016270   Jadhao P B;Kadam D R;Kadam B S;Kangle G K; Jadhav R D (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Vasantarao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra, Email: kadamdhiraj0611@gmail.com ) : Management of Aphids (Aphis punicae P.) infesting pomegranate fruits. Pestology 2016, 40(5), 32-5.

A field trial was conducted for the management of pomegranate aphids Aphis punicae Passerine using newer insecticides at Central Horticultural Nursery, Department of Horticulture VNMKV, Parbhani, Maharashtra. The data on efficacy of newer insecticides revealed that all the tested insecticides effectively controlled the pests. Clothianidin 50 WDG was the most effective treatment followed by thiamethoxam 25 WG and imidacloprid 17.8 SL and fipronil 5 SC. Dinotefuran 20 SG and lamdacyhalothrin 5 EC were found least effective but were significantly superior over control.

1 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

016269   Islam A;Mondal S;Bhowmik S;Islam S;Begum M (Fisheries and Marine Science Dep, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology Univ, Noakhali, Bangladesh) : Comparative analysis of the proximate composition of wild and cultured prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) and shrimp (Penaecus monodon). Int J Fish aqua Stud 2017, 5(4), 59-62.

The purpose of this research was to compare the proximate composition of wild and cultured shrimp (Penaeus monodon) and prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii). The moisture, protein, lipid, ash and carbohydrate were analyzed. The mean value of moisture, protein, lipid, ash, and carbohydrate were found as 71.44±1.43%, 25.86±2.31%, 1.70±0.11%, 0.81±0.09% and 0.17±0.05% respectively in wild prawn and 69.82±3.55%, 26.26±0.76%, 2.69±0.08% 0.86±0.15%, and 0.55±0.02% respectively in cultured prawn. In wild and cultured shrimp the mean value of moisture, protein, lipid, ash - 315 - and carbohydrate were found 72.35±2.54%, 20.32±0.87%, 5.53±0.43%, 0.87±0.06% and 0.91±0.03% respectively in wild shrimp and 63.27±4.97%, 28.24±1.76%, 7.02±0.21% 0.75±0.11%,and 0.78±0.11% respectively in cultured shrimp. The proximate compositions were significantly (p=0.05) different in shrimp and prawn. It showed the cultured shrimp contain superior nutrients than cultured prawn. Meanwhile, the wild prawn showed better nutrients than wild shrimp. Hence, present study suggests that cultured shrimp and prawn can be used as a healthy choice of food for human consumptions and good source of animal protein like other fish.

1 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

016268   Idreesbabu K K;Sureshkumar S (NO, , Science and Technology Dep, Kavaratti-682 555, Email: idreesbabu@gmail.com ) : Distribution pattern and community structure of sea cucumbers (class: Holothuroidea) in different biogeographic regions of the selected Islands of Lakshadweep archipelago, India. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(3), 569-75.

Distribution pattern and community structure of Sea cucumber (Class:Holothuroidea) was investigated in different biogeographic region of three atolls of Agatti, Kavaratti, Kalpeni islands of Lakshadweep archipelago. Holothuria atra and H. leucospilota were randomly distributed in Agatti atoll while they showed aggregated distribution pattern in Kavaratti and Kalpeni atolls.. Species richness in Agatti (1.61 ± 0.46) and Kalpeni (1.63 ± 0.82) atolls were comparable and a lower species richness was observed in Kavaratti (1.33 ± 0.42) atoll. Species diversity of Kalpeni (2.1 ± 0.72) was higher than Agatti (2.0 ± 0.57) and Kavaratti (1.6 ± 0.49). The community structure of Sea cucumber in different biogeographic regions of the reef (WSB- Western Sea grass bed, WSA- Western Sandy area, WRF- Western Reef flat, ORS-Outer reef slop, ERS- Eastern Rocky area, ESW- Eastern Seaweed area) differs significantly (P<60>0.001).

6 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

016267   Hussain E E S M; (Poultry Production, Dep Faculty of Agriculture, Minnufiya Univ, Egypt) : Effect of propolis extracts as feed additive on the growth performance and gonadal histology of red tilapia Orechromis niloticus x O. mossambicus. Int J Fish aqua Stud 2017, 5(4), 11-16.

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of propolis extract as feed additive in the diets at 3, 6 and 12 mL kg^-1 of feed on the performance, hematological parameters and testes histology of red tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus x O. mossambicus brood stock. The results performed that there were significant differences (P<60>0.05) among all treatments in terms of final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate and relative growth rate. Fish fed D1 gained the highest final body weight and fish fed D4 gained the lowest value of final body weight. The same trend was observed with weight gain, specific growth rate and relative growth rate. Feeding propolis supplemented diets did affect feed conversion ratio during the feeding trial. Fish fed D4 recorded the lowest FCR compared with the control diet (D1). Propolis - 314 - as feed additive did not affect the survival rate of the experimental fish. Concerning the hematological parameters, fish fed D3 recorded the highest value of the hemoglobin and red blood cells compared with the control diet (D1). Propolis significantly (P<60>0.05) decreased the serum glucose, urea and increased the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Fish fed D3 and D4 gained the lowest values of glucose and urea. Also, fish fed D4 recorded the higher ALT value compared with the control diet (D1). Also, there were no significant differences in the albumin, total protein and alkaline phosphatase of the serum among all treatments. Sections of testes from fish fed propolis supplemented diets showed seminiferous tubules impacted by spermatozoa compared with the control diet. It can be concluded that the propolis extract can be used as feed additive in the diets for red tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus x O. mossambicus brood stock up to 6 mL kg^-1 without any adverse effects.

1 illus, 5 table, 27 ref

016266   Hossen M A;Hossain M Y;Ali M M;Pramanik M N U;Nawer F;Islam M A;Hossain M A;Bahkali A H;Elgorban A M (Fisheries Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajshahi Univ, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh, Email: yeamin.fish@ru.ac.bd) : Seasonal variations of growth pattern and condition of paradise threadfin Polynemus paradiseus (Polynemidae) from Telulia river in southern Bangladesh. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(3), 582-90.

A total of 900 individuals (pre-monsoon = 250, monsoon = 350, post-monsoon = 300) of P. paradiseus were collected from the fishers catches during January to December 2014. For each individual, TL (total length) and BW (body weight) were measured with 0.1 cm and 0.1 g accuracy, respectively. Length weight relationship (LWR) was estimated by the equation, W = a x L^b. Length-frequency distributions (LFD) were significantly different between the seasons (P <60> 0.001). Allometric coefficient (b values) of LWRs (TL vs. BW) indicated isometric growth in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon (b ≈ 3), but negative allometric growth was found in monsoon (b <60> 3). All LWRs were highly significant (P <60> 0.001) with all r² values = 0.984. The LWRs were significantly difference between the seasons (ANCOVA, P <60> 0.001). The K_F is highly correlated with TL (Spearman rank test, P <60> 0.001) in all the seasons, thus suggesting the best condition factor for assessing the wellbeing of this fish in our study area. Additionally, the W_R was significantly different from 100 (Wilcoxon rank test, P = 0.003) in pre-monsoon, which indicates the habitat was in poor condition for P. paradiseus, nevertheless it was not significantly differed in monsoon (P = 0.0186) and post-monsoon (P = 0.423). The calculated L_m was 12.1 cm in TL and form factor was 0.0061 for P. paradiseus in the Tetulia River.

4 illus, 5 tables, 49 ref

016265   Gutierrez A P;Ponti L;Baumgartner J (NO, Univ of California, Berkeley, CA-94720, USA, Email: casas.kensington@gmail.com) : Critique on the paper 'Agricultural biotechnology and crop productivity: Macro-level evidences on contribution of Bt cotton in India'. Curr Sci 2017, 112(4), 690-3.

2 illus, 30 ref

016264   Godara A S;Singh R;Chouhan G S;Nepalia V (NO, National Research Centre on Seed Spices (NRCSS), Tabiji, Ajmer-305 206, Email: mahla_rs@yahoo.com) : Yield and economics of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum- graecum L.) as influenced by fertility levels, biofertilizers and brassinosteroid. Legume Res 2017, 40(1), 165-9.

