017194   Gadhavi M K;Kukadia D;Dar S;Gokulakannan N; Talukdar G;Sivakumar K;Gopi G V (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun-248 001, Email: gopigv@wii.gov.in) : Indigenous techniques of catching mudskipper in Bhavnagar and Bharuch districts, Gujarat. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2017, 16(3), 533-8.

Indigenous fishing techniques for catching the mudskipper in Bhavnagar and Bharuch districts of Gujarat coast were investigated during 2014-15. The complexities of its muddy habitat and behaviour characteristics make it difficult to catch the mudskipper. Documentation on the fishing methods for catching the mudskipper is not available. This paper describes the two techniques namely- wire mesh technique and noose trap technique employed traditionally by the ethnic communities of fishermen to catch the mudskipper, encountered during the course of the survey. Wire mesh technique is used by fisher folk of Bhavnagar district whereas noose traps technique used by fisher folk of Bharuch district. Fisher folk of these two districts are able to earn their livelihood by these indigenous techniques in the areas which are known for low productivity of marine fishes due to their geomorphological features. Habitat destruction due to growing salt pan activities and industrial set up which leads to continuous shrinking of the mudflats used by fisher folk is the major concern for future livelihood aspects of the fisher folk of these districts.

5 illus, 27 ref

017193   Esfandiari M;Habibi D;Kashani A;Taleghani D F A;Paknejad F (Agronomy and Plant Breeding Dep, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Iran) : Evaluation the potential of climate cultivation in the provinces of Kermanshah, Hamedan by using Papadakis climatology. Ecol Envir Conserv 2017, 23(1), 52-5.

Understanding climate and the climatic requirements are the most important factors that are affecting crop production. The survey of agricultural meteorology can be found in different regions and climatic potential of maximum operation. The aim of this experiment is to determine the potential for agricultural - 339 - climate in the provinces of Hamedan, Kermanshah and Karaj station by using climatology Papadakis. The results showed that in the province of Sare-Pole-Zahab station drainage in the category of semi-arid and dry climate is not subtropical climate in this category due to severe drought stress likely possibility for rain-fed crops. As well as other selected stations and all stations selected in Kermanshah, Hamedan province are in the category of small Mediterranean climate with dry winter crops.

4 tables, 11 ref

017192   Elangbam M;Rai P K;Lal G M (Seed Science, SHUATS, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Effect of organic and inorganic growth regulators on germination and vigour of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seed. J Pharmac Phytochem 2017, 6(4), 31-4.

A study was conducted during 2016-17 to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic growth regulators on germination and vigour of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seed at Post Graduate laboratory, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad (U.P.). The experiment consist of three concentration of GA₃ (10, 20 and 30 ppm), three concentration of IAA (10, 20 and 30 ppm), three concentration of lemon juice (2, 4 and 6%), and three concentration of Panchgavya (2, 4 and 6%). The experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design with four replications. T₈ (GA₃ 20ppm) proved significantly superior in germination percent, germination index, shoot length, root length, seedling length, fresh weight of seedling, dry weight of seedling, seed vigour index-I, and seed vigour index-II.

2 tables, 15 ref

017191   El-Argawy E;Adss I A;Bayoumi S R (Plant Pathology Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Damanhour Univ, Damanhour, Albeheira, PO Box 22516, Egypt, Email: dreman_elargawy@yahoo.com) : Differental expression of induced resistance genes by abscisic acid (ABA) against potato early blight disease. Potato J 2017, 44(1), 16-27.

Abscisic acid (ABA) enhanced disease resistance of two potato cultivars, Nicola and Spunta, against early blight disease. Treatment with ABA solution (10 μM) reduced the disease severity in both cultivars compared to the untreated infected plants. Differential display gene analysis for treated plants revealed three clear bands. These bands showed significant homology to well-known genes in the GenBank database and identified as superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), WRKY transcription factor (StWRKY) and endoglucanase from potato genome. RT-PCR showed an increase in the expression (activity) level of CuZnSOD and WRKY genes in ABA treated plants compared to the untreated plants.

5 illus, 2 tables, 67 ref

017190   Dong L;Meng Y;Wang J;Sun G (NO, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing-100 029, P.R. China, Email: donglh@nim.ac.cn) : Effects of transgenic Bt+CpTI cotton on the abundance and diversity of rhizosphere ammonia oxidizing bacteria and archaea. J envir Biol 2016, 37(5), 881-8.

Genetically modified crops (GMCs) hold great promise for improving agricultural output, but at the same time present challenges in terms of environmental safety assessment. Ammonia oxidizers, including ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA), are very important functional microbial groups in nitrogen cycle. The abundance and diversity of AOA and AOB in the rhizosphere of genetically modified cotton (SGK321) and non-GM cotton (SY321) across growth stages were investigated using real time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP). Results showed that cotton genotype had a significant effect on the change in abundance of AOA and AOB, as indicated by amoA copy number. Variations in AOB abundance in rhizosphere of SY321 differed from those in SGK321. The number of AOB in the rhizosphere of SY321 fluctuated considerably: It dramatically decreased from 1.2x10⁶ copies g^-1 dry soil to 3x10⁵ copies g^-1 dry soil during the flowering stage and then increased to 1.1x10⁶ copies g^-1 and 1.5x10⁶ copies g^-1 at the belling and boll opening stages, respectively. However, abundance of AOB in the rhizosphere of SGK321 was relatively stable during all the stages of growth. The effect of SGK321 and SY321 on AOA number was quite similar to that of AOB: AOA abundance in SGK321 increased - 338 - smoothly from 1.0x10⁵ copies g^-1 dry soil to 1.4x10⁶ copies g^-1 dry soil during growth, but that in SY321 fluctuated. Correspondence analysis (CA), canonical CA (CCA), and partial CCA (pCCA) of T-RFLP profiles of AOA and AOB showed that AOB community changed across growth stages in both cotton genotypes, and cotton genotype was the most important factor affecting the AOA community. In conclusion, the current findings indicated no adverse effect of GM cotton on functional microorganisms.

3 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

017189   Divya P;Durga K K;Sunil N;Rajasri M;Keshavulu K;Udayababu P (Seed Research and Technology Centre, ANGRAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: divya.pedada@gmail.com) : Modified atmosphere storage technique for the management of pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis in horse gram. Legume Res 2016, 39(3), 474-8.

The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of modified atmosphere with elevated levels of CO₂ against pulse beetle, C. chinensis in stored horse gram. Seeds were artificially infested with C. chinensis and exposed to CO₂(30%, 40% and 50%) and packed in air tight containers. Concentrations of 40% and 50% CO₂ not only checked seed infestation but also checked the progeny production of pulse beetle and reduced the weight loss of seed compared to normal atmosphere. Storage of horse gram seeds in CO₂ rich atmosphere also maintained seed quality without any detrimental effect on germination and seedling vigor up to six months of storage.

3 tables, 20 ref

017188   Dilmac M;Tarhan S;Polatci H (Biosystems Engineering Dep, Gaziosmanpasa Univ, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokat, Turkey, Email: sefatarhan@hotmail.com) : Aerodynamic properties of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) seeds. Legume Res 2016, 39(3), 379-84.

Aerodynamic properties of agricultural materials are the physical properties considering the reaction of agricultural material piles or seeds against airflow. The airflow - 337 - resistance of faba bean (Viciafaba L.) seed piles was experimentally determined and mathematically modeled for two different moisture contents (11.4% and 25.8% w.b.) for the superficial air velocities ranging from 0.0225 to 1.395 m³.m^-2. s^-1. Modified Shedd's equation and Hukill-Ives equation can be interchangeably used to design aeration systems for the storage and drying bins of faba bean seeds. The terminal velocity values are 11.68 and 12.87 m.s^-1 for the moisture contents of 11.4%and25.8% (w.b.), respectively. The drag coefficient values are 1.02 and 0.88 for the moisture contents of 11.4%and25.8% (w.b.), respectively. Moisture content increased terminal velocity but decreased drag coefficient.

4 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

017187   Dhake A V;Subramaniam V R;Desarda G I;Borole V (NO, Jain Hi-Tech Agri Institute, R&D Farms, Agripark, Jain Hills, Shrisoli Road, Jalgaon-425 001, Email: dr.dhake.anil@jains.com) : Enhancing water use efficiency in onion bulb production: A farmer-centric approach. Int J Innovative Hort 2016, 5(2), 94-7.

About forty five white onion varieties including few exotic ones suitable for short day conditions were evaluated during rabi (winter) season under water deficient conditions. Of these, a few cultivars (Agrifound white, JV 11, JV12 and JV 16) were shortlisted for detailed investigation. Subsequently, extensive field trials on these four cultivars revealed that JV 12 exhibited desirable characters such as vigorous growth, free from bolting during bulb production, high yielding and tolerant to purple blotch (Alternaria porri) infection. In addition, it also exhibited good transport resistance, long dormancy, good colour and pungency even after processing as well as reasonable shelf life (3-4 months at ambient temp.) Even though the cultivar (JV 12) is suitable for winter season; the productivity has been further increased manifold employing drip irrigation system (DIS). Besides increased yield and quality, uniform maturity, weed reduction, dis technology has significantly improved water and fertilizer use efficiency. The results indicate that, during the entire cultivation period of onion (110 days), water use efficiency through drip ranged from 68.6-96.6% more when compared to flood. From the present study it is evident that in order to produce 1 kg of onion, 167 litres of water is required in the case of drip irrigation and 303 litres is required through flood, which is a direct water saving of 82.58%. Average onion yields were 35.68 MT/ha and 27.47 MT/ha in the case of drip and flood respectively. Some of these issues are discussed at length in this paper.

1 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

017186   Dhakal Y;Meena R S;Sushil Kumar (Agronomy Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Varanasi-221 005, Email: rsmeenaagro@gmail.com) : Effect of INM on nodulation, yield, quality and available nutrient status in soil after harvest of greengram. Legume Res 2016, 39(4), 590-4.

A field experiment was carried out at Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) during kharif season of 2013 to study the influence of integrated nutrient management on greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]. Three sources of nutrients viz. inorganic, organic and bio-fertilizers were used in twelve combinations with randomized block design. Among different combinations, significant improvement in number of nodules/plant (80.97), dry weight of nodules (32.89 mg/plant), yield attributes, seed yield (12.34 qt/ha), harvest index (28.32%), nutrient content, available NPK and organic carbon after harvest in soil were recorded with application of nutrients through 75% RDF + 2.5 t/ha vermicompost + rhizobium + Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) as compared to other combinations and control, but it was at par with 100% RDF + 2.5 t/ha vermicompost and 100% RDF + rhizobium + PSB.

1 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

017185   Devraj;Singh D;Pratap A (NO, ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur-208 024, Email: drmishra_1969@yahoo.co.in) : Online database and information system for mungbean gemrplasm. Legume Res 2016, 39(3), 349-54.

Online database and information system for mungbean germplasm addresses the data management need in this crop by producing a user-friendly menu driven system that generates data entry forms, queries and reports and maintains a comprehensive database. The basic objective of this experiment was to develop online database and information system for mungbean germplasm, alongwith their characteristics and to analyze relationships between these characteristics. The developed system provides statistical summary for each evaluation descriptor and its various descriptor states. Presently, the database contains data on 550 mungbean germplasm accessions with evaluation for 26 descriptors. It provides secure data storage that can be shared over Intranet of Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur and will be linked with the website of Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur for access by genetic resource specialists, breeders and planners to differentiate genetic materials from possible duplications. A user-friendly interface for data entry has been developed for entry of data related to different characters of germplasm. 4 main reports viz., qualitative report, quantitative report, query-based report, and details report have been designed to enable quick and accurate retrieval of data.

8 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

017184   Devraj;Dixit G P;Katiyar P K;Gupta S (NO, Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur-208 024, Email: drmishra_1969@yahoo.co.in) : Design and implementation of on-line data submission and retrieval system for coordinated research trials in food legumes. Legume Res 2016, 39(3), 442-7.

Online data submission and retrieval system for coordinated research trials in food legumes has been developed with an aim to reduce the time and cost in collection, compilation, data analysis, retrieval and report generation. At the first instance, efforts were made to use plant breeding data as it covers more than 60% of total trials. The system has been developed using ASP.NET with C<35> as the front-end and SQL Server 2005 as back-end. This system has three online functional modules viz., Data Entry and Submission Module, Data Analysis Module and Report Generation Module. The system is designed to be user-friendly and is completely menu-driven with options for assigning login IDs and passwords. It can be accessed efficiently through URL: http://www.aicrpmullarp.res.in. The complete system has been presented, tested and validated during different Group Meets of AICRP on MULLaRP. The implemented system being satisfactorily used by the centres of AICRP on MULLaRP since last one year and has significantly reduced the manpower and processing time required for compilation, data analysis and preparation of annual report. The present article describes the design and implementation of on-line data submission and retrieval system for coordinated research trials in food legumes.

7 illus, 15 ref

017183   Desai S;Sharanghdhar M;Mohite A (Fisheries Engineering Dep, College of Fisheries, Ratnagiri-415 629, Email: ashishmohite@yahoo.com) : Design and technical specifications of small wooden purse seiners of Ratnagiri, Maharashtra (India). Ecol Envir Conserv 2017, 23(1), 390-3.

For the small wooden purse seiners ranging from 11 to 15 m in overall length in operation from Mirkarwada Fishing Harbour, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, the breadth at mid ship was 3.4 m to 7.04 m, depth 1.52 to 2.89 m, length of freeboard was 0.6258 to 1.19 m, draught observed was 0.8941 to 1.7 m and length of keel was 8.81 to 12.46 m. Gross tonnage recorded was between 32.11-84.6 tons. Small wooden purse seiners were fitted with Ashok Leyland six cylinder inboard engines having horse power ranging between 87 to 280 hp with a average fuel - 335 - consumption of 17 1/hr.

1 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

017182   Dehghani R;Shahrisvand B;Mostafaeii G; Atharizadeh M;Gilasi H;Mofrad M R;Hosseindoost G;Takhtfiroozeh S (Department of environment Health and Social Determinants of Health (S, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, IR Iran, Email: shahrisvandb@yahoo.com) : Frequency of arthropoda in urban wastes compost process at laboratory condition. J ent Res 2016, 40(4), 357-64.

Physical, Chemical, and biological parameters play a key role in compost production. This descriptive study was conducted, by using 9 basins within 25 kgs wastes placed in 3 places and at 3 steps during 3 months, then by taking 407 times of Arthropoda existed in a controlled condition were determined. After transferring the samples to the laboratory, Arthropods were identified by Stereo Microscope. The total number of 534583 samples of larvae, pupae and adult of Arthropoda were collected then estimated. In total Diptera with 373600 samples (69.886%), Cleoptera with 157398 (29.443%), Hymenoptera with 2050 (0.384%), Mesostigmata with 1500 (0.281%), Araneida with 18 (0.0033%), Isopoda with 12 (0.0022%), Dictyoptera with 4 (0.0007%), Metastigmata with 1 (0.0001%) were identified. Study indicated that at least 8 orders of Arthropoda including: Diptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Mesostigmata, Araneida, Isopoda, Dictyoptera and Metastigmata are active in compost process. Since varieties of Arthropoda existed in compost production makes it very rich and they can be easily multiplied in the process, they can be used in providing foods for domestic animals, birds, and fish.

2 illus, 3 tables, 45 ref

017181   Dehdar B;Panahandeh J;Azar A M (Ardebil Agricultural and Natural Resources Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Ardebil, Iran) : Cross ability between commercial cultivars and interspecific hybrids (Stoloniferum X tuberosum) advanced clones of potato Tuberosum. Ecol Envir Conserv 2017, 23(1), 21-4.

There are about 230 species of wild potato relatives; there are valuable genes - 334 - of disease resistance, stress tolerance, and beneficial agronomical and processing traits in many of them. In interspecific and intraspecific crosses, pre-zygotic barriers like pollen-pistil incompatibility may exist. And in the case that a parent is selected as male or female, this incompatibility may disappear. In this experiment, seven high-yielding commercial cultivars of potato and two advanced potato clones of direct interspecific hybrids (S. stoloniferum X S. tuberosum), with resistance to drought stress were crossed reciprocally to determining of cross ability between genotypes, and the best cultivar and clones were determined when they were selected as the female or male parent. Generally, when the commercial cultivars were as the male parent, the number of berries, the total number of seeds, the number of seeds per berry, cross efficiency and the germination percentage of true seeds generated were 8, 139, 17.4, 0.04, and 33%, respectively; and when was female, they were measured as 41, 1579, 9.5, 3.8, and 50%, respectively.

1 illus, 9 ref

017180   Dehal I B;Kalia R;Bhupender Kumar (Molecular Cytogenetics and Tissue Culture Lab, Crop Improvement Dep, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Univ, Palampur-176 062, Email: dehal_indu@rediffmail.com) : Genetic estimates and path coefficient analysis in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under normal and late sown environments. Legume Res 2016, 39(4), 510-16.

The research was carried out to determine selection criteria using correlation and path coefficient analysis in 25 chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes under two different environments during rabi 2008-09 at Palampur location. The genotypes showed highly significant differences for all the characters studied in both environments. Environment I (normal sowing) exhibited its excellent potential for the traits viz., seed yield per plant, biological yield per plant, pods per plant, primary branches per plant, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and plant height, whereas environment II (late sowing) exhibited it for harvest index, per cent crude protein and 100-seed weight. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for seed yield per plant, pods per plant and 100-seed weight in environment I. Seed yield per plant was positively and significantly correlated with pods per plant (E1=0.767 and E2=0.647), harvest index (E1=0.767 and E2=0.745), biological yield per plant (E1=0.612 and E2=0.537) and primary branches per plant (E1=0.422 and E2=0.515) in both the environments. Path coefficient analysis revealed the high direct effect of biological yield and harvest index towards seed yield per plant, whereas primary branches per plant and pods per plant showed negligible direct effect, but their indirect contribution for it through biological yield and harvest index was high. The present study suggests that selection for high seed yield should be based on selecting high biological yield, pod per plant, high test weight and primary branches per plants in chickpea.

5 tables, 21 ref

017179   Daur I (Arid Land Agriculture Dep, Faculty of Meteorology, Environment and Arid Land Agriculture, King Ab, Jeddah-21589, Saudi Arabia, Email: iaslam@kau.edu.sa) : Study of commercial effective microorganism on composting and dynamics of plant essential metal micronutrients. J envir Biol 2016, 37(5), 937-41.

The present study addresses the problem of organic farmers' that needs local organic resources with their enhanced quality to effectively fertilize their agriculture crops. In accordance with the objective of the experiment that is about enhancing quality of compost, a blend of organic resources, comprising cow manure (CM), poultry manure (PM) and kitchen waste (KW) (2:1:1 ratio by volume) was composted with effective microorganisms (EM.1) (Compost_EM.1) and without (Compost_plain). During composting, temperature, pH, carbon, nitrogen, C/N ratio, total and diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable essential metal micronutrient (Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Mn²⁺) contents of both the composts were recorded following the standard procedures. Low temperature range (24-24), low pH (6.7-7.2) and higher N-content (1.15-1.40) were - 333 - recorded for Compost_EM.1 as compared to Compost_plain. Carbon degradation was also faster in Compost_EM.1 than in Compost_plain. Consequently, C/N ratio stabilization took 6 weeks in Compost_EM.1 as compared to 18 weeks in Compost_plain, leading to rapid completion of composting. Total concentration of micronutrients increased while their DTPA-extractable content decreased during the composting. Total micronutrient concentration was augmented more in Compost_plain samples than in Compost_EM.1. However, decrease in DTPA-extractable content was similar in both the composts. Increase in micronutrient content was attributed to decrease in organic matter weight, whereas decrease in metal micronutrients was attributed to the formation of organic matter-metal complexes during decomposition. Findings of the study indicated that effective micro-organisms enhanced composting process, however, further studies are required to evaluate its quality, especially effect on plant and soil.

1 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

017178   Das S K;Singh S K;Khan M A (NO, ICAR - ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, Bihar, Email: skdashasnabad@rediffmail.com) : Explorative study on the development of organic farming model. Ecol Envir Conserv 2017, 23(1), 167-70.

Two crossbred low yielding milch cows were maintained in loose housing under the organic farming project and their performances were studied in the system. One hectare of land was brought under organic Farming. 50% land was earmarked for cereal crop ie paddy, wheat in different season, 20% land for fishery, 20% land for horticultural crop and 10% land was kept for dairy and fodder production. Overall mean yield of morning milk, evening milk and total milk per cow was found to be 3.966, 2.936 and 6.902 kg respectively. Average daily intake of dry roughage, green roughage and concentrate per cow was 4.504, 7.134 and 6.371 kg respectively. Av daily yield of dung was 12.891 kg. Highest total milk yield of cow (10.450 kg) was recorded in month April. Higher milk yield during the month April was due to availability green fodder. Multiple Regression analysis of data indicated that daily milk yield of cow increase by 339 g (P <60>0.01) and 811 g (P <60>0.01) per kg increase of green roughage intake and concentrate intake.

2 tables, 15 ref

017177   Das B;Paul S;Rathi M S (Crop Production Div, Central Potato Research Station, Shillong-793 009, Email: bappidas24@gmail.com) : Effect of osmotic stress on plant growth promoting activities of the osmotolerant endophytic bacteria. Ecol Envir Conserv 2017, 23(1), 339-43.

The present investigation was conducted to find out the effect of osmotic stress on plant growth promoting activities of the osmotolerant endophytic bacteria. Out of the forty six endophytic bacteria from mustard, ten were highly osmotolerant and observed to be able to grow even in presence of 50% PEG 6000. Effect of osmotic stress on their plant growth promoting activities was determined. Most of these isolates were found to possess multiple plant growth promoting activities such as P-solubilization, phytohormone production and biocontrol traits. Beneficial effect of osmotic stress on P-solubilization, giberrellic acid, HCN and ammonia production was observed for most of the cultures. Amount of - 332 - P-solubilised by isolates ranged from 6.44 to 46.02 μg P solubilized/mg protein. Highest P-solubilisation was observed for isolate MAL 3 under control conditions and MKL4 under osmotic stress. Highest HCN production was shown by isolate MAL 3 under control as well as stress conditions. Ammonia production by isolates ranged from 3.72 to 86.47 μg ammonia/mg protein. There was decrease in IAA production by most of the isolates on exposure to osmotic stress. Giberrellic acid production was observed only under osmotic stress conditions and ranged from 78.77 to 270.99 μg GA/mg protein. IAA production by isolates ranged from 108.65 to 406.96 μg IAA/mg protein. Highest IAA production was observed for isolate MAS 1 and MAL 3 under control and osmotic stress conditions, respectively. Siderophore production ability of the cultures was not affected by osmotic stress.

2 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

017176   Darsow U (NO, , An der alten Gaertnerei 6, 18190 Gross Luesewitz, Deutschland, Germany, Email: u.darsow@freenet.de) : Pree-breeding in europe for quantitative late blight resistance in potato. Potato J 2017, 44(1), 1-15.

In pre-breeding for quantitative late blight resistance of potato, foliage and tuber blight resistance is derived from diverse wild potato clones. Broad genetic base pre-bred clones were developed that were used as one of the resistant parental line in preferred crosses resistant x resistant. The resultant products of pre- breeding are parental lines with divergent quantitative resistance genes that are intended to improve late blight resistance in variety breeding programme. The success of pre-breeding lies in progress of re-establishment of genome of agronomic values in combination with late blight resistance achieved in minimum back crosses. Vertical distance of AUDPC to linear regression line with maturity is a correct criterion of true quantitative foliage-blight resistance in long-day condition. In this review difficulty in combination of blight resistance with early maturity under long-day conditions is discussed. Slow progress in combining of polygenic determined traits is shown. In this review breeding strategy is explained and problems and solutions are indicated. Prebreeding is a very difficult breeding task that requires in-depth skill as well as long term concept to achieve any tangible results. Saving of one third of current oomycide application is at least expected by new varieties.

2 tables, 108 ref

017175   Daniel J A (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Commonly found avifauna of Tamil Nadu agricultural university, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. J Ent Zool Stud 2017, 5(4), 46-52.

This work was taken with the prime objective to make an inventory of the avifauna of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University campus. A total of 54 taxa of avifauna belonging to 34 families has been recorded in the survey carried out - 331 - from August 2014 to August 2015. For birding, the campus was mapped into three different habitats viz., Wet land - Paddy Breeding Station (PBS), Botanical Garden and Orchard. Comparison of species similarities between the habitats, revealed 1.75% similarity between PBS and Botanical Garden, 1.81% similarity between PBS and Orchard and 42.85% between Botanical Garden and Orchard. Among the three sites PBS ranks first with the record of more number of species (32) followed by Botanical garden (26) which is closely followed by Orchard (24). Among the feeding guilds, insectivores dominate in species strength (33.33%) followed by carnivores (25.92%), omnivores (16.67%), grainivore (12.97%), piscivores (9.25%) and nectarivores (1.85%). The results of relative diversity (RD) index showed that Ardeidae (RD value = 7.40) was the dominant family in the area.

1 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

017174   Damor P L;Patel K B (Zoology Dep, Sheth M.N. Science College, Patan-384 265, Email: pushpa.damor89@gmail.com) : Damage in germinating stage in kharif pearl millet [Pennisetum typhoides] due to bird pests in Anand district, Gujarat, India. J Envir Biosci 2016, 30(2), 471-2.

Pearl millet damage by bird pests in Anand district is a serious predicament. Seeds of this crop are exposed and so attract several bird species during the sowing to harvesting stage of pearl millet crop which caused heavy losses. The Anand district is dominant by farmers and their agricultural activities. The economy of Anand area primarily depends on agriculture out of the total number of persons enganed in agriculture. This research work conducted during 2012-14 at Napad village of Anand district. During this research work, the bird pest of pearl millet were observed and identified and carried out assessment of losses for 2012-14. Result shows that 29 species of birds were recorded in experimental field. Minimum damage was 1.07 per cent while maximum damage was 13.92 per cent.

2 tables, 7 ref

017173   Damor P L;Patel K B (Zoology Dep, Sheth M.N. Science College, Patan-386 245, Email: pushpa.damor89@gmail.com) : Bird species associated with agro ecosystem and their economic status in selected area of the Anand district, Gujarat. J Envir Biosci 2016, 30(2), 383-6.

Most bird explosion in cultivated areas are co-related with dry land ecosystems. As in the case of dry land agriculture, irrigated areas have also spawned explosions in bird populations. Some factors driving bird population in agro ecosystem due to increased food supply from standing crops, wasted grain, insects and availability of favourable habitat. Birds as pest to the agriculture are very serious old problem but at present most farmers are equally aware of the dual role of birds as well as their usefulness as biological control of insect pest of agriculture crops. During the present study 57 species of birds were found useful, 09 species of birds as harmful and 27 species of bird were observed as facultative in Anand district.

1 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

017172   Correia-Oliveira M E;Poderoso J C M;Ribeiro G T;Dantas P C;Chagas T X;De Souza Oliveira M D F S;Coelho R R; Goncalves G B (NO, Universidade Federal do Reconcavo da Bahia, Bahia, Brazil, Email: emilenebio@hotmail.com) : Foraging behavior: the food choice and quality of honey from Melipona scutellaris Latreille - 330 - (Hymenoptera: Apidae). J ent Res 2016, 40(4), 333-8.

Data on the preferred foraging times and identification of pollen collected by stingless bees has led to further insights into the bees' behavioral and ecological habits, thus enabling the analysis of the honey produced which in turn will facilitate quality control of this product. Present study reveals the foraging times and food preferences of the stingless bee Melipona scutellaris (Hymenoptera: Apidae) together with a physicochemical evaluation of the honey produced by this bee. M. scutellaris tended to be more active in the morning during the winter, visited a wide variety of plants in their search for food, and produced a good quality honey, in winter the bees showed generalist behavior foraging many different plants.

2 illus, 1 table, 49 ref

017171   Choudhury P P (NO, ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh-482 004, Email: parthatinku@yahoo.com) : Leaf-cutin assisted phototransformation of 2,4-D ethyl ester. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2016, 53(5-6), 227-31.

Abundant usage of foliar herbicides during the last decade has resulted in increased environmental toxicity. The first reaction environment of those herbicides is accumulation of polymerised esters of higher fatty acids on the leaf surface. These fatty substances on leaf surfaces, in the presence of sunlight, generate reactive radicals or ions which may interact with herbicide molecules leading towards degradation resulting in the loss of bioefficacy of herbicides and formation of metabolites of unknown toxicity. In this study, we explored the photochemical behaviour of 2,4-D ethyl ester on leaf-cutin surface. Epicuticular waxes were extracted from rice, and Echinocloacolona leaf surface using chloroform as a solvent and further purified with activated charcoal. On rice-cutin coated surface under UV-light, the transformation of the herbicide was slow as evident from its higher half-life (90.85 ± 4.85 min) as compared to that on the glass surface (half-life 23.6 ± 4.31 min). It may be due to the quenching or screening effect imparted by the cutin material towards the herbicide. However, the cutin material extracted from Echinocloa did not have any such effect. The LC-MS/MS analysis of the sunlight-irradiated samples showed the formation of five different photoproducts, among which 2-chlorophenol and 2,6-dichlorophenol are of considerably toxicological significance.

2 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

017170   Choudhary J;Kushwah S S;Singh O P;Naruka I S (Vegetable Science Dep, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur-458 001, Email: kushwahhort@rediffmail.com) : Studies on genetic variabilty and character association in indian bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet]. Legume Res 2016, 39(3), 336-42.

Sixty four genotypes of Indian bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet] were evaluated for genetic variability and correlation coefficient analysis for green pod yield and its contributing characters. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits. Plant height, seed yield per plant, seed yield q/ha, green pod yield per plant, green pod yield q/ha, pod width, weight of 10 pod, number of green pod per plant, pericarp thickness and days to first flowering exhibited high GCV and PCV values indicating large amount of variation. The highest heritability estimate was observed for days to last picking (99.60%). In the present study highest value of EGA was observed for the seed yield per plant (194.78%) followed by the green pod yield per plant (175.87%). Green pod yield per plant exhibited positive and significant correlation with green pod yield q/ha, seed yield q/ha, plant height at 60 days, days to first flowering, days to first picking, days to last picking, weight of 10 pod, weight of 100 seed, number of green pod per plant, pod length, pericarp thickness, moisture percentage and seed yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic levels.

3 tables, 19 ref

017169   Chavan R D;Shendaje S A;Yeotikar S G;Gaikwad B B (Agricultural Entomology Dep, College of Agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidhyapeeth, Parbhani-431 402, Email: entomologist007@rediffmail.com) : Population dynamics of major pests of tomato. J ent Res 2016, 40(4), 397-400.

The incidence of fruit borer, whitefly and leaf miner was studied on variety Vaishali. Fruit borer incidence ranged from 0.5 to 1.30 with maximum infestation during 41st and 44th MW and whitefly from 0.41 to 18.96 with maximum infestation during 38th to 42nd MW while leaf miner ranged from 0.25 to 5.70 with maximum infestation during 39th to 43rd MW.

13 ref

017168   Chavan R D;Shendage S A;Gaikwad B B;Yeotikar S G (Agricultural Entomology Dep, College of Agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidhyapeeth, Parbhani-431 402, Email: entomologist007@gmail.com) : Simple correlation and regression between weather parameters and pests of tomato. J ent Res 2016, 40(4), 401-4.

Larval popultion of Helicoverpa armigera was positively correlated with maximum temperature and negatively correlated with relative humidity. There was non-significant correlation with weather parameters in whitefly. Leaf minor population was positively but non-significantly correlated with maximum temperature.

3 tables, 13 ref

017167   Chandi A K (Entomology Dep, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: anureetchandi@pau.edu) : Leg autotomy: a novel mechanism in adults of Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus). Ecol Envir Conserv 2017, 23(1), 501-6.

Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) adults tend to autotomize their metathoracic legs at the trochanter-femur joint after walking on surface coated with insecticides. Only 2.5 per cent adults from susceptible population of P. xylostella experienced leg autotomy as compared to 10 per cent resistant adults. Among the various test-insecticides, fenvalerate exerted maximum influence with the composite mean value of leg autotomy at 13.35 per cent while spinosad affected only 1.65 per cent adults. Thus, the leg autotomy allowed P. xylostella to avoid the full effects of insecticides poisoning by eliminating part of dosage before it moves from the legs to the rest of the body. Influence of fenvalerate and spinosad, however, was maximum as regards knocked down effect of all the test-insecticides.

2 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

017166   Bisht K S;Upadhayay P;Gairola K (Plant Pathology Dep, College of Agriculture, G.B.P.U.&T, Pantnagar (U.S. Nagar), Uttarakhand-263 145, Email: ksbisht1972@gmail.com) : Efficacy of fungicides for the management of seed and seedling diseases of groundnut [Arachis hypogaea]. J Envir Biosci 2016, 30(2), 529-32.

Among all groundnut diseases, seed and - 328 - seedling diseases are of the major economic importance. Among various management practices used, chemical management has been proved as one of the most promising way of managing this disease. Field experiment was conducted in two successive years in order to find out effective fungicides. Eight treatments viz. Mancozeb 75 WP, Carboxin 37.5 + Thiram 37.5-75 DS alone and Fenflufen 240 FS, Trifloxystrobin 500 SC in their combinations were tested. Among them, Penflufen 154 + Trifloxystrobin 154-308 FS @ 1.0 ml/kg was found most effective with least disease intensity (0.0%) and highest pod yield (1040 and 1056 kg/ha) during both successive years followed by Penflufen 154 + Trifloxystrobin 154-308 FS @ 0.8 ml/kg seed disease intensity (5.0%) and second highest pod yield (872 and 888 kg/ha).

3 tables, 12 ref

017165   Bisen J S;Chauhan R K;Singh A K;Singh M;Ghosh B C;Bera B (NO, Darjeeling Tea Research & Development Centre, Kurseong, Dist. Darjeeling-734 203, Email: jsbisen30@gmail.com) : Development of vermicompost technology for organic tea cultivation at high altitude. Ecol Envir Conserv 2017, 23(1), 464-9.

Vercomposting is a natural process of quick recycling of organic material into nutrient rich compost using earthworms under aerobic condition. It is an eco-friendly nontoxic product and requires low energy input during processing. In the present investigation an attempt has been made to develop vermicomposting technology suitable for Darjeeling conditions in which various organic wastes were evaluated to find out the best organic raw material for quality vermicompost production, insulating material for increasing vermibed temperature during winter for faster process of multiplication and growth of earchworms. Results showed that among the various organic raw materials Guatemala was found superior in respect to nitrogen (3.50%) and phosphorus (0.60%) where as maximum potash content (3.00%) was recorded by tea waste whereas highest phosphorus (0.90%) and potash (1.41%) content was recorded in kitchen waste followed by Guatemala, water hyacinth, tea waste, paddy straw, weed biomass, and saw dust. Total bacteria count was maximum in saw dust followed by kitchen waste, tea waste, weed biomass, saw dust, paddy straw and water hyacinth. Among insulating material, paddy straw + polythene used as insulating material could raise temperature up to 4-5°C in the bed than ambient temperature. Multiplication rate of four earthworm species were studied and highest multiplication was recorded for Eisenia foetida followed by Perionyx excavates, Udrilus euginea and local species.

1 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

017164   Bhumarkar R;Sahoo S;Sarvendra Kumar;Aklakur M;Sahu N P (Fish Nutrition Biochemistry and Physiology Div, ICAR - Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai-400 061, Email: sujatasahoo@cife.edu.in) : Feeding of different level of digestible carbohydrate to Pangasianodon hypophthalmus fingerlings: effect of growth, amylase activity and gene expression. Ecol Envir Conserv 2017, 23(1), 409-15.

Digestible carbohydrate in fish feed has protein sparing effect and can reduce the protein requirement. In order to evaluate the effect of different carbohydrate level on the growth performance, physiology and amylase expression of striped catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878) juveniles, a 60 day feeding trial was undertaken. Two purified (isonitrogenous and isolipidogenic) diet with varying digestible carbohydrate level i.e.20% (T1) and 40% (T2) were prepared and fed to respective groups. Weight gain %, SGR, FER, PER were higher in T2 group. Both the groups showed similar survival rate. In T2, HIS was significantly higher than T1 group. In haematological study, WBC cell numbers declined with the increasing carbohydrate level, whereas RBC and Haemoglobin levels were similar. Amylase activity of both the groups exhibited similar trend as highest activity was recorded on 30th day which decreased gradually. Amylase gene expression also showed similar trend as with enzyme activity, although gene expression were similar after 45 days of feeding. Considering the growth and physiological responses, carbohydrate level in Pangasianodon hypophthalmus diet can be safely increased up to 40%.

2 - 327 - illus,

017163   Bhattacharyya H;Sarkar K;Modak B K (Agriculture and Rural Development Dep, Chandraketugarh Sahidullah Smriti Mahavidyalaya, Berachampa, Nort 24 Parganas, West Bengal) : Impact of coupling duration on fecundity and fertility of some important cross breeds of Bombyx mori L in West Bengal. J envir Sociobiol 2016, 13(1), 113-18.

Silkworm eggs play crucial role in sericulture industry. For successful production of cocoon crops adequate quantity of good quality egg is essential. In case of silk moth mating time varies from 1-4 h which is generally termed as coupling period. The temporal aspects of mating in terms of duration may also have impact on the number of egg laid, pattern of egg laying and their viability. The present investigation intends to find out whether duration of coupling period has any relation with fecundity and fertility of silk moth. The study was onducted with the cross breed of following Bombyx mori breeds: NxM12(w), NxNB4D2, and NxYB. The experiment reveals that total fecundity almost remained same with the variation of coupling duration but fertility is directly proportional to coupling duration and maximum (100%) at 5 h coupling duration.

3 tables, 15 ref

017162   Benerjee P;Basu S;Modak B K (NO, Bhara Madhyamik Vidyaniketan, P.O. Bhara Kalibari, Mejia, Dist. Bankura, West Bengal, Email: saugatatias@gmail.com) : Prevalence of Myxozoan parasites in fishes from river Damodar at Mejia area, Bankura, West Bengal. J envir Sociobiol 2016, 13(1), 131-5.

The present study records the prevalence of myxozoan (Myxozoa: Myxosporea) infections of some fishes collected from the river Damodar in Mejia area of Bankura district, West Bengal. During the calendar year 2014, in all 17 species of fishes belonging to nine families were examined, of which five species belonging to two families, viz., Cyprinidae and Bagridae were found to be infected with three different myxozoan genera, viz., Myxobolus Butschli, 1882, Thelohanellus Kudo, 1933 and Henneguya Thelohan, 1892. The rate of infection was comparatively higher during the winter seasons. Monthly prevalence of the myxozoan infection in fishes is communicated.

2 tables, 10 ref

017161   Baswal A K;Rattanpal H S;Sidhu G S;Uppal G S (Fruit Science Dep, Punjab University, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: baswal.arvind0@gmail.com) : Pollen viability and floral biology in grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Mac Fadyen) cultivars under subtropical conditions of Pubjab, India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2017, 23(1), 397-400.

Assessment of pollen viability is an - 326 - essential tool to check the level of sterility as it limits sexual hybridization. The percentage of viable pollen of five grapefruit cultivars was evaluated. The viability percentage values ranged from 30.50% for 'Marsh Seedless to 41.75% for 'Ray Ruby'. The 'Ray Ruby' cultivar showed the highest percentage of viable pollen, while the lesser viable pollen was recorded in 'Marsh Seedless'. The cultivars Ruby Red, Red Blush, and Marsh Seedless showed the lowest percentage of viable pollen (37.0%, 36.50% and 30.50% respectively). Among flower characters, cultivar Marsh Seedless recorded highest flower diameter (36.83 mm), while Ray Ruby recorded highest flower length (25.86 mm). Petal length and petal width was recorded maximum in Marsh Seedless and Ray Ruby (18.99 mm and 8.42 mm, respectively).

4 tables, 15 ref

017160   Barua I C;Deka J;Devi M;Deka R L;Moran J (Agronomy Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat-785 013, Email: iswarbarua0101@ymail.com) : Weeds as emerging threat to biodiversity: A consequence of spread of Ludwigia peruviana in Dhansiri and Kopili catchment areas of Assam, north east India. Curr Sci 2017, 112(9), 1904-14.

Wetlands seem to be more vulnerable to invasions compared to terrestrial ecosystems. The alien invasive weed, Ludwigia peruviana, invading the wetlands of the Dhansiri catchment and eastern part of Kopili in Assam has threatened the resident biodiversity and has also posed possibilities of spreading to other wet-lands of North East India. The present study was con-ducted to measure the impact of the weed on the biodiversity of this region, to find out the causes for increasing invasiveness and to suggest a suitable man-agement strategy. The weed has already damaged the marshland plant community and offered severe com-petition to the plants of peatland ecosystems in nearly 700sq.km in the affected areas. Pre-monsoon tem-perature and monsoon rainfall had strong positive correlation with the frequency of occurrence of the weed. L. peruviana showed the highest (nearly 52%) frequency of occurrence in the wetlands of the area in comparison to other troublesome weeds. It has already formed its pure-stand in the ecotone zone re-placing resident vegetation and is severely hampering normal food webs. Birds and animals either nest or graze in L. peruviana-dominant areas, and the abun-dant waterways exhibit high probability of spreading the weed from the gullies and furrows and settlement areas in the near future. The seriousness of the pro-blem calls for effective and timely management strat-egy.

8 illus, 5 tables, 43 ref

017159   Banyal H S;Sanjeev Kumar (Desert Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, Jodhpur, Rajasthan-342 005, Email: dr.harinderbanyal@gmail.com) : Ichthyofaunal diversity in siliserh reservoir near Alwar city, Rajasthan. J Envir Biosci 2016, 30(2), 431-2.

Fish samples were collected from Siliserh reservoir during 2016 to evaluate the composition of Ichthyofaunal diversity. 18 spp. of fishes were reported from the reservoir. Cypriniformes was the dominant (11 spp.) followed by Perciformes (4 spp.), Siluriformes (2 spp.) and Syndbranchiformes (1 sp.).

11 ref

017158   Bansal R;Pradheep K;Jyoti Kumari;S Kumar; Yadav M C;Gurung B;Kumari N K P;Rana J C (NO, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi-110 012, Email: ruchi.bansal@icar.gov.in) : Physiological and biochemical evaluation for drought tolerance in wheat germplasm collected from arid western plains of India. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2016, 53(5-6), 212-17.

Wheat is an important cereal crop and securing an increase in wheat production is necessary to feed the growing population. Integration of drought tolerance into new varieties attracts researchers as it helps to develop climate resilient wheat. Here, we tried to identify new sources of drought tolerance in crops using the targeted germplasm collection approach and to establish the relationship between different morpho-physiological, biochemical traits and stress susceptibility index. A set of 18 wheat genotypes collected using focused identification germplasm strategy (FIGS) was evaluated for drought tolerance at seedling stage. Stress was imposed by keeping the pots at 40 % field capacity for one week followed by watering to allow recovery. Shoot length, shoot dry weight, relative water content, chlorophyll, membrane stability and seedling survival declined, and proline content increased in all the genotypes under stress. Root length and dry root weight also increased in IC333095 and IC112205 in response to water scarcity. Correlation - 325 - study showed positive correlation between seedling survival and shoot length (0.51), relative water content (0.44) at P<60>0.05 and shoot dry weight (0.64) and root dry weight (0.70) at P<60>0.01. Based on different morphological and physiological parameters and drought susceptibility index, IC333095 (0.37), IC615005 (0.44), Dharwad Dry (0.44) and C306 (0.45) were considered drought tolerant genotypes. Further, it was concluded that shoot dry weight, root dry weight, shoot length and relative water content are the most reliable parameters for phenotyping against drought stress at an early stage.

3 tables, 29 ref

017157   Ballal A;Malshikare N D;Pawar Y (Horticulture Dep, College of Agriculture, Latur, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani-431 402, Email: anandballal0403@gmail.com) : Influence of integrated nitrogen management on vegetative growth parameters and yield on lady's finger [Abelmoschus esculentus] cv. Parbhani kranti. J Envir Biosci 2016, 30(2), 481-5.

The present investigation was conducted under shade net house at the Research Farm of the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Latur, Maharashtra during kharif season 2011-12 to find out the best feasibility of three organic sources of nitrogen viz., FYM, Poultry manure and Neem cake with inorganic fertilizer i.e. Urea on lady's finger (Abelmoschus esculentus [L.] Moench.). The vegetative growth parameters of okra cv. Parbhani kranti, viz., plant height, the number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant and leaf area have been significantly influenced by different sources of nitrogen. The plant height was maximum (116.4 cm) in treatment 60% N through neem cake along with 40% N through urea (T₁₁), similarly, the growth in terms of number of branches, the number of leaves and leaf area were significantly higher in the treatment of (T₁₁). As regards to yield parameters, all yield contributing characters like fruit weight (12.80g), fruit length (10.18 cm), fruit width (1.52 cm), number of fruits per plant (19.13) and yield per hectare (159.12 q) were significantly influenced due to different treatments tried and were found maximum in treatment of 60% N through neemcake along with 40% N through urea (T₁₁).

4 illus, 19 ref

017156   Bala S;Chugh N A;Bansal S C;Garg M L;Koul A (Biophysics Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: drashwanikoul@yahoo.co.in) : Safety evaluation of Aloe vera pulp aqueous extract based on histoarchitectural and biochemical alterations in mice. Indian J expl Biol 2017, 55(8), 568-75.

Aloe vera has a long history as a popular herbal remedy. A scrutiny of literature reveals that it possesses beneficial as well as harmful effects, thus making it essential to assess its toxicity profile before employing it as a medicinal agent. Various authors have reported conflicting observations on different applications of Aloe vera in experimental animals. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of Aloe vera extract used in the present study revealed the presence of tannins, carbohydrates and anthraquinone glycosides. For assessing the toxicity profile, Balb/c mice were divided into four groups- control and Aloe vera treated @ 250, 100 and 50 mg/kg body weight, and were administered with respective doses for 30 days. Histopathological examination of various tissues revealed significant structural alterations on - 324 - administration of higher doses of Aloe vera indicating the toxicity, which was also associated with enhanced peroxidative damage and serum LDH activity. Low dose of Aloe vera revealed normal histoarchitecture of various tissues along with biochemical parameters studied. Considering these results 50 mg/kg body weight Aloe vera extract is considered safe and shall be employed for further studies.

