018215   Isaac A A (Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management Dep, Mpumalanga Univ, Private Mail Bag X11283, Mbombela-1200, South Africa, Email: issac.agholor@ump.ac.za) : Overarching training needs on farm infrastructures and participation: A case study of irrigation scheme beneficiaries in Zanyokwe, Eastern Cape South Africa. J hum Ecol 2017, 57(1-2), 20-4.

The paper examined the role of smallholder irrigation scheme beneficiaries in training decision making and the relationship between farm characteristics and participation in training on the use of farm infrastructures. The study adopted purposive sampling techniques with a total of 44 male and 16 female farmers sampled from the population. The data collected were subjected to screening for analysis. In other to determine the statistical relationship between farm characteristics and participation in training, logistic regression analysis was used. Findings shows that there is a very strong relationship between the sizes of allocated plots to farmers in the irrigation scheme and participation in training. The result of the study revealed that Farm Experience (p-value =.001) and size of allocated plots (p-value = 0.002) has significant relationship to farmers' participation in training. The study concluded that the training of farmers has the potentials of increasing the efficient use and maintenance of farm infrastructures for effective optimal production.

1 table, 19 ref

018214   Ingole B M;Kshirsagar D N;Akbari L F (Plant Pathology Dep, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural Univ, Junagadh, Gujarath) : Effect of agrochemicals on in vitro growth of Macrophomina phaseolina. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(3), 250-4.

Zineb 75 WP gave cent per cent inhibition of growth and sclerotial formation in case of Macrophomina phaseolina at minimum concentration of 500 ppm followed by copper hydroxide 77WP (53.63%). Among systemic fungicides, carbendazim 50 WP proved to be the best with inhibition of 97.81 per cent. It completely inhibited the growth of pathogen at higher concentration of 500 ppm and did not allowed sclerotial formation. The combinations of fungicides pyraclostrobin 13.3% WP + epoxyconazole 5% WP and metalaxyl 8% + mancozeb 64% WP gave cent per cent inhibition of mycelial growth and sclerotial formation.

3 tables, 15 ref

018213   Ingole B M;Akbari L F;Kshirsagar D N (plant pathology Dep, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural Univ, Junagadh, Gujarat) : In-vitro effect of herbicides and fertilizer on Macrophomina phaseolina. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(3), 239-42.

Collar rot, root rot and charcoal rot diseases of Soybean (Glycine max L.) caused by Macrophomina phaseolina are major soil borne diseases which are most destructive in nature, During resent investigation various different herbicides and fertilizer were tested under in vitro conditions against this pathogen. Among the different herbicides, quizalophop-p-ethyle 5 EC gave cent per cent inhibition of mycelial growth and sclerotial formation at all concentrations followed by the propaquizafop 10EC (96.05%), oxyfluorfen 23.5EC (88.70%) and oxadiargyl 6EC (82.23%). Among the chemical fertilizers tested, diammonium phosphate was quite effective in inhibiting growth and sclerotial formation at all concentrations, followed by ammonium sulphate (72.20%).

2 tables, 10 ref

018212   Harish J;Pawar D D;Kale K D;Dingre S K;Hasure R R (Irrigation Water Management Inter Faculty Dep, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722) : Growth, yield and water use of bt cotton under drip fertigation using different phosphorus sources. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(3), 299-302.

The field experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2015-16 at the research farm of Inter Faculty Department of Irrigation Water Management, MPKV, Rahuri, Dist. Ahemdnagar(MS) to study the effect of drip fertigation through different phosphorus sources on growth, yield attributes and water use of Bt Cotton. The experiment consisted of eight treatments, each replicated thrice. Growth attributes and yield of Bt Cotton were significantly influenced by drip fertigation treatments. Application of 100% fertigation through drip was significantly superior over soil application under surface irrigation and registered maximum plant height (179.4cm), monopodial branches (4.90), sympodial branches (18.93), cotton yield(39.85q ha^-1) and lint yield (14.01 q ha^-1). It was on par with 75% fertigation. The drip resulted in lowest water use (506 mm) as compared to surface irrigation (1131.9 mm) and resulted into 55.63% water saving.

4 tables, 7 ref

018211   Gupta S;Dubey A;Singh T (Bioscience and Bio Technology Dep, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali-304 022, Email: sarika.ashish@gmail.com) : Phytopathological and transmission studies of Phyllactinia dalbergiae in Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(1), 51-3.

Phyllactinia dalbergiae causes powdery mildew on Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. (shisham) in early stages of plants, pathogen takes entry in the host through the stomatal opening later, spread and establish itself in the host. The initial sign of symptom appears as the development of white powdery mass on the leaf surface later it covers the entire shoot finally plant succumbs to death. During survey powdery mildew was detected in the plantlets in the nursery, the infected plantlets were collected to study morphology, histopa-thology, pathogenicity and disease development under in vivo and invitro condition. The infected part showed dense mycelial growth with erect conidiophore carrying single terminal conidium and brown-black coloured cleistothecia (fruiting body). The viability of the spore was detected to be 100% within 2-4 days in cavity slide containing nutrient medium through germ tube formation. During pathogenicity studies, healthy plants were inoculated with 15 days old culture of the pathogen to study the disease development. Cleared wholemount preparation and hand cut sections revealed the presence of intercellular mycelium in the epidermal and subepidermal (dorsal and ventral surface) cells of the leaf. Dense mycelial ramification caused lysis and disintegration of cells. The pathogen is transmitted through stomata causing heavy - 335 - losses to the tree plantation.

1 table, 6 ref

018210   Guleria I;Chaudhari R D (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, College of Agriculture, Dhule-424 004) : Micro nutrient and biological status in soils of Karanji village of parola tehsil of Jalgaon district (M.S.), India.. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(3), 303-8.

Soil survey was carried out during 2016 in Karanji village of Parola tehsil of Jalgaon district (M.S.), by using Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographical Information System (GIS). Soil samples were analyzed for pH, EC, OC, CaCO₃ and available micronutrients viz., Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B and Mo. The availability of macronutrients, micronutrients and their relationship with soil properties were studied. The soil pH varied from 7.2 to 8.4 and indicated moderately alkaline reaction. The EC varied from 0.12-0.41 dSm^-1 indicating minimum salinity. The organic carbon and calcium carbonate ranged from 2.87 8.90 g kg^-1 and 1.5-11.0%. The soils were low to high in organic carbon and moderate to very high in calcium carbonate content. The available micronutrients Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B and Mo ranged from 2.02 to 14.28, 2.10 to 6.36, 0.18 to 1.20, 0.44 to 3.43, 0.07 to 0.10 and 0.061 to 0.308 mg kg^-1. Those were deficient in available iron (37.63%), zinc (47.31%) and boron (49.46%). The available Fe, Zn and B showed significant negative correlation with pH, while available Mn showed significant positive correlation with organic carbon.

10 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

018209   Gulave C M;Joshi V R;Supe V S (Horticulture Dep, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri) : Effect of agro techniques on yield and yield contributing characters of custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) Cv. Balanagar. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(3), 282-3.

The study was carried out at Instructional-Cum-Research Orchard of AICRP on Arid Zone Fruits, Department of Horticulture, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri during the year 2016-17 on 19 years old orchard, spaced at 5 x 5 m². The experiment was planned in randomized block design. It involved five cover crops i.e. Maize (T₁), Bajra (T₂), Dhaincha (T₃), Jowar (T₄) and Sunhemp (T₅), two irrigation systems i.e. Sprinkler (T₆) and Foggar (T₇), Sod culture (T₈) and control i.e. conventional method (T₉). The cover crops were sown on 2nd of February 2016. highest number of fruits per tree were recorded in case of Sunhemp (142.75), followed by Bajra (139.87). The average weight of fruits - 334 - per tree was significantly influenced by various cover crops cultivated with custard apple. Significantly maximum weight of custard apple fruit was recorded due to the sowing of Sunhemp as a cover crop (315.33 g), with highest fruit yield per tree (45.03 kg). Thus sowing cover crops under the canopy of custard apple trees is better for off season fruit yield of custard apple.

1 table, 2 ref

018208   Gill R K;Ashok Kumar (Plant Breeding & Genetics Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana, Email: ashokpbg@gmail.com) : Genetic analysis of yield attributes in ricebean (Vigna umbellata Thunb.) under hot and humid climatic conditions. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2017, 10(1), 11-15.

Combining ability studies were carried out in ricebean through line x tester analysis involving two lines and six testers for nine quantitative traits. The relative estimates of variance due to specific combining ability (sca) were higher than variance due to general combing ability (gca) for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length, grain yield per plant and 100-seed weight indicating the pre-dominance of non-additive gene action for these traits. The parents LRB 482 and KBR1 were good general combiners for plant height, number of pods per plant and grain yield per plant. The hybrid combination RBL 35 x KBR 1 recorded highly significant sca effects for days to maturity, number of primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length and grain yield per plant along with high per se performance.

3 tables, 10 ref

018207   Ghosh S;Mishra P;Rao V K (Horticulture Dep, G. B. Pant Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: pragnyashree.mishra@gmail.com) : Studies on interactive effect of growing substrates and growth regulators on stem cuttings of damask - 333 - rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) cv. 'ranisahiba'. Res Crop 2017, 18(1), 103-9.

A field experiment was carried out at Model Floriculture Centre, G. B. P. U. A. & T., Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India during the year 2014 to study the response of growing substrates and growth regulators on stem cuttings of damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) cv. 'Ranisahiba' with 35 treatment combinations comprising growing substrates viz., soil, soil+FYM, soil+vermicompost, soil+cocopeat, soil+rice husk and plant growth regulators viz., IBA 500 ppm, IBA 1000 ppm, IBA 1500 ppm, NAA 500 ppm, NAA 1000 ppm, NAA 1500 ppm and control. Findings of the present investigation revealed that among growing substrates soil+vermicompost planted cuttings gave best results in most of the parameters like days to sprouting (19.76), maximum sprouting percentage (79.08), survival percentage (87.28), diameter of sprout (3.31 mm), length of sprouts (66.21 cm), number of leaves (23.39), fresh weight (22.41 g) and dry weight of shoot (10.37 g), Among different concentrations of plant growth regulators, best results were obtained with application of IBA 1000 ppm, whereas IBA 500 ppm gave best results with parameters viz., survival percentage (78.83) and days taken to sprouting (19.63).

9 tables, 11 ref

018206   Gharat J V;Pawar D D;Kale K D;Shinde M G; Hasure R R (Irrigation Water Management Interfaculty Dep, Mahatma Phule Agricultural Univ, Rahuri, Maharashtra) : Yield of kharif paddy under drip fertigation. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(3), 334-5.

2 tables, 5 ref

018205   Garg R;Saha S;Roy B K;Ghule S (NO, ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi-231 304, Email: sujoyts@gmail.com) : Polyphasic approach for identification and characterization of Colletotrishum capsici (Syd.) butler and bisby causing anthracnose disease of chilli in India. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(1), 37-50.

Chilli, one of important vegetable suffers from huge loss due to the devastating disease caused by Colletotrichum capsici. For proper management of the disease, accurate identification of the pathogen is utmost important. In the following research various methods have been approached for the accurate diagnosis of the pathogen, which will help in the accurate disease management.

8 illus, 9 tables, 18 ref

018204   Garcia M L;Ferreira N L O;Arruda R L;De Filippi M C C;Da Conceicao E C (Laboratorio de PD & I de Bioprodutos, Faculdade de Farmacia, Universidade Federal de Goias, Goiania, GO, Brazil) : Standardized rosemary extract induces host plant defenses and suppresses rice leaf blast. J med Pl Stud 2017, 5(5), 39-45.

The efficiency of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) liquid extract (RLE), standardized as rosmarinic acid (RA) on the suppression of rice (Oryza sativa) leaf blast (Magnaporthe oryzae) (LB) were determinate. RLE (3.3, 6.6, and 10 mg.mL^-1), SRA (3.1, 4.2, and 6.3 mg.mL^-1), and water (control) were sprayed on leaves of Primavera rice cultivar, at 48 hours before inoculation with M. oryzae (MO). The activities of chitinase, β-1, 3-glucanase, peroxidase, lipoxygenase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, and phenolic compounds and of salicylic acid levels were determined in samples collected before and after inoculation with MO. The highest concentrations of RLE and RA reduced the LB severity by more than 92%. Except for Peroxidase, all enzymes increased their activity after spraying RLE and RA, prior and after the challenge inoculation. Our results suggest that RLE standardized as RA can induce the activity of enzymes related to plant defense.

3 tables, 47 ref

018203   Gadade S D;Dhuppe M V;Mahajan R C (Agricultural Botany Dep, College of Agriculture, Latur, Maharashtra) : Stability analysis for yield and yield components in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucumm L.). Bioinfolet 2017, 14(3), 255-61.

Twenty hybrids along with two checks viz., RHRBH 9808, AHB 1666 of Pearl millet were evaluated for stability analysis during Kharif 2013-2014 at three locations in randomized block design. Observations were recorded on Days to 50% flowering, Days to maturity, Plant height (cm), Total number of tillers per plant, Number of effective tillers per plant, 1000 grain weight (g), Ear head girth (cm), Ear head length (cm), Fodder yield/per plant (g), Grain yield per plant (g). The hybrids PT-4139X ICMA-95333 and PT-4801 X ICMA-99222 showed wider adaptability to all environments with respect to the grain yield per plant.

3 tables, 7 ref

018202   Eltayeb E E;Wiradimadja R;Widjastuti T; Adriani L;Tarmidi A R;Supratman H (Doctoral Student in Poultry Nutrition, Postgradute Program, Animal Husbandry Faculty, Padjadjaran Univ, J. Raya Bandung Sumedang Km.21 Jatinagor-Sumedang, Email: esamkrar1@gmail.com) : Effect of coffee pulp fermented by Aspergillus niger in ration for quail layer performance and income over feed cost. Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(2), 254-6.

The main object of this study was to determine the effects of Coffee Pulp Fermented by Aspergillus niger (CPF^An) mixed in ration on quail layers Coturnix coturnix japonica performance and the income over feed cost. The study was carried out in the animal husbandry faculty-Universitas Padjadjajaran-Indonesia. 240 Quail layers Coturnix coturnix japonicas (4 week-old) were used as experimental birds; they were distributed to (6 x 4 x 10) following the completely randomized design (CRD). Experimental diets were formulated to (0,0%, 3,0%, 6,0%, 9,0%, 12,0% and 15,0% CPFAn). Feed and water were provided ad labitum, Experimental period lasted for 13 weeks. Results revealed that there was no significant difference (P<62>0.05) in feed intake between levels, also the result showed that CPF^An affected significantly (P<60>0.05) on, age at first egg (week), body weight at first egg produced (g/day), quail day (%) and FCR. Cost benefit analysis showed that no significant different (P<62>0.05) between diet (3.0%, 6.0%) and control. In conclusion the study explained that Coffee Pulp Fermented by Aspergillus niger (CPF^An) could be included in quail layers diet until 6.0% without any adverse effects on its performance and benefits.

5 tables, 14 ref

018201   Dutta S K;Singh S B;Chatterjee D;Boopathi T; Singh A R;Saha S (Indian Council of Agriculture Research, Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Mizoram Centre Kolasib, Mizoram-796 081, Email: sudipiari@rediffmail.com) : Morphological and genetic diversity of pole type common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) landraces of Mizoram (India). Indian J Biotechnol 2016, 15(4), 550-9.

The present study was based on morphological and molecular characterisation of 52 pole type common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) landraces from Lushai hills of North-East India. A significant morphological and biochemical variation has been recorded in the pods and seed characteristics of the studied common bean landraces. The genetic diversity of common bean landraces was investigated by using 30 expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers. A total of 150 alleles were detected with an average of 5 alleles per SSR locus. The polymorphism information content (PIC) values of SSR markers varied from 0.38 to 0.94, with an average of 0.72. These pole type common bean landraces were divided into four subgroups based on unweighted pair group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA) cluster analysis based on simple matching (SM) and Rogers and Tanimoto (RT) similarity coefficients. The result confirmed an interesting and yet unexplored genetic variability, having potential for common bean breeding programmes and conservation of these valuable genetic resources.

8 illus, 4 tables, 40 ref

018200   Dinesh Kumar;Mohammed S;Kathwal R;Subhash Chander (Horticulture Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: saroy1008@gmail.com) : Effect of different nutrient sprays on growth, fruit yield and quality of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) cv. early large red. Res Crop 2017, 18(1), 61-5.

An experiment was conducted at Regional Research Station (Horticulture), Buria in district Yamunanagar of Haryana state during 2014-15 on 23-year old trees of litchi cultivar Early Large Red to improve the growth, yield and quality by foliar application of nutrients i. e. calcium, zinc and boron with different concentrations. Tree growth characters like tree height, diameter and girth were not affected by any of the treatments. Borax application at 0.80% spray resulted in highest number of fruits per branch (196.1), fruit weight (21.97 g), fruit length (3.69 cm) and fruit yield (70.33 kg/plant). Also, the quality parameters including TSS content, sugar: acid ratio, reducing and non-reducing sugar and yield of quality fruits were observed with borax at 0.80% spray treatment, while highest fruit breadth (3.15 cm) was recorded with borax at 1.0% spray.

3 tables, 21 ref

018199   Dilpak S A;Jadhav S W (Plant Pathology and Agricultural Microbiology Dep, College of Agriculture, Pune, MPKV Rahuri, Ahmednagar-413 722) : Effect of drought tolerant Azotobacter and PSB on growth and nutrient uptake of sorghum. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(3), 247-9.

A pot culture experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of drought tolerant Azotobacter and PSB on growth and nutrient uptake of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor Monech L.) Seed inoculation with isolates of Azotobacter and PSB in combination with 50 days dry spell showed significant increase in growth parameters viz., seed germination, height of plant, dry weight of earhead, dry weight of grain, dry weight of shoot and root, total dry matter of plant, nitrogen and phosphorous uptake per plant. The population of Azotobacter and PSB decreased after 70 days of sowing. Dry grain weight of sorghum significantly higher due to dual inoculation of Azotobacter + PSB at 50 days dry spell. Higher Azotobacter and PSB populations were observed at 50 days dry spell than 30 days dry spell, probably due to the prolonged availability of soil moisture. Inoculation with Azotobacter + PSB to sorghum increased uptake of nitrogen and phosphorous. content

1 table, 5 ref

018198   Dey U;Dhutraj D N;Talukdar D;Das A (Plant Pathology Dep, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani-431 402, Email: utpaldey86@gmail.com) : Role of weather factors in development of late leaf spot (Phaeoisariopsis personata) on groundnut (Arachis hypogaea). Mausam 2017, 68(2), 299-308.

The field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2012 and 2013 to find out the influence of weather parameters viz., temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, rainy days and wind velocity on the intensity of late leaf spot disease and defoliation in four groundnut cultivars viz., JL-24, LGN-1, TAG-24 and TG-26. The prevailing weather condition viz., average temperatures of 30.92 °C (max.) and 22.31 °C (min.), average RH of 89.67 % (morning) and 64.25 % (evening), well distributed average rainfall of 50.33 mm, average rainy days of 2.67 and average wind velocity of 4.24 km/hr were found to be conducive for the initiation, development and spread - 330 - of late leaf spot disease in susceptible groundnut Cv. JL-24, TAG-24 and tolerant Cv. LGN-1, TG-26. As a result, overall average maximum disease intensity of 33.97 (21.96 to 46.37 %) per cent and 29.06 (18.62 to 39.01 %) per cent, were recorded, in JL-24 and TAG:24, respectively. Groundnut Cv. JL-24 and TAG-24 (susceptible) exhibited comparatively maximum average defoliation in the range of 6.65 to 14.05 (Av. 10.29 %) and 5.64 to 11.82 per cent (Av. 8.80 %), respectively. The correlation coefficient between weather variables and disease intensity in both the years indicated that maximum temperature had negative and non significant effect in all the groundnut cultivars; whereas, minimum temperature had positive and significant effect on the disease intensity in all the groundnut cultivars. Relative humidity (morning and evening) played significant positive role on the disease intensity in all the groundnut cultivars.

5 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

018197   Deogade S D;Nasare P N (Botany Dep, Hislop College, Civil Line, Nagpur, Maharashtra) : Karyomorphological study in allium cepa Linn. Var. brown onion, baswant 780 and phule safed. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(3), 275-81.

Karyotypic studies were undertaken with Allium cepa L. and its three varieties (Brown onion, Phule safed and Baswant 780). The chromosome number of Allium cepa L. and its two varieties were diploid with (2n= 16) and Phule safed was diploid with (2n= 20). The chromosome types were detected as mostly metacentrics (m) and submetacentrics (sm). Karyotype formula of Allium cepa L. and its varietieswere found to be 14 A^m + 2A^sm, 12A^m + 2B^m + 2A^sm and 10 A^m + 6A^sm, 10 A^m + 8A^m +2B^sm.

8 illus, 4 tables, 3 ref

018196   Deka M;Talukdar M C (Horticulture Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat-785 013, Email: kishalayee@gmail.com) : Effect of mulching on growth and flowering of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) cv. double. Res Crop 2017, 18(1), 129-32.

An experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications to evaluate the effect of mulching on growth and flowering of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) cv. "Double" using different mulching materials. The results revealed that plant growth characters were significantly influenced by black polyethylene mulch (T₁) which recorded the highest plant height (103.46 cm), leaf number (106.50), leaf area (92.79 cm2), number of shoots (15.20) and minimum days for emergence of shoots (39.00 days). The flower characters were significantly influenced by dried leaves (T₃) which recorded the maximum length of spike (88.28 cm), length of rachis (55.91 cm), number of florets/spike (40.66), self life of spike (21.66 days), self life of floret (8.00 days), vase life of spike (9.00 days), minimum days for emergence of spike (118.10 days), opening of first pair of floret (148.10 days), maximum fresh weight of spike (122.47 g) and dry weight of spike (14.59 g), whereas black polyethylene mulch (T₁) exhibited maximum size of floret (6.27 cm), fresh weight of floret (2.54 g) and dry weight of floret (0.26 g). The significantly highest bulb production was exhibited by the treatment T₁ (black polyethylene mulch) which recorded maximum weight of clump (470.67 g), number of bulbs (35.20) and maximum number of large (8.30) and medium (17.50) sized bulbs. The treatment T₃ produced highest number of small sized bulbs (10.85).

4 tables, 10 ref

018195   De R K;Ghorai A K (ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), Barrackpore, Kolkata-700 120, Email: rkde@rediffmail.com) : Bleaching powder [Ca(OCl)₂], a new option for management of stem rot of jute (Corchorus olitorius L. and C. capsularis L.) caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(1), 1-8.

To search for an alternative option against stem rot of jute (Corchorus olitorius L. and C. capsularis L.) caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid., experiment was carried out using bleaching powder or calcium hypochlorite [Ca(OCI)₂]. In field experiment, bleaching powder were applied as soil application at different doses @ 5-150 kg/ha and sowing was done with normal NPK fertilizers after gestation period of 2 - 15 days in randomized block design with three replications on a new jute variety, JRO 8432 at main farm of CRIJAF, Nilganj, Barrackpore, India, during normal cropping season of 2012-13. The radial growth of M. phaseolina was completely checked in food poisoning technique in vitro at 5000 ig/ml of bleaching powder both at 24 and 48 hours after incubation. At lower dose growth inhibition decreased. At 100 and 1000 Ig/ml, 87.3, 93.3 % and 93.6, 96.6 inhibitions were observed after 24 and 48 hours, respectively. During further incubation of 24 hrs at a concentration of 5000 ig/ml of bleaching powder, no fresh growth was observed indicating inhibition of M. phaseolina completely. In the experimental field, out of all the doses of bleaching powder, soil application @ 30 kg/ha 7 days ahead of sowing was found best against jute stem rot with highest dry fibre yield compared to check (with no soil application) and higher (50 - 150 kg/ha) and lower (5 - 20 kg/ha) doses in all the four dates (30 - 120 DAS) of observations. It restricted stem rot of jute to 2.1 and 6 % as compared to 15.1 and 24 % in untreated check at 90-120 DAS, respectively. As the dose of soil application of bleaching powder increased from @ 5-120 kg/ha, the jute stem rot decreased slowly reaching minimum at 30 kg/ha indicating that this dose being most effective against jute stem rot.

1 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

018194   De R K (Crop Protection Div, ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, (Indian Co, Barrackpore, Kolkata-700 120, Email: rkde@rediffmail.com) : Effect of different NPK fertilizer schedules on the stem rot of jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(1), 67-72.

In a field experiment, response of nitrogen, phosphate and potash fertilizer schedules was studied on - 328 - the incidence of stem rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina on a new jute variety JRO 8432 at CRUAF, Barrackpore during 2012 - 13. Application of more nitrogenous fertilizer enhanced stem rot of jute. But increase in phosphatic and potassic fertilizers reduced stem rot. Among the different NPK fertilizer schedules, 120:30:30 attracted more stem rot of jute with 47.9 % disease at 120 DAS, followed by 120:40:40 with 40.5 %, 100:30:30 with 36.1 % and 80:40:40 with 35.2 % stem rot. With similar dosage of nitrogen, when phosphate and potash were increased, lower stem rot was recorded. Phosphate and potash fertilizer moderated the effect of deleterious effect of nitrogen by reducing the stem rot incidence. In check, stem rot increased from initial 0.3% to 2.2% in 45 days and finally to 21.6 % during the maturity of the crop. But in different NPK fertilizer treated plots, dynamics of stem rot was different showing varied interaction. The progress of disease over time was typically slowest in case of NPK 40:30:30. Higher level of nitrogen with phosphorus and potash not only increased susceptibility of jute plants and killed more plants due to high prevalence of stem rot disease but also increased dry fibre yield.

1 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

018193   Das I;Jana T K;Saha T;Chakraborty D;Ghosh K (NO, Fertiliser Control Laboratory (Government of West Bengal), Berhampore, Murshidabad-742 101, Email: indra26july@gmail.com) : Soil carbon sequestration for climate-smart agriculture in India with reference to West Bengal. SATSA Mukhapatra 2017, 21(Annual Techn, 173-82.

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is an approach to achieve sustainable agricultural development through food security under changing climate in India. Carbon (C) sequestration reciprocates similar objectives, being a major component of CSA. Since agriculture is one of important avenues of C emission, soil C sequestration seems to be an important agricultural management practice. There are several ways and means for soil organic carbon (SOC) losses from the soils of West Bengal (starting from nonavailability of organic manures to handling and application losses). One of major opportunities in CSA to help mitigate the adverse effect of global warming gases lies in the management of soil to increase organic content, thereby decelerating gaseous C emission to the atmosphere. Organic matter management through manurial application for favouring C sequestration, balanced nutrition for enhancing crop productivity, soil and water conservation practices for restoring fertile soil, conservation tillage for residual soil moisture utilization and C restoration., growing cover crops with proper cropping sequences towards facilitating multifarious crop residues for recycling and SOC build-up etc. are needed for long-term resilience towards climate change.

1 table, 20 ref

018192   Das A;Dutta B K;Barooah A K (Microbial and Agricultural Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation Lab,, Assam Univ, Silchar-788 011, Email: anu2008aus@gmail.com) : In vitro evaluation of PSF against the causal agent of bwown root rot disease of tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze]. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(1), 17-22.

The present study reveals the antagonistic potential of some PSF isolated from the tea soil of Rosekandy T.E. Southern Assam, which were tested against the brown root disease causing pathogen of tea (Fomes lamoensis). Five PSF viz. Trichoderma harzianum, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Trichoderma asperellum and Penicillium funiculosum were tested in vitro in dual culture by inoculating both the antagonist and the pathogen simultaneously (2mm apart). Studies on antagonism revealed that the different PSFs tested, occupied more area on PDA medium as compared to the pathogen, F. lamoensis by the 6th day of observation. Maximum percent of inhibition on the radial growth of the F. lamoensis was found with Trichoderma harzianum followed by Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma asperellum. The study presents the biocontrol potential of some naturally available PSF isolated from the tea soil, which may be tried as biocontrol agent against F. lamoensis.

1 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

018191   Chudasama V N;Patel V J;Patel P K;Patel B D (Agronomy Dep, B. A. College of Agriculture Anand Agricultural Univ, Anand, Gujarat) : Feasibility of transplanting rabi maize (zea mays L.) varieties to varying age of seedling under middle Gujarat conditions. J Pharmac Phytochem 2017, 6(5), 34-7.

The experiment was conducted at the College Agronomy Farm, Anand Agriculture University, Anand during 2015-2016 to study the feasibility of transplanting maize varieties to varying age of seedling. The treatment included in the experiment were two varieties viz. Gujarat Maize 3 (GM 3) and High Quality Protein Maize (HQPM 1) and five age of seedling viz. 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 day old. Results revealed that variety V₂ (HQPM 1) recorded significantly higher plant establishment per cent (96.38), plant height (11.20 cm) at 20 DATP, number of leaves plant^-1 (18.75) at harvest, number of grains cob^-1 (352), cob girth (11.23 cm), cob length (13.15 cm) as well as grain and straw yields. Significant variations in plant establishment per cent, plant height at 20 DATP, number of leaves plant^-1 at 40 DATP, number of grains cob^-1, grain and straw yield was observed due to different varieties and age of seedling. Among all the treatment combinations, treatment combination V₂A₂ (HQPM 1 + Three weeks old seedling) recorded significantly higher plant establishment (97.50 %), number of grains cob^-1 (443), grain yield (3405 kg ha^-1) and straw yield ( 4887 kg ha^-1) as compared to rest of the treatment combinations.

3 tables, 12 ref

018190   Chowdhury A K;Roy A;Chattopadhyay C (NO, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar-736 165, Email: vcubkvv@gmail.com) : Climate change and plant diseases with special emphasis on cereal crops - an overview. SATSA Mukhapatra 2017, 21(Annual Techn, 46-58.

The impacts of climate change are found to influence the crop architecture due to increasing level of CO₂ in the atmosphere and lead to increased humidity within the canopy, creating favourable conditions for pathogen survival. Major climate change factors are likely to influence plant disease severity and spread, and these include: increased atmospheric CO₂, warmer winter, heavy arid unseasonal rains, increased humidity and drought, cyclones and hurricanes. Changes to any one or all of these climatic factors may influence the distribution and biology of plant pathogens with positive, negative or neutral effects. The effect of climate change on the occurrence of major diseases of rice, wheat and maize has been reviewed. Disease management practices under changed climate scenario have also been discussed. Finally, future researchable issues have been suggested.

60 ref

018189   Chopde N;Lokhande S;Bhande M H;Warkade V P (Horticulture Section, College of Agriculture (Dr. P. D. K. V.), Nagpur-444 010, Email: nehachopde1710@gmail.com) : Impact of time and level of pruning on growth and flowering of Jasminum sambac (L.). Res Crop 2017, 18(1), 123-8.

A field experiment was conducted at Satpuda Botanic Garden, College of Agriculture, Nagpur (M. S.) during 2013-14 and 2014-15 in factorial randomized block design with 16 treatment combinations. The treatments comprised four timings of pruning viz., 2nd week of December, 4th week of December, 2nd week of January and 4th week of January and four levels of pruning viz., light pruning (45 cm above ground level), medium pruning (30 cm above ground level), hard pruning (15 cm above ground level) and no pruning (control). The treatments were imposed on already existing three years' old plants of Jasminum sambac (L). The results revealed that significantly maximum length of primary shoot, leaves/primary shoot and productive shoots/plant were recorded when the jasmine plants were pruned at 4th week of December, whereas, sprouts/plant, weight of 100 flower buds - 326 - and shelf life of flower were non-significantly influenced by time of pruning during both the years of experimentation. In respect of level of pruning, sprouts/plant, length of primary shoot, leaves/primary shoot, productive shoots/plant, weight of 100 flower buds and shelf life of flower were noted significantly maximum with medium pruning. Interaction effect of time and severity of pruning was found significant in respect of flower yield in jasmine. Significantly the highest flower yield in terms of flower buds/plant, flower yield/plant and flower yield/ha were noted when the plants were pruned during 4th week of December at 30 cm above ground level (medium pruning).

2 tables, 9 ref

018188   Chaurasiya P C;Mishra R K (IGKV, Potato & Temperate Horticulture Research Station, Mainpat, Surguja, Chhattisgarh) : Varietal performance of peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] under northern hill zone of Chhattisgarh. Int J chem Stud 2017, 5(5), 37-40.

Peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] is one of the most important temperate stone fruit belong to the family rosaceae and sub family Prunoidae is widely held to state a distinct group of cultivar which require low chilling hours for bud brust and growth is known as low chill peach. In northern hill zone of Chhattisgarh hilly tract of Mainpat (Surguja) Samri & Jokapat in Balrampur and Pendrapat area in Jushpur district has been agro-ecological situation for growth of fruit chilling in peach. Seven peach cultivars viz; Shan-e-Punjab, Flordaprince, Pratap, Early Grand, Glow heaven, Suncrist and Punjab red (Nacterin) were cultivated for evaluation purposes to come up with a suitable cultivar for commercial production under hilly zone condition of Chhattisgarh, India. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 3 replications at Potato & Temperate Horticulture Research Station, Mainpat, Surguja, Chhattisgarh in the year 2016-17. The result revealed that the early bearing cultivars were Punjab red (Nectarine), Pratap, Early grand and Flordaprince gave potential yield on last week of April-May. Stone weight was minimum in Punjab red (Nectarine) 13.96g which gave 57.33g pulp but highest pulp: stone ratio (6.38) in Early grand with pulp weight was (79.40g) followed by cultivar Shan-e-Punjab (5.03) with pulp weight 62.39g. The maximum TSS was observed in cultivar Early Grand (18.86°B) being comparable with Floridaprince (17.53°B) statistically. Lowest acidity found in Early grand (0.18%) followed by Shan-e-Punjab (0.22%) and Pratap (0.23%). Ascorbic acid found highest in variety Punjab red (Nectarine) 164.33mg/kg followed by Shan-e-Punjab (124.33mg/kg) and Pratap (112.25mg/kg). Reducing sugar found highest in the variety Shan-e-Punjab (7.40%) and highest total sugar found in early grand. The cultivar Punjab Red (Nectarine) gave yield 23.5 Kg per tree followed by Pratap (15.85kg) and Early Grand (14.25kg) per tree. From the present study it is concluded that vigorous and spreading type peach cv. Punjab Red (Nectarine) was the best performer followed by Pratap and Shan-e-Punjab under northern hill zone Chhattisgarh for commercial cultivation.

2 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

018187   Chatterjee S;Mondal P;Dana I;Gangopadhyay C; Nayak U (NO, Rice Research Station (Government of West Bengal), Chinsurah (R.S.), Hooghly-712 102, Email: sitesh.chatt@gmail.com) : Screening of rice genotypes for their resistance against yellow stem borer and leaf folder. SATSA Mukhapatra 2017, 21(Annual Techn, 200-5.

Rice plant is subjected to attack by more than 100 species of insects, of which 20 species of economic importance cause 20-30% yield losses every year. Yellow stem borer (YSB: Scirpophaga incertulas) and leaf folder (LF: Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) of rice are considered as prime devastators responsible for rnajor economic loss. Different rice genotypes (indigenous, aromatic and hybrids) were screened out against YSB and LF during kharif, 2010, 2011 and 2012 at Rice Research Station, Chinsurah, Hooghly, West Bengal to determine their level of resistance by recording dead heart, white ear head for YSB and damaged / folded leaves for LF. Three-year data indicated that rice hybrids viz. KRH 2, Arize 6444 and PHB 71 showed lowest level of dead heart incidence; CNRH 103, CNRH 105 and Arize 6444 with lowest incidence of white head; and PHB 71, CNRH 104 and CNRH 103 with high level of resistance against LF. Among indigenous rice genotypes, minimum dead heart incidence was recorded in Kumargore, Seetasail and Vaidehi, whereas white head incidence was minimum in Champakushi, Jaya Silet and Rupsail. The lowest level of LF infestation was noticed in Vaidehi, followed by Jaya Silet and Dudheswar. Aromatic rice genotypes viz. Tulaipanji, Pusa Basmati 1 and Badsabhog showed high level of resistance against dead heart, whereas low white head infestation was in Seetabhog, NC 324 and Radhunipagal. LF infestation was minimum in Tulaipanji, Seetabhog and Radhunipagal. These resistant genotypes would be useful for future breeding programme in achieving higher rice productivity.

4 tables, 13 ref

018186   Channa N A;Khatri I;Magsi F H;Chandio M A; Rasheed A;Soomro A A;Lashari S H (Entomology Dep, Sindh Agriculture Univ, Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan) : Prevalence of insect pests of sunflower at golarchi badin Sindh, Pakistan. Int J Fauna biol Stud 2017, 4(5), 25-30.

The Hysun-39 variety was cultivated on an area of 1/2 acre in December 2014, at seed production unit of Guard Agriculture Research and Services Farm Golarchi, Badin. Plant to plant distance was maintained at 10 inches and row to row 35 inches. Data of the insect pest population was recorded after ten days, 30 plants were selected randomly from the experimental plot, 05 leaves and head from each plant was observed for insect pest population. The observation was taken till harvesting. The metrological record was kept during research work. The data thus collected was analyzed statistically through software SXW 8.0. The predatory behavior of ladybird beetles was positively correlated with aphid, whereas maximum population of ladybird 5.45 was recorded on 12nd February, it was observed that with the increase of aphid population the population of ladybird beetles did not increase, it remained constant till March and then declined. Zigzag beetle population was started in January and at highest reached 2.74 per plant. Attack of spotted bollworm incidence started in March its population remained constant till April. In first week of April the population of whitefly was at highest, later started declining gradually till last week. Overall results recorded mean population as for aphids (71.62), whitefly (13.43), jassid (7.93), spotted beetle (2.35), ladybird beetle (4.89) and zigzag beetle (2.74).

11 illus, 14 ref

018185   Buragohain P;Saikia D K;Dutta B C;Borkakati R N (Entomology Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat-785 013, Email: rnbk.agri@gmail.com) : Influence of colours and height of the sticky traps against sucking pests of Bhut jolokia, Capsicum chinense Jacq.. Res Crop 2017, 18(1), 145-52.

A field trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of different coloured sticky traps against sucking pests of Bhut Jolokia during October to April 2013-14 and 2014-15, respectively. In the first season, seven coloured sticky traps viz., Violet, Red, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue and White (Control) were used during 2013-14 and the most effective trap was placed at seven different heights (at the plant canopy level, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 cm height) during 2014-15. Results indicated that the maximum number of sucking pests viz., Aphis gossypii Glover, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius and Leafhopper, Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida was attracted to yellow sticky traps with a mean population of 132.0, 60.5, 34.4 and 8.3 per trap, respectively. The highest numbers of sucking pests were observed to record at yellow sticky traps placed at the plant canopy level with a population of 126.9 aphids, 49.4 thrips, 23.6 leafhoppers and 7.0 whiteflies per trap followed by traps placed at 10 and 20 cm height above canopy level.

2 tables, 34 ref

018184   Bhowmick M K;Duary B;Bhattacharyya P (NO, Rice Research Station (Government of West Bengal), Chinsurah (R.S.)-712 102, Email: bhowmick_malay@rediffmail.com) : Evaluation of - 323 - conventional and climate-resilient methods of crop establishment towards higher productivity of rice varieties. SATSA Mukhapatra 2017, 21(Annual Techn, 194-9.

A field experiment was conducted during wet (kharif) season of 2011 and 2012 at Rice Research Station, Chinsurah, West Bengal to identify suitable rice varieties of varying duration groups under different crop establishment methods. The results revealed the highest productivity levels of grain (5.10 t ha^-1) and straw (5.59 t ha^-1) along with improved yield attributes under System of Rice Intensification (SRI), owing to maximum rooting depth (22.74 and 31.33 cm) and root volume (14.47 and 50.33 cc hill^-1) at 30 and 60 days after transplanting (DAT), respectively. Of the other methods, direct wet seeding of rice (DWSR) and conventional transplanting of rice (CTR) remained at par with each other in terms of grain yield performance although they differed significantly in respect of root growth at later stage of crop growth. Irrespective of crop establishment methods, the hybrid KRH 2 significantly recorded the highest grain (5.22 t ha^-1) and straw (5.88 t ha^-1) productivity with greater root growth and better yield attributes. Among the high-yielding varieties, Khitish registered higher productivity of grain (5.01 t ha^-1) and straw (5.61 t ha^-1), followed by Triguna (grain yield of 4.71 t ha^-1 and straw yield of 5.42 t ha^-1), whereas it was the lowest with Anjali (grain yield of 3.23 t ha^-1 and straw yield of 3.86 t ha^-1). However, all the rice varieties could excel under SRI due to better root growth as well as improvement in yield attributes (panicle number m^-2 and panicle weight). Even DWSR with increased root growth and comparable productivity also proved to be a viable alternative to CTR.

3 tables, 10 ref

018183   Bhosale P;Gethe R M;Gaikwad D D;Anarase S A; Harer P N (AICRP on Agroforestry, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722) : Effect of organic sources of nutrients on yield of chickpea and soil fertility status. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(3), 266-8.

A field experiment was undertaken under Pulses Improvement Project, MPKV, Rahuri, Dist. Ahmednagar during 2007-08 to-2011-12 to study effect of organic sources of nutrients on grain and straw yieldof chickpeaand soil fertility status. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 10 treatments and three replicates. The pooled results indicated that there was significant influence of different treatments on grain yield of chickpea. Application of25% N through Vermicompost + 75% RDN through urea resulted in significantly higher grain yield (2733 kgha^-1) maximum straw yield (3274 kgha^-1) was obtained with the application of same treatment. Maximum organic carbon (0.058%), available nitrogen (240.7 kg ha^-1), Phosphorous (14.75 kg ha^-1) and potassium (531 kg ha^-1) contents were observed due to the application of 25% N through Vermicompost + 75% RDN through urea. This treatment resulted in increased uptake of nitrogen (139.4 kg ha^-1), Phosphorous (42.4 kg ha^-1) and potassium (74.7 kg ha^-1).

2 tables, 11 ref

018182   Bhattacharyya P;Pathak H (NO, ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Barrackpore, Kolkata-700 120, Email: pratap162001@gmail.com) : Climate resilient agriculture : Impacts and options for adaptation in India. SATSA Mukhapatra 2017, 21(Annual Tech, 35-45.

Climate resilient agriculture (CRA) refers to the ability of the system to bounce back to its original form if some damage / distortion happen due to certain climatic hazards or disturbances. Climate change is a fact in respect of rise in annual average surface temperature, sea level, extreme events, drought and flood frequencies, number of hot days etc. It impacts agriculture both directly and indirectly which includes quantity and quality of produce, resource management, reproduction of primary cereals, fruit setting of horticultural crops, water availability, pest-disease outbreak, milk production, spawning behaviour of fishes etc. The basic purpose of CRA is to ensure food security, build resilience in system, and increase adaptation capacities of farming communities to cope up with climate change vagaries. Various technological options / interventions have been executed in several parts of the country. Primary options could be listed as rainwater harvesting and recycling, site-specific conservation tillage, crop residue management, carbon sequestration, introduction of stress (drought, flood, submergence, salinity, heat, high temperature, cold etc.) tolerant varieties, contingent crop sequences and community based support ' systems (custom hiring of farm implements, staggered nursery for rice, seed and fodder bank etc.). However, the way forward is to shift from the approach of CRA to climate-smart agriculture (CSA), considering standardised vulnerability assessment, precise weather observation, real time crop insurance scheme and weather-based advisory services.

1 table, 26 ref

018181   Bhat J A;Salgotra R K;Gupta B B;Kaushik R P; Kumar B;Sharma M;Razdan V K;Rai G K;Gupta M (Plant Breeding & Genetics Div, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, Chatha, Jamu, Jammu and Kashmir-180 009, Email: javid.akhter69@gmail.com) : Development of bacterial blight resistance versions of basmati rice genotypes from Jammu, northern himalaya using marker-assisted selection. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2015, 52(5-6), 341-8.

Bacterial blight (BB) of rice caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is a major constraint that negatively impacts rice production. Here, we explored developing potential BB resistance donors having basmati quality characteristics. The 20 BC₁F₁ cross combinations generated by randomly crossing four elite basmati cultivars with 10 bacterial blight resistant donor lines possessing resistant genes in different combinations were used for screening. Out of 20 BC₁F₁, one combination Basmati-370 x IRBB-55 was found to have basmati quality traits like intermediate amylose and high aroma content. Twenty two BC₁F₂ genotypes were selected from this cross combination for screening Xa21 and xa13 BB resistance genes as well as aromagene through marker-assisted selection (MAS). Five genotypes namely, Basmati-370 x IRBB-55-4, Basmati-370 x IRBB-55-5, Basmati-370 x IRBB-55-13, Basmati-370 x IRBB-55-17 and Basmati-370 x IRBB-55-18 carrying both Xa21 and xa13 along with fgr gene in homozygous conditions identified phenotypically to show complete resistance to BB along with intermediate amylose and high aroma. It is suggested that these genotypes can be effectively used as basmati donors.

1 illus, 3 tables, 30 ref

018180   Beeman K;Arulmozhiselvan K (Regional centre, National Bureau of Soil Survey & Land Use Planning, Bangalore-560 024, Email: kalaimitra15@gmail.com) : Fate of <. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2017, 10(1), 39-44.

Deep placement of fertilizers will reduce the nutrient losses to the environment and increases the nutrient use efficiency. Nutriseed pack is a small tubular assembly consisting seed with bio-inoculants on top, manure pellet in middle and fertilizer pellet at bottom. A field study has been taken to determine nitrogen recovery and to evaluate the compatibility of phosphorus fertilizer sources with nitrogen sources which suited for Nutriseed pack by estimating the recovery of applied fertilizer N added as ¹⁵N labeled urea with Nutriseed pack in maize and retention in soil using ¹⁵N tracer technique in eastern block of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. This study has revealed that the actual nitrogen recovery from fertilizer and fertilizer nitrogen retention in the soil. The highest fertilizer nitrogen recovery (¹⁵N) in leaves, stem and grain (47.95%) was found with NP(DAP)K Nutriseed pack with phosphorus as Di ammonium phosphate placement recording the highest nitrogen use efficiency of 64.91%. Relatively low recovery of nitrogen (45.25%) was observed with NP(SSP)K Nutriseed pack with phosphorus as Single super phosphate placement recording 58.67% of nitrogen use efficiency. The labeled nitrogen retention in soil is recorded low in NP(DAP)K Nutriseed pack placement and comparatively high in NP(SSP)K Nutriseed pack placement.

1 illus, 13 ref

018179   Barman S;Acharya A;Chakraborty U;Chakraborty B N (Immuno-Phytopathology Lab, Botany Dep, North Bengal Univ, Siliguri-734 013, Email: bncnbu@gmail.com) : Evaluation of the effect of different compost formulations and casing materials on button mushroom production. Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(2), 377-85.

This study was designed to determine the effect of compost formula and casing materials on growth and development of sporophore of Agaricus bisporus on paddy straw and dried tea leaf based composts. Locally available vermicompost (VSMS), garden soil (GS), tea waste (TW) and Spent mushroom compost of Calocybe indica (SMC) and their combination such as GS+ VSMS, TW+ VSMS, and SMC+ VSMS were used as casing materials for the cultivation of A. bisporus. In this study, seven casing soils formulation were used to determine their effect on fruiting. Growth parameters such as colonization days, time for pining, number of mushroom sporophore per bag, fruit body weight and yield rate were measured. The best result in fruit body number was recorded in paddy straw based compost encased with vermicompost. Due to low water potential garden soil required more time for pinning. Lowest fruit body was observed in tea leaf based compost encased with tea waste. Mixture of vermi + SMC as casing matter gave better result compared to SMC alone. The number of fruit body was significantly increased in addition of vermicompost with the other casing materials. The effect of compost formulations and casing materials on the biochemical constituents such as protein, carbohydrate content of fruit body was also evaluated. The protein and carbohydrate content of the mushroom samples grown in different casing materials did not show significant differences but it is significance in compost formulation levels. Among the compost formulations maximum protein content was measured in compost formulation I and minimum was recorded in compost II.

8 illus, 3 tables, 35 ref

018178   Baria T T;Patil R K (Plant Pathology Dep, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural Univ, Anand-388 110, Email: bariatushar4@gmail.com) : Studies on cell wall degrading enzymes of Fusarium pallidoroseum in relation to disease development. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(1), 105-7.

The activities of polygalaturonase (PG) polymethylgalacturonase (PMG) and cellulolytic enzymes(CX) were studied in mature and semi- mature fruits inoculated with F. pallidoroseum along with healthy fruit. The enzymatic activities were higher in mature fruits i.e., PG (32.56 %), PMG (10.15 %) and CX (16.36%) than in semi-mature (13.27, 10.14 and 15.61%) fruits, respectively. The enzymatic activity of PG, PMG and CX were found to increase with time.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

018177   Banerjee P;Birdar N B (Agricultural Extension Education Dep, UAS, Dharwad-580 005, Email: nagaratna123@gmail.com) : Analysis of favorable factors for continued adoption of perennial fodder crops by liverstock farmers. J hum Ecol 2017, 57(1-2), 25-30.

A study to analyse the favorable factors for continued adoption of perennial fodder crops by livestock farmers was conducted. Ninety-five perennial fodder growing farmers of two districts of Karnataka, viz., Belagavi and Dharwad, identified through snowball technique were interviewed using standardized interview schedule. Out of 19 - 320 - variables used for the study, 15 variables exhibited positive and significant relationship with continuance of perennial fodder crops by adopters. Four predictors have been retained at the last step of screening through regression analysis. In path analysis, 11 variables indicated positive direct effect and 8 variables shown negative direct effect on continuance of perennial fodder crops cultivation. Innovative fanners with high annual income and big land holdings should be targeted to involve in participatory approach for the production of fodder planting materials.

3 table, 12 ref

018176   Banerjee M;Maiti D;Shankar T;Malik G C (NO, Institute of Agriculture (Palli Siksha Bhavana), Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, Birbhum-731 236, Email: mahua.banerjee@visva-bharati.ac.in) : Site-specific nutrient management : A climate-resilient approach for improving rice productivity and fertilizer use efficiency. SATSA Mukhapatra 2017, 21(Annual Tech, 225-31.

^ssc13 ref

018175   Bajpai A;Saxena C K (Soil & Water Engineering Dep, College of Agricultural Engineering, Jabalpur-482 004, Email: arpnabajpai@gmail.com) : Temporal variability of hydraulic performance in drip irrigated banana field. Res Crop 2017, 18(1), 66-71.

A field study with banana [Musa paradisiaca (L.) var. Dwarf Cavendish] was conducted to understand the temporal variations of hydraulic performance under the surface drip irrigation system in Vertisols at Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal. The hydraulic performance of drip system was monitored by observing the individual plant-wise emitter discharge. The Christiansen's Coefficient of Uniformity (CCU), Wilcox-Swailes Coefficient of Uniformity (WSCU), Statistical Coefficient of Uniformity (SCU), Low Quarter Distribution Uniformity (SDUlq) and Coefficient for Emitter Flow Variation (CEFV) for the rate of water application were evaluated. The average value of CCU remained close to 0.93 and 0.84, respectively, on revealing a reduced uniformity of water application on plants over two years of observations. Similarly, the SCU was observed 0.87 and 0.72 respectively. The values of SDUlq were found reduced from 0.79 to 0.55 in a year's time between April 2013 and April 2014, respectively. The coefficients of emitter flow variation were worked out as 92.8, 11.5 and 83.9, 78.5 for the year April 2013 and April 2014, respectively. Whereas for the month of April 2013 average discharge rates were 6.41, 7.36, 7.82, 8.25 and 10.92 lph; the average plant height and average girth at the collar were 48.6, 57.1, 64.8, 67.3, 45.2 and 30.7, 33.0, 35.9, 38.4, and 27.2 respectively. Although for the month of April 2014 the average discharge rates were 4.7, 7.2, 7.7, 8.2 and 10.2 lph; the average plant height and average girth at the collar were 240.3, 215.3, 221.3, 223.0, 232.8 and 46.1, 36.1, 43.6, 44.4, 45.0, respectively. Different levels of emitter discharge as experienced by the banana plant were grouped into the five emitter discharge groups viz., less than 7, 7-7.5, 7.5-8.0, 8.0-8.5 and more than 8.5 lph. The plant growth parameters were significantly different at different discharge levels. The plant height and plant girth decreased with decreasing the discharge. A positive trend was observed in plant growth parameters and the application of emitter discharge for the period from January 2013 to October 2013 after which the trend was nearly plateau/constant for the later period of time from January 2014 to April 2014.

1 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

018174   Bag M K;Yadav M K;Mukherjee A K (NO, ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack-753 006, Email: manas.bag@gmail.com) : Changing disease scenario with special emphasis on false smut of rice. SATSA Mukhapatra 2017, 21(Annual Techn, 219-24.

^ssc31 ref

018173   Badiger M;Pujer P;Rao P G;Jatav P K; Pitchaimuthu M (Vegetable Science Dep, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: maheshhort536@gmail.com) : Heterosis and potence ratio of male sterility and fertility line based hybrids of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] for yield and its components. Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(2), 186-92.

The investigation was undertaken to estimate the potential of heterosis and potence ratio in total 35 okra hybrids consisting of 10 Genic Male Sterility (GMS) based hybrids. ANOVA for Line x Tester analysis revealed the presence sufficient genetic diversity for different traits in the experimental material used which eventually reflected via broader range of mid parent heterosis obtained in both positive and negative direction. Degree of dominance based on potence ratio manifested over dominance for Total yield per plant. None of the hybrid showed heterotic effects for all the traits consistently. However, based on total yield per plant (TY/P) five crosses naming IIHR-294 x JNDO-5 (107.74%), GMS-1 X Varsha Uphar (94.16%), IIHR-294 x Varsha Uphar (88.19%), IIHR -294 X Parbhani Kranti (60.07%) and GMS-1 x Parbhani Kranti (55.89%) in their order of merit found to be most promising along with high magnitude of heterosis for other desirable traits in desired direction. Out of these top five hybrids (GMS -1 X Varsha Uphar) and (GMS-1 x Parbhani Kranti) are being GMS based hybrids, offering greater advantage of easy and economic hybrid seed production on commercial scale. Present study explicitly revealed the scope for improving okra productivity trough heterosis breeding and prospective role of GMS system in it.

1 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

018172   Arun Kishor;Raj Narayan;Brijwal M;Attri B L; Anil Kumar;Debnath S (NO, ICAR-CITH, Regional Station, Mukteshwar, Nainital-263 138) : Studies on physico-chemical characteristics - 318 - of different apple strains collected from Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Int J chem Stud 2017, 5(5), 47-50.

A survey was conducted in Nainital district of Uttarakhand for evaluation of physic-chemical characteristics in sixteen apple strains. The highest fruit weight (304.37 g), fruit volume (300.00 cc), fruit length (8.08 cm) and fruit diameter (9.05 cm) were recorded in Collection-2 whereas highest T.S.S. was recorded in Collection-5 (13.97 °B), while lowest acidity was recorded in Collection-10 (0.90%) whereas the ascorbic acid content was found maximum in Collection-16 (10.42 mg/100 g). The Collection-12 exhibited highest total sugars (10.39%), reducing sugars (9.23%) and total anti-oxidant activity (40.70 mMTE/L). Among all the strains the highest carotene content was recorded in Collection-4 (137.31 μg/100 g). The Collection-1 was the most luminous (L*=85.20), whereas the highest red colour was recorded in Collection-2 (a*=+42.26). The yellow colour (b*=+68.25) and Chroma (C*=68.89) were found highest in Collection-6, while highest hue angle was recorded in Collection-8 (h°=91.40). The most of the physico-chemical characteristics were found superior in Collection-2 and Collection-12 as compared to other apple collections.

4 tables, 15 ref

018171   Aparna B (Agricultural Economics Dep, S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati) : Sustainble livelihood security in India. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(3), 228-32.

The communication deals with Sustainable Livelihood Security Indices, calculated on the basis of economic, social, physical and ecological indicators in different states of India. These indices could help in improving the progress of different development interventions.

3 tables, 2 ref

018170   Ao K D;Omolara F M O;Eteobong N (Fisheries Resources Dep, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Marine Biology Section, Nigeria) : Comparative study on length weight relationship of the grey mullet Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus 1758) and sickle fin Liza falcipinnis (valenciennes, 1836) from lagos lagoon, Nigeria. Int J Fish aqua Stud 2017, 5(5), 17-20.

The length-weight relationship of two mullets Mugil cephalus and Liza falcipinnis was investigated from the Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria. 505 individuals of the species comprising 305 of M. cephalus and 200 of L. falcipinnis were bought from fisher folks from Makoko landing site for this study. The morphometric and biometric parameters were recorded and the LWR was calculated. The Total length (TL) of M. cephalus ranged between 12.5 to 28.7cm with a mean length of 16.9±0.14, weight ranged between 20.5 to 196.4g with mean of 49.9±1.53g and that of L. falcipinnis ranged in total length from 12.5 to 21.5cm with a mean length of 17.06±0.13 cm and weight ranged from 20.1g to 180g with a mean weight and standard error of 81.76±2.9g. The mean condition factor (K) for M. cephalus and L. falcipinnis was 1.22 and 1.120 respectively while the LWR equation of M. cephalus was Log w= -1.7487+2.7745LogL (n= 360, r= 0.9427), while that of L. falcipinnis was Log W = -2.0564+ 3.1845 Log L, n= 200, r = 0.7079.

3 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

018169   Anuj Kumar;Ashwani Kumar;Meena R K;Punam (Entomology Dep, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Field efficacy of seven insecticides against Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) on maize (Zea mays L.) in Allahabad. J Ent Zool Stud 2017, 5(5), 46-8.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2016 at SHUATS, Allahabad (U.P.) to compare the efficacy of selected insecticides against Chilo - 317 - partellus (Swinhoe) on maize (Zea mays L.) in Allahabad. All the seven treatments Carbofuran (7.70%), followed by Cypermethrin (9.86%) and Fipronil (13.38%) are at par with each other, followed by Indoxacarb (14.44%), Cartap recorded (15.37%), Profenophos (17.63%) then the treatment Imidacloprid (19.47%) was least effective reduced the infestation as compared to the untreated control. Result revealed that all the treatments were significantly superior over control among all the treatments Carbofuran recorded highest reduction of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) population i.e. (7.70%) which was significantly superior over control followed by followed by Cypermethrin (9.86%) and Fipronil (13.38%) are at par with each other, followed by Indoxacarb (14.44%), Cartap recorded (15.37%), Profenophos (17.63%) then the treatment Imidacloprid (19.47%) was least effective among all the treatments. Among the treatment studied, the best and most economical treatment was T₃ Carbofuran (1:1.91), followed by T₅ Cypermethrin (1:1.88), T₂ Fipronil (1:1.70), T₁ Indoxacarb (1:1.59), T₄ Cartap (1:1.41), T₆ Profenophos (1:1.32), T₇ Imidacloprid (1:1.20) as compared to T₀ Control (1:1.11).

2 tables, 14 ref

018168   Anjay;Das S C;Kumar A;Kaushik P;Savita Kumari (Eastern Regional Station, IVRI, Belgachia, Kolkata-700 037, Email: dranjayvet@gmail.com) : Pathogenic and pandemic Vibrio parahaemolyticus detection in fish and shellfish isolates. Indian J Geomar Sci 2016, 45(9), 1195-8.

In this study, one hundred and seventy isolates of V. parahaemolyticus from marine water fish and shellfish were analyzed by PCR for the presence of tdh and trh virulence genes and toxRS region pandemic gene. The tdh and trh gene was detected in 55.3% and 0.59% of isolates respectively; whereas, toxRS region was detected in 34.1% isolates. Findings of the present study suggested that marine water fish and shellfish isolates of V. parahaemolyticus harbor pathogenic as well as pandemic genes which may serve as source for clinical infection through food chain.

1 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

018167   Ali M (NO, ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur-208 024, Email: masoodali53@rediffmail.com) : Glimpse of achievements in pulses research. SATSA Mukhapatra 2017, 21(Annual Techn, 21-34.

Pulses are an important component of Indian agriculture since time immemorial. Their unique ability to fix atmospheric N₂ biologically in association with Rhizobium bacteria, improve physical, chemical and biological properties of soil coupled with low water requirement and negative C-footprint made them a panacea for sustainable agriculture specially in rainfed areas. During Green Revolution era, pulses were marginalized and pushed out from most productive environment of north India to harsh climate of central and south. Pulse production in the country could not keep a pace with population growth, exhibiting a steady decline in its availability during the period from 1950-51 to 2014-15. Recognizing the need for increasing pulse production, several R&D programmes were initiated by Government of India. With - 316 - the implementation of All India Coordinated Pulse Improvement Project in 1966 and establishment of "Indian Institute of Pulses Research" in 1993 (erstwhile Directorate of Pulses Research), new varieties and production technologies have been developed, resulting productivity increase (55.5%) from 476 kg ha^-1 in 1970-75 to 738 kg ha^-1 in 2010-15 and area expansion from 22.2 million hectares (m ha) to 24.6 m ha during the same period. Unlike cereals (rice, maize and wheat), pulses did not witness genetic breakthrough. Nevertheless, a remarkable improvement and stability in productivity was achieved. With advanced screening facilities and techniques, donors for major diseases were identified and used in breeding programme to develop disease resistant / tolerant varieties with high yield. Short duration varieties were developed to fit in different environments and cropping systems. Quality improvement for seed size, colour and luster as desired by consumers / traders were brought in. With identification of new varieties, some of the pulses were introduced in new niches (rice fallows - urdbean / mungbean) and non-traditional seasons (frenchbean and pigeonpea). Genetic resources have been enhanced and are being utilized for searching genes for abiotic and biotic stresses. Efforts are on way to mine genes for various stresses, gene pyramiding for pathogenic variability and transgenic for gram pod borer. New cropping systems (crop rotation and intercrops) have been developed for different regions which are more productive and efficient and facilitated area expansion under pulses. Agro-techniques such as raised bed planting, integrated nutrient management including bio-fertilizers, secondary (sulphur) and micronutrients (Zn, B, Mo), foliar nutrition, integrated weed management (cultural + herbicides), irrigation schedule based on IW/CPE ratio and crop growth stages, micro-irrigation, integrated pest management and resource conservation have been developed, refined and standardized for various agro-ecological zones of the country. Technologies for pulse production in rice fallows and agronomy of non-traditional pulses in new niches have been developed.

7 tables, 34 ref

018166   Akongyuure D N;Amisah S;Edziyie R (Fisheries and Watershed Management Dep, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana) : Assessment of catch, diversity and abudance of ichthyofauna in the Tono reservoir, Northern Ghana. Int J Fish aqua Stud 2017, 5(5), 25-32.

Fish catches from the Tono Reservoir have been reported to decline significantly over the past decade. To investigate this problem, monthly fish samples were obtained from artisanal commercial fishermen and the use of experimental gillnets of stretched mesh sizes 5 cm and 7 cm from January 2015 to December 2016. Fish diversity was assessed using Margalef index (D) of species richness and Shannon-Weiner index (H) of evenness. The mean catch per unit effort for the period of study was 3.89 ± 0.48 kg/canoe/day and the mean annual catch was 1,431.7 ± 15.09 kg. Eighteen (18) fish species and 15 genera belonging to eight (8) families were recorded. The study indicated a low species diversity (D = 1.37). Regarding biodiversity, eight (8) fish species were classified as rare species. The fish catch and fish diversity were low, thus proactive management measures are required to conserve the ichthyofauna in the Tono Reservoir.

3 illus, 7 tables, 32 ref