018315   Thorat B S;Kunkerkar R L;Bagkar T A (Regional Agriculture Research Station, Karjat, Raigad, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra) : Studies on heterosis for yield and its contributing traits in hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.). Int J chem Stud 2017, 5(5), 7-12.

Twelve hybrids developed from crossing three CMS lines and four testers were evaluated for the extent of heterosis better parent and standard checks for yield and yield contributing traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.) during kharif 2016. Three crosses out of twelve hybrids exhibited highly significant heterobeltosis and standard heterosis for grain yield plant-1. Heterosis for grain yield plant-1 was manifested due to the significant and positive heterosis for its components viz., total productive tillers plant-1, panicle length (cm), number of filled spikelets panicle-1, spikelet fertility (%), 1000 grain weight (g) and harvest index (%). The top two heterotic combinations identified for grain yield plant-1 were IR58025A x NPQ-49 and RTN12A x NPQ-49 which exhibited more than 40% heterobeltosis and standard heterosis ranged from 3.64% to 53.14%.

8 tables, 18 ref

018314   Teja K C;Duary B;Dash S;Mallick R B (NO, Institute of Agriculture, (Palli Siksha Bhavana), Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, Birbhum-731 236, Email: bduary@yahoo.co.in) : Post-emergence application of imazethapyr for weed management in lentil. SATSA Mukhapatra 2017, 21(Annual Tech, 183-8.

Field experiments were conducted during rabi - 380 - season of 2014-15 and 2015-16 at farmers' field at village Binuria, Sriniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal to find out the efficacy of post-emergence (POE) application of imazethapyr at different doses (12.5, 25.0, 37.5 and 50.0 g ha^-1) against weed growth and productivity of lentil (cv. Asha). Eight treatments including imazethapyr, quizalofop-ethyl, pendimethalin, hand weeding (twice) and untreated control were evaluated. The experimental findings revealed that Digitaria sanguinalis and Cynodon dactylon among the grasses and Croton bonplandianum and Gnaphalium indicum among the broadleaved weeds were predominant throughout the cropping period. Higher doses of imazethapyr (37.5 and 50.0 g ha^-1) applied at 25 days after sowing (DAS) effectively controlled the grasses and broadleaved weeds at 60 DAS. The loss of seed yield due to weed infestation in lentil was to the tune of 30.9-34.7%. Lower values of weed density and total weed dry weight along with higher values of weed control efficiency, yield attributes and seed yield of lentil were registered with imazethapyr at 37.5 g ha^-1 at 25 DAS. Thus, application of imazethapyr at 37.5 g ha^-1 at 25 DAS (POE) may be recommended for managing complex weed flora and obtaining higher seed yield of lentil in lateritic belt of West Bengal.

2 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

018313   Swain S;Munsi P S;Das S;Lenka P C (Fruit Science Dep, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Email: swarnalata1967@rediffmail.com) : Selection of the parental combinations through multivariate analysis in dessert banana genotypes for hybridization programme. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2017, 10(1), 73-87.

In the present investigation 22 dessert banana genotypes were evaluated under coastal plain zone of Odisha during the year 2013-14 and 2104-15 in a randomized block design with three replications. Observations were recorded on growth parameters and yield attributing traits. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences among the genotypes in respect of all the growth parameters and yield attributing traits. The PCV and GCV (phenotypic and genotypic coefficient variation) were higher for finger weight, bunch weight and number of fingers. Bunch girth and finger weight had very high broad sense heritability (h²). Finger weight recorded the highest genetic advance followed by bunch weight. All the genotypes, on the basis of total variability were grouped into twelve distinct clusters. Maximum number of cultivars was accommodated in Cluster 1 followed by Cluster 7. Inter cluster distance was the highest between cluster 12 and cluster 7. Bunch girth made the maximum contribution to divergence (45.02%) followed by finger weight (39.83%).

23 illus, 6 tables, 20 ref

018312   Surekha K;Mahender Kumar R;Bhowmick M K (NO, ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: surekhakuchi@gmail.com) : Increasing carbon sequestration potential of rice soils to mitigate global warming through organic farming. SATSA Mukhapatra 2017, 21(Annual Techn, 189-94.

In a field experiment conducted at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, the potential benefits of organic rice farming in terms of rice productivity, soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and carbon sequestration rate (CSR) were studied for a period of five consecutive years in both the wet and dry seasons with a wide seasonal temperature range (28-31°C in wet and 30-40°C in dry season). The results indicated initial reduction in grain yield to the extent of 15-20% in the organic system and yield stabilization after two years in wet season while it had taken longer period of five years in dry season to achieve comparable yields in organic system. SOC stocks were higher under organic system (by 34-43%), compared to conventional system. Though the magnitudes of C stocks and CSR were higher in wet season with lower temperatures, use of organics proved to be beneficial in dry season due to prevalence of higher temperatures indicating favourable C sequestration under dry* situation, as also anticipated due to climate change. Thus, it would become possible to improve rice productivity under the organic system over a period of time with further improvement in CSR, showing its mitigation potential to a certain extent against the adverse effect of global warming.

3 tables, 10 ref

018311   Surapu R B;Srinivas P;Aruna J;Vijay S;Rani C D;Reddy P N;Prasad M S (NO, Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural Univ, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: ramesh.surapu@yahoo.com) : Management of rice blast disease by using new molecules of fungicides. Pollut Res 2017, 36(1), 130-5.

Rice blast was major disease in rice and it causes major losses to the farmers. It was caused by Magnaporthe grisea). Although the use of resistant cultivars is known to be the most effective control strategy, it also carries certain issues relating to development of pathogenic races. Thus the use of resistant cultivars is limited to a certain place and time. Therefore, chemical control provides great opportunity for controlling rice diseases. The present results indicated that, B:C ratio was found highest for tricyclazole followed by propiconazole.

1 illus, 3 tables, 4 ref

018310   Sunil Kumar;Singh M C (Floriculture and Landscape Architecture Div, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: sunilfls13@gmail.com) : Effect of photoperiod on growth characteristics in Chrysanthemum morifolium ramat. cv. zembla. Res Crop 2017, 18(1), 110-15.

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of photoperiod on growth characteristics in chrysanthemum cv. Zembla during 1st October 2014 to 20th December 2014 in naturally ventilated greenhouse at Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology (CPCT), IARI, New Delhi. Chrysanthemum cv. Zembla was exposed under different photoperiodic treatments of day length extension illuminating from high pressure sodium (HPS) for 6, 9, 12, 15 days @ 15 h/day in growth chamber. All the growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves, internode length and leaf area)varied significantly during different stages of growth and found that the increase in photoperiod by 15 days using high pressure sodium (HPS) lighting resulted in a significant increase in stem elongation and leaf number. Increased plant height (46.25 and 42.70 cm), internodal length (2.70 and 2.63 cm) and leaf number (32.75 and 29.75) were observed in cv. Zembla due to long day extension treatments as compared to the control. Flower bud appeared at the earliest (57 days) in the plants without any exposure to the photoperiod. However, flower opening delayed with increase in day length exposure from 6 days (66 days) to 15 days (68 days) treatments. The results also revealed that supplemental high pressure sodium lighting significantly increased in plant height, internodal length as well as leaves number with increase in day length (photoperiod).

3 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

018309   Sultana A;Sarker A C;Kunda M;Mazumder S K (Aquatic Resource Management Dep, Sylhet Agricultural Univ, Sylhet, Bangladesh) : Present status and threats of fish diversity of wetlands of Chhatak, Bangladesh. Int J Fish aqua Stud 2017, 5(5), 43-8.

The present study was conducted for a period of one year from April 2016 to March 2017 to identify the present status and threats to fish diversity in the wetlands of Chhatak, Bangladesh. A total of 71 fish species, including prawn under 11 orders and 25 families were recorded from the wetlands. Cypriniformes (32.38%) was the most dominant order, followed by Siluriformes (25.35%), Perciformes (19.72%), Synbranchiformes and Channiformes (5.63%), Clupeiformes - 378 - (4.23%), Decapoda (4.23%), Beloniformes (2.82%), Osteoglossiformes (2.82%), Tetraodontiformes (1.41%) and Cyprinodontiformes (1.41%). Cyprinidae was the most dominant family contributing 20 species. The recorded species were categorized on the basis of availability into four statuses and found as available (40.85%), less available (29.58%), rare (14.08%) and very rare (15.49%). The present study suggested that use of appropriate fishing gears, establishment of the sanctuary, community based fisheries management, stocking of commercially important fish species, implementation of fishing laws and regulation, Government support and fishermen's awareness can save the valuable fish diversity of the study area.

3 illus, 1 table, 35 ref

018308   Subba Rao L V;Lavanya K;Chiranjeevi M; Surender R;Aruna P;Yadav S;Chaitanya U;Ravindra Babu V;Chowdhury D R (NO, ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: lvsubbarao1990@gmail.com) : Rice genetic resources and the system of plant variety protection in India. SATSA Mukhapatra 2017, 21(Annual Tech, 59-87.

Conservation of plant biodiversity for sustainable growth and development has been the major concern of all the countries after the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) held in 1992, which provided sovereign rights of the states over their national resources. Being the major staple food crop for more than half of the world population, conservation and protection of vast genetic resources of rice has got the top priority in India and also other rice growing countries. India with its rich repository of vast rice genetic resources needs to inventorize, document and protect those valuable resources that include wild and weedy rices, folk, farmers' and traditional varieties, land races, and naturally available hybrid populations. Majority of these genetic resources were conserved by the local communities throughout length and breadth of the country and the Government of India rightly recognised them as custodians of these genetic resources. The issue of protection of plant varieties came into focus after the birth of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995. India adopted sui generis system for protecting the plant varieties since Indian Patent Act does not allow the patenting of live forms. Accordingly the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights (PPV&FR) Act was enacted in the year 2001 by the Govt. of India, while recognising the great services rendered by Indian farmers and exhaustive privileges and provisions were included in the Act as Farmers' Rights which no other country in the world recognized. As per the provisions of PPV&FR Act, the Breeders' Rights are accorded after the examination of DUS test results. DUS tests are conducted by following the national test guidelines at two designated locations in two similar seasons with appropriate reference varieties. However, the Farmers' Varieties are tested for only one season for granting the rights. Community seed banks (CSBs) are promoted to preserve the seeds of most adapted Farmers' Varieties as a contingent plan to make available of these seeds in the event of any casualty / failure of crop. Rice with its rich genetic repositories and wide adaptability is the only crop that can offer solutions to the daunting goal of curbing hunger. Any threat to the biodiversity in rice is a direct threat to the survival of mankind.

6 tables, 19 ref

018307   Srivastava M P (Mycology and Plant Pathology Div, Botany Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007, Email: madhusrivastava2010@gmail.com) : Fungitoxic effect of Adenocalymma alliaceum miers against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. gladioli. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(1), 55-9.

Aqueous extract from the leaves of garlic creeper (Adenocalymma alliaceum Miers.) was investigated for their antifungal activity against 18 fungal organisms. The extract demonstrated wide spectrum fungitoxicty. Exposure of the spores of test fungi to the extract for 5 h inhibited the spore germination by 70-80 %, after exposure for 10 h, a 100% inhibition was observed. The inhibitory active principle of the extract was thermostable when kept for 1 h at 60°C and on boiling at 100°C for 4 min. However, the inhibitory activity of the extract decreased to 70 - 377 - % when boiled for 6 min and was completely lost after boiling for 10 min.

5 tables, 6 ref

018306   Sivasankari B;Vasanthi R;Prema P (Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Tamil Nadu) : Determination of technical efficiency in paddy farms of canal irrigated systems in Tamil Nadu: A data envelopment analysis approach. Int J chem Stud 2017, 5(5), 33-6.

This study is carried out to analyze the performance of paddy farms Cauvery delta zone in Tamil Nadu by estimating the level of technical efficiency. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), a nonparametric method was applied to estimate technical efficiency of paddy farms. The data collected for the year 2010-11 under the Cost of Cultivation Scheme of Tamil Nadu Centre were used for the study. The technical efficiency index ranged from 0.41 to 1.00 under both Constant Returns to Scale (CRS) and 0.48 to 1.00 under Variable Returns to Scale (VRS) specification. The mean technical efficiencies were 0.76 and 0.81 under CRS and VRS specification, respectively. The scale efficiency ranges between 0.75 and 1.00 with a mean of 0.93. Of the 100 Paddy farmers, nine shows constant returns to scale, 81 shows increasing return to scale while three shows decreasing return to scale. This result shows that there is small scale inefficiency in the study area. There are excess uses for all inputs especially for fertilizers like potash, phosphorus and farm yard manure.

3 tables, 17 ref

018305   Singh U;Dutta S K;Majumdar K (NO, ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur-208 024, Email: singhummed@yahoo.co.in) : 4R nutrient stewardship guidelines for sustainable pulse production - an overview. SATSA Mukhapatra 2017, 21(Annual Techn, 142-53.

India is a major pulse producing country in the world with a significant option for productivity enhancement. This will not only improve soil health, but also help in addressing the challenge of meeting the protein requirement for vegetarian population of India. One of the major thrusts for productivity enhancement could be balanced fertilizer application through improved nutrient management plan. The present study provides general guidelines of 4R Nutrient Stewardship for popular pulses to enhance productivity while keeping the production economic and environmentally sustainable. The 4R Nutrient Stewardship guidelines provide nutrient recommendation to the farmers by guiding to choose right source of fertilizer and advice what will be the right rate, time and place or method of application to protect the environment and increase farm profitability.

6 tables, 27 ref

018304   Singh S V ET AL (Animal Health Div, Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, PO-Farah, Mathura-281 122, Email: shoorvir.singh@gmail.com) : Comparison of newly standardized 'latex milk agglutination test', with 'indigenous milk ELISA' for 'on spot' screening of domestic livestock against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection. Indian J Biotechnol 2016, 15(4), 511-17.

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), the cause of Johne's disease in animals, has also been associated with Crohn's disease (CD), Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and auto-immune disorders of humans. Increased consumption of milk and milk products made from pasteurized milk led to the sharp rise in the cases of IBD/CD in India. Milk and milk products are the main source of transmission of MAP from animals to humans, since MAP is not inactivated during pasteurization. Lack of rapid and sensitive 'field test' is the major stumbling block in estimating bio-incidence of MAP and threat it poses to human population. In the present study, newly standardized 'Latex milk agglutination test' (LMAT) was compared with 'Indigenous milk ELISA' test. Of the 900 raw milk samples of domestic livestock screened, 36.4 and 51.4% were positive in milk ELISA and LMAT, respectively. In milk ELISA, 38.7, 71.4, 35.1 and 33.5% milk samples of goats, sheep, cattle and buffaloes were positive for MAP, respectively. Whereas in LMAT, 60.6, 90.4, 45.9 and 44.7% milk samples of goats, sheep, cattle and buffaloes were positive for MAP, respectively. LMAT had 70.5% overall rate of agreement with milk ELISA. LMAT had sensitivity and specificity of 80.1 and 65.0%, respectively on comparion with 'Indigenous milk ELISA' and Kappa value of 0.416. Strength of agreement between two tests was 'fair'. Study showed that LMAT has potential to be developed as field based 'spot test' for the rapid screening of milk samples of lactating domestic livestock for the detection of MAP.

1 illus, 3 tables, 37 ref

018303   Singh S;Srivastava A K;Dar M H;Zaidi N W; Singh U S (NO, International Rice Research Institute, India Office, New Delhi-110 008, Email: sud.singh@irri.org) : Climate resilient agronomy for sustainable rice production in rainfed environment of Eastern India. SATSA Mukhapatra 2017, 21(Annual Techn, 1-20.

Sustainable rice production for feeding increasing population is a primary global challenge for food security. Frequent dry spell, erratic rainfall and expanding salinity are further aggravating this problem. Recently, with the use of modern molecular techniques, stress tolerant rice varieties (STRVs) have been developed at International Rice Research Institute and released in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal in collaboration with National Agricultural Research and Extension System (NARES) partners, and made available to the farmers for cultivation. Studies have suggested that these newly available STRVs possess remarkably higher grain yield potentials than their recurrent parents in rainfed stress-prone environment. Yield potential of these varieties can be further enhanced up to 1 t ha^-1 by using smart agronomic interventions. The resilience of rice production systems can be increased by proper dissemination of STRVs in the target areas. This review addresses possible adaptation and mitigation strategies for making rice production sustainable and more climate-smart, based on cost-effective management options and production systems in the context of progressively changing climate.

75 ref

018302   Singh S;Nirmalkar V K;Tiwari R K S;Jangre A; Pankaj Kumar (Plant Pathology Dep, S.K. College of Agriculture and Research Station, Indira Gandhi Krishi, Kawardha-Kabirdham, Chhattisgarh-491 995, Email: shyamsingh.skcars78@gmail.com) : Integration of Trichoderma, Pseudomonas and fungicides for the control of collar rot disease of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2017, 10(1), 125-31.

An experiment was conducted on integration of Trichoderma, Pseudomonas and fungicides for the control of Collar rot disease of Chickpea during 2013-14 and 2014-15. Results indicated that the most effective treatment was Trichoderma harzianum @ 8q/ha^-1 (Soil) + Hexaconazole @ 3ml/kg^-1 seed with minimum mortality (4.30 and 2.25%) which was at par with treatment Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 8q/ha^-1 (Soil) + Hexaconazole @ 3ml/kg^-1 seed (5.80 and 2.59%) and Trichoderma harzianum @ 8q/ha^-1 (Soil)+Tubeconazole @ 3ml/kg^-1 seed (6.15 and 4.09%) whereas maximum mortality 15.70 and 12.35%) was recorded in control plot. Maximum no. of pods per plant (41.30 and 49.75) was recorded in treatment T₇ = Trichoderma harzianum @ 8q/ha^-1 (Soil) + Hexaconazole @ 3ml/kg^-1 seed which was at par with T₈= Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 8q/ha^-1 (Soil) + Hexaconazole @ 3ml/kg^-1 (38.7 and 45.95) and significantly superior over rest of the treatment. In case of grain yield highest grain yield was increased in treatment T₇ = Trichoderma harzianum @ 8q/ha^-1 (Soil) + Hexaconazole @ 3ml/kg^-1 seed (44.85%) followed by T₈= Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 8q/ha^-1 (Soil) + Hexaconazole @ 3ml/kg^-1 (43.61%) and T₁₀= Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 8q/ha^-1 (Soil) + Tubeconazole @ 3ml/kg^-1 seed (29.63%).

4 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

018301   Singh S K;Singh P N;Shukla A;Narayan A (Horticulture Dep, G. B. Pant Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: saurabh3596@gmail.com) : Effect of Pseudomonas fluorescens (PBAP-27) and ferrous sulphate on phenology and yield of peach cv. flordaprince. Res Crop 2017, 18(1), 57-60.

An experiment was conducted during the years 2014-15 and 2015-16 to examine the effect of Pseudomonas fluorescens (PBAP-27) and foliar spray of ferrous sulphate on flowering, fruiting and yield of peach cv. Flordaprince. It was laid in a split plot design and the treatments comprised no inoculation (I₀) and inoculation (I1) of Pseudomonas fluorescens (PBAP-27) as main plot along with four levels of foliar spray of ferrous sulphate 0.5% i. e. F₀ (no spray: water spray), F₁ (single sprays), F₂ (two sprays), F₃ (three sprays) as sub-plot treatments. The results obtained from the investigation showed that the inoculation of P. fluorescens (PBAP-27) significantly increased number of marketable fruits per tree. Three foliar sprays of ferrous sulphate resulted in significant reduction in fruit drop. The foliar spray was also significant in increasing number of marketable fruits per tree. A significant interaction was noted between P. fluorescens (PBAP-27) inoculation and foliar spray of ferrous sulphate for retaining more number of fruits per tree.

2 tables, 16 ref

018300   Singh S K;Singh A K;Dwivedi P (Plant Physiology Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: pdwivedi25@rediffmail.com) : Modulating effect of salicylic acid in tomato plants in response to waterlogging stress. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2017, 10(1), 31-7.

The present investigation to investigate ameliorative effect of salicylic acid (SA) on waterlogged situation was carried out as pot culture experiment in tomato variety H-86 (Kashi Vishesh) in poly house with nine treatments including control in three replications under short term stress. The response of various morphological and biochemical attributes progressively reduced with the increased duration of waterlogged condition. Seeds treated with SA (50 and 100 ppm) or without SA, and foliar application of SA were given alone or in combination. Treated seeds significantly promoted seedling growth and ameliorated waterlogged stress induced responses as confirmed by the changes in growth pattern and several morphological and biochemical attributes. Among treatments, SA (50 ppm seed treatment combined with 100 ppm foliar spray) produced better results in terms of shoot length, leaf number, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, sugar and protein content, number of flower, number of fruits and fruit weight - 374 - per plant as compared to waterlogging control plant.

3 tables, 38 ref

018299   Singh D P;Verma S C;Sujata Kumari (Entomology Seed Science and Technology and Dep, Dr. Y. S. Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh) : Effect of different time of transplanting and organic fertilizers on plant growth and seed yield parameters of radish (Raphanus sativus L.). J Pharmac Phytochem 2017, 6(5), 1-5.

An investigation was carried out during two consecutive years (2014-15 and 2015-16) at experimental farm of Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-273230 (H. P.). The experiment was conducted on effect of different time of transplanting, organic fertilizers and their interactions on growth and seed yield of radish (Raphanus sativus L.). Transplanting was done on three different dates during both years. There were seven treatments including control and each treatment was replicated thrice. The data was analysed in factorial randomized block design. The study was revealed that all the growth and seed yield parameters like minimum days to 50% bolting (88.17 days) and days to 50% flowering (95.33 days), maximum number of branches plant^-1 (12.82) and maximum number of siliqua plant^-1 (488.03) were recorded with treatment vermi compost @50 q ha^-1 + Azotobacter @2.5 kg ha^-1 (root dip) + PSB @2.5 kg ha^-1 (root dip) + NSKE @5% and siliqua length (7.15 cm), plant height (111.65 cm), number of seed siliqua-1 (6.35), seed yield plant^-1 (20.11 g), seed yield plot^-1 (301.60 g) and seed yield (881.04 kg ha^-1) were recorded maximum with treatment RDF+ Malathion @0.05% in 4th November transplanting. All parameters showed a decreasing trend as sowing date was delayed. The study reveals that interactions of different transplanting and organic fertilizers had significant impact on all growth and yield parameters.

1 table, 42 ref

018298   Singh A;Singh A K;Aswin C (Agronomy Dep, College of Agriculture, Iroisemba Campus, Central Agricultural Univ, Imphal-795 004, Email: dr.amitksingh27@outlook.com) : Effect of hydrogel and thiourea on yield, quality and nutrient uptake of indian mustard under moisture stress condition. Res Crop 2017, 18(1), 42-8.

A field experiment was carried out during the winter seasons of 2013-14 at the Research Farm, Andro of Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur to assess the effect of hydrogel and thiourea on yield, quality and nutrient uptake of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea L.] under moisture stress condition. The said experiment involved 13 treatments and replicated thrice under randomized block design. The crop was applied 100% RDF through 130 kg of urea, 250 kg of SSP and 50 kg of MOP accompanied with hydrogel @ 2.5 kg/ha as basal followed by thiourea @ 0.05% as foliar spray at 50% flowering and 50% pod formation. Significant improvement in yield and qualitative traits (oil & - 373 - protein content and their recovery) as well as nutrient content and their uptake to mustard was recorded due to basal application of 2.5 kg of hydrogel/ha accompanied with 100% RDF followed by two foliar applications of 0.05% of thiourea at 50% flowering and 50% pod formation.

2 tables, 23 ref

018297   Shinde S R;Patil N M;Mhaske B M (Agricultural Entomology Dep, College of Agriculture, Dhule-424 004) : Efficacy of some newer inscticides against sucking pests of chilli (Capsicum annum L.). Bioinfolet 2017, 14(3), 284-7.

The field study on efficacy of newer insecticides for controlling sucking pests of chilli revealed that among the insecticides fipronil 5% SC @ 45 g a.i./ha was superior for controlling thrips, aphid and whitefly, while propargite 57%EC 850 g a.i./for mite population. Treatment with fipronil 5% SC @ 45 g a.i./ha recorded highest fruit yield (39.90q/ha).

1 table, 10 ref

018296   Shelar R B;Kadam A S;Rathod R R (Horticulture Dep, College of Agriculture, Latur, Maharashtra) : Studies on effect of different sources of nitrogen on growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Monech).. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(3), 273-4.

The growth parameters viz., plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, number of branches, number of nodes and length of internode were significantly influenced due to the application of Nitrogen. The plant height was maximum (110.07 cm), and number of leaves, leaf area, number of branches and number of nodes were significantly higher with the application of 50 per cent N through urea + 50 per cent N through neem cake. All yield contributing characters e.g. weight, breadth and length of fruit, number of fruits per plant and fruit yield were significantly affected due to the treatments offered during present investigation. Significantly maximum weight, breadth and length (10.47 g, 1.50 cm and 9.54 respectively) of okra fruit were observed under the influence of 50 per cent N through urea + 50 per cent N through neem cake.

12 ref

018295   Sharma R;Chandra K;Gobu R;Loitongbam B (Phytopathology Dep, Hohenheim Univ, Stuttgart-70599, Germany, Email: kailash5026@gmail.com) : Post-transcriptional gene silencing and its implication to the asian soybean rust. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2017, 10(1), 105-13.

Soybean is one of the most economically important crops in the world. Soybean yield is severely affected by biotic agents, especially by Asian Soybean Rust (ASR). The causal agent of ASR is Phakopsora pachyrhizi; a biotrophic fungus that belongs to Basidiomycota. Chemical control is the most effective control method for ASR, but it is costly. In the past, many soybean varieties resistant to ASR have been developed by introgression of resistance genes (R genes) to local varieties. Since P. pachyrhizi isolates are highly diverse, the resistant varieties are vulnerable to newly evolved pathogen isolates. Until now there is - 372 - no variety that is resistant to all pathogen isolates. Therefore, there is a need to develop new strategies other than R genes. Identification of new candidate genes that are crucial for fungi in pathogenicity may lead to new options for P. pachyrhizi control. Many interesting genes have been identified but their study is impaired by the biotrophic nature of rust fungi. In this regard RNAi has emerged as a reverse genetic tool. The HIGS method (Host Induced Gene Silencing) is used to down regulate fungal candidate genes in planta. This is an indirect method where the silencing signal is formed in the plant but it mediates RNAi in the fungus.

3 illus, 1 table, 42 ref

018294   Sharma P K;Chaurasia A K;Mishra S N (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Sam Higginbottom Univ of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Effect of organic and inorganic seed priming on seed quality parameters in lentil (Lens culinaris M.)" seeds. Pharma Innovation 2017, 6(10), 18-21.

The experiment was conducted in Field Department of Genetic and Plant Breeding SHUATS Allahabad UP during 2017, in order standardize the best method of priming specific to Lentil. Seed priming using various method like that viz., organic and inorganic were evaluated by screening a range of duration and concentration viz., inorganic-T₁: carbendazim @ 0.2% T₂: Mancozeb 50% + Carbendazim 25% WS @ 0.2%, organic- T₃: Trichoderma harzianum @ 0.6% T₄: Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 0.6%, Unprimed Control, for 12 hours. It was found that all the priming method showed signification difference with the control and the highest Field emergence percent, Number of pods per plant, Seed weight per plant (g), 100 Seed weight (g), Number of plant per plot, Seed yield per plot (g), Plant height (cm), Number of primary branches per plant were observed for Trichoderma harzianum @ 0.6% priming for 12 hours. Seed priming, its simplicity and no requirement for expensive equipment and chemical could be used as a simple method for overcoming related to a poor germination and seedling establishment and helps in sustaining agriculture.

7 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

018293   Sharma N;Sharma S;Ram Niwas (Horticulture Dep, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agriculture Univ, Hisar, Haryana) : Thermal time and phenology of citrus in semi-arid conditions. J Pharmac Phytochem 2017, 6(5), 27-30.

The experiment was conducted at Citrus orchard, Department of Horticulture, Chaudhary Charan singh Haryana - 371 - Agricultural University Hisar. Fully grown twelve year old trees properly maintained of uniform size and vigour, free from disease and pest, of three Citrus groups with two cultivars in each were used in study. Spring flush was taken in all the six varieties of three groups; Sweet orange Mandarin hybrids and Grapefruit. All citrus species and their respective cultivars behaved different from each other in the same environments. The bud break was observed earliest in sweet orange that took after 13 days of during 2014 and. latest during 2015 after 14 and 10 days of buds initiation (Jaffa and Pine apple) as compared to other citrus species. The floral development between sweet orange cultivars was faster in Pine apple as compared to Jaffa. Flowering end was later during 2014 in all the citrus cultivars bercause of low temperatures prevailed during February, 2014 as compared to February 2015. The slope of linear regression line between rate of floral development and heat units accumulated indicates that rate of floral development per unit degree day was -0.002 in citrus cultivars.

1 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

018292   Selvam G G;Sivakumar K (Algal Biotechnology Div, Botany Dep, Faculty of Science, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar-608 602, Email: kshivam69@gmail.com) : Micromorphological study of Vigna mungo L. using seaweed liquid fertilizer from Hypnea musciformis (Wulf.) lamouroux.. Indian J Geomar Sci 2016, 45(9), 1199-207.

The effect of seaweed liquid fertilizer from the red seaweed Hypnea musciformis, on the micromorphology of Vigna mungo was studied. H. musciformis was collected from Kanyakumari (Lat.9°11'N,'Long.79°24'E) rocky coast for the present study. Different concentration (1%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8%) of H. musciformis liquid fertilizer and for the control experiment distilled water was used. Maximum germination percentage, growth and yield parameters, pigments, number of branches, root nodules and biochemical constituents were observed at 2% concentration of SLF. Present study revealed that the seaweed H. musciformis can be used as potential fertilizer and serve as a cost effective ecofriendliness for sustainable agriculture and environment.

4 illus, 4 tables, 54 ref

018291   Sati K;Raghav M;Sati U C;Lavlesh (Vegetable Science Dep, G. B. Pant Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: ksati538@gmail.com) : Effect of zinc sulphate application on quality of potato. Res Crop 2017, 18(1), 98-102.

In order to investigate the response of zinc sulphate application on quality of potato tubers, field experiments were carried out during winter seasons of 2014-15 and 2015-16 at Vegetable Research Centre, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand. The lay-out of experimental field was laid in randomized block design with 10 treatments with three replications. The results indicated that dry matter (22.57, 22.27 and 22.42%), starch (18.56, 19.11 and 18.83%) and protein (8.20, 8.45 and 8.33%) were maximum under treatment T₉ (zinc sulphate @ 12.5 kg/ha at the time of planting and 12.5 kg/ha at the time of earthing-up), whereas available zinc content of potato tubers (52.27, 55.60 and 53.93 ppm) was higher under treatment T7 (zinc sulphate @ 25 kg/ha at the time of planting) during both the years and pooled analysis over the years, respectively. Results also indicated that specific gravity of potato tuber did not vary significantly with the treatments during both the years and pooled analysis over the years. Based on present investigation, it can be concluded that basal and/or split application of zinc sulphate at 25 kg/ha improved potato tuber quality under present agro-climatic conditions.

2 tables, 19 ref

018290   Sathish Kumar B;Singh R V;Singh A;Dhyani B P; Pooran Chand (Agronomy Dep, Collage of Agriculture, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Univ of Agriculture &, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh) : Effect of nitrogen levels and cutting management on economic studies of fodder oat (Avena sativa L).. J med Pl Stud 2017, 5(5), 33-5.

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season 2015-16 at Crop Research Centre (Chirauri) of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut (U.P.) to evaluate the effect of nitrogen levels and cutting management on performance of fodder oat and chemical properties of soil. The area lie at a latitude of 29° 40' North and longitude of 77° 42' East with an elevation of 237 meters above mean sea level. The soil of the experimental field was well drained, sandy loam in texture and slightly alkaline in reaction. It was medium in available nitrogen and phosphorus but high in available potassium with an electrical conductivity (1:2, soil: water suspension) of 1.6 dS/m. The treatments comprised 5 nitrogen levels (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg ha^-1) and 2 cutting management (single at 50% flowering and double at 60 DAS and 50% flowering), replicated 4 times in a factorial randomized block design. The data on growth, physiology, green forage yield and quality and its contributing traits were calculated on net plot area basis (16 m²), whereas content and uptake in straw along with soil available nutrients and production - 370 - economic, were recorded as per the standard procedure. The results indicated that economic returns were superior at 160 kg nitrogen ha^-1. Likewise, single cut resulted into higher values of above mentioned parameter than double cutting (60DAS and 50% flowering).

1 table, 10 ref

018289   Saroj S K;Singh M N;Bhanu A N;Pathak N;Dhurai S Y;Yashpal (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: nishant.bhanu@gmail.com) : Genetics of fertility restoration and agronomic performance of CMS based hybrids in pigeonpea. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2017, 10(1), 17-24.

In the study, CMS based hybrid combination involving two male sterile lines (Cajanus cajanifolius) and four restorer lines in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) were studied to determine the genetics of fertility restoration in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.). Based on the pollen fertility and pod setting, F₂ segregating populations were categorised. Out of two major genes governing the fertility restoration, one gene segregated in the ratio of 9:3:4 whereas the second gene in 12:3:1 due to the allelic differences. The ICPA 2043/LRG 41 and ICPA 2043/NDA 1 hybrids fits best for agronomical aspects as they showed earliness with respect to flowering and maturity having more number of pods plant^-1, increase in pod length along with more seed yield plant^-1. CMS system is a useful tool serving to increase seed yield production of various crops and consummate the demands of increasing populations.

1 illus, 5 tables, 18 ref

018288   Sarkar S;Dasgupta B (Plant Pathology Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741 252, Email: dasgupta.basudeb824@gmail.com) : Studies on leaf spot and tip/foliar blight of bach (Acorus calamas) caused by Nigrospora oryzae (Berk. et Br.) petch. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(1), 81-4.

Bach (Acorus calamas) is one of the most important medicinal plants in West Bengal and suffers from foliar disease caused by Nigrospora oryzae. In this paper, fixed plot survey of leaf spot of bach, isolation of pathogen, pathogenicity test of isolated pathogen for confirmation of disease, colony characters and growth of pathogen in different semi solid and liquid media were made. The results revealed that the severity of the leaf spot disease of Acorus calamus caused by Nigrospora oryzae were more during the period from November to February and maximum disease incidence was recorded in the month of November, thereafter the incidence decreased slowly and reached minimum during July - August. From September onward the incidence gradually increased and reached to the peak during November-February. Symptoms of leaf spot of Bach showed that minute brown to black spots appeared at the leaf tip, later it spread from leaf tip to lower part of the leaves. Spots coalesced with each other and appeared as a large spot. Blight symptom was shown from tip and drying of the leaves occurred from leaf margin. In severe infection whole leaf was blighted. The pathogen was established through pathogenicity test. Visual observations of the colony characters were made after re-isolation from the inoculated plants with the pathogens revealed that the colony of the pathogen was deep black in colour - 369 - with white cottony mass present on the growth. The highest growth of Nigrospora oryzae was recorded in Oat meal agar ami Richards media and lowest in PDA medium where as in liquid media highest dry weight was recorded in Richards medium (1.54 g) and lowest in Oat meal agar medium (0.14 g). Micrometric measurement of the pathogen were made after growing in PDA medium and observed under the high power microscope. Nigrospora oryzae produced smaller size spores (6.12 - 13.60 μm x 5.06 - 12.14 μm). The colony character of the pathogen in different media revealed that in different media the colony character of the pathogen were different.

2 illus, 3 tables, 4 ref

018287   Sarkar D;Mukherjee A;Chowdhury A K;Ninawe A S (Fishery Unit, Regional Research Station, Terai Zone, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Coochbehar-736 165) : Domestication of Macrobrachium rosenbergii in terai region of West Bengal. Int J Fish aqua Stud 2017, 5(5), 1-6.

The investigation explored the possibility of Macrobrachium rosenbergii farming in Terai zone to open up a new venture in aquaculture production for the socio-economic upliftment of the farming community. From the agro-climatic standpoint though Terai zone bears unfavourable soil and water characteristics for fish farming with high seepage, acidic pH and prolonged winter, but a favourable texture of sandy to sandy loam soil in seasonal ponds may explore the potential for the domestication of Macrobrachium rosenbergii and its expansion in Terai region. Experiments conducted on standardization of package of practice for farming post larva (PL) and juvenile in different culture system revealed that 15 PL (0.04g wt) rearing for 45 days in indoor condition is essential to make them grow into juveniles (<62>1.0g wt) those are suitable for further release into the stocking ponds, otherwise direct release of 15 PL into the nursery or rearing pond lead upto 90% mortality. All the culture system require seed to be stocked with profuse supply of feeding, artificial aeration and hiding shelter for optimum growth and production. Mixed farming of prawn juvenile with Indian major and medium carps surprisingly elicited better growth of juveniles in the rearing pond. Experiment on feed treatment indicated maximum growth and specific growth rate (SGR) in lab made pellet feed T5 prepared with Spirulina, a commonly used neutraceuticals to keep animal health better. T5 elicited 16% and 67% higher increase in growth and SGR respectively over T1 (commercially available S1 level feed). It is therefore concluded that freshwater prawn farming has a tremendous scope in terai zone; only the recommended package of practice along with profuse feeding to PL and juveniles needs to be followed to reach an average individual weight gain of prawn by at least 50-60 g in four month period (seasonal pond) that can fetch a good market value of <62>Rs.800/- per kg.

7 illus, 6 - 368 -

018286   Santosh D T;Tiwari K N;Singh V K (Agricultural and Food Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur-721 302, Email: dtsantosh@gmail.com) : Influence of different protected cultivation structures on water requirements of winter vegetables. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2017, 10(1), 93-103.

Protected cultivation structures provide favourable environment for crop growth thereby achieving greater yield and high quality produce. Green house, polyhouse, shade net house & low tunnels are different types of protected cultivation structures, which are commonly adopted for crop cultivation. During extreme cold in winter season (November-February) vegetables can be grown under green house structure. Accurate irrigation scheduling in protected cultivation structures is one of the important factors in achieving high yields and avoiding loss of quality. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of protected cultivation structures (Poly house, shade net house and shadow hall) on temperature, relative humidity and water requirement of vegetable crops (Tomato, Cucumber, Capsicum, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Broccoli & Brinjal) with drip irrigation system grown during winter season (November-February). FAO-56 Penman Monteith approach was used to estimate the reference crop evapotranspiration under different kind of protected cultivation structures with different vegetable crops. Study shows that vegetable production in winter for sub humid region reduces due to fall in temperature below optimum level. Green house structure offers a solar energy saver and enhances temperature inside the structures. Daily average reference crop evapotranspiration value was found to be minimum for shadow hall (1.2-2.9 mm day^-1) followed by polyhouse (1.3-3.2 mm day^-1), shadenet house (1.4-3.7 mm day^-1) and open field (2.0-4.9 mm day^-1) condition. The total water requirement of drip irrigated vegetable crops in protected cultivation structure is reduced by about 35.6%, 35.2% and 25.5% respectively under shadow hall, poly house and shade net house in comparison to open field cultivation.

5 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

018285   Salunke N Z;Dhuppe M V;Mahajan R C (NO, College of Agriculture, Latur, Maharashtra) : Genetic variability studies for qualitative traits in upland rice (Oryza sativa L.). Bioinfolet 2017, 14(3), 262-5.

The present investigation was carried out to study genetic parameters for yield and yield attributing characters in forty rice genotypes. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for all the traits under study. Small differences between GCV and PCV were recorded for all the characters studied which indicated less influence of environment on these characters. The characters days to 50% flowering, plant height, effective tillers per plant, filled grain per panicle, total number of grains per panicle and test weight exhibited high heritability coupled with high genetic advance indicating that simple selection could be effective for improving these characters.

3 tables, 16 ref

018284   Saini D;Dube K K (Natural Sciences Dep, Univ of Maryland Eastern shore, M.D. (USA)) : Fish diversity studies of river Narmada river, Jabalpur region (M.P). Int J Fish aqua Stud 2017, 5(5), 13-16.

The current study intends to provide an overview of fish diversity of river Narmada at Jabalpur region. The fish diversity is correlated with biological and various physic-chemical parameters that regulate the productivity and distribution of different species of fishes. The fish population is abundant and majority of fishes are exploited for human consumption. In current studies, attempts have been made to collect, classify and identify fish of river Narmada in Lamhetaghat and Bhedaghat sites. The survey indicated that 29 species of fishes were recorded in these sampling stations. The major fish abundance was noticed viz. major carps, minor carps and cat fishes. The several species of fish belonging to order Cypriniformes, Beloniformes, Ophiocephaliformes, Perciformes and Siluriformes are recorded too. Out of these Cypriniformes is the most dominant group with recorded 22 species of fishes. Some species of fishes like Cirrhinus cirrihosa, Labeo bata showed a declining trend in the stretch. Diversity was observed to be lowest in March (2011) and was highest in November (2010). The main reason behind the declining species diversity is introduction of exotic species, habitat destruction and over-fishing. A nearly Gelatin factor i.e, (Erstwhile shaw Wallace Gelatins Ltd) also add up - 367 - to the contribution to an extent.

2 tables, 11 ref

018283   Sahu R;Singh S K;Singh D K;Vennela P R;Yerva S R;Dinesh Kumar;Singh M;Rathan N D (Genetics & Plant Breeding Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: vprudhviraj.2@gmail.com) : Heterosis studies for yield & yield traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.) under rainfed condition. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2017, 10(1), 1-10.

Recognising the potential of hybrid rice to increase the productivity, the present investigation was conducted using three WA CMS lines (Pusa 6A, IR79156A and IR 68897A) and 31 male genotypes. The results manifested that the magnitude of heterosis for grain yield over better parent was significantly superior in eight hybrids with highest value of 60.83% in Pusa 6A x HUR-105. Sixteen hybrids showed significant positive heterosis over standard variety (NDR-97) with highest value of 116.48% in Pusa 6A x HUR-105. Twelve hybrids showed significant positive heterosis over standard hybrid (Arize-6444) with highest value of 85.69% in Pusa 6A x HUR-105. The top two high yielding heterotic crosses over the standard variety (NDR-97) were Pusa-6A x HUR-105 (116.48%) and Pusa-6A x Pantdhan-12 (114.74%). These two hybrids also exhibited significant positive heterosis for yield over standard hybrid (Arize 6444 Gold) i.e. 85.69% and 84.19% respectively. Hybrids Pusa-6A x HUR-105 and Pusa-6A x Pantdhan-12 showed significant positive standard heterosis for almost all the desirable yield attributing traits, apart from this Pusa-6A x Pantdhan-12 also showed significant negative standard heterosis over SH (Arize-6444) for days to 1st flowering, days to 50% flowering and days to maturity. The top heterotic crosses viz., Pusa-6A x HUR-105, Pusa-6A x Pantdhan-12, Pusa-6A x URG-30, IR-79156A x Akshaydhan and Pusa-6A x NDR-359 and others which expressed higher standard heterosis for grain yield along with other desirable yield components should be tested in large scale under rainfed condition.

3 tables, 27 ref

018282   Saha S;Munda S (NO, ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack-753 006, Email: ssahacrri@gmail.com) : Weed scenario in the context of global climate change. SATSA Mukhapatra 2017, 21(Annual Techn, 119-31.

Climatic change cannot be considered as ordinary because of its scale and rapidity. Global climate is projected to continuous changes over the current century and beyond. Our life style and daily energy consumption patterns emit large quantities of greenhouse gases (GHGs). The worsening of this greenhouse effect plays an important role in climate change. An increase in CO₂ and other GHGs will increase the atmospheric surface temperatures. Rainfall patterns are likely to change around the globe, and extreme events like flood and drought are more likely to be frequent. Attention is paid to understand the potential effects of climate change on agricultural production systems, including weeds. Changes in the environment are more likely to favour the growth and reproductive response of weeds than crops. Weeds have been winner and will be winner in future climate change conditions because of more adaptive power and greater genetic diversity. Climate change may trigger the pattern of invasiveness of weeds to newer ecosystems. New species assemblages due to changed distributions of both alien and native species will lead to the formation of new ecosystems. Scientific database is required to fully understand CO₂ induced changes in weed dynamics, and therefore, new management approaches need to be - 366 - explored.

1 table, 59 ref

018281   Safi L;Singh R;Abraham T (Agronomy Dep, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Assessment of heritability and genetic parameters in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) based on agronomic and morphological traits. J Pharmac Phytochem 2017, 6(5), 18-21.

The present study in thirty wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes was undertaken to get knowledge on genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in Indian cultivated wheat varieties. Plant materials were planted in a RBD with three replications during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2014-15 and 2015-16. The analysis of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for sixteen agronomic characters were recorded. Maximum values for genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were recorded for peduncle length (17.62 and 17.45 %) and (18.21 and 18.69 %) during two years, respectively. High heritability in broad sense was observed in plant height (95.28 and 98.07 %) followed by peduncle length (93.57 and 87.16 %) during two years, respectively. Genetic advance for almost all traits were found low to moderate which the maximum value was observed for number of tillers/m (16.2 and 11.59). The results obtained from this study indicated that great magnitude of genetic variability existed among wheat genotypes that could be used for development of new varieties by wheat breeders.

2 tables, 17 ref

018280   Rekha R G;Desai B K;Rao S;Umesh M R;Shubha S (Agronomy Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Raichur-584 104, Email: rgrekha6@gmail.com) : Effect of intercropping system and nitrogen management practices on nutrient uptake and post-harvest soil fertility. Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(2), 236-9.

Field experiment was conducted at the IFS farm UAS Raichur, to study the effect of source of nitrogen and intercropping systems on the nutrient uptake and post-harvest soil fertility during kharif 2015. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with five main treatments and three sub-treatments, replicated thrice. The experimental results revealed that uptake of NPK and available NPK was significantly influenced due to intercropping systems and nitrogen management practice. Significantly higher uptake of N and P was recorded with baby corn + clusterbean and significantly higher uptake of K was recorded by baby corn + okra. Among nitrogen - 365 - management practices application of 100% RDN through chemical fertilizer recorded significantly higher N uptake, where as P and K with application of 50% RDN through goat manure + 50% RDN through poultry manure. Post harvest soil fertility in terms of available nutrients was significantly higher under sole baby corn and among nitrogen management practices, with application of 50% RDN through goat manure + 50% RDN through poultry manure.

2 tables, 11 ref

018279   Rathod S;Mishra G C (NO, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: santosha.rathod@icar.gov.in) : Weather based modeling for forecasting area and production of mango in Karnataka. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2017, 10(1), 149-62.

A timely and reliable system of forecasting of mango area and production well in advance is of prime importance to farmers and other people who are dependent on horticultural sector. In this study the crop yield forecast models have been developed by considering time series dataon the area and production of mango crop in Karnataka. Daily data on weather variables and yearly data on other exogenous variables of Karnataka state are considered under this study. Weighted and unweighted indices are developed based on the considered weather variables and these indices are further used as independent variables in the regression model. In this study the stepwise regression analysis and ARIMA models were used to forecast the area and production of mango in Karnataka. The empirical study reveals that the weather based stepwise regression model performed better than the ARIMA model for forecasting area and production of mango in Karnataka.

7 illus, 19 tables, 18 ref

018278   Ranjini A P;Santhosh N R;Daivasikamani S; Raghuramulu Y (Pathology Div, Central Coffee Research Institute, Coffee Research Station, Chikmagalur-577 117, Email: ccpranju@gmail.com) : Efficacy of fungicides against Poria hypolateritia the red root pathogen of coffee. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(1), 61-5.

Poria hypolateritia, the Red root pathogen of coffee plant is of economic importance as it causes considerable crop loss. The fungicides, Nativo 75 WG (Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% w/w), Propiconazole 25% EC (Tilt), Thiofluzamide 25% SC (Pulsor), Tebuconazole 25% EC (Folicur) and Carbendazim 50% WP (Bavistin) were tested under in-vitro conditions against Poria hypolateritia. Among the five fungicides evaluated, Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% WG and Tebuconazole 25% EC recorded 100% inhibition of the fungal mycelial growth at all the concentrations tested over untreated control. Whereas, growth inhibition of the fungus was to an extent of 99.02% in case of Propiconazole 25% EC. But in case of Thiofluzamide 25% SC growth inhibition of the fungus was 79.35%. The fungicide Carbendezim 50% WP could inhibit the fungal growth only up to 6.10%. The results of the experiment indicated that fungicides tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% WG and Tebuconazole 25% EC which were found effective in arresting the growth of Poria fungus under in vitro conditions could be further evaluated in the in-vivo experiment to develop effective management packages for the control of Red root disease in coffee.

4 - 364 - illus,

018277   Ramkumar B;Ramakritinan C M (Marine and Coastal Studies Dep, Madurai Kamaraj Univ, School of Energy, Environment and Natural Resources, Pudumadam-623 524, Email: ramandramonly@gmail.com) : Devastation effect of traditional bottom-set-gill net fishery on Clathria frondifera (Bowerbank, 1875) in northern Gulf of Mannar, India. Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(2), 269-73.

Even though the quantification and qualification of Trawl bycatch of Indian fishery are documented well, the detailed documentation on sponge by-catch is lacking in all the types of fishing practices. Sponges are the most common by-catch in traditional fishery like bottom-set-gill nets than the bottom trawlers in the Indian scenario. Gill net seems to be ecosystem friendly when compared to other fishing gears but it is equally problematic as a large-scale fishery to the marine ecosystem. Indian sponges, especially Clathria frondifera known for their unique and essential biochemical content. Bottom-set-gill nets ("nandu valai"), which are common in the northern Gulf of Mannar region, are the widely used artisanal gears in crab fishery. Among the three selected study sites, Vedhalai (15.760 kg) recorded more amount of Clathria frondifera than Ervadi (12.030kg) and Pamban (7.000 kg). The ANOVA single factor analysis clearly indicates that the abundance of Clathria frondifera is significantly varied between the study sites (P <60> 0.05) than between the fishing seasons (P <60> 0.5). Consequently, this study proves the lack of research in marine sponge distribution studies in Gulf of Mannar marine biosphere reserve.

3 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

018276   Rakshit A;Yadav R S;Sarkar D R;Parihar M (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Institute of Agricultural Science, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: amitavar@bhu.ac.in) : Adaptability of soils under changing climatic scenario. SATSA Mukhapatra 2017, 21(Annual Techn, 132-41.

Changing climates are found to affect various soil processes that can alter the characteristics of soils with due course of time. This requires an understanding on adaptation of new management practices in accordance with changed soil functions. A new concept of 'climate-smart soils' has come into light, which means soils having buffering capacity towards climate change. Certain management practices, if included, can make soils smart enough to tackle the climatic extremes without affecting environment and their productivity.

1 illus, 1 table, 47 ref

018275   Rajesh M K;Gangaraj K P;Jamshinath T P;Fayas T P;Naganeeswaran S;Sajini K K;Karun A (Crop Improvement Div, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod-671 124) : Virtual screening and in vitro evaluation of potential growth regulators against somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinase (SERK) in Cocos nucifera L.. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2015, 52(5-6), 328-40.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is one of the most recalcitrant species for in vitro regeneration and the efficiency of induction of somatic embryogenesis in coconut explants has remained low. However, with the advent of the genomics era, more information is now available on the involvement of many genes in the induction of somatic embryogenic pathway. Somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinases (SERKs), belonging to leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase super family are reported to play important roles in the process of somatic embryogenesis. In this study, homology based modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of a coconut SERK protein (CnSERK) was performed for exploring its structural features, functional characterization of its active sites and binding mechanisms of selected plant hormones and growth regulators by docking studies. The 3-D model for coconut SERK was constructed using structure neighbors of the protein in MODELLER and MD simulation was carried out using GROMACS for 5 ns. Fifteen plant growth regulators were docked with the target SERK protein using GLIDE software. An in vitro study was then carried out to compare the efficiency of three selected chemicals [adenine sulphate, glutathione - 363 - and 22(S), 23(S)-homobrassinolide] in enhancing somatic embryogenesis from plumular explants of coconut. Plumular explants were from West Coast Tall cultivar of coconut and were inoculated into Eeuwens Y3 media supplemented with various concentrations of each of the three growth regulators. Among the three growth regulators, glutathione (100 μM) gave the best response for induction of both embryogenic calli and somatic embryogenesis. The results of this study might aid in the development of regeneration protocols for in vitro regeneration in coconut.

10 illus, 4 tables, 57 ref

018274   Raja Priyanka Mary M;Sugumar G;Palani Kumar M;Chrisolite B;Meenakshi V K (Fish Processing Technology Dep, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Fisheries Univ, Thoothukudi-628 008, Email: jsotnfu@gmail.com) : Antagonistic effect of bacteria associated with ascidians from toothukudi coast. Indian J Geomar Sci 2016, 45(9), 1208-17.

The antagonistic properties of marine ascidians and the bacteria associated with them were investigated. Ascidians were collected from submerged structures along the coast of Thoothukudi and four species of solitary ascidians and four colonial ascidians were identified. A total of 590 bacterial isolates from the ascidians were characterized up to generic level. All the bacterial isolates were tested for antagonistic property against indicator bacteria and 71 isolates were recognized as potentially antagonistic, however, only 9 of them could effectively inhibit test organisms that included six human and one shrimp pathogenic bacteria. The inhibitory activity of the crude extracts of extracellular products (ECP) of selected antagonistic bacteria was weak against test organisms, but the ethyl acetate crude extracts of both cells and cell free supernatants of antagonistic bacteria showed strong inhibitory activity. Extracts from DS₁₃, DP₄₁ and P₁₉ showed a high degree of inhibition. Methanol crude extract of Eudistoma viride showed good inhibitory activity against Vibrio cholerae and V. harveyi.

2 illus, 5 tables, 47 ref

018273   Prashanth Kumar M;Chaurasia A K;Bara B M (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom Univ of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh-211 007, Email: prashanthkumarmekala2015@gmail.com) : Effect of osmopriming on seed germination behaviour and vigour of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(2), 330-5.

The experiment was conducted in Post Graduate Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SHUATS, Allahabad, U.P. during Rabi (2016), in order to standardize the best method of Osmopriming specific to chickpea. One method of priming viz., osmopriming, on two duriations that is 6hrs and 12 hrs were evaluated by screening a range of durations and concentrations viz., T₀ - Unprimed Control, T₁-Polyethylene glycol (PEG) (for 6hrs & 12hrs), T₂-Mannitol 4% (6hrs & 12hrs) T₃-Glycerol 5% ( 6hrs & 12hrs). It was found that all the - 362 - priming methods showed significance difference with the control and the highest germination %, seedling length (cm), seedling fresh weight (gm), seedling dry weight (gm) and vigour index were observed in T₂ for PEG 6000 priming for 12 hrs. The study helps to improve the quality of seeds with the help of seed osmopriming treatments which are cost effective and economic, non toxic, eco friendly sources.

9 illus, 24 ref

018272   Prasad M (NO, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110 067, Email: manoj_prasad@nipgr.ac.in) : Foxtail millet :A model crop for climate-smart agriculture. SATSA Mukhapatra 2017, 21(Annual Techn, 88-102.

Food security is one of the major global challenges of the 21st century, and it is characterized by burgeoning population, limited food nutrition, ever increasing cost of cultivation, climate change and many persisting biotic and abiotic stresses. Millets hold great promise for food security and nutrition amid ever increasing agricultural costs, climate change and burgeoning mouths to feed worldwide. They are nutritious, possess additional health benefits, require significantly less input costs for cultivation, and are naturally tolerant to most biotic and abiotic stresses. Among millets, foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) is considered as a model for studying abiotic stress tolerance, C₄ photosynthesis and bioenergy traits. In view of this, large-scale development of genomic resources, development of web-based database, genome-wide association studies, genome-wide functional genomics and standardization of molecular protocols specific to foxtail millet have been achieved. These resources will promisingly assist in crop improvement programs involving millets, non-millets and bioenergy grass species, thus ultimately addressing global food security in the scenario of climate change.

1 table, 49 ref

018271   Praful Kumar;Nandakishor H V (Plant Pathology Dep, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola-444 104, Email: prafulsoni127@gmail.com) : Fungicides combination for management - 361 - of chickpea wilt incited by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceri. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(1), 93-9.

The present study was carried out to examine effect of seed treatment with the Fungicides viz; Thiram, Carbendazim, Captan, Fosetyl AL, alone and their combination, to control wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri in chickpea plants (JG-62) growing in sick soil pots under green house conditions. The studies revealed that the highest germination per cent (83.33%) was recorded in the combined treatmented with Thiram+Carbendazim(0.3%) and also recorded improvement on the growth parameters viz., shoot length, root length, shoot dry weight, root dry weight and plant dry weight with (20.94cm and 24.78cm), (10.96cm and 15.30cm), (3.12g and 4.14g), (0.45g and 0.60g), (3.57g and 4.74g) respectively at 30 DAS and 60 DAS, along with significantly reduced wilting per cent over control (21.86%) and increased Disease reduction per cent over control (78.14%) was noted in treatment of Thiram+Carbendazim (0.3%) compared with untreated control.

7 tables, 18 ref

018270   Prabhu E;Rajagopalsamy C B T;Ahilan B; Santhakumar R;Thangarani A J (Aquaculture Dep, Fisheries of College and Research Institute Tamil Nadu Fisheries Univ, Thoothukudi-628 008) : Influence of biofloc meal and lysine supplementation on the growth performances of GIFT tilapia. J Ent Zool Stud 2017, 5(5), 35-9.

A 60-day indoor growth trial was conducted to study the effect of dietary supplementation of biofloc meal with lysine on growth and survival of juvenile Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic experimental diets (32% protein) were prepared at different enrichment levels of crystalline lysine viz., 1.2% (T1), 1.4% (T2), 1.6%(T3), 1.8% (T4) enriched with 20% biofloc meal included diet and control diet (T0) without biofloc meal and lysine. A commercial diet (T5) was used to compare the experimental diets. This feeding trial was conducted in 18 numbers of 40 L plastic troughs in triplicates, utilizing GIFT tilapias weighing an average of 2 g size. During the experimental period, water quality parameters were measured and recorded daily. Among the experimental diets highest mean body weight of GIFT tilapia were recorded in T1 (45.24±4.52 g) followed by T3 (42.90±3.26g), T2 (39.12±0.49g) and T4 (37.27±3.08 g). Hence, the present study was assessed that diet with 20% biofloc meal supplemented with 1.2% lysine can improve the growth of GIFT tilapia without any adverse effect on the fish performance.

1 illus, 4 tables, 42 ref

018269   Prabhakar;Chandranath H T (Agronomy Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Dharwad-580 005, Email: prabhakar@uasad.in) : Effect of planting pattern and sowing dates of maize in maize with field pea intercropping system. Res Crop 2017, 18(1), 10-14.

A field experiment was conducted to study the optimum row proportion, optimum sowing time of maize and economics of maize with field pea intercropping system. It was laid out in RCBD with three replications during kharif 2015 at farmer's field in Lokur, village Dharwad district of Karnataka. There were nine treatments consisting of two planting patterns i. e. sowing of maize within and between the rows of maize in field pea with four dates of sowing for maize. Among the intercroppings significantly higher grain yield (4459 kg/ha), stover yield (6481 kg/ha), cob weight (251.83 g) and cob length (19.49 cm) were recorded when simultaneous sowing of maize with field pea. Green pod yield (1592 kg/ha), number of pods per plant (20.13) and number of seeds per pod (9.70) were higher when maize sown between rows three weeks after sowing of field pea. Higher net returns (Rs. 47636/ha), B: C ratio (2.36), LER (1.23) and MEY (5896 kg/ha) were recorded when maize was sown between the rows two weeks after sowing of field pea.

3 tables, 20 ref

018268   Phougat D;Panwar I S;Saharan R P;Singh V; Godara A (Genetics & Plant Breeding Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: divyaphougat786@gmail.com) : Genetic diversity and association studies for yield attributing traits in bread wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) em. Thell]. Res Crop 2017, 18(1), 139-44.

The present study was conducted to assess the variability parameters, diversity, correlations and path coefficient for eight metric traits in 44 diverse genotypes of bread wheat. Significant genotypic differences were observed for all the traits studied indicating considerable amount of variation among genotypes for each character. The highest genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for harvest index (%), biological yield per plant (g), tillers number per plant and grain yield per plant (g). Similarly, high heritability and genetic advance were also observed for these traits indicating the scope for their improvement through selection. Positive and significant correlation of grain yield/plant was recorded with harvest index (%), biological yield per plant (g) and tiller number per plant. Biological yield per plant (g) showed the highest direct effect on grain yield which was followed by harvest index (%). Based on Euclidean cluster tree analysis the 44 bread wheat genotypes were grouped in five clusters in such a way that genotypes within each cluster had higher similarity than between clusters i. e. the genotypes within the cluster had much smaller distance than the genotypes belonging to different clusters. Maximum divergence was present between clusters I and IV (5.826) followed by IV and V (5.288) followed by clusters III and IV (4.992). Cluster I was highly desirable as it consisted of genotypes which were good in respect to one or more characters and atleast comparable in respect to other - 360 - characters. These genotypes can be used for success of breeding programme as divergent parents can lead to recovery of transgressive segregants with high genetic yield potential. Selection of genotypes with better mean yield coupled with optimum harvest index (%) should result in progenies with high grain yield potential in wheat.

6 tables, 21 ref

018267   Pavan Kumar D A;Gnana Prakash M;Ramesh Gupta B;Raghunandan T;Sarat Chandra A (Scientist and Head, Livestock Research Station, Bandameedipally, Mahabubnagar, Telangana) : Post-weaning growth performance in deccani sheep. Pharma Innovation 2017, 6(9), 9-12.

The effect of certain non-genetic factors on post-weaning growth traits of 301 Deccani lambs maintained at Livestock Research Station, Mahabubnagar, Telangana State was studied from October, 2012 to July, 2015. The least squares mean body weight was15.58 ± 0.15, 19.09 ± 0.14 and 22.95 ± 0.18 kg at 180, 270 and 360 days of age, respectively. Highly significant influence of sex on weight at 180 days (P≤0.01) and of season on weight at 270 days (P≤0.05) was observed.Weight of dam and parity had non-significant effect on the body weights studied. Moderate heritability ranging from 0.20 ± 0.06 to 0.30 ± 0.05 was obtained for body weights.

2 tables, 32 ref

018266   Patil S V;Gurumurthy S B;Rajakumar G R; Prashantha A (NO, Regional Horticultural Research & Extension Centre, UHS Campus, GKVK Post, Bengaluru-560 065, Email: sangappavpatil@gmail.com) : Effect of bioinoculants on growth parameters of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) at nursery stage. Res Crop 2017, 18(1), 185-9.

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of bioinoculants on growth parameters of black pepper at nursery stage at College of - 359 - Horticulture, Sirsi from 2013 to 2015. The data recorded for three years clearly indicated that black pepper cuttings responded well to the inoculation with various microbial inoculants under nursery stage. The plant parameters viz., root length, root dry weight and number of leaves were found to be significantly highest in cuttings inoculated with T₅, T₆ and T₇ as compared to rest of the treatment combinations and uninoculated control. A matching trend was recorded with respect to beneficial rhizosphere microflora, per cent root colonization, spore counts and shoot P concentrations in black pepper cuttings.

3 tables, 11 ref