015216   Bhagawati S;Rahman A;Deka M K (All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Honey bees and Poll, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam-785 013, Email: sudhansubhagawati@gmail.com) : Diversity of insect foragers with reference to foraging behaviour of Asian honey bee, Apis cerana F. on sesamum, Sesamum indicum L.. J ent Res 2016, 40(3), 213-16.

The diversity of insect foragers and foraging behaviour of Apis cerana on Sesamum indicum were recorded, amongst foragers Apis cerana was the most dominant forager (32.66%) followed by Apis dorsata (26.54%), Xylocopa fenestrata (7.48%), Vespa cincta (6.12%), Coccinella septempunctata (6.12%), Musca domestica (6.12%), Apis florea (4.76%) and Xylocopa leucothorax (4.08%). Besides these, other insect foragers found in less numbers were Chalicodoma cephalotes (2.04%), Episyrphous belteatus (2.04%), Pieris rapae (2.04%). The study on foraging behaviour of Apis cerana revealed that 0900-1000 hours was the peak period of visit on seasamum flower. The number of Apis cerana per square meter per minute was recorded to be maximum (9.75 ± 0.15) during 0900-1000 hours and minimum (0.75 ± 0.19) during 1600-1700 hours. The number of flowers visited per minute was maximum (11.65 ± 0.15) in between 0500-0600 hours and minumum 4.12 ± 0.11 per minute at 1600-1700 hours of the day. The maximum time spent per flower was recorded to be 6.83 ± 0.10 seconds during 0900-100 hours and minumum being 3.87 ± 0.06 seconds during 1600-1700 hours of the day. Maximum pollen load was found to be 8.34 ± 0.14 mg during 0900-1000 while minumum to be 2.31 ± 0.08 mg during 1500-1600 hours of the day. Bright sunshine hours and temperature showed positive correlation whereas rainfall and relative humidity showed negative correlation with foraging behaviour of Apis cerana.

3 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

015215   Bhaduri D;Meena H N;Chakraborty K (NO, ICAR-Directorate of Groundnut Research, Junagadh-362 001, Email: debarati.ssiari@gmail.com) : Variation in phosphorus accumulation in groundnut cultivars as influenced by water salinity. Legume Res 2016, 39(2), 215-20.

Soil salinity remains an obvious abiotic stress that changes the behavior of nutrient accumulation in crop plants. Phosphorus being a key element in determining crop growth and economic yield, its uptake in plant parts varies under saline condition. Hence an experiment was conducted to assess the changing phosphorus content in eight groundnut cultivars, were grown in a field trial having in-built soil salinity developed with 0.5, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 dS m^{-1 of saline irrigations (EC_iw). Root-P was observed to have an increasing trend of accumulation upto 6.0 EC_iw while leaf-P increased upto 4.0 EC_iw with a concomitant rise in soil P. The cultivars TG 37A and GG 7 accumulated more leaf-P and root-P. However, across the cultivars the P-uptake was reduced when the applied EC_iw was 6.0 dS m-1. Further, these plant-P parameters correlated with the yield and yield attributes of groundnut crop.}

1 illus, 6 tables, 18 ref

015214   Bama K S;Babu C (Agronomy Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Email: ksoilscience@gmail.com) : Perennial forages as a tool for sequestering atmospheric carbon by best management practices for better soil quality and environmental safety. Forage Res 2016, 42(3), 149-57.

For improving the carbon storage in agricultural soil, cropping with best mangement practices is important. Among crops, forages have great oppourtunity to fix carbon. As well as the undisturbed cultivation for long period, poses to select these crops for carbon sequestration studies.The objective of this paper is to study the impact of various nutrient sources on biomass yield and carbon sequestration potential of various perennial fodder crops. An experiment was initiated with three different perennial forage crops viz., legume fodder (Lucerne CO 1), grass fodder [Cumbu Napier hybrid grass CO(CN)4] and cereal fodder [sorghum CO(FS)29]. The nutrient requirement met through different sources viz., farm yard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM), INM and inorganics. The results showed, among the different forage crops, Cumbu Napier grass had higher carbon sequesteration potential of above ground biomass which removed 336.7 t CO₂/ha than multicut fodder sorghum (148.7 t CO₂/ha). The higher below ground biomass in Cumbu Napier grass removed 7.73 tCO₂/ha from the atmosphere than lucerne (4.21 t CO₂/ha). The soil physical properties and microbial populations were also favourable in the grass type fodder. Among the nutrient sources, the FYM favoured higher carbon fixation in the soil than poultry manure, integrated nutrient management and inorganics alone. In addition, the Cumbu napier fodder crop stored 9.2 g/kg of soil organic carbon over initial SOC status of 6.5 g/kg followed by multicut fodder sorghum accumulated (8.7 g/kg). The soil carbon stock was worked out to be 18.63 t/ha/year in Cumbu napier grass than by multicut fodder sorghum 17.62 t/ha.

8 illus, 8 tables, 21 ref

015213   Balasubramani N (NO, National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (Manage), Hyderabad, Email: balasubramani@manage.gov.in) : Corporate social responsibility for agricultural development - a way forward. J Agric Ext Mgmt 2017, 18(1), 13-28.

A huge investment is required to address the current challenges of agriculture. These - 250 - challenges provide space for a pluralistic eco-system to involve various players. The Corporate sector is one of the important players in the current policy initiative to leverage Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for agricultural development. However, a very small amount of CSR fund has been spent in the agricultural sector by the companies though there is huge potential for investment in the sector. Agriculture is yet to attract the attention of India's CSR. Countries that had relatively high Agriculture growth, saw substantial reduction in poverty. Hence, if the Corporates allocate more fund under CSR in agriculture, many challenges of the farm sector can be addressed. Corporates who have invested in Agriculture as part of CSR activities have seen a significant improvement in terms of adoption of improved agriculture practices, conservation of natural resources, reduction in external inputs and cost of cultivation, etc., in their project areas. The emphasis of CSR in the Agriculture sector needs to be in the areas of environmental sustainability, natural resource management, innovation and technology led development, social development, entrepreneurship development, livestock development, market development, farm advisory services, etc. In order to promote CSR activities in Agriculture, it is suggested to have a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), steering committee having broad based representation of various stakeholders, proper monitoring system at various levels, etc.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

015212   Balapure M M;Mhase L B;Kute N S;Pawar V Y (Agriculture Botany Dep, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722, Email: nskute2004@rediffmail.com) : AMMI analysis for stability of chickpea. Legume Res 2016, 39(2), 301-04.

Five elite chickpea genotypes along with three check varieties were grown in eight environments during rabi 2011-12 season at Pulses Improvement Project, Mahatma Phule Agricultural University, Rahuri to check their stability. The genotypes were grown in randomized block design with three replications. The AMMI analysis of variance for seed yield clearly indicates that the mean sum of square for genotypes is significant, suggesting broad range of diversity among genotypes. The environmental variances are highly significant for all the characters. G x E mean sum of square was significant for seed yield which indicates that the performance of genotypes was differential over the environments. The proportion of sum of square for G x E for seed yield kg/plot was 26.04%. Three genotypes viz., Phule G-07102, Phule G-09103 and Digvijay exhibited stable performance over all environment (non-interacting)for seed yield kg/plot. The environments E3 (sowing date 1/11/2011), E4 (sowing date 16/11/2011) and E5 (sowing date 1/12/2011) had good conditions for most of the genotypes while at the same time, the PCA score for these three environments were nearly zero indicating all genotypes produced fairly stable seed yield.

1 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

015211   Aygun G;Aki C (NO, , ) : Effect of plant growth regulators on micropropagation of Anthurinum andreanum Linden. Ann Biol Res 2016, 7(9), 30-3.

Anthurium andreanum Linden plant species which belong to Araceae family has high commercial value. In this research, two varieties of A.andreanum have been micropropagated from calli by tissue culture techniques instead of classic production to increase the production. Plant regeneration of A.andraeanum varieties "Red Love" and "Pink Champion" have been achieved through adventitious shoot formation from calli. Leaf and petiol explants were harvested from mature certificated plants which were grown in the pots. The best combination for calli biomass production was obtained with combination of 0.1mg/L 2,4-D and 1.5mg/L BAP. Best shoot regeneration capacity was calculated as 86% per explant in the half strengthMS medium which was supplemented with 0.5 mg/L BAP for 'Red Love' variety. As a result of our research, in vitro optimization of "Red Love" and "Pink Champion" varieties have been realized in tissue culture conditions. Furthermore, micropropagation of Red Love variety was successfully achieved during our experiment.

015210   Aruna R;Srinivasan M R;Selvarajan R (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: arunaramaiah07@gmail.com) : Comparison of genomic RNA sequences of different isolates of Thai Sac Brood Virus attacking Indian honeybee, Apis cerana indica Fab. in Tamil Nadu by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction method. J ent Res 2016, 40(2), 117-22.

A variant of SBV known as Thai Sac Brood Virus (TSBV) infects larvae of the Indian honeybee (Apis cerana indica F.), resulting in failure to pupate and death. RT-PCR method was used to detect the TSBV infection in honeybee larvae originating from geographically distinct regions. Presence of TSBV was confirmed with two sets of forward and reverse primers of SBV. The RT-PCR assay proved to be a rapid, specific, and sensitive diagnostic tool for the direct detection of TSBV nuleic acid in samples of infected honeybees and brood regardless of geographic origin. Sequencing of amplification products and phylogenetic analysis suggested that the TSBV infecting. A. cerana - 249 - indica collected from two locations in Tamil Nadu even though distinct from one another belonged to the same cluster and had maximum similarity with one another and a Bangalore strain. However the present samples showed lesser relationship with UK and Japan strains.

5 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

015209   Arjun Kumar;Lavanya G R;Sowjanya B A (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Allahabad School of Agriculture, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agricu, Allahabad-211 007, Email: negiarjun1993@gmail.com) : Identification of promising hybrids through exploitation of heterosis in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Green Fmg 2017, 8(1), 37-40.

Thirteen hybrids of chickpea along with their eight parental lines in diallel fashion excluding reciprocal were evaluated for genetic variability (GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance), heterosis over mid parental value, heterobeltiosis and economic heterosis over ckeck i.e. Pusa 256 for yield and seven yield component characters. Significant differences were observed among hybrids and their parents for all the characters studied. Maximium GCV and PCV were observed for biological yield per plant followed by seed yield per plant and number of primary branches per plant. High heritability was observed in all cross combinations and high heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed in biological yield per plant. High heterotic effect over mid parental value was recorded in biological yield per plant, seed yield per plant and number of primary branches per plant. The Crosses C-201 x C-226 and C-216 x C-114 showed high heterobeltiosis for seed yield per plant and biological yield per plant. All F₁ hybrids showed positive heterotic value of economic heterosis over standard check for number of primary branches per plant, seed yield per plant and biological yield per plant. The diverse magnitude of heterosis for different characters in F1 over the parental lines indicated over all dominance or positively acting genes and increased diversity among the parental genotypes in the appearance of heterosis.

1 illus, 6 tables, 9 ref

015208   Anoop Kumar K T;Ghosh S M (Zoology Dep, Government College, Kasaragod-671 123, Email: anoopjyothi@gmail.com) : Incidence of mango leaf cutting weevil, Deporaus marginatus Pascal on cashew plant, Anacardium occidentale L. and its induced oviposition. J ent Res 0000, 40(1), 49-52.

The study was conducted under laboratory conditions by - 248 - maintaining a temperature between 30 - 32°C and humidity range between 80 - 85%, on D. marginatus, exposed to young plants of cashew with tender leaves. The weevil was induced to oviposit on the tender leaves of cashew followed by the cutting of the leaves. The eggs laid on such unnatural host (cashew leaves) developed normally into adult weevil. This constitutes first report D. marginatus feeding and laying eggs on cashew leaves in the laboratory and its subsequent development on tender cashew leaves. No oviposition and cutting of tender leaves was found on cashew plants in field.

8 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

015207   Annu;Raj K;Sangwan P;Singh N (Plant Pathology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: vermaannu06@gmail.com) : Screening of pearl millet germplasm against rust caused by Puccinia substriata var. Penicillariae. Forage Res 2016, 42(3), 158-65.

Rust caused by Puccinia substriata var. penicillariae is one of the major diseases affecting both food grain and forage production in pearl millet. In order to find out economical and cost effective method to manage the disease, attempts were made to identify resistance sources against rust by screening of germplasm. The field screening involved the use of a highly susceptible line as infector row grown after every three test rows under natural epiphytotic conditions. Observations on rust severity were recorded at grain filling stage. In all, 228 entries of coordinated trials, none of the entries was free from rust severity, 10 entries showed 0.1-20 per cent rust severity, 48 entries showed 20.1-40 per cent rust severity, 80 entries showed 40.1-60 per cent rust severity, 67 entries showed 60.1-80 per cent rust severity and 23 entries showed more than 90 per cent rust severity. Amongst 276 entries of state trials, 39 entries were free from rust severity, 188 entries showed 0.1-20 per cent rust severity, 71 entries showed 20.1-40 per cent rust severity, 15 entries showed 40.1-60 per cent rust severity, two entries showed 60.1-80 per cent rust severity and none of the entries showed more than 80 per cent rust severity.

1 illus, 14 tables, 9 ref

015206   Annu;Raj K;Sangwan P (Plant Pathology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: vermaanu06@gmail.com ) : Rust development in pearl millet caused by Puccinia substriata var. Penicillariae in relation to date of sowing amd weather parameters. Forage Res 2017, 42(4), 258-62.

Rust caused by Puccinia substriata var. penicillariae is one of the major diseases affecting both forage and grain production in pearl millet, particularly in the post-rainy cool season (rabi) crop. Attempt was made to find out the effect of rust of pearl millet on HHB 197, HHB 223 and HHB 197 at three different dates of sowing. Rust appearance in HHB 223 was more in comparison to HHB 197 and HHB 67 Imp. The per cent rust severity was more at recommended date of sowing in comparison to early sown and late sown crop. AUDPC was more in HHB 223 corroborating with HHB 197 but less in HHB 67 Imp. There was drastic change in apparent infection rate with adjustment in date of sowing and apparent infection rate was variable at different stages. Rust development was in progression phase when mean temperature ranged between 21°C to 28°C.

2 illus, 6 tables, 17 ref

015205   Ankush;Sharma S K;Meena S C;Singh V;Singh V (Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science Dep, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap Univ of Agric. & Te, Udaipur-313 001, Email: ktankdhanda@gmail.com) : Impact of irrigation and fertigation scheduling through drip irrigation in tomato (lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Green Fmg 2017, 8(1), 104-8.

The experiment was conducted during rabi season 2015-16 at Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur to evaluate the impact of irrigation and fertigation scheduling through drip irrigation in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications and fifteen fertigation treatment combinations. The treatments include three levels of irrigation water viz., 100% (I₁), 75% (I₂) and 50% PE (I₃) through drip and five levels of fertilizations through fertigation viz., 100% RDF (F₁), 75% RDF (F₂), 75% RDF + 2 foliar spray of 1% urea phosphate (F₃), 50% RDF (F₄) and 50% RDF + 2 foliar spray of 1% urea phosphate (F₅). Drip irrigation at 75% PE (I₂) + 75% RDF through fertigation + 2 foliar spray of 1% urea phosphate (F₃) significantly enhanced plant height (67.43 cm), number of branches (12.33), average fruit weight (98.62 g), average fruit yield per plant (3.49 kg), fruit yield (201.25 q/ha), net return (Rs. 220115.43) and benefit cost ratio (2.40). Quality characteristics like, fruit TSS, total sugar and reducing sugar also exhibit higher values (6.25 - 247 - °Brix, 3.969 and 3.03 per cent respectively) with the same treatment combination. The highest water use efficiency i.e. 26.37 ka/ha-cm was recorded under I₃F₃ treatment and fertilizer use efficiency with drip irrigation upto 75% PE and under F₅ treatment (157.11, 241.01 and 361.52 kg/kg NPK, respectively).

7 tables, 27 ref

015204   Anitha M;Swami D V;Kumar B P;Suneetha D R S (NO, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741 252, Email: anithamajji01@gmail.com) : Evaluation of nutrient management for better growth, yield and economics of Fenugreek. J Spices aromatic Crop 2016, 25(1), 34-40.

Field experiment was conducted to study the effect of nutrient management combinations in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Growth as well as seed and straw yields of fenugreek were significantly influenced by different treatments. Application of recommended dose through inorganic form (50%) + neem cake @638 kg ha^{-1 + Rhizobium melilotii + phosphate solubilising bacteria (PSB) recorded the highest plan height of 34.98 cm, leaves of 82.35 and branches of 5.5 at the final harvest stage. This treatment also recorded significantly highest straw yields. The maximum seed yield, net returns and benefit cost ratio were obtained in the combination of 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + poultry manure (PM) @1000 kg ha-1 + Rhizobium melilotii + phosphate solubilising bacteria (PSB).}

3 tables, 13 ref

015203   Anitha D;Nagavani A V;Chandrika V (Agronomy Dep, Sri Venkateswara Agricultural College, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultura, Tirupati-517 502, Email: anitha.mscagro@gmail.com) : Influence of crop geometry and age of seedlings on yield, nutrient uptake, post-harvest nutrient status and economics of finger millet. Green Fmg 0000, 8(1), 160-3.

A field experiment was conducted at the Department of Agronomy, S.V Agriculture College, Tirupathi during rabi, 2014- 15 to study the influence of crop geometry and age of seedlings on the growth - 246 - characters, yield, nutrient uptake and post-harvest nutrient status, economics of finger millet. The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design and replicated thrice. The results revealed that the growth characters i.e, plant height, dry matter production, total no of tillers m-2 were higher with transplanting of 25 days old seedlings at 15 cm x 10 cm with 2-3 seedling hill^{-1. T₅ (15 days old seedlings planted at 20 cm x 20 cm spacing) recorded highest grain yield, harvest index and B:C ratio. Treatment combination of 25 days old seedlings planted at 15 cm x 10 cm spacing (T₁) recorded higher nutrient uptake followed by transplanting of 15 days old seedlings at 20 cm x 20 cm with single seedling hill-1.}

4 tables, 12 ref

015202   Anil Kumar (Bajra Section, Genetics & Plant Breeding Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-1250 004, Email: anilbajra2009@gmail.com) : Comparative performance of hybrids and polulations under different management conditions for sustaiable pearl millet production. Forage Res 2016, 42(3), 180-3.

The experiment was conducted at the research farm of Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar from 2007 to 2010. The experiment consisted of eight treatments viz., two management levels i. e. Farmers practices [No application of DAP, sub-optimal use of N @ 25-30 kg/ha, no gap filling and thinning and hardly one interculture operation] and recommended package of practices under rainfed situation [Nitrogen @ 40 kg/ha and P₂O₅ @ 20 kg/ha, gap filling and thinning (three weeks after sowing) and one interculture operation] along with four cultivars i. e. two hybrids (RHB 121 and GHB 558) and two populations (Pusa 383 and Raj 171). The adoption of recommended practices enhanced the productivity by 23.5 and 18.5 per cent in hybrids and populations, respectively, as compared to farmer's practices. Among hybrids and populations; the hybrid GHB 558 (30.58 q/ha) produced significantly higher grain yield than RHB 121 hybrid (27.10 q/ha), populations Raj 171 (26.91 q/ha) and Pusa 383 (26.64 q/ha). Sustainable yield index (SYI) was quite higher in recommended package & practices (0.61) than the farmer's practices (0.33). The SYI was comparable in the population Raj 171 (0.66), hybrid GHB 558 (0.65) and RHB 121 (0.63) but quite superior to Pusa 383 (0.49) in the recommended package of practices. In farmer's practices, the SYI was found maximum in hybrid GHB 558 (0.42) and it was followed by Raj 121 (0.37), RHB 121 (0.30) and Pusa 383 (0.22) cultivars. The study indicated better performance of both the hybrids GHB 558 and RHB 121 than the populations Raj 171 and Pusa 383 under both the management levels.

2 tables, 9 ref

015201   Anand Kumar;Gupta R K;Shiv Kumar;Suresh Kumar (Zoology and Aquaculture Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: anand_rozha@yahoo.co.in) : Nutrient variations in vermicompost prepared from different types of straw wastes. Forage Res 2017, 42(4), 267-70.

The field experiment was carried out to study the chemical changes in - 245 - different organic wastes during vermicomposting with time interval in rainy season in CCS Haryana agriculture university, Hisar during 2011-12. The agricultural wastes like wheat straw, millet straw, pulse brawn and mustard straw were used as substrates for vermicomposting. The earthworm Eisenia fetida was found most useful for conversion of vermicompost so Eisenia fetida was used in preparation of vermicompost. In vermicompost process, several physical, chemical and the biological reactions took place resulting in changes in the organic matter in a certain period of time. Vermicomposting allowed obtaining organic sources of nutrients which were physically, nutritionally and biochemically improved over composts. In the present studies increased the nutrient content in vermicompost so as changes in nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus (NPK) were studied in different agricultural wastes with time.

3 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

015200   Alyemeni M N;Hayat Q;Hayat S;Faizan M;Faraz A (Botany and Microbiology Dep, College of Science, King Saud Univ, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Email: hayat_68@yahoo.co.in) : Exogenous proline applicaion enhances the efficiency of nitrogen fixation and assimilation in chickpea plants exposed to cadmium. Legume Res 2016, 39(2), 221-7.

Seeds of chickpea were sown in the pots supplemented with 0, 25, 50 or 100 mg of cadmium per kg of soil. At the stage of 30 days after sowing (DAS), the raised plants were sprayed with 20 mM proline except for the control plants which received double distilled water (DDW). The increasing degree of damage caused by the increasing concentration of Cd in soil was partially overcome by proline application. The treatment of 25 mg Cd fed plants with 20 mM proline increased significantly the nodulation parameters, leghemoglobin and carbohydrate content, leaf nitrogen and root nitrate content, activity of enzymes nitrogenase (E.C 1.18.6.1), nitrate reductase (E.C. 1.6.6.1), glutamine synthetase (GS) (E.C 6.3.1.2), glutamate synthase (GOGAT) (E.C 1.4.7.1) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) (E.C 1.4.1.3) over that of the control. The value of these parameters was found to be at par with that of the control in the plants exposed to 50 mg Cd per kg of soil and also treated with 20 mM proline. However, the treatment was not found to be effective in alleviating the adverse effects of 100 mg Cd per kg of soil.

2 illus, 37 ref

015199   Ahir K C;Rana B S;Saini A;Dangi N L;Mordia A (Entomology Dep, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap Univ of Agriculture, Udaipur-313 001, Email: kcahirento@gmail.com) : Management of soil inhabiting insect pests in groundnut (Arachis hypogaa L.) through bioagents and insecticides. Green Fmg 0000, 8(1), 210-13.

A field experiment was conducted in a Randomized block design to find out the effective management of white grub and termite in groundnut through bio agents and insecticide during kharif, 2014 at Instructional farm, College of Technology and Engineering (MPUAT), Udaipur. The basal application of phorate 10% G at 25 kg/ha was found safe and most effective against white grub with lowest mean population of 0.13 grub/1m row and lowest mean plant mortality due to white grub and termite were 1.04 and 0.60 per cent, respectively. Drenching of chlorpyriphos 20 EC at 2500 ml/ha, imidacloprid 200 SL at 600 ml/ha and fipronil 5% SC at 2400 ml/ha were found next effective treatments and at par to each other. Among bio-agents, Metarhizium anisopliae at 4 x 10^{12 conidia/ha was found most effective. While, Steinernema carpocapsae at 5 b Ijs/ha and Beauveria bassiana at 4 x 1012 conidia/ha were least effective. The minimum mean pod damage (1.33%) and highest marketable yield of 22.37 q/ha was recorded from phorate 10% G.}

6 tables, 14 ref

015198   Adlin Pricilla Vasanthi E;Rajavil D S (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai-625 104, Email: adlinpricilla.203@gmail.com) : Effect of sesamin on termites, Odontotermes wallonensis (Wasmann) in groundnut. J ent Res 2016, 40(1), 17-20.

Field efficacy of sesamin was tested against the termites, Odontotermes wallonensis (Isoptera: Termitidae) in groundnut between February to May, 2012 in Kovilangulam village, Tamil Nadu. Sesamin 1000 ppm, 900 ppm, 800 ppm, 700 ppm and 600 ppm were soil drenched in groundnut field @ 1000 ml/acre. A standard synthetic chemical insecticide, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC was used as reference product and untreated control plot was also maintained. The effects of sesamin on pod damage (PD) and pod scarification (PS) were assessed till harvest (90 days). Significantly more termine infestation was found in control (75% PD and 40.33% PS) as compared to treated plots (p<60>0.05). Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC was effectively reduced the termite infestation (17.96% PD and 13.98% PS). Sesamin 1000 ppm was on par with standard check which controlled the pod damage and pod - 244 - scarification by 18.33 and 15.00 per cent respectively.

1 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

015197   Adlin Pricilla Vasanthi E;Jeyarajan Nelson S; Muthukrishnan N;Ramanathan A;Uma D (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: adlinpricilla.203@gmail.com) : Antitermitic effect of invasive plants on subterranean terminte, Odontotermes wallonensis Wasmann. (Termitidae: Isoptera). J ent Res 2016, 40(3), 207-12.

Aqueous extracts of nine invasive plant species viz., Calotropis procera, Datura metal, Lantana camara, Coleus amboinicus, Eucalyptus globulus, Anacardium occidentale, Jatropha curcas, Tecoma stans and Prosopis juliflora were screened to find out the antitermitic effect. Plant extracts at 10 per cent were evaluated on the subterranean termite, Odontotermes wallonensis, a most common mound building species in South India. All the treatments differed significantly from control and standard check (Chlorpyrifos 20 EC @ 0.1%). L. camara was observed to be the most effective termiticide, which shows cent per cent mortality and low food consumption (1.04 g). J. curcas was found to be a potential antifeedant where food consumption was very low (0.25 g) compared to untreated check (1.75 g).

3 tables, 21 ref

015196   Adhikary P;Patra P S;Ghosh R (Agronomy Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741 252, Email: pabitra.bdp@gmail.com) : Influence of weed management on growth and - 243 - yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) in gangetic plains of West Bengal, India. Legume Res 2016, 39(2), 274-8.

The field experiments were carried out at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal, India during summer seasons of 2012 and 2013, to study the effect of weed management on growth and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in gangetic plains of West Bengal. Weed biomass, weed control efficiency as well as the pods plant^{-1, 100-seed weight, seed yield were significantly affected due to weed control treatments. Treatment receiving hand weeding twice recorded lowest weed biomass (3.44 g m-2) and highest WCE (85.09%). Highest seed yield (1025 kg ha-1) was also recorded with hand weeding, which was significantly higher over other treatments. The results also showed that oxyfluorfen and chlorimuron-ethyl treatment applied at recommend rate were also effective in reducing the dry weight of weeds. Further the tested herbicides did not have significant effect on the crude protein and oil content in seeds.}

4 tables, 16 ref

015195   Abeysingha N S;Jayasekara J M N S;Meegastenna T J (Agricultural Engineering and Soil Science Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata Univ of Sri Lanka, Puliyankulama, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, Email: nabeysingha@gmail.com) : Stream flow trends in up and midstream of Kirindi oya river basin in Sri Lanka and its linkages to rainfall. Mausam 2017, 68(1), 99-110.

Trend analysis of hydro-climatic variables provide useful information for effective planning, designing and management of water resources and agricultural production. Trends in observed stream flow at upstream and midstream gauging stations (GS), Wellawaya, Thanamalwila & rainfall and temperature in the Kirindi Oya river basin were assessed using the Mann-Kendall, Modified Mann-Kendall and Sen's slope. Average rainfalls for the two catchments and for the entire basin were computed using 'Thessen polygon' method. The relationships between trends in stream flow and catchment rainfall were studied by Spearman's Rho correlation coefficient ρ. Five year Moving averaged Standardize Anomalies (FMSA) of both annual stream flow and rainfall at Wellawaya and Thanamalwila catchments were in a non-significant (p <60> 0.05) decreasing trend for 1994 to 2010.Though there was a positive correlation between annual catchment rainfall and stream flow of these two catchments, correlation was significant (p <60> 0.05) only at Thanamalwila (0.69) suggesting that the variation of annual stream flow at Thanamalwila GS was mainly attributed to the variation of catchment rainfall. However, variation of stream flow during North East Monsoon (NEM) season was mainly attributed to the variation of respective catchment rainfall of both the catchments as evident by significant higher ρ at Wellawaya (0.61) and Thanamalwila (0.69). This study also found that trend of FMSA of South West Monsoon (SWM) rain was significantly (p ° 0.05) decreasing for the entire basin, Thanamalwila and Wellawaya sub-catchments. Stream flow at Wellawaya GS during SWM was also found to be significantly decreasing while Thanamalwila stream flow was non-significantly decreasing. Both rainfall and stream flow during First Inter Monsoon (FIM) was in a significant increasing trend particularly in the month of April. These observed trends during SWM and FIM suggest an apparent early onset of SWM in the basin, or drastic deviation in receiving rain during SWM in the Kirindi Oya river basin.

5 illus, 6 tables, 22 ref

015194   Abebe A;Faji M;Mengistu S (NO, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Assosa Agricultural Res, P.O. Box 265, Email: alabe_2008@yahoo.com) : Determination of appropriate time and efficient method of seed harvesting from Andropogongayanus at Benishangul-Gumuz, western Ethiopia. Forage Res 2016, 42(3), 143-8.

This study was done to determine efficient method and appropriate time of harvesting seed from Andropogongayanus thereby delivering the information and knowledge to private and public forage seed producers.The study was conducted in research field of Assosa Agricultural Research Center for three consecutive years with treatment set up of factorial combinations of four harvesting methods and four harvesting times with four replications. The harvesting methods were hand plucking/mowing of ripened panicle, shaking the panicle at harvesting allowing the ripe seeds to fall in nylon net collecting bags attached to stems, sweeping of fallen seeds from the ground after previously cutting of the dry stems and mowing of panicle with half-mature seed and sweating it in a shade. Time of harvest schedule defined by number of days after peak anthesis; and the treatments were 14th, 21st, 28th and 35th days. Data were - 242 - analyzed by SPSS computer software using GLM procedures. The overall mean seed yield and germinable seed yield (kg/ha) recorded in the study were 561.3 and 309.9, respectively. Highly significant (P<60>0.001) yield differences were recorded for germinable seed among harvesting methods and time of harvesting. The interaction of harvesting method and harvesting time was also significant (P<60>0.05).The most efficient method and appropriate time that maximum germinable seed yield attained was sweating on 28th day followed by mowing on 21st day; and the least germinable seed yield was attained by sweeping on 14th day. Thus, we recommend farmers and seed producers growing Andropogongayanus in Benishangul-Gumuz and in similar agro-ecologies to harvest seed by sweating on 28th day after peak anthesis.

1 illus, 5 tables, 13 ref

014453   Zehra S B;Khan S H;Ahmad A;Afroza B;Parveen K;Hussain K (Vegetable Science Div, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar-190 025, Email: syedandleebzehra@gmail.com) : Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for various quantitative and quantitative traits in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 262-73.

Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for different quantitative and qualitative characters were studied in 64 genotypes of chilli. The study indicated the existence of considerable amount of genetic variability for all the traits under study. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for almost all the traits studied. The maximum range was recorded for fruit yield per plant (150-900 g) followed by vitamin-C content at red ripe stage (35.50 -207.17 mg/100g), vitamin-C content at green stage (24.93-195.83 mg/100g), capsanthin content (39.58-180.35ASTA units, number of fruits per plant (21.32-100.27) and plant height (50.20-105.00cm). The highest phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variability were observed for average fruit weight followed by - 409 - seed yield per plant, average seed weight per fruit, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant and fruit diameter. In general the phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were slight higher than genotypic coefficients of variation GCV), which indicates the minor role of environment in the expression of traits under observation. The estimates of heritability in broad sense was high for all the characters. The present investigation indicates a great scope of in the improvement of these traits as these characters in general possessed high estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic advancement except for days to first fruit set, days to first green fruit harvest, days to first ripe fruit harvest and dry matter content (high heritability but moderate genetic gain) indicating the preponderance of additive gene action for control of these traits.

5 tables, 25 ref

014452   Yashoda;Gowda T H;Hittalmani S (Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture Sciences, Shimoga, Agricultural and Hortgicultu, Shimoga-577 205, Email: yj1990@gmail.com) : Assessment of morpho-molecular diversity in blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) hepper). Green Fmg 2016, 7(5), 1073-6.

An investigation was conducted at KVK, UAHS, Shimoga to analyze the morphological and molecular (SSR) diversity of 46 black gram genotypes for 12 morphological characters during kharif 2013. Forty six genotypes of black gram were subjected to genetic divergence by using D² statistic. The genotypes were grouped into three clusters by D² analysis. Cluster I consisted maximum genotypes (44) and cluster II and III consisted only 1 genotype. The inter-cluster distances were greater than intra-cluster distances, revealing that less amount of genetic diversity existed among the genotypes. 100-seed weight, days to maturity, number of seeds per pod were major traits causing genetic divergence among genotypes. Cluster III had highest mean value for most of the traits. The genotypes M-186 and M- 191 may serve as potential parents for hybridization programme in the improvement of yield. Molecular markers are powerful tools for detecting diversity in genotypes. In present investigation 46 black gram genotypes were assessed for genetic diversity by using 11SSR primers. Results are revealed as among 11 primers the maximum number of alleles were observed for all the marker Ccmt 1, Ccmt 35, Ccmt 2, Ccmt 42, Ccmt 44, Ccmt 49, Ccmt 10, Ccmt 57, Ccmt 36, Ccmt 52 (2) except for Ccmt 5 (1). Maximum gene diversity was observed for Ccmt 1 (0.4969) followed by Ccmt 2 (0.4764) and Ccmt 35 (0.3856). Highest polymorphic information content (PIC) value was observed for the primer Ccmt1 (0.37) followed by Ccmt 2 (0.36). Maximum allele frequency was noticed in primer Ccmt5 (1.00), Ccmt 49(0.91) followed by Ccmt 44 (0.84). The UPGMA based dendrogram was obtained from the data deduced from the DNA profiles of the samples analyzed. Jaccard's similarity coefficients which ranged from 22 to 100 per cent and at similarity coefficient of 24 per cent, seven main groups were observed. Maximum number of genotypes were observed in cluster II (14) followed by cluster III (13).

1 illus, 5 tables, 12 ref

014451   Yang S;Wang C (NO, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisher, Shanghai, 200090, China, Email: swatipriyankla@gmail.com) : Aromatic hydrocarbons toxicity to Chlorella vulgaris based on QSAR model. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(4), 678-85.

Predicting ability based on the quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) model of unknown aromatic hydrocarbons toxicity is one of the tasks of security precaution. To establish the QSAR model between the physical and chemical properties of aromatic hydrocarbons and the inhibited activity of Chlorella vulgaris(C. Vulgaris), the optimized geometries, based on the 96 hr-EC50 of 25 aromatic hydrocarbons with C. Vulgaris were carried out at the B3LYP/6-311G** level by density functional theory (DFT) calculation. With matlab2010(a) software, multiply linear regression(MLR) and three types principal components regression (PCR) methods were used to develop the QSAR model. Three methods were introduced to select the PCs, namely k-values(K), eigenvalue ranking(EV) and correlation ranking(CR) procedures. The different resutls then were compared. After eliminated one of the collinear descriptor and constants, 6, 1 and 4 PCs were select by K, EV, CR for PCR method respectively. LOO cross-validated coefficient (R²_CV) of training set to MLR,K-PCR,EVPCR,CRPCR were 0.673,0.817,0.874,0.907,the R² of prediction were 0.569,0.678,0.519,0.79,respectively.

7 illus, 7 tables, 29 ref

014450   Yamini Divya M;Bhagavan B V K;Naidy M Muthyala;Subbaramamma P (Horticulture Dep, College of Horticulture, Venkataramannagudem, Andhra Pradesh, Email: naidumalla65@gmail.com) : Fiber yield of different genomic groups of banana. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 946-8.

Experiment "studies on evaluation of different genomic groups of banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) for fiber extraction and its quality" was conducted at Horticultural Research Station, Kovvur (A.P.), India. Maximum fiber recovery percentage was recorded in KovvurBontha (ABB) (0.788) followed by KarpuraChekkarakeli (ABB) (0.676) whereas maximum fiber extractable pseudostem percentage was recorded in KovvurBontha (ABB) (64.66), followed by FHAI-3 hybrid (60.67) and the highest fiber yield was recorded in KovvurBontha (ABB) 302.682 Kg ha<&>-1 followed by Karpura Chakkerakeli 258.620 Kg ha^-1.

3 tables, 9 ref

014449   Yadav U;Jadhav N (Zoology Dep, Govt. Girls P.G. College, Ujjain, Email: neetasingh646@gmail.com) : Empowerment of rural women through sericulture. Envir Conserv J 2017, 18(1-2), 207-9.

The reduction of rural poverty is a continuous paramount goal of the developing countries like India, so far various strategies (sericulture is most appropriate out of them) have been pursued to address this concern and rural empowerment creation is one of the major aspects. We ought to learn from the past experiences that suggest devising a frame work of equitable and sustainable development of her participation on a consistent basis. Keeping in view the involvement of rural women in sericulture and silk industry, their present status in society and need for their empowerment, strategies to be incorporated in the various developmental initiatives are suggested. The global scenario clearly indicates the enormous opportunities for the Indian silk industry, because India is the second largest producer of silk in the world. Sericulture provides many opportunities to rural women.

13 ref

014448   Yadav P K;Jat M K;Tikkoo A;Yadav S S;Sharma S K (Soil Science Dep, Chaudhary Charan Singh, Haryana Agricultural Univ, Regional Research Station, Bawal-123 501, Email: mukesh.rca@gmail.com) : Three decades of using of gypsum under sodic water irrigation in coarse textured soils. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1456-61.

The aim of this study was to determine the long term use of sodic waters and gypsum on physico-chemical properties of coarse textured loamy sand soil. The study consisted of three natural occurring underground sodic waters and amendment gypsum in various cropping systems. The results demonstrated that sodic water irrigation significantly de-creased infiltration rate (1.46 & 1.09 cm hr-1) and soil porosity (35.66 & 33.26%) and increased soil strength (17.49 & 17.67 kg cm-1), pH (9.52 & 9.66), exchangeable sodium percentage (48.00 & 55.00), sodium adsorption ratio (45.14 & 54.10 (mmol/l)1/2) and calcium carbonate content (2.15 & 2.44%). The gypsum application significantly improved infiltration rate (2.20 cm hr-1) and soil porosity (38.7%) and reduced soil strength (16.74 kg cm-1), soil pH (9.35) exchangeable sodium percentage (39.00), sodium adsorption ratio (36.93 (mmol/l)1/2) over a period of thirty years. A significant CaCO3 build up in soil was also observed with gypsum application (3.28% 4.56%) as compared to its content at the start of study. Thus, it is con-cluded that in coarse textured soils of North west India, sodic waters up to RSC 12.0 me l-1 could safely be used crop production in combination with gypsum in loamy sand soil without any adverse effect on the physico-chemical charac-teristics of soil.

6 tables, 21 ref

014447   Yadav P C;Singh R P;Gupta P K (NO, C.C.S. (PG) College, Heonra (Saifai), Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, Email: prem.fmp@gmail.com) : Assess the current level of mechanization practices for the major cropping pattern on farmers field in Etawah district (U.P.), India. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 937-40.

Survey was carried out in the month of January, 2014 to May 2014 find the current level of mechanization practices followed by the farmers for the major cropping system in three blocks viz., Jaswant Nagar, Barpura and Basrehar of Etawah district of U.P. 108 farmers were selected from nine villages, considering the owning improved implemtns of bullocks, tractors and power operated categories. The data regarding farm machines and implements have also been collected from development office Etawah, the survey data indicate that the number of tractors per 1000 ha cultivated area in different selected blocks was 61.05 ha, 53.7 ha and 29.6 ha in Jaswant Nagar, Barpura and Basrehar, respectively. The annul use of tractor varied from 699 hr to 866 ha. The number of chaffcutter in select block varied from 391.53, 239.18 and 391.53 numbers per 1000 ha in blocks, plant protection equipments was very low as the number of sprayer 56.80-100.47 and duster 13.45-30-86 numbers per 1000 ha cultivated are in surveyed block. However, most of the farmers were using plant protection equipments and other machines on custom haring basis. About 21.0% farmers were using bullocks drown three tyne cultivators (tifara) in surveyed area. Power operated centrifugal pump sets were most common for underground water pumping and its availability was highest in Jaswant Nagar Block 99.73 unit per 1000 ha cultivated area followed by 89.35 and 53.81 in Basrenar and Barpura Block respectively.

6 tables, 3 ref

014446   Yadav M K;Singh R;Ashwani Kumar;Yadav R S (Plant Pathology Dep, Tilak Dhari P.G. College, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, Email: manojyadav514821@gmail.com) : Evaluation of bio-efficacy of some novel fungicides against colletotrichum capsici (Sydow) disease of chilli (Capsicum annum L.). Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 845-8.

Chilli (Capsicum annuum) is one of the major cash crops in India. Chilli crops are affected by fungal, bacterial and viral diseases. However, fungal diseases are found to be the major factor constraint of the chilli production. For the control of these disease used mostly used fungicides which are reduced their severity and suppress their growth. In the present investigation used seven fungicides viz., Carbendazim, Captafol, Thiram, Azoxystrobin 23% SC, Hexaconazole 2% SC, Chlorothalonil 75% WP and Indofil M-45. All the treatments were found superior on the control and reduced fungal growth. Most effective fungicides found Carbendazim in both the year which reduced fungal growth and increased yield while the yield over the control plot. Maximum fruit yield (17.93 and 16.70 q/ha) was recorded with foliar spray of Carbendazim 600 ml/ha which was at par with foliar spray of Captafol 500 ml/ha (17.32 and 12.03 q/ha) and significanlty superior over rest of the treatments, during 2012-13 and 2013-14 respectively. However, minimum disease incidence (12.14 and 12.37%) was recorded in foliar sprays with Carbendazim, which was found most effective treatment against anthracnose disease of chilli, during both the years.

2 tables, 18 ref

014445   Yadav G R;Srivastava P;Mishra V K;Chauhan D; Rajveer (Entomology Dep, G.B. Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: premvijaybhu@gmail.com) : Efficacy of some insecticides against thrips, Megalurothrips sjostedti trybom cowpea crop ecosystem. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 415-20.

The study was conducted to determine efficacy of insecticides against Thrips, Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom on cowpea grown at field experiments were conducted at Breeder Seed Production Centre, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar 2014.The most effective treatment for the control of thrips Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom was seed treatment with fipronil @ 3 ml/kg + spray with fipronil @ 5 ml/lt with maximum reduction (70.06%) in the thrips population of cowpea while lowest effective treatment for the control of thrips Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom was seed treatment with imidacloprid 17.8SL @ 10ml/kg + spray with monocrotophos 36SL @ 2ml/lt with minimum reduction (16.02%) in the thrips, Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom population of cowpea crop.

2 tables, 18 ref

014444   Yadav D K (Farm Forestry Dep, Sarguja Univ, Ambikapur-497 001, Email: dheerajforestry@gmail.com) : Species structure and diversity in Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, Central India. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1241-8.

The present study was aimed at quantifying the species structure and diversity in Achanakmar- Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. Four sites characterized by varying vegetation attributes and representative of the region were selected. One-hectare, permanent plot was established on each of the site and enumeration was car-ried - 405 - out by stratified random sampling techinique. The forest sites are characterized by poor species composition. A sum of 2440 trees representing 23 species and 17 families were encountered. Tree, sapling and seedling density (stems ha-1) ranged between 260 - 810, 7500 - 35000 and 25000 - 67500, respectively while the basal cover (m2 ha- 1) ranged between 9.96 - 41.6, 0.86 - 5.07 and 0.28 - 0.96, respectively. Species diversity was highest on the dense site and low on medium site. Beta diversity was highest on degraded site. The presence of a large number of seed-lings indicates the great potential source for future sustainable regeneration, provided by appropriate management regime to protect the forest from degradation and conserve the biodiversity.

5 tables, 52 ref

014443   Yadagiri J;Gupta N K;Prabhakar V;Sagar L S; Gurjar P K S (Horticulture Dep, College of Agriculture (Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidya, Indore-452 001, Email: jagati4all@gmail.com) : Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield and its components of bitter gourd (Momordica charatia L.). Green Fmg 2016, 7(5), 1077-9.

Genetic variability and heritability were studied in 20 genotypes of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) to determine the magnitude of variability in the population and to identify genotypically diverse and economically desirable genotypes for utilization in crop improvement. The experiment carried out following Randomizing block design with three replication results indicated that high phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation were recorded for yield per vine (71.68), weight of fruit (39.17), seed weight per fruit (37.25), length of fruit (34.16), number of seeds per fruit (32.70) and internodal distance per vine (27.15) while, moderate phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation were observed for number of fruits per vine (19.81), number of female flowers per vine (15.53)and days to marketable yield (5.05) indicating the extent of available genetic variability for these traits. High heritability along with high genetic advance observed for yield per vine (99.70), Weight of fruit (99.10), number of male flowers per plant(97.40),length of vine (96.00), number of seeds per fruit (91.80) and length of fruit (91.40) is indicative of additive gene action in control of these traits and phenotypic selection based on these traits in the segregating population is likely to yield desired individuals.

2 tables, 15 ref

014442   Wodajo W A;Ponusamy K (Rural Development and Agricultural Extension Dep, Ambo Univ, Ambo, Ethiopia, Email: wawj2017@gmail.com) : Actor linkage in dairy production in West Shewa zone of Oromia, Ethiopia. Indian J Dairy Sci 2017, 70(3), 357-63.

In Ethiopia, the importance of linkage for increasing the agricultural productivity of stakeholders was recognized in 1980s. However, linkage mechanism of dairying of West Shewa zone was not adequately studied. This study was carried out to assess the extent of convergence of different stakeholders promoting dairy development employing cross sectional survey with 250 - 404 - respondents. A simple random sampling technique was used to identify the respondents of the study. Mixed methods such as focus group discussion, key informant interview, survey and observation were used for data collection to capture the holistic information. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, convergence matrix and linkage matrix. The study brought out the prevailing weak linkage in the study area which was mainly attributed to budget constraints, absence of commitment from the actors, poor coordination, limited representations of actors, absence of external pressure from policy makers, and absence of independent organization for taking responsibility for effecting linkage activities. Though dairy actors` had possibilities of creating convergence in the activities of problem identification, research review meetings, on-farm trial, demonstration and others; there were no collaborative efforts among the actors. Thus, it necessitates the integrated action of multi-actors (research, extension, university, input suppliers, marketing agency, livestock agency, cooperatives etc.). For the purpose, the better strategy would be to establish independent organization that entirely takes care of roles and responsibilities of executing the activities of linkage.

1 illus, 4 tables, 10 ref

014441   Wodajo W A;Ponnusamy K (Rural Development and Agricultural Extn Dep, Ambo Univ, Ambo, Ethiopia, Email: wwwj2017@gmail.com) : Indicators for technology generation effectiveness in dairying in Ethiopia. Indian J Dairy Sci 2017, 70(2), 233-40.

Dairy research is being undertaken since 1960s in Ethiopia. However, the majority of the farmers still continue to use traditional practices. This study was carried out to look into the effectiveness of research in generating improved dairy practices. To achieve the objective of the study, cross sectional survey was employed using 50 researchers in the area of livestock sector. A systematic sampling technique was employed to identify the sample respondents. Holistically, to capture all the relevant information, mixed methods such as focus group discussion, key informant interview, questionnaire and observation were used for data collection. The data were analyzed developing dairy research effectiveness index, ordered logit regression analysis and content analysis. The study brought out that the dairy research effectiveness index developed using the score of sub indicators such as personal characteristics, research participation, research infrastructure, research management, responsiveness of improved dairy practices, research policy, social participation and financial capacity indicated the low level of the dairy research effectiveness. The ordered logit regression analysis also indicated that research participation and responsiveness of improved dairy practices were significantly influencing the effectiveness of dairy research. Thus, developing culture of collaboration program with experienced countries in dairy research is a pragmatic approach whereby dairy researchers can be capacitated through experience sharing and staff exchange program for improving the dairy research. Likewise, strengthening financial capacity of researchers, fulfilling research infrastructure, developing research policy and improving research managerial skills are the main areas that need the attention of top research executives.

1 illus, 12 tables, 17 ref

014440   Waza S A;Jaiswal H K;Sravan T;Bano D A; Priyanka Kumari;Umesh (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: sahmad777@gmail.com) : Heterosis for yield and quality traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.). J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1510-22.

Twenty F1 hybrids from three CMS lines and eight pollen parents were evaluated to study the heterosis for various yield and quality traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The findings suggested that the magnitude of heterosis differed from character to character and cross to cross. Majority of the hybrids recorded - 403 - desirable heterosis for grain yield. Among the rice hybrids exhibiting high heterosis for grain yield, IR-68897A x Pusa Sugandh-3, IR-58025A x HUR-JM-59221 and IR-58025A x Pusa Sugandh-5 were top performers. The hybrid, IR-68897A x Pusa Sugandh-3 recorded highest yield per plant, and was among the best three performers for traits, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and number of effective tillers per plant. Thus, IR-68897A x Pusa Sugandh-3 may be considered as the best heterotic combination for yield and yield traits. Among the three high yielding hybrids, IR-58025A x Pusa Su-gandh-5 was found to be relatively better performing for majority of the quality traits. Thus, IR-58025A x Pusa Su-gandh-5 may be considered as the best cross combination if both yield and quality traits are taken into consideration.

5 tables, 43 ref

014439   Wasnik P G;Menon R R;Surendra Nath B; Balasubramanyam B V;Manjunatha M;Sivaram M (Dairy Engineering, MAFSU-College of Dairy Technology, Pusad, Maharashtra, Email: pgwasnik@gmail.com) : Application of particle analysis and colour parameters for detection of adulteration of cow ghee with vanaspati derived from image analysis. Indian J Dairy Sci 2017, 70(2), 200-8.

Ghee is a clarified butter fat, most widely used milk product in Indian sub-continent, due to its pleasant taste and appetizing aroma. Because of its high nutritional value, unique flavour, variable nature and high demand its adulteration has always been a serious concern. Various analytical and sophisticated instrumental methods are available, each having its own advantages and disadvantage. In this research an attempt was made to develop a methodology for detection of adulteration in cow ghee with vegetable fat by using image analysis technique called particle analysis and colour measurement. ImageJ an open license free software and flatbed scanner was used for image processing and acquiring images respectively. Particle count, equivalent particle diameter, yellowness index and whiteness index was measured for pure cow ghee and compared with adulterated ghee of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% vegetable fat. It was found that in all seven different trials the pure ghee was having significantly higher particle count, smaller equivalent particle diameter, more yellowness index and less whiteness index than that of adulterated ghee at each level of adulteration (P<60>0.05). The method can be readily employed as an alternative method to routine laboratory adulteration detection had the advantages of convenience, rapidity, accuracy, large sample size handling, repeatability and economical by critically following the developed protocol.

6 illus, 30 ref

014438   Wasnik P G;Menon R R;Surendra Nath B; Balasubramanyam B V;Manjunatha M;Sivaram M (Dairy Engineering, MAFU-College of Dairy Technology, Pausad, Maharashtra, Email: pgwasnik@gmail.com) : Application of pixel intensity, fractal dimension and skeleton parameters for detection of adulteration of cow ghee with vanaspati derived from image analysis. Indian J Dairy Sci 2017, 70(3), 331-7.

In Indian subcontinent clarified butter fat (ghee) is most widely used milk product due to its enjoyable taste, delicious aroma, high nutritional value and unique flavour. Because of its premium nature and high demand ghee adulteration has always been a serious problem. In this paper pixel intensity, fractal dimension, and some skeleton parameters derived from image analysis after applying the developed protocol to the images acquired with flat bed scanner was used for - 402 - detection of adulteration of cow ghee with vegetable fat. ImageJ open license free software was used to process the images. Pixel intensity, fractal dimension and skeleton parameters namely junctions, branches and end point voxels were measured for pure cow ghee and compared with adulterated ghee of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% vegetable fat. Pixel intensity, fractal dimension and skeleton parameters of images acquired byflat bed scanner showed an increasing trend with the level of adulteration for all seven different trials; it differed significantly over different adulteration levels (P<60>0.05). The fitted regression equation showed a linear trend with coefficient of determination of >0.9 indicated the potential of these parameters for detecting the adulteration. These parameters can be employed for routine laboratory gheeadulteration detection with advantages of convenience, rapidity, accuracy, large sample size handling with repeatability by critically following the developed protocol.

5 illus, 16 ref

014437   Wani S A;Qayoom S;Bhat M A;Lone B A;Nazir A (Agronomy Div, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar-190 025, Email: sheerazwani2@gmail.com) : Influence of sowing dates and nitrogen levels on growth, yield and quality of scented rice cv. Pusa sugandh-3 in Kashmir valley. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1704-9.

A field experiment was carried out to determine the optimum sowing date and nitrogen (N) level for the scented rice cv. Pusa Sugandh-3. Twelve treatment combinations of 3 sowing dates, viz., 15th, 16th and 18th standard meteorological week (SMW) at an interval of 10 days and 4 nitrogen levels ('0', '40', '60' and '80' kg N ha -1) were tested randomized in split plot design with three replications. Significant highest plant height (98.56 cm), tillers m-2 (333.41), dry matter (98.38 q ha-1), panicles m-2 (310.05), spikelets panicle-1(130.25) and grains panicle-1 (98.55), grain yield (45.2 q ha-1), harvest index (41.20%), head rice recovery (47.5%) and B:C ratio (3.03) were recorded for the early sown 15th SMW crop. Among the different nitrogen levels tested significant highest plant height (98.12 cm), tillers m-2 (342.33) dry matter (100.68 q ha-1), panicles m-2 (321.83), spikelets panicle-1(132.83) grains panicle-1 (96.79), grain yield (48.0 q ha-1), harvest index (42.68%), head rice recovery (44.54%) and B:C ratio (3.38) were recorded with the application of 80 kg N ha-1.Therefore, the variety, Pusa Sugandh-3 should be sown earlier in season from 15th to 16th SMW and with nitrogen application of 60-80 kg N ha-1 for realizing economically higher grain yield and profit under the temperate climatic conditions of Kashmir valley.

2 tables, 23 ref

014436   Wadkar S K;Singh K;Kadian K S;Chakravarty R; Argade S D (PMRDF Scheme, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra) : Development of a knowledge test to assess knowledge level about improved diary farming practices among users and non-users of e-agriservice in Maharashtra. J Agric Ext Mgmt 2016, 17(2), 81-9.

Effectiveness of ICT-enabled e-Agriservice - aAQUA (Almost All Questions Answered) with special reference to dairy farming, was - 401 - assessed in Maharashtra. Ex-post-facto research design was followed. This paper presents the procedure to develop a knowledge index for users and non-users to assess impact in terms of knowledge gain about Improved Dairy Farming Practices (IDFPs) by availing the e-Agriservice. The study was conducted in randomly selected four districts of Maharashtra. A total of 37 items or questions were framed on breeding, feed-fodder, health care and management aspects of the IDFPs. It was found that the items with difficulty index between 0.25-0.75, discrimination index above 20 and point bi-serial correlation significant at 5 per cent level of significance was selected for the knowledge test. Thus, a total of 29 items from 37 items were retained in the knowledge test. The study would be useful for researchers and academicians to develop and use the knowledge test in other areas to measure knowledge level of dairy farmers.

1 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

014435   Wadaskar R K;Patil A N (Pulses Research Unit, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola-444 104, Email: rahulwadaskar@gmail.com) : Management of false wire worm, Gonocephalum beetle (Tenebrionidae: coleoptera) in chickpea raised under residual moisture conditions. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1172-80.

False wire worm, Gonocephalum indicum, incidence was observed for the first time in severe form in Rabi 2008-09 on chickpea, confined to saline tracts of Vidarbha (MS). Gonocephalum adults inflicts injury near collar re-gion of chickpea resulting in collapsing and drying of plants translating into re-sowing of crop due to poor plant stand. Field study revealed 5.8 - 32.3% damaged plants with lowest damage in Module 9 (Seed treatment with clothianidin 2 gm/kg seed + spaying of chlorpyriphos 2 ml/liter water 20 days after crop emergence), Module 10 (Application of phorate granules 10 kg/ha at sowing + spraying of chlorpyriphos 2 ml/liter water 20 days after crop emergence) and Module 11(Seed treatment with clothianidin 2 gm/kg seed + application of clothianidin granules 200 gm/ha 20 days after crop emergence) with 5.8, 6.2 and 8.7% affected plants. The % drying of plants due to injury was in the range of 4.3 - 21.6% with lowest in Module 11, Module 10 and Module 9 with 4.3, 6.0 and 6.2% drying of plants, respectively. Superiority of Module 9 (20.4 q/ha) and Module 11 (19.7 q/ha) was evident in yield, whereas, lowest yield was observed in control plot (13.2 q/ha). Module 9 and Module 11 registered higher net returns of Rs. 13887 and Rs. 9948 per ha, respectively, whereas, Module 9 and Module 10 had highest ICBR of 1: 6.0 indicating the suitability of modules in terms of bioefficacy and cost effectiveness for the management of Gonocephalum in problematic area.

5 tables, 11 ref

014434   Vysakh A;Ajithkumar B;Naziya;Laly John C (Agrl. Meterology Dep, Kerala Agricultural Univ, Thrissur-680 656, Email: arjunvysakh3@gmail.com) : Response of rice (O. sativa) to changing weather conditions. Green Fmg 2016, 7(5), 1232-5.

Rice is vulnerable to change in weather and its production continues to be a risky enterprise under unfavourable environments. Field experiment was carried out in split plot design with five dates of planting viz., 5th June, 20th June, 5th July, 20th July and 5th August as the main plot treatments and two varieties (Jyothi and Kanchana) as sub-plot treatments, with four replications during the kharif season of 2013 and 2014. Correlation analysis showed that crop duration decreased with increase in temperature and bright sunshine hours, whereas the relative humidity and rainfall showed positive influence on crop duration. The increased grain yield during early planting periods may be favoured by more amount of rainfall and reduction in grain yield during late plantings may be due to increased temperature and decreased rainfall. The crop duration and yield during 2014 was negatively influenced by increased temperatures and BSS compared to crops planted during 2013.

4 illus, 4 tables, 7 ref

014433   Vipitha V P;Mathew P B;Sheela K R (Agronomy Dep, College of Agriculture, , Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram-695 522, Email: vipithaagron143@gmail.com) : Effect of methods of planting and nutrient management on the growth and yield of rice-based sequential cropping system. Green Fmg 2016, 7(5), 1096-1100.

A field experiment was conducted at the Instructional farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala during the period from 2013 to 2014, to study the effect of methods of planting and nutrient management on the growth and yield of rice-based sequential cropping system. The sequential cropping system consisted of rice succeeded by cassava (intercropped with groundnut) and cowpea. The experiment was laid out in Split plot design, comprising three main plot treatments which included methods of planting in combination with weed control measures [M₁- Broadcasting of sprouted seeds, M₂ - Dibbling (sprouted seeds with drum seeder along with weeding by power weeder) and M₃ - Dibbling (sprouted seeds with drum seeder along with stubble mulching)] and five methods of fertilizer application as sub-plot treatments [F₁ - Broadcasting (60:30:30 kg NPK ha^-1), F₂ - Band placement (60:30:30 kg NPK ha^-1), F₃ - Foliar spray of water soluble complex foliar fertilizer @ 0.5%, F₄ - foliar spray of diammonium phosphate (DAP) and sulphate of potash (SOP) each @ 2%, F₅ - Control]. These treatments were replicated five times for rice. For cassava intercropped with groundnut, and cowpea, recommended dose of fertilizer along with 0.5% foliar spray of water soluble complex foliar fertilizer was applied at 30 and 14 days interval respectively. The results showed that dibbling of rice seeds using drum seeder + stubble mulching along with foliar spray of water soluble complex foliar fertilizer @ 0.5% or band placement of 60:30:30 kg NPK ha^-1 registered the highest growth characters as well as yield and yield attributes of rice. The carry over effect of the same treatments was also observed in the succeeding crops. The rice equivalent yield of the cropping system (35.71 t ha^-1) was significantly increased by the dibbling of rice seeds using drum seeder + stubble mulching along with the broadcasting of 60:30:30 kg NPK ha^-1 in soil. Therefore, basal application of nutrients along with foliar spray of water soluble complex foliar fertilizer @ 5% would help to increase the residual nutrients as well as the yield of rice based sequential cropping system.

4 tables, 8 ref

014432   Vipen Kumar;Srivastava A K (Entomology Dep, AICRP on Chickpea, Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Email: vipindoriya@gmail.com) : Efficacy of some IPM modules against Helicoverpa armigera (Bub.) infesting gram. Pl Archs 0000, 16(2), 867-8.

Present investigation on development of integrated management technology against H. armigera was carried out at Agronomy farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Uadipur. The highest yield (12.53 and 13.50 q/ha) was obtained when the crop was treated with module M-7 (comprising of acephate 1.25 Kg/ha followed by endosulfan 1.25 litre/ha) and minimum yield of 7.06 and 7.90 q/ha was obtained when the crop was treated with modules M-5 (comprising of mahua oil 2 litre/ha followed by eucalyptus oil 2 litre/ha). The minimum increase in yield (6.75 and 6.41 q/ha) over control was recorded in the plots treated with modules M-7 and minimum 1.28 and 0.81 q/ha from plot treat with modules M-5 minimum per cent pod damage 5.66 and 6.48 were recorded in M-7 and maximum per cent damage was recorded (19.79 of 24.48) in modules M-5.

1 table, 6 ref

014431   Vinaya Kumar H M;Shivamurthy M;Lunagaria M M (Agricultural Extension Dep, Univ of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore-560 065, Email: vinayhm11@gmail.com) : Impact of rainfall variability and trend on rice yield in coastal Karnataka. J Agrometeorol 2017, 19(3), 286-7.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

014430   Vikash Kumar;Dhankhar S K;Vilas C A;Kathwal R;Yadav N (Vegetable Science Dep, Choudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: vikashkamboj7005@gmail.com) : Effect of spacing, fertilizers and varieties on growth and yield parameters of okra (Abelmoschus esculantus (L.) Moench). J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1388-92.

The experiment was conducted during spring summer seasons of 2013 and 2014 conducted at Research Farm of Vegetable Science, CCS HAU, in summer season. There were three spacing, three fertilizer levels and two varieties in split-split plot design with three replications. Growth parameters of okra crop were significantly affected by spacing, fertilizer and varieties. Highest plants were observed in wider spacing with fertilizer application of 187.5 kg N + 75kg P₂O₅ + 60 kg K₂O per hectare in variety HBT-49-1. However, numbers of branches were highest in vari-ety Hisar Unnat. Yield attributes like first fruiting node, intermodal length, fruit length and diameter etc. were highest in variety HBT-49-1 resulting in highest fruit yield (q/ha) in spacing 30 cm x 10 cm with the application of 187.5 kg N +75 kg P₂O₅ + 60 kg K₂O per hectare. The seed yield attributes and yield was significantly affected by spacing, fertil-izer and varieties. Finally, spacing 30 cm x 10 cm resulted in higher growth parameters, yield attributes and yield with the application of 187.5 kg N +75 kg P₂O₅ + 60 K₂O in variety HBT-49-1 of okra.

2 tables, 21 ref

014429   Vijay Kumar;Sharma V;Sharma S C;Singh S (NO, Regional Research Station for Kandi Area (Punjab Agricultural Univ), Ballowal Saunkhri, Balachaur, SBS Nagar-144 521, Email: vijaypau@pau.edu) : Performance of high yielding drought tolerant varieties of maize and in situ moisture conservation techniques in Kadi region of Punjab, India. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 316-23.

In the present investigation, 87 front line demonstrations (FLDs) of maize were conducted on farmers' fields to demonstrate the impact of high yielding drought tolerant varieties (JH 3459, Parkash and PMH 1) and in situ moisture conservation techniques (ridge sowing, sowing across the slope, summer ploughing and earthing up) on production and economic benefits in Kandi region of Punjab state during kharif seasons from 2011 to 2013 under rainfed - 398 - situation. The improved production technologies recorded additional yield ranging from 29.7 to 47.6 q/ha with a mean yield of 37.1 q/ha and 24.4 to 42.6 q/ha with a mean yield of 32.7 q/ha for drought tolerant varieties and in situ moisture conservation techniques, respectively. The per cent average increase in yield of drought tolerant varieties over local cultivars was 35.8, while 15.6 for in situ moisture conservation techniques.The average extension gap, technology gap and technology index were 9.8& 4.4 q/ha, 3.7& 6.1q/ha and 9.1& 16.7 per cent, respectively in drought tolerant varieties and in situ moisture conservation techniques. FLDs recorded higher mean net returns i.e. Rs. 36,292 and 28,234 per ha. with B:C ratio of 2.53 and 2.17 for drought tolerant varieties and in situ moisture conservation techniques, respectively. The FLDS conducted revealed that availability of suitable high yielding variety and lack of knowledge about improved production technologies is the main bottleneck in maize production, enhancement of yield and knowledge of the farmers. Hence, the productivity of maize can be increased by adoption of the recommended management practices and the study resulted in convincing the farming community about potentialities of the recommended production technologies in yield enhancement.

6 tables, 16 ref

014428   Verma R P S;Kharab A S;Singh J;Vishnu Kumar; Sharma I;Verma A (NO, Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal-132 001, Email: verma.dwr@gmail.com) : G x E evaluation for feed barley genotypes evaluated in country by AMMI analysis. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1295-1301.

AMMI analysis of feed barley genotypes exhibited highly significant effects of environments, genotypes and interactions for both the years. The major portion of the total variance was described by the environmental ef-fects up to 45.6% and 42.3% in respective years. The genotypes effects contributed marginally as of only 8.6% and 6.9% of total variation. The significant interaction effects were partitioned into IPCA1, IPCA2, IPCA3 and IPCA4; which explained upto 42.4, 18.3, 9.7 and 8.1% of the first year and 32.2, 20.3, 15.6 and 10.5% for second year. The cumulative effect of first two interaction principal components comes out to 60.7% and 52.3% respectively. Maxi-mum genotype yield during study period varied from 49.8 to 48 whereas the lowest yield ranged from 37 to 36.4 q/ ha. AMMI stability index identified genotypes G9(BH 972), G15(JB 274) for former and G23(DWRB 109) & G2(KB 1205) for latter year. AMMI distance marked G15(JB 274) & G7(NDB 1561) for first and genotypes G26(UPB 1034) & G23(DWRB 109) for the second year. Desirable genotypes for selection would be G11(PL 871), G27(PL 872) and G23(DWRB 109), G20(BH 946) for respective years a per the GSI score. Genotypes with IPCA-1 scores close to zero identified G1(PL 751), G9(BH 972) and G27(PL 872 ) for first year and G5(RD 2786), G4(NDB 1554) and G24 (UPB 1036) for second year would have wider adaptation to the tested environments as per AMMI graphical plots.

4 illus, 6 tables, 14 ref

014427   Verma A;Sood S;Singh Y (Vegetable Science and Floriculture Dep, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Univ, Palampur-176 062, Email: verma.arti104@gmail.com) : Combining ability studies for yield and contributing traits in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1594-8.

The present investigation was carried out to - 397 - identify desirable parents and F1 hybrids in okra by involving eight diverse parents in a diallel mating design excluding reciprocals. Genotypes i.e., P-20 and VRO-4 for earliness; 9801 for first fruit producing node (-0.085), internodal length (-0.659) and fruit length (0.201); HU for average fruit weight (0.603); Tulsi-I for nodes per plant (0.429), fruit length (0.271) and plant height (12.068) were found good general combiners appeared to be worthy of exploitation in future breeding. It is suggested that involving these lines, new genotypes may be developed through multiple crossing for isolating high yielding varieties. The cross combina-tions VRO-4 x HU, Tulsi-I x SKBS-11, P-20 x Tulsi-I and P-8 x Tulsi-I showed high SCA effects as well as per se performance for yield per plant. The crosses showing high SCA effects and per se performance for yield per plant suggested that these hybrids may be exploited in further breeding programme.

5 tables, 11 ref