015367   Sastry E V D;Rajput S S (Plant Breeding & Genetics Dep, SKN Agriculture University, Jobner-303 329, Email: evdsastry@yahoo.com) : Stability analysis of seed yield in coriander based on non-parametric methods. J Spices aromatic Crop 2016, 25(2), 133-140.

The study consisted of evaluation of 42 genotypes in two environments - with full irrigations (called irrigated) and with half the number of normal irrigations (called drought) over three years. ANOVA has indicated significant influence of environments on the expression of seed yield. All types of interactions with genotypes were significant indicating non-linear response of genotypes to environments. Stability analysis indicated significant differences among the ranks of stability of the genotypes. Significant positive correlations were noted among the different non parametric statistics and between corrected and uncorrected seed yield. Similarly there was good correspondence between the scatters of the genotypes obtained with S_i<(1),S_i<(2),S_i<(3) as well as between the scatters of AMMI (mean vs IPCA 1).

4 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

015366   Sarkar P K;Roy D;Chakraborty G (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741 252, Email: debashisroy915@gmail.com) : Bio-effectiveness and non-target toxicity of an IPM compatible thiourea compound diafenthiuron against cardamom thrips and capsule borer under hill zone of West Bengal. J ent Res 0000, 40(2), 177-85.

Field evaluation at progressive farmer's holdings in Kalimpong, Darjeeling, West Bengal in a seven years old large cardamom plantation with a local cultivar "Varlangey" was carried out to investigate the bio-efficacy of a non-organofluorine benzyl urea compound diafenthiuron 50% WP along with standard check against - 314 - cardamom thrips Sciothrips cardamomi (Ramk.) and capsule borer Conogethes punctiferalis (Guen.) during two winter seasons. The treatment at higher dosages (800 and 1600 g ha^{-1) found superior over standard checks quinalphos 25% EC, chlorpyrifos 20% EC and carbosulfan 25% EC. The highest biological yield was obtained with higher dosages (32.45 and 33.00 q ha-1). The infestation of thrips and capsule borer was minimum in treatments with higher dosages with an overall mean ranging from 9.05-9.53% mean capsule damage and 19.29-19.64% mean shot and 11.54-12.03% mean capsule damage respectively.}

5 tables, 17 ref

015365   Sarkar P K;Roy D (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741 252, Email: pijushkly@gmail.com) : Bio-effectiveness vis-a-vis non-target toxicity of pre-mix formulation, fenobucarb 20% buprofezin 5% against sucking pests of rice under Gangetic alluvial plain of West Bengal. J ent Res 2016, 40(1), 81-9.

Field evaluation of the bio-efficacy of pre mix insecticides fenobucarb 20% EC + buprofezin 5% along with traditional insecticides as foliar spray against brown plant hopper Nilaparvata lugens, white-backed plant hopper Sogatella furcifera and green leaf hopper Nephotettix nigropictus was undertaken in a progressive farmer's field at Nabagram (Burdwan), West Bengal under rainfed conditions with a HYN rice cultivar "Swarnamasuri". The treatments at higher dosages (1500, 2000 and 3000 ml ha^{-1) were superior over standard check treatments buprofezin 25% SC and fenobucarb 50% EC. The highest yield (32.88 - 37.32 q ha-1) was obtained in case of higher dosages. The percent reduction of hopper population was maximum in treatments with high dosages with a mean ranging from 50.75 - 90.75%. The pre-mixed formulation was relatively soft to important natural enemies like Crytorhinus lividipennis and spiders and found suitable for economic rice pest management.}

5 tables, 28 ref

015364   Saikia A (Zoology Dep, Nanada Nath Saikia College, Titabar, Jorhat-785 630, Email: anjumonis@yahoo.com) : Occurrence of soil arthropods in different ecosystems of Assam. J ent Res 2016, 40(1), 59-63.

Quantitative distribution of soil micro arthropods studied in three different ecosystems viz., agro-ecosystems, forest ecosystem and fallow land of Jorhat district of Assam through Tullgren Funnel Method (TFM) showed highest population of soil arthropods in the month of August (2989.81/m^{2) and lowest in the month of April (525.21/m2). The maximum number of soil arthropods (9312.02/m2) was recorded from the forest ecosystem followed by agro ecosystem (5505.38/m2) and fallow land (4227.00/m2). Amidst all the soil arthropods, 3454.47, 2474.31 and 2154.69/m2 collembolans were recorded from forest, agro and fallow land ecosystem respectively. Soil mites were found to be the next dominant group which comprised of 2534.74, 1897.87 and 1333.41/m2 in forest, agro and fallow land ecosystem respectively.}

1 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

015363   Sai Kumar T;Bhanu Rekha K;Sudhakara Babu S N; Madhavi A (Agronomy Dep, College of Agriculture, Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultura, Rajendranagar, Email: thotasaikumar63@gmail.com) : Yield and nutrient uptak of rainfed sunflower as influenced by humic acid under nutrient management practices in alfisols. Green Fmg 2017, 8(1), 132-6.

A field experiment on rainfed sunflower was conducted during kharif 2014 at College farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad to study the effect of humic acid under nutrient management practices on dry matter accumulation, yield attributes, yield and nutrient uptake of rainfed sunflower. The experiment was laid out in Split plot design with eighteen treatments (six main and three sub-treatments and replicated thrice). The six main treatments consisted of (M₁) - Absolute control, M₂ - compost @ 2.5 t ha-1, M₃ - compost @ 5.0 t ha^{-1, M₄ - RDF alone (60-60-30 kg N, P₂O₅ and K₂O), M₅ - RDF + compost @ 2.5 t ha-1 and M₆ - RDF + compost @ 5.0 t ha-1 and the three sub-plot treatments consisted of application of varying levels of humic acid granules (basal) viz., S₁ - 5.0 kg ha-1, S₂ - 10.0 kg ha-1 and S₃ - 15.0 kg ha-1. The results revealed that among all the nutrient management practices maximum dry matter accumulation, seed, oil yield (1859 and 741 kg ha-1) and nutrient uptake (N, P and K) at all the crop growth stages were recorded with the combined application of RDF (60-60-30 N, P₂O₅ and K₂O kg ha-1) + compost @ 5 t ha-1 and the lowest growth parameters, yield attributes and - 313 - yield were observed under absolute control. The effect of varying levels of humic acid was found to be significant only on dry matter accumulation at harvest and nitogen uptake at 60 DAS. The interaction effect was found to be non-significant.}

4 tables, 10 ref

015362   Sahu H;Saxena R R;Verulkar S B;Vikas Kumar (Genetics & Plant Breeding Dep, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur-492 012, Email: hemant.sahupant@gmail.com) : Principal component analysis of agro-morphological traits in RIL population of rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown in a irrigated lowland water regime. Green Fmg 2017, 8(1), 11-15.

The agro-morphological characterization of plant is the basic criteria in order to provide the fundamental information for plant breeding programme. The main objective of the present work was to characterize 71 lines of recombinant inbred lines (RIL) population of rice based on 12 quantitative agro-morphological characters. The experiment was set out in a Randomized complete-block design (RCBD) with two replications in kharif-2014. Agro-morphological characters were analyzed using Multivariate statistical analysis. Plant height and grain yield contributing maximum towards overall genetic variation. Six cluster groups were obtained from the 12 agro-morphological characters using multivariate analysis. In the current study, first 3 components explained 76.88% of variability with eigen value <62>1. Component 1 had the contribution from the traits namely, days to 50% flowering, panicle length, flag leaf length and width second leaf length and width, length of last internode and biological yield, which accounted 43.77% of the total variability. Grain yield, harvest index and effective tillers has contributed 23.82% of total variability in component 2. The remaining variability of 9.3% was consolidated in component 3 by plant height. All two components have both phenological and yield related variables, whereas component three had only phonological trait. High levels of variability were expressed among the varieties and the characters studied which will allow further improvement in the varieties.

2 illus, 6 tables, 22 ref

015361   Sachin Kumar;Anil Kumar;Singh J;Praveen Kumar (Bajra Section, Genetics & Plant Breeding Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: anilbajra2009@gmail.com) : Growth indices andnutrient uptake of fodder maize (Zea mays L.) as influenced by integrated nutrient management. Forage Res 2016, 42(2), 119-23.

A field experiment was conducted at Research Farm Area of Forage Section, Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during kharif 2010. The experiment was carried out in randomized block design with ten treatments viz., Control, seed treatment with Azotobacter, 100 per cent N through FYM, 100 per cent RDF, 75 per cent RDF+Azotobacter, 75 per cent RDF+25 per cent N through FYM, 75 per cent RDF+25 per cent N through FYM+Azotobacter, 50 per cent RDF+Azotobacter, 50 per cent RDF+50 per cent N through FYM and 50 per cent RDF+50 per cent N through FYM+Azotobacter. The growth indices Leaf Area Index and crop growth rate were observed significantly higher with 100 per cent RDF followed by 75 per cent RDF+25 per cent N through FYM+Azotobacter. Availability of N, P and K in the soil under most of the treatments decreased after the crop harvest than before the sowing of the crop. The highest NPK status in the soil after the harvest of crop was recorded in the treatment 100 per cent N through FYM.

4 tables, 11 ref

015360   Sabbour M M;Abd El-Aziz S E (Pests and Plant Protection Dep, National Research Centre, 33 EL bohouth St. (Former EL Tahrir st.), Email: shadia.abdelaziz77@gmail.com) : Efficacy of three essential oils and their nano-particles against Sitophilus granarius under laboratory and store conditions. J ent Res 2016, 40(3), 229-34.

The effect of three essential oils and their nano-preparations (castor, mustard and purslane) were tested against the granary weevil Sitophilus granarius under laboratory and stored conditions. Purslane oil (bulk and nano) had strong insecticidal efficacy and was significantly highly effective tested oil against granary weevil with 86.64, 75.21, 55.32, and 18.61% mortality obtained at 5, 2.5, 1.25 and 0.63% concentrations, respectively. While, the mortality values reached 95.61, 73.51, 58.39 and 20.61% when the adults were exposed to 0.5, 0.25, 0.13, 0.06 concentrations of nano-purslane, respectively. Castor oil had moderate effect and mustard was the least one. Nano-purslane was highly significantly more effective as sterilizer against adult weevils in comparison with other tested nano-oils. The mean number of eggs/female recorded 3.0 ± 3.8, 22.0 ± 7.8 and 28.8 ± 7.9 eggs/female in case of purslane, castor and mustard, respectively in comparison to control (198 ± 4.9 eggs/female). After 125 days of storage, the percentage of emerged weevils were 21 and 7% in case of purslane oil (bulk and nano), respectively comparing with untreated control (98%).

2 illus, 4 tables, 30 ref

015359   Rohtas Kumar;Narwal R P (Soil Science Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: rkmsoil@gmail.com) : Long-term effect of FYM and nitrogen fertilizer on the distribution of K fraction in soil under pearl millet-wheat cropping system. Forage Res 2016, 42(2), 131-4.

The present study evaluated the effect of farmyard manure and fertilizer-N doses on distribution of different K fractions in a long-term field experiment. The long-term field experiment was conducted since 1967 in Department of Soil Science on a coarse loamy, Typic Ustochrept soil using a pearl millet-wheat cropping sequence. Total-K content of soil increased with the application of FYM. Water soluble-K, exchangeable-K, non exchangeable-K and lattice-K were ranged from 35-77 mg/kg, 155-1117 mg/kg, 2215-4346 mg/kg and 11076-15407 mg/kg, respectively in surface soil. The water soluble-K, exchangeable-K, non exchangeable-K and lattice-K were higher in surface soil. Farmyard manure applied in rabi season had more effects - 311 - as compared to kharif season. Application of fertilizer-N had deleterious effect on all K fractions. The percent contribution of different K fractions towards total K in surface and sub-surface soil followed the order: water soluble-K <60> exchangeable-K <60> non exchangeable-K <60> Lattice-K.

1 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

015358   Richa Kumari;Singh N N;Manjunatha K (Entomology and Agricultural Zoology Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, Email: richthakur61@gmail.com) : Parasitization capacity of Trichogramma chilonis and Trichogramma pretiosum on eggs of Corcyra cephalonica. J ent Res 0000, 40(1), 39-41.

Under present investigation, attempts were made to study the parasitization capacity of Trichogramma chilonis and Trichogramma pretiosum on the eggs of Corcyra cephalonica. The parasitization capacity of T. chilonis ranged from 58.94 to 68.94 per cent with an average of 64.28 per cent and that of the T. pretiosum ranged from 41.56 to 46.48 with the average of 43.52 per cent suggesting the superiority of the T. chilonis over T. pretiosum.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

015357   Reivax X;Oommen M;Varghese J J;Natarajan P; Thomas J (NO, Indian Cardamom Research Institute, Spices Board, Myladumpara, Idukki-685 553, Email: manoj.oommen2014@gmail.com) : Degradation of monocrotophos in cardamom under field conditions and during processing. J Spices aromatic Crop 2016, 25(2), 195-9.

The degradation pattern of monocrotophos (Dimethyl (E) -1-methyl-2-(methyl carbamoyil) vinyl phosphate) in small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) under field conditions and during processing were studied. Monocrotophos 36% SL was sprayed at the recommended dose of 0.072% as per standard foliar application procedures. The residues were determined by gas chromatography with flame photometric detector. The degradation of monocrotophos followed first order kinetics and the half life of monocrotophos in fresh cardamom capsules was found to be five days. Due to dehydration during processing of fresh cardamom capsules, monocrotophos residue in cardamom capsule was found to be magnified by 3.5 times. Monocrotophos residue was reduced by 11.5% on curing and 29.5% on polishing.

2 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

015356   Reddy P P N;Reddy N N;Reddy M L N;Lakshmi N J;Joshi V;Vijaya Kumar P (NO, Central Research Institute for Dry Land Agriculture (CRIDA), Hyderabad-500 059, Email: ppnreddy09@gmail.com) : Role of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on fruit yield and quality of sweet orange (C. sinensis (L.) osbeck) cv. mosambi. Green Fmg 2017, 8(1), 115-20.

The present experiment was conducted on ten years old sweet orange cv. Mosambi trees of uniform growth at experimental orchard of Kurumurthy, Mahaboobnagar, Telangana, India during 2014-15 and 2015-16. It confirmed that in combination of Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Trichoderma, PSB along with RDF enhanced the yield and quality parameters of sweet orange. Among the various nineteen - 310 - combinations, overall performance of treatment T₁₈ (Azotobacter + Azospirillum + Trichoderma + PSB + 75% RDF) was superior over other all treatments. It was helpful to enhance the yield and quality of sweet orange. Highest net income was obtained with the application of treatment T₁₈ (Azotobacter + Azospirillum + Trichoderma + PSB + 75% RDF) having highest benefit cost ratio for every rupee invested during the both the years.

4 tables, 23 ref

015355   Reddy G E;Nandan R;Reddy M P;Reddy B R; Bhandari H R (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: eswarmaagrico@gmail.com) : Studies on combining ability analysis in tomato. Green Fmg 2017, 8(1), 56-9.

Forty hybrids generated from crossing ten lines with four testers were studied along with parents for combining ability in tomato. The general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were significant for all the characters, indicating the importance of both additive and non-additive genetic components. But it is found that there was predominance of non-additive genetic components for expression of different traits in the present set of materials. Amongst the lines, CO-3, Pant T-3 and Flawery were best general combiners for yield along with other traits, whereas among the testers H-24 and H-86 were best general combiner for yield along with other traits. The most promising specific combiners for yield and other traits were Flawery x Sel-7, Fla-7171 x Azad T-5, GT-20 x Azad T-5, C0-3 x Sel-7, B-S-31-3 x H-24. Hence, the present study was carried out to obtain information on combining ability involved in expressing the different characters in tomato.

4 tables, 9 ref

015354   Ravindra Kumar;Srivastava R P (Bioactive Plant Natural Products (BPNP) / Insecticide Toxicology Lab,, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: ravindra191992@gmail.com) : Bioefficacy of some insecticides and mixed formulations against Spodoptera litura (Fab.). J ent Res 2016, 40(3), 279-84.

The bioefficacy of fenpyroximate, fenvalerate, ethion + cypermethrin and thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin was determined against 5d old larvae of S. litura (mean larval wt. = 0.0232 g) by atomization method. Ethion + cypermethrin was most toxic at 12 (LC₅₀ = 0.0074%), fenpyroximate at 24 (LC₅₀ = 0.00667%) and thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin at 48 hours after exposure (LC₅₀ = 0.0067%). The same insecticides/combinations did not prove to be the 'most toxic' at all the four exposure periods i.e. 12, 24, 48 and 72 HAE. For example ethion + cypermethrin were most toxic at 12, fenpyroximate at 24, thiemethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin at 48 and ethion + cypermethrin again at 72 HAE. Fenvalerate (0.01 and 0.009%) caused 50% mortality in 3.77 and 5.46 h; fenpyroximate (0.01, 0.009 and 0.009%) in 2.93, 4.38 and 7.29 h and thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin (0.009%) in 12.97 h, respectively.

2 tables, 34 ref

015353   Ravindra Kumar;Srivastava R P (Bioactive Plant Natural Products (BPNP) / Insecticide Toxicology Lab,, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: ravindra191992@gmail.com) : Bioefficacy of some insecticides and mixed formulations against Spilarctia obliqua (Wlk.). J ent Res 2016, 40(3), 267-73.

The contact toxicity of fenvalerate and fenpyroximate was determined against 3d old larvae of S. obliqua (mean larval weight = 0.0032 g) by atomization method. Fenvalerate (LC₅₀ = 0.000037, 0.000023 and 0.000018%) was 112.05, 123.22 and 123.94 (RT) times more toxic than fenpyroximate (LC₅₀ = 0.004146, 0.002834 and 0.002231%) at 24, 48 and 60 HAE, respectively. The contact toxicity of fenpyroximate, fenvalerate, ethion + cypermethrin and thiamethoxam + lambda - cyhalothrin was determined against 11d old larvae of S. obliqua (mean larval weight = 0.2243 g) by atomization method, Fenvalerate (LC₃₀ = 0.000046%) was 30.43 (RT) times more toxic than fenpyroximate (LC₃₀ = 0.0014%) at LC₃₀ 24 HE. Fenpyroximate (0.01 & 0.005%) caused 50% mortality in 3.73 & 23.39 h and fenvalerate (0.002 & 0.0007%) in 3.01 & 8.60 h, respectively. The stomach and contact toxicity of fenvalerate and fenpyroximate was determined against 3d old larvae of S. obliqua (mean larval weight = 0.0032 g) by leaf dip method. Fenvalerate (0.0002 and 0.0001%) caused 30, 50, 90% mortality in 12.13, 19.55, 66.80 (0.0002%) and 14.30, 22.07, 64.18 h, respectively while fenpyroximate (0.009) caused 30, 50 and 90% mortality in 14.91, 22.38 and 60.78 h, respectively. Fenvalerate (LC₅₀ = 0.00003%) was 64.83 (RT) times more toxic than fenpyroximate - 309 - (LC<>50 = 0.001945%) at 48 HAE.

5 tables, 29 ref

015352   Ravikishore M;Supriya P;Thomas A (Agricultural Extension Dep, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram-695 522, Email: mrks777143@gmail.com) : Adopter categorization of extension professionals vis-a-vis agri-expert systems and factors influencing the adoption. Curr Sci 2017, 112(11), 2284-8.

This communication focuses on adoption stages of extension professionals in terms of extent of use of expert systems and factors influencing the extent of adoption of such systems by them, with special reference to agri-expert systems 'KAU-Fertulator' and 'e-Crop doctor' developed by Kerala Agricultural University. A survey was conducted among three targeted segments of Kerala extension professionals with a total of 100 respondents who were actively involved in the field of agriculture, to evaluate questions about the adoption stage of respondents in using agri-expert systems and factors influencing the extent of adoption. Results showed that, extension professionals categorization based on the stage of agri-expert system adoption process. Based on the stage of adoption, respondents were categorized into different adopter categories, which led to comparison with Roger's adopter categorization. Also, innovation proneness was positively and significantly related with extent of adoption expert system among all three categories of respondents. Based on the results, it is imperative to boost the adoption of agri-expert systems by streamlining the basic expert system applications for ease of use.

1 illus, 3 tables, 5 ref

015351   Raverkar K P;Pareek N;Chandra R;Chauhan S; Zodape S T;Ghosh A (Soil Science Dep, College of Agriculture, G.B. Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: kraverkar@gmail.com) : Impact of foliar application of seaweed saps on yield, nodulation and nutritional quality in green gram (Vigna radiata L). Legume Res 2016, 39(2), 315-18.

Seaweeds are marine macro algae, which form an important component of the marine living resources of the world. To evaluate the efficiency of seaweed (Kappaphycus and Gracilaria) saps on growth, yield and nutrition of Vigna radiata, an experiment was conducted during spring 2012 under field conditions. The ten treatments comprised two seaweed saps (K-sap & G-sap), four concentrations of each sap (2.5, 5, 10 and 15%), 7.5% of K-sap + 50% RDF (recommended dose of fertilizers) and control. The highest grain yield of 557 kg ha^{-1 was harnessed due to two foliar applications of 10% K-sap + RDF. Increase in yield due to K-sap ranged between 29.32 to 33.81% while due to G-sap it was 25.74 to 26.15%. Foliar application of K-sap influenced the number - 308 - and dry weight of root nodules at flowering. Application of seaweed saps also enhanced quality of grains in terms of protein, P and K content.}

3 tables, 21 ref

015350   Ratnakar V;Rao S R K;Sridevi D;Vidyasagar B (Entomology Dep, College of Agriculture, Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: ratnakar.ento@gmail.com) : Safety evaluation of certain newer insecticides to European honeybee, Apis mellifera Linnaeus. J ent Res 2016, 40(3), 261-6.

The toxicity of nine insecticides viz., acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid, fipronil, thiamethoxam, spiromesifen, chlorantraniliprole, chlrofenapyr and diafenthiuron at recommended dose was tested on honeybee Apis mellifera L. using the dry film method. Forager bees were released into treated jars at different intervals i.e., 0, 12 and 24 hours after dry film formation. Thiamethoxamm, clothianidin and imidacloprid showed high mortality while acetamiprid exhibited moderate mortality. Spiromesifen and chlorantraniliprole caused relatively less mortality.

1 table, 27 ref

015349   Rathva P A;Vadodariya K V;Pandya M M;Patel M B (Genetics & Plant Breeding Dep, N.M. College of Agric., Navsari Agricultural Univ, Navsari-396 450, Email: pandyamihit2828@gmail.com) : Manifestation of heterosis and combining ability analysis for seed cotton yield and yield contributing characters in cotton (G. hirsutum L.). Green Fmg 2017, 8(1), 1-5.

Line x tester analysis using four lines as females and eight testers as males was carried out with a view to estimate heterosis in cotton. The experimental material comprised of twelve parents and their thirty two crosses and two standard checks G. Cot. Hy.10 and G. Cot.Hy. 12. A complete set of forty six genotypes was planted in - 307 - Randomized block design in three replications at the Main Cotton Research Station, NAU, Surat during kharif 2014-15. In case of parents GSHV 171, NDLH 1928 and GISV 267 exhibited higher seed cotton yield per plant. Significant and desired directional heterosis was observed for majority of the yield attributing characters. For seed cotton yield per plant, the higher heterobeltiosis as well as the highest standard heterosis over both the standard checks was recorded by GISV 267 x NDLH 1928. High heterosis for seed cotton yield per plant in this hybrid was due to positive heterotic response in other yield related characters. Combining ability analysis revealed significant and positive variances due to general combining ability (σ^{2GCA) for all characters except number of sympodia per plant which revealed the importance of additive gene action in inheritance of these characters. Similarly, specific combining ability (σ2SCA) variances were observed significant for all the characters except lint index and 2.5% span length showed the role of non-additive gene action in inheritance of these traits. The ratio of σ2GCA/σ2SCA revealed that majority of the characters manifested less than unity which indicated preponderance of non-additive genetic variance for inheritance of these traits.}

4 tables, 16 ref

015348   Rathore L;Sharma P K (Entomology Dep, College of Agriculture, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, Email: swswhite916@gmail.com) : Field efficacy of insecticides and biopesticides against aphid complex in wheat. J ent Res 2016, 40(1), 77-80.

Amongst five insecticides viz., cypermethrin (Cypermil 10 EC), deltamethrin (Deca guard 2.8 EC), dichlorvos (Nuvan 76 EC), quinalphos (Ekalux 25 EC) and thiamethoxam (Sitara 25 WG) and two biopesticides, eupatorium (Eupatorium 10 EC) and azadirachtin (Neem Baan 0.3 EC), quinalphos @ 250 g a.i./ha was most effective against aphids in wheat. Eupatorium @ 225 g a.i./ha was found to be least effective. Quinalphos also showed highest grain yield.

3 tables, 11 ref

015347   Rathod P S;Patil D H;Rachappa V;Bellad S B; Dodamani B M (AICRP on Chickpea, Agricultural Research Station, Aland Road, Gulbarga-585 101, Email: psrathoduasr@gmail.com) : Response of late sown pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Mill Sp.) to trace elements. Green Fmg 0000, 8(1), 164-7.

The field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Department Farm, Agricultural Research Station, Gulbarga, Karnataka during late kharif season of 2013 and 2014 to study the response of late sown pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) to trace elements. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Amongst all the treatments, RDF+ foliar application of commercially available multiplex @ 2.5 ml/litre of water caused maximum increase in growth and yield attributes viz., plant height (139 cm), number of primary (10.8/plant) and secondary branches (18.8/plant), total dry matter per plant (161.6 g/plant), number of pods per plant (121.4), pod weight (49.60 g/plant), seed weight (36.96 g/plant), 100 seed weight (9.77 g), seed yield (937 kg/ha), net returns (Rs 56,920/ha) and B: C ratio (3.50) when compared to RDF only. The next best treatments which recorded significantly superior growth and yield attributing characters were RDF + 19:19:19 soluble powder @ 4 g/lt. of water, RDF + soil application of ZnSO₄ @ 15 kg/ha and RDF + foliar application of ZnSO₄ @ 0.50%, whereas lower values were recorded in RDF only.

5 tables, 21 ref

015346   Rathod M K;Rakesh G;Prasad S S (Extension Education Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur, Maharashtra, Email: milindrathod73@gmail.com) : Participation of rural youth in agriculture. J Agric Ext Mgmt 2017, 18(1), 89-99.

This study was conducted in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra State in 2016. The main objective was to study the extent of participation of rural youth in Agriculture. The responses were collected with the help of a pretested schedule by contacting rural youth personally. Hence ex-post facto design of social research was used in the present investigation. Majority of the respondents participating in agricultural activities expressed that they take decisions by consulting elders. With regard to participation in farm operations majority of the respondents had medium level of participation. More than half of the respondents (68.33 per cent) expressed that they participate in maintaining record of milk. With - 306 - reference to participation of rural youth in management of animal activities like milking of animals and in getting fodder from the farm to the cattle shed 55.83 per cent and 49.17 per cent of the respondents expressed that they only do this work. In economic activities like purchase of farm implements/ machines 58.33 per cent expressed that they do the work with others. In case of borrowing/repaying loan 93.33 per cent expressed that they never do this work.

9 tables, 6 ref

015345   Rao V T (Regionl Agricultural Research Stations, PITSAU, Jagtial-504 445, Email: thirugene9@yahoo.com) : Genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis under drought in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Legume Res 2016, 39(2), 319-22.

Groundnut yield in rain fed areas has been limited by drought stress because pod yield and other growth parameters have been severely affected. The aim of this study is to evaluate the genetic variability, character association and path analysis between yield and its contributing traits in 30 groundnut genotypes under drought. Analysis of variance revealed the existence of significant differences among genotypes for all characters studied. The magnitude of PCV and GCV was moderate to high for number of pods per plant, dry haulm yield, kernel yield, plant height and dry pod yield. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for kernel yield, plant height, dry pod yield, and hundred kernel weight indicating the role of additive gene in expressing these traits. Dry pod yield was significant positively correlated with kernel yield, no of pods per plant, hundred kernel weight and SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR). Path coefficient analysis indicated that number of pods per plant and hundred kernel weight were essential traits to be considered for realizing the improvement in yield.

3 tables, 16 ref

015344   Rao N V;Jain P K;Kishor Kumar N;Reddy M J M (Senior Scientist and Head, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jammikunta, Karimnagar, Email: neelamrao2000@rediffmail.com) : Impact of technologies assessed, refined, demostrated and disseminated to paddy farmers - a case study. J Agric Ext Mgmt 2017, 18(1), 101-120.

The present paper highlights the level of knowledge and extent of adoption of paddy production technologies and the impact on productivity and profitability of farmers in Karimnagar district of Telangana State. Ex post facto research design was adopted and ninety farmers were selected for the study. A high level of knowledge, high extent of adoption and a minimum of ten percent increased productivity and profitability were observed among the farmers adopting the technologies as compared to the non-adopter farmers. A positive and significant correlation was observed with most of the profile characteristics of farmers adopting the technologies when compared to non-adopter farmers.

9 tables, 5 ref

015343   Rani M S;Sridevi S;Padmaja G;Praveen Kumar Y; Ramulu V (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Email: sridevikarlapudi@gmail.com) : Response of Bt cotton and changes in soil properties under different fertilizer management practices in rainfed black soils. Green Fmg 2017, 8(1), 87-92.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2013 to evaluate the nutrient requirement of Bt cotton vis-a-vis fertilizer practices in vogue in Adilabad district of Telangana state. At different growth stages, except control, all other treatments recorded higher number of moopodial and sympodial branches than 100% RDF. Incremental doses of fertilizers increased number of bolls plant-1 but very high doses practiced by farmers did not help in increasing boll number. Increasing fertilizers doses from 100% RDF to 150% RDF resulted in increasing kapas yield but it was on par with yield attained in 100% RDF+ @ 30 kg ha-1 and soil test based recommendations. Economic analysis indicated that application of very high doses of fertilizers did not help in getting higher net returns or higher benefit cost ratio. Maximum net returns and B: C ratio were obtained with 100% RDF + S @ 30 kg ha-1 followed by soil test based recommendations. Soil physico-chemical properties and status of available N, K, S and micronutrients did not vary significantly with various fertilizer treatments. Phosphorus availability was significantly high in farmer's practice over all other treatments. The total aerobic microbial population was suppressed by the use of excess fertilizers and population was high in lower fertilizer doses like 100 RDF. Other microbial properties like population of Psuedomonas, Azotobacter and MBC did not differ significantly. It is rational to follow soil test based fertilizer application or to adopt the present recommendation of 150:60:60 kg NPK ha-1 along with 30 kg sulphur for profitable cultivation of Bt cotton in Adilabad district - 305 - of Telangana State.

5 tables, 15 ref

015342   Ramesh T;Rathika S (NO, Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Aduthurai-612 001, Email: agronramesh@gmail.com) : Management of emerged weeds in irrigated blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) through post-emergence herbicides. Legume Res 2016, 39(2), 289-92.

Field experiments were conducted during summer (April to June), 2010 and 2011 to study the effect of post-emergence herbicides in irrigated blackgram (ADT 5). Treatments comprising of three levels (50, 75 and 100 g/ha) of the post-emergence herbicides viz., Imazethapyr 10% SLand Quizalofop ethyl 5% EC were tested alone and in combination and compared with hand weeding twice on 15 and 30 DAS(farmers 'practice). Herbicides were sprayed on 15 DAS when the weeds were 2-4 leaves stage using flat-fan nozzle as per treatment schedule. The results revealed that minimum total weed density (8.44) and weed dry weight (27.2 g/m^{2) and higher weed control efficiency (84.4%) were obtained under combined application of imazethapyr and quizalofop ethyl as tank mix at 100 g/ha. However, this was comparable with application of both the herbicides at 75g/ha. Application of imazethapyr + quizalofop ethyl each at 75 g/ha registered significantly taller plants, higher dry matter production, more number of pods per plant, seeds per pod and higher grain yield (826 kg/ha), net returns (Rs.26621/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.76). Thus, application of post-emergence herbicides imazethapyr + quizalofop ethyl each at 75 g/ha as tank mix on 15 DAS could be recommended for controlling of emerged weeds in irrigated blackgram.}

2 tables, 9 ref

015341   Ramarao G V;Raja Goud CH (Entomology Dep, College of Agriculture, Professor Jayashankar Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: guggillavenkataramarao@gmail.com) : Dissipation pattern and accumulation of bifenthrin in tomato. J ent Res 2016, 40(3), 275-7.

The dissipation pattern of initial deposit of bifenthrin on tomato was 0.24 mg kg^{-1 which dissipated to below detectable level (BDL) by 10th day after first spray in harvested tomato fruits. The half life of bifenthrin was worked as 8.82 days. The highest safety periods of 4.1 to 4.8 days are required for consumption, if the tomato fruits are sprayed with bifenthrin against fruit borer. Accumulation pattern of bifenthrin revealed that after third spraying, maximum initial deposit was 0.86 mg ka-1. The safety interval of bifenthrin were recorded as 4.10 days at first spray and 14.5 days at third spray.}

2 tables, 10 ref

015340   Ram Newaj;et al. (NO, ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi-284 003, Email: dhiraj.iari@gmail.com) : Soil organic carbon stock in agroforestry systems in wester and southern plateau and hill regions of India. Curr Sci 0000, 112(11), 2191-3.

1 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

015339   Ram H;Singh G;Aggarwal N (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: hr_saharan@yahoo.com) : Effect of irrigation, straw mulching and weed control on growth, water use efficiency and productivity of summer mungbean. Legume Res 2016, 39(2), 284-8.

The field experiment was conducted during summer season of 2008 on loamy sand soil. The experiment was comprised of eighteen treatment combinations with three irrigation treatments (two, three and four irrigations), two weed control methods (pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha as pre-emergence and unweeded) and three mulching treatments (no mulching, mulching at sowing and straw mulching at 25 days after sowing). Three irrigations recorded significantly higher grain yield (1430 kg/ha) than two irrigations (1138 kg/ha) but statistically at par with four irrigations (1465 kg/ha). Water use efficiency was also higher in three irrigations. Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg/ha was found to be effective in controlling weeds and increasing the grain yield as well as water use efficiency. Mulching applied at 25 days after sowing recorded the higher grain yield (1430 kg/ha) than no mulch (1289 kg/ha) and mulching at sowing (1364 kg/ha).

3 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

015338   Rakesh Kumar;Rathore D K;Singh M;Praveen Kumar;Khippal A (Forage Research and Management Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132 001, Email: drdudi_rk@rediffmail.com) : Effect of phosphorus and zinc nutrition on growth and yield of fodder cowpea. Legume Res 2016, 39(2), 262-7.

An experiment consisting of four phosphorus levels (0, 40, 60 and 80 kg/ha P₂O₅) and five zinc levels (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg/ha ZnSO₄) was laid out in randomized block design in factorial mode to find out the effect on yield and quality of fodder cowpea [Vigna Unguiculata (L.)Walp.]. Growth parameters viz. plant height, number of leaves, number ofbranches, leaf length, leaf width and leaf stem ratio were improved with the application of 60 kg/ha P₂O₅ and 20 kg/ha - 303 - ZnSO₄. Application of 60 kg/ha phosphorus recorded 27.64 t/ha yield, which was 7.50 and 55.6% higher than 40 kg/ha and no phosphorus application, respectively. Application of zinc in the form of ZnSO₄ @ 20 kg/ha increased significantly the green fodder yield (25.89 t/ha). Interaction effect of phosphorus and zinc application was found significant with respect to green fodder, dry matter yield and nutrient uptake. Yield, phosphorus and zinc uptake in cowpea fodder were showing declining trend at combination of application rate more than 60 kg/ha P₂O₅ and 20 kg/ha ZnSO₄.

6 tables, 26 ref

015337   Rajvir Kaur;Kapoor R (Plant Breeding & Genetics Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: rahulkapoor@pau.edu) : Accessing genetic diversity in oats based on morphoagronomic traits. Forage Res 2017, 42(4), 271-3.

The present study was undertaken to assess the genetic diversity present in the 96 oat (Avena sativa L.) germplasm lines representing the collection from various eco-geographical regions of the country. Genetic divergence among 96 accessions was worked out for various morpho-agronomic traits to generate dendrogram based on squared euclidean distance. Maximum inter cluster-distance was recorded between clusters I and VI (9.06) suggesting significant high genetic diversity among genotypes of these clusters. The best 20 genotypes identified on the basis of 10 per cent higher grain yield than the best check OL 10 were UPO 093, OL 1611, JHO-2001-1, HJ 114, OS 374, OL 1542, A. maroccana, JHO 851, OL 1635, OS 329, SKO 27, HJ 8, OS 363, EC 209408, EC 209402, OL 1714, OL 1685, OS 376, EC 605833 and JHO-2009-1.

1 illus, 3 tables, 7 ref

015336   Rajkumar B;Dey D (National Pusa Collection, Entomology Div, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi-110 012, Email: ddeyiari@hotmail.com ) : Diagnostics of a lesser known halictine bee Pseudapis oxybeloides Smith (Halictidae: Nomiinae) from India. J ent Res 2016, 40(2), 201-6.

A lesser known halictine bee, Pseudapis oxybeloides (Apoidea: Halictidae: Nomiinae) is being redescribed with updated taxonomic characters viz., pilosity, sculptures, morphometric ratios, illustrations and photographs of key diagnostic features. A new distribution as well as new floral record is being established for this bee. A checklist of the Indian species has also been provided.

2 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

015335   Rajesh Kumar;Prakash N;Singh U K;Neeraj Kumar (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Rajendra Agricultural Univ, Pusa-848 125, Email: rajrau.2007@rediffmail.com) : Principal component analysis of submergence related traits in landraces of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Green Fmg 2017, 8(1), 16-19.

Genetic diversity was assessed in 184 land races including four checks using principal component analysis to assess the extent and pattern of genetic divergence based on k-mean determination. Principle component analysis (PCA) showed the first four PCs had Eigen value <62>1.00 and accounted 73.98% of total variation. Rotated component matrix revealed that each - 302 - principal component is separately loaded with various submergence tolerant related traits. PC₁ was constituted by tiller per plant (0.47), panicle length (0.43), fertile tiller per plant (0.40) and survival % (0.37) while PC₂ was mainly composed of tolerance score (0.53) therefore, intensive selection procedures can be designed to bring about rapid improvement of submergence tolerance by selecting the lines from PC₁, PC₂ and PC₃. All 184 land races were grouped into 14 clusters. Cluster II and IV showed high mean for most of the characters indicating land races from these groups can be used for further improvement of traits. 3 D plot based on three top principal components indicated that Pecalo, Houra Kani and S-177 were most divergent land races from Karabonka, Tiebimah and Urarkaruppan which might be utilized effectively in breeding programme for submergence tolerance.

1 illus, 6 tables, 11 ref

015334   Rai D;Tewari A K (Plant Pathology, Rajendra Agricultural Univ (RAU), Pusa, Samastipur-848 125) : Shelf life studies of different formulations based on Trichoderma harzianum (Th14). Ann Biol Res 2016, 7(7), 1-5.

In the present study total nine types of Trichoderma based formulations were prepared using formulating materials viz. Dextrin, talc, gypsum, paraffin oil and soybean oil. Shelf life of formulations was tested up to 6 months at room temperature (15-350C) and 11 months at refrigerator (40C). Among different formulation dextrin based formulation TF. Paste8 retained maximum viability(26.10%; 4.33 x 10^{7 CFU/ g) followed by TF.Paste9 (23.95%; 4.00 x 107 CFU/ ml), and oil based TF.LQ6 (22.43%; 9.67 x 107 CFU/ ml) after 6 months of storage at room temperature (15-35°C).The formulations stored at 40C retained viability (2.06- 16.06%) up to 11 months during storage. Maximum viability was observed in TF.Paste8 (16.06%; 2.67 x 107 CFU/ g) followed by TF.Paste9 (11.98%; 2.00 x 107 CFU/ g) and oil based TF.LQ6 (8.89%; 3.83 x 107 CFU/ ml). This study showed that there is potential in using of Trichoderma paste and liquid formulations for improving shelf life of bioformulation as well as in biological control.}

3 tables, 15 ref

015333   Rachappa V;Shekhara C;Yelshetty S;Naik H R (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Agricultural Research Station, Aland Road, Gulbarga-585 101, Email: rachis1@rediffmail.com) : Effective botanical pesticide for the management of gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on chickpea. Green Fmg 2017, 8(1), 200-4.

Performance of different biorationals were studied under field condition for the management of gram pod borer, - 301 - Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on chickpea at the Agricultural Research Station, Gulbarga, Karnataka, for three years. Azadirachtin 3% WSP @ 200 g/ha sequential sprayed plot recorded average larval population of 0.30 and 0.22 per five plants at five days after first and second sprays, respectively with 5.45 per cent pod damage and 1852 kg/ha grain yield which was statistically at par with sequential spray of profenophos 50 EC @ 500 g.a.i./ha followed by Chlorantranilliprole 18.5 SC @ 18 g.a.i./ha that recorded average larval population of 0.23 and 0.12 per five plants at five days after first and second sprays, respectively with 4.53 per cent pod damage and 1920 kg/ha grain yield. Parasitoids (Campoletis chlorideae) and tachnid fly (Carcelia illota) activity did not hindered in Azadirachtin 3% WSP, Neem soap and HaNPV treated plots. The treatment benefit was also in the same trend i.e., the difference between T₈ (Rs. 21616) and T₂ (20594) was very narrow of Rs. 1022 with a benefit:cost ratio of Rs. 3.74 and 3.56 in T₈ and T₂ respectively for every rupee investment in the production of crop. Average per cent parasitization of H. armigera by C. chlorideae was 11.89 (in Neem soap), 11.68 (in HaNPV), 11.67 (in Azadirechtin 3%) and 13.23 (in untreated check) and were at par with each other and significantly superior over Chlorantranilliprole (5.50%). Significantly lowest larval parasitization was recorded in profenophos treated plot (3.05%). Similar is the activity response by tachnid fly.

5 tables, 11 ref

015332   Pushpalatha N;Anjanappa M;Pithcaimuthu M (Vegetable Science Dep, College of Horticulture, UHS Campus, GKVK, Bengaluru-560 065, Email: pushpalathanagarajc@gmail.com) : Genetic variability and heritability for growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Green Fmg 2017, 8(1), 6-10.

Quantification of variability is the most essential pre-breeding tool in any crop improvement. The present investigation was carried out to assess the variability existing in twenty-four diversified cucumber genotypes. The results revealed high phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation for yield per plant, fruit flesh thickness, number of fruits per plant, number of nodes per plant, number of branches per plant, average fruit weight, internodal length and vine length. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent mean was recorded for all the characters studied except for days to first female flower anthesis, days to fifty per cent flowering and days to first fruit harvest indicating that there is scope for improvement through the selection. Genotypic correlation coefficients were higher than phenotypic coefficients indicating the inherent relationship among the characters studied. Further the path analysis showed high direct effects of number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit moisture per cent, number of seeds per fruit and fruit cavity on fruit yield of cucumber emphasizing the worthiness of incorporation of these traits in improving cucumber yield.

6 tables, 20 ref

015331   Pumnuan J;Insung A (Faculty of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand, Email: kpjarong@gmail.com) : Fumigant toxicity of plant essential oils in controlling thrips, Frankliniella schultzei - 300 - (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and mealybug, Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi (Hemiptera: Psdudococcidae). J ent Res 2016, 40(1), 1-10.

Insecticidal acitivity of 18 plant essential oils against adults of thrips (Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom)) and larvae of mealybug (Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi Gimpel & Miller) were primarily investigated by using fumigation method. Later, various concentrations of the highly effective essential oils (resulting in more than 80% mortality) were tested. Major constituents in the commonly effective essential oils against both insects were analyzed. Then, fumigant toxicities of the standard chemicals and the selected essential oils were studied and compared. The results showed that the essential oils of clove (Syzygium aromaticum Merr. & L.M. Perry), cinnamon (Cinnamomum bejolghota (Buch.-Ham.) Sweet) and lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus (Dc.ex.Nees)) showed commonly high fumigant toxicity against the thrips and mealybug with the LC₅₀ at 1.14 - 1.48 and 1.12 - 1.58 μl/L air, respectively. The major chemicals found were eugenol in clove and cinnamon oils (97.100 and 82.054%, respectively) and citral (trans-citral and cis-citral) in lemongrass (69.730%0. In general, the essential oil presented higher fumigant toxicity than the standard chemical. Study revealed that a combination of various compounds resulted in synergism and higher insecticidal activity.

2 illus, 5 tables, 63 ref

015330   Priyanka R;Vasundhara M;Jayaram A;Nuthan D (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Div, Horticulture Dep, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bengaluru-560 065, Email: vasundhara.vasu@gmail.com) : Curcuminoid profile of Curcuma longa L. varieties as affected by processing method. J Spices aromatic Crop 2016, 25(1), 26-33.

Attempt was made to understand the variation in the curcuminoid profile of turmeric varieties. Eight cultivars namely, Local (check), IISR-Alleppey Supreme, IISR-Kedaram, IISR-Prabha, IISR-Pratibha, Suvarna, Suguna and Sudharshana were utilized for the study. Curcuminoid content of fresh, dried and cured varieties after methanolic extraction and quantification through HPLC revealed that Local (check) turmeric in fresh from was significantly superior in curcuminoid content. IISR-Prabha and IISR-Prathibha in dry and cured form respectively, also exhibited high curcuminoid content.

3 tables, 15 ref

015329   Praveen N;Rao I S (Senior Scientist & Co-ordinator, DAATTC, Rangareddy, ARI Campus, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Email: nemali.pdaattc@gmail.com) : Rationality and validity of ITKs on plant protection and post-harvest technology of tribal farmers in Telangana. J Agric Ext Mgmt 2017, 18(1), 52-8.

This study was conducted in Adilabad, Khammam and Warangal districts of Telangana. Ex post-facto research design was followed in this study, since different variables chosen for the study had already occurred. An effort was made to document the indigenous technology of tribal farmers. A questionnaire containing lists of ITKs was prepared and exposed to the scientists for judging the rationality and validity of ITKs on a three point scale wherein, 3 is rational, 2 undecided and 1 is irrational. The mean score was calculated by summing the scores overall and divided by the number of judges for a given item and if it was more than two then the item was considered as rational and less than two was considered as irrational. For validity, the scientists were asked to find out the valid ITKs among rational ITKs which were validated, tested and verified on the basis of research. Out of 41 ITKs on plant protection and post-harvest technology, only 32 ITKs (78.04%) were found rational and the remaining 9 ITKs (21.96%) were found irrational, while, 30 ITKs were found valid.

1 table, 4 ref

015328   Prakash N;Rajeev Kumar;Choudhary V K;Singh C M (Agricultural Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Dep, Rajendra Agricultural Univ, Pusa, Samastipur-848 125, Email: nilu71@gmail.com) : Molecular assessment of genetic divergence in pea genotypes using microsatellite markers. Legume Res 2016, 39(2), 183-8.

A study addressing to biochemical and molecular characterization of nineteen pea genotypes was conducted during rabi-2012. Study on starch structure indicated that all the field pea genotypes showed simple grains, whereas all the vegetable pea genotypes had compound grains, which looked irregularly - 299 - star-shaped, indicating the importance of starch structure to distinguish the vegetable pea from the field pea. Out of 26 primer pairs, 10 exhibited different levels of polymorphism amongst the nineteen pea genotypes. A total of fourty-eight allelic variants were detected among them with an average of 4.8 alleles per locus. Cluster analysis grouped all the nineteen genotypes into two broad clusters. The large range of similarity coefficient revealed by SSR markers provided greater confidence for the assessment of genetic divergence and interrelationship among the predicted two groups of field and vegetable peas. A perusal of similarity coefficients clearly reflected that a very high degree of similarity exists between pea genotypes VRP-9 and FP9-552, whereas FP9-557 and HBG found more diverse, may be used in breeding programme to generate the more recombinants.

3 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

015326   Prajapati B;Bhatnagar A;Kewalanand (College of Agriculture, G.B. Pant Univ Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: brajkishorprajapati1@gmail.com) : Quality analysis of winter season forage crops. Forage Res 2017, 42(4), 252-7.

Field experiments were conducted during rabi season of 2012-13 at Instructional Dairy Farm, G. B. P. U. A & T., Pantnagar (India) to evaluate quality parameters and correlation of rabi season forage crop (imported and indigenous) varieties. The treatments consisted of seven crop varieties i.e. some imported varieties of these crops like Genie oat variety of Oat and Baralfa IN variety of Lucerne, Makkhan grass variety of Rye grass and Barduro variety of Red clover from Netherland have been tested in the present investigation with Mescavi variety of Berseem, UPO-212 variety of Oat and local Rye grass. The analysis of data indicated that among leguminous rabi season forage crops lucerne, among oat varieties UPO-212 and among rye grasses varieties Makkhan grass, were found to have high quality of fodder.

4 tables, 24 ref

015325   Prajapati B;Bhatnagar A;Kewalanand (Agronomy Dep, Agriculture College, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: brajkishorprajapati1@gmail.com) : Growth and yield of cool season forage crops under Tarai reagion of Uttarakhand. Forage Res 2016, 42(2), 101-8.

Field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2012-2013 at Instructional Dairy Farm, G.B.P.U.A&T., Pantnagar (India) to evaluate performance of cool season forage crops/ varieties. The treatments consisted of seven crop varieties i.e. some imported varieties of these crops like Genie oat (Oat) and Baralfa IN (lucerne), Makkhan grass (rye grass) and Barduro (red clover) from Netherland have been tested in the present investigation with Mescavi variety of Berseem, UPO-212 variety of oat and local rye grass. The results showed that among oat varieties, crude protein per cent and dry matter digestibility was higher in genie oat than UPO-212. Crude protein per cent and dry matter digestibility was higher in makkan grass compared with local rye. Highest green forage yield, dry matter yield, crude protein yield and digestible dry matter yield was obtained from Baralfa IN (lucerne) and least from Barduro (red clover) than remaining leguminous crops. Among oat varieties, green forage yield, dry matter yield, crude protein yield and digestible dry matter yield was higher in the UPO-212 than genie oat while among rye grasses, these yields was higher in the makkhan grass than local rye.

3 tables, 31 ref

015324   Phurailatpam A K;Geetha K A;Meena R S;Maiti S (College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University, Pasighat-791 102, Email: arunkumarph@gmail.com) : Evaluation of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) cultivars for yield and yield contributing characters in Gujarat. J Spices aromatic Crop 2016, 25(1), 7-12.

Nineteen cultivars of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) from diverse sources were evaluated in semi-arid conditions of Gujarat for observing the various morphological and yield characters. The highest plant height was found in Pant Haritama (97.27 cm) which was at par with RCr 435, Acr 209, JD 1, Co 4, RCr 20 and Sadhana. There were no significant differences in number of primary and secondary branches in all the cultivars. Highest seed yield plant^{-1 were observed in JD 1 (10.78 g) which was at par with Sudha, Sindhu and RCr 41. The lowest yield plant-1 were observed in RCr 20 (1.81 gm). The minimum time taken for 50% flowering was observed in Sudha and RCr 41 (42.67 days) which were at par with that of Sindhu. The maximum time taken for 50% flowering was by RCr 20 (68.67 days). It was also observed that the time taken for days to full flowering in an umbel ranges between 8.14 days and the days to complete fruit formation in an umbel ranges from 14-20 days. It might be concluded from the study that the cultivars differed significantly in most of the parameters and offer a good scope of selection of cultivars for desired traits.}

1 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

015323   Pawar A;Ismail S (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani-431 402, Email: radhapawar.236@rediffmail.com) : Effect of zinc mobilizing microbial cultures on yield, nutrient uptake and quality of Bt cotton grown on vertisol. Green Fmg 2017, 8(1), 93-7.

Field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2013-14 at Research farm, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani on Vertisol to evaluate the effect of these selected microbial strains on yield, nutrient uptake and quality parameters of Bt cotton. Total eight treatments of microbial cultures were replicated three times in Randomized Block Design. The results emerged out indicated that Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas striata along with RDF were found better strains in increasing seed cotton yield and dry matter yield. Significantly highest uptake of major nutrients were recorded in the treatment - 297 - receiving Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas striata and Burkholderia cepacia. Among the microbial strains, fungal strain Trichoderma viride was found significantly superior in increasing total zinc uptake by cotton stalk followed by Pseudomonas striata and Burkholderia cepacia. Quality parameters of cotton fiber like ginning percentage, lint index and oil + protein content of cotton seed were also improved over only inorganic fertilizer applied plots and numerically over other microbial strains.

5 tables, 24 ref

015322   Pavan S;Dahiya K K;Devi N U;Lal R;Yogesh Kumar (Entomology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: pavan.sabbithi@gmail.com) : Evaluation of different IPM modules & screening of promising chickpea genotypes against Helicoverpa armigera (H.) at Hisar. Green Fmg 2017, 8(1), 194-9.

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season 2012-13 and 2013-14 at Entomology Research Farm, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to evaluate different IPM modules and screening of twenty one genotypes of chickpea against Helicoverpa armigera (H.). Among the modules evaluated module M₄ with coriander intercropping plus sequential spray with novaluron 1.2 l/ha plus scheduled spray malathion (2ml/l) was found most effective with a lowest mean larval population of 1.38 and 1.21 larvae per 10 plants, lowest pod borer damage of (10.73 per cent and 12.23 per cent), and highest chickpea equivalent yield of (2549 kg/ ha and 2545 kg/ ha) during the year 2013 and 2014 respectively. The module M₄ provided the highest benefit cost ratio (BCR) over control during both seasons of study that is 3.74 and 4.13 followed by M₂; the least BCR was recorded in M5 during both seasons. Screening of twenty one genotypes in Randomized block design with three replications revealed that the mean larval population of H. armigera per meter row length (MRL) during crop period ranged between 2.07 larvae per mrl (RSG-931) to 5.8 larvae per mrl (HC-1) during (2012-13) and it was 2.73 larvae per mrl (RSG-931) to 5.71 larvae per mrl (HC-1) during (2013-14). Mean per cent pod damage at harvest ranged between 8.18 (HK-2) to 22.76 (H08-61) during (2012-13), 9.56 (H04-28) to 23.64 (H08-61) during (2013-14). The pod yield ranged from 4.79 q/ha (H08-61) to 12.47 q/ha (RSG-931) during 2012-13, during (2013-14) the pod yield was ranged from 4.74q/ha (H08-61) to 11.74 q/ha (RSG-931).The pest susceptible rating ranged from 3 to 6 during both seasons.

5 tables, 18 ref

015321   Paul S;Vijayaragavan K;Singh P;Roy Burman R; Chahal V P (NO, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: sudiptaiari@gmail.com) : Determinants of research productivity of agricultural scientists: Implication for the national agricultural reserach and education system of India. Curr Sci 2017, 112(2), 252-9.

A micro level analysis for understanding the major determinants of research productivity of individual scientists in the National Agricultural Research and Education System of India was undertaken. A sample of two hundred scientists was drawn through multistage disproportionate stratified random sampling from a high performing and a low performing agricultural institute in India. Forced choice Q-sort technique was employed to record perception of respondents regarding relative influence exerted by selected variables on their research productivity and a factor analysis using principal component method with varimax rotation helped in extracting 11 major factors - 296 - determining research productivity of agricultural scientists, namely, organizational research environment, creativity, perseverance and commitment, research facility, ability to work under constraint, incentive policy, proactiveness, purposedriven orientation, achievement motivation, involvement in teaching and job satisfaction. The apparent uniformity in percentage variance contribution of these 11 factors implies that optimum research productivity of scientists can only be harnessed when personal and organizational factors work in harmony.

4 tables, 31 ref

015320   Pathania S;Sharma N;Handa S (NO, Dr Y S Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: shrutipathania89@gmail.com) : Optimization of culture conditions for production of amylase by Bacillus amyloliquifaciens SH8 using response surface methodology. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 2017, 83(1), 203-10.

In the present study Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the combined effect of relevant process variables to enhance the production of amylase under submerged fermentation by Bacillus amyloliquifaciens SH8. The process variables included pH, temperature, inoculum size, incubation days and substrate concentration. A 54 factorial central composite design (CCD) using response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to obtain interaction between the process variables and optimizing amylase titers. Total 54 experiments were carried out in shake flask and a three dimensional response surface was generated to determine the effect of process variables on amylase production. The optimal calculated values of tested variables for maximal production of amylase were: pH 5, temperature 45°C, inoculum size 5%, incubation day of 5 and substrate concentration of 0.60% with 16.07 IU/ml of amylase activity.

2 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

015319   Pathan O;Patel G G;Patel K B;Bambhaneeya S M (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Navsari Agricultural Univ, Navsari-396 450, Email: suresh10soilchemist@yahoo.in) : Effect of rates of iron application on yield, quality, nutrient content, uptake and soil fertility status of rice varieties. Green Fmg 2017, 8(1), 80-6.

The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Completely Randomizes Design, comprising twelve treatment combinations of two levels of moisture (S₁ : Aerobic and S₂ : Submerged), two varieties (V1 : GNR-2 and V₂ : GNR-4) and three levels of iron (F₀ : 0 kg/ha FeSO₄.7H₂O, F₁ : 25 kg/ha FeSO₄.7H₂O and F₂ : 50 kg/ha FeSO₄.7H₂O) which were repeated three times. The results indicated that among the growth and yield attributes, submerged condition (S₂), variety V₁ (GNR-2) and iron level F₁ (25 kg/ha FeSO₄.7H₂O) recorded significantly higher plant height, panicle length, number of tillers/plant, number of grains/panicle and test weight and grain and straw yield of rice except effect of variety on number of grains/panicle. The magnitudes of increase in grain and straw yield were 7.38 and 9.41, 7.38 and 8.27 and 19.2 and 12.9 per cent under submerged condition over aerobic, variety V₁ over variety - 295 - V₂ and iron level F₁ over F₀ level, respectively. Among different combinations, S₂V₁ recorded maximum yield of grain and straw, S₂F₁ recorded maximum yield of grain and S₂F₂ recorded maximum yield of straw. Iron content in brown rice was significantly affected and recorded 2.04, 53.61 and 4.11 per cent more Fe content under submerged condition over aerobic, variety V2 over variety V1 and iron level F^{1 over F0 level, respectively. In case of nutrient content, significant effect of submergence and Fe level on P, Fe and Zn content and varietal effect on P and Fe content in grain while only submergence and Fe level on P and Fe content in straw were observed. As far as uptake of the nutrients under study were concerned, significantly higher uptake of N, P, K and Fe in submerged condition (S₂), N and K by variety V1 and Zn by variety V2 and P, K and Fe by F1 and N by F2 were observed. Significant increase EC, available P₂O₅ and DTPA-Fe under submergence and DTPA-Zn under aerobic condition were noted while decrease in available P₂O₅ and increase in DTPA-Fe was observed with raising Fe levels.}

5 tables, 21 ref

015318   Patel S A;Vashisht V K;Bhoi P B (Vegetable Science Dep, College of Basic Sciences, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: sayeedp.567@gmail.com) : Association studies in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) : a principal component analysis. Green Fmg 2017, 8(1), 60-4.

Knowledge of component and correlation among component traits can improve efficiency of selection in melon. A study was undertaken to identify the principal components along with association of various yield and yield contributing traits in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.). Twelve promising lines were evaluated in a Randomized block design with two replications during spring-summer season of 2015 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The mean performance of genotypes revealed significant different for all the studied traits. The five components out of 11 showed maximum amount of variation (83.83%). Principal component (PC) 1, accounted variation for seed cavity followed by TSS, pH, β carotene and fruit yield which was contributed by genotypes SM-2012-12, MM-202 and MS-1. Similarly, PC2 was governed by flesh thickness, rind thickness, days to first female flower opening and days to 1st fruit ripening due to entries Farmers' Glory, MM-314 and MH-27. Biplot analysis showed fruit yield, seed cavity, titrable acidity and average fruit weight were correlated in comparison to other traits, while among genotypes, SM-2012-12, Punjab Sunehri (PS) and MM-314 were found to be diverse with respect to traits in the study. Genotypic correlations were higher than respective phenotypic correlations depicting least effect of environment in all studied traits. Fruit yield was positively correlated with average fruit weight, seed cavity and titrable acidity but negatively correlated with pH and fruit firmness at both genotypic and phenotypic level. TSS was negatively associated with fruit yield, average fruit weight but positively with β carotene, pH and fruit firmness. To enhance yield and quality of muskmelon, association between different traits must be kept in view during selection and genotypes showing maximum diversity could be used in hybrid development with desirable heterosis for particular traits.

1 illus, 5 tables, 17 ref

015317   Parbhat Kumar;Phogat D S;Pummy Kumari (Genetics & Plant Breeding Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004) : Correlation and path coefficient analysis studies in oat (Avena sativa L.). Forage Res 2016, 42(3), 198-200.

Fifty genotypes of oat were evaluated to study the character association and path coefficient during rabi 2014-15. The correlation studies revealed positive and significant correlations of seed yield/plant with 100-seed weight, number of spikelets/panicle and number of tillers/plant. Strong association of these traits revealed that the selection based on these traits would ultimately improve seed yield and it was also suggested that hybridization of genotypes possessing combination of above characters was most useful for obtaining desirable high yielding genotypes. Path coefficient analysis revealed that 100-seed weight, number of spikelets/panicle, number of tillers/plant, plant height, flag leaf length, internode length, axis length and days to maturity had positive and direct effects on seed yield/plant, while the characters viz., days to 50 per cent flowering and peduncle length showed direct negative effects. The results revealed that the traits like 100-seed weight, number of spikelets/panicle and number of tillers/plant should be given due consideration while performing selection for seed yield in segregating generations of oat.

2 tables, 12 ref