A field study was conducted during rabi seasons of 2012-13 and 2013-14 to assess the yield and profitability of fenugreek as influenced by fertility levels, biofertilizers and brassinosteroid. Three fertility levels [60, 80 and 100 % RDF (40 kg N+ 40 kg P2O5 + 10 kg S/ha)] and three biofertilizer inoculations (Rhizobium, PSB and Rhizobium +PSB) in main plot and three concentrations of brassinosteroid (water spray, BR 0.25 ppm and BR 0.50 ppm) in sub plot were studied in split plot design with three replications. The highest values of yield attributes, seed yield (2245 kg/ha), haulm yield (5236 kg/ha), net returns ( 56200) and B:C ratio (1.88) were recorded with application of 100 % RDF. Dual inoculation of seed with Rhizobium + PSB gave significantly higher yield attributes, seed yield (2085 kg/ha), net return ( 50690) and B:C ratio (1.71) over their alone application. Interaction of fertility levels and biofertilizers was also found significant in yield attributes and consequently in yields and economics. Application of 100 % RDF + dual inoculation, being on a par with 80 % RDF + dual inoculation, gave the highest seed yield (2287 kg/ha) and net return ( 57939). Foliar spray of brassinosteroid 0.50 ppm brought about 14.6 and 6.2 per cent higher seed yield over water spray and BR 0.25 ppm, respectively. Thus, integration of 80 % RDF with dual inoculation and supplemented with foliar spray of brassinosteroid 0.50 ppm at 50 and 70 DAS is better for realizing higher yield and net return in fenugreek.

4 tables, 14 ref

016263   Ghosh S;Muktha M;Behera P R;Megarajan S; Ranjan R;Gopalakrishnan A (NO, Visakhapatnam RC of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: subhadeep_1977@yahoo.com) : Validation of Epinephelus coioides (Hamilton, 1822) occurrence along north-east coast of India. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(2), 266-71.

Study is to identify and validation of the species using different methods like morphological and meristic characters including pyloric caeca count and pattern and by DNA bar-coding. Morphological and meristic characters of the species landed in Visakhapatnam and Paradeep are in close proximity to the earlier reports for E. coioides, and is distinctly different from E. tauvina. Molecular studies using DNA bar-coding also revealed high similarity with E. coioides and low similarity with E. tauvina. It is therefore concluded that the particular grouper species landed along north-east coast is E. coioides and not E. tauvina.

6 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

016262   Gannjeet Kaur;Joshi A;Jain D;Rajamani G;Vyas D (Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Dep, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, M.P.U.A.T., Udaipur-313 001, Email: itsgunjeet@gmail.com) : Assessment of molecular diversity of greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilzek] through RAPD. Legume Res 2017, 40(1), 1-8.

A total twenty three genotypes of green gram (Vigna radiata) were subjected to Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis for molecular characterization. A total of 25 randomly selected decamers were screened, out of which only 15 generated 126 amplification products from which 117 bands were found polymorphic, the average polymorphism being 93.48%. The total number of amplified bands varied between 2 (primer OPP-09) to 17 (primer OPA-1) with an average of 9.5 bands per primer. The overall size of PCR amplified products ranged between 200 bp to 2900 bp. The average Polymorphism Information Content(PIC) was 0.32 ranging from - 312 - 0.17 to 0.46. Primer OPA-01 and OPP-06 detected two unique bands ranged between 250 bp to 2500 bp in two genotypes (PUSA-672 and HUM-12). Jaccard's similarity coefficient values ranged from 0.28-0.90 with an average of 0.59. Based on dendrogram generated through UPGMA method and PCA, most of the genotypes got divided into four main clusters. Genotype EC-398885 lay far apart and thus showed maximum genetic distance. The assessment of genetic diversity is a prerequisite and important step for the improvement of any legume crop. Thus, present results of the present study could be further extrapolated to other green gram accessions in Vigna germplasm.

3 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

016261   Elfeel A A (Arid Land Agriculture Dep, Faculty of Meteorology, Environment and Arid Land Agriculture, King Abdulaziz Univ, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Email: aidris@kau.edu.sa) : Changes in vapour pressure deficit and air-to-leaf temperature difference due to the effects of watering frequency and seasonal variation-induced adaptive responses in Balanites aegyptiaca in Saudi Arabia. Curr Sci 2017, 112(6), 1176-82.

This study examines intraspecific variability among three sources (KSA, SD5.1 and SD6.2) of Balanites aegyptiaca in Saudi Arabia in their response to different watering frequencies and seasonal changes in vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and air-to-leaf temperature difference (ΔT) under field condition. Irrigation was done once a week, once every two weeks or once every three weeks. Traits measured include: tree height, diameter (DM), relative monthly height (RMHI) and diameter (RMDI) increments, stomatal resistance (Rs), specific leaf weight (SLW). VPD and ΔT were measured during the same time of Rs and SLW measurements. Both Rs and SLW directly responded to irrigation treatment and seasonal variation in ΔT and VPD. Interactive effects of hot weather and water stress increased leaf temperature, resulting in less ΔT and more VPD that induced higher Rs and SLW values. SD5.1 accounted for better responses under water stress, due to its higher Rs and SLW in the same time maintained better growth. DM and RMDI were more responsive to watering stress and varied among the sources. Early seedlings root-toshoot ratio was associated with better growth performance later in the field. The results highlight the role of hot weather and water stress in producing large changes in ΔT and VPD that have a major impact on Rs and SLW. In addition, there is large intraspecific variation in field growth and adaptive responses among seeds brought from different provenances.

6 illus, 1 table, 37 ref

016260   Elahi N;Yousuf F;Tabassum S;Hossain M Y; Hossen M A;Nawer F;Bahkali A H;El-Shikh M;Elgorban A M;Rahman M M (Zoology Dep, Karachi Univ, Karachi, Pakistan, Email: yeamin2222@yahoo.com ) : Life-history traits of the blacktip sardinella, Sardinella melanura (Clupeidae) in the Gwadar, Balochistan coast, Pakistan. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(2), 397-404.

The study describes the first complete and comprehensive description on life-history traits of Sardinella melanura including length-frequency distributions (LFDs), length-weight relationships (LWRs), condition factors (allometric condition, K_A; Fulton's condition, K_F; relative condition, K_R), and relative weight (W_R) in the Gwadar, Balochistan Coast, Pakistan. Additionally, form factor (a_3.0) using available a and b regression parameters of LWRs and size at first sexual maturity (L_m) using available maximum length for 07 Sardinella spp. in 23 water-bodies were calculated. Seasonal samples of S. melanura were collected from the Gwadar, Balochistan Coast, Pakistan using gill nets during July 2013 to June 2014. Total length (TL) was measured to nearest 0.1 cm using digital slide calipers and total body weight (BW) was measured using an electronic balance with 0.1 g accuracy for each individual. A total of 600 individuals of S. melanura were analyzed, where minimum and maximum TL was 12.5 cm and 23.00 cm, respectively and BW was 16.5g and 114.8 g, correspondingly. Highest number (25.83%) of its population stands at 17.00 cm to 18.00 cm - 311 - size group. The b value of LWR indicated negative allometric growth in the population. All the condition factors (K_A, K_F, K_R, and W_R) were significantly correlated with TL and BW (P <60> 0.001). W_R showed significant difference from 100 (P <60> 0.001) representing imbalanced population in presence of prey and predator. In addition, the a_3.0 for S. melanura was 0.0078. The size at first sexual maturity (L_m) was 14.43 cm in TL of S. melanura in the Gwadar, Balochistan coast, Pakistan.

4 illus, 6 tables, 55 ref

016259   El-Sayed Ali T;Abdel-Aziz S H;El-Sayed A F M; Zeid S (Oceanography Dep, Faculty of Science, Alexandria Univ, Alexandria, Egypt, Email: tameraly@yahoo.com) : Effects of nonylphenol on plasma steroids, vitellogenin synthesis and sex reversal in nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(3), 521-8.

Nonylphenol has been found to exert estrogenic effects in fish and thus interfere with the sexual development causing reproductive dysfunction. In the present study, the effects of nonylphenol on vitellogenin synthesis and sex reversal in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus were investigated. Vitellogenin was observed in the plasma of all fish exposed to nonylphenol. A tendency for a dose-dependent reduction in the gonadosomatic index in the nonylphenol exposed groups was observed. Histological examination revealed that nonylphenol impairs gonadal growth clearly shown in the testicular development and differentiation which presented testis-ova state. The study indicates that nonylphenol has estrogenic potency induced intersex state in the fish.

2 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

016258   Dinesh Kumar;Upadhyay G P;Dutt A;Bhutia K G (Soil Science and Water Management Dep, Dr.Y.S Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh) : Assessment of soil chemical properties under different land uses in Barog-Dhillon watershed in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. Pharma Innovation 2017, 6(7), 33-6.

The present investigation entitled "Assessment of soil chemical properties under different land uses in Barog-Dhillon watershed in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh" was carried out with a view to ascertain the chemical properties of soils under different land uses viz. agriculture land, forest land, grassland and scrub land under project area and non-project area of Barog-Dhillon watershed. On the basis of detailed survey and random sampling, representative soil samples from two depths i.e. 0-15cm and 15-30cm were collected. The highest soil pH (6.84) was recorded under scrub land where as lowest under forest land (6.37). The electrical conductivity was found highest under scrub land (0.32 d Sm^-1) and lowest (0.18 d Sm^-1) in grassland soils. The soil organic carbon content of - 310 - different land uses was recorded highest under grassland soils (17.05 g kg^-1) and lowest under scrub land (6.71 g kg^-1). The cation exchange capacity in soils of different land uses was highest under forest land soils (15.84 cmol (p+) kg^-1) whereas lowest under scrub land (7.97 cmol (p+) kg^-1). Available N was higher in grassland soils (316.38 kg ha^-1) and lowest under scrub land soils (168.75 kg ha^-1). Highest available phosphorus contents were recorded in the soils under agricultural land (60.56 kg ha^-1). Highest available potassium contents were recorded in the soils under grassland soils (252.76 kg ha^-1) whereas lowest under scrub land (177.98 kg ha^-1). The study showed that chemical properties of soil assessed for different land uses were found better in case of watershed project area as compared to non-watershed project area.

7 table, 13 ref

016257   Dharmendra;Singh S;Nishad T;Kshatri N;Tiwari B K (NO, College of Agriculture, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, Email: bktiwari22_syngenta@rediffmail.com) : Farmers perception about system of rice intensification (SR) technology of Rewa district (M.P.). Life Sci Bull 2016, 13(2), 145-7.

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI), developed in Madagascar is gaining increasing credence and momentum as the farmers are now using this method to raise their rice production while also reducing their use of external inputs and production costs. The present study was conducted in Rewa district M.P. Rewa district was selected purposively, since presently it has larger area under SRI cultivation. The study was carried out to assess the perception of paddy growers about SRI technology. It was found that the aspect economic viability (1.63) had highest mean perception score followed by, insect and disease management (1.51), nutrient management (1.48), transplanting (1,39), nursery management (1.33), seed management (1.25), mortality (1.13), labour requirement (1.07) and water management (1.06) Mean perception score was found to be lowest in case of weed management (0.98). The study revealed that the characteristics of the paddy growers namely, education, size of land holding, annual income, farming experience, cosmopoliteness, source of information, risk orientation, economic motivation, and achievement motivation had significant relationship with their perception about SRI technology at 5% level of significance.

2 tables, 2 ref

016256   Dhakad R S;Sengupta SK;Lal N;Shiurkar G (Horticulture Dep, Jawahar Lal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalay, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) : Genetic diversity and heritability analysis in coriander. Pharma Innovation 2017, 6(8), 40-6.

The mean performance of the genotypes revealed a wide range of variability for all the traits. The variation was highest for plant height at 60 DAS (26.3-72.75cm) followed by plant height at 90 DAS (82.99-162.75cm), seed yield per hectare (3.61-22.49q), number of leaves per plant at 90 DAS (22.2-53.07), days to first flowering (45.67-67.00), days to 50% flowering (57.00-76.00), number of umbel per plant (17.2-37.00), number of primary branches per plant (4.8-10.40), plant height at 30 DAS (4.49-11.27cm), number of leaves per plant at 30 DAS (5.33-13.27), number of seeds per umbel (17.6-32.6), number of secondary branches per plant (8.13-15.47), number of leaves per plant at 60 DAS (10.07-19.33), days to germination (11.33-19.33), test weight (10.23-17.13g), number of umbellets per umbel (5.00-8.73) and days to maturity (103-118). While it was low for while number of seeds per plot (0.21-1.35kg) and seed yield per plant (5.13-9.53g) was found to - 309 - be lowest. The values of heritability in broad sense was found to be estimates were observed very high for Plant height (cm) at 90DAS, followed by Plant height (cm) at 60DAS, Plant height (cm) at 30DAS. Genetic advance as percentage of mean ranged between 5.84% for Days to maturity to 58.38% for Seed yield/ ha (q). The highest estimate of genetic advance as percentage of mean was recorded for Seed yield/ ha (q), Seed yield/ plot (kg), No. of leaves / plant at 30DAS, No. of leaves / plant at 90DAS, plant height at 60DAS and plant height at 90DAS. In the present findings phenotypic coefficient of variations were observed to be higher than the corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation for all the characters studied, however, the differences were narrow which implied their relative resistance to environmental variation.

3 table, 26 ref

016255   Das S;Meher P K;Pradhan U K;Paul A K (Statistical Genetics Dep, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: sam@iasri.res.in) : Inferring gene regulatory networks using kendall's tau correlation coefficient and indentification of salinity stress responsive genes in rice. Curr Sci 2017, 112(6), 1257-62.

Salinity is one of the most common abiotic stresses that limit the production of rice. Since salinity stress tolerance is controlled by many genes, identification of these stress responsive genes as well as to understand the underlying mechanisms is of importance from breeding point of view. In this direction, the reverse engineering of gene regulatory networks has proven to be successful. In this study, we construct the gene regulatory network using Kendall's tau correlation coefficient, in order to identify the stress responsive genes. The proposed approach was tested on a rice microarray dataset and 18 key genes were identified. Most of these key genes were found to be involved directly or indirectly in salinity stress, as evidenced from the published literature. Gene ontology analysis further confirmed the involvement of the selected genes in ion binding, oxidation-reduction and phosphorylation activities. These identified genes can be targeted for breeding salt-tolerant varieties of rice.

1 illus, 3 tables, 39 ref

016254   Das S K (AICRP on Potato, Directorate of Research, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani-741 235, Email: sanjibag@gmail.com) : Effect of phosphorus and sulphur on yield attributes, yield, nodulation and nutrient uptake of green gram [Vigna radiata (L.) wilczek]. Legume Res 2017, 40(1), 138-43.

Field experiments were conducted during pre kharif 2010, 2011 and 2012 to study the effects of phosphorus and sulphur on yield parameters, yield, nodulation and nutrient uptake of green gram. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with three replications having eight treatment combinations viz. four levels of sulphur (0, 20, 40, and 60 kg ha^-1) as factor A and two levels of phosphorous (30 and 60 kg ha^-1) as factor B. Experimental results revealed that yield attributing characters and seed yield of green gram were significantly influenced by phosphorus, sulphur and interaction effects of these two factors. Application of higher dose of phosphorus (60 kg ha^-1) and increasing levels of sulphur up to 40 kg ha^-1proved to be the best in improving the yield attributing characters and seed yield (1.62t ha^-1)of green gram. Sulphur applied beyond 40 kg ha^-1could not increase the - 308 - parameters further. Application of sulphur 20 kg ha^-1 significantly increased the active nodule no. and nodule dry weight of green gram and there after applied S beyond 20 kg ha^-1 the mean nodule production reached a more or less plateau pattern and application of lower dose of phosphorus without sulphur drastically reduced the nodule dry weight. Interaction of higher dose of phosphorus and higher dose S found to have a negative impact on yield. Application of varying levels of phosphorus and sulphur significantly improved the nutrient uptake by green gram in a sulphur deficient soil. Sulphur acted synergistically with nitrogen and increased the uptake of other nutrients. Application of 60 kg P₂0₅ ha^-1 and 40 kg Sha^-1 proved to be most economic in green gram with NPV 4.59.

1 illus, 5 tables, 14 ref

016253   Das R T;Barua P K (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat-785 013, Email: reecha_das@yahoo.com) : Genetic diversity analysis in green gram based on morphological traits. Legume Res 2017, 40(1), 36-8.

Twenty three advanced breeding lines of green gram, developed at different centres under the All-India Coordinated Research Project on MULLARP, were evaluated by growing them during summer to characterize the genotypes and to assess the magnitude of genetic diversity in the genotypes. Genetic dissimilarities as revealed by Euclidean distances ranged from 2.891 to 10.494. Maximum distance was observed between ML 1354 and MH 721. Based on Euclidean distances four clusters were formed. Cluster II was the largest, and was further divided into two sub-clusters, IIA and IIB, comprising of four and nine genotypes, respectively. Genotypes MH 709 and KM 2272 belonging to cluster I were closely placed as they shared most of the characters. But they could be distinguished with the help of characters like days to 50% flowering, position of pods in the plant and growth habit. Similarly, GM 04-02 and NM 1 in sub-cluster IIA were closely grouped, and they could be distinguished based on the characters leaf size and pod length. Similarly other closely grouped genotypes were also distinguishable on the basis of some characters. It was observed from the average Euclidean distances that ML 1354, SG 1, MH 721, SG 63-14 and MH 709 were divergent genotypes. These genotypes were potential parents in green gram breeding programme.