4 illus, 3 tables, 54 ref

017155   Bala S C;Ghosh S K (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (State Agricultural University),, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal-741 235, Email: sunil_ent69@yahoo.in) : Host plant resistance-cum-chemical control approach for the sustainable management of yellow mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks). J ent Res 2016, 40(4), 373-7.

Amongst forty six chilli germplasms screened against yellow mite BCCH-SL-4 was found to be the least susceptible to yellow mite (1.5 mite/leaf) followed by SB-6-2-1 (2.8 mite/leaf). DS-1-2 (16.5 mite/leaf) and FL-1-2 (13.50 mite/leaf) were most susceptible against yellow mite. The highest yield was also obtained from BCCH-SL-4 (8.40 t/ha). Application of Dicofol 18.5 EC @2.5 ml/lit., spiromesifen 22.9% EC @ 1 ml/lit and diafenthiuron 1g/lit was significantly superior to other treatments.

2 tables, 8 ref

017154   Bakoglu A;Celik S;Kokten K;Kilic O (Field Crops Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Bingol Univ, Turkey, Email: kahafe1974@yahoo.com) : Examination of plant legth, dry stem and dry leaf weight of bitter vetch [Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd.] with some non-linear growth models. Legume Res 2016, 39(4), 533-42.

In this study, the aim is to determine the best model for plant length, dry stem and dry leaf weight in different species of bitter vetch by using non-linear growth models. In the study, IFVE 3977-SEL 2802, HAT-14, IFVE 3977-SEL 2802 and Mardin Population bitter vetch species were used as materials. Bertalanffy, Logistic, and Gompertz models were used. At the end of the study, the best models identifying plant length of bitter vetch Logistic in IFVE 3977-SEL 2802 species and Bertalanffy model in IFVE 3351-SEL2804, HAT-14 and Mardin Population species. Dry stem weight was identified best with Logistic model in IFVE 3977-SEL 2802 and HAT-14 species, Bertalanffy model in IFVE 3351-SEL2804 and Gompertz model in Mardin population species. Dry leaf weight was identified best with Gompertz model in IFVE 3977-SEL 2802 and Mardin Population, Logistic model in IFVE 3351-SEL 2804 and HAT 14 species.

12 illus, 6 tables, 25 ref

017153   Baghdadi A;Halim R A;Othman R;Yusof M M; Atashgahi A R M (Crop Science Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia, Email: ridzwan@upm.edu.my) : Productivity, relative yield and plant growth of forage corn intercropped with soybean under different crop combination ratio. Legume Res 2016, 39(4), 558-64.

An experiment was carried out to evaluate influence of different crop combination ratios of corn and soybean in terms of forage yield in corn-soybean intercropping. The experiment compared both corn and soybean as monocultures and in different intercropping ratios from 25: 75, 50: 50 and 75: 25 of corn to soybean. The crop combination ratio had significant effects on physiological traits and dry matter yield of forage. The ratio of 75: 25 and 50: 50 recorded DM yields similar to those of monocropped corn (14.77 t/ha). Relative yield total (RYT) values of intercropping were higher than that of monocrop corn and soybean. Mixtures with 50: 50 combination ratio had higher mean total relative yield values (1.15) in comparison with the other ratios. Land equivalent ratio (LER) increased with corn-soybean intercropping and the highest total LER value was recorded with 50: 50 ratio (1.13). The crop ratio of 50: 50 gave the best combination based on DM yield, relative yield, LER of - 323 - the combined forage.

2 illus, 5 tables, 36 ref

017152   Bagdi D L;Bagri G K (Plant Physiology Dep, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner-303 329, Email: dlbagdi.2000@gmail.com) : Effect of saline irrigation water on gas exchange and proline metabolism in ber (Ziziphus). J envir Biol 2016, 37(5), 873-9.

An experiment was conducted in pots of 25 kg capacity to study the effect of saline irrigation (EC 0,5,10,15 and 20 dSm^-1) prepared by mixing NaCl, NaSO₄, CaCl and MgCl₂ in 3:1 ratio of chloride and sulphate on gas exchange traits, membrane stability, chlorophyll stability index and osmolytic defense mechanism in Ziziphus rotundifolia and Ziziphus nummularia species of Indian jujube (Z.mauritiana). Result showed that net photosynthetic rate (P_N), transpiration (e) and stomatal conductance were comparatively lower in Ziziphus nummularia, which further declined with increasing level of saline irrigation water. Chlorophyll stability and membrane stability also declined significantly in salt stress, with higher magnitude in Ziziphus nummularia. The activity of proline anabolic enzymes; Δ¹-Pyrrolline-5-carboxylate reductase, Δ¹-Pyrrolline-5-carboxylate synthetase and Ornithine-δ-aminotransferase were recorded higher in Ziziphus rotundifolia with decrease in proline dehydrogenase. The sodium content was observed higher in roots of Ziziphus rotundifolia and leaves of Ziziphus nummularia. Therefore, it is suggested that salt tolerance mechanism was more efficiently operative in Ziziphus rotundifolia owing to better management of physiological attributes, osmolytic defense mechanism and restricted translocation of sodium from root to leaves along with larger accumulation of potassium in its leaves.

4 illus, 5 tables, 26 ref

017151   Babu S;Anoop E V;Vikas Kumar (Wood Science Dep, College of Forestry, KAU, Thrissur, Kerala-680 565, Email: vkskumar49@gmail.com) : Dendro-climatological analysis of teak (Tectona grandis L.F.) from Edakkode, Edavanna forest range, Nilambur North forest division, Kerala, India. J Envir Biosci 2016, 30(2), 333-9.

An attempt has been made to explore dendro-climatological potential and relationships between climatic factors and anatomical characteristics of the vessel as well ring width in teak (Tectona grandis L.) grown as plantation from Edakkode, Edavanna Forest Range, Nilambur North forest division, Kerala, India. Indeed, in present study, ring width, mean vessel area (MVA) were measured and crossdating, chronology building, - 322 - standardization and dendroclimatic analysis were done. The results suggested that characteristics of teak, ring width and mean vessel area, studied were influenced by te monthly temperature and rainfall. However, seasonal climate which influenced ringwidth were of previous southwest monsoon rainfall and north east monsoon negatively influenced mean vessel area.

8 illus, 45 ref

017150   Ashwani Kumar;Pandita V K (NO, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute Regional Station, Karnal-132 001, Email: ashakmash@gmail.com) : Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed yield and quality in cowpea. Legume Res 2016, 39(3), 448-52.

A study was carried out to assess effect of inorganic fertilizers, vermicompost, Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorhizae (VAM) and biofertilizers [Rhizobium and Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB)] inoculation on seed yield and quality of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). The experiment was conducted in a split plot design for two consecutive cropping season, kharif 2012 and 2013, with two main plot treatments of inorganic fertilizers i.e. 100% and 75% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) and nine sub plot integrated nutrient management (INM) treatments including control (No organic fertilizer). Main plot treatments were at par but sub plot INM treatments differed significantly for plant height, seed yield, number of pods/plant, pod length, number of seeds/pod, 1000-seed weight, seed germination and vigour indices. Integrated use of inorganic fertilizers + Vermicompost 2.5t ha^-1 (4.76, 4.16 q ha¹) performed significantly better than the control (3.32, 2.79 q ha¹) for seed yield and its attributes as well as seed quality parameters during Kharif2012and2013, respectively. It was at par with combined use of inorganic fertilizers + biofertilizer inoculation (Rhizobium + PSB) + VAM 10 Kg ha^-1 Also, the mean cost benefit ratios (2.04, 1.90) were highest for combination of biofertilizer inoculation (Rhizobium + PSB) + VAM 10 Kg ha^-1 +inorganic fertilizers 100% and 75% RDF, respectively.

4 tables, 20 ref

017149   Ashok Kumar;Sen A;Rakesh Kumar (Agronomy Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: ashokshah81@gmail.com) : Micronutrient fortification in crop to enhance growth, yield and quality of aromatic rice. J envir Biol 2016, 37(5), 973-7.

A field trial comprising of 3 levels of Zn-0, 5 and 10 kg ha^-1, 3 levels of Fe-0, 15 and 30 kg ha^-1 and 3 levels of Mn-0, 5 and 10 kg ha^-1 was carried out during the two consecutive rainy seasons of 2008 and 2009 to study their effect on growth, yield and quality of aromatic rice cv. HUBR 2-1. The experiment was conducted in 33 partial confounding with three replications. All the micronutrients (Zn, Fe and Mn) were applied as basal and rest half doses were applied through foliar application at different intervals of crop growth. Application of 10 kg Zn ha^-1 recorded significantly higher growth attributes i.e. plant height, tiller hill^-1, dry weight and leaf area index (LAI) as compared to preceding doses. Significant increase in growth - 321 - attributes was also observed with the application of 15 kg Fe ha^-1, but it was statistically similar to 30 kg Fe ha^-1. Similarly, incorporation of 5 kg Mn ha^-1 significantly increased the growth attributes of rice but further increase in Mn levels decreased the response. Application of 10 kg Zn ha^-1 (51.33 q ha^-1) and 15 kg Fe ha^-1 (51.09 q ha^-1) resulted in significantly higher grain yield over control. Whereas, application of 5 kg Mn ha^-1 produced the highest grain yield (49.91 q ha^-1), but was at par with 10 kg Mn ha^-1 (49.18 q ha^-1).In respect of quality traits, application of 10 kg Zn ha^-1 and 15 kg Fe ha^-1 recorded maximum values of hulling, milling, head rice recovery, kernel length and breadth, which remained significantly superior to rest of the doses. Hence, to achieve the maximum productivity, profitability, as well as, quality of aromatic rice cv. HUBR 2-1 was grown with application of 10 kg Zn and 15 kg Fe along with 5 kg Mn ha^-1.

3 tables, 29 ref

017148   Arora R K;Pal R K;Singh P;Raheja S (NO, PAU Regional Station, Bathinda-151 001, Email: rkarora@pau.edu) : Status of the cotton leaf curl virus disease intensity in the south western region of Punjab. J Envir Biosci 2016, 30(2), 371-4.

A survey for the cotton leaf curl virus disease (CLCuD) infected cotton crop in the farmer's field was carried out in the Bathinda, Mansa and Mukstar districts of South Western region of Punjab in the year 2013 and 2014 to assess the cotton leaf curl virus disease intensity through Percent Diseases Index (PDI). Results revealed that, the PDI was possessed to be maximum in the district of Bathinda (2.16 - 41.50 and 12.67 - 56.00) followed by Mansa (5.66 - 32.50 and 16.67 - 50.67) and Mukstar (7.33 - 31.83 and 14.00) during 2013 and 2014, respectively, due to higher weekly mean temperature and scanty rainfall. Inspite of that, PDI of the cotton leaf curl virus disease was observed at higher range in the year 2014 as compared to 2013. The deviations of the PDI were observed because of varied agro-climatological situations, different locations, varieties/hybrids grown and cultural practices.

3 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

017147   Armand N;Amiri H;Ismaili A (Biology Dep, Faculty of Sciences, Lorestan Univ, Iran, Email: amiri_h_lu@yahoo.com) : The effects of spraying methanol solution and drought stress on level of antioxidant enzyme activity, growth, biomass and yield of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.cv. COS16). Legume Res 2016, 39(3), 385-95.

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of methanol solution spray - 320 - treatment on growth, biomass, and functional properties of bean plant under drought stress. The experiment was set up as a fully-randomized design with three replications. The first factor was four concentration levels of spray solution (Control, 10, 20, and 30%) and the spray was applied three times during the plant growth season at 10-day intervals. The second factor was three levels of drought stress; severe drought stress (25% field capacity), moderate drought stress (75% field capacity), and non-stress (100% field capacity). Test results showed that under 20% of methanol and conditions of non-stress there was significant growth of protein content of root and leaf in comparison with the control. Antioxidant enzyme activity was not affected by application of methanol solution spray but leaf antioxidant enzymes activity declined. Under non-stress and methanol concentrations of 10 and 20%, results showed a significant increase in all morphological properties compared with the control treatment. Under conditions of severe and moderate drought stress, level of methanol solution spray did not mitigate the negative effects of drought stress on the studied properties.

8 illus, 1 table, 48 ref

017146   Archana Devi;Preeti Kumari;Dwivedi R;Dwivedi S;Mishra K K;Verma O P;Singh P K;Dwivedi D K (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, N.D. Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Combining ability analysis for yield and its quality traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.) over enrivonment. J Pharmac Phytochem 2017, 6(4), 35-42.

Line x tester experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of 54 F₁ hybrids along with 18 parents in rice. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences in treatment for 1000 grain weight, kernel length, kernel breadth, L:B ratio and grain yield per plant under both normal and saline conditions except kernel breadth which found significant for normal condition. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among crosses and lines x testers for 1000 grain weight, kernel length, kernel breadth, L:B ratio and grain yield per plant under both normal and saline conditions. Parents vs. crosses were for kernel length and grain yield per plant for normal condition while in case of saline condition kernel breadth was found highly significant. Lines were highly significant and significant for 1000 grain weight and grain yield per plant in normal and saline condition, respectably. Testers were non-significant for all the traits in both conditions except kernel length in normal condition which was found significant. The estimates of variance of specific combining ability effects, ratio of variance of general combining ability to specific combining ability and degree of dominance indicated preponderance of non-additive gene effects for each trait. On over all bases, role of lines in the expression of most of the quality traits were more than testers and line x tester interaction under both conditions.

8 tables, 13 ref

017145   Anvari M;Salehi B;Nabigol A (Horticultural Dep, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Abhar, Islamic Azad University, Abhar, Iran, Email: salehi_222@yahoo.com) : Effects of putrescine and salicylic acid on the quality and longevity of cut flowers cloves (Dianthus caryophyllus L.). Ecol Envir Conserv 2017, 23(1), 43-6.

To evaluate the effect of putrescine and salicylic acid on the quality and durability of cut flowers carnation White, an experiment in a completely randomized design with two factors putrescine in 3 levels (0, 150 and 300 mg.L) and salicylic acid in 3 levels (0, 150 and 300 mg/L) with three replications. The results showed that at 12 days after the beginning of experiment, the highest electrolyte leakage - 319 - petals of control treatment, salicylic acid 69.67% and the lowest level of 150 mg/L of salicylic acid was 5.00%. In 24 days after the beginning of experiment, treatment with 300 mg/L putrescine highest relative water content petals (79.33%) and 150 mg/L of saliclic acid lowest relative water content (0.001%) was registered. In 35 days after the beginning of the experiment control putrescine, the highest relative water content (68.00%) and putrescine treatments of 300 mg/L and 150 mg/L salicylic acid and salicylic acid lowest relative water content (0.001%) showed. The highest flower longevity of flowers from treatment with 300 mg/L putrescine (19.00%) and the lowest treatment with 300 mg/L of salicylic acid (12.00%) was observed. The highest chlorophyll content of 150 mg/L putrescine (5.47 mg /g tissue) and the lowest in the treatment with 300 mg/L of salicylic acid (2.13 mg/g tissue) was observed. In 23 days after the beginning of the experiment, the results showed that the levels of putrescine and salicylic acid, the highest solution uptake treatment with 300 mg/L putrescine and the lowest is putrescine control treatment. Therefore, treatment with 300 mg/L of putrescine to increase longevity and quality of cut flowers cloves recommended.

3 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref