T₇ - NSKE @ 5% + Clipping of infested twigs, T₈ - V. lecanii @ 10⁸ CS/ml + NSKE @ 5%, T₉ - B. bassiana @ 10⁸ CS/ml + NSKE @ 5%, T₁₀ - Dime-thoate 30EC @ 250 ml/acre. Dimethoate was found to be most effective in reducing the aphid population (95.03%) followed by V. lecanii @ 10⁸ CS/ml + NSKE @ 5% (88.52%), NSKE @ 5% + Clipping of infested twigs (87.77%) and B. bassiana @ 10⁸ CS/ml + NSKE @5% (86.91%) after ten days of spray. The highest seed yield was recorded in treatment dimethoate 30EC (1702 kg/ha) followed by V.lecanii @ 10⁸ CS/ml +NSKE @ 5% (1635 kg/ha), NSKE @ 5% + Clipping of infested twigs (1626 kg/ha) and B.bassiana @ 10⁸ CS/ml + NSKE @ 5% (1617 kg/ha). Dimethoate was found to be highly cost effective with highest cost benefit ratio (1:14.92) followed by NSKE @ 5% + clipping of infested twigs (1:13.81) and NSKE @ 5% (1:11.41).

2 tables, 26 ref

020217   Sharma A;Singh V (Biology and Environmental Sciences Dep, College of Basic Sciences, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, Email: abhayevs@gmail.com) : Effect of altitude and seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) on soil properties of dry temperate region of Himachal Pradesh. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2228-34.

Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is an ecologically and economically important plant species used for the enhancement of soil fertility, prevention of soil erosion and production of food and medicinal products in mountain ecosystem. Altitude and landuse are the major factors which conditions the nutrient status of soil. In the study six different altitudes (3390 m, 3520 m, 3560 m, 3615 m, 3790 m and 4040 m) above - 377 - sea level in dry temper-ate region of Himachal Pradesh and three land use pattern viz., (seabuckthorn forest, willow forest and wasteland) were selected for the study and their impact was investigated on soil fertility. Soil properties such (pH, organic car-bon, available macronutrients N, P, K, S and exchangeable cations Ca, Mg) were determined following the standard procedures. The values of soil available nutrients under seabuckthorn varied as pH (8.2 to 7.8), organic carbon (1.05 to 2.35 per cent) N (125 to 205 kg ha^-1), P (15 to 31 kg ha^-1), K (94 to 284 kg ha^-1), S (28 to 53 kg ha^-1), ex-changeable Ca (8.56 to 10.20 cmol (p+) kg^-1) and Mg (2.3 to 3.6 cmol (p+) kg^-1), respectively. The soil nutrients in seabuckthorn forest were found much higher than willow forest and wasteland, especially organic carbon and availa-ble N contents. Soil nutrients were found to increase with increasing altitude and decrease with increasing soil depth. The results concluded that Hippophae rhamnoides had significant effects (p <60> 0.05) on soil nutrient conditions. Hence our study indicates that seabuckthorn has a big potential for soil conservation, ecological sustainability and restoration of Himalayan ecosystem.

2 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

020216   Sharanabasappa H C;Basavanneppa M A;Koppalkar B G;Latha H S;Balanagoudar S R (Chief Agronomist, Agricultural Research Station, Siruguppa, Email: basavanneppa6@gmail.com) : Effect of plant density and fertilizer levels on yield and economics of quality protein maize (Zea mays L.) under irrigated condition. Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(1), 128-31.

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Sation, Siruguppa, Karnataka during the kharif 2015, to study the effect of plant density and fertilizer levels on yield and economics of quality protein maize under irrigated condition. The soil of the experimental site was clay loam in texture, low in organic carbon, available N, medium in available phosphorus and high in potassium. Treatments consisted of sixteen treatment combinations of four plant densities viz., S₁:1,11,111, S₂:83,333, S₃:74,074 and S3:66,666 plants ha^-1 in main plots and four fertilizer levels F₁:150:75:37.5 kg NPK ha^-1, F₂:187.5:93.75:46.88, F₃:225:112.5:56.25 kg NPK ha^-1 and F₄:Nutrient Expert based target yield 10 t ha^-1(NE) in sub plots. Plant density 1,11,111 plants ha^-1 recorded higher grain (7839 kg ha^-1) and stover yield (13114 kg ha^-1) compared to other plant densities. On the contrary yield parameters viz., number of grains per row, number of rows per cob, cob girth, cob length and test weight were higher in plant density of 66,666 plants ha^-1 compared to other plant densities. Among the fertilizer levels application of 225:112.5:56.25 kg NPK ha^-1 recorded higher grain yield (8023 kg ha^-1), stover yield (13434 kg ha^-1) and yield parameters viz., number of grains per row, number of rows per cob, cob girth, cob length and test weight as compared to other fertilizer levels. Higher net returns was registered with plant density of 1,11,111 plants ha^-1 (Rs.77592 ha^-1) and application of 225:112.5:56.25 kg NPK ha^-1 (Rs.80348 ha^-1), respectively.

3 tables, 14 ref

020215   Shambhavi S;Rakesh Kumar;Sharma S P;Verma G; Sharma R P;Sharma S K (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Bihar Agriculture Univ (BAU), Sabour (Bihar), Email: rbinnu@gmail.com) : Long-term effect of inorganic fertilizers and amendments on productivity and root dynamics under maize-wheat intensive cropping in an acid alfiso. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2004-12.

Study on the soil nutrient status and crop productivity under continuous use of inorganic fertilizers and amendments in an acid Alfisol after 36 years (1972-73 to 2008-09) was carried out at Palampur, HP. Results showed that application of Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (120:60:40 kg/ha to maize and 120:60:30 kg/ha to wheat) with 10 t farmyard manure/ha applied once a year for 36 years resulted in 786 and 515 per cent increase in maize and wheat yields, respectively over control. Soil acidity rose from 5.8 to 4.58 with the application of fertilizers over 36 years. Conjoint use of FYM with 100 per cent NPK substantially improved the Organic Carbon status by 4.95 g/kg as well as available P, K and S by 154.1, 14.5 and 12.5 kg/ha, respectively in soil over its initial values, thereby indicating significant contribution towards - 376 - sustaining the soil health. On the other hand, there was a drastic decline in the available N status of soil in all the treatments as compared to the initial value. The various root parameters viz., root mass density (4.08 kg m^-3), root volume density (10.84 m³ m^-3x10^-3), root length density (2.60 m m^-3 x 10^-4), root surface area (204.12 m² x 10^-4) and root cation exchange capacity (8.37 c mol (p⁺) kg^-1) were found to be highest in the plots with the application of 100% NPK + FYM. Thus, balanced use of fertilizers continuously either alone or in combination with amendments is necessary for sustaining soil fertility and productivity of crops.

4 tables, 37 ref

020214   Senthil Kumar P;Nageswari K;Prabhu S;Amani M D (Horticultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Yercaud-636 602, Email: agrips@rediffmail.com) : Effect of decomposed coffee pulp waste for the management of citrus nematode, Tylenchulus semipenetrans in mandarin orange at Shevaroy region, Tamil Nadu. Indian J Nematol 2016, 46(2), 178-81.

^ssc1 table, 3 ref

020213   Senkal R H;Ahmed J R;Mahmood F A;Abdulkareem T A (Animal Production Dep, College of Agriculture, Baghdad Univ, Iraq) : Association of transferrin gene polymorphism A14037G and C1401T SNPS with the productive performance of holstein-frisian cows. Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(1), 117-21.

Transferrin (Tf) protein plays a crucial role in immunity against microbial pathogens like Escherichia coli, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus agalactiae those considered the main causes of mastitis in bovine. The effectiveness of transferrin protein lies in the prevention of microbial cells from getting iron. The study of polymorphisms and detection of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Tf gene could support the description of the inheritance differences of mastitis resistance and milk production traits. In this study A14037G SNP has been detected and new SNP was observed (C14081T) of Tf gene (entron 8) in Holstein-Frisian cows in Iraq. DNA was collected from 165 cows and the sequencing technique was used to investigate the genetic variation of two SNPs, A14037G and C14081T respectively. The percentages of genotype distribution for the transferring gene in sample of cows were 23.64, 58.18 and 18.18% for the genotypes AA, AG and GG respectively and the differences between these percentages were significant (P<60> 0.01). Allele's frequencies for alleles (A) and (G) were 0.53 and 0.47 respectively according to the analysis of transferrin gene (Tf). High correlation was found between polymorphism and three genotypes, namely, AACC, AGCT and GGTT by two alleles AC (A), as a wild and GT as a mutant allele respectively were observed. Homogenotype in A14037G SNP (AG) AG was superior to other genotypes (AA and GG) in all traits except for fat percentage.

3 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

020212   Selvaraj C;Kennedy J S;Suganthy M (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: selvaarjun665@gmail.com) : Larvicidal action of nux-vomica (Strychnus nux-vomica L.) against diamond back moth (Plutella xylostella L.). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2291-9.

The present investigation reports on larvicidal efficacy of plant extracts of Nux-vomica, Strychnus nux-vomica against Diamond back moth (DBM). In this investigation shade dried and powdered nux-vomica plant sam-ples (leaves, root bark, stem bark, seed and fruit rind) were extracted with organic solvents ethanol, methanol, ace-tone, hexane and chloroform and also formulated as Emulsifiable Concentrates (EC) using surfactant and solvents. This formulated plant extracts were tested against third instar larvae of DBM for larvicidal efficacy using leaf disc bioassay method under laboratory condition. Among the five solvent extracts tested, hexane extracts of root bark 11.11 EC @ 2% showed highest larval mortality of 76.66% followed by seed 14.25 EC, leaf 16.66 EC, stem bark 12.50 EC and fruit rind 12.50 EC extracts exhibited maximum mortality @ 2% concentration recording 66.66, 63.33, 56.66 and 40.00 per cent mortality respectively. Positive and negative control such as respective solvent and water showed 10.00 and 3.33% larval mortality respectively. The results of these experiment clearly indicate that nux-vomica plant possess promising larvicidal action against diamond back moth.

1 illus, 10 tables, 19 ref

020211   Sayana K A;Remesan M P;Madhu V R;Pravin P; Edwin L (NO, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, P.O. Matsyapuri, Cochin-682 029, Email: sayanaanandan@gmail.com) : Appraisal of trawl designs operated along Kerala coast. Fish Technol 2016, 53(1), 30-6.

This study presents the design details of trawl nets being operated along Kerala coast. Trawls operated in Kerala can be grouped as fish trawl, shrimp trawl, cephalopod trawl and gastropod trawl based on target catch. The head rope length of different trawls ranged from 39.6 to 81.0 m. The mesh size of codends were in the range of 16-25 mm. Majority of the trawlers in Kerala use V-form steel otter boards and the smaller boats use wooden flat rectangular boards. A trend in increasing the mesh size of fish trawls at the wing to about 5000 mm was observed.

14 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

020210   Sanwal R C;Sharma Y;Dayanand;Reager M L; Dotaniya M L (NO, College of Agriculture, Bikaner-334 006, Email: rameshraubkn@rediffmail.com) : Effect of vermicompost, nitrogen and phosphorus on growth, yield and quality of coriander. Int J agric statist Sci 2017, 13(2), 683-91.

The field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Research Farm, College of Agriculture, S.K. Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner during - 374 - rabi seasons of 2009-10 and 2010-11 to see the effect of vermicompost, N and P levels on growth and yield parameters of coriander. Twenty seven treatment combinations i.e. three levels of vermicompost (control, 2.5 and 5.0 t ha^-1), three levels of nitrogen (control, 40 and 80 kg ha^-1) as main plot treatment and three levels of phosphorus (control, 20 and 40 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1) as sub plot treatment were laid out in split plot design with three replications. From the results, among all the treatment combinations application of vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha^-1 with N level @ 40 kg/ha and P level 20 kg/ha significantly increased all the growth and yield parameters viz., plant height, dry weight per plant at different growth stages, number of branches and umbels per plant, seeds per umbel, test weight, seed, stover and biological yield of coriander. Use of this best combination can enhance the coriander yield in major part of the arid and semi-arid region of Rajasthan.

4 tables, 30 ref

020209   Sankar T V;Baby L;Anandan R (NO, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, P.O. Matsyapuri, Cochin-682 029, Email: tvsankar.cift@gmail.com) : Organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls and heavy metals residues in myctophids off south west coast of India. Fish Technol 2016, 53(3), 250-6.

Though myctophids are widely distributed in the Indian oceanic waters and contribute to a large proportion of the deep-sea fish biomass, the information regarding the presence of lipophilic chemical contaminants and heavy metals in these lipid-rich lantern fishes are relatively scanty. Analyses on the occurrence of heavy metals, organochlorine (OCPs) and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) in myctophids from Indian waters showed presence of organochlorine pesticides in Diaphus watasei, Diaphus luetkeni and Myctophum obtusirostre. The prominent pesticides detected in the fish tissue include endrin, dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, α-BHC and heptachlor. Dieldrin and heptachlor epoxide were detected in M. obtusirostre while DDT isomers in D. luetkeni. The total PCB levels followed the order D. luetkeni<62> D. watasei<62>M. obtusirostre and 2, 2', 3', 4, 5 - pentachlorobiphenyl and 2, 3, 3', 4', 6-pentachlorobiphenyl. Trace metals (Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn) Composition is comparable with other fish species reported and followed the order D. luetkeni<62> M. obtusirostre<62> D. watasei. Results showed that POPs and heavy metal levels in myctophid species studied were much below the regulatory limits.

4 tables, 28 ref

020208   Sandeep Kumar;Singh M K;Meena R S;Hingonia K (Agronomy Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: sandeepsihag1992@gmail.com) : Influence of crop geometry and cultivars on growth, yield and production efficiency of dry direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2469-76.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif (summer) season of 2014, aim of the experiment was to investigate suitable crop geometry and cultivar and their influences on performance of dry direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.), experimental treatments were consisting of 15 treatments, namely, main plots: five cultivars (MTU 7029, NDR 97, HUR 105, HUR 4-3 and PRH-10) and sub-plots: three crop geometry's (20 x 10, 20 x 20 and 25 x 25 cm²). All the data recorded were - 373 - statistically analyzed using the standard procedures of split-plot design. The results indicated that amongst cultivars, aromatic rice hybrid PRH-10 recorded significantly more grain yield (5582.32 kg/ha) than cultivar HUR 4-3 (4612.99 kg/ha) and NDR 97 (3397.82 kg/ha), whereas; it was statistically comparable with cultivar MTU 7029 (5489.24 kg/ha) and HUR 105 (5022.03 kg/ha). The cultivar PRH-10 also registered higher gross return (105771.9 Rs./ha), net return (66389.08 Rs./ha) and production efficiency (592.76 Rs./ha/day) than the remaining cultivars. The higher grain yield of PRH-10 over these cultivars was due to considerable improvement in most of its yield attributing characters like panicle length (27.92 cm), a number of grains/panicle (178.70) and test weight (26.35 g). In a case of crop geometry treatment, plant spacing of 25 x 25 cm² recorded higher grain yield as compared to remaining plant spacing while the plant spacing of 20 x 10 cm² recorded higher gross return, net return and production efficiency as compared to 20 x 20 and 25 x 25 cm². Plant geometry plays an imperative role towards improving the grain yield of cultivars in direct seeded rice by optimal utilization of natural resources. Therefore, for getting higher net return and production efficiency, cultivar PRH-10 at plant spacing 20 x 10 cm² can be raised in dry direct-seeded rice in Varanasi region of Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

1 illus, 4 tables, 28 ref

020207   Sandeep Kumar;Pradeep Kumar;Arya V K;Ravi Kumar;Kamboj G;Kerkhi S A (NO, Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal-132 001, Email: pradeeptaliyan231@gmail.com) : Identification of heterotic cross combinations for various agromorphological and some quality traits in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2013-20.

A study was conducted to identify the best heterotic cross for various agromorphological and some quality traits involving 10 parents and their 45 F₁s excluding reciprocals during 2012-13 and 2013-14. The higher magnitude of heterosis for all the agromorphological and quality traits was not expressed in a single cross combination. It varied from cross to cross due to diverse genetic background of their parents. The highest heterobeltiosis (35.68%, 11.11%, 11.44%), average heterosis (38.97%, 9.13%, 10.26%) and standard heterosis (31.09%, 7.84%, 10.41%) for grain yield, spikelets per spike and grains per spike respectively, was showed by HD 3095 x RAJ 4246 and this cross also showed highly significant (at <60>1% level of significant) heterosis for biological yield, flag leaf area, spike length and productive tillers. Whereas PBW 435 x RAJ 4246 were common for gluten content (8.52% and 7.72%), grain yield (33.11% and 33.64%), productive tillers (16.15% and 13.53%) and biological yield (36.27% and 21.98%) which showed superior average heterosis and heterobeltiosis respectively, therefore, these crosses may be exploit-ed in a national hybrid wheat breeding programme may offer genetic improvement in breeding for higher grain yield, agromorphological and quality traits in bread wheat. The presence of high heterosis for yield contributing compo-nents is not only for developing hybrids through exploitation of heterosis but also helps to produce transgressive segregants for developing of superior homozygous lines.

3 tables, 12 ref

020206   Saikia N;Nath K D (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Assam Agricultural Univ, Cachar-788 025, Email: kapildebnath88@gmail.com) : Efficacy of various pesticides against red ant (Dorylusorientalis, westwood) of potato. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2350-2.

Several management approaches against red ant of potato Dorylus orientalis (Westwood) were studied at farmer's field in Cachar district of Assam (India) during 2015-16 cropping season to - 372 - find out the most effective man-agement technique. Combination of Malathion 5% dust @ 40 kg per hectare and Mustard Oil Cake (MOC) @ 150 kg per hectare reduced red ant damage significantly (p ≤ 0.05) followed by Dursben 20% EC @ 5 ml per litre and Car-bofuran 3G @ 25 kg per hectare. Malathion and MOC was applied at the time of first earthing up gave the lowest infestation of red ant (9.2%) and with (64.31%) infestation reduction over control closely followed by Dursban 20% EC (13.5%) and with (59.32%) infestation reduction over control. Highest infestation (47.6%) was recorded in the control untreated plot where; only chemical fertilizers were applied at recommended dose.

2 tables, 14 ref

020205   Sahoo L;Choudhury T G;Debnath C;Parhi J;Datta M;Purusothamman C S;Paniprasad K (NO, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Lembucherra-799 210, Email: jjparhi@gmail.com) : Immunostimulatory effect of vitamin C on hemato-biochemical parameters of Labeo bata (Hamilton, 1822). Fish Technol 2016, 53(1), 59-63.

This study was conducted to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of vitamin C (Vit. C) on haematological and biochemical parameters in Labeo bata. The effect of Vit. C on resistance to challenge with Edwardsiella tarda was also investigated. A feeding trial was conducted for a period of 40 days where 240 fishes (10±5 gm) were randomly distributed in to 4 groups in duplicate. Four diets were prepared with different concentration of Vit. C viz., control (0 mg kg^-1), low (100 mg kg^-1), medium (200 mg kg^-1) and high dose (500 mg kg^-1). Total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration, total serum protein, albumin and globulin were estimated at 7, 15 and 30 days of feeding and one day and 10 day post challenge with E. tarda. It was seen that the RBC count of the group fed medium dose of Vit. C was higher than the rest of the groups after 7 and 15 days of feeding and 10 days post challenge. The haemoglobin concentration of Vit. C treated group was significantly higher than the control. It was also seen that the medium dose of Vit. C (200 mg kg^-1 feed) showed better immunity by showing elevated protein, albumin, globulin concentration at higher survival when compared to the control.

2 tables, 26 ref

020204   Sadawarti M J;Pandey K K;Samadhiya R K;Singh Y P;Singh R K;Singh S P;Roy S (NO, ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Gwalior-474 006, Email: muralidharsada@gmail.com) : Effect of dormancy breaking chemicals on microtuber production potential under in vivo conditions of central India. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2182-7.

The present study was carried out at ICAR -Central Potato Research Station, Gwalior during 2012-13 to assess the effect of dormancy breaking chemicals, their dip duration and microtuber size on growth and yield parameters. The - 371 - three different size <62>4-6mm, <62>6-8mm and <62>8mm of variety Kufri Sindhuri were given dip treatment with six types of growth regulators/ dormancy breaking chemicals viz 1ppm gibberelic acid, 0.5 ppm gibberllic acid, 1% thiourea, 0.5% thiourea, 1ppm gibberllic acid + 1% thiourea and 0.5 ppm gibberllic acid + 0.5% thiourea along with water control for 30 min, 45 min and 60 min. All the treatments exhibited better growth and yield parameters over water control but significantly best at 5% was 0.5 ppm gibberllic acid treatment for growth parameters and 0.5 ppm gibberllic acid + 0.5% thiourea treatment for yield parameters. All the dip duration 30 min, 45 min and 60 min had not significant at 5% level effect for both growth and yield parameters. The larger sized micro-tuber (<62>8 mm) showed significantly superior plant emergence, plant height, number of compound leaves per plant, number of stems per plant both at 50 and 75 days after planting followed by 4-8 mm grade and <4 mm grade micro-tubers. Similar trend was observed for all the yield parameters. The overall mean finding indicates that micro-tubers treated with 0.5 ppm gibberllic acid in combination with 0.5% thiourea gave highest yield (226.0 q/ha tuber), among micro-tuber size of <62>8mm (295.0 q/ha tuber) and among dip duration 30 min (206.67q/ha) and 45 min (210 q/ha) resulted in significantly higher yield parameters under nucleus seed production in in vivo conditions of central India.

2 tables, 23 ref

020203   Sadawarte P D;Pujari K H;Sonawane S K;Arya S S (NO, Institute of Post-Harvest Management, Dr. Balasaheb Savant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli-415 712, Email: ss.arya@ictmumbai.edu.ir) : Potential food applications and health benefits of jambhul (Syzygium cuminii L.). Indian J Nutr Diet 2016, 53(3), 343-53.

Syzygium cuminii L. or jambhul is an indigenous minor fruit universally accepted as very good source of medicine and or food for curing diabetes because of its effect on pancreas. The fruit is gaining popularity among the consumers and scientists due to its balanced sugar, acid and tannin content. In addition to this it has very good antioxidant, antibacterial activity and high polyphenol content and has prophylactic anti-septic effect that is associated with improvement of overall human health. Thus this small fruit has lot of potential to be used as nutraceutical and therapeutic food. Hence this review briefs on the various health benefits and potential food applications of jambhul fruit.

2 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

020202   Renjithkumar C R;Roshni K;Kurup B M (School of Industrial Fisheries, Cochin Univ of Science and Technology, Cochin-682 016, Email: renjith.kumar347@gmail.com) : Exploited fishery resources of Muvattupuzha river, Kerala, India. Fish Technol 2016, 53(3), 177-82.

The exploited fishery resources of Muvattupuzha river have been estimated as 45.01 t during 2009-10. Twenty three fish species belonging to 6 orders and 20 genera contributed to the fishery of this river. Highest landings was recorded during post-monsoon season (21.87 t) followed by pre-monsoon season (15.77 t) and lowest in monsoon (7.38 t). Family Cyprinidae ranked first among fish groups with a numerical strength of 6 species. The landings were represented by two endangered (Hypselobarbus curmuca and Tor khudree) and one vulnerable (Horabagrus brachysoma) fish species. Gibelion catla was the only non-native species represented in the landings and Clarias gariepinus were the non-native species represented in the landings. Wallago attu (7.62 t), Labeo dussumieri (7.21 t), H, curmuca (4.90 t), Channa striatus (4.6 t) and H. brachysoma (3.67 t) were the dominant fishes in the landings. Among the landing centres, Mulakulam accounted for 32% to the total fish landings, followed by Kalampoor (27%). Gillnets (88%) contributed the major bulk of the fish landings followed by seine nets (11%). Catch per unit effort recorded in gillnet for major species were W. attu (0.11 kg h^-1), striata (0.08 kg h^-1 ), T. khudree (0.08 kg h^-1), G. catla (0.08 kg h^-1) and C. marulius (0.07 kg h^-1). In seines, highest catch per unit effort was recorded for C. striata (0.28 kg h^-1) followed by C. marulius (0.20 kg h^-1) and H. brachysoma (0.08 kg h^-1).

5 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

020201   Remesan M P;Prajith K K;Daniel Raj F;Joseph R;Boopendranath M R (NO, ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, P.O.Matsyapuri, Cochin-682 029, Email: mpremesan@gmail.com) : Investigations on aimed midwater trawling for myctophids in the Arabian sea. Fish Technol 2016, 53(3), 190-6.

Aimed midwater trawling for lantern fishes (Family: Myctophidae) was attempted in the Arabian Sea onboard FORV Sagar Sampada (L_OA 72.5 m; 2,285 hp) at the depth range of 372 - 2230 m using a 45 m CIFT myctophid trawl and 49.5 m krill trawl. The vertical opening was between 16.1 and 18.9 m at a trawling speed of 1.8-2.2 kn for the krill trawl and 6.7-9.8 m at 2.3-2.8 kn trawling speed for the myctophid trawl. Total catch obtained during operations was 419.5 kg for a total fishing effort of 33 h 41 min; with an overall mean catch rate of 11.81kg h^-1. Myctophid trawl contributed 96.0 kg with a mean CPUE of 8.06±4.17 kg h^-1 and krill trawl contributed 323.5 kg with a mean CPUE of 14.76±5.06 kg h^-1. The total catch comprised of about 40 species including myctophids (24.88%), other finfishes (46.01%), crustaceans (15.21%), jellyfish (13.52%) and cephalopods (0.4%). Myctophids con-sisted of 11 species and it contributed only 25% of the catch. Finfishes belonging to order Stomiformes contributed about 41% of the total catch. Adjustment of the trawl net to the depth of the fish distribution is complex as myctophids migrate vertically in morning and evening at comparatively high speed. The low catch volume realized during the operations, indicate that trawl design and its operation need to be further optimized taking into account the migration behavior in the vicinity of trawl system.

4 illus, 3 tables, 33 ref

020200   Reddy P R K;Reddy A N;Raja Kishore K;Reddy V P;Reddy P P R;Ramesh R;Singh S;Prathap B (ANN Dep, NTRCVSc, Gannavaram, Andhra Pradesh-521 102, Email: ravi.nutrition001@gmail.com) : Bovine mycotoxicosis - a remarkable disease in rice- growing areas of indian subcontinent. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(4), 805-8.

Degnala disease, which is assumed to be a mycotoxicosis, has clinical syndrome similar to chronic ergotism and is predominantly characterised by development of oedema, necrosis and gangrene of the legs, tail, and ears. A concise study conducted to know the prevalence of Degnala disease in rural parts of Andhra Pradesh concluded the disease's occurrence and its relation with crops grown in the region.

6 illus, 17 ref

020199   Reddy P R K;Nagarjuna Reddy A;Senthilnathan M;Raja Kishore K;Reddy P P R;Srihari P;Nagendra Reddy M (Animal Nutrition Dep, NTRCVSc, Gannavaram-521 102, Email: ravi.nutrition001@gmail.com) : Unconditioned food addiction for the Ipomea carnea plant in goats. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(4), 833-7.

Unconditioned food addiction is a rare phenomenon in goats. The marsilin like content existing in the Ipomea carnea plant is responsible for addiction of goats towards the respective plant. In addition, the plant contains two toxic principles, swainsonine and calystegines which induce lysosomal - 369 - storage disease; a condition characterized by neurological impairments and generalized cytoplasmic vacuolation of various tissues of the body. In case 1, a doe with a history of dilated pupils, continuous head shaking, rolling of eyeballs, hyperexcitability, strabismus, severe incoordination, and ataxia was presented to the hospital. Based on the history, the condition was identified as unconditioned food addiction of the goat towards Ipomea carnea. In case 2, the goats with Ipomea addiction, were aborted at mid and later stages of gestation. In case 3, the serum SGPT, SGOT, Glucose, BUN, and Creatinine levels have decreased after complete food aversion through stall feeding. The phytochemical analysis conducted to find the anti nutritional factors of Ipomea carnea leaves revealed the presence of steroids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, and Glycosides.

3 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

020198   Ray M;Rai A;Singh K N;Ramasubramanian V I (Forecasting and Agricultural Systems Modeling Div, I.A.S.R.I., New Delhi-110 012, Email: mrinmoy.ray@icar.gov.in) : Modeling and forecasting of hybrid rice yield using a grey model improved by the genetic algorithm. Int J agric statist Sci 2017, 13(2), 563-6.

Time Series models have the limitations of requiring more observations in order to construct the model. Sometimes, we usually are able to make only a few observations due to rapid innovation new technologies, in such circumstances grey model can be used as it requires as few as four observations to construct the model. In this study, we have utilized grey model for forecasting hybrid rice yield (1994-95 to 2009-10) of Bihar state of India as only few observations were available for model building. In addition, we used genetic algorithm technique to find the optimal parameters of the model. It is observed that implementation of genetic algorithm improved the precision of the model.

1 table, 5 ref

020197   Ray M;Mishra N (NO, Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station (OUAT), Keonjhar, Odisha-758 002, Email: monikarayouat@gmail.com) : Effect of weather parameters on the growth and yield of cauliflower. Envir Conserv J 2017, 18(3), 9-19.

Weather parameters influence all stages of plant growth and thereby affect the crop productivity. Each crop has its own set of optimum and tolerable environmental conditions under which it can grow efficiently. Knowledge about the relationships between crop growth stages and weather parameters is very important to maximize the production and productivity by adjusting the crop management practices. For a plant to be successful in a given region, the sequences of its growth phases must fit in the climate to ensure good growth and adequate production. Agro-climatological knowledge of individual crops and individual locations is thus very essential. Vegetable crops, the important component of horticulture, assume great significance in providing food and nutritional security. Even though India ranks second in the world production of vegetables (NHB, 2011), the availability of vegetables still continues to be much low below the dietary requirements. There is ample scope to increase the productivity by the development of location and situation specific technologies. But the challenges before us are to produce more from shrinking land and declined water in the scenario of climate change. Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) belonging to the family brassicaceae is one among the most popular vegetable crops cultivated in India. Cauliflower is very sensitive to growing conditions and for the transformation from vegetative to curd initiation phase and for the development of curd, it needs distinct climatic conditions. So, we have to find out the relationships between the magnitude of yield fluctuations and environmental influences of the crop growing season.

72 ref

020196   Rawal R;Dahiya K K;Lal R;Adesh Kumar (Entomology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 001, Email: roomi.rawal78@gmail.com) : Population dynamics of natural enemies on bt / non bt cotton and their correlation with weather parameters. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2360-5.

The field study was carried out at Research Farm of cotton section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India to determine the effect of environmental factors and seven cotton genotypes (Bt and non Bt) on three natural enemies namely chrysoperla, coccinellids beetle and spi-ders. Natural enemies remained active throughout the crop season (with two peaks) with little differences among them. Chrysoperla and coccinellids both were remained active from 25th to 40th SMW (June to October, 2014) while spiders were active from 25th to 41st. It was observed that highest population of Chrysoperla (1.17 eggs/plant) and spiders (1.59 adult/plant) was observed on Bt cotton cultivar namely RCH-134 and JK-1947 respectively. However, coccinellids preferred non Bt genotype (HHH-223) for their population build-up. Chrysoperla and coccinellids popula-tion was significantly negatively correlated with maximum temperature (r = -0.527 at 5% and r = -0.626 at 1% re-spectively); positively correlated with RHm, RHe; negatively correlated with minimum temperature and wind speed without significance. While, spiders population showed negative correlation with all weather parameters except sun-shine hours. It was observed that population of the natural enemies fluctuated under different environmental conditions during cotton season.

4 tables, 27 ref

020195   Ravinder Kumar;Paliyal S S;Sharma S K;Rana R S (Soil Science Dep, CSK H.P. Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, Email: singotraravi786@gmail.com) : Status and distribution of available macronutrients in relation to physico-chemical properties under different and uses of cold arid soils of spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh. Envir Conserv J 2017, 18(3), 79-86.

Global positioning system (GPS) based surface (0-15cm) and subsurface (15-30 cm) soil samples were collected randomly from cultivated and pasture lands of cold arid Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh. These samples were analyzed for physico-chemical properties, available NPKS and exchangeable Ca and Mg. In surface soils mean available N contents (182 kg ha^-1) were in low category whereas, P (37 kg ha^-1) and K (127 kg ha^-1) were found in medium category under different land uses. Sand did not show significant relation with any of the physico-chemical properties studied in all the three land uses.

3 tables, 23 ref

020194   Rani R;Singh R;Tewari H;Singh S K;Singh P K (Agricultural Economics Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: tamtarekha10@gmail.com) : Integration of major indian maize markets : a cointegration analysis. Int J agric statist Sci 2017, 13(2), 601-6.

Markets are the link between production and consumption and marketing along with food production is an important means to an end. Integrated markets contribute to price stabilization and assure farmers' income as there is transmission of price signals and other information between the markets. Farmers in response to these signals change their cropping pattern and allocation of resources for improving income, which act as risk management strategy against price volatility. As market integration is an approach to achieve the market efficiency, present study is conducted to examine the integration across major maize markets in India. India is the sixth largest producer of maize in world contributing 2 per cent of the global production. In India, it is third most important crop comes after rice and wheat and accounts for 9 per cent of the total food grain production in country. Markets were selected from each states viz., Karnataka, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh on the basis of maximum maize arrivals. The wholesale price data of maize were collected from AGMARKNET from January 2005 to May 2016. Market integration was - 367 - analyzed by using Johansen multivariate cointegration test and speed of price adjustment was calculated by using VECM. The study found that all the markets were well integrated and two cointegrating equations were confirmed by Johansen test. VECM resulted into greater speed of adjustment towards equilibrium in Mainpuri market of Uttar Pradesh with 31 per cent as compared to Udaipur market of Rajasthan with 19 per cent. It is recommended that measures should be adopted to improve dissemination of information which will speed up market integration.

1 illus, 4 tables, 7 ref

020193   Rana R S;Pathania R;Ramesh;Sharma S K;Thakur S (Centre for Geo- Informatics Research and Training, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, Email: ranars66@gmail.com) : Impact of elevated carbon dioxide and temperature on wheat production under sub temperate climate in north western himalayas, India. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 1905-9.

Wheat is the second most important cereal crop and plays a key role in food and nutritional security. The study examines the impact of elevated carbon dioxide and temperature under limited irrigations on wheat crop using crop growth simulation models under sub temperate climate. The Info Crop model was validated using the historical data generated by the research trials of All India Coordinated Research Improvement Project at Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. The model was run for 20 years from 1991 to 2010 for Palampur weather station. The results revealed 3.6 to 4.0 percent and 1.7 to 7.5 percent increase in simulated crop yield with 420 and 470 ppm CO₂ respectively. The elevated maximum and minimum temperature by 1 and 2°C with 370 ppm carbon dioxide reduced the anthesis period by 5-7 and 9-11 days respectively over the sowing window of November 15th to December 30th. Similarly, days to maturity also reduced by 4-5 and 7-8 days with 1 and 2°C rise in temperature respectively. The simulated crop yield showed increase by 17.9 to 63.0 and 33.2 to 133.4 percent with 1 and 2°C rise in temperature at 370 ppm CO₂ under limited irrigations. The simulated grain yield at 420 ppm CO₂ showed an increase of 23 to 69.7 percent with 1°C and 39.5 to 123.5 percent with 2°C whereas at 470 ppm CO₂ level the increase was 27.9 to 76.1 at 1°C and 46.4 to 133.0 percent with 2°C rise in maximum and minimum temperatures respectively. Hence, simulated results of elevated temperature and CO₂ levels proved to be beneficial in rabi wheat with adaptations strategy of limited irrigations under sub temperate climate of North Western Himalayas.

2 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

020192   Ramesha Y M;Bhanuvally M;Gaddi A K (Agronomy Dep, Agricultural Research Station, Dhadesugur, Univ of Agricultural Scienc, Raichur, (Karnataka), Email: rameshaym@gmail.com) : Performance of direct seeded rice in tungabhadra command area of Karnataka. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2481-4.

A large scale demonstration was taken on direct seeded rice in four locations (one at ARS, and three at Farmers field in 50 acres each) in and around the Agricultural Research Station, Dhadesugur, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka. Our analysis showed that, the yield performance of direct seeded rice (DSR) varied with transplanted rice (TPR) and with different locations. This may be due to variety used and crop management practices adopted by the farmers. In L2, maximum grain yield was recorded in DSR (6500 kg/ha) and TPR (6200 kg/ ha) compared to other three locations. Further, the grain yield was higher in DSR compared to TPR in all the locations. Similarly, economics of DSR varied with TPR and with different locations. This may be due to yield variation at different locations. In L2, net returns and B:C ratio were higher in DSR (` 93628/ha and 3.93, respectively) and TPR (`79868/ ha and 3.0, respectively) compared to other three locations. Further, net returns and B:C ratio were higher in DSR compared to TPR. Further, 47% of the labour requirement was saved in DSR compared to TPR. Therefore, concluded that, farmers can grow rice by direct seeding instead of planting to save the labour and the expenditure.

3 tables, 10 ref

020191   Ramandeep Kaur;Grewal H S (Floriculture and Landscaping Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: rkaur912@yahoo.com) : Effect of growth regulator treatment on bud sprouting of hardwood cutting in different ornametal plants. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2068-72.

The hardwood cuttings of Calliandra tieemetocephete, Cassia biflora, Pyrostegia venusta and Clerodendrum splendens were treated with different growth regulator concentrations and combinations (T1: NAA 100 mg/l, T2: NAA 300 mg/l, T3: NAA 500 mg/l, T4: IBA100 mg/l, T5: IBA 300 mg/l, T6: IBA 500 mg/l, T7: NAA 100 mg/l + IBA 50 mg/l, T8: NAA 50 mg/l + IBA100 mg/l, T9: NAA 100 mg/l + IBA100 mg/l and T10: Control) for 12 h and planted either in polybags containing soil or in sand beds for callusing. The treatment of hardwood cuttings with T6: IBA (500 mg/l) for 12h resulted in the maximum (33.33%) mean per cent sprouting 60 days after direct planting in all the four genotypes. Among the genotypes, the per cent sprouting was significantly more in C haematocephala(47.33%), followed by P venusta (8.66%), C splendens (7.33%) and C biflora (7.33%), irrespective of the growth regulator treatment The hardwood cuttings, planted in the sand beds for callusing (2 weeks) exhibited the maximum (28.33%) mean per cent sprouting with T6: IBA (500 mg/l, 12h), 60 days after transplanting in the polybags in all the four genotypes, Among the genotypes, the per cent sprouting was significantly more in C haematocephala(48.67%), followed by P venusta (6.67%) and C splendens (2.67%), irrespective of the growth regulator treatment, however, the cuttings failed to exhibit sproutingin C biflora. The treatment of cutting with 'IBA 500 mg/I increase the sprouting percentage in C haematocephala, P venusta and C splendens which otherwise were difficult to propagate through cutting.

3 tables, 22 ref

020190   Ramakrishna K;Suneetha;Devi;Sailaja K B; Saritha J D (Agronomy Dep, College of Agriculture/ Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricult, Telangana, Email: ramagronomy@gmail.com) : Nutrient use efficiency of groundnut with organic manures. Envir Conserv J 2017, 18(3), 1-8.

Field experiment was conducted on groundnut during kharif, 2014 at College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad to study the effect of four organics (vermicompost with P enrichment using 3% rock phosphate, vermicompost prepared with mushroom spent substrate, vermicompost and FYM) at two levels of nitrogen (100% RDN i.e., 30 kg ha^-1 and 75% RDN i.e., 22.5 kg ha^-1) along with control (No NPK but gypsum @ 500 kg ha^-1 at flower initiation) and absolute control (no NPK and gypsum) to find out the effect of different organic sources on nutrient use efficiencies viz., partial factor productivity, agronomic efficiency, partial nutrient balance, apparent recovery efficiency, internal utilisation efficiency and physiological efficiency. Significantly higher agronomic efficiency and partial productivity factor of 86.7 and 174.63 are obtained due to application of 75% RDN through of P (3%) enriched vermicompost; while apparent recovery efficiency of N was significantly higher (4.08 and 4.03 to absolute control and control with applied gypsum) when applied at 100% RDN level.

4 tables, 9 ref

020189   Ram Avtar;Manmohan;Jattan M;Babita Rani;Nisha Kumari;Thakral N K;Sheoran R K (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, C.C.S. Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: ramavtarola@yahoo.in) : Evaluation and diversity analysis in indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.] germplasm accessions on the basis of principal component analysis. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2485-90.

Principal component analysis was carried out with 20 morphological traits (including quantitative as well as qualitative) among 96 germplasm lines of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.]. Principal factor analysis led to the identification of eight principal components (PCs) which explained about 70.41% variability. The first principal component (PC1) explained 16.21% of the total variation. The remaining PC's explained progressively lesser and lesser of the total variation. Varimax Rotation enabled loading of similar type of variables on a common principal factor (PF) permitting to designate them as yield factor, maturity factor and oil factor etc. Based on PF scores and cluster mean values the germplasm accessions viz., RC2, RC32 and RC51 (cluster I), RC95 and RC96 (cluster X) were found superior for seed yield/plant and yield related factors like primary and secondary branches/plant; while the accessions RC34, RC185 and RC195 (cluster III) and RC53 (cluster VIII) were found superior for oil content. These accessions may further be utilized in breeding programmes for evolving mustard varieties having high seed yield and oil content. Hierarchical cluster analysis resulted into ten clusters containing two to 26 accessions. The results of cluster and principal factor analyses were in confirmation of each other.

1 illus, 6 tables, 13 ref

020188   Rajkishore Kumar;Patel J M;Pawar S L;Singh N; Patil R G (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, N.M.C.A., Navsari Agricultural Univ, Navsari-396 450, Email: kishorerj1333@gmail.com ) : Land characterization and soil-site suitability- evaluation of banana growing areas of South Gujarat, India. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 1962-9.

An investigation was carried out to evaluate the soil-site suitability and land characterization in some banana growing soils of South Gujarat. The soil belongs to Vertisols, Inceptisols and Enitisols soil order. Banana growing soil (Pedon-1) of Narmada district have ochric epipedon whereas, pedon 2, 3, 4,5, 6 and 9 are placed in order Inceptisols owing to ochric epipedon followed by cambic horizon (changes in colour, structure and texture). The presence of smectite mineralogy class, hyperthermic soil moisture regime and more than 30 per cent clay (but less than 60 per cent), pedon 7 and 8 classified as Inceptisols. In respect of land characteristics, The cumulative rating index of Jhagadia (PN2), Bardoli (PN5) and Palsana (P6) coming under highly sustainable (S2). Whereas, rest of the pedon i.e., Narmada (P1), Bharuch (PN3), Kamrej (PN4) Navsari (PN7), Jalalpore (PN8) and Valsad (PN9) are sustainable under high input (S3). Considering the soil-site suitability criteria, Bharuch (PN3), Palsana (PN6) and Jalalpore (PN8) are identified as highly suitable talukas for banana cultivation. While the Narmada (PN1), Jhagadia (PN2), Kamrej (PN4), Bardoli (PN5), Navsari (PN7) and Valsad (PN9) were categorized in moderately suitable class (S2). The suitability class can be improved if the correctable limitations (soil fertility - 364 - characteristics) are altered through soil amelioration measures.

2 illus, 6 tables, 35 ref

020187   Rajeev Kumar;Adyant Kumar;Chakraborty S; Basarkar P W (Biochemistry Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Dharwad-580 005, Email: rajeevbiochem58@rediffmail.com) : Effect of homa organic farming on growth, yield and quality parameters of okra. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2205-10.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2012 to study the biochemical efficacy of Homa organic farming practices in okra (Abelomoschus esculentus var. Arka Anamika) and laid out in randomized block design with 18 treatments replicated thrice. The treatments consist of control treatments i.e. conventional control and homa control; homa treatments (Agnihotra and Om Tryambakam homa) and non-homa treatments; and liquid organic manures viz, Panchagavya, Jeevamruta and Gloria Biosol for soil and foliar application. Among the control treatments, organic control recorded highest growth, yield and quality parameters than other controls. Soil and foliar application of Gloria Biosol was significantly superior over all the treatments in terms of growth, yield and quality attributes and recorded 20.28% more plant height and 21.41% more yield than organic control treatments. Ascorbic acid and free total phenol content of okra fruits in homa treatments were also significantly superior over all the treat-ments and recorded 15.45% and 5.33% more over organic control, respectively. Thus, it may be recommended that soil and foliar application of Gloria Biosol, among all the Homa organic treatments, will give the better crop produc-tivity and its produce quality.

2 tables, 15 ref

020186   Raj S K;Syriac E K (NO, Kerala Agricultural Univ, Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram, Kalttachalkuzhy P.O, Thiruvananthapuram-695 501, Email: sheejakraj70@gmail.com) : Herbicidal effect on the bio-indicators of soil health. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2438-48.

Soil microbial population, earth worms in soil, soil enzyme activity and organ carbon content in soil are considered as the bio indicators of soil health. They are used as indicators of soil health because of their active role in soil organic matter production, decomposition of xenobiotics and cycling of nutrients, ease of measurement and rapid response to changes in management practices. The assessment of soil health can be used to develop more sustainable crop production system. A number of herbicides have been introduced as pre and post emergence weed killer. The impact of herbicides on soil health depends on the soil - 363 - type, type and concentration of herbicide used, sensitivity to non-target organisms and environmental conditions. The review elaborates the impact of herbicidal application on the biological indicators of soil health.

^iia141 ref

020185   Puneet Kumar;Chauhan K;Bhat C G;Somvanshi V S (Nematology Div, ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: vssomvanshi@iari.res.in) : Assessment of virulence of various Indian Steinernema spp. isolates. Indian J Nematol 2016, 46(2), 197-201.

^ssc1 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

020184   Premkumar A;Manoj Kumar (School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional Univ, Jalandhar-144 411, Email: kumarap2107@gmail.com) : Applications of molecular markers for bacterial blight resistant varieties in rice (Oryza sativa L.). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2309-14.

Bacterial blight is one of devasting disease in almost all rice growing countries. The most effective, eco-nomic and environmental strategy for control of this disease is to develop rice varieties with genetic resistance. However, new pathotype has overcome single gene for resistance in the new cultivars. So, plant breeders are con-centrating to develop high yielding varieties with durable resistance using novel technologies. Molecular marker technology has progressed tremendously in the past decade for genetic improvement of field crops. Molecular markers can improve efficiency of breeding in different ways for trait in segregating population like identify plants with target gene in maximum recovery portion of recurrent parent. The transfer of two or three genes into single variety with the help of molecular marker is expected to lead to more durable resistance. Thus, thus review describes progress made in the development of bacterial blight resistance rice varieties using Marker Assisted Selection.

1 table, 57 ref

020183   Premalatha N;Ramya R (Veterinary Univ Training and Research Centre, Tamilnadu Veternary and Animal Science Univ, Melmaruvathur-603 319) : Effect of azolla (Azolla pinnata) supplementation on performance of gramapriya chickens in rural semi intensive system. Gujarat Agric Univ Res J 2017, 42(2), 102-4.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

020182   Praveen N M;Vijayaraghavan R;Beena S (Plant Pathology Dep, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural Univ, Kerala-680 656, Email: drreshmydhanesh@gmail.com) : First report of Ulocladium chartarum in gerbera causing leaf spot disease. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(4), 734-6.

A purposive sampling survey was conducted with an objective to catalogue and document fungal diseases of gerbera in Thrissur district which revealed the existence of a distinct leaf spot disease. The disease was observed in all the three seasons established where the crop was grown under polyhouse. Per cent disease severity of leaf spot during the three seasons was found to be 9.2, 6.0 and 19.4 respectively. From the diseased samples collected during the survey, the pathogen was isolated and pathogenicity of the isolate was proved by Mycelial Bit Inoculation Method (MBIM) and Mycelial Droplet Inoculation Technique (MDIT). Under natural condition, symptoms appeared as circular, pale to dark brown necrotic spots with definite borders scattered over the leaf lamina. Each individual spot appeared as deep sunken necrotic spots, delimited by major veins and further coalesced to form large blightened areas. The pathogen in PDA produced pure white mycelial growth which later transformed into typical yellow to dark orange pigmentation. Spores obovoid, non-beaked and produced olivaceous to - 362 - dark brown coloured conidia having dimensions ranging from 26.54- 51.54 μm x 15.16-40.24 μm. Hence, with the cultural and morphological characters, the pathogen was identified as Ulocladium sp. Species level identification was carried out from National Center for Fungal Taxonomy (NCFT), New Delhi and reported as U. chartarum which was found to be the first report in gerbera causing leaf spot disease in gerbera.

8 ref