1 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

016252   Chavez H De;Borromeo T;Borines N O;Gentallan R J (Crop Science Cluster, College of Agriculture, Philippines Los Banos Univ, Philippines, Email: hidelisa_dechavez@yahoo.com) : Phenotypic diversity of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Legume Res 2017, 40(1), 9-15.

An increasing trend of soybean production and consumption has been seen in the Philippines. To assess the potential of the soybean germplasm for utilization, diversity of the Philippine soybean collection was established. High diversity was marked on 17 out of 29 qualitative characters, which include plant growth habit, leaf blistering and flower standard color. Phenotypic diversity indices (H') of 92 soybean accessions averaged at 0.62. This aside, traits identical to a variety of soybean with superior characters were all present in the soybean germplasm collection. Using simple matching similarity coefficient, cluster analysis separated the different accessions into 12 distinct clusters at 62% similarity. Categorical Principal Component Analysis (CATPCA) showed that two independent components - 307 - accounted for 35.36% of the total variation of the qualitative morphological characters. Factor loadings for each component showed the morphological characters, such as pubescence color, flower wing color, and seed coat color, that were contributing to the high projections in the two principal components. Accessions with vigorous seedlings were also observed. With the marked trait diversity, the soybean collection could be potentially used directly and for breeding purposes. Consequently, to uncover further the potential of our genetic resources at hand, the remaining germplasm accessions at NPGRL should be characterized and evaluated.

3 illus, 4 tables, 31 ref

016251   Chaudhary K;Chattopadhyay A (Plant Pathology Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: anirudhbhu@gmail.com) : NgAgo: a new genome editor. Curr Sci 2017, 112(4), 682-3.

1 illus, 13 ref

016250   Chaudhary D;Sindhu S S (Microbiology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: sindhuss@hau.ernet.in ) : Amelioration of salt stress in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) by coinculation of ACC dewminase-containing rhizospheric bacteria with Mesorhizobium strains. Legume Res 2017, 40(1), 80-6.

Chickpea is a major legume crop grown in the semi-arid tropics and its yields are adversely affected by salinity. In this study, 55 rhizobacterial isolates obtained from the chickpea rhizosphere soil were screened for their salt tolerance. At 3% NaCl concentration, 41.8% rhizobacterial isolates formed colonies varying from 0.5-10 mm size and only 10.9 per cent isolates showed growth at 4% NaCl concentration. Significant growth on ACC supplemented medium plates was observed in 32.7% rhizobacterial isolates. Coinoculation studies with ACC+ as well as ACC- Mesorhizobium and rhizobacterial isolates were made on chickpea under chillum jar conditions containing sloger's broth with salt (EC, 4dS/m) and without salt. Coinoculation of Mesorhizobium isolate MBD26 (ACC+) and rhizobacterial isolate RHD18 (ACC+) formed 59 nodules/plant and caused 112.9% increase in plant dry weight as compared to uninoculated control plants at 50 days of plant growth, whereas in the presence of salt, only 31.2% increase in plant dry weight was observed in comparison to uninoculated plants. At 80 days of plant growth, coinoculation of Mesorhizobium isolate MBD26 (ACC+) with rhizobacterial isolate RHD18 (ACC+) further increased the nodule number (78 nodules/plant) and 141.9% increase in shoot dry weight was observed as compared to uninoculated plants. Thus, it was concluded that coinoculation of ACC+ Mesorhizobium and rhizobacterial isolates showed more stimulatory effect on nodulation and plant biomass under normal and salt amended treatments.

4 tables, 36 ref

016249   Brijbhooshan;Singh V K;Shalini (Agronomy Dep, Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural Univ, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: brij35537@gmail.com) : Response of fieldpea (Pisum sativum L. var arvense) to various planting methods, irrigation schedule and weed management practices. Legume Res 2017, 40(1), 132-7.

A field experiment was conducted during rabi seasons of 2007-08 and 2008-09 on mollisols at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar to study the performance of fieldpea (Pisum sativum L.var arvense) under different planting methods, irrigation levels and weed management practices. Results revealed that growth attributes as plant height, number of branches and dry matter accumulation per plant, number and dry weight of nodules per plant, density and dry matter of weeds/unit area, nutrient uptake and yield attributes as pods/plant, 1000-grain weight, grain yield/plant and grain yield of fieldpea were significantly higher under raised bed planting as compared to flat bed. Planting on raised bed increased grain yield of fieldpea by 17.5% over flat bed. Two irrigations applied at critical stages i.e. pre-flowering and pod formation proved promising in increasing the growth, nutrient uptake, yield attributes and grain yield of pea. One hand weeding done at 25 days after sowing (DAS) reduced the - 306 - density and dry matter of weeds significantly and one hand weeding done at 25 DAS increased the values of growth attributes, number and dry weight of nodules, nutrient uptake, yield attributes and grain yield as compared to pendimethalin 1.0 kg a.i./ha applied as pre-emergence and weedy check.

4 tables, 20 ref

016248   Brar S K;Singh P (Regional Station, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Bathinda-151 001, Email: brarsehaj@pau.edu) : Response of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub.) cultivars to dual inoculation with fixing and phosphorous solubizing bacteria. Legume Res 2017, 40(1), 100-4.

A field experiment was conducted at Regional Station, PAU, Bathinda, to investigate the impact of dual inoculation with N fixing and phosphorous solublizing bacteria with different fertility levels on performance of cluster bean cultivars during Kharif 2013 and 2014. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design, keeping combination of four cultivars (RGC 936, HG 563, RGC 1003 and RGC 1066) and three fertility levels (Recommended inorganic nutrition 20 kg N and 47.5 kg P2O5/ha, 75 % recommended inorganic nutrition + Rhizobium + phosphorous solublizing bacteria inoculation and 50 % recommended inorganic nutrition + 50 % N through farm yard manure). Guar cultivar RGC 1066 produced maximum seed and dry fodder yield which was statistically at par with RGC 1003 and HG 363 but significantly superior than RGC 936. Plant height and pods/plant were also maximum in RGC 1066 and at par with RGC 1003 and HG 563 but significantly superior over RGC 936. Among the fertility levels, yield attributes and seed yield did not differ significantly except the 50 % flowering and dry fodder yield. Dry fodder yield was significantly higher in plots where 50 % N was substituted with farm yard manure than 25 % inorganic nutrition substituted with inoculation with Rhizobium + PSB and 100 % recommended inorganic fertilized plots. Path coefficient analysis revealed that days to 50 % flowering (DTFF) and pods/plant (PPP) had positive direct effect on Seed yield (SY) with path coefficient of 2.270 and 1.119 at contribution of 38.48 and 19.77 per cent of the total effects, respectively. The direct effect of plant height (PH) on seed yield (SY) was comparatively larger but negative at coefficient value of -2.459 with 41.66 per cent contribution which resulted in significant correlation (r=0.985).

4 tables, 10 ref

016247   Borah P;Dutta L C;Bhattacharjee J (Sericulture Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat-785 013, Email: pooza91borah@gmail.com) : Impact of environmental factors on incidence and population build up of leaf roller, Pleuroptya scinisalis walker infesting Soalu plant. J appl Zool Res 2017, 28(1), 91-4.

The study undertaken at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat (Assam) on impact of environmental factors on incidence and population build up of leaf roller, Pleuroptya scinisalis Walker infesting Soalu plant (Litsaea polyantha)-a major food plant of muga silkworm, Antheraea assama Ww revealed that the activity of the pest commenced from the month of June and continued till December. The intensity of attack and population build up of the pest gradually increased from the month of June and reach peak in October and thereafter, it decreases. The pest remains at a constant level of infestation and population from December to April with no incidence of the pest in the month of May. The correlation study with meteorological factors revealed positive and significant correlation with bright sunshine hours while number of rainy days and total rainfall have significant negative correlations with population build up. The correlation with temperature and relative humidity were negative and non significant. The regression model developed supported the relationship between the pest population build up and meteorological factors and can be used - 305 - for forecasting the pest infestation.

1 illus, 2 table, 12 ref

016246   Bhongade A H;Jadhao M F (Zoology Research Scholar Dep, J.M. Patel College, Bhandara, Email: mfiadhao@gmail.com) : Coccinellid beetles diversity and relative abundance of some of the predatory beetles in rice fields during Kharif season. Pestology 2016, 40(6), 36-9.

The investigation was conducted in the rice fields of Bhandara district of Maharashtra, India during kharif season to study the diversity and population dynamics of coccinellid beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Seventeen different coccinalid beetle species reported during present study are, Adalia bipuncata, Antis mali, Antis labiculata, Aspidomorpha milearis, Brumoids suturalis, Coccinella septempuncata, Coccinella transversalis, Coccinella magnifica, Coleomegilla maculate, Epilachna varivestis, Epilachna guttatopustalata, Hippodermia convergens, Hormonia octamaculata, Harmonia oxyridis, Mamicrapis allardi, Psyllobora viginintiduopunata, and Rhyzobius chrysomdoides. Out of these 17 species, 12 species were found to be predators feeding on various pests of rice and 5 species were reported as pests. Seven dominant coccinalid beetles recorded during present study are Adalia bipuncata, Coccinella septempuncata, Coccinella transversalis, Coccinella magnifica, Epilachna, Varivestis, Hormonia octamaculata, and Harmonia axyridis. Two species, Aspidomorhpa milearis and Psyllobora viginintiduopunata were reported for the first time and is therefore, a new addition to coccinellid fauna of Bhandara district. The highest population of H. octamaculata (9.5 adults/m²) was recorded during 1st week of November at 84 DAT (Days After transplantation).

1 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

016245   Bhattacharjee J (NO, Vivekananda College of Education, Karimganj, Assam) : Artificial production of fingerlings and its survival rate. Int J Fish aqua Stud 2017, 5(4), 35-46.

The study reviews the aquaculture of Indian major carps, rohu (Labeo rohita), catla (Catla catla) and mrigal (Cirrhinus cirrhosus) with special reference to current feeding and feed management practices in Jatrapur (Nilam bazar), India. The study is based on a survey of three farmers from six fisheries in Nilambazar and also in its surrounding villages viz Jatrapur, Akbarpur, Kananpur etc. The study primarily focused on the rates of production of fingerlings of different categories, feed management practices associated with Indian major carp production, management practices that are used under poly culture conditions with other species-groups were also assessed. Artificial feeding is plasticized to increase the fish growth. Artificial foods commonly used are oil cakes, whole grain and rice bran etc. Azolla is preferred for fish food. Food supply was established on Phyto and - 304 - Zooplanktons produced by frequent manuring and on artificial feeds in the demonstration ponds. Mixture of soaked rice bran and mustard oil cake was fed. Dough types feeds containing fresh (coagulated) blood or fish meal, mustard oil cake and wheat bran (Feed type II), and mixture of ground duckweed and the traditional feed ingredients, wheat bran and mustard oil cake (Feed type III) was used in other ponds.

1 illus, 29 table, 5 ref

016244   Bhatnagar P S;Belsare S (NO, , Consultant Indian Soybean Sector, 61, Goyal Nagar, Indore-452 001) : QUEST of Dhanuka agritech Ltd. to increase profitability of farmrs by narrowing technology gap & augmenting productivity and production of soybean in Madhya Pradesh. Pestology 2016, 40(5), 23-31.

10 illus, 5 tables

016243   Bhat S K;Mythri S;Ashwin D (NO, Arecanut Researh and Development Foundation, Varanashi Towers, Mission Street, Mangaluru-575 001) : Molluscicidal activities of plants with special emphasis on arecanut (Areca catechu L.). Pestology 2016, 40(6), 15-20.

Snails and slugs are considered to be the intermediate hosts of different parasitic worms whose final hosts in most of the cases are livestock or human being causing several diseases in them. Use of chemical pesticides for the management of these vectors pose severe environmental hazards and problems for non target animals. Phytochemicals of plant origin are found to be effective alternatives for them. Areca palm (Areca catechu L.), which is grown abundantly in several parts of the world including India, contains good amount of tannin and alkaloids in its seeds, which are reported to be toxic to molluscs. The LC50 value of areca seed extract against the fresh water vector snail Lymnaea acuminata, an intermediate host of the liver-fluke Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica which cause fascioliasis in man and livestock, at 96h was 12.3 mg/l. The toxicity of arecanut seed extract was found to increase significantly with the addition of synergist compounds such as piperonyl butoxide and MGK-264. The LC50 value of arecanut seed extract with PB and MGK-264 at 96h was found to be as high as 3.8 mg/l and 3.86 mg/l, respectively. Such studies are urgently needed to confirm the toxicity of arecanut on other species of mollusks also and identify the active principle responsible for such activity.

^iia57 ref

016242   Bartwal A;Pande A;Sharma P;Arora S (Biochemistry Dep, Govind Ballabh Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: planstress@gmail.com) : Intervarietal variations in various oxidative stress markers and antioxidant potential of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) subjected to drought stress. J envir Biol 2016, 37(4), 517-22.

Drought is a major form of abiotic stress leading to lower crop productivity. Experiment was carried out for selecting the most tolerant genotype among six different genotypes of finger millet under drought stress. Seeds of six finger millet genotypes were sown in pots and grown for 35 days. After this period, drought was induced by withholding watering for stressed plants while control plants were watered regularly for comparison. Among all six different varieties of finger millet screened (PR202, PES400, PRM6107, VL283, VL328 and VL149) under varying intensities of drought stress,PRM6107 and PR202 showed highest stress tolerance by limiting excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through activation of ROS scavenging antioxidative enzymes. A 200% increase in ascorbate content was recorded in PRM6107 and PR202, while in other varieties limited increase in ascorbate content was observed. Maximum decrease in chlorophyll content was observed in VL328 (83%) while least drop was observed in VL149 (65%). Relative water content indicated that PR202 was able to retain maximum water content under stress, as it - 303 - recorded least drop in relative water content (55%), contributing to its better survival under stress. In conclusion finger millet genotypes PRM6107 and PR202 possessed maximum drought tolerance potential and thus may be used for allele mining of drought tolerant genes, which can further be employed for the development of more drought stress tolerant staple crops using biotechnological approach.

2 illus, 35 ref

016241   Bahrami M;Heidari M;Ghorbani H (Soil Science Dep, Shahrood Univ of Technology, P.O. Box 3619995161, Iran, Email: Haydari2005@gmail.com) : Variation in antioxidant enzyme activities, growth and some physiological parameters of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) under salinity and chromium stress. J envir Biol 2016, 37(4), 529-35.

In general, salinity and heavy metals interfere with several physiological processes and reduce plant growth. In order to evaluate of three levels of salinity (0, 4 and 8 ds m^-1) and three concentration of chromium (0, 10 and 20 mg kg^-1 soil) in bitter melon (Momordica charantia), a plot experiment was conducted in greenhouse at university of Shahrood, Iran. The results revealed that chromium treatment had no significant affect on fresh and dry weight, but salinity caused reduction of fresh and dry weight in growth parameter. Salinity and chromium enhanced antioxidant enzymes activities like catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and sodium content in leaves. However salinity and chromium treatments had no effect on potassium, phosphorus in leaves, soluble carbohydrate concentration in leaves and root, but decreased the carotenoid content in leaves. On increasing salinity from control to 8 ds m^-1 chlorophyll a, b and anthocyanin content decreased by 41.6%, 61.1% and 26.5% respectively but chromium treatments had no significant effect on these photosynthetic pigments.

3 illus, 1 table, 42 ref

016240   Arya A K;Mishra V K;Ravindra Kumar;Singh C P (Entomology Dep, College of Agriculture, G.B Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Patnagar-263 145, Email: premvijaybhu@gmail.com) : Seasonal incidences of rice leaffolder, Cnaphalocrocis Medinalis Guenee in different accession on rice agro-ecosystem. J appl Zool Res 2017, 28(1), 85-90.

Field experiment was conducted at research farm of during kharif season 2015 using midland SRI and midland normal transplanted rice ecosystem at Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre (NEB-CRC), Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. The results of experiment - 302 - revealed that the population dynamics of rice leaffolder on different rice varieties revealed peak leaffolder leaf damage during 37th standard week i.e., 3rd week of September with maximum population in HKR-47 (7.4%) and minimum in PR-113 (2.4%). The data obtained on % leaf damage caused by leaffolder on different rice varieties during 2015 stated that the damage started from the 1st week of August. The correlation study (r) was worked out between leaffolder damage and weather parameters which showed significant negative correlations.

1 illus, 2 table, 18 ref

016239   Anoob P;Santhoshkumar A V;Roby P C (College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural Univ, Vellanikkara, Thrissur-680 656, Email: anoobvinu@gmail.com) : Impact of particulate pollution on photosynthesis, transpiration and plant water potential of teak (Tectona grandis L.). Curr Sci 2017, 112(6), 1272-6.

The study on teak Tectona grandis L. under particulate pollution stress caused by deposition of cement dust revealed that various physiological functions were hampered due to these pollutants. The dust accumulation was highest during summer (0.299 mg/ sq. cm) in the polluted plot in comparison to control plot (0.037 mg/sq. cm). The effects of particulate pollution on T. grandis also varied with season, with a general trend of particulate pollutants having maximum effect on vegetation during summer and least during monsoon. The rate of photosynthesis was halved due to particulate pollutant deposition. Particulate pollution decreased the water potential of T. grandis during summer. The rate of transpiration in particulate pollution-affected trees was highly erratic, being the highest during monsoon and least during summer in comparison to those not exposed to pollution. All these induced morphological changes such as reduced height, girth, etc. and also reduced the effective growing days by shedding leaves in the trees exposed to particulate pollution. Leaf area index, which is an indicator of plant productivity, was almost half in pollution-affected trees than control trees. T. grandis can serve as an effective barrier in controlling the spread of pollutants. However, it is ineffective during summer, due the deciduous nature.

1 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

016238   Anantharaja K;Mohapatra B C;Pillai B R;Rajesh Kumar;Devaraj C;Majhi D (NO, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (Indian Council of Ag, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar, Odisha) : Growth and survival of climbing perch, Anabas testudineus in nutrient film technique (NFT) aquaponics system. Int J Fish aqua Stud 2017, 5(4), 24-9.

The growth and survival of climbing perch, Anabas testudineus in a newly developed Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) aquaponics system was studied for 6 weeks. The Initial length and weight of A. testudineus were 5.60±0.57 cm and 3.2±0.63 g, respectively. The Basella alba were planted in the grow pipe of NFT aquaponics system. The Initial height - 301 - and weight of B. alba were 10.80±1.10 cm and 9.17±1.60 g, respectively. Results revealed that there was no significant difference (p<62>0.05) in the plant growth parameters in the NFT grow pipes at the end of the 6-week experimental duration. The final average length and weight of A. testudineus were 9.02±0.54 cm and 14.36±2.01 g in the treatment tank and the same were 8.19±0.59 cm and 10.69±1.80 g in control tank. The survival of fish was higher (91%) in the aquaponic system compared to control (89%). RBC and haemoglobin content in blood were higher in fish reared in aquaponic system whereas fishes in control group, showed increased WBC, total plasma protein and glucose level due to the adverse environmental condition in the control. There was 34% higher growth in fishes in aquaponic tank compared to control. The Daily Weight Gain (DWG), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), and survival of fish grown in the aquaponic system were better than that of fishes in control tank.

5 illus, 3 table, 22 ref

016237   Ambika S;Manonmani V;Bhaskaran M;Deepika S (Seed Science and Technology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: ambikasingaram@gmail.com) : Influence of polymer coated KSL 441 (op) soybean seed on productivity under moisture stress conditions. Legume Res 2017, 40(1), 150-4.

The field experiment was carried out at Department of Seed Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to know the influence of polymer seed coatings on growth and productivity of soybean seed under various moisture stress conditions viz., stress at 50 % flowering stage, stress at pod formation stage and stress at both 50% flowering and pod formation stages along with normal irrigation. The experiment consisted of six seed treatments (untreated control, Genius coat 171, Genius coat 172, Arcus, Myconate and Quick roots) with three replications and was laid out in split plot design. Seeds coated with Quick roots were found to be significantly superior in growth and yield parameters viz., field emergence, plant height, took less days for first and 50 per cent flowering, less disease incidence, higher number of pods plant-1 and seed yield both under normal and moisture stress conditions.

7 tables, 20 ref

016236   Ali S S R (Zoology Dep, The New College, Chennai) : Effect of varying levels of lipid on growth performance survival and body composition of Milkfish (Chanos chanos). Int J Fish aqua Stud 2017, 5(4), 30-4.

A 45 days feeding trial was conducted to study the effect of varying levels of lipid on growth performance, survival and body composition of milkfish (Chanos chanos) with average weight of (1.96 - 300 - ± 0.02 g). Four is nitrogenous experimental diets formulated with increasing levels (4, 8, 12 and 16 %) of lipid. The trial was carried out in 300-L fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) tanks with three replicates (each containing 15 fish) for each treatment and fish were hand fed in twice daily at 10.00 and 16.00 hours The results of the feeding trial showed that there was a significant (P <60> 0.05) difference in the final body weight (7.42 ± 0.03), weight gain (5.47 ± 0.03) and feed conservation ratio (1.62 ± 0.03) of fish fed with the diet containing 8% lipid. However there was no significant (P <62> 0.05) difference in survival and daily growth coefficient among the fish fed with different experimental diets. Survival was greater than 95% in all treatments. Whole body composition of post fed animals showed significant differences (P <60> 0.05) in the moisture (69.82 ± 0.09), crude protein (62.50 ± 0.29), crude lipid (30.68 ± 0.06), crude fiber (0.17 ± 0.01) and total ash (11.27 ± 0.02) among the various treatment groups. There was no significant (P <62> 0.05) difference in condition factor, hepatosomatic index and viscerosomatic index (VSI) among the different treatment groups. The results of this experiment reveals that 8% lipid in diet of milkfish juveniles is optimal for the better growth and survival.

5 table, 23 ref

016235   Akter S;Kadir J;Juraimi A S;Saud H M (Plant Protection Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Putra Palaysia Univ, Serdang 43400, Selangor DarulEhsan, Malaysia, Email: kaju@upm.edu.my) : In vitro evaluation of Pseudomnas bacterial isolates from rice phylloplane for biocontrol of Rhizoctonia solani and plant growth promoting traits. J envir Biol 2016, 37(4), 597-602.

The ability for biocontrol and plant growth promotion of three Pseudomonas bacterial isolates namely Pseudomonas fluorescens (UMB20), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (KMB25) and Pseudomonas asplenii (BMB42) obtained from rice plants was investigated. Fungal growth inhibition by the isolates ranged from 86.85 to 93.15% in volatile and 100% in diffusible metabolites test. Among the isolates, BMB42 showed fungal growth inhibition significantly in the volatile metabolite test. Isolates UMB20 and BMB42 were able to synthesis chitinase with chitinolytic indices of 13.66 and 13.50, respectively. In case of -1,3-glucanase, all the isolates showed activity to produce this enzyme at varied levels and isolate KMB25 showed significantly highest activity (53.53 ppm). Among the three isolates, KMB25 showed positive response to protease production and all of them were negative to pectinase and lipase and positive to the production of siderophore, and HCN, and were able to solubilize tricalcium phosphate. All the three bacterial isolates were capable of forming biofilm at different levels. Above results suggest that phylloplane Pseudomonas bacterial isolates have potential for antifungal activities and plant growth promotion.

1 illus, 3 tables, 45 ref

016234   Ail S S;Jayasankar J;Krishnan M;Landge A; Shenoy L (Regional Research Centre, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Anand, Gujarat-388 001, Email: lathashenoy@cife.edu.in) : Towards attaining sustainable fishing operations in Kerala. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(3), 493-6.

Kerala is one of the major marine fish producing states of India contributing about 20% of the marine fish landings. FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF) is a tool which aims to attain sustainability through responsible fishing practices. Evaluation of compliance of marine fisheries of Kerala with provisions of Article 8 (Fishing Operations) of CCRF is an indicator of the level of implementation of the Code. In the present study, a self assessment questionnaire-based approach developed by FAO was used to gather information on the relevant sections of Article 8 of the Code from the selected experts using Google survey form for evaluation. The review of marine fisheries sector as per Article 8 of the code was done by 29 experts and an overall score of 45 percent, below the satisfactory level was obtained. This evaluation would facilitate State Regulatory authorities to suggest measures for enforcement, conservation and sustainable management of marine fisheries of Kerala.

1 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

016233   Ahmed S S;Saikia D K;Borkakati R N (Entomology Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat-785 013, Email: shabrin23@gmail.com) : Seasonal incidence of major pests of cabbage and their natural enemies in Jorhat district of Assam. Pestology 2016, 40(5), 54-60.

Seasonal incidence of major insect pests and their natural enemies on cabbage were studied at Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat during rabi 2013-14 and 2014-15. Cabbage was infested by four major insect pests viz., diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella Linnaeus),cabbage butterfly (Pieris canidia Linnaeus), cabbage aphid Brevicoryne brassicae Linnaeus), cutworm Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) from seedling to harvest. The first incidence of diamondback moth was noticed from third and fourth week of December and reached peak in the second week of February. Whereas, the incidence of cabbage butterfly was observed from third week of December with peak activity in the second week of February. However, cabbage aphid commenced its activity from second and third week of December and reached its peak in the second week of February and January of 2013-14 and 2014-15, with 9.10 and 10.73 aphids per leaf, respectively. Cutworm appeared from third week of December and the peak activity was noticed in fourth week of February with 3.21 larvae during 2013-14 and third week of January with 2.72 larvae per plant 2014-15. Temperature has negative and significant effect on population build up of diamondback moth,cabbage butterfly and cabbage aphid. The coccinellid predators (Coccinella septempunctata, C. transversalis and Microspis discolour} appeared more or less with aphid population and attained its maximum in the second week of February and fourth week of January with a mean population of 2.80 and 2.45 predators per plant during 2013-14 and 2014-15. Coccinellid predators have a significant positive association with aphid population.

5 tables, 25 ref

016232   Ahmad S A;Sabullah M K;Shamaan N A;Shukor M Y A;Jirangon H;Khalid A;Syed M A (Biochemistry Dep, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Putra Malaysia Uni, UPM 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia, Email: aqlima@upm.edu.my) : Evaluation of acetylcholinesterase source from fish, Tor tambroides for detection of carbamate. J envir Biol 2016, 37(4), 479-84.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from the brain tissue of local freshwater fish, Tor tambroides was isolated through affinity purification. Acetylthiocholine iodide (ATCi) was preferable synthetic substrate to purified AChE with highest maximal velocity (V_max) and lowest biomolecular constant (K_m) at 113.60 Umg^-1 and 0.0689 mM, respectively, with highest catalytic efficiency ratio (V_max/K_m) of 1648.77. The optimum pH was 7.5 with sodium phosphate buffer as medium, while optimal temperature was in the range of 25 to 35 °C. Bendiocarp, carbofuran, carbaryl, methomyl and propoxur significantly lowered the AChE activity greater than 50%, and the IC₅₀ value was estimated at inhibitor concentration of 0.0758, 0.0643, 0.0555, 0.0817 and 0.0538 ppm, respectively.

4 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

015428   Zhang X;Shi L (School of Geography and Remote Sensing, Nanjing Univ of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China, Email: zxhbnu@126.com) : Comparative analysis of spectral characteristics of EO-1 ALI and landsat 8 OLI imagery. Curr Sci 2017, 112(11), 2288-95.

Landsat 8 (L8) is the only normally operating Landsat satellite at present, and the Earth Observing One (EO-1) Advanced Land Imager (ALI) was the prototype for operational land imager (OLI) on-board the L8 satellite. To comprehend well the differences in spectral characteristics between the two sensors, six nearly simultaneous image pairs were selected, which included five land-cover categories: water, bare soil, vegetation, manmade and rock. Moreover, comparisons of spectral characteristics were made through orbital parameters, imaging parameters, spectral response characteristics and spectral characteristics. Finally, the mutual quantitative relations were built up among these image pairs. The results demonstrate that Landsat 8 OLI and EO-1 ALI have similar orbital parameters. With regard to the imaging and spectral response characteristics, the top-of-atmosphere (TOA) reflectance and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of EO-1 ALI are slightly different from those of L8 OLI, but there is a high correlation between EO-1 ALI and L8 OLI of TOA reflectance and NDVI, with the coefficients of determination ranging from 0.962 to 0.994. Therefore, the TOA reflectance and NDVI images from the two sensors are complementary.

9 illus, 5 tables, 16 ref

015427   Yugandhar V;Reddy P S S;Sivaram G Thanuja; Reddy D S (Horticulture Dep, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Anantharajupet-516 105, Email: yogi123407@gmail.com) : Influence of plant growth regulators on growth, seed yield, quality and economics of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) cv. Sudha. J Spices aromatic Crop 2016, 25(1), 13-7.

Field experiment was conducted to study the effect of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on growth, seed yield, quality and economics of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) cv. Sudha. The seven treatments included in the experiment are two concentrations each of GA₃ (50 and 75 ppm), NAA (10 and 25 ppm), Cycocel (100 and 250 ppm) and control (water spray), as pre-soaking, foliar spray at 30 and 60 DAS. Among different PGRs applied, spray of 75 ppm GA₃ resulted in significant maximum plant height. However, maximum number of primary branches and secondary branches plant^{-1, number of umbels plant-1, number of umbellets umbel-1, number of seeds umbel-1, seed yield and B:C ratio was maximum with 250 ppm Cycocel. Minimum number of days to 50% flowering and maturity and maximum carbohydrate content and protein content were noticed with 75 ppm GA₃. Similarly, lowest moisture content in seeds was also observed with 75 ppm GA₃, while, the essential oil content in seeds was maximum with 50 ppm GA₃.}

3 tables, 9 ref

015426   Yadav S S;Choudhary I;Yadav L R;Sharma O P (Agronomy Dep, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, S.K.N. Agriculture University, Jobner-303 329, Email: ssyadav107@yahoo.in) : Weed management in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) at varying levels of nitrogen. J Spices aromatic Crop 0000, 25(1), 18-25.

Field experiment was conducted to study the effect of weed control treatments and nitrogen (N) levels on weed dynamics, weed control efficiency, nutrient depletion by weeds, yield of coriander and weed competition index. All the weed control treatments significantly reduced the density and dry weight of weeds and nutrient depletion as compared to weedy check. Oxadiargyl at 0.06 kg ha^{-1 + hand weeding (HW) at 40 days after sowing (DAS) represented the lowest weed density and controlled the weeds to the extent of 94.9%. Two hand weedings done at 20 and 40 DAS and pendimethalin at 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 40 DAS were found to be the most superior treatments in reducing density, intensity and dry weight of weeds and increasing weed control efficiency. These treatments controlled the weeds to be extent of 95.1% and 95.4%, respectively at harvest stage than weedy check and showed lower weed infestation of 17.4 and 18.1%, respectively. The lowest nutrient depletion due to weeds was obtained with pendimethalin at 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW 40 DAS treatment which saved 54.80 kg N, 8.31 kg P and 49.22 kg K ha-1, respectively than weedy check. Two HW at 20 and 40 DAS and oxadiargyl at 0.06 kg ha-1 + HW at 40 DAS also reduced the nutrient depletion to the extent of 94.8 and 94.5% of N; 95.0 and 94.7% of P and 94.9 and 94.6% of K, respectively in comparison to weedy check. Two hand weeding treatment gave the highest seed yield (1.37 t ha-1) among all the treatments and was closely followed by pendimethalin at 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW 40 DAS which also increased the seed yield by a margin of 0.84 t ha-1 over weedy check, and registered the lowest weed competition index of 0.7%.}

5 tables, 8 ref

015425   Yadav S B;Patel H R;Mishra S K;Parmar P K; Karandey B I;Pandey V (Agricultural Meterology Dep, Anand Agricultural Univ, Anand, Gujarat-388 110, Email: sbmet@yahoo.in) : Impact assessment of climate change on groundnut yield of middle Gujarat region. Mausam 2017, 68(1), 93-98.

The impact of projected climate change on groundnut (cv. Robut 33-1 and GG-2) yield have been studied for Anand station of middle Gujarat Agro-climatic region using PRECIS output of AR₂ Rscenario and base line data. Yield simulation study was performed by PNUTGRO (DSSAT v4.5) model. The field experiment data on groundnut cv. Robut 33-1 and GG-2 during the years 2008 to 2011 have been used to calibrate and validate the model. The weather condition as projected by A₂ scenario (2070-2100) showed that there will be 13.7% higher rainfall as compared to base line (1961-90). The mean maximum and minimum temperature will be higher to the tune of 3.6 and 5.1 °C as compared to their base temperature of 19.1 and 29.8 °C respectively. Nearly 21 and 31% pod yield reduction was noted in Robut 33-1 and GG-2 as compared to their base yield during projected period. Highest yield reduction was recorded in late sowing (15PthP July) and cv. GG-2 and lowest yield reduction was noted in timely sowing (D₁) and cv. Robut 33-1. Under projected period. 7.0 to 16.0% yield benefited by adaptation strategies, viz, fifteen days earlier shifting of sowing with one pre sowing irrigation and Application of organic manure instead of chemical fertilizer.

4 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

015424   Yadav K;Verma A;Sumeriya H K (Agronomy Dep, Maharana Pratap Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Udaipur-313 001, Email: kyadav.yadav110@gmail.com) : Performance of multicut forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) moench] genotypes to fertility levels. Forage Res 2016, 42(3), 201-3.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2015 at Udaipur, Rajasthan on sandy clay loam soil to assess the effect of fertility levels on multicut genotypes of forage sorghum. Among multicut forage genotypes, CoFS-29 proved most efficient as it gave significantly higher green (74.78 t/ha), dry (23.77 t/ha) fodder yield on the basis of the total of two cuts, net monetary returns of Rs. 66430/ha and B : C ratio 2.15. The crop fertilized with 125 per cent RDF recorded significantly higher green and the dry fodder yield on the basis of the total of two cuts over application of 50, 75 and 100 per cent RDF. The magnitudes of the increases were 35.52, 19.82 and 8.82 per cent in total green fodder, and 45.13, 18.90 and 9.63 per cent in total dry fodder yield, respectively. Application of 125 per cent RDF also fetched highest net returns (Rs. 71814/ha) as well as the maximum B : C ratio (2.23) as compared to lower fertility levels.

1 table, 5 ref

015423   Yadav A;Pardeep Kumar;Boora K S;Pahuja S K (Molecular Biology Dep, Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: pardeep1@icar.gov.in) : Genetic diversity in F₂ segregating population of single-cut and multi-cut variety of sorghum. Forage Res 2017, 42(4), 233-7.

The F₂ segregating population of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] of cross HJ 541 (singlecut) x SSG 59-3 (multi-cut) was studied by using simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers to measure genetic divergence within the population. Out of 50 SSR markers, 21 were found to be polymorphic which showed 90.3 per cent polymorphism. Cluster tree analysis grouped the 32 F₂ progeny lines into two major clusters : Cluster I comprised three F₂ progeny lines with - 339 - parental genotype, HJ 541, whereas cluster II had the remaining 29 F₂ progeny lines with parental genotype, SSG 59-3. Genetic similarity among F₂ progeny lines ranged from 0.45 to 0.81 with average similarity of 0.66. Parental genotypes of sorghum were found to be most diverse and F₂ progeny lines viz., G2, G18, G20, G21 and G29 showed high similarity with multi-cut parental sorghum genotype, SSG 59-3. Hence, these F₂ progeny lines could be selected for early variety development from the F₂ segregating population in order to meet ever increasing demand of green fodder for the livestock.

2 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

015422   Yadav A K;Arya R K;Singh M K;Dharmender Kumar;Panchta R (Floriculture Div, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR), Palampur-176 061, Email: akyadavihbt@gmail.com) : Heat tolerance in pearl millet. Forage Res 2016, 42(2), 65-81.

Global warming may cause serious problem in agricultural production, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. As the heat stress affects the seed germination, plant growth and development, resulting in drastic reduction in yield. Pearl millet is a multipurpose crop grown in these areas due to its tolerance to high temperature/drought. But, further improvement for thermo tolerance is of instant need, for economization of agriculture in these areas. Therefore, to develop/identify heat tolerant genotypes, knowledge of screening methods, heat tolerance mechanisms along with breeding techniques are important. Heat stress decreases the rate of germination and may also inhibit the germination depending on heat tolerance of the genotype. A lot of genetic variability is available for heat tolerance in pearl millet. The different screening techniques, viz. STI, SSTI, MTS, etc. may be utilized for screening the germplasm for heat tolerance. Breeding for heat tolerance information of genetic variability, gene action (additive and non-additive), heritability, stability and correlation in relation to heat tolerance is available. Gene interaction on heat tolerance showed its complex nature of inherence. To overcome the heat stress various mechanisms such as maintenance of membrane stability, scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), production of anti-oxidants, osmo-regulation of solutes and synthesis of heat stroke proteins (HSPs) were used. Both conventional as well as molecular breeding techniques were utilized for genetic improvement for heat tolerance.

97 ref

015421   Wright M S;Lax A R (United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, Email: maureen.wright@ars.usda.gov) : Agar plate analysis of chitinase exression by pathogens of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). J ent Res 2016, 40(1), 21-6.

Strains of the entomopathogens Isaria fumosorosea and Metarhizium anisopliae were grown on PDA plates containing chitin azure to determine whether - 338 - chitinase expression could be correlated with their previously measured pathogenic effects against Formosan subterranean termites. Isaria strains 3581 and 4491 formed chitin azure conversion zones that were significantly larger, 40.0 mm on day 12, than the zone formed by strain 92118, 36.8 mm on day 12. However in past studies, strain 4491 was less pathogenic than strain 92118. The zones formed by M. anisopliae strain 30905 were significantly smaller than those formed by the Isaria strains, 7.0 mm on day 12, but the Metarhizium strain is known to cause mortality of termites. To determine if the glucose in PDA inhibited chitinase expression, the experiment was repeated on A&M plates supplemented with fructose instead of glucose. More variation was seen between strains 2581 and 4491, but the expression of chitinase was not enhanced.

7 tables, 18 ref

015420   Wojo A A;Alamerew S;Nebiyu A;Menamo T (College of Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P O Box: 307, Jimma, Ethiopia, Email: temesgen2008@hotmail.com) : Genotype and phenotype variability studies in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) accessions in Kaffa Zone, South West Ethiopia. J Spices aromatic Crop 2016, 25(2), 159-68.

The investigation was conducted on 36 geographically diverse Ethiopian accessions of fenugreek with an objective to study the extent of genetic and phenotypic variation among yield and its related traits. The accessions differed significantly for most of the characters and exhibited a relatively wide range. These characters indicated existence of variation among the tested accessions. High GCV was only observed in number of secondary branches per plant. High PCV were observed in number of primary and secondary branches per plant. High PCV were observed in number of primary and secondary branches per plant, number of seeds per pod, and 1000-seeds weight. High heritability values were observed in the number of seed per pod 63.1%), plant height (65.3%), biological yield per plot (80.1%), seed yield per plot (89.0%), day to maturity (80.8%), and day to flowering (71.4%). High genetic advance was observed for days to maturity, number of pod per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, biological yield and seed yield per plot. Seed yield per plot had positive and significant genotypic correlations with all traits except days to 50% flowering and plant height. Seed yield per plot had positive and significant phenotypic association with number of primary branches and plant height at maturity. This study revealed that there is good scope of concurrent improvement in yield by exploiting the Ethiopian germplasm of fenugreek.

6 tables, 39 ref

015419   Wankhade R S;Kale V S;Bharad S G;Dikey H H (Regional Research Centre, Amravati, Post Graduate Institute, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidy, Akola-444 104, Email: rswankhade70@gmail.com) : Genetic divergence studies in gum cluster bean genotypes. Green Fmg 2017, 8(1), 69-74.

A total of fifty five genotypes of gum cluster bean were evaluated for genetic divergence using Mahalanobis D2 technique in kharif season at two location. Maximum contribution of each character towards genetic divergence were showed by ten dry - 337 - pod weight followed by seed to husk ratio, gum content in seed, number of seeds per dry pod, plant spread and length of dry pod contributed 99.00% divergence. Using estimated D^{2 values, 55 genotypes were grouped into 8 clusters using Tocher's method. In kharif condition (E1+E2), cluster IV was the largest involving 15 genotypes, whereas cluster III, VII, I, II and V involved 13, 09, 07, 06 and 03 genotypes respectively. The remaining clusters (VI and VIII) contained only one genotype each. The intra-cluster divergence ranged from 0 to 165.86. Cluster VII possessed the highest intra-cluster distance (D2=165.86), followed by cluster IV (D2=89.27), cluster V (D2=72.48), cluster III (D2=67.53), cluster II (D2=41.40) and cluster I (D2=32.59). The average inter-cluster distance was maximum between cluster V and VII (D2=407.30) followed by cluster VII and VIII (D2=385.80), cluster V and VIII (D2=372.06). Hence genotypes grouped under these clusters could be used for crossing if superior varieties are planned in the breeding development programme.}

3 illus, 5 tables, 20 ref

015418   Vyas T K;Desai P;Patel A;Patel S;Patel K G (Food Quality Testing Laboratory, N.M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural Univ, Navsari-396 450, Email: vyastrupti@hotmail.com ) : Exploring effect of various organic manure on microbial community of soil from banana organic farm. Green Fmg 2017, 8(1), 156-9.

Banana is the second most important fruit crop in India next to mango. Present study evaluated effect of different organic manure on soil microflora. Different treatment were, T₁ - Control, T₂ - Farm residue + Amrutpani, T₃ - Farm residue + Punchgavya, T₄ - Farm residue + Jeevamrut, T₅ - Farm residue + Banana pseudo stem sap and T6 - Inorganic fertilizer to banana organic farm soil, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat. Its effect on total microbial load and PGPR was examined. Macro and micro nutrient were analyzed from organic manure. Total microbial load viz., bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes were higher in T₅ treatment. N2 fixers were higher in T₃ during monsoon, whereas P solubilizer was higher in T₄. Fluorescent pseudomonas was higher in T₅ treatment. Banana pseudostem has higher content of all nutrients except Mn, B, Si and Ni. Hence, due to higher load of beneficial bacteria and nutrient in organic manure compare to control and inorganic manure, it can be effectively used for banana farming.

3 